For every time you’ve ever shouted “Norm!” at your screen, here’s the ultimate tribute. Peacock’s nostalgic compilation captures every classic Norm Peterson entrance on Cheers—and honors the late, great George Wendt with love and laughter.
Foggy Mountain Spaceship Reimagines Pink Floyd Classic “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” With Banjo Arrangement
Foggy Mountain Spaceship has done the impossible—turning Pink Floyd’s swirling psychedelia into a hypnotic banjo dreamscape. With three unique banjos and endless creativity, their cover of “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” is pure cosmic joy.
Reba McEntire Scores Career-Best Streaming Debut With ‘Trailblazer’ Featuring Lainey Wilson And Miranda Lambert
Country music icon Reba McEntire continues to prove why she’s one of the genre’s most enduring forces, scoring the biggest streaming debut of her career with her new single “Trailblazer,” a powerhouse collaboration with Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert. The anthem—celebrating the legacy, grit, and unstoppable spirit of women in country music—garnered an impressive 2.6 million on-demand streams in its first week, marking a new personal best for Reba in the streaming era.
Blending Reba’s iconic vocals with the bold authenticity of Wilson and the fiery charisma of Lambert, “Trailblazer” is more than a song—it’s a generational moment. The track has resonated deeply with fans across age groups, earning widespread praise for its powerful message and dynamic trio performance.
Following its electrifying live debut at the ACM Awards, “Trailblazers” quickly became one of the highest-streaming songs of the week, reaching 882,000 daily streams by day 3 post-performance—further proving its cultural and commercial impact.
Reba will bring that same fire to the stage later this month as she kicks off the Music City Rodeo at Bridgestone Arena on May 29, marking the first performance of the three-day event. The appearance is highly anticipated and expected to be a highlight of the rodeo’s inaugural run in Nashville. Tickets for the event can be purchased HERE.
With this career milestone, Reba continues to blaze new trails of her own, showing that true legends only get stronger with time. For more information on Reba, visit www.reba.com
Cole Quest & The City Pickers Announce ‘Homegrown’ Album With Woody Guthrie Covers And New Originals
Though they may be led by Woody Guthrie’s incredible grandson on vocals and guitars, Cole Quest & the City Pickers are a true ensemble collaboration, sporting buoyant harmonies and virtuoso harmonica, Dobro, and banjo playing and with multiple members singing lead. And like Cole’s grandfather, the folk and bluegrass group calls NYC home. In fact, Quest didn’t even play folk and bluegrass music until one day when he wandered into a pub in Astoria, Queens, to hear a band playing one of his grandfather’s songs.
Cole Quest & The City Pickers have shared bills with Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, Sarah Jarosz, Della Mae, Tony Trischka, Michael Daves, earned spotlights from Folk Alley, WFUV, and American Songwriter, played a packed sets at the Brooklyn Folk Fest, Otis Mountain Get Down Festival, and Caramoor’s American Roots Music Festival, and have toured Germany twice.
Their first album in four years, Homegrown (July 18 / Jalopy Records) features three Woody Guthrie songs (including Woody’s iconic “Pastures of Plenty”), a Woody Guthrie/Arlo Guthrie co write, and songs by Peter Rowan and John Hartford as well as new songs written by Quest, that draw on the tradition but come from his own life experiences. The original song “I Ain’t” starts off humorously but soon becomes poignant, in wishing for a better world and listening and allowing space for others to speak. “I Ain’t” is out today as the first single.
Quest writes: “During the pandemic, the world was grappling with the early stages of Trump-ism, while numerous activist movements were fighting to protect their rights. At the same time, I had experienced a health issue that forced me to completely change parts of my lifestyle and diet. Clearly, things were shifting—and I needed to learn how to adapt.
I asked myself: What does the world need from me right now? and What do I need from myself right now? My answer: Stay out of the way! I realized my role was to give space to others who truly needed it—to be active by being passive, to listen instead of speaking. At best, this approach could serve as quiet leadership. At worst, it would at least avoid adding more chaos to an already turbulent time.
I decided to make a list of things I wanted to do to make these changes, or rather, things I wanted NOT to do to make these changes. Changing the perspective from a “To Do” list to a “To Don’t” list seemed like an approach I could get behind and so I ran with it.
