Rachael Pimblett

Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt is auctioning a career-spanning collection of bass guitars, clothing, and other memorabilia through Reverb, with sales beginning September 9. Highlights include stage-burned instruments from the Nimrod and Warning tours, an unplayable Gibson Grabber smashed by Dirnt and Tré Cool, and a 1962 Fender Precision bass. Clothing includes his leather jacket from the “Wake Me Up When September Ends” video and an outfit from “Oh Yeah”; proceeds from clothing sales will benefit charity.

Jack Osbourne says curating Ozzfest 2027 has been both exciting and difficult because major bands increasingly run their own festivals and some acts command fees of up to $10 million. The festival is expected to return to Birmingham’s Villa Park following Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert there, but Jack says it will be a one-day event rather than multi-day. The lineup will include established bands influenced by Ozzy, alongside new music and at least one unsigned artist, with headliners and the venue plans expected to be announced soon.

London alt-rock band World News has announced its debut album, In Purgatory, due for release on October 16, 2026. The album includes the reflective single “The Way It Goes,” written and demoed during 2020, alongside older and more recently composed material. To support the release, the band will embark on its largest tour to date, covering the UK and Europe from October through December, with dates in cities including Vienna, Cardiff, Manchester, Barcelona, Madrid, London, Belfast and Dublin.

FKA Twigs has won the first stage of a trademark infringement dispute brought by the indie band The Twigs, sisters Laura and Linda Good. US District Judge Jed S. Rakoff dismissed their infringement allegations as too old under the doctrine of laches, noting that they were aware of the alleged infringement by 2013 or 2014 but waited until 2024 to act and 2026 to file the current claims. The court also found no indication that Tahliah Barnett intended to create confusion with the band. The case continues over Barnett’s trademark application for “FKA Twigs,” with both sides now entering evidence discovery.

Phoebe Bridgers cancelled the remainder of her intimate UK appearances and an album signing at Rough Trade East after being hospitalized with appendicitis. The affected shows were scheduled in Brighton, Kingston and Bristol following two London performances, but venues had not yet announced postponement or refund details. Bridgers said the events would be rescheduled, while her larger UK, European and North American arena tour was scheduled to begin in September.

Bruce Springsteen secured his Columbia Records deal after manager Mike Appel arranged a meeting with legendary talent scout John Hammond in 1973. When Hammond cut short Appel’s rambling pitch and asked Springsteen to play something, Springsteen performed “It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City,” immediately impressing him. The meeting developed into a two-hour recording session and Springsteen signing with Columbia. The song later became the closing track on his debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.

Fontaines D.C. have released a cryptic 26-second teaser featuring the words “Dopamine Chamber” and “2026,” prompting speculation that it is the title of their fifth album. The teaser includes unreleased songs such as “Six Shot Morning,” which debuted live in Cádiz alongside “Marianne.” The band has not officially confirmed the album title but is expected to do so soon, as it prepares for major festival appearances in Europe and North America. The project will follow the band’s acclaimed 2024 album, Romance.

Ritchie Blackmore reunited with Deep Purple onstage for the first time in 33 years during the band’s concert at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, performing “Smoke on the Water” and joining the group for several minutes. Reflecting on the emotional appearance, Blackmore said he valued seeing his former bandmates more than delivering a technically perfect performance and suggested it might be the last time they meet. Ian Gillan warmly welcomed the guitarist, while Deep Purple continues its North American tour before scheduled UK dates in November.

Kelly Osbourne condemned Dee Snider for questioning Ozzy Osbourne’s songwriting contributions and suggesting that other musicians wrote lyrics for Black Sabbath and Ozzy’s solo records. She defended her late father’s legacy and criticized Snider’s comments as classless and based on hearsay. Snider subsequently clarified that he had love and respect for Ozzy while maintaining that songwriting credits should accurately reflect who wrote the lyrics. Snider is also due to be replaced by Sebastian Bach on Twisted Sister’s upcoming 50th-anniversary tour.

Liam Gallagher has accused unnamed former associates and business owners of having “stolen” his clothing brand, Pretty Green, rather than selling it. Founded by Gallagher in 2009, the label entered administration in 2019 before being bought by JD Sports and later acquired by Frasers Group. Gallagher says he has not been involved with the brand for years after conflicts with staff. He is nevertheless revisiting fashion through a new Oasis clothing range commemorating the band’s Knebworth shows, while speculation grows about additional Oasis performances following a new Knebworth license and Gallagher’s comments that the reunion tour is not a farewell.

Queens of the Stone Age have announced their eighth studio album, Perfecth, through a gory 90-second promotional clip starring Josh Homme and Dean Fertita. The video initially gives September 30 as the release date, but retracts it after a staged five-finger fillet accident leaves Homme injured, changing the announcement to “Coming… soon?” The album follows 2023’s In Times New Roman and appears to continue the band’s blood-and-gore aesthetic, also seen in the video for the single “Easy Street.”

The Recording Academy is reconsidering its new Best Asian Pop category after BTS announced it would boycott the 2027 Grammys and withhold its album Arirang from consideration. BTS said it wanted its music judged beyond regional or language-based classifications. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledged that some artists felt the category failed to represent their work, prompting discussions with representatives of K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, Indian music and other scenes, including BTS’s label HYBE. The Academy’s board and Awards & Nominations Committee will review whether the category and submission process should be changed.

Phoebe Bridgers has hidden the song “Best Dressed” on the CD edition of her third solo album, Lost Weekend. The track appears in the pre-gap before the album opener, “The Outside,” and requires listeners to press backwards from the first song to access it. Former Black Country, New Road vocalist Isaac Wood contributes a verse, while Conor Oberst, Jack Antonoff and Jon Brion also receive credits. The collaboration follows Wood’s announcement as a supporting act on Bridgers’s Lost Tour dates in Europe and the UK.

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris remains under sedation after suffering a critical medical emergency before the band’s August 6 show with Lionel Richie in San Francisco. He briefly showed signs of improvement, including opening his eyes and joking, but was sedated again after his blood pressure rose and he experienced breathing difficulties. The band says doctors are closely monitoring him, while supporters have raised nearly $70,000 through GoFundMe. Former drummer Sonny Emory has been performing in Paris’s place and asking fans to continue praying for his recovery.

Johnny Marr recalled spending a long day with Paul and Linda McCartney after The Smiths broke up in 1987. When Marr described the band’s collapse, McCartney responded, “That’s bands for you,” a simple remark Marr later called brilliant and used when offering advice himself. Marr also remembered intensely jamming with McCartney for several hours. The news comes as Marr and Morrissey appear to have set aside their feud for a rare joint contribution to Rough Trade Records’ Volume 2 singles boxset, scheduled for release on October 30, 2026.

Frankie Valli has denied that he is retiring after his brother Bobby announced that the singer had ended his career. Valli stated that he is not retired, and his representative confirmed the announcement was false. Bobby Valli apologised, saying he had been misinformed, after which he edited his original post. Retirement speculation intensified after Frankie Valli cancelled his 2026 tour dates for health reasons, but he has previously said he intends to continue performing for as long as possible.

Slipknot has officially parted ways with keyboardist and DJ Sid Wilson after weeks of rumours about his status in the band. The announcement, briefly posted by Slipknot and still visible through the Knotfest account, follows several recent lineup changes, including the departures of Chris Fehn, Craig Jones and Jay Weinberg. Despite the reshuffling, drummer Eloy Casagrande says the group is working on new material.

