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Lady Gaga Expands the “Mayhem Ball Tour” with 2026 North American Dates

Eric Alper
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Lady Gaga Expands the “Mayhem Ball Tour” with 2026 North American Dates

Lady Gaga has officially announced a second North American leg of her massive, sold-out ‘Mayhem Ball Tour’, set to kick off on Valentine’s Day, 2026. Following record-breaking stadium stops in Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City, this new arena run will launch with two nights at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ, before visiting cities such as Atlanta, Austin, and Boston. The expansion also includes highly anticipated encore performances at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York. Produced by Gaga and Michael Polansky, the tour continues to celebrate her eighth studio album, ‘Mayhem’, which dominated the charts this year and yielded the historic, billion-streaming smash hit “Die With a Smile.”

The announcement comes on the heels of a dominant night at the MTV VMAs and the release of her latest single, “The Dead Dance.” The track features a haunting, cinematic music video directed by the legendary Tim Burton—his first music video project in over a decade—filmed at Mexico’s eerie Island of the Dolls. “The Dead Dance” also serves as a centerpiece for the second half of ‘Wednesday’ Season 2 on Netflix, where Gaga makes a guest appearance as the mysterious Rosaline Rotwood. Between her residency-style arena dates and her record-setting Copacabana Beach performance for 2.5 million fans, the ‘Mayhem Ball’ has solidified itself as the premier theatrical event of the decade, blending gothic high-fashion with Gaga’s signature pop-disco power.

Lady Gaga 2026 Mayhem Ball North American Tour Dates:

Feb 14 & 15 – Glendale, AZ @ Desert Diamond Arena

Feb 18 & 19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum

Feb 28 & Mar 01 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena

Mar 04 & 05 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena

Mar 08 & 09 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center

Mar 13 – Miami, FL @ Kaseya Center

Mar 19 & 20 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden

Mar 23 & 24 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena

Mar 29 & 30 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden

Apr 02 & 03 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre

Apr 09 & 10 – Saint Paul, MN @ Grand Casino Arena

System Of A Down Announces 2026 UK and European Stadium Tour with Queens of the Stone Age

Eric Alper
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System Of A Down Announces 2026 UK and European Stadium Tour with Queens of the Stone Age

Grammy Award-winning rock icons System Of A Down have announced a massive return to the UK and Europe for a summer 2026 stadium tour following their recent string of sold-out global dates. Produced by Live Nation, the high-octane run kicks off on June 29th in Stockholm and features stops at legendary venues including Paris’ Stade de France and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In a major move for the heavy rock scene, the band will be joined by special guests Queens of the Stone Age and opening act Acid Bath, marking one of the most anticipated lineups of the decade. With over 500,000 tickets sold during their recent Latin American trek, the band continues to prove their enduring influence as they prepare to bring their explosive live show to Germany, Italy, and Poland, with an additional “special show” announcement promised in the coming weeks.

System of a Down 2026 UK & European Dates:

June 29 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Strawberry Arena

July 2 – Paris, France @ Stade De France

July 6 – Milan, Italy @ Ippodromo Snai La Maura

July 8 – Berlin, Germany @ Olympiastadion

July 10 – Düsseldorf, Germany @ Open Air Park Düsseldorf

July 13 – London, UK @ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

July 18 – Warsaw, Poland @ PGE Narodowy

Ronobir Lahiri Brings “Still D.R.E.” to Life on the Sitar

Eric Alper
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Ronobir Lahiri Brings “Still D.R.E.” to Life on the Sitar

Musician Ronobir Lahiri brings a fresh, dynamic energy to the Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg classic “Still D.R.E.” by performing it entirely on the sitar. Melding traditional Indian sounds with iconic West Coast rap vibes, Lahiri represents his roots in Calcutta with this compelling cultural crossover. The result is a vibrant, must-see rendition that showcases his mastery of the sitar while honoring hip-hop history.

Malala Yousafzai Reintroduces Herself in New Bestselling Memoir ‘Finding My Way’

Eric Alper
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Malala Yousafzai Reintroduces Herself in New Bestselling Memoir ‘Finding My Way’

Nobel laureate and international icon Malala Yousafzai has captured the world’s attention once again with her latest memoir, ‘Finding My Way’, which has quickly become an instant ‘New York Times’ bestseller. Released on October 21, 2025, the book moves beyond the headlines of her well-documented bravery to offer a remarkably intimate and “insistently human” chronicle of her journey into adulthood. Far from the stoic figure often seen on global stages, Malala shares a vulnerable and surprisingly humorous look at her life as she navigated an unfamiliar world after the Taliban’s attack. This memoir traces her evolution from a self-described high school loner to a reckless college student, ultimately finding peace with her past and her identity.

