‘Björk said it should sound like the Cantina band!’: the enduring influence of Star Wars’ bizarre jazz group
It’s been cited as an inspiration by everyone from Coldplay to Animal Collective. Musicians discuss why one of Star Wars’ most iconic scenes became such a phenomenon
June 2020
Other lives
Ian Willmore obituary
Other Lives: Campaigner and PR person for various pressure groups
March 2020
How we made
Ash: how we made Girl from Mars
‘The producer said “Let’s go to a charity shop and get some women’s clothes!” We thought “This is what bands do”’
July 2018
From Do the Right Thing to Swimming Pool: culture's hottest heatwaves
Tension simmers, passions rage and things are never the same again. We pick the books, film and music in which heatwaves inspire race riots, sexual abandon – and even a chainsaw massacre
November 2016
Shiiine On Weekender – Bez's pool party, Britpop bastions and middle-aged boozers
For one weekend in November, the Minehead Butlins turns into an idyll for forgotten indie tribes, with performances from the Bluetones, Ash, Dodgy, the Wonder Stuff, Black Grape, Shed 7, er, the Clone Roses, and more
July 2016
Readers recommend
Readers recommend playlist: songs about hobbies
A regular reader who posts as sonofwebcore has picked a playlist from your nominations, with songs from Shonen Knife, Frank Sidebottom and the Fall in the list
June 2015
How have last-minute Glastonbury headliners fared?
Following Florence + the Machine’s promotion to the top slot at Glastonbury 2015, we take a look at the substitutes who’ve seized the moment – or been beaten by the big occasion
July 2013
London gigs are rubbish
Flying piss, cross-armed crowds and silly fads – gigs in the capital aren't much fun. The best music experiences lie outside the M25
December 2012
Tim Wheeler and Emmy the Great – review
New music
New music video: Emmy the Great and Tim Wheeler – Zombie Christmas
December 2011
Emmy the Great and Tim Wheeler: Present … This Is Christmas – review
Too much 80s pop and too little of what they do best mars this effort, reckons Michael Hann
November 2011
New music
New music: Emmy the Great and Tim Wheeler – Home for the Holidays
Michael Cragg: Yes, it's more twee than a Christmas twee, but at least these two know their way around a melody
October 2011
Were Ash the quintessential teen band?
Pubes on fire. Recording their bassist throwing up for a secret track. Tunes. Ash were fun and real says Harriet Gibsone
March 2011
Bloc Party guitarist rises from the Ash
Russell Lissack's departure from Ash prompts speculation Bloc Party will reconvene, writes Sean Michaels
December 2010
Ashes fans guide to Australia
Ashes fans' guide: Sydney's new drinking dens
Whether you're in Sydney to celebrate the new year or to watch England crown their Ashes glory next week, you can now do it in a clutch of small, cosy bars
October 2010
Lion attacks Bloc Party guitarist
Cuddly cub took a nibble of Russell Lissack during Ash tour of South Africa
April 2010
Anatomy of a band website
Greenslade
Airport bans the Daily Star for second day
March 2010
Bloc Party's Russell Lissack to play back-up for Ash
A teenage dream comes true as the floppy-fringed guitarist joins the Northern Irish trio on their upcoming UK tour
November 2009
Ash go back to their roots
No more albums and no more big venues for Ash – their latest tour takes in rock's less well-known hotspots, writes Alexis Petridis
