Rock News

On Tuesday (April 1), Wet Leg revealed details about their second studio album, moisturizer, which is set for release on July 11 via Domino. The Grammy-winning British indie rock duo – led by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers – introduced the album with the energetic lead single, "catch these fists," which features a music video directed by the band. The 12-track album was once again produced by Dan Carey, who helmed the band’s 2022 self-titled debut album, which went on to win Best Alternative Music Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards. “It was very natural that we would write the second record together,” Teasdale said of their collaboration. While Chambers adds, “We were just kind of having fun and exploring.” Wet Leg will preview their new material with an exclusive show in Los Angeles on April 8, before returning back to the U.K. for a brief tour in May. (Rolling Stone)

On Tuesday (April 1), Pierce the Veil's revealed twelve additional dates on their career-spanning I Can’t Hear You World Tour. The North American leg kicks off on May 13 in Charlotte and was originally scheduled to conclude on July 1 in Los Angeles, but now will extend through the end of October. The new dates start on October 14 in Oklahoma City, and finishes October 30 in West Palm Beach, with additional stops scheduled in Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Virginia Beach, Raleigh, and more. Support for these newly announced shows will come from Health, Ecca Vandal, and Like Roses. “Nearly two decades in the making, this tour is a monument to everything we’ve built with our fans,” Pierce the Veil shared in a statement. “These shows will honor our roots, spanning all five albums and the music that brought us here. This will be our largest, loudest, and most unforgettable tour yet.” General on-sale for the new dates begins on Friday, April 4 at 10 a.m. (Rolling Stone)

On Monday (April 1), Bruce Springsteen made a mysterious Instagram post that hints at an upcoming release of an old "lost" project. The post features a Thrill Hill Recording log sheet dated April 3 that reads, “What Was Lost Has Now Been Found,” which immediately sparked rumors that the rock legend was finally going to release the long-awaited Tracks 2 box set. The original Tracks was released in 1998, and featured a four-disc set compiling unreleased music from the first 25 years of Springsteen’s career. During a 2022 Rolling Stone interview, The Boss was asked about the rumored existence of Tracks 2. “I have a box set of five unreleased albums that are basically post-1988,” he said. “I actually made a lot of music during that period of time. For one reason or another, the timing wasn’t right, I didn’t put them out.” While the exact details of the April 3 announcement remains uncertain, the post teases excitement for what could be a significant addition to Springsteen's extensive catalog. (Rolling Stone)

During The Who's recent two-night stand at London’s Royal Albert Hall, frontman Roger Daltrey gave the audience an update about his current health status. “The joys of getting old mean you go deaf. I also now have got the joy of going blind,” the 81-year-old singer said. “Fortunately I still have my voice, because then I’ll have a full Tommy.” The Who’s performances were part of the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert series, and the rock legends showcased their new stripped-down band, delivering the live debut of “The Song Is Over” and the revival of “Love Ain’t For Keeping” after 21 years of going unplayed. Even with his vision and hearing issues, Daltry is set to kick off his next solo tour in Brighton, England, on April 20, wrapping up the run on August 8 in Margate, England. The Who, meanwhile, have two shows scheduled in Italy on July 20 and 22. (Rolling Stone)

The comprehensive exhibition of Yoko Ono's art, "Music of the Mind," will open at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) on October 18, after previously being on display at London's Tate Museum,. The exhibition will feature over 200 pieces spanning seven decades of Ono's work, including photography, musical compositions, participatory instruction pieces, installations, and a curated music room. Notable works such as Cut Piece (1964), Grapefruit (1964), and her musical collaborations with John Cage, Ornette Coleman, and John Lennon will be on display, alongside participatory works and installations like Wish Tree and My Mommy Is Beautiful. Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn calls the upcoming exhibition, “a celebration of Ono’s expansive practice which continues to challenge the boundaries of artist and audience,” saying that Yoko's experimental work “underscores the avant-garde and interdisciplinary roots that made the MCA what it is today.” Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind will run through February 22, 2026. (Rolling Stone)

