Rock Daily

Ringo Starr announced on Tuesday (January 14) that he is leading benefit concerts for L.A. wildfire relief at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Ringo’s event is also being recorded for a TV special titled, Ringo & Friends at the Ryman, which will air this spring on CBS and Paramount+. The two-hour special will feature Starr performing songs from his new country album, Look Up, which was released on January 10. He’ll be joined by an impressive array of music superstars on the Ryman’s legendary stage, including Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle — who were both featured on the drummer’s new LP — as well as Jack White, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, the War and Treaty, Rodney Crowell, Mickey Guyton, Sarah Jarosz, Jamey Johnson, Brenda Lee, and Larkin Poe. T

aping for Starr’s special takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday (January 14-15). “It is always a thrill to play the Ryman and this time we are going country!” Starr said in a press release. “I’m excited to hear my songs done in a country vein and to play with this incredible group of musicians. It will be two nights of peace, love and country music.” (Billboard)

Coheed and Cambria announced on Tuesday (January 14) that they are embarking on a joint co-headlining North American tour with Taking Back Sunday this summer. Coheed also shared a new track, “Someone Who Can” – as well as a Mason Mercer-directed music video – which is lifted from their forthcoming album, The Father of Make Believe. The 25-show run with Taking Back Sunday – where they will be joined by opener Foxing on all dates – follows Coheed’s previously announced spring tour with Mastodon. The newly announced dates start up on August 16 in St. Louis, and winds down on September 21 in Seattle, while hitting major music markets like Minneapolis, Toronto, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles along the way. “We are excited as all get out to let you hear and see “Someone Who Can” from the new album and to announce our big summer tour with our friends in Taking Back Sunday and Foxing!” Coheed wrote on Instagram. “Thanks for your neverending support!” (Consequence of Sound)

Following numerous leaks of possible tour dates surfacing online, Nine Inch Nails took to Instagram on Monday (January 13) to confirm rumors that they are indeed launching a 2025 world tour soon. But the industrial titans are delaying an official announcement of tour dates because of the ongoing wildfires that are currently decimating the Los Angeles area. “Since some dates and information about our world tour have leaked we are confirming that yes we will be touring and will provide more details soon,” reads a statement from Nine Inch Nails. “We are all watching the devastation that is unfolding in California and have paused our announcement while people try to deal with all that is happening.” According to the leaks, the upcoming jaunt is apparently dubbed the Peel It Back World Tour, with possible dates on August 23 in Toronto, August 31 in Cleveland, and September 10 in Tampa. These shows would mark NIN’s first gigs since a 2022 VetsAid benefit in Columbus, Ohio.(Consequence of Sound)

Metallica is doing their part to help with fire relief efforts in the band’s hometown of Los Angeles after the city was decimated by wildfires. The heavy metal legend’s philanthropic foundation, All Within My Hands, announced on Monday (January 13) that they are “granting $500,000 to relief efforts carried out by the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund,” according to their press release.

“The fires raging in the Los Angeles area have relentlessly wreaked havoc and widespread destruction since January 7 and, sadly, do not show signs of slowing down,” reads the statement from All Within My Hands. “In the past week, the community has suffered at least 24 lives lost, nearly 100,000 people under evacuation orders, 40,000 acres burned, and more than 12,000 structures—commercial and residential—destroyed.” Metallica’s foundation also included links for fans to join them in their relief efforts by donating to CCF and PCF. (Billboard)

Coldplay announced on Tuesday (January 14) that they are releasing, A Film For The Future, a visual companion to their recent Billboard No. 1 album, Moon Music. The 44-minute film will premiere on the band’s YouTube channel on January 22, along with special 360-degree screenings taking place at Lightroom locations in London, Manchester, and Seoul. A trailer for the project discloses that in 2024, over 150 visual artists from 45 countries around the world were presented with audio clips from Moon Music, and “they were given no artistic direction other than to follow their inspiration.” The film is a combination of their creations, with a fan-led remix of the movie powered by Microsoft AI launching after the premiere. The film’s executive producer Ben Mor called the movie a “kaleidoscopic patchwork quilt — a 44-minute multimedia tapestry.” Coldplay said in a statement: “We’re very grateful to all the amazing artists who lent their genius to this film. They’ve created something very beautiful and we’re extremely proud of it.” (Billboard)

