Red Hot Chili Peppers sold their recorded music catalog to Warner Music Group for more than $300 million, completing the deal Friday. The purchase encompasses 13 studio albums. This transaction doubles the $150 million the band received in 2019 when they sold publishing rights to Hipgnosis Songs Fund. The catalog sale represents half of a larger $650 million joint venture between WMG and Bain Capital for acquiring music and publishing rights. The Peppers’ recorded works generate $26 million annually and had been marketed since last year with a $350 million asking price. Warner has been the band’s label home since 1991, making them a natural buyer. Story URL
Eric Clapton ended his Thursday night concert at Madrid’s Movistar Arena early after a fan threw a vinyl record that struck him in the chest. The incident occurred just after Clapton finished performing “Cocaine” during his European tour show on May 7th. A fan in the front rows hurled the LP at the veteran guitarist, who had been scheduled to return for an encore performance of “Before You Accuse Me” but chose not to retake the stage. The hits-packed setlist also included “Layla,” “Tears In Heaven,” “I Shot The Sheriff,” and “Crossroads.” The guitar icon released his latest album Meanwhile in 2024, featuring collaborations with Jeff Beck and Van Morrison. Story URL
Slipknot percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan disclosed he requires heart surgery during an interview on Rick Rubin’s podcast. Crahan explained he has a skipping heart discovered after his last tour when medical staff initially thought he was experiencing a heart attack. “My heart skips and apparently I’ve taught myself to be like a cross country runner,” he said. His resting heart rate drops to 43 at night and 33 during the day, causing episodes where “I feel like I’m dying.” Doctors initially considered a pacemaker but determined he needs a simpler electrical procedure typically completed as outpatient surgery. When told the surgery would improve his performance abilities, Crahan joked he “can’t get out of this to save my life,” referring to his commitment to Slipknot. Story URL
Blondie’s Debbie Harry will portray Pamela Anderson’s mother in upcoming indie comedy Maitreya. Anderson plays a New Age healer who brings her family, including Harry’s character Barbara, to an India conference while her father is dying. The film comes from The Whale screenwriter Samuel D. Hunter and Portlandia director Jonathan Krisel. Story URL
FIFA announced headline performers for the 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies across three countries. Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema, and Tyla will perform June 12th at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, before the U.S. faces Paraguay. Canada’s ceremony at Toronto’s BMO Field on June 12th will showcase Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Michael Bublé, and others before Canada plays Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mexico’s June 11th ceremony at Azteca Stadium includes J Balvin, Maná, Alejandro Fernández, and additional artists before Mexico meets South Africa. “This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated. Additional artists will be announced later, with ceremonies beginning 90 minutes before kickoff. Story URL