Kevin Cronin will be absent from the REO Speedwagon “retrospective” reunion concert in the band’s hometown of Champaign, Illinois on June 14th, citing a scheduling conflict with his current solo tour with Styx. The charity concert will feature founding member Neal Doughty, bassist Bruce Hall, early REO drummer Alan Gratzer, guitarist Steve Scorfina, rhythm guitarist Mike Murphy, and original frontman Terry Luttrell, with proceeds benefiting cancer research. In a Facebook comment, Cronin – who replaced Luttrell as REO’s frontman in 1972 – said: “I am being asked to participate in an event on a date when I can’t possibly be there in-person. I am deeply disturbed and hurt by all of this. After all I have done to help build the legacy of REO Speedwagon, I feel I have earned and deserve to be included in any event honoring that legacy. Instead, I have been knowingly excluded.” This absence comes after reported rifts caused the band to stop touring, with Cronin forced to be billed as a “former lead singer/songwriter” on his upcoming tour with Styx. (Consequence of Sound) 

Billy Corgan and the Machines of God will embark on a tour in June to commemorate the anniversaries of the Smashing Pumpkins' albums Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and the pair of Machina albums, along with selections from Corgan’s 2024 solo release, Aghori Mhori Mei. The new quartet will feature Corgan backed by guitarist Kiki Wong, drummer Jake Hayden, and bassist Kid Tigrrr (a.k.a. Jenna Fournier), who will perform Pumpkins’ classics and deep cuts on a tour dubbed, A Return to Zero. The 16-date jaunt kicks off on June 7 in Baltimore, hitting major music markets like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Cleveland, before winding down on June 29 in Minneapolis. Tickets go on-sale to the public on April 4, following an artist presale on April 1. Additionally, Corgan is reissuing the Machina albums in multiple formats, and has partnered with Chicago’s Lyric Opera to present A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness in November. (Rolling Stone)

Kurt Cobain's Martin D-18E guitar, which the Nirvana frontman used during the band’s iconic 1993 MTV Unplugged performance, will be displayed for the first time in Europe at Royal College of Music, London's "Kurt Cobain Unplugged" exhibit from June 3 to November 18. The exhibition will reunite the guitar from the Unplugged performance along with Cobain's olive-green mohair cardigan he wore during the set, marking the very first time that those two celebrated items will be displayed together at the same exhibit. In 2020, Australian entrepreneur Peter Freedman bought Cobain’s Unplugged guitar for more than $6 million. “When I purchased this guitar, my intention was to have it begin a worldwide tour of exhibitions, to support performing artists,” Freedman said in a press release about the upcoming exhibition. “I am delighted that this intent will be premiered at the Royal College of Music, London, with the first exhibition of its kind and will support talented musicians worldwide.” (Billboard)

Linkin Park is offering a series of discounted “Up from the Bottom” tickets for their North American tour, with the specially priced $39.50 tickets giving fans randomly assigned seats to their upcoming shows. The California hard rock band also announced that they are significantly downsizing their homecoming reunion show in Los Angeles from Dodger Stadium to Intuit Dome, with opening act Queens of the Stone Age dropping off of the bill. Ticketholders for the L.A. show on September 13th will receive refunds, and get early access to purchase Intuit Dome tickets during a pre-sale on March 31st, with general on-sale starting on April 3rd. Linkin Park has also canceled previously announced Brazilian shows in Rio De Janeiro and Porto Alegre. The band also just announced that they will release a deluxe edition of their 2024 comeback album, From Zero, on May 16th, which features the new song, "Up from the Bottom." (Consequence of Sound)

On Saturday (March 29), Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro, 57, married actress and fashion designer Vanessa DuBasso, 31, at Dunskey Estate in Stranraer, Scotland. The ceremony fulfilled the couple’s dream of a castle wedding at an enchanting venue surrounded by picturesque views. "We wanted our wedding to feel like a dream,” Navarro says. “It was important to us to find a place that felt unlike anywhere we had ever been, a place that embraced nature and transported us to another world. We wanted our loved ones to share in this intimate experience." The Gothic, darkly romantic atmosphere was set with a rehearsal dinner featuring black candles and deep-colored flowers, leading up to a special outdoor ceremony in a forest, which featured gold candelabra at the altar and celestial chandeliers hanging from trees. The couple exchanged personalized vows, with DuBasso saying of the unique ceremony, "I really wanted the wedding day to feel like a piece of heaven." (People)

