LA County Fair in Pomona, Calif. - 2025 Concert Series details

The 2025 LA County Fair Concert Series is on sale now at ticketmaster.com. Concert tickets include Fair admission. The fair runs May 2-26.

Here is the lineup:

Friday, May 2: WAR
Saturday, May 3: Shaggy and Common Kings
Sunday, May 4: Los Angeles Azules
Friday, May 9: The O’Jays, Tower of Power
Saturday, May 10: Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Alicia Villareal
Sunday, May 11: Chris Young
Friday, May 16: Zapp, Midnight Star
Saturday, May 17: DRU HILL, Mýa
Sunday, May 18: Los Tucanes de Tijuana
Friday, May 23: Cheap Trick, opening act TBA
Saturday, May 24: TBA
Sunday, May 25: Los Huracanes del Norte

Due to maintenance of the Grandstand, the LA County Fair Concert Series will move to a new field venue for 2025.

Daily Fair admission tickets are on sale now, as are season passes. Buy online at lacountyfair.com.

The 103rd anniversary LA County Fair is set to ignite the creative spirit of visitors in 2025 with its theme, “Art Unleashed.” From home arts to culinary masterpieces, visual wonders to captivating performances, the Fair promises an unforgettable celebration of artistic expression.

For information about the Fair, visit lacountyfair.com.

Billy Idol sets nationwide tour with Joan Jett and long-awaited new album in April

Exciting news! I interviewed Billy for his Kings & Queens of the Underground album and have reviewed him many times in concert, including Cruel World Festival '23 (see elsewhere on this blog)...

Billy Idol has unveiled details of his first full-length album of new music in over a decade.

Dream Into It is out April 25 on Dark Horse Records, featuring appearances by Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett and Alison Mosshart of The Kills. See below for a complete track list and album art, and pre-order the record HERE.

The new single “Still Dancing” just debuted alongside a video directed by Steven Sebring; stream/share the video and new track HERE.

“‘Still Dancing’ is really a reflection of my whole journey,” explains Idol, in a press release. “From the punk rock period through to now. And I’m still looking towards the future, still living the life I set out to live.

At the start of the song, I’m recalling the early times in London, when I was living in squats or at friends’ apartments, all my belongings in a plastic bag. Everybody at home or work told you what you were doing was never going to happen. But punk rock gave me an opening. I was surrounded by people who loved the music as deeply as I did and you were going to throw caution to the wind, believe in what you were doing and grab on for dear life.

“As the song says, there have been many moments along the way where I’ve been self destructive. But what’s seen me through is that unflinching belief in the music that started all those years ago. That’s been the greatest gift of all.”

Idol was recently nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. Fan voting is open through April 21 HERE, with inductees to be announced at the end of April.

Additionally, Idol is returning to the road for It’s a Nice Day To…Tour Again! Joan Jett & the Blackhearts will join Idol on all shows. Tickets are available at billyidol.net/tour, see below for a complete list of dates. Five dollars from every ticket sold to the Los Angeles show at Kia Forum will be donated to the American Red Cross to support Southern California Wildfire Relief. Billly Idol will also personally match this donation.

Last year, Idol celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his landmark sophomore album Rebel Yell with a Deluxe Expanded Edition out now via Capitol/UMe. Idol also recently released the concert film Billy Idol: State Line, a Vertigo Live concert film documenting his April 2023 show at the famed Hoover Dam—the first-ever concert performed at the location. The film highlights the history and significance of the Hoover Dam and includes two unique sets of Billy Idol’s iconic hits: a full band concert at sunset with special guests that electrified and illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon, and an acoustic duo set on the roof of the powerhouse at the foot of Hoover Dam straddling the Colorado River, directly on the Nevada/Arizona state line.

Track listing:

1. Dream Into It
2. 77 (featuring Avril Lavigne)
3. Too Much Fun
4. John Wayne (featuring Alison Mosshart)
5. Wildside (featuring Joan Jett)
6. People I Love
7. Gimme The Weight
8. I’m Your Hero
9. Still Dancing

Tour Dates: 

April 30—Phoenix, AZ—Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre*
May 3—Houston, TX—Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman*
May 4—Austin, TX—Moody Center*
May 7—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena*
May 9—Alpharetta, GA—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
May 10—Tampa, FL—MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
May 13—Sunrise, FL—Amerant Bank Arena*
May 16—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion*
May 17—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena*
May 20—Tinley Park, IL—Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre*
May 21—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center*
May 23—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage*
June 18—Northeim, DE—Waldbuhne
June 20—Copenhagen, DK—Copenhell
June 22—Milton Keynes, UK—Forever Now Festival
June 24—London, UK—Wembly Arena†
June 27—Munich, DE—Koenigsplatz
June 29—Bonn, DE—Kunstrasen
July 2—Wiesbaden, DE—Brita-Arena
Julu 4—Klam, AT—Clam Rock
July 5—Eisenstadt, AT—Lovely Days
July 8—Budapest, HU—Budapest Park
July 9—Belgrade, RS—Kalemegdan Park
August 16—Philadelphia, PA—TD Pavilion at The Mann*
August 17—Saratoga Springs, NY—Broadview Stage at SPAC*
August 20—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden Arena*
August 22—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion*
August 23—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center*
August 26—Bangor, ME—Maine Savings Amphitheatre*
August 28—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre*
August 30—Noblesville, IN—Ruoff Music Center*
August 31—Milwaukee, WI—American Family Insurance Amphitheatre*
September 3—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
September 5—Salt Lake City, UT—Utah First Credit Union Amphithatre*
September 12—Palm Springs, CA—Acrisure Arena*
September 14—Berkeley, CA—Greek Theater*‡
September 17—Wheatland, CA—Toyota Amphitheatre*
September 19—Ridgefield, WA—Cascades Amphitheater*
September 20—Seattle, WA—Climate Pledge Arena*
September 23—Chula Vista, CA—North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*
September 25—Los Angeles, CA—The Kia Forum*

* with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
† with New Model Army
‡ Non-Live Nation Date

BILLYIDOL.NET

Alt-rock mainstay Garbage to return with new album in May

Garbage will release new album Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, the alt-rock band's  eighth studio album, on May 30. It was co-produced by the band, Pre-order/presave HERE

Speaking about Garbage’s new album, singer Shirley Manson says in a statement:

"Going into making this record, I was determined to find a more hopeful, uplifting world to immerse myself in. The title of the album, Let All That We Imagine Be The Light is the perfect descriptor for this new record as a whole. When things feel dark it feels imperative to seek out forces that are light, positive and beautiful in the world. It almost feels like a matter of life and death. A strategy for survival."

