Parade

When The Damned released "New Rose" on Oct. 22, 1976, they made history.

The blistering track became the first British punk single ever released, arriving weeks before debut records from many of the genre's biggest names. Fronted by Dave Vanian, who was just 19 years old at the time, "New Rose" announced that a new era of rock music had officially begun.

The song captured everything that made punk so exciting.

Clocking in at just under three minutes, "New Rose" combined frantic guitar riffs, relentless drumming, and Vanian's charismatic vocal performance into a high-energy burst that stood in sharp contrast to the elaborate rock productions dominating the mid-1970s. Its opening declaration, "Is she really going out with him?" quickly became one of punk's most recognizable introductions.

"The band were auditioning for a singer, and I went early to check out the the guy before me, but he never turned up," Vanian told The Guardian. "Turned out it was Sid Vicious. Could he have become the singer in the Damned, rather than the bass player in the Sex Pistols? We'll never know."

The release of "New Rose" marked a pivotal moment in British music history.

While punk had already begun taking shape in London's clubs, The Damned were the first UK band to commit the movement to vinyl. The single helped establish the genre's fast, aggressive sound and demonstrated that young musicians could make an impact without the technical excesses that had become common in mainstream rock.

"The first time Brian [James] played it to me was the most exciting," Vanian told British GQ. "He was the sort of person who did everything really quickly. He would turn up with his lyrics scribbled down on a bit of paper, turn up his guitar and then shout his lyrics into your ear with this slightly American drawl. We went into a tiny studio and recorded it very quickly. Nothing was really done to it in the studio, but it sounded just like we did – really powerful. The drums that Rat [Scabies] put on were inspired: it’s one of the songs where you just hear a couple of beats and you instantly know what it is. It encapsulated the time it was made in – the perfect three-minute song."

Although "New Rose" wasn't a major commercial hit upon release, its influence proved immeasurable.

The song paved the way for The Damned's groundbreaking debut album, Damned Damned Damned, released in early 1977, and inspired countless musicians who would go on to shape punk, alternative rock, and hardcore music over the following decades.

"That first album was recorded in three days - completely," Vanian told Songfacts. "It was a burst of pure energy and excitement. I think of all the albums, that first album - with "Neat Neat Neat" and "New Rose" - perfectly encapsulates what you would see when you came to see the band."

For Vanian, the single marked the beginning of a remarkable career.

Still only 19 years old, his gothic image and commanding stage presence immediately distinguished him from his contemporaries. He would remain the voice of The Damned through decades of lineup changes, helping the band become one of the longest-running and most respected acts to emerge from the original British punk scene.

Half a century after its release, "New Rose" remains as thrilling as ever. Featuring a 19 year-old Dave Vanian on vocals, the song didn't just launch The Damned, it helped launch British punk itself, securing its place as one of the most important and enduring rock recordings of all time.

Related: 1977 Rock Song, Written in 10 Minutes, Is Still a Generational Hit 49 Years Later

How we dress tells everyone a story. It communicates a lot about who we are and how we might want people to see us. One of the most important elements of dressing is color, and what it reveals about our mood and experiences. And surprisingly, it can actually expose a lot, and most of the time it's not even conscious. But if we are actively using color in specific ways with our outfits, we can signal to others and to ourselves where our happiness levels are, among other things. So, what colors signal happy people?

According to color psychology expert Michelle Lewis, color associations can start as early as childhood.

"A lot of our deepest color associations are rooted in childhood," she tells Parade. "The colors of favorite toys, beloved films, formative fashion. When you wear those colors, you're not just making a style choice. You're activating a memory that carries genuine emotional charge."

On the note of color associations, if you're a genuinely content person, you might tend to have specific hues in your closet. Again, this might not be on purpose, but there are five colors worn most by authentically happy people, and two color psychology experts tell Parade what it all means. Plus, they define "dopamine dressing," answer whether wearing black means you're unhappy and share how to wear "happy" hues if you're more of a neutrals person.

Related: Color Psychologist Says This Is the Color Worn Most by ‘Natural Leaders’

The Science of 'Dopamine Dressing' and Your Mood

Ever heard of the term "dopamine dressing"? It has a lot to do with how your mood and clothing intertwine. According to Bernard Charles, a color expert and author, this term refers to the act of "intentionally wearing colors, patterns and clothing that make you feel energized, confident, joyful or emotionally uplifted."

But Charles says this doesn't mean your clothes will instantly create happy emotions. It's more about how your clothing can influence your feelings. 

"You have to be a little creative and curious about the world to work with color in this way. I've been 'dopamine dressing' since I was five years old, when I got to pick out what clothes to wear as a child," he tells Parade. "I remember choosing a '90s color block jersey with the Charlotte Hornets logo on it. Not because I was into sports or because the clothing socialized a specific gender marker, but because I was into the purple, teal and gray power play. At that moment, I had a resource to express myself and feel empowered." 

Related: Color Psychologist Says These 5 Colors Are Worn Most by ‘Highly Intelligent’ People

Lewis echoes this, saying that typically the goal of dopamine dressing is all about "shifting your emotional state through what you wear." 

She shares that it works through two pathways. The first is "enclothed cognition," which she explains is the "documented finding that clothing influences the wearer's psychological state through both its symbolic meaning and the physical experience of wearing it." 

The second is through nostalgia, she shares, since it's "the most powerful triggers of memory and emotional association we have." 

"Dopamine increases when you're presented with visuals you enjoy and connect to a positive experience," she explains. 

Related: Color Psychologist Says Wearing This Color Makes You Appear Instantly More Confident

The 5 Colors Worn Most by Authentically Happy People, According to Color Psychology Experts

These hues can definitely positively impact your mood and energy, experts reveal.

1. Gold (think honey)

When you crunch the color numbers and look at the data, everything points to one thing: gold is a big standout when it comes to "growth, brand-building and positive anticipation," shares Charles.

This color, and more specifically honey, can really encompass elements we want to project onto other people. Charles explains that's because it represents the energy of things like sweetness and luxury.

"There's a trend currently for happy people wearing warm browns or terracotta colors to approach their reality with a more grounded stance during transitions and prioritize homesteading as a means of feeling abundantly nourished at home," he reveals.

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Gold, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

2. Pink

Pink might feel like a lighter, more feminine color to some. It's really a color that keeps things feeling "light, nurturing and human," according to Lewis. 

"Pink wearers tend to focus on the softer, more comfortable side of life. Forming warm connections and creating atmospheres that feel pleasant and safe," she says. "Their happiness is quieter than yellows or oranges, but it's deeply consistent. Pink is the color of someone who has decided that comfort and kindness are worth protecting."

3. Orange

There's really only one way to describe orange, and that's "warmth, made visible," Lewis notes. 

Essentially, she explains orange is a playful color, often signaling the people who wear it tend to be socially generous and very comfortable to hang around. 

"Orange sits at the intersection of red's vitality and yellow's optimism, giving it a uniquely abundant quality. Happiness for orange wearers tends to be relational and balanced," she explains. "It's found in connection, in gathering, in the feeling of a room where everyone belongs."

4. Green (think the color of spinach)

According to Charles, this color "brings a grounded, natural sense of well-being that reflects a balanced, contented internal mood." 

"Deep leafy greens are colors to wear when times are hard," he shares. "There's an element of camouflaging taking place because of wanting to be blended in and not be seen. If that makes you happy, then so be it. Just make sure you're not doing that thing where you choose to be a recluse over feeling revolutionary. Happy people know when to leave the room and walk away." 

