Foreigner 'Head Games' reissue on the way

Foreigner continues its 50-year celebration with a newly remixed and remastered edition of Head Games, the band’s multi-platinum third studio album, originally released in 1979, set for October 30 on CD/Blu-ray and black vinyl. Pre-Order Here. The collection will also be available the same day via DSPs. 

Newly discovered unreleased track “Trouble” is available digitally: Listen Now.

Featuring the hits “Dirty White Boy” and the title track, the new collection has been overseen by current Foreigner bassist Jeff Pilson and producer Wyn Davis. 

The 1979 debut of Head Games featured Lou Gramm (lead vocals, percussion), Mick Jones (lead guitar, piano, backing vocals, lead vocals), Ian McDonald (guitars, keyboards, synthesizers), Rick Wills (bass, backing vocals), and Dennis Elliott (drums). The album was notable as it marks the first appearance of bass guitarist Rick Wills, and the last album to feature original founding members Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood. It was also the last Foreigner album to feature founder and lead guitarist Mick Jones on lead vocals.

Head Games Super Deluxe CD/Blu-ray edition features the original 10-track studio album newly remixed, alongside a full disc of outtakes and alternate versions. The collection also unearths a previously unreleased concert from the Head Games tour. A Blu-ray completes the package with an immersive Dolby Atmos mix of the original studio album.

In addition to the Super Deluxe CD/Blu-ray set, Head Games will be available in multiple configurations, including a standalone 1LP vinyl edition of the newly remixed 2026 album; Dolby Atmos versions of both the complete Super Deluxe audio collection and the newly remixed original 10-track album; and a Digital Super Deluxe Edition available for streaming and download.

Among the collection’s most significant discoveries is the previously unreleased track “Trouble,” recorded in May 1979 during the original Head Games sessions at Atlantic Studios in New York. Recently discovered during research for the new Head Games boxed set, “Trouble” was originally co-produced by legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker and has now been newly remixed for its first commercial release. The track also features a newly added guest guitar appearance by Peter Frampton, a longtime friend of Mick Jones. “Trouble” will be released as a special 7-inch single backed with “Zalia,” another non-album rarity from the Head Games era; and is available as a D2C Exclusive on Rhino.com and on the band’s merch store.

Head Games: Super Deluxe
3CD + Blu-ray Track Listing

DISC 1: “HEAD GAMES” 2026 STEREO RE-MIX

Dirty White Boy
Love On The Telephone
Women
I’ll Get Even With You
Seventeen
Head Games
The Modern Day
Blinded By Science
Do What You Like
Rev On The Red Line

DISC 2:
OUTTAKES, ROUGH MIXES & ALTERNATIVE VERSIONS

Trouble (2026 Remix Featuring Peter Frampton)
Zalia (2026 Remix)
Love On The Telephone (Aka Slip Away)*
Zalia*
Happy Hour With Al*
Rev On The Red Line (Early Version)
Rev On The Red Line (Complete With Lead Vocals)
Blinded By Science (Complete With Edit)
Head Games (Early Version)
Dirty White Boy (Early Version)
Rev On The Red Line (Aka Go Down)
Blinded By Science (Alternate Take)
Seventeen (Early Mix)
I’ll Get Even With You (Aka Low Blow)
I Want You Ii (Take 35)
The Modern Day (Aka If I Don’t Have You)
*Instrumental

DISC 3: HEAD GAMES TOUR 1979
LIVE AT ROCHESTER COMMUNITY WAR MEMORIAL
ROCHESTER, NY,
OCTOBER 27, 1979

Long, Long Way From Home
Blue Morning, Blue Day
I’ll Get Even With You
Head Games
I Need You
The Modern Day
Women
Cold As Ice
Feels Like The First Time
Dirty White Boy
Starrider
Double Vision
Love On The Telephone
Headknocker
Hot Blooded

DISC 4: BLU-RAY AUDIO
ATMOS MIX

Dirty White Boy
Love On The Telephone
Women
I’ll Get Even With You
Seventeen
Head Games
The Modern Day
Blinded By Science
Do What You Like
Rev On The Red Line

2026 STEREO REMIX

Dirty White Boy
Love On The Telephone
Women
I’ll Get Even With You
Seventeen
Head Games
The Modern Day
Blinded By Science
Do What You Like
Rev On The Red Line

Bonus Track:
Trouble (2026 Remix Featuring Peter Frampton) 

Out now: Early rarities collection from Velocity Girl

Getting their start as the 1980s bled into the 90s, Velocity Girl arose from a new indie pop underground in Washington, DC, and its suburbs, a group of bands clustered around then-nascent Slumberland Records who broadened DC's punk paradigm. 

This new compilation 1989-1992 covers the band's pre-Sub Pop years. "Clock" has original vocalist Bridget Cross, later of fellow DC band Unrest. Cross also provides vocals for the band's debut single "I Don't Care If You Go," included here with all the B-sides from the US and Australian 7" versions.

The next phase of the band begins with the departure of Cross and the addition of Sarah Shannon as main vocalist, whose voice is first heard on two previously unreleased songs from a 1991 session, including current single "I Know Exactly What You Mean." 

An aforementioned "I Don't Care If You Go" is included as a digital AA side, a showcase for original vocalist Bridget Cross. 

Seattle label Sub Pop would soon come calling and worldwide fame would ensue. These songs were restored from the original tapes, newly remastered and the package has liner notes by DC scene scholar John R. Davis. 

Track List:

01 Clock
02 I Don't Care If You Go
03 Always
04 Not At All
05 I Don't Care If You Go (Acoustic)
06 I Know Exactly What You Mean
07 That's Entertainment
08 What You Say
09 Tales of Brave Aphrodite
10 Forgotten Favorite
11 Why Should I Be Nice To You?
12 Warm/Crawl

Seventies power pop group The Nerves to get anthology in October

Third Man Records will release an anthology from San Francisco power pop band The Nerves on Oct. 23. The album will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the LA-based trio's self-titled 1976 EP and only official release. 

The Nerves – Best Collection gathers studio, live, and demo recordings, compiled in close association with surviving members Paul Collins and Peter Case along with the late Jack Lee’s daughter Cynthia.

“We were making a big, loud, exciting racket, doing our own songs. It sounded strange and familiar all at once, and we were high on it.” – Peter Case, The Nerves

Unlike previous anthologies that often relied on secondary copies or rips from vinyl and CDs, Third Man located The Nerves’ original source recordings, now newly mastered or remastered by Warren Defever at Third Man Mastering in Detroit, especially for this release. 