She also stated, “Our last album was extremely forthright. Born out of frustration and outrage – it had a kind of scorched earth, pissed off quality to it. With this new record however, I felt a compulsion to reach for a different kind of energy. A more constructive one. I had this vision of us coming up out of the underground with searchlights as we moved towards the future. Searching for life, searching for love, searching for all the good things in the world that seem so thin on the ground right now. That was the over-riding idea during the making of this record for me - that when things feel dark, its best to try to seek out that which is light, that which feels loving and good. When I was young, I tended towards the destruction of things. Now that I’m older I believe it’s vitally important to build and to create things instead. I still entertain very old romantic ideals about community, society and the world. I don’t want to walk through the world creating havoc, damaging the land and people. I want to do good. I want to do no harm.” 

The Wisconsin-bred band is best known for such alt-rock radio hits as "Stupid Girl," "#1 Crush," "Push It,"  "I Think I'm Paranoid" and "Special" during the 1990s.

Garbage's Butch Vig says; “We used a lot of analogue synths and sound design on the album, as they seemed to fit the dystopian vibes we were all experiencing. We started recording the album with a clean slate, although given what’s happening in the US and the rest of the world, it’s inevitable that the madness starts to infiltrate the songs. But we definitely wanted the record to have some hope, some light, to convey the feeling that people have the power."

Speaking about the album’s opening track There’s No Future In Optimism, Manson continues: “I really wanted that song to open the album. It starts out with an anthemic call to arms, a clarion call. It’s pretty much a rallying cry to all likeminded people. If you are interested in meeting this world with love, if you are willing to invest in tenderness and not violence or hate, then we are with you. You should come with us.

I have to believe that music and art can still impact culture. I know it still impacts me - that mysterious power which no government on earth can co-opt or buy. Great music exists entirely within its own microcosm in a way - without any interference or corruptive influences. That’s what always makes it so pure and precious. Even though all the pointers in our society say otherwise, I do feel music still has the power to shift atoms, shift thinking and shift positions.”

Discussing the record’s final track, The Day That I Met God, the singer adds: “This is the opus on the record and explores the grand theme of great love, something I haven’t written about very much before now. The idea came to me when I was recovering from major surgery and I felt so raw, vulnerable and scared. I was on the treadmill for the first time following an operation when I suddenly felt this powerful sensation of healing love around me - it was a moment that uplifted me. It took me out from what had felt like hell. The vocal you hear is the writing demo, the first take. Just me sitting on the edge of my bed, in recovery, singing into a handheld microphone. I was feeling so vulnerable and I think that’s what lends the song added poignancy. It’s really a song about mortality but it’s also an expression of gratitude. Gratitude for getting older, gratitude for the longevity of our band, for good health, for the great mystery and for the ongoing, creative adventure of life”.

Garbage consists of all four original band members, Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker and Butch Vig. Over the 30 years since their inception in 1995, they have sold over 20 million albums. 

Track listing:

There’s No Future In Optimism
Chinese Fire Horse
Hold
Have We Met (The Void)
Sisyphus
Radical
Love To Give
Get Out My Face AKA Bad Kitty
R U Happy Now
The Day That I Met God

Goo Goo Dolls reveal cover of INXS’ “Don’t Change” on expanded 30th Anniversary reissue of 'A Boy Named Goo,' tour with Dashboard Confessional

Goo Goo Dolls debut a cover of INXS’ “Don’t Change,” which was recorded semi-acoustically for the radio show Modern Rock Live Los Angeles in 1996. This rendition will appear as a bonus track on the band’s 30th Anniversary reissue of their fifth studio album, A Boy Named Goo. The deluxe edition is set for release exactly 30 years to the day on March 14.

Listen to/share “Don’t Change (Modern Rock Live Los Angeles)” HERE and pre-order the 30th Anniversary deluxe edition HERE.

Originally released in 1995, A Boy Named Goo went 2x Platinum within a year of its release. Driven by the smash hit “Name,” the record also included the singles “Flat Top,” “Naked,” “Only One” and “Long Way Down.”

The 24-track, deluxe 2xLP format will include the original album, plus an unreleased live concert performance recorded in Las Vegas on March 10, 1996. The 2xCD deluxe edition contains 34 tracks and includes the live concert, plus 4 B-sides from the era and 6 songs recorded for Modern Rock Live. There is also a limited 2xLP edition pressed on sea blue vinyl available exclusively via the band’s webstore.

In addition, the band has an extensive run of summer tour dates with Dashboard Confessional. Kicking off on July 13, the “Summer Anthem Tour 2025” will bring the band to venues from coast-to-coast. Full tour routing can be found below while tickets can be purchased at googoodolls.com/tour.

The band will perform a career-encompassing set that features multiple songs from their 2022 album Chaos in Bloom along with other hits from their complete discography, including their global hit “Iris.” The 4x GRAMMY-nominated track is now Certified Diamond and has amassed over 2 billion streams worldwide.

Goo Goo Dolls will be partnering with Joe Torre Safe At Home for the tour, a nonprofit founded in 2002 by Ali and Joe Torre to provide healing and education services to youth who have been traumatized by exposure to violence including domestic violence, child abuse, teen dating abuse and sexual assault to help break the cycle of violence.

The band is currently in the studio working on their 15th studio album.

A BOY NAMED GOO (30TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)

TRACK LIST:

2xLP Deluxe Edition

LP1 - Original album

Side One:

1. Long Way Down
2. Burnin’ Up
3. Naked
4. Flat Top
5. Impersonality
6. Name

Side Two:
1. Only One
2. Somethin’ Bad
3. Ain’t That Unusual
4. So Long
5. Eyes Wide Open
6. Disconnected
7. Slave Girl

LP2 - Live At The Aladdin Theatre (Las Vegas, NV - 3/10/1996)

Side One:
1. Naked
2. Impersonality
3. Fallin’ Down
4. Burnin’ Up
5. Eyes Wide Open
6. Long Way Down

Side Two:
1. Only One
2. Hey
3. Slave Girl
4. Name
5. Flat Top

Note: This applies to the all retail black and the D2C sea blue exclusive.

