DJ and producer Michael Bibi has sadly had to pull out of this weekend’s Parklife festival as well as cancel his upcoming shows after tragically being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
The London-based electronic artist was set to take the stage at Heaton Park on Sunday and had numerous other big festival gigs to play this month but following the heartbreaking announcement shared on his socials and confirmation by Parklife themselves, these shows have now been cancelled.
Writing on Instagram, Bibi said: “Hello world, writing this post is a hard one.. last week I was diagnosed with CNS Lymphoma. A very rare cancer that affects the brain & spine.
“Unfortunately, it’s moving fast and l to have to stay in hospital starting treatment immediately. Typing this message doesn’t quite seem real and I’m sorry for the bad news.”
The 32-year-old went on to close his message by adding, “I don’t know what lies ahead, I’m tired but I know I am strong and I won’t let this beat me. I will be back stronger for you all. Love Bibi.”
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Bibi had already cancelled numerous shows just last month following ongoing tinnitus-related issues, including all of his USA tour dates as a related ear-ringing condition, but was unaware of the deeper underlying problem after doctors informed him it was “more of a neurological problem“.
While CNS lymphoma (sometimes called primary cerebral lymphoma) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer, it can be treated and even cured especially in younger cases; however, the survival rate is low and the disease can return after five to 10 years after the first diagnosis.
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The comments underneath his post are filled with fellow artists like Steve Aoki, Peggy Gou, Tiesto, Disclosure and more expressing their sadness but offering their support to the hugely popular DJ following the news. Parklife Festival themselves put out their own heartfelt message too.
The whole Parklife/@WHP_Mcr team are right behind him. We are wishing him a speedy & safe recovery and look forward to seeing him back behind the decks with his SG family as soon as possible.
Describing him as “an absolute superstar of dance music culture”, Bibi was set to play The Valley Stage — the second-biggest at the festival — in the same massive slot as fellow DJ, Skrillex, the following day.
The organisers went on to wish him a “safe and speedy recovery”, signing off by assuring him that “Manchester sends [their] love and support”. We certainly do.
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Our thoughts are with Michael along with his friends and family at this difficult time.
Featured Image — Michael Bibi (via Instagram)/ Parklife (via Twitter)
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Rochdale Feel Good Festival announces headliners with MAJOR 90s act
Thomas Melia
The highly-anticipated Rochdale Feel Good Festival is returning to Rochdale Town Hall for a night of impressive live music.
Summer is fast approaching and one way the residents of Greater Manchester town Rochdale know this is the line-up for its major outdoor festival has just been released.
The festival has been running since 2007, taking place right outside the distinctive Rochdale Town Hall , this will be the shows grand return since its massive renovation.
This town centre music celebration is known for drawing in some of music’s biggest names like Cast, Scouting For Girls, Razorlight and most recently Heather Small.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival is coming to the main stage at Rochdale Town Hall this summer / Credit: Press Shots (Supplied)
Rochdale Feel Good Festival has continued this streak of securing some big pop stars and this time is no different as they’ve bagged a major 90s act with some equally notable bands on the line-up too.
Topping the bill is legendary pop-soul artist Gabrielle, known for chart-topping hits like ‘Dreams’ and ‘Rise’ as well as ‘If You Ever’, ‘Out Of Reach’ and ‘Sunshine’.
This phenomenal UK act has seen her 1999 LP Rise and 2001 compilation album Dreams Can Come TrueVol. 1 get certified platinum not once but four times.
Gabrielle is headlining Rochdale Feel Good Festival on Saturday 8 August / Credit: Press Shot (Supplied)
Gabrielle might be more familiar with Rochdale than we think, as she recently collaborated with Middleton born singer-songwriter for his single ‘Sad Song’.
Also announced is indie-rock band Ash, who have seen similar chart success by achieving 18 UK Top 40 hits such as ‘Oh Yeah’, ‘Shining Light’ and ‘Goldfinger’.
Another act joining the main stage is critically-acclaimed rock band Starsailor and with tunes like ‘Alcoholic’ and ‘Silence Is Easy’ it’s about to be a stellar night of performances.
Recognised rock bands Ash and Starsailor are also joining the line-up for Rochdale Feel Good Festival Credit: Press Shots (Supplied)
If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, Rochdale Feel Good Festival will be announcing more acts in the next few weeks making this line-up one of the best yet.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival is coming to the main stage at Rochdale Town Hall on Saturday 8 August with Gabrielle, Ash, Starsailor and more acts to follow – tickets and more info HERE.
Featured Images – Rochdale Borough Council / Press Shots (Supplied)
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Myles Smith announces HUGE arena gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Manchester this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Manchester later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to Co-op Live, Manchester, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited the music capital of the North, bringing his high-energy hits to Manchester Academy back in February.
The star visited Manchester a second time, too, playing at the Co-op Live alongside some of music’s biggest names for Hits Radio Live back in November.
Now, Smith is ready to take to the Co-op Live stage again and is expected to raise the roof when 23,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Co-op members and fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting Co-op Live, Manchester on Sunday 15 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Danny Jones -
6th June 2023 