Sheryl Crow has announced her 12th studio album, 'Pick You Up', a seven-track Americana project due for release on October 9, 2026, through Old Green Barn Productions. The album was written with longtime collaborator Jeff Trott and includes the lead single 'Freedom Bus', featuring Jesse Welles. Crow says the songs explore humanity, connection, hope, unity, and the importance of freedom. The release follows her 2024 album 'Alarm Clock' and her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Black Mirror director Ally Pankiw said she rejected an offer to direct HBO’s Harry Potter series, calling it an easy way to refuse funding what she considers transphobia. Sex Education director Kate Herron said she had also turned down the project twice. The article links the controversy to executive producer J.K. Rowling’s anti-transgender views and notes that several cast members have publicly disagreed with her politics. Rowling has said she would not seek to remove actors for holding legally protected beliefs. The series is scheduled to premiere globally on Boxing Day.

Investors have sued Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey and entrepreneur Daniella Pierson in Delaware federal court, alleging fraud and breach of contract over the mental-health start-up Wondermind. The plaintiffs say they invested nearly $1.2 million based on false claims about the company’s infrastructure, leadership and planned initiatives, alleging that the app was never built and that employees and vendors were not paid on time. Gomez is specifically accused of failing to fulfill contractual duties to build and promote the brand. The lawsuit seeks repayment, costs and damages; Pierson’s spokesperson denied the allegations, while representatives for Gomez and Teefey had not responded.

Country-rap musician Colt Ford broke his shoulder after being pulled through the windshield during a tour bus crash while traveling to Germany for a show. Ford said his crew was also injured but that everyone survived. It remains unclear whether he will perform at the Germany event or other scheduled shows. The crash occurred shortly after the release of his single “Fake Redneck” and amid continued activity following his recovery from a near-fatal heart attack in 2024.

Laura Nyro's music had such a profound effect on Todd Rundgren that it changed his songwriting and contributed to the breakup of his band, The Nazz, amid artistic disagreements and disputes over publishing rights. Nyro's blend of doo-wop, soul, jazz, abstract folk and poetic lyricism was difficult to categorize, though her songs became successful through covers by artists including Barbra Streisand and the Fifth Dimension. Alice Cooper and Elton John also praised her songwriting, reinforcing the case for Nyro's lasting influence despite her death from ovarian cancer in 1997.

Axl Rose told fans at Guns N’ Roses’ concert at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium that he was recovering from a recent procedure for severe temporomandibular joint disorder. He described facial numbness, unusual sounds while singing and the difficulty of performing with TMJ, but completed the three-hour show with the band. Rose also called for unity, saying there is only one human race, and Guns N’ Roses are scheduled to perform next in St. Louis.

Luke Combs has announced a second leg of his My Kinda Saturday Night tour, with 12 North American stadium dates scheduled from April through June 2027. The tour will begin at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit cities including Minneapolis, Detroit, Philadelphia, Toronto-area markets, Vancouver, Boise and Denver, and conclude at Petco Park in San Diego on June 26. His latest album, The Way I Am, debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and number two on the Billboard 200.

Hovvdy’s sixth album, Big World, attempts to offer a shorter and more focused experience after the emotional expansiveness of the duo’s 2024 self-titled double album. The review argues that this pursuit of concision strips the songs of intimacy and emotional substance, leaving much of the indie-pop material muted and formulaic. Tracks including “Give it Away,” “Blast” and “Try Try Try” show flashes of Hovvdy’s songwriting ability, while “Wannabe (Radio Queen)” is selected as the standout. Overall, the album is deemed a disappointing retreat from the duo’s strongest qualities.

In June 1994, Geffen Records partnered with CompuServe and Aerosmith to distribute the band’s unreleased track “Head First” online. Users accessed the 4.3-megabyte WAV file by entering “GO AEROSMITH,” though downloading the three-minute song over dial-up took 60–90 minutes. About 10,000 fans downloaded it in the first eight days, making the experiment an early landmark in digital music distribution and a precursor to modern streaming. Aerosmith waived royalties, while executives praised the band for helping test the future of internet-based music. The piece contrasts the experiment’s voluntary appeal with U2’s much more controversial 2014 album giveaway through Apple and iTunes.

Axl Rose rejected comparisons between Guns N' Roses and Iron Maiden, arguing that Iron Maiden’s music and band identity were fundamentally unlike rock and roll as he understood it. Bruce Dickinson later mocked Rose’s notorious lateness when Rose temporarily fronted AC/DC in 2016. The rivalry intensified after Guns N' Roses opened for Iron Maiden in Quebec City in 1988; Rose reportedly criticized the French-speaking audience, prompting Dickinson to say years later that he regretted not confronting him onstage.

Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May travelled from Surrey to eastern Spain to view the August 12 total solar eclipse from an optimal location. He shared eclipse-viewing advice, warned followers never to look directly at the Sun, and offered DIY alternatives after eclipse glasses sold out in parts of London. In a BBC Newsnight interview, May described total eclipses as life-changing experiences that provide a unique perspective on Earth’s place in the solar system. He also recently criticized plans for data centres in the UK, arguing that they could damage the country’s environment.

Saturday Night Live UK will premiere its second season on September 12, 2026, with further episodes scheduled through October 24. All 11 original cast members are returning, while hosts and musical guests have not yet been announced. Audience members can apply for tickets through a ballot opening on August 14. The first season featured hosts including Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan and Ncuti Gatwa, alongside musical acts such as Wet Leg, Wolf Alice and Foo Fighters.

Ritchie Blackmore says he plans to join Deep Purple for an encore at the band’s August 12, 2026 concert at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, marking his first onstage performance with the group in 33 years. He revealed the previously intended secret during an Instagram Live broadcast with his wife, Candice Night, explaining that he had contacted Ian Gillan and received approval from the band. Blackmore has prepared a small amplifier and restrung his Stratocaster ahead of the appearance, which follows a period of live-performance cancellations caused by vertigo.

John Lennon’s 1969 single “Cold Turkey” used an X-ray of his head as its cover art, reflecting the song’s themes of drug use, addiction and withdrawal. Photographer David Nutter created the image and superimposed Lennon’s trademark round glasses over the X-ray; some releases also featured X-rays of Lennon and Yoko Ono together. Lennon recorded the track with the Plastic Ono Band, including Ringo Starr on drums and Eric Clapton on guitar. Despite its striking artwork and dark subject matter, the single reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.

Emily Remler was an exceptionally talented American jazz guitarist born in New Jersey in 1957. Inspired by Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino, she developed a distinctive style after studying at Berklee and settling in New Orleans. Her albums included Firefly, Take Two and Catwalk, while her final project, This Is Me, moved toward electric jazz-pop. Remler died in Australia in 1990 from heart failure while struggling with heroin and Dilaudid addiction, ending a career that the piece argues deserved far greater recognition.

Foo Fighters have released Are Playing Where??? Vol. 2, a six-track live EP available through Bandcamp on a pay-what-you-want basis. Recorded at Starland Ballroom and Irving Plaza, the set includes songs from Your Favorite Toy alongside older favorites such as “These Days,” “My Hero,” “Window,” and “Aurora.” Proceeds will support local charities in cities visited during the band’s North American Take Cover stadium tour with Queens of the Stone Age.

Dire Straits co-founder David Knopfler challenged the portrayal of him as a wealthy rock star during a planning inquiry into a proposed 1,200-home development near his Devon home. The inquiry is examining potential effects on a Site of Special Scientific Interest near Newton Abbot. Knopfler argued that the developer’s barrister used his musical past to discredit local objections, emphasizing that he is a 73-year-old pensioner, economics graduate and former social worker living in a semi-detached home. The dispute comes alongside background on his solo music career and Dire Straits’ recording history.

Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean have confirmed that they are “absolutely” working toward making new music together. The Fugees bandmates, who last released music with the group before its 1997 split, described an extensive healing process and said they are in a positive place ahead of their reunion performance at Hill’s Diaspora Calling! festival in Milton Keynes. The announcement follows the cancellation of the Fugees’ 2024 reunion tour and a lawsuit filed and later voluntarily dismissed by Pras Michel against Hill.

Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx said the band uses backing tracks to add elements such as orchestras and saxophones, while also insisting that the musicians perform 100% live. His comments came in response to fan questions and renewed suspicions about the band’s stage performances. The controversy is linked to Mick Mars’s lawsuit following his departure from the band; Mars had alleged that Sixx did not play bass live during the 2022 tour, although he later acknowledged under oath that the allegation was false. Sixx has continued to deny that Mötley Crüe pantomimes its performances.

Olivia Rodrigo stars in a promotional video supporting Planned Parenthood and criticizing the Trump administration’s abortion policies, including legislation associated with the closure of nearly 30 Planned Parenthood health centers. The video reiterates Rodrigo’s pro-choice activism, which has included a reproductive-rights initiative, discussions with the Center for Reproductive Rights, and distribution of sexual-health kits at shows in Missouri. Profits from her upcoming Daisy Chain Fields Festival will be divided between Planned Parenthood and the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health.

Billie Joe Armstrong says Green Day were not a political band during their early career, despite emerging from an outspoken counterculture scene. He recalls that Dookie focused on personal experiences such as alienation and disenchantment, while the Iraq War and the aftermath of 9/11 prompted the band’s more overtly political direction on American Idiot. Armstrong emphasizes that Green Day’s songs remain personal documents shaped by their circumstances rather than direct political manifestos. The band has continued criticizing Donald Trump, including during its Download Festival debut, and is preparing to release the early-career-inspired film Nimrods on August 14.

Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age launched their joint North American tour at Rogers Stadium in Toronto on August 4, 2026. Queens of the Stone Age performed an 11-song set, while Foo Fighters delivered a 26-song performance featuring acoustic songs, dedications to Shane Hawkins, Taylor Hawkins and Virginia Grohl, and an encore ending with “Everlong” and fireworks. The tour continues through September with dates across the United States and Canada.

A freelance producer suing anonymously as John Doe alleges that Kanye West, also known as Ye, hired him shortly before the release of Vultures II and failed to pay or credit him. The producer claims to have created AI voice models, hundreds of vocal generations and source material, contributing to five tracks on Vultures II. He also alleges that he worked on Bully and helped write two commercially released tracks. The lawsuit seeks at least $110,000 in damages, plus potential double damages under Los Angeles freelance-worker protections. West has not responded.

James Acaster and longtime collaborator Graeme Wicks are releasing their debut album as The Wow! Scenario on October 23, 2026. The project originated in Kettering in 2004, with an album recorded in 2007 before vocals by BC Camplight and Emma Daman were added in 2023. The completed album, Stand in the Star. A Verse and a Chorus, follows years of work and is accompanied by the release of its first single, “Zacuti!”.

Weezer have expanded their Gathering World Tour through 2027, adding shows in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, the UK and Ireland, and several European cities. The tour follows a 32-date North American run in September and October 2026 supporting The Gold Album, with The Shins and Silversun Pickups providing support on the North American dates. The band will also release a music video for the track “C.E.O.” directed by filmmaker Curry Barker.

Corrosion of Conformity bassist and guitarist Pepper Keenan revealed that Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl paid for drummer Reed Mullin’s rehabilitation during his struggles with substance abuse. Mullin, who died in 2020 at age 53 after various health problems, had previously worked with Grohl in the supergroup Teenage Time Killers. Keenan said the band tried to help Mullin but did not know whether he would recover, and reflected that Corrosion of Conformity might have continued to thrive with him had he overcome his health issues.

Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos, died at age 80 at his Bronx apartment. Authorities initially investigated after he could not be reached for several days, but officials later confirmed to Page Six that he died of natural causes in his sleep, with no evidence of foul play. His longtime manager Robert Attermann remembered him as kind and generous. Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee.

Phil Collins says his long-running feud with Paul McCartney, which began after Collins felt McCartney treated his autograph request condescendingly in 2002, has been resolved. Collins revealed that the two discussed the disagreement after McCartney contacted him, and later reconciled when Collins approached McCartney about donating memorabilia to a charity auction. Collins expressed relief that the grievance had been addressed and said McCartney remains an important part of his life.

Noah Kahan celebrated Barack Obama adding his song “Doors” to the former president’s annual summer playlist, while jokingly asking whether Obama was doing well because the track addresses childhood trauma and abandonment. Kahan has previously teased Obama for overlooking his music. He also objected to another song, “American Cars,” being used in a Trump administration promotional video without permission, prompting a White House representative to accuse him of “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

Massive Attack said its members were detained, separately questioned, searched and temporarily deprived of their passports after displaying a Palestinian flag and performing in Singapore on July 29. Singaporean authorities investigated the band for a possible breach of licensing conditions and subsequently barred it from re-entering or performing in the country. The band defended the gesture as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians, criticized international inaction and restrictions on pro-Palestinian protest, and urged Singapore to ratify the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Ghana Party in the Park at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet was abruptly closed on 1 August after a small fire and an overcrowding incident caused crowds to surge when gates reopened. The festival, attended by more than 8,000 people, resulted in 23 people receiving assistance, with three taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Police denied speculation that a stabbing had occurred, while an eyewitness described severe crowding and people being carried out on stretchers. Organisers said the closure was made solely on health and safety grounds.

RAYE headlined Brighton Pride on August 1, 2026, performing a 16-song, 90-minute set with a backing orchestra and singers. Her set included original songs such as “Escapism,” “Joy” and “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”, alongside covers of Prince’s “Purple Rain” and Jax Jones’s “You Don’t Know Me.” RAYE thanked the LGBTQ+ community for supporting her career, and the performance concluded with an enthusiastic reception.

A 17-year-old girl died after becoming unwell at the Kendal Calling festival in Lowther Deer Park, Cumbria, at around 2:15 a.m. on August 2. Emergency responders attempted CPR, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are investigating and seeking members of a group of women who first alerted responders near the Calling Out tent and Big Wheel. The festival organizers said their medical and security teams provided emergency care and that they are assisting authorities.

Roger Waters has released a reimagined version of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” with Palestinian singer Mona Miari, revising its refrain and adding the Arabic section “Hind’s Lullaby,” inspired by the killing of Hind Rajab in Gaza. Waters says the new version addresses displacement, the Gaza conflict, social-media-induced disengagement and resistance, while rejecting accusations that he is antisemitic. The release continues his support for the Palestinian cause and the BDS movement, and is contrasted with Boy George’s pro-Israel AI-assisted song.

Phil Collins revealed that he nearly died in 2024 after a relapse into alcohol use contributed to organ failure, kidney problems and a seven-month hospitalization, including time in intensive care and on life support. He said people came to say goodbye while he was largely unaware of the situation. Collins has remained sober since the hospitalization, but nerve damage from earlier health problems continues to prevent him from playing drums. He is nevertheless considering a possible future tour.

Geese delivered a largely uninterrupted Lollapalooza set in Chicago despite heavy rain, festival delays and United Airlines losing one of the band's guitars in transit. Frontman Cameron Winter joked about the airline before the group performed a set spanning older favorites and tracks from their latest album, Getting Killed, concluding with “Taxes” and “Trinidad.” The band is scheduled to play Hinterland and Outside Lands next, while flooding disrupted Wolf Alice's set and other headline performances featured guest appearances by Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo.

Severe overnight flooding at Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival delayed the August 1 opening by three hours and forced organisers to cancel or shorten several performances. Wolf Alice’s planned hour-long set was reduced to 40 minutes, during which the band played eight songs, while K-pop group Cortis also lost performance time. Organisers worked to clear swamp-like conditions across the festival grounds, but the event continued with high-profile moments including Olivia Rodrigo joining The Smashing Pumpkins and Lorde duetting with Charli XCX. Wolf Alice were scheduled to travel onward to Kendal Calling and other European shows.

