METALLICA's Blood Drives Reach Donation Milestone
Metallica has provided an update on their blood drive initiative with the Red Cross, which has seen 1,000 donations since its launch in April. The partnership has been praised for its impact on individuals in need, including those with cancer and sickle cell disease. The band's efforts have attracted both regular and new donors, with upcoming blood drive stops in Houston, Denver, and Santa Clara. Donors will receive a limited-edition Metallica T-shirt as a thank you for their contribution.
Corona Capital Reveals 2025 Lineup with Foo Fighters, QOTSA, Deftones, Chappell Roan & More
The iconic Foo Fighters are set to headline the Corona Capital festival in Mexico City with a new drummer, signaling a period of reinvention for the band. This shift reflects the evolving nature of bands and the importance of adaptability in the music industry. The festival lineup, featuring a mix of established acts and rising stars like Linkin Park, highlights the trend of festivals catering to diverse genres and audiences. Additionally, festivals are incorporating lifestyle elements and experiences beyond music to attract wider audiences and enhance the overall event experience. Stay tuned for updates on music festivals and artist announcements to stay informed on the evolving music landscape.
Billy Corgan on playing Smashing Pumpkins songs solo, and Pope Leo XIV being a White Sox fan
Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins is embarking on a solo tour to celebrate the anniversaries of the albums “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” and “Machina/The Machines of God.” Corgan, the sole author of the works, will perform with his new solo band, Billy Corgan and the Machines of God, to carefully re-examine his own material without external pressure. The tour will feature songs from different eras of the Smashing Pumpkins, including hits from the “Mellon Collie” period and the “Machina/The Machines of God” concept record. Corgan's solo tour offers him the freedom to present his material without compromise and embrace the creative process on his own terms.
Frank Beard Returns To ZZ Top Tour
Drummer Frank Beard has rejoined ZZ Top's "Elevation" tour after being sidelined due to health issues. In a statement, ZZ Top announced that Beard's "foot and ankle issues...have been resolved." ZZ Top drum tech John Douglas filled in for Beard during the last two months. ZZ Top has shows in Canada this week and all but four of their 17 June shows are north of the border. The band takes July off and then resume their tour on August 1st at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Paul McCartney calls Pink Floyd member a ‘genius’ and says he ‘really goes to town’ on collaborative song
Paul McCartney has praised a member of Pink Floyd as a "genius" following their collaboration on the song "No More Lonely Nights." McCartney thanked David Gilmour for his work on the song and described working with him in the studio as a pleasure. The collaboration came about for the film "Give My Regards to Broad Street," where the song fared better than the film itself. McCartney reflected on the success of the song and the film, which he worked on around the same time as his solo album "Pipes of Peace." The film featured appearances from Ringo Starr, George Martin, and others, making it a fun project for McCartney.
Items from Eddie Van Halen, Bob Dylan, Kurt Cobain & more bring in big bucks at Music Icons auction
The annual Music Icons auction from Julian’s Auctions in New York featured items from Bob Dylan, Eddie Van Halen, Aerosmith, and Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, with Van Halen's stage-played guitar selling for $78,000. Dylan’s signed harmonica fetched $29,250, while Cobain's items, including a tour van portion and handwritten set list, sold for $26,000 and $13,000, respectively. Other notable sales included Steven Tyler’s keyboard for $130,000, Eric Clapton’s guitar for $52,000, and John Lennon’s signed album for $22,750. Items from Noel Gallagher, Taylor Hawkins, and a U.S. Live Aid program also sold at the auction.
Heart Band Members Report Stolen Instruments, Offer Reward for Their Return
Legendary rockers HEART have reported that two of their instruments were stolen before the start of their 2025 tour. The missing items include a custom purple sparkle baritone Telecaster made for Nancy Wilson and a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin belonging to Paul Moak. The band is offering a reward for any information leading to the return of the instruments and has urged anyone with knowledge to come forward. HEART's current tour, "An Evening With Heart," began on May 31 in Atlantic City and will conclude on June 28 in Hollywood, Florida. The band, known for hits like "Magic Man" and "Barracuda," has a long history of success and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013.
Billy Joel's Latest Health Update Courtesy of Howard Stern
Billy Joel, known for hits like "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," had to cancel his tour plans due to a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in May. The 76-year-old singer is dealing with the rare brain disorder that affects mobility and memory but wants fans to know he is "doing fine." Despite the health setback, Joel's friend Howard Stern shared that the music icon is not dying and is focused on dealing with his medical issues. Joel's wife and daughter have expressed gratitude for the support and are hopeful for his recovery, with plans for him to return to the stage in the future.
