The Independent reported that Kansas has begun demanding that transgender residents surrender their driver’s licences if they do not reflect their sex assigned at birth, after the state legislature overrode a veto by Democratic Governor Laura Kelly to enact what critics call an extreme new law. The article notes that “the Legislature did not include […]

Sign of the times. The post ‘Brown Sugar’: the worst number one in 1971? first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

Super Bowl Performances, the Grammys & Ozzy Tributes Turnstile 2/1 Turnstile Pick Up A Pair Of Grammys Turnstile take home Grammys for Best Metal Performance (“Birds”) and Best Rock Album (“Never Enough”) during the ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Ozzy Osbourne 2/1 Ozzy Osbourne Tribute At The Grammys Post Malone, along with Guns N’ Roses members Slash and Duff McKagan, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith, and producer Andrew Watt perform a special tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne at the Grammy Awards. They play a version of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Ozzy’s widow Sharon and two of his kids, Kelly and Jack, are in the audience. Megadeth 2/2 Megadeth Is #1… In Australia Megadeth earns its first #1 album in Australia with the band’s final self-titled effort. “Megadeth” debuts at #1 on the ARIA chart beating out Olivia Dean’s “The Art Of Loving.” KISS 2/2 KISS Top A Billion KISS announce on social media that “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” music video has surpassed a billion views on YouTube. “The numbers speak for themselves. This one still dominates,” writes the band on social media. Guns N’ Roses 2/2 Sweet Child O’ Mine” In Trailer Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine” serves as the ending theme song in the promotional trailer for the latest Gundam series film, “Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery Of Nymph Circe.” “Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway” premiered in theaters in Japan in 2021 and drew attention for its subtle dialogue and psychological portrayal of the characters. Alkaline Trio 2/2 Atom Willard Leaves Alkaline Trio Atom Willard announces his departure from Alkaline Trio less than three years after the drummer joined the band on a full-time basis. “With everything going on, going wrong in the world right now, this may seem insignificant but it’s not for me,” Willard says. Chuck Negron 2/2 Three Dog Night Vocalist Dies Chuck Negron, Three Dog Night vocalist, passes away at his home in Studio City, CA at age 83. Negron co-founded Three Dog Night with Danny Hutton and Cory Wells released 21 consecutive Top 40 hits between 1969 and 1975. At the height of the band’s career, Negron’ struggled with drug abuse and heroin addiction. The group disbanded in 1976 and reunited in 1982 before breaking up again in 1985 following Negron’s relapse. After 37 stints in rehab and 13 years, Negron was able to get clean in 1991. Brian Burkheiser  2/5 Ex-I Prevail Vocalist Is Free Ex-I Prevail vocalist Brian Burkheiser releases a statement via social media: “I’m grateful to share that I am officially a free, independent artist.” Last year, he claimed that “an unresolved dispute” with his former band had prevented him from releasing his new solo music. Dee Snider/Twisted Sister 2/5 Dee Snider Resigns From Twisted Sister Twisted Sister cancels all of the band’s 50th anniversary reunion shows following an announcement of Dee Snider’s retirement amid the frontman’s worsening health (degenerative arthritis and heart issues). “A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee Snider’s body and soul,” reads a separate band statement on the Twisted Sister website. “Snider “can no longer push the boundaries of Rock ‘n’ Roll fury like he has done for decades.” Twisted Sister is best known for their 1984 song “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” The song, which appeared on their album “Stay Hungry,” made the band a household name. Fred Smith 2/5 Television Bassist Dies Fred Smith dies at the age of 77. He got his start as the bassist for Angel and the Snake, which would later become Blondie. He left Blondie in 1975 to join Television, replacing Richard Hell and stayed with the band until their split in 1978. Shinedown Kid Rock 2/6 Shinedown Ditch “Rock The Country” After Shinedown drummer Barry Kerch called Rapper Ludacris a “coward” for bailing on the Kid Rock headlined “Rock The Country” festival Shinedown decide to do the same. Shinedown issue a statement on social media: “We feel that we have been given a platform to bring all people together through the power of music and song.” “Our band’s purpose is to unite, not divide. We know this decision will create differences of opinion. But we do not want to participate in something we believe will create further division.” This summer’s The Rock The Country festival will feature a rotating lineup of Rock and Country artists. Jack White 2/6 Jack White Blasts “Racist” Trump After the White House posts a video depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife and former first lady Michelle, as apes draws widespread bipartisan backlash, former White Stripes frontman Jack White addresses the video at length in an Instagram post: “This post would basically get anyone, at any job fired immediately… except for arguably the most important position in the world.That’s right, trump