Page 698 – That Eric Alper

“Wake Up!”: Bernard Rhodes Pulls the Fire Alarm on Punk History In New Book

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

“Wake Up!”: Bernard Rhodes Pulls the Fire Alarm on Punk History In New Book

If you’ve ever thrashed your head to “London Calling,” shouted “White Riot” from your bedroom speakers, or found yourself explaining to someone that The Clash weren’t just a band, they were a movement—then you owe a massive debt to Bernard Rhodes. And now, finally, he’s telling his side of the story.

Published in late 2023, Wake Up! To the World of Bernard Rhodes is not your typical rock memoir. It’s a manifesto wrapped in a scrapbook, a philosophy lecture disguised as a punk zine, and a backstage pass into one of the most explosive eras in British music. This book isn’t just about what Rhodes did—it’s about how he thought, how he pushed, and how he made sure punk wasn’t just a sound, but a way of being.

Rhodes wasn’t just there when punk happened—he helped invent it. Inspired by the Situationists, Rhodes was designing provocative T-shirts before fashion became political protest. He introduced Johnny Rotten to the Sex Pistols. Then he built The Clash from the ground up, shaping not only their lineup and look, but their firebrand attitude and fearless politics.

Wake Up! captures it all—through essays, photos, artwork, fashion, flyers, and attitude. It’s a sensory experience, filled with rare ephemera and raw insight, not just into The Clash but into punk as a form of social disruption. And Rhodes doesn’t stop there—he was instrumental in guiding The Specials and Dexy’s Midnight Runners to commercial and cultural success. If you were wondering who helped turn punk from a dirty club gig into a global movement, look no further.

This isn’t nostalgia—it’s a call to arms. Rhodes reminds us why punk still matters. Why art, style, and noise can shake governments and galvanize generations. Why being awake—to injustice, to possibility, to yourself—is still the most punk thing you can do.

So if you’re a collector of culture, a student of music history, or just someone who believes in the power of a good scream over a great riff, pick up Wake Up! To the World of Bernard Rhodes.

Because behind every revolution, there’s someone pulling the fire alarm.

20 Musicians Who Took the Spotlight on Broadway

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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20 Musicians Who Took the Spotlight on Broadway

When the stage lights rise and the curtains part, some of the world’s biggest music stars have proven they’re just as electric under the proscenium arch as they are on the mic. From pop icons to rock legends and R&B royalty, these artists lended their voices to radio hits, and took heir talents to Broadway, bringing depth, drama, and jaw-dropping vocal runs to some of theatre’s most iconic roles. Here are 20 musicians who went from stadiums to stages and made Broadway their own.

1. David Bowie – The Elephant Man
In 1980, the Thin White Duke stunned audiences in The Elephant Man, playing the title role without prosthetics. His haunting physicality and magnetic presence proved his talent extended far beyond the recording studio. Bowie received rave reviews and solidified his theatrical prowess.

2. Brandy – Chicago
Brandy brought serious heat to the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago. Her run was so well received that she returned multiple times. A blend of charisma, killer vocals, and pure showbiz sparkle made her a Broadway favorite.

3. Cyndi Lauper – Kinky Boots (Composer)
While Lauper didn’t star on stage, she composed the Tony-winning score for Kinky Boots. She became the first solo woman to win Best Score at the Tonys. Her pop instincts translated flawlessly to feel-good musical theatre.

4. Josh Groban – The Great Comet and Sweeney Todd
Groban wowed critics in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 with his emotional depth and signature baritone. He returned in 2023 as a chilling and tragic Sweeney Todd, earning a Tony nomination for the role.

5. Jordin Sparks – Waitress
The American Idol winner brought charm and powerhouse vocals to Waitress as Jenna. Her performance captured vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Sparks’ turn proved she’s a triple threat.

6. Sara Bareilles – Waitress
Not only did she compose the entire Waitress score, but she also stepped into the role of Jenna on Broadway. Her performance was heartfelt and disarming, bringing her songs full circle from the piano to the stage.

