Roadhouse Rock

Anika Nilles, the new drummer for Rush, described how she changed her usual practice routine to prepare for the band's Fifty Something reunion tour. Nilles said learning Rush's complex catalog required her to rethink how she approaches preparation.When asked how she managed to learn so many Rush songs, Nilles said, "I have no idea.""Sometimes I was sitting there and thought, 'I have no idea how I'm learning that,' but somehow it's working because I learned those songs in a completely different way," Nilles said. "My preparation was so different to how I prepare myself usually."Nilles explained that her usual process involves listening to songs, writing a quick chart, and playing along. For Rush, that approach did not work."Usually I just listen, then I make a quick chart for myself to have it visually in front of my eyes and then I just listen, read and play. And I figured with this, it doesn't work right. So sometimes you cannot really write it out because a lot of it is also kind of a feeling," she said.She added, "Technically you can write it out, but I would have spent so much time with just that. And I thought, I don't have that time. I just have to listen, make chunks for myself and just learn it step by step and then this is how I did it. But just memorizing all the parts is one thing and then learning the feeling is a different thing."Nilles stepped into the spot held by the late Neil Peart, joining longtime members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. She connected with the band through Lee's bass technician, John "Scully" McIntosh."I was diving directly into the Rush rabbit hole and just listened to everything I could catch - the music, videos, interviews, live shows, everything you can find online, basically, just to get to know the songs a bit better," Nilles said. "I just knew a bunch and also not in detail. So I started my whole research, but we also prepared, I think, six or seven songs for the first rehearsal. And as I got those titles, I was just focusing on those songs because they have a huge catalog."She said Rush's long break from touring helped everyone adjust as they began rehearsals."We all kind of started a little bit together from scratch," Nilles said. "I mean, they didn't really start from scratch, but as a trio, we had to find a way to come together. And it's one thing when you come into a band and everyone knows everything and it's just like playing, it's smooth because they're doing it every day onstage and you're the newbie who has to adjust and learn all this. It didn't feel like that. So it was also taking the pressure a little bit away because they're kind of like, 'Okay, how does this go?' Cause they hadn't played it in 10 years. Definitely took the pressure a little bit off my shoulders."Rush's first two comeback shows have received strong reviews, with critics praising Nilles' drumming.The Fifty Something reunion tour continues Thursday in Los Angeles, with dates scheduled through April 2027

Robert Plant, along with Saving Grace featuring Suzi Dian, has announced a third leg of their ongoing tour, set for fall 2026. The new dates will cover 16 shows across the United States, beginning Sept. 18 in St. Louis and ending Oct. 15 in Chicago.The tour, titled "Up the Sharp End," supports the upcoming album "Saving Grace," scheduled for release in 2025. This marks Plant's first extensive run of performances with Saving Grace, a group formed in 2019. The band includes singer Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo and string player Matt Worley, and cellist Barney Morse-Brown.Plant and Saving Grace played their first U.S. show in October 2025 and performed several dates earlier this spring.Presale tickets will be available starting June 10 at 10 a.m. local time. General ticket sales open Friday at 10 a.m. local time. Full details and ticket information can be found on Plant's official website.The tour dates are:Sept. 18 - St. Louis, Mo., The Pageant
Sept. 19 - Kansas City, Mo., Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Sept. 22 - Colorado Springs, Colo., Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
Sept. 23 - Santa Fe, N.M., Santa Fe Opera House
Sept. 25 - Flagstaff, Ariz., Pepsi Amphitheater
Sept. 26 - Highland, Calif., Yaamava' Resort & Casino
Sept. 28 - San Diego, Calif., Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay
Sept. 29 - Paso Robles, Calif., Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Oct. 1 - Santa Barbara, Calif., Arlington Theatre
Oct. 2 - San Francisco, Calif., Orpheum Theatre
Oct. 5 - Sacramento, Calif., SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
Oct. 8 - Salt Lake City, Utah, Abravanel Hall
Oct. 11 - Rapid City, S.D., The Monument
Oct. 12 - Sioux City, Iowa, Orpheum Theatre
Oct. 14 - Minneapolis, Minn., State Theatre
Oct. 15 - Chicago, Ill., Chicago Theatr

