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Sir Richard Branson in serious bike crash

<p>Richard Branson, the adventurous billionaire and founder of Virgin Group, is no stranger to pushing the limits. However, his latest escapade – a biking mishap on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands – left him with shocking injuries, adding to a long list of near-death experiences throughout his life.</p> <p>In a recent Instagram post, Branson shared the aftermath of his bike crash, recounting how he flew off his bike after hitting a pothole on the picturesque island.</p> <p>The accident resulted in severe cuts on his elbow and a haematoma on his hip. Remarkably, despite the intensity of the crash, Branson escaped without any broken bones, though the same could not be said for his biking companion, Alex Wilson, who also took a spill but thankfully emerged relatively unscathed.</p> <p>"Took quite a big tumble while cycling in Virgin Gorda a little while ago!" Branson wrote. "I hit a pothole and crashed hard, resulting in another hematoma on my hip and a nasty cut elbow, but amazingly nothing broken.</p> <p>"We were cycling with Alex Wilson, who fell after me, but thankfully he was ok as well. I’m counting myself very lucky, and thankful for keeping myself active and healthy."</p> <p> </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3OP6hBMP7B/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3OP6hBMP7B/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Richard Branson (@richardbranson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This incident is just the latest in a series of biking accidents for Branson. In 2018, during an endurance charity race, he feared he had broken his back after another biking mishap. Similarly, in 2016, while cycling with his children in the British Virgin Islands, he had a terrifying headfirst collision with the road, leaving him fearing for his life.</p> <p>Branson's penchant for adventure has led him into numerous dangerous situations over the years. From surviving a sinking fishing boat during his honeymoon to crash-landing a microlight aircraft he didn't know how to fly, his life reads like a catalogue of adrenalin-fuelled escapades. Even the inaugural test flight of Virgin Atlantic in 1984 wasn't without drama, as an engine exploded mid-air.</p> <p>Skydiving accidents, near misses with hot air balloons, and daring stunts like wing-walking on a Virgin Atlantic plane or jumping off the Palms Casino in Las Vegas further illustrate Branson's willingness to embrace risk in pursuit of thrills.</p> <p>Despite the multitude of close calls, Branson maintains a resilient spirit, viewing each brush with danger as an opportunity for growth and appreciation for life. His Instagram post following the bike crash in Virgin Gorda captures this sentiment, as he reflects on his luck and gratitude for staying active and healthy.</p> <p>For Branson, it appears that the thrill of the unknown far outweighs the comfort of caution. As he aptly puts it, "After all, the brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all."</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Sir Richard Branson shocks 150 Virgin passengers with free $7000 cruises

<p>Sir Richard Branson has shocked passengers onboard a domestic flight by gifting all travellers a free cruise. </p> <p>There were 150 passengers onboard a flight from Melbourne to Hobart when the Virgin Group founder dialled in via FaceTime to share the exciting news. </p> <p>Speaking over the PA system, Branson told travellers of the arrival of Virgin Voyages' in Australia, with those onboard making the same trip as the upcoming maiden voyage from Melbourne to Hobart on December 11th. </p> <p>“We’re counting down to Virgin Voyages’ arrival Down Under – setting sail the Virgin way with adults-only itineraries across Australia and New Zealand. Sorry kids, you’ll have to sit this one out,” Branson told passengers.</p> <p>“Well, today, you happen to be travelling on the same route as our Aussie Mermaiden Voyage."</p> <p>Branson then shared the exciting news that those onboard the flight would be receiving an incredible gift. </p> <p>“To celebrate this milestone, I’m pleased to gift each adult on board a free Virgin Voyages cruise,” he said.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzspCI4LyMA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzspCI4LyMA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Virgin Australia (@virginaustralia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Each person was gifted a $7,000 cruise voucher to claim on a Virgin Voyages trip anywhere around Australia. </p> <p>Branson continued speaking to those onboard the flight, saying, “The foundations of Virgin Australia were about keeping the air fair and we’re proud to be taking that same mantra to the sea with Virgin Voyages.”</p> <p>He said he wanted to give Aussies the opportunity to have an “affordable, stress-free holiday” where they could take a well-earned break, have fun and get a dose of vitamin sea.</p> <p>A Virgin Australia spokesperson told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/richard-branson-gifts-virgin-passengers-on-a-domestic-flight-a-free-cruise/news-story/57421f325fcffd5634d554c75aedaf5f" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> the feeling on-board was “electric” with passengers left stunned.</p> <p>“We are committed to creating wonderful moments on-board so it was a real pleasure to see so many surprised faces when Sir Richard finally made the announcement all guests had won a free cruise,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>“The operating crew were in on the secret and stayed tight-lipped until Sir Richard’s call came through.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Courtesy of Virgin Australia</em></p>

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Sir Paul McCartney spreads joy by signing fan's piano

<p>A lucky Adelaide fan's dream came true after getting his piano signed by the one and only Sir Paul McCartney.</p> <p>The former Beatle took to Instagram to share the moment he signed a piano for music enthusiast, Pete. </p> <p>"Alright, here we are signing Pete's piano," the icon said while dressed casually in an all-black outfit with a grey sharpie in one hand. </p> <p>"Pete's from Adelaide, so am I, here we go," the 81-year-old joked as he signed the piano. </p> <p>"To Pete, cheers, Paul McCartney 2023." </p> <p>The former Beatle then said: "you’ll have to look at that every time you play," before playing the intro of one his former band's smash hits <em>Lady Madonna.</em></p> <p>The video was captioned: "Who knew Pete would hit the right keys with Paul? Taking a moment out of his #PaulMcCartneyGotBack tour Paul signs a dedicated fan's piano in Adelaide 🇦🇺".</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy_6zyUv_wX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy_6zyUv_wX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The cover photo of the reel showed Pete holding a sign which said: "Paul please sign my piano" and his dreams finally came true. </p> <p>Fans have expressed their joy for Pete and praised Sir Paul for his kindness. </p> <p>"Pete just had the best day of his life and he knows it ❤️" one wrote. </p> <p>"He's surely gonna treasure that piano for the rest of his life!" another commented.</p> <p>"Sir Paul…. Thank you for being so gracious, and so generous. You were an absolute pleasure to meet!" Pete, the fan whose dreams came true, added. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Music