7. Nick Jonas – How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
After starting in the Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas stepped into a leading man role on Broadway. As J. Pierrepont Finch, he brought youthful swagger and vocal chops to the corporate-climbing musical.

8. Fantasia Barrino – The Color Purple and After Midnight
Fantasia’s raw power was tailor-made for Broadway. Her turn as Celie in The Color Purple was lauded for its emotional weight, while After Midnight showcased her jazz chops in a Cotton Club-era revue.

9. Usher – Chicago
Usher took on the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago, bringing smooth vocals and commanding stage presence. It was a seamless crossover that felt both theatrical and effortlessly cool.

10. Meat Loaf – Hair
Before Bat Out of Hell fame, Meat Loaf was part of the original Broadway cast of Hair. His powerful vocals and theatrical delivery made him a natural fit for the rock musical movement of the ’60s and ’70s.

11. Jennifer Holliday – Dreamgirls
Holliday originated the role of Effie White in Dreamgirls, delivering one of Broadway’s most legendary performances. Her rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is etched in musical history forever.

12. Ricky Martin – Evita
Martin played Che in a revival of Evita, winning over critics with his passionate, engaging performance. His turn on Broadway was a career milestone and introduced him to a new generation of theatre lovers.

13. Deborah Cox – Aida and The Bodyguard
Cox has appeared in multiple stage productions, including a lauded run in Aida. Her voice is perfectly suited for the soaring ballads of musical theatre, and she also led the U.S. tour of The Bodyguard.

14. Tony Bennett – Tony Bennett at the Latin Quarter
While not a traditional musical, Bennett’s early career included extended live performances at Broadway-adjacent cabaret venues. His stagecraft and storytelling laid the foundation for many theatrical crossovers to come.

15. Billie Joe Armstrong – American Idiot
The Green Day frontman surprised fans when he joined the Broadway cast of American Idiot, the musical adaptation of his band’s album. His gritty, lived-in performance as St. Jimmy added punk authenticity to the production.

16. Reba McEntire – Annie Get Your Gun
Reba brought Southern charm and star power to the role of Annie Oakley. Her turn in Annie Get Your Gun was widely praised, even earning praise from hardened Broadway critics.

17. Sting – The Last Ship
Sting not only wrote the score for The Last Ship, a musical inspired by his hometown, but also stepped into the lead role. His lyrical storytelling translated beautifully to stage, blending folk, rock, and tradition.

18. Michelle Williams – Chicago and Once on This Island
The Destiny’s Child alum has graced the stage multiple times, earning rave reviews as Roxie Hart. Her theatre resume proves she’s more than just a pop star—she’s a stage standout.

19. Elton John – The Lion King and Billy Elliot (Composer)
Sir Elton didn’t act on stage, but his compositions for The Lion King and Billy Elliot revolutionized modern musical theatre. His ability to fuse pop with dramatic arcs changed the game for jukebox and original scores alike.

20. Boy George – Taboo (Composer and Star)
The Culture Club icon created and starred in Taboo, a musical based on London’s ’80s club scene. While it had a short Broadway run, it has since achieved cult status and showcased Boy George’s theatrical flair.

From iconic vocalists to chart-topping pop stars, these musicians didn’t just try Broadway—they embraced it. Their transitions proved that music and storytelling know no genre boundaries, and the magic of live theatre has a way of drawing out new creative dimensions. Whether they were belting ballads, playing leads, or writing the very notes that danced through the theatre, these artists left their mark on the Great White Way—proving that every stage, in the end, is just another kind of concert.

15 Famous Musicians Who Performed with Their Kids (And Melted Our Hearts)

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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15 Famous Musicians Who Performed with Their Kids (And Melted Our Hearts)

There’s something extra powerful about hearing a family make music together—not just at home, but in the studio or on the road. These aren’t just one-time performances. These are artists who’ve toured with their children or brought them into the recording booth as collaborators. From rock royalty to country icons, here are 15 parent-child duos (or trios!) who made their bond official—on tour posters and track listings alike.

