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Tim Roberts

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It was a warm July evening in 1979, and the Oakland Coliseum buzzed with excitement. Thousands of fans filled the stadium, ready for a night of unforgettable music. What they didn’t know was that they were about to witness something far more powerful — the final time all four Gibb brothers would share the stage.

Barry, Maurice, Robin, and Andy Gibb stood under the lights not just as global music icons, but as brothers — united by blood, music, and a bond deeper than words. The harmonies were flawless, the connection between them undeniable. The crowd sang along to every lyric, as the Bee Gees gave the performance everything they had — heart, soul, and more.

Tragedy would follow. Andy lost his battle with addiction and passed away in 1988. Maurice died unexpectedly in 2003. And in 2012, Barry lost his twin, Robin — the brother he once called “the other half of my soul.” Now, Barry Gibb stands alone, the last of the legendary quartet.

“I still ask myself why I’m here and they’re not,” Barry once shared. “But that night in Oakland… it lives on. It was sacred. It was the last time we were all together.”

Fans still return to the footage of that concert — not just for the music, but for the feeling. The way the brothers looked at each other. The shared smiles. The unspoken rhythm only family can create. It wasn’t just a performance — it was love turned into song.

“When I close my eyes,” Barry whispered, “I still hear them.”

That night wasn’t just another show. It was a farewell wrapped in harmonies and spotlight. A moment in time no one recognized for what it was — until it was gone. But it still echoes. In old recordings. In the hearts of fans. And in the quiet moments Barry lives with every day.

Because the Bee Gees weren’t just a band. They were brothers. And for one perfect night in Oakland, the world got to feel that — completely.

At the 2023 New Orleans Jazz Fest, Mumford & Sons delivered a performance no one saw coming — a genre-bending, soul-shaking rendition of “House of the Rising Sun” that’s now gone viral with over 3 million views (and counting).

Before the first chord struck, frontman Marcus Mumford welcomed two hometown heroes to the stage: the ever-electric Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews) and the endlessly talented Jon Batiste, best known as the charismatic bandleader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. What followed was a cover of the 1964 classic by The Animals — but this wasn’t just another version. It was a total reinvention.

Marcus kicked things off with a stripped-down, intimate intro — a quiet acoustic lull that hushed the crowd before erupting into a full-blown folk-jazz explosion. Trombone Shorty’s velvety brass solos danced between Marcus’ breathy verses, building tension with every haunting note. Jon Batiste chimed in with a spine-tingling melodica solo, weaving gospel, blues, and jazz in hypnotic fashion.

Just as the energy peaked, a surprise twist jolted the audience: guitarist Clarisse stormed the stage in tangerine sunglasses, wielding a glitter-drenched blue guitar and tearing into a face-melting solo that felt more rock arena than folk fest — think Slash meets Preservation Hall.

Where most covers of “House of the Rising Sun” lean on vocal drama or retro homage, this performance unfolded like a living conversation between genres. Instead of leaning on spectacle, the band and their guests let their musicianship do the talking — ebbing and flowing with breathtaking dynamics and explosive chemistry.

Mumford’s delivery was balanced and unpredictable, swerving between gentle vulnerability and powerhouse vocal peaks. Yet, even at its most intense, the spotlight kept moving — Trombone Shorty playing with fearless flair, Jon Batiste elevating each bar with effortless soul, and Clarisse turning heads with raw guitar heroics.

For a band sometimes labeled as too polished or out of step with pop trends, this moment served as a reminder: Mumford & Sons aren’t chasing charts — they’re chasing artistry. And with collaborators like this, they’re taking us all along for the ride.

As one stunned fan commented on YouTube, “What the actual hell did I just witness? That was one of the best live sets I’ve seen in years. No flash. No gimmicks. Just real musicians blowing the roof off.”

No autotune. No filter. Just lightning caught onstage.

Country music meets heavy metal in a bold and beautiful way — and Carrie Underwood is the bridge between two musical worlds. The American Idol alum, known for her powerhouse vocals and emotional delivery, recently surprised fans with a heartfelt cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s 1991 classic “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” And it’s safe to say she delivered it with both reverence and raw power.

While the country superstar has never shied away from stepping outside the genre box — her performances with Guns N’ Roses and her rock-infused albums like Cry Pretty come to mind — this latest cover proves once again that Carrie can masterfully cross musical boundaries while staying true to her roots.

