Publication Date October 22, 2026
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October 22, 2026UncategorizedNICK HEYWARD
Coming Back to U.S.
October 22nd, 2026 by Traci Turner
After visiting us in 2025 with Howard Jones, and this year with Squeeze, we are going to see a bit more of Haircut One Hundred frontman, Nick Heyward. The ever-so-charming gent will return solo this time, which is actually a much larger catalogue than his Haircut material!
Heyward’s 1993 album, “From Monday to Sunday,” featured “Kite,” which is perhaps the song most fans ask about. He said the recent tours “reignited his personal desire to return to the U.S. in support of his solo material.”
“I’ve had people for the last 30 years asking, ‘Are you the ‘Kite’ guy?’ and I say ‘Yes, indeed. I’m Mr. Kite,’” he laughed. “They say, ‘Please come back to America; that song means so much to me,’ and so I’m coming back to play acoustically – an acoustic expedition so to speak – to reconnect with people who like my music. My last US tour was in 1994 and I’m really looking forward to playing ‘Kite’ in America again. It’s been too long!”
The trek will kick off March 4th, 2027 in Atlanta, and stops at intimate venues across the eastern half of the country including Nashville, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, among others.
The shows will offer a “storytellers” approach – stripped-down environments that will allow Heyward the opportunity to share song inspirations with the fans. He explained, “I do love to talk about the source and the creative process of songs – how they arrive, whether they were an easy birth or whether they were a caesarian, and also what they mean to others now – like a young chap who tracked me down on MySpace to tell me his mum used to play him ‘Kite’ as a lullaby before bed. As a budding children’s author this thrilled me.”
Heyward is also releasing a solo career retrospective entitled “The Essential,” a 31-track compilation on November 27th. As if that was not enough, his autobiography, “Fantastic Days: My Autobiography,” will drop November 5th.
Get all things Heyward started by first purchasing tickets to a show near you. We assume more dates with the West Coast will be announced soon…
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NICK HEYWARD
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October 22, 2026UncategorizedOZZY & BLACK SABBATH
Back to the Beginning
PURPLE CARPET PREMIERE
October 22nd, 2026 Review by Bruce R Kilgour
On a warm Wednesday October evening, the 100-year-old Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles was host to one of the largest gatherings of metal and hard rock royalty in recent years. The occasion was the “purple carpet premiere” of the film “Ozzy & Black Sabbath – Back to the Beginning,” which documents the incredible 10-hour concert held on July 5th, 2025, in Birmingham, England.
That concert concluded with the planned final live performances by both Ozzy Osbourne (as a solo artist) and the original lineup of the legendary Black Sabbath (Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward,) who had not performed together since Ozzfest in 2005.
A limited number of tickets to the premiere were sold to the public for $20 a few days prior to the screening, with 50% of the proceeds donated to various Los Angeles homeless charities. The entire balcony and Broadway Bar area of the Orpheum were, however, reserved for about six hundred invited guests, musicians, and media.
I was fortunate to attend as invited press, and it was truly incredible to have the opportunity to mingle with the hosts – Sharon and Jack Osbourne – and the dozens of major artists present, many of whom had participated in the Back to the Beginning concert.
The two most popular attendees may have been Black Sabbath members Butler and Ward, judging by the fan’s reaction upon spotting them both before and after the screening. Guitarist Iommi did not attend, due to his busy promotional schedule for his forthcoming solo album.
Among the musicians who attended the event were Gene Simmons (KISS) and his wife Shannon Tweed, Slash (Guns N’ Roses), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Danny Carey (Tool), Travis Barker (blink-182), Mike Inez (Alice in Chains), Gilby Clarke, Lzzy Hale, Joe Hottinger and Josh Smith (Halestorm), Jake E. Lee (Ozzy Osbourne Band), John Bush (Armored Saint), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), David Ellefson (Megadeth), Tommy Clufetos (touring drummer for Osbourne and Black Sabbath), and Billy Morrison (The Cult, Billy Idol). Morrison was Osbourne’s closest friend and collaborator in his later years.
Rudy Sarzo, who toured with Osbourne in 1981-1982, was also in attendance with the entire current lineup of Quiet Riot, whose brand-new singer – 23-year-old John Torra – proved to be one of the media’s favorite interview subjects.
