On Tuesday (March 3), Metallica announced that they have added six new dates to their upcoming Las Vegas Sphere residency due to “unbelievable demand.” The metal band’s “Life Burns Faster” residency now includes 14 total shows, with new dates scheduled for October 8th and 10th, November 5th and 7th, plus January 28th and 30th in 2027. These dates complement eight previously announced “No Repeat Weekend” performances scheduled for October 1st and 3rd, 15th and 17th, 22nd and 24th, and 29th and 31st. The band promises no songs will be repeated between Thursday and Saturday shows each week. Fan club pre-sales for the new concerts began on Wednesday (March 4th), with general on-sales starting Friday (March 6th). Earlier this week, Metallica marked the 40th anniversary of the release of their landmark third album, Master of Puppets, which peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified 8x-platinum. (Consequence of Sound)
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards will become a great-grandfather for the first time after his granddaughter Ella Richards announced her pregnancy. The 29-year-old model shared the exciting news on Instagram on Wednesday (March 4th), with a black-and-white photo showing off her baby bump. Ella tagged her photographer boyfriend Sascha von Bismarck in the post. Keith proudly commented on the announcement, “Sending love and looking forward to welcoming my first great grandchild!,” while the musician’s youngest daughter Alexandra added “Can’t wait to see you .” Ella is the daughter of Keith’s son Marlon and model Lucie de la Falaise, who married in 1994. The 82-year-old rock star has five children from two relationships and multiple grandchildren. In a 2023 Telegraph interview, Keith said “I love my family. I have several – extended. And they all love each other.” (People)
Billy Idol revealed that he used crack cocaine to help him quit heroin during an appearance on Club Random with Bill Maher on Monday (March 2). “Once you’re trying to get off heroin, what do you go to? You go to something else,” said the 70-year-old rock star. “I started smoking crack to get off heroin.” When Maher asked if he really did that, Idol replied “It worked. It worked.” The “White Wedding” singer nearly died from a heroin overdose in London in 1984 amid the success of his second solo album, Rebel Yell. In his new documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, released on February 26, he recalled turning blue and being put in an ice bath. Idol ultimately quit heroin after a Bangkok hotel incident that caused $75,000 in damages. “I got over it somehow,” Idol reflects, while adding “I was really lucky that I could get over it because a lot of people can’t.” (People)
Following the recent news of Sebastian Bach becoming the new lead singer of Twisted Sister, he shared more details in an interview with Eddie Trunk. He revealed that he received Dee Snider’s “full blessing” to front the group for the upcoming fall shows after Snider stepped down due to health issues, including arthritis and knee problems. Bach, who called himself a lifelong fan, said their conversation was emotional, with both singers becoming teary-eyed. Story URL
On Tuesday (March 3), Courtney Love sparked speculation about a potential Hole reunion by posting an Instagram video featuring bassist Melissa Auf der Maur set to the band’s 1998 hit “Malibu.” Love captioned the post “So do we tell the kids about the tour,” while Auf der Maur responded in comments “it starts with eternal love.” Love tried to calm the excitement of Hole fans by commenting on her post, “Not a reunion baby. Me and @xmadmx touring new songs .” The hints follow Love’s recent appearance with Billie Joe Armstrong‘s cover band in London, where she teased, “Later, I’ll be back in Hole.” Hole disbanded in 2002 after The Beautiful Monsters Tour with Marilyn Manson, briefly reforming from 2009 to 2012 with different members. In 2021, Love told Vogue a reunion was “absolutely not” happening, saying “you guys have gotta get over it.” (Rolling Stone)
Bruce Johnston is departing the Beach Boys touring group after 61 years and approximately 6,000 concerts, leaving Mike Love as the sole classic-era member on the road. Johnston, who joined in 1965 when Brian Wilson stopped touring, says “It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” He plans to focus on songwriting while developing speaking engagements. “This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon,” the 83-year-old musician says. “I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy.” Johnston will return for special occasions, including this summer’s Hollywood Bowl shows celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Love said “Bruce Johnston is one of the greatest songwriters, vocalists, and keyboardists of our time” while expressing support for his decision. Chris Cron from tribute band Pet Sounds Live will replace Johnston. The Beach Boys resume touring March 22nd in Orlando, with dates booked through August including the July 4th weekend performances at Hollywood Bowl. (Rolling Stone)
Federal prosecutors opened their case Tuesday (March 3) against Live Nation-Ticketmaster, claiming the company operates an illegal monopoly that harms artists, fans, and venues. U.S. attorney David Dahlquist told jurors “Today, the concert ticket industry is broken, in fact the concert industry itself is broken. It is controlled by a monopolist. It is controlled by Live Nation.” The Department of Justice filed the lawsuit in May 2024, seeking to break up the merged companies. Live Nation lawyer David Marriott countered that the company “did not have monopoly power,” arguing “Every customer we get is a hard-fought battle in a competitive market.” Judge Arun Subramanian previously dismissed some claims but allowed two key allegations: that Live Nation illegally ties venue access to promotion services and forces venues into long-term Ticketmaster contracts. The trial is expected to last five to six weeks, with witnesses including Kid Rock and Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino. (Rolling Stone)