Page 324 – That Eric Alper

How Czech Players Connect Arizona Gaming And Online Entertainment

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

By Mitch Rice

Gila Herald readers see gaming news mostly through an Arizona lens: tribal casinos, compact updates, and how contributions flow back into schools, hospitals, and public safety. Since 2004, Arizona’s tribal gaming operations have channelled more than 2.1–2.5 billion dollars into the state Benefits Fund and local governments, with recent quarterly reports topping 40 million dollars in a single quarter.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Czechia has built a very different model. Online casinos are legal but tightly regulated under the Czech Gambling Act (Act No. 186/2016 Coll.), with strict licensing rules, full player identification, and dual supervision by both the Ministry of Finance and the anti‑money‑laundering authority.

How Gaming Works In Arizona

Arizona’s modern casino scene is built on tribal–state compacts. The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) reports that:

18 gaming tribes currently operate around 25–26 Class III casinos across the state
Tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund reached about 28.6 million dollars in Q3 FY 2024 and more than 46 million dollars in Q1 FY 2026
Since 2004, compact‑related payments have totalled well over 2 billion dollars

Money from these contributions supports public education, emergency and trauma services, wildlife conservation, tourism, and problem gambling treatment programmes, with roughly 88% routed through the state fund and 12% going directly to cities, towns, and counties.

In 2021, Arizona expanded its compacts to include sports betting and more table games, allowing certain professional teams and tribes to partner with online sportsbooks. That has added mobile and online wagering to a landscape still dominated by physical resort casinos that double as local employers and cultural hubs.

The Player Experience In Arizona

For Arizona residents, “gaming community” often means:

Visiting nearby tribal casinos for slots, table games, and entertainment
Using licensed sportsbook apps tied to teams or tribes for regulated sports betting
Seeing visible promotion of responsible gambling resources funded by compact contributions

Regulators focus on fair oversight and channeling revenue back into public services, not on supporting unlicensed offshore websites.

How Online Gambling Works In Czechia

Czechia took a different route, focusing early on regulating online gambling through national law. The Czech Gambling Act, in force since 2017 and amended in 2024 via the public‑finance “consolidation package,” sets out licensing conditions, marketing limits, consumer‑protection tools, and serious penalties for unlicensed operators.

Key features of the Czech system include:

Mandatory licensing for online casinos and betting sites, with fines up to 50 million CZK per violation for illegal operations
Full player registration and identity verification (no anonymous play), plus ongoing monitoring for suspicious transactions
Dual supervision: the Ministry of Finance enforces gambling rules, while the Financial Analysis Unit oversees AML compliance

Recent amendments strengthened responsible gambling rules by expanding the national Register of Excluded Persons (RVO). From July 2024, people in bankruptcy, material need, or even those who do not pay court‑ordered maintenance can be automatically blocked from gambling, and operators must integrate a “panic button” that lets players request exclusion directly through the site interface.

Czech Players’ Everyday Online Options

For Czech players, legal online entertainment typically means:

Using licensed CZ casino sites that offer slots, live games, and sports betting under local oversight
Playing only after full registration, identity checks, and confirmation they are not on the exclusion register
Seeing strict limits on gambling advertising, including bans on suggesting gambling improves finances or targeting vulnerable groups

Unauthorized offshore sites that target Czech residents without a licence can be blocked and fined, and operators that fail AML or verification duties risk sanctions under both gambling and AML acts.

Cross‑Border Interest And Casual Games

Despite different structures, there is natural curiosity between communities. Arizona players increasingly hear about European‑style online platforms, while Czech users read about the scale of tribal gaming and contribution models in states like Arizona. Crypto‑focused media also report that some casino markets explore coin‑based platforms, raising questions about how regulated systems will adapt.

In both places, simple, physics‑driven titles sit in the casual entertainment layer above the heavy regulatory machinery. A tap‑to‑drop game branded as Plinko hra fits this pattern for Czech users: easy to open in a browser or app, built around colourful pegs and quick outcomes, and often sampled first in low‑risk or bonus modes before anyone considers playing more seriously.