‘Finding My Way’ strips away the mask of perfection to reveal the messy, authentic moments that define a young woman taking charge of her own destiny. Malala candidly reflects on universal experiences—from the anxiety of nearly failing exams and the sting of being ghosted to the joy of finding first love and meeting her partner. By sharing these deeply personal stories, she aims to redefine what it means to be a role model, emphasizing that strength comes from the freedom to be unapologetically yourself. Currently a top-rated title on both Amazon and Goodreads, the memoir serves as a powerful testament to the resilience required to stay true to one’s own voice when the entire world is trying to define it for you.

Olivia Rodrigo Captures Magic with ‘Live From Glastonbury’ Album

Eric Alper
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Olivia Rodrigo Captures Magic with ‘Live From Glastonbury’ Album

Olivia Rodrigo has officially released ‘Live From Glastonbury (A BBC Recording)’, a powerful live album capturing her definitive 2025 headlining set at the legendary UK festival. The project is available on vinyl in striking magenta and periwinkle variants, offering fans a physical piece of one of the year’s most talked-about performances. Highlighting the tracklist are special renditions of “Friday I’m in Love” and “Just Like Heaven,” featuring a historic guest appearance by The Cure’s Robert Smith. In a moving gesture of philanthropy, the artists’ net proceeds from these specific tracks will benefit Doctors Without Borders.

The release arrives as Rodrigo reflects on the massive success of the ‘Guts World Tour’, which saw her perform 100 sold-out shows across 21 countries and five continents. To commemorate the journey, a new ‘Guts World Tour Book’ is now available for pre-order, featuring over 100 pages of exclusive photography and a personal note from Olivia herself. The hardcover book provides an intimate look at her creative process and tour life, complete with trading cards, sticker sheets, and a fold-out poster. Beyond the stage, the tour’s impact was felt through Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good, which distributed over two million dollars to non-profits supporting women’s reproductive rights and education globally.

Rodrigo’s meteoric rise continues to shatter records, with ‘Guts’ debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying her status as the youngest artist in history to debut three hits at the top of the Hot 100. The Glastonbury live album showcases her evolution from the ‘Sour’ era into a global rock powerhouse, featuring a setlist that seamlessly blends raw anthems like “All-American Bitch” with fan favorites like “Drivers License.” As she closes this chapter, ‘Live From Glastonbury’ stands as a testament to her incredible stage presence and her ability to bridge generations of music fans alongside legends like Robert Smith.

‘Live From Glastonbury’ Tracklist:

  1. Obsessed
  2. Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl
  3. Vampire
  4. Drivers License
  5. Traitor
  6. Bad Idea Right?
  7. Love is Embarrassing
  8. Pretty Isn’t Pretty
  9. Happier
  10. Enough for You
  11. Friday I’m in Love (with Robert Smith)
  12. Just Like Heaven (with Robert Smith)
  13. So American
  14. Jealousy, Jealousy
  15. Favorite Crime
  16. Deja Vu
  17. Brutal
  18. All-American Bitch
  19. Good 4 U
  20. Get Him Back

Watch Gordon Lightfoot Captured at His Peak on Soundstage 1979

Eric Alper
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Watch Gordon Lightfoot Captured at His Peak on Soundstage 1979

Relive a masterful performance from the definitive voice of Canadian folk with the complete 1979 broadcast of Gordon Lightfoot on Soundstage. Filmed at the height of his storytelling prowess, this legendary set features flawless renditions of his most enduring classics, including “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “Sundown,” and “If You Could Read My Mind.” It is a rare, high-quality window into a golden era of songwriting, showcasing the effortless baritone and intricate guitar work that made Lightfoot a global icon.

Lord Huron Unveils Cinematic “Watch Me Go” Video

Eric Alper
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Lord Huron Unveils Cinematic “Watch Me Go” Video

Following a landmark year that saw the release of their critically acclaimed album ‘The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1’, Lord Huron has returned with a stunning new music video for the track “Watch Me Go.” Directed by Jackie! Zhou, the visual narrative embraces the grand storytelling traditions of country music, further expanding the theatrical universe created by Los Angeles-based artist Ben Schneider. The release arrives on the heels of a massive television appearance on CBS Saturday and a completely sold-out anniversary tour for their seminal record ‘Strange Trails’.

5 Surprising Facts About Ariana Grande’s ‘Thank U, Next’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Ariana Grande’s ‘Thank U, Next’

When Ariana Grande released Thank U, Next, she delivered one of the defining pop statements of the streaming era. The album captured her at a moment of full creative control, translating personal experiences into sharp, conversational pop songs that resonated instantly and globally. Its sound balanced trap-influenced beats, R&B intimacy, and unmistakable pop melody, placing Grande at the center of modern pop’s evolution.

