Aerosmith and Yungblud have teamed up with country superstar Lainey Wilson on an updated version of “Wild Woman” from their newly released collaborative EP, One More Time. Originally a country-flavored ballad, the new version – which dropped Friday (December 5), along with an official music video – features Wilson’s vocals on the second verse, bringing new life to the titular “wild woman.” “I’m really hyped to have Lainey Wilson jump on this record with us,” Yungblud said in a statement. “I have been a fan of hers for a while. With this record, we really needed a female vocalist who could carry it with the level of authenticity that Lainey embodies. We needed a wild woman, and we for sure got one!” The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year first met Steven Tyler when they performed Aerosmith’s “Dream On” together at Tyler’s 6th annual Jam for Janie benefit in February 2025, eventually leading to Wilson collaborating with Tyler, Yungblud, and Joe Perry, who added new guitar parts to the updated version. (Rolling Stone)

The Beatles’ new collection, Anthology 4, debuted in the Top 10 on five Billboard charts, including No. 9 on Top Album Sales and No. 6 on Top Rock Albums, with nearly 17,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending November 27. The album also made the Top 10 on Top Current Album Sales (No. 9), Top Rock & Alternative Albums (No. 7), and Indie Store Album Sales (No. 3), while it also reached No. 48 on the Billboard 200, while the boxed set, Anthology Collection – which compiles all four volumes – debuted at No. 113 on the tally. The Anthology Collection also premiered at No. 11 on Top Album Sales, while reaching No. 16 on Vinyl Albums and No. 19 on Top Rock Albums, and opening at No. 22 on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart. The releases were accompanied by the 25th-anniversary reissue of The Beatles Anthology book and the expanded nine-part Anthology documentary on Disney+, marking the project’s return 30 years after the original albums, with the first three volumes all topping the Billboard 200 chart in the mid-1990s. (Billboard)

On Friday (December 5), Violet Grohl, the 19-year-old daughter of Foo Fighters’ frontman Dave Grohl, released her debut solo singles, “THUM” and “Applefish,” as a 7-inch vinyl via Bandcamp. “I’m beyond excited to finally share a little bit of what i’ve been working on over the last year,” Violet captioned her Instagram post announcing the release. “I made these tracks with the most badass group of musicians, so happy they’re finally yours:).” Last year, it was revealed that Violet was working on her debut album with producer Justin Raisen (Kim Gordon, Charli XCX), after previously contributing vocals to the Foo Fighters track, “Show Me How,” on their 2023 album, But Here We Are. Another daughter of a famous musician, Lily Cornell – the late Chris Cornell’s 25-year-old daughter – voiced her support for Violet’s songs by commenting, “yes violet!!!!! 💟💟💟,” alongside words of congratulations by Flavor Flav and Iris Apatow. (Consequence of Sound) 

Three Days Grace have made history by becoming only the second act to achieve 20 No. 1s on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, as their current single, “Kill Me Fast,” now tops the chart. This marks the Canadian band’s third consecutive chart-topper in 2025, following the five-week rule of “Mayday” in January, and the one-week reign for “Apologies” in July. Three Days Grace first reached No. 1 in 2004 with “Just Like You,” accumulating ten leaders with original frontman Adam Gontier, and seven No. 1s with replacement Matt Walst, followed by three chart-toppers with both vocalists after Gontier rejoined the group. They now trail only Shinedown’s total of 21 Mainstream Rock Airplay No. 1s. “Kill Me Fast” also climbs to No. 12 on Rock & Alternative Airplay, while currently sitting at No. 15 on Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. The track features on the band’s eighth album, Alienation, which debuted at No. 2 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart and has earned 96,000 equivalent units. (Billboard)

During Garbage’s performance at the Good Things Festival in Melbourne on Friday (December 5), singer Shirley Manson expressed her irritation over beach balls being thrown at the stage. Manson directly chastised a fan in a crowd shot video shared to social media, “Guy with your big fu**ing beach ball. Ooh, I’m so scared of you. So thrilled by you. What a f**king dou**ebag.” In a follow-up post on Threads, Manson doubled down by writing: “I make NO APOLOGIES whatsoever for getting annoyed at beachballs at shows. I joined a band because I HATED THE FU**ING BEACH. I joined a band because I wanted to listen to Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Cure and be dark and beautiful.” The Scottish singer went on to criticize fans who, “Continue listening to Spotify and toss your stupid beach balls around like you are ten years old,” while concluding, “I love the musical community and I want to respect their artistry. I am so tired of folks taking music for free and treating us all like circus performers.” (NME)

