Sony Music Vision, in association with Sony Music Entertainment UK and Epic Records, today announced the production of The Ballad of Judas Priest, a new documentary about legendary GRAMMY-winning English heavy metal band Judas Priest and their epic journey to the top of rock and roll.
Co-directed by documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello in his directorial debut, the documentary will celebrate the legendary band’s lasting impact on music and culture with their influence reaching far beyond metal. Featuring unforgettable anthems and pop culture staples like “Breaking the Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” The Ballad of Judas Priest will capture the passion, resilience and enduring legacy of a band whose music and story continue to inspire generations.
Rising from humble, working-class roots in Birmingham, UK, to become global rock legends, Judas Priest didn’t just help shape heavy metal culture – they forged it. Widely credited as being one of the pioneers of the Heavy Metal genre in the 1970s, Judas Priest has sold more than 50 million records and released 19 studio albums for their legion of dedicated fans around the world. In 2022, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With their 2024 album “Invincible Shield,” the band became the first heavy metal band to release studio albums 50 years apart. The album drew widespread acclaim, receiving a GRAMMY nomination for Best Metal Performance. This fall, they will be joined by Alice Cooper for a co-headlining tour across 22 North American cities.
Judas Priest said, “We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way…the cassock comes off, revealing Priest in all its metal glory!”
“While some may know Judas Priest for their huge hits that have shaped the heavy metal genre, there is so much more to their story,” co-directors Morello and Dunn said. “Tracing their incredible 50-year journey, this film will capture how Judas Priest both defined the sound and look of metal, but also made it a more inclusive place along the way. We are grateful to the band for allowing us such intimate, unfiltered access to their lives and look forward to bringing this film to the metal masses around the world.”
The documentary is a production of Banger Films and directed by Sam Dunn and Tom Morello. Producers include Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn. It is executive produced by Tom Morello, Rick Krim, Sheila Stepanek, and Jayne Andrews. Tom Mackay, Krista Wegener and Abby Davis serve as executive producers for Sony Music Vision. Sylvia Rhone is executive producer for Epic Records. The film is presented and distributed by Sony Music Vision.
Legendary band Sublime is set to take over Las Vegas with ‘Fear, Loathing, and Sublime in Las Vegas’ at Park MGM August 14-16. The three-day celebration of music includes two electrifying shows at Dolby Live Friday, Aug. 15 and Saturday, Aug. 16 and a welcome party Thursday, Aug. 14 to kick things off, DJ’d by KROQ’s Miles the DJ with appearances from members of Sublime. Throughout the immersive weekend experience, Sublime will be joined on stage by iconic punk and alternative rock acts including Pennywise, The Vandals, The Ataris, Long Beach Dub Allstars, and SVNBVRNT Records artists Jesse James Pariah & Zayno, plus exclusive VIP experiences, acoustic sessions, and rare memorabilia on display.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, May 23 at 9 a.m. PT and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. An artist pre-sale will begin Thursday, May 22 at 9 a.m. PT. Members of MGM Rewards, MGM Resorts International’s loyalty rewards program, will have access to a pre-sale Thursday, May 22 from 10 a.m. PT. All pre-sales are scheduled to end Thursday, May 22 at 10 p.m. PT.
VIP packages will also be available, offering fans exclusive access to soundcheck parties, opportunities to meet the band and intimate acoustic jam sessions. Fans will also get an exclusive look at a curated collection of Sublime Memorabilia on display throughout the weekend, plus a rare opportunity to join special guided tours at the Punk Rock Museum, led by various band members from the weekend’s lineup. The weekend concludes with a live recording of the BvrntCast Podcast on Sunday morning, where band members will share stories, insights, and fan interactions in a laid-back, engaging format.
Presented by KROQ and sponsored by Monster Energy, SRH, Primitive Skateboards, Black Flys Eyewear, Long Beach Beer Lab, and Good Vibe Tribe, the Fear, Loathing, and Sublime in Las Vegas weekend takeover is a must-attend event for fans of the iconic band. Attendees can expect a high-energy blend of punk, ska, and SoCal spirit in the heart of the Vegas Strip for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend celebrating the enduring legacy of Sublime.
