Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s biggest and most iconic heavy metal festivals, has unveiled the first details for its monumental 35th anniversary celebration. The 2026 edition will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2026, in the small northern German municipality of Wacken. Leading the first wave of announced acts are Def Leppard, In Flames, Powerwolf, and Savatage. Fans can also look forward to performances from Any Given Day, Europe, Lamb of God, and Sepultura — who will play their final festival show in Germany — as well as exclusive German appearances from Blood Fire Death and The Gathering.
Since its start in 1990 with just 800 attendees, Wacken has evolved into a massive global pilgrimage for metal fans, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Spanning nearly 600 acres with multiple stages, the festival has become a cultural landmark known for its unmatched energy, sense of community, and even its famous beer pipeline. Beyond the music, Wacken continues to give back through the Wacken Foundation, which supports emerging metal and hard rock artists worldwide. The 2026 anniversary promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the festival’s legendary history.
Multi-GRAMMY nominated musician, producer, and sonic visionary Terrace Martin invites fans deeper into his world with the launch of Sounds of Crenshaw Live, an intimate new performance series celebrating his latest album ‘Come As You Are,’ out now. Hosted exclusively on the Sounds of Crenshaw YouTube channel, the self-produced series delivers reimagined live takes on standout tracks from his acclaimed collaboration with R&B powerhouse Kenyon Dixon.
The first episode, featuring a soulful live rendition of “See You Later,” is available today, offering a raw, immersive experience that showcases Martin’s unmatched musicianship and deep connection to South Los Angeles. With new performances dropping weekly, Sounds of Crenshaw Live promises to highlight the album’s emotional core and musical depth. A deluxe edition of ‘Come As You Are’ is also on the way, featuring brand-new music and surprise collaborations that further expand Terrace Martin’s creative vision.
Academy Award and multi-GRAMMY winner Jon Batiste has released the official video for “Lonely Avenue,” from his new album ‘Big Money,’ out now via Verve/Interscope. Directed by David Henry Gerson, the video follows Batiste through a quiet, timeworn apartment as he’s drawn toward Randy Newman’s voice singing “Lonely Avenue” from another room. The two artists meet at the piano, connecting through a moment that bridges memory, imagination, and timeless musical spirit.
A cover of the Doc Pomus classic popularized by Ray Charles, “Lonely Avenue” stands as the album’s only reinterpretation — a stripped-down, one-take performance recorded live in Randy Newman’s living room. Captured spontaneously on a handheld recorder, the song embodies raw connection and authenticity. “Ray is my patron saint,” Batiste shares. “Just as the ‘Big Money’ songs are in conversation with each other, I’m in conversation with Randy and Ray.”
Following the album’s title track “Big Money,” featuring the soulful harmonies of The Womack Sisters, ‘Lonely Avenue’ continues to showcase Batiste’s ability to weave together gospel, soul, folk, and rock & roll into a distinctly American sound. Co-produced with Dion “No ID” Wilson, the album also features a duet with Andra Day and a genre-blurring closer voiced by Batiste’s alter ego Billy Bob Bo Bob. Described by Batiste as “some deeply serious fun,” ‘Big Money’ marks an ambitious new chapter — one that celebrates the roots and reinvention of American music through his singular creative lens.
GRAMMY-nominated superstar Adam Lambert joins forces with the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber for a stunning new rendition of “Heaven On Their Minds,” out now. The reimagined version of the iconic song that opens Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar arrives just ahead of Lambert’s highly anticipated debut as Judas in the musical’s Hollywood Bowl production. Released via The Other Songs label, the track is available digitally and as a limited edition 7” vinyl.
Executive produced and arranged by Andrew Lloyd Webber and produced by Martin Terefe (Yungblud, Shawn Mendes, Christina Aguilera), the track brings new life and power to one of musical theatre’s most unforgettable numbers. “I was thrilled when Andrew asked me if I wanted to record a studio version of ‘Heaven On Their Minds,’” Lambert shared with Variety. “This is a great way to commemorate my upcoming appearance as Judas and to give fans all around the world a little taste of what will happen onstage at the Hollywood Bowl.” Following his acclaimed Broadway debut as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club earlier this year, Lambert continues to shine as one of today’s most dynamic performers — a true artist bridging the worlds of rock, pop, and theatre.
