Sparkles
@throughsilver.bsky.social
I write. Sometimes longer form than social media, if you're (un)lucky. Cultural theory! Trash! Thrash! Love MMA but hate what the UFC has become. 🍉
I've had two gigs in two nights - and survived at my ripe old age.
Pics probably to follow.
#billieeilish
#leonbridges
#gettingold
Pics probably to follow.
#billieeilish
#leonbridges
#gettingold
July 25, 2025 at 10:13 AM
I've had two gigs in two nights - and survived at my ripe old age.
Pics probably to follow.
#billieeilish
#leonbridges
#gettingold
Pics probably to follow.
#billieeilish
#leonbridges
#gettingold
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
IDF doing a lot of "regret" and a lot of "review" at the moment, but they're still killing multiple children every day.
Governments around the world continue not to act.
IDF doing a lot of "regret" and a lot of "review" at the moment, but they're still killing multiple children every day.
Governments around the world continue not to act.
Israeli missile hits Gaza children collecting water, IDF blames malfunction
The Israeli military said it intended to hit an Islamic Jihad militant in the area, but that a malfunction had caused the missile to fall "dozens of metres from the target."
www.reuters.com
July 13, 2025 at 3:30 PM
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
IDF doing a lot of "regret" and a lot of "review" at the moment, but they're still killing multiple children every day.
Governments around the world continue not to act.
IDF doing a lot of "regret" and a lot of "review" at the moment, but they're still killing multiple children every day.
Governments around the world continue not to act.
www.nme.com/news/music/m...
This is actually quite sad. I would ordinarily be hating on a festival for removing Vylan. But to read that Radar didn't want to, but were pressured into it does get me in the feels a bit.
They were a headliner, and bigger now than ever.
This is actually quite sad. I would ordinarily be hating on a festival for removing Vylan. But to read that Radar didn't want to, but were pressured into it does get me in the feels a bit.
They were a headliner, and bigger now than ever.
Manchester Radar Festival forced to remove Bob Vylan: "I cannot express clearly enough that I wanted them to perform"
Radar Festival has said it was forced to remove Bob Vylan from the line-up following their controversial Glastonbury 2025 performance.
www.nme.com
July 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
www.nme.com/news/music/m...
This is actually quite sad. I would ordinarily be hating on a festival for removing Vylan. But to read that Radar didn't want to, but were pressured into it does get me in the feels a bit.
They were a headliner, and bigger now than ever.
This is actually quite sad. I would ordinarily be hating on a festival for removing Vylan. But to read that Radar didn't want to, but were pressured into it does get me in the feels a bit.
They were a headliner, and bigger now than ever.
It's all part of the sleight of hand. "Vylifying" musicians merely amplifies UK's impotence in the face of real genocide.
July 3, 2025 at 7:12 PM
It's all part of the sleight of hand. "Vylifying" musicians merely amplifies UK's impotence in the face of real genocide.
While we're removing sets from the #bbc #glastonbury archive, can we also delete the set by the 1975?
Once a mediocre band who at least had interesting stage chat, they are now a mediocre band who shies away from "being political" when they have the biggest stage of all. Literally.
Pathetic.
Once a mediocre band who at least had interesting stage chat, they are now a mediocre band who shies away from "being political" when they have the biggest stage of all. Literally.
Pathetic.
July 3, 2025 at 7:05 PM
While we're removing sets from the #bbc #glastonbury archive, can we also delete the set by the 1975?
Once a mediocre band who at least had interesting stage chat, they are now a mediocre band who shies away from "being political" when they have the biggest stage of all. Literally.
Pathetic.
Once a mediocre band who at least had interesting stage chat, they are now a mediocre band who shies away from "being political" when they have the biggest stage of all. Literally.
Pathetic.
Sounds like BS to me. Vylan were (in a crude and self defeating way) challenging the genocidal war machine that is the IDF.
If this shadow minister is conflating the IDF with British Jewish people, then he's not well tethered to reality, and really being quite dangerous.
