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Ayra Starr Launches 2025 With New Single All The Love and Continues Her Global Rise

Eric Alper
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Ayra Starr Launches 2025 With New Single All The Love and Continues Her Global Rise

Gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable creative season, GRAMMY-nominated global Afrobeats popstar Ayra Starr shares a new single entitled “All The Love” out now. It notably marks her first release of 2025 and sets the stage for more to come soon.

Natural percussion sets the tempo for the track. Ayra Starr transfixes with a fluid cadence, alternately leaning into the beat and flaunting her range during the anthemic chorus. It culminates on a plea straight from the heart. Once again, the song illuminates her impressive penchant for genre fusion, merging Afrobeats, pop, and R&B all spiked with a sultry sense of soul.

In other big news, Ayra Starr just made history as “the first Nigerian female artist to receive a RIAA Latin Diamond certification” in recognition of her 2024 smash “Santa” with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro.

Her impact only continues to magnify. Last year, she supported Coldplay on the “Music of the Spheres” World Tour. Plus, she joined forces with Coldplay and The Weirdos for an unforgettable performance of “GOOD FEELiNGS” on TODAY. Ayra Starr has now amassed over 3 billion global streams. Following her sold-out first world tour last year, she made her Glastonbury Festival debut on the Pyramid Stage, building on the incredible momentum around the album release.

In 2024, Ayra Starr released her critically-lauded sophomore album The Year I Turned 21 via Mavin Records / Republic Records.  The album earned the top 5 biggest opening day streams for a Nigerian album and biggest opening day for a Nigerian female on Spotify.

The singer bagged three BET Award nominations for Best New Artist, Best International Act and BET Her for “Commas.” It capped off a breakout year, which saw Ayra Starr earn her first GRAMMY nomination for Best African Music Performance for “Rush” as well as making BBC’s Sound of 2024 list and being nominated for MOBO Awards’ Best African Music Act for the second time. Her defining debut album 19 & Dangerous, now sits at a staggering 500 million streams. Ayra Starr’s position as one of Africa’s hottest stars has seen her collaborate with some of music’s biggest names including Wizkid, Stormzy, David Guetta, Kelly Rowland, Tiwa Savage, Aya Nakamura and Leigh-Anne. She also marked her first Latin music crossover hit “Santa” with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro as well as collaborated with India’s most prominent and influential punjabi singer, rapper and producer AP Dhillon on “Bora Bora.”

Since debuting in 2021, Ayra Starr has quickly become one of this generation’s most undeniable new voices in music. Renowned for her anthemic Afrobeats tracks and unapologetic style; the Beninese-Nigerian artist has amassed critical acclaim from tastemaker press, a huge international following and over 3 billion global streams. Following the release of her defining debut album 19 & Dangerous; her position as Africa’s hottest rising star has seen Ayra Starr tapped for collaborations with some of music’s biggest names including Wizkid, Stormzy, Tiwa Savage and Leigh-Anne, to name just a few. Ayra Starr has gained major traction over the last few years, but vaulted to the forefront of Afrobeats with 2022’s “Rush,” which garnered over 800 million global streams and attracted R&B icon Kelly Rowland on a high-powered remix. Recognized as a phenomenon in 2023, she notably garnered a nomination for “Best International Act” at the BET Awards as well as two MTV VMA nominations in the category of “Best Afrobeats Song” for both “Rush” and WizKid’s “2 Sugar” [feat. Ayra Starr]. Additionally, she received a GRAMMY nomination for Best African Music Performance for “Rush,” which marked her as the first and youngest Nigerian female artist to be nominated in that category. She also garnered a Soul Train Award nomination in the Best New Artist category and a Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song. In 2024, Ayra Starr was nominated for three BET Awards including Best New Artist, Best International Act and BET Her for “Commas.” She also starred in her Dare to Dream Amazon documentary, and became the first Afrobeats artist to be named Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artist. Beyond praise from UPROXX, Variety, Conde Nast Traveler and more, she has also graced the covers of Teen Vogue and FAULT Magazine. Stay tuned for more from Ayra Starr who will continue to bring Afrobeats to the forefront here in the U.S. and around the world.

