PLAN YOUR T IN THE PARK 2016 HERE

Izzy Bizu, The Telermen, The Lapelles and Hey! Hello! will join headliners The Stone Roses, Calvin Harris, Red Hot Chili Peppers plus Disclosure, The 1975, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Jess Glynne at T In The Park.
The event at Strathallan Castle across July 8 - 10 has also just revealed its stage splits (pic above) for this year's fest. Organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager can't wait to welcome singer-songwriter, Izzy Bizu can count Sam Smith, Rudimental, Foxes and Jamie Cullum amongst fans, having supported them on UK tours as well as securing a coveted spot on the Brits Critics’ Choice award shortlist and the BBC Sound of… 2016 longlist.
Her soul, funk, jazz and pop fusion is sure to go down a treat when she performs on the T Break Stage at T in the Park.
Glasgow-bred, indie-rock quartet, The Telermen, who recently released their debut EP, Organic also play.
The band features Dillon Squire (lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar) whose father, guitarist John Squire, will headline T in the Park on Friday July 8 with The Stone Roses. With festival-worthy tunes including I’m a Liar, Lonely Mind and Trust You they will rock the T Break Stage this summer.
Having supported fellow T in the Park act The Last Shadow Puppets last night in Newcastle, and also joining Turner and Kane this evening for their Leicester show, Scottish five-piece The Lapelles are on the rise. Recently released track, Grab Life By was hailed by NME as possessing the “youthful swagger of Catfish and the Bottlemen”, with national airplay also secured from Radio X – catch them on the T Break Stage on Sunday 10th July.
Hey! Hello! are an international power-pop band formed by English singer-songwriter Ginger Wildheart. The band’s single How I Survived The Punk Wars was championed by Guns ‘n’ Roses’ Duff McKagan who commented in his Seattle weekly blog that the track was “perhaps the best and most real punk rock song in a long, long time. It actually stunned me”.
They’ll bring their melodic tunes to T in the Park this summer.
Tickets for T in the Park 2016 are on sale now from www.tinthepark.com and remain at the same price for a fourth year running.
Www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 08444 999 990.

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

MOBO AWARDS RETURN TO GLASGOW SSE HYDRO

The MOBO Awards are coming back to Glasgow for the fourth time on Friday November 4.
And Pre-sale tickets are available from 09.00am today on Tuesday May 31, with general sale commencing on June 1.
The awards established in 1996 by founder Kanya King MBE will celebrate their 21st anniversary with spectacular musical performances from a host of world famous talents at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro arena.
In 2013 The MOBO Awards made history as the first music awards ceremony and live multi-artist show to be held at the newly opened SSE Hydro. Since then the venue has gone on to become the world’s third busiest arena in terms of ticket sales in 2015.
In addition to Glasgow, the MOBO Awards have previously been held in London, Liverpool and Leeds, have been attended by over 100,000 music fans who have seen over 200 award winners among some 1,500 nominees over the years, thus making a massive contribution to UK music. The star-studded shows have featured global superstars including Rihanna, Grace Jones, John Legend, Sam Smith, Destiny’s Child and Scotland-born Emeli Sandé.
Kanya King MBE, CEO and founder of the MOBO Organisation, commented: “MOBO turning 21 is a huge achievement and a special time for us. Celebrating this in Glasgow, which has be- come our second home is an absolute joy. The MOBO Awards has changed the music industry, and helped represent a diverse range of music that is now the heartbeat of youth culture. Having given a platform to so much emerging talent which has then gone on to achieve global and com- mercial success is something to be proud of. We will continue to build a positive legacy that can beenjoyed by various generations to come. There has never been a more thrilling time in music than now so I look forward to making some exciting talent announcements in the lead up to the show.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “We are delighted that the MOBO Awards are set to return to Glasgow’s SSE Hydro in this very special year and know that music lovers from across the city and around Scotland will turn out in force to celebrate the very best in British urban music. The EventScotland team will be working closely with partners at MOBO and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau ahead of November 4 to ensure another night to remember at the SSE Hydro, one of the world’s finest venues for live music. MOBO will be announcing an exciting line-up of renowned artists over the coming weeks who are sure to create a magnificent spectacle, once again proving that Scotland is the perfect stage for major events.”
Joe Aitken, the Head of Events at Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added: “Since 2009, Glas- gow has been the home of the MOBOs and during that time audiences have witnessed some out- standing and memorable performances. This year promises to be yet another stand-out as we cel- ebrate the 21st anniversary of the awards at the iconic SSE Hydro.”
Arena tickets for the MOBO Awards vary from £25 to £45 (excl. handling charge) and will be on general sale on 1st June via www.mobo.com/tickets and www.thessehydro.com. The one day pre- sale starts at 09.00am Tuesday 31st May.


- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

WAS MARIAH CAREY A DIVA TO SCOTS BAND SINGLE BY SUNDAY?

