For the first time, director Rob Reiner and cocreators Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer provide the full behind-the-scenes story of the making of the groundbreaking mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap and its upcoming sequel.
Since its original release in 1984, This Is Spinal Tap has evolved from a beloved cult film into a cinematic landmark: an all-time comedy classic that pioneered an entire genre, the mockumentary. Now, director Rob Reiner and his cowriters and costars, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, tell the complete story of the movie and its fictitious band—how they met, how Spinal Tap came to be, and how their low-budget indie film took on a life of its own. Years after the movie first came out, the Library of Congress selected This Is Spinal Tap for inclusion in the National Film Registry and Tap went on to play The Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium, and to over 100,000 fans at the Glastonbury Festival in England.
Reiner, Guest, McKean, and Shearer provide the backstories to the movie’s famous lines—among them “Hello, Cleveland!,” “None more black,” “You can’t dust for vomit,” and “These go to eleven”—and to such Tap anthems as “Big Bottom” and “Stonehenge.” Featuring never-before-seen photographs, band memorabilia, and personal reminiscences of their enduring creative partnership, A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever will delight Tap-heads of all ages—just as the long-awaited Spinal Tap sequel is hitting theaters.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever also comes with a bonus memoir by Reiner’s directorial alter ego, Marty DiBergi, in which he interviews Tap band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls about their musical journey and their drummers who paid the ultimate sacrifice to the rock gods.
‘A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap’ Book Coming September 9 with Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean & Harry Shearer
P!nk’s Isolated Vocals For “Raise Your Glass”
P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” is a celebratory anthem honoring her first decade in music and the fans who stood by her. Written with Max Martin and Shellback, it became her third US #1 hit and a global party anthem. Its infectious spirit even found its way into films, commercials, and TV dance floors.
15 Guitar Duos That Melt Faces Together
There’s something magical when two guitars collide. One lays down the fire, the other fans the flames, and together they create explosions that single strums can’t touch. From metal to jazz, blues to stadium rock, these duos prove that six strings are better when doubled.
The Allman Brothers Band
Duane Allman and Dickey Betts turned jams into symphonies of slide, melody, and soul. Their guitars wove like dancers in perfect time. “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” remains a masterclass.
The Beatles
George Harrison and John Lennon weren’t about flash—they were about chemistry. Their guitars locked together in rhythm and melody, creating timeless textures. “And Your Bird Can Sing” showcases their joyful interplay.
The Eagles
Don Felder and Joe Walsh made harmony guitars soar like jet engines across stadium skies. Smooth licks and fiery solos combined into California gold. “Hotel California” still burns.
Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl and Pat Smear pile riffs on riffs like a tidal wave. Add Chris Shiflett’s precision, and the wall of sound becomes unstoppable. “All My Life” is three-guitar heaven.
Grateful Dead
Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir built a language of counterpoint and conversation. One chased melody, the other shaped rhythm into something endlessly alive. “Scarlet Begonias” captures their magic.
Iron Maiden
Dave Murray and Adrian Smith fused galloping riffs with melodic leads that gave Maiden their epic wings. Add Janick Gers later, and it’s a three-guitar army. “The Trooper” still charges.
James Brown
Jimmy Nolen and Phelps “Catfish” Collins turned guitars into percussive weapons, locking into grooves so tight they sparked funk itself. Listen to “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” to feel the rhythm cut like a razor.
Judas Priest
Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing defined metal guitar theatrics. One handled the soaring leads, the other thunderous riffs, and together—pure steel. “Victim of Changes” will rattle your bones.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Allen Collins and Gary Rossington didn’t stop at dueling guitars—they built triple harmonies that roared with Southern pride. “Free Bird” is their eternal calling card.
The Rolling Stones
Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood perfected the “weaving” technique—riffs bouncing back and forth until rhythm and lead became inseparable. Hear it shine on “Beast of Burden.”
Santana
Carlos Santana and Neal Schon blended Latin fire with rock virtuosity. The result? Guitars that sing, cry, and dance together. “Toussaint L’Overture” is an absolute face-melter.
Slayer
Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman unleashed a hurricane of thrash. Blazing solos and vicious riffs collided with ferocity. “Angel of Death” is their scorched-earth masterpiece.
