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Here’s How Bananas Actually Impact Your Heart, According to Cardiologists
As a cardiologist, Dr. David Rhee, MD, is a personal fan of bananas for himself and his family. He loves that they’re “portable, sweet, high in fiber, cheap and fun to say.”
Gwen Stefani did give bananas a “forever cool” status when she spelled it out in her solo smash single, “Hollaback Girl.” But how do bananas really impact health, and in particular, heart health?
“I like to keep things simple—ultimately, we are what we eat,” explains Dr. Rhee. “Modern medicine is amazing, but we can’t forget the basics: know what you’re putting into your body and how you’re moving it. Diet and exercise remain the cornerstone of health, not just an alternative to pills. But simple doesn’t mean easy.”
Indeed, it’s super easy to grab a premade, ultraprocessed “meal replacement” bar from the local convenience store. But it’s worth leaning into heart-healthy dietary options (and honestly, bananas are affordable for many, portable and a cinch to peel and eat).
“You can’t change your age or your family history, but you can change what’s on your plate, and diet influences some of the big drivers of heart disease like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar,” states Dr. Nadim Geloo, MD, the senior director of medical affairs for Abbott’s Structural Heart Division. “When you understand why a food helps, you’re more likely to eat it consistently and fit it into a genuinely balanced eating pattern rather than chasing one ‘superfood.'”
Importantly, bananas aren’t a superfood for heart health. However, how do they actually impact heart health—for better or worse? Cardiologists peel back the (occasionally layered) truth about what happens to your heart when you eat this fruit.
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Are Bananas Good for Heart Health?Generally speaking, eating bananas regularly is an excellent choice for heart health, cardiologists say. “Bananas are one of the easiest ways to support your heart health,” states Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. “They’re affordable, portable and naturally portion-controlled, making them a smart, everyday choice for a balanced diet.”
Eating one banana once likely won’t do much for your heart health.
However, “When eaten regularly as part of a healthy diet, bananas can support better blood pressure, steady energy levels, weight management and healthy digestion,” Dr. Chen notes.
Still, you can enjoy some immediate benefits. In fact, your energy levels may improve right away—ditto for feeling full.
“The carbohydrate and water content in bananas help with satiety, which is what makes us feel full, so it can be a nice aid in helping you regulate your weight,” says Dr. Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy, MD, the chair of internal medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU.
What’s just as important as what’s in a banana is what’s not in a banana: added sugar, salt and fat. “Each snack-time with a banana is one fewer snack-time with junk food that would likely raise your risk of heart disease,” Dr. Rhee says.
OK, but what is in a banana, and how might it affect your heart health over several months to years?
For starters, Dr. Geloo notes that bananas are potassium-rich, so they can help lower blood pressure and offset some of the effects of sodium in the body.
“When you eat too much salt, your body holds onto extra water, and your blood pressure rises,” he says. “The potassium found in bananas can help your kidneys flush that excess sodium out and help relax the walls of your blood vessels, easing tension in your circulatory system and helping to keep your blood pressure numbers in a healthy range.”
Dr. Geloo adds that bananas also have dietary fiber, including pectin, a soluble fiber that could help manage cholesterol.
“Soluble fiber works a bit like a sponge in your digestive tract, binding to cholesterol and helping carry it out of the body before it gets absorbed into your bloodstream,” Dr. Geloo tells Parade. “Higher dietary fiber intake is linked to significant reductions in total levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, meaning less plaque builds up in your arteries over time, which lowers your risk of a heart attack.”
Finally, he notes that bananas contain key antioxidants, such as vitamin C and plant compounds linked to dopamine.
“These antioxidants act as a shield against cellular damage and inflammation,” Dr. Geloo says. “These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, protecting the delicate inner lining of your blood vessels from damage that can lead to heart disease.”
Related: ‘I’m a Cardiologist—Here Are 5 Habits I Stopped Doing Years Ago’
Why Do Some Doctors Say Not To Eat Bananas?Bananas are generally safe for most people, but Dr. Geloo says they might pose risks for people with advanced kidney disease or who are on certain heart medications, like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors.
“These drugs cause the body to hold onto more potassium,” he explains. “Because bananas are exceptionally high in potassium, eating them can cause a dangerous buildup of potassium in the bloodstream—a condition known as hyperkalemia—if the kidneys cannot properly filter it out or if medications are already causing potassium retention.”
Dr. Geloo explains that excessively high potassium levels can disrupt the electrical signaling of the heart, potentially triggering irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and, in severe cases, sudden cardiac arrest.
“If you fall into one of those groups, talk to your doctor about how much potassium is right for you,” Dr. Geloo says.
Plus, heart disease and diabetes often go hand in hand. “Very ripe bananas can raise blood sugar more quickly, which may be a concern for people with diabetes,” Dr. Chen explains.
That said, they are not off the table for people with diabetes. “If you’re watching your blood sugar, consider choosing a slightly less ripe banana, since riper ones have a higher glycemic impact,” Dr. Chen recommends. “Pairing a banana with protein or healthy fats like a handful of nuts or a spoonful of peanut butter can also help keep you fuller longer and prevent blood sugar spikes.”
Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Eat Bananas
Can Someone With Heart Disease Eat Bananas Daily?One to two bananas daily can be part of a heart-healthy diet, but people with diabetes, kidney disease or those on medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers should be mindful.
Still, consuming bananas can help your heart health. “The bigger goal is total daily potassium and fiber intake from a variety of sources, not just bananas,” Dr. Geloo notes. “The American Heart Association recommends 3,500 to 5,000 mg of potassium per day from food for heart health, and a medium banana provides roughly 450 mg, so it’s a helpful contributor, but only one piece of the puzzle.”
Variety is critical, so Dr. Geloo recommends consuming bananas alongside other fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains rather than relying on them as your key superfood.
Dr. Rhee echoes these sentiments, saying, “If you’re planning dramatic lifestyle changes, I still advise discussing them with your doctor—each patient and plan will differ. But if you have normal kidney function, go bananas.”
Up Next:
Related: The Fruit Cardiologists Say You Should Eat Every Day for a More Resilient Heart
Sources:- Dr. David Rhee, MD, a board-certified cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and a labfinder.com
- Dr. Nadim Geloo, MD, the senior director of medical affairs for Abbott’s Structural Heart Division
- Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
- Dr. Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy, MD, the chair of internal medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU
- Potassium Intake and Blood Pressure: A Dose‐Response Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JAHA.
- Associations between dietary fiber intake and cardiovascular risk factors: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Nutrition.
- Antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic potential of Banana (Musa spp): A review of biological mechanisms for prevention and protection against atherosclerosis. AJP.
- How Potassium Can Help Prevent or Treat High Blood Pressure. American Heart Disease.
This 28-Year-Old Children’s Show Is Still One of the Best Ways To Teach Your Kids Life Skills, Psychologists Say
Every once in a while, a TV show comes around that leaves a lasting impression on an entire generation. If you grew up in the 1990s, you likely have fond memories of watching Out of the Box, a Playhouse Disney TV show that ran for three seasons. It’s been nearly three decades since the impactful series first premiered, but psychologists say this 28-year-old children’s show is still one of the best ways to teach your kids life skills.
If you watched the show as a child, you probably already started singing the Out of the Box theme song and the Out of the Box goodbye song—”Until We Meet Again”—in your head once you stumbled upon this article (I did, too, while writing it!).
Out of the Box was full of ideas for imaginative play for preschoolers and extolled the developmental benefits of crafting for kids. Honestly, it was fun for kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re craving some Playhouse Disney nostalgia or you’re looking for low-stimulation TV shows for toddlers now that you have children of your own, Parade is taking a look back on the powerful impact Out of the Box had on TV and outlining the various ways the show was an example of how to teach kids life skills.
The Playhouse Disney Classic Making a Comeback: What Was ‘Out of the Box’?Out of the Box was a Playhouse Disney TV series that premiered in 1998 and aired for three seasons until 2000. The scripted series starred Tony James and Vivian Bayubay McLaughlin, who played two adult caregivers who watched a small group of children in their neighborhood. Tony and Vivian invited the children to play in “The Box,” their imaginary clubhouse that was made out of painted cardboard boxes.
In each episode, Tony and Vivian used games, crafts and music to teach the kids life skills and make learning fun.
The series won three Parents’ Choice Awards, according to Niagara Frontier Publications, and scored a Daytime Emmy nomination, per Variety.
Today, viewers can stream all three seasons of Out of the Box on Disney+.
Related: The One Emotional Skill Psychologists Say Parents and Grandparents Should Teach Before Age 7
Why Child Psychologists Call ‘Out of the Box’ the Ultimate Guide to Life SkillsThere are plenty of TV series that teach children their colors and ABCs, but Out of the Box stood out from the crowd because it taught kids fundamental life skills.
Dr. Yasmine Saad, PhD, the founder and Director of Psychological Services at Madison Park Psychological Services, says Out of the Box is still beloved nearly 30 years after it premiered because the show was built around the way kids naturally learn rather than around how long they would keep watching.
“The show wasn’t simply teaching children how to make crafts. It invited them into the process of observing, imagining possibilities, experimenting, making mistakes, adjusting and creating something meaningful,” Dr. Saad explains. “The focus wasn’t the finished project. It was the thinking, the experimenting and the discovering that happened along the way. Every episode modeled the same cognitive and emotional processes children rely on throughout life.”
Neuropsychologist and Director of Comprehend the Mind, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, says Out of the Box used fun activities to quietly teach skills that children use every day.
“Each episode encouraged kids to solve problems by thinking creatively instead of expecting someone else to fix things,” she states. “The crafts and pretend play helped build confidence because children saw that they could make something from ordinary materials. The hosts also modeled patience, taking turns and working together, which are important social skills.”
Additionally, Dr. Hafeez says the show’s calm pace taught children emotional regulation “by showing that it’s okay to slow down, think and try again.”
“Children learned self-reliance by being encouraged to explore, create and make decisions on their own,” she shares. “The predictable routines and positive environment helped kids feel safe enough to practice new skills without worrying about making mistakes.”
Problem-solving was also central to the show, and according to Dr. Saad, Tony and Vivian modeled this skill well by “refusing to remove the difficult part” of the process.
“The episodes were genuinely problem-shaped,” she notes. “Jill’s glider crashes into the clubhouse and Vivian helps her repair it. A shelf of cardboard tubes falls over, and everyone has to figure out what to do next. The camera stayed with the uncertainty, the attempt, the mistake and the repair.”
The fact that Out of the Box showed kids actively trying to solve problems was one area that separated it from other children’s content.
“A child who only sees problems followed immediately by solutions may begin to believe that capable people don’t struggle,” Dr. Saad says. “A child who watches the middle learns that struggle is part of thinking, creating and solving problems, and that it can be worked through.”
Related: Child Psychologist Recommends Using This Phrase When You Know Your Child Is Lying
The ‘Cardboard Box’ Theory: Cultivating Creative Independence Through PlayGetty Images
Technology plays a huge role in playtime nowadays, but Out of the Box set a clear example that children can have fun with imaginative play.
“One of the things Out of the Box understood so well was that children don’t need extraordinary materials to create extraordinary play. The show consistently communicated that a cardboard box, a newspaper, paper tubes or other everyday objects could become almost anything,” Dr. Saad shares. “It wasn’t encouraging children to admire someone else’s creativity. It was inviting them to become the creator.”
The TV series took place in Tony and Vivian’s imaginary clubhouse, which was made out of painted cardboard boxes. The concept is similar to the “cardboard box theory,” which Dr. Hafeez describes as the idea that “simple objects often spark more imagination than expensive toys because children have to decide what they become.”
“A plain box can turn into a spaceship, a grocery store, a castle or anything else a child dreams up,” she explains. “That kind of open-ended play strengthens creativity. It teaches children to come up with their own ideas instead of relying on instructions. This is beneficial because it helps children become more confident in their ideas and independent. It also builds problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility that can carry over into school, friendships and everyday life.”
One example of imaginative play that involves adults is scaffolding, which Dr. Saad describes as the concept that children learn best with the right amount of support.
“One reason Out of the Box modeled scaffolding so well was that the adults never took over the activity,” she tells Parade. “They supported the parts children genuinely couldn’t do yet while leaving the rest in the children’s hands. During many of the craft activities, the adults handled the cutting, while the children folded, glued, decorated, made decisions, solved problems and brought their own ideas to life.”
Since the finished project genuinely belonged to the child, it created a sense of ownership.
“The key is that scaffolding is temporary by design. As children become more capable, the support is gradually removed. Parents don’t stop helping all at once. They hand more and more of the task back to the child as the child’s abilities grow,” Dr. Saad says.
Related: Families Who Eat Dinner Together Tend To Have This One Thing in Common
Slower Pacing & Real Humans: Why This Show is the Perfect ‘Low-Stimulation’ Screen TimeMany popular children’s TV shows like CoComelon and Paw Patrol are known for their hyper-stimulating, rapid-cut graphics. However, Out of the Box was an example of low-stimulation screen time.