One of the coolest moments of the concert (also shown in the film) was the “drum-off” between Smith, Barker, and Carey during the Black Sabbath song “Symptom of the Universe,” during which Sarzo played bass. I overheard Barker and Carey recalling that moment as they posed for photos together.
Before the screening, Sharon and Jack appeared on stage to welcome everyone and offered their heartfelt thanks for the decades of support of the beloved Osbourne. Their speeches were followed by a lengthy chant of “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy…”
The 150-minute film focuses on the Black Sabbath and Osbourne songs covered by the artists who participated in the original concert. Although several bands – such as Alice in Chains, Pantera, Slayer, and Metallica – also performed their own material at the show, those songs are not presented in the film.
The original pre-recorded video tributes from Osbourne’s peers that were shown during the livestream have been replaced in the film with voiceovers from the participating musicians combined with great archival footage of Black Sabbath and Osbourne.
Although the concert itself ended with the triumphant finale of the four-song Black Sabbath reunion set, the filmmakers chose to move the emotional performance of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” from Ozzy’s solo segment to the end of the movie, creating a powerful final statement.
There are many other surprises and highlights throughout the film, but I recommend that everyone grab some family and friends to experience this amazing documentary for themselves!
“Back to the Beginning” arrives in theaters worldwide on October 28th for a limited run, and tickets are available now.
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October 22, 2026UncategorizedINDUSTRY REPORT # 75
UNSTOPPABLE
Catching Up with Jimmy Brown
October 22nd, 2026 by Traci Turner
In the middle of one of their longest North American tours in quite some time, UB40 is Unstoppable! The reggae legends still have to hit the West Coast, and this week that portion of their journey begins.
I have said it before and I will say it again: You cannot be in a bad mood at a UB40 show. From “Red Red Wine,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” all through their newest show surprise – a cover of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” – UB40 always gives fans a phenomenal performance with plenty of dancing in the aisles.
UB40 brings quite the crew with them: Robin Campbell (guitar/vocals), Earl Falconer (bass/vocals), Jimmy Brown (drums), Norman Hassan (percussion/vocals), Martin Meredith (keyboards/saxophone), Jahred Gordon (keyboards), Laurence Parry (trumpet/trombone), Ian Thompson (saxophone), Gilly G (MC vocals), Matt Campbell (backing vocals), and Matt Doyle (guitar/vocals).
The English gents are celebrating more than 45 years together and their newest album, “Unstoppable,” will drop in 2027 with that Twain cover included.
As the band was traversing from Canada into the US, founding member and drum master extraordinaire Jimmy Brown chatted with us about their forthcoming visit.
Traci: Jimmy! How are you? I see you are at the halfway point with the tour now.
Jimmy: Just about exactly halfway, yeah. It’s the longest tour we’ve done in a while, even though we’ve been here every year for the last five years. I think we’ve got 42 dates, over two and a half months. It’s been great. I’m surprised really, because I know it’s not a good time for bands to be touring, because people have less disposable income and it’s not the best environment to be trying to do a big tour, but it seems to be working really well for us. So we’re all very happy, I think.
Traci: Whenever I’ve been to a UB40 show, it is such a fantastic and fun time. Yes, it costs money, but we absolutely have to go out and enjoy a night of wonderful music and forget life, and you guys provide that.
Jimmy: That seems to be the attitude with people. I mean, we do try to send people home happier than they were when they arrived. By the end of the night we want everybody on their feet and dancing and singing. That seems to be working out really well, and everybody seems to be going home happy. We’re really enjoying it.
Traci: I know you don’t remember every interview but when you and I talked two years ago, you mentioned your wife perhaps making a bad choice in marrying a musician because she didn’t have a handyman or chef at home.
Jimmy: (laughing) I did say she didn’t think it through, you know, it was just like a mechanic would have been more useful or a chef or a builder. That’d be like the ultimate partner would be a builder. But, she decided to marry a drummer instead, which I’m happy about, and I hope she’s not unhappy about! We’ve been together for nearly 50 years.
Traci: That’s amazing!
