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Ronnie Romero Releases ‘Live At Rock Imperium Festival’ Featuring “Crossroad” and “Rainbow in the Dark”

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Ronnie Romero is thrilled to announce the release of his new album, ‘Live At Rock Imperium Festival,’ which is out now via Frontiers Music Srl. In addition, Romero also shares a fresh track from the album titled “Crossroad.”

‘Live At Rock Imperium Festival’ sees ROMERO delivering an impressive musical performance in front of a huge, passionate audience, in one of the biggest European festivals, the Spanish Rock Imperium Festival, including songs from the first solo and some other highlights like the Dio cover “Rainbow In The Dark.”

ROMERO comments on the focus: “A very special and unexpected song we added to the album back in 2023, we were missing a track, and Jose Rubio came with this bluesy riff, so the songwriting was totally improvised! Anyway, this song became a fav for the audience in the shows!!”

The tracklist for ‘Live At Rock Imperium Festival’ is mostly based on Ronnie’s latest solo album ‘Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters,’ which marks the first time that Romero has been involved with 100% of the songwriting on an album he sings on.

Romero also co-produced the album with Andy C., marking another first for Romero. While these ‘firsts” certainly add to the excitement for the album, it is the songs that truly take center stage. ROMERO’s voice is completely at home on this diverse, hard rockin’ set which is certainly going to please any fan of his vocal style and his work with his other bands.

Commenting on ‘Live At Rock Imperium Festival’, Romero states: “I really wanted to have a live album out, to show everybody how much I enjoy playing music and the capabilities of the musicians I have by my side! It is also a step forward in my solo career. And no better place than my beloved Rock Imperium Festival in Spain! Thanks a lot to Frontiers Music, Manu Gimenez, Andy C, and my band for making this possible! I hope that everyone will enjoy this performance!”

 

Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Releases Live ‘Echoes’ With Steven Wilson ATMOS Mix

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Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets have released their spellbinding live version of Pink Floyd’s iconic ‘Echoes’ on streaming platforms. An ATMOS mix by Steven Wilson, it was recorded at their show on August 1st, 2024 at the Centennial Hall in Frankfurt, Germany,  and was originally a Record Store Day vinyl only release.

When the band (Nick Mason, Gary Kemp, Guy Pratt, Dom Beken and Lee Harris) was founded it was with one simple ambition – to play and celebrate the early music of Pink Floyd. Following a handful of shows in the back room of a pub, their 2019 debut tour was met with huge acclaim from music critics and Pink Floyd fans alike, but inevitably they asked themselves “what next?”, and ‘Echoes’ felt like a natural answer!

The undertaking of playing ‘Echoes’ live is something that should not be understated. The track is a complex 23+ minute record. It swoops and dives, there are dynamic shifts in mood, tempo and instrumentation moving from tranquil, atmospheric passages to intense soundscapes – even the thought of undertaking playing such a track live, let alone one that holds such significance to millions of fans worldwide, is beyond comprehension to many, but it was a challenge Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets embraced with stunning results.

They started playing the track as part of The Echoes Tour that was delayed until 2022 due to Covid. Like their debut tour, it was met globally with huge acclaim and ‘Echoes’ stood out in their set and was lauded by the critics.

Hard Rock Acquires Globe Entertainment Archive, Expanding World’s Largest Music Memorabilia Collection

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Hard Rock International announces its majority acquisition of Globe Entertainment and Media Corp—one of the world’s largest private archives of music, celebrity and film photography assets from the past century with over 15 million images and rare, iconic collectibles.

The acquired archive features rare, unpublished, some unseen for decades and completely exclusive collectibles starting from the 1930s Golden Age of Hollywood, through American history and modern-day pop culture including:

  • Images of some of the world’s most renowned celebrities, entertainers and iconic pop figures
  • Autographed sporting equipment & portraits
  • Iconic concert tickets

“For over 50 years, Hard Rock has cultivated an extensive archive of music memorabilia so our guests can experience and celebrate the artists they love from pop culture moments they cherish,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming. “With the acquisition of Globe Entertainment and Media Corp, we now add an extraordinary visual archive to our legacy that not only opens new doors in the collectibles market but allows us to preserve cultural history.”

Hard Rock will add GEM’s vast archive to its existing authentic music memorabilia collection of more than 88,000 pieces seen at its locations around the globe—the world’s largest and most valuable collection—which includes autographed guitars, clothing from world tours, red carpets and other unforgettable moments in pop culture.

