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5 Surprising Facts About Yes’ ‘Close to the Edge’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Yes’ ‘Close to the Edge’

In September 1972, Yes released Close to the Edge, an album that soared to new heights of musical imagination. With its intricate arrangements, poetic lyrics, and fearless experimentation, the record became a landmark in progressive rock. It brought together everything the band had been building toward—Jon Anderson’s mystical visions, Steve Howe’s virtuosic guitar work, Rick Wakeman’s majestic keyboards, Chris Squire’s thunderous bass, and Bill Bruford’s inventive drumming. Together with producer Eddy Offord, Yes created a world that felt both celestial and grounded, intimate and infinite. From its opening swirl of nature sounds to its final fading echoes, Close to the Edge invites listeners into a sprawling, symphonic journey.

Here are 5 wondrous facts you might not know about the making of this classic:

1. A 40-Foot Tape Loop? Oh, Go On Then!
Before a single lyric was sung, the album’s title track opened with a blend of babbling brooks, chirping birds, and wind chimes—all spliced together on a whopping 40-foot loop of tape. Jon Anderson fancied a bit of nature in his music, so they quite literally stitched the forest into the song.

2. Rick Wakeman Played a Church Organ. A Real One.
For the celestial bit in “I Get Up, I Get Down,” Rick Wakeman popped over to St Giles-without-Cripplegate in London to record on a proper church pipe organ. It was so majestic, one might’ve expected a knight to gallop past mid-solo.

3. The Album Nearly Went in the Bin. Literally.
One of the band’s favourite takes got tossed by the cleaning crew at Advision Studios. What followed was a frantic bin dive, rescuing magnetic tape from the jaws of a janitor’s dustbin. Progressive rock: glamorous and gritty!

4. Steve Howe’s “Okay” Wasn’t Meant to Stay
The very first sound you hear on “And You and I”? That little “Okay”—it’s Steve Howe responding to the engineer. Completely unplanned, but the producer insisted it added charm. And honestly, he was right. It’s prog with a wink.

5. Roger Dean’s Logo Debuted Here, Mid-Train Journey
While the band crafted soundscapes from dreams, artist Roger Dean doodled a now-iconic bubble logo on a train to Brighton. Inspired by medieval bookbinding and misty tarns in the Lake District, the artwork became as timeless as the music.

From bubbling brooks to bin rescues, Close to the Edge is a prog masterpiece full of eccentric magic and meticulous invention. It doesn’t just sound like another world—it practically built one.

5 Surprising Facts About David Bowie’s ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About David Bowie’s ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)’

In September 1980, David Bowie stepped out of the Berlin shadows and straight into a Pierrot costume. Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) arrived with a snarl, a stomp, and a synthesiser scream. Art rock met new wave in a glorious whirl of fashion, fear, and fractured guitars. The songs sounded like they came from the future, while the visuals whispered of ghosts from Bowie’s past. It remains a towering moment—sharp, strange, and utterly magnetic. Here are five curious details from that remarkable record.

1. “Ashes to Ashes” came with a video that rewrote the rules
With a budget fit for a moon landing, the “Ashes to Ashes” video featured Bowie as a clown, a drifter, and a prophet wandering through a seaside dreamscape. Members of the Blitz Club marched beside him, and the whole thing played like a fashion show in deep space. It helped launch a new generation of British style and sound.

2. Robert Fripp’s guitar howled like a machine possessed
Bowie invited King Crimson’s Robert Fripp to return on lead guitar, and his playing cut through the album like lightning through fog. On tracks like “Fashion” and “Scary Monsters,” his sound added edge, movement, and a sort of disciplined madness. No one else played quite like Fripp, and Bowie gave him the perfect canvas.

3. “Fashion” started life as something entirely unexpected
During early sessions, the band jammed on a reggae-inspired groove they called “Jamaica.” That rhythmic foundation carried through, but the final result had much more bite. Once Bowie added lyrics about goon squads, trendsetters, and turning to the left, “Fashion” became a biting, brilliant anthem for the club floor and beyond.

