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Sam Spade And Phil Varone Unite For A Gritty Cover Of “Pet Sematary”

Eric Alper
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Sam Spade And Phil Varone Unite For A Gritty Cover Of “Pet Sematary”

The dark corners of the rock world are getting a caffeinated jolt as an all-star lineup of veterans joins forces for a haunting tribute to a punk classic. Under the banner of ‘The Rock N Roll & Coffee Show Presents’, host Joe Punk has assembled a powerhouse crew to deliver a gritty and atmospheric cover of the Ramones staple “Pet Sematary.” This unique recording project serves as a celebration of the community built around the popular podcast, bringing together former guests and long-time collaborators for a high-energy reinterpretations of rock history.

The lineup for this eerie release is a true cross-section of rock royalty, featuring the rollicking vocals of Sam Spade from The Midnight Devils and the thunderous drumming of Saigon Kick’s Phil Varone. Joe Punk anchors the track on bass alongside guitarist Ross Collins and keyboardist Steve Gerety, while Mike Fitz of Bad Marriage handled the mixing and mastering to give the track its modern bite. This collaboration highlights the genuine friendships formed behind the microphone, transforming a favorite horror-infused anthem into a powerful statement of creative camaraderie.

To accompany the single, a twisted new lyric video is premiering exclusively on YouTube to provide a nostalgic and visual dive into the song’s darker themes. Joe Punk expressed his excitement about bringing such talented individuals together, noting that the project is a dream come true for a lifelong fan of the genre. With the release of “Pet Sematary” now officially unleashed, fans of the show can expect even more surprises from this recording project as it continues to bridge the gap between heavy rock and late-night coffee culture.

DaBaby Mentors His Nephew In The ‘Belly’ Inspired Music Video For “Letter To My YN”

Eric Alper
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DaBaby Mentors His Nephew In The ‘Belly’ Inspired Music Video For “Letter To My YN”

Global superstar DaBaby is closing out the year with a powerful message for the next generation in his latest music video for “Letter to My YN.” Directed by Nick Mays, the visual takes inspiration from the classic film ‘Belly’ and features an incredibly personal guest star: DaBaby’s nephew, Messiah. The video serves as a moving tribute to his late brother, Glenn, as the rapper offers gems of wisdom to help younger audiences navigate the same pitfalls he faced during his own youth.

This release follows closely on the heels of “PBJT” and serves as a warm up for his highly anticipated studio album slated for 2026. DaBaby has been maintaining a massive presence on the international stage, recently delivering a scorching performance at the inaugural Rolling Loud India in Navi Mumbai. Fans in India were treated to a high energy setlist featuring multi-platinum classics like “Rockstar” and “Suge,” proving that his chart-topping dominance remains a global phenomenon.

Beyond his musical achievements, DaBaby continues to deepen his commitment to his community through his DaBaby Cares initiative. Launched in honor of his brother to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness, the program recently hosted a vital resource event at West Charlotte High School. By distributing mental health toolkits to hundreds of students, he is actively working to break the stigma surrounding youth mental health. It is a testament to an artist who uses his global platform to inspire both through his lyrics and his actions.

Andy Frasco & The U.N. Announce ‘Growing Pains’ Deluxe Album And New Single “Heavy Heart”

Eric Alper
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Andy Frasco & The U.N. Announce ‘Growing Pains’ Deluxe Album And New Single “Heavy Heart”

The high energy world of Andy Frasco & The U.N. is expanding with the announcement of ‘Growing Pains’ (Deluxe), a supersized edition of their most personal record to date. Arriving on January 23, 2026, this new collection builds on the raw honesty of the original tracks while adding a layer of fresh perspective. Leading the charge is the new single “Heavy Heart,” a soulful anthem that Frasco wrote as a reminder to let go of the past and stop carrying the emotional weight of others.