News: Fvded In The Park Unveils 2025 Lineup – Tïesto, Zedd, Kaytranada, Disclosure, Subtronics & More Take Over Holland Park July 4 & July 5, 2025

Eric Alper
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News: Fvded In The Park Unveils 2025 Lineup – Tïesto, Zedd, Kaytranada, Disclosure, Subtronics & More Take Over Holland Park July 4 & July 5, 2025

Today, Blueprint Events and Live Nation Canada announce the return of one of western Canada’s largest music festivals, FVDED In The Park. Following the massive success of last year’s sold-out weekend, FVDED is once again returning to Surrey’s Holland Park. Set to take place on July 4 and July 5, this year’s festival promises an unparalleled celebration of electronic music with a world-class roster of artists. The festival continues to grow as the artist offerings increase to 60 slots, coming up from 48 last year, plus the addition of a fourth brand new stage.

The 2025 edition will include signature performances from massive global acts including Tiësto and Zedd. Joining them are some of the biggest names across House, Dubstep, Amapiano, Trap and more including Kaytranada, Disclosure, Subtronics, Sammy Virji, RL Grime, HUGEL and Uncle Waffles. As a cultural reference for top tier festival experiences and a staple in Canada’s electronic scene, the FVDED community will once again be treated to the dance party of the summer.

2-Day General Admission, GA+ and VIP tickets will go on sale beginning February 12 at 11 AM PST.

FULL FVDED IN THE PARK 2025 HEADLINERS:
Tiësto
Zedd
Kaytranada
Disclosure
Subtronics
Sammy Virji
RL Grime
HUGEL
Uncle Waffles

Drive-By Truckers & Deer Tick Announce Charm & Decadence Tour 2025

Eric Alper
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Drive-By Truckers & Deer Tick Announce Charm & Decadence Tour 2025

ATO recording artists Drive-By Truckers and Deer Tick are joining forces for an epic North American summer tour. The Charm & Decadence Tour gets underway May 29 at San Antonio, TX’s Stable Hall and then continues through early August. Support throughout comes from special guest Thelma and the Sleaze. Artist presales begin Wednesday, February 12 at 10:00 am (local) (PW: CHARM) and end Thursday, February 13 at 10:00 pm (local). General on-sales start Friday, February 14 at 10:00 am (local). For complete details and ticket information, please visit here and here.

This week will see Drive-By Truckers rocking their beloved home base of Athens, GA with the 2025 edition of their annual HeAthens Homecoming, a four-night concert event set for the legendary 40 Watt Club on February 12-15. Tickets for all four shows – which include an intimate performance of their acclaimed 2001 album Southern Rock Opera on February 12 – are now completely sold out. As if that weren’t enough, Drive-By Truckers will return to the 40 Watt on February 17 for a sold-out rock and pro wrestling spectacular with Athens’ own Classic City Wrestling. Also, DBT’s Patterson Hood will be releasing his 4th studio album, Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams (ATO) on February 21. He will celebrate its arrival with a run of US headline dates in March. The Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams 2025 Tour – which will feature backing from his band, The Sensurrounders, with support from special guest Lydia Loveless – gets underway March 18 at Somerville, MA’s Center for Arts at the Armory, making stops at Brooklyn, NY’s Brooklyn Made, as well as shows in DC, Atlanta and Nashville, while finishing up at The Whirling Tiger on April 5. Tickets are on sale now.

Meanwhile, Deer Tick will also hit the road this spring for a pair of eagerly awaited shows supporting Tyler Childers, set for Raleigh, NC’s Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek (April 15) and Charlotte, NC’s PNC Music Pavilion (April 16).

Since their inception in 1996, Drive-By Truckers have carved out a unique niche with their raw, unflinching storytelling, heavy-hitting guitar riffs, and blend of alternative and Southern rock. Founded by Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley, Drive-By Truckers have released 14 studio albums and played more than 2,500 shows in the last three decades. Notable members include long-time drummer Brad Morgan and current members Jay Gonzalez and Matt Patton, who have helped define the band’s evolving sound. The band’s work has often reflected the state of American society, particularly through their celebrated trilogy of albums: American Band (ATO, 2016), The Unraveling (ATO, 2020), and The New OK (ATO, 2020). This series marked a bold foray into politically charged and topical songwriting, earning acclaim for its insightful commentary and fearless expression.