5. Yellow

The color yellow might be one of the more obvious happier colors that a person can wear. That might be true for a few reasons. 

Mainly, Lewis points to it being the "color of sunlight, optimism and forward movement." 

"Yellow lovers tend to be genuinely joyful, socially energized and almost instinctively positive," she says. "When someone reaches for yellow consistently, they're usually someone whose happiness isn't just a mood. It's a way of operating in the world." 

Does Wearing Black Mean You Aren't Happy? 

Black is a darker color, if not the darkest color, that we've got. But does that mean you're unhappy if you wear it? Not necessarily. Charles explains that the color is one of the most misunderstood, and that people don't correlate it with the right emotions.

"While some people associate it with sadness, many choose to wear black because it makes them feel powerful, sophisticated, protected, focused or elegant," he tells Parade. "In color psychology, black often represents strength, mystery, authority and personal boundaries."  

Lewis agrees that wearing black doesn't necessarily mean you're unhappy, but says the more critical thing to ask is why someone might wear that color a lot. 

"For some it's about efficiency and self-possession," she says. "For others it's about invisibility. Neither of those motivations is inherently unhappy, but neither is the color itself generating the emotional lift that chromatic colors can." 

Wearing black is more so about how it makes you feel, regardless of whether or not people see it as a negative or emotionally dark color. 

"If you love black and it makes you feel powerful and complete, that confidence has its own value," she says. "Just don't expect the color itself to be doing the mood work." 

Related: Color Psychologist Says Your Favorite Color May Be Connected to Type A or Type B Personality Traits

How To Wear ‘Happy Colors’ if Your Wardrobe Is Mostly Neutral

There are a few ways to make sure you're incorporating some of these happier colors in your wardrobe. One of the easiest ways is sitting down with yourself and identifying what happiness really means to you, says Lewis, rather than what it looks like on the outside.

"That's your starting point," Lewis explains. "Because the colors that will work for you aren't necessarily the ones in a dopamine dressing article. They're the ones woven into your own most joyful memories." 

If you're unsure where to begin, she advises looking into your childhood and remembering what colors once drew you in. That could be in your favorite clothes, the bedroom you grew up in or anything similar.

"Color nostalgia is real and neurochemically powerful," she reveals. "The colors that made you feel something at seven years old often still have the same emotional charge at forty. Because feelings carry frequency—just like color—and they aren’t limited by time."

Charles points out some simple ways to make that change, and it doesn't mean you need to overhaul everything you own. He suggests even starting small, like changing up your nail polish to something more colorful, or adding colorful scarves or pairs of shoes to your outfits. 

"Try introducing color in small, low-pressure ways," he explains. "The good news is that you don't need to replace your entire wardrobe." 

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Related: Color Psychologist Says These 5 Favorite Colors Are Loved by Especially Intuitive People

Sources:

• Michelle Lewis is a color psychology expert, founder of The Color Institute and ColorAnalysis.com and author of Color Secrets.
• Bernard Charles is a color psychology expert and author.

In September 1991, Guns N’ Roses released one of their most emotional songs —and they did it twice. “Don’t Cry” appeared in two distinct versions on separate albums, Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II, that dropped on the same day.

More than three decades later, the song remains one of the defining power ballads of the early 1990s.

Written by Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin, “Don’t Cry” begins with a soft acoustic arrangement before building into an anthemic ballad featuring layered guitar arrangements and emotionally charged vocals. Blind Melon vocalist Shannon Hoon appears as a co-lead singer alongside Rose.

The version released on Use Your Illusion II features alternate lyrics while retaining the same melody.

The song is about the pain of a breakup, and it deserved two versions. Both Rose and Stradlin had dated the girl who inspired the song.

In a video interview, Rose revealed that “Don’t Cry” was really the first song ever written for Guns N’ Roses in the mid-1980s.

“Izzy and I wrote a song… It was a girl that Izzy and I went out with,” he shared. “You know, she’s tattooed on my arm. And I was really attracted to her, and they split up – and we wrote that song …We knew we had something.”

Rose added that he was “really in love with this person, and she was realizing this wasn’t going to work, she wanted to do other things.”

“And she was telling me goodbye and I, like, sat down and just started crying a little bit, and she was telling me ‘Don’t cry,’” he recalled. “The next night we got together, and we wrote the song in five minutes. You know, [Izzy] had been through some things with her and stuff, so we had another form of common ground.”

“Don’t Cry” was the first song that Guns N’ Rose guitar player Slash was introduced to as the band formed.

“When I first hooked up back together with Axl and Izzy and all that, that was the song that Izzy and Axl were working on at the time,” he said in an interview. “So that was my first having to deal with another guitar player, you know, it was on ‘Don't Cry’ and going to Izzy's house and like hanging out with him and trying to build up some sort of a chemistry. So that song is actually pretty classic in my mind as far as the history of the band is concerned.”

When “Don’t Cry” was recorded for the Use Your Illusion album, Rose wanted to include the moodier “alternate lyrics” version, which was recorded in an impromptu studio session, on the second volume.

“I prefer the new version because the original is kind of like a nostalgia piece for me,” Rose later admitted, per Rolling Stone.

By that time, the band was also big enough to feature a big-budget, dramatic music video, but Stradlin wasn’t in it. (A “Where’s Izzy?” sign was.)

"I didn't feel my opinions were really being taken seriously anymore," Stradlin told Rolling Stone of his decision to skip the expensive music video shoot. "I didn't have any say in it, and I didn't want to be in it."

By November 1991, Stradlin had left the band just as “Don’t Cry” became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Thirty-five years later, “Don’t Cry” remains an iconic chapter in Guns N’ Roses history—a timeless power ballad that features raw emotion and epic rock melodies, times two.

Related: 1984 Power Ballad, Hidden in a Closet for 10 Years, Became a Timeless Rock Classic

Growing up in Chicago, especially as a Cubs fan, there really is nothing like a baseball game at Wrigley Field. The almost-magical vibes of the stadium—thanks to the people and its history—are only intensified by the nostalgic interior. Sure, it’s been updated more recently, but the bones of what makes Wrigley so historic are absolutely still there. And even though it took me way too long, I finally attended a concert at this 112-year-old stadium as an adult, and the magic that makes Wrigley Field such an iconic baseball venue sure as heck makes for a memorable concert experience, too. 

I say “finally” attended a concert because, even though I’m born and raised in Chicago, and have gone to plenty of Cubs games here—I even went to the Chicago Red Stars NWSL game in 2025 at Wrigley—I had yet to see a concert in the Friendly Confines until a couple of years ago. And even since then, I only just attended my second one this past month: Noah Kahan’s The Great Divide Tour. The artist alone was going to make my night a spiritual experience, but again this stadium only added to the almost-sacred vibes of the event.

Even though his tour was completely sold out—the tickets went by so incredibly fast when they dropped—and I wasn’t initially able to get a couple, StubHub came through with tickets for my fiancée and me at the last minute. And with some insight into how popular this concert was at Wrigley Field, specifically, and the historic venue as a whole, let’s take a look at what it’s like seeing a concert at such a legendary stadium—and why fans won’t shut up about the experience once they do attend a concert there. 

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Stepping into 'The Friendly Confines': Why Wrigley Field Hits Differently for Live Music

Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images

If you’ve ever stepped foot into Wrigley Field for a Cubs game, the ambience and reverent feeling is kind of always there. When attending a concert, you get that feel along with a buzz of energy from the musician’s fans. We went to Noah Kahan’s opening night concert on July 14, 2026, and it was a dead heat—the kind that leaves a muggy layer of sweat on you constantly, but you have no cool breeze to help you out. However, that didn’t stop the excitement in the stadium as we got situated and made plans to get snacks and headed to get our field seating wristbands. 