Paul McCartney's latest solo album, "The Boys of Dungeon Lane," debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, according to Billboard's latest chart results. The album, which features singles "Days We Left Behind" and "Home to Us," entered the chart for the week ending June 4 and earned 63,000 album-equivalent units in the United States. Of those, 59,500 came from traditional album sales, including 32,000 vinyl records.Billboard reports that "The Boys of Dungeon Lane" reached No. 1 on its Top Album Sales, Vinyl Albums, and Independent Albums charts. This achievement marks McCartney's 22nd album to reach the Billboard 200's top 10, counting his work with Wings. His first solo top 10 album, "McCartney," reached No. 1 in 1970. As a member of the Beatles, McCartney charted 32 albums in the Billboard 200's top 10, starting with "Meet the Beatles!" in 1964.According to Billboard, the Rolling Stones have the most Billboard 200 top 10 albums, with 38. When combining McCartney's solo, Wings, and Beatles chart entries, he totals 54 top 10 albums, surpassing the Stones.In the United Kingdom, "The Boys of Dungeon Lane" debuted at No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, the Official Charts Company reports. The album also topped the U.K.'s Album Sales, Physical Albums, Vinyl Albums, and Record Store charts. In Scotland, the album reached No. 1, while in Ireland it peaked at No. 8 and reached No. 2 on the Downloads Chart.Rolling Stone gave the album four-and-a-half out of five stars, describing it as "a warm, nostalgic late-career masterpiece." The review highlighted several songs about McCartney's early years in Liverpool, including a duet with Ringo Starr, and noted the album's title references a street in the neighborhood where both McCartney and George Harrison grew up

LOS ANGELES - Rush returned to the stage for the first time in nearly a decade, opening their Fifty Something reunion tour at the Forum in Los Angeles on Thursday night."We're here for so many reasons," frontman Geddy Lee told the crowd early in the set. "We're here to celebrate over 50 years of music that Alex Lifeson, myself and the great Neil Peart made together. We're here to pay tribute to Neil."This marked Rush's first concert since Aug. 1, 2015, which was also held at the Forum and closed their R40 Live tour. While that tour was not billed as a farewell, the band later indicated they were finished. The death of drummer Neil Peart in 2020 appeared to end any possibility of a reunion.Lee and Lifeson surprised fans last October by announcing the Fifty Something tour, with drummer Anika Nilles joining to fill Peart's role.The show began with a short film featuring several celebrity cameos before the band launched into "Xanadu," a track from 1977's "A Farewell to Kings." According to setlist.fm, this was the first time Rush had ever opened a concert with that song.The band followed with songs including "Limelight," from the 1981 album "Moving Pictures," and "Freewill," from 1980's "Permanent Waves." Both tracks drew energetic responses from the audience.Emotions ran high throughout the night as Rush honored Peart's memory. During the set, archival footage of Peart, including audio of him discussing his passion for drumming, played on giant screens. The tribute led into a performance of "Bravado," accompanied by images of the late drummer.Rush closed their first set with "The Spirit of Radio," drawing some of the loudest cheers of the evening. After a 30-minute intermission, the band returned with a trio of songs from their 1976 album "2112": "Overture," "The Temples of Syrinx" and "A Passage to Bangkok."The second set included a special guest appearance by singer Aimee Mann, who joined Rush for "Time Stand Still." The single was a radio hit in 1987, but this marked the first time Mann performed it live with the band.Throughout the show, Lee and Lifeson demonstrated the musical skill that has defined Rush for more than 50 years. Nilles received a warm welcome from fans, impressing many with her performance behind the drums.A comedic video short featuring "South Park" characters arguing over Rush lyrics introduced the band's signature song "Tom Sawyer." Rush briefly left the stage before returning for "By-Tor & the Snow Dog," which they had not played in more than 20 years, and "Working Man" closed the concert.Rush's Fifty Something tour continues across North America through December. The band has announced plans for additional international dates in 2027