1. Willie Nelson and Lukas Nelson
Lukas has toured with his dad for years, playing guitar and singing in Willie’s band. Their chemistry is unmatched, and Lukas even helped record on albums like Heroes (2012), proving that the Nelson family harmonies are built to last.

2. Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus
Before “Wrecking Ball,” there was “Ready, Set, Don’t Go”—the heartfelt duet that brought father and daughter together on stage and in the studio. Miley also toured with Billy Ray in her early Hannah Montana days, often closing the show side by side.

3. Bruce Springsteen and Jake Clemons
After the passing of Clarence Clemons, Bruce turned to Clarence’s nephew Jake to carry on the saxophone legacy with the E Street Band. Jake’s now a full-time touring member, making this a story of extended musical family in the truest sense.

4. Steve Earle and Justin Townes Earle
Steve and his late son Justin both had solo careers, but they also toured and recorded together early on. In 2021, after Justin’s passing, Steve released J.T., a stunning tribute album of his son’s songs—equal parts grief and reverence.

5. Eddie and Wolfgang Van Halen
Wolfgang joined Van Halen as bassist in 2006 when he was just 15. He toured with his dad until Eddie’s passing in 2020, later launching his own solo project Mammoth WVH. Their time together on stage was both historic and deeply personal.

6. Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
Though Nat King Cole passed away when Natalie was young, technology brought them together. Her 1991 Grammy-winning version of “Unforgettable” was a virtual duet between father and daughter that became one of the most iconic family recordings of all time.

7. James Taylor and Ben Taylor
Ben has opened for his dad on tour and often shares the stage for acoustic duets. Their voices blend beautifully—warm, familiar, and unmistakably from the same musical DNA.

8. Loudon Wainwright III with Rufus and Martha Wainwright
Folk troubadour Loudon Wainwright III has performed and recorded with both of his children. Whether on stage or on records like Songs for the New Depression, their collaborations are often humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, and always honest.

9. Ozzy Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne
Their duet “Changes” (2003) was a reworking of Black Sabbath’s ballad, released as a father-daughter single that hit #1 in the UK. The Osbournes also famously shared the stage—and the spotlight—on multiple occasions during the peak of their reality TV fame.

10. Julio Iglesias and Enrique Iglesias
Enrique opened shows for his father early in his career, and though they pursued different musical paths, they’ve appeared together on major tours and family-centric releases. Their bond crosses genres—and generations.

11. Rosanne Cash and Johnny Cash
Rosanne not only toured with her father Johnny Cash but also appeared on albums like The Unbroken Circle: The Musical Heritage of the Carter Family. Her voice was part of the extended family tradition that Johnny kept alive well into the 1990s.

12. Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra
While most famous for their duet “Somethin’ Stupid,” Nancy and Frank toured and appeared on multiple recordings together. Their chemistry—equal parts swing and showbiz charm—made them a dazzling family duo of the 1960s.

13. T.I. and Domani Harris
T.I. brought his son Domani on tour and into the studio long before Domani launched his solo career. As part of Family Hustle, Domani got an early education in music—and the industry—by literally walking in his dad’s footsteps.

14. Johnny and June Carter Cash with John Carter Cash
John Carter Cash didn’t just tour with his parents—he played in their band and has gone on to produce posthumous albums and recordings for both Johnny and June. The music never stopped in the Carter-Cash home.

15. Bob Marley and Ziggy Marley
Before Ziggy went solo, he performed with The Melody Makers—alongside his siblings, carrying on the Marley legacy. He also performed posthumously with his father via recordings and has headlined tribute tours in Bob’s honor around the world.

Whether on tour buses or in recording booths, these musicians didn’t just share DNA—they shared dreams, harmonies, and history. Music might be the family business, but these moments prove it’s also the family bond.

