Tim McGraw delivers a ‘Song for America’ for July Fourth

Tim McGraw delivers a ‘Song for America’ for July Fourth
Tim McGraw delivers a ‘Song for America’ for July Fourth
Tim McGraw (Disney/Connie Chornuk)

Tim McGraw’s here with a “Song for America,” just in time for the United States’ 250th birthday. 

It’s an occasion that instantly transports Tim back in time to his childhood.

“As a kid, the first thing I remember about Fourth of July was 1976 in Rayville, Louisiana, and riding my bicycle downtown a couple miles from where we lived, a little bit out in the country, and watching the 1976 parade,” he says of America’s bicentennial. “It really hit me hard, and I remember that to this day, and so all this coming back up for the 250th brings me back to those memories.”

“Song for America” was written by John Thomas Harding and Tom Douglas.

“The lyric that’s the most meaningful to me is the last verse where it talks about Arlington and all the soldiers that have given their lives in sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” Tim says.

You can watch for the “Live Like You Were Dying” hitmaker Saturday on Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, FX and Freeform.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

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Jimmy Eat World’s Jim Adkins shares update on possible new material: ‘There’s definitely beginnings’

Jimmy Eat World’s Jim Adkins shares update on possible new material: ‘There’s definitely beginnings’
Jimmy Eat World’s Jim Adkins shares update on possible new material: ‘There’s definitely beginnings’
Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World perform at the 2022 When We Were Young festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

Jimmy Eat World hasn’t put out an album since 2019’s Surviving. Speaking with ABC Audio, frontman Jim Adkins shares an update on potential new material from “The Middle” outfit.

“Always working on something, for sure,” Adkins says.

However, he cautions that doesn’t mean a new Jimmy Eat World record is imminent.

“I can’t really say that there’s an album ready or not, but there’s definitely beginnings,” Adkins says. “There’s definitely material, but I don’t think we’re ready to do an album, like, release anything.” 

Since Surviving, Jimmy Eat World has put out several one-off singles, including 2022’s “Something Loud.” 

While you wait for possible new Jimmy Eat World music, you can relive their biggest album on the 25th anniversary Bleed American tour. The U.S. leg resumes July 17 in Bend, Oregon.

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‘The Bear’ stars react to Harry Styles’ ‘Let it rip’ tattoo

‘The Bear’ stars react to Harry Styles’ ‘Let it rip’ tattoo
‘The Bear’ stars react to Harry Styles’ ‘Let it rip’ tattoo
Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu, Jeremy Allen White as Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto in ‘The Bear’ season 5. (Courtesy FX)

Fans noticed about a month ago that Harry Styles was sporting a new tattoo on his arm reading “Let it rip.” Zoë Kravitz, to whom Harry is allegedly engaged, debuted a matching tattoo in British Vogue earlier in June.

While it’s not known what the phrase means to Harry or Zoë, some fans have a theory. They believe it was inspired by “Let it rip” being the catchphrase of the Emmy-winning show The Bear, which dropped its final season on Hulu Friday. When informed of Harry’s tattoo by ABC Audio, the stars of The Bear were surprised, to say the least.

“I did not know that. I’m not up to date on Harry Styles’ tattoos,” said executive producer Matty Matheson, who also stars as Neil Fak on the show.

“No,” Ayo Edebiri, who plays Sydney on the show, said when asked if she knew about Harry’s tattoo.

“I did not know that,” added Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who plays Richie.

“Off of our show?” Ayo asked. “Huh. Amazing news. Amazing news!”  

“Good stuff,” added Ebon.

“I’ll take that,” added Jeremy Allen White, who plays Carmy.

When ABC Audio suggested that Harry’s tattoo might be one sign of the show’s impact and legacy, Matty laughed, “Hey, if people know that, we’re good. We did God’s work on that one! 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Release date set for Grandmaster Flash’s book ‘Birth of a Culture’

Release date set for Grandmaster Flash’s book ‘Birth of a Culture’
Release date set for Grandmaster Flash’s book ‘Birth of a Culture’
Grandmaster Flash’s upcoming book ‘Birth of a Culture’ (Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)

Grandmaster Flash, widely known as a pioneer in hip-hop and of modern deejaying, is sharing his knowledge of both — as well as personal stories from his life and career — in a new book.

