Long before he became a beloved elder statesman of American music, Tony Bennett was already cementing his place as one of the most captivating voices of his era. In this rare footage from The Steve Allen Plymouth Show in 1960, Bennett takes the stage with his signature warmth, control, and effortless charisma.
Video: Tanya Tucker Brings Texas History to Life in ‘The Texas Experience’
Tanya Tucker + Texas history? Yes, please! The Texas Experience packs centuries of Lone Star stories into one-minute bursts, narrated by legends. In this episode, Tanya Tucker takes us back to the fearless women settlers who helped tame the Texas frontier—because strong women and country music go hand in hand!
5 Surprising Facts About James Taylor’s ‘Sweet Baby James’
James Taylor’s 1970 album Sweet Baby James was a defining moment in the singer-songwriter movement. It gave us “Fire and Rain,” a song so emotionally raw it still gives listeners chills, and “Country Road,” a song that turned a simple drive into an anthem of longing. But behind the familiar melodies and Taylor’s warm, soothing voice, there are some fascinating details that even die-hard fans might not know. Here are five lesser-known facts about Sweet Baby James that highlight the genius and grit behind this landmark record.
1. James Taylor Was Nearly Homeless While Recording It
When Sweet Baby James was being recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, Taylor was in no position to rent a studio apartment, let alone a mansion in the Hollywood Hills. He was staying wherever he could—crashing at producer Peter Asher’s house, sleeping on guitarist Danny Kortchmar’s couch, or bunking with anyone kind enough to take him in. It’s hard to believe that one of the most comforting albums of all time was created by someone who, at the time, didn’t even have a place to call home. But maybe that’s exactly why Sweet Baby James hits so deeply—it’s the sound of a young artist pouring his soul into the only security he had: his music.
2. “Suite for 20 G” Was an Act of Financial Desperation
Record labels can be generous—if you deliver the goods. Taylor had a deal in place that would pay him $20,000 once he completed the album, a sum that would be life-changing for an artist still scraping by. But there was one problem: he was short one song. His solution? Stitch together three unfinished songs into one “suite”—and just like that, “Suite for 20 G” was born. While it may not be Sweet Baby James’ most famous track, it’s a fascinating example of how creativity and necessity sometimes collide in unexpected ways.
3. “Steamroller Blues” Was Meant as a Joke—But Became a Hit Anyway
Taylor was no bluesman, and he knew it. But after spending years watching earnest but ultimately inauthentic white blues bands straining to sound like Mississippi Delta legends, he decided to poke fun at the trend. “Steamroller Blues” was written as a parody, complete with over-the-top bravado and exaggerated lyrics. Yet irony can be a funny thing—it turned out to be a crowd favorite, and even Elvis Presley recorded a version in 1973. Taylor’s mockery of the genre ended up being one of his most enduring live staples.
4. “Sunny Skies” Isn’t as Cheerful as It Sounds
With its lilting melody and breezy acoustic guitar, “Sunny Skies” sounds like a lighthearted, optimistic tune. But listen closer, and you’ll hear an undercurrent of melancholy running through it. Written during Taylor’s time at the Austen Riggs psychiatric treatment center, the lyrics reveal a lonely figure—one who sleeps in the morning, weeps in the evening, and wonders if he should simply let the world pass him by. Like much of Sweet Baby James, it’s a song that holds joy and sadness in equal measure, a hallmark of Taylor’s songwriting genius.
5. “Fire and Rain” Was Written in Three Distinct Parts
One of James Taylor’s most iconic songs, “Fire and Rain,” is often mistaken for being about just one thing. In reality, it’s a three-part reflection on different tragedies in Taylor’s life. The first verse is about the death of his childhood friend Suzanne Schnerr, who died by suicide while he was in London recording his first album. The second verse details his struggles with heroin addiction and depression. The third verse is about his experience with sudden fame and the pressures that came with it. Taylor managed to weave all these themes together seamlessly, creating a song that remains as powerful today as it was in 1970.
Sweet Baby James is a time capsule of James Taylor’s struggles, triumphs, and undeniable talent. From sleeping on couches to creating one of the most beloved records of all time, Taylor’s journey is the ultimate example of music’s power to transcend hardship.
Watch The Trailer For ‘Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII’ Restored in 4K
The trailer has been revealed for Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the newly restored version of the groundbreaking 1972 film directed by Adrian Maben, returns to cinemas worldwide from 24 April 2025.
