MTV will honor Nirvana with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2026 VMAs on September 27th, airing on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. The band marks the first rock act to receive the honor since Duran Duran in 2003. Nirvana shares a storied history with the VMAs, notably performing in 1992 where they teased “Rape Me” before launching into “Lithium.” That same night saw a famous backstage confrontation between Kurt Cobain and Axl Rose. Surviving members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic appeared at the 1994 ceremony following Cobain’s death. Whether Grohl or Novoselic will attend remains unclear. Grohl’s band, Foo Fighters, have a Las Vegas concert scheduled the night before but are free on September 27th. Story URL
Billy Joel says performing live concerts was “causing damage to my brain nerves,” comparing each show to suffering a concussion. The rock legend revealed this in a new interview, more than a year after announcing he had normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). His last full concert was February 22, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, where he fell onstage during “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.” Joel initially resisted having a shunt surgically implanted to drain excess brain fluid but eventually agreed. “My memory got better, my balance got a little better,” he said. Despite uncertainty about returning to performing, Joel reassured fans: “Don’t worry about me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m still here.” Story URL
Before his death in January at age 78, Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir was developing a psychedelic rock opera intended for both the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway. Nashville songwriter Aaron Raitiere revealed the project on Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast, saying Weir recruited him, J.D. Souther, Rival Sons singer Jay Buchanan, and producer Dave Cobb to help craft the musical. Inspired by mythologist Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey, the group completed five or six tracks recorded at RCA Studio A in Nashville, with as many as 17 more in progress. “We’ve got hours and hours of recordings just sitting around,” Raitiere said. The Grammy-winning songwriter says he hopes the material is eventually released. Story URL
A previously unreleased 1974 Van Halen demo will be packaged with Alex Van Halen’s upcoming memoir, simply titled Van Halen. The limited-edition release will include a 7-inch vinyl picture disc featuring “Glitter,” recorded in 1974 with original bassist Mark Stone before Michael Anthony joined the band. Only 1,500 signed copies will be available in a clamshell box. The 312-page book draws from Alex’s private archives, tracing the brothers’ journey from Holland to Pasadena backyard parties, the Sunset Strip, and their landmark 1978 debut album. Bonus souvenirs include a key ring, replica guitar picks, and postcards. The Collector edition is priced at $525. Story URL
Dolly Parton’s Life Of Many Colors Museum opens September 29 inside her SongTeller Hotel in Nashville. Spanning the hotel’s entire third floor, the museum features rarely seen personal items, interactive exhibits, and a recreation of the small Smoky Mountain cabin where Parton grew up. Using previously filmed footage, Parton herself will guide visitors through the experience. The SongTeller Hotel, created in partnership with Herschend, includes 245 rooms, a café, and two live entertainment venues. Entertainment programming begins September 14, with Parton’s cousin Richie Owens performing September 16 and niece Jada Star launching a twice-weekly residency starting September 17. Museum tickets go on sale September 29. A newly-released floor plan offers fans an early glimpse of the layout ahead of opening day. Story URL