It’s hard to believe, but some of the greatest names in music history—legends who have shaped entire genres—have never won a Grammy. From Diana Ross and Queen to Tupac and The Beach Boys, these artists prove that true greatness isn’t always measured in awards.
Artists Who Have Never Won A Grammy
5 Surprising Facts About Michael Jackson’s ‘Off The Wall’
Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall didn’t just redefine the artist—it redefined an era. Released in 1979, this genre-blending masterpiece of disco, funk, and soul remains a landmark in music history. But beyond its hits like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You,” there are fascinating tidbits about this album that even the most devoted fans might not know.
1. Quincy Jones’ Unexpected Involvement
While working on the movie The Wiz, Jackson asked Quincy Jones if he knew any producers for his solo album. Jones didn’t hesitate and offered himself for the job. Their partnership would become legendary, with Off the Wall marking the first of three albums they created together.
2. A Kitchen Melody Sparked a Hit
The iconic “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” started as a melody Michael hummed in the kitchen. He had his brother Randy play it on the piano, and the infectious tune was born. The song became his first solo Grammy-winning hit.
3. Paul McCartney’s Surprise Songwriting Credit
Paul McCartney, best known as a Beatles legend, co-wrote the song “Girlfriend” for Off the Wall. The track was originally intended for his band Wings, but Jackson’s version brought it into the spotlight.
4. A Song Saved for Sinatra
“She’s Out of My Life,” one of Off the Wall’s most emotional tracks, was originally intended for Frank Sinatra. However, Quincy Jones decided it was the perfect song to showcase Michael Jackson’s more mature, vulnerable side. Jackson’s tearful delivery during recording sessions was so genuine that Jones insisted on keeping it in the final cut, creating a poignant moment that resonated deeply with listeners.
5. The Socks Were Michael’s Idea
The album cover, featuring Jackson in a tuxedo and sparkling socks, wasn’t just a styling choice. Michael insisted on the socks, saying they added a touch of personality and flair, perfectly embodying the album’s spirit.
Off the Wall wasn’t just a stepping stone to Thriller—it was a revolution in its own right. From its meticulous production to Jackson’s groundbreaking vision, every element of this album tells a story. Whether you’re rediscovering its grooves or hearing it for the first time, Off the Wall proves that timeless music knows no bounds.
Elton John & Brandi Carlile Unveil New Original Song “Never Too Late”
Elton John and Brandi Carlile today unveil their new original song ‘Never Too Late (From The Film “Elton John: Never Too Late”)’. A collaboration between these long time friends and artistic kindred spirits, ‘Never Too Late’ is an original composition inspired by, and written specifically for, the forthcoming Disney+ documentary ‘Elton John: Never Too Late’. Listen here.
A beautiful, reflective and ultimately uplifting story of finding happiness and redemption in love and family, ‘Never Too Late’ is the truly fitting finale to the documentary that plays out over the credits of the documentary of the same name. Already receiving an avalanche of critical acclaim as it’s swept through the world film festival circuit including Toronto International, New York and London, ‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ receives a limited theatrical release today before arriving on Disney+ on 13th December. The documentary follows Elton as he looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in an emotionally charged, intimate and inspiring full-circle journey. Directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish the documentary premieres on 13th December 2024, on Disney+. Watch the trailer here.
The eponymous song ‘Never Too Late (From The Film “Elton John: Never Too Late”)’ was co-written by Elton and eleven time GRAMMY winning US superstar Brandi Carlile in the summer of 2023, as Elton adjusted to life off the road after completing his record breaking ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour. Over dinner the friends discussed life, family, future plans and fledgling projects to collaborate on. As the evening wore on Elton and documentary co-director David Furnish screened Brandi an unfinished and as-yet-untitled early cut of their forthcoming documentary. The emotional impact on Brandi was profound. It inspired her to start writing a new song in the third person, taking influence and guidance from Bernie Taupin in the way his deeply observational and personal lyrics have perfectly channelled Elton’s voice and journey over the years. Upon hearing the finished ‘Never Too Late’, filmmakers David Furnish and R.J. Cutler were so moved by the sentiment of the lyrics and melody they adopted the lyric as the documentary’s title and the closing credits music.
Brandi says, “I found the early cut of the documentary that went on to become ‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ so moving. It was really amazing to see historic footage of Elton and the trajectory of his life. But as fantastic and as beautiful as everything was that we were all witnessing as fans, his life was also pretty lonely and difficult at times. And I thought that the documentary illustrated a really important sentiment, because he might not have ever found his serenity and his peace, but he did find it, and he found it later in life. And it is never too late – too late to find the love of your life, or to start a family, or to change your mind about anything.”
