R.E.M.’s “Shiny Happy People” is the ultimate feel-good anthem that makes you want to dance, laugh, and hug your friends all at once, and the band even gave off the vibes during their rehearsals on Saturday Night Live. Featuring the infectious vocals of Kate Pierson from The B-52’s, this 1991 hit from the Out Of Time blockbuster album proved that even alternative rock can sparkle with pure joy.
Peach Pit and Briston Maroney Announce 2025 ‘Long Hair, Long Life’ Co-Headline Tour
Today, Peach Pit and Briston Maroney announced their 2025 Long Hair, Long Life co-headline tour across North America. Produced by Live Nation, the 25-date run kicks off on Tuesday, May 20 in Philadelphia, PA at The Met, with additional stops in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, Charlotte and more before wrapping up on Thursday, June 28 in Toronto, ON at Budweiser Stage. Indie rock band Bnny will join both bands on all dates.
Tickets will be available starting with artist presales beginning Wednesday, November 20 at 10am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Thursday, November 21 at 12pm local at livenation.com.
Peach Pit’s most recent album Magpie was released last month via Columbia Records, and in the first week found itself amongst the top 10 selling vinyl albums. The LP is a masterclass in expansive arrangement and deeply felt songwriting—a winning formula that only continues the incredible trajectory the band’s been on since their star-making debut EP Sweet FA in 2016. The eleven songs captured on Magpie find the quartet—lead singer Neil Smith, guitarist Chris Vanderkooy, bassist Peter Wilton, and drummer Mikey Pascuzzi—diving deeper into classic sounds while honing a musical style that entirely feels like their own. Known for their legendary live show, featuring plenty of stage diving and guitar solos, Magpie captures a glimpse of that same energy.
Of the tour, Smith quips “We couldn’t be more excited for this upcoming 2025 NA tour with our good friend Briston Maroney. It’s our biggest tour ever and we’re playing some really crazy venues, places like Red Rocks in Colorado that I honestly never really thought were in the cards for us. It freaks me out that we somehow managed to go from rehearsing in Chris’ bedroom ten years ago to venues like The Greek in LA and Pier 17 in New York. 2014 Peach Pit would be tripping out right now😵💫”
Ahead of the Long Hair, Long Life tour, Peach Pit will be touring Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and The UK.
Over the course of the last year and half, Briston Maroney solidified his place in both the indie & folk music scenes with the release of his sophomore album, Ultrapure. Briston calls the album, produced by Daniel Tashian, his “humble, unqualified, and earnest as hell attempt” at understanding the feelings that make up the human experience. Following Ultrapure’s release, Maroney embarked on an extensive world tour, captivating audiences at sold out headline shows across North America and Europe and appearing at notable festivals, including Lollapalooza, Osheaga, and All things Go. To close out the year, Maroney released three singles “I Told You So”, “Skydiver”, and “Monday” and launched the third annual Paradise Festival in Nashville, which played this past weekend. With plans for new music in 2025, there is nothing but excitement for the Long Hair, Long Life tour.
Peach Pit has become a standout in indie rock, known for their ability to craft songs that are both sonically rich and emotionally resonant. Since their 2016 debut Sweet FA, the Vancouver-based band—lead singer Neil Smith, guitarist Chris Vanderkooy, bassist Peter Wilton, and drummer Mikey Pascuzzi—have continuously evolved, expanding their sound while staying true to the heartfelt songwriting that first captured listeners’ attention. Their previous albums, You and Your Friends (2020) and From 2 to 3 (2022), saw the band honing their blend of introspective lyrics and dreamy, guitar-driven arrangements, incorporating elements of psychedelia and classic pop. With Magpie, Peach Pit takes this evolution further, infusing their signature indie-rock style with even more expansive, kaleidoscopic arrangements and raw emotional depth. The album reflects both personal growth and artistic exploration, drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical influences while embracing the duality of life’s choices, challenges, and moments of reflection. The energy on Peach Pit’s Magpie is also the closest the band has ever come to capturing the essence of their legendary live show. Selling out nearly every headline show they’ve ever played, the band has also graced the bills of festivals such as Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees Festival, Bonnaroo, Osheaga, and played numerous sold-out tours in the US, Canada, Australia and Europe.
After a childhood spent between Tennessee and Florida, 26-year-old singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Briston Maroney settled in Nashville — cutting his teeth playing house shows and winning over fans one living room at a time, which led Maroney to his first record deal with Atlantic Records.
