Television history reached a peak of raw, beautiful emotion in the 1990 special ‘The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson’, which served as a moving farewell to the visionary who started it all. In a masterfully written sequence, a frantic Fozzie Bear and the rest of the gang realize mid-production that their beloved creator has passed away, leading to a moment of collective grief that resonates just as powerfully today as it did decades ago. Instead of letting the curtain fall, the ensemble—joined by the legendary Big Bird—channels their sorrow into a breathtakingly soulful rendition of “Just One Person.” It is a stunning piece of performance art that captures the essence of Henson’s legacy: the idea that one individual’s imagination can indeed change the world and touch millions of lives.
From Tour Bus to Treatment Room: How Musicians Maintain Their Skin on the Road
By Mitch Rice
There’s this strange life musicians live. One night you’re under neon lights in Tokyo, the next afternoon in a cramped van bouncing through Colorado. It’s exciting and exhausting. But there’s this part of the job no one talks about much, something less glamorous than screaming fans or backstage dinners — it’s skin care while touring. Think about it: weird hotel showers, late nights, airplane cabins with dry air, long bus rides that leave you feeling like you’ve aged a year in five hours.
Over time, all that travel wears on your complexion. No matter how much you love the chaos, your skin doesn’t. And most musicians, facing cameras, stage lights, close-ups, know this quickly.
Before we go deeper into how artists keep their skin intact when life is on the move, there are some practical things they actually use. Just a few little tactical tools people grab when they’re out touring and need quick refreshment for dry, parched lips or skin
Why Touring is Rough on the Skin
Most people think jet lag and bad sleep are the only downsides to touring. That’s not it. Your skin is this giant organ that reacts to everything around you.
Travel strips moisture fast.
Late nights kick hormones out of line.
Air conditioning and heating suck hydration.
And don’t forget the stress — stress releases chemicals in your body that, well… can make acne worse.
When routines fall apart on the road, some musicians quietly rely on dermal fillers used to maintain skin quality and facial balance during long touring periods, especially when dehydration, fatigue, and irregular sleep start to show on the face.
Some musicians show up on stage with perfect makeup and flawless photos. But what’s happening off-stage? A messy routine, quick fixes, emergencies.
There’s no normal schedule. No steady bedtime. Not even a kitchen where you can organize a simple skincare setup. You adapt quickly, or your skin sends you painful reminders.
Packing for the Road: What Makes a Difference
Tour life isn’t like packing for summer vacation. You learn real fast that whatever you carry must be:
- Compact
- Really multi-purpose
- Quick to use
- Actually effective
Musicians don’t want a bathroom lineup that looks like Sephora exploded. They want smart skincare.
Essentials You Really Use
Here’s what ends up in most touring bags:
- Hydrating cleanser – It rinses off grime and makeup without stripping.
- Moisturizer with SPF – Stage lights burn your skin even if you feel cool.
- Lip products – Not just chapstick but something that seals moisture and lasts.
- Travel-friendly masks – One or two sheet masks to revive tired skin.
- Eye cream – Because lack of sleep is a global tour enemy.
Some artists literally keep duplicates of these in every bag… one for the bus, one for hotels, one for flight carry-on.
Micro-Routines That Work Overnight
Here’s the thing: most musicians don’t have tons of time for a spa routine. So what they do instead is build tiny, repeatable micro-routines.
Think of these like habits rather than skincare.
Before You Sleep
- Splash cool water on your face.
- Hydrating mist or toner.
- Thick moisturizer or sleeping mask.
- A good lip seal.
That’s it. Maybe a quick brush of your teeth. You’re done in two minutes.
Before Stage or Camera
A brief boost that wakes the skin:
- Quick mist
- Lightweight moisturizer
- A hint of cooling gel under eyes
That’s all you need to look fresh without feeling heavy under the lights.
The Hidden Challenges: Sweat, Lights, and Makeup
Stage makeup is a whole world. Some artists wear heavy makeup because it reads better on camera and from a distance. But heavy makeup can clog pores. Combine that with sweat under hot lights and you’ve got a recipe for breakouts.
Tour aesthetic teams usually know:
- Avoid thick creams that block pores
- Use breathable foundations
- Wipe with toners between sets
- Cleanse fully right after performances
A lot of musicians wish they could just drop everything and rest after a show. But survival means you get good at quick fixes that don’t ruin your skin long term.