Digitally re-mastered in 4K from the original 35mm footage, with enhanced audio newly mixed by Steven Wilson, the upcoming theatrical release presents the definitive version of this pioneering film. Screening in cinemas and IMAX worldwide from 24 April.
The 2025 release of Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII is accompanied by the live album, set for release by Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music, on CD, Digital Audio, and for the very first time in Dolby Atmos and on vinyl, from 2 May.
Pink Floyd At Pompeii pre-dates the release of The Dark Side Of The Moon. The film documents what Pink Floyd did before they became giants of the album charts on both sides of the Atlantic – where their music remains celebrated to this day. Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy, this unique and immersive film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. Filmed in October 1971, the performance marked the very first live concert to take place at Pompeii, and features the vital ‘Echoes,’ ‘A Saucerful of Secrets,’ and ‘One of These Days.’ The breathtaking visuals of the amphitheatre, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance. Additionally, the film includes rare behind-the-scenes footage of the band beginning work on The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios.
Nick Mason said “Pink Floyd: Live At Pompeii is a rare and unique document of the band performing live in the period prior to The Dark Side Of The Moon.”
The film has been meticulously hand restored, frame-by-frame, from the original 35mm cut negative – discovered in five dubiously labelled cans within Pink Floyd’s own archives. This momentous breakthrough unearthed the very film that rolled through the cameras during those sweltering days amidst the ruins of Pompeii over 50 years ago.
Led by Lana Topham, Director of Restoration for Pink Floyd, the team’s mission was to preserve the integrity and beauty of the original picture. The film was scanned in 4K using advanced techniques to ensure the finest, sharpest detail. Colors were enhanced, and every frame was meticulously reviewed and repaired, maintaining a natural and vivid appearance with minimal grain adjustments.
“Since 1994, I have searched for the elusive film rushes of Pink Floyd At Pompeii, so the recent discovery of the 1972 original 35mm cut negative was a very special moment. The newly restored version presents the first full 90-minute cut, combining the 60-minute source edit of the performance with the additional Abbey Road Studios documentary segments filmed shortly after,” said Lana Topham, Director of Restoration for Pink Floyd.
The film also features stunning sound quality with a new theatrical and home entertainment mix by Steven Wilson in 5.1 and Dolby Atmos that enhances the film’s depth and clarity, preserving the authenticity and spirit of the original 1972 release. Wilson’s aim was to remain faithful to how the band would have sounded on those scorching hot days in 1971.
Wilson added, “Ever since my dad brainwashed me as a kid by playing The Dark Side of the Moon on repeat, Pink Floyd has been my favourite band. They are my “Beatles”, deeply ingrained in my musical DNA. I first saw Pompeii from a grainy print at a local cinema. It made an incredible impression on me with its untethered and exploratory rock music made by four musicians that seemed to epitomise the notion of intellectual cool. It was an honour to remix the soundtrack to accompany Lana Topham’s incredible restoration of the film, which looks like it could’ve been filmed yesterday.”
The accompanying album release Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII will see the performance presented as a full-length live record for the very first time. The 2025 remix by Steven Wilson is newly available on CD/LP/Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Audio/Dolby Atmos from 2 May.
Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII is presented by RM Productions and directed by Adrian Maben. It is executive produced by Reiner Moritz and Michelle Arnaud. Sony Music Vision is the distributor.
Tickets are on sale now at www.pinkfloyd.film. Visit the event website for more information and ticketing details for IMAX and standard format cinemas.
Album Track listing
Side A
1. Pompeii Intro
2. Echoes – Part 1
3. Careful With That Axe, Eugene
Side B
1. A Saucerful of Secrets
2. Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Side C
1. One of These Days
2. Mademoiselle Nobs
2. Echoes – Part 2
Side D
1. Careful With that Axe, Eugene – Alternate take
2. A Saucerful of Secrets – Unedited
The Jesus Lizard Release ‘I’m Tired of Being Your Mother’ Preview of Flux EP Ahead of Record Store Day
The Jesus Lizard have released “I’m Tired of Being Your Mother,” the final post-Rack digital single and the last preview of the band’s three-song Record Store Day exclusive EP, Flux.
