What happens when Beethoven meets Ibanez? Ichika Nito turns “Für Elise” into a headbanging masterpiece. Proof that even the classics love a good guitar solo.
My Chemical Romance Reissues ‘Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge’ as Deluxe Edition with Rare BBC Live Tracks
Today, My Chemical Romance proudly announce Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (Deluxe Edition), an expanded edition of their 3x-platinum certified sophomore album, out on June 6, 2025 – exactly 11 years to the original release date. The Deluxe Edition is remixed and remastered and will be available on CD, multiple colored vinyl variants, including a stunning zoetrope 2LP, and digitally. The 2 LP vinyl formats are 3-sided, with Side 4 boasting a special etching, making them collector’s items for the MCRmy.
To commemorate the band’s beloved 2004 album, GRAMMY Award-winning producer Rich Costey has done new mixes for the Deluxe Edition. It is also presented with brand new artwork. The collection features four bonus tracks recorded for BBC in 2005: previously unreleased live versions of “I’m Not Okay (I Promise),” “Helena,” and “The Ghost Of You,” plus a live take on “You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison” – originally released as a B-side on the limited edition UK CD single of “I’m Not Okay (I Promise).” Full track listings are below.
The first bonus track – “I’m Not OK (I Promise) [Live for BBC Radio 1’s “The Lock Up”, 2005]” – is available digitally now.
Additionally, the official music video for “I’m Not OK (I Promise)” has been film restored.
Powered by signature generational anthems such as “Helena” (4x-platinum), “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” (3x-platinum), “The Ghost Of You” (platinum), “Thank You For The Venom” (gold), and “You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison” (gold), the record emerged as a commercial and critical high watermark for the band, garnering a platinum-certification less than a year after its release. Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge redefined the 21st-century rock genre and catapulted MCR into global stardom. Rolling Stone touted it on the “40 Greatest Emo Albums Of All Time”, proclaiming the band’s “purposeful revolution started here. The record landed on Spin’s “The 300 Best Albums of the Past 30 Years (1985–2014)” list and NME’s “20 Emo Albums That Have Resolutely Stood The Test Of Time” list. Alternative Press hailed it as their “best album” and “the definitive MCR LP from their discography.” Not to mention, Pitchfork described it as “an operatic pop-rock behemoth that became an icon for outcasts,” attesting that “My Chemical Romance thrived because they came to the realization that emotional outcasts deserved something to cheer for, even if their victories were imaginary.” To date, the record has sold over 7 million copies worldwide.
The band’s impact continues to reverberate from one generaion to the next—and that influence shows no signs of diminishing. If anything, My Chemical Romance’s upcoming sold-out 2025 North American stadium tour – “Long Live”: The Black Parade – proves just that. The entire tour sold out merely hours after tickets went on sale.
All tour dates can be found HERE.
Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (Deluxe Edition) Artwork
CD TRACK LISTING:
ORIGINAL ALBUM
1. Helena
2. Give ‘Em Hell, Kid
3. To the End
4. You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison
5. I’m Not Okay (I Promise)
6. The Ghost of You
7. The Jetset Life Is Gonna Kill You
8. Interlude
9. Thank You for the Venom
10. Hang ‘Em High
11. It’s Not a Fashion Statement, It’s a Deathwish
12. Cemetery Drive
13. I Never Told You What I Do for a Living
DELUXE EDITION BONUS TRACKS
14. I’m Not Okay (I Promise)*
15. Helena*
16. The Ghost of You*
17. You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison (Live)*
* (Recorded Live In London For BBC Radio 1’s “The Lock Up” January 23, 2005)
VINYL TRACK LISTING:
ORIGINAL ALBUM
SIDE A:
Helena
Give ‘Em Hell, Kid
To The End
You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison
I’m Not Ok (I Promise)
The Ghost Of You
The Jetset Life Is Gonna Kill You
SIDE B:
Interlude
Thank You For The Venom
Hang ‘Em High
It’s Not A Fashion Statement, It’s A Deathwish
Cemetery Drive
I Never Told You What I Do For A Living
DELUXE EDITION BONUS TRACKS
SIDE C:
I’m Not Ok (I Promise)*
Helena*
The Ghost Of You*
You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison*
* (Recorded Live In London For BBC Radio 1’s “The Lock Up” January 23, 2005)
SIDE D:
Etching (No Audio)
DIGITAL TRACK LISTING:
1. Helena
2. Give ‘Em Hell, Kid
3. To the End
4. You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison
5. I’m Not Okay (I Promise)
6. The Ghost of You
7. The Jetset Life Is Gonna Kill You
8. Interlude
9. Thank You for the Venom
10. Hang ‘Em High
11. It’s Not a Fashion Statement, It’s a Deathwish
12. Cemetery Drive
13. I Never Told You What I Do for a Living
14. I’m Not Okay (I Promise) [Live for BBC Radio 1’s “The Lock Up”, 2005]
15. Helena (Live for BBC Radio 1’s “The Lock Up”, 2005)
16. The Ghost of You (Live for BBC Radio 1’s “The Lock Up”, 2005)
17. You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison (Live for BBC Radio 1’s “The Lock Up”, 2005)
Why So Many Brilliant Musicians Are on the Autism Spectrum
There’s something remarkable that happens when music meets the neurodivergent mind. For many people on the autism spectrum, music isn’t just sound—it’s a lifeline. It’s structure, safety, emotional translation, and self-expression all at once. From a scientific perspective, autistic brains often show heightened sensitivity to auditory detail, rhythmic memory, and emotional nuance through music. From a musical perspective? It just means some of the most brilliant, genre-bending, soul-shaking artists happen to be wired a little differently—and beautifully so. These are the voices that show us what it means to feel everything.
