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Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Set for April 2026 Release Starring Jaafar Jackson

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A major new biopic titled Michael is set to hit theaters on April 26, 2026, bringing the life and legacy of Michael Jackson to the big screen. Directed by Antone Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson — the late pop icon’s nephew and son of Jermaine Jackson — in the lead role. The official teaser trailer, released Thursday, offers the first glimpse into what promises to be a powerful and immersive portrait of one of music’s most transformative figures.

According to its synopsis, Michael will explore Jackson’s extraordinary journey from his beginnings as the lead of the Jackson Five to his evolution into a global superstar, offering fans an intimate look beyond the stage lights. The cast includes Miles Teller as Jackson’s longtime attorney John Branca, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Laura Harrier as Motown executive Suzanne de Passe. The film promises to bring audiences closer than ever to the story of the King of Pop.

WDR Funkhausorchester Brings James Bond to Life with Stunning Orchestral Medley

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WDR Funkhausorchester, celebrated for their masterful orchestral renditions of pop culture classics, delivered a captivating three-part medley of James Bond theme songs arranged by Ingo Luis. Recorded live at the WDR Funkhaus Wallrafplatz in Cologne, Germany, the performances from 2017, 2022, and 2024 channel the elegance, intrigue, and cinematic grandeur of the iconic spy franchise with breathtaking precision and flair.


Photo Gallery: The Beaches and Talk at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on November 6, 2025

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All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

Robbie Williams Rewinds the Clock with New Album ‘Britpop’ Out February 2026

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Pop icon Robbie Williams is dialing up the nostalgia and attitude with his brand-new studio album ‘Britpop,’ out February 13, 2026. The English superstar, long celebrated for his stadium-filling anthems and charismatic flair, revisits the sound and swagger of his early solo years — a time defined by the rise of Oasis, Blur, and the unmistakable Britpop spirit that swept the 1990s.

The album’s latest single “Pretty Face” brings the energy of 1995 roaring back. Directed by Charlie Lightening with VFX from AIST, the video recreates the iconic late-night TV chaos of The Word, complete with bleached hair, track jackets, and VHS-style fuzz. “This is my ‘DeLorean Moment’ back to 1995,” Williams says. “If BRITPOP is the album I would have made, then THIS would have been the TV show… now a (virtual) reality.”

Already out are singles “Rocket” — a punk-fueled anthem featuring Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi on guitar — and “Human,” a soaring collaboration with Jesse and Joy. “Spies” adds a touch of cinematic charm to the mix, while a stripped-back version of “Rocket” shows Williams’ knack for balancing power and intimacy.

“I set out to create the album that I wanted to write and release after I left Take That in 1995,” says Williams. “It was the peak of Britpop and a golden age for British music. I’ve worked with some of my heroes on this album; it’s raw, there are more guitars and it’s an album that’s even more upbeat and anthemic than usual. There’s some ‘Brit’ in there and there’s certainly some ‘pop’ too – I’m immensely proud of this as a body of work.”

Tracklist:

  1. Rocket
  2. Spies
  3. Pretty Face
  4. Bite Your Tongue
  5. Cocky
  6. All My Life
  7. Human
  8. Morrissey
  9. You
  10. It’s OK Until The Drugs Stop Working
  11. Pocket Rocket

Toto Announce 2026 ‘An Evening With’ Tour Featuring Two Hours of Classic Hits

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After a blockbuster summer tour with Christopher Cross and Men At Work, legendary rock group Toto is hitting the road once again in 2026 for a brand-new concert experience titled ‘An Evening With.’ Launching in February, the special series of shows will feature over two hours of music each night, with setlists personally curated by Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams. Fans can expect a deep dive into Toto’s rich catalog of hits, showcasing the musicianship and legacy that have made them one of rock’s most enduring bands.

Toto’s lineup for this run features Steve Lukather (guitar/vocals), Joseph Williams (vocals), Greg Phillinganes (keyboards/vocals), Shannon Forrest (drums), John Pierce (bass), Warren Ham (horns/percussion/vocals), and Dennis Atlas (keyboards/vocals). Known for timeless classics like “Africa,” “Rosanna,” and “Hold the Line,” the group continues to connect with new audiences across generations, drawing millions of listeners each week across streaming platforms.