Phil Collins has selected ten songs that shaped his life for BBC Radio 2’s Tracks of My Years. His choices span The Beatles, Martha and the Vandellas, Dusty Springfield, Stevie Wonder, The Beach Boys, The Who, his own cover of The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows,” the Traveling Wilburys, Bruce Hornsby and Taylor Swift. Collins offered enthusiastic reflections on several tracks, particularly praising The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” and Swift’s “White Horse.” The interview follows a positive health update after his spinal injury, including his consideration of touring again in the future.

The Maccabees are working on new material following their 2025 reunion after an eight-year split. Frontman Orlando Weeks said the band is playing new songs, including one they feel confident about, and plans to continue developing music after their UK tour with the aim of making a new album. The group last released Marks to Prove It in 2015.

Britpop band Elastica has hinted at a return 25 years after splitting in 2001. The band shared a vintage photograph on Instagram with a message saying they are back and have exciting projects in the works. Elastica’s last major activity was a 2017 remaster of its acclaimed 1995 debut album; an earlier appearance by former members at Abbey Road Studios was ultimately connected only to that remastering project. The group has not revealed whether the new activity involves a reunion, new music, or live performances.

Charli XCX has become the first British female artist to earn two UK number-one albums in the same year after Music, Fashion, Film followed Wuthering Heights at the top of the Official Charts. The achievement gives her four chart-topping projects overall, alongside Crash and Brat, placing her among artists such as The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Diana Ross who have achieved two UK chart-topping albums within twelve months. She promoted the new album with a Nashville launch show, a Lollapalooza headline performance, a self-directed visual film and the release of several B-side tracks through iTunes. Despite the commercial success, Far Out gave the album two stars, praising its self-awareness but criticizing its limited substance and lack of genuine reinvention.

Boy George has ended his professional relationship with Tony Pontius, who had managed his BGP record label, after Pontius refused to release George’s pro-Israel reggae song “We Will Dance Again.” George said the track supports his Jewish friends and rejects describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, while citing the October 7 attacks and alleged abuses against Israelis. The AI-assisted song has attracted public criticism, and Pontius has not responded publicly. George also recently left the West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar, while Culture Club remains scheduled to headline a UK arena tour in December.

The Inbetweeners is reportedly returning as a Netflix reunion movie, with original leads Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, Blake Harrison and James Buckley understood to be attached. Creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris have written the script through their production company Fudge Pack, which partnered with Banijay UK to develop the franchise across film, television and stage. Emily Atack is among the actors producers hope to sign, while Joe Thomas has previously expressed interest in reuniting with the cast.

Glen Hansard’s family announced that a public wake will be held at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin on August 3, followed by a public funeral at St Patrick’s Cathedral on August 4. Attendance inside the cathedral will be limited, with an outdoor public address system and online streams available. Donations are requested for Simon Community and Ukrainian Action instead of flowers, while the family has asked for privacy. Hansard, who won an Academy Award for “Falling Slowly,” died aged 56 in a motorcycle crash in Dublin.

Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee described the band’s legal dispute with former guitarist Mick Mars as awkward, hurtful and emotionally similar to a divorce. Mars sued in 2024, claiming that the band had pushed him out of its business dealings despite only retiring from touring because of health problems. The band later won arbitration, with the ruling rejecting Mars’s claims and ordering him to pay damages. Lee expressed sympathy for Mars’s struggle with ankylosing spondylitis, praised his playing and said he still has “nothing but love” for him despite the bitter legal conflict.

Charli XCX performed a Spotify-hosted album release show at Basement East in Nashville on July 29, debuting several tracks from Music, Fashion, Film alongside songs from Brat and her back catalogue. The 15-song set included “Yeah,” “Magic Metal Montana,” “Card Declined,” “2007,” “SS26,” “No One Lasts Forever” and “Rock Music.” The live-band performance and stripped-back staging suggested a shift away from the Brat era ahead of her upcoming tour and Lollapalooza appearance.

Greentea Peng has announced a seven-date Australia and New Zealand tour for November 2026, beginning in Auckland on November 14 and concluding in Perth on November 23. The itinerary includes shows in Wellington, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, an appearance at Strawberry Fields Festival, and performances drawing from her 2025 album Tell Dem It’s Sunny and her neo-soul, reggae, dub and psychedelic-R&B catalogue. She will also perform UK and European dates before the tour, including Jazz Cafe Festival and FestiValle.

The George Michael estate is suing former manager and friend Andros Georgiou over approximately 90 minutes of previously unseen footage filmed in 1992 and 1993. Georgiou released the material online under the title Trojan Souls — The Greatest Album That Was Never Made, charging fans £4.99 for 48 hours of access, and argues that Michael approved the film and would oppose the lawsuit. The project was associated with Michael’s Hardback Records label and featured planned collaborations with artists including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson and Aretha Franklin, but was abandoned after the declining health and subsequent death of Michael’s partner Anselmo Feleppa. The case names Georgiou and Tribe Media alongside the holding companies Robobuild Limited and Big Geoff Overseas Limited.

Olivia Wilde is preparing to direct Naughty, a Christmas comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dinklage. Aniston will play Mallory, a woman involved in a custody dispute who seeks Santa Claus’s testimony at her divorce hearing, while Dinklage will play Santa. Wilde describes the film as a long-standing passion project in the spirit of Rob Reiner, calling it a larger undertaking than her previous work and expressing gratitude for Universal Pictures’ support. The project follows Wilde’s The Invite, which stars Wilde, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz.

Bret Michaels is recovering after surgery for a kidney stone that caused intense pain during his tour. He performed several shows before being hospitalized when the stone failed to pass, and said the procedure went smoothly and that he hopes to resume performing once fully cleared. The update also references his history of serious health problems, disputes over a possible Poison reunion tour, and his withdrawal from the Trump administration-supported 250 Freedom concert series because of safety concerns.

Tom Holland says he has previously promoted films he privately felt audiences should not watch, describing them as “shit.” He contrasts those experiences with his current press tour for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, both of which he says he is proud of. The article also recalls his early roles and reports that his next project will be a Fred Astaire biopic, for which he plans to perform the dancing himself.

Fontaines D.C. drummer Tom Coll has co-founded Inis Records with Faction Records' Ken Allen and Adebisi Shank drummer and Richter Collective co-founder Michael Roe. The Irish independent label and planned record shop will focus on reissues, hidden gems, new Irish acts, and exclusively Irish records, aiming to provide artists with domestic distribution and international reach. Its first pre-order is a reissue of Fatima Mansions' 1989 album Against Nature, with traditional and showband compilations also planned.

Marvel Studios has announced a new Ghost Rider film starring Ryan Gosling, with Shawn Levy set to direct. Gosling expressed long-standing interest in the character, while Kevin Feige praised the actor’s potential contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The announcement follows earlier Ghost Rider films starring Nicolas Cage and a television portrayal by Gabriel Luna. Marvel also announced a third Black Panther film for December 2028, starring David Jonsson and directed by Ryan Coogler.

Ryan Coogler has announced that Marvel Studios is moving forward with a third Black Panther film, scheduled for release on December 15, 2028. David Jonsson will take the lead as the grown-up son of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Letitia Wright is expected to return as Shuri, while Winston Duke will reprise M’Baku. Jonsson thanked Coogler, Kevin Feige and Marvel for the opportunity, while withholding further details about his role.

