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‘We Will Rock You’ Returns to Toronto With Brand-New Production at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre

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WE WILL ROCK YOU, the international hit musical that features and celebrates the iconic music of Queen and has been seen by over 20 million people in 28 countries, is returning to Toronto for a limited engagement this November in a brand new production from the Québec-based cultural producing company Gestev.

The French-language production has been touring Quebec since June of this year and will play Toronto in an English-language version. WE WILL ROCK YOU begins performances November 28, 2025 and will play through January 4, 2026 at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, the same venue of the musical’s original Canadian premiere production in 2007 to 2008.

Tickets are available now at mirvish.com and by calling 1.800.461.3333.

In translating the production into English, adaptor and director Steve Bolton has assembled a cast of Quebecoise and Ontarian artists.

THE CAST
The cast includes Callum Lurie (Galileo), Paige Foskett (Scaramouche), Maggie Lacasse (Killer Queen), Patrick Olafson (Khashoggi), Peter Deiwick (Ozzy), Laurence Champagne (AXL), and Caleb Ajao (Brit).

The ensemble features Stephanie Paquet (Ensemble, Understudy Killer Queen), Mathieu-Philippe Perras (Ensemble, Understudy Galileo), Emily Masurkevitch (Ensemble, Understudy Scaramouche), Alexandre Iannuzzi (Ensemble, Understudy Brit, Understudy Khashoggi), Elizabeth Lauzon (Ensemble, Understudy AXL), Sayer Roberts (Ensemble, Understudy Ozzy, Understudy Cricket), Chloé McNeil (Ensemble, Céline), Seth Zosky (Ensemble, Cricket), Eric Dahlingner (Ensemble), Sophie McLeod (Ensemble), and Alexandra Grant (Ensemble).

Callum Lurie (Galileo).
Select theatre: Drew in Rock of Ages (STF and Rogue Productions); Grease, Cinderella: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Legally Blonde, Next To Normal (STF); The Beast in Beauty and the Beast (Capitol Theatre Moncton); Brad in The Rocky Horror Show (LOT). Film/TV: Dare Me (Netflix); Robyn Hood (Global); Cross (Prime Video). Callum Lurie (He/Him) is a proud graduate of the Dan School of Drama and Music at Queen’s University. As an actor and arts educator, Callum has worked across Canada, and even the globe with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Thank you to Cassie and my family for their support, and Gestev and the Ed Mirvish Theatre for having me. @callum_lurie

Paige Foskett (Scaramouche)
Paige is thrilled to step into a dream role in We Will Rock You. Some favourite credits include Ariel in Footloose (Stage West); Groundhog Day (YES Theatre); Anne in Anne of Green Gables (Tweed & Co.); Wizard of Oz: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Rock of Ages (More Entertainment); Bittergirl and American Idiot (Stephenville); Legally Blonde and Heathers (Hart House). Endless thanks to friends, family, and this powerhouse team for the love and support. Enjoy the show! @paigefosk

Maggie Lacasse (Killer Queen)
Maggie Lacasse is a proud bilingual Montréal-born performer and graduate of the Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto. She is thrilled to return to a Mirvish stage, having previously played Jane Seymour in Six The Musical at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. This time she trades her historical crown for an edgier one as the audacious Killer Queen. Mags’ career has taken her around the world, from starring as Shalica in Step Up: Dubai All In! to headlining productions with Celebrity Entertainment, Playlist Productions and Royal Caribbean. She was a featured vocalist on Alan Menken’s single “Wonders of the Universe”. A lifelong rock fan, she currently fronts Flashback to the 80s Rock, a revue celebrating the music that shaped her. Beyond performing, Maggie produces and directs original work, including her headliner act Let’s Duet! touring internationally, and HEARTBEAT: The Sound of the 70s, soon rocking venues nationwide. She is deeply grateful to her friends and family for their continuous love and support, and dedicates this performance to all theatregoers and communities whose voices deserve to be heard and celebrated. @maggielacasse_ @lets.duet.music

