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Cameron Whitcomb Unleashes Alt-Leaning New Single “Bad Apple”

Eric Alper
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Cameron Whitcomb Unleashes Alt-Leaning New Single “Bad Apple”

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb has dropped his new single, “Bad Apple,” along with the official live performance visual. Produced by frequent collaborator Jack Riley (Knox, Grace VanderWaal) and co-written by Whitcomb, Riley, Nolan Sipe, and Cal Shapiro – who wrote Alex Warren’s hit song “Ordinary” – the track sees Cameron pushing his intensely personal sound towards an alternative direction, employing the age-old bad apple metaphor to grapple with the idea of how things can be so good, yet so bad at the same time.

“Bad Apple” follows Whitcomb’s emotionally vivid “Options” and larger-than-life anthem “Hundred Mile High,” the latter of which has proven among his biggest hits thus far, earning first-week streams in excess of 1.6M along with a flurry of critical applause from MTV, Entertainment Tonight, UPROXX, Ones To Watch, and ELLE, which named it among “The Best New Songs We Heard In January,” writing, “The return of modern folk was written in the stars… Cameron Whitcomb enters the conversation with ‘Hundred Mile High.’ The banjos pump the song forward, beckoning listeners on a cross-country road trip.”

Currently boasting over 7M monthly listeners on Spotify, more than 3M fans across social platforms, and over 300 250M worldwide streams and counting, Whitcomb is well into what is shaping up as a landmark 2025, a remarkably productive year that kicked off with the release of “Medusa (Acoustic),” a new stripped-down rendition of his captivating fan favorite, “Medusa”

Dipper Unleashes Acoustic Anthem “Back to the Devil”

Eric Alper
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Dipper Unleashes Acoustic Anthem “Back to the Devil”

Kicking off another chapter, rising country singer-songwriter Dipper returns with a new single entitled “Back to the Devil” out now. It marks his first release of 2025 and heralds the arrival of a lot more music to come this year.

On the track, lightly plucked acoustic guitar complements Dipper’s rich delivery on the verses as he introduces a girl who’s bound to be nothing but trouble. Magnetically drawn to her nonetheless, he makes a confession on the chantable chorus, “My mama thinks she’s no good for her son, but oh, back to the devil I go.” His storytelling, swagger, and spirit shine through on this unshakable and undeniable anthem.

Dipper says, “I am excited about getting this one out. It’s been a while since my last release and after teasing it on social’s this one seems like a song a lot of people like. It’s coming out raw acoustic (just me and a guitar) which is something I haven’t done yet.”

The last time we heard from Dipper was the Boy Can Dream EP in 2024.

Growing up in College Station, TX, Dipper-born Mason Gonzalez-has quietly captivated fans and peers alike with a combination of classic country-style storytelling and striking vocal delivery. He first caught traction on TikTok, turning heads and inciting the applause of everyone, from fellow artists Lainey Wilson, Chase Matthew, and Austin Snell, to marquee songwriter ERNEST. As the numbers went up and excitement increased, he continued to write at a prolific pace, inspired to go even harder in the studio. Now, his sharp songcraft and show stopping voice have positioned him for a breakthrough as a country artist to watch in 2025.

Bob Dylan Center to Launch “Going Electric: Bob Dylan ’65” Exhibition

Eric Alper
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Bob Dylan Center to Launch “Going Electric: Bob Dylan ’65” Exhibition

The Bob Dylan Center will present “Going Electric: Bob Dylan ’65,” a groundbreaking exhibition opening July 24, 2025, and closing in the spring of 2026.

Presented by Bob Dylan Center founding members Bob and Debbie Russell, the exhibit offers an immersive, multimedia exploration of one of the most transformative years in Dylan’s career and the cultural upheaval that followed.

The exhibit traces the lead-up to Dylan’s infamous “going electric” set at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival — one of the most controversial and influential moments in the history of popular music. Through never-before-seen original manuscripts, film footage and rare artifacts from the Bob Dylan Archive as well as numerous loans from private collectors, “Going Electric” places visitors at the heart of Dylan’s evolution from acoustic folk hero to trailblazing rock ’n’ roll icon.

“Dylan’s Newport moment is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal moments in the history of 20th-century popular music,” said Mark Davidson, curator of the exhibit and senior director of archives and exhibitions at American Song Archives. “But there’s much more to the story. Drawing upon our considerable archival collections, this exhibit cuts through the myths to present a dynamic, kaleidoscopic portrait of an artist in a way that only the Bob Dylan Center can.”

