Godsmack frontman Sully Erna announced new music is planned for early 2027, though original guitarists Tony Rombola and drummer Shannon Larkin have retired from touring. Erna clarified previous statements about their 2023 album Lighting Up The Sky being their final release. “There’s probably gonna be some new music coming. I mean, it may not hit the streets till early ’27, but we’re gonna do something, for sure. But it just won’t be with all the original members anymore,” Erna stated. He and bassist Robbie Merrill decided to continue with new members Sam Koltun on guitar and Wade Murff on drums. Erna described the transition as “GODSMACK 2.0,” emphasizing both departing members left on good terms after wanting to step away from intensive touring. The band’s live album Live At Mohegan Sun, capturing the classic lineup’s final performance, releases May 1st via Primary Wave. Story URL
Michael shattered records during its debut weekend, earning $97 million in domestic ticket sales and $217 million worldwide. The Michael Jackson film achieved the highest-grossing opening for any biopic in cinema history. Meanwhile, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie dropped from its three-week reign at the top, collecting an additional $21.2 million to reach $384 million domestically and surpass $800 million internationally. In third position, Project Hail Mary demonstrated impressive staying power with $13.2 million during its sixth week in theaters. The Ryan Gosling epic has already generated $305 million in North America and $613 million worldwide. Story URL
SiriusXM and iHeartMedia are conducting preliminary discussions about a possible merger, with music executive Irving Azoff and Apollo Global Management helping facilitate negotiations. The deal would unite America’s largest satellite radio provider with the nation’s biggest radio station operator, which controls over 860 stations across 160 markets. Both companies have expanded into podcasting as traditional radio audiences decline. SiriusXM leads the podcast industry while iHeartMedia ranks third nationally. The combination would create significant scale in radio and podcasting but could encounter regulatory challenges due to competition concerns. Story URL
Stagecoach Music Festival evacuated thousands of attendees Saturday evening when winds reached 65 mph in Southern California’s desert region. Emergency messages displayed on main stage screens urged concertgoers to “move quickly and calmly to the nearest exit” around 7:45 p.m. PDT. Approximately one hour after evacuation, winds subsided and festival organizers resumed the show. Headliner Lainey Wilson took the stage less than two hours later, telling crowds “Thank you so much for sticking out the wind. Hopefully you sat in y’all’s cars for a bit and drank some tequila.” Wilson performed hits including “Ring Finger” and “Heart Like a Truck,” welcoming guests Riley Green and Little Big Town. The country star told the audience: “We came to Stagecoach to have a damn good time, and that’s what we gonna do.” Story URL
Cyndi Lauper confronted a disruptive audience member during her opening night performance at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Friday. The singer was sharing background about her 1993 song “Sally’s Pigeons” when someone in the crowd shouted unintelligibly. “I don’t know what the f— you’re saying, hun,” Lauper responded, according to TMZ video. “But please remember where you are, OK? Because if you’re trying to shade me, b—-, I’m gonna come for you. I’m from Brooklyn, and if I wanna f—ing talk, I will do a tap dance if I f—ing want.” She immediately joked, “Sorry, that of course is not part of my people skills.” The incident occurred during Lauper’s career-first Vegas residency, which includes five performances through May 2nd. The shows follow her completed Farewell Tour and her 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Story URL
Marilyn Manson stopped his concert in Highland, California last week to address his sobriety with fans during what he called a “confession.” The musician began by referencing his 1998 song, stating “I have a confession to make. Some of you may have known this, but I did in fact like the drugs.” Manson then delivered a metaphorical story about taking drugs to the desert, digging a heart-shaped hole, and burying them there. “I looked at them and shoved them into the fu-king hole and buried them and I came home alone,” he told the crowd before declaring himself a “drug addict” and launching into “The Dope Show.” His One Assassination Under God tour continues through May 16th. Story URL