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A CAPITOL FOURTH Celebrates 45 Years with Star-Studded Musical Lineup and Iconic Fireworks on July 4, 2025

Eric Alper
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A CAPITOL FOURTH Celebrates 45 Years with Star-Studded Musical Lineup and Iconic Fireworks on July 4, 2025

This July 4th, A CAPITOL FOURTH celebrates 45 spectacular years as America’s national Independence Day tradition, broadcasting live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Beloved actor and television host Alfonso Ribeiro returns to host in this milestone anniversary event. As the nation celebrates America’s 249th birthday, the evening will feature all-star musical and patriotic performances from pop, country, R&B, classical and gospel artists. Joined by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of premier pops conductor Jack Everly, the 2025 edition of America’s biggest birthday party features the greatest display of Independence Day fireworks anywhere in the USA lighting up the iconic D.C. skyline.

A CAPITOL FOURTH celebrates 45 spectacular years as America’s national Independence Day tradition, broadcasting live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

“I’m honored to be back hosting the 45th anniversary of A CAPITOL FOURTH,” said Alfonso Ribeiro. “It’s everything you want in an Independence Day celebration – great music and fantastic fireworks. For me, the best part is always the crowd: so many happy, patriotic faces, from grandparents to little kids. You don’t want to miss this party!”

A CAPITOL FOURTH airs live Friday, July 4, 2025 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. E.T. on PBS, as well as to our troops serving around the world on American Forces Network. The program will also be streaming on YouTube and www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth and available as Video on Demand for a limited time only, July 4 to July 18, 2025.

The all-star line-up for A CAPITOL FOURTH will feature:

  • the iconic multi-platinum selling music legends The Beach Boys;
  • world-renowned Motown stars The Temptations;
  • Grammy-Award nominated multi-platinum-selling country music superstar Josh Turner;
  • Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle;
  • legendary Grammy Award-winning musician and producer and New Orleans icon Trombone Shorty;
  • platinum-selling hitmakers LOCASH, named “country music’s iconic feel-good duo” by People;
  • four-time Grammy-Award Award-winning Gospel music legend Yolanda Adams;
  • acclaimed singer-songwriter and AMERICAN IDOL Season 22 winner Abi Carter;
  • the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

The 45th anniversary A CAPITOL FOURTH will also feature:

  • A celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps and the 2.8 million men and women of our all-volunteer armed forces defending our nation, culminating in a rousing Armed Forces Medley with the service branch color teams.
  • Honoring the Greatest Generation to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II, paying tribute to the millions of Americans who served the nation in uniform and on the home front with several of these heroes in attendance.
  • Thank You and Salute to our First Responders – Fire, Police, EMT and paramedics and emergency health care professionals – in our communities around the country, protecting and caring for us.
  • A stirring rendition of the “1812 Overture” accompanied by live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an A CAPITOL FOURTH tradition, kicks off a musical and fireworks finale.
  • Rousing patriotic favorites performed by The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and The Joint Armed Forces Chorus will cap off the musical finale and the dazzling fireworks display, presented by the National Park Service, over the National Mall and Memorial Parks and the iconic skyline of our nation’s capital.

Also participating in the event will be Members of the Armed Forces carrying the State and Territorial Flags, the Armed Forces Color Guard and Service Color Teams provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C., the Choral Arts Society of Washington and Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music.

NBA and Skechers Launch Season Two of ‘Hoop Nation’ Featuring Indian Basketball Stories and Hip-Hop Artists

Eric Alper
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NBA and Skechers Launch Season Two of ‘Hoop Nation’ Featuring Indian Basketball Stories and Hip-Hop Artists

The National Basketball Association (NBA) in collaboration with Skechers, a global performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel brand, today announced the launch of the second season of ‘Hoop Nation,’ a four-part lyrical docuseries showcasing inspiring basketball stories from across India. Skechers is serving as Presenting Partner of the docuseries, which is available now on the NBA India YouTube channel (@NBAIndiaOfficial) along with accompanying music videos.

