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In 1970, the iconic band Black Sabbath released "War Pigs," an influential song that has remained one of rock music's most enduring political anthems.

Through the power of music, artists and musicians have long used songs to deliver social commentary, voice protest and inspire change among audiences.

As a tribute to this, Collider ranked the top 10 greatest protest songs in classic rock, honoring tracks that have left a lasting legacy in music.

With the 1969 song "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Ohio" landing the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively, and "Masters of War" by Bob Dylan taking No. 3, the Black Sabbath song secured No. 4.

Described as having the "perfect sound for that argument," the song stood out not only by criticizing leaders with words but also through its heavy guitar riffs, dark melodies and ominous atmosphere.

Chris Walter/WireImage

Moreover, the track was also included on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Protest Songs of All Time list, landing at No. 48.

Released as part of the band's sophomore album, Paranoid, the iconic protest song’s lyrics were largely written by bassist Geezer Butler.

In the liner notes for the band's 1998 live album, Reunion, he mentioned creating the lyrics in a short period of time.

“Then I sat down and wrote the lyrics as quickly as I could, (and) it was all done in about two hours,” as mentioned by Rhino.

Moreover, he once mentioned that the original title of the track was “Walpurgis,” a traditional spring festival in parts of Europe. The name was later adopted as one of the major holidays observed in modern Satanism.

“It’s sort of like Christmas for Satanists,” the musician told Noisecreep in an interview, adding, “And to me, war was the big Satan. It wasn’t about politics or government or anything. It was (about) evil. So I was saying ‘generals gathered in the masses/just like witches at black masses' to make an analogy. But when we brought it to the record company, they thought 'Walpurgis' sounded too Satanic. And that’s when we turned it into ‘War Pigs.’ But we didn’t change the lyrics, because they were already finished.”

While it was celebrated as an iconic protest song, “War Pigs” was never released as a commercial single from the album. However, it reached new heights decades later after making its debut on the Billboard charts.

The 1970 track reached its all-time high after landing at No. 5 on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, making it Black Sabbath's second-highest-charting tune.

Related: 1970 Rock Classic, Written by Beloved Supergroup, Ranked Among Best Rock Songs of All Time

Few songs have enjoyed a journey quite like George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord."

Released in 1970 as the lead single from his landmark solo album, All Things Must Pass, the song became Harrison's first No. 1 hit as a solo artist. But before it introduced the former Beatle's spiritual songwriting to millions of listeners, it had actually been written with another musician in mind.

That musician was Billy Preston.

Harrison originally wrote "My Sweet Lord" for his close friend and collaborator, who had worked extensively with both The Beatles and Harrison during the late 1960s. Preston recorded the song first for his 1970 album, Encouraging Words, which Harrison also produced and played on.

Only afterward did Harrison decide to record his own version.

When he began sessions for All Things Must Pass, Harrison realized the song had the potential to become something even bigger. His recording expanded on the original arrangement with producer Phil Spector's signature Wall of Sound production, layering guitars, keyboards, and choral vocals into one of the defining recordings of the era.

"I was sticking my neck out on the chopping block," Harrison revealed in his autobiography, I Me Mine. "I thought a lot about whether to do it or not, because I would be committing myself publicly and I anticipated that a lot of people might get weird about it."

The bold decision paid off.

Released as a single in November 1970, "My Sweet Lord" climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts around the world, including in the United Kingdom. It became Harrison's first solo chart-topper and helped propel All Things Must Pass into one of the most successful albums ever released by a former Beatle.

Beyond its commercial success, the song stood out for its message.

Blending the Christian phrase "Hallelujah" with the Hindu mantra "Hare Krishna," Harrison created a universal expression of spirituality that reflected his lifelong interest in Eastern philosophy and religion. Its uplifting lyrics and memorable melody resonated with listeners across cultures, making it one of the most recognizable songs of the 1970s.

"I did the voices singing 'Hallelujah' first and then the change to 'Hare Krishna' so that people would be chanting the Maha Mantra before they knew what was going on," Harrison said years later.

"My Sweet Lord" has remained a defining part of Harrison's legacy despite its well-publicized copyright case involving similarities to the Chiffons' "He's So Fine."

