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Longtime Who frontman says these could 'possibly' be his final shows. Continue reading…

Award-winning Brave Rival have officially launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the recording and release of their highly anticipated third studio album. The campaign arrives following the success of the band’s critically acclaimed EP 5 to 4 and gives fans the opportunity to directly support the creation of the new record while becoming part of the band’s next chapter. Backers can access a range of exclusive rewards, including a special Kickstarter edition pre-order of the upcoming live album Hell of a Ride (Live in 25), available two months ahead of release, alongside exclusive live album merchandise.

Fans also have the rare chance to step inside the creative process itself, with opportunities to join the band in the studio during the recording of Album 3, appear on the album, or spend a day watching the recording sessions unfold firsthand. Supporters can additionally gain access to an exclusive listening party, offering the chance to hear the new album before anyone else.

The band describe the forthcoming release as their most ambitious and emotionally powerful work to date. Early response to the campaign has already been overwhelming, with more than 90% of the funding target reached within just three days of launch.

Funds raised through the campaign will help cover costs for Album 3, while continuing the band’s proudly independent and fan-supported approach to music. Supporters are helping fuel Brave Rival’s continuing rise across the UK and European rock scene following a landmark year for the band.

Their latest EP 5 to 4 reached Number 4 in the Official UK Rock and Metal Charts and also secured the Number 1 position in the Official UK Album Breakers Chart, the band’s first ever chart-topping release. In 2025, the band were also named Band of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2025.

Speaking about the new album, guitarist and vocalist Ed Clarke says: “This album feels like the natural evolution of everything we’ve built so far, We’ve grown massively as songwriters and performers over the last few years, and we genuinely believe these songs are the strongest we’ve ever written. The support from our fans has already blown us away.”

Lindsey Bonnick adds “The connection we’ve built with people at our live shows has been incredible. This Kickstarter is about bringing everyone into the process with us. We want the fans to feel like they’re part of Album 3 from day one.”

Bassist Billy Dedman says “We’re not interested in making the same record twice. There’s going to be bigger energy, bigger hooks, and some really emotional moments on this album too. We can’t wait for people to hear where we’re going next.”

And Drummer Donna Peters comments “Independent music survives because of passionate fans. Every pledge, every share, every message of support genuinely helps make this record possible. We’re incredibly grateful for this community.”

Fans can support the campaign through the official Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/brave-rival-album/brave-rival-album-3-0

UK Tour Dates:

May 17th – Fleet Harlington
June 4th – Newbury Arlington Arts
June 7th – Staines Thameside Brewery
June 18th – Isle Of Wight Festival
June 26th – ABR Festival
June 30th – Coulsdon Tuesday Night Music Club
July 18th – Upton Blues Festival
July 19th – Maid of Stone Festival
Aug 1st – Cambridge Rock Festival
Aug 21st – A New Day Festival
Sept 18th – Camberley Login Lounge
Sept 26th – Wolverhampton NWOCR Festival
Dec 17th – Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms

Website: braverival.com
Spotify • Facebook • YouTube • Instagram

The post BRAVE RIVAL Launch Kickstarter Campaign for Third Studio Album appeared first on The Rockpit.

STREAM THE METAL BREAKDOWN DAILY BELOW:

 

In a high-voltage crossover that has ignited Music News feeds, Mötley Crüe and country-pop icon Carrie Underwood stunned viewers during the massive three-hour season finale of American Idol on Monday, May 11. Shattering genre boundaries, Underwood joined the legendary “Saints of Los Angeles” to deliver a powerhouse two-song set featuring the definitive rock anthem “Kickstart My Heart” and the bittersweet classic “Home Sweet Home.”

The performance marks a full-circle moment for Underwood—who now serves as an Idol judge alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan—nearly two decades after her own cover of the Crüe ballad became the show’s official “elimination anthem.” As the episode heads to Disney+ and Hulu for streaming today, fans are calling the collaboration the most electric “Idol” finale moment in years. Watch the full unfiltered performance video below.

A Decades-Long Connection: From Nashville to “Idol” Anthems

While the pairing might seem unexpected to casual viewers, the history between Carrie Underwood and Mötley Crüe runs deep. Back in 2009, American Idol selected Underwood’s studio rendition of “Home Sweet Home” as the emotional soundtrack for departing contestants, playing it over video montages every Wednesday night.

Underwood’s affinity for the track even extended to her philanthropy; in 2009, she donated a portion of the song’s iTunes proceeds to the Humane Society of the United States. “I’ve always loved this song… to me, the title is also very fitting with animal rescue and finding animals their own homes,” Underwood stated at the time.