If this shadow minister is conflating the IDF with British Jewish people, then he's not well tethered to reality, and really being quite dangerous.
"This matters a lot... it's about the safety of a sieged minority, of Jewish people, here in the UK."
Shadow Work and Pensions Minister Danny Kruger says Glastonbury and the BBC have questions to answer.
#Newsnight
Shadow Work and Pensions Minister Danny Kruger says Glastonbury and the BBC have questions to answer.
#Newsnight
July 2, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Sounds like BS to me. Vylan were (in a crude and self defeating way) challenging the genocidal war machine that is the IDF.
If this shadow minister is conflating the IDF with British Jewish people, then he's not well tethered to reality, and really being quite dangerous.
If this shadow minister is conflating the IDF with British Jewish people, then he's not well tethered to reality, and really being quite dangerous.
Reposted by Sparkles
While our media lose their minds over what people say on stage at concerts…
Gaza: At least 80 killed in strikes as Israel warns people to evacuate north
www.channel4.com/news/gaza-at...
www.channel4.com/news/gaza-at...
Gaza: At least 80 killed in strikes as Israel warns people to evacuate north
The latest assault by Israel on Gaza has seen at least 80 people killed in airstrikes as Israel stepped up its military campaign in one of the most lethal 24-hour periods since the ceasefire ended in ...
www.channel4.com
June 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
While our media lose their minds over what people say on stage at concerts…
It was a stupid chant. But the IDF is actually causing death to a lot of people, in numerous countries.
Maybe the drama fest that is modern media could address that.
Maybe the UK government could proscribe the IDF rather than pile on Vylan.
Maybe the drama fest that is modern media could address that.
Maybe the UK government could proscribe the IDF rather than pile on Vylan.
BBC says it ‘should have pulled’ Glastonbury live stream of Bob Vylan anti-IDF chants
BBC says it ‘should have pulled’ Glastonbury live stream of Bob Vylan anti-IDF chants
Broadcaster says footage from festival contained ‘utterly unacceptable’ antisemitic sentiments
The BBC has said it should have cut the live stream of Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance, saying it contained “utterly unacceptable” antisemitic sentiments.
The corporation and its director general, Tim Davie, have come under significant pressure from Keir Starmer and ministers following the broadcast on Saturday in which the musician Bobby Vylan of the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan led chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
June 30, 2025 at 10:55 AM
It was a stupid chant. But the IDF is actually causing death to a lot of people, in numerous countries.
Maybe the drama fest that is modern media could address that.
Maybe the UK government could proscribe the IDF rather than pile on Vylan.
Maybe the drama fest that is modern media could address that.
Maybe the UK government could proscribe the IDF rather than pile on Vylan.
Being an adult... Went to London Wednesday-Thursday. Now in London Saturday-Sunday.
Back up north yesterday.
At least this is for a fun reason (#ironmaiden) rather than a less fun one (#work).
Back up north yesterday.
At least this is for a fun reason (#ironmaiden) rather than a less fun one (#work).
June 28, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Being an adult... Went to London Wednesday-Thursday. Now in London Saturday-Sunday.
Back up north yesterday.
At least this is for a fun reason (#ironmaiden) rather than a less fun one (#work).
Back up north yesterday.
At least this is for a fun reason (#ironmaiden) rather than a less fun one (#work).
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
If it's this easy to proscribe an organisation for... putting paint on things, why's it taking so long to proscribe the IDF for genocide and illegal strikes on numerous sovereign states?
If it's this easy to proscribe an organisation for... putting paint on things, why's it taking so long to proscribe the IDF for genocide and illegal strikes on numerous sovereign states?
Government to ban Palestine Action, home secretary confirms
The announcement comes as the group holds a protest in central London.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 23, 2025 at 12:50 PM
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
If it's this easy to proscribe an organisation for... putting paint on things, why's it taking so long to proscribe the IDF for genocide and illegal strikes on numerous sovereign states?
