Page 242 – That Eric Alper

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Celebrates 20 Years Of ‘Howl’ With Deluxe Box Set

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Celebrates 20 Years Of ‘Howl’ With Deluxe Box Set

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club releases a 20th anniversary deluxe box set of their seminal album ‘Howl’ on January 30 via [PIAS]. The Bay Area and LA rock band originally dropped their third studio album in 2005, delivering an unexpected shift from previous releases. The electric guitar-driven reverb and white noise that characterized their sound gave way to folk, blues, and gospel inspired songs that revealed a different side of the band.

SPIN wrote at the time, “Bruce Springsteen stripped down his songs to reflect his pessimistic journey through the badlands; BRMC’s scaled-back sound is reflective of a group that’s come out on the other side of that trip and doesn’t want to hide behind feedback any longer.” The evolution marked a turning point in the band’s artistic journey, showcasing their versatility and willingness to explore new sonic territory.

The deluxe box set includes a 3LP white vinyl collection containing the original ‘Howl’ studio album, ‘Howl Sessions’, and five previously unheard demos plus alternate mixes of songs from the record. A photobook features over a hundred previously unseen photos from the era, including images from the original photoshoot and handwritten lyrics for each studio album track. The set also contains a poster with photos from the period.

Fans can choose from multiple formats including the deluxe box set, a 2LP version of the original studio album with a BRMC etching on side four, or the CD edition. Pre-orders are available now for the January 30 release, offering collectors and longtime fans a comprehensive look at one of the band’s most pivotal albums.

Lamb Of God Launch Heaviest Tour Of 2026 With Kublai Khan TX And Fit For An Autopsy

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

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Lamb Of God Launch Heaviest Tour Of 2026 With Kublai Khan TX And Fit For An Autopsy

Lamb of God return to the road this March for what promises to be the heaviest tour of 2026, with the North American trek featuring support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For An Autopsy and Sanguisugabogg.

“We are beyond thrilled to announce the loudest, proudest, floor shakin’ est, earth quakin’ est, ear splittin’ est, mosh pittin’ est, undiluted, undisputed heaviest tour of the whole damn year,” Mark Morton declares. “Is this the largest collection of riffs ever assembled under one roof? It would seem so. Lamb of God, Kublai Khan TX, Fit For An Autopsy, and Sanguisugabogg. Do not miss this shit.”

The tour news follows the recent release of “Sepsis”, the band’s first new original song since 2022’s ‘Omens’, and now the No. 1 song on the U.S. metal radio charts. Produced by longtime collaborator Josh Wilbur, the track celebrates the Richmond underground and the bands Lamb of God performed alongside during their early years. The band also shared a live video for “Sepsis”, capturing the electrifying live debut of the song at Aftershock Festival. The tour kicks off March 17th in National Harbor, Maryland at The Theater MGM National Harbor before heading to Montreal, Toronto, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. The trek continues through San Francisco, Inglewood, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Austin, Irving, Houston, Nashville, Atlanta, Raleigh, Reading, Virginia Beach, Buffalo, Brooklyn, Uncasville and wraps April 26th in Boston.

Lamb of God 2026 North American Tour Dates:

Mar 17 – National Harbor, MD @ The Theater MGM National Harbor

Mar 19 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre

Mar 20 – Toronto, ON @ GCT Theatre

Mar 22 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre

Mar 24 – Minneapolis, MN @ Armory

Mar 25 – Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

Mar 27 – Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium

Mar 28 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center

Mar 30 – Portland, OR @ Theater of the Clouds

Mar 31 – Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater

Apr 1 – Vancouver, BC @ PNE Forum

Apr 3 – San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic

Apr 4 – Inglewood, CA @ YouTube Theater

Apr 5 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre

Apr 7 – Albuquerque, NM @ Revel Entertainment Center

Apr 10 – Austin, TX @ Moody Amphitheater

Apr 11 – Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Apr 12 – Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall

Apr 14 – Nashville, TN @ War Memorial Auditorium

Apr 15 – Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre

Apr 16 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater

Apr 18 – Reading, PA @ Santander Arena

Apr 19 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Dome

Apr 21 – Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo RiverWorks

Apr 23 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount

Apr 25 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena

Apr 26 – Boston, MA MGM @ Music Hall at Fenway

The Royal Mint Honours Freddie Mercury With Collectible Coin Celebrating Rock Icon’s Legacy

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

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The Royal Mint Honours Freddie Mercury With Collectible Coin Celebrating Rock Icon’s Legacy

The Royal Mint unveils a UK coin celebrating rock icon Freddie Mercury, an extraordinary tribute to the showman whose voice and stage presence defined generations. The collectible coin captures Mercury mid-performance at the height of his powers, showcasing the flamboyant frontman in full flow with his signature inscribed alongside his portrait. The design’s intricate details tell the story of Mercury’s extraordinary talent through carefully crafted elements. His legendary four octave vocal range is represented by a musical stave that runs around the edge of the coin, spanning from bass to treble notes. The studded armband edge design draws inspiration from his iconic Live Aid performance outfit, a fitting tribute to what many consider the greatest rock performance of all time.

This celebration commemorates the 40th anniversary of Queen’s show-stealing performance at Live Aid in July 1985 and the 40th anniversary of Freddie’s first solo studio album, ‘Mr. Bad Guy’, released the same year. A selection of the coins will feature colour, bringing Freddie’s iconic yellow jacket to life on the coin design and capturing the vibrant energy that made him such a magnetic stage presence. In a special moment that brought the coin’s creation full circle, Freddie Mercury’s sister, Kashmira Bulsara, visited The Royal Mint to strike the very first coin herself. “Striking the first coin at The Royal Mint was such an emotional and proud moment for me,” Bulsara shares. “Freddie would have been absolutely delighted to see himself honoured in this way and to know that his family was part of bringing this tribute to life.”

The Royal Mint will gift a special gold proof version of the coin to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDS charity founded in Mercury’s memory. The charity will auction this unique piece in the coming months, continuing Mercury’s mission to support those affected by HIV and AIDS. Mercury is the latest music artist to form part of The Royal Mint’s ongoing Music Legends coin series, celebrating the greatest singers and songwriters in British history. Mercury follows David Bowie, George Michael, Shirley Bassey and Paul McCartney in being honored on their very own UK coin. The Music Legends coin series has delivered nearly half a million coins to enthusiasts in 108 countries globally.

Carlos Santana Adds 10 More Dates To His 2026 Oneness Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

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Carlos Santana Adds 10 More Dates To His 2026 Oneness Tour

Carlos Santana brings additional dates to the 2026 Oneness Tour, delivering high-energy performances of songs spanning a 50-year career. The setlist includes fan favorites from ‘Abraxas’ to Woodstock to ‘Supernatural’ and beyond, showcasing the passion-filled music that made Santana a global phenomenon. The tour launches March 28th in Thackerville, Oklahoma at Lucas Oil Live at WinStar before visiting San Antonio, New Orleans, Pensacola, Durham, Cherokee, St. Augustine, Estero, Clearwater, and Hollywood, Florida.

Santana returns to his long-running Las Vegas residency in 2026. “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live: Presented by SiriusXM” at House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino comes back in January, February, and May for its 14th year at the venue. The residency continues a tradition of bringing Santana’s legendary performances to the Las Vegas strip.

For more than five decades, Carlos Santana has delivered artistry with a level of passion and soul equal to the legendary sonic charge of his guitar. The sound remains one of the world’s most instantly recognizable musical signatures. From Santana’s earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco, Carlos has been the visionary force behind music that transcends genres and generational, cultural, and geographical boundaries.