is a racist, a r*pist, a felon, a grifter and a full on dementia sufferer, and yet he has the power to send in gestapo ICE soldiers to kill our citizens.” The White House subsequently takes down the Obama post. Green Day Counting Crows 2/6 Green Day/Counting Crows Play Pre-Super Bowl Bash Two bands with Bay Area roots — Green Day and Counting Crowes — team up for a special Super Bowl related concert on San Francisco’s Pier 29 on the Embarcadero. The invite only event marks the third year FanDuel and Spotify have teamed up for a bash celebrating music, community, and the spirit of the Bay Area two days prior to Super Bowl LX. Hailing from the East Bay, Green Day has been loyal to their hometown, performing in the Bay Area frequently in recent years. To date, they have issued fourteen studio albums. Counting Crows are from Berkeley, CA and formed in 1991. The band has released eight studio albums. Green Day During their set Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong (pictured middle) warns ICE agents that when their duties are over, President Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller and Vice President J.D. are going to drop them “like a bad f***ing habit.” He also criticizes the government’s handling of the Epstein files. Mammoth 2/7 Mammoth Returns To #1 Mammoth (led by Wolfgang Van Halen) returns to the top spot on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with “The Spell.” Mammoth have now sent four songs (“Distance,” “Don’t Back Down,” “The End” and “The Spell”) to #1 on Mainstream Rock. Brad Arnold 2/7 Brad Arnold Passes Away The founder and lead singer of the 3 Doors Down dies following “his courageous battle with cancer,” 3 Doors Down announce on social media. He was 47. “His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on,” writes the band. Last year, Arnold announced that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a common type of kidney cancer. The band’s biggest hit was the 2000 song “Kryptonite,” while the band’s first studio album, “The Better Life,” went platinum six times over. Greg Brown 2/7 Cake’s Greg Brown Passes Away “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Greg Brown’s passing after a brief illness,” the band writes. The guitarist and songwriter penned Cake’s hit song “The Distance” before leaving the band in 1997. Green Day 2/8 Green Day Opens Super Bowl The East Bay band plays an on-field medley of their hits at Levi’s Stadium as part of a celebration honoring the Super Bowl’s history and past MVP players. Green Day open with frontman Billy Joe Armstrong singing a snippet of “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” before the band launches into a medley of “Holiday, “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” and “American Idiot.” Kid Rock Bad Bunny 2/8 Kid Rock Leads Super Bowl Halftime Counter Event As an alternative to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, Kid Rock and Country performers (Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett) present the Turning Point USA All American Halftime Show. Donald Trump calls Bad Bunny’s appearance “absolutely ridiculous.” MAGA chimes in wanting an “American” to play halftime. However, Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), was born in Puerto Rico, which is part of the U.S. Kid Rock, the most outspoken conservative among the artists, is joined by Gilbert who made his views known in the song “Red Me My Rights,” an anthem where he tackles social issues such as domestic violence, and gun control from a right-wing perspective. Brice and Barrett have not vocally supported one political party or the other. Bad Bunny is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and record producer known worldwide. Bad Bunny is the first solo Latino artist to perform during the Super Bowl halftime. “It’s for those who came before me … this is for my people, my culture, and our history,” comments Bad Bunny. Lynyrd Skynyrd  2/8 Free Bird Flys In Bud Commercial Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” is heard in a Budweiser commercial during the Super Bowl. The clip has to do with a horse (a Clydesdale) befriends a bird that becomes an eagle that takes wing. Yes, it puts a tear in your eye… unless you missed it getting another Bud. Chis Daughtry 2/8 Chris Daughtry Blasts A.I. “You would think something that is inherently spreading false information as truth should be considered illegal,” Daughtry states in an interview on KLOS. “And so you wouldn’t dare allow a magazine or a publication to print something that false about someone.” Mushroomhead 2/9 Mushroomhead Suit Settled Jeffrey Hatrix, also known as Jeffrey Nothing, the co-founder/former vocalist of the Industrial collective Mushroomhead, reaches a settlement with the band’s drummer/producer Steve “Skinny” Felton, ending a case in which Hatrix alleged copyright infringement and failure to pay him owed royalties. Brett Carlisle 2/9 Great White Vocalist Auditions For American Idol Brett Carlisle, singing the ballad “House Of Broken Love backed by his bandmates Mark Kendall on guitar and Michael Lardie on piano. impresses “Idol” judges to earn him a golden ticket to the long-running TV singing competition’s Hollywood round.  