Guitarist Anthony Parker blew minds with his electrifying cover of Edvard Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” calling it “the first heavy metal song ever written.” Parker quipped, “Some people think Black Sabbath invented heavy metal. Some claim that Blue Cheer did….but I know the truth. The first heavy metal song was written in 1875 by Edvard Grieg.”
Music Canada’s Gold & Platinum Program Celebrates 50 Years
Music Canada’s Gold & Platinum certification program is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. For half a century, the program has marked the milestone sales and streaming accomplishments of artists in Canada – making the distinctive Gold and Platinum plaques the most recognizable symbol of commercial success in the music industry.
Since 1975, the Gold & Platinum program has recognized popular music in Canada, providing a unique historical timeline of the music Canadians have loved over the past five decades.
“As we look back on 50 years of the program’s history, you can see the impact and reach of songs that defined generations, hit singles that captured the culture of the day, and all the ways that different technologies have influenced how we consume the music of our lives,” says Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “There is no greater benchmark of success than a Gold & Platinum certification, because it reflects what Canadians listen to and love.”
In its first year, the program issued 27 Album and seven Physical Single certifications. The program’s first-ever certifications, which were issued on August 1, 1975, were:
|
Paul Anka |
Anka |
Platinum Album |
|
Bachman-Turner Overdrive |
Four Wheel Drive |
Platinum Album |
|
Beau Dommage |
Beau Dommage |
Platinum Album |
|
Paul Anka |
Feelings |
Gold Album |
|
Jim Croce |
Greatest Hits |
Gold Album |
|
John Denver |
Back Home Again |
Gold Album |
|
John Denver |
Evening with John Denver |
Gold Album |
|
George McCrae |
Rock Your Baby |
Gold Album |
|
The Guess Who |
The Best of Vol. 2 |
Gold Album |
|
Paul Anka |
“I Don’t Like to Sleep Alone” |
Gold Physical Single |
The program has always reflected how people listen to their favourite songs and albums, beginning with vinyl albums and 45 rpm vinyl singles, then cassette tapes, CDs, digital downloads, ringtones, audio streaming and most recently, video streaming. As the industry continues to evolve, the Gold & Platinum program will grow alongside it and continue to celebrate the music that Canadians choose to listen to, wherever they choose to listen to it.
Today, the genres of music and the artists finding commercial success are broader and more diverse than ever before. In 2024, the program certified 1,025 Singles and 211 Albums, including:
|
Benson Boone |
“Beautiful Things” |
Diamond Single |
|
Tate McRae |
“you broke me first” |
Eight Times Platinum Single |
|
Sabrina Carpenter |
“Espresso” |
Seven Times Platinum Single |
|
Dax |
“Dear Alcohol” |
Double Platinum Single |
|
Josh Ross |
“Trouble” |
Double Platinum Single |
|
Koriass, Jay Scøtt |
“Matusalem” |
Gold Single |
|
Preston Pablo |
“Dance Alone” |
Gold Single |
|
Cameron Whitcomb |
“Quitter” |
Gold Single |
|
Charlotte Cardin |
99 Nights |
Platinum Album |
|
Karan Aujla |
Making Memories |
Gold Album |
Music Canada will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gold & Platinum program throughout the year with special events, playlists and presentations. And to officially mark the anniversary, each new Gold & Platinum program plaque presented in 2025 to artists and their teams will include a commemorative 50th Anniversary pin.
Music Canada is the trade association representing Canada’s major record labels: Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Like its members, Music Canada is a partner to the industry, working with artists, independent labels, publishers, platforms, associations and others, in advancing forward-looking policies to ensure a dynamic and successful Canadian music ecosystem which returns value to music creators.
Ice-T and David Gilmour Join Forces for a Bold Take on Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb”
Musician and actor Ice-T and his band Body Count have teamed up with Pink Floyd’s legendary guitarist David Gilmour for a powerful hip hop reimagining of the iconic song “Comfortably Numb.” Initially, Ice-T approached Gilmour for permission to use the guitar track, but the collaboration deepened when Gilmour offered to play on the track himself. “I really like the new lyrics,” Gilmour shared. “They are talking about the world we live in currently…just what we need.”
COOL: Valley Youth Theater Appears On Local TV in 2003. VERY COOL: Emma Stone Is In The Cast
In 2003, the cast of Valley Youth Theatre’s Schoolhouse Rock play, featuring a young Emma Stone, lit up Good Morning Arizona weather segments with Brad Perry. This charming ensemble gave viewers a sunny preview of their show, showcasing the star power to come!
