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Black Sabbath legends Bill Ward and Geezer Butler are giving fans a surprising treat as the duo is set for a once-in-a-lifetime appearance at the upcoming Monsterpalooza.

The three-day event is recognized as one of the world's premier gatherings where horror enthusiasts, special effects (SFX) artists and creature designers come together to celebrate cinematic horror and craftsmanship.

The annual convention will not only delight pop culture enthusiasts but also spark excitement among music fans as legendary icons will make a rare appearance.

In an update shared by Monsterpalooza, fans will get to see the Black Sabbath members in person. Guests will also have the opportunity to capture the moment with exclusive photo ops at the venue.

Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi pose onstage during Black Sabbath Reunion Press Conference at Whisky a Go Go on November 11, 2011 in West Hollywood, California.

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“GEEZER BUTLER, Legendary Bassist of BLACK SABBATH, will be at Monsterpalooza this May at The Pasadena Convention Center!??? *Geezer Butler attending Saturday, May 30th & Sunday, May 31st only.?? *Reminder: Geezer Butler only takes photos with fans via Pro Photo Op. No table selfies.??,” the caption reads.

Apart from the announcement, the annual event also reminded guests to secure Pro Photo Op tickets for a chance to meet the music legends.

“A Monsterpalooza ticket is sold separately and is required to participate in Pro Photo Ops. An event ticket must be bought first before buying a pro photo op ticket. A photo op ticket is NOT an event admission ticket,” as mentioned in the post.

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The “War Pigs” hitmakers weren't the only ones making a special appearance at the forthcoming event. Fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper will also be participating in Monsterpalooza.

From rock legends to Hollywood stars, the annual convention has also invited "scream queen" Kathryn Newton, known for her roles in Paranormal Activity 4, Lisa Frankenstein, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Big Little Lies and The Society.

In addition to seeing familiar faces on the big screen, fans can meet and interact with Insidious star Lin Shaye, Evil Dead Rise’s Alyssa Sutherland and Doug Tait from Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and Freddy vs. Jason.

For this year’s convention, Monsterpalooza is scheduled from May 29 to May 31 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Attendees can explore more than 450 vendors selling their original artworks from monster-makers and artists, as well as collectible toys and gothic apparel.

In addition, the event will showcase a curated and atmospheric walkthrough featuring animatronics, full-sized creatures and iconic screen-used props from famous films.

Related: 1970 Hit Ranked Among Best ‘Classic Rock Songs’ of All Time Became a Timeless Anthem

If you’ve ever wanted to step beyond Hogwarts and into one of its most mysterious settings, there’s a new experience that might feel straight out of the films.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, an all-new adventure is bringing the Forbidden Forest to life during this year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights, which starts April 23.

Called "Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff," the immersive experience invites guests to enter the shadowy woodland for a nighttime mission with a magical twist.

Running on select nights from April 23 through May 16, the limited-time offering is part of Universal’s after-hours Fan Fest celebration, where fandom worlds take center stage across the park.

So, what can you expect?

Instead of simply walking through a themed area, guests will take part in a guided, story-driven journey. With help from a Hogwarts professor specializing in Magical Creatures, you’ll venture deeper into the Forbidden Forest, encountering everything from pixies and owls to spiders and even the famously chaotic Monster Book of Monsters along the way.

But this limited-time experience isn’t just about spotting creatures.

Throughout the experience, you'll face a series of obstacles designed to test your bravery (and maybe even their spell-casting instincts) as you work toward rescuing a missing Hippogriff.

The entire environment has been created specifically for this event, making it a one-of-a-kind addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a limited time only.

And it’s all included with admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, an after-hours, separately ticketed event that transforms the park into a hub for immersive storytelling. Alongside the Forbidden Forest experience, guests can explore other fandom-inspired activations, enjoy themed food and drinks, and take part in character interactions and live entertainment.

As a fan of the Harry Potter franchise, this a rare chance to step into one of the series’ most iconic (and slightly dangerous!) locations in a highly interactive and exciting way. If you're game, just maybe keep an eye out for what’s lurking in the trees.

RELATED: Universal Just Dropped a $65 Dining Deal—and It Might Change How You Eat at the Park

Communion is an important ordinance practiced by many Christians (it's one of the seven sacraments for Catholics). After all, it's a sacred reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us.

For the majority of churches, Communion is practiced once a month. However, some may do it weekly, bi-weekly or quarterly. The bread and wine served at Communion represent the body and blood of Christ (and if you're Catholic, you believe that they're the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ). Reading through the Bible, you will find plenty of Communion scriptures to support and give meaning to what Communion is all about.

Some of the verses speak directly to the act of taking bread and wine as a remembrance of Christ. Other Bible scriptures shed light on the purpose of Jesus' sacrifice and its saving grace. All of them are important to reflect on before taking Communion. 

If you need a reminder or want a better understanding of what Communion is, the Bible can definitely help. We've gathered a list of 30 Communion scriptures that best define and provide an understanding of the ordinance of Communion. 

Related: Christ Is Risen—He Is Risen, Indeed! Celebrate Easter Sunday With 50 Easter Bible Verses

What Is Communion?

Communion, in the religious sense, is defined as "a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ."

As mentioned above, different Christian faiths believe in different things regarding Communion. They also practice it differently, depending on where you go.

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Best Communion Scriptures

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1. "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." — 1 Corinthians 11:26

2. "In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" — 1 Corinthians 11:25

3. For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" — 1 Corinthians 11:23-24

4. "So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 11:27

5. "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves." — 1 Corinthians 11:28-29

6. "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take it; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 'This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,' he said to them. 'Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.'” — Mark 14:22-25

7. "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf." — 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

8. "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" — Matthew 26:26-28

9. "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” — John 6:51

Related: What Is the Meaning Behind Advent Wreaths and Candles? They're More Than Just Pretty Decorations

Holy Communion Bible Verses and Scriptures

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10. "For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” — John 6:33

11. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day." — John 6:54

12. "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'" — Luke 22:19-20

13. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." — 1 John 1:7

14. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." — 1 Peter 3:18

15. "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." — Isaiah 53:5

16. "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'" — John 6:35

Related: 50 Christian Quotes to Encourage and Guide You on Your Daily Walk

Short Communion Readings

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17. "When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them." — Luke 24:30

18. "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." — Acts 2:42

19. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." — Romans 6:23

20. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16

21. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" — John 14:6

22. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." — Romans  1:16

23. "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." — John 1:12

24. "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory." — Ephesians 1:13-14

25. "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him." — 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

26. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12

27. "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." — Titus 3:5

28. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9

29. "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." — Romans 10:9-10

30. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" — John 1:29

Related: 50 Bible Verses to Calm Your Worry and Ease Your Anxiety

Garth Brooks made history in 2007 as the first artist in the genre to enter Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart at No. 1 with a song inspired by a love letter.

"More Than a Memory" was written by Lee Brice, Billy Montana, and Kyle Jacobs. The tune was Brooks' first Billboard topper in almost a decade after 1998s "To Make You Feel My Love."

Over nine years, according to American Songwriter, the entertainer released a whopping 17 singles, with five hitting the Top 10. "More Than a Memory" was the first single to debut at the top of the Billboard Country Charts, which began recordkeeping in 1958.

The song was written as a love letter, says Brice. He told The Boot, "I woke up one night thinking about the love of my life, an old flame, even though we hadn't been together in eight or 10 years. I woke up thinking about her at 3:30 AM and started writing her a letter."

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"I got halfway down the letter, and I was like, 'What are you doing? You do this all the time. You never send her anything. Just go back to bed. She's just a memory,'" Brice said.

RELATED: Garth Brooks’ ‘Signature’ Hit Was Rejected by More Than 20 Songwriters

"Then I thought, 'Well, I'm up at 3:30 in the morning, physically, tangibly doing something, writing a letter. She's still a tangible, physical part of my life, so she must be more than a memory,'" he concluded.

"So I started writing the song right there. Then I took my ideas, melodies, thoughts to Kyle. We're best friends. Any time he gets ideas or I get ideas, we always go to each other, because we like writing together."

RELATED: Garth Brooks’ ‘Simple’ Love Song Became a No. 1 Hit in 1992

Songwriter Billy Montana told Songfacts that Brooks wanted to ensure the songwriters liked the finished project. He explained that the country superstar "invited all the writers to the studio to hear it. And we sat down at the console. He said, 'I hope you like it. If there's anything you don't like, let me know.' And of course I'm thinking, Yeah, that's gonna happen."

"I was just so impressed. And so it gets to the end, and I was like, 'Well, I need to hear it again.' It was really a special day."

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Garth Brooks will perform live at London's Hyde Park on June 27.

MORE: Garth Brooks’ Most Emotional Song Was Written in Two Hours

A former FBI agent is speaking out about the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, warning that certain errors made early on could have lasting consequences. As the case continues to unfold, the remarks add a sobering perspective on how critical initial decisions can be in missing persons investigations.

