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Updated: 31 min 17 sec ago

Rock Guitarist Says Eddie Van Halen ‘Ruined’ Rock Guitar

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 12:19pm

Eddie Van Halen is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. But one fellow guitarist has a very different take on his legacy.

William Reid of The Jesus and Mary Chain recently aimed at Van Halen’s playing, arguing that the late guitarist’s influence sent rock guitar in a direction he didn’t appreciate.

During a recent interview with Stereogum, Reid and his brother and bandmate, Jim Reid, were discussing their approach to guitar playing when the conversation turned to Van Halen. William did not hold back.

“I can’t stand Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing,” he told the outlet.

“I think he ruined rock guitar all through the ’80s and ’90s ’cause so many people copied him.”

Reid’s criticism wasn’t necessarily that Van Halen lacked technical ability. Instead, he objected to the wave of guitarists who followed Van Halen’s lead and focused heavily on speed and technical showmanship.

William Reid Thinks Guitarists Shouldn’t Learn Scales

The comments came during a larger conversation about The Jesus and Mary Chain’s intentionally stripped-down approach to music.

Jim explained that he only plays guitar to the level he needs to, suggesting that having too much technical knowledge can sometimes get in the way of creativity. That prompted William to bring up Van Halen as an example.

William went even further, saying he believes “guitar players should never learn scales.”

He then criticized the emphasis on playing as fast as possible that became associated with rock guitar during the 1980s and ’90s.

His issue, in other words, appears to be less about one guitarist and more about Van Halen’s enormous influence on generations of players.

Eddie Van Halen Changed Rock Guitar

That’s what makes William’s comments particularly provocative.

Van Halen’s influence on rock guitar is difficult to overstate. His playing helped popularize techniques including tapping and inspired countless guitarists to push the boundaries of speed and technical ability.

The band’s 1978 self-titled debut introduced listeners to Van Halen’s virtuosic playing, including the instrumental “Eruption,” and the album ultimately became a landmark of hard rock.

Van Halen’s influence also extended far beyond guitar technique. His distinctive sound, songwriting and approach to the instrument helped shape the direction of hard rock for decades.

William, however, said he couldn’t connect with the approach taken by the musicians who copied Van Halen.

“I just couldn’t get any of that playing as fast as you f—in can and cramming as many notes in one second as you could,” he said.

He pointed to Peter Hook, the bassist for Joy Division and New Order, saying he considers Hook’s, 70, bass riffs far more compelling than Van Halen’s guitar work.

That’s consistent with The Jesus and Mary Chain‘s own musical philosophy. The Scottish alternative-rock band became known for its noisy, minimalist approach, with the William brothers often favoring atmosphere and attitude over technical virtuosity.

Van Halen died in 2020 at age 65, but his influence remains enormous. And whether listeners agree with William or not, his comments have sparked another conversation about what actually makes a great guitarist: technical skill, speed and precision or memorable ideas and musical feeling.

RELATED: Eric Burdon Performs The Animals’ ‘House of the Rising Sun’ More Than 60 Years Later

Last Surviving Monkee Micky Dolenz Extends Tour Into 2027

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 12:05pm

It’s a wonderful day to be a fan of the Monkees. If you haven’t had the chance to see Micky Dolenz on tour throughout 2026 — and won’t get a chance for the rest of the year — there’s some exciting news. He’s adding more dates in 2027.

The last surviving member of the Monkees took the songs he and his friends performed for decades across the country. As the 60 Years of the Monkees Tour continued to unfold throughout 2026, he kept adding more dates, simply because it’s what the fans wanted.

The tour started in February, with Dolenz taking the songs of his band on the road with him. It was a chance to head down memory lane, getting a chance to see exactly what the band — which was originally put together for a fictional TV series — meant to people around the world. Those songs, such as “I’m a Believer,” remain to be fan-favorites.

There are still plenty of dates throughout 2026 to see Dolenz on tour. He’s going to travel Arizona, California, Tennessee, and South Carolina in September, and then he’ll be off to Virginia, New Jersey, and many other states in the north throughout October and into November, as he then heads to the midwest.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 02: Micky Dolenz performs at City Winery Nashville on December 02, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

There are current three dates added to early 2027. Fans in Florida will get to see him perform on Jan. 22 and Jan. 24, and then he’ll head to Indiana at the end of February. In total, Dolenz added 20 extra dates to his tour, including the three in 2027, and eyes will be on if he adds more.

The success of the tour isn’t all that surprising when you consider how well-received the Monkees farewell tour was received before Michael Nesmith’s death in 2021, which Dolenz was also part of. Nesmith’s death followed those of Peter Tork in 2019 and Davy Jones in 2012, with Dolenz saying that Jones’ death was the biggest surprise of the lot.

The 60 Years of the Monkees Tour is a chance to play all the old favorites. Tickets are already available on Dolenz’s official website.

1977 Heart Song, Never a No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among ‘Best 1970s Rock Songs’

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 12:01pm

Nearly 50 years after its release, “Barracuda” has become the measuring stick for what a classic rock anthem can be.

The Heart staple has never stopped finding new audiences, and its reputation continues to grow. Although it never climbed to No. 1, the 1977 rocker was recently recognized by American Songwriter as one of the best 1970s rock songs that never made it to the top of the charts, serving as another reminder that lasting influence isn’t always reflected by a song’s peak position.

“It definitely grabs you by the whatevers,” Heart co-founder and guitarist Nancy Wilson, told Guitar Player. “From the first few moments, it says, ‘This is rock’ — spelled R-A-W-K. It’s a great riff, and the guitar tones are so muscular and aggressive. I think it’s one of those amazing moments in time, and we were lucky enough to catch it.”

The song itself was born from a moment of anger.

After Heart’s breakthrough success with Dreamboat Annie, Ann Wilson became furious when a record company promoter insinuated that she and sister Nancy Wilson were romantically involved to generate publicity. Channeling that frustration into music, Ann wrote the lyrics while Nancy created the razor-sharp guitar riff that would become one of rock’s most recognizable openings.

“We had no idea that we would be perceived, even by a sleazeball, as two porno chicks together in a band,” Ann Wilson wrote years later in an essay. “It made me really mad, not only at him but at the industry and at my decision to be so naive and consider myself some kind of spiritual pilgrim with these songs. I got so mad and confused, I wrote the words to ‘Barracuda.’ It was mostly just venom that I felt.”

The recording quickly became one of the band’s defining moments.