"I wasn't consciously aware of the similarity when I wrote the song," Harrison said in an interview years later. "But once I started to get a lot of airplay, people started talking about it, was then I thought, 'Why didn’t I realize?' It would have been very easy to change a note here or there and not affect the feeling of the record."

“He must have known," Harrison's former bandmate, John Lennon told Playboy. "He's smarter than that— he could have changed a couple of bars in that song, and nobody could ever have touched him. But he just let it go and paid the price."

Decades later, the song continues to receive regular airplay, has been covered by numerous artists, and remains one of the most beloved recordings in Harrison's catalog.

More than 55 years after its release, "My Sweet Lord" still stands as one of rock's most enduring spiritual anthems. What George Harrison originally wrote for Billy Preston ultimately became an iconic No. 1 hit and one of the defining songs of his remarkable solo career.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Became a Generational No. 1 Hit

Few songs have taken a stranger road to success than Pure Prairie League's "Amie."

Written by band co-founder Craig Fuller when he was just 19 years old, the gentle country rock favorite first appeared on the group's 1972 album Bustin' Out. But despite its undeniable hook, "Amie" wasn't initially released as a single. Instead, it slowly built a following as an album cut before becoming an overnight radio favorite three years later, ultimately climbing to No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975.

The song's journey surprised even its creator.

"I was just a 19- or 20-year-old kid, trying to write another song," Fuller told The Intelligencer in 2013. "Just an exercise in words and music."

Years later, Fuller echoed that thought when discussing the song with the Nashville Songwriters Association International in an interview for The Tennessean.

Asked who "Amie" was, he gave a remarkably simple answer.

"Just a song I wrote. Just an exercise in song craftsmanship," said Fuller.

Listeners, however, heard something much more enduring.

"Amie" might never have become a hit at all.

After Pure Prairie League released Bustin' Out, RCA Records dropped the band. But as college, country, pop and album-oriented rock stations continued spinning "Amie," the song developed a devoted following. Music critic and Patti Smith Group guitarist Lenny Kaye also championed it after hearing it at an RCA release party, according to Jo Sgammato's book "For the Music: The Vince Gill Story." The unexpected radio momentum convinced RCA to re-sign the band and finally release "Amie" as a single.

Ironically, by the time "Amie" reached the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1975, Fuller had already left the group while performing alternative service in Kentucky after applying for conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War.

Looking back, Fuller credited a unique combination of circumstances for the song's unlikely success.

"It was a perfect storm," he told The Intelligencer. "A testament to what a good song, radio and a little luck can do."

More than 50 years after Fuller first wrote it as a teenager, "Amie" remains one of country rock's signature songs. It's been covered by artists including Lonestar, Travis Tritt, Counting Crows and Garth Brooks, while generations of fans still sing every word whenever it comes on the radio.

Related: 1976 Hit, About a Woman He Loved for 24 Years, Became a Timeless Breakup Anthem

By the time Michelle Branch released “All You Wanted” in 2002, she was already building momentum on the success of her previous single, “Everywhere,” which became her breakthrough hit, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

But, what many fans may not realize is that Branch was still a teenager during her rise to fame. 

RELATED: 1994 Soft Rock Song, Inspired by a Poem, Became a Summer Breakthrough Hit

Raised in Sedona, Arizona, the pop-rock superstar began writing songs on guitar at just 14 years old. She wrote “All You Wanted” entirely on her own, while John Shanks handled production. 

Speaking about the song in a 2002 interview with the then-prominent Italian national television network, Rete A - AllMusic, Branch said “All You Wanted” closely reflected her natural songwriting style. 

“It’s most consistent with my songwriting. When I wrote it, it’s just a bit more rock…,” Branch shared in the interview, as seen on YouTube. “Most of the time, when I write songs…I don’t sit down and try to write; I just wait until the whole idea comes to me and it happens really quickly. So I tend to wait until I don’t really have to put any effort into my song.” 

Lyrically, “All You Wanted” captures the emotional aftermath of a relationship that has seemingly drifted apart. Branch hangs on to that certain lover while wrestling with unanswered questions and offers a willingness to restore a connection they once had during the chorus, which features the hook: “If you want to, I can save you.” 

“All You Wanted” became Branch’s first Top 10 hit, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song spent 28 weeks on that chart. In 2020, Billboard ranked “All You Wanted” at No. 5 on its list of the “50 Greatest Minivan Rock Songs” of all time, which celebrates family-friendly pop-rock singles that dominated radio airwaves from 1997-2004. 