What Players In Czechia Should Watch

For Czech residents looking at U.S. tribal gaming from afar, the main lesson is not to copy the products but to recognise the importance of clear legal frameworks and public‑benefit funding. At home, the safest way to engage with online gambling remains:

Using only licensed Czech or EU‑compliant sites visible on official Ministry of Finance lists
Respecting exclusion rules and understanding that registration and ID checks are mandatory by law
Keeping gambling as a small part of overall entertainment, with personal limits set well below what household budgets can absorb

Arizona’s experience shows how a regulated system can generate stable revenue for communities when the rules are clear and enforced, while Czech law demonstrates how strict online controls, identity checks, and exclusion registers can limit harm in a digital‑first environment.

For players in Czechia following gaming news from places like Arizona’s Gila Valley, the most useful takeaway is that strong regulation and personal discipline matter more than geography. Whether the action is in a tribal resort on tribal land or on a Czech‑licensed website at home, the games are only one piece of the story; the rest is about who controls the platform, how the proceeds are used, and whether play stays firmly on the side of entertainment rather than becoming a silent financial burden.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Roman Candle Confront Childhood OCD On New Single “Can We Watch Something Happy?”

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

0

Roman Candle Confront Childhood OCD On New Single “Can We Watch Something Happy?”

Roman Candle return today with their new single “Can We Watch Something Happy?”, released alongside an accompanying music video. Written from the perspective of vocalist Piper Ferrari’s childhood self, the track explores intrusive thoughts, compulsive prayer, and the fear-driven cycles shaped by growing up with undiagnosed OCD in a religious household.

“‘Can We Watch Something Happy’ is written from the perspective of my childhood self,” Ferrari explains. “I struggled with severe OCD growing up, which was intensified by being raised in a religious household. I just remember being scared all the time.” She describes the repeated lyric “one more time” as reflecting cycles of prayer, intrusive thoughts, and guilt rooted in the belief that even unwanted thoughts carried moral weight.

The single follows Roman Candle’s recent run of releases since signing with Sumerian Records in 2025, including “Fire In The Night Sky Forever.”, “This Band Has Led Me To Places I Wouldn’t Go With A Gun,” and “Nothing Is Original”.

Roman Candle have firmly established themselves as one of the most vital voices in contemporary hardcore. The band has amassed 2.8 million streams across all platforms and 400,000 YouTube views, building a devoted following through relentless live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting. With much more to come from the band in 2026, they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Roman Candle have built a devoted audience through constant touring and emotionally exacting performances, amassing millions of streams while establishing themselves as a defining voice in contemporary hardcore. With more material expected in 2026, “Can We Watch Something Happy?” stands as a focused statement of intent rather than a detour.

AIRBEAT ONE 2026 Unveils 148-Artist Phase One Lineup Led By Charlotte de Witte

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

0

AIRBEAT ONE 2026 Unveils 148-Artist Phase One Lineup Led By Charlotte de Witte

AIRBEAT ONE Festival has announced its Phase 1 lineup for 2026, revealing 148 artists set to perform from July 8 to July 12 at the airfield in Neustadt-Glewe. Framed as the Netherlands Edition, the festival will once again transform the site into a fully built festival city, welcoming more than 60,000 attendees and spanning sounds from techno and hardstyle to trance, psytrance, EDM, and rave classics.

The Mainstage lineup expands with Charlotte de Witte at the top of the bill, joined by Marlon Hoffstadt in his only German festival appearance of 2026, alongside Prada2000. They join previously announced names including Amelie Lens, Boris Brejcha, Scooter, Timmy Trumpet, and Vini Vici. The programming reflects AIRBEAT ONE’s commitment to scale and range, placing underground-driven techno and high-energy festival sounds side by side.

Harder styles take center stage on the Harder Stage, led by Dr. Peacock, Dimitri K feat. MC Robs, Paul Elstak, Ran-D, and Da Tweekaz. The Arena Stage sharpens its focus on hard-techno and industrial sounds with 999999999, Azyr, i hate models, and Oguz, while the Groove Castle and Second Stage explore melodic techno, trance, and psytrance through artists like Paul van Dyk, Andrew Rayel, Blastoyz, and Ranji.

Across the Terminal and Butterfly stages, the festival leans into party culture and dance history, featuring Cascada, Alex Christensen with live band, Die Atzen, and Charly Lownoise. The breadth of Phase 1 shows a lineup built with intent and balance, where genre depth and crowd-scale energy coexist without dilution.

