FERNANDO RICKSEN CELEBRATES HIS 41ST BIRTHDAY IN BENIDORM

FERNANDO Ricksen battled against the odds to greet hundreds of his awaiting fans last night at his 41st birthday party in Spain.

The stricken Rangers legend has been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease after being diagnosed with it in October 2013.
Despite failing health, Fernando and his wife Veronika attended a special party in his honour at the Ibrox Bar in Benidorm.

Locals as well as dedicated fans from around the world gathered at the bar adorned with the famous blue and white memorabilia and team kit in the holiday resort to pay their respects and wish the Dutch star and former right back and right midfielder a happy 41st birthday.
After fighting against the debilitating disease, at the eleventh hour Fernando admitted it was touch and go whether he could attend the bash.
 Theshowbizlion.com met up with Fernando near his home in Valencia to give him a special present of a personalised front page of The Sunday Post before we headed to the party with him in Benidorm.
Opening his gift, he said "Thankyou. It's great."
Veronica added:"I feel like a small child opening his present for him."
 Making the two hour journey from his home in the sweltering heat of Valencia to the bar in the Costa Blanca, Veronica and Fernando said: "We'd love to stay in Benidorm tonight but we can't. We have to get back for our four year old daughter Isabella. It is too much for her to make the journey tonight and too late for her."
Fernando summoned all his strength to attend the birthday bash. In the days before the event, he said he had had some bad days but that the love of the fans gave him the power to go on.
He added: "I'm tried but still ok."
Footballers including Nacho Novo, Marco Negri and Michael Mols had sent messages of support to the star on his birthday two days ago while Alex McLeish had earlier joked via a personal message that he was sorry he couldn't make it but hadn't been invited.
Rangers FC also told fans: "Please join us in wishing #Rangers Hall of Fame inductee Fernando Ricksen a very happy birthday today!"
Fernando himself said he was extremely excited about the party and specifically asked organisers to play some Rangers anthems as well as his theme song and Abba classic Fernando.
In the weeks running up to the event had also asked bar owner Wilma Wallace to make everyone feel relaxed and to help raise money for his MND charity The Fernando Ricksen MND Foundation.
Wilma who was originally from Dunbarton before moving to Clydebank in Glasgow decked out the blue and white themed bar with messages of congratulations for the Rangers legend.
She added: "We are thrilled to welcome Fernando here again. He likes things very relaxed, the same as other punters do. It was always going to be a casual affair with a chance for fans to get up close with their idol. Tonight was all about making Fernando feel special and we have hundreds of people who have taken over the terraces here tonight.
"The most important thing was that people could see him and get their picture taken with him. I myself have been a Fernando fan ever since he's been in Rangers. He was always the best looking and a wild boy. He is a legend and we were honoured to host his birthday here. He has come to the bar to celebrate his birthday for the last three years."
We have organised special Fernando cocktails with vodka, peach schnapps, blue balls and lemonade and we also presented his charity with a large cheque this evening."
Last year was an important birthday for him because it was his fortieth and every year makes it so much more special that he is fighting the disease and making his plight known. He wants to let people know what it is like living with motor neurone disease and raise money for his charity."
Excerpts of this article have since appeared inThe  Sunday Post.

SIMPLE MINDS JIM KERR SURPRISES AT REWIND FEST

SIMPLE Minds Jim Kerr surprised Rewind revellers after jumping on stage with Trevor Horn at the Perthshire festival.
The Scots singer sang Waterfront during Trevor's set which also saw a rendition of Video Killed The Radio Star.
Jim, admitted to the twenty thousand string crowd that it was great to be back with Trevor during his song.
Trevor said afterwards: "I called Jim and he said yeah. What do you want to do? Belfast Child? "
I said 'Do Waterfront. It's such a good tune. You want to hear something up on an afternoon like this. We go back a long way so it's great to see one another again."
Jim and Trevor joined a host of eighties and nineties stars at Scone Palace including T Pau, Chesney Hawkes, The Real Thing, Misical Yoyth and the Undertones at the nostalgia fest which also welcomes stars including Nick Hayward, Belinda Carlisle, Jason Donovan, Kim Wilde and Billy Ocean.






