“The Globe collection stands as the guardian of one of the world’s most extensive collections of iconic pop culture imagery,” said Klaus Moeller, CEO and Co-Founder of Globe Entertainment & Media Corp. “By joining forces with Hard Rock, we’re giving these incredible images a global stage, while entering an exciting new era where art, nostalgia and commerce converge.”

RISE Festival Unveils The Path and Major Art Installations for 10th Anniversary

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 As RISE Festival returns to the Mojave Desert for its 10th anniversary on October 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2025, it is unveiling a visionary new experience for guests entering the festival grounds: The Path, an immersive, meditative journey through light, sculpture, and sound, that sets the tone for transformation before the first sky lantern is released.

Anchoring this expanded artistic offering are large-scale installations by three of the world’s most acclaimed visual artists: HYBYCOZOWhitaker Studio, and This is Loop. Their towering works of light, motion, and interactivity invite guests into a shared space of awe, reflection, and play—defining a new visual era for RISE.

“This year, we wanted the experience of arriving at RISE to feel like crossing a threshold,” says RISE Art Director John Connors. “The Path is the first step into the world of RISE—a moment to slow down, take in the surroundings, and enter a shared space that invites curiosity, reflection, and hope.”

The Path: A Curated Ritual of Arrival

Guests entering RISE Festival begin their journey with presence and stillness. The Path is a carefully curated experience of sculptural installations and wellness retreats designed to ground and uplift. It features:

  • RISE Meditation Halos — beautifully designed wooden pergolas outfitted with daybeds and soft linen drapes, offering guests a tranquil space to relax, breathe, and meditate in the breathtaking Mojave Desert landscape.

This serene threshold prepares the mind and body for the celebration that follows, creating a sense of purpose and intention from the very first step onto the festival grounds.

New and Returning Artistic Experiences

RISE’s creative journey continues across the festival grounds with powerful new installations and returning favorites:

  • “Trillion” by HYBYCOZO – The acclaimed duo Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu present towering geometric sculptures that explore the harmony of math, science, and natural patterns. As dusk falls, their structures radiate with internal light, casting evolving shadows that echo RISE’s core themes of connection and transformation.

  • “Diamonds on the Desert” by HYBYCOZO – A collection of five geometric sculptures inspired by pyrite crystal formations. The largest stands over 12 feet tall. By day, their golden forms echo the desert’s natural beauty; by night, internal lighting casts intricate patterns that transform the landscape into a luminous, meditative field.

  • “Desert Winds” by Whitaker Studio – Lyman Whitaker brings his celebrated kinetic wind sculptures—elegant, meditative works that dance with the desert breeze— to RISE, reminding visitors of their elemental bond with the natural world.

  • “Pulse” by This is Loop – The UK-based collective delivers kinetic, playful installations of light and energy that spark curiosity, joy, and movement—perfectly aligned with RISE’s communal spirit.

  • “Mirrors of Reflection” by The RISE Collective – A new signature piece composed of 24 towering mirrored structures surrounding a central monolith inscribed with poetry. This striking ensemble becomes a sanctuary of introspection, poetic stillness, and shared reflection.

  • “Moons on the Horizon” by The RISE Collective – Two 10-foot steel moons, softly illuminated at the desert’s edge, bringing a celestial glow to the landscape, symbols of duality, cycles, and the quiet mystery of the horizon.

  • “RISE HIGHER” by The RISE Collective – Four massive steel structures spelling out the word RISE, emerging from the desert floor, creating a bold and iconic photographic moment for festival guests.

Together, these installations and The Path form a spiritual and visual gateway into RISE’s milestone 10th year: a curated passage through beauty, silence, and inspiration that invites guests to fully arrive in the present moment. These immersive environments deepen storytelling and personal expression, enriching each guest’s experience under the open desert sky.

A World-Class Musical Lineup

RISE Festival also features an extraordinary musical lineup with global icons RÜFÜS DU SOL, Calvin Harris, and John Mayer, each delivering transformative performances in one of the most inspiring natural settings on Earth.