4. Pete Townshend quietly lent his touch to “Because You’re Young”
The Who’s guitarist stepped into the studio to contribute to one of the album’s most heartfelt tracks. His playing didn’t leap forward in the mix, but it added tension and tenderness to a song filled with wisdom and warning. It’s a rare meeting of rock titans—and a subtle one at that.

5. The album cover stitched together a whole Bowie universe
Designed by Edward Bell with photography by Brian Duffy, the cover showed Bowie as the haunted Pierrot, gazing out from a chaotic collage. The back sleeve included nods to Low, “Heroes”, Lodger, and Aladdin Sane, tucked into tiny whitewashed frames. Each image served as a breadcrumb, tracing the journey that led to Scary Monsters.

Bowie approached Scary Monsters with clarity, confidence, and a touch of theatre. The songs sparkle with sharp wit and emotional weight, while the visuals brought his whole pop mythos into focus. It marks a creative summit—a place where art met pop, where ghosts danced with machines, and where Bowie, once again, reshaped the sound of a decade.

5 Surprising Facts About The Weeknd’s ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About The Weeknd’s ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’

Released on August 28, 2015, Beauty Behind the Madness catapulted The Weeknd from mysterious mixtape marvel to global pop powerhouse. With chart-topping hits, cinematic ballads, and a production dream team, the album redefined what alt-R&B could sound like on the world stage. But beyond the diamond plaques and Grammy wins, here are five fun and lesser-known facts that give the album even more sparkle.

1. “The Hills” Rose from a Home Studio in Toronto
The eerie, cinematic hit began with a demo by producer Mano and evolved inside The Weeknd’s own home studio. Illangelo sculpted the final version with lo-fi vocals and a slow-building structure, saving the bridge and outro for last. Every sound choice feels like a thunderstorm waiting to break.

2. “Can’t Feel My Face” Premiered at an Apple Keynote
Before taking over dance floors worldwide, the Max Martin-produced hit made its debut at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference. The Weeknd performed the track live—right between software updates and tech reveals—proving that great pop thrives in unexpected places.

3. Ed Sheeran Wrote “Dark Times” in the Moment
Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd met up with no song in hand—just inspiration, instruments, and good energy. They created “Dark Times” together on the spot, writing and recording in real time. The track captured their shared love for late-night melodies and honest lyrics.

4. “Earned It” Plays Twice in Fifty Shades of Grey
The Weeknd’s sultry ballad “Earned It” became so integral to the film’s mood that it appears twice in the movie. Its orchestral production and seductive vocal helped bridge the world of the screen with the world of Beauty Behind the Madness, where a longer version was featured on the album.

5. Lana Del Rey and The Weeknd Shared Instant Studio Chemistry
When Lana Del Rey joined The Weeknd for “Prisoner,” their voices blended like a dream. The session felt effortless, with both artists feeding off each other’s cinematic style and emotional depth. The result is a gorgeously moody track that still feels suspended in time.

From home-studio magic to surprise pop premieres, Beauty Behind the Madness is a masterclass in creativity, collaboration, and cinematic ambition. Whether you’re here for the Michael Jackson-inspired grooves or the midnight confessions, there’s always more to discover behind the madness.

New Book ‘Pearl Jam Live!’ By Selena Fragassi Chronicles 35 Years of Iconic Shows, Music, and Legacy

Eric Alper
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New Book ‘Pearl Jam Live!’ By Selena Fragassi Chronicles 35 Years of Iconic Shows, Music, and Legacy

A must-have for every Pearl Jam fan, this beautifully designed volume Pearl Jam Live!: 35 Years of Legendary Music and Revolutionary Shows by Selena Fragassi (out October 14) traces 35 years of the groundbreaking grunge group through photos, interviews, and all the fascinating facts.

Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder, and Matt Cameron are Seattle’s own alternative rock band that sprang to the top of the charts (and into the angsty hearts of millions of global fans) in the 1990s. Though each of the members and the band itself has faced their ups and downs in the four decades since they came together, they continue to release new music and maintain a loyal fan base.

