Rock News

During his concert in Germany on Wednesday (June 11), Sting paid tribute to the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, following the news that the music legend died earlier that day. Sting performed a solo, acoustic cover of the Pet Sounds classic, "God Only Knows," introducing his tender rendition by saying, “Today, one of my heroes died, Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys. So I want to sing a song that I love.” He shared a video of the emotional moment on Instagram, along with the caption, "Rest in peace, Brian Wilson." Sting’s tribute joins those from Elton John, Carole King, Mick Fleetwood, and many others, who fondly remembered Wilson's musical genius and creative influence. “Brian had that mysterious sense of musical genius that made his songs so achingly special,” Paul McCartney wrote on social media. “The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time. I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while.” (Rolling Stone)

On Thursday (June 12), Twenty One Pilots announced the dates and details of The Clancy Tour: Breach 2025. The 21-date North American tour is in support of their upcoming album, Breach, which is set to be released in September via their longtime record label, Fueled by Ramen. The jaunt begins in the Grammy-winning duo’s home state of Ohio, with a show in Cincinnati on September 18, then hits cities like Toronto, Milwaukee, Tampa, and Dallas, before concluding in Los Angeles on October 25. “We are getting back on the road for one more trip around North America,” the band wrote alongside their video tour announcement on Instagram. An artist pre-sale begins on Tuesday (June 17), with on-sale for the general public starting on Friday (June 20). Twenty One Pilots also just shared the lead single from the album, “The Contract,” along with a Frédéric De Pontcharra-directed music video that continues the narrative explored on their previous albums. (Consequence of Sound)

Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes' Chris and Rich Robinson have reunited for a new short film, The Making of Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes Live At The Greek, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of their memorable live collaboration. The 11-minute documentary – released following the remastered 25th anniversary edition of the live set with 16 previously unreleased tracks – features the musicians discussing the recording process and their mutual admiration. “It was really good for me to meet [the Black Crowes], because I had really admired them from the recording work they had done,” Page said. “They were definitely from the same school I came from.” The original album, recorded at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, featured Led Zeppelin classics and cover songs, with the anniversary edition including previously omitted Black Crowes originals. The Black Crowes have a series of headlining North American shows scheduled through September, while Chris Robinson will front The Joe Perry Project for a run of shows in August. (Consequence of Sound)

On Thursday (June 12), Bruce Springsteen shared his vault ballad, "Sunday Love," which will be included on the forthcoming box set, Tracks II: The Lost Albums. The tune finds The Boss in full crooner mode, with orchestral arrangements reminiscent of the production work of Hal David. “Sunday Love” is the opening track on Twilight Hours – which Springsteen recorded at the same time as 2019’s Western Stars – the sixth album set to be included on the 83-track archival collection. “At one time it was either a double record [with Western Stars] or they were part of the same record,” Springsteen said of Twilight Hours. “I love Burt Bacharach and I love those kinds of songs and those kinds of songwriters. I took a swing at it because the chordal structures and everything are much more complicated, which was fun for me to pull off. All this stuff could have come right off of those Sixties albums.” Tracks II is set for release on June 27. (Rolling Stone)

Nirvana's iconic 1991 music video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" has just surpassed two billion views on YouTube, after first crossing the one billion milestone back in 2019. The Samuel Bayer-directed clip features the late Kurt Cobain, Krist Noveselic, and Dave Grohl performing at a pep rally in a high school gym, while surrounded by anarchist cheerleaders and moshing young music fans. The clip helped launch Nirvana to global superstardom upon its MTV debut, leading to them being named Best New Artist and Best Alternative Group at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. Other rock acts that have also reached the two billion milestone include Twenty One Pilots (“Stressed Out,” “Heathens”), Imagine Dragons (“Believer,” “Thunder”), Guns N’ Roses (“November Rain”) and Linkin Park (“Numb”). "Smells Like Teen Spirit" topped Billboard's Alternative Songs chart two months after its release, and helped Nirvana's Nevermind dethrone Michael Jackson's Dangerous at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1992. (Billboard)

