“Helen Wheels” is a song by Paul McCartney and Wings, named after the McCartneys’ Land Rover, which they nicknamed “Hell on Wheels.” Recorded at EMI Studios in Lagos, Nigeria, the song captures the journey from their Scottish farm to London, referencing cities like Glasgow, Liverpool, and Birmingham. Released in 1973 as a single with “Country Dreamer” on the B-side, it reached number 10 on the U.S. charts and number 12 in the UK. The track was later included on the U.S. version of Band on the Run.
5 Surprising Facts About Lionel Richie’s “Can’t Slow Down”
When Lionel Richie released Can’t Slow Down on October 14, 1983 combined heartfelt balladry, Caribbean-inspired rhythms, and genre-blurring innovation, Can’t Slow Down became one of the definitive albums of the 1980s. Its staggering success, both commercial and critical, solidified Richie as a global superstar and left an indelible mark on pop music. Here are five lesser-known facts about the album that helped define an era.
1. The Diamond Standard
Can’t Slow Down didn’t just go platinum—it went Diamond. The album sold over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone and more than 20 million worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s. Its ability to spawn five top-ten hits, including two chart-toppers, “All Night Long (All Night)” and “Hello,” set a new standard for crossover success. Few albums in history have matched its cultural and commercial impact, with Richie proving that pop music could be both universal and deeply personal.
2. The Gibberish Joke in “All Night Long”
Richie’s smash hit “All Night Long (All Night)” is remembered for its infectious rhythm and pseudo-African lyrics like “Tam bo li de say de moi ya.” But here’s the twist—those lyrics? Total gibberish. Richie admitted in interviews that he wanted to include authentic African phrases but ran out of time to find a translator. Instead, he improvised, crafting what he described as a “wonderful joke” that became one of the song’s most iconic features. It’s a testament to Richie’s charisma that this playful addition only added to the track’s enduring charm.
3. A Mini-Thriller
When Can’t Slow Down dropped, critics were quick to draw comparisons to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Robert Christgau of The Village Voice called the album a “mini-Thriller,” pointing to its ability to blend danceable pop tracks with tender ballads. Richie’s ability to appeal across genres—from the Caribbean flair of “All Night Long” to the emotive depth of “Hello”—mirrored Jackson’s genre-defying approach and solidified Richie’s place among pop royalty.
4. A Toto Touch and Marx’s Mark
“Running with the Night,” one of the album’s standout tracks, features a blistering guitar solo by Steve Lukather of Toto fame. The solo, famously recorded in one take, adds an unexpected edge to the song’s sleek production. Additionally, a young Richard Marx contributed backing vocals on multiple tracks, including “All Night Long (All Night)” and “Running with the Night.” Long before Marx became a hitmaker in his own right, he lent his vocal talent to Richie’s masterpiece, further enhancing its polished sound.
5. The Album That Won the Grammys
In 1985, Can’t Slow Down took home the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, beating out heavyweights like Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. and Prince’s Purple Rain. The win cemented Richie’s status as a pop icon and also showed how it won listeners across generations and musical tastes. It remains one of Motown’s – and Ritchie’s – crowning achievements.
Nearly four decades after its release, Can’t Slow Down continues to captivate audiences with its irresistible melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and boundary-pushing production with the album almost at a Billion streams on Spotify. From the playful rhythms of “All Night Long” to the tender intimacy of “Hello,” Richie’s masterpiece is a reminder of an era when albums told stories and every track was a potential hit. If you’re a fan of music that makes you feel, move, and dream, Can’t Slow Down deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Because, as Lionel Richie proved in 1983, sometimes you really can’t slow down.
5 Surprising Facts About Chappell Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”
Chappell Roan’s debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, is already carving out its place as one of 2023’s most celebrated records. With its infectious pop hooks, raw emotional storytelling, and unapologetic embrace of queerness, it’s no surprise that critics and fans alike are hailing it as a triumph. But while Roan’s songs have captured the hearts of listeners worldwide, there’s still plenty about this album’s creation and backstory that remains under the radar. Let’s dive into five lesser-known facts about The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess that prove Chappell Roan is an artist like no other.