“Out of the Box used slower pacing, longer scenes and real people talking directly to children instead of constant flashing visuals. That gave kids more time to process what they were seeing instead of simply reacting to it,” Dr. Hafeez says. “Research has found that educational programs with slower pacing are generally easier for young children to understand, while rapidly changing scenes can increase cognitive load.”
Dr. Saad says the show’s pace offered children the time to “observe, think, imagine, ask questions, make connections and form ideas of their own rather than simply receive information.”
“Much of today’s children’s programming is built around a different goal: what the mind finds hardest to look away from,” she explains. “A program can be built around the child’s own learning process, or it can be built around what reliably captures attention, and the two rarely point in the same direction.”
The conversations in Out of the Box unfolded naturally, and kids had time to process what they were seeing, then continue exploring and creating long after the episode ended.
“That is what low-stimulation screen time is. It asks more of a child by creating space for their own thinking, imagination and learning to stay actively involved,” Dr. Saad states.
The way Tony and Vivien acted with the children on the show also modeled a manner of communication that supports language development, social learning and emotional understanding, the psychologist points out.
“A study published in Pediatrics in 2011 found that just nine minutes of viewing a fast-paced, fantastical cartoon temporarily reduced executive functioning in four-year-old children compared with children who watched a slower-paced educational program or spent the same amount of time drawing,” Dr. Saad explains, pointing to the same study Dr. Hafeez mentioned above. “Executive functioning includes skills such as self-control, working memory and flexible thinking.”
Related: Occupational Therapists Say Parents and Grandparents Often Help Too Much With This Daily Task
Where To Stream ‘Out of the Box’ and the Best Episodes To Watch TodayMost episodes of Out of the Box are now available to stream on Disney+. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of the best episodes that highlight a range of skills:
Episode Title
Episode #
Lesson It Teaches Kids
“Seeds of Imagination”
Season 1, Episode 24
Teaches kids how seeds grow
“A Place Called Space”
Season 1, Episode 18
Teaches kids about space
“Animal Antics”
Season 1, Episode 12
Teaches kids about animals
“Good Clean-Up Fun”
Season 2, Episode 6
Teaches kids about organizing
“We Got the Beat”
Season 2, Episode 12
Teaches kids about sounds and music
“Tooth Or Consequences”
Season 2, Episode 19
Teaches kids about taking care of their teeth
“Weather Or Not!”
Season 3, Episode 8
Teaches kids about the weather
“Making Mistakes”
Season 3, Episode 13
Teaches kids about mistakes
“Bendy Stretchy”
Season 3, Episode 19
Teaches kids about stretching
Up Next:
Related: 10 Old-Fashioned Summer Activities Kids Still Love That Don’t Require a Screen
Sources:- Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind.
- Dr. Yasmine Saad, PhD, is the founder and Director of Psychological Services at Madison Park Psychological Services.
- The Immediate Impact of Different Types of Television on Young Children’s Executive Function. (2011) Pediatrics.
Kate Spade's 'Fabulous' $23 Chunky Huggie Earrings Look Like They're 'Triple the Price'
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Even the smallest accessories can have a big impact when they make you feel like a million dollars. Case in point? A pair of earrings that adds a polished touch to your look, yet feels completely effortless. That’s essentially what makes the Kate Spade Interlock Huggies so special. They’re nonchalantly chic, and so versatile that you can wear them day or night, whether you’re dressed up or down.
They’re also an awesome value at Amazon right now, reduced from their usual $68 to just $23. It’s the lowest price they’ve been all year, making now the time to snap them up! The design is pure mixed metal magic, with a medley of gold- and silver-plated metals paired in perfect harmony that prove the two actually do look right at home together when done right.
Kate Spade Interlock Huggies, $23 (was $68) at Amazon Shop at AmazonBecause the earrings are small in scale, they won’t overwhelm your look. At the same time, they’re chunky enough to feel more substantial than the average huggie. The thickness allows both the gold and silver tones to stand out, and the addition of a dainty, round cubic zirconia stone on each one adds a little extra gleam to the design.
The other big difference is the unique structure. Unlike fully closed loop-style hoops, these are open at the bottom so the stones catch the light and to allow full visibility of both metal colors. The effect is crisp and modern — exactly what you might want to update a simple suit or dress up jeans and a tee. Because they’re just a bit sparkly, they make a stylish addition to a little black dress and heels, too.
One reviewer dubbed them “such a fabulous find,” noting that the pair looks “triple the price” and coordinates well with both gold and silver jewelry. Another person called them their “favorite earrings ever” and explained that they’re “super comfortable and secure” while being “dressy but not over the top.”
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- Mina Self Open-Front Tweed Blazer, $37 (was $60) at Amazon
- Athlefit Chelsea Wedge Booties, $36 (was $60) at Amazon
It’s this combination of features that makes a pair of Kate Spade Interlock Huggies such a great addition to your jewelry box. Whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for someone who appreciates truly timeless fashion, you can’t beat Amazon’s deal. Snag a pair for 66% off while the deal is still live!
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Aldi's Sleek 2-Section Basket Makes Sorting a Breeze on Laundry Day
Laundry should be one of those household chores that’s pretty straightforward. Sort the lights from the darks, wash, dry, fold, put away. Easy, right? And yet the laundry pile has a way of becoming a free-for-all where white shirts mingle with black socks and the freshly folded stacks you carefully created five minutes ago mysteriously merge into one giant heap. At this point, I’m convinced the laundry basket is less of a container and more of a test of my patience.
The sorting part is especially tricky because it requires you to think ahead, and apparently that’s asking a lot when you’re standing in front of a hamper holding three pairs of socks and wondering whether that shirt is technically light blue or technically gray. Then there’s the post-wash situation, when everyone’s clean clothes end up in the same basket, and the folding process becomes a memory game nobody asked to play.
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Easy Home Divided Laundry Basket, $9.99 at AldiAldi
A little organization can make all of this feel less chaotic. Because if a laundry basket can do some of the sorting for us, I’m all for outsourcing that particular headache. Aldi has a solution with its Easy Home Divided Laundry Basket. This thing is exactly as it sounds—your relatively standard rectangular plastic laundry basket, but with a removable divider in the middle.
You might be questioning my excitement over this Aldi Find right now, and I understand that. But hear me out. A divided laundry basket is basically giving your future self a tiny head start. Instead of tossing every stray sock, T-shirt and towel into one giant fabric pile and dealing with the sorting later, you can separate lights and darks as you go. That means less time standing over a mountain of laundry trying to remember which clothes can safely share a wash cycle. It can also be handy for separating different family members’ clothes or keeping delicates away from the everyday stuff, depending on how you like to organize.
