The Kiss co-founder, bassist, singer and songwriter Gene Simmons announced his first solo tour dates of 2025. All the concerts so far will happen in the United States next April and May. Just a few months after Kiss played their final show in December 2023, Gene started to tour as a solo act in the beginning of 2024. He plays a lot of Kiss material but also some solo songs and covers. Gene Simmons 2025 tour dates April 5 – The Event at Graton Resort & Casino – Rohnert Park, CA 25 – Ruth Eckerd Hall – Clearwater, FL 26 – Fillmore – Miami Beach, FL 28 – The Moon – Tallahassee, FL 29 – Florida Theater – Jacksonville, FL 30 – Hard Rock Live – Orlando, FL May 3 – Beaver Dam Amphitheater – Beaver Dam, KY 5 – Basie – Red Bank, NJ 6 – Wellmont – Montclair, NJ 8 – Wind Creek Casino – Bethlehem, PA 9 – Paramount – Huntington, NY 15 – Fallsview Casino – Niagara Falls, ON 20 – Brown County Music Center – Nashville, IN 22 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX 23 – Tobin Center – San Antonio, TX 24 – House of Blues – Houston, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzOpaE3NglQ&pp=ygUWZ2VuZSBzaW1tb25zIGJhbmQgMjAyNA%3D%3D Kiss came to an end as a band in 2023 after five decades on the road. Their final shows happened at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Gene Simmons already toured a lot in 2024 with his solo band, but Paul Stanley still didn’t play live again after the final Kiss show. In an interview with The Zak Kuhn Show (Transcribed by Blabbermouth), he explained why he thinks Rock is still dead. “It is. And people don’t understand how I can say that when we all have our favorite songs and we love our favorite bands — you and I and everybody else. But what I mean is that… Well, let’s play a game, and I’ve done this before. From 1958 until 1988, that’s 30 years. 30 years. So what came during that period? Well, we had Elvis , we had The Beatles, The Stones, Jimi Hendrix, all that, Pink Floyd, the solo artists, David Bowie and just music that lasts forever, we’d like to think.” “In the disco world, you had Madonna, more heavy guitars, you had — Oh God — AC/DC and everybody else, Aerosmith and on and on. And you had Motown at the same time. You had Prince. It was a very, very rich musical menu. It could go up and down. You had prog bands, you had Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, and you had the heavy bands, Led Zeppelin and so on. And from 1988 until today, it’s something like almost 40 years, certainly 35 years. Who are the new Beatles?”The post Gene Simmons announces first 2025 solo tour dates appeared first on Rock and Roll Garage.

The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr is currently promoting his new album "Look Up", which is a Country record, and in an interview with Music Week, he also talked about the final Beatles song "Now and Then". The track was released in 2023, and AI was used to enhance the clarity of John Lennon's vocals and the guitar parts recorded by George Harrison in the 1990s. McCartney and Ringo completed the song with new recordings. Although artificial intelligence was used in a positive way, Ringo expressed concerns about its potential misuse. He mentioned that anyone with the knowledge of how to use AI could train it to create songs using his voice, for example. Ringo Starr explains why he is worried about the use of AI in music “I’d love to win a Grammy. That’s the business I’m in – and the track is good. The last track ever by the boys. We tried (to do this song) in the ’90s when we got (1995 single) 'Free As A Bird' out, but we didn’t take much interest because it didn’t sound like John, and George got a bit fed up. He didn’t want to do a third one and so we just put it to bed. But now they’ve got better equipment. They lifted John’s voice off a cassette, for God’s sake – off a cassette! And it was like John was suddenly in town.” “He said, ‘You know that track we did? Well, I’ll put it together. Are you going to play drums on it?' I said, ‘Sure, send the files over.’ That’s how we do it now – and I put the drums on and sang on the chorus." Ringo continued: "He did a great job. He put the strings on and the lead guitar that gave the track its emotion. It worked out really great and let’s hope for a Grammy. We’ll see; a lot of people are up for Grammys.” “We’re all a bit afraid of it (AI), because it can steal you. Anyone who knows how to use it can steal you. If they just play any five of my songs into the computer, AI gets all of it and knows my every vocal move. They can have me sing anything and it will sound like me, because it’s taken from my personality." "But the good side is the way we used it on 'Now And Then'. God knows where it’s going to go. We’re all worrying about it, but nobody’s really stolen anything yet,” Ringo Starr said. https://youtu.be/Opxhh9Oh3rgThe post Ringo Starr says he is worried about the use of AI in music appeared first on Rock and Roll Garage.