Because of where our gate was, we didn’t have a chance to head to the front of the venue to get that well-known Wrigley Field marquee picture. But that didn’t dull the energy at all, and luckily there were many photo opportunities inside as well. 

The main difference between seeing a baseball game here and a concert is the fact that there is field seating. While the dirt is sectioned off, the stage is set up on the far side of the stadium, and the grass of the baseball field is covered with a white foundation for chairs to sit atop. Another seating change for concerts includes closing off the bleachers for the stage. 

What I will say about attending a concert at Wrigley Field is that I think sitting in the stands might be the way to go. While I am so grateful for the field seats and the chance to see Noah Kahan in such a beautiful stadium, I think you can feel the music more when the speakers are blasting right at you. While on the field, unless you’re near the stage, the front speakers are further from you, and the side speakers are blaring to the stands, away from you. 

We were pretty far back in the field/floor seating and those speakers. I was in the 200 level before for my first concert at Wrigley, which is even further from the stage, but because we had speakers above us and coming at us from the field, it was just a different auditory experience. I also enjoyed the energy of the crowd that time, which I kind of missed being with a smaller group of people on the field. 

Related: Here’s What It’s Like to Eat at Ever, the Real-Life Restaurant Featured in ‘The Bear'

The Numbers Behind the Magic: Wrigley Field’s Concert Stardom by the Data

Sacha Lecca/Rolling Stone via Getty Images

According to Baseball in Stadiums, Wrigley Field has 41,649 seats, which only increases with concerts because of field seating. And since it was a sold-out show, we can venture a guess that it was filled to the brim with fans, nearing or exceeding that capacity total.

In fact, Chicago is “one of the highest-demand stops” for tours, according to a StubHub representative, who also called it a “top tier” venue. And specifically for the 22-stop North American leg of Noah Kahan’s 2026 The Great DivideTour, Wrigley Field ranked as the #2 stop on StubHub for tickets, right behind Boston’s Fenway Park, which is Kahan’s hometown show and where he did four nights. The ticket resale broker and ticket outlet told us that “Chicago saw the highest per-night demand of any city on the tour.” 

“On a per-night basis, Chicago is the single biggest draw of the entire tour,” StubHub told Parade. “[About] 40 percent higher demand than the next-closest single-night stop (Philadelphia).”

Even though Wrigley Field is known for its undeniable Chicago energy, StubHub did share that almost half of tickets for this venue on Kahan’s tour went to fans outside of Illinois. 43.8 percent traveled in, and buyers came from all 50 states and Canada. 

"When artists generate this level of demand, fans don't want to miss out,” a StubHub spokesperson shares with Parade. “If you miss out on tickets because you're stuck in a queue or only 'platinum' seats are left, StubHub provides another opportunity to access tickets, even after they initially go on sale. Our goal is to help fans be part of the live moments everyone is talking about."

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Noah Kahan at Wrigley: How Folk-Rock Scaled a 112-Year-Old Stadium

Courtesy Alani Vargas

As for the actual Noah Kahan concert, there were no complaints from my fiancée or me about how good of a show it was. The dedication you see from Kahan in his recent Netflix documentary, Noah Kahan: Out of Body, really showed through his performance. 

Similar to a lot of big-time concerts nowadays, The Great Divide Tour had a couple of different stages. The main one was decked out with a replica of his childhood house—which comes in handy for songs like “Porch Light,” since he calls out specific aspects of that house. Even a section of his GA section was called “Front Porch,” playing into that theme even more. 

Courtesy Alani Vargas

At one point, Kahan sings from the roof of the house, and his band members and he use the space really well overall. The house on stage also changed for different songs, and more setpieces came into play—like for “Dial Drunk,” Kahan was “arrested” as he sings about in the song, performing while being handcuffed on the hood of an actual cop car on stage. The camera work in that song was also fantastic, with Kahan singing into the side-view mirror, which is what was projected onto the big screens for a very cinematic feel. 

There’s also a C-stage, which is way into the floor audience. This is where he sings “Orbiter” and then a song he changes up each show. The intimate space all by himself with his guitar, with a lone spotlight on him, really sets the tone for a song as heartwrenching as “Orbiter.”

Courtesy Alani Vargas

On that note, Kahan’s voice did not disappoint, and the setlist included a good mix of songs from his newest album and some good staples, including “All My Love,” “The View Between Villages,” “Orange Juice” and “Northern Attitude.”

With his high energy, even the most devastating songs felt like a good time, hearing it with so many fellow fans. And of course, one of my favorite parts of any live show is the fireworks at the end—something that Wrigley Field seems to be particularly good at. Walking out to “Stick Season” as fireworks blast into the air was a spectacular end to a really good concert.  

Courtesy Alani Vargas

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What You Need To Know Before Seeing a Show at Wrigley Field

With all that said, here are some tips to know before you go to a concert at the Friendly Confines. 

Sightlines and acoustics

There were no bleacher seats for this show, and it is usually like this because of where the stage needs to be set up. So prepare to buy tickets in the 100 to 400 sections, or field seats. 

And just know that if you want a true auditory experience, sitting in stadium seats, especially if you can get 100 or 200 level tickets, is better in my opinion. 

But also, the netting from baseball games does not come down, so if that’s going to visually bother you or your photos, stick to the sides or further back from the field if you're in stadium seats. 

Courtesy Alani Vargas

Wrigleyville: the neighborhood factor

Prior to any event at Wrigley, Wrigleyville is a great place to pre-game. There are so many bars that line Clark St., with different themes or vibes, that there’s something for everyone. 

You can go the classic baseball venue route and visit Murphy’s right behind the stadium, or Sluggers, which is one of the first bars on Clark when you’re coming from the stadium. If you want Mexican food and Latin music, Moe’s Cantina isn’t too far down Clark either. If you want authentic Mexican cocktails and vibes, Hacienda D’Suarez is another good choice on Clark. And if you’re down for pizza, Happy Camper is also there. 

Northalstead (formerly called Boystown) isn’t far from Wrigley either, if you want to pre-game at some gay bars and queer spaces—I’d recommend Roscoe’s Tavern, Progress Bar, Sidetrack and Splash to name a few (though check the times, since they’re not right on the strip by Wrigley Field; some open later). 

Wrigley Field is one of the easiest venues to get to from north or south because it’s right off the Addison Red Line stops on the CTA. I would never suggest driving to Wrigley—for games or concerts—but especially for how crowded and sold-out this show was, I would recommend against driving in completely if you can help it. If you need a car, don’t park near the venue, as you won’t be able to leave with how many people litter the streets afterward. 

With that said, if your seats aren’t near the Addison Red Line stop, you might end up waiting in a never-ending line when you leave. So I’d recommend knowing the buses you can take beforehand as well. For me, the Clark 22 and 36 Broadway buses are the best bet, since the 36 is a few blocks away from the venue and both usually have less of a crowd. But whatever bus works for your route is a good bet, especially if it’s on a street parallel to N. Sheffield Ave. (the street the Red Line is parallel to by Wrigley). If you’re going East or West, you might have a better transit situation if you don’t need to take the Red Line afterward anyway. 

The curfew

There’s a City of Chicago noise ordinance, so any event or concert has to end at 11 p.m. (outside of special circumstances). So you can expect any concert at Wrigley Field to be done by 11 p.m.

Is seeing a concert at Wrigley Field worth it?

Short answer:  Yes, it is. 

