Luciano Ganci, Ilaria Alida Quilico & Anita Rachvelishvili Lead International Music Festival of Timișoara’s Opening Night
The International Music Festival of Timișoara marks its 50th edition with a production of Verdi’s Aida, opening on April 26, 2026 at the Romanian National Opera. Tenor Luciano Ganci leads as Radamès, soprano Ilaria Alida Quilico as Aida and mezzo‑soprano Anita Rachvelishvili as Amneris, under the baton of David Crescenzi and direction of Ognian Draganoff. Set design by Boris Stoynov and costumes by Tzvetanka Petkova Stoynova add visual depth. The festival runs through May 31, showcasing a historic cultural moment for Romania’s opera scene.

"The Toughest Thing I've Ever Done." The Trauma Behind Otis Redding's Tragic Classic (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
Otis Redding penned the opening lines of "(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay" while staying on a Sausalito houseboat in 1967, then completed the song with Stax guitarist Steve Cropper in Memphis. The track was recorded in early 1968,...
Renée Fleming, Miah Persson, Ildebrando D’Arcangelo & Clay Hilley Lead Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal’s 2026-27 Season
Montreal's Orchestre symphonique de Montréal unveiled its 2026‑27 season, featuring a blend of canonical works and new commissions across 12 concerts. Highlights include Mahler excerpts in September, a joint “Voice of Nature” program with Renée Fleming and Rafael Payare in...
UNCSA Symphony Orchestra 2026 Review: Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 & Malek Jandali’s Symphony No. 5 (U.S. Premiere)
The University North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) Symphony Orchestra delivered a free concert at the National Cathedral, pairing Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 with the U.S. premiere of Syrian composer Malek Jandali’s Symphony No. 5. Conductor James Allbritten led 92 student...
Gnod – Chronicles Of Gnowt Vol.1
Gnod’s new album *Chronicles Of Gnowt Vol.1* kicks off a planned three‑part series recorded in just under a week. The record mixes sparse folk‑ambient pieces with the heavy, riff‑driven rock the band is known for, showcasing new vocal approaches and...
Olivia Dean’s ‘Man I Need’ Passes One Billion Streams on Spotify
Olivia Dean’s single “Man I Need” has entered Spotify’s Billions Club after surpassing one billion streams, joining an elite list of tracks. The British pop star, fresh off Grammy, BRIT and MOBO wins, also logged 20 weeks at No. 1 on...
Günther Groissböck Joins Centre Stage Artist Management
Austrian bass Günther Groissböck has joined Centre Stage Artist Management, where he will be represented by Dominik Kitzl. Groissböck, celebrated for his Wagner and Strauss interpretations, has performed at the Vienna State Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, the Royal...

Fidelity
Yaya Bey’s seventh studio album, Fidelity, drops in 2026, deepening her long‑standing focus on grief while weaving in themes of love, sexuality, and Black resilience. The record leans more toward breathy singing than rap, channeling mid‑90s R&B textures with sparkling...

Indigo Garden
Black Nile’s fourth LP, *Indigo Garden*, arrives as a polished homage to Los Angeles’ modern jazz renaissance, weaving sax‑driven melodies with Latin, electronica, and Black liberation motifs. The Shaw brothers—Aaron on sax and Lawrence on bass—are joined by a tight rhythm...

CANDY
Justine Skye’s new album *CANDY* marks a decisive shift from R&B to Ibiza‑inspired dance‑pop, debuting under a fresh Warner Brothers deal. The eight‑track, 25‑minute record leans heavily on house beats, with production credits from Kaytranada on songs like “Pop It” and “Thong.” Skye’s...

Red Hot Photo Committee
National Photo Committee finally released their long‑awaited debut album *Red Hot Photo Committee* after a seven‑year development period, moving from a YouTube teaser to a full release on Ever/Never Records. The Chicago‑based group blends punk‑originated energy with alt‑country instrumentation, featuring...

Prince 10 Years Later: A Purple Legacy That Will Never Fade
Ten years after Prince’s death, his estate marked the anniversary with a free public opening of Paisley Park, a concert screening, and a moment of silence at 4:21 p.m. The summer will host “Prince Celebration 2026,” featuring members of The New Power Generation,...
Katseye to Perform at 2026 American Music Awards
Katseye is set to perform at the 52nd American Music Awards on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The group secured three nominations—New Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for “Gnarly,” and Breakthrough Pop Artist—highlighting...