And the beauty doesn’t stop when the washing machine starts. A divided basket can give you designated spots for clean, folded clothes, too, so your carefully stacked piles don’t immediately become one giant clean-clothes casserole. It’s a small organizational trick, but when it comes to laundry, I’ll happily take advantage of it whenever I can.
2-Time Oscar Winner, Who Won for ‘The Accused,’ Joins Disney’s ‘Hexed’
Jodie Foster is taking on a magical new role for Disney.
The two-time Oscar winner will voice the witch queen in Disney Animation’s upcoming feature Hexed, which was among the projects spotlighted at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
The actor will lend her voice to the mysterious character in the animated movie, which is set in a world where magic plays a major role. The film follows a teenage girl who discovers that she has magical abilities and is drawn into a world she never knew existed.
The cast is also growing beyond Foster.
Walton Goggins has joined the voice cast, adding another recognizable name to Disney’s latest animated project.
Hexed comes from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the company behind movies including Moana, Frozen and Encanto. The project is being directed by Josie Trinidad, who previously worked on Disney and Pixar projects including Zootopia and Ralph Breaks the Internet.
While Foster is best known for her acclaimed live-action performances, including her Oscar-winning roles in The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs, she has also lent her voice to several animated projects over the years. Her addition to Hexed gives the film a particularly notable name behind one of its central characters.
Disney revealed the new casting as part of a larger slate of announcements at D23, where the studio offered updates on several upcoming animated and live-action projects.
Hexed is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters in 2028.
RELATED: Disney’s D23 Announcements Include a Major ‘Frozen 3’ Reveal Fans Won’t Want to Miss
WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Had Everyone Staring When She Climbed Onto a Bar and Belted Out Toby Keith
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is belting out a Toby Keith song on the bar.
Cunningham, 29, is best known as a professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever, where she landed in 2025. Since then, the long-haired blonde has become particularly prominent for her comments about transgender athletes in women’s sports, racking up just as many headlines for what she says off court as for her intense playing style. While the baller is a frequent face in the headlines these days, she left that behind for a night out on the town with her friends. In a new video shared on Instagram, Cunningham climbed onto the bar at Clayton’s Country Bar in Indianapolis to sing a Toby Keith song as the onlookers watched.
“From the court to Clayton’s! Well rounded evening of Sophie. @sophie_cham you are a superstar. So much fun,” the fan who snapped the video shared. In the video shared on Fox News, Cunningham sports a black crop top and khaki cargo pants as she climbs up and sings Keith’s famous song, “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” alongside the bar’s lively emcee.
Check out the video below:
View this post on Instagram Is Cunningham Shopping a Tell-All Book?Last week, Page Six Hollywood reported that Cunningham, whose social media presence is significant with 3.7 million Instagram followers, is shopping a book around. The outlet shared that the baller could find herself in the midst of a bidding war for the potential tome, thanks to her major following and lightning rod statements in the press. However, a rep for Cunningham didn’t respond when questioned about the potential book. Sounds like people will just have to wait and see.
Cunningham Is a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model View this post on InstagramIn addition to her work on the court, Cunningham hit the pages of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition earlier this year. Photographed in a series of bikinis on Captiva Island, off the coast of Fort Myers, Fla., Cunningham showed off her stuff for the camera.
Beverly Hills 90210’s Jason Priestley Shares His Favorite Directing Moment
If you’re a fan of the OG Beverly Hills, 90210, then you know the heartbreaking scene where Luke Perry’s character Dylan McKay mourns the death of his wife, pushing him to the emotional breaking point.
What you may not know is that Jason Priestley was behind the camera when the unforgettable moment was filmed. Priestley recently appeared on the Best With Them podcast and was asked about his work as a director, which began during his years on Beverly Hills, 90210. When asked about his favorite directing moment, he immediately thought of one involving his longtime friend and costar, Perry.
It was Perry’s final episode of the original series, and Priestley remembered filming the emotional sequence in which Dylan discovers that his wife, Toni Marchette, has been killed. The scene finds Dylan collapsing to his knees in the rain, looking toward the sky and crying out in grief. Priestley recalled using a crane-mounted camera to pull away from Perry as rain poured down around him.
“My favorite directing moment? In Luke Perry’s last episode that he ever did… Luke falling to his knees in the rain – we had rain towers everywhere – Luke was falling to his knees, looking up at the heavens, and crying out,” Priestley recalled. He captured the scene with a crane shot, pulling the camera away from Perry as rain poured around him. “Luke and I were just having the best time shooting all that stuff, and I think back to those…moments a lot now that he’s gone,” Priestley said, his voice audibly breaking.
View this post on InstagramWhen Priestley was asked if he missed his former costar, he simply nodded as he struggled to hold back tears.
The two actors had remained close long after Beverly Hills, 90210 ended. Priestley and Perry even became neighbors, continuing a friendship that had begun when they were young stars on one of television’s biggest shows.
And while Perry’s death has made the scene particularly difficult to revisit, Priestley’s memory of filming it isn’t only about heartbreak. It’s also about two friends doing what they loved together, long before either could have known how poignant that moment would become years later.
Marshalls Is Selling a Stunning 2-Pack of Cordless Wall Sconces to Add Ambient Light Anywhere You Wish
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Unless you custom-built your home from the ground up, every space has its own idiosyncrasies that make you question what the designer or builder was thinking when they made some pretty integral decisions. For me, it’s the layout of the available electrical for lighting in the 100-year-old house I rent (and, overall, love, by the way). It’s nothing short of awkward. In the main bedroom, one side of the bed has a wall sconce, but the only other sconce in the room is on the opposite side, next to a window. And, as a renter, there’s only so much I can do about it, which is why I’m low-key obsessed with cordless wall sconces and cordless lamps in general.
Because sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands, without tearing up walls or completely obliterating the terms of your lease. Even if you own your home, you may want to switch things up on a whim, which is where cordless lighting makes all the difference.
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Karma Home Vintage Glass Cordless Wall Sconces – 2 Pack, $69.99 at MarshallsMarshalls
Shop It!Marshalls’ two-pack of vintage-style Karma Home Cordless Wall Sconces has the kind of pretty, old-school charm that makes it look like they came with the house, but thankfully, they don’t require any old-school wiring. The two-pack has gold-tone bases and a classic look that could easily dress up a bedroom, hallway or cozy reading nook. And because they’re cordless, you can put them wherever you want without worrying about whether there’s an outlet—or, worse, calling someone to install one.
