In one of the most meta and hilarious trailers ever made, Steve Martin introduces The Jerk in a spoof preview “meant only for theater managers” — but of course, it was shown to the public. Featuring Martin admitting moviegoers will watch anything, it’s a chaotic, charming time capsule from 1979 that still hits today.
Before Community, Joel McHale Hosted a Mr. Bean Marathon on PBS
Long before Community or The Soup, Joel McHale was cracking jokes as a cast member on Almost Live and co-hosting a local PBS telethon in the late 1990s. In this rare clip, he introduces a Mr. Bean marathon with peak ’90s charm — a must-watch for fans of public broadcasting and McHale’s early comedy roots.
Family Guy’s Unaired 1998 Pilot Finally Surfaces in Full
Before the Griffins hit primetime, they existed in a scrappy, charmingly rough 15-minute pilot — and now you can finally watch the full original 1998 version online. It’s a fascinating look at how Family Guy evolved from The Life of Larry into the cultural juggernaut we know today. For longtime fans and animation nerds alike, this is a piece of TV history.
The Beatles Get the Picture Book Treatment They Deserve — And It’s As Wholesome As a Hug
The Beatles — yes, those Beatles — have finally joined the lovable lineup of heroes in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series that inspired PBS Kids’ Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. And honestly? It’s about time. Because if you’re going to teach a child about the power of music, friendship, and following your dreams, there’s no better place to start than with four lads from Liverpool who literally changed the world — by working together.
We are The Beatles (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos, is the newest addition to this heartwarming series, and it’s everything you’d want in a Beatles book for kids: colorful, cute, and bursting with inspiration. This story doesn’t focus on fame — it focuses on the journey. It shows how a group of teenagers who loved music more than anything played every little stage they could find, never gave up, and eventually became the most influential rock band in history. The comic-style illustrations and childhood moments bring the Fab Four down to earth while celebrating how big dreams really can come true.
With a timeline of key events, real photos, and fun facts that make perfect conversation starters, this book is tailor-made for bedtime stories, classroom inspiration, and young readers just discovering their love of music. At its heart, this book is a celebration of teamwork, passion, and the kind of friendship that changes the world — just like The Beatles did.
Rhiannon Giddens Reveals Full Lineup and Livestream for Sold-Out Biscuits & Banjos Festival
With just weeks to go until the inaugural Biscuits & Banjos Festival, GRAMMY and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens has revealed several exciting updates for the sold-out three-day event, taking place April 25-27, 2025 across downtown Durham, NC. The festival, curated by Giddens, is a celebration of Black music, art, and culture, bringing together artists, storytellers, and the community to honor the legacy of Black string band traditions while showcasing the diversity and vitality of contemporary Black folk and roots music. Highlights include a livestream of the highly anticipated Carolina Chocolate Drops reunion show via Veeps on April 26, a new merchandise line available for pre-order, a range of free programming open to the public and the full festival schedule.