Sia
In 2022, Sia shared that she is on the autism spectrum. Her music, known for its soaring vocals and cinematic emotion, often reflects a deeply internal world. She’s spoken about the healing power of music and how it helps her navigate life’s sensory overload. Her choice to step out of the spotlight and let the music speak says a lot. Sia’s vulnerability, now matched by her honesty, has helped so many feel seen. Her songs remind us that sensitivity is a strength, not a flaw.
Dan Aykroyd
Yes, the Ghostbusters legend—and one-half of The Blues Brothers—has Asperger’s. He’s said his special interests in ghosts and law enforcement literally created his biggest success stories. Known for his focus and quick wit, Aykroyd also has a lifelong love for rhythm and music. His role in The Blues Brothers was more than a performance—it was a celebration of connection through sound. He remains an advocate for neurodiversity. His story shows us that what others call obsession can actually become legacy.
Gary Numan
Synth-pop pioneer Gary Numan has publicly spoken about his experiences with what he believes to be Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. While he never received a formal diagnosis, he has described it as a “positive advantage” that has shaped his music and career. He says he has always felt different—and credits that difference for his groundbreaking sound. He’s said repetition, control, and structure give him comfort both in music and in life. His lyrics explore identity, isolation, and the human condition in ways that resonate deeply with neurodivergent listeners. Numan’s futuristic music came from a mind that saw things the rest of us missed.
David Byrne
David Byrne, frontman of Talking Heads, has never been diagnosed—but he’s described himself as socially awkward, obsessively focused, and deeply analytical. Sounds familiar, right? He’s spoken about relating to autism traits and how his view of the world informs everything from songwriting to visual art. Byrne sees systems where others see chaos—and turns them into beauty. His lyrics often come from the outside looking in. That perspective has made him one of the most important artists of our time.
Tony DeBlois
Tony DeBlois is blind, autistic, and a musical savant. He plays over 20 instruments and has memorized thousands of pieces. Diagnosed at a young age, he began playing piano at two years old—and never stopped. Tony’s story has been shared in books and documentaries because it’s not just inspirational, it’s astonishing. He connects through music in ways words can’t reach. His talent is a reminder of just how extraordinary the neurodivergent brain can be.
Matt Savage
Jazz pianist Matt Savage was diagnosed with autism as a toddler and started composing before he turned 7. He’s performed with Chick Corea and Wynton Marsalis and graduated from Berklee College of Music. Matt says he sees music like patterns—beautiful, logical, flowing systems that make sense. He’s proof that musical genius doesn’t always look traditional. He’s broken barriers, reshaped expectations, and never stopped swinging.
Adam Young (Owl City)
Adam Young has never been officially diagnosed, but he’s spoken openly about his social anxiety, sensory overwhelm, and autism-like traits. Owl City became his safe haven—where he built whole worlds out of imagination, wonder, and layered synths. “Fireflies” became a massive hit, not just because it was catchy, but because it felt true. For many neurodivergent listeners, Young’s music sounds like their inner monologue. He gave introverts an anthem.
Courtney Love
Courtney Love has said in interviews that she may be on the autism spectrum. Her music is raw, emotionally intense, and sometimes chaotic—but behind that chaos is an incredibly focused and creative mind. She’s described obsessive focus and social difficulty—traits that many neurodivergent women recognize all too well. Her place in rock history is undeniable. Courtney shows that being different doesn’t mean being fragile—it can mean being fierce.
Derek Paravicini
Derek Paravicini is a blind autistic pianist with perfect pitch who can play anything after hearing it once. He began playing piano at two and gave his first concert at nine. Despite facing learning challenges, music became his first and most fluent language. His improvisations are jaw-dropping and full of emotion. Derek doesn’t just play music—he channels it. His brilliance is a reminder that every mind is a world of potential.
Jacob Velazquez
Diagnosed at age four, Jacob Velazquez is a piano prodigy who’s played with symphonies and appeared on national TV. His learning speed and attention to musical detail stunned teachers and producers alike. Jacob has described music as a place where he feels confident and connected. His story offers hope for families navigating early autism diagnoses. He shows that support, talent, and passion are a powerful trio.
James Durbin
A finalist on American Idol, James Durbin has Tourette’s and Asperger’s and never let either stop him. Music helped him focus, express emotion, and build self-esteem. His rock vocals blew audiences away, and he’s continued to tour and release music ever since. Durbin has used his platform to advocate for autism awareness. He proves that different isn’t just okay—it’s electric.