Jennifer Coffindaffer, a retired FBI Special Agent, has been covering the Guthrie case since the beginning. On April 3, she shared her opinion on the mistakes made in the early days of the investigation.

"There is no way for Sheriff Nanos to recover from his errors in this case," Coffindaffer wrote on X. "And the biggest error he made was not brushing his past issues with people aside and putting his best of the best on Nancy’s case. There are no crime scene do-overs. There is no way to recover the 1st 48 hours of an investigation."

"Early LE blunders had a devastating [impact] on bringing Nancy home. Early LE blunders will impact a successful prosecution of Porch Guy," she continues, referring to the masked man seen on Guthrie's front stoop in video footage released by the FBI.

"Meanwhile, Porch Guy walks free and if I were rich, over 60, and living in Arizona, I would be pretty worried. What is to stop Porch Guy from striking again? Nothing," she concluded.

Coffindaffer's comments echo other former law enforcement and retired FBI agents who have weighed in on the case. In early February, for example, retired NYPD sergeant Joe Giacalone spoke to Parade about the importance of the first hour of an investigation into a missing persons case.

"It’s really the first hour, we refer to it as the golden hour," Giacalone told me. "That’s the most important thing that first hour [when someone is reported missing]."

Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Sunday, Feb. 1.

READ NEXT:Nancy Guthrie Update: FBI Pursuing ‘Best Lead’ in the Case (Report)

Some songs are party starters and others are pure earworms, but many of the biggest songs ever recorded hide heartbreaking secrets. Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" was born from the loss of his 4-year-old son. Don McLean's "American Pie" was inspired by a fatal plane crash. Even TLC's "Waterfalls"—one of the catchiest pop hits of the '90s—was about the AIDS epidemic.

From wartime devastation to social unrest to deeply personal loss, these 20 beloved songs were inspired by real-life tragedies—and their true stories are unforgettable.

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20 Legendary Songs Inspired by Real-Life Tragedies1. 'Tears in Heaven' by Eric Clapton

What it's about: In March 1991, iconic English singer-guitarist Eric Clapton experienced a parent's worst nightmare: His four-year-old son Conor tragically fell to his death from a 53rd-floor window of a New York City apartment building.

The performer poured his unfathomable grief into the Grammy-winning ballad "Tears in Heaven." He co-wrote the song with Will Jennings and it imagines Clapton reuniting with his late child in the afterlife. "The most important thing is to honor my son's memory," Clapton told Sue Lawley in a 1992 interview. "I want him to be remembered, and I want to remember him, through good music."

Famous lyrics: "Would you know my name / If I saw you in Heaven? / Would it be the same /
If I saw you in Heaven?"

2. 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' by U2

What it's about: As arguably the most famous Irish band of all time, U2knows all too well about their mother country's political conflicts across history, and they delve into one of Ireland's most troublesome periods with 1983's "Sunday Bloody Sunday"—a song about the 1972 "Bloody Sunday" massacre in Derry, Northern Ireland—where British troops shot and killed 14 unarmed civilians.

"That’s an incident, the most famous incident in Northern Ireland, and it’s the strongest way of saying, ‘How long? How long do we have to put up with this?’" drummer Larry Mullen Jr. said of the track, per Far Out Magazine. "I don’t care who’s who—Catholics, Protestants, whatever. You know people are dying every single day through bitterness and hate, and we’re saying, 'Why? What’s the point?'"

Famous lyrics: "I can't believe the news today / Oh, I can't close my eyes and make it go away / How long, how long must we sing this song? / How long? How long?"

3. 'Waterfalls' by TLC

What it's about: This one might surprise you, given how much of an international pop hit it was at the time, but the 1995 single "Waterfalls" from girl group TLC was the first number-one song to reference the HIV/AIDS epidemic. (AIDS-related deaths hit an all-time high in the United States in 1995, with more than 50,000 losses that year, according to the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Written by band member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes with Marqueze Etheridge and Organized Noize, the R&B classic discussed sexual promiscuity, drug use and other real-world issues in its catchy social commentary.

Famous lyrics: "One day, he goes and takes a glimpse in the mirror / But he doesn't recognize his own face / His health is fading, and he doesn't know why / Three letters took him to his final resting place, y'all don't hear me."

4. 'American Pie' by Don McLean

What it's about: In the famously lengthy 1971 classic—clocking in at almost nine minutes—singer Don McLean manages to reference a lot of real-life events, from the assassination of John F. Kennedyto the Manson Family murders. But the heart of the tune centers on "the day the music died," a.k.a. the February 1959 plane crash that claimed the lives of rock-and-roll pioneers Buddy Holly, "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson and Ritchie Valens.

The singer tied that pop-cultural loss with a personal one: that of his father, who died of a heart attack when McLean was 15. "If you understand the 10 years it took to write the song, the 10 years from when my dad and Buddy Holly died, the 10 years of me seeing and learning and explaining all of that, then you understand that some of the things in there have several meanings at once," McLean said of the song in a 2022 Forbes interview.

Famous lyrics: "Oh, and there we were all in one place / A generation lost in space / With no time left to start again / So, come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick / Jack Flash sat on a candlestick / 'Cause fire is the Devil's only friend."

Related: 1970s Tear-Jerker Song Celebrates Milestone at Site Where ‘The Music Died’ 55 Years After Its Release

5. 'Jeremy' by Pearl Jam

What it's about: Pearl Jam lead singer and lyricist Eddie Vedderplucked the tragic tale of titular Jeremy from a Dallas Morning News article, about a 15-year-old boy named Jeremy Wade Delle from Richardson, Texas, who shot himself in front of his Richardson High School class on January 8, 1991.

"It came from a small paragraph in a paper, which means you kill yourself and you make a big old sacrifice and try to get your revenge," Vedder explained in a 1993 interview with Rockline. "That all you're gonna end up with is a paragraph in a newspaper. Nothing changes. The world goes on and you're gone. The best revenge is to live on and prove yourself. Be stronger than those people. And then you can come back."

Famous lyrics: "At home, drawin' pictures of mountaintops / With him on top, lemon yellow sun / Arms raised in a "V" / And the dead lay in pools of maroon below."

6. 'Missing You' by Diana Ross

What it’s about: Recorded for Diana Ross’s 1984 album Swept Away, the R&B hit “Missing You” was written, composed and produced by Lionel Richie in tribute to soul icon Marvin Gaye, who was shot and killed by his father on April 1, 1984. 

Ross went on to lead an in-memoriam segment to her longtime collaborator during the 1985 American Music Awards: "It’s been a year that has taken some of our dearest, most talented friends," Ross announced during the ceremony. "I was fortunate enough to call him a real close and dear friend. I have many memories of Marvin Gaye."

Famous lyrics: “As I look around, I see things that remind me / Just to see you smile made my heart fill with joy / I still recall all those dreams we shared together / Where did you run to, boy?”

7. 'Zombie' by The Cranberries

What it’s about: The alt-rock classic was written by The Cranberries’ frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan following an IRA bombing in Warrington, England that killed two children— Johnathan Ball, age 3, and Tim Parry, age 12—and injured another 56 people.

On penning the brooding 1994 track, O'Riordan told Songwriting Magazine: "We were on a tour bus and I was near the location where it happened, so it really struck me hard. I was quite young, but I remember being devastated about the innocent children being pulled into that kind of thing. So I suppose that's why I was saying, 'It's not me.' That even though I'm Irish, it wasn't me; I didn't do it. Because being Irish, it was quite hard, especially in the UK when there was so much tension."

Famous lyrics: “Another head hangs lowly / Child is slowly taken / And the violence caused such silence / Who are we mistaken?”

Related: The Saddest Song of 1994 Is Now a Viral Sensation

8. 'Cops Shot The Kid' by Nas featuring Kanye West 

What it’s about: Sampling Slick Rick’s 1989 song “Children’s Story” and Richard Pryor’s 1973 film Wattstax, the 2018 protest song “Cops Shot the Kid” sees rap icons Nas andKanye Westhighlighting the ongoing issues of racial profiling and police brutality against Black youths in America. 

In the lyrics, Nas references the 1955 abduction and lynching of Emmett Till—a 14-year-old Mississippi boy who was murdered after a white woman accused him of whistling at her in a grocery store. (“Reminds me of Emmett Till / Let’s remind 'em why Kap kneels”.) Over the years, the artist has used the song to spotlight other acts of violence and injustice against children of color—such as the 2018 police shooting of Pittsburgh youth Antwon Rose, per CBS News. 

Famous lyrics: "White kids are brought in alive / Black kids get hit with like five / Get scared, you panic, you're goin' down / The disadvantages of the brown / How in the hell the parents gon' bury their own kids / Not the other way around?"

9. 'Hurricane' by Bob Dylan

What it’s about: The 1975 Bob Dylanclassic isn’t actually about a weather event at all; instead, the titular "Hurricane" refers to Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a Black middleweight boxer wrongly convicted of and imprisoned for a triple murder. Co-written by Jacques Levy, Desire's opening track describes the racial targeting experienced by Carter at the hands of the authorities and the sham trial that occurred as a result. 