Jimmy: Yeah, absolutely. Well, we got together before the band, we were kind of childhood sweethearts. It kind of worked out for us in the end. I’m very proud of it.
Traci: So you’ve been with her for 50 years, you’ve been with your bandmates for more than 45 years. You’re in it for the long haul with everyone!
Jimmy: Yeah, exactly. I think to some degree that may have helped. I’m not always at home, and it’s great to look forward to going home. I think there’s a certain point if I’m at home too long, well, you’ve got a tour to go to, you know, just to get out from under her feet. (laughing) So it’s, it’s worked well for us really over the years.
Traci: The Unstoppable Tour is promoting the album that’s coming out next year, correct?
Jimmy: Yes, that’s right.
Traci: And it has that cover of Shania Twain that you guys have been performing on this tour?
Jimmy: That’s right, yeah. It’s been going down really well actually. We get a kind of cheer of recognition as soon as he sings the first line and people realize what song it is. Next month we’ll be releasing it as a single.
Traci: Is there a song that you yourself would love to cover that you guys have never done?
Jimmy: I tend to think my favorite songs I wouldn’t want to cover because they’re favorites because they’re kind of perfect the way they are and we might not be able to bring anything new to it. But, I like quirky. I like doing the Shania Twain cover. People wouldn’t expect it, but it’s worked really well. And sometimes, because I think that the actual content of the lyrics has a relationship with where the band is now, when you’re talking about here we are after all this time, we’re still together.
He continued; That’s the message of the song, and it really suits us as a band now because that’s how we feel. That’s why we feel unstoppable. We’ve actually been through all the sort of ups and downs, the traumas and the dramas, and we’ve come out the other side and everybody’s sort of pulling together. It’s bonded us all together really quite strongly. And that’s a great feeling.
Traci: The band is made up of longtime friends, and then a lot of you guys are related too.
Jimmy: Yeah. All our families know each other, and we’ve got generations, we’ve got kids and grandkids and they’re all kind of similar ages because obviously it’s when we’re back home off the road, it’s when they were conceived.
He continued; They’re all similar ages and then the grandkids are similar ages as well. I think we must have something like 50 kids between us, you know, looking to repopulate the world!
Traci: Now that you’ve been doing this for so long, do you get stressed or worried when you make an album like perhaps you did in the early days? Or now is it a little more relaxed?
Jimmy: I think nothing stresses us out now. We’ve been through everything. We’ve come out the other side. We see everything as kind of a bonus now because we’re actually still doing it after 40, I think it’s 48 years now. The fact that we’re still selling out, doing great gigs, and still making records, it’s a bonus that we’re still doing that. It’s all just pleasure, and all the pain is in the past. It’s a really good place to be right now.
Traci: You guys formed the group as young kids! Do you remember even farther back, the first song that you fell in love with and maybe what made you want to play?
Jimmy: Yeah, I think I do actually, and that was when I was probably about eight or nine years old, listening to the radio, and I just loved “Penny Lane” by The Beatles. It conjured up so many images; it’s a very descriptive kind of song. I just loved hearing that coming over the radio, so that stuck in my mind. But then when I was 12, 13, 14, I discovered reggae. Apart from Stevie Wonder, of course, I remember buying “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” as a single, and that was way back in the early ‘70s.
He continued; Of course, we discovered Bob Marley quite early, and reggae and dub and that was probably the biggest influence on me overall. But there were other records. I remember Chairmen of the Board, “Give Me Just a Little More Time.” It was just one of those records I loved that I had to buy. But definitely “Penny Lane” is the one that sticks in my mind as a childhood memory of driving in the car with my mum and dad and listening to the radio and hearing that.
Traci: I think my parents got tired of me listening to Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets!”
Jimmy: Well, you know, my parents didn’t really appreciate my love of reggae until I introduced John Holt, and then they realized, because obviously he did sort of classic songs. They just loved, I think the “1,000 Volts of Holt” album, and that really made them understand maybe where I was coming from a little bit, because music can do that, it can have a positive effect on people.
Traci: When I am exploring music, I tend to go down rabbit holes and learn all I can. Are you like that with anything? Get sucked into internet rabbit holes?
