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The Birth of a Classic George Thorogood, songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist, recalls the creation of his iconic song 'Bad to the Bone'. Before the song's release, Thorogood's band played obscure blues songs, but they wanted to create an original hit. The Inspiration Behind 'Bad to the Bone' Thorogood explains that the song is a male fantasy, where every guy wants to be 'bad'. He drew inspiration from Hollywood movies, tough guys like Bernardo from West Side Story, and Howlin' Wolf, whom his band opened for in 1974. The Songwriting Process Thorogood followed Johnny Cash's advice for songwriters: writing down rhyming words and working around them. He started with 'bone' and incorporated 'bad', which meant 'cool' in his neighborhood. The Song's Early Days The band shopped the song to Muddy Waters, but his manager rejected it, saying Muddy wouldn't record a blues song by a white guy. Thorogood and his band rehearsed the song to make recording efficient and minimize costs. The Rise to Fame 'Bad to the Bone' took off when classic rock radio stations began playing it, placing it alongside songs by Led Zeppelin, Steve Miller, and The Rolling Stones. Young listeners considered it a classic. Terminator 2 and Arnold Schwarzenegger The song gained further popularity when it appeared in Terminator 2. Arnold Schwarzenegger called Thorogood, saying in his Terminator voice: 'Your song. Give it to me. Now.' The Legacy of 'Bad to the Bone' Thorogood reflects on the song's impact, stating it's an over-masculine chuckle and not to be taken seriously. The song brings out the 'lion in the mouse', and its popularity endures to this day. Jeff Simon's Perspective Jeff Simon, the band's drummer, shares his experience of recording 'Bad to the Bone'. He recalls George working on the song and the band's blues influences.

The Critical Rocket Shortage for Space Data CentersThe apparently insatiable demand for AI compute has data center entrepreneurs looking to the stars. However, there's a key bottleneck: There aren't enough rockets to put data centers in orbit around the Earth, and they're too expensive. Most industry players are banking on SpaceX's Starship or Blue Origin's New Glenn, but these solutions may not be commercially available for years.Cowboy Space's Bold Rocket Development StrategyBaiju Bhatt, CEO and founder of Cowboy Space Corporation, has announced a different approach: "We're standing up our own rocket program." He expects the first launch before the end of 2028. The company, originally launched in 2024 as Aetherflux with plans to collect solar energy in space, has pivoted to focus on space data centers, which led to the development of its own rocket program and a new name.$275 Million Funding at $2 Billion ValuationToday, Cowboy Space announced the closure of a $275 million Series B round at a post-money valuation of $2 billion, led by Index Ventures. Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Construct Capital, IVP, and SAIC also participated. This substantial funding will serve as a downpayment on the company's ambitious rocket development program aimed at solving the launch capacity crisis for space data centers.Industry Transformation Through Vertical IntegrationCowboy Space's decision to develop its own rockets represents a significant shift in the space industry. While bringing rocket development in-house is logical, it's also extremely challenging—only a handful of private companies in the West, mainly SpaceX, Rocket Lab and Arianespace, are consistently launching commercial rockets. By building its rockets specifically for data center deployment, Cowboy Space enters direct competition with industry giants SpaceX and Blue Origin while addressing a critical bottleneck in the AI compute supply chain.The Future of Orbital Data Centers by 2030Cowboy Space plans to build its data centers directly into the second stage of its rockets, a design approach reminiscent of the first US satellite, Explorer 1. Each satellite is expected to have a mass of 20,000 to 25,000 kilograms and generate 1 MW of power for nearly 800 onboard GPUs. The company's rocket would be slightly more powerful than SpaceX's Falcon 9 but smaller than its Starship. With industry veterans from Blue Origin and SpaceX on board, Cowboy Space aims to have its first operational system ready before the end of 2028, potentially revolutionizing how AI compute is delivered in the coming decade.

