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Tim Roberts

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There are songs that entertain, and then there are songs that open a wound and let the light pour through. All My Love by Led Zeppelin belongs to the latter. It’s not just a performance—it’s a confession, a memorial, a father’s aching whisper to a son forever out of reach.

Written by Robert Plant in the shadow of unspeakable tragedy—the sudden death of his 5-year-old son Karac in 1977—All My Love is more than a ballad. It is the sound of a heart trying to keep beating after it’s been shattered. While Plant had built a career conjuring worlds of fantasy and fire, this song left all mythology behind. No golden gods. No stairways. Just grief.

Robert Plant talks about the death of his 5 year old son

By the time Led Zeppelin performed it live during their final tour in 1980, the song had taken on a sacred weight. On stage, Plant didn’t look like the lion-maned rock icon who once howled and danced with abandon. He looked like a man trying to speak across time. His voice, usually a force of nature, became something quieter, frailer—reaching, not roaring.

And in those moments, the distance between him and the crowd dissolved. Tens of thousands of fans stood not before a legend, but beside a grieving father. You could see it in the way he closed his eyes during the chorus, as if hoping his words might cross the veil. “All of my love, all of my love to you”—the line didn’t just float into the arena air, it hung there like a prayer.

Damn this picture is haunting : r/ledzeppelin

There’s little video that fully conveys the gravity of those performances—not because cameras weren’t rolling, but because certain truths can’t be captured. You had to be there. You had to feel how still the night became, how every guitar note seemed to tremble with unspoken sorrow.

And yet, within the sadness, there’s something beautiful: the act of turning pain into something eternal. All My Love reminds us that even in the darkest corners of life, music can be a lantern. That love—real love—doesn’t die. It transforms.

Robert Plant never wrote another song quite like it. Maybe because All My Love said everything that needed saying. Not to us, but to Karac. A lullaby for the beyond. And every time it’s played, the silence between the notes carries a name, a memory, and a love that never stopped.

Originally released in 1984, “Hallelujah” was not an immediate hit. It took years, countless reinterpretations, and a growing cult appreciation before it earned its place as one of the most beloved songs in modern music. Artists like Jeff Buckley, John Cale, and k.d. lang helped elevate its status — but in the end, the song always belonged to Cohen.

By the time Cohen stepped onto the stage at London’s O2 Arena in 2008, “Hallelujah” had become more than a song — it was a spiritual experience. And who better to deliver it than the man who first gave it life?

At 73, Cohen’s voice was low and gravelly, rich with the patina of a life deeply lived. But far from diminishing the song’s power, his aged voice lent “Hallelujah” a world-weary gravitas that made it more powerful than ever. Each line felt lived-in, each word chosen with care.

When he sang, “Love is not a victory march / It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah,” it didn’t sound like poetry. It sounded like the truth.

Unlike many modern performances which rely on flashy visuals and high-energy antics, Cohen’s presence was striking in its simplicity. Dressed in his iconic dark suit and fedora, he often stood still or knelt humbly, as if in service to the song itself.

Surrounded by world-class musicians and ethereal backing vocalists, Cohen created a rich, immersive atmosphere — solemn yet luminous. The crowd, thousands strong, remained eerily quiet, hanging onto every syllable. It was less a concert, more a collective meditation.

There are songs that stir the soul, and then there are performances that etch themselves into memory. Leonard Cohen’s 2008 live rendition of “So Long, Marianne” in London is one of those unforgettable moments — a masterful blend of nostalgia, poetry, and quiet emotional power.

First penned in the 1960s, “So Long, Marianne” was inspired by Cohen’s muse and former lover, Marianne Ihlen — the Norwegian woman who played a pivotal role in both his personal life and early creative journey. The song, tender and bittersweet, traces the arc of love and parting, wrapped in Cohen’s poetic imagery and aching sincerity.

By the time Leonard Cohen performed this song in London in 2008, more than four decades had passed since its inception. But time had only deepened its meaning. At 73 years old, Cohen didn’t just sing “So Long, Marianne” — he relived it. Each word, each chord, carried the weight of memory.