For fans unable to attend in person, the festival will offer a livestream of Rhiannon Giddens’ Carolina Breakdown show, featuring the Carolina Chocolate Drops Reunion, via livestream-concert platform, Veeps. This monumental performance marks the first time in over a decade that all original and key members of the GRAMMY-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops will perform together on stage. The reunion not only brings back one of the most influential Black string bands of the 21st century but also serves as a powerful moment of reconnection and reflection on their profound impact on American roots music. The show will also debut Giddens’ new band, The Old-Time Revue, live from the Durham Performing Arts Center at 6 PM on Saturday, April 26. The evening will be a historic celebration of tradition, artistry, and community, uniting past and present through music. Veeps is the world’s leading streaming platform for live music and entertainment, where fans can connect with their favorite artists through live and on-demand concerts, comedy shows, and more. Tickets on-sale now: https://veeps.events/biscuits-and-banjos
Free programming throughout the weekend will include musical performances, artist panels, and film screenings, with topics ranging from Black voices in country music to the relationship between food and storytelling. In addition, the festival will screen a live telecast of Giddens’ Carolina Breakdown set in Downtown Durham’s Lot 20 (the festival’s hub), allowing the Durham community to experience the historic reunion of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
The festival has also launched an online store, offering a first look at its exclusive Biscuits & Banjos merchandise line. Attendees can pre-order items for pickup on-site, ensuring they don’t miss out on commemorative gear while enjoying the festival. Please visit here: https://stores.portmerch.com/biscuitsandbanjos/
While the ticketed venues have been sold out for months, Giddens is making it clear that Biscuits & Banjos is more than just a series of concerts. Free, community-focused programming will take place at five dedicated areas around Durham, including the Water Tower at American Tobacco Campus and the festival’s Blackbird Stage at Lot 20. “I know it’s been sold out for a while, but there is so much going on outside of the ticketed venues,” says Giddens. “You’re going to see performances from people like Dom Flemons, discussions about country music, and documentaries from folks like Justin Robinson. This festival is about building community because that’s what we need now, more than ever.”
Late-night after parties at Pinhook, curated by local BIPOC and LGBTQ+ DJ collective The Conjure, will feature local artists spinning and western themed drag performances , while the Music Village at 21c Museum Hotel will include free banjo lessons from Deering Banjos and an interactive space for attendees to explore and shop instruments from Elderly Instruments. Film screenings will also take place at PSI Theatre.
Another festival highlight is the Biscuit Trail, showcasing Durham’s thriving culinary scene by featuring biscuit-inspired dishes from seven local restaurants throughout the weekend. Adding a touch of friendly competition, the participating restaurants will also go head-to-head in a biscuit competition, with Rhiannon Giddens serving as one of the judges. This initiative not only celebrates rich Southern food traditions but also adds a local flavor to the festival experience.
The full festival schedule line-up is available here: www.biscuitandbanjos.com/schedule
In addition to the programming, Biscuits & Banjos has partnered with Fandiem to give away a trip to the festival, supporting the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which aids musicians and industry workers in North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. So far, the campaign has raised $40,000, with donations continuing to come in.
Curated by Giddens, Biscuits & Banjos is a tribute to North Carolina’s Black cultural legacy and the role of Black string band music in shaping American roots traditions. Giddens’ forthcoming album, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow (April 18, Nonesuch Records), continues her journey of honoring and celebrating the music born out of this rich heritage, building on her lifelong commitment to preserving and amplifying these traditions.
Biscuits & Banjos is a non-profit, community responsive festival. Funding for Biscuits & Banjos is made possible in part by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Ford Foundation, Warner Music Group & Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, Duke Arts and Duke Community Affairs, 21c Museum Hotel, Harper House Music Foundation, Biscuitville, Danielle Rose Paikin Foundation, Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, North Carolina Humanities, the City of Durham, Durham County, North Carolina Arts Council, Blue Ridge Music Center, the Hello in There Foundation, American Tobacco Campus, Bull City Burger and Brewery, Deering Banjos, Discover Durham, Durham Arts Council, the Durham Hotel, Red Light Management, Elderly Instruments, M4 Media, Old Hillside Bourbon, Proximity Brewing Company, Southern Documentary Fund, Sugarlands Distilling Company, Unscripted Durham, and many generous individual donors and community partners.