Many tracks have not been heard since the day they were recorded. Included are Case’s “When You Find Out” – later reimagined by Case with The Plimsouls and covered by such artists as Graham Coxon and Peter Bjorn and John. It is at all DSPs and streaming services alongside an official music video featuring rare archival footage streaming now on YouTube.

Formats: Digit via TMR, CD, limited-edition 2xLP colored vinyl, with liner notes by Peter Case. 

Pre-orders/pre-saves are available now.

LISTEN TO “WHEN YOU FIND OUT”

WATCH “WHEN YOU FIND OUT” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE THE NERVES – BEST COLLECTION

Track list (LP): 

Side A
Hanging on the Telephone
When You Find Out
Give Me Some Time
Working Too Hard
Are You Famous
Letter To G

Side B
Day In and Day Out
You Won't Be Happy
Stand Back and Take a Good Look
Many Roads to Follow
Why Am I Lonely?
Come Back and Stay / I Need Your Love
Any Day Now
Will You Come Through?

Side C
One Way Ticket
Paper Dolls
Walking Out on Love
House on the Hill
Little Suzy
Radio Station
Everyday Things
Do You Wanna Love Me?

Side D
Things Of The Past
I Don't Fit In
USA
Let Me Into Your Life
I Need Your Love
One Way Ticket
Paper Dolls

THIRDMANRECORDS.COM

Out Friday: Night Ranger's 'Best Of'

Veteran hard rock band Night Ranger's new ‘Best Of’ album - out Friday via Frontiers Records - includes newly remixed and remastered versions of '80s hits such as "Don't Tell Me You Love Me," "(You Can Still) Rock in America," "Sister Christian," "When You Close Your Eyes," and "Four in the Morning," alongside others tracks from more recent releases. Formats are CD, vinyl, and double LP in black, gold, and orange splatter.

"The new 'best of' is a celebration of not only our classic hits but also what we’ve created over the last 20 years. And we’re just gonna keep cranking it cause we’re having too much fun to stop. So enjoy the ride and see ya on the road.” – Jack Blades

Original members Jack Blades (bass and vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums and vocals), and Brad Gillis (guitars) are still around, with Eric Levy (keyboards), and Keri Kelli (guitars) rounding out the lineup. 

This ‘Best Of” album also features two bonus tracks: a new take on “Wasted Time” recorded live off the floor at Sweetwater Studios, also accompanied by an exclusive music video, and a live performance of “Feliz Navidad” that showcases the band’s playful side.

Track List:

1. Don't Tell Me You Love Me (2026)
2. (You Can Still) Rock in America (2026)
3. Sister Christian (2026)
4. When You Close Your Eyes (2026)
5. Four in the Morning (2026)
6. Breakout
7. Tomorrow
8. Growin' Up in California
9. Time of Our Lives
10. High Road
11. No Time to Lose Ya
12. Somehow Someway
13. Truth
14. Don't Let Up
15. Only for You Only
16. Wasted Time (Sweetwater Studios) (Bonus Track)
17. Feliz Navidad (Live) (Bonus Track)
18. Hole In The Sun (Bonus Track Japan)

David Byrne and Talking Heads news: solo Hollywood Bowl shows and new concert film; band rarities box set

Since David Byrne performs at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend (his Coachella Weekend appearance this past April was among my top 5 standouts), it's a good time to remind fans about the highly recommended Talking Heads' 3CD and 1LP+7" box set Tentative Decisions: Demos & Live from earlier this year.

The 1975 demos are fascinating to hear and discover which tunes were still skeletal in form ("Psycho Killer") or pretty much had the bones already intact ("Love Goes to a Building on Fire"). Among the New York live performances: The lo-fidelity Max's Kansas City 1976 set as a trio is like a bootleg with audience chatter. High points include "Don't Worry About the Government" and the frantic "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel." Byrne introduce their wiry cover of Jonathan Richman's "Pablo Picasso" as something they'd "never done before and probably won't do again." The early '77 Jabberwocky Club selections a few months later in Syracuse, NY, with the jagged "No Compassion" being a standout, is much better.  

Box set background:

After relocating from Rhode Island to New York City in early 1975, singer/guitarist David Byrne, drummer Chris Frantz, and bassist Tina Weymouth began recording early demos with their friend, J.R. Rost to get an idea of what they sounded like; those recordings open the collection. 

That September, at the request of Mark Spector, they recorded an album’s worth of demos at CBS Studios. The session didn’t result in a contract, but it did preserve early versions of songs that would form the backbone of Talking Heads’ first two albums: “Don’t Worry About The Government,” “The Book I Read,” “Thank You For Sending Me An Angel,” and “Stay Hungry.”

Tentative Decisions also uncovers a cache of live recordings from 1976 and 1977. The October 1976 performance at Max’s Kansas City took place just a few weeks before the group met with Seymour Stein and signed to Sire Records. A few months later, the January 1977 show at The Jabberwocky Club in Syracuse would be among the last by the original trio before Jerry Harrison joined in March.

The earliest recordings on Tentative Decisions reach back to The Artistics, the band Frantz and Byrne formed while they were students at the Rhode Island School of Design. Recorded in 1974 at Frantz’s apartment on Benefit Street in Providence, the demo represents the earliest known recordings of “Psycho Killer” and “Warning Sign.”

In the liner notes, Frantz says The Artistics’ aspiration to become the RISD house band—entertaining friends with covers of The Kinks, Motown, and Al Green—changed when they began writing their own songs. “One day, David knocked on the door of the painting studio Tina and I shared,” Frantz recalls. “He played us the first verse and chorus of ‘Psycho Killer,’ which sounded promising.” Byrne asked Weymouth, who spoke French, to write lyrics for the bridge while Frantz added some verses—and so it began.

Track Listing (3CD):

Disc One

“Psycho Killer” (September 1975 Demo)
“Tentative Decisions” (September 1975 Demo)
“No Compassion” (September 1975 Demo)
“Warning Sign” (September 1975 Demo)
“I’m Not in Love” (1976 Demo)
“Thank You For Sending Me An Angel” (1976 Demo)
“The Book I Read” (1976 Demo)
“I Wish You Wouldn’t Say That” (1976 Demo)
“Love Goes To A Building On Fire” (1976 Demo)
“Happy Day” (1976 Demo)
“Artists Only” (Live at the Lower Manhattan Ocean Club, New York, NY, 8/17/76)
“Psycho Killer” – The Artistics
“Warning Sign” – The Artistics

Disc Two

CBS Demos (September 1975)