If someone you’re a fan of is touring here—and you’re on the fence—the historic baseball venue is enough to push you over the line, and you should get those tickets. 

From the iconic stadium to the Wrigleyville vibes, and just the backdrop of Chicago, there are so many reasons that a concert at Wrigley Field is worth it. It’s unique and worth it at least once in your life (but honestly, so much more). 

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Zac Brown just pulled off an Oprah-level moment in Boston, and the entire crowd at Fenway Park went completely wild.

On Sunday night, during the 15th consecutive sold-out show at the historic ballpark—a venue record the Grammy-winning group already held—Zac Brown paused right before playing the band’s hit “Same Boat” to make a mind-blowing announcement. He was gifting every single fan in the stadium a free Margaritaville at Sea cruise vacation.

With over 35,000 concertgoers packed into the iconic stadium, the surprise gifting is valued at more than $40 million, making it the largest audience giveaway in live entertainment history. Every fan in attendance received a voucher redeemable for a cruise aboard Margaritaville at Sea over the coming year.

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A rendering of the upcoming Margaritaville at Sea flagship, Beachcomber, launching in January 2027.

Margaritaville at Sea

"We were honored to work alongside Zac to help bring this incredible surprise to life for his fans," said Christopher Ivy, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville at Sea. "This was an extraordinary way to thank the fans who have supported him throughout his career, and we're proud to have helped make that incredible vision a once-in-a-lifetime reality."

The jaw-dropping stadium giveaway stems from a deep, multi-year partnership between the country rock frontman and the cruise line. Throughout the band's current Love & Fear U.S. Tour—which is officially presented by Margaritaville at Sea—the group has been giving away four cruises per night to lucky concertgoers. But no one expected the band to hand out free vacations to an entire sold-out stadium at Fenway.

Those tour giveaway winners, alongside future cruisers, will be setting sail aboard the cruise line's newest flagship, the Beachcomber, launching out of Miami in January 2027. The new vessel will house "Same Boat," a first-of-its-kind, artist-curated live music venue at sea co-designed by Brown himself.

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Named in honor of Brown’s 2021 collaboration with his close friend, the late Jimmy Buffett, the venue is built to bring the authentic energy of a Zac Brown Band concert onto the ocean. Designed directly with Brown's personal touch on the acoustics, artwork, and atmosphere, the space features craft cocktails, rustic finishes, and intimate front-row music experiences.

The partnership between the country star and Margaritaville at Sea is set to reach even bigger heights in early 2027. To celebrate the line's entire fleet coming together in Nassau on January 28, 2027, Zac Brown Band will perform an exclusive live concert at the Nassau Cruise Port Amphitheatre, reserved exclusively for Margaritaville at Sea guests.

For the 35,000-plus fans walking out of Fenway Park on Sunday night, the concert proved that when Zac Brown sings about having "not a worry in the world," he truly means it.

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On Aug. 3, 1926, legendary singer Tony Bennett was born in Long Island City, N.Y., and his lasting impact on music is greatly remembered by many.

"I come from a wonderful Italian-American family. My father died when I was 10 and my family would make a circle around us to help my mom out," the musician, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, previously recalled to Parade of his upbringing. Every Sunday, Bennett's family would visit, when Bennett and his siblings would entertain his relatives. "They would encourage us and they would say, ‘Look at how Tony is singing’ and ‘Look at how he paints,’ and it really created a passion in me for the rest of my life. I remember very clearly as a young boy saying, 'This is who I am. My family is telling me that I sing well and I paint well, so I’m going to keep doing that.' To this day, I still have a strong desire to get better and better as I get older."

Bennett would sing while waiting tables as a teenager and with military bands when he was enlisted in the army during World War II. One of his earliest recordings, "St. James Infirmary Blues," was recorded in Germany just after the war ended, and it held a special place in the singer's heart. He told Parade in 2013, "I loved it. Even today, I consider it one of my favorite records that I ever made."

Upon returning home to the United States in 1949, Bennett went on to study music at the American Theatre Wing. The same year, TV entertainer Bob Hope saw the singer performing at a nightclub in Greenwich Village. Impressed with Bennett's talent — "We'll call you Tony," he said, — Hope asked him to join him on his national tour.

In 1950, Bennett signed to Columbia Records after sharing a demo of his now hit single, "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams," which was released on May 22 of the same year. His career took off following the release of his cover of Larry Clinton & His Orchestra's "Because of You" in 1951.

Just over a decade later, Bennett won his first two Grammy Awards for "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Over the course of his celebrated career, the hitmaker won 20 Grammys, along with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.

In addition to singing, the musician had a deep love for painting, something that he did "every day". He owned his own art studio in Manhattan, located just a few blocks from Central Park, which was one of Bennett's favorite places to go to sketch and paint.

Bennett died on July 21, 2023, at age 96. Two years before his death, he revealed that he had been living with Alzheimer's disease for several years. Today, Aug. 3, 2026, the legendary singer and artist would have turned 100, but his memory lives on through his beloved music and his admiration from millions.

Related: Founding Member of Influential '80s Rock Band Turns 68

Few musicians have left a bigger mark on heavy metal than James Hetfield.

The Metallica co-founder, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist turns 63 on Aug. 3 after more than four decades at the heart of one of rock's most successful and influential bands. Since answering drummer Lars Ulrich's newspaper ad in 1981, Hetfield has helped turn Metallica into a global phenomenon with 11 studio albums, 10 Grammy Awards and some of the most recognizable riffs in rock history.

While many guitarists are remembered for dazzling solos, Hetfield has earned acclaim for something different: the precision, power and relentless drive of his rhythm playing.

Why Guitar World Called Him 'The G.O.A.T.'

In its ranking of the Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time, Guitar World placed Hetfield at No. 4 and offered perhaps an even bigger compliment than the ranking itself.

Calling him "the doyen of down-picking" and "the riffmaster supreme," the magazine wrote that Hetfield is "the combustion engine that drives that unstoppable and unlikely phenomenon that is Metallica."

It continued by praising everything from the aggression of Kill 'Em All to the crushing riffs of Master of Puppets before delivering its ultimate verdict.

"He plays lead on 'Nothing Else Matters,' but you wouldn't get your people to call his people and ask him to play a guest solo," Guitar World wrote. "No, Hetfield is the rhythm king, the G.O.A.T., all riffs and song structure. He's the engine, but he's the architect, too."

The publication's praise reflects the role Hetfield has played throughout Metallica's career. Rather than relying on flashy lead guitar work, he built the band's sound around tightly crafted riffs, intricate rhythm parts and songwriting that helped elevate heavy metal into the mainstream.

A Lasting Influence on Rock Music

Hetfield's influence extends well beyond Metallica.

Rolling Stone ranked Hetfield alongside longtime bandmate Kirk Hammett at No. 23 on its list of the 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, crediting the pair with redefining heavy metal through blistering speed and inventive technique before expanding the genre with melodic classics like "Fade to Black," "One," "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman." The magazine wrote that the combination of Hetfield's "bludgeoning fury" and Hammett's expressive lead playing became the blueprint for Metallica's biggest successes.

His peers have been just as complimentary. Guitarist Jeff Waters of Annihilatorfamously dubbed him "The King of Downpicking," a nod to the relentless right-hand technique that has inspired generations of metal players. Hetfield himself has explained that he grips the pick with his thumb, index and middle fingers to give himself greater stability and speed.

From Kill 'Em All through 72 Seasons, Hetfield's unmistakable rhythm playing and songwriting have remained at the core of Metallica's success, cementing his place among rock's most influential guitarists as he celebrates his 63rd birthday.