POP Rockers Single By Sunday reckon they suffered at the hands of Mariah Carey after they had to cancel a gig earlier this year on her request.
The Scots group were planning to launch their new sounds at the SSE Hydro in mid March but claim her divaness Mariah requested that no other acts perform at the venue in the run up week to her gig.
Lead guitarist Johnny said: "Mariah Carey was playing here just after March 10 and she wanted the whole week to herself and we got shunted out."
Vocalist Josh added: "It spoiled our dreams."
Johnny however reckons Mariah can sweeten them up by following him on Twitter. He added: "Follow me on Twitter and we will get you back. We are coming for you."
The lads, who also include drummer George and bassist Jack, are managed by former Specials musician Kendell Smith. Having performed at the KiltWalk and played Stereofunk festival and Montrose festival in May they can't wait to headline at King Tuts on June 2.
Josh said: "We've been together for eight months and knew one another from school and colleges and other bands. We all write together and contribute."
The lads have taken advice from The Specials Neville Staple who they met in Coventry and added: "It's great to be affiliated with The Specials and we are taking on everything advice wise."
Their repertoire features songs like Cold - a slower paced number full of emotion but Johnny claims that they are also keen in the future to write a track about Katie Hopkins.
He said: "We were going to write a song about Katy Hopkins and all the stuff she says. We think she writes ridiculous stuff and she is outrageous. We wanna take some of the hurtful things she says and turn it on its head. We'd all love to do a collaboration with Paolo Nutini as well. He's worlds apart from Katie. World class."
They have released one EP with songs Get Up Get Out and Single By Sunday with another EP, Atom Bomb on June 3.



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

MICHELLE MCMANUS TEAMS UP WITH THE KRANKIES, FRANK MCAVENNIE AND ANDY GORAM

MICHELLE McManus got together with her old panto mates The Krankies, ex Celtic striker Frank McAvennie and former Rangers goalkeeper Andy Goram for a new Euro 2016 TV advert.
The former Pop Idol winner who has just got engaged was asked by Paddy Power to sing old football anthem Vindaloo in the new 60-second video promo which pokes fun at Scotland for not being in this summer’s tournament.


It urges the Scots to put their thumb-twiddling time to good use by “betting on England."
During the ad which will be shown tonight in the Champions League final, the odd squad march through the Highlands drizzle, chanting defiance and proclaiming the fact that they don't care that Scotland isn't there, because they'll be betting on England to lose.


Michelle said: “When Paddy Power asked me if I wanted to trudge through the highlands, singing in the rain, with The Krankies and the Loch Ness Monster I just couldn't say no! I’m a massive football fan and seeing as us Scots aren’t at the Euros this summer it was the perfect way to show the world we can still have a laugh about it. I can't wait for the competition to kick off next month."


Paddy Power added: “Working with some of Scotland’s finest talent was a dream come true and we’re just hoping they don’t get their kilts in a twist over it. In all seriousness our aim was to give the tartan army something to cheer about this summer, and betting on England to lose seemed like a great idea.”

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

ITS DEFINITELY TAPS AFF AS BIFFY CLYRO READ WEATHER

BIFFY Clyro raised temperatures around the country when they took over BBC Weather.
The three lads from Ayrshire were special guest presenters on Radio 1 when they decided to invade the BBC Breakfast Weather studios downstairs and stand in front of the green screen.
Simon Neil and Twins Ben and James Johnston looked in their element as they predicted the climate for this weekends Big Weekend in Exeter.
Interrupting the forecast by Carol Kirkwood, Simon said: "Hold on just one second here. Did you just say Radio 1's Big Weekend? We are going to take Exeter Castle and we are going to raise that temperature. Twenty, that's a forecast but once we play what is it going to be James?"
James replied: "It's going to be screaming hot."
Simon then asked: "Carol do you think it is going to be hot when we play?
Carol replied: "Scorchio."
He then asked: "Ben what do you think it's going to be like? And Ben replied: "Really warm."
Simon laughed: "On a scale of one to ten we feel really happy. Weather is a state of mind."




- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

ELAINE C SMITH, BERNARD PONSONBY, AND THE SOCIAL AMONG WINNERS AT SCOTS' TV AWARDS

COMEDIAN and actress Elaine C Smith, STV's Bernard Ponsonby, BBC's The Social, Stonemouth and Burnistoun were amongst the winners at The Royal Television Society Scotland Awards.
The glitzy ceremony took place at Glasgow's Oran Mor this evening and was hosted by Catriona Shearer and Sanjeev Kohli.
Elaine C Smith was named On Screen Personality of the Year for STV series Burdz Eye View, which followed the actress and comedian as she performed her one women show in holiday destinations across Scotland, while STV’s Bernard Ponsonby picked up the Television Journalist of the Year Award for the second year running.
In the remaining News and Current Affairs Categories, STV News at Six – Central won the Best News Programme Award, while BBC Scotland Investigates: The Dog Factory received the Best Current Affairs Award.
The BBC Scotland Drama and Slate North produced Stonemouth, based on Iain Banks's best-selling novel, received the Drama Award; Burnistoun’s Big Night, produced by The Comedy Unit and Bold Yin, won in the Comedy Award category; and CBBC series Eve, produced by Leopard Drama, picked up the trophy for Children’s Programme.
In the factual categories, Channel 4 series Supershoppers won for Best Factual Entertainment and Features while The TV That Made Me, produced for BBC One, picked up the gong for Best Daytime.
The RTS Scotland Award, which is given at the discretion of the Awards committee, was presented to The Beechgrove Garden presenter, Jim McColl, and the Tern TV production team, to celebrate 1000 episodes of the long-running series, which has been on air since 1978.

