Page 209 – That Eric Alper

Country Hitmaker Bailey Zimmerman Leads The Long Road Festival 2026 Lineup

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

Country Hitmaker Bailey Zimmerman Leads The Long Road Festival 2026 Lineup

The Long Road Festival returns to Stanford Hall in Leicestershire for its seventh year from August 27-30, 2026, and the first headliner is officially locked in. Multi-platinum country star Bailey Zimmerman takes the Saturday night main stage, marking his first UK performance in over two years following his sold-out UK and European headline run in 2024.

Celebrated as the UK’s largest outdoor Country, Americana and Roots festival, The Long Road continues to spotlight artists at every stage of their journey. With stages inspired by front porches, dive bars, open highways, and the big-break main stage, the event blends authenticity with scale. Zimmerman sets the tone for what organizers describe as the strongest lineup yet, with more names to be announced.

Festival co-founder Baylen Leonard shared, “Bailey Zimmerman is one of the most exciting live artists to emerge recently and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to The Long Road. With his trademark showmanship and immense singalong hits, his mainstage set is going to be one to remember. Bailey’s energy and TLR’s status as a must attend event for UK music fans is the perfect match!”

Beyond the music, The Long Road delivers a full country lifestyle experience, from U.S.-inspired street food and American BBQ to craft beers, the Lucky Dice Classic Car and Bike show, line dancing, campfires, vintage funfair rides, dog shows, family activities, and Country-oke. Friday and Sunday headliners, plus dozens more artists across six stages, will be revealed soon.

The Used Bring “A Mid Summer Night’s Symphony” To Sydney Opera House

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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The Used Bring “A Mid Summer Night’s Symphony” To Sydney Opera House

For over 25 years, emo and alternative rock mainstays The Used have shaped a generation of fans worldwide. In 2026, the band step onto the legendary stage of the Sydney Opera House for the first time ever, presenting a black tie event titled “A Mid Summer Night’s Symphony” on March 29, complete with a full symphony orchestra and choir.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for The Used and we couldn’t be more excited. Can’t wait to see you there!” says vocalist Bert McCracken. The performance reimagines the band’s expansive catalogue with orchestral depth, transforming fan favorites into sweeping, cinematic arrangements inside one of the world’s most prestigious venues.

The show follows their largely sold-out 25th anniversary Australian tour, where they performed ‘The Used,’ ‘In Love And Death,’ and ‘Lies For The Liars’ in full across consecutive nights. In 2026, the band also appears on Emo’s Not Dead Cruise, Sonic Temple, and a major performance alongside My Chemical Romance, continuing a career defined by scale and devotion.

Iron Maiden Celebrate 50 Years With Fender Anniversary Collection

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Iron Maiden Celebrate 50 Years With Fender Anniversary Collection

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation marks Iron Maiden’s 50th Anniversary with a powerhouse lineup from Fender Custom Shop, Fender, and Jackson. The collection honors five decades of galloping riffs, multi-guitar harmonies, and arena-shaking performances that have defined heavy metal since the band formed in 1975.

At the center is the Limited Edition Masterbuilt Dave Murray Stratocaster, crafted by Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilder Andy Hicks. Built for high-performance touring, it features an oil-finished ’60s-style Oval “C” walnut neck, compound-radius rosewood fingerboard, and Seymour Duncan pickups configured to deliver punchy rhythm tones and soaring leads. Premium upgrades and a NOS Olympic White finish complete a stage-ready instrument built to carry Maiden’s unmistakable attack.

The anniversary lineup also includes the Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Janick Gers Stratocaster in Black with vintage-style appointments, the 50th Anniversary Dave Murray Stratocaster with Floyd Rose tremolo and triple Seymour Duncan configuration, and the 50th Anniversary Steve Harris Precision Bass in Satin Black with mirrored pickguard and signature detailing. Each model channels the tone, feel, and presence that powered 17 studio albums and over 100 million records sold worldwide.

With instruments tied directly to the sound of Dave Murray, Janick Gers, Steve Harris, and Adrian Smith, this collection stands as a fitting tribute to one of metal’s most influential forces. Fifty years in, the legacy continues to roar through every riff and every stage.

Industrial Legends KMFDM Declare “ENEMY” With Explosive 24th Studio Album

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Industrial Legends KMFDM Declare “ENEMY” With Explosive 24th Studio Album

Industrial trailblazers KMFDM return with their 24th studio album, ‘ENEMY,’ out now, just ahead of their nearly sold-out European tour. A first single, “Oubliette,” sets the tone with dance-rock melodicism and razor-sharp bite. The band continues to evolve while holding tight to the Ultra Heavy Beat that has defined their legacy.