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Fan called out over "racist" complaint at Sir Paul McCartney's concert

<p>A fan has copped some backlash after complaining about an "Acknowledgment of Country" sign at Sir Paul McCartney's concert in Sydney over the weekend .</p> <p>The sign read: "We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation and all family groups connected to this Country, as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather and perform today.</p> <p>"We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today." </p> <p>It was displayed over two large screens during McCartney's gig at Allianz Stadium, and concertgoer Kobie Thatcher was not happy with it. </p> <p>"You can't even go to a concert now without an "acknowledgement of country,"" she tweeted on Saturday. </p> <p>Most fans were quick to call her out on her "racist" remark. </p> <p>"You went to a Paul McCartney concert and are complaining about treating POC [people of colour] with respect?" one wrote.</p> <p>"The Beatles refused to play to segregated concerts in the USA. Peace and love is what you take to his concerts, not division and hate." </p> <p>"Oh for gods sake, get over it, he also flew the pride flag, I guess your knickers are in a twist about that too!" another commented. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">You can’t even go to a concert now without an ‘acknowledgement of country’ 🙄 <a href="https://t.co/lHmqgtroTz">pic.twitter.com/lHmqgtroTz</a></p> <p>— Kobie Thatcher (@KobieThatcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/KobieThatcher/status/1718177010915455229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>"You &amp; other racists could move to Texas, if that would be better for you," a third added. </p> <p>"You conservatives are always getting triggered so easily huh," a fourth commented. </p> <p>However a few others agreed with Thatcher's tweet. </p> <p>"I thought this "welcome to country" crap was gonna be finished after we ALL voted No!" wrote one person.</p> <p>"So sick and annoying. Disgusting too," another added. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty/ X</em></p>

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“England’s greatest ever”: Sir Bobby Charlton’s cause of death

<p>In the early hours of Saturday morning October 21, the footballing world was met with sombre news. England World Cup winner and Manchester United great, Sir Bobby Charlton, described by the club as a "giant of the game", had passed away. Charlton's death marked the end of an era for both English football and Manchester United Football Club, and his legacy will continue to shine as brightly as ever.</p> <p>Charlton had been battling dementia, and his passing came just a week after he celebrated his 86th birthday. His journey through the beautiful game was a storied one, filled with remarkable achievements that will forever etch his name in the annals of football history.</p> <p>Perhaps the pinnacle of Charlton's career was his role in England's victorious 1966 World Cup team. He was a vital cog in the squad that claimed England's first and, so far, only World Cup triumph. His skills, determination, and sportsmanship on the pitch endeared him to fans not only in England but around the world.</p> <p>But his influence didn't stop at the international level. At club level, Charlton enjoyed tremendous success with Manchester United. He played a significant role in the Red Devils becoming the first English club to lift the European Cup in 1968. This victory came a decade after the tragic Munich air crash, which claimed the lives of several members of the United team. Bobby Charlton's resilience and commitment to the club were instrumental in rebuilding and achieving such remarkable heights.</p> <p>Upon hearing the news of Charlton's passing, the footballing community united in mourning. England World Cup winner Geoff Hurst, who scored a historic hat-trick in the 1966 final with Charlton by his side, expressed his sorrow and paid tribute to his "great colleague and friend." The sentiment was echoed by former Manchester United star David Beckham, who revealed that Sir Bobby Charlton had a profound influence on his career, going so far as to say that he was named after the legend himself – with his father giving him the second name "Robert" after his idol at the time.</p> <p>Charlton's impact extended beyond the field, as noted by former England forward Gary Lineker, who dubbed him "England's greatest ever player." Charlton's class and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch made him an enduring symbol of the beautiful game. He represented the essence of what it meant to be a footballing legend.</p> <p>Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville recognised Charlton as the club's "greatest ambassador." His contributions to the Red Devils, both as a player and later as a club director, played a significant role in shaping the club's legacy. He was a constant presence in the dressing room, offering his support and wisdom, win or lose.</p> <p>For Rio Ferdinand, Sir Bobby Charlton was a "true gentleman" and "Mr Manchester United." He recounted a pivotal moment when Charlton shared words with him at the bottom of the stairs in Moscow before lifting the Champions League trophy in 2008. Those words will forever remain with Ferdinand, a testament to the profound impact Charlton had on those around him.</p> <p>Charlton's legacy also reached beyond the United Kingdom, with global football icon Eric Cantona paying his respects, hailing him as "one of the best of all time". Current Manchester United midfielder Casemiro acknowledged Charlton's Ballon d'Or and European Cup victories, highlighting his irreplaceable role in the club's storied history.</p> <p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added his voice to the chorus of tributes, recognising Sir Bobby Charlton's place in history as one of the game's greatest players. He described Charlton as "hugely loved" and offered his condolences, saying, "Rest in peace, Sir Bobby."</p> <p>"Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club," the Premier League club said in a statement. "Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.</p> <p>"He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer. Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Sir Michael Caine announces bombshell news

