That’s what Death Cab for Cutie guitarist Dave Depper has dubbed the band’s co-headlining tour with The Postal Service, during which both Ben Gibbard-led outfits will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their respective 2003 albums, Transatlanticism and Give Up.
“Playing all of Transatlanticism in a row, which we’ve done, like, twice, I think, just for special reasons, it’s very powerful just to be part of that music each night,” Depper tells ABC Audio.
Like Gibbard, Depper will be pulling double duty on the tour — in addition to his role in Death Cab, he’ll be playing in The Postal Service’s live lineup alongside Ben, Jimmy Tamborello and Jenny Lewis.
“That music is quite sparse, so there’s not a whole lot to do, but there’s a little bit more than Ben, Jimmy and Jenny can do,” Depper says. “So I think I’m just batting cleanup in whatever way they need me to do.”
Depper adds that he’s excited to transition from the indie rock of Death Cab to the electronic music of The Postal Service each night.
“Death Cab rocks out and it’s fun and we certainly get a reaction out of the crowd that I love, but it’s gonna be fun to just play a totally different kind of music to people,” Depper says. “I don’t really get an opportunity to play music with a pulse like that to a large, very large audience. So I just can’t wait to feel that bass in my chest and see people bouncing along.”
The tour launches Tuesday, September 5, in Washington, D.C. Along with hearing all of Transatlanticism and Give Up, Depper teases you may also get a little something extra, too.
“I think there’s gonna be a pretty fun encore element,” he says.
As Miranda Lambert‘s Wanda June Home readies to roll out its fall collection, the country singer’s looking back on the journey of her Walmart home line — one that she calls a labor of love.
“It takes a long time to build a brand and we’re still definitely in the building stages. But every day is a new day of trying to make sure that Wanda June represents exactly who I am and who my family is and what we stand for,” Miranda tells ABC Audio. “I think that all comes from mostly just being who you are in keeping it simple, you know?”
While Miranda is still building out her home line, she’s got big, generation-transcending dreams for it.
“Wanda June is one of those lines that once we keep building it out, I’m hoping that it’s generational,” she says. “My mom has my grandmother’s dishes and I’ve got some of my grandmother’s dishes, and then I’ll get my mom’s. I hope Wanda June is one of those collectible generational things people can attach memories to.”
You can shop Miranda’s Wanda June Home line now at walmart.com.
After weeks of speculation, The Rolling Stones have confirmed their new album will be called Hackney Diamonds.
But fans will have to wait a little bit longer for the full details. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are expected to share full details about the album during a press conference on Wednesday, September 6, that will be moderated by Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon.
The event will be held in East London’s Hackney district and streamed live globally on YouTube starting at 9:30 a.m. ET. In a post on social media The Stones promised they’ll be, “Talking new album, new music, new era.”
Hackney Diamonds will be The Rolling Stones’ first album of original songs since 2005’s A Bigger Bang. They first started teasing the new album in late August with a cryptic newspaper ad in the British paper the Hackney Gazette.
Former Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell has died at age 56.
The group confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Monday, September 4.
“Steve Harwell was a true American Original,” Smash Mouth writes. “A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.”
“The fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable,” the post continues. “His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones. Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”
TMZ previously reported that Harwell had entered hospice care with liver failure. An official cause of death has not been announced.
Harwell co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994. The group’s debut album, 1997’s Fush Yu Mang, spawned the single “Walkin’ on the Sun” and was certified double-Platinum by the RIAA, but they broke even bigger with their 1999 triple-Platinum album Astro Lounge and its single “All Star.”
“All Star” hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 — a career high for Smash Mouth — and was memorably featured on the soundtrack to the 2001 animated film Shrek. Smash Mouth also covered The Monkees‘ “I’m a Believer” for Shrek, and has remained inextricably tied to the movie since its release.
Following Astro Lounge and Shrek, Smash Mouth’s mainstream popularity began to wane, though the band continued to tour. However, their later tours were marred by bizarre incidents, such as during a 2015 concert when Harwell began yelling at the audience after they reportedly threw pieces of bread at him.
Then, during a 2021 show, Harwell was filmed yelling obscenities at the crowd and slurring his speech. Shortly thereafter, Harwell announced his retirement from touring, citing his health, which had been impacted by his cardiomyopathy heart condition.
“Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a Rockstar performing in front of sold-out arenas and have been so fortunate to live out that dream,” Harwell told TMZ at the time.
Smash Mouth has continued on with a new lead singer, Zach Goode.
Aerosmith has begun their goodbye to the road. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers launched their Peace Out farewell tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, September 1.
