On September 11, 1960, Nina Simone graced The Ed Sullivan Show for her performance of Love Me Or Leave Me. Her powerful piano-driven rendition blended jazz with classical elements, showcasing her unmatched artistry and emotional depth.
5 Surprising Facts About The Rolling Stones’ ‘Exile on Main St.’
Released in 1972, Exile on Main St. is one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic albums, revered for its raw sound and diverse musical influences. However, even some die-hard fans might not know these fascinating behind-the-scenes details about its creation:
1. Recorded in a Makeshift Studio
The majority of Exile on Main St. was recorded in the basement of guitarist Keith Richards’ rented villa, Nellcôte, in the South of France. Due to tax issues, the band had become exiles, and without access to a proper studio, they used a mobile recording truck. The basement’s tight, disorganized sessions, along with the constant partying and Richards’ heroin use, created the album’s gritty and unpolished sound.
2. Not Everyone Showed Up for Sessions
Despite being a band effort, Exile on Main St. had a revolving door of musicians during its recording sessions. Bassist Bill Wyman, for example, was so frustrated with the chaotic environment that he didn’t participate in many of the sessions. As a result, several tracks feature other musicians filling in on bass, including Mick Taylor and Richards himself.
3. The Infamous “Happy” Was an Impromptu Jam
One of the album’s most famous songs, “Happy,” sung by Keith Richards, was created spontaneously. Richards arrived early to a session, and with nothing planned, he picked up a guitar and started jamming. With only a baritone sax, guitar, and drummer Jimmy Miller, the track was recorded in an afternoon and remains one of Richards’ signature performances.
4. Influenced by Southern Gospel
The album’s gospel influence, particularly on tracks like “Tumbling Dice” and “Shine a Light,” was inspired by Mick Jagger’s visit to an evangelical church in Los Angeles, where he witnessed a live recording session for Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace album. This experience deeply impacted the sound and arrangement of the album’s gospel-inflected tracks.
5. An Album About Hedonism and Time
Lyrically, Exile on Main St. dives deep into themes of hedonism, excess, and the fleeting nature of time. Critics have described it as a reflection of the band’s decadent lifestyle during the 1970s, with songs that explore sex, drugs, and the rock-and-roll lifestyle, while also revealing a subtle preoccupation with aging and the passage of time as the band members approached 30.
Though Exile on Main St. initially received mixed reviews, it has since been hailed as one of The Rolling Stones’ greatest achievements and a cornerstone of rock history. Its unique blend of blues, rock, country, and gospel, combined with the chaotic recording process, has earned it a lasting legacy.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Announce Second and Third Leg of First Ever Arena Tour
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats today confirm a series of brand-new tour dates for the second and third leg of their first arena tour, including performances in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum, Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and a slew of performances in Canada including at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. The tour includes a landmark show at Madison Square Garden. See full schedule below.
Tickets for the tour will be available starting with an artist presale beginning Tuesday, October 22 at 10 A.M. (local), registration is available now through October 20 at 11:59 P.M. ET here. Additional presales will continue throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning Friday, October 25 at 10 A.M. (local). Full details and list of dates can be found here.
AMEX Presale: American Express Card Members can purchase tickets to the Canadian dates before the general public beginning Wednesday, October 23 at 10 A.M. through Thursday, October 24 at 10 P.M. local time.
The tour celebrates Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats’ fourth full-length studio album, South of Here, out now via Stax. The smash single “Heartless” from the album hit #1 at Mediabase Triple A and Billboard Adult Alternative charts, marking the band’s 7th #1 single to date. Watch the music video directed by award winning Kimberly Stuckwisch here and see the band perform the single on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, here.
The band also recorded a special for Howard Stern, in which they performed select songs from the record as well as a cover of “Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen. Stern praises, “There’s this amazing musician, Nathaniel Rateliff…super talented, and this guy’s got a great voice too. You know who they remind me of? The Band. They’re that good.” The special aired on Sirius XM H101 and is available for viewing in full in the Howard Stern app—watch the Bruce Springsteen cover here.
The announcement of the new tour dates comes following Rateliff’s selection as the first ever Newport Folk Steward, the first artist to hold such a role at the legendary festival since Pete Seeger. The position holds a three-year term, which will see Rateliff serving as Steward actively for two years and advising the next recipient during a third transition year. Rateliff has chosen to devote his term to artist advocacy, fellowship and mentorship both at the Fort and beyond.
