Queen’s legendary 1986 Budapest concert — the band’s last filmed performance with Freddie Mercury — is coming to IMAX screens this October. Queen Budapest opens October 7 at more than 2,000 cinemas worldwide. The show took place July 27, 1986, at Budapest’s Népstadion before a reported 80,000 ticketholders, with an estimated 45,000 more listening outside. The 25-song set included “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “We Are the Champions.” Originally shot on 35mm, the footage has been restored to 4K at Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post Production facility in New Zealand. Screenings will include a new interview with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor. A Blu-ray, DVD, CD, and triple-LP release follows October 30. Mercury passed away in 1991. Story URL
The Beatles have unveiled “Day Tripper (Songwriting Work Tape),” an early version of the classic track set to appear on an upcoming expanded Rubber Soul reissue. The recording captures Paul McCartney and John Lennon working through the song at Lennon’s Weybridge, Surrey home, with the pair audibly laughing as they build upon “an old folk song” Lennon had written a month earlier. The full band later completed “Day Tripper” during a single eight-hour studio session. This marks the second preview of the reissue, following last month’s release of “Michelle (Take 1).” The expanded collection arrives October 2nd and features 24 early session recordings, including 20 previously unreleased takes and three previously unreleased home demos. Pre-orders are currently available. Story URL
Boston will release a 50th anniversary edition of their 1976 self-titled debut album in the second quarter of 2027, featuring previously unreleased “lost demos.” Impex Records is producing the reissue in close collaboration with guitarist and founder Tom Scholz, who personally supervised the project. Scholz and Boston guitarist Gary Pihl restored and remastered the original demos from Scholz’s personal archive — recordings he once shopped to labels before signing with Epic Records. The reissue will also include a new exclusive interview with Scholz and rare photography. The debut album has sold over 20 million copies and has surpassed two billion streams. The announcement coincided with the album’s 50th release anniversary on August 25th. Story URL
The Grand Ole Opry will honor Dolly Parton during its Saturday, August 29 show, following the country legend’s passing. Grammy winner Carly Pearce, who launched her career at Parton’s Dollywood theme park, will headline the tribute alongside Channing Wilson, Belle Frantz, Kathy Mattea, Molly Tuttle, Dan Tyminski, T. Graham Brown, and the Opry Square Dancers. Parton became an Opry member in 1969. “For more than 50 years as an Opry member, she used her talent and success to bring sheer joy to millions,” said Opry Senior VP Dan Rogers. The show airs on WSM-AM, wsmonline.com, opry.com, and SiriusXM channel 58. Story URL
Barry Manilow, 83, is stepping back from his Las Vegas residency after a grueling summer run. The legendary singer announced via Instagram on August 25 that he is canceling shows scheduled for the weekends of August 27-29 and September 17-26 at the International Theater at Westgate Las Vegas. “We just finished a fantastic summer tour. 29 shows in 68 days,” Manilow wrote, adding, “it seems that we were pushing a little too hard.” The break follows last week’s last-minute cancellations due to reported “technical and vocal problems.” Manilow, who underwent surgery for stage 1 lung cancer in December, assured fans he plans to return October 8. “When I’ll be singing like a bird,” he wrote. New Westgate dates will be announced next week. Story URL