“Psycho Killer” *
“Sugar On My Tongue” *
“Thank You For Sending Me An Angel” *
“I Want To Live” *
“I Wish You Wouldn’t Say That” *
“The Girls Want To Be With The Girls” *
“Who Is It?” *
“With Our Love” *
“Stay Hungry” *
“Tentative Decisions” *
“Warning Sign” *
“I’m Not In Love” *
“The Book I Read” *
“Love Goes To A Building On Fire” *
“No Compassion” *

Disc Three

Live at Max’s Kansas City, New York, NY (10/9/76)

“Artists Only” *
“1, 2, 3 Red Light” *
“Happy Day” *
“Don’t Worry About The Government” *
“Psycho Killer” *
“Love Goes To A Building On Fire” *
“Thank You For Sending Me An Angel” *
“With Our Love” *
“Pablo Picasso” *
“I’m Not In Love” *

Live at the Jabberwocky Club, Syracuse, NY (1/26/77)

“No Compassion” *
“New Feeling” *
“Psycho Killer” *
“A Clean Break (Let’s Work)” *
“Sugar On My Tongue” *

Live at the Lower Manhattan Ocean Club, New York, NY (8/17/76)

“I Wish You Wouldn’t Say That” *
“Take Me To The River” *

* Previously Unreleased

To purchase: amazon.com

In related news:

David Byrne is bringing his celebrated 2025/2026 world tour to the big screen. Filmed over multiple nights at the Hippodrome in Byrne’s hometown of Baltimore, the film captures the production that has played to audiences for over 150 shows across four continents. It was shot by Brady Corbet, director of the Academy Award®-winning film The Brutalist. The film is in postproduction now, with distribution and release details to be announced.

Who is the Sky? has become one of the most acclaimed live productions of Byrne's career. Built around an ensemble of 13 musicians, singers, and dancers in constant motion across the stage, the show blends visual art, storytelling, and music cut into a single performance, with set lists that move between the new record and Talking Heads classics like "Psycho Killer," "This Must Be the Place," “Life During Wartime” and "Burning Down the House." Since launching in September 2025, the tour has traveled across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the U.K. and Asia. The tour wraps up September 19 at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY.

“When Brady told me he wanted to shoot our show in 70 millimeter (70 millimeter!) I didn't realize what a difference it would make until I saw some frames he sent me,” shared David Byrne. “He was right, it really does capture the wide screen visual scope of the show. I've never seen anything like it.”

“I am so grateful to David Byrne and his entire team for entrusting us to capture his hometown show on 8-perf and 15-perf 70mm,” stated Brady Corbet. “The band’s performance is an inclusive celebration of community, and of Baltimore in particular—one of America’s most underappreciated historic cities.”

“We are thrilled to help bring David Byrne’s incredible, joyous tour to the screen in a way that can be shared for all time,” said The Deep End’s Jason Fine and Amit Dey. “This film will capture one of our greatest artists at the peak of his craft, in a moment that brings people together when we need it most, and that will elevate the concert film experience to a new level.”

Tour photo courtesy: Grandstand PR

Music-themed book review roundup: Tears for Fears' Roland Orzabal, David Bowie, The Eagles

Books With Appealing Music Star Backstories

Roland Orzabal
Welcome to Your Life: Love, Death and Tears for Fears
(Dey Street)

As creative half of Eighties synth pop juggernaut Tears for Fears alongside Curt Smith, Roland Orzabal made major indelible hits like "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," "Head Over Heels," and "Sowing the Seeds of Love." Here, the British singer/songwriter/guitarist adds a unique spin on the average music memoir by writing about astrology's influence on his life after worldwide fame in 1985. Welcome to Your Life is an engaging read, where Orzabal leaves most star chart talk to each chapter's conclusion. Fans should find the details surrounding his colorful upbringing, broken home (which led to forming bands alongside sympathetic high school acquaintance Smith), TFF albums and tours, delving into Arthur Janov's Primal Therapy, a managerial thief, splitting from Smith and solo years, dealing with his first wife's illness and death, overcoming a harrowing Ambien addiction, the TFF reunion and finding a happy life with a new wife and baby quite interesting. Hardcover, 287 pages. Purchase: amazon.com

Sean Egan

Eagles and 'Hotel California' - 50 Years
(Motorbooks)

This December will mark fifty years since the Eagles' classic fifth studio release came out. Egan's sleek coffee table book - available Sept. 8 - dutifully examines the genesis of America's third best-selling album of all time. The author covers all pertinent career bases: notably the Linda Ronstadt connection, the band's early country-rock albums failing to set the charts afire (though a few singles did well), music critics and the British public's initial indifference to the sound and lyrics, personnel changes (Joe Walsh seemed an odd choice at first), '70s debauchery, how the Hotel California recording transpired, eventual breakup, Don Henley and Glenn Frey's solo career successes, the Eagles' reunion and final album. There are ample archival photos, plus sidebars on collaborators, rivals, studios, execs, and more. Hardcover, with slipcase, 176 glossy pages. Preorder: amazon.com

Alexander Larman

Lazarus: The Second Coming of David Bowie
(Pegasus)

Larman does an impressive job examining the less celebrated second half of David Bowie's career, when the rock legend continued to take compelling musical routes (a hard-edged Tin Machine, the Brian Eno reunion on eerie song cycle Outside, an industrial/jungle-based Earthling), increased acting work and visual art, marriage and fatherhood for a second time. The biography boasts more authenticity than most, thanks to feedback from key Bowie collaborators like Tony Visconti, Mike Garson, Reeves Gabrels, Mark Plati, Gerry Leonard, Gail Ann Dorsey (coincidentally a member of Tears for Fears' touring band for a '90s spell), and others. The book also contains a discography, filmography, bibliography, and notes section. Hardcover, 367 pages. Purchase: amazon.com

Fontaines D.C. news

Fontaines D.C.'s fifth studio album, Dopamine Chamber, is set for Oct. 16 via XL Recordings. Produced by James Ford, it is the follow-up to 2024’s UK platinum-certified Romance. The lead single is “Marianne” and was inspired in part by the 2024 thriller series Ripley.

STREAM “MARIANNE” HERE

WATCH THE "MARIANNE" MUSIC VIDEO HERE

“The album itself is a dopamine chamber,” says the band's Grian Chatten. “You step inside and we test these different mind- or mood-altering pieces of music on you.”

PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE DOPAMINE CHAMBER HERE

Formats include LP, deluxe LP, CD, cassette and digital. 

Additionally, the band will do two U.S. gigs next month at Kings Theatre, Brooklyn (September 21) and Hollywood Forever Cemetery (September 25). Fans can get pre-sale tickets here: https://laylo.com/fontainesdc/m/nyla26. General on-sale starts at 10am local time on Friday, August 28.

