Donna Summer, whom millions of fans revered as "the Queen of Disco," has died at the age of 63 in Florida after a battle with cancer, the Associated Press confirmed with the singer's family Thursday morning.Summer performing in October 2011

The news comes as a surprise to those who were not aware that she was ill. The legendary superstar was publicly active as recently as last June, when she appeared as a guest panelist on Bravo's music reality show Platinum Hit.

However, a report by TMZ, which initially broke the story, notes that those close to the singer--known for mega-hits including "Last Dance" and "Bad Girls"--revealed she had been trying to hide how sick she was. A source said that Summer did not seem to be in that bad of shape two weeks ago.

She is survived by her adult daughters Mimi (by her first husband, actor Helmuth Sommer), Brooklyn and Amanda (by second husband Bruce Sudano).

In addition to her status as a pioneer in the dance music genre, Summer was a five-time Grammy Award winner, the first artist ever to score three back-to-back No. 1 double albums, and was nominated--but not chosen--for induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. She is credited with influencing stars ranging from Madonna and Michael Jackson, to Beyonce and Rihanna. Her last album, Crayons, was released in 2008.

Some Listeners comments:

Lee Butler: 
"So sad. I remember you supporting her last album and playing the remixes. Gutted, Donna Summer's voice filled a hall or club like no other vocalist I have ever  heard. So glad I got to see her live in 1996 and 1999."
Di Mitchell:
"So sad Gone to soon .."
Kelly Wilde:
"I saw Donna summer several years ago at GAY and she opened her show with McArthur's Park. She sounded better live than even on the record (an absolute classic) She will be sadly missed ! 

John and Sally Bercow will be joining hundreds of Stonewall supporters on the ninth annual Brighton Equality Walk on Bank Holiday Sunday 6 May. The 10k Walk raises funds for Stonewall’s Education for All programme, which helps schools tackle homophobia so they’re safe and supportive for children from all families.

The Bercows have a long history of supporting gay equality and Stonewall. Sally Bercow completed a parachute jump for the charity in October 2010, raising nearly £2,000 for Stonewall’s work in schools. The couple also attended Stonewall’s Equality Dinner on 29 March this year, which raised nearly £400,000 for anti-homophobia work. John and Sally have set up a JustGiving page for people who wish to support them, athttps://www.justgiving.com/JohnSallyBercow.

John and Sally will join celebrity hosts Jane Hazlegrove (Casualty) and Harry Derbidge (TOWIE) at the Equality Walk’s starting line. Over 500 Walkers took part in 2011, raising over £50,000. Hundreds of people have already registered for this year’s event, which is supported by American Express.

Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive Laura Doughty said: ‘We’re delighted that John and Sally will be joining us for this year’s Brighton Equality Walk. It’s is an incredibly important event for Stonewall and our supporters, helping raise money that really does make life much better for gay young people.’

To find out more and register for the Brighton Equality Walk call 020 7593 1875 or go to www.equalitywalk.org.uk.

This year’s Blackpool Pride is set to go with a bang as Britain’s best loved boy band Blue, have been announced as the main headliners.

The iconic boy band, who are currently working on new material, will be reforming especially for Blackpool Pride and have said they can’t wait to play in Blackpool! Blue originally reformed to take part in last year’s Eurovision and Blackpool Pride will see the boys once more perform live and exclusively as a 4 piece.

Blackpool Pride, which takes places on Saturday 9th June on North Pier, will also see a stellar line up rock the party on the pier. A spectacular line up of live artistes will also be performing throughout the day including kitsch pop funsters Scooch, 80’s icons Toyah Wilcox and Hazell Dean, the flamboyant international performer Ikenna, Soyara Vivian (of Hed Kandi / Fierce Angel fame) and dance divas Angie Brown and Tina Cousins. There will be performances from popular Britain’s Got Talent finalists Father and Son and New Bounce. Ace performers Lemon, who are currently supporting Steps to wild acclaim and current chart toppers Lee Lee will also perform.

The Carousel Bar will host the very best live local acts and entertainment throughout the day including Rob Eagle and Kaos Theory. More artistes and performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
As well as the exclusive Blue performance, The Blackpool Pride VIP wristband allows access to a host of surprise soap stars, reality TV favourites and celebrity guests who will be attending and hanging out with Blackpool Pride partygoers in the VIP.

A full on non stop party and live music event has been organised to make Blackpool Pride bigger and better than ever and the super glamorous event on North Pier boasts four entertainment arenas featuring a whole host of stars and acts plus funky pop up bars, fabulous food, exhibitions and market stalls.

Local businesswoman, Gayner Sedgwick has joined the Blackpool Pride committee as Entertainment Director and has big plans for the most exciting and flamboyant day in Blackpool’s 2012 event calendar.

Gayner has committed considerable event management skills, showmanship and investment to the Blackpool Pride event on North Pier and is delighted to be part of the Pride team and event:

“I’m delighted to be involved in this year’s Blackpool Pride and am sure that the event will be a huge success. Everyone on the Blackpool Pride committee are all working very hard behind the scenes to ensure this year will be a huge success. It’s been quite a coup to secure an iconic act the calibre of Blue to play at the Blackpool event so we hope everyone will join in the party and support Blackpool Pride on what promises to be a fantastic day.

To make the most of the Blackpool Pride event on North Pier, and to have the opportunity to rub shoulders with all the celebrities who will be attending the event, a limited amount of VIP wristbands are available. The wristbands, which cost £35, include full entry to Blackpool Pride but in addition you will receive entry to North Pier Theatre for The Blackpool Pride Gala featuring Blue, access to the exclusive celebrity VIP bar throughout the day, entry to the fabulous Blackpool Pride VIP celebrity after party and on Sunday you can enjoy a FREE ride on the iconic Blackpool Big Wheel on Central Pier. We are looking forward to a spectacular party and top quality entertainment event and enhancing the great work already achieved by Blackpool Pride in the past. Everybody in Blackpool is welcome to this fabulous party but hurry up and get the VIP wristbands before they sell out for brilliant Blue!”

Official Blackpool Pride VIP Wristbands can be purchased from North Pier Box Office either in person or by calling 01253 62 33 04. The Box Office is open from 11am – 3pm 7 days a week

The full line up for Blackpool Pride, plus much more information, can be found at www.prideblackpool.com

Entry to Blackpool Pride on North Pier is with an official Blackpool Pride Wristband only.

Blackpool Pride Official Wristbands can be purchased in advance from North Pier Box Office either in person or by calling 01253 62 33 04. The Box Office is open from 11am – 3pm Seven days a week.

VIP wristbands are priced at £35 and standard wristbands, which allow access to all daytime areas, are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children.