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Sometimes, all it takes is someone believing in you.

A Massachusetts Wendy's employee who once worked behind the counter to help support himself is now headed to Yale University after two of his managers made an extraordinary promise that changed the course of his life.

Thalles De Souza shared his inspiring story on Good Morning America on August 7, explaining that he began working at Wendy's while attending high school simply to make ends meet. At the time, he assumed the job would be temporary before moving into construction to earn more money for college. 

Instead, his managers, Usama El-Sehrawey and Terry Smily, had another idea.

"I said, 'You need to work hard, but if you stay with us at Wendy's, we will make sure you'll be able to go to college,'" El-Sehrawey recalled on GMA. For every hour De Souza worked, the managers quietly set aside money to help pay for his education. 

"It changed my whole perspective about life and about what I could actually do because someone believed in me," De Souza said. 

The scholarship helped him attend Cape Cod Community College, where he excelled academically before continuing his education, and eventually applying to Yale.

This fall, De Souza will enroll at the Ivy League university, where he plans to major in political science with a minor in human rights as he works toward becoming a lawyer — and possibly entering public service one day. 

His former managers say they always knew he had the potential.

"We saw a bright future in him, and so we wanted to help in any way we can," Smily said. 

To celebrate the milestone, De Souza posted an emotional video to Instagram capturing the moment he learned he had been accepted to Yale.

"I just couldn't control the emotions," he said. "Every single night that I slept at 3 in the morning to do homework, it was worth every second." 

After spending years eating his way across Italy, Stanley Tucci is setting the table somewhere new.

The Emmy-nominated actor and host has revealed that the next season of his acclaimed travel series Tucci In Italy will take viewers to the United Kingdom, where he has lived for nearly 15 years. Speaking on Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast on August 7, Tucci said the decision came from wanting to showcase a side of British cuisine that many people overlook.

"I wanted to do the U.K. because I just feel like there's so much here," Tucci said. "I'm not just talking about fancy restaurants... the produce, the seafood, the meat... the devoted people like fishermen, cheesemakers and farmers. That kind of stuff is amazing." 

The move marks a notable shift for the series, which has built its reputation exploring Italy's distinct regional cuisines and culinary traditions. While Italy remains close to Tucci's heart, he believes Britain has its own remarkable food culture that's worthy of the spotlight.
The actor also said filming the series has given him a deep appreciation for the people behind the food.

Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

"I think that the produce that’s here — the seafood that’s here, the meat that’s here, the devoted people like these fishermen or lobstermen, or a guy who raises pigs that will be like the best pork you’ll ever eat — that kind of stuff is amazing. And then, really amazing chefs that are devoted to farm-to-table or farm-to-fork, I guess is the new expression.” 

The announcement comes as Tucci in Italy is once again in the Emmy conversation, earning another nomination for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special. Tucci's previous CNN series, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, won three Emmy Awards before the actor partnered with National Geographic for the current incarnation.

In addition to filming the new season, Tucci is also staying busy on the acting front with upcoming projects, including The Devil Wears Prada 2, while continuing to balance his work behind the camera with life at home in London. 

Before Styx became one of the biggest rock bands of the late '70s and early '80s, Dennis DeYoung wrote a love song for the woman he'd known since he was a teenager.

That song was "Lady," the soaring ballad that appeared on the band's second studio album, Styx II, in 1973. DeYoung, who was 23 when the song was released, wrote the song for his wife, Suzanne, whom he had met at a high school dance years earlier. The couple married in 1970.

More than five decades later, "Lady" remains one of Styx's signature songs, as well as an early example of the power-ballad formula that would become a rock-radio staple.

"Lady" was the first song DeYoung ever wrote for Suzanne, but another first helped give the recording its distinctive sound.

DeYoung later recalled in an interview with Contemporary Keyboard magazine that he had written "Lady" on an electric piano. When Styx arrived at the studio to record it, however, he spotted an acoustic piano and decided to try playing the song on it. He liked what he heard enough to use the instrument on the finished recording. Remarkably, DeYoung said he had never played an acoustic piano before that session.

The result begins relatively gently before guitars and drums dramatically kick in, establishing the quiet-to-loud construction that would become a hallmark of Styx's music. Louder later included "Lady" at No. 26 on its list of the greatest power ballads of all time, calling it "one of the first-ever power ballads."

"'Lady' begins quietly with wafting keyboards and faint windchime jingles. Dennis DeYoung’s squeaky vocals are something of an acquired taste, but then the all-important ‘crunch’ arrives about halfway through – cue guitar pyrotechnics and a marching rhythm par excellence," wrote the outlet.

But in 1973, hardly anyone outside Styx's hometown of Chicago seemed to notice.

Originally released as a single from Styx II in September 1973, "Lady" received little promotion and initially failed to make the national charts.

Its fortunes changed thanks to Chicago radio.

After WLS DJ Jeff Davis heard the song playing on a jukebox at a pizza place on Chicago's North Side, he began championing it on the powerful station. "Lady" caught on locally and eventually spread to radio stations around the country.

The extraordinarily slow burn paid off. Nearly two years after Styx II was released, "Lady" climbed all the way to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1975. Its success helped send Styx II gold and gave the band the breakthrough it had been waiting for.

Billboard later ranked "Lady" as the No. 5 song in Styx's catalog, describing it as the "prototype" for the band's signature arrangement of a quiet beginning followed by an explosive rock payoff.

DeYoung went on to write and sing seven of Styx's eight Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Come Sail Away," "The Best of Times," "Mr. Roboto" and the band's only No. 1 single, "Babe."

But "Lady" came first: a love song written for his wife that initially went nowhere, only to become the record that helped transform Styx from a Chicago band into national rock stars.

Related: 1977 Fleetwood Mac Smash, Called the 'Most Iconic Breakup Album of All Time,' Is Finally Giving Up Its Secrets

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle covers a wide range of topics, including common orders at restaurants, musical theory, and milk options.

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 Saturday, August 8, 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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Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.