Jimmy: Yeah, I do that with movies. I’m a bit of a movie buff and I like to get information. I especially like weird films. So, you’ve got other people that are giving you theories about what certain things mean. I’m a big David Lynch fan, so yeah, I do go down those.
Traci: Are you able to choose a favorite movie or is that too hard?
Jimmy: That would be impossible to do! (laughing) I don’t think I could even choose a top ten. I love movies, and I think there’s always great movies being made. I really enjoyed “Backrooms.” I thought that was a great film. I thought “Obsession” was a great movie. I like what’s happening with sort of the 20-somethings having access to making feature films, and they’re doing a good job. I like the Philippou brothers from Australia. I think they’ve done some amazing films.
Traci: Are you ready to hit California this week? Saratoga, Cabazon…
Jimmy: You’re better informed than I am because I haven’t got a clue where we’re going. (laughing)
Don’t worry, Jimmy! I got you covered! Catch UB40 October 23rd in Saratoga at Mountain Winery, October 24th in Cabazon at Morongo Casino, October 25th in Thousand Oaks at Kavil Theatre, October 28th in good ole Anaheim at House of Blues, or spend Halloween with them in San Diego at Open Air Theatre. I promise whatever show you attend, it WILL be a blast!
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SID 26102 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR
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October 21, 2026UncategorizedRELEASES NEW MUSIC
October 21st, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
While the “rockstar” tag may have launched in the 1950s with artists like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Chuck Berry, the late ‘70s and ‘80s – often called the “golden age” of rock – featured a band that exemplified all of those rockstars rolled into one… Blondie.
Blondie became icons of the new wave genre with songs like “Dreaming,” “Sunday Girl,” “Pretty Baby,” “Call Me,” “Atomic,” “One Way or Another,” “Heart of Glass,” “Rapture,” “Hanging on the Telephone,” “and “The Tide Is High.”
But the legends – Debbie Harry (vocals), Chris Stein (guitar), Leigh Foxx (bass), Matt Katz-Bohen (keyboards), and Tommy Kessler (guitar) – are not stuck in the past.
Blondie is bringing new music history to fans by releasing a new album February 26th, 2027, called “High Noon.”
The band also released the first single, “Spectral Eyes,” filled with themes of escapism and self-destruction.
The song’s composition and lyrics were written by another rock n’ roll icon, Johnny Marr, guitarist of The Smiths. Of course, the majority of the track is sung by the “Queen of New Wave” herself, Debbie Harry.
Blondie fans are still mourning the loss of long-time drummer, Clem Burke. While he is no longer with us, his legacy with Blondie lives on. Burke’s drum sections will exist throughout the upcoming album, reflecting his importance and legacy to the band’s fandom.
The group has not announced a tour or show dates… yet. But with this being their first album release since 2017’s “Pollinator,” we hope to see them back out on the road showing it off!
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October 20, 2026UncategorizedSKA SMACKDOWN III
Returns to Garden Amp
October 20th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
Mustard Plug’s highly-anticipated annual January show will be returning for the third time to the Garden Amp in Garden Grove. In fact, this show is far from the only date on Mustard Plug’s calendar.
The ska punk pioneers out of Grand Rapids will embark on a West Coast tour to kick off 2027, hitting Seattle, Mesa, Oregon, and several stops in California, all supported by The Planet Smashers and Venomous Pinks.
SKA SMACKDOWN III | GARDEN AMP
The tour concludes on January 16th in Denver, this time supported by The Toasters, Catbite, and First Time Caller.
For Ska Smackdown III, the band will take over the entire venue playing both the outdoor main stage and the intimate, indoor Locker Room. As they did two years ago,
Mustard Plug will be joined by San Diego’s Buck-o-Nine. Much like Mustard Plug they are always down to get a party started the crowd skanking.
The two will be joined by co-headliner, Montreal’s ska punk legends, The Planet Smashers.
The band is currently touring in support of 2025’s “On the Dancefloor.”
I believe Orange County’s The Goodwin Club is the only band to be asked back for their third consecutive year.
They have crushed it each year, and I look forward to them opening for Reel Big Fish at the Wiltern in December.
Returning from last year are the uber popular Chudson, and I know their growing fanbase is eager to catch these guys play again.
