Issue 1389

Crash landing the gig
Leeds vinyl guru Ian De-Whytell tells Francine White why it’s time to hand over the legendary Crash Records to his partners – and his secret to getting Sir Tom Jones to play in a small venue in the city.

Lies by emission
The Green Homes Grant had the potential to create new jobs and lift millions out of fuel poverty. Six months later the £1.5bn scheme was cancelled. What happens next, asks Lucinda Herbert?

The first cut is the kindest
Hairdresser Joshua Coombes was walking to a friend’s one evening when he decided to offer a homeless man a free haircut. It was the start of a remarkable movement of people contributing their skills to those in need – people like Lavane. Susan Griffin speaks to them both.

Plus
News, arts and entertainment, columnist Roger Ratcliffe, Joan Armatrading’s letter to her younger self, crossword, Sudoku and more.