Here's the full list of Winners with the commendations they received:



Best Daytime

The TV That Made Me Raise The Roof Productions for BBC One

“… a triumph in how to fuse archive with engaging conversation and comment. Brian Connelly is perfectly cast and brings a real warmth to the show. This programme stands out as being both fresh and innovative.”


Nominees:
Antiques Road Trip STV Productions for BBC One

Countryside 999 BBC Scotland Factual for BBC One



Best Factual Entertainment and Features
Supershoppers Firecrest Films for Channel 4

“… engaging blend of journalism, consumer issues and entertainment makes for an informative and humorous watch. The production values and direction are first class and there’s a fresh feel to this ambitious and enlightening programme.”



Nominees:
Kirstie and Phil's Love It or List It Raise The Roof Productions for Channel 4

Trust Me, I'm A Doctor BBC Scotland Science Production for BBC Two



Best History Programme

Scotland's War at Sea BBC Scotland Factual for BBC Two Scotland

“… an engrossing film… superbly put together with highly effective use of archive and impressively constructed sequences. An important story, brilliantly well told.”



Nominees:
Quintinshill: Britain’s Deadliest Rail Disaster Finestripe Productions for BBC Scotland
The Day They Dropped The Bomb Finestripe Productions for ITV


Best Documentary and Specialist Factual
Earth's Natural Wonders: Living on the Edge BBC Scotland Science Production for BBC One

“... a film of real scale and ambition, wonderfully shot and cleverly weaving human and environmental stories. It was beautifully put together and contained many memorable sequences.”



Nominees:
Britain's Benefit Tenants IWC Media for Channel 4

Transplant Tales Matchlight for BBC Scotland



Best Arts Programme

Handmade BBC Scotland Arts Production for BBC Four

“… compelling, engrossing, riveting television.”



Nominees:
Blood and Glitter: 70 Years of the Citizens Theatre BBC Scotland Factual Arts for BBC Scotland/BBC Four

Dance to Freedom IWC Media for BBC Two


Best Drama

Stonemouth BBC Scotland Drama / Slate North for BBC One Scotland / BBC Two

“…Excellent and witty writing, excellent direction with fantastic ensemble and individual performances.”



Nominees:
River City BBC Scotland Drama for BBC One Scotland

The Gamechangers BBC Scotland Science Production for BBC Two



News and Current Affairs: Best News Programme
STV News at Six - Central STV News for STV

“This programme was praised for its confidence, integrity and authority across a wide range of stories, the quality of its presenters and reporters and overall its clear and comfortable connection with viewers.”


Nominees:
Carmichael Trial STV Glasgow for STV

Reporting Scotland BBC Scotland News & Current Affairs for BBC Scotland



News and Current Affairs: Best Current Affairs

BBC Scotland Investigates: The Dog Factory BBC Scotland Investigates for BBC Scotland

“… a first class example of investigative journalism, the reporter showing considerable courage in putting herself in danger through covert filming and without being intimidated by the scale and nature of organised crime that was being exposed.”



Nominees:
BBC Scotland Investigates: Catch Me If You Can BBC Scotland Investigates for BBC Scotland

Scotland What Next? STV News - Central for STV

Sport: Best Sport Programme
Jim Baxter purpleTV for BBC ALBA

“… imaginative, entertaining and a good story, well told.”



Nominees:
Sportscene at 40 BBC Sport Scotland for BBC Scotland

Tartan Pride purpleTV for BBC ALBA


Sport: Best Live Event

BT Sport SPFL Sunset + Vine for BT Sport

“… an important match, from a challenging location, with good guest pundits. The presenter did a fine job of getting the balance right between reflecting the match, and following up the shocking post-match violence, while the pitch side reporter did great work in securing a revealing interview with the victim.”



Nominee:
Sportscene Live: The Scottish League Cup Semi-Final, Celtic v Rangers BBC Sport Scotland for BBC Scotland



Best Comedy
Burnistoun’s Big Night The Comedy Unit and Bold Yin for BBC Scotland

“… was the winner for its sheer inventiveness, innovative structure and treats for devoted fans and new viewers alike.”



Nominees:
Only An Excuse? 2015 The Comedy Unit for BBC Scotland

Radges BBC Comedy Production Scotland for BBC Three



Best Children's Programme
Eve Leopard Drama for CBBC

“… an ambitious, contemporary drama with really high production values. The special effects were really well done and the storytelling was imaginative and absorbing.”



Nominees:
Down on the Farm BBC Scotland for CBeebies

Officially Amazing Lion Television Scotland for CBBC



Best Short Form Content
A little piece of Luxembourg everywhere… Playdead for Vimeo

“… eye opening and compelling. The piece brought the facts and figures to life for what could potentially be a dull subject. The graphics were slick and informative.”



Nominees:
STV Edinburgh Launch Promo STV for STV
Wildless Playdead for Online



Best Animation and VFX
Trauma and the Brain Media Co-op for Vimeo

“A great animation that has been well executed. The illustrated technique and style delivered information while setting the correct tone for the film. It really felt like you were learning something while watching it.”