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CHESNEY HAWKES FEELS FRISKY IN PERTHSHIRE AT REWIND

Chesney Hawkes said playing Rewind Festival in Scotland ended up making him randy.
The hunky One and Only singer who recently shocked GMB viewers with his youthful looks was playing the eighties and nineties Rewind Festival at Scone Palace in Perth when he admitted he was getting a bit hot under the collar.
He explained: "I've been doing lots of these kind of festivals up and down the country and it's been great fun.
There's been a lot of nudity actually and it's been quite sunny, not as sunny today but you never know, I might feel a bit frisky. We'll see how it goes. I've not had a chance to see nudity yet but I will be searching it out."
Chesney who later had dinner with Go West and Nik Kershaw back at his hotel revealed he is also planning a new track with Nik in a forthcoming album. He said: " I'm working on an Americana style album cause I live in LA now so I've been working with more country stuff. That's my passion when Im not sitting in a tent getting wet in the rain. I'm halfway though and there's not a Nick song on it yet but there will be. It could be inspired by the rain and nudity in Scotland."
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

JASON DONOVAN GETS HIS PERTHS MIXED UP ON SCOTTISH REWIND VISIT

JASON Donovan claimed he thought he was playing Perth Australia when he was originally asked to attend Rewind Festival in Perth Scotland.


The singer who performed at Rewind Festival on Sunday night laughed: "When they said I was coming to Perth I thought I was going to catch a plane ticket Western Australia but I landed here in Sunny Scotland."
The former Neighbours star asked his crowd to tag him on Twitter joking: "Just hashtag Jason Donovan Rewind Legend."
Jason had flown in especially for the bash from Spain.


Just before he changed his outfit from his shorts and tshirt to white trousers and blazer to go on stage he explained: "I've just come over from Spain especially for you. The people here are amazing and I'm excited about the show tonight. I can't remember the first time I was in Scotland. It was in the eighites and I've come back a lot."
He added: "Today I'd like to catch up with New Order's Peter Hook - my hero."
From Scotland with Love - Theshowbizlion.com

BELVEDERE MIDNIGHT SABER GLASGOW LAUNCH WAS LIT

DJ Jackmaster played the tunes while luxury vodka brand Belvedere put everyone in high spirits for the launch of their new Midnight Saber bottle in Glasgow.
The stylish crowd which included Made in Chelsea's Oliver Proudlock were literally glowing after trying out the exquisite new bottle which glows in the dark.
The breakthrough luminous bottle has fine laser etching and soft-touch technology, blending the traditional luxury of the brand with innovative new ideas.
For the Scottish launch the showbizlion.com partied the night away with friends at The Sanctuary club in Glasgow, and we even got a special of out tag on our wrists which pulsed in time to the music.
The night was, quite literally, lit.

HARRY POTTER'S MOLLY WEASLEY MAKES MAGIC IN SCOTLAND...

HARRY Potter, Mamma Mia and Educating Rita star Dame Julie Walters got into the swing of things when she met up with BBC Radio 2 legend Whispering Bob Harris in Glasgow.
The star of film and TV shows like Victoria Wood has been shooting new film Country Music in Scotland for the last week and managed to sneak in and out of Glasgow's City Halls and Old Fruitmarket without being noticed by passersby.
Julie, 67 who was made a Dame last month on the Queens birthday honours list and also starred in Calendar Girls as well as playing Miss Overall in Victoria Wood's Acorn Antiques, features in the comedy drama about a young Glasgow singer Rose Lynne Harlan played by War and Peace's Jessie Buckley, who hopes to make it in Nashville . Doctor Who's Sophie Okonedo and Macbeth's James Harkness also star in the movie.
Julie, whose character Marion plays Rose Lynne Harlan's ( Buckley) mother in the film, was seen giggling with the cast on set.
She later posed up for a pic with Old Grey Whistle Test presenter Whispering Bob who had flown in for the day for his scene.
Scots musicians Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham also shot their musical scenes in the City Halls which is home to the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Whispering Bob who was staying in the city centre was thrilled to bits to hang out with Julie.
He said afterwards: "It was an absolute pleasure to meet this wonderful woman today. She is a national treasure."
The cast and crew are expected to film in Scotland for the next week before moving onto production in London and then Nashville.
Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Sunday Post.