2xCD Deluxe Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition

Original album:

1. Long Way Down
2. Burnin’ Up
3. Naked
4. Flat Top
5. Impersonality
6. Name
7. Only One
8. Somethin’ Bad
9. Ain’t That Unusual
10. So Long
11. Eyes Wide Open
12. Disconnected
13. Slave Girl

Deluxe Bonus Content:

1. Hit Or Miss (B-Side)
2. Nothing Can Change You (B-Side)
3. I Wanna Destroy You (Soft Boys Cover)
4. Wait For The Black Out (The Damned Cover)
5. Naked (Modern Rock Live New York)
6. Name (Modern Rock Live New York)
7. Another Second Time Around (Modern Rock Live New York)
8. Girl Right Next To Me (Modern Rock Live Los Angeles)
9. Name (Modern Rock Live Los Angeles)
10. Don’t Change (Modern Rock Live Los Angeles)
11. Naked (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
12. Impersonality (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
13. Fallin’ Down (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
14. Burnin’ Up (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
15. Eyes Wide Open (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
16. Long Way Down (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
17. Only One (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
18. Hey (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
19. Slave Girl (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
20. Name (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)
21. Flat Top (Live in Las Vegas, March 10, 1996)

Note: Tracks 1-10 of the deluxe bonus tracks are only on the 2-CD format and digital deluxe edition.

Tour Dates:

Sunday, April 27, 2025 - Indio, CA - Stagecoach

Saturday, July 13, 2025 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre*
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - Fort Worth, TX - Dickies Arena*
Thursday, July 17, 2025 - Sugar Land, TX - Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land*
Saturday, July 19, 2025 - Rogers, AR - Walmart AMP*
Sunday, July 20, 2025 - Nashville, TN - Ascend Amphitheater*
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - Atlanta, GA - Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park*
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine Amphitheatre*
Friday, July 25, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre*
Saturday, July 26, 2025 - Raleigh, NC - Red Hat Amphitheater*
Sunday, July 27, 2025 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap - Filene Center*
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - Boston, MA - LeaderBank Pavilion*
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Broadview Stage at SPAC*
Friday, August 1, 2025 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center*
Saturday, August 2, 2025 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell at Jones Beach Theater*
Sunday, August 3, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA - The Mann Center*
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - Bangor, ME - Maine Savings Amphitheater*
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 - Gilford, NH - BankNH Pavilion*
Friday, August 8, 2025 - Bridgeport, CT - Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*
Saturday, August 9, 2025 - Buffalo, NY - KeyBank Center*
Saturday, August 10, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage*
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center*
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - Chicago, IL - Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island*
Friday, August 15, 2025 - Indianapolis, IN - Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park*
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - Sterling Heights, MI - Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre*
Monday, August 18, 2025 - Waite Park, MN - The Ledge Amphitheater*
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - La Vista, NE - The Astro*
Thursday, August 21, 2025 - Maryland Heights, MO - Saint Louis Music Park*
Friday, August 22, 2025 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre*
Sunday, August 24, 2025 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - West Valley City, UT - Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre*
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - Airway Heights, WA - Northern Quest Resort & Casino*
Friday, August 29, 2025 - Bend, OR - Hayden Homes Amphitheater*
Sunday, August 31, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Venue TBD*
Monday, September 1, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Venue TBD*
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre*
Saturday, September 6, 2025 - Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Bowl*
Sunday, September 7, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre*
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheater*
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Zoo Amphitheatre*
Friday, September 12, 2025 - Camdenton, MO - Ozark Amphitheater*

*with Dashboard Confessional

Counting Crows next album slated for May

Counting Crows' forthcoming new album, Butter Miracle, the Complete Sweets! is set for release on May 9 via BMG. The Bay Area-bred rock band - best known for such 1990s-2000s alt-rock, pop and AAA radio hits as "Mr. Jones," "Round Here," "Angels of the Silences," "Accidentally in Love," a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" and others - has dropped the first single, “Spaceman in Tulsa,” its first in nearly five years.

Listen HERE and watch the music video HERE.

The album follows the Butter Miracle: Suite One EP, which arrived in 2021 and spawned the #2 charter "Elevator Boots" at AAA radio.

"‘Spaceman In Tulsa’ is about metamorphosis—the way music breaks down who we were and spins us into something new. It’s about broken lives becoming something better," said singer Adam Duritz.

Pre-order the new album HERE.

Tracklist:

1. With Love, From A-Z

2. Spaceman In Tulsa

3. Boxcars
4. Virginia Through The Rain
5. Under The Aurora
6. The Tall Grass
7. Elevator Boots
8. Angel of 14th Street
9. Bobby and The Rat-Kings

Hollywood Bowl announces 2025 Summer Season, including Cyndi Lauper, Rick Springfield, John Fogerty, Diana Ross, Grace Jones, John Legend

photo courtesy: LA Phil

Music fans from all over Southern California often make an effort to take in at least one concert per season at the world-renowned Hollywood Bowl. Earlier this week, the LA Philharmonic unveiled the 2025 summer season with performances from June to September. 

To honor and thank the first responders who fought the recent Los Angeles wildfires, and the community members who were impacted, the LA Phil is presenting a free “We ❤️ LA” concert on April 1 at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring Gustavo Dudamel, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and special guests to be announced.

Below are some show highlights in various genres on The Bowl calendar.

Opening Night at the venue features singer/actor Hugh Jackman performing songs from The Greatest Showman, The Music Man and more. Jackman will be accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by conductor Thomas Wilkins, and musicians of Youth Orchestra Los Angele. This one-night-only annual gala raises funds for the LA Phil’s music education initiatives. (June 7).

A Roots Picnic Experience returns for a second year, with The Roots featuring Lil’ Kim, Method Man & Redman, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, DJ Quik, Raekwon, E-40, Goodie Mob, Havoc of Mobb Deep and more. (June 8)

The Blue Note Jazz Festival features performances by Grace Jones, The Isley Brothers, De La Soul, Stanley Clarke, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Willow and more. (June 14-15)

Rhiannon Giddens: American Tunes honors folk music's deep cultural roots - both its historical significance and modern-day relevance, led by Giddens & The Old-Time Revue, alongside Steve Martin, Ed Helms, Leyla McCalla, Amythyst Kiah, Alison Brown and more. (June 18)

This year’s July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular features Earth, Wind & Fire, together with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Thomas Wilkins and the Bowl’s fireworks display. (July 2-4)

Jaws in Concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by David Newman, celebrates the film's 50th anniversary with an Academy Award-winning score by John Williams. (July 5)

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty, the former leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival. (July 6)

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony celebrates the character's 85th anniversary and the concert’s 35th. Over a dozen animated Looney Tunes shorts will be projected on the big screens while the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra plays the original scores live. (July 11-12)