Each sconce runs on two AA batteries (you’ll need a total of four—sold separately) and comes with a remote control, so you can turn them on, dim the light or set a timer without getting out of bed. Mounting hardware is included, too, making the whole setup refreshingly straightforward. Basically, they give you the look of pretty hardwired sconces without the commitment, which is particularly handy if, as I mentioned before, you’re renting, rearranging or don’t feel like making a home-improvement project out of adding a little mood lighting.
Marshalls is a really great resource for cordless sconces of all shapes, colors and sizes (they have styles similar to the one above in other hues). The store is also typically stocked with pretty cordless lamps. So if you’d rather set your lighting on a table or credenza, it has that covered.
Related: Michaels’ Cottage-Inspired 3-Tier Wall Shelf Looks Like the Ultimate Thrifted Find
Is It Safe to Eat Lettuce Again? What to Know After the Cyclospora Outbreak
After weeks of concern over a multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, shoppers may be wondering: Is it safe to eat lettuce again?
The short answer is yes for most consumers, according to the latest federal guidance, but there is an important caveat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce linked to the outbreak should no longer be available in stores or restaurants. The products had best-by dates that have already passed.
The outbreak has sickened 9,481 people across 17 states, according to the CDC’s latest update, with 398 hospitalizations and two deaths reported.
So consumers don’t need to avoid all lettuce because of the outbreak. The recall specifically involved iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico by Taylor Farms de Mexico, and the recalled products are no longer supposed to be on the market.
Still, the broader Cyclospora situation isn’t completely over. CDC surveillance shows that nearly 13,900 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States have been reported since May 1, and health officials are investigating additional outbreaks that aren’t necessarily connected to the Taylor Farms lettuce.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause intestinal illness. Symptoms can include frequent, watery diarrhea, along with stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
For shoppers, the most important step is to check recalls rather than automatically avoiding fresh produce. If you have recalled food at home, don’t eat it and follow the applicable disposal or return instructions.
The CDC and FDA continue to investigate the outbreak, so consumers should watch for any new recall or food-safety alerts.
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1950s Teen Idol and Grammy-Winning Voice Behind Hundreds of ‘Harry Potter’ Characters Celebrates 91
Jim Dale, best known today for narrating the American editions of the Harry Potter audiobooks, is celebrating 91 years. A multi-hyphenate talent whose roots trace back to the traditional world of the British Variety Music Hall, Dale is not only one of the Potterverse’s most beloved voices, but also a former professional funnyman, a teen pop idol, and a movie star who does his own stunts.
And he got started early. At just 9, Dale began intensive dance, acrobatics, and judo training, which helped lay the foundation for his physical comedy. At 17, he put it all together and became one of his country’s youngest stand-up comics on the variety circuit.
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In 1957, however, Dale shifted his focus to music. Following a hosting gig on BBC’s popular teenage music show 6-5 Special, he became the first pop artist to be signed by Parlophone chief and future Beatles producer George Martin. Dale’s follow-up single, “Be My Girl,” then hit No. 2 in the U.K., turning him into a bona fide teen idol.
A household name and certified hitmaker, Dale expanded his sights even further. In the ’60s, he became a familiar face on the big screen, starring and performing many of his own thrilling stunts in 11 of the beloved British spoof Carry On movies. Later, he appeared in the Disney classic Pete’s Dragon (1977) and became one of the most versatile entertainers to cross between British film, Broadway, and American television.
In 1970, Sir Laurence Olivier recruited Dale to join the National Theatre. “Not only did I appear with him onstage in The Merchant of Venice, but he also directed me in Love’s Labor’s Lost,” Dale said in an interview with The American. “Larry loved physical comedy, and I had a lot of experience of that, and I brought that to the National.”
Along the way, Dale has collected a menagerie of awards and trophies. He won a Tony for his stunt-filled leading role in Broadway’s Barnum in 1980 and an Academy Award nomination for writing the lyrics to the theme song of the 1966 film Georgy Girl. He’s also scored two Grammy Awards for his spoken-word contributions to the Potterverse: Goblet of Fire (2001) and Deathly Hallows (2008).
Effectively revolutionizing the audiobook industry, Dale helped define how an entire generation of American fans experienced author J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As the narrator of all seven of the Harry Potter books, he’s essentially shaped the landscape of audio narration.
“I couldn’t be more surprised at how successful it is,” he told Children’s Ink about the audiobook franchise and his voice work. “Thank God they chose me for Harry Potter.”
Dale’s masterful voice work even once earned him a Guinness World Record for most voices created by a single narrator in an audiobook. First setting the record with 125 voices in Goblet of Fire, he then broke that record with 134 in Order of the Phoenix, only to raise the bar again with Deathly Hallows, creating 146 distinct voices. Wow.
More than seven decades after a Beatles proxy helped turn a young British comedian into a pop star, Dale is still finding new ways to make his voice heard.
Happy birthday, Jim!
Related: 1966 Love Song, Made Famous by Judy Collins, Launched a Future Rock Legend’s Career
'Just Fire Me': 90210 Star Tori Spelling Recalls Her Worst Movie Experience
Tori Spelling didn’t hesitate when she was asked about the worst movie experience of her career.
Spelling, 53, joined Stephen Baldwin’s One Bad Movie podcast to talk about her post-90210 film work, and one project came up immediately: 2003’s Evil Alien Conquerors. Coming off her breakout role as Donna Martin on Beverly Hills, 90210, Spelling thought the comedy would be a fun change of pace. Instead, it became one of the hardest sets she’s ever worked on.
“From the moment I stepped on set, it was like I couldn’t say one word without the director being like, ‘Uh, Tori, can you do that again?'” she recalled. She said director Chris Matheson constantly asked her to dial her performance back, even though comedy was her strength. “My comedy was on point, like I was a comedian and am a comedian,” she said, adding that in drama, notes made sense to her, but on this set, they didn’t.
The criticism wore her down fast. Spelling said it didn’t matter if she had one line or a full monologue, Matheson would find something to critique, often calling her out by name in front of the entire cast. Eventually, she said, she stopped putting emotion into her performance just to get through it.
Things got bad enough that Spelling asked her manager if she could simply be let go from the project. “I was like, ‘Just fire me and recast. This is so hard on me,'” she said. She was so shaken by the experience that she requested to be uncredited in the finished film, not fully understanding at the time what that meant. Look up Evil Alien Conquerors today, and her name isn’t attached to it.
