Joe Louis Walker, the boundary-pushing blues guitarist and singer whose career spanned six decades, passed away on April 30 at the age of 75. Revered as a “musician’s musician,” Walker leaves behind a legacy as rich, restless, and soulful as the blues itself.
Joe Louis Walker wasn’t just one of the greats—he was one of the genre’s most versatile, fiery, and unsinkable voices. He played with the legends, outlasted the trends, and never stopped chasing new sounds. While many know him as a guitar-slinging bluesman, there’s a whole world beneath the surface. Here are 5 lesser-known facts about Joe Louis Walker you might not have known.
1. He Roomed With Mike Bloomfield—and It Changed His Life Before he became a household name in blues circles, Joe Louis Walker shared a home with guitar legend Mike Bloomfield. Their friendship ran deep, with long nights of jamming, listening, and learning. But it was Bloomfield’s untimely death in 1981 that prompted Walker to leave behind a chaotic lifestyle and shift toward a more grounded, purpose-driven musical path. That moment didn’t just inspire him—it redirected his entire life.
2. He Took a Gospel Detour Before His Blues Comeback In the mid-1970s, Joe stepped away from the blues entirely, joining the gospel group The Spiritual Corinthians. For nearly a decade, he played sacred music instead of searing solos—performing at churches and festivals, including a pivotal set at the 1985 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. That performance reignited his fire for the blues and led to his triumphant return with Cold Is the Night in 1986. Blues fans should thank gospel for bringing him home.
3. He Had a Degree in Music and English Walker wasn’t just a gut-level player—he was a scholar of sound and story. While re-evaluating his life in the 1970s, he enrolled at San Francisco State University and earned a double degree in Music and English. That academic background gave him an extra edge in composition, lyricism, and musical experimentation, visible in the wide range of genres—from funk to jazz to gospel—that shaped his albums.
4. His Collaborators Spanned Every Corner of American Music Joe Louis Walker was that guy—the one legends wanted on the track. He played with or was featured by everyone from B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt to James Cotton and Ike Turner. He shared stages with Muddy Waters and Thelonious Monk, opened for Jimi Hendrix, and jammed with gospel choirs and Tower of Power horns. Aretha Franklin called him “The Bluesman,” and Herbie Hancock once dubbed him “a national treasure.” That’s not a résumé—that’s a musical galaxy.
5. He Never Stopped Pushing the Boundaries of the Blues While many blues musicians stayed inside tradition, Walker sprinted past it. His final albums like Weight of the World (2023) and Cold Is the Night Reimagined showed a man still restless, still evolving. He mixed jazz strings, gospel choirs, second-line grooves, and Stax soul harmonies—without ever losing the grit that defined him. Even at 75, Walker played like a man who still had something new to say – and still had a dozen shows booked in 2025.
Joe Louis Walker kept the blues alive and curious. And in a genre rooted in emotion, that kind of musical honesty is the rarest treasure of all.
Four decades after igniting college-radio airwaves and launching R.E.M.’s remarkable career, their 1981 debut single “Radio Free Europe” is broadcasting a new signal. Today, R.E.M. proudly announces Radio Free Europe 2025, a five-track benefit EP led by a never-before-released 2025 remix by the band’s longtime collaborator Jacknife Lee. The release celebrates the 75th anniversary of the “OG” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and arrives just ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
Radio Free Europe 2025 is available to stream and download today. A limited-edition 10-inch orange-vinyl pressing—available for pre-order now exclusively via the official R.E.M. store and independent record stores—lands September 12. Proceeds from all vinyl sales will go to RFE/RL, an editorially independent nonpartisan and nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was established by the United States 75 years ago and currently broadcasts news and information in 27 languages to 23 countries where a free press is either banned by the government or under threat. Throughout the Cold War and continuing today, RFE/RL is often the only lifeline to the outside world for people living under extreme censorship.
Members of R.E.M. say this mission of promoting free expression has always resonated with the band.
“Whether it’s music or a free press – censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere. On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe,” says Michael Stipe, lead singer and founding member of R.E.M.
“Radio Free Europe’s journalists have been pissing off dictators for 75 years. You know you’re doing your job when you make the right enemies. Happy World Press Freedom Day to the ‘OG’ Radio Free Europe,” says Mike Mills, bassist and founding member of R.E.M.