Released as the lead single from Little Queen, “Barracuda” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Heart’s biggest hits despite falling just outside the Top 10. The song’s explosive energy, unforgettable riff, and Ann Wilson’s commanding vocal performance helped establish Heart as one of the premier rock bands of the late 1970s.

Its impact has stretched far beyond its original chart run.

“Barracuda” has become a fixture on classic rock radio and has appeared in countless films, television series, sporting events, and video games. It’s also remained one of Heart’s signature live performances, with audiences continuing to embrace its defiant spirit decades after it first arrived.

“We came out guns blazing,” Nancy Wilson said. “There was no doubt about how strong a song it was. For one thing, it’s always fun to play, so we enjoy it. But more important, we feel it’s our obligation to our fans to play it. It’s our way of showing respect to them for our whole career.”

That enduring popularity is exactly why the song continues to receive new accolades.

By naming “Barracuda” among the greatest 1970s rock songs that never reached No. 1, American Songwriter highlighted a truth long understood by rock fans: chart positions eventually fade, but truly great songs endure.

Forty-nine years after Heart unleashed “Barracuda,” the song remains every bit as electrifying as it was in 1977. It may have fallen short of the top of the charts, but its place among the defining rock songs of the decade has never been in doubt.

Related: 1977 Iconic Ballad, With 21-Year-Old Singer, Is Still a Motivational Hit 49 Years Later

This State Is Getting Its First Buc-ee’s Next Week and It’s Bringing Major Changes to the Area

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 11:51am

Arkansas is about to get its first Buc-ee’s next week, and the surrounding area has spent years getting ready for the crowds that could come with it.

The new travel center in Benton will officially open Monday, August 17, marking the beloved chain’s debut in the Natural State. Ahead of opening day, new traffic lights and street signs are already in place, while local and state officials have developed plans to keep vehicles moving around the busy Interstate 30 corridor.

Benton is preparing for a major traffic increase

One of the biggest changes involves the interstate exit near Buc-ee’s. According to local outlet THV 11, Benton Mayor Tom Farmer said it has essentially been designed as a six-lane exit, with two lanes turning right, two continuing straight, and two turning left.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation also required traffic signals near the property and multiple entrances and exits to accommodate the expected influx of vehicles. Drivers coming from the freeway will have three ways to enter Buc-ee’s.

READ MORE: Buc-ee’s Announces 15 New Store Locations: Is One Opening Near You?

Opening day itself will bring even more precautions. Local police, state police, and the sheriff’s department have coordinated a traffic plan, and Farmer said shoppers can expect a heavy law enforcement presence. “All the authorities, state police, sheriff’s department, police department have all met to come up with a plan that will handle whatever situation arises during the grand opening,” Farmer said, per the outlet.

Buc-ee’s has more stores coming soon

Arkansas isn’t the only state getting more Buc-ee’s. The Benton opening follows the chain’s new San Marcos, Texas, location, which welcomed its first customers August 12.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is next, with an opening scheduled for November 16. The expansion will continue in 2027 with planned stores in Ruston, Louisiana; Kansas City, Kansas; Gallaway, Tennessee; Fort Pierce, Florida; Boerne, Texas; and Monroe County, Georgia.

Further out, Buc-ee’s is targeting Mebane, North Carolina, and Lafayette, Louisiana, for 2028, followed by new locations in Florida, Arkansas and Kentucky in 2029 and South Carolina in 2031.

Related: Buc-ee’s Fans Are Revealing Their Favorite Items at the Beloved Travel Stop

Halle Berry Says “60, Here I Come” in a Sheer Dress That Has Everyone Talking

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 11:46am

Halle Berry is ready to celebrate her 60th birthday, and she looks darn good doing it.

The Oscar-winning actress, 59, who rose to fame in films like Boomerang and Bulworth, and later earned an Academy Award for her role in Monster’s Ball, took to Instagram to note that her 60th birthday is tomorrow. Sporting a sheer black knit dress with a halter neck, the beauty shared a couple of photos of herself while enjoying a tropical vacation. With her short hair blowing in the wind, the ageless star made it clear that this birthday is going to be a good one.

“60 here I come….,” she captioned the photo set.

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Berry Says Women Deserve To Have Sex at Her Age

In a revealing interview with the UK’s The Times in January, Berry opened up about how she actually believed she would skip menopause. However, she found herself suffering from devastating effects.

“That’s how ignorant I was,” Berry shared, noting she had been suffering from perimenopausal symptoms for years. “I couldn’t remember the most basic things. When my daughter was little, I went to get a pizza and I put the pizza on top of the car and I drove all the way home. Luckily, it stayed on my car.”

As time went on, her symptoms worsened.

“I would be up all night with night sweats. I couldn’t sleep. I was raging. I was angry all the time,” she noted, adding that she suffered severe bouts of anger and sadness. 

Determined to find an answer, she went on HRT five years ago. However, it didn’t solve every issue. The sexual struggles were significant, and that’s why Berry wants women her age to have the opportunity to conquer them just like men can. Now behind the menopause care brand Respin, Berry wants to encourage women to embrace their sexuality.

“We deserve to be still alive at this time of our lives and have sex and be intimate,” she told the publication. “That’s what makes us who we are. Men got the blue pill real quick because men know that their longevity depends on their ability to stay sexually active. Well, the same is true for us.”

She’s Playing an Elite Escort Next

The next role Berry tackles will be in Fleur, in which she will play a woman who leaves her marriage for Paris and reinvents herself as an elite escort. She said she relates to the role, which she is also producing, in a strange way.

“I relate to a woman who made that choice, putting everybody before herself, and now what’s left for her?” she noted.

Looking back on her child-rearing years, everything wasn’t perfect.

“I kept my career while I had kids and it was a juggling act. I missed big moments with them. But I’ve also been the breadwinner of my family… So I’ve had to take care of all of us and sometimes I’ve been resentful of that,” she explained. “But at the same time I’m grateful I held on to my career because when they’re gone, I’m still gonna have me.”

Related: Halle Berry, 59, Says Women Deserve To Have Sex at Her Age: ‘Men Got the Blue Pill Real Quick’

1964 Pop Song, Covered by Dolly Parton 20 Years Later, Became a No. 1 International Hit

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 11:43am

Petula Clark has captured the hearts of thousands of fans since the 1950s, and in 1964, she released a hit track titled “Downtown” that developed a legacy after its release.

The British singer had already made a name for herself with “The Little Shoemaker” in 1954 after having started her career as a child entertainer on BBC Radio. A decade later, she sang the vocals for English composer Tony Hatch‘s “Downtown.” The two weren’t strangers, as Hatch had worked with Clark for her 1961 No. 1 hit “Sailor” and would become her new regular producer.