After canceling their UK and European tour earlier this year due to scheduling conflicts, rumors began swirling that the Rolling Stones were back in the studio recording new material. Reports from The Sun confirm that the rock legends are working on a new album, and possibly gearing up for another tour. The article states that Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Steve Jordan have been busy recording at Metropolis Studios in West London since April, and have 13 new songs completed. Those reports also claim that renowned producer Andrew Watt – who produced and co-wrote three songs on the Stones’ Grammy-winning 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds – is again working with the band on their upcoming project. The band and their label are apparently in discussions for the album's release, while also contemplating future tour dates. Though no official announcements have been made, Jagger and Richards have both previously revealed that the group has ample material for another album. (NME)

The new documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on Tuesday (June 10). The film – directed by Grammy Award-winner Jonas Åkerlund – touches on Idol’s discovery of a long-lost son named Brant. The revelation stems from a 23andMe test taken by Idol’s daughter, Bonnie. “I get the results back on the app and open it and I’m like, who is this? This Brant,” Bonnie shares. “And it says his info’s like, New York, 1985, looking for my bio dad. I was like, ‘What?’” Bonnie and her half-brother Willem had no idea they potentially had another sibling, with Idol admitting in the documentary, “I actually had a son that I didn’t realize who I fathered on the Rebel Yell tour without knowing it.” Despite the surprising circumstances, Idol has embraced Brant and welcomed him into his life, inviting him to his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony back in 2023. (Consequence of Sound)

On Tuesday (June 10), Atlantic City police recovered a stolen custom-built guitar belonging to Heart’s Nancy Wilson, one of two irreplaceable instruments taken from the band two weeks earlier. The theft happened after Heart finished loading into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, with surveillance footage showing the guitar being handed to a woman who later surrendered it to police, which led to the arrest of a 57-year-old man on charges of burglary and theft. Paul Moak’s vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin, which was also stolen that night, remains unrecovered at this time. The theft occurred the night before the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers were set to kick off their An Evening With Heart summer tour on May 31. Before the recovery of her guitar, Wilson said, “These instruments are more than just tools of our trade — they’re extensions of our musical souls. We’re heartbroken, and we’re asking for their safe return — no questions asked. Their value to us is immeasurable.” (Billboard)

Ahead of the premiere of Jonas Åkerlund’s new documentary, Metallica Saved My Life, at the Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday (June 11), drummer Lars Ulrich spoke with Variety and shared his thoughts about his band’s passionate fanbase. Instead of focusing on the heavy metal legends themselves – like the 2004 rock doc, Some Kind of Monster – the new film shifts focus to Metallica’s devoted megafans and their deep connection to the band’s music. Ulrich and his bandmates certainly appreciate their enthusiastic fans who have stuck with them over the years. “When you talk to 10 people, 20 people, 50 people — and we do talk to a lot through meet and greets and interacting with fans — everyone’s got a different story,” Ulrich says. “Everybody’s got a different album that they latch on to. Everybody’s got a different song. Everybody’s got a different reason for getting into the band. I think it’s the beauty of it, especially when you’ve been around as long as we have.” (Variety)

Hozier has postponed some upcoming tour dates due to illness, after he labored through his performance at Governors Ball in New York City on Sunday (June 8). “Thank you to @GovBallNYC for having me last night and to the crowd in NYC for being so kind while I struggled through this virus,” the singer shared on social media following his show. Later that night, Hozier’s condition worsened, causing him to postpone his upcoming shows. “Due to illness my upcoming performances originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 10 at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ and Thursday, June 12 at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, MO are being rescheduled,” Hozier wrote, while adding, “I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.” The Camden show is moved to July 15, while the Ridgedale show is bumped to July 22. Hozier went on to share that his Bonnaroo performance on June 15 “will proceed as planned.” (NME)

Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys and one of the greatest songwriters of all-time, has died at the age of 82. His family announced the news on Wednesday (June 11), writing on social media: “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.” Wilson had been battling dementia in recent years, and a conservatorship was set up in 2024 to secure his continued care following the death of Melinda Wilson, Brian’s second wife and longtime manager.

“Brian gave so much to the world through his music, his spirit and his strength. He was a sweet, gentle soul,” family representative Jean Sievers said in a statement. “There will never ever be anyone like him again. His message of love will live on through his music forever.” Throughout his groundbreaking music career, Wilson achieved immense commercial success with the Beach Boys – which he formed with his brothers Dennis and Carl, along with their cousin Mike Love and neighborhood friend Al Jardine – writing their three Billboard No. 1 hit singles, "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda," and "Good Vibrations," and a majority of the band’s 36 career Top 40 hits.

