Music

01 May 2023

Tim Bachman, Guitarist/Co-Founder of Bachman-Turner Overdrive Dies at 71

Tim Bachman, guitarist and co-founder of Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has died at age 71. The news was announced by Bachman’s son, Ryder, on Friday, who wrote in a Facebook post, “My Dad passed this afternoon. Thank You Everyone for the kind words. Grateful I got to spend some time with him at the end. Grab yer loved ones and hug em close, ya never know how long you have.”

In a previous post, Ryder revealed that he got a call from the care unit where his father was staying last Wednesday in which they informed him to pay his final respects after doctors found “cancer riddled all throughout his [Tim’s] brain.”

Tim Bachman co-founded the group commonly referred to as BTO in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1973 with his brothers, singer/guitarist Randy Bachman and drummer Robin Bachman; the latter died in January of this year at age 69. Tim performed on the band’s eponymous album and their breakthrough second collection, Bachman-Turner Overdrive II, which dropped in December of that year and featured two of the band’s most beloved, hard-charging hits, “Let It Ride” and Billboard Hot 100 No. 12 hit “Takin’ Care of Business,” which Tim sang backing vocals on in addition to playing second lead guitar.

His run in the brotherly band would be short-lived, however, as he left in early 1974 shortly after the second album dropped, reportedly due to singer Randy’s strict rules prohibiting drugs, alcohol and premarital sex on the road. He was replaced by Blair Thornton, who played on the band’s third album, 1974’s Not Fragile, which included the No. 1 single “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” and “Roll on Down the Highway.”

After a series of lineup changes — including the departure of singer Randy in 1977 — BTO reunited in 1983 with Randy and Tim leading the charge, with younger brother Robbie declining to participate. They released Bachman-Turner Overdrive in Sept. 1984 and a live album from their stint opening for Van Halen before Randy left again in 1986, which marked the last year of Tim Bachman’s run with the group as well. The group re-re-reformed in 1988 with Randy Bachman again taking lead along with Robbie on drums, but no Tim Bachman.

On Sunday, Ryder Bachman continued paying tribute to his dad, writing “The last words he said were, “I love you Paxton, Share the Music” and so I’ll honour Dad this afternoon by sharing songs, some he’s played a million times on stage; c’mon down and sing em with me, I bet u know the words.”

See Ryder Bachman’s post below.

01 May 2023

Harry Styles Has Fans ‘Spinning Out’ After Confirming Next ‘Harry’s House’ Single

No need for fans to be spinning out waiting for Harry Styles‘ next single any longer. The pop star confirmed Sunday (April 30) that the next featured track from his 2022 record Harry’s House will be longtime fan-favorite “Satellite,” following Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “As It Was,” “Late Night Talking” and “Music for a Sushi Restaurant.”

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The single will be rolled out Wednesday (May 3), as announced by two of Styles’ affiliate social media accounts. His label, Columbia Records, posted on Instagram a wide-lens poster of a rover-like robot surveying rocky terrain, over which all-caps white text displays a lyric from the “Satellite” chorus: “SPINNING OUT WAITING FOR YA.”

“Satellite. May 3rd. 12pm ET,” the caption reads.

Styles’ official updates account, Harry Styles HQ, shared an alternate poster. This one features a close-up of the same robot, this time looking up at a starry night sky.

The posters seem to hint that a music video is on its way for “Satellite,” especially since all three of the Grammy winner’s previous Harry’s House singles were turned into music videos at different points throughout the year since the album dropped in May 2022. In the “As It Was” visual, Styles donned a sparkly jumpsuit and performed intricate choreography on a spinning platform, and in “Late Night Talking,” he partied with friends in comfy beds in various whimsical locations (on the public streets of London, for instance).

In the hilarious “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” video, Styles transformed into a merman who saves himself from being chopped up into dinner at a sushi restaurant by sharing his gift of song with the customers.

Fans couldn’t be happier with Styles’ next single choice. “satellite song of the summer 2023,” tweeted one person.

“SATELLITE [MUSIC VIDEO] IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE TURN IT UP,” wrote another.

Many fans also shared videos of Styles dancing along to “Satellite” while performing the fast-paced track during his ongoing Love on Tour shows. “Me for the next few months when satellite,” tweeted one admirer, sharing a compilation of the star stomping his feet and pumping his fists to the beat onstage.