<p>After decades of captivating audiences with his extraordinary talent, Sir Michael Caine has officially announced his retirement from acting.</p> <p>The 90-year-old British acting legend made this revelation shortly after the release of his latest film, <em>The Great Escaper</em>. In an interview with the BBC, Caine reflected on his illustrious career, his recent film, and what the future holds for him.</p> <p>Caine has been a household name in the world of cinema for generations. The esteemed actor has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Oscars, Golden Globe Awards and Baftas. His cinematic journey began in the early 1950s, and over the years, he has left an indelible mark on the film industry, starring in over 160 films across a span of seven remarkable decades.</p> <p>His filmography is a testament to his versatility, ranging from classic movies like <em>Zulu</em> and <em>The Italian Job</em> to more recent blockbusters like <em>Interstellar</em> and his iconic role as Alfred Pennyworth in <em>The Dark Knight</em> franchise alongside Christian Bale.</p> <p>However, it was his role in <em>The Great Escaper</em> that pushed Caine to make the life-altering decision to retire. In the film, he portrays real-life World War II veteran Bernie Jordan, who escapes from a care home to attend D-Day celebrations in France. Caine's performance received rave reviews, but it also prompted him to question his future in acting.</p> <p>“I keep saying I'm going to retire. Well, I am now,” Caine shared with the BBC. “I've had a picture where I've played the lead and had incredible reviews... What am I going to do that will beat this?”</p> <p>Caine's frank assessment of his career, acknowledging that at 90, leading roles for him were limited, was a heartfelt moment for both him and his fans. He humorously noted that the only roles he could expect now were for 90 or maybe 85-year-old men. Leading men are reserved for the young and handsome, and he saw no reason to continue in the industry under those circumstances. Caine felt it was time to exit the stage gracefully and on his terms.</p> <p>Even the role in <em>The Great Escaper</em> was not one he initially embraced. He had declined the role three times before ultimately accepting it, as he considered himself already retired at the time.</p> <p>In this poignant moment, Caine also paid tribute to his co-star in the film, Glenda Jackson, who passed away in June, shortly after the completion of the movie. Jackson was a beloved actress and a longtime friend of Caine.</p> <p>Caine's retirement from acting doesn't mean he's stepping away from the creative world entirely. He recently completed a novel titled <em>Deadly Game</em>, scheduled for release a month after his announcement. The novel features DCI Harry Taylor, a detective known for his disregard for red tape and political reputations. Caine expressed his excitement about venturing into the world of thriller writing, noting that it was a genre he adores. He hoped that readers would enjoy getting to know Harry Taylor as much as he did while crafting the character.</p> <p>Sir Michael Caine's retirement marks the end of an era in the film industry, but it also heralds the beginning of a new chapter in his life as an author. His impact on cinema and his dedication to his craft will be remembered for generations to come, making him an enduring icon in the annals of film history.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Sir Billy Connolly gives sad health update

<p>Sir Billy Connolly, the legendary Scottish comedian, has shared a sombre update on his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease. In an interview with his wife, author Pamela Stephenson, for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/sep/30/billy-connolly-interview-pamela-stephenson-connolly" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Guardian</em></a>, Connolly revealed that he has experienced a significant setback in his health.</p> <p>The 80-year-old comedian disclosed that he is now grappling with a new symptom of the degenerative disorder: balance issues. He mentioned that he has recently endured "a couple of serious falls" due to a noticeable decline in his balance. Connolly expressed his surprise at this development, explaining, "That was never such a problem before, but in the last year, that has come, and it has stayed."</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013, a diagnosis that came on the same day he learned he had prostate cancer. Fortunately, he has received a clean bill of health regarding the prostate cancer after undergoing surgery in the same year. However, these health challenges forced him to retire from live performances in 2018.</span></p> <p>Stephenson, who also serves as Connolly's caregiver, pointed out that the loss of balance has been the most significant issue they have faced since his Parkinson's diagnosis, leading to "a couple of serious falls."</p> <p>In a moment of levity during the interview, Connolly reflected on one of his falls, saying, "It's funny, that fall I had when I landed on my jaw reminded me of a thing I used to do on stage. I used to say: 'I fell out of bed, but luckily my face broke my fall.'"</p> <p>The Scottish icon added that this new symptom has further limited his ability to enjoy activities like long walks: "I feel like I want to go for a walk, but I go for 50 yards and I want to go home because I'm tired. I'm being encroached upon by this disease. It's creeping up behind me and stopping me from doing things. It's a cruel disease."</p> <p>Connolly and Stephenson also discussed how their relationship has evolved since his diagnosis. As his caregiver, Stephenson assists him with daily tasks such as getting dressed, and provides transportation since he can no longer drive. Despite describing his disease as "pretty slow-moving", Connolly emphasised that its gradual progression doesn't make it any less challenging.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / YouTube</em></p>

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Sir Michael Palin opens up on grief

<p>Sir Michael Palin has made a candid admission about his grief, following the loss of his beloved wife <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/indescribable-loss-sir-michael-palin-shares-tragic-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Helen Gibbins</a>. </p> <p>Gibbins passed away just weeks after the couple celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary, following a long battle with kidney failure and chronic pain. </p> <p>In an interview with <em>The Sunday Times, </em>Palin opened up about the "great emptiness" he felt in the wake of Gibbins' death. </p> <p>“When someone’s gone, someone who has been so much part of your life for the past 60 years, you can’t believe they’re not there to enjoy a little joke, or an observation, or a b**** about somebody,” he said.</p> <p>“A great sort of emptiness comes in.”</p> <p>Palin shared that his wife relied on dialysis for "so many years" to "keep her alive" that when she, and their children, ultimately made the decision to stop the treatment, he had “never seen her happier". </p> <p>“She’d accepted it, we’d accepted it, she was in a wonderful hospice,” Palin said about the days before his wife's passing. </p> <p>“The children and grandchildren had all come to see her, so her death was a great deliverance for her.”</p> <p>Despite everything, the comedy legend tried to look at the bright side, sharing that he experienced a full circle moment when he had to register Gibbins' death, and a couple with a baby were also at the at the registry office.</p> <p>“I saw the father, I presume, holding on his chest this tiny, tiny little newborn baby,” he said. “And I thought, yes, that’s it, a new person – one in, one out.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Elton John hospitalised after fall

