Gymnastics by Jae Stephens out now for her debut album Audacity out September 25

BBC Radio 1 just dropped Happy for You and and Training Season from this Live Lounge session from 2 years ago.

Instrumental, live band Dua is my favourite Dua!

Enjoy!

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Following the news of Lionel Richie’s hospitalisation after a concert, it got me thinking about some recent examples of older performers going on stage when it appears it’s not in their best interest. For example, you may have seen videos of Frankie Valli and Gladys Knight in the last few months, or even videos of Rod Stewart struggling to get around on stage (and has recently had to cancel future dates due to health struggles). Whilst not in the same vain, it was clear that Whitney Houston was not ready to be back on stage (or at least performing consecutive dates) during her final tour.

Conversely, after being hospitalised, Madonna came back for the Celebration Tour which was a major success (though clearly not as agile as before, as to be expected with her ailments and age) so it can be done. Cher had been touring right up until 2020 also.

So it does make me wonder, when does it become exploitative for an older act to be on tour, rather than a legend who seems to be doing it because they want to (and the obvious financial benefits too?) - it seems that every so often we’ll see footage of a music icon struggling on stage when they should definitely be at home.