The recently released ‘Carlos Santana: Love, Devotion, and Surrender’ explores his spiritual journey, creative evolution, and enduring impact on global music. The definitive new book offers fans an intimate look at the icon’s life, philosophy, and legacy, documenting the path that shaped one of music’s most influential figures.

Santana 2026 Oneness US Tour Dates:

Mar 28 – Thackerville, OK @ Lucas Oil Live at WinStar

Mar 29 – San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre

Mar 31 – New Orleans, LA @ Saenger Theatre

Apr 1 – Pensacola, FL @ Pensacola Bay Center

Apr 3 – Durham, NC @ DPAC

Apr 4 – Cherokee, NC @ Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center

Apr 7 – St. Augustine, FL @ The St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Apr 8 – Estero, FL @ Hertz Arena

Apr 10 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall

Apr 11 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Josh Groban Announces First World Tour In A Decade With 21 Cities

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

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Josh Groban Announces First World Tour In A Decade With 21 Cities

Josh Groban brings his 2026 Gems World Tour across 21 cities, marking his first global trek in a decade. The tour launches in Honolulu before visiting Taipei, Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, Tokyo, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Bahrain, Dubai, Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Düsseldorf, concluding in Amsterdam. Each show presents a career-spanning production featuring signature hits from ‘Gems’ with the powerful vocals and intimate storytelling that define Groban’s concerts. Exact routing and dates arrive later, with general on-sale varying by city.

“It is with the greatest excitement that I get to take these songs I’ve loved so much around the world, to places I haven’t visited in far too long and to places I’ve always wanted to visit,” Groban says. “I’m honored to see the world through music. I can’t wait to see everyone soon!” The announcement follows the recent release of ‘Hidden Gems’ via Reprise Records, a collection gathering beloved and rare tracks that many fans have never heard on streaming platforms until now.

Groban shared “The Constant” in October as the first offering from the project. The collaboration with acclaimed songwriting duo Pasek and Paul and producer Dan Romer brings something fresh while honoring cherished songs from his catalog. ‘Hidden Gems’ includes fan-favorite deep cuts like “Signs,” co-written with Toby Gad and Bernie Herms, and “Everything You Needed,” a stirring ballad given to Groban by Sia. Other highlights feature “Smile,” his take on the Charlie Chaplin classic, and “Konosaki No Michi,” the closing theme from a major 2012 Japanese drama where Groban sang in Japanese, a language he studied in high school.

The album showcases “With You” and “My Heart Was Home Again,” recorded for a limited-edition Hallmark Valentine’s Day CD, plus “Remember” from the film Troy and a Spanish-language duet version of “Broken Vow” with Arturo Sandoval. “Empty Sky” closes the collection, a raw late-night studio recording with Steve Jordan, Isaiah Sharkey, and Pino Palladino featuring Groban live on upright piano performing an early Elton John song. This heartfelt gift to fans curates special songs now available worldwide.

Earlier this year, Groban released ‘Gems’ and its Deluxe Edition, spanning over two decades of definitive ballads that trace his impact on popular culture. The 18-track collection includes the triple platinum “You Raise Me Up,” Billboard Adult Contemporary No. 1 “To Where You Are,” the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack standout “Evermore,” and show-stopping renditions of “Over The Rainbow,” “Pure Imagination,” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The Deluxe Edition added 23 songs including duets “Run” with Sarah McLachlan, “99 Years” with Jennifer Nettles, and “We Will Meet Once Again” with Andrea Bocelli.

Mike Dirnt And Epiphone Revive The Classic Grabber G-3 Bass Guitar

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

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Mike Dirnt And Epiphone Revive The Classic Grabber G-3 Bass Guitar

Epiphone and Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt unveil the Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3, a signature bass that brings back the Gibson Grabber G-3 with modern updates. The original instrument played a crucial role in shaping punk rock’s breakout moment, including its presence on Green Day’s 1994 album ‘Dookie’, which marked its 30th anniversary recently. Dirnt still plays his cherished Grabber on stage, including throughout Green Day’s The Saviors World Tour in front of millions worldwide.