Director Chuck Russell died at 74 in the San Diego area on July 22, with no official cause of death reported. Jim Carrey paid tribute to Russell, recalling the joyful and collaborative atmosphere he created while directing The Mask. The 1994 film, starring Carrey and Cameron Diaz, grossed approximately $351.8 million worldwide and received an Oscar nomination for visual effects. Russell also directed The Blob, Eraser and The Scorpion King.

Katy Perry condemned the White House for using her 2010 song “Firework” over a TikTok showing military strikes in Iran, saying the song was intended to promote hope and healing rather than destruction and warfare. She said the use was unauthorized and violated the song’s meaning. The report places her criticism alongside similar objections from Ariana Grande, Boards of Canada, Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo over the White House’s use of their music in political or immigration-related videos.

Previously unseen handwritten letters Morrissey wrote to Simon Pitt between 1974 and 1979, before he founded The Smiths, will be sold as separate lots by Dawsons Auctioneers in London on August 26. The letters reveal his early ambition to become a rock star, actor or writer, his sharp criticism of the Sex Pistols, and his opposition to Margaret Thatcher after her 1979 election. The collection is expected to fetch around £22,000.

Hayley Williams performed a collaborative set at the Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island, on July 24, 2026. She played songs from Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, debuted new material and covers, and brought numerous guests on stage, including Karly Hartzman, Lucy Dacus, Remi Wolf, Jenny Lewis, Joy Oladokun, Kelsey Lu and longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff. The performance concluded with the assembled guests joining Williams for Bill Withers's “Lean on Me.”

The Kinks musician Dave Davies revived the longstanding rivalry between The Kinks and The Beatles by saying that John Lennon disliked his band. Davies praised George Harrison and acknowledged Paul McCartney’s supportive comments about The Kinks, while recounting Lennon’s alleged backstage and onstage hostility. The article also revisits a 1964 performance in which The Kinks reportedly won over the audience, allegedly prompting Beatles management to reduce their prominence on the bill. Davies later clarified that he likes The Beatles and appreciates McCartney’s praise.

Bowery Ballroom apologised after fans found that many tickets for Yo La Tengo’s eight-night Hanukkah benefit-show run had already been bought, apparently for resale, before the general sale opened. The venue said it was working to recover tickets for redistribution and urged fans not to buy from resale sites. Yo La Tengo’s annual Hanukkah tradition began in 2001 and moved to Bowery Ballroom in 2017.

Sick Of It All frontman Lou Koller has died at 59 after a two-year battle with adenocarcinoma. Koller co-founded the New York hardcore band with his brother Pete Koller and drummer Armand Majidi in 1986, helping establish its influential career. The band said his death came after the cancer returned following a period of remission in 2025, and fans have since paid tribute to his legacy.

American artist Joyce Kozloff has revealed that she was the Guerrilla Girls founding member who used the pseudonym Liubov Popova. Kozloff helped establish the feminist art collective in 1985, co-wrote its influential 1988 work The Advantages of Being a Woman Artist, and left the group in 1991. She said she maintained anonymity to keep attention on institutional sexism, racism, and misogyny rather than on individual members, but chose to disclose her identity so she could tell her own story.

Morrissey and PETA are urging Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to end bullfighting, which the musician calls cruel and damaging to Spain’s reputation. In an open letter released before his Barcelona and Madrid concerts, Morrissey argues that public funding should support more constructive programs and cites his song “The Bullfighter Dies.” The appeal comes as 52 Spanish MPs have reintroduced the No Es Mi Cultura initiative, which seeks to strip bullfighting of its protected cultural heritage status.

Night Tapes discuss the deluxe edition of their debut album, portals//polarities, which adds the songs “Swim” and “The Crest of the Wave” alongside a remastered “To Be Free.” The London trio— Iiris Vesik, Max Doohan and Sam Richards—explain how the tracks explore opposing emotions, ego, acceptance, freedom and the tension between reality and ideals. They also reflect on songwriting as a way to create meaning, their evolving live performances, touring with The Neighbourhood, plans to write in Wyoming and a determination to avoid burnout while continuing to develop new music.

Chris Brown pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to affray over a 2023 nightclub brawl involving music producer Abraham Diaw at London’s Tape nightclub. Charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm were dropped. Brown will be sentenced on October 26, following bail conditions that included a £5 million security fee and passport surrender requirements during international travel.

Charli XCX revealed that she and collaborators A. G. Cook and Finn Keane briefly considered naming the closing track of her album Music, Fashion, Film “Brat.” The song, “No One Lasts Forever,” was written after a night in Paris and reflects on mortality, ego and emotional extremes. It ultimately became a long, more varied track rather than the heavily electronic “Brat”-style song they initially envisioned, and features filmmaker David Cronenberg. Far Out gave the album a mixed two-star review.

The week’s major live-music announcements include North American dates for electronic duo Fcukers, a California and international tour by Mike D’s 5D, Squeeze shows in Australia and New Zealand in April 2027, and two 2027 stadium or festival performances by Robbie Williams. Geese have also expanded their 2026 tour with a varied lineup of support acts, although tickets remain limited at several venues. The announcements arrive amid cancellations and postponements from The Beach Boys, Johnny Marr and Ryan Adams.

The Strokes’ new album, Reality Awaits, includes lyrics by Julian Casablancas that criticize music reviewer Anthony Fantano, reviving a feud that began after Fantano gave The Voidz’s previous album a poor review. Fantano responded on X by emphasizing his longstanding admiration for The Strokes. Casablancas has previously attacked Fantano’s approach to music criticism, while Fantano later analyzed those criticisms and suggested the dispute was over. Far Out rated Reality Awaits three and a half stars, saying it combines familiar elements of The Strokes’ work with fresh experimentation.

The Venice Film Festival announced the full lineup for its 83rd edition, featuring a competition slate dominated by prominent male directors and including new films from Martin McDonagh, Florian Zeller, Lee Chang-dong, Hirokazu Koreeda and Werner Herzog. Highlights include Danny Boyle’s Ink as the opening film and the premiere of an Oasis reunion documentary expected to draw both Gallagher brothers. Additional entries feature projects with major actors and directors, a Musk documentary by Alex Gibney and an out-of-competition short from jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal. The festival runs September 2nd to 12th with extensive competition, non‑fiction, shorts, series and Spotlight categories.

Sacha Baron Cohen announced his new film Ali G: Who Iz I? set for release on October 23rd, marking his return to the character after more than two decades. He revealed the news in character via Instagram as he prepares to direct the project. The article revisits Ali G’s origins, notes recent public appearances in character, and highlights that plot details for the upcoming film remain undisclosed.

Robert Smith’s creative tensions in the early 1980s nearly pushed him toward a solo career, particularly during the making of The Cure’s 1984 album The Top. Contract pressure from Fiction Records forced him to continue under the band’s name despite his growing work with Siouxsie and the Banshees and side project The Glove. Smith later described The Top as an incoherent and patchy effort created largely on his own, an experience that diminished his confidence in solo-style recording. Recent collaborations and performances underline his ongoing interest in music beyond The Cure, following the band’s 2024 release Songs of a Lost World.

Oasis’ 1995 album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? has overtaken The Beatles to become the UK’s best‑selling studio album, now ranking third overall in all‑time album sales behind Queen’s Greatest Hits and Abba Gold. The updated Official Charts Company list, released for the UK album chart’s 70th anniversary, shows the Oasis record reaching 6.2 million UK units, boosted by renewed interest from the band’s reunion tour and a resurgence of tracks such as Wonderwall during the 2026 World Cup.

Max Siedentopf created a solar-powered installation in the Namibian Desert designed to play Toto’s 1982 hit “Africa” on loop as a tribute to the song’s enduring legacy. Inspired by the Voyager Golden Records’ representation of Earth’s culture, the project aimed to have the track play indefinitely, though harsh desert conditions likely consumed the structure, as suggested by a 2025 search by YouTuber Adam Carter. The piece highlights the intersection of music, art, and environment in a symbolic gesture toward permanence.