1. Dan Nigro’s Role Goes Beyond Production
While Dan Nigro has become synonymous with producing pop anthems (see: Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour), his relationship with Roan is more than just producer-artist. He co-wrote multiple tracks, including the breakout single “Hot to Go!” and helped her launch Amusement Records, an imprint under Island Records. Roan is currently the label’s only signed artist, making their collaboration a deeply personal and singular venture.
2. “Pink Pony Club” Almost Didn’t Happen
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Pink Pony Club,” almost never saw the light of day. Roan’s former label, Atlantic Records, delayed its release for over a year, worried that its queer themes and shift in sound would alienate her audience. The song, inspired by a visit to The Abbey in West Hollywood, eventually became a sleeper hit, vindicating Roan’s vision and paving the way for her debut album’s success.
3. A Queer Cheer Song Went Viral
“Hot to Go!” wasn’t just another single—it became a cultural moment. The track, inspired by Roan’s childhood dream of being a cheerleader, features an arm-spelling dance that caught fire on social media. Festival crowds and TikTok creators alike embraced the choreography, turning the song into a norm-defying anthem that celebrated queer joy in the most exuberant way possible.
4. Missouri’s Influence Runs Deep
Although the album explores Roan’s journey of self-discovery in Los Angeles, her Missouri roots are ever-present. Songs like “Pink Pony Club” and “California” reflect her small-town upbringing and the culture shock of transitioning to a city known for its creative freedom. Even the titular “Midwest Princess” moniker serves as a tongue-in-cheek nod to her home state’s identity and the complexities of leaving it behind.
5. A Grammy Nod Cemented Its Legacy
By earning nominations at the 67th Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess has solidified Roan’s place in pop music history. For an artist who faced rejection and self-doubt early in her career, the recognition is a testament to her resilience, talent, and ability to resonate with a wide range of listeners.
From near-misses and viral moments to heartfelt tributes to her roots, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is as layered and compelling as its creator. Chappell Roan didn’t just make an album—she built a world that’s equal parts confessional and celebratory. As she continues to tour and break new ground, it’s clear that her reign is only just beginning. Keep this one on repeat, because there’s no telling what Roan will dazzle us with next.
AeroBand x Rokid: Redefining Music Experiences with Augmented Reality at CES 2025
AeroBand, a leader in interactive music technology, and Rokid, a pioneer of augmented reality, are set to showcase a groundbreaking collaboration at CES 2025. By combining AeroBand’s smart guitar and PocketDrum with Rokid’s state-of-the-art AR glasses, namely Rokid AR Spatial. The two brands are transforming how users learn, practice, and perform music to the next level.
Rokid has been a trailblazer in AR innovation since 2014, specializing in human interaction with augmented reality and a self-developed YodaOS-Master operation system. Known for their high-performance AR glasses, Rokid provides immersive, user-friendly solutions across industries, from entertainment to education. With this collaboration, Rokid AR Spatial brings a new scenario to AeroBand’s musical products by projecting real-time chord diagrams, drum patterns, and visual effects, creating an engaging and efficient learning experience for users.
At CES 2025, attendees have the chance to witness and experience this groundbreaking innovation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this immersive integration transforms how you learn, practice, and perform music.
Discover the Groundbreaking AeroBand Guitar
The AeroBand Guitar is designed to redefine smart guitars with its innovative features, offering an exceptional experience for beginners and seasoned players alike:
- Silicone Strings: Soft and easy-to-press strings with zero string height make chord learning effortless, especially for beginners.
- All-in-One Design: Integrates a drum loops, microphone, speaker, amplifier, and sound card for versatile music creation and performance.
- Nine Tone: From acoustic to electric guitar, users can explore nine distinct tones to suit any musical mood or genre.
- Portable and Lightweight: The detachable design makes the guitar easy to carry and play anywhere.
