Metallica frontman James Hetfield announced his engagement to girlfriend Adriana Gillet following an underwater proposal while scuba diving. The couple shared the news on Instagram with a photo showing Hetfield holding a sign reading “Adriana Gillett will you marry me?” while diving together. Gillet gave a thumbs up response in the underwater shot. “The best birthday trip surprise. Swimming with whale sharks on Friday the 13th with the most unique, special and romantic proposal a Pisces could ever imagine. In a sea full of fish, we caught each other. Thank you God for putting us together,” Gillet wrote in her Instagram post. Hetfield was previously married in 1997. Story URL
Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent is offering his first album in 30 years, Guitarmageddon, for $2 million. The 10-track collection includes songs like “Heavy Metal Poontang” and “Cockteazer,” with individual tracks available for $200,000 each. Vincent, who played with KISS from 1982 to 1984, maintains approval rights over marketing plans while buyers receive master files and artwork. The purchase includes vinyl and CD packaging for each song, allowing buyers to release tracks individually or as a complete album. Vincent accepts PayPal with all sales final, warning of potential four-week shipping delays. His website claims “few left” copies remain available. Last year, Vincent sold CD singles of “Ride the Serpent” for $225, defending the price to critics on Facebook. The $2 million price matches what Martin Shkreli paid for Wu-Tang Clan’s exclusive album in 2015. Story URL
Sen. Richard Blumenthal urged 27 state attorneys general Monday to pursue breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster as their trial resumed in Manhattan. More than 30 states continue litigation despite the DOJ settling with Live Nation last week for $280 million. Blumenthal released a Senate investigation report claiming Live Nation drove up ticket prices even more than previously admitted. It alleges Ticketmaster pushed artists to use resale markets before public sales and expanded dynamic pricing by 700% between 2019 and 2022. A Morgan Wallen example showed 94% higher revenue from dynamically priced shows. Under the DOJ settlement, Live Nation will end exclusive booking agreements at 13 amphitheaters and cap fees at 15%. Blumenthal criticized the settlement as inadequate, stating it “may drive up prices and further cement Ticketmaster’s monopoly.” Story URL
The iconic digits 867-5309 from Tommy Tutone’s 1981 chart-topper now connect callers to cancer support specialists rather than the fictional Jenny. Singer Tommy Heath, 78, collaborated with Cancer Support Community and Gilda’s Club to repurpose the memorable number as a helpline. Heath, who battles minor skin cancer and has relatives fighting the disease, recognized cancer’s widespread impact. “I’m out on tour with a lot of bands and suddenly somebody’s not there,” Heath explained to PEOPLE. “Cancer is affecting us all.” Cancer Support Community CEO Sally Werner confirmed that dialing CSC-867-5309 provides “immediate support, trusted information, and personalized guidance from trained specialists.” The free service offers professional assistance to anyone affected by cancer, with Heath hoping it becomes “an enduring legacy” that brings hope. Story URL
Sebastian Bach has been performing Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock” during recent solo concerts, giving fans a preview of his upcoming role with the band. Bach performed the classic at shows in Great Falls, Montana, Minot, North Dakota, and Des Plaines, Illinois. He will front Twisted Sister’s 50th anniversary tour after Dee Snider withdrew due to health issues. Bach called Snider “one of the greatest frontmen and vocalists of all time.” (Story URL)
U.S. vinyl sales exceeded $1 billion in revenue for the first time since 1983, driven largely by Taylor Swift’s success. The Life Of A Showgirl sold 1.6 million vinyl units, the highest of any release by over 1.3 million units. She offered eight distinct versions on various colored vinyl. The RIAA reported vinyl unit sales increased 7.9% from 43.4 million to 46.8 million units, generating $1,042.9 billion in revenue. Other top vinyl sellers included Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Fleetwood Mac. While vinyl surged, CD sales dropped 11.6%. Streaming subscriptions grew 6.5% to 106.5 million accounts. Total music industry revenue reached a record $11.5 billion, up 3.1%. Story URL