5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Eighties rock star seriously ill in hospital as he quits band’s tour
AN EIGHTIES rockstar has quit his band’s tour after being left seriously unwell in hospital.
The keyboard player for an iconic Scottish pop-rock group has now pleaded with music fans to “share your love” during his time of need.
AlamyAn Eighties rocker has been forced to pull out of his band’s tour[/caption]
GettyJames Prime, second right, is ‘serious ill’ in hospital[/caption]
News of the Dignity hitmaker’s ill health came on the band’s page on X
James Prime, 64, juggles his time in Chocolate Girl band Deacon Blue with lecturing at a university.
Yet now both of the Dignity hitmaker’s careers are under threat due to an undisclosed illness.
The band posted an update on the Kilmarnock-born musician’s “serious” condition on X.
A typed out message of black text onto a white background read: “Dear friends.
“We wanted to share some news with you about our brother Jim.
“Unfortunately he is seriously ill and undergoing care in hospital.
“We would like you to join us in wishing him well and to share your love with him.”
It added: “We spoke to Jim yesterday about Deacon Blue’s plans for the rest of the year, and he encouraged us to continue with love in our hearts and with his full blessing that the show’s go ahead, even if it means replacing the irreplaceable James Miller Prime for the time being.
“Together with Jim’s family, we want to thank all the nurses, doctors and ICU staff for their ongoing care, professionalism and compassion.
“With love Ricky, Lorraine, Dougie, Gregor, Lewis and Tom.”
The band will next take to the stage in Aberdeen.
They will then pick the tour back up in September, with shows in Liverpool, Brighton, Birmingham and Leeds to name a few.
The lengthy run of gigs wraps on October 11 in Glasgow.
Fans on social media were quick to react to the medical blow and one put: “Sending love and best wishes xxxx.”
Deacon Blue - top hits
DEACON Blue have delighted fans with their hits since the Eighties - here we take a look at some of their success
Ricky Ross, James Prime, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp and Lewis Gordon currently make up the Deacon Blue roster.
Past members include Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.
Their first album Raintown achieved moderate success upon its 1987 release, peaking at number 14 in the UK.
Their back catalogue has included a whopping 16 top 40 hits including I’ll Never Fall In Love Again and Real Gone Kid.
Other top tunes include Chocolate Girl and Dignity.
Despite going on hiatus in 1994, they reformed in 1999 and have been making music ever since.
A second put: “Thinking of you all, but especially Jim. Love and solidarity. xx” as a third wrote: “Gutted to hear this… praying Jim pulls through. One of my keys hero’s and such a huge talent. Thoughts are with the band and Jim’s family.”
One then added: “Get well soon Jim. You’ll be missed.”
Ricky Ross, James, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp and Lewis Gordon currently make up the roster.
Past members include Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.
Their first album Raintown achieved moderate success upon its 1987 release, peaking at number 14 in the UK.
But their second record, When The World Knows Your Name, shot straight to number one.
Its lead single Real Gone Kid was even nominated for a Brit Award in the British Single of the Year category.
But Deacon Blue were beaten by the soft rock band Fairground Attraction, with their track Perfect.
Despite going on hiatus in 1994, they reformed in 1999 and have kept making music ever since.
GettyThey are known for tracks including Perfect and Chocolate Girl[/caption]
GettyFans were quick to send James their get-well wishes[/caption]
The band released first album Raintown in 1987Rex
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Moment terraced home EXPLODES sending ‘earthquake-like’ shockwaves down street leaving man seriously injured
THIS is the shocking moment a terraced home exploded sending “earthquake-like” shockwaves down a residential street.
Emergency services were called to a suspected gas explosion at a property on Eden Street in Alvaston, Derby, at 7.24pm on Tuesday.
BBCThis is the shocking moment a terraced home exploded in Derby[/caption]
BBCCCTV showed debris and dust flying into the air as the blast tore through the house[/caption]
SplashThe aftermath of a suspected gas explosion at a house on Eden Street in Alvaston[/caption]
Dramatic footage captured on nearby CCTV showed debris and dust flying into the air as the blast tore through the house.
A man was taken to hospital and the extent of his injuries is unknown.
One dog with injuries was also rescued overnight and is being treated by vets.
Residents went from enjoying a normal Tuesday night to being at the heart of a serious incident.
Some have no idea when they will be allowed back again.
Harrison has lived in the street, just doors away from the explosion, for nine years.
She described the terrifying ordeal saying she thought the explosion happened in their house.
“I’ve never heard anything like it before,” Harrison said.
“We’d just had tea and I was with my daughter sorting the kitchen out. I’m so lucky she was with me at the time.
“The bang went off and I just didn’t know where to run.”
Mary Stocking, 76, of Lincoln Avenue, said: “I heard something last night but I didn’t think anything of it.