1 Across: Five lines on sheet music — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"

6 Across: Material for the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo's David —HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

7 Across: Bird that helps to rescue Nemo in "Finding Nemo" — HINT: Starts with the letter "P"

8 Across: ___ milk — HINT: Starts with the letter "O"

9 Across: Pal — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"

10 Across: Collective way of singing — HINT: Starts with the letter "U"

12 Across: Metal container that's a synonym for "insignificant" — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

13 Across: "Rare" order at a restaurant — HINT: Ends with the letter "K"

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

1 Down: Square cracker — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

2 Down: Three: Prefix — HINT: Ends with the letter "I"

3 Down: What often starts with an apple and ends with a zebra — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"

4 Down: Show off — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

5 Down: Ward (off) — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"

6 Down: Be sincere — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

7 Down: Throws a hissy-fit — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

11 Down: Destination for a mother-daughter day, perhaps — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"

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

1 Across: Five lines on sheet music — STAFF

6 Across: Material for the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo's David —MARBLE

7 Across: Bird that helps to rescue Nemo in "Finding Nemo" — PELICAN

8 Across: ___ milk — OAT

9 Across: Pal — BUD

10 Across: Collective way of singing — UNISON

12 Across: Metal container that's a synonym for "insignificant" — TINPOT

13 Across: "Rare" order at a restaurant — STEAK

1 Down: Square cracker — SALTINE

2 Down: Three: Prefix — TRI

3 Down: What often starts with an apple and ends with a zebra — ABCBOOK

4 Down: Show off — FLAUNT

5 Down: Ward (off) — FEND

6 Down: Be sincere — MEANIT

7 Down: Throws a hissy-fit — POUTS

11 Down: Destination for a mother-daughter day, perhaps — SPA

Related: 5 'Outdated' Cooking Rules Your Grandmother Swore By That Chefs Actually Still Use Today

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While statement pieces are eye-catching, minimalist jewelry pieces are a staple for accessorizing. They’re easy to wear, effortless to style, and add just the right amount of flair while still feeling understated. Case in point: these Ana Luisa Nate Pave Huggie Hoop Earrings at Nordstrom. Whether you’re wearing athleisure, streetwear, or a sundress, they’ll effortlessly complement your ensemble, making it look intentional and elegant. 

Ideal for everyday wear, these huggie earrings are the definition of versatility. If you’re looking to get your hands on a pair, right now is the best time because they’re currently on sale for 33% off during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, which runs until Aug. 9. Normally retailing for $85, they’re now marked down to just $57 for a few more days! 

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Featuring a sleek gold huggie hoop, these earrings exude quiet luxury. They have a tapered silhouette, boasting a wide base that subtly narrows upwards. The front of the hoops is adorned with pave-set cubic zirconia crystals, giving them a touch of glamour. These crystals are a great affordable alternative to diamonds, mimicking their brilliance and clarity. Faceted with multiple flat surfaces, the cubic zirconia crystals catch light from various angles and sparkle. 

Made of sterling silver, a hypoallergenic metal, these earrings are ideal for those with sensitive skin. They’re plated with 14-karat gold, giving them a shiny, polished finish with a luxe yellow hue. These earrings are tarnish-free and water-resistant, so they should remain in pristine condition for a while if properly cared for. 

Designed for convenience and easy wearability, these huggies have a hinge closure with a post insert. Unlike earrings with butterfly backings that are easy to lose and hard to insert, the closure is built into the frame for peace of mind. Once you insert the posts into your piercings, you just have to snap the earrings into place. 

• Ana Luisa Heart Stud Earrings, $27 (were $40) at Nordstrom
• Ana Luisa Bubble Letter Necklace, $91 (was $135) at Nordstrom
• Ana Luisa Isla Heart Ring, $51 (was $75) at Nordstrom

These lightweight earrings are comfortable to wear. A Nordstrom shopper with sensitive ears attested to this, noting that they’ve worn them for over a week and forgot that they had them on. They also noted that they were able to shower and sleep with them on without any issues. 

“They are very pretty and exude minimalist chic vibes,” one reviewer said. “It is very easy to pair them with most of my outfits and other accessories.” Another shopper described them as “very dainty and comfortable” and said that they’re “nice for everyday wear.” A few shoppers stated that they thought these earrings would have been larger, but they have a 0.5-inch drop, dangling right below the lobes, which is actually an ideal size for everyday earrings. 

Related: Macy’s Sparkly $7 Gold Pavé Hoop Earrings Make Everyday Outfits Look More Expensive

Striking a balance between elegant and understated, the Ana Luisa Nate Pave Huggie Hoop Earrings are an easy choice for nearly any occasion. Head to Nordstrom and score them on sale for just $57 during the retailer's Anniversary Sale. Be sure to hurry because this deal will only last until Aug. 9! 

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.

Vince Neil's latest social media interaction has the internet experiencing some serious secondhand embarrassment.

The Mötley Crüe frontman is getting roasted online after leaving a very public two-word message for an NSFW account that appears to be an AI bot posting sensitive adult content.

The interaction happened on Threads on Friday, August 7, where Neil responded to a post from an account using the handle @alicia750497 with a simple “hi love.” While that message might not raise eyebrows on its own, a look at the risqué account behind it quickly lit up social media.

The user's profile is filled with posts labeled as sensitive adult content and appears to feature an AI-generated woman rather than a real person. The 65-year-old’s reply had remained live for at least three hours as of the time of writing, so it’s safe to say it gave social media users plenty of time to react.

“vincent mi boy the girls girls girls are not supposed to be generated via data center 😭,” one fan replied.

“Dr. Feelgood please help him,” joked another.

“oh no, grandpa vince 😐,” said a third, while a fourth wrote, “Vince, my brother…”

So far, Neil hasn't publicly addressed his Threads interaction. 

READ MORE: Legendary ‘80s Rock Band Slammed Over New Concert Intro Video

This isn’t the first time artificial intelligence has put Mötley Crüe at the center of an online conversation this week.

The band faced criticism a few days ago after videos from its ongoing 2026 North American Carnival of Sins Tour showed a new concert intro that many fans suspected was AI-generated. The eerie sequence features a menacing clown welcoming the crowd before declaring, “The only prizes you’ll win tonight are nightmares.” Its glossy, uncanny visuals led viewers to speculate that artificial intelligence had been used to create the opener, though Mötley Crüe has not confirmed how the footage was made.