The Electrifying Stage Presence of Angine de Poitrine Quebec duo Angine de Poitrine recently made their UK debut, and it was an event to remember. The band, known for their outrageous polka dot outfits and oversized headpieces, brought their unique sound to a sold-out crowd. The stage, drum kit, and even some fans were adorned with polka dots, creating a visually stunning experience. A Musical Mashup Like No Other Angine de Poitrine's music is a weirdly hypnotic blend of math rock, prog rock, punk, and microtonal loops. Their sound is characterized by jerkily repetitive rhythms, twiddly guitar bits, and occasional mechanical “wooo” or “oggy oggy oggy” emissions. The result is a truly extraterrestrial hard rock experience. The Impact of Their Live Performance The band's live show is a testament to their fearsome musicianship and infectious energy. The audience was completely entranced, with many fans participating in matching pyramid shapes with their hands and bouncing up and down in unison. The performance culminated in a frenzied climax, leaving everyone with huge grins on their faces and a tiny pyramid in their heart. What's Next for Angine de Poitrine? Angine de Poitrine's UK debut was a huge success, with several bigger shows already sold out for this autumn. Fans can look forward to more of their unique sound and outrageous style in the coming months. The band's website has a list of upcoming tour dates.

The Unmasking of Angine de Poitrine Angine de Poitrine, the mysterious band that has taken the music world by storm, has finally been unmasked. The duo, known for their alien-like appearance and unique sound, have been making waves with their music and captivating live performances. The Band's Beginnings Khn and Klek, the two musicians behind the masks, met 21 years ago in their hometown of Saguenay, Quebec. They bonded over their shared love of music and began playing together, experimenting with different sounds and styles. Their Unique Sound Angine de Poitrine's music is a fusion of different influences, including prog rock, microtonal musicianship, and industrial sounds. Their live performances, complete with handmade papier-mache masks, have captivated audiences and earned them a loyal following. The Masks and the Mystery The masks, which have become an integral part of their image, were initially made from papier-mache and had to be replaced due to wear and tear. The duo's decision to remain anonymous has added to their mystique, with fans speculating about their identities and backstory. The Future of Angine de Poitrine As Angine de Poitrine continues to gain popularity, Khn and Klek remain committed to their music and their art. Despite the hype and attention, they remain humble and focused on their craft, inspiring fans with their creativity and passion.

The Triumphant ReturnIn the gloom of an underlit Barrowlands stage, a man in black is holding a large inflatable phone to his ear and chanting these words: "SFA OK. SFA OK." The man is Gruff Rhys. The band is Super Furry Animals. And the song, Wherever I Lay My Phone (That's My Home), allows them to reintroduce themselves at this, their second gig after 10 years away.Not that they need much introducing. This Glasgow date sold out fast, mostly thanks to fans – going by the age of the crowd – who loved them first time around. Signed to Creation, the label flush with Oasis money, they came to prominence in the mid-90s goldrush.The Britpop OutsidersAlan McGee thought he had found his own version of Blur, but their Welshness and weirdness put them at odds with Britpop orthodoxy. That madcap reputation has tended to obscure what they really are: a formidable songwriting force.Confirmation of their immense skill and range comes when they perform Run! Christian, Run! followed by Juxtapozed with U. The former is 70s-style country rock, the latter an immaculately crafted soul tune. Both are wonderful.The Vocal MasteryIt doesn't get said enough that Rhys is a beautiful singer. Live performance makes this clear. His voice is essentially mournful, but the songs are so sweet with melody that the impression is of Eeyore transcendent – becoming Tigger through the transforming power of pop.He's not much of a showman. Likewise the rest of the band. Mostly they let the songs sell themselves. Yet they have their moments. At the noisy climax of Receptacle for the Respectable, Rhys, Huw Bunford and Guto Pryce gather centre stage, guitars aloft, and press the necks together. It's a bit Status Quo, a bit rutting giraffe, more than a bit thrilling.The Epic PerformanceAs the two-hour show builds to its peak, they lean into epics: Mountain People, Slow Life and, of course, traditional set-closer The Man Don't Give A Fuck, extended tonight to 12 minutes. A singalong protest song against whatever evils of the world you want it to be about, it has lost none of its cathartic anger and vulgar cheer.The Road AheadThe Super Furry Animals have announced additional dates following their successful Glasgow return. Fans can catch them at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, 14 and 15 May; before they continue touring the UK. This reunion not only satisfies longtime fans but also introduces a new generation to their unique musical blend that defies easy categorization.