See the announcements for Harry Styles’ next single, “Satellite,” below:

01 May 2023

Kane Brown Is Planning a Brief Break From Music to Focus on Acting

Kane Brown recently made his first acting appearance in an episode of the CBS series Fire Country, where he portrayed Robin, an enigmatic train hopper who helps injured patients. The current ACM Awards entertainer of the year nominee says he enjoyed the experience so much that he is gearing up to pursue acting more heavily this year — including taking a few months off from his primary gig of touring and crafting hit songs.

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“We’re taking a couple of months off coming up,” Brown recently told Entertainment Tonight. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. But you know, whatever’s there, I’m going to try and pursue it. I’m just gonna, you know, take time into looking into acting.”

He also offered an update on family life with his wife (and duet partner on their recent Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 hit “Thank God), Katelyn Brown, and their children. “We just bought a Florida home, so we’re gonna go down. The girls went to the beach for the first time, they loved it. So we’re gonna go down there, hang out with them and make some memories.”

Brown just celebrated an electrifying headlining performance at the 2023 Stagecoach Festival in Indio, Calif., where Katelyn joined him onstage for their duet of “Thank God.”

“I’m so proud of her,” Brown told ET. “You know, I feel like my family has kept us grounded. And, you know, now that she’s a part of [his concerts], we’re grounded even more. So it’s awesome.”

Other headliners for the 2023 Stagecoach Music Festival were Luke Bryan and Chris Stapleton.

01 May 2023

Bailey Zimmerman’s ‘Rock’ Skips to Historic Sixth Week Atop Country Airplay Chart

Singer-songwriter Bailey Zimmerman’s “Rock and a Hard Place” rents the penthouse of Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for a sixth total and consecutive week. The song leads the May 6-dated survey with 29.4 million audience impressions in the tracking week ending April 27, according to Luminate.

“Rock” – written by Jacob Hackworth, Jet Harvey and Heath Warre (and on Elektra / Warner Music Nashville / WEA) – is the first Country Airplay No. 1 for at least six weeks since Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof” ruled for a record 10 starting last October.

For the 23-year-old Zimmerman, from Louisville, Ill., “Rock” became his second consecutive career-opening Country Airplay No. 1. “Fall in Love” paced the Dec. 10 chart, becoming the first debut hit to lead in 2022.

Notably, Zimmerman is the first male artist to spend six weeks atop Country Airplay just two or fewer promoted chart entries, in a lead role, into a career. Only one other act has achieved the feat: Carrie Underwood’s first promoted country single, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” dominated for six weeks in January-February 2006.

On May 10, Zimmerman will release his 16-cut LP Religiously, which will include his two Country Airplay No. 1s. The set’s title track is his latest single, up 50-46 on the chart (1.6 million, up 23%).

McCreery & ‘Her’ Hit Top 10

Meanwhile, Scotty McCreery’s “It Matters to Her” reaches the Country Airplay top 10, lifting 12-10 (17.4 million, up 9%).

The song, which McCreery co-authored, gives him his eighth top 10 and follows five consecutive leaders – the  longest active streak among all acts. He most recently reigned with “Damn Strait,” for three weeks beginning last July.

The 2011 winner of American Idol has topped Country Airplay with each single that he has released since he signed with Triple Tigers Records in 2017.

01 May 2023

10 Must-Hear New Country/Americana Releases: Joy Oladokun, Billy Strings, Willie Nelson, Molly Tuttle & More

This week’s roundup of new country/Americana releases includes sterling new albums from Joy Oladokun and Kip Moore, a sizzling collab from Billy Strings and Willie Nelson, a tale of old-school love from Colter Wall and a dance-worthy track from Jamie Floyd.

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Joy Oladokun, Proof of Life

On Oladokun’s latest album, the singer-songwriter-musician excavates a range of deep-seated emotions and scenarios, from unmet ambitions and wrestling persistent feelings of not measuring up (“Trying”), finding peace in a constantly shifting world (“Changes”), struggling to maintain a relationship while battling addiction (“You at the Table”) and accepting and loving yourself (“Pride”). But tying the roller coaster of emotions together are overarching themes of self-growth, self-love and positivity. This album also features a range of collaborators — including Mt. Joy, Chris Stapleton, Noah Kahan, Maxo Kream and Manchester Orchestra — but the star is Oladokun, whose coolly understated voice and vulnerable-yet-hopeful perspective is the common thread in the range of styles on the project.