At the time, Clark was a huge success in France but was falling behind the 60s craze in London. Hatch visited her one day in Paris and told her she needed to release another hit in English, and soon heard him play the melody for “Downtown.”

“I was in the kitchen making some tea when I first heard him playing the melody to Downtown. I ran in and said: ‘What’s that?'” she said, according to The Guardian. “At that point, it was just a melody and a title, but I said: “If you can write a lyric as good as that melody, I’d love to sing it.” Two weeks later, I was walking into a studio in London with 40 musicians.”

The track would end up being a massive success that landed Clark at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and across multiple countries, and No. 2 on the UK Singles chart.

In reality, “Downtown” was inspired by the first time Hatch ever visited New York City and stood on 48th Street in Midtown looking at Times Square when inspiration hit.

“I’d heard about all the great songwriters working in the Brill Building in New York, so took I a trip over to find out how they did it. I stayed near Central Park and, late one night, walked from Broadway to Times Square. I was amazed that everything was still open. Although I was there on my own, I didn’t feel alone,” he explained.

“The Crystals had recorded a song called Uptown, but as I saw the neon lights and people, I thought: ‘Downtown would make a much better title.’ Geographically, I was wrong: the real downtown was much further down Manhattan. But the word refers to where the nightlife is, and it stuck in my head.”

The record label was hesitant at first until a man from Warner Brothers in Los Angeles showed interest. Hatch denies speculations that the track was offered to others and explains that if Clark had never seen the song’s potential, he would have never finished it.

“Downtown” became an international No. 1 hit and an American staple. It would appear in pop culture like Jaws 2, Seinfeld, Girl, Interrupted, and was covered by Dolly Parton in 1984 for her The Great Pretender album. Her version would land at No. 80 on the charts. It gained notoriety in 2020 when it played over the car that exploded during the 2020 Nashville bombing.

Related: 1967 Pop Rock Song, Written by The Beatles, Launched a 24-Year-Old Singer’s Career

Walmart’s ‘Lightweight’ $16 Padded Carry-on Is the ‘Perfect Travel Companion’ for Anyone Over 50

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 11:30am

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Between flight delays, packed itineraries, and the possibility of lost luggage, traveling already comes with enough things to keep track of. Then there’s the carry-on: The bag you’re supposed to somehow cram with everything you might need while also keeping your passport, snacks, headphones, and other essentials easy to find. When you’re spending hours navigating airports and sitting on planes, the last thing you need is a bag that makes things more complicated.

A well-organized duffel — like the Gocvo Puffy Bag — can make the difference between an okay travel day and a great one. Better yet, Walmart has it marked down 38%, bringing the price from $26 to just $16. The lightweight design makes it easier to carry through the airport, while the padded construction adds extra comfort when you’re hauling it from the car to the terminal, through security, and onto the plane. For travelers over 50 especially, it’s a practical alternative to lugging around a bulky bag.

Gocvo Puffy Bag, From $16 (was $26) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Measuring 16.5 inches long by 7.5 inches wide by 11.8 inches high, this puffy tote has enough room to work both as an everyday carryall and as a carry-on. The elongated shape gives you space for a small tablet, book, wallet, sunglasses case, and other daily essentials, while the two top handles make it easy to grab and go when you’re carrying it by hand. When you want to keep your hands free, the adjustable shoulder strap lets you switch to a shoulder or crossbody carry. One shopper said this “standout” feature “makes carrying the bag effortless, whether I’m heading to the gym or navigating through an airport.”

Exterior pockets help keep smaller things from disappearing into the roomy main compartment. A front zippered pocket provides a secure spot for items you may want to reach quickly, such as your phone, keys, passport, boarding pass, or wallet, while the front slit pockets can hold things like lip balm, hand sanitizer, charging cords, or earbuds. Along the sides, drawstring pockets expand to accommodate different-size drinkware, so you can keep a coffee tumbler, water bottle, or travel mug upright and separate from the rest of your belongings. In short, “the storage space is impressive without feeling bulky.”

Gocvo Puffy Bag, From $16 (was $26) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Inside, the bag has a particularly useful feature for anyone who carries toiletries or other items that aren’t always dry: A separate waterproof zippered compartment made from high-density PVC. It’s designed to keep wet and dry belongings apart, so you can stash a damp towel after a workout, toiletries after a shower, or dirty clothes after a trip without putting them directly alongside your clean belongings. The rest of the tote is made from lightweight quilted fabric with cotton padding, giving it the soft, puffy look and cloud-like feel without adding unnecessary weight. 

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Walmart shoppers deemed this “spacious” and “stylish” bag the “perfect travel companion,” praising its “super comfortable” padding and “lightweight” feel. “There’s plenty of room for clothes, shoes, and essentials, and the compartments help keep everything organized,” one reviewer wrote.

Another shopper highlighted its low-maintenance, saying the “fabric on the outside is soft as butter and wipes clean with a damp cloth.”

Related: Nike’s Lightweight Crossbody Is a ‘Super Cute’ Bag for Minimalists Who Like to Carry Less

With a padded design, multiple ways to carry it, and dedicated space for the little things you want close by, the Gocvo Puffy Bag can help streamline your next airport day. Shop it for $16 at Walmart while it’s 38% off!

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1979 Folk Rock Song, Quoted in Kurt Cobain's Final Note, Saved a Singer's Career

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 11:21am

If the words “old man take a look at my life, I’m a lot like you” define the early days of Neil Young’s solo career, the words “it’s better to burn out, than to fade away” would define the rest of his career going forward. These words would be released to the public in 1979 on his landmark record “Rust Never Sleeps,” and would be featured on the opening and closing tracks of the album, the mirrored “My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)” and “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black).”

Going into 1979, Young was beginning to grow anxious over the fading relevance of his career. Music was drastically changing, becoming a more electronically dominated space with sleek, digital production. He was still the folk rock guy, and hadn’t really been able to shake the label 1972’s “Harvest” had stamped on him. As often happens though, the times changed and the rapid digitization of everything gave Young the perfect opportunity to strike true with “Rust Never Sleeps,” an album that utterly revived Young’s career, and made him a massive influence on an unlikely new genre that would be coming ten years later: grunge.

From both a songwriting and musicianship standpoint Neil Young is frequently attributed as the “godfather of grunge,” with the sensitive songwriting of the first half of the album combining with the massive, sludgy, overdriven guitars of the second half laying the ground work for what would become the dominant rock movement of the ’90s. Maybe the most central part of that mythology is the pair of tracks that bookend the record, as Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain would go on to quote the lyric “it’s better to burn out than to fade away” in his suicide note.

