Netflix's Red Hot Chili Peppers Documentary Includes AI Generated Hillel Slovak Voiceover
Netflix's new documentary "The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel" is out and it's leaving some fans feeling uncomfortable as it features the AI-generated voice of late guitarist Hillel Slovak. The musician's own journals are recited by an AI-generated version of his voice. The creators let viewers know early on that the voiceover has been digitally created, however, it's still unsettling for some fans. "The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Pepper: Our Brother, Hiller" is streaming now on Netflix.
Foo Fighters’ Other Voices performance to air on RTÉ this Easter Monday
Foo Fighters deliver a legendary night of music in a surprise performance at St James’ Church, Dingle, teasing their upcoming album Your Favourite Toy. The intimate show, filmed for an Other Voices special, will air on Easter Monday on RTÉ 2 Television. The band's performance, captured in the historic church, showcases new tracks from their 12th studio album and classic hits in a once-in-a-lifetime setting for just 80 fans. This exclusive event marks a significant moment in Other Voices' 25th anniversary celebrations, bringing one of the world's biggest rock bands to one of Ireland's most beloved musical stages.
Dave Grohl Says Taylor Hawkins Came to Him in a Dream
After the death of Taylor Hawkins in 2022, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters faced the loss of a bandmate and close friend. The band found solace in gathering with Hawkins' family to share memories and emotions. Grohl described vivid dreams where he interacted with Hawkins and other lost loved ones, feeling a sense of continuity and connection. Despite the ongoing grief, the band is moving forward with a new album and upcoming tour, honoring Hawkins' legacy in their music and performances.
Weezer are teasing a new single, Shine Again, coming this week
Weezer is set to release a new single titled "Shine Again" on March 26, as teased by the band on social media. The snippet of the song features the lyrics, "The sun inside will shine / Shine again," hinting at a positive and uplifting track. This follows the band's recent releases of albums and EPs, with more music expected in the future. Weezer has also been working on a film project, as revealed by frontman Rivers Cuomo during a surprise appearance at Coachella last year. Fans can look forward to more music and projects from the band in the coming years.
Wolfgang Van Halen Explains Metallica's Impact On Him
Wolfgang Van Halen shared the highlights of his touring career with his solo band Mammoth, citing opening for Metallica and Foo Fighters as significant moments. He praised Metallica for their impact on his band's performance and described the experience of being part of Metallica's 72 Seasons World Tour as a crazy and eye-opening opportunity. Van Halen also mentioned how Metallica treated him well, showing a special certificate they gave him for playing every show on the tour.
THE BLACK CROWES' RICH ROBINSON: 'For Us, Playing Live Is What Is Magical About It'
The Black Crowes have made a comeback with their new album, A Pound of Feathers, released on March 13. Frontman Chris Robinson reflects on the band's current state and the ease of their reunion in a recent interview. Despite a history of creative brilliance and internal tension, the band's reunion feels natural and effortless, focusing on creating and enjoying the moment. The new album was created with a sense of rawness and freedom, reflecting the band's renewed energy and unfiltered personality. The Black Crowes are also facing industry recognition, including a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as they continue to prioritize genuine music-making and joy in their journey.
311 And Dirty Heads Announce 2026 Co Headlining North American Tour
Dirty Heads and 311 are teaming up for a co-headlining North American tour. The outing, dubbed the "So Glad You Made It Tour," kicks off on July 11th in Shakopee, Minnesota, and will run through August 30th in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ocean Alley, Atmosphere, and ROME will join 311 and Dirty Heads as support. Tickets go on sale this Friday.
RICHIE SAMBORA: Reunion
Add Richie Sambora to the list of guitarists who have been fortunate enough to get one of their stolen guitars back. In 1985, his 1976 Gibson Explorer was stolen from a warehouse and 41 years later it ended up in Paris at Matt's Guitar Shop. Owner Matthieu Lucas tells Guitar World, “I bought this guitar from somebody who said he was from Michigan and sold it as Richie’s original Explorer. “It’s the first time I have been offered such a Bon Jovi guitar as [typically], the early Bon Jovi guitars never come up for sale. We agreed on a price, and I bought the guitar. When I opened the case, I forwarded a few photos to Richie and his guitar tech extraordinaire, Takumi, to see if they had more info." Matt then flew to New Jersey to reunite Sambora with his "sword." “We opened the case, and I gave him the guitar. He grabbed the neck and said, ‘Oh yes, that's mine!’ I had to make it right and make sure Richie got this guitar back. It will be the first guitar he will use on stage when he gets back to [performing]. “Richie played everything on this guitar and composed the majority of Bon Jovi’s hit songs on it, so I am so glad he got it back now.” Sambora had tracked down the person who had the guitar 10 years ago, but then he disappeared.