SOUTH OF HERE TRACK LIST
1. David and Goliath
2. Heartless
3. Remember I Was a Dancer
4. Get Used to the Night
5. South of Here
6. Everybody Wants Something
7. Center of Me
8. Cars in the Desert
9. I Would Like to Heal
10. Call Me (Whatever You Like)
11. Time Makes Fools of Us All
SOUTH OF HERE TOUR—NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS
August 15—Bend, OR—Hayden Homes Amphitheater
August 16—Boise, ID—Outlaw Field
August 20—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 21—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
October 22—Houston, TX—713 Music Hall+
October 23—Dallas, TX—The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory+
October 26—Austin, TX—Moody Center+
October 29—Rogers, AR—Walmart AMP+
October 30—St. Louis, MO—Chaifetz Arena+
November 1—Chicago, IL—United Center+
November 2—St. Paul, MN—Xcel Energy Center+
February 13—Vancouver, BC—Rogers Arena*
February 15—Seattle, WA—Climate Pledge Arena*
February 16—Portland, OR—Moda Center*
February 18—Reno, NV—Grand Sierra Resort ±
February 21—Los Angeles, CA—Kia Forum ± #
February 22—San Francisco, CA—Bill Graham Civic Auditorium ±
March 11—Edmonton, AB—Rogers Place~
March 13—Calgary, AB—Scotiabank Saddledome~
March 15—Winnipeg, MB—Canada Life Centre~
March 18—Fishers, IN—Fishers Event Center~
March 19—Pittsburgh, PA—Petersen Events Center~
March 21—Toronto, ON—Scotiabank Arena~
March 22—Ottawa, ON—Canadian Tire Centre~
March 24—Laval, QC—Place Bell~
March 27—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden+
March 28—Boston, MA—MGM Music Hall at Fenway
+with support from Gregory Alan Isakov
*with support from Charley Crockett
±with support from Iron & Wine
#with support from Waxahatchee
~with support from The Teskey Brothers
Scott Helman Drops Augusta 10 and Announces Canadian Tour to Celebrate Breakthrough Album’s 10th Anniversary
Juno Award nominated singer-songwriter Scott Helman has released his new album Augusta 10, which is now available across all digital music platforms. The date mirrors the original October 14th release of Helman’s debut album, Augusta, a decade ago. The reimagined collection Augusta 10 features newly recorded versions of tracks from the original album, blending their youthful spirit with a modern folk-soul sound. Helman produced the album with longtime collaborator Callum Maudsley, who toured as a member of Helman’s band during the original Augusta release cycle. The album was recorded in Helman’s home studio in Los Angeles.
Since bursting onto the scene with his debut album Augusta in 2014, Scott Helman has become a leading figure in the singer-songwriter music landscape. A seven-time JUNO Award nominee, Scott has earned platinum and gold certifications with a number of songs and albums. Helman hit the road and logged countless miles touring with the likes of Shawn Mendes, Tegan and Sara, Walk Off The Earth and Vance Joy, and collaborated with artists like Alessia Cara and Hunter Hayes. With Fo Fum Records, Scott Helman is taking full control of his artistry, and Augusta 10 signals the beginning of a bold new era in his career.
TOUR DATES:
Dec. 04 – Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room
Dec. 05 – Vancouver, BC – The Pearl
Dec. 06 – Calgary, AB – Commonwealth Bar
Dec. 14 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD
Dec. 15 – Ottawa, ON – Club Saw
Dec. 17 – Hamilton, ON – The Studio
Dec. 18 – Toronto, ON – The Axis Club
Dec. 19 – London, ON – Rum Runners
Broken Peach Delivers a Creative Halloween Mashup of Blondie’s ‘Call Me’ and KISS’s ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You’
For their 2024 Halloween special, Spanish cover band Broken Peach put together a clever and unexpected mashup of Blondie’s Call Me and KISS’s I Was Made for Lovin’ You. Dressed as skeletons in full KISS makeup, the band added an extra layer of theatricality with some wild dance moves. The performance blends rock nostalgia with Halloween flair, creating a memorable and entertaining tribute to both iconic bands.
