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Kane Brown earns his 14th career Top 10 hit on Billboard's Country Airplay chart, as "Backseat Driver" climbs to No. 10 this week. The track was written by Jacob Davis and Jordan Walker, and was produced by Dann Huff. It’s lifted from Brown’s recent record, The High Road, which debuted at No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart back in February. The 31-year-old Brown holds the active streak record of seven straight Country Airplay chart-toppers, tying him with Jelly Roll, while Jelly aims to extend his success with tracks currently rising up the chart like "Heart of Stone" and "Hard Fought Hallelujah." Elsewhere, Morgan Wallen maintains his No. 1 position on Country Airplay for a second week with "I'm the Problem," the title track from his forthcoming 37-song album due out on May 16. Other songs from Wallen’s highly-anticipated album, including "Just in Case" and "I'm Not Coming Back" with Post Malone, are also currently rising on the Country Airplay chart ahead of the record’s release.

On Friday (April 25), Maren Morris announced the dates and details of her 2025 Dreamsicle World Tour. The country star will be promoting her fourth studio album, which is set for release on May 9. The jaunt features dates across North America running from May 30 to September 26, including stops in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and more, before moving to Europe in November. “Dreamsicle felt like it was already translating itself to a live environment while I was writing the album,” Morris shared in a statement. “It was coming to life in the studio without an audience, so I’m very excited to finally allow these songs to hit the air and feel them amplified by the energy of a crowd. It’ll be a dreamy experience all around for fans and for myself.” The tour will feature supporting acts Trousdale, Miya Folick, and Jade LeMac in North America, with Bea and her Business in Europe. General ticket sales start on May 2, with various presales available on April 28 and 30. 

During her final show of her Las Vegas residency on April 12, Carrie Underwood was reunited with Noel Miller, a Make-A-Wish recipient with a severe heart condition she first met 15 years ago. The country superstar also donated over $235,000 to the foundation, a portion of which came from her residency ticket sales. Underwood, who has been a WishMaker for nearly 20 years, emphasized the importance of supporting Make-A-Wish and brought Miller on stage to sing "All-American Girl" with her during the emotional performance. "They make dreams come true for kids who need it and deserve it who are in some really dark times in their lives," she told the crowd. Underwood capped off her Reflections residency at Resorts World Theatre after a historic three year run that began back in December 2021, and she now looks forward to returning to her American Idol roots by serving as a judge on the show. 

Drew Baldridge finds himself on the brink of possibly securing another No. 1 hit with his current Top 15 single, “Tough People,” following up the success of his groundbreaking self-released No. 1 hit from 2024, "She's Somebody’s Daughter.” Working alongside Luke Combs to co-write the impactful song with Adam Sanders and Jordan Walker, Baldridge initially hesitated to cut his own version of the track, since Combs recorded it first. However, with Combs' encouragement and support, Baldridge took the leap, and the song is currently climbing the charts. In addition to his musical achievements, Baldridge launched The Tough People Fund earlier this year to "highlight those individuals, families and communities that are experiencing the toughest of times." Baldridge became the first self-funded artist to reach No. 1 on country radio with their debut single, and the success of “Tough People” should continue his rise in the country ranks, along with his upcoming support slot on Bailey Zimmerman’s New To Country Tour this summer. 

On Tuesday (April 22), the Tennessee Board of Parole unanimously recommended that Governor Bill Lee consider pardoning Jelly Roll for his past convictions. The move could potentially allow the singer to travel internationally for performances. After a nearly two-hour session that included testimony from Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall and others, it is now up to Gov. Lee to make the final decision on the pardon. Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, expressed gratitude for the board's decision after he shared with them his story of redemption through music, while highlighting his desire to inspire others facing similar challenges. “This was incredible,” Jelly Roll said of the board’s decision. “I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.” The singer's criminal record has previously hindered his ability to perform overseas, but the potential pardon could remove legal barriers and open up new opportunities for him to share his uplifting musical message with his fans around the world. 

Runaway June. Photo: Gregg Rothe

Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs are getting ready to release their new collaboration, "Backup Plan," teasing fans with a sneak peek of their anthem in a recent Instagram video. Zimmerman currently has a hit collaboration with BigXThaPlug, “All The Way,” which debuted at No. 4 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, and this pairing with country superstar Combs should be another big hit for the rising star. The duo did not give a specific release date for the highly-anticipated duet, hinting only that the song will be "coming soon." Combs has some high-profile festival appearances scheduled this spring/summer, beginning with his headlining set at Stagecoach this weekend, followed by the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, and Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island. Zimmerman’s next show is May 3 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and he’s also scheduled to play Morgan Wallen’s Sand in My Boots festival in May, and at June’s CMA Fest in Nashville. 