Key highlights include:

Never-before-displayed manuscripts from “Bringing It All Back Home” and “Highway 61 Revisited”
A recently discovered series of typescript drafts with handwritten edits of Dylan’s landmark song “Mr. Tambourine Man”
Photographs, artifacts and ephemera from Dylan’s final all-acoustic concerts, including his spring 1965 outings with Joan Baez and his UK tour, as immortalized in D. A. Pennebaker’s essential documentary “Dont Look Back”
Mike Bloomfield’s 1963 Telecaster, played at the Newport Folk Festival, courtesy of Family Guitars
Sally Grossman’s red jumpsuit from the cover of “Bringing It All Back Home”

The exhibit culminates with Dylan’s controversial July 25, 1965, performance at the Newport Folk Festival. The center’s Darby Family Screening Room will be transformed into an immersive multimedia experience that will transport visitors to the center of the storm, as Dylan shocked the thousands of folk-music devotees in attendance by moving from acoustic to electric performances. Never-before-seen interview footage with key attendees, including Joan Baez, Joe Boyd, John Cohen, Al Kooper, Bruce Langhorne, Maria Muldaur and Pete Seeger, will reveal the truths behind the myths of that cataclysmic day.

The exhibit also explores Dylan’s musical roots in ’50s rock ’n’ roll and R&B, and the ways in which early influences such as Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Little Richard shaped the artist’s sonic experimentation long before Newport. In addition, the exhibit examines the ripple effect that Dylan’s plugged-in set had on legions of contemporary artists — including The Beatles and The Byrds and their folk-rock peers — and those who followed in his wake.

“Going Electric: Bob Dylan ’65” challenges decades of mythmaking and celebrates Dylan’s enduring legacy as a visionary who redefined the possibilities of popular music.

The Bob Dylan Center will host a members-only reception on Wednesday, July 23, providing members with a first look at “Going Electric” prior to its public opening.

In addition, a public concert will be presented by the Bob Dylan Center at Cain’s Ballroom on Saturday, July 26 to celebrate the launch of the exhibit. Further details and ticketing information will be announced at a later date. For the most up-to-date information visit bobdlyancenter.com.

The Bob Dylan Center inspires and celebrates fearless creativity by exploring the music and artistry of the Nobel Prize–winning singer-songwriter as a catalyst for personal expression and cultural change.
As the primary public venue for the Bob Dylan Archive collection, the center curates and exhibits a priceless collection of more than 100,000 items spanning Dylan’s career, including handwritten manuscripts, notebooks and correspondence; films, videos, photographs and artwork; memorabilia and ephemera; personal documents and effects; unreleased studio and concert recordings; musical instruments and many other elements. The center presents a full roster of public programs including concerts, film screenings and author talks. Since opening in May 2022, the Bob Dylan Center has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and nearly 40 countries. The center has garnered numerous design awards and accolades from publications including the New York Times, Vanity Fair, Variety, Uncut and Mojo.

A Beginner’s Guide to Trading CS Skins Without Getting Scammed

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

The world of CS skins is a thriving marketplace where players trade, buy, and sell digital items. However, as with any online market, there are risks involved. Scams are prevalent, especially for beginners, who may not be aware of the red flags or the proper precautions to take.

Prices for CS2 skins can range from a few cents to thousands of dollars, depending on their rarity, condition, and demand. Because of this, they attract a variety of traders—some legitimate, and others looking to exploit newcomers. No matter if you’re looking to trade cs skins or just build up your collection, it’s important to understand the risks involved and how to protect yourself from scams.

The Basics of Skin Trading

Skins are primarily cosmetic items that alter the appearance of weapons in the game, but some skins are more valuable than others due to rarity, demand, or specific features. For example, skins that are part of a limited-time collection or a popular series can be worth a significant amount of money.

The skin market operates through various platforms, including Steam and third-party marketplaces. These platforms allow you to buy, sell, and trade skins with other players. However, not all platforms are created equal, and it’s crucial to choose one that is reputable and safe.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Unrealistic Offers

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, a scammer may offer a skin of much higher value in exchange for your cheaper items—and then they disappear once you’ve sent your items. Always be cautious if someone pressures you to complete a trade quickly or without verifying the legitimacy of the offer.

