Parade

My Chemical Romance, the rock band from New Jersey fronted by Gerard Way, delivered a different kind of performance during The Black Parade Tour in the U.K.

With multiple stops across the U.S., the U.K., Europe and Asia, the four-piece band, composed of lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero, bassist Mikey Way and lead vocalist Gerard Way, performed a series of fan-favorite songs and signature anthems.

However, during their concert in Glasgow, Scotland on July 4, the band surprised the crowd with the live debut of a song they had never performed before an audience.

Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance during the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards

Scott Gries/Getty Images

For the first time ever, the band played “Ambulance,” a track from their 2013 compilation Conventional Weapons.

During the second set of the show, fans were treated to the unexpected performance, with the frontman introducing the next song.

“I don’t know which one of the EPs it was off of, but this song – the second one, Frank knows,” he said, adding, “I think he sequenced them – this song is called ‘Ambulance.’”

In an Instagram post shared by Rock Sound, the comment section was filled with reactions from fans.

View this post on Instagram

“Hope they play it in DC!!” one wrote.

“Live debut of the light behind your eyes in London, okay thanks,” a commenter said.

“I can't believe they finally played it!” a fan mentioned.

Another follower praised the band’s ever-changing setlists: “I love that each show is different. Fantastic art direction,” referring to the rotation of their rare tracks.

The concert was divided into a two-act set, with the first featuring songs from The Black Parade album, including “The End,” “This Is How I Disappear” and others, while the second half featured a more spontaneous setlist with both fan-favorite rarities and their biggest songs, such as “Na Na Na,” “Vampires Will Never Hurt You” and the cult favorite “Helena.”

After the U.K. leg, MCR will continue with a series of shows in Europe, followed by the U.S. and will close out the tour with its Southeast Asia leg.

My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade Tour 2026

Jul. 8 — London, United Kingdom @ Wembley Stadium

Jul. 10 — London, United Kingdom @ Wembley Stadium

Jul. 11 — London, United Kingdom @ Wembley Stadium

Jul. 15 — Florence, Italy @ Visarno Arena

Jul. 18 — Madrid, Spain @ Iberdrola Music

Aug. 9 — New York, NY @ Citi Field (with Franz Ferdinand)

Aug. 13 — Nashville, TN @ Nissan Stadium (with Pierce The Veil)

Aug. 18 — Washington, DC @ Nationals Park (with Modest Mouse)

Aug. 21 — Detroit, MI @ Comerica Park (with Iggy Pop)

Aug. 24 — Minneapolis, MN @ Target Field (with Sleater-Kinney)

Aug. 27 — Denver, CO @ Coors Field (with The Breeders)

Aug. 30 — San Diego, CA @ Petco Park (with Babymetal)

Sept. 6 — Phoenix, AZ @ Chase Field (with Jimmy Eat World)

Sept. 12 — San Antonio, TX @ Alamodome (with The Mars Volta)

Sept. 18 — Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life

Oct. 21 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

Oct. 23 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

Oct. 24 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

Nov. 7 — Incheon, South Korea (Paradise City Culture Park)

Nov. 10 — Singapore (Singapore Indoor Stadium)

Nov. 11 — Singapore (Singapore Indoor Stadium)

Nov. 14 — Bulacan, Philippines (Philippine Arena)

Nov. 17 — Bangkok, Thailand (Impact Challenger Hall 1)

Nov. 19 — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (National Stadium Bukit Jalil)

Nov. 22 — Jakarta, Indonesia (Jakarta International Stadium)

Related: Iconic 2000s Rock Band Postpones 2026 Tour in Asia — 'These Shows Are Not Canceled!'

Lionel Richie is sharing a new health update after falling ill onstage during his Sing A Song All Night Long Tour.

The 77-year-old "Dancing on the Ceiling" artist, who was forced to postpone two concerts after a brief hospitalization on June 24, took to Instagram on Saturday, July 4, to reveal he was "doing well" after returning to the stage for performances in Pittsburgh and Detroit.

“Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love," Richie wrote. "I'm doing well, and I'm grateful for all of you. Pittsburgh and Detroit were an absolute joy. The energy, the dancing, the faces in the crowd… we made real memories together."

Looking forward to his show in Toronto, Richie signed off with a reference to his biggest hit, writing, "let's party all night long!"

On June 24, Richie abruptly ended his performance at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minn., after telling the audience that he was feeling dizzy, as per the Minnesota Star Tribune.

The Grammy winner was then taken to the hospital by paramedics after leaving the stage as a precautionary measure, TMZ reported. The next day, Richie's planned shows in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, were postponed, as doctors advised that the "Hello" singer "rest and return to full health."

On June 26, Richie’s ex-wife, Brenda Harvey Richie, took to social media to share an update on the American Idoljudge's health, writing on X, "Thanking everyone for their concern! Lionel is OK and will be back on the stage."

Richie made his return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30, for a performance in Pittsburgh alongside Earth, Wind & Fire, telling the crowd, "I had you worried there for a minute, huh?”

"You have no idea what I have been through in the last 24 hours," he continued, as per TribLive, "listening to my friends tell me their advice on what I should be doing."

Thirty-five years ago, a legendary rock band locked down the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 with a release that caught the entire music industry off guard.

It wasn't just the explosive tracks from Van Halen's For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge that had everyone talking; it was an album title created solely for that reason. Decades later, the story behind how four rock icons pushed censorship boundaries remains one of the wildest stories in music history.

On June 17, 1991, Van Halen released their sixth studio album. It was the third LP that featured vocalist Sammy Hagar alongside Alex Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen, and Michael Anthony.

For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge was released when censorship of recorded material was still a hot-button issue. In 1985, the PMRC was formed to increase parental control over questionable themes in music.

Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

The initiative established an industry-wide standard for the Parental Advisory label in 1990, a warning that still appears on albums containing explicit material today. The following year, Van Halen released For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, whose initials fueled rumors that the title concealed an expletive, even though the band maintained the words were simply the album's full title.

According to Q104.3, Hagar wanted to use the expletive word as the album's title to push back against ongoing music censorship. Instead, Hagar went with For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, which, according to boxer Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, was an acronym for the original title.

Six singles were released from the No. 1 LP, including “Poundcake,” “Right Now,” "Runaround,” “Top of the World,” “Man on a Mission” and “The Dream is Over.” The album remained at the top position on the Billboard chart for three weeks.

Additionally, the song "Right Now" made a huge impact on pop culture when it was released as part of an ad campaign for the beverage Crystal Pepsi.

According to Audacy, "The ad first aired in 1992 and more broadly in 1993, in the downtime during Super Bowl XXVII, but as the story goes, Van Halen's song was almost not included in Pepsi's marketing. Apparently, the band was not all on board with their music being used, but Pepsi wanted the uplifting song so bad that they told them they would have someone else re-record it."

In an interview shared on his official YouTube channel, Hagar explained the song's inspiration. "We were in the studio with Van Halen. We were working on For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge."

"Every day, we were slaving, we were taking our time writing that album, about a year," he recalled. Hagar said he would lie on the beach in Malibu, California, and say "ugh I have to go to the studio. I want to be right here, right now."

"I went, 'Oh, that's good.' The chorus it just came in my head," he continued.

"Eddie had been playing this keyboard part. I started singing 'Right Now,' and it went with that song," Hagar concluded. "We finished it just like that, and it's one of the greatest songs I've ever co-written (with Alex and Eddie Van Halen and Michael Anthony) with anyone in my life."

Thirty-five years later, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge remains one of the most memorable chapters in Van Halen's career. Between its chart-topping success and the conversation sparked by its title, the album has secured its rightful place in rock history.

Related: 2000 Rock Anthem, Which Revived a Legendary Band’s Career, Marks Massive Streaming Milestone

“Wipe Out” was released by The Surfaris in 1963. The song, which is one of the most popular instrumental pieces from that time, spent four months on the Billboard Hot 100. The song peaked at No. 2 and became one of the band’s biggest hits, along with their other surf rock hit, “Surfer Joe.”