Billy Strings with Willie Nelson, “California Sober”

“I’ve had years I don’t recall, but I’m told I had a ball,” bluegrass wunderkind Strings sings on this collab with music icon Nelson. Fleet-fingered guitar work from Strings, and a crash of harmonies, fiddle and mandolin lead this light-hearted nod to someone who can’t quite party as hard as they used to, so they opt for being “California Sober” — halting hard drugs and drinking, but continuing smoking weed. Nelson, who is perhaps as well-known for his longtime affiliation with weed as he is for his more than six decades of music, is a natural ally on this track. Nelson just celebrated his 90th birthday this weekend, with a two-day concert extravaganza at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring Strings and a lengthy list of Nelson’s musical companions.

Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, “El Dorado”

On this foot-stomper of a tune, Tuttle and Golden Highway capture the high-flying dreams and wanderlust that lured many to California in search of riches during the gold rush. Written by Tuttle with Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor, this song offers a vibrant blend of bluegrass with flashes of Old West, anchored by Tuttle’s earthy-yet-angelic vocal and the entire group’s ace musicianship. “El Dorado” marks the first release from recent Grammy winner Tuttle’s upcoming album City of Gold, out July 21.

Kip Moore, Damn Love

On his fifth studio album, a baker’s dozen of songs co-produced by Moore and Jaren Johnston, Moore delves ever more thoroughly into his deep 1980s rock influences, with that electric sheen most notable on tracks including “Heart on Fire,” and “Peace and Love.” “Another Night in Knoxville” pours out a tale of a road-weary entertainer looking for love where he can find it. Meanwhile, the twists and turns that come fro his search for a place his heart can land are constant theme throughout the project on songs like “Sometimes She Stays” and the title track. Elsewhere, he turns to nostalgic portraits of childhood fishing trips and hanging with longtime friends on “Some Things.” A standout is the Ashley McBryde collaboration, the cooly romantic “One Heartbeat,” a glorious combo of two passionate vocalists. Each of these songs seems tailor-made for his much-acclaimed live shows. This album is classic Kip, kicked up a notch.

Jamie Floyd, “I Never Want to See You Again”

Floyd is known for writing songs including the clear-eyed ballad “The Blade,” recorded by Ashley Monroe and later Ronnie Dunn, as well as the Kelly Clarkson/Jake Hoot duet “I Would’ve Loved You.” Here, Floyd takes heartbreak and weaves it with bubbly exuberance. “All you ever do is mess with my head/ Always make your way back in my bed,” Floyd deadpans on this track she wrote with Jimmy Thow and Madi Diaz, capturing the continuous loop of dizzying highs and crashing lows in a “good-until-it-isn’t” kind of relationship.

Colter Wall, “Evangelina”

Wall’s applies his gravelly, haunting vocal to this cover of the 1976 Hoyt Axton song, offering a harmonica-inflected tale of a man who returns to “old Mexico” to reunite with his lover. Wall has previously performed the song during his live shows. While the Axton original plays more light-hearted with airy background vocals, Wall’s burly voice and the straightforward instrumentation take center stage, adding more drama to the tale. “Evangelina” is the first single from Wall’s upcoming album Little Songs, which will be released July 14 via La Honda Records/RCA Records.

David Nail, “Best of Me”

Nail’s superb vocal talents are country canon, thanks to songs like “Red Light” and “The Sound of a Million Dreams.” The singer-songwriter shows off his sentimental side on this solo write, about his wife Catherine, as he recalls the man-to-man conversation he shared with her father as Nail asked for her hand in marriage. Though he doesn’t have money or the finer things in life to offer, he does have one thing of even more value — a steadfast love and commitment. ‘I’ll give her the best of me/ If you’ll give her away,” he sings, as his nuanced vocal, layered over sweet guitar work, embodies the passion, vulnerability and hope embedded in the song’s sentiments. This is sure to be a wedding season favorite.

