The Police, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie get ‘Stranger Things’ bump on the UK Singles Chart

January 9, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

Songs by The Police, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie and more have jumped up the U.K. Official Singles Chart thanks to their use in the final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things.

The iconic Police tune “Every Breath You Take” has jumped to #17 from #41, which is its highest chart placement in 43 years. Meanwhile, Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” originally released in 1975, makes its first-ever appearance on the Official Singles Chart, coming in at #20.

In addition, Bowie’s “Heroes,” which plays over the closing credits of the series finale, lands at #34 on the chart, while The Clash’s “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” is at #40.

Other songs that saw chart jumps thanks to Stranger Things include: Prince’s “Purple Rain,” which charted the highest at #12; Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (Deal With God),” up two spots to #14; Diana Ross’ “Upside Down” at #26, its first time in the top 40 in 46 years; and Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now,” at #27, its highest position on the chart in 38 years.

The Doors’ John Densmore & Robby Krieger team with Playing for Change for new take on ‘Riders on the Storm’

January 9, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

The Doors’ John Densmore and Robby Krieger have teamed with Playing For Change, a multimedia project that aims to connect the world through music, to release a reimagined take on the Doors’ 1971 classic “Riders on the Storm.”

The new recording, part of Playing For Change’s Song Around The World project, is noted as a tribute to the late Doors band members Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek. It has Densmore and Krieger joined by Lukas Nelson and Micah Nelson, Foo Fighters’ keyboardist Rami Jaffee, Sierra Ferrell, Don Was and over 20 international artists across eight countries.

“Vocally, Lukas Nelson filled Jim Morrison’s leather pants quite well!” Densmore says. “Ray would be proud of the way Rami Jaffee ‘channeled’ the piano solo.”

“Anytime Densmore and I get together with our instruments, it always works out well. I loved the final cut … seeing all the players on screen,” adds Krieger. “I’d like to thank everyone for their participation for such a special cause. Luckily, it’s never difficult to find great players to play Doors songs.”

The just-released video for the song first premiered in December at the rerelease of the Doors’ 2009 documentary, When You’re Strange, directed by Tom DiCillo and narrated by Johnny Depp.

In addition to the song, a special limited-edition “Riders on the Storm” Song Around The World T-shirt and hat are now available. Proceeds benefit the Wicahpi Olowan Music Program, which was the first Playing For Change Foundation music program established in America serving Indigenous youth and communities.

Paul Mescal to do his own singing in Beatles biopics

January 9, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

Paul Mescal is set to follow in the footsteps of Timothée Chalamet and Jeremy Allen White by doing his own singing on the big screen.

The actor is the subject of a new article in British GQ, where it’s confirmed that Mescal will be doing his own singing when he plays Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles project, The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event.

“I’ve learned so much. It’s really inspired a love,” Mescal tells the magazine. “I’ve always loved music, but getting to play one of the great songwriters and great frontmen has really lit a fire in terms of personally writing music and engaging and hearing music in a different way.”

Mescal, who has met with McCartney a couple of times, calls the rock legend “the most brilliant man.”

“I feel emotionally attached to him,” he says. “He received me with great kindness and warmth.”

As for the story of The Beatles, he notes, “[T]hey had the most fascinating lives, and the interpersonal politics between them all, the love and the frustration, it’s such rich territory.”

The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event is scheduled to hit theaters in April 2028. In addition to Mescal, it stars Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Each film will be told from the point of view of one of the band members.

The Sony films will mark the first time Apple Corps Ltd. and The Beatles have granted a studio the rights to the life stories of the band members and their legendary catalog of music.

The Black Crowes announce new album, ‘A Pound of Feathers’

January 9, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson said in his holiday message to fans that there would be new music coming — turns out, it’s a whole new album.

Chris and brother Rich Robinson just announced that The Black Crowes will release A Pound of Feathers on March 13, marking their10th studio album and their first since 2024’s Happiness Bastards.

“We made this record in eight to ten days,” Chris shares. “Bringing the high and inspiration from Happiness Bastards into this album, it was a natural progression. We experimented more, we wrote on instinct and how we were feeling in the moment. Rich brought a spontaneity to the record that I can’t describe, but it’s the best sh** he’s ever done.”

The Crowes are giving fans a preview of the album with not one, but two new singles. They’ve released the tracks “Profane Prophecy” and “Pharmacy Chronicles” to digital outlets.

“This album feels transformative to us,” Rich says. “Going back to our roots, we felt that spark in the studio and how we work together. Lighting a fire that hits harder, more jagged but is still true to our musical essence.”

Here is the track list for A Pound of Feathers:
“Profane Prophecy”
“Cruel Streak”
“Pharmacy Chronicles”
“Do The Parasite!”
“High And Lonesome”
“Queen of the B-Sides”
“It’s Like That”
“Blood Red Regrets”
“You Call This A Good Time”
“Eros Blues”
“Doomsday Doggerel”

Carlos Santana’s Milagro Foundation reaches new milestone

January 9, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana has revealed that the Milagro Foundation, which he founded 25 years ago, has reached a new milestone.

The foundation, named after the Spanish word for miracle, is dedicated to supporting the world’s most vulnerable children and has now distributed just over $10 million to underserved communities.

“The Milagro Foundation is a way of giving back and making a difference in the lives of children who represent our future,” Santana says. “It is an honor to witness the resilience of these young people and to provide the tools they need to succeed.”

Money raised by the Milagro Foundation supports efforts in three areas: educational advancement, holistic wellness and creative expression. Santana has helped raise money for the nonprofit by donating a portion of the proceeds from concert ticket sales and licensed Santana products to the organization.