Peter Tork
Peter Tork of The Monkees spoke later in life about traits he believed aligned with autism. He was introspective, deeply into music theory, and preferred staying out of the spotlight. While others grabbed attention, he grounded the band with musical skill and quiet strength. He proved that brilliance doesn’t need to be loud. Tork’s journey reminds us that great musicianship often comes from within.
Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh of the Eagles has said he’s “on the spectrum,” and has also lived with ADD and dyslexia. Music gave him order in a chaotic world. His humor, riffs, and honesty shaped rock history—and helped him survive personal battles. Joe talks openly about his brain working differently, and how music helped him thrive. His story is a loud, proud anthem for neurodivergent resilience.
Science tells us that autistic brains process sound differently—more precisely, more intensely, and sometimes more beautifully. Music, for many on the spectrum, is more than expression. It’s therapy. It’s a map. It’s connection. These artists didn’t overcome their autism to create—they created because of how their brains work. That’s not something to pity. That’s something to celebrate.
So the next time you hear a song that gives you goosebumps, remember: someone out there might have heard it first in a way you never could—and they gave it to you. What a gift that is.
Rod Stewart to Release First-Ever Solo Career-Spanning Collection ‘Ultimate Hits’ Ahead of Glastonbury Legends Set
Sir Rod Stewart is proud to announce the release of his first-ever solo-career spanning hits collection. Due out on 27 June 2025, Ultimate Hits will land just days before Stewart takes to the Pyramid Stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, where he will perform before an estimated crowd of 80,000 people during the coveted Sunday evening “Legends” slot.
Released as part of Stewart’s ongoing 80th-birthday celebrations, Ultimate Hits presents stand-out moments from the legendary singer’s remarkable solo career. Starting with his signature breakthrough songs ‘Handbags and Gladrags’ and ‘Maggie May’, the collection also includes the bold social commentary of ‘The Killing of George (Part I and II)’ and ‘Young Turks’, the dancefloor-detonating disco smash ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’, raucous rave-ups such as ‘Hot Legs’ and ‘Baby Jane’, and the masterful ballads ‘Sailing’, ‘Rhythm of My Heart’ and ‘For the First Time’. A 2CD deluxe edition will bring the story bang up to date with ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’ and ‘Almost Like Being in Love’, highlights from 2024’s Swing Fever album, Stewart’s UK No. 1 collaboration with Jools Holland.
Unifying all these stylistic switches is that voice: an instrument in its own right which has made Stewart of the most distinctive singers in rock history.
As Stewart prepares to hit the road throughout 2025, his own history is now the stuff of legend. Inspired by original US rock’n’rollers such as Little Richard and Bill Haley & The Comets, Stewart was at the forefront of the UK rock’n’roll explosion when he
formed his own skiffle group in the 1950s. And he’s remained at the head of the pack ever since, whether performing with British blues legends Long John Baldry and Jeff Beck, cementing his “Rod the Mod” credentials as frontman of Faces in the early 1970s, or filling stadiums around the world as a solo star in his own right.
Many of the songs included on Ultimate Hits have made Stewart’s live shows must see events for decades. ‘Maggie May’ kickstarted it all when it went to No. 1 on both sides of the Atlantic, and since then Stewart has topped the UK charts a further five times (‘You Wear It Well’, ‘Sailing’, the double A-side release ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About It’/‘The First Cut is The Deepest’, ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’, ‘Baby Jane’) while also shooting to the US top spot with ‘Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)’ and ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’. With Top 5 hits worldwide in each consecutive decade, and multi-platinum sales in both the US and the UK, Stewart can rightly claim to be one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Now, with 11 UK and four US No. 1 albums to his name – not to mention BRIT and Grammy Awards, and a double induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Stewart’s remarkable career continues to peak. In 2025, highlights include the return of his highly anticipated One Last Time tour, which launches another European leg on 23 April; a return to his record-breaking Las Vegas residency, The Encore Shows, in May and September; and bringing his One Last Time tour to North America, South America and back to Europe to close out the year. The tour, which has been thrilling audiences across Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, is a box-office smash, grossing among the Top 20 global concert tours of 2024. In addition, Stewart will reunite with Billy Joel at Yankee Stadium, New York City, on 18 July, and at Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, on 20 September.
Amid all this, Ultimate Hits will serve as a reminder of the undeniable impact that Stewart has had on music. And he’s not done yet. Those hot legs have got plenty more in them…
Tickets for Rod Stewart’s 2025 tour dates can be bought here.
Ultimate Hits is available from Warner Music, in association with Iconic Artists Group, in an array of formats, including collector’s 2LP green vinyl and ½ & ½ green-and-white vinyl variants, a 1CD and 2CD deluxe edition, store-exclusive alternative-cover variants, and limited-edition cassette and Blu-ray audio, as well as being available digitally.
