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When Depeche Mode released Violator in 1990, they mixed dark alternative sounds with songs that became mainstream hits, creating what many music critics consider the band’s defining album. Violator was Depeche Mode’s seventh studio album and the record that helped catapult them from a British electronic band into international superstars. A recent Mojo ranking names Violator Depeche Mode’s best album of all time. With hits like “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy the Silence” on the track list, this ranking is tough to deny.

The band released “Personal Jesus” in 1989 ahead of the album’s release, introducing fans to a bluesy guitar sound that was a departure from the band’s signature synthesizer-driven music. Depeche Mode had always lived somewhere at the intersection of edgy and accessible, but Violator, with its hit-driven track list and irresistible pop melodies, became the band’s defining release.

The album explores dark themes and blues-inspired guitar riffs in a way that sounded both experimental and surprisingly mainstream. Depeche Mode had always been a highly visual band, with the band’s leather-leaning style and lead singer Dave Gahan’s undeniably swoonworthy swagger at the forefront. But the release of Violator also marked a shift in the band’s visual identity.

Cinematic and moody, Dutch photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn helped set the tone, creating imagery that is now synonymous with Depeche Mode, including the memorable music video for “Enjoy the Silence,” which featured Gahan dressed as a king.

Related: Bob Dylan Wrote This 1975 Classic After Listening to Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’ and Rolling Stone Calls His New Version ‘Absolutely Stunning’

The Songs That Made ‘Violator’ Unforgettable

Song

What Made It Memorable

“Personal Jesus”

The bluesy, guitar-driven hit

“Enjoy the Silence”

The New Order-like synth-pop classic

“Policy of Truth”

The dark, danceable fan favorite

“World in My Eyes”

The atmospheric electronic opener

The New Order Connection

“Enjoy the Silence” became one of the band’s biggest hits and their highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100. Gahan’s deep vocals and Martin Gore’s songwriting created a distinctive sound reminiscent of New Order’s dance-oriented alternative rock and synth-pop style. Featuring a New Order-like propulsive beat, melodic synthesizers and a dance-pop sensibility, the song practically begs to be played in a dance club as much as it does on the radio.

The Band’s Lasting Influence

More than 35 years later, Violator remains one of Depeche Mode’s most celebrated releases and one of the defining albums of the alternative music era. Its combination of electronic production, pop hooks and darker subject matter helped establish a sound and visual style that continues to define the band today.

Artists from Nine Inch Nails to The Killers have acknowledged Depeche Mode’s influence, while “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus” continue to find new fans thanks to streaming music platforms and television and film soundtracks.

What’s your favorite Depeche Mode album?

Related: Led Zeppelin Shelved This Catchy Song Blending Robert Plant’s Playful Lyrics With Their Signature Sound and Now It’s Their Best Deep Cut Ever

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On Oct. 17, 2009, Vic Mizzy, the composer behind one of television’s most recognizable theme songs, died at age 93. More than 45 years earlier, he had helped give The Addams Family its signature sound with a harpsichord, a catchy melody, and two perfectly timed finger snaps.

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But the story behind that spooky little tune has a surprising business twist: Mizzy retained the song’s publishing rights, allowing him to keep earning money from it long after the original sitcom ended.

View this post on Instagram The Deal That Started With a Friendship

When producer David Levy approached Mizzy about scoring The Addams Family pilot, the composer agreed to do the initial work for free because Levy was a close friend. The project would become one of Mizzy’s most enduring contributions to television, but his decision to help a friend was only the beginning.

The series premiered on ABC in September 1964, introducing audiences to the macabre family created by cartoonist Charles Addams. Mizzy’s theme quickly became inseparable from the show, with its distinctive instrumentation and the cast’s synchronized finger snaps.

Why Mizzy Sang the Theme Himself

The composer’s ingenuity extended beyond the music itself. According to The Los Angeles Times, the production company, Filmways, refused to pay singers, so Mizzy recorded the vocals himself and overdubbed his voice three times to create a group sound.

Related: Iconic 1966 Soundtrack Is Surging Again, 60 Years After Debuting on CBS

He also played the harpsichord, which gave the theme its unmistakable, old-fashioned flavor. Further, Mizzy became closely involved in filming the opening sequence, helping ensure the actors’ finger snaps landed in time with the music.

The Two Snaps That Kept Paying Off

Mizzy’s most consequential business decision may have been retaining ownership of the theme’s publishing rights. That meant the song could continue earning him royalties when it was used beyond the original television series, including at sporting events.

In a 2008 interview with CBS’ Sunday Morning, Mizzy joked about the payoff, saying, “That’s why I’m living in Bel-Air: Two finger snaps and you live in Bel-Air.”

The line became a fitting summary of the song’s remarkable afterlife. What began as a theme for a sitcom that ran for only two seasons became a familiar musical cue at Halloween and beyond.

A Legacy Beyond the Addams Family

Mizzy had another major television theme: Green Acres, the rural sitcom that debuted in 1965. He also wrote songs and scored films, but the Addams Family theme remained one of his most recognizable creations.

Mizzy died in October 2009, but his story offers a lesson that extends beyond television nostalgia. The composer didn’t just create a memorable tune. By keeping the rights to his work, he helped ensure that the song’s success could continue benefiting him long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Related: ’80s Rock Icons Announce 50th Anniversary Tour With ’70s Hitmaker Todd Rundgren

John Anderson, one of country music’s biggest stars, has died. He was 71.

According to a press release, Anderson passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Wednesday, Oct. 21, just seven weeks shy of his 72nd birthday. 

Anderson’s family announced his death in a statement shared on social media alongside a photo of the Country Music Hall of Famer. 

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend. To the world, he was a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives,” the family wrote. “To us, he was so much more. He was the heart of our family, the one who made us laugh, loved us fiercely, and made every ordinary moment feel special.”

View this post on Instagram

The family continued the statement shared on Instagram: “We are completely heartbroken. His music will live on, but for us, his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave his family and the memories we will carry with us forever.”

In closing, the family shared a request, writing, “Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this unimaginable loss.”