“This Vegas takeover is going to be nuts!!! I mean Sublime and Pennywise, punk shows at the Punk Rock Museum, parties every night, it’s going to be everything Sublime for this weekend, you won’t wanna miss out on this one!” – Bud Gaugh, Sublime
After Jakob Nowell’s history making debut as Sublime’s new front man at Coachella 2024, he and his uncles Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson continued the momentum of the band’s latest chapter of the band, performing at over 20 festivals and shows across North America by the end of last year. Additional highlights from 2024 include Sublime’s late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a 4-song set on the Howard Stern Show and the band’s first top 10 hit on alternative radio since 1997 with their single “Feel Like That,” featuring the vocals of both Bradley Nowell and his son Jakob together.
2025 is shaping up to be an even busier year for the band, with a handful of headlining shows, high-profile festival appearances to support the release of Sublime’s forthcoming new album.
Sublime 2025 Tour Dates:
May 23 – BottleRock Napa Valley – Napa, CA
May 25 – Boston Calling – Boston, MA
June 14 – Vans Warped Tour – Washington, DC
June 28 – X Games Salt Lake City – Salt Lake City, UT
July 12 – 89.7 The River’s 30th Anniversary Show – Omaha, NE
July 20 – Minnesota Yacht Club Festival – Saint Paul, MN
August 21 – The Brooklyn Mirage – New York,
August 22 – CMAC – Canandaigua, NY
August 23 – Westville Music Bowl – New Haven, CT
September 14 – Sea.Hear.Now – Asbury Park, NJ
September 19 – Shaky Knees Festival – Atlanta, GA
September 27 – Evolution Festival – St. Louis, MO
The Beach Boys today announced that actor, producer, and musician John Stamos will join as a special guest for select U.S. dates on The Sounds of Summer Tour. Marking his 40th anniversary performing with the legendary band, Stamos will join The Beach Boys this Summer at Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA (June 10); The Town Hall in New York, NY (June 13); PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ (June 14); Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY (July 5); Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, NY (July 6); Pechanga Resort Casino – Pechanga Summit in Temecula, CA (August 8); The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego, CA (August 9); and Long Beach Terrace Theater in Long Beach, CA (August 10). The Beach Boys also recently announced that they will bring their Sounds of Summer Tour to Las Vegas for a three-night engagement at The Venetian Resort on October 1, 3 and 4.
Today’s announcement comes as co-founder and chief lyricist Mike Love prepares to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 12 in New York City. As the lyricist behind timeless Beach Boys classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “The Warmth of the Sun,” “I Get Around,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun,” Love’s work has left an indelible mark on pop culture and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. He joins an esteemed 2025 class that includes The Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, and Patrick Simmons; George Clinton; Ashley Gorley; Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins; and Tony Macaulay.
Stamos has had a longstanding relationship with The Beach Boys dating back to July 4, 1985 when he played his first official show with the iconic band at the Washington Monument, for close to a million people. Stamos aimed to introduce a younger generation to the timeless music of The Beach Boys and prominently featured the band on Full House and his subsequent television shows. Marking his 40th anniversary performing with the band, Stamos has maintained an enduring friendship with The Beach Boys and has captivated audiences on various worldwide tours. Stamos has appeared in several of their music videos and even directed the video for their song “Hot Fun in the Summertime.” One of his most notable contributions was his appearance in their chart-topping hit single “Kokomo.” Stamos enthusiastically describes The Beach Boys music as “heart music,” explaining how it bypasses the brain and goes directly to the heart.
The Beach Boys continue to remain at the forefront of music and culture through a series of impactful and high-profile projects. In 2024, The Beach Boys documentary premiered on Disney+, offering fans an in-depth look at the band’s journey—from their humble beginnings to their ascent as one of the most influential acts in music history. Directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, the film features never-before-seen footage and interviews with band members including Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Bruce Johnston, alongside insights from industry icons such as Lindsey Buckingham and Janelle Monáe. The documentary’s soundtrack, released by Capitol/UMe, includes timeless Beach Boys hits as well as the bonus track “Little Blue Bathing Suit” by Stephen Sanchez.
In 2023, the group was honored in the CBS tribute special Grammy Salute to The Beach Boys, which featured memorable performances by artists like Beck, Brandi Carlile, Michael McDonald, Pentatonix, St. Vincent, Weezer, Norah Jones, John Legend, and Mumford & Sons, celebrating the band’s enduring influence across generations and genres.