Tracklisting:
‘Handbags and Gladrags’
‘Maggie May’
‘In a Broken Dream’ (by Python Lee Jackson)
‘You Wear It Well’
‘Sailing’
‘I Don’t Want to Talk About It’
Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)’
‘The First Cut is the Deepest’
‘The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II)’
‘You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)’
‘Hot Legs’
‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’
‘Young Turks’
‘Baby Jane’
‘Some Guys Have All the Luck’
‘Forever Young’
‘Downtown Train’
‘Have I Told You Lately’
‘Rhythm of My Heart’
‘For the First Time’
2CD deluxe-edition bonus tracks
‘Oh! No Not My Baby’
‘I Was Only Joking’
‘Every Beat of My Heart’
‘The Motown Song’ (with The Temptations) ‘Sometimes When We Touch’
‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain’
‘One More Time’
‘Hold On’
‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’
‘Almost Like Being in Love’
Kingfishr Add Second 3Arena Show as Global Buzz Grows Around New Single “Gloria”
Kingfishr are going global. Their popularity in Ireland, the UK and now US has gone from strength-to-strength, first selling all 23,000 tickets for last autumn’s headline tour and then another 30,000 for their summer shows. More soon followed as they sold-out their first ever headline arena show at Dublin’s 3Arena in a matter of hours – and that phenomenal demand has resulted in a second night being added. The trio also made their first major Irish chart impact as “Killeagh” kept ascending to reach #2 on the Official Singles Chart, making them the only Irish artist in the Top 10. There are more big moments on the schedule too, with their sold-out debut North American tour commencing later this month ahead of their first European headline run in May.
It’s the perfect time for Kingfishr to bring new fans into their ever-growing following, something which they’re set to achieve with the release of the new single “Gloria”. It’s a song that’s indicative of the emotional turmoil that Kingfishr excel at evocating: an atmosphere of sorrow and melancholy, but one with a tangible hope for a brighter future. Their melting point of anthemic indie-folk and the Irish trad sound is topped as ever by Eddie Keogh’s gritty baritone, a voice of pure feeling. The song was written by the band and was produced by David Curley.
Eddie says, “‘Gloria’ is about giving in to the pressures around you, and whether you can live with yourself for doing it. The song represents a yearning to break free.”
Completed by bandmates Eoin ‘Fitz’ Fitzgibbon (bass) and Eoghan ‘McGoo’ McGrath (banjo), Kingfishr’s fanbase has largely been built the old-fashioned way. Their shows have continually scaled upwards in their short history, with fans coming back for more and spreading their gospel by word-of-mouth. But you’re also just as likely to find them in intimate settings, regularly dropping in to play house parties or joining impromptu pub jams wherever they go. A taste of their live experience can be seen with a stripped-back acoustic performance of their recent single “Man On The Moon”.
That’s not to say they’re rooted in the past. Their accomplished musicianship and easy-going charm gives them a natural appeal via socials, while their classic songwriting is exploding on streaming platforms – with over 90 million streams without yet releasing a studio album for evidence. Their one album release so far, Live From Dublin, went straight to #1 on the Irish Independent Chart. Acclaim is mounting too. They won the Music Moves Europe Award at the start of this year and were nominated for Irish Breakthrough Artist at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Awards.
Beyond their own shows, Kingfishr have been a hit on tour with James Bay (including an OVO Wembley Arena date) as well as supporting Bruce Springsteen, George Ezra, Tom Walker and Snow Patrol. They have also played the Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, TRNSMT, Electric Picnic, Isle of Wight and Rock Werchter festivals – with many more to follow this summer.
The band’s touring schedule now runs as below.
APRIL
22nd – Washington, DC, Songbyrd (SOLD OUT)
23rd – Philadelphia, PA, World Cafe Live (SOLD OUT)
24th – New York, NY, Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
26th – Boston, MA, Brighton Music Hall (SOLD OUT)
28th – Toronto, ON, Velvet Underground (SOLD OUT)
30th – Chicago, IL, Martyrs’ (SOLD OUT)
MAY
2nd – Denver, CO, Lost Lake (SOLD OUT)
4th – San Francisco, CA, Brick & Mortar Music Hall (SOLD OUT)
5th – Los Angeles, CA, Hotel Cafe (SOLD OUT)
24th – Live At Leeds
24th – Warrington, Neighbourhood Weekender
26th – Paris, Les Etoiles
27th – Cologne, Luxor (SOLD OUT)
28th – Berlin, Frannz Club
30th – Amsterdam, Paradiso Tolhuistuin (SOLD OUT)
31st – Hellendoorn, Dauwpop Festival
JUNE
1st – Hulst, Vestrock Festival
3rd- Copenhagen, Pumpehuset
4th – Oslo, John Dee
5th – Stockholm, Nalen Klubb
7th – Nijmegen, Doornroosje (SOLD OUT)
21st – Dublin, Fairview Park (SOLD OUT)
JULY
10th – Madrid, Mad Cool Festival
16th – Cork, The Marquee (SOLD OUT)
19th – Nottingham, Splendour Festival
20th – Galway, Heineken Big Top (SOLD OUT)
24th – Cork, The Marquee (SOLD OUT)
24th-27th – Oxfordshire, Truck Festival
26th – Southwold, Latitude Festival
AUGUST
7th – Belfast, Custom House SQ (LOW TICKETS)
11th – Budapest, Sziget
13th – St. Polten, Frequency
15th – Bidinghuizen, Lowlands
16th – Hamburg, MS Dockville
22nd – Limerick, Live At The Docks (SOLD OUT)
DECEMBER
18th – Dublin, 3Arena (ADDED DATE)
19th – Dublin, 3Arena (SOLD OUT)
Avery Anna Turns Fan Letters into Songs on Deeply Personal Album ‘let go letters’ Out May 16
oday, Warner Music Nashville songstress Avery Anna announced her sophomore album, let go letters, out May 16. Watch the let go letters trailer below and pre-order the album HERE.
