One-of-a-kind experiences from Rush, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and more part of new Rock N’ Relief initiative

One-of-a-kind experiences from Rush, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and more part of new Rock N’ Relief initiative
One-of-a-kind experiences from Rush, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and more part of new Rock N’ Relief initiative
Rock N’ Relief artwork (Courtesy of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund/Fandiem)

Rush, AC/DC, Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams are among the first artists donating one-of-a-kind experiences for fans to raise money to help other artists.

The experiences are part Rock N’ Relief, an initiative launched by Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in partnership with Fandiem to support Sweet Relief’s efforts to provide services and financial assistance to musicians and industry professionals in need.

Packages include trips to see Rush live at New York’s Madison Square Garden; Bryan Adams’ acoustic residency in Las Vegas; Bon Jovi’s Forever tour kickoff at Madison Square Garden; and AC/DC at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

There are also trips to see Foo Fighters at their sold-out stadium show in Paris; Iron Maiden at their 50th anniversary Eddfest in Knebworth, England; and ZZ Top at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

All trips include roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations, plus other goodies.

“We’re excited to partner with our pals at Fandiem to highlight the story and work of Sweet Relief and bring fans the opportunity to see their favorite bands live and in style!” says Aric Steinberg, executive director of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

“This is what rock is all about, fans showing up for the people behind the music,” Jared Heiman, CEO of Fandiem, adds. “Rock N’ Relief gives fans the chance to win truly one-of-a-kind experiences while helping support the artists, crews, and music community that make it all possible.”

More information can be found at fandiem.com.

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Ahead of tour together, Return to Dust members marvel at Yungblud’s ‘contagious’ energy

Ahead of tour together, Return to Dust members marvel at Yungblud’s ‘contagious’ energy
Ahead of tour together, Return to Dust members marvel at Yungblud’s ‘contagious’ energy
Yungblud tour artwork. (Courtesy of Live Nation)

Yungblud launches his U.S. tour Friday in Sterling Heights, Michigan, in support of his new two-part album, Idols. The first eight shows on the run will feature the band Return to Dust on the bill, who feel Yungblud’s recent rise in the rock world is well deserved.

“He’s certainly bringing a level of energy that, like, no one else is, it’s quite contagious,” Return to Dust bassist/vocalist Graham Stanush tells ABC Audio. “Even through a phone screen, whenever you see those clips of him just going absolutely wild onstage, it’s just really cool. I think it’s what we need.”

“We’re so glued to the phone … no one wants to, like, get out and go see a show, and [Yungblud] gives a good reason to go and buy that ticket and show up,” Stanush continues. “I think that we need more of that. We just need more energy and passion, and I think he’s definitely carrying the torch, and it’s a great thing.”

As for Return to Dust’s own set, guitarist Sebastian Gonzalez says you can expect “lots of energy and lots of, like, real rock, just from every angle that you could possibly imagine.” 

Return to Dust will be supporting their 2025 EP, Speak Like the Dead, which includes the single “Bored.”

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Dess Dior named ‘Billboard”s Hip-Hop Artist of the Month for April 2026

Dess Dior named ‘Billboard”s Hip-Hop Artist of the Month for April 2026
Dess Dior named ‘Billboard”s Hip-Hop Artist of the Month for April 2026
Dess Dior attends the Femme It Forward’s 4th Annual Give Her FlowHERS Gala at The Beverly Hilton on November 21, 2025, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images)

Dess Dior makes a Note to Self on her latest EP, offering a reminder of her journey so far. Speaking to Billboard as its Hip-Hop Artist of the Month for April 2026, she explained, “This project was really just me reminding myself who I am, how far I’ve come, and where I’m headed. It’s easy to lose yourself in all the noise, but I have to stay grounded and rooted in my own feminine power.”

Dess added that the project sees her going deeper than she did on her Take Notes EP, with “more vulnerability [and] more melodic records. You really get a feel for where I’m at right now. I’m feeling very sexy, very confident, [and] very unapologetic.”

According to Dess, disappointment played a major role in helping her establish self-worth, and setting high and firm standards.

“Disappointment pushed me to stand firm on my boundaries,” she said. “Going through life, being let down by things. People put me in a space where my back was against the wall and all I could depend on was myself. That’s where I get my fuel and my ammo.”

With the new EP, Dess hope that fans can both see and hear that growth.

“I want people to be able to listen to Note to Self with open ears and just hear growth, because that’s what this project represents. I’ve grown in so many different areas, musically, mentally,” she said. “I wanted it to represent women’s empowerment, people empowerment.”

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Josh Groban to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Josh Groban to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Josh Groban to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Josh Groban performs live on stage during the Gems World Tour at The O2 Arena on April 01, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images)

What’s more Cinematic than a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Josh Groban will be honored with a star of his very own on May 6, two days before the release of his album of film songs, Cinematic.

He’ll be getting his star in the recording category, and his friends and collaborators David Foster, Josh Gad and Ben Schwartz will be on hand as guest speakers.

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome singer Josh Groban to the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez says in a statement. “Josh has this incredible way of connecting with people through his music—it really stays with you. It’s been amazing to watch his journey over the years, and we’re so happy to celebrate him today with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

Josh will release Cinematic on May 8, featuring his interpretations of songs made famous on the silver screen. The 10 tracks feature songs from movies ranging from Casablanca and The Godfather to The Lion King, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Pinocchio.

Josh’s GEMS World Tour with Jennifer Hudson hits North America in June. In October, he’ll resume his GEMS residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

 

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Gigi Perez announces headlining US dates

Gigi Perez announces headlining US dates
Gigi Perez announces headlining US dates
Gigi Perez performs during 2026 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival on April 19, 2026 in Indio, California. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella)

Gigi Perez has announced a run of headlining U.S. dates in between opening for Noah Kahan’s tour.