Fake Websites and Phishing Links

Fake sites are often designed to steal your login information or trick you into downloading malware. Avoid clicking on links that come from untrusted sources, especially those sent through email or social media. Always double-check the URL to make sure you’re on a verified platform, and be cautious when entering your personal information.

Unclear or Untrusted Platforms

Some sites do not have an escrow system or trade protection in place, which leaves the buyer and seller vulnerable to fraud. An escrow system is a feature that holds the items until both parties have completed their side of the deal. This ensures that no one can back out once the trade has begun. Avoid trading on platforms that do not offer these kinds of security measures.

How to Choose a Reputable Marketplace

A trustworthy marketplace protects you from scams and provides features that make trading easier and more enjoyable. Some platforms offer real-time price tracking, user reviews, and transaction histories, which can help you make informed decisions.

DMarket is one such platform that is popular for new and experienced traders. It offers an integrated marketplace where you can safely buy, sell, or trade skins. The platform includes important security features, like a built-in escrow system, which ensures both parties in the transaction are protected. With its easy-to-use interface and secure payment systems, DMarket is a great choice for anyone looking to get started in the CS skin market.

The Importance of User Reviews

Many platforms, including DMarket, allow users to leave reviews and ratings for transactions. These reviews offer insights into the experiences of other traders and help you gauge if a platform is trustworthy. Look for reviews that mention the speed of transactions, the quality of customer support, and any potential issues related to security. Platforms with positive reviews and a solid reputation are generally safer.

Price Transparency and Market Insights

A reputable platform will provide clear and accurate pricing information for skins. Platforms like DMarket also offer tools for tracking skin prices in real time, which can be extremely helpful for understanding market trends. Being able to track the value of skins and see how prices fluctuate can help you make smarter decisions and avoid buying or selling at the wrong time.

To Review

Understanding the risks, spotting red flags, and choosing reputable platforms will help you avoid falling victim to scams and enjoy the process of acquiring new skins. Always prioritize security, use escrow systems, and look for platforms with transparent pricing and user reviews. These simple tips will help you to trade CS skins with confidence.

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

 

Goose Expands 2025 Tour With New Headline Dates and Festival Stops

Eric Alper
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Goose Expands 2025 Tour With New Headline Dates and Festival Stops

Goose has announced a new run of upcoming headline dates, beginning September 19 at Sterling Heights, MI’s Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill and then continuing through the month. Highlights include a two-night stand at Louisville, KY’s historic The Louisville Palace (September 23-24) and shows at Chicago, IL’s Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island (September 20), Alpharetta, GA’s Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (September 26), Charlotte, NC’s PNC Music Pavilion (September 27), and Columbus, OH’s KEMBA Live! (September 30).

Presale sign-ups are available now at www.goosetheband.com/tour; fans who sign up will receive a unique code allowing access to the official Goose presale beginning Wednesday, April 30 at 10:00 am (local). In addition, the TED VIP on-sale will be available beginning Tuesday, April 29 at 10:00 am (local). Venue presales begin Thursday, May 1 at 10:00 am (local). All presales end Thursday, May 1 at 10:00 pm (local). General on-sales begin Friday, May 2 at 10:00 am (local).

The new dates mark last week’s release of Goose’s eagerly anticipated new album, Everything Must Go, available everywhere now via No Coincidence Records. Goose’s fourth studio LP and first new studio collection in nearly three years following 2022’s critically acclaimed Dripfield, the album marks both a statement of intent for Goose as well as an arrival of sorts — a journey for fans and newcomers alike through the group’s past, present, and infinite future. Produced once again by D. James Goodwin, the album includes such extraordinary new tracks as the propulsive fan favorite, “Thatch,” the searching “Lead Up,” the breezy, atmospheric “Your Direction,” and euphoric first single, “Give It Time,” the latter two accompanied by official music videos streaming now at YouTube.

Last week also saw the premiere of a visually arresting official music video for the LP’s deeply moving title track, directed and designed by award-winning animator Chris Hopewell (known for his distinctive work with Radiohead, The Killers, Run The Jewels, Father John Misty, and many more). Made using traditional stop motion over three weeks in Bristol, UK, “Everything Must Go” is marked by a striking sense of realness and authenticity ideally suited for the track, thanks in part to 90% of all the sets and scenery being fashioned from repurposed and recycled materials. All the trash and plastic waste used to build the sets was gathered in a beach clean near Bristol, then recycled after filming.