Two-time Academy Award-winner Alexandre Desplat, makes his first appearance at the Hollywood Bowl, leads a program of his most popular film scores (Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Shape of Water), as well as selections from his scores for Wes Anderson. (July 15)

Juanes, the winner of a combined 29 Grammys and Latin Grammys brings rock songs and folkloric Latin American rhythms. (July 16)

Motown legend Diana Ross returns to The Bowl. (July 25-26)

I Want My 80s Tour features Rick Springfield, John Waite, Wang Chung and Paul Young. (July 27)

Jurassic Park in Concert with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic features imagery of the entire film projected in HD with a performance of John Williams’ score live to picture. (August 8-9)

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, an Australian alt-rock band, joins forces with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and conductor Sarah Hicks. Part of the KCRW-FM Festival. (August 10)

Eight years after their last LA-area show, blues rock outfit Alabama Shakes returns alongside garage-psych group Shannon & The Clams. (August 13)

Reggae Night XXIII welcomes back Damian and Stephen Marley, playing the music of their father, Bob Marley, as well as their own careers. KCRW Festival (August 17) 

Herbie Hancock performs jazz music. (August 20)

Charlie Wilson, the iconic co-founder/lead singer of The Gap Band, with Babyface and K-Ci Hailey. (August 27)

Angélique Kidjo and Yo-Yo Ma explores classical and African music, from Ravel’s Boléro, with added lyrics by Kidjo, to Mozart’s unfinished opera about the African slave trade, to rare African songs accompanied by cello. (August 28)

Eighties pop hitmaker Cyndi Lauper brings her farewell tour to the Hollywood Bowl. (August 29-30)

Smooth jazz sax man Dave Koz and his Summer Horns are joined by The Ohio Players, Jonathan Butler and Kayla Waters. (August 31)

Pop singer/songwriter/actor Josh Groban performing songs accompanied by Thomas Wilkins and the Los Angeles Philharmonic (September 5-6)

Wynton Marsalis debuts his Concerto for Orchestra (world premiere, LA Phil commission) with the Los Angeles Philharmonic helmed by conductor Rafael Payare. (September 9)

Chicago will have fireworks lighting up the night. (September 12-14)

French electro-pop act Air, seen last year during the Paris Summer Olympic Games, plays songs from its acclaimed debut Moon Safari with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. (September 21) KCRW Festival

R&B balladeer John Legend, among a select group of EGOT award winners. (Sept. 28)

Tickets for the Hollywood Bowl 2025 summer season will be available online at hollywoodbowl.com or via phone at 323 850 2000 on the following dates:

New subscriptions available now.
Group sales for select concerts available now.
The Roots Picnic Experience tickets are currently on sale.
Opening Night with Hugh Jackman tickets are on sale now. 
Alabama Shakes tickets available February 28, at 10AM
Blue Note Jazz Festival tickets available March 4, at 10AM
"Create Your Own" packages available March 25, at 10AM
The Hollywood Bowl Box Office opens for single-show ticket sales May 6, at 10AM

Programs, artists, prices, and dates subject to change. Ticket limits may apply.
For full schedule and additional information, see http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL

One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922 and plays host to the finest artists from all genres of music. For over a century, the Bowl has been a Los Angeles County public park, operated in partnership with the LA Phil to welcome visitors from all over the world. It remains one of the best deals anywhere in Los Angeles; to this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many classical and jazz performances. In February 2024, the Hollywood Bowl was awarded the Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year award at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards, an honor bestowed 16 previous times. For millions of music lovers across Southern California, the Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with summer. hollywoodbowl.com

A 1986 live album by new wave/rock band Translator slated for May; includes a pair of newly-recorded songs

A celebrated group of the new wave era, Translator has announced details of their first live concert release. Beyond Today: Live at the Farm – San Francisco 1986. It arrives May 9 on LP, CD, and download from Liberation Hall.

The vinyl LP will feature eight tracks from the final show of the group’s period at Columbia Records (1982-1986). The CD and download will include an additional four live tracks, including the previously unreleased “Puzzles,” as well as two brand-new songs mixed last year by renowned producer Ed Stasium. All formats are distributed by MVD Entertainment Group (USA) and Wienerworld (UK).

The album is available for pre-order at Bandcamp. A digital single, “These Days to Come,” is out now.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1979, Translator began as the trio of Steve Barton (vocals, guitar), Larry Dekker (bass), and Dave Scheff (drums). After playing a handful of shows, the lineup was solidified by the addition of Robert Darlington (vocals, guitar). Translator relocated to San Francisco and was quickly signed to local label, 415 Records. The timing was fortunate as Translator became one of the first groups to benefit from 415’s manufacturing and distribution deal with Columbia Records. Debut album Heartbeats and Triggers arrived in 1982 and was greeted with critical praise and solid airplay for the career-defining tracks “Everywhere That I’m Not” and “Everywhere.” A video for the group’s anti-nuke statement, “Sleeping Snakes,” received airplay on MTV.

Between 1983 and 1986, the band completed three more albums for Columbia Records. They received significant airplay for "Un-Alone,” from No Time Like Now, which was their second album produced by David Kahne (The Bangles, Romeo Void, Fishbone). For their third and fourth albums — the self-titled Translator and Evening of the Harvest — the group worked with producer Ed Stasium (Ramones, Talking Heads, the Smithereens).

The 1980s were a slightly strange time for a guitar-based group like Translator, as the charts were loaded with synthesizer bands and larger-than-life pop stars. In the first half of the decade, they shared stages with the Kinks, David Bowie, R.E.M., Psychedelic Furs, ABC, Sparks, Romeo Void, Echo & the Bunnymen, Gang of Four, and many others.

Translator had always wanted to release a live album. The closest they came during their Columbia years was 1986’s Evening of the Harvest. Stasium only made subtle additions to the live-in-studio recordings. Between-song ambient sounds and a few other embellishments are among the few ingredients that separate the album from an audio verité recording.

Near the end of the tour in support of Evening of the Harvest, the four members of Translator had decided to go their separate ways. 

“We just got back from being on the road, so we were quite warmed up,” said Darlington. “It was an incredibly emotional show for me. You can kind of hear it in the first few songs.” The band opened with “Beyond Today” (from No Time Like Now), establishing a tone — uncertain of the future but unbowed — that carried the entire evening. Steve Barton added, “We tied colorful balloons to the amps to make it a sort of celebration — but it was very bittersweet at the same time. We knew it was the end. I dressed in all white instead of my usual dark clothes…ready for a fresh canvas, I suppose.”