Elton says ‘When Brandi told me she was so inspired by the early cut of the documentary that she wanted us to to co-write a new song for it, I was thrilled. I’ve known for a long time how great she was but still, reading her lyrics and co-writing with her on the music was deeply moving. Especially given how personal it is to see, seeing my life on the screen, she just perfectly captured the essence of the documentary and why I stopped touring to spend more time with my family. I’m constantly astonished by her craft, she can channel my voice in a way only Bernie has managed to do before. I know Bernie helped guide Brandi on that. The standard of her musicianship, her songwriting, her passion for what she does are sensational. She truly is one of the greatest there is.’
‘Never Too Late’ is produced and co-written by multiple GRAMMY winner Andrew Watt. Like Brandi, Watt also has a long, storied history with Elton. He first encountered Elton after co-opting him to add piano and vocals to Ozzy Osbourne’s 2020 album Ordinary Man: he subsequently produced six tracks on Elton’s chart topping album “The Lockdown Sessions” and ’Hold Me Closer’, Elton’s collaborative global hit single with Britney Spears.
‘Never Too Late (From The Film “Elton John: Never Too Late”) is available to stream now here
The documentary ‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ arrives on Disney+ on 13th December
Brandi Carlile is an 11 times GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, performer and producer, 2x EMMY Award-winning composer, lyricist and writer, #1 New York Times Bestselling author and activist, who is known as one of music’s most respected voices. Throughout her acclaimed career, Carlile has released seven studio albums including her most recent, the 3x GRAMMY-winning In These Silent Days. Additionally, Carlile continues her work as a renowned producer with recent GRAMMY Award-winning projects from Joni Mitchell and Brandy Clark. She also produced and recorded a rendition of Indigo Girls’ “Closer To Fine” with her wife, Catherine, which was included
on Barbie The Album as well as a version of “Home,” which was featured in the final season of Ted Lasso.
Beloved by her peers, Carlile has collaborated with artists such as Elton John, The Highwomen, Soundgarden, Alicia Keys, Hozier, Noah Khan, Jacob Collier, P!nk and Dolly Parton. Carlile was named OUT Magazine’s 2023 “Icon of the Year,” awarded Billboard’s Women In Music “Trailblazer Award,” CMT’s Next Women of Country “Impact Award” and NMPA’s 2023 Songwriter Icon Award and received multiple recognitions from the Americana Music Association. On top of being a musician and writer, Carlile is a founder of the Looking Out Foundation, which has raised over $6 million for grassroots causes to date. Carlile lives in rural Washington state with her wife and two daughters, Evangeline and Elijah.
Elton’s career achievements to date are unsurpassed in their breadth and longevity. Elton is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. In the UK and US charts alone he has 2 Diamond, 43 Platinum or Multi-Platinum, and 26 Gold albums as well as over 85 Top 40 hits. He has sold more than 300 million records worldwide.
Among the many awards and honours bestowed upon him are six GRAMMYs, including a GRAMMY Legend award, a Tony, two Oscars, a Best British Male Artist BRIT Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, 13 Ivor Novello Awards and a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for “services to music and charitable services”. In January 2024, Elton John joined Hollywood’s elite group of EGOT winners after securing his first-ever EMMY Award for his historic Disney+ live, concert special Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.
He holds the record for the biggest-selling physical single of all time, “Candle in the Wind 1997,” which sold over 33 million copies. Released in 2017 ‘Diamonds’ the Ultimate Greatest Hits album, became Elton’s 43rd UK Top 40 album and has spent over 300 consecutive weeks in the top 75 of the UK album charts, over 200 of these in the top 20. This release celebrated 50 years of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin. It reached a UK peak position of No. 2 in July 2023, achieving 4 times Platinum status in the process and is the longest charting album of Elton’s career 62-deep catalogue.
August 2018 saw Elton named as the most successful male solo artist in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart history, having logged 71 entries, including nine No. 1s and 29 Top 10s. ‘The Lockdown Sessions’, an album of collaborations recorded during the COVID-19 Pandemic, was released in October 2021 and went straight to No. 1 in the UK album Charts, becoming Elton’s 8th UK No. 1 album in the process. Its lead single “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) with Dua Lipa” became a bona fide global hit, reaching No. 1 in over 20 charts world-wide, including the UK and Australia. Its success meant that Elton became the first ever solo artist to score a UK Top 10 hit single in six consecutive decades. In America, he holds the record for longest span between Billboard top 40 hits among soloists at 51 years and currently has logged 57 entries. Elton also holds the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart record with 18 No. 1s and 76 total songs. Summer of 2022 saw another global smash single, as Elton and Britney Spears released ‘Hold Me Closer’, a Top 5 hit in the UK and a No. 1 hit in the Australian single charts.