Goose – who performed live on this weekend’s edition of CBS Saturday Morning alongside a featured interview with legendary journalist Anthony Mason and were featured in the New York Sunday Times yesterday – will celebrate Everything Must Go with perhaps the most momentous live run of the hard-working band’s career thus far, highlighted by their first-ever headline show at New York City’s world-famous Madison Square Garden (June 28). The “Everything Must Go Summer Tour” begins May 27-28 with a two-night stand at San Francisco, CA’s The Masonic. Other highlights include two-night stands at Chesterfield, MO’s The Factory (June 10-11) and Cleveland, OH’s Jacobs Pavilion (June 24-25), as well as a very special homecoming return to New Haven, CT’s Westville Music Bowl (June 29). For complete information, please visit www.goosetheband.com/tour.

The “Everything Must Go Summer Tour” represents some of the biggest headline shows in the band’s 10-year history as well as the latest additions to their constantly evolving live schedule for the coming year. In addition, Goose will host Viva El Gonzo, a three-day destination festival presented by 100x Hospitality and set for May 8-10 in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The upcoming event will feature three consecutive nights of performances by Goose, along with sets from The War on Drugs, Tycho, Dawes, LP GIOBBI, LA LOM, and more. Limited tickets, TED VIP, and travel packages are available now. For complete information, please see www.vivaelgonzo.com.

Having performed last week at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the upcoming months will see Goose making an additional array of top-billed festival appearances, including Napa, CA’s BottleRock Napa Valley (Sunday, May 25), Manchester, TN’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (Friday, June 13), Columbia, MD’s All Good Now (June 15), Highmount, NY’s Mountain Jam (June 22), Fredericton, NB’s Harvest Music Festival (September 12), and Live Oak, FL’s Suwanee Hulaween (October 30-November 2). In addition, Goose will join Dave Matthews Band as special guest on the closing night of his three-show run at George, WA’s The Gorge Amphitheatre on Sunday, August 31.

GOOSE – TOUR 2025
MAY
8-10 – San José del Cabo, Mexico – Viva El Gonzo
25 – Napa, CA – BottleRock Napa Valley *
27 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
28 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
30 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
31 – Spokane, WA – Gesa Credit Union Pavilion
JUNE
1 – Boise, ID – Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden
3 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas
4 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
6 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
7 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
10 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
11 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
12 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
13 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival *
15 – Columbia, MD – All Good Now *
17 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion
19 – Cleveland, OH – Jacob’s Pavilion
20 – Cleveland, OH – Jacob’s Pavilion
21 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC
22 – Highmount, NY – Mountain Jam *
27 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
29 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl
31 – George, WA – The Gorge Amphitheatre ^
JULY
25 – Newport, RI – Newport Folk Festival *#
AUGUST
14-16 – Park City, UT – Park City Song Summit *#
28 – Iowa City, IA – Hancher Auditorium at UIowa #
SEPTEMBER
12 – Fredericton, NB – Harvest Music Festival *
17 – Madison, WI – Kohl Center †
19 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill #
20 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island #
23 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace #
24 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace #
26 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre #~
27 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion #~
30 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live! #
OCTOBER
30-11/2 – Live Oak, FL – Suwanee Hulaween *
* FESTIVAL APPEARANCE
† W/ MT. JOY
^ SUPPORTING DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
# NEWLY ANNOUNCED DATE
~ W/ PENELOPE ROAD

Conan Gray and John Mellencamp Lead 2025 GRAMMY Hall of Fame Gala Lineup

Eric Alper
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Conan Gray and John Mellencamp Lead 2025 GRAMMY Hall of Fame Gala Lineup

Singer-songwriter and voice of his generation Conan Gray and legendary GRAMMY -winning singer-songwriter John Mellencamp will perform at the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum’s 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala as part of a special tribute to this year’s label honoree, Republic Records. The music industry’s most successful label of the past decade, Republic has earned Billboard’s Hot 100 Label of the Year 10 of the past 11 years among countless other accolades, a reflection of its chart dominance, groundbreaking artist development, and culturally defining releases. From breaking global superstars to shaping genre-defying movements, Republic continues to set the standard for excellence across the music industry. The Gala will take place on Friday, May 16 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

Monte Lipman, Chairman and CEO of Republic Records, said, “We are forever grateful for the incredible artists, songwriters, and storytellers that we’ve had the privilege of supporting over the years. Anytime you’re recognized by your peers, it’s always a humbling moment—and in this case, the significance of this award is truly exceptional.”