Mya Byrne, “I’m Gonna Stop”

This country-rock gem finds Byrne in a contemplative mode, halting the search for a lover, on lines such as “I’m gonna stop smilin’ back at every smile/ I’m going deeper, I know it’s time.” Byrne’s sinewy, smooth and confident voice hovers above jangly guitars and hazy production. “I’m Gonna Stop” is one of a dozen tracks on Byrne’s new album, the Aaron Lee Tasjan-produced Rhinestone Tomboy, which was released Friday (April 28) via the label Kill Rock Stars. The album also includes standouts “Come On” and “Don’t Hold Your Fire.”

Brett Kissel, “When I Get on a Memory”

Having previously notched hits including “Make a Life, Not a Living” and “A Few Good Stories” on Canadian country radio, as well as his first American country radio single, “Drink About Me” in 2019, Kissel returns with this slice of sweet nostalgia. Here, anything from a rainy day to a the right song at the right moment conjures up hometown memories of grandpas, tackle boxes and heartfelt conversations. Shuffling acoustic guitar and shining fiddle elevate this easygoing tune, which makes the best of Kissel’s warm, amiable vocal. One of Kissel’s best releases to date.

Sophia Scott, “In Her Shoes”

Scott, who is signed to Warner Chappell Music and Ross Golan’s Unknown Music Publishing, lifts up a musical tribute to the indelible influences of her mother in this sweet-yet-sassy tune. Here, Scott details the bold personality and unflagging work ethic, as well as the penchant for good wine and good friends and an innate confidence she learned from her mom. But the song isn’t all sugary; Scott’s also clear-eyed about a role model who has “a long list of bad men/ Holds her liquor better than a bottle can/ Ain’t afraid to let’cha know where she stands.” This is an ace outing from the newcomer.

01 May 2023

Rosalía Moved to Tears at the End of Motomami Tour in Mexico City

Rosalía closed the North and South American legs of her Motomami tour on Friday (April 28) with a free concert in Mexico City’s Zócalo, and the moment was so emotional for the Spanish superstar that she couldn’t hold back the tears.

“Mexico, I want you to know that I’m very grateful for the love you have given me since the beginning of my career. And I want you to know that there has been a lot of inspiration for many years; I studied songs like ‘La Llorona’. Let’s see if I get the tone”, said the singer in front of 160,000 people, which was the largest gathering — according to figures from the Mexican government — in the country’s most important public plaza. Rosalía then began to sing a fragment of the storied song that originated in the Oaxaca region in southern Mexico and was popularized by the late legendary singer Chavela Vargas. 

Rosalía’s Zócalo show caused so much anticipation that some young fans began camping out a day early to be the first to enter the square, which is the second largest in the world after Tiananmen in Beijing. 

For many attendees, it was their first experience of a live concert by “La Rosalía”, but they openly danced to songs like “Saoko”, “Despechá” and “Bizcochito”” as if they were veterans.

Since the announcement of the show on April 10 by the Head of Government of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, the event had remained controversial as it was designated for electoral purposes, since the mayoress aspires to be a candidate in the 2024 presidential election. 

But the Grammy- and Latin Grammy-winning singer’s record label, Sony Music, and promoter Ocesa, clarified that Rosalía did not charge a fee for her performance at the Zócalo.

“The singer, songwriter, producer and global icon is excited to present this show, which is part of a long-standing tradition in Mexico City where massive concerts are offered to promote culture and entertainment free of charge,” Ocesa said Thursday in a statement.

In a recent interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, Claudia Curiel, Mexico City’s Secretary of Culture, revealed that Rosalía’s concert in the Zócalo took a year of negotiations with the artist’s team.

Musicians such as Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, Pixies, Manu Chao, Shakira, Café Tacvba and the late regional Mexican music icon Vicente Fernández, among many others, have performed at the Zócalo.

The record for attendance at free concerts held in what is known as Primer Cuadro of the Mexican capital is held by Grupo Firme, which lbrought together 280,000 people last September, according to Mexico City government figures.

The North and South American leg of the Motomami World Tour included countries such as the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, as well as their historic performance at the Coachella festival in Indio, California.

Rosalía will soon be performing in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, France and other European countries.