Expanding their legacy beyond music, Mike Love’s entrepreneurial drive is evident in his co-founded venture, Club Kokomo Spirits. The company’s artisanal rums—including the award-winning Artisanal White and Barrel Finished varieties—have received widespread acclaim, earning two Double Gold medals at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This recognition underscores the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship, a fitting parallel to the enduring harmony and excellence that define The Beach Boys. For more information on these award-winning spirits, visit Club Kokomo Spirits.
The Beach Boys x John Stamos U.S. Tour Dates:
6/10/25 @ Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA
6/13/25 @ The Town Hall in New York, NY
6/14/25 @ PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
07/5/25 @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY
07/06/25 @ Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, NY
08/08/25 @ Pechanga Resort Casino – Pechanga Summit in Temecula, CA
08/09/25 @ The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego, CA
08/10/25 @ Long Beach Terrace Theater in Long Beach, CA
Guitar icon Marty Friedman will follow the print release of his compelling autobiography last December, “Dreaming Japanese,” with an audiobook version via Recorded Books on June 24. The audiobook release is available to pre-order now across all digital platforms via Amazon here.
Written with veteran music journalist Jon Wiederhorn (“Louder Than Hell,” “Raising Hell”), “Dreaming Japanese” debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Heavy Metal Books chart and has received praise from major outlets including Rolling Stone, Guitar World, Decibel, and Publishers Marketplace. The autobiography shares Friedman’s inspiring journey from landing a gig as the lead guitarist for legendary thrash metal outfit Megadeth during their peak years to his emigration from the U.S. to Japan, where he became a prominent television figure and Japanese pop culture household name as well as being appointed an official Ambassador of Japan Heritage.
“I hope people can take away that there’s never a ‘right’ way to live your life,” says Friedman. “If you feel that pull to do something completely insane, something that everyone tells you is impossible, maybe you should listen to it. The normal tendency is to paint yourself in a good light, but what I find most interesting is when artists don’t do that. The humble beginnings, the failures, the total insanity-those are the moments that stick with people.”
“The book is really a journey that reveals Marty’s unwavering dedication, unwillingness to compromise, and continual triumph in the face of adversity,” says co-author Jon Wiederhorn. “From his greatest fantasies to his worst nightmares, It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of a multi-dimensional guitar hero who ranks right up there with the very best.”
The “Dreaming Japanese” audiobook delivers Friedman’s story with verve with a riveting narrative that captures his relentless perseverance as he struggled to start again from nothing. After spontaneously leaving his home in the US, to feeling lost in the middle of Tokyo with few connections or concrete plans, the story traces his journey to acclimate and assimilate into the inner core of an alien society, language and culture. In fascinating detail and clarity, Friedman shares how he gradually made inroads into the Japanese entertainment industry, becoming a household name and fixture on mainstream television and earning respect as a highly influential solo artist. “Dreaming Japanese” follows the wildly entertaining, inspiring, and above all, unprecedented path of a rock and roll guitar player who took the biggest risk: leaving worldwide success to start over from scratch in a country, culture and society far from his own and ultimately becoming an official ambassador of Japan.
From the adrenaline-soaked years touring the world with Megadeth-where he co-wrote some of the band’s most iconic albums like “Rust in Peace” and “Countdown to Extinction”-to his surreal reinvention as a lead guitarist in J-Pop acts and host of over 800 Japanese television shows, “Dreaming Japanese” reveals the wildly entertaining, deeply human, and often hilarious story of a man who risked everything to chase a new dream halfway across the globe.
Chevy Metal – the long-running cover band co-founded by late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins – today announced their headlining summer tour across the United States.
The band’s summer dates begin Monday, July 19, in Denver at the Marquis Theater, followed by stops in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere before wrapping up in Southern California in August. Local openers will be performing at each date, TBD.
Pre-sale ticketing for Chevy Metal’s summer tour begins TODAY, Wednesday, May 21. The presale code is: MULLETPASS. General on sale starts Friday, May 23, at 10 a.m. Purchase tickets here.
Chevy Metal got their start around 2002, when Taylor Hawkins began playing small gigs with bassist Wiley Hodgden — his longtime drum tech from the Foo Fighters. Over the years, the lineup evolved, especially on guitar, and so did the scale of their shows. What began as a low-key side project grew into a full-throttle rock outfit, playing everything from intimate venues to major corporate events.
