Author: Musicians Today Contributor
Musicians Today Contributor
This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Musicians Today.
On August 4, Empire Records announced an ambitious proposal to transform the rooftop of its new headquarters at the One Montgomery building into a public concert venue, aiming to reinvigorate downtown San Francisco’s cultural and economic life. The plan, if approved, would introduce live music performances, artist showcases, and curated events to the heart of the city, embracing the movement of creative placemaking as a tool for urban renewal. In doing so, Empire Records hopes to breathe fresh energy into a district long defined by finance and commerce, now increasingly marked by vacancies and post-pandemic decline. The One Montgomery building,…
Dead & Company delivered a soaring, emotionally charged performance on August 3, 2025, in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, marking the conclusion of the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary celebration—and quite possibly the band’s final show together. Under clear skies, tens of thousands of fans filled the Polo Field for the sold-out final night of the three‑day event. With rotating guest artists including Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson performing as Johnny Blue Skies, and the Trey Anastasio Band, each night featured unique setlists and musical surprises. Sunday’s first set opened with a driving cover of Sam Cooke’s “Good Times,” followed by a…
In a time when nearly any song is available at the tap of a screen, live music continues to prove its irreplaceable value. This truth was reinforced on August 3, 2025, when the cultural vibrancy of live performance was on full display. Dead & Company concluded their historic three-night stand in San Francisco with what may be their final bow, while rapper-singer Doechii took the Lollapalooza stage in Chicago to announce her first headlining tour. These events didn’t just showcase artistry—they reminded audiences why live music remains a vital, deeply human experience in the face of increasingly digitized consumption. Concerts…
As Lollapalooza 2025 kicked off on July 31 and runs through August 3 at Chicago’s Grant Park, fans have been treated to a genre-blurring array of performances. The festival, continuing through today, August 3, features more than 170 acts across eight stages and attracts hundreds of thousands of music lovers from around the world. The opening night on Thursday saw a high-energy start with performances by Tyler, The Creator and Luke Combs. In a historic move, Combs became the first country music artist to close out a day at Lollapalooza. Friday brought Olivia Rodrigo’s festival debut alongside legendary rock band Korn. Rodrigo delivered…
On August 2, 2025, Olivia Rodrigo surprised fans with a rare double appearance in Chicago—first commanding the main stage at Lollapalooza in Grant Park, then later showing up at Wrigley Field to cheer on the Chicago Cubs. Her seamless transition from music icon to enthusiastic sports spectator drew wide attention and praise online. That afternoon at Grant Park, Rodrigo delivered a high-energy set as a headlining act at Lollapalooza. Known for her emotive vocals and raw performance style, she treated the crowd to signature tracks such as “Guts” and “Drivers License.” Her set showcased both her musical range and her undeniable…
The launch of Dead & Company’s residency at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park on August 1, 2025 marks a defining moment in the recovery of live music as a cultural and economic powerhouse. Twenty-five thousand Deadheads each night in a sold-out Polo Field underscored a public hunger for immersive, large-scale musical events. Cities across the U.S. are now betting on major residencies and destination concerts to reenergize tourism and local economies in the wake of post-pandemic rebirth. Streaming platforms like nugs.net have become vital to the economics of live music in this era, ensuring that sold-out shows reach audiences globally.…
Dead & Company returned to San Francisco for a three-night residency celebrating the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary, performing at Golden Gate Park’s historic Polo Field on August 1, 2, and 3, 2025. The residency marked the band’s first appearance in San Francisco since concluding their farewell summer tour in 2023 at Oracle Park and wrap-up of their Las Vegas Sphere residencies earlier in 2025. Each night drew an estimated 60,000 fans, transforming the Polo Field into a vibrant Deadhead pilgrimage site echoing the city’s rich musical history. Attendees included both longtime followers and new fans, uniting in celebratory spirit amid…
Pop icon Justin Timberlake concluded his Forget Tomorrow World Tour on July 30, 2025, in Istanbul and soon after revealed that he had been grappling with a Lyme disease diagnosis throughout the 15‑month, over 100‑show tour. In an emotional message shared on July 31, Timberlake detailed the physical and mental toll of the tick‑borne illness, noting that performances were marred by nerve pain, extreme fatigue, and emotional strain. Timberlake, now 44, said he shared his diagnosis not out of a desire for sympathy but to shed light on what was happening behind the scenes. He emphasized the debilitating nature of…
Legendary British rock band The Who is embarking on what they say will be their final North American tour, titled The Song Is Over Farewell Tour, beginning on August 16, 2025, and concluding on September 28 in Las Vegas. The 17-date trek, including stops in Newark at Prudential Center, Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, Long Island’s Jones Beach Theater, and New York City’s Madison Square Garden, marks the last opportunity for fans to see founding members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend perform live across the U.S. and Canada. Despite the historic nature of the farewell, ticket prices through the secondary marketplace…
Bridgeport’s Soundside Music Festival, once viewed as a cornerstone of Connecticut’s live music scene, has been officially canceled just weeks before its scheduled 2025 return. The event—formerly known as Sound on Sound—was slated for late September in Seaside Park but was abruptly called off by organizers citing “circumstances beyond our control.” The vague explanation comes amid mounting signs of financial instability, weak ticket sales, and restructured partnerships. City officials expressed frustration, revealing they were not consulted in advance and learned of the cancellation only after it had been finalized. The city had projected around $500,000 in revenue from the event,…