Other musicians who have been fortunate in having their stolen guitars returned include:
·Nancy Wilson last year.
·In 2024, Paul McCartney was reunited with his Hofner bass that was stolen in 1972. It's the subject of a new documentary, McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass, which will open in theaters in the UK in April. No word on a U.S. release. You can watch the trailer on YouTube.
·In 1963, the guitar John Lennon used to write "I Want to Hold Your Hand" went missing during the band’s Christmas show in London and resurfaced 51 years later, selling for $2.4 million at auction.
·In 2011, Peter Frampton was reunited with the black Gibson Les Paul on the cover of
Frampton Comes Alive 31 years after it was believed to have been destroyed in a plane crash.
·In 2017, John Fogerty's wife Julie tracked down and bought his 1969 Rickenbacker 325 Sunburst guitar with the word “ACME” written on the head in yellow paint that he gave a young fan in the early '70s.
·In 2020, Jimmy Page got back his 1960 Gibson Les Paul, "Black Beauty," that was stolen in 1970.
·And in 2022, Randy Bachman found his 1957 Gretsch that was stolen from a Toronto hotel in 1976.
Bryan Adams Expands 'Roll With The Punches' Tour
Bryan Adams is continuing to "Roll With The Punches" as the music icon adds a second U.S. leg to his already massive tour. The tour supports Adams' 16th studio album, Roll With The Punches, and the newly announced run kicks off on July 24th in St. Louis, Missouri. The expansion will also include additional stops in cities like Houston, Orlando and Buffalo, before wrapping on August 16th in Milwaukee. Fans attending the shows can expect a setlist that spans decades, and Adams will be joined by special guests Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
The Doobie Brothers Announce Fall Tour Dates
The Doobie Brothers are hitting the road for their North American Walk This Road Tour, starting Northfield Ohio on September 26. The tour coincides with the 50th anniversary of "Takin' It To The Streets." The band will also release a remastered version of the album in July. Tickets for the Doobie Brothers upcoming tour go on sale this Friday, March 27 at 10am local time at thedoobiebrothers.com.
Sat Sep 26 – Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park
Fri Oct 2 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Tue Oct 6 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
Fri Oct 9 – Chattanooga, TN – Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium
Sun Oct 11 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Tue Oct 13 – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater
Wed Oct 14 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
Fri Oct 16 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Sun Oct 18 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
Wed Oct 21 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena
VAN HALEN: 5150 Is 40
Today (Tuesday, March 24th) marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Van Halen's first album with Sammy Hagar, 5150. Named after Eddie Van Halen's studio, which he named after a California law enforcement term for a mentally disturbed person, it was their first of four consecutive number-one albums thanks to its four hits -- “Why Can’t This Be Love,” "Love Walks In," “Dreams,” and “Best of Both Worlds.” Coming off their biggest and what would be their last album with David Lee Roth (until 2012's A Different Kind of Truth), 1984, which was released that year, bassist Michael Anthony says "things were a little bit deflated [after Roth left and] before they started jamming with Hagar." Sammy comes into the studio and we had a couple of things basically written -- 'Good Enough' and 'Summer Nights' and we played 'em for him and he just picked up the mic and started singing and we're kind of like, 'Oh my God.' And you know it when you jam with somebody if it's just gonna be like, 'Okay, we're jamming. We'll play blues in 12 different keys or this or that. Or, if there's a spark there.' And there definitely was and from that point on we like all pretty fired up."
And the album cover conveyed their confidence in their new sound as it shows a depiction of Atlas kneeling while holding a mirror-polished metallic sphere on his shoulders with the band's logo wrapped around it."The guy had Van Halen on his shoulders and when you turn the album over, to the backside, Van Halen obviously won because the ball is open, or the world is open, Van Halen has arrived. Everybody can read into it what they want. But, for us, it was, at the time, the way that we were kind of describing our new beginning. You know, here we are man. We're gonna crush everybody with this."