Elton announced the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour at New York’s Gotham Hall in January 2018. The tour kicked off on 10th September 2018 in North America and subsequently saw Elton play 330 shows to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia. The shows marked his retirement from touring after more than 50 years on the road. In 2019 it was named Billboard’s Top Rock Tour and Pollstar’s Major Tour Of The Year. The U.S. leg of the tour concluded with 3 sell out shows at Dodger Stadium. The concert was live streamed on Disney + in every single territory the channel broadcasts in, a global first. Elton headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, the final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concluded. The Sunday night closer was widely heralded as one of the greatest performances in the festival’s rich history, attracting one of the largest crowds ever witnessed at the festival. It also received the biggest ever televised audience for a Glastonbury set, reaching 7.6m overnight on BBC1. Elton has delivered more than 4,600 performances in more than 80 countries since launching his first tour in 1970.
2019 also saw the release of ‘Rocketman’ and global bestselling autobiography, ‘ME’. An epic fantasy musical motion picture of Elton’s life, ‘Rocketman’ has been a commercial and critical hit, taking close to $200m at the box office. It has won an Oscar, two Golden Globe Awards and a Critics’ Choice Award and garnered four BAFTA nominations. The soundtrack was also nominated for a GRAMMY Award. ‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ follows Elton as he looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in an emotionally charged, intimate and uplifting full-circle journey. Directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish the documentary premieres in December 2024, on Disney+.
In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. So far the Foundation has raised more than $600 million for HIV/AIDS grants, funding more than 3,000 projects in over 90 countries. In June 2019 President Emmanuel Macron presented Elton the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest award, for his lifetime contribution to the arts and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Elton was awarded the Companion of Honour in the 2021 New Year Honours list in the UK. The highest acknowledgement in the list, Elton became one of only 64 people to hold the Honour. September 2022 saw President Biden awarding him the National Humanities Medal in recognition of his storied career and advocacy work to end AIDS.
Always a tireless champion of new artists, Elton has been a leading industry voice in lobbying the government for young artists visa-free touring rights in Europe post Brexit.
In 2024, Fragile Beauty opened at the V&A Museum to widespread critical acclaim. Running until 2025, the exhibition showcases an unparalleled selection of the world’s leading photography from Elton and David Furnish’s collection.
National Music Centre Announces Partnership with the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music
Today, the National Music Centre (NMC) announces its first international partnership with the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM) and Steven Van Zandt’s TeachRock. This collaboration will bring together these leading institutions dedicated to music heritage, paving the way for cross-border cultural exchange, and enabling NMC to share the Canadian music story in the United States and beyond.
The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music is the primary repository for Bruce Springsteen’s written works, photographs, periodicals, and memorabilia. Dedicated to preserving and promoting Springsteen’s legacy and his influence on American music, the Center also develops exhibits, public programs, and education initiatives that explore the works of American music giants like Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, Billie Holiday, Patti Smith, Frank Sinatra, Muddy Waters, and others. Currently housed at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, the Center is set to relocate in 2026 to a new facility on campus featuring exhibits, a 230-seat theatre, public programs, and more.
A partner of BSACAM, Steven Van Zandt’s TeachRock project delivers dynamic and impactful arts-integration resources, bringing engaging educational experiences to classrooms worldwide for teachers and students alike.
The partnership will provide new opportunities to co-develop exhibitions and education programs and share resources that celebrate the interwoven influences of Canadian and American music. Both institutions will highlight the symbiotic relationship between the two countries’ music scenes, inspiring new projects that underscore our shared histories.
“National Music Centre is going global through this partnership and bringing the Canadian music story to a wider audience,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of the National Music Centre. “This collaboration, which is our first international partnership, will allow us to showcase the connections between Canadian and American music, emphasizing how artists on both sides of the border have inspired each other and, together, shaped the musical landscape.”
Some early highlights of this partnership will be a one-day symposium with panels and artist discussions, which will explore the cultural synergies between Canadian and American music. A co-developed travelling exhibition is also planned for 2026-2027, alongside the opening of BSACAM’s new building. More details on both collaborations will be announced at a later date.
“We’re proud to join forces with the National Music Centre to celebrate the shared legacy of Canadian and American music,” said Robert Santelli, Executive Director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music. “Through this partnership, we’ll create experiences that deepen our understanding of how these two vibrant music scenes have influenced each other and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.”
As the first international partnership for these organizations, this collaboration marks a significant milestone for NMC and BSACAM. Look for future updates on co-developed travelling exhibitions and programs that strengthen cultural ties and honour the rich musical heritage that binds Canada and the United States.