Beyond Today: Live at the Farm – San Francisco 1986 marks the first time this concert has been available as a physical release. For a brief time in 2020, the recording had been available to stream on the group’s website, Translator-Band.com. “The Farm was our last show of the ‘80s and as far as we knew at the time, our last show ever,” recalled Scheff. “It was recorded on a Sony cassette machine sitting on the board near our soundman Floyd Solders. It picked up talking, crowd noise, and exactly what we played in the moment… it captures all the energy we were feeling that night, and all the noise we made!”

To mark the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the band’s breakup, Translator delighted fans with reunion shows in 2006, including performances at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Since then, the band members have continued performing and recording, both together and separately. A fifth Translator studio album, Carriage of Days, was released by the band in 2017.

Beyond Today is rounded out by a special treat for purchasers of the CD or download. The final two tracks, “These Days to Come” and “With Your Dreams,” are newly written band compositions recorded over the past two years by Translator. Both are mixed by Stasium. “It was so cool to work with Ed again,” said Barton. “We have remained close friends throughout the years, and he understood immediately what we were going for with these songs.” 

In addition to a new liner notes essay, the package includes a wealth of photographs from The Farm concert.

TRANSLATOR – Beyond Today: Live at the Farm – San Francisco 1986 (LP: LIB-2106; CD/DL: LIB-2105)

CD TRACKLIST: 

1. Beyond Today * | 2. Necessary Spinning * | 3. Everywhere # | 4. Nothing Is Saving Me @ | 5. Gravity # | 6. Standing in Line # | 7. Drum/Puzzles/Favorite Drug @ | 8. O Lazarus # | 9. New Song * | 10. These Old Days * | 11. Everywhere That I’m Not * | 12. Roll Over Beethoven (Chuck Berry) | 13. These Days to Come @ | 14. With Your Dreams @

* Written by Steve Barton.
# Written by Robert Darlington
@ Written by Steve Barton, Robert Darlington, Larry Dekker, Dave Scheff
All tracks previously unreleased.
Tracks 13 & 14 are studio tracks recorded in 2023/2024 and mixed by Ed Stasium.

Record Store Day 2025 news: The Blasters, Clarence White reissues from Liberation Hall

For this year's Record Store Day, which is April 12, the Liberation Hall label has two titles scheduled. 

The first is by LA roots-rock legends the Blasters, celebrated with An American Music Story: The Complete Studio Recordings 1979-1985. This five-LP collection marks the first time that the band’s first four studio albums have been released on vinyl with their original cover art since their original pressings from the 1980s. The newly compiled fifth LP, Rare Blasts, features studio outtakes and movie music.

The second is Melodies from a Byrd in Flyte: 1963-1973, a mix of 14 rare acoustic and electric tracks by Clarence White, the late country-rock pioneer and member of the Byrds and the Kentucky Colonels.

Here are details:

THE BLASTERS – An American Music Story: The Complete Studio Recordings 1979-1985 (LP BOX SET: LIB-2107)

Formed in 1979 in Downey, California, the Blasters are one of the bedrock groups in the Americana music movement. The band’s lineup throughout their 1980s heyday comprised vocalist Phil Alvin; Grammy Award-winning songwriter and lead guitarist, Dave Alvin; drummer Bill Bateman; bassist John Bazz; keyboardist Gene Taylor; and saxophonists Lee Allen and Steve Berlin. 

The box set will include the four studio albums recorded during the original band’s run: American Music (Rollin’ Rock, 1980), The Blasters (Slash Records, 1981; distributed by Warner Bros. Records in 1982), Non Fiction (Slash/Warner Bros., 1983), and Hard Line (Slash/Warners Bros., 1985). Those albums are augmented by Rare Blasts, a new 14-track selection of studio outtakes and two songs recorded for the 1984 film Streets of Fire. All music has been remastered by Randy Perry.

The five albums will be packaged in a deluxe hard slipcase. A 24-page booklet will include a new 10,000-word essay, featuring interviews with the band members, by the box set’s co-producer Chris Morris. The booklet will include rare photos and memorabilia from the band members’ personal archives, and historical images by photographers Gary Leonard, Michael Hyatt, Joel Aparicio, and Ed Colver. The set will include an 11x17 replica of a poster created by Slash/Warner Bros. Records in 1983 to promote Non Fiction.

This hand-numbered box set will be limited to 1,000 copies, and will only be available in the U.S. An American Music Story was produced by Antone DeSantis and Chris Morris.

Tracklists for the four studio albums will remain the same; the packages will duplicate the original covers and inner sleeves. The bonus LP comprises:

RARE BLASTS: STUDIO OUTTAKES AND MOVIE MUSIC 1979-1985

SIDE ONE: 1. 21 Days in Jail (W. Dixon, L.P. Weaver) | 2. Love 24 Hours a Day (T. Jarrett) | 3. I Fell in Love (unknown) | 4. So Glad (C.A. Burnett) | 5. Ashamed of Myself (R. McCoy/C. Singleton) | 6. Lone Wolf (R. Harris) | 7. One Bad Stud (J. Lieber/M. Stoller) # | 8. Blue Shadows * #
SIDE TWO: 1. Justine (D. Harris/D. Terry) | 2. Leave My Money Alone (C. Green/J. West) | 3. Flat Top Joint * | 4. Can’t Stop Time * | 5. Cry for Me (M. London) | 6. Kathleen *

* Written by Dave Alvin
# Originally appeared on the MCA Records release Streets of Fire: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

All tracks are previously released.

The late country-rock pioneer Clarence White was the second longest-serving member of the Byrds, as well as a founding member of bluegrass group the Kentucky Colonels. He is heralded by many as one of the greatest "flat picking" guitarists of all time, bridging country and rock music while influencing countless players including Jimmy Page, Mike Campbell, Peter Buck, and Marty Stuart.

In 2023, Liberation Hall released The Lost Masters: 1963-1973, a CD which features 14 acoustic and electric tracks from White. This title has now been redesigned for vinyl release with a new cover photo and expanded liner notes. The title has also changed to Melodies from a Byrd in Flyte: 1963-1973. The track list will remain the same.

Melodies from a Byrd in Flyte: 1963-1973 includes songs recorded both at the beginning and at the peak of the guitarist’s career. Guest players on the sessions include the Byrds’ Roger McGuinn, Gene Parsons, and Skip Battin; the Flying Burrito Brothers’ Byron Berline; multi-instrumentalist Eric Weissberg; and Don and Phil Everly on a rehearsal take of “I’m on My Way Home Again.”

