Indian prime minister Narendra Modi compared the defeat of a women’s reservation-linked delimitation bill to “female foeticide”, launching a bitter attack on his political rivals a day after his ruling party suffered a rare setback in parliament.

The Modi government’s plan to redraw India’s parliamentary map was defeated in parliament on Friday after opposition parties blocked a constitutional amendment centred on delimitation, the process of reallocating seats, and redrawing constituencies by population.

The delimitation bill is linked to the implementation of a 2023 law mandating that 33 per cent of all seats in federal and state legislatures must be filled by women. Parliament had unanimously passed the Women’s Reservation Act in September 2023, but its provision for 33 per cent quotas in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was made contingent on the next census and a subsequent delimitation exercise.

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to secure the two-thirds majority required for the constitutional change. The defeated package proposed increasing the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament, from 543 seats to 850, with similar expansion in state assemblies. It also sought to change the legal framework governing when delimitation takes place and which census data should be used.

A total of 298 MPs voted in favour and 230 against the bill.

Addressing the nation, the PM “sought forgiveness” from the women of the country after the bills failed to clear the floor test in the Lower House.

“Every citizen of India is watching how dreams of our women have been crushed,” the prime minister said during his address. “Fight for empowering India’s women has been stalled due to selfish politics of opposition parties,” he added.

Mr Modi compared the opposition’s move to “bhrun hatya” (female foeticide), saying the opposition political parties of Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress “killed” the idea of women’s reservation at its inception, according to reports. “A woman may forget many things, but she never forgets her insult,” he said.

Opposition parties said they supported women’s reservation, but objected to linking it to a nationwide boundary redraw based on older data while the 2026-27 census is underway. They also argued that using 2011 figures could reduce the relative representation of southern and north-eastern states, where population growth has slowed faster than in parts of northern India.

Critics also warned that one or two larger states could gain greater influence because they would send more MPs to the House.

Leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday targeted the prime minister, calling the proposed bills to amend the women’s reservation bill alongside the delimitation exercise a “panic reaction” to change the country’s electoral map, as he added that the “magician has been caught”.

Mr Gandhi said the bills had little to do with advancing women’s empowerment, as he accused the BJP of being “scared of erosion” of its electoral strength. The government is trying “rejig” country’s political map, he said.

“Some truths need to be told here. This is not a women’s bill; this has nothing to do with empowerment of women. This is an attempt to change the electoral map,” he said.

After the result, federal minister, Kiren Rijiju, withdrew two linked measures – the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

During the debate, home minister Amit Shah defended the overhaul, saying constituency sizes had become highly uneven. Stressing the need for the delimitation exercise, Mr Shah said that in the 543-member House, the number of voters is 4.9 million in some constituencies, while it is at 60,000 in others.

“And there are many seats that were frozen in the 1970s. Since then, they have grown so large that an MP cannot even show face to voters, because how can one handle such a huge population,” he said.

Mr Shah said the freeze dated back to decisions taken under Indira Gandhi’s government and accused Congress of opposing the resumption of delimitation.

In 1976, when India’s population stood at about 550 million, the number of Lok Sabha seats was frozen at 543. The move was meant to ensure that states which reduced birth rates were not punished with diminished representation as the size of constituencies was pegged to population. That freeze was due to end after the 2001 census, but was extended until at least 2026 by the previous BJP government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Slamming the attempts to block the passage of bill, Mr Shah said: “In 1976, during the Emergency, the process of delimitation was formally suspended through the 42nd Amendment, again under Indira Gandhi’s leadership. At that time, the Congress government enacted laws to halt delimitation. Today, even while in opposition, the Congress continues to oppose the resumption of delimitation. Thus, the Congress originally denied the people the benefits of delimitation, and it is the same party that continues to do so today.”

He also rejected what he called a divisive regional framing.

“Let me make this clear once again: the southern states have exactly the same rights in this House as the northern states. In fact, even a small Union Territory like Lakshadweep has the same rights as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Bihar,” he said.

Mr Gandhi said: “The amendment bill has fallen. They ⁠used an unconstitutional trick in the name of women to break the Constitution.”