The National Music Centre (NMC) has a mission to amplify the love, sharing, and understanding of music. It is preserving and celebrating Canada’s music story inside its home at Studio Bell in the heart of the East Village in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 territory. NMC is the home to four Canadian music halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Quebec’s ADISQ Hall of Fame. Featuring musical instruments, artifacts, recording equipment, and memorabilia, the NMC Collection spans over 450 years of music history and innovation. A registered charity with programs that include exhibitions, artist development, performance, and education, NMC is inspiring a new generation of music lovers. For more information about NMC’s onsite activities, please visit studiobell.ca. To check out the NMC experience online, including video-on-demand performances, made-in-Canada stories, and highly entertaining educational content, visit amplify.nmc.ca.
The Bruce Springsteen Archives is comprised of nearly 48,000 items from 47 countries ranging from articles and oral histories to concert memorabilia, and promotional materials. The collection serves the research and informational needs of music fans, scholars, authors, and others with a serious interest in the life and career of Bruce Springsteen. The Bruce Springsteen Archives serves as the archival repository for Bruce Springsteen’s written works, photographs, periodicals, and artifacts. The Center also preserves and promotes the legacy of Bruce Springsteen and his role in American music, while creating exhibits, public programs, and education initiatives that explore the works of American music giants like Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, Billie Holiday, Patti Smith, Frank Sinatra, Gaslight Anthem, and others. In addition to its archival mission The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music creates traveling exhibits, educational conferences, public programs, teacher workshops, and scholastic field trips, all aimed at exploring the American music tradition and providing for academic discourse in various fields of American music. For more information, please visit springsteenarchives.org.
Launched by Stevie Van Zandt with the Founders Board of Bono, Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese, and Bruce Springsteen, Teachrock.org has provided free, standards-aligned resources to help teachers, students, and families succeed for more than a decade. TeachRock improves students’ lives by bringing the sound, stories, and science of music to all classrooms. From The Beatles to Beyoncé, from kindergarten to AP History, in the classroom or remotely, TeachRock offers meaningful lesson plans all at no cost to teachers, students, and families, inspiring deeper learning and understanding through the power of music. TeachRock.org is an open educational resource of hundreds of unit and lesson plans, Student Editions, and musician bios. TeachRock’s “Rock and Soul of America” high school history course is taught throughout California, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere. More than 60,000 educators representing over 30,000 schools in all 50 U.S. states, England, Spain, Norway and elsewhere are registered with Teachrock.org. For more information, please visit teachrock.org.
WHITNEY HOUSTON – The Concert for a New South Africa Premieres on PBS Starting December 1
PBS, Sony Music Vision, and Legacy Recordings, in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, today announced the broadcast of a special edition of The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban), celebrating the 30th anniversary of Whitney Houston’s historic South Africa concert with a fully-remastered release on PBS stations beginning December 1, 2024 (check local listings). The never-before-televised concert from Durban, South Africa, has been beautifully remastered in 4K with remastered audio. The entire original concert film — recently released worldwide in nearly 1,000 theaters in more than 30 countries in October — will also be available for streaming with PBS Passport on December 1, 2024.
In 1994, Whitney Houston took the stage for a series of three concerts in South Africa, including Durban at Kings Park Stadium on November 8, Johannesburg (November 12), and Cape Town (November 19), making her the first major Western recording artist to perform in the newly unified, post-apartheid nation following President Nelson Mandela’s historic election win. The three performances included a combined 200,000 plus attendees and were more than concerts: they were a celebration of freedom, hope, and unity. Whitney’s powerhouse voice and emotional delivery brought joy and inspiration to a newly liberated country. Additionally, portions of the proceeds from her concerts benefited numerous local South African children’s charities through her foundation.
THE CONCERT FOR A NEW SOUTH AFRICA (DURBAN) captures every note, every cheer, every tear, immortalizing a night that transcended music and became a beacon of change and celebration.
“Since the recent release of this concert film in theaters worldwide, there has been a growing demand to see the concert,” says Pat Houston, the executive producer of ‘The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)’ and executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. “Thirty years ago, Whitney, along with director Marty Callner and her longtime music director Rickey Minor helped to create a magical once-in-a-lifetime event. With the holiday season upon us, we join PBS and its audience in sharing this unique concert experience in their homes.”
With more than 220 million combined albums, singles and videos sold worldwide during her career, Whitney Houston has established a benchmark for superstardom. She is the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, has eight multi-platinum albums and was the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 1. She is also the first Black recording artist to receive three RIAA Diamond-certified albums (by a female, male or group).
Additionally, Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, recently released Houston’s first live concert album, The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban). The new live album features music from the unprecedented concert event including Whitney’s greatest hits, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” “Greatest Love of All,” “I Will Always Love You,” and other landmark classics including “Amazing Grace” and her rendition of Charlie Smalls’ “Home” from the Broadway musical, The Wiz.