Dylan reportedly began writing the song after visiting Carter in prison. The release of “Hurricane” helped garner support for Carter’s case and helped him win the right to a new trial, where his conviction was ultimately overturned.

Famous lyrics: “Here comes the story of the Hurricane / The man the authorities came to blame / For something that he never done / Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been / The champion of the world.”

Related: 1974 No. 1 Hit Named One of the ‘Saddest Songs of All Time’ Became Heartbreakingly True 7 Years Later

10. 'Candle in the Wind' by Elton John

What it’s about: Over the years, Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s 1974 single "Candle in the Wind" has paid tribute to two beloved pop-culture icons whose lives ended far too soon. It was originally written in honor of Hollywood movie star and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe, who died by suicide on August 5, 1962, at age 36. ("Goodbye Norma Jeane," John croons in the ballad, referencing Monroe’s birth name.) 

However, two decades later, the loss of another beloved public figure—Diana, Princess of Wales—prompted a retooling of the lyrics. ("Goodbye England’s rose.") Diana tragically died on August 31, 1997, in a Paris car crash while being relentlessly pursued by paparazzi. John would perform the adapted song just once, at her funeral. 

Famous lyrics: "Loneliness was tough / The toughest role you ever played / Hollywood created a superstar / And pain was the price you paid / Even when you died / Oh the press still hounded you / All the papers had to say / Was that Marilyn was found in the nude."

11. 'Smoke on the Water' by Deep Purple

What it’s about: Though it’s undeniably best known for that iconic riff courtesy of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, that blues lick showcases some harrowing lyrics from vocalist Ian Gillan: the 1972 hard-rock classic recounts a real 1971 fire that occurred during a Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention concert at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland.

When a concertgoer shot off a flare gun, the venue’s rattan-covered ceiling caught fire and the entire casino complex burned down, but miraculously, no one was injured. Deep Purple was staying at a nearby hotel for an album recording session and reportedly watched the blaze over Lake Geneva—hence, they were looking at "Smoke on the Water."

Famous lyrics: “We all came out to Montreux / On the Lake Geneva shoreline / To make records with a mobile / We didn't have much time / Frank Zappa and the Mothers / Were at the best place around / But some stupid with a flare gun / Burned the place to the ground.”

 12. 'Angel' by Sarah McLachlan

What it’s about: These days, "Angel" is most commonly associated with soundtracking those tear-jerking commercials for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). But Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlanoriginally wrote the mournful ballad after reading an article about the passing of Smashing Pumpkins keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin, who died from a heroin overdose in July 1996 at 34 years old. 

"I wrote 'Angel' after being on the road for almost two years straight and was both mentally and physically drained," McLachlan wrote during a Quora Q&A session. "I went to a cottage north of Montreal to relax and write and read an article in Rolling Stone about the Smashing Pumpkins keyboard player who had OD'ed in a hotel room…the story shook me because though I have never done hard drugs like that, I felt a flood of empathy for him and that feeling of being lost and lonely and desperately searching for some kind of release."

Famous lyrics: “In the arms of the angel, fly away from here / From this dark cold hotel room and the endlessness that you fear / You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie / You're in the arms of the angel / May you find some comfort here.”

Related: 40 Meaningful Songs About Death, Loss and Grief to Help You Cope

13. 'Ohio' by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

What it’s about: With its vivid lyrics and raw grief, the Neil Young-written 1970 protest anthem is a reaction to the Kent State shootings that occurred that spring, during which Ohio National Guard officers shot and killed four university students during a Vietnam War protest. Young reportedly was galvanized to write the lyrics after seeing horrific photos of the tragedy in LIFE magazine.

"For years I couldn't sing it," the performer said of "Ohio" during the 2006 Freedom of Speech tour, per The Guardian. “I felt I was kinda taking advantage of something that happened and we were trading on somebody's misfortunes … to give the audience a kind of rush of nostalgia … In this period of time, that doesn't apply. What it is now is, it's a history. We're bringing history back. That's what folk music does."

Famous lyrics: "Tin soldiers and Nixon coming / We're finally on our own / This summer I hear the drumming / Four dead in Ohio."

Related: ’70s Soft Rock Band Singer Is Behind the Tune Ranked ‘Saddest Country Song of the 1990s’

14. 'Hands' by Various Artists

What it’s about: Just one day after the June 2016 terror attack at gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida—during which 49 people were killed with dozens more wounded—songwriters Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels and BloodPop wrote this charity single. Produced by Mark Ronson, the song features more than two dozen artists, including Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Selena Gomez, Imagine Dragons, Pink, Mary J. Bligeand Kacey Musgraves. 

Along with funding medical care and counseling for the survivors, proceeds from the song were donated to LGBTQ+ organizations—including the Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD.

Famous lyrics: “Can hold a gun and hold your heart / Can put out fires and make 'em start / Skin and bones and flesh and blood / With all this nerve, how did we get this numb?”

15. 'Strange Fruit' by Billie Holiday

What it’s about: In 1937, Abel Meeropol wrote the anti-lynching poem that would go on to serve as the lyrics for Billie Holiday’s haunting jazz standard "Strange Fruit." As reported by NPR, the songwriter-poet was reportedly moved to write the piece after seeing Lawrence Beitler’s famously chilling 1930 photograph of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith, who were lynched in Marion, Indiana after murdering a white factory worker. 

After Meeropol set the words to music, Holiday began performing the song live in 1939— reportedly at the end of her sets as she feared retaliation. Six decades later, "Strange Fruit" was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its historical and cultural significance. 

Famous lyrics: “Southern trees bear a strange fruit / Blood on the leaves and blood at the root /  Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze / Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.”

16. 'All My Love' by Led Zeppelin

What it’s about: On July 26, 1977, the family of Robert Plant—the enigmatic frontman of Led Zeppelin—suffered an unthinkable loss: While Plant was on tour in America with the rock band, his five-year-old son Karac suddenly died from a stomach virus back home in England. Co-written with his band mate John Paul Jones, the rock ballad "All My Love" emotionally pays tribute to Plant’s late son, illustrating both the profound sorrow of his loss and the joy of his life. 

Plant discussed the song during a 2018 appearance on Dan Rather'sThe Big Interview: "I think it was just paying tribute to the joy that he gave us as a family. And in a crazy way still does… Every now and again, he turns up in songs, for no other reason than I miss him a lot."

Famous lyrics: “Yours is the cloth, mine is the hand that sews time / His is the force that lies within / Ours is the fire, all the warmth we can find / He is a feather in the wind.”

Related: 1977’s Sweetest Love Song Comes With a Surprisingly Dark Backstory

17. 'Dear Hate' by Maren Morris

What it’s about: The country music community and America at large were horrified to learn of the October 2017 Mass shooting that took place at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire on the crowd, killing 60 people and wounding at least 413 others. It was near-impossible to make sense of such a senseless act, which is the deadliest mass shooting by a lone assailant in the country’s history. But country stars Maren Morrisand Vince Gill tried to do just that with their 2017 song "Dear Hate."

Morris—who performed at the festival one night before the tragedy—announced the song with this note on social media: "Hate is everywhere and I’m sick of not doing enough. In the darkest tunnel there is still love & music. That’s what it’s here for."

Famous lyrics: “Dear Hate, I saw you on the news today / Like a shock that takes my breath away / You fall like rain, cover us in drops of pain / I'm afraid that we just might drown.”

Related: The Saddest Country Song of the 2000s Will Break Your Heart

18. 'The Ballad of Ira Hayes' by Johnny Cash

What it’s about: Famously recorded byJohnny Cash, this true-story track written by folk singer Peter La Farge centers on Ira Hayes. Hayes was a Pima Native American Marine and one of the six men hoisting the American flag on Mount Suribachi during World War II, as immortalized in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima. The photo painted him and his comrades as heroes, but Hayes led a troubled life after the war, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. He died from alcohol poisoning in January 1955. 

Famous lyrics: “Call him drunken Ira Hayes / He won't answer anymore / Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian / Nor the Marine that went to war.”

Related: Saddest Country Song of the 1980s Was Recorded by Former Marine Who Achieved International Fame

19. 'New York Mining Disaster 1941' by the Bee Gees

What it’s about: Despite the song title, the tragedy at the focus of this 1967 Bee Gees ballad took place in Wales. Written by Barry and Robin Gibb, the song was inspired by the Aberfan mining disaster one year prior, when the collapse of a colliery spoil tip caused the deaths of 116 children and 28 adults. The song reimagines the tragedy from the perspective of a miner trapped in the cave-in, who is hopelessly waiting to be rescued. 

Famous lyrics: "I keep straining my ears to hear a sound / Maybe someone is digging underground / Or have they given up and all gone home to bed / Thinking those who once existed must be dead."