Unmanageable, a 501(c)3 organization, is Biscuits & Banjo’s non-profit producing partner. Donations to support Biscuits & Banjos are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donate: https://www.biscuitsandbanjos.com/donate
Pre-order the album here: https://giddensrobinson.lnk.to/BlackbirdCrow
What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow Track List:
Rain Crow
Brown’s Dream
Hook and Line
Pumpkin Pie
Duck’s Eyeball
Ryestraw
Little Brown Jug
Going to Raleigh
Country Waltz
Molly Put the Kettle On
Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss
John Henry
Love Somebody
Ebenezer
Old Joe Clark
Old Molly Hare
Marching Jaybird
Walkin’ in the Parlor
Tour Dates:
April 25-27 – Durham, NC – Biscuits & Banjos
April 30 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
May 2 – Miami, FL – Miami Beach Bandshell
May 3 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
May 4 – Birmingham, AL – Jemison Concert Hall @ Alys Robinson Stephens Center
May 7 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
May 8 – Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall
May 9 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
May 11 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
May 13 – Grand Rapids, MI – St. Cecilia Music Center
May 15 – Toronto, ON – Koerner Hall at The Royal Conservatory of Music
May 16 – Toronto, ON – Koerner Hall at The Royal Conservatory of Music
May 17 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre, Southam Hall
June 15 – Napa, CA – Uptown Theatre
June 16 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Theater
June 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl (with Our Native Daughters, Steve Martin, Ed Helms, Leyla McCalla, Amythyst Kiah and Allison Brown)
June 19 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park
June 21 – Berkeley, CA – Zellerbach
June 23 – Seattle, WA – The Moore Theater
June 26 – Montréal, QC – Théâtre Maisonneuve @ Montreal Jazz Festival
July 11 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Tucson Theatre
July 12 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pepsi Amphitheater
July 14 – Santa Fe, NM – Lensic Performing Arts Center
July 18 – Sonoma, CA – Green Music Center
July 19 – Navarro, CA – Redwood Ramble
July 21 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
July 25 – Boise, ID – Egyptian Theatre
July 28 – Boulder, CO – Chautauqua Park
July 29 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
July 31 – Vail, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center
BLOND:ISH Named Spotify’s EQUAL Canada Ambassador for April
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, house music just hits differently—and who better to soundtrack our seasonal mood shift than BLOND:ISH? This April, the globally celebrated DJ and producer is Spotify’s newest EQUAL Canada ambassador, recognized for her musical brilliance and her mission to uplift others through sound, sustainability, and good energy.
Hailing from Stoney Creek, Hamilton, and now based in London, UK, BLOND:ISH has become a genre-defying force in the global music scene. With hit tracks like “Never Walk Alone,” “Sete,” and the Madonna collaboration “Sorry,” she’s racked up over 50 million Spotify streams and counts over 5.4 million monthly listeners. But her impact goes beyond the dancefloor—she also founded the non-profit Bye Bye Plastic, committed to eliminating single-use plastics from music events around the world.
This month, BLOND:ISH will not only curate Spotify’s EQUAL Canada playlist with tracks from emerging women artists, but she’ll also light up Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square billboard, shining a spotlight on creativity, sustainability, and celebration of women in music. From her hometown roots to her international reach, BLOND:ISH is a powerhouse worth turning the volume up for.
Samantha Fish Shares “Can Ya Handle The Heat?” Ahead of Paper Doll Album and 2025 World Tour
Samantha Fish, one of the most electrifying guitarists of her generation and “a genuine force of sonic prowess” (Rolling Stone) has shared new single “Can Ya Handle The Heat?” – the final advance track from her forthcoming album Paper Doll, out April 25 via Rounder Records.
Co-written with GRAMMY nominated songwriter Katie Pearlman, “Can Ya Handle The Heat?” is confident and tantalizingly catchy. The track is infused with her “bold and expressive” (NPR, World Cafe) spirit as she taunts a lover, singing: “I’m your red letter, black leather, guilty pleasure, oh you know you’re in deep.” “I wrote this with one of my long time songwriting partners, Kate Pearlman,” says Fish. “To me, it’s a sexy, rock n roll invitation. Essentially asking the question, can you handle me? Can you handle the heat?”
The Kansas City-bred, New Orleans-based musician brings this fiery power to Paper Doll, delivering each song with gut-punching force, soul-soothing empathy, and newfound clarity. “When we started working on this record I asked myself, ‘What are my superpowers?’ I wanted to lean into my strengths in a way I never completely had before, to make a big guitar album with some epic performances and really sing my ass off,” Fish says. “I’d love for this record to be somebody’s jet fuel.”