In 2018, Maroney released Carnival, his debut EP, which spurned the RIAA Platinum-certified single “Freakin’ Out On The Interstate.” Additional EPs Indiana and Miracle followed, before Maroney unveiled his debut full-length album, Sunflower, in April of 2021 accompanied by a visual album directed by long-time collaborator Joey Brodnax. 2022 saw Maroney embark on his first sold out headline tour and the release of new singles include: “Paradise”, “Oregon”, and “Harvard”.
2023 marked Maroney’s release of his sophomore album Ultrapure. Produced by 2x GRAMMY-winner Daniel Tashian (Kacey Musgraves) and engineered by Konrad Snyder (Noah Kahan, Rainbow Kitten Surprise), the 13-track LP was crafted in Maroney’s adopted hometown of Nashville, TN and showcases the artist playing every instrument.
On the live front, Ultrapure led to sold-out headline tour dates featuring multiple nights in iconic clubs across the US, Canada, UK, and Europe, including Webster Hall in New York, the 9:30 Club in Washington DC, and Scala in London, UK. Maroney has also secured opening slots for Vance Joy & Noah Kahan; festival appearances from Lollapalooza to Osheaga to All Things Go, and the announcement of his 3rd annual ‘Paradise Festival,’ a three-night celebration of his adopted hometown (now an annual event set to return to Nashville each fall).
Maroney’s catalog has amassed over 700 million global streams across all platforms and he has made his television debuts on CBS Saturday Morning and Jimmy Kimmel Live!
LONG HAIR, LONG LIFE 2025 TOUR DATES:
Tue May 20 – Philadelphia PA – The Met
Thu May 22 – New York NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
Sun May 25 – Sterling Heights MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Mon May 26 – Indianapolis IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Wed May 28 – Milwaukee WI – BMO Pavilion
Thu May 29 – Chicago IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Fri May 30 – Minneapolis MN – The Armory
Wed Jun 01 – Morrison CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Tue Jun 03 – Sandy UT – Sandy Amphitheater
Thu Jun 05 – Woodinville WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle
Fri Jun 06 – Burnaby BC – Deer Lake Park
Sat Jun 07 – Troutdale OR – McMenamins Edgefield
Tue Jun 10 – San Francisco CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Wed Jun 11 – Los Angeles CA – Greek Theatre
Fri Jun 13 – San Diego CA – Park at the Park – Petco Park
Sat Jun 14 – Phoenix AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Mon Jun 16 – Austin TX – Moody Amphitheater
Tue Jun 17 – Dallas TX – South Side Ballroom
Wed Jun 18 – Houston TX – 713 Music Hall
Fri Jun 20 – Atlanta GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
Sat Jun 21 – Charlotte NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Jun 22 – Washington D.C. – The Anthem
Tue Jun 24 – Boston MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Wed Jun 25 – Shelburne VT – The Green at Shelburne Museum
Thu Jun 26 – Toronto ON – Budweiser Stage
Lewis Black Adds Dates to ‘Goodbye Yeller Brick Road: The Final Tour’
Two-time Grammy Award winning Comedian Lewis Black announces more dates for his GOODBYE YELLER BRICK ROAD, THE FINAL TOUR.
After 35+ years as a touring stand-up comedian, Lewis Black is parking his tour bus for good next year, marking the end of his legendary world touring career. Black will write the next chapter of his career by going back to his roots and focusing on writing a new play, penning a new book, and expanding his podcast, RantCast, to include live recordings. He will also return as the voice of “Anger” in the upcoming Pixar sequel, Inside Out 2.
Lewis on being asked about touring retirement, “For a while now I have been letting folks know that I am going to retire from touring. No one believed me. ‘Why would you retire from touring?’, they asked. This is after years of being asked why I was touring, ‘it must be exhausting.’ So, today I am announcing that I am retiring from touring. It is a life that has given me great joy and opened a world of possibilities for me.
I thought the road would go on forever, well I was wrong about that. And the fact is as hard as the road maybe to be on, it’s harder to leave it. I am only retiring from touring. It’s time for me to explore other avenues such as writing, reading your rants, and pitching tv shows that will be rejected. (Which is why I know they are good.) More importantly I can finally give my Fantasy Football team the focus and time it truly needs. And maybe, just maybe I can become the professional golfer I was born to be.”
The LA Times asks, “Is this the end of the road for Lewis Black? America’s crankiest comic reflects on his final tour”.
Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. His comedic brilliance makes people laugh at life’s hypocrisies and the insanity he sees in the world. He has performed throughout the world and the US, where he performed at Carnegie Hall and had two successful Broadway runs.
His latest stand up special, Tragically, I Need You, released earlier this year and has already surpassed 1.3 million views on YouTube. The brand-new special explores topics including his ways of coping with the pandemic, his frustrations with the evolving world, and of course his thoughts about the chaos of America these last few years.