The deluxe edition also boasts the rootsy collaboration “Tumbleweed” featuring the powerhouse vocals of Southern rock legend JJ Grey. Co-written with Kris Lager during a long stretch of tour dates, the track examines the misunderstood loneliness and the “janky goodness” of life as a traveling musician. To round out the project, Frasco included four intimate acoustic versions recorded live at Second Nature Vintage in Nashville, giving fans a stripped-back look at the songwriting growth he has achieved over the last year.

Frasco is supporting the release with a massive winter tour that kicked off at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta and includes a two-night New Year’s Eve celebration at the Brooklyn Bowl. This new chapter highlights Frasco’s evolution from a party-starting frontman to a songwriter capable of deep introspection without losing his signature sense of humor. Fans can dive into the new sounds now while they wait for the full eighteen-track experience to drop this January.

‘Growing Pains’ (Deluxe) Tracklist:

  1. Crazy Things
  2. Ugly on You
  3. Try Not to Die
  4. What We Used to Be is Not Who We Are
  5. Life is Easy feat. Billy Strings, Steve Poltz, Daniel Donato, Mike Gordon
  6. Tears in My Cocaine
  7. How to Cure a Heartbreak
  8. Swinging for the Fences feat. G. Love & Special Sauce, Eric Krasno
  9. They Call Me Hollywood (but I’m from LA) feat. ProbCause, Ric Wilson
  10. Growing Pains
  11. Flowers
  12. Easier
  13. Heavy Heart
  14. Tumbleweed feat. JJ Grey & Mofro
  15. Try Not to Die (Live from Second Nature Vintage)
  16. Tears in My Cocaine (Live from Second Nature Vintage)
  17. Easier (Live from Second Nature Vintage)
  18. Life is Easy (Live from Second Nature Vintage)

Visa Anxiety Explores Migration And Belonging In ‘What Can I Get For You? Love’

Eric Alper
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Visa Anxiety Explores Migration And Belonging In ‘What Can I Get For You? Love’

Indie rock outfit Visa Anxiety has arrived with a profound new collection that captures the restless spirit of a generation in transit. Their EP ‘What Can I Get For You? Love’ was crafted across three continents, pulling inspiration from the band’s collective experiences in Asia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The music serves as a raw exploration of early adulthood reinvention and the complex search for a place to call home. Within this four track journey, the group manages to blend Mandarin lyricism with gritty British indie guitars to create a sound that is both intimate and expansive.

The title track “What Can I Get For You, Love?” finds its roots in Emilio’s nights spent bartending at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool, where the line between artist and service worker often blurs. This sense of survival and observation continues through songs like “Life Is Worth It” which offers a compassionate response to modern disillusionment through spoken poetry. The EP concludes with the hopeful momentum of “Summer Is Coming” drawing on sun drenched memories of Los Angeles to signify an emotional arrival. It is a striking document of life lived between languages and borders, proving that Visa Anxiety is a vital new voice in the indie scene.

‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Returns With Eleven And Kali Teaming Up

Eric Alper
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‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Returns With Eleven And Kali Teaming Up

The fate of Hawkins hangs in the balance as Netflix officially unveils the high-stakes trailer for the second volume of ‘Stranger Things’ season 5. This upcoming batch of episodes finds the party bloodied but unbowed as they realize their previous assumptions about the Upside Down were completely wrong. With Vecna preparing to launch a new world from the ruins of the old one, the kids must venture into the heart of the Hawkins Lab to stop the spreading rifts before the military quarantine fails.

One of the most thrilling reveals in the new footage is the long-awaited return of Kali, also known as Eight, who joins Eleven to form a powerful psychic front against their shared “brother.” This team-up suggests that the final battle will require every possible ally to counter Vecna’s evolving powers. Meanwhile, Will Byers appears to be the true key to the endgame as he begins to harness his deep-seated connection to the hive mind to anticipate the enemy’s next moves.

The tension reaches a breaking point as Max and young Holly Wheeler attempt a perilous escape from within Vecna’s own fractured mindscape. These three feature-length chapters, including the emotionally charged episode titled “The Bridge,” serve as the definitive lead-in to the global series finale. Fans can prepare for a darker and more intense journey that brings the story full circle when the volume premieres on Christmas Day.