On Friday (March 28), Bachman-Turner Overdrive unveiled their first new track in more than 25 years, "60 Years Ago," featuring a guest guitar solo from fellow Canadian rock icon Neil Young. The release coincides with the upcoming "Back In Overdrive Tour," which begins with a Canadian leg in April followed by a US tour in July and August. Following the deaths of classic BTO members Robbie Bachman and Tim Bachman in 2023, Randy Bachman recruited his son, singer/songwriter Tal Bachman and Tal’s wife, Koko Bachman on drums, along with classic BTO member Fred Turner to cut the new single, which pays homage to the band’s Winnipeg roots and the vibrant music scene of the '60s. BTO’s touring lineup will include Randy, Tal, Koko, Lance Lapointe, and Brent Knudsen. “We sound better than ever,” says Randy. “We’re playing all the hits, as well as diving deep into the album cuts, and the response from fans has been incredible. The BTO sound is BACK!!” (Consequence of Sound)

Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter have just announced that they will embark on a Fall 2025 North American tour. The month-long tour will feature three original members of the legendary London punk band – guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock – joined by ex-Gallows vocalist Frank Carter replacing original frontman Johnny Rotten (John Lydon). The band will play the Sex Pistols’ iconic debut album, Never Mind the Bollocks, in its entirety during these shows. “I think everybody needs this band right now,” said Carter in a new AP interview. “I think the world needs this band right now. And I think definitely America is screaming out for a band like the Sex Pistols.” The 13-date run begins on September 16th in Dallas – at the Longhorn Ballroom where the original band had an infamous show in 1978 –  and concludes on October 16th in Los Angeles, with stops in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Toronto, Seattle, and more. Pre-sale starts on April 2nd, followed by general on-sale on April 4th, with additional dates to be announced soon. (Consequence of Sound)

Linkin Park has shared a new song and music video, “Up From the Bottom,” part of the deluxe edition of their 2024 comeback album, From Zero, set for release on May 16th. The track is one of three new songs on the upcoming expanded edition, alongside “Let You Fade” and “Unshatter.” “‘Up From the Bottom’ was created in between tours this year, infused with the electricity of those first shows back after a long hiatus,” states the band. “’Let You Fade’ was a song that began during the From Zero sessions but found its final shape in sessions after the album’s release. ‘Unshatter’ was an early track we made while recording From Zero; Emily [Armstrong’s] huge vocal in the bridge was one of the moments that gave us an indication of what was possible together.” Linkin Park will kick off the North American leg of their From Zero World Tour on August 26 in Austin, Texas, before finishing up on September 24 in Seattle. Pre-orders for 2CD and 2LP sets of the deluxe edition of From Zero are available for pre-order on the band’s webstore. (Consequence of Sound)

Mumford & Sons have just announced their 2025 North American tour in support of Rushmere, the British folk band’s first new album in seven years which dropped on Friday (March 28). The jaunt will feature 32 shows taking place in arenas and amphitheaters throughout the US and Canada, with a series of high-profile opening acts like Japanese Breakfast, Margo Price, and Michael Kiwanuka, as well as emerging acts like Gigi Perez, Good Neighbours, Madison Cunningham, and Sierra Ferrell appearing on select dates. The tour begins in Bend, Oregon on June 6th, with stops at iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, before heading back to Europe in July and returning to the US in October, with the North American leg finishing on October 26 in Omaha, Nebraska. Tickets will be available through an artist pre-sale on April 3rd, with general on-sale beginning on April 4th. Rushmere marks Mumford & Sons first album since the departure of their original banjo player, Winston Marshall. (Consequence of Sound)

Foreigner singer Kelly Hansen has announced that he will not be part of the band's upcoming Latin America tour due to unnamed issues that are limiting his appearances outside of the U.S. To make up for Hansen’s absence, Luis Maldonado and the band’s original singer, Lou Gramm, will handle vocal duties. It was also confirmed that Hansen will not be able to join the band for their Canada shows scheduled for October and November, with Geordie Brown filling in for him on those dates. "Circumstances prohibit Kelly from spending too much time outside of the U.S., so he will be sitting this one out,” said Foreigner's publicist of their Canada shows. “Geordie [Brown] will be appearing at all shows in this tour." Gramm's last appearance with Foreigner was in Clearwater, Florida on March 15, where he performed two of the band’s biggest hits during the encore, "I Want to Know What Love Is" and "Hot Blooded." (Ultimate Classic Rock)