<p>Elton John has been hospitalised after suffering a fall at his luxury French villa just outside of Nice on Sunday. </p> <p>The Rocket Man singer, 76, stayed overnight at the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco after "slipping" in his home, as a precautionary measure. </p> <p>The star has since recovered and is back at home after the incident. </p> <p>"Elton visited the local hospital as a precautionary measure," a representative for the icon told <em>People</em> magazine. </p> <p>"Following check ups, he was immediately discharged this morning and is now back at home and in good health."</p> <p>This comes almost two years after the icon revealed he had a hip replacement surgery in November 2021. </p> <p>"I've had a hip replacement, but I'm full of beans and I'm full of zest. But this is just a prompter to say 'come on you've got more to do now,'" he told the <em>Evening Standard</em> at the time. </p> <p>"I may not look as if I'm 100 per cent fit – but I'm not quite – but I'm still raring to go and I've got a lot more work to do as far as my life goes. So this is just a reminder that there's more to do."</p> <p>He recently ended his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/elton-john-s-final-message-to-crowd-at-last-concert-ever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">final tour</a> in Stockholm, Sweden with a touching message after 52 years of performing. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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"One of the greats": Elton John's stirring tribute to Michael Parkinson

<p>The entertainment world has been cast into a somber veil of mourning as it bids farewell to the iconic Michael Parkinson, the legendary interviewer who has left us at the age of 88.</p> <p>Elton John, David Attenborough, Michael Caine, Eric Idle ...the long list of luminaries who have joined the chorus of heartfelt tributes to the "TV titan" and the undisputed "king of the chat show" seems limitless.</p> <p>The poignant words of Oscar-winning Michael Caine resonate with a sense of irreparable loss: “Michael Parkinson was irreplaceable," he wrote. "He was charming, always wanted to have a good laugh. He brought the best of everyone he met. Always looked forward to be interviewed by him.”</p> <p>David Attenborough's reflection on his interactions with the man affectionately known as "Parky" evokes a sense of melancholic nostalgia: “He was extremely generous, he wanted you to shine and would always laugh at your jokes and give you an opportunity to make them sound funnier than in fact they were. It was always friendly, it was always thorough, it was always intelligent, it was always a pleasure to do it and I think that came over no matter who his interviewee was.”</p> <p>Elton John said Parkinson was “a TV legend who was one of the greats. I loved his company and his incredible knowledge of cricket and Barnsley Football Club. A real icon who brought out the very best in his guests. Condolences and love to Mary and his family."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The reminiscences continue, with Stephen Fry's words dripping with a bittersweet tone, saying that being interviewed by Parkinson was an experience of impossibly intense thrill.</p> <p>“The genius of Parky was that (unlike most people (and most of his guests, me included) he was always 100 per cent himself. On camera and off. ‘Authentic’ is the word I suppose,” he wrote. “For one of the shows I was on with Robin Williams, a genius of unimaginable comic speed and brilliance. Now they’re both gone.</p> <p>“One should get used to the parade of people constantly falling off the edge, but frankly one doesn’t. So long #parky.”</p> <p>The poignant announcement of the loss came from Parkinson's family. “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the statement read.</p> <p>“The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”</p> <p>The memories flood in as the recollection of Parkinson's rise to prominence in the 1970s fills the air with a sense of wistfulness. His list of more than 2000 interviewees includes luminaries such as Sir Billy Connolly, Muhammad Ali, Prince Philip, Sir Elton John, Madonna, and Paul McCartney.</p> <p>Four-time guest Muhammad Ali's absence echoes through time as Parkinson's voice emerges: “When people ask me who I most enjoyed interviewing, I’m unable to give them an answer”, Parkinson once said in an interview. “If they ask me who was the most remarkable man I ever met, I answer without hesitation – Muhammad Ali. I interviewed him four times – I lost on every occasion.”</p> <p>These titanic verbal sparring matches stand as poignant testimonies of the show's indelible legacy, underscoring their magnetic effect on millions of viewers.</p> <p>Among the program's other poignant moments, the chaos induced by Rod Hull's puppet Emu assaulting Parkinson on his own talk show couch remains etched in memory. Parkinson jestingly admitted that his career would forever be epitomised by "that bloody bird".</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / BBC 1</em></p>

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Elton John's final message to crowd at last concert ever

<p dir="ltr">Elton John has officially retired from touring.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 76-year-old award-winning musician took to the stage for the last time ever in Stockholm, Sweden, <a href="https://www.eltonjohn.com/tours" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to his website</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Elton had reportedly ended his touring days with <em>Your Song</em> and <em>Goodbye Yellow Brick Road</em>, before sharing a heartfelt message to his fans.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I've had the most wonderful career, beyond belief. 52 years of pure joy playing music, how lucky am I to play music? But I wouldn't be sitting here if it wasn't for you," the music legend told his fans as he closed what he claimed to be his final show.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You bought the singles, albums and CDs and more importantly you bought the tickets to the shows and you know how I love to play live."</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's been my lifeblood to play for you guys and you've been absolutely magnificent – thank you," he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I will never forget you guys. I've played so many concerts, how could I forget? You're in my head, and my heart and my soul and I thank you so much."</p> <p dir="ltr">The singer also took to Instagram prior to his final show to share the announcement.</p> <p dir="ltr">"What a journey this tour has been and now we find ourselves at the end of it. Tonight is the final night,” he wrote in the caption.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CucC7nWAQ8K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CucC7nWAQ8K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">He posted a clip of a 2018 interview he did with CNN, when he first announced that he was going to retire from touring.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's the last time that I will be touring and traveling the world," John said in the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">The tour, which had over 300 shows, kicked off in 2018 and was meant to end in 2021 but was postponed due to Covid, and has since been attended by over 6 million fans across the world.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

