Rod Stewart faced fan backlash after appearing at a World Cup game hours after canceling his California concert due to health issues. The 81-year-old singer documented his Boston trip with sons Liam, 31, and Alistair, 20, in an Instagram video Saturday. “Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup. It’s been 28 years so these kids, I’ve told them about it, but they’ve never been. I’ve been to seven World Cups,” Stewart said. Fans criticized the timing after his Chula Vista show was cancelled less than an hour before start time due to “an acute upper respiratory infection that has resulted in laryngitis.” Stewart later stated: “Following treatment, I’m feeling much better, but my voice is not. I’m very disappointed and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans.” The musician was seen celebrating Scotland’s victory over Haiti in the stadium stands. Story URL
Former Jethro Tull keyboardist and arranger Dee Palmer has died at age 88 at her home in Shropshire, surrounded by family. Band founder Ian Anderson confirmed Palmer’s death Saturday, noting she “had not been well during the last couple of years.” Born David Palmer in 1937, she first worked with Jethro Tull in 1968 as conductor and arranger on “This Was.” Palmer contributed orchestral arrangements to classic albums including “Aqualung,” “WarChild,” and “Minstrel In The Gallery” before becoming an official member in 1976. She transitioned to Dee in 2004 following her wife Maggie’s death and is survived by four children. Palmer studied at Royal Academy of Music, winning multiple prizes and becoming a Fellow in 1994. Anderson remembered her fondly as a “pipe-smoking, deep-voiced and creative co-conspirator” who shared many curries and conversations during their collaborative years. (Story URL)
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has become the highest-grossing music biopic ever, earning $911.9 million worldwide and surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody’s previous record of $910.9 million. Starring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle Michael, the Antoine Fuqua-directed film has generated $358.6 million domestically and $553.3 million internationally. The production set multiple records including largest global opening for a music biopic and highest-grossing domestic biopic of all time. Producer Graham King broke his own record, having also produced Bohemian Rhapsody. The film faced production challenges requiring $50 million in reshoots after the Jackson estate identified screenplay issues. With Japan’s release over the weekend, Michael could reach $1 billion worldwide, potentially becoming 2026’s second billion-dollar film. (Story URL)
Taylor Swift became the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame during Thursday’s ceremony at the New York Marriott Marquis. The 36-year-old artist was introduced by filmmaker Steven Spielberg and delivered a 21-minute acceptance speech. Swift called songwriting “instinctual” and “the easiest thing I ever did” throughout her career’s highs and lows. She thanked her family during the remarks. Alanis Morissette also received induction honors alongside Kenny Loggins, KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten, Graham Lyle, and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart. Swift’s parents Scott and Andrea, fiancé NFL star Travis Kelce, and future mother-in-law Donna Kelce attended the event. Singer-songwriter Sombr performed tribute covers of Swift’s “Cardigan” and “Dear John.” (Story URL)