The live chemistry on the Idol stage also had a precedent. Nearly 20 years ago, in August 2007, Underwood famously surprised fans at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon by joining Vince Neil for an unscripted rendition of “Kickstart My Heart,” proving even then that she had the rock pipes to match the Crüe’s grit.

Also – Tommy Lee Net Worth, Age, Wife And 13 Facts About The Mötley Crüe Drummer

The Grand Finale: A Star-Studded Night

The 2026 finale, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, wasn’t just about the heavy hitters of hair metal. The three-hour broadcast featured a massive roster of guest performers, including Shinedown, Nelly, En Vogue, and Blues Traveler, alongside Idol alum Clay Aiken. However, it was the image of Underwood standing front-and-center with Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee that seemed to really grab the headlines.

And rightly so.

WATCH: MOTLEY CRUE & CARRIE UNDERWOOD ON “AMERICAN IDOL”

 

FAQ

Which Mötley Crüe songs did Carrie Underwood sing on American Idol? Carrie Underwood joined the band for performances of “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart” during the 2026 season finale.

Has Carrie Underwood covered Mötley Crüe before? Yes. Underwood released a studio cover of “Home Sweet Home” in 2009, which was used as the elimination song for American Idol Season 8.

Where can I watch the Mötley Crüe and Carrie Underwood performance? The finale aired Monday, May 11, on ABC and is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu starting today, May 12.

Is Carrie Underwood a judge on American Idol now? Yes, the Season 4 winner has returned to the panel as an esteemed judge alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of today’s stories on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast, or crank the hard rock and metal 24/7 on our live digital stream at LoadedRadio.com.

TL;DR:

Mötley Crüe and judge Carrie Underwood teamed up for a “surprise” two-song performance on the American Idol season finale, revisiting their long history with the hits “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart.”

The post MOTLEY CRUE & CARRIE UNDERWOOD COLLIDE: “American Idol” Finale Explodes with Surprise “Kickstart My Heart” Duet appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Troy Mercy is set to release his new album Let The Night Begin on May 29 via Gitcha Records, and Blues Rock Review is exclusively premiering the music video for “Compromised Blues (A Spy Goodbye).”

Built around gritty guitar work and tongue-in-cheek spy film imagery, “Compromised Blues (A Spy Goodbye)” blends blues rock swagger with cinematic tension. The track offers a glimpse into the style and atmosphere of Troy Mercy’s upcoming album, which will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital streaming platforms.

“I pictured it as if we’re entering into a spy film right at that final act– our hero(?) has been made and the chase is on to get out of Dodge before the consequences take hold,” Mercy said of the song. “To me this type of guitar is an extension of bluesmen like John Lee Hooker or Eddie Taylor. Simultaneous rhythm/lead, always with a dangerous edge. Always like one’s life depends on it.”

Mercy also shared his thoughts on the music video itself with his trademark sense of humor.

When cornered recently at his local public library Troy Mercy had this to say regarding the music video for his single ‘Compromised Blues (A Spy Goodbye)’, “I must say, I really don’t see how it could be so difficult to catch these bloody spies. You just look for the shifty-looking twitchy guy in the fez and Saville Row number over in the corner talking into his wrist. And just a suggestion to Global Spy Union Headquarters– maybe consider updating the uniform? I mean eyepatch, ascot, AND aluminum briefcase? There he is– right there! It’s the 21st century, try to blend a bit Harry Palmer.”

Watch the exclusive premiere of Troy Mercy’s “Compromised Blues (A Spy Goodbye)” below.

The post Video Premiere: Troy Mercy – “Compromised Blues (A Spy Goodbye)” appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

A new album is on the way, but not tour dates. Continue reading…

I don’t know if you knew this, but Elton John is not Canadian. In fact, he is very not Canadian. He’s as British as they come. But that did not stop the luminaries of the Canadian music business from honoring Elton John on Saturday night. John was there to be honored with the Glenn Gould Prize, an international arts award that’s handed out every two years. (Past honorees include Leonard Cohen, Philip Glass, and Oscar Peterson.) Honorees don’t necessarily have to show up to the event, but Elton John was in the building.

The post Canadian Musicians Cover Elton John At Glenn Gould Prize Gala appeared first on Stereogum.

Avant-garde Canadian twosome Angine de Poitrine justify all the hype at their sold-out London debut

Bay Area punk veterans Western Addiction have announced their new album, “Psychedelic Munitions“, out on May 22nd via Fat Wreck. Rooted deeply in

The performance was immortalized in 'Rattle and Hum' — and got Bono in trouble with local authorities. Continue reading…

Australian indie-dance group The Jungle Giants have released their new album Experiencing Feelings of Joy! The release of