The song, I Ain’t, provides a humble reminder as I move forward in these continuously evolving times. I may not be able to tell you exactly what I plan to do about the future, but I have a few ideas of what I won’t be doing.”
Homegrown was produced by four-time GRAMMY Award-winner Steve Rosenthal (The Rolling Stones, Blondie, Lou Reed, Woody Guthrie, Natalie Merchant, Ollabelle, Dave Van Ronk, Laura Nyro, Erroll Garner and Alan Lomax. He was the owner of the Magic Shop studio and NYC’s famous venue The Living Room.
The album traces Quest’s journey in life and music, kicking off with Pete Seeger speaking Woody Guthrie’s words before launching into a fantastic, harmony-laden rendition of the latter’s iconic song “Pastures of Plenty,” a request from Nora Guthrie. Led by the powerhouse vocals of Christian Apuzzo, and featuring dobro, the arrangement starts with inspirations drawn from Jerry Douglas and Dan Tyminski and goes on to feature driving banjo and dialed in harmonica.
“Since I was little I’ve been surrounded by, what I believe to be, some of the greats of American folk music,” says Quest, continuing, “I’ve grown up with their words, their music, their ideologies, their perspectives. Homegrown is a collection of material that is sincerely close to me and where I come from. It’s the music of my roots – our roots.”
Quest then sings about New York — where Woody also spent two decades — in the original, Guthrie-esque, observant, funny “Where I’m From.” Chris Apuzzo takes lead vocals on John Hartford’s melancholic waltz “In Tall Buildings,” about being trapped in an office job.
“Só Pra Variar” presents an incredible showcase for the brilliant harmonica-playing of Brazilian Matheus Verardino, who sings it in Portuguese. It’s a cool fusion of bluegrass instrumentation with Brazilian music. The album wraps with the band’s radiant harmonies on Guthrie’s “Philadelphia Lawyer,” Peter Rowan’s “Dust Bowl Children,” and Quest’s solo rendition of “My Peace” with lyrics by Woody and music by Arlo Guthrie.
Quest plays resonator guitar and pedal steel and alternates acoustic guitar and lead vocals with Christian Apuzzo. Matheus Verardino illuminates the harmonica, Mike Mulhollan handles the banjo and Craig Akin the bass. Label mate and guest Wyndham Baird provides organ.
Cole Quest & The City Pickers Tour Dates:
June 14 – Great Barrington, MA – The Guthrie Center
August 1 – Brooklyn, NY – Jalopy Theatre
September 13 – Silver Bay, NY – Silver Bay’s Mountain Music Festival
September 20 – Pearl River, NY – Rockland Conservatory of Music
Oh Boy Records Releases ‘The Belonging EP Vol. 2’ With Rare John Prine Covers For Charity
Oh Boy Records, the beloved independent label founded by the late John Prine, is proud to continue its mission of storytelling, service, and support for those in need with The Belonging EP Vol. 2, available Friday, May 23. Exclusively on Bandcamp for purchase for a limited time, The Belonging EP Vol. 2, follows the warm reception of Vol. 1, released last week. Both EPs will be available on until Tuesday, May 27th.
This second installment in The Belonging EP series delivers another powerful collection of John Prine covers with a special focus on previously unreleased recordings and rare tracks. Created in tribute to Prine’s legacy of compassion, humor, and humanity, the EP continues to benefit The Belonging Fund, a charitable initiative from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) in partnership with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. All proceeds will go directly to support immigrant families in crisis across the Nashville area. The suggested donation is $10, with fans encouraged to give more if they’re able. Every dollar goes directly to those who need it most.
As part of Prine’s enduring legacy, You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine will return to Nashville from October 9–12, 2025, with performances at iconic venues including the Ryman Auditorium (on Prine’s birthday, October 10), The Bluebird Cafe, The Basement East, and the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Proceeds will benefit The Hello in There Foundation, supporting marginalized and overlooked communities. Tickets are on sale now at yougotgold.johnprine.com/tickets.