Photo: Andrew Wendowski

During an appearance on Friday Night Takeover with Rob + Holly, Keith Urban reflected on his recent performance at Opry 100, while also discussing his latest album, HIGH, and his forthcoming new TV series with Blake Shelton, The Road. Urban said that it was a unique experience singing one of Crystal Gayle's hits in front of the legendary singer at the Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration. "They asked me to do a song from one of the Opry members, and then one of my own songs," Urban recalled. "For some reason I just thought about Crystal Gayle, and I was like, 'oh, I might do 'Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.' I love that song, and, so I did it and they invited Crystal to be in the audience. It's a little intimidating. It's very strange when the artist is sitting in the audience watching you play their song." Urban also shared his excitement about his upcoming music competition reality show, The Road, which is set to premiere on CBS in fall 2025.

Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, and Kenney Jones have recorded a series of songs for a new Faces album, suggesting a forthcoming reunion from the legendary rock band 50 years after their last record. In an interview with The Telegraph, Jones confirms that the trio have recorded “about 11 tracks” at the RAK studios in London. The drummer also revealed that a new Faces documentary is in the works, and that Jools Holland makes a guest appearance on one of their new songs. “Not all of them are going to be right [for the album], but most of them are good,” Jones said. “I can’t see it coming out this year. But I can see it coming out next year. Everyone’s doing different things. We do little snippets [of recording] here and there. Then all of a sudden, The Stones are out [on tour] again, Rod’s out again.” The anticipation for new Faces music fuels the rumors of Wood and Jones joining Stewart's scheduled Glastonbury performance this summer.

Carlos Santana was hospitalized following a medical emergency that occured during soundcheck ahead of his concert at San Antonio's Majestic Theatre on Tuesday (April 22). Doctors determined that the 77-year-old guitar legend was suffering from dehydration. The show was postponed, but Santana's spring US tour is set to continue as planned, with the next show scheduled for April 23 in Sugar Land, Texas. “Out of an abundance of caution and the health of Mr. Santana, the decision to postpone the show was the most prudent course of action,” manager Michael Vrionis stated. “He is doing well and is looking forward to coming back to San Antonio soon as well as continuing his US Tour. Thank you all very much for your understanding. The show will be rescheduled soon.” Despite this health setback, Santana has plans for a Vegas residency running from May 14-25, followed by a UK/European tour this summer, and a continuation of his Vegas residency in September and November. 

Renowned music producer Roy Thomas Baker, best known for his work with Queen, The Cars, Foreigner, and other iconic acts, has died at the age of 78. Baker played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of numerous hit singles and albums throughout his legendary career, including serving as chief engineer on Free’s 1970 smash “All Right Now” and T. Rex’s “Bang A Gong (Get It On).” Baker is perhaps best known as the producer on Queen's iconic 1975 record, A Night At the Races, featuring the smash hit, "Bohemian Rhapsody,” which is the most streamed song recorded in the 20th century, and is also recognized as the top British single of all time.

During her acceptance speech while receiving the Hall of Fame award at the Pollstar Awards, Stevie Nicks unexpectedly disclosed that she is working on a new album, a project she is calling, The Ghost Record. Reflecting on the recent California fires, Nicks shared how the isolation during her stay in a hotel while her home was being renovated inspired her to write a series of new songs. “They are not airy, fairy songs that you are wondering who they are about but you don’t really get it,” she said. “They’re real stories of memories of mine of fantastic men,” which includes a song inspired by Prince that brought the project to life. “I thought, ‘You need to go back to work.’ And I did,” Nicks revealed. “And I have seven songs, and they are autobiographical real stories where I’m not pulling any punches for the first time in my life.” This new project will follow Nicks’ last solo album in 2014, 24 Karat Gold: Songs From the Vault.

After The Who publicly announced that they had parted ways with their longtime drummer Zak Starkey last week, Pete Townshend reversed course in an Instagram post on Saturday (April 19), confirming that Starkey is still the drummer in the band. “News Flash! Who back Zak!,” Townshend wrote. “Zak is not being asked to step down from The Who. There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily.” Following a rocky performance at Royal Albert Hall, Townshend stated that Starkey is not being asked to step down but rather work on his drumming style to better fit the band's current sound. “Roger [Daltrey] and I would like Zak to tighten up his latest evolved drumming style to accommodate our non-orchestral line up and he has readily agreed,” wrote the guitar legend. Starkey, the son of the Beatles icon Ringo Star, took to Instagram to share a photo of Townshend embracing him, with the caption, “V grateful to be a part of the who family Thanks Roger and Pete xx.”