In an interview with Classic Bands, band member Bob Berryhill discussed how the group created “Wipe Out” when they were young. “We were fifteen years old,” he said. “Three fifteen-year-olds and a seventeen-year-old. When Ron Wilson came to me and said he had a dream about a song called ‘Surfer Joe,’ that was the first time I ever heard about anybody writing a song that actually came to me and said I've written a song. I'm fifteen years old. I can play guitar. I know how to read music. I can arrange. So, he starts singing it, and we sat around and strummed a few chords and came up with a basic framework for his song. I helped him write a few more lyrics so he can get five more verses and make a song out of it.”

Berryhill continued, “When we finished ‘Surfer Joe,’ Dale Smallin gets on the talkback button in the little room and says, 'Boys, you need a second side for this 45. So, write a song now!'" He paused to laugh. "We'd only written one song for the studio. I mean, how many groups today would show up in a recording studio with one song? Can you think of that?”

Berryhill revealed that the actual creation of the song only took a few minutes overall. “So, Ronnie just starts playing a drum solo, which turned out to be the ‘Wipe Out’ drum solo,” he explained. “Well, Jim Fuller, myself, and Pat Connolly go, ‘We better put some chords and notes to this thing. Ronnie will make it a drum solo record if we don't play something.’ So, I started putting the chord structure to it, kind of like a bongo rock thing. Hey, a drum solo with a guitar was not original. Gene Krupa had been doing it for years. So, I just started playing some chords and doing drum breaks with chording and Ronnie doing the solo and Jim Fuller and Pat were fooling around with some notes. We said, 'Hey, that sounds good! Let's do that!' We put 'Wipeout' together in about ten minutes. We had a song. We recorded it about three times, and I think they took the second or third recording of it.”

Related: 1967 Rock Song, Written by a Band Member Who Was Kicked Out, Became an Early Hit for an Iconic Group

Over the years, “Wipe Out” has been included in multiple films and television series, like Stranger Things and The Sandlot. The song led to the band’s induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019 and into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020.

Unfortunately, most of the original members of The Surfaris have passed away. They include Jim Fuller, Ron Wilson, and Jim Pash. Berryhill, though, still performs and records.

Cruising is officially entering its next culinary and beverage era, and Carnival Cruise Line is leading the charge by completely reimagining how we sip our favorite drinks at sea.

As part of their forward-thinking Next Course initiative, the cruise giant is leaning heavily into real-time guest trends to design spaces that cater to exactly how modern travelers want to vacation.

The biggest takeaway from the line's latest leadership panel? Our onboard drinking habits are shifting in a fascinating way, and Carnival is introducing a brand-new dual-concept lounge to prove they are ahead of the curve.

According to Zach Sulkes, Carnival’s Assistant Vice President of Beverage Operations, there's a massive wave of mindfulness sweeping across the fleet, directly mirroring what is happening back on land.

Related: Carnival Announces a Massive Overhaul to Onboard Dining—Here's What's Changing

A first look at Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, Carnival’s new dual-concept venue.

Carnival Cruise Line

Guests are looking for more options to pace themselves, extend their afternoons, and focus on overall wellness without sacrificing the fun of a vacation. Sulkes revealed that while alcoholic beverage consumption is still growing at a healthy 10 percent, non-alcoholic consumption has absolutely skyrocketed by 15 percent. Our collective water intake is through the roof, energy drinks are booming, and the demand for premium coffee has never been higher.

"We’ve realized... the growth in non-alc and definitely coffee has been really real," Sulkes explained. "So we need more spaces to sell coffee."

Related: Carnival Just Announced Its First-Ever President's Cruise—Here's Where It's Headed

To meet this massive caffeine craving, Carnival is debuting Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar on its upcoming ship, Carnival Festivale. It's a strategic move to give guests more dedicated spaces to fuel up, especially since the existing JavaBlue Café locations in the lobbies are constantly packed.

But what makes this new venue an absolute game-changer is its clever, multi-functional layout built to effortlessly transition throughout the day.

"It’s a coffee bar in the morning and afternoon, and then at about three o'clock, it flips into a cocktail bar," Sulkes shared. "So you can still go in and get an espresso martini and the works, but it really is leaning into how we repurpose the space. We have one venue where we can offer a great coffee setup, but then also pivot to put out great cocktails."

Designed as a central social hub featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, Festival Grounds brings the high-energy atmosphere of a music festival straight to the open ocean, shared Carnival leadership.

The space gives guests a front-row experience with the action or a place to relax in the lounge, offering specialty coffee throughout the morning before pivoting to custom cocktails inspired by famous music festivals later in the day.

As the music and lighting transform throughout the afternoon, the entire venue captures the true festival experience—evolving from a bright, energetic daytime gathering spot into a more sophisticated and relaxed nighttime vibe where families and friends can connect.

Of course, Carnival isn't moving away from its roots as the ultimate fun ships. Even as they innovate with sophisticated day-to-night spaces and expand their incredibly popular, zero-proof Cheers package with partnerships like Ritual Zero Proof, they are keeping their signature value and high-quality brands front and center.

Sulkes emphasized that they refuse to cut corners on the spirits they pour, ensuring that even a basic vodka soda features recognizable, premium labels. It's all about consistency, incredible value and making sure that whether you're sipping a festival-inspired cocktail at the new music-themed Mix bar, relaxing at the aft Scenic Overlook, or grabbing a morning macchiato at Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, the experience feels custom-built for the next generation of cruisers.

Related: Carnival Finally Reveals Details About Its Mysterious Next Ship Project

Captain James T. Kirk has been dead for more than three decades, killed off in 1994's Star Trek Generations while stopping a genocidal scientist bent on destroying entire star systems. William Shatner just gave the clearest answer of his career about whether he'd ever put the uniform back on, and it's yes, even at 95.

Shatner made the comment in a new interview with TV Guide Magazine for its Star Trek: The Captains special issue published for the 60th anniversary and released five years after Shatner became the oldest person to fly to space at 90. Asked what it would take to bring him back as Kirk, Shatner didn't dodge the question the way he often has at conventions and press junkets over the past thirty years. "It's easy to say money," he said, before turning serious. "The longer I played Kirk, and especially the talented writers who wrote for the movies, I was allowed to put various shades of character in there."

Shatner described Kirk as a character built for contradiction, someone who commanded "a deadly instrument of war" but also captained what he called "a dhow of peace," using the term for a traditional wooden sailing vessel. "I still have the aggression and the instinct for battle," he said, adding that he has "gotten myself into very dangerous things, fights" over the course of his life.

Related: William Shatner Nearly Returned to New Star Trek: Fans Just Learned How

The affection for Kirk hasn't faded on Shatner's end either. Days earlier, on CNN, he was asked point blank who makes the better captain, Kirk or Picard. "By lightyears, Captain Kirk," he said, without missing a beat.

What's changed, he said, isn't the aggression itself but how he handles it now. Shatner compared the shift to woodworking, describing a "planing" down of "all those heights and peaks of attitude and activity" that comes with age. He says that leveling off pushes him toward working things out instead of fighting them out. "How can we work this out? How can we avoid the worst to both of us if we do something more intelligent?" he said. He added that he no longer wants to argue or hold a grudge when someone is upset with him. "Let's fix it," he said.

That instinct, Shatner argued, is exactly what makes an older Kirk worth watching. "Aggression is sort of a youthful characteristic," he said. "So I would, even at the age of 95, I think that Captain Kirk would be a really good captain of a spaceship, which is capable of peace and war." Kirk has remained dead in canon since Generations, though Star Trek: Picard hinted the character's body was preserved for something called Project Phoenix, leaving a door open in the story itself even though nobody has handed Shatner a script to walk back through it.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

More than six decades after changing rock music forever, The Kinks' founding brothers Ray and Dave Davies are teaming up once again. This time, not for a new album, but for an art exhibition inspired by one of their earliest memories together.

The exhibition, The Kinks: Brothers, opens July 24 at London's Gibson Garage and runs through Sept. 6. Created in collaboration with acclaimed British painter Christian Furr, the show transforms a passport photo of Ray and Dave taken in an East Finchley photo booth in 1968 into a series of original paintings.

