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At a small independent record store tucked away in a neat courtyard of shops next to St Albans’ famous cathedral, a vinyl record that one band is hoping could become the most expensive ever sold in the UK is about to be released.

Just one physical copy of prolific indie band The Pocket Gods’ latest album Vegetal Digital has been produced, going on sale at their hometown’s Empire Records for the rather large sum of £1 million.

With charts of the music industry’s “most expensives” usually throwing up world-renowned artists such as The Rolling Stones, Madonna and U2 (most expensive tours), and songs such as Michael and Janet Jackson’s 1995 hit Scream (most expensive music video of all time), it might seem an improbable feat.

The Pocket Gods are selling just one copy of their latest album Vegetal Digital for £1m at Empire Records in St Albans, run by manager Dave Burgess
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The one copy of Vegetal Digital will be on sale at Empire Records in St Albans, run by Dave Burgess

But the Hertfordshire band’s frontman Mark Christopher Lee is confident they will find a buyer.

Why are they trying their luck? Well, they have long protested about what they say is the lack of fair royalties paid to musicians by Spotify and other streaming services – an issue raised by high-profile stars including Taylor Swift in recent years, which was also the subject of an inquiry in the UK in 2021.

Highlighting the fact it only takes 30 seconds for a song to trigger a streaming payment, The Pocket Gods have been recording songs of around this length since 2015; Only The Rich Can Tour and We’re All No Hit Wonders Now are among the quickfire tracks you’ll find in their back catalogue.

But Lee says it’s now time to “stop moaning about Spotify” and do something productive to help artists and songwriters. So if the one copy of Vegetal Digital sells for £1 million, the proceeds will fund a new rival “ethical” streaming platform, Nubplay.

It sounds ambitious, but the musician says he believes the record could be snapped up within a couple of weeks.

‘Actions speak louder than words’

The Pocket Gods album Vegetal Digital is going on sale for £1 million

“Someone who’s got lots of money and wants to do something good with it,” he tells Sky News, pondering what kind of person might invest. “It’s a crazy world we’re getting into… but we’re making a stand, we want to make a better future for artists and songwriters. We talk a good game but actions speak louder than words and this is what we’re going to do.

“For years and years, music – a lot of the arts – has been devalued. And I just can’t imagine a world without music.”

Nubplay would guarantee to pay artists and songwriters a minimum royalty of 1p per stream, says Lee. “It doesn’t sound that much, but it’s 50 times the current rate we get from Spotify.”

Formed in 1998 at Tower Records in London, The Pocket Gods are said to have been championed by the likes of the late John Peel and Steve Lamacq over the years, and have broken Guinness World Records for the most studio albums released digitally (75) and most songs on a digital album.

Earlier in 2022, the band – now made up of founding members Lee (vocals and guitar) and Noel Storey (keys), Simon Herries (bass) and former Searchers drummer Scott Ottaway – released Nobody Makes Money Anymore, an album of 1,000 30-ish second tracks.

“That went really well, it went viral around the world,” says Lee. “It’s had nearly a million streams, which sounds really, really good, but we’ve had about 450 quid in terms of royalties. So, no, it hasn’t been a great money-spinner but it has gained us a lot of fans and helps us to raise this issue.”

The one-off $2m Wu-Tung Clan album sold on by the US government

Wu-Tang Clan member RZA, an executive producer of the Hulu miniseries "Wu-Tang: An American Saga," poses for a portrait during the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
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Pic: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/2019

As Vegetal Digital is released, the band will remove their back catalogue from streaming services; if it does go for £1 million, it could become the most expensive album ever sold in the UK. However, Once Upon A Time In Shaolin, the seventh album by American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, holds the title of most expensive in the world.

An early stand against streaming, the group made just one physical copy which sold for $2 million (about £1.3m at the time) to pharma company executive Martin Shkreli in 2015. Shkreli, however, was jailed in 2017 – and last year, the US government confirmed it had sold the one-of-a-kind album to help pay off the $7.36 million the businessman was ordered to forfeit after being convicted of fraud.

According to a 2019 article by music company HMV, the top five most expensive albums chart is a Beatles-heavy list; after Once Upon A Time In Shaolin are copies of The Beatles (the White Album), Elvis Presley’s My Happiness, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Double Fantasy.

But could Vegetal Digital become an unlikely contender for the number two spot? A £1 million sale would place it ahead of the first mono pressing of the White Album, sold by Ringo Starr at auction in December 2015 for $790,000 (about £521,000 at the time).

“I’m excited to see it and hear it,” says Dave Burgess, manager at Empire Records. “We certainly haven’t had [a record selling at this price] before. It’s really interesting and exciting. I jumped at the opportunity to get on board.”