Yungblud Unleashes “IDOLS” and Announces World Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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Yungblud Unleashes “IDOLS” and Announces World Tour

The fourth studio album by the 27-year-old international creative force Yungblud was announced today, alongside news of his world tour which includes North American dates for this fall.

Yungblud, whose last two albums went to number one in the UK and broke into the Billboard top 100, and whose back catalogue has accumulated an astonishing 6 billion streams globally, has announced that his forthcoming body of work, ‘IDOLS,’ part 1 will be released on June 20 via Locomotion/Capitol Records.

The 13-track offering is Yungblud’s most ambitious yet. Making sure of no distractions, he headed to a location just outside of where he grew up in the north of England with producer Matt Schwartz at the helm, Bob Bradley on additional production, and guitarist Adam Warrington.

On ‘Idols’, Yungblud explores the theme of hero-worship; how we look to others for validation, often putting others’ lives on a pedestal at the expense of the richness of our own experiences. Yungblud says, “We turn to others for an identity before turning to ourselves. Self-belief, self-reclamation, self-evolution and change. As we grow up, we lose our belief in magic and mystery. We begin to rationalize everything; our cage walls build up.” He added, “We compare ourselves to 15 different people before we’ve even had our breakfast”.

IDOLS will be available on June 20 in digital, CD and 4 vinyl variants; standard black vinyl, limited edition signed “Distant Smoke” marble vinyl, indie exclusive signed “Supermoon” silver vinyl, Amazon exclusive “Wishing Well” magenta vinyl and Spotify exclusive “Hell and Back” two color vinyl. Each vinyl includes a 4-page lyric booklet and 1 of 6 collectible double-sided photo lithos – unique to each vinyl variant – designed to form a cross-shaped image when the set is completed.

IDOLS WORLD TOUR:
AUGUST
23 – Los Angeles, CA, Hollywood Palladium
24 – San Diego, CA, The Observatory North Park
26 – Salt Lake City, UT, The Union
28 – Denver, CO, The Mission Ballroom
30 – Austin, TX, ACL Live at the Moody Theatre
31 – Dallas, TX, House of Blues
SEPTEMBER
2 – Atlanta, GA, Tabernacle
6 – Washington, DC, 9.30 Club
9 – Milwaukee, WI, The Rave, Eagles Ballroom
10 – Detroit, MI, The Fillmore
12 – Chicago, IL, Riviera Theatre
14 – Cleveland, OH, Agora Theatre and Ballroom
16 – Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn Paramount
18 – Philadelphia, PA, The Fillmore
19 – Boston, MA, Roadrunner
21 – Toronto, ON, Danforth Music Hall
OCTOBER
4 – Amsterdam, NL, AFAS Live
5 – Brussels, BE, Forest National
7 – Dusseldorf, DE, Mitsubishi Electric Halle
8 – Paris, FR, Adidas Arena
9 – Nantes, FR, Zenith Nantes Metropole
11 – Madrid, ES, Palacio Vistalegre
14 – Munich, DE, Zenith
15 – Zurich, CH, Halle 622
17 – Prague – CZ, Sportovni Hala Fortuna
18 – Warsaw – PL, Torwar Hall
20 – Berlin – DE, Uber Eats Music Hall
22 – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU, Rockhal Main Hall
24 – Copenhagen, DK, KB Hallen
25 – Stockholm, SE, Annexet
27 – Hamburg, DE, Sporthalle
29 – Vienna, AT, Wiener Stadthalle
31 – Bergamo, IT, ChorusLife Arena

5 Surprising Facts About Daft Punk’s ‘Random Access Memories’

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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5 Surprising Facts About Daft Punk’s ‘Random Access Memories’

Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories was the final studio word from the French robots, and a love letter to music itself. Released in 2013, it was a boundary-pushing, disco-soaked masterclass in analog recording, featuring legends like Nile Rodgers, Pharrell Williams, Giorgio Moroder, and Paul Williams. The duo ditched their sampling roots for live instrumentation, but that didn’t mean the album was short on surprises. You might think you know every vocoded flourish and neon-drenched groove on this Grammy-winning LP—but here are five facts even superfans might’ve missed.