Related: '80s Rocker Says Metallica 'Always Had an Attitude Like They Were Better Than Everybody Else'

When planning a summer getaway to Europe, scoring a cheap flight is often only half the battle. Once you land, the cumulative costs of hotel rooms, dinners out, museum entries, and daily transit can quickly turn a budget trip into a pricey affair. But according to a new study by villa rental company Ibiza Summer Villas, one storybook European destination manages to deliver cobblestone romance, world-class sights, and rich history without the premium price tag: Prague.

The Czech capital claimed the coveted number one spot in a global ranking of the best-value vacation destinations for summer 2026. The study evaluated popular destinations worldwide across five key expense categories—average flight costs, three-star hotel rates, restaurant prices, attraction fees, and public transportation—while factoring in visitor satisfaction ratings for each city.

The result? Prague stood out as the undisputed champion of value, striking the ultimate balance between wallet-friendly day-to-day costs and exceptionally high visitor experiences.

Related: 10 Best Weekend Trips in the U.S. for Budget Travelers

Why Prague Tops the Value Charts Prague, Czech Republic, was named the world's top best-value vacation spot for summer 2026.

Harald Nachtmann via Getty

Known as the "City of a Hundred Spires," Prague has long captivated travelers with its fairy-tale skyline, gothic towers, and pastel baroque buildings. What makes it the world’s best-value spot this summer, however, is how accessible that storybook charm remains for visitors on the ground.

Three-star hotels in Prague average around $144 per night while maintaining high guest satisfaction scores averaging 4.10 out of 5. Getting around the city is equally painless on the wallet, with a single-ride public transit ticket costing about $2.15—giving travelers cheap, reliable access to the city’s iconic tram and metro network.

Dining and sightseeing also deliver serious bang for your buck. A two-course meal for two averages around $66, supported by stellar restaurant reviews averaging 4.57 out of 5 stars. Visitors can spend their mornings watching the astronomical clock chime in Old Town Square, strolling across the 14th-century Charles Bridge at sunrise, or exploring the sprawling Prague Castle complex—where attraction entry fees average $87 alongside impressive 4.32-star visitor ratings. Combined with average flight costs of around $110 across regional European routes, the Czech capital proves that an unforgettable, high-quality European getaway doesn't require a high-end budget.

Related: 20 Best Fall Travel Destinations for Every Type of Traveler

How Other Global Favorites Ranked

While Prague took home the crown, European destinations dominated the top of the leaderboards overall, capturing nine of the top 10 best-value spots worldwide.

Spain stood out as a dominant force for budget-conscious summer travel, placing seven cities inside the global top 25. Coastal favorite Alicante ranked second overall, with three-star hotels averaging $205 per night, meals for two around $67, and strong restaurant reviews averaging 4.65 out of 5. Northern culinary hub Bilbao claimed the third spot, where three-star stays run $177 per night and local transit costs just $2.30. Portugal’s riverfront gem Porto landed at fourth place with exceptionally low hotel rates averaging $132 per night and an impressive 4.67-star attraction rating, followed by the ancient ruins and rooftop tavernas of Athens, Greece, in fifth place, where transit tickets cost just $1.60.

Rounding out the top 10 best-value destinations are fairytale-inspired Brugge, Belgium, in sixth place; London, United Kingdom, in seventh; historical Krakow, Poland, in eighth; Málaga, Spain, in ninth; and tropical Phuket, Thailand—the lone non-European entry in the top 10—in tenth place.

Beyond pure financial value, the study also revealed where travelers leave happiest regardless of cost. Kyoto, Japan, earned the title of highest-rated destination overall with a 4.61 out of 5 score, while Naples, Italy, boasted the world's highest restaurant satisfaction rating at an incredible 4.99 out of 5. Stateside, New Orleans scored highest among U.S. cities with a 4.48 out of 5 rating, earning top marks for its live music, historic French Quarter, and legendary culinary scene.

Related: This Iconic Ship Lets Your Dog Cruise to Europe in Total Comfort

There are some TV characters who sit with us for decades after, and John C. McGinley’s Dr. Cox from Scrubs is one of them. It’s hard to believe now that the actor behind the role turns 67 today, Aug. 3, and we’re celebrating in style!

Cox became the mentor we all wanted and needed. Okay, the one we needed; for some, his prickly attitude and name-calling were a little too much. However, there was always heart beneath the rusty exterior, and he certainly proved that you didn’t always need to be a people person to be a brilliant doctor.

As JD decided that he wanted Cox to be his mentor, Cox attempted more than once to avoid it. In the end, he reluctantly took “Newbie” under his wing, and we got one of the best mentor-mentee relationships on TV of all time. On top of that, Cox gained some excellent development over the course of the nine seasons of the original series, especially when it came to handling the loss of his brother-in-law, and there was no doubt everyone was ready to see him back in the Scrubs revival in 2026 that was well worth the wait.

UNITED STATES - JANUARY 04: SCRUBS - "Scrubs" stars John C. McGinley as "Dr. Phil Cox." Ê (Photo by Mitch Haaseth/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

While Scrubs has certainly become the actor’s biggest role, he had some early breakthroughs in the 1980s that put him in the perfect spot for the medical comedy. His earliest role was in Platoon, which went on to become an Oscar-winning war drama that certainly put his name on the map. He then went on to land iconic roles in Wall Street and Point Break.

One of his most renowned roles is likely as Bob Slydell in Office Space from 1999, where he coined the famous line, “What would you say…you do here?”

However, McGinley has proven that he’s more than an actor who likes to play heartfelt characters with tough exteriors. He is one of those humans that you want in your life, having had an impactful role in the National Down Syndrome Society since 1997, when his son, Max, was born with Down syndrome. He is also a board member for the Special Olympics, a title that he holds dear to his heart.

Over the years, he has campaigned heavily to bring an end to the use of the R-word in everyday language, putting a focus on inclusion for those with disabilities, especially when it comes to healthcare and entertainment. We can only hope to see more both on-screen and off-screen as he celebrates turning 67.

Fifty-three years ago today, one of the most acclaimed albums in music history hit shelves.

Three days later, the man who made it was fighting for his life. Stevie Wonder released Innervisions on Aug. 3, 1973, near the peak of his powers. On Aug. 6, a car crash in North Carolina left him in a coma, and the record still went on to win the top prize at the Grammys.

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A Crash That Nearly Ended Everything

The car Wonder was riding in, driven by his cousin, hit the back of a flatbed truck outside Salisbury, North Carolina. Wood from the truck struck him in the head, and the severe injury left him comatose for four days. He temporarily lost his sense of smell and kept the forehead scar rather than have it removed. By some accounts, gospel singer Ira Tucker sang "Higher Ground," a track from the new album, at his bedside, and Wonder began moving his fingers in time to the music.

The Album Made History Anyway

Wonder, who had been recording for Motown since he was 12, pulled through and did not perform publicly again until early 1974. By then Innervisions, home to "Living for the City" and "Higher Ground," had only grown in stature. Wonder wrote and produced the record and played most of the instruments himself, from the drums to the synthesizers.

At the 1974 Grammys it won Album of the Year, making Wonder the first Black artist to take the category. The single "Living for the City" took home a Grammy of its own that night. He would win Album of the Year twice more before the decade was out.

Wonder went on to more than two dozen Grammys and later crossover hits like "I Just Called to Say I Love You." But the album he nearly died three days after releasing is still one of the defining works of his career.