The influence these two tracks had on grunge has always tied Young to the genre, and upon learning that Cobain quoted his song in that fateful note, he dedicated his 1994 album “Sleeps With Angels” to Cobain.

This level of influence on a fledgling genre, as well as a signature sound that heavily contrasted the trends of the era completely resurrected Young’s career, and gave him a wealth of new influence that would help carry his career through the coming decades. “Rust Never Sleeps” will forever be the record that saved Neil Young, and birthed grunge music.

Related: 1972 Folk Classic, Written as a Tribute to Jimi Hendrix, Is One of Music’s Most Tragic Songs

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1964 Folk Song, Written by Bob Dylan, Launched an 18-Year-Old Singer’s Career

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 11:12am

Howard Kaylan was just 18 years old when he and the rest of the Turtles decided to take on one of Bob Dylan’s songs. After seeing what the Byrds did with “Mr. Tambourine Man,” the young band figured they could have their own Dylan hit. 

Kaylan told HNGN that “It Ain’t Me Babe” clicked with him because he picked up on something in the 1964 folk song that other people seemed to miss. 

“I said, ‘If The Byrds could have a Dylan hit, why wouldn’t we be able to have a Dylan hit?’ That one spoke to me louder than any of the other (Dylan songs) stylistically,” he recalled. “The difference was interpretation. We didn’t hear ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’ like everybody else. I heard the song from a teenager’s point of view, and it wasn’t a plaintive song, it was an angry song, you know, ‘How dare you?’

Kaylan already had a specific sound in mind for the Turtles’ version. He wanted to take some cues from The Zombies.

“I was so in love with Colin Blunstone‘s voice and Rod Argent‘s arrangements, and I loved the idea of taking, like, ‘She’s Not There,’ a very mystical verse, and tying the song together with a 4-4 (time signature), major resolution chorus, because there was a little musical release. We did the exact same thing with ‘It Ain’t Me Babe.’ Stole their idea totally.”

Their approach clearly worked. The Turtles’ 1965 version of “It Ain’t Me Babe” shot up to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, turning the young Los Angeles group into a rising name.

The song became the lead single from the Turtles’ debut studio album, also titled It Ain’t Me Babe. Released in October 1965 through White Whale Records, the album mixed covers of songs by other artists with material the band had worked on back when they were still in high school. 

The album itself reached No. 98 on the Billboard 200, with the follow-up single “Let Me Be” climbing to No. 29. And while Dylan’s own recording of “It Ain’t Me Babe” appeared on his 1964 album Another Side of Bob Dylan, it was not released as a U.S. single.

The success also gave Kaylan an unexpected opportunity to meet the songwriter himself. At the time, the Turtles were the house band at L.A.’s Whisky A Go Go, and the Young Rascals had their own regular spot at The Phone Booth in New York. The two groups switched gigs for a week, giving the Turtles their New York debut with “It Ain’t Me Babe” fresh off its release. 

Dylan was among the notable guests at the band’s first show at The Phone Booth. The Turtles closed their set with “It Ain’t Me Babe,” and Kaylan said Dylan appeared to be less than impressed during much of the performance.

“Everything changed. We had to show this guy that we could really deliver his song and there was a reason we had a hit record. . . .,” he recalled. “We noticed, however, that during the course of the show that Bob was seething and not really paying much attention to the band or his food or anything. By the time we left the stage, he had pretty much passed out at the table.” 

Kaylan said the band members eventually filed past Dylan, with him being the last to greet the singer-songwriter. 

“He was not lucid at the time at all. He was really out of it. He said, ‘That was a great song you did at the end there, that was really, really good, that’s the stuff you should be recording. I don’t know what that was, but it was really, really good, man.’”

Kaylan recalled that Dylan shook his hand before passing out into his plate of pasta, staying there until someone eventually “lifted up his head and wiped his face off.”

That memorable night was just the beginning for the Turtles. The band went on to score several more Top 40 hits, including “You Baby,” “Happy Together,” “She’d Rather Be With Me,” “Elenore,” and “You Showed Me.” “Happy Together” became their biggest hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Related: 1964 Folk Song, Written by Bob Dylan, Launched a 19-Year-Old Singer’s Solo Career

The Return of Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 11:08am

If childhood had an official drink, it would be Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino, a blend that looks like My Little Pony meets a Jem and the Holograms doll. And now, the famously colorful drink is coming back.

Starbucks announced that the Unicorn Frappuccino will return to coffeehouses around the world beginning Aug. 15 but only for one weekend.

Even better for fans who remember the original, Starbucks is bringing back the 2017 recipe, meaning the sweet-and-tart drink will be just as colorful (and transformative) as you remember.

The frozen beverage features creamy mango flavors, tangy blue drizzle, whipped cream and pink-and-blue topping. And there’s still a little magic involved: Swirling the drink reveals its color-changing effect and transforms its flavors.

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The internet-breaking beverage first went viral back in 2017, sparking long lines and social media frenzy nationwide, and it’s continued to pop up in unexpected places since, including a surprise appearance at Coachella earlier this year. This time around, Starbucks is leaning fully into nostalgia, encouraging fans to embrace the fantasy too. *Customers are invited to show up in their brightest colors, sparkles, and most whimsical unicorn-inspired looks to celebrate the drink’s comeback.

The drink will be available in one size, grande (16 ounces), with limited customization options to help Starbucks keep up with the expected demand.

And this isn’t just a U.S. comeback. The Unicorn Frappuccino will return to Starbucks locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa.

So if you’ve been waiting years to relive your 2017 Unicorn Frappuccino era, mark your calendar: the magical drink returns Aug. 15 for one weekend only.

Who Went Home on 'The Challenge' Last Night? A Rookie Absolutely Dominates a Vet!

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 11:00am

On the latest episode of The Challenge season 42, the teams were given a fun challenge that was both physical and also kind of a puzzle.

The elimination decision was a little surprising and it was followed up by an absolute beat-down in the arena. Plus, there was some weird romantic drama.

Related: Who Wins ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’? Season 42 Spoilers, Eliminations, Disqualifications and Finalists

SPOILER ALERT: There are spoilers ahead for the first two episodes of The Challenge: Cutthroat, so don’t keep reading if you don’t want to be spoiled.