Wilson also produced, arranged, and composed the group’s 1966 creative masterpiece, Pet Sounds, which Rolling Stone placed at Number Two on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. That landmark album includes the standout track, “God Only Knows,” which Paul McCartney says is “the greatest song ever written.” Wilson earned two Grammy Awards, as well as an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000, along with receiving the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007. The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. “Early on, I learned that when I tuned the world out, I was able to tune in a mysterious, God-given music,” Wilson said. “It was my gift, and it allowed me to interpret and understand emotions I couldn’t articulate.” (Rolling Stone)

On Tuesday morning (June 10), the Americana Music Association announced the nominees for the 2025 Americana Honors & Awards, with MJ Lenderman leading all of this year’s nominees with three nominations, followed by Charley Crockett, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings with two nods each. The nominations were announced with a video posted on social media, featuring past winners like Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves revealing the nominees. Lenderman is up for Album, Song, and Emerging Artist Of The Year, marking a critical breakthrough for the singer-songwriter with his recent album, Manning Fireworks. Notable returning nominees include Sierra Ferrell, who is up for Artist of the Year, and Crockett, who received an Album of the Year nod for Lonesome Drifter, as well as Artist of the Year, while acts like Jason Isbell, Billy Strings, and Larkin Poe also received nods. The awards ceremony will take place at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on September 10, during the annual AmericanaFest conference. (Variety)

On Tuesday (June 10), Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson announced the details of his upcoming project, More Balls to Picasso, which is a reimagined version of his 1994 solo album, Balls to Picasso, that will be released on July 25. The 12-track collection features updated performances, production treatments, and mixings of the original LP tracklist, including a new take on "Gods of War" that has just been released. In a press release, Dickinson said he had the idea to “revisit and reinvent” his old solo record while mixing his back catalog for Dolby Atmos. Dickinson said reworking Balls to Picasso was “a labour of love,” which included adding enhancements like additional guitars, orchestral arrangements, indigenous Amazonian instruments, and a horn section. With a North American solo tour kicking off in August, fans can expect to hear revamped versions of these classic tracks during Dickinson’s live sets. Pre-orders for More Balls to Picasso are available on vinyl and CD through Dickinson's online store. (Consequence of Sound)

On Tuesday (June 10), Turnstile revealed the dates and details of their fall 2025 U.S. headlining tour in support of their just-released new album, NEVER ENOUGH, which dropped on Friday (June 6). The 23-date jaunt will include rotating support from Amyl & The Sniffers, Blood Orange, and Mannequin Pu**y, along with SPEED and Jane Remover on all dates. The run of shows, dubbed THE NEVER ENOUGH TOUR, will begin on September 15th in Nashville and conclude on October 19th in Orlando, and will feature stops in major music markes like Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, with the band also set to make previously announced festival appearances at Sacramento’s Aftershock and Miami’s III Points. An artist presale is set to start on Wednesday (June 11), followed by a general on-sale on June 13. Turnstile just launched a UK/European tour, and are also scheduled to play the Ottawa Blues Fest on July 12. (Consequence of Sound)

Veteran musician Steve Hansgen, known for his bass work with Minor Threat and co-production on Tool’s Opiate EP, is battling stage 4 kidney disease. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Washington D.C. musician, who also played with Government Issue and Poisonous H. Despite recent health improvements, including the reversal of Type 2 diabetes, Hansgen's kidney function has significantly declined, and he awaits a potential donor. “Bummer to have to post this but as some of you may already know, @steviehansgen needs a kidney transplant,” writes Hansgen’s girlfriend and Poisonous H bandmate, Holly. “He recently spent several weeks in the hospital and unfortunately is on dialysis 3 times a week now until a kidney donor can be found.” Hansgen notably played bass on Minor Threat’s groundbreaking 1983 EP, Out of Step, before exiting the group a year later. In the 1990s he worked as a producer and engineer, famously co-producing and co-engineering Tool’s 1992 Opiate EP with Sylvia Massy. (Consequence of Sound)

