Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer' Won 9 MTV Awards in 1987 and Is Considered Greatest Music Video Ever Made
Peter Gabriel’s 1986 video “Sledgehammer,” directed with Stephen R. Johnson and Aardman Animations, redefined the music‑video format through groundbreaking stop‑motion artistry. The clip earned a record‑tying nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987 and became the most‑played video in MTV’s history at the time. Its surreal visual language amplified the funk‑rock track rather than distracting from it, cementing the work as a cultural touchstone. Decades later, critics still cite it as the greatest rock music video ever made.
Blood Sucking Maniacs – The Allen Family’s Pan-Generational Debut
Veteran alt‑country artist Terry Allen and his wife Jo Harvey Allen have released "Blood Sucking Maniacs," a 22‑track album that unites five generations of their family across 121 years. The project blends traditional Americana with contemporary folk, featuring contributions from...
How Taylor Swift Writes a Song, In Her Own Words
Taylor Swift sat down with New York Times Magazine reporter Joe Coscarelli for a 30‑minute interview about her songwriting craft. She detailed how she builds songs from lyrics first, uses a distinctive “rant bridge” to heighten emotion, and lets public...
Karol G Adds Dates To ‘Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour’ Due To High Demand
Karol G’s "Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour" is adding 13 extra stadium dates after presale tickets sold out faster than expected. New shows include a three‑night run at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and second nights in Chicago, Santa Clara, New...
In My Room X Taite Music Prize Special: Babe Martin
Rolling Stone AU/NZ is spotlighting the 2026 Taite Music Prize with an In My Room session featuring Babe Martin, the project of Auckland singer‑songwriter Zoë Larsen Cumming. Her debut EP, Not a Bee, but a Wasp, released on the Sunreturn...
Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred Original Soundtrack Is Now Available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and More
Blizzard has launched the Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred Original Soundtrack on major streaming services, coinciding with the expansion’s live release. The album features 32 tracks spanning more than 2.5 hours, composed by Ted Reedy and Ryan Amon. Fans can stream it via...
"The Album Cover and Title Song Video Are so Sexually Potent It Almost Makes You Forget How Canadian the Rest...
In 1984 Canadian singer Lee Aaron reinvented herself as the "Metal Queen" with a lurid album cover and a title‑track video that promised hard‑rock ferocity. The record, however, proved to be a glossy AOR effort peppered with brief metal‑styled bursts,...
In My Room X Taite Music Prize Special: Bub
Rolling Stone AU/NZ is spotlighting the 2026 Taite Music Prize with its In My Room video series, beginning with Bub, a genre‑blending band from Auckland led by Priya Sami. Their debut album *Can’t Even* generated multiple SRN Top 10 singles and saw...
The Rolling Stones Tease New Music with Cryptic Billboards Across Australia
The Rolling Stones have launched a cryptic billboard campaign in Sydney and Bondi, displaying the phrase “Vreemde Tongen” – Dutch for “Foreign Tongues” – alongside their iconic logo. The teasers point to a new album slated for July 2026, which...
See Diljit Dosanjh Perform ‘Morni,’ Teach Jimmy Fallon Bhangra Moves on The Tonight Show
Diljit Dosanjh appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on April 27, 2026, performing his single “Morni” and giving Fallon a quick bhangra lesson. The segment highlighted his latest album Aura, released in October 2025, and promoted his North...
Lady Gaga and Doechii Turn the Dancefloor Into a ‘Runway’ in New Music Video
Pop icon Lady Gaga teams with rising rapper Doechii for "Runway," a new single and music video directed by choreographer Parris Goebel. The track will appear on the soundtrack of the upcoming sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, slated for...
Lucinda Williams Explains What It Takes to Write a Great Song
The New York Times Magazine surveyed over 250 music insiders and six critics to compile a list of the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters, naming Lucinda Williams among the elite. The exclusive interview, conducted by Carina del Valle Schorske in Nashville, delves into...
Nile Rodgers Explains How He Wrote ‘We Are Family,’ ‘Le Freak’ and More
The New York Times Magazine named Nile Rodgers one of the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters, recognizing his pivotal role as co‑founder of Chic and architect of disco classics like “We Are Family” and “I’m Coming Out.” In an exclusive interview, Rodgers...