Hydration Isn’t Optional — It’s a Routine
Everyone says “drink water,” but most people don’t actually do it. Touring forces you into it. Especially when you discover dry air can literally dry your skin from the inside out.
A lot of artists:
- Carry reusable water bottles
- Set reminders to sip between gigs
- Add electrolytes on long travel days
Water isn’t just hydration. It’s a reset. It helps skin recover faster, makes makeup sit nicer, and keeps the redness down.
Sun and Stage Lights: The Invisible Burn
Even nights under stage lights are tricky. They burn with heat. Not UV rays like the sun, but enough warmth to affect the skin. That’s why many touring artists keep SPF in their day bags — even if they’re only going outside for five minutes.
Once you miss a few days of sun protection on tour, you feel it. Little patches of dryness, unwanted tan lines, quick irritation. So SPF becomes a habit, not an afterthought.
The Psychological Part: Confidence and Skin
Let’s be honest here. When you’re in some random hotel room after a long bus ride and you look in the mirror, the last thing you want is to see breakout spots or flaky dry skin.
It affects confidence. Especially if you’re stepping onto a stage with thousands of eyes and cameras pointed at you.
That’s why for many musicians, skincare becomes not just physical but psychological armor. If your skin feels good, you feel good. You show up sharper, smile easier, keep that energy alive.
A lot of performers will tell you: your face is part of your instrument.
And they take care of it accordingly.
How Artists Actually Choose Products
Musicians are flooded with product recommendations from stylists, fans, brands, and sponsors. But on the road, choices must pass real tests:
- Does it travel well?
- Does it work fast?
- Is it effective in weird conditions?
Stage life isn’t like home life. No long testing cycles. You can’t experiment for months. You know in a week if something works.
That’s why many touring pros stick to products with simple, reliable formulas.
They avoid 100-ingredient bottles with fancy claims they don’t actually need. Instead they go with things that do the core job well:
- Moisture
- Protection
- Quick recovery
If it gives you more than one benefit without fuss, it becomes a keeper.
The Things You Don’t Usually Hear About
Most people talk about cleansers and moisturizers. But there are some tiny hacks musicians use that you never notice until someone tells you:
- Cold compresses after long flights reduce puffiness fast.
- Silk pillowcases on tour (yes, people pack these) cut down morning creases.
- Portable humidifiers in hotel rooms make dry air less brutal.
- Facial mists with aloe and vitamins give a pick-me-up without layers.
These aren’t complicated at all. But they make a noticeable difference when your skin would otherwise be crying out for help.
People underestimate these tiny improvements until they try them.
When Things Go Wrong: Quick Fixes on the Road
There are moments on tour where skin rebels: stress breakouts, flight rash, sudden dryness.
Here’s how artists deal when something goes sideways:
- Spot treatments on pimples before they grow
- Cold towels on inflamed patches
- Sheet masks right before makeup application
- Extra moisturizer in the corners around eyes and nose
None of these are dramatic. None take long. But they quiet an angry complexion before it becomes a full problem.
Tour life is unpredictable. Your skincare shouldn’t be.
Real Stories: Touring Isn’t Always Glamour
A singer I know once mentioned how one morning in Sweden she woke up with dry, itchy skin from the hotel’s heating. She had a gig in two hours. No nearby store. What did she do? Used coconut oil she brought for cooking, smoothed it gently, and it calmed her skin enough to perform.
This isn’t uncommon. Musicians become problem solvers fast. And that shapes how they treat their skin too.
They expect the worst environments and still prepare for the best outcomes.
Small Routines, Big Impacts
At the end of the day, skin care on tour isn’t about having perfect skin. It’s about managing what life throws at you. It’s about routines that are simple enough to repeat every day, no matter where you are.
What’s common among touring pros?
- They keep things minimal but effective.
- They pick portable, travel-ready products.
- They hydrate more than anyone else on the road.
- They protect, quietly and consistently.
No matter if you’re in a van rolling through hills or a jet flying across time zones, your skin becomes a part of your performance setup. And you treat it with that level of focus.