The Royal Albert Hall that night was hushed with reverence. Backed by an exquisite band and surrounded by a sea of devoted fans, Cohen delivered the song with quiet dignity and surprising energy. Dressed in his signature suit and fedora, he stood like a poet-priest, presiding over an intimate ritual of remembrance.

What made this performance so compelling was its restraint. Cohen didn’t rely on vocal theatrics; he didn’t need to. His gravelly voice, matured and mellowed with age, spoke more truth in a whisper than most singers could in a shout. When he sang, “We met when we were almost young,” it didn’t feel like a lyric — it felt like a confession.

As he sang, the crowd gently joined in, turning the performance into a communal farewell — not just to Marianne, but to youth, to old loves, to fleeting beauty. You could feel the collective heartbeat of the audience, many of whom had grown older alongside Cohen, sharing the same milestones, losses, and longing.

And yet, despite the melancholy undertone, there was warmth in the performance — a sense of peace, even gratitude. Cohen, ever the philosopher, seemed to accept love and its passing not with bitterness, but with grace.

Leonard Cohen’s performance of “So Long, Marianne” in London wasn’t just a highlight of his 2008 world tour; it was a moment that encapsulated everything he stood for: lyrical honesty, emotional depth, and a refusal to shy away from the complexities of love and life.

Watching it now, years later, the performance still resonates. It reminds us that goodbyes are a part of every human story — but if sung with sincerity, they can be beautiful too.

 

Nearly 40 years after energizing a divided Berlin with a message of unity and freedom, Bruce Springsteen returned to the city with another passionate performance—this time, urging the crowd to hold onto hope for American democracy.

Taking the stage at Berlin’s historic Olympic Stadium—an arena still etched with the marks of its Nazi-era origins—Springsteen addressed tens of thousands of fans with a fiery political statement. Throughout the concert, he didn’t hold back in condemning what he described as the “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous” leadership in the United States.

“This evening,” the 75-year-old legend declared, “we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experiment to rise with us—raise your voices, stand against authoritarianism, and let freedom ring.”

The Berlin show is part of Springsteen’s latest European tour, and his message has remained consistent. Starting with a powerful appearance in Manchester, England, and continuing through Liverpool and other stops, he’s used his platform to call out the Trump-era U.S. administration, repeatedly expressing concern about the nation’s direction and its leadership.

Between sets, Springsteen’s remarks touched on several current American issues, including immigration crackdowns, funding cuts to education, and public health crises—all delivered with German subtitles flashing across giant screens beside the stage. The visual backdrop featured both American and German flags, symbolizing a bridge between the two nations and their shared democratic ideals.

Still, amid the criticism, Springsteen struck an optimistic chord: “The America I’ve sung about for the last 50 years is real. It may be flawed, but it’s a great country filled with great people. And we will get through this.”

This isn’t the first time Springsteen has delivered a politically-charged performance in Berlin. In 1988, during his Tunnel of Love Express Tour, he famously played in East Berlin to a crowd of over 160,000—one of the first major Western rock concerts behind the Iron Curtain. At that show, he told East German fans in their own language: “I’m not here for or against any government. I came to play rock ‘n’ roll in the hope that one day, all barriers will be torn down.” That night, as fireworks lit the sky and fans waved handmade American flags, he performed Dylan’s Chimes of Freedom, a song that would echo through history.

On Wednesday, Springsteen closed the show with that same Dylan anthem—a poignant reminder that his commitment to freedom, democracy, and the enduring power of music remains as strong as ever.

It was a night few at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007 would ever forget. Amid the classic rock anthems and roaring crowds, two icons from different generations collided in a rare and unforgettable moment—Amy Winehouse took the stage alongside The Rolling Stones to deliver a rousing performance of “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”

Sharing a stage with rock royalty—Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts—would send chills down the spine of even the most seasoned performer. But Amy Winehouse, never one to be daunted, stepped up like she was born for it. And in many ways, she was.