These days, guitar duties are handled by Brent Woods, who learned his craft from the legendary Randy Rhoads. And since Hawkins’ death in 2022, the man keeping the beat for Chevy Metal is none other than his son, Shane Hawkins.
“The shows will be loud,” says co-founder Hodgden. “It’s old-school rock and roll: lots of drum solos. There will be cussing — sorry, we try not to, but it happens.”
Chevy Metal’s specialty as a ’70s dirt-rock cover band is turning deep album cuts into their own. “We don’t just play covers like the original,” says Woods. “We make them our own, as if we wrote them. We fuck them up a bit, speed the tempos, add jams, etc. We just have fun with it.”
Fans can expect a high-energy night of music sourced from such legends as Black Sabbath, Van Halen, The Police, Queen, Thin Lizzy and The Rolling Stones, just to name a few.
Past surprise guests have included rock royalty such as Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones), Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, Gene Simmons (Kiss), Roger Taylor (Queen), Chad Smith and Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), and, naturally, the Foo Fighters.
Chevy Metal’s summer tour promises the same wild spirit, with a rotating set list and occasional musical guests. No two nights are ever the same.
Chevy Metal were ignited in 2002 by the rhythmic prowess of Taylor Hawkins and his longtime friend and musician Wiley Hodgden. Taylor, recognized worldwide as the iconic drummer for the Foo Fighters, brought a relentless energy to the stage fueled by his infectious passion for classic rock. Wiley, a singer and bass player, was the drum tech for Hawkins at this time. Together, they envisioned Chevy Metal as a side hustle cover band that focused on quintessential rock classics mixed with deep cuts.
As the band evolved, Taylor and Wiley welcomed into the fold the extraordinary talents of guitarist Brent Woods, a seasoned touring and session guitarist and a student of the late legend Randy Rhoads.
Chevy Metal spent the first 10 years as a band playing dive bars and small clubs, then progressed to the grandeur of arenas, festivals and even stadiums, sharing the stage with Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Dave Grohl, Joan Jett and Mick Jagger, among other greats.
After Taylor’s untimely passing in 2022, Chevy Metal’s members paid tribute to him later that year at star-studded memorial shows in London and California. These were thought to be Chevy Metal’s final performances, but Taylor’s son, Shane Hawkins, decided that the band must endure, thus taking his father’s place as its drummer.
Wiley, Brent, and Shane continue to channel the spirit of old-school rock and roll, delving into the rich soundscape of the ’70s and ’80s as they continue their dedication to preserving and celebrating the timeless magic of classic rock.
CHEVY METAL 2025 SUMMER TOUR DATES:
Sat Jul 19 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater
Sat Jul 20 — Aspen, CO — Belly Up Aspen
Wed Jul 23 — Allston, MA — Brighton Music Hall
Thu Jul 24 — New York, NY — Gramercy Theatre
Fri Jul 25 — Philadelphia, PA — The Foundry
Sat Jul 26 — Washington, DC — The Atlantis
Sat Aug 9 — Long Beach, CA — Alex’s Bar
James McMurtry will release The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy on June 20 via New West Records. The 10-song collection was co-produced by McMurtry & Don Dixon (R.E.M., The Smithereens) and is his first album in four years. It follows his 2021 acclaimed New West debut, The Horses and the Hounds, which Uncut magazine said “lifts storytelling-in-song to meticulous new levels” and Pitchfork awarded an 8.0, saying “James McMurtry stands out even among the Lone Star State’s finest songwriters…” The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy features appearances by Sarah Jarosz, Charlie Sexton, pat mAcdonald, Bonnie Whitmore, Bukka Allen, and more alongside his trusted backing band—BettySoo on accordion & backing vocals, Cornbread on bass, Tim Holt on guitar, and Daren Hess on drums.
As varied as they are, McMurtry’s new story-songs find inspiration in scraps from his family’s past: a rough pencil sketch by Ken Kesey that serves as the album cover, the hallucinations experienced by his father, the legendary writer Larry McMurtry, an old poem by a family friend. A supremely insightful and inventive storyteller, McMurtry teases vivid worlds out of small details, setting them to arrangements that have the elements of Americana but sound too sly and smart for such a general category. Funny and sad often in the same breath, The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy adds a new chapter to a long career that has enjoyed a resurgence as young songwriters like Sarah Jarosz and Jason Isbell (who is namechecked on the new album) cite him as a formative influence.