TRAFFIC Co-Founder DAVE MASON Dead At 79
Legendary rock musician Dave Mason, co‑founder of Traffic, died at 79 on April 19, surrounded by his wife Winifred, their Maltese dog Star, and the Carson Valley he loved. He had retired from touring in 2024 after health setbacks, including a...

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Announces Summer/Fall 2026 Leg Of 'American Crusade' Tour With ZAKK SABBATH And DARK CHAPEL
Black Label Society announced the second leg of its “American Crusade” tour, kicking off in August 2026 and running through early October. The shows will feature Zakk Sabbath as the support act, with frontman Zakk Wylde handling both his band...
From ‘Confessions II’ Reveal to Sabrina Carpenter Coachella Cameo, Madonna Is Back On the Dance Floor
Madonna announced the sequel to her 2005 dance classic, Confessions II, with a July 3, 2026 release date. She unveiled the album’s lead single, “I Feel So Free,” on Friday, marking the first full taste of the project. The pop icon then...

Wayne Moss – Guitarist on “Pretty Woman” And “Jolene” – Has Died
Wayne Moss, the legendary Nashville session guitarist who contributed iconic riffs to songs by Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and many others, died on April 20 at age 88. Starting in 1959, he became a go‑to musician for country and rock artists, earning credits...

How a Drunken Car Ride Turned Into One of Hank Williams’ Most Popular Religious Songs
In January 1947, a drunken car ride inspired Hank Williams to write the gospel song “I Saw The Light,” as recounted by promoter Leaborne Eads and biographer Colin Escott. Williams’ mother nudged him awake with the line “I just saw...
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, ZAKK SABBATH & DARK CHAPEL Announce American Crusade 2026 Tour
Black Label Society announced the American Crusade 2026 tour, joined by Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel—both projects that include members of the flagship band. The 20‑date trek kicks off on August 25 at Albany’s Palace Theatre and concludes on October 2 in Bend,...

On The Up: Napier’s Paisley Stage to Host New Monthly Hawke’s Bay Blues Nights
The Hawke’s Bay Blues Club will host a curated blues night each month at Napier’s Paisley Stage, beginning May 6. Each event gives local musicians a 20‑minute slot to showcase a range of blues styles, from Chicago to a‑cappella. Founder David McCall,...

Tour News: Sparta, Violent Femmes, Mac DeMarco, Wednesday, Book of Love, Balmora, More
BrooklynVegan’s latest tour roundup shows a surge of live‑music announcements across rock, indie, metal and pop. Sparta added September dates with Jimmy Eat World, while Slayer will headline US shows performing Reign in Blood in full. Major festivals such as...
FIELDY Reveals Why He Stepped Down From KORN, Might Return Someday
Korn bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, who left the band in 2021, confirmed his departure stemmed from COVID‑related concerns and a personal decision not to tour. He still contributed bass to Korn’s 2022 album Requiem and recently hinted he might return,...

17 New Songs Out Today
BrooklynVegan’s daily roundup spotlights 17 freshly released songs spanning indie rock, metal, and experimental pop. Highlights include Pulp’s long‑awaited instrumental “Open Strings,” Show Me The Body’s socially‑charged single “Dance in the USA,” and Modest Mouse’s first new album track since...
The Weeknd Fuels New Music Rumors Amid Drake’s “ICEMAN” Rollout
Drake’s ninth studio album ICEMAN is slated for a May 15 release after a blue bag was discovered inside an ice sculpture in Toronto. On the same day, The Weeknd posted cryptic Instagram photos that have fans speculating he may...

The Story So Far Announce Fall Tour with The Starting Line & Ultra Q
The Story So Far announced a U.S. fall tour supporting their first album in six years, 2024’s “I Want to Disappear.” The pop‑punk outfit will be joined by The Starting Line and Ultra Q for a 18‑date run that kicks off...
Shakey Graves Adds Summer 2026 Tour Dates With Dope Lemon
Shakey Graves has expanded his 2026 summer tour, adding a series of July dates that feature Australian act Dope Lemon and Nashville duo Texino. The new leg kicks off on July 20 in Des Moines and runs through July 26, ending...

