Nickelback has unveiled their 11th studio album, Everything Under the Sun, set for release October 30th, alongside the lead single “Rattle The Cage.” The track features a guitar solo from metal guitarist John 5, known for work with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie. Singer Chad Kroeger described the song as being about “going to a hard rock ‘n’ roll show and just letting out all your aggression.” He added, “This album has every side of the band on it. There are songs that hit as hard as anything we’ve ever done.” The album follows their 2022 release Get Rollin’ and marks the band’s first project with Virgin Music Group, whose president Jacqueline Saturn called “a huge honor.” Story URL
Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil says the band’s final studio album, featuring late singer Chris Cornell, is likely arriving in 2027. Speaking with Ultimate Guitar, Thayil revealed the record will contain roughly nine songs. Cornell, who died in 2017, had collaborated on the material before his passing. “We know the significance of this material, with our legacy and with Chris’ legacy… we want to make sure that it’s as great as it can be,” Thayil said. Scheduling conflicts among remaining members Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd have slowed progress. Thayil also didn’t rule out touring to support the release, possibly with guest vocalists. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this year. Story URL
Candlebox is hitting the road again, despite previously announcing a farewell tour in 2023. The band’s “Can’t Quit You” Fall 2026 US tour kicks off September 17th at The Pageant in St. Louis and wraps October 30th at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. The comeback is fueled by the return of founding guitarist Peter Klett after a 10-year absence. Support acts include The Mountain Goats, Sponge, Sweet Water, American Blonde, and The Verve Pipe on select dates. Frontman Kevin Martin said, “The phrase ‘Can’t Quit You’ really speaks volumes to how important our fans are to us.” Artist pre-sale begins July 15th using code BLOSSOM, with general on-sale July 17th. Story URL
Pophouse Entertainment, the investment firm co-founded by ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus, has acquired a 50% stake in Iron Maiden’s publishing, master recordings, and name, image, and likeness rights, including those of iconic mascot “Eddie.” Financial terms were not disclosed, though Pophouse paid over $300 million for a similar deal with Kiss. Formed in London in 1975, Iron Maiden has sold an estimated 100 million records across 17 studio albums. The partnership will fund a cinematic project documenting the band’s “Run for Your Lives” world tour, an expanded digital universe centered around Eddie, and interactive fan experiences. CEO Jessica Koravos said the deal gives the band “the investment and creative firepower to keep evolving for decades to come.” Story URL
Rascal Flatts‘ iconic cover of “Life Is A Highway” has surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, making it the group’s first song to reach the milestone. The track, originally written and recorded by Canadian artist Tom Cochrane in 1991, was covered by Rascal Flatts for the 2006 Pixar film Cars. The soundtrack exposure significantly boosted the song’s lasting popularity. The trio celebrated the achievement on social media, writing, “Life Is A Highway just hit 1 BILLION streams on Spotify!” Rascal Flatts, consisting of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney, officially disbanded in 2021 but recently announced a reunion. The billion-stream milestone arrives ahead of their anticipated return, adding momentum to the group’s comeback. Story URL
FIFA has revealed the star-studded lineup for the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony on July 19th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Jennifer Hudson will perform a special rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before kickoff. Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, Robbie Williams, and streamer IShowSpeed will perform during the pre-match celebration, with Tom Cruise making a special appearance. The ceremony will “celebrate the 48 teams’ unforgettable journey,” according to FIFA. The halftime show will feature co-headliners BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Shakira, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The final will be contested by winners of the July 14 and July 15 semifinals, featuring Argentina, England, France, and Spain. Story URL