Pure Imagination, Arizona’s most unique music festival, returns for its fourth year on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the breathtaking Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ. Known for blending world-class music with the region’s stunning landscapes, the festival continues its tradition of delivering an eclectic and dynamic lineup featuring legendary and emerging artists.
The 2025 edition is led by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Cheap Trick, renowned for their iconic live album At Budokan, which went triple platinum, and a career spanning over 20 million albums sold. Also joining the bill is GRAMMY-nominated artist Matisyahu, whose album Youth reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, alongside multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award Winning group Arrested Development – one of hip-hop’s most socially-conscious and celebrated groups, and The English Beat, a defining force in 80s music known for fusing ska, pop, soul, reggae, and punk.
Additional performances include Gone Gone Beyond, Kelsey Waldon, Ponderosa Grove, Bird and Byron, Kids In America, Pijama Piyama, Dutch Holly, and the Take The Stage contest winner rounds out an impressive lineup of diverse talent.
Since its debut in 2022, the female-founded and curated Pure Imagination has become a standout experience, seamlessly merging music, nature, and culture with an eco-conscious ethos. Nestled in the stunning Granite Dells—the traditional lands of The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, The Yavapai-Apache Nation, and The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe—the festival fosters a minimal-impact, high-energy experience where attendees can immerse themselves in live music, interactive art, and nature-driven adventures.
Festival-goers can explore scenic hiking trails, on-site kayaking, and the vibrant Prescott Night Market, featuring artisan vendors, immersive art activations, and mesmerizing performances by aerial artists, fire dancers, and more.
The driving force behind Pure Imagination is Candace Devine, frontwoman of Ponderosa Grove and CEO of Further West, the company behind the festival. Inspired by a passion for arts, culture, and community, Devine created the festival to help position Prescott as a thriving creative hub in the Southwest. The city is surrounded by 1.25 million acres of the Prescott National Forest, offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with premier mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing.
“Pure Imagination is about more than just music—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience where people can connect, be inspired, and celebrate the power of art in one of the most beautiful places in the world.” shares Candace Devine, Founder
Last year’s lineup featured memorable performances from The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ozomatli, Sylvan Esso, Tanya Tucker and The Pharcyde among others. In 2023, the festival boasted performances from Ziggy Marley, Lucinda Williams, Los Lobos, Capital Cities, Allison Russell, Nappy Roots, Dirtwire and others, while the inaugural event saw Dawes, Talib Kweli, Fantastic Negrito, Nikki Lane, Rising Appalachia, Phantom Planet, Katie Pruitt and more take to the stage.
Crunchyroll, the ultimate destination for anime, announced today that global music superstar and GRAMMY-nominated artist J Balvin will voice an important role in English and Spanish in the current season of Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise From the Shadow-. The entrepreneurial Colombian artist will now add voice acting to his stellar and expansive portfolio as he voices a key character in the acclaimed series, making his debut in anime later this season. The series began airing on January 4, 2025 and is now available to stream only on Crunchyroll.
“I’m beyond thrilled to join the cast of Solo Leveling! This series has such a passionate fanbase and getting the chance to be part of the anime world, after being a fan for such a long time, is an absolute honor,” said J Balvin. “I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on!”
Adapted from the best-selling Korean web novel written by Chugong, Solo Leveling follows Sung Jinwoo, the world’s weakest hunter. After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see, that’s leveling him up in every way. Now, he’s inspired to discover the secrets behind his powers and the dungeon that spawned them.
Solo Leveling is animated by acclaimed A-1 Pictures (Sword Art Online), with motion graphics by Production I.G (Attack on Titan; Haikyu!!). The series is directed by Shunsuke Nakashige (Sword Art Online). The series is co-produced by Aniplex and Crunchyroll.
Watch Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise From the Shadow- on Crunchyroll.com.
A classic WKRP in Cincinnati moment perfectly captures the humor of rock radio. In the clip, Dr. Johnny Fever (Howard Hesseman) appears half-asleep as station owner Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump) hears dogs howling from the turntable. It turns out to be Pink Floyd’s Dogs from Animals, leading to a hilarious exchange: “Is that Pink Floyd? Do I hear dogs barking on that thing?” Fever dryly responds, “I do.” It’s a perfect blend of rock history and sitcom comedy.
The Marley family, UMe, and Island Records will honor Bob Marley’s legacy with a year-long celebration commemorating his 80th birthday milestone and his importance in the uprising of global music and the fight for social justice and equality.
Bob Marley’s 80th Earthstrong Celebrations culminate with an ‘Uprising’ Tribute Concert livestream from the family’s Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica, and features a slew of popular and new Jamaican entertainers, including Mortimer, Bugle, Kumar Fyah, Naomi Cowan, Quan Dajai, Kelly Shane, and Alexx A-Game, several of whom were featured in the Bob Marley: One Love movie. Other highlights featured in the livestream will be a countdown of the best live performances from past birthdays, stand-alone performances paying tribute, a showcase of the ongoing impact of his charitable organization, the Bob Marley Foundation, and more. Tune into the livestream on Thursday, February 6, from 3pm ET – 7pm ET on Tuff Gong TV’s official YouTube channel,HERE.
