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Hudson Westbrook Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut Ahead of ‘Texas Forever’ Album Release

Eric Alper
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Hudson Westbrook Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut Ahead of ‘Texas Forever’ Album Release

River House Artists / Warner Music Nashville rising Texas star Hudson Westbrook marked a major milestone in his career last night (7/22) as he made his Grand Ole Opry debut. A nearly sold-out Opry house watched as he stepped into the Circle for the first time and shared a captivating three-song introduction. 

Playing “Take Your Time,” “Sober,” and his on-fire debut country radio single “House Again” for the packed out crowd, Westbrook brought Texas with him as he stepped center stage. His “blend of grit, twang and Lone Star State confidence” (Billboard) connected, with fans from the front row to the rafters giving Westbrook a standing ovation at the close of his set.

“It was one of the great honors of my life,” Westbrook shares of the moment. “To perform in the Circle and become part of the 100-year history of the Opry was surreal.”

Tonight, Westbrook headlines a sold-out Marathon Music Works in Nashville. His set will be broadcast live on SiriusXM’s The Highway at 10:15p ET / 7:15p PT, including a live pre-concert interview with host Buzz Brainard.

Westbrook releases his 17-track debut album Texas Forever this Friday, July 25. Pre-add / pre-save HERE.

Hudson Westbrook 2025 Tour Dates

7/23: Nashville, TN (Marathon Music Works) *SOLD OUT* 

7/25: Charlotte, NC (Underground) *SOLD OUT* 

7/26: Anderson, SC (Rock The Country)

7/31: Morrison, CO (Red Rocks Amphitheater) *

8/1: West Valley City, UT (Maverick Center) *

8/2: Missoula, MT (Big Sky Brewing Amphitheater) *

8/7: Durant, OK (Choctaw Casino)

8/8: Houston, TX (713 Music Hall)

8/9: Graham, TX (Graham Summer Concert Series) 

8/14: Sedalia, MO (Missouri State Fair) 

8/15: Omaha, NE (The Astro)

8/16: Imperial, NE (Chase County Fair)

8/22: Fort Worth, TX (Bulls, Bands, & Barrels)

8/23: Portales, NM (Roosevelt County Fair) 

8/28: Midland, TX (Horseshoe Amphitheater)

8/29 Lubbock, TX (Cook’s Garage)

8/30: LaGrange, TX (Fayette County Fair)

9/4: Cleveland, OH (Jacob’s Pavillion)

9/5: Newport, KY (MegaCorp Pavillion)

9/6: Peoria, IL (CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing)

9/12: Shreveport, LA (Shreveport Municipal Auditorium) 

9/13: Pryor, OK (Born & Raised) 

9/18: Baltimore, MD (Pier Six Pavillion) *

9/19: Charlotte, NC (Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre) *

9/20: Raleigh, NC (Red Hat Amphitheatre) *

10/2: University Park, PA (Bryce Jordan Center) *

10/4: Tiney Park, IL (Credit Union I Amphitheatre) *

10/9: Denver, CO (Mission Ballroom) 

10/10: Grand Junction, CO (Warehouse 25 Sixty Five) 

10/11: Salt Lake City, UT (REDWEST)

10/17: Christoval, TX (Cooper’s BBQ Live)

10/31: Little Rock, AR (First Security Amphitheater)

11/7: Irving, TX (Toyota Music Factory)

11/13: Statesboro, GA (The Blue Room)

11/15: Dothan, AL (Dothan Civic Center) 

11/21: St Augustine, FL (St. Augustine Amphitheatre)

11/22: Fort Myers, FL (The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon)

11/23: St. Petersburg, FL (St. Pete Country Fest)

Headline date

* with Parker McCollum

“Buckingham Nicks” Finally Returns: Duo’s 1973 Cult Classic Gets First-Ever Reissue September 19

Eric Alper
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“Buckingham Nicks” Finally Returns: Duo’s 1973 Cult Classic Gets First-Ever Reissue September 19

 Buckingham Nicks, the only studio album by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks as a duo, will be reissued for the first time on September 19. Originally released in 1973 and unavailable for decades, the album has been sourced from the original analog master tapes for its long-awaited return to vinyl, as well as hi-res digital files for its CD and digital release. 

Released on September 5, 1973, Buckingham Nicks quickly faded from commercial view but never disappeared from the cultural conversation. Recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Keith Olsen, the album introduced Nicks and Buckingham’s tightly wound harmonies and sharply contrasting songwriting voices across 10 tracks—ranging from the folk-rock shimmer of “Crystal” to the sunbaked strut of “Don’t Let Me Down Again.” 