‘An Evening With’ 2026 Tour Dates:
Feb 18 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater
Feb 19 – Davenport, IA – Capitol Theatre
Feb 23 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
Feb 24 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center
Feb 28 – Miami, FL – Montreux Jazz Festival Miami
Mar 01 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
Mar 02 – St. Augustine, FL – The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre
Mar 04 – Huntsville, AL – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
Mar 06 – Tulsa, OK – Hard Rock Live
Mar 07 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
Mar 09 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
Mar 11 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place
Mar 13 – New Buffalo, MI – Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds

Byron Bay Bluesfest Unveils Epic 2026 Lineup Featuring Split Enz, Earth Wind & Fire, Sublime and The Black Crowes

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Australia’s Byron Bay Bluesfest announced the first wave of artists scheduled to appear at the festival when it makes its return in time for Easter 2026.

Leading the announcement are the pioneering New Zealand rock band Split Enz, who will make their first performance in Australia in more than 20 years and Earth, Wind & Fire, who return to Australia for the first time since 2012.

California punk trailblazers Sublime are scheduled to make their Bluesfest debut in 2026, while Southern Rock icons The Black Crowes will appear at Bluesfest for the first time since 2008.

The lineup for 2026 also includes The Pogues, Marcus King Band, Buddy Guy, Kenny Wanye Shepherd Band, Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew, Robert Randolph, Taj Farrant, and the Living End, among others.

“All up, the artists in this announcement have collectively sold around 180 million albums. The Black Crowes – 30 million, Counting Crows – 20 million, Sublime – 20 million – and the list goes on. Between them, they’ve earned 58 platinum and 43 gold albums, plus an extraordinary number of awards, including nine GRAMMYs for Earth, Wind & Fire and nine GRAMMYs for the greatest living bluesman, Buddy Guy. Who would have thought we’d see Buddy Guy return after what was billed as his farewell tour just a few years back? When the opportunity came to present him again – well, I took it,” stated Bluesfest’s Peter Noble, OAN.

The full list of announced artists for the 2026 edition of the Byron Bay Bluesfest.

Split Enz
Earth, Wind & Fire
Sublime
The Black Crowes
Buddy Guy
Counting Crows
The Pogues
Marcus King Band
Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew “Remain in Light”
The Living End
Xavier Rudd
Mental As Anything
Mark Seymour
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band
Robert Randolph
Taj Farrant
Skegss
The Dreggs
South Summit
The Southern River Band
19-Twenty
Chain
Backsliders
Pierce Brothers
Áine Tyrrell
Ray Beadle
Steve Poltz
Daniel Champagne
Nik West (exclusive)
Roshani
Angelique Francis (exclusive)
Jovin Webb (exclusive)
Z-Star
Ben Catley
Laid Back Country Picker (exclusive)

Progressive Death Metal Visionaries Alkaloid Announce ‘Bach Out of Bounds’ Live Album

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Progressive death metal innovators Alkaloid are merging worlds with their first-ever live album, ‘Bach Out of Bounds,’ out January 23, 2026 via Season of Mist. Recorded in the Netherlands at Bibelot and Paard van Troje, the album unites the brutal precision of metal with the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Produced by Alkaloid and mixed by Hannes Grossmann, this monumental project transforms classical composition into a blazing new frontier of heavy art. The album’s lead single, “Haunter of the Void,” is available now on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.

‘Bach Out of Bounds’ features wild reimaginings of Bach’s “Allegro,” “Adagio – All Is Vanity,” and “Agnus Dei,” as well as fan favorites like “Cthulhu” and “A Fool’s Desire,” plus two new songs, “Beneath the Sea” and “Haunter of the Void.” The band’s intricate arrangements feature sopranos Rianne Wilbers and Chrysa Tsaltampasi, violinists Julija Hartig and Oene van Geel, accordionist Marieke Hopman, and cellist Ketevan Roinishvili. “I didn’t change any notes of Bach’s scores,” says frontman Morean, “but I took maximum liberty in how I arranged them.” Available in limited CD and vinyl editions, this record captures a fearless experiment where classical mastery meets cosmic metal invention.