In 2022, they released Welcome 2 Club XIII (ATO), an introspective look back at their early days, juxtaposed with the realities of adult life and parenting. This album highlights the band’s continued ability to blend personal reflection with broader societal observations. In July 2024, the band released the deluxe edition of their influential third studio album, Southern Rock Opera. Alongside the reissue, the band has been touring across North America on their Southern Rock Opera Revisited Tour, featuring a full performance of the album that solidified their legacy in the annals of rock history. Last year also saw Drive-By Truckers marking the 2024 presidential election with an expanded new edition of their landmark 2016 album, American Band, now including bonus live tracks, updated liner notes, additional photos, and exclusive new artwork which sees the album’s powerful original cover by photographer Danny Clinch reinterpreted by longtime visual collaborator, the late Wes Freed. As they continue to push boundaries and explore new musical territories, Drive-By Truckers remain a vital and dynamic force in the rock genre, celebrated for their powerful narratives and unwavering dedication to their craft.

Founded by singer/guitarist John McCauley in 2004, with the lineup solidified in 2009, Deer Tick’s eighth studio album, 2023’s Emotional Contracts (ATO), catalogs all the existential casualties that accompany the passing of time, instilling each song with the irresistibly reckless spirit that’s defined the Providence, RI-bred band for nearly two decades. Deer Tick’s most collaborative work to date, the album sees all four members – including guitarist Ian O’Neil, drummer Dennis Ryan, and bassist Christopher Ryan – operating at their peak songcraft powers, with each of its raggedy eloquent 10 tracks based in playing around together and connected in the almost telepathic way that’s only possible after nearly 20 years. A phenomenally rowdy live act who once averaged 250 shows a year, Deer Tick mainly credit their deep-rooted connection to a mutual love for the unpredictability of the musical impulse. “I feel very lucky that we all ran into each other at some point pretty early on in our lives,” says John McCauley. “From the start, I just wanted to find other musicians that would somehow all stick together, which definitely isn’t easy. But we all have a real fascination with music, and that desire to never limit ourselves or repeat ourselves is something that we all very much continue to share.”

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS / DEER TICK – CHARM & DECADENCE TOUR 2025
MAY
29 – San Antonio, TX – Stable Hall
30 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
JUNE
1 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
3 – Santa Fe, NM – The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing
5 – Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
6 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy + Harriet’s
7 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
8 – Reno, NV – The Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort
10 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
11 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
12 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
13 – Redmond, WA – Marymoor Live
15 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge
16 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall
20 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
21 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theatre
22 – Bellvue, CO – Mishawaka Amphitheatre
23 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater *
JULY
18 – Berwyn, IL – Fitzgerald’s Outdoors
19 – Berwyn, IL – Fitzgerald’s Outdoors
20 – Bayfield, WI – Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua
22 – Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Beer Garden
24 – Allentown, PA – Archer Music Hall
25 – New York, NY – Pier 17
26 – Accord, NY – Arrowhead Farms
27 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent *
29 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
30 – South Deerfield, MA – Summer Stage at Tree House Brewing Co.
AUGUST
1 – Richmond, VA – Maymont
2 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
3 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
5 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer *
6 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer *
8 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns
9 – Indianapolis, IN – Broad Ripple Park
*No Thelma and the Sleaze

Ministry Announces The Squirrely Years Revisited Album & Tour with Nitzer Ebb, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, and Die Krupps

Eric Alper
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Ministry Announces The Squirrely Years Revisited Album & Tour with Nitzer Ebb, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, and Die Krupps

Al Jourgensen is finally making peace with the past. After the incredible reception to Ministry‘s re-issues of With Sympathy and Twitch – plus a heavy set at Cruel World 2024 – Jourgensen decided it was time to reexamine his long-dormant synth pop hits and give them a fresh polish 40 years later. The result is the forthcoming album The Squirrely Years Revisited, out March 28 via Cleopatra Records.

Featuring nine tracks (three additional bonus tracks on CD), the album offers reworked versions of cult classic hits like “Everyday Is Halloween”, “Work For Love”, “I’m Not An Effigy” and “I’ll Do Anything For You”. New music videos will soon be released for several tracks as well.

To celebrate the album and the new-old era of Ministry, the band — also including John Bechdel (keyboards), Monte Pittman and Cesar Soto (guitars), Pepe Clarke Magaña (drums), and Paul D’Amour (bass) — will embark on “The Squirrely Years” tour beginning April 29, with a set dominated by Jourgensen‘s earliest works. Opening support will come from Ministry‘s old-school comrades, including Nitzer Ebb for the first half of the tour, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult for the second half of the tour; and Die Krupps on all dates.

“Since I hated my early stuff for decades, I decided to take ownership of it and do it right,” says Jourgensen.