01 May 2023

Aerosmith Reveal ‘Peace Out’ Farewell North American Tour Dates

Aerosmith announced the dates for their farewell North American tour on Monday morning (May 1). The veteran band’s Peace Out 40-date run is scheduled to kick off on Sept. 2 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA and keep them on the road through a Jan. 26, 2024 gig at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

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“It’s not goodbye it’s PEACE OUT! Get ready and walk this way, you’re going to get the best show of our lives,” the band said in a statement about the run that will feature opening act the Black Crowes. “Every night will celebrate the five decades of Aerosmith’s groundbreaking hits as they celebrate 50 years as America’s greatest rock band,” read the statement. “In addition, THX will bring their THX Certified Live! high-fidelity experience on the road, calibrating each arena with leading-edge technology so fans don’t miss a beat of Aerosmith’s classic rock tunes in quality audio.”

The Live Nation-produced North American run will feature a stop in the group’s hometown of Boston for New Year’s Eve gig at TD Garden. Aerosmith, who were formed in 1970 by singer Steven Tyler, guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton will be without the services of founding drummer Joey Kramer, who did not join the band when they returned from a two-year hiatus in March 2022.

“While Joey Kramer remains a beloved founding member of Aerosmith, he has regrettably made the decision to sit out the currently scheduled touring dates to focus his full attention on his family and health,” read a statement, which did not announce who would be performing on the tour in Kramer’s stead. “Joey’s unmistakable and legendary presence behind the drum kit will be sorely missed.” 

Aerosmith wrapped their Deuces Are Wild Las Vegas residency in late November. The general on sale for the Peace Out tour will begin on Friday (May 5) at 10 a.m. local time here.

Check out the dates for the tour below.

Sept. 2 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center

Sept. 6 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena

Sept. 9 – Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena        

Sept. 12 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena     

Sept. 15 – Chicago, IL @ United Center

Sept. 18 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena 

Sept. 21 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Sept. 24 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena

Sept. 27 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena

Oct. 11 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena 

Oct. 14 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena

Oct. 17 – Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center

Oct. 20 – Sunrise, FL @ FLA Live Arena

Oct. 23 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center

Oct. 26 – St Louis, MO @ Enterprise Center

Oct. 29 – Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Nov. 1 – San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Arena 

Nov. 4 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center

Nov. 7 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center

Fri Nov 10 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center

Nov. 13 – St Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center  

Nov. 16 – Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center

Nov. 19 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena     

Nov. 22 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Arena

Nov. 25 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center             

Nov. 28 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena

Dec. 1 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center    

Dec. 4 – San Jose, CA @ SAP Center             

Dec. 7 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Kia Forum  

Dec. 10 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center

Dec. 28 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center 

Dec. 31 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden    

Jan. 4 – Cincinnati, OH @ Heritage Bank Arena           

Jan. 7 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center    

Jan. 10 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena 

Jan. 13 – Knoxville, TN @ Thompson-Boling Arena

Jan. 16 – Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center 

Jan. 19 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden

Jan. 23 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center 

Jan. 26 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre

01 May 2023

Saweetie, NewJeans, Steve Lacy & Billboard President Mike Van Among Gold House’s A100 List of Asian Pacific Leaders

Gold House revealed its annual A100 list on Monday (May 1), honoring the 100 Asian Pacific leaders who have most significantly impacted American culture and society in the last year, and some of today’s biggest music stars have made the list.

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Saweetie, Steve Lacy, NewJeans, Jackson Wang and Rina Sawayama have all been honored this year under the Entertainment and Media category, as did Billboard‘s President, Mike Van.

Gold House will celebrate the wide-ranging group of honorees — which also includes stars like Ali Wong, Ashley Park, Shay Mitchell, KJ Apa, Patrick Ta and many more — through a slate of exciting events from May 5 through May 7. The Gold Gala, which takes place on on May 6, brings together more than 750 Asian Pacific and multicultural luminaries across industries to highlight and celebrate initiatives that will define the next wave of the Asian Pacific movement.

“Gold House’s A100 List is a vital representation of the diverse opportunities and achievements of and for Asian Pacific leaders. Becoming begins with seeing–and it shows how we’re just getting started. I’m so proud to be part of past classes and applaud this year’s class.” said Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, who is a Gold House A100 Hall of Famer.

Yeoh also starred in 2022’s groundbreaking film, Everything Everywhere All at Once, which A100 is honoring with the Gold Icon honor, celebrating a “transformational moment for the Asian Pacific community.”

The full list of A100s and the Selection Committee can be found here.