Tracklist
1. Allegro (BMV 1052-I) (8:28)
2. Adagio – All Is Vanity (BMV 1052-II) (6:56)
3. Beneath the Sea (7:26)
4. Cthulhu (6:00)
5. Haunter of the Void (10:11)
6. A Fool’s Desire (8:55)
7. Agnus Dei (BMV 232) (6:25)
8. The Fungi From Yuggoth (7:47)

King Cruff Brings the Fire to Toronto with Skip Marley and Soul-Rebel Marley for the ‘BANTU KNOT BUTU TOUR’

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Fast-rising Canadian-Jamaican artist King Cruff is turning up the energy as his ‘BANTU KNOT BUTU TOUR’ rolls through Toronto this Friday at Adelaide Hall, with special guests Skip Marley and Soul-Rebel Marley joining the bill for a one-night celebration of rhythm, roots, and culture. The tour kicked off this week in London, ON, following the release of King Cruff’s electrifying new single “6 MILLY,” produced by The Boy Kam (Drake, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj). Blending Toronto’s dancehall energy with Cruff’s signature lyrical intensity, “6 MILLY” channels what he describes as “proper yearning music” with “Shotta In Love type of energy.” Fans can stream the new track now via Tuff Gong Collective/Universal Music Canada.

Adding even more heart to the tour, proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Hurricane Melissa Relief in partnership with The Bob Marley Foundation and The Rita Marley Foundation. King Cruff’s philanthropic spirit runs as deep as his beats, bringing together music and community for a cause that uplifts those in need. With his recent JUNO Award nomination for Reggae Recording of the Year, performances alongside Stephen and Damian Marley, and his high-octane festival runs, King Cruff continues to build a legacy rooted in creativity, unity, and unstoppable momentum.

‘BANTU KNOT BUTU TOUR’ Dates:
November 13 – London, ON @ Rum Runners
November 14 – Toronto, ON @ Adelaide Hall
November 28 – Québec City, QC @ District Saint-Joseph

Vanessa Carlton Unleashes Mystical New Single ‘Animal’

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Vanessa Carlton is stepping into a wild new era with her spellbinding new single “Animal,” produced by Dave Fridmann, known for his visionary work with MGMT and Flaming Lips. The track, out now, gives fans an early glimpse of her upcoming album Veils, set for release in early 2026. Both visceral and haunting, “Animal” showcases Carlton’s poetic storytelling and deep creative intuition.

Carlton describes “Animal” as a meditation on stoicism, exploring what it means to surrender to forces beyond our control. “The idea of knowing we cannot control external forces; she is being hunted and she accepts the reality of what is happening,” she says. “The acceptance allows her to truly see the animal. Does she even identify with this creature? Every human has an animal within them. Are you hunting? Are you being hunted? Who is the animal?” It’s a stunning piece that captures the tension between instinct and awareness, human and beast.

Carlton’s artistry has always been defined by fearless transformation. From her discovery by music legend Ahmet Ertegun to the global impact of her debut hit “A Thousand Miles,” which topped the Billboard charts and earned multiple Grammy nominations, she has continued to shape her career with bold curiosity.

In recent years, she’s crossed artistic boundaries with remarkable grace. VICE’s documentary on “A Thousand Miles” even earned a 2022 News & Documentary Emmy nomination, further cementing the song’s cultural legacy. Carlton made her Broadway debut as Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in 2019 and recently scored her first film, Wish You Were Here, alongside her husband John McCauley of Deer Tick for director Julia Stiles.

“Animal” is the sound of an artist fully in her element—instinctive, intuitive, and endlessly evolving. With Veils on the horizon, Vanessa Carlton continues to remind listeners of the magic that happens when vision and vulnerability collide.