Moscow security department bans parade to honour Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst

May 16, 2014 21:04

An application for The Conchita Wurst March of Bearded Women and Men was rejected

Russian officials have banned a parade set to honour Eurovision winner, Austrian drag act Conchita Wurst.

The application for the Conchita Wurst March of Bearded Women and Men was denied by Moscow's security department, reports The Guardian. It was hoped that the parade would take place on May 27, to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the legalisation of homosexuality in Russia.

Billboard writes that a spokesperson for the security department said that the application for the march was rejected because of "concerns it would provoke clashes between gays and their opponents."

Conchita Wurst previously said that she hoped her Eurovision victory would help to spread a message of tolerance and respect around Europe. Wurst, real name Tom Neuwirth, was crowned winner of the 59th annual Eurovision Song Contest earlier this month. In Vienna she told reporters that the victory was not just personal, "but a victory for those people who believe in a future that can function without discrimination and is based on tolerance and respect".

The singer won the competition in Denmark capital Copenhagen with the song 'Rise Like a Phoenix', collecting 290 points. The Netherlands finished second with 238 points, with Sweden in third place with 218 points. After being crowned winner at the ceremony, Wurst shouted: "We are unity and we are unstoppable".

In Vienna, she explained: "That was obviously meant for certain politicians whom we all know". Asked if she was talking about Vladimir Putin, whose anti-gay laws in Russia have come under fierce criticism, Wurst said "among others".

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UK Eurovision entry to be an unknown artist

March 2, 2014 13:38

The act has been chosen in conjunction with BBC Introducing...

This year's UK Eurovision entry will be an unknown artist, it has been announced.

The BBC will reveal the United Kingdom entry into this year's contest, which will take place at the B&W Hallerne in Denmark on May 10, tomorrow night (March 3). The artist has been selected in conjunction with BBC Introducing.

The official BBC Eurovision Twitter, tweeted:

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: @scott_mills will premiere our UK act and song in a Red Button, iPlayer exclusive next Monday at 7.30pm

— BBC Eurovision (@bbceurovision) February 28, 2014

Guy Freeman, the executive producer for BBC Eurovision, explained the selection process. He said: "It’s clear there’s a disconnect between what kind of songs and artists are now winning Eurovision, versus the stereotype that many people – including much of the music industry - still hold in their minds. Yes, novelty songs and acts do still turn up in the show, provide great entertainment and make good press – but they don’t tend to win.

"So, early on in plans for 2014, we took the view that we needed a bespoke, contemporary song, written specifically to suit the conditions of the competition – rather than trying to get lucky with a pre-existing track from an artist."

He added: "In trying to practice that art, we all listened to a great many potential songs and looked at footage of a great many artists performing live. Nothing was quite right until we looked at a resource right under our nose: BBC Introducing. This is the gateway for undiscovered and unsigned music makers to upload their best tracks and get them heard and featured by the BBC. Some of the artists who’ve received BBC Introducing support at the start of their careers include Florence And The Machine, Ed Sheeran, Rizzle Kicks and Jake Bugg."

The UK's 2014 Eurovision entry will be announced on Monday (March 3) via the BBC red button.

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Black Sabbath guitarist pens Armenia's Eurovision song entry

Tony Iommi of British heavy metal group 'Heaven and Hell' on stage during concerts in Oslo June 4, 2009.

Credit: Reuters/Terje Bendiksby/Scanpix

LONDON | Wed Mar 6, 2013 5:35pm EST

LONDON (Reuters) - Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has written the music for Armenia's entry to the annual Eurovision Song Contest, bringing a heavy metal pioneer to an event described by the media as a "kitschfest" and "bad taste party".

The musician, a founding member of the influential British band, said the song called "Lonely Planet" was a "demo idea" which was eventually voted Armenia's Eurovision contender.

It is due to be performed by the Dorians in the semi-finals on May 16 in Malmo, Sweden, Iommi said.

Iommi has connections in Armenia as he was one of several rock stars who helped raise funds after a huge earthquake in 1988 killed 25,000 people and let tens of thousands homeless in the then Soviet Armenia.

He was given an order of honor by Armenia during a visit in 2009 and became involved in another project, to re-build a music school there.

Despite critical derision, Eurovision is watched by a television audience of tens of millions each year, and has helped launch the career of one of the biggest acts of all time, Abba, which won in 1974 with "Waterloo".

Last year's Eurovision Song Contest was held in Azerbaijan and won by Swedish act Loreen. The victory means Sweden hosts the competition this year.

Iommi has joined fellow founding members Ozzy Osbourne (vocals) and Geezer Butler (bass) to record Black Sabbath's first new album in 33 years, 13", which is due out in June.

Drummer Brad Wilk joined them after original band member Bill Ward pulled out of the reunion recording over a contract dispute.

The band's plans for a tour in 2012 were scaled back drastically after Iommi was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment for lymphoma.

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White, Editing by Belinda Goldsmith)

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