Produced by Detroit garage-rock legend Bobby Harlow (The Go), Paper Doll offers listeners “a taste of the neo-psychedelic fantasias that can occur when Fish stretches out in concert,” said Premier Guitar, who featured Fish on the cover of their April 2025 issue. Throughout the album, Fish balances boldness and vulnerability, confronting love, loss, and personal growth–all while “stretching idiomatic boundaries” (Nashville Scene).
Listen to “Can Ya Handle The Heat?” here: https://found.ee/SFHandletheHeatViz
Watch the new performance video for “Sweet Southern Sounds,” recorded live at Esplanade Studios in New Orleans here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rhUFAdfEjA
Pre-order / pre-save Paper Doll (out April 25) here: https://found.ee/SFPaperDoll
Samantha Fish 2025 Tour Dates
4.4.2025 – Ocean Casino Resort – Experience Hendrix Tour – Atlantic City, NJ
4.5.2025 – Warner Theatre – Experience Hendrix Tour – Washington, DC
4.6.2025 – DPAC – Experience Hendrix Tour – Durham, NC
4.8.2025 – North Charleston PAC – Experience Hendrix Tour – Charleston, SC
4.9.2025 – Ovens Auditorium – Experience Hendrix Tour – Charlotte, NC
4.10.2025 – Tennessee Theatre – Experience Hendrix Tour – Knoxville, TN
4.11.2025 – Peace Concert Hall – Experience Hendrix Tour – Greenville, SC
4.12.2025 – Fox Theater – Experience Hendrix Tour – Atlanta, GA
4.30.2025 – Crawfish Fest – New Orleans, LA
5.3.2025 – JazzFest – New Orleans, LA
5.14.2025 – Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX *
5.15.2025 – House of Blues – Houston, TX *
5.16.2025 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX *
5.17.2025 – TempleLive – Fort Smith, AR *
5.18.2025 – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK *
5.21.2025 – The Astro – Omaha, NE *
5.22.2025 – Cotillion – Wichita, KS *
5.23.2025 – Gillioz Theater – Springfield, MO *
5.28.2025 – Cheese & Grain – Frome, United Kingdom
5.29.2025 – Red Rooster Festival, Thetford, United Kingdom
5.30.2025 – Arts Club – Liverpool, United Kingdom
5.31.2025 – The Brook – Southampton, United Kingdom
6.1.2025 – Academy 2 – Oxford, United Kingdom
6.5.2025 – Sweden Rock Festival – Solvesborg, Sweden
6.7.2025 – Peer Blues Festival – Peer, Belgium
6.8.2025 – Ribs N Blues Festival – Raalte, The Netherlands
6.9.2025 – Tivoli – Utrecht, The Netherlands
6.10.2025 – Le Trianon – Paris, France
6.11.2025 – Le Transbordeur – Lyon, France
6.13.2025 – Bilbao Arena – Bilbao, Spain
6.14.2025 – Joy Eslava, Madrid, Spain
6.15.2025 – Razmataz 2, Barcelona, Spain
7.12.2025 – Samantha Fish Outlaw Square – Deadwood, SD *
* with Kingfish
Modest Mouse Announces First-Ever Cruise Festival Ice Cream Floats Featuring Portugal. The Man, Kurt Vile, And Built to Spill
Modest Mouse and Sixthman, the leader in festivals and music cruises for more than two decades, is excited to announce the inaugural voyage of Modest Mouse Presents Ice Cream Floats, a four-night, roundtrip cruise sailing February 5-9, 2026 from Miami, FL to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, aboard the Norwegian Pearl.
