Music News Round-Up: Springsteen, Oasis, McCartney, Foo Fighters and More

This week in music - the back stories to my unique discography research: Bruce Springsteen champions free expression on late-night TV, Oasis’ reunion joy continues, Paul McCartney opens his US tour with rare Beatles moments, Dave Grohl hints at a groovier Foo Fighters era, Lainey Wilson teams up with Mumford & Sons, and more highlights from across rock and country.

Bruce Springsteen News: The Boss Speaks Out on Free Expression

Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Bruce Springsteen condemned government censorship and emphasised the importance of artistic freedom in music and beyond. A timely reminder that the rock ‘n’ roll spirit thrives on open voices and unfiltered stories.

Explore Springsteen's complex studio journey with my in-depth discography analysis in my Bruce Springsteen Albums Map.

Edwyn Collins News: Orange Juice Reunion Farewell

Edwyn Collins reunited with Orange Juice bandmates James Kirk and Steven Daly for a moving performance of “Felicity” at his final Glasgow show, an emotional goodbye to UK touring that saluted a formative era of Scottish indie.

Chart Edwyn’s solo discography catalogue with my uniquely detailed Edwyn Collins Albums Map.

Foo Fighters News: “Kind of a Dance Record”

Dave Grohl likened the Foo Fighters’ finished new album to Bowie’s Let’s Dance, not EDM, but groove-forward and unexpected. Consider us intrigued for a spring release that shakes up the Foos’ playbook.

• Follow the full Foo Fighters discography arc in my intensely researched: Foo Fighters Albums Map
• Roots and legacy: Nirvana Albums Map

Oasis News: Brotherhood on the Road

Noel Gallagher on the reunion with Liam: “It’s great being back in a band with him, I forgot how funny he was.” The Live ’25 tour continues to deliver cathartic, sing-it-loud nights, with the Rose Bowl in LA transformed into a slice of Britannia as fans shared what the comeback means to them.

• Map the Britpop saga: Oasis Albums Map
• Noel’s path: Noel Gallagher Albums Map
• Liam’s story: Liam Gallagher Albums Map

Lainey Wilson News: Country-Folk Fireworks with Mumford & Sons

At a New Orleans stop, Lainey Wilson teamed with Mumford & Sons for a banjo-driven, rafter-raising cover of Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” - a joyous crossover that fused country twang with folk-rock uplift.

• See Lainey’s rise: Lainey Wilson Albums Map
• Americana & country lineage: History of Country Music Map
• Modern folk-rock wave: Mumford & Sons Albums Map

Manic Street Preachers News: “Dear Stephen” and Looking Back

Manic Street Preachers reveal “Dear Stephen” nods to Morrissey as they discuss new album Critical Thinking and reflect on three decades since Richey Edwards’ disappearance - an honest reckoning with legacy and influence.

• Explore the Manics’ catalogue: Manic Street Preachers Albums Map
• Morrissey connection: Morrissey Albums Map

Paul McCartney News: A Help! Moment for the Ages

Paul McCartney opened his U.S. dates by performing “Help!” in full for the first time since 1965. The Palm Desert tour opener overflowed with Beatles classics and loving tributes to John Lennon - pure, joyous McCartney.

• Macca’s solo chapters: Paul McCartney Albums Map
• The bigger picture: The Beatles Albums Map
• Lennon’s legacy: John Lennon Albums Map

The Beatles News: Grammys & Next-Gen Collaborations

The Beatles earn a Record of the Year nomination for their final song, “Now and Then,” competing with contemporary heavyweights at the 2025 Grammys. Meanwhile, Zak Starkey, Sean Ono Lennon, and James McCartney unite on Zak’s track “Rip Off,” blending modern energy with storied lineage.

• Discography at a glance: The Beatles Albums Map
• George’s solo story: George Harrison Albums Map

Taylor Swift News: Covers with a Twist

Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria releases a covers album that spans from Taylor Swift to The Smiths, reimagining pop and indie staples with a prog-rock flair.

• Swift’s studio journey: Taylor Swift Albums Map
• Manchester icons: The Smiths Albums Map

Related Music Maps

Discover more music journeys through my collection of discography maps:

• Bruce Springsteen Albums Map
• Edwyn Collins Albums Map
• Foo Fighters Albums Map
• Oasis Albums Map
• Noel Gallagher Albums Map
• Liam Gallagher Albums Map
• Lainey Wilson Albums Map
• Mumford & Sons Albums Map
• Manic Street Preachers Albums Map
• Morrissey Albums Map
• Paul McCartney Albums Map
• The Beatles Albums Map
• John Lennon Albums Map
• Taylor Swift Albums Map
• The Smiths Albums Map