“There Is No Tribute to Women in Country That Could Ever Top This” Carrie Underwood Medley at the Grand Ole...
Carrie Underwood headlined the 2020 ACM tribute to the Grand Ole Opry, delivering a medley that honored six legendary female country artists—Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Barbara Mandrell, and Loretta Lynn. She seamlessly transitioned between classics like...

Not All the Jacksons Wanted to Be in Michael
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, titled *Michael*, will omit several key family members who have declined participation, most notably Janet Jackson. Randy and Rebbie Jackson also chose not to be involved, while Michael’s daughter Paris publicly criticized the film’s emphasis...

CANDLEBOX's KEVIN MARTIN On Why He Reversed His Decision To Retire: 'I Still Have Things That I Wanna Talk About...
Kevin Martin, frontman of Candlebox, reversed his retirement plans after rejoining original guitarist Pete Klett and touring with the 2024 BUSH lineup. The reunion sparked fresh creative energy, leading the band to release a deluxe edition of *The Long Goodbye*...
Spafford Expands Summer Tour 2026
Spafford announced an expansion of its 2026 Summer Tour, adding seven new shows across the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic. The added dates include five consecutive July concerts in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and New Jersey, followed by two August...

Grimes’ Album Announcement Reveals Contradicting Feelings Toward AI: ‘People Have Really Misunderstood Me’
Canadian artist Grimes has revealed her first full‑length album since 2020, *Psy Opera*, slated for release later this year. In a recent Interview magazine feature, she disclosed she had considered quitting music and even becoming a stay‑at‑home mom before returning...

Baauer’s Announces First Album in Six Years, Shares New Single
Baauer announced his first full‑length album in six years, titled “U,” set for release on June 10 via LuckyMe. The 16‑track record features collaborators Aluna, Kučka, Brazy, Betsy and pianist Eli Teplin, and is anchored by the Eurodisco‑infused single “Better.” Inspired by...

More Bob Dylan 2026 Tour Dates Just Dropped: Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Legendary singer‑songwriter Bob Dylan announced additional 2026 tour dates, expanding his summer U.S. leg. The new schedule kicks off with a July 8 performance in Chicago and runs through an August 1 show in Nashville. Several concerts will feature guest appearances by...

Country Stars Who Could Sing the National Anthem at Nashville’s 2030 Super Bowl
A rumor sparked by sportscaster Dan Patrick suggests the NFL could award the 2030 Super Bowl to Nashville, leveraging the Titans’ new $2.1 billion, 60,000‑seat stadium slated for February 2027. The prospect has ignited speculation about a country‑music‑centric halftime, with several top...

Corey Feldman Performs “Smooth Criminal” With Alien Ant Farm, Shows Off His Michael Jackson Moves: Watch
Corey Feldman joined rock band Alien Ant Farm onstage for their signature cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood. Dressed in the iconic white suit, hat and blue shirt from the 1988 video,...
Obituary: Conductor Víctor Eloy López Cerezo Dies 43
Spanish conductor Víctor Eloy López Cerezo died at 43 from cancer after a year‑long battle. He served as principal conductor of the Spanish Philharmonic and the Andalusian Symphony, and guest‑conducted leading European ensembles such as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra. López...
Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra to Honor Denyce Graves at the Spring Legacy Awards
The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra will present mezzo‑soprano Denyce Graves with its National Legacy Award at the Spring Legacy Awards dinner on June 4 in Easton, Maryland. Graves, who retired from the Metropolitan Opera on Jan. 24, 2026, is celebrated for iconic roles like...
Anna Netrebko, Sondra Radvanovsky, Saioa Hernández, Brian Jagde, Ludovic Tézier, Lisette Oropesa, Jakub Józef Orliński, Sonya Yoncheva, Marina Rebeka, Xabier...
Teatro Real de Madrid unveiled its 2026‑27 season, featuring a star‑studded roster that includes Anna Netrebko, Sondra Radvanovsky, Lisette Oropesa and Benjamin Bernheim. The program mixes heavyweight staples such as Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra and Wagner’s Tannhäuser with rarer works like Stradella’s San Giovanni Battista and Busto’s Bodas de Sangre. Performances run...