Kansas, Asia, and former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett will co-headline the 2027 Cruise to the Edge, a prog-rock music festival at sea.The cruise runs for six nights, sailing April 2-8 from Miami with stops in Cozumel, Harvest Caye, and Costa Maya.Cabin sales are open now for past guests. General booking opens Monday, June 8 at noon Eastern time. Details can be found at the Cruise to the Edge website.The event will feature classic and newer progressive rock acts, covering symphonic, alternative, and metal subgenres. The lineup includes returning performers Big Big Train, Haken, Pendragon, Spock's Beard, Neal Morse & the Resonance, Caligula's Horse, Temic, Crown Lands, Thank You Scientist, Von Hertzen Brothers, Moon Safari, Jane Getter Premonition, Rendezvous Point, Lari Basilio, Gazpacho, Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins, Dave Cureton, Dave Kerzner and Friends, Marbin, and Gabriel Agudo. First-time acts include the Dear Hunter, Lunatic Soul, Voyage 35, Ozric Tentacles, Cheeto's Magazine, Haunt the Woods, Spafford, and Dim Gray.Jon Kirkman, Roie Avin, and Mike Dawson will return as event hosts. The cruise will offer concerts across several venues along with artist meet-and-greets, Q&A sessions, theme nights, games, late-night karaoke, and more.The 2027 cruise follows a busy 2026 edition that featured former King Crimson members Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Bill Bruford.The Norwegian Jewel will host another music cruise immediately after Cruise to the Edge. On the Blue Cruise 2027 will sail April 8-15 from Miami, featuring Asia, Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, Rick Springfield, Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, and others

On May 15, Frampton released "Carry The Light," his 19th solo studio album and his first set of all-new songs in 16 years. This week, he will premiere a new documentary, "Frampton," directed by longtime band member Rob Arthur. The film receives a special screening Thursday, June 4, at the Tribeca Festival in New York.These new works arrive soon after Frampton marked the 50th anniversary of "Frampton Comes Alive!" The 1976 live album topped the Billboard 200 for 10 weeks and produced two top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100."It all comes to roost at the same time," Frampton, 76, said in a recent interview via Zoom from his Nashville home studio, Bigsby Park. He wore a denim shirt over a Tom Petty T-shirt during the call.Frampton said the 50th anniversary was both exciting and daunting. The release of "Carry The Light" and the documentary happened to align, though it was not planned. "We were going to release the album a month earlier, but then Tribeca contacted us," he said. "So we put it back so the album would come out, and two weeks later it's Tribeca, and then we could talk about both."Arthur, the film's director and Frampton's keyboard player, started the project after Frampton revealed his diagnosis of Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), a degenerative muscle disease. The condition has affected Frampton's mobility and playing style, but audiences have seen little change during his recent performances.Arthur said he wanted to document Frampton's farewell tour in 2019. "Peter said, 'Why don't you just film all the concerts?'" Arthur said. "I'm the keyboard player, so it was a challenge." He set up three cameras to capture performances and backstage moments, and he began interviewing Frampton.Arthur found the story went beyond concert footage. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed the process but gave Arthur time to organize material and start a production company, Phenix Features, with Frampton. Their friendship allowed for candid conversations, Arthur said. "The basis of the movie is my take on him as a friend, and of course I know his legacy very well."Frampton said he trusted Arthur to lead the documentary while he focused on making music with his son, Julian, who co-produced the album. "I had a lot to do with it. I know everything that's in there. But we were working on two projects at once," Frampton said. "I mainly concentrated on the album and wasn't involved day to day with the film."The documentary covers Frampton's childhood in Kent, England, and his early bands. Arthur filmed Frampton playing Buddy Holly's "Peggy Sue" on the steps of Bromley Technical High School, where Frampton's father was head of the art department. The film also features appearances by Bill Wyman, Roger Daltrey, Ringo Starr, Herb Alpert, Alice Cooper, Sheryl Crow, Nancy Wilson, Tom Morello, and others. Frampton's first wife, Mary Lindes, and his three children are also interviewed.Frampton provided hours of Super 8 footage from the 1970s, including scenes from his hospital recovery after a near-fatal car crash in 1978. The film addresses the low points in his career, such as substance abuse and the decline in popularity after "Frampton Comes Alive!" Frampton said he wanted to show the full story, including failures. "I wanted people to see it's not all glamour," he said. "It was me baring my soul, just like I did in the book."Arthur said Frampton was transparent throughout the process. "He said, 'Put it all in there,'" Arthur said. "It's painful to watch at times, but I love it," Frampton told him after viewing the finished film.Julian Frampton said the documentary reveals much that even he did not know about his father's professional and personal life. "It's a phenomenal story. I never saw a lot of that footage before."Arthur and Frampton are seeking a streaming home for the documentary after Tribeca. "We'll have to see where it leads us," Arthur said.While Arthur worked on the film, Frampton and his son completed "Carry The Light" in Nashville. The 10-track album includes appearances by Glenn Worf, Chad Cromwell, Tom Morello, Sheryl Crow, H.E.R., and Bill Evans. Graham Nash is featured on "I'm Sorry Elle," inspired by Frampton's wait to meet his granddaughter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Benmont Tench of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers plays on "Buried Treasure."Frampton said his IBM diagnosis gave him a sense of urgency to record new music. He also released two covers albums in recent years but wanted to focus on original compositions. The album's title track features a Shawnee stomp dance, and the idea of elders passing on wisdom influenced its theme.Frampton is already writing songs for another album, though his condition makes touring difficult. "It's getting more and more difficult to play," he said, but he remains determined to continue.Do you think Frampton's new work will connect with a new generation of listeners? How does an artist's openness about personal struggles affect your view of their music

