John Cleese explains the inspiration behind a classic Monty Python “Holy Grail” skit ahead of Toronto show

Cleese appears at Roy Thomson Hall on April 26 for “An Evening of Exceptional Silliness: Unique Lives and Experience.” By Nick Krewen Special to the Star And now for something completely different: John Cleese, how silly is your upcoming An Evening of Exceptional Silliness  Unique Lives and Experience appearance at Roy Thomson Hall going to be? Very, very silly or just semi-silly?  “I think semi-silly, probably,” responds the legendary British comedian and…


The Halluci Nation opens Toronto’s music venue, the TD Music Hall

“There’s not enough 500-seater rooms around. To see a new one opening is important for the music scene in general,” says Bear Witness. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star On Friday, downtown Toronto will welcome a brand new venue with a concert headlined by The Halluci Nation: TD Music Hall. Located on the fourth floor of the Allied Music Centre building and complex that connects to the revitalized Massey…


Hayden’s first solo album since 2015, Are We Good, was worth the wait.

‘Packed with several gems of emotional nuance and sly wit and humour, the album doesn’t stray too far fromthe low-fi, grassroots charm that Hayden first established. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Even when you enjoy a career as low key as Paul Hayden Desser and his music, eight years between albums is quite the delay. For the artist who plies his trade by his middle name –  Hayden –…


Depeche Mode’s death-tinged Memento Mori isn’t about the passing of Andrew Fletcher, Martin Gore says.

The Depeche Mode songwriter talks about the loss of Fletcher, hit song “Ghosts Again” and how it felt to turn 60 By Nick Krewen Special to the Star If the Depeche Mode video for their current hit song “Ghosts Again” offers  you a sense of déjà vu, you’re not alone. Directed by noted photographer and director Anton Corbijn,  the music video reflects the theme of the British electronic outfit’s 15th album Memento…


Hipgnosis made indelible album art for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and many more – now it’s immortalized in a documentary

With the doc Squaring the Circle and Pink Floyd exhibit Their Mortal Remains in Toronto, founder Aubrey “Po” Powell feels Hipgnosis is getting its due. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star British progressive rock legends Pink Floyd may be known for such masterpieces as Dark Side of The Moon and The Wall, but they also were directly responsible for launching the most distinctive, popular and influential creators of memorable…