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The Smashing Pumpkins confirm co-headline tour with Weezer | Music | Entertainment
The Smashing Pumpkins, one of the most legendary and influential bands of all time, are finally making their way back to British soil.
After debuting in 1988, the band are best known for blending genres, turning heads and raising eyebrows (and hell, tbh).
Over the course of their decades-long career, The Pumpkins have sold more than 30 million records and earned two Grammy Awards, two MTV VMAs and an American Music Award.
It’s incredibly exciting to be welcoming them back into the UK in June 2024, on a massive tour – but they aren’t coming alone.
The Smashing Pumpkins are going on a co-headline tour with none other than Weezer.
The epic, cult-hit rock band are best known for such tracks as Buddy Holly, Say It Ain’t So, Beverly Hills, and many more.
They, too, are one of the most iconic bands of the generation, having sold more than 35 million records worldwide.
Tickets for this epic UK and Ireland tour come out at the end of the week – but there is a chance to get presale tickets before then.
Here’s what you need to know:
There are two days of presale tickets for The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer.
O2 Priority members will be able to get first dibs on their tickets beginning on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 10am. These tickets will be exclusively available to O2 mobile phone network subscribers. After O2 Priority members have received their presale code or link, .
The second presale begins on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 10am. This comes directly from Live Nation and is a much wider event. Fans can sign up for presale by getting a . After that, you can buy presale tickets below:
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After presale has come to an end, your last chance to get tickets comes in the general onsale. Here’s the information you need:
The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer UK 2024 tour tickets come out Friday, October 20, 2023, at 10am.
These tickets will be available at a number of online retailers, however there is only one website which has every tour date on the list: Live Nation.
Here’s the link you need to buy your tickets this week:
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This will be fans’ final chance to get tickets once they have been released, so if you’re even a little bit excited about seeing these two American behemoths play in the UK, now is your chance.
Here’s the full list of tour dates and locations for the June 2024 tour:
Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan, two of the most iconic figures in music history, have long shared a deep mutual respect for one another. Their relationship spans several decades, and despite initial reservations, Clapton has come to appreciate Dylan’s profound influence on the music world.
Eric Clapton’s relationship with Bob Dylan’s music has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, Clapton’s perception of Dylan was shaped by a kind of “healthy prejudice”, according to his autobiography.
In the early days of his career, Clapton was not particularly enamored with Dylan’s style, particularly his voice and delivery. In his memoir, Clapton candidly admitted that he didn’t initially understand Dylan’s appeal until he heard Blonde on Blonde – an album that would change his outlook. His appreciation deepened as he began to recognize the genius in Dylan’s songwriting.
In the early 1970s, Clapton was still experimenting with his own musical identity, often drawing from a wide range of influences. During this period, he revisited Dylan’s work, which eventually led him to a profound appreciation of Dylan’s craftsmanship.
One of the songs that particularly resonated with Clapton was ‘Song to Woody’, a track Dylan penned as an homage to the folk legend who deeply influenced his own artistic path.
In a 1985 interview with The Telegraph, Clapton declared: “Have you heard that thing he wrote about Woody Guthrie? That to me is the sum of his life’s work so far. Whatever happens, that is it. That sums it up.”
Dylan’s decision to write ‘Song to Woody’ in the early 1960s came at a pivotal moment in his career. At that time, Dylan had already become known for his interpretations of folk songs, but he felt a strong need to write something of his own.
Speaking to WNEW-FM in 1985, Dylan remarked: “One day, I just wrote a song, and it was the first song I ever wrote, and it was a song for Woody Guthrie”.
“I just wanted a song to sing and there came a certain point where I couldn’t sing anything, I had to write what I wanted to sing because what I wanted to sing nobody else was writing, I couldn’t find that song someplace. If I could’ve I probably wouldn’t have ever started writing”, he added.
Over the years, Dylan and Clapton developed a professional relationship that was rooted in mutual respect – and which culminated with a track for Clapton’s album No Reason to Cry.
The song, ‘Sign Language’, was written by Dylan and given to Clapton without much explanation, he explained in his autobiography: “One day he came in and offered me a song called ‘Sign Language,’ which he had played for me in New York. He told me he had written the whole song down at one sitting, without even understanding what it was about. Dylan himself admitted that he didn’t fully understand what the song was about when he wrote it”.
