Last songs that were played while the Titanic sank
It has been 112 years, and yet people still talk about the Titanic wreckage.
By Vibhuti PathakApr 15, 2024
Mysterious things always attract people's attention, Titanic is a mystery, and history is something that people still read about. On this day, April 15, 1912, people are still reading of one of the greatest ship wreckages, the Titanic wreck after 112 years.
There have been many stories of the survivors who were recorded after they managed to escape the accident. Many of them have mentioned that they heard the band of the ship playing music till the last of them survived.
Amidst the chaos, a haunting soundtrack played on, provided by the ship's orchestra led by violinist Wallace Hartley.
The night the Titanic sank, bandleader Wallace Hartley and his musicians bravely played on, calming passengers as the ship went down. Their heroism became a legend, though the final song remains a mystery. Nearer, My God, to Thee is widely accepted, but some believe it was Autumn.
In 2013, a violin found in an attic, with Hartley's initials and an inscription from his fiancee, was confirmed as his instrument. Experts believe it was the one played on the fateful night. The discovery came after years of investigation, including analysis of the engraving and a CT scan to examine the violin's construction.
One survivor, Vera Dick, claimed to hear the sombre strains of the hymn Nearer My God To Thee as her lifeboat drifted away from the sinking ship.
This evidence, along with a telegram from Hartley's fiancee mentioning the violin's return, solidified its authenticity. The violin, a powerful symbol of the band's bravery, stands as a lasting testament to their sacrifice.
Survivors reported that the musicians played various tunes, from dance numbers to hymns, as the ship met its watery grave. But the identity of the final song performed remains an enduring mystery.
However, other testimony contradicts this account. Harold Bride, the Titanic’s radio operator, stated that the last song played was the melancholic Songe d’Automne, just before the ship went under.
Regardless of the discrepancies in witness statements, the music played during the ship's final moments has left an indelible mark on history. This tale of the ship's band performing while faced with their impending doom inspired countless musical compositions, including operas, musicals, and songs across various genres.
The story also spawned a wealth of folk songs that captured the Titanic's tragic end. These ranged from Ernest Stoneman's The Titanic to Leadbelly's The Titanic, which focused on an urban legend involving boxer Jack Johnson's denied passage due to racial discrimination. Another notable entry is Vernon Dalhart's The Sinking of the Titanic, an evocative piece echoing the ship's tragic fate.
Gospel guitarist Blind Willie Johnson's eerie God Moves On The Water offers a haunting interpretation of the disaster, while Richard Rabbit Brown's Sinking of the Titanic interweaves Nearer My God To Thee into its composition.
Even decades after the disaster, blues artists like Hi Henry Brown and Charley Jordan continued to pay tribute with "Titanic Blues," showing the lasting impact of the event on American music.
Though James Cameron's movie Titanic popularised Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On as the definitive song of the tragedy, the real soundtrack of the ship's final moments remains an enigma, a poignant reminder of the human spirit amidst calamity.
The minister, promoted from the Ministry of Justice during prime minister Keir Starmer’s Cabinet reshuffle last Friday, said securing the country’s borders would be her main focus.
Mahmood hosted Five Eyes ministers from the US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada in London
Home secretary says border security will be her main focus after Cabinet reshuffle
NEWLY-APPOINTED home secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday (September 8) outlined a tougher approach on immigration, warning that countries refusing to take back illegal migrants could face visa suspensions.
Mahmood, who took charge of the Home Office last week, made the remarks as she hosted ministerial counterparts from the US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada at a meeting of the intelligence-sharing group “Five Eyes” in London.
Her comments came after more than 1,000 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats over the weekend, one of the highest totals recorded in recent times.
Visa warning to countries
"For countries that do not play ball, we have been talking about taking much more coordinated action between the Five Eyes countries,” Mahmood said.
"And for us that means the possibility of cutting visas in the future, just to say we do expect countries to play ball, play by the rules and if one of your citizens has no right to be in our country, you have to take them back," she added.
The minister, promoted from the Ministry of Justice during prime minister Keir Starmer’s Cabinet reshuffle last Friday, said securing the country’s borders would be her main focus.
"I'm very clear that there has to be a strong approach to maintaining our border, and that does mean saying to countries who do not take their citizens back that we're not simply going to allow our laws to remain unenforced. That they do have to play ball, they have to come to the table and if cutting visas is one of the ways to do that, then I will do whatever it takes," she said.
Talks with Five Eyes ministers
Mahmood was speaking to reporters as she began talks with Kristi Noem, US Homeland Security Secretary, who is visiting the UK. Noem has been overseeing President Donald Trump’s deportation drive in her role with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
Australian home affairs minister Tony Burke, New Zealand minister Judith Collins and Canadian public safety minister Gary Anandasangaree also took part in Monday’s summit. Alongside discussions on illegal migration and people smuggling, the agenda included online child sexual abuse and the spread of opioids.