The Squirrely Years Revisited follows the release of Ministry‘s 16th studio album in 2024, Hopiumforthemasses, and comes ahead of the final new studio album from Ministry in 2026, a record that has Jourgensen teaming up with Paul Barker once again.

The Squirrely Years Revisited will be available in all formats including digital, CD, and four different vinyl configurations. Pre-order it here.

“The Squirrely Years Tour”
04/29 – Phoenix, AZ @ Van Buren*
04/30 – Albuquerque, NM @ Revel*
05/02 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s*
05/03 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues*
05/04 – Dallas, TX @ Factory*
05/06 – Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern*
05/08 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival
05/09 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera*
05/10 – Detroit, MI @ Masonic Cathedral*
05/12 – Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage*
05/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall+
05/14 – Boston, MA @ Roadrunner+
05/16 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount+
05/17 – Montreal, QC @ MTelus+
05/18 – Toronto, ON @ History+
05/20 – Minneapolis, MN @ Palace+
05/21 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre+
05/23 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall+
05/24 – Calgary, AB @ Palace Theatre+
05/26 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore+
05/28 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo+
05/29 – Spokane, WA @ Spokane Live Casino+
05/31 – Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom+
06/01 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Union+
06/03 – San Francisco, CA @ Warfield+
06/04 – Los Angeles, CA @ Palladium+
06/05 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues+
* Nitzer Ebb appearing
+ My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult appearing
(Die Krupps appearing on all dates except May 8)

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Announce 2025 North American Tour with The Vindys

Eric Alper
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Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Announce 2025 North American Tour with The Vindys

Today, multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning duo Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo have announced they will be hitting the road this spring for a string of North American headlining tour dates.

Starting in Palm Springs on April 11, and all following dates with special guests The Vindys, this 26-date run follows a busy 2024 for the chart-topping pair, who recently announced their forthcoming children’s book My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!

Featuring illustrations by Tiffany Everett, My Grandma and Grandpa Rock! will be published this fall by Sourcebooks, and is an ode to the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren everywhere. Its lyrical story highlights how grandparents can “rock” in a variety of ways or by just being themselves.

In a pop culture world defined by its perpetual changes, the partnership of singer-songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts and into fans’ hearts on their own terms. Her staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with his trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer, and songwriter, forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created eternal rock hits including “We Belong,” “Invincible,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Promises In The Dark,” “We Live For Love,” “Heartbreaker” and “Hell Is For Children.”

Their stunning achievements are a testament to their vision. Together, Benatar and Giraldo have created two multi-platinum, five platinum, and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits. They have sold over 36 million records worldwide and have won an unprecedented four consecutive GRAMMY® awards. They have also been feted with three American Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award, a 2008 induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, and in 2022 became Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees

Ezoic
04/11 – Agua Caliente Casino – Palm Springs, CA
04/19 – Smart Financial Centre – Sugar Land, TX*
04/22 – Paramount Theatre – Austin, TX*
04/23 – Majestic Theatre – San Antonio, TX*
04/25 – Beau Rivage Resort & Casino – Biloxi, MS*
04/26 – Graceland Soundstage – Memphis, TN*
04/29 – Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium – Spartanburg, SC*
05/01 – The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL*
05/02 – Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Center – Fort Myers, FL*
05/04 – Ovens Auditorium – Charlotte, NC*
05/06 – Altria Theater – Richmond, VA*
05/07 – Virginia Beach Dome – Virginia Beach, VA*
05/09 – Clay Center for Arts & Sciences – Charleston, WV*
05/10 – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort – Mt. Pleasant, MI*
05/12 – Warner Theatre – Erie, PA*
05/14 – The Lyric Baltimore – Baltimore, MD*
05/16 – Turning Stone Resort & Casino – Event Center – Verona, NY*
05/17 – Fallsview Casino Resort – Grand Ballroom – Niagara Falls, ON*
05/20 – Kirby Center for the Performing Arts – Wilkes Barre, PA*
05/21 – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY*
05/23 – Mershon Auditorium – Columbus, OH*
05/24 – Centennial Terrace – Sylvania, OH*
05/27 – Peoples Bank Theatre – Marietta, OH*
05/29 – Caesars Windsor – The Colosseum – Windsor, ON*
05/30 – Blue Gate Theatre – Shipshewana, IN *
06/01 – Freeman Arts Pavillion – Selbyville, DE*
*w/ special guests The Vindys

Steel Panther & Buckcherry Unite for The Northern Exposure Tour

Eric Alper
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Steel Panther & Buckcherry Unite for The Northern Exposure Tour

As February gets underway and Valentine’s Day fast approaches, a Californian musical hookup that has been years in the making is finally happening. Metal jokester maestros Steel Panther and hard rock legends Buckcherry are coming together for The Northern Exposure Tour throughout the Great White North.