Despite its ambiguous origins, Clapton was captivated by the track. He recalled, “I just loved the words and the melody, and the chord sequence was great.”
In the mid-1970s, Clapton covered Dylan’s iconic track, ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’. Released as a single in 1975, Clapton’s version of the song was a reggae-infused interpretation of Dylan’s original.
Few have left as indelible a mark on music and composing as Sir Elton John. His generation-defining music took genres like pop, rock, and ballads which he mixed with new-age sound to give us soundtracks that have turned into some of our favourite anthems.
With an iconic career that spans over 5 decades – Sir Elton John is not done yet. His new album, Who Believes In Angels?, with beloved songstress Brandi Carlile is out on April 4.
Ahead of the album’s release, we’ve decided to take a deep-dive into the depths of Elton John’s mind to uncover where he gets his musical inspiration from, but most importantly – find out what he listens to in his free time.
At one point–before the digital-age took the world by storm, Elton John had a record collection that comprised approximately 25,000 LPs and 23,000 singles. He sold the whole lot in 1993, with the sale’s proceeds going towards the Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity supporting people who are living with AIDS.
The master pianist has composed some of the most emotionally-wrecking songs that the human ear has heard, which also makes them some of the most beautiful tunes to exist. With a trademark style that many have tried to emulate and failed – Sir Elton John possesses vocal technique and musical mastery like no other.
Fondly referred to as the ‘Rocket Man’, ever since his 1972 hit single took the world by storm, Elton John has given us over 30 studio albums and created an enviable discography.
While technically a solo artist, his collaboration with Bernie Taupin has firmly cemented its place in music history. Giving words to his sound, Bernie and Elton have forged an unmatched collaboration ever since their 1967 meeting – an encounter that changed both of their lives.
Raised in London’s outskirts, Elton learned how to play the piano at a very young age and quickly mastered the sound, displaying his prodigal talent for the instrument. By 1970 he had released his first mega-successful hit single–Your Song–with the Elton John Band and there was no looking back.
In 2019, the EGOT winner appeared on BBC’s Radio 2 programme Tracks Of My Years and shared his top ten favourite songs of all time.
With songs as eclectic and iconic (as him) on the list, it’s exciting to get a rare insight into his preferences. Not surprisingly, Elton’s first choice is a certified banger (as Gen-Z calls it) – Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel. While talking about the 1956 classic, Elton shared: “This record changed my life, and it changed the face of music. Up till then, we’ve had Guy Mitchell, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra, Kay Starr and all those lovely American acts.”
Further elaborating, he said: “This record my mum brought home, she bought a record every week, and she said, ‘I heard this record in the record store, and I’ve never heard anything like it, so I had to buy it’. She put it on; it was a 7″, of course, it was on HMV, and it changed my life and propelled me into my love of rock ‘n’ roll… it changed the world socially and musically”.
The Beatles’ We Can Work It Out is another timeless classic that made its way onto the list, with the singer recalling his first tryst with the tune: “I remember being at school, at Pinner County Grammar School, and my friend Michael Johnson came with a 45″ he said, ‘I’ve just heard this band; they’re going to be the biggest band in the world’, and it was Love Me Do. I listened to it, and I thought, ‘It’s not bad, it’s not bad’, but I couldn’t see that they were going to be the biggest band in the world… he turned out to be right. I think he was number four in that fan club, so he spotted them a mile off.”
Sir Elton added: “And, of course, what the ’50s did with rock ‘n’ roll… The Beatles were extraordinary. They revolutionised the way things were recorded. Even though it was on quite simple equipment, they experimented, and they wrote fantastic songs. We Can Work It Out is such a wonderful song.”
Another cracking track on Sir Elton’s list is The Weight by Bob Dylan’s former accomplices The Band. Speaking about the song, he shared: “John Peel played the music from Big Pink on his show, and I was a religious follower of John Peel in those days. He played all the great new music, and Bernie and I freaked out when we heard it. We’d never heard anything like this before. It was Americana done in a very soulful, funky, kind of laid-back way.”
Speaking about the transformative effect the song had on him, Elton explained: “(The) next day we went up to Music Land in London and bought the import, and it changed my life again like Elvis Presley changed my life originally. This music changed my life because of the way the songs were written, the lyrics, the musicianship, was a huge influence on things like Tumbleweed Connection and Madman.”