Priority Presales for members of Modest Mouse’s Ice Cream Party fan community begin April 14. First Round Presale Sign-Ups are available now through April 10 at 11:59 pm (ET). Presale (Early Booking Times) run April 14-18. Final Round Presale Sign-Ups will conclude April 20 at 11:59 pm (ET). Public On-Sales begin April 22 at 2:00 pm (ET), exclusively at www.modestmousecruise.com. The first 400 cabins booked will secure an onboard photo opportunity with Modest Mouse. Bookings are available for just $100 down per person when they make reservations before June 5 or while cabins last.
Modest Mouse Presents Ice Cream Floats will bring the Ice Cream Party – the only political party you can trust – to sea for the first time ever. Modest Mouse fans will float on a profound musical journey featuring intimate live performances, crazy curated activities, and so much more. Modest Mouse will be accompanied on board by a star-studded lineup, including Portugal. The Man, Kurt Vile and the Violators, Mannequin Pussy, FIDLAR, Built to Spill, Tropical Fuck Storm, Ugly Casanova, The Black Heart Procession, comedian David Cross, and more to be announced. Further highlights of the immersive musical adventure will include “Mouse Stardust Theater 3000,” where members of Modest Mouse sit down with guests in the Norwegian Pearl’s wondrous Stardust Theater and give live, brutally honest commentary alongside truly unique films; “AMMA – Ask Modest Mouse Anything,” a live Q&A with members of Modest Mouse featuring questions submitted by the cruisers themselves; “Storytime with Isaac Brock,” in which guests will gather ‘round in crisscross-applesauce fashion to hear Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse read through children’s books with more character than you can imagine; live DJ sets by Modest Mouse & Friends; the unique “Parade of Freaks,” where Modest Mouse travels through the ship with a gaggle of the silliest and most eclectic freaks and creatures; plus a wide array of other once-in-a-lifetime artist experiences. In addition, all who sail on the inaugural Modest Mouse Presents Ice Cream Floats will receive a limited-edition band-autographed poster.
The Norwegian Pearl will provide everything needed to make Modest Mouse Presents Ice Cream Floats the most stirringly sumptuous cruise vacation ever, with fully stocked bars at (almost) every corner, tasty dining options, the Pool Deck (with multiple hot tubs), Pearl Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, Sports Court, and much more.
Beyond the onboard experience, Ice Cream Floats cruisers will have the chance to enjoy a day of adventure in Puerto Plata (officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata), the ninth largest city in the Dominican Republic and the capital of the province of Puerto Plata. Guests can enjoy spectacular city views atop the 2,600-foot-high Pico Isabel de Torres mountain, explore the 16th century Fortaleza San Felipe, or visit the Amber Museum, a museum filled with a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber which is semiprecious tree sap that has hardened for millions of years capturing many fossils of plant and insect life. Please note: Shore excursions will not be available until 4-6 weeks prior to sailing. Cruisers will be able to book an excursion upon receipt of their official booking number.
MODEST MOUSE PRESENTS ICE CREAM FLOATS
Sailing February 5-9, 2026 from Miami, FL to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
aboard Norwegian Pearl
LINEUP:
Modest Mouse
Portugal. The Man
Kurt Vile and the Violators
David Cross
Mannequin Pussy
FIDLAR
Built to Spill
Tropical Fuck Storm
Ugly Casanova
The Black Heart Procession
ACTIVITIES:
Mouse Stardust Theater 3000
AMMA – Ask Modest Mouse Anything
Storytime with Isaac Brock
Live DJ Sets by Modest Mouse & Friends
Parade of Freaks
Shawn Desman, Loverboy, July Talk, Three Dog Night, Bishop Briggs, Marianas Trench, and Dean Brody Announced for 2025 CNE Bandshell
While Toronto’s favourite end-of-summer tradition, the Canadian National Exhibition may still be months away (August 15-September 1, 2025), organizers couldn’t wait to announce one of its most exciting music lineups to-date, giving music fans an early sneak peek of the headliners slated for the 2025 Bell CNE Bandshell. The annual concert series under the iconic open-air music venue has been a major draw for not only visitors to the Fair – free with CNE admission – but has also attracted some of the biggest names in music throughout the decades. This year is no exception with the first round of performers announced ranging from chart-toppers to multi-platinum selling artists, JUNO winners and Hall of Famers, Super Bowl performers, and music streaming sensations.