According to setlist.fm, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford treated the fans to an 18-song, hits-filled set, that also included a few deep cuts. Drummer Joey Kramer is sitting out this tour, with John Douglas filling in behind the drum kit.
The show kicked off with the appropriate choice of “Back in the Saddle,” with the set featuring such hits as “Love in an Elevator,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” “Ragdoll,” “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion” and more, with the band wrapping up the night with their classic “Walk This Way.”
The show also included some deep cuts for fans, including the Toys in the Attic track “Adam’s Apple” for the first time since 2018, as well as “No More No More” and “Seasons of Wither.”
The set also included a performance of “Movin Out,” from the band’s 1973 self-titled debut. According to USA Today, that performance was a tribute to the late guitarist Jeff Beck, with Perry telling the audience the white Fender Stratocaster he was playing was from Beck’s collection. Perry also sang lead vocals on the set’s only cover, Fleetwood Mac’s “Stop Messin’ Around.”
Aerosmith’s Peace Out tour is set to run until January 26 in Montreal, Canada. The tour also includes a very special New Year’s Eve show in the band’s home city of Boston, Massachusetts. A complete list of dates can be found at aerosmith.com.
Tributes have been pouring in following the news that “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffett passed away Friday, September 1 at the age of 76.
According to the official obituary posted to the late singer’s website, Buffett died after a four-year battle with Merkel Cell Skin Cancer, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The obit notes, “He continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July.”
Among the tributes coming in for Buffett, Paul McCartneywrote, “It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them. I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.”
McCartney recalled a time while on vacation he had forgotten his guitar and Jimmy had a roadie restring one of his so the left-handed McCartney could play it. Buffett then gifted McCartney with a left-handed guitar made by a friend. “It’s a beautiful instrument, and every time I play it now it’ll remind me of what a great man Jimmy was,” he writes.
James Tayloralso posted a lengthy tribute to his “old pal” Buffett, calling him “a real example of a man” adding he was “a model of how to enjoy the great gift of being alive.”
Other tributes include:
President Joe Biden – “A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffett was an American music icon who inspired generations to step back and find the joy in life and in one another. We had the honor to meet and get to know Jimmy over the years, and he was in life as he was performing on stage – full of goodwill and joy, using his gift to bring people together. “
Former President Bill Clinton wrote that Buffett’s “music brought happiness to millions of people,” adding, “I’ll always be grateful for his kindness, generosity, and great performances through the years, including at the White House in 2000. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and legion of devoted fans.”
Kenny Chesney shared video of him singing one of Buffett’s tunes writing, “So goodbye Jimmy.Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail on Sailor.” The post also featured a live performance of him and Jimmy singing “Margaritaville.”
Sammy Hagar – “The Godfather of lifestyle. Jimmy started it all and took it farther than anyone. He taught us all how to live. Jimmy taught us all how to wear shorts, flip-flops and a worn out T-shirt, walk on stage or to your favorite restaurant, and be comfortable.”
Jon Bon Jovi – “Jimmy Sail on my good friend Luv u.”
Graham Nash – “I was so sad to hear that my friend Jimmy Buffett has passed away. He had a truly uplifting spirit and a real gift with words. Sending love to his family, to the wonderful Coral Reefer Band, and all his many fans who love him.”
Sheryl Crow – “He was as he always was… a bright light! With a wonderful sense of humor and always so warm. I will miss knowing he is on the planet. He is up there sailing the bright blue Caribbean!”
Bob Seger – “Sunshine personified. I never met a human being that didn’t like him. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Ben Stiller – “I’m so sad about the great @jimmybuffett. His music was more than just the lifestyle – it was emotional and iconic. Made the world a better place and always will. Sending love to his family.”
Beach Boys‘ Mike Love – “Your music brought joy to so many people, including me. It was always a pleasure when our paths crossed and we were able to share the stage together.” He added, “Your sense of humor and gracious nature was a pleasure to be a round. Although we’ll miss you, we’ll continue to enjoy the beautiful music that you’ve blessed upon us. No more shoes, just your toes in heaven’s sand.”
Blake Shelton – “Heart broken this morning hearing of Jimmy Buffett’s passing. What an incredible talent and man. His songs will live on forever. I’ll bet most of y’all don’t know that he wrote the theme song for @BarmageddonUSA for me about 2 years ago. Raising a glass today to the Son of a son of a Sailer.”