There’s no doubt Arizona’s Venomous Pinks will absolutely annihilate the stage as they always do.
I love seeing that they are going to kick off 2027 in support of Mustard Plug spreading punk goodness along the West Coast. Undisputed World Champions from South Central Los Angeles are known for their high-energy shows.
Odd Advantage’s versatility really caught my attention at the Summer Ska Classic, so I’m looking forward to catching them again.
I’m also looking forward to catching opening act, Natlia Inez. From her online videos she seems to lead with powerful vocals and a talented backing band. Tickets are on sale now. Start the new year off right, skanking under the California sky.
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October 20, 2026UncategorizedNorth American Tour Comes to SoCal
October 20th, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
When an artist steps onto the stage for the first time, it’s not very common that their music ends up creating a new genre, even creating new definitions of music.
When that same artist becomes more than just a musician, rather an icon, their sound becomes influential for many creative minds that follow.
When I think of someone who’s not only set the framework for instilling creativity and passion into his music but is also still increasing their iconic legacy to this day, no one comes to mind more than Gary Numan.
Just as the fall season is gearing up, so is Numan on his North American fall tour. The goth rock legend plans to visit iconic places on the western side of the US including Las Vegas, Portland, Arizona, and of course, California.
While he’s planned a couple shows across the Golden State from Sacramento to San Francisco, he will also hit our neck of the woods with a November 16th stop at the Fonda Theatre. He will be at the Observatory North Park on November 25th.
I between all that, Numan will make a special appearance in Huntington Beach at the Darker Waves Festival. This will be one of the biggest events of the year brining a large number of legends to oner show!
Concertgoers can expect to hear the Numan-classics, including tracks from his iconic album “The Pleasure Principle” like his monster-hit “Cars.” With his extensive catalog, there is no shortage of classics for fans to enjoy: “Down in the Park,” “I Am Dust,” “Mercy,” “Metal,” “My Name Is Ruin,” “When the World Comes Apart,” and “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”
Since the ‘70s, Numan has put together some of the most influential synth-pop rock albums we’ve ever seen so watching him play them live is an experience unlike any other. The venue is sort of like Numan in that way – they both have a rich history of music, they both currently call Los Angeles home, and they both know how to put on a great show.
Expect nothing less than an incredible night filled with smash-hit tracks, a never-ending feeling of wanting to sing-along, and the inevitable great memories that will come along with seeing him at the Walk of Fame-adjacent theatre.
Snatch those tickets now to see one of the U.K.’s finest next month, because the theater only seats 1,200 and they’re selling out fast.
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October 19, 2026UncategorizedLONG LIVE THE BLACK PARADE TOUR
October 19th, 2026 by Traci Turner
There are two major things to look forward to this week: the highly anticipated release of “The Black Parade (20th Anniversary)” expanded reissue, and the band’s five-night stint at the Hollywood Bowl.
“The Black Parade” is not only deemed MCR’s greatest album, but THE greatest emo album, defining the genre and giving a soundtrack to a generation. The concept album has sold more than four million copies in the US and I dare you to not get pumped when that intro starts…
In anticipation of the anniversary edition release on October 23rd, the band has dropped the bonus track and video “Someone Out There Loves You (Live from Hoboken).” The recording dates back to 2007 during the original tour promoting the album, performed at the band’s hometown club, Maxwell’s in New Jersey. The song has never been released before and truly captures the era.
Photo by Bryce Hall
My Chemical Romance announced, “Twenty years ago, we wrote what would become The Black Parade, our third record and the follow up to Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. At the time, we could never have imagined what the record would mean for the band. All we knew is that we had made something crazy, and something we couldn’t wait to get it out into the world… For the first time, we have included everything we finished during those sessions in a single collection.”
“The Black Parade (20th Anniversary)” includes the full album plus six bonus tracks – two more from the NJ show (also unreleased on LP, CD, or streaming), and three fan-favorite B-sides.
The band also joined forces with original “The Black Parade” cover artist James Jean to reimagine the imagery and create limited vinyl colorways and autographed physical formats.
To celebrate the anniversary release, My Chemical Romance is closing out the US leg of The Black Parade 2026 Tour with five nights at the Hollywood Bowl. The series begins Wednesday and ends on Halloween night.