Dave Mason Cancels All Tour Dates Following Health Issues
Veteran guitarist Dave Mason has canceled all of his scheduled 2025 tour dates due to ongoing health issues stemming from a serious heart condition. The English singer-songwriter, known for his work with Traffic and as a session guitarist, has been battling a severe infection since March. Despite efforts to treat the condition, Mason's health has not improved, leading to the cancellation of his tour. Fans and colleagues have shown support for Mason as he continues his recovery journey.
Noel Gallagher's 1997 Bentley Turbo R on sale for £1.2million on Autotrader
Noel Gallagher's 1997 Bentley Turbo R, complete with its original "OASIS 2" plate and cream leather interior, is up for sale for £1.2 million on Autotrader. Despite never learning to drive, the rock icon amassed a fleet of luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce gifted by label boss Alan McGee. The Bentley, described as "surprisingly reliable," is a time capsule of Gallagher's chaotic career, from speeding fines for his chauffeured Range Rover to this summer's Oasis reunion tour. Auto Trader's Erin Baker hails it as a "rock 'n' roll ride for the history books," offering collectors a backstage pass to the '90s alongside Gallagher's other "expensive mistakes" like his barely driven Jaguar.
80s Rock Legends Whitesnake Plan To Reunite Following David Coverdale's Health Struggles
Whitesnake, the iconic rock band of the 1980s, is set to reunite at the 2025 Zaječar Guitar Festival in Serbia on August 29. Lead singer David Coverdale won't be performing, with keyboardist Dino Jelusick taking his place. The band, now called The Whitesnake Experience, will feature longtime members and former bassist Marco Mendoza, playing a special set list of hits approved by Coverdale. Despite the change, fans are excited to see the band back on stage, with many looking forward to how the new lineup will honor the band's legacy while moving forward.
Nickelback Started as Village Idiot Before Making it Big
In 1995, a group of Canadian musicians from a small Alberta town named themselves "Village Idiot" before becoming Nickelback. The band's name originated from bassist Mike Kroeger's time working at Starbucks. Nickelback's hit song "How You Remind Me" topped charts in the U.S. and Canada in 2002, with other popular hits including "Photograph" and "Rockstar." Mixing post-grunge and pop-rock sounds, Nickelback has sold 50 million albums, streamed over 10 billion times, and consistently sells out venues on tour. Fans debate the band's original name, with some praising the switch to Nickelback and others making jokes about it.
Collective Soul Announce New Documentary
Collective Soul is releasing their first documentary, “Give Me a Word: The Collective Soul Story,” on July 8th. The film, shot at Elvis Presley’s Palm Springs estate in early 2023, shows the band recording their latest album, "Here to Eternity." It includes old footage from their early days and tells the story of their 30-year career, family ties, and creativity. The band, with members Ed Roland, Dean Roland, and Will Turpin, has sold over 15-million albums and has seven number-one singles, like “Shine” and “December.” The documentary will be available on DVD, Blu-ray, and video-on-demand platforms like Amazon and iTunes. On June 12th, the band will talk about the film on TalkShop.Live, offering signed copies. The release aligns with their Summer Unity Tour with +Live+, starting July 8th in Auburn, Washington.
From Paul McCartney’s Höfner to Dave Grohl’s Trini Lopez and Joan Jett’s Melody Maker – a 1:1 scale photography exhibition of famous guitars is heading to London
The Scale Exhibition, curated by photographer Kane Hibberd, offers a unique opportunity to view iconic guitars up close in life-size detail. Featuring over 100 images of guitars belonging to famous musicians like Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Joan Jett, the exhibition showcases the wear and tear on these instruments. Attendees can also learn the stories behind the guitars, such as Nile Rogers' lost Fender Stratocaster. The exhibition, running from June 12 to August 31 in London, provides a rare and intimate look at these legendary instruments.
Vinyl Me, Please to Return with New Leadership and Remastered Mission
Vinyl Me, Please, the troubled online vinyl record subscription service, has been acquired by VNYL Inc after filing for bankruptcy. VNYL Inc aims to revive the brand and restore customer trust by honoring past obligations and delivering premium vinyl experiences. The new ownership, led by VNYL CEO Nick Alt and president Emily Muhoberac, plans to focus on providing a top-notch customer experience and utilizing VNYL tech to create a more efficient business model. The company is committed to winning back customers and growing the vinyl collector community while emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction and premium service.