This limited-edition Record Store Day release will be pressed on transparent milky white vinyl. The inner sleeve includes rare photography and extensive liner notes provided by music historian and compilation producer John Delgatto, a longtime friend of White.

CLARENCE WHITE – Melodies from a Byrd in Flyte: 1963-1973 (LP: LIB-2129)

SIDE ONE: (Acoustic selections) 1. No Title Yet Blues (Eric Weissberg) | 2. Fire on the Mountain (arranged by Clarence White) | 3. (Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I (William Trader) | 4. New Soldier’s Joy (Clarence White) | 5. Yesterday’s Train (Gene Parsons, Skip Battin) | 6. Sally Goodin Meets the Byrds (Clarence White) | 7. Banjo Dog (Gene Parsons) | 8. Alabama Jubilee (arranged by Clarence White)

SIDE TWO: (Electric selections) 1. Ode to Billie Joe (Bobbie Gentry) | 2. Buckaroo (Bob Morris) | 3. Nashville West (Clarence White, Gene Parsons) | 4. Byrd Jam aka White’s Lightning (Clarence White, Roger McGuinn) | 5. Around the Barn (Clarence White) | 6. I’m on My Way Home Again (Terry Slate)

All tracks previously appeared on the Liberation Hall CD release, The Lost Masters: 1963-1973.

Bay Area New Wave band Pearl Harbor & the Explosions' 1979 album to get reissue treatment in April

Liberation Hall has announced an expanded edition re-release of the sole album from San Francisco new wave band Pearl Harbor & the Explosions. Originally issued by Warner Bros. Records in January 1980, the self-titled album anticipated the phenomenal rise of MTV the following year as it featured videoclips for the tracks “Drivin’” and “You Got It (Release It)/Up and Over.”

The expanded edition CD and download will feature seven bonus tracks while the opaque sky blue vinyl LP will feature one. All formats are released April 25 and will be distributed by MVD Entertainment Group (USA). Pre-order is available now on Bandcamp.

Pearl Harbor & the Explosions formed in 1978 during the same San Francisco punk rock/new wave uprising that brought forth Romeo Void, Dead Kennedys, the Avengers, the Mutants, the Units, Tuxedomoon, and many others.

However, Pearl Harbor & the Explosions were more tuneful and melodic than their brethren, taking cues from local pop/rock group the Tubes with whom singer Pearl E. Gates had gotten her start as a backup singer and dancer. When Gates was recruited from the Tubes to join Jane Dornacker in her band Leila and the Snakes, she met brothers Hilary and John Hanes (who billed themselves with the surname “Stench”). After 18 months, the trio decided to split from the Snakes and go in their own direction. Pearl (vocals, percussion), Hilary (bass, vocals) and John (drums, vocals) recruited guitarist Peter Dunne (stage name “Peter Bilt”) and Pearl Harbor & the Explosions were born.

Based on the success of debut single “Drivin’” — which sold 10,000 copies for the fledgling 415 Records — Pearl Harbor & the Explosions were quickly signed by Warner Bros. Records. The band name “The Explosions” and Pearl’s name switch from Gates to “Harbor” were done in the spirit of the punk rock times during which they were working. However, Gates now admits that the names caused trouble, especially when it came to conservative-leaning radio stations. “Yes, we were met with resistance," Gates told Insounder.com last year. “But to be honest, I didn’t really care because I just wanted to do what I wanted to do. That’s how I’ve always been and I’m still that way… But it’s true that it wasn’t a very smart move to call the band Pearl Harbor & the Explosions because Americans did not like it.”

The group’s self-titled debut album was an early production by David Kahne, who went on to work with the Bangles, Tony Bennett, and Paul McCartney, among many others. For historical perspective, Pearl Harbor & the Explosions was released at the start of January 1980, during the same month that the world learned the name Chrissie Hynde with the arrival of The Pretenders’ debut album.

After a year on the road, Gates was feeling disenchanted by the direction of the band, with Bilt and the Stench Brothers wanting to go in a more “jazz fusion” direction. Much to the displeasure of Warner Bros., she decided to take a walk. “I wanted to be in a rock & roll band and they didn’t,” summed up Gates. The singer soon got her wish as she moved to London, hooked up with members of the Clash and Ian Dury’s Blockheads, and recorded the fervent rockabilly platter, Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too (1980). The album was given a new lease on life in 2023 when it was also released in an expanded edition by Liberation Hall.

Gates, who is now in remission after a cancer diagnosis, enjoyed last year’s promotion for Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too, and is eager to share her memories of Pearl Harbor & the Explosions. Liberation Hall will be releasing the same tracklist of the album that was reissued in 2019 by Blixa Sounds — including live covers of Ron Wood’s “I Can Feel the Fire,” Nick Lowe’s “Let’s Eat,” and Joe Bennett & the Sparkletones’ “Black Slacks” — but is now out of print.

The CD, vinyl LP and download will all feature rare photography from Pearl’s archive alongside a liner notes essay by author and former San Francisco Chronicle music columnist Joel Selvin. Longtime fans of the band might be surprised by the album cover. Liberation Hall’s new package will feature the original UK album jacket, which is a colorful photo of the band, rather than Warners’ stateside 1980 design of an orange logo against a black background.

Track Listing:

1. Drivin’ | 2. You Got It (Release It) | 3. Don’t Come Back | 4. Keep Going | 5. Shut Up and Dance | 6. The Big One | 7. So Much for Love | 8. Get a Grip on Yourself | 9. Up and Over | 10. Busy Little B Side | 11. Drivin’ (415 Single Version) * | 12. Release It (415 Single Version) * | 13. Let’s Eat (Nick Lowe; Live 1979) * | 14. Black Slacks (Jimmy Denton, Joe Bennett; Live 1979) * | 15. I Can Feel the Fire (Ron Wood; Live 1979) * | 16. 1979 Radio Spot *

* Bonus tracks available on CD and download

Tracks 1-9 appeared on the Warner Bros. Records album, Pearl Harbor & the Explosions.

Tracks 1-10 appear on Liberation Hall’s 2025 vinyl LP reissue of Pearl Harbor & the Explosions.
Track 10 appeared as the B-side of the Warners 45 RPM single, “You Got It (Release) It.”
Tracks 11 & 12 appeared on the “Drivin’ 45 RPM single released in 1979 by 415 Records.
Tracks 13-16 appeared on the 2019 expanded edition album from Blixa Sounds.