“I just thought it could be anything but I feel a bit naive now.
“You just never think these sorts of things will happen so close to home.”
Another local, Gill Jennings, said the explosion “made the ground shake” from her home on Nunsfield Drive nearly half a mile away.
She said: “We were sitting at home watching TV. I’d put the kettle on and I just remember feeling a shake underneath my feet followed by a bang.”
Two fire engines, a command support vehicle and officers went to the scene.
They were supported by police, building control officers, emergency planning officers and representatives from utilities.
London Road and Shardlow Road have now reopened.
A spokesman for Cadent, the gas distribution network, said: “We were called to attend an explosion in Eden Street, Alvaston, at 7.38pm last night.
“At the moment it is too early to speculate on the cause.
“We are currently working closely with the emergency services, but our priority is to make the area safe.”
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The investigation into the cause of the explosion will begin later today as crews continue to work to make the area safe.
“Eden Street will remain closed until further notice.”
Derbyshire Police said: “A joint police and fire service investigation into the cause of an explosion at a property in Derby is due to start today.
“We were called to the incident in Eden Street at 7.24pm on Tuesday. One man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.
“A dog with some injuries was also rescued from the property.
“An investigation into the cause of the explosion will be begin later today. Eden Street remains closed.”
LNPA man was taken to hospital and the extent of his injuries is unknown[/caption]
SplashEmergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance, responded at around 7.30pm[/caption]
SWNSDerbyshire Police asked people to avoid the area[/caption]
BPMOne dog with injuries was also rescued overnight and is being treated by vets[/caption]
Each council in England decides who is eligible for a portion of funding individually.
However, in most cases you’ll qualify for help if you’re struggling to cover essential bills like energy and food.
Some local authorities are giving out help to those on benefits like Universal Credit, while others are assessing people’s eligibility purely based on income and not factoring in benefits.
Contact your council to find out what help is on offer. You can find what council area you fall under by visiting www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
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Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Nepo-baby daughter of A-list actress and Hollywood director wows at exhibition – can you guess her famous parents?
THIS nepo-baby looked incredible as she appeared at an exhibition in London last night.
And it’s no surprise, as the actress has grown up with very famous Hollywood parents.
This nepo-baby looked incredible as she appeared at an exhibition in London last nightSplashSplashShe has very famous Hollywood parents[/caption]
GettyNell pictured beside her famous mother[/caption]
The 17-year-old was snapped in London at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Party.
And she looked absolutely stunning as she posed in a sweet pink dress beside her famous mother.
But can you guess who she is? Or who her famous parents are?
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Major change impacting over 1.5million drivers could be confirmed TOMORROW – and saves you £200 a year
A HUGE change to motor laws could save drivers up to £200 – if Parliament approves it tomorrow.
The major overhaul is expected to affect 1.5 million drivers across the UK.
GettyA proposed change to motoring laws could save drivers hundreds of pounds[/caption]
AFPThe Government is planning to slash VAT when charging Electric Vehicles[/caption]
On Friday, MPs will meet in the House of Commons to discuss slashing VAT when using electric charging points.
The bill – named The Exemption from Value Added Tax (Public Electric Vehicle Charging Points) Bill – will be read for the second time in parliament tomorrow.
Currently, motorists pay 20 per cent VAT when charging their electric vehicle, which means the new law could save drivers hundreds of pounds.
According to data from Zapmap, EV drivers spend £1,690 on charging their cars per year.
With the bill proposed by Labour, that cost could fall by a staggering £211 per year.
Daniel Kunkel, the CEO at sustainable energy company GRIDSERVE, said: “Removing VAT from public charging would be a significant move towards levelling the playing field and making EV ownership easier for everyone, no matter where they live.
“The current disparity between the 20 per cent VAT on public EV charging and the per cent on home charging puts a disproportionate financial burden on those without home charging facilities, which could affect more lower-income households.”
It is hoped that the move will encourage more drivers to give up diesel and petrol cars for good, as the Labour government continues to pursue its Net Zero goal.
The UK has a legally binding obligation to hit the target by 2050, after the then-Prime Minister Theresa May signed the commitment into law.
The plans to slash VAT costs for drivers come just days after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her spending review.
In her speech, the Chancellor said she would be injecting a staggering £300 billion into public services.
The defence sector and the NHS were the biggest beneficiaries, with the National Health Service receiving a huge £29 billion cash boost.
A staggering £39 billion will be injected into the housing sector, in a major drive to build social and affordable housing.
The controversial Winter Fuel Payment cuts are being rolled back too, with three-quarters of pensioners being eligible for the seasonal payment once again.
In a bid to support their Net Zero mission, the government also announced that construction would begin soon on a £14billion Sizewell C nuclear power plant – which will provide electricity for six million homes and create over 10,000 jobs.