Classic Hits

The upcoming documentary about Rush drummer Neil Peart is set to have its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto Film Festival.

Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple, directed by Scot McFayden and Sam Dunn, will have its world premiere screening on Sept. 16 at the Princess of Wales Theatre, followed by an additional screening on Sept. 17 and Sept. 19.

The Toronto Film Festival screenings are happening just a few days ahead of the documentary’s Sept. 23 premiere on Canada’s CBC.

According to the original press release about the film, it will explore “the artistry and enduring influence of Rush’s enigmatic drummer and lyricist through rare archival footage, intimate reflections and extraordinary live performances.”

It will feature appearances by Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, as well as drummers Stewart Copeland of The Police, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Danny Carey of Tool and others.

The 2026 Toronto Film Festival runs from Sept. 10-20. More info can be found at TIFF.net.

Peart died in 2020 at age 67. 

Lee and Lifeson are currently on Rush’s Fifty Something tour, which is their first since Peart’s death. The band plays Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday. A complete list of dates can be found at Rush.com.

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Bette Midler has been chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize.

Named after the late folk icon and presented by the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the award recognizes an artist “who best exemplifies Woody Guthrie’s spirit and work by speaking for the less fortunate through music, film, literature, dance or other art forms and serving as a positive force for social change.”

According to a press release, Midler is being honored for her work advocating for environmental conservation, LGBTQ+ rights and other humanitarian causes.

“I am so honored to have been chosen to receive the Woody Guthrie Prize this year. I loved his music, and I loved the way he lived his life, always seeking to spread the word that justice could and should be served and that every American, no matter what their station, deserved a fair shake in life,” Midler says. “To receive an honor bearing the name of a man who fought the giants with nothing but a guitar and a clean conscience is a humbling thing, and it serves as a stark reminder that a writer’s true business is always to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

“We are delighted to recognize Bette Midler with the 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize and celebrate not only her remarkable artistic achievements, but also her enduring commitment to creating a more just, more inclusive and more hopeful world, just like Woody,” says Cady Shaw, senior director of the Woody Guthrie Center. 

Midler will receive the Woody Guthrie Prize on Oct. 16 at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. The evening, a fundraising event for the center, will include an intimate conversation between Midler and journalist Rona Elliott.

Past Woody Guthrie Prize winners include U2, Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Rod Stewart’s tour continues to be affected by an undisclosed health issue.

After postponing his Sunday night show at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati due to a “minor medical procedure that required prompt attention,” Stewart’s now canceled his upcoming concert in Cleveland.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer was due to headline Rocket Arena on Tuesday night, but a post on the venue’s website reveals it is no longer happening.

“Following a period of monitoring, doctors have advised Rod Stewart to rest for at least 48 hours. As a result, his performance tomorrow night, Tuesday, August 11 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland has been cancelled,” reads the post. “Rod is disappointed to miss the show and appreciates everyone’s understanding. He looks forward to returning to the stage soon.”

Refunds will be given out to ticket holders.

Stewart is currently on his One Last Time tour, with the next show scheduled for Friday at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. After a show Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri, he returns to Las Vegas for shows at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace starting Aug. 18.

A complete list of dates can be found at RodStewart.com.

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Elton John’s longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin is set to take part in the 2026 Americanafest Keynote Conversation, where he’ll be joined by Grammy winner Brandi Carlile.

According to a press release, the moderator-free conversation will “explore the creative process, songwriting, artistic longevity, collaboration and the enduring power of authentic storytelling—hallmarks of Americana music.”

“Bernie Taupin’s contribution to songwriting is immeasurable,” Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association, says. “His words have become part of our collective musical vocabulary, inspiring generations of artists.”

“Pairing Bernie with Brandi Carlile—one of today’s most fearless and celebrated songwriters—creates an extraordinary opportunity to witness two remarkable creative minds discussing the art of songwriting, the responsibility of storytelling, and the evolution of American music,” he adds.

Americanafest takes place Sept. 15-19 in Nashville. The Keynote Conversation is happening Sept. 16.

Taupin’s appearance comes ahead of the Oct. 23 release of his new solo album, The Sea Has No Mercy. The album is Taupin’s first album that he’s written entirely on his own.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Elton John’s longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin is set to take part in the 2026 Americanafest Keynote Conversation, where he’ll be joined by Grammy winner Brandi Carlile.

According to a press release, the moderator-free conversation will “explore the creative process, songwriting, artistic longevity, collaboration and the enduring power of authentic storytelling—hallmarks of Americana music.”

