Sean Ono Lennon fears the younger generation will forget legacy of his dad and The Beatles

Sean Ono Lennon fears the younger generation will forget legacy of his dad and The Beatles

Sean Ono Lennon, the only son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, is concerned that younger generations may one day not know about his father or The Beatles.

During an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, Sean talked about taking over from his mother as the keeper of his father’s legacy, and explained why he feels it’s important.

Sean noted that it’s not only him but “the world” who are also the keepers of his dad’s legacy, adding, “I’m just doing my best to help make sure that the younger generation doesn’t forget about The Beatles and John and Yoko. That’s how I look at it.”

Asked whether he really thought it would be “even possible” to forget them, he responded, “I do, actually, and I never did before.”

“My parents gave me so much that I think it’s the least I can do to try and support their legacy in my lifetime,” he explained, noting, “I feel like I just owe it to them. It’s a personal thing.”

“I think The Beatles’ music, and John and Yoko’s legacy, is something important for the world to kind of cherish and be reminded of,” he added. “So, that’s how I see my job.” 

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Paul McCartney reveals 2025 highlight, teases new album and more

Paul McCartney reveals 2025 highlight, teases new album and more
Paul McCartney performs on ‘SNL50’ on February 16, 2025 (Photo by: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)

Paul McCartney had a busy 2025, so it wasn’t easy for him to nail down a highlight of the year.

In the final website Q&A for 2025, McCartney was asked to name his “professional highlight” of the year, and he couldn’t pick just one.

“The great thing is there’s so much suddenly happening,” he said. “It’s like a log jam, loads of things have just come in.”

He then mentioned things like his Wings book, Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, and that High in the Clouds, an animated film based on his 2005 children’s book, “is finally getting made.”
 

McCartney also called his Got Back tour “spectacular,” noting, “the audiences were so warm and receptive.” He specifically mentioned shows like his Bowery Ballroom club gigs, and dates in Santa Barbara and Nashville, where phones were not allowed.

He said those “were really cool, because it’s a completely different type of show. People aren’t just holding up phones, so you really see the whites of their eyes. It’s lovely!”

“This idea of everything coming home to roost, all these projects I’ve done over the years, it’s very exciting,” he added. “But yeah, if I had to pick one I think the tour was probably the highlight of the year for me – it was so successful and enjoyable for everyone involved.”

McCartney also dropped some exciting news for fans when asked what he’s most looking forward to in 2026.

“My new album!” he said, adding, “We’re just starting to think about how to put that together.”

As for his New Year’s resolution, McCartney first joked, “To be a good boy!,” before adding, “I normally don’t have one, but what comes to mind is things like ‘to eat sensibly.’ That’s always a good one.”

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Bruce Springsteen releases first-ever live performance of ‘Nebraska’

Bruce Springsteen releases first-ever live performance of ‘Nebraska’
Artwork for Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska Live’ (Sony Music)

When Bruce Springsteen released the box set Nebraska ’82: Expanded Edition in October, it included a present-day recording of The Boss performing his album Nebraska in its entirety at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey. Now, the rocker is giving fans who didn’t buy the box set a chance to experience it.

Springsteen has now made the performance available to rent or own via digital outlets.

Bruce has performed songs from Nebraska live over the years, but he never toured behind the album. This concert marks the first time he performed the record from start to finish.

Springsteen’s longtime collaborator Thom Zimny, directed the concert, which was shot in black and white without an audience. Springsteen is backed by only two musicians: Larry Campbell and Charlie Giordano.

According to the description posted to Instagram, the performance offers “fresh insight through the subtleties of his live performance, while remaining true to the spirit of the original recordings.” The performance is offered without narration or commentary, so, as Bruce notes, “Only the voices of the characters are heard.”

In addition to the concert, Nebraska ’82: Expanded Edition includes a remastered version of the original album, along with previously unreleased material such as the long-rumored “Electric Nebraska.” It also features solo outtakes, including additional songs from Springsteen’s original Nebraska home recordings that didn’t make the album, as well as recordings from a 1982 solo studio session.

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On This Day, Dec. 22, 2014: Joe Cocker dies at age 70

On This Day, Dec. 22, 2014: Joe Cocker dies at age 70

On This Day, Dec. 22, 2014 …

British singer Joe Cocker died of lung cancer in Colorado at the age of 70.

Known for his raspy voice and expressive body movements while performing, Cocker first gained commercial success thanks to his soulful cover of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends,” which appeared on his debut album.

