Nicola and Deborah, Ally's nieces are doing a run to raise cash for the hospital that threated Ally's brain aneurism.
They set up a web page to raise that money. Their goal is to raise £1000, but of course it can be a lot more :-)
Help to thank the hospital for helping Ally and Shelly through that hard time and for performing a miracle. It doesn't have to be loads of money, just let them know we care and are very grateful.
Sharleen Spiteri is to make her movie debut opposite The Wire's Dominic West.
The 42-year-old Scottish singer - famous for fronting the band Texas - has revealed she is branching out into acting and will begin filming in Scotland in November.
Sharleen revealed: "I'm playing Dominic West's wife and we have a pretty troubled son. And it's his story, it's the young boy's story."
Sharleen was previously cast as a detective opposite Edward Furlong in the thriller Three Blind Mice, but pulled out when she fell pregnant. She also landed a role in Baz Luhrmann's musical Moulin Rouge! starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, but she has revealed she turned it down because she did not want to move to Australia for a year.
Asked if she sees herself moving into acting, the singer said: "It's a friend of mine that's doing the movie and somebody that I trust and someone I know that will make sure I'm doing the movie for the right reasons, so that's why I said yes to it."
Sharleen on Simon Mayo
Sharleen was on the Simon Mayo Drivetime show on BBC2 on Tuesday August 17th.
She was interviewed about hamsters being sucked up by a hoover (!!!???), "Must be the Music" and about the upcoming Texas album.
Sky 1 is now taking bookings to attend one of the "Must be the music" live shows.
The live shows will be recorded at the following dates;
Sun 29th Aug 2010 - Time: 18:15
Sun 5th Sep 2010 - Time: 18:15
Sun 12th Sep 2010 - Time: 18:15
Sky 1 broadcasted the Countdown episode for "Must be the music" on Sunday evening August 8th. All episodes will be broadcasted on Sunday evenings at 7pm GMT starting on August 15th.
As you know Sharleen will be judging on Sky 1's new music talent show together with Jamie Cullum and Dizzee Rascal.
I made a compilation of the Countdown episode and you can get it here.
The judges and host will be attending auditions in London, Manchester and Edinburgh over June and July in the search for the UK’s best music act – any age, any song, any style. With such wide-ranging musical backgrounds, the panel are perfectly placed as judges for Must Be The Music, which is open to any type of musical talent, be they a gospel choir, an indie rock band, a rapper or a soprano singer.
The series, open to all musicians and singers no matter what type of music they play, is set to air in early August 2010 on Sky 1 HD and its unique new format hands back control to the artists themselves, empowered by creative support, promotional advice and a cash fund of £100,000 to kick start their career. The final will be held live at one of the UK’s biggest and most famous music venues, where the finalists will perform on the same stage as the show’s prestigious judges.
What a great night it was in Oostende last Friday. An amazing concert with amazing people.
Here's the setlist;
Halo - Xanadu - It was you - All the times I cried - Many rivers to cross - Pretty woman - Cat people - IDWAL - Stop, I don't love you anymore - Say what you want - In demand - If I can't have you - Summer son - Black eyed boy // God bless the child - Don't keep me waiting - Inner Smile // What's new pussycat - River deep, mountain high
You can always send your photos or a review to me as well.
A short video of In Demand by Marylin
Shar to support Macca in Glasgow
Sharleen supported Paul McCartney on his first Scottish concert in 20 years at Hampden Park on Sunday June 20.
It was a dream come true for Sharleen, who has revealed she learned her craft by singing Beatles' hits as a child.
The 42-year-old said: "My mum and dad always played his records at home. I actually learned how to do harmonies by singing along to hits such as Ticket To Ride, Help and Can't Buy Me Love."
Taratata
Sharleen will perform on the famous French TV show Taratata which will be broadcasted on France 4 on June 15th at 20.35 CET. She will perform a medley of "Sound of silence - Many rivers to cross - Pretty woman".
Sharleen's mini Scotland tour
Sharleen performed three gigs in Schotland to support the Movie Songbook. At the Aberdeen Music Hall on May 28, at the Perth Festival on May 29 and at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow on May 31.
In Glasgow Eddie appeared on stage to support Sharleen on Inner Smile.