Born on Dec. 13, 1954, and raised in Apopka, Florida, Anderson moved to Nashville after high school and began performing in clubs. In 1976, he signed with Warner Bros. Records with the help of music publisher, Al Gallico. 

Over the course of nearly five decades, Anderson earned numerous awards and accolades, including 20 Top 10 country hits and five No. 1 singles. He received the Academy of Country Music Career Achievement Award in 1993 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014. In 2024, Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame alongside Toby Keith and James Burton.

A pioneer of the neotraditional country music, Anderson was known for hits, including “Swingin,’” “Black Sheep,” “Seminole Wind,” “Straight Tequila Night,” “Money in the Bank,” and “Wild and Blue.”

Related: Luke Bryan’s Son Suffers Serious Injury During High School Football Game

John Anderson has sadly passed away, and country music has lost one of its most unmistakable voices. His family announced that he passed away at home in Smithville, Tennessee, on Oct. 21. He was 71.

His family remembered him as a “beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend.” No cause of death has been shared.

Just three days earlier, on Oct. 18, Anderson was out among his peers at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony. Paul Overstreet, who co-wrote songs on Anderson’s last album, Years, was among the inductees.

Anderson’s health struggles were well documented over more than two decades, and looking back, they show how determined he was to keep making music.

In 2003, he was in West Virginia to play the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta when chest pains sent him to the hospital. He was 48. Doctors performed an angioplasty and placed a stent in his heart. Even then, his mind was on the stage. The festival’s director said he tried to leave the hospital twice because he had never missed a show.

Fourteen years later, at 62, he had to pull out of an Aug. 5 festival in Albertville, Alabama. His representatives cited “unforeseen and serious medical issues” and said he was under a Nashville doctor’s care. A week later, an update said he was on the road to full recovery. It wasn’t that simple.

Anderson told Taste of Country he spent most of 2017 and much of 2018 in the grip of a grave illness that doctors feared was brain cancer. The tumor turned out to be benign, but heart trouble was also involved. “I had nearly died a couple of times,” he told BGS.

Then came a loss no singer wants to face. At the worst point, he told American Songwriter, he lost 95 to 98 percent of his hearing, and he couldn’t play or sing. According to the album’s release notes, he also lost his sense of pitch. For a man whose voice defined his career, it was devastating. Slowly, some of his hearing returned.

No public link has been made between his earlier health issues and his death. His family said his greatest legacy is the love he gave them and the memories they shared. And the voice behind “Swingin’,” “Seminole Wind” and “Straight Tequila Night” is still there on every record he left behind.

Following Disney’s announcement on Tuesday that Hulu and Disney+ have greenlit a Glee reboot (or a Gleeboot, as Variety has dubbed it), fan-favorite stars from the series are hinting at their return.

With Lea Michele already confirmed to reprise her role as Rachel Berry, Heather Morris took to Instagram to seemingly indicate that she’ll be returning as Brittany S. Pierce.

“Yes ladies and gentle men of women, rumors are true,” Morris said. “Brittany … was in fact lost in the sewers for all these years. But I’m here to inform you that she is alive and well… And back for more.”

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Chord Overstreet, known for his role as Sam Evans, also posted on social media with a brief note: “Reunited and it feels so good!”

While Michele is currently the only confirmed cast member, Variety speculated that Jonathan Groff might make a cameo as Jesse St. James, since the actor is friends with Michele in real life. The outlet also said Darren Criss “is probably another sure get,” given that he recently performed Blaine Anderson’s Glee songs at Royal Albert Hall.

Chris Colfer, who played Blaine’s boyfriend Kurt Hummel, said two weeks ago that he hadn’t heard anything about the reboot. However, after singing “Baby It’s Cold Outside” at Royal Albert Hall with Criss, Variety thinks it could be time for him to “shimmy back into the spotlight.”

Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams, previously said he “shouldn’t be playing a character in a wheelchair.” But in a recent interview with People, McHale said he “could never say no” to getting back together with his former co-stars.

“I love all of those people,” McHale said. “We had such a great time working on that show. Why not, you know? I trust them. You can’t say no to the original people who wrote that show and created that show.”

The Glee reboot announcement comes after Ryan Murphy revealed to Entertainment Tonight that he “just finished the script” for the show.

“So, we have a script. Brad [Falchuk], Ian [Brennan] and I, who wrote all the first two seasons, have written something,” Murphy said. “I’ve been in touch with around 10 of the original cast members. It’s very sweet, and they all had a lot of questions, but they all were very enthusiastic about the idea.”

To support pets and their owners in need, Fetch Pet Insurance hosted its 2nd annual gala at The Carlyle in New York City. With scheduled appearances from Glee’s Darren Criss, West Side Story’s Ariana DeBose and Broadway star Bernadette Peters, fans were surprised with a special guest appearance from Cyndi Lauper.

Lauper treated the audience to performances of “Time After Time,” “True Colors” and “Fearless.” Dressed in an off-the-shoulder look reminiscent of her signature style, Lauper also appeared on Fetch’s green carpet to pose with a rescue dog from North Shore Animal League America.

Craig Barritt / Getty Images for Fetch Pet Insurance Gala

“The incredible star power of the Fetch Pet Gala is how we’ve been able to raise over $1.2 million in just two years for organizations that are literally saving lives and delivering meaningful impact for pets in need,” Paul Guyardo, President & CEO of Fetch Pet Insurance, said in a statement obtained by Parade. “We are deeply grateful to Cyndi Lauper, Bernadette Peters, Darren Criss, Ariana DeBose, as well as our donors and brand sponsors, for their immense support and generosity.”

Danny Whitman, the executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, called the success of the gala “a testament to the immense power of compassion and community.”

“The funds raised tonight will provide vital medical care, emergency assistance, and essential support to help vulnerable individuals and their beloved animal companions when they need it most,” Whitman said.

In addition to Lauper’s songs at the gala, Criss also performed his renditions of “Almost Like Being in Love” and “Mack the Knife.” He also joined DeBose for a duet of the Oscar-winning “Shallow” from A Star is Born. In an exclusive interview with Parade, Criss said he arrived at the event only hours after playing a show at Royal Albert Hall in London.