Today, Holler shared the album highlight, “Sailing Away.” McMurtry says, “Several times I’ve made a wrong turn over by the Pentagon, trying to get to a club in Alexandria, Virginia in time for load-in. Satellite navigation seems to always get confused in that neighborhood. So I had that line about being lost over by the Pentagon kicking around for years while I waited for a song to put it in. Finally, the rest of the details filtered in from years of touring.”
Rolling Stone previously shared the album’s rumbling title track, calling McMurtry “one of America’s greatest living songwriters.” A kind of squirrely blues, it features two mysterious figures who appear only to those slipping from reality, yet it’s never grim nor especially despairing. Instead, he namechecks a “Weird Al” deep cut and depicts a tortured soul who doesn’t have to work a nine-to-five. McMurtry says, “The album title and that song comes from my stepmother, Faye. After my dad passed, she asked me if he ever talked to me about his hallucinations. He’d gone into dementia for a while before he died, but hadn’t mentioned to me anything about seeing things. She told me his favorite hallucinations were the black dog and the wandering boy. I took them and applied them to a fictional character.” Speaking to Rolling Stone, McMurtry added, “I stole one line from the late Keith Ferguson, who played bass in the Fabulous Thunderbirds back in the day. I didn’t know Keith, but Ronnie Johnson, our longtime ex-bassist, used to hang out with him some. Ronnie remembers Keith stirring his drink on the front porch as the sun came up and saying, ‘I like to sit up and watch the squares go to work.'”
For The Black Dog & The Wandering Boy, McMurtry called on his old friend Don Dixon, who produced his third album, Where’d You Hid the Body?, back in 1995. He says, “A couple of years ago I quit producing myself. I felt like I was repeating myself methodologically and stylistically. I needed to go back to producer school, so I brought in CC Adcock for Complicated Game, and then Ross Hogarth did The Horses & The Hounds. It seemed natural to revisit Mr. Dixon’s homeroom. I wanted to learn some of what he’s learned over the last thirty years.” McMurtry and his band worked to create something that sounds spontaneous, as though he’s writing the songs as you hear them. They were open to odd experiments, weird whims, and happy accidents. In addition to his original compositions, the album features a pair of covers as bookends, “Laredo (Small Dark Something),” an opioid blues & testimony from a part-time junkie losing a weekend to dope by Jon Dee Graham, and Kris Kristofferson’s “Broken Freedom Song.” McMurtry says, “Kris was one of my major influences as a child. He was the first person that I recognized as a songwriter. I hadn’t really thought about where songs come from, but I started listening to Kristofferson as a songwriter and thinking, How do you do this? Kris had just passed not too long before we recorded ‘Broken Freedom Song.’”
Once the album was mixed, mastered, and sequenced, McMurtry recalled a pencil sketch he had found a few years earlier in his father’s effects. It seemed like it might make a good cover. “I knew it was me, but I didn’t realize who drew it. I asked my mom and my stepdad, and finally asked my stepmom, Faye, who said it looked like Ken Kesey’s work back in the ‘60s. She was married to Ken for forty years.” The Merry Pranksters—Kesey’s roving band of hippie activists and creators—stopped by a couple of times to visit Larry McMurtry and his family. “I don’t remember their first visit, the one documented in Tom Wolfe’s Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. I was too young, but I do remember a couple of Ken’s visits. I guess he drew it on one of those later stops. I remembered it and thought it would be the perfect art, but I had to go back through the storage locker. It’s a miracle I found it again.” It’s a fitting image for an album that scavenges personal history for inspiration.
Known for his powerhouse performances, McMurtry tours year-round. He’ll be in Tomball, TX tomorrow night and his initial tour dates in support of the new album feature stops at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles, Tractor Tavern in Seattle, The Bluebird Theater in Denver, Le Poisson Rouge in NYC, World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, and more. Please see tour dates, with more to be added, below.