John Terry was undoubtedly a tough player, but maybe we didn’t realise how tough until he revealed how often he was injured during his Chelsea career and played anyway.

The 45-year-old had an epic career with the Blues, joining as a 14-year-old in 1995 and leaving for Aston Villa in 2017.

During that spell he made 717 appearances for the west London club and won a mammoth amount of silverware.

The former Chelsea captain won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, five FA Cups and three League Cups with the Blues.

Terry was rarely out of the Chelsea side for around 15 years, with injury keeping him out of the team occasionally, but more often than not he says he played through fitness issues.

A lot more often than not.

Terry has made the extraordinary claim that he only felt fully fit for five of the games he played in his Chelsea career, meaning he played with some form of illness or injury in 712 matches.

‘I was very old school. If I was feeling ill or sick I would just go out and get on with it, I don’t think people should miss matches due to illness – it doesn’t sit right with me,’ Terry said on the Double Tops podcast, sponsored by BetMGM.

‘Everyone says “oh you won’t be at your peak if you’re ill”, but you don’t know that until you get out there and give it a crack.

‘I can’t tell you the amount of injections that I had to get through the next game, but that’s because I wanted to play in every single one.

‘I played 717 games for Chelsea and I could say, genuinely, I was 100 per cent fit for five of them.

‘When I went into a game, I rarely didn’t have a rib, arm, leg, ankle or some sort of injury – something always hurt. That was just part of being a professional footballer and you can’t sit it out because you’re ill.

‘The games come so thick and fast and you can’t afford to miss one. The player who might come in to replace you might not be at your level and in order to win titles and constantly compete, you need to be there, no matter what.’

There was certainly evidence of Terry playing through immense pain and discomfort during his career, memorably declaring himself fit to play despite having two broken ribs in 2012.

‘I’m struggling a bit, to be honest,’ he said after fracturing ribs in a Champions League clash with Benfica. ‘I got an elbow in the ribs about 20 minutes into the away leg and the doctors feared I’d fractured two of them.

‘I thought it was OK but, later in the second half [in the second leg], it just seemed to be getting worse and I was struggling to breathe. It was difficult. I have never felt anything like that before.

‘I don’t think it will mean I’m out at all. It’s just a case of managing it, and things like that. I know there are ways around it. With the ribs you can’t really do anything: you can’t treat the injury or massage it to make it better. You just have to let it heal, but I can get through games, definitely. The guys have got a few ideas to get me through them.’

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Beyond Paradise has recently returned for its fourth series, with fans now being urged to watch another beloved drama

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An “addictive” murder mystery series comes highly recommended for Beyond Paradise fans.

Agatha Raisin is a British comedy-drama, adapted from M.C. Beaton’s book series of the same name, following a former PR agent turned amateur detective.

Much like the BBC’s Beyond Paradise, which has recently launched its fourth series, Agatha Raisin unfolds in an idyllic rural village setting. The show debuted as a pilot entitled Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death in 2014, before an eight-episode series premiered on Sky One in 2016. Acorn TV commissioned a second series in 2018, with two additional runs arriving in 2019 and 2021.

“No-nonsense PR whiz Agatha Raisin leaves the London rat race to live in the Cotswold village of Carsley. But all is not as it seems, some villagers are murderous, so she turns from PR to PI,” the official synopsis teases.

Shetland’s Ashley Jensen headlines the cast as Agatha Raisin, supported by Jamie Glover, Jason Merrells, Mathew Horne, Lucy Liemann, Jason Barnett, Matt McCooey, Katy Wix, and Jodie Tyack, reports the Express.

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READ MORE: BBC Silent Witness star cast in gripping new crime thriller airing soonREAD MORE: BBC viewers moan ‘we need answers’ after The Capture series three finale twist

Audiences have consistently championed this “hidden gem” series on digital platforms, with one IMDb reviewer declaring: “Highly addictive! In my opinion, once you get to know and love the characters, you can’t get enough of this wonderful whodunnit, with a humerous twist! It’s a breath of fresh air and is GREAT entertainment! DON’T MISS IT!”