Darren Criss and Paul Guyardo. Grace Chaves / Parade

“I love London, and it was such an honor to be in that performing arts venue,” Criss said. “And now we’re at kind of another version of that — a much smaller but equally as storied venue, The Carlyle.”

Read the full interview here.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword covers everything from political assistants and entryways you walk through to classic hairstyles, baseball teams, what you might be called for being smart, bringing home a rescued pet and the opposite of happy.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Thursday, October 22, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Thursday, October 22, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Go across — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

5 Across: Political staffer — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

6 Across: “Stand clear of the closing ___, please” (iconic N.Y.C. subway announcement) — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”

8 Across: Hairstyle secured with pins, maybe — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”

9 Across: Greek river of the underworld — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Feeling down — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

2 Down: Devout — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

3 Down: Get from the pound — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

4 Down: Excelling at trivia, say — HINT: Starts with the letter “N”

7 Down: “Red” or “White” team — HINT: Ends with the letter “X”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Thursday, October 22, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Go across — SPAN

5 Across: Political staffer — AIDE

6 Across: “Stand clear of the closing ___, please” (iconic N.Y.C. subway announcement) — DOORS

8 Across: Hairstyle secured with pins, maybe — UPDO

9 Across: Greek river of the underworld — STYX

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Feeling down — SAD

2 Down: Devout — PIOUS

3 Down: Get from the pound — ADOPT

4 Down: Excelling at trivia, say — NERDY

7 Down: “Red” or “White” team — SOX

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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With the holidays approaching, extra storage can come in handy as you prepare for family dinners, seasonal baking, and entertaining guests. A sideboard cabinet gives you a place to stash serving dishes and dining essentials, or even set up a dedicated coffee or dessert station for holiday parties and get-togethers.

That’s one reason the Costway Sideboard Cabinet at Walmart stood out to us. It’s currently on sale for just $68, down from $119, and comes in black and white colors. Prices vary by finish, but you can snag either option for under $75. The cabinet features a wood-tone finish and a handle-free design with push-to-open doors. It’s also freestanding which gives you the freedom to move it where you need it most. 

Costway Sideboard Cabinet, $68 (was $119) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Measuring 31.5 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 27.5 inches tall, this sideboard makes the most of its compact design with multiple storage options. It features a countertop, a roomy drawer, and two cabinet shelves to keep serving dishes, utensils, pantry staples, and other items organized and within reach. 

The countertop can support up to 88 pounds and has raised edges that prevent items from sliding off. The drawer and two shelves each support up to 44 pounds, offering sturdy storage for heavier items. Since the cabinet has a handle-free design, the doors open with a single press, while smooth-gliding drawer slides let you open and close the drawer with ease. 

For extra stability, the cabinet comes with two anti-toppling devices that ensures it stays in place. This added precaution can be especially useful in homes with children or pets.

Shop More Deals

• Ameha 3-Piece Quilt Set, $19 (was $21) at Walmart
• Costway Floor Storage Cabinet, $80 (was $149) at Walmart
• Roria 2-Piece Chinoiserie Ceramic Table Lamp Set, $60 (was $110) at Walmart

Related: Drew Barrymore’s Fluted Storage Cabinet Is a ‘Stylish’ and ‘Functional’ Storage Upgrade for Any Home

At just $68 and 43% off, the Costway Sideboard Cabinet is worth checking out if you need extra room for serving pieces, pantry items, or hosting essentials. Head to Walmart to check out the deal while it lasts!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton says he came frighteningly close to death after a rare cancer diagnosis, and now, as he begins treatment, he’s focused on the life he still hopes to live with his young daughter.

“I’m a dad, and more than anything else in this world, I want to be here to watch my daughter grow up,” Hamilton wrote in an October 4 post on his Substack, where he shared his diagnosis and asked fans for help with mounting medical costs.

I Have Cancer And I Need Your Help
I almost died. I made it home. Now comes the fight of my life
I’m hoping this incredible community I’ve been lucky enough to be part of might rally around me now.
Even with insurance the cost is INSANE.
❤️➡️ https://t.co/dsoWaLO41Z #girldad pic.twitter.com/G1iAZxY2dg

— Ryan Hamilton (@TheRyanHamilton) October 17, 2026

The Texas musician, known for his solo work and bands including People on Vacation, was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in leukemic form. After spending more than two weeks in the hospital, including nearly a week in intensive care, he returned home to continue treatment. He has since launched a GoFundMe to help cover the expenses.

Ryan Hamilton Says He Nearly Died After a Sudden Medical Emergency

Hamilton said his ordeal began with severe abdominal pain. He drove himself to an emergency room in Granbury, Texas, with his daughter, Della, in the back seat, trying to keep the situation from frightening her.

Doctors discovered that his spleen was enormously enlarged and his white blood cell count was nearly 300,000, he wrote. He was then rushed to an intensive care unit in Fort Worth.

“I spent almost a week at death’s doorstep,” Hamilton wrote. He said he wasn’t ready to discuss everything that happened during that time, but shared one particularly painful detail: because of her age, Della wasn’t allowed to visit him in the hospital.

“I was lying in an ICU bed, not knowing exactly what was happening to me or whether I was going to make it home… and I couldn’t hug my little girl,” he wrote.

Instead, they spoke daily over FaceTime. Hamilton said he took screenshots of their calls and looked at them repeatedly.

“There she was. My reason. My motivation,” he wrote.

The Singer-Songwriter Is Facing More Than $200,000 in Medication Costs.

After leaving intensive care, Hamilton was transferred to the hospital’s oncology floor, where he received chemotherapy, blood transfusions, biopsies, and other treatment. He said doctors have developed a plan to put his cancer into remission.

But he also faces substantial costs.

Hamilton said he has health insurance and qualifies for financial assistance, yet one of his medications costs approximately $300 per pill. He expects to take it daily for at least two years, which he estimates will total roughly $219,000 for that medication alone. He added that he’s currently taking eight prescriptions.