“Celebrating Daddy’s 80th birthday under the theme ‘Uprising’ is a special moment for our family and fans worldwide. This album represents so much of his spirit, with powerful songs like “Forever Loving Jah,” “Coming In From The Cold,” “Could You Be Loved,” and “Redemption Song,” which continue to inspire generations,” shares Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies. “Each year, we honor his legacy in a way that unites our extended family, friends, and fans from all corners of the globe. This 80th milestone is a reminder of his timeless call for love, resilience, and freedom.”
Additional festivities include the premiere episode of “Bob Marley & I” featuring British film director, DJ and musician Don Letts, who details his life-changing experience seeing Bob Marley & The Wailers at the infamous Lyceum Theatre in London in 1975, with more episodes being showcased throughout the year. Catch the first episode of “Bob Marley & I” on Tuff Gong TV’s livestream, or watch the episode now on Bob Marley’s Official Channels, as well as future episodes, HERE.
Follow Bob Marley’s Official Channels HERE for upcoming content celebrating Bob’s legacy and contribution to the world.
Contributing to the celebrations, Young Voices, in conjunction with The Bob & Rita Marley Foundation, will stage a Worldwide Singalong from the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England, tomorrow, Thursday, February 6th, at 7am PT/10am ET/3pm GMT to celebrate Bob’s 80th by singing the “Marley Magic” medley—a specially arranged selection of Bob Marley’s greatest hits, including “One Love,” “Jamming’,” “Three Little Birds,” and more. The 8,000-strong Young Voices choir, singing live from the Co-op Arena while thousands more join in around the world, will create a powerful and uplifting tribute to one of the world’s most celebrated musical figures. Children, teachers, and parents everywhere are invited to participate, joining the global celebration from their schools or homes. All participants can access the learning materials when they sign up. Tune in to watch the performance HERE or click HERE for more information.
Cedella Marley shares, “I know Daddy would have a huge smile on his face and be so proud to know that his words of freedom, love, and unity would be sung by so many beautiful young souls around the world over 50 years after he wrote them. It’s a huge testament to the power of his music that his songs resonate stronger than ever and with each new generation. My father’s songs speak universal truths and that is why they sound as convincing coming out of the mouths of children as they did when he himself recorded and performed them.”
With over 250,000 children from Young Voices UK and Young Voices USA taking part, along with countless others worldwide, this global singalong promises to be a moment of unity and joy, spreading Bob Marley’s message of love and peace to new generations.
SiriusXM’s Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio (channel 19) is proud to present special programming for Marley’s 80th Earthstrong, which includes a broadcast of Tuff Gong TV’s ‘Uprising’ livestream. The channel will also highlight rare gems, prolific recordings from the Marley family, and music from Tuff Gong, the family label Marley founded. Legendary songwriter and performer Smokey Robinson brings his favorites to the lineup as a guest DJ; a lineup of reggae, roots, dancehall legends, and contemporary stars will also share birthday greetings throughout the day. Hear it all on Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio on February 6, and then available on the SiriusXM app starting February 7.
One-quarter of all Reggae listened to in the United States is Bob Marley’s. Bob Marley’s Legend was recently re-certified 18x platinum by the RIAA. Legend is the fourteenth-biggest-selling album of all time and the third-biggest-selling Greatest Hits package in United States history. Bob Marley’s music transcends generations, with a timeless message of peace, love, justice, and unity, continuing to influence and empower hearts and minds worldwide. His enduring legacy continues to shape and inspire the world, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture—from music and film to art, theatre, fashion, and beyond.
Uprising is the 12th studio album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, and the last one to be released (June 10, 1980) during his lifetime. It features “Bad Card,” the anthemic “Redemption Song,” and the Billboard Club Play and R n B Chart (and UK Top 5) smash “Could You Be Loved” (crossed 1 Billion streams on Spotify), among other vintage Marley tracks. Marley used the album as a direct reaffirmation of his Rastafarian faith through such songs as “Forever Loving Jah,” “Work,” “We and Dem,” and the aforementioned “Redemption Song.”
Additional information on MARLEY 80 events will be revealed soon.
Bob Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put Reggae on the global map but also as a statesman in his native Jamaica; he famously brought together the country’s warring factions. Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley’s lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. The 2024 biographical drama and musical film based on Marley’s life, Bob Marley: One Love, opened at #1 at the domestic box office on Wednesday, February 14th, with a record-breaking $14M, and a CinemaScore and 5 out of 5 stars on PostTrak. It had a strong Valentine’s Day opening internationally, setting new records for a music biopic opening in the U.K., New Zealand, and Belgium. Overall, the movie opened at No. 1 in 13 international markets, including the U.K., France, Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, and Norway, and the film set the record for the biggest film opening of all time in Jamaica. After only 10 days in theaters, Bob Marley: One Love surpassed $100 million at the worldwide box office. Overall, the movie grossed $185M at the worldwide box office.