Jon Bon Jovi has written an expansive new Bon Jovi anthology titled, Bon Jovi: Forever. The 264-page, limited-edition book – which comes in 1,500 handmade copies personally signed by Bon Jovi himself – will be published in June by Genesis Publications. Bon Jovi: Forever is bound in black vegan leather, and is housed in a black clamshell box. The book features Jon Bon Jovi’s 35,000-word biography of his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, alongside interviews and memorabilia from throughout the New Jersey group’s 40-year career.

The anthology includes 1,300 total images, featuring handwritten lyrics, tour passes, gig posters, stage costumes, guitars, studio track lists, plus hundreds of photographs from the private collections of the musicians as well as the band’s personal archives. Bon Jovi: Forever will also include a chrome-colored 7-inch vinyl record that will include two specially selected recordings from the band’s multi-platinum back catalog. You can pre-order the $325 book via Genesis Publications. (Consequence of Sound)  

The Governors Ball announced their festival lineup on Tuesday (January 14), which features headlining sets from Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier over the course of the three-day music fest in New York this summer. Governors Ball 2025 is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. Tyler, the Creator leads Friday’s lineup, joined by Benson Boone, Mk.gee, T-Pain, Tyla, Role Model, the Backseat Lovers, JPegMafia and more. Rodrigo gets top billing on Saturday, where she will be joined by Feid, Conan Gray, Young Miko, Wallows, Marina, Mariah the Scientist, Car Seat Headrest, Artemas, and more. Hozier leads the Sunday lineup, alongside Mt. Joy, Clairo, Raye, Royel Otis, The Japanese House, Amaarae, and more. Ticket pre-sale starts at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday (January 16), with general on-sale starting at 11 a.m. that day. (Billboard) 

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Chicago have just announced dates and details for their 2025 summer tour of the US. The newly announced 36-show run follows Chicago’s ongoing winter and spring tour, which is highlighted by an upcoming 7-night residency at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas from March 5-15. The summer tour kicks off on June 13th in Waite Park, Minnesota, and winds through the US before finishing up on September 10 in San Diego. This continues an active period for the classic rock legends, who recently finished a 2024 co-headlining tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. Chicago also dug into their vaults to release a classic live album last year titled, Chicago at The John. F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C. (9/16/1971). Fan club tickets for the new tour dates go on sale at 10 a.m. on January 14th, with general on sale beginning at 10 a.m. on January 17th. (Consequence of Sound)

In the new docuseries by filmmaker Jeff Finn, Before the End: Searching for Jim Morrison, the brother of the legendary Doors singer, Andy Morrison, reflects on his brother’s final days in a rare public interview. Morrison died in Paris in 1971, and Andy provides insight about what drew Jim to France at the time, and the addiction that ultimately led to his death. “His lifestyle [killed him]. Obviously he drank too much,” Andy says. “I think by that time he was overweight and, you know, if you’re not in good health and you drink too much and dabble in some drugs, it’s not that hard to do.” Morrison had grown tired of the rock lifestyle when he left for Paris, with Andy speculating about what his brother wanted to do next. “I think he actually wanted to get back into some serious writing. And maybe he’d outgrown the Doors thing, had been enough,” he says. “Whether he was 100% done, I think not. I think he just needed a break.” (People) 

A Facebook post by the Australian rock publication, Hot Metal, questioned if singer Shaina Shepherd fronting the recent reformation of Soundgarden at a charity concert should become a regular occurrence. The suggestion was met with a series of critical posts dismissing Shepherd’s performance while saying the R&B/soul singer shouldn’t lead the band again. Shepherd took to the comments to defend herself while praising Soundgarden – who performed as Nudedragons during the reunion show – while also hitting back at the trolls who filled the comment section. “Haters gonna hate while I live my dream," Shepherd defiantly wrote. She responded to a harsh comment with a lengthy reply: “Soundgarden is a revolutionary band that changed my life, your life, the world. I could never front Soundgarden. But I love making music with those guys. I did it for me, for them like any other music endeavor. I don’t care what any of you think – never did. I care what they think – always will.” (Louder Sound)

Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith is one of thousands of Los Angeles residents whose houses have been destroyed by the ongoing wildfires. The sad news was shared by the heavy metal veteran’s wife, Natalie Dufresne-Smith, who announced the news in an Instagram post over the weekend. Natalie captioned her post by writing, “We are safe. We have each other. We will start again. #malibustrong Thank-you for your support during these trying times.” While the fires were raging last week, Dufresne-Smith shared updates on social media featuring footage of ominous smoke billowing over the hills, revealing that their family was safe, though she was  unsure if their neighborhood would survive the fires at that point. She then captured her family’s frantic evacuation from their home. “Here we are, it’s pretty nasty, the closest we’ve been [to the fires],” she said, while Smith took a final look around at their property and checked on a neighbor. (Billboard)

Eric Clapton’s Emmy and Grammy-winning Unplugged live performance is set to get expanded for an upcoming theatrical release. The newly updated concert film is titled, Eric Clapton Unplugged ... Over 30 Years Later, and is set to premiere in select theaters on Monday, January 27, and Tuesday, January 28. The expanded performance will make its streaming debut on Wednesday, February 12 on Paramount+. Clapton’s original hour-long special was recorded in January of 1992 at Bray Studios in Windsor, England, with the acoustic reworking of Derek and the Dominos’ 1970 classic, "Layla," ultimately winning a Grammy for Best Rock Song in 1993, with the chart-topping, 10x-platinum selling Unplugged also taking home Album of the Year. Eric Clapton Unplugged ... Over 30 Years Later has been newly remixed and remastered, and features interviews providing insight into various songs from the memorable set. (Ultimate Classic Rock)

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. announced on Monday (January 13) that the 2025 Grammy Awards will proceed as planned on February 2. Mason Jr. sent out a letter to Academy members assuring them that the ceremony will take place as scheduled at Crypto.com Arena early next month, even as Los Angeles deals with the devastation due to the ongoing wildfires. Mason Jr. wrote that this year’s Grammys will take place “in close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources.” Mason Jr. pledges that the 2025 Grammys “will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.” Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have both announced that they have cancelled their annual Grammy parties, donating their allocated money and resources towards fire relief efforts instead. (Rolling Stone)

Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith of the rock band Dawes both lost their homes in the devastating wildfires that decimated large swaths of Los Angeles. The actress/singer Mandy Moore, who is married to Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith, disclosed that much of their home in Altadena as well as their home recording studio were destroyed in the fire. “Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now. It’s not livable but mostly intact,” Moore revealed on Instagram. “We lost Taylor and Griffin's studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned.” Moore’s back house and garage were lost in the fire, while the home of Taylor’s brother Griffin and his pregnant wife was completely destroyed in the fire. “Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Griff & Kit lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire,” Moore wrote, while sharing a GoFundMe for Griffin’s family. “With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever.” (Rolling Stone)

During a recent interview with Guitar Player discussing the 10 albums that changed her life, Halestorm singer-guitarist Lzzy Hale voiced her love for Tool’s 2001 record, Lateralus. While praising Tool’s chart-topping prog-metal opus, Hale revealed how the band played a role in her decision to dump a guy. Lzzy and her younger brother – Halestorm drummer Arejay – got really into Lateralus, and she bought them tickets to see Tool, but he got grounded by their parents and ultimately couldn’t go. “I thought, ‘Okay, this could be an opportunity to ask somebody out on a date,’ which I did,” Hale recalled. “The show was amazing. I was singing every word. Halfway through, I looked at my date and saw that he had fallen asleep — total deal-breaker for me!” Hale quickly called things off with the guy. “So in a weird way, Tool’s Lateralus was a life-changer,” Lzzy said. “My brother still teases me about it: ‘I wouldn’t have fallen asleep.’” (Consequence of Sound)