Prime Video has commissioned an intimate documentary on Lily Allen, directed by Mat Whitecross and set for release in 2027 with a planned theatrical window. The film will cover Allen’s rise from early internet fame to cultural influence while exploring themes related to her recent album, which reflects on her marriage to actor David Harbour. Allen is currently on tour, though some North American dates have been downsized or canceled.

Olivia Rodrigo criticizes abortion bans as efforts to control women’s bodily autonomy during a discussion with the Center for Reproductive Rights ahead of her Daisy Chain Fields Festival. The conversation highlights the impact of post–Roe v. Wade restrictions, including medical risks faced by women in states with bans. Rodrigo’s advocacy includes funding reproductive rights initiatives and distributing contraception and abortion-access information at shows. Her upcoming festival will feature prominent artists and direct profits to Planned Parenthood and the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health.

A Sydney court dismissed Charlotte MacInnes’ defamation case against Rebel Wilson over Instagram posts alleging MacInnes retracted a sexual harassment complaint involving producer Amanda Ghost. Justice Elizabeth Raper ruled the posts were not defamatory and that MacInnes failed to prove serious harm, ordering her to cover Wilson’s legal costs. Wilson responded on Instagram, stating the experience tested her but reinforced her commitment to standing up for her beliefs.

Examines the first film created specifically for online viewing, Philippe Mora’s 1996 pop art‑inspired adaptation of Richard III. Developed with a small volunteer cast and funded by internet entrepreneur Peter Sterling, the one‑hour project was produced during the early days of the web, requiring costly pro‑internet equipment. The piece contrasts the film’s pioneering spirit with contemporary debates over streaming culture, sparked by comments from Netflix co‑CEO Ted Sarandos. The article highlights the experimental nature of the film, its historical context, and its significance as an early example of internet‑native cinema.

David Cronenberg identifies the 1965 Canadian film Winter Kept Us Warm as the most influential of his life, crediting its impact not to artistic qualities but to the revelation that filmmaking was within reach after seeing classmates on screen. The film’s exploration of male intimacy and its marginalisation due to homophobia parallel themes later present in Cronenberg’s work, shaping his approach to fluidity and human complexity.

Knats’ new single Bowling Ball confronts the rise of far‑right nationalism in the UK, drawing on the band’s experience witnessing aggressive displays of patriotism and an English Defence League counter‑protest. Written by bassist Stan Woodward and produced by Geordie Greep, the track uses sharp political lyricism and jazz‑infused avant‑rock to depict the forces sowing division and targeting migrants. Despite its intensity, the song aims to encourage solidarity and collective resistance against exclusionary ideologies.

Madison Square Garden filed a defamation lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court against Wired and three of its editors, arguing that an investigative article falsely implied the venue maintained a discriminatory database tracking celebrities’ sexual orientation and assigning risk scores. MSG claims the reporters misused hacked data to create a misleading narrative and asserts the information was used for routine relationship management. The lawsuit seeks damages, a retraction, and attorneys’ fees.

Lorde publicly criticised Spotify’s new AI‑generated “About the Song” summaries after the feature misrepresented details about her track “Current Affairs,” prompting concerns about accuracy and artistic interpretation. Spotify acknowledged the error, stating the tool is in beta and corrections are made quickly. The dispute highlights growing industry tensions over AI in music, with platforms like Bandcamp maintaining stricter bans on AI‑generated content while Spotify moves forward with verification measures for artists.

Wildfire-driven hazardous air quality across the United States and Canada forced Creed, The Black Keys and Mavis Staples to postpone or cancel scheduled performances, with rescheduled dates set for later in the year. The worsening conditions follow more than 800 ongoing Canadian wildfires and echo earlier 2026 disruptions at major European festivals due to extreme weather.

Yard Act discuss their forthcoming album, “You’re Gonna Need A Little Music,” which was recorded between Leeds and Los Angeles and shaped by both the optimism of California and the grounded realities of life in West Yorkshire. James Smith, Ryan Needham and Sam Shipstone explain why the band has resisted relocating to London or the United States, arguing that remaining in Leeds protects their perspective and helps support regional and grassroots music communities. They criticize the music industry's London-centric structure, the decline of traditional grassroots promotion and the pressure to pursue virality. Smith also describes the new album as a move toward evoking moods and emotions rather than making explicit social or autobiographical statements, while emphasizing the importance of following the band's own artistic vision instead of audience expectations.

Cradle of Filth revealed the second leg of their The Majeste In Death tour, launching September 29th in San Diego and spanning 22 shows across the United States and Canada before concluding October 28th in Colorado Springs. The announcement follows a turbulent 2025 marked by internal departures and a lawsuit involving six plaintiffs accusing frontman Dani Filth and associated entities of unpaid wages, defamation, and copyright infringement, allegations Filth rejected. The article provides full tour dates for the upcoming run.

Lana Del Rey announced progress on her long-delayed album Stove alongside a newly revealed companion album titled Spyda. She described the two records as deeply personal works shaped over several years, reflecting themes of patience, change and renewal. Though no release dates were given, she noted that both albums will be finalised within a month before being sent to vinyl. She also acknowledged her collaborators and referenced her recent single, White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter.

Phil Collins is releasing a four-LP deluxe edition of his debut solo album Face Value to mark its 45th anniversary, featuring a half-speed remaster, rare live recordings, demos, outtakes and new liner-note interviews. Highlights include previously unreleased performances such as a 1982 live version of You Know What I Mean and an outtake of Tomorrow Never Knows. Collins also reflected on long-standing tensions with Noel Gallagher ahead of their upcoming encounter at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, suggesting a desire to move past old disagreements.

A forthcoming documentary titled Stan Lee: The Final Chapter presents new footage suggesting Stan Lee faced significant mistreatment in his later years, particularly involving former manager Max Anderson, who is shown handling large sums of unmonitored cash from merchandise signings. Producer Alex Barajas describes lax oversight around the money collected at events. Anderson, who denies wrongdoing, was previously sentenced for tax fraud related to unreported earnings from his work with Lee.

System Of A Down renewed their long-running conflict with Oasis during a London stadium show, where guitarist Daron Malakian mocked the band while introducing a song. The feud stems from Noel Gallagher’s early‑2000s remarks dismissing System Of A Down as the worst band he had ever heard. Malakian previously reignited tensions during last year’s US tour with a post mocking Oasis. The band is scheduled to play another London show, though it is unclear whether they will continue referencing the dispute.

Jeanie and the White Boys prepare to release an EP and album created with Saul Adamczewski, embracing a chaotic, experimental approach that reflects their identity in the British rock scene. Jeanie Crystal describes the recording process as intense and collaborative, shaped by clashing yet productive creative visions. The band continues to engage with political responsibility, community, and artistic rebellion while Jeanie’s involvement with The Moonlandingz deepens both professionally and personally, including a new romantic relationship. Despite increasing stability in their lineup, the group remains committed to embodying the turbulence of contemporary times through their music.

A shooting at Toronto’s Salsa on St Clair festival left two people dead and at least four injured, prompting the cancellation of the event’s second day. Police reported an exchange of gunfire between groups, with the shooters still at large and multiple crime scenes under investigation. City officials condemned the violence, and festival organizers expressed shock and extended condolences to those affected.

AC/DC opened the North American leg of their Power Up tour in North Carolina with a 21‑song set featuring classics such as Back in Black, Thunderstruck and You Shook Me All Night Long, closing with an encore of T.N.T. and For Those About to Rock. The tour continues through multiple U.S. and Canadian cities before concluding in Philadelphia on September 29, drawing its name from the band’s 2020 album, their first release following Malcolm Young’s death.