For millions of parents, Dr. Becky Kennedyhas become one of today's most trusted voices on raising emotionally healthy children while also encouraging parents to show themselves more compassion. Through her bestselling book Good Inside, her chart-topping podcast Good Inside with Dr. Becky, TED Talk, online community and social media platforms, the clinical psychologist has helped transform the conversation around parenting by shifting the focus from punishment and perfection to connection, resilience and understanding. As the founder and CEO of Good Inside, Kennedy encourages families to look beyond behavior and see the emotions underneath it—a philosophy that has resonated with parents around the world.

August 3 marks the fifth anniversary of "How Can I Get My Kid to Stop Doing an Annoying Behavior?," the much beloved episode on Good Inside with Dr. Becky. The widely shared program highlights Kennedy's signature approach: instead of reacting only to frustrating behaviors, parents are encouraged to understand what is driving them while maintaining clear, consistent boundaries. The episode became a key example of the Good Inside philosophy and introduced countless listeners to the compassionate framework that has made her podcast one of the most popular parenting shows today.

Kennedy's approach grew out of her own experience as a clinical psychologist. Early in her career, she practiced traditional reward-and-punishment methods before realizing those strategies "feel awful—for kids and parents." She then drew on attachment theory, mindfulness, emotion regulation and internal family systems theory to develop a different way of helping families. Today, she and her team work to break down complex parenting topics into practical, actionable strategies while focusing on "the parent behind the parenting and the child behind the behavior."

The message continues to strike a chord because it acknowledges something many parents feel but rarely hear: parenting isn't about becoming perfect. It's about becoming more present, more curious and more connected—to children and to ourselves. Kennedy believes that when parents better understand their own emotions, they are better equipped to guide their children through life's inevitable frustrations with empathy and confidence. As she explained in an interview for the New York Times Magazine, "Millennial parents are more aware of things within themselves that don't feel good," she said. "These are parents dedicated to raising kids who feel solid and confident while also trying to heal themselves."

Related: 7 Habits of a ‘Deeply Feeling’ Child or Grandchild, According to Dr. Becky Kennedy

Quote of the Day by Dr. Becky Kennedy

"Finding the good inside can often come from asking ourselves one simple question: 'What is my most generous interpretation of what just happened?'"

Becky Kennedy shares this insight in her bestselling book Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, published in 2022. Throughout the book, Kennedy explores how parents can move away from shame, blame and quick judgments and instead approach themselves and their children with curiosity and compassion. The question she poses—“What is my most generous interpretation of what just happened?” It serves as a practical tool for helping parents pause before reacting and consider that there may be a deeper emotion or unmet need behind a difficult moment.

At its core, the quote is about changing the way we interpret behavior. Kennedy suggests that when something frustrating happens, our first reaction is often shaped by assumptions: a child is being defiant, a parent is failing or a situation is simply going wrong. By choosing the most generous interpretation, we create room to see beyond the surface and respond with greater understanding. This doesn't mean ignoring boundaries or excusing harmful behavior; rather, it means approaching challenges with the belief that there is always more to understand.

Related: The Surprising Phrase You Should Stop Saying to Your Child or Grandchild—and What To Say Instead

Deeper Meaning of Becky Kennedy's Quote

At first glance, Becky Kennedy's quote seems simple. But it reflects the heart of her Good Inside philosophy. By asking ourselves, "What is my most generous interpretation of what just happened?" she encourages parents to replace judgment with curiosity and compassion. Rather than assuming a child who lashes out, refuses to listen or has a meltdown is simply being "bad," Kennedy urges parents to look beneath the behavior to understand the feelings driving it. She believes that fear, frustration, disappointment or overwhelm often lie at the root of challenging moments, and responding with empathy while maintaining clear boundaries strengthens both the parent-child relationship and a child's emotional well-being.

That perspective extends beyond children to parents themselves. Kennedy believes one of the biggest shifts happens when parents stop asking only, "What's wrong with my child?" and instead ask, "What's happening for me right now?" By recognizing their own emotions and triggers, parents can become steadier, more grounded leaders for their families. As she has explained, children don't need adults who remove every disappointment; they need adults who can stay present with them through difficult emotions, helping them learn that distress is a normal part of life rather than something to fear or avoid.

Kennedy's Quote of the Day is about choosing empathy over assumption. That message runs throughout Good Inside, where she writes that resilience grows by learning to tolerate difficult feelings rather than escaping them. She also reminds parents that perfectionism often reflects an underlying struggle with emotion regulation, making understanding far more effective than criticism. Her words are a powerful reminder that when we pause to consider the most generous interpretation of someone's actions—including our own—we create space for stronger relationships, greater resilience and deeper compassion.

Other Quotes by Becky Kennedy

"Building resilience is about developing the capacity to tolerate distress, to stay in and with a tough, challenging moment, to find our footing and our goodness even when we don't have confirmation of achievement or pending success."

"Now you have your job description: keep your child safe, emotionally and physically, using boundaries, validation, and empathy."

"Here's something I start saying to my kids early on: 'Did you know that learning is hard? I mean it! Every single time any of us learns something—me, you, everyone—it feels frustrating!' "

"If we don't build a sturdy foundation with our kids—one based in trust, understanding, and curiosity—then we have nothing keeping them attached to us."

Next,11 Scientifically-Proven Strategies for Raising Happy Kids and Grandkids, According to a Child Psychologist

Patsy Cline’s career was cut tragically short, but her music continued to make an impact decades after her death.

On Aug. 3, 1999, 36 years after Cline died at age 30, the beloved country singer received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star was dedicated in the Recording category at 6160 Hollywood Blvd.

By then, Cline’s voice was already firmly established as one of the most recognizable in country music. Her career had lasted only a handful of years, but she recorded songs that would become enduring favorites, including "Walkin’ After Midnight," "I Fall to Pieces," "She’s Got You," "Crazy" and "Sweet Dreams."

Cline died in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee, on March 5, 1963, at just 30 years old. She was at the height of her career, making the longevity of her music all the more remarkable.

Her influence had already been recognized long before the Hollywood honor. In 1973, Cline became the first female solo artist inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a milestone that came just 10 years after her death.

And her music continued finding new audiences. The Hollywood Walk of Fame notes that millions of Cline’s albums sold in the decades following her death, while her recordings remained a lasting part of country music history.

The Hollywood star was another reminder that Cline’s career was about much more than its brief timeline. Although she had been gone for more than three decades by the time her star was unveiled, the songs she left behind had never really gone away.

RELATED: 1967 Country Hit ‘Ode to Billie Joe’ Inspired One of Music’s Biggest Mysteries: What Was Thrown Off the Bridge?

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When it comes to food storage, it’s hard to beat the reputation that comes with the Pyrex brand. Supplying home cooks with a reliable glass alternative to plastic, Pyrex pieces earn their place in the kitchen thanks to their versatile designs and ability to handle everything from meal prep and leftovers to freezing, baking, reheating and beyond.

If you’re looking for the right upgrade for your collection, look no further than the Pyrex Simply Store 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set. Available at Sam’s Club for just $29.98, this beautiful pastel-lidded lineup is a lifesaver in any kitchen, ready to organize your meals and snacks with ease while adding a splash of color to your food storage routine.

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Pyrex Simply Store 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set, $29.98 at Sam's Club Pyrex Simply Store 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set

Sam's Club

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Perfect for freezing leftovers, packing lunches, keeping your favorite snacks fresh or serving chips, dip and charcuterie at a summer cookout, the Pyrex Simply Store 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set is about as versatile as food containers get. And with a high-quality glass construction backed by the Pyrex name, you can count on each piece holding up to daily use, whether you’re reheating leftovers, storing meals for later or tossing them in the dishwasher.