Of the last album Romance, Chatten says it “was maybe 60 per cent human and 40 per cent corrupted by automation, and a loss of feeling.” He spent time in Venice, Vienna and Sicily in search of lyrical inspiration. “This one feels more like 60 per cent corrupted — the mask is wearing the face a little more.” He resisted any pull towards easy optimism: “I felt it would be more powerful to leave the hope out and reflect the ugliness honestly. This one needed to feel more like a catastrophic warning.”

“Our albums have always questioned a sense of place,” says bassist Conor Deegan. “First Dublin, then being away from Dublin, and then trying to find the romance elsewhere. On this record, the question became: where do you escape to?” 

Adds guitarist Conor Curley, “I was trying to find stuff that pointed into the future.” The new album was made with James Ford between London, the English countryside and Palermo, where Chatten recorded vocals in a makeshift booth built from mattresses and cushions.

“There’s a poignant sense of us being on the brink of some other kind of form of humanity, or non-humanity,” says Chatten. 

The album track listing is TBA.

Live shows:

August 28th - Reading Festival, UK

August 29th - Leeds Festival, UK
August 30th - Electric Picnic, Ireland
September 18th - Shaky Knees, Atlanta, GA, USA
September 20th - Sea.Hear.Now, Asbury Park, NJ, USA
** September 21st - Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, NY, USA (NEW DATE) **
** September 25th - Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, CA, USA (NEW DATE) **
September 27th - Ohana Festival, Dana Point, CA, USA

Marshall Crenshaw rarities compilation coming in October

Following its limited release as a Record Store Day Exclusive earlier this year, Marshall Crenshaw’s The Bootleg Sounds of Marshall Crenshaw: 1984-87 will receive a wide release on October 23 via Yep Roc Records. The album is now available for pre-order.

Personally curated by Crenshaw from his archives, the collection brings together previously unreleased home demos, live performances, and studio recordings from the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known for the top 40 hit single "Someday, Someway" in 1982. 

The Bootleg Sounds of Marshall Crenshaw: 1984-87 looks behind the scenes, through the songwriting process, and the home recordings of songs that shaped his third and fourth albums, Downtown (1985) and Mary Jean & 9 Others (1987). The early demos sit alongside live tracks from 1986 and 1987, as well as other long-lost material from the archives.

A previously unreleased rendition of Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day” features Gary Tallent and Max Weinberg of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Crenshaw's conection to Holly’s music famously includes portraying the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer in the 1987 La Bamba.

“(We’re Gonna) Shake Up Their Minds” stems from a songwriting block when Crenshaw sent the backing track to acclaimed British singer/songwriter Kirsty MacColl to see where she might take it. “Kirsty wrote a song to the track called “All I Ever Wanted”, but by the time I got it back from her in the mail, I’d figured out the storyline to "Shake Up Their Minds," and finished that song.”

Five years later, Kirsty recorded “All I Ever Wanted” for her album, Electric Landlady, and released the track in the UK as a single. "I’m presenting the sequence the way I found it on the tape reel- my demo, followed by the last bit of her demo, which I’d accidentally recorded over.”

Listen/Share: “They Will Never Know”

Crenshaw and his band will hit the road this fall for a run of dates. A complete list is below, and tickets are available here.

Track listing:

1.“They Will Never Know”
2. (We’re Gonna) Shake Up Their Minds
3. All I Ever Wanted (Excerpt)
4. That’ll Be the Day
5. Little Wild One (No. 1) (TV track)
6. The Distance Between
7. Blues Is King (TV track)
8. Right Now
9. Vocal Test
10. Town Without Pity
11. Terrifying Karaoke
12. Synsonics Go Berzerko!!
12. Reet Petite (Live)
13. Try (Live)
14. This Is Easy (Live)

Tour Dates:

October 27 – Hugh’s Room Live – Toronto, Ontario
October 28 – Sportsmen’s Tavern – Buffalo, NY
October 29 – Magic Bag Theater – Ferndale, MI
October 31 – Old Town School of Folk Music – Chicago, IL
November 1 – The Acorn Theater – Three Oaks, MI
November 2 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
November 11 – City Winery Boston – Boston, MA
November 12- Fairfield Theater Stage One - Fairfield, CT
November 13 – Daryl’s House Restaurant & Live Music Club – Pawling, NY
November 14 – My Father’s Place – Roslyn, NY
November 17 – Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center – Old Saybrook, CT
November 18 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
November 19 – Elkton Music Hall – Elkton, MD
November 21 – Rams Head on Stage – Annapolis, MD
November 22 – The Birchmere – Alexandria, VA
November 23 – City Winery NYC – New York, NY

Debbie Gibson Expands Christmas Album; Adds December Shows in Las Vegas

I got to interview Debbie in 2024 before she appeared in Pasadena's Rose Parade on New Year's Day '25. Our chat was shorter than I would have liked, but fun. You can find it elsewhere on this blog.

In 2022, Debbie Gibson released her debut holiday album ‘Winterlicious.’ This year, she unveils ‘Winterlicious D’Luxe,’ an expanded collection with tracks from the first installment as well as six new originals. It is set for digital release on October 22 and a double vinyl release on November 6.

Her new Las Vegas run at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower takes place December 17-19*, 20 (*matinee & evening shows). Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. PDT this Friday on the website HERE.

‘Winterlicious D’Luxe’ will include the forthcoming lead single “Lit Up!,” “El Regalo,” done in Spanish, and a holiday reinvention of her top 5 Eighties hit “Out of the Blue.”

“Winterlicious D'Luxe is something I've been quietly working on throughout the year as both a songwriter and artist… I am so ready to put my stamp on all things holiday music and live shows this year,” said Debbie. “As a longtime Las Vegas local, I'm so thrilled to also be partnering with SPI Entertainment and The STRAT for my first ever solo holiday Vegas run! My show will be full of holiday favorites, both original and classics along with my pop hits! It's festive, it's campy and I can't wait to connect with the audience in this classic intimate showroom setting.”

The announcement follows last year's memoir ‘ETERNALLY ELECTRIC’ from Gallery Books. Her first pop album of original material in 20 years, ‘The Body Remembers,’ arrived in 2021 on her own label Stargirl Records. The new album went to No. 2 on the Apple Pop Sales Charts and achieved one million streams in its first month.

Track Listing:

It’s a Small World

Winterlude
Christmas Star
Let It Snow
Lit Up!
I Wish Everyday Is Christmas
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Heartbreak Holiday — duet with Joey McIntyre
The Gift
Out of the Blue Christmas
Jingle Those Bells
The Candy Man
Christmas Dreams
El Regalo
Sleigh Ride
Jingle Bell Rock / The Christmas Song
Angels in the Snow
Illuminate
White Christmas — duet with Daddy Joe
Cheers!