Another added: “Quirky and funny. I really enjoyed this series. The village it is shot in is beautiful and the characters who live there in the show are a real hoot. It’s great that Acorn produces shows like this, no nudity, profanity, drugs or gun play, just snappy dialogue and funny situations.

“Each episode has much the same form but how the crime is solved is far from formulaic and no matter how desperate the situation, Agatha manages with the help of long suffering friends, to come out on top.”

A third remarked: “Agatha Raisin was a brilliantly British masterpiece!” while another similarly commented: “Gets better and better. A great show to binge.”

A fifth enthusiast echoed these feelings, stating: “This is absolutely my favourite show on TV, and much better than the books. Ashley Jensen is a national treasure,” with yet another contributing: “Looking for your next TV obsession? Look no further as Agatha Raisin will have you hooked in minutes.”

Meanwhile, the fourth series of Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise is presently broadcasting on BBC One and iPlayer, with audiences enthralled by the cases that DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) has been tackling alongside his police partner DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi).

Reports have since emerged that the broadcaster has greenlit the drama for a fifth series, prior to the series four finale broadcasting later this month. Production on season five is set to commence in Devon this July, with new episodes anticipated to air next year, according to TVZone.

The present series has followed Humphrey and his wife, Martha (Sally Bretton), as they adjust to married life, tackling cases such as the death of Humphrey’s favourite crime novelist and an unusual burglary where the crime scene is thoroughly cleaned following the offence.

Lead actor Kris has previously hinted that viewers can anticipate considerable “drama” surrounding his character in the forthcoming episodes.

Agatha Raisin can be viewed on Prime Video via Acorn TV, while Beyond Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lauryn Muller was scrolling on social media when she saw a clip of President Donald Trump belittling California Gov. Gavin Newsom for having dyslexia. It stirred a well of emotion for the 18-year-old Muller, bringing back memories of her own struggles learning to read and the times she felt something was wrong with her.

Trump called Newsom “stupid,” “low IQ,” “mentally disabled” and unfit to become president. Muller knew it was part of a political feud — Trump is a Republican and Newsom is a Democrat who is expected to run for the White House in 2028 — but Trump’s words felt personal.

“We’ve had to overcome so many deficits, and for someone to, on a national stage, say, yeah, they will never be like us — that definitely came as an emotional sting to me,” said Muller, an incoming student at Auburn University whose dyslexia was identified as a child.

It was one more entry in Trump’s history of denigrating the intelligence of his foes and mocking those with disabilities. Yet this time he was maligning tens of millions of people, calling their abilities into question and undermining years of progress fighting stigma around dyslexia.

Among those with dyslexia, his remarks aroused feelings from anguish and anger to dismay. It cut across politics, drawing a rebuke from supporters and critics alike.

Muller’s mother, Marilyn, voted for Trump three times and says she still supports his politics. But she was hurt when Trump linked dyslexia with low intelligence — a dated myth that she has spent years trying to dispel.

“It works against everything I do on a daily basis,” said Marilyn Muller, a literacy advocate in Florida. “It was probably one of the more ignorant comments I have ever heard come from his mouth.”

A learning disability often misunderstood

Trump’s comments clash with a large body of research finding that dyslexia and IQ are unrelated. They also conflict with statements he issued during his first term for national awareness months, heaping praise on the “extraordinary contributions” of those with dyslexia and noting that their ranks include top industry executives and inventors.

Often misunderstood, dyslexia affects the link between the brain and printed language, making it difficult for people to read. Dyslexia often emerges in childhood as kids learn to read and write. It is estimated to affect up to 20% of the world population.

“All of a sudden, you’re not doing so well in school and then people will tell you, oh, you’re not trying, you’re not smart or whatever, and none of that’s accurate. You just have this difference in that bridge from language to print,” said John Gabrieli, a neuroscientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Newsom has for years discussed his dyslexia, including in a children’s book he wrote in 2021 as well as a new memoir. On his recent book tour, he talked about memorizing speeches because he is unable to read them. He described it as a struggle and a gift, saying it forced him to develop other skills.