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Richard Wilkins and Sir Bob Geldof catch up live on air

<p dir="ltr">Richard Wilkins is the man with a black book of celebrity contacts so it’s no surprise that he’s friends with rock legend Sir Bob Geldof.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Boomtown Rats</em> frontman was being interviewed for his own accomplishments, and the upcoming launch of his own independent radio station Disrupt Radio when he interrupted the interview to catch up with his old mate.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Lovely to see you, you're looking well I have to say," Wilkins told Geldof.</p> <p dir="ltr">Who replied: “I’m good how are you”, which Wilkins quickly responded to before asking his question.</p> <p dir="ltr">After answering a few questions about his upcoming gigs with <em>The Boomtown Rats</em>, the rock legend couldn’t hold his excitement of seeing his old mate and asked Wilkins how he was, for the second time.</p> <p dir="ltr">"How are things with you?" Geldof asked Wilkins.</p> <p dir="ltr">To which a slightly flustered Wilkins replied: "I'm good man, I will give you a call after the show," as he tried to get the show back on track.</p> <p dir="ltr">This elicited a chuckle from the <em>Today Extra</em> co-hosts Sylvia Jeffreys and Tim Davies who quipped “it’s not about you, it’s more about Bob” before steering the conversation back to the original topic of interest.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine/ Today Extra</em></p> <p> </p>

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"Indescribable loss": Sir Michael Palin shares tragic news

<p>Sir Michael Palin has revealed that his beloved wife, Helen Gibbins, has died.</p> <p>Palin made the devastating announcement on his own website, with an update titled ‘Helen’. </p> <p>“My dearest wife Helen died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning,” he wrote. “She had been suffering with chronic pain for several years, which was compounded a few years ago by a diagnosis of kidney failure.</p> <p>“We first met on a summer holiday on the Suffolk coast when we were both sixteen and we married in our early twenties. Two and a half weeks ago we celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary.</p> <p>“Her death is an indescribable loss for myself, our three children and four grandchildren.</p> <p>“Helen was the bedrock of my life. Her quietly wise judgement informed all my decisions and her humour and practical good sense was at the heart of our life together.</p> <p>“The family ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”</p> <p>Just one year prior, Palin had also revealed that the then-79-year-old Helen had moved into respite care, with <em>The Guardian</em> reporting it was due to her body not responding to pain medications.</p> <p>As he told <em>The Telegraph</em> at the time, “I don’t think you can cure it, but they will help her manage it.</p> <p>“It’s such a bore. She was so active and still is, mentally. But we’re both getting on a bit. The body is declining. She’s going to be 80 in October, I’m going to be 80 at the beginning of next year. </p> <p>“We live life with our fingers crossed.”</p> <p>The 79-year-old comedian had enjoyed over a half-century of marriage with his “dearest wife”, after the two first crossed paths at the tender age of 16, with the pair even celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary mere weeks before her passing.</p> <p>Gibbins - who spent her days working as both a teacher and a bereavement counsellor - shared three children with Palin - 54-year-old Thomas, 52-year-old William, and 48-year-old Rachel. </p> <p>In his 2015 interview with <em>The Telegraph</em>, the actor opened up about his experience meeting Gibbins on a holiday in Southwold, naming her “a vision of rebellion”, and how they kept in touch after going home.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the pair lost touch again for the next two years, until they ran into each other once again through mutual friends at Oxford University. </p> <p>As Palin himself said of the less-than-ideal start to their lengthy relationship, “you can see fate was actually tightening the screws on us very hard at that time.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Why do musicians like Elton John find retirement so tough? A music psychology expert explains