Patrick Olafson (Khashoggi)
A graduate of the National Theatre School 32 years ago, Patrick appeared in several Montréal major musicals such as Grease, Jeanne La Pucelle, Le Petit Prince, and Jerusalem the Musical. He landed his singing voice to a few cartoons, including the French version of Trolls I – II and III, Smallfoot, Hoodwinked, The Lion King II and Lady and the Tramp II. In 2007, he recorded a tribute album to Michel Legrand and toured across Québec. In 2008, he cofounded TOCADÉO, a male vocal quartet that recorded eight albums and toured eight different shows. Patrick is thrilled to make his Mirvish debut in the role of Khashoggi which he created in the Québec production of We Will Rock You. www.patrickolafson.com @patrickolafson

Peter Deiwick (Ozzy)
An actor and singer in Canada for over 30 years, Peter started his career as a rock singer backing up Lee Aaron on a cross-country tour when he was 18. His career has grown with opportunities in theatre, film and television. Selected theatre: Mamma Mia!, Rock Of Ages and the original Canadian cast of We Will Rock You (all for Mirvish); Toxic Avenger (Dancap) and Once (Neptune Theatre). He was also the original Gilbert in Anne and Gilbert, the sequel to Anne of Green Gables at the Confederation Centre for the Arts. Selected film and TV credits: The Handmaids Tale (Hul), Reacher (Amazon), Fellow Travellers (Showtime), Frankie Drake and Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), Taken (NBC), Reign (CW), Private Eyes (Global), and the Stephen King adaptation, IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO). His performance is dedicated to his nephews, Gabriel and Michael. “Never stop dreaming my little men.” And to the memory of his agent Penny Noble.

Laurence Champagne (AXL)
Originally from Quebec City, Laurence graduated from the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Montréal in 2018 and quickly began building an impressive career. After appearing in several short films, she caught attention in Alec Pronovost’s web series Le Killing and booked her first commercial. In 2019, she took on the role of Lisa in the hit musical Mamma Mia! in Montreal and Quebec City, followed by Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at Théâtre du Trident in 2020, a performance that earned her the Nicky-Roy Award (Award of Excellence in Arts and Culture). Though the pandemic interrupted Romeo and Juliet and cancelled Kinky Boots, in which she was cast as Pat at the Just for Laughs Festival 2020, Laurence bounced back in 2021 with the web series Entrelacés. Her role earned her a 2022 Gémeaux Award nomination for Best Actress in a Dramatic Web Series. She then went on to perform in the acclaimed play Shear Madness (Dernier Coup de Ciseau) and portray Charlène Dufour in Jean-Philippe Duval’s series À cœur battant. In 2024, she returned to Théâtre du Trident with Pride and Prejudice (Orgueuil et Préjugés), and in 2025, she lit up the stage as the rebel Axl in the French-language production of We Will Rock You, performed in Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, and Gatineau.

Caleb Ajao (Brit)
Caleb was most recently seen in the Mirvish production of Disney’s The Lion King at the Princess of Wales Theatre. He holds a Master of Music from NYU and now calls Toronto home, working professionally as a vocal coach, choreographer, and stylist. Deepest thanks to my incredible support team, my loving family, and my agents at Talent House for believing in me every step of the way. And above all, endless gratitude to God—through whom all things are not only possible, but beautiful.

THE CREATIVE TEAM
The creative team includes Steve Bolton (Executive Producer, Director, Choreographer), Jean-Marc Saumier (Scenographer), David Lavallée-Gagné (Light Designer), Yohan Gingras (Video Designer), Vanessa Borris (Costume Designer), Felix Plante (Props Designer), Louis Bond (Hair and Wigs Designer), Thomas Allard Rousseau (Makeup Designer), Megan Brydon (Choreographer), Yannick Moisan (Choreographer), Domenic Pandolfo (Musical Arrangements), and Gabriel Bertrand-Gagnon (Musical Director).