20. 'Birmingham Sunday' by Joan Baez

What it's about: Written by Richard Fariña and made famous by his sister-in-law—folk legend Joan Baez—"Birmingham Sunday" refers to the September 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama by the Ku Klux Klan. Four young Black-American girls—Addie Mae Collins (aged 14), Denise McNair (11), Carole Robertson (14) and Cynthia Wesley (14)—were killed and another 22 people were injured in the unconscionable act of terrorism. 

Famous lyrics: “Come round by my side and I'll sing you a song / I'll sing it so softly, it'll do no one wrong / On Birmingham Sunday the blood ran like wine / And the choirs kept singing of freedom.”

Next, 25 Sad Country Songs for When You're in the Mood for a Good Cry

If your ideal getaway includes bookstores, coastal charm, and conversations with authors, then a weekend in Newburyport should be at the top of your list. Each spring, this picturesque seaside town transforms into a literary haven during the Newburyport Literary Festival, and it’s the perfect excuse to plan a cozy, culture-filled escape.

This is one of my personal favorite weekends of the year! Nothing beats being surrounded by book-lovers and a sea breeze for a full weekend of fun.

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Related: 17 Best Things to Do in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Including Sustainable Travel Ideas

A Festival Made for Book Lovers

Held April 24–26, 2026, the Newburyport Literary Festival brings together readers and writers for a weekend of panels, readings, and conversations across genres. What makes this festival especially appealing is its accessibility. Most events are free and take place across town, from churches to local bookstores to community spaces; however, a few are ticketed and require advance registration.

The weekend kicks off with an opening night event at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, followed by a full Saturday of programming that includes everything from “Breakfast with the Poets” to panel discussions with novelists, historians, and biographers. 

With dozens of authors and sessions to choose from, you can easily tailor your schedule, whether you’re into poetry, fiction, or thought-provoking nonfiction.

@watchcollwrite

Follow along as I go to the Newburyport literary festival! I saw a bunch of amazing authors speak on different topics, caught up with an author friend, ate some good food downtown Newburyport, drank a lot of coffee, and picked up Pineapple Street from my favorite local indie bookstore! All in all? 10/10. #literaryfestival #newburyport #newburyportma #northshoremassachusetts #northshoremass #pineapplestreet #newbooksmell #newbooksuggestion #newbooktok #booktok #mombooktok #mombookclub #authorssupportingauthors #authorssupportauthors

♬ Obituary - Alexandre Desplat Exploring Newburyport Between Events

While the festival is the main draw, Newburyport itself is just as much a highlight.

The best way to start your morning is with a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk overlooking the Merrimack River. The mix of historic brick buildings and harbor views gives the town a distinctly New England feel.

From there, wander through downtown, where you’ll find independent shops, candy stores, art galleries, and, of course, bookstores. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours browsing and discovering new reads.

If the weather cooperates, take a short drive to Plum Island. Known for its sandy beaches and wildlife refuges, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a morning of literary panels.

Related: This 66-Year-Old Book Is No. 1 on Goodreads’ List of ‘Books That Everyone Should Read Once’

Where Food Meets Atmosphere

No weekend getaway is complete without good food, and Newburyport delivers.

Between festival sessions, grab lunch at one of the town’s many cozy cafés or seafood spots. Fresh lobster rolls, clam chowder, and classic New England fare are easy to find here. In the evening, the town’s restaurants offer everything from casual dining to more upscale options, all within walking distance of most festival venues.

The best part? You’ll likely find yourself dining alongside authors, fellow readers, and festival-goers, which only adds to the experience.

@roadsodastravel

Visiting #Newburyport #Massachusetts is such a treat when the outdoor dining is in full force, the waterfront has so many boats going by, and shop doors are open. What else would you do here? #travel #northshore #hiddengem #hiddengems #visitmassachusetts @newburyportma

♬ There She Goes - CYRIL & MOONLGHT & The La's Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

To truly enjoy a book lover's weekend in Newburyport, a little planning goes a long way.

• Plan your schedule in advance: With multiple sessions happening simultaneously, review the festival lineup in advance and prioritize your must-see events.
• Arrive early for popular panels: Seating can fill up quickly, especially for well-known authors.
• Stay nearby: Book accommodations within walking distance of downtown to make it easy to move between venues without worrying about parking.
• Built-in downtime: It’s tempting to pack your schedule, but leaving time to explore shops, grab coffee, or walk along the water makes the weekend feel more balanced.
• Use public transportation if possible: You can reach Newburyport via the MBTA commuter rail from Boston, making it an easy, car-free getaway. 

Why This Weekend Stands Out

The entire town of Newburyport becomes part of the experience, creating an intimate, community-driven feel that’s hard to find at larger events.

It’s also a reminder of how travel and reading go hand in hand. Just as books transport you to new places, destinations like Newburyport offer a chance to slow down, explore, and connect with stories, with people, and with a sense of place.

Whether you come for the authors, the scenery, or a bit of both, it’s the kind of getaway you’ll want to turn into a yearly tradition.

If you haven’t checked in on Chattanooga lately, the "Scenic City" is having a major moment. Long known for its outdoor adventures and the famous Choo Choo, the Tennessee destination just reached a massive hospitality milestone: the opening of the Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga Downtown.

Located at 105 W. Main St., this isn't just another cookie-cutter hotel; it’s the first-ever Hyatt property in the city and only the second "Caption" branded hotel in the U.S. (following the Nashville debut). Situated in the heart of the trendy Southside District, the 123-room hotel is designed to be a "neighborhood hangout" that just happens to have beds, blending industrial history with a very modern, social vibe.

Related: Why Hilton’s Newest ‘Approachable Luxury’ Brand Is the Ultimate 2026 Girls’ Trip Destination

The Highlights: Rooftop Pools and Asian-Inspired Soul Food

Hyatt Hotels

The real draw for both locals and travelers is the food and beverage scene, which feels more "boutique cool" than "hotel lobby":

• Stratus Rooftop Lounge: This is the crown jewel. It features a lounge pool and unobstructed views of Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River valley. It’s poised to be the spot for craft cocktails while watching the sunset over the ridges.
• Nomia Modern Kitchen: Located on the ground floor, this spot is serving up what they call "Asian-inspired cuisine with a Tennessee soul." Think inventive dishes that use regional ingredients to create something totally unique to the Southside.
• Talk Shop: Hyatt’s signature "hangout" space in the lobby. It’s part coffee shop, part workspace, and part cocktail bar, designed to adapt as the day goes on.

Related: Is This the New ‘It’ Spot for a Solo Trip? Hyatt Just Opened a Stunning Coastal Retreat in Portugal

Sustainability and Style

The rooms are designed for the modern traveler—meaning floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum natural light and smart storage solutions so you don't feel cramped. Plus, they’ve leaned into eco-friendly touches like Apotheke plant-based bath products in multi-use bottles to cut down on plastic waste.

The Pro-Tip: If you’re a World of Hyatt member, the opening deals are actually impressive. You can earn double points for stays booked through June 22, 2026. If you’re traveling with your dog (up to 75 pounds), this is also one of the most pet-friendly upscale options in the city. Since the Southside is so walkable, you can grab a coffee at Talk Shop and head straight out to explore the local art galleries and the riverfront without ever needing your car.

Related: Marriott’s New ‘Series’ Brand is the Answer to Your Mid-Range Europe Travel Prayers

When it comes to cake—be it for a birthday, wedding, or party—you have plenty of options. Some home bakers take on the task themselves, whipping up a treat from scratch. Others turn to local bakeries for customized sweets. But if you need a cake quickly and, ideally, for a low price, grocery store cakes are a go-to option.

If you're going the grocery store route, you might not think of Walmart. But the big box chain has a bakery with a devoted fan following. Walmart serves up a wide range of cakes, from your standard sheet cake to more creative Unicorn Cotton Candy Cakes that are a hit with the younger crowd.

Because this is Walmart we're talking about, you can score a sizable cake for a low price. And, if you want to get a custom cake, you can score one well below what you'd pay at a local, independent bakery. Walmart's bakery has a little something for everyone, like bite-size red velvet cheesecakes you can whip out at a dinner party to sheet cakes that are large enough to feed the neighborhood. Walmart even does customized wedding cakes on the cheap.

Naturally, there's been chatter online about Walmart's bakery, and specifically its cakes. One TikTok user ordered a custom round birthday cake from the Walmart bakery and posted about the positive experience. Many commenters agreed with the sentiment, agreeing that the Walmart bakery is an underrated source for custom cakes.

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@mrscowdell

$14 Custom birtbday cake from Walmart🫢😍 Obsessed is an understatement!! #walmartfinds #walmartbirthdaycake #girlythings #customcakes #geminiseason #birthdaygirl

♬ This Will Be - audios4you

There is a huge caveat to mention: Not all Walmarts have a bakery, and some are more impressive than others. My closest Walmart doesn't have one, and you'll have wildly different experiences at others in my area, depending on which you visit. So, check out the reviews before visiting a Walmart bakery to get a better sense of what you'll get in advance.