<p>With his <a href="https://www.eltonjohn.com/stories/farewell-yellow-brick-road">Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour</a>, Elton John confirmed his latest plans for retirement. The final show of the tour in July 2023 will be his last. However, deja vu suggests this might not be the last we see of Elton.</p> <p>The singer has announced plans to retire <a href="https://www.musictimes.com/articles/8902/20140817/elton-john-career-false-retirements-brief-chronological-look.htm">at least five times</a> since 1984 but is still going strong. By the end of his current tour, Elton John will have performed in over 300 concerts in the UK, the US and Europe and he shows no sign of slowing down. He’ll perform a <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/elton-john-final-uk-show-glastonbury-festival-1235180982/">headline slot at Glastonbury</a> in 2023.</p> <p>Elton is not the only performer with a history of retiring and unretiring. He is in good company with <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=113477&amp;page=1">Barbra Streisand</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/justinbieber/status/415683404462436352?lang=en">Justin Bieber</a>, <a href="https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-07-14/180311/jay-z-explains-2003-retirement-i-thought-i-was-burned-out/">Jay-Z</a>, <a href="https://www.nme.com/news/music/lily-allen-hints-she-may-not-retire-just-yet-after-olivia-rodrigo-glastonbury-performance-3258600">Lily Allen</a> and <a href="https://ultimateclassicrock.com/phil-collins-retired/">Phil Collins</a>. </p> <p>Hip-hop star <a href="https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2022/02/04/Nicki-Minaj-returns-music-new-single-Do-We-Have-Problem/9811643982091/">Nicki Minaj’s</a> retirement lasted for only 22 days, while heavy metal singer <a href="https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ozzy-osbourne-retirement-1992/">Ozzy Osbourne’s</a> valedictory No More Tours tour in 1992 preceded a further 30 years of performance.</p> <p>In contrast with handsomely rewarded performances on the global stage, retirement can be an intermittent pipe dream for many musicians. Long, unsociable hours in the music industry often offer modest remuneration and few of the perks available in other sectors. </p> <p>There is <a href="https://www.gov.uk/working-retirement-pension-age">no compulsory retirement age</a> in the UK, which can be a godsend for lower paid professional performers who find that saving for an adequate pension is beyond their means. In these cases, working <a href="https://theconversation.com/ageing-activism-why-we-need-to-give-voice-to-the-new-third-age-50305">beyond the third age</a> is a necessity.</p> <p>For Elton and his internationally acclaimed peers, however, the incentive to return to performing is less likely to be financial. So why do some successful musicians find it so hard to stick to retirement?</p> <h2>The motivation of the stage</h2> <p>The key to understanding this lies in motivation. </p> <p>For many musicians, the motivation to perform is intrinsic rather than extrinsic. Extrinsically motivated performers are interested in tangible rewards such as money. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0305735617721637">Intrinsic motivation</a> meanwhile, is present when a musician performs mainly because of a strong inner desire to make music.</p> <p>For intrinsically motivated performers, making music is inherently pleasurable and a means unto itself. This partly explains why the music profession remains attractive even if it does not always bring the financial security of other careers. It also explains why some celebrated performers find it difficult to stay out of the public arena.</p> <p>Among those with a passion for music, the rewards of performance often exceed the financial benefits. The status and accolades derived from a celebrated performance career provide a source of affirmation which can become difficult to obtain elsewhere. </p> <p>Once human beings have fulfilled their basic needs of food, water, shelter and relationships, <a href="http://eznow7jgmenpjz.pic3.eznetonline.com/upload/MASLOW_YQfG.pdf">self-actualisation</a> becomes a significant driving force. For dedicated performers, achievement in the musical sphere can become an irreplaceable vehicle for attaining self esteem, personal growth and the satisfaction of fulfilling their potential.</p> <h2>You’re only as good as your last performance</h2> <p>Identity is also a central component in the motivation to perform. Continuing to perform professionally <a href="https://westminsterresearch.westminster.ac.uk/download/fbc3b0a7fd80bcb648344f9d298414ece784f56ff9018d267fd77a7fce70a980/519636/Gross%20%26%20Musgrave%20%282017%29%20Can%20Muic%20Make%20You%20Sick%20Pt2.pdf">can provide validation</a> for musicians, regardless of the level of income and recognition.</p> <p>For many, being a musician is inextricably linked with their sense of self. Their self worth is then strongly affected by their capacity to perform. This is especially true for singers, as voice is an integral part of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jane-Oakland/publication/258173213_Re-defining_'Me'_Exploring_career_transition_and_the_experience_of_loss_in_the_context_of_redundancy_for_professional_opera_choristers/links/00b7d52d6675946763000000/Re-defining-Me-Exploring-career-transition-and-the-experience-of-loss-in-the-context-of-redundancy-for-professional-opera-choristers.pdf">identity formation and expression</a>.</p> <p>There is some truth in the old saying; “You’re only as good as your last performance.” If you’re not performing at all, how good can you be? </p> <p>For retired musicians, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jane-Oakland/publication/280067238_AGEING_AND_RETIREMENT_TOWARDS_AN_UNDERSTANDING_OF_THE_EXPERIENCES_OF_SYMPHONY_MUSICIANS_AS_THEY_APPROACH_RETIREMENT/links/55a640e008aee8aaa765644b/AGEING-AND-RETIREMENT-TOWARDS-AN-UNDERSTANDING-OF-THE-EXPERIENCES-OF-SYMPHONY-MUSICIANS-AS-THEY-APPROACH-RETIREMENT.pdf">it can be challenging</a> to find a comparable way to channel the energy they once dedicated to performance.</p> <p>Musicians, like other professional groups, are diverse in many ways, but there are some personality traits different types of musicians tend to share. </p> <p>For example, classical musicians typically score highly on introversion, which partly accounts for <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/03057356810090010201">their ability to focus</a> on the solitary practice necessary for developing technique before engaging in ensemble playing.</p> <p>In contrast, rock and pop musicians tend to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/0305735694222006">score highly</a> on extroversion, often learning and rehearsing more informally in collaboration with their peers. Extroverted performers often derive their energy from audience interaction so it can be difficult to achieve that “buzz” once the music stops.</p> <h2>Don’t stop me now</h2> <p>Performing music is <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00906/full">widely recognised</a> as a way of achieving the highly desired state of “flow”, otherwise known as “peak performance” or being “in the zone”.</p> <p>Providing that the challenge of performing closely matches the skill level of the performer, <a href="https://nuovoeutile.it/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2002-Flow.pdf">music can become an all-absorbing activity</a>, which is so immersive that it distorts our sense of time and distracts us from our everyday concerns. During live concerts, the audience and performers can experience a sense of <a href="https://sociologicalscience.com/download/vol-6/january/SocSci_v6_27to42.pdf">“collective effervescence”</a> rarely achieved elsewhere.</p> <p>Add in the emotional high derived from the adrenaline released in public performance and we can begin to understand why the rewards of performance can be difficult to replace in retirement.</p> <p>Rihanna’s <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd8jh9QYfEs">Don’t Stop the Music</a></em>, Queen’s <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgM">Don’t Stop Me Now</a></em> and Elton’s <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHwVBirqD2s">I’m Still Standing</a></em> are these musicians ways of telling us that they want to be in the limelight, just as much as their audiences want them to stay there.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-musicians-like-elton-john-find-retirement-so-tough-a-music-psychology-expert-explains-197362" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

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Tom Cruise dines with legends on Sir Michael Caine’s big day