The band's 33-date tour kicked off in July and celebrates both Mötley Crüe's 45th anniversary and 20 years since its original Carnival of Sins tour. 

If you ever watched MTV or turned on the radio during the '80s, then you know Phil Collins was pretty much inescapable. After all, the man had a whopping seven #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "One More Night" and "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)," not to mention a bunch of other super popular songs in the Top 20.

Considering what a major presence Collins was on the '80s charts, it's only fitting that one of his songs was the last #1 hit of the entire decade...as well as the last #1 hit of his career.

Released as the first single from Collins' 1989 solo album ...But Seriously, "Another Day in Paradise" was inspired by an encounter he had with an unhoused mother of two children on the street.

"I felt awkward," Collins admitted, per Stereogum. "I didn't ignore her, but at the same time, I didn't stop and give her some money."

The lyrics describe the uncomfortable interaction:

She calls out to the man on the street
"Sir, can you help me?
It's cold, and I've nowhere to sleep
Is there somewhere you can tell me?"
He walks on, doesn't look back
He pretends he can't hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there

At the time, Collins was frustrated with the "middle-of-the-road balladeer" he felt he'd been branded with after producing such pop-infused hits as "Two Hearts" and hoped that "Another Day in Paradise" would prove he was capable of taking on heavier topics. Unfortunately, while the song was a commercial success (obviously, since it went to #1), Collins experienced some significant backlash from those who felt the wealthy celebrity wasn't qualified to sing about poverty.

Collins attempted to defend himself, telling the Times, "When I drive down the street, I see the same things everyone else sees. It's a misconception that if you have a lot of money you're somehow out of touch with reality." 

Related: '80s Rock Icon, 74, Hints at First New Music in Decades Following Health Struggles

He went on to point out that he wasn't even trying to write about homelessness, explaining that he was just playing around on the piano at the time.

"I decided to see what would happen when I started singing. When I began, the words just came out, 'She calls out to the man on the street.' I didn't set out to write a song about the homeless. Those were just the words I happened to sing," he explained.

In the years since, critical opinion hasn't particularly softened towards "Another Day in Paradise." In 2007, Blender said Collins "wrote the worst song ever about homelessness." A few years later, in 2010, David Sheppard of the BBC called the song "cringe-worthy," citing it as one of the times Collins "painted the bull's-eye on his own forehead." And in 2016, Mark Beaumont of NME slammed "Another Day in Paradise" as "arguably the corniest multi-millionaire-notices-homelessness-from-gold-plated-limousine ballad ever recorded."

Even if "Another Day in Paradise" was the last #1 for Collins, it certainly wasn't his last hit, so it apparently didn't do much to tarnish his legacy. Plus, at the time of this writing, the song has 871,575,578 streams on Spotify alone. (Another day in paradise, indeed.)

Related: 1984 No. 1 Breakup Anthem Inspired by Real-Life Heartbreak Is Still Making Us Cry 42 Years Later

While Rush fans are loving everything about the ongoing Fifty Something reunion tour, they just got some unfortunate news from Geddy Lee. In a new interview, he was asked about the possibility of new music from the current lineup of the band. But the answer wasn't what fans hoped for.

Lee spoke with Chile's Radio Futuro, transcribed by Blabbermouth.net, and talked about how much hard work and time went into the 2026 tour. The interviewer then asked about new music, with Lee bluntly responding, "No."

He elaborated, "We have enough to do. We're still trying to remember the old songs and play them," noting how much work they currently have on their plate with the ambitious concerts.

Earlier in the interview, Lee talked about how much they rehearsed before the shows. He declared, "People think you can just walk up on stage and play three hours' worth of those songs. I've got news for you — even the guys that wrote those songs have to work really hard to perfect them."

Related: 1976 Rock Song, Written by Tom Petty After His First Band Fell Apart, Launched One of Rock’s Greatest Bands

They also had to give new drummer Anika Nilles the time to learn 43 songs, including plenty of very complicated drum parts.

Lee praised Nilles' dedication to the job, saying, "She's a brilliant player technically, but she's also a brilliant person, and so she understood the gravity of what she was taking on, and she's able to rise above the difficulties and deliver." Nilles took on the role of tour drummer in the wake of longtime drummer Neil Peart's death.

Rush is currently in the middle of their Fifty Something world tour, which completely sold out. They've impressed fans with every show, playing a bunch of songs that haven't been heard in years.

The tour is the band's first in 11 years. It includes over 75 stops throughout 2026 and 2027. It began in June 2026 in Inglewood, Calif., and will conclude in April 2027 with the last show in Helsinki, Finland.

Related: ’70s Rock Legends Perform Their 20-Minute Rock Epic for the First Time in Almost 30 Years

By the fall of 1967, The Monkees were already one of the biggest pop acts in the world.

Then came "Daydream Believer." Released on Oct. 25, 1967, the heartfelt ballad featured Davy Jones, who was just 21 years old when the single arrived. With its unforgettable melody and Jones' warm lead vocal, the song became one of the defining hits of the decade and one of the band's most enduring recordings.

The song came from one of pop music's most accomplished songwriters.

Written by John Stewart, a former member of the Kingston Trio, "Daydream Believer" tells the story of a romance that has settled into everyday life without losing its affection. Stewart's conversational lyrics, paired with an uplifting melody, gave The Monkees a song that balanced nostalgia with optimism.

"I remember writing 'Daydream Believer' very clearly," Stewart later shared in an interview. "For some reason I was writing songs all day, every day. It was part of a trilogy, a suburban trilogy. I remember going to be thinking, 'What a wasted day — all I’ve done is daydream.' And from there I wrote the whole song."

Jones proved to be the perfect voice for it. He delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career. His expressive voice brought warmth and sincerity to the lyrics, helping transform the song into an instant audience favorite.

"As we sing it, there's a line, 'Now, you know how happy I can be,'" drummer Mickey Dolenz later recalled. "John wrote, 'Now, you know how funky I can be.' But the music department said, 'The Monkees are not singing the word 'funky.'' Funky meant oily, and greasy, and sexy - and they weren't going to have us say it."