RELATED: 1989 No. 1 Hit, With 20-Year-Old Singer, Stands as a Career-Defining Power Ballad 37 Years Later

Songs that came in the Top 5, aside from Branch’s “All You Wanted,” included, “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls, Nine Days’ "Absolutely, (Story of a Girl),” Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated,” and Lifehouse “Hanging By a Moment,” which landed at No. 1.  Of note, Branch has made the list twice. Her 2003 single from the album Hotel Paper ranks at No. 35. 

“All You Wanted” appears on The Spirit Room, Branch’s major-label debut for Maverick Records. The breakthrough collection, which followed her independent release Broken Bracelet, will celebrate its 25th anniversary on August 14.

To mark the milestone, Branch will release the EP Everywhere and Back Again on Nov. 6 via BMG, featuring newly reimagined versions of some of her best-known songs, including “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted”, “Goodbye To You,” “Breathe” and more.

Related: 2002 Breakthrough Hit, With 17-Year-Old Singer, Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of the 21st Century'

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean just shattered a massive record in their native United Kingdom, resulting in their smash duet, "Rein Me In," becoming the longest-running No. 1 single in the country’s chart history.

According to The Guardian, the record was originally set in 1953 with U.S. crooner Frankie Laine’s “I Believe,” which spent a total of 18 weeks on the national singles chart. Breaking the 73-year-old record, the two have spent a total of 19 weeks at the pinnacle spot.

Other songs that came close to dislodging Laine from his peak include Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” and Wet Wet Wet’s “Love Is All Around,” followed by Drake’s “One Dance” andEd Sheeran’s “Shape of You.”

It should be noted that Adams still holds the record for the longest consecutive run at No. 1 with 16 weeks, while “Rein Me In” achieved the overall record through a nonconsecutive run.

In response to the news, Fender said he was “completely lost for words,” before thanking Dean and the fans for “making this song the juggernaut that it is.”

Written by Fender for his third album, People Watching, "Rein Me In" was the sixth single to be released. A sort of dream-pop/indie-rock anthem, its sound mirrors hits of the ’90s, like “Linger” from The Cranberries and “Losing My Religion” from R.E.M.

According to Vevo, Fender was inspired by British folk, nostalgia around his hometown of North Shields, and his previous collaborations with artists like Noah Kahan when penning the heartbreaking tale of self-destruction and addiction.

“I’m talking about substance abuse and drinking too much to get the reason back, the reason for going through your day,” Fender said, per The Guardian. “It’s loosely based on my own life, this song, but also, I always kind of take parts of my own life and put it into characters and embellish it, ‘cause all good stories deserve embellishment. The ‘rein me in’ part kind of [means] your friends are gonna rein you in from drinking too much and going off the rails because you’re heartbroken and you’re dealing with it in a bad way.”

The album’s title track did well for itself, too, climbing to No. 4 in the U.K. and bobbing around the chart for 43 weeks.

Here in the U.S., “Rein Me In” has seen more modest success, operating as a steady sleeper hit rather than an all-out record-breaking juggernaut. That’s mostly due to the unprecedented success of Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” which is America’s version of the record-breaking juggernaut this year.

Currently, “Rein Me In” is sitting at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its 18th week on the tally. It peaked at No. 64 in April. Over on the rock side of things, however, it reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs survey.

According to Billboard, U.S. and U.K. music fans are going through a widening divide, with the countries rarely being so far apart on a song.

Related: Heavy Metal Legend Who Helped Define a Generation of 2000s Rock Turns 58

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Solving today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle requires you to know a little bit about farm animals, be into Netflix shows, and have some idea of wedding ettiquete. That should get you started, but the rest is up to you.

Although the NYT is known for "The Crossword," a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you're working on today's Mini Crossword on Sunday, August 2, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.

1 Across: Something you might ask for while staying over at a friend's house — HINT: Starts with the letter "W"

5 Across: Genre for "Stranger Things" —HINT: Ends with the letter "I"

7 Across: Unlikely pants to wear to a wedding — HINT: Starts with the letter "J"

8 Across: Octagonal sign word — HINT: Ends with the letter "P"

9 Across: Where sows are housed — HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

1 Down: Newspaper that covers the stock market, for short — HINT: Starts with the letter "W"

2 Down: Puts a cold pack on — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

3 Down: Official decrees — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"

4 Down: "Otherwise ..." — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

6 Down: Words before "with my little eye," in a game — HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"

Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.

