Kid Rock says ‘late night drinking tricks’ include calling President Donald Trump

Kid Rock says ‘late night drinking tricks’ include calling President Donald Trump
Kid Rock says ‘late night drinking tricks’ include calling President Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump listens as Kid Rock speaks during an executive order signing event in the Oval Office of the White House on March 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Kid Rock is apparently late night phone buddies with President Donald Trump.

The “Bawitdaba” rocker tells Australia’s Sky News that his relationship with Trump is “f****** awesome” and says that he’ll call the president late at night.

“It’s one of my late night drinking tricks because I know when to get him,” Rock says. “He’s so gracious, he always picks up or he’ll call and check in just to shoot the s***.”

As for what they talk about, Rock says that Trump isn’t calling to ask, “What should we do in Iran … ?”

 “But, if I’m sitting around having some beers if it’s like 11, 12, on a Friday or Saturday, I know he’s up,” Rock says. “He sleeps like me, he sleeps five hours.”

He adds, “I enjoy the hell out of hanging out with [Trump] and talking with him and just having a front row seat to the greatest s*** show on earth.”

Rock’s relationship with Trump previously made headlines when two Apache attack helicopters did a flyby near the musician’s home in Nashville in March. After the pilots involved were initially suspended, Rock told ABC Nashville affiliate WKRN, “I think they’re going to be alright — my buddy is the commander in chief.”

Shortly thereafter, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the suspensions had been lifted.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Jordan Davis would love to cook for you this Fourth of July

Jordan Davis would love to cook for you this Fourth of July
Jordan Davis would love to cook for you this Fourth of July
Jordan Davis (Disney/Lorenzo Bevilaqua)

Jordan Davis will commemorate America’s 250th birthday this year by playing Pennsylvania’s free Philadelphia Unity Concert for America on Saturday.

When he makes it home to Nashville, however, he knows exactly what he’s doing to celebrate.

“I love, like, cooking for people,” Jordan says. “I love having people over to the house, grilling hot dogs, cooking, making brisket, just being around the people you wanna be around with, drinking beer, watching baseball.”

“I don’t know, maybe I’m just getting old,” he adds, “but my idea of fun now is having people over to the house and just playing host, and that’s exactly what we’re gonna do this year: have some friends and family over and hang out with the kids, let ‘em run around the sprinklers, and cook a bunch of food.”

The “Turn This Truck Around” hitmaker seems to have a little time to kick back with his nearest and dearest, since his next show isn’t until July 9 in Decatur, Illinois.

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Chicago’s Lee Loughnane on ‘A Capitol Fourth’: ‘It’s gonna be quite the celebration’

Chicago’s Lee Loughnane on ‘A Capitol Fourth’: ‘It’s gonna be quite the celebration’
Chicago’s Lee Loughnane on ‘A Capitol Fourth’: ‘It’s gonna be quite the celebration’
Musician Lee Loughnane of Chicago performs on stage at Humphreys Concerts By the Bay on September 14, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

Chicago will help honor America’s 250th anniversary with a performance on A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration, taking place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building.

This isn’t the first time Chicago has performed on the annual special, and founding member Lee Loughnane tells ABC there’s no other show quite like it.

“We get to play before hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people in one fell swoop,” he says. “How many years would you have to be on the road to reach that many people?”

He adds they feel “honored and privileged” to take part in the celebration, noting this year is particularly special because “250 years as a country only happens one time.”

Chicago will play three songs on A Capitol Fourth, including “Saturday in the Park.” Loughnane says that will be particularly of note because this year “July Fourth is on a Saturday.” They’ll also play “Feeling Stronger Every Day” and “25 or 6 to 4,” with the latter performed against a backdrop of fireworks.

“It’s gonna be quite the celebration,” he says.

Loughnane adds that he hopes Americans take away an important message from the festivities.

“We’ve had ups and downs for 250 years and what we still have to this day is freedom,” he says. “And we are the freest country in the world. That’s a legacy to really be proud of.”

The performance comes not long after the June death of the band’s founding member Walter Parazaider. Remembering his bandmate, Loughnane says they “had some great times together.”

He says that after all those years touring together “you either get along or get out, and obviously we did not get out. … I will miss Walt.” 

A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, airs July 3 at 8 p.m. ET on on public TV stations nationwide.

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Back to the Beginning one year later: Participating artists reflect on historic concert

Back to the Beginning one year later: Participating artists reflect on historic concert
Back to the Beginning one year later: Participating artists reflect on historic concert
Tributes are left in memory of Ozzy Osbourne outside The Crown public house in Birmingham where Black Sabbath played their first ever performance, on July 23, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the Back to the Beginning concert, which took place July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England. A stacked lineup of hard rock and metal bands led up to the final live performance from the original Black Sabbath lineup and Ozzy Osbourne, who died on July 22, 2025.