Skin care while touring isn’t a fad. It’s a survival instinct.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Trace Adkins Celebrates Three Decades of Hits with the Massive 30th Anniversary Tour
Country music powerhouse Trace Adkins is marking an incredible milestone in 2026, hitting the road for a 24-date headline run that celebrates 30 years since his platinum debut ‘Dreamin’ Out Loud’. It is a rare feat in the industry to maintain this kind of staying power, and Adkins is bringing his signature baritone and unmistakable grit to fans across the South, Midwest, and beyond. This “30th Anniversary Tour” isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a full-throttle victory lap from an artist who remains in the single-digit percentile of performers to reach such a legendary career mark. From the opening night in Oxford, Alabama, to the final bow in West Virginia, this tour promises to be a masterclass in modern country heritage.
The itinerary is absolutely stacked with iconic stops, most notably a special two-night residency at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium this May. Whether he’s firing up the crowd at Billy Bob’s Texas or taking the stage at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Adkins will be delivering a setlist packed with the 40 hit singles that defined his legacy, including triple-platinum anthems like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and the sentimental “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Coming off a busy year that saw him starring in the action film ‘Day of Reckoning’ and releasing the bittersweet holiday track “One More Christmas,” Trace Adkins proves he is still at the top of his game. This is a must-see event for anyone who loves country music delivered with heart, soul, and a lot of horsepower.
Jan 16 – Oxford, AL – Oxford Performing Arts Center
Jan 17 – Dover, FL – Tampa Bay Rodeo’s Bull Bash & Country Music Festival
Mar 07 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas
Mar 08 – Bossier City, LA – Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana
Mar 28 – Opp, AL – Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo
Apr 16 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Apr 18 – Orlando, FL – Venue TBA
Apr 23 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
Apr 24 – Harris, MI – Island Resort & Casino
Apr 25 – Harris, MI – Island Resort & Casino
May 14 – Miles City, MT – World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale
May 15 – Deadwood, SD – Deadwood Mountain Grand
May 16 – Fort Yates, ND – Prairie Knights Casino & Resort
May 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
May 23 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Jun 19 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Jun 20 – Mount Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Jun 21 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – Alabama Theatre
Jul 22 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days
Jul 24 – Castle Rock, CO – Douglas County Fair & Rodeo
Sep 11 – Hutchinson, KS – Kansas State Fair
Sep 17 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre
Sep 18 – Carteret, NJ – Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center
Sep 19 – Charles Town, WV – Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races
Joy Shannon Crafts a Mystical Masterpiece with Tolkien-Inspired ‘In the Forest Singing Sorrowless’
Irish harpist and vocal enchantress Joy Shannon has delivered a breathtaking dream-walk that pairs her ethereal melodies with the legendary poetry of J.R.R. Tolkien. Created as a beacon of hope during Shannon’s own courageous battle with breast cancer, In the Forest Singing Sorrowless is a stunning testament to the healing power of art and purpose. Featuring an incredible lineup of guest contributors—including Tolkien’s great-granddaughter Ruth Tolkien and the mesmerizing Maria Franz of Heilung—the album weaves a dark folk tapestry that feels as ancient as the Irish burial mounds Shannon explored in her previous works like Aes Sídhe. It is a profound, intimate excavation of grief and love that resonates with a “heartbeat of the earth” rarely captured in modern music.
The musical chemistry on this release is nothing short of supernatural, with the brooding cello of Kakophonix adding a rich, cinematic depth to Shannon’s intricate harp arrangements. From the heartbreaking resonance of “Beren and Lúthien” to the haunting, atmospheric reimagining of “Misty Mountains,” Shannon manages to find the pulse of Middle-earth through a uniquely Celtic lens. This isn’t just a tribute; it is a lush, sorrowless haven that provides a much-needed escape from the modern world. For fans of gothic folk and mythic storytelling, this album is an absolute triumph of the spirit, proving once again that Shannon is one of the most vital voices in the dark folk scene today.
Arkells Strike Gold with the Synth-Infused New Single “Money” Featuring Portugal. The Man
The unstoppable 9X JUNO Award winners Arkells have just dropped a certified banger with their new single “Money,” and it is exactly the kind of vibrant, synth-drenched anthem we need right now. Teaming up with the legendary John Gourley of Portugal. The Man, the track dives deep into our complicated, ego-driven relationship with finances, delivering a “godless” critique wrapped in an irresistible feel-good melody. Frontman Max Kerman’s sharp songwriting shines here, finding the perfect rebellious foil in Gourley’s guest vocals to create a track that feels both globally relevant and sonically explosive. Following the success of “What Good?”, this new release serves as a thrilling second look at the band’s highly anticipated 2026 album.