WE WILL ROCK YOU
CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Performance Schedule:
Tuesday-Saturday: 7:30PM
Wednesday: 1:30PM
Saturday-Sunday: 2PM

Holiday Performance Schedule:
Tuesday December 23: 1:30PM & 7:30PM
Wednesday December 24: 1:30PM
Thursday December 25: No performance
Friday December 26: 1:30PM & 7:30PM
Saturday December 27: 2PM & 7:30PM
Sunday December 28: 2PM

Tuesday December 30: 1:30PM & 7:30PM
Wednesday December 31: 1:30PM
Thursday January 1: No performance
Friday January 2: 1:30PM & 7:30PM

The Highest-Grossing Concert Tours of All Time (Updated October 1, 2025)

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With live shows now the heartbeat of the music industry, concert tours have soared into the billions. Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, U2, Bruce Springsteen, The Weeknd, Harry Styles, and Pink headline the list of all-time giants. And with Coldplay rumored to add new Music of the Spheres tour dates in 2026 and 2027, the numbers could climb even higher.

1. Taylor Swift — The Eras Tour — $2.077B
2. Coldplay — Music of the Spheres World Tour — $1.386B
3. Elton John — Farewell Yellow Brick Road — $939.1M
4. Ed Sheeran — +−=÷× Tour — $875.7M
5. Ed Sheeran — ÷ Tour — $776.2M
6. U2 — 360° Tour — $736.4M
7. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band — 2023–2025 Tour — $729.7M
8. The Weeknd — After Hours til Dawn Tour — $635.5M
9. Harry Styles — Love On Tour — $617.3M
10. Pink — Summer Carnival — $584.7M

redveil Drops New Single and Video “brown sugar” Featuring Smino

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Rising star redveil has shared his new single and music video “brown sugar” featuring St. Louis rapper Smino. The single follows redveil’s surprise release of “square one” from earlier this year and introduces elements of his next creative phase with intricate arrangements and instrumentation.

The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Tyler Shuler, brings this new era’s visual palette to life with its styling, ornate setting, and colour scheme, and closes with the introduction of a shadowy, mysterious figure. “brown sugar” was self-produced by redveil, with additional keys, strings, and synths by Johnny May, choir vocals led by Faith Carey, guitar by Keelan Walters, and additional vocals by Allayna O’Quinn.

Pitchfork deemed redveil “a new rap star to watch” following his 2022 breakout debut, learn 2 swim, which was widely praised by the likes of VultureNPRThe FADER and more. In 2023, he released the subsequent playing w/ fire EP on the eve of his 19th birthday, which he followed with his sold-out first headline North American tour and an ascendant performance at 2023’s Camp Flog Gnaw Festival. Now, at 21, redveil is entering the next phase of his career, with more music coming soon.

SAJAA. Unveils Bold New EP ‘Vivid Dreams & Intuitions.’ Blending Soul, Theater, and Empowerment

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Montreal-based Neo-Soul/R&B artist SAJAA. returns with her most daring and theatrical body of work yet, Vivid Dreams & Intuitions., an eight-track EP that expands on the emotional and artistic journey she began with her 2023 debut project Blurred Minds & Perspectives. If her first release introduced listeners to her world of layered moods and perspectives, this new chapter delves deeper — embracing the vulnerability of introspection while amplifying her love for visual and performance art.

At its core, Vivid Dreams & Intuitions. is a staged production of the heart. Each track unfolds like an act in a play, charting the emotional spectrum of a fading connection—the ache of recognizing the inevitable ending long before the words are spoken. Yet rather than linger in sorrow, SAJAA. transforms heartbreak into empowerment, weaving boldness, confidence, and self-worth into every note.

In October 2024, SAJAA. dropped “Confused.,” the first single from Vivid Dreams & Intuitions. The sassy, self-aware track calls out mixed signals and the frustration of believing words over actions. As the only song on the EP co-produced with Paul Charles, it bridges the raw storytelling of Blurred Minds & Perspectives. with the bold, cinematic flair of her new era.