With fierce honesty and a firecracker sound, rising singer-songwriter Caryn Dixon releases her powerful new single ‘Bird in a Cage,’ now streaming on all major platforms. Built on striking imagery like “bottle caps on the ground, tiptoe through this quiet house, holding my shoes,” the song hits an emotional chord with anyone who’s ever felt stuck, silenced, or ready to break free. “‘I wrote ‘Bird in a Cage’ about realizing you’ve outgrown the version of yourself that stayed quiet just to keep the peace,’” Dixon shares. “It’s about the slow build: the tiptoeing, the unspoken things, the feeling of being small in your own life. I wanted to capture what it feels like to walk on eggshells and then finally decide to break free.”
Dixon describes her sound as “country-ish,” blending country, rock, bluegrass, folk, and pop with fearless creativity. Known for her energetic and heartfelt performances, she’s been called a “barn burner” by fans and insiders alike. Her debut five-track EP is out now, marking another major step in her journey as one of the next great country-influenced storytellers. Rooted in empowerment and authenticity, Dixon’s music speaks especially to women balancing ambition and family, reminding listeners that it’s possible to chase dreams without compromise.
Kayley Green releases her emotional new single ‘Dollars,’ a heartfelt reflection on ambition, gratitude, and the moments that truly matter. Written by Green alongside Emily Weisband and Jonathan Smith, the song captures the universal struggle of chasing big dreams while staying grounded in love and family. “’Dollars’ is one of the most meaningful songs I’ve ever written,” Green shares. “Like many artists, I have big dreams and big goals — but no matter how far I go, I never want to lose sight of what really matters. At the end of the day, it all comes back to family.”
The release follows Green’s summer single “You’d Still Be Drunk,” praised by Billboard for its “upbeat, throwback vibe soaked in girl power and attitude that further reinforces Green’s strong vocals.” Born and raised in Florence, South Carolina, and now part of Sony Music Nashville, Green brings authenticity and heart to every performance. From her early days singing in church to honing her craft on Nashville’s Broadway, she’s carved out a sound that’s both classic and fresh — proving once again, as MusicRow Magazine declared, “this gal’s got something goin’ on.”
Tipped as one of 2025’s rock bands to watch, Return to Dust have released their new six-track EP ‘Speak Like The Dead.’ The L.A.-based group — Matty Bielawski, Graham Stanush, Sebastian Gonzalez, and London Hudson — recorded the project with longtime collaborator and producer Jim Kaufman. “‘This EP is the nuances and ironies we’ve noticed in the world, the tragedies we’ve felt and cried over, and the excitement for the gift that is life. This EP is yours, Speak Like The Dead is out now,’” the band shares. The release is available to stream and on limited-edition ‘iridescent smoke’ vinyl.
‘Speak Like The Dead’ includes the rising single “Bored,” alongside “Shine,” “Downfall,” “Disarray,” “Summer Rain,” and “Abyss.” The “Downfall” video offers a striking visual reflection of the band’s gritty, emotional sound. Following their 2024 debut album ‘Return to Dust’ and breakout single “Belly Up,” praised by Distorted Sound as “a grungy, punky thrill ride” and by Revolver for its “Alice In Chains-inspired form of modern-day grunge,” Return to Dust continue to define their place in modern rock through authenticity, energy, and heart.
The world in 1971 was restless, and Sly and the Family Stone caught its heartbeat. ‘There’s a Riot Goin’ On’ arrived like a storm—slow, heavy, and unstoppable. It carried the spirit of protest, the fatigue of change, and the rhythm of a new kind of funk. Every hiss, groove, and layered sound came from a place of tension and truth. What emerged was not just an album but a declaration that music could hold both the fire and the silence of its time.
1. Sly Stone recorded most of it entirely alone Sly built his own studio in his Bel Air home and layered nearly every instrument himself. He used a Maestro Rhythm King drum machine and recorded vocals lying in bed with a wireless mic. Each track carries his fingerprint, from the groove to the murky mix, building a sound that became the blueprint for generations of funk and hip hop artists.
2. “Family Affair” broke ground and topped the charts The album’s centerpiece, “Family Affair,” mixed electric piano from Billy Preston with a heartbeat-like rhythm track. Sly and his sister Rose sang with quiet intensity, creating a groove both intimate and unshakable. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the earliest chart-topping songs to use a drum machine.
3. The silent title track held powerful meaning The track “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” runs zero minutes and zero seconds. When asked about it, Sly said, “I felt there should be no riots.” The absence of sound carried its own message, a refusal to glorify chaos while still reflecting the tension of the time.