Listeners responded in overwhelming fashion.

"Daydream Believer" raced to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent four consecutive weeks at the top. It also reached No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart and became one of the best-selling singles of The Monkees' career, further cementing the group's status as an international phenomenon.

Its popularity has endured for generations.

The song has remained a staple of oldies radio and classic pop playlists, while its optimistic spirit has led to countless appearances in films, television shows, and commercials. It has also been covered by numerous artists, though Jones' original vocal performance remains the version most closely associated with the beloved classic.

"I'm asked to get up in karaoke bars and I've sung 'Daydream Believer' because it pleases the 12 or 15 people that are there," Jones said in a 2012 interview. "Why shouldn't I? I sing it better than anybody else. I'll give them the best. Let them hear the one who did it first. It doesn't matter if there's 10 people or 10,000 people, my performance is the same. I put it right out there."

Nearly 60 years after its release, "Daydream Believer" continues to delight audiences around the world. Featuring a 21-year-old Davy Jones at the microphone, the 1967 ballad became a four-week No. 1 hit and remains one of the most cherished songs in The Monkees' remarkable catalog.

Related: 1967 Rock Song, With 21-Year-Old Singer of The Monkees, Is Still a Powerful Hit 59 Years Later

Late-night host John Oliver’s Days of Our Lives cameo airs next week, and Peacock just shared a sneak peek of the comedian’s magical performance. 

Oliver has a lot of asks. And most of the time, he gets a resounding yes. When he offered to rebrand a minor league baseball team, 47 teams applied (the Erie SeaWolves won the bid, becoming the Erie Moon Mammoths). When he asked fans to vote for the puteketeke as the New Zealand Bird of the Century, they did, and his feathered friend won. When he auctioned off a Bob Ross painting, he raised over $1 million for public broadcasting. And when he made an on-air plea for a role in a soap, two daytime legacies offered.

Back in March, Oliver lobbied for a cameo after doing a bit on Stephen A. Smith’s over-the-top guest spots as Brick on General Hospital.

Of course, GH answered the call and immediately cast Oliver as World Security Bureau (better known to fans of the soap as the WSB) director “Z” in a three-episode arc that aired July 2, 3, and 6, 2026. He arrived in Port Charles sporting jet-black hair, on a helicopter, with armed guards. And the late-night host even got an impressively dramatic slap from character Carly Corinthos. 

Now that his General Hospital stint is in the books, Oliver is ready to tackle his second soap role of the summer. Like GH, he will appear on three episodes of Days: August 11, 12, and 14, 2026. 

Oliver shared a look at his performance with Access Hollywoodlast month, giving fans a glimpse at his quirky character. And yes, he wears a wig that does not disappoint yet again.

Daniel Feuerriegel, who plays EJ DiMera on the soap, told Access Hollywood, “I did not wake up going, ‘You know what, I’m going to be wearing my pajamas doing a scene with John Oliver today.’ It was not on my bingo card. But it’s just a lot of fun. And it’s just been an absolute blast to work with John.”

Now that his Days debut is less than a week away, the soap’s streaming network (Peacock) is giving fans a tiny taste of what to expect. John pops up at the end of an Instagram promo for next week’s shows, knocking on Mayor Paulina Price’s door. Price is played by iconic actress Jackée Harry. 

Fans flocked to Peacock’s Instagram post, almost unable to control their excitement over Oliver’s upcoming appearance. 

“John Oliver getting his 2nd Daytime Emmy reel ready, can’t wait to see if he can top Z on GH,” wrote one fan. Others added, “I’m ready for John Oliver on his next soap” and, “What an exciting week! Of Days!” 

One super-Oliver-fan even recognized the actor from his role on Community (not his current HBO late-night series), writing, “OMGeee is that Professor Duncan from the show Community?”, as another replied, “Haha yes! Merging of my two favorite shows!”

But of course, not every Days of Our Lives fan is also a John Oliver fan (that is, yet), as evidenced by this comment: “Who’s that guy talking to Paulina, what does he want.”

Country star Ella Langley has given Rick Astley’s 1987 classic “Never Gonna Give You Up” a new country sound.

The Alabama singer shared a short acoustic cover of the famous song on TikTok in January 2026. Her version slows down the original pop hit and gives it a stripped-back country feel. The clip is only 18 seconds long, but it quickly caught the attention of her fans.

Langley explained the reason behind the unexpected cover in a simple message: “Been stuck in my head all day.”

The choice of song may have surprised some fans, but “Never Gonna Give You Up” has remained one of the most recognizable songs from the 1980s. 

Photo by Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty Images

Released by Rick Astley on July 27, 1987, the song became a worldwide No. 1 hit and later found a second life online through the famous “Rickrolling” internet meme.

Langley did not try to copy Astley’s original version. Instead, she performed the song acoustically and at a slower pace, changing the feel while keeping the familiar melody.

Been stuck in my head all day

The unexpected cover led fans to joke about being “Rick-rolled” by the country singer. The reaction is notable because “Never Gonna Give You Up” is already closely tied to internet culture. 

The song became the center of the Rickrolling meme in the late 2000s, when users tricked others into clicking links that unexpectedly opened Astley’s music video.

That internet legacy helped keep the song familiar long after its original chart run.

The official music video has now passed 1.7 billion views on YouTube. The video reached the one-billion-view mark in July 2021, making “Never Gonna Give You Up” one of the major 1980s songs to reach that milestone.

“Never Gonna Give You Up” was more than a viral joke before it became an internet meme.

The song was Astley’s debut single and the first release from his 1987 studio album Whenever You Need Somebody. Written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, it quickly became a major international success.

The song topped the charts in 25 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. In the U.K., it spent five weeks at No. 1 and became the best-selling single of 1987. It also reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in March 1988.

Its success continued beyond the charts. Astley won Best British Single at the 1988 Brit Awards, while the song later became part of the larger story of internet culture through Rickrolling.

 In 2008, he won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Act Ever following an online campaign connected to the song’s renewed popularity, according to the song’s history.