As if that wasn’t enough, MCR and Hot Topic have been celebrating with a monthlong Black Parade 20th Anniversary Takeover that includes exclusive merch, giveaways, and rare photo ops, plus a global all-store listening party when the album is released.
The Hollywood Hot Topic has been completely transformed into an immersive experience and will stay open until 1 a.m. on Hollywood Bowl nights.
Get your band uniform and sweep those bangs across your face and join us at “The Black Parade!”
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October 19, 2026UncategorizedBrings Its Run for Your Lives Tour to SoCal
October 19th, 2026 Story by Shane Pase
Iron Maiden just isn’t ready to call it a day after an incredibly successful run of their Run for Your Lives World Tour. Following an enthusiastic response from fans across North America, the band has decided to keep things rolling with one final leg of its world tour.
Southern California fans have another reason to celebrate – Iron Maiden will bring the tour to North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista on April 22nd, then to Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino on April 24th, 2027, both with special guests Bullet for My Valentine and The Raven Age.
The newly announced 16-date North American run kicks off April 14th in Tacoma before making its way through Vancouver, Portland, and three California stops. From there, the tour heads across the country, wrapping up with headlining appearances at Ohio’s Sonic Temple Festival and Maryland’s Boardwalk Rock Festival in May.
For anyone who has followed Iron Maiden over the years, the band’s decision to extend the tour probably isn’t much of a surprise. Few metal acts have maintained this kind of loyal following for this long, and even fewer continue filling arenas and amphitheaters more than 50 years after getting started.
Iron Maiden Promotional Photo
Founded in London in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris, Iron Maiden emerged from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement and helped reshape the genre. Albums like ”The Number of the Beast,” ”Piece of Mind,” ”Powerslave,” and ”Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” became essential listening for generations of metal fans. Along the way, the band developed a signature sound built around galloping bass lines, twin-guitar harmonies, and Bruce Dickinson’s unmistakable vocals.
The Run for Your Lives Tour focuses on material from the band’s first nine studio albums, giving longtime fans plenty of the music that made Maiden a household name in heavy metal. Songs like “The Trooper,” “Run to the Hills,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” and “The Number of the Beast” have remained concert favorites for decades.
Of course, an Iron Maiden concert has always been about more than simply playing the songs. The band’s elaborate stage productions, massive backdrops, and ever-present mascot Eddie have become as much a part of the experience as the music itself. The current tour brings that tradition together with a production designed to celebrate the band’s earliest and most influential years.
Joining Maiden at Glen Helen will be fellow British metal acts Bullet for My Valentine, who have a new album, “Social Apocalypse,” arriving in March 2027, and The Raven Age. The three-band lineup also marks the first time since 1983 that Maiden has assembled an entirely British touring bill.
With Glen Helen’s outdoor setting and the band’s full production coming to San Bernardino, the April show should be a fitting way for Southern California metal fans to take part in Maiden’s anniversary celebration.
Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday at 10 a.m., with fan club and other presales beginning earlier in the week.
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October 19, 2026UncategorizedANNOUNCE LINEUP FOR
October 19th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
The beginning of the end is always where we seem to find ourselves when we hear the news about an upcoming larger-than-life and grandioso event. In the here and now, so is the case – This morning we received the news we have all been waiting got from KROQ # 1 rated Klein.Ally. Show. What better way to celebrate the holidays and say goodbye to the year that was 2026 than getting the lineup for this year’s KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas.
I remember how this all got started. It was 1989 and I was there for the station’s holiday show that was dubbed the KROQ Xmas Bash. The inaugural event was held at Universal Amphitheatre and featured The Call, Mary’s Danish, Food for Feet and Camper Van Beethoven. What a night it was; it just launched an idea that would forever positively impact us all who call SoCal home!
Since then, the event has grown in size and popularity. Bands like U2, Bad Religion, blink-182, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Social Distortion, 311, Sublime, Green Day, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, No Doubt, Oasis, Garbage, Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, System of a Down, Simple Minds, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Violent Femmes… you get the idea: The who’s who of alternative music have played this iconic event
“Almost Acoustic Christmas has always been about the bands and their connection with our listeners,” said Kevin Weatherly, Senior Vice President of Programming, KROQ. “That’s what makes this show so special, and we’re incredibly grateful to the artists who take the time to be part of it. Celebrating 35 years of this together is pretty amazing. And to be able to give back to two great organizations supporting local youth makes it that much more meaningful.”