Mahmood, 44, was born in Birmingham to parents from Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. A University of Oxford graduate and qualified barrister, she was first elected as a Labour MP in 2010.
She has held several shadow cabinet positions and was appointed to one of the senior-most roles in the Labour government last year, becoming one of the most prominent British Muslims in the party.
In May, during Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, she issued a statement on South Asia tensions: “I share the concerns of my constituents regarding the rising tensions between Pakistan and India. Nobody wins in an escalation between the two countries, and dialogue and diplomacy should be a priority.”
“I know many in Birmingham with family in both countries will be desperately worried, which is why restoring regional stability is essential,” she said at the time.
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Laura Whitmore investigates the chilling reality of teenage killers in Britain
Laura Whitmore explores shocking cases of teenage killers in her new true crime series.
Series highlights disturbing crimes including Dexter copycat murders and fatal rejection rage incidents.
Whitmore issues a stark warning to parents about social media and teenage behaviour.
Crime+Investigation series premieres 8 September at 9pm.
Laura Whitmore is set to return to screens with her chilling new documentary, Laura Whitmore on Britain’s Killer Teens, tackling the dark world of teenage murderers. The Crime+Investigation series explores why some teenagers commit horrific crimes, with real-life testimonies from victims’ families and insights from forensic experts. Ahead of the premiere, Whitmore has shared a sobering warning for parents navigating social media and teenage influences.
Laura Whitmore investigates the chilling reality of teenage killers in Britain Instagram/thewhitmore
Why Laura Whitmore on Britain’s Killer Teens is a must watch
Each of the five episodes of Laura Whitmore on Britain’s Killer Teens focuses on a separate, shocking case. From a Dexter-inspired killer to teenagers driven by rejection rage, the series goes beyond sensational headlines to examine the factors behind these crimes. Experts and investigators provide forensic analysis, while family members recount personal experiences, offering a rare and harrowing look into these tragedies.
Unlike typical true crime shows, Whitmore highlights the victims’ voices as much as the perpetrators’ actions. She explains: “It angers me how long some families wait for justice, living with curtains drawn while perpetrators remain unnamed.” By emphasising closure and the human cost of teenage violence, the series aims to educate viewers about the legal system and the real-life consequences of these crimes.
Whitmore, a mother herself, stresses the importance of guiding children through today’s social media-driven world. She warns that platforms like TikTok can influence teenage behaviour, and parents must equip their children with the tools to make responsible choices. “At some point you have to let your children grow up, but it’s crucial to provide them with the right guidance,” she said.
Among the gripping stories is that of Brian Blackwell, an 18-year-old from a privileged background who murdered his parents before going on holiday with his girlfriend. Other cases include a young girl fatally stabbed by her ex-partner and incidents where rejection led teenagers to commit unthinkable acts. Each episode dissects motives, backgrounds, and investigative processes, creating a sobering and informative viewing experience.
Laura Whitmore on Britain’s Killer Teens airs Monday 8 September at 9pm on Crime+Investigation, offering a deep dive into the tragic and disturbing realities of teenage crime in the UK.
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Migrants wade into the sea to board a dinghy to cross the English Channel on August 25, 2025 in Gravelines, France.(Photo: Getty Images)
MORE than 1,000 migrants arrived on small boats across the Channel on Shabana Mahmood’s first full day as home secretary, taking total arrivals this year past 30,000.
The Home Office said 1,097 migrants crossed on Saturday after nine days without any arrivals. It was the second-highest daily total this year, after 1,195 on May 31. Crossings have now reached 30,100 — 37 per cent higher than at this point in 2023 and 8 per cent higher than 2022, the record year.
Mahmood called the figures “utterly unacceptable” and said she would consider all options. She pledged the first deportations to France under the new one-in, one-out deal would begin “imminently”, with returns expected later this month.
Concerns remain that a possible collapse of the French government, with prime minister François Bayrou facing a confidence vote on Monday, could delay returns and a new maritime law allowing French police to intercept boats in the Channel, The Times reported.
The 30,000 mark has been reached earlier this year than any other since records began in 2018. It was reached on September 21 in 2022, October 30 last year, and not at all in 2023.
Mahmood, appointed home secretary after Angela Rayner’s resignation, is expected to outline plans to move asylum seekers from hotels into military sites.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: “Reshuffling ministerial deckchairs does not change the obvious fact Labour has totally lost control of our borders.”
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The mural has been covered and is being guarded by security
A new mural by street artist Banksy has appeared on the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London.
The artwork depicts a judge hitting a protester, with blood splattering their placard.
It comes days after nearly 900 arrests at a London protest against the ban on Palestine Action.
The mural has been covered and is being guarded by security; Banksy confirmed authenticity via Instagram.