Titled Birth of a Culture, the book brings readers back to the early days of hip-hop, when the genre was rooted in the Bronx, dance, graffiti, original raps, beats and neighborhood block parties. It also features conversations with artists about DJ techniques, the science behind a turntable and more.

“This story has been on my mind for a very long time. It depicts the early history and many subjects that pertain to the culture called hip-hop,” Grandmaster Flash said in a statement. “I talk about not just my come-up, but the rise and participation of others who were responsible for giving hip-hop life. It entails joy, pain, fun, drama, math and science, real-life struggles and incredible achievements.”

The book arrives on Sept. 22 but is now available for preorder.

 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

My Chemical Romance launces official MCRmy fan community

My Chemical Romance launces official MCRmy fan community
My Chemical Romance launces official MCRmy fan community
Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance performs during the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall August 31, 2006 in New York City. (Scott Gries/Getty Images)

My Chemical Romance has something new for you to join in addition to the Black Parade.

The “Helena” rockers have announced the launch of the official MCRmy fan community, described as a “home for our fans to gather.”

“The MCRmy has been part of what we do from the beginning and we are very excited that there will be an official shared space for special updates, information, and media for all of you,” My Chem says. “We are humbled to be able to do this and that you all continue to show up.”

You can follow @MCRmyofficial on Instagram.

My Chemical Romance will launch a U.S. tour in August to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2006 album, The Black Parade. They’re also releasing a deluxe reissue of their 2010 album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, on July 10.

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Nashville notes: Shania Twain, Frank Ray + Carter Faith’s duets

Nashville notes: Shania Twain, Frank Ray + Carter Faith’s duets
Nashville notes: Shania Twain, Frank Ray + Carter Faith’s duets

New artists Carter Faith and Wyatt Flores have teamed up on the new duet, “Nothin’ Better to Do,” which is out now. It’ll appear on Carter’s Cherry Valley Forever deluxe edition, which drops July 24.  

The new five-track EP from Frank Ray, Good for the Soul, is out now. The “Country’d Look Good on You” hitmaker co-wrote the tracks “Lookin’ Out for Me” and “Hard to be a Hero,” while Tracy Lawrence joins him on the title cut

You can check out Shania Twain’s duet with Tanya Tucker on “Little Miss Twain,” the title track of her new album that comes out on July 24. 



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Music notes: BTS, Ariana Grande and more

Music notes: BTS,  Ariana Grande and more
Music notes: BTS,  Ariana Grande and more

When it comes to touring, BTS could stand for “Better than The Stones.” Billboard reports that in May, the K-pop superstars grossed just under $128 million and sold 641,000 tickets on their Arirang World Tour. That’s the biggest monthly gross by a group since Billboard started its Boxscore chart in 2019. The previous recordholder was The Rolling Stones, who took in $95 million in August 2019.

Two of Ariana Grande’s concerts in Boston have been rescheduled “to ensure the full production can be delivered safely and as intended,” reads an Instagram announcement by the venue, TD Garden arena. The July 22 show will take place on July 23, while the July 24 show will take place on July 26. The July 25 show will go ahead as planned. All tickets will be honored for the new dates.

After two weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100, Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” has been replaced by Ella Langley’s former charttopper, “Choosin’ Texas.” The song has rebounded to spend an 11th week at #1.  Taylor’s song has slid to #2, followed by Ella at #3 with “Be Her.” She also has a song at #9: “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” a duet with Morgan Wallen. Olivia Rodrigo also has two songs in the top 10: “stupid song” at #4 and “drop dead” at #5.

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Bob Dylan’s tour going through a guitarist shake-up

Bob Dylan’s tour going through a guitarist shake-up
Bob Dylan’s tour going through a guitarist shake-up
Bob Dylan performs as part of a double bill with Neil Young at Hyde Park on July 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images for ABA)

Bob Dylan’s current tour seems to be going through a bit of a band shake-up, and now one of his guitarists is speaking out about his departure.