Matheson, now 67, responded to Spelling’s comments in a statement to PEOPLE: “I’m sorry she felt that way. I like Tori personally. I just think we have some different ideas about comedy.”
‘MAFS’ Star Jessica Castro Breaks Silence on Ex-Husband Ryan de Nino’s Death
Married at First Sight star Jessica Castro is speaking out following the death of her ex-husband, Ryan de Nino.
“I have not had contact with Ryan in years so I have/had no idea what his life entailed,” Castro told Page Six after news of his death broke on Friday, Aug. 14.
“However, I do send my sincerest condolences to his family during this very difficult time,” she continued. “I can not imagine what they are going through. May he rest peacefully.”
TMZ was first to report the news of de Nino’s death at age 40. A family member told the outlet that the former reality star died suddenly earlier this week in New Jersey.
The family is not releasing details about the circumstances surrounding his death at this time.
De Nino and Castro appeared on season 2 of Married at First Sight in 2015. The reality series features couples who are paired by relationship experts and agree to marry when they first meet.
At the time, de Nino was a 29-year-old businessman, while Castro was a 30-year-old receptionist. The pair agreed to marry after meeting for the very first time at the altar.
The couple decided to stay together on the show’s Decision Day, but their relationship ultimately ended in divorce.
In June 2015, de Nino took to social media with a cropped photo of a restraining order filed by Castro, noting that it “disgusted” him.
At the time, The New York Post reported that Castro had filed court papers in 2015 claiming that de Nino had allegedly made death threats against her and her family.
In the wake of de Nino’s death, his sister, Melissa, shared a heartbreaking tribute to him on social media.
“Ryan was so damn funny and witty. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved. He had a huge heart, always. I can’t explain what it’s like to lose a sibling,” she wrote. “Someone who’s been there from the beginning and shares the same memories. No matter what we were going through, I loved him immensely. Life as I know it will never be the same.”
1971 Folk Rock Ballad About Ritchie Valens' Tragedy Still Gets Played at Celebrations 55 Years Later
While Don McLean‘s 1971 hit “American Pie” may have been inspired by a tragedy, it’s usually viewed as a celebratory or patriotic song, played during the Fourth of July, weddings, and funerals.
In a 2022 interview with The Project, McLean, now 80, acknowledged that penning “American Pie” was a way of expressing his emotions about the 1959 plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Jiles Perry Richardson Jr., better known as The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. McLean explained that he was a massive fan of Holly, who died when he was 22, and his passing impacted him as a young teenager.
“My guy was Buddy Holly. I really related to his music, but all of a sudden one day, I opened the papers. And there I see that this plane crash had happened. And I mean, it really rocked me,” said McLean during the 2022 interview.
He also said that “American Pie” is a commentary on historical events throughout the ’60s, specifically the Vietnam War and John F. Kennedy‘s 1963 assassination.
“I now was moving into the realm of really growing as a songwriter and thinking I want to do something that captures everything that I had been experiencing in these 10 years. And these good things and bad things that were happening, the fractured insane nature of America, also the greatness of America,” said the musician.
He also clarified that he couldn’t provide a “clear-cut” explanation of all of the song’s lyrics. McLean explained that he wants younger listeners to start researching the tune’s many references.
“I think the good part about it is that it gets a young person thinking about ‘What was that Vietnam thing? About, ‘Well that Kennedy thing was terrible.’ ‘Oh yeah, who was Buddy Holly? Who was Ritchie Valens? I think I’ll go listen to some of that music.’ Ah, I’ve got you,” said McLean while speaking to The Project.
During the Project interview, McLean referenced that “American Pie” became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in early 1972 and said he didn’t expect the song to be so successful. In addition, he said he was glad “American Pie” was his biggest hit, as he couldn’t handle being in the limelight.
“It was a very unsettling experience for me. I am very, very happy that I didn’t have to live at that level of success because I wasn’t cut out for it. When you’re famous, you don’t earn friendship, everybody wants to be your friend,” said McLean.
D23 Announcements: Disney Just Revealed New Merch for a 75-Year-Old Favorite
A beloved Disney classic from 1951 is celebrating a major milestone, and fans are getting some very nostalgic new merchandise to mark the occasion.
Alice in Wonderland is turning 75 this year, and Disney is celebrating the animated favorite with a new anniversary collection debuting as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The merchandise will also be available to shop online through Disney Store beginning Monday, Aug. 17, at 8 a.m. PT, while supplies last.
'Alice in Wonderland' 75th Anniversary MerchShop online through Disney Store beginning Monday, Aug. 17, at 8 a.m. PTThe collection takes inspiration from one of the movie’s most memorable scenes: Alice’s very unusual game of croquet with the Queen of Hearts. Several of the new pieces feature the characters’ flamingo mallets and hedgehog balls, giving the anniversary merchandise a playful Wonderland twist.
Among the new items is an Alice in Wonderland 75th Anniversary Fashion Top, along with a coordinating zip jacket, ear headband, bow hair clip, crossbody bag and wristlet. There’s also a 75th anniversary mug featuring a pink flamingo handle inspired by the movie’s famously chaotic croquet match.
Collectors have plenty of options, too. The collection includes an Alice in Wonderland 75th Anniversary Artisan Plush Doll, while Disney Wishables are getting a shimmer-themed mystery plush series featuring five possible characters.
Fans looking for something a little more understated can also find several anniversary pieces from Cakeworthy, including a vintage-inspired T-shirt, denim jacket and sweatshirt featuring characters and imagery from Wonderland.
The Alice in Wonderland collection is part of Disney’s larger Fanniversary Frenzy celebration at D23, which spotlights 10 beloved Disney stories reaching milestone anniversaries in 2026.
Fans who aren’t attending D23 won’t have to miss out on the new merchandise. Select products featured at the event will be available on DisneyStore.com beginning Aug. 17 at 8 a.m. PT, while supplies last.
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Costco's New Pretzel Buns Chicken Sandwiches
Chocolatarians such as myself recently had reason to rejoice when Costco brought back their beloved Kirkland Signature chocolate chips. But Costco said, “hold my beer (cheese),” because their new Chicken Sandwiches on Pretzel Buns have arrived.
The latest addition to Costco’s prepared foods section is basically everything you want from a grab-and-go sandwich, tucked inside a soft, golden pretzel bun. The Kirkland Signature Chicken Sandwiches on Pretzel Buns come with sliced deli-style chicken, Swiss cheese, Cheddar and lettuce, along with a packet of Dijon mayonnaise for dipping or spreading.
Each tray comes with six sandwiches and typically costs around $12 to $15, depending on the location. That makes them an especially tempting option when you need to feed a few people without assembling an entire sandwich bar yourself.
