‘Absolute Losers’ - Sir Elton John described the government as "absolute losers" and said he feels "incredibly betrayed" over plans to exempt technology firms from copyright laws. Speaking to the BBC, he said if ministers go ahead with plans to allow AI firms to use artists' content without paying, they would be "committing theft, thievery on a high scale".
Last week the government rejected proposals from the House of Lords to force AI companies to disclose what material they were using to develop their programmes. A government spokesperson said that "no changes" to copyright laws would be "considered unless we are completely satisfied they work for creators". Generative AI programmes mine, or learn, from vast amounts of data like text, images, or music online to generate new content which feels like it has been made by a human.
Sir Elton said the "danger" is that, for young artists, "they haven't got the resources ... to fight big tech [firms]… It's criminal, in that I feel incredibly betrayed.”
Nine Lives - The world premiere screening of a film detailing the life of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne will take place in Birmingham. The Nine Lives Of Ozzy Osbourne will be shown at Millennium Point on 4 July, the day before he and Black Sabbath reunite one last time for a fundraising concert at Villa Park in the city.
The film traces Ozzy Osbourne's life, from his childhood in the city through the rise of Black Sabbath and ensuing success as a solo artist, the venue said. At the end of the Friday evening, special guest Jack Osbourne, Ozzy's son, will be appearing live for a Q&A with those attending the later of two screenings. Proceeds from the event will go to the Cure Parkinson's, Acorns Children's Hospice and Birmingham Children's Hospital charities.
Wasted Love - Austrian singer JJ won the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, after a nail-biting finish that saw him topple Israel from pole position at the last minute. The 24-year-old, who is a counter-tenor at the Vienna State Opera, took the title with the song Wasted Love, a tempestuous electro-ballad about unrequited love.
"Thank you so much for making my dreams come true," he said as he accepted the coveted glass microphone trophy. "Love is the strongest force in the world, let's spread more love." The singer scored 436 points, with Israel in second place on 357 and Estonia third on 356. The UK's act, Remember Monday, placed 19th with 88 points.
Record Breaker - The producers of the hit West End production Tina – The Tina Turner Musical have announced the musical’s closure at the Aldwych Theatre on Saturday 13 September 2025. The musical has been running in the West End for over seven years, making it the longest running show ever to play at the Aldwych Theatre where it has broken all box office records, and it is in the top 10 longest-running musicals performing in the West End.
Stage Entertainment producer Tali Pelman said: “We are delighted that the show is selling out on Tour across the UK and Ireland and continues to elate audiences in productions across North America, Europe and around the world. In London this will be a summer of celebration, led by our glorious duo of Karis Anderson and Fleur East in our final West End cast.”
Demolition - Demolition work is underway at the Derby Hippodrome after another fire at the theatre was deliberately started last week. The incident is the latest in a number of successive fires at the semi-demolished venue.
Theatres Trust, which has been working to restore the deserted venue, expressed “devastation” at the latest fire and the demolition. “While we understand that there are safety issues with the building following the third fire in recent weeks, we share concerns of Historic England and local campaign groups including Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust, Derby Civic Society and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust about the decision-making process that led to demolition commencing so quickly,” its chief executive Joshua McTaggart told The Stage.
(Jim Evans)