Building on the success of its first season, Hoop Nation season two tells the stories of Ishrat Akhter, an international wheelchair basketball player from Baramulla, Kashmir; Deepak P. Babu, a passionate fan, mentor and content creator from Alappuzha, Kerala; the Lao family, a father-daughter duo from Kolkata’s Indo-Chinese community; and Farooque Shaikh, a dedicated mentor from Mumbai’s Nagpada neighborhood. Each player wears innovative Skechers Basketball shoes designed for ‘Comfort that Performs®’.

The second season of Hoop Nation features new-age Indian hip-hop artists driving the storytelling: Straight Outta Srinagar (SOS), the talented duo at the forefront of Kashmir’s underground music scene; ThirumaLi, a powerhouse in the Malayalam hip-hop community; EPR Iyer, a seasoned voice from Kolkata and a pioneer in the Indian hip-hop movement; and QK, a rising star from Mumbai known for her unique fusion of rapping and singing. Through their powerful, original lyrics and beats, these artists showcase the challenges and triumphs of players, fans and coaches from Alappuzha, Kashmir, Kolkata and Mumbai who have used basketball to shape their communities and inspire the next generation of athletes. 

“Hoop Nation season two embodies the spirit of basketball in India – a game that unites, inspires, and drives change,” said NBA Asia Head of Strategy and NBA India Country Head, Rajah Chaudhry. “Skechers shares the NBA’s goal of growing basketball in India and providing fans and players across the country with more opportunities to engage with the league and the game. With Hoop Nation season two, we are bringing authentic stories of resilience and passion to the forefront and engaging the growing Indian basketball community in a new and creative way.”

“At Skechers, we believe in the transformative power of sport to inspire communities and drive long-term impact,” said Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd. “Our continued association with the NBA through initiatives like Hoop Nation and the ACG Jr. NBA program highlights our commitment to fostering the growth of basketball in India at every level. Our roster of elite NBA pros like Joel Embiid and Julius Randle have brought the ‘Comfort That Performs’ of Skechers Basketball to their game. At the same time, we’re empowering the next generation of Indian players by providing them with innovative, high-performance footwear and apparel that will help them dominate on the court. This collaboration supports our mission to amplify local talent, elevate authentic stories, and take the development of basketball to the next level across the country.”

Skechers also served as the official kit partner of the ACG Jr. NBA program, a nationwide 3v3 tournament for the top U-14 players across India and the largest school-based basketball program in the country, which reached more than 4,000 youth from more than 500 schools across India last year. This collaboration across original content and grassroot development continues an ongoing first-of-its-kind association for Skechers in the region.

Trixie Mattel Drops ‘GAY HBO MAX SONG’ to Celebrate Pride and Pop Culture Fandom

Eric Alper
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Trixie Mattel Drops ‘GAY HBO MAX SONG’ to Celebrate Pride and Pop Culture Fandom

HBO Max proudly announces the release of GAY HBO MAX SONG, a new track by internationally renowned drag superstar, pop culture icon, and DJ Trixie Mattel, created especially for fans using some of HBO Max’s most iconic quotes. As part of the Pride Month celebrations, the music video for GAY HBO MAX SONG by Trixie Mattel is available now on YouTube. 

The launch of GAY HBO MAX SONG celebrates the communities and fandoms that have helped establish HBO Max as a cultural phenomenon. With fans at the core of its success, HBO Max continues to inspire engagement and creative expression. This initiative is a tribute to the creativity, passion and unwavering connection fans have shown to HBO Max content. 

As part of a global celebration, HBO Max is launching activations across LATAM and EMEA throughout the weekend and beyond. Local DJs will collaborate to remix GAY HBO MAX SONG in ways that resonate with fans in their regions, bringing a global heartbeat to this Pride anthem.