<p>Tom Cruise has spent the night with fellow industry heavyweights while out for dinner for Sir Michael Caine’s 90th birthday. </p> <p>The evening marked the first time that the 60-year-old actor, best known for his work in <em>Top Gun</em> and <em>Mission Impossible</em>, was spotted publicly since his absence at the 2023 Oscars was noted - while his film was nominated for Best Picture, Cruise was not in attendance at the event. </p> <p>He was one of a few select guests at Caine’s birthday celebrations, with the 90-year-old screen legend host welcoming the likes of Cruise, David Walliams, screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie, and Denise Welch to his private dinner at the River Cafe in London. </p> <p>Author and comedian Davia Walliams immortalised the gathering by sharing pictures with keen fans to his social media accounts, a series of snaps he captioned “Happy 90th Birthday to the legendary Sir Michael Caine.”</p> <p>“I have no idea why it brings me so much joy to see Tom Cruise & you hang[ing] out together for Michael Caine's birthday, but it does,” one eager supporter wrote. “Thanks for sharing!”</p> <p>“Looks like a fun night. Sorry I couldn’t make it,” joked another. </p> <p>“Easy to see why he skipped out on the Oscars,” one said. “He knows where the real power lies.” </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpye3ruDG95/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpye3ruDG95/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by David Walliams HQ (@dwalliams)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, actress and TV personality Denise Welch took a slightly different approach to showcasing the party, opting instead to post a clip of a joke for mature audiences she’d shared with the party, writing that it was “such an honour to be asked by Shakira to say a few words at Sir Michael Caines’ 90th birthday!!! He loves a dirty joke and so does @tomcruise it appears!!!!” </p> <p>Her fans loved it, with one quipping “Tom Cruise skipping the Oscars to watch Denise perform stand up was not on my 2023 bingo card.” </p> <p>Denise liked the comment so much she later tweeted a headline that quoted it, calling it her “favourite headline ever.” </p> <p>“No way is that Tom Cruise & Michael Caine.... just fainted. I can't imagine being at the same table as Hollywood Royalty,” another admitted on the original post, starstruck. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpzeNmPITWi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpzeNmPITWi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Denise Welch (@denise_welch)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In both posts, it appears that Cruise was seated right next to Caine for the celebration, with many voicing their surprise that the two were friends. </p> <p>The pair have never technically appeared together in a movie, but both actors did have parts in the 2002 film <em>Austin Powers in Goldmember</em>. However, Cruise’s role was only a cameo at the beginning of the comedy, while Caine portrayed Nigel Powers. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"Arise, Sir Brian!": Legendary rocker knighted by King Charles

<p>Queen guitarist Brian May has been knighted by King Charles for his extraordinary contribution and influence on the music industry. </p> <p>The 75-year-old rockstar was supported by his wife of 23 years, actress Anita Dobson, along with other members of his family for the special day.</p> <p>He was not only honoured for his musical work, but also for his many years of working with charities. </p> <p>The songwriter and animal welfare advocate, who also has a PhD degree in astrophysics, has earned the new title of Sir Dr Brian May. </p> <p>May took to Instagram to share a photo of the honour formally being awarded to him as King Charles placed a sword on his shoulders.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxNrkwsKED/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxNrkwsKED/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"No words!," he wrote.</p> <p>The knighthood is not the first time May has been honoured for his work,  as back in 2005, he was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the music industry and for charity work.</p> <p>Brian May recently reflected on one of his most notable performances: when he played <em>God Save the Queen</em> from the roof of Buckingham Palace during Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee in 2002.</p> <p>"The roof was a very special thing, that's something you do once in your life," he told the <a title="Express.co.uk" href="https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1667632/Brian-May-God-Save-The-Queen-Buckingham-Palace-roof" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Express.co.uk</a>.</p> <p>"It was riveting and it was terrifying for me and it changed me as a person."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🧵2/2- That iconic moment when Brian May played on the roof of Buckingham Palace for the 2002 Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Sir Brian May is a legend 🙌👑🎶🎸 <a href="https://t.co/trzRwNqUei">pic.twitter.com/trzRwNqUei</a></p> <p>— Fifi ❤️ The Waleses / Cambridges 🇺🇸🇳🇮🇬🇧 (@hellen3030) <a href="https://twitter.com/hellen3030/status/1635678972385058817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>He echoed a similar sentiment when he shared a clip of the performance on social media.</p> <p>"I was on top of Buckingham Palace. The loneliest place in the world, playing <em>God Save The Queen</em> and terrified out of my wits," he said in the caption.</p> <p>"But it's one of those times where you face the fear and you're never quite the same again after it."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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“I’ll never speak to him again”: Samuel Johnson blows up at Molly Meldrum

<p>While speaking to Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies on <em>The Morning Show</em>, a visibly upset Samuel Johnson blew up over 79-year-old Molly Meldrum’s bizarre behaviour at a recent Elton John concert. </p> <p>Meldrum issued an apology for the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/a-naughty-boy-who-needs-a-new-belt-molly-meldrum-s-excuse-for-mooning-elton-john-s-crowd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“faulty belt buckle” incident</a>, telling the <em>Herald Sun</em> that he “shouldn’t have ventured on stage, but I just wanted to tell Elton that I loved him. Some people thought it was part of the show. It wasn’t. Elton had no idea I was going to jump on stage. Elton might have been singing The Bitch Is Back but it was more a case of the idiot is back.”</p> <p>Now Johnson has revealed something of a rift between himself and Meldrum – whom he portrayed in the 2016 miniseries “Molly”, and was rewarded for his efforts with a coveted Gold Logie. </p> <p>It was during that 2017 Gold Logie acceptance speech that Meldrum mounted the stage and stole Johnson’s “million-dollar moment” when he was trying to raise funds for cancer, which claimed the life of his sister Connie.</p> <p>Johnson told hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies that he has not said a word to Meldrum since that incident.</p> <p>“I’ll never speak to him again. He cost my charity a million dollars that night</p> <p>“I want to do him a service, not a disservice. I am a little bit uneasy talking about this.</p> <p>“Firstly, thank you, Molly. He has helped me out of a legal pickle and I’ve known him for 20 years. He visited my sister in hospital when she was sick with cancer when she was 11 in the 1980s.</p> <p>“I am really grateful for everything Molly has done in our lives. But at the same time, when I won the Gold Logie I was about to have my million-dollar moment and I told him specifically not to come on stage. He was not nominated, it was my moment.</p> <p>“I wanted to make it about cancer and he wanted to make it about the network. He ended up coming up at the Gold Logies and it was my million-dollar moment gone wrong,” Johnson fumed.</p> <p>“It was an absolute catastrophe. He warbled in a very drunken fashion for eight whole minutes. Now I have seen him do it again at the Elton John concert. Maybe it is time to hang up your hat, mate. I hope he is OK.”</p> <p>Johnson also made it very clear that he did not believe Molly’s excuse and apology. “I thought his apology was false. I don’t believe it was a wardrobe malfunction,” he said.</p> <p>“I believe that if it was a wardrobe malfunction, we would have seen his undies not his bum.</p> <p>“For years, I have not said anything. I don’t want to say anything. Who are his minders? Is he OK? He should not be allowed out in the PM.</p> <p>“He has two shots of vodka in his coffee in the morning. If I want to make any sense out of him, I need to see him before midday. Stop, Molly, stop!”</p> <p><em>Images: Seven / Twitter</em></p>