If it's this easy to proscribe an organisation for... putting paint on things, why's it taking so long to proscribe the IDF for genocide and illegal strikes on numerous sovereign states?
Do we do pics on here? I'm in the midst of a ton of gigs, so wondering aloud if this is mainly for text or if you like pretty pictures of distant musicians.
June 23, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Do we do pics on here? I'm in the midst of a ton of gigs, so wondering aloud if this is mainly for text or if you like pretty pictures of distant musicians.
Reposted by Sparkles
the story today is of a profoundly low energy military parade being met with millions of americans in nationwide protests denouncing the dictatorial pretensions of the president
June 15, 2025 at 1:11 AM
the story today is of a profoundly low energy military parade being met with millions of americans in nationwide protests denouncing the dictatorial pretensions of the president
Reposted by Sparkles
What N. Ireland is experiencing right now is a form of state media censorhip to cover up the overwhelming level of paramilitary involvement in the far-right, white supremacist riots that have swept the North. While cameras and narratives focus on the 'youths' - the men in the shadows .. [1/n]
June 13, 2025 at 7:46 AM
What N. Ireland is experiencing right now is a form of state media censorhip to cover up the overwhelming level of paramilitary involvement in the far-right, white supremacist riots that have swept the North. While cameras and narratives focus on the 'youths' - the men in the shadows .. [1/n]
Reposted by Sparkles
Donald Trump’s martial rhetoric has portrayed a nation that is all but on the brink of war—with itself.
nyer.cm/6BVIvzS
nyer.cm/6BVIvzS
June 13, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Donald Trump’s martial rhetoric has portrayed a nation that is all but on the brink of war—with itself.
nyer.cm/6BVIvzS
nyer.cm/6BVIvzS
Further to what I just wrote, they actually had Horace Andy and Elizabeth Fraser singing the songs they originally sang.
The production is amazing.
And the impact and clarity of the on screen messages were shockingly effective.
#massiveattack
The production is amazing.
And the impact and clarity of the on screen messages were shockingly effective.
#massiveattack
June 7, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Further to what I just wrote, they actually had Horace Andy and Elizabeth Fraser singing the songs they originally sang.
The production is amazing.
And the impact and clarity of the on screen messages were shockingly effective.
#massiveattack
The production is amazing.
And the impact and clarity of the on screen messages were shockingly effective.
#massiveattack
It needs mentioning that, despite not releasing an album in a decade and a half, #massiveattack are probably the best British band currently operating.
Live, they are astonishingly good. Their set is full of absolute bangers. Their sound is still evolving. Their political messaging is unrivalled.
Live, they are astonishingly good. Their set is full of absolute bangers. Their sound is still evolving. Their political messaging is unrivalled.
June 7, 2025 at 8:22 PM
It needs mentioning that, despite not releasing an album in a decade and a half, #massiveattack are probably the best British band currently operating.
Live, they are astonishingly good. Their set is full of absolute bangers. Their sound is still evolving. Their political messaging is unrivalled.
Live, they are astonishingly good. Their set is full of absolute bangers. Their sound is still evolving. Their political messaging is unrivalled.
Finally saw the new #fugazi film - "We are Fugazi from Washington DC"
Worth the wait (and the trip to Stockport).
Only slight issue is the focus on really early songs, even on the later footage.
We get Red Medicine songs talked over, but no full performance of them. Bit of a shame.
Worth the wait (and the trip to Stockport).
Only slight issue is the focus on really early songs, even on the later footage.
We get Red Medicine songs talked over, but no full performance of them. Bit of a shame.
May 19, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Finally saw the new #fugazi film - "We are Fugazi from Washington DC"
Worth the wait (and the trip to Stockport).
Only slight issue is the focus on really early songs, even on the later footage.
We get Red Medicine songs talked over, but no full performance of them. Bit of a shame.
Worth the wait (and the trip to Stockport).
Only slight issue is the focus on really early songs, even on the later footage.
We get Red Medicine songs talked over, but no full performance of them. Bit of a shame.