Lee is documenting the band’s unique story in a film, entitled Inspired The 30 Second Song Movie, which is set to be released in December.

He hopes a million-pound sale will be part of it. Could a big-name artist be the one to invest?

“Well, I did message Taylor Swift on Instagram, invited her to the launch,” he says. “Maybe we’ll see her there.”

Vegetal Digital, by The Pocket Gods, is on sale from Tuesday 4 October, only available at Empire Records in St Albans

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Travis Kelce says Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was ‘excruciating’ on her body and mind

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Travis Kelce says Taylor Swift's Eras Tour was 'excruciating' on her body and mind

American football star Travis Kelce has praised girlfriend Taylor Swift’s work ethic, saying her record-breaking Eras Tour was “excruciating” on the singer’s body and mind.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl, Kelce, who is a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, was asked by reporters what he has learnt about Swift‘s dedication to her craft.

“What I saw on that [Eras Tour] last year was pretty remarkable,” Kelce replied.

“To see the week in, week out, travelling from one country to the next, how excruciating it is on her body and on her mind.

“It’s not just her, it was her entire tour. It was the dancers, it was the band, the singers, it was everybody involved.

“It was an absolute machine, and it was something I could admire watching, and I think about it all the time.”

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) react after the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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The couple celebrate the Chiefs making the Super Bowl. Pic: Mark J Rebilas/Imagn Images/Reuters

Spanning five continents, Swift’s Eras Tour became the highest-grossing of all time and the second most attended, seen by 10.1 million fans worldwide.

The singer played a total of 149 shows, each running for around three hours, the elaborate performance also featured multiple costume changes and a set list of more than 40 songs.

Taylor Swift performs during ...The Eras Tour... in Vancouver, British Columbia, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
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Taylor Swift performs during the Eras Tour in Vancouver. Pic: AP

Taylor Swift performs on stage during her Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London. Picture date: Thursday August 15, 2024. George Thompson/PA Wire
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Swift on stage in Wembley Arena. Pic: PA

Kelce, who has been dating the singer since September 2023, attended multiple shows and even delighted fans when he joined Swift on stage at London’s Wembley Arena.

Swift’s support and possible proposal?

Although focus is firmly on Kelce as the Chiefs prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title, questions about his love life have dominated the build up to the game.

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Pic: Mark J Rebilas/Imagn Images/Reuters

The 14-time Grammy Award-winning singer was born in Pennsylvania – the largest city in Philadelphia – but when asked what team would get her full support, Kelce said he thinks this year she will be “wearing red” (the colour of the Chiefs).

“I know her father is an Eagles fan,” he said, adding: “But she’ll be all for the Chiefs this time around for sure.”

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) react after the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Pic: Mark J Rebilas/Imagn Images/Reuters

The footballer was also quick to shut down questions on whether he plans to give Swift an engagement ring, should the Chiefs win a three in a row. When asked, he simply responded: “A Super Bowl ring? Next question.”

Swift has become a regular feature at Chiefs games, last seen cheering Kelce and his teammates on as they beat the Bills in the AFC Championship game that secured their place in the Super Bowl, and came on to the field at the Arrowhead Stadium after their victory to kiss him as confetti fell behind them.

Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during a press conference in advance of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Kelce praised Swift’s work ethic. Pic: Stephen Lew/Imagn Images/Reuters

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She also attracted plenty of attention in her own right at last year’s game, as she was making a much-discussed journey from her concert in Tokyo in time for the big kick-off in Las Vegas.

In the end she made it with plenty of time to spare, and went on to enjoy herself after the Chiefs’ 25-22 win over the 49ers.

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Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Sarah Michelle Gellar confirms revival of hit TV series is in the works

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Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Sarah Michelle Gellar confirms revival of hit TV series is in the works

Sarah Michelle Gellar has responded to reports about a reboot of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, confirming the hit nineties TV drama is set to return.

The actress, who played Buffy Summers, has shared details about why she decided to return to her days as a slayer, almost 22 years after the show ended.

The series, created by writer and director Joss Whedon, featured Gellar, 47, as one in a long line of young women chosen by fate to battle evil forces in the fictional US town of Sunnydale.

Now the star has posted a message on Instagram confirming her involvement in a revival of the drama, although did not reveal if it will be a reboot or sequel.

Credit: TM/20th Century Fox
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sarah Michelle Gellar, (1998), 
ph: Byron J. Cohen / TM and Copyright ©20th Century Fox Film Corp
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Photographer 20thCentFox/Everett/Shutterstock
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Buffy means business. Pic: TM/20th Century Fox Film Corp

She described a conversation three years ago with director Chloe Zhao “to hear her take on a potential ‘Buffy’ revival”.