Here's the setlist for all three gigs;
Sound of Silence - Xanadu - Take Me With You - Halo - It Was You - All The Times I Cried - Windmills Of Your Mind - Many Rivers To Cross (ac) - Pretty Woman - Cat People - IDWAL - Stop, I Don't Love You Anymore - Say What You Want - If I Can't Have You - Summer Son - Black Eyed Boy / God Bless The Child - Inner Smile // What's New Pussycat - River Deep, Mountain High
Here's a video from "All The Times I Cried" from Glasgow. Thanks to LongVodka for uploading to YouTube.
Shar in De Rode Loper
While she was in Belgium for the Night of the Proms, Sharleen gave an interview for De Rode Loper, a showbizzprogramme on Belgian TV één.
That interview was broadcasted last night and you can watch it right here.
It's been a while since we had a flashback, well, on the website then I mean :^) So to make up for that I give you probably the best ever, but certainly one of the most interesting, Texas documentaries ever made; "Texas Songbook" originally broadcasted on SkyArts in 2009.
It gives you an insight in the making off , writing songs, the inspiration behind them and how they sound acoustic. So in between the interviews with both Sharleen and Johnny you can see and hear some wonderful acoustic versions of several Texas songs.
Certainly worth the download.
Last night, April 24th, Sharleen performed at the Night of the Proms in Charleroi, Belgium amongst other artists like Laurent Voulzy, Kim Wilde, DIV4S and of course the Fine Fleur choir and Il Novecento orchestra.
Sharleen performed five songs; Summer Son, Xanadu, All The Times I Cried, Say What You Want and Black Eyed Boy.
It was a great show with Sharleen's voice in topshape. She sounded very pure and mellow, and the high notes came out amazingly. Like a good French wine that's even getting better over the years :-).
More photo's will follow asap.
Thanks to fangm0506 for the video. Also check out the clip from Summer Son.
Sunday Times interview
April 19, 2010 by Paul Croughton
We didn’t go on lots of holidays as a family because my dad was at sea. He was a captain in the merchant navy, so we’d go and see him on his ship, which was a huge adventure. He worked in America and then in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. One thing that sticks in my head about Saudi was that dad would play golf in the morning and, as it was mostly sand, he’d carry around this little bit of grass to put his tee on, then pick it up and take it with him.
Sharleen was one of the acts performing on The Great American Songbook show on April 9th. She performed two amazing versions of "God Bless The Child" (can it get any more beautiful then this?) and "September In The Rain".
Sit back, listen and dream away.
On April 5th Sharleen was a guest on "Justin Lee Collins Good Times", an entertainement show on Five. Sharleen was interviewed by Justin and afterwards she dueted with Justin on "What's New Pussycat". I'm sure you will enjoy it :-)
Sharleen will be on BBC4's TV Show "The Great American Songbook" performing her version of "God Bless The Child". The show will be broadcasted several times. First broadcast is on April 9 at 21.00 GMT. Followed by April 9 at 23.40 GMT, April 10 at 03.30 GMT, April 11 at 22.00 GMT and April 12 at 01.45 GMT.
Sharleen will be interviewed by Edi Stark on the BBC Radio Scotland show "Stark Talk" on April 14th at 11.30 GMT. You can tune in online through the console.
The first concert dates have been announced, please check below.
Sharleen will perform at the Night of the Proms in Charleroi, Belgium on April 24th.
In succession to the concerts which Shar gave at the Proms in Antwerp in 2006, they persuaded her to perform also at the Proms concert in southern Belgium this year.
Tickets are available at Teleticketservice.
Tourdates
Sharleen will give a concert at the Aberdeen Music Hall on May 28. Tickets will be on sale at Ticketmaster.
Sharleen will perform at the Perth Festival in Scotland on May 29th. The concert will be at the Perth Concert Hall. Tickets can be bought at the Perth festival's website.
Sharleen will give a concert at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow on May 31. Tickets will be on sale at Ticketmaster.
Shar will perform at the Casino Kursaal in Oostende, Belgium, on July 23th.
Tickets can be reserved at Sherpa.
Angela and Friends
On March 11th, Sharleen was a guest on Sky 1's talkshow Angela and Friends.
Sharleen's album "The Movie Songbook" entered the British album charts at 13 in it's first week. Ellie Goulding is leading the charts, followed by Lady Gaga and Alicia keys, so strong competition.
If you didn't buy the album yet, then go and do so. And if you have a few pounds more to spend then buy the amazing looking Ltd edition version with two cd's a 7" from Xanadu and packed in a movie can.