Nominees:
Britain Beneath Your Feet Playdead for BBC Scotland
The Secret Life of Midges ISO for BBC Scotland for BBC One



Student Television Award

Dipper from the Water of Leith Krzysztof Kubik, University of Edinburgh

“Enjoyable, refreshing and unusual. Absorbing. Beautifully done.”



Nominees:
Starfish Louise Dawson, Dayna Baptie and Fergus Thom, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

The Armadillo and the Earwig Ben Cresswell, Edinburgh College of Art



On Screen Personality of the Year

Elaine C Smith - Burdz Eye View Solus Productions / RPM Arts for STV

“A presenter who brought their own character and personality to the screen, with a real ability to connect with the subject in a warm, funny and emotional way.”



Nominees:
Emma Baker - Border Life ITV Border for ITV

Lachlan Goudie - The Story of Scottish Art BBC Scotland Factual for BBC Scotland / BBC Four



Television Journalist of the Year

Bernard Ponsonby - STV News STV

“… at the top of his game, just as at home presenting big ticket set piece programming or providing analysis and explanation on a day to day basis… a commanding on screen presence able to control and unsettle politicians whilst simultaneously maintaining a close connection to viewers.”



Nominees:
Mark Daly - BBC Scotland Investigates BBC Scotland

Peter MacMahon - ITV ITV Border



Television Director of the Year

Jack Cocker - Imagine - Richard Flanagan: Life After Death BBC Scotland Factual for BBC One

“Jack’s vision for how to combine the most beguiling of subjects in Richard Flanagan, with strong visual storytelling was nothing short of perfection… Character-driven, visual storytelling at its absolute best.”



Nominees:
Morag Tinto - Imagine - Antony Gormley: Being Human BBC Scotland Factual for BBC One

Brian Welsh - The Rat Pack Zeppotron for BBC iPlayer



Professional Excellence (Craft): Best Camera

Fraser Rice - Phil Cunningham’s Pipe Dream BBC Scotland Entertainment & Events for BBC Two Scotland

“Fraser Rice’s use of natural light and his poetic and sensitive use of camera in response to the subject was effective and refreshingly original.”



Nominees:
Brian Jobson - River City BBC Scotland Drama for BBC One Scotland

Steve Lawes - Stonemouth BBC Scotland Drama/ Slate North for BBC One Scotland / BBC Two



Professional Excellence (Craft): Best Sound
John Cobban / 422tv - Eve Leopard Drama for CBBC

“...the dialogue. the music and effects were creatively recorded, assembled and imaginatively blended together to create an outstanding result that never overtook the content, but throughout the program added tension and sensitivity to all scenes.”



Nominees:
Paul Flitcroft - The Story of Scottish Art BBC Scotland Factual for BBC Scotland / BBC Four

Paul Wilson - Air Ambulance ER and Planet Oil Digital Design Studio for Sky / BBC



Professional Excellence (Craft) - Post Production: Best Editing
Joe Speirs - Quintinshill: Britain’s Deadliest Rail Disaster Finestripe Productions for BBC Scotland

“A story edited with real flair and with excellent pacing. The transitions between the very well done dramatic reconstructions and the documentary were seamless.”



Nominees:
David Arthur - Imagine - Richard Flanagan: Life After Death BBC Scotland Factual Arts for BBC Scotland / BBC Four

Vilte Vaitkute - Wee Govan Pipers and The Golden Road Media Co-op for MG Alba



Professional Excellence (Craft) - Post Production: Best Graphics and Titling
ISO - The Story of Scottish Art BBC Scotland for BBC Two

“Nice concept beautifully executed… Visually stunning and technically proficient…”



Nominees:
Funktion Design - Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas Raise The Roof Productions for Channel 4
ISO - I Survived A Zombie Apocalypse Tiger Aspect for BBC Three


Best Digital Innovation Award

Anthony Browne, Louise Thornton, Muslim Alim - BBC The Social BBC Scotland Social Media for BBC Scotland

“To be commended for its risk taking and its wholehearted embrace of new technologies to engage with an audience television increasingly finds hard to connect with.”



Nominees:
Anthony Browne, Paul McFadyen, Gillian McNeil - T in the Park BBC Scotland Social Media for BBC Scotland

Vicky Lee - STV News Online Video STV News for STV



The RTS Scotland Award

Jim McColl and the Tern TV production team – The Beechgrove Garden 1000th Episode

“For nearly four decades, Jim McColl has led Scotland’s longest running and best loved TV gardening series, The Beechgrove Garden.



Jim, I’m sure won’t mind me saying, was 80 last year and has spent half of those 80 years with BBC Scotland and Beechgrove, teaching Scotland to garden.



Jim began his broadcasting career in the 70s on Radio Scotland, he’s loved by viewers, gardeners and production teams. He is a natural, a one off. An object lesson in being at ease with the camera. He connects with his audience, drawing them in with his mixture of authority, passion, humility and humour. We trust him. If Jim tells you it’s time to plant your tatties then it just is.



Jim is our nation’s most respected & favourite TV gardener.



And Jim’s a generous team player. His co presenters on the programme, Carole Baxter, George Anderson and Chris Beardshaw, are all horticulturalists, experts who learn to present.



Beechgrove’s early hallmarks remain; its relevance to the Scottish climate, showing best practice in an accessible way, its willingness to show and learn from failures, to encourage us to get hands dirty and above all to never take itself too seriously.



