August Music News 05-08-25 – ABBA, Blondie, Springsteen, Swift and More
by Mike Bell
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August Music News begins with some huge headlines, awards, reunions, losses, and breakthroughs. Here’s what’s making waves across the music world this week.
ABBA receive Swedish knighthood
ABBA are being honoured with a rare Swedish knighthood for their pop legacy, from Waterloo to The Visitors. A cultural milestone for a band that never really stopped mattering.
🗺 Explore ABBA's studio albums in order
🟣 #ABBA #MusicNews
Brian Wilson's cause of death revealed
The Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson's cause of death has been made public, following his passing earlier this year. A profound loss for fans of surf rock, harmony, and layered innovation.
🗺 Browse The Beach Boys map
🟣 #TheBeachBoys #BrianWilson #MusicNews
Billy Bragg to headline Palestine benefit
Billy Bragg has announced a benefit concert for Palestine, planned for September and set to feature a range of artists. Direct action from a voice that’s always spoken out.
🗺 See Billy Bragg’s full album timeline
🟣 #BillyBragg #MusicNews
Blondie mourns the loss of Clem Burke
Drummer Clem Burke of Blondie has died from cancer. A dynamic performer and one of punk-pop's most recognisable players, his drumming shaped Blondie's edge.
🗺 Explore Blondie’s journey
🟣 #Blondie #ClemBurke #MusicNews
Bob Marley doc returns to cinemas
The documentary MARLEY is being re-released in theatres to mark what would have been Bob Marley's 80th birthday. A chance for fans old and new to re-experience his story.
🗺 View the Bob Marley album map
🟣 #BobMarley #MusicNews
Springsteen earns $63.7M in June
Bruce Springsteen came in at #4 on Billboard’s Top Touring Artists for June 2025, raking in nearly $64 million. Still bringing in arena-scale devotion.
🗺 Shop the Springsteen music map
🟣 #BruceSpringsteen #MusicNews
Taylor Swift finally owns her music
It’s official: Taylor Swift now owns her full master recordings. A long fight for artistic control ends with a massive win for artist rights and Swift herself.
🗺 Grab the Taylor Swift fan print
🟣 #TaylorSwift #MusicNews
Pink Floyd meets brain science
In a medical first, scientists used brain waves to reconstruct Another Brick In The Wall during epilepsy surgery. Pink Floyd’s music gets under the skin.
🗺 Explore Pink Floyd’s Albums in Order Map
🟣 #PinkFloyd #MusicNews
Queen wins Polar Music Prize 2025
Queen have been awarded the 2025 Polar Music Prize, recognising their decades of innovation and rock theatre, from A Night at the Opera to Innuendo.
🗺 Browse the Queen Albums in Order Music Map
🟣 #Queen #MusicNews
Paul & Ringo reunite on stage
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr recently performed together, rekindling the Beatles' magic in front of a stunned crowd. A rare treat, and a hint at possible further collaborations?
🗺 Beatles Music Map
🗺 Paul McCartney solo Music Map
🟣 #TheBeatles #PaulMcCartney #RingoStarr #MusicNews
Rolling Stones: New album in the works
The Rolling Stones are back in the studio, reportedly working on a new album with fresh material and potential tour plans in the pipeline.
🗺 See The Rolling Stones full discography
🟣 #TheRollingStones #MusicNews