Performed during her set at Apple Music Sessions, Underwood stripped the song down and rebuilt it in her own image. Gone were the distortion-heavy guitars and the heavy metal haze; in their place, Carrie layered haunting melodies, subtle country inflections, and an aching vulnerability that brought new depth to the song’s message of longing and redemption.

“Mama, I’m Coming Home” was originally written by Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde, Lemmy Kilmister, and producer Tom Fletcher — and is widely considered one of Ozzy’s most emotionally resonant ballads. Underwood’s rendition honors that spirit, yet infuses it with a distinctly feminine energy, highlighting the universality of returning home, seeking comfort, and coming full circle.

Fans and critics alike praised the performance, with many calling it one of the most powerful cross-genre covers of the year. On social media, reactions poured in:

“Carrie Underwood covering Ozzy? Didn’t know I needed that until now.”
“Her voice gives me chills. That was beyond a cover — that was a reimagining.”

This isn’t Carrie’s first venture into rock territory. She’s previously paid tribute to iconic rock acts like Aerosmith and Joan Jett, and her love for rock music was on full display during her high-octane performances at the CMA Awards and Stagecoach Festival. But this cover feels personal — and it hits a deeper note. It’s more than just genre experimentation; it’s emotional storytelling, Carrie-style.

With her ability to connect across genres and audiences, Carrie Underwood continues to redefine what it means to be a modern country artist — one who isn’t afraid to push limits, take risks, and honor the legends that shaped music history.

Buckingham Palace witnessed an unexpected and poignant moment as the Band of the Coldstream Guards delivered a thunderous rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” during the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. The tribute, performed just days after the passing of heavy metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne, struck a deep emotional chord with fans across the nation.

Clips shared on TikTok quickly went viral, showing the iconic red-coated guards rocking the palace grounds with the unmistakable guitar-driven anthem. One viewer captured the sentiment of many, commenting, “This is the proudest I’ve been to be British in over a decade.” Another called it “pure British magic” and ended simply: “RIP Ozzy.”

The timing of the tribute was especially significant—it coincided with Osbourne’s funeral procession in his hometown of Birmingham. As fans lined the streets to bid farewell, some compared the collective outpouring of grief and admiration to the nation’s response following the deaths of royal family members.

While the Changing of the Guard is a longstanding British tradition where ceremonial soldiers rotate duties to the tune of military music, this performance broke the mold. It became not just a changing of duty, but a celebration of legacy—one that honored a man who helped define British music for generations.

A Farewell Fitting a Legend

Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, had faced a long battle with Parkinson’s disease after being diagnosed in 2003. Even in declining health, he continued to perform. His final appearance on July 5—seated on a throne during Black Sabbath’s farewell show in Birmingham—now stands as a hauntingly perfect swan song.

A Royal Connection Forged in Rock

@about.london

The Band of the Coldstream Guards perform “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath at Changing of the Guard today. RIP to Ozzy Osbourne the “Prince of Darkness” #guard #kingsguard #ozzyosbourne #blacksabbath #paranoid #heavymetal #rockband #london #buckinghampalace #fyp

♬ original sound – about.london

Ozzy’s relationship with the British monarchy extended far beyond pageantry. In 2002, he shared the stage at Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, blending heavy metal with heritage in a way only he could. In 2006, he was hosted by then-Prince Charles at Clarence House during a Prince’s Trust event—a meeting that cemented mutual respect between two very different icons.

After Queen Elizabeth’s death in 2022, Osbourne was vocal in his support of King Charles III. Recalling their rapport, he told The New York Post, “He’s a very, very nice man. He’s always treated me with the utmost respect.” He even shared a touching personal story: “When I had my bike accident, he sent me a bottle of scotch. I wish him all the best.”

A Legacy Etched in Stone—and Sound

@about.london

The Band of the Coldstream Guards perform “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath at Changing of the Guard today. RIP to Ozzy Osbourne the “Prince of Darkness” #guard #kingsguard #ozzyosbourne #blacksabbath #paranoid #heavymetal #rockband #london #buckinghampalace #fyp

♬ original sound – about.london

Ozzy’s impact wasn’t confined to the world of rock. He was a cultural force who bridged generations, genres, and even royal circles. That the British Army would commemorate him with “Paranoid”—one of the loudest, most defiant anthems of the 20th century—speaks volumes about his reach and relevance.