“To me, R.E.M.’s music has always embodied a celebration of freedom: freedom of expression, lyrics that make us think, and melodies that inspire action. Those are the very aims of our journalists at Radio Free Europe—to inform, inspire, and uphold freedoms often elusive to our audiences. We hold dictators accountable. They go to great lengths to silence us—blocking our websites, jamming our signals, and even imprisoning our colleagues,” says RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus.
Released through Craft Recordings, the Radio Free Europe 2025 EP was overseen by the band’s original producer Mitch Easter—who first captured R.E.M. at his Drive-In Studio during their maiden road trip to a professional studio in April 1981. That seminal session yielded the band’s earliest recordings of “Radio Free Europe,” “Sitting Still,” and the instrumental “Wh. Tornado,” all collected here.
The set opens with the 2025 remix by GRAMMY®-winner Jacknife Lee (U2, Snow Patrol, Taylor Swift, The Killers), who also produced R.E.M.’s final two studio albums, Accelerate and Collapse Into Now. Lee gives the track a fresh take while staying true to its indie-rock DNA. Completing the package are Mitch Easter’s original 1981 recordings—the sought-after Hib-Tone single mix of “Radio Free Europe,” its flip-side “Sitting Still,” the “Wh. Tornado” demo, and Easter’s long-rumoured, never-before-released 1981 remix “Radio Free Dub.”
In 2009, “Radio Free Europe” was inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry for “setting the pattern for later indie-rock releases.” Click here to pre-order/stream Radio Free Europe 2025 now. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the genre-defying cult classic that transformed midnight cinema and inspired a global phenomenon. First introduced to audiences in 1975, the film quickly became more than just a movie – it sparked a movement.
Based on the musical play by Richard O’Brien – with a screenplay by O’Brien and director Jim Sharman, and produced by Lou Adler and Michael White – The Rocky Horror Picture Show broke the mold with its unforgettable characters, flamboyant costumes, and audacious rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack. Through its legendary late-night screenings, complete with shadow casts, fan costumes, and interactive rituals, the film pioneered a new kind of audience participation that redefined the moviegoing experience. Today, with weekly screenings around the world, The Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to make history as the longest-running theatrical release of all time.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary, a newly restored and remastered version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be unleashed in breathtaking 4K Ultra HD, and crowned by the debut of a dazzling new anniversary logo.
Overseen by the Walt Disney Studios Restoration team, the 10-month project included a meticulous digital scan and preservation process that ensures every frame of the cult classic is presented with unprecedented clarity and vibrancy. The restoration also features a newly mixed Dolby Atmos audio track, bringing enhanced depth and dimension to the film’s iconic soundtrack. For purists and longtime fans, the original mono audio has been fully restored as well – allowing audiences to experience the film exactly as it was heard when it first premiered five decades ago.
“It’s a privilege to help preserve the legacy of a film that has meant so much to so many,” says Kevin Schaeffer, Director of Restoration & Library Management. “Bringing The Rocky Horror Picture Show to life in 4K allows us to honor its bold, genre-defying spirit and ensure that audiences – both longtime fans and first-time viewers – can experience it as it was originally intended, with stunning picture and sound.”
“When The Rocky Horror Picture Show was first released, no one thought it would be around very long let alone…50 years,” says producer Lou Adler. “What began as a small, rebellious project has become a global celebration of individuality, community, and creative freedom. This anniversary is a tribute to the fans who kept it alive and kicking all these years.”
Fasten your garter belt and relive the time-warping, gender-bending cult classic! When a newly engaged couple’s (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) car breaks down on a rainy night, they wind up in the creepy castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry). There, they have an adventure that will thrill you, chill you and fulfill you like never before!
Two legendary bands, one historic tour! X and Los Lobos—pillars of the Los Angeles music scene—are teaming up for their first national tour together to celebrate 99 Years of Rock ‘N’ Roll. With all original members in both bands still rocking stages after over six decades, this tour marks an extraordinary moment in music history. This highly anticipated tour will bring X and Los Lobos to cities that have never seen them together before. The dates launch on July 19th in Denver and will continue, with several legs, through late November, more dates TBA. Presale tickets go live starting Wednesday, April 30 at 10:00 AM with an exclusive artist presale (password: X1977). A Spotify presale follows on Thursday, May 1 at 10:00 AM (password: LOSANGELES). Tickets open to the general public on Friday, May 2 at 10:00 AM.