The project became even more personal after Dave, 79, saw the finished artwork.

According to the exhibition announcement, the guitarist was so moved by the paintings that he began painting directly onto them himself.

"It's a magic moment when we crammed into the photobooth all those years ago," Dave said in a statement. "Christian Furr has done a wonderful job in developing the image into special artworks. We hope people love these as much as we do."

While fans know the Davies brothers as the creative force behind classics including "You Really Got Me," "Waterloo Sunset," "Sunny Afternoon" and "Lola," visual art has long been part of their lives. Before founding The Kinks, Ray, 92, studied painting at Hornsey College of Art, while Dave has spent years creating artwork alongside his music career.

Ray said revisiting the decades-old photo brought back powerful memories.

"Over the years it's been amazing to see creative people take our music and make something of their own," he said. "Christian Furr has done just that. It's great to be doing something new with Dave, and seeing these paintings and the original passport photobooth picture again brings back a lot of memories."

Furr, 59, who became the youngest artist ever commissioned to paint Queen Elizabeth II, said he drew inspiration from artists like Henri Matisse, punk culture and pop art while creating the collection.

"I was thinking about Matisse, punk, pop art, luminosity, and keeping that colour as bright as possible, because that to me is what I see when I listen to The Kinks," he said.

Every painting in the exhibition has been signed by Ray, Dave and Furr. A collection of limited-edition prints will also be available, with prices starting at £195.

The exhibition's location also carries special significance. Gibson guitars helped define The Kinks' unmistakable sound during the British Invasion, making Gibson Garage London a fitting home for a project celebrating the brothers' creative legacy.

To mark the opening, Gibson and RedHouse Originals will also hide free limited-edition prints at three secret London locations connected to the band's history, while a small number of additional signed prints will be available to fans attending the exhibition's opening day on July 24.

The reunion comes more than 60 years after Ray and Dave first began making music together in their family home in North London, a partnership that helped produce 17 U.K. Top 20 singles, influenced generations of artists from The Clash and Van Halen to Blur and Oasis, and earned The Kinks a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

RELATED: In 1976, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings Came Together for Two Outlaw Country Classics

For nearly six decades, Deep Purple has remained one of rock music's most active touring bands. Now, bassist Roger Glover says fans should not expect the group to stage a farewell tour or a final concert filled with celebration and emotion.

Speaking in a new interview with Australia's Noise11.com, Glover made it clear that the legendary British rock band has no plans to announce a last run of shows, even after spending years touring under the name The Long Goodbye.

"We ain't gonna stop," Glover said. "We're not gonna have a final tour, a final gig and make a hoopla about it. Although that was actually Steve's [Morse, former Deep Purple guitarist] suggestion years ago, which is why we started calling it 'The Long Goodbye' tour. Well, 'The Long Goodbye' got longer and longer, and we decided to ditch that in the end."

Roger Glover, Ian Gillan and Simon McBride of the English rock band Deep Purple perform in concert during Alma Festival on June 13, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

Photo by Mariano Regidor/Redferns

The comments come as Deep Purple continues another busy year with the release of its newest studio album, SPLAT!, and an extensive world tour that includes dozens of concerts across Europe and North America.

Instead of planning a goodbye, Glover said the band wants to keep performing for as long as it can.

"I can't imagine doing a final gig, with all the hoopla involved," he explained. "The emotion, the place, the fans, the sorrow, et cetera, it would be too much to bear. And I think we all feel the same. We're just gonna carry on till we can't. That's it."

Deep Purple first formed in London in 1968 and has become one of the defining names in hard rock. The band helped shape the genre with classic albums such as Deep Purple in Rock, Machine Head and songs including "Smoke on the Water." 

Over the decades, the group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Deep Purple Says Retirement Is Not Part of the Plan

Glover's latest comments match what frontman Ian Gillan has said in recent interviews about the band's future.

Last year, Gillan explained to Dubai92 that the members have not spent much time talking about retirement because they still enjoy making music together.

"Well, no one's really thought it through. We don't talk about it that much. And as life gets on, the end is nearer than the beginning, that's for sure. We all know that. But at the moment we're getting a lot of joy from what we're doing. I think the band is rejuvenated since Simon joined us. And so we're looking a long way ahead."

The addition of guitarist Simon McBride, who officially replaced Steve Morse in 2022 after Morse stepped away to care for his wife, has brought fresh energy to the band's lineup. McBride first recorded with Deep Purple on 2024's =1 before returning for the new SPLAT! album.

The guitarist recently described the new record as powerful and said its sound reflects the group's return to its blues-rock roots while also embracing modern recording technology. Unlike earlier Deep Purple albums, SPLAT! features amp modelers as part of McBride's guitar setup, marking a notable change in the band's studio approach.

Even as the members acknowledge the realities of aging, Deep Purple continues to stay active in the studio and on the road.

The band's new album, SPLAT!, arrived on July 3 through earMUSIC. It marks the group's sixth straight studio collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with Deep Purple on every album since Now What?! in 2013.

Supporting the new album, Deep Purple has already launched a major European summer run before taking the SPLAT! World Tour to North America. The band's current schedule includes 86 performances across 28 countries, continuing a touring tradition that has defined the group for decades.

After beginning its career in 1968 and spending nearly 60 years on stages around the world, Deep Purple appears focused on the present rather than planning a farewell. 

As Roger Glover made clear, the band has no interest in turning its final performance into a major event. Instead, the veteran rockers intend to keep making music and playing live for as long as they are able.

Related: '70s Rock Band Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 53 Years After Forming

When Sylvester Stallone turns 80 on July 6, he'll celebrate a box office milestone that only one other actor has ever achieved.

According to a 2021 Deadline analysis, Stallone and Harrison Ford are the only actors to appear in a No. 1 box office film across six consecutive decades. For Stallone, that remarkable run stretches from Rocky in the 1970s through The Suicide Squad in the 2020s, underscoring a career that has remained relevant for more than half a century.

That longevity is even more remarkable considering how unlikely his success once seemed. Complications during Stallone's birth left him with partial facial paralysis, creating the distinctive voice and facial expression that would become his trademark. He was bullied as a child because of his speech and appearance, struggled to find steady acting work after moving to New York and later admitted in an interview with EL PAIS USA he was so desperate for money that he made a softcore pornography film in the 1970s just to survive.

Everything changed after he wrote Rocky, inspired by the famous heavyweight fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner. Although producers wanted to buy his screenplay, Stallone refused to sell unless he was allowed to play Rocky Balboa himself. The gamble transformed him into an overnight star, with Rocky winning Best Picture and earning Stallone Academy Award nominations for both Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay.

But the sudden success wasn't as glamorous as many imagined. Reflecting on the aftermath in a candid 1978 interview with Playboy, Stallone acknowledged that not everyone was rooting for him.

"After Rocky, a lot of people were skeptical and deep down in their hearts wanted me to fail, for whatever reasons," said the actor. But rather than letting the criticism define him, Stallone leaned into the optimism that had carried him through years of rejection.

"I represent something that is very frightening to them: a guy who's made it by being a raging optimist," he said.

Stallone also explained that writing gave him something many actors never have: control over his own destiny.

"Other actors have to wait for the kind of scripts they're looking for, but I can write my own," he said.

That philosophy would shape much of his career. Beyond Rocky, Stallone created another enduring action icon with John Rambo, helped launch The Expendables franchise, earned renewed acclaim for reprising Rocky in Creed, and continued finding new audiences with projects like Tulsa King. Along the way, he amassed 20 No. 1 box office films, a feat that culminated in a record only Harrison Ford can match.

Five decades after Rocky made him a household name, Stallone's greatest achievement may not be a single role or franchise. It's that he has continued to reinvent himself, decade after decade, while staying true to the determination that first carried an unknown actor with an unshakable belief in his own story all the way to Hollywood history.

Related: Sly Stallone's Stunning Daughters Visit Dad on 'Tulsa King' Set in NYC

It was 69 years ago today that two teenagers met at a local church fair and went on to change the face of music history forever.

