David Clayton-Thomas, iconic lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, died peacefully Wednesday evening at a Toronto hospital. He was 84. No cause of death was given. The Canadian singer and songwriter became a household name in the late 1960s, fronting the brass-driven rock group through three consecutive No. 2 Billboard hits in 1969, including his signature composition “Spinning Wheel.” The band won two Grammy Awards in 1970, including Best Album. Clayton-Thomas left the group in 1972 but returned periodically, continuing to perform and record solo albums throughout his career. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and earned a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2010. He is survived by daughters Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham. A memorial concert benefiting Peacebuilders Canada will be announced. Story URL
HBO has announced Jay-Z In 8, an eight-part documentary series featuring Jay-Z in conversation with legendary producer Rick Rubin. Rubin will direct and interview the rapper about his music, lyrics, life experiences, and creative process. The two previously collaborated on Jay-Z’s 2003 hit “99 Problems” from The Black Album. The series debuts this fall. The announcement coincides with Jay-Z celebrating the 30th and 25th anniversaries of Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, respectively. He is set to headline three nights at Yankee Stadium in July and has additional concerts planned in Paris and Los Angeles in the fall. Story URL
Billy Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens were inducted into the Hollywood Rockwalk on June 23 during a ceremony at Guitar Center’s Hollywood flagship on Sunset Boulevard. Hosted by radio personality Richard Blade, the event included a handprint ceremony outside the store. The duo joins over 150 honored artists, including Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, and Eric Clapton. “It’s great to be honored together by Guitar Center on the Rockwalk,” said Idol. Stevens called the honor “a testament to over 45 years of great laughs, great songs, and a great friendship.” The Rockwalk, founded in 1985, resumed in 2024 after a pandemic-era hiatus. On November 14, Idol and Stevens will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. Story URL
Neil Young has released a surprise concert film titled Corduroy Plants, now streaming on the Neil Young Archives website. The 11-song, one-hour film was directed by his wife, Daryl Hannah, and incorporates news coverage of historic and recent events. It accompanies his live album As Time Explodes, recorded with The Chrome Hearts during 2025 and spanning his entire career, including “Ohio” and the new track “Big Crime.” Young also confirmed a second studio album with the Chrome Hearts, titled Second Song, recorded simultaneously in both analog and digital formats. He described analog sound as “as deep as life” and digital as “the highest quality counterfeit copy.” Additionally, Young revealed his Archives Volume 4 box set, covering 1987–2004, is nearing completion. Story URL
Lionel Richie has postponed two tour dates after falling ill during the opening night of his “Sing A Song All Night Long” tour with Earth, Wind & Fire in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The 77-year-old told the audience he was feeling dizzy and exited the stage nearly an hour into the show. Doctors advised Richie to rest and recover. His Friday, June 26 Chicago show and Saturday, June 27 Columbus, Ohio date are postponed. Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire are expected to return to the stage June 30 in Pittsburgh. Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris said Richie was “a little dehydrated.” Rescheduled dates will be announced soon. Story URL