David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen are reuniting for the first time since 2015 — but not for a concert. The pair will appear together at a TEDxFargo event, moderated by painter Robert Vargas, at Brewhalla in Fargo, North Dakota. Originally planned as a Vargas and Van Halen conversation, Roth joined after canceling a run of tour dates. The event will be filmed and posted on YouTube and TEDxFargo platforms for public viewing. Topics remain unconfirmed, though Alex Van Halen’s recent memoir notably excluded the Sammy Hagar era. Roth recently reflected on Van Halen’s music during a surprise Coachella appearance with Teddy Swims. “Our stuff is like West Side Story,” Roth said. “You can play it on a ukulele… each variegated rendition reveals a different kind of emotional content.” Story URL
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament is releasing a personal photo book titled Since Forever on September 25th, available at independent bookstores and the band’s website. The hardcover volume features over 250 black-and-white photographs, with 90% never previously published, offering an intimate look at Pearl Jam’s early 1990s years. Backstage, in-studio, and candid shots are paired with Ament’s personal reflections. “If there was a goal, it was mostly to save the failing 30-year-old negatives,” Ament said, adding the project was a collaborative effort with his brother Barry. Ament and his brother will discuss the book at Pearl Jam’s Ohana Festival, where the band will also debut their new “mystery” drummer. Pre-orders are available now at Pearl Jam’s website. Story URL
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello has announced his first solo rock album, Everyone Gets Everything They Want, due September 25. Alongside the announcement, Morello released “Date Night,” a new track honoring three young women who seduced and assassinated Nazi officers during World War II. Morello’s teenage son Roman contributes guitar on the track. “I make anti-fascist songs for anti-fascists. And I make anti-Nazi songs for anti-Nazis,” Morello said. “If any of that offends you, do the math.” Five album tracks feature Roman as a cowriter, with Serj Tankian and Kneecap also appearing. The album also includes previously released tracks “Adjourn It,” “Everything Burns,” and “Soldier in the Army of Love.” Story URL
Willie Nelson has published an open letter calling on communities to resist data centers, posting it to social media on July 28th. Nelson wrote, “Our community, like many others, needs to fight against data centers invading our land. The last thing we need is a loud, water thieving, light polluting, data center anywhere near our town.” The Farm Aid founder argued that rural America’s strength comes from “generations of people, open spaces, local businesses, and a connection to the land.” He warned, “Whoever controls food and water, controls the masses.” Texas Governor Gregg Abbott has also recently called for blocking data centers in rural areas of the state. Story URL