Clash Magazine

22/04/2026

Traffic co-founder and rock legend Dave Mason has died at the age of 79. He peacefully at home, with his family writing: "A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end."

22/04/2026

Julian Casablancas appears on Subway Takes and heavily criticise American Zionists -

“American Zionists get the benefits of white privileged people, but talk like they are Black people during slavery.”

The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas has criticised the “privilege of Zionists living in the United States” during an appearance on Subway Takes. The

17/04/2026

Broadcasting legend Andy Kershaw has died - a familiar radio and TV staple, his passion for African music helped open the industry up to non-Western voices.

Andy Kershaw revealed his cancer diagnosis in January; he was 66 years old.

Broadcasting legend Andy Kershaw has died. The much-loved radio figure passed away at home around 7.30pm last night (April 16th), according to a statement

14/04/2026

Oasis, Fela Kuti, Joy Division, and Sade are amongst the latest batch of inductees to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Another year has passed, meaning that multiple artists were put forward for induction – some have been waiting a number of years.

The latest batch of inductees have been confirmed, and it’s an eclectic list. Manchester’s music history is richly represented – reformed Britpop icons Oasis will be inducted, alongside Joy Division / New Order.

Billy Idol and Iron Maiden join the Hall Of Fame, alongside jazz-pop greats Sade, Phil Collins, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.

Artists who were nominated this year but did not make the cut include the Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Mariah Carey, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink and Shakira.

A number of other inductees are included, with Fela Kuti and Gram Parsons gaining a nod as Early Influence, Rick Rubin being named Musical Excellence, and broadcaster Ed Sullivan earning Ahmet Ertegun Award.

14/04/2026

The Strokes have announced a 2026 world tour in support of their new album Reality Awaits, with dates across the UK, Europe & North America. The group will hit the road from June through to late autumn for a run of global shows. The UK run will mark the band’s first full tour there in 20 years.

Support across select dates will come from Thundercat, Cage The Elephant, Hamilton Leithauser, Fat White Family, Alex Cameron and ÖLÜM.

Pre-sales begin Wednesday April 15, with general sale opening at 9am local time on Friday April 17.

13/04/2026

Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja has criticised what he described as a “draconian government” after being arrested at a protest against the ban on Palestine Action.

Del Naja was among hundreds who gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday (March 12), demonstrating against the group’s proscription. During the protest, he held a sign reading: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

He was later carried away by police and arrested on suspicion of supporting a banned organisation, an incident he has since addressed in a lengthy statement on Instagram.

“Throughout the Israeli genocide in Gaza most people, myself included, felt like they were gradually going mad,” it began. “How could the world, including the British government, possibly allow this to happen?

“On the topic of madness,” he added, “in Britain in 2026, you can be arrested under the Terrorism Act for sitting in silence, holding a cardboard sign stating that you oppose genocide & support non-violent action to prevent it.”

13/04/2026

"Not too long ago I read an interview with the actor and director, John Cameron Mitchell, and he said that love and kindness are the most punk things you can do right now."

"It was a little confusing for me; I thought, 'Oh, loud, angry music, love and kindness,' I didn't quite get the connection. And then I realized: yea, he's right. Love and kindness are a form of resistance."

- David Byrne

09/04/2026

"I can only say sorry..."

CMAT drops out of LIDO Festival with the entire event having to be moved to a completely different date.

London's LIDO Festival will be re-arranged this summer - and sadly CMAT can no longer headline. The Irish singer is a sensational live act, with last

07/04/2026

The UK government has seemingly blocked YE / Kanye West’s plans to travel to the UK for Wireless Festival this summer.

A few moments ago a source from the UK government told the BBC that YE’s intent to travel to the UK for work had been denied. The rapper seemingly submitted his Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) yesterday (April 6th), and the refusal was “made on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good.”

YE – formerly known as Kanye West – caused outrage last year with repeated offensive behaviour, including using the sw****ka in his merch, releasing a song called ‘Heil Hitler’ and promising to go “death con 3 on Jewish people”.

In a subsequent apology in the Wall Street Journal, the American artist blamed the behaviour on severe bipolar disorder and vowed to make amends.

Earlier today, YE issued a separate apology and attempted to open discourse with leaders from the UK Jewish community.

UPDATE: Wireless Festival has just announced it is cancelled this year after the government’s decision.

01/04/2026

Sir Paul McCartney’s official Reddit account was temporarily banned over the weekend after attempting to share photos from his own show.

On Saturday (28th March), McCartney played the second of two intimate shows at the Fonda Theatre. Following the performance, he reactivated his long-dormant Reddit account to post images in his own subreddit, noting that the gig had been a phone-free experience.

Posting under the handle PaulMcCartney, he wrote that the team wanted fans to still have memories from the night to share. A Dropbox link was included, giving access to a selection of photos, alongside a prompt to post using the hashtag .

However, the post appeared to have triggered a temporary ban, likely due to Reddit’s moderation rules or the external link. The thread has since been removed, though the account, believed to be managed by his team, has now been restored.

01/04/2026

The Strokes appear to be teasing a return with new music. The New York band’s last album, The New Abnormal, dropped in early 2020, with members focusing on solo projects in the years since. They’re set to reunite on stage this month for two headline shows in San Francisco, followed by major festival appearances including Coachella, Outside Lands, Just Like Heaven and Summer Sonic.

Last night (31st March), the band hinted that new material could be on the way. Posting to Instagram Stories, they shared a link alongside a retro notepad-style graphic, directing fans to a Laylo.

Fans can sign up with their phone numbers, with the band promising they’ll “be in touch” with updates soon. Their official website has also been updated to link to the same page, currently titled “????”, adding to speculation that something is coming.

30/03/2026

Scott Mills sacked by BBC Radio 2 over "personal conduct" - it's effective immediately, with the Breakfast Show host leaving the station.

A massive figure at the BBC - he's estimated to be their 11th highest paid presenter.

Scott Mills has been sacked from BBC Radio 2 over 'personal conduct', it has been revealed. The shocking news was confirmed a few moments ago in an