Fiona Apple describes difficulty writing amid ongoing global crises, expressing pressure to address atrocities while doubting her ability to do so effectively. She emphasizes that her creative struggles should not be mistaken for indifference, noting her efforts to contribute in other ways. Issues weighing on her include violence in Gaza and Sudan, attacks on trans rights, threats to women’s bodily autonomy and abuses faced by immigrants. Her recent work has focused on social justice, including a song highlighting inequities in the bail system.

Iron Maiden marked their 50th anniversary with a major headline show at Knebworth Park, performing a 17‑song set spanning classic hits and fan favourites. The concert, part of the Run For Your Lives Tour and recorded for an upcoming film, featured support acts including The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne and The Almighty. Despite clashing with England’s World Cup quarter-final match, the band played to 50,000 fans and delivered a high‑energy encore of three additional songs.

Mick Jagger explains that while he includes social and political commentary in his songwriting, he prefers it in limited amounts and avoids creating full songs focused solely on politics. Reflecting on The Rolling Stones’ new album Foreign Tongues, he notes that its political elements required maturity and that he abandoned one song for being overly pessimistic. Jagger also says that his approach to political expression during live performances varies by setting, emphasizing that his priority is ensuring audiences enjoy themselves. The album has received mixed critical reception, with some praise for standout moments despite familiar material.

Bob Dylan has made further changes to his touring band following multiple guitarist departures. Doug Lancio and Bob Britt both left earlier in the summer, prompting a series of replacements including Julian Lage, whose schedule later required his exit. Memphis musician J Jad Tariq most recently joined the lineup during a Cincinnati performance, while Joel Paterson previously stepped in after Britt’s departure. Fans expect the evolving band arrangement to remain a point of interest as Dylan continues his tour.

Liam Gallagher publicly celebrated England’s semi-final World Cup victory over Norway, predicting they will win the tournament and urging the team to “make it happen.” He highlighted the growing presence of Oasis’s “Wonderwall” as an unofficial anthem and reiterated his willingness to perform it live if England reach the final. Noel Gallagher also expressed optimism about England’s prospects, reacting to footage of Jude Bellingham singing the song and noting his own family’s excitement about a potential final appearance.

Ariana Grande has withdrawn from season 13 of American Horror Story due to scheduling conflicts with her Eternal Sunshine tour, despite earlier plans to join returning cast members from the Coven season. While continuing work on film projects including Wicked, Focker-In-Law and an animated adaptation of Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, she also prepares to release her upcoming album Petal. Grande recently condemned the White House for using her song Bye in a TikTok video promoting ICE, calling the association unacceptable.

Meta withdrew its Muse Image generator after strong criticism from SAG-AFTRA and CAA over the use of individuals’ likenesses without explicit consent. The unions urged users to opt out over privacy concerns, prompting Meta to admit the tool had missed expectations. The controversy underscores ongoing divisions in the creative industries over the role of AI, with prominent figures expressing varied perspectives and efforts emerging to give creators more control over their likenesses.

Disney’s live-action Moana opened below projections with an estimated $42–46 million domestic weekend after earning $18 million on its first day, far short of original expectations reaching up to $80 million. Interest centered partly on Dwayne Johnson’s character Maui, though earlier plans to use an AI deepfake version were abandoned. Catherine Laga’aia leads the film and expressed pride in representing Pacific Island communities. Competing titles include Minions and Monsters with a projected $21 million second weekend, Toy Story 5 with $19 million, and Evil Dead Burn opening at $15 million.

Mick Jagger reflects negatively on ageing, expressing that he finds no benefits as he approaches 83 and noting decreasing physical capability. He discusses the Rolling Stones’ use of de-ageing technology in a recent music video that divided fans, while also highlighting the band’s longstanding cohesion. Their latest album, Foreign Tongues, received a mixed critical response with some strong moments amid familiar material.

Singer-songwriter Blondshell condemns Alexander Zverev’s continued Wimbledon success despite domestic abuse allegations from former partners. She criticizes the sports world for permitting men with multiple accusations to compete while simultaneously enforcing restrictive policies on transgender athletes. Her comments follow Zverev’s advancement to the Wimbledon final and reference broader debates on fairness and accountability in sports. Blondshell is also preparing to release her third album, Violins, in September.

New York mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that Taylor Swift paid more than $160,000 in permit fees to host her large wedding to Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden, which required road closures and increased police presence. The event featured performances by Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks, with Adam Sandler serving as officiant. Mamdani’s comments followed questions about whether Swift would cover police overtime costs, noting the payment had already been made.

Eric Bass will miss the start of Shinedown’s North American tour after experiencing a serious mental health crisis. He shared through a video that he is undergoing transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment at the Medical University of South Carolina and does not yet have a timeline for returning. Bass said he chose to speak publicly due to his and the band’s commitment to mental‑health awareness but emphasized he is feeling better while prioritizing safety.

Country artist Charley Crockett defended his decision to remove Twin Temple from his upcoming tour dates, citing discomfort with their Satanic imagery. Twin Temple expressed disappointment and were later offered an opening slot by Jack White. Crockett elaborated in social media posts that he would not conform to expectations, rejected political labels, and criticized the entertainment industry. Twin Temple’s artistic philosophy and history of exploring Satanic themes were also highlighted.

Christopher Nolan warns that AI is arriving at the wrong moment for filmmaking, arguing that young filmmakers and audiences are quickly rejecting AI-generated work. He highlights a renewed interest in tactile, real storytelling and praises recent low‑budget horror successes such as Backrooms and Obsession as proof of cinema’s vitality. Steven Spielberg also endorsed the filmmakers, noting their creativity and strong box office performance despite minimal budgets.

Pitbull set two records at BST Hyde Park, including the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps and the highest‑attended show in the festival’s history. Guinness World Records confirmed 22,141 participants as volunteers and drones completed the count, after which Pitbull received his certificate and delivered a hit‑filled 20‑song set. He honored the crowd’s effort and heat with a performance of Wonderwall, while artists Tinie Tempah, Kesha and Lil Jon also performed earlier and joined him on stage for collaborations.

Huey Lewis describes becoming nearly deaf due to Ménière’s disease, explaining that he can no longer hear or enjoy music despite using a cochlear implant and hearing aid. He reflects on the emotional difficulty of losing his connection to music and touring but says he now finds comfort in nature and fishing.

Westside Cowboy cite Wilco’s 2002 track Jesus, Etc. as a guiding influence on their preference for universal, open‑ended songwriting. Band members describe Jeff Tweedy’s accidental lyricism as a model for creating songs whose meanings emerge through listeners’ interpretations. Their sound blends alt‑rock, British folk and indie elements, a style they call Britainicana, and draws additional inspiration from traditional folk and artists such as Fred Neil. The group has recently expanded its audience through touring and critical praise.

Billy Joel’s 1977 hit ‘Just the Way You Are’ is revisited as a reflection of his troubled marriage to Elizabeth Weber, the inspiration behind the song. Written as a birthday gift and encouraged by Weber to be released, the song’s lyrics reveal underlying issues in their relationship, which later ended in divorce. Joel recognised in retrospect that the song’s first performance and Weber’s reaction foreshadowed their breakup. Though he stopped performing it after the divorce, fans continued to cherish the track, leading Joel to warn listeners about its ironic history.

Ellie Goulding will perform at halftime during the England vs Norway World Cup match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, sharing enthusiasm for the team’s prospects. The event is part of a broader initiative introducing musical performances to the tournament, culminating in the first FIFA World Cup final halftime show featuring major artists and supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Goulding’s appearance coincides with preparations for her sixth album, preceded by the release of its lead single.