In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity. The official Bob Marley Facebook page draws over 66 million fans, ranking it among the Top 50 of all Facebook pages (#47), and the Top 20 among all celebrity pages (#17). Marley’s music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide. His iconic collection LEGEND is the longest-charting album in BillboardMagazine’s Catalog Albums chart and remains the world’s best-selling reggae album and second longest charting album of all time overall. “Could You Be Loved,” the first single off Marley’s last album, Uprising (also featured on Legend,) was named one of the “500 Best Songs of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine (2021) and surpassed one billion streams on Spotify this Fall (2024). Marley’s accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001).
Imagine Dragons fans around the world can experience the GRAMMY Award-winning rock band’s record-breaking Hollywood Bowl residency like never before when Imagine Dragons: Live From The Hollywood Bowl (with the LA Film Orchestra) comes to cinemas worldwide on Wednesday, March 26, and Saturday, March 29, courtesy of Trafalgar Releasing.
This special cinema event captures the band’s electrifying conclusion to the North American leg of their LOOM World Tour in October 2024. The nearly two-hour concert, performed during the final night of a four-night residency that drew over 67,000 fans, features reimagined arrangements of Imagine Dragons staples like “Radioactive,” “Demons,” and “Believer,” performed alongside the renowned LA Film Orchestra. The spectacular night ended with a jaw-dropping fireworks crescendo and surprise finale, fusing the band’s explosive sound with intricate, symphonic arrangements brought to life by over 50 musicians.
The North American leg of Imagine Dragon’s LOOM World Tour, in support of their sixth studio album, LOOM, saw the diamond-certified, GRAMMY Award-winning Las Vegas band sell over 600,000 tickets with multiple nights in Toronto, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles. Released in June 2024, LOOM represents the pinnacle of Imagine Dragons artistic journey of self-discovery and marks the best body of work they’ve ever made.
Tickets for Imagine Dragons: Live From The Hollywood Bowl (with the LA Film Orchestra) will go on sale beginning Wednesday, February 12 at 9a ET at ImagineDragonsMovie.com. Audiences can choose from standard 2D screenings or elevate their experience with premium formats, including ScreenX, 4DX, and Ultra 4DX in select locations. Visit the event website for more information and ticketing details for all formats.
“The power of Imagine Dragons in connecting with multi-generational fans across the globe is in their music and lyrics that offer hope, understanding and inclusion,” said Kymberli Frueh, Trafalgar Releasing’s SVP of Programming and Content Acquisitions. “The magical capture from the Hollywood Bowl with symphonic arrangement of composer Inon Zur and the LA Film Orchestra offers a new backdrop to share their iconic hits across the globe in a unique special performance. Music connects us all and Imagine Dragons is masterful in doing so.”
Imagine Dragons continue to redefine rock in the 21st century. Filling stadiums, crafting cloud-rattling anthems, and breaking records at every turn, diamond-certified GRAMMY Award-winning Las Vegas band Imagine Dragons occupy rarified air as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Tallying cumulative sales of 74 million album equivalents, 65 million digital songs, and over 160 billion streams, they stand out as “the only band in history to earn four RIAA Diamond singles,” namely “Radioactive” (16x-platinum), “Believer” (13x-platinum), “Thunder” (12x-platinum) and “Demons” (11x-platinum). Since emerging in 2009, they’ve scored five consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with Night Visions [2012] (7x-platinum) , Smoke+Mirrors [2015] (platinum), Evolve [2017] (triple-platinum), Origins [2018] (platinum), and Mercury – Act 1 [2021]. With the release of Mercury – Act 2 in 2022, they completed their first double-album opus produced by the legendary Rick Rubin. The hit single “Bones,” featured on Mercury Act 2, went to number one at Alternative Radio and remains in the Global Top 50 on Spotify. The band’s hit collaboration with East Atlanta-based rapper J.I.D, “Enemy,” has racked up billions of global streams and landed at #6 on the IFPI Global Singles Chart for 2022. Dominating radio, they remain one of only four bands to ever achieve consecutive Top 5 singles at Alternative radio, and the only band to repeat this feat. Most recently, Imagine Dragons made history on Spotify, as “Bad Liar” became their 10th song to surpass 1 billion streams. The band now holds the crown for the group with most billion-plus streamed songs, becoming the first in the platform’s history to have ten songs reach this milestone. Meanwhile, Imagine Dragons’ music videos for hits “Thunder” and “Believer” have garnered an astounding 2 billion YouTube views, while videos for “Radioactive” and “Demons” have surpassed over 1 billion views. They’ve collaborated with everyone from Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa to Avicii and film composer Hans Zimmer. Giving back, they’ve raised millions for various causes, including their pediatric cancer charity the Tyler Robinson Foundation, and frontman Dan Reynolds’ LOVELOUD Foundation and festival in support of LGBTQ+ youth. In 2022, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky named them ambassadors for UNITED 24, which benefits humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Imagine Dragons earned an impressive four nominations for the 2022 American Music Awards including “Favorite Pop Duo or Group,” “Favorite Rock Artist,” “Favorite Rock Album” and “Favorite Rock Song.” The band was also nominated for “Group of 2022” for the 2022 People’s Choice Awards. Most recently, they received a 2024 MTV VMA nomination for “Best Alternative” for their acclaimed “Eyes Closed” music video.