In Pearl Jam Live! music journalist Selena Fragassi delves into the band’s origins—from their beginning as Green River to their earliest influences—to their biggest successes in the ’90s, to their continued achievements today and the lasting legacy they’ve left in the alt-rock canon. Along the way, readers will also explore:
 

  • The creation of Pearl Jam’s biggest hits, such as “Even Flow” and “Last Kiss”
  • The fan culture that built up around the band, from the small gigs and mall tours of their earliest years to performances at Lollapalooza and their Gigaton tour
  • Pearl Jam’s influences, from classic rock to pop, and their place in rock history
  • The lasting legacy of a band proudly celebrating their thirty-fifth anniversary


Step by step, through interviews, photos, and sidebars full of fun facts and trivia, you’ll learn something new about the band on every page. This book is the perfect companion to your lasting reverence for Pearl Jam.

The Fell Unleash New Single “Killswitch,” Announce ‘The Killswitch EP’ and Fall Release Schedule

Eric Alper
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The Fell Unleash New Single “Killswitch,” Announce ‘The Killswitch EP’ and Fall Release Schedule

Modern rock supergroup The Fell returns with their electrifying new single “Killswitch,” a crushing, high-voltage anthem that melds the golden age of rock with a modern-day edge via Crown X Recording/BCMG Recordings.

The song will be available in Dolby Atmos mix via Apple, Amazon, and Tidal on August 15th.

“Killswitch” is about reclaiming control, cutting off the noise, shutting down manipulation, and powering through chaos with conviction, says the band. It’s a rally cry for anyone who’s ever felt pushed to the edge. The track pulses with massive guitars, blistering bass, and bone-crushing drums, wrapped in a wall of sound that nods to the best of late ’80s and ’90s rock while punching hard with a polished modern edge. This is not nostalgia, this is evolution.

The Fell’s powerhouse lineup features legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, Sons of Apollo), multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and guitar player Mike (K) Krompass (Smash Mouth, Nelly Furtado, Everybody Loves an Outlaw, Dead Romantic), and vocal powerhouse Toby Rand (Rockstar: Supernova, Juke Kartel, Ashen Moon), whose dynamic voice soars over a backdrop of “Killswitch”’s grinding riffs and thunderous grooves. Sheehan delivers his signature low-end firepower with acrobatic flair, while Krompass’s massive guitar tones and razor-sharp production elevate the track to arena-sized proportions. Rounding out the lineup is elite session drummer Nick Chiarore (Dead Romantic), whose explosive drumming brings relentless precision and raw intensity. Chiarore’s chops can be heard on recordings with Slash and Steve Vai.

“Face Out” will follow on September 12th with “Trippin’” on October 24th, and a new version of their hit “Footprints” (with Toby on vocals) on November 28th.

October 24th, The Killswitch EP will be released in special packaging containing both CD and laser-etched LP, will feature four streaming singles plus a new version of “Dancin’ On A Glass Floor” that will remain exclusive to this release. A limited number of band-signed deluxe editions will be available through their webstore. Watch for the announcement of record release shows in late October.

Prince’s Sign O’ The Times Concert Film Coming to IMAX Theatres Globally for the First Time August 29

Eric Alper
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0
Prince’s Sign O’ The Times Concert Film Coming to IMAX Theatres Globally for the First Time August 29

For the first time, the iconic concert film Prince – Sign O’ The Times will be released exclusively in IMAX theatres globally for a limited time, beginning August 29th. The critically acclaimed 1987 film, directed by Prince and featuring Prince with his talented band of musicians, including Sheila E., has undergone IMAX’s proprietary Digital Media Remastering (DMR) process to deliver unprecedented image and sound quality, offering audiences an immersive experience of Prince’s legendary performance like never before.

Early Access Showtimes will be offered in IMAX on August 28th for all the Prince fans!