For fans and bystanders alike, the moment outside Buckingham Palace wasn’t just about music. It was about memory, national pride, and the recognition that icons can wear leather jackets just as easily as crowns.

When Starship stepped onto the stage in 2012 to perform their iconic anthem “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” time seemed to rewind for a moment. The crowd erupted—not just with applause, but with nostalgia, memories, and pure, unfiltered joy. This wasn’t just another live performance. It was a defiant, joyful celebration of love, resilience, and the enduring power of classic rock.

Originally released in 1987, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” became an instant chart-topper, fueled by its soaring chorus and universal message of unity in the face of adversity. Written by Diane Warren and Albert Hammond, and sung by Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas, the track anchored the film Mannequin and carved out a timeless place in pop-rock history.

Fast forward to 2012, and Starship—with Mickey Thomas still at the helm—proved that their fire hadn’t faded. From the opening chords to the final chorus, the energy was electric. Mickey’s voice, still strong and soulful, carried the audience right back to the late ’80s. Every note was charged with the emotion of a band that’s weathered decades, yet still knows how to bring down the house.

The audience sang along, swaying and dancing with hands in the air, reliving memories and creating new ones. You could feel the connection—between performer and fan, between past and present, between melody and meaning.

What makes this 2012 live rendition so special isn’t just the nostalgia—it’s the sense of affirmation. That even years after its debut, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” still resonates. In a world constantly shifting, this song remains a musical beacon of hope and determination.

In the grand halls of the Kennedy Center in 2007, music royalty gathered to celebrate the genius of one of pop’s most influential composers: Brian Wilson. Known as the visionary behind The Beach Boys and the sonic architect of the legendary Pet Sounds album, Wilson was being honored for a lifetime of musical innovation and emotional depth. And among the artists who stepped forward to pay tribute, it was Lyle Lovett’s performance of “God Only Knows” that stood out like a quiet prayer echoing through the rafters.

The Song That Changed Everything

“God Only Knows” is widely considered one of the most beautiful and innovative songs in popular music history. When it was released in 1966, its tender lyrics, rich orchestration, and emotional complexity redefined what a pop song could be. Paul McCartney once called it the greatest song ever written. At the heart of it all was Brian Wilson, who, at the height of his creative powers, was pushing boundaries both musically and emotionally.

Enter Lyle Lovett — the Texas-born singer-songwriter with a distinct voice, a poetic sensibility, and a deep respect for musical history. Though best known for his blend of country, folk, jazz, and swing, Lovett brought something truly unique to the 2007 Kennedy Center Honors stage. He wasn’t just singing a Beach Boys song — he was interpreting a modern hymn in a way that only he could.

Dressed in his trademark suit and backed by a rich string section, Lovett delivered “God Only Knows” not with flash or theatrics, but with subtle grace. His understated vocal delivery added a fresh vulnerability to the classic, and in doing so, Lovett managed to echo the song’s timeless beauty while making it entirely his own.

A Tribute to Genius

What made this moment particularly powerful was the visible emotion it stirred in Brian Wilson himself, seated among his peers and family. As Lovett sang, the camera caught glimpses of Wilson — eyes wide, heart full. It wasn’t just a performance. It was a mirror held up to the legacy Wilson had built, reflecting love, admiration, and the eternal resonance of his music.

Other artists took the stage that evening as well — Hootie & the Blowfish, Earth, Wind & Fire, and more — all paying tribute to Wilson’s rich catalog. But Lovett’s rendition of “God Only Knows” became the emotional center of the celebration. It was reverent, honest, and deeply moving.

A Crossroads of American Music

The magic of the Kennedy Center Honors lies in its ability to bring together artists from different genres and generations to recognize one of their own. In that spirit, Lovett — the Americana troubadour — paying homage to Wilson — the pop symphonist — felt not only fitting, but inspired. It was a symbolic meeting point between West Coast surf melodies and Southern storytelling, between lush harmonies and lyrical depth.