Ticket packages for the 10th RISE Festival are available in SilverGoldPlatinum, and Diamond tiers. For tickets and more information, visit www.RISEfestival.com

Henson’s Puppet Up! – Uncensored Returns With 14 Wild Performances This July

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Henson Alternative’s Puppet Up! – Uncensored returns this summer for 14 hysterical performances of adult comedy, puppet hijinks, and surprises at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for all performances: Wednesday, July 16th at 8pmThursday, July 17th at 8pmFriday, July 18th at 8pmSaturday, July 19th at 4pm and 8pmSunday, July 20th at 3pm and 7pmWednesday, July 23rd at 8pmThursday, July 24th at 8pmFriday, July 25th at 8pmSaturday, July 26th at 4pm and 8pm, and Sunday, July 27th at 3pm and 7pm.  Buy tickets here: https://www.centertheatregroup.org/shows-tickets/douglas/202526/puppet-up/.

Available tickets include General Admission ($75) and VIP tickets ($150). VIP guests will have priority seating and access to an all-new pre-show cocktail party experience where they can mix and mingle with puppets and puppeteers featured in the show, take photos with iconic Henson characters from LabyrinthThe Dark Crystal, and Fraggle Rock, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation with legendary puppeteer and show creator Brian Henson.

Co-created by award-winning director and producer Brian Henson (Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island), and the production’s director and host Patrick Bristow (EllenSeinfeldCurb Your EnthusiasmWhose Line Is It Anyway?), Puppet Up! – Uncensored is never the same show twice, effortlessly blending increasingly unhinged feats of improv comedy with the unparalleled skill and originality of Henson puppeteers. Based on suggestions from the audience, the puppet mayhem – starring the unforgettable Miskreant puppets – showcases both the improvised puppet action projected live on screens above the stage, and the puppeteers racing around below in full view of the audience to bring it all to life. Performances also include recreations of classic pieces by Jim and Jane Henson that have not been performed for audiences in decades.

Puppet Up! – Uncensored is not recommended for anyone under 16 and anyone under 14 will not be admitted.

Henson Alternative is The Jim Henson Company’s label for content created specifically and exclusively for adult audiences. In 1955, Jim Henson’s first television production “Sam & Friends” appeared on late-night television as a lead-in to “The Tonight Show,” establishing a standard in the Company’s work for irreverent, creative, comedy projects that spoke to adults. Appearances on “The Jimmy Dean Show,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and “Saturday Night Live,” as well as numerous short films for clients like IBM and AT&T, proved that Henson puppetry was not limited to children. Today, Henson Alternative continues to produce and develop projects for this audience. Credits include “The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell” (Netflix), “The Happytime Murders” (STX), “No, You Shut Up!” (Fusion), “Neil’s Puppet Dreams” (Nerdist), “Tinseltown” (Logo), and “Puppet Up! – Uncensored” (a live puppet improvisational show named one of the top 10 “Best Stage Shows” by Entertainment Weekly).

The Miskreant Puppets are the motley troupe of puppets featured in many Henson Alternative productions like “The Happytime Murders,” “Puppet Up! – Uncensored,” and “No, You Shut Up!” as well as Coldplay’s recent music video “Biutyful.”

Cardi B to Receive ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award

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Today, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announces multiplatinum, Grammy-winning superstar Cardi B will be honored with the distinguished ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award.

Cardi B made history in 2020 as the first woman to receive the esteemed ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year Award two years in a row, adding to her multiple ASCAP accolades, including eight ASCAP Pop Music Awards and a whopping 23 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards. This year, the world-renowned rapper returns to accept the ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award, which is presented to ASCAP members who have had a major influence on music and culture, to recognize their success as creators and changemakers. Last year, Usher was the recipient of the distinguished award.

“Cardi B has left an indelible mark on the culture of hip-hop by redefining and challenging the norms for women,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “Having broken through countless barriers with her unapologetic authenticity and talent, she continues to use her voice to advocate for and inspire others, a true testament to her undeniable impact. We are proud to present Cardi B with this year’s ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award.”

Cardi B will be presented with the award at a private, invitation-only event celebrating ASCAP’s top hip-hop, R&B and gospel songwriters on Sunday, June 8 in Los Angeles.

Cardi B is among the most significant musical artists of all time, regardless of genre, gender or generation. Among her seemingly endless list of accomplishments, she stands as the highest-certified female rapper of all time on the RIAA’s “Top Artists (Digital Singles)” ranking, the female rap artist with the most RIAA diamond certifications, and the only female rapper with multiple billion-streamers on Spotify, where her chart-topping, Grammy-winning, four-times RIAA platinum-certified debut album, Invasion of Privacy, remains the most-streamed album by a female rap artist to date. All 13 tracks on Invasion of Privacy are now certified at least platinum, and the smash 2018 album also includes the history-making diamond-certified “Bodak Yellow.”