Something for the weekend
On Sunday March 7th, Sharleen was a guest on the BBC show Something For The Weekend. She talked about the new album, movies and helped preparing a nice dessert :-)
Sharleen played an intimate gig in the heart of London at Orchid for Heart's Love Music Live with Barclaycard Unwind on March 4th.
Setlist:
If I Can’t Have You - Halo - All the Times I Cried - Take My Breath Away - Cat People - I Don't Want A Lover - Say What You Want - Stop, I Don't Love You Anymore - Summer Son - Black Eyed Boy - Xanadu / God Bless the Child - Inner Smile - River Deep, Mountain High // Xanadu
Fantastic news about Ally, Shelly and Charity's band Red Sky July. Their song "Morning Song" is now available for download on iTunes.
So please go ahead and download it, you wont regret it :-)
Relive
Sharleen gave an interview on Loose Women, ITV on March 3th. Download the video here (thanks to Darren).
Shar performed live at "Weekend Wogan" on February 21, a BBC Radio 2 weekendshow presented by Terry Wogan which is recorded at the BBC Theatre in London.
The songs which Shar performed with the house band are "Xanadu", "Putting Out Fire" from Cat People and "God Bless The Child".
On February 23th, Sharleen performed at the Love Ball in London's Roundhouse.
The event is hosted by Russian model Natalia Vodianova and the intention is to raise money for Natalia's charity, The Naked Heart Foundation. The model is teaming up with Harper's Bazaar and De Beers for the event which is similar to a previous ball held in Moscow.
Shar at Heart FM live
Sharleen will perform a gig for Heart FM at the Orchid in London on March 4th.
You have a chance to win VIP tickets or a signed CD. Just tune in here and good luck :-)
Red Sky July is back
Now that Ally is feeling better, Red Sky July are resuming where they left off. They will start recording an album late May and hope to finish it by late June.
Besides Ally, also his wife Shelly and Charity Hair are in the band, Jazz Summers will be managing them.
The DJ's from Radio 2 are now playing Red Sky July's "Morning Song".
" A Limited Edition Deluxe box from The Movie Songbook will also be released. And it looks fantastic.
The box contains a 2CD set and a 7" single from Xanadu with "Speak Softly Love" as a B-side.
The CD's tracklist can be found below:
Disc: 1
1. Xanadu
2. If I Can't Have You
3. God Bless The Child
4. Between The Bars
5. The Sound Of Silence
6. What's New Pussycat?
7. The Windmills Of Your Mind
8. Take Me With You
9. Cat People (Putting Out Fire)
10. Many Rivers To Cross
11. Oh, Pretty Woman
12. This One's From The Heart
13. Take My Breath Away
Disc: 2
1. Between The Bars
2. Streets Of Philadelphia
3. This One's From The Heart
4. Xanadu
5. God Bless The Child
6. Oh, Pretty Woman
7. The Windmills Of Your Mind
8. Cat People (Putting Out Fire)
9. Across 110th Street
10. Many Rivers To Cross
11. Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)
12. Inner Smile - Texas
13. Like Lovers (Holding On) - Texas
Shar's acting carreer
In The Sunday Mail from Sunday, February 14th we could find the following article:
TEXAS star Sharleen Spiteri has signed up to make her bigscreen debut. The singer revealed she has clinched a deal for a film being shot in Scotland later this year - and showbiz pal Peter Kay also wants her to co-star in his next comedy.
Sharleen said: "The movie will be shot in Scotland and the producers have already got myself and another couple of actors in place.
"They're currently in talks with a big-name leading man, but I can't say who just yet.
"Peter Kay also wants me to appear in his new black comedy. For some reason Peter thinks I'm funny. I think it might be my face."
Sharleen releases new album The Movie Songbook, a collection of her favourite film songs, next month, and the 42-yearold singer has jumped at the chance to try her hand at acting.
She's even prepared to film a steamy love scene - on one condition.
"I don't mind rolling around naked in bed," she said. "But I would insist on a body double."
Sharleen has costarred with actors Alan Rickman and Jean Reno in videos for Texas hits.
She's also worked with Olivier Dahan, director of Oscar winning Edith Piaf biopic La Vie En Rose, in the promo for her solo hit, All The Times I Cried.
Sharleen even paid tribute to the famous morning-after the Oscars shot of Faye Dunaway for a photoshoot in 2001.