Several of the participating artists spoke with ABC Audio about their Back to the Beginning experience.

Tool’s Maynard James Keenan: “In the beginning was Black Sabbath, and then everything else fits neatly below when it comes to metal. They were it. So, it was an honor.”

Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell: “Just the fact that that was able to happen and [Ozzy] was able to have that moment, we were invited to be a part of it, and celebrate the man and the band, I mean, it’s one of the most important things that I was ever included in, and well deserved, as well.”

Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale: “Everyone was having the same conversations, like, ‘Oh, we can’t believe we’re here,’ but also, we wouldn’t be the rockers that we are today without these guys, without Ozzy and without Black Sabbath. So just to get to be a part of that was just, we’re so grateful, what a tremendous honor.”

Mastodon’s Brann Dailor: “When we got to go into ‘Supernaut,’ I was just, like, ‘Oh man, this is, this is, like, the biggest moment of your life right now happening.’ But I just was pretty taken by the outpouring of love and respect and community. It was all for Ozzy, it was all for Sabbath, all for those guys.”

Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe: “A show like that will never happen again, for me, ever. It was a magic thing to be a part of, I’m very grateful.” 

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Myles Smith talks opening for Ed Sheeran while also doing his own shows: ‘I love both experiences’

Myles Smith talks opening for Ed Sheeran while also doing his own shows: ‘I love both experiences’
Myles Smith talks opening for Ed Sheeran while also doing his own shows: ‘I love both experiences’
Myles Smith appears on ABC’s ‘American Idol’ (Disney/Christopher Willard)

Myles Smith will start pulling double duty in North America on July 3. In addition to opening for Ed Sheeran on the LOOP stadium tour, he’ll be headlining his own shows in support of his new album, My Mess, My Heart, My Life. Myles says what he’s doing in front of Ed’s crowd won’t be the same as what he has planned for fans coming out to see him specifically.

“They’re two completely different experiences. Supporting Ed means walking out in front of, what, like, tens of thousands of people every night,” he laughs. “And introducing yourself to a lot of people for like the very first time.”

“And my headline shows, I mean, to me, they are so much more intimate, because everyone in the room already knows the songs and the stories behind them,” he adds.

Of course, both shows will include the hits, like “Stargazing” and “Nice to Meet You,” and possibly a cover or two.

“Honestly I love both experiences because they challenge me in different ways,” he says. “And both of them offer me so many different things. And yeah, it’s super special.” 

Myles is set to open for Ed through Aug. 29 in Detroit, while his own shows will wrap up Sept. 10 in Atlanta. He’ll then head to Europe and the U.K. for more headlining shows.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

A Perfect Circle’s ’Thirteenth Step’ to be reissued as part of Definitive Sound Series

A Perfect Circle’s ’Thirteenth Step’ to be reissued as part of Definitive Sound Series
A Perfect Circle’s ’Thirteenth Step’ to be reissued as part of Definitive Sound Series
‘Thirteenth Step’ DSS album. (Interscope-Capitol Records_

A Perfect Circle’s 2003 sophomore album, Thirteenth Step, is being reissued as part of Interscope-Capitol Records’ Definitive Sound Series.

The Definitive Sound Series, or DSS, uses a “state-of-the-art” process called One Step. According to a press release, it “reveals the album’s expansive soundscapes, layered instrumentation, and dynamic range with exceptional clarity, depth, and presence.”

“Special care has been taken to faithfully preserve the original sound with exceptional clarity and depth, capturing the recording’s nuances at every step to create the definitive sound recording,” the press release reads. “The One-Step process is highly regarded among audiophiles and collectors for its unparalleled sound fidelity and represents the pinnacle of vinyl manufacturing and the listening experience.” 

The DSS edition of Thirteenth Step will be released on Aug. 28. It marks the second APC album to receive the DSS treatment, along with their 2000 debut, Mer de Noms.

The most recent A Perfect Circle album is 2018’s Eat the Elephant. They put out a new single called “Starless” in May.

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Mario, Eric Bellinger added to Usher and Chris Brown’s R&B tour

Mario, Eric Bellinger added to Usher and Chris Brown’s R&B tour
Mario, Eric Bellinger added to Usher and Chris Brown’s R&B tour
Mario attends Lionsgate’s “Michael” Los Angeles premiere at Dolby Theatre on April 20, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images for Lionsgate)

Mario has officially joined the lineup for Usher and Chris Brown’s R&B tour.

He announced the news Wednesday on Instagram, sharing a tour poster featuring a photo of himself with all the remaining tour dates.

The announcement comes days after Mario made a surprise appearance on the tour’s opening night in Denver on Friday.