Today – Wednesday 5th February – Elton John and Brandi Carlile announce details of their collaborative studio album Who Believes In Angels?, set for release on 4th April via Island EMI Records. Pre-order here. Also unveiled today is the new single from the album, the eponymous song ‘Who Believes In Angels?’. Listen here.
Fans can pre-order ‘Who Believes In Angels?’ to gain exclusive access for the chance to buy tickets to ‘An Evening With Elton John & Brandi Carlile’ at The London Palladium on Wednesday 26th March 2025. This one night only event will see Elton and Brandi grace the stage of one of London’s most iconic venues for a unique evening of performance and storytelling.
The concept for Who Believes In Angels? was devised by close friends and regular collaborators Elton John, eleven time GRAMMY winning US superstar Brandi Carlile and multiple GRAMMY Award winning producer and songwriter Andrew Watt. They set out to create a genuinely collaborative studio album between Elton and Brandi. The album would mix Elton-led songs and Brandi-led songs, with long term collaborator Bernie Taupin and Brandi both contributing lyrics, and producer and co-writer Andrew Watt acting as the producer, mediator and creative conduit. Entering Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound Studios in October 2023 with a completely blank slate, they pushed each other out of their comfort zones to write and record an album completely from scratch in just 20 days. They would be backed by a world class band of musicians comprising of Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Pino Palladino (Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan and David Gilmour) and Josh Klinghoffer (Pearl Jam, Beck).
Watch a short film about the process of making Who Believes In Angels? here. This is the first time that Elton has allowed cameras to film his writing and recording sessions. Static cameras positioned around the studio captured thousands of hours of raw footage, and ultimately documented the entire creative process – breakdowns, breakthroughs, tears, torn up lyric sheets and all. The candid footage offers fans an unprecedented, searingly honest insight into the emotionally turbulent creative process for Elton, Brandi and the rest of the team.
The results of this creative friction are stunning, and the kaleidoscopic scope of Who Believes In Angels? draws comparisons with some of Elton’s very finest works. Ballads co-exist with raw rock and roll, pop songs and country-hued Americana rub shoulders with synth-heavy psychedelia. It’s an album as unexpected as it is triumphant. Elton sounds utterly revitalized. Brandi sounds like a singer-songwriter at the absolute top of her game, her voice melding with Elton’s like a hand in a glove. The resulting songs somehow manage to be unequivocally the work of Elton John and Brandi Carlile, while sounding unlike any album either have made before.
Elton says: “This record was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life. It has given me a place where I know I can move forward. Who Believes In Angels? feels like going into another era and I’m pushing the door open to come into the future. I have everything I’ve done behind me and it’s been brilliant, amazing. But this is the new start for me. As far as I’m concerned, this is the start of my career Mark 2.”
Brandi says: “I’m still reeling from the fact that I got to do it. I think all ships rise with Elton John’s standards for songwriting, and it was an incredibly challenging and inspiring environment to work in, everybody throwing in ideas, everybody listening to everybody else’s ideas. It felt like a family. The world is a wild place to live in right now. It’s hard to find peace and triumph. It’s a radical act to seek out joyful and euphoric happenings. And that is what this album represents to me.”
The eponymous single ‘Who Believes In Angels?’ is also unveiled today. Listen here. In keeping with the album it gives its name to, it is a true collaboration; Brandi penned the lyrics and Elton the theme, before Andrew joined them to bring it all together. From the opening piano chords, it’s unmistakably a slice of classic Elton John, that at once manages to nod to past glories whilst sounding thoroughly modern and forward looking. Brandi’s soaring vocals meld exquisitely with Elton’s on a towering synth charged chorus, as hard hitting as many of his best-loved classics.
Who Believes In Angels? also features 2025 Oscar nominated song ‘Never Too Late’, created especially for the Disney+ documentary of the same name and unveiled last year to widespread critical acclaim. Listen here. A beautiful, reflective and ultimately uplifting story of finding happiness and redemption in love and family, ‘Never Too Late’ is the truly fitting finale to the documentary that plays out over the credits of the documentary of the same name. The documentary follows Elton as he looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in an emotionally charged, intimate and inspiring full-circle journey. Directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish the documentary is available to watch on Disney+ now.
Brandi Carlile is an 11x GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, performer and producer, 2x EMMY Award-winning composer, lyricist and writer, #1 New York Times Bestselling author and activist, who is known as one of music’s most respected voices. Throughout her acclaimed career, Carlile has released seven studio albums including her most recent, the 3x GRAMMY-winning In These Silent Days. Additionally, Carlile continues her work as a renowned producer with recent GRAMMY Award-winning projects from Joni Mitchell and Brandy Clark. She also produced and recorded a rendition of Indigo Girls’ “Closer To Fine” with her wife, Catherine, which was included on Barbie The Album as well as a version of “Home,” which was featured in the final season of Ted Lasso. She received her first Oscar nomination in the Original Song category in January 2025 for “Never Too Late”, a track written alongside Elton John, Bernie Taupin and Andrew Watt for the Disney+ documentary of the same name, on Elton’s life and career.