But Walmarts with top-tier bakeries are a great option for cakes galore. Even then, the sheer variety of cake types, sizes, flavors and customizations can be overwhelming. That's where this guide comes in. Here's what I've learned through careful research, personal experience with several Walmart bakeries and custom cakes and speaking to Walmart spokesperson Tricia Moriarty.

Related:The 12 Best Things to Buy at the Costco Bakery, According to a Superfan

How Much Does a Walmart Cake Cost?

Courtesy Korin Miller

As with all stores, prices vary by size, type of cake and level of customization.

To give you a sense of the price range, something like a small (6-inch) round cake starts at $15, including customizations like cake flavor and frosting color. Tiered round cakes, like this balloon animals two-tiered cake (with 10-inch and 6-inch layers) will run you $68. Fully customizable sheet cakes will cost anywhere from $16 to $60, depending on whether you get an eighth, quarter, half, or full sheet size. Meanwhile, cupcake cakes cost either about $16 or $25, letting you choose between a 12-cupcake or 24-cupcake size.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Costco Cakes

What Are My Flavor Options?

Courtesy Korin Miller

Walmart rolls out some really cool flavor combinations, but those are usually pre-made or options that you order as-is. I spotted that Unicorn Cotton Candy cake I mentioned for $5.98 that my kids flipped over, for example. (You can check out TikTok for the latest "it" Walmart cake — the chain rolls out new ones all the time.)

But you're generally limited to vanilla/white or chocolate cake flavor base options. (Even that Unicorn Cotton Candy cake has a vanilla base.) With tiered cakes, you have the option of choosing options being strawberry or Bavarian cream (and these do include a $3 up-charge), while the icing is either buttercream or "whipped" (a light, fluffy icing). If chocolate frosting is what you're after, make sure to order one that specifically comes with said type of frosting, like this Chocolate Sophistication sheet cake.

Walmart mixes things up a little bit with flavor options, but it really depends on the cake. For some cakes, like this adorable Minnie Mouse sheet cake, you can choose yellow or marble cake as your flavor of choice. Keep in mind that yellow and marble aren't flavor options for all cakes, so you'll have to browse through the options to figure out which ones do offer these specialty flavors.

And if all else fails, you can always go the pre-made route for more flavor diversity. Walmart also offers pre-made, specialty cakes, like the aforementioned cotton candy one, this iced cinnamon one, or this chocolate cake. You just have to look for them in-store.

What About Decorations and Designs?

Courtesy Korin Miller

While a cake's flavor is an important factor, there's one other important element that's (arguably) a little more fun: the decorations. When you order a custom cake — sheet or tiered — Walmart gives you a large selection of frosting color options, along with a couple of options for the piping along the cake's border. But the customizations don't stop there, as you can add frosting flowers, balloons or sprinkles to the top of the cake as well. Many cakes even come with cute plastic toppers, like this Pastel Mermaid Heart Cake, so you don't need to have any decor customizations in mind to still end up with a well-adorned dessert.

It's easy to customize a cake and see all the options available to you on Walmart's website (you can use the app, too). Just choose the type of cake you want, then the size, then you'll go through a whole process of selecting flavor, filling, frosting color and so forth.

You can also order a cake in person at the bakery counter. When you're at the store, look for the booklet in the bakery area that lays out all of your options. Here's an example of someone who ordered a custom Walmart birthday cake:

@rachelleheasley

Replying to @Tina how I ordered my cake at Walmart @Walmart #walmart #walmartcake #walmartcakedecorator #birthdaycake #birthday #cake #tastetest #food #pink

♬ original sound - Rachelle

To understand a little more about Walmart's cake design and decoration process, we spoke to Walmart spokesperson Tricia Moriarty. "Every design and decoration is carefully thought through as to how we can bring a special moment to life for our customers," Moriarty tells Parade. "We think about what’s trending, what’s something that can surprise and delight a customer, what would make them proud of serving the item at a party." 

Moriarty says that Walmart bakers also try to think about how easy it will be to consistently make these designs. "That's really where the magic happens," she says. "Our cake decorators take great pride in their work—it’s their attention to detail, passion and creativity that make our items unique and special." 

Related: 31 of the All-Time Greatest Cake Recipes Everyone Should Try Once

Can I Order a Cake Online?

Courtesy Korin Miller

Absolutely! While you can roll into your local Walmart and pick up a pre-made cake on the spot, ordering online is the best way to get exactly what you want and know that it will be available when you need it. Walmart allows you to order cakes on its website and via the Walmart app, and even shows you a mock-up of what the cake will look like as you go.

How Far in Advance Do I Need To Order a Custom Cake?

Online orders need to be placed a minimum of 48 hours ahead of your pickup time, Moriarty says. But, as you can probably guess, the bakery tends to be busier around holidays, like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and during graduation season. For those times, she suggests placing your order at least 72 hours in advance to make sure you can get your preferred pickup time.

Need a cake sooner? If you order in person, you can usually get your cake within 24 hours, Moriarty tells Parade.

What Is the Serving Size of a Walmart Cake?

Courtesy Korin Miller

The number of servings you'll get from a Walmart cake ultimately comes down to the size you order. If it's a big sheet cake you want, you can get an option with up to 96 servings. Something like a half-sheet cake will give you 48 servings, and a quarter-sheet cake yields 24.

But sheet cakes are far from the only option. If you go the custom tiered route, you can choose between options that deliver 12, 16 and 24 servings. But then there are pre-designed options, like this pretty floral one, that provide 64 servings. A standard single-layer 8-inch heart cake, like this fun one topped with a trio of disco balls, yields 16 servings. You'll just have to browse through the options online to see exactly how many servings a given cake will yield, and most of them will provide that information on the first page after you click on a product.

How Long Does Walmart Cake Last?

Courtesy Korin Miller

Per Walmart itself, [scroll to the bottom -- there's an FAQ! KM] cakes should stay fresh for about five days. But things like fruit fillings are best if eaten sooner, probably within a day or two. If you plan to get your cake well before you're going to serve it, Moriarty tells Parade that you can freeze Walmart cakes and simply defrost them down the road.

Up Next:

Related: The 12 Best Things To Buy at the Walmart Bakery, According to a Superfan

Source:

• Tricia Moriarty, Walmart spokesperson

On April 4, 1969, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was abruptly canceled by CBS. The Sunday evening variety series aired for three seasons starting in February 1967, but not all of the episodes aired.

At the time, The New York Times reported that the network canceled the series amid claims that host Tom and Dick Smothers breached their contract by failing to submit episodes in time for advance screening by the network and its affiliates.

Per the outlet, CBS feared the comedian brothers had planned to feature an “irreverent and offensive” religious monologue by guest David Steinberg in an episode that would have aired on Easter. The cancellation came amid “months of argument over the program's content,” The Times noted.

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour often took a liberal view on religion and politics and was known for bits that opposed the Vietnam War. The brothers regularly butted heads with network censors. To the Times, Smothers claimed CBS’ ongoing protests were just a pretext “to get us off the air.”

The cancelation of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour came two weeks after the show had been optioned for a fourth season.

In 1970, ABC picked up the brothers for The Smothers Brothers Summer Show for nine episodes. The brothers would go on to other incarnations of their series in the late 1970s and '80s.

The Smothers Brothers sued CBS

In 1969, the Smothers brothers didn’t take their firing lying down. Speaking with The Associated Press 50 years later, Tom Smothers recalled that he and his brother filed a breach of contract lawsuit that CBS lost.

“We had such a minor payment dollar-wise, but that wasn’t the point. “We had to do it,” he said.

Dick Smothers added, “Don’t tell a comedian not to say a certain word. For sure, they’ll do it. The funny thing is, I look back at those things. They’re so benign, but at the time they were volatile.”

RELATED: 1962 No. 1 Hit Song Was an Iconic TV Theme—But It Almost Didn’t Happen

The Who blew up ‘The Smothers Brothers’ stage

One of the wildest moments on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour took place in September 1967 in an episode that featured guests Bette Davis and Mickey Rooney. Musical guests The Who delivered an explosive performance of their hit song "My Generation.” Literally.

Tom Smothers introduced the song by saying, “I can really identify with that [song] because I really identify with  these guys, I dig ‘em.” He also told viewers they’d be “surprised by what would happen” with the band’s performance.

According to Classic Rock, drummer Keith Moon reportedly filled his drum cannon with 10 times the legal amount of gunpowder allowed on a television soundstage after bribing a stagehand. At the song’s end, The Who bandmates began to violently destroy their instruments, with Moon kicking his drum kit off the riser, where it loudly exploded.  Several of the band members were reportedly injured.

Tom Smothers appeared visibly shaken by the incident but attempted to crack a joke about borrowing a bass guitar.

“Everyone was so shocked," Smothers later said. "I was busy just seeing where the bodies were, seeing if anyone was injured.”