Its legend only grew with time. In late 1974, Mick Fleetwood visited Sound City while scouting studios to record Fleetwood Mac’s next album. To showcase both his production work and the studio’s sound, Olsen blasted “Frozen Love” for Fleetwood in Studio A. The song reflected the full scope of the album’s ambition and chemistry—and immediately caught the drummer’s attention.

Soon after, when Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Welch left the band, Fleetwood reached out to offer Buckingham the spot. Instead of agreeing, Buckingham insisted that he and Nicks were a package deal. Fleetwood agreed, and on New Year’s Eve 1974, the two officially joined Fleetwood Mac—launching one of the most celebrated chapters in the band’s history.

Though their work with Fleetwood Mac would eclipse it commercially, Buckingham Nicks endures as a testament to what came just before: a partnership in full creative bloom. “[We] knew what we had as a duo, two songwriters that sang really well together. And it was a very natural thing, from the beginning,” Nicks recalls in the Rhino High Fidelity liner notes, written by longtime music journalist David Fricke. 

They may have been inexperienced when they made the album, Buckingham says, “but it stands up in a way you hope it would, by these two kids who were pretty young to be doing that work.”

Buckingham Nicks (Rhino High Fidelity) was cut by Kevin Gray from the original masters and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Optimal. Available exclusively at Rhino.com and internationally at select Warner Music Group stores, the album is limited to 5,000 individually numbered copies. A special version (limited to 2,000 copies) includes two replica 7-inch singles featuring the original single mixes of “Crying In The Night” b/w “Stephanie” and “Don’t Let Me Down Again” b/w “Races Are Run.” 

The record opens with a Nicks original, “Crying In The Night, “an earthy preview of what was coming for Fleetwood Mac with cascading harmonies.” The track is available digitally today ahead of the full release. 

Buckingham Nicks will be available from Rhino on CD and digitally with remastered sound by Chris Bellman, who also cut lacquers for several 1LP color vinyl variants: Custard (Amazon), Baby Pink (indie stores), Violet (Books A Million, and Baby Blue (general retail).

BUCKINGHAM NICKS (RHINO HIGH FIDELITY) 

LP Track Listing

Side One

  1. “Crying In The Night”
  2. “Stephanie”
  3. “Without A Leg To Stand On”
  4. “Crystal”
  5. “Long Distance Winner”

Side Two

  1. “Don’t Let Me Down Again”
  2. “Django”
  3. “Races Are Run”
  4. “Lola (My Love)”
  5. “Frozen Love”

BUCKINGHAM NICKS SINGLES

  1. “Crying In The Night” (Single Version)
  2. “Stephanie” (Single Version)
  1. “Don’t Let Me Down Again” (Single Version)
  2. “Races Are Run” (Single Version)

Tom Petty’s “Somewhere You Feel Free: The Making of Wildflowers” Gets First-Ever Blu-ray Release

Eric Alper
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0
Tom Petty’s “Somewhere You Feel Free: The Making of Wildflowers” Gets First-Ever Blu-ray Release

Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free: The Making of Wildflowers will see its Blu-ray debut on September 12, marking the critically acclaimed documentary’s first-ever release in a physical format. The Blu-ray edition will include 30 minutes of bonus content, featuring outtakes from the film and four promotional videos from 2020. 

Produced by Peter Afterman with executive producers Mary Wharton, Dan Braun and Adria Petty and presented by Warner Records, the documentary illuminates an artist at the height of his powers, providing an intimate and moving look at an enigmatic icon. Watch the trailer below and pre-order it on Blu-ray HERE. 

The uplifting 89-minute documentary offers a look into the creative mastery and turbulent personal life of the legendary rock star, capturing the period of 1993-1995 when Petty worked with legendary producer Rick Rubin for the first time. The film is an unvarnished look at Petty that features a collection of 16mm film that was discovered in Tom Petty’s archive in 2020, including unseen footage captured during the making of Petty’s personal masterpiece, Wildflowers. The film includes interviews with Rubin, Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell, Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench, Petty’s daughter Adria and many more. The picture also digs deeper into 2020’s critically acclaimed certified gold reissue Wildflowers & All The Rest collection, released via Warner Records, which revealed the long anticipated second half of Tom’s autobiographical masterpiece.  