1 Across: Something you might ask for while staying over at a friend's house — WIFI

5 Across: Genre for "Stranger Things" —SCIFI

7 Across: Unlikely pants to wear to a wedding — JEANS

8 Across: Octagonal sign word — STOP

9 Across: Where sows are housed — STY

1 Down: Newspaper that covers the stock market, for short — WSJ

2 Down: Puts a cold pack on — ICES

3 Down: Official decrees — FIATS

4 Down: "Otherwise ..." — IFNOT

6 Down: Words before "with my little eye," in a game — ISPY

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

Fifty-five years ago today, a summer replacement show slipped onto CBS with low expectations and turned two nightclub performers into one of the biggest acts on television.

The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour debuted on Aug. 1, 1971, and within months it went from seasonal fill-in to a prime-time staple that ran for four years.

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By 1971, the 1960s hits that made Sonny Bono and Cher famous had cooled, and the married duo was working the club circuit. CBS programming chief Fred Silverman was impressed enough to hand them a summer variety slot. The formula was simple and it clicked: glittering musical numbers, Bob Mackie gowns and Cher needling her husband in the opening monologue while he played the lovable fall guy.

Each episode opened with "The Beat Goes On" and closed with the couple singing "I Got You Babe" to each other. The mix of music and married-couple bickering was an instant ratings hit, and CBS quickly moved the show into its regular lineup. It became a launching pad, too.

Steve Martin wrote for the show early in his career, and the couple's young child, now Chaz Bono, appeared on camera during its run. Guest stars ranged from Carol Burnett to the Jackson 5.

Related: 1965 Folk Rock Song, Originally Disliked By Iconic Singer, Remains a Classic 61 Years Later

The act could not survive the marriage. Sonny and Cher split, and the show ended in 1974 as their divorce played out, with Cher accusing Bono of "involuntary servitude" in the proceedings. Cher walked away with a Golden Globe for the series and a solo career that never slowed down. The bickering was for the cameras, but the comeback it powered was real.

Next: 1973 One-Day Rock Festival Outdrew Woodstock With Over 600,000 Fans, yet Became the Decade’s Most Forgotten Concert

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day is already well on its way to becoming the biggest opening weekend in cinematic history.

Brand New Day, which once again stars Tom Holland as Spider-Man/Peter Parker and Zendaya as MJ, made a record-breaking $72 million in previews on Wednesday and Thursday. This record was previously held by Avengers: Endgame, which racked up $60 million in its opening week previews.

Revenue continues to flow in, with Brand New Day collecting $168 million domestically on Friday, July 31. Sony is projecting that the film will gross $325 million in its opening weekend, while others suspect that the film could beat Endgame’s $357.1 million opening.

Deadline estimates that if Brand New Day surpasses $105 million today, Aug. 1, it will have a shot at beating Endgame’s first-week record. The Hollywood Reporter believes that the film is set to at least displace Spider-Man: No Way Home from the No. 2 spot in all-time North American film debuts.

"This spectacular start for Spider-Man: Brand New Day is far outstripping the $195 million domestic and $465 million global that the studio had been projecting," The Hollywood Reporter wrote. "Even a domestic opening at $195 million would have put the film among the top 10 all-time debuts, but that number appears quaint at this point."

As of Aug. 1, Brand New Day has 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 4.2 out of 5 stars on Letterboxd, with one critic saying that “Destin Daniel Cretton has rediscovered what makes these movies click.”

As Brand New Day continues to make history, Cretton, the film’s director, took to social media to share his thanks with fans.

“Thank you for all the love & support you’ve already shown this movie,” Cretton posted on Instagram. “This weekend, as you watch the film in theaters around the world, in every language and culture, I hope our story reminds you of how connected we all are.”

Spider-Man: Brand New Day was released in theaters on July 31, featuring Holland, Zendaya and Sadie Sink. The film takes place after the events of No Way Home, following Peter Parker as he navigates a world that no longer knows his name. A new trailer was released last month, and it can be seen here.

