Steve Perry dismissed rumors Thursday night about rejoining Journey for their final tour. The former lead singer issued a statement saying “the rumors about me rejoining the band are simply not true, and I want to gently put them to rest.” This follows comments from keyboardist Jonathan Cain, who claimed guitarist Neal Schon had been discussing the possibility with Perry and that Perry “didn’t say no.” Perry acknowledged fan hopes for a reunion, stating “I completely understand why people would hope for that. The music we created together means a great deal to me too.” However, he emphasized his focus on new creative work and music reflecting his current artistic direction. Journey’s upcoming tour will feature Cain, Schon, singer Arnel Pineda, keyboardist Jason Derlatka, drummer Deen Castronovo, and bassist Todd Jensen. Story URL
Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst has offered to provide vocals for an upcoming Van Halen album containing unfinished songs by the late Eddie Van Halen. The 55-year-old musician responded “Let’s go!! I’m ready” on X after seeing reports about the project. Alex Van Halen is collaborating with Toto guitarist Steve Lukather to complete the album, which features Alex on drums, Eddie’s guitar work, and Wolfgang Van Halen on bass. The band initially approached Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers to sing on the project, but he was unavailable. Alex explained his vocalist requirements: “Music is not so much about music as it is about people having a shared experience. I’m 72. We gotta find somebody in that age group who was exposed to the same musical experience that we have. Otherwise, it doesn’t have the depth.” Durst will perform with Limp Bizkit at a series of music festivals this summer, including Inkcarceration, Rock Fest, and Creed‘s Summer of ’99 and Beyond. (Consequence of Sound)
Queen will release Queen II Reimagined: Deluxe Collector’s Edition on March 27, featuring new mixes and previously unreleased outtakes from their 1974 sophomore album, along with rare live recordings from the era. The five-disc collection includes a new remix by engineers Justin Shirley-Smith, Joshua J. Macrae, and Kris Fredriksson, plus alternate sessions from Trident Studios and BBC recordings with John Peel and Bob Harris. Notable unreleased tracks include guitarist Brian May‘s 1969 demo “As It Began,” drummer Roger Taylor’s two demos for “Loser in the End,” and the unfinished Christmas song, “Not for Sale (Polar Bear).” “Queen II was the single biggest leap we ever made,” May shared in a statement. “That’s when we really started making music the way we wanted to, rather than the way we were being pushed into recording it.” The box set also features live concert recordings from 1974-1975, and a 112-page book featuring outtakes from photographer Mick Rock‘s iconic cover shoot, special memorabilia, and the band’s memories about writing and recording the album. (Rolling Stone)
On Thursday (Feb. 19), Foo Fighters announced the details of their 12th studio album, Your Favorite Toy, which will be released on April 24 via Roswell Records/RCA Records. The band also released the project’s title track on streaming services, along with an animated lyric video. The 10-track collection marks the band’s first album with new drummer Ilan Rubin, and includes the previously released single “Asking for a Friend.” Dave Grohl called the title track “the key that unlocked the tone and energetic direction of the new album,” explaining that they “stumbled upon it after experimenting with different sounds and dynamics for over a year.” The band recorded the album at home along with co-producer Oliver Roman. Following headlining appearances at Welcome to Rockville and BottleRock Napa Valley in May, Foo Fighters launch their North American stadium tour with Queens of the Stone Age on August 4 in Toronto, with live dates running through September. (Rolling Stone)
William Shatner will release an album featuring “35 handpicked metal icons” later this year via Cleopatra Records. The 94-year-old Star Trek actor plans to cover Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden alongside original material written by his collaborators. The project began after Shatner recorded a spoken-word intro for metal supergroup Nuclear Messiah, led by former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland. “When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked,” Shatner said. “It wasn’t just a track — it was a doorway. It made me want to go all the way in, bring in the best metal players I could find, and create something fearless.” Album details including title, tracklist and release date will be announced soon. “I’ve spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction,” Shatner added. “Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal.” (Consequence of Sound)
Jelly Roll will become an official Grand Ole Opry member on March 10, inducted by his friend and collaborator Lainey Wilson. The ceremony will feature performances by Craig Morgan, Leanne Morgan, Ernest, and others. Morgan initially extended the Opry invitation through a video message during Jelly Roll’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Jelly Roll debuted at the Opry on November 9, 2021, and has performed there multiple times since. He credits a life-changing moment watching Morgan perform “Almost Home” from the audience after his release from prison. The 41-year-old country star recently swept his 2026 Grammy nominations, winning Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken, Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” with Shaboozey, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Brandon Lake. The Opry continues its 100th anniversary celebration with upcoming Carnegie Hall performances and special tribute shows scheduled throughout 2026. (Variety)
Joanne Julkowski filed a lawsuit against Donny Osmond after being struck by a lighted ball during his February 15, 2024 concert at Harrah’s Las Vegas. The lawsuit, filed in Nevada’s Clark County, alleges Julkowski “sustained serious injuries, including a traumatic retinal eye injury to her right eye with retinal detachment requiring surgical intervention and resulting visual impairment, as well as associated head and neck injuries.” She claims the oversized illuminated balls were “designed and intended to be thrown or propelled through the audience” in the dimly lit venue without adequate safety warnings. The incident allegedly caused severe emotional distress, including “psychological trauma, fear, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of joy in life.” Julkowski seeks $15,000 in medical expenses, lost wages, and punitive damages from Osmond, the venue, and related companies. Story URL