President Donald Trump presented the 2024 Kennedy Center honorees – including KISS, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone, and Michael Crawford – with their medals during a ceremony on Sunday (December 6) in the Oval Office, praising them as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled. He lauded each for their significant contributions to American arts and culture, calling Strait the “king of country,” Gaynor the “disco queen,” Stallone a “true, great movie star,” Crawford a “great star of Broadway,” and KISS as an “incredible rock band,” and “among the greatest artists, actors and performers of their generation. The greatest that we’ve seen.” The President complimented this year’s honorees as a group of “incredible people” who represent the “very best in American arts and culture,” while adding, “This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans.” (NME)

During an appearance on Howard Stern’s radio show on Tuesday (December 2), Kenny Chesney reminisced about Jimmy Buffett’s posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. Buffett was honored with a heartfelt tribute performance of his 1974 song, “Come Monday,” by his close friends Chesney, James Taylor, and Mac McAnally, with McAnally secretly carrying Buffett’s ashes – given to him by Buffett's daughter Savannah – in his coat pocket on stage. “We were backstage warming up, trying to figure out our parts and stuff, and Mac comes up to me and he goes, ‘Look at this.’ And it was a small urn,” Chesney recalled. “And he had Jimmy’s ashes in his coat pocket. So Jimmy’s ashes were in Mac McAnally’s coat pocket on stage with us as he was getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So even after he passed, Jimmy found a way to join the party.” (People)

Six months after his death, Ozzy Osbourne was posthumously honored with Birmingham’s Lord Mayor’s Award on Wednesday (December 3), on what would have been the heavy metal legend’s 77th birthday. The accolade recognizes his outstanding contribution and deep connection to his hometown, with his daughter, Kelly Osbourne, expressing gratitude to Birmingham’s citizens for "showing up for my father in a way that made him the happiest man on the planet." Kelly and her mother, Sharon Osbourne, were on hand to receive the award and a book of condolences containing thousands of tributes from fans. The Lord Mayor called Ozzy, “An iconic and much missed son of Birmingham, the city he loved so much 🖤 Ozzy forever.” Osbourne passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, and Sharon commemorated her late husband with a heartfelt birthday tribute on social media, writing: “I celebrate the day you were born. I will never let go of your hand until I see you on the other side.” (Billboard)

HBO’s new documentary, Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately?, is set to premiere on December 18 as part of their Music Box series, and an official trailer for the film was just released. The rock doc offers an intimate look at the band’s rise to fame in the early ‘90s following their breakout hit “Mr. Jones” and 7x-platinum debut album, August and Everything After, which earned Counting Crows a Best New Artist Grammy nomination in 1995. Centered on frontman Adam Duritz, the film explores the emotional challenges and creative pressures the group faced during the making of their 1996 follow-up album, Recovering the Satellites. The documentary features interviews with various band members, along with famous peers like Chris Martin and Cyndi Lauper, as well as rare archival footage. Directed by Amy Scott (Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken), the documentary delves into the highs and lows of sudden stardom, and will also be available to stream on HBO Max. (Parade)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here, Pink Floyd is launching pop-up stores in London, Barcelona, Los Angeles, and Paris in collaboration with Sony Music and News & Coffee. These kiosks will feature exclusive commemorative merchandise, a limited anniversary pressing of the album, and a special edition of the Brain Damage fanzine, marking a revival of the original editorial project that was founded and produced by renowned Floyd author and historian Glenn Povey. The announcement coincides with the upcoming deluxe box set release of Wish You Were Here 50 on December 12, which includes unheard versions of classic tracks available on digital platforms and various physical formats, including 3LP, 2CD, and Blu-ray sets. Additionally, comedian and artist Noel Fielding has created a series of Syd Barrett-inspired paintings honoring the reissue of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” “What’s amazing about Pink Floyd, especially with ‘Wish You Were Here,’ is that the artwork was as good as the music,” Fielding says. (NME)