The song, which featured Jimmy Page on guitar, hit #1 in the U.K. and was later used as the theme song for the ABC series The Wonder Years. In 2001, the track was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Cocker’s best-selling tune was “Up Where We Belong,” a duet with Jennifer Warnes that the two recorded for the Richard Gere movie An Officer and a Gentleman. The song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned the pair a Grammy for best performance by a duo or group with vocals. The song also won the Golden Globe and Academy Award for best original song.

Other Cocker hits include covers of Billy Preston‘s “You Are So Beautiful,” which peaked at #5 in the U.S.; Dave Mason‘s “Feelin’ Alright?”; the Ray Charles hit “Unchain My Heart;” and Randy Newman‘s “You Can Leave Your Hat On.”

In November, Cocker was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with a tribute featuring performances by Bryan Adams, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Teddy Swims.

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The Year in Music 2025: Led Zeppelin gets the documentary treatment, plus ‘Physical Graffiti’ turns 50

The Year in Music 2025: Led Zeppelin gets the documentary treatment, plus ‘Physical Graffiti’ turns 50

After waiting almost four years, Led Zeppelin fans finally got to see the story of their favorite band on the big screen with the February 2025 release of Becoming Led Zeppelin, the first officially sanctioned documentary about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band.

The film, directed by Bernard MacMahon, first premiered as a work in progress at the 2021 Venice Film Festival. It took until May 2024 for Sony Pictures Classics to acquire the rights to the completed project.

Described as a “hybrid docu-concert film,” Becoming Led Zeppelin featured archival footage of the band’s early days, along with concert footage and new interviews with surviving members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. It also featured archival audio from their late drummer, John Bonham.

The film initially opened exclusively in IMAX theaters and set a record in the U.S., bringing in $2.6 million, which was the biggest opening weekend ever for an IMAX-exclusive music release. The film also landed in the top 10 at the box office opening weekend. Since its release, Becoming Led Zeppelin has brought in $10.4 million domestically.

The film, currently streaming on Netflix, is on the short list for a possible Oscar nomination in the best documentary feature film category. It was also one of two docs to win best music documentary at the 10th annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards, tied with the Sly Stone doc Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius).

– This year also saw Led Zeppelin celebrate the 50th anniversary of their iconic album Physical Graffiti. To mark the occasion, the band released a new live EP, titled Live E.P., as well as an update of 2015’s three-LP Physical Graffiti Deluxe Edition. It included a remastered version of the album, a bonus album featuring rough mixes and early versions of songs.

– John Bonham’s son, Jason Bonham, also marked the milestone by launching a new tour, An Evening with JBLZE Celebrating 50 Years of Physical Graffiti, which had him and his band performing the album in its entirety, alongside other Led Zeppelin classics.

– Also this year, Plant released his first album with his band Saving Grace. Plus, Page and The Black Crowes reissued their collaborative live album, Live At The Greek.

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Final installment of Freddie Mercury’s ‘Mr Bad Guy’ YouTube series released

Final installment of Freddie Mercury’s ‘Mr Bad Guy’ YouTube series released
Cover of Freddie Mercury’s ‘Mr Bad Guy’/(Hollywood Records)

The final installment of the three-part YouTube series looking back at Freddie Mercury’s debut solo album, Mr Bad Guy, has just been released, and it focuses on the songs on the album.

Once again, the clip features archival footage of the Queen frontman’s 1985 interview with journalist David Wigg. When asked what song he finds most rewarding, Freddie has a hard time picking a favorite.

“Oh, I don’t know, the one that sells the most,” he quips, before giving a more thoughtful response.

“To me, this is a rewarding album. I think it’s a collection of songs which seem to sort of get in a groove,” he says. “And to me I couldn’t single out one song, because, at this point in time, I seem to be liking a different song every day.”

There are several songs about love on the album, and Mercury reveals whether that means he’s a romantic at heart.

“Well, I guess so,” he says, “but I just like writing songs about love because there’s so much scope and also they have so much to do with me.”

Mercury’s Mr Bad Guy was recently reissued in celebration of the 40th anniversary of its release. It was reissued on 180-gram translucent green vinyl featuring a 2019 mix by Queen’s longtime sound team, Justin Shirley-Smith and Joshua J. Macrae. The mix originally appeared on the Mercury box set Never Boring.