Jared Halley and His Adorable Kids Deliver a Spook-tacular A Cappella Cover of the ‘Ghostbusters Theme’
A cappella sensation Jared Halley kicked off spooky season with a punchy, fun-filled multitrack cover of the iconic Ghostbusters theme song. This time, he brought his costumed 11-year-old son Noah along for the ride, singing background vocals and showing off his dance moves. But the star power didn’t stop there—his young daughter Aria also joined in, adding even more cuteness to the Halloween vibes. Halley’s playful energy, combined with his kids’ enthusiasm, makes this video a must-watch for anyone ready to get into the spooky spirit.
40 Fingers Stuns with Epic Flamenco Cover of Metallica’s ‘Nothing Else Matters’
The insanely talented guitar quartet, 40 Fingers, delivered a jaw-dropping performance with their flamenco rendition of Metallica’s iconic “Nothing Else Matters.” Each guitarist played a different style of guitar, blending their incredible skills into a mesmerizing arrangement by Emanuele Grafitti. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful day, this outdoor performance was nothing short of magical, with drone pilot Pablo De Biasi capturing stunning aerial footage that adds even more brilliance to the scene. This is not just a cover—it’s an artistic experience that Metallica fans and flamenco lovers alike can’t miss.
Watch Lord Vinheteiro Masterfully Perform Every Mozart Piano Sonata in Just 6 Minutes
Talented and charismatic pianist Lord Vinheteiro delivered an incredible feat, performing all of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s piano sonatas in just six thrilling minutes! Looking directly into the camera with his signature poise, Vinheteiro played through the masterpieces, capturing the essence of each sonata in the order they were composed and at the age Mozart wrote them. Just like his captivating “Evolution of Mozart” video, this new performance takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of Mozart’s genius. Vinheteiro describes the performance as an index, perfect for anyone trying to identify that one sonata you can’t quite name but know by heart. A must-watch for classical music lovers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_Y5rGOBMT8
RÜFÜS DU SOL Reveal North and South America Dates of Inhale / Exhale World Tour 2025
RÜFÜS DU SOL complete their global tour announcements today with the reveal of North and South American dates for their Inhale / Exhale World Tour 2025. Following announcements in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the UK earlier this week, the trio now invites fans from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Canada & more to experience their latest album live.
Known for their emotive live performances and breathtaking visual production, RÜFÜS DU SOL will be performing some of their biggest headline shows to date on their Inhale / Exhale World Tour 2025, including Rose Bowl Stadium (Pasadena, CA), Estadio 3 de Marzo (Guadalajara, MX), Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ) and Q2 Stadium (Austin, TX). Special guests Glass Beams, Neil Frances, Overmono, and Sofia Kourtesis will join as support across various shows. Full tour routing and ticketing information is available below.
“The energy and passion we get from our fans in North and South America is incredible. The US was the first place to really embrace us outside our home country, and in the past few years we’ve seen that love grow throughout Mexico and South America, it’s something we never imagined would happen! We’ve spent the past seven years living out here among you and being part of the music loving community here; being able to play our music to crowds like this all over the Americas is something we’ll never take for granted . See you soon.,” said RÜFÜS DU SOL.
Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Tuesday, October 22 at 10am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Thursday, October 24 at 10am local time on rufusdusol.com/live.