The bass comes in Silverburst finish at authorized Epiphone dealers, Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, and online. A Natural finish is available exclusively through Gibson Garage and online globally. Dirnt’s punchy bass lines and commanding stage presence have defined Green Day’s sound for decades. This signature model honors that legacy with classic construction meeting contemporary performance capabilities.

The Grabber G-3 features a double-cutaway maple body and 34-inch scale three-piece maple neck for smooth playability and strong resonance. Players can select between ebony or maple fretboards depending on finish choice, both with black abalone dot inlays and 20 medium jumbo frets. The headstock sports the classic Grabber “V” shape with open-gear bass tuners and historic clover buttons. A bone nut boosts resonance while the Leo Quan Badass II bridge provides powerful attack and full adjustability.

Three Gibson G-3 pickups handcrafted in Nashville at the Gibson Pickup Shop power the instrument. The unique “buck-and-a-half” wiring configuration offers humbucking combinations through a three-way toggle switch, giving players neck and middle, all three, or middle and bridge options. Master volume and tone controls round out the versatile, noise-free tonal range. The bass ships with a hardshell case ready for studio work or touring.

Green Day formed in the late 80s when Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt joined forces to create their signature sound drawing from East Bay punk, power pop, 60s garage, and hard rock. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the band in 2015 after releasing 14 studio albums, including the double diamond ‘Dookie’ and ‘American Idiot’, which became a Broadway musical. Their latest album ‘Saviors’ earned a Best Rock Album nomination at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards and received a deluxe reissue in 2025 as ‘Saviors: Édition De Luxe’ with bonus singles and videos.

LeAnn Rimes Brings “30 Years Of Blue” Tour To Seven Cities This Spring

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

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LeAnn Rimes Brings “30 Years Of Blue” Tour To Seven Cities This Spring

LeAnn Rimes takes her “30 Years of Blue: The Voice, The Journey, The Truth” tour on the road this spring with seven dates announced and more to come throughout 2026. The tour launches April 19th in Dallas at the Winspear Opera House, the city where Rimes first recorded vocals for her Grammy-winning debut single “Blue.” General tickets go on sale Friday, February 21st at 10 am local time.

“Revisiting Blue and reflecting on the last 30 years of music has been the sweetest gift,” Rimes says. “These songs hold so many pieces of my life, and somehow they feel brand new again. And we’re just getting started! We’ll be adding more dates throughout 2026, each with its own heartbeat and story. Hearing from fans around the world has inspired me more than you know, so tell me where this celebration should head next. I can’t wait to share it all with you.”

LeAnn Rimes Tour Dates:

Apr 19 – Dallas, TX @ Winspear Opera House

Apr 30 – Spokane, WA @ Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox

May 1 – Seattle, WA @ Benaroya Hall

May 8 – Waukegan, IL @ Genesee Theatre

May 9 – Wilmington, OH @ The Murphy Theatre

May 15 – Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre

May 17 – Wilmington, NC @ The Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College

R.I.P. Ken Peplowski, Jazz Clarinetist and Swing Statesman Who Made the Reed Sing

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

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R.I.P. Ken Peplowski, Jazz Clarinetist and Swing Statesman Who Made the Reed Sing

Ken Peplowski, the American jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist whose warm swing and effortless phrasing made him a pillar of acoustic jazz, died on February 1, 2026. He was 66. Peplowski passed away aboard the Celebrity Summit while participating in The Jazz Cruise, where he was scheduled to perform and instead left the music world stunned by his sudden absence.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 23, 1959, Peplowski built a career rooted in swing, mainstream jazz, and traditional pop, carrying those sounds into modern rooms without ever sanding off their character. He recorded extensively for Concord Records for more than a decade and became a musician other musicians quietly pointed to when talking about tone, taste, and time.

