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  • Jonny Fritz on Music Business Economics and Living By the Rider

    Country singer Jonny Fritz talks about how Mercedes Sprinters have evolved over the years, shares the advice he got early in his career, and how he learned that confusing an audience was almost better than pleasing them.
  • Mirrortalk Sign To Hassle Records, Share Huge New Track ‘Circle The Drain’

    Mirrortalk are the latest band to join the Hassle Records family, and they have released a new track to show exactly why their ears pricked up.


    The band had this to say about teaming up with the label. stating, “We’re absolutely buzzing to announce that we’ve been signed by Hassle Records. Their roster and work speaks for itself, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear the music we’re going to put out together. The tunes they’ve put out have touched so many people, including ourselves, so to be a part of it is amazing.”

    And that track is ‘Circle The Drain’, a deep, dark and devastating piece of alt-rock brilliance. Brimming with vintage chords and glazed with as much hardcore intensity as post-hardcore complexity, it’s the sort of song that demands attention. A wonderful way to kick off what is sure to be a fantastic chapter for the band.

    They had this to say about the track’s meaning, explaining, “‘Circle The Drain’ is about accepting your issues, and trying to face them with the person you love. Warning them of the challenge ahead, but pleading with them to join you.”


    It’s the band’s first release of 2026, picking up where they left off last year with standalone single ‘disgrace’.

    That sounds a lot like this:

    The post Mirrortalk Sign To Hassle Records, Share Huge New Track ‘Circle The Drain’ appeared first on Rock Sound.

  • How Would Neil Peart Feel About the Rush Reunion?

    Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson discuss their late bandmate as well as the upcoming tour. Continue reading…
  • Kid Rock Video Triggers US Army Investigation — “Appropriate Action Will Be Taken”

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    Is Kid Rock Being Investigated By The US Army After The Helicopter Video?

    Yes — the US Army has launched an official administrative review into the Apache helicopter flyby seen in Kid Rock’s video to determine if any regulations were violated.

    TL;DR

    • Kid Rock posted a video showing Apache helicopters near his Nashville home
    • The US Army confirmed it is investigating the incident
    • Officials say “appropriate action will be taken” if rules were broken
    • The situation is now drawing attention far beyond music circles

    This escalated fast — what started as a viral Kid Rock clip is now drawing direct scrutiny from the US Army.

    Now this isn’t just another celebrity social media post that went viral. When the U.S. Army starts using language like “Appropriate Action Will Be Taken”, it takes things to a whole different level of seriousness.

    Right now, this is exactly the kind of story that can spiral fast — politically, culturally, and inside the music world.

    What Actually Happened In The Helicopter Video

    Kid Rock — real name Robert Ritchie — posted a video on March 28 showing two AH-64 Apache helicopters hovering near his Nashville property, which he’s famously dubbed the “Southern White House.”

    In the clip, he’s seen poolside, applauding and saluting as one helicopter appears to face toward his home, while another passes behind it moments later.

    He captioned the post with a politically charged message, taking a shot at California Governor Gavin Newsom while praising the military.

    That post alone was enough to get attention.

    The military response took it to another level entirely.

     

    The US Army’s Response Changes The Tone

    The 101st Airborne Division, based out of Fort Campbell, confirmed they are aware of the footage and have initiated an investigation.

    Major Jonathan Bless stated: “Fort Campbell leadership is aware of a video circulating on social media depicting AH-64 Apache helicopters operating in the vicinity of a private residence associated with Mr. Robert Ritchie (also known as ‘Kid Rock’). The command has initiated an investigation to review the circumstances surrounding this activity,” he continued. ” “The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell maintain strict standards for aviation safety, professionalism, and adherence to established flight regulations. We take all concerns regarding aircraft operations and their impact on the surrounding community seriously.”

    A second statement from Army spokesperson Major Montrell Russell added even more weight, stating the review will assess whether the operation followed proper regulations and airspace requirements — and made it clear that “appropriate action will be taken” if violations are found.

    That’s not just casual wording.