Who Went Home on ‘The Challenge’ Season 42 Last Night? Brad Fiorenza

Jonne Roriz/Paramount+

Brad Fiorenza, 45 (veteran)

Related: How Old Are Johnny Bananas, CT Tamburello, Cara Maria and Brad Fiorenza From ‘The Challenge’?

Advancing Contestants on ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’ Adrienne Naylor, 29 (veteran)
Alexis “Lete,” 29 (rookie)
Anna Leigh Wilson, 30 (rookie)
Cara Maria Sorbello, 40 (veteran)
Cassidy Clark, 30 (veteran)
Chris “CT” Tamburello, 45 (veteran)
Chris Underwood, 33 (veteran)
Cory Wharton, 34 (veteran)
Deb Chubb, 29 (rookie)
Isabella “Izzy” Fairthorne, 26 (veteran)
Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, 44 (veteran)
Josh Goldstein, 29 (rookie)
Justin Hinsley, 26 (veteran)
Keanu Soto, 33 (rookie)
Leonardo “Leo” Dionicio, 24 (veteran)
Michele Fitzgerald, 35 (veteran)
Nelson Thomas, 37 (veteran)
Nurys Mateo, 31 (veteran)
Sydney Segal, 30 (veteran)
Victoria “Tori” Deal, 32 (veteran)
Will Gagnon, 29 (veteran)

Related: Where Was ‘The Challenge’ Season 42 Filmed? Here’s Every Location Featured in ‘Cutthroat’

What Were the Challenges on ‘Cutthroat’ Episode 3?

The team challenge this week tasked the teams with getting six players across a waterway, swapping three on one side and three on the other to each other’s starting positions. It was tricky in that they had to be strategic in using the one cut-out area where a boat could get out of the way, plus the boats they were paddling were basically giant saucers that were fairly unstable.

The Orange Team won and they didn’t even have to cheat this time! The Gray Team came in second and the Blue Team lost (again).

When it came time to vote for the two options for the arena, the Gray Team put up Keanu (captain’s choice) and Leo (team vote, which came down to a tie and Nurys had to break the tie). The Orange Team chose to put Keanu into the arena, which he was totally fine with because he’s a rookie and he understood that’s how it goes. Weirdly, the Orange Team then also decided to put Brad Fiorenza into the arena from the Blue Team, which did not seem like a great choice if the vets were trying to protect each other.

Related: ‘The Challenge’ Season 42: Cast, Premiere Date, Trailer and More

They were definitely not going to pick Nelson, but they certainly could have picked Josh, who is also a rookie. But it turns out that Bananas knows Josh from outside the show, so they threw Brad to the wolf that is Keanu and Keanu absolutely smoked him in the wall-climbing challenge Winning Numbers. It was actually pretty painful to watch, even knowing that Brad, who is 13 years older than Keanu and did not play college football, was probably going to have a hard time on this one.

So, that’s two male veteran players gone and one female rookie. The new captains are:

Blue Team: Cara Marie and Nelson
Gray Team: Cassidy and Leo
Orange Team: Izzy and Will

Related: How to Watch ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’ Season 42: Streaming, Premiere Date and Time

Meanwhile, this just in from the Stupid Romance Drama department. Adrienne and Josh make out, fine. But then the next night, after Adrienne gets up from sitting by Josh, Nurys sits down and they start talking. Apparently, Nurys and Josh know each other from outside the show. It looked completely innocuous—like two friends having a “Hey, how’s it going?” conversation. Josh had his arm around the back of the chair, but not like around Nurys’ shoulders.

Anyway, from the way Adrienne reacted, you would’ve thought Josh and Nurys had sex right there on the pool deck. She lost her ever-loving mind over something so stupid that Nurys and Josh were both caught completely flat-footed. It was insane. Completely bonkers.

Related: ‘The Challenge’ Star Reilly Smedley Reveals the Misunderstood Rule That Sent Her Home (Exclusive)

But now Adrienne is out for blood regarding them both? It’s unclear how this will manifest itself moving forward, but let’s be clear—Adrienne really showed her butt in this situation. It was absolutely baffling. I even watched it back in case I missed something. But I did not. This was the very definition of making a mountain out of a mole hill.

The Challenge: Cutthroat season 42 premieres Wednesday, August 5 at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT on Paramount+ with two back-to-back episodes. Subsequent new episodes drop every Wednesday at the same time.

Related: ‘The Challenge’ Star Cedric Hodges Reveals the Unseen Argument That Helped Send Him Home (Exclusive)

Classic Rock Band Behind ‘Hold On Loosely’ Just Extended Its 2026 Tour

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:54am

Fans of classic Southern rock have another chance to see one of the genre’s most recognizable bands onstage this year.

38 Special, the band behind enduring hits including “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You,” has added more dates to its 2026 touring schedule, extending its run into November.

Current listings show the band scheduled to perform across the U.S. through at least Nov. 7, with newly listed stops including Reno, Nevada; Duluth, Minnesota; Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and Kansas City, Missouri.

The ongoing run is part of 38 Special’s 50 Year Legacy Tour, celebrating a remarkable five decades of music.

38 Special Is Still Bringing Its Hits on the Road

The band’s current schedule is packed with opportunities to hear the songs that made 38 Special a staple of classic-rock radio.

Among the group’s best-known songs are “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong” and “Second Chance.” The band has sold more than 20 million records and continues to perform regularly.

And “Hold On Loosely” remains one of the group’s signature songs. The 1981 hit has become so closely associated with 38 Special that it remains a regular part of the band’s live set, the song currently appears as the closing number of its encore on recent setlists.

For fans who haven’t seen the band in years (or who have discovered its music more recently) the extended schedule offers plenty of opportunities to catch the group live.

The 2026 Tour Runs Into November

The newly expanded schedule includes a series of fall shows after the band’s summer dates. Among the currently listed performances are:

  • Sept. 4: Nashville, Indiana
  • Sept. 5: Waukee, Iowa
  • Sept. 18: Loveland, Colorado, with Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Sept. 19: Colorado Springs, Colorado, with Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Oct. 2: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
  • Oct. 9: Biloxi, Mississippi
  • Oct. 23: Rancho Mirage, California
  • Oct. 29: Napa, California
  • Oct. 30: Lincoln, California, with Foreigner
  • Oct. 31: Fresno, California
  • Nov. 1: Reno, Nevada
  • Nov. 5: Duluth, Minnesota
  • Nov. 6: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
  • Nov. 7: Kansas City, Missouri

The band is also scheduled to appear at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Aug. 17 for a free grandstand concert. Dates and venues can change, so fans should check the latest listings before making plans.