Jason Aldean – “It’s a sad day today. I woke up to the news of Jimmy Buffett’s passing. His music has been the soundtrack to my life. Spending a lot of my childhood in South Florida, he was the epitome of a free spirit and lived a lifestyle that we all admired and strived to emulate,” adding, “You inspired a lot of us Jimmy and you will forever be remembered. RIP brother.”
It’s a sad day in Margaritaville. Legendary musician Jimmy Buffett passed away Friday, September 1 at age 76.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1 surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” read the announcement on his website and social media. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Associated with feet-in-the-sand island vibes, Buffett was best known for such classic songs as “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Why Don’t We Get Drunk.” He released over 30 records and was known for his almost constant touring schedule with his Coral Reefer Band, drawing a devoted fanbase, affectionately known as Parrotheads.
Buffett also dabbled in writing, releasing bestsellers Tales from Margaritaville in 1989 and Where Is Joe Merchant? in 1992, as well as his own memoir, A Pirate Looks at 50, which was released in 1998. He also released the novels A Salty Piece of Land in 2004 and Swine Not? in 2008, as well as two children’s books, The Jolly Mon and Trouble Dolls, with his daughter Savannah Jane Buffett.
His music was also turned into a musical, Escape to Margaritaville, which debuted on Broadway in March 2018. Although the show closed after just 124 regular performances, a national tour launched in 2019.
In addition to music, Buffett was well known for his many hugely successful business ventures, including restaurants like the Margaritaville Café, the now-defunct Cheeseburger in Paradise chain and LandShark Bar & Grill.
He also licensed the Margaritaville name for a line of tequila, foods, clothing and more, including hotels, cruises, and even retirement villages and casinos. And in 2006 he teamed up with Anheuser-Busch for a new beer line, LandShark Lager.
All of this and more helped land Buffett on Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List in 2023, with a fortune of $1 billion.
In July, Buffett made a surprise appearance at a Rhode Island concert headlined by songwriter and Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band bandmate MacMcAnally. He’d previously canceled a show in May, informing fans that he’d been hospitalized to “address some issues that needed immediate attention.”
Royal Blood has premiered the video for “Shiner in the Dark,” a track off the band’s new album, Back to the Water Below.
The clip stars two kids, who look an awful lot like young versions of Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher, practicing martial arts moves in a garage. You can watch it now streaming on YouTube.
Back to the Water Below, the fourth Royal Blood album, is out now. It also includes the single “Pull Me Through.”
Royal Blood will launch a U.S. headlining tour in support of Back to the Water Below September 18 in Detroit.
After news broke that Ariana Grande was getting divorced and had started dating her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, rumors swirled that she’d broken up his marriage. The two are still together, but those rumors aren’t true, a source tells People.
“While this entire situation has been blown out of proportion, it’s much different than what has been portrayed in public,” a friend of the couple tells People. “They are just trying to navigate their new relationship in private.”
Meanwhile, a close family friend says that “people have questioned the timeline, the truth is, Ariana and Ethan didn’t begin seeing each other until after both parties were separated, respectfully.” Ariana was previously married to Dalton Gomez; Ethan split from his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a son.
“They are doing their best to balance the fact that they are in the public eye with the desire to be respectful to all parties involved,” another source says, while a pal notes, “Ethan’s priority will always be to co-parent his son.”
Ariana stars as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked musical movie, while Slater plays Boq. It’s not clear if the movie is still on target to open in November 2024.
Olivia Rodrigo is a star in the U.S., but they really, really love her in the U.K., too.
After nine weeks, Olivia’s song “vampire” has finally ascended to the #1 spot on the official British singles chart. During that time, it spent an entire month stalled at #2 and then slipped as low as #5. Last week it was #3, but bounced back due to the release of the song on CD and cassette, as opposed to just digital.
“vampire,” the first single from Olivia’s upcoming album, GUTS, is now her third #1 hit in the U.K., following “good 4 u” and “drivers license.” That makes her the female solo artist with the most #1 singles in the 2020s, pulling ahead of Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Ellie Goulding, all of whom have had two so far.
“OMG number one in the uk thank u x 10000” she wrote on her Instagram Story.
Another indication of Olivia’s popularity across the pond: She recently received a BRIT Billion Award, marking the fact that she’s racked up 1 billion streams in the U.K.
![Prepare for two “totally different kind[s] of music” on DCFC & The Postal Service’s “Gib-chella” tour](https://s3.amazonaws.com/syndication.abcaudio.com/files/2023-09-01/M_dcfcpostalservice_090123.jpg "Prepare for two “totally different kind[s] of music” on DCFC & The Postal Service’s “Gib-chella” tour")