John Lennon, 16, was playing with his band, the Quarrymen, at an event at St Peter's church in Woolton, Merseyside, on July 6, 1957. Paul McCartney had just celebrated his 15th birthday a few weeks prior, and was invited by Ivan Vaughan to attend the event.

According to the website Liverpool Museums, "When the group, together with Ivy and Paul, were all kicking their heels waiting for the evening’s performance in a small ante-room, just off from the stage, Paul, quite audaciously, asked for a ‘go’ on John’s guitar. He correctly re-tuned it, turned it upside to be able to play it left-handed and treated the gang to an impromptu, word-perfect, virtuoso performance of Eddie Cochran’s minor hit, 'Twenty Flight Rock.'"

Weeks after they met, Lennon asked McCartney to join the Quarrymen. He didn't originally play bass in the group; rather, he strummed rhythm guitar as bass duties belonged to Len Garry.

Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Billboard spoke to Quarrymen member Rod Davis in 2015, who shared his recollections of that fateful meeting 69 years ago today.

“I don’t remember seeing Paul at all that day. I remember seeing Ivan Vaughan, who was the lad who brought him, but I don’t remember seeing Paul.” Davis recalled.

“Apparently, we were on stage playing the Del-Vikings doo wop number ‘Come Go With Me,’ and Paul arrived on his bicycle and saw us playing,’ he added, in an interview Billboard reprinted from interviews done for the Cavern.

“It was somebody we didn’t know, Paul, who met someone we did know. It wasn’t a big deal. You explain this to people, particularly Americans, and they expect there to be angels hiding behind clouds blowing trumpets. It’s all terribly, terribly a non-event – except in hindsight.”

The young musicians soon found they had more in common than just music. Each dealt with profound loss at a young age.

McCartney's mother, Mary, died from breast cancer in October 1956 when he was 14. Lennon's mother, Julia, was killed after being hit by a car in July 1958 when he was 17.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, McCartney said that he and Lennon found a kinship in each other they were seeking.

"John and me, we were kids growing up together, in the same environment with the same influences. He knows the records I know, I know the records he knows. You’re writing your first little innocent songs together. Then you’re writing something that gets recorded."

He concluded, "Each year goes by, and you get the cooler clothes. Then you write the cooler song to go with the cooler clothes. We were on the same escalator, on the same step of the escalator, all the way. It’s irreplaceable: that time, friendship and bonding.”

After McCartney joined the group, he introduced Lennon to George Harrison, inviting him to a gig and praising his guitar skills. The trio of musicians was joined by drummer Pete Best and bassist Stu Sutcliffe. Ringo Starr replaced Best in 1962. Sutcliffe died in April 1962 from a brain hemorrhage at 21.

It's hard to imagine what modern music would look like if John Lennon and Paul McCartney had never met that afternoon. Sixty-nine years later, that chance encounter is still considered one of the most important moments in rock 'n' roll history.

Related: Legendary ’60s Band’s TV Debut Had Nearly the Entire Nation Glued to Their Screens

There comes a point in your 40s when, along with additional cricks, pains and strains, that you decide you simply want a more meaningful travel experience. And, if you're a mom, meaningful also means "relaxing and restorative."

I've found that since turning 40, my dreams have shifted when it comes to exploring and consuming new places. Yes, I still want to see as much as possible, but I no longer want to spend precious vacation days figuring out train schedules, hauling my always oversized and overpacked luggage between hotels, or squeezing in one more attraction simply because it's on the list. I want experiences that feel immersive without being exhausting, luxurious without feeling stuffy or pretentious, and active enough that I return home energized rather than needing another vacation.

Enter river cruises, which actually hit all of the checkpoints in a very surprising way. As someone who has been on 6 river cruises, I will sing the praises for them to anyone that will listen. And I've been doing them since my early 20s.

Once largely associated with retirees, river cruises have become one of travel's fastest-growing sectors, with new ships, expanded itineraries, and experiences designed for travelers looking for authentic cultural immersion rather than mega-ship attractions. Instead of waterslides and Broadway shows, you get bike rides through vineyards, cooking classes in medieval villages, private wine tastings, and ships small enough to dock in the heart of a city rather than miles away.

"The product grew up," says Michele Schwartz, CEO and Chief Experience Officer of Jet Setting with Me, a Virtuoso agency. "River cruising used to mean a slower pace. That's not what it looks like anymore. The ships are sleeker, the itineraries are more active, and the onboard culture has genuinely shifted."

Related: Is River Cruising Only for Retirees? 5 Surprising Truths from a Cruise Pro

What is river cruising?

Unlike ocean cruises, which may carry thousands of passengers, most river ships welcome fewer than 200 guests. They're closer to floating boutique hotels than floating resorts, sailing directly into city centers and historic towns where you can simply walk off the ship and start exploring. That means fewer crowds, fewer logistics, and far more time experiencing a destination instead of getting there.

"A seven-night river cruise moves you through four or five cities with one unpacking," Schwartz says. "Build that same itinerary on land, and you're spending so much time checking in and out of hotels and managing logistics you took the trip specifically to stop making."

Teresa Tennant, Senior Vice President at Cruise Specialists, an Internova Travel Group company, says the all-inclusive nature is another major draw. Shore excursions, local guides, transportation, accommodations, and many meals are already arranged, making budgeting and planning significantly easier than piecing together a similar European vacation independently.

If you're considering your first sailing, these are five itineraries I highly recommend for women over 40.

Best for Your First River Cruise: The Danube

Book:Avalon Waterways’ Active & Discovery on the Danube

If you’re curious about river cruising but are not quite ready to commit entirely to an off-the-beaten-path destination, the Danube (a river that winds through Germany with Austria, Slovakia and Hungary) is the perfect introduction. Avalon’s 8-day Active & Discovery on the Danube sails from Budapest, Hungary, to Vilshofen, Germany, with stops in Austria along the way.

Budapest boasts an incredible dive into Eastern Europe, offering the chance to dip in thermal baths, have long lunches at grand cafés, and a chance to explore both sides of the Danube river—Buda and Pest. From there, the itinerary moves through places like Visegrád, where travelers can see the ancient jousting skills of the St. George Knightly Order at Visegrád Castle; Vienna, where Avalon offers culinary and cultural experiences in the storybook city; and Austria’s Wachau Valley, one of the prettiest stretches of the Danube, known for vineyards, apricot orchards and castle-topped hills.

What makes Avalon the right choice for this growing demographic is the choice built into each day. You can bike, hike or paddle right off the boat, take a classic walking tour with a local guide, or explore on your own—as the city or village sits steps from where you dock. Avalon also notes that Classic, Discovery and Active excursions are offered along the route, with Classic sightseeing available in every port. As Michele Schwartz puts it, “The Danube works because almost every port has a cycling option alongside the walking tours. You’re never stuck on a bus if you don’t want to be.”

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors To Pick the Best First-Time River Cruise—They All Chose the Same One

Best for Food and Wine Lovers: France’s Rhône River View of the buildings of the Vieux Lyon district, the Fourvière Hill and the Saone River on a sunny day

Book:Uniworld’s Burgundy & Provence

If your dream vacation revolves around farmers markets, Michelin-worthy meals, and afternoons spent sipping wine in vineyard country (aka mine), the Rhône will make those dreams come true. Uniworld’s 8-day Burgundy & Provence itinerary sails from Arles to Lyon, connecting two of France’s richest regions for food, art, culture, and wine.

Arles gives you a crash course in moody art and architecture, with Roman ruins and the landscapes Van Gogh famously painted at nearly every turn. Avignon brings medieval drama with the Palace of the Popes, Founded during Roman times, Viviers is home to one of France's best-preserved medieval quarters, where narrow streets wind past Renaissance mansions, the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Vincent, and hillside views over the Rhône. At the end is Lyon, France’s culinary capital, where travelers can build an entire day around bouchons, market stalls, and the legendary Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.

Teresa Tennant says the Rhône is one of the most popular choices for travelers who prioritize culinary experiences, from Lyon’s indoor food market to Michelin-starred dining and local bouchons. Uniworld also leans into an all-inclusive luxury model, with dining, curated shore excursions, and gratuities included, plus wines, local beers, and premium spirits available throughout the cruise.