K-pop’s (G)I-DLE Announce Concert Film In Cinemas Starting January 29
One of K-pop’s biggest stars, (G)I-DLE, wants to know: “Now, are you ready to have some real fun?” The electrifying energy of the 2024 (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [iDOL], which captivated fans across 14 cities, is coming to the big screen in just three weeks. Relive the magic of their Seoul concert at KSPO Dome, the thrilling kickoff to their global tour. Experience iconic performances of hits like “Super Lady,” “LATATA,” “Queencard,” and “TOMBOY,” alongside a meticulously curated setlist and breathtaking visuals. Starting January 29, audiences worldwide can immerse themselves in the high-energy world of (G)I-DLE in standard 2D, as well as closer to the action than ever before in SCREENX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX special formats.
Tickets for (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [iDOL] IN CINEMAS are on sale beginning January 16 at 5am PST / 8am EST / 1pm GMT / 8pm ICT at GIDLE-incinemas.com.
Watch a performance clip of the group’s hit song ‘”POP/STARS,” taken from the film below.
Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with CJ 4DPlex with the release of (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [iDOL] IN CINEMAS. As one of the most exciting breakthrough artists in the world of K-pop, with a significant global reach, this project will give fans a chance to experience the group’s live performance in a new way, highlighting the energy and passion that have made them a standout in the genre.”
Jun Bang, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX, said, “At CJ 4DPLEX, we are thrilled to partner with Trafalgar Releasing to bring (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [iDOL] IN CINEMAS to audiences worldwide. (G)I-DLE’s global impact and dynamic artistry are perfectly complemented by our immersive formats like 4DX, SCREENX, and ULTRA 4DX, delivering a cinematic experience that brings fans closer to the energy of their Seoul concert. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to redefining entertainment and creating unforgettable moments for fans around the globe.”
(G)I-DLE (MIYEON, MINNIE, SOYEON, YUQI, and SHUHUA) is a girl group under CUBE Entertainment who debuted in 2018 with their first mini-album [I am] and title track ‘LATATA’.
Starting from their debut song ‘LATATA’, ‘HANN(Alone)’, ‘Senorita’, and ‘DUMDi DUMDi’, with the group’s unique concept of each song, the group has gained popularity all over the world.
In 2022, with the title track ‘TOMBOY’ of their first full album [I NEVER DIE] followed by ‘Nxde’ of their 5th mini album [I love], the group has successfully topped both the domestic and global charts. The group has charted on iTunes chart in 40 regions around the world, made their debut on the US Billboard 200, became the first-ever K-pop girl group to enter the top 40 on the Media Base with a self-produced song, and the first to enter the Billboard Pop Airplay chart. These achievements have established them as an icon. In 2023, with the title song ‘Queencard’ from their 6th mini album, the group has topped domestic music charts and earned the title of ‘million sellers,’ setting a record. In 2024, their 2nd full album [2] topped iTunes Top Albums charts in 24 regions and countries, including the U.S. iTunes Worldwide and European Album charts, creating another global sensation. Additionally, for the first time since their debut, they topped the U.S. iTunes Top 100 chart, showing their exceptional status.
In particular, (G)I-DLE returned with a successful stage performance and recorded 1.53 million copies in initial first-week sales with their new album [2(Two)], surpassing the initial first-week sales of 1,163,395 copies with their previous 6th mini album [I feel]. This achievement solidifies their status as ‘2 consecutive million sellers’, breaking a record for the group.
Toxic Sabbath: The Britney-Ozzy-Crüe Mashup You Didn’t Know You Needed
Bill McClintock strikes again with his latest mashup masterpiece, blending Britney Spears’ Toxic, Black Sabbath’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and Mötley Crüe’s Girls, Girls, Girls. The result? Pure chaos in the best way possible. Watch it now and prepare to question everything you thought you knew about music genres.
Killswitch Engage Announces 2025 Tour Dates and New Album This Consequence Releasing February 21
Killswitch Engage will have a busy 2025, which just got busier with new tour dates in May. They will be releasing their new THIS CONSEQUENCE on February 21 via. Metal Blade. The band recently shared the video for first single “Forever Aligned.”
Their upcoming winter headline tour features support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King and Frozen Soul, and kicks off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine.
The band has also announced dates for May, which will feature support from Shadows Fall, Fit for a King, and Boundaries.. This leg goes on sale on Friday, January 10 at 10am local time, while various pre-sales are happening now.
‘We are very excited to be back out on the road in support of our incoming new album,” states Jesse Leach. “What better way to roll it out than to have a few dates with our close friends and local boys Shadows Fall with us! They have come back with a vengeance and we want to have them along for the party on these run of shows. To round it out will be the mighty Fit For a King and the heavy hitters Boundaries! All killer, no filler.”
He continues, “This new album means the world to us so we will be giving it our absolute all on these shows. Be sure to come out; it will be one for the memories!”