Back to Black, the acclaimed debut by Amy Winehouse to get deluxe anniversary editions

This should be interesting to hear. The only time that I got to see Amy live was at Coachella 2007. 

She played in one of the tents there and "Rehab" was just weeks away from being released as a single in America, though it had come out in the U.K. So those in the know had flocked to see her that afternoon in Indio. 

Read below for info on the special re-release. 

'To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, Republic/UMe will be reissuing the album in various formats which will include unreleased demos, rare B-sides, as well as a live performance from Paradiso, Amsterdam (February 8, 2007) from the Back To Black tour. The formats will also include never-before-seen photos by original album photographers Mischa Richter and Alex Lake, plus new liner notes from producers and friends Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi.

It will be released on October 23, just days before the 20th anniversary of the album’s original release date of October 27, 2006.

In the UK, the album debuted at No. 3 and later reached No. 1 on the Official Albums Chart before going on to be the best-selling album of 2007. The album, which has now sold over 4.5 million copies the UK, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, eventually peaking at No. 2 following Amy's five-Grammy haul. That night, she won Record of The Year, Song of the Year,   Best Pop Vocal Album, Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance with “Rehab.” 

Now 20 years on and a U.S. double-Platinum RIAA certification later, Back to Black has since topped charts across Europe—including Austria, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland — and has sold well over 25 million copies worldwide. 

For the 20th anniversary, a special 3LP clear-vinyl edition and accompanying 3CD edition features four unreleased demos, plus rare B-sides alongside the deluxe tracks. The third disc features the live performance from Paradiso, Amsterdam, on February 8, 2007, from the Back To Black tour, never released in full on vinyl or streaming before. 

These editions feature new alternative cover artwork, an image from Mark Ronson’s archives of Amy’s handwritten lyrics, and never-before-seen photos by original album photographers Mischa Richter and Alex Lake, plus exclusive liner notes from Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi. 

To complete the anniversary suite of formats, limited edition 1LP variations of the original album include a 1LP “Chalkboard Marble” color vinyl, plus a webstore-exclusive 1LP Zoetrope vinyl featuring moving footage of Amy. 

Preorder Back to Black 20th Anniversary Editions HERE
Presave Back to Black 20th Anniversary HERE

Tracklist: 3LP

LP1 - Side 1 – Back to Black
1 Rehab
2 You Know I'm No Good
3 Me & Mr Jones
4 Just Friends
5 Back to Black
6 Love Is A Losing Game

LP1 - Side 2
1 Tears Dry on Their Own
2 Wake Up Alone
3 Some Unholy War
4 He Can Only Hold Her
5 Addicted

LP2 - Side 3 – B-Sides & Demos
1 Valerie (Live at BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge)
2 Monkey Man
3 Hey Little Rich Girl
4 You're Wondering Now
5 Do Me Good
6 Close To The Front

LP2 - Side 4
1 I'm No Good (You Know I’m No Good - Original Demo)
2. Fuckery (Me & Mr Jones – Original Demo)
3 I’ve Been Drinkin’ (Just Friends – Alternative Version)
4 Back to Black (Original Demo)
5 Love Is a Losing Game (Original Demo)
6 Tears Dry (Alternative Demo)

LP3 – Side 5 – Live from Paradiso Amsterdam / February 8, 2007
1 Addicted
2 Just Friends
3 Tears Dry on Their Own
4 He Can Only Hold Her / Doo Wop (That Thing)
5 Wake Up Alone
6 Back to Black

LP3 - Side 6
1 You Know I’m No Good
2 Me & Mr Jones
3 Rehab
4 Love Is A Losing Game
5 Valerie

Jonas Brothers Tour to make multiple SoCal stops this winter

The Jonas Brothers, who just received the Disney Legends Award at the D23 Convention in Anaheim, have announced a major North American tour that will make SoCal stops in Palm Desert, LA, Anaheim, and San Diego. See routing below. 

"Our last tour reminded us just how much this music means to us and to the fans who've been with us from the start," said the Jonas Brothers in a press release. "The response was so overwhelming announcing the MSG shows that we knew we couldn't stop at New York. We're taking The Burning Up Tour All Over Again on the road so we can relive it with all of you, city by city. We can't wait to run it back with all of you.”

Last week, the Jonas Brothers were also announced as the halftime performers for the NFL's first-ever regular-season game in Australia. Camp Rock 3 premiered on Disney Channel on Thursday before making its streaming debut on Disney+ Friday, arriving nearly two decades after the original film debuted.  

Jonas Brothers are also teaming up with PopUp Bagels for a limited-edition Burning Up Schmear - a Hot Pepper Parmesan Cream Cheese launching alongside the band's national tour, available nationwide August 17-26. The collab kicked off when Joe Jonas DM'd the PopUp Bagels account: “Burnin' up collab?" - which turned into a rich, savory parmesan schmear with just the right kick of heat paired with PopUp's signature hot, whole bagels. Fans can expect exclusive experiences, giveaways, and surprises all campaign long.

Tickets will be available starting with the Spotify Reserved presale in the US on Tuesday, August 18 at 8:28 am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, August 21 at 10am local time at ticketmaster.com.

Introducing Reserved, brought to you by Spotify. For the first time, eligible Spotify Premium top fans will have tickets to their favorite artist’s show set aside for them to purchase before they go on sale to the general public. Reserved is a Spotify Premium benefit that turns real fandom into first access. Visit ReservedbySpotify.com to learn more.

Jonas Brothers Reserved by Spotify tickets may be available to eligible US and Canada Spotify Premium subscribers through Ticketmaster. Eligible fans will be notified by Spotify via in-app, email, and push notifications, and will have the opportunity to purchase up to two tickets during the offer window.