The Isle of Wight Festival, a legendary staple in the UK music scene since 1969, had seen its fair share of star-studded moments. But this one was different. This wasn’t just a duet—it was a meeting of musical soulmates. As the Stones broke into their rendition of The Temptations’ Motown classic, Jagger’s voice rang out across the sea of festivalgoers. A few verses in, the crowd erupted as Winehouse walked on stage—fashionably late, unmistakably magnetic.

At the time, Amy was at the height of her fame, fresh from the success of her Back to Black album. Her raw voice, full of grit and vulnerability, had catapulted her to global acclaim. But behind the accolades were headlines soaked in turmoil—stories of addiction, struggles, and a life in the tabloid crosshairs. Still, when Amy performed, all that faded away.

That night, under the festival lights, her voice cut through the dusk with soul and swagger, matching Jagger’s infectious energy note for note. She didn’t just hold her own—she lit the stage on fire. While many pop stars have crumbled under the weight of such collaborations, Amy thrived. Her smoky, vintage tones blended effortlessly with the Stones’ blues-rock grit, creating a performance that was as surprising as it was sublime.

It’s said that Jagger felt a genuine connection to Winehouse, even expressing concern for her well-being during her darker days. Though some media outlets ran with wild rumors, what remains undisputed is the mutual respect between the two. And on that stage, it showed. Their chemistry was palpable—two generations of musical greatness, locking eyes and sharing the groove.

Looking back now, that duet feels even more powerful. With Amy’s tragic passing just a few years later, the performance takes on a bittersweet edge. But in that moment, she was exactly where she belonged: in front of a sea of fans, singing her heart out, next to one of the greatest bands of all time.

So if you’ve never seen it—or even if you have—take a few minutes and revisit that extraordinary moment. Amy Winehouse and The Rolling Stones, side by side, reviving a Motown gem and reminding us all why live music can be pure magic.

Safeco Field in Seattle became more than a concert venue—it became a place of remembrance, revival, and quiet resilience. The Eagles returned to the stage, but this time with a new voice woven into the fabric of their legacy: Deacon Frey, the son of the late Glenn Frey.

The occasion was The Classic Northwest, a celebration of classic rock’s enduring power, featuring The Eagles and The Doobie Brothers in a rare co-headlining stadium show. For fans, it was more than a concert—it was a chance to witness the band’s healing process, unfolding in real time.

Deacon walked onto the stage with quiet poise, dressed with the same unassuming cool that had defined his father. But as he approached the microphone to sing “Already Gone,” it was clear this wouldn’t be a mere tribute. This was something more intimate, more human. His voice didn’t try to replicate Glenn’s—it carried its own weight, its own timbre, but with unmistakable echoes of the past.

The moment was tender and raw. There was a collective breath held as the first verse rang out, carried by the voice of a son reclaiming a space once held by his father. And when the chorus hit, the energy shifted—the crowd wasn’t just listening, they were witnessing. The applause that followed wasn’t for performance alone—it was for courage, for lineage, for love.

Rock Cellar Magazine - Eagles Announce the Departure of Deacon Frey, Glenn  Frey's Son (Who Had Joined in 2017)

“He didn’t step into his father’s shoes—he walked beside them,” Don Henley later reflected. “Deacon made that stage his own. We’re not just proud—we’re moved. I know Glenn would’ve been.”

The night’s setlist was a sprawling tribute to the band’s enduring legacy, each track a time capsule of American rock: “New Kid in Town,” “Desperado,” “Life in the Fast Lane.” Vince Gill brought his own soulful magic to tracks like “Lyin’ Eyes” and “Tequila Sunrise,” blending seamlessly into the Eagles’ rich harmonies. But it was Deacon’s performances—particularly “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Take It Easy,” and “Already Gone”—that anchored the night in something deeper than nostalgia.

There was a quiet beauty in watching the next generation step forward—not as a replacement, but as a continuation. The spirit of Glenn Frey lingered in every note, not as a shadow but as a guiding light. And when Deacon sang, it felt less like a debut and more like a passing of the torch—gentle, powerful, and undeniable.