1. “Lose Yourself to Dance” Has Billy Squier’s Fingerprints All Over It
While the album avoids traditional sampling, it channels classic breakbeats in spirit. The thunderous claps and stomps on “Lose Yourself to Dance”? That groove owes a debt to Billy Squier’s iconic 1980 track “The Big Beat”—a song famously sampled by everyone from Jay-Z to Alicia Keys. Daft Punk recreated that percussive energy using live drums, multi-tracked claps, and layers of cymbals, giving it a raw, rock-meets-funk intensity that powered one of the album’s deepest cuts.

2. Only One True Sample Was Used, and It’s From Outer Space
While Daft Punk mostly avoided samples, the album’s explosive closer “Contact” makes a rare exception. The opening features a crackling NASA recording from the Apollo 17 mission, with astronaut Eugene Cernan describing a mysterious “bright object.” That cosmic tension builds into the track’s cataclysmic finale—Daft Punk’s subtle nod to how sampling can still elevate a story when used sparingly.

3. “Giorgio by Moroder” Was a Studio Puzzle With No Instructions
Giorgio Moroder’s spoken-word track wasn’t simply placed over a beat. Daft Punk recorded his monologue using three separate microphones—each representing a different era of recording tech—to reflect his journey through music history. Then they stitched together nearly nine minutes of genre-bending sound around it. The track became a production playground: disco, funk, ambient, acid, all orbiting Giorgio’s voice like moons around a retro-futurist planet.

4. The Hidden Chord Progression That Links “Get Lucky” and “Around the World”
Leave it to Daft Punk to sneak in an Easter egg you can feel but not immediately hear. Chilly Gonzales revealed that “Get Lucky” uses a modified version of the same chord progression from their 1997 track “Around the World.” This creates a subconscious thread from their robotic roots to their analog rebirth. A reminder that even as they reinvented themselves, they never fully unplugged from their digital DNA.

5. Most of the Album Was Cut Live in Legendary Studios… But Edited Like a Sample
Despite using tape machines, vintage gear, and some of the world’s best session players, Daft Punk still leaned on their electronic instincts. Every track was also simultaneously recorded into Pro Tools. After each take, they’d compare analog vs. digital and later sliced together sections with surgical precision. Think of it as sampling with human fingers instead of a mouse—chopping, looping, and rearranging live performances like they were vinyl.

Random Access Memories was a manifesto. Daft Punk reminded the world that futuristic music can have a beating human heart. And in true Daft Punk fashion, they proved that sometimes the best way forward is by looking back—preferably through a vocoder.

5 Surprising Facts About Weezer’s Blue Album

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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5 Surprising Facts About Weezer’s Blue Album

It’s the album that gave us “Buddy Holly,” “Undone – The Sweater Song,” and “Say It Ain’t So.” It’s the one with the blue background, the awkward stares, and the guitar crunch that made nerd rock feel downright heroic. But behind the clean-cut cover and Ric Ocasek’s pop sheen lies a messy, brilliant story of rebellion, revision, and reinvention. These are five things you might not know about Weezer’s ‘Blue Album’—and if you do, well, you’re one sweater unravel away from becoming the fifth member of the band.

1. They Practiced Barbershop Quartets To Tighten Their Harmonies
Before laying down those massive choruses, Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo and Matt Sharp turned to an unlikely source of inspiration: barbershop quartets. That’s right—tight harmonies didn’t just appear out of nowhere. The band rehearsed a cappella to sharpen their vocal interplay and learn how to blend. Sharp, who’d never sung before joining the band, developed his now-signature falsetto this way. The result? The pristine backing vocals that gave their crunchy power pop its silky finish.