Shania Twain's hit album 'The Woman in Me' marks 30th Anniversary with remastered editions

Last Friday, marked the 30th anniversary of Shania Twain's Grammy-winning breakthrough album The Woman in Me. A new version of the expanded 3CD Diamond Edition, shipping Feb. 14, features the original album remastered plus 16 previously unreleased tracks, including five live performances recorded in December 2019 during Twain’s residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, and an entire “Shania Vocal Mix” containing early takes of 11 songs from nearly a year before the album’s release.

In addition to the five Las Vegas performances, the “Live & Remixed” disc, features two tracks recorded in September 1998 at Dallas’ Reunion Arena for the Shania: Live DVD, plus original single mixes, b-sides, and bonus tracks. Contained in a 40-page hardback commemorative book with previously unseen photos, new liner notes, and personal recollections from Shania Twain, who personally curated the release.

The Woman in Me, Twain's second album, debuted at No. 65 on the Billboard country chart in February 1995, entering the Billboard 200 three weeks later at 197. The album continued to climb steadily, finally hitting No. 1 on the country chart in July, the same week "Any Man of Mine" became Twain's first chart-topping country single. By that point, the album was already gold; by the end of 1995, it had sold 4 million copies, making it the year's top-selling country album. In 1996, it passed Patsy Cline's Greatest Hits to become the best-selling album by a female country artist (a title Twain's 1997 follow-up, Come on Over, would claim in 1999). The Woman in Me reached Diamond status for shipments of 10 million copies in 1997, then 12 million in 2000. It has sold an estimated 20 million copies worldwide.

Eight of the 12 songs from The Woman in Me appeared on Billboard's country singles chart, with four - "Any Man of Mine," "(If You're Not in It for Love) I'm Outta Here!" "You Win My Love" and "No One Needs to Know" - reaching No. 1. "Any Man of Mine" also gave Twain her first Top 40 crossover hit. The Woman in Me spent 29 weeks atop the country albums chart and was 1995's best-selling country album. It won a GRAMMY for Best Country Album in 1996 and later was ranked No. 8 on CMT's list of 40 Greatest Country Albums.

Order The Woman in Me now HERE.

For more information, please visit: https://www.shaniatwain.com/

SHANIA TWAIN - THE WOMAN IN ME - REMASTERED ALBUM

1. Home Ain't Where His Heart Is (Anymore)

2. Any Man Of Mine
3. Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?
4. (If You're Not In It For Love) I'm Outta Here!
5. The Woman In Me (Needs The Man In You)
6. Is There Life After Love?
7. If It Don't Take Two
8. You Win My Love
9. Raining On Our Love
10. Leaving Is The Only Way Out
11. No One Needs To Know
12. God Bless The Child

Out now: 'Dear Life' album by David Gray; currently on tour

David Gray is in the midst of an American tour in support of his compelling 13th album, Dear Life, released last month through Gray's independent label, Laugh A Minute Records/Secretly Distribution. 

Produced by Ben de Vries and recorded in a makeshift studio two hours outside of London, in Norfolk, Dear Life explores themes of magic, science, loss, and acceptance.

"A lot has happened to me. There’s been change on so many levels, all the ups and downs and dramas and tragedies and joys that the slow movement through life brings. This record has been a reckoning with stuff that’s been building up like static for years. But I say this with joy and a smile on my face. I know what I’ve done is as good as anything I could possibly do,” said Gray, in a prepared statement.

First single "Plus & Minus" is a duet that explores the intricacies of a fractured relationship, with Gray singing with with newcomer Talia Rae, who is opening for Gray during the UK and Europe run of the Past & Present World Tour.

The physical release of Dear Life includes two additional tracks, “The Messenger” and “More Than Anything,” available exclusively on vinyl/CD format. 

North American Tour Dates:

February 8th - Vancouver, BC - The Centre

February 10th - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater
February 13th - Highland, CA - Yaamava Theater
February 14th - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre
February 15th - Valley Center, CA - Harrah's Resort Southern California
February 17th - Salt Lake City, UT - Delta Hall at Eccles Theatre
February 18th - Denver, CO - Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
February 20th - Austin, TX - ACL Live Moody Theatre
February 21st - Dallas, TX - Majestic Theatre
February 23rd - Atlanta, GA - Coca-Cola Roxy
February 24th - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium

Dear Life physical track list:

After The Harvest

Plus & Minus
Eyes Made Rain
Leave Taking
I Saw Love
Fighting Talk
Sunlight On Water
That Day Must Surely Come
Singing For The Pharaoh
The Messenger*
Acceptance (It’s Alright)
Future Bride
The Only Ones
The First Stone
More Than Anything*

*= Available exclusively on vinyl/CD formats

About David Gray:

David Gray has two Ivor Novello Awards, four BRIT Award nominations, two GRAMMY® nominations, and multi-PLATINUM certifications worldwide to his credit. Gray's breakthrough album White Ladder (1998) went platinum in North America, was “the tenth best-selling album of the 21st century in the United Kingdom,” and “the best-selling album in Ireland.” 

For more information please visit www.davidgray.com.

Out now: 'Burnout Days' by flipturn; tour dates start later this month

Flipturn has a slew of concert dates coming up later this month. I was really impressed by the Florida alt-rock band's set last September at the Eddie Vedder-curated Ohana Festival in Dana Point, Calif. 

The highly recommended new album Burnout Days, released last month via Dualtone Records, often boasts a laid-back atmosphere with shades of Young the Giant. First single "Rodeo Clown" reached the top 20 at AAA radio. 

Burnout Days is inspired by the band’s journey on the road, as they sort through challenges like self-esteem, codependency, addiction and the twists and turns of day-to-day life in one’s mid-twenties. The new album arrives on the other side of the band’s debut Shadowglow, which found flipturn sharing stages with Two Door Cinema Club, The Revivalists, Mt. Joy and others. 

Formed in the small coastal town of Fernandina Beach, Florida, flipturn first came together in high school, where they worked to turn garage meet-ups into playing college house shows into headlining sold-out dates for thousands.

The band is comprised of: Dillon Basse (vocals/guitar), Tristan Duncan (lead guitar), Madeline Jarman (bass, backing vocals), Mitch Fountain (synth, guitar), and Devon VonBalson (drums). 