As the final chords faded into the night, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Fans young and old, longtime followers and first-timers alike, stood in silent recognition of what they had just seen. It wasn’t just a concert. It was a moment—a bridge between legacy and rebirth.

That night in Seattle, “Already Gone” became more than a hit song. It became a hymn of heritage, a father’s voice reborn through his son’s. And somewhere, if you listened closely, you could almost hear Glenn Frey—smiling, proud, and very much present.

Rock royalty is heading back to the spotlight. Queen legends Brian May and Roger Taylor are reuniting once again with powerhouse vocalist Adam Lambert for their long-awaited return to North American stages—their first tour across the continent in four years.

Announced as The Rhapsody Tour, the 14-date run begins in Baltimore this October and will crescendo in Los Angeles by mid-November. Fans can expect a full-throttle 150-minute set packed with Queen’s timeless anthems—from “We Will Rock You” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” to “Somebody to Love” and “Radio Ga Ga”—alongside deeper cuts that loyalists have long cherished.

For the band, the magic isn’t just in the music—it’s in the shared connection with fans. “Every night, those two and a half hours belong to the people in front of us,” said May, 75. “We give them everything we’ve got. It’s a rush—and if it ever stops being fun, that’s when we’d stop doing it.”

Queen and Adam Lambert Open Up About New Tour — and How the Singer Keeps Them 'Young'

Lambert, 41, echoed the sentiment, calling the live experience electric. “The audience is the fuel. Seeing thousands of people singing their hearts out—there’s nothing like it. It charges you. It keeps you going,” he said. “It’s kind of addictive.”

While their energy on stage remains legendary, Taylor, 73, joked that he’s content preparing in his own classic style—no intense vocal warm-ups for him, just a splash of Irish whiskey and a Diet Coke before showtime. “Adam’s vocal rituals are impressive,” he said with a grin. “I’m happy to cheer him on from the side.”

Though Queen + Adam Lambert toured Europe and the UK last year, this marks their official North American return after a pandemic-forced hiatus. Since their last outing, all three musicians have kept creatively busy: May reissued solo projects, Taylor released his first solo album in nearly a decade, and Lambert unveiled High Drama, a genre-hopping collection of cover songs.

But for May and Taylor, this collaboration with Lambert remains more than just a touring act—it’s the revival of something they once thought was gone forever.

Queen and Adam Lambert Open Up About New Tour — and How the Singer Keeps Them 'Young'

“After Freddie passed, we assumed Queen was finished,” May shared, reflecting on the band’s loss of Freddie Mercury in 1991. “We didn’t look for a new singer—we didn’t think it would ever happen again. Then Adam appeared, almost out of nowhere.”

Their first meeting came in 2009, when Lambert, then a contestant on American Idol, stunned audiences with his soaring range and theatrical flair. “His voice is something else. There’s really nothing like it,” said May. “And the look—the glam, the sparkle—he was born to wear diamonds.”

But what makes Lambert a true fit for Queen, the band says, is his reverence for Mercury’s legacy without trying to imitate him.

“He doesn’t try to be Freddie. That’s so important,” May noted. “He honors him, as we all do, but he brings his own interpretation to every song. That’s the magic—he makes the music new again.”

Queen and Adam Lambert Open Up About New Tour — and How the Singer Keeps Them 'Young'

Lambert agrees, calling their creative partnership a “team effort.” “Freddie laid the foundation for all of this. He was one of a kind. I don’t try to replace him—I just try to exist in the space he created, and have fun with it. From what I’ve heard, he loved a bit of mischief too.”

The camaraderie between the trio is evident on and off the stage. “Adam’s kept us young,” joked May. Lambert fired back with a laugh: “I’ve introduced them to eyeliner and high heels.”

Taylor, meanwhile, offered a more serious note on Lambert’s contributions. “Having a voice like Adam’s at the front of the band—it gives us confidence. We can trust him to carry these songs and make them soar.”

As for any talks of retirement? Don’t count on it.

“No way,” May said definitively. “To be able to do this at the level we’re doing it, and still love it—it’s a blessing. Why would we stop? I’ll probably keep doing this until I drop.”