Steely Dan
Walter Becker and Denny Dias (with guests like Larry Carlton) created guitar lines as smooth as jazz and as sharp as satire. Every part fit with surgical precision. “Kid Charlemagne” shows the craft.
Television
Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd made guitar interplay sound like jazz poets in a downtown dive. Tangled, angular, yet hypnotic. Spin “Marquee Moon” for proof.
Thin Lizzy
Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson built harmonized leads that could level arenas. Smooth, fiery, and unforgettable. Blast “The Boys Are Back in Town” and feel the twin-guitar magic.
The Joyful Ritual of Vocal Warm-Ups: How Musicians Tune Their Greatest Instrument
Every performance begins long before the stage lights rise. For professional musicians, the vocal warm-up is more than preparation—it’s a ritual of connection, creativity, and care. Here are the uplifting techniques singers across genres embrace to bring their voices alive:
- Gentle humming: Awakens the voice with warmth and resonance, easing into sound like a sunrise over melody.
- Lip trills: A playful buzz that keeps the breath flowing freely while energizing the vocal cords.
- Scale runs: A musical ladder that builds flexibility, strength, and confidence across every note.
- Breath focus: Deep inhalations expand capacity, giving singers the power to sustain phrases with beauty and control.
- Tongue twisters: Quick, clever exercises sharpen diction, ensuring every lyric rings clear.
- Sirens: Sweeping from low to high notes strengthens range and smooth transitions.
- Resonance drills: Exploring chest, mouth, and head placement shapes a full, rich tonal palette.
- Mind-body alignment: Relaxation, posture, and mindfulness unite to anchor the voice in presence and poise.
These warm-ups aren’t chores—they’re celebrations. Each one is a reminder that the human voice is an instrument of limitless possibility, tuned not only by sound, but by joy.
BIG SPECIAL Announce EU and UK Headline Tour, Culminating at London’s Iconic Roundhouse
BIG SPECIAL have announced a run of UK and European headline tour dates. The band will tour their acclaimed, inimitably rowdy live show through the EU this October before a UK run in February 2026 sees them perform their biggest headline show to date at London’s Roundhouse.
BIG SPECIAL recently headlined a sold-out show at London’s Forum and are currently on tour opening for Pixies in the UK and Europe. Earlier this year the band released a deluxe edition of their debut album POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES, which is out now on SO Recordings.
2025 Tour Dates:
14 May – O2 Academy, Edinburgh, UK **
16 May – O2 Academy, Brixton, London, UK **
17 May – O2 Academy, Brixton, London, UK **
19 May – O2 Academy, Leeds, UK **
20 May – O2 Academy, Birmingham, UK **
21 May – Utilita Arena, Cardiff, UK **
23 May – O2 City Hall, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK **
24 May – O2 Apollo, Manchester, UK **
25 May – Dot To Dot Festival, Bristol, UK
30 May – Maifield Derby, Maimarkt Mannheim, Mannheim, DE
25-28 Jul – Deer Shed Festival, Thirsk, UK
08 Oct – Cactus Café, Bruges, BE
09 Oct – Trix Bar, Antwerp, BE
10 Oct – Rotown, Rotterdam, NL
11 Oct – Bitterzoet, Amsterdam, NL
12 Oct – Hall of Fame, Tilburg, NL
14 Oct – Loppen, Copenhagen, DK
15 Oct – Lux, Hannover, DE
16 Oct – Kantine, Berlin, DE
17 Oct – Chmury, Warsaw, PL
18 Oct – Café V lese, Prague, CZ
22 Oct – Arena, Vienna, AUT
23 Oct – Santeria, Milan, IT
24 Oct – Exil, Zurich, CH
25 Oct – Orangehouse, Munich, DE
28 Oct – MTC, Cologne, DE
29 Oct – La Boule Noire, Paris, FR
31 Oct – Razzmatazz 3, Barcelona, ESP
01 Nov – El Sol, Madrid, ESP
** = Pixies support
Nourished By Time Announces Massive 38-Date Headline Tour Ahead of New Album ‘The Passionate Ones’
Following last week’s news that Nourished By Time will release his highly anticipated new album The Passionate Ones on August 22nd via XL, the singer-songwriter, producer and performer today announces his first extended headline tour which will include 38-dates across North American, Europe, UK and Ireland, kicking off Thursday, September 11th in his birthplace of Baltimore, and ending on November 25th in Dublin, Ireland.
