The B-52’s have announced Ancient Culture: Mesopotamia Revisited, an expanded deluxe edition of their 1982 EP Mesopotamia, due for release on August 21 via Rhino.

Available as a 3-CD/3-LP set and digitally, the collection restores the band’s original full-length vision for the project, which was cut short during recording sessions with Talking Heads frontman David Byrne in 1981.

The first disc features newly remastered versions of the original six songs along with three additional tracks, including previously unreleased recordings of “Big Bird” and “Adios Desconocida.”

A second disc includes alternate mixes, while the third contains a previously unreleased recording of the band’s April 19, 1982 concert at New York City’s Roseland Ballroom.

To coincide with the announcement, a newly remastered version of the title track, “Mesopotamia,” has been released on digital streaming platforms.

Source: RTT Music News

Primary Wave Music has announced its partnership with the legendary English musician, songwriter and record producer Mick Jones.

The new partnership will see Primary Wave partner with Jones on his publishing and recording catalogs, as well as name, image, and likeness and touring of Foreigner, the Grammy nominated rock band that he founded.

Access to Primary Wave’s marketing team and publishing infrastructure will be provided with plans for all teams to work closely with Foreigner on new marketing, branding, digital, and synch opportunities, as well as film & television projects, Primary Wave Music said in a press release.

Jones said of the partnership, “Larry Mestel has created a unique company that focuses on heritage artists and develops them with incredible success. I am personally thrilled that he and his team of professionals will be working alongside my long-term friends and managers, Phil Carson and Stewart Young, to build upon the awareness of FOREIGNER and our songs.”

“Over twenty years ago, I reformed the band with the finest musicians I could find,” he continued. “This year, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1977 New York founding with a live album and movie that features original members Lou Gramm and Al Greenwood joining FOREIGNER for a magnificent concert on Ellis Island. I can’t think of a better home for this and FOREIGNER’s future than Primary Wave.”

Larry Mestel, Primary Wave’s CEO & Founder, said, “Mick Jones is one of the most prolific songwriters of all time, and FOREIGNER is one of the few remaining super groups that continue to provide an amazing live experience. We are honored to partner with Mick, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, and the band to help take their songs and brand to even higher levels.”

Source: RTT Music News

The Rolling Stones on Wednesday celebrated the release of their brand new album, Foreign Tongues, with an exclusive, star-studded party overlooking the River Thames from the terrace of London’s newest luxury hotel, St. Clement.

Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood hosted friends, guests and celebrity attendees including Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Sam Fender, Sacha Baron Cohen, Simone Ashley, Christian Louboutin, John McEnroe, Glen Matlock and Vernon Kay.

The celebrations culminated in a spectacular, first-of-its-kind light show staged over the River Thames, illuminating the London skyline with the classic tongue and album artwork, above the London Eye and Big Ben in a landmark event to honour the band’s latest release. The light show was linked to their latest release “In The Stars.”

The breathtaking display was created by internationally acclaimed designer Patrick Woodroffe, who commented, “The Music for the 500 drone light show was set to the new Stones song ‘In The Stars” and is a fitting metaphor to see the iconic and much loved Stones’ tongue hanging over the River Thames to celebrate a record made here in the city of London.”

The Rolling Stones said, “We put this album together in under a month at Metropolis Studios in our hometown of London – it was a lot of fun. The critics seem to like it, we hope everyone loves it!”

Source: RTT Music News

Guitar Center has announced the full lineup and event details for its Drum-Off 2026 National Finale, taking place on August 20 at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood.

After nearly a decade away, the iconic Drum-Off competition returns to crown its next champion. Six finalists selected from thousands nationwide will compete live before a panel of legendary judges, celebrity guests, and a live audience. The winner will receive a brand endorsement, career-changing opportunities, $25,000 in cash, and a complete pro-level drum, hardware and cymbal setup.

Tickets are available now to the public at AXS.com, with 15 percent of each ticket price benefiting the Guitar Center Music Foundation.

Hosted by comedian, actor, and drummer Bill Burr along with former Drum-Off host and Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, the star-studded finale event will feature special performances from Robert Trujillo and the Kate Mess project featuring Tosh Peterson, Jordi Radnoti, Tim Stewart and Tiara Stewart.

The show closes with Kenny Aronoff and Friends, an all-star power trio featuring Kenny Aronoff, Michael Anthony, and Phil X. They will perform classic rock favorites, including songs made famous by Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and other legendary artists.

Source: RTT Music News