“Look, as gay people we live and breathe pop culture. So making this track using timeless clips from some of tv’s most iconic moments felt like the perfect way to celebrate PRIDE. This is a gay person’s brain on HBO Max. Now go put on a blonde wig, click play, and dance.” – Trixie Mattel 

Top Secret’s Bookstore Scene Played Forwards And Backwards And Forwards Again

Eric Alper
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Top Secret’s Bookstore Scene Played Forwards And Backwards And Forwards Again

One of the most mind-bending gags in comedy history, the Swedish bookstore scene from Top Secret! remains a masterclass in cinematic absurdity. Filmed entirely forwards but acted as if it were being played backwards, then reversed in post to appear “normal,” the sequence is both a technical feat and a surreal delight. Now, fans can finally see the scene both ways—just as the filmmakers intended.

DINO Duckwrth and The Word Alive Join Forces on “Til My Fingers Bleed” for Esports World Cup 2025

Eric Alper
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DINO Duckwrth and The Word Alive Join Forces on “Til My Fingers Bleed” for Esports World Cup 2025

DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth and The Word Alive, have teamed up for the latest Esports World Cup 2025 official track, ‘Til My Fingers Bleed’ – listen here. The high energy and genre bending track fuses k-pop, hip-hop and rock, and releases alongside its stunning visualiser. ‘Til My Fingers Bleed’ is the result of three incredible talents coming together -, SEVENTEEN star DINO, dynamic, boundary-pushing force rapper, singer, and producer Duckwrth, and powerful singer-songwriter Telle Smith of American metalcore band The Word Alive. DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth and The Word Alive are joining global superstar Post Malone, GRAMMY nominated DJ Alesso and critically acclaimed virtuoso cellist Tina Guo, who were announced last week as performers at the electrifying EWC Opening Ceremony which will take place on July 10th in Riyadh. ‘Til My Fingers Bleed’ was written and produced by Alex Karlsson and T.Ma, known for their work with BTS, G.E.M., and ATEEZ, along with Jared Lee (Duckwrth) who also contributed by writing the song’s in-your-face rap verse. 

Reflecting on the track, DINO said, “From the moment I first heard the song, I was struck by its intensity. I focused on finding a tone that best matched the music while also expressing a powerful mood and showcasing my unique color.” He added, “It’s my first time performing at the EWC opening ceremony, so I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere and energy of the audience.”

Of the exciting new track, Telle Smith of The Word Alive adds, “Gaming has been a part of my life for as long as music has, so getting to bring a genre bending song to a global stage like this feels surreal. I’m honored to share the moment in Riyadh with Duckwrth and Dino. I think fans all over the world will love “Til My Fingers Bleed”.

Duckwrth commented, ‘This was an exciting project to be a part of. I love stepping outside of what I do as an artist to explore other characters and sides of my craft’.

The artists also bring strong music ties to pop culture, gaming and esports: Duckwrth’s “Start a Riot” featured on the Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack, while The Word Alive’s “RISE” was the 2018 League of Legends Worlds anthem, now streamed over 300 million times.

“From day one, the Esports World Cup has been created as a global stage for gaming culture across all genres”, said Ariel Horn, Executive Producer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “Each artist on ‘Til My Fingers Bleed’ brings a unique sound that connects with players, whether they’re into sports, fighting, or action games. We’re excited to see how players and fans pick this track up around the world and hope they will embrace it.” 

Viranda Tantula, Executive Creative Director, EWC Music, added: “Music is a universal language, and this is something it shares with gaming. What inspires us at this intersection of music and esports is the opportunity to shape new sounds for a truly global audience. We’ve always been drawn to creative experimentation, and with “Til My Fingers Bleed’, we wanted the collision of genres and international artists to reflect the same global mix of games and players that defines the Esports World Cup. The whole team has poured their hearts into this project, and we hope the community, k-pop, hip-hop, and rock fans feel the energy in both the track and the show.” 