2. Jason Cropper Was Fired Mid-Recording—And His Guitar Was Replaced in One Take
Original guitarist Jason Cropper helped write parts of “My Name Is Jonas,” but personal drama—including news of an unexpected pregnancy—led to his erratic behavior during recording. Cuomo made the tough call to fire him before the album dropped, worried he’d jeopardize the band’s chemistry. Ric Ocasek didn’t want to swap out all of Cropper’s guitar tracks—but Rivers did it anyway. In one take. That precision? A peek at the perfectionism driving Weezer’s deceptively simple sound.

3. They Treated Their Guitars and Bass as a Single 10-String Monster
Recording engineer Chris Shaw spilled one of the album’s best production secrets: the band made the guitars and bass play the exact same parts, unison-style, to mimic a single, massive 10-string instrument. That’s why the Blue Album feels like it punches straight through your speakers—it’s not just big distortion; it’s complete sonic alignment. They even banned reverb and demanded all downstrokes. Nothing loose. Nothing accidental. Just precision nerd-rage, executed with mathematical fury.

4. “Undone – The Sweater Song” Was Supposed to Be Sad
Despite its quirky spoken intro and meme-level cultural status, Cuomo originally wrote “Undone” as a genuinely somber track inspired by the Velvet Underground. But with bassist Matt Sharp and Karl Koch riffing through that bizarre, improvised intro, and Cuomo’s deadpan delivery, people found it hilarious instead. Even Cuomo admits it: “It was supposed to be a sad song, but everyone thinks it’s hilarious.” That tension—between sincerity and satire—is part of what makes the Blue Album iconic.

5. The “Buddy Holly” Video Helped Launch Windows 95—Without The Band Even Knowing
Sure, Spike Jonze’s Happy Days-meets-alt-rock mashup won MTV awards and became a defining moment of ’90s music videos. But did you know it was also secretly bundled with Microsoft Windows 95? Geffen struck a deal with Microsoft without telling the band, embedding the “Buddy Holly” video in the OS. None of the band members even owned a computer at the time. “I was furious,” said drummer Pat Wilson—until he realized millions of new PC users had just discovered their music.

Thirty years on, ‘Weezer’ (The Blue Album) hasn’t aged—it’s just gotten more legendary. Whether it’s the guitar tone, the nerd-chic aesthetic, or the bittersweet beauty of “Say It Ain’t So,” it’s the sound of a band finding their identity—and accidentally creating a new genre along the way.

The Blues Brothers Announce Graphic Novel ‘The Escape Of Joliet Jake’ As First Step In Universe Revival

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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The Blues Brothers Announce Graphic Novel ‘The Escape Of Joliet Jake’ As First Step In Universe Revival

The beloved Blues Brothers universe will come roaring back to life over the next few years with forays into television, film, live events, music and much more with the first IP offering being a brand new original Graphic Novel: THE BLUES BROTHERS: THE ESCAPE OF JOLIET JAKE.

Written by Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano and James Werner with artist Felipe Sobriero, The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake is both a love letter and sequel to the original Blues Brothers film. With editorial oversight by Dan Aykroyd, the utmost care has been taken to ensure this new chapter is true to the classic skits, legendary film, and iconic albums.

The result is a wild and entertaining ride for both the longtime fans, and those new to the world of Jake and Elwood Blues. This project was originally conceived with the architect of The Blues Brothers, Judy Belushi Pisano, who sadly passed away during this book’s production.

Luke Pisano shares “The Blues Brothers weren’t just a SNL act or movie, they were real musicians, in awe of the legends who came before them. This book is a continuation of that labor of love. This book is dedicated to my mother, Judy Belushi Pisano – the widow of John Belushi and the fierce, loving steward of the Blues Brothers legacy for over 40 years. After John’s passing, she didn’t just preserve the story-she expanded it. With the team at Z2, and with the talents of Stella and James, we finally found the right partners to make that dream turn reality. I am proud-and humbled-to continue her work in expanding this world of fun, music, and mischievousness.”

