MusicFreaks

Tag: Censorship

  • Metallica play cover of Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’ at Principality in Cardiff – despite song being banned in venue

    When the titans of heavy music take the stage, they don’t just play songs; they ignite conversations. Recently, Metallica delivered an unforgettable performance at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, showcasing not only their legendary status but also a bold willingness to defy boundaries.

    As part of their ongoing ‘M72’ world tour, the band made a provocative choice: covering Tom Jones’ classic hit, ‘Delilah’. This decision was loaded with history, as the song itself had recently faced controversy within Wales, having been banned from being performed by choirs in the stadium due to its themes relating to domestic violence.

    The lyrics of ‘Delilah’, written by Barry Mason, tell a stark story, viewed through the perspective of a man dealing with profound loss. This tension between artistic expression and social regulation adds an intriguing layer to the performance—a powerful act of musical storytelling set against a backdrop of real-world sensitivities.

    The spirit of defiance was palpable. Tom Jones himself later spoke out against the ban, emphasizing that while institutions might attempt to censor art, they cannot silence the audience. His message resonated with the band’s intent: “They may stop the choir from singing it, but they haven’t stopped the crowd. Keep on singing it – and I’ll keep on singing it too.”

    Beyond the main setlist, Metallica continues their tradition of honoring musical heroes with their unique ‘Kirk and Rob Doodle’ segment. This mid-set jam allows bassist Kirk Hammett and guitarist James Trujillo to engage in loose, celebratory instrumental sessions, often paying homage to other musical giants. They have a history of this tribute, having played tracks from artists ranging from Rammstein and ABBA to a-ha.

    The band’s presence is a powerful reminder that heavy music remains a vital gateway for exploring complex emotions and celebrating human experience. Their performance was a masterful display, proving why they are still considered among the greatest heavy metal acts of all time, evoking awe from the audience with tracks like ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and ‘Seek & Destroy’.

    The excitement surrounding their tour continues as they head into new legs of their journey, set to continue across the UK with further headline dates. This ongoing commitment to powerful, boundary-pushing music ensures that Metallica remains a force, continuing to inspire fans with every note.

    Credit: NME

  • Dua Lipa Is Opening Her Own Library

    Beyond the dance floor and chart-topping hits, Dua Lipa is proving that her influence stretches far deeper into the world of literature and cultural critique. After championing contemporary authors through her initiatives like the Service95 Book Club, the singer has finally given form to a long-held literary mission: the launch of the Manifesto Library, a permanent physical home dedicated to books that challenge authority, censorship, and dominant narratives.

    This ambitious collection is set to open its doors tomorrow (June 27) in Porto, where it will debut as part of the inaugural BABELL – City of Books festival. The partnership behind this venture brings together contemporary culture with historic literary tradition, collaborating with Portugal’s renowned Livraria Lello bookshop.

    The Manifesto Library isn’t just a collection; it is a deliberate space designed to spark conversation. Housed within the stunning new cultural auditorium of Livraria Lello—a space architected by Pritzker Prize-winning designer Álvaro Siza—the library invites readers into an immersive experience.

    The installation features 100 carefully selected books organized around core themes: power, control, voice, and memory. These are not standard readings; they are works that have been banned, censored, or otherwise challenged, alongside powerful texts that continuously provoke debate on identity, race, gender, political power, and freedom of expression.

    Among the compelling titles featured in this groundbreaking collection are classics like Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and Reginald Dwayne Betts’ Felon, underscoring the library’s commitment to exploring the boundaries of accepted thought.

    Lipa explains that the vision behind the Manifesto Library stems from a deep desire to foster a space where readers are not just consumers of literature but active participants in discourse. “When I founded the Service95 Book Club, my ambition was for it to become a home for writers and readers, wherever they are and whatever their circumstances,” she shared. “Reading the world brings us closer — but sadly, not everyone is in favour of that.”

    She views the library as more than just an archive; it is envisioned as an active cultural space centered on reading, debate, and public participation. The goal is to foster the idea that sometimes the most subversive action one can take is read a challenging book and then talk about it.

    The opening event tomorrow will recreate the vibrant atmosphere of Service95’s beloved “Book Tasting” gatherings, pairing intense literary discussion with Portuguese wines selected by Sogrape. Authors represented in the collection, including Olga Tokarczuk and Salman Rushdie, are expected to participate in the broader BABELL festival programming, ensuring a rich tapestry of literary conversation for everyone involved.

    Credit: Spin