These enduring qualities, have endeared Jim and the programme, to us over the decades.



Tern’s programme production team have kept the format fresh and the production true to its roots. They reach the milestone of 1000 episodes this year.



Horticultural broadcasting legend Jim McColl and the production team of Tern television for the 1000th Episode of Beechgrove Garden, are the recipients of the RTS Scotland Award 2016.”










- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

MCFLY RESCHEDULE SCOTS DATES DUE TO INJURY

POP rockers McFly have had to postpone next month's 2016 Anthology Tour including three Glasgow dates at O2 Academy until September after Harry Judd required medical treatment.
The drummer has an acute disc herniation at C6/7 level and sadly cannot perform this June as he needs treatment and a period of rest.
Harry revealed: "I'm absolutely gutted that we've had to postpone the tour. I've honestly tried everything to make it work, but I'd never want to do a tour where I wouldn't be able to give you guys the 110% performance you deserve every night. I'm going to do all the rehab possible to get myself ready to do the most epic shows we've ever put on!"
Tom Fletcher said: "Sorry we've had to move the tour. Completely Harry's fault. All complaints to be sent to @mcflyharry. On a more positive note, it gives Danny more time to learn the words to our songs. See you all in September."
All existing dates from June have been rescheduled for September. The new dates are as follows:

September 2016

Wednesday 28 – London O₂ Forum Kentish Town
Tuesday 27 – London O₂ Forum Kentish Town
Monday 26 – London O₂ Forum Kentish Town

Friday 23 – Birmingham O₂ Academy
Thursday 22 – Birmingham O₂ Academy
Wednesday 21 – Birmingham O₂ Academy

Friday 16 – Glasgow O₂ Academy
Saturday 17 – Glasgow O₂ Academy
Sunday 18 – Glasgow O₂ Academy
Tickets available from www.gigsinscotland.com or by calling 08444 999 990

Wednesday 14 – Manchester Academy
Tuesday 13 – Manchester Academy
Monday 12 - Manchester Academy

All original tickets will be valid for the rescheduled corresponding shows - so if you're attending Show 2 (tracks from 'Wonderland' and 'Motion in the Ocean') in Glasgow your ticket is valid for Show 2 in Glasgow for the rescheduled date. For any issues or enquires please contact your point of purchase.
Last month McFly announced a 2016 UK tour, playing up close and personal at historic rock venues across Glasgow, London, Birmingham and Manchester. The Anthology Tour is a unique concept; the band will play three nights in each city, with each concert featuring a different set list from a different McFly album, alongside some of the band's biggest hits.
The first night in each city will feature songs from 'Room on The Third Floor', the second night songs from 'Wonderland' and 'Motion In The Ocean', whilst the third night will feature songs from 'Radio:ACTIVE' and 'Above The Noise'.
These extra special shows, now scheduled for September, are a unique opportunity to see McFly perform almost all of their amazing back catalogue, from album tracks to bonafide smash hits, ensuring every fan will hear at least one of their favourite Mcfly songs.




- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

YO! SUSHI GETS EVEN MORE AUTHENTIC WITH MENU AT NEWCASTLE LAUNCH

YO! Sushi has launched a brand new menu along with flagship stores in Sydney, Paris, Boston, New York, London and the rest of the UK.
The 100-dish Taste Of Tokyo menu boasts authentic dishes and brings the restaurant chain bang up to date with all things cool Japan.
As a big lover of sushi and YO!'s conveyer (kaiten) belt which tempts diners by showing them endless streams of appetising grub, (veteran telly fans think edible Generation Game) the Showbiz Lion was thrilled to be invited down to the new Flagship store in Newcastle.
Of course we're regulars at the Edinburgh Harvey Nicks store as well as the Buchanan Street and Silverburn stores in Glasgow but it's always nice to travel, especially to Geordie Shore land.
The store there boasts a flagship 69-cover restaurant on Grainger Street in the heart of the city, and the opening party was something else.
Walking in, it felt like we'd just landed in Tokyo.
Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku
Lovers could have been at the next table while K Poppers SuJu and bands like Baby Metal might have been in the booth opposite.



The interior takes inspiration from the city’s unmistakable street culture and creative energy and features a slogan wall which runs the full length of the restaurant, capturing the essence of life in this unique, fast moving, neon metropolis.



The food wasn't just raw fish - and our party got tucked into beef and numerous deep fried chicken wings as well as salmon, edemame beans and dumplings. Oh and there were cocktails and authentic Japanese beer too.
The opening party boasted a visit from Miss Newcastle herself as well as a DJ set from Let There Be House master of the decks Glen Horsborough.


Founded in 1997, six million guests now dine in YO! Sushi every year, and the numbers are set to increase.
We Gaijins (Japanese word for foreigners) were made to feel right at home and with a 'Wey Aye Man' here and there we soon got the party started.


Highlights on the new TASTE OF TOKYO menu include:


Okonomiyaki - Hot on the food scene in Tokyo, Okonomiyaki is a popular street food consisting of batter and cabbage served with a variety of toppings. Okonomiyaki translated into English means "As- you-like-it Pancake". Full of flavour, YO! Sushi’s Okonomiyaki is topped with mayo, katsu sauce, spring onion, aonori, beni shoga & katsuoboshi.


