Rock icons Metallica are reportedly close to finalizing a residency deal at Las Vegas’ Sphere.

According to The Sun, Metallica is “90 percent” done negotiating the terms of a Sphere residency in Las Vegas, set to take place in 2027 after the group’s scheduled “M72” world tour dates conclude in July 2026.

“Metallica having a residency at the Sphere is all anyone is talking about on the [Las Vegas] Strip. They have been to see the bosses and met all the tech team to talk through and plan out a show in principle,” the report says.

While contracts are reportedly still unsigned, the insider suggested the deal is edging closer, noting excitement among Sphere bosses about what Metallica could bring to the venue.

“Metallica will bring a different feel to a show there,” the source said.

In April 2025, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett was asked by The Hollywood Reporter if he and his bandmates would entertain the possibility of performing at the Las Vegas Sphere, the 17,600-capacity venue that has transformed live entertainment since opening in September 2023.

He responded, “Oh, heck, yeah! That’s a great example of how venues are changing. That’s using modern technology to the fullest, to really up the levels of production and entertainment, connected to A.I. and making it a crazy experience.”

Source: RTT Music News

Gibson has announced a partnership with Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards to introduce two 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition guitars.

This collaboration introduces the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition, Signed Guitar and Label, and the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355, Signed Label — both handcrafted by Gibson Custom in Nashville, Tennessee, and limited in numbers.

Developed in close collaboration with Richards himself, these guitars represent a rare opportunity for fans and collectors alike to own a signed replica of one of Keith’s best-loved and most recognizable guitars.

Only 50 of the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355 Collector’s Edition, Signed Guitar and Label have been produced and will be available exclusively worldwide on Gibson.com and at the Gibson Garage in Nashville and London. These guitars have been signed both on the f-hole label by Richards and on the back of the headstock.

Additionally, 100 of the Keith Richards 1960 ES-355, Signed Label—signed by Richards on the f-hole label only—will be available at Gibson.com and Gibson Garage locations, and authorized Gibson Custom dealers.

Keith first used an ES-355 back in 1969, taking it out on the road and into the studio during the legendary recording sessions for Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St. His black 1960 model has been a staple of every planet-straddling Rolling Stones tour since 1997.

The recreations of the ES-355 that Keith made famous were handcrafted in the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee.

“This is my standard-tuning six-string; this is the other side of my thing,” Richards explains in an exclusive interview for Gibson TV. “My six-string stuff has always been, you know, a great Gibson—that’s where I feel the most comfortable. And also with the sound. Put it through just about any amp, and it will sound the way you want it, because this has so much more room for expression.”

Source: RTT Music News

Rock legend Peter Frampton has announced the release of a special vinylphyle edition of his iconic album, Frampton Comes Alive!

Frampton Comes Alive! (Vinylphyle) 2LP will be released on January 22 via A&M/UMe.

One of the top-selling live albums of all time, Frampton Comes Alive! was originally released in 1976.

“I can’t believe it’s now been 50 years since Frampton Comes Alive! was released, but that record still feels like a living, breathing moment in my life,” says Frampton. “When we decided to do this Vinylphyle edition, it was important to me that it be done the right way.”

“I personally asked that the audio be sourced from the original 1975 Doug Sax production master because I wanted it to sound exactly as we heard it back then,” he added. “This album was born onstage, and hearing it presented this way on vinyl feels like bringing that energy back to life for longtime fans and new listeners alike.”

This limited Vinylphyle pressing of Frampton Comes Alive! is sourced from the original 1975 Doug Sax 1/4″ production master. The lacquer is cut by Joe Nino-Hernes and 180g black vinyl is pressed at RTI.

The package features a 4-panel insert that includes a new interview with Peter Frampton conducted by Anthony Fantano of the Needle Drop.

The special Vinylphyle edition of Frampton Comes Alive! is available to pre-order here.

Frampton Comes Alive! (Vinylphyle) 2LP Tracklist:

A1. Something’s Happening – Live
A2. Doobie Wah – Live
A3. Show Me The Way – Live
A4. It’s A Plain Shame – Live
B1. All I Want To Be (Is By Your Side) – Live
B2. Wind Of Change – Live
B3. Baby, I Love Your Way – Live
B4. I Wanna Go To The Sun – Live
C1. Penny For Your Thoughts – Live
C2. (I’ll Give You) Money – Live
C3. Shine On – Live
C4. Jumping Jack Flash – Live
D1. Lines On My Face – Live
D2. Do You Feel Like We Do – Live

Source: RTT Music News

Responding to Gene Simmons’ recent claim that he “had nothing to do” with KISS’ 1976 hit “Beth,” Peter Criss told Billboard that Simmons’ description of the song’s creative process is “not correct.”

Simmons had told YouTube’s “Professor of Rock” that Criss’ role in the song has been overstated: “Peter had nothing to do with that song. He sang it…The mythology of ‘Beth’ is exactly that: mythology. The real story is Peter was lucky enough to be in the same place at the same time as a guy who wrote a song called ‘Beth.'”

“Gene wouldn’t know how the song was originally written because Gene wasn’t there from the conception of the song in the late ’60s and he wasn’t there for the completion of the song with Bob Ezrin,” Criss told Billboard. “Gene’s statements are ridiculous and very uncalled for; he talks about things that he doesn’t know about.”

“What Gene’s getting wrong is that as the singing songwriter, I wrote the melody and creating the phrasing for the song that’s on the original demo ‘Beck’ with Stan Penridge [his late bandmate from the pre-KISS Chelsea]. Out of Stan’s little black book what remained on the reworked version of ‘Beth’ is Stan’s original verse and chorus, and my core melody remains on the reworked composition. The core melody was expanded with Bob’s orchestration symphony and musical genius. Bob and I sat at the piano at the Record Plant studio working out the song. Bob Ezrin changed the tempo and made it slower, and I worked on changing some of the second verse and the phrasing with the slower tempo.”

Criss adds that, “Bob Ezrin changed the title from ‘Beck’ to ‘Beth’ — not Gene or anybody else. It was Bob Ezrin; He asked me, ‘Peter, do you mind if we change the title?’ I said, ‘Absolutely not. Beth is much better.’ Bob took the song home and fixed the rest of the lyrics and the structure of the song. He added piano, some time changes and the incredible orchestra composition which elevated the song beyond my wildest my dreams. It was mind-blowing.

Criss sang “Beth,” which he co-wrote with the late Stan Penridge and producer Bob Ezrin. The song, which was originally released as the B-side to “Detroit Rock City,” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was certified gold by the RIAA and won the People’s Choice Award in 1977. The song featured on KISS’ fourth studio album, Destroyer.

Source: RTT Music News

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar has announced dates for his 2026 “Best of All Worlds Tour” with special guest Rick Springfield.

Hagar will be joined by rock heavyweights and longtime bandmates Michael Anthony (bass, backing vocals), Joe Satriani (guitar), and Kenny Aronoff (drums).

The tour kicks off on June 13, 2026, in St. Louis and wraps up on June 27, 2026, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 16, at 10 am.

“We’re celebrating the legacy of the music and bringing it to a whole new generation of fans!” Hagar says.

Sammy Hagar 2026 Best of All Worlds Tour Dates:

June 13 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
June 14 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
June 17 – Mt. Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino
June 19 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre
June 22 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
June 24 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
June 26 – Oxon Hill, MD @ MGM National Harbor
June 27 – Oxon Hill, MD @ MGM National Harbor

Source: RTT Music News