Related: I’m a PBS Travel Host—Here’s the One River Cruise I Keep Recommending

Best for a Life-Changing Journey: The Mekong

Book:Viking’s Magnificent Mekong

I took a Mekong river cruise when I was 31, just weeks after my ex and I announced our divorce, and it was life-changing in every way I needed it to be. Moving through Vietnam and Cambodia, places shaped by such harrowing history, gave me room to look beyond my own heartbreak and sit with the world’s larger ones. The temples, the rituals, and the richness of Buddhist culture offered a kind of healing I had only read about before. It was Eat, Pray, Love without the annoying subtext.

Viking’s 15-day Magnificent Mekong travels from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, pairing hotel stays with a Mekong River sailing through Vietnam and Cambodia.

The itinerary starts in Hanoi, where travelers explore the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the “Hanoi Hilton,” a stark look at the country’s wartime history. From there, it moves toward Cambodia, with Siem Reap and Angkor Wat bringing the kind of scale, beauty, and spiritual weight most travelers remember for the rest of their lives. Phnom Penh adds another layer, with cyclo rickshaw rides, French colonial architecture, the Killing Fields, and deeply moving historical sites. Along the river, silk towns, fishing villages, floating markets, and family farms give the journey so much more depth than just another trip.

It feels far-flung and deeply immersive without asking you to manage Southeast Asia’s flights, hotels, guides, transfers and language barriers on your own. Viking’s inclusive value includes one complimentary shore excursion in every port, all onboard meals, beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, enrichment programming, and visits to UNESCO sites.

“Our clients can’t say enough about the cultural experiences they have enjoyed on the Mekong,” Tennant says, pointing to floating markets, small farms, and regional specialties.

Best for Rediscovering the U.S.: The Lower Mississippi New Orleans Steamer on the Mississippi

Book:American Cruise Lines’ Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Not every unforgettable river cruise requires an international flight. American Cruise Lines’ 9-day Lower Mississippi River Cruise sails between Memphis and New Orleans, with the reverse itinerary also available. The route includes Memphis, a day cruising the Lower Mississippi River, Cleveland, Vicksburg, Natchez, Baton Rouge, another river cruising day, Oak Alley and New Orleans.

The route starts in Memphis—the blues capital of the country—with Beale Street, barbecue, and an optional Graceland add-on before boarding. Vicksburg introduces the Civil War history, Natchez has the preserved mansions and bluff views you see in all the marketing of this cruise, and Baton Rouge adds a dose of Louisiana history (and cajun/creole flavors) before the ship continues to Oak Alley, known for its long entrance framed by live oaks. The trip ends in New Orleans, the city famed for food, music, and a few extra days if you can swing them.

American Cruise Lines describes its Mississippi River cruises as all-inclusive, with shipboard meals, entertainment, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, port charges and fees included. Its FAQ also notes that fares include passage, dining service, snacks, complimentary cocktail parties, entertainment, onboard gratuities, port charges and fees, though not all shore excursions are included unless otherwise noted.

Best Bucket-List Cruise: Egypt’s Nile

Book:Abercrombie & Kent’s Egypt & the Nile

If there is one river cruise that still feels genuinely glamorous, it is the Nile. This is the one I cannot stop thinking about, especially after seeing Death on the Nile: the linen, the temples, the golden light, the slow pull of a river that has defined so much of history for thousands of years.

Abercrombie & Kent brings the kind of old-world luxury that adds to Egypt's cinematic allure. Its Nile cruises travel between Luxor and Aswan, with access to ancient sites like Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Philae Temple and the temples and tombs that line this stretch of the river. A&K also operates luxury Nile cruises aboard Sanctuary riverboats, including Nile Adventurer, which sails four-night voyages between Aswan and Luxor.

What makes this trip so alluring is the sheer contrast—days are spent walking through tombs, temples, and archaeological sites with expert context, followed by evenings back onboard in satin gowns and bow-ties. For women over 40, it is the rare bucket-list trip that brings both relaxation and adventure all tied up with one very luxurious bow.

Tennant says the Nile is one of the next most popular river cruise choices after Europe, and encourages travelers to follow the dream if Egypt has always been on their list: “If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Pyramids, then you may want to buck the trend and start there.”

Bonus Upcoming Cruise: The Game-Changer

Celebrity Cruises

Book:Celebrity Cruises’ European River Sailings (Launching 2027)

If you love the modern luxury, crisp design and upscale energy of premium ocean cruising but want the intimate, dock-in-the-heart-of-the-city convenience of a river voyage, 2027 is about to change everything. Celebrity Cruises is officially entering the river cruise market with its highly anticipated sister ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker—and they aren't dipping a toe in; they're jumping all the way in.

As Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group Jason Liberty famously declared, this foray into river cruising is "not a hobby." The cruise line has massive, boundary-pushing plans to ultimately bring 20 sleek new river cruise ships to Europe’s historic waterways and beyond.

For women in their 40s who want a seamless, premium vacation without sacrificing the amenities of a larger resort, these ships are designed to provide the familiarity of the beloved "Celebrity Way" while introducing iconic European ports to an entirely new generation of travelers. The sleek, newly designed riverboats will feature unmistakable Celebrity signatures—yes, you can still grab your morning espresso and pastry at Café al Bacio and wind down at night with a flair-poured espresso martini at the iconic Martini Bar. But the ships will also introduce brand-new signature restaurants, breezy open-air spaces, and gorgeous, spacious cabins outfitted with king-size beds (a massive luxury on typical, space-restricted riverboats).

What truly sets Celebrity’s upcoming river experience apart, though, is how it handles the destinations. Instead of standard, slow-paced walking tours, Celebrity is focusing on deeply immersive, standout experiences that bring guests closer to the culture. Think hyper-local street art tours led by neighborhood creatives, and private museum tours guided by local artists.

For fans of Celebrity’s signature design, top-tier culinary programs and sophisticated vibe, this isn't just another river cruise option—it’s a completely reimagined way to see the world, and a incredibly welcome one.

Related: I Got an Early Look Inside Celebrity's Sold-Out River Cruise—Here's Why It's Already the Most Anticipated Launch of 2027

It’s hard to think of the band Foghat without recalling their breakout Top 20 single “Slow Ride.” But the album that spawned the massive song featured a title track that offered a much faster ride that still resonates after five decades.

The album was 1975’s Fool for the City, and the title track remains a Foghat classic and an anthem for the open road more than 50 years after it was recorded.

Written by lead singer and guitarist Dave Peverett, “Fool for the City” featured a twin guitar riff, a blazing solo from bandmate Rod Price, and lyrics about heading back to the city after missing the loud, chaotic energy of urban life.

‘Goin' to the city, got you on my mind/Country sure is pretty, I'll leave it all behind,” came the opening lines to the boogie rock classic.

RELATED: 1976 Rock Rebellion Anthem Was Written in 20 Minutes

Drummer Roger Earl credited the band’s two guitarists for brainstorming the song.

"’Fool For The City’ was Dave and Rod,” he told Classic Bands in an interview. “Foghat was always a band where everybody contributed to the recording, even if you didn't get the credit. Dave was the main writer of the band.”

The Fool for the City album was recorded at Suntreader Studios in small town Vermont, a world away from the London-originated band’s U.S. base in Long Island, New York.

In a 2014 interview with The Aquarian, Earl recalled losing power multiple times while recording in the remote area.

“That happened a few times: The power would go out – somebody would hit a [power] pole,” he shared. “We were out in the middle of nowhere – it was like a small mountain or a large hill, but it was in the middle of nowhere. Deer would run into the car; bears would be in the garbage can.”

The album cover even featured a picture of city life with a country twist: Earl holding a fishing line going into an open manhole on a city street.

Earl elaborated on the cover shoot in an interview with VRP Rocks. “It wasn't a big studio. So, I would go fishing. Vermont, they have some really good trout fishing up there,” he recalled. “So the manhole cover thing was because I love to fish and I'm a fool for the city.”