Queen and Adam Lambert Open Up About New Tour — and How the Singer Keeps Them 'Young'

Queen + Adam Lambert – The Rhapsody Tour (North America 2025)

Oct 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

Oct 08 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Oct 10 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

Oct 12 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Oct 15 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Oct 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

Oct 23 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

Oct 25 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Oct 27 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

Oct 30 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Nov 02 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Nov 05 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Nov 08 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

Nov 11 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium

Back in 1963, in the quiet of a late-night writing session at Gary Usher’s house, Brian Wilson composed one of the most intimate pieces of his career. In My Room, co-written with Usher for The Beach Boys’ Surfer Girl album, was born in less than an hour—a soft, contemplative ballad that would grow to become one of the band’s most beloved songs. It was more than just music; it was a sanctuary in song form, a quiet space of reflection and emotional refuge.

What Brian couldn’t have imagined then was that, decades later, he’d be performing that very song on stage—not alone, but joined by his daughters Carnie and Wendy Wilson. The two had made names for themselves as members of the vocal trio Wilson Phillips, alongside Chynna Phillips, daughter of The Mamas & The Papas’ John and Michelle Phillips. That night, however, it wasn’t just about fame or legacy—it was about family.

The date was July 23, 2013, and the venue was the Kresge Auditorium in Michigan, where Brian was performing during the Interlochen Summer Arts Festival. Sharing the stage with Beach Boys veterans Al Jardine and David Marks, the evening already carried the weight of nostalgia. But midway through the set, a surprise appearance by Wilson Phillips turned the night into something truly unforgettable.

As Brian took his seat at the piano and began the opening chords of In My Room, Carnie, Wendy, and Chynna stepped forward to join him. Their harmonies—rich, delicate, and full of shared history—wrapped around Brian’s voice like a warm memory brought to life. In that moment, the song became more than a fan favorite; it became a generational bridge, tying father and daughters, past and present, into one resonant chord.

The song itself had always been deeply rooted in Brian’s personal world. As a boy, his bedroom had been a retreat—a place where music was born in the quiet hours, safe from the outside noise. “I thought of it as my kingdom,” he once said. “You’re not afraid in your room. It’s a truth that held me through a lot.”

In a 1990 interview, Brian reminisced about those early nights singing Ivory Tower with his younger brothers, Dennis and Carl, nestled together in their shared bedroom. “Eventually, I started teaching them harmonies,” he recalled. “We’d sing it over and over. It gave us peace. It gave us something still and warm when everything else was loud.”

When it came time to record In My Room, Brian remembered the simplicity of the moment: “It was just Dennis, Carl, and me on the first verse. And it sounded just like we did at home—three brothers singing in the dark, figuring it out as we went.” After a pause, he added softly, “That memory matters even more now… especially with Dennis gone.”

Gary Usher, Brian’s co-writer and longtime friend, once spoke of how the song seemed to emerge effortlessly. “It took about an hour, maybe less,” he said. “The melody? That was all Brian. There was so much depth in it, so much vulnerability. You could feel it—how real it was for him.”

He recounted how, just after midnight, they found Brian’s mother, Audree, still awake. “She was in the bathroom getting ready for bed,” Gary laughed. “We played the song for her right there, and she said, ‘That’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever written.’”

All these years later, the song still resonates—with the audience, with Wilson’s family, and with Brian himself. On that stage in 2013, surrounded by loved ones and lifted by music that once soothed a young boy’s soul, In My Room wasn’t just a song anymore.

The music world is grieving the loss of one of its most influential pioneers. Brian Wilson, the visionary behind the iconic sound of The Beach Boys, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82. As co-founder, composer, and creative force behind the band, Wilson helped shape a generation of music and culture, selling over 100 million records and earning a lasting place in history. Rolling Stone famously named The Beach Boys among the greatest artists of all time, thanks in large part to Wilson’s genius.

Over the decades, the band created an enduring catalog of hits such as Good Vibrations, Surfin’ U.S.A., and Wouldn’t It Be Nice. With news of Wilson’s passing, tributes from fans and fellow artists flooded social media, including a deeply personal post from Sir Paul McCartney.