These two iconic bands have paved their own paths in the industry—DIY ethics, mainstream success, top ten lists, Grammy wins, world tours, and a steadfast dedication to their craft. Now, they join forces to bring fans a celebration of their unparalleled careers.
“48 years is a long time. 51 years, even longer. But 99 years combined is an insane number for two rock and roll bands and with the same lineup? Unheard of. That’s what we got going this year when Los Lobos team up with our good amigos X for our very first American tour together. Sounds like a celebration and everybody is invited,” says Louis Perez Jr. of Los Lobos.
“This is a dream come true for me. We’re taking the 70’s & 80’s punk roots of LA both East and West all over the country. TOGETHER! 99 years and still going strong. Let’s have a party,” says Exene Cervenka of X.
In addition to the tour X have released a brand new video, narrated by Exene, celebrating over 40 years of their iconic rendition of “Wild Thing.” A limited edition 12” picture disc vinyl including “Wild Thing,” a long-time fan favorite, as well as Exene’s narrated wild history of the song will be available via Fat Possum Records. Pre-order now. The video behind the genesis of X’s “Wild Thing” was directed by James Blagden (the genius behind Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No).
X continues to ride the success of their ninth and final studio album, Smoke & Fiction, released last year via Fat Possum Records. Produced by Rob Schnapf (Beck, Foo Fighters), the album debuted in the Top 10 on four Billboard charts and has been met with overwhelming praise from both critics and fans. X will perform career-spanning hits along with selections from Smoke & Fiction and their 2020 release, Alphabetland.
Do not miss this first and last tour of its kind. This has never happened before and likely to never happen again. Long live Rock ‘N’ Roll!
99 Years of Rock n’ Roll Tour with X and Los Lobos:
July 19 Denver CO Paramount Theatre
July 20 Salt Lake City UT Red Butte Garden
August 3 Santa Ana CA OC FAIR/Pacific Amphitheatre
September 19 Toronto ON Massey Hall
September 20 Detroit MI Fisher Theatre
September 21 Huber Heights OH Rose Music Center at The Heights
September 24 Baltimore MD The Lyric Baltimore
September 25 New York NY The Town Hall
September 28 Philadelphia PA Miller Theater
October 7 Nashville TN Ryman Auditorium
October 9 Atlanta GA Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
October 10 Memphis TN Minglewood Hall
October 11 St. Louis MO The Factory
October 12 Kansas City MO Uptown Theater
October 15 Milwaukee WI The Pabst Theater
October 16 Chicago IL The Auditorium
October 17 Indianapolis IN Clowes Memorial Hall
November 3 Portland OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
November 4 Seattle WA The Moore Theatre
November 8 Oakland CA Paramount Theatre
November 13 San Diego CA Balboa Theatre
November 14 Riverside CA Fox Performing Arts Center
November 19 Austin TX ACL Live at the Moody Theatre
November 20 Dallas TX Music Hall at Fair Park
November 22 Houston TX Smart Financial Centre
More Dates TBA
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Zach Top made his late-night television debut last night performing “I Never Lie” on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Top’s current single, “I Never Lie” is #4 on the Mediabase Country Aircheck chart and #7 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart this week and continuing to rise on both, while it has also spent four consecutive weeks as the #1 most-played song on Australian Country Radio.
The performance adds to a breakout year for Top, who was named the 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year and is also nominated for Album of the Year at the upcoming 60th Annual ACM Awards, which will take place next Thursday, May 8 in Frisco, TX. Additionally, Top was named “the future of country music” by Billboard, nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 58th Annual CMA Awards, received Discovery Artist of the Year at the 2024 MusicRow Awards and recently released Me & Billy—a three-song EP featuring 2x Grammy Award-winning artist Billy Strings (listen here).
One of the “hottest acts right now” (Rolling Stone), Top is in the midst of his extensive “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour,” which completely sold out just hours after tickets went on sale and includes upcoming stops at New York’s Terminal 5, Philadelphia’s The Fillmore and Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway among others. Additionally, Top is supporting select dates with Alan Jackson on his “Last Call Tour” this spring and will join Dierks Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour” kicking off next month. See below for complete tour itinerary, full details can be found at www.zachtop.com/tour.