‘Til My Fingers Bleed’ follows the release of Alesso’s remix of ‘Ascension‘ ft. Tina Guo, a reimagination of the orchestral original laced with his signature euphoric production style. Both tracks are part of the EWC Music initiative, a new programme creating an original musical identity for the Esports World Cup and celebrating esports’ deep connection with music. Launched in April with a four-track suite composed by 2WEI and Hollywood Scoring, recorded at London’s Abbey Road Studios, the programme continues with live performances, artist collaborations, and global fan activations. The tracks will be featured across tournament broadcasts, live events, and digital content throughout the seven-week competition, which begins on July 7 in Riyadh. 

The Esports World Cup is the world’s premier esports event. Its unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool across multiple platforms and genres – bringing together the best teams, players, and titles under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of competitive gaming. 

EWC 2025 will feature 2,000 elite players and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games for a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool. Tickets, including access to the Opening Ceremony, are now available at esportsworldcup.com.

The 10 Most Expensive Music Videos Ever Made

Eric Alper
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The 10 Most Expensive Music Videos Ever Made

From sci-fi spectacles to full-blown Hollywood productions, music videos have long been more than just promotional clips — they’re statements of style, ambition, and, yes, budget. With costs reaching into the millions, these visual extravaganzas pushed creative boundaries and bank accounts alike. As of 2025, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson’s Scream still leads the list, though other icons like Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, and Coldplay aren’t far behind.

Here’s a look at the ten most expensive music videos ever made, and what made them so legendary.

“Scream” – Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson
Estimated cost: $7,000,000 (1995)
Director: Mark Romanek
Two icons, one futuristic set, and a whole lot of attitude — Scream broke records and boundaries, and remains the gold standard for big-budget videos.

“Die Another Day” – Madonna
Estimated cost: $6,100,000 (2002)
Director: Traktor
Bond-worthy visuals and full-on espionage aesthetics made this action-packed video one of Madonna’s most ambitious visual efforts.

“Express Yourself” – Madonna
Estimated cost: $5,000,000 (1989)
Director: David Fincher
A dystopian dreamscape inspired by Metropolis, this video cemented Madonna’s reputation as pop’s most visionary trendsetter.

“Bedtime Story” – Madonna
Estimated cost: $5,000,000 (1995)
Director: Mark Romanek
Ethereal, experimental, and visually hypnotic — this one feels more like an art installation than a video. Pure dream logic on screen.

“Estranged” – Guns N’ Roses
Estimated cost: $5,000,000 (1993)
Director: Andy Morahan
From dolphins to aircraft carriers, this sweeping epic blurred the line between music video and rock opera.

“Black or White” – Michael Jackson
Estimated cost: $4,000,000 (1991)
Director: John Landis
This genre-defying, morph-heavy production wasn’t just expensive — it was a cultural event. It premiered in 27 countries simultaneously.

“You Rock My World” – Michael Jackson
Estimated cost: $4,000,000 (2001)
Director: Paul Hunter
With cinematic ambition and an all-star cast, this video delivered drama, dance, and every dollar’s worth of spectacle.

“Make Me Like You” – Gwen Stefani
Estimated cost: $4,000,000 (2016)
Director: Sophie Muller
Filmed live during the Grammys, this video was a logistical miracle. One take. One chance. All glam.

“Feelslikeimfallinginlove” – Coldplay
Estimated cost: $3,548,100 (2024)
Director: Ben Mor
A recent entry, Coldplay’s dreamy production layered lighting, choreography, and cutting-edge visuals into a full-blown sensory experience.

“Cartoon Heroes” – Aqua
Estimated cost: $3,500,000 (2000)
Director: Thomas Masin
This animated adventure brought Y2K-era maximalism to the pop stage, bursting with CGI and cartoon whimsy.

“Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)” – Limp Bizkit
Estimated cost: $3,000,000 (2000)
Director: Fred Durst
A music video with helicopters, high-rises, and a lot of attitude — it’s peak nu-metal excess with production values to match.