WhyHunger will honor Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award at the 50th anniversary of the Chapin Awards Gala in New York City on June 4. The award recognizes the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ philanthropic efforts throughout their distinguished career, while honoring them for using their global influence to inspire change and foster social justice. “We are deeply honored to receive the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award and to stand alongside WhyHunger in their tireless fight to end hunger,” Benatar and Giraldo said. “Music has always been a powerful force for change, and we believe in using our voices not just to entertain, but to inspire action.” The event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, and live music, while bringing together artists, activists, and supporters of WhyHunger’s mission to end hunger and its root causes. Additional honorees will be announced in the coming weeks. (Variety)

Multiple generations of musicians paid tribute to Patti Smith during a star-studded concert at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday night (March 26). The show commemorated the 50th anniversary of Smith’s legendary album, Horses, while also serving as a charity benefit to support music education for underserved youth. A series of musicians honored Smith by covering her songs throughout the set, led by performances by Bruce Springsteen (who played “Because the Night,” the 1978 hit song he co-wrote with Smith), Michael Stipe, Flea, Maggie Rogers, Susanna Hoffs, Glen Hansard, Karen O, and more, along with appearances by Hollywood A-listers Scarlett Johansson, Johnny Depp, Sean Penn, and Jim Jarmusch. Smith herself capped off the evening by performing “Peaceable Kingdom” and was joined by the entire ensemble for a powerful rendition of "People Have the Power" that closed out the show on a hopeful note. Beginning in October, Smith will embark on a Horses 50th Anniversary Tour, where she will play her beloved record from start to finish at a series of shows throughout Europe, the UK, and the US. (Consequence of Sound)

Renowned rock producer and engineer Terry Manning passed away at the age of 77 in El Paso, Texas, as confirmed by his son Lucas Manning. Manning is best known for his engineering work on Led Zeppelin’s chart-topping, 6x-platinum 1970 album, Led Zeppelin III, as well as his work on a run of classic ZZ Top albums, including Tres Hombres and 1983’s Diamond-certified Eliminator. Manning was born in Oklahoma, and began his music career in Memphis as one of the first employees of the legendary Ardent Studios. Manning went on to produce Molly Hatchet's The Deed Is Done, George Thorogood's Maverick, Joe Cocker's Cocker, and Joe Walsh's Got Any Gum?, and worked as a studio tech on Iron Maiden's 2010 album, The Final Frontier. "The people and places I've bumped into have been amazing," Manning told the Commercial Appeal. "To have been in Stax, in Ardent, Abbey Road, Compass Point. I can't believe it sometimes. I'm just lucky, very lucky, to have done all that." (Ultimate Classic Rock)

Bruce Dickinson and Z2 Comics have announced the upcoming publication of  The Mandrake Project: Year One, a graphic novel compiling the first four issues of the Iron Maiden singer's comic-book series. The deluxe edition of the set will be printed in ink mixed with soil from the grave of beloved English poet William Blake. In addition to featuring exclusive content and interviews, the deluxe edition is housed in a slipcase with a rotating embossed Mandrake dial, foil collectors cards, and a metal medallion. Dickinson is a member of the William Blake Cottage Trust, which oversees the poet’s only surviving house. “William Blake has given me so much over the years and I want to repay the debt by helping to restore the Cottage,” says Dickinson. The Mandrake Project: Year One will be released on August 5th, and is available for pre-order in three different editions from the Z2 Comics online shop. (Consequence of Sound)

A rare tape of The Beatles auditioning for Decca Records in 1962 was recently discovered by Rob Frith, owner of Neptoon Records in Vancouver. Initially mistaken for a bootleg, it turned out to be a direct copy of the audition tape – which was deemed unpromising and ultimately rejected by the label – and features an exceptional sound quality recording of the young band, which featured an early lineup of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Pete Best at the time. “I picked up this tape years ago that said 'Beatles Demos' on it. I just figured it was a tape off a bootleg record,” Frith wrote. “After hearing it last night for the first time, it sounds like a master tape. The quality is unreal.” The tape was originally given to Jack Herschorn by a producer friend during a visit to London in the 1970s. Despite the tape's historical significance, Frith has no intention of selling it, offering to provide a copy to Decca or promising to personally hand it over to McCartney if he were to ever visit his Canadian record shop. (Louder Sound)