The album reshaped expectations for how pop records could be written, released, and consumed. Recorded quickly and shared without a long traditional rollout, Thank U, Next reflected the pace of digital culture while deepening pop’s emotional range. Ariana Grande framed growth, self-reflection, and confidence as chart-ready ideas, setting a blueprint that influenced pop songwriting and production across the next generation.

1. The Album Came Together at Record Speed
Most of the album was written and recorded in about two weeks. Sessions followed the end of the Sweetener tour and focused on efficiency and emotional immediacy. Grande co-wrote every track and directed vocal arrangements closely.

2. Pop Streaming Records Fell Instantly
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. It delivered the largest streaming week ever for a pop album at the time. Every track entered the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously.

3. Two Singles Opened at Number One
“Thank U, Next” and “7 Rings” both debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s singles occupied the top three chart positions at once. Grande became the first solo artist to achieve this.

4. Trap-Pop Became a Pop Centerpiece
The album leaned into trap-influenced pop and R&B with minimal arrangements. Heavy 808s, sparse synths, and vocal layering drove the sound. This approach influenced pop production trends across the next several years.

5. Vulnerability Defined the Writing
Lyrics focused on self-growth, grief, and emotional clarity. Songs like “Needy,” “Ghostin,” and the title track framed reflection as empowerment. The album presented openness as pop strength.

5 Surprising Facts About Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Rising’

Eric Alper
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0
5 Surprising Facts About Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Rising’

For longtime fans, The Rising feels like a moment when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band locked back in with purpose and heart. Hearing that familiar sound again after years apart carried weight on its own, and the songs arrived with a clarity that felt grounded, human, and deeply connected to real lives.

This album spoke in voices that fans recognized immediately. Ordinary people, quiet heroism, grief carried day by day, and the slow work of endurance all lived inside these songs. With the E Street Band fully present, The Rising sounded expansive and communal, the kind of record that invited listeners to stand together and keep moving forward. Here are 5 amazing facts you didn’t know about the album.

1. The E Street Band Reunion Defined the Album
The Rising marked the first full studio album with the E Street Band since Born in the U.S.A. in 1984. Their return shaped the album’s sense of scale and shared energy. The group recorded together with urgency and focus, capturing the sound of a band fully reconnected.

2. The Songs Came Directly From Lived Experience
Springsteen wrote much of the album after speaking with first responders and families affected by September 11. He attended funerals and listened closely to personal stories. Those conversations guided the album’s emotional center and narrative perspective.

3. The Title Track Was Built on a Single Image
“The Rising” drew inspiration from news accounts of firefighters climbing the World Trade Center stairs. The song pairs physical ascent with spiritual imagery. Gospel-style vocals and repetition give it the feeling of motion and lift.

4. Earlier Songs Found New Meaning
Some tracks predated September 11, including “My City of Ruins.” Originally written about Asbury Park, the song took on broader resonance. Its gospel structure and communal message aligned naturally with the album’s themes.

5. Commercial and Critical Impact Arrived Immediately
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and topped charts internationally. It won Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album and honors for the title track. Fans and critics embraced it as a defining chapter in Springsteen’s catalog.

5 Surprising Facts About Sturgill Simpson’s ‘Metamodern Sounds in Country Music’

Eric Alper
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0
5 Surprising Facts About Sturgill Simpson’s ‘Metamodern Sounds in Country Music’

Within the arc of modern country music, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music stands as a quiet but decisive turning point. Sturgill Simpson drew from classic country structures while reintroducing ideas that had long lived at the genre’s edges: philosophical curiosity, spiritual searching, and a willingness to question certainty. The result felt rooted in tradition yet unmistakably forward-looking, speaking fluently to country’s past while expanding its emotional and intellectual range.

The album arrived during a period when Americana and outlaw country were regaining cultural ground, and it helped solidify a new lane for artists interested in depth over polish. By pairing Dave Cobb’s organic production with songs that explored love, mortality, belief, and consciousness, Simpson reinforced the idea that country music could engage with complex ideas while remaining deeply human, melodic, and timeless. Here are 5 amazing facts you didn’t know about the classic album.

1. The Title Carries Two Meanings
The album title nods directly to Ray Charles’ Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. It also references metamodernism, a cultural philosophy focused on oscillation, sincerity, and complexity.

2. Fans Heard It Early
Before release, the entire album streamed via MSN’s Listening Booth and NPR Music’s First Listen. That early access helped build word-of-mouth momentum ahead of launch.

3. Late Night Helped Spread the Word
Simpson promoted the album with performances on Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.

4. One Song Traveled Everywhere
“Turtles All the Way Down” appeared in The Bridge, Yellowstone, Watchmen, Reservation Dogs, and the film Dog. The song carried the album’s philosophical themes across multiple screens.

5. A Synth-Pop Cover Found New Context
Simpson’s cover of When in Rome’s “The Promise” appeared in The Leftovers. The performance introduced the 1980s song to a new audience through a country lens.

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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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