Sign O’ The Times is widely celebrated for capturing the artist at his creative peak—blending electrifying concert footage with cinematic storytelling, powerful visuals, and genre-defying sound. Now, enhanced with IMAX’s precision surround sound audio, customized theatre geometry, and crystal-clear images, Prince’s virtuoso performance is set to mesmerize fans old and new in the most epic format available. Prince – Sign O’ The Times features some of Prince’s most iconic tracks, including “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” the anthemic title track “Sign O’ The Times,” and “U Got The Look,” Prince’s smash hit duet with Sheena Easton. The film showcases Prince’s unparalleled musicianship, stagecraft, and style, highlighting his timeless impact on music and popular culture.

Blackpink’s “Jump” Tops Global Charts, Becomes Group’s Most Successful Debut to Date

Eric Alper
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0
Blackpink’s “Jump” Tops Global Charts, Becomes Group’s Most Successful Debut to Date

K-pop superstars Blackpink have dominated major global charts during the first week of their latest single, “Jump.”

According to the most recent YouTube charts, ending on July 17th, “Jump” ranked No. 1 on the Global Weekly Top Songs and Weekly Top Music Videos charts. The track topped the Korean, US, UK, and Canadian charts.

Since its release on July 11th, the song has received explosive fan response on YouTube, debuting at No. 1 on Worldwide Trending Videos and Top Rising Music, maintaining a top position since then.

Beyond YouTube, Blackpink’s power is reflected across major global charts. On Spotify, “Jump” reached No. 1 on the Global Weekly Chart, marking the group’s record as the K-pop act with the most No. 1 songs on that platform. It has also held the No. 1 spot on the daily chart for six consecutive days. On the UK Official Singles Chart, the song reached No. 18, the highest rank for any Blackpink release.

The group is currently on their Blackpink World Tour across 16 cities and 31 shows. After successful performances in Goyang, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the tour will continue to Toronto and New York, followed by major stadium dates in Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bulacan, Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

Ed Sheeran Announces 2026 Loop Tour of Australia & New Zealand with New Album ‘Play’

Eric Alper
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0
Ed Sheeran Announces 2026 Loop Tour of Australia & New Zealand with New Album ‘Play’

Frontier Touring and MG Live are thrilled to announce the hotly anticipated return of global superstar Ed Sheeran. He is heading back to Australia and New Zealand next January, February and March 2026 with his all-new Loop Tour for a massive run of stadium shows.

Having sold over 2.5 million tickets across Australia and New Zealand to date, Sheeran’s Loop Tour sees the beloved singer returning to our shores with a new live show that’ll follow the release of his new album, Play, out Friday, September 12th. Performing at stadiums in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch (his first show there in 11 years), before heading to Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, Ed’s new live show promises to be filled with surprises, new music, as well as his biggest hits.

Sheeran is an era-defining artist who has sold nearly 200 million records globally. Recently, he was celebrated as a 12-time member of Spotify’s Billions Club, while Apple Music revealed his 2017 hit “Shape Of You” was their most-streamed song of the last decade. Moreover, Ed recently surpassed 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify, seeing him become the platform’s fourth most-listened-to artist in the world. Last on our shores in 2023 – when he played to a record-breaking 200,000 fans across two nights at Melbourne’s iconic MCG – Sheeran’s mammoth Mathematics Tour spanned countless shows across the globe, continuing his streak of breaking records and making history.

Presales start on Friday, July 25th, ahead of the general sale on Tuesday, July 29th.

To protect fans, strict anti-scalping measures will be in place. All tickets will be digitally delivered and accessible via official ticketing apps only. Fans are strongly advised to only purchase tickets from official ticketing partners.

Led by lead singles “Azizam,” “Sapphire,” and “Old Phone,”​ Play marks the beginning of a fresh new chapter for Sheeran. The singer-songwriter’s latest work is an explorative, technicolor pop album that captures the fun, chaos, and heart of an artist reinvigorated by life and travel. Promising all-new stage production centred around the joyful, expansive sound of Play, the upcoming stadium shows will incorporate new visuals, intimate acoustic moments alongside his renowned loop pedal performances, and the full stadium sing-alongs only Ed Sheeran can deliver.