Every song on the record is inspired by real-life situations that Avery’s fans shared with her in a letter series, which has long been a safe place for her listener community to ‘let go’ of experiences that may be troubling them by writing them down and sending them off. Avery read these letters and took the general themes—anything from body dysmorphia, depression, alcoholism in the family, self-esteem, etc.—and turned them into songs, making her fans’ experiences the center of the project to let them know they’re heard, seen, and not alone.
To accompany the announcement, Avery has released a new song from the project, “danny don’t.” Written solely by Avery, “danny don’t” is the singer’s response to a fan-written letter she received at a show from a man struggling with the weight of life and contemplating giving it up entirely. The stripped-down track serves as Avery’s letter back to him, where she pleads with soaring vocals that he keep going. The song delves into the typically unsung topic of men’s mental health. Avery expands on the experience, the ‘let go letters’ concept, and provides a trigger warning in a video she posted—watch here.
“I’ve learned that everyone wants to escape the hard things that are going on in their lives. I see it every time I play a show—people carrying so many burdens,” the Arizona-born singer-songwriter says. “It was really hard for me to know that the people at my shows are going through similar things that I’m going through because they are singing the songs with me, and they relate to them. But I have a way to deal with that by singing about my experiences on stage, and they may not have that outlet. So, I encouraged everyone to write these things called Let Go Letters, and many people did it. They trusted me with these letters and the things they’re going through, and because of that, my entire life and perspective on people has changed.”
“Reading thes letters was super heavy,” she adds. “There were so many topics that I don’t know if they could say them out loud, but they could write them down. It inspired me so much that I started writing songs about their experiences myself, and then this album came to life. My biggest hope is that people will hear it and they’ll feel understood. I think the highest form of love is to be understood. People are going through a lot, and they think they’re going through it alone, but they’re not.”
let go letters features 15 tracks all penned or co-penned by Avery and follows the singer-songwriter’s celebrated 2024 debut album, Breakup Over Breakfast. The new project includes her recently released “Wish You Well,” which MusicRow praised as an “audio delight,” noting that the “twinkling, upbeat track disguises the abuse she suffered as she sings of forgiveness and moving on.” “Mr. Predictable,” another previously released track on the highly anticipated project, has quickly become a fan favorite. Holler lauded that the song “doubles down on the powerful, deeply vulnerable and conversational ambiance the country prodigy has always laced into her music…that feels like she’s drawing straight from her journal.”
A member of the Opry NextStage class of 2025, Avery is currently climbing the radio charts with Sam Barber on their viral duet, “Indigo.” The pair shared a performance of the track on The Kelly Clarkson Show earlier this year.
With more than 530 million global streams to date, the Arizona native has quickly become an in-demand touring artist. Avery brought her electric live show to the main stage at C2C festival
across London, Belfast, and Glasgow last month. Entertainment Focus praised her performance as “the biggest surprise of the weekend,” claiming “she took the opportunity to announce herself to an international crowd and absolutely grabbed it by the scruff of the neck, slapped it in the face a couple of times and walked away with a strut as we were left breathless, dazed and desperate for more.”
She’s set to take the stage at Nashville’s The Pinnacle on April 17, where she’ll open for Ian Munsick, followed by an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on April 18. Avery will return to Stagecoach this spring before joining Luke Bryan’s Country Song Came On Tour and Brad Paisley’s Truck Still Works World Tour for select dates this summer.
Depeche Mode Announces Theatrical Film ‘M’ Inspired by Memento Mori Tour and Mexico City Shows
Depeche Mode has announced an expressive and dynamic cinematic film titled Depeche Mode: M, featuring interstitials and archival footage from the band’s Mexico City shows on the 2023-2024 Memento Mori Tour.
The feature-length film, conceptualized and directed by award-winning filmmaker Fernando Frias, takes audiences on a profound musical journey, using nearly 200,000 Mexican fans’ fervent connection with the band as a window into the band’s timeless global influence, and a powerful tribute to the unbreakable connection between music, tradition and the human spirit.