Earlier in 2025, listeners were given another glimpse into the EP with “Martini.,” a soulful slow jam that captured the bittersweet spark of reconnecting with a past love. Flirtatious yet fragile, the song evokes both nostalgia and finality, drawing inspiration from legends like Aretha FranklinThe DramaticsEarth, Wind & FireAaron Neville, and The Temptations. It showcased SAJAA.’s ability to balance tenderness with groove, further highlighting the depth and versatility of the sound

Another standout, “Lovergirl.,” drips with fierce and unapologetic confidence. Inspired by the fierce spirit of Janis Joplin and the powerhouse vocals of Joss Stone, the song embodies the strength that comes from moving on to protect your peace and finally letting go on your own terms. Equal parts freeing and defiant, the track dives into the contradictions of loving love itself, while ultimately choosing truth over illusion. It also marks a bold moment of experimentation for SAJAA., pushing her sound into new, uncharted territory.

The focus track and third official single, “Broadway.,” captures this theatrical approach in full force. Inspired by the cinematic soundscapes of BurlesqueJames Bond, and Chicago, the track is as bold as it is vulnerable, unpacking the facade of someone who performs for admiration without substance to back it up. With its dramatic flair, sharp lyricism, and soulful textures, “Broadway.” embodies both the disorientation of illusion and the quiet liberation of walking away from it.

With Vivid Dreams & Intuitions., SAJAA. cements her place as one of the most compelling new voices in Canada’s Neo-Soul and R&B scene. The EP stages each song like an act in a play, exploring the emotional spectrum of a fading connection—acknowledging sorrow, but ultimately transforming it into a statement of strength, sass, and self-worth.

The EP is not just a collection of songs, but a carefully crafted experience with every track building on her reputation for fearless storytelling, unfiltered emotion, and a sound that draws equally from vintage soul and contemporary R&B innovation.

Poised at the intersection of vulnerability and power, SAJAA. continues to prove that her artistry thrives in dualities. Vivid Dreams & Intuitions. is both a personal statement and a universal story—about endings that become beginnings, illusions that unravel into truth, and growth that comes from daring to step into the spotlight exactly as you are.

Ger Carriere Struts Into the Spotlight With Bold New Single “Blessed in My Heels”

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Some songs beg to be background noise. Others demand attention. “Blessed in My Heels,” the latest single from Canadian artist Ger Carriere, is firmly in the second category: an anthem that struts in, makes eye contact, and dares you to look away.

The song, which is equal parts edge and sparkle, is built on the framework of glossy ’80s pop rock with just enough bite to evoke Prince at his most mischievous. Before the chorus opens up into something lighter and somewhat effortless, the verses thrust with a steely assurance. The song’s power comes from this harmony between grit and brightness. It is pulsating, lively, and completely confident.

Here, Carriere is more concerned with forging her own path than following trends. The song “Blessed In My Heels” is presented as an anthem of empowerment. What makes it work is that it doesn’t posture. It’s fierce, yes, but also playful. You hear it most in the delivery: vocals that cut with conviction while still leaving room for joy, freedom, and a sly grin.

This music was created with movement in mind. Launching alongside the song is the TikTok Strut Challenge that fits nicely with the DNA of the song. Carriere gives the impression that empowerment is dynamic, like something you can practice step by step. Its edges are further sharpened by micro-influencer collaborations arranged around the release, which propel the song into a larger cultural dialogue about confidence as both style and expression.

“Blessed In My Heels” is one of those songs you bookmark before the playlists catch up if you’re a listener who is eager to be ahead of the curve. It’s bold, unrepentant, and maybe the most obvious indication yet that Carriere’s next EP isn’t meant for background listening but rather to take center stage.

Drake Breaks Records at SOCAN Awards as Joni Mitchell, Boi-1da, and More Honoured in Historic Centennial Celebration

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It was a night of milestones at the SOCAN Awards in Toronto, where Drake made history as the most-awarded songwriter in SOCAN’s century-long legacy and the most awarded in a single evening.

Fellow international powerhouse Boi-1da was celebrated with the Global Impact Award for his influence as a songwriter and producer in helping shape the sound of a generation, while the songwriting team of Lowell, bülow and Nathan Ferraro won the SOCAN International Achievement Award for their songwriting success and work on Beyoncé’s “TEXAS HOLD ’EM.” 