“I’ve found myself in a strange and frankly precarious position,” he wrote. “Doctors have a plan to help save my life. I’m ready to fight for it. But I also have to figure out how to afford the fight.”

His GoFundMe has an initial goal of $50,000 to help with medical and treatment expenses, with the singer explaining that the amount is a starting point, not an estimate of the full cost of his treatment.

Ryan Hamilton Says He Still Has a Lot to Live For

Hamilton has spent much of his adult life making music, touring, and connecting with fans. He previously performed with People on Vacation, the power-pop project he formed with Bowling for Soup frontman Jaret Reddick, and released his latest solo album, Haunted By American Dreams, in July 2026, according to Louder.

In his Substack post, Hamilton reflected on how the year had been meant to mark a musical comeback. He had made a record he was proud of and put his daughter on the cover. But then came the cancer diagnosis.

Now, he wrote, his priorities have changed. He’s focused on getting stronger, undergoing treatment, and returning to the everyday moments he hopes to share with his family.

“There are songs I haven’t written yet,” he wrote. “There are shows I haven’t played yet. There are places I haven’t been. There are people I haven’t met.”

Hamilton ended his post with a message of determination: “I’m home. I’m alive. And now… WE FIGHT.”

He has asked supporters who can’t donate to share his fundraiser or send encouragement as he continues treatment.

Related: ’80s Rock Icons Announce 50th Anniversary Tour With ’70s Hitmaker Todd Rundgren

You may want to think twice before telling someone from India how much you love “curry.” Just ask Trevor Noah.

The comedian recently recalled a culinary lesson he learned while traveling through India in 2022 during a conversation with acclaimed Indian-born chef Asma Khan on an episode of his What Now? With Trevor Noah podcast.

The head-scratching clip has been making the rounds on socials as of late.

“Actually, this is something I’ve always wanted to know. I’m confused by this,” Noah said. “So when I was in India, I would say curry. And then people were like, ‘What are you talking about?'”

Related: Move Over, Olive Garden—Chili’s Launches Its Own Italian Tour With New Sandwich Set for Nationwide Release on Oct. 20

When locals asked what he loved, Noah remembered enthusiastically answering, “Oh, I love curry,” only to be met with more confusion.

And curry wasn’t his only linguistic food faux pas.

Noah also recalled asking for naan before someone explained that naan itself means bread. In other words, asking for “naan bread” was essentially asking for “bread.”

Still confused by the curry conundrum, Noah turned to Khan for answers.

“So what is curry?” he asked.

Her response probably wasn’t what many Western diners would expect.

Khan, who grew up in India before moving to England, said she had never even heard the term until arriving in the U.K. “Every dish has a name,” she explained. “Curry is not a name of anything.”

Related: Oprah-Backed Restaurant Chain Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Abruptly Closes 12 Locations

According to Khan, “curry” became a generic term used by the British to group together dishes that actually have distinct names, ingredients and regional identities. She said she first encountered the word in 1992 after someone in England asked whether she knew how to make curry.

Noah then tried another example: What about someone who says they love “butter chicken curry” or “vindaloo curry”?

“It’s absolutely wrong,” Khan replied.

She compared the phrasing to saying “spaghetti pasta,” explaining that adding the generic word strips away the actual name of the dish.

So, yes, you can still love butter chicken and vindaloo.

Just maybe give them the courtesy of remembering their names. And next time you whip up your favorite curry at home, maybe take a second look at what’s actually in the pot.

John Anderson has died at the age of 71.

The Country Music Hall of Famer’s death was announced by his family via Instagram on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend,” the statement read. “To the world, he was a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives. To us, he was so much more. He was the heart of our family, the one who made us laugh, loved us fiercely, and made every ordinary moment feel special. We are completely heartbroken.”

“His music will live on, but for us, his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave his family and the memories we will carry with us forever,” the statement continued. “Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this unimaginable loss.”

John Anderson’s Cause of Death

Anderson’s cause of death has not been announced.

In 2017, Anderson canceled festival appearances in Alabama due to sudden health problems. Doctors initially suspected a malignant brain tumor, but it was later determined to be benign. He subsequently faced other serious health complications, including heart trouble and significant hearing loss in both ears, which temporarily threatened his ability to perform. 

After undergoing treatment, Anderson regained some of his hearing and returned to music, releasing his album Years in 2020.

Tributes and Legacy

The country music legend was best known for hits including “Swingin’,” “Seminole Wind,” and “Straight Tequila Night.”

“I literally just met him on Sunday night. Cannot believe this,” country singer Parker McCollum wrote in the comment section. “An absolute legend and one of the greatest to ever do it. Beyond grateful to have had the chance to shake his hand. RIP and hope they are swingin up in heaven!”

“Damn. Rest easy John. Thanks for the songs,” added Luke Combs.

“One of my favorite people in this business. I sure will miss you, John. Love you and your music always.❤️❤️❤️❤️,” said Reba McEntire.

In one of the landmark judgments, Meta has been ordered to pay New Mexico $25 billion after a judge ruled against the company in a major data privacy case linked to the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

According to Reuters, the case is based on claims that Meta deceived Facebook users concerning how their personal information was obtained and used.

It comes after disclosures about Cambridge Analytica, a British political consulting company which acquired personal data from millions of Facebook users without their permission. The company was also connected with Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

New Mexico’s attorney general filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Meta had misled residents regarding who had access to their information and also concerning the way the company dealt with hate speech and misinformation on its platform.

The case reached trial, where a jury decided that the company was liable for breaches of the state’s consumer protection law, as per Reuters.

Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., during a meeting with tech executives on artificial intelligence in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. The gathering follows a surge in concern about AI potentially posing a threat to humans. Photographer: Tierney L. Cross/The Washington Post/Bloomberg via Getty Images

“Facebook’s wrongdoing — over the course of years and systematically broadcast to the public — goes to the heart of Facebook’s core business practices,” the judge wrote in his order.

Judge Francis Mathew then instructed Meta to pay $25 billion. Even though he had decided that the violations (43 million to be exact) might warrant a penalty higher than $219 billion under state law, he lowered the amount to $25 billion.