“You follow the words where they lead. If you can get a character, maybe you can get a story. If you can set it to a verse-chorus structure, maybe you can get a song. A song can come from anywhere, but the main inspiration is fear. Specifically fear of irrelevance. If you don’t have songs, you don’t have a record. If you don’t have a record, you don’t have a tour. You gotta keep putting out work.”
James McMurtry’s The Black Dog & The Wandering Boy will be available across digital platforms, compact disc, and standard black vinyl. A limited khaki color vinyl edition, as well as a limited compact disc edition, both signed by McMurtry will be available via Independent Retailers. A limited blue color vinyl edition, as well as a limited compact disc edition, both signed by McMurtry are available for pre-order NOW via NEW WEST RECORDS.
The Black Dog & The Wandering Boy Track Listing:
1. Laredo (Small Dark Something)
2. South Texas Lawman
3. The Color of Night
4. Pinocchio in Vegas
5. Annie
6. The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy
7. Back to Coeur d’Alene
8. Sons of the Second Sons
9. Sailing Away
10. Broken Freedom Song
James McMurtry On Tour:
5/23 – Main Street Crossing – Tomball, TX
5/24 – St. Joseph’s Chapel – Galveston, TX
6/6 – The Lensic – Santa Fe, NM
6/7 – KiMo Theatre – Albuquerque, NM
6/8 – Hotel Congress – Tucson, AZ
6/9 – Belly Up Tavern – Solana Beach, CA
6/11 – Troubadour West – Hollywood, CA
6/12 – Rio Theatre – Santa Cruz, CA
6/13 – Hopmonk Tavern – Novato, CA
6/14 – Hopmonk Tavern – Novato, CA
6/15 – The Center for the Arts Grass – Valley, CA
6/17 – Shrine Social Club (Shrine Ballroom) – Boise, ID
6/18 – Aladdin Theater – Portland, OR
6/19 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA
6/10 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA
6/21 – The District Bar – Spokane, WA
6/22 – Great Northern – Whitefish, MT
6/24 – Zootown Arts Community Center – Missoula, MT
6/25 – The ELM – Bozeman, MT
6/26 – The Commonwealth Room South – Salt Lake City, UT
6/27 – Aggie Theatre Fort – Collins, CO
6/28 – Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO
6/29 – Wave – Wichita, KS
8/15 – Fitzgerald’s – Berwyn, IL
9/4 – Proud Larry’s – Oxford, MS
9/5 – Saturn – Birmingham, AL
9/6 – 40 Watt Club – Athens, GA
9/7 – Visulite Theatre – Charlotte, NC
9/9 – Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC
9/10 – The Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC
9/11 – Bijou Theatre – Knoxville, TN
9/12 – Woodward Theatre – Cincinnati, OH
9/13 – The Athenaeum Theatre – Columbus , OH
9/14 – Magic Bag – Ferndale, MI
9/16 – Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON
9/17 – Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA
9/18 – Birchmere – Alexandria, VA
9/19 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA
9/20 – Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY
9/21 – The Annex – Norfolk, VA
9/23 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC
9/24 – Capitol Theatre Macon – Macon, GA
9/25 – Standard Deluxe: Little House Concert – Waverly, AL
9/26 – Saenger Theater – Hattiesburg, MS
9/27 – Chickie Wah Wah – New Orleans, LA
VEEPS, the leading global platform for live-streamed concerts and entertainment, is proud to announce a strategic relationship with Postmedia Studios, a part of Postmedia Network Inc. (“Postmedia”), to bring VEEPS All Access to Canada for the first time. VEEPS All Access is the first music subscription service to offer unlimited viewing of premium quality concerts and live music entertainment for a monthly or annual fee. This collaboration between VEEPS and Postmedia Studios will deliver unparalleled access to live entertainment for audiences across the country, from major cities to small towns, both live and on-demand.
“This collaboration is a significant milestone for VEEPS as we expand our offering in Canada,” said Kyle Heller, Co-Founder of VEEPS. “With Postmedia’s vast reach and deep connection to Canadian communities, we’ll be able to bring even more Canadian fans closer to the music and artists they love from Arcade Fire to Metric, Coldplay, and beyond. We’re introducing this special, lifetime rate for those who sign up early as members”
VEEPS All Access gives Canadian fans access to thousands of hours of live and on-demand concerts, comedy specials, music documentaries, intimate artist interviews, and live entertainment featuring popular Canadian artists like Shawn Mendes, Arcade Fire, Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Terri Clark, Alessia Cara, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessi Cruickshank, Mae Martin, and Anvil as well as an incredible display of content from world-class international artists like Coldplay, Mumford & Sons, Alicia Keys, Fall Out Boy, Kings of Leon, and many more.