Juan Diego Flórez, Asmik Grigorian, Lucy Crowe, Jacquelyn Wagner, Fleur Barron Lead Hong Kong Philharmonic’s 2026-27 Season
The Hong Kong Philharmonic unveiled its 2026‑27 season, anchoring the program with world‑renowned vocalists such as tenor Juan Diego Flórez, soprano Asmik Grigorian, and mezzo‑soprano Lucy Crowe. The schedule features Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, Beethoven’s Ninth and Fidelio, and a New Year’s concert led by...
Kehlani
Kehlani’s self‑titled fifth album lands with the single “Folded” still cruising the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, marking her biggest solo hit to date. Backed by a production roster that includes The Stereotypes, Khris Riddick‑Tynes and Andre “Dre” Harris, the record blends...
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Graceland Way
Mikaela Davis releases *Graceland Way*, a light, roots‑infused album that places her harp in a supporting, contrapuntal role alongside Americana‑styled electric guitars. Recorded at Glendale’s UHF Studio with producer‑bassist Dan Horne and guitarist John Lee Shannon, the record shifts from...
Las Vegas’ Sick New World Meets the Metal Moment
After being canceled in 2025 due to financial and logistical hurdles, the Sick New World metal festival made a comeback on April 25 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. The one‑day event featured headliners Korn, System of a Down, Ministry...
Anna Pirozzi, Lisette Oropesa, Freddie De Tommaso, Sondra Radvanovsky, Serena Sáenz & Sara Blanch Lead Liceu Opera+’s 2026-27 Season
The Liceu Opera+ has unveiled a six‑title streaming season running from October 2026 to July 2027, beginning with Verdi’s Aida starring Anna Pirozzi and directed by Shirin Neshat. Subsequent productions include Bellini’s I Capuleti e I Montecchi, Puccini’s La bohème, La fanciulla del West, Janáček’s Jenufa,...
Vancouver Opera Breaks Records with ‘La Bohème’
Vancouver Opera’s season‑closing run of Puccini’s La Bohème is on track to become the company’s highest‑grossing production in its 66‑year history, overtaking the 2023‑24 Carmen run. The production, directed by Brenna Corner and conducted by Maestro Jonathan Darlington, opened April 26 and...
Discover the Soulful Gospel Roots of Janis Joplin's 1968 Hit 'Piece of My Heart'
Janis Joplin’s 1968 hit “Piece of My Heart” was a cover of a 1967 gospel‑inflected R&B song recorded by Erma Franklin, Aretha Franklin’s older sister. Franklin’s original reached No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100, entered the top‑10 on the R&B chart,...
Bryan Adams Still Disavows His First Hit Song 'Let Me Take You Dancing' Nearly 50 Years Later
Bryan Adams’ 1978 debut single "Let Me Take You Dancing"—a pop‑disco track co‑written with Jim Vallance—was remixed for the U.S. market, resulting in a sped‑up vocal that earned the nickname "disco chipmunk." The song peaked at No. 76 on Billboard’s Disco...
HAYLA Announces North American Dates: ‘The Dark Tour’
Grammy‑nominated singer‑songwriter Hayla announced "The Dark Tour," a 17‑city North American trek that marks a stylistic pivot from her recent EDM‑heavy setlists to what she calls "sad bitch music." The tour launches in Chicago on August 6 and wraps at Los Angeles’...
3 Rock Albums From the Year 2000 That Would Dominate Mainstream Radio if They Came Out Today
Three rock albums from the year 2000—Porcupine Tree’s *Lightbulb Sun*, Cursive’s *Domestica*, and The Gathering’s *if_then_else*—still sound fresh enough to thrive on mainstream radio in 2026. Each record blends progressive or emo roots with accessible hooks, showing how early‑2000s rock...
FRESH TRACK: Steven Keene - “How Much Blood’s in a Barrel?”
New York‑based folk singer‑songwriter Steven Keene released an urgent protest anthem titled “How Much Blood’s in a Barrel?” on April 27, 2026. The song, written and recorded in real time, directly addresses escalating geopolitical tensions between the Trump administration and...