Beloved by her peers, Carlile has collaborated with artists such as Elton John, The Highwomen, Soundgarden, Alicia Keys, Hozier, Noah Khan, Jacob Collier, P!nk and Dolly Parton. Carlile was named OUT Magazine’s 2023 “Icon of the Year,” awarded Billboard’s Women In Music “Trailblazer Award,” CMT’s Next Women of Country “Impact Award” and NMPA’s 2023 Songwriter Icon Award and received multiple recognitions from the Americana Music Association. On top of being a musician and writer, Carlile is a founder of the Looking Out Foundation, which has raised over $6 million for grassroots causes to date. Carlile lives in rural Washington state with her wife and two daughters, Evangeline and Elijah.
Elton’s career achievements to date are unsurpassed in their breadth and longevity. Elton is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. In the UK and US charts alone he has 2 Diamond, 43 Platinum or Multi-Platinum, and 26 Gold albums as well as over 85 Top 40 hits. He has sold more than 300 million records worldwide.
Among the many awards and honours bestowed upon him are six GRAMMYs, including a GRAMMY Legend award, a Tony, two Oscars, a Best British Male Artist BRIT Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, 13 Ivor Novello Awards and a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for “services to music and charitable services”. In January 2024, Elton John joined Hollywood’s elite group of EGOT winners after securing his first-ever EMMY Award for his historic Disney+ live, concert special Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.
He holds the record for the biggest-selling physical single of all time, “Candle in the Wind 1997,” which sold over 33 million copies. Released in 2017 ‘Diamonds’ the Ultimate Greatest Hits album, became Elton’s 43rd UK Top 40 album and has spent over 300 consecutive weeks in the top 75 of the UK album charts, over 200 of these in the top 20. This release celebrated 50 years of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin. It topped the UK charts in January 2025, becoming his 9th UK number 1 album, achieving 4 times Platinum status in the process and is the longest charting album of Elton’s career 62-deep catalogue.
August 2018 saw Elton named as the most successful male solo artist in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart history, having logged 71 entries, including nine No. 1s and 29 Top 10s. ‘The Lockdown Sessions’, an album of collaborations recorded during the COVID-19 Pandemic, was released in October 2021 and went straight to No. 1 in the UK album Charts, becoming Elton’s 8th UK No. 1 album in the process. Its lead single “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) with Dua Lipa” became a bona fide global hit, reaching No. 1 in over 20 charts world-wide, including the UK and Australia. Its success meant that Elton became the first ever solo artist to score a UK Top 10 hit single in six consecutive decades. In America, he holds the record for longest span between Billboard top 40 hits among soloists at 51 years and currently has logged 57 entries. Elton also holds the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart record with 18 No. 1s and 76 total songs. Summer of 2022 saw another global smash single, as Elton and Britney Spears released ‘Hold Me Closer’, a Top 5 hit in the UK and a No. 1 hit in the Australian single charts.
Elton announced the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour at New York’s Gotham Hall in January 2018. The tour kicked off on 10th September 2018 in North America and subsequently saw Elton play 330 shows to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia. The shows marked his retirement from touring after more than 50 years on the road. In 2019 it was named Billboard’s Top Rock Tour and Pollstar’s Major Tour Of The Year. The U.S. leg of the tour concluded with 3 sell out shows at Dodger Stadium. The concert was live streamed on Disney + in every single territory the channel broadcasts in, a global first. Elton headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, the final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concluded. The Sunday night closer was widely heralded as one of the greatest performances in the festival’s rich history, attracting one of the largest crowds ever witnessed at the festival. It also received the biggest ever televised audience for a Glastonbury set, reaching 7.6m overnight on BBC1. Elton has delivered more than 4,600 performances in more than 80 countries since launching his first tour in 1970.
2019 also saw the release of ‘Rocketman’ and global bestselling autobiography, ‘ME’. An epic fantasy musical motion picture of Elton’s life, ‘Rocketman’ has been a commercial and critical hit, taking close to $200m at the box office. It has won an Oscar, two Golden Globe Awards and a Critics’ Choice Award and garnered four BAFTA nominations. The soundtrack was also nominated for a GRAMMY Award. ‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ follows Elton as he looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in an emotionally charged, intimate and uplifting full-circle journey. Directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish the documentary premieres in December 2024, on Disney+.
In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. So far the Foundation has raised more than $600 million for HIV/AIDS grants, funding more than 3,000 projects in over 90 countries. In June 2019 President Emmanuel Macron presented Elton the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest award, for his lifetime contribution to the arts and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Elton was awarded the Companion of Honour in the 2021 New Year Honours list in the UK. The highest acknowledgement in the list, Elton became one of only 64 people to hold the Honour. September 2022 saw President Biden awarding him the National Humanities Medal in recognition of his storied career and advocacy work to end AIDS.