The night’s historic moments were rounded out by a moving tribute by Allison Russell, to icon Joni Mitchell, honoured with the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award for her classic Both Sides, Now, marking a fitting centrepiece in a celebration of one hundred years of Canadian songwriting, composing and music publishing excellence.  

Drake received his fourth SOCAN Songwriter of the Year – Performer Award and also took home three Rap Music Awards, one R&B Music Award, andone Dance Music Award, achieving a single-night record of six SOCAN awards.

Chart-topping producer OZ took home the SOCAN Producer of the Year Award for his work with Drake, J.Cole, Travis Scott, Jack Harlow, among other music heavyweights.

Evan Blair was celebrated with the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year – Non-Performer Award, the SOCAN International Song Award and a Pop Music Award for the success of the global smash, “Beautiful Things,” while SHUBH took home the Breakout Songwriter Award.

Jordan Gagne took home his first SOCAN Screen Composer of the Year Award while the Breakout Screen Composer Award went to Erica Procunier, and Most Streamed Production Awards went to:

  • Jeff Toyne for Palm Royale
  • Andrew Lockington for Special Ops: Lioness, Mayor of Kingstown and Landman
  • Graeme Cornies, James Chapple, Brian Pickett and David Kelly for Paw Patrol

Hosted by actor and comedian  Andrew Phung and TV host Arisa Cox, the awards also featured unforgettable performances by Alexander Stewart, Baby Nova, Frank Walker, Kalisway, Tia Wood, Wild Rivers, a celebration of OZ’s incredible hits with live beat re-creation by DATSUNN and Rae onpiano, and a salute to SOCAN screen composers opened the show with an orchestral medley of ten winning songs and cues being honoured during the evening, including music from Heartland, Paw Patrol, Dino Ranch, A Big Fat Family Christmas, Ghostwriter, Island of Bryan, Sportsnet, Atlas, Murdoch Mysteries, Night Swim and Palm Royale. 

“As we mark 100 years, we celebrate the incredible community of songwriters, composers and music publishers who remind us all why music matters,” said Jennifer Brown, CEO of SOCAN. “From every stage, studio, and screen, Canadian music creators carry our stories across Canada and around the world, and SOCAN’s role has always been to stand with them, support their journeys, and ensure their music continues to thrive for generations to come.” 

Viral Song Awards were awarded to:

  • Alexander Stewart – i wish you cheated
  • Chris Grey – LET THE WORLD BURN
  • bbno$ – it boy
  • yung kai – blue
  • Cameron Whitcomb – Quitter

Special Awards were handed out in the following categories:

  • Vince Fontaine Indigenous Song Award – Wyatt C. Louis for “In Emerald” 
  • Folk/Roots Music AwardWild Rivers
  • Hagood Hardy Award – Stephan Moccio 
  • Jan V. Matejcek New Classical Music AwardDinuk Wijeratne
  • Global Music Award – Ikky
  • Licensed To Play Award – Peterborough Musicfest Inc.
  • Herbert Ruff Audiovisual Post-Synchronization Award – Red Brick Songs Inc.

SOCAN Achievement Award winners receive “The SOCAN” – the world’s first and only music industry trophy that is also a musical instrument, incorporating five custom bronze crotales, tuned this year with notes from “Both Sides, Now” by Joni Mitchell. 

SOCAN proudly acknowledges its legal counsel of 75 years, Gowling WLG, and Long & McQuade as the official sponsors of the 2025 SOCAN Awards, with the SOCAN Foundation and the Unison Fund serving as official charity partners. 

Bill McClintock’s “Whip My Lonely, Dark Heart” Mashes Up Yes, Dazz Band, Dio, and DEVO Into One Disco Fever Dream

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What happens when prog-rock giants and disco grooves collide under a glitter ball? Bill McClintock answers with “Whip My Lonely, Dark Heart,” a mashup that swings from Yes to the Dazz Band. Just when you think it can’t get wilder, Dio belts in with a Rainbow in the Dark, and DEVO pops by to Whip It good.