The 25-city tour kicks off in the United States on April 11 in Redding, CA at the Civic Center before crossing the border into Canada and runs for 5 weeks before it wraps up back in the U.S. on May 18 in North Towanda, NY at the Riviera Theatre.

Along the way, the tour will make stops in Edmonton, AB (April 18), Regina, SK (April 29), Montreal, QC (May 6), and Quebec City, QC (May 14) to name a few markets from our Northern neighbors. Rocker Kurt Diemer has been tapped as the opener on The Northern Exposure Tour.

The Northern Exposure Tour Dates:
Fri Apr 11 – Redding, CA – Redding Civic Auditorium
Sat Apr 12 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort *
Sat Apr 12 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon #
Sun Apr 13 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Live #
Tue Apr 15 – Coquitlam, BC – Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
Wed Apr 16 – Penticton, BC – Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
Fri Apr 18 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
Sat Apr 19 – Ft. McMurray, AB – CNOOC Field House at MacDonald Island Park
Sun Apr 20 – Red Deer, AB – Bo’s Bar #
Tue Apr 22 – Cranbrook, BC – Western Financial Place
Wed Apr 23 – Calgary, AB – Event Centre at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
Fri Apr 25 – Slave Lake, AB – Multi-Rec Centre
Sat Apr 26 – Bonnyville, AB – Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre
Mon Apr 28 – Winnipeg, MB – Club Regent Event Centre
Tue Apr 29 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre
Wed Apr 30 – Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place
Fri May 2 – Thunder Bay, ON – NV Music Hall
Sun May 4 – Sudbury, ON – The Grand
Mon May 5 – Hamilton, ON – Hamilton Place Theatre
Tue May 6 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS
Wed May 7 – Pickering, ON – Pickering Casino Resort
Fri May 9 – London, ON – London Music Hall
Sat May 10 – Waterloo, ON – Maxwell’s Concerts & Events
Mon May 12 – Halifax, NS – Light House Arts Centre
Tue May 13 – Moncton, NB – The Molson Canadian Centre at Casino New Brunswick
Wed May 14 – Quebec City, QC – Théâtre Capitole
Fri May 16 – Ottawa, ON – The Bronson
Sat May 17 – Waterloo, NY – The Vine Showroom at del Lago Casino ^
Sun May 18 – North Tonawanda, NY – Riviera Theatre
* Steel Panther Only
# Buckcherry Only
^ No Kurt Diemer

Willie Nelson Celebrates 50 Years of Austin City Limits with Special Performance

Eric Alper
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Willie Nelson Celebrates 50 Years of Austin City Limits with Special Performance

Iconic live music television series Austin City Limits (ACL) was born in 1974 when Willie Nelson taped its pilot episode. This became the cornerstone for 50 years of groundbreaking, award-winning music television. Now, the series North Star, Willie Nelson, returns fifty years later with a uniquely iconic performance to commemorate Austin City Limits remarkable half-century milestone. The ACL Hall-of-Famer and his Family band perform a mix of classics from his timeless catalog in this memorable, career-spanning hour; the special installment premieres Saturday, February 15 @8pm ET/7pm CT as part of the series anniversary Season 50. ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings) and full episodes are made available to stream online at pbs.org/austincitylimits immediately following the initial broadcast. 2025 continues the yearlong 50th Anniversary of the revered music institution, which celebrates its extraordinary run as the longest-running music series in television history, providing viewers a front-row seat to the best in live performance for an incredible half-century.

For this special ACL Presents, a Texas-sized performance with Willie Nelson & Family was recorded from downtown Austin’s Long Center concert lawn, marking only the fourth time the show has ever taped an outdoor performance. In Austin City Limits five decades, no artist has personified the program’s eclectic, freewheeling spirit more fully than the man with the braids, the bandana and the guitar named Trigger. An American original and ACL Hall of Fame icon, Nelson has appeared on the show more than any other performer; for this extraordinary occasion, he carves his name in ACL history once again to celebrate the show and commemorate his 1974 pilot performance. The trailblazing live music program was given the green light, premiering on PBS in 1975. “The house that Willie built” is now an institution that has become the longest-running music series in television history.

