Free Republic

Move described as ‘a collective decision’ follows reports that Roger Daltrey was unhappy with ‘drums going boom, boom, boom’ at recent gig.

The Who have confirmed the dismissal of drummer Zak Starkey, who had been a touring member of the band for 29 years. The son of Ringo Starr was dismissed following reports of a dispute with singer Roger Daltrey that became public during the band’s recent performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall. A light-hearted social media post from Starkey seemed to suggest that he’d known about the move before it was announced. “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall,” a representative’s statement read. “They have nothing but...

Violinist Nigel Kennedy has pulled out of a concert at the Royal Albert Hall with only days to go after accusing the radio station Classic FM of preventing him from performing a Jimi Hendrix tribute. Kennedy said the “culturally prejudiced” decision amounted to “musical segregation”, with the station he now calls “Jurassic FM” preferring him to play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in Wednesday’s show. He intended to play some Hendrix with Chineke!, an orchestra of young black and ethnically diverse musicians, until he was told the rock star was “not suitable” for the station’s desired audience. Classic FM, which was hosting...

The Royal Albert Hall released new research today which proves the emotional health benefits that listening to live music has on our wellbeing. The study of 2,000 adults in the UK shows that two-thirds (69%) of Brits feel 'more stimulated' and 'happier' when listening to live music. According to the survey, the British public are also ‘more engaged’ (68%) and ‘more sociable’ (59%) when live music is playing. Almost three quarters (73%) agree that ‘live music can make an event feel more special’.

Nick Drake was a British singer-songwriter and musician who died at a very young age in 1974. Known for his acoustic guitar-based songs, his music has posthumously achieved more recognition. 'Strange Face: Adventures With A Lost Nick Drake Recording' is the incredibly unique and poignant show written by and starring the composer and performer, Michael Burdett. Burdett discovered a recording of Nick Drake’s music in a skip in the 1970’s. Thirty years later Burdett travelled around the UK playing the music for people in return for being photographed.

Proms: Palestinian Protest At Royal Albert Hall Forces BBC To Abandon Live Broadcast The BBC was forced to suspend a live Proms broadcast on Radio 3 on Thursday night when a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was disrupted by protests. By Andrew Hough, and Andy Bloxham 02 Sep 2011 Up to 30 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were ejected from the Royal Albert Hall after attempting to drown out the orchestra. They shouted anti-Israel statements throughout the concert, leading to clashes with members of the audience who wanted to hear the music. Witnesses reported seeing a fight break out. Different groups of...