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ON TOUR WITH KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING, + FROZEN SOUL:
3/5 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
3/6 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
3/8 – Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live
3/9 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
3/11 – El Paso, TX – Don Haskins Center Arena
3/13 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
3/14 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort
3/15 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live
3/17 – Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House
3/18 – Seattle, WA – The Paramount
3/19 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum
3/21 – Penticton, BC – South Okanagan Events Centre
3/22 – Tsuut’ina, AB – Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
3/24 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
3/27 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
3/28 – Waukee, IA- Vibrant Music Hall
3/29 – La Vista, NE – The Astro
3/30 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
4/1 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live 20 Monroe
4/3 – Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena
4/4 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
4/5 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
4/6 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Special Events Center
4/8 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
4/9 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks
4/11 – Laval, QC -Place Bell
4/12 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
WITH SHADOWS FALL, FIT FOR A KING, + BOUNDARIES:
5/8 – Columbus, OH- Sonic Temple*
5/10 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre
5/11 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
5/13 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans
5/14 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
5/16 – Daytona Beach. FL – Welcome To Rockville*
5/17 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
5/18 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome
*Festival Date
SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio Announces Milestone Elvis Birthday Celebration
Celebrate Elvis’ 90th birthday! From 1935 in Tupelo to 2025 at Graceland, the legacy and love of Elvis carries on, with special programming on Elvis Radio for the party this week. Listen live on satellite channel 76 and the SiriusXM app. Elvis Birthday Specials on Elvis Radio. 90 for 90
As Graceland in Memphis opens a brand-new, yearlong “90 for 90” exhibit featuring curated artifacts from Elvis’s professional and personal life, Elvis Radio debuts its own “90 for 90” special featuring both sides of the King’s first 45 American singles – all played in a row.
Elvis in Tupelo: To celebrate Elvis’s 90th birthday, go back to where it all began: Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis Radio hosts Robb Walker and Argo take you there, sharing early Elvis songs and stories from his birthplace.
Elvis Live in Concert Marathon: 9 for 90: Kick off Elvis’s 90th birthday week with nine straight hours of the best of Elvis live in concert. Hear his Tupelo homecoming, Aloha from Hawaii, the ’68 Comeback Special, “That’s the Way It Is” in Las Vegas, fantasy concerts, and more.
Elvis Sessions: Go inside the studio with Elvis with an in-depth, chronological journey through the King’s recording sessions beginning in 1953, hosted by Robb Walker.
Broadcasting Live from Graceland: Elvis Radio DJs Argo, Jim Sykes, and Robb Walker are live from Graceland for Elvis’s birthday week, plus a special 90th birthday edition of the “Graceland Beat” hosted by Argo and Alicia Dean.
Bon Jovi’s ‘Slippery When Wet’ Expanded For Deluxe Reissue
Bon Jovi will unveil their Diamond-certified best-selling third full-length album, Slippery When Wet, on vinyl and Digital Deluxe on February 28, 2025. The original record will be available in various configurations through the artist store, including an exclusive liquid-filled vinyl disc limited to 1300 copies worldwide, and a picture disc limited to 1500 copies. It also arrives on cassette limited to 500 copies. Additionally Slippery When Wet will be available as a Deluxe Edition with seven bonus tracks, on 2CD and digitally at all streamers.
The Deluxe Edition includes a long sought-after acoustic version of “Wanted Dead Or Alive” as well as four live recordings from the band’s historic 1987 Slippery When Wet Tour, two of which, including an epic “Let It Rock,” have not been heard before. The Deluxe also boasts exciting, previously unreleased mixes of “Livin’ On A Prayer (Thank You Goodnight Remix),” which was heard briefly in the band’s hit documentary series, and “Raise Your Hands (Extended Obie O’Brien Mix).”
Slippery When Wet hit like a tidal wave upon its initial release on August 18, 1986. The record debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and held the top spot for eight weeks. Not to mention, it emerged as “the top-selling album of 1987,” according to Billboard. It stands out as the band’s highest-selling record, going 12x-platinum. It houses instantly recognizable smashes such as “You Give Love A Bad Name,” “Livin’ On A Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead Or Alive.” Tracks from Slippery When Wet has tallied 9.4 Bilion streams to date. Speaking to the LP’s influence, Guitar World included it among the “Top 20 Hair Metal Albums of the Eighties,” and Rolling Stone named it one of the “50 Greatest Hair Metal Albums of All Time.”