Fans of musical theater and Adam Lambert are in for an electrifying treat. Next Friday marks the release of a brand-new studio version of “Heaven on Their Minds,” the fiery opening track from Jesus Christ Superstar—reimagined by none other than Lambert himself in collaboration with the musical’s legendary creator, Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Timed perfectly with the opening night of a star-studded, three-night run of Jesus Christ Superstar at the iconic Hollywood Bowl (August 1–3), the single offers a bold new interpretation of Judas Iscariot’s powerful moment of doubt and inner conflict. Lambert, who takes on the role of Judas in the live production, gives fans a preview of his dramatic portrayal with this studio recording.

A teaser clip released earlier this week shows Lambert in the studio, channeling raw emotion and theatrical flair. “I was honored when Andrew invited me to record this track,” Lambert said. “It felt like the perfect way to mark my debut as Judas—and to share a little of what we’re building for the Hollywood Bowl with the world.”

Webber, credited as executive producer and arranger, worked closely on the single’s development. The recording was helmed by producer Martin Terefe, known for his work with global artists like Shawn Mendes, Yungblud, and Christina Aguilera. The sessions unfolded across top studios in London, LA, New York, and Nashville, the latter hosting a live string section that deepens the song’s cinematic impact.

The Hollywood Bowl production features an all-star cast: Lambert as Judas, Cynthia Erivo as Jesus, Phillipa Soo (of Hamilton fame) as Mary Magdalene, and Josh Gad as King Herod. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, with music direction by Broadway veteran Stephen Oremus, the production promises to be a landmark theatrical event.

“Heaven on Their Minds” first appeared in the 1970 concept album for Jesus Christ Superstar, voiced by Murray Head. Its searing guitar lines and emotionally charged lyrics by Tim Rice have made it a show-stopper for generations. The song captures Judas’ growing disillusionment with the movement around Jesus, seeing it shift from a political uprising to something he fears could become dangerously deified. Over the years, it’s been covered by many, but Lambert’s version—with its theatrical fire and modern edge—is poised to leave its own mark.

This release continues a banner year for both Lambert and Lloyd Webber. Lambert recently earned acclaim in his starring role as the Emcee in Broadway’s revival of Cabaret. Meanwhile, Lloyd Webber is enjoying renewed attention with successful runs of Sunset Boulevard (starring Nicole Scherzinger) and Evita in London, where Rachel Zegler’s version of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” soared to No. 1 on UK vinyl charts. He’s also collaborated with Hudson Mohawke on a rework of “The Race” from Starlight Express.

With this high-octane release and a blockbuster Hollywood Bowl cast, Lambert and Lloyd Webber are bringing Jesus Christ Superstar to a new generation—with a Judas whose voice and presence might just steal the show.

Alice Cooper paid a touching tribute to his longtime friend and fellow rock legend, Ozzy Osbourne, during his Edinburgh show last night, reminding the world that rock is not just about the music—it’s about the family it creates.

Performing at the historic Usher Hall, Alice paused midway through his set to share a heartfelt message about Ozzy, who recently announced his retirement from touring due to ongoing health challenges. The moment wasn’t loud or theatrical, but it resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom grew up listening to both of these rock pioneers.

“Ozzy’s the guy who proved to all of us you could be weird, wild, and still change the world with your music,” Alice told the cheering audience, raising a glass in Ozzy’s honor before launching into a fiery rendition of School’s Out. The band seamlessly blended a riff from Iron Man during the breakdown, causing the crowd to erupt in a wave of nostalgia and emotion.

Alice and Ozzy have known each other since the early days of heavy metal’s rise, both embodying theatrical shock-rock while remaining fiercely dedicated to their craft. They have shared stages, interviews, and endless stories of mischief, but beneath the eyeliner and the darkness, there has always been deep mutual respect.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/766876202345980/

In recent interviews, Alice has spoken openly about his admiration for Ozzy’s resilience, calling him “one of the last true rock warriors,” and reminding fans that Ozzy’s contribution to music goes beyond his larger-than-life stage persona.

@alicereflected

Tribute to Ozzy from Alice Cooper tonight. RIP Ozzy 📷: @Rachael Ferguson

♬ original sound – Alice Reflected

Fans React with Gratitude

Fans took to social media immediately after the show to express how much the moment meant to them:

“Seeing Alice honor Ozzy like that brought tears to my eyes. Two legends who shaped my entire music taste.” – @gothicrose

“The Iron Man riff in School’s Out was everything. Thank you, Alice, for giving us that moment.” – @rocknrollmama

“It was a beautiful reminder that we should appreciate Ozzy while we still can.” – @metalheadedinburgh

While Ozzy’s health has kept him away from touring, his influence is felt in every guitar riff, every spiked jacket in the crowd, and every young artist who dares to be different. Alice’s tribute was a reminder that the rock community stands together, honoring those who paved the way.