Little River Band co-founder and original bassist Roger McLachlan has passed away at the age of 71 after battling pancreatic cancer. McLachlan, born in 1954 in New Zealand, was known for his musical talent and significant early contributions to the band. He initially joined the group after an agent mentioned they were looking for a bass player, and he went on to play a crucial role in their success, including their Top 30 hit song, "It's a Long Way There,” from 1975's Little River Band. "I arrived for auditions and they start playing and singing and I am pinching myself, because I can't believe how good these guys are,” McLachlan told Riveting Riffs magazine about his try-out. “The rest is history. It just kind of clicked straightaway." McLachlan originally left the group following 1976's After Hours, but he rejoined the band in the late ‘90s. McLachlan had a notable career outside of Little River Band, performing and collaborating with a variety of groups while remaining active in music until his passing. He was also part of 2009's induction class at New Zealand's Southland Musicians Club Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. 

On Wednesday (April 16), the Who announced that they have decided to part ways with drummer Zak Starkey after nearly three decades in the band. The decision comes just three weeks after the drummer performed with the Who during two shows at London's Royal Albert Hall. Starkey – son of the Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr – joined the Who in 1996, and appeared on albums like 2006’s Endless Wire and 2019’s Who, while performing live with the group for nearly 30 years. “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall,” said a representative for the band. “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.” Starkey was clearly shocked by the news, releasing a statement saying he was “surprised and saddened” by the announcement, adding, “I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honor and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me.“

On Monday (April 14), Stevie Nicks unveiled the dates and details of her upcoming solo headlining tour, which will intersect with her guest appearances on Billy Joel’s upcoming tour. The 76-year-old rock legend’s tour includes arena dates at nine cities across North America stretching from August to October, with the run beginning in Boston on August 12 and ending in Oklahoma City on October 15. “More solo shows are on the way in 2025 — I can’t wait to share these nights with you ✨,” Nicks wrote in the caption of her Instagram tour announcement. Artist presale begins on Thursday (April 17), with a general on-sale starting on Friday (April 18). “What I wanted to do my whole life was affect people. I love telling my stories on stage,” Nicks said in a 2024 Rolling Stone interview. “That is what makes me happy, and that’s why I’ll never stop touring. Because if I stop touring, then I’ll stop dancing.”

Photographed by Joelle Grace Taylor

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and longtime partner Melanie Hamrick are engaged. The news was confirmed by Hamrick during a recent interview with Paris Match, who disclosed that they have actually been engaged for "two or three years." Despite their happiness in their current life, Hamrick is uncertain about a formal marriage. “Maybe one day we’ll marry, maybe not,” said the 37-year-old former ballerina and choreographer at American Ballet Theatre. “We are so happy in our current life that I would be too afraid to change anything.” The couple, who have been together since 2014, share an eight-year-old son named Deveraux Octavian Basil Jagger, frequently featured on Hamrick's Instagram. The 81-year-old Jagger has seven other children from previous relationships with Marsha Hunt, Bianca Jagger, Jerry Hall, and Luciana Morad Gimenez. 

Pete Best, the original drummer of The Beatles who performed with the band in the early 1960s, has announced his retirement from appearances and performances due to what his daughter calls “personal circumstances." News of Best’s retirement was revealed on X on Saturday (April 5) by the drummer's brother, Roag Best, who shared a photo of the musicians together. "Well what an absolutely wonderful ride we’ve had. However, everything comes to pass,” he wrote. Pete shared Roag’s post, and wrote, “I had a blast. Thank you.” Best, who is often referred to as the "fifth Beatle," made his debut with the band in Hamburg, Germany and was later replaced by Ringo Starr. Despite the harsh circumstances of his departure, Best reflects on his time with the band with no regrets. "I think I’m a lucky guy,” he told The Irish Times in 2020. “I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved as a person, of the examples I’ve set to people to get on with your life, to pick yourself up." 

Clem Burke, the renowned drummer for Blondie and influential figure in the New Wave movement, has passed away at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer. Burke joined Blondie in 1975 and contributed to their iconic early albums such as their self-titled debut, Parallel Lines, and Eat to the Beat. Recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest drummers of all time, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s impeccable backbeat and dynamic style set Blondie apart, infusing disco grooves, reggae, and hip-hop into their hits.