The Defiant Sound of Queer ResistanceFor queer Malaysian punk band Shh … Diam!, every live gig is a small miracle. Their name translates as "Shut up!", a powerful and defiant cry in a country rife with homophobia. Favouring distorted riffs, heavy drums and swaggering lyrics, the band's powerful sound seeks to drown out the noise of prejudice and discrimination. Their courage, as well as their simple joie de vivre, thrum through Yihwen Chen's documentary portrait. Shot over six years, the film charts the monumental changes undergone by the band members and their home nation.Voices of the MarginalizedAlways ready with a joke, lead singer and guitarist Faris is a proud trans man. Rejected by his own family, the charismatic performer finds a safe haven with his bandmates Yon and Yoyo, and their audience. Their songs turn up the volume on issues faced by the queer community, and also bristle with an anarchic sense of humour. One particularly tongue-in-cheek tune is titled Lonely Lesbian; a title taken from a hostile rightwing article citing ways to spot a lesbian, its playful and defiant lyrics reconfigure homophobic ideology into satire, an act of rebellious subversion cloaked in irony.Music as ActivismThe band's activism extends from the stage on to the streets, as the members join in pro-democracy and queer rights protests. Faris is filled with optimism when, for the first time in 60 years, the conservative Barisan Nasional was defeated in 2018, but joy would later turn to anger when the party returned to power as part of a coalition in 2022. Despite the pessimism triggered by the cycles of electoral politics, Chen's film prioritises hope, foregrounding moments of personal triumph, such as Faris's top surgery and Yoyo's beautiful wedding to her girlfriend. Political parties might come and go, but people's power seems to rock on.Cultural Impact and RepresentationQueer as Punk offers a rare glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Malaysia, a country where queer identities remain largely marginalized. The documentary not only captures the band's musical journey but also serves as a testament to resilience and community building in the face of systemic discrimination. By amplifying voices that are often silenced, the film contributes to a broader global conversation about queer rights and representation in media.The Future of Queer CinemaAs Queer as Punk makes its way to UK cinemas from May 15, it arrives at a time when queer stories are gaining more visibility in mainstream cinema. The film's focus on punk music as a vehicle for social commentary highlights the intersection of music, activism, and identity. For audiences, particularly those unfamiliar with Malaysia's cultural landscape, the documentary offers both education and entertainment, demonstrating how art can be a powerful tool for social change.

The Rise of a Provocative Comedy StarOnce in a while, you get to see a legend at the absolute top of their game," booms a voice at the beginning of Robby Hoffman's Netflix special, Wake Up, welcoming her to the stage. High praise indeed – especially since the voice is that of the leading US comedian John Mulaney, who directed the special, and who clearly thinks this 36-year-old New Yorker is one of the hottest talents around.Over the last year, Hoffman's star has risen at a stunning pace. She is currently on TV in Rooster, a college campus comedy starring Steve Carell, as well as the fifth season of the critically acclaimed sitcom Hacks. This is only her second season as talent agency assistant Randi, but last year the role earned her an Emmy nomination.From Religious Upbringing to Hollywood Success"Last week, I was a Hassidic Lubavitch Jew living in Crown Heights, New York," was Hoffman's first line as Randi. "Now I'm in LA, I'm gay and probably an atheist." Hoffman's own life has taken a similar about-turn after being thrust into the spotlight. Randi, a role that was created for her by writers Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs and Jen Statsky and draws on Hoffman's own background, has been "a life-changing part," she says on a video call from the home in Los Angeles that she shares with her wife, the reality TV star Gabby Windey.Home life in Montreal was chaotic, living in a house that was "so packed with so many people," Hoffman says. She would frequently get into physical fights with her brothers and "cried every single day … sometimes I was kicking and screaming on the floor." She got out as soon as she could, at 17, when she began renting a place of her own, taking on a part-time job to support herself through her Cégep, a type of pre-university college unique to Quebec.Awards, Recognition, and Controversial Comedy StyleAlthough Hoffman insists she isn't trying to offend ("I do think that a lot of my jokes are misinterpreted"), she also doesn't think being offended is the worst thing: "Being poor is." She's speaking from experience: she grew up in a family that relied on welfare payments, the seventh of 10 children.Wake Up includes gags about "disgusting" women ("always the hottest ones are sickest") and abortion ("we raise the age of abortion till 10, we got a lot of well-fucking-behaved kids on our hands"). Not to mention the jokes about paedophilia. But although her punchlines make some audience members bristle, "I just don't get to choose my thoughts," the comedian says. "I'm just sharing it with you. I wish I didn't know some of these things. I truly wish paedophilia was not something that I was introduced to or heard about. I think it's more democratic that I joke about everything, you know?"The Changing Landscape of ComedyThe comedian's proclivity for referring to women, including herself and her mother, as "bitches" is an aspect of her onstage coarseness that carries over into our call, in which she is otherwise much more mellow and thoughtful. Sure, she doesn't follow the typical Hollywood script of simpering self-deprecation, instead unapologetically backing herself and frequently talking about how great it is to be rich. But you get the impression that this is self-conscious gaucheness, a send-up of convention rather than outright rudeness."I come in hot," Hoffman admits – especially on stage. But she is not pretending to be something she's not – unlike, she says, supposedly "kind and nice" figures such as Will Smith, who was banned from the Oscars after slapping the comedian Chris Rock, or Ellen DeGeneres, whose talk show was cancelled after allegations that junior staff had been bullied.Future Prospects and Industry ImpactHoffman is endearingly grateful for her success. "Am I not living one of the greatest lives you've heard about?" she said during her recent appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. "I really do feel that," she says. When she started out in comedy, it felt like "such a risk" to pursue a career with no promise of financial stability: "It's becoming harder and harder to go from no money to money, so when we get one of our guys in, it always feels miraculous."She wishes it wasn't so miraculous – Hoffman is a Bernie Sanders supporter and believes "everybody's entitled to dignity." She resents being an example of someone who "did it" – got herself out of poverty via talent and determination. "You shouldn't have to be this special, you shouldn't have to be this talented," she says. Throughout her adolescence, she was "so sick of being poor," so focused on working hard at the Jewish private school for which her grandfather had helped her win a scholarship, then pursuing a degree in accounting.