4. The American flag on the cover was redesigned to speak truth Sly replaced the stars with suns and turned the blue field black. He explained that black represented the absence of color, white represented all colors combined, and red symbolized blood—the one thing everyone shares. It became one of the most powerful visual statements in album art history.
5. The album reshaped music and culture ‘There’s a Riot Goin’ On’ hit #1 on both the Billboard Pop and Soul charts and later earned platinum certification. Its influence runs through artists from Miles Davis to Prince to Public Enemy. In 1999, it entered the Grammy Hall of Fame, forever marked as a creation that changed how funk could sound, move, and speak.
‘Sun City’ stands as one of the most powerful musical collaborations for human rights. In 1985, Steven Van Zandt brought together artists from rock, jazz, hip hop, funk, and soul to raise awareness about apartheid in South Africa. The song and album united voices across genres and continents, calling for equality through rhythm and conviction. The message spread far beyond the charts and became an anthem for change, proving that music can carry the sound of solidarity.
1. More than 50 artists joined the project Steven Van Zandt, Arthur Baker, and Danny Schechter gathered an extraordinary group of performers that included Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Run-DMC, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Peter Gabriel, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood. The collaboration created one of the most wide-reaching musical statements of its time.
2. “Sun City” became a pledge of artistic unity The chorus “I ain’t gonna play Sun City” carried a message of commitment and awareness. The resort represented inequality, and by refusing to perform there, each artist aligned themselves with the global call for justice. The song’s rhythm and chorus built a unifying voice against apartheid.
3. Bono wrote “Silver and Gold” in one night Inspired by the sessions, Bono composed “Silver and Gold” in his hotel room and recorded it with Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Steve Jordan. The song appeared as an unlisted track on the album and reflected the urgency and creativity that filled every part of the project.
4. Miles Davis recorded with complete intensity When Miles Davis entered the studio, he created a moment of pure focus. Working with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams, he played with depth and control that matched the power of the cause. His presence added a sense of gravity and artistry to the album’s energy.
5. The album supported global awareness and education ‘Sun City’ reached listeners around the world and raised more than one million dollars for programs supporting equality and education. It premiered at the United Nations and strengthened international awareness about apartheid, leaving a lasting example of collaboration and purpose in music.
Sunlight, raindrops, and melody all swirl through XTC’s ‘Skylarking,’ a record that feels like a living calendar. Produced by Todd Rundgren, the album blooms with psychedelic pop textures and lyrical warmth, moving through the cycles of love, growth, and reflection. Though its beginnings were complicated, its outcome glows with musical color and imagination. Over time, ‘Skylarking’ became a beloved classic, celebrated for its detail, cohesion, and fearless creativity.
1. Todd Rundgren mapped out the entire concept Before the first session began, Todd Rundgren listened to over 20 demos and designed the album’s concept himself. He sequenced the songs to flow like the cycle of a single life – birth, youth, love, loss, and renewal. The structure was so strong that XTC kept his order almost entirely unchanged on the final release.
2. ‘Dear God’ transformed the album’s fate “Dear God” was initially left off the first pressing of Skylarking because Virgin Records worried about length and controversy. But college radio DJs in the U.S. began playing it nonstop, and Geffen Records soon reissued the album with the song included. It climbed to #37 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and helped Skylarking spend 29 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at #70. The song’s questioning of religion sparked national debate, leading to angry letters, one bomb threat at a Florida station, and even a student in New York forcing his school to broadcast it. Despite that chaos, the track became one of XTC’s defining songs, praised for its honesty, artistry, and courage.
3. The recording used only three reels of tape Rundgren kept the sessions lean at Utopia Sound Studios in Woodstock, New York. The band recorded the entire album on just three reels of tape – one for each album side and one for extras. This minimalist approach gave the music a spontaneous energy that matched its natural, cyclical theme.
4. Prairie Prince gave the songs their living rhythm Rundgren brought in Prairie Prince of The Tubes to add live drums to replace programmed percussion. His expressive playing lifted the songs’ flow and feeling, giving Skylarking the organic pulse that turned it from a technical record into a living, breathing work of art.
5. The album’s original artwork shocked record stores Andy Partridge originally planned a cover using photographs of human bodies adorned with flowers, but record stores refused to carry it. He replaced it with a reworked image from artist Hans Erni that became instantly recognizable. The final design matched the music’s elegance and the theme of nature’s endless renewal.