Stranger Things’ Season 5 Volume 2 Episodes:

Dec 25 Netflix Chapter Five: “Shock Jock”

Dec 25 Netflix Chapter Six: “Escape from Camazotz”

Dec 25 Netflix Chapter Seven: “The Bridge”

Cary Baker Explores The History Of Busking In ‘Down On The Corner’ Book

Eric Alper
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Cary Baker Explores The History Of Busking In ‘Down On The Corner’ Book

Veteran music industry insider Cary Baker has made a triumphant return to his literary roots with the release of his definitive history of street performance. ‘Down On The Corner: Adventures in Busking & Street Music’ traces the vibrant evolution of public performance from the 1920s to the modern digital era. Drawing on decades of firsthand observation and over a hundred interviews, Baker reveals how the sidewalk has served as a vital training ground for some of the biggest names in music.

The book captures incredible origin stories from artists like the Violent Femmes and Lucinda Williams, who honed their craft for passersby long before reaching global stardom. Baker’s journey with the subject began as a teenager in Chicago, where the soulful slide guitar of Blind Arvella Gray at the Maxwell Street Market sparked a lifelong fascination. From the subways of New York to the Tube stations of London, the narrative explores the resilience and stagecraft required to perform when the audience is never guaranteed.

Beyond the famous faces, the text celebrates the career buskers who have made the curbs and parks their permanent workplace. With a foreword by Grammy winner Dom Flemons, the book offers a heartfelt look at the shift from tin cups to QR codes. This exploration serves as a reminder that the world is a better place when music remains an organic part of our daily urban landscape. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever stopped to drop a dollar in a hat.

Amyl And The Sniffers Unleash ‘Live At Ally Pally 2025’ Concert Film

Eric Alper
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Amyl And The Sniffers Unleash ‘Live At Ally Pally 2025’ Concert Film

The raw energy of Australia’s most explosive punk export is finally being immortalized on screen. Amyl and The Sniffers just announced the arrival of their brand new concert film ‘Live at Ally Pally 2025’ which captures their massive headline show at London’s historic Alexandra Palace. Directed by the award winning John Angus Stewart, the film provides an intimate look at a band currently operating at the peak of their powers. Fans can prepare for a masterclass in high-energy anarchy featuring raucous versions of “Jerkin’” and “Tiny Bikini.”

This announcement adds more fuel to a monumental year for the group, who recently scored a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance with their hit “U Should Not Be Doing That” from the ‘Cartoon Darkness’ album. The film does more than just showcase their musical grit as it also highlights the band’s vocal advocacy for climate action and their deep connection with a growing global community. It is a vivid document of a cultural shift led by Amy Taylor’s rollicking vocals and the band’s signature razor-sharp ruckus.

North American fans have even more to celebrate with a freshly announced stadium and festival run set for June 2026. The tour will bring their “thundering” performance to iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto, as well as a highly anticipated set at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Between the upcoming film release and this massive tour routing, it is clear that the legends of the Sniffers are only just beginning to be written. Fans stateside can watch the Live at Ally Pally film HERE and grab tickets for their June North American dates HERE.

2026 North American Tour Dates:

Jun 04 Toronto, ON RBC Amphitheatre

Jun 05 Montreal, QC Place Bell

Jun 08 Philadelphia, PA Skyline Stage at Highmark Mann

Jun 09 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall at Fenway

Jun 10 Washington, DC The Anthem

Jun 12 St. Louis, MO The Factory

Jun 13 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

Jun 14 Chicago, IL The Salt Shed Fairgrounds

Jun 16 Omaha, NE The Astro

Jun 17 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Jun 20 Minneapolis, MN Surly Brewing Festival Field

Gregory Charles Returns To Avalon Theatre For ‘Music Man’ Tour

Eric Alper
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Gregory Charles Returns To Avalon Theatre For ‘Music Man’ Tour

The legendary energy of Gregory Charles is set to ignite the Avalon Theatre once again as the multi-talented Canadian icon brings his ‘Music Man’ tour to Niagara Falls. Known for a musical range that defies categorization, Charles effortlessly blends pop, jazz, and classical styles into a high-octane performance. This February residency offers fans a rare chance to witness his quick wit and world-class piano skills in an intimate setting where no two shows are ever exactly the same.