Peplowski was both prolific and precise. He released more than 70 albums as a leader and appeared on hundreds more as a sideman, moving easily between small-group swing, songbook material, and festival stages. His clarinet sound was instantly recognizable: full, woody, lyrical, and deeply conversational, while his tenor saxophone playing favored control and melody over volume.

Beyond recordings and performances, Peplowski shaped jazz spaces themselves. In 2007, he was named music director of the Jazz Party at The Shedd and jazz advisor for the Oregon Festival of American Music in Eugene, roles that reflected his belief that jazz could span eras and styles without losing its soul. He approached programming the same way he approached improvisation: with curiosity, respect, and intention.

Peplowski had battled multiple myeloma for five years, yet continued to perform, teach, and record, including his final releases ‘Live at Mezzrow’ and ‘Unheard Bird’. His legacy lives not just in an immense discography, but in the way he made swing feel alive, generous, and human. Jazz sounds better because Ken Peplowski was here.

R.I.P. Greg Brown, Alternative Rock Guitarist Who Helped Cake Find Its Stride

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

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R.I.P. Greg Brown, Alternative Rock Guitarist Who Helped Cake Find Its Stride

Greg Brown, founding guitarist of Cake and a key architect of the band’s unmistakable early sound, has died following a brief illness. While his time in the spotlight was relatively short, his imprint on 1990s alternative rock remains lasting, sharp, and deeply felt by anyone who ever nodded along to Cake’s crooked grooves.

When Cake emerged in the early 1990s, they sounded unlike almost everyone else around them. That sense of balance between irony and sincerity, restraint and punch, owed a great deal to Brown’s guitar work. His playing brought structure to songs that thrived on understatement, tightening rhythms and shaping melodies that felt casual but were anything but accidental.

Brown co-wrote and performed on Cake’s first two albums, including the band’s breakout anthem “The Distance.” The song’s endurance across decades speaks to his instincts as a writer who understood momentum, patience, and payoff. It never rushed, never overreached, and trusted listeners to stay with it – a philosophy that ran through much of his work.

After leaving Cake in the late 1990s, Brown continued chasing ideas rather than expectations. He formed Deathray, collaborated with fellow outsiders, and released solo material that reflected the same thoughtful curiosity that defined his earlier years. Even when he stepped away from the mainstream, his connection to music never loosened.

Greg Brown’s legacy is one of quiet influence. He helped build a sound that made space for odd choices, dry humor, and emotional distance that somehow felt intimate. Cake’s early songs still move the way they do because Brown knew exactly when to push and when to step back.

R.I.P. Fred Smith, Punk Rock Bassist Who Gave Television Its Pulse

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 8, 2026

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R.I.P. Fred Smith, Punk Rock Bassist Who Gave Television Its Pulse

Fred Smith, the bassist whose steady, melodic presence helped define the sound of New York punk, has died at 77. As a member of Television, Smith helped turn downtown experimentation into something timeless, grounding restless guitars with bass lines that felt conversational, curious, and deeply human. His playing never demanded attention, but it always earned it.

When Smith joined Television in the mid-1970s, the band found its center of gravity. Night after night at CBGB, his bass acted like a compass, keeping songs loose but never lost. Those performances became part of the DNA of a scene that would ripple outward for decades, influencing how bands thought about space, tension, and restraint.

On Television’s landmark album ‘Marquee Moon’, Smith’s bass does something rare: it listens. His lines leave room for Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd to stretch, bend, and soar, while quietly shaping the songs from below. It is the sound of confidence without ego, proof that subtlety can be just as radical as noise.

Outside of Television, Smith was a connector. He played with old friends, new collaborators, and kindred spirits across the New York music world, contributing to solo records, garage rock sessions, and reunion tours. His musical life was less about spotlight moments and more about showing up, locking in, and making everyone around him sound better.

Fred Smith’s legacy lives in the spaces between notes, in the idea that music does not have to shout to last forever. He helped build a vocabulary that countless bands still speak today. The marquee will always glow a little brighter because he was there.