With a smile as wide as the Rio Grande, Willie calls out “50 Years! Let’s go for 50 more!” as he kicks off the hour with his perennial opener “Whiskey River,” the same song he launched the pilot taping with five decades ago. That landmark performance captured the musician’s sheer joy of playing for a live audience; that same joy is palpable in this new hour as Willie is accompanied by the five-piece Family band, including son Lukas Nelson and longtime harmonica player Mickey Raphael (who also performed on the pilot episode). With the real-life Austin skyline, familiar from the backdrop of ACL broadcasts, illuminated behind them, Willie & Family take the audience on a journey of memories and highlights, with beloved numbers that established him as a songwriting legend: “On the Road Again,” “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “Crazy,” “Night Life” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.” Willie cups his hand to his ear and the multi-generational audience takes the chorus as Willie answers back “I hear you!” with a grin. On set staples “Still Is Still Moving” and “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” the Texas native reminds fans that his trusty six-string sidekick Trigger still has a lot left to say.

The set also features the pinnacles of his artistry as an interpreter: “Georgia on My Mind,” anchored by harmonica master Mickey Raphael’s counter melodies; a gorgeous “Always On My Mind” highlights his inimitable phrasing, the weight of his words in this golden chapter taking on a new poignancy. “Here’s a song me and Waylon Jennings wrote one night,” says Willie before launching into “Good Hearted Woman,” a classic he performed in his 1974 series debut. He forges a remarkable connection with the ACL crowd and calls for the audience to join in; they reply with joy and respect during the many sing-along moments. He performs a new song, a rendition of Tom Waits’ “Last Leaf,” a meditation on mortality that, in true Willie style, lands as resilient as it does reflective. A singular artist, the outlaw legend performs his new-classic anthem “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” signaling this is a celebration, not a capstone. The hour wraps with “The Party’s Over,” the same song Willie closed the original pilot with. He receives an outpouring of love and an extended standing ovation before tossing his hat and bandana into the thrilled crowd. ACL writes Willie’s name in the sky as a drone show lights up the night sky with his famous image and the stars over Austin shine bright for a magical close. The hour captures an enduring artist continuing to perform live and do what he loves for as long as he can and Austin City Limits is proud to share the journey.

“There would be no Austin City Limits without Willie Nelson, so it was a dream come true for us to celebrate our 50th with Willie with a special show 50 years to the day from when he taped the original pilot episode,” said ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. “For me, it was an emotional, magical night – one we’ll never forget.”

Episode setlist:
Whiskey River (1974 pilot)
Whiskey River
Stay All Night
Still Is Still Moving
Bloody Mary Morning
Medley: Funny How Time Slips Away / Crazy / Night Life
Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
Angel Flying Too Close To the Ground
On the Road Again
Always On My Mind
Just Outside of Austin (Lukas Nelson)
Georgia On My Mind
Good Hearted Woman
Last Leaf
Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die
The Party’s Over
The Party’s Over (1974 pilot)

Rounding out the series golden jubilee celebrations is a two-hour primetime PBS special, Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years, saluting the program’s historic milestone set to premiere on April 4, 2025. This all-star celebration features some of the brightest stars in the show’s 50-year history as they return to the fabled ACL stage; the special will feature one-of-a-kind music performances with a stellar line-up including Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr. joined by Eve Monsees, Billy Strings featuring Sierra Hull, Indigo Girls, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Brandy Clark, Rufus Wainwright, The Mavericks, Ángela Aguilar and many more, co-hosted by Austin-based actors Jared and Genevieve Padalecki. Stay tuned for a special installment, Austin City Limits 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame Honors Garth Brooks, airing this spring.

ACL’s landmark Season 50 launched in September 2024 with sterling hours and performances from many newly-minted 2025 Grammy Award-winners: Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Norah Jones, Carín León and Jacob Collier. The season showcased many returning favorites in revelatory hours: iconoclast Sturgill Simpson, fan-favorites The Avett Brothers, rock and R&B dynamo Brittany Howard, country superstar Wynonna Judd and Colombian rock icon Juanes. ACL showcased breakout acts in must-see series debuts: Chart-topping Nashville sensation Jelly Roll, country trailblazer Mickey Guyton and next-generation singer-songwriters Gracie Abrams and Hurray for the Riff Raff. ACL shone a spotlight on many series favorites: Austin’s own rock and soul guitar great Gary Clark Jr. and psychedelic soul act Black Pumas; standout singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers; formative bluegrass trio Nickel Creek and powerhouse husband-and-wife vocal duo The War & Treaty.