38 Special Has Been Touring for 50 Years

38 Special was formed in 1974 in Jacksonville, Florida, by Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant. Over the following decades, the band developed a sound that blended Southern rock with the polished hooks of arena rock.

The group has remained remarkably active. Current concert listings note that 38 Special continues to play around 100 shows a year, even as the band celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The band’s 2026 touring year also follows the release of Milestone, its first studio album in more than 20 years. The album arrived as part of the group’s 50th-anniversary celebration and features collaborations with musicians including Pat Monahan of Train, Randy Bachman and Jim Peterik.

RELATED: 1988 Journey Album Has Spent More Than 900 Weeks on the Billboard 200

33 Years Later, Audrey Hepburn’s Son Reveals Why She Was So Thin and Addresses Eating Disorder Rumors

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:52am

Audrey Hepburn’s famously tiny frame became one of her defining features, but her son says the reason behind her size has less to do with an eating disorder than with the trauma and starvation she endured as a teenager during World War II.

For decades, Hepburn’s slender figure prompted speculation that she suffered from an eating disorder. But in his biography of his mother, Intimate Audrey, Sean Hepburn Ferrer pushes back against those rumors, saying she ate what she liked, carefully managed her portions and remained highly active. Her relationship with food, however, had been forever altered years earlier, when the future actress nearly starved to death during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

“Despite decades of gossip that she had an eating disorder because she was so slim, she cooked and baked and ate what she liked but was careful with portions. She started most days with a boiled egg, toast, and jam. She walked every day, setting a punishing pace for those of us trailing behind,” Ferrer wrote, via People.

He continued, “For lunch, she’d have a salad or a soup, a sandwich, and a scoop of her favorite vanilla ice cream with maple syrup. She drank the occasional beer, and after her daily nap, she’d have a square of dark chocolate — her ‘cure for the blues’ —followed by a ‘finger’ of whisky when the sun set. Supper would be a single plate of pasta pomodoro and a salad.”

Hepburn’s extreme thinness had roots in the deprivation she experienced during the 1944-45 “Hunger Winter” in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. As her younger son, Luca Dotti, wrote in Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II, she came dangerously close to death as food became increasingly scarce and people around her died from hunger. Her family was also forced to shelter for days or weeks at a time as bombing intensified, making an already desperate shortage of food even worse.

“By the end of the war, she was very close to death… She was almost 5’ 6” and weighed 88 lbs,” Dotti told People. “She had jaundice and edema. She suffered from anemia the rest of her life, possibly as a consequence.”

The experience left Hepburn severely malnourished at a critical stage of her development, and the effects followed her into adulthood. Her son Sean has previously explained that the lack of nutrition and training during the war also ended Hepburn’s dream of becoming a prima ballerina.

1982 Journey Hit Dismissed as ‘Sentimental Rubbish’ Is Now One of Rock’s Most Beloved Love Songs

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:51am

The concept of a “power ballad” really took shape in the ’80s and has remained a staple in rock and roll ever since. Loudwire cited several sources that regard Styx‘s 1973 hit “Lady” as the first true power ballad, but it was bands with hits like Whitesnake‘s “Is This Love” and Guns N’ Roses‘ “November Rain” that really defined the genre.

One undeniably strong and pioneering power ballad is Journey‘s “Open Arms,” written by Jonathan Cain. However, Cain began working on the song in 1979 while he was still with The Babys.

Related: 1955 Pioneer Rock Hit, Loved by David Bowie, Was Written in a Greyhound Bus Kitchen

The Backstory of How “Open Arms” Became Journey’s Top Single

The story goes that he presented it to the group and the band’s frontman, none other than John Waite, was not impressed. In fact, he called it “sentimental rubbish” and saw no future for the song. Fast forward to 1980: when Cain joined Journey, he presented it to frontman Steve Perry, who loved it. The pair had trouble convincing the rest of the band at first because it was so far off from their typical sound.

Cain and Perry’s perseverance paid off—“Open Arms” became their highest-charting single, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending 18 weeks on the charts.

Band member Neal Schon thinks Waite was still resentful of the fact that Cain left his band for Journey.

“John Waite was really pissed off that I grabbed Jonathan for Journey after The Babys opened for us in 1980,” Schon said, according to MusicRadar. “I became good friends with Jonathan on that tour. I’d watched him from afar and I admired him as a band player.”

“I saw that he was really like glue to The Babys. The way he played, he glued everything together in that band. He played keyboards and he played guitar – he was just a solid person in the band,” Schon continued. “So when Gregg Rolie decided that he’d had enough of the road and wanted to bow out and go have a family life, Jonathan was my first pick to replace Gregg. And I think John Waite, for whatever reason, has always resented Jonathan for leaving The Babys to join us.”

Waite himself later succumbed to the allure of the power ballad. In 1984, his own solo track called “Missing You” topped the charts and propelled his career forward.

Rock and roll’s biggest lesson? Always keep an open mind—you never know what kind of massive success it could bring.

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Amazon's 'Darling' $10 Seashell Trinket Tray Adds Coastal-Charm to Any Space 

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:46am

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Spending most of your time at the beach this summer? We are too, which is why we like to keep the calming oceanside vibes alive at home with coastal-inspired pieces. The coastal-chic trend is currently trending on Amazon, with an entire collection dedicated to charming beach-inspired decor. One of our favorite styles from the collection is the Linfye Starfish Ceramic Jewelry Dish Tray, which is on sale now.

The tray costs just $10, and is marked as Amazon’s Choice. Over 700 customers have already shopped for the piece in the past month, which means it’s in high demand — so you’ll want to add it to your cart sooner rather than later! The tray is 5.5 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 1.38 inches tall, so it’s perfect for small areas. 

Linfye Starfish Ceramic Jewelry Dish Tray, From $10 (was $11) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The starfish trinket tray is being sold in four other coastal shapes, including three types of shells and another starfish with smaller dimensions and a lid. The maximum price is just $16, so you can even purchase a few different shapes to create a small collection. The ceramic piece has a smooth-glazed surface that’s intended to safeguard your jewelry from scratches. 

The material also makes the piece easy to clean, you just have to wipe it down and dust it every now and then. What we love about the design is how realistic it looks, as the outer portion is textured to resemble the starfish in a white hue, while the pale blue hue painted on the inside mimics the ocean’s coloring. It has so many uses aside from holding accessories, as you can place it in your entryway to hold your keys, and on your coffee table for spare matchboxes. 

Reviewers described the “darling” style as “absolutely adorable,” “very roomy,” “beautiful,” and “unique.” Another customer said that they are “well-made, very cute, and a classy way to bring the coastal vibe indoors.” Due to the affordable price and sleek design, it also makes for a great gift for loved ones. 