Nourished By Time has quickly become a must-see-live act, solidifying his position as one of contemporary music’s most intriguing and vital new artists. Threaded amongst the upcoming 2025 global headline tour dates are notable festival appearances including Lollapalooza (Chicago), Primavera (Barcelona), Outside Lands (San Francisco), Club to Club (Italy), and Governor’s Ball (NYC), among others.
Across 2023 and 2024 Nourished By Time toured extensively opening for Metronomey, Panda Bear, Vagabond, Jamie xx, and Toro y Moi, and sold-out headline shows at Los Angeles’ Echoplex, New York City’s Bowery Ballroom, and London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) plus making his debut at notable festivals around the world including: Pitchfork Music Festival, RALLY London, Way Out West, End Of The Road. The Washington Post noted that Brown’s entrancing live performance is “a new kind of enlightenment,” and that to see him perform on stage, “felt something like witnessing a Jodeci concert while maintaining a handstand, a heavy swirl of blood and serotonin continuously rushing to your head.”
On August 22nd, 2025, Nourished By Time will release The Passionate Ones. Crafted between Baltimore, London, and NYC, The Passionate Ones is a sermon, a twelve-track catharsis, howled from the underbelly of late-stage capitalism, a blueprint for building your own altar in the ruins of the American Dream.
Tour Dates:
May 16 – San Diego, CA – Wonderfront Music Festival
May 18 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Block Party
May 31 – Istanbul, TR – Saloon IKSV
June 2 – Paris, FR – Hasard Ludlique
June 4 – Lisbon, PT – ZDB
June 5 – Barcelona, ES – Primavera Sound
June 8 – New York, NY – Governor’s Ball Music Festival
July 31 – Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza
August 10 – San Francisco, CA – Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
September 11 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar *
September 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Foundry at The Fillmore *
September 13 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza *
September 15 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair *
September 17 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD *
September 18 – Toronto, ON – Velvet Underground *
September 20 – Detroit, MI – El Club *
September 22 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall *
September 23 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
September 25 – Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium
September 28 – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge
September 30 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
October 2 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent *
October 4 – Seattle, WA – Barboza *
October 6 – Vancouver, BC – Hollywood Theatre *
October 7 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios *
October 9 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre *
October 10 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah *
October 13 – Austin, TX – 3TEN ACL Live *
October 14 – Houston, TX –The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues Houston *
October 15 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada *
October 17 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade – Altar *
October 18 – Nashville, TN – Blue Room *
October 20 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre *
October 21 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis *
November 1 – Turin, IT – Club To Club Festival
November 7 – Malmo, SE – Plan B ^
November 8 – Copenhagen, DK – Hotel Cecil +
November 10 – Hamburg, DE – Nochtspeicher +
November 12 – Warsaw, PL – Hydrozagadka +
November 13 – Berlin, DE – Säälchen ~
November 15 – Utrecht, NL – EKKO ~
November 16 – Antwerp, BE – Trix ~
November 17 – Paris, FR – Petit Bain ~
November 19 – Bristol, UK – Lantern Hall ~
November 20 – London, UK – Electric Brixton ~
November 23 – Manchester, UK – Gorilla
November 24 – Glasgow, UK – The Glasgow School of Art ^
November 25 – Dublin, IE – Whelan’s
* Zsela opening | ^ Tony Bontana opening | + Laura Groves opening | ~ Joviale opening
Nova Twins Unleash Ferocious New Single ‘Piranha’ Ahead of Upcoming Album ‘Parasites & Butterflies’
Alt-rock powerhouses Nova Twins return with feral new single “Piranha,” taken from their hotly anticipated third album, Parasites & Butterflies, out August 29th, 2025 via Marshall Records.
Following recent singles “Monsters” and “Soprano”, the track dives into murkier waters. Anchored by snarling bass, razor-sharp riffs, and fiercely charged vocals, “Piranha” channels unrest and unease, capturing the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the world around us.