David Lee Roth has announced five new dates for his 2026 "Don't Love Me, Rent Me" tour.The former Van Halen singer returned to touring in May 2025 after five years away from the stage. His current band includes four male backing vocalists, a guitarist, a bassist and a drummer.Tickets for the new shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. local time Friday, June 5. Fans can purchase tickets early using the password "ROTHROCKS" at Roth's official website starting Wednesday, June 3.Here is the updated 2026 tour schedule:June 3: Port Chester, N.Y. - The Capitol Theatre
June 5: Asbury Park, N.J. - Stone Pony Summer Stage
June 7: Huntington, N.Y. - The Paramount
June 9: Huber Heights, Ohio - Rose Music Center
June 11: Fort Wayne, Ind. - Foellinger Theatre
June 13: Battle Creek, Mich. - Firekeepers Casino Hotel
June 15: Rapid City, S.D. - The Monument
June 17: Moorhead, Minn. - Bluestem Amphitheatre
June 20: Milwaukee, Wis. - BMO Pavilion
July 4: Traverse City, Mich. - Bay Side Music Stage
July 9: Calgary, Alberta - Roundup Music Festival
July 10: Edmonton, Alberta - River Cree Casino & Resort
July 13: Vancouver, British Columbia - Vogue Theatre
July 16: Jacksonville, Fla. - Britt Music & Arts Festival
July 18: Fort Hall, Idaho - Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel
July 21: Salt Lake City, Utah - The Depot
July 23: Dillon, Colo. - Dillon Amphitheatre
July 28: Louisville, Ky. - Iroquois Amphitheater
July 31: East Moline, Ill. - The Rust Belt
Aug. 7: Sturgis, S.D. - Buffalo Chip
Aug. 14: Lincoln, Calif. - Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Sept. 5: Laughlin, Nev. - Edgewater E CenterFor more information and updates, visit David Lee Roth's official website

Triumph's reunion tour has been underway for nearly two months, and frontman Rik Emmett said he is pleased with the response from fans.Speaking on the "Tuning In With Thom Jennings" podcast, Emmett described the reaction as "overwhelming," adding that each show feels like a celebration."In some cases, it's a little overwhelming, and in other cases, it's just a beautiful celebration of joyful noise with these new guys," Emmett said. "The harmonies and the songs and the hard work that we all put in, and now we get this payoff of having these audiences. Every night it gets better. That's the thing, too. It just keeps resonating and growing."Emmett said the band worked hard to make the reunion shows successful."When you're inside a band and you're playing these songs that have such a long history, you're still looking for a way to have them come alive," he said. "You're always tightening up the screws and adjusting the fan belt or whatever. It's very rewarding, that process."Triumph's lineup for the tour includes Emmett, Gil Moore and Mike Levine, who is currently absent due to health issues. Guitarist Phil X, drummer and keyboardist Brent Fitz, and bassist Todd Kerns are also performing with the band.Emmett praised the new members for bringing fresh energy to the shows."It's not what Triumph was," he said. "It's Triumph, but it's kind of this ' ber Triumph,' like Triumph on steroids. The reload actually seemed to give it a lot more cylinders in the engine."Triumph's reunion tour is scheduled to end June 10 in Quebec. The final show was rescheduled after being postponed earlier in the tour