Always a tireless champion of new artists, Elton has been a leading industry voice in lobbying the government for young artists visa-free touring rights in Europe post Brexit.
In 2024, Fragile Beauty opened at the V&A Museum to widespread critical acclaim. Running until 2025, the exhibition showcases an unparalleled selection of the world’s leading photography from Elton and David Furnish’s collection.
Who Believes In Angels? tracklisting:
1. The Rose Of Laura Nyro
2. Little Richard’s Bible
3. Swing For The Fences
4. Never Too Late
5. You Without Me
6. Who Believes In Angels?
7. The River Man
8. A Little Light
9. Someone To Belong To
10. When This Old World Is Done With Me
By now, you might know that Red is more than just an album—it’s a turning point in Taylor Swift’s career, a genre-blurring masterpiece, and the soundtrack to heartbreaks everywhere. Released on October 22, 2012, Red saw Swift embracing pop influences while still holding onto her country roots. But even if you’ve belted out “All Too Well” in the car, screamed “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” at a party, or debated whether Red is her best album, there are still secrets hiding within this legendary record.
1. Red Almost Had a Completely Different Sound
Before Red became the beautifully chaotic mix of country, rock, and pop that we know today, Taylor Swift originally wrote the entire album in her usual country-pop style. The turning point? The song “Red.” When label president Scott Borchetta heard it, he suggested that Swift take a more pop-driven approach. Enter Max Martin and Shellback, the Swedish hitmakers behind We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together and I Knew You Were Trouble. Their influence turned Red into a groundbreaking fusion of sounds, ultimately paving the way for Swift’s full transition to pop on 1989.
2. “All Too Well” Was Originally 10+ Minutes Long
Swifties know that All Too Well is the emotional centerpiece of Red, but did you know that the original version was much longer? Taylor wrote it during a tour rehearsal, spontaneously pouring out her emotions while playing a guitar riff. The first draft was around 10-15 minutes long, filled with raw lyrics that had to be cut down for the final album version. In 2021, Swift finally gave fans the full All Too Well (10 Minute Version) on Red (Taylor’s Version), and it instantly became a fan favorite, even breaking records for the longest song to top the Billboard Hot 100.
3. “I Knew You Were Trouble” Introduced Dubstep to the Pop Mainstream
When “I Knew You Were Trouble” dropped, it wasn’t just a hit—it was a game-changer. The song’s chorus features a heavy dubstep drop, a sound that was exploding in underground clubs but hadn’t yet dominated the pop charts. With its wobbling bass and electronic beats, “I Knew You Were Trouble” brought dubstep to the mainstream, influencing countless artists and setting the stage for Swift’s evolution into pop music. Even Swift herself later joked that she knew the song was truly iconic when Harry Styles, the rumored inspiration for the lyrics, was caught dancing to it at the 2013 Brit Awards.
4. A Secret Message Hidden in the Liner Notes
Taylor Swift is known for embedding Easter eggs in her albums, and Red was no exception. In the physical CD booklet, Swift included capitalized letters in the lyrics that spelled out secret messages for each song. Fans quickly cracked the code, revealing hidden details about the inspirations behind the tracks. For example, the message for We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together was “WHEN I STOPPED CARING WHAT YOU THOUGHT,” while All Too Well’s message was the heartbreaking “MAPLE LATTES,” a reference to a rumored autumnal coffee date with her ex. These clues only fueled the mystery and excitement surrounding Red, making it one of Swift’s most dissected albums to date.
5. Red Broke Records… and a Beatles Streak
Red was a massive commercial success, but one record stands out: when the album spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Swift became the first artist since The Beatles to have three consecutive albums each spend at least six weeks at the top of the chart. That’s right—Taylor Swift did something that hadn’t been done since the most legendary band in rock history. It was proof that Red wasn’t just another breakup album—it was a cultural moment.
Even over a decade after its release, Red remains one of Taylor Swift’s most beloved albums. Whether you love it for its heartbreak anthems, its genre-bending sound, or its unforgettable lyrics, there’s no denying that Red is a masterpiece.
Metallica’s Master of Puppets is a cultural force, a sonic juggernaut, and a testament to the raw power of thrash metal. Released on March 3, 1986, it revolutionized heavy music and remains one of the most influential records in rock history. But even if you’ve memorized every riff, screamed every lyric, and air-drummed every fill, there are still secrets hiding within this legendary album. Let’s break down five facts about Master of Puppets that will make you appreciate it even more.
1. The Album Almost Had a Rush Connection
What do Metallica and progressive rock pioneers Rush have in common? More than you might think! Lars Ulrich had hoped to bring Rush’s legendary bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee on board as the album’s producer. Imagine that—an album that blends Metallica’s raw aggression with the sonic precision of Rush! Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts prevented it from happening, but it leaves fans wondering what Master of Puppets might have sounded like with Geddy’s touch. Instead, the band worked with Flemming Rasmussen, who had already helped craft the thunderous sound of Ride the Lightning.
