British music legend Sir Rod Stewart has said that he doesn’t believe Ed Sheeran’s music will stand the test of time, even going so far as to claim he ‘doesn’t know any of his songs’.
Somehow ‘Shape of You’ and all the other number ones passed him by, apparently.
The rather surprising quote comes from a recent interview with The Times in which he talked about everything from his own music career, politics, collaborating with Jools Holland on a new swing album and his favourite songs of all time.
Highlighting tunes like ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars and Prefab Sprout’s ‘Cars and Girls’, he was then asked if he thinks ‘timeless’ songs are still being made. Replying, “You mean like ‘Maggie May’? Songs that’ll be played in 50 years? I like whatshisname… British, really talented and his songs will be around.”
It was at this point that interviewer Jonathan Dean suggested Ed Sheeran, to which the 79-year-old simply responded, “No, not Ed — I don’t know any of his songs, old ginger b***cks. Jesus…”
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I love both Rod Stewart and Ed Sheeran but saying Ed music won’t stand the test of time is wrong. Perfect is already a classic and it is played at most weddings. It is definitely one of the most memorable songs of all time. https://t.co/r7rjJDohw4
All right, Rod, tell us how you really feel, why don’t you?
As the article goes on to detail, Stewart then began to sing “I’ll be riding shotgun…” and Dean quickly confirmed that George Ezra was the artist he’d been trying to think of.
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“Yes! I think he writes really tremendous songs”, Rod continues, “He’ll be around for quite a while.”
So, yeah, despite being one of the best-selling British music artists of all time himself, Rod seems to be fairly oblivious to the company he keeps in that bracket, as Ed Sheeran is also just outside of the top 50 best-selling artists of all time (57th) — even in the modern age of streaming.
While Rod Stewart ranks 16th in the charts with an EAS (equivalent album sales) total of 191,663,000, Ed isn’t too far behind him when it comes to the stats on 102.8m. Meanwhile, George Ezra — whether you and Rod might prefer him or not — isn’t in the top 100 and has several less number-one hits.
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Credit: Stephen Lavoie via iRocktographCredit: George Ezra (via YouTube)
Whether Rod Stewart truly doesn’t know any Ed Sheeran tracks or not, it goes without saying that most people do and the Halifax-born singer-songwriter has countless memorable tracks to his name.
‘A-Team’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’, ‘Bad Habits’, ‘Castle on the Hill’ — we could go on but unlike Rod you already now all the others.
What do you reckon, will Ed Sheeran’s music be remembered decades from now and, also, how many people will still remember Rod Stewart’s songs in the years to come?
The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess to host ‘Merch Market’ in aid of bands
Thomas Melia
Tim Burgess, frontman of legendary band The Charlatans, is set to launch a one-off ‘Merch Market’ event, and its core purpose is to support bands.
He might have a ‘Jesus Hairdo’ but he’s currently serving as a good Samaritan as The Charlatans‘ Tim Burgess is putting on an event solely focusing on funding bands via gig merch and other apparel.
Running across a variety of live music locations within Manchester city centre, the day-long event is called ‘Merch Market’, and it’s encouraging music lovers and bands alike to tag along.
Although ticket sales, album sales and streams are critical in funding the careers of all the artists we know and love, one key drive in securing actual revenue in the music industry is merchandise.
Expect to pick up some rare finds and own some limited edition collections.Band merch will be front and centre at this event which is hosted by The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess.Credit: The Hoot/Audio North
‘Merch Market’ is taking place at O2 Ritz as well as adjacent venues Gorilla and Dog Bowl across the road with a special appearance from ‘Tim Peak’s Diner’, the caffeinated brainchild of Tim Burgess.
The whole point of this event is to make sure that bands can receive the full 100% of merch sales without any cuts from any third party.
Fronted by The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess, ‘Merch Market’ is building off his 2021 gathering, which had a similar initiative with ‘Vinyl Adventure’ encouraging the sale of physical music and media.
Alongside stocking up your wardrobe with all the latest band t-shirts, hoodies and everything in between, there will be an array of interesting performances and talks happening throughout the day.
Entry to this incredible celebration of bands is completely free of charge and, better still, there are chances to win some seriously cool prizes – including some tasty festival tickets.
Gorilla is one of the live music venues that ‘Merch Market’ is taking place at.The Manc and Antony Szmierek outside O2 RItz, another venue which will be taking part in ‘Merch Market’.Credit: The Manc Group
Expect stalls, live DJ sets, interviews, panels and even a chance to bag yourself VIP tickets for UK festival, Kendal Calling, which Burgess will be returning for 2025.
Burgess is a man of many talents as he will not only be hosting this fantastic initiative, but he will also be hosting a stall of his own and singing a couple of his biggest hits.
Bands don’t have to worry about forking out a fortune for renting a stall either as tables at ‘Merch Market’ are free, the only thing musicians have to bring is their merch and charming personalities.
So whether you’re an artist with leftover stock from your last tour or a music lover who just missed out on snagging a snap back, head down to these three venues on 25 May.
Wigan band The Lilacs postpone tour after ‘ironic’ cancer diagnosis
Daisy Jackson
A rapidly rising band from Wigan have postponed their upcoming UK tour after a shock cancer diagnosis.
The Lilacs, who were set to begin a tour right across the country today, shared the sad news that their lead guitarist Sam Birchall has been diagnosed with cancer.
Sam himself said the testicular cancer bombshell was ‘ironic’, as he’s named the band after The Lilac Centre cancer treatment centre where his mum sadly passed away.
The Lilacs, who are signed to Manchester label Scruff of the Neck, have just released their debut EP The 395 (To Forever) and are now encouraging fans to help them get into the charts during ‘a testing week of negativity’.
In a note addressed to their ‘extended family’, aka their fans, lead guitarist Sam Birchall wrote that he’d experienced a ‘recent downturn in health’ leading to various tests.
He then said that he’ll be starting treatment for testicular cancer immediately, but stressed ‘I will beat this’.
The Lilacs’ statement from Sam reads: “It is with sadness that I have to announce some news to you all… after a recent downturn in health and undergoing various tests I have been diagnosed with Testicular Cancer.
“After starting this band with Ollie all those years ago, and in fact naming the band after “The Lilac Centre” after my mum sadly passed away with cancer before we formed, this all seems ironic and as you can all imagine a huge shock to myself and us all!
The Lilacs just released their debut EP The 395 (To Forever)
“With this in mind, my personal health and wellbeing must come first and I will be starting my ongoing treatment immediately.
“Unfortunately, it is absolutely gutting to say we will have to reschedule the tour to a later date and more information on this will follow
“Everyone who knows me knows if I could be up on that stage with my 3 best mates doing what we all love these next few weeks I definitely would, but it just won’t be possible x
“In a testing week of negativity, it would be great to see “The 395 (To Forever)” into those charts so grab an extra copy and believe me when I say.
“I will beat this and be back where I belong on that stage very soon x.”
The band added: “We’re absolutely gutted to announce that our UK tour that starts tomorrow will have to be postponed. Sam’s health is far more important and we are behind him every step of the way.”
You can support The Lilacs by buying their EP HERE.
Danny Jones -
13th February 2024 