Somewhere You Feel Free was directed by award-winning filmmaker Mary Wharton (Jimmy Carter: Rock and Roll President, Sam Cooke: Legend, Elvis Lives!, The Beatles Revolution) and first debuted in March, 2021 as an Official SXSW 2021 Selection, winning the festival’s Audience Award. The film went on to win Best Documentary Film at the Boulder Film Festival, Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Picture at The Producers Guild of America Awards, was AFI Docs’ Official Selection and received widespread critical acclaim throughout the film festival season. 

Over his 40-year career, Tom Petty became a beloved American rock & roll icon, world renowned for his songwriting and his incredible band the Heartbreakers. In addition to the 13 studio albums he made with the Heartbreakers, Petty recorded three solo albums, including the acclaimed Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers. Petty was also a member of the supergroup, Traveling Wilburys, and in the pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch.

Hailed as one of the greatest rock music artists of all time, Petty’s honors include Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and multiple Grammy Awards. He has sold over 85 million records, amassed over 5 billion streams and performed to over 140 million fans worldwide. Tom Petty passed away in 2017 shortly after completing his 40th anniversary tour, leaving behind a trove of unreleased material. His music continues to reach fans, both new and old, around the world today.

OMG Girlz Serve Confidence and Bass on Sizzling New Single “Tea”

Eric Alper
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0
OMG Girlz Serve Confidence and Bass on Sizzling New Single “Tea”

The “Tea” is red-hot as powerhouse Atlanta female R&B trio OMG Girlz – Zonnique “Star” Pullins, Bahja “Beauty” Rodriguez, and Breaunna “Babydoll” Womack – serve their head-turning single via Pretty Hustle.

“‘Tea’ is a bold, feel-good anthem about flaunting what you’ve got and owning it, no matter your body type. It’s inclusive, empowering, and made to make you move,” shares OMG Girlz. “As the big sister to our track ‘Gucci This (Gucci That),’ it marks a pivotal moment for us, as we return to our roots, balancing a more grown-up sound with a nostalgic energy. We’re still all about self-love, confidence, and unapologetic fun. ‘Tea’ is about being bold, celebrating your body, and showing up exactly as you are – with no apologies.”

Under producers Tommy Brown, Damare “Mob” Mobley, and Pacific-Joshua “Glitch” Zagabe, the track’s thick bassline thumps and wobbles while breathy vocals dip in and out of hypnotic claps. Once the beat kicks in, the ladies spit some game, “You can take a seat / And I’ll teach you a lesson.” Picking up the pace, they boost the bars with boasts à la “Know I’m hot across the States / From Atlanta to LA” and “I’m the baddest – The baddest in the room.” It all culminates on a chantable chorus punctuated by the trio’s charisma, attitude, and spirit. Meant to empower, “Tea” – written by Rodriguez, Womack, Pullins, Serrin Joy Scrutchings, and Alivia “Blue” Roberts – is a reminder to never stop celebrating who you are. As such, it also picks up a thread from their formative material, championing femininity and serving confidence always.

Welcoming a very special chapter for OMG Girlz, they first teased “Tea” in front of a packed house earlier this month at 2025 Essence Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola in New Orleans. Lighting up the stage with a showstopping performance during Coca-Cola presents the Summer of Uplift Block Party, OMG Girlz (from If Not For My Girls: Season 7) also participated in a panel with Reginae Carter.

Last summer, OMG Girlz canvased the country supporting 2024 The Queens of R&B Tour, co-headlined by Xscape and SWV. They amped up the energy in packed arenas and amphitheaters, setting the tone for the evening and shining in every major city. Not to mention, the group parlayed this momentum into a series of singles, including “Motion” and “Make A Scene.”

After initially taking flight in 2010 and reigniting their creative fire in 2023, the next era of OMG Girlz is well underway, and it’s bound to be their biggest, boldest, and best yet with more details on the way.

Hatebreed Drop Vicious New Single “Make the Demons Obey,” Wrap Summer Slaughter 2025 With Fugitive, Gridiron & More

Eric Alper
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0
Hatebreed Drop Vicious New Single “Make the Demons Obey,” Wrap Summer Slaughter 2025 With Fugitive, Gridiron & More

Hatebreed has just unleashed a crushing new single, “Make the Demons Obey,” marking their first new music since 2020’s Weight of the False Self. The track made its debut on SiriusXM Liquid Metal.