2. Cliff Burton’s Classical Fingerprints Are All Over “Orion”
Before his tragic passing, Cliff Burton left an indelible mark on Metallica’s sound, and nowhere is that more evident than on Master of Puppets’ haunting instrumental, “Orion.” A classically trained musician, Burton’s basslines weren’t just foundational—they were compositional. The song’s atmospheric middle section, featuring multi-tracked harmonized guitars and a soaring bass melody, was entirely arranged by Burton. His love for classical music and orchestration helped shape Master of Puppets into something more than just a thrash metal album—it became a masterpiece of layered, dynamic composition.
3. The Hidden David Bowie Homage
You wouldn’t necessarily think of David Bowie and Metallica in the same breath, but the Thin White Duke left his mark on Master of Puppets! In the song “Master of Puppets,” there’s a subtle nod to Bowie’s Hunky Dory classic, “Andy Warhol.” At the 6:19 mark, Kirk Hammett and Cliff Burton included a riff that mimics a passage from Bowie’s track. Burton was a massive Bowie fan, and this Easter egg was his way of paying tribute to one of his biggest influences. It’s just another layer of depth that makes Master of Puppets so legendary.
4. “Disposable Heroes” Almost Had a Different Meaning
“Disposable Heroes” is one of Metallica’s most blistering anti-war anthems, but did you know its title wasn’t originally inspired by combat? James Hetfield first got the idea for the phrase after watching a football documentary about players getting injured and cast aside by the industry. While the song ultimately became a scathing commentary on the expendability of soldiers in war, its roots stem from a broader critique of how powerful institutions treat their people like, well… disposable heroes.
5. The Album Was Actually “Too Tight”
If Master of Puppets sounds impossibly tight and precise, that’s because it is—maybe too precise. Producer Flemming Rasmussen sped up the master tapes slightly during mixing, tightening up the performances and increasing the overall energy. Lars Ulrich later admitted that the album might actually be too tight and that it lost some of the natural looseness the band had when playing live. Of course, fans wouldn’t change a thing, but it’s wild to think that one of the most revered metal albums ever made was even more locked-in than Metallica originally intended.
Even nearly 40 years after its release, Master of Puppets continues to bewitch, inspire, and melt faces. Whether it’s the intricate compositions, the legendary performances, or the mind-blowing hidden details, this album is a gift that keeps on giving. From classical influences to unexpected production choices, it proves that Metallica wasn’t just making metal—they were making history. So, next time you blast “Battery” or headbang to “Damage, Inc.,” remember: Master of Puppets is deeper, smarter, and more fascinating than we ever knew.
Country music superstar Luke Bryan will kick off a brand-new 30+ city tour this summer, the “Country Song Came On Tour.” The five-time Entertainer of The Year who has played for nearly 15 million fans during his career will launch the tour on May 29. Ticket on sales begin this Friday, January 31 at 10am local time at www.LukeBryan.com.
The ticket presale for Luke’s fan club members begins Tuesday, January 28th at 8am local time through Thursday, January 30th at 5pm local time. For details go to www.LukeBryan.com.
Citi® / AAdvantage® is the official presale credit card of the “Country Song Came On Tour.” As such, Citi / AAdvantage cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 28 at 10am local time to Thursday, January 30 at 10pm local time through Citi Entertainment. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.
Billboard says Luke has long honed in on his showmanship craft, “the key to his success as one of country music’s foremost ambassadors for more than a decade has been his long-perfected onstage blend of lovable goofball, sultry swagger and positive attitude.”
As a longtime supporter and advocate for young talent, Luke will feature some of country music’s up and coming artists as special guests on the tour including George Birge, Avery Anna, Ashland Craft, Mae Estes, Cole Goodwin, Braxton Keith, Randall King, Vincent Mason, Drake Milligan, Adrien Nunez, and Owen Riegling. DJ Rock will appear on all dates.
During his career, Luke has amassed a total of 22.6 Billion global streams, 11.5 Million global album sales and 55.5M track sales worldwide. He is the most digital single RIAA certified country artist of all time with 96.5M digital single units and 18M album certified units for a total of 114.5M. In 2023, Luke was honored with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his standing as one of the most streamed artists in their 20-year history. Luke has garnered 31 #1 singles, 17 of those Luke co-wrote, and he’s accumulated 57 total weeks spent at #1 during his career.
Luke has hosted the ACM Awards five times and the CMA Awards four times and has won 50+ major music awards including five wins as Entertainer of the Year. Additional awards include six recognitions as a CMT Artist of the Year, NSAI Artist/Songwriter of the Year, the first-ever recipient of the ACM Album of the Decade Award for Crash My Party, seven CMT Music Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and four American Music Awards—as well as being named Billboard’s Top Country Artist of the 2010s, the Most Heard Artist of the Decade by Country Aircheck, Artist Humanitarian Recipient by the Country Radio Broadcasters and the ACM Lifting Lives Award honor because of his devotion to improving lives through the power of music.