For just $30, this 28-piece set provides you with three 1-cup containers, six 2-cup containers, three 4-cup containers and two 7-cup containers. Best of all, each one comes with a color-coded BPA-free plastic airtight lid that fits snugly over the container and makes organizing easy. Plus, the lids and containers are freezer-, microwave- and top-rack dishwasher-safe, making the entire process from meal prep to cleanup a total breeze.

Related: Sam's Club's Scalloped 2-Tier Basket Is 'Very Durable, Spacious and High Quality'

Simply Store set pieces nested together

Sam's Club

Shoppers Can’t Get Enough of This Pastel Pyrex Set

Online, shoppers spared no time letting others know just how great this set actually is. One person stood out immediately, raving that they “can’t live without them” in their kitchen and adding, “when I saw these, I snatched them up quickly!”

Others felt similarly, with another shopper sharing that this set turned out to be exactly what they were looking for. “I like to cook large batches then freeze meals for another time,” they wrote, noting that the containers make reheating extra easy.

“Yes, buy them,” another fan encouraged readers. “These are wonderful containers. Glass is so much better storage for health and longevity.”

Why Pyrex Remains a Kitchen Favorite

Colorful, sleek appearances aside, Pyrex containers like this set are a major step up from traditional plastic food storage containers. Where they really shine isn’t just in their durable tempered glass design, it’s their ability to resist stains and not absorb food odors or flavors, making them a superior kitchen upgrade that you can enjoy using for years to come.

Even better, this set specifically features a nesting design, allowing the containers to fit neatly inside one another while the matching lids do the same. This provides you with more space in the cabinet while also making it easier to keep track of every container and its respective lid.

If you’re eyeing this set up already, don’t waste any more time and snag it now before it sells out. With a two-year warranty attached and a world of versatile uses possible, it’s a worthy investment in a perfectly organized kitchen.

While you’re at it, check out Sam’s Club’s Butter & Honey Filled Pretzel Sticks and PB&J Protein Bites for a few tasty ideas of what you can keep inside.

Related: The Home Depot's 'Beautiful' 16-Piece Stoneware Set Brings Elegant Old-World Charm to the Dinner Table

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If you're looking for a stylish and practical way to declutter your bathroom, kitchen, entryway, or laundry room, Walmart's latest home find is a smart solution that won't break the bank. The top-rated Homfa 4-Door Bathroom Cabinet offers plenty of storage space to organize anything from linen and toiletries to dishware and appliances, and it's on sale for nearly 30% off right now. 

Originally $180, the three-tier wooden accent cabinet is currently marked down to as low as $130 in the sleek all-white style. You can also shop it in blue, gray, green, and light gray at $140. All five colors blend beautifully with various styles of decor, from farmhouse and traditional to minimalist and modern. 

Homfa 4-Door Bathroom Cabinet, $140 (was $180) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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At 23.6 inches long, 11.6 inches deep, and 66.9 inches high, the cabinet has a tall, slim design that shoppers call "remarkably sturdy." The dual cupboards are generously sized, with each featuring two soft-closing doors and a generously sized shelf with ample room for towels, toiletries, dishes, spices, and wicker baskets. There are also two removable middle drawers that are spacious enough to hold soaps, toothpaste, tea bags, and other small essentials. 

Related: Walmart's 15-Cube Cabinet Is a 'Beautiful' Storage Solution for Book Lovers and Toy Collectors

Made of high-quality MDF with a lacquered finish, this multifunctional cabinet can be used in a variety of ways around the home. It can serve as a bookcase, a filing cabinet, an entryway piece or simply as extra storage in the bathroom or laundry room. Assembly is also simple. It comes with detailed instructions, numbered parts, and an anti-tipping device to enhance stability. 

Shop More Deals

• Costway Bathroom Storage Floor Cabinet, $60 (was $104) at Walmart
• Homfa Bathroom Storage Cabinet, $56 (was $95) at Walmart
• Walsunny Bathroom Floor Storage Cabinet, $81 (was $130) at Walmart

This stylish and functional four-door storage cabinet is a worthwhile buy that's versatile enough to work in all types of spaces. Snag one for as low as $140 before this limited-time sale ends at Walmart.

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Swedish symphonic power metal band Dragonland has announced its seventh studio album, Prophecies, nearly 27 years after the band was formed. 

The album will be released on Oct. 23, 2026, through Scarlet Records, and the band has already shared its first single, “Survival Of Mankind.”

The new record is described as a hard-hitting symphonic power metal release built around soaring melodies, fast guitar riffs and epic orchestration. 

Prophecies will feature 12 tracks, including epic fantasy songs, ballads and fast power metal anthems. The album will also include a cover of FM-84’s “Running in the Night” as a bonus track on CD and digital editions.

The Swedish Symphonic Power Metal band Dragonland! https://t.co/mAotcIXkIB pic.twitter.com/IdUomPqVmi

— Scary Ougi (@Scary_Ougi) December 21, 2024 Dragonland ‘Prophecies’ Album Details

Dragonland worked again with producer Fredrik Nordstrom of Studio Fredman to complete the album, according to Blabbermouth. Nordstrom mixed and mastered the record at Studio Fredman, known for work with bands including In Flames, Arch Enemy and HammerFall.

The album artwork was created by Pedro Sena, who has also worked with Amon Amarth and Kreator.

Prophecies will be available as a digipack CD, vinyl LP and digital release. The vinyl editions will include 350 marbled blue copies and 150 transparent blue-yellow splatter copies.

The complete track listing is:

1. “The Prophecy Unfolds”
2. “Rolling Waves”
3. “Survival Of Mankind”
4. “The Perfumed Jungles Of Chrysantion”
5. “Dragonland”
6. “Light Of The Sunset”
7. “Glory And Gold”
8. “Making Darkened Nights So Bright”
9. “A Distant Memory”
10. “The Call Of The Wild”
11. “Cries Of Anguish”
12. “Running In The Night” (FM-84 cover; CD/digital bonus track)

“Survival Of Mankind” serves as the first preview of the new album and gives fans an early look at the band’s latest symphonic power metal material.

Dragonland Marks a New Chapter After Lineup Change

The Prophecies announcement comes shortly after the departure of longtime guitarist Olof Mörck, who left Dragonland in 2026. The band said the decision was unanimous and linked his departure to his growing commitments with Amaranthe.

“Olof is an old and dear friend, and some of us go way back before Dragonland even started,” the band stated. “We still remain the best of friends.”

The band also revealed that Morck made one final contribution to Dragonland’s upcoming album. A song written by Morck and keyboardist Elias Holmlid in 2013 was recorded for Prophecies.

“As a final contribution from Olof to the Dragonland universe, for the upcoming album, we have recorded a track written by him and Elias [Holmlid, keyboards] back in 2013. It is kind of a lost chapter and it felt truly special finally bringing it to life in the studio.”

Dragonland was founded in 1999 by guitarist Nicklas Magnusson and Jonas Heidgert. The band released its debut album, The Battle of the Ivory Plains, in 2001, followed by Holy War in 2002, Starfall in 2004, Astronomy in 2006 and Under the Grey Banner in 2011.=

Dragonland currently consists of Jonas Heidgert on vocals, Jesse Lindskog on guitars, Elias Holmlid on keyboards, Anders Hammer on bass and Johan Nunez on drums.

Related: 1981 Rock Song, Never a No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among 'Greatest Classic Rock Songs' of All Time

Long before political dramas became a television staple, Martin Sheen gave audiences one of the most memorable fictional commanders in chief of all time.