From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

RANGERS LATEST PLAYERS FACE NEW CUTS IN GLASGOW

RANGERS new signings Daniel Candeias, Fabio Cardoso and Alfredo Morelos proved to be a cut above the rest after popping in for a new look at a Scots hair salon.
The three amigos were pleased as punch with their new hairdos after being given a makeover by Taylor Ferguson and his team in Glasgow.
Portuguese lads Daniel and Fabio and Colombian Alfredo who are staying at a hotel until they find more permanent accommodation in Glasgow have been training constantly since their arrival here a month ago.
Daniel said: "We've been at the hotel and training and hotel and training. The weather is ok. In Portugal the weather is very good but here not so good. It's a very good team and very good group."
Columbian Alfredo admitted he was struggling with the language but is looking forward to taking English lessons with the other new players next week.
Daniel also claimed the training is Scotland is different to the Portugese methods.
He said: "The football is different to Portugal and stronger here. It's more physical whereas in Portugal it is more technique."
Taylor said: "We get a lot of footballers in here from all teams including Celtic, Rangers and Albion Rovers. The lads were great and wanted a new look for the season. We look forward to welcoming them here again."
Excerpts of this article have now appeared in The  Daily Record, Scottish Sun and Evening Times.
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

TRNSMT MUSIC FAN WHO WENT VIRAL CLIMBING FLAGPOLE ISNT DANCING NOW

THE TRNSMT reveller who climbed up a flag pole before it dropped dramatically to the ground has been left on crutches - and remorsefully joked they are the only poles he'll be going near for a while.
Alloa lad Connor McNeill was approached by the police before being taken away in a wheelchair by paramedics and left on crutches following his attempt at scaling the flagpole on Glasgow Green.
The festival crowd had screamed and then cheered as they watched him hang one-handed from the 20 ft high pole.
A crowd video showed the moment Connor barely clung to the giant flag as it descended suddenly to the ground at Glasgow Green.
 Connor who dropped rapidly to the ground with it was surrounded by police and paramedics following his stunt.
As he sat on the ground and winced in pain he asked his pals: "Has my face went white?"
He told paramedics: "I was holding onto the pole and landed on my ankle and the pole hit my head."
He tired to joke about getting 'a big shoe' as he tucked into some chips.
He also said: "See compared to everyone else, I was rapid."
As he was led away to first aid by wheelchair he joked: "VIP here I come."
He showed remorse afterwards when he put up a picture on his social media of his crutches and his big foot saying: "The only poles I'll be going anywhere near for a while
Excerpts of this article have since appeared in The Daily Record
From Scotland with Love - the Showbizlion.com
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CELTIC TARGET OLIVIER NTCHAM RETURNS TO GLASGOW HOTEL AFTER TALKS

Celtic target Olivier Ntcham looked every bit the superstar as he arrived in Glasgow ahead of signing talks with the club.

The 21-year-old Manchester City midfielder who arrived surrounded by a posse of security, kept his hood up as he was spotted entering the Blythswood Hotel in the city centre at around 7.45pm on Saturday evening.
The soon to be player arrived in a white team sponsored Kia Jeep accompanied by three others and rushed straight into the hotel while carrying a bar of soap and a hairbrush.
He had earlier been spotted on the Parkhead pitch getting a look at the new surroundings that will await him if a deal is agreed.
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers is believed to be keen to land the French player after he impressed on loan at Italian side Genoa last season, and hopes he will compete for the No.10 role.

TRNSMT POLICE ENCOURAGE LOADED SELFIES IN GLASGOW

CHIEF inspector Simon Jeacock, the bronze commander of TRNSMT festival encouraged revellers to get selfies with armed officers on site.