The collection features three configurations with slightly different track listings on CD, vinyl, and digital for the first time. Also included in the CD and digital collection is the first-ever release of the studio single, “Love Is.” Written by Carvin Winans and produced by Nat Adderley and Whitney Houston, “Love Is” is the only new studio song on the album. Winans and Tommy Sims also produced the “Love Is (Carvin Winans Remix),” which is featured as a bonus track on the digital album.
Stray Kids Announce 2025 World Tour
Stray Kids has already cemented themselves as global icons, having achieved numerous milestones for the last six years of their career. They’ve made history with groundbreaking festival appearances, becoming the first K-Pop group to perform at Le Gala Des Pièces Jaunes and headlining major festivals in 2024 such as Chicago’s Lollapalooza, Milan’s I-DAYS, and London’s BST Hyde Park.
The tour has already made waves, captivating STAY in major Australian cities and across Asia. Kicking off in Seoul at KSPO Dome for 4 nights with an electric show, and will continue through Bulacan, Macau, Osaka, Bangkok, Jakarta, and finish with two nights in Hong Kong on January 18 and 19. The members — Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, HAN, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N – each have solo performances, with songs hailing from their brand new album “ATE,” released this past July. The setlist includes music from past albums including gold-certified fan favorites “Back Door,” “God’s Menu,” and “MANIAC.”
Specific presale and onsale timings can be found below with full details available at straykidsworldtour.com.
• Latin America
• Brazil: Tickets will be available starting with a sponsor presale on Monday, November 25 at 10AM local time. The general onsale will take place Wednesday, November 27 at 10AM local time.
• Chile: Tickets will be available starting with a sponsor presale on Monday, November 25 at 10AM local time. The general onsale will take place Wednesday, November 27 at 10AM local time.
• Peru: Tickets will be available starting with a sponsor presale on Wednesday, November 20 at 10AM local time. The general onsale will take place Friday, November 22 at 10AM local time.
• Mexico: Tickets will be available starting with a sponsor presale on Wednesday, November 20 at 9AM local time. The general onsale will take place Friday, November 22 at 2PM local time.
• North America: Fans in the U.S. and Canada can register for first access to tickets in the Artist Presale now at StrayKidsWorldTour.com. The Artist Presale will begin on Friday, November 22 at 11AM local time. The general onsale will take place on Friday, November 22 at 3pm local time.
• Europe/UK: The general onsale will take place Wednesday, November 27 at 12PM local time.
VIP: The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to the pre-show soundcheck, exclusive VIP gift item, & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.
Stray Kids is JYP Entertainment’s 8-member boy band formed in March 2018. The group’s name “Stray Kids” stands for their determination to break and escape from tradition, formalities, and the old system. All members not only are talented in vocals, rap, and performance, but have also been credited for producing the majority of Stray Kids’ unique discography.
Stray Kids were crowned Top K-Pop Album winners at the recent 2023 BBMAs and Best K-Pop winners at the 2023 VMAs with their full-length album <5-STAR>. The album sold over 4.61 million copies during the first week of its release which, at the time, became the highest 1st week number in K-pop history. The group also won “Group of the Year” at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards and “K-Pop Album of the Year” at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Not only did they debut five consecutive albums as No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart with their recent album , and they also became the 2nd K-Pop male group in history to enter the Billboard HOT 100 chart. Stray Kids won’t stop breaking through all geographical and cultural boundaries to resonate deeply with global listeners.
STRAY KIDS WORLD TOUR 2024 UPCOMING DATES:
Sat Nov 23 – Bulacan- Philippine Arena
Fri Nov 29 – Macau – Galaxy Arena
Sat Nov 30 – Macau – Galaxy Arena
Thu Dec 5 – Osaka – Kyocera Dome
Sat Dec 7 – Osaka – Kyocera Dome
Sun Dec 8 – Osaka – Kyocera Dome
Sat Dec 14 – Bangkok – National Stadium
Sat Dec 21 – Jakarta – Indonesia Arena, GBK
STRAY KIDS WORLD TOUR 2025 DATES:
Sat Jan 18 – Hong Kong – AsiaWorld-Arena
Sun Jan 19 – Hong Kong – AsiaWorld-Arena
Fri Mar 28 – Santiago, CL – Estadio Bicentenario La Florida
Tue Apr 1 – Rio de Janeiro, BR – Estádio Nilton Santos
Sat Apr 5 – São Paulo, BR – Estádio Morumbi
Wed Apr 9 – Lima, PE – Estadio San Marcos
Sat Apr 12 – Mexico City, MX – Estadio GNP Seguros
Sat May 24 – Seattle, WA – T-Mobile Park
Wed May 28 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park
Sat May 31 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
Fri Jun 6 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field
Tue Jun 10 – Atlanta, GA – Truist Park
Sat Jun 14 – Orlando, FL – Camping World Stadium
Wed Jun 18 – New York City, NY – Citi Field
Mon Jun 23 – Washington, DC – Nationals Park
Thu Jun 26 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field
Sun Jun 29 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium
Fri Jul 11 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff Arena
Tue Jul 15 – Frankfurt, DE – Deutsche Bank Park
Fri Jul 18 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tue Jul 22 – Madrid, SP – Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Sat Jul 26 – Paris, FR – Stade de France
Ricky Martin Headlining AHF World AIDS Day Concert
Global superstar Ricky Martin will headline the annual World AIDS Day concert, presented by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest nonprofit HIV/AIDS service provider. The event takes place on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami (UM) in Coral Gables, Florida. Complimentary tickets are available by registering at AHFevents.org.
