Iron Maiden‘s new feature-length documentary, Burning Ambition, will receive a limited theatrical release in North America starting May 7th through Trafalgar Releasing. The film provides “unprecedented access to official band archives” and “charts five decades of one of the most iconic journeys in music history,” according to its official synopsis. Director Malcolm Venville, known for Churchill at War, helmed the project, while Dominic Freeman, who produced Spirits in the Forest – A Depeche Mode Film, served as producer. The documentary includes interviews with Iron Maiden members alongside contributors Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich, and Chuck D. The film promises “an intimate look at their uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their global army of fans.” Tickets go on sale on March 18th. The documentary release coincides with Iron Maiden’s ongoing Run For Your Lives Tour, which hits North America this summer with support acts Megadeth and Anthrax. (Consequence of Sound)
It was announced on Tuesday (Feb. 24) that Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello will join Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band for “selected songs” at all upcoming shows on the Land of Hope and Dreams U.S. arena tour. The collaboration follows their recent performance of “The Ghost of Tom Joad” at Morello’s Defend Minnesota concert in Minneapolis. “I was reminded how important our platform is, and how crucial the resistance work is that our music can do together at this dangerous historical juncture,” Morello said. The musicians previously worked together during a 2013 E Street Band tour when Morello substituted for Steve Van Zandt. Morello also contributed to Springsteen’s 2014 album, High Hopes. Springsteen told Rolling Stone in 2014 that Morello “builds on a room that hadn’t existed before” in the E Street Band. Morello rescheduled some of his May solo shows in order to accommodate the tour dates. (Rolling Stone)
Yungblud announced on Tuesday (Feb. 24) that Bludfest 2026 will expand internationally for the first time, taking place June 27 at Park 360 in Hradec Králové, Czechia. Scottish bands Biffy Clyro and Primal Scream headline the festival alongside alternative acts Palaye Royale, Destroy Lonely, Leap, Pale Waves, Jesse Jo Stark, Bambie Thug, Nieve Ella, and Czech singer Pam Rabbit. “The reaction we got from a potential announcement when I said it on stage over there was so big and so electrifying, it kind of cemented that it would be the first international Bludfest,” Yungblud said. The festival, which was launched by the 28-year-old British rock star two years ago in Milton Keynes, England, will offer on-site camping for the first time. Yungblud added, “It feels so crazy to have planted a seed two years ago in Milton Keynes that has now grown roots and expanded all the way to Czechia.” (Billboard)
Dropkick Murphys announced that they will perform a free fundraising concert in Minneapolis on March 6 honoring Alex Pretti and Renée Good, two American citizens killed by immigration agents last month. The Boston punk band will perform an acoustic set at the event dubbed “Abolish ICE: A Fundraiser For the People,” which begins at 1 p.m. at Black Forest Inn parking lot, near the memorial for the 37-year-old ICU nurse Pretti. “We are so proud of how Minnesota stood up and met this moment and we are so sad for the community and for the Pretti and Good families for what they’ve gone through,” singer Ken Casey said. “It is an honor to come down and be able to play some music for the people and let them know we stand in solidarity with them.” The livestreamed event will also feature performances by local bands, with proceeds benefitting area charities. Dropkick Murphys will play a sold-out ticketed show at St. Paul’s Palace Theatre later that same evening. (Billboard)
Sublime has signed with Atlantic Records and will release their first full-length album featuring frontman Jakob Nowell, son of the band’s late original singer Bradley Nowell. The Southern California ska punk band reunites founding members drummer Bud Gaugh and bassist Eric Wilson with Jakob Nowell for the new record due later this year. The group will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their 1996 self-titled album with sold-out shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on April 17-18, launching a year-long celebration. Their touring festival, ‘Sublime Me Gusta,’ debuts May 9 at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, Texas. The Atlantic deal follows a series of independent releases including recent singles “Feel Like That” and “Ensenada.” Gaugh said “I am beyond excited to announce this partnership with Atlantic Records and Sublime,” while Wilson added “I’m excited about our new album; it truly is an organic Sublime album.” (Variety)
Darius Rucker will embark on his “Songs of Summer Tour” across the United States beginning June 4th in Toledo, Ohio and wrapping August 1st in Indianapolis. The 20-date summer run includes stops in Bethel, Atlantic City, Gilford, Greensboro, Grand Rapids, Cincinnati, Washington D.C., Boston, Phoenix, Albuquerque, and Kansas City. A variety of opening acts will join different legs of the tour, including Old Crow Medicine Show, Robert Randolph, Evan Honer, Lauren Alaina, George Birge, and Austin Williams. General on-sales begin Friday (Feb. 27th), with VIP packages featuring premium tickets and exclusive pre-show meet and greets available. “For me, it’s not summer if we’re not playing music outdoors,” Rucker said. “When I think of the concerts I love attending, it’s the people, the hits and the hot summer air… there’s nothing that compares, so ‘Songs of Summer’ in a lot of ways is my nod to being in that moment together.” (Consequence of Sound)