Advocates say Trump’s words threaten to reverse years of progress unwinding stereotypes. His comments also raise questions about promises his administration has made to protect students with disabilities even as Trump dismantles the Department of Education, which oversees the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, said it will be hard for families to trust Trump’s education appointees “when their boss is making these really stigmatizing and really inaccurate statements.”

In Decatur, Georgia, Meagan Swingle said Trump’s comments made her sick to her stomach. She brought it up with her 15-year-old son, Enrique, who has dyslexia, knowing he might hear about the remarks at school. Enrique, who excels in math and science, brushed it off, she said.

But it stuck with her.

“I don’t know that he remembers a time like I do when, whether you were a Democrat or a Republican or an independent, you could expect a higher standard from the president of the United States,” she said. “ We build people up, we don’t tear them down.”

NEW YORK (AP) — This year’s Lyrid meteor shower is getting a boost thanks to a dim crescent moon. Skywatchers could see 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour soar across the spring sky, according to NASA, when the fiery display peaks Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

The show will be visible across the globe, but views will be best in the Northern Hemisphere. And there’s no risk of the crescent moon photobombing the Lyrid shower. It’ll set before the fun starts.

Meteor showers happen when the Earth plows through debris trails left behind by space rocks. Those stray bits get hot as they enter the atmosphere, producing fiery streaks that are also known as shooting stars.

Contrary to the name, most meteor showers are actually debris from comets. The Lyrids are the leftovers from an icy ball called comet Thatcher.

“We only get to see the actual comet once every 415 years. But we pass through the grains that have been left in its wake every year around the same time,” said Maria Valdes, who studies meteorites and works at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

A handful of random meteors are visible on any given night. At predictable times throughout the year, enough can be seen at once to make a more exciting spectacle. The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, with reported sightings dating back over 2,500 years.

To see the Lyrids, go outside after midnight and venture away from tall buildings and city lights. It’ll take at least 15 to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the nighttime sky and remember to resist looking at your phone.

Bring lawn chairs or a sleeping bag and be patient until the meteors reveal themselves. They’ll appear to come from the constellation Lyra in the northeastern sky.

“A meteor looks like a trail of light in the sky. What you tend to detect is the motion against the background,” said astronomer Lisa Will with San Diego City College.

The next major shower is soon approaching in early May: the Eta Aquarids, debris from Halley’s comet.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Manchester City and Arsenal are battling for the Premier League title and go head-to-head at the Etihad this afternoon.

Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad today in a huge game at the top of the Premier League table.

City begin the day six points adrift of the Gunners but with a game in hand on the leaders. Should Pep Guardiola’s side prevail and then win at Burnley on Wednesday night, they will be top of the Premier League table.

That will be a tough task against an Arsenal side who may have lost their last Premier League match against Bournemouth but have been difficult to beat this season. But beat them City did in the Carabao Cup final last month and the Blues will hope for a repeat this afternoon to pile the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side down the stretch.

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Guardiola could do something he rarely does, and name an unchanged team for this one. City seem to have found their groove in recent weeks and with Ruben Dias a confirmed absentee, changes from the win at Chelsea last time out would be a surprise. Guardiola doesn’t often retain the same XI but familiarity feels right for this one.

Gianluigi Donnarumma will continue in goal, with James Trafford in line to play in the FA Cup semi-final against Championship side Southampton next weekend. Nico O’Reilly has been passed fit to feature despite coming off with an apparent hamstring issue at Stamford Bridge and he can continue at left back.

In the absence of Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov has impressed and can once again partner Marc Guehi with Matheus Nunes at right back.

Bernardo Silva confirmed he will be leaving City this summer and the skipper can start alongside Rodri in midfield with Rayan Cherki playing in the attacking role.

Antoine Semenyo has proved he has big-game goals in him since joining from Bournemouth in January, while Jeremy Doku always carries a threat. Erling Haaland might not be in the goalscoring form in the top flight that he would wish for but the Norwegian scored at the Emirates in the reverse fixture and will give Gabriel and William Saliba in the Arsenal backline a physical test.

City predicted XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Bernardo, Cherki; Semenyo, Doku, Haaland

The French actress’ family confirmed that she died at her home in Paris on Friday (April 17).