Inspired by musical cultures from around the globe – particularly Indian and Persian cultures and their surprising melodic connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with through shared scales, rhythms and melodies – Play encompasses an eclectic and borderless sound. On the album, Sheeran has teamed up with producers and musicians from across the globe, showcasing his limitless musicianship.

Ed Sheeran The Loop Tour 2026 Australian/New Zealand Dates:

Jan 16 – Auckland, NZ @ GO Media Stadium
Jan 21 – Wellington, NZ @ Sky Stadium
Jan 24 – Christchurch, NZ @ Apollo Projects Stadium
Jan 31 – Perth, WA @ ​Optus Stadium
Feb 13 – Sydney, NSW @ Accor Stadium
Feb 14 – Sydney, NSW @ Accor Stadium
Feb 20 – Brisbane, QLD @ Suncorp Stadium
Feb 21 – Brisbane, QLD @ Suncorp Stadium
Feb 26 – Melbourne, VIC @ Marvel Stadium
Feb 27 – Melbourne, VIC @ Marvel Stadium
Mar 5 – Adelaide, SA @ Adelaide Oval

Miranda Lambert Scores Biggest Streaming Debut with “A Song To Sing” Featuring Chris Stapleton

Eric Alper
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Miranda Lambert Scores Biggest Streaming Debut with “A Song To Sing” Featuring Chris Stapleton

Miranda Lambert’s “A Song To Sing” with Chris Stapleton has earned Lambert her biggest streaming debut. In its first week since release, the track surpasses the previous record set by Postcards from Texas lead single “Wranglers” in May 2024.

Racking up more than 3.3 million U.S. streams and over 4.3 million streams globally, the track also topped 27,000 U.S. track consumptions. Co-written by the pair along with Jesse Frasure and Jenee Fleenor, the song also arrives at No. 1 on the Country Digital Song Sales chart. It is also off to a strong start at Country radio, arriving at No. 20 on the Country Airplay chart and marking a major moment in what’s already been a landmark year for the winningest artist in Academy of Country Music history.

Lambert made a surprise appearance in Los Angeles on Saturday alongside Stapleton at SoFi Stadium for a live debut of “A Song To Sing,” while returning to the stage later in the evening to join George Strait for performances of the King of Country’s hits “Run” and “How ’Bout Them Cowgirls.”

She’s also supporting Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem Tour throughout the summer with select headlining fair and festival dates. Lambert also recently announced Band Together Texas, a benefit concert to raise crucial funds for The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas Community Foundation as they spearhead recovery efforts in her home state following the devastating floods earlier this month.

World Peace Concert ‘Sound of Peace’ to Take Place at St. Peter’s Square on International Day of Peace

Eric Alper
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World Peace Concert ‘Sound of Peace’ to Take Place at St. Peter’s Square on International Day of Peace

On the International Day of Peace, September 21, 2025, a historic event will take place on Piazza Pio XII, set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Peter’s Square.

The World Peace Concert, dubbed Sound of Peace, is a global benefit concert that brings together internationally renowned artists to send a powerful message of peace and unity. From Rome, the message, “Peace begins within us,” will be shared with the world. The World Peace Concert is under the patronage of the Jubilee 2025 – Holy Year and the Fondazione Pro Musica e Arte Sacra.

Between St. Peter’s Square and Castel Sant’Angelo, artists and music lovers from across the globe will come together to make a collective statement of hope. The concert celebrates the universal language of music as a bridge between cultures and generations.

Sound of Peace is more than just a concert. In the spirit of global solidarity, donations will be raised to support humanitarian aid projects for children and families affected by war, as well as initiatives promoting cultural education and global cooperation.

Further details on the participating artists, program, schedule, live broadcast, and how to attend will be announced soon.

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That Eric Alper

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

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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