With “Piranha”, Nova Twins continue to carve their own path, unafraid to challenge, question, and provoke. The track offers a powerful glimpse of what’s to come on Parasites & Butterflies, an album that promises to bridge chaos and beauty, strength and vulnerability.
With nods to the raw, chaotic style of The Blair Witch Project, the video captures the ominous, predatory nature at the heart of “Piranha”.
The album was recorded in Vermont, USA, with legendary producer Rich Costey (Foo Fighters, Muse, Deftones, Sam Fender). From front to back, it’s a genre-shattering statement of intent, balancing dancefloor detonators with moments of raw introspection. Full of contrast and scale, it reveals Nova Twins at their most expansive.
Nova Twins have also announced a UK and EU headline tour for September and October 2025. Following a packed summer of 19 festival appearances, including another return to Glastonbury and support dates with Biffy Clyro, the tour kicks off in the Netherlands on September 17th and wraps up in London at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on October 18th, marking their biggest hometown show to date.
Tour Dates:
09/17th – Utrecht, Netherlands – Tivoli Vredenburg
09/18th – Tilburg, Netherlands – O13
09/19th – Ghent, Belgium – Club Wintercircus
09/21st – Cologne, Germany – Luxor
09/22nd – Berlin, Germany – Frannz Club
09/23rd – Warsaw, Poland – Hybrydy
09/25th – Prague, Czech Republic – Rock Café
09/26th – Munich, Germany – Strom
09/27th – Vienna, Austria – Flex
09/29th – Zürich, Switzerland – Komplex Klub
09/30th – Milan, Italy – Santeria Toscana 31
10/1st – Lyon, France – Le Transbordeur
10/3rd – Barcelona, Spain, La (2)
10/4th – Madrid, Spain – Sala Villanos
10/6th – Toulouse, France – Le Rex
10/7th – Angers, France – Chabada
10/8th – Paris, France – Alhambra
10/10th – Lille, France – Le Grand Mix
10/11th – Bristol, England –Electric Bristol
10/12th – Glasgow, Scotland – SWG3 TV Studio
10/14th – Dublin, Ireland – Button Factory
10/15th – Manchester, England – O2 Ritz
10/17th – Wolverhampton, England – Wulfrun Hall
10/18th – London, England – O2 Forum Kentish Town
Foreigner Reimagines ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ in Spanish with Joy Huerta on Duet ‘Quiero Saber Si Es Amor’
Foreigner is paying tribute to its Latin fans with the Spanish-language release of its most beloved hit with “Quiero Saber Si Es Amor.” The emotional duet is a powerful reimagining of this chart topping classic, “I Want To Know What Love Is.” This iconic duet features Luis Maldonado, FOREIGNER’s own guitarist and vocalist, alongside acclaimed Mexican singer-songwriter Joy Huerta of the GRAMMY award-winning duo Jesse & Joy, out now.
The single will be released in two versions – one entirely in Spanish and a bilingual Spanish-English edition – marking FOREIGNER’s first official foray into Spanish-language recordings. The release comes as the band just wrapped its 2025 South American tour, which included stops in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and beyond.
The Spanish adaptation of “Quiero Saber Si Es Amor” was created in collaboration with Warner Chappell Music songwriter and Chilean music producer Cris Zalles. His creativity was key in preserving the song’s original sentiment while adding a fresh flair that will resonate with Spanish-speaking audiences.
“We have been embraced by our Latino fans for decades,” said guitarist and vocalist Luis Maldonado. “Recording these songs in Spanish is our way of thanking them and sharing the music in a more intimate and personal way.”
Joy Huerta recalls a moment in the studio with FOREIGNER founding member, songwriter, and producer Mick Jones. She asked Jones, “What is love?” to which Jones replied, “Love is a sentiment – and so much more.” She adds, “That moment speaks deeply to Latinos, and for me – having grown up with this song – recording it now with FOREIGNER in my own language is truly incredible.”
Joy Huerta was just named as the first Mexican woman to be nominated for the 2025 Tony Award for Best Original Score for her work on “Real Women Have Curves: The Musical,” currently playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre on Broadway. With “Quiero Saber Si Es Amor,” Huerta brings her powerhouse vocals to the collaboration, blending seamlessly with Maldonado’s breathtaking performance.