Cliff Burton 2/10 Cliff Burton Day The life of late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton is celebrated with “Cliff Burton Day” on what would have been his 64th birthday at the Chabot Theater in Burton’s hometown of Castro Valley, CA. Burton died in ’86 when the band’s tour bus crashed. Behemoth’s Nergal & Slaughter To Prevail’s Alex Terrible 2/10 Behemoth/Slaughter To Prevail Shows Cancelled The Turkish government cancels Behemoth and Slaughter To Prevail shows at Istanbul’s Zorlu Performing Arts Center. The band alleges that their music has been deemed as “satanic propaganda” by certain religious groups. Zakk Wylde 2/11 Zakk Wylde Plays A Solo Acoustic Set The Black Label Society leader/guitarist plays a solo acoustic mini-set at Amoeba Hollywood, a music store. He previews the upcoming Black Label Society album, “Engines Of Demolition,” which will arrive on March 27th. The band’s twelfth studio effort contains the singles “Name In Blood,” “Broken And Blind,” “The Gallows” and “Lord Humungus.” Evan Dando 12/12 Evan Dando Hospitalized The Lemonheads’ Evan Dando enters a hospital after he’d reportedly sent a fan unsolicited videos of himself masturbating. “Evan Dando has long struggled with mental health issues dating back to his childhood,” states Dando’s rep. “He’s receiving comprehensive help from experienced doctors and mental health professionals.” Bad Omens 2/14 Bad Omens Are “Dying To Love” Just in time for Valintine’s Day, “Dying To Love” rules Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. Bad Omens have scored three #1s starting with “Just Pretend.” certified platinum by the RIAA and “Specter.” Lorraine Lewis 2/14 Lorraine Lewis Launches Podcast The Vixen and current Femme Fatale singer launches her own podcast, “Dangerously Honest With Lorraine Lewis via iHeartPodcasts.  “I have earned my stripes, I am going to steer my ship the way I want to, and I live unapologetically.” Judas Priest 2/15 “The Ballad Of Judas Priest” Premieres The documentary’s world premiere is at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). The film chronicles the band’s journey from their working-class beginnings to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Behemoth 2/16 Threats Cancel Behemoth The extreme Metal band announces the cancelation of a scheduled performance in Bangalore, India. “Over the past few weeks, we and our team have received numerous credible threats stemming from religious Christian groups. These threats have raised serious concerns regarding the band’s safety and security,” reads a statement. Billy Steinberg 2/16 Songwriter Billy Steinberg Dies An accomplished lyricist Steinberg penned Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” “The Bangles “Eternal Flame” and “Heart’s “Alone.” “His lyrics often began as deeply personal reflections, transformed into anthems in which millions found themselves,” wrote his family. Steinberg was 75. Rise Against 2/18 Rise Against Launch A.R.T. Rise Against reveals the launch of The A.R.T. Project (All Rise Together), a fan-driven initiative celebrating community, collaboration and expression in support of the band’s recently released tenth studio album, “Ricochet.” The project is about bringing people together through music and creativity during divided times. Vicious Rumors 2/18 Vicious Rumors Part With Drummer Power Metal’s Vicious Rumors announce the departure of the longtime drummer Larry Howe. over “his personal political ambitions.” Since their recording debut in 1985, the San Francisco/Bay Area band has released fourteen albums. Radiohead 2/18 Radiohead Song Used By ICE A version “Let Down,” from Radiohead’s “OK Computer” album. is used in a video by ICE which highlights “criminal illegal alien violence.” The band demands ICE take down the video. “It ain’t funny, this song means a lot to us and other people, and you don’t get to appropriate it without a fight,” writes Radiohead. Flemming C. Lund  2/19 Volbeat Adds Touring Guitarist Volbeat recruits their longtime touring guitarist Flemming C. Lund as a “permanent” replacement for Rob Caggiano. “We’re very happy to announce that after this past year of touring and, of course, laying down some scorching solos we’ve finally ‘put a ring on it’.” Bon Scott 2/19 Bon Scott Birthday Celebration The Bon Scott estate announces events and merchandising to celebrate what would have been the AC/DC icon’s 80th birthday: July 9th. The effort includes limited edition collectibles, apparel collections, a YouTube channel and tribute events. Bon Scott died in 1980. Guns N’ Roses November Rain 2/19 Everybody Like Guns N’ Roses? Delegates from nearly 50 countries gather for the inaugural Board of Peace meeting hosted by President Trump in Wahington, D.C. As members stand on stage for a picture, Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” is played. “Does everybody like the music?” Trump asks, which is met with nods and approval. “It’s good music,” he says. “November Rain,” a ballad written by the band’s Axl Rose, was released in 1992 and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Guns N’ Roses has strongly and repeatedly expressed their opposition to the Trump administration using GN’R’s music to promote the president’s political initiatives. Amy Lee, Poppy & Courtney LaPlante 2/21 “End Of You” is #1 Amy Lee (Evanescence), Poppy, and Courtney La Plante (Spiritbox) top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with “End Of You.”  