For Langley, the cover arrives at a major point in her own career.

The singer had a huge 2025, including three CMA Awards for “you look like you love me,” her collaboration with Riley Green. She also earned her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Choosin’ Texas.”

In 2026, her momentum has continued. Recently, Langley has continued to build her country radio success. “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” her collaboration with Morgan Wallen, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay, giving Langley her fifth chart-topper.

Meanwhile, “Choosin’ Texas” has also continued to perform strongly in the U.K., where it reached No. 3 on the Official Singles Chart and No. 5 on the Official Streaming Chart.

For a song that has survived nearly 40 years, countless chart appearances and one of the internet’s most famous memes, Ella Langley’s country reimagining offers another reminder that “Never Gonna Give You Up” is still finding new listeners.

Related: Country Star, With No. 1 Hit Song, Announces New Song Amid 2026 Tour

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There’s something about Snoopy that instantly makes a space feel a little more fun, and this Lenox set looks like it could have been pulled from a ’70s breakfast table. The Chef Snoopy 4-Piece Set of Accent Plates is currently $49 at Macy’s, down from $82. Each plate features Snoopy and Woodstock surrounded by colorful donuts, ice cream cones, and other treats, while the mostly black-and-white illustrations give the set a playful retro look. 

Each plate is made from porcelain and measures 8 inches in diameter, so they’re the perfect size for dessert, appetizers, or a smaller meal. They’re also both dishwasher- and microwave-safe, which means you don’t have to treat them like decorative collectibles. And while the Peanuts illustrations are the obvious reason to love them, they’re also made by Lenox, a beloved and reputable brand that’s been around for over a century.

Courtesy of Macy's

These plates would be adorable for serving ice cream, cookies, or birthday cake, but they could just as easily make toast or a sandwich more fun. The retro illustrations would fit especially well in a kitchen with vintage-inspired accessories, but you definitely don’t need a full ’70s theme to make them work.

“They are so adorable and colorful,” one shopper wrote, adding, “These plates will put a smile on anyone’s face.” Another praised their “excellent quality” and called them “so charming.” They also mentioned that “they came in a very securely packed box,” which is always reassuring when ordering porcelain dishes online.

Related: This Classic 1966 TV Special Just Inspired the Sweetest New Marshalls Decor

These are also cute enough to display when they’re not in use. The colorful Snoopy and Woodstock illustrations would look adorable stacked on open shelving or mixed in with other vintage-inspired kitchen pieces, giving them more of an edge over basic dinnerware or novelty plates that only come out for a specific holiday or occasion.

• Lenox 4-Piece Set of Chef Snoopy Mugs, $39 (was $65) at Macy’s
• Lenox Snoopy Porcelain Spoon Rest, $15 (was $25) at Macy’s
• Lenox 4-Piece Set of Chef Snoopy Dessert Bowls, $41 (was $68) at Macy’s

At 40% off, now is a great time to grab these for yourself or another Snoopy fan, especially since they’d make a very cute housewarming gift. Be sure to pick up the Chef Snoopy 4-Piece Set of Accent Plates at Macy’s while the price is still just $49.

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.

Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrialis full of tear-jerking moments from its title screen to the closing credits. But few really get the waterworks flowing like the climactic near-death scene, which Ultimate Classic Rock named one of the film’s most emotionally devastating moments for ’80s kids.

Released in June 1982, E.T. is a nostalgic classic that tells the story of Elliott, played by a young Henry Thomas, a kid whose blossoming friendship with a gentle, bottom-heavy alien becomes a life-changing event. Heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time, the gem has become one of the greatest family films of all time.

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The scene UCR calls out comes near the end of the movie, when the government’s containment effort escalates, and E.T. is taken into custody, where scientists attempt to examine him. Now separated from Elliott, his health rapidly deteriorates, with his body color turning a pale white signaling his life force is fading. At the same time, Elliott’s health begins to fade as we learn the two are sharing the same vital energy.

“To make matters worse, Elliott whispers, ‘I love you,’ to what appears to be a dead body. For kids in the theater, this was intense,” UCR writes. “I cried so hard during this scene that I used my brand-new baseball cap to wipe my face—and by the time I walked out of the theater, my face had turned blue from the dye.”

UCR’s writer wasn’t the only one emotionally wrecked from that scene and others like it in the movie. To ensure authentic emotional performances, Cinema Flashback shared, “Spielberg shot the film in chronological order, making the tearful farewell at the end a genuine reaction from the children who had bonded with the character.”

Related: 1984 Nostalgic Hit With Saddest Scene of All Time Named in Greatest Fantasy Movies

Everyone from the actors to the crew was sobbing by the time Spielberg yelled cut. As if that isn’t enough, the film's origin story is another reason to grab the tissues.

Spielberg drew heavily from his parents’ 1966divorce and the loneliness and isolation he experienced afterward, imagining an extraterrestrial companion who could fill the void left by his broken family, combining those personal memories with an unrealized sci-fi project about a stranded, benign alien.

“Creative people in art or architecture or filmmaking or theater or writing are all products of a collection of impressions from our earliest memories,” Spielberg told American Cinematographer. “I’m inspired all the time, but my inspirations are a sum of all my parts, and all of my parts started back in 1947 when I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and kind of accumulated the dust or the pollen of my experience right up until E.T.”

Aaron Rapoport / Getty Images

Decades later, Drew Barrymore, who played Gertie at age 6, still talks about E.T., describing the lovable character as her “first imaginary friend” and Spielberg as a “father figure.”

Spielberg’s sixth feature film was another box office smash. Grossing more than $600 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, the global phenomenon eventually surpassed Star Warsto become the highest-grossing film in history at the time.

E.T. was no slouch on the awards circuit either.

At the 55th Academy Awards the following year, E.T. was nominated for nine Oscars and wonfour, including best music for John Williams’ masterful, symphonic score. The music was so beloved that Spielberg ultimately re-edited the ending of the film to accommodate the composer’s heartstrings-tugging score better.

According to The Film Music Society, Spielberg had Williams conduct the music while watching the final reel, then essentially cut the film to the music. So, for the riverbed scene, which bleeds into the finale, Williams deserves some of the credit. His sweeping score doesn’t just soundtrack the tearful goodbye; it practically tells the audience how to feel.