Guster Recruits Iron & Wine, Watchhouse + More For On The Ocean Weekend 2026
Guster’s On The Ocean festival returns to Portland, Maine from August 7‑9, 2026, featuring three Guster performances—including a sold‑out orchestral set with the Portland Symphony and a full‑album show celebrating the 20th anniversary of *Ganging Up On The Sun*. The lineup adds...
MEGADETH Plays Their Cover Of METALLICA's "Ride The Lightning" Live For The First Time Ever In Colombia
Megadeth debuted a live cover of Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning” on April 26 at Bogotá’s Movistar Arena, marking the first performance of the track from their self‑titled final album. The new record, released in January, became the band’s first #1 on...
Dylan Carter, Former Contestant On The Voice, Dies At 24 — Read Coach Reba McEntire's Touching Tribute
Former "The Voice" contestant Dylan Carter, 24, died in a car accident in South Carolina on April 25. Reba McEntire, his coach from Season 24, honored him with an emotional Instagram tribute describing him as brilliant, kind, and talented. Carter had earned...
Violet Grohl Just Announced Her First Headlining Tour
Violet Grohl, the emerging indie rocker, announced her first headlining tour for 2026, kicking off on June 4 in Brooklyn. The run includes three U.S. dates, two joint shows with The Breeders, and a slate of European festival appearances such...
David Bowie Was Detained for Possessing Nazi Memorabilia on This Day 50 Years Ago
On April 27, 1976, David Bowie was detained at the Russia‑Poland border after authorities discovered Nazi memorabilia in his possession while traveling as his Thin White Duke persona. The incident sparked media scrutiny and forced Bowie to confront his recent...
Diablo 4. Lord of Hatred Gives Us First Korn Song in 4 Years
Korn has released "Reward the Scars," its first new music in four years, timed with Blizzard’s Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred expansion. The nu‑metal band adapted an unreleased track, adding lyrics that echo the game’s loot‑chasing grind, and partnered on a...
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers Welcome Branford Marsalis During New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Set
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 25, showcasing songs from Hornsby’s freshly released album Indigo Park. The set featured a surprise appearance by saxophone legend Branford Marsalis, who joined the band for...
Zach Top Parts Ways With Two Longtime Band Members
Zach Top’s touring ensemble has undergone a significant shake‑up, with longtime rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Cheyenne Dalton Meyer confirming she was let go in March. Her husband, bassist Jimmy Meyer, also departed, ending a partnership that began around 2020‑21....
Video Premiere: Tyrannus – “Flesh Eternal”
Scottish post‑punk trio Tyrannus premiered the video for their new single “Flesh Eternal,” a track that fuses aggressive black‑metal bursts with a tight post‑punk rhythm section. The song serves as the lead teaser for their forthcoming second album, Mournhold, slated...
Remember This Banger: Ricky Martin's 'María,' Remixed
Ricky Martin’s 1995 single “María,” remixed by DJ Pablo Flores and engineer Javier Garza, transformed a flamenco‑styled ballad into a techno‑samba club hit that sold roughly 5 million copies worldwide. The remix propelled the track onto the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 88, marking Martin’s first...
Suwannee Roots Revival Unveils 2026 Lineup: Trampled By Turtles, Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Peter Rowan and More
Suwannee Roots Revival announced its 2026 festival, returning to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida, from October 8‑11 for its ten‑year anniversary. The four‑day event will feature headliners Trampled By Turtles, Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Peter...
Morrissey Lines Up Fall 2026 U.S. Tour
Morrissey announced a 12‑date U.S. fall tour for September‑November 2026, covering the East Coast and Southern states after a European leg and a Las Vegas residency. The trek supports his new album Make‑Up Is a Lie, his first release on Warner’s...
The Best, Worst and Hootiest Moments of Stagecoach Day 3
Day 3 of Stagecoach in Indio blended unexpected drama and memorable performances. A magnitude 3.4 earthquake rattled the Empire Polo Club before gates opened, while pop‑up venues like Shaboozey’s saloon served branded cocktails and teased a new concept album. The restored Arby’s...
Michael Jackson Viewed His Bodyguard as a ‘Surrogate Father’ Before Their Alleged Falling Out Prior to His Death
Michael Jackson’s longtime head of security, former LAPD officer Bill Bray, was more than a bodyguard—Jackson described him as a surrogate father in a 1992 handwritten note. Bray protected the pop star for over two decades, handling everything from medical...