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Prime Video just announced that The ChosenSeason 6 is set to premiere this fall, November 15.

The streamer also shared a first look, with star Jonathan Roumie wearing the crown of thorns and carrying his cross to Calvary as Jesus of Nazareth.

According to Deadline, the sixth season will premiere with three episodes followed by a single episode each week through Dec. 6. Due to the success of the series, with more than 300 million viewers worldwide across 175 countries, the Season 6 finale and Season 7 premiere will be released theatrically. Look for the Season 6 “movie” next spring.

“Everyone knows the basics of this part of the story, but not everyone knows the ‘why’ of the crucifixion and the extraordinary events of these 24 hours,” series creator Dallas Jenkins, also the chairman and CCO of 5&2 Studios, told the outlet. “We realized this not only deserved a season of television but a standalone full-length theatrical event as well. We wrote and filmed all of it with this in mind.”

A historical epic that explores the life of Jesus Christ, told through the eyes of those who knew him, The Chosen unfolds through not just Jesus, but his disciples, followers, and skeptics. Adding emotional depth and character backstories to the names in the Bible, the successful crowd-funded series re-creates the stories of the Good Book for modern audiences. 

Seasons 1 through 5 have thus far covered different phases of Jesus’ life and ministry, with Season 6 dedicated to his crucifixion storyline. The series finds especially heightened popularity during Easter weekend, when viewers revisit the story and binge the series.  

In Season 6, Roumie returns as Jesus along with Shahar Isaac as Peter, Paras Patel as Matthew, Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene, Noah James as Andrew, George H. Xanthis as John, Abe Bueno-Jallad as Big James, Vanessa Benavente as Mother Mary, Luke Dimyan as Judas, Richard Fancy as Caiaphas, Paul Ben-Victor as King Herod, and Andrew James Allen as Pontius Pilate, per Deadline.

The Chosen Seasons 1 through 5 is streaming on Prime Video.

Related: 1974 Classic That Became a Generational Hit Dropped 52 Years Ago Today

On April 4, 1964, the Beatles accomplished something extraordinary that no band had ever done before, and rarely since. Not only did the Fab Four top the Billboard Hot 100 with "Can't Buy Me Love," but it had a monopoly on all of the top five spots. "Twist and Shout" was No. 2, "She Loves You" was in the 3rd slot, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" held No. 4, and "Please Please Me" occupied No. 5.

In total, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison had 12 songs on the chart on April 4. "I Saw Her Standing There" sat at No. 31 and "Thank You Girl" was the furthest up, at No. 79. At that point, the British band was still at the very beginning of Beatlemania, after having made their first of three appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show on Feb. 9, 1964.

That year, Beatlemania and the Hot 100 were so inextricably linked that the Beatles knocked themselves out of the No. 1 spot twice. First, when "She Loves You" took over from "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and then when "Can't Buy Me Love" took over from "She Loves You."

In 2019, Billboard listed the "top 125 artists of all time" based on chart history, and unsurprisingly, the Beatles came out on top. "The Beatles have tallied the most No. 1 hits in the 61-year history of the Hot 100, with 20," Billboard acknowledged. "Their closest competitor is Mariah Carey, with 18."

The Beatles maintained the only act to achieve the illustrious feat for 57 years. But the week of Sept. 18, 2021, Drake broke their record thanks to the release of Certified Lover Boy 15 days earlier. The Canadian rapper not only occupied Billboard's Hot 100 top five spots, but the entire top ten. The only slot he didn't occupy was No. 6, which held "Stay," by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber.

Drake's feat didn't last long, though. The following year, Taylor Swift bested both musical acts. Her tenth studio album, Midnights, debuted on October 22, 2022, and by November 2, 10 of the 13 tracks occupied the top ten spots on Billboard's Hot 100.

Many devout Christians spend the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday attending a variety of services. We also know from Scripture a number of things Jesus did during his last week on Earth—who he spent his time with and where he visited.

But what about when the church goes dark, and everything falls silent after the Good Friday service? The hustle and bustle of Holy Week stops. When the body of Christ is taken down from the cross, and Joseph of Arimathea wraps the body in a clean linen cloth and lays Jesus in the tomb meant for him.

Three days. That's how long Jesus stayed in that tomb, lifeless. Friday. Saturday. Sunday. We know details about the crucifixion on Friday and the resurrection on Sunday. But let's take a closer look at Holy Saturday. 

Related: What Are the 7 'I Am' Statements of Jesus?

What Is Holy Saturday and Why Do We Celebrate It?

Its traditional Latin name is Sabbatum Sanctum. A few other names include "Easter Eve" and the "Great Sabbath." This is the day the Lord rested, and the church, too, refrains from activity. It's a time of fasting and mourning, symbolically seated near the tomb, grieving alongside Mary and the disciples.

According to Catholic Culture, "It has been called the 'Second Sabbath' after creation." Silence and reflection are encouraged.

Some Orthodox Churches, including Coptic, Ethiopian and Eritrean, call this day "Joyous Saturday," and some others, "the night of light and joy."

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What Do Christians Celebrate on Holy Saturday?

For Christians, Holy Saturday marks the day that Jesus's body was in the tomb. As a result, it's considered a day of "anticipation" as followers eagerly await Easter sunrise and His triumph over death.

Related: 75 Holy Saturday Blessings for Easter Weekend

When Is Holy Saturday 2026?

For those who use the Western (Gregorian) calendar, Holy Saturday falls on April 4 in 2026. Christians using the Julian calendar observe Holy Saturday on April 4 as well.

Related: History of Easter Traditions and Easter Celebrations

What Happens on Holy Saturday? 

On Holy Saturday, there isn't a liturgical service, and the sacraments—with the exceptions of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick—are not practiced.

In homes, the Easter feast is prepared. Around the world, some churches offer blessings over Easter food. We are a people who know death is defeated, but there's a pensive, serious nature to this day as well. And in the Bible, the scriptures tell us that the women prepared spices and ointments so that they could give Jesus a proper burial after the Sabbath (Luke 23:56).

Related: When Is Good Friday 2025?

Is Easter Saturday the Same as Holy Saturday?

Photo by mbolina from Getty Images/Canva

The two are the same in that they refer to the same day. Holy Saturday is part of the Easter Triduum, along with Holy Thursday and Good Friday. It lines up with the Jewish Sabbath before the Christian Resurrection Sunday.

Holy Saturday is the last day of Lent and the conclusion of Holy Week. It's followed immediately by the Easter Vigil, which begins just before nightfall and must conclude before daybreak. This service is known as a time of "waiting for the Lord" in the church.

Easter Vigils can include lighting of the "new fire," a blessing of the font, the baptism of new converts (if there are any) and the reminder for all Christians to remember their baptism.

Related: Renew Your Strength in the Lord With These 130 Bible Verses

History and Origins of Holy Saturday

The Eternal World Television Network: Great Britain (EWTN) states that the Catholic church catechism has historically taught two main teachings about Holy Saturday. First, "Scripture calls the abode of the dead, to which the dead Christ went down, 'hell'–Sheol in Hebrew or Hades in Greek–because those who are there are deprived of the vision of God" (Catechism 633).

Secondly, "Jesus did not descend into hell to deliver the damned, nor to destroy the hell of damnation, but to free the just who had gone before him" (Catechism 633).

Historically, it has been a final day of fasting and penance. As recorded on Catholic.com, a document by Rabanus Maurus (a church writer from the ninth century) offers details about the Holy Saturday service:

"The congregation remained silent in the church awaiting the dawn of the Resurrection, joining at intervals in the psalmody and chant and listening to the reading of the lessons."

This matches up with records of how the earliest church observed Holy Saturday as well.

Related: What Does 'Maundy Thursday' Mean? Find Out More About This Important Day During Holy Week

A 1961 country hit that helped redefine the genre has been ranked among the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone, cementing its place as one of the most enduring recordings in music history.

“Crazy,” recorded by Patsy Cline, remains a defining example of the Nashville Sound and one of the most recognizable songs of its era.

Related: 1962 Patsy Cline Classic Was a No. 1 Hit 64 Years Ago Today

Written by Willie Nelson, the song nearly didn’t become the classic it is today. Early on, some artists passed on it, and Cline herself was unsure about recording it at first. But after hearing the demo and working through its unusual phrasing, she ultimately made it her own.

Released in 1961, “Crazy” became a major crossover success. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard country chart and climbed into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Cline’s biggest pop hit and expanding her audience beyond country music.

Related: 1971 Classic Ranked No. 1 ‘Best Album of the 70s’

The song’s emotional core also helped set it apart from other country hits of the time. Its lyrics capture the quiet confusion and heartbreak of a fading relationship, with a sense of vulnerability that felt more in line with pop and jazz standards than traditional country storytelling. That blend of styles made “Crazy” stand out on radio and helped introduce a broader audience to country music at a time when crossover success was still relatively rare.