Track Listing – The Belonging EP Vol. 2:
Send All My Loving to You – previously unreleased
Ways of a Woman in Love – first time on Bandcamp
Treat Me Nice – previously unreleased studio version
Old Shep – live in studio, previously unreleased on streaming platforms
Try and Find Another Man – previously unreleased studio version
5 Glorious Moments in ‘Almost Famous’ That Every Music Fan Will Love
If there’s one film that makes your heart beat like a backstage drum kit and your soul want to scribble lyrics into a beat-up notebook, it’s Almost Famous. Cameron Crowe’s 2000 love letter to music journalism, rock ’n’ roll, and the chaotic beauty of being young and obsessed with sound, is a film that doesn’t just tell a story—it feels like your favorite album. For music fans, it’s the cinematic equivalent of a B-side you can’t believe was never a single.
Here are five unforgettable moments from Almost Famous that will hit you right in the Fender-loving feels:
1. “I Am a Golden God!” – Russell Takes the Plunge
Say it with us: “I am a golden god!” Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) climbs atop a roof during a wild party and screams this declaration just before jumping into a pool. It’s reckless, hilarious, and the perfect encapsulation of rock star hubris and heart. For anyone who’s dreamed of being larger than life—even for a second—it’s a wild, glorious high note.
Why we love it: It captures the thin line between ego and vulnerability. Russell’s not just yelling into the night—he’s begging to be seen, heard, felt. Just like a great guitar solo.
2. “Tiny Dancer” – The Bus Sing-Along That Heals Everything
This is it. The scene that’s lived rent-free in every music lover’s mind since 2000. After a tense falling out, the band, crew, and William are silently stewing on the tour bus—until Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” crackles through the speakers. One by one, voices join in. Forgiveness isn’t spoken, it’s sung.
Why we love it: Because it reminds us that music heals. It builds bridges. It turns strangers into bandmates and bandmates into family. No other film has ever nailed the communal magic of a perfect song at the perfect moment quite like this.
3. “You’re Not Cool.” – Lester Bangs Tells the Truth
Philip Seymour Hoffman as real-life rock critic Lester Bangs is one of the greatest casting choices of the 21st century. His monologue to William is both devastating and uplifting. “You’re not cool,” he says, with brutal honesty. “And you never will be.” But that’s the point—because uncool is pure.
Why we love it: It’s the truth every passionate music nerd needs to hear. This is a call to arms for the awkward, the obsessed, the earnest. Cool fades. Love of music doesn’t.
Penny Lane’s Dance in the Empty Arena
After a concert, Penny Lane (Kate Hudson, in the performance of her life) twirls alone in an empty arena, soaked in golden light and the afterglow of the music. It’s a haunting, joyful, bittersweet moment that says everything about living for music—even when it doesn’t love you back.
Why we love it: It’s a visual poem. A love letter to the people who stay after the encore. To the ones who feel most alive when the crowd has gone home, but the stage is still warm.
“It Was All True.” – The Redemption of Rock Journalism
When William’s Rolling Stone article finally gets published—and the band admits that yes, everything he wrote was true—it’s a fist-pump moment not just for the character, but for everyone who’s ever tried to tell the story behind the music. Journalism, baby. It matters.
Why we love it: It validates the entire mission of music writers everywhere: to be honest, to tell the messy truth, and to honor the songs that changed us.
Almost Famous is a mixtape of emotion, memory, and passion for music that never leaves you. If you’ve ever loved a band so much it hurt, or typed out a review at 3am with headphones on and heart full, this movie was made for you.
And hey… if anyone asks, we’re all on the bus.
Kurt Deimer Unleashes ’80s Rock Vibes In New “Sunset Boulevard” Video Ahead Of Debut Album ‘And So It Begins…’
As he gears up for the release of his debut album next week, rising rock musician, actor, songwriter, and film producer Kurt Deimer has released the official music video for his newest single “Sunset Boulevard.” The song and its accompanying video, directed by Paul Boyd (Neon Trees, Dave Stewart, Shania Twain), captures the total Sunset Strip ‘80s vibe of rock ‘n’ roll and the many artists that have inspired Deimer throughout his life, with the new video featuring footage from his recent headlining show at The Viper Room. “Sunset Boulevard” is the latest offering from Deimer’s forthcoming debut full-length album, And So It Begins…, out Friday, May 9th via Bald Man Records.