Meta has challenged the result and has stated that it intends to appeal. The company maintained during the proceedings that the penalties requested were too high and might discourage businesses from carrying on operations in New Mexico. Therefore, the ruling is not necessarily the end of the dispute.

“This ruling, and the Attorney General’s approach to this enforcement, makes it all but impossible to do business in the state of New Mexico. At its core, this lawsuit seeks ​to impose a tax on speech to enforce new rules for what people can say online,” Meta’s chief legal officer, CJ Mahoney, said in a statement.

The case has once again opened discussion regarding how social media companies gather, use and protect personal information, and because of Facebook’s large size and extensive reach, the effects of its privacy policies go well beyond New Mexico.

This is not the first time the tech giant has been ordered to pay a hefty penalty for its handling of user data and the safety of its platforms. In 2019, Facebook reached an agreement to pay $5 billion to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in order to settle claims that it had breached a privacy order from 2012. Meanwhile, in December 2022, the organization reached a final settlement of $725 million as a result of a class-action lawsuit filed by Facebook users in connection with the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

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Related: Controversial Thriller Starring Zoe Saldana Named ‘Worst Oscar Winner Ever’ Despite 70% Rotten Tomatoes Score

When George Barris got the call to build the Batmobile for the 1966 Batman TV series starring Adam West, the clock was already ticking. Producer William Dozier gave him just three weeks to turn a 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura concept car, which Barris had bought for a single dollar, into a “20th-century crime fighter Batmobile,” as Barris recalled in a 2004 interview with the Television Academy Foundation.

The legendary custom car designer had a clear vision. “I want the ears to be part of the fenders, I want the headlights to become the eyes, I want the scoop that comes down to be the nose piece that becomes the chain slicer,” he said. “I want the grill to be the mouth. In the mouth we got gas nozzles. To make it even more funnier, I used sprinkler heads from your lawn sprinkler.” He also added “big, long, aerodynamic bat fins.”

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Barris pulled it off in just 15 days for $15,000. His team built several Batmobiles for the show, including two for exhibitions. When the series wrapped, Barris kept the original, and for the next 50 years it served as the centerpiece of his North Hollywood showroom, a rolling advertisement for his work.

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In 2013, he decided to let it go. After a spirited bidding war, Phoenix businessman Rick Champagne won the Batmobile, the Hollywood Reporter reported. The car Barris once bought for $1 sold for $4.62 million, a world record for a film or TV car. It edged out the previous record holder, the Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger, by just $11,500, according to auction house Barrett-Jackson.

Amber Guyger, the former Dallas police officer convicted of murdering her neighbor Botham Jean, has been released from a Texas prison after serving seven years of her 10-year sentence. 

She left the Christina Melton Crain Unit in Gatesville on Oct. 16, 2026, after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles approved her release earlier that month.

Guyger, 38, was convicted of murder on Oct. 1, 2019, for fatally shooting Jean, a 26-year-old Black accountant, inside his Dallas apartment on Sept. 6, 2018. The shooting happened after Guyger entered Jean’s apartment, believing it was her own home.

Her release has renewed attention to the case and brought fresh disappointment to Jean’s family, who opposed her early release. The family’s attorney, Lee Merritt, said the 10-year prison sentence was already too short for the loss they suffered.

Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger arrives for her second court appearance at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas on Jan. 29, 2019.

Photo by: Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images

Guyger will remain under parole supervision until her sentence ends in 2029. Her release comes after a parole review that approved her request in October 2026, following an earlier denial in 2024.

On the night of Sept. 6, 2018, Jean was at home in his apartment, watching television and eating ice cream, when Guyger entered and shot him, according to NBC News.

Guyger testified that she had returned from a long work shift and mistakenly went to Jean’s apartment instead of her own. The two lived in the same apartment building, with Jean’s home one floor above hers.

She said she believed Jean was an intruder and feared for her life when she fired her service weapon. Jean was unarmed and later died at a hospital from his injuries.

Guyger was a Dallas police officer at the time of the shooting. The department fired her in September 2018, before her murder trial.

The case drew national attention and sparked protests over race, police conduct and the treatment of Black people by law enforcement. Many people also questioned the initial manslaughter charge before Guyger was later indicted for murder.

On Oct. 1, 2019, a jury found Guyger guilty of murder. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison the following day. Prosecutors had sought a longer sentence, and the murder conviction was upheld on appeal.

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles approved Guyger’s release after reviewing her prison record and participation in programs designed to help her find and keep a full-time job. The board also cited her satisfactory conduct while in prison.

Guyger’s attorney, Robert Rodgers, said she continued to feel regret over Jean’s death and had prepared for life outside prison.

“She’s still very remorseful, but she’s spent that time working on programs and rehabilitating and making sure that she can be … a productive member of society,” Rodgers told CBS News Texas.

Under the conditions of her release, Guyger must follow strict rules until her sentence ends in 2029. These include regular check-ins, travel restrictions, home visits and employment requirements. She cannot live in Dallas County, contact Jean’s family or Dallas police officers or leave Texas without permission.

Jean’s family opposed the parole decision and asked for privacy as they continued to grieve. In a statement shared with CBS News Texas, the family thanked those who continued to honor Jean’s life and support his loved ones.

Merritt, who represents Jean’s family, also criticized the decision to release Guyger before she completed her sentence.

“Botham’s family and the community strongly opposed this parole. They stood up again and again to ask that the full sentence be served. A 10-year sentence was already a fraction of what was lost. Releasing Ms. Guyger after seven years makes that loss feel even smaller in the eyes of the system. It is not,” Merritt said.

Guyger’s case also had a major outcome outside the criminal trial. In November 2024, a civil jury ordered her to pay Jean’s family $98.6 million in a wrongful death lawsuit. The family argued that the shooting was linked to failures in police training, although the city of Dallas was dismissed from the case.

Jean was born in St. Lucia, a Caribbean island nation, and worked as an accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dallas. 

Guyger’s release marks a new stage in the case, but the grief of Jean’s family and the debate over her sentence remain central to the story.