Through Frias’ creative lens, the cinematic experience weaves footage from the three sold-out shows at Mexico City’s Foro Sol Stadium to explore the parallels between the themes on Depeche Mode’s latest album Memento Mori and the deep connection to death and mortality in Mexican culture. Frias is best known for his award-winning film I’m No Longer Here, which won Mexico’s prestigious Ariel Academy Awards with 10 wins, including Best Picture and Best Direction. The film also earned Frias a DGA nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement. Additionally, it was Mexico’s submission to the Oscars in 2021 and was shortlisted for Best International Feature. His latest film, I Don’t Expect Anyone to Believe Me, premiered to critical acclaim.
Depeche Mode: M will premiere in theaters later this year and follows the band during its Mexico City stop during the Memento Mori Tour, which saw them play to more than 3 million fans at 112 shows around the world and was hailed by Rolling Stone as “a stunning celebration of life and music.” The tour followed Depeche Mode’s 15th studio album, Memento Mori, released in 2023 to wide critical acclaim. An indelible inspiration to fans, critics and artists alike, Depeche Mode continues to forge ahead, with the Memento Mori album and tour representing just the latest chapter of a peerless and ongoing legacy.
Murder By Death Announce Farewell Album Egg & Dart and 2025 Tour with Guests Laura Jane Grace, AJJ, William Elliott Whitmore, and More
Murder By Death are proud to announce the Friday, June 13 release of Egg & Dart, the celebrated indie-rock band’s 10th and final album. Arguably the band’s most sad and beautiful to date, Egg & Dart also presents generous moments of triumph, desolation, horror and joy, all while exploring the challenges of letting go and moving onto the next phase.
A reference to an architectural motif popular since Greek and Roman times, often used in columns and still seen today in furniture, trim and molding, the title represents the duality of life (the egg) and death (the arrow). Once you know about it, you see it everywhere. And it seems fitting for an album of songs about goodbyes.
Leading the collection is the lush and introspective “Wandering,” a warm ballad that holds a special meaning for frontman Adam Turla. “We’re releasing ‘Wandering’ first because it’s the song that is most directed to the fans and about my experience with this band,” he says. “It’s a ballad, and not a typical single – not even the single we plan to push for this record. But the heart of this band is our fans and I wanted to share this with you first.”
Murder By Death also recently announced its farewell tour that will span June through November across the U.S. and parts of Canada and the UK. The extensive run will honor a rewarding career spent on the road with support from Laura Jane Grace, William Elliott Whitmore, AJJ, Shawn James, BJ Barham and J Roddy Walston in select markets.
“The album is basically an elegy,” frontman Adam Turla says of Murder By Death’s forthcoming, and final, album, Egg & Dart. “The songs are about goodbyes and the different ways we think about that concept.” And while Turla has often spun yarn about fictional sinners and tragic tales in the band’s albums, the themes of Egg & Dart hit a bit closer to home than usual. “It’s certainly our most personal collection of songs. It’s probably our saddest and most beautiful album, but it also has moments of real triumph and joy in the darkness.”
Themes of loss and endings run throughout Egg & Dart, which was recorded in early 2025 by producer Kevin Ratterman. The phrases “goodbye,” “farewell,” and “so long” appear across several tracks. “Lose You” describes a personal loss beyond one’s own control. “It’s about the people in your life that you are very worried about and that you’re not sure if they’re going to make it. It’s about that feeling of anxiety around not having control,” Turla says. On “Letter to the Editor,” he reflects on the idea of letting go of the anger that builds when a trust has been broken. In this case, it’s a break-up song with a newspaper. And on “Sorry,” Turla sings, “It has come our time to part, for I can only give you half my heart / To carry on would be unkind / I love you, I’m sorry, and goodbye.”
Murder by Death has accomplished more than they’d ever dreamed since forming in Bloomington, Indiana, in 2000, when Turla and cellist Sarah Balliet started the project with fellow college dorm-mates under the name Little Joe Gould. They traveled the world several times over, released ten studio albums, built an intensely dedicated following, shared stages with artists from a wide array of genres, brought live music to the famed Stanley Hotel where they established an annual residency, and became accidental Kickstarter pioneers. They’ve undergone one name change, a few member departures, and have navigated a music scene that has drastically transitioned in the two decades of their tenure. But most importantly, they’ve earned it all themselves. In an industry where the words “indie” and “DIY” have been reduced to meaningless buzzwords, the band has always remained true to their roots and run an incredibly hands-on operation built on transparency and loyalty.
Chalk it up to their misleadingly macabre name or their amorphous style of rock that rides along the outskirts of several disparate genres without firmly settling into any of them, but Murder by Death has never fit neatly into any music industry boxes. A radio hit has never flooded them with commercial success, nor have they gotten much love from major music press outlets, who have historically either misunderstood the band or ignored them all together. They’ve avoided trends and dodged fads at every opportunity. But despite years of going against the grain, they’ve managed to find their people. Murder by Death may have avoided aligning with any scene, but they instead built their own community entirely.
And while the band may be shutting down the machine that has powered their operation for so many years, they will not be leaving that community for good. Although Murder by Death won’t be touring, they’re still planning to continue their beloved annual cave shows at the Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee, as a yearly opportunity to stay in touch with an audience that has been so supportive. But as far as more new music from Murder by Death goes, the path is less certain. “We have toured relentlessly for 25 years and it’s just time to end that chapter,” Turla says. “I don’t know what the future is for us after this, but we knew that we wanted to make this one last album together and just put everything we had into it.”