“At the time I was working on it, I don't think I really realized how truly great that film is,” Williams said. “It sets the most magical story in the most mundane of circumstances: the suburbs, a broken marriage, a couple of interesting kids. This little creature hidden in the bedroom, falling in love with these young Earthlings and vice versa—an unbelievable story told so skillfully, so expertly, that you buy it completely.”

One of the movie's most famous pieces of nostalgia--the Reese's Pieces-- almost belonged to another candy. M&M’s reportedly passed on the movie tie-in, so Spielberg and his team went to Hershey, which agreed to let the film use the chocolate company’s orange, yellow, and brown bits. The film’s exposure helped boost the candy’s sales dramatically. Perhaps tears of joy were in order there.

Today, the film is beloved for its flying BMX-bike sequence, its iconic Halloween night scene, and, of course, the dying scene that will always require tissues. The film’s emotional legacy still resonates 44 years later, with Spielberg still knowing exactly how to make fans cry.

Related: 1968 Movie, Behind One of TV’s Most Beloved Theme Songs, Was a No. 1 Hit 58 Years Ago

Danish heavy metal band Mercyful Fate will return to the stage in 2027 for its first live performance since April 2024. 

The band, led by singer King Diamond, has confirmed a performance at the Leyendas Del Rock Festival in Villena, Spain, scheduled for Aug. 11-14, 2027.

Mercyful Fate announced the festival appearance on social media on Friday. The band wrote: “España! MERCYFUL FATE will be playing Leyendas Del Rock Festival 2027! We will see you next August… Stay Heavy!”

The return gives fans their first confirmed Mercyful Fate concert since the band performed at Brazil's Summer Breeze festival in April 2024.

Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns

The 2027 Leyendas Del Rock lineup already includes several major names. Organizers have confirmed King Diamond with Mercyful Fate and British metalcore band Architects as headline acts. Other announced performers include Halestorm, Alestorm, Saltatio Mortis, Wind Rose, Doro, Amaranthe, Devildriver, Dethklok and Feuerschwanz.

Tickets for the festival were announced to go on sale Monday at 12 P.M. Organizers also warned fans that only a limited number of tickets were available at the festival booth during the 2026 event.

The Mercyful Fate comeback is also tied to the band's long-awaited new album. The group is currently working on new material and has already given fans a preview.

In June 2022, Mercyful Fate performed “The Jackal Of Salzburg” in Germany. The song was also performed at Psycho Las Vegas.

The band had previously planned to release a new album following its permanent reunion announcement in 2019. The project has taken longer than expected, in part because King Diamond has also been working on his solo band and its upcoming music.

In a statement about its Bloodstock return, Mercyful Fate said, according to Louder Sound: “Mercyful Fate is honored and looking extremely forward to playing Bloodstock again. Last time was awesome, and this time with a brand new album out, finally!”

Mercyful Fate was formed in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1981 by King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. The band became known for its heavy sound, dark imagery and occult-themed lyrics.

The group released its self-titled EP in 1982 before putting out its first full-length album, Melissa, in 1983. It followed that record with Don't Break the Oath in 1984.

Both albums became important releases in the band's early career. Mercyful Fate was also part of the first wave of black metal and later became a major influence on thrash metal, death metal and the Norwegian black metal scene.

The band broke up in 1985 because of musical differences. King Diamond then went on to form his own band, while other Mercyful Fate members pursued different projects.

According to the band’s history, Mercyful Fate reunited in 1992. The band released In the Shadows in 1993 and continued making albums throughout the 1990s. Its seventh studio album, 9, arrived in 1999.

After the touring cycle for 9, Mercyful Fate went on hiatus. The group made occasional appearances over the following years before announcing a more permanent reunion in 2019.

The reunited band eventually returned to live performance in 2022. On June 2 of that year, Mercyful Fate played its first live show since 1999 in Hanover, Germany, where it debuted “The Jackal of Salzburg.”

The band later toured North America in the fall of 2022, marking its first North American tour in two decades.

Mercyful Fate's current lineup includes King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann and Mike Wead on guitars, Bjarne T. Holm on drums and Becky Baldwin on bass.

Baldwin officially joined the band in January 2024 after previously touring with Mercyful Fate in 2022. She replaced Joey Vera, who had been part of the band's lineup since 2019.

The band's last known live performance came in April 2024 at Brazil's Summer Breeze festival. More than three years later, Mercyful Fate is now set to return to the stage in Spain.

Related: ’80s Rock Legend Announces New Song for the First Time in 10 Years

Before there was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, there was Mudcrutch, a rock band active for a few years in the 1970s. The band featured now-music legend Tom Petty along with two others who would go on to join him in the Heartbreakers, Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Other Mudcrutch members took different paths after the breakup in 1975.

But it's a good thing that Mudcrutch split up, because if they hadn't, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers would've never happened. The original band was signed under Shelter Records, and the record company decided to keep Petty signed on and encouraged him to go solo.

Instead, Petty formed a new band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, with the group's self-titled debut album coming out in Nov. 1976. Alongside the album release, the band's first official single called "Breakdown" also came out.

Both the album and first single had a slow and steady road to success. Neither made a strong impact at first, especially with U.S. audiences. But over time, the first single achieved success on music charts in different countries. In the U.S., "Breakdown" peaked at 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, while it did well in the U.K. and Canada too.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers also had delayed success. At first, the album didn't get a lot of attention. But thanks to touring, it eventually peaked at No. 24 in the U.K. The debut album charted in the U.S. in 1978, peaking at No. 55.

"I wrote ‘Breakdown’ in the studio about 11 years ago, and the first version was seven minutes long, with this long guitar solo in the end," Petty said of "Breakdown" in an interview with Guitar Player.

Related: 1972 Rock Song "Frankenstein," One of Rock’s Only No. 1 Instrumentals, Is Still a Hit 54 Years Later

He explained that he was sitting in the studio after the recording session when singer-songwriter Dwight Twilley came in. After hearing the riff in the guitar solo, Twilley suggested that the riff be included in other parts of the song too.