Related: Wyatt Earp faced murder charges over the 30-second Tombstone gunfight that killed 3 men in 1881; a 30-day hearing found he and Doc Holliday had acted lawfully

Thanksgiving comes with enough decisions to make your head spin. Do you roast or fry the turkey? How many pounds of potatoes do you actually need? And is this finally the year you figure out how to keep everything hot until dinner? Then there’s the wine. Because while picking out a bottle for yourself is easy enough, choosing wines for a houseful of guests with different tastes can feel like a guessing game.

Your brother-in-law loves a bold Cabernet, your best friend won’t drink anything but white, and someone inevitably asks if you have anything bubbly. Suddenly, that quick trip to the wine aisle has turned into another holiday headache.

Fortunately, Laithwaites makes it easy to take the guesswork out of the equation.

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The Thanksgiving Collection from Laithwaites brings together 12 bottles featuring eight different wines, including reds, whites and sparkling Prosecco. It’s designed to complement everything from the first round of appetizers to the main event, with enough variety to keep just about every wine lover at your table happy. With $135 off the regular price, it’s a holiday hosting shortcut worth raising a glass to.

A Little Something for Every Palate

Laithwaites

One of the best things about this collection is that it doesn’t assume everyone at your Thanksgiving table has the same taste in wine.

For guests who love a big, bold red, Black Saint Peter Zinfandel Reserve from California offers rich flavors of black cherry, plum and baking spices. The Italian Pillastro Selezione d’Oro offers another full-bodied option, with notes of ripe plum, coffee and chocolate.

Prefer something a little lighter? The Fogbound Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma Coast brings bright cherry flavors and earthy notes, while the French Jean-Pierre Moueix Bordeaux offers a smooth, medium-bodied alternative.

White wine drinkers aren’t left out, either. The collection includes a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio, a refreshing South African Sauvignon Blanc with tropical fruit and citrus notes, and a French Chardonnay with flavors of peach, spiced apple and vanilla.

And for anyone who likes a little sparkle with their celebration, the collection includes two bottles of Prezza Prosecco from Italy.

In other words, whether your guests prefer something bold, crisp, fruity or bubbly, there are plenty of options to explore.

Related: This New Whiskey Welcomes Fall With Notes of Buttered Toffee, Butterscotch and Dark Roast Coffee

From the First Toast to the Last Bite

Of course, Thanksgiving isn’t just about finding wines your guests will enjoy. It’s also about finding bottles that play nicely with everything on the dinner table.

And let’s face it, Thanksgiving isn’t exactly a simple meal to pair wine with. Between the turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce, there’s a lot going on.

That’s why variety is key.

The Prezza Prosecco is a festive way to welcome guests and pairs nicely with cheese, cured meats and other appetizers. The crisp Amandla Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with herb-forward dishes and lighter sides, while the richer La Voûte Chardonnay stands up to creamy mashed potatoes and buttery casseroles.

When it’s time for the turkey, the Black Saint Peter Zinfandel Reserve is a natural choice. Laithwaites specifically recommends pairing it with turkey, pork and other hearty dishes. The Fogbound Pinot Noir is another option, especially if roasted mushrooms or savory stuffing are on the menu.

And if someone wants to stick with their favorite wine from appetizers through dessert? That’s perfectly fine, too. After all, the best wine pairing is often the one you enjoy drinking

One Less Thing to Worry About

The 12-bottle Thanksgiving Collection is currently priced at $199.88, down from its regular price of $334.88. That’s a savings of $135, bringing the cost to about $16.66 per bottle.

And if you’re looking to save even more, Laithwaites is offering an additional 20 percent off when you sign up for its Signature Collection wine club. That brings the Thanksgiving assortment down to $159.90, or about $13.33 per bottle. Keep in mind that the discounted price requires a subscription. Your first club case of 12 bottles arrives in 12 weeks for $174.99, although Laithwaites says you can skip or cancel anytime.

The nice thing about having a dozen bottles on hand is that you don’t have to open them all on Thanksgiving. You can save any unopened bottles for Christmas dinner, holiday parties or unexpected guests who show up during the season.

And while a case of wine won’t help you fit six side dishes into one oven, it does mean one less thing to cross off your holiday to-do list.

Now, if only the rest of the holidays were this easy.

Related: Popeyes’ Popular Thanksgiving Turkey Is Back—and All You Have to Do Is Heat It Up

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When it comes to holiday entertaining, the right serving pieces can instantly elevate any gathering, no matter how casual. A thoughtfully chosen serving tray is a versatile essential that transitions seamlessly from presenting desserts and appetizers to enhancing your table’s look. During the festive season, incorporating serveware with seasonal flair is a simple yet impactful way to infuse your home with holiday spirit and make everyday hosting feel more intentional.

If you’re looking to add a little extra Christmas cheer to your holiday table, Spode’s 2026 Annual Christmas Tree Dessert Tray is a charming way to serve sweets in style. Featuring the brand’s beloved Christmas Tree motif, this festive piece is now just $28 at Macy’s and adds a nostalgic touch to holiday entertaining, whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, putting together a dessert spread, or wrapping up cookies for guests.

Spode 2026 Annual Christmas Tree Dessert Tray, From $28 (was $72) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

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Spode has been part of British ceramics history since 1770, when founder Josiah Spode established his pottery business in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The brand became known for fine earthenware and bone china with a level of craftsmanship that made Spode a staple in traditional tableware collections.

The iconic Christmas Tree pattern debuted in 1938 and has since become a holiday classic. Its evergreen tree, colorful ornaments and presents beneath the branches capture the spirit of a traditional Christmas, making it instantly recognizable to generations of holiday hosts and collectors.

Measuring 12 inches by 7 inches, the Spode Christmas Tree 2026 Annual Dessert Tray features an exclusive red-and-green scroll holly border for a decorative finishing touch. The serveware also features Spode’s iconic tree decked with colorful ornaments. 

The tray weighs 1.6 pounds, so it’s light enough to serve treats easily. It’s a cheerful addition to any holiday table and a lovely collectible for fans of Spode’s iconic Christmas Tree pattern.