On Tuesday (June 10), Yes announced that they will embark on a fall tour where they will perform their multi-platinum 1971 record, Fragile, in its entirety, as part of their ongoing Album Series. The 31-date trek will launch on October 1 in Wallingford, Connecticut, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees also stopping in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Memphis, Denver, and various other cities, before finishing on November 16 in Reno, Nevada. Fragile was a commercial success for the prog rock legends, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard album chart due to hits like "Roundabout," which reached No. 13 on the Hot 100. “It’s fairly ‘odd-ball,’ but we were at the height of our creativity, determined for success,” guitarist Steve Howe says of Fragile in a press release. “It gave us confidence, further than our own in-stock belief, we’d crafted this unusual but noticeable musical twist to rock and what later became prog.” Tickets for The Fragile Tour 2025 go on sale on Friday (June 13). (Rolling Stone)

On Tuesday (June 10), David Byrne announced the details of his upcoming album, Who Is the Sky?, which is set to be released on September 5 via Matador Records. The former Talking Heads frontman worked with Grammy-winner producer Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus) on the 13-track album, which features arrangements by New York-based ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra, and special guest appearances by St. Vincent, Paramore’s Hayley Williams, and The Smile’s Tom Skinner. Byrne also shared the project’s lead single, "Everybody Laughs," alongside a music video directed by Gabriel Barcia-Colombo. Reflecting on the album's themes, Byrne highlighted the balance of joy and melancholy in music, while emphasizing the power of holding opposing emotions simultaneously. Byrne has also planned a world tour with a 13-member band, including his American Utopia collaborators, with the North American leg beginning in September, followed by Australia & New Zealand shows in January 2026, and European & UK dates the following month. Tickets for the tour go on sale on Friday (June 13). (Variety)

Machine Gun Kelly has enlisted music legend Bob Dylan to help promote his new album. The 84-year-old icon narrates a trailer for MGK’s forthcoming record, Lost Americana, which is due out on August 8. This mark’s MGK’s first new album in three years, following 2022’s Mainstream Sellout, and is set to feature his recent single, “Cliché.” “Lost Americana is a personal excavation of the American dream – a journey to find what’s been lost,” Dylan says in the clip, describing the album as “a sonic map of forgotten places, a tribute to the spirit of reinvention, and a quest to reclaim the essence of American freedom.” The album trailer includes a brief snippet of new music, while featuring footage of MGK riding a motorcycle while wearing a Lost Americana biker jacket. “This is music that celebrates the beauty found in the in-between spaces,” Dylan concludes. “Where the past is reimagined and the future is forged on your own terms.” Earlier this year, Dylan inexplicably shared an old clip of MGK rapping on his social media, causing the 35-year old musician to respond, “That was so cool. I’m so grateful.”  (Rolling Stone)

Dan + Shay, John Stamos, Aaron Dessner, Alan Menken, Nile Rogers, and Living Colour are among the performers and presenters announced for the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner. The gala will be held on Thursday (June 12) at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Dan + Shay have ties to major country hits from one of the night’s honorees, Ashley Gorley, while Stamos has performed with another honoree, Mike Love of The Beach Boys. Dessner is a frequent collaborator and producer for Gracie Abrams, who is set to receive Hal David Starlight Award during the ceremony,  while Menken has often collaborated with Stephen Schwartz, who is set to receive the Johnny Mercer Award. Additionally, the involvement of children of honorees, like Ashley’s daughter Sadie Gorley, and Rodney Jerkins’ kids Heavenly, Hannah Joy and Rodney Jerkins Jr., will add a personal touch to the star-studded evening. (Billboard)

The Doobie Brothers, known for their genre-blending, commercially successful career since the 1970s, just released their 16th studio album, Walk This Road, on Friday (June 6). This new record marks the first time that all three of the band’s principal songwriters - Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, and Pat Simmons - have contributed significantly to a project. Walk This Road was produced by pop-rock veteran John Shanks, and represents McDonald's first appearance on a Doobies album in two decades. The band’s long history of chart success includes nine Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, and 10 Top 20 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, with hits spanning the rock, adult contemporary, R&B, and country charts. The new album's release precedes the band's induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 12, alongside fellow music legends George Clinton, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Ashley Gorley, Mike Love, and Tony Macaulay. The reunion for the new record went so smoothly that McDonald teases that they “might even do another” album. (Billboard)