RÜFÜS DU SOL Inhale / Exhale Word Tour 2025 Dates
^ With Support From Glass Beams
# With Support from Neil Frances
& With Support from Overmono
~ With Support from Sofia Kourtesis
* With Support from SG Lewis (Live)
March 12 – Estadio 3 de Marzo – Guadalajara, MX (#)
March 14 – Estadio Banorte – Monterrey, MX (#)
March 19 – Costa 21 – Lima, PE ($) | NEW
March 21 – Lollapalooza Chile – Santiago, CL | FESTIVAL
March 23 – Lollapalooza – Buenos Aires, AR | FESTIVAL
March 26 – Qualistage – Rio de Janeiro, BR ($)
March 28 – Lollapalooza Brazil – São Paulo, BR | FESTIVAL
March 30 – Estéreo Picnic – Bogotá, CO | FESTIVAL
April 23 – Dos Equis Pavilion – Dallas, TX (~)
April 24 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The Woodlands, TX (~)
April 26 – Q2 Stadium – Austin, TX (~)
April 27 – Walmart AMP – Rogers, AR (~)
April 30 – Lakewood Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA (#)
May 1 – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre – Tampa, FL (#)
May 3 – FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park – Miami, FL (#)
May 6 – Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville, TN | NEW
May 8 – Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD (#) | NEW
May 9 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park – Raleigh, NC (#)
May 10 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA (#)
June 11 – Plaza Mayor at Poble Espanyol – Barcelona, SP
June 14 – Uber Eats Music Hall – Berlin, DE
June 17 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, NL
June 21 – Auditorium Cavea – Rome, IT
June 24 – Zénith – Paris, FR
July 5 – Crystal Palace Park – London, UK
July 25 – Red Bull Arena – New York / New Jersey, NJ (&)
July 27 – Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA (&) | NEW
July 29 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON (&) | NEW
August 3 – Ruoff Music Center – Noblesville, IN (&)
August 5 – Pine Knob Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI (&)
August 9 – DICK’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, CO (^)
August 10 – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre – West Valley City, UT (^)
August 12 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR (^)
August 14 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – San Francisco Bay Area, CA
August 16 – Rose Bowl Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
November 7 – RAC Arena – Perth, AU (*)
November 11 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Adelaide, AU (*)
November 13 – Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, AU (*)
November 20 – Qudos Bank Arena – Sydney, AU (*)
November 25 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Brisbane, AU (*)
November 29 – The Outer Fields at Western Springs – Auckland, NZ (*)
RÜFÜS DU SOL is partnering with NOTES FOR NOTES to fundraise for the launch of a new recording studio which will give youth free access to a safe space to explore, create and record music. NOTES FOR NOTES is dedicated to providing youth with free access to music instruments, instruction and recording studio environments so that music may become a profoundly positive influence in their lives. Live Nation is also joining the cause, making a generous contribution to further support NOTES FOR NOTES’ impactful work.
Inhale / Exhale charts new territory for the band, whose music has always been driven by a passion for innovation and connection. This album is their most personal yet, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past few years. Tracks like “Music Is Better” and “Break My Love” capture the band’s journey, offering a sense of hope and resilience that resonates deeply with listeners.
RÜFÜS DU SOL’s unique sound is rooted in a blend of organic and electronic elements, and Inhale / Exhale showcases this balance perfectly. The album draws from influences as diverse as house music and ambient electronica, resulting in a collection of tracks that are both uplifting and introspective. With early praise from top music critics and a #1 on Dance Radio, the album has already made an impact worldwide. Speaking on the album, the band said, “This record is very special to us. It’s crazy to think we’ve been collaborating on this project together for almost fifteen years, to know that we’re five albums deep now and we’re as excited about making music together now as when we started.”
Fans of RÜFÜS DU SOL know that their live shows are where the magic truly happens. With the immersive stage production enhancing the show, each performance is a shared experience that brings fans closer to the music. As the final leg of their Inhale / Exhale world tour has announced, these North and South American dates mark a pinnacle moment for RÜFÜS DU SOL. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience as the band closes out their tour with some of their most powerful shows yet.
In partnership with Live Nation’s Green Nation team, RÜFÜS DU SOL will support sustainability initiatives on their tour, focusing on reducing single-use plastics, enhancing recycling, and minimizing food and other waste. Tour stops at venues operated by Live Nation will additionally provide zero waste green teams to hand-recover organics and recyclables, donate food, and use eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic. As tour dates approach, fans are encouraged to check venue websites for more details.
My Next Read: “How to Disappear: A Photographic Portrait of Radiohead” by Colin Greenwood
‘For years now, I’ve been taking fugitive snaps of my band, Radiohead. I’ve tried to catch out my friends with my small black Yashica T4 Super. They are so lost in their own moment of performance that they don’t see me with the camera.’ – Colin Greenwood
How to Disappear is bassist Colin Greenwood’s stunning portrait of Radiohead in his own photographs. Two decades in the making, he takes us on a journey into the heart of the 21st-century’s most influential band, a maverick collective who have vastly broadened our musical landscape while they dominate and distort it. On stage, backstage, in the rehearsal room, behind the scenes, on tour, at work and at play, Colin’s photographs, and the stories and memories they evoke for him in his accompanying text, form an intimate portrait of the musical and cultural iconoclasts as they travel through ‘our middle years: all the joy and doubt and confidence and uncertainty we would oscillate between’.