When paired with Rokid AR Spatial, the AeroBand Guitar becomes even more powerful. Users can view real-time chord positions, receive instant feedback on finger placement, and enjoy enhanced visual effects that make playing more fun and interactive.
PocketDrum: A Compact and Dynamic Drumming Experience
AeroBand’s PocketDrum offers a unique virtual drumming experience. With Rokid AR technology, users can visualize drum patterns in real-time, making practice more intuitive and engaging through dynamic visual guidance.
A Leap Forward for Music and Technology
This partnership represents a bold step for the music education and entertainment industries. By combining AeroBand’s innovative instruments with Rokid’s advanced AR technology, this experience offers:
- Faster Learning: Real-time chord and drum pattern visualizations make practice easier and more effective.
- Immersive Performance: Dynamic AR effects elevate the music-playing experience to a new level.
- Seamless Interaction: Real-time feedback and augmented visuals create a captivating and enjoyable user experience.
AeroBand and Rokid share a vision to combine creativity and technology, delivering innovative experiences that set a new benchmark for immersive music. They aim to inspire and engage global audiences by bridging the gap between music and augmented reality.
One Melody, One JETOUR: JETOUR Announces Partnership with EDM Superstar Alan Walker
JETOUR has announced a groundbreaking partnership with global EDM icon Alan Walker. As part of this collaboration, Walker will create a brand theme song for JETOUR, blending the brand’s “Travel+” philosophy with his unique musical style. Scheduled for worldwide release in January 2025, the song aims to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, inspiring audiences globally to embrace travel and pursue a better life.
Since his 2014 breakthrough with “Fade,” Alan Walker has captivated millions with his signature electronic sound and ethereal vocals. His global hit “Faded” amassed over 1.2 billion views on YouTube and topped charts worldwide. With a strong presence on social media and platforms like Spotify, Walker has become a leading figure in electronic music.
This collaboration reflects JETOUR and Walker’s shared passion for travel, freedom, and dreams. Walker’s music, known for evoking a sense of exploration and aspiration, aligns seamlessly with JETOUR’s strategic “Travel+” positioning. The partnership will infuse “Travel+ Music” with youthful, fashionable, and vibrant energy, enhancing JETOUR’s global influence.
Music, a universal language, serves as a bridge connecting humanity. Through this collaboration, JETOUR and Alan Walker embody the vision of “One World, One JETOUR, One Travel+,” combining music and travel to create a richer, more memorable experience. The tailor-made theme song promises to awaken an inner yearning for freedom and adventure, bringing art and travel together in a new way.
Looking ahead, JETOUR will continue its commitment to the “Travel+” strategy, offering diverse experiences and encouraging global consumers to explore the infinite charm of travel. This collaboration marks another step in ensuring every journey becomes a beautiful and unforgettable adventure.
Yamaha Announces Jon Batiste and CeCe Winans at The 2025 NAMM Show
Yamaha, the world-leading manufacturer of musical instruments, has unveiled an extraordinary lineup of renowned artists set to captivate audiences at The NAMM Show. Kicking off January 23, Yamaha will host a two-night concert series featuring exclusive performances from Jon Batiste and CeCe Winans that promise to light up the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage.
Adding to the excitement, Yamaha will showcase the custom Yamaha pianos created for Alicia Keys’ 2023 “Keys to the Summer Tour.” Designed and rendered by Justin Elliott, these iconic instruments once played by Alicia Keys include a dazzling plexiglass grand with silver sparkle and a sleek plexiglass upright. Attendees can also visit the Yamaha booth to experience additional live performances from a diverse roster of talented artists.
“This year at NAMM, we are thrilled to present two brilliant, can’t-miss performances on our Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage. On Thursday, the annual Night of Worship will feature the soul-stirring magic of gospel legend CeCe Winans! Friday will feature the infectious musical joy and uplifting energy of the wildly talented Jon Batiste,” says Chris Gero, vice president and chief artist relations executive at Yamaha Artist Relations Group, who continues to say, “These amazing concerts promise unforgettable nights for all.”