“Republic Records has consistently shaped the sound of popular music and launched some of the most influential artists of our time,” said Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Museum. “Their sustained success and cultural impact make them a fitting honoree at this year’s GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala, where we celebrate the recordings—and the industry visionaries—whose legacies continue to inspire.”

Previously announced performers include celebrated percussionist and wife of Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman; soul legend Eddie Floyd; 13-time GRAMMY® winner and Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Emmylou Harris, joined by multi-GRAMMY Award-winning producer Daniel Lanois and acclaimed multi-GRAMMY Award-winning jazz drummer Brian Blade for a rare collaboration; drummer of iconic power-pop band Big Star, Jody Stephens; multi-GRAMMY Award-winning composer and bandleader Jon Batiste; powerhouse vocalist and GRAMMY-winner Ledisi; GRAMMY-winning actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr.; and guitar virtuoso Orianthi. Notably, Harris, Floyd and Stephens all have recordings that are being newly inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame. Each performance will celebrate one of this year’s GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inductees, with more performers and details surrounding specific tributes to be announced soon.

The Gala will celebrate the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inducted recordings, which include iconic recordings such as JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Cat Stevens’ Tea For The Tillerman, Santana’s Supernatural, and classics from Big Star, Clara Ward, Eddie Floyd, Emmylou Harris, Fela Kuti & Afrika 70, Geeshie Wiley, Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Linda Martell, and Luther Vandross.

As previously revealed, the evening will also include the presentation of the inaugural Ray Charles “Architect of Sound” Award, created in partnership with The Ray Charles Foundation. This new annual honor recognizes an artist whose creative legacy reflects the visionary innovation of Ray Charles. The first recipient is multi-GRAMMY Award-winner Jon Batiste.

Returning as host is esteemed CBS News journalist Anthony Mason. The show will be produced by former GRAMMY Awards Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich, alongside Ron Basile, Lindsay Saunders Carl and Lynne Sheridan, with musical direction by GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning composer, producer and conductor Cheche Alara.

Tickets for the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala are on sale now. For more information, visit: grammymuseum.org/programs/hof-gala.

92 Facts About Willie Nelson For His 92nd Birthday

Eric Alper
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92 Facts About Willie Nelson For His 92nd Birthday

Willie Nelson was born on April 29, 1933. Ninety-two years, more than 100 albums, dozens of films, millions of fans, and countless braids later, he’s still our red-headed stranger — a musical legend, outlaw country pioneer, and genuine American icon. In honor of his 92nd birthday, here are 92 facts about Willie Nelson you might not know, but will definitely love:

  1. Willie wrote his first song when he was just 7 years old.

  2. He joined his first band at the age of 10.

  3. He picked cotton as a kid — and hated it.

  4. Instead, he made money by singing in dance halls at 13.

  5. His grandfather gave him his first guitar.

  6. He’s from Abbott, Texas, population around 300.

  7. His sister Bobbie played piano in his band for decades.

  8. He was a disc jockey before he was a star.

  9. “Crazy” by Patsy Cline was written by Willie.

  10. So was “Hello Walls,” a hit for Faron Young.

  11. He was in the U.S. Air Force for nine months.

  12. He dropped out of Baylor University to focus on music.

  13. He once sold Bibles and vacuum cleaners door to door.

  14. His first album was called …And Then I Wrote.

  15. “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” was his first No. 1 hit.