Petty called the band in to re-record the song at 4 a.m., and what they came out with was the final album version.

Not long after "Breakdown" was released, the second official single, called "American Girl" came out, and the subsequent successes helped launch Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' career to huge heights.

Related: 1968 Rock Song, Inspired by a Woman Spotted on the Beach, Was a No. 1 Hit 58 Years Ago Today

Costco shoppers looking to save on a kitchen staple may want to take a closer look at Kirkland Signature.

Extra-virgin olive oil can be one of those pantry staples that gets surprisingly expensive, especially when you're buying a large bottle. But a recent price comparison found that Costco's Kirkland Signature extra-virgin olive oil can cost nearly half as much as a comparable name-brand option.

According to a recent comparison by Narcity, a 2-liter bottle of Kirkland Signature extra-virgin olive oil was listed at $21.99 at Costco in Canada. A 2-liter bottle of Bertolli extra-virgin olive oil was listed at $45 at Loblaws, making the Kirkland option $23.01 less expensive.

That's a substantial difference for an item many shoppers use regularly, whether they're cooking vegetables, making salad dressing, dipping bread or finishing a meal with a drizzle of olive oil.

And Costco shoppers in the U.S. can find Kirkland Signature extra-virgin olive oil in a 2-liter size, too. Costco currently lists both its regular Italian extra-virgin olive oil and an organic extra-virgin olive oil in that size. The Italian version is made with Italian-grown olives and is cold extracted, while the organic version is USDA organic and also cold extracted.

The Kirkland Signature organic extra-virgin olive oil is also a particularly popular Costco item, with Costco's website currently showing a 4.8-star rating from more than 6,300 reviews.

Of course, prices vary by location, and Costco's warehouse and online prices aren't necessarily the same. The $21.99 versus $45 comparison comes from Canadian retailers, so U.S. shoppers shouldn't expect those exact prices at their local warehouse.

Still, the comparison highlights one of the reasons Costco's Kirkland Signature line has developed such a loyal following: shoppers can often find familiar pantry staples in large quantities without paying the premium associated with a major name brand.

And when it's something as frequently used as olive oil, those savings can add up quickly!

RELATED: Costco Agrees to $14 Million Settlement—Find Out if You’re Eligible for Money

KATSEYE will be down another member for the time being.

Sophia Laforteza is temporarily stepping away from the Grammy-nominated girl group's promotional activities to prioritize her mental health, making her the second KATSEYE member to take a hiatus this year.

HYBE x Geffen Records announced the news in a statement Friday, August 7, explaining that Laforteza has been working with medical professionals and was advised to take an extended period of rest and continued care. Her condition is expected to be reassessed in September. "We understand how much EYEKONS were looking forward to seeing Sophia on stage, but it is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritized," the label said in a statement, per BBC.

Laforteza also addressed fans herself on her Instagram Story, admitting the decision wasn't an easy one. "Making this decision wasn't easy, but I'm learning that health has to come first. I'm realizing that if I don't take care of my mind and body now, I won't be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long," she wrote.

She promised fans she's focused on recovering, adding, "I promise I'm going to work as hard as I can to get through this, heal properly, and come back stronger."

The songstress encouraged fans to keep supporting the group, writing, “‘Till then, please continue to be kind and give KATSEYE all your support as we fulfil our promise to show up for you in every way.”

READ MORE: Olivia Rodrigo Sends Blunt Message in New Planned Parenthood Video

The announcement comes less than six months after Manon Bannerman began her own temporary hiatus in February, also citing her health and well-being. 

Bannerman later reassured concerned fans that she was doing well and remained in communication with the group's management. "I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself. Thank u for checking in!" she wrote on Weverse, later adding, "HxG and I are having positive conversations and I feel supported. I'm happy and I'm healthy. I'll share more soon."

Bannerman has yet to return to KATSEYE, meaning Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung will continue upcoming activities as a four-member lineup while Laforteza rests.

KATSEYE formed as a six-member group in 2023 and has since experienced a rapid rise with songs including "Gnarly," "Pinky Up," and “Gabriela.” The latter also earned them two nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or visit their website.

The curious case of O.J. Simpson didn't stop with his passing in 2024. Yet another documentary will descend on televisions next month — but this time, a rather unique angle is taken...

The true-crime network Investigation Discovery is expected to unlock never-before-seen footage from the making of an ill-fated hidden-camera prank show featuring the late sports icon — who was also accused of a double-murder, you might recall.

An extreme experiment in the reality TV genre during a time that fused shock value and celebrity culture at any cost, for Simpson, the aptly named Juiced was a misguided and desperate attempt to rehabilitate his public image, ID reveals on its upcoming docuseries OJ Unseen: Exploitation of Evil. Check out the official trailer in the network's recent Instagram post below.

The post has spawned a flood of varied reactions, with many expressing utter shock at the 20-year-old prank show's existence. "What?!? This is crazy," said one Instagram user in response to the trailer, while another person commented, "It's actually hilarious that they did this. But insane that they thought it would fly."

This year marks two full decades since producers were about to launch the doomed attempt to blend reality TV with the crime of century — when a mystery saboteur reportedly brought the whole thing crashing down from within.

Premiering across two nights, OJ Unseen is a four-part event that aims to examine the behind-the-scenes ethical and production challenges that derailed the project before it ever reached audiences.

ID reports that the episodes feature rare footage, including archival footage of Simpson captured during production, alongside firsthand accounts from those on the front lines of production as they reflect on the boundaries pushed two decades later.

OJ Unseen: Exploitation of Evil premieres Monday, September 7 and Tuesday, September 8 at 9/8c on ID, with episodes available to stream on HBO Max.

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If your kitchen cabinets have turned into a graveyard of random containers, you're not alone. Lids disappear, sides crack, and before long you're balancing mismatched stacks that topple over every time you reach for leftovers. Meal prep becomes a scavenger hunt, packing lunches takes twice as long, and storing fresh produce feels more frustrating than it should.