During a red carpet interview at the Golden Globes, Trent Reznor surprised everyone with his choice for his favorite song of 2024. The industrial music legend was being interviewed by the Los Angeles alternative radio station 98.7 when he revealed that Sabrina Carpenter’s smash hit “Espresso” was his pick for song of the year. Reznor and his longtime collaborator Atticus Ross went on to win a Golden Globe that night for Best Original Score for their work on the Challengers soundtrack, and the duo are on the shortlist for both Best Original Score and Best Original Song at the 2025 Academy Awards. Reznor’s choice of “Espresso” as his song of 2024 continues his recent embrace of pop music. During an appearance on Rick Rubin’s podcast, Tetragrammaton, last summer, Reznor said he was moved to tears while hearing his daughter sing along to Dua Lipa’s “Levitating.” “It really reminded me of the art of writing a well-crafted song,” Reznor said, praising Lipa’s hit tune as “a really well-done piece of music.” (Consequence of Sound)

Rage Against the Machine’s incendiary 1992 anthem, “Killing in the Name,” has passed the 1 billion streams milestone on Spotify. “Killing in the Name” was the lead single from Rage Against the Machine’s 3x-platinum self-titled debut album, and was written in response to the 1992 Los Angeles riots following the beating of Rodney King at the hands of L.A. police officers. Rage guitarist Tom Morello took to X on Saturday to acknowledge the track’s Spotify milestone, while also admonishing those who have misunderstood the song’s potent message over the years. “KILLING IN THE NAME” just hit 1 billion streams on Spotify!,” Morello wrote. “Thanks to all those who listened to it: those who love it, those who hate it, and those that have enjoyed it without understanding it. Righteous proof that rebel music and irony are alive and well.” (Consequence of Sound)

Neil Young recently took in a viewing of A Complete Unknown, the biopic of his frequent collaborator, Bob Dylan, and concluded that he “loved it.” The legendary Canadian songwriter shared his thoughts on the James Mangold-directed film on his website, Neil Young Archives. “I love Bob Dylan and his music. Always have,” Young wrote. “He’s a great artist. Once he was on my bus and I didn’t recognize him and threw him off but that’s another story. This movie is a great tribute to his life and music. I think if you love Bob’s music you should see this great movie. I loved it.” Dylan and Young have performed together numerous times over their celebrated careers, including a famous live collaboration on “I Shall Be Released” during Martin Scorsese’s legendary concert film capturing the Band’s final show, The Last Waltz. Dylan also recently made a surprise appearance at Young’s Farm Aid benefit show back in 2023. (Consequence of Sound) 

A benefit concert for Los Angeles fire victims dubbed FIREAID is set to take place on January 30 at L.A.’s Intuit Dome. The event, billed as “an evening of music and solidarity,”  will be organized by the Azoff family alongside booking giants Live Nation and AEG Presents. Ticket information and a music lineup will be announced in the next few days. All proceeds from the benefit concert will go towards an organization created to rebuild Los Angeles infrastructure and provide support to displaced families. Event organizers are hoping to take advantage of the A-list artists who are likely to be in L.A. around that time for the upcoming Grammy Awards, which are scheduled for February 2. The music industry has been hit particularly hard by the fires, with over 100 executives and artists losing their homes, recording studios, instruments, and equipment. (Billboard)

Chris Stapleton took to Instagram on Thursday (January 9) to announce 2025 tour dates on his All-American Road Show. This new iteration of the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year’s ongoing live revue will stretch out over 14 dates throughout the summer, and will feature special guest performances from Allen Stone, Brittney Spencer, Grace Potter, Maggie Rose, Marcus King, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Nikki Lane, and The War and Treaty at select dates. Stapleton’s 2025 All-American Road Show will kick off on June 4 in Greenville, South Carolina, and hit major music markets throughout the US – including a high-profile stop at New York’s Madison Square Garden on July 25 – before winding down on October 10 in Hollywood, Florida. In the midst of his Road Show tour, Stapleton will also be one of the headliners at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming celebration in Milwaukee on July 12 where he will be joined by Hank Williams Jr. (Billboard)