The godmother of punk and the first American pope sat down together at the Vatican, and it turned out they had plenty to say to each other.

Patti Smith met Pope Leo XIV on Friday, July 31, for a 40-minute private audience at the Apostolic Palace. A longtime friend who was in the room said it felt less like a formal meeting and more like two old friends catching up.

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The 79-year-old rock poet greeted the pope the way only she would. Smith said "Hi. Hi" softly, echoing the breathy opening of her 1979 spoken-word song "Wave," which imagines a conversation with Pope John Paul I, who died after just 33 days as pontiff. Leo caught the reference right away. "That was marvelous," he told her. When she left, she signed off the same way: "Bye. Bye."

Smith and the pope share a hometown. Both were born in Chicago, a connection her friend Antonio Spadaro, the Vatican's undersecretary for culture and education, called meaningful. Spadaro, who accompanied Smith, described the moment the doors opened. "When that door opened, something happened. A spark was lit," he said. He added that their exchange resembled "a conversation between two people discovering they were old friends, sharing memories woven from words and music, dreams, visions and hopes."

Smith, who is not Catholic, has long admired the church's artists and has performed at the Vatican before. She shared a photo from the audience on Instagram, writing, "A moment that shall forever produce a smile."

Smith is having a full year. She released her memoirBread of Angels last November, and she is set to play the CBGB Festival at Brooklyn's Under the K Bridge Park on Sept. 26, nearly 20 years after she performed the last concert at the original CBGB club in 2006.

For now, she has a Vatican memory that, in her own words, will keep her smiling.

Brock Lesnar is living up to his moniker, “The Beast Incarnate.” The professional wrestler’s massive pre-fight meal is turning heads after Paul Heyman shared a photo of the grub on social media ahead of SummerSlam2026Night One.

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Taking to X, the professional wrestling manager and advocate for Lesnar shared a photo that consists of five enormous cuts of raw beef.

In the caption, he wrote, “It's the Pre-Fight-Night Meal for BRRRRRRRROCK LLLLLLESNARRRRRR! He didn't even bother having them bring it to the kitchen. #BeastMode @WWE #HellInACell #SummerSlam”

It's the Pre-Fight-Night Meal for BRRRRRRRROCK LLLLLLESNARRRRRR! He didn't even bother having them bring it to the kitchen.#BeastMode @WWE #HellInACell #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/5qhtaip8Kw

The image went viral hours before Lesnar’s return to the ring at SummerSlam, quickly spreading across social media as the Beast and fans prepared for the first night. Because Lesnar keeps a low profile, fans pounced on the glimpse into his pre-fight routine.

The beefy image also prompted plenty of reactions from wrestling fans, who took to the comments section to unload their shock. Their feedback ranged from jokes and disbelief to comments about the sheer amount of meat, as well as suggestions to eat more vegetables and gags about getting the meat sweats.

“Here come the meat sweats,” one commenter said over a GIF of Joey from Friends.

“He needs more veggies, that’s what got him the diverticulitis!” another wrote.

Lesnar has long been known for his punishing training regimen and farm-to-table lifestyle, making the oversized meal feel perfectly on brand for “The Beast Incarnate.”

***Spoilers for Night One Follow***

Dubbed “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” SummerSlam is a major professional wrestling event produced annually by WWE. This year’s showdown takes place over two nights: Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2.

Taking place in the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota, the two-night spectacle promises jam-packed wrestling cards and the resolution of shocking storylines.

Created in 1988 as a flagship summer centerpiece, the premium live event and stadium spectacle saw Lesnar compete in a brutal Hell in a Cell match against Oba Femi. He ultimately lost the rubber match to conclude their high-profile feud.

Night two begins Sunday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. ET, with the preshow countdown kicking off at 3 p.m. ET. According to Billboard, there will be six matches scheduled, with Roman Reigns defending his World Heavyweight Championship title belt against Seth Rollins.

Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker, a longtime WWE fan, will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open the night, per the outlet.

U.S. viewers can stream SummerSlam 2026 through the ESPN+ app with an ESPN Unlimited plan. Some live-TV streaming services, including DirecTV, may offer free trial promotions that include ESPN Unlimited access.

Despite the loss, Lesnar and his meat plate might still end up being one of SummerSlamweekend’smost memorable moments.