May 29 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
May 30 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
May 31 Wantagh, NY Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
June 5 Syracuse, NY Empower Federal Credit Union Amp. At Lakeview
June 6 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
June 7 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park on sale 2-28
June 12 Savannah, GA Enmarket Arena
June 13 Orlando, FL Kia Center on sale 2-28
June 19 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
June 20 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
June 21 Lafeyette, LA CAJUNDOME
June 26 Bonner Springs, KS Country Stampede *
June 27 North Platte, NE NebraksaLand Days *
June 28 Grand Junction, CO Country Jam *
July 10 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage on sale 2-14
July 11 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center on sale 2-21
July 12 Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium
July 17 Greenville, SC Bon Secours Wellness Arena
July 18 Charleston, SC Credit One Stadium
July 19 Birmingham, AL Coca-Cola Amphitheater
July 31 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on sale 2-14
Aug 1 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
Aug 2 Burgettstown, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake
Aug 7 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
Aug 8 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center on sale 3-14
Aug 9 Hartford, CT Xfinity Theatre
Aug 14 Charleston, WV Charleston Coliseum
Aug 16 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amp. at Virginia Beach
Aug 23 Dieppe, NB YQM Country Fest *
Aug 24 Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheater
Aug 28 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center on sale 2-28
Aug 30 Buffalo, NY Darien Lake Amphitheater
*Festival dates
Luke’s “Country Song Came On Tour” will launch two weeks after his first-ever west coast dates of Farm Tour 2025 playing three shows in California (Merced, Fresno & Kern Counties) on May 15, 16 & 17, 2025. These concerts land just ahead of the 2025 season finale of ABC’s American Idol where Luke will serve as a celebrity judge for an eighth year alongside Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. Tickets for Farm Tour are available now atwww.LukeBryan.com.
FARM TOUR
May 15 Atwater, California (Merced County) The Castle Airport
May 16 Clovis, California (Fresno County) The Ponds at Harlan Ranch
May 17 Shafter, California (Kern County) Sillect Farms
Award-winning comedian, producer, actor, podcast host, and singer-songwriter Mae Martin is hitting the road with their highly anticipated I’m A TV Tour in support of their debut album, I’m A TV, set to release on February 27, 2025. This groundbreaking new chapter in Martin’s career represents a significant expansion of their creative portfolio, bringing their indie rock sound—a nostalgic yet fresh take on millennial life—live to audiences for the first time while staying true to their wit, openness, and deeply personal storytelling.
Produced by Live Nation, the I’m A TV Tour kicks off on February 26 at The Regent Theater in Los Angeles, CA, and continues with stops in major cities like Toronto and New York before wrapping up on March 9 at O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, UK. Each performance will feature live renditions of songs from I’m A TV, including singles “Good Dream” and “Stowaway,” offering fans the opportunity to engage with Martin’s artistry in a live, intimate setting.
Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale on Monday, January 27. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Wednesday, January 29 at 10am local time at livenation.com.
MAE MARTIN is an award-winning comedian, producer, actor, podcast host, and singer-songwriter. In addition to co-showrunning, starring in, writing, and executive producing the highly anticipated forthcoming Netflix thriller series WAYWARD, Mae is set to release their debut album, I’m a TV, globally through Universal Music Canada on February 27, 2025.
Mae presently co-hosts the hit comedy podcast Handsome, which was recently acquired by the Headgum podcast network, alongside Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster. On television, Mae is best known for their semi-autobiographical comedy-drama series FEEL GOOD, which they co-wrote, starred in, and executive produced. Their work in FEEL GOOD earned them a 2021 BAFTA TV Award nomination and widespread praise, including a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Mae also starred on season two of HBO Max’s THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT in 2022 and appeared as a contestant and won Season 15 of Channel 4’s game show TASKMASTER the following year. In 2024, Mae won a Canadian Screen Award for their supporting role in the six-part docu-comedy series I HAVE NOTHING. Beloved for their stand-up comedy, Mae’s first special DOPE was nominated for “Best Comedy Show” at the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards while earning four- and five-star reviews. The show has since been turned into a stand-up special for Netflix as part of the global stand-up series, COMEDIANS OF THE WORLD. Mae’s follow up stand-up special SAP, directed by Abbi Jacobson, debuted on Netflix in 2023 to positive reviews, earning a Juno Award nomination for ‘Comedy Album of the Year.’ Mae has also ventured into documentary work, hosting the CBC docuseries FLUID: LIFE BEYOND THE BINARY in spring of 2024, and appearing in Netflix’s OUTSTANDING: A COMEDY REVOLUTION, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. Their debut book, Can Everyone Please Calm Down?: A Guide to 21st Century Sexuality, was published by Hachette in 2019 to critical acclaim. For more information, visit MaeMartin.net
MAE MARTIN: I’M A TV TOUR DATES:
Wed Feb 26 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater
Sat Mar 01 – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall
Tue Mar 04 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
Sun Mar 09 – London, UK – O2 Forum Kentish Town