The release of Slippery When Wet kicks off a busy 2025 for BON JOVI. Last year the band released its classic compilation album, Greatest Hits, on 2LP vinyl and achieved a coveted RIAA Diamond for their single “Livin’ on a Prayer,” recognizing sales of 10 Million certified units. This marks the band’s second career milestone following its Diamond status for their Slippery When Wet album. Throughout their illustrious career, BON JOVI has sold over a combined total of 72 Million RIAA certified units to date including the album ‘Crossroads’ (7x Platinum) and the singles “Wanted Dead Or Alive” (6x Platinum), “You Give Love A Bad Name” (5x Platinum) and “It’s My Life” (3x Platinum).
SLIPPERY WHEN WET DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION TRACKLISTING
Original Album (Disc 1)
1. Let It Rock
2. You Give Love A Bad Name
3. Livin’ On A Prayer
4. Social Disease
5. Wanted Dead Or Alive
6. Raise Your Hands
7. Without Love
8. I’d Die For You
9. Never Say Goodbye
10. Wild In The Streets
Bonus Tracks (Disc 2)
Wanted Dead Or Alive (Acoustic Version)
Livin’ On A Prayer (Thank You Goodnight Remix)
Raise Your Hands (Extended Obie O’Brien Mix)
Wild In The Streets (Live at Cincinnati Gardens, March 18, 1987)*
Livin’ On A Prayer (Live at Cobo Arena Detroit, March 11, 1987)
Wanted Dead Or Alive (Live at Cobo Arena Detroit, March 11, 1987)*
Let It Rock (Live at Nassau Coliseum, August 9, 1987)
Disc 2 tracks 2-7 previously unreleased (*previously available with different mixes)
SLIPPERY WHEN WET VINYL TRACKLISTING
Side A
1. Let It Rock
2. You Give Love A Bad Name
3. Livin’ On A Prayer
4. Social Disease
5. Wanted Dead Or Alive
Side B
1. Raise Your Hands
2. Without Love
3. I’d Die For You
4. Never Say Goodbye
5. Wild In The Streets
Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter To Host NAMM’s 40th annual TEC Awards
Capping a brilliant and successful 2024, legendary Grammy-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter is kicking off the new year with a full dance card at the 2025 NAMM Show to be held January 21-25 in Anaheim, California.
On Thursday, January 23, Baxter will serve as host for NAMM’s 40th annual TEC Awards. The virtuoso guitarist, a founding member of Steely Dan who later joined the Doobie Brothers, was inducted into the NAMM TEC Awards Hall of Fame in 2016. Says Baxter, “Having been honored by NAMM in the past, it is indeed a special privilege to host this year’s NAMM TEC Awards.”
This year, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, record label founder and one half of the rock duo the White Stripes, Jack White will be honored with the TEC Innovation Award. White personally requested that he receive his award from Baxter. “That was very kind of him, and I appreciate it,” Baxter says. “We’ve never met, but I’m most impressed with Jack. He’s fearless and certainly innovative. I know that he once bought one of my signature Epiphone Firebirds, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity for a good musicians’-style hang with him.”
Before the TEC Awards, Baxter will participate in a special seminar titled Good Vibrations: The Science of Sound and Music for Healing, hosted by sound therapist Cimcie Nichols (daughter of Roger Nichols, Steely Dan’s iconic engineer), to discuss how music affects people physically, mentally and emotionally. “There’s a close connection between the physics of frequency and vibration and their ability to positively affect living things,” Baxter explains. “For instance, I’ve seen interesting research using focused frequencies to destroy cancer cells. Music, frequency and vibration are deeply analogous, and I’m really delighted to see Cimcie carrying on Roger’s work.”
The next day, Friday, January 24, at 5pm, Baxter and his ace band – drummer Mark Damian, bassist Hank Horton and keyboardist Freddie Ravel – will be performing on the Roland stage.
In addition, on Saturday, January 25, Baxter will join musician, songwriter, record producer and advocate for music creators Larry Batiste for the seminar The Art and Business of Songwriting, which is also the title of Batiste’s recent book that guides readers through the ins and outs of song structure and music marketing. “Larry is an extremely talented cat and a good friend,” Baxter says. “Along with everything else he does, he’s been the musical director for the TEC Awards ever since I can remember. I’m very flattered that he would ask me to be part of his seminar, and I’m honored to be so active at NAMM this year. I have a tremendous place in my heart for that organization.”
In recent months, Baxter has been highly visible with appearances on multiple media platforms. His extensive and entertaining interview with the popular YouTube host Rick Beato has racked up close to one million views.
“That interview was very enjoyable and a lot of fun for me,” Baxter notes. “Rick is a skilled musician himself, and he does his homework. Reading the comments online has been most gratifying – people seemed to get a lot out of the conversation.” He laughs. “Some of them say things like, ‘I didn’t know Skunk played that solo,’ or ‘That’s my favorite record – he was on that?’ The reactions to the interview have been most gratifying.”