With an extensive list of awards, nominations and high-profile honors, Cardi B’s additional nods include nine total Grammy Award nominations, eight Billboard Music Awards, six Guinness World Records, five Spotify One Billion Streams Awards, six American Music Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, three iHeartRadio Titanium Awards, six BET Awards, 14 BET Hip Hop Awards, inclusion on TIME‘s “TIME100: The 100 Most Influential People of 2018,” being named Entertainment Weekly‘s 2018 “Entertainer of the Year” and Billboard‘s 2020 “Woman of the Year,” along with countless other triumphs. In 2021, she was named Playboy‘s first-ever Creative Director in Residence and founding member of Playboy‘s creator-led platform. Since then, Cardi B has been featured on chart-topping singles including platinum-certified “Tomorrow 2” with GloRilla and gold-certified “Put It on the Floor” with Latto. In 2024, Cardi B came out swinging with dual releases “Like What (Freestyle)” and “Enough (Miami),” before collaborating on Rob 49’s “On Dat Money” and Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla’s “Wanna Be (Remix).”

Julien’s Music Icons Auction Returns With Kurt Cobain Guitar, Beatles Treasures

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Julien’s Auctions, the world-record-breaking auction house known for its landmark sales of music memorabilia, has announced the return of its acclaimed MUSIC ICONS auction, taking place live May 30 and 31 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York.

The auction will offer over 700 lots of stage-played instruments, iconic performance fashion, handwritten lyrics, and personal relics from the most legendary names in music, including Kurt CobainEric ClaptonDavid Bowie, Nirvana, U2, Elvis PresleyTaylor SwiftFreddie Mercury, and The Beatles.

At the heart of this year’s sale is the Julian Lennon Collection, a curated offering of rare Beatles and John Lennon artifacts. Highlights include RIAA Gold record awards for “Hey Jude” & “Revolver” as well as lyrics, animation cels from Yellow Submarine, and more. A portion of proceeds will benefit The White Feather Foundation.

Also featured are:

  • Kurt Cobain’s 1989 Takamine acoustic-electric guitar used during Nirvana’s 1991 Hilversum Sessions
  • Dave Grohl’s session-played Remo Acousticon Quadra drum kit
  • Krist Novoselic’s Warwick Dolphin Pro bass
  • Iconic guitars from Eddie Van HalenJack WhiteNoel GallagherRonnie Wood, and Joe Perry
  • Performance-worn looks by Cher (Bob Mackie designs), Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, and Amy Winehouse

Julien’s will host a free public exhibition of the collection at Hard Rock Cafe New York from May 21–31, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET.

“This year’s Music Icons sale is a celebration of the unforgettable artistry that shaped generations,” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “From Kurt Cobain’s guitar to Julian Lennon’s Beatles treasures, this is a landmark moment in cultural history.”

To view the catalog and register to bid, visit juliensauctions.com.

Dolly Parton Expands Food Line With Southern-Inspired Frozen Meals

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Today, global icon Dolly Parton announced the expansion of her retail food line in collaboration with Conagra Brands. This exciting launch introduces single-serve frozen meals that bring Dolly’s cherished Southern-inspired favorites to homes across the nation in a convenient, no-hassle format.

The new collection of Dolly Parton’s meals features four comforting, heat-and-eat dishes:

  • Dolly Parton’s Beef Pot Roast: Tender USDA Choice beef with cuts of carrots, celery, onions, and roasted red potatoes in a rich, savory Southern-style gravy.
  • Dolly Parton’s Chicken & Dumplings: White meat chicken with thick-cut carrots and celery, paired with fluffy dumplings in a creamy pepper and thyme sauce.
  • Dolly Parton’s Country Fried Steak: A tender, fried beef patty topped with black pepper and chive country gravy, served alongside chunky mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans with smoky bacon.
  • Dolly Parton’s Shrimp & Grits: Creamy white cheddar grits with succulent shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and a bold, spicy Southern-style sauce.

These meals are crafted to deliver the authentic flavors of Southern cuisine, reflecting Dolly’s commitment to quality and taste. Each meal has a suggested retail price of $4.49 and can be prepared in either the microwave or oven.