The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, invitation to the pre-show Burnin’ Up VIP Lounge, specially designed VIP gift item, pre-show merch shopping & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Tour Dates:

Thu, Aug 20 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden- SOLD OUT
Fri, Aug 21 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden- SOLD OUT
Sat, Aug 22 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden - SOLD OUT
Fri, Sep 25 - Boston, MA - TD Garden*^
Sat, Sep 26 - Manchester, NH - SNHU Arena^
Mon, Sep 28 - Toronto, ON - RBC Amphitheatre^
Wed, Sep 30 - Washington, DC - Capital One Arena^
Thu, Oct 1 - Raleigh, NC - Lenovo Center^
Fri, Oct 2 - Philadelphia, PA - Xfinity Mobile Arena*^
Mon, Oct 5 - Miami, FL - Kaseya Center*^
Tue, Oct 6 - Orlando, FL - Kia Center*^
Thu, Oct 8 - Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena*^
Fri, Oct 9 - Birmingham, AL - Legacy Arena at the BJCC*^
Sun, Oct 11 - Tampa, FL - Benchmark International Arena*^
Tue, Oct 13 - Charlotte, NC - Spectrum Center*^
Thu, Oct 15 - Indianapolis, IN - Gainbridge Fieldhouse*^
Fri, Oct 16 - Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena*^
Sat, Oct 17 - Lexington, KY - Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center*^
Mon, Oct 19 - Cleveland, OH - Rocket Arena*^
Tue, Oct 20 - Buffalo, NY - KeyBank Center*^
Thu, Oct 22 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena*^
Sun, Oct 25 - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena*^
Mon, Oct 26 - Pittsburgh, PA - PPG Paints Arena*^
Sun, Nov 1 - Milwaukee, WI - Fiserv Forum*^
Mon, Nov 2 - St. Paul, MN - Grand Casino Arena*^
Tue, Nov 3 - Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center+^
Thu, Nov 5 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena+^
Mon, Nov 9 - Oklahoma, OK - Paycom Center+^
Tue, Nov 10 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center+^
Fri, Nov 13 - Austin, TX - Moody Center+^
Sat, Nov 14 - San Antonio, TX - Frost Bank Center+^
Tue, Nov 17 - Palm Desert, CA - Acrisure Arena*^
Wed, Nov 18 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl#*^
Sat, Nov 21 - San Francisco, CA - Chase Center*^
Sun, Nov 22 - Sacramento, CA - Golden 1 Center*^
Fri, Nov 27 - Glendale, AZ - Desert Diamond Arena*^
Sat, Nov 28 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena*^
Mon, Nov 30 - San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena*^
Wed, Dec 2 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center*^
Sat, Dec 5 - Seattle, WA - Climate Pledge Arena*^
Mon, Dec 7 - Salt Lake City, UT - Delta Center*^
Wed, Dec 9 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena*^
Thu, Dec 10 - Lincoln, NE - Pinnacle Bank Arena*^
Sat, Dec 12 - Sioux Falls, SD - Denny Sanford PREMIER Center*^
Tue, Dec 15 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena*^
Sat, Dec 19 - Belmont Park, NY - UBS Arena*^
Mon, Dec 21 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center*^

With 
#All Time Low
*Magnus Ferrell
+Franklin Jonas
^Deleasa

Sheryl Crow news

Sheryl Crow's upcoming studio release, Pick You Up, is due October 9. It was written by Crow and long-time collaborator Jeff Trott and will be released via Old Green Barn Productions LLC. Pre-order, pre-add, and pre-save HERE.

The first single, “Freedom Bus,” featuring Jesse Welles, is now available on all major streaming platforms and digital retailers HERE. 

About “Freedom Bus,” Crow said, “I do not take freedom lightly because our freedom has been paid for in the lives of others throughout history and that is something I wish we could all remember when we are interacting with each other. Our dialogue and ability to disagree must reflect what has been paid for in the blood, sweat, and tears of those who fought for every man and woman to be created equal and to enjoy the rights that our constitution has allowed each of us.”

The forthcoming release delves into personal reflection while returning to the AAA/Rock/Singer-Songwriter/Americana sound that made Crow popular in the ‘90s. 

“Each of these songs are a commentary on being human and wanting connection,” Crow said. “There is a lot of chaos all around us and I definitely find myself feeling alone. My wish is that whoever hears these songs feels the hope I feel when I sing them! I hope these songs feel like a soothing moisturizer on our chapped hearts. We are all going through so much in our humanity right now that being awake can feel like trudging through a burning desert. But we are never alone. And there is beauty everywhere. We just have to keep our eyes open.”

The Pick You Up album artwork features “The Elephant Who Forgot The Ocean” by artist Tyson Grumm, whose surreal, imaginative paintings create a nostalgic world where each image tells a story that is only partially told, allowing viewers to bring their own perspective to complete the work. 

A longtime collector of Grumm’s work, Crow first discovered his paintings nearly 20 years ago and has long been drawn to their sense of wonder, playfulness and underlying melancholy. When she recently saw “The Elephant Who Forgot The Ocean” at an auction, she knew it was the image she wanted for Pick You Up. She reached out to Grumm, who agreed to let her use the piece as the album artwork, and she ultimately purchased the original, which now hangs in her home.

Crow will perform on Good Morning America on August 28.

Track List:

“Freight Train”
“Perfect”
“Pick You Up”
“Flat Earth”
“I’ve Got Your Number”
“Heaven Help Us”
“Freedom Bus” (feat. Jesse Welles) 

Roxy Music reissue news

Roxy Music's second album For Your Pleasure will see a newly expanded version on November 6 via UMR/Island/EMI Records. 

Originally released in 1973, For Your Pleasure charted in the UK Top 5, went gold there and spawned the live and fan fave "Do the Strand."  

Unheard studio recordings, songwriting sketches, rehearsals, outtakes, live sessions and rare unseen performances make up the 2026 edition of For Your Pleasure. The original begged the question Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay, Brian Eno and Paul Thompson faced: how do you follow a debut album like Roxy Music?

Bryan Ferry remembers: “It was a good pressure. Realising, now there’s an audience to write for. An intelligent audience. I felt a responsibility for the work that I hadn’t for the first album, certainly with regard to the lyrics. There was a hunger in the whole band to do more: a very strong urge to get back into a recording studio and make a better record than the first one. Nick de Ville had a cottage in Derbyshire, and offered to let me have it for a few days. So I went up there with the sole purpose of writing songs. I had this great little Renault 4, and I filled the car with stuff: keyboards, a guitar, an amp, tape recorders, pads of paper and pens. I remember driving up in this crammed car with its very interesting gear stick. The cottage was quite remote, out in the Derbyshire Dales – I had to call into some local farmer to get the key, then on up a track – and very basic. I must have taken provisions, because I couldn’t cook, but I was full of energy. I was completely alone out there, and just really focused on writing this stuff. I remember sheets of paper all over the floor, working on things like In Every Dream Home A Heartache and Editions Of You. Those few days in that cottage were crucial to the making of For Your Pleasure.”

Fragile cassettes Bryan Ferry recorded in Derbyshire, together with tapes made in his London flat, have survived. They will be released for the first time in more than 50 years as part of the For Your Pleasure 2026 edition. 

Released now for the first time, 'Grey Lagoons – 1971 Demo (original title: The Bogus Man Part 2)' is from the For Your Pleasure: Super Deluxe Edition. Recorded in the summer of 1971, the demo formed part of the homemade tape that first brought Roxy Music to the attention of the music press. 

