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‘The Grateful Dead by Jim Marshall’ Captures the Band’s Formative Years Through Unseen Photos

Eric Alper
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‘The Grateful Dead by Jim Marshall’ Captures the Band’s Formative Years Through Unseen Photos

‘The Grateful Dead by Jim Marshall: Photos and Stories from the Formative Years, 1966–1977’ is out now, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into one of rock’s most storied bands through the lens of legendary photographer Jim Marshall. Spanning from Woodstock to San Francisco’s Haight Street, the collection features more than a decade of images that document the evolution of the Grateful Dead during the heart of America’s counterculture revolution. About one-third of the photographs have never been published before, making this an essential piece for Deadheads and photography lovers alike.

Curated by Amelia Davis and David Gans, the book pairs Marshall’s striking high-contrast photography with essays and reflections from collaborators and contemporaries, giving context to the music, community, and chaos that shaped the era. From candid backstage moments to transcendent live performances, ‘The Grateful Dead by Jim Marshall’ celebrates not just a band but a movement — capturing the spirit of creativity, rebellion, and connection that continues to define the Dead’s enduring legacy.

‘Tonight in Jungleland’ by Peter Ames Carlin Reveals the Untold Story Behind Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’

Eric Alper
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‘Tonight in Jungleland’ by Peter Ames Carlin Reveals the Untold Story Behind Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’

Bestselling author Peter Ames Carlin dives deep into one of rock’s greatest albums with ‘Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run,’ out now. Marking the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary ‘Born to Run,’ Carlin’s behind-the-scenes chronicle offers unparalleled access to Springsteen and his bandmates, capturing the creative intensity that defined the making of this classic record. From the aching beauty of “Thunder Road” to the sprawling majesty of “Jungleland,” the book retraces how Springsteen’s ambition, artistry, and grit transformed him into a rock icon.

Praised by the Los Angeles Times as “absorbing” and “fascinating,” ‘Tonight in Jungleland’ reveals new stories about the recording process, personal struggles, and artistic breakthroughs that shaped the album. With vivid storytelling and deep emotional insight, Carlin illuminates the moments when pressure turned into perfection — when the sound of youth, hope, and rebellion came roaring out of New Jersey to change music forever.

‘The Colonel and the King: Tom Parker, Elvis Presley, and the Partnership that Rocked the World’ by Peter Guralnick Offers a Revealing Look at Two Icons

Eric Alper
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‘The Colonel and the King: Tom Parker, Elvis Presley, and the Partnership that Rocked the World’ by Peter Guralnick Offers a Revealing Look at Two Icons

Acclaimed biographer Peter Guralnick returns with The Colonel and the King: Tom Parker, Elvis Presley, and the Partnership that Rocked the World, out now. The award-winning author of Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love delivers a groundbreaking dual portrait of the relationship between Elvis Presley and his legendary manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Drawing from the Colonel’s never-before-seen correspondence, Guralnick reveals the depth of their friendship, trust, and mutual ambition — and how their partnership defined an era of American music and celebrity.

Praised by The Wall Street Journal as “engaging… outlandish, tension-filled and brimming with mystery,” the book captures the complexity of both men. Guralnick traces their story from Parker’s first telegrams about a young Memphis singer to Elvis’s rise as a global superstar. With a narrative rich in insight and humanity, The Colonel and the King sheds new light on the bond between two misunderstood figures who changed popular culture forever. Through brilliance, humor, and heartbreak, Guralnick gives readers the full story of how a small-town teenager and a crafty showman built the legend of rock and roll.

Def Leppard, In Flames, and Powerwolf Lead Wacken Open Air 2026 Lineup for 35th Anniversary

Eric Alper
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Def Leppard, In Flames, and Powerwolf Lead Wacken Open Air 2026 Lineup for 35th Anniversary

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.

Terrace Martin Launches Sounds of Crenshaw Live Series for His Album ‘Come As You Are’

Eric Alper
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Terrace Martin Launches Sounds of Crenshaw Live Series for His Album ‘Come As You Are’

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.

Jon Batiste Releases Official Video for ‘Lonely Avenue’ from His New Album ‘Big Money’

Eric Alper
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Jon Batiste Releases Official Video for ‘Lonely Avenue’ from His New Album ‘Big Money’

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.

Adam Lambert and Andrew Lloyd Webber Reimagine ‘Heaven On Their Minds’ From Jesus Christ Superstar

Eric Alper
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Adam Lambert and Andrew Lloyd Webber Reimagine ‘Heaven On Their Minds’ From Jesus Christ Superstar

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.

Caryn Dixon Spreads Her Wings with Bold New Single ‘Bird in a Cage’

Eric Alper
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Caryn Dixon Spreads Her Wings with Bold New Single ‘Bird in a Cage’

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 Heartfelt New Single ‘Dollars’ Reflecting on Family, Dreams, and Balance

Eric Alper
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Kayley Green Releases Heartfelt New Single ‘Dollars’ Reflecting on Family, Dreams, and Balance

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.”

Return to Dust Release Powerful Six-Track EP ‘Speak Like The Dead’

Eric Alper
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0
Return to Dust Release Powerful Six-Track EP ‘Speak Like The Dead’

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.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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