Headline: Sweet Relief Honors Joan Baez with Star-Studded Tribute at Masonic Auditorium

Eric Alper
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Headline: Sweet Relief Honors Joan Baez with Star-Studded Tribute at Masonic Auditorium

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund celebrated the legacy of legendary folk singer Joan Baez on Saturday, February 8, at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco. The event featured astounding performances from Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Margo Price, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Morello, Joe Henry, Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal, Joan, and special surprise appearances by Jackson Browne and the Glide Ensemble. The legendary Linda Ronstadt, actress Monica Barbaro, and local counterculture icon Wavy Gravy were in attendance for an incredible evening.

Aric Steinberg, Executive Director at Sweet Relief Musicians Fund said, “We’re thrilled to celebrate 30 years of Sweet Relief while honoring the great Joan Baez and her amazing career. Joan has supported our charity for many years, and it was a privilege to honor her alongside so many incredible artists. It was a night to remember and I’m so grateful to Joan and all of the performers who will help ensure that our music community continues to have Sweet Relief as a resource for emergency financial assistance.”

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides services and financial assistance for career musicians and music industry professionals. Grants are earmarked for medical and vital living expenses, including insurance premiums, prescriptions, medical treatment and operative procedures, housing costs, food costs, utilities, and other basic necessities.

100% of all donations to Sweet Relief for California fire relief are being distributed to victims, Sweet Relief is covering all fees. You can donate to the Sweet Relief Natural Disaster Relief Fund here.

 

The Infamous Stringdusters & Leftover Salmon Announce ‘Rowdy Summer Nights’ Tour with Kitchen Dwellers

Eric Alper
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The Infamous Stringdusters & Leftover Salmon Announce ‘Rowdy Summer Nights’ Tour with Kitchen Dwellers

The Infamous Stringdusters and Leftover Salmon, two of the most sought after acts in modern bluegrass, have announced an extensive co-headlining tour, ‘Rowdy Summer Nights Tour’ taking place throughout July & August of 2025. Rising festival favorite, Bozeman-based Kitchen Dwellers will open each night of the tour with the Dusters and Salmon alternating who closes each night. Artist pre-sale will take place on Wednesday, February 12 at 12pm local time (code: LEFTOVERDUST) with local pre-sale on Thursday, February 14 at 10am local, and general on-sale on Friday, February 14 at 10am local. Purchase tickets HERE.

The tour has partnered with PLUS1 and Conscious Alliance. $1 from every ticket supports Conscious Alliance’s mission to end hunger nationwide and feed families in need.

The Infamous Stringdusters are hot off the heels of their sold-out annual SkiDust tour that traversed through mountain towns in Colorado and Utah over the past month. Before they hit the road with the trifecta of bluegrass mainstays, they will be joining forces with psychedelic funk favorites Pigeons Playing Ping Pong for co-headlining run on the east with support from indie soul-act Melt. Leftover Salmon is celebrating their 35th anniversary with an extensive national tour throughout the year featuring such iconic stops as WinterWonderGrass in Colorado, Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in Owensboro, KY, Porter Pavilion on Kaua’i (annual 3-night High Country Kaua’i) and a very special Memorial Day Pick-nick celebration with Kitchen Dwellers at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO.  Kitchen Dwellers warm up for tour with a string of February dates supporting Greensky Bluegrass and a handful of festival plays in May & June.

Speaking to the reverence of Leftover Salmon’s legacy and being the longest standing act on the tour, The Infamous Stringdusters’ bassist & vocalist Travis Book sings their praises, “Salmon was a very important band in my early years as a music fan. As I was discovering bluegrass and jam bands I stumbled across Leftover Salmon. Here was a band that was like me—Colorado mountain hippies from the high country who were just looking for a good time! I felt they were kindred spirits before we ever became friends and I will always look up to them.” Book is equally excited to share the stage with Kitchen Dwellers, who are rapidly making a name for themselves in the beloved and close-knit bluegrass circuit, “The Dwellers are their own creatures, but they’re also part of the long lineage of High Country mountain party people. If Leftover Salmon are our uncles, then The Dwellers are our cousins and this family is an absolute mess!”

