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Tributes pour in for Il Divo star Carlos Marin, who has died from Covid in a Manchester hospital

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 20th December 2021

Tributes are pouring in for Il Divo star Carlos Marin after his tragic death this weekend.

The 53-year-old singer’s death was announced on Sunday December 19 by his bandmates.

The likes of Simon Cowell, Lorraine Kelly and Michael Ball have all paid tribute to the ‘hugely talented’ musician and ‘class act’.

It was reported that the Spanish singer was placed in an induced coma at the Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital after reportedly falling ill with Covid.

Il Divo had posted an update on December 16 that they were ‘hoping and praying for a speedy recovery’.

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Il Divo. Credit: Publicity picture

But sadly, Carlos’s death was announced yesterday.

Il Divo wrote in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. There wiIl never be another voice or spirit like Carlos.

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“For 17 years the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend. We hope and pray that his beautiful soul will rest in peace. With Love — David, Sebastien and Urs”

Simon Cowell, who created and promoted the hugely successful group, said: “I am finding this so difficult to put into words how I feel right now.

“I am devastated Carlos Marin has passed away.

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“He loved life. He loved performing and always had so much appreciation towards the fans who supported the group from day 1. Rest in peace Carlos. I will miss you.”

Michael Ball wrote: “Unbelievably sad to hear of the the passing of the lovely @carlosmarin_ a charismatic, charming and hugely talented man. A total one off.

Read more: Downing Street and ministers defend controversial photo allegedly showing PM in lockdown gathering

“Sending my love to all @ildivoofficial family and friends. #RIPCarlosMarin“

Presenter Lorraine Kelly has also posted a tribute, writing: “This is so sad. I had the joy of interviewing Carlos and @ildivoofficial many times over the years.

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“He was such a class act. Thoughts with everyone who loved him x”

Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli said he is ‘devastated’ by the news, writing: “We had the best time putting together the first @ildivoofficial performance 17 yeas ago great voice great man a true passionate Spirit with wicked sense of humor we will miss you so sad. B”

Featured image: Il Divo

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Oasis classic voted the greatest British song of all time once again

Danny Jones Danny Jones Oasis Live Forever Best of British song ever Radio X

With the Live ’25 reunion tour this summer fast approaching, it’s fair to say that fans all over the globe are struggling to think about much else other than Oasis at the minute, so it won’t surprise you to hear that one of the greatest classics has been named the best of British song once again.

Oasis, Britpop fanatics and plenty more will already know the song in question, but the everlasting legacy of this tune remains extremely impressive, nevertheless.

We are, of course, talking about their 1994 hit ‘Live Forever’, taken from the seminal debut album, Definitely Maybe, an album absolutely littered with eternal gems from cover to cover.

It might not be the first time the iconic Manc anthem has earned the accolade, but it does feel like a more poignant time than ever to celebrate with the long-awaited gigs now just months away.

Voted for directly by Radio X (formerly XFM) listeners, the legendary Oasis tune has been the ‘Best Of British‘ yet again, with each year’s victor being chosen from a poll on a century of classic bits of music from UK artists.

Note that this isn’t just a second win either; it’s actually the third time in a row that the station has given it the top spot, not to mention naming 16 Oasis entries on the list.

Oh yeah, it also happens to be just the 10th anniversary of the now annual award, meaning ‘Live Forever’ boasts nearly a third of all Best of British wins to trophies to date – and believe us, you won’t hear any complaints from The Manc office or Audio North.

You’ll also be glad to hear that Manchester was the most heavily respresented city this year too, with bands like The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Joy Division and Oasis making up a total 39% of the vote. Because of course.

Radio X’s Managing Editor, Matt Deverson, said of the very easy repeat decision: “‘Live Forever’ had to be number one, didn’t it?

“And with Oasis dominating the 100 with 16 songs in the list, it reflects the growing excitement among Radio X listeners for what will be the biggest music and cultural moment of the year, from the biggest band in the world right now!”

Might as well watch the music video for the 100th time, then, eh?

Do you agree? Is ‘Live Forever’ the greatest British song of all time?

It is still a spine-tingling track even to this day, there’s no doubt about that, but more importantly where does it land for you?

We certainly have one our own thoughts on the best Oasis songs of all time that we’re sure some of our opinions will irritate you no end.

Fellow firm favourites that made it into the top 10 were ‘Champagne Supernova’, ‘Slide Away’ and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’; meanwhile, one of the newest and highest-ranking additions is Sam Fender’s hugely popular ‘People Watching’, the title track from his fantastic third album.

With everyone getting ready for one of the biggest music events in history and even rumours of a return to Knebworth swirling, summer 2025 is set to go down in the history books. We were also glad to see someone who was there at the very beginning is as amped up as we are.

Original Oasis drummer sends message to band ahead of reunion world tour
Even reading this got us stoked.

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Featured Images — Helter Skelter/Shymanets (via GoodFon)/Oasis (screenshot via YouTube)

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Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36

Danny Jones Danny Jones Joe Thompson death third cancer diagnosis

Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielder Joe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.

Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.

The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.

News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.

Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.

“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”

Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”

They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.

Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.

Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.

She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.

“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”

Gone far too soon. Rest in peace x

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Featured Images — Thompson Family (via Instagram)/Manchester United

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