The Story Behind the Only Song Toby Keith Co-Wrote With His “Idol” Merle Haggard
In February 2016, Toby Keith stepped onto stage to help a ailing Merle Haggard finish a Las Vegas concert, just two months before Haggard’s death. The two had previously co‑written the bittersweet ballad “Some of Us Fly,” the only song they...
Trampled by Turtles Schedule Fall 2026 Tour Dates With Last Revel & Futurebirds
Bluegrass‑folk band Trampled by Turtles announced an eight‑date fall 2026 tour covering the Mid‑Atlantic and Southeast. The run begins Oct 8 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington, NC, and wraps Oct 18 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC. Supporting act The...

Drake Confirms Iceman Release Date
Toronto rapper Drake has officially set the release date for his ninth studio album, Iceman, for May 15, 2026. The date was revealed after a giant ice sculpture he installed melted, with Twitch streamer Kishka uncovering the hidden note. Iceman follows 2023’s...

100 Demons Announce First LP in over 20 Yeras, Share “Meat for the Beast”
Connecticut metalcore veterans 100 Demons are releasing their first full-length album in more than two decades. The LP, Embrace the Black Light, arrives on June 5 through independent label Closed Casket Activities and features the new single “Meat for the...
Thundercat Goes ‘Walking On The Moon’ For ‘Fallon’
Thundercat appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform his new single “Walking On The Moon.” The song is the ninth track on Distracted, his first full‑length album in six years, released April 3 on Brainfeeder. Distracted showcases a...

‘If Oasis Can Get Back Together, Then Anybody Can Do It’
The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction class features the storied Joy Division/New Order lineup, reigniting hopes for a historic reunion onstage. Co‑founder Peter Hook, still embroiled in trademark disputes with former bandmates, confirmed he will attend the November ceremony...

DAVE GROHL Praises New FOO FIGHTERS Drummer ILAN RUBIN: 'His Capabilities Are Off The F***ing Charts'
Foo Fighters announced Ilan Rubin as their new drummer in July 2025, replacing Josh Freese. Rubin, a veteran of Nine Inch Nails and a 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, made his live debut on September 14, 2025 at the Fremont Theater in...

Item Removed From Iceblock Reveals Drake’s ‘Iceman’ Is Set for May 15
Drake’s upcoming album *ICEMAN* will drop on May 15 after a viral stunt in downtown Toronto. Streamer Kishka climbed a massive ice block, retrieved a blue case labeled “Freeze the World,” and delivered it to Drake’s home, where the release date...

If You Love the Outlaw Country Sound of Waylon Jennings, These 3 Songs Still Carry It
Outlaw country remains vibrant, with modern artists echoing Waylon Jennings' gritty style. Cody Jinks' "Loud And Heavy" blends rock edge with rebellious lyricism, while Charley Crockett's "Welcome To Hard Times" channels a 1970s traditional sound. Colter Wall's "The Devil Wears...

Chayanne Extends ‘Bailemos Otra Vez,’ Adds US Arena Shows
Latin pop icon Chayanne is extending his “Bailemos Otra Vez” U.S. arena tour with 22 additional dates from August 28 to October 31, 2026. The run, promoted by Cárdenas Marketing Network, will hit major venues in the Midwest, East Coast,...

7 Hip-Hop Songs From the 2010s That Should’ve Been Bigger Hits
Vice’s Noisey highlights seven 2010s hip‑hop tracks that never broke out despite strong line‑ups and production. The list includes Playboi Carti’s “Mileage” with Chief Keef, Goldlink’s “Got Friends” featuring Miguel, Trouble’s “Bring It Back” with Drake, Lido & THEY.’s “Not Enough,” Ty Dolla $ign’s...

Deezer Says It’s Getting Spammed with AI Songs
Deezer reports that AI‑generated tracks now account for 44% of its daily uploads, even though they represent only 1‑3% of listener consumption. Roughly 75,000 AI songs are added each day, amounting to about two million per month, creating sizable moderation...