Costco fans are already buzzing about the new addition online. Instagram account @Costcohotfinds shared a video review, calling the sandwich “absolutely stacked” with sliced chicken and adding that Costco “nailed it with this one.” The comments section quickly filled with excitement, too. “Looks like these will be for lunch at work next week!” one commenter wrote, while another praised the sandwich’s breakfast potential, and a third simply gushed, “OMG I love the pretzel bread!”
View this post on InstagramThe timing also seems perfect. With summer winding down and busy schedules picking back up, having a tray of sandwiches waiting in the refrigerator could be the difference between an easy meal and scrambling to figure out dinner. And while Costco has plenty of prepared meals that require heating, these sandwiches have another advantage: they’re ready to eat whenever hunger strikes.
So whether you’re packing lunch, feeding the family after a busy day or simply don’t feel like cooking, Costco may have just given its prepared-foods section another reason to make a stop at the warehouse. Pretzel buns, two kinds of cheese and plenty of chicken? Costco, you had me at pretzel.
Hayden Christensen Is Facing Harsh Aging Criticism, but ‘Star Wars’ Fans Have Had Enough
Hayden Christensen is being defended by fans after cruel comments about how he’s aging.
The actor, 45, who is best known for his role as Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, hit the red carpet at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at “D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event” this week in Anaheim, Calif. The star is returning as Anakin Skywalker, the iconic role he played in the Star Wars prequels and the TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi, in Star Wars: Ahsoka. While Christensen looked extremely handsome on the red carpet during the appearance, a new video making the rounds on social media proved to be like catnip for Internet trolls who wanted to throw out mean comments about aging.
Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images
A Video Of Christensen Went ViralIn a sweet interview with MTV UK, Christensen opened up about the TV shows he loves to watch with his young daughter, Briar Rose, whom he shares with ex Rachel Bilson. But the touching point of the video was overlooked by critics, who came with cruel comments about how Christensen looks.
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Fans Immediately Defended ChristensenIn the comments, fans were quick to point out that aging is just a natural part of life.
“All the comments of aging… He is just getting older. Spoiler alert: People do age and die, but you can have the best life over 40. and 50. and 60,” one person said.
“Everyone saying he’s aged a lot… yeah… like a fine wine,” another person chimed in.
“I hate judgemental people. He seems like a nice, down to earth guy. It’s a privilege to age!” another person said.
“Aging and death is coming for us all, just a reminder to everyone confused or upset by someone’s looks changing over decades,” someone else noted.
“not y’all bullying him AGAIN! Leave him alone!!” a fan said.
The First Trailer for Star Wars: Ahsoka Season 2The first trailer for the new season of Star Wars: Ahsoka premiered Friday at D23 in Anaheim. Season 2 continues the story of Ahsoka Tano, played by Rosario Dawson, and her extraordinary journey beyond the known galaxy.
“As Ahsoka and her Jedi apprentice Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) travel across a mysterious and perilous world to find their way home, their friends must face the powerful Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and his sinister allies, who seek to plunge the New Republic into war,” a description reads, according to Deadline.
Check out the trailer below:
Related: Rachel Bilson Shares Rare Photo of Briar Rose, Her Daughter with Ex Hayden Christensen
Dolly Parton’s ‘Adorable’ $15 Stoneware Spoon Rest and Wooden Spatula Set Brings Country Charm to the Kitchen
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With 10 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and spots in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame under her belt, it sure doesn’t seem like Dolly Parton rests. But what she does know needs to rest is food. Not every dish needs to be stirred every five seconds, and some of the best things in the kitchen take a little time to simmer, bake, or reduce.
While you wait, though, your tools need somewhere to rest — and that’s where the charming Dolly Parton 2-Piece Acacia Wood Spatula and Spoon Rest Set comes in. At just $15, it gives you a useful place to park your cooking utensils without leaving sauce, batter, or other messes directly on the counter.
Dolly Parton 2-Piece Acacia Wood Spatula and Spoon Rest Set, $15 at Walmart Shop at WalmartThis “adorable” set makes a “beautiful addition” to any kitchen, sharing the same whimsical floral-and-butterfly artwork. The silicone spatula with an acacia wood handle measures approximately 9.3 inches long by 3.7 inches wide, making it a practical size for everything from mixing and folding to scraping down the sides of a bowl. The stoneware spoon rest measures 3.5 by 9.3 inches to keep messy spoons, tongs, and turners from landing directly on your countertop, stovetop, or table.
The artwork is what makes these pieces especially fun. The white base of the rest is covered with a mosaic-style arrangement of oversized flowers and butterflies, featuring a prominent pink-and-red rose alongside layered blue blooms and leafy green accents. The flowers have a tiled, almost jewel-like appearance, with individual sections of the petals and leaves broken into small geometric shapes, giving the illustration plenty of dimension. On the handle, a printing of Dolly Parton’s signature completes the piece.
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Even the spatula gets in on the theme, with a blue flower near the base of the head and the cheerful message “Leave something good in every day” printed above it. It’s made of heat-resistant silicone that can handle everyday cooking and baking tasks, whether you’re stirring batter, scraping the last bit of sauce from a jar, folding ingredients, or flipping pancakes.
Bring a little Dolly-approved country charm to your kitchen and shop the Dolly Parton 2-Piece Acacia Wood Spatula and Spoon Rest Set for $15 at Walmart today!
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Sam's Club's 'Gorgeous' $40 Fluted Dutch Oven Is a Must-Have for Slow-Cooked Fall Recipes
When it comes to outfitting your kitchen with cookware essentials, it’s a good idea to start with the pieces you’ll use most. And while it might be tempting to go all in on a shiny new multipiece set, there’s a lot more charm and satisfaction to be had from building your collection one purposeful piece at a time.
Take the Tramontina 7-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven, for example. Currently finding its way into Sam’s Club warehouses as we speak, this newest iteration of the classic cookware staple features a gorgeous fluted exterior that puts it a step above your average Dutch oven. And with a price tag of just $39.98, you’re effectively unlocking an elegant mealtime workhorse that can handle the same recipes any skillet, saucepan or casserole dish ever could.
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Tramontina 7-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven, $39.98 at Sam’s Club View this post on InstagramSpotted this week by @samsclublovers, who promptly shared the news with shoppers online, the Tramontina 7-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven is only just starting to make its way into stores, with no online listing to be found just yet. Truly a gem worth heading to your local for this weekend, it comes with a $10 discount off its original price, making it an absolute steal at just $40.