Shop More Deals 

Shoppers are running to shop this gorgeous starfish trinket tray, and you should too. It’ll bring your coastal-chic decor to completion at an unbeatable cost. Take advantage of the $10 sale now at Amazon! 

Related: Amazon Has Podiatrist-Approved $33 Slide Sandals That Feel ‘Like a Cloud’ With ‘Great Arch Support’

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The 1966 Beach Boys Song That Clocks in Under 3 Minutes—And Changed Music Forever

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:42am

When Brian Wilson went into the studio in early 1966, he wasn’t trying to write an epic rock anthem.

Instead, he crafted a track that clocks in at just about three minutes flat, a brief window of sound that somehow managed to redefine modern pop music. The Pet Sounds song packs groundbreaking French horn arrangements, harpsichords, and what many music historians consider the single greatest vocal melody ever recorded.

U Discover Music recently highlighted “God Only Knows” as one of the finest pop songs under three minutes long. The iconic 1966 track was ranked alongside 50 of the industry’s most essential classics.

“God Only Knows” clocks in at exactly two minutes 53 seconds. Although the list is not ranked numerically, the Brian Wilson and Tony Asher classic is listed at No. 2 behind Martha Reeves & The Vandellas‘ “Dancing In The Street” and ahead of Queen‘s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”

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When The Beach Boys released “God Only Knows” in July 1966, it actually came out as the B-side to “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” The A-side quickly became a smash, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “God Only Knows” stalled at No. 39.

Of course, chart position rarely tells the whole story, and the B-side went on to become a classic. Decades later, music critics, fellow artists, and historians widely consider the tune to be Wilson’s ultimate masterpiece.

“God Only Knows” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, 60 years ago, on August 13, 2026. It spent eight weeks on the chart and reached a peak position of No. 39.

Even though the song never topped the charts hasn’t diminished its impact on the industry. It continues to rank as one of the best in modern music.

CBS News listed “God Only Knows” on its list of tunes which comprise an Essential American Songbook. Rolling Stone ranked the tune at No. 11 in its Greatest Songs of All Time list.

In an interview posted to his official Facebook page, Wilson discussed the backstory of creating the modern pop music masterpiece. He knew when it was done that the song was something special.

“‘God Only Knows’ took me and Tony an hour to write,” Wilson explained. He continued, “It came very fast. It came just like that.”

The Beach Boys leader added, “We were astonished by it. We have a classic song on our hands. I almost got tears. It was a beautiful tune we had written together.”

Musicians from across generations praised Wilson’s artistry. Paul McCartney, Bono, Barry Gibb, Pete Townsend, and John Lennon have all expressed admiration for the track.

Six decades later, “God Only Knows” stands as proof that true musical brilliance doesn’t need high chart numbers or long runtimes. It just takes three perfect minutes.

Related: The Beach Boys Most Romantic Song Was Written in Less Than 1 Hour

Your Perfect Pet, Based on Birth Date

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:33am

Which kind of pet matches your personality best, according to your birth date? Numerology and astrology may reveal the answer. Having a pet is one of the most fulfilling experiences you can have, largely due to the special bond that develops between you. Owning a pet shows us the value of routine and the kind of unconditional love that lasts, no matter how much time passes. And while we can find resonance with a variety of different animals, there’s most likely a kind of pet you’re able to bond deeply with, based on your cosmic personality traits.

Which Pet Should You Have, According to Your Birth Date?

Find your birth date; disregard birth months. 

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, 28th – Your Perfect Pet: Golden Retriever

Warm, sociable, and highly trainable, the popular Golden Retriever is the ideal companion for those born on dates ruled by the Sun. You’ll enjoy walking around with this friendly dog, known for easily making friends. You’ll also love this dog’s intelligence—and let’s dare to say, cleaning up after its heavy shedding. 

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, 29th – Your Perfect Pet: African Pygmy Hedgehog 

Solitary, nocturnal, and exotic, the hedgehog may not be cuddly, but it is one of the quietest animals that can be domesticated. While they are a great fit for those looking for an independent companion, they do require maintenance and specialized attention. With your birth date ruled by the nurturing Moon, you’re sure to form a sweet bond with this extraordinary mammal. 

NEXT: These 4 Birth Dates Are the Most Honest, Reliable People You’ll Meet

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, 30th – Your Perfect Pet: Horse 

If you were born on a date ruled by Jupiter, you like everything big, including your pets! If you happen to have the luxury of space, you may enjoy spending time in nature riding your horse. Besides all the riding and exploratory fun, you may enjoy the challenge and long-term emotional commitment it requires to get close to these special animals. 

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, 31st – Your Perfect Pet: The Birman Cat

If you were born on a date ruled by Uranus, you may prefer somewhat rare pets. With deep blue eyes and signature white paws, the Birman cat is the royalty of cats. At times, you’ll want to play and have fun. But at other times, you’ll love to cuddle with this stocky-built furry bestie, which requires easier care to stay pretty due to its silky, low-shedding texture. 

Born on the 5th, 14th, 23rd – Your Perfect Pet: Rabbit

Initially chill but highly social once it feels comfortable, the rabbit is the ideal companion for those born on dates ruled by the swift planet Mercury. This furry ball loves to eat continuously, especially fresh vegetables from the garden. Once the rabbit is well-established in their new home, they are bound to show the fun and quirky side of their personality. 

Born on the 6th, 15th, 24th – Your Perfect Pet – Guinea Pig

Sweet and cuddly, but high-maintenance, the Guinea Pig requires an owner with a lot of energy and devotion to spare. Those born on a date ruled by the loving planet Venus have what it takes to sustain their furry bestie’s constant cleaning and grooming needs. In return, the Guinea Pig gives back endless amounts of cuteness to their owners once trust has been built.

RELATE?: 4 Birth Months That Love the Hardest

Born on the 7th, 16th, 25th – Your Perfect Pet: Betta Fish or Goldfish

If you are born on a date ruled by watery Neptune, you need a pet that is both low maintenance and still a little magical. The initial setup requires work, but once it’s done, you can count on this sweet pet’s company when coming home after a long day. Either one, the Betta Fish or the Goldfish, is bound to add color and happiness to your life. 

Born on the 8th, 17th, 26th – Your Perfect Pet: Red-Eared Slider Turtle

Slow-moving on land, but a super-fast watery swimmer, the turtle is the perfect pet for the masterful souls born on dates ruled by Saturn. You will enjoy building the ideal ecosystem for this loving companion to thrive. While they aren’t necessarily affectionate by touch, they tend to live for many years. 