Seu Jorge Revisits David Bowie Songs From The Life Aquatic Universe

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

0

Seu Jorge Revisits David Bowie Songs From The Life Aquatic Universe

Seu Jorge has shared a new filmed performance revisiting his Portuguese-language interpretations of David Bowie songs created for The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The project reflects on the repertoire that introduced many listeners to Bowie’s catalog through a different linguistic and emotional lens, rooted in Seu Jorge’s role as Pelé dos Santos.

In the video, Seu Jorge reflects on the origins of the project and his long-standing admiration for David Bowie as a songwriter, performer, and actor. “That’s how my relationship with this artist began,” he explains, noting how the songs became a living repertoire that traveled with him around the world. He also recalls how the last planned public presentation was interrupted by the 2020 pandemic, reshaping how the material was eventually shared.

The performance draws from a recent live stream recorded on the coast of São Paulo, now presented in an edited form as a tribute to Bowie’s musical legacy and its continued presence in people’s lives. Seu Jorge describes the project as “completely dedicated to him,” while also acknowledging Wes Anderson for originating the concept that brought these interpretations into existence. The setlist traces Bowie’s songwriting across eras, filtered through intimacy, restraint, and voice rather than spectacle.

Harry Styles Announces Seven-City Together, Together Residency With 50 Global Shows

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

0

Harry Styles Announces Seven-City Together, Together Residency With 50 Global Shows

International superstar Harry Styles will make his long awaited return to the global stage with a seven city residency. Promoted by Live Nation, Together, Together will include 50 stops in Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney from May through December.

Highlights on this run include 30 shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden, his only shows in the United States, and a six night run at Wembley Stadium. Styles will only perform in these seven cities in 2026.

Special guests include Robyn, Shania Twain, Fcukers, Jorja Smith, Jamie xx, Fousheé, and Skye Newman across select dates.

Ahead of the tour, the GRAMMY Award-winning global superstar is set to release his 4th album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY, on March 6th, 2026.The highly anticipated single “Aperture” will premiere globally tonight, January 22nd, at 7pm ET. The 12-track album, executive produced by Kid Harpoon, is available for pre-order on limited edition vinyl + CD, exclusive merchandise, box sets, and more: https://www.hstyles.co.uk.

HARRY STYLES CHARITY PARTNERS:

GLOBAL: Together, Together will support Choose Love, with whom Harry has partnered for a decade. Choose Love is a responsive humanitarian organization delivering critical aid to those who need it most by working directly with communities. Harry’s support has provided essential services such as food, shelter and education for people all over the world. This year, Choose Love and Together, Together will continue that work.
LONDON: £1 from every ticket sold on the tour will be donated by Harry Styles to LIVE Trust, protecting, expanding and supporting grassroots music in the UK.
NEW YORK: Styles will continue his partnership with HeadCount throughout Together, Together. In New York, eligible fans attending any residency date can register to vote onsite at HeadCount’s pop-up activation.

Harry Styles is joining forces with Live Nation’s Green Nation to engage with venues and tour partners on opportunities to reduce the tour’s environmental impact.

TICKETS: See on sale timing per market and presales below. Please visit hstyles.co.uk/tour for more information.

AMSTERDAM: General on sale begins Friday, January 30 at 11am CET.
LONDON: General on sale begins Friday, January 30 at 11am GMT.
NEW YORK: General on sale begins Friday, January 30 for August 26th through October 9th shows. General on sale begins Wednesday, February 4 for October 10th through October 31st shows.
SÃO PAULO: General on sale begins Wednesday, January 28 at 11am BRT.
MEXICO CITY: General on sale begins Thursday, January 29 at 11am CST.
MELBOURNE: General on sale begins Friday, January 30 at 11am AEDT.
SYDNEY: General on sale begins Friday, January 30 at 2pm AEDT.

AMERICAN EXPRESS PARTNERSHIP & TICKET PRESALE: American Express is partnering with Harry Styles to deliver ticket access, perks, and (in select cities) experiences for Card Members tied to KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY and his global residency Together, Together. The collaboration builds on a long-running partnership that has already delivered unforgettable fan moments over the years — from Love On Tour ticket presales and Harry’s House pop-ups, to One Night Only performances and Pleasing holiday pop-ups.