Guns N’ Roses surprised fans with the release of two new singles on Thursday (December 4), with the origins of both tracks dating back to the Chinese Democracy sessions in 2008. The soaring ballad “Nothin’” is reminiscent of “November Rain,” with emotive piano, heartfelt vocals from Axl Rose, and soulful guitar work from Slash, while the hard-rocking “Atlas” features aggressive riffs and another signature Slash guitar solo. These new tracks are produced by Rose and Caram Costanzo, and credited to the full band. “Nothin’” and “Atlas” continue GNR’s recent pattern of releasing a series of standalone singles, joining 2023’s “The General” and “Perhaps,” along with 2021’s “Hard Skool” and “Absurd.” While no official new album has been announced, despite having “so much” new material according to Slash, the group is still preparing for a major 2026 world tour across North and South America and Europe, with these new songs and upcoming live shows reigniting excitement among longtime fans. (Billboard)

During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday (December 3), Gwen Stefani shared her excitement about No Doubt’s upcoming reunion for a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas in 2026. The initial 12 shows in May quickly sold-out, so they added six additional "final" dates in June. “We’re excited,” she told Fallon. “We did Coachella (in 2024) and it was so unbelievably amazing. And we were talking for a while, and trying to find that thing that would be as good. And I think the Sphere is, like, the future. It’s kind of a cross between a concert and a movie.” Stefani aims to create a “really nostalgic” experience for fans, blending concert and cinematic elements as they carefully plan the setlist. Meanwhile, Stefani has embraced the holiday season with a new Christmas song, “Shake the Snow Globe,” featured in the holiday film, Oh. What. Fun., and an updated deluxe version of her festive 2017 album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas. (Billboard)

Jillian Lauren-Shriner has filed for divorce from Weezer bassist Scott Shriner after 20 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple, married since 2005, share two teen sons – Jovanni Starshine, 13, and Tariku Moon, 17 – and she is seeking joint custody, spousal support, and to restore her maiden name. The filing follows a turbulent year for Lauren-Shriner, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in March and underwent multiple surgeries, including a full hysterectomy. She was also involved in a police shooting incident in April near their Los Angeles home where she fired at officers conducting a manhunt for three suspects involved in a hit-and-run, with Lauren-Shriner getting shot in the shoulder and arrested for attempted murder. She was later charged with assault and negligent discharge of a firearm, and was granted a diversion program instead of jail due to mental health issues. (People)

On the 10th anniversary of Scott Weiland’s death (December 3), a previously unreleased song from the late Stone Temple Pilots frontman, “If I Could Fly,” was made available to stream via Primary Wave/Virgin. Weiland wrote the tune in 2000 after the birth of his son Noah, with the emotional track officially unveiled on vinyl for Record Store Day Black Friday on November 28. “This is the first unheard song from Scott’s archive since he left us,” reads a post on the musician’s official Facebook page. “It is personal, raw and a reminder of the heart that ran through all his work.” To honor his father, Noah Weiland performed a tribute concert on Dec. 3 in Orange County, California, featuring a setlist of hits and deep cuts from throughout his dad’s career, alongside fellow musician Jakob Nowell, the son of late Sublime singer Bradley Nowell. (Consequence of Sound)

The BBC has acquired Hamburg Days, a six-part drama series depicting The Beatles’ formative years in Hamburg during the 1960s. The project is based on the autobiography of artist Klaus Voormann – who created the iconic cover art for the band's 1966 album, Revolver –  with the onetime Beatles session musician also consulted on the show. Developed by Benjamin Benedict and head-written by Succession’s Jamie Carragher, the series explores how the band’s time in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district, alongside artists Voormann and Astrid Kirchherr, transformed them into global icons. German director Christian Schwochow (The Crown) serves as showrunner, with Mat Whitecross (Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams, Oasis: Supersonic) set to direct, and music curated by BAFTA-winning composer David Holmes. Casting of the Fab Four in Hamburg Days has not yet been revealed, with the series set to join other upcoming Beatles projects like Sony’s highly-anticipated four-film series by Sam Mendes that is set for release in 2028. (Variety)