Related: 1976 Rock Classic, Written After a Forgotten Song, Remains a Timeless Anthem 50 Years Later

A beloved former '80s teen idol is officially 60—and he's never looked better.

Glenn Scarpelli, who played Alex Handris on the hit television comedy One Day at a Time, is officially celebrating a milestone year. He is honoring the moment by sharing a series of images that prove age is just a number and a state of mind.

On July 5, one day after the United States celebrated its 250th birthday, Scarpelli shared a post expressing gratitude for all his blessings and looking forward to the future. He also posted two images, and he's completely unrecognizable from his years as a teen idol.

He wrote, "I turn 60 tomorrow. Goals reached."

Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

View this post on Instagram

"Not just physical but Body, Mind and Spirit. It takes all of it to create balance in life. Especially Spirit. To remember that our truest self is Love. The Most High Love. A consciousness of knowing we are the Universe experiencing itself as physical sentient beings."

Scarpelli continued, "I have found that it’s through this experience our nervous system relaxes and feels safe. We have ultimate strength and endurance… and we know anything is POSSIBLE! Those are my thoughts and lessons from the journey of my 60 years. I share this with you today in total gratitude. For each of you."

View this post on Instagram

The former One Day at a Time star concluded, "I appreciate all the love you always send my way. I feel it. And today I honor it. Happy Birthday to ME! And thank you!!"

In the post's comments section, fans shared their own thoughts about Scarpelli's transformation and milestone birthday.

"DUDE!!!! You’re inspiring me to kick it into even higher gear!! Looking great!!!" exclaimed one follower.

"60 is lookin’ awesome on you, Glenn!! Have an amazing day and year celebrating!!! Happy, Happy Birthday!!" wished a second Instagram user.

A third fan posted, "Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished. You look great! I turned 60 earlier this year. You’re an inspiration! Hope you have a wonderful birthday. Enjoy!"

"You make 60 look fabulous. Happiest of birthdays! I hope your special day is magical," wrote a fourth social media follower.

Glenn Scarpelli starred on One Day at a Time during the latter part of the series' run, from 1980 through 1983. PEOPLE Magazine reported that after ODATA, he appeared on television in the series Jennifer Slept Here, The Love Boat, and Fantasy. He appeared in the 2019 Netflix revival of One Day at a Time.

Related: Rarely Seen ’80s Teen Icons Reunite for Beloved ‘The Pirate Movie’ Screening

Country music standout Ella Langley continues to add to her breakthrough year after her latest single, “Be Her,” debuted at No. 24 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, giving the singer two songs on the ranking at the same time.

The new achievement comes while “Choosin’ Texas” remains at No. 11 on the same chart after spending 19 weeks there. The accomplishment marks the first time Langley has placed two songs simultaneously on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, highlighting her growing reach beyond traditional country radio.

Langley first gained national attention with her debut album Hungover, released two years ago. The project produced several successful singles, including collaborations with Riley Green and the solo hit “Weren’t for the Wind.” Her second album, Dandelion, has taken her career to another level, led by the blockbuster success of “Choosin’ Texas” and the growing popularity of “Be Her.”

Ella Langley performs onstage at the Billboard Women in Music 2026.

Photo by Rich Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

'Be Her' Gives Ella Langley Another Milestone

This week's Adult Contemporary chart features only three new entries, and “Be Her” earned the highest debut among them by opening at No. 24.

The song entered ahead of “Somewhere in the Night” by The Grimm and “Disco Star” by Village People. It also outperformed two returning songs on the chart, Alex Warren's “Fever Dream” and Ariana Grande's “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” which re-entered at Nos. 29 and 30, respectively.

The Adult Contemporary chart is one of Billboard's three pop-focused radio rankings alongside Pop Airplay and Adult Pop Airplay. Unlike “Choosin’ Texas,” which reached all three radio charts, “Be Her” has so far only entered Adult Contemporary.

The debut also doubles Langley's career entries on the Adult Contemporary chart. Her first appearance came earlier this year when “Choosin’ Texas” entered the ranking before eventually peaking at No. 10, becoming her first Top 10 hit on the chart.

The latest chart success adds to an already remarkable year for Langley.

Just two weeks ago, “Be Her” spent a fourth consecutive week at No. 1 on Billboard's Country Airplay chart, becoming her longest-leading Country Airplay hit. The song delivered 34.2 million audience impressions during the June 12–18 tracking period, according to Luminate.

Its four-week run surpassed “Choosin’ Texas,” which previously spent three nonconsecutive weeks atop the Country Airplay chart earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Langley is continuing her 2026 tour, performing as Dandelion remains one of the country's biggest albums. The project is currently holding at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, further showing the sustained demand for both the album and its hit singles.

Related: Country Star Announces Exclusive Collaboration Amid 2026 Tour

It's the end of an era for one of the South Carolina coast's most historic waterfronts. On June 30, 2026, the Norwegian Jewelofficially became the final passenger cruise ship to dock at the historic Union Pier Terminal in downtown Charleston, permanently closing the chapter on major cruise ship operations at the site.

The transition marks a massive turning point for the Holy City’s historic peninsula. While Charleston wrapped up its long-running 14-year run as a year-round homeport for Carnival Cruise Line back in January 2025, the terminal had spent the last year and a half exclusively welcoming day-visit transit stops from luxury and premium cruise brands.

With the departure of the Norwegian Jewel, the 65-acre prime waterfront property will now be completely reimagined with a heavy focus on local residents and community-first spaces.

Charleston Mayor William Cogswell and the South Carolina Ports Authority have teamed up with local businessman and philanthropist Ben Navarro’s company, Beemok, which is under contract to purchase the massive downtown site.

Charleston Mayor William Cogswell highlighted the blank canvas the city now has, stating that the closure creates “an extraordinary opportunity to shape Union Pier's future.” He added, “By working together, the city and Beemok are building the foundation for a waterfront that improves our quality of life and celebrates our city's character.”

Related: This Adults-Only Cruise Line is Quietly Moving to Brooklyn This Spring

View this post on Instagram

While pre-opening plans are still being carefully researched—focusing heavily on historic preservation, local traffic solutions and flood resilience—the vision for the new Urban Waterfront district includes public parks, housing, restaurants and shopping.

Beemok also noted in a formal release that the transition is part of a broader evolution for the area, stating, “The end of Union Pier's cruise ship era coincides with the city taking a new approach to tourism that will better balance the visitor experience with residents' quality of life.”

If you're a cruise traveler who absolutely loves the historic charm of Charleston, don’t unpack your walking shoes just yet.

Related: Carnival Is Replacing Its Longtime Loyalty Program This Fall

While the massive passenger ships are saying a permanent goodbye to the Union Pier gates, smaller-scale coastal ships—like American Cruise Lines’ boutique vessels—will still be able to utilize the area for regional itineraries.

Local leaders emphasize that the closing of the commercial terminal is all about taking a fresh, balanced approach to coastal tourism, ensuring the city's iconic character stays protected for generations of visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

Related: This New Holland America Line Cruise Hits Every Bucket-List Port In One Trip

The color red is brimming with symbolism and meaning. Over time, it's represented sacred authority, power, politics, revolution and more. These days, you may have an intense emotional response to red, likely either a deep passion or dislike. What does red mean to a color psychology expert?

"Red is life force," Michelle Lewis, a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute, tells Parade. "It's the color of the heartbeat, the first color the human eye processes and the one that demands a response before your brain has time to make a decision."

She notes that red grabs attention and makes demands. It can propel us toward action.

"To me, red represents motivation, passion and the ability to make quick decisions," states Lewis, who is also the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught.

It's important to note that color psychology isn't a personality test. However, you can use the psychology of colors to learn about yourself.

"Personality tests like Myers-Briggs or the Enneagram are built on structured self-reporting and validated through large-scale psychological research," she explains. "Color psychology operates differently. It's the study of how color affects human behavior, emotion and decision-making."

Color psychology can reveal patterns in your personality, emotional needs and life experience without making you answer a single question.

"It observes what you're already drawn to," she says. "Your color preferences are a real-time signal, not a self-reported one. And in my experience, that makes them remarkably honest. People can curate their answers on a personality test. They can't curate their instincts."