The momentum is truly electric as the Hamilton heroes prepare for a massive 2026, including a high-profile performance at the JUNO Awards in their hometown. Before they take the stage at the TD Coliseum, the band is heading across the pond for a series of intimate, up-close European and UK dates that are already selling out at lightning speed. Fans in Manchester and London have already snapped up every ticket, eager to hear a preview of the new record in these legendary small clubs. Whether they are surprising fans at a Jonas Brothers concert or sold-out holiday shows in Niagara Falls, Arkells continue to prove why they are the gold standard of Canadian rock and roll—bringing an infectious energy that keeps everyone’s eyes on the prize.
Dec 18 – Niagara Falls, ON – OLG Stage (Sleigh The Night) – SOLD OUT
Mar 12 – Berlin, Germany – Mikropol
Mar 13 – Hamburg, Germany – Nochtspeicher
Mar 15 – Cologne, Germany – Artheater
Mar 17 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Bitterzoet
Mar 19 – Manchester, United Kingdom – Deaf Institute – SOLD OUT
Mar 20 – London, United Kingdom – Underworld – SOLD OUT
Mar 29 – Hamilton, ON – TD Coliseum (2026 JUNO Awards)
May 30 – Fergus, ON – Meadows Music Festival
Close Enemies Announces 2026 Tour Featuring Rock Legends from Aerosmith and The Babys
Prepare for a rock and roll masterclass as the supergroup Close Enemies officially hits the road this January for an intimate string of “An Evening With” performances. This band is a total powerhouse, anchored by the iconic Tom Hamilton—Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bassist for Aerosmith—and legendary drummer Tony Brock of The Babys and Rod Stewart fame. They are joined by the elite guitar duo of Peter Stroud and Trace Foster, along with the electrifying vocals of Chasen Hampton. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a high-octane celebration of rock lineage, featuring a setlist that masterfully balances their incredible new original material with heart-pounding classics from the Aerosmith and The Babys songbooks.
The tour kicks off on January 2nd at the historic Coach House and winds through legendary stages like West Hollywood’s Whisky A Go Go before heading east to captivate fans in Georgia and Florida. There is a palpable buzz surrounding this run as it sets the stage for their highly anticipated full-length debut album arriving in March 2026 via TLG|Rock and Virgin Music Group. For the die-hard fans, the band is offering a rare treat: VIP ticket holders can get their hands on limited-edition early production CDs of the new record. Between the undeniable chemistry of these veterans and the raw energy of their new tracks, this tour is shaping up to be the first must-see musical event of the new year.
Jan 02 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – The Coach House
Jan 03 – West Hollywood, CA – The Whisky A Go Go
Jan 07 – Fresno, CA – Tower Theatre
Jan 09 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre
Jan 10 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
Jan 11 – Bakersfield, CA – The Nile Theater
Jan 21 – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar
Jan 23 – Largo, FL – Central Park Performing Arts Center
Jan 24 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
Jan 25 – Sarasota, FL – Encore Live
Jan 29 – Mt. Dora, FL – MT. Dora Music Hall
Jan 30 – Fort Myers, FL – Ter-Tiniś
Perspective Announces Self-Produced Debut Album Featuring “Take Them All Down” and “Scream Therapy”
The exciting four-piece UK outfit Perspective announces the upcoming release of their self-produced 11-track debut album after two-and-a-half years of meticulous studio work. This project fuses the irresistible grooves of seventies funk and disco with modern pop production to create a sound defined by emotionally rich lyrics and colourful guitar solos. The record functions as a chronological exploration of personal growth and identity, featuring the guitar-powered romantic high of their successful single “Take Them All Down” and the Daft Punk-influenced experimental journey of “Late To The Party.” From the floor-filling empowerment of “Hurt You Anymore” to the poignant and vulnerable finale “Skeletons,” the band delivers a cohesive narrative designed to inspire joy and unity on dancefloors everywhere.