World AIDS Day is commemorated each year on December 1st and is an opportunity for communities to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those we’ve lost. The evening’s event also will feature a performance by renowned DJ and rapper DJ Spinderella, and the AHF Lifetime Achievement award will be presented to Dr. Julio Frenk, UM’s outgoing president and chancellor-designate for UCLA.
Multi award-winning Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Ricky Martin, known globally as the “King of Latin Pop,” has used his platform to bring greater awareness and support for various issues around HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Dr. Julio Frenk played a pivotal role in launching AHF’s Global Public Health Institute at UM. His groundbreaking contributions to HIV/AIDS response include securing universal access to antiretroviral therapy in Mexico, advancing anti-stigma efforts, fostering global health collaborations, and strengthening public health policies worldwide.
AHF has worked with a diverse array of iconic performers for World AIDS Day events, including Janet Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, and Mariah Carey. The global organization has presented its lifetime achievement award to a distinguished list of advocates including Blair Underwood, Harry Belafonte, Debbie Allen, Dr. Deborah Birx, and Senator Bernie Sanders.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV. The epidemic continues to impact communities across the nation, with southern states being disproportionately impacted by an increase in new diagnoses annually. Miami/Dade County is the epicenter of the country’s HIV/AIDS epidemic.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 2.1 million individuals across 47 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe.
Dillon James Announces Ontario Show Dates
Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Dillon James was influenced by the city’s unique blend of Rock n’ Roll and Country music from an early age, picking up a guitar for the first time at the age of 10. Dillon was first drawn to classic rock, though his tastes diversified to the likes of City And Colour, Glen Campbell, JeG Buckley, George Strait and Bob Dylan by the time he began writing his own music as a teen. Combined with inspiration from the local sounds of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, Dillon developed the country-rock infused vocals and powerful storytelling that would define his distinct sound. After winning several singer-songwriter competitions and a brief stint working as an actor in Los Angeles, Dillon entered a turbulent period of substance abuse and homelessness. During this painful time, he realized that if he could heal himself and achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a singer-songwriter, he could become a living testament to others as well. Dillon accomplished his goal and moved to Nashville to write and record music, including his debut track “Walking Man,” “My Shadow,” and more set to be released soon. In his own words, “human connection is the goal, music is just the vessel.”
DILLON JAMES
January 21, 2025
Rum Runners – London, ON
January 22, 2025
Rivoli – Toronto, ON
January 23, 2025
Club SAW – Ottawa, ON
🎟️ Tickets on sale November 20 at 10 AM. Tickets available at www.livenation.com
Rod Stewart Announces “One Last Time” 2025 North American Tour Reuniting With Special Guests Cheap Trick
Sir Rod Stewart, the legendary two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted singer-songwriter, today announced that he’s bringing his highly anticipated “One Last Time” tour to North America in 2025. The tour, which has been thrilling audiences in Europe and Asia has also been a box office smash, grossed among The Top 20 Global Concert Tours of the year. The tour makes its US debut on Mar. 7 in Austin, Texas, and is confirmed for 20 shows across amphitheaters and arenas through Aug. 15. Each show promises an unprecedented evening of iconic hits and a concert production befitting one of the era’s greatest live performers. Full tour routing and ticketing information is available below.
“One Last Time” will see Rod reuniting with fellow Hall of Famers, Cheap Trick, as his special guests. Their last outing in 2022 was a critical and fan favorite. Featuring chart-topping hits spanning Stewart’s unparalleled career, his hits-packed setlist includes songs like, “You Wear It Well,” “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,” “The First Cut is the Deepest,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Every Picture Tells A Story,” “Infatuation,” “Forever Young,” “Ooh La La (I Wish That I Knew What I Know Now),” ”Young Turks,” Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” “Rhythm of My Heart,” “Broken Arrow,” “Forever Young,” and many more.
Tickets for U.S. tour dates go on sale to the public on Friday, Nov. 22 at 10AM via LiveNation.com. Rod Stewart Fan Club members will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 10AM via RodStewart.com. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning Nov. 20 at 10AM. Citi is the official card of Rod Stewart’s Encore Tour.
Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Nov. 19 at 10AM until Thursday, Nov. 21 at 10PM through the Citi Entertainment program, visit www.citientertainment.com. All presales are in local time and will run through Thursday, Nov. 21 at 10PM.
Sir Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music with more than 250 million records and singles sold worldwide. His signature voice, style and songwriting have transcended all genres of popular music, including rock, folk, soul, R&B, and the Great American Songbook, making him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career. Stewart has earned a number of the industry’s highest awards, including two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting, New York Times best-selling author, GRAMMY™ Living Legend, and in 2016 he officially became “Sir Rod Stewart” after being knighted at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity. Sir Rod Stewart is one of the bestselling artists in recorded music with more than 250 million records and singles sold worldwide. His signature voice, style and songwriting have transcended all genres of popular music, including rock, folk, soul, and the Great American Songbook, making him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career. Stewart has earned several of the industry’s highest awards, including two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the American Society of Composers Founders Award for songwriting, New York Times bestselling author, GRAMMY™ Living Legend. In 2016, he officially became “Sir Rod Stewart” after being knighted at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity. In 2023, his first foray outside of music, Wolfie’s Whisky, was another critical hit and has quickly been embraced worldwide. In 2024, he tackled yet another music genre with the release of Swing Fever, his 33rd studio album. The album, a collaboration with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, a 13-track sparkling salute to the timeless songs of the big band years, garnered him his 11th No. 1 album in the U.K. – a feat he shares with David Bowie, Taylor Swift and U2 on the all-time list of acts with the most No. 1 albums in the U.K. He toured Asia and Europe before wrapping his record-setting 13-year Las Vegas residency, “Rod Stewart: The Hits.”
Cheap Trick, the iconic rock band hailing from Illinois, has been rocking stages and winning over fans with their timeless sound for over five decades. Known for their electrifying live performances, catchy melodies, and innovative songwriting, Cheap Trick has become a staple in rock music history. With hits like “I Want You to Want Me”, “Dream Police”, “The Flame”, and “Surrender,” this legendary band continues to inspire and entertain audiences with their signature blend of hard rock and power-pop sensibilities. Cheap Trick is part of the very fiber of American music, inspiring and delighting generations with their unique union of massive melodies and razorblade riffs, their own special brand of mischievous wit and maximum rock ‘n’ roll. The band was formed in1973 by guitarists Rick Nielsen, bassist TomPetersson, and drummer Bun. E Carlos. One year later, Robin Zander joined the group. The current lineup consists of Nielsen, Petersson and Zander. Both Nielsen and Zander’s sons joining as guest members when the band tours. Cheap Trick released their self-titled debut album in 1977. Later that year, they found success in Japan with the release of their second album, In Color. They achieved mainstream popularity in the US in 1979 with the triple-platinum live album Budokan and a Top 10 single, a live recording of “I Want You to Want Me.” More success followed with the album Dream Police In 1979, which reached number 6ontheBillboard 200.Theband experienced another resurgence in late eighties when they topped US charts with power ballad “The Flame.” Cheap Trick maintain an almost constant touring schedule, having performed live more than 5,000 times since their formation. They have sold more than 20 million albums and built a dedicated cult following. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, where the original four members performed.
Rod Stewart “Encore” 2025 Summer North American Tour with special guests Cheap Trick:
3/07/2025 Austin, TX Moody Center ATX
6/14/2025 Lake Tahoe, NV Outdoor Arena at Harveys*^
6/15/2025 Paso Robles, CA Vina Robles Amp*^
7/8/2025 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park
7/11/2025 Gilford, NH BankNH
7/12/2025 Philadelphia, PA TD Pavilion at the Mann
7/15/2025 Saratoga Springs NY Broadview Stage at SPAC
7/19/2025 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
7/22/2025 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage
7/25/2025 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena^
7/26/2025 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center
7/29/2025 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
8/1/2025 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
8/2/2025 Birmingham, AL Coca-Cola Amphitheater
8/5/2025 Brandon, MS Brandon Amphitheater
8/8/2025 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
8/9/2025 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center
8/12/2025 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre
8/14/2025 Nashville, TN Ascend Amphitheater
8/15/2025 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
*Not A Live Nation Date | ^Cheap Trick not on these dates
New West Announces North American Tour
Following the release of their recent EP, acclaimed music collective New West announced their North American Tour 2025. Produced by Live Nation, the 24-city tour kicks off on February 12 at The Park Theatre in Winnipeg, MB making stops across North America in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Chicago and more before wrapping up in Montreal at Petit Campus on March 20.