It’s the first time that three women or women-led acts have led the list in the survey’s 45-year history. End Of You Tobias Forge 2/21 Ghost Frontman Takes Time Off Tobias Forge addresses his recent revelation that the band currently has “nothing else planned” beyond the ongoing “Skeletour” tour. “Over the years I’ve been very worried about momentum” explains Forge. “And I just came to a point where I’m actually fine if the momentum is not there.” Ritchie Blackmore  2/23 Ritchie Blackmore Receives “Lifetime Achievement” Award. The National Guitar Museum announces the award. The Deep Purple/Rainbow guitarist is the sixteenth recipient of the award for contributing to the legacy of the guitar. He joins B.B. King, Jeff Beck and Bonnie Raitt, among others. Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp 2/23 Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp Hall Of Fame Inductees Sebastian Bach (Skid Row). Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction) and Mike Kroeger (Nickelback) are inducted Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp Hall Of Fame induction ceremony at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood. This event supports the Rock Camp Alumni Foundation, a nonprofit created to give back through scholarships for deserving individuals, including veterans and first responders. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2/25 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, INXS, Melissa Etheridge and Oasis are among the 17 acts nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Class of 2026) later this year. It is the first nomination for Etheridge. Survivor 50 Heroes 2/25 Survivor’s 50th Season Has “Heroes” Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and his son Jakob’s cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” commemorates the TV show’s 50th season. The cover marks the first time Billie Joe and Jakob have recorded vocals together.“ “It’s a tough song to do justice – I’m grateful for the opportunity to try,” Jakob writes on Instagram. The younger Armstrong also produced and engineered the recording. Survivor, a reality series, places contestants in a remote location where they are presented with challenges to get rewards or earn immunity from being voted out of the competition by fellow players. Billy Idol 2/26 “Billy Idol Should Be Dead” In Theaters The feature-length documentary film traces the life and career of Punk pioneer turned Rock icon. The film also features the song “Dying To Live,” which the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee co-wrote. Iron Maiden 2/27 Iron Maiden Tour Hiatus Iron Maiden state they plan to take a break from the road for all of 2027. The band’s current “Run For Your Lives” 50th anniversary world tour will conclude in November with dates in Japan. They “are the very last shows the band will play until at least 2028,” as Maiden takes “a well-earned break.” Paul McCartney 2/27 Paul McCartney: Man On The Run The Paul McCartney documentary, “Man On The Run,” directed by Oscar-winner Morgan Neville premieres on Amazon. The film delves into the formation of McCartney’s second group, Wings, following The Beatles’ split. It features previously unseen footage” and “rare archival materials,” to capture McCartney’s “transformative post-Beatles era. Twisting The Knife 2/27 “Scream 7” With Ice Nine Kills Song Is In Theaters Ice Nine Kills is now in the canon of one of the most iconic horror franchises with “Twisting The Knife.” “‘Twisting The Knife’ is our tribute to Wes Craven and the ‘Scream‘ franchise, which means so much to us,” enthused Ice Nine Kills’ Spencer Charnas. Cast member Mckenna Grace’s vocals are featured on the single. Twisting The Knife Punk In The Park 2/27 Punk In The Park Shelved The festival officially cancels the 2026 edition (with dates in Pittsburgh, Orlando and Vallejo, CA) after multiple bands drop from the lineup citing the festival owner’s support for Donald Trump. Cameron Collins of Brew Ha Ha Productions, the festival’s owner, made a financial donation to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Daughtry 2/28 Daughtry Take “The Bottom” To The Top Daughtry is #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for the third time with “The Bottom.” The song follows previous #1s “Artificial” and “Pieces.” The Bottom Ozzy Osbourne 2/28 Ozzy Osbourne Tribute At The BRITS Ozzy Osbourne, frontman of Black Sabbath and pioneering “godfather” of British Heavy Metal, posthumously receives the BRITs Lifetime Achievement award. The Brit Awards recognize the best in British and international music. ### The post The Month In Rock: February appeared first on RockinTown.

The evolution of Mexican drug cartels is a complex narrative that intertwines with global drug trade dynamics and has profound social implications. Beginning in the late 20th century, these organizations have transformed from regional smuggling groups into powerful international syndicates. Understanding their rise is crucial to comprehending the challenges faced by Mexico and the broader ... The post 12 Historic Facts About The Rise of the Mexican Cartels appeared first on History Collection.

by Geoffrey Grinder, Now The End Begins: Amazingly, Republicans attempted to sabotage the opening day of Hillary Clinton’s closed-door testimony about her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein We are watching a unique stage play unfolding as Hillary and Bill Clinton are being compelled to testify about their relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Today was the first day of […]

from TheSaltyCracker: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/