 

The Prince of Darkness, who shaped the sound of heavy metal as Black Sabbath’s fearless frontman, passed away at 76 at his UK estate, surrounded by his loved ones on July 22. It came only 17 days after he stood on stage for what would become his final performance with the original Black Sabbath lineup, marking their first reunion in 20 years—a bittersweet farewell, given his ongoing health battles.

Ozzy had been living with Parkinson’s since 2019 and faced several health challenges, though his official cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

One of the last glimpses fans got of Ozzy’s humor came on July 9, when Kelly Osbourne shared a TikTok capturing a family moment that quickly went viral. The clip showed Kelly’s fiancé, Slipknot’s Sid Wilson, proposing to her in front of their family and close friends. As Sid began his heartfelt speech with, “Kelly, you know I love you more than anything in the world…” Ozzy, never one to miss the perfect moment for a laugh, interrupted, quipping, “F**k off, you’re not marrying my daughter.”

The room exploded with laughter, and as Sid slipped the ring on Kelly’s finger, Ozzy could be seen grinning, that familiar glint in his eyes, enjoying the joy around him. It was a moment that perfectly captured Ozzy’s essence—fierce, funny, and fiercely devoted to his family.

@kellyosbourneyo

The biggest surprise! I’m so so happy!

♬ original sound – Kelly Osbourne

In the announcement of his passing, the Osbourne family shared, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Ozzy’s journey began in Birmingham in 1968 with Black Sabbath, a band that didn’t just play heavy metal but redefined it, turning it into a global force that would shape generations. His wild stage antics, including the infamous bat incident, and his self-styled image as the Prince of Darkness made him a legend in rock history.

Yet behind the theatrics and controversy was a devoted family man whose reality show, The Osbournes, revealed a softer, hilarious, and deeply relatable side to the world.

As the world says goodbye to Ozzy, we remember a man who, until his final days, was never too tired to make people laugh, never too unwell to show love, and never too far from the music that made him a legend. Rest easy, Ozzy. You will be missed, but your spirit will forever echo through every riff and every roar that heavy metal brings to the world.

With the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, we look back on a moment that captured his spirit and legacy in the best way possible. Back in 2014, the MTV EMAs transformed into a cathedral of rock as a powerhouse supergroup took the stage to honor Ozzy, performing his legendary 1980 track “Crazy Train.” It was the song that launched Ozzy into his solo career after his Black Sabbath departure, with its razor-sharp riff becoming one of metal’s most iconic sounds.

That night, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne sat front row, witnessing a lineup that was the stuff of rock fan dreams: Slash, the guitar wizard from Guns N’ Roses, teamed up with his frequent collaborator Myles Kennedy, the tight and ferocious Conspirators, and Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil. Together, they unleashed a blistering performance of “Crazy Train” that channeled pure, electrifying energy into every note.

Kennedy and Neil traded off vocals with raw passion, while Slash, wielding his Les Paul like a weapon, tore into the signature riffs and solos, paying tribute to the late Randy Rhoads with respect and fire. The stage erupted with pyrotechnics, vivid visuals, and unfiltered rock energy, but nothing could outshine the moment Slash stepped forward for the soaring solo before the outro, shredding with a conviction that left the entire crowd roaring.

If you watched Ozzy’s face during the performance, you might have thought he was simply soaking it all in quietly. But as the final notes rang out, he leapt to his feet, delivering a heartfelt, extended standing ovation that was louder than any pyrotechnic blast that night. It was the ultimate seal of approval from the man himself, a rare moment of genuine emotion on a night otherwise dominated by pop, RnB, and hip-hop.

After the show, Slash took to Twitter to salute Ozzy once more, calling him not just a global icon but a true friend, a sentiment echoed by the countless fans whose lives Ozzy’s music had touched.

In a world constantly chasing the next trend, seeing this 34-year-old anthem reborn with such fiery devotion was a reminder that legends like Ozzy Osbourne don’t fade—they echo on, loud and eternal, in every chord that shakes the ground.

https://x.com/Slash/status/531706404730843136