The upcoming shows further celebrate Top’s debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, which was released last spring and garnered over 3.5 million streams in just its first week. Produced by Carson Chamberlain (Billy Currington, Easton Corbin), the record continues to receive widespread acclaim with The Tennessean saying it’s full of “star-making tunes,” while Country Central praised, “Cold Beer & Country Music is a masterclass in traditional country music…With a record this strong, Zach Top has proven himself as a standout rising star in this format and a premier vocalist in country music.”
Raised in Sunnyside, WA, Top grew up on classic country music around the family farm. At the age of seven, he formed a band with his siblings which set the stage for his musical ambitions. Throughout his teenage years and early twenties, Top honed his craft by playing in various bluegrass bands before moving to Nashville in 2021, where he has been steadily making his mark as an artist to watch.
ZACH TOP CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
May 1—New York, NY—Terminal 5^
May 2—Siver Spring, MD—The Fillmore^
May 3—Philadelphia, PA—The Fillmore Philadelphia^
May 4—Boston, MA—MGM Music Hall at Fenway^
May 15—Pikeville, KY—Appalachian Wireless Arena~
May 16—Indianapolis, IN—Everwisse Amphitheater at White River State Park~
May 17—Milwaukee, WI—Fiserv Forum#
May 20—Scranton, PA—Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple
May 21—Rochester, NY—Rochester Broadway Theatre League
May 29—Austin, TX—Moody Center*
May 30—Dallas, TX—Dos Equis Pavilion*
May 31—Tulsa, OK—BOK Center*
June 5—Alpharetta, GA—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
June 6—Tampa, FL—MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
June 7—iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre*
June 8—Nashville, TN—CMA Fest
June 11—North Lawrence, OH—The Country Fest 2025
June 12—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage*
June 14—Tinley Park, IL—Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
June 19—Chula Vista, CA—North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 20—Phoenix, AZ—Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
June 21—Albuquerque, NM—Isleta Amphitheater
June 22—Telluride, CO—Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2025
June 26—Los Angeles, CA—Intuit Dome*
June 27—Wheatland, CA—Toyota Amphitheatre*
June 28—Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 3—Calgary, AB—Cowboys Park
July 10—Virginia Beach, VA—Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
July 11—Bristow, VA—Jiffy Libe Live
July 12—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center
July 13—Clearfield, PA—Clearfield County Fairgrounds
July 17—Twin Lakes, WI—Shadow Hill Ranch
July 18—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center
July 19—Noblesville, IN—Ruoff Music Center
July 21—Valparaiso, IN—Porter County Expo Center
July 31—Salt Lake City, UT—Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 1—Nampa, ID—Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
August 2—Quincy, WA—Watershed Festival
August 7—Camden, NJ—Freedom Mortgage Pavilion*
August 8—Raleigh, NC—Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
August 9—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion
August 10—Lewisburg, WV—The State Fair of West Virginia
August 14—Darrien Center, NY—Darrien Lake Amphitheater*
August 15—Holmdel, NJ—PNC Bank Arts Center
August 16—Bethel, NY—Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
August 21—Savannah, GA—Enmarket Arena
August 22—Birmingham, AL—Coca-Cola Amphitheater
August 23—Biloxi, MS—Mississippi Coast Coliseum*
August 28—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden Arena*
August 29—Burgettstown, PA—The Pavilion at Star Lake*
August 30—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre*
October 4—Ocean City, MD—Country Calling 2025
#supporting Alan Jackson
^with special guest Jake Worthington
~with special guest Lauren Watkins
*supporting Dierks Bentley
Reflecting on an incredible body of work, Tony, EMMY, and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist Josh Groban has unveiled his newly curated career-spanning collection, Gems, out now.
This 18-track retrospective body of work collates essential highlights from his storied career to date alongside two brand new songs, “Be Alright” and “Open Hands.” To celebrate this release, Josh delivered a bright and empowering performance of “Be Alright” on Good Morning Americaearlier this morning. He also performed “Be Alright” on this season of American Idol when he was a guest mentor alongside Ashanti and Artist-in-Residence Jelly Roll.