After 26 years, Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando is retiring the Aerosmith-branded Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which opened in 1999, to be reimagined with The Muppets’ Electric Mayhem as the new musical theme. The indoor roller coaster will close for an overhaul in spring 2026 and reopen next summer. The new ride will take fans on board “a very fast limousine” to “take a twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time,” Disney shared in a blog post. “Throughout the journey, you’ll hear the Electric Mayhem playing some of the most iconic, rockin’ hits in your ears to keep the music and adrenaline pumping.” This follows a similar rebranding at Disneyland Paris, where the ride was transformed into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force in 2022. The Aerosmith ride will remain open through the end of 2025 before the transition. (Rolling Stone)

Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer known for shaping the Memphis soul sound with Stax Records, died on Wednesday (December 3) at the age of 84. No cause of death has been shared as of yet. “While we mourn the loss of a husband, father, and friend, we find comfort knowing that Steve will live forever through his music,” his family said in a statement. “Every note he played, every song he wrote, and every artist he inspired ensures that his spirit and artistry will continue to move people for generations to come.” As a founding member of the Mar-Keys, who eventually became Booker T. & The MG’s (fronted by Mar-Keys keyboardist Booker T. Jones) and the Stax house band, Cropper played on and co-wrote iconic tracks such as "Green Onions," Wilson Pickett’s "In the Midnight Hour," and Otis Redding’s "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay," helping define the contemporary sound of soul and R&B music.

Revered for his distinctive, soulful guitar style, he went on to collaborate with numerous artists including John Lennon, Ringo Starr, the Blues Brothers, and Neil Young, and produced albums for major acts like the Jeff Beck Group, John Prine, and John Mellencamp. Cropper’s indelible musical contributions earned him two Grammys as well as the Grammys’ lifetime achievement award in 2007, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. & the MG’s, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of modern music’s most influential guitarists. (Rolling Stone)

All Time Low have earned their third No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart with “The Weather,” marking the band’s first chart-topper since 2023’s “Sleepwalking.” The Maryland rock band’s other No. 1 hit, 2020’s “Monsters” featuring Blackbear, ruled the chart for 18 weeks, which remains the fourth-longest-leading hit in the survey’s 37-year history. Since first entering the Alternative Airplay chart in 2020, all five of All Time Low’s entries have reached the Top 10, including “Once in a Lifetime” (No. 5 in 2021) and “Calm Down” (No. 7 in 2023). Concurrently, “The Weather” climbed two places to reach a new peak of No. 10 on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, following a 9% increase of 3 million audience impressions. The track is the lead single from the band’s 10th studio album, Everyone’s Talking!, which debuted at No. 46 on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart, and has earned 23,000 equivalent album units to date. (Billboard)

Fender has launched a new collection of signature guitars and basses celebrating Iron Maiden's 50th anniversary, featuring models representing guitarists Dave Murray and Janick Gers, and bassist Steve Harris. Highlights include the $11,000 Limited Edition Masterbuilt Dave Murray Stratocaster, crafted with Murray and masterbuilder Andy Hicks for high performance on tour, and more affordable Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Stratocasters for both Murray ($1,799.99) and Gers ($1,699.99) with customized pickups and vintage-inspired features. “Dave Murray has always been my favorite guitar hero,” said Hicks in a press release. “It was an absolute honor to build this guitar for him and I will never get over the excitement of seeing my favorite player from my favorite band playing one of my guitars.” The collection also includes the $1,699.99 Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Steve Harris Precision Bass, designed with Harris’s signature specs. Iron Maiden will continue to commemorate their 50th anniversary milestone with a North American tour next summer alongside Megadeth and Anthrax. (Consequence of Sound)

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has announced his debut solo album, set for release next year on Nonesuch Records, and dropped its lead single, “A Plea,” a nearly eight-minute free jazz/spoken word track featuring his electric bass, trumpet, and socially reflective lyrics calling for peace and love amidst division. The music video was directed by his daughter Clara Balzary, and showcases Flea’s freestyle dance moves. “A Plea” features a stellar lineup of modern jazz collaborators including double bassist Anna Butterss (Boygenius), guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise), drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco (David Byrne), alto flutist Rickey Washington, and trombonist Vikram Devasthali (Angel Olsen), with additional vocals provided by Chris Warren and the song’s producer, Josh Johnson (Leon Bridges), who is also featured on alto sax. The tracklist, guest appearances, and additional details for Flea’s as-yet-untitled solo project will be revealed early next year. (Billboard)