For a limited time, Canadians and Postmedia subscribers can lock in a lifetime monthly rate of CAD $13.99—a 30% discount—by subscribing through a Postmedia website link. This provides unlimited access to all VEEPS content at this special price through the end of the Summer.
As part of the launch, VEEPS and Postmedia Studios are excited to announce a special livestream event featuring one of Canada’s most iconic bands, Metric, performing live from Toronto’s 15,000-capacity Budweiser Stage on June 6. “We’re thrilled to have people from all over the world join us virtually for this very special hometown performance of Fantasies in Toronto,” says Emily Haines of Metric. “It’s going to be a romantic, nostalgic evening for all. Wherever you may be, we’d love to have you there with us.”
Erika Tustin, Postmedia Studios, added, “Postmedia’s unparalleled reach across Canada gives us the unique ability to introduce VEEPS to audiences in every corner of the country. This strategic relationship highlights the power of our network to connect Canadians with unforgettable live entertainment experiences.”
As part of the collaboration, Postmedia has launched a new music coverage channel on Canoe (canoe.com), which was recently rebranded as an entertainment, lifestyle, shopping and commerce site. On Canoe, audiences will find music and industry coverage from across the country, be the first to hear about concert news and trends and get access to interviews with artists performing on VEEPS.
“Entertainment has the power to unite and inspire like nothing else,” said Steven Amato, Founder of Contend, Postmedia’s strategic partner in Postmedia Studios. “This collaboration bridges the physical and virtual worlds, giving Canadians access to the artists they love, no matter where they are.”
VEEPS and Live Nation will support the launch with a robust promotional campaign, leveraging their global expertise and deep experience connecting artists with fans. This strategic relationship is set to redefine how Canadian audiences experience live music and entertainment, while fostering a new era of access, storytelling and creativity. VEEPS content is available via veeps.com and apps on Apple TV, Roku, iOS, Samsung, and Android. VEEPS All Access subscribers will gain unlimited access to hundreds of upcoming live and on-demand performances each year, exclusive VEEPS-only artist content, merch drops, and more for a special introductory price of $13.99 a month.
Today, rising country star Cooper Alan announced the Western Canada leg of his headlining To The Bar Tour. Following the US leg of the tour, the charismatic singer-songwriter will kick-off the Canadian leg of the tour on October 8th, in Winnipeg, MB.
Known for his electrifying yet intimate live performances, the newly added tour dates underscore the remarkable demand driving Alan’s rapidly growing tour. With the first leg of the tour, Alan made major stops in Chicago, Indianapolis, Anaheim, and more selling out twenty of the headlining shows, before wrapping in April.
On the upcoming Canadian leg, fans can look forward to captivating performances from the fast-rising country star—packed with high energy, powerful lyrics, and a modern yet nostalgic take on the genre. For a full list of tour dates, see below. Tickets are available now. For details on VIP packages and to purchase, please visit cooperalanmusic.com.
In addition to the newly announced tour dates and amidst a whirlwind year for the breakout artist, Alan also launched his foundation, The Cooper Alan Foundationearlier this year which supports mental health organizations and causes. The hitmaker also released two singles, “Holy Ghost,” and “I Gotcha” which have quickly become fan favorites alongside his signature country mashups. With no signs of slowing down, Alan is gearing up to release more new music this year and will perform at various festivals this year including CMA Fest, Country Jam, County Line Country Fest, and more.
A rising star with the spirit of a true entertainer, a penchant for outside-the-box thinking and a growing, self-built audience, Cooper Alan is an artist willing to take country music where others have never dreamed – and fans love him for it. Whether it’s a deeply personal, step-by-step romantic saga, or an off-the-wall party anthem, Alan’s music is already some of country’s most fearless work, and he’s just getting started. A native of Winston-Salem, NC, the independent artist has racked up more than 550 million streams, a massive digital presence with more than 15 million followers across all social media platforms, and a touring footprint that sold over 150,000 tickets to date. It all stems from an ability to meet fans where they are – a creative renegade freely mixing musical styles, with boundless energy, sharp writing, and often, a sense of humor. But don’t be mistaken, there’s nothing gimmicky about it.