Adding a unique element to podcasting, Black delivers audience-written Rants which have been submitted from fans around the world on his podcast, Rant Cast.
In 2015, Black notably voiced the character “Anger” in the Pixar Academy Award-winning film, Inside Out. He can be seen reprising his role in the sequel which just released its trailer.
Black is the longest-running contributor on Comedy Central’s THE DAILY SHOW and his stand-up specials have appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix.
In 2020 he released Thanks for Risking Your Life. His other notable films include Universal’s Accepted co-starring Blake Lively and Justin Long, Man Of The Year opposite Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney and Jeff Goldblum and the greatest children’s Christmas movie of all time, Unaccompanied Minors directed by Paul Feig.
The comedian has released eight critically acclaimed comedy albums including the 2007 Grammy Award-Winner, The Carnegie Hall Performance. He won his second Grammy in 2011 for his album, Stark Raving Black, and has a total of 6 Grammys nominations. He has published three bestsellers: Nothing’s Sacred (Simon & Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010).
A published playwright, he’s written over 40 plays and has found his work performed throughout the country, including at the A.C.T. Theatre, the Magic Theatre, The Williamstown Theatre Festival, and The Public Theatre.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Lewis is dedicated to a number of charitable organizations and entities including the the Luv U Project, The 52nd Street Project, The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library and the National Comedy Center.
He’s also deeply committed to supporting our troops. A seasoned USO tour veteran, he’s performed for the troops on three Christmas tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
For more info on the 2024 Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour, go-to www.Lewisblack.com
11/22/2024 Houston, TX 713 Music Hall
11/23/2024 Austin, TX ACL Live @ Moody Theater
11/24/2024 Dallas, TX Majestic Theatre
12/7/2024 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live Orlando
12/8/2024 Fort Lauderdale, FL Wells Hall @ The Parker Playhouse
1/23/2025 San Luis Obispo, CA Fremont Theater
1/24/2025 Santa Cruz, CA Rio Theatre
1/25/2025 Sacramento, CA Crest Theatre
1/26/2025 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
1/31/2025 San Diego, CA Balboa Theatre
2/1/2025 Los Angeles, CA The Orpheum Theatre
2/4/2025 Phoenix, AZ Stand Up Live Phoenix
2/5/2025 Phoenix, AZ Stand Up Live Phoenix
2/6/2025 Phoenix, AZ Stand Up Live Phoenix
3/6/2025 The Villages, FL The Sharon L Morse P.A.C.
3/7/2025 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
3/8/2025 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckard Hall
3/11/2025 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
3/13/2025 Stuart, FL Lyric Theatre
3/14/2025 Fort Myers, FL Barbara B Mann P.A.H.
3/21/2025 Toronto, ON, Canada Massey Hall
3/22/2025 Montreal, QC, Canada L’Olympia
4/29/2025 Chapel Hill, NC Memorial Hall @ Carolina Performing Arts
Blue Note Signs Brandon Woody: Acclaimed Trumpeter’s Debut Album Drops Spring 2025
Blue Note Records has signed the acclaimed trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody, a talented young Baltimore-born and based jazz artist who has been turning heads in the jazz world and beyond in recent years. Woody has just finished recording his debut album featuring his longtime band Upendo, which will be released in Spring 2025.
“It’s a huge honor to be a part of this label’s legacy,” says Woody. “I am excited to begin this new era in collaboration with Blue Note.”
“Brandon is one of those rare artists who possesses both a vibrant vision and the chops and knowledge to manifest it,” says Blue Note President Don Was. “As such, he is a natural exponent of the Blue Note Ethos and we’re proud to welcome him to the family.”
Esteemed critics Marcus J. Moore and Giovanni Russonello enthusiastically name-checked Woody as an artist to watch in an episode of the New York Times Popcast earlier this year, with Russonello declaring him “the exact trumpeter of this moment, Roy Hargrove by way of Eddie Gale [and] Freddie Hubbard.” Moore added that “Brandon is the best parts of ‘old school jazz’ and ‘new school jazz,’” calling him “a person that everyone needs to be looking out for in a really big way.”
Writer Nate Chinen co-signed their Woody endorsement in a rave review of the trumpeter’s “powerfully transporting show” in Philadelphia this summer on The Gig. Chinen wrote that “Woody has racked up a ton of experience on [the Baltimore] scene — forming connections, hosting residencies, garnering accolades,” and praised both his remarkable sound (“dark and burnished, low-gloss, with a cutting edge that he can sharpen or dull on command”) and Upendo (“the band achieves a deeply impressive cohesion”).
Trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and started his musical journey at the age of 7. Since then, Woody has gone on to become an international artist, performing with his band Upendo, curating projects for major museums, film scoring, collaborating with brands, teaching, and performing at major venues and institutions around the globe. Woody uses music as a tool for healing, genuine connection, and celebrating community.
After attending the Baltimore School for the Arts, Woody went on to study at the Brubeck Institute and Manhattan School of Music with the likes of Ambrose Akinmusire, Cecil Bridgewater, and Stefon Harris. Woody has since performed alongside artists such as Marc Cary, Casey Benjamin, Steve Wilson, Marcus Gilmore, Tarus Mateen, Tim Green, Theljon Allen, Sean Jones, Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge, Solange, Lalah Hathaway, Bilal, Craig Alston, Terri-Lyne Carrington, Quincy Phillips, Benny Maupin, Plunky, Jon Faddis and Danilo Perez, who have all greatly influenced his artistry.
Woody formed his longtime band Upendo in 2017 while still in school as a vehicle to perform his own original compositions. A modern jazz juggernaut, Upendo is a multi-generational and expandable group that features a core quartet of pianist Troy Long, bassist Michael Saunders, and drummer Quincy Phillips.
Woody’s work has garnered the attention of international brands which has led to collaborations with Calvin Klein (One Future), Saucony, Vogue Italy, Nike, Reebok X Eames, Union Los Angeles, High Snobiety X Newport Jazz Festival, and Plain Jane. Woody had the opportunity of casting musicians and acting as a band leader in the Apple TV series Lady in the Lake.
In 2021, Woody became a Bach/Conn endorsed artist and was named the Musician to Watch by Baltimore Magazine in 2022. Woody’s other accolades include the 2021 Best Musician of the Year Award by the Baltimore Crown Awards and the 2020 Emerging Voice Award from the Festival of New Trumpet.
Post Malone Presents: The Big Ass Stadium Tour With Jelly Roll
9x diamond-certified GRAMMY Award-nominated global superstar Post Malone is set to embark on his biggest headlining tour to date with Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour, kicking off in April 2025. Known for redefining the modern concert experience with his genre-blending sound and electrifying stage presence, Post will bring a massive production to 25 stadiums across the United States and Canada.
Beginning April 29 at Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium, Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour, produced by Live Nation and sponsored by T-Mobile, the official wireless partner of The BIG ASS Stadium Tour, promises fans a concert experience filled with a mix of his biggest hits, fan favorites, and brand new songs from his sixth studio album, F-1 Trillion, released August 2024. With venues that include Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and the iconic Citi Field in New York City, Post Malone is set to deliver unforgettable performances across North America before wrapping up July 1 at San Francisco’s Oracle Park.
Adding to the excitement, Post Malone will be joined by the breakout sensation Jelly Roll, whose recent crossover hits and authentic storytelling have made him a powerful voice in modern country music. Fans will also enjoy the eclectic sounds of Sierra Ferrell on select dates, whose genre-defying style and soul-stirring vocals make her an exceptional addition to this star-studded lineup.
Post released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion which landed at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and was just nominated for a GRAMMY award for “Best Country Album.” Included on the album was hit single “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen which crash landed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained at #1 for six consecutive weeks. “I Had Some Help” also landed the #1 title on Billboard’s Songs of the Summer chart for 2024 and was just nominated for a GRAMMY for “Best Country Song” and “Best Country Duo/Group Performance.”
Fans in the U.S. and Canada can register for access to tickets in the Artist Presale now at signup.ticketmaster.com/postmalone. Tickets will be available first starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning on Wednesday, November 20. The Artist Presale will begin on Friday, November 22. Additional presales will run ahead of the general onsale beginning on Tuesday, November 26 at 12pm local time at livenation.com
Citi is the official card of the Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Wednesday, November 20 at 12pm local time until Monday, November 25 at 10 pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.
As the official wireless partner of the tour, T-Mobile is giving customers exclusive access to preferred tickets at every U.S. tour stop — even sold-out shows. T-Mobile customers can get their Reserved Tickets starting 30 days prior to each show, just another benefit of having Magenta Status, the Un-carrier’s suite of premium perks and experiences. For more information, visit t-mobile.com/music.
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, pre-show VIP Lounge access, exclusive VIP gift item and more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.