“When a friend of mine was about eight years old, living outside of New Orleans, his mother once said to him, in a slow, dull drawl, ‘Im tired uh bein’ yo mutha’,” David Yow shares. “That really struck me. The lyrics are actual quotes of awful things mothers have said to their children. Heartbreaking!!”
Available on black vinyl with an etched B-side, Flux also features “Cost of Living” and “Westside.” The band recently wrapped up sold-out tours across the Eastern U.S. and the U.K., with additional U.S. and European dates kicking off in May.
The Guardian called their performances a “growling, spit-flecked fusion of pummeling songs and acerbic wit,” while Mojo described the band “as titanium-tough and gimlet-sharp as ever.” WXPN simply summed it up as “absolutely feral.”
The Jesus Lizard tour dates:
May 2 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
May 3 Los Angeles, CA The Fonda Theatre
May 5 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore SOLD OUT
May 6 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
May 8 Portland, OR Revolution Hall SOLD OUT
May 9 Portland, OR Revolution Hall
May 10 Seattle, WA Neptune Theatre SOLD OUT
May 11 Seattle, WA Neptune Theatre
May 17 Paris, FR Elysée Montmartre
May 18 Brussels, BE Les Nuits Botaniques
May 20 Amsterdam, NL Melkweg
May 22 Copenhagen, DK Den Grå Hal
May 23 Oslo, NO John Dee
May 24 Stockholm, SE Debaser
May 27 Berlin, DE SO36
May 28 Köln, DE Gebäude 9
May 30 Lausanne, CH Les Docks
May 31 Bologna, IT Link
June 1 Rome, IT Monk
June 2 Milan, IT Magnolia
June 4 Lyon, FR L’Epicerie Moderne
June 6 Barcelona, ES Primavera Festival
June 8 Barcelona, ES Paral.lel 62
June 12 Porto, PT Primavera Festival
Tickets for all shows are on-sale now, with ticketing links available via Ipecac.com/tours.
Minus The Bear Reunites for Menos el Oso Anniversary Show at Best Friends Forever Festival
Seattle, WA experimental rock outfit Minus The Bear will reunite this fall to perform their 2005 album Menos el Oso in its entirety as co-headliners of the Best Friends Forever festival, scheduled to take place on October 10-12 in Las Vegas, NV. This will be the group’s first performance since 2018.
Additionally, the band has revealed that they’ve signed on with a new full-service management agency, Do Better For Artists, with Jordyn Reese. Speaking on the partnership, Reese states: “Minus The Bear has been a cult favorite and pioneering force in independent rock for over two decades, and it’s an absolute honor to be part of this next chapter with them. Their ability to push creative boundaries while staying true to their artistry is exactly what Do Better For Artists stands for. This reunion isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about reintroducing MTB’s legacy to both longtime fans and a new generation. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”
Minus the Bear guitarist Dave Knudson adds: “Vision, enthusiasm and drive are the most important qualities you can find in a manager and Jordyn has been gifted all three in spades. While working together on my first solo LP I found her love of music and strategy intoxicating. Having a long history with MTB, she seemed like the perfect choice to bring ideas and energy to our reunion.”
Testament Announces An Evening With Testament Tour, Featuring Deep Cuts, Stories And Classic Thrash
In support of the Practice What You Preach reissues via Nuclear Blast, Testament wanted to do something special for the fans so they decided to perform an intimate set full of some deep cuts and classic ballads, some of which will be heard live for the first time ever.
This special tour is routed across America during Testament’s stops at the Danny Wimmer Presents Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival and Welcome to Rockville.
Testament also has ‘meet and greet’ packages with unique merch items and autograph sessions available for fans to meet with Testament one on one, to be handled by National Acts. For more information, go to www.testamentlegions.com.
“We are getting ready to Practice What WE Preach across the US this May. We will be performing the album Practice What You Preach, we will tell stories and play a few acoustic tunes and finish out with a best of deep cuts. This will be an evening with Testament you don’t want to miss, Horns Up!” – Chuck Billy
“This will be a night to remember! Like all of our shows, we have a great time, but an evening with Testament will mean just that! Story telling, deep cuts never before heard, plus Practice What You Preach was a milestone for us, and now will be performed in its entirety. We’ll have some cool tales to tell about the making the record and where we were at during that time in our career. Practice What You Preach was our third full length Major Label Release and our most commercially successful album and, at that time – our biggest selling album ever- when records were actually being sold. We’re looking forward to bring some of our classics in an acoustic set to go along with songs you’ve probably wanted to hear forever that we never did, but will do in the ‘Evening with Testament‘!” – Eric Peterson
Testament is an undisputed titan of thrash metal. One of the definitive acts of the historic and high-octane genre since they first emerged from the San Francisco Bay Area in 1983, the modern icons established themselves with a series of classic records (released each year from 1987 through 1990). They never wavered creatively, unleashing one acclaimed album after another across four decades.