Mick Jagger says he "can't wait" to tour again with The Rolling Stones, but fans should not expect an announcement soon.Speaking on BBC Radio 2's "Tracks of My Years" with Ronnie Wood, Jagger responded to a question about whether the Stones will tour again. "I'd love to go on tour, I can't wait," Jagger said. "I don't think it's going to be this year. But hopefully it's going to be as soon as possible."The comments follow reports that the band canceled plans for a U.K. and European stadium tour in late 2025 or 2026. Media outlets have cited Keith Richards' inability to commit to the tour as a reason for the change. Richards has since suggested the group could return to touring in 2027. Jagger's latest remarks add weight to that possibility.The interview aired ahead of the band's 25th studio album, "Foreign Tongues," set for release July 10 on Polydor/Universal Music. The album was recorded in less than a month at Metropolis Studios in West London with producer Andrew Watt, who also worked on 2024's "Hackney Diamonds." Guest appearances include Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, Steve Winwood, and the late Charlie Watts.Jagger said the collaboration with Smith came about by chance at an industry event. "He was standing there with his back to me and this long gown on and when he turned around, he was covered in lipstick," Jagger said. "And I said, 'You're Robert Smith of The Cure.' He said, 'Yeah, we've never met.' And I said, 'While you're here, you better go and do something.' That's how collaborations work sometimes."McCartney, who also appeared on "Hackney Diamonds," discussed his role with NME. "It was really nice to just show up at a studio with your bass and just say, 'Right, where do you want me?'" he said. "You start playing, and they show you the song, and I start thinking, 'I'm playing with the Stones!'""Foreign Tongues" includes previously released tracks "Rough and Twisted" and "In the Stars," along with a cover of Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good." The full tracklist was revealed earlier this month, with song titles listed in various foreign languages on streaming platforms."Hackney Diamonds" debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in 2024, the band's highest U.S. chart position since "Voodoo Lounge" reached No. 2 in 1994

Poison frontman Bret Michaels said he will not perform at the newly announced Freedom 250 event in Washington, D.C., scheduled for June 25 to July 10. Michaels announced his decision on social media Friday, May 29, citing "concerns" for the "safety of [his] fans, band, crew, family and [himself], including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable."Michaels' announcement drew both support and criticism from fans. One Instagram user replied, "You made this about politics instead of celebrating our 250th anniversary. No longer a fan. America will celebrate without you."Rikki Rockett, Poison's drummer, responded on social media the same day, defending Michaels' decision to withdraw."I support Bret's decision to pull out of the Freedom 250 event," Rockett wrote. "What I don't support are all the nasty remarks about Bret's talent thrown into the discussion. While Bret and I disagree on many fronts, we respect each other's artistic abilities and accomplishments as a band and individually. Bret is doing what is right for this situation for many reasons, none of which make him a coward."Rockett's post also generated mixed reactions. Some users praised his stance, with one writing, "Agreed Rikki. There's still such thing as 'Freedom of Speech' and those who don't disagree can keep it to themselves!" Another said, "Thank you Rikki for bringing positive light to this situation. You all have my full support."Others disagreed, questioning if it was wise to "alienate over half of Poison's fans" and arguing, "If he wanted to play the show he should have just played it. Bad decision."Some responses were more neutral, with one user saying, "I do not agree with Bret's decision. I think it was an opportunity of a lifetime, being 250 years, regardless of who was in office. Kind of seems that he made it political and very clear which side he supports which makes his decision divisive. However, he is far from washed up, has tremendous talent and energy for his age. I'm sure other artists will gladly step up for this country."Michaels was originally announced as part of the Great American State Fair lineup for the Freedom 250 celebration. The event, set to run for 16 days between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument, planned to feature musical performances, carnival rides, and daily themes highlighting American culture.Michaels explained that he accepted the invitation because it was presented as a way to honor veterans, military members, first responders, teachers and working Americans. He said, "As the son of a veteran, and coming from a family that has proudly served, that is something I have always been honored to support." Michaels also addressed his fans in Washington, D.C., promising to return and perform when the focus can "remain on what it should be - the music and the fans."The New York Times reported on May 30 that former President Donald Trump is now calling for the event to be canceled after several performers, including Young MC, Martina McBride, The Commodores and Morris Day and the Time, also withdrew. Some artists told The Times they were not aware the event was connected to a Trump administration initiative for the nation's 250th birthday.According to CBS News, as of May 30, Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, Vanilla Ice, C+C Music Factory rapper Freedom Williams and Flo Rida are still scheduled to perform. The official Freedom 250 website lists only these four artists as part of the current lineup