Judas Priest was formed in Birmingham, England back in 1969, four years before the Australian band AC/DC. Both bands had some changes until their found the perfect line-up and especially the singer. Rob Halford joined Judas in 1973 and Bon Scott became AC/DC's vocalist in 1974. A few years later, the British group had the chance to meet the Hard Rock group and even be their opening act during a tour in Europe. But what is Rob Halford's opinion on AC/DC and their singer Bon Scott? What is Rob Halford’s opinion on AC/DC and Bon Scott Halford obviously always a big fan of the band and remained a good friend of all of them. Recently, in 2023 at the Power Trip festival Judas was even AC/DC's opening act during the night they played. He loves both eras of the band but in an interview with Revolver back in 2020, he listed Bon Scott as one the members of his dream band. In a testimonial posted on Bon Scott’s official website, Halford talked about how inspirational the musician was. “Bon’s attitude demeanour and front man swagger gave him the Everyman persona that the world loved him for. His voice look and on stage character drew us all in. There’s an unmatched uniqueness that solidifies Bon’s legendary status in rock and roll.” “I would watch him work from the side of the stage and out front and the magnetism he projected was non-stop. You felt the pure love energy and honesty he belted out with his band. He and I had down to earth wholesome encounters in the dressing room. (Also) on the bus that I cherish in that he talked from the heart uncluttered and with no ego. As a singer he can’t be matched by virtue of style and sound. We love and miss you Bon!” Rob Halford said. Bon tragically died in 1980 at the age of 33, he was a member of the band since 1974 and was part of all their classic albums from that era. Those were, for example: “High Voltage” (1975), “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (1976), “Let There Be Rock” (1977), “Powerage” (1978) and “Highway To Hell” (1979). Rob Halford said AC/DC helped Judas Priest in the early days https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f2g4RMfhS0&pp=ygUOYWNkYyBib24gc2NvdHQ%3D Besides being incredible songwriters and performers, according to Rob Halford, the AC/DC members always were also great as persons. They were always grounded and helped friends and other bands. He recalled that when Judas opened for them in Europe back in the late 70s, they even invited the band to travel on their bus, so that they didn't need to drive overnight in a van to the next gig. He recalled that incredible story in an interview with Australian ABC TV (Transcribed by Rock and Roll Garage). "When Priest was starting to go out on these tours, we had the great pleasure to go out and work with AC/DC. Sadly on the last tour before Bon (Scott) passed away. But we got to think of the great memories. We were out with AC/DC and we get the entire European tour with them." "We'd always leave after our set  and in one of the shows Angus (Young) came and said 'Why are you guys leaving? It's something we've done?' We said 'No, we have to drive sometimes overnight to get to the next venue. (Then) they said 'Come on, let's get on the bus, come and travel with us. That's the heart and soul of Rock and Roll. That's just typical of the way AC/DC (is), a great bunch of guys. Always grounded, always there for each other," Rob Halford said. What Rob Halford said about "Back in Black" and Brian Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAgnJDJN4VA After Bon Scott tragically passed away, AC/DC was at first not sure if they would go on. But with the support of Bon's mother, they decided to continue. Their choice was the vocalist Brian Johnson and Halford said he was really a great choice for them. That's what he said in an interview with VH1 (Transcribed by Rock and Roll Garage). "While 'Back in Black' was the first moment where Brian Johnson made his appearance with the band. I think AC/DC fans around the world, including myself were waiting and waiting to what would come through. I knew Brian (since Geordie, band he was part before). (So) I thought it was just a great choice to get him to pick up the mic where Bon left off. I think there was a sense of relief when that song kicked off and everybody felt 'Oh, this is great'," Rob Halford said. "Back In Black" (1980) didn't become only AC/DC's most successful album, it also was for a few years, the best-selling album of all time. It sold an estimated amount of more than 50 million copies worldwide.The post Rob Halford’s opinion on AC/DC and Bon Scott appeared first on Rock and Roll Garage.

UTL COMMENT:- I don't do Facecrap / Twatter / Instacrap or Dick-Cock. Not even interested!! Cut back on this damned social media and phone usages!! (Except when watching UTL!!! ????).