Chazuke - A traditional Japanese rice dish made with green tea, Chazuke has been served in Tokyo for centuries. It is the simplest of pleasures and is now available for the first time at YO! Sushi where it is served with nori, sesame paste, salmon & sea bass, oba leaf, yuzu koshu furikake seasoning & umami dashi.


Ginza Roll – As exclusive as the district it’s named after in Tokyo – this new roll contains fresh salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and arenkha caviar. Finished by rolling in crispy shallots and drizzled with teriyaki, sriracha & Japanese mayo.


Buta No Kakuni - A Tokyo classic! Always the first thing our group executive chef orders in a restaurant, try this slow braised pork belly and daikon in a sweet soy sauce with rice.



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

CLARE GROGAN BANNED FROM DANCING

ALTERED IMAGES and Gregory's Girl star Clare Grogan claims she has been asked not to dance by her daughter.
The singer laughed: "I was at my daughters school disco the other week and got asked to leave the dance floor for embarrassing mum dancing. I don't go clubbing much and rarely get the chance to do it. My poor daughter couldn't take it any more, genuinely."
Clare who rose to musical fame with hits like Happy Birthday sings jazz in her new film which is being promoted at Cannes.
The Scots talent, who is attending The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice lunch in Glasgow's Hilton hotel tomorrow, features in Delirium with Timothy West and plays the jazz musician wife of a composer.
She said: "I play a singer in it although I don't sing very much on screen. I'm singing a song written for me. I really love the opportunity to unravel and it wasn't too much of a challenge. I'm quite good at unravelling. It's quite nice to do meaty full on drama. There's a full orchestra with an amazing choir and world renowned cello players."
Clare might have starred in the art house flick with Timothy West but says they never got a chance to act together. She said: "We don't have a scene together. If we had a chance to be in a film together it would have been great. He has such an amazing body of work and it's very hard not to have respect for that."
Clare, who lives in London, can't wait to come back to Scotland tomorrow.
She said: "I'm coming up for a lovely event for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice trust. Karen Dunbar said I have to go and she'll be there too. It's just a such an amazing service they provide. Who wouldn't want to support it. Anyone who has been through watching a loved one's illness will understand how important it is to have the right support."


- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

SLOW DANCE OR NETFLIX AND CHILL?

A Scots nightclub is bringing back the slow dance in a bid to return romance to the clubbing scene.
Club Tropicana And Vogue which opens in Glasgow this Saturday promises punters the ultimate night of nostalgia in it's two separate 80's and 90's music rooms - and it's owner is keen to combat Tinder and Grindr and encourage people to socialise properly.
The venue in the city's Renfield Street joins others in the company in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh and owner Tony Cochrane reckons its the perfect antidote to life online and 'Netflix and Chill'.
He said: "We're bringing back the slow dance at the end of the night so people can get up close with one another. With the advent of online dating and apps like Tinder and Grindr so many people meet their partners online now that they've forgotten what its like to smooch."
"We're hoping to revive the age old question 'Are you dancing? 'Are you asking?'
As well as the slow dance which used to be known in certain circles as 'the erection section', Tony plans to attract a younger crowd who appreciate all things 90s like Trainspotting and Raves which used to pop up all over the country.
Tony said: "The music was awesome too with Girl Power for the Spice Girls, Brit pop with the Oasis vs Blur battles, dance tunes from TTF, Robin S and Faithless."
He's also hoping to get a visit from some of the original 80s kids who will appreciate Club Tropicana and the decade of excess.
Tony said: "Can you remember who shot JR, or getting busy with the fizzy Soda Stream?The music was amazing with everything from ABC to ZZ Top. Re live the good old days with the tunes you can dance to as well as sing a long too. If you cant sing it we don’t play it. Its about the best fun you can have with your clothes on!"

