Billy Gibbons is calling the current version of ZZ Top a “hybrid,” insisting the band’s legacy remains unbreakable despite losing both original members. Dusty Hill died in 2021 and was replaced by longtime guitar tech Elwood Francis. Drummer Frank Beard died August 17 at 77, with Michael Monahan stepping in. Gibbons told Texas Monthly, “The sun isn’t setting. I see it as a bright light.” He revealed Keith Richards offered quiet support after Beard’s passing, texting simply: “I heard about it. I’ve done it.” Gibbons noted both Hill and Beard had personally selected their replacements. ZZ Top has U.S. dates booked through mid-October, followed by Central and South American shows through November. “It may not be the same three guys, but it is the same three chords,” Gibbons said. Story URL
Drummer Zak Starkey has officially returned to The Who, nearly a year after a turbulent exit from the iconic rock band. Starkey was fired in April 2025 following a minor musical mishap at a Royal Albert Hall charity event, sparking a public back-and-forth with singer Roger Daltrey. The band completed their North American farewell tour with replacement drummer Scott Devours. Now, Daltrey confirmed at a recent Las Vegas solo show that The Who had been rehearsing with Starkey, saying it “sounded great.” Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, responded on Instagram: “I’m so happy to be back playing the music I love with people I love. It’s good to be home.” Representatives for both parties confirmed the reunion to Variety. No new tour dates have been announced. Story URL
An all-star punk supergroup called Cretin Family honored the Ramones at a sold-out 50th anniversary tribute at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The band featured Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Rancid guitarist Tim Armstrong, and Ramones bassist CJ Ramone. Actor John Travolta introduced the show, held at the cemetery where Dee Dee Ramone is buried. The 20-song set featured guest performances from Billy Idol, Fred Armisen, and The Linda Lindas. Idol told the crowd, “We all sped up our music after we heard the Ramones. It was fu-king great.” The annual event, organized by Johnny Ramone’s widow Linda, benefits the Ellison Medical Institute for cancer research. Story URL
A two-weekend music festival honoring the late Dolly Parton has been announced for 2027 in Nashville and London. Organized by Parton’s estate, Dollyfest: The Celebration Of A Lifetime will commemorate her 60-year career. The announcement follows her death after a short battle with cancer. Originally planned for her 80th birthday in January, the event was delayed due to health setbacks. Dates and lineups are yet to be confirmed. CTK Enterprises CEO Danny Nozell stated, “What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life.” Tributes have poured in from Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Paul McCartney. Parton was privately laid to rest at Nashville’s Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum on August 30th. Story URL
Mike Judge is taking legal steps to reclaim ownership of Beavis & Butt-Head from Paramount Skydance. According to Puck News, Judge’s attorney has formally notified the studio of his intent to terminate their rights over the iconic animated characters. Under U.S. copyright law, creators may reclaim their work 35 years after its debut. Since the original Beavis & Butt-Head shorts first aired in 1992, Judge’s rights could revert as early as 2027. The timing strengthens his negotiating position, as the series has been an active Comedy Central property since its 2022 revival, with a new season currently in production. Judge is also behind the recently returned King Of The Hill, which premiered its 15th season this summer. Story URL
Following Dolly Parton’s death, two of her most beloved songs have reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40 for the first time. “Jolene” reentered the September 5-dated chart at No. 16, while “I Will Always Love You” debuted at No. 27. Both songs, written in 1974, originally peaked at No. 60 and never charted on the Hot 100, respectively. “Jolene” surged 583% in streams to 10.2 million, while “I Will Always Love You” jumped 1,128% to 6.5 million streams. Three additional Parton classics also reentered the chart: “9 to 5” at No. 18, “Islands in the Stream” at No. 26, and “Here You Come Again” at No. 44, bringing her career top 40 Hot 100 hits to 10. Story URL
Duane “Keffe D” Davis, 63, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the 1996 Las Vegas killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. Clark County prosecutors argued Davis, a former South Side Compton Crips “shotcaller,” orchestrated the drive-by shooting as revenge after Shakur attacked his nephew. Though not charged with pulling the trigger, Nevada law allows conviction for those who assist in murder. Davis is the only surviving passenger from the shooter’s vehicle. His 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend, in which he admitted involvement, helped prompt the renewed investigation. Judge Carli Kierny ordered Davis held until his October 13 sentencing. Davis indicated he plans to appeal. Shakur died six days after the shooting, aged 25. Story URL
Lionel Richie is reportedly in intensive care at a St. Louis hospital following his Saturday night performance at The Muny in Forest Park. Sources tell TMZ that Richie checked himself in after the show for precautionary testing, with doctors examining possible slight dehydration. He is hoping to be discharged Tuesday. Concertgoers noted Richie appeared to struggle near the end of the show, requesting a chair to sit while performing his closing number, “All Night Long.” This marks his second medical incident in months. In June, Richie was rushed to a hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, after feeling “dizzy” and “strange” onstage, cutting that performance short. Story URL