“For the price of CNE admission which is under $30 for a general advance ticket, there is no better value to see a full concert set LIVE in-person by some of the most popular artists in the world; and no better way to enjoy the experience than under a summer sunset with the excitement of the CNE around you,” said Emily Kempe, CNE Entertainment Manager. “Whether you’re coming to see your favourite band, or discovering new music, there’s something for everyone – and many more Canadian and international artists still to be announced!”
Advance ticket discounts to the 2025 CNE are available now. Save up to 41% before August 15 by purchasing online at www.TheEx.com.
First Round of Bell CNE Bandshell Headliners:
Opening Day: Friday, August 15 – SHAWN DESMAN is a chart-topping, multi-platinum selling, and award-winning Canadian artist raised in Toronto. He is known as one of the first Canadian R&B artists to achieve widespread recognition in the early 2000s due to his ability to blend musical styles. Within the last two decades, Shawn has created some of the most recognized pop and R&B songs in Canadian music history. From hits like “Electric” (2010) and “Nights Like This” (2010) to his more recent releases like “Maniac” (2022), and “Love Me with the Lights On” (2023), Shawn resonates with fans across generations making.
Saturday, August 16 – LOVERBOY has sold more than 10 million albums while earning four multi-platinum plaques, and eight JUNO Awards as well as being inducted to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (2009) and Canada’s Walk of Fame (2023). With their trademark red leather pants, bandanas, and high-energy rock sound, Loverboy is best known for their hits “Working for the Weekend,” “Turn Me Loose,” and “Lovin’ Every Minute of It,” to name a few. The band consists of original members Mike Reno as the lead vocalist, Paul Dean on guitar, Doug Johnson on the keyboard, Matt Frenette on drums; and replacing the late Scott Smith on bass is Ken Sinnaeve.
Friday, August 22 – JULY TALK is a 3x JUNO winning alternative rock band identifiable by their electrifying sound and dynamic vocal interplay. Formed in Toronto in 2012, the band features co-vocalists Leah Fray Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis, whose powerful contrasting voices define the band’s signature sound. This dynamic is especially felt in songs like “Summer Dress” (2016), “Push + Pull” (2016), “The Garden (2018), and many more. July Talk is completed by guitarists Ian Docherty and Josh Warburton, as well as drummer Danny Miles and backing vocalist/percussionist Dani Nash.
Saturday, August 23 – THREE DOG NIGHT was one of the most successful rock bands from 1969-1974, releasing 21consecutive top 40 hits (Billboard Magazine record) including classic hits, “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World,” and “Liar.” The legendary band, founded by Danny Hutton, is now in its sixth decade! The band’s music transcends time, bringing together both new and longtime audiences alike. Since 1986 they’ve performed 3,000 shows and two Super Bowls.
Tuesday, August 26 – BISHOP BRIGGS is an English singer/songwriter known for her powerful voice and genre-blending sound. Her single “River” (2016) became a massive hit, achieving multi-platinum sales and over 1 billion streams. Since her debut, Briggs has performed internationally, captivating audiences with her emotive style at some of the biggest venues, including Coachella and Lollapalooza. Her acclaimed new album, Tell My Therapist I’m Fine (2024) reflects her evolution as an artist, exploring themes of resilience, self-empowerment, and personal growth, as showcased in the newly released single “Woman is King.”