Van Halen will celebrate 5150's 40th anniversary by releasing a deluxe edition this Friday.
It not only contains a remastered version of the album, but also more than 90 minutes of previously unreleased recordings from their August 27th, 1986 concert at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut; a selection of rare seven-inch single edits; and extended 12-inch versions. There's also a Blu-ray containing a high-definition upgrade of the video of that show, which was previously released as Live Without a Net, plus promo videos for “Dreams” and “Why Can’t This Be Love.” The collection will also be available on vinyl and digitally.
R.E.M.: Mills Praises Shannon & Narducy Tribute
Mike Mills took to R.E.M.'s social media to praise Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy's just-wrapped up tour celebrating 40 years of Lifes Rich Pageant. Mills posted a photo with the band taken after he sang several songs with them at their tour closing show in Bloomington, Indiana. He wrote, “One of the ironies about being in R.E.M. is that I could never see my band play. I could never truly know the effect our music had on our fans, or what it might have felt like to see us at any point in our musical journey, especially the early days. "But thanks to [the band] and their excellent crew, I was able to get an idea of what it might have been like to see R.E.M. perform. "Mirrors are strange things; when we look at ourselves, what do we really see? Probably not what others see, but at least you can tell if your hair needs combing. This band is much better than that. This band not only reinforced what I thought we sounded like, but gave me an idea of the power, and the joy, of an R.E.M. show. "These guys are not imitators. They are not copycats. They are seriously talented musicians, and a real band who loves our music as much as we do, and that love shows in their performance. They were kind (or foolish) enough to have me onstage to sing some of these songs with them, and it was more fun than I’ve had doing almost anything in quite a while. "Thank you, guys, for being so much more than a mirror, for being a great band, and for keeping the joy of our music alive for us, and for our fans."
Netflix's Red Hot Chili Peppers Documentary Includes AI Generated Hillel Slovak Voiceover
Netflix's new documentary "The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel" is out and it's leaving some fans feeling uncomfortable as it features the AI-generated voice of late guitarist Hillel Slovak. The musician's own journals are recited by an AI-generated version of his voice. The creators let viewers know early on that the voiceover has been digitally created, however, it's still unsettling for some fans. "The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Pepper: Our Brother, Hiller" is streaming now on Netflix.
THE KINKS: Don't Mess With Family
Kinks guitarist Dave Davies has come to the defense of his brother Ray and one of their songs following negative comments made by DJ and musician Moby. In an interview with The Guardian for its "Honest Playlist" feature, Moby was asked to name a song he could no longer listen to. He said, "'Lola' came up on a Spotify playlist, and I thought the lyrics were gross and transphobic. I like their early music, but I was really taken aback at how unevolved the lyrics are." This led Dave Davies to respond, "Regarding Moby's criticism of our song 'Lola' in a recent Guardian interview, these are the words sent to me and Ray from our dear friend, trans icon Jayne County. I am highly insulted that Moby would accuse my brother of being 'unevolved' or transphobic in any way."
The letter from Jayne County, born Wayne Rogers, reads: "When I heard the song I was both thrilled and amazed that the Kinks would be singing a song about a trans person and wondered if anyone else had picked up on it!... "With this song, The Kinks projected themselves into the modern world. The real world! A world full of all kinds of people! Bisexual, Gay, Trans, not just a world full of straight heterosexuals! 'Lola' broke down the doors of narrow-mindedness and I will always be grateful and happy that The Kinks gave me this incredible song with such a great story! Being Trans myself, this will always be a very special song for me."
Ray Davies wrote "Lola" after his manager unknowingly went home with a man he thought was a woman at a club in Paris. It was released on The Kinks' eighth album, Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One. He commented “Sexual ambiguity interests me, because so much, like, the generation particularly before mine -- the John Wayne idea of masculinity -- has always fascinated me. Y’know, why do people have to be forced to be like that? At school I was great at sport, I was a boxer, and I was really good at art. I was neither one or the other, I guess. I mean, it’s just the way I am. But there are a lot of people who’re kind of trapped, I guess, and you have to be a certain way.”
