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Another excellent Everyman, ensuring the run of good puzzles continues.

In terms of difficulty (yes, I know I said I wouldn't rate them but....) I'd say this was quite a bit trickier than usual - though nothing unfair.

There are the usual mix of clues, including a couple of everyone's favourite - the homophone:-)

There was a thread on this Forum recently discussing the convention in crosswords of including the names of people who are still alive, The Times apparently doesn't but it looks like the Everyman does.

There are a few mentions of singers but not enough to call it a theme.

My FOI was 1a, and I imagine that will be the case with most solvers.

My LOI and also my COD is the brilliant 26a (although I'm not sure how pleased he'll be about the use of his old name) I remember my older sister bought his album T..... which is still regarded as one of the greatest albums ever made, and rightly so.

Thanks to Everyman for another excellent crossword.

Please feel free to leave a comment or ask for a hint if you get stuck. This is a very friendly Forum and there are always people willing to help.

Stay safe:-)

Yes you're right about 1a. I always love Spooner and his isms - even though this was my LOI for no apparent reason. All good fun.

Hi Alzy,

I think Spoonerisms divide opinion, there are people like your good self who enjoy them but others that really don't. Personally I don't mind them, I see them as another tool in the setter's arsenal.

It's good to see 24a get a mention. I've just started reading "The Mirror and the Light", the third installment in Hilary Mantel's Tudor trilogy and, even though she's not in this one, her presence still permeates throughout.

I can’t parse 24a correctly, though I get the middle part of the answer with ‘the old throw’ backwards. I guess a european is ae. Why in the news?

Hi Mathi,

I think "A European" could be AE but I'd say it's AN E, then "the news" would refer to the two Ns surrounding "the old throwback".

Thanks.

I had an entirely different songwriter. American. Same last name.
As was.
I can't parse either. All crossers correct I think.
But 13d yet to get. Some place I never heard of I suspect.

Hi Clark,

26a 4 letter "musical" around 5 letter "number" around T(enor)

13d Isn't a place. Definition is "loose ends" and it's a 5 letter word for "angry" + 5 letter word for a "tie" reversed/"up".

Thanks -my typo I meant 12d. I have since solved it .

I see the musical thing now.