Latest Stories

The music industry just witnessed one of its most monumental catalog deals to date. Iron Maiden has officially sold a 50% stake in their publishing, master music rights, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights to Swedish entertainment powerhouse Pophouse Entertainment. While the financial specifics remain undisclosed, the structure is clear: Pophouse now co-owns the band's complete master recordings, publishing catalog, NIL rights, and — crucially — the rights to Eddie, Iron Maiden's legendary zombie mascot. Global music company BMG will retain its existing stake in the catalog, which it has managed since 2013.

Pophouse Entertainment — co-founded by ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus — is not a traditional music publisher. They are pioneers of immersive entertainment, famous for orchestrating the hugely successful ABBA Voyage avatar concert in London. Their portfolio also includes major stakes in KISS, Cyndi Lauper, and Tina Turner. By partnering with Pophouse, Iron Maiden ensures their highly theatrical, visual world will transition seamlessly into modern media formats.

Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood and Pophouse CEO Jessica Koravos have made it clear this venture is all about "world-building." Production has already commenced on a major documentary and cinematic project following the band on their "Run for Your Lives" world tour. The partnership will also launch the "Infinite Dreams" museum — a physical, interactive experience tracking 50 years of Iron Maiden history. And because Eddie is one of the most recognizable mascots in rock history, Pophouse plans to build an expansive interactive digital universe around him, with immersive horror-themed storytelling and tech-driven narrative experiences.

Iron Maiden has spent five decades commanding global stages with unmatched energy and theatricality. By retaining 50% control while plugging into Pophouse's cutting-edge digital infrastructure, the band is securing their legacy for the next generation of metalheads. Iron Maiden isn't fading away — they are becoming immortal.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has a clear message for musicians who use the stage as a soapbox: Don't. In a recent interview, the rock icon explained why he firmly opposes giving audiences a political lecture during live performances — a philosophy that offers a stark contrast to today's highly polarized entertainment landscape.

For Jagger, a live music performance serves a specific purpose. It is a sanctuary from the stress of everyday life, not an extension of the 24-hour news cycle. He compares a rock concert to a football match — fans attend to cheer, release tension, and be entertained. Audiences spend hard-earned money to hear classic hits, and Jagger believes lecturing them from a position of privilege alienates people who just want to dance. Leaving politics at the door allows a diverse crowd of thousands to share a singular, joyful experience.

Choosing not to preach on stage does not mean Jagger is apolitical. He simply believes that political commentary belongs in the art, not in a speech. On the Rolling Stones' studio album Foreign Tongues, Jagger addresses societal anxiety through what he calls the "one-verse" trick. "Nobody wants to hear a whole song about politics," he says. Instead of writing heavy-handed protest anthems, he drops brief, sharp observations into songs that are otherwise about personal relationships. The track "Ringing Hollow" subtly critiques the decline of empires and modern political figures — but within the groove of the music, inviting reflection rather than demanding compliance.

Jagger's stance highlights a fascinating cultural divide among rock royalty. Artists like Bruce Springsteen use their massive platform to openly condemn political administrations and endorse candidates mid-show. Jagger views himself strictly as a vessel for joy and escapism, keeping a calculated distance from partisan endorsements. In a world that is constantly pulling people apart, his stage remains a place where everyone can still gather to get some satisfaction.

At 95 years old, William Shatner is set to release a heavy metal album featuring an all-star roster of 35 hand-picked hard rock and metal musicians, handled by Cleopatra Records. While no official title or release date has been locked in, the project will feature a mix of original tracks and heavy metal covers. Shatner announced the project with the bold mission statement: "I've explored space, I've explored time. Now I explore distortion."

The LP is packed with guest appearances including rock icons Henry Rollins, Zakk Wylde, and Dave Lombardo, among many others across the 35-musician roster.

Shatner will make his first-ever concert appearance for the album at Riot Fest in Chicago, IL, the weekend of September 18, 2026. The performance is billed as an immersive rock spectacle — part concert, part theatrical event. He will be backed by a powerhouse live band: Marcus Nand (Mike Tramp, Candice Night) on guitar and serving as Musical Director, Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol) on bass, Britt Lightning (Vixen) on guitar, and Fred Aching (Kings of Thrash) on drums.

For updates on the album release or to grab passes for the live performance, check out the official Cleopatra Records news page or the Riot Fest site.

Carlos Santana officially expanded his long-running Las Vegas residency by adding eight new performance dates for November 2026. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist will bring his iconic show, "An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live," back to the House of Blues Las Vegas inside the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Driven by massive fan demand, this extension marks the 14th year of his highly successful residency at the intimate Sin City venue.

The freshly added shows are packed tightly into the first half of November, all beginning at 8:00 PM PT: November 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, and 15. These shows follow a previously announced block of September dates (September 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, and 27), which are currently on sale.

General public ticket sales for the November block opened on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT. Given the intimate nature of the House of Blues venue, remaining tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the official Santana tour page.

The residency expansion comes amid an extraordinarily busy year for Santana. He is currently on the road for the North American Oneness Tour, a co-headlining summer trek alongside The Doobie Brothers running through August 27, 2026. He recently received the Recording Academy's 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, and can be heard on "The Message Is Love," the lead single from the upcoming album Coherence by his wife and bandmate Cindy Blackman Santana.