Alan Doyle’s Musical Comedy ‘Tell Tale Harbour’ Sails from Charlottetown to Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre
Co-written by and starring Great Big Sea’s Alan Doyle, the musical comedy Tell Tale Harbour made its smash-hit world premiere at Confederation Centre of The Arts in Charlottetown, PEI, in 2022. It returned to PEI in a revised production this summer – June 14 to August 29, 2025. Then they’ll pack up the entire production and bring it to Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre for the show’s “mainland” debut, September 23 – November 2, 2025.
Tickets to the Toronto engagement are onsale now at mirvish.com or by calling 1.800.461.3333.
Deep in the heart of Atlantic Canada sits a small but proud harbour eager to keep its community together. With the sudden closing of their precious fish plant, this once bountiful village is looking for a miracle. When an opportunity arises to secure a state-of-the-art frozen french fry factory — and the many jobs it would create — the entire community is galvanized into action.
There’s just one major obstacle — to secure the factory, the harbour must have a full-time resident doctor. Realizing this might be their last chance to save their beloved home, the townspeople come together to spin the truth and put on a show to charm an interim doctor into moving there permanently.
Tell Tale Harbour is packed with all the songs and laughs we expect from the best East Coast kitchen party. It is as relatable as it is ridiculous, as hilarious as it is heartfelt, and celebrates the people, the trials, and the triumphs of living in a small town on the edge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
Based on the screenplay The Grand Seduction by Ken Scott,Tell Tale Harbour is co-created by Adam Brazier, Alan Doyle, Bob Foster and Edward Riche.
Alan Doyle stars as Frank. The cast also includes AP Bautista (Marie), Karen Burthwright (Louise), Joel Cumber (Gus), Stephen Guy-McGrath (Gord, Understudy Yvon), Jacob Hemphill (Charles), Susan Henley (Vera), Gabrielle Jones (Gina), Connor Lucas (Swing), Melissa MacKenzie (Kathleen), Jamie McRoberts (Swing), Laurie Murdoch (Yvon), Kale Penny (Dr. Chris), Kristen Pottle (Swing, Dance Captain), Daniel Williston (Henry, Understudy Frank), and Alison Woolridge (Barbara).
The creative team includes Direction by Brian Hill, Music Direction by Bob Foster, Choreography by Robin Calvert, Set and Props Design by Michael Gianfrancesco, Costume Design by Joyce Padua, Lighting Design by Davida Tkach, Sound Design by Josh Liebert. The creative team also includes Morgan Saulnier (Associate Music Director), Kristen Pottle (Associate Choreographer), Brandon Kleiman (Associate Set Designer), Lani Martel (Stage Manager), Sandi Becker (Assistant Stage Manager), and Teagan Keith (Apprentice Stage Manager).
‘Dancing with Muddy’ Tells Jerry Portnoy’s Wild Journey from Chicago Streets to Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, and Beyond
Jerry Portnoy grew up in Chicago hearing the blues being played outside his father’s rug store on famed Maxwell Street during the late 1940s and early ’50s.
After dropping out of college, he became immersed in the colorful world of pool hustlers like Cornbread Red, and Minnesota Fats as he managed the largest pool hall in Chicago. During a stint as a paratrooper early in the Vietnam war, he applied for discharge as a conscientious objector, and lived in San Francisco during 1967’s “summer of love.” While bumming around Europe the following year, Portnoy heard the blues again on a record by Sonny Boy Williamson and instantly became obsessed with mastering blues harmonica.
He returned to Chicago and in 1974 he was playing in small Black clubs at night when Muddy Waters plucked him from his day job at Cook County Jail to fill the historic harmonica chair in his fabled band. Eric Clapton followed suit in 1991. In a career that took him from ghetto taverns to the White House and the Royal Albert Hall, he went from the raggedy vans and cheap roadside motels of the blues world to the private jets and five-star hotels of the rock world. Between those two very different gigs was a struggle to survive the vagaries of the music business and the pressures of life on the road. In a remarkable life, he also assisted in surgery, lodged in a Moroccan house of ill repute, and dined at Giorgio Armani’s.
Dancing with Muddy details the surprising, lively, and sometimes bumpy ride of a blues harmonica legend.