tropicanavogueglasgow.com



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

NO DOWNTON ABBEY VOICES AS STILL GAME RETURNS TO NETWORK

Beverley Lyons
STILL Game is finally returning to our screens after a nine year gap and although Isa will now be using Google and the show will now be networked Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill reckon the series will remain the same.
It's the news we've all been waiting for as BBC Scotland’s iconic comedy series returns to BBC One this year with a new six-parter starring all the original cast.
The new series will film from July 4 at BBC Scotland’s Dumbarton Studios in a purpose built set – the first time the comedy has filmed there – and will air on BBC One later in 2016.
Ford told the showbizlion: "Time has moved on but Jack and Victor's age hasn't. We're hoping to get back and that the audience are as comfy as they are when we left, like pulling on an old pair of slippers or going into a warm bath.
"Greg said: "It's the longest that we've probably ever spent on one series of Still Game. We started writing scripts in November and are filming in July so we wanted to get it exactly right. It's as if no time has passed from 2007 till now. "
"I don't know about it being funnier than ever really, but we are happy with the scripts. We worked harder on them than before. We were on a treadmill before and have had a lot of time to polish these scripts and get it right for newer audience and keep the chore audience happy."
Ford and Greg will reunite to play pensioners Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade for the sitcom which last aired on BBC One in 2007. The new series will also see the return of Still Game favourites Jane McCarry as Isa, Sanjeev Kohli as Navid, Gavin Mitchell as Bobby, Paul Riley as Winston and Mark Cox as Tam.
The series will now be networked but Ford and Greg claim they're not about to get posher or use subtitles so others can understand their Glasgow accents.
Ford said: "We're not going to start talking like Downton Abbey."
Greg added: "The show is what it is. We've been at great pains to look after our core audience. We've tried to expand it as well."
Ford joked: "There are lines like (in posh accent) 'I'm just nipping down to Navids for some totties' but we are trying to keep it down to a minimum. We couldn't possibly do it. They asked us to do the network for what is is not what it might become."
The two Scots talents can't wait to get their make up on to play their older counterparts but they admit they need less slap than when they first started.
Greg said: You can step back into the characters but we need less make up now."
Ford laughed: "When we started doing the characters at the Edinburgh festival we took two hours to get our make up on and when we did the Hydro it was forty minutes.
Greg added: "It's unique in that sense that we can park it and return.
We don't want to leave it for another nine years again. We love it and the rest of cast and Audience who watch it love it too. Hopefully they are back for good.
Ford joked: "It's always difficult to tell the mortgage people you've taken nine years off. I'm probably the only person whose used PPI."
The lads also claim the series will be updates slightly to fit in with modern times.
Greg said: "Time has moved on and the world turn and we will turn and there are contemporary issues like demolition and the changing face of the community. Isa has the internet and was Google before Google existed. There will be nods to those kind of things because we live in the present day.
Ford chipped in: "You could make a Scottish search engine and call it Isa."
He added: “We’re super happy to come back with the show - we had no idea how much it had been missed until we played the Hydro! Myself and Greg are really excited about getting the gang together again and we are putting our all in to make our fantastic audience feel like we’ve never been away.”
Greg Smiled: "We are thrilled to be given this opportunity, with the full support of the BBC Network, to don the bunnets once more! On behalf of all the cast, I'd like to thank Still Game fans for keeping the show alive after all these years. We'll save a seat for you in the Clansman."
The new series of Still Game will be a BBC in-house production and was commissioned by Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning. Shane welcomes a Still Game reunion. He said: “A comedy phenomenon, Still Game’s return is much-anticipated as we, once again, meet up with Jack, Victor and their friends. The new series revisits one of the most iconic comedies of its time, a show which holds a very special place in the hearts of our audience. Ford and Greg are an exceptionally talented writing partnership and we’re looking forward to catching up with Jack and Victor after all these years.”
Ewan Angus, BBC Scotland’s Commissioning Editor, TV and Still Game executive producer added: “It’ll be fantastic to see Ford, Greg and the rest of the gang getting up to more comedy capers in Craiglang. Our audiences love Still Game. Whenever we show past episodes we are guaranteed big audiences and I know this new series will again delight Still Game’s legions of fans.”
The new six-part series will be executive produced by Ewan Angus, BBC Scotland and Steven Canny, BBC Comedy. It will be directed by long-time Still Game collaborator Michael Hines and produced by Jacqueline Sinclair.
Following a mammoth 21-night run of live shows at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro Arena in 2015, audiences have been waiting in anticipation for Still Game to make its TV return.
The original run of the sitcom, which stars Kiernan and Hemphill as evergreen Glaswegian pensioners Jack and Victor, aired for six series between 2002 and 2007, transferring from BBC Scotland to BBC Two. The new series of Still Game will air on BBC One network when it returns later this year.



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

JUSTIN SAYS ENOUGH IS ENOUGH AHEAD OF SCOTS GIGS

JUSTIN Bieber won't be posing with his Scots fans when he comes here later in the year.
The singer, who already cancelled his meet and greet packages on tour, has had enough of having his picture taken with fans and doesn't want to be treated like an animal in a zoo anymore.



He posted a message to his Instagram on saying he is 'done taking pictures' .
On the upsetting post Justin who performs at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on October 27, 29 and 30 wrote: "It has gotten to the point that people won't even recognize me as a human, I feel like a zoo animal, and I wanna be able to keep my sanity.
I realize people will be disappointed but I don't owe anybody a picture. and people who say "but I bought ur album" know that you got my album and you got what you paid for AN ALBUM! It doesn't say in fine print whenever you see me you also get a photo."



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

HIGHLANDER: A HOMECOMING FOR CHRISTOPHER LAMBERT, SEAN CONNERY AND CLANCY BROWN?