Kommanded by Sascha “Käpt’n K” Konietzko and Lucia Cifarelli, and driven by the percussive force of Andy Selway, KMFDM welcome London guitarist Tidor Nieddu into the fold. Annabella Konietzko also steps forward, appearing on the explosive “You” and making her songwriting debut with the group.

‘ENEMY’ spans dark grooves and satirical thrash, from “Catch & Kill” and “Outernational Intervention” to the industrial metal surge of “L’Etat” and the funky pulse of “Vampyr.” The record feels fierce, confrontational, and fully charged, delivering some of the band’s most stylistically daring material to date.

ENEMY TRACKLIST:
1 Enemy
2 Oubliette
3 L’Etat
4 Vampyr
5 You
6 Outernational Intervention
7 A Okay
8 Stray Bullet 2.0
9 Catch & Kill
10 Gun Quarter Sue
11 The Second Coming

Southern Rap Heavyweight Big Boogie Unleashes “Pain on Paper Tour” Across U.S.

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Southern Rap Heavyweight Big Boogie Unleashes “Pain on Paper Tour” Across U.S.

Multi-platinum Memphis rap force Big Boogie announces his 2026 “Pain on Paper Tour,” building on the momentum of his 15-track album ‘Pain on Paper 4,’ out now via CMG The Label and Interscope Records. The run kicks off February 20 in Philadelphia and wraps March 15 in Houston, bringing his booming voice and raw storytelling to stages nationwide, with Queen Key joining as support.

The tour arrives on the heels of major milestones. “Pop Out” and “Bop” featuring GloRilla both achieved RIAA platinum status, further cementing his rise. ‘Pain on Paper 4’ delivers trench tales, club-ready heaters, and introspective cuts, with DJ Drama appearing on multiple tracks including “Back Da F**k Up,” while Lil Jon and Ykniece join forces on “Show Out.”

Big Boogie also commands attention solo, stacking the project with feature-free standouts like “Take Her Down” and “Toot It Up,” which interpolates Trap Starz Clik’s “Get It Big” while nodding to Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, and Sexyy Red. The response has been strong, with The Source calling it “an energetic anthem set to ignite clubs and social media alike,” and Billboard spotlighting it among their Fresh Picks.

With projects like ‘Ether’ and the Gangsta Grillz mixtape ‘Redrum Wizard’ produced by DJ Drama, plus earlier releases including ‘Underrated,’ Big Boogie continues to expand his catalog and impact. The “Pain on Paper Tour” marks the next chapter in a run powered by grind, charisma, and a sound built for packed rooms.

Big Boogie 2026 Pain on Paper Tour Dates:
Feb 20 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Feb 21 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Feb 22 – Chicago, IL @ Ramova Theatre
Feb 26 – Washington, D.C. @ Howard Theatre
Mar 1 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
Mar 6 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage Theater
Mar 7 – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City Bham
Mar 13 – Dallas, TX @ Studio at The Bomb Factory
Mar 14 – New Orleans, LA @ Joy Theater
Mar 15 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Midtown

Scott Weiland’s Unreleased “If I Could Fly” Arrives A Decade Later

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Scott Weiland’s Unreleased “If I Could Fly” Arrives A Decade Later

To mark the tenth anniversary of his passing, a previously unreleased Scott Weiland song, “If I Could Fly,” is now available worldwide via Primary Wave and Virgin. The track is the first original, unreleased material unveiled from the Scott Weiland archive since his death. Written in 2000 after the birth of his son, the song captures Weiland in a deeply personal moment, reflecting the emotional weight that defined so much of his work.

“If I Could Fly” is available digitally and also arrives as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single, paired with a live version of “Barbarella” recorded in Anaheim in 2009, through participating independent record stores. The release offers fans a rare window into Weiland’s creative life, preserving a chapter that remained unheard for years.

Weiland first rose to prominence as the frontman of Stone Temple Pilots, earning a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance with “Plush.” The band’s 1992 album Core peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and later returned to the top of the rock charts with their 2010 self-titled release. He also co-founded Velvet Revolver with members of Guns N’ Roses, scoring another Grammy for “Slither,” and released four solo albums across a career that moved more than 50 million records.

Energetic in spirit and deeply sentimental at its core, “If I Could Fly” stands as a powerful reminder of Weiland’s songwriting gift. Written from the perspective of a new father, the song connects generations through his unmistakable voice and lasting impact on modern rock.