Depending on availability, you can expect to find three colors in stock, including cranberry, pink and green, all featuring dark pastel hues with either stainless steel or gold knobs attached to their self-basting lids. Each one is made of heavy-grade cast iron, offers superior heat retention and can do everything from slow-cooking savory soups, stews and sauces to baking breads and casseroles, searing ingredients or slow braising meats.
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The Perfect Dutch Oven for Cozy Fall Cooking“These Tramontina Dutch ovens are GORGEOUS,” @samsclublovers captioned their post. “Such beautiful colors for fall and the holidays.”
With a new season ahead full of cozy, autumnal vibes, this elegant fluted Dutch oven certainly makes a worthy investment for any first-time home cook’s collection or an upgrade for a seasoned pro’s kitchen. Best of all, it’s compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and oven-safe up to 450°F, leaving you with plenty of opportunity to experiment with one-pot recipes, savory sauces, hearty casseroles and fresh-baked breads alike.
Head to your local as soon as you can and try to snag your favorite color before they’re all gone. And while you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for Member’s Mark Assorted Halloween-Shaped Chocolates and ready-made Beef Pot Roast for a couple of seasonal bites to enjoy.
Related: Hobby Lobby’s Quaint 3-Tier Wood Shelf Brings Farmhouse Charm to Small Spaces
1986 Hit Song, Written by Prince, Launched an All-Female Band to Pop Stardom
The Bangles got a career-changing song from one of the biggest names in music, but they had no idea just how far it would take them. Prince’s “Manic Monday” became their first major hit in 1986.
The band got their start in Los Angeles in 1981, right in the middle of the city’s Paisley Underground scene. The music took a lot of inspiration from ’60s psychedelic and folk-rock, particularly the ringing guitars and layered harmonies that defined those sounds.
After releasing All Over the Place in 1984, The Bangles started getting noticed by some bigger names, including Cyndi Lauper, who invited them to open for her on the Fun Tour. Prince was also familiar with The Bangles by this point. He had occasionally shown up at their shows and was a fan of their music.
Around the same time, he had been working with Apollonia 6, the girl group he assembled in the early 1980s. He wrote “Manic Monday” under the pseudonym Christopher and recorded a demo for the group, but it was never released by them.
Prince eventually offered the song to The Bangles. In a 1989 interview with MTV, drummer Debbi Peterson recalled how the opportunity came about.
“[Prince] really liked our first album,” she recalled to MTV UK in 1989. “He liked the song ‘Hero Takes a Fall,’ which is a great compliment because we liked his music. He contacted us, and said, ‘I’ve got a couple of songs for you. I’d like to know if you’re interested,’ and of course, we were.”
Prince’s appearances at the band’s shows had already made an impression on the group. Guitarist Vicki Peterson later remembered the surprise of hearing that he wanted to join them onstage.
“We’d get a note from the tour manager — ‘Prince is here and would love to play with you.’ It was like, ‘What? Here, take my guitar, please!’”
When Prince sent over his demo of “Manic Monday,” The Bangles decided not to copy his version. Instead, they reworked the arrangement to fit their own sound. “Normally, people were happy to take his tracks, because he’s Prince. But we wanted to do the song our own way,” Vicki told Guitar World.
Their version became the first single from their 1986 album Different Light and quickly became their breakthrough hit. “Manic Monday” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, with Prince’s own “Kiss” sitting at No. 1 and keeping The Bangles from the top spot.
The success of “Manic Monday” helped propel Different Light into the upper reaches of the charts and gave The Bangles their first taste of major pop success.
Later that year, they followed it with “Walk Like an Egyptian,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and cemented the group’s place among the biggest pop acts of the 1980s.
1976 Rock Song, With 26-Year-Old Singer of Thin Lizzy, Is Still a Beloved Hit 50 Years Later
If there’s one song that captures the excitement of reunion, it’s “The Boys Are Back in Town.”
Released by Thin Lizzy in 1976, the swaggering anthem featured frontman Phil Lynott, who was 26 years old when the single arrived. Although it was almost left off the band’s breakthrough album, the song went on to become Thin Lizzy’s signature hit and one of the defining rock recordings of the decade.
Ironically, the band didn’t initially believe the track would become a standout.
The members of Thin Lizzy were surprised when their management insisted that “The Boys Are Back in Town” be included on Jailbreak and released as a single.
“‘It doesn’t sound finished, but there’s something I really like about this,'” guitarist Scott Gorham later recalled of manager Chris O’Donnell’s initial reaction to the song. “‘I like the groove and where it’s going. How about you put that song in and take one of the songs on your original list out?’ We thought, ‘Well, let’s do that, because there’s at least one vote for the song.'”
The decision proved inspired, as Lynott’s vivid storytelling, paired with the band’s twin-guitar attack, created a song that immediately connected with listeners.
The single became Thin Lizzy’s long-awaited commercial breakthrough.
“The Boys Are Back in Town” climbed to No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, giving the Irish rockers their biggest international hit. Its success also helped propel Jailbreak to become one of the band’s most celebrated albums and introduced Thin Lizzy to a worldwide audience.
“I mean, okay, the band’s breaking,” Lynott, who died in 1986, told NME in 1976. “It’s not that important that we break as fast as we’re breaking. It’s never been that important to me. It’s the quality of the breaking. If we break with quality we’ll last like all them bands that are me heroes. Like The Who. That band’s great. It’s got integrity and that’s why it works.”
Over the years, the song has become inseparable from the band’s legacy.
Its instantly recognizable guitar harmonies, unforgettable chorus, and Lynott’s charismatic vocal have made it a fixture of classic rock radio for decades. The track has also appeared in countless films, television series, commercials, and sporting events, ensuring that new generations continue to discover it.
For Lynott, it remains one of the defining performances of his career.
Already respected as one of rock’s finest songwriters and frontmen, the Dublin-born musician combined sharp lyrical observations with an effortless sense of cool that helped elevate “The Boys Are Back in Town” into something far greater than a simple party anthem. It has since become one of the most celebrated songs in the history of Irish rock.
“Phil just had a gift for music and melodies, and he had the gift of writing songs that sounded wise – that sounded as if they were being sung by a man,” Gorham told Classic Rock. “No matter what kind of song he was singing, it sounded like the truth.”
Fifty years after its release, “The Boys Are Back in Town” continues to unite audiences with its infectious energy and unforgettable hooks. Featuring a 26 year-old Phil Lynott at the microphone, the 1976 classic remains the song that defined Thin Lizzy and secured its place in rock history.
Related: 1975 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Became a Generational No. 1 Hit