Def Leppard has jumped on the “what were you like in the ‘90s” viral trend, but with a twist. The group posted a video that starts with current clips of the group, and the question, “What were you guys like in the 80s?” The newer vids are followed by throwback clips of the group in the ’80s, soundtracked with their 1983 hit ‘Photograph. The caption: “All I’ve got is a photograph #defleppard #80s.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/ywyw8f7m

Paul McCartney surprised fans last week with the release of “The Man on the Run”, the newest entry in Audible’s Words + Music series. It offers an expanded look at his career after he left The Beatles, with heavy focus on his time with Wings. The new audiobook grew out of Morgan Neville’s acclaimed documentary “Man on the Run”. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/5d6ffr3a

After leading the race for the first 3 weeks, Phil Collins has been replaced at the top of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 fan vote leader board. As of Sunday, R&B group New Edition, are at #1 with over 700,000 votes, compared to Collins’ 628,000. The rest of the top 5, in order, are: Pink, Luther Vandross, and INXS. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/3z8c6j4p

David Gilmour’s iconic “Black Strat” sold for $14.55 million on Thursday at Christie’s New York, becoming the most expensive guitar ever sold. The sale shattered the previous record of $6 million set by Kurt Cobain’s MTV Unplugged Martin acoustic in 2020. Gilmour’s Fender was essential to classic Pink Floyd albums including The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. He used it on legendary tracks like “Money,” “Shine on You Crazy Diamond,” and his iconic “Comfortably Numb” solo. The guitar exceeded pre-auction estimates of $2-4 million. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay originally purchased the Black Strat for $5.245 million in 2019. Jerry Garcia’s custom Tiger guitar also sold for $11.56 million during the same auction. Gilmour previously told Rolling Stone he could part with the instrument because Fender makes perfect replicas for him.

 

 Pearl Jam guitarist, Mike McCready, has announced a rock opera based on the Seattle music scene during the rise of grunge. “Farewell To Seasons” will be released Oct. 6 on an album featuring Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses, Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band) and Mike Musburger (Posies). It will also be released as a graphic novel. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/tacabyd9

It’s been announced that the soundtrack to the new biopic “Michael” will drop April 24, the same day the film is released. “Michael: Songs from the Motion Picture” features 13 songs spanning from Jackson’s start as a member of The Jackson 5 to hits from his solo career. 

The Eagles' 1975 album “One of These Nights” will be reissued May 1 with a pile of bonus material. “One of These Nights (Deluxe Edition)” will come as a 3-CD/Blu-ray set, featuring a new mix of the album and a previously unreleased 1975 concert recorded at Anaheim Stadium. A live cover of Chuck Berry’s ‘Carol’ has been released. LINK: https://youtu.be/Uu3QpxBr2Zs

 

Billy Idol made an unexpected catwalk appearance at Paris Fashion Week. The 70-year-old claimed the spotlight dressed in designer Ann Demeulemeester’s tasselled leather cape, black waistcoat and ruff collared shirt. This comes as he continues to promote his new documentary “Billy Idol Should Be Dead”.

Universal has won a bidding war to back a feature film about Bon Jovi. It’s unclear at this point whether the movie will focus on one formative event from the band’s career, as “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” does, or if it’ll be more expansive, like the Elton John biopic “Rocketman.”

REO Speedwagon reunited with estranged former singer Kevin Cronin for a special surprise performance on Saturday in Peoria IL to honor late guitarist Gary Richrath. Cronin joined the group for a short set that featured ‘Ridin’ the Storm Out’, ‘Take It on the Run’, ‘Roll With the Changes’, and a cover of Van Morrison’s ‘Gloria’.” Richrath’s son Eric also performed with the group.

 

After canceling their 2025 tour due to Brian Setzer’s health, they have announced a summer tour featuring all 3 original members. They are set to kick off a month-long cross-country trek on July 24 in Las Vegas. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/4r8bdrr4

Singer Tommy DeCarlo died Monday at age 60, following a battle with brain cancer. DeCarlo has fronted the group since 2007. Coincidentally, DeCarlo died 19 years to the day after original singer Brad Delp passed away.

Oct. 6, Random House will release the new book “The Third Eye: Early Photographs in October”, “the first ever collection of George Harrison’s personal photos taken between 1963 and 1970.” It will feature over 200 color and black-and-white images capturing the rise of The Beatles. The images, curated by Harrison’s widow, Olivia, are from his personal photos and 8mm film stills.

Aerosmith is reissuing their self-titled debut album in March, and they just dropped a preview of the bonus material that will come with it. ‘Walkin’ The Dog (Live At Paul’s Mall, 1973)’ is part of the limited-edition 5-LP “Aerosmith (Legendary Collector’s Edition)”, dropping March 20. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2cwupcd9

 A five-day “Celebration of Life” event has been planned to honor Prince ten years after his death. Prince Celebration organizers announced the event will run from June 3rd through 7th across multiple locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with Paisley Park, Prince’s illustrious home, recording studio, and performance space. The tribute aims to celebrate “the music, artistry, and cultural impact” of Prince through concerts, screenings, boat cruises, and panel discussions. Opening festivities include a DJ Dance Party at First Avenue – the legendary nightclub where much of Purple Rain was filmed – and a Downtown Block Party at the iconic Prince Mural. Attendees will receive “exclusive access to unreleased music and rare concert footage” plus special celebrations for a variety of album anniversaries including Parade (1986), Emancipation (1996), and 3121 (2006). VIP packages offer guided tours, Sunday Gospel Brunch, and VIP lunch access. Complete programming details will be released on March 25th, with tickets available through the event website at paisleypark.com.