  16. He moved to Austin in 1972 and found his groove.

  17. The Armadillo World Headquarters changed his life.

  18. His 1975 album Red Headed Stranger made him a legend.

  19. He wrote and recorded “On the Road Again” in one day.

  20. He was a founding member of The Highwaymen.

  21. He’s acted in over 30 movies.

  22. He helped start Farm Aid in 1985.

  23. He’s played every single Farm Aid concert since.

  24. In 1990, the IRS claimed he owed $32 million in taxes.

  25. He released The IRS Tapes to help pay them back.

  26. He once had his guitar “Trigger” saved from being auctioned.

  27. He smokes pot on the White House roof (or so the story goes).

  28. He has a second-degree black belt in taekwondo.

  29. And a fifth-degree black belt in GongKwon Yusul.

  30. He’s a vegetarian and supports animal rights.

  31. He founded Willie Nelson Biodiesel (aka BioWillie).

  32. He has a street named after him in Austin.

  33. And a life-size statue in front of Austin City Limits.

  34. His guitar “Trigger” is over 50 years old.

  35. He named it after Roy Rogers’ horse.

  36. It has a giant hole in it — and over 100 signatures.

  37. His 1978 album Stardust was predicted to flop.

  38. It went 5x platinum.

  39. His duet with Julio Iglesias? “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.”

  40. He won a Grammy for “Always On My Mind.”

  41. He’s collaborated with Snoop Dogg and Wynton Marsalis.

  42. He’s in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as of 2023.

  43. He supports marijuana legalization through NORML.

  44. He founded Willie’s Reserve, a cannabis brand.

  45. He ran a biodiesel truck stop called Willie’s Place.

  46. He once wrote a song for a horse named Whiskey River.

  47. His 90th birthday show sold out the Hollywood Bowl.

  48. He once smoked pot with Toby Keith in Amsterdam.

  49. His son Lukas Nelson is also a critically acclaimed musician.

  50. He’s performed at the White House for multiple presidents.

  51. He once sang “America the Beautiful” post-9/11.

  52. He’s released reggae, jazz, gospel, and blues records.

  53. In 2024, he appeared on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter.

  54. His nickname among friends? Shotgun Willie.

  55. He helped make outlaw country cool again.

  56. His voice is one of the most instantly recognizable in music.

  57. He writes songs by exchanging text messages with his producer.

  58. He’s toured in a biodiesel-powered bus called Honeysuckle Rose.

  59. He can out-smoke, out-sing, and out-charm almost anyone.

  60. He loves martial arts almost as much as music.

  61. His favorite comic books were Superman and Batman.

  62. He appeared in Miami Vice, The Simpsons, and King of the Hill.

  63. He once owned a golf course.

  64. He’s published multiple memoirs and one novel.

  65. He wrote a book called Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die.

  66. His braids once sold for $37,000.

  67. He’s a proud member of the Texas Institute of Letters.

  68. He’s been married four times and has eight children.

  69. His daughter Paula and son Lukas are both musicians.

  70. He’s performed with everyone from Ray Charles to Phish.

  71. His voice helped make Teatro and Spirit cult classics.

  72. In 2020, he released First Rose of Spring during lockdown.

  73. He recorded a PSA to encourage COVID vaccinations.

  74. His 2022 album A Beautiful Time won the Grammy for Best Country Album.

  75. His 2023 Hollywood Bowl birthday show became a live album.

  76. He has a road named after him in Maui.

  77. He’s performed barefoot.

  78. He prefers to read physical books over e-readers.

  79. He hates flying — so he tours by bus.

  80. He’s been friends with Dolly Parton for over 50 years.

  81. He doesn’t believe in retirement.

  82. He’s still writing, recording, and playing shows at 92.

  83. He never memorizes lyrics — he lives them.

  84. He’s the only person to headline both Farm Aid and Bonnaroo.

  85. He released The Willie Nelson Family album with his children.

  86. His band “The Family” is one of the longest-running in music.

  87. He’s a fierce defender of artistic freedom.

  88. His humor is dry, honest, and always welcome.

  89. He always finds room on his tour bus for a poker game.

  90. He’s said that Trigger is “the best friend I ever had.”

  91. He once joked that his doctor told him to quit smoking marijuana — so now he vapes it.

  92. He’s still making the world a better place, one song at a time.

5 Surprising Facts About The Alarm’s Mike Peters

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About The Alarm’s Mike Peters

When you think of Mike Peters, you probably hear the anthemic rally cry of “68 Guns” echoing through the speakers. But behind the Welsh rock legend’s spiky hair, powerful vocals, and 30-year battle with cancer was a man whose life was as beautifully human as it was heroic. From pioneering punk in Rhyl to climbing Everest to fight cancer, Peters wasn’t just a frontman — he was a front-liner for love, hope, and strength.

Here are five wholesome, little-known facts about the unforgettable Mike Peters:

1. He Got Engaged Two Weeks After Meeting His Wife
Rockstars move fast — but this was a love story for the ages. In 1986, amid the chaos of Alarm fame, Mike hitchhiked home to North Wales and met Jules, an English major at Bangor University. Two weeks later, they were engaged. Over the years, Jules would become his partner in music, family, advocacy, and healing. Their love created a family, powered a foundation, and inspired thousands.