Just before the announcement morning show host Kevin Klein said this event is the holiday tradition brings us all together. That being said, here is the 2026 edition of Almost Acoustic Christmas: Foo Fighters, Sublime, Joyce Manor, Julia Wolf, Almost Monday, The Linda Lindas, Interpol and Weezer,
Tickets go on sale October 30th at noon. If you haven’t seen this spectacle before, get out and see this bucket list event. If you have seen it before, you know the drill. Ready, set, go… get your tickets for KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas 2026 and make memories!
Proceeds from the show will benefit Para Los Niños and Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center.
In the end, it is said that big life events change us… so like our friends from Boingo say… “WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?!” I say be the person we see at this show.
Get your tickets and see you at Acoustic!
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October 15, 2026UncategorizedDrops New Music & Announces
GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH WORLD TOUR
October 15th, 2026 by Traci Turner
Just last month we told you U2 was back with “Carnaval De Luz,” their 16th studio album and first album of new material in nine years. In fact, the story ended with “Now… will we see a tour in 2027?” The answer is… YES!
“Carnaval De Luz” will drop November 13th and the band described it: “Carnival, a celebration of the flesh, ‘carne,’ before the denial that is Lent, a period of reflection, and the rebirth of Easter. The song connecting the album and two EPs is the final track on the new album, ‘Torn,’ a duet between Bono and the late, great Dolly Parton, in what has sadly turned out to be her last recorded vocal performance.”
With the release date approaching, we were also bound to get another single. Last month we got “Silencio” and they have just delivered “The Greatest Show on Earth” – which is also the tour name.
The Irish lads will play stadiums around the globe next year as part of Carnaval De Luz Presents: The Greatest Show on Earth. The trek kicks off February 23rd in Mexico City with plans to continue through 2027 “and beyond.”
A band for 50 years now, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. only revealed six dates so far, and all of them are in Latin America. They state additional dates will be revealed in the coming weeks, and it includes North America and Europe.
As for the dates announced so far: Mexico City, Mexico on February 23rd and 26th; Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 10th and 12th; and Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 23rd and 25th.
Their opener for these first shows is a gentleman you may have heard of… some Beck guy!
As for the album’s second single, “The Greatest Show on Earth” was released with a video directed by the legendary Anton Corbijn. Filmed in the California desert, it features the gents masked, bearded, and perhaps as cult leaders…
Bono described the song as: “The Greatest Show on Earth? Now that’s a throwdown. It’s a dare, to ourselves as much as anyone, to try and have the best night of anybody’s life. A bit of showman, a bit of shaman, a riot of color, unreasonable guitar, bass and drums, and tunes you can hold onto. Because if people are gonna show up, we certainly are.”
To make sure you show up when they do, the first ticket drop will be via the band’s site. A subscriber presale for the six dates begins October 19th at 10 a.m. local time, and then the remaining tickets go on sale October 22nd on the band’s site.
“Carnaval De Luz” will be available in multiple formats including limited edition sets and “Coloured & Bespoke Vinyl,” plus the standards.
TO FOLLOW
SID 261018 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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October 15, 2026UncategorizedCELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF
October 15th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
It is said the music is a gateway to the soul, a cosmic highway, a time machine so-to-speak that will take you to wherever you were, whoever you were with, the good and the not so good when you first hear a certain song. And for those who love to relive the best moments in their lives through music: there are music festivals. What better way to celebrate a new year than with the return of one of the most epic festivals to ever come out of Sin City, Extreme Thing Fest!
The organizer says “For 25 years, Extreme Thing Sports & Music Festival has been part of the soundtrack of Las Vegas. What started in 2001, quickly grew into one of Southern Nevada’s most anticipated annual music and action sports festivals – a place where punk, rock, hardcore, metal, music and action sports collided for one unforgettable day.”