The newly added shows span from June 14 in Miami Beach, Florida, to Aug. 26 in Boise, Idaho. Presales begin Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time, and tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday at 10 a.m. local time.

Perez will be supporting her 2025 album, At the Beach, in Every Life, which includes her breakout hit, “Sailor Song.”

For the full list of dates and all ticket info, visit GigiPerezMusic.com.

Perez’s tour with Kahan runs from June 11 in Orlando, Florida, to Aug. 31 in Seattle.

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Nonpoint premieres new ‘Is It’ single off upcoming album, ’The Last Word’

Nonpoint premieres new ‘Is It’ single off upcoming album, ’The Last Word’
Nonpoint premieres new ‘Is It’ single off upcoming album, ’The Last Word’
Nonpoint performs at PNC Music Pavilion on July 23, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jeff Hahne/Getty Images)

Nonpoint has premiered a new single called “Is It,” the first preview of the band’s upcoming album, The Last Word.

“Is It” is streaming exclusively on YouTube alongside a lyric video, which offers “a unique visual experience that complements the song’s message and listening experience while giving fans an early, immersive look into the creative world of The Last Word,” according to the video description.

The Last Word is due out in late summer.

The most recent Nonpoint album is 2018’s X. They put out new EPs in 2021 and 2023, and a single called “Underdog” in 2024.

Nonpoint is currently on a U.S. tour that stretches into mid-May.

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Music notes: Halsey, Tyla and more

Music notes: Halsey, Tyla and more
Music notes: Halsey, Tyla and more

Halsey’s 2024 album, The Great Impersonator, just got even greater. The singer announced The Great Impersonator: Deluxe, featuring new songs, will be out May 1. “It was really important to me that you guys got every song I intended for you to hear in the TGI cycle,” she wrote on Instagram. “Here is the final punctuation on that long sentence.”

Tyla, Kim Petras and Ciara are among the presenters for the 2026 Billboard Women in Music event, taking place Wednesday at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The previously announced honorees include Tate McRae, Zara Larsson, Laufey and EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami of KPop Demon Hunters.

It’ll be another endless summer for Logic and G-Eazy. After hitting the road in 2016 for the Endless Summer tour, the two will reunite for part two, kicking off Sept. 15. A Citi presale starts Tuesday at 10 a.m. local time, followed by an artist presale on Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets then go on sale to the general public Friday at 10 a.m. local time via Live Nation.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Music Notes: Chris Brown, ‘Billboard”s Women in Music presenters and more

Music Notes: Chris Brown, ‘Billboard”s Women in Music presenters and more
Music Notes: Chris Brown, ‘Billboard”s Women in Music presenters and more

Chris Brown has welcomed his fourth child, and first with model Jada Wallace, into the world. He commented under Jada’s post of the baby with the words “Taurus GANG.” Chris shares daughter Royalty Brown with Nia Guzman, Aeko Catori Brown with Ammika Harris and Lovely Symphani Brown with Diamond Brown.

It will be another endless summer for Logic and G-Eazy. After hitting the road in 2016 for the Endless Summer tour, the two will reunite for part two, kicking off Sept. 15. Special guest Juicy J will join on select dates. A Citi presale starts Tuesday at 10 a.m. local time, followed by an artist presale on Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets then go on sale to the general public Friday at 10 a.m. local time via Live Nation.

Ciara, Coco Jones, Dionne Warwick, Tyla and Victoria Monet are among the artists who will be presenting at Billboard‘s Women in Music event. The event will take place in LA Wednesday, with honorees including Impact Award recipient Kehlani, Rising Star Award honoree Mariah the Scientist and Teyana Taylor, who is set to receive the Visionary Award.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Jon Anderson’s debut solo album getting audio upgrade

Jon Anderson’s debut solo album getting audio upgrade
Jon Anderson’s debut solo album getting audio upgrade
Jon Anderson’s ‘Olias of Sunhillow’ (Rhino)

The 50th anniversary of former Yes frontman Jon Anderson’s solo debut, Olias of Sunhillow, will be celebrated with an audiophile vinyl reissue from Mobile Fidelity.

The original, released July 9, 1976, was recorded while Yes was on a break. It was self-produced by Anderson, who played all the instruments on the record. It was a concept album, following four tribes of an alien race in search of a new planet after a volcanic eruption threatens their home.

“The evolution of the idea took me on an everlasting mission, driving me a bit crazy but nonetheless a satisfying experience which has stood the test of time,” says Anderson, who adds that he hopes fans “enjoy the journey!”

The Olias of Sunhillow reissue will be limited to 2,000 numbered copies. The audiophile vinyl is only the second domestic vinyl version of the album since its original 1976 release. It is available for preorder now.

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Lady Gaga and Doechii release high fashion video for ‘Runway’

Lady Gaga and Doechii release high fashion video for ‘Runway’
Lady Gaga and Doechii release high fashion video for ‘Runway’
Lady Gaga and Doechii’s ‘Runway.’ (Interscope Records)

Lady Gaga and Doechii pose and strut their way through the music video for their Devil Wears Prada 2 collab, “Runway.”

In the visual that premiered Monday, the two wear various haute couture looks and perform choreography by the video’s director, Parris Goebel.

“Yes, let ’em know I’m that girl/ Yes, Monday through Sunday/ I can turn a dance floor into a runway,” they say in the lyrics.

The song was written by Gaga, Bruno Mars, Andrew Watt and others, and produced by Mars, Watt, Cirkut and D’Mile. It marks the first collab between Gaga and Doechii, who have expressed mutual admiration for each other in the past.

20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2, starring Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, hits theaters May 1.

Disney is the parent company of 20th Century Studios and ABC News.

(Video contains uncensored profanity.)

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