2. His First Band Was Named by a DJ — and Played at His Sister’s 21st
Mike’s first gig wasn’t at Wembley or Glastonbury. It was in a hotel in St Asaph, playing Smokie’s “If You Think You Know How to Love Me” at his sister’s birthday party. The band? Hairy Hippie — a name gifted by DJ James Alexander Barr. That night in 1975 kicked off a nearly 50-year journey in music.

3. He Once Climbed to Everest Base Camp to Play the World’s Highest Gig
In 2007, still recovering from leukemia, Mike led a 14-day trek to Mount Everest Base Camp and played a concert — the highest one ever performed on land — to raise money for cancer care. He wasn’t alone: members of The Fixx, Squeeze, and the Stray Cats joined him. Altitude sickness? Nope. Just attitude and purpose.

4. He Was a Computer Operator Before He Was a Rock Star
Before rocking arenas, Mike was running an IBM System/3 mainframe at Kwik Save in Rhyl. His day job involved punched cards and early programming — not exactly punk rock, but a reminder that every legend starts somewhere. From data input to deep lyrics, Mike made every keystroke count.

5. He Helped Save Lives Through Music — Literally
Mike built a movement. Co-founding the Love Hope Strength Foundation in 2005, he turned concerts into donor drives, connecting thousands to bone marrow registries worldwide. His motto? “Get on the list. Save a life.” And so many did, because of him.

Mike Peters wore many crowns: punk poet, father, fighter, friend, Deputy Lieutenant, MBE. But most of all, he was a light. Whether singing about the fight in all of us or using his voice to help save others, Mike showed that resilience is a song worth repeating.

Rest in peace, Mike — totally free. 💔

Martha and the Muffins Statement on Unauthorized Use of “Echo Beach” by the Conservative Party of Canada

Eric Alper
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Martha and the Muffins Statement on Unauthorized Use of “Echo Beach” by the Conservative Party of Canada

Martha and the Muffins have become aware that Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada have been using the song “Echo Beach” at campaign rallies without authorization.

Martha and the Muffins did not grant permission for the use of “Echo Beach” by Mr. Poilievre or the Conservative Party. The band does not endorse or support the use of their music at political events, nor were they consulted regarding its use.

This unauthorized usage highlights a broader disregard for the rights of artists and copyright protections. It demonstrates a lack of respect for creators, their work, and the principles that protect intellectual property.

“Echo Beach” remains a song about escapism, imagination, and personal expression — not a soundtrack for partisan political campaigns. Martha and the Muffins demand that Mr. Poilievre and the Conservative Party immediately cease the use of their music.

Key Glock Drops High-Octane “The Grinch” Video Ahead Of New Album ‘Glockaveli’

Eric Alper
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Key Glock Drops High-Octane “The Grinch” Video Ahead Of New Album ‘Glockaveli’

Multiplatinum-certified Memphis, TN rap superstar Key Glock uncovers a thrilling and action-packed music video for his new single “The Grinch” out now. He once again teamed up with director JakeTheShooter for the high-octane visual.

Of course, everything just sets the stage for his anxiously awaited new album, Glockaveli, out May 2, 2025. In the clip, police chase Key Glock through the woods. He dodges their attacks and nimbly hides behind trees and under cover of darkness. Making moves like Rambo and John Wick, he manages to make his narrow escape through a hail of gunfire, hitting the skies in a helicopter. The action seamlessly moves with the ebb and flow of the song, sidestepping the boisterous horns, thick beats, and braggadocios rhymes.

Simultaneously, the track has already reeled in over 1 million total streams in less than a week, in addition to receiving acclaim. UPROXX proclaimed, “On his latest single, “The Grinch,” Key Glock demonstrates just how emotionally cold he can be. Just with the beloved fictional character, Glock embraces the perceived power that comes along with a show of brute force.” HotNewHipHop noted, “It features a dizzying swirl of trumpets and strings in the beat, something that he’s incorporated so well throughout his career.” VIBE attested, “‘The Grinch’ is a testament to Key Glock’s ability to evolve while staying true to his Memphis roots. It’s introspective, stylish, and full of quiet intensity-the kind of track that lingers long after the beat fades.”

This anthemic cut landed on the heels of “No Sweat,” which has already amassed north of 10 million global streams. In its wake, Pitchfork cited Glockaveli among “The 50 Most Anticipated Albums of Spring 2025.” Plus, Brooklyn Vegan praised the song as “a fun dose of speaker-shaking, catchy Southern rap.” HotNewHipHop professed, “Key Glock has found the sound that works for him, and continues to excel in that lane.”

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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