Related: Spode’s Holiday Quilt Set Featuring Its Iconic Christmas Tree Is 60% Off and Giving Heirloom Vibes

You can decorate with the Spode Christmas Tree tray in so many ways. Use it to display Christmas cookies, brownies, and petit fours, or style it at a coffee station with biscotti and peppermint bark. You can also use it as a centerpiece surrounded by pine branches and brass candlesticks, display it on a kitchen counter with a mini Christmas tree, or fill it with candy canes and marshmallows for a hot cocoa bar. It’s also perfect for serving Santa cookies on Christmas Eve!

Shop More Deals

• Spode Christmas Tree Wine Glasses, Set of 4, $36 (was $92) at Macy’s 
• Spode Christmas Tree Shaped Platter, $41 (was $104) at Macy’s 
• Spode  Christmas Tree Black and White Santa Footed Tray, $67 (was $160) at Macy’s 

Whether you’re building a holiday tableware collection or looking for a thoughtful gift for someone who loves to entertain, Spode’s 2026 Christmas Tree Tray offers a timeless way to make the season feel special. Snag yours for the season while it’s 61% off.

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WARNING! The following contains spoilers for Survivor 51 Episode 5, “Not Here to Get a Pedicure.” Please don’t read further if you don’t intend to know who gets voted out.

The producers of Survivor came into Season 51 with an aim to change up the expected conventions of the hit CBS reality series. And that started with the people they chose to put on the beach. Survivor 51 features a whopping 21 castaways, the first time in the show’s 26-year history a season has started with that number. As such, Day 1 kicked off with a gender imbalance, as 11 women and 10 men began the game.

“I fully foresee a season where there’s a lopsided number of one gender on each tribe,” Probst told Parade before the season began. And indeed, one of the tribes kicked off with a 6-4 imbalance in favor of the women. Though that was quickly erased when Aaliyah Puglia was voted out on Day 3, replaced by the exiled Lewis Kelly.

Any numbers advantage the women have had on Survivor 51 however, has been prominently erased five episodes in.

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Through ten days, we’ve had six Tribal Councils (including tonight’s vote that sent two tribes to the urn). Every single person voted out has been a woman: Aaliyah, Ana Sani, Patt Cannaday, Jenna Doore, and the recently-booted Alexis Levine and Linnea Capobianco. The only man who has left the game, Rob Antonson, did so in his own accord, pulling himself on Day 6 in one of the most controversial exits ever.

With the double boot of Alexis and Levine, Season 51 has officially made Survivor history. This marks the longest streak that only women have been voted out in 26 years of the show. The previous record-holder, 2007’s Survivor: Fiji, had women voted out in its first Tribal Councils. But now, with six, 51 is the mark to beat.

Jeff Probst first commented on the trend of gendered boots after Episode 4. The host and executive producer gave his thoughts in his weekly “Field Notes” post on Instagram, writing, “Another woman voted out this episode. This season, we started with 11 women and 10 men. Then Lewis was sent to Exile so we technically started the tribes with 11 women and 9 men. And yet, the first four vote-outs at tribal were all women.”

“This is an example that tribe dynamics dictate everything,” he continues. “More women at the start of the game doesn’t necessarily mean more women at the end of the game. Nothing is ever that easy or that clean.”

Related: Jeff Probst Reveals How ‘Survivor’s ‘Open Era’ Came to Be: ‘There is No Evolution’ (Exclusive)

The streak, however, became so prominent that it played a role in the story of tonight’s episode. Going to Tribal Council yet again, Alexis tried to appeal to Alexis “Jelly” Loblack. The two discussed how only women had been voted out so far, and how they were looking to not continue the streak. Jelly went so far as to say in a confessional that she could turn on her number one ally, Devin Way, saying it was done in an effort to prevent another woman from getting voted out. Unfortunately, in the end, she chose not to side with Alexis, making her the fifth person (and fifth woman) voted out of the game.

With the string of women’s boots continuing, Probst chose to address the topic again in this week’s copy of his “Field Notes.”

“Six straight women voted out. Still no man voted out this season,” the Emmy winner observes. “I am noting only to remind that there are so many factors that go into a tribe dynamic and any vote at Tribal that sometimes things that seem shocking from the outside — how could they vote out another woman — are not at all reflective of what’s really happening in the game.”

It’s a fair point from the host. Additionally, the fact that the castaways have been swapped into tribes that are only growing smaller substantially decreases the options, no matter what the gender may be. Regardless, we have now officially hit a historic period of women being voted out of Survivor en masse. And, much like Alexis and Jelly were talking about this episode, we shall see how much the players begin to take notice — and how much it affects who goes next.

Related: ‘Survivor 51’s Jenna Doore Reveals How the Game Let Her Process Her Divorce: ‘I Was So Immensely Heartbroken’ (Exclusive)

Smallville star Tom Welling is remembering his time on set with late actor Christopher Reeve.

During a sit-down with Variety, in celebration of Smallville‘s 25th anniversary, Welling noted that Reeve guest-starred as Dr. Virgil Swann in a Season 2 episode, which aired in 2003, a year before his death. During the Smallville episode, Dr. Swann teaches Welling’s Clark Kent, AKA Superman, about his home planet, Krypton.

Welling recalled flying out to New York City from Toronto so it would be easier for Reeve, who was paralyzed, to film the Smallville scene.

“The idea is we were going to shoot Chris’s side of the scene so that he could then leave. We shot all his stuff, and he wouldn’t leave. He wanted to stay for my coverage where they film me speaking. But he totally didn’t need to do that,” recalled Welling, who played Clark throughout Smallville‘s 10-season run.

Welling also shared he had a wonderful time with Reeve, who famously played Superman in five films throughout the late ’70s and ’80s.

“We laughed a lot. He was very funny. It got to the point where he was being told to leave, and his nurse was like, ‘If you don’t leave, I’m going to call the police, and I’m going to take you out of here.’ And he turned to me, and he goes, ‘They’re always telling me what to do.’ It was really cool,” said Welling with a smile.

Welling also said that he and Reeve “talked a lot about what it meant to play the character,” who is so iconic and beloved.

“He said he was really happy that they chose me to play the role, which I thought was cool,” said the 49-year-old actor.