Willie J Healey announces the EP 143, led by the groovy single Ditch and set for release on September 4th via V2, accompanied by October UK headline shows. Healey describes the project as a mixtape‑style collection from various recording sessions, blending home recordings and work with Loren Humphrey in New York. The EP emphasizes direct songwriting inspired by a coded message meaning “I love you.” Healey is also scheduled to perform at Truck Festival, with additional UK dates confirmed for 2026.

Madison Square Garden faces scrutiny after leaked documents allegedly revealed a vast database tracking the perceived risk level, sexual orientation, race, and online activity of visiting artists and public figures. The leak, attributed to hacker group ShinyHunters and examined by Wired, identified nearly 40,000 profiles, including LGBTQIA tags and risk scores for hundreds of celebrities. The practices reportedly extend to other venues owned by James Dolan. MSG denies the database exists and states that the reporting is false and subject to legal action.

Lana Del Rey’s frequent tardiness and uneasy stage presence are framed as lingering effects of early stage fright, echoing the struggles of Cat Power, the 1990s artist she feels most connected to. Del Rey has spoken about identifying with Power’s difficulty facing audiences, noting that it validated her own fears. Parallels are drawn between their early performance challenges, suggesting Del Rey’s lateness may stem from anxiety rather than indifference.

Green Day’s albums Nimrod and Warning are presented as the band’s most pivotal works, marking a period of experimentation that broke from expectations and enabled the later success of American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown. Billie Joe Armstrong reflects on the creative risks taken during this era, noting their importance in shaping the band’s musical evolution, even as Warning faced commercial challenges and the follow‑up album’s master tapes were stolen, prompting a fresh creative start.

The Last Dinner Party release their final single from the album From The Pyre, titled Knocking At The Sky, recorded at Church Studios and set in a mythic version of Los Angeles. The track arrives with a Sinclair Bryant–directed video inspired by classic cinema and John Waters and coincides with the announcement of a deluxe edition of the album. The band has completed a U.S. headline tour and will play major festivals before supporting Sombr and Olivia Rodrigo in upcoming arena dates.

David Byrne recalls an unexpected 1975 encounter in which Lou Reed offered musical suggestions for a Talking Heads song and jokingly advised Byrne against wearing short sleeves onstage due to his arm hair. The two later collaborated on a Velvet Underground cover released by the Tom Tom Club, and Byrne expressed interest in directing another feature film decades after True Stories.

Wes Anderson, James L Brooks and Luke Wilson were briefly trapped in a private elevator at the Academy Museum after a Bottle Rocket screening, requiring assistance from the Los Angeles Fire Department. A video of the rescue circulated widely online. The article also revisits the legacy of Bottle Rocket and highlights an upcoming Hollywood Bowl concert series dedicated to music from Anderson’s films, featuring appearances by frequent collaborators and musicians. A recent critical review of Anderson’s 2025 film The Phoenician Scheme is also noted.

Shelley Duvall’s experience filming The Shining is revisited through contrasting accounts of her distress during Stanley Kubrick’s demanding shoot and her later defence of his extensive retake methods. Despite enduring extreme emotional strain during scenes requiring repeated expressions of terror, she later suggested that Kubrick’s approach ultimately strengthened her performance. The article also notes reports of Kubrick’s occasional kindness on set and contrasts Duvall’s outcome with more severe cases of psychological impact on actors in other intense film productions.

Rob Reiner received a posthumous Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in The Bear’s fourth season. He joins a field including Michael J Fox, Brett Goldstein, Hamish Linklater, Christoper McDonald and Connor Storrie. Reiner’s later television work also included an appearance in HBO’s Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness. His nomination follows his death in 2025, for which his son Nick Reiner has been charged and awaits trial. The 2026 Emmy Awards will take place on September 14th in Los Angeles, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, with The Pitt, Hacks and Widow’s Bay leading the nominations.

Mike Myers developed Austin Powers by blending visual inspiration from 1960s musician Peter Asher with musical and cinematic influences ranging from Buddy Holly and Dusty Springfield to Dean Martin, James Coburn and Michael Caine’s Harry Palmer. Originating as a persona in the faux band Ming Tea, the character evolved with encouragement from Myers’ then‑wife and the work of dental technician Gary Archer, ultimately becoming a defining comedic figure whose revival is now anticipated.

Elton John announced two farewell shows in Mexico City this October, his first formal arena performances since 2023. He described the return as meaningful after the pandemic prevented Latin American dates on his previous farewell tour. Recent updates include his collaboration album with Brandi Carlile and his recovery from a serious eye infection. He is also set to appear at Rock in Rio, despite having expressed little enthusiasm for live performing in recent interviews.

Robert Pattinson recalled nearly punching director Robert Eggers during the filming of The Lighthouse due to harsh on-set conditions, including repeated takes involving a fire hose spraying his face. Willem Dafoe praised Pattinson’s endurance, noting the physically demanding shoot. Eggers later expressed surprise at Pattinson’s frustration, emphasizing that both actors sought to push themselves creatively. Despite the tense moment, Pattinson and Eggers remain on good terms.

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons became the only 1960s band to achieve number-one hits before, during, and after The Beatles’ dominant chart run, beginning with three consecutive chart-toppers in the early 1960s, reclaiming the top spot in 1964 with Rag Doll, and returning over a decade later with the 1976 hit December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night), demonstrating their enduring success despite heavy competition from the era’s most influential group.

David Lynch reflects on memorable live music experiences, recalling the Beatles’ 1964 Washington concert as phenomenal and expressing admiration for Pink Floyd’s performances, particularly “Comfortably Numb.” He also praises Lissie’s stripped‑back acoustic cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” highlighting his appreciation for both large‑scale rock shows and intimate, raw renditions.

Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 hit “Dancing in the Dark,” written under pressure to deliver a lead single for Born in the U.S.A., became his most commercially successful track despite his discomfort with its pop sound. Producer Jon Landau pushed for a more accessible song, leading Springsteen to create it quickly after struggling with dozens of drafts. The video featuring a young Courteney Cox solidified its cultural legacy. Though Springsteen resented how far it leaned into pop, he later reflected that the album’s success forced him to reconsider his musical approach and broadened his audience.

Maynard James Keenan reflects on the emotional and technical difficulty of performing the 2006 tracks Wings for Marie (Part 1) and 10,000 Days (Wings Part 2), written about his mother’s long illness and death. He describes the songs as overwhelming to perform live and explains why he avoids revisiting them, citing the emotional toll and the challenges of presenting the pieces accurately. He also notes that the works were intended to help listeners understand the broader cycles of life and grief.

Carole King resisted the creation of the 2022 Broadway musical based on her life, having already disclosed her personal history in her autobiography and preferring privacy. Producer Paul Blake proceeded after publishers pushed for the show despite her objections. King initially withheld endorsement and skipped performances, leaving the cast discouraged. Attending anonymously in disguise, she ultimately embraced the production, appearing onstage and helping propel the musical to major success.

Steven Tyler’s decision to join American Idol in 2010 created significant internal tension within Aerosmith, with bandmates frustrated by learning about the move through media reports and rumours of potential replacement auditions. Despite initial conflict, Tyler’s judging role proved beneficial as it allowed him time to continue recording with the band while dramatically boosting Aerosmith’s catalogue sales and exposing them to a younger audience. The show ultimately helped revitalise the band’s commercial presence and eased internal disputes.

A tornado struck the Festival Rétro C Trop at Château de Tilloloy in France, destroying equipment and forcing cancellation of performances by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The B-52s, and other acts. The B-52s described dangerous conditions and praised their crew for maintaining safety, while the festival cited public and artist safety in cancelling the final day. Severe weather also disrupted other European festivals, including Katy Perry’s scheduled appearance at Werchter Boutique and multiple sets at Primavera Sound.