Encompassing over two decades of definitive anthems, Gems traces Groban’s impact on popular culture throughout his illustrious career. Among many highlights, it boasts the 3x-Platinum signature anthem “You Raise Me Up.” He famously performed the latter during a NASA tribute to the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia at Super Bowl XXXVIII and as a surprise for Oprah Winfrey at her 50th birthday. It also includes the Billboard Adult Contemporary #1 “To Where You Are”. Plus, it showcases his versatility with the likes of the Beauty and the BeastOriginal Motion Picture Soundtrack standout “Evermore” as well as fan favorite show stopping renditions of “Over The Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Not to mention, it includes his duet with Kelly Clarkson on “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera.
Gems also shares its name with his much-anticipated five-night run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace: Josh Groban: Gems — Exclusive Las Vegas Engagement. The special nightly sets kick off next week on Friday, May 9, and continue on May 10, 14, 16 & 17. For tickets, go HERE.
Later this year, Josh will grace the stage at The Hollywood Bowl, for two nights, on September 5 and 6. These very special shows will see him perform songs from Gems and beyond with accompaniment from Thomas Wilkins and the LA Philharmonic. Get tickets HERE.
Be on the lookout for a lot more from Josh Groban very soon.
GEMS TRACKLISTING:
Be Alright
Alla Luce del Sole
You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)
You Raise Me Up
To Where You Are
Awake
Granted
Pure Imagination (from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)
You’re Still You
Evermore
Open Hands
February Song
Over The Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz)
When You Say You Love Me
All I Ask Of You (from The Phantom of the Opera) [with Kelly Clarkson]
The timeless ‘Pure Shores’ by All Saints celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and to celebrate Tourist has reimagined the song giving it a dance floor twist.
Available now, Tourist’s pairing of the timeless vocals with a groovy bass and euphoria, has breathed new life into the track perfectly balancing the tracks nostalgic presence yet making it a forward-thinking remix that’s perfect for golden-hour moments.
On undertaking the remix, Tourist says “I feel like “Pure Shores” is amongst some of the most sacred territory in pop music – so I really don’t know what on earth I was thinking when I attempted to remix it! All I knew was what I wanted to hear from a ’Pure Shores’ remix. Long live All Saints, long live Trance.”
Written by Shaznay Lewis and William Orbit for a scene in Danny Boyle’s The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, ‘Pure Shores’ was released in mid February 2000 as the lead song from the movie released in the same week.
Its commercial and critical success were global, and now, 25 years on from its original release, it has proven to be a timeless track that defines the pop music of the early 2000s.
It was the second best selling single of that year (after Bob The Builders ‘We Can Fix It’), was nominated for Best Song and Best Video at the 2001 Brit Awards (both times missing out to Robbie Williams ‘Rock DJ’). It was number one in the UK for the first two weeks of its release before being knocked off the top spot by… ironically… Madonna’s William Orbit produced ‘American Pie’. Whilst at number one it was outselling the number two song three times over and remained in the UK charts for an amazing 20 weeks and broke into the top 10 across the world.
Tourist, the project of UK songwriter, producer, and artist William Phillips, has spent the past decade crafting the delicate balance of beats and melodies in electronic music. Over the years, he has released five albums, built a diverse catalog of remixes and productions, and earned a Grammy Award for co-writing Sam Smith’s hit ‘Stay With Me.’
Now, Tourist is entering a new chapter, diving into bold, dance-driven beats inspired by Trance, while staying true to his signature melodic style. His Pure Shores Remix marks the beginning of this exciting evolution.
Today, Reuben and The Bullhorn Singers share their anticipated and extremely powerful debut album All These Roads via Red Music Rising.
To coincide with the album, they have shared another incredibly beautiful and chilling live performance video of the track, “Fly Away” recorded at ATCO SpaceLab. The performance features traditional dancers and members of the Kainai Nation, Nevada Ouellette and Sofia Eaglehead Baptiste and directed and shot by Brock Mitchell.
All These Roads is an incredibly special project that captures a unique magic, full of soul. With powerful songwriting layered with the beautiful sonics of The Bullhorns Singers pow-wow style vocals coming together alongside Reuben, the result is a rare alchemy – rich with emotion and depth. The music, featuring strong, powerful songwriting and the beautiful sonics of the Bullhorn Singers’ voices layered with Reuben’s, will undoubtedly leave listeners with chills.The six track album beautifully melds together two different genres and cultures to create an important and meaningful project. The group has expressed that the album is symbolic of the conversation that happens after reconciliation and moving forward together. Describing the importance of coming together to make this album, Bullhorn Singer leader Billy Wadsworth explains:
“The collaboration between the Bullhorn Singers and Reuben has been a beautiful and powerful experience, both musically and personally. When we come together, the music flows organically and effortlessly, transcending typical musical genres. We’ve both had to step outside our comfort zones and explore new musical territories, resulting in something fresh and unique.Our connection extends beyond the music; we’re close as human beings, sharing a genuine bond and similar views on the world. We recognize the harsh realities of life and aim to counteract that negativity through our music. Our collaboration is built on positivity and good vibes, and we hope to spread that energy to our listeners. We want our music to be a source of healing, positivity, and rest. In a world that can often be harsh and threatening, we hope to create a space where people can feel safe and experience something beautiful, new, and different.”
The band is heading out on their All These Roads Tour kicking off tonight, sponsored by ATCO SpaceLabs and supported by Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund on top of a handful of upcoming festival appearances this summer. Since the announcement last month, they have added even more dates to the tour. The tour will highlight personal stories about Indigenous lands and music’s role in healing. The tour includes stops in Victoria, Calgary, Winnipeg, an appearance at Toronto Indigenous Arts Festival and more – along with dates at several First Nation Reserve communities and schools across the country. This tour aims to amplify the group’s powerful message, as ‘the conversation after reconciliation,’ and showcase their one-of-a-kind live experience blending Indie Folk with Indigenous pow-wow music. To get a sense of what to expect, watch this beautiful and chilling performance video of the first single “Powerful,” filmed at OCL Studios in Calgary.
In 2021 at The Calgary Stampede mainstage, acclaimed indie-folk artist Reuben and the Dark brought out Blackfoot pow-wow champion singing group, Bullhorn Singers lead by Billy Wadsworth, for an unforgettable live performance that stopped the audience, and the artists themselves, in their tracks. What was an impromptu performance and unlikely union of culture, life experience and sound in front of a crowd of thousands was electric and the birth of something special. This led to the brand new collaborative project, Reuben and the Bullhorn Singers. Listen to Reuben and Billy discuss the partnership on q with Tom Power on CBC here.
Stay tuned for more new music forthcoming in the next coming months from them.
REUBEN AND THE BULLHORN TOUR DATES
May 2 Fernie, BC @ Knox on 2nd
May 3 Rossland, BC @ The Flying Steamshovel
May 4 Kelowna, BC @ Red Bird Brewing
May 5 Kelowna, BC @ Aberdeen Hall **
May 5 Kelowna, BC @ Mount Boucherie Secondary School **
May 6 Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl
May 7 Victoria, BC @ Wicket Hall
May 8 Nanaimo, BC @ The Queen’s
May 9 Penticton, BC @ Dream Cafe
May 11 Canmore, AB @ Communitea Cafe
May 13 Red Deer, AB @ Bo’s Bar and Stage
May 13 Ponoka, AB @ Mamawi Atosketan Native School **
May 15 Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room
May 16 Calgary, AB @ Bella Concert Hall
May 17 Saskatoon, SK @ Louis’ Pub
May 18 Winnipeg, MB @ The Park Theatre
May 28 Yucca Valley, CA @ The Annex
May 29 Los Angeles, CA @ Permanent Records Roadhouse
May 31 Toronto, ON @ Toronto Indigenous Arts Festival
June 2 Maniwaki, QC @ Kitigan Zibi **
June 5 Manawan, QC **
June 6 Cornwall, ON @ The Port Theatre
June 7 Durham, ON @ Sound and Savour @ Riverstone Retreat
June 9 Ohsweke, ON @ Oliver M. Smith Kawenni:io **
Reuben Bullock, is a multifaceted artist, best known for his role as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the acclaimed indie-folk band Reuben and The Dark. The inspirational release, sees the unlikely union of culture, life experience, and sound friendship and artistic collaboration between Reuben and The Dark and Southern Alberta Kainai/Blood traditional pow-wow champion Bullhorn Singers, since their collaboration for a performance at the Calgary Stampede mainstage in 2021. The spirited folk-rock sounds led by Reuben Bullock, whose music blends introspective lyrics with the irrepressible pulse and harmonies of his band, sees a single that combines Native American singing with resounding themes of emotive storytelling.
Reuben Bullock is a multifaceted artist, renowned for his role as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the acclaimed indie-folk band, Reuben and the Dark. The career of Reuben, a Calgary-born, currently Victoria-based singer-songwriter, skateboarder, carpenter, and preacher’s son is marked by a series of milestones that underscore his profound impact on the Canadian music landscape over the last 10 years. The band looks ahead to new music in 2025 as well as extensive touring and collaboration in partnership with Bullhorn Singers.
Bullhorn Singers is led by Iskotoah’ka William (Billy) Wadsworth and brings powerful songs to the powwow music scene. Stemming from the Blood Tribe, Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Billy is a member of the Motois’pitaiks “All Tall Peoples” Clan and a member of the Kaanaa’tsimiitaiks “Brave Dog” society of the Blood Tribe. Bullhorn Singers were created by Billy and his late brother Blaine Wadsworth who began singing as kids and they then began to build the group including their family members and extended family. Since 1998, the group has traveled throughout the U.S and Canada competing at contests and have won several championships.
Launched in August 2020 in partnership with APTN, Red Music Rising is a holistic music company—a full-service artist management company and record label, owned and managed entirely by Indigenous individuals. Its mission is to help develop robust, sustainable, life-long careers for Indigenous artists and industry professionals.
The management and record roster features critically acclaimed talent across a variety of genres, including R&B, hip hop, and electronic music, with artists such as Sebastian Gaskin, Logan Staats, Boogey The Beat, and Wolf Saga—each bringing a distinct voice and creative vision to the contemporary music landscape.
Neil Young, along with his new band, The Chrome Hearts announce their debut full-length album Talkin To The Trees, to be released on June 13, via Reprise Records.
Talkin To The Trees feels like a full-on fresh-blooded leap forward as Young steps into his sixth decade in his creative odyssey filled with fearless twists and turns. The Chrome Hearts feature Spooner Oldham (Organ); Micah Nelson (Guitar and Vocal); Corey McCormick (Bass and Vocal); Anthony LoGerfo (Drums); with Neil Young (Guitar, Harp, Piano, Vibes). All songs are written by Neil Young, co-produced by Lou Adler and Young, and recorded at Shangri La Studios in Malibu. Click HEREto pre-order/pre-save Talkin To The Trees.
When “big change” the first song from the album Talkin To The Trees was released just in front of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, it was a not-so-subtle announcement that Young was ready to step into the future. Not only America but the world. There could be no doubt where Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts stand in these challenging times.
These ten musical statements by Young, take their rightful place among an ongoing creative tapestry.
Talkin To The Trees will be available on black vinyl, limited edition clear vinyl, CD and Digital via the Greedy Hand Store at NYA and indie retail stores. Hi-res digital audio will be available at Neil Young Archives and all DSPs. All Greedy Hand Store purchases come with a free hi-res digital audio download from the NYA Download Store.
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts LOVE EARTH World Tour 2025: Europe
Jun 18 Rättvik, Sweden Dalhalla
Jun 20 Bergen, Norway Bergenhus Fortress
Jun 22 Copenhagen, Denmark Tiøren
Jun 26 Dublin, Ireland Malahide Castle
Jun 28 Glastonbury, UK Glastonbury Festival
Jun 30 Brussels, Belgium Brussels Palace Open Air, Palace Square
Jul 01 Groningen, Netherlands Drafbaan Stadspark
Jul 03 Berlin, Germany Waldbühne
Jul 04 Mönchengladbach Germany Sparkassenpark
Jul 06 Montreux, CH Montreux Jazz Festival
Jul 08 Stuttgart, Germany Cannstatter Wasen
Jul 11 London, UK BST Festival
Jul 13 Paris, FR Adidas Arena
USA / Canada
Aug 8 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
Aug 10 Richmond, VA Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Aug 13 Detroit, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre
Aug 15 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
Aug 17 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage
Aug 19 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage
Aug 21 Gilford, NH BankNH Pavilion
Aug 23 New York, NY Jones Beach
Aug 24 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods
Aug 27 Chicago, IL Northerly Island
Aug 29 Milwaukee, WI BMO Pavilion
Sep 01 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Sep 05 George, WA The Gorge
Sep 06 Vancouver, BC Deer Lake Park
Sep 08 Vancouver, BC Deer Lake Park
Sep 10 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Sep 12 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheater
Sep 15 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
Canadian rock juggernaut Nickelback is hitting the road this summer as part of the Rock the Country tour, a small-town U.S. festival co-headlined by Kid Rock. Billed as a celebration of “hardworking, God-fearing patriots,” the event includes rotating acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams Jr., and Lee Greenwood—and, perhaps unexpectedly, Alberta’s own Chad Kroeger and crew. The inclusion has raised some eyebrows, especially among Canadian fans who associate Nickelback more with radio hits than red-state rallies.
But before you grab your pitchfork—or your Maple Leaf flag—let’s talk about why Nickelback showing up on this tour isn’t the betrayal some are making it out to be. In fact, it’s perfectly fine. Here’s why:
It’s a Gig, Not a Political Statement
Bands take shows for all kinds of reasons—exposure, pay, access to new audiences—not to endorse everything happening around them. Nickelback’s participation doesn’t mean they’re suddenly aligned with any political figure or message. It means they were booked, they said yes, and they’re going to play their songs. That’s showbiz.
They’re Musicians, Not Policymakers
Nickelback has never claimed to be a political band. They’re not out here giving stump speeches or tweeting about election cycles. They write songs, not policies. Expecting them to serve as political symbols misunderstands what musicians are actually hired to do on a festival stage.
They’re Reaching New Audiences
Rock the Country stops in towns that don’t often host big rock shows. For Nickelback, this is a chance to connect with fans who’ve only ever seen them on YouTube or heard them on FM radio. That’s not political—that’s just smart touring. And in today’s live music economy, you take those chances when you can.
Music Crosses Borders
Sure, they’re Canadian. But last time we checked, the border didn’t block guitar riffs and singalongs. Music has always been about connection—regardless of passport. Nickelback playing an American patriotic tour doesn’t erase their Canadianness. It just proves that good music doesn’t need a visa.
They Didn’t Organize the Tour
Nickelback didn’t write the press release, create the marketing, or book the other artists. They were invited. Treating them like co-architects of the event is a reach. Sometimes a band joins a tour because it’s the right time, the right stage, and the right crowd to rock.
Their Fan Base Is Broad
From pickup trucks to downtown clubs, Nickelback has always drawn from a wide swath of fans. That includes the kind of everyday folks Rock the Country targets. This isn’t them selling out—it’s them showing up for fans who’ve been singing along since Silver Side Up.
They’ve Played All Kinds of Festivals
Over the years, Nickelback has hit Canadian festivals, global stages, and everything in between. Sharing a lineup with Kid Rock in Alabama doesn’t define them any more than sharing one with The Glorious Sons in British Columbia. It’s one show. Part of a tour. One moment in a long career.
They’re Not Headlining a Political Rally
Yes, Kid Rock is openly political. But Nickelback hasn’t said a word about the political backdrop. They’re not playing under a campaign banner or streaming Trump videos before their set. They’re doing what they always do—playing their music for whoever shows up.
No One Owns Patriotism
The tour is branded with Americana and traditional values, but loving your country—any country—doesn’t require you to sign on to a specific ideology. Nickelback playing for American patriots doesn’t make them traitors to Canada. It just makes them musicians who are working.
It’s Part of Their Job
Touring isn’t optional for bands anymore—it’s essential. Festivals like this one pay the bills, support the crew, and keep the momentum going. Turning down gigs based on someone else’s politics would be a fast track to irrelevance. And Nickelback didn’t become one of Canada’s biggest musical exports by turning down the work.
Double Standards Don’t Help Anyone
When Bruce Springsteen headlines a pro-union rally or plays during a Democratic campaign, he’s celebrated as an artist with a voice—someone whose music transcends entertainment. But when a band like Nickelback plays a tour that leans the other way politically, suddenly it’s “just stick to music.” If we truly believe artists are allowed to stand for something—or nothing—we can’t selectively apply that based on whether we agree with the crowd.
So, is it surprising to see Nickelback on this lineup? Maybe. Is it scandalous? Not even close. They’re not waving flags—they’re playing chords. Let them rock.