Born on the 9th, 18th, 27th – Your Perfect Pet: Reptile

Not everyone is apt for having reptiles as pets, except for the bold souls born on dates ruled by Mars. You may love how low-maintenance these animals can be. Once they are settled in the correct environment, it’s easy to enjoy watching these fascinating beings eat insects. 

UP NEXT:

1991 Hard Rock Hit, Featuring ‘Challenging’ Guitar Solo, Remains One of Metallica’s Most Haunting Power Ballads 35 Years Later

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:30am

On August 12, 1991, Metallica released their self-titled Black album, introducing fans to a more mainstream sound after four previous thrash metal albums.

The 1991 album featured some of the band’s  biggest hits, including “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters.” But “The Unforgiven” was another notable classic from the album, and its powerful message still resonates with fans 35 years later.

Written by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett, “The Unforgiven” features a country-western-infused acoustic opener that builds into a haunting and atmospheric melody,  leading to Hammett’s legendary “finger pick” guitar solo and brooding lyrics about being scarred by others’ expectations. The power ballad became a mainstream rock and Billboard Hot 100 hit.

Of the acoustic opening, Hetfield once said, “’The Unforgiven’ has got a little Spanish classical, which is nothing new, we’ve used that before. It’s real shimmery for acoustic. The other guys hate me for it, but I really like some country-western stuff, and I really wanted to put it in somewhere, and I did. They like it.”

Hammett’s guitar solo was trickier.

“That was probably the most challenging solo on the album,” he told Guitar World in an interview. “I had something worked out before I got into the studio, but [producer] Bob [Rock] felt it wasn’t quite appropriate. He asked if I could try something dirtier and more sustaining — something more in the vein of Jeff Beck. At first I was kind of hurt, but then I realized he was right. I started fingerpicking a chordal thing, and Bob liked the way it sounded. He said, ‘Why don’t you play that entire guitar solo with your fingers, and really pull on the strings and slap them against the frets?’ 

“It was a cool idea. I did it, and it sounded really percussive,” Hammett added. “That was the first time I fingerpicked a guitar solo on an album. That’s a great example of a song that was a challenge, feel-wise.”

RELATED: 1991 Rock Anthem Ranked Among Most Iconic Guitar Riffs Remains Band’s Definitive Hit 35 Years Later

Hetfield was the lyricist for the song, and the words were inspired by his real-life regrets.

“‘The Unforgiven’ was basically about alienation and, kind of, regret in life,” Hetfield said in a 1998 interview with Maximum Guitar, per Ultimate Classic Rock. “I lived my life for other people, trying to please everyone else except myself and at the end of the day blaming everyone else instead of yourself and not really taking responsibility for yourself.”

In addition to 1991’s “The Unforgiven,” Metallica released “The Unforgiven II” on their 1997 album, Reload, as well as “The Unforgiven III” on 2008’s Death Magnetic.

Thirty-five years later, the original version of “The Unforgiven” remains one of Metallica’s most iconic power ballads—an iconic staple from the band’s catalog that has stood the test of time.

Related: 1992 Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Power Ballads’ of All Time — An Unexpected Turn for an Iconic Band

‘90s ‘Star Wars’ Actor Wants to Continue Playing This Fan-Favorite Character, but Says Disney Doesn’t Seem Ready

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:26am

It’s been over 21 years since Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith was released in theaters, and four years since Disney+ released the Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series. Ewan McGregor thinks it’s time for the Jedi to return to the screen, but it seems Disney isn’t quite ready yet.

During McGregor’s press tour for his new movie, The End of Oak Street, the Star Wars actor spoke with E! News about how he’d like to see his character, Obi-Wan Kenobi, return in a new movie or another season of the TV show.

“I’m ready whenever they are,” McGregor said. “They just seem to not be ready, but I’m up for it. At the end of the Obi-Wan series, I’m walking off into the desert, and I’ve decided to leave. I’ve realized I can’t keep the pressure on Luke. I realized he has to have his own childhood, so I leave him with Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. And I wander off … and Qui-Gon’s back. And we go off … but where are we going?”

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McGregor continued, saying that the next time Obi-Wan appears is in the original trilogy, with Alec Guinness playing the Jedi master.

“What happens between those two moments is what I want to do and spend the rest of my career doing these stories,” McGregor said. “Stories, you know, series or movies. We’ve got plenty of time; I’ve got 10 years before I am Alec Guinness’ age. So come on, Disney!”

The Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series was released after McGregor’s 17-year hiatus from the franchise. Although McGregor is ready for a second season of the show, fans agree that there’s time to spare.

“The best part is, even if they do end up taking way too long, he can still play old Obi too,” one fan commented on E! News’ clip of the interview on Instagram.

“Next time we see him return as Obi-Wan, it better be a movie,” another said. “Maybe 2 movies. Or 3?”

“To have him say he wants to make these for the rest of his life is amazing to hear as a fan,” one user said.

McGregor’s latest movie, The End of Oak Street, was produced by Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams. McGregor stars in it alongside Anne Hathaway, playing a couple whose home is mysteriously transported to prehistoric times. Check out the trailer here.

Abba Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of This 1976 Track With Reissue

Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:23am

Put your platforms on and pile on the glitter because ABBA is celebrating 50 years of “Dancing Queen” with a special new release.

The Swedish pop legends are commemorating the anniversary of their beloved 1976 hit with a limited-edition 10-inch sparkling black vinyl, as well as a traditional black vinyl edition. The single has been remastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, with “La Reina Del Baile” appearing on the B-side.

“Dancing Queen” was originally released in 1976 as the lead single from ABBA’s album Arrival. Written by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson, the song went on to become one of the group’s most recognizable hits. And 50 years later, it’s still finding new listeners. (*“Dancing Queen” recently surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify, making it one of fewer than 300 songs to reach that milestone on the platform.)

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The song’s influence has also extended well beyond ABBA’s original era. Modern artists continue to praise the disco-pop classic, while Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy has written about how hearing “Dancing Queen” changed his perception of pop music.

The song eventually earned another major honor when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Fun fact: “Dancing Queen” wasn’t immediately released after it was recorded. ABBA reportedly held onto the song for nearly a year, choosing to release “Fernando” instead because they thought a ballad was needed to follow “Mamma Mia.”

Now, half a century after its original release, ABBA is giving “Dancing Queen” another chance to have the time of your life and this time, there’s plenty of sparkle involved.

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