TWENTY ONE PILOTS: New Album in September
Twenty One Pilots have announced a new album called Breach that will be out in September. The first single from the project, "The Contract," will be out on June 12th. The duo posted on its social media, "Hello Clancy, hello Blurryface, let’s finish this,” which is a reference to "Paladin Strait," the closing track from 2024's Clancy.
GORILLAZ: Mark 25 Years With Shows and Exhibition
Gorillaz will mark 25 years since their debut single with a new exhibition and a series of small venue shows. House of Kong will run at London's Copper Box from August 8th to September 3rd and it will show the “life of misadventures, musical innovation and ground-breaking virtual ways” for the virtual band of bassist Murdoc Niccals, singer 2D, drummer Russel Hobbs and guitarist Noodle, which were created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. Albarn will also do four Gorillaz shows at the Copper Box Arena, with House of Kong exhibition ticket holders getting exclusive presale access to the shows.
JUDAS PRIEST: New Doc in the Works
Judas Priest is the latest artist to be the subject a feature-length documentary. The Ballad of Judas Priest is co-directed by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Sam Dunn. It's Morello's directing debut. Dunn is the co-owner of Bangor Films and has a lengthy résumé of directing critically acclaimed rock documentaries like Iron Maiden: Flight 666, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage and ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band From Texas. Judas Priest says in a statement, “We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way…the cassock comes off, revealing Priest in all its metal glory!” No release date has been announced for the film.
BLACK SABBATH: Iommi Teams Up With Page's Mortal Enemy
Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath might want to avoid social engagements with Jimmy Page any time soon. That's because Iommi plays guitar on "Rocket," the new single from British pop star Robbie Williams who Page has clashed with over the years. You can check out the song on YouTube. Page and Williams are neighbors in West London and they have been feuding for over a decade about various renovations Williams has proposed to his home. The latest scuffle happened last November when Williams wanted to cut down a tree he claimed had fungus
U2's Bono Announces "Stories Of Surrender" Live EP
U2 frontman Bono is announcing the release of a live EP, "Stories of Surrender," to accompany the premier of his Apple Original Film of the same name. It features live recording from his one-man-show inspired by the singer's autobiography "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story." The limited edition three-track live EP will be available digitally and on a seven inch limited edition black vinyl. "Stories of Surrender," the live EP, will be out on May 30th.
Nancy Wilson Covers "Fight The Good Fight" On Triumph Tribute Album
Call it a "triumphant" cover for Nancy Wilson. The Heart guitarist and singer performs "Fight the Good Fight" on the forthcoming album "Magic Power: All Star Tribute to Triumph."Sometimes overshadowed by another Canadian rock trio, Triumph's original lineup was comprised of lead singer Rik Emmett, bassist and keyboardist Mike Levine, and drummer Gil Moore. Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, who performed lead vocals at a Triumph show in 1993, contributes two songs on the tribute album.Also included on the tribute album are Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, Starship's Mickey Thomas, and singer Jason Scheff, who spent more than three decades with Chicago after Peter Cetera left."Magic Power: All Star Tribute to Triumph" is set for a June 6th release.
KEVIN CRONIN: On the Other Side of the Stage
Kevin Cronin posted a video on Instagram of him and his wife Lisa recently attending a James Taylor
concert in California, where they live. He captioned it, "A soulful date night with my soulmate," to which
Sammy Hagar, who shares the same manager as Cronin, commented, "As it should be every date night -- must have soul." Instead of Cronin having VIP access, he entered along with the masses, and, as he points out in the video, he has a whole new respect for what we go through -- from the lines, going through security and buying two glasses of Chardonnay for $44. Asked how it feels to be a normal person attending a concert, he said, "I'm glad I don't have to do it all the time. I'm not accustomed to this part of the concert experience, but it really makes me appreciate the fans so much more." But he adds that seeing "Sweet Baby James" was worth it. Cronin will join Styx and Don Felder on the Brotherhood of Rock tour starting May 28th in Greenville, South Carolina.
Halestorm, Motionless In White, And More Confirmed For Next Year's Shiprocked Cruise
The 2026 ShipRocked cruise, sailing from Miami to the Bahamas on January 25th through the 31st, will feature top rock bands like Halestorm, Motionless In White, and Knocked Loose. The Carnival Horizon will stop at Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key, and Nassau. Other bands planned to be on board include Wage War, AWOLNATION, Suicidal Tendencies, and Kittie, with over 25 acts total. Halestorm will perform a special show on the final night before leaving Nassau. Fans can enjoy live band karaoke, a dodgeball tournament, and other fun cruise activities. The event is nearly sold out, but some cabins are still available.
IN OTHER NEWS
Ace Frehley has canceled his shows this weekend in Madison, Wisconsin and St. Charles, Illinois. He says, “Although not serious, I am ill and don't feel that I am capable of the rigorous travel or performing up to my usual standards this weekend. I extend my deepest regrets and most sincere apologies for having to cancel. I thank you all for your understanding in the matter. All love to my fans, Ace".
Metallica have shared a live video from the Load box set due out June 13th. It's “Devil’s Dance,“ recorded on September 3rd, 1995 in Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Watch it on YouTube. The song wouldn't be released until Reload in 1997.
Noel Gallagher of Oasis and Robert Plant guest on a new covers album from Paul Weller called Find El Dorado. It’s due out July 25th. Weller covers songs by The Kinks, The Bee Gees, Richie Havens and more.
John Mayer of Dead & Company posted a video about the new acoustic guitar strings he designed with Ernie Ball on Instagram, and he got immediate feedback from one fan. Sammy Hagar commented, "In my opinion, this man is one of the best on the planet at standing there with an acoustic guitar and bringing a song home. Absolutely one of the best."
The Pinkpop festival in The Netherlands has opened up its archives and posted full sets on YouTube. They include Rage Against the Machine from 1993, The Smashing Pumpkins from 1994, Faith No More from 1995 and Deftones from 1998.
Sublime have announced a three-day destination event called Fear, Loathing and Sublime in Las Vegas at the Park MGM from August 14th through the 16th. Other acts performing include Pennywise, The Vandals, The Ataris and Long Beach Dub Allstars.