Maxx Dee Rips Through the Digital Noise on the New Illegal Mind Single “No Test No Voice”
One-man uprising Maxx Dee delivers a sonic detonation with the latest Illegal Mind single “No Test No Voice” as a raw defiance against the modern digital circus. Blending punk aggression with alternative metal edge, the track features jagged riffs and snarling conviction to challenge the dopamine-fueled reality of a society trapped inside an endless feed. This self-produced anthem serves as a seething reflection on modern decay and built-in obsolescence while expanding the dystopian universe established in previous works like “Zombie Girl” and “Riding Eleanor”. The single provides a powerful preview of a forthcoming 2025 punk rock EP that promises to explore the cost of truth and creative survival in a broken world.
The Band of Heathens Celebrate 20 Years with New Single “No Direction” and ‘Country Sides’ Album
The Band of Heathens officially mark two decades of fierce independence with the announcement of their landmark tenth studio album ‘Country Sides’ arriving this February. This new collection serves as a greasy guitar-filled masterclass in roots rock, tracked in just over a week at the band’s own studio, The Finishing School, alongside producer Jim Vollentine. The group celebrates this milestone with the release of the soulful lead single “No Direction,” a lovelorn cowboy anthem that features lush harmonies and yearning pedal steel. This arrival comes at a high point for the Austin-based rockers, as their classic recording “Hurricane” has officially been certified platinum after amassing over one billion streams.
Founded by the enduring creative partnership of Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist, the group continues to blaze a singular trail from legendary barrooms to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. The upcoming 2026 tour schedule includes high-profile stops at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater and the iconic Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. Highlights from the new record include the swampy groove of “Take The Cake” and the free-wheeling energy of “She’s The Night,” which showcase a band still writing some of their best music to date. This 20-year journey stands as a testament to self-reliance and the power of organic music that resonates deeply with a dedicated global fan base.
‘Country Sides’ Tracklist:
- No Direction
- High on Our Own Supply
- She’s the Night
- Lead Don’t Follow
- Forever’s Not a Long Time
- Finish Something I Started
- Pleasing People
- Good as I Can Be
- Take the Cake
- Just as Much
- Letting Go
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Jan 05-10 – Steamboat Springs, CO – MusicFest 2026
Jan 11-18 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Sandy Beaches Cruise 2026
Jan 27-31 – Key West, FL – Mile 0 Fest 2026
Feb 05 – Raleigh, NC – Roadtrip To Raleigh 2026
Mar 06 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater
Mar 12 – El Dorado, AR – First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District
Mar 13 – Jackson, MS – Duling Hall
Mar 14 – Huntingdon, TN – Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center
Mar 15 – Indianapolis, IN – Turntable
Mar 17 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
Mar 18 – Chicago, IL – Garcia’s
Mar 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
Mar 20 – Ottawa, KS – Ottawa Memorial Auditorium
Mar 21 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
Apr 10 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
Apr 11 – Walhalla, SC – Walhalla Performing Arts Center
Apr 12 – Charleston, WV – Mountain Stage
Apr 14 – Asheville, NC – Revival Asheville
Apr 15 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
Apr 16 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
Apr 17 – Isle Of Palms, SC – The Wind Jammer
Apr 18 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns
Apr 19 – Waverly, AL – Standard Deluxe Inc
Apr 22 – New Orleans, LA – Chickie Wah Wah
Apr 23 – Baton Rouge, LA – Manship Theatre
Apr 24 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
Apr 25 – Plano, TX – The Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall
The Ultimate Stranger Things Season 5 Playlist: 80s Classics, Kate Bush, and Gaming Nostalgia
By Mitch Rice
Stranger Things Season 5 launched its first of three volumes last month, with episodes rolling out through New Year’s Eve, plunging Hawkins into its darkest chapter yet.
Will Byers finds himself at the emotional centre as his connection to Vecna and the Upside Down finally comes into focus in ways that could change everything.
Fans who have waited over three years for this finale now face new horrors and revelations, amplified by the show’s signature blend of suspense and heart.
In the meantime, the series has become a cultural juggernaut. From West End productions at the Phoenix Theatre in London to streetwear collaborations, sold‑out collectibles, and immersive arcade experiences, Stranger Things has spilled into every corner of pop culture.
