Rush frontman Geddy Lee revealed a mysterious experience he believes may have been a sign from late drummer Neil Peart. Speaking with Toronto radio station Q107, Lee described how, after the tour’s opening night in Los Angeles, a bird entered his hotel room and sat on his bed. The bird closely resembled the one featured in the Fifty Something tour’s promotional artwork. “I’m not a guy who believes in all that mumbo jumbo. But it was a kind of remarkable moment,” Lee said. The bird reportedly returned as he texted guitarist Alex Lifeson about the incident. Fans reacted with a mix of heartfelt emotion and humor online. Rush’s Fifty Something tour continues through April 2027, with drummers Danny Carey, Stewart Copeland, and Chad Smith rotating throughout the run. Story URL
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard is dealing with serious health issues. The band canceled its August 5th Hollywood Bowl concert, citing “unforeseen personnel matters” and “insurmountable obstacles.” The show was set to launch their summer headlining tour, featuring support from Cheap Trick and George Thorogood & the Destroyers. Drummer Michael Monahan has stepped in and is expected to continue filling the role. Beard, a ZZ Top member since 1969, previously missed time last year due to foot and ankle issues before returning in September 2025. With Beard out and bassist Dusty Hill having passed away in 2021, Billy Gibbons is now the only original member on tour. The band’s next scheduled show is August 11th in Redmond, Washington. Story URL
Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx has declared he no longer believes in recording traditional full-length albums. In a recent podcast interview, Sixx cited the enormous effort required to produce an LP, questioning its value in today’s streaming landscape. “I know fans don’t want to hear this, but I don’t believe in making full-length records anymore at this time,” he said. Sixx prefers releasing individual songs when inspiration strikes. “Lightning strikes, something comes down… I’m gonna finish the song and then show it to the band,” he explained. He noted that five songs recorded for the 2019 film The Dirt, combined with tracks from the 2024 Cancelled EP, effectively comprise an eight-song album. The band’s most recent release featured guitarist John 5. Story URL
Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has revealed details about his upcoming solo album, expected early next year. Speaking to VSX, Dickinson confirmed the record will be a standalone project — not a sequel to his 2024 release The Mandrake Project. “I’ve got a new record coming out next year, new solo album. It’s kind of standalone. There’s one song that has a bit of something to do with Mandrake. The album is heavy as sh-t,” he said. Dickinson added that he deliberately avoids repeating himself creatively, saying he tries not to “stick too much of a format.” The Mandrake Project was his first solo album in nearly 20 years, following 2005’s Tyranny of Souls. Dickinson is also currently touring with Iron Maiden on their ongoing Run for Your Lives world tour. Story URL