Belicofest To Celebrate Mexican Culture And Music In LA This Summer
Belicofest, the indie Mexican‑music festival that launched in Phoenix, is debuting in Los Angeles on July 12 at BMO Stadium. The one‑day event features Grammy‑nominated Gerardo Ortiz alongside regional acts like Clave Especial, Chuyin, Régulo Caro and Linea Personal. Organizers Ramiro Bojorquez...
ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Unwanted’ Is Vintage Dale Watson
Veteran Americana rocker Dale Watson returns with his ninth studio album, *Unwanted*, released April 27, 2026. The record blends his signature Ameripolitan sound with high‑octane rockabilly, surf‑guitar riffs, and classic country instrumentation. Highlights include the outlaw‑anthem “Willie Waylon And Whiskey,” the western‑swing...
Zhu’s ‘Black Midas’ Turns Tragedy Into Gold
Los Angeles producer Zhu released his fifth studio album, Black Midas, as a direct response to the 2025 Palisades Fire that left his Topanga home uninhabitable. The 14‑track, 53‑minute record leans into melodic techno, tribal percussion and minimalist R&B, turning...
SULLY ERNA Clarifies That GODSMACK "Still Got Some Gas In The Tank," Working On New Music With New Lineup
Sully Erna clarified on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation that Godsmack will continue making music despite the 2024 departures of guitarist Tony Rombola and drummer Shannon Larkin. He confirmed that the band’s new lineup—featuring guitarist Sam Koltun and drummer Wade Murff—has already...
Madonna Taps Sabrina Carpenter For New Single, "Bring Your Love"
Madonna announced a new collaboration with pop‑rock star Sabrina Carpenter titled “Bring Your Love,” slated for release on April 30 at 6 p.m. ET. The track was first performed during Carpenter’s Coachella weekend‑two set, giving fans an early glimpse of the...
A Postcard From Tyler Ballgame
Singer‑songwriter Tyler Ballgame, whose debut album “For the First Time, Again” launched on Rough Trade Records in January, recounted his recent European headline tour in a candid “Postcard From” piece. He described traveling in a Mercedes Sprinter van adorned with bug‑splatter art,...
17 Country Stars With the Most ACM Nominations and Zero Wins
The article ranks 17 country music legends who have amassed the most Academy of Country Music (ACM) nominations without ever winning. Chris Young tops the list with 13 nominations, while Travis Tritt holds the overall record at 19. Seven inductees of...
Moe. Debut Faces’ “Ooh La La” And Revive J.J. Cale’s “Cajun Moon” For the First Time Since 2020
On April 25, 2026, jam band moe. performed at Denver’s Ogden Theater as part of their Born to Fly Winter/Spring tour. The show marked the first live rendition of Faces’ “Ooh La La” and the revival of J.J. Cale’s “Cajun...
Peggy Gou, Chris Lake, Charlotte De Witte, Gryffin, CBGB Fest Announced For Brooklyn’s Under The K Bridge Concert Series
Bowery Presents announced the 2026 concert series at Under The K Bridge Park, marking its third consecutive season at the industrial‑turned‑public venue in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The lineup features electronic heavyweights such as Peggy Gou, Chris Lake, Charlotte de Witte, Gryffin and...
Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter to Release “Bring Your Love” This Week Following Coachella Debut
Madonna and pop star Sabrina Carpenter are releasing their duet "Bring Your Love" on April 30, following a surprise live debut at Coachella. The track is part of Madonna’s rollout for her first album in seven years, Confessions II, slated for July 3....
BRING ME THE HORIZON Kick Off This North American Leg Of Tour With Another 9 North American Dates This Fall
British metalcore outfit Bring Me The Horizon announced a nine‑date North American leg that launches in Toronto on April 28, 2026 and runs through May 16 before returning for a fall swing. The spring segment includes eight arena shows across Canada and...
Vote for the 10th Spot in the 2026 XXL Freshman Class
XXL Magazine has opened fan voting for the 10th spot in its 2026 Freshman Class, running from April 27 through May 3. Voters can cast one vote per hour, giving emerging rappers a chance to join the coveted lineup before the official...