Frontman Jamey Jasta shares his excitement, “Lots of bands say that their newest release will be their heaviest and I guess we are no different. We’ve managed to push the envelope and surpass our expectations. We’ve become tighter, harder and more vicious than ever. This is the most excited I’ve been for any Hatebreed release.”

Drummer Matt Byrne adds, “Very exciting things are happening in the Hatebreed camp. It’s time to unleash this beast — new music is here! This is the fastest, most vicious, and most aggressive music we have ever created and I’m pumped for the world to hear it.”

Hatebreed is currently independent and exploring options for a record label. In the meantime, they’ll be releasing singles and self-funding their upcoming album.

Guitarist Wayne Lozinak is recovering after being diagnosed with a benign meningioma in his brain while on tour in Europe. He’ll undergo surgery and treatment and is expected to make a full return to the stage.

This summer, Hatebreed revived the annual Summer Slaughter Tour for 2025, which concludes on July 28th in Grand Rapids. The tour is renowned for featuring emerging heavy bands alongside established headliners. Jasta is committed to continuing this tradition, providing a platform for the scene’s best up-and-comers.

This year’s lineup includes Fugitive, Gridiron, Malevolence, Incite, Escuela Grind, and Snuffed on Sight on select dates.

The Weeknd, Shakira, Tyla & More to Perform at 2025 Global Citizen Festival on September 27 in Central Park

Eric Alper
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0
The Weeknd, Shakira, Tyla & More to Perform at 2025 Global Citizen Festival on September 27 in Central Park

Just days after producing the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show, international advocacy organization Global Citizen announces the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, set to take place on Central Park’s Great Lawn on September 27th. The Weeknd and Shakira will headline this year’s festival, with performances by Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist. Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will host the event, with additional participants to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2025 Global Citizen Festival campaign will focus on providing energy access for one million people across Africa, ensuring 30,000 children around the world can access a quality education and football, in partnership with FIFA, mobilizing $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and registering 40,000 New Yorkers to volunteer across the city. Tickets to the Global Citizen Festival are free and can be earned by taking action on these issues on the Global Citizen app or at globalcitizenfestival.com.

“I’m honored to headline the incredible Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this September. Music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world. I can’t wait to perform, unite, and inspire action,” Shakira says.

“The 2025 Global Citizen Festival marks my eleventh year as host, and I’m thrilled by the progress we’ve made over the years,” adds Hugh Jackman, Global Citizen Ambassador. “The growing impact of the Global Citizen movement touches every corner of the world, and I’m eager to advocate alongside my fellow ambassadors, performers, world leaders, and private sector executives to leave the world better than we found it.”

The Global Citizen Festival is presented by Cisco. Major partners are Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, PayPal and Venmo, and P&G; Production Partner Live Nation; Exclusive U.S. Audio Partner iHeartMedia; and Location Partner New York City Parks. The 2025 Global Citizen Festival is produced by Emmy Award-winning production companies Done+Dusted and Diversified Production Services.

Fans can earn free tickets by downloading the app and taking action towards providing energy access for one million people across Africa, mobilizing $200 million to protect 30 million Hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and providing access to education for 30,000 children around the world.

The 2025 Global Citizen Festival campaign is also calling on governments, philanthropies, and the private sector to fund essential services of healthcare, nutrition, and safe classrooms that make it possible for children to access educational opportunities.

Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday advocates raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Since the movement began, $49 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond.

Thrice Announce ‘Horizons/West’ Album With New Single “Gnash,” Tour With Modern Color & Downward Begins Oct 17

Eric Alper
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Thrice Announce ‘Horizons/West’ Album With New Single “Gnash,” Tour With Modern Color & Downward Begins Oct 17

Thrice return with Horizons/West, their highly anticipated new album set for release on October 3, 2025 via Epitaph Records. The announcement arrives alongside the release of the record’s blistering lead single, “Gnash,” available now on all streaming platforms. Pre-sale for the Horizons/West vinyl and exclusive merch is available now at ThriceMerch.com.

Serving as a companion to 2021’s Horizons/East, the new full-length album continues the band’s bold sonic exploration and philosophical depth, while standing firmly as its own statement. Horizons/West blends cinematic post-rock textures, intricate rhythms, and the raw urgency that defined Thrice’s early work, offering an album that’s equal parts introspection and confrontation.

“This is the first time we leaned into something that felt like a direct continuation, like a sequel to a previous album,” says frontman Dustin Kensrue.