She said: "A French director cast me in crime thriller Three Blind Mice in 2001. I was to play a detective and the plot was full of murder and sex.
"I got as far as script readings with US actor Ed Furlong, who was in Terminator 2 and American History X.
"Then the 9/11 terrorist attacks took place and the world changed overnight. Finance was then pulled from the movie.
"It was such a low budget film I thought, 'If it's rubbish it will disappear but if it's good it will be an art house hit'.
"Either way, I thought it would be a good place to start.
"I was confident I could do it. I'd love to act."
Xanadu video clip
You can now watch the video clip for the first single "Xanadu" from her album "The Movie Songbook" online.
Shar at Radio Clyde
Today, February 11th, Sharleen performed two songs at Bowie @ breakfast live at the Glasgow Hilton.
The songs she performed live were "Xanadu" and "All The Times I Cried".
Photos will follow as soon as they are available :-)
The Movie Songbook in March
Sharleen's new album "The Movie Songbook" will be released early March.
It's an album filled with covers of movie songs.
It was recorded in 4 days at Capital Studios in Los Angeles and strings where recorded at the Abbey Road studios.
The band name Texas, as you know, came from the movie Paris, Texas and movies have always been a big influence to Texas throughout their carreer. Sharleen always loved to try different things like live covers at the concerts, and this is where the idea for the movie songs album came from.
The tracks which are recorded for the album are:
Xanadau
If I Can't Have You
God Bless The Child
Between The Bars
Sound Of Silence
What's New Pussycat
Windmills Of Your Mind
Cat People
Take Me With You
Many Rivers To Cross
Pretty Woman
This One From The Heart
Take My Breath Away
One of these tracks wont make it to the final album. Who knows it might show up as a B-side.
They will also start to work on the new Texas album, which is great news.
On New Year's eve Sharleen was a guest on the Graham Norton sho where she performed both "Xanadu" and "Take My Breath Away".
Sharleen and Johnny are being interviewed and will perform some songs this Thursday, December 10th, at 8pm on Songbook, Sky Arts 1 / HD.
The description from the Sky Arts website:
Sharleen Spiteri and Johnny McElhone, the songwriting partnership behind Texas, talk about their 20 years of success together. Discussing the early days in Glasgow and how they formed their songwriting partnership. How trying to interpret their favourite artists leads them in new musical directions, the excitement they still feel hearing their songs get airplay and how their different personalities combine to create their musical relationship.
Songbook performances:
- I Don’t Want A Lover
- Say What You Want
- Black Eyed Boy
- Halo
- All The Times I Cried
Watch an interview with Shar and Johnny or the Black Eyed Boy video by clicking on the photo below.
IDWAL demo on Park Lane album
From the vaults of the legendary Glasgow studio - previously unreleased outakes and demos from TEXAS, DEL AMITRI, BLUEBELLS, DEACON BLUE, PRIMAL SCREAM, ALTERED IMAGES, GUN, HIPSWAY, LOVE & MONEY and many more!
PARK LANE STUDIO in Glasgow was host to many young bands in the 80’s, some making their first recordings and still seeking a record deal. Some did become successful, and a vibrant scene soon developed centred around the studio.
Now the studio archives have been prised open, and a treasure trove of fascinating and unreleased tapes discovered. This album offers a unique glimpse into the history of the studio and the bands that recorded there.
From Texas "I Don't Want A Lover" demo will be on the album, but also demo's from Altered Images and Hipsway (Johnny), Love and Money (Stuart Kerr) and The Smiles (Tony) can be found on this release.
The album should hit the stores within the next couple of weeks.
Shar at Dunblane Hydro hotel
Just got back from an amazing weekend at the Dunblane Hydro hotel in Scotland, with as top of the bill of course Sharleen.
Shar played a 50 minutes semi-acoustic set, backed up by her entire band.
Setlist:
It Was You
I Don't Want A Lover
All The Times I Cried
God Bless The Child (Billie Holiday cover)
I'm Gonna Haunt You / These Boots Are Made For Walking
Should I Stay Or Should I Go (Clash cover)
Say What You Want
Halo
Inner Smile
Encore: Black Eyed Boy
So an amazing set with Shar in top shape. Her voice sounds better then ever and she looks really happy with what she's doing.
So, be there next time :-)
Ally is doing a lot better the last couple of days. He's moving his arms and legs and seems to have his great smile back.
Which better news can there be told? :-)
We all keep on supporting you Ally, and of course Shelly as well.