On Aug. 3, the acclaimed actor celebrates his 86th birthday, marking more than six decades in Hollywood and a career filled with unforgettable performances on both the big and small screen.

While Sheen has appeared in countless films and television series, many fans still know him best as President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet on NBC's The West Wing.

Created by Aaron Sorkin, the award-winning drama ran from 1999 to 2006 and followed the inner workings of a fictional White House. Sheen's thoughtful, compassionate portrayal of President Bartlet earned him a Golden Globe Award and six Emmy nominations, helping make the character one of television's most beloved presidents.

Of course, The West Wing is only one chapter in Sheen's remarkable career.

He starred as Capt. Benjamin Willard in Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 war epic Apocalypse Now, a role widely regarded as one of the defining performances of New Hollywood cinema.

Over the years, he's also appeared in films including Badlands, Wall Street, The Departed, Catch Me If You Can and Grace and Frankie, proving his versatility across genres and generations.

Away from the screen, Sheen has long been known for his activism, lending his voice to causes involving civil rights, environmental protection and social justice. His willingness to speak out has made him as respected off-camera as he is on it.

Sheen is also the patriarch of one of Hollywood's most recognizable acting families. He and his wife, Janet Sheen, are parents to four children, including actors Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Renée Estevez and Ramon Estevez.

At 86, Sheen's legacy stretches far beyond a single role. But for millions of viewers, he'll always be remembered as the wise, principled President Bartlet.

RELATED: The Festival That Now Costs More Than the Kentucky Derby

To solve today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, you'll need to know a little bit about a variety of sports and different types of deals. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Monday, August 3, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Monday, August 3, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it's a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It's up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you "group sports terms that share a common thread."

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on August 3, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: Empire State hoops teams.
• Green: Baseball on the East Coast.
• Blue: Likely members of the Wentworth Club.
• Purple: Like buying and selling.

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: NEW YORK BASKETBALL TEAMS
• Green: NL EAST TEAMS
• Blue: ENGLISH GOLFERS
• Purple: TRADE _____

If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!

The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #679 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• NEW YORK BASKETBALL TEAMS: KNICKS, LIBERTY, NETS, ST. JOHN'S
• NL EAST TEAMS: BRAVES, METS, NATIONALS, PHILLIES
• ENGLISH GOLFERS: FITZPATRICK, FLEETWOOD, RAI, ROSE
• TRADE _____: BLOCK, DEADLINE, OFFER, RUMORS

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: 8 Kitchen Gadgets Every '90s Mom Had on Her Counter (That Actually Worked Better)

John 5, the prominent guitarist best known for his work with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, is celebrating a major career milestone.

Nearly 40 years after launching his career as a session guitarist in 1987, the 56-year-old musician, whose real name is John William Lowery, is expanding his legacy not only as a member of Mötley Crüe but also through his solo career.

Following the release of his 11th solo studio album Ghost, in 2025, the Michigan native is gearing up for more exciting shows set for next year.

John 5 recently announced joining the Wacken Open Air 2027, the world's largest heavy metal music festival.

Together with his band, John 5 and the Creatures, he will be part of the star-studded lineup, which will take place from July 28 to 31.

John 5 performs at HopMonk Tavern on January 24, 2026 in Novato, California.

Steve Jennings/Getty Images

Headlined by Electric Callboy, Five Finger Death Punch and Helloween, John 5 will celebrate the milestone by performing songs from across his music career, including tracks from the bands and artists he has played with, such as Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Mötley Crüe, David Lee Roth and songs from his solo catalog.

In addition, the festival will be part of his 2027 summer and fall tour alongside former Murderdolls member Wednesday 13 on vocals.

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Looking forward to Wacken Open Air, John 5 expressed his anticipation for delivering amazing and "killer" performances with fellow musician Wednesday 13, also known by his moniker the "Duke of Spook."

"I've really missed playing these songs that for years were so much a part of my life,” he mentioned in a statement as cited by The PRP. “Having such an amazing showman as Wednesday 13 join me will ensure the performances are killer. And to have the first show we announce be the Wacken festival in 2027 is truly awesome."

With Wednesday 13 joining the lineup, this will be the first time that John 5's band has featured a vocalist.

As for the horror punk and heavy metal singer, he also expressed the same sentiment, noting how he is "thrilled to be sharing the stage” with John 5, whom he has “been friends with for years” and has toured together with their bands since 2010.

The highly anticipated four-day event will take place in Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany and will feature some of the biggest bands and artists in the music industry, including Knocked Loose, Heaven Shall Burn, Edguy, Children of Bodom, Five Finger Death Punch and more.

On the other hand, John 5 is also booked and busy after some of his European and UK shows have been rescheduled due to “unforeseeable logistical issues.”

​With this, he is set to embark on a solo run across the United Kingdom this October before heading to Mexico for a series of concerts in November.​

John 5 2026 Tour Dates

Oct 11: Exeter, UK @ Exeter Phoenix
Oct 12: Southampton, UK @ The 1865
Oct 13: Bristol, UK @ Thekla
Oct 14: Wolverhampton, UK @ KK's Steel Mill
Oct 15: Chester, UK @ The Live Rooms
Oct 16: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK @ Newcastle University S.U.
Oct 17: Glasgow, UK @ Slay
Oct 18: Manchester, UK @ Club Academy
Nov 05: Guadalajara, Mexico @ Anexo Independencia
Nov 06: Chihuahua, Mexico @ Pistoleros
Nov 07: Monterrey, Mexico @ Cafe Iguana
Nov 08: Mexico City, Mexico @ Foro 1869

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Martha Stewart turns 85 on Monday, Aug. 3, and the lifestyle icon is showing no signs of slowing down.

Born Martha Kostyra in New Jersey in 1941, Stewart grew up as one of six children in a family where cooking, gardening, sewing and DIY projects were simply part of everyday life. Her mother, Martha Kostyra (known as "Big Martha") was an especially important influence, and Stewart has called her her "greatest teacher."

But Stewart's career didn't begin in the kitchen.

After graduating from Barnard College in 1962, she worked as a model before becoming a stockbroker on Wall Street. She eventually left finance and turned her attention to catering, launching a business from her Connecticut home in 1976. That venture eventually led to her first book, Entertaining, in 1982, which helped put Stewart on the path to becoming a household name.

From there came Martha Stewart Living, television shows, magazines, cookbooks and a sprawling lifestyle brand built around Stewart's signature idea of making everyday life a little more beautiful.

Stewart's seemingly unstoppable rise hit a major roadblock in the early 2000s. In 2004, she was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and making false statements related to a federal investigation into her sale of ImClone Systems stock. She was sentenced to five months in prison and five months of home confinement. The experience became one of the most difficult chapters of her career, but it didn't keep Stewart away from the spotlight for long.

That's because she has continued to reinvent herself.

In 2023, Stewart made headlines at 81 when she became the oldest cover model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. She also opened her first restaurant, The Bedford, in Las Vegas in 2022.

Now, at 85, Stewart is still adding to her résumé. In May 2026, she released her 102nd book, The Martha Way: Essential Principles for Mastering Home and Living, another guide to her approach to cooking, entertaining, gardening and making a home.

And her life story is headed to the big screen. Cate Blanchett is set to portray Stewart in the upcoming biopic Good Thing, which is expected to explore her career as a lifestyle entrepreneur, author and television personality.

After more than four decades as one of America's most recognizable lifestyle personalities, Martha Stewart has certainly earned the right to celebrate another milestone birthday, and, naturally, make it look effortless.  

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