Other Notable Facts:

  • Janet Jackson and Britney Spears each have six videos on the high-budget list.
  • Madonna appears five times — three of those in the top five.
  • Michael Jackson also appears five times, including the most expensive of all time.
  • Directors Joseph Kahn and Paul Hunter led the charge behind the camera, each with multiple entries.
  • Ghosts by Michael Jackson is believed to have cost $15 million, making it possibly the most expensive of all time, though it’s not always listed due to its classification as a short film.

The 10 Most-Streamed Songs On Spotify (As Of July 2025)

Eric Alper
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The 10 Most-Streamed Songs On Spotify (As Of July 2025)

As of July 2025, Spotify’s most-streamed songs reveal not just what’s on repeat — but what’s shaped pop culture over the past decade. Topping the list is a Canadian classic in the making, while chart regulars like Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Bruno Mars continue to dominate playlists around the world. With two songs now crossing the 4 billion stream mark and nearly 1,000 songs hitting 1 billion, Spotify’s influence on music history has never been clearer.

Here’s a look at the top 10 most-streamed songs on the platform right now, along with a few history-making milestones.

“Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
4.904 billion streams
Released: November 29, 2019
The biggest song on Spotify — ever. The Weeknd’s retro-pop anthem continues to break records and light up global playlists.

“Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran
4.429 billion streams
Released: January 6, 2017
A streaming-era juggernaut, Ed Sheeran’s acoustic-pop meets dancehall crossover defined a generation of radio hits.

“Starboy” – The Weeknd & Daft Punk
3.964 billion streams
Released: September 21, 2016
A sleek, synth-heavy collaboration that paired two of the most enigmatic forces in music — and proved instantly iconic.

“Someone You Loved” – Lewis Capaldi
3.953 billion streams
Released: November 8, 2018
Emotional vulnerability never sounded so universal. Capaldi’s piano ballad found hearts to break in every corner of the globe.

“As It Was” – Harry Styles
3.944 billion streams
Released: April 1, 2022
Harry’s infectious solo hit brought introspection to the dancefloor and cemented his place as a pop heavyweight.

“Sunflower” – Post Malone & Swae Lee
3.865 billion streams
Released: October 18, 2018
From Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to year-round playlists, this sun-soaked anthem continues to bloom.

“Sweater Weather” – The Neighbourhood
3.861 billion streams
Released: December 3, 2012
A moody alt-pop classic that evolved into a streaming sleeper hit — and TikTok favorite.

“One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
3.687 billion streams
Released: April 5, 2016
Drake’s dancehall-tinged smash ruled summer ’16 and still gets hips moving around the world.

“Stay” – The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber
3.587 billion streams
Released: July 9, 2021
This emotional earworm about longing and late-night regrets hit global charts and never left.

“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
3.500 billion streams
Released: September 26, 2017
A wedding anthem and global love song, this ballad continues to pull heartstrings and rack up billions.

Spotify Milestones:

  • “Blinding Lights” is currently the most-streamed song of all time.
  • Bruno Mars leads the top 100 with six entries (including features).
  • The newest entry is “Die with a Smile” (2024) by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars.
  • The oldest entry? “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975) by Queen.
  • As of July 2025:
    • 985 songs have 1B+ streams
    • 182 songs have 2B+
    • 27 songs have 3B+
    • 2 songs have 4B+

Apple Music Celebrates 10 Years With New Artist-Focused Studio And Global Programming

Eric Alper
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0
Apple Music Celebrates 10 Years With New Artist-Focused Studio And Global Programming

As Apple Music marks its 10th anniversary this year, Apple unveils its most ambitious creative project to date: a brand-new state-of-the-art studio space in Los Angeles dedicated to artist-driven content, innovation in audio, and deeper fan connection.

Opening this summer, the new studio represents a major milestone in Apple’s continued mission to support artists at every level by giving them the tools, platform, and creative freedom to tell their stories in entirely new ways. More than just a studio in the traditional sense, the new space is a creative campus that reflects a decade of Apple Music’s commitment to high-quality sound, authentic storytelling, and artist-first experiences.