The Most-Streamed Songs of All Time on Spotify (Updated October 1, 2025)

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On this list, songs are ranked by cumulative streams since their release. Below are the leaders as of October 1, 2025—an updated snapshot of the tracks that have taken over the world.

1. “Blinding Lights” — The Weeknd — 5.049B
2. “Shape of You” — Ed Sheeran — 4.571B
3. “Starboy” — The Weeknd and Daft Punk — 4.116B
4. “Someone You Loved” — Lewis Capaldi — 4.069B
5. “Sweater Weather” — The Neighbourhood — 4.054B
6. “As It Was” — Harry Styles — 4.053B
7. “Sunflower” — Post Malone and Swae Lee — 3.970B
8. “One Dance” — Drake with Wizkid and Kyla — 3.806B
9. “Stay” — The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber — 3.677B
10. “Perfect” — Ed Sheeran — 3.638B
11. “Believer” — Imagine Dragons — 3.594B
12. “Heat Waves” — Glass Animals — 3.536B
13. “Lovely” — Billie Eilish and Khalid — 3.476B
14. “Closer” — The Chainsmokers and Halsey — 3.428B
15. “Say You Won’t Let Go” — James Arthur — 3.408B
16. “Something Just Like This” — The Chainsmokers and Coldplay — 3.351B
17. “Dance Monkey” — Tones and I — 3.329B
18. “I Wanna Be Yours” — Arctic Monkeys — 3.323B
19. “Yellow” — Coldplay — 3.312B
20. “The Night We Met” — Lord Huron — 3.309B
21. “Riptide” — Vance Joy — 3.302B
22. “Rockstar” — Post Malone and 21 Savage — 3.252B
23. “Another Love” — Tom Odell — 3.232B
24. “Take Me to Church” — Hozier — 3.196B
25. “Counting Stars” — OneRepublic — 3.155B
26. “Señorita” — Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello — 3.126B
27. “Photograph” — Ed Sheeran — 3.113B
28. “Watermelon Sugar” — Harry Styles — 3.109B
29. “Cruel Summer” — Taylor Swift — 3.090B
30. “Birds of a Feather” — Billie Eilish — 3.065B
31. “Can’t Hold Us” — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Ray Dalton — 3.053B
32. “Don’t Start Now” — Dua Lipa — 3.044B
33. “Die with a Smile” — Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars — 3.003B
34. “Viva La Vida” — Coldplay — 2.982B
35. “Lucid Dreams” — Juice Wrld — 2.975B
36. “Die for You” — The Weeknd — 2.964B
37. “Circles” — Post Malone — 2.954B
38. “Goosebumps” — Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar — 2.951B
39. “Just the Way You Are” — Bruno Mars — 2.925B
40. “Bohemian Rhapsody” — Queen — 2.922B
41. “Every Breath You Take” — The Police — 2.920B
42. “Love Yourself” — Justin Bieber — 2.909B
43. “Thinking Out Loud” — Ed Sheeran — 2.899B
44. “Shallow” — Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper — 2.894B
45. “God’s Plan” — Drake — 2.877B
46. “Wake Me Up” — Avicii — 2.866B
47. “All of Me” — John Legend — 2.859B
48. “Thunder” — Imagine Dragons — 2.836B
49. “Locked Out of Heaven” — Bruno Mars — 2.819B
50. “Demons” — Imagine Dragons — 2.811B
51. “When I Was Your Man” — Bruno Mars — 2.809B

Jeremy Allen White Channels Bruce Springsteen in “Born to Run” Clip from ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’

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Jeremy Allen White steps into the role of Bruce Springsteen in a stirring performance of “Born to Run,” featured in the new clip from Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. The film, from 20th Century Studios, arrives in theaters on October 24. Tickets are available now through Fandango.



The Favors Perform “Home Sweet Home” on The Tonight Show

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Last night on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Favors lit up the stage with a performance of “Home Sweet Home”. Fallon also revealed that FINNEAS & Ashe secretly worked on their debut album The Dream for two years.