    That’s the kind of language used when consequences are absolutely on the table.

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    Where This Starts To Get Complicated

    Military aircraft don’t just hover over private homes for entertainment.

    There are strict protocols, flight paths, and operational justifications required — especially for something as visible as Apache helicopters.

    If this turns out to be:

    • Unauthorized
    • Improperly coordinated
    • Or used for non-official purposes

    …it becomes a serious issue internally for the Army.

    And publicly, it raises questions about:

    • Celebrity influence
    • Military optics
    • Political messaging tied to active service members

    This is where the story shifts from “Kid Rock being Kid Rock” into something much bigger.

    The Political Angle Is Fueling The Reaction

    Kid Rock has built his modern public persona around outspoken political views, particularly aligned with Donald Trump.

    That context is part of why this video — and the Army’s involvement — is getting amplified.

    When you mix:

    • Military imagery
    • Political messaging
    • A high-profile celebrity

    …it stops being just a viral moment.

    It becomes a flashpoint.

    Check This Out – Kid Rock Makes Billboard History With First No. 1 On Hot Christian Songs Chart

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    What Happens Next

    Right now, the investigation is ongoing, and the Army has made it clear there will be no further comment until it’s complete.

    That means one of two outcomes is coming:

    • No violation found → story fades quickly
    • Violation confirmed → disciplinary or administrative consequences follow

    Either way, the phrase “appropriate action will be taken” suggests this isn’t being brushed off.

    And if anything comes out of this review, it’s going to hit headlines fast.

    Oh and by the way, fans interested in catching Kid Rock live in 2026 can find tickets here.

    FAQ

    Why is the US Army investigating Kid Rock’s video?

    Because it shows Apache helicopters operating near a private residence, which must comply with strict military regulations.

    Did Kid Rock do anything illegal?

    There’s no indication of wrongdoing by Kid Rock himself — the investigation is focused on the military operation.

    What does “appropriate action will be taken” mean?

    It means the Army may take disciplinary or corrective action if any rules or procedures were violated.

    Where did this happen?

    Near Kid Rock’s Nashville-area home, known as the “Southern White House.”

    Kid Rock Bio

    Kid Rock, born Robert Ritchie, is an American musician known for blending rock, country, and hip-hop influences. Rising to fame with Devil Without A Cause in 1998, he became a multi-platinum artist with hits like “Bawitdaba” and “All Summer Long.” In recent years, he’s remained a polarizing figure due to his outspoken political views and public persona as the “American Bad Ass.”

    The post Kid Rock Video Triggers US Army Investigation — “Appropriate Action Will Be Taken” appeared first on Loaded Radio.

  • Heavy Listening At Big Ears

    I didn’t see Dave Lombardo play at Big Ears. When I was figuring out a way to get myself to Knoxville for the city’s annual modern and experimental music festival, the former Slayer drummer’s appearances with a pair of different John Zorn projects figured heavily into my thinking. I decided that I’d go down to Tennessee to listen to heavy music, wherever I could find it, and the guy who played on Reign In Blood seemed like a pretty good place to start. The first Zorn/Lombardo combo, Awakening Ground, was set to perform at midnight of an already long Friday, so I decided I’d see Cobra the following day at noon. No luck — I pulled up about 45 minutes early, but the line was already wrapped around the building, and parking on that side of downtown was scarce and expensive. I gave up, made it to Haley Heynderickx’s 12 o’clock set with time to spare, and started writing this paragraph in my head.

    The post Heavy Listening At Big Ears appeared first on Stereogum.

  • David Byrne Gives Super-Theatrical Performance & Reunites With John Mulaney On Colbert

    Have you seen David Byrne on his current tour? I have. It’s something to see. I’d never seen Byrne live before last year, though I’d crushed a whole lot of film of his performances over the decades. Byrne’s current live show is a truly staggering ensemble act. There’s nothing stationary. Everyone keeps moving, and everyone has headset mics. The backup singers are also dancers, and Byrne and the musicians do choreography with them. The drummers all have marching-band rigs. The whole stage is a screen, with different song-appropriate footage absolutely surrounding the performers. The tour comes to theaters that would usually host touring musicals. When they do Talking Heads songs, I felt my soul levitating. Last night’s episode of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show had a version of that live show, with that ensemble.