Bob Dylan Adds a Handful of Fresh Tour Dates
Bob Dylan is extending his "Rough and Rowdy Ways" tour with some new July dates. The tour, which has been ongoing since late 2021, showcases Dylan's 2020 album and his ever-evolving musical style. The upcoming shows include stops at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Washington on June 6 and 7, and WinStar World Casino and Resort in Oklahoma on July 2nd. He also added dates at Fielen Center at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on July 24th and 25th – those tickets go on sale this Friday. Dylan's performances are known for their unpredictability and refusal to rely on nostalgia, each night is a unique experience for fans. Details and ticket links for all of the shows on the tour now at bobdylan.com.
New Ad With Bruce Springsteen Supports Birthright Citizenship
Bruce Springsteen is partnering with the American Civil Liberties Union in a new campaign to support birthright citizenship. The singer gave the ACLU permission to use his hit "Born in the U.S.A." in the 20-second national commercial. The campaign arrives ahead of the April 1st hearing for the case of Trump versus Barbara before the U.S. Supreme Court. A lawsuit was filed after President Trump's January 2025 executive order to redefine the Constitution's 14th Amendment that automatically gives citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.
ALICE COOPER: He Did It Again
In February 2025, Alice Cooper told us he and his wife Sheryl would celebrate their 50th anniversary this year by renewing their wedding vows. "When we got married, both of our dads were pastors. So both dads had to marry us. And so we eloped to Acapulco (Mexico), but we took the whole family with us. It was kind of not a real elopement, you know, like everybody else. So 50 years, and I asked her to marry me again. So we're getting married next year, again. And her father, that's 90 years old, is gonna marry us again. And between us, I kind of have to because she's pregnant. Dad was mad about it and I said, 'Don't worry. I'll take care of it.'" They kept their promise and did just that Saturday at the historic Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, near where they live. They had 220 guests and as Cooper said, his father-in-law, 92-year-old William Goddard, officiated the ceremony. The two met in 1975 when she auditioned to be one of the dancers on his Welcome to My Nightmare tour. She's still part of the show.
IN OTHER NEWS
This is the first year that Roger Daltrey isn't curating the annual week of Teenage Cancer Trust benefit shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall, which starts tonight (Monday) with Elbow. They are being curated by Robert Smith of The Cure, and Pete Townshend says he and Daltrey “will attend some of the shows. Look out for us.”
The Eagles have added another show, their smallest, to their spring tour – May 13th at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.
The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” is featured in a new Burger King commercial.
A shirtless John Mellencamp has posted on Instagram another of his workout videos as he gets ready for his Dancing Words - The Greatest Hits Tour, which starts July 10th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. But this time he’s really working out, pushing a weighted sled in his driveway alongside his trainer. And, yes, he has his signature cigarette in his mouth, but it’s not lit.
There are mixed reports on the status of the relationship between Kelly Osbourne and fiancé Sid Wilson of Slipknot. While London’s Daily Mail says they’ve called off their engagement after seven months, People just says her traveling between their home in Iowa and her mom’s in England has “put a strain on their relationship." Wilson popped the question last July 5th before her dad Ozzy’s final show in Birmingham, England. So this combined with Ozzy’s death may explain her dramatic weight loss. The two have a three-year-old son, Sidney.
On This Day
·In 1962 - Mick Jagger and Keith Richards perform their first paid gig when they appear as Little Boy Blue & the Blue Boys at a club in Ealing, England.
·In 1965 - On the first date of their anniversary tour, Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman was zapped and knocked out by an electrical shock from a microphone stand in Odense, Denmark.
·In 1982 - Talking Heads released their double live album, The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads.
·In 1986 - Van Halen released their seventh studio album, 5150, including “Dreams” and “Why Can’t This Be Love.”
·In 1998 - Semisonic released their second studio album, Feeling Strangely Fine. It features the single "Closing Time."
·In 2010 - Rock photographer Jim Marshall dies at age 74. Marshall was the official photographer for the final Beatles concert in San Francisco's Candlestick Park and was head-photographer at Woodstock. He photographed Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire at the Monterey Pop Festival, and Johnny Cash at San Quentin.