Friday, August 29 – MARIANAS TRENCH is officially returning to the Bell CNE Bandshell! Known for their theatrical sound, harmonies, and ambitious concept albums spanning over 20 years, Marianas Trench rose to fame with their debut album Fix Me, which paved the way for hits like “Cross My Heart” (2010), “Stutter” (2012), and “Fallout” (2012). The band continued to raise the stakes with four more successful albums gaining them seven JUNO Award nominations and winning “Group of the Year” in 2013. Their sixth studio album, Haven, released in 2024 is an entirely new experience.
Saturday, August 30 – DEAN BRODY is a beloved Canadian country singer and songwriter known for his distinct sound and passionate storytelling through lyricism. Born in British Columbia, Dean emerged into the country scene with hits like “Brothers” (2009) and “Canadian Girls” (2010). Throughout his career, the country star has accumulated over 475 million global streams and earned numerous certified platinum and gold singles. His chart-topping hits, like “Can’t Help Myself” featuring The Reklaws, have won him multiple awards, most notably his 18th CCMA Award for “Top Selling Canadian Single”. A true force to be reckoned with, Dean has owned the stage with three national arena tours, two of them breaking national ticket sale records.
In addition to the Bell CNE Bandshell stage, there are five other music stages throughout the CNE to entertain visitors during the 18-day fair, taking place August 15 – September 1, 2025. For more information, go to www.TheEx.com.
5 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Clem Burke, the Relentless Beat Behind Blondie
Before Clem Burke anchored Blondie’s wild genre-mashing ride through punk, pop, disco, and new wave, before he moonlit with everyone from the Ramones to Bob Dylan, and before he was handed an honorary doctorate for simply being too good at drumming, he was a kid from Bayonne, New Jersey with sticks in hand and a future no one could quite predict. Here are five little-known facts about the man whose drumming didn’t just keep time—it made it.
1. He was the bridge that kept Blondie from falling apart before they really began.
When original bassist Fred Smith jumped ship for Television in the mid-70s, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein almost ended the band before it ever truly launched. But it was Clem Burke—then just the new kid behind the kit—who kept things moving by recruiting his buddy Gary Valentine to fill the bass slot. No Clem, no Blondie? Believe it.
2. He was a Ramone—but only for 48 hours.
In August 1987, Burke answered the call of punk legends the Ramones, performing two gigs under the name Elvis Ramone after Richie Ramone’s sudden departure. He only lasted two shows (Ramone tempos are no joke), but in that short time, he joined an elite club of fill-in legends who could say they wore the leather jacket on stage.
3. He helped science prove that drummers are basically elite athletes.
Burke was the subject of an eight-year study by the University of Gloucestershire and University of Chichester examining the physical and psychological toll of drumming at a professional level. The results? His heart rate rivaled that of a Premier League footballer during a match. He later launched the Clem Burke Drumming Project to explore the therapeutic benefits of rhythm for mental health and well-being.
4. He’s played with everybody. Like, seriously—everybody.
Yes, he’s a Blondie Hall of Famer. But Clem Burke’s CV reads like a genre-hopping dream tour: Eurythmics, Joan Jett, Pete Townshend, Wanda Jackson, Nancy Sinatra, Dramarama, Iggy Pop, and even a brief stint with the Go-Go’s. If your favorite artist needed a drummer, Clem was already in the van—possibly driving it.
5. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and formed a band with a Sex Pistol and a Go-Go.
Not content with just one supergroup, Burke co-founded The International Swingers alongside Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), James Stevenson (Generation X), and Gary Twinn (Supernaut). Around the same time, he joined The Empty Hearts with members of the Cars and the Romantics. Every band had its own flavor, but Burke brought the beat—always.
Clem Burke was the beat. A tireless performer, a shape-shifter across genres, and a true lifer in rock ‘n’ roll, he turned every project into something unforgettable. Whether powering through 100 shows a year or quietly laying down magic in the studio, Burke did what the best drummers do: made the music feel alive. Now, as fans mourn his passing at age 70, we remember not just the man behind Blondie, but the drummer behind so much more.
And somewhere, under a disco ball or in a punk club, that beat goes on.