Other iconic tracks on Sir Elton John’s favourite songs list include Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis–made a household anthem by Tom Cruise’s Top Gun – as well as songs like Peter Gabriel’s Don’t Give Up and Aretha Franklin’s Think.
Elton John’s 10 favourite songs:
- Heartbreak Hotel – Elvis Presley
- Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis
- Lucille – Little Richard
- We Can Work It Out – The Beatles
- Reach Out I’ll Be There – Four Tops
- A Song For You – Leon Russell
- Think – Aretha Franklin
- The Weight – The Band
- Whatever Gets You Thru The Night – John Lennon
- Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel
Sir Paul Mccartney (Image: Getty)
The swinging sixties and the vibrant seventies are often hailed as the golden era of rock music by legions of enthusiasts, with household names like The Beatles, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and Black Sabbath being just a few of the remarkable acts on an extensive roster. Notably, many of these legendary bands hail from this side of the Atlantic.
British bands have consistently punched above their weight for decades, transforming the musical landscape and carving out their chapter in rock’s annals. We cast a spotlight on several iconic figures who have been instrumental in shaping the British rock narrative.
Among them are the likes of Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, and Ozzy Osbourne – each with their distinctive sounds and styles. But despite their differences, there’s a common thread: they’re all rock royalty still strutting their stuff on stage, showing no signs of hanging up their instruments anytime soon.
Nick Mason (Image: Getty)
Pink Floyd
When it comes to Pink Floyd, one scarcely needs an introduction. As one of the most pioneering forces in rock history, Pink Floyd forever altered the music world with their visionary concoction of progressive rock, profound lyrics, and spectacular live shows.
These early champions of psychedelic rock are celebrated for iconic albums like “Dark Side of The Moon, “The Wall,” and “Wish You Were Here”. Their timeless tunes resonate globally, with anthems such as “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2), “Money, “Wish You Were Here, “Comfortably Numb,” and “Time”,.
At the time this article was penned, the band boasted three surviving members:
- David Gilmour (born March 6, 1946) – the guitarist and vocalist whose contributions have been pivotal
- Nick Mason, born on January 27, 1944) – the renowned drummer of Pink Floyd
- Roger Waters (born on September 6, 1943 – known for his role as the bassist and vocalist of the band
The Pink Floyd family has experienced loss with Syd Barrett passing away in 2006 and Richard Wright in 2008. However, the music continues – with David Gilmour releasing his album ‘Luck and Strange’ on September 6, 2024.
This fifth solo studio album was accompanied by a tour that wrapped up on November 10, 2024. Nick Mason hit the road last year with his group Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, and he holds the distinction of being the only member to feature on every Pink Floyd album, maintaining an unbroken presence since the band’s inception.
Roger Waters brought his “This Is Not A Drill” tour to a close on December 9, 2023, at the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa in Quito, Ecuador. The ambitious tour kicked off in July 2022 and spanned across North America, Europe, and South America.
The Beatles
Known as “The Fab Four,” The Beatles were trailblazers from Liverpool who led the British Invasion of the US in the early 1960s and forever changed the landscape of popular music with their groundbreaking songwriting, recording techniques, and fusion of musical genres. Today, half of the legendary quartet remains.
Starting with addictive rock ‘n’ roll anthems such as “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” The Beatles went on to produce revolutionary albums including Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and The White Album. These records marked their foray into the realms of psychedelia, Indian classical music, and avant-garde styles.
Among their most iconic tracks are “Hey Jude, “Yesterday, “Let It Be,” and “Come Together,” each a timeless classic in its own right. But The Beatles stamped their mark beyond tunes; they shaped culture, fashion, and attitudes, enthusing and influencing countless admirers and musicians globally even over fifty years since they disbanded.
The band confronted tragedy when primary songwriter John Lennon was fatally shot by Mark David Chapman outside his residence in New York City on December 8, 1980. Guitarist and singer George Harrison succumbed to lung cancer on November 29, 2001.
- Paul McCartney (born June 18, 1942) – The bass player, singer, and one of the chief songwriting forces behind The Beatles.
- Ringo Starr (born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940) – The drummer and vocalist for the legendary group.
Both continue to shape the musical landscape, with McCartney hitting the road for tours and dishing out new music, while Starr rocks on with his All Starr Band and his solo projects.
Ringo Starr (Image: Getty)
The Who
The Who are hailed as one of the most seminal rock bands of the 1960s and ’70s. They transformed the rock genre with their pioneering sound, electrifying live shows, and innovative concept albums.
