Greta Van Fleet sparked breakup speculation among fans following a mysterious Instagram post on May 4. The Michigan rock band shared a compilation video featuring clips from their career, ending with the message “Thanks for the wild rise. Love, Josh, Jake, Sam and Daniel.” This marked their first social media activity since July 2024, when they celebrated their album Starcatcher’s second anniversary. The band has remained largely inactive recently, with their last live performances occurring in summer 2024. Fan reactions included panic-filled comments like “What do you mean. No like what do u mean” and “This better not be a break up announcement.” However, some fans theorized the post could signal new music, noting each video section contained first singles from their albums. The band has not provided additional explanation for the post. (Story URL)
Julien’s Auctions will sell 650 music memorabilia items in New York City on May 29-30, featuring legendary guitars from iconic artists. Johnny Cash’s 1954 Martin D18, used for his Grand Ole Opry debut performing “Folsom City Blues” and “I Walk the Line” in July 1956, carries an estimated value of $100,000-$200,000. Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley’s 1975 Gibson Les Paul, his primary “Budokan” instrument used at every concert from 1976-1979, could fetch $400,000-$600,000. Kirk Hammett’s 1993 ESP with glow-in-the-dark Ouija board design, used to record Metallica’s Black Album and other releases throughout the 1990s, is estimated at $250,000-$350,000. Additional items include Eddie Van Halen’s striped Charvel guitar ($50,000-$70,000), Beatles-signed Sgt. Pepper’s album ($20,000-$40,000), and Joni Mitchell’s handwritten “Woodstock” lyrics ($20,000-$30,000). (Story URL)
‘Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition’ covers the 50-year history of the band, from late ’70s club gigs to heavy metal stardom. Directed by Malcolm Venville, the film features interviews with Lars Ulrich, Tom Morello, Chuck D, and actor Javier Bardem. (Story URL)
Michael Jackson shattered his personal streaming record after the Michael biopic’s release, generating 137.5 million on-demand streams during April 24-30 in the United States. This represents a 146% increase, more than doubling his previous career high of 55.9 million streams. The surge propelled Jackson from 29th to 3rd on the Billboard Artist 100 chart. His iconic album Thriller re-entered the Billboard 200 at number 7 with 45,000 equivalent album units, marking a 425% weekly improvement and its best performance since December 2022. “Billie Jean” returned to the Hot 100 at number 38 after accumulating 9.4 million streams. Jackson placed 10 songs on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, with “Human Nature” and “P.Y.T.” reaching new peaks. The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons also experienced massive streaming increases of 135% and 57% respectively. (Story URL)
Major musical acts including Post Malone, Meghan Trainor, Demi Lovato, and the Pussycat Dolls have canceled or delayed tours due to “blue dot fever”—fan slang for widespread unsold seats shown as blue dots on Ticketmaster venue maps. While artists publicly cite reasons like work-life balance or scheduling conflicts, reports reveal half-empty or worse seating charts behind the cancellations. The problem stems from sharply higher costs and an oversaturated touring market. One analysis found average ticket prices jumped from approximately $82 in 2020 to nearly $120 in 2025, with this year’s average at roughly $144. Combined with travel and lodging expenses, fans say single concerts consume entire entertainment budgets. “Everybody is touring this year,” one Reddit user noted. “There just isn’t enough money to go around.” Industry experts agree pricing has become unsustainable. (Story URL)
Sting revealed he won’t provide his six children with inheritance money to fund their careers, instead encouraging them to work independently. Speaking to CBS, the musician explained his philosophy: “Or whether I’ve said to them, ‘Guys, you got to work. I’m spending our money. I’m paying for your education. You’ve got shoes on your feet. Go to work. That’s not cruel. I think there’s a kindness there and a trust that they will make their own way. They’re tough, my kids.'” Sting noted his children, including musician Eliot Sumner and actress Mickey Sumner, have developed an “extraordinary work ethic” through this approach. He called telling children “You don’t have to work” a “form of abuse that I hope I’m never guilty of.” The artist emphasized his working-class values, stating “The working class works and wants to work. I’m one of those people, I love to work.” (Story URL)