The Creators of ‘Smallville’ Discussed Christopher Reeve’s Guest Appearance

The co-creators of Smallville, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, discussed Reeve’s guest appearance on the show during a 2023 episode of Welling and his castmate, Michael Rosenbaum‘s podcast, TalkVille.

Gough said he and the writers felt it was important for Reeve to introduce the lore of Krypton and reveal Clark’s given name, Kal-El, on the WB series. He said they reached out to Reeve’s agents while the show’s first season was in production.

Gough said that Reeve was “impressed” with the show and eventually called him about possibly filming an episode. According to Gough, Reeve agreed to play Dr. Swann under two conditions.

“He was a fascinating, lovely guy who had a lot to talk about, was very direct, was very honest about his situation and how that worked. And the thing he wanted was, you know, there’s a donation to his charity [The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation], and a PSA,” said Gough.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Just when you think you’ve seen everything Ree Drummond has to offer, she comes out with something else to tempt you into another Walmart shopping trip. Between her seasonal collections, colorful kitchen accessories, and new serving pieces that expand her beloved pattern lines, Ree always has something in the works. And her latest addition is particularly pretty.

The Pioneer Woman Audrey 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set brings a “classic,” “elegant” look to the table that shoppers are already loving. Priced at $56, the collection includes enough dishes to serve four and comes in three colors. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or simply want to make weeknight meals feel a little more special, this set might be just the excuse you need to give your kitchen cupboards a refresh.

The Pioneer Woman Audrey 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, $56 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

If you’re familiar with Ree’s signature floral dinnerware, the Audrey collection is a bit of a departure, and a beautiful one at that. Instead of colorful blooms, these dishes feature an intricate damask pattern with curling leaves and decorative flourishes. The collection comes in three colors: A rich chocolate brown, a neutral beige, and a midnight blue, each paired with a creamy white background that makes the designs stand out. 

One detail I love is how the patterns change from piece to piece. The dinner plates feature large, sweeping damask designs that cover nearly the entire surface, while the smaller plates and bowls leave more white space in the center, with a delicate flourish surrounded by an ornate border.

The Pioneer Woman Audrey 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, $56 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

For $56, you get four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls, so there’s enough for everyone at a table of four. Each piece is made from durable, dishwasher- and microwave-safe stoneware, making the collection ideal everyday meals. The larger plates are perfect for serving dinner, while the smaller ones work for everything from toast in the morning to a slice of pie after supper. The most used piece in my house, though, would definitely be the bowls, as they’re the perfect size for snacks, cereal, or soups.

Shop More The Pioneer Woman Deals

• The Pioneer Woman Audrey 2-Quart Stoneware Pitcher, $21 at Walmart
• The Pioneer Woman Audrey Stoneware 12 in Soup Tureen, $25 at Walmart
• The Pioneer Woman Brown Audrey Oval Stoneware Divided Serve Platter, $18 at Walmart

With the holidays coming up, these would be particularly lovely for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. But the design isn’t tied to any particular season, so you can keep using the set long after the decorations come down. For larger gatherings, it’s worth mixing in serving bowls and platters from the rest of Ree’s Audrey collection for more plating space. 

Ree Drummond fans gushed over this set’s “vintage farmhouse look,” calling the design “pretty” and “stylish.” One shopper wrote, “They feel sturdy, have a nice weight to them, and the finish is beautiful.”

Related: The Pioneer Woman’s ‘Adorable’ $19 Scalloped Woven Jute Rug Brings Cozy Farmhouse Charm to Your Kitchen

Give your Tuesday night tacos the same beautiful presentation as your holiday ham. Shop The Pioneer Woman Audrey 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set for $56 at Walmart!

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Iron Maiden’s drummer Nicko McBrain retired from the heavy metal touring lifestyle in 2024 following a stroke. And while that might leave the rocker with some extra time on his hands, he isn’t sharing it with just anyone. 

McBrain recently told The Telegraph that he was invited to play golf with a world leader. But when he found out that it was Donald Trump, he declined. 

“I was actually invited to go and play golf with him,” said McBrain. He continued, explaining, “A friend of mine who’s a massive Republican said, ‘Oh, do you want to come play golf with us? With the President.’ And I said, ‘You f***ing what?’ And I just said, no. No mate. I’m not politically inclined, although I must be because I have my thoughts about him. I’m not amused by the narcissism, and all this kerfuffle about the Epstein files and whatnot, and especially the debauched war that he’s put on Iran.”

How does McBrain feel about the President and his administration? He added, “My last word on Trump and his bunch of cronies is, they should be put in jail.”

Even though he was born and raised in Hackney, McBrain now calls Boca Raton, Florida home. And that puts him in close proximity to Trump’s Palm Beach Mar-a-Lago estate. When asked about the distance, the drummer called it “Too f***ing close, mate.” 

Trump isn’t the only person the Iron Maiden drummer is dishing about right now. The 74-year-old just published a memoir, “Hello Boys and Girls!” The new book details the musician’s rise from his working-class beginnings in north London to fame as a metal superstar. McBrain also talked candidly to The Telegraph about his first rehearsal with Iron Maiden way back in 1983, saying, “I realized, this is it now, this is a proper band…When I joined that group, the feeling that I had was that I’d finally found my niche. I’d taken 10 years of my professional career to finally find like-minded people.” 

Iron Maiden. Photo: Paul Natkin / Getty Images

Paul Natkin / Getty Images

Now that he’s stepped back from touring, what does McBrain think about his decision to retire? Aside from refusing to hit the links with Trump, he said, “Sometimes I do sit down, and I get a little melancholy. I’ll just think, I really do miss my brothers. I miss that two hours on stage. I miss that camaraderie.”

The former Iron Maiden member’s rant against Trump got plenty of attention online. And it’s no surprise that McBrain’s fans stand behind his statements about the commander-in-chief. 

In a recent Reddit post, one wrote, “My favorite band member just got even better. Awesome,” as others added, “I’ve said it for years, Nicko is a gem of a human,” and “It’s rare these guys talk about politics. Well done, Nicko.”