Music – Page 32 – 105.7 WDNY

Peter Buck on an R.E.M. reunion: ‘It’s just not going to happen’

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

R.E.M. called it quits in 2011, and while some fans may be holding out hope for a full band reunion, guitarist Peter Buck tells Mojo they really shouldn’t.

“When we decided it was the end, I felt fine with it. That was the story – it had a beginning and an end,” he says. “I was happy with the whole arc, and we were all young enough to go off and do other things, and we all have been.”

“And unlike every other band in the world other than The Smiths, we’re not going to be doing the famous album reunion tour or any of that crap,” he adds. “It’s just not going to happen.”

Buck says he has no desire to “do a tour so we can make more money or be famous.”

“I just don’t want to be the legacy act at Glastonbury playing our 40-year-old hits,” he says. “It’s great that we did all that stuff when we did it, and I’m really proud of the performances. I don’t want to cheapen it by going out there just for ego and money. I don’t need the money, and my ego? Well, I’ve had enough applause to last 10 lifetimes.”

R.E.M. announced their split in September 2011. All four members — Buck, Michael Stipe, Mike Mills and Bill Berry — reunited to perform at the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024. They also reunited in February 2025 for a performance of “Pretty Persuasion” at Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy’s show in Athens, Georgia.

Elton John is ‘curating’ an exclusive new setlist for Mexico concerts

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Elton John wants fans to know that his upcoming shows in Mexico won’t just be him walking down the same old Yellow Brick Road.

As previously reported, Elton will perform two shows in Mexico City in October after being unable to tour there during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. And even if you previously saw Elton on the farewell tour, he says this one is going to be totally different.

Tickets for the shows went on sale Thursday. Elton wrote on Instagram, “Mexico, I can’t wait to see you again! Marking my first shows in Mexico City in 14 years, these two performances will not be a continuation of the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, but a special, one-of-a-kind set list I’ve curated exclusively for my Mexico fans.”

“These very special shows stand alone as a celebration crafted just for you!” he continued. “I can’t wait to celebrate with you.”

Since the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour wrapped up in 2023, Elton has continued to do shows here and there, including private events and charity performances. He also did a special concert with Brandi Carlile in London last March, sang at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in November and continues to perform at his annual Oscar party.

Mastodon’s ’Marrow Deep’ album features Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler, among other guests

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

In announcing their new album, Marrow Deep, Mastodon released the song “Snakes for Dinner” featuring Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme. As it turns out, Homme is far from the only guest on the record.

In an interview with Kerrang!, Mastodon reveals that Marrow Deep also includes contributions from Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier, Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe and CLuth’s Neil Fallon, who previously collaborated with the Atlanta metallers on their classic “Blood and Thunder.”

Working with Butler was especially meaningful for drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor, whose late mother, Michele Jeanne Lawrence, was a big fan of the Sabbath legend.

“She was always like, ‘[Butler] writes the lyrics!'” Dailor says of his mother. “She would absolutely love the song. It’s still a pinch-me moment on the record. He could have just hit an open A, and I would have still been like, ‘FEATURING GEEZER BUTLER ON THE OPEN A!'”

Dailor’s mother passed away in February 2025. A month later, Mastodon announced the departure of founding guitarist Brent Hinds, who then died in a motorcycle accident in August 2025.

“As we go forward, we will always carry and [recognize] Brent’s legacy, without a doubt,” says bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders. “We’ll never deny how huge of an influence, and how massive he was in the creation of Mastodon. But through the tragedy, there is triumph.”

“I’m proud of us for not just feeling overwhelmingly pitiful for ourselves, or just collapsing and saying, ‘Hey, we had a good run,'” Sanders continues. “It would be doing a massive disservice to our own being to not continue – there’s so much life in us.”

Marrow Deep is due out Aug. 28. Mastodon will launch a U.S. tour in September.

Darius Rucker’s ready to pay tribute to Charley Pride as Opry 100 rolls on

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

The Grand Ole Opry will honor Charley Pride during a special show Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Darius Rucker, Pam Tillis, Neal McCoy and Dion Pride are among those set to play.

“The Grand Ole Opry held a very special place in my father’s heart, and our family is deeply grateful to see his music and legacy celebrated on the stage he loved so much,” Dion says. “It will be an honor to perform alongside artists who admired him and to share his songs with the fans who have kept them alive for generations.”

Pride made his Opry debut in 1967, though he didn’t become a member until 1993. Touring commitments forced him to turn down an earlier invitation.

Songs like “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” “Burgers and Fries” and “Roll on Mississippi” made him one of the most successful Black artists ever to sing country music. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 86.

Tickets for Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride are on sale now.

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards talk AI, touring and more in ‘Billboard’ cover story

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are sharing their thoughts on AI, touring and more in the latest Billboard cover story.

AI technology was used to de-age the band in the video for “In the Stars,” the first single off their new album Foreign Tongues. But when it comes to using it to make music, they aren’t exactly on board.

“I’d rather hear something original. Music could do a lot better than just trying to copy itself,” Richards says. “We want new input. We don’t want more and more copying and synthesizing.”