Horizons/West was produced and engineered by the band at New Grass Studios, with mixing and additional production by Scott Evans and mastering by Matthew J. Barnhart, both of whom also worked on Thrice’s The Artist in The Ambulance (Revisited), (2023). The release continues the band’s long-standing DIY ethos and adventurous spirit.

The album also marks a lyrical deep dive into themes of personal identity, societal manipulation, technological anxiety, and spiritual awakening. “A lot of this record is about parsing reality,” Kensrue explains. “We’re constantly being influenced by algorithms, by fear, by our own social echo chambers. Horizons/West tries to pull the curtain back on some of that. We’ve always just followed our curiosity, wherever it leads,” Kensrue reflects. “We want to keep growing, exploring, and making something that feels honest to who we are right now.”

HORIZONS/WEST TRACKLIST

1. Blackout
2. Gnash
3. Albatross
4. Undertow
5. Holding On
6. Dusk
7. The Dark Glow
8. Crooked Shadows
9. Distant Suns
10. Vesper Light
11. Unitive/West

Following the release, Thrice will embark on a nationwide headline tour this fall, joined by Modern Color and Downward. The tour kicks off October 17 in San Diego, CA, and includes stops in New York City, Toronto, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles, wrapping up November 23 in Anaheim, CA.

THRICE FALL 2025 TOUR DATES
w/ Modern Color and Downward

Oct 17 – San Diego, CA – Observatory NP
Oct 18 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
Oct 20 – Dallas, TX – HOB Dallas
Oct 21 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
Oct 23 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade Heaven
Oct 24 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus
Oct 25 – Orlando, FL – HOB Orlando
Oct 27 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
Oct 28 – Norfolk, VA – NorVa
Oct 29 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
Oct 31 – Boston, MA – HOB Boston
Nov 1 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Nov 2 – Philadelphia, PA – TLA
Nov 4 – Toronto, ON – Danforth
Nov 5 – Montreal, QC – Beanfield
Nov 7 – Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron
Nov 8 – Detroit, MI – Majestic
Nov 9 – Chicago, IL – HOB Chicago
Nov 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Fillmore Minneapolis
Nov 13 – Denver, CO – Summit
Nov 14 – Fort Collins, CO – Washington’s
Nov 15 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union
Nov 17 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore
Nov 18 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
Nov 19 – Portland, OR – Roseland
Nov 21 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom
Nov 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
Nov 23 – Anaheim, CA – HOB Anaheim
Nov 25 – Anaheim, CA – HOB Anaheim

Sevendust Announce Acoustic Tour Celebrating ‘Southside Double-Wide’ With Cory Marks

Eric Alper
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0
Sevendust Announce Acoustic Tour Celebrating ‘Southside Double-Wide’ With Cory Marks

 A tour from Sevendust that has been over 2 decades in the making. To celebrate the 21st anniversary of their beloved acoustic album Southside Double-Wide Acoustic Live, the band is hitting the road for an exclusive, intimate tour.

Fans can expect stripped-down versions of their hardest-hitting tracks, deep cuts, and emotional favorites including “Black,” “Beautiful” and “Angel’s Son” -all performed with the raw power and soul that the band comprised of Lajon Witherspoon, Clint Lowery, John Connolly, Vinny Hornsby and Morgan Rose are known for.

The tour kicks off on November 14 in Columbia MO and will make stops in Memphis, TN (November 15),Pittsburgh, PA (November 24), Kansas City, MO (December 5) among others before it wraps on December 12 in San Antonio, TX.

This rare acoustic journey brings a unique perspective to the band’s signature sound, offering an unforgettable night of music. Special guest Cory Marks will be opening the tour.

Nov 14 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
Nov 15 – Memphis, TN – Graceland
Nov 16 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
Nov 18 – Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion
Nov 19 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Jack White Theatre
Nov 21 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre
Nov 22 – Somerville, MA – Somerville Theatre
Nov 24 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
Nov 25 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Nov 26 – Bloomington, IL – Bloomington Center for The Performing Arts
Nov 28 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore
Nov 29 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom
Nov 30 – West Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom
Dec 2 – Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center
Dec 3 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
Dec 5 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman
Dec 6 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt
Dec 7 – St. Louis, MO – The Hawthorn
Dec 9 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore
Dec 10 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Dec 11 – Dallas, TX – Texas Theatre
Dec 12 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theatre

Ash Announce New Album Ad Astra, Share Lead Single “Give Me Back My World” Featuring Graham Coxon

Eric Alper
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0
Ash Announce New Album Ad Astra, Share Lead Single “Give Me Back My World” Featuring Graham Coxon

 Ash are today announcing their ninth studio album Ad Astra for release on October 3rd via Fierce Panda, and sharing its lead single ‘Give Me Back My World’.