Banksy’s latest work at the Royal Courts of Justice
A new mural by the elusive Bristol-based street artist Banksy has appeared on the side of the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London.
The artwork shows a judge in traditional wig and black robe striking a protester lying on the ground, with blood depicted on the protester’s placard. While the mural does not explicitly reference a specific cause or incident, its appearance comes just two days after almost 900 people were arrested during a protest in London against the ban on Palestine Action.
Security and public access
Social media images show that the mural has already been covered with large plastic sheets and two metal barriers. Security officials are guarding the site, which sits beneath a CCTV camera.
Banksy shared a photo of the artwork on Instagram, captioning it: “Royal Courts Of Justice. London.” This is consistent with the artist’s usual method of confirming authenticity.
Location and context
The mural is located on an external wall of the Queen’s Building, part of the Royal Courts of Justice complex. Banksy’s stencilled graffiti often comments on government policy, war, and capitalism.
Previous works in London
Last summer, Banksy launched an animal-themed campaign in London featuring nine works. The series concluded with a gorilla appearing to lift a shutter at the London Zoo. Other notable pieces included piranhas on a police sentry box in the City of London and a howling wolf on a satellite dish in Peckham, which was removed less than an hour after unveiling.
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7 moments that absolutely broke the Internet at the 2025 VMAs
Mariah Carey finally gets her long-overdue Video Vanguard Award and calls out MTV mid-speech.
Sabrina Carpenter turns her performance into a bold protest for trans rights, leaving the crowd stunned.
Lady Gaga ditches the venue for Madison Square Garden mid-night, sparking memes about her double life.
Ariana Grande’s on-stage struggle with her mic height and tiptoe stance becomes instant internet comedy.
Rosé makes K-pop history with a solo win, while Doja Cat’s lipstick-eating moment keeps TikTok in a chokehold.
Last night felt like pop culture grabbed us by the shoulders, shook us, and screamed, “STILL HERE, AND STILL MATTERS.” The VMAs were back, and they barged in like a loud cousin who knows the aux belongs to them. For three hours, pop culture felt alive again.
If you missed it, here’s what everyone is still talking about.
1. Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga’s sister act
Two women who once symbolised rivalry ended up dancing side by side. Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga hugged it out in the audience and celebrated each other’s wins, Ariana for Brighter Days Ahead and Gaga for Artist of the Year. Online, fans immediately branded them “sisters.” When Gaga won big and Ariana jumped up, beaming, it was the win we all needed.
2. Sabrina Carpenter crashes through the floor — and the noise
Sabrina literally rose out of a manhole surrounded by drag queens holding “Protect Trans Rights” signs. The crowd roared. Later, clutching her Best Album award, she dropped the line: “The world is your f**in’ oyster” and Ariana Grande shot to her feet in a standing ovation. That’s the kind of moment that defines an era. It was pop music with a spine.
Only Gaga. ONLY GAGA. Wins Artist of the Year, cracks a joke about having to get to Madison Square Garden, and literally dips out to perform a sold-out arena show. Her performance was pre-taped from MSG because the VMAs crowd was too small. One fan summed it up best: “Only Lady Gaga can leave an award show for a bigger crowd.” Icon behaviour.
She opened the show by teleporting us directly to a 1989 high school pep rally. Neon, Kenny G on the sax, the whole thing. It was ridiculous and perfect, and you couldn't look away. You saw Ariana in the crowd losing her mind to it and knew exactly how she felt. It was pure, unadulterated fun. No deeper meaning. Just vibes. And sometimes, that’s everything.
Mariah Carey, after forty years of hits, finally won her first VMA. The fact that she had never won a VMA before felt like a crime. Last night, we finally got to right that wrong. The look on her face, the weight of the moment, it was historic! Mariah looked down at the Moonperson, laughed, and said, “What were you waiting for?” The internet had been asking the same thing for hours. It was a long-overdue victory for a legend who has given us everything.
Summer Walker dressed as Pamela Anderson circa 1999. Ariana Grande channelled Audrey Hepburn in custom Fendi. Seeing Jessica Simpson back after 20 years felt like welcoming an old friend home. The carpet was less about new looks than ghosts of VMA past. Instagram feeds looked like a timeline collapsing in real time.
Yes, Gaga and Ariana dominated. But it was the unexpected wins that kept people talking. Rosé scored her first solo Moonperson with Apt. Megan Moroney walked away with the VMAs’ first-ever country award. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar went home without wins. Love it or hate it, the show proved the VMAs still know how to rattle expectations.
So, what are we left with this morning? A hangover from the glitter bomb!
It wasn't a perfect show. It was better than that. It was human. It was protest signs and friendship hugs, legends getting their flowers, and a superstar literally running out the door to sing for her real fans. Exactly what the VMAs are supposed to be.