Kizzy Star update
Kizzy Star's second single, "The Last Time" is now available on iTunes for download.
Please go to iTunes to download.
Kizzy Star will perform as supporting act for The Bluetones at King Tut's in Glasgow on the following dates:
16 December 2009
17 December 2009
18 December 2009
Exclusive: Texas star wins fight for life after brain operation
The best news in ages :-)
from The Sunday Mail - Oct 11 2009 Stephen Stewart
TEXAS guitarist Alistair McErlaine has been moved out of intensive care after a life-threatening brain haemorrhage.
Friends and family who have kept a vigil by his bedside yesterday revealed the 40-year-old musician has made a vital breakthrough.
He was critically ill in hospital after an operation to remove pressure from his brain.
Alistair spent almost a month in the intensive care unit of a London hospital following his collapse on September 10.
Bandmates, including singer Sharleen Spiteri, have been praying for his survival along with his wife Shelly Poole, 37, of the '90s pop group Alisha's Attic.
The talented musician and photographer was due to start a recording session with his new project, Red Sky July, before his sudden illness.
Relatives were shocked by his rapid deterioration in September and said he had appeared in good health and displayed no symptoms.
Texas manager Rab Andrew said friends and family were delighted by his progress.
He said: "On Wednesday, Alistair made a great breakthrough and was taken out of intensive care.
"He has now got rid of any viruses that may have been lurking and is thankfully off his life-support machine. He has a really long way to go but it is just great that he is off the danger list. He has made good progress to get this far.
"It will be a long slow process but it is wonderful that he is heading in the right direction.
"Alistair will have to relearn everything but he's a real fighter.
"I got a message from his wife and it was the best message I have had since it happened.
"She sounded much more upbeat, as she has been through an incredibly tough time.
"Shelly has been fantastic under all this pressure. The doctors don't know yet how long the recovery will take but he is alive and that is just the first step."
Last month, Sharleen said: "I am thinking of Ally and all his family at this time. Like everyone else, I am desperately hoping Ally will get well and pull through."
Fans have posted a string of get well messages on the internet.
Dirk, who runs a Belgian-based fans' website, wrote: "We all hope that Ally will recover and we wish Shelly and his family and friends lots of strength."
Fan Stuart Ferguson said: "Best wishes to Ally."
The Glasgow-born guitarist is one of three founder members to have been with Texas since the band was formed in 1988.
Copyright & design : Dirk @ "ID web design". www.idwebdesign.be All rights reserved.
Photo in the picture
If you plan to order something at Amazon or EIL.com then please use the links below.
Nicola and Deborah, Ally's nieces are doing a run to raise cash for the hospital that threated Ally's brain aneurism.
The 42-year-old Scottish singer - famous for fronting the band Texas - has revealed she is branching out into acting and will begin filming in Scotland in November.
The judges and host will be attending auditions in London, Manchester and Edinburgh over June and July in the search for the UK’s best music act – any age, any song, any style. With such wide-ranging musical backgrounds, the panel are perfectly placed as judges for Must Be The Music, which is open to any type of musical talent, be they a gospel choir, an indie rock band, a rapper or a soprano singer.
Last night, April 24th, Sharleen performed at the Night of the Proms in Charleroi, Belgium amongst other artists like Laurent Voulzy, Kim Wilde, DIV4S and of course the Fine Fleur choir and Il Novecento orchestra. 
We didn’t go on lots of holidays as a family because my dad was at sea. He was a captain in the merchant navy, so we’d go and see him on his ship, which was a huge adventure. He worked in America and then in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. One thing that sticks in my head about Saudi was that dad would play golf in the morning and, as it was mostly sand, he’d carry around this little bit of grass to put his tee on, then pick it up and take it with him. 
On February 23th, Sharleen performed at the Love Ball in London's Roundhouse. 
" A Limited Edition Deluxe box from The Movie Songbook will also be released. And it looks fantastic. 
Today, February 11th, Sharleen performed two songs at Bowie @ breakfast live at the Glasgow Hilton. 
From the vaults of the legendary Glasgow studio - previously unreleased outakes and demos from TEXAS, DEL AMITRI, BLUEBELLS, DEACON BLUE, PRIMAL SCREAM, ALTERED IMAGES, GUN, HIPSWAY, LOVE & MONEY and many more! 
Shar played a 50 minutes semi-acoustic set, backed up by her entire band. 
)
)