After releasing Take Forever, a 5 song EP telling the real-life story behind his wedding in the Fall of 2023, Alan was named as a 2024 Pandora Ten Artist To Watch and named to the Sirius XM and Pandora 2024 Future Five List. Soon after launching his single Take Forever, it climbed to number one on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot30 Weekend Countdown. With his latest singles “Holy Ghost,” “I Gotcha,” “Jesus Saves,” “Suit and Tie (Sixteen Tons),” “Wake Me Up (Country Version) (feat. Aloe Blacc),” and “Plead The Fifth” Alan takes his first step into the next batch of music to come. Coming off a sold out Australia headline tour at the end of 2024, Alan recently wrapped up his US leg of the To The Bar Tour, which hit markets all across the United States in the Spring of 2025.
TOUR DATES:
June 7, 2025 – Nashville, TN – CMA Fest Riverfront Stage
June 10, 2025 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry: OPRY 100
June 12, 2025 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
June 13, 2025 – Wisconsin Dells, WI – Crystal Grand Music Theatre
June 14, 2025 – Worthington, MN – Worthington Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival
June 21, 2025 – Strathmore, AB – Cowboy Town Concert
June 27, 2025 – Loma, CO – Country Jam 2025
June 28, 2025 – North Platte, NE – NebraskaLand Days
July 10, 2025 – Wabash, IN – Honeywell Center
July 11, 2025 – Lawrenceburg, IN – Lawrenceburg Event Center
July 12, 2025 – Troy, MO – Lincoln County Fair
July 19, 2025 – Timmins, ON – Rock on the River
July 25, 2025 – Bowling Green, KY – SKyPAC-Hall
July 26, 2025 – Maumee, OH – 41st NW Ohio Rib Off
July 30, 2025 – Medina, OH – Medina County Fair
July 31, 2025 – Ludington, MI – Styx Ludington
August 1, 2025 – Prairie du Chien, WI – County Line Country Fest
August 2, 2025 – Lincoln, IL – Logan County Fair
August 6, 2025 – Point Pleasant Beach, NJ – Jenk’s Club
August 7, 2025 – Jordan, NY – Kegs Canal Side
August 8, 2025 – Malone, NY – Franklin County Fair – Grandstand Concert Series
August 9, 2025 – Buffalo, NY – Terminal B at The Outer Harbor
August 10, 2025 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
August 13, 2025 – Berrien Springs, MI – Berrien County Youth Fair
August 16, 2025 – Alexandria, MN – Douglas County Fairgrounds
August 22, 2025 – Pueblo, CO – Colorado State Fair
August 29, 2025 – Mount Pleasant, IA – 75th Midwest Old Threshers Reunion
August 30, 2025 – Plymouth, WI – Sheboygan County Fair
September 5, 2025 – Emmett, ID – Roadhouse At The Mill
September 6, 2025 – Puyallup, WA – Washington State Fair
September 11, 2025 – Washington, DC – Plaza Stage at Nationals Park
September 12, 2025 – Danville, VA – Carrington Pavilion
September 18, 2025 – Sarasota, FL – Big Top Live
September 19, 2025 – Fort Myers, FL – The Ranch
September 26, 2025 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Amphitheater
September 27, 2025 – Mona, UT – Young Living Fall Festival & PRCA Rodeo
October 2, 2025 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa State Fair
October 8, 2025 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts*
October 9, 2025 – Saskatoon, SK – Coors Event Centre*
October 10, 2025 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre*
October 12, 2025 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre*
October 14, 2025 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall*
*Newly announced Canadian date
For every time you’ve ever shouted “Norm!” at your screen, here’s the ultimate tribute. Peacock’s nostalgic compilation captures every classic Norm Peterson entrance on Cheers—and honors the late, great George Wendt with love and laughter.
Foggy Mountain Spaceship has done the impossible—turning Pink Floyd’s swirling psychedelia into a hypnotic banjo dreamscape. With three unique banjos and endless creativity, their cover of “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” is pure cosmic joy.