Murder By Death will be making the following appearances on its farewell tour in 2025. Dates below.
Jun-07 – Bloomington, IN – Granfalloon Festival
Jun-19 – Newport, KY – Southgate House *
Jun-20 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall *
Jun-21 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall *
Jun-22 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD *
Jun-23 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater *
Jun-25 – Norwalk CT – District Music Hall *
Jun-26 – Portland, ME – State Theatre *
Jun-27 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club *
Jun-28 – Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw *
Jun-29 – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes *
Jul-01 – Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-02 – Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop * (SOLD OUT
Jul-04 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns !
Jul-05 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-09 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power *
Jul-10 – Baltimore, MD – Union Craft Brewing *
Jul-11 – Washington, DC – Black Cat * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-12 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer *
Jul-13 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls *
Jul-15 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Pyramid Scheme * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-16 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall *
Jul-17 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-18 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee *
Jul-19 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
Jul-20 – Maquoketa, IA – Codfish Hollow Barnstormers * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-26 – Louisville, KY – TBA Festival
Aug-21 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre * (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Aug-22 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre * (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Aug-23 – Fr. Collins, CO – Tour de Fat (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Sep-21 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Sep-27 – London, UK – Islington Hall
Oct-15 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall ^ (SOLD OUT)
Oct-16 – Lawrence, KS – Liberty Hall ^
Oct-17 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre ! (SOLD OUT)
Oct-18 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up !
Oct-19 – Salt Lake City, UT – Depot !
Oct-20 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall !
Oct-22 – Bellingham, WA – Mount Baker Theatre ! (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Oct-23 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile $
Oct-24 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile ! (SOLD OUT)
Oct-25 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall !
Oct-26 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall $
Oct-28 – Berkeley, CA – UC Theatre !
Oct-29 – Los Angeles, CA – Belasco Theatre !
Oct-30 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up !
Oct-31 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s !
Nov-01 – Phoenix, AZ – Van Buren !
Nov-02 – Santa Fe, NM – Tumbleroot !
Nov-05 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theater !
Nov-06 – Austin, TX – Mohawk !
Nov-07 – Austin, TX – Mohawk !
Nov-08 – Houston, TX – Heights Theater !
Nov-10 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
Nov-11 – Orlando, FL – The Social #
Nov-13 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
Nov-14 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle# (SOLD OUT)
Nov-15 – Louisville, KY – Old Forester’s Paristown Hall #%
* w/ Laura Jane Grace
^ w/ William Elliott Whitmore
! w/ AJJ
$ w/ Shawn James
# w/ BJ Barham
% w/ J Roddy Walston
5 Seconds of Summer’s Calum Hood Announces Debut Solo Album ‘ORDER chaos ORDER,’ Shares First Single “Don’t Forget You Love Me”
Calum Hood will release his debut solo album, ORDER chaos ORDER, on June 13 via Capitol Records. Having spent the past 14 years touring the world and releasing music as one fourth of global phenomenon 5 Seconds of Summer – which claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard 200 with three consecutive albums and has amassed over 7 billion combined global streams across its songs – Hood strikes out alone for the first time, and emerges not just as a solo musician, but as an introspective storyteller. The result of a deeply personal creative journey, the album explores the strength it takes to look inward and to move forward through pain.
Calum Hood explains, “This album was made in a tumble dryer of knowing and not knowing. I started out with a vision-order-but quickly became overwhelmed by the process-chaos. Eventually, I learned to embrace both, and that balance became the heart of the record.”
Today, Hood shared his debut solo single, “Don’t Forget You Love Me,” which serves as the album’s emotional cornerstone and exemplifies the raw honesty and sonic depth that defines ORDER chaos ORDER. Written and produced by TMS (Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran) and Jack LaFrantz (Benson Boone), the track’s haunting beauty and soul-searching lyrics open with a nod at heartbreak, self-worth and vulnerability. The atmospheric blend of melancholy and luminosity showcases Hood’s ability to merge introspective lyricism with irresistible melodies as his nimble voice dips into piercing lower ranges.
The accompanying video for “Don’t Forget You Love Me,” directed by Andy DeLuca (5SOS, Wolf Alice, Pale Waves, Midheaven) and produced by Sarah Eiseman, unfolds with a moody, cinematic aesthetic that encapsulates the essence of the track.
Crafted primarily alongside Jackson Phillips, aka Day Wave, with key contributions from David Burris (Lauren Spencer Smith, ITZY) and TMS, ORDER chaos ORDER is heady, raw, tender work that is unflinchingly sincere, buoyed by hints of a coiled intensity within – a record that showcases the 29-year-old musician’s mastery of nuance and emotional depth. While ORDER chaos ORDER marks a new beginning, it is also a reckoning with Hood’s past.
He explains, “There are things I’ve never been able to sing about in the band-my upbringing, my family, the places life has taken me. This album is about laying those things to rest and allowing listeners to connect in their own way.”