The ‘Music Man’ production is designed as a one-of-a-kind musical adventure that thrives on audience interaction and spontaneous sing-alongs. Whether he is diving into a complex classical arrangement or a beloved radio hit, his boundless enthusiasm keeps the stage alive with pure joy. This return to Fallsview Casino Resort marks a significant highlight for the winter season, promising a night of surprises that showcase why he remains one of the most versatile entertainers in the country.

Tickets for this anticipated run go on sale this Friday, December 19, at 10:00 am through Ticketmaster. With multiple showtimes including matinee performances and a special late-night set on the final day, there are plenty of opportunities to catch the magic. Fans should act quickly to secure their spots at the Avalon Theatre to experience the unbelievable talent and charisma of a true master of the keys.

‘Music Man’ Tour Dates:

Feb 24 Niagara Falls, ON Avalon Theatre (3:00pm)

Feb 25 Niagara Falls, ON Avalon Theatre (3:00pm)

Feb 26 Niagara Falls, ON Avalon Theatre (3:00pm)

Feb 26 Niagara Falls, ON Avalon Theatre (8:30pm)

Howard Stern Renews Exclusive SiriusXM Deal For Three More Years

Eric Alper
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Howard Stern Renews Exclusive SiriusXM Deal For Three More Years

During his last show of the year, Howard Stern officially announced that he will continue to host “The Howard Stern Show” exclusively on SiriusXM for three more years. 

Howard Stern will be back live on the air on Monday, January 5.  

“I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all. More free time and continuing to be on the radio. Yes, we are coming back for three years,” Howard said. 

“Thanks to the good folks here at SiriusXM, who I told you, I really do adore,” Howard added. “I was able to create Robin, a more flexible schedule and so we’ll be back. I know you and I have talked about it privately Robin, even though you’re pretending you didn’t know the announcement. But I did check with my Robin to see that she was up for it as well because if Robin wasn’t up for it, then I wasn’t going to do it.” 

“I still do love being on the radio. I think the show is better than ever, I really do believe that in my heart,” said Howard Stern during his announcement.  

“The Howard Stern Show” airs on SiriusXM channel Howard 100. The full show is also available on the SiriusXM app. 

Jon Pardi Brings ‘Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi’ To The Florida Coast

Eric Alper
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Jon Pardi Brings ‘Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi’ To The Florida Coast

Country superstar Jon Pardi officially launched the holiday season this past weekend with a high energy start to The Christmas Show in St. Augustine. Backed by a massive thirteen piece band featuring twin fiddles and a roaring horn section, Pardi delivered a festive spectacle complete with pyrotechnics and custom western rhinestone looks. The setlist offered a perfect blend of holiday spirit and honkytonk grit, featuring tracks from his 2023 album ‘Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi’ alongside his massive career hits.

Fans in attendance were treated to lighthearted originals like “Beer for Santa” and “400 Horsepower Sleigh” which brought a unique California country flair to the Florida coast. The show also highlighted his soulful takes on classics such as “Please Come Home for Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” while maintaining his signature punchy sound. This tour continues to prove that Pardi remains a master of live entertainment by creating an atmosphere where festive tradition meets a rowdy stadium party.

Beyond the music, Jon and Summer Pardi are making a significant impact through their Starlight Fund by donating $40,000 to local charities across the tour stops. Organizations like Little Smiles and A Kids Place of Tampa Bay are receiving vital support to help empower the next generation of youth in the community. This generous spirit perfectly complements the celebration of his latest studio effort ‘Honkytonk Hollywood’ as he prepares to take his headlining momentum into a global tour next year.

The Christmas Show Dates:

Dec 18 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Dec 19 Tampa, FL MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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