Nathalie starred in the 2022 film Downton Abbey: A New Era alongside the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery and Elizabeth McGovern who all reprised their roles.

Baye joined the cast with actors Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock and Dominic West.

Nous aimions tant Nathalie Baye. Elle a accompagné par sa voix, ses sourires et sa pudeur ces dernières décennies du cinéma français, de Francois Truffaut à Tonie Marshall. Une comédienne avec qui nous avons aimé, rêvé, grandi. Nous pensons à sa famille et à ses proches. pic.twitter.com/7A3mug2aGP

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 18, 2026

Nathalie Baye dies ages 77 after battle with dementia

In a career that spanned 50 years, Baye starred in more than 80 films, The Sun reports.

During her career, she was nominated 10 times for the Best Actress award at the Cesar Awards, known as the French equivalent to the Oscars.

She won four of the awards.

The actress was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia last year.

Lewy body dementia is “one of the most common types of dementia”, according to the NHS.

It causes hallucinations, confusion or sleepiness and fainting spells, alongside other symptoms.

President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, was among those paying tribute to Nathalie.

He posted on X, which translated his message, saying: “We loved Nathalie Baye so much.

“She accompanied, through her voice, her smiles, and her reserve, these last decades of French cinema, from François Truffaut to Tonie Marshall.

“An actress with whom we loved, dreamed, and grew up.

“We think of her family and her loved ones.”

Nathalie also starred in Call My Agent!, The Spin, The Guardians and more.

This affects pensioners, Universal Credit recipients, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Child Benefit, and other regular payments.

May 4 is the May Day Bank Holiday for 2026, while May 25 is Spring Bank Holiday.

Government departments are reminding claimants to check their payment dates so they’re not caught off guard by early deposits over long weekends.

“We always move payments forward when a bank holiday falls on the usual day, so people get their money in time,” a DWP spokesperson said.

May Bank Holiday payments moved forward

For many households, the two May bank holidays will bring an early arrival of money.

Payments due on Monday May 4 2026 (including pensions, Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, and other DWP support) will instead arrive on Friday May 1 2026.

Payments due on Monday May 25 are scheduled to arrive on Friday May 22.

HMRC and DWP explain that bank holidays mean banks are closed, so payments are brought forward to ensure claimants still have access to funds.

Why do we have a May Day Bank Holiday?

The Early May Bank Holiday is linked to International Workers’ Day, celebrating workers’ rights, fair pay and the labour movement.

First formalised in 1978, its roots stretch back to ancient spring festivals and trade union campaigning.

Today it symbolises both social progress and the arrival of spring.

Why do we have the Spring Bank Holiday?

The Spring Bank Holiday, also known as the Late May Bank Holiday, is the UK’s final May public holiday.

It was originally tied to Whit Sunday (Pentecost), a Christian festival marking the descent of the Holy Spirit and traditionally celebrated seven weeks after Easter.

The holiday was once known as Whitsun Bank Holiday and moved each year with Easter.

In 1971, it was fixed to the last Monday in May, removing its direct religious link but keeping its timing as a key early summer long weekend.

Summer and autumn changes

Later in 2026, further adjustments apply depending on location:

• 3 August → 4 August (Scotland only)
• 4 August → 5 August (Scotland only)
• 31 August → 28 August (all UK)
• 28 December → 24 December
• 29 December → 30 December (Northern Ireland only)

Regional public holidays in Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee) and Northern Ireland can also affect payment timing.

How to check your payment

• Look at your bank statement – payments normally appear with references like “DWP Pension” or “HMRC Child Benefit”
• For those on Universal Credit, check the online account for exact payment dates
• If a payment seems late, check with your bank first, then contact the DWP or HMRC if necessary

“Knowing when payments will arrive helps households manage their budgets, especially around busy bank holiday weekends,” a DWP spokesperson said.

Christopher Fairbank, who played the evil Eddie Knight, and last appeared in the BBC soap in 2024, will make a return this year.

Eddie was convicted of murder after killing George Knight’s biological father in a racially motivated attack.

It took decades for Eddie to be convicted and he went to prison in 2024, reports The Sun.