“I’ve always believed in the power of a warm, hearty meal, and now with these offerings I’m bringing a little taste of my own Southern favorites to you,” said Dolly Parton. “Whether you’re busy or just craving some quick comfort, I hope these dishes warm your heart as much as your belly!”

This launch builds upon the successful collaboration between Dolly Parton and Conagra Brands, which began in 2022 with a line of baking mixes and frostings under the Duncan Hines brand. The partnership, which is facilitated by IMG Licensing, has since expanded to include a variety of items inspired by Dolly’s Southern roots including Dolly Parton’s Biscuit Batter Peach Cobbler, a new multi-serve frozen peach cobbler that brings one of her favorite desserts to a broader audience. Dolly Parton’s Biscuit Batter Peach Cobbler has a biscuit batter top that bakes up fresh in the oven, as the peaches and filling are caramelizing underneath. The suggested retail price is $9.99.

“Our partnership with Dolly Parton has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Tim Nangle, VP & General Manager at Conagra Brands. “Her genuine love for home-cooked meals and deep connection with fans makes this expansion into frozen foods a natural next step. We’re proud to bring even more of Dolly’s warmth and flavor into homes across the country.”

The new single-serve frozen meals and frozen peach cobbler are now available at major grocery retailers across the United States. For more information and to explore the full range of Dolly Parton food products, visit bakingwithdolly.com.

Live Nation Appoints Richard Grenell to Board of Directors

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Live Nation Entertainment, the global leader in live events, today announced the election of Richard Grenell to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Grenell brings decades of experience in diplomacy and negotiations, having served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Acting Director of National Intelligence, Presidential Envoy for Kosovo-Serbia Negotiations and Presidential Envoy for Special Missions. Mr. Grenell also currently serves as the President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he oversees operations and programming at one of the nation’s premier cultural institutions.

His career experience will help support Live Nation’s mission to bring more live music to the world, while also advocating for industry reforms that protect both fans and artists.

“We are pleased to welcome Ric to our Board,” said Randall Mays, Chairman of the Board of Live Nation Entertainment. “His background will bring a valuable perspective as Live Nation continues to contribute to a growing live music industry around the globe.”

“The power of live performances to bring people together while boosting local economies is transformative,” said Grenell. “I’m proud to join the board and support Live Nation’s efforts to grow this positive impact of concerts around the world.”

OREO and Selena Gomez Unveil Limited Edition Horchata-Inspired Cookie

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The OREO brand is introducing the Limited Edition Selena Gomez OREO Cookies, a brand-new OREO cookie that brings together Selena’s passions and fandom into one deliciously dunkable bite.

Selena worked closely with the OREO brand to develop a one-of-a-kind sweet-and-spiced flavor combo. Inspired by her love of horchata, the cookies include a layer of chocolate & cinnamon flavor creme atop a layer of sweetened condensed milk flavor creme with cinnamon sugar inclusions, all sandwiched between two chocolate cinnamon flavored wafers.

“Making my own OREO cookie was a lot of fun. I grew up loving them, so being able to be a part of the process was a full-circle moment,” said Selena Gomez. “I wanted to find a way for it to feel comforting and have a bit of nostalgia from my childhood. The cinnamon flavor gives it this horchata feel, and I’m excited for my fans to try it.”

In addition to curating her personalize OREO flavor, Selena also created six unique embossments designed with her fans in mind, including one that spells out “Selenators.” There’s also one exclusive cookie found in approximately every three packs that features Selena’s classic signature —marking the first time the OREO brand has ever put an autograph on an OREO cookie.

While both the OREO brand and Selena champion self-expression and self-discovery, they know the journey to get there isn’t always easy—especially for young people. To help support youth mental health, the OREO brand is also making a donation to the Rare Impact Fund. Founded by Selena in 2020, the Rare Impact Fund focuses on increasing access to mental health services and education for young people around the world. (To learn more about the Rare Impact Fund, visit rareimpactfund.org.)

The Limited Edition Selena Gomez OREO Cookies will be available for presale in the U.S. starting on June 2 at www.OREO.com/UnwrapTheCollab. The OREO cookies will begin rolling out at retailers nationwide starting on June 9, 2025, and will be available only for a limited time, while supplies last.

The cookie packs will also be available in CanadaBrazilAustralia and New Zealand. Fans in Canada and Brazil can also find the cookies in stores starting on June 9, 2025, and on June 17th for fans in Australia and New Zealand. Keep your eyes peeled! These packs just might make a surprise appearance in your part of the world.