Emerging from London in 1964, the lineup featuring Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, shattered rock music norms with their potent anthems and compelling storytelling.
Their greatest hits include the defiant “My Generation,” the monumental “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” the reflective “Behind Blue Eyes,” and the legendary “Baba O’Riley.”
Their rock opera “Tommy” with its standout track “Pinball Wizard” demonstrated their unique fusion of story and song, leaving a lasting impact on a myriad of artists across different eras.
Current surviving members of the band:.
- Roger Daltrey (Born March 1, 1944) – The lead singer.
- Pete Townshend (Born May 19, 1945) – The guitarist and chief songwriter.
Keith Moon, the drummer for The Who, tragically died on September 7, 1978, at just 32 years old due to an accidental overdose of a prescription drug. Meanwhile, bassist John Entwistle passed away in 2002.
Despite these losses, Daltrey is gearing up for a solo tour across the UK in April and May. Pete Townshend has hinted that he and Daltrey will reunite as The Who for performances in 2025; in addition to two Royal Albert Hall shows, they have also lined up a couple of concerts in Italy this July.
The Kinks
Formed in the musical melting pot of London in 1963 by siblings Ray and Dave Davies, The Kinks rapidly ascended to become one of the trailblazing rock bands of the 1960s and their impact resonated for decades.
Their musical journey witnessed a transformation from their early rhythm and blues roots to creating a quintessentially English sound, mirroring the British society and ways of life during those years.
Hit after hit emerged from the talent of The Kinks, with “You Really Got Me” rocketing to the top of the UK charts and conquering the Top 10 across the pond in the US. Other classics like “All Day and All of the Night, “Tired of Waiting for You, “Waterloo Sunset,” and “Lola.” solidified their place in music history.
The band’s pioneering power chord-heavy tracks, especially “You Really Got Me,” are hailed as huge influences on a plethora of music genres, including garage rock, punk, and heavy metal.
As of today, the legendary Davies brothers are both with us.
- Ray Davies (born June 21, 1944) – Lead vocals, backing the band with rhythm guitar, keyboards, and harmonica expertise.
- Dave Davies (born February 3, 1947) – Forging riffs as the lead guitarist, coupled with vocal duties.
- Mick Avory (born February 15, 1944) – Keeping time as the drummer.
While former members Pete Quaife, Jim Rodford, Ian Gibbons, and John Gosling have passed away, The Kinks’ influence remains alive and strong via their music and through the sporadic solo ventures or cooperative efforts of the surviving members. Paying homage to this remarkable legacy is the Kast Off Kinks, a tribute group that includes ex-Kinks drummer Mick Avory.
They have an array of shows planned out over the duration of 2025 and carrying into 2026, with their upcoming performance scheduled for May 8, 2025, at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds.
Black Sabbath are still performing and have a huge gig date planned (Image: Getty)
Black Sabbath
Hailing from Birmingham and formed in 1968, Black Sabbath revolutionised rock music by laying the foundations for heavy metal. The band’s original members – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – concocted a brooding blend of music with their ominous guitar riffs, deliberate tempos, and occult-themed lyrics.
Their astounding influence has echoed through the ages, inspiring innumerable bands and etching out the shape of the metal genre over several decades. Among Black Sabbath’s most significant anthems are “Paranoid, “Iron Man, “War Pigs,” and “Children of the Grave,” which have ascended to iconic status.
Their eponymous first album and its successor, “Paranoid,” stand as seminal works in the annals of heavy metal.
Their reach extends past the realm of music, leaving an indelible mark on culture, fashion, and viewpoints, securing them a place as one of the most pivotal rock bands ever.
- Geezer Butler (Born July 17, 1949) – Bassist.
- Tony Iommi (February 19, 1948) – Lead Guitarist.
- Ozzy Osbourne (December 3, 1948) – Vocalist.
- Bill Ward (born May 5, 1948) – Drummer.
The quartet is set for a historic reunion at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025, for what promises to be Black Sabbath’s conclusive show. This momentous concert, nearly two decades since they last performed together, is billed as “Back to the Beginning,” and will also feature Ozzy Osbourne in a solo performance, alongside an array of legendary rock and metal acts.
Ronnie James Dio, Geoff Nicholls, Cozy Powell, Vincent Crane, Glenn Hughes and Ray Gillen all had stints with the band at various points in time but have sadly passed away.
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