    The post David Byrne Gives Super-Theatrical Performance & Reunites With John Mulaney On <em>Colbert</em> appeared first on Stereogum.

  • DS Gallery: The Hives and The Chats strike Chicago’s Salt Shed (3/26/26)

    Swedish garage punk band The Hives just finished a brief US East Coast tour, with their last stop at Chicago’s Salt Shed on March 26th. Joining them are Australian punk sensations The Chats!


    With their cheeky, rowdy, and highly-infectious energy, The Chats popped off the night with hits “Identity Theft“, “6L GTR“, and “Struck by Lightning“.

    The Australian “shed rockers” can be appreciated by fans of all ages with their old school punk rock sound reminiscent to being in high school again.

    A surprise appearance was made tonight by Sarah Greenwell of Rhode Island punk band Gymshorts for a cover of their song “Heaps of New York“.



    The Hives prove to be an essential part of rock and roll history, providing the standard of what a live show should be; intense, theatrical, engaging, a blast to your face non-stop energetic party that gives you the post-concert blues when it is over. This sold-out night at The Salt Shed was exactly that, leaving fans begging for more.


    They released their seventh studio album The Hives Forever Forever the Hives on August 29th, 2025 via Play It Again Sam, and still have remaining festival dates this summer. Don’t miss out!



    Check out all the fun below!



  • Crystal Lake Have Parted Ways With Vocalist John Robert Centorrino

    Crystal Lake have announced that in hopes of creating a “healthier balance in his life and music career”, they are parting ways with their vocalist, John Robert Centorrino.

    Photo by Jesse Kojima

    John joined the band in 2023, following the band’s search for a new vocalist through an open audition process. In the years that have followed, the band have been working on their album ‘The Weight Of Sound’, which was released in February this year via Century Media Records.

    The band also just completed a UK and European tour as a co-headliner with Miss May I.

    Crystal Lake have released an all-encompassing statement explaining the reasoning for the departure, which you can read below.

    “We have an announcement to share.

    It has been an incredibly busy few years leading up to the release of our album, The Weight Of Sound. We started the year on a high, releasing the record in January and having a great time together with fans across Europe and the UK. 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years we’ve ever had.

    Last year was also nonstop for Crystal Lake. We were writing and recording while moving from continent to continent, playing some of the biggest shows of our career. During this busy time creating The Weight Of Sound album, John welcomed his child into the world. That brought a deeper meaning to the core idea behind the song and album title, the weight that comes with balancing life, family and being in a touring band.

    Some of us in the band and on our team are fathers, so we understand both the joy of those short moments at home and the challenge of being away for long periods of time. John has given everything to make it work for us and his daughter, but the international distances and schedule demands have made it increasingly difficult for him to balance the two.

    So, it is with a heavy heart that we are announcing the mutual decision to part ways so John can focus on a path that allows him a healthier balance in his life and music career. We truly want this for John, and, as hard as it is for both of us, we know it is the right decision.

    We want to thank John for the past three years and for everything he has brought to Crystal Lake. We are also grateful to all of you who welcomed him into this band, as well as our team and partners who continue to stand with us through every step.

    Crystal Lake has no intention of stopping. Our band is fortunate to have talented friends, and some of them have offered to fill in until we find our new singer.

    John remains part of our extended family, and we know you will continue to support him in whatever comes next.

    For all currently confirmed shows, we will continue playing with special guest vocalists filling in and remain more active than ever.

    We hope to see you out there as we continue our tour through Japan, Asia, Indonesia, Australia, the United States, and back to Europe later this year.

    With love and gratitude,

    Crystal Lake”

    The post Crystal Lake Have Parted Ways With Vocalist John Robert Centorrino appeared first on Rock Sound.