Themed entertainment, from arcade games to pinball machines and sci-fi-inspired slots, have featured on the best online casino sites, all capturing the show’s neon-lit aesthetic for audiences who crave that retro rush.
At the heart of this devotion sits the soundtrack, a carefully curated time capsule that reanimates the 1980s for modern audiences.
How The Duffer Brothers Reimagine The Era
The Duffer Brothers pay homage to the decade through storytelling, oversized fashions, long hair, band tees, glowing arcade machines, drive-ins, and a soundtrack of classic rock and synths that serve as emotional anchors, reanimating 80s aesthetics for today’s audiences.
As fans enter what promises to be a bleak stretch in Hawkins, the soundtrack’s role becomes even more crucial. The opening episodes feature Squawk, the radio station where Robin works to keep spirits high, but judging from early reviews, things are about to get desolate.
With music serving as one of the key defences against Vecna’s curse, every song choice carries weight. Which tracks will save lives? Which will underscore heartbreak? The anticipation is part of the thrill.
The series so far has already revived golden-era gems, proving the ’80s’ enduring power.
Iconic Tracks from the Series
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash has been tied to Will Byers since the very first season. The punk staple captures his turmoil in the Upside Down while also introducing younger viewers to the energy of punk rock.
Meanwhile, “Every Breath You Take” by The Police added dramatic weight to tense moments in Season 1, its stalking rhythm blending instant recognition with narrative tension.
Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” became a plot-pivotal hit in Season 4, sparking a viral resurgence, sending Bush back into the charts, and introducing a whole new generation to her artistry.
Together, these songs demonstrate how the soundtrack anchors key character beats while bridging generations of music fans.
What’s Next? Predicting Season 5’s Soundtrack
With the series finale set in 1987, fans are already speculating about which tracks will soundtrack the end of Hawkins as we know it. The stakes have never been higher, and these potential additions would perfectly capture the escalating chaos, teen rebellion, and showdowns ahead:
“Just Like Heaven” – The Cure: Dreamy yet urgent, this track could score a Mike and Eleven reunion or a bittersweet flashback amid the finale’s mounting pressure. The Cure’s signature sound mirrors the emotional complexity of teenagers facing apocalyptic stakes.
“Paradise City” – Guns N’ Roses: A high-octane opener for the gang’s last stand, drawing from Appetite for Destruction’s raw, rebellious energy. It channels Eddie’s metal spirit, likely through Dustin overcoming a curse from Vecna, while delivering the adrenaline rush that major battle sequences demand.
“Never Gonna Give You Up” – Rick Astley: Could work as either an ironic twist during a tense infiltration scene or straight nostalgia for lighter moments before the horror escalates. The show has never been afraid of tonal shifts, and this track offers versatility and would surely garner some pretty memorable TikTok edits.
The Wild Card: “End of Beginning” by Djo
Here’s where things get meta and emotionally resonant. “End of Beginning” comes from Djo, the musical project of Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington. While it breaks the decade rule, it works beautifully as a symbolic closing of the loop; the series starts in 80s Hawkins and could end with a contemporary track created by one of its own breakout stars.
Position it as a dream inclusion for a final scene or end-credits roll, a hand-off from 80s needle-drops to a song made by an actor who became a cult hero through the show. It acknowledges the journey, honors the cast’s artistic evolution, and gives fans an Easter egg that feels earned rather than forced.
The Ultimate Soundtrack
These songs showcase how Stranger Things blends 80s nostalgia and cultural relevance into something that extends far beyond the screen.
The show has sparked a nostalgia economy where 80s aesthetics find new life across multiple platforms.
West End productions bring the story to theatre audiences. Fashion collaborations turn Hawkins’ style into wearable culture. Collectibles let fans own a piece of the Upside Down.
In the gaming world, retro-styled experiences capture the neon-lit, arcade-inspired aesthetic that defined the decade. Themed casino slots have embraced this 80s revival, using rock anthems, vintage graphics, and that unmistakable sense of discovery that comes from encountering something that feels both familiar and fresh.
Gen Z discovered Kate Bush through Max’s story. They’re discovering retro gaming experiences that echo the arcade culture Stranger Things celebrates.
The soundtrack becomes more than background music. It becomes a gateway to discovering a decade’s worth of culture, fashion, and entertainment that refuses to stay in the past.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.