The Beatles legend took to Instagram to honor his longtime friend and musical peer. Sharing a photo of Wilson, McCartney wrote,

“Brian had that mysterious sense of musical genius that made his songs so achingly special. The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time. I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while.”

McCartney, who has long praised Wilson’s innovative approach to songwriting, concluded his tribute with a heartfelt nod to one of Wilson’s most celebrated compositions:

“How we will continue without Brian Wilson, ‘God Only Knows’. Thank you, Brian.”

Wilson’s impact wasn’t limited to music alone. His creative spirit extended to the small screen as well. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Wilson made guest appearances on Full House, often portraying himself. One of his close friends and collaborators during that time, actor John Stamos, reflected on their friendship with deep affection.

Stamos, who performed alongside Wilson multiple times, shared a touching tribute paired with a collage of their moments together:

“Brian Wilson didn’t just soundtrack my life… he filled it with color, with wonder, with some of the most unforgettable, emotional, joyful moments I’ve ever known.”

A lifelong fan-turned-friend, Stamos credited Wilson’s music with shaping his own life and career:

“I grew up worshipping the Beach Boys, never imagining one day I’d get to play with them, let alone call Brian a friend. Brian gave the world Pet Sounds, God Only Knows, and Wouldn’t It Be Nice. Songs that didn’t just play in the background of our lives—they shaped who we were. His music made me feel things I didn’t know how to say. It made me want to make people feel the way his music made me feel.”

Stamos closed with words that echoed what many around the world are feeling:

“So much of my life and career, so much of me, exists because of what Brian created. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the moments. I’ll carry them with me—forever.”

As fans across the globe continue to celebrate Brian Wilson’s unmatched legacy, his melodies live on—in every harmony, in every lyric, and in every heart he touched.

 

In a moving gesture of respect and admiration, Sting paid heartfelt tribute to Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, who passed away at the age of 82 on June 11. The emotional homage came during Sting’s concert at IGA Park in Germany, just hours after news of Wilson’s death was shared by his family on social media.

As his set neared its end, the former Police frontman paused to reflect on the impact Wilson had on his life and music. “Today, one of my heroes died—Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. He’s gone to heaven,” Sting told the crowd before launching into a tender, stripped-back rendition of the Beach Boys’ beloved classic, God Only Knows.

This wasn’t the first time Sting had covered the timeless track. In 2008, he had the honor of performing it live alongside Wilson himself at Carnegie Hall during a Rainforest Foundation benefit concert. While official footage of that duet remains unavailable, fans have since uncovered audio clips that continue to circulate online, preserving the magic of that rare moment.

Over the years, Sting has occasionally revisited God Only Knows in his solo performances, including multiple times in 2024. His latest tribute in Germany marked the song’s first live outing this year, made all the more poignant by the occasion.

Sting wasn’t the only artist moved to remember Wilson through song. In New York, Dave Matthews offered his own brief but heartfelt rendition of God Only Knows during a concert, performing the first verse and chorus. “Sad to see Brian go, but he gave us a whole lot of beautiful things,” Matthews said. “May he rest in peace. Sorry about that performance, Brian, if you’re hearing it.”

God Only Knows, written by Wilson when he was just 23, is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs ever composed. Sir Paul McCartney has frequently praised it as a masterpiece, once calling it “the greatest song ever written” and admitting that it consistently moves him to tears.

Tributes have poured in from Wilson’s former bandmates as well. The Beach Boys released a statement mourning the loss of a creative giant:

“The world mourns a genius today. Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys—he was the soul of our sound. His melodies and emotions changed the course of music forever. He created the soundtrack to our lives, including our own.”

Al Jardine, Wilson’s longtime collaborator and friend, also shared a deeply personal message:

“Brian Wilson, my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit… I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again.”

As fans across generations grieve the loss of a true musical visionary, artists like Sting ensure that Wilson’s melodies—and the spirit behind them—continue to echo in the hearts of millions.