Christopher Fairbank will return to EastEnders this spring (Image: EastEnders/YouTube)

The newspaper said a source had confirmed the return would see Eddie “part of a new storyline that will see George Knight at the heart of the drama.”

The source added: “Whilst it’s only a short stint, his return kicks off a bigger storyline that will spark troubling times for George and the wider Knight family.”

An EastEnders spokesperson told Newsquest that Fairbank would be returning to the soap.

They said: “We can confirm Christopher Fairbank will be returning to EastEnders for a short stint later this spring.”

The Sun says Fairbank has started filming his scenes ahead of his return.

Who is Christopher Fairbank?

Christopher has appeared in many films and TV shows over the years.

These include Guardians of the Galaxy, Batman, Orthodox, Pirates of the Caribbean and more.

He also starred in rival soap Coronation Street.

EastEnders praised by Samaritans for upcoming storyline

Earlier this month, the charity Samaritans praised an upcoming EastEnders storyline that hopes to “help tackle stigma” around people suffering with their mental health.

On the hit BBC soap, Ravi Gulati, played by Aaron Thiara, is currently considering suicide.

The story is set to climax later this month when he reaches a crisis point.

Lorna Fraser, head of the Media Advisory Service at Samaritans, said she hoped the episodes would help viewers experiencing similar issues to seek support.

She said: “Storylines responsibly reflecting experiences of mental health and suicide can help tackle stigma and encourage viewers who might be struggling to talk about how they are feeling.

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“We’re proud to have supported EastEnders with covering Ravi’s self-harm and mental health crisis sensitively and grateful for their efforts in making this as safe as possible.”

Executive producer, Ben Wadey, said: “EastEnders always takes great care when researching storylines such as Ravi’s and we’re grateful to Samaritans for the advice they have given us, helping us ensure Ravi’s story is told with the care and sensitivity it deserves.”

Which EastEnders actor would you like to see return? Let us know in the comments.

ANOTHER ordinary cold wet weekday evening in the late 80s, and once again I found myself behind my mixing desk at the Spotted Cow in Barbican Rd, ready to engineer the sound for another boring University band.

The “ Cow” as it was called, wasn’t exactly York’s premier music venue, with its dated 70s curtains, tired seating, and a carpet that you stuck to as you tried to cross it through years of spilt beer impregnating the fibres, but it was where countless local bands had cut their teeth before moving on to bigger things.

And it had “atmosphere” – the stage so close to the audience that you could almost touch the bands, so heavy with smoke that you didn’t need a fog machine to augment the light show, and so small you had to dance where you stood when it was full.

Always the poor relation to The Winning Post, The Arts Centre, The Oval Ball and Fibbers, the Spotted Cow was nevertheless the York equivalent of Liverpool’s Cavern and it promoted every type and style of band from folk duos to six-piece thrash metal .

Spotted Cow in Barbican Road in 1982. Press photo

But – back to that cold wet evening. I’d been providing sound and lighting for local bands for about a year, with a small PA set-up and a home-made lighting rig using domestic light switches which would have horrified any Health & Safety inspector!

But I was cheap, usually working two or three weeknights and the occasional weekends. Bigger bands in bigger venues tended to use JSS PA Hire, and we had an easy relationship – top quality bands used their pro equipment and engineers and I took small jobs at the Cow which on weeknights usually consisted of University bands trying to be REM or “experimental“ in a local venue.

Rob Wilson performing at The Spotted Cow in York. Photo supplied

All the groups tended to be the same, now and again there were some good bands and although I always gave them the best sound I could, each one blurred into another with monotonous regularity.

Except tonight. I’d set up the band in the usual way and it was an easy mix, just a standard line-up of drums, bass, guitar and vocal. Strangely they didn’t want to soundcheck, their only request being that all the lights were off when they came onstage apart from my spotlights picking out the singer. I settled in for another tedious evening as the Cow began to fill up.

The new cabaret room in the Spotted Cow in Barbican Road in 1982.Press photo

At 9pm I doused all the lights and waited. There was the usual expectant hush. Then the band appeared on stage, all dressed head to toe in full surgeon’s gowns, with caps and masks, all bloodstained. The lead singer was carrying what appeared to be a severed head!