The Super Deluxe Edition also premieres two additional unheard recordings of the song, 'Grey Lagoons - Air Studios Outtake' and 'Grey Lagoons - Live at Montreux, April 1973'. 

All surviving versions are officially available for the first time as part of the For Your Pleasure 2026 edition. Fans can hear the 1971 demo here.

The 2026 edition of For Your Pleasure will be available in a variety of formats including 2LP (Black vinyl, and in Blue Pearl Vinyl as a D2C Exclusive), 2CD, Digital, Blu-Ray, Dolby ATMOS, and as a 3CD+1DVD Super Deluxe Edition.

The 2CD Deluxe Edition includes the original album, plus AIR Studios outtakes, singles and BBC sessions, presented in a hardcover digibook with a new essay and unseen images.

The 2LP Vinyl edition features the original album, plus AIR Studios outtakes in a gatefold sleeve.

Pre-order via UMR/Island EMI here.

For Your Pleasure 3CD+DVD Super Deluxe Edition Track Listing:
Download Track Listing for 2LP, 2CD, Digital & Blu-Ray Formats Here.

CD1 – For Your Pleasure

1 Do The Strand
2 Beauty Queen
3 Strictly Confidential
4 Editions Of You
5 In Every Dream Home A Heartache
6 The Bogus Man
7 Grey Lagoons
8 For Your Pleasure

CD2 – Demos, Rehearsals & Studio Outtakes

1 Pyjamarama - guitar & vocal
2 Do The Strand - piano & vocal
3 Beauty Queen - tremolo piano
4 Beauty Queen - electric piano
5 Beauty Queen - piano & vocal
6 Strictly Confidential (segue into)
7 Editions Of You - electric piano
8 In Every Dream Home A Heartache - farfisa & guitar
9 In Every Dream Home A Heartache - tremolo guitar
10 For Your Pleasure - electric piano
11 Pyjamarama - Rehearsal 1973
12 Bogus Man - Rehearsal 1973
13 Grey Lagoons - 1971 Demo (Original title The Bogus Man Part 2)
14 Pyjamarama - AIR Studios outtake
15 Beauty Queen - AIR Studios outtake
16 Strictly Confidential - AIR Studios outtakes
17 Editions Of You - AIR Studios outtake
18 The Bogus Man - AIR Studios outtake
19 Grey Lagoons - AIR Studios outtake
20 For Your Pleasure - Eno tapes

CD3 – Live Sessions, Singles & Instrumentals

1 Grey Lagoons - BBC Paris Theatre (London) August 1972 (first live performance)
2 For Your Pleasure - Peel Sessions November 1972
3 Do The Strand - Peel Sessions March 1973
4 Editions Of You - Peel Sessions March 1973
5 Pyjamarama - Peel Sessions March 1973
6 In Every Dream Home A Heartache - Peel Sessions March 1973
7 Pyjamarama - A side single
8 The Pride And The Pain - B side single
9 Do The Strand - (instrumental)
10 Beauty Queen - (instrumental)
11 Strictly Confidential - (instrumental)
12 Editions Of You - (instrumental)
13 In Every Dream Home A Heartache - (instrumental)
14 The Bogus Man - (instrumental)
15 Grey Lagoons - (instrumental)
16 For Your Pleasure - (instrumental)

DVD – TV & Live Performances

1 Pyjamarama - Top of the Pops (lost tape)
2 For Your Pleasure - Full House November 1972
3 Grey Lagoons - Full House November 1972
4 Do The Strand - Old Grey Whistle Test April 1973
5 In Every Dream Home A Heartache - Old Grey Whistle Test April 1973
6 Do The Strand - Live at Montreux April 1973
7 Grey Lagoons - Live at Montreux April 1973
8 Beauty Queen - Live at Montreux April 1973
9 The Bogus Man - Live at Montreux April 1973
10 In Every Dream Home A Heartache - Live at Montreux April 1973
11 Editions Of You - Live at Montreux April 1973
12 Do The Strand - Musikladen 1973
13 Editions Of You - Musikladen 1973
14 In Every Dream Home A Heartache - Musikladen 1973

Clay Aiken unveils 'Rewind' in September; Mr. Mister cover out now

Exciting news for Claymates: Clay Aiken will put out Rewind, his first album of mostly original music in nearly two decades on September 25. It follows the singer's return to the "American Idol" stage earlier this year.

The new single "Kyrie" is a cover of the chart-topping 1985 Mr. Mister hit from 1985. It is available to stream now. 

Last May, when Aiken returned to the TV competition to debut the high energy dance-pop title track during the season finale. Written by Colton Avery and Grammy-winning producer Dave Audé (Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars, Andy Bell of Erasure) and produced by Audé, “Rewind” was Aiken’s first new original single in 18 years. In 2025, Audé remixed "Invisible" for Aiken. Watch the music video for “Rewind” HERE.

Rewind utilizes contemporary pop production while reflecting where he is today, both personally and musically.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve made an album of new music, and I don’t think I would have made this same album even a few years ago. There’s obviously a little nostalgia in Rewind, but I wasn’t interested in trying to recreate something I did 20 years ago. I wanted to make music that feels like me now. I’m really proud of where we ended up, and I’m excited for people to finally hear the whole thing,” says Aiken.

Rewind will be available across all major digital platforms and can be pre-saved now.

ABOUT CLAY AIKEN

Clay Aiken is a multi-platinum recording artist, television personality, and advocate who first rose to national prominence on season two of American Idol. His debut album Measure of a Man entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 and went multi-platinum, while his first single, “This Is The Night,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with record-setting first-week sales.

Over the course of his career, the LGBTQ singer has released multiple albums, headlined national tours, and appeared on Broadway in Monty Python’s Spamalot. His television credits include numerous specials and a runner-up finish on The Celebrity Apprentice. He is also a New York Times bestselling author for his memoir Learning to Sing.

Beyond entertainment, Aiken has maintained a longstanding commitment to advocacy. A former special education teacher, he co-founded the National Inclusion Project, which supports inclusive programming for children with disabilities, and served for nearly a decade as a UNICEF ambassador, traveling globally to promote children’s rights and access to education.

Track listing: 

1. Way Out
2. Brand New Eyes
3. Kyrie
4. What Comes Next
5. Time After Time
6. Nothing Left to Lose
7. Rewind
8. Look How Far We’ve Come
9. Simplified

The Black Watch is back with a new album this fall

Prolific LA indie rock band the black watch returns with new album The Fuzzy End of the Lollipop on October 2 through ATOM Records. 

"I've declared that The Fuzzy End of the Lollipop is really the end of the black watch, but I've been wrong before," says vocalist, guitarist and songwriter John Andrew Fredrick. 