Containing eleven brand new tracks, including their raucous take on surprise single and ‘Beetlejuice’ staple ‘Jump In The Line’, Ad Astra sees Graham Coxon appear on two particularly sassy songs and catches the perennial power-pop kings in especially rocket-fuelled form.

Ad Astra follows hot on the heels of Race The Night (the band’s highest charting album for 20 years), being released two years and one month later, and this is no coincidence. Ever the band who live for live music, Ash vowed that the fierce pandemic-induced five year chasm between [2018 album] Islands and Race The Night would never happen again.

Lead singer and guitarist Tim Wheeler comments on new single ‘Give Me Back My World’: “If I told you this song dates back to 2020 you’d hardly need a degree from the school of Marple, Holmes and Poirot to figure out what it’s getting at. And although those sentiments may be just a memory from the stand point of 2025, the song’s heart still feels relevant. In a time of chaos, disruption and angst there’s still a beautiful world out there and it’s worth fighting for.”

Continuing he says: “Have you ever had one of those moments where you feel the rug has been pulled from under you? Everything you took for granted goes up in smoke and you are no longer in control, and you can only look back in hindsight at a life that’s no longer yours? I think we’ve all had those moments. I think you can all relate to this song. But luckily for you it a) rails against this loss of control and b) is a total banger. So, fire it up and rage with us against the dying of the light.”

Bright Eyes Drop Surprise Single “1st World Blues” With Butter the Dog, The So So Glos & Ska-Inspired Video

Eric Alper
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0
Bright Eyes Drop Surprise Single “1st World Blues” With Butter the Dog, The So So Glos & Ska-Inspired Video

Continuing what has so far been a triumphant year of touring and new music, Bright Eyes has surprise-released a new single “1st World Blues.” The song, which makes a case for a fourth wave of ska, sees frontman Conor Oberst lamenting the current state of the world with its biting takedown of contemporary American capitalism, propelled by gang vocals and an infectious off-beat rhythm.

“1st World Blues” introduces a new sonic dimension from Bright Eyes and comes with a music video directed by Jared Sherbert, with animations by Sparks Studios. The video, which was shot on a hot summer day in Brooklyn, NY, features familiar faces like pro skater Nelly Morville, The So So Glos and producer/musician/mixer Adam Reich, while introducing a new star-in-the-making: Butter the dog.

“‘1st World Blues’ is an homage to ska in all its waves,” says Bright Eyes. “From Desmond Decker to Tim Armstrong, we’re just happy to add our track to the bin. The video is inspired by NYC 90s hip hop, which like ska, has a long tradition of unifying people & using celebratory music to convey subversive political themes. To be played loud. Windows down. Summertime.”

Bright Eyes’ high-octane, coast-to-coast North American tour will pick up again on August 26 in Ojai, CA, before heading to Vancouver and then Seattle for Bumbershoot Festival. In November, the band will head to Asia for rare performances in Singapore, Osaka and Tokyo.

In May, the trio celebrated the 25th anniversary of their beloved 2000 album Fevers & Mirrors with a powerful new recording of the album’s plaintive closing track “A Song To Pass The Time”, available exclusively on Bandcamp. Bright Eyes also teamed up with longtime friends and collaborators Cursive to release “Recluse I Don’t Have to Love,” a mashup of their modern classic fan favorites “Lover I Don’t Have To Love” (by Bright Eyes) and “The Recluse” (by Cursive). The mashup was released on National Trans Day of Visibility, with all profits going to The Poison Oak Project.

Bright Eyes on Tour:
Tuesday, Aug 26 – Ojai, CA – Libbey Bowl
Wednesday, Aug 27 – Sonoma, CA – Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Thursday, Aug 28 – Forest Grove, OR – McMenamins Grand Lodge
Friday, Aug 29 – Vancouver, BC – Malkin Bowl
Saturday, Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot 2025
Monday, Sep 1 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall
Tuesday, Sep 2 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
Wednesday, Sep 3 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues Las Vegas
Thursday, Nov 27 – Singapore, Singapore – Capitol Theatre
Wednesday, Dec 3 – Osaka, Japan – Yogibo META VALLEY
Thursday, Dec 4 – Tokyo, Japan – EX THEATER ROPPONGI

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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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