“Apple Music Radio has always been a home for storytelling and artistry, serving as a space for bold conversations and surprising moments,” said Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s co-head. “With this new studio, we are furthering our commitment to creating a space for artists to create, connect, and share their vision.”

A Creative Ecosystem Built for Artists

Designed with artists in mind, Apple Music’s new studio space in Los Angeles is a three-story, over-15,000-square-foot facility that includes:

  • Two advanced radio studios with immersive Spatial Audio playback and adaptable setups for live interviews, casual chats, or impromptu performances.
  • A 4,000-square-foot soundstage for live performances, multicam shoots, fan events, and screenings.
  • A dedicated Spatial Audio mixing room outfitted with a 9.2.4 PMC speaker system for next-level sound production.
  • A photo and social media lab, edit room, and green room to support real-time content creation.
  • Private isolation booths for songwriting, podcasting, and one-on-one interviews.
  • The A-List Corridor and Archive Corridor, showcasing images and artwork of unforgettable moments from Apple Music’s past and present.
A corridor features framed photos of musicians hanging on the wall.

Global Vision, Local Roots

Apple Music’s new Los Angeles studio will anchor a global network of creative hubs already active in places including New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris, and Nashville, with additional studios coming soon. With this launch, the service continues to innovate, not just in how music is streamed, but also in how it’s made, experienced, and shared. From radio to live performance, to fan engagement and content creation, this new studio will serve as a creative home for the next decade of music.

A radio studio at the new Los Angeles space.

The Power of Apple Music Radio

Since its inception, Apple Music Radio has been a defining feature of the service, a place where fans and artists meet in real time. From global premieres and intimate interviews, to in-depth specials and surprise performances, Apple Music Radio has distinguished itself through expertly curated, artist-led storytelling that makes listeners feel closer to the music they love. Apple Music Radio streams 24/7 and is available for free around the world.

“When we first launched Beats 1 it was a leap of faith, the first live global radio station for a digital world,” said Zane Lowe. “We knew we wanted to build something special where artists could come and tell their stories and fans could feel connected. Ten years on, Apple Music Radio is everything we hoped it would be. It’s a place where we can eventize music, a place where music comes first, always. I’m just as excited for what’s to come as I was on day one.”

To celebrate the 10-year milestone, Apple Music Radio will feature a week of specials and live programming, kicking off with “Don’t Be Boring: The Birth of Apple Music Radio with Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden” on June 30, from 6 to 8 a.m. PST. From the early days of launching radio on streaming, to the epic artist-led shows that defined a new era, Zane, Ebro, and special guests will reminisce about the last 10 years of Apple Music Radio. Then, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, listeners can tune in to the “10 Years of Apple Music” special. This eight-hour broadcast event on Apple Music 1 will tell the stories of the greatest artist moments, exclusive releases, live events, and cultural milestones that only Apple could deliver. The day will culminate with “Live: 10 Years Of Apple Music” from 4 to 7 p.m. PST. The live broadcast, hosted by Zane and Ebro, celebrates a decade of Apple Music with a lineup of artists who have shaped the trajectory of the service. Listeners can tune in at apple.co/_Radio.

Additionally, Apple Music Radio will unveil the service’s top 500 most-streamed songs from the last 10 years in a special countdown beginning on Tuesday, July 1. Tune in to count down 100 songs a day, culminating with Apple Music’s top 100 most-streamed songs of all time on July 5, when the full 10 Years of Apple Music: Top Songs playlist will be available to stream.

Apple Music is also launching Replay All Time, a special version of the annual Replay experience that allows listeners to see and stream the songs they’ve played the most since joining Apple Music. With Replay All Time, subscribers can stream this Replay playlist from the Home tab in Apple Music.

A Replay All Time playlist screen shown iPhone 16 Pro.