ORDER chaos ORDER Track Listing:
1. Don’t Forget You Love Me
2. Call Me When You Know Better
3. Sweetdreams
4. I Wanted To Stay
5. Sunsetter
6. All My Affection
7. Endless Ways
8. Streetwise
9. Dark Circles
10. Three Of Swords
The SteelDrivers Announce New Album ‘Outrun’ and 20th Anniversary Tour, Drop Haunting Single “The River Knows”
Ah, the murder ballad. From “Tom Dooly” to “Stagger Lee” to “Pretty Polly” to more modern takes like “Caleb Meyer,” the category has permeated folk music the world over with its dark narratives and moral high grounds. Grammy-winning quintet The SteelDrivers are no strangers to the genre, their catalog full of songs like “If It Hadn’t Been For Love” and “Shallow Grave,” garnering tens of millions of streams and becoming fan favorites at live shows. But the band’s latest single, “The River Knows,” might be the most quintessentially SteelDrivers murder ballad yet.
“I wrote this with Daniel Ethridge and Tom Douglas,” recalls SteelDrivers singer and fiddler Tammy Rogers. “I had the title and most of the storyline in mind,” she recalls, “But Tom’s lyrical contributions really took it to another level, and Daniel’s melodic sense and understanding of what makes a great SteelDrivers song combined to make it very special.” A driving rhythm and sharp fiddle play lead into guitarist Matt Dame’s delivery of the setup verse: “She covered up his anger with a little rouge and Maybelline / It turned into a nightmare from a perfect dream.” Follow the link below to find out how the story plays out.
“The River Knows” is the latest single from The SteelDrivers’ upcoming album, Outrun—their first album with new label partner, the iconic Sun Records. Out May 23rd, Outrun features the classic, blues-infused bluegrass sound the band has been known for for two decades now, freewheeling and fun, rich with stories and singalongs alike. Beyond the ever-evolving musical nature of The SteelDrivers, this seamless ebb and flow between intricate bluegrass and the hardscrabble blues, another key element of Outrun is this underlying tribute to late founding member Mike Henderson. And though Henderson passed away in 2023, his memory and presence is still profoundly felt by the group, onstage and in the studio.
Fans can stream or purchase “The River Knows” today at this link, check out The SteelDrivers’ previously-released single, “Outrun,” here, and pre-order or pre-save Outrun ahead of its May release on Sun Records right here.
In addition to rolling out their new album, The SteelDrivers are celebrating quite the milestone this year with the announcement of The SteelDrivers 20th Anniversary Tour. “Tough times never last, but tough people do,” says SteelDrivers bassist, Mark Fleming. “To be celebrating our 20th anniversary, still touring and releasing a new project on Sun Records, is proof of the SteelDrivers’ resilient personnel and catalog of original material we have produced.” “We have been planning and looking forward to this 20th anniversary tour for about a year and half,” adds Rogers. “Time sure flies by when you’re doing what you love. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this achievement and share some new music with all our Steelheads!”
A full list of tour dates can be found below or at thesteeldrivers.com.
Catch the SteelDrivers on their 20th Anniversary Tour:
April 24 – Wilkesboro, NC – Merlefest
May 8 – Tyler, TX – Stanley’s BBQ
May 9 – Ft. Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s
May 10 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall
May 15 – Bloomington, IL – Bloomington PAC
May 16 – Columbia, MO – Blue Note
May 17 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads
May 25 – Cumberland, MD – DelFest
May 30 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns
May 31 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns
June 1 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns
June 14 – Lexington, KY – Festival of the Bluegrass
June 21 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
June 22 – Winchester, CA – Balloon and Wine Festival
June 28 – Owensboro, KY – ROMP
July 4 – Garrettsville, OH – Grassfire Festival
July 9 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile
July 10 – Portland, OR – Topaz Farm
July 11 – Bellingham, WA – Tune In Festival
July 26 – Reno, NV – Robert Z Hawkins Ampitheatre
August 8 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts
August 9 – Clayton, NY – Clayton Opera House
August 10 – Schenectady, NY – Music Haven Central Park
August 15 – Manchester, VT – Green Mtn Bluegrass and Roots Festival
August 16 – Mason, NH – The Range
August 22 – Bellvue, CO – Mishawaka Ampitheatre
August 23 – Bellvue, CO – Mishawaka Ampitheatre
August 30 – Piketon, OH – SamJam
September 4 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
September 5 – Pontiac, MI – Flagstar Strand Theatre
September 6 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gat Theatre
September 19 – Lexington, KY – Lexington Opera House
September 20 – Lexington, KY – Lexington Opera House
October 3 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
October 4 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
October 17 – Manteo, NC – OBX Bluegrass Festival
October 18 – Alexandria, VA – Birchmere
October 19 – Alexandria, VA – Birchmere
October 22 – Park City, UT – Egyptian Theatre
October 23 – Park City, UT – Egyptian Theatre
October 24 – Park City, UT – Egyptian Theatre
October 25 – Park City, UT – Egyptian Theatre