To kick off the partnership, American Express Card Members will have access to Amex Presale Tickets for select tour stops, available for purchase starting Monday, January 26, before global residency tickets go on sale to the general public. Tickets available while supplies last. Learn more about specific presale times, eligible tour stops, and terms for the Amex Presale here. Amex Presale Tickets are one of many entertainment benefits available to eligible American Express Card Members across music, sports, theater, and the arts through Amex Experiences™.

ARTIST PRESALE:

NEW YORK: To participate in the Harry Styles Artist Presale, you must sign up at https://signup.ticketmaster.com/harrystyles by Sunday, January 25 at 11:59PM ET. No codes are needed – access is tied to your Ticketmaster account, and anyone who signs up can join the sale.
AMSTERDAM, LONDON, MELBOURNE, SYDNEY: To participate in the Harry Styles Artist Presale, pre-order* his new album from the official UK, EU or AU stores before Saturday, January 24 at 11:59PM local time to access.

VIP: The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary per city. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

HARRY STYLES: TOGETHER, TOGETHER 2026 TOUR DATES:

Sat May 16 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff ArenA ^

Sun May 17 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff ArenA ^

Wed May 20 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff ArenA ^

Fri May 22 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff ArenA ^

Sat May 23 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff ArenA ^

Tue May 26 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff ArenA ^

Fri Jun 12 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium Connected by EE *

Sat Jun 13 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium Connected by EE *

Wed Jun 17 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium Connected by EE *

Fri Jun 19 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium Connected by EE *

Sat Jun 20 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium Connected by EE *

Tue Jun 23 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium Connected by EE *

Fri Jul 17 – São Paulo, BR – Estadio MorumBIS ~

Sat Jul 18 – São Paulo, BR – Estadio MorumBIS ~

Fri Jul 31 – Mexico City, MX – Estadio GNP Seguros #

Sat Aug 01 – Mexico City, MX – Estadio GNP Seguros #

Wed Aug 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Aug 28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Aug 29 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Wed Sep 02 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Sep 04 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Sep 05 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Wed Sep 09 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Sep 11 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Sep 12 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Wed Sep 16 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Sep 18 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Sep 19 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Wed Sep 23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Sep 25 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Sep 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Wed Sep 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Oct 02 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Oct 03 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Wed Oct 07 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Oct 09 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Oct 10 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Wed Oct 14 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Oct 16 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Oct 17 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Wed Oct 21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Oct 23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Oct 24 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Wed Oct 28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Oct 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Sat Oct 31 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden +

Fri Nov 27 – Melbourne, AU – Marvel Stadium ^^ @

Sat Nov 28 – Melbourne, AU – Marvel Stadium ^^ @

Sat Dec 12 – Sydney, AU – Accor Stadium ! @

Sun Dec 13 – Sydney, AU – Accor Stadium ! @

Support Key

^ Robyn

* Shania Twain

~ Fcukers

# Jorja Smith

+ Jamie xx

^^ Fousheé

! Skye Newman

@ Baby J

The Doors’ John Densmore And Chuck D Launch doPE With Record Store Day Album

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

0

The Doors’ John Densmore And Chuck D Launch doPE With Record Store Day Album

Drummer John Densmore of The Doors has teamed up with Chuck D of Public Enemy to form doPE, a new collaborative project from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo. Their debut album, ‘no country for old men’, was recorded specifically for Record Store Day 2026 and will be released April 18 as part of the annual vinyl-focused event.

According to a news release, the album blends spoken word, rhythm, and social commentary, connecting different generations of cultural resistance. The lead track, “every tick tick tick,” has been named the 2026 Record Store Day Song of the Year. The project traces its origins back to a meeting between Densmore and Chuck D on a Record Store Day panel in 2014, followed by a creative exchange that gradually evolved into a full-length collaboration.

“It’s been an honor working with Chuck D. on this project,” Densmore said. “He’s got the rhymes & I’ve got the beats… & we made doPE!” Chuck D added, “John Densmore’s beat isn’t just rhythm, it’s history talking. He’s been scoring moments of our culture for decades, and that wisdom hits different when it meets the now.” Together, their work frames music as both documentation and dialogue.