A 9x diamond-certified GRAMMY Award-nominated phenomenon, Dallas, TX artist Post Malone regularly rewrites history, blurs boundaries, and incites internet-breaking conversation with every move. Emerging in 2015 with a genre-less brew that inspired a movement, he delivered the diamond-selling “Congratulations” [feat. Quavo], achieved back-to-back #1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200, received countless multi-Platinum certifications around the world, and smashed one record after another with his Hot 100-topping hits. As the writer or co-writer of all of his songs, Post Malone is one of our generation’s literary geniuses.
Most recently, Post released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion which landed at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Ahead of the album, Post released “Guy For That” featuring Luke Combs, “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton and mega-smash “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen. Upon release of “I Had Some Help” it crash-landed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tallying “the highest weekly sales and streams since 2020” and remained at #1 for six consecutive weeks. This fall, Post wrapped his record breaking F-1 Trillion Tour.
In 2023, he released his fifth album AUSTIN. That same year, he garnered a “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” GRAMMY Award nomination for “I Like You (A Happier Song)” [with Doja Cat], marking his tenth career nomination in six years. In 2022, Post released his fourth album, Twelve Carat Toothache, which marked his fourth consecutive Top 5 bow on the Top 200. He even scored “the highest-certified single in RIAA history” with “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)” [feat. Swae Lee] reaching 20x platinum, or double diamond, in the United States. This makes it the first song to ever achieve this status, netting the biggest single of his generation.
In 2019, his third full-length album, Hollywood’s Bleeding, arrived at platinum status and eventually went triple platinum. It reigned at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 for four weeks. Hollywood’s Bleeding followed the immense success of the triple-Platinum beerbongs & bentleys, which also landed at #1 a year prior. In the wake of beerbongs & bentleys, Post crushed a record in place for 54 years. He charted nine songs in the Top 20 of the Hot 100, notching “the most songs in the Top 20 of the Hot 100 ever.” Moreover, he also trounced the record for most simultaneous Top 40 Hot 100 hits with 14.
Post’s catalog comprises the GRAMMY Award-nominated “rockstar” [feat. 21 Savage” (Diamond), “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)” [feat. Swae Lee] (2x Diamond), “I Fall Apart” (Diamond), “Psycho” [feat. Ty Dolla $ign] (Diamond), “White Iverson” (Diamond), “Better Now” (Diamond), and more. It all started with his quintuple-platinum influential 2016 debut, Stoney. With records under his belt that will likely never be surpassed and a generation of artists and audiences worldwide under his spell, Post Malone simply doesn’t stop.
POST MALONE PRESENTS: THE BIG ASS STADIUM TOUR 2025 DATES:
Tue Apr 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rice-Eccles Stadium^
Sat May 03 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium^
Wed May 07 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome^
Fri May 09 – Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium^
Sun May 11 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium^
Tue May 13 – St. Louis, MO – Busch Stadium^
Sun May 18 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field^
Tue May 20 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium^
Thu May 22 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field^
Sat May 24 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park^
Mon May 26 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre^
Wed May 28 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium^
Thu May 29 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park^
Sat May 31 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
Mon Jun 02 – Washington, DC – Northwest Stadium
Wed Jun 04 – New York, NY – Citi Field
Sun Jun 08 – Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium*
Tue Jun 10 – Orlando, FL – Camping World Stadium
Fri Jun 13 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Sun Jun 15 – Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High
Sat Jun 21 – Glendale, AZ – State Farm Stadium*
Tue Jun 24 – Boise, ID – Albertsons Stadium
Thu Jun 26 – Seattle, WA – T-Mobile Park
Sat Jun 28 – Portland, OR – Providence Park
Tue Jul 01 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park
*Without Jelly Roll
^With Sierra Ferrell
Great B-Sides That Were Legendary
Sometimes, the B-side steals the spotlight. These hidden gems, originally tucked away on the flip side of singles, have gone on to achieve legendary status—proof that greatness isn’t always front and center. From Led Zeppelin’s “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” to Fleetwood Mac’s “Silver Springs,” these tracks have cemented their place in music history.
“Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” – Led Zeppelin (B-side of “Immigrant Song”)
“Silver Springs” – Fleetwood Mac (B-side of “Go Your Own Way”)
“Rain” – The Beatles (B-side of “Paperback Writer”)
“The Sweetest Thing” – U2 (B-side of “Where the Streets Have No Name”)
“Acquiesce” – Oasis (B-side of “Some Might Say”)
“I Am the Walrus” – The Beatles (B-side of “Hello, Goodbye”)
“Erotica (Confessions Mix)” – Madonna (B-side of “Deeper and Deeper”)
“Child of the Moon” – The Rolling Stones (B-side of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”)
“How Soon Is Now?” – The Smiths (B-side of “William, It Was Really Nothing”)
Artists Who Have Never Won A Grammy
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.
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.