He said: "We have a significant police deployment on site and in the city centre so as people approach the venue you will see officers at the train stations, the bus stations and as you walk down towards the venue and arrive at the venue you will be greeted by a mix of G4s security and police who will be helping to make sure everyone stays safe at this event.
They are just ordinary police officers who are highly trained in a particular specialism. Go up and say hello to them. Get your picture taken with them. They are there to keep you safe and help you enjoy yourselves."
Simon said the first day of the festival was so far trouble free.
He said: "It's been great so far we've had no arrest and no problems whatsoever. People have come really early to the event which is really helpful and saves any queues.
Plan ahead, know what your travel plan is for getting here andd also for getting home at night when it's late and it's dark. Look at the weather, make sure you're dressed appropriately and come and enjoy yourself have fun. Be alert and not alarmed. If you do see anything speak to a police officer or pick up the phone. It's better to be safe than sorry."
Simon said the crowds welcomed the e tea security at the site. He added: "Everybody had been great and very appreciative of the security regime that has been put in place. I think they understand it is for everybody's safety."
Excerpts of this article have since appeared in The Daily Record, The Scottish Sun,  The Evening Times and Scotsman.
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

GREEN DAY GREET DISAPPOINTED FANS IN GLASGOW

GREEN Day met with disappointed fans at their Glasgow hotel after their gig at Bellahouston Park was cancelled.



The band had spent the whole day holed up at the stylish Blythswood hotel in the city centre after their gig was cancelled at the eleventh hour with promoters blaming bad weather for making it too unsafe to hold the gig.
Just before they left by private jet from Glasgow airport, theshowbizlion.com captured all the action as Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt stepped out and told fans who'd been singing some of their biggest anthems outside the hotel: "I want to thank every one of you guys for coming out today. This is a bummer because it's always one of the best stops on our tour. You guys are the best singers in Europe.
In our exclusive video he was asked by the crowd of around a hundred revellers if other band members were coming out and he said: "Billie will eventually come out. He's not going to live there at the hotel forever. At the end of the day we're here cause we want to play."
Questioned when they were coming back he said: "If I knew. Let me book it real quick. I just knew it was a safety issue. That's all I know. Let's do a group picture."
The band had earlier hit out on Facebook after their gig was cancelled.
 The American Idiot singers wrote to fans online: “Glasgow, we are very sad to report our show today at Bellahouston Park has been cancelled.
“The local safety council, production crew, and concert organisers have deemed the stage unsafe for the fans and everyone involved.
“We are very distraught about this as we are in Glasgow now and were very much looking forward to this as one the highlights of our tour."
They added: “We’ve been playing in extreme weather conditions throughout this European tour, and the last thing we want to do is see a show cancelled.
“We love our Scottish fans and we don’t care if its raining f*****g sideways, although the safety of our fans and our crew is always our top priority.
“We love you Scotland, we love the city of Glasgow and it goes without saying that WE WILL BE BACK!”
Billie Joe Armstrong also recorded a video on Instagram saying: “Hello Glasgow kids, Scotland. This is a bummer — we really wanted to play.
“Right now I can actually hear people gathering out front of our hotel. I heard you singing Still Breathing, which was beautiful.”

Promoter PCL said of the cancelled gig: "Due to adverse weather conditions it is no longer safe for the bands to perform on stage and unfortunately today’s show will be cancelled. Tickets will be refunded.”
“Adverse weather conditions overnight and throughout the morning, during the bands’ scheduled load-in, led to issues on stage.
“A meeting between the on-site health and safety, event management, the artists’ representatives and promoters concluded it would be unsafe in the timescale to proceed with the event.”
Support bands Slaves, The Skids and Rancid were also due to play before Green Day took to the stage.
The drama has caused a whole load of controversy on and offline with many fans and workers being left out of pocket.
Extracts of this article have since appeared in the Daily Record
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

TRNSMT: TOP TIPS AND LINE UP FOR GLASGOW FESTIVAL GOERS

REVELLERS at TRNSMT festival are being advised not to bring bags to the event.
The festival kicks off later this week for three days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and event organisers DF Concert have issued a helpful guide with some top tips on how to make the most of the fest.
BAGS
Bags larger than an A3 piece of paper (30cm  by 42cm) will not be allowed at the event and those who need to bring a bag will have to queue in separate lanes and may be delayed.
BANNED
Other banned items at the fest include glass, flag poles, selfie sticks, nitrous oxide aka ‘laughing gas’, laser pens, air horns, multi-tools or flares.. (not the ones you wear).
Illegal drugs are obviously a no no and even “legal highs” are now against the law – so you'll have to get high on the atmosphere if you don't want to be stopped on the way in.
With a brilliant line up including Radiohead, Kasabian, The 1975 and Biffy Clyro over the three days it shouldn't be too hard.