The promoter also said “Over the years, Extreme Thing brought together some of the biggest names in music alongside emerging artists, local bands, BMX, skateboarding, extreme sports, lifestyle brands and thousands of fans who came to be part of something that was uniquely Vegas.”“This isn’t just about looking back. It’s about bringing the energy of Extreme Thing to an entirely new generation while welcoming back the fans who grew up with us. Multiple stages. national and local artists. Action sports. Lifestyle brands. Food, vendors and nonstop entertainment, all packed into one massive day.”
The lineup for the festival is beyond epic. Headliner is fourth wave Ska-Punk juggernauts The Interrupters. There’s also third wave ska-core legends Voodoo Glow Skulls and industry favorites The Aquabats!
Other bands that will entertain you all day long include The Ghost Inside, Aurorawave, The Doll Heads, The Causalities and more!
Twenty-five years in one day! Extreme Thing returns Saturday, March 20th, 2027, at the Desert Breeze Event Center! Get your tickets because this will definitely be the event to be at in Vegas in 2027!
FOR FESTIVAL INFORMATION
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SID 261017 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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October 14, 2026UncategorizedSet to Connect Across Generations
October 14th, 2026 by Randi Lavik
When I was assigned to write this article, I was happy to see it was on the Newport Beach Film Festival. I was also happy to discover that the topic of 3D printing is one of the featured films.
My son, a newly graduated electrical engineer, is literally on his fifth 3D printer. The subject is one we have all been impacted in some way which resulted in an exciting new documentary.
The 8 days of music excellence will bring over 100 films from around the world to The OC. In its 27th iteration, the NBFF brings filmmakers, speakers and cultural programming along with the who’s who of the movie industry. Screenings will take place at venues around the greater Newport Beach area. Venues include Fashion Island, The Lot, Regal Edwards Big Newport, Regal University, Starlight Cinemas and the Lido Theater (Check NBFF Website for exact location of each film).
Opening night features a film of Peter Frampton. Anyone who lived through “Frampton Comes Alive,” will appreciate this one. There will also be some Irish shorts sure to entertain.
There will also be a nice feature called “Smooth World,” that introduces us to the world of smooth jazz. For those who like to dance, there’s “Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart.”
For those who love a good music documentary, there’s “Unleashed Spirits: The Rise of The Hollywood Vampires.” And for those who love punk rock, check out “And Out Comes the Wolf.” And if you like animated and foreign films, there are plenty to pick from.
For a full list of films being featured:
The film / documentary that stood out to me and my son (the engineer), is “The Last Inventor: Chuck Hull & The Hope of 3D Printing.” It is a new film on a very timely topic.
This inspiring story is one of perseverance and true love. Smart people always bet on the quietest, most thoughtful guy in the boardroom. Mrs. Hull believed in Chuck, while others dismissed his innovative ideas.
Chuck Hull’s 3D printers have created bigger and more meaningful treasures over the years.
3D printing is wonderful and useful in the areas of science (3D-printed replacement vertebrae for example), building (via beautiful and economic housing structures), space exploration, and the arts.
The possibilities for this technology are limitless. Printers are evolving into more user-friendly and affordable units and hopefully will be attainable for future generations to utilize in their households. 3D items are environmentally beneficial as well. Plastic can be recycled, then extruded into innovative new designs. Chuck Hull’s determination has been beneficial to the planet. What a wonderful legacy!
The documentary has been created by expert hands and several of those experts will hold a live Q&A following the screening. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Chuck Hull, director Brent Wilson, producer Ray Marchant, and executive producer Mark Ciardi following the premiere screening.
Each member of the production team is experienced in the art of storytelling.
Brent Wilson has directed several music videos, is an Emmy nominee, and is noted for his acclaimed documentary “Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road.”
The Newport Beach Film Festival
October 15th-22nd, 2026
According to the filmmakers, “The Last Inventor: Chuck Hull & The Hope of 3D Printing” will be an inspirational event. “Shot in 8K anamorphic and scored by a 40-piece live orchestra, it is a hopeful portrait of what technology can be when its purpose is to improve the world.”
To check out this film, you can catch it this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Regal University Town Center, Screen 6.
TO FOLLOW
SID 261015 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
The Last Inventor: Chuck Hull & The Hope of 3D Printing [...]
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