New West recent EP, shaped by Toronto and recent global tours, resonates in these six songs. “Love Language” captures the unspoken bond of performance and relationships, while “Alive” recalls dreams of travel before they became reality. Rooted in classic sounds with a modern touch, this EP renews their passion for crafting music that bridges tradition and innovation, looking forward to future projects.
Tickets will be available starting with Artist presales beginning on Tuesday, November 19. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, November 22 at 10AM local time at LiveNation.com
The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, Meet & Greet and photo op with New West, autographed tour poster, specially designed VIP gift item & more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.
Four individuals. One vision. Endless possibilities. Meet New West. The Toronto-based “collective” comprises four individual artists, namely Kala Wita, Vella, Ben Key, and Noel West. For as different as they respectively may be in terms of where they’re from, how they create, and why they’re here, they fit together as seamlessly as long-lost puzzle pieces. They rotate between instruments and pass around the mic, morphing in real-time across each and every song with an unabashedly warm nostalgic undercurrent. Tracing an invisible line all the way from the British Invasion to 21st century alternative R&B, they defy genre as they simultaneously define a singular style on their 2023 full-length debut on Republic Records and much more to come.
“This isn’t a traditional band,” observes Noel. “Everyone in the group is an artist. It’s not like one guy plays guitar and another guy plays bass in the traditional sense. We all contribute. That’s why we call it a collective. I’m the only one who can’t sing,” he laughs. Their origins date back to 2017. Childhood friends Noel and Ben began to collaborate with Kala. Eventually, Ben invited Vella to the fold, crystallizing the sound. Raised in the digital music ecosystem, influences spanned Elton John, The Beatles, and Rolling Stones as well as Radiohead, Frank Ocean, and hometown heroes Drake and The Weeknd. They translated a collective passion for music into countless hours writing and recording together.
“We’re all speaking the same language, but we have our individual accents and tendencies,” notes Kala. “The common bond is we’re always searching for inspiration.” They doubled down on this search at the onset of the global pandemic. Coincidentally, the collective had just rented the same house together. Once quarantine happened, the kitchen and living room transformed into a de facto studio. “That’s where we really came together as a group by living with each other,” says Ben.
Their very first release “Those Eyes” hinted at the potential of their chemistry. Its lush lo-fi acoustic guitar, dreamy piano, lullaby melody, and quotable play-by-play of a relationship in full bloom instantly reacted with listeners worldwide. It initially popped off on TikTok (the guys aren’t quite sure where but it’s all good), and the success slowly but surely translated to streaming platforms. Between the Original and “Sped Up” version, it clocked nearly 150 million Spotify streams.
“Kala had those lyrics, and we came up with chords they felt good over,” adds Ben. “The whole song was born from there. The rest is history.” “That song really brought us closer,” Kala continues. “We knew what we could be at that point.” They maintained their momentum with independent singles such as “Next To You,” “Call Me When You Hear This Song,” “Paris,” and more. 2022 saw the band sign to Republic Records as they staunchly maintained a D.I.Y. mindset with Noel producing, mixing, engineering, and mastering everything.
“The entire project is insular,” affirms Noel. “We’re not going to take some new direction. When we are trying new things, it happens between the four of us. There’s no external influence.”
In the end, New West conjure a familiar feeling through a fresh perception.”We want you to be taken back to a place,” Kala leaves off. “If you are, we’re doing something right.” “It’s like saying a new thing, but from an old friend rather than a stranger,” Noel offers. “There’s a warmth and familiarity, but we’re also pushing forward at the same time.” “We’re a warm hug from an old friend in new clothes,” promises Kala.
NEW WEST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR ‘25 TOUR DATES:
Wed Feb 12 – Winnipeg, MB – The Park Theatre
Fri Feb 14 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
Sat Feb 15 – Calgary, AB – Commonwealth Bar
Tue Feb 18 – Vancouver, BC – Hollywood Theatre
Wed Feb 19 – Victoria, BC – Capital Ballroom
Thu Feb 20 – Portland, OR – The Aladdin Theater
Fri Feb 21 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
Mon Feb 24 – Sacramento, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
Tue Feb 25 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
Thu Feb 27 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater
Fri Feb 28 – Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room
Sat Mar 01 – San Diego, CA – Voodoo Room at House of Blues
Sun Mar 02 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
Tue Mar 04 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
Thu Mar 06 – Denver, CO – Marquis
Fri Mar 08 – Saint Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall
Sat Mar 09 – Chicago, IL – Chop Shop
Mon Mar 11 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5
Wed Mar 13 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
Fri Mar 15 – Washington, DC – Pearl Street Warehouse
Sat Mar 16 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry at The Fillmore Philadelphia
Mon Mar 18 – Boston, MA – Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre
Tue Mar 19 – Ottawa, ON – Algonquin Commons Theatre
Wed Mar 20 – Montreal, QC – Petit Campus