Deep Purple Shares “Clearly Quite Absurd” Remix With Unreleased MTV Jam Ahead Of ‘Rapture Of The Deep’ Reissue

Eric Alper
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0
Deep Purple Shares “Clearly Quite Absurd” Remix With Unreleased MTV Jam Ahead Of ‘Rapture Of The Deep’ Reissue

As part of the upcoming Rapture of the Deep – 20th Anniversary Remix, Deep Purple today release a new single: a newly mixed and remastered version of “Clearly Quite Absurd,” backed with a previously unreleased instrumental studio rehearsal take of “MTV.”

Roger Glover today recalls, “‘Clearly Quite Absurd’ is a very unusual Deep Purple song, which I like. We’ve always liked being unusual. We don’t follow traditions, really. We are just who we are at a specific time.”

The single’s B-side, “MTV (2005 Studio Jam),” is a previously unheard instrumental take from an early rehearsal session – with Don Airey, Steve Morse, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice running through a track that later appeared as a bonus on select editions of Rapture of the Deep.

The single is a preview of the Rapture of the Deep – 20th Anniversary Remix, out worldwide on August 29, which includes a brand new mix of the full album, revised artwork, and a bonus disc filled with rare studio rehearsals and instrumental jams.

The album will be available as 2CD Digipak, 3LP Vinyl (black, 180g), and the strictly limited 3LP Transparent Sky-Blue Vinyl.

With Deep Purple riding high on the success of their latest No. 1 record =1, the time is right to (re)discover the album that set the path for Deep Purple in the 21st century.

80s Central Recreates Live Aid Broadcast In Full For 40th Anniversary Celebration

Eric Alper
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0
80s Central Recreates Live Aid Broadcast In Full For 40th Anniversary Celebration

This July 13, 80s Central, the internet’s premier all-’80s radio station, is turning back the clock to one of the most iconic moments in music history: Live Aid. In honor of the legendary concert’s 40th anniversary, the station will broadcast Live Aid in its entirety, commercial-free, exactly as it happened in 1985, while featuring brand-new interviews with artists, insiders, and voices who were there when rock ‘n’ roll united the world.

“For 80s fans, this is the Super Bowl, the Grammys, and New Year’s Eve rolled into one,” said Christopher Shaw, Program Director at 80s Central. “Live Aid wasn’t just a concert-it was our Woodstock. And here at 80s Central, we’re honored to bring this historic day back to life.”

Beginning Sunday, July 13 at 8:00 a.m. ET, 80s Central will rebroadcast Live Aid as it originally unfolded-uninterrupted and in real time, from both Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. Listeners can relive every note, every roar from the crowd, and every transcendent moment that defined the spirit of a generation.

Two cities. Two stages. One world. One sound.

The broadcast will include unforgettable sets from Queen, U2, David Bowie, Elton John, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Phil Collins, Sting, and many more. Even moments like Phil Collins performing on both sides of the Atlantic-thanks to a Concorde jet-will be faithfully recreated in their original sequence.

Interspersed throughout the music are never-before-heard reflections from artists and key players who helped bring Live Aid to life:

Brian May (Queen) “It was one of our finest hours-definitely one of Freddie’s finest hours. The planets were aligned, and the magic happened.

“No lights. No soundcheck. But it worked-because it was oiled by extreme goodwill. Everyone’s heart was in the right place.”

Howard Jones (Synth-Pop Icon) “It was the most brilliant project of the ’80s. Saving lives, showing the decade wasn’t just about greed and power.”

Mark Goodman (MTV VJ at Live Aid) “It was a seat-of-the-pants situation-terrifying and wonderful. People say it was the day the record business grew a conscience-and I saw that.”

Additional commentary will include rare behind-the-scenes insights from production staff, journalists, and crew members who worked feverishly to pull off one of the most ambitious broadcasts in history.

Stream it at 80sCentral.com or listen via Alexa, Roku, Audacy, Live365, or the 80s Central mobile app.

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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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