The band’s nearly 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone is a clear demonstration of the enduring strength of the Testament legions. Testament’s biggest anthems run the gamut of their storied career, from early classics like “Over the Wall” and “Into the Pit,” late ‘90s bangers like “Down for Life,” through modern scorchers like “For the Glory of…” and “Brotherhood of the Snake.”
An internationally recognized heavy metal institution, Testament regularly appears as a headlining mainstage act at major festivals. Over the years, they’ve toured alongside Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Korn, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Lamb Of God, among other contemporaries.
Charismatic frontman Chuck Billy’s distinctive voice infuses their signature sound with rich and diverse textures. Primary songwriter and cofounding guitarist Eric Peterson summons endlessly timeless riffs on command. Alex Skolnick, named one of the greatest of all time by Guitar World, was just 18 years old when Testament recorded their debut, The Legacy (1987). Longtime bassist Steve Di Giorgio (Sadus, Death, Obituary) brings rhythmic heft and fluid dexterity to the proceedings.
Drummer Chris Dovas, the band’s newest (and youngest) addition, adds his own passionate bombast while honoring the astounding legacy of former Testament drummers. (An alumnus including past and present members of Slayer, White Zombie, Dethklok, and Machine Head, among others.)
Both The Legacy (1987) and The New Order (1988) were inducted into Decibel Magazine’s prestigious Hall Of Fame, alongside albums from Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Motörhead. Revolver included The New Order on their list of 14 Thrash Albums You Need to Own. Guitar World recognized Practice What You Preach (1989) as one of the Top 10 Shred Albums of the Eighties. Souls of Black (1990) entered the Billboard 200 at No. 73; The Ritual (1992) debuted at No. 55. Guitar World called Low (1994) one of the Iconic Albums That Defined 1994. Demonic (1997) and The Gathering (1999) saw Testament mining new depths of extremity without sacrificing their bluesy swagger.
The Formation of Damnation (2008) won Best Album at Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Awards, beating out records from Avenged Sevenfold, Children Of Bodom, Atreyu, and Down. Released nearly 30 years after the band’s formation, Dark Roots of Earth (2012) became their highest-charting album yet, moving more than 20,000 copies during its first week in the US and debuting at No. 12.
Brotherhood of the Snake (2016) enjoyed another Top 20 debut and hit No. 1 on the Independent chart. Titans of Creation (2020) joined year-end lists in Consequence, Loudwire, and Metal Hammer.
Testament released remastered versions of their seminal albums The Legacy and The New Order on July 12, 2024, both digitally and on vinyl via Nuclear Blast Records.
Chuck Billy states, “When The Legacy and The New Order were first recorded we were new and had limited resources to record the albums being a young band. Now, with the remastering, fans will hear the albums in their signature sonic onslaught they were intended to be heard.”
An Evening With TESTAMENT
April 30 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theater
May 2 – Tulsa, OK @ Skyline Event Center/Osage Casino Resort
May 3 – Little Rock, AR @ The Hall
May 4 – Wichita, KS @ Temple Live
May 6 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
May 7 – Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
May 10 – St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall
May 11 – Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe at Old National Centre
May 13 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Warsaw
May 14 – Wilmington, DE @ The Queen
May 15 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
May 17 – Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
May 20 – Huntsville, AL @ Mars Music Hall
May 22 – Austin, TX @ Empire Garage
May 25 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
FESTIVALS
Friday, May 9 – Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival 2025 – Columbus, OH
Sunday, May 18 – Welcome to Rockville 2025 – Daytona Beach, FL
Sunday, September 21 – Louder Than Life 2025 – Louisville, KY
Heart Announces An Evening With Heart Tour, Bringing Iconic Hits and Deep Cuts in 2025
Legendary rock band Heart has announced “An Evening with Heart” tour, set to make its way across the United States during the spring and summer of 2025. This eagerly awaited tour will feature the iconic group performing two unique sets each night, delivering a full-fledged rock experience for their fans. The tour is scheduled to kick off on May 31, 2025, at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City, NJ, and will wrap up on June 28, 2025, in Hollywood, FL. With a lineup of performances spanning multiple states, it promises to be a showcase of Heart’s enduring musical legacy.