So, what does red reveal about your instincts? Here, Lewis digs into red's color psychology. She also reveals seven common personality traits of people whose favorite color is red, along with their typicaly strengths and weaknesses.

Related: Color Psychologist Says the Color of Your Shoes Impacts You More Than You Think—Here’s Why

What the Color Red Says About Your Personality

People whose favorite color is red have personality traits that make them effective leaders and decision-makers. According to Lewis, red lovers are built for the present moment, driven and fast-moving. They're not ones to ask permission, and they have effortlessly magnetic personalities.

Related: 7 Traits That Separate Emotionally Intelligent Leaders From Everyone Else

7 Traits You Likely Have if Your Favorite Color Is Red

If your favorite color is red, you likely have personality traits that embody its energy. Lewis shared what red color psychology can reveal about you.

1. You're driven

Lewis notes that people who love red aren't ones to dabble.

"They commit, pursue and push," she says. "It's how they're wired. When a red lover decides they want something, the question is never whether they'll go after it—it's how fast.

2. You're courageous

People whose favorite color is red don't run from fear or wait for it to pass. Lewis says they're fighters who will act.

"Red lovers don't need certainty before they move," she states. "They need momentum. Their courage isn't the absence of doubt. It's the decision to go anyway."

3. You're intensely passionate

The color red is one of intense passion, so it makes sense that people drawn to the hue would have this trait and "feel everything at full volume," as Lewis says.

"Their enthusiasm is genuine, their anger is real, their love is fierce," she explains. "They don't do anything halfway, including emotion. This intensity is one of their most compelling qualities and the thing people remember most about them."

4. You're naturally competitive

People who gravitate toward red are in it to win it, whether it's adult field day, trivia night or a promotion at work.

"Red lovers are wired to push against limits, against others, against their own previous best," Lewis says. "It stems from a deep need to know what they're capable of. Competition makes them better, and they seek it."

5. You're action-oriented

Lewis says that people who adore red are already moving, while most others are still thinking.

"They process in motion rather than in stillness, which makes them fast, decisive and sometimes surprising to the people around them," she notes. "Analysis paralysis is not a concept they understand personally."

6. You're magnetic

Lewis points out that red lovers have a unique energy that draws people in.

"It's vitality that's almost impossible to manufacture and very difficult to ignore," she says about their magnetism. "They don't command a room by trying to. They do it by simply being fully, unapologetically themselves."

7. You're a survivalist

Lewis explains that red symbolizes a survival instinct, and "red lovers carry that in their bones.

"When things get hard—really hard—red lovers don't collapse," she says. "They activate. Crisis brings out something in them that ordinary circumstances can't—a fierce, almost primal capacity to keep going when everything is working against them."

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

The Strengths and Weaknesses of a 'Red' Personality

There are a few common strengths and weaknesses of red personalities, Lewis says.

Strengths

For starters, red lovers have their share of assets, including:

• Natural leadership — Lewis notes red lovers instinctively step up when direction is needed, whether it's planning a party or taking charge of a work project. "Their confidence, decisiveness and forward momentum make others want to follow them even when no one has officially put them in charge," she says.
• Resilience — Lewis credits their survivalist instincts for helping red lovers bounce back faster than most other personality types. "Setbacks activate rather than deflate them," she notes. "They hit the ground, take stock and move again—often faster than before.
• Infectious energy — Red lovers raise the energy of everyone else the moment they walk into a room. "Their passion, drive and full-presence way of engaging with the world is genuinely contagious," the color analyst points out. "They make other people want to try harder, move faster and feel more alive."

Weaknesses

That said, red personalities have some pitfalls that are worth noticing (and working through), such as:

• Impulsivity — Red lovers' fast-moving nature makes them effective, but can get them into trouble if they move more quickly than a situation warrants. "The fallout from a decision made in heat can take far longer to resolve than the decision took to make," Lewis warns.
• Difficulty with stillness— Red lovers struggle to just be because they're built for movement. "They can struggle in situations that require them to slow down, hold back or let things unfold on someone else's timeline, which can create friction in relationships, both personal and professional," Lewis states.
• Steamrolling — She also notes this one is rarely intentional, but rather the "shadow side" of a red lover's greatest strength. "[They] are so forward-moving and certain in their direction that they can run over the people around them without realizing it," Lewis says.

Related: Color Psychologist Says These 5 Favorite Colors Are Loved by ‘Especially Creative’ People

What It Means if You Dislike the Color Red

You may have an emotional response to red, but yours might not be positive. That's actually normal.

"If red makes you uncomfortable, you're probably someone who values peace, process and careful thought over speed and intensity," Lewis says. "Red's energy is demanding. It doesn't let you stay neutral."

If you prefer a more measured, intentional space, she notes that the demands of red can feel overwhelming rather than exciting. You may also find that you're hot and cold toward red.

"A dislike of red can also signal a season of life rather than a fixed trait," Lewis explains. "People who are burned out, overstimulated or recovering from a period of high stress often find themselves pulling away from red entirely until they've had time to restore." 

Up Next:

Related: Color Psychologist Says This Bedroom Paint Color Is the 'Most Calming' To Wake up to—Here's Why

Source:

• Michelle Lewis is a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute. She is also the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught.

When it comes to family vacations, the ultimate test of any theme park isn't what the online critics say—it's whether the kids leave with giant smiles on their faces.

The highly anticipated Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, officially opened its gates to the public on July 1, 2026, and the early consensus from real-world families is an overwhelming thumbs-up.

Marking a major milestone as Universal Destinations & Experiences' first-ever theme park specifically designed for a younger generation, the 20-acre resort is proving that kid-sized fun is exactly what parents have been waiting for.

Just one day before the grand opening, the park welcomed members of the media, local families, and some very high-profile VIPs for an exclusive first look. Among the first to check out the brand-new attractions were Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, who brought their children along for an unforgettable family day out.

Related: Universal is Officially Opening a Brand-New Kind of Theme Park in North Texas Next Week—Here's a First Look

View this post on Instagram

The family got a colorful, star-studded welcome the second they stepped through the gates.

Upon arrival, the Mahomes crew was greeted firsthand by fan-favorites Poppy, Branch, Guy Diamond, and Delta Dawn from DreamWorks’ TrollsFest.

Brittany Mahomes took to Instagram to share a peek of their park adventure, making it clear that one post simply wasn’t enough to cover the fun. "Part 2 of we’re busy having the time of our life," she captioned the sweet family photos, adding, "& don’t worry part 3 and 4 are coming." The resort's official social media accounts also captured the moments, sharing that the Mahomes family brought major "kidcation energy" to the park ahead of opening day.

During the preview, guests were able to explore an impressive lineup of seven fully immersive lands built around simpler rides, shorter walking distances, and highly interactive play spaces.

Related: Universal Is Opening a Kids-Focused Theme Park in 2026 and It's Not in Orlando

Little ones can dive into classic stories at DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, conquer a prehistoric ropes course at Jurassic World Adventure Camp, or step into Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom.

Water lovers can choose a side at Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, while music fans can dance through TrollsFest. The park also features the festive village of DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar and the Isle of Curiosity, which features the massively popular DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse.

By focusing entirely on the imagination of literal toddlers and grade-schoolers rather than massive, stomach-dropping roller coasters, the formula is clearly working for its target audience.

Real parents have been flooding Google and Facebook reviews with positive feedback following the opening week, with moms noting that their kids are still talking about the experience days later. Writers from regional publications who attended the previews with their own children also reported fantastic experiences, noting that the resort successfully delivers exactly what it promises: a fun, stress-free day of play scaled perfectly for little legs.

Related: Universal Orlando Unveils Packed Lineup for 4th of July Weekend

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Summer's big heat wave isn't over yet, and this $20 pair of linen-blend pants is a great find if your summer wardrobe could use something lighter and breezier. Right now, the Grapent Cotton-Linen Wide-Leg Pants are marked down from their typical price of $32. They come in seven colors, including black, beige, dark olive, gray, khaki, pink, and almond. They’re available in sizes small to 2XL and feature an easy pull-on design that’s perfect for travel days, casual office wear, and weekends.