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Styx announces lineup for 2026 Rockin’ in Paradise Florida festival

Styx announces lineup for 2026 Rockin’ in Paradise Florida festival
Terry Gowan, Will Evanovich, James “JY” Young, and Tommy Shaw of Styx perform during The Brotherhood Of Rock Tour at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre on July 06, 2025, in Alpharetta, Georgia. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)

Styx has announced the lineup for their 2026 Rockin’ in Paradise with Styx + Friends beach weekend.

The festival, happening Oct. 8-10 in Miramar Beach, Florida, will feature Styx headlining two special shows. The lineup includes Yacht Rock Review, 38 Special, Tesla, Don Felder, Marshall Tucker Band and Jefferson Starship.

A presale is underway now, with fans getting a chance to win a spot at a private soundcheck by the band.

A complete lineup and reservation information can be found at StyxParadise.com.

In addition to the festival, Styx has a busy 2026 ahead of them, including a five-show Las Vegas residency at the The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, a summer tour with Chicago and several dates with Cheap Trick.

A complete schedule can be found at StyxWorld.com.

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Pink Floyd lands UK Christmas #1 album with ‘Wish You Were Here 50’

Pink Floyd lands UK Christmas #1 album with ‘Wish You Were Here 50’
Cover of Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here 50’/ (Sony Music)

Pink Floyd’s 50th anniversary Wish You Were Here reissue has nabbed the top spot on the U.K. Official Albums chart, making Wish You Were Here 50 this year’s Official Christmas #1 album. 

It’s been over 50 years since the original album topped the U.K. albums chart, which now gives Pink Floyd the record for the longest span between their first chart topper and their last. That title was previously held by The Beatles with 49 years and 252 days between Abbey Road, their first #1, and Number 1s, their last.

And for a band that’s been around since 1965, Pink Floyd is proving to still dominate the charts, as Wish You Were Here 50 is actually their second #1 of 2025. It follows Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the soundtrack to their concert film, which was released earlier this year. It’s actually the first time Pink Floyd has had two #1 albums in the same year.

As for Christmas chart-toppers, while this is their first Official Christmas #1 album, in 1979 Pink Floyd had the Christmas #1 single with “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2.”

And speaking of Wish You Were Here, Pink Floyd has just released the official video for the album’s iconic title track, featuring archival footage of the band, animated visuals and more.

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Joe Walsh auction brings in big bucks to benefit VetsAid

Joe Walsh auction brings in big bucks to benefit VetsAid
‘Life’s Been Good: Joe Walsh’ auction artwork (Courtesy of Julien’s Auctions)

Joe Walsh’s personal items, including his guitars, brought in big bucks at the Life’s Been Good: Joe Walsh auction, put on by Julien’s Auctions.

The auction took place Dec. 16-17 at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, with bids coming in from over 22 countries around the world.

More than 800 of the rocker’s personal items were up for grabs, including over 400 guitars; several of the pieces sold well past the initial estimates. Among the highlights: a stage-played Mark Whitebook dreadnought acoustic guitar, which sold for $44,800, and a stage-played Epiphone Zakk Wylde Les Paul custom bullseye guitar, which sold for $22,500, almost 20 times over the initial estimate.

Other hot items included Walsh’s 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which sold for $102,400; a Bad Company-signed Squier electric guitar, which for $32,000, 40 times over the estimate; Les Paul’s 1955 Steinway Model B grand piano, which went for $57,600; and a stage-played Duesenberg Starplayer TV-TO guitar in transparent orange, which sold for $35,200, over 10 times the estimate.

“Life’s been good for Joe Walsh, whose music has shaped decades of rock history. This historic auction was a true celebration of that incredible journey,” said Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions. “Julien’s are honored to have worked with Joe who wished to share pieces of his story with fans, collectors and investors who truly appreciate his artistry and also support the important work of Vet Aid.”

A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit Walsh’s charity VetsAid, which raises money for veteran-related causes.

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Hear Metallica’s James Hetfield recite ”Twas the Night Before Christmas’

Hear Metallica’s James Hetfield recite ”Twas the Night Before Christmas’
Metallica on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ (ABC/Randy Holmes)

James Hetfield is here to bring some heavy metal spirit to your holiday season.

The Metallica frontman has shared a spoken-word recitation of the famous poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” 

“Grab your cocoa and settle in by the fire before your long winter’s nap for a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Papa Het,” Metallica says.

If you’ve ever wanted to hear the singer of “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets” say the phrase “visions of sugarplums,” you can listen to Hetfield’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” reading on YouTube.

Metallica spent their 2025 continuing their M72 world tour, which has been running since 2023. Another European leg is planned to kick off in May.

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