The album title emerged from an exchange between the two artists, with Densmore offering the line, “Everybody gets older, but not everybody gets elder,” which became a thematic anchor for the project. Musically, ‘no country for old men’ operates with restraint and intention, letting rhythm and language carry weight rather than excess, and allowing each voice space to resonate within the collaboration.

‘no country for old men’ Track Listing:
every tick tick tick
no country for old men
doomsay
the bones of my father
i love that i don’t know
people are strangers
breakthru
ops3ssion
dajali ii
everybody dies
no country for old men (dub)
saydoom (dub)

DOGMA Announce ‘Time To Rise Pt. 1’ U.S. Tour With Frayle

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

0

DOGMA Announce ‘Time To Rise Pt. 1’ U.S. Tour With Frayle

Hard rock band DOGMA will return to the United States this spring for the Time to Rise Pt. 1 U.S. Tour 2026, joined by special guests Frayle. The tour begins March 15 in Seattle and concludes April 3 in Philadelphia, bringing the band back to cities that were part of their previous U.S. run, alongside stops in New York City, Washington, D.C., Anaheim, Dallas, and San Diego.

Frontperson Lilith describes the tour as a continuation rather than a reset. “Last October and November, during our last U.S tour dates, we carried a message that was still taking shape,” she says. “Some paths were broken before they could be completed, and certain cities were left waiting. That tension did not fade. It stayed with us, sharpened us, and demanded a proper return.”

She adds, “Time to Rise Part I U.S. Tour 2026 emerges from that demand. What comes next carries intention, consequence, and elements that will not announce themselves in advance.” The framing positions the run as a deliberate next chapter, shaped by unfinished momentum and sustained audience connection. In a live setting, DOGMA’s approach emphasizes atmosphere and commitment, anchoring spectacle to a clear sense of purpose.

Time To Rise Pt. 1 U.S. Tour 2026
with special guests Frayle

Mar 15 – Seattle, WA – Substation
Mar 17 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
Mar 18 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720
Mar 19 – Reno, NV – The Alpine
Mar 20 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
Mar 21 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
Mar 24 – San Antonio, TX – Vibes Studio
Mar 25 – Dallas, TX – Trees
Mar 27 – Madison, WI – The Annex at The Red Zone
Mar 28 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
Mar 29 – Chesterfield, MI – Diesel Concert Lounge
Mar 31 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
Apr 1 – Washington, DC – Black Cat
Apr 2 – Bethlehem, PA – Fowler Blast Furnace Room
Apr 3 – Philadelphia, PA – Kung Fu Necktie

Aaron Rowe Launches New Era With “Please Don’t Hate Me” And Global Tour Run

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

0

Aaron Rowe Launches New Era With “Please Don’t Hate Me” And Global Tour Run

Aaron Rowe has released “Please Don’t Hate Me,” opening a new chapter after a breakthrough year that significantly expanded his profile. The release follows high-visibility support slots with Lewis Capaldi on sold-out UK and Ireland arena dates, Rowe’s own headline shows across the UK, Ireland, and the US, and an appearance alongside Zach Bryan at BST Hyde Park.

Rowe’s 2025 summer included a Glastonbury debut on the Wishing Well stage, where the crowd featured Emily Eavis, Fred again.., and Taron Egerton. Additional performances supporting Ed Sheeran in Ipswich, Sam Fender in Belfast, and Kingfishr in Dublin, plus a mainstage slot at Electric Picnic, marked a sustained run of major stages. The song reads as a direct, emotionally clear statement that foregrounds voice and songwriting rather than scale.

Momentum continues into 2026, with Rowe returning as tour support for Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour across Australia, New Zealand, and North America. The run follows late-2025 dates supporting Lewis Capaldi in Australia and New Zealand, extending Rowe’s live presence into stadium and arena settings worldwide.