“Bernie Taupin’s contribution to songwriting is immeasurable,” Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association, says. “His words have become part of our collective musical vocabulary, inspiring generations of artists.”

“Pairing Bernie with Brandi Carlile—one of today’s most fearless and celebrated songwriters—creates an extraordinary opportunity to witness two remarkable creative minds discussing the art of songwriting, the responsibility of storytelling, and the evolution of American music,” he adds.

Americanafest takes place Sept. 15-19 in Nashville. The Keynote Conversation is happening Sept. 16.

Taupin’s appearance comes ahead of the Oct. 23 release of his new solo album, The Sea Has No Mercy. The album is Taupin’s first album that he’s written entirely on his own.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

In a quote posted to Instagram, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has described the track “Mr. Charm,” from the band’s latest album, Foreign Tongues, as “4 on the floor, it’s danceable,” and he is now proving it.

The rocker, whose dance moves inspired a Maroon 5 song, shared a video on Instagram of him dancing at a club to “Mr. Charm.” In the clip, the 83-year-old Jagger is shimmying his hips to the song, with his hands waving above him.

He captioned the post, “Enjoying the summer, hope you are too.”

The Rolling Stones released Foreign Tongues, their 25th studio album, in July. Produced by Andrew Watt, who also produced The Stones’ 2023’s Grammy-winning Hackney Diamonds, the album debuted at #1 in the U.K. and several other countries. In the U.S., it debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200.

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KISS founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are ready to show off their athletic skills.

The rockers are set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on Saturday, when the Los Angeles Angels take on the Kansas City Royals.

“ready to Rock And Roll All Nite at the Big A?” read the post announcing their appearance. “Be sure to stay after the game for a KISS-themed postgame fireworks show!”

Tickets for the game are on sale now.

Simmons and Stanley are set to reunite again this November for the KISS fan convention, KISS Kruise: Land-locked in Vegas, happening Nov. 13-15 at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. In addition to two unmasked KISS performances, the event will include a tribute to their late bandmate Ace Frehley, who died in October 2025 at age 74.

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It’s the greatest doll of all: The Whitney Houston Barbie is here.

The Whitney Houston Barbie Signature Doll is modeled on Whitney’s look in the video for “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”: She’s wearing a purple tank dress, drop earrings and colorful eye makeup and big curly hair, and she even comes with a microphone stand. It was created in collaboration with Pat Houston, the executor of Whitney’s estate.

The $60 doll was unveiled Aug. 8 at the fifth Legacy of Love Gala, a charity event hosted by the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. It’s now available at Target stores, and online at Amazon, Walmart, Target and Mattel Creations.

In other Whitney news, there’s a new expanded digital album collecting all of Whitney’s #1 Billboard hits across multiple charts. It features the first ever streaming release of the L.A. Reid & Babyface remix of “My Name Is Not Susan.”

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Just days after Rod Stewart postponed a Canadian concert due to travel issues, the rocker was forced to postpone another show due to health-related issues.

The “Maggie May” rocker was supposed to headline the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati on Sunday, but just hours before showtime, a social media post from the venue announced the show had been postponed.

“Due to an unforeseen but minor medical procedure that required prompt attention, Rod Stewart’s performance tonight in Cincinnati has been postponed,” the venue revealed. “Rescheduling is currently underway, with additional information to follow on Tuesday.”

“All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date,” the post continued. “Rod is expected to make a quick recovery and looks forward to returning to Cincinnati.”

Stewart’s next scheduled show is happening Tuesday in Cleveland. A complete list of dates can be found at RodStewart.com.

In other Rod Stewart news … the rocker is a grandfather once again. Stewart’s daughter Ruby Stewart announced the birth of her second child.

“We welcomed our little(big) Levi Rhodes Kalick at 6:58pm on 8/4/26 at 9lbs 20inches…,” she announced on Instagram. “His name Levi means My Heart and his arrival has grown our hearts to 10 times the size…”

Ruby and her fiancé Jake Kalick welcomed their first son, Otis, in May of 2023.

“(S)eeing Otis and Levi meet for the first time might have been the greatest experience of my life so far…,” she added, “Otis is already the best big brother and we are already so in love with this sweet boy… Welcome sweet Levi!”

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Yes has announced a half-speed remaster of the band’s 2001 album, Magnification.

The set will be released on Sept. 18 as a two-LP vinyl set and limited-edition cassette.

Magnification marked the 19th Yes album, and their first recorded as a four-piece and without a dedicated keyboardist. The Magnification lineup featured vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White. 

Anderson left Yes in 2004, making Magnification his final album with the band.

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