Smashing Pumpkins will embark on a major North American arena tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their 1995 double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The “Rats in a Cage Tour” runs from September 30 in Columbus, Ohio through November 12 in Los Angeles. Each show features two sets: the first exclusively performs “Mellon Collie” songs in a theatrical setting, while the second draws from their entire catalog. Billy Corgan stated: “Staging a Mellon Collie-themed show is something we’ve discussed for over a decade, and finally the stars have aligned.” Ticket pre-sales begin May 19, with general sales starting May 21. Before the tour, Corgan will perform solo European shows with a 60-piece orchestra, following successful Chicago performances last November. (Story URL)
Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5 firmly rejected rumors that band members use backing tracks during live performances. “Everybody plays everything,” John 5 told the Thinking About Guitar podcast. He emphasized that bassist Nikki Sixx “is playing every note up there” and “messes up” audibly on stage. The guitarist acknowledged some pre-recorded elements like backup vocals, sirens, and intros but insisted all musical instruments are performed live. “We work really hard, and the live tracks sound great,” John 5 said. His comments address ongoing controversy stemming from former guitarist Mick Mars’s lawsuit claims that Sixx “did not play a single note on bass” during their 2022 stadium tour. John 5 has toured with Mötley Crüe for over three years after replacing Mars, who retired from touring due to health issues. (Story URL)
Six prominent LGBTQ+ figures will receive Elton John Impact Awards through a podcast series launching June 1st. Honorees include musicians Chappell Roan, Orville Peck and Melissa Etheridge, actors Jonathan Bailey and Laverne Cox, plus tennis legend Billie Jean King. Billy Porter and Elvis Duran will host the show featuring conversations with Elton John and husband David Furnish. “These conversations bring together the people who have shaped LGBTQ+ culture and fought for dignity,” John stated. Dove Cameron will perform John’s “Your Song.” The awards recognize outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Funds will support organizations including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, GLAAD, and The Trevor Project. The original award debuted in 2022 with John as the first recipient. The Can’t Cancel Pride initiative has raised over $17 million for LGBTQ+ nonprofits across five years. (Story URL)
Minneapolis will host a five-day Prince celebration from June 3-7, 2026, marking ten years since the music icon’s death. The festival centers around Paisley Park and downtown Minneapolis venues, featuring reunions of Prince’s bands The Revolution and The New Power Generation. Headliners include Chaka Khan, Morris Day, Miguel, Tevin Campbell, Bilal, and Sounds of Blackness. Special guests Bootsy Collins, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis will participate in panel discussions. The main concert occurs June 5 at The Armory, while Chaka Khan performs June 3 at First Avenue. Former manager L. Londell McMillan stated: “This year’s Celebration honors Prince’s extraordinary musical genius yet more importantly, it honors his spirit, humanity, and love that defined his life.” Events include unreleased music presentations, archival concert footage, and a free block party at the downtown Prince mural. (Story URL)