Track listing:

1. Juno

2. Rodeo Clown
3. Inner Wave
4. Sunlight
5. Moon Rocks
6. Right?
7. Window
8. Swim Between Trees
9. Tides
10. Reason to Pretend
11. If It Is
12. Burnout Days

Tour Dates:

February 26 - White Oak Music Hall - Houston, TX
February 27 - The Factory in Deep Ellum - Dallas, TX
February 28 - Stubbs Amphitheater - Austin, TX
March 1 - Tower Theatre - Oklahoma City, OK
March 5 - The Van Buren - Phoenix, AZ
March 6 - The Sound - Del Mar, CA
March 7 - The Novo - Los Angeles, CA
March 8 - The Fox - Oakland, CA
March 9 - Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR
March 11 - Showbox SoDo - Seattle, WA
March 13 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT
March 15 - Mission Ballroom - Denver, CO
March 18 - The Truman - Kansas City, MO
March 19 - The Hawthorn - St. Louis, MO
March 21 - The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
March 22 - The Palace Theatre - Minneapolis, MN
March 23 - Val Air - Des Moines, IA
March 26 - Egyptian Room - Indianapolis, IN
March 27 - KEMBA live! - Columbus, OH
March 28 - Royal Oak Music Theatre - Detroit, MI
March 29 - Danforth Music Hall - Toronto, ON
March 30 - Beanfield Theatre - Montreal, QB
April 2 - Higher Ground - Burlington, VT
April 4 - Terminal 5 - New York, NY
April 5 - Roadrunner - Boston, MA
April 9 - MEGACORP - Newport, KY
April 10 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA
April 11 - Franklin Music Hall - Philadelphia, PA
April 12 - The Anthem - Washington, D.C.
April 16 - Avondale Brewing - Birmingham, AL
April 18 - HOB Orlando - Orlando, FL

Out now: 'Open Wide,' the third album from Dublin alt-rocker Inhaler

Open Wide, the excellent third album by alt-rock band Inhaler, is out today through Geffen Records. It is another terrific effort from the young Irish musicians. Highlighted by insanely catchy tunes such as the dance-rock title track, a keening and percolating pop-leaning "Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)," the soulful choir assisted/singalong-worthy "Your House," it is already an early contender for my best albums of the year. 

The recent video for sparkling The 1975-ish single “A Question of You” features a jewelry heist with a twist. The cinematic short stars James Keating alongside the Dublin band. Watch the video HERE.

In a statement on the song, frontman Elijah Hewson says, “This is love song territory for me, about how in order to be honest with someone else you’ve got to be honest with yourself, like, ‘I’ve gotta sort my own s**t out so I can be around other people’. It’s also a soulmates thing. The choir really changed everything on this one.”

Helmed by Grammy/Brit Award-winning Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles), the album release coincides with band’s biggest ever tour of UK and Ireland, notably two headline shows at Brixton Academy, ahead of their 20,000-capacity Dublin show in May.

“The reason why we called the album Open Wide is because we’re looking for a new perspective on our music,” states Hewson. “With this album, we’re closer to what we’ve always envisioned,” he adds. “It feels like we’ve always been trying to make this record.”

Inhaler’s debut album, It Won’t Always Be Like This, hit #1 in the UK and Ireland, while their 2023 follow-up, Cuts & Bruises, topped the Irish charts and reached #2 in the UK. To maintain this momentum, bandmates and childhood friends Eli Hewson (the son of U2's Bono), Robert Keating, Ryan McMahon and Josh Jenkinson have spent the past few years on a long world tour, supporting acts like Arctic Monkeys, Pearl Jam, Harry Styles, and Kings of Leon, as well as headlining their own shows, including a sold out 13,000-capacity homecoming show at the Dublin 3Arena last year.

Track listing:

Eddie In The Darkness
Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)
Your House
A Question of You
Even Though
Again
Open Wide
All I Got Is You
Still Young
The Charms
X-Ray
Concrete
Little Things

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR:

February 2025

Fri 28 Toronto, ON HISTORY

March 2025

Sun 2 Montreal, QC MTELUS

Tue 4 Portland, ME State Theatre
Thu 6 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Paramount
Fri 7 Washington, DC The Anthem
Sat 8 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore
Mon 10 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel
Tue 11 Birmingham, AL Iron City
Thu 13 Orlando, FL House of Blues
Fri 14 Fort Lauderdale, FL Revolution
Sat 15 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Live
Mon17 Houston, TX House of Blues
Tue 18 Austin, TX Stubb’s
Wed 19 Dallas, TX House of Blues

Out now: 'When The War Is Over' album by Johnnyswim

Johnnyswim’s captivating fifth studio album, When The War Is Over, is available now, listen HERE. LA-based husband-and-wife duo Abner and Amanda Ramirez delve into Americana, folk rock, blues, and soul.

Their latest single “Dopamine” features Grammy-nominated Houston rapper Tobe Nwigwe who will be joining the pair on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this Monday, February 10. Tune in at 10:35 p.m. CT on ABC.

“So easily we can feel like we’ve lost ourselves while craving the fleeting highs that keep us afloat. ‘Dopamine’ is about wrestling with apathy while finding small pleasures in the fall, even when life feels like shifting sands. It’s a plea for clarity, connection, and the spark that makes things feel worth it again. We hope it speaks to anyone running in circles, hoping to stumble back into themselves.” - JOHNNYSWIM on “Dopamine.”

The When The War Is Over rollout began in July 2024 with the release of, “Frank Gehry,” a reflection on the corrosive nature of comparison. Since then, they’ve unveiled a series of singles, including “She Checks The Weather,” inspired by ongoing health challenges that Amanda (the daughter of Donna Summer) faces, “Los Feliz,” and the acoustic-driven “Monte Carlo.” Most recently, they shared “I’m Alright,” a tribute to Abner’s Cuban immigrant parents and their perseverance in the face of discrimination. 

U.S. Tour Dates:

3.20 2025 - Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre

3.21.2025 - Louisville, KY - Brown Theatre
3.22.2025 - Atlanta, GA – Cola-Cola Roxy
3.24.2025 - Austin, TX - ACL Moody Theatre
3.25.2025 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
3.27.2025 - Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
3.28.2025 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
3.29.2025 – SF, CA - The Regency Ballroom
4.1.2025 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
4.2.2025 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox Market
4.4.2025 - SLC, UT – The Commonwealth Room
4.5.2025 - Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
4.7.2025 - Minneapolis, MN - Uptown Theatre
4.8.2025 - Chicago, IL - The Vic
4.10.2025 - New York, NY - Town Hall
4.11.2025 - Boston, MA - The Wilbur
4.12.2025 - Washington, D.C. - Lincoln Theatre
4.15.2025 - Durham, NC - Carolina Theatre
4.16.2025 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore
4.18.2025 - Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Theatre