The band will cover an extensive list of venues including the likes of Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA, Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, and the Fox Theatre in Detroit, MI. For those eager to secure their spot, the pre-sale begins on March 5, utilizing the password “DREAMS,” with general sales opening on March 7. Fans can expect to hear a variety of Heart’s classic hits such as “Crazy On You,” “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” and more, providing a nostalgic trip through the band’s storied catalog.
In addition to classics, attendees will be treated to covers and side projects, including a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California” and Nancy Wilson’s “4 Edward,” a tribute to Eddie Van Halen. These performances not only highlight the band’s versatility but also pay homage to rock legends who have influenced their musical journey. The tour arrives as a triumphant return following Ann Wilson’s successful cancer treatments, after which the band postponed their 2024 North American tour dates.
This announcement marks a significant moment for both the band and their fans, as it coincides with Heart’s recent activities including the completion of the “Royal Flush” tour. Currently, Heart’s primary roster stars Ann and Nancy Wilson, along with other talented musicians such as Ryan Wariner, Ryan Waters, Paul Moak, Tony Lucido, and Sean Lane. Together, they produce a sound that’s as powerful and resonant as ever.
The 2025 tour is expected to emphasize the unique blend of musicality and stage presence that has characterized Heart’s performances over the decades. According to Nancy Wilson, the experience of performing live is incomparable, with the real magic happening during those two hours on stage. The upcoming tour is another chapter in Heart’s rich history, reaffirming their legendary status as rock icons.
“An Evening With Heart” 2025 US Tour Dates:
05/31 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock
06/01 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
06/03 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
06/04 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
06/06 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival
06/07 – Hinckley, MN – Grand Casino Hinckly Amphitheatre
06/10 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
06/12 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox
06/14 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
06/15 – Cedar Point, TX – H-E-B Center
06/17 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre
06/18 – Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Cane’s River Center
06/20 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC
06/22 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum
06/24 – Jacksonville, FL – VuStar Veterans Memorial Arena
06/25 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena
06/27 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
06/28 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Exodus Announces ‘Swarm of Horror’ Tour with Deicide and Misfire
Following the announcement of upcoming headline performances at both Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest and their own Bonded By Blood 40th Anniversary shows, thrash metal legends Exodus have just unleashed a slew of additional US tour stops and festival dates for this spring – altogether dubbed the “Swarm of Horror” tour.
Beginning directly after the Bonded By Blood 40th Anniversary shows, the tour will start in Phoenix, AZ on April 27 and visit several markets across the central US, ending in Asheville, NC on May 13. Amid the tour, EXODUS will perform at Sonic Temple, Welcome to Rockville and Milwaukee Metal Fest. All regular tour dates will feature support from Deicide and Misfire (support bands will not appear on festival dates).
EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt says: “We are hella stoked to announce the Swarm of Horror Tour with our good friends and death metal legends Deicide, and with our new friends Misfire! This will be pretty much one of the heaviest things on the planet and we can’t wait to destroy everyone! Don’t miss this tour! See you on the road soon!”
Band, local, Bandsintown and additional pre-sales will rollout throughout this week, beginning tomorrow at 10:00am local time. General on sale begins this Friday, March 7 at 10:00am local time. Visit exodusattack.com/site/tour-dates/ for tickets and individual show details.
EXODUS – UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
EXODUS only:
4/5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Decibel Metal & Beer Fest
4/25 – Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre – 40 Years of Blood
4/26 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues – 40 Years of Blood
USA Swarm of Horror Headline Tour w/ Deicide and Misfire:
4/27 – Phoenix, AZ @ Nile
4/29 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
4/30 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater
5/1 – Little Rock, AR @ The Hall
5/2 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
5/4 – Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe @ Old National
5/6 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
5/8 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ Piere’s
5/9 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Festival *EXODUS only
5/11 – Birmingham, AL @ Workplay
5/13 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
5/15 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville *EXODUS only
5/17 – Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Metal Fest *EXODUS only