The recording also stood out for its smooth, polished production. Under producer Owen Bradley, Cline’s version blended traditional country storytelling with pop-influenced arrangements—an approach that helped define the Nashville Sound and opened the door for broader crossover success in the genre.

Related: 1962 Connie Francis Classic Made History When It Hit No. 1 64 Years Ago Today

Beyond its chart performance, the song’s legacy has only grown over time. It has been widely recognized as a country standard and, decades after its release, was named the most-played song on jukeboxes in the United States. It was also inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, further solidifying its cultural impact.

Cline’s vocal performance remains at the center of the song’s lasting appeal. Her delivery—controlled yet deeply emotional—transformed the lyrics into something timeless, setting a standard for generations of artists who followed.

Though her career was tragically cut short in 1963 at the age of 30 when she was killed in a plane crash, Cline’s influence has endured. Songs like “Crazy” continue to resonate across generations, not just as hits from another era, but as defining moments in the history of country music.

Related: 26 Years Ago Today, Buddy Holly’s Long-Lost Glasses Were Found 21 Years After Deadly Plane Crash

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Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mom, Nancy Guthrie, is still missing more than eight weeks after the abduction from her Tucson, Ariz., home—and a retired FBI agent recently weighed in on how Savannah's return to Today could impact the case.

On April 6, Savannah will return to the NBC morning show for the first time as co-anchor since her 84-year-old mother went missing. Retired FBI special agent Jason Pack spoke with Parade about the decision, making a hopeful prediction in the process.

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"What Savannah is doing by returning to Today on April 6 is something I have seen families do in cases like this more times than I can count," Pack, who is not involved in the case, told Parade. "You get up. You put one foot in front of the other. You trust the authorities to do their job. And you keep living."

He continued, "Because the alternative is letting whoever did this win twice. It just so happens that in this case, the person doing that is the anchor of the Today show, and her office is a national television studio."

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Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: What Could Crack the Case After 2 Months, Former FBI Agent Says (Exclusive)B

Additionally, Pack pointed out, "Across America right now, there are mothers and fathers, and brothers, and sisters of missing persons who are doing the exact same thing Savannah is doing. They are going back to waiting tables. They are going back to job sites. They are going back to offices and classrooms and driving routes. They are watching the news on their phones between customers. They are holding it together in public because life does not stop and bills do not stop and the world does not stop. Savannah’s situation is more visible. The grief is not more or less than theirs."

The retired FBI agent also speculated that Savannah's Today return will generate more coverage of Nancy's case. "And that coverage will reach people who have drifted away from this story," he predicted. "Some of them will remember something. Some of them will finally make that call. The reward is still out there. Decisions get made."

To conclude his thoughts on the topic, Pack shared, "I said it early in this case, and I will say it again. You can kidnap somebody’s mama. You cannot kidnap their backbone."

Nancy was last seen at her Catalina Foothills residence on the evening of Jan. 31. Despite a $1 million reward offer from Savannah, no one has come forward with information leading to her recovery. No suspect has been named in the case, as of writing.

Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: New Details on Suspect Situation Revealed by Law Enforcement Insider

In 1981, Stevie Nicks stepped away from Fleetwood Mac to record her first solo album, Bella Donna. The album became a massive hit, and her second single from the record played a pivotal part in its success.

The song, “Leather and Lace,”  was a duet with Nicks’ ex, Eagles legend Don Henley, whom she dated in the late 1970s following her split from bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. The single peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1982.  Decades later, Ultimate Classic Rock ranked “Leather and Lace” one of the greatest rock duets of all time.

Nicks and Henley beautifully traded verses in “Leather and Lace” as they intimately described the give and take in a romantic relationship between two musicians.

RELATED: The Witchy Rock Song That Inspired Stevie Nicks But Wasn’t Written About Her

In the liner notes to her Timespace compilation album, Nicks described the soft rock ballad as “one of the most special love songs that I would ever write.” She credited Henely for coming over every day to make her finish the song.

Nicks had originally penned the song for her good friend, country music pioneer Waylon Jennings, to record with his wife Jessi Colter.

“Then I found out that Waylon and Jessi were breaking up, and Waylon wanted to just sing it by himself,” she revealed. “After all the work I had put into the philosophy of two people dealing with this problem, I told Waylon that only four people in this world could sing this song: he and his wife, or myself and Don Henley. Bless his heart, Don did sing it with me.”

Stevie Nicks spent a lot of time perfecting ‘Leather and Lace’

Nicks detailed her long writing process for “Leather and Lace" in a 1982 interview with High Times magazine. When asked about Jennings and Colter, who ultimately remained married until Jennings’ death in 2002, Nicks confirmed, “I wrote it for them, and I wanted them to do it.”

She also shared that it was Jennings who actually pitched the title of the song to her.

 “Waylon Jennings asked me to write a song called ‘Leather and Lace.’ That’s his title,” Nicks said. “So I did, and I spent a lot of time on the psychology of the man and the woman in the music business both being stars in their own right and trying to live with each other and work and give Waylon a break and let him be a little weaker for a minute and let Jessi be a little stronger for a minute.”

“I mean, I was writing about Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, but I was writing about me and Lindsey. And I was, at that point, going out with Don Henley and I was writing about Don and me,” she added.

Noting that "Jessi and Waylon sort of broke up around then," Nicks explained, "I felt in my heart that either I had to do this song with Don, or Waylon had to do it with Jesse, or Waylon and I had to do it."

"Those were the only three possibilities for that song to be done," Nicks said. "It was the most disciplined song I had ever written.”

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I still remember the first time I realized travel didn’t have to be a blur of airports, iconic photo ops, and two‑day city blitzes. I watched the sun spread pink light over a quiet New England harbor, listening to fishermen chat over nets and gulls wheeling overhead. A calm washed over me. That moment grounded the idea that travel could mean getting under a place’s skin instead of sprinting between highlights.

Instead of checking boxes you return home with memories stitched from deep experiences and unexpected moments. In the United States, there are countless places that reward this pace, from peaceful small towns to regions that practically demand you slow down and breathe.

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Hidden Gems and Quiet Classics Across America1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Imagine a destination where cars are absent, bicycles and horse‑drawn carriages rule the roads, and each sunrise feels like a new chapter of calm. That’s Mackinac Island, a quintessential slow‑travel destination in the Great Lakes. Walkable roads, historic buildings, and shoreline trails invite you to measure time in footsteps rather than rush hours.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a blend of serenity, art, and nature without pressuring you to rush. Its craft breweries, vibrant art galleries, and calm mountain vistas make it ideal for slow discovery. Spend your days hiking or driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, dive into the local food scene at a leisurely pace, or find a cozy cafe to watch life unfold.

3. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

A short ferry ride from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard feels like an intentional escape. With six distinct towns, coastal walks, salt‑tanged breezes, and no rush to go anywhere fast, it’s a perfect slow travel backdrop. Rent a bike or simply walk through hidden beaches and quiet neighborhoods, and soon you’ll understand why visitors often extend their stays.

4. Door County, Wisconsin

The picturesque small towns hugging Door County’s shores are ideal for unwinding. Quiet ferry rides, cherry orchards, scenic bike paths, and cozy inns beckon travelers to slow down. Slow travel here means afternoons spent on a porch watching sailboats, evenings at local wineries, and mornings strolling farmers markets.

Related: Modern Country Named Most Culturally Rich Destinations in the World

5. Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, California

Along California’s Central Coast lies Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, a poetic seaside town of fairytale cottages, hidden gardens, and fog‑kissed beaches. This is a place to take long beach walks at sunset, sip local wine, and explore art galleries at a gentle pace.

6. Ann Arbor, Michigan

If you love slow mornings and leafy streets that invite exploration on foot, Ann Arbor might steal your heart. Walk riverside paths, browse independent bookstores, and linger over coffee in cozy cafes. More than a college town, it’s perfect for slow travel that makes you think, reflect, and unwind at once.

7.  Cape May, New Jersey

With elegant architecture and gentle shoreline breezes, Cape May is the kind of place you can visit for a weekend and end up staying a week. Cobblestone paths, brunch spots that take their sweet time, and a historic vibe that whispers stories make this town perfect for lingering.

8. San Juan Islands, Washington

Off the coast of Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands offer sea views, kayaking, whale‑watching, and picnic‑style afternoons that tempt you to stay longer. Quiet harbors and local artisans make each day feel like a curated experience, not a rushed itinerary.

@alder.and.ash

An island getaway—PNW style #pnwadventure #falltraveldestinations #exploringwestcoast #whalewatching #foxes #weekendtrip #wildlife #outdoorsygals #naturetraveler #nationalparks #washingtonstate

♬ original sound - Mackenzie 9. Bend, Oregon

Across Oregon, Bend has grown famous for its outdoor culture, craft breweries, and volcanic landscapes that ask you to slow down and explore them with intention. Whether you’re mountain biking along forest trails or sipping a local stout while stargazing, Bend rewards those who savor experiences rather than dash between highlights.