“Our twenty minute coffee quickly turned into a four hour adventure. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we both talked about how much this show means to us,” she wrote, adding that at the time she didn’t agree to continue Buffy’s story.

She added that she did “shock” herself by agreeing to continue the conversation “until ultimately, one day, we landed on an idea”.

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On Monday, Variety reported that Gellar was in “final talks” to play the iconic character, although she would not lead the new series, which would focus on a new slayer.

The US entertainment news outlet also said it had been told by sources that the sequel “is nearing a pilot order at [US streaming network] Hulu”.

Credit: TM/20th Century Fox Film Corp
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, from left, Alyson Hannigan, Seth Green (crouching), Anthony Stewart Head (glasses), Charisma Carpenter (red sweater), Nicholas Brendon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Boreanaz, James Marsters (blond), Juliet Landau, 1997-2003 (1999 photo). ph: Stephen Donelian / / TM and Copyright ©20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved / courtesy Everett Collection
Set 14500008 Image 14500008al
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Cast pictured in 1999. From left: Alyson Hannigan, Seth Green (crouching), Anthony Stewart Head, Charisma Carpenter, Nicholas Brendon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Boreanaz, James Marsters (crouching), Juliet Landau. Pic: TM/20th Century Fox Film Corp

Buffy the Vampire Slayer ran for for seven seasons from 1997, its finale episode airing in May 2003.

It also featured British actor Anthony Stewart Head who starred as Giles, Buffy’s Watcher, along with her schoolfriends Willow and Xander from Sunnydale High, played by Alyson Hannigan and Nicholas Brendon respectively.

The show was so successful that the character Angel – a cursed vampire who is Buffy’s love interest – got his own spin-off series. The actor who played him, David Boreanaz, also went on to star in the long-running police series, Bones.

'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' - David Boreanaz and Sarah Michelle Gellar 31 Jan 2003 Credit 20th Century Fox Film Corp
FROM REX: Set 402833 Image 402833g Photographer 20thC.Fox/Everett/Shutterstock
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Sarah Michelle Gellar and her on-screen love interest David Boreanaz in 2003. Pic: 20th Century Fox Film Corp

Gellar wrote that she has always listened to the fans and heard their desires to revisit Buffy and her world.

“But it was not something I could do unless I was sure we would get it right. This has been a long process, and it’s not over yet,” she added.

“I promise you, we will only make this show if we know we can do it right. And I will tell you that we are on the path there.”

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Nora Zuckerman and her sister Lilla Zuckerman are confirmed as part of the team – reportedly writing the pilot. They have both previously collaborated on shows such as Fringe, Suits and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Chloe Zhao – best known for her Oscar-winning film Nomadland – is attached to direct.

Dolly Parton will be among the executive producers via her production company Sandollar, which was responsible for the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel television series.

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TV chef Gino D’Acampo denies dozens of allegations of inappropriate behaviour

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TV chef Gino D'Acampo denies dozens of allegations of inappropriate behaviour

TV chef Gino D’Acampo has denied dozens of allegations of inappropriate and intimidating behaviour on the sets of TV shows he has appeared on.

D’Acampo actions were described as being “unacceptable”, “distressing” and “horrendous”, according to an ITV News investigation.

Anonymous women who spoke to the news broadcaster also accused D’Acampo of aggressive behaviour and making highly sexualised remarks.

In a statement to ITV News, D’Acampo has said he “firmly” denies the allegations and “would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone”.

He adds: “I am a father, husband… the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting.”

Sky News has contacted D’Acampo for comment.

ITV also reported that bosses at Objective Media Group, the production company behind Gordon, Gino And Fred’s Roadtrip in 2018, appear to have been aware of concerns about D’Acampo’s behaviour.

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Objective Media Group said: “We have robust protocols and procedures in place for all cast and crew, including on-screen talent, that we review regularly whilst also ensuring that we take into account developments regarding industry wide ‘Duty of Care’ guidelines.”

The production company continued: “Across all productions we encourage people to raise any concerns at the earliest opportunity… If there are incidents or complaints reported, we implement our Escalation Procedure and ensure that a full and thorough process is followed in close collaboration with the broadcaster.”

Read more from Sky News:
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Other production companies that have worked with D’Acampo have also issued statements following the allegations.

Studio Ramsay said: “Whilst we do not disclose or discuss personnel matters publicly, Studio Ramsay is committed, in conjunction with our broadcast partners, to a safe and professional work environment. We take all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and workplace misconduct seriously, promptly investigate, and take appropriate remedial action when warranted.”

MultiStory Media said: “It would be inappropriate to go into the detail of individual concerns but we give our assurance that we are reviewing the concerns which have been raised, what was known at the time and what action was taken. We will also look at any new concerns that have come to light.”

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