The pants feature a striped design and are made from a 50% cotton, 27% polyester, and 23% linen blend, so they offer a light, breezy summer look. They have a high-rise fit, a smocked elastic waistband, side-seam pockets, and a wide-leg palazzo shape that gives them an airy feel. They’re machine washable too, which is especially convenient for a warm-weather staple.

Grapent Cotton-Linen Wide-Leg Pants, $20 (was $32) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The smocked waistband helps them stay cool and comfy for long days, while the wide-leg cut gives them a more stylish look than a basic pair of lounge pants. The vertical stripes add some detail and help create a longer-looking line, especially with sandals or wedges. They also have pockets, which is always a perk for travel days, errands, or long walks.

Shoppers have said the pants are “flowy,” “light and airy,” and “super comfortable,” with one person even calling them “summer perfection.” Another reviewer described them as “breathable,” adding that they’re “flattering and perfect for summer,” while a different person noted the style “works well for a casual beach day or a vacation.”

Related: Amazon’s 'Light' and 'Airy' $17 Cotton-Linen Shorts Are 'Easy to Throw On in the Summer'

Anyone who has ever shopped for linen pants knows how expensive they can get, which is why this $20 cotton-linen blend pair is definitely worth a look. They’re also versatile enough to work in more than one setting, from beach trips to dinners, so they’re a super practical deal you can count on wearing more than once.

If your closet could use a pair of breathable, flowy, easy-to-wear pants that you can pair with heels, sneakers, and flip-flops alike, the Grapent Cotton-Linen Wide-Leg Pants are a must-have. Be sure to snag your favorite shade now.

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.

There are few Olympic figure skaters who transformed the sport in the 1980s like Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. The British duo, known as Torvill and Dean, are among the most celebrated ice dancers in Olympic history. Their technical precision and story-driven skating routines transformed the sport and made them one of the most popular and well-known skating pairs of all time. In recognition of their contributions to figure skating, the pair received one of the highest honors in the United Kingdom from none other than King Charles III.

Honored by King Charles III for Their Lasting Legacy @c5news

Ice skating champion Sir Christopher Dean joked with the King that he is enjoying retirement and would “recommend it” as he was honoured alongside Dame Jayne Torvill at Windsor Castle today. The ice dance duo was among 68 people to receive awards from the King on Tuesday, alongside Luther star Sir Idris Elba and comedian and actress Dame Meera Syal. The pair made history when they took home the Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games for their “Bolero” performance, and later became the faces of celebrity competition show Dancing On Ice.

♬ original sound - Channel 5 News - Channel 5 News

Honoring the pair's extraordinary contributions to ice skating and their decades of voluntary service, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were named in the 2026 New Year Honours. Torvill was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, while Dean received a knighthood. The pair were formally presented with their honors by King Charles III during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle in June. Newly retired, Dean reflected on the recognition, describing it as the culmination of 50 years of skating.

The "Bolero" Performance That Changed Olympic Figure Skating

Best known for their iconic free dance to Maurice Ravel's "Bolero" at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Torvill and Dean became international superstars after their performance earned perfect scores for artistic impression and a total of twelve perfect 6.0 marks, creating one of the most legendary moments in Olympic history.

More than 24 million viewers in the United Kingdom watched the routine, making it one of the country's most-watched television broadcasts ever. Decades later, their "Bolero" performance remains the gold standard for Olympic ice dancing and is frequently cited as one of the greatest figure skating performances in history.

Related: Olympic Skating Legend, Who Captivated Fans at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Names the Greatest Performance of His Career

Olympic Medals and a Historic Return

At a time when Olympic rivalries often became political statements, Torvill and Dean finished fifth at the 1980 Winter Olympics before dominating international ice dancing. They won the Olympic gold medal in Sarajevo in 1984 before turning professional.

The duo later returned to Olympic competition in 1994, winning the bronze medal in Lillehammer after a change in eligibility rules once again allowed professional skaters to compete.

A Career That Extended Far Beyond the Olympics

Beyond their Olympic success, Torvill and Dean enjoyed a 50-year professional skating career and later served as head judges on the U.K. reality series Dancing on Ice.

Despite their enduring careers on and off the ice, "Bolero" may be their greatest legacy. Among the first ice dancing teams to tell a complete story through choreography, the pair's flowing purple costumes, Jayne Torvill's signature short hairstyle, and the way they embodied the music's steadily building tempo created an unforgettable performance that continues to transport fans back to 1984, when the remarkable duo effortlessly skated into the hearts of millions around the world.

Torvill and Dean transformed Olympic ice dancing, inspiring generations of skaters and captivating millions of fans. More than 40 years after their gold medal performance, their influence on the sport remains unmatched, and their recognition by King Charles III serves as a fitting tribute to two of figure skating's greatest legends.

Related: Tennis Legend, 66, Makes Bold Admission About His Life Falling Apart

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

When Michael Shrieve walked onto the Woodstock stage in August 1969, he was just 20 years old and virtually unknown outside the San Francisco music scene. By the end of Santana's performance of "Soul Sacrifice," however, the young drummer had delivered one of the festival's defining moments.

In his book "Great Rock Drummers of the Sixties," author Bob Cianci called Shrieve's drum solo "electrifying," writing that the performance showcased "incredible chops" for a drummer as young as Shrieve was at the time.

Related: ‘One of the Most Important Partnerships in the History of Modern Music’ Began 69 Years Ago Today

Born July 6, 1949, Shrieve joined Santana at just 19 after impressing the band's manager during a jam session. Only weeks later, the group took the stage at Woodstock before its debut album had even been released. The performance launched Santana into the national spotlight and turned Shrieve, then the festival's second-youngest musician, into one of rock's most talked-about young drummers.

Shrieve remained with Santana through the band's first seven albums, including Santana, Abraxas, Santana III, Caravanserai, Welcome and Borboletta. Along the way, he helped steer the band's increasingly adventurous sound, co-writing four tracks on Caravanserai before leaving in the mid-1970s to pursue jazz fusion, electronic music and a wide range of collaborations.

Over the decades, Shrieve worked with artists including Steve Winwood, Roger Hodgson, Andy Summers, Klaus Schulze, Mick Jagger and Bill Frisell, building a career that stretched far beyond the Woodstock stage. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Santana in 1998, and in 2011, Rolling Stone readers ranked him among the greatest drummers of all time.

Related: Hollywood Legend Turns 80 After Hitting a Career Milestone Few Actors Ever Will

"The musical highlight of the original Woodstock concert in 1969 may well be Santana's 10-minute performance of 'Soul Sacrifice,'" wrote Rolling Stone at the time. "Drummer Michael Shrieve holds the whole thing together, and Santana was never quite the same after he left in 1974."

Related: One of Rock’s Most Underrated Voices Turns 76 Today

Yet Shrieve says it took years to fully understand what that Woodstock performance meant. Speaking to MisplacedStraws in 2024, he admitted he never expected people would still be talking about it more than half a century later.

"Nothing prepares you for the length of time, the duration of time where people still derive joy from it," said Shrieve.

He acknowledged that the response was obvious even in the moment, recalling that Santana hadn't even released a record yet but still connected with the massive Woodstock crowd. Looking back today, however, what amazes him isn't the immediate reaction but the performance's lasting emotional impact.

"I'm glad that I could do something that people enjoyed and still enjoy," he said.

Related: Singer Behind the ‘Greatest One-Hit Wonder of All Time’ Turns 67 Today

Shrieve also revealed that, from a musician's perspective, he doesn't even consider Woodstock to be the band's finest rendition of "Soul Sacrifice."

"I could show you a clip from another festival a year later where my drum solo is much better, the band is playing much better … But what gets me is how moved people are still by that performance."

Now 77, Shrieve's legacy reaches well beyond one famous afternoon in 1969. But for generations of rock fans, the image of the young drummer delivering that electrifying "Soul Sacrifice" performance remains one of Woodstock's most unforgettable moments, proving that sometimes a single performance can echo for a lifetime.

Related: Foreigner Revives Controversial 1979 Song for First Time in Decades