If you're a 90s kid, then Beanie Babies probably consumed a good portion of your allowance at some point in your life. It became an almost impulsive need to collect as many as you could, but like all toy crazes, it died down. Of course there are still avid collectors of the plushie toys filled with beads, and while the company likely isn't hurting, the days of sold out Beanie Babies has long been gone. That is until the company released a Beanie Baby perfect for a little Christmas cheer—a gingerbread man named "Cookie." It wasn't simply the release of this adorable plush gingerbread man that made people excited for Beanie Babies again, though. The response came after someone saw the plush toy at the store and had a visceral reaction to its existence before immediately feeling badly about it. The person goes by the name Devin on social media and their post about Cookie went viral due to their initial reaction to the Beanie Baby plushie. In the caption of the photo of Cookie, Devin writes, "saw this guy and said Ew ew ew ew ew ew ugly and then felt so bad i cried and bought him."saw this guy and said Ew ew ew ew ew ew ugly and then felt so bad i cried and bought him pic.twitter.com/NGVt3aIFvS— devin ? (@fartpog) December 13, 2024 Devin admits in a comment that they thought the gingerbread man looked a "bit messed up" and initially, Cookie freaked them out. The response to Devin's initial reaction was filled with people determined to protect the inanimate object's feelings at all costs. Clearly Cookie did not ask to be created in a way that makes it look like he will haunt you in your sleep. The little fella is simply existing, and now, thanks to Devin, Cookie is a celebrity. After the first post about Cookie, people start asking Devin to do daily activities with the plushie like tucking him in bed or taking him to the office. Obviously, Devin obliges, giving Cookie's fans what they want. But the love for Cookie didn't stop at his daily adventures. People are enamored with this little plushie and have begun making fan art. Someone even drew him with a new red backpack turning it into a whole storyline about him going to school. Cookie first day of school https://t.co/UZ6QaYIqBz pic.twitter.com/bdTRaZ7xaK— Webo? (@C0ffeegg) December 14, 2024 The fascination with Cookie caused Ty Inc., the Beanie Baby creator, to quickly sell out of the gingerbread man plushie. They announced a restock, which did not last long as that also sold out. Cookie is living his best imaginary life and likely causing the plushie company to have flashbacks of 1998. Devin shared an update on their new best buddy, writing in the caption, "my love for him grows every moment i spend with him," which caused someone to point out that Cookie looked happier. Since Cookie is a stuffed toy, he can't express his emotions, but if he could, he would be giddy at the love he's receiving. Why does he actuallylook happier pic.twitter.com/xx8CUuLRDq— funeral skipper (@evryonesvictim) December 15, 2024 "I'm actually tearing up right now oh my god he's so sweet and small and is so happy to be loved I am crying," someone writes."In the first pic he looks like he hopes someone will take him home and love him, then in the second picture he looks like he can’t believe he is loved and is overwhelmed with joy. i think it’s the way the light is hitting its eyes," someone else comments on his happier appearance. "Where the hell did u buy this lil fella omg I want one too he looked so cute I might destroy the world for that silly lil creature," one person declares.Cookie has sold out ? https://t.co/hfjhaDQ4em— Ty (@TyInc) December 17, 2024 "I'm gonna need you to update us on all his adventures for the rest of ur life i love him," another says.Who knew a gingerbread Beanie Baby would unite so many people and cause one of the most adorable toy frenzies? If it's up to users on X, Devin will not be able to retire Cookie any time soon. There will be demands for a Cookie update in 18 years to see the plushie in a cap and gown graduating from Gingerbread High School. It's the little things that make you smile and Cookie is doing some serious heavy lifting in that arena.

The most covered act in history. The post What was the first Beatles song to be covered by someone else? first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

The Left is full of crooked criminals who need to account for their crimes against the American people. (WATCH: The Spectacle Ep. 156: How The Socialist Left Is Ruining America) In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, join hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay as they dive deep into the corruption and criminal activity of the Left. Melissa and Scott call out mainstream media, Mark Zuckerberg and the censorship of conservative media, and the money laundering behind foreign aid and Democrat organizations. Tune in to hear their discussion!  Listen to The Spectacle with Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay on Spotify. Watch The Spectacle with Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay on Rumble.  The post <i>The Spectacle</i> Ep. 176: What Makes the Left a Criminal Enterprise appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

by Nolan Barton, Natural News: In 1962, during the Cold War, a secret military plan named Operation Northwoods was uncovered. It was proposed by high-ranking U.S. military officials to fabricate incidents to justify a war against Cuba and overthrow Fidel Castro’s regime. General Lemnitzer’s plan involved staging attacks, planting false evidence of Cuban aggression, and […]