And So It Begins…, produced by five-time GRAMMY-winning producer Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Breaking Benjamin) and co-written with Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X, draws on a wealth of life experiences from the Cincinnati native. The 17-track versatile collection covers a ton of stylistic ground – natural for a musician interested in everything from AC/DC to R.E.M. to Widespread Panic – and offers an overarching message of optimism.
Recent single “Live Or Die” is a powerful statement on living one’s truest life by taking the chances that matter most, while the moody epic “Big Toe” is a song of hope elevated by the drama of Deimer’s husky and uniquely deep register. And So It Begins… also features the previously released singles “Dance,” “Hero” and “Fight” and a guest appearance from Queensrÿche legend Geoff Tate, with the expressive guitar work of Phil X heard throughout the expansive and cinematic rock spectacle.
Deimer and his impressive band Sammy Boller [lead guitar], Brendan Hengle [rhythm guitar], Marco Pera [bass/background vocals], and Isaiah Perez [drums]) are currently showcasing the songs from And So It Begins… on an extensive Canadian tour supporting Buckcherry and Steel Panther. Following its wrap in mid-May, Deimer will open for classic rockers TESLA on select dates in June.
In a few short years, Kurt Deimer has made a name for himself in the hard rock scene with his headbanging guitar riffs and socially conscious, anthemic lyrics. His rise in the music industry began when Brian Wheat of TESLA was so impressed by Deimer’s live performance and music while watching him open for the iconic band that Wheat invited Deimer to join TESLA on the road. This opportunity fueled Deimer’s passion to push his music career further, leading to the release of his debut EP, Work Hard, Rock Hard, in late 2021. The acclaimed collection – hailed by Metal-Rules as “a fierce and diverse EP with no filler songs or shortage of big riffs, blues bravado vocals, and brilliant guitar playing” and by Sonic Perspectives as “a colossal display of raw intensity” – launched the powerful musical partnership of Deimer and Phil X, combining Deimer’s anthemic vocals with Phil X’s thunderous riffs.
Deimer has spent the last few years relentlessly touring, sharing the stage with other major acts including Geoff Tate, Drowning Pool, Skid Row, Buckcherry, and Sebastian Bach and recently appeared on the Monsters of Rock Cruise. In addition to his growing music career, the multi-talent and successful businessman is a flourishing actor, spearheading his own horror movie franchise “Hellbilly Hollow” as both star and producer. Deimer’s acting career took off when he appeared in John Carpenter’s 2018 “Halloween,” portraying a pivotal role alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and facing off against the infamous Michael Myers as the teller. His latest feature film is “Scared To Death” (2024), written and directed by music video veteran Paul Boyd (Neon Trees, Dave Stewart, Shania Twain).
Kurt Deimer – 2025 Tour Dates:
Tuesday, April 29 – Regina, SK @ Conexus Arts Centre +
Wednesday, April 30 – Saskatoon, SK @ TCU Place +
Friday, May 2 – Thunder Bay, ON @ NV Music Hall +
Sunday, May 4 – Sudbury, ON @ The Grand +
Monday, May 5 – Hamilton, ON @ Hamilton Place Theatre +
Tuesday, May 6 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS +
Wednesday, May 7 – Pickering, ON @ Pickering Casino Resort +
Friday, May 9 – London, ON @ London Music Hall +
Saturday, May 10 – Waterloo, ON @ Maxwell’s Concerts & Events +
Monday, May 12 – Halifax, NS @ Light House Arts Centre +
Tuesday, May 13 – Moncton, NB @ Molson Canadian Centre at Casino New Brunswick +
Wednesday, May 14 – Quebec City, QC @ Théâtre Capitole +
Friday, May 16 – Ottawa, ON @ The Bronson +
Sunday, May 18 – North Tonawanda, NY @ Riviera Theatre +
Tuesday, May 20 – Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s #
Wednesday, May 21 – Bloomington, IL @ The Castle Theatre #
Thursday, May 22 – Granite Falls, MN @ Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort #
Sunday, June 1 – Webster, MA @ Indian Ranch ^
Wednesday, June 4 – Waterville, ME @ Waterville Opera House ^
Friday, June 6 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom ^
Saturday, June 7 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom ^
Sunday, June 22 – Decatur, IL @ Devon Lakeshore Amphitheatre ^
+ with Buckcherry and Steel Panther
# with Buckcherry only
^ with Tesla
Peter Gabriel Calls the Synthesizer a ‘Dream Machine’ in 1983 BBC Interview
“It’s something of a dream machine,” said Peter Gabriel in 1983, staring down the future of music. On BBC’s RPM, Gabriel and futurist Ray Hammond talked synths, imagination, and the rise of home music-making. One saw endless creative potential. The other saw the end of the session drummer. Either way, they both saw a revolution coming.
