Paul McCartney announced his 18th solo album, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane, on Thursday, set for release May 29th. The 14-track collection marks his first release since 2020’s McCartney III and explores his formative years in Liverpool. The album title references a road from his native Liverpool to the Speke shoreline where he grew up. McCartney, 83, released the wistful first single “Days We Left Behind,” an acoustic ballad reflecting on his past. “This is very much a memory song for me,” McCartney said in a statement. The album originated five years ago during a jam session with producer Andrew Watt, when McCartney discovered an unfamiliar chord sequence. The introspective collection features McCartney playing most instruments and includes songs about his childhood, parents, and early adventures with future Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison. (Story URL)
Weezer announced a 2026 North American arena tour called “The Gathering,” featuring 32 shows with The Shins and Silversun Pickups. The tour starts September 8th in Sacramento and concludes October 24th in Los Angeles. Major stops include San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York, Nashville, and Phoenix. General tickets go on sale April 3rd via Ticketmaster. The band also announced “The Initiation,” a Los Angeles fan event featuring trivia and pickleball against band members. Weezer will release a new single “Shine Again” releases April 1st, and teased an upcoming untitled album. Their last tour commemorated The Blue Album’s 30th anniversary. (Story URL)
Darrell “Dash” Crofts, half of the soft-rock duo Seals & Crofts, died on Wednesday from complications following heart surgery at age 85. Producer Louie Shelton confirmed his death on Facebook, calling him “our dear brother and partner in music.” Born in Cisco, Texas in 1940, Crofts originally played drums before switching to mandolin when he formed Seals & Crofts with Jim Seals in 1969. The Texas duo became soft-rock pioneers with their signature harmonies and mystical lyrics. Their 1972 hit “Summer Breeze” peaked at number six on Billboard and became a classic, covered by numerous artists. Their 1975 Greatest Hits album sold over two million copies. Both musicians converted to the Baháʼí faith in the mid-1960s, which influenced their music and worldview. Seals died in 2022 after suffering a stroke in 2017. (Story URL)
Darius Rucker joined NASCAR’s Legacy Motor Club as co-owner. The former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman will help connect sports, music, and fan engagement while supporting brand and business development. “Darius is someone who understands the power of connection – with fans, with communities and through storytelling,” said team owner Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 Hall of Fame inductee. Rucker confirmed his investment on The Dan Patrick Show, stating “You know how much I love motorsports. You know how much I’ve loved NASCAR for years, so this is pretty cool for me.” (Story URL)
Fort Campbell, Kentucky will present a free July 4th concert featuring a Charlie Daniels hologram tribute with live band accompaniment on the 101st Airborne Division Parade Field. This marks the first recreation of Daniels’ stage performances since the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and Grand Ole Opry member died in 2020. Aaron Tippin and Eric Lee Beddingfield will also perform at the event. Fort Campbell has been designated an official America250 Block Party Partner Site, participating in what organizers describe as the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in U.S. history. Festival activities start July 1st with carnival attractions. (Story URL)