Santana will launch a new string of Las Vegas residency dates on Jan. 21 at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. He will then launch his 2026 Oneness tour on March 28 in Thackerville, Oklahoma. A complete list of dates can be found at Santana.com.

Carlos is also set to be honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the Recording Academy’s 2026 Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Jan. 31 in Los Angeles.

Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi subject of new Gibson docuseries

January 8, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is the subject of a new docuseries from Gibson TV.

Volume 1 of Tony Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal is now streaming on YouTube. The series is described as “a deep dive into the life, legacy, and groundbreaking sound of Black Sabbath’s legendary guitarist.” It features new interviews with Iommi, as well as contributions from rockers like Queen’s Brian May, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Yungblud, Zakk Wylde and more.

“I’m very grateful to Gibson for this new documentary series and for honoring my role in the story of heavy metal,” says Iommi. “Hearing the kind words from so many incredible artists is really humbling.Thank you all for telling the story with such heart—and to the fans who’ve kept it alive. Long may it continue!”

The first episode covers Iommi’s early life growing up in Birmingham, England, including an industrial accident that almost ended his career. It also delves into the origins of Black Sabbath, including Iommi meeting bandmates Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler.

(Video includes uncensored profanity.)

Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs to open for Chris Stapleton

January 8, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell and his band The Dirty Knobs have booked an opening spot on Chris Stapleton’s upcoming All-American Road Show tour.

The tour kicks off May 25 in Nashville, with Campbell and The Dirty Knobs set to open the Oct. 2 show in Bristow, Virginia.

A ticket presale for all shows on the tour begins Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets go on sale to the general public Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. local time.

This isn’t the first time Campbell and The Dirty Knobs have toured with Stapleton. They previously opened shows on his 2025 tour.

The artists have also collaborated together several times in the past. Stapleton appears on the song “Don’t Wait Up” on The Dirty Knobs’ 2024 album, Vagabonds, Virgins and Misfits. He also appeared on the song “Pistol’ Packin’ Mama” on their 2020 release, Wreckless Abandon, and he co-wrote another song on the album.

Campbell also appeared on Stapleton’s 2020 album, Starting Over, and co-wrote two songs on the album.

David Bowie’s wife and daughter pay tribute to him on 79th birthday

January 8, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

David Bowie’s wife and daughter are remembering the rock legend on what would have been his 79th birthday.

Bowie’s wife Iman, whom he married in 1992, shared a black-and-white photo of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer on Facebook, writing, “A million feeling(s) A thousand thoughts A hundred memories…. YOU! Happy Heavenly Birthday.” In a separate Instagram post she wrote, “Happy Heavenly Birthday Your light burns so bright in all our hearts! We love and miss you.”

His 25-year-old daughter, Lexi Jones, shared a childhood photo of her and her dad on Instagram. In it she’s holding a cake with “happy birthday dad” written in frosting. She captioned the shot, “Da big 79 today. Happy birthday pops, miss ya.”

Bowie’s longtime producer Tony Visconti also remembered the rocker, noting in a Facebook post that Bowie shared a birthday with his father.

“I’m glad I was able to introduce them to each other,” he wrote. “I loved them both and I miss them like nobody’s business.”

Bowie passed away Jan. 10, 2016, two days after his 69th birthday and two days after the release of his final album, Blackstar, which he recorded while he was secretly battling liver cancer.

David Byrne covers Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘drivers license’

January 8, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

David Byrne has recorded a cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s #1 hit “drivers license.”

The release is in conjunction with Rodrigo’s celebration of the fifth anniversary of the song’s release, with the Talking Heads frontman switching the lyrics from “blonde girl” to “blond boy.” According to Rodrigo, Byrne’s song is just one of several “reimagined” cover versions that will celebrate the forthcoming fifth anniversary of her debut album, SOUR, which was released May 21, 2021.

Byrne’s cover is out now via digital outlets, and 7-inch single, pressed on translucent ruby vinyl, will ship April 3 and can be preordered on Olivia’s website. David and Olivia previously collaborated at the 2025 Governors Ball in New York, where they performed the classic Talking Heads hit “Burning Down the House.” That live recording appears on the flip side of the vinyl single.

Byrne, who released the new solo album Who Is the Sky? in September, is set to kick off a tour of Australia and New Zealand on Jan. 14 in Auckland, followed by a tour of Europe and the U.K. He’ll then return to North America for shows starting March 26 in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the tour including appearances at Coachella April 11 and April 18. A complete list of dates can be found at DavidByrne.com.

Jimi Hendrix improvisational recordings part of new Third Man Records Vault release

January 8, 2026 by Classic Rock 93.9

The legendary Jimi Hendrix is the latest artist to be featured as part of Third Man Records’ archival audio series, The Vault.

The label, founded by The White Stripes’ Jack White, is set to release Jimi Hendrix’s Valley of Jams 1969-1970, featuring previously released improvisational recordings. The set is made up of three colored vinyl LPs, and comes with a bonus 7-inch standard vinyl, a patch and a bumper sticker.

Recordings on the set, mixed by Hendrix’s longtime engineer Eddie Kramer, come from multiple sessions in both New York and London. It also includes a 28-minute jam, “Keep On Groovin’.”

Jimi Hendrix’s Valley of Jams 1969-1970, the 67th release in The Vault series, will be available to current Vault subscribers and for those who subscribe by Jan. 31 at midnight CT. More info can be found at thirdmanrecords.com/vault.

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