01 May 2023

George Michael Tops Fan Vote for 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

George Michael came out on top of the fan voting when balloting wrapped up on Friday (April 28) for the list of 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees. While the fan vote is not a guarantee that Michael will be enshrined in Cleveland, the late Wham! and solo star’s decisive victory in the fan portion of the vote — which closed on Friday (April 28) — saw him getting more than one million votes (1,040,072), which put him comfortably in front of second placer Cyndi Lauper (928,113), as well as Warren Zevon (634,130) Iron Maiden (449,682) and Soundgarden (427,040).

All but one of the previous five fan vote winners have ended up being enshrined, with the exception of the Dave Matthews Band, who did not get in despite rolling up more than 100,000 votes in 2020. Fans will find out on Wednesday (May 3) if the “Careless Whisper” star will make the cut for induction this year when this year’s list of nominees will be announced.

Others waiting to hear if they will join the Rock Hall this year include five-time nominees Rage Against the Machine, four-time nominee Kate Bush, as well as second timers Soundgarden, Maiden, A Tribe Called Quest and The Spinners; this year’s first-timers include Missy Elliott and The White Stripes. Other nominees this year include Sheryl Crow, Joy Division/New Order and Willie Nelson.

To be eligible for the RRHOF, an artist’s first commercial release must have come out at least 25 years prior to the nomination year. This year’s induction ceremony will take place in the fall. The top five artists selected through fan voting will be tallied along with the ballots from the Rock Hall’s international voting body to determine the Class of 2023.

01 May 2023

Something in the Water 2023 Day 3 Canceled Due to Severe Weather Impacts on Site

The final day of Pharrell’s Something in the Water 2023 festival in Virginia Beach was canceled on Sunday (April 30) due to severe weather. “We are disappointed to share that under the advisement of the city of Virginia Beach and the local authorities we have to cancel day three of SOMETHING IN THE WATER due to significant impacts to the festival site caused by severe weather,” read a statement from festival organizers around 6 p.m. about the forecasted storms approaching the area, as well as a tornado warning and damage from earlier weather.

“We did not make this decision easily but everyone’s safety is our top priority. We will be refunding 33% of the base price from admission passes,” they added, with refunds slated to be automatically processed beginning Monday (April 1).

The cancelation resulted in the scotching of scheduled sets by Grace Jones, the Clipse, Wu-Tang Clan, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Lil Uzi Vert, 100 Gecs, Aminé, Flo Milli and Lil Durk.

“No one wants to make this call, but we cannot predict nor negotiate with the weather tonight. It is our responsibility to ensure public safety above all else,” City Manager Patrick Duhaney said, according to the Virginian-Pilot. “The City thanks the Something in the Water team, our public safety teams and City staff for their hard work this weekend under fluctuating weather conditions, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding of this difficult decision.”

Founder Pharrell Williams posted a heartfelt note to fellow Virginians and attendees, writing, “We are the best. These past few days @sitw have been the best. Even during this Tornado Watch and Lightning Storm right now as I type, we are the best. Thank you for giving the folks that travel here that energy and that LOVE that only we can give. Thank you to our partners, the vendors, production, policemen, firemen, the city council, the mayor and all who volunteered. The spirit here was felt everywhere!”

Williams promised that 2024’s SITW dates will be shifted in an attempt to avoid inclement spring weather, as well as teasing “more acts, more merch, more food… just more!” next year. WAVY reported that the first two days of this year’s event were also impacted by weather, with some acts slated for Friday bumped to Saturday and Sunday and Saturday’s start time pushed back after weather caused issues on site the night before.

Friday’s lineup featured performances by Babyface Ray, Arcade Fire, Maren Morris, Skrillex Kehlani, Mumford & Sons and Kid Cudi, while day 2 saw sets from the Kid Laroi, Wet Leg, the Jonas Brothers, Lil Yachty, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Wayne and Pharrell’s Phriends, which included guests A$AP Rocky, De La Soul, M.I.A., Diddy, Chris Brown Latto and more.

The first day of 2019’s inaugural edition of SITW in Williams’ hometown was canceled due to weather, throwing a wrench into planned sets from Dave Matthews Band, Migos, Pharrell & Friends, Diplo and more. The 2022 edition was moved to Washington, D.C. after Williams got involved in a dispute with city officials over what he called a “toxic” environment following the fatal police shooting of his cousin, Donovon Lynch.

See the announcements below.