Guitarist Bob Britt is responding to reports in the press about his departure from the tour, which began to surface over the weekend. The reports were sparked by a since-deleted Facebook post by Britt, who wrote “Sayonara Bobby” next to a map with a travel route from Austin, where Dylan’s next show is happening, to Nashville.

Britt has since taken to Facebook to set the record straight, writing, “Apparently there are quite a few threads out there with people speculating about my departure from the Bob tour.”

“I’d like to clear it up. I was not fired but left of my own accord for reasons I would prefer to keep private,” the post continued. “I will miss my band mates and crew.”

He then wrote that he was looking forward to other projects, including “getting back to doing sessions.” He added, “As far as any touring goes, we will see what the future holds.”

Britt’s departure comes not long after Dylan lost another guitarist in his band. As Rolling Stone points out, guitarist Doug Lancio, who’s played guitar with Dylan since 2019, was recently replaced by jazz guitarist Julian Lage.

Dylan’s next show is Monday in Austin. A complete list of his show dates can be found at BobDylan.com.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

New Grateful Dead exhibit opening in San Francisco

New Grateful Dead exhibit opening in San Francisco
New Grateful Dead exhibit opening in San Francisco
‘Forever Grateful’ exhibit artwork (Courtesy of Haight Street Art Center)

A new exhibit dedicated to the Grateful Dead is set to open in San Francisco.

Forever Grateful, opening Friday at the Haight Street Art Center, will feature a collection of artwork, instruments and memorabilia celebrating the legacy of the iconic band. It includes over 400 pieces, made up of paintings, pen and ink drawings, original lithographs, vinyl records, photographs and more.

The exhibit also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the center. It includes a scaled-down, fully operational replica of the band’s legendary Wall of Sound audio system, which will broadcast live Grateful Dead recordings from throughout their career.

“Forever Grateful celebrates the spirit, artistry, and cultural influence that made the Grateful Dead not just a band, but a phenomenon,” states Dennis McNally, exhibition adviser and Grateful Dead historian.

“My family is pleased to know that the Haight Street Art Center will be featuring a Grateful Dead exhibition this summer,” Trixie Garcia, daughter of the late Jerry Garcia, says. “What originated here in the 60s and the resulting cultural shift felt across the world will never be forgotten. There’s nowhere like San Francisco and there’s nothing like the Grateful Dead!”

The opening weekend will also feature a performance by Grahame Lesh & Friends on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. PT.

Forever Grateful will run at Haight Street Art Center until Sept. 20. A second exhibit, Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park, will open Sept. 5 at Hall of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, in San Francisco, and run through Oct. 25.

More information can be found at HaightStreetArt.org.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Madonna teams with TikTok for ‘Confessions II’ first listen, pop-up experiences

Madonna teams with TikTok for ‘Confessions II’ first listen, pop-up experiences
Madonna teams with TikTok for ‘Confessions II’ first listen, pop-up experiences
Madonna, ‘Confessions II,’ (Warner Records)

When Madonna put out her album Confessions on a Dance Floor in 2005, TikTok didn’t exist. But ahead of this week’s release of her new album, Confessions II, she’s going all in with the platform.

She’ll be streaming her release party live from London via TikTok on Thursday. In addition to previewing select songs ahead of the album’s official Friday release, Madonna will chat with her friend Bob the Drag Queen and be joined by daughter Lourdes “Lola” “Leon. Lola and Madonna co-wrote the song “The Test” on the album; you can hear a bit of it on YouTube.

During an interview with U.K. talk show host Graham Norton on the BBC, Madonna said of the collaboration with Lola, “She’s been very reticent to work with me. … Then she came to me and she said, ‘Let’s write a song together, I think it’ll be a very healing experience.’ I was like, ‘OK, you’re on. Let’s do it.'”

During Thursday’s livestream, fans can engage using TikTok features such as polls, custom “like” icons and Q&A.

On Thursday and Friday TikTok House of Confessions will be open in New York City and London. Each location will be selling curated merch, including a limited-edition TikTok vinyl variant, as well as album-inspired visuals and what’s described as “Confessions-themed content creation opportunities.” 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.