This year’s featured performances include:
- Legendary gospel singer CeCe Winans will headline the Night of Worship on Thursday, January 23.
- CeCe Winans: The best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, Winans has long since cemented her status as one of the most accomplished and celebrated women in music history.
- An Evening With Jon Batiste on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will feature a performance by award-winning performer and instrumentalist Jon Batiste on Friday, January 24.
- Jon Batiste: The Grammy and Academy Award-winning instrumentalist, composer, bandleader and singer, Batiste is taking over the music world with his unique voice on piano and his many hit collaborations with notable artists. Batiste recently released his eighth studio album, Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1), earning his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Albums Chart.
Pollstar Unveils Refreshed Brand, Digital Transformation & Enhanced Data Capabilities
Pollstar, the trusted voice and leading resource for the live entertainment industry, is proud to announce a bold new chapter in its storied history. The new Pollstar will feature a refreshed brand reinvention, digital platform and data resources, while remaining the premier publication for the global live industry.
As part of this transformation, and aligning with its sustainability commitment, beginning mid-February 2025 Pollstar will shift to a monthly print schedule and introduce a new weekly digital edition exclusively for subscribers to deliver timely reporting and personalized features. These leading-edge services will include predictive analytics and query-based global insights derived from Pollstar’s industry-leading database spanning the last 43 years of live entertainment. Rounding out the new offerings is a redesigned and streamlined website that will deliver faster access to breaking news, data, and analytics while also creating a seamless user journey for subscribers and casual visitors alike. These updates reflect Pollstar’s unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled insights, analysis, and industry-leading reporting.
“Pollstar has been the most trusted resource for the live entertainment industry for decades, and this evolution marks an exciting new chapter,” said Andy Gensler, Editor-in-Chief, Pollstar. “Digital adoption has soared over the past decade fundamentally changing the way our subscribers and the larger consumer market engage with our content and data. With this new digital overhaul, we’re adapting to these shifts by leaning heavily into digital technology, data-driven personalization and a new enhanced website. These new features will allow us to deliver first-class editorial, reporting, and experiences that meet the needs of today’s industry professionals and live entertainment enthusiasts ensuring that Pollstar remains the Voice of Live for decades to come.”
As part of this transition, VenuesNow will merge into Pollstar, further strengthening Pollstar‘s editorial excellence and expanding the VenuesNow brand reach through cutting-edge digital platforms. Pollstar subscribers will now enjoy VenuesNow content enabling readers to stay current on the ever-evolving venue side of the live industry ecosystem as venues continue to look to ways to enhance the artist and fan experience. Pollstar is upgrading its leading-edge live industry data with more streamlined reporting, integration of AI and in-depth industry analysis that will also include greater global market coverage. Additionally, Pollstar will remain committed to publish its special issues, including Impact 50, Women of Live, VN All-Stars and NextGen, as well as our industry-leading directories.
Pollstar will continue to host its highly anticipated annual panels and conferences, which have long been a cornerstone of thought leadership and innovation in the live entertainment industry, including the upcoming Production Live!, Pollstar Live!, and VenuesNow Conference. As part of the rebrand, these events will be enhanced to deliver even greater value, including expanded opportunities for networking and collaboration, with upgraded programming and experiences. These enhancements reinforce Pollstar‘s commitment to being the trusted industry leader and innovator in creating spaces where live professionals can come together to share insights, address challenges and shape the future of live entertainment.
Pollstar’s rebrand recognizes the rapidly evolving motivations and expectations of its subscribers and the increasing interest of live event enthusiasts to continue delivering exceptional reporting and multidimensional data insights. Pollstar remains committed to its pillars of data and innovation, leveraging enhanced capabilities to foster deeper connections with its audiences and stronger industry partnerships. These efforts will ensure Pollstar remains the go-to source for live entertainment while expanding its reach through digital channels and ensure it continues to lead the conversation in live entertainment for years to come.