AARON ROWE UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS
Ed Sheeran – Loop Tour Dates

Australia
Fri Feb 13 2026 – Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Sat Feb 14 2026 – Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Sun Feb 15 2026 – Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Fri Feb 20 2026 – Milton, QLD
Sat Feb 21 2026 – Milton, QLD
Sun Feb 22 2026 – Milton, QLD
Thu Feb 26 2026 – Docklands, VIC
Fri Feb 27 2026 – Docklands, VIC
Sat Feb 28 2026 – Docklands, VIC
Thu Mar 5 2026 – North Adelaide, SA

United States
Thu Jun 25 2026 – American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Milwaukee, WI
Sat Jul 4 2026 – Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
Sat Jul 18 2026 – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Tue Jul 21 2026 – Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Sat Jul 25 2026 – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Sat Aug 1 2026 – Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
Sat Aug 8 2026 – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Sat Sep 19 2026 – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Fri Sep 25 2026 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Sat Sep 26 2026 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Sat Oct 3 2026 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Sat Oct 10 2026 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Sat Oct 17 2026 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Thu Oct 29 2026 – Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, FL
Fri Oct 30 2026 – Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, FL
Sat Nov 7 2026 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Eric Prydz, Hot Since 82, Kasablanca, Martin Garrix & Mathame Announced For Freaks Of Nature Festival 2026

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

0

Eric Prydz, Hot Since 82, Kasablanca, Martin Garrix & Mathame Announced For Freaks Of Nature Festival 2026

Freaks of Nature festival announces the second phase of artists for its seventh episode, Freakyard. Taking place across Thursday and Friday, 5th–6th and 12th–13th February 2026, in Riyadh, Freaks of Nature will welcome international headliners, including Eric Prydz, Hot Since 82, Kasablanca, Martin Garrix, and Mathame to Saudi Arabia’s most dynamic, immersive, and memorable boutique music and arts festival experience.

This year’s Freakyard edition lineup features 100+ artists. Famed for its diverse programming, sense of freedom, and vibrancy, Freakyard will attract more than 30,000 visitors per day across two weekends this February at the MDLBEAST Soundstorm site in Banban. The festival will transform the site into an industrial yet visually striking and fully immersive universe for attendees to explore, spanning across four nights, two weekends, and three uniquely designed stages.

As a highlight in the international clubbing calendar, the Mainstage will exhibit captivating artistic design paired with the festival’s curation of euphoric anthems, enhanced by distinctive special effects that will create an exhilarating atmosphere throughout the weekends. In parallel, the Underground stage will deliver a fully immersive holographic journey, featuring the latest in 3D mapping technology to transform the space in harmony with pulsating Techno beats, offering a cutting-edge visual and sonic experience. Adding to the festival’s diversity, the House of Freaks stage functions as an indoor venue, embracing flamboyant energy and confetti-fuelled moments, keeping crowds moving late into the night to the hottest House selections.

Accompanying the range of music across stages, the festival will feature an entertainment village showcasing the Freak Bazar, dedicated chill zones, alongside food and beverage offerings, gaming experiences, and an array of interactive activations, including local brands, designers, and creators, providing a vibrant social space for guests to explore throughout the festival’s programming.

Freakyard actively invites festival-goers to embrace a sense of freedom, leaving behind work, stress, and the pressures of daily life. It celebrates the “Freak”, an unapologetically authentic, fun-seeking individual, encouraging attendees to reconnect, lose themselves in the music and atmosphere, and create unforgettable memories that endure long after the night ends. As part of the 2026 experience, Freakyard has recently announced a DJ competition and will soon reveal a new merchandise range, along with numerous other experiential activities for local and international guests to enjoy, complemented by immersive art installations and roaming characters that transform the grounds into a truly interactive and unforgettable universe.

Yazeed Al-Hashim, Chief Freak, comments, “Phase two is where the full picture of Freakyard 2026 really comes into focus. Artists like Eric Prydz, Martin Garrix, Hot Since 82, Kasablanca, and Mathame represent different worlds within electronic music, and bringing them together under one creative vision is exactly what Freaks of Nature is about. This lineup reflects years of trust, curation, and ambition — and it confirms Freakyard as a destination that stands confidently on the global festival map.”