Afro-Funk Collective Jembaa Groove Ignite KEXP With Electrifying Live Set

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

0

Afro-Funk Collective Jembaa Groove Ignite KEXP With Electrifying Live Set

Jembaa Groove bring their radiant Afro-funk pulse to the KEXP studio with a full live performance, and flows through “Adesane,” “Sweet My Ear,” “Dabia,” “Namo,” and “Amale,” showcasing rich grooves and dynamic interplay. Eric Owusu leads on vocals and percussion, joined by bandleader Yannick Nolting on bass, Babatunde Agonglo on guitar, Peter Somuah on trumpet, Szabolcs Bognar on keys, and Nir Sabag on drums, with host Lace Cadence guiding the session. The chemistry is undeniable, capturing the band’s rhythmic precision and vibrant spirit in real time.

Hard Rock Powerhouse Mammoth Announce “The End Tour” Across North America

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Hard Rock Powerhouse Mammoth Announce “The End Tour” Across North America

Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth announce their 2026 North American run, “The End Tour,” bringing the hard rock outfit across the U.S. and into Canada for three March dates in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. The tour launches March 5 in Buffalo and stretches through mid-summer, closing out July 18 in Omaha.

Canadian fans can catch Mammoth at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa on March 7, History in Toronto on March 8, and L’Olympia in Montreal on March 10. Support comes from 10 Years across the run, with James and the Cold Gun joining at select dates. The lineup locks in a high-energy, riff-driven night built for big rooms and bigger hooks.

Mammoth 2026 Tour Dates:
03/05 Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
03/07 Ottawa, ON – Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa
03/08 Toronto, ON – History
03/10 Montreal, QC – L’Olympia
03/11 Portland, ME – State Theatre
03/13 Atlantic City, NJ – Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City
03/14 Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center
03/15 Wallingford, CT – The DOME at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
03/18 Baltimore, MD – Nevermore Hall
03/19 Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Myrtle Beach
03/22 Jacksonville, FL – FIVE
03/24 Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
03/25 Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
03/27 Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
03/28 Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Kewadin Casino DreamMaker’s Theater
03/31 Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
04/01 Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
04/03 Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
04/04 Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
07/18 Omaha, NE – The Astro Theater

Alt.Rock Visionary Chelsea King Descends Into “The Rabbit Hole”

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

0

Alt.Rock Visionary Chelsea King Descends Into “The Rabbit Hole”

Alt.rock artist Chelsea King steps into darker terrain with her newest single, “The Rabbit Hole,” a gripping exploration of inner conflict, transformation, and surrendering to the unknown. Known for anthems fueled by feminine rage and fearless storytelling, King expands her bubble-grunge sound into something more cinematic and immersive.

Recorded at Pentavarit Studios, the track features drum legend Atom Willard and guitarist Nathan Keeterle. Produced by Jackson Eppley and mixed and mastered by Bobby Holland, the song blends dreamy pop textures with raw, guitar-driven force. The atmosphere feels lush and hypnotic, pulling listeners deep into its emotional current.

“This song is about being afraid to evolve, but finding someone who sees every version of you and says, ‘Let’s go anyway,’” says King. “It’s about falling down the spiritual rabbit hole together – through the good, the bad, and the beautifully strange.” The tension surfaces in lines like, “I’m chasing my reflection down a neon hallway / But I can’t tell where the mirror ends / Or where I begin.”

Sonically rich and thematically bold, “The Rabbit Hole” delivers high-voltage emotion with striking vulnerability. A music video is on the way, and King is currently touring with Andy Bell of Erasure, continuing her rise as one of alt rock’s most compelling voices.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Unveils “Part of Me” Video

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

0

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Unveils “Part of Me” Video

Global superstar and Diamond certified artist A Boogie Wit da Hoodie unveils the official music video for his acclaimed single “Part of Me,” directed by filmmaker Kid Art and streaming now. Shot in New York City, the visual pairs sleek, cinematic style with a dark, emotional undercurrent that mirrors the song’s introspective core.

The video unfolds through dramatic vignettes that spotlight vulnerability from a man’s perspective, capturing quiet tension and emotional weight in striking detail. Each frame reinforces the sensitivity at the heart of the track, wrapping mellow production in polished, big screen aesthetics.

“Part of Me” earned praise from NME, which noted, “A Boogie delivers softly spoken verses over a mellow and echoey minimal beat, with reflective synthesized atmospherics lending a sense of struggle and vulnerability.” VIBE added, “A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie reminded people why he is one of the most enduring acts of the last decade.” The response underscores the record’s emotional pull and cultural impact.

Building on that momentum, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie brings the song to the stage with a series of headline dates, with more new music on the horizon. The moment feels expansive, focused, and fully in stride.