Lynyrd Skynyrd has “about 30 songs” written with late guitarist Gary Rossington that the band still hopes to record and release. Guitarist Rickey Medlocke said in an interview that they “discovered [these songs] shortly after Gary’s passing”. Singer Johnny Van Zant quote: “We would like to bring that to the forefront and get it to our fans.”

Billboard Boxscore reports the 83-year-old grossed $51.7 million and sold 150,000 tickets across 11 shows in November, making “Got Back” the highest grossing tour of the month. It’s his second time at #1, after leading in May 2022.

Flavor Flav has not received an invitation to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding — despite his super fandom status as “King Swiftie.” He said to People: “I ain’t expect one…But they know they got my blessings and if she invites me, you dig? All right. I’m going. King Swiftie going to be at the wedding.” Flav is such a fan that in August, he even offered to officiate the wedding.

In a holiday video message to members of his Rocket Club fan club, he announced that he has 2 albums on the way. Quote: “I’ll be going to the studio next April to make a record. But I’ve already made one, which is fantastic. So I’m teasing you with that one.”

 

LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2cykjets

 

 

Dec. 24, Brian May gifted fans with a never-before-heard song from the band. ‘Not For Sale (Polar Bear)’ was first recorded by Smile in 1969. That was the group May and drummer Roger Taylor played in prior to Queen’s formation. Following Smile’s break-up, May brought the song to his new band Queen, but their version was never released…until now. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/5yfpdurb

 Perry Bamonte, who played guitar and keyboards for the group, has died at the age of 65. The Cure posted on its website that he “passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas”, and called him “a warm hearted and vital part of the Cure story.” After working as Robert Smith’s guitar tech and personal assistant, Bamonte became an official member of the Cure in 1990.

Twisted Sister has announced the first American show of their 2026 reunion tour. They’ve booked a gig Sept. 4 at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer AK. In September, the band announced they’ll end a decade-long absence from the stage for a 50th anniversary tour, set to begin April 25 in Brazil. It’s possible they could schedule more US shows that would take place before the September show in Alaska.

Foreigner is shaking up its live setlist as original singer Lou Gramm rejoins the band for a run of December concerts. Fans in Port Chester NY got a surprise last week when the group performed ‘Luanne’ for the first time since 1985. It was the 5th and final single from the classic 1981 album “4”.

The Beatles are back on the Billboard charts. “Anthology 4”, the new addition to the band’s Anthology series, which was recently reissued with 13 previously unreleased demos and recordings, landed in the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Albums Sales, Top Current Album Sales, Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums, and Indie Store Album Sales charts.

Bryan Adams – has dropped the new holiday song ‘California Christmas’. It’ll appear on his album, “Bryan Adams & Friends: A Great Big Holiday Jam”, which will feature guest appearances by Canadian artists Alessia Cara, Barenaked Ladies, Alan Doyle and The Sheepdogs. The record comes out Dec. 8 to coincide with Adams’ Canadian holiday TV special of the same name, which will air on CityTV. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/dzra67be

ABBA and Michael Jackson are among the artists featured on the soundtrack to the 5th and final season of “Stranger Things”. With Volume 1 of the new season streaming now, a collection of songs from the first few episodes has been digitally released, including Jackson’s 1972 hit ‘Rockin’ Robin’, and songs by ABBA and The Psychedelic Furs. The complete Season 5 soundtrack drops Jan. 30 on physical media.

“The Rest Is History” podcast has unveiled the trailer for its upcoming special on the life and times of The Beatles, with co-host Tom Holland and Beatles uberfan Conan O’Brien. The 2-part series is timed to coincide with the newly restored and remastered “Beatles Anthology” documentary series. With rare access to Beatles music and archive material from the Anthology project, Holland and O’Brien tell the story of one of the world’s greatest bands. The Rest Is History – Beatles Special with Conan O’Brien launches Wednesday on YouTube and all podcast platforms.

Elton John's 1973 holiday song ‘Step Into Christmas’ has finally been certified Platinum by the RIAA. It has re-entered Billboard‘s Holiday Airplay chart every year over the past decade, and returned to the UK singles chart every year since 2011. Last year, a new video was created for the song, starring Cara Delevingne as John.

Foo Fighters now have the 4th most #1s in the 44-year history of Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Their song ‘Asking for a Friend’ claimed the top spot in the newest chart, giving them a total of 15th #1s, one more than Metallica. The Foos trail Shinedown (with 21 #1s), Three Days Grace (19), and Five Finger Death Punch (17).

Tiffany is relishing in the resurgence of her 1987 hit ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’, after it was featured in the new season of “Stranger Things”. She posted that she’s “thrilled” at the song’s newfound popularity. A new generation of fans are loving the tune, a phenomenon that also occurred with Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ after it was featured in Season 4.

 

LINK: https://tinyurl.com/4ffsnxrv