Instead of replacing one container at a time, a complete matching set is the easiest fix. The Soulgenix 55-Piece Food Storage Containers With Lids is currently marked down 50% at Walmart, dropping from $50 to just $25, which shakes out to about 45 cents per piece! With dozens of coordinated dishes included, it's an affordable way to reset your entire food storage collection in one purchase, whether you're organizing leftovers, prepping meals for the week, or bringing order to overcrowded kitchen cabinets.

Courtesy of Walmart

The biggest advantage of a full food storage set is having the right size for whatever you’re saving, prepping, or packing. This 55-piece collection includes 24 stackable plastic containers in a variety of shapes and sizes, along with 24 matching airtight lids and five reusable storage bags, giving you plenty of options for everything from small snack portions to full meal prep servings. The assortment includes compact pieces for storing toppings, sauces, candy, and snacks, as well as larger containers for leftovers, chopped produce, grains, pasta, and prepared meals.

Each container's secure snap-on lid creates an airtight, leakproof seal to help keep food fresh while preventing messy spills. That means you can confidently store everything from soups and sauces to cut fruit and leftovers without worrying about accidental leaks inside your refrigerator or lunch bag. The tight seal also helps protect food from absorbing unwanted fridge odors, keeping flavors fresher for longer. Made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic, these pieces were built for everyday convenience and can safely be used in the microwave (with lids removed), placed on the top rack of the dishwasher, and stored in both the fridge and freezer.

The clear plastic construction allows you to quickly see what’s inside without opening every lid. Additionally, the stackable design helps maximize space in crowded cabinets, refrigerators, and pantries, while the nesting shape allows smaller pieces to fit neatly inside larger ones when not in use. 

• Sindcom 38-Piece Airtight Food Storage Containers Set, $39 (was $73) at Walmart
• Sindcom 7-Pack Glass Food Storage Container Set, $20 (was $41) at Walmart
• Taimasi 34-Piece Glass Food Storage Containers With Lids Set, from $31 (was $56) at Walmart

Beyond the kitchen, this storage set can help organize the little things that tend to create clutter throughout the home. The smaller pieces are useful for keeping craft supplies like beads, buttons, stickers, and sewing accessories sorted, while they can also corral office essentials like pens, paper clips, charging cords, and other desk drawer extras. In bathrooms, they can hold hair accessories, cotton rounds, travel-size toiletries, or beauty tools, and in playrooms they’re handy for keeping small toys, puzzle pieces, and art supplies contained. They're useful for garages, laundry rooms, and entryways, where they can store everything from batteries and hardware to detergent pods, pet supplies, or everyday items that are easy to misplace.

Dubbed by Walmart shoppers as “useful” and “sturdy,” with “tight seals” and “convenient” sizing, this set earned praise for its practical design and everyday functionality. “They stack neatly and have helped keep my fridge and pantry much more organized,” one shopper wrote.

The included wet-erasable chalkboard labels are another shopper favorite, with reviewers noting that they “easily peel off, so you can mark them or just leave see through,” making it simple to customize the set or keep the clear design visible.

Others highlight the canisters’ “wide” openings, saying that “they are easy to pour into and out of,” which makes transferring ingredients, snacks, and leftovers a little more effortless.

Related: Costco Is Selling a 30-Pack of Reusable Food Containers You'll Use Every Day

Say goodbye to mismatched pieces and hello to a more organized kitchen — shop the Soulgenix 55-Piece Food Storage Containers With Lids for $25 at Walmart before this limited-time flash deal ends!

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While some rock stars spend years paying their dues before they manage to land a #1 hit, others find staggering success at a shockingly young age. Jimmy McCulloch, the Scottish guitar player best known for his roles in Thunderclap Newman and Wings, was firmly in the latter category: In fact, he was just 16 years old when Thunderclap Newman shot to the top of the charts with "Something in the Air."

Pete Townshend of the Who was the mastermind behind Thunderclap Newman, named after the band’s piano player, Andy “Thunderclap” Newman. Townshend put the group together as a way to showcase the songs of drummer/singer Speedy Keen, who had written “Armenia City in the Sky” for The Who Sell Out album, per American Songwriter. In addition to Newman, Keen and McCulloch, a prodigy who started playing guitar at the age of 11, Thunderclap Newman also featured Townshend playing bass under the pseudonym Bijou Drains.

Keen wrote "Something in the Air," originally titled "Revolution" but renamed to avoid any confusion with the Beatles' song of the same name. Interestingly enough, the song ended up replacing another song by the Beatles, "The Ballad of John and Yoko," on the U.K. charts, where it went to #1 in June of 1969. "Something in the Air" spent three weeks in the top spot, blocking Elvis Presley's "In the Ghetto" from reaching the summit (it stalled at #2).

Despite their impressive debut, Thunderclap Newman unfortunately didn't go on to have any more hits, as they broke up after their first album. And though McCulloch had a successful stint as a member of Wings with Paul McCartney, his career was cut short when he died at the age of 26 in 1979.

In a 2024 interview with Variety, Townshend reflected on the tragedy of McCulloch's death and why he felt partially responsible.

“I think if I hadn’t come into Jimmy McCulloch’s life, he might still be alive today,” Townshend said. “I think the fact that he went on to work with Paul McCartney and Wings was the death of him.”

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

"He wasn’t fit for stardom," Townshend continued. "When I met first met Jimmy he was 14, maybe even younger, and he was in a band with his older brother, Jack, who was his protector. And because he was so young, we didn’t notice that he potentially was an alcoholic. At that particular time — despite the fact that Paul and Linda [McCartney] tried very, very hard to help him — there was no machinery to help him. Speedy, the same story."

"None of these three people were ever meant to be stars, and there they were, with a #1 record on 'Top of the Pops,' and 'Pinball Wizard' was #4," Townshend added, laughing. "I remember when I finished the mix — which I did in a proper studio — the engineer banged on the desk and 'That’s a #1 record!' I think everybody just knew it."

Though it was their only hit, the legacy of "Something in the Air" lives on. It's been featured in multiple films and TV shows; most recently, This Is a Gardening Show, the new Netflix documentary series hosted by Zach Galifianakis.

Related: 1967 Rock Hit With Iconic Organ Riff Was Written and Sung by an 18-Year-Old