1 NIGHT wasn’t enough! My bro @chrisbrownofficial said we running it up the whole tour! LET’s GOOOOOOOOO!” Mario captioned the post. “The only thing better than touring wit R&B goats is that I’ll be able to meet fans at my MEET AND GREETS!”

“WHAT CITY WILL I MEET YOU IN ? Let me know in the comments!!!” he continued. “S/o @usher & @ericbellinger @djfresh man the stage on [fire emoji] every night!”

During his appearance Friday at the Empower Field at Mile High, Mario performed a medley of hits, including “Let Me Love You,” “Just a Friend” and “Crying Out for Me.”

Following the performance, he wrote on Instagram, “SURPRISE DENVER. Honored to share the stage with my fellow R&B legends tonight!! My dawg @chrisbrownofficial the realest, thank you for having me. the culture is more ALIVE than ever!!”

He posted the message with a video capturing behind-the-scenes moments and highlights from his performance.

The R&B tour, which now also features Eric Bellinger on all dates, continues with back-to-back shows in Detroit on Thursday and Friday.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Autographed Paul McCartney book found at charity shop auctioned off

Autographed Paul McCartney book found at charity shop auctioned off
Autographed Paul McCartney book found at charity shop auctioned off
Sir Paul McCartney CH MBE attends the Stella McCartney Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 04, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

A donated copy of Paul McCartney’s 1976 book In His Own Words turned out to be a lucky find for a charity shop in the U.K.

The BBC reports that the manager of the Oxfam shop in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, found the book in a larger collection of donated memorabilia from the ’70s. Turns out the book was actually an autographed copy, and when the shop put it up for auction it sold for over $1,000.

“The book had actually been sitting on a shelf for a few months alongside lots of other 1970s memorabilia,” shop manager Joan Randle said. “I’d been planning to use some of the items in a fun window display, so it wasn’t something we’d paid particular attention to at first.”

After finally going through the items she discovered the autographed book, noting, “I could hardly believe it … it was one of the best moments of my 10 years working in the shop.”

Now the money raised is going to good use, including a recently launched campaign to help those affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela.

“This is a fantastic example of how a single donation can make a real difference,” said a representative for the humanitarian organization Oxfam. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donates to Oxfam.”

Released in August 1976, Paul McCartney: In His Own Words featured interviews with the Beatles legend, as well as photographs of the rock star.

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Venezuela earthquakes latest: Nearly 50,000 unaccounted for as death toll climbs

Venezuela earthquakes latest: Nearly 50,000 unaccounted for as death toll climbs
Venezuela earthquakes latest: Nearly 50,000 unaccounted for as death toll climbs
 Rescuers search for victims at a collapsed building as one raises a Venezuelan flag following a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean, on June 28, 2026, in Caraballeda, La Guaira, Venezuela.(Photo by Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

(VENEZUELA) — Nearly 50,000 people remain unaccounted for in the wake of Venezuela’s powerful earthquakes as the death toll continues to climb, officials said.

At least 2,295 people have died and another 11,267 were injured from the pair of earthquakes that struck on June 24, knocking down buildings and sending residents racing into the street, Venezuelan lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said Wednesday.

Rodriguez said 26,403 people have been impacted, including those who lost homes or saw serious damage to their homes.

One week in, rescue efforts are ongoing.

The International Rescue Committee said children are among the nearly 50,000 people still missing and searchers are combing through the rubble with bare hands trying to find survivors.

The IRC also noted that Venezuela’s water system has failed in some areas, leaving many survivors without guaranteed access to safe drinking water.

Click here for information on how to help the victims.

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Mary J. Blige, NE-YO to perform in Times Square for Fourth of July countdown

Mary J. Blige, NE-YO to perform in Times Square for Fourth of July countdown
Mary J. Blige, NE-YO to perform in Times Square for Fourth of July countdown
Ne-Yo at 59th Annual CMA Awards (Disney/Michael Le Brecht)

Singers Mary J. Blige and NE-YO will headline a celebration in Times Square on Friday to count down to the Fourth of July and America’s 250th anniversary.

The music stars, along with Brad Paisley, will perform at the Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show hosted by Jim Gaffigan on July 3, according to America250, the nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the celebration of America’s 250th year.

The show is scheduled to take place at One Times Square in New York City and will stream live at America250.org starting at 9 p.m. ET on July 3, according to the organization.

In other Mary J. news, she’s been spending time in Vegas, where her My Life, My Story residency takes place at Dolby Live at Park MGM. Her next show is July 10.

NE-YO, who has recently been releasing country-inspired music, will also perform that day, when his Nights Like This Tour with Akon makes a stop in Raleigh, North Carolina.

 

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