10. Cannon Beach, Oregon

For those whose soul is soothed by ocean views and wide sandy beaches, Cannon Beach is a sanctuary. Quiet residential stretches and cozy spots to simply watch tides rise and fall make it ideal for slow discovery. Spend your mornings strolling to Haystack Rock at low tide, afternoons browsing galleries, and evenings sipping wine by a fireplace.

Related: Why More Travelers Are Ditching Packed Itineraries for Slow Travel (And Loving It More)

Why Slow Travel Matters

Slow travel isn’t a trend, it’s a return to a richer way of exploring. In an era where many vacations feel like a blur, choosing to stay longer, talk with locals, and let routines form makes for travel that resonates long after you unpack the suitcase.

Some practical tips for slow travelers include:

• Plan with seasons in mind: Many slow destinations have defined rhythms. Islands like Mackinac are quieter and more meaningful outside peak rush.
• Choose walkable bases: Towns with compact centers let you explore on foot, which leads to more authentic experiences.
• Engage locally: Visit farmers markets, talk with workshop owners, and join community events to feel at home rather than visiting as a spectator.

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I’ve found that some of my most enduring travel memories weren’t about ticking off landmarks, but about the tiny, unplanned moments. These moments belong to slow travel, and these destinations invite you to discover them.

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Purchasing a large bedding bundle as opposed to buying each linen separately can save you a ton of time and energy. Generally, these sets cover all of your bedding bases, and they can provide some fun extras from time to time. If you want to revamp the look of your bedroom with just one click, our recommendation is to order the Sunham Isabella 8-Piece Comforter Set. 

This expansive bedding set is 62% off at Macy's. Originally $100, you can now score it for only $38, and it's currently available in five of the most popular mattress sizes! 

Sunham Isabella 8-Piece Comforter Set, $38 (was $100) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

According to shoppers, this comforter set comes with absolutely everything you need for your bed. This includes the comforter itself, a bedskirt, two classic pillowcases, two pillow shams, one fitted sheet, and one flat sheet. The only exception to this item list is the twin-sized version, which comes with just one less pillowcase and sham. Otherwise, the full, and queen versions of the comforter set come with all eight pieces. 

The comforter comes pre-stuffed with a hypoallergenic polyfill material, and is described as having a medium weight. Shoppers said that they felt super warm while sleeping underneath it, but didn't feel overheated either. The quality of the sheets was also lauded by shoppers, but what they loved the most is the set's intricate dark-toned damask print. It's on one side of the comforter and decorative pillow shams, while the other side features a simple striped pattern that uses complimentary navy blue hues. 

Related: Macy's Has Adorable Cowboy Boots on Sale for $48 That Will Be Your Favorite 'Statement' Piece

Shoppers said that this comforter set "is a great look for any bedroom," and that "the colors explode at first sight." They love its reversible construction, and said that both sides are equally "wonderful." Shoppers were "extremely pleased" with the quality that this bedding bundle offers, and said it looks "elegant" and "stylish."  

If you're tired of your current bedding and want an affordable one-stop shop deal, Macy's shoppers highly recommended checking out the Sunham Isabella 8-Piece Comforter Set. Everything you need to transform the look of your bedroom is included, and its sale price is unbeatable!

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.

If you’ve ever looked at the "all-inclusive" resorts in Mexico or the Caribbean and wished you could find that same stress-free value on the Las Vegas Strip, your luck just changed. Starting April 2, 2026, Caesars Entertainment is rolling out a first-of-its-kind Inclusive Summer Package at three of its most iconic center-Strip resorts: Harrah’s Las Vegas, The LINQ Hotel, and Flamingo Las Vegas.

Available for stays through August 2026, the bundle aims to solve the "hidden cost" headache of a Vegas vacation by wrapping everything from your room and resort fees to your meals and drinks into one nightly price.

Related: You Can Now Book 22 New All-Inclusive Resorts With Hyatt Points—But You’ll Want to Do It Before May

What’s Actually Included?

The package starts at $200 per night for one guest (with each additional guest adding $100). For that price, you aren't just getting a bed; you’re getting a full day-to-night itinerary:

• The Room: A standard king or double queen room at any of the three participating resorts, with taxes and resort fees already included (no checkout-day surprises here).
• Celebrity Chef Dining: Two meals per day at a massive variety of outlets. We’re talking full-service meals (appetizer, entrée, dessert) at heavy hitters like Gordon Ramsay Burger and Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar, or quick-service stops at Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay.
• Bottomless Drinks: Unlimited well drinks, house wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages (including Red Bull and coffee) at signature spots like the 3535 Bar and Bugsy’s Bar.
• The Perks: You’ll also get two anytime tickets to the High Roller Observation Wheel, free daily self-parking, and a 20% discount on those coveted cabanas at The Pool at The LINQ.

“As travelers look for more value options, we are proud to introduce an incredible offer in the center of the Las Vegas Strip,” said Dan Walsh, SVP and General Manager of the resorts.

Related: Why This Major Hotel Chain Is Offering to Pay for Your Teenager’s Vacation This Summer

Pro-Tip for Booking

This package is limited to four guests per reservation and a maximum stay of four nights. If you’re traveling with a group of friends, the "additional guest" fee of $100 is an absolute steal when you consider that it covers two full meals (including dessert and drinks) plus bottomless beverages at the bars.

The most "bang for your buck" move? Use your meal credits at the full-service spots like Fulton Café or Gordon Ramsay Burger. In a city where a single dinner and a few cocktails can easily hit $150 per person, this package essentially pays for itself before you even factor in the room.

Related: Two of Las Vegas' Most Popular Hotels Are Going All-Inclusive

It’s April, and while some of us may be craving springtime fun in our movies of choice, others are obsessed with thrills, secrets and suspense year-round. If you’re among those who enjoy a good nail-biter film no matter the month, Prime Video has added some great mysteries and thrillers to its April lineup, and we’re rounding up the finest of the bunch.

This list of the best thrillers and mysteries on Prime Video in April 2026 includes heart-pounding (and confounding) films such as Sherlock Holmes (starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law), as well as crime dramas and classic whodunits. Whether your preference is for the puzzling or the pulse-racing, this month’s Prime selection has something for every kind of mystery lover.

So grab the popcorn, pull a blanket up to your chin and get ready to press play on the best thriller and mystery movies on Amazon this month. 

Related: The 21 Best, Funniest Comedies on Prime Video Right Now

Best Thrillers To Stream on Prime Video in April

Sony Pictures

5. The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

Based on the book of the same name by John Keel and said to be inspired by true events that took place in the 1960s, The Mothman Prophecies follows John Klein (Richard Gere), a reporter who seeks to uncover the mysteries of the Mothman, a huge, moth-like figure with red eyes that has been witnessed by people in the Point Pleasant, West Virgina area, including Klein’s own wife before her death.

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Warner Bros. Pictures

4. Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Robert Downey Jr. won the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his portrayal of the eccentric detective in Guy Ritchie’s 2009 mystery adventure flick. Jude Law plays Dr. John Watson, Holmes’ companion and fellow investigator, and Rachel McAdamsstars as his professional rival and love interest, Irene Adler. A sequel to the popular film was released in 2011, with a third installment reportedly still in development.

Relativity Media

3. Limitless (2011)

Based on the 2001 novel The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn, Limitless centers on a struggling author (Bradley Cooper) who samples a new drug he hopes will help with his writer’s block, but finds that it does much more, sharpening his mental acuity to the extreme. Becoming a financial superstar attracts attention from a powerful business mogul (Robert De Niro), but the drug, NZT-48, comes with unforeseen side effects and dangerous consequences.

Related: 14 Best Free Movie and TV Streaming Services So You Can Stream More Money Into Your Bank Account

Indican Pictures

2. The Boondock Saints (1999)

This late-nineties cult classic offers non-stop, fast-paced thrills. It follows fraternal Irish-Catholic twins Connor and Murphy MacManus (Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus) who inadvertently become vigilantes when they take out two members of the Russian mafia in self-defense during a St. Patrick’s Day brawl. The brothers take cleansing Boston’s criminal underworld into their own hands—all while being hunted by a relentless FBI agent (Willem Dafoe).

Ana de Armas and Daniel Craig star in 'Knives Out.'

Claire Folger/Lionsgate

1. Knives Out (2019)

Topping our list of the best mysteries and thrillers on Prime Video is Knives Out. This movie features an Agatha Christie-inspired, classic murder mystery setup: There’s a bunch of people (Michael Shannon, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Toni Colette, Ana de Armas) in a fancy house with a dead body (Christopher Plummer), and they’re all possible suspects. The detectives (including Lakeith Stanfield) believe they’re investigating a suicide, but Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) thinks there’s more to the case.

This mystery/thriller won three Golden Globes, a British Academy Film Award and an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It also spawned two direct sequels. If you missed Knives Out when it first released in 2019, this is one movie you don’t want to miss!

Related: The 17 Best Scary Horror Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now