“It makes complete sense to me that the new generation of Blues Brothers will begin in comic book form, where the possibilities for destroying police cars is infinite, physics have no bounds, and the potential for jam partners is off the charts.” James Werner points out. “The Blues Brothers universe is full of music and absurdity. Jake and Elwood are FINALLY reuniting , and I am forever grateful that Luke and Stella have asked me to join the band.”

Stella Aykroyd adds “Elwood and Jake are precious to me, in fact, one of them is actually my Dad. I’ve helped him sharpie ELWOOD onto his knuckles before Blues Brothers shows with ‘Brother Zee’, I’ve walked behind him as he’s made his way through a sea of fans dressed as Elwood and Jake all over the world and I’ve been his co-pilot on the road, where he’s explained to me the proper way to T-bone a car. Now, with Elwood, and the one and only ‘Sister Zee’, Judy Belushi’s blessing, Luke, James, and I take the wheel and swerve into the endless possibilities that Z2, Felipe Sobreiro, and the comic book world provide for Jake and Elwood. In many ways the antics we’ve seen from the Blues Brothers have always been perfectly suited for the comic strip; flying cars, supernatural nuns, dusting an entire apartment building worth of bricks off your shoulders, and now Felipe Sobreiro’s illustrations bring them to life once again. Our development process was guided and inspired by the stories and real life occurrences from the lives of Judy, John, and Dan and their process of conception of the Blues Brothers and using it not only for easter eggs but for plot points. I am so excited to share this whole new story with all our music loving anarchists.”

Lastly, Z2 President, Josh Bernstein adds “The Blues Brothers are comedy, pop-culture and musical royalty. Z2 is proud to expand the creative universe built by Dan Akyroyd, John and Judy Belushi-Pisano and welcome new band members: Luke, Stella and James. When you mix their story with the art of Brazilian Blues Brother, Felipe Sobreiro, fans of all ages will be delighted with the epic return of Jake & Elwood Blues. (We apologize in advance to the fine men and women of the Chicago Police Department.)” Pre-order here.

A Place To Bury Strangers Release “Make Me Feel Anything” On Split 7″ With The Mall Ahead Of Synthesizer Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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A Place To Bury Strangers Release “Make Me Feel Anything” On Split 7″ With The Mall Ahead Of Synthesizer Tour

A Place to Bury Strangers and St. Louis synth-punk force The Mall unleash a new split 7″ on Dedstrange, out digitally on May 6 and out physically June 20. APTBS brings “Make Me Feel Anything”, a chaotic whirlwind of distortion, feedback, and raw emotion.

On the flip side, The Mall drops “I Need”, a driving, synth-drenched blast of urgent, dystopian punk. Pressed on classic black vinyl, this is a must-have for those who crave new unfiltered, high-voltage energy.

A Place To Bury Strangers are releasing two split 7″ ahead of their Upcoming Synthesizer US Tour featuring their support bands The Serfs and The Mall. 500 Limited Edition Black Vinyl.

In This Moment Release 2025 ‘Hell Hath No Fury’ Tour Dates And Tease New Music

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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In This Moment Release 2025 ‘Hell Hath No Fury’ Tour Dates And Tease New Music

In This Moment announced their 2025 Hell Hath No Fury Tour. The 22-city tour kicks off on July 16 at Epic Events Center in Green Bay making stops across the U.S. in Nashville, Memphis, Detroit and more before wrapping up in Atlantic City at Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City on August 16.

In This Moment also recently joined forces with their new label, Better Noise Music, and are working on new music. Follow the band on your favorite platform for new music updates as they are announced.