Freaks of Nature is an internationally recognised series of boutique electronic music and arts festivals born in Saudi Arabia and loved globally. It provides a vibrant platform for international headliners, emerging artists, and local talent to showcase a diverse electronic soundscape focused firmly on the dance floor and encouraging freedom of expression for attendees. Each event is a multi-sensory experience, featuring electrifying dance, stunning visuals, immersive special effects, and flamboyant costumes. Freaks of Nature fluently transcends barriers, celebrates music, and continues to captivate audiences with its unforgettable, transformative atmosphere.

As Saudi Arabia’s first globally exportable entertainment brand, Freaks of Nature fosters cultural exchange and positions the Kingdom as a hub for world-class festivals, elevating its presence at the forefront of the international scene.

Taking place on 5th–6th and 12th–13th of February 2026 in Riyadh, tickets are currently on sale for Freaks of Nature 2026. With the full lineup now revealed, attendees can secure their place in the Freakyard and join the growing Freak family.

Freaks Of Nature Festival: Freakyard Lineup:

ALAN WALKER | ALESSO | AMELIE LENS

ARTBAT | ERIC PRYDZ | HOT SINCE 82

KASABLANCA | MARTIN GARRIX | MATHAME

MEDUZA | MORTEN | THE FREAKS (LIVE)

ALAA JAZAERI | BJONES | BROOKS | CAIIRO | DUBVISION

LINSKA | MARTEN LOU | MATT PRIDGYN | MAX STYLER

MOONTALK | NITEFREAK | ONFAYA | RDJ | SAM COLLINS

SON OF SON | STASI SANLIN | THIRD PARTY | TOBY ROMEO

VIKKSTAR | YAZ | YUNITE | ZAMNA SOUNDSYSTEM

AERES | AHMED ZAINAL | ALLEN HULSEY

AMMAR | ASPYER | B-HYDRA B2B RDLF

K LED | KIMBERLY | LABI RAMAJ | LARGO

LUCAZ | MAJID | MBP | MIDWAY | MR JOE

NIK-B | NHA | PRINCE | RAG | RSCL

SPACE GURLL | VIVA | WEDAMNZ | WELLTRON

WOOKA | YAN.MUSIC

FLESH PLANET Announce Debut EP ‘// first flesh’ And Share “Evelyn”

Music

Eric Alper

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Jan 22, 2026

0

FLESH PLANET Announce Debut EP ‘// first flesh’ And Share “Evelyn”

Yorkshire newcomers FLESH PLANET have announced their debut EP, ‘// first flesh’, set for release on March 27, 2026. The EP is introduced by debut single “Evelyn,” out now alongside an official video filmed at Sandstone Studios by Witch of The East and Amy Lee. The track serves as the band’s first public statement, marking the arrival of a new project built from long-standing creative relationships.

“We wanted ‘Evelyn’ to be a strong introduction to Flesh Planet,” the band said. “It captures a lot of what we’re doing, the melodic side, the heavier moments and how those elements collide.” The song reflects a band comfortable letting texture and weight coexist, with its structure revealing a clear sense of intention rather than excess. It reads as a direct, uncluttered snapshot of a group defining its sound in real time.

FLESH PLANET features former Allusinlove members Damian Hughes, Drey Pavlovic, Jemal Beau Malki, and Connor Fisher-Atack. The quartet are currently completing the EP at Chairworks in Castleford, a residential studio associated with artists including The Reytons, Kaiser Chiefs, Paul Heaton, and Richard Hawley. The project blends grunge, shoegaze, industrial, and electronic influences into a focused new direction shaped by the members’ individual paths since regrouping.

The band will support ‘// first flesh’ with their first national UK tour in January and February 2026, opening for Vukovi and Saint Agnes, alongside a standalone date supporting 96 Bitter Beings in Milton Keynes. The tour places the band in front of audiences across the UK at an early stage, positioning the EP within a live context from the outset.

2026 UK Tour Dates:
Jan 30 – Newcastle – University Union *
Jan 31 – Sheffield – Foundry *
Feb 3 – Southampton – The 1865 *
Feb 4 – Brighton – Chalk *
Feb 6 – Birmingham – XOYO *
Feb 7 – Nottingham – Rescue Rooms *
Feb 8 – Norwich – The Waterfront *
Feb 10 – Edinburgh – La Belle Angele *
Feb 11 – Aberdeen – Tunnels *
Feb 15 – Milton Keynes – The Crauford Arms ^