Musicians are abandoning Trump’s Freedom 250 concert after discovering its political ties. The Great American State Fair event, planned for Washington D.C.’s National Mall on June 26th, was organized by Trump appointee Keith Krach. Morris Day of The Time called his supposed booking “a rumor” and refused participation. Young MC announced on Facebook he won’t perform, saying artists weren’t told the event was political and called it “a bait-and-switch.” The Real Milli Vanilli distanced themselves, saying others using their name are “tribute bands.” Fab Morvan, one of the two faces of the pop group who did not actually perform the songs, says he will perform.
C+C Music Factory members split—Freedom Williams supports performing despite opposing Trump, while Robert Clivillés said Williams misrepresents the group without permission. The Commodores also dropped out, saying they “choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party.” Martina McBride also dropped out, saying what she was told about the event was “misleading.” Flo Rida and Vanilla Ice are still scheduled to perform. Story URL
Rage Against The Machine co-founder Tom Morello will host the ‘Power To The People’ festival on October 3, 2026, at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. The event celebrates “peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action” with headliners including Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, and Bruce Springsteen. Additional performers include Joan Baez, Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Serj Tankian, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, and Taylor Momsen. Artist Shepard Fairey will provide artwork and DJ services. Morello announced the festival during Springsteen’s Washington D.C. concert Wednesday night. Pre-sale tickets begin today. The festival features two stages plus Freedom Village, where attendees can engage with nonprofits and advocacy groups. Proceeds will support VoteRiders and HeadCount voting organizations. Story URL
Riot Fest 2026 will feature headliners Tool, Twenty One Pilots, Pierce the Veil, and Alanis Morissette when it returns to Chicago’s Douglass Park September 18-20. The festival lineup also includes Morrissey, Iggy Pop, Pixies, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, NAS, Patti Smith & Her Band, Bad Religion, and Taking Back Sunday. Notable additions include both Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter and John Lydon’s Public Image Ltd., though their performance days remain unannounced. Other acts include GWAR, Insane Clown Posse, Bright Eyes, Social Distortion, and Afroman following his recent legal victory. Three-day general admission passes cost $339.98, VIP passes $449.98, and Deluxe passes with open bar perks $959.98. Story URL