Although each band has a stacked schedule with multiple festival plays, time spent on the festival circuit doesn’t always equate to collaboration, kinship, and extended hangs as The Infamous Stringdusters’ guitarist & vocalist Andy Falco expresses, “One of the best parts of being in a band is when you get to cross paths with your buddies in the other bands, usually at a festival and most of the time just for a few hours.  I’m very excited to head out on a whole tour with two bands who are very dear friends of the Stringdusters—Leftover Salmon and  Kitchen Dwellers!  I’m looking forward to the camaraderie and to the unique musical collaborations these situations tend to produce.” His bandmate dobroist & vocalist Andy Hall shares his sentiments, “When your friends also happen to be in your favorite bands, AND you get to go on tour together! This package promises to be one of the most fun, and musically rewarding experiences in recent memory. Get ready for some powerful acoustic music, and all three bands firing on all bluegrass cylinders!”

Amidst uncertain times and a bombardment of events and news cycles, music lovers can find catharsis and familiarity in the triple bill of bluegrass favorites. Leftover Salmon’s Vince Herman recognizes strength in the power of music, “Summer 2025 is gonna be an unusual time in the life of our country and we think a big run of shows spreading love and joy around is just what’s needed to help us all weather the storms ahead. Let’s have us some Rowdy Summer Nights!”

Rowdy Summer Nights promises to be an exciting “mini festival” for the bands and fans alike at some of the most prominent venues in the country, “We are beyond stoked to hit the road with two of the greatest live bands out there. Considering how much we’ve looked up to these bands and the venues we’ll be playing, this traveling festival is sure to be a hell of a good time,” say Max Davies of Kitchen Dwellers.

‘Rowdy Summer Nights Tour’:
7/9 – Exton, PA – Eagleview
7/10 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
7/11 – Cary, NC – Koka Booth Amphitheater
7/12 – Portsmouth, VA – Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
7/13 – Charlotte, NC – The Amp Ballantyne
7/15 – Interlochen, MI – Interlochen Center for the Arts
7/16 – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at the Heights
7/17 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Riverfront
7/18 – TBA – Grand Rapids, MI
7/19 – Yuba, WI – Driftless Music Gardens
8/7 – Grand Junction, CO – Amphitheater at Las Colonias
8/8 – Alta, WY – Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival
8/9 – Bonner, MT – Kettlehouse Amphitheater
8/10 – Redmond, WA – Marymoore Live
8/12 – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theatre
8/13 – Jacksonville, OR – Britt Pavilion
8/14 – Forest Grove, OR – McMenamins Grand Lodge
8/15 – Reno, NV – The Glow Plaza Festival Grounds
8/16 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield

Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party Directed By Cameron Crowe Premieres on Paramount+ March 11

Eric Alper
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Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party Directed By Cameron Crowe Premieres on Paramount+ March 11

Paramount+ today announced TOM PETTY: HEARTBREAKERS BEACH PARTY will premiere exclusively on the service on Tuesday, March 11th in the U.S. and Canada and on Wednesday, March 12th in the UK, Australia, Latin America, France, Italy and Germany, marking the first time the fully restored version of the classic ‘80s documentary from legendary and Academy Award® winning director Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire) will be widely available to a global audience.

TOM PETTY: HEARTBREAKERS BEACH PARTY is a fun, candid, fast-paced and musically rich ride with one of America’s greatest rock & roll bands, a time capsule of the dawn of the MTV era and a rare, shining glimpse into Tom Petty’s lasting creative genius. Featuring nearly 20 minutes of never-before-seen bonus content, including new commentary from Crowe himself, alongside in-depth interviews, electrifying live performances and unprecedented intimate access to Petty and the band.

Originally airing only once on MTV in February 1983, the tapes from Crowe’s directorial debut, were finally found in 2024, nearly 40 years after it became folklore to fans, musicians and the entertainment industry at-large. The highly anticipated film, restored from its original 16mm source, is an era-defining look at rock & roll that captures Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers as they finish, promote and tour the groundbreaking Long After Dark album, the band’s third and final project with legendary producer Jimmy Iovine.

“Heartbreaker’s Beach Party occupies a special place in my heart,” said Crowe. “Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers leaned into the making of the film with a kind of hilarious music-filled honesty that still feels fresh forty years later. It was also my first experience as a director. Thanks to Adria Petty and the Petty estate, along with our co-filmmakers Danny Bramson, Phil Savenick, Doug Dowdle and Greg Mariotti, we’re bringing it back in all its reckless glory. I’m especially happy to add a postscript with the never-seen outtake footage I always treasured. The fact that the original film was yanked from MTV after only one airing shows that it was, and still is, an outlandish feast for fans in the best ways. Turn it up!!”

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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