It was dripping with fake blood, and as he arrived at the drum kit he jammed the head onto an empty tom-tom spike causing the rest of the blood to cascade down over the kit. I flooded the stage with light as they launched into their set, loud powerful fast rock very much in the style of Green Day, and having got over their shock, the packed audience were immediately on their feet dancing and applauding. The name of the band escapes me, but it was one of the best gigs at the Cow I’d ever done.

York in 1997 – The Royal Dragon Cantonese Restaurant, Barbican Road, York. (former Spotted Cow).

Although small, the Spotted Cow gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the best York venues to see bands and, for a 30-year heyday beginning in the 1970s, hosted amazing and sometimes controversial live music with the best bands in the city performing.

And many people and musicians have fond (and not so fond ) memories of their gigs there even in the early days. Here are some recollections, staring with Paul Acton, as quoted in Something In The Air by Van Wilson…

Paul Acton: “ My father was a jazz musician. At the Spotted Cow it was fantastic. You could never get the band started, but you could never get them off once throwing-out time would come along. There’d be people sat in the other bar waiting for the music room to open so that they could get a seat and by half time you couldn’t find a square foot of floor space. It was absolutely packed out and they stood in the corridor, up on the stairs, shouting and screaming. I’ve never known anything like it.”

Tony and Carol Stilgoe in The Spotted Cow in Barbican Road in 1982. Press photo

He added. “ One night I had my amplifier catch fire in the Spotted Cow and the band carried on playing in the best Titanic tradition. There was smoke coming off it! The band carried on for a bit but you could tell there was something missing…”

Paul Butler remembers: “One time, my band (Rugged Aardvarks – a jolly busking band) had been booked to play the Spotted Cow by the manager of another band. He had never heard us play and for some reason thought we were a death metal band (like the headliners).

“Consequently we ended up playing our light-hearted skiffle set to a room full of death metal fans. No one clapped, cheered or even booed between songs. They just stared, quietly and angrily throughout the whole experience. I’ve never wanted to get off a stage more than I did that night at the Spotted Cow. “

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Paul Duckett recalled: “I was at a couple of gigs where we were told to leave by the owner and a 70s lewd comic. One punk gig was cut short after the singer did something rather naughty and the manager got on stage and said right, that’s enough!

“The Village Idiots (band) got kicked out at an early gig after someone phoned the fire brigade, and we got barred for various other nefarious practices and had to perform under a fake name to get booked again.”

And this from Christopher Dale: “Ruby Tuesday’s first gig was there in September 1985, and we played there a lot over the following three years. The funniest memory was probably due to the fact that the Spotted Cow was next to a taxi rank back then and when the guitarist Chris Styles went to play a solo his wireless receiver picked up the taxi rank and broadcast that instead of his solo..!”

Rugged Aardvarks performing at The Spotted Cow in York. Photo supplied

There’s a distinct lack of these types of small, intimate, venues now, although I am aware that there is a fund-raising campaign to try to restart them.

The Spotted Cow was special though – each night it played host to a who’s who of York musicians both onstage and in the audience, and great music was guaranteed for all.

It is now a Chinese restaurant, but you can go for a meal, sit at a table, shut your eyes and relieve those heady days.

The beer was cheap, the smoke was thick, your ears rang from the deafening PA, and your shoes stuck to the carpet, but when you came out you knew you’d had another good night at “ The Cow”.

More York nostalgia

If you love delving into York’s past and seeing photos and reading stories from yesteryear then make sure you check The Press every day for its regular nostalgia stories. And don’t miss our eight-page nostalgia supplement every Wednesday in the paper.

We also have more than 10,000 members in our online nostalgia group on Facebook, Why We Love York – Memories. It is free to join and you will find us at www.facebook.com/groups/yorknostalgia/.

It would be great to see your old photos of York – and they don’t have to be from centuries ago. We all love seeing old photos from our recent past, and some of our more popular stories with readers date from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

If you have a nostalgia story for us, please email maxine.gordon@thepress.co.uk.