Indie Rock Vets We Are Scientists Lean Into Power Ballad Glory on ‘I Could Do Much Worse’
We Are Scientists – comprising founding members Keith Murray and Chris Cain – unveil “I Could Do Much Worse,” the second single from their forthcoming album Qualifying Miles. A melancholic power ballad, the track begins with shimmering, propulsive guitar work that crescendos into an anthemic chorus and soaring solo. The release marks a rare moment where the band leans fully into a minor-key ballad. Lyrically it explores the lingering weight of life’s missteps and the power of emotional reckoning.
Speaking on the track, Keith offers: “Remember when rock bands made all their money and bought all of their houses and helicopters and ski-doos off the back of their smash-hit power ballads? Our public-facing band persona is so founded in high-energy party vibes that we’re never really given the stylistic leeway to publicly lean into our own power ballads. We’ve always been writing them – I’d argue there’s at least one PB on every last We Are Scientists record, and we in the band always vote that they ought to be singles. It’s nice to finally be giving one of their ilk a little time in the spotlight to tan its wan little face.
“While I was writing ‘I Could Do Much Worse,’ I initially thought it was a morose number. It’s mid-tempo, minor key, kinda emo. The longer I’ve lived with it, though, the more I’m learning that the swelling emotion that drives it is a sort of epistemic wave – you can surf it, or just kinda get tossed underneath it and end up with a face full of coral and shrimp.
“I guess I originally read ‘I Could Do Much Worse’ as a lament, but sometimes when you look back on mistakes that you’ve made, you clock how much you’ve actually learned from those foibles and come to realize that sometimes the most egregious of errors can be the greatest of skeleton keys. You know what they say: you can’t make an omelet without getting egg all over your face.”
Rick Wakeman Releases 15-Disc ‘Official Broadcast Collection’ Showcasing Decades of Live Brilliance
Rick Wakeman’s The Official Broadcast Collection is a remarkable anthology that captures the virtuosity and creativity of one of progressive rock’s most iconic keyboardists.
This collection features a curated selection of live performances and broadcasts spanning Wakeman’s illustrious career, showcasing his unparalleled skill on the piano, synthesizers, and other keyboards. From his early days with YES to his solo projects, these live recordings highlight his ability to blend classical influences with rock innovation, creating a unique and timeless sound.
Fans are treated to a mix of well-known pieces and rare performances, offering an extremely comprehensive look at Wakeman’s evolution as an artist. Each track reflects his flair for dramatic storytelling through music, often accompanied by elaborate arrangements and intricate solos.
This 15-disc set, a mixture of TV and Radio broadcasts, captures his mind-blowing talent, his engaging stage presence and humor, which have endeared him to audiences worldwide for decades.
Track Listings
Disc 1:
-
Live in Nottingham 1990 – CD1
Disc 2:
-
Live in Nottingham 1990 – CD2
Disc 3:
-
Live in Nottingham 1990 – DVD
Disc 4:
-
Live in Brazil 2001 – CD1
Disc 5:
-
Live in Brazil 2001 – CD2
Disc 6:
-
Live in Brazil 2001 – DVD
Disc 7:
-
The RW Experience London – CD1
Disc 8:
-
The RW Experience London – CD2
Disc 9:
-
Live in Swansea 1989 – CD
Disc 10:
-
Live in Swansea 1989 – DVD
Disc 11:
-
Live in Sweden 1980 – CD
Disc 12:
-
Live in Sweden 1980 – DVD
Disc 13:
-
Live in Argentina 2024 – DVD
Disc 14:
-
Live in Argentina 2024 – CD1
Disc 15:
-
Live in Argentina 2024 – CD2