IN THIS MOMENT 2025 – HELL HATH NO FURY TOUR DATES:
Wed Jul 16 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Events Center
Fri Jul 18 – Cadott, WI – Rock Fest +
Sat Jul 19 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
Sun Jul 20 – Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration Festival +
Tue Jul 22 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
Wed Jul 23 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
Thu Jul 24 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
Sat Jul 26 – Council Bluffs, IA – Harrah’s Stir Cove
Sun Jul 27 – Denver, CO – Unhinged Fest +
Tue Jul 29 – Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre
Wed Jul 30 – Memphis, TN – Graceland Sound Stage
Fri Aug 01 – Dubuque, IA – Q Casino – Back Waters Stage
Sat Aug 02 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Sun Aug 03 – Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theatre
Tue Aug 05 – Rochester, NY – Kodak Center Theater
Wed Aug 06 – Schenectady, NY – Proctors Theatre
Fri Aug 08 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre
Sat Aug 09 – Hammond, IN – The Venue at Horseshoe
Sun Aug 10 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Tue Aug 12 – Richmond, VA – The National
Thu Aug 14 – Worcester, MA – Palladium
Fri Aug 15 – Hanover, MD – The Hall at Live!
Sat Aug 16 – Atlantic City, NJ – Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City
+Festival Date

Vaping at Music Festivals in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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By Mitch Rice

Music festivals remain one of the most exhilarating parts of the cultural calendar in 2025, drawing crowds from across the UK and beyond to celebrate sound, freedom, and self-expression. For vapers, festivals offer a chance to enjoy their favorite devices and flavors in the company of fellow enthusiasts. But with evolving rules and increasing environmental awareness, it’s important to vape responsibly—and smartly.

Know the Rules Before You Go

Before packing your vape, check the official policies of your chosen festival. Many UK festivals have banned disposable vapes due to environmental concerns, while others have designated vape-friendly areas to maintain safety and crowd comfort. A quick visit to the festival’s FAQ page or a message to the organisers can help you avoid surprises at the gate.

Choosing the Right Gear for the Festival Scene

When you’re on your feet all day and dancing through the night, portability matters. Compact pod kits are the top choice for festivalgoers—they’re lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to use. Opt for a refillable pod system to stay eco-friendly and compliant with venue rules.

Battery life is another must-consider factor. Choose devices with 800mAh or higher for all-day usage, and look for Type-C charging to make the most of any power bank or charging station you can access.

Match the Music with the Right Flavor

Festival vibes are all about atmosphere—and your e-liquid can enhance that. Whether you’re jamming in the sunshine or cooling off under the stars, flavor sets the mood:

Tropical fruits for daytime sets
Cool menthols for evening refreshment
Dessert blends for late-night chill zones

Nicotine salt e-liquids offer a smooth, satisfying throat hit, ideal for extended sessions without harshness.

Vape Forest Has You Covered

From zesty citrus to indulgent cream blends, Vape Forest offers a wide selection of festival-ready e-liquids. Whether you’re looking for versatility, flavor power, or eco-conscious packaging, you’ll find something that fits your festival flow.

Etiquette and Awareness Go a Long Way

Being a considerate vaper is key to ensuring everyone enjoys the festival. Follow these tips:

Avoid blowing large clouds in crowded areas
Stick to designated vaping zones
Don’t vape in queues or enclosed spaces
Respect non-vapers nearby

Responsible behavior helps normalize vaping in public spaces and keeps it welcome at future events.

Reflecting the Trends of 2025

The shift toward sustainability has hit the vape industry, and festivalgoers are leading the charge. More vapers are choosing reusable devices, recyclable packaging, and sustainably produced e-liquids. Brands are stepping up with greener options, helping vapers reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the full flavor experience.

Tips for First-Time Festival Vapers

If you’re new to vaping at festivals, here’s what you need:

A compact, refillable pod kit
A couple of versatile e-liquids (fruit + menthol combos work great)
A portable charger
Spare pods or coils

Being prepared ensures you don’t miss a beat—or a puff—throughout the weekend.

Music festivals are all about freedom, connection, and unforgettable moments. With the right vape gear and some advance planning, you can enhance the experience without hassle. Explore Vape Forest’s curated selection of festival-friendly e-liquids and devices to vape smart, stay charged, and enjoy every second of the music.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.