“I don’t want people just putting stuff out there that can sound exactly like The Rolling Stones — I think that’s obviously wrong,” Jagger adds. “If someone wants to make music by AI, go ahead. But it has to be original — you have to have your own input and your own thoughts.”

He notes, “There are people who use AI to just make a song from scratch, in the style of The Rolling Stones. If you were any kind of creative person, you wouldn’t do that.”

As they have in previous interviews, the band once again touches upon whether they plan to tour behind Foreign Tongues; Jagger tells Billboard he would like to, even if it meant doing a residency.

“But the thing about a residency — the only downside for people is that it’s much more expensive for the further-out people that want to come and see the show,” he says.

Richards seems a bit more confident that shows will happen.

“I see no reason why next year, good Lord willing, we shouldn’t be able to, as you say, maybe a residency, something,” he says. “Maybe you find a different way of taking the thing on the road. Bring the road to us. That’s my suggestion.”

Midland’s party on the roof in LA

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

The Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace at L.A.’s Grammy Museum was the latest of many Stages Midland’s playing to promote their sixth studio album.

After their Tuesday talk with Entertainment Tonight’s Cassie DiLaura, Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy and Jess Carson treated the sold-out crowd to a performance.

Their set included Stages tracks “Shooting Memories with Tequila,” “Walk a Mile,” “I Wish You Would,” “Marlboro Man” and “Vaquero,” as well as their signature hit, the six-times Platinum #1 “Drinkin’ Problem.”

The trio plays Bakersfield, California, on Thursday, and then you can catch their Saturday Sessions on CBS Saturday Morning.

Ozzy Osbourne’s hometown announces Ozzy Day on one-year death anniversary

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Ozzy Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham, England, will celebrate the memory of the late metal legend with the first Ozzy Day.

The festivities will take place across the city on July 22, the one-year anniversary of Ozzy’s death, and will include art installations and live music. Birmingham’s giant bull statue, which is named Ozzy, will be specially dressed for the occasion.

“Ozzy Day is a fantastic example of Birmingham working together to celebrate the legendary Ozzy Osbourne,” says Sam Watson, chair of Central BID Birmingham. “By bringing together businesses, cultural organisations and public spaces, we’re creating a city centre wide experience that encourages people to celebrate the legacy of a truly global, Birmingham-born icon.”

Ozzy died on July 22, 2025, just over two weeks after he performed for the last time alongside his original Black Sabbath bandmates at the massive Back to the Beginning concert. He was 76.

Gene Simmons’ Legends of Rock Expo postponed to 2027

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

KISS’ Gene Simmons was supposed to headline a new fan expo in Las Vegas in September, but the event has now been moved to next year.

The Gene Simmons’ Legends of Rock Expo was supposed to take place Sept. 25-27 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, but a post on the event’s Instagram account reveals that it’s been moved to May 14-16, 2027.

“Due to a major scheduling conflict, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the Gene Simmons Legends of Rock Expo,” reads the post. “While we know this change may be disappointing, the additional time will allow us to make the Rock Experience even bigger and better, while fine-tuning an incredible celebrity lineup.”

In addition to Simmons performing with his Gene Simmons Band, the lineup for the Legends of Rock Expo includes Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler, The Police’s Stewart Copeland and The Kinks’ Dave Davies.

Tickets that were already purchased will be valid for the new dates. More info can be found at legendsofrockexpo.com.

Lupe Fiasco to hit the road with Gym Class Heroes

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Lupe Fiasco has announced he’s going on tour with rock band Gym Class Heroes.

The Back to Basics tour will kick off Sept. 10 in Cleveland, before making stops in Pittsburgh, Denver, Phoenix, Detroit, Boston and other cities. It will wrap up on Oct. 25 with a final show in Pinellas Park, Florida.

B.O.B. will join as a special guest, playing all dates except the Columbus, Ohio, stop on Sept. 26.

A presale for the Back to Basics tour is underway; the password for access is KICKPUSH.

Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday at 10 a.m. local time.

Robert Plant to receive Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award

July 16, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant is set to receive the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes the artist’s “extraordinary contributions to Americana and American Roots music.”

“Robert Plant’s relationship with Americana music extends far beyond influence—it is one of genuine passion, stewardship and artistic curiosity,” said Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association. “His willingness to immerse himself in the traditions of blues, folk, country and gospel, while continuing to push their boundaries, has expanded the audience for Americana around the world.”

“Few artists have done more to honor the music’s past while helping shape its future,” Hilly adds. “We are thrilled to recognize his extraordinary contributions with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Following his years with Led Zeppelin, Plant has embraced roots and Americana music, most notably with his collaborations with singer Alison Krauss and producer T Bone Burnett. Their 2007 album, Raising Sand, won the Grammy for album of the year, while its follow-up, 2021’s Raise the Roof, won best Americana album at the Grammys. Plant’s more recent exploration of the genre resulted in the 2025 self-titled debut album from his band Saving Grace, with Suzi Dian.

Plant will be honored during the 25th annual Americana Honors & Awards on Sept. 16 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Tickets for the ceremony are on sale now.

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