"I'm popin' here!"
Pope Leo XIV — born in Chicago, IL — is the first American pope in history.
May 8, 2025 at 6:57 PM
"I'm popin' here!"
That Earth album is unbelievable. I ended up with two copies of the original pressing. #southernlord
WEEKLY PLAYLIST:
Ft. Earth, Coil, The Sick Man Of Europe, Vashti Bunyan, Cloth, Maria Somerville, John Cooper Clarke, Rilo Kiley, Julie Doiron, Wilco, and more.
www.normanrecords.com/features/bes...
Ft. Earth, Coil, The Sick Man Of Europe, Vashti Bunyan, Cloth, Maria Somerville, John Cooper Clarke, Rilo Kiley, Julie Doiron, Wilco, and more.
www.normanrecords.com/features/bes...
April 24, 2025 at 1:50 PM
That Earth album is unbelievable. I ended up with two copies of the original pressing. #southernlord
Well, I saw #kamasiwashington and band, finally. It was a pretty transcendent show. You could watch any of the players and appreciate their magnificence.
Plus, just the positive attitude and love emanating from the stage - and reciprocated - was much needed in a world that is currently a mess.
Plus, just the positive attitude and love emanating from the stage - and reciprocated - was much needed in a world that is currently a mess.
April 12, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Well, I saw #kamasiwashington and band, finally. It was a pretty transcendent show. You could watch any of the players and appreciate their magnificence.
Plus, just the positive attitude and love emanating from the stage - and reciprocated - was much needed in a world that is currently a mess.
Plus, just the positive attitude and love emanating from the stage - and reciprocated - was much needed in a world that is currently a mess.
Did we ever find out what she'd look like with a chimney on her?
April 6, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Did we ever find out what she'd look like with a chimney on her?
Were the Lady Gaga tickets always this much, or is this just what's left/"dynamic"?
I stopped looking after @ticketmaster.com wet the bed on presale.
#ladygaga
I stopped looking after @ticketmaster.com wet the bed on presale.
#ladygaga
April 4, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Were the Lady Gaga tickets always this much, or is this just what's left/"dynamic"?
I stopped looking after @ticketmaster.com wet the bed on presale.
#ladygaga
I stopped looking after @ticketmaster.com wet the bed on presale.
#ladygaga
I'll try not to spam you. But it is nice to blog again. "Enjoy"!
Live Review: Crowbar, 6 March 2025
Just trying to get back into the swing of writing about gigs, after recently getting back into the swing of attending them. The most recent (I may go back and retrospectively add the rest, with retconned posting dates and everything, if I manage to overcome my pretty constant indolence) was ostensibly headlined by Brummie grindcore legends Napalm Death, but to be honest I was really there for equally legendary New Orleans "don't call us sludge" sludge icons Crowbar.
throughsilver.com
March 22, 2025 at 10:16 PM
I'll try not to spam you. But it is nice to blog again. "Enjoy"!
I actually love the Scylla and Charybdis reference at the end of #newscast on BBC. Are they on here? Paddy O'Connell?
At risk of sounding like Frasier, I use the reference myself at times.
At risk of sounding like Frasier, I use the reference myself at times.
March 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
I actually love the Scylla and Charybdis reference at the end of #newscast on BBC. Are they on here? Paddy O'Connell?
At risk of sounding like Frasier, I use the reference myself at times.
At risk of sounding like Frasier, I use the reference myself at times.
Currently watching a recorded #pointless episode, and this round comes up! Made for me.
Two are pointless, two scored points and two are red herrings.
Would you have got them?
Love #seinfeld
Two are pointless, two scored points and two are red herrings.
Would you have got them?
Love #seinfeld
March 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Currently watching a recorded #pointless episode, and this round comes up! Made for me.
Two are pointless, two scored points and two are red herrings.
Would you have got them?
Love #seinfeld
Two are pointless, two scored points and two are red herrings.
Would you have got them?
Love #seinfeld