Freed from bondage

If Siouxsie Sioux was the dark, feline, icy ying of female punk, then Poly Styrene was the awkward, loud and colourful yang.

Poly, born Marianne Elliot-Said and the former singer with the X-Ray Spex, has died at the age of 53.

Closing the pop mart

U2 is the biggest band in the world. If ticket sales are the measure, then The Edge and pals overtook The Rolling Stones earlier this week. So they really should be at the height of their powers. In fact, it could be argued they’re all but finished.

Anything you can do ...

So Ronan Keating says he intends to make acting his full time career. I wonder what has led him to this decision. Could it be the string of BAFTAs, Oliviers and Academy Awards he has already attracted for his searing and heartfelt performances in a string of cutting edge dramas? No, frankly.