Related: Heavy Metal Legend Who Helped Define a Generation of 2000s Rock Turns 58

In case you haven't heard, there's a new web-slinging movie in theaters this weekend. And it's already making history.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day continued to post an all-time record opening day/previews on Friday, July 31 with $168 million, Deadline reports, beating out the previous first-day record owned by Avengers: Endgame ($157.4 million).

As fans well know, confirmed newlyweds Tom Holland and Zendaya lead the latest installment once again, which brings us to another trending notion: their public shows of affection.

They both made the rounds to promote The Odyssey, which is also making big bucks at the box office. Meanwhile, the A-list couple made their presence known around the globe to promote Brand New Day, another summer blockbuster they're both gracing.

Since Zendaya is 29 and Holland is 30, they have plenty of years ahead to potentially star in another movie together. In the meantime, the general public has been keeping a close eye on how the pair act around each other, at recent premieres, red carpets and promotional events. And, as USA Today reports, we can't get enough of them.

"They’ll give us glimpses into their love for one another, but there’s something admirable about them holding back, which in turn is its own kind of PR move," Waylon Tate, a public relations and marketing strategist, recently told the news outlet. "It leaves us thirsty for more."

"We all see their playfulness: the way they look at each other or the way Tom casually puts his hand around Zendaya's waist," Jenelle Hamilton, founder of Jenelle Hamilton PR, also told USA Today. "They're not trying to hide anything, but they're also not trying to do too much.

Hamilton continued, "The public feels as though they're a fly on the wall, witnessing their natural chemistry: the winks, the subtle touches and the support they show one another. It all comes across as genuine rather than staged, and it doesn't always feel that way with other celebrity couples."

Some songs need years to find their moment.

In February 1975, Michael Martin Murphey released "Wildfire" as the lead single from his album Blue Sky - Night Thunder. The soft rock story song became the biggest pop hit of his career, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Easy Listening chart and No. 3 on the Hot 100.

By then, however, the song had already existed for seven years.

Murphey was only 23 when he co-wrote "Wildfire" with Larry Cansler in 1968. The two were working long hours on The Ballad of Calico, a concept album for Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, when Murphey fell asleep on the floor of Cansler's Los Angeles apartment.

That night, he dreamed the song nearly in its entirety.

"I woke up and pounded on Larry's door and said, 'Can you come down and help me with this song?'" Murphey later recalled. "His wife got up and made us coffee, and we finished it in two or three hours."

"Wildfire" tells the story of a young woman who loses her horse during a Nebraska blizzard and dies while searching for him. Years later, a homesteader facing his own difficult winter believes the pair's ghosts are calling him away.

Murphey connected the dream to the Western stories his grandfather told him as a child, particularly one about a legendary ghost horse. Still, the singer has never claimed to fully understand where the song came from.

"I'd had this dream about a horse," he told D Magazine in 2025. "I wrote down all these images. I have no idea what they mean."

Although fellow Texas songwriters admired "Wildfire," Murphey waited years to record it because it did not seem to fit the music being released at the time. Even producer Bob Johnston initially doubted the song and questioned whether it belonged on the album.

Murphey pushed to record it anyway. After the finished track earned an enthusiastic response from the kitchen staff at the Colorado recording retreat, Johnston agreed it should become the album's first single.

The response spread far beyond that small group. "Wildfire" sold more than 2 million copies and carried Murphey from progressive country recognition into mainstream pop success. He later said the hit also gave him the financial freedom to return to his native Texas.

More than five decades after its release, the song remains closely tied to Murphey's career, all because of a dream he had at 23 and refused to forget.

Related: 1978 Timeless Classic, Named No. 1 Hit for Eight Weeks, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

The Charlatans, the acclaimed British rock alternative band, unveiled more exciting updates about its 2026 North American Tour.

As the iconic '90s indie group gears up for its highly anticipated run, the band, composed of lead vocalist Tim Burgess, bassist Martin Blunt, guitarist Mark Collins and keyboardist Tony Rogers, named an additional guest who will perform with the group for the 16-date trek.

In an Instagram update, The Charlatans have added Frankie Rose, the indie pop and alternative singer best known as a former member of Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls, Crystal Stilts, Beverly and Frankie Rose and the Outs as a supporting act.

Mike Lawrie/Getty Images

She will be performