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Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Launches ‘The Hard Road World’ Tour Ahead of New Album

Eric Alper
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Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Launches ‘The Hard Road World’ Tour Ahead of New Album

April 8, 2025 – Grammy-winning guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is back on the road with The Hard Road World Tour. Fresh off a triumphant run with the Experience Hendrix Tour, Kingfish is set to bring his incendiary, impassioned performances to fans around the globe.

This highly anticipated international headline tour kicks off on April 11 at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival and will travel across Australia, North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom, running through Thanksgiving. Fans can expect a celebration of Kingfish’s journey from local juke joints and blues clubs to international stages.

“I’m really looking forward to The Hard Road Tour,” said Ingram. “I’m grateful for the chance to make and play the music I love. These shows will be a celebration of both the long, sometimes tough journey I’ve taken in this industry and the amazing fans who’ve supported me every step of the way. I’ve got new songs to share and some great friends joining me. I’m truly ready to party with y’all.”

Fans attending The Hard Road World Tour will be among the first to hear tracks from Kingfish’s upcoming album – his first since his Grammy Award-winning 662. The new record, due out later this year, marks the debut release from Red Zero Records, the label co-founded by Kingfish and his longtime manager Ric Whitney.

“We’re excited to share that new Kingfish music is on the horizon,” said Whitney. “Launching the record label and releasing his third studio album is a huge milestone. It highlights the significance of The Hard Road Tour – a celebration of where Kingfish has been and where he’s going.”

In just six years since his GRAMMY-nominated debut album Kingfish, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has become a global blues sensation. Born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi — a town steeped in blues history — Ingram grew up just 10 miles from the legendary crossroads of Highways 61 and 49. Surrounded by a family of singers and musicians, his passion for music ignited at a young age. Starting with drums and bass, he soon found his true voice on the guitar.

Through classes at the Delta Blues Museum, Kingfish not only learned the rich history of the blues, but also honed his technical skills. Mentored by Richard “Daddy Rich” Crisman and the late Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry, he developed his own distinctive sound, blending influences from Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince. Perry also gave him the now-iconic “Kingfish” moniker. His talent quickly took him from local stages at Clarksdale’s Ground Zero Blues Club and Red’s Lounge to venues across the U.S. and abroad — all while still in high school.

Kingfish’s rise to fame was fueled by his electrifying live performances and viral videos, which amassed millions of views even before his debut album. One of several breakout moments came when his performance videos caught the eye of the Luke Cage producers, leading to a guest spot in the show and a subsequent NPR Tiny Desk Concert appearance alongside rap legend Rakim.

After his debut album Kingfish topped the Billboard Blues Chart for 91 weeks and earned a GRAMMY nomination, Ingram followed up with his 2021 release 662, which also debuted at #1. The album earned him his first GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Blues Album and was hailed by NPR as “astounding.” Since then, Kingfish has been honored with 12 Blues Music Awards and 11 Living Blues Awards.

In 2023, Kingfish continued to solidify his place in contemporary blues with the release of Live in London. Capturing the raw energy and passion of his live shows, the album showcases his powerful guitar work, soul-stirring vocals, and the connection he forges with his audience. Praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, Live in London stands as a testament to Kingfish’s growing influence and his ability to bring modern blues to a global audience.

Kingfish’s natural talent continues to flourish through his relentless touring, writing, and recording. With his jaw-dropping guitar prowess and captivating vocals, he delivers contemporary blues that resonate with audiences worldwide. Whether headlining his own tours or sharing stages with legends like Buddy Guy, Jason Isbell, and The Rolling Stones, Kingfish remains a dynamic force in modern blues — a young artist who respects the past while blazing his own trail.

CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM TOUR DATES:
Apr 11 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Blues Festival
Apr 17 Bryon Bay, AU Byron Bay Blues Festival
Apr 18 Bryon Bay, AU Byron Bay Blues Festival
Apr 20 Sydney, AU Metro Theatre
Apr 21 Melbourne, AU Northcote Theatre
Apr 26 Austin, TX Austin Blues Festival
May 4 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Jazz Festival
Jun 1 Lexington, KY Railbird Music Festival
Jun 7 Chicago, IL Chicago Blues Fest
Jun 14 San Jose, CA Fountain Blues & Brews Festival
Jun 18 Amagansett, NY Stephen Talkhouse
Jun 20 Selbyville, DE Freeman Arts Pavilion
Jun 21 Vienna, VA Wolf Trap
Jun 28 Aspen, CO JAS Aspen Snowmass
Jun 29 Winter Park, CO Blues From the Top
Jul 9 Ottawa, ON Ottawa Bluesfest
Jul 25 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre
Aug 30 Bremerton, WA Kitsap Blues Festival
Sep 4 Charleston, SC Charleston Music Hall
Sep 5 Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle
Sep 6 Charlotte, NC Neighborhood Theatre
Sep 7 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel
Sep 9 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre
Sep 12 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre
Sep 13 Birmingham, AL Iron City
Sep 16 Kansas City, MO Knuckleheads Saloon
Sep 17 St. Louis, MO The Factory
Sep 19 Chicago, IL Park West
Sep 20 Detroit, MI St Andrew’s Hall
Sep 24 Baltimore, MD Baltimore Soundstage
Sep 25 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer
Sep 27 New York, NY Irving Plaza
Sep 28 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony
Oct 1 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
Oct 2 Burlington, VT Higher Ground Ballroom
Oct 3 Montreal, QC Théâtre Beanfield
Oct 4 Toronto, ON Danforth Music Hall
Oct 8 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre
Oct 9 Nashville, TN Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Oct 10 Memphis, TN Memphis Country Blues Festival
Oct 16 Los Angeles, CA TBD
Oct 18 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
Oct 19 Napa, CA Uptown Theatre
Oct 20 Grass Valley, CA Center for the Arts
Oct 24 San Diego, CA The Observatory North Park
Oct 25-Nov 1 San Diego, CA Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
Nov 7 Berlin, DE Columbia Theatre
Nov 9 Munich, DE Technikum
Nov 10 Zurich, CH Kaufleuten
Nov 11 Leverkusen, DE Leverkusener Jazztage
Nov 13 Hamburg, DE Fabrik
Nov 14 Amsterdam, NL Melkweg
Nov 16 Paris, FR La Cigale
Nov 18 London, UK Kentish Town Forum
Nov 19 Manchester, UK Albert Hall
Nov 20 Wolverhampton, UK The Wulfrun Hall
Nov 21 Glasgow, UK Old Fruitmarket
Nov 23 Leeds, UK Stylus

Kyle Ray Fuses Grit, Grace, and Heartache on Soulful New Single “Love Me Tonight”

Eric Alper
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Kyle Ray Fuses Grit, Grace, and Heartache on Soulful New Single “Love Me Tonight”

 From the rolling hills of Barren County, Kentucky, Kyle Ray carves his own path through the Americana landscape, fusing the grit of outlaw country with the soul-stirring harmonies of bluegrass, folk, and soul. With a raw, unbridled sound and a pen steeped in both beauty and heartbreak, Kyle’s music cuts to the core of the human experience — honest, unapologetic, and deeply felt. He moves effortlessly between weary acoustic ballads and raucous, foot-stomping anthems, capturing the full spectrum of grit and grace.

Today, Kyle delivers his soulful, wistful fourth single, “Love Me Tonight.” The track was inspired by the frustration of a ‘right person, wrong time’ scenario. “I was crushing on a girl who, unfortunately, had a boyfriend,” Kyle reveals. “We had a bit of history, and I could tell she liked me back, but she never admitted it. I remember thinking, ‘Well hell, better write about this while the feeling is fresh. Might get something out of it at least.’”

In 2024, he introduced his sound with three striking singles: the high-energy, moonshine-fueled romp “If It’s Taxed, It Ain’t Shine,” the rebellious storytelling of “The Band of Robbers,” and the ethereal, deeply personal ballad “The Angel Poet.” Whether delivering an unfiltered confession or an outlaw’s anthem, Kyle Ray brings a new attitude to Americana — one rooted in tradition but unafraid to break the rules.

Raised on a rich tapestry of sound, Kyle’s childhood was steeped in everything from doo-wop and Motown to southern soul and classic rock. Meanwhile, the church his family attended was filled with the unfiltered sounds of hill-folk bluegrass. Growing up in the same town that birthed Cage the Elephant, Kyle and his childhood friends found inspiration in bands like Alabama Shakes, The Strokes, and their hometown heroes. At the same time, they cut their teeth on Zeppelin, the Eagles, Skynyrd, and Sabbath — soaking up classic rock’s raw, untamed energy. Layering that foundation with the storytelling grit of Chris Stapleton, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, and Tyler Childers, Kyle forged a sound that bridges the soulful swagger of rock with the heart and honesty of Americana and country.

“I grew up broke and experienced a lot of tragedy in my early life, so I gravitated to music that was in search of truth and spoke of struggle,” Kyle reflects.

Kyle’s songwriting is intensely personal, drawing from his experiences of hardship, beauty, and faith. “Whether that be the beauty I’ve found, the hurt I’ve felt, or the comfort in the Lord I’ve experienced, I want it written,” he says. His music reflects a range of influences, from his father — “a killer vocalist and a grease monkey” who would sing along to the radio in the garage — to the mountain folk of his church.

Photo Credit: Remington Sage Strecker

Some of his most cherished performance moments include playing Bourbon & Beyond in 2024, where he saw his family in the audience — the first time he had played in his home state in five years. Another unforgettable night was opening for Angel Olsen in September of that year. “There was a young girl who had driven over an hour to see me and my band for her 16th birthday,” he shares. “After we played our set, the boys and I snuck into the audience to watch Angel’s set and just so happened to sit right in front of her. I wrote her a little happy birthday note on a napkin and took a picture with her. So sweet, and so cool. Made my year.”

As Kyle looks ahead, he hopes his music resonates with listeners on a deeper level. “I hope that people find hope and peace in my music, or answers to questions that no one around them can answer,” he expresses. “At the very least, I hope my music makes people feel seen. I’ve spent a lot of my life feeling like no one really knows or sees me. I know how important it is to feel that.”

Kyle is gearing up for a big year in 2025, setting the stage for an even bigger 2026, packed with new music, captivating performances, and more chances to connect with his ever-growing audience. With graduation from Berklee College of Music this May, he’s setting his sights on Nashville, eager to carve out his place in the music scene. “There’s going to be more music, more shows, and hopefully more of y’all. I hope to meet y’all soon,” Kyle concludes, inviting his fans to delve into the intricate tapestry of his sound and join him as his musical mosaic continues to unfold.

Corey Congilio Unleashes a Revitalized Take on Otis Rush’s “Me”

Eric Alper
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Corey Congilio Unleashes a Revitalized Take on Otis Rush’s “Me”

Nashville songwriter and guitarist Corey Congilio has released an electrifying new single, “Me,” as a representation of his commitment to betting on himself.

A sneak peek at the project that will serve as testament to the genre that shaped him, the track breathes new life into the 1969 classic blues track originally recorded by Otis Rush. This revamped rendition is shaped by Corey’s powerful vocals and guitar-slinging talent, making the song all his own while paying homage to one of the greats of the genre. “Me” will be a part of a six-track cover EP, due out this summer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRx_mEQXTk4

“Not only did I love the groove and the playing but the lyrics really grabbed me as it tells a story about life’s struggles and how often the only friend we have is ourselves,” Corey reveals. “Sometimes a song feels like it was written from your perspective even when it predates you by a number of years! The song was actually written by Mike Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites who were staples of the American Blues Rock scene in the 60’s and 70’s, so this song is loaded with blues history which I hope to honor with my version.”

On Wednesday, February 9, Corey released “She’s Like The Weather,” a playful original single that draws inspiration from a life coach’s analogy that relationships are like the weather: when it rains, grab an umbrella; when it snows, pick up a shovel. It’s the expectation that all relationships will have their ups and downs, but it’s the solutions that decide how strong they become. Corey’s powerful vocals smoothly lay down lyrics of a complicated person to love, with a funky bass line driving the groove into a classic blues world. He recently sat down with the Tennessee Star to discuss the track, offering a sneak peek into Corey’s evolving sound that has hints of a lifetime of influences.

The humorous music video casts Corey as a hapless weatherman, flailing through June snowstorms and tornadoes tearing across his green screen. It’s a wild, chaotic ride — just like love itself.

For 25 years, this guitar-slinging hired gun has been the quiet force behind the scenes — touring guitarist, session musician, educator, and presenter. Now Corey’s stepping into the spotlight, wielding his six-string stories like a weapon aimed at your soul. To celebrate the single, Corey is hosting a giveaway on socials, and the winner receives a personal guitar lesson from Corey himself.

“My journey started with saxophone in my elementary and high school bands until the age of 13 when I bought my first guitar,” he shares. Encouraged by his father and uncles, all of whom played guitar or bass, he recalls, “As much as I thought I’d be different by playing sax, I couldn’t get the guitar off my mind. I saved pennies, shopped weekly at my local guitar shop, and got my first guitar. Once I brought it home, music and guitar became my sole focus.”

Early on, Congilio found inspiration in legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robben Ford, finding solace in their writing and guitar mastery. However, his influences span far beyond the blues, encompassing iconic artists like Prince, Daniel Lanois, Butch Walker, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers — figures he admires for their “undeniable identity.” Beyond music, literature and television have also left their mark. “I have a tattoo inspired by Seth Godin’s The Icarus Deception, which taught me that not only is it okay to be an artist, people need your art, too,” Corey explains.

His extensive resume includes performances alongside renowned artists like Joss Stone, David Lee Murphy, Lucie Silvas, Radney Foster, Cassadee Pope, Derek St. Holmes, Danielle Bradbery, Laura Bell Bundy, and Barbara Blue. After cutting his teeth on stages all over the world, Corey still felt something was missing, and found himself searching for ways to express himself musically beyond playing songs written by others.

Eventually, Corey leaned into songwriting, pulling out his 1967 Gibson ES-335 to craft songs that teeter on the line of traditional blues and fresh rock and roll. “It took years of building confidence to call myself a writer,” he admits. “Having a completed song expressing one’s thoughts is a feeling like no other. I realized I had something to say that I couldn’t express by just being a sideman. Watching other artists navigate the music business made me think I had as much of a shot as anyone to create music that an audience would want to hear.”

Photo Credit: Jon Karr

Finding a home base in Nashville, TN, Corey credits Music City’s vibrant community for shaping his music and career. “Virtually every aspect of living in Nashville has inspired me — whether it’s playing, writing, singing, educating or performing,” he shares. He’s taken every lesson from behind the curtain with stride, applying what he’s learned to create a music career that will last.

Corey’s impact extends far beyond the stage. Since 2010, he has authored over 30 instructional guitar courses, helping players of all levels refine their craft. His platform, WorkingClassGuitar.com — along with his popular YouTube channel that boasts 111k subscribers — offers weekly lessons, performances, and gear reviews.

Through his music, teaching, and collaborations, Corey embraces the philosophy of betting on oneself. “I’ve always felt like the underdog,” he says, “and I’m continuing to put those feelings into songs. I want listeners to take the risk and bet on themselves — whether they’re a musician, videographer, small business owner, or anything else. You have nothing to lose, and you might just succeed.”

Queen’s ‘A Night at the Opera’ Turns 50: Gillian G. Gaar’s New Book Celebrates the Album That Redefined Rock

Eric Alper
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Queen’s ‘A Night at the Opera’ Turns 50: Gillian G. Gaar’s New Book Celebrates the Album That Redefined Rock

If there’s one album that shattered the boundaries of what rock music could be, it’s A Night at the Opera—Queen’s 1975 masterpiece that gave the world “Bohemian Rhapsody” and cemented Freddie Mercury as a frontman for the ages. Now, just in time for its golden anniversary, music historian Gillian G. Gaar delivers a gorgeous tribute with Queen & A Night at the Opera: 50 Years, out now. It’s the kind of book that feels like a backstage pass and a love letter rolled into one—complete with rare photos, memorabilia, and insight that only a true rock archivist could provide.

This isn’t just a walk through the tracklist (though yes, you’ll get in-depth analyses of every song from “Death on Two Legs” to “God Save the Queen”). Gaar explores Queen’s formation, the wild experimentation behind the album, and the tour that followed—right up to the impact the album had on Queen’s legacy and rock history itself. There are fascinating sidebars on the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video (aka the godfather of MTV), Brian May’s homemade “Red Special” guitar, and the genius of producer Roy Thomas Baker, whose layered studio techniques helped make this album the baroque rock juggernaut it is.

For Queen fans, this hardcover gem is a must-have. It belongs on the same shelf where you keep your Live at Wembley DVD, your Greatest Hits vinyl, and maybe even that collectible Funko Pop of Freddie in the crown and robe. Because A Night at the Opera wasn’t just an album—it was a moment in music that changed everything. And thanks to Gillian Gaar’s stunning book, that moment feels more alive than ever, 50 years later.

Fitz and The Tantrums Drop New Single “Ruin The Night” and Announce 31-City ‘Man On The Moon’ Tour

Eric Alper
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Fitz and The Tantrums Drop New Single “Ruin The Night” and Announce 31-City ‘Man On The Moon’ Tour

Fitz and The Tantrums have surprised fans with the release of “Ruin The Night,” their first new music of 2025. Produced by Jonas Jeberg (Panic! At The Disco, Selena Gomez, Nicki Minaj), the introspective track sees co-lead vocalist Michael ‘Fitz’ Fitzpatrick tangled in the past, while trying to remain grounded in the present.

“Some memories just refuse to take the hint. ‘Ruin The Night’ is about trying to move on while the past is still living rent-free in your head. It’s raw, It’s real, and it’s a little messy, but that’s life,” Fitz shares. “This track is just the beginning. More to come!”

Fitz and The Tantrums have also announced a massive 31-city summer headline tour. The Man On The Moon Tour will kick off on July 24 in San Diego, CA, visit major markets across North America, and wrap on August 31 in Austin, TX. Aloe Blacc and Neal Francis will appear as special guests on select dates. Ax and the Hatchetman, SNACKTIME, and Gable Price and Friends will provide support. The tour’s complete itinerary can be found below. Citi is the official card of the Man On The Moon Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday, April 2 at 10:00am local time through the Citi Entertainment program.

Man On The Moon Tour Dates:
July 24, 2025 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts by the Bay*
July 25, 2025 – Costa Mesa, CA – OC Fair @ Pacific Amphitheater$
July 26, 2025 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort and Casino*~
July 28, 2025 – Salt Lake City, UT – Sandy Amphitheater*
July 29, 2025 – Denver, CO – Denver Botanical Gardens*+
July 31, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman*
August 01, 2025 – Sioux City, IA – Hard Rock Casino
August 02, 2025 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue*
August 03, 2025 – Fargo, ND – UP District Festival Field*
August 05, 2025 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee*
August 06, 2025 – Carmel, IN – The Palladium*-
August 07, 2025 – Chicago, IL – The Vic Theatre*
August 08, 2025 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall*
August 09, 2025 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre*
August 11, 2025 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues*
August 12, 2025 – Buffalo, NY – Artpark@
August 14, 2025 – New York, NY – Pier 17@%
August 15, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live%
August 16, 2025 – Elora, ON – Riverfest Elora
August 18, 2025 – Boston, MA – House of Blues%
August 19, 2025 – Washington, DC – The Anthem%
August 20, 2025 – Richmond, VA – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden%
August 22, 2025 – Fletcher, NC – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co Amphitheatre^
August 23, 2025 – Newport, RI – International Tennis Hall Of Fame
August 24, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle^
August 25, 2025 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium^
August 26, 2025 – St Louis, MO – The Factory at The District^
August 28, 2025 – Tulsa, OK – Cains Ballroom^
August 29, 2025 – Dallas, TX – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall^
August 30, 2025 – San Antonio, TX – Stable Hall^
August 31, 2025 – Austin, TX – ACL Live @ the Moody Theater^

With special guests:
$Aloe Blacc
@Neal Francis

With support from:
*Ax and the Hatchetmen
%SNACKTIME
^Gable Price and Friends

Billy Corgan Launches ‘A Return to Zero’ Tour With New Band The Machines of God, Reviving ‘Machina’ and’ Mellon Collie’ Eras

Eric Alper
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Billy Corgan Launches ‘A Return to Zero’ Tour With New Band The Machines of God, Reviving ‘Machina’ and’ Mellon Collie’ Eras

Billy Corgan, the frontman of the iconic rock band, The Smashing Pumpkins, has announced a new solo project titled ‘Billy Corgan and The Machines of God’ who will commemorate the anniversaries of the legendary albums with sets drawn from Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness and the double album Machina/The Machines of God & Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music as well as the 2024 release, Aghori Mhori Mei with a national US tour set to kick off this summer. The tour, titled A Return To Zero, will launch on June 7th and feature the four piece group also embarking on previously-confirmed festival shows.

The A Return to Zero Tour will reintroduce a four-piece, two set guitar lineup in which music from these seminal Pumpkins albums were created. The shows will feature classic tracks and deep cuts from the highly acclaimed records. In addition to Corgan, The Machines of God will feature recently recruited Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Kiki Wong, drummer Jake Hayden and bassist Kid Tigrrr (Jenna Fournier).

Along with this touring announcement, The Smashing Pumpkins have revealed the details of the long-awaited and reconstituted release of the 2000 concept albums Machina/The Machines of God and its companion Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music which have been extensively remixed and remastered. Corgan’s Madame Zuzu’s tea shop in Highland Park, IL will exclusively offer this expansive 80-song box set; featuring a 48-track ‘MACHINA’ plus an additional 32 bonus tracks of demos, outtakes, and live performances, marking the first time these two records will officially be united. Additionally, the rock band will release a 16-song reissue of the original Machina/The Machines of God vinyl on August 22nd, and pre-orders will begin on June 27th.

This year will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Smashing Pumpkins era-defining acclaimed album, Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness which set the sound for a generation. To commemorate the album, Corgan has partnered with Chicago’s Lyric Opera to world-premiere A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness, a seven series performance taking place November 21-30, 2025.

TOUR DATES:
June 7 – Baltimore, MD // Baltimore Soundstage
June 9 – Boston, MA // Paradise Rock Club
June 11 – Muskoka, ON // Kee to Bala
June 12 – Toronto, ON // HISTORY
June 13 – Montreal QC // Beanfield Theatre
June 15 – New York, NY // Irving Plaza
June 16 – Philadelphia, PA // Theatre of Living Arts
June 17 – Allentown, PA // Archer Music Hall
June 19 – Detroit, MI // St. Andrew’s Hall
June 20 – Joliet, IL // Taste of Joliet*
June 21 – Grand Rapids, MI // Intersection
June 23 – Pittsburgh, PA // Roxian Theatre
June 25 – Cleveland, OH // House of Blues Cleveland
June 26 – Cincinnati, OH // Bogart’s
June 27 – Milwaukee, WI // Summerfest*
June 29 – Minneapolis, MN // Varsity Theater
*Festival Performance

Sparks Add New Dates to 2025 ‘MAD!’ Tour, Including Two-Night Dublin Stand and UK Finale

Eric Alper
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Sparks Add New Dates to 2025 ‘MAD!’ Tour, Including Two-Night Dublin Stand and UK Finale

Sparks announce extra dates on their MAD! tour which kicks off in Japan on June 8. The European leg of their world tour will now include 2 shows at Dublin’s National Stadium on July 15 and 16 before the band return to the UK for a date at Edinburgh Playhouse on July 18, ending at Wolverhampton’s The Halls on July 19. North American dates will be announced soon.

Ron and Russell Mael, and their band, wowed audiences and critics alike on their 2023 tour – including sold out shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall (two) and Sydney Opera House, a hometown triumph at Hollywood Bowl, and a headlines-stealing set at Glastonbury Festival. This new tour promises more musical thrills and unbridled joy from the career-spanning show.

Despite the efforts of Edgar Wright’s superb 2021 documentary The Sparks Brothers, which introduced the duo to a wider audience than ever before, the exact creative dynamic between the siblings remains inscrutable, as mysterious and unknowable as their private lives.

The one thing we know for certain is that Ron Mael is one of our most acutely perceptive observers of social mores. In a different discipline – dramaturg, cartoonist, novelist, cineaste, chronicler – he’d be a Moliere, a Hogarth, a Fitzgerald, an Altman, a Swift. He just happens to work within the medium of popular song. Another thing we know for certain is that Russell Mael has the asset of a talent to put those observations across in a uniquely arresting manner, captivating as a frontman and gifted with a countertenor voice of extraordinary range. The alchemy between Ron on keys and Russell on vocals – Two Hands, One Mouth, to invoke the name of one of their tours – is simply what they do. And they’ve rarely done it better than on MAD!, the band’s 28th studio album.

Most acts, by the time they’ve been making music together across seven different decades, would have slowed to a crawl, creakily playing the oldies on the heritage circuit and releasing nothing more modern than the occasional Greatest Hits collection.

Sparks aren’t most acts. If anything, their rate of productivity has sped up in recent years: since the millennium the duo have released eight new studio albums (including, in 2024, the original Sparks 2013 album recording of Annette), a radio opera (The Seduction Of Ingmar Bergman), a side-project (Franz Ferdinand collaboration FFS), a live album, a film musical (2021’s Annette, which won a ‘Best Director award for Leos Carax and the Best Original Score for the Maels at the César Awards), and several compilations (notably 2019’s career-spanning Past Tense), toured the world numerous times, as well as appearing in the aforementioned The Sparks Brothers. Their laurels remain resoundingly unrested-upon.

The MAD! Tour:

Sun. June 8 – Kyoto, JP @ ROHM Theatre
Tue. June 10 – Osaka, JP @ Zepp Namba
Thu. June 12 – Fri. June 13 – Tokyo, JP @ EX Theater
Wed. June 18 – Thu. June 19 – London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
Sat. June 21 – Sun. June 22 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo
Tue. June 24 – Glasgow, UK @ Royal Concert Hall
Thu. June 26 – Haarlem, NL @ PHIL Haarlem
Sat. June 28 – Brussels, BE @ Cirque Royal
Mon. June 30 – Paris, FR @ La Salle Pleyel
Tue. July 1 – Cologne, DE @ Live Music Hall (venue upscale)
Thu. July 3 – Copenhagen, DK @ The Koncerthuset
Fri. July 4 – Stockholm, SE @ Grona Lund Tivoli
Sun. July 6 – Berlin, DE @ Uber Eats
Tue. July 8 – Milan, IT @ Teatro degli Arcimboldi
Sat. July 12 – Bilbao, ES @ Bilbao BBK
Tue. July 15 – Dublin, IE @ National Stadium
Wed. July 16 – Dublin, IE @ National Stadium
Fri. July 18 – Edinburgh, UK @ Edinburgh Playhouse
Sat. July 19 Wolverhampton, UK @ The Halls

Skid Row Reissues ‘Revolutions Per Minute’ With 2025 Remaster

Eric Alper
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Skid Row Reissues ‘Revolutions Per Minute’ With 2025 Remaster

Skid Row exploded onto the music scene in the late ’80s, becoming a predominant force in the hard rock and heavy metal genre. Known for their raw energy, melodic hooks, and a relentless edge, Skid Row earned global success with hits such as “18 and Life,” “Youth Gone Wild,” and “I Remember You.” The band became synonymous with the rebellious spirit of the late ’80s and early ’90s, selling millions of albums worldwide and solidifying their place in rock history.

Following the success of their last studio album, The Gang’s All Here, it’s easy to recognize the consistent quality that Snake Sabo, Scotti Hill, and Rachel Bolan have brought to every chapter of their discography.

The band’s fifth studio album Revolutions Per Minute represents a pivotal moment in the band’s career, with Skid Row stepping outside of their comfort zone and bringing new ideas and influences into the fold. The album showcases the band’s evolving style, combining their signature grit with a more modern, aggressive tone.

Newly mastered in 2025, this reissue edition of Revolutions Per Minute offers fans the opportunity to rediscover this classic album and appreciate its enduring impact.

Pre-order now: skidrow.lnk.to/RevolutionsPerMinute

REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE TRACK LISTING:
“Disease”
“Another Dick In The System”
“Pulling My Heart out From Under Me”
“When God Can’t Wait”
“Shut Up Baby, I Love You”
“Strength”
“White Trash”
“You Lie”
“Nothing”
“Love Is Dead
“Let It Ride”
“You Lie” (Corn Fed Mix)

Secret Monkey Weekend Announce New Album ‘Lemon Drop Hammer’ Out June 6 With Tour Dates

Eric Alper
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Secret Monkey Weekend Announce New Album ‘Lemon Drop Hammer’ Out June 6 With Tour Dates

A family band like no other, Secret Monkey Weekend returns with sparkling sophomore album Lemon Drop Hammeron June 6. Comprising seasoned guitarist/vocalist Jefferson Hart and his stepdaughters Ella (bass/vocals) and Lila Brown-Hart (drums/vocals), the North Carolina trio’s harmony-heavy Beatles/Squeeze songwriting, charming lyricism, and familial chemistry is channeled into 10 tracks helmed by revered REM/Smithereens producer Don Dixon.

“I wasn’t prepared for Jefferson’s tremendous talent as a writer, player and singer,” said Dixon. “These three individuals have combined to make something I love [and] grown, literally and figuratively, in front of my eyes.”

Secret Monkey Weekend’s wildly atypical backstory is testament to the power of music even in the face of heartrending grief. Ella and Lila’s father Matt, a prominent area drummer who’d toured with Hüsker Dü’s Grant Hart, passed suddenly in 2012, when his daughters were aged just 4 and 9. Matt had played in bands with Jefferson and, after his friend’s passing, the latter started teaching Ella guitar. A relationship with their mom, Laura, slowly blossomed.

“Before you knew it, we were just making music for fun. It was very natural,” Jefferson told Durham Magazine. “[Ella and Lila] both expressed a want and need to play specific instruments.” Lila chose drums, like her dad; Ella picked bass, her father’s second instrument. And Laura is there as band mom, from initial sparks of inspiration to final mixes and shows.

Secret Monkey Weekend (a name derived from a vintage Tiger Beat magazine headline) began as purely organic family therapy, with no plans for anything more. Yet by 2016 they were playing casual shows and soon graduated to a busy calendar of club and festival dates. Debut album All The Time In The World, also produced by Dixon, followed in 2022. It’s a tale so remarkable that the trio is the subject of Emmy-winning 2023 PBS documentary, Secret Monkey Weekend.

Lemon Drop Hammer (a title inspired by Jefferson witnessing Laura assault a bag of congealed candy with said tool) is a singular combo of deft songcraft, wide-eyed youthful wonder, and music functioning in its highest form – as comfort and connection. Harnessing timeless Beatles/Kinks melodic instincts to fairy-dust power-pop guitar jangle, authentic first-person lyrics, and three contrasting voices that harmonize as only family can, it’s a record at once instantly classic and, with a teen and 22-year-old aboard, innately contemporary.

Buoyant album opener “So Much Joy” evokes heyday Yardbirds, it’s “woo-ooh” backups framing textured co-ed vocals. With Ella’s vulnerable, heartfelt lyrics voiced by her sister, “Things You Threw Away” recounts sorting through their late dad’s previously untouched possessions, revisiting and processing his loss as now young adults. Meanwhile, the summery “We Can Be Friends” is an innocent ode to childhood bonds forged over the simplest, smallest things, with a hook that could be the theme to a ’70s TV show.

Released on the band’s own Secret Monkey Records, Lemon Drop Hammer will be accompanied by regional touring and later standalone digital single “Grant Hart,” a fond tribute to their hugely influential late family friend.

Secret Monkey Weekend Tour Dates:
APRIL 17 – GAS HILL DRINKING ROOM – W/BOMBADIL – WINSTON SALEM – 8PM
APRIL 19 – BERKELEY CAFE – W/ TRICK THREAT – RALEIGH – 8PM
MAY 16 – HUGGER MUGGER W/ THE HOOTS – SANFORD – 7PM
JUNE 1 – CAT’S CRADLE BACK ROOM – ALBUM RELEASE PARTY w/ NIKKI MEETS THE HIBACHI AND DOUG DAVIS AND RADIO SILENCE -CARRBORO – 6:30PM
JUNE 12 – GAS HILL DRINKING ROOM W/ GORYANGO – WINSTON SALEM – 8PM
JUNE 21 – REGGIE’S W/ SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS – WILMINGTON NC – 8PM (TENT.)
JULY 13 – THE POUR HOUSE – ALBUM RELEASE PARTY w/ THE HOOTS AND STEPHEN’S PHARMACY – RALEIGH – 7PM
AUGUST 9 – THE KRAKEN – CHAPEL HILL NC W/ PROF FUZZ 63 – 8PM
AUGUST 10 – GARDEN GROVE BREWERY W/ PROF FUZZ 63 – RICHMOND – 8PM

Powerwolf Announces 2025 North American Tour With DragonForce, Including Louder Than Life & Aftershock Debuts

Eric Alper
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Powerwolf Announces 2025 North American Tour With DragonForce, Including Louder Than Life & Aftershock Debuts

Powerwolf will take over the USA and Canada once again on a new headline tour, beginning September 17, 2025 in Toronto, ON. Featuring label mates and power metal giants DRAGONFORCE as special guest support, the tour will make stops in major markets such as Detroit, MI, Vancouver, BC, Seattle, WA and many more.

This run will also see POWERWOLF performing at major festivals such as Louder Than Life and Aftershock for the very first time. Tickets for POWERWOLF’s newly announced North American headline tour dates will go on sale this Friday, April 11 at 10:00am local time, with individual presales beginning as early as today.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the legendary and unforgettable metal mass – featuring the utmost in production quality and cinematic performance – with this unprecedented line-up!

POWERWOLF 2025 North American Tour Dates w/ DRAGONFORCE:
Wednesday, September 17 – Toronto, ON @ Rebel
Thursday, September 18 – Detroit, MI @ Masonic Cathedral
Friday, September 19 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
Saturday, September 20 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
Monday, September 22 – Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live
Tuesday, September 23 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Ballroom
Wednesday, September 24 – St Paul, MN @ Myth Live
Friday, September 26 – Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Convention Centre
Saturday, September 27 – Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle
Monday, September 29 – Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Tuesday, September 30 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
Wednesday, October 1 – Portland, OR @ The Keller Auditorium
Saturday, October 4 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival

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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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