Partner agencies Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Transport Scotland, are also encouraging you to log onto www.TRNSMTfest.com/info ahead of the festival for answers to a variety of FAQ’s.
PLAN
They'd like you to plan your journey in advance and where possible use public transport as there are limited car parking spaces in the city centre. There's a whole load of info regarding this on the site.
OPENING TIMES
o Friday Doors Open 14.30 Curfew: 23.55
o Saturday Doors Open: 12.30 Curfew: 23.00
o Sunday Doors Open: 12.30 Curfew: 23.00
DRINKING
If you plan to drink alcohol – know your limits.
· Keep hydrated, well fed, and don’t leave your drink unattended. There are water points around the festival site and bottled water is available at bars. Drink between half a pint to a pint of water an hour.
· Check out www.drinkaware.co.uk for more information.
CLOTHING
The Scottish weather is  ever unpredictable  so wear appropriate clothing (rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, diving suit etc) and apply sun-screen if necessary. If you need help with anything, there are Help Points. Stewards and welfare staff are there to help keep you safe. If you or your friends need assistance at any time, don’t hesitate to ask.
· Consider arranging a meeting point with friends within the festival site in case you get separated. For example, Nelson’s Monument in the middle of the festival site (although everyone might meet there now that we've said that)
· Look after your hearing. Take regular breaks from loud music, and don’t stand too close to the speakers. Disposable earplugs will be available from the welfare tent.
 SECURITY
We're living in a funny ole world so if you see anything suspicious or anyone acting suspiciously then please report them to the nearest police officer, steward, or member of staff.
 There will be a significant security and police presence at TRNSMT. It’s possible that you will see some armed police, as in other locations around the city.


GETTING IN
· There are two entrances to the festival, an EAST and WEST entrance. We expect the WEST entrance to be very busy so consider reducing your queuing time by using the EAST entrance if you can.
Obviously make sure you have all necessities on hand including any medication you need and aside from that brig enough money but not too much to get lost. There are ATM machines on site so you'll be able to use your card or Apple Pay if you're stuck. Your ticket is also required! You'd be amazed by how many people forget that.
BE GREEN
Glasgow Green is a beautiful little oasis in the city centre so try to keep it as nice as you found it. There are enough toilets in town and at the site to use so you don't have to wee on the street - and remember that people live nearby too - so leave the really loud singing to the bands in the way home unless you want to give us a good giggle. We might even video you and embarrass you when you're sober.
Tickets for TRNSMT are on sale NOW from www.TRNSMTfest.com
 Brought you from Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

THE LEGENDARY JACKSONS ON A TIMELESS GLASGOW TRIP

IT'S half a century since the then tiny vocal group The Jackson Five first entered the professional music scene but their songs and dance moves remained timeless as they played to a packed house at Glasgow's 02 Academy.

Now a four piece, singers Jackie, 66, and Markon ,60 and vocalist/guitarist Tito, 63 and vocalist/bassist Jermaine, 62 might be more grandfathers of soul these days but their super funky energy was still there.
A super beat filled DJ set by former Corrie star Craig Charles and the opening strains of ABC on film gave us a taster of what was in store.

As the US superstars shimmied on stage wearing their black and silver sequinned outfits for Can You Feel It followed by Blame It On the Boogie the audience erupted into a sea of dancing limbs. All we needed was a giant disco ball.
As beads of sweat began to collectively gather in the performers and audience, the pace was slowed down for the smooth Rock With You before more choreography during Enjoy Yourself.

It was touching to see the video backdrop play the original routines with an innocently youthful looking band dressed in all white in the background.
Without the legendary Michael, who was undoubtedly there in spirit, and now youngest brother Randy who is not in the current line up, the brothers Jackson were still a veritable force who pleased at every turn.
Video messages from family members provided a brief respite for everyone before the hits rolled like an ever running tap with a medley of anthems like ABC, I Want You Back, and Never Can Say Goodbye.
Michael passed away almost exactly eight years ago and the brothers beautiful rendition of Gone Too Soon touched everyone in the hall.
The Jacksons are an important part of global musical history and it was a privilege to watch them.