TV

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“A naughty boy who needs a new belt”: Molly Meldrum’s excuse for mooning Elton John’s crowd

<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Music TV legend Molly Melrdum has apologised profusely for his onstage behaviour after gatecrashing Sir Elton John's Farewell show in Melbourne on Friday. But the excuse he has proffered did not find much by way of support among sceptics.</span></p> <p>Meldrum blamed what happened while standing braced alongside Sir Elton’s piano … on a wardrobe malfunction.  </p> <p>On Friday night, Meldrum left onlookers bewildered and taken aback when his trousers suddenly dropped without warning, meaning he effectively mooned the packed audience. The legendary music critic and presenter has now gone on record as saying that it was all due to a wardrobe malfunction involving his faulty belt. </p> <p>“I shouldn’t have crashed Elton’s show,” Meldrum told the Herald Sun. “As for my performance being more revealing than it should have been … well, at the start of the night, my belt buckle broke and my pants were already falling down. And on stage, one thing led to another.” </p> <p>Prior to the incident, Molly had been in the audience taking in the show – but since both he and Sir Elton have been lifelong friends, the star of the show gave a special tribute to Meldrum, saying, "He’s quite honestly a national treasure. I want to thank him for all the love and loyalty he’s shown me over the years. I love you."</p> <p>Meldrum took that as his cue to mount the stage, and the pair then performed “The Bitch Is Back” together, before the now-infamous wardrobe malfunction occurred – which Sir Elton appears not to even realise is happening. </p> <p>It’s then that Molly chooses to really go with the moment, lifting his jacket and showing his backside even further, before finally pulling up his trousers. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">If seeing Molly Meldrum’s bare bum was on your 2023 bingo card, here you go. (From tonight’s Elton John concert at AAMI Park Melbourne) <a href="https://t.co/7B7OYZWhgl">pic.twitter.com/7B7OYZWhgl</a></p> <p>— Tish (@oztish) <a href="https://twitter.com/oztish/status/1613862887029886978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>"I feel terrible if any of the security people get in trouble,” Molly then said the following day. “The whole thing was 100 per cent my idea – no one else knew what I was doing. Elton might have been singing The Bitch is Back, but it was more a case of The Idiot is Back.</p> <p>"I just hope my antics didn’t detract from a truly spectacular show and Elton’s fabulous farewell. No one is to blame apart from me.</p> <p>“Elton is an icon and a legend. I’m just a naughty boy, who needs a new belt.”</p> <p><em>Images: @oztish / Twitter</em></p>

Music

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“As good as it gets”: Behind the scenes of Elton John’s final tour

<p>Richard Wilkins has shared priceless insights into the backstage experience of Sir Elton John’s final Australian tour after attending the music legend’s concert in Newcastle – and he even ran into a few more rock celebrities while meeting the man himself.  </p> <p>Wilkins had the privilege of catching up with Elton in person, after Elton launched the Australian leg of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Farewell Tour in Newcastle, and the Today entertainment editor reported that he "absolutely delivered in spades".</p> <p>"To witness Elton John in concert is to witness an absolute masterclass in stadium entertainment and rock and roll - witnessing a legend at the top of his game," said Wilkins on the Today segment.</p> <p>And Wilkins wasn't alone backstage when it came to rubbing shoulders with the rock and roll royalty; Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman were in attendance, and seemed more than happy to share a candid photograph with Sir Elton and Wilkins.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnMB89Uri1u/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnMB89Uri1u/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Richard Wilkins AM (@richardwilkins)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Wilkins went on to say that everyone lucky enough to see Elton live would be waking up this morning "with a big smile on their face".</p> <p>"It's a joyous experience," he said.</p> <p>"A show for the ages and the great man will be waking up with a smile on his face as well knowing he's made a lot of people happy."</p> <p>“On-stage at seven. Offstage at nine-thirty. Two-and-a-half hours of hit after hit after hit… He’s “still standing”, and when he hits that piano you instantly know.”</p> <p><em>Image: Richard Wilkins / Instagram</em></p>

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle share a special message with Sir Elton John

<p dir="ltr">Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shared a personal message with Sir Elton John.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ahead of his farewell concert at the Dodgers Stadium, both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were featured in a compilation video showing stars paying tribute to Sir Elton ahead of the gig that aired live on Disney+.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the clip, Prince Harry said: “Thank you for being the friend that you were to my mum. Thank you for being our friend, thank you for being a friend to our kids and thank you for entertaining people right around the world.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even though this is officially your retirement, this will not be your last gig and we know that. We love you and congratulations on your incredible career.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The clip finished with Meghan placing her head on Harry's chest and blowing a kiss to the camera.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duke and Suchess of Sussex have grown close with the singer in more recent years, Harry having known Sir Elton John his whole life, through the singer’s close friendship with Princess Diana.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: YouTube</em></p>

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