Since this is the 27th album since 1988, one might be inclined to think that all has been said by the band, but for Fredrick who holds a Ph.D. in English, you’d be wrong.  “I'm fascinated by the idea of completion, of endings, but being a mad reader of fiction and poetry, literary criticism and biographies of novelists stimulates me so much. It's all too much, you know. I am so inspired by The Beatles. There is so much there to plunder.”

Frederick worked alongside producer/engineer Rob Campanella, formerly of The Brian Jonestown Massacre (who also plays bass live), and producer Scott Campbell (Stevie Nicks, Shelby Lynne, Acetone) who's been with the band, on and off, since 1991 and Andy Creighton who joined up in 2017 on guitar. 

The first single “Marie Bouzkova” was named after the acclaimed Czech tennis player, but the song’s subject matter is about something more basic and fundamental. “Marie is very sweet and kind in person, but the song is really about anyone who is lovely and charming and beautiful to everyone--my favourite sort of person, in other words,” he explains. “Modesty, humility--these things seem to be more and more rare nowadays. Not saying I'm modest or humble, mind you, but I admire both greatly and am trying!”

A seemingly tangential tennis reference point isn’t incidental. A fiercely competitive tennis amateur player himself, Fredrick knows his sport. “I play at Echo Park Tennis Club, surely the least exclusive club in the world,” he says. “$40 a year to join and we take everyone, no matter the level.” An athletic and social construct, members play against each other regardless of skill level and drink beer together. A tennis instructor as well, he teaches the sport to children. “I teach tennis for kids now. Some are utter brats, though…. really horrid kids, but some are hilarious,” he laughs. “Kinda like my theory that only the best and the worst people play adult tennis. Which one do you fancy I am?!!”

With The Fuzzy End of the Lollipop, Fredrick explains, "Our goal this time was to make a record that was so "of a piece" that it would be the sort of album that, once it ends, you just have to spin it again. It's meant to be quite terse and flow like a deep and deadly quiet river."

The black watch is: John Andrew Fredrick (guitar, percussion, vocals) Rob Campanella (guitar, bass) Chandler Fredrick (bass, backing vocals), and Andy Creighton (guitar, bass, drums, string arrangements, backing vocals). 

Album pre-orders available now here.

Track list:

1. Marie Bouzkova
2. Never You Mind
3. Sorrow's Crown
4. The Merry Kind
5. The Fuzzy End of the Lollipop
6. Falter, Splutter, Fall
7. Everything Changed!
8. Stars at Last
9. In Generalities
10. Her Halo
11. Sorrow’s Crown (Dance Mix)

Geoff Downes revives Asia with new lineup; new studio album in November

Co-founding Asia keyboardist Geoff Downes has re-institured the classic rock band with a new lineup. The new studio album, 'Indigo,' will be released on November 6 through Frontiers Music Srl. The first single and official video is “The Traveller (Into The Light)," available now.

Geoff Downes commented:

“The first track off the album is a high-power energy piece, with a few elements of prog trickery but retaining the accessible chorus block, which was always a signature of ASIA’s music from the very beginning. Harry and I started working on this as one of the early ideas that seemed to come together very organically. Virgil’s dynamic and innovative drum parts drive the piece along, while John’s soaring guitars keep the momentum. Harry’s vocals are commanding, and my keyboard parts hold the wall of sound together. It’s a song of great optimism, mainly about looking forward to the future and travelling ‘into the light’. Play it loud!”

Watch the New Official Video for "The Traveller (Into The Light)" HERE

Asia now features Downes alongside Virgil Donati, John Mitchell, and Harry Whitley.

The latest single, “Echo Of You,” is out now along with an official video. 

Geoff Downes commented: 

“This song was part of the main writing sessions between Harry and I. It took on a whole different angle in the latter stages of development with more of a focus on electronica and a spacey production. It’s a happy uplifting tune, despite the nostalgic overtones of the lyrics, a love song with a twist. It all ends in a chaotic mix of counter themes, chord changes and features a good old-fashioned fadeout as a nod to nostalgia and I believe is a very fitting conclusion to the album – Indigo, hopefully leaving the listener on a high.”

Watch the official video for “Echo Of You” HERE

Downes described the genesis of the album:

“The initial writing period began in 2015, following the release of our previous album 'Gravitas' in 2014. John Wetton and I started putting our ideas together, aiming to get into the studio once more. It was with great sadness that John became seriously ill. During this time, we had put on hold our plans, and sadly, John passed away before we could continue and complete it. So, it was always in my mind that at some point it would be a shame not to finish off some of these songs and finally release them as part of an ASIA album.

“In 2023, when the tribute concert for John took place, I was so encouraged by the response to ASIA’s music that I viewed this as the perfect opportunity to re-establish not only the band, but also to reunite with our long-time supportive label, Frontiers, paving the way for us to get back in the studio”, he continued.

Downes also added:

“So, ASIA was back in the room, so to speak, and we were very fortunate to have recruited Virgil Donati and John Mitchell, both of whom had worked extensively with John before, as well as our new vocalist and bassist, Harry Whitley. The tours followed to great success throughout 2024 and 2025, and finally, we sat down towards the end of last year to record the album. Working with these fine musicians was a great privilege and the music just seemed to flow.”

“The album was really a joy to make. I forged a close writing relationship with Harry, and I felt how great it was to be working with someone who had very similar musical influences and taste once again, just as I did with John. I feel that this is one of our best albums to date. The songs are deep in musicality, with a powerful and original performance, dynamics and strong lyrical undertones – it’s an album that hopefully our fans will widely appreciate and support our cause to put ASIA back on the map. Enjoy the ride!” he concluded.

Recorded throughout 2025, the album was produced by Downes and the band, with mixing and mastering handled by John Mitchell.

'Indigo' includes some of the final compositions written by the late John Wetton: “Tattoo Indigo (Parts 2 & 3)” and “Chesapeake Bay.”

The album also features guest appearances by original Asia co-founder Steve Howe, who contributes acoustic guitar to “Chesapeake Bay,” while Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) is on the bonus track “Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)."

Pre-Order 'Indigo'HERE

Track List:

The Traveller (Into The Light)
Change Of Heart
Arcadia
Is This The Life?
Tattoo Indigo (Part 1)
Tattoo Indigo (Part 2)
Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)
Life In The Sun
Hymn For The Fallen
Night And Day
Valencia (The Ghost Ship)
An Elegy
Chesapeake Bay (Featuring Steve Howe)
On A Winters Night
Echo Of You
Tattoo Indigo (Part 3) (featuring Mike Portnoy) (Bonus Track)