StubHub has reportedly spent nearly $6.2 million lobbying in California between April and June, in an effort to block proposed ticket resale price limits. State filings reveal the spending came as lawmakers consider the California Fans First Act, which would cap resale prices at 10% above face value for independent venues holding 3,000 or fewer. The bill, backed by the Music Artists Coalition, the National Independent Venue Association, and Live Nation, has passed the California Assembly and now heads to the state Senate. StubHub and SeatGeek oppose it, arguing restrictions on the secondary market alone won’t lower prices. “We believe that more choice, flexibility and access put fans first,” StubHub said in a statement. Story URL
The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers revealed he considers Vampire Weekend to friendly rivals of his band, alongside The Strokes. Speaking on Anthony Mason’s Alchemy podcast to promote his upcoming solo album THRASHER, Flowers said, “I have a little bit of competition in me… I’m always aware of when Vampire Weekend are putting something out.” He added that he “love[s] Ezra” Koenig and noted the two bands share producer Ariel Rechtshaid. Flowers previously told NME that Vampire Weekend’s Father of the Bride pushed The Killers to elevate Imploding the Mirage. He also recalled how The Strokes’ Is This It nearly crushed his confidence before “Mr. Brightside.” THRASHER, Flowers’ first solo album in 11 years, arrives August 21st. His North American tour begins September 1st in Phoenix. Story URL
Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme introduced Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl to Bass Pro Shops during a break from their joint North American stadium tour. Homme posted a video of Grohl exploring the store like an excited kid, marveling at fishing, hunting, and camping merchandise. Grohl grew particularly enthusiastic over a camping wok and a waterproof outdoor speaker, which he appeared to purchase. Homme, meanwhile, tried on an alligator hat and laughed throughout the outing. In one memorable exchange, Homme asked Grohl if he’d ever tried turtle milk. Grohl replied, “No, the nipples are too small!” The two bands’ joint tour continues through a September 26th show in Las Vegas. Story URL
An Avenged Sevenfold fan named Zakk went viral after frontman M. Shadows pulled him onstage during a Montreal concert August 8th. The moment occurred during “Unholy Confessions,” the second-to-last song of the band’s 12-song set. Shadows spotted Zakk holding a sign at the front of the crowd and grabbed his hand, pulling him up to the stage before immediately handing over the microphone. Zakk delivered powerful screams while prancing across the stage as Shadows smiled and sang backing vocals. Shadows then led the crowd in cheering for the fan before hugging him and directing security to help him return to the pit. “Great fu-king job, motherfu-ker! That was awesome,” Shadows said afterward. The band continues their co-headlining tour with Good Charlotte. Story URL
Hollywood Vampires kicked off their 2026 tour Wednesday at London’s O2 Arena — their first show in over three years. The supergroup, featuring Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, Tommy Henriksen, and Johnny Depp, opened with their 2019 single “I Want My Now” before tearing through rock classics including AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” the Who’s “Baba O’Riley,” and Aerosmith’s “Livin’ on the Edge.” The night’s standout moment came when Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood joined the band for “Brown Sugar” and “Train Kept A-Rollin’.” Wood previously appeared with the group at the same venue in 2023, honoring the late Jeff Beck. The tour continues across the U.K. and Europe, concluding September 10th in Lodz, Poland. Story URL