Spying Allegations Rock Championship Playoff PreparationsThe English Football League has charged Southampton with misconduct after a club analyst allegedly filmed and recorded a pre‑match training session of Middlesbrough ahead of their playoff semi‑final first leg at the Riverside Stadium. Kim Hellberg, Middlesbrough’s head coach, says the club possesses strong CCTV evidence and that other Championship teams are reviewing any footage they can obtain.Financial Stakes Behind the ScandalThe playoff final offers an estimated £220m in additional revenue for the winner who secures promotion to the Premier League. Hellberg argues that a fine would be insufficient punishment for a club found guilty of spying, given the massive financial incentive at stake.Potential promotion revenue: £220mPrevious fines for similar offences: £200,000 (Leeds United, 2019)New EFL regulation allows fines, point deductions, or expulsion.League‑Wide Repercussions and New Anti‑Spying RulesThe case revives past scandals, including the 2024 Canada Women’s team ban and the 2019 Leeds United incident, prompting the EFL to introduce a specific anti‑spying rule. The upcoming independent disciplinary commission, chaired by a lawyer, will decide whether Southampton faces a fine, points deduction, or harsher sanction.What Comes Next for Southampton and the EFL?Southampton has pledged full cooperation but will not contest the charge, possibly framing the alleged analyst as an “intern acting alone.” The outcome will set a precedent for how the EFL polices competitive intelligence, and could influence how clubs safeguard training‑ground privacy in future seasons.

The Concept of Mixtape Mixtape, the second game from Melbourne-based studio Beethoven and Dinosaur, is a narrative adventure game about Stacy Rockford, a teenage girl in the fictional 90s American suburban town of Blue Moon Lagoon. The Gameplay Experience The game's soundtrack is Stacy's mixtape, which she explains and dissects with direct-to-camera addresses throughout the game. This is a work of magical realism, mixing together disparate gameplay elements and storytelling devices to explore a night of youthful excess as Stacy and her friends try to craft a perfect celebration. The Soundtrack The soundtrack features Roxy Music, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Portishead, the Jesus and Mary Chain and more than 20 other bands. Galvatron was inspired by the soundtrack to the 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko: “It’s not all these bands’ No 1 songs, it’s their deeper cuts.” The Nostalgia Mixtape is deeply rooted in a nostalgia for 80s and 90s US pop culture, despite being made by a 12-person team in Australia. The biggest touchpoints are the movies and music Galvatron enjoyed in his youth: Dazed and Confused, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, High Fidelity, Wayne’s World. The Future “I think one day we’ll make a game set in Australia,” Galvatron says. “But sometimes the game just tells you what it needs to be. The story drags you in one direction, and that’s where it took us.”