COULD Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery be returning to Scotland along with the rest of the cast of Highlander?
The Edinburgh International Film Festival has just announce that a special 30th anniversary screening of the newly 4K restored HIghlander, with special guests in attendance, will take place on Saturday June 18 2016, as part of the celebrations marking EIFF’s milestone 70th edition.
The cult favourite and one of the great action-fantasy romps of the 1980s, is packed with quotable lines, stylish sword-fighting moments and a memorable soundtrack from Queen.
The story has its dramatic origins in the 16th century Scottish Highlands where Connor MacLeod (Christophe Lambert) first discovers he is not like other men. After doing battle with a rival clan he is stabbed by a strange mercenary fighter called the Kurgan (Clancy Brown), but finds that he cannot die.
Befriended and trained by the charismatic Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez (Sean Connery), he finds out he is part of a group of immortals who must do battle until there is only one left alive.
Clancy Brown is acclaimed as a cult icon thanks to his mesmeric and maniacal performance as the Kurgan whilst Christophe Lambert is soulful and heroic as Connor, and Sean Connery quite sublime as the foppish yet skilful Ramirez.
Clancy Brown commented: “It’s taken a while, but I swore to myself that I would return again to Scotland after filming Highlander 30 years ago where I first learned of Robert the Bruce, James Macpherson, The Fortingall Yew and, most blissfully, single-malt scotch whisky."
Mark Adams, EIFF Artistic Director said: “We are truly delighted to be screening this cult classic on its 30th anniversary. It is a vibrant, fun and thrilling film and just as entertaining as it was all of those years ago. Plus it features some magnificent Scottish locations. This will be a great celebratory event for the 70th edition of EIFF.”
Clancy and other special guests will be in attendance at the screening on Saturday June 18 at Cineworld, Fountain Park.
Tickets priced £8/£6 will be on sale at 12noon on Monday 9th May and can be purchased here: bit.ly/1WjSfEm
The film will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on 11th July complete with brand new bonus material.


- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

IONA CRAWFORD AND THE LADIES WHO BRUNCH

SCOTS fashion designer Iona Crawford launched her new collection with extra fizz at Hutchesons restaurant in Glasgow.
Stirling born Iona, whose tailored fashion combines art with style and unusual textiles, entertained a hundred people at the stylish venue in The Merchant City.


Guest enjoyed four glasses of Laurent Perrier champagne - Le Jardin cocktail, Ultra Brut, Vintage 2006 and Cuvée Rose along with a specially created menu.


Homemade waffles with confit duck egg, Champagne poached pear salad, and Parma ham eggs benedict were amongst the dishes on the brunch menu.


Guests including veteran Scots hair stylist Rita Rusk, former newsreader Viv Lumsden and TV presenter Jean Johansson enjoyed the delights on offer.


Iona revealed that she very rarely puts size labels on her clothing as she likes to create bespoke items that will satisfy her customers who come in all shapes and sizes. She showcased some of her deconstructed fashion alongside accessories, outerwear and cashmere.


- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

X FILES STAR DAVID DUCHOVNY GOES WALKABOUT IN GLASGOW

Exclusive
Beverley Lyons
DAVID Duchovny got juiced up before his gig at Glasgow's O2 ABC tonight - with a trip to a local health food restaurant.
The X Files and Twin Peaks star only has a couple of dates in the UK and was keen to enjoy some of the delights of the city ahead of his concert.
And proving he's nothing like his alcoholic Californication character Hank Moody, he headed to the KCal Kitchen in West Regent Street for an energising green smoothie as he strolled around town.
David, whose mum is from Whitehills near Aberdeen says he loves coming back to Scotland.
He said: "Whenever I'm in Glasgow I'll jump at the chance to wear a kilt whenever I can. My mother is Scottish and I've not been here for twelve or thirteen years."
David who is a fan of the Average White Bend also revealed he's still figuring out his sound as a singer.
He added: "I started playing my guitar five or six years ago to amuse myself. I'm figuring out my sound as a singer. I have a good friend who is a virtuoso guitarist who says maybe one day he'll get back to playing like he was sixteen. I want to get back to that initial passion and curiosity you have as a beginner. As an actor I've done some sure things that turn out to be terrible failures and some terrible things turned into huge successes."


- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST BAR IN SCOTLAND?

VOTE, vote and vote...for your favourite PUB or BAR.

It's not just politicians that are looking for votes...pubs and bars across Scotland are too.

Do you know of a hot shot whisky bar or an exciting craft beer pub, a quirky gastro pub or a cool pub that's dog friendly?

If so, the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards want to have your vote!

The Oscars of the licensed trade give out gongs to the best of the best in the Scottish licensed trade and entries are open to pubs and bars from right across Scotland.

Initially set up 21 years ago to recognise excellence in the Scottish licensed trade, the awards underwent a revamp last year which saw the name change to the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.

The awards are backed by the biggest names in the drinks industry including the BII, Caledonian Brewery, Diageo, Disaronno, Gordon & Macphail, Inverarity Morton, Isle of Arran Distillers, Kopparberg, Mixxit, Molson Coors and Tennent's, as well as Glencairn Crystal, Bright Signals, Flow Training, A Wee Dram, and The Sunday Mail.

The swish award ceremony will be held at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel on August 16 and will have a Brazilian theme in honour of the Rio Olympics.

Organiser Susan Young can't wait to receive more entries from bars, pubs and punters who think their locals come come top of the tipples.

She said: “For 21 years we have been rewarding excellence in the Scottish licensed trade, and as of last year, we have opened up the voting so that it's not just people in the industry who can vote, but pub customers who can also vote for their favourite pubs.

She continued: “The event now has a significant online presence and is being promoted in the DRAM as well on social media. To date the response has been great. Last year over a three month period more than 1,000 nominations were received, the highest entry for the awards since its inception. But already this year, only a fortnight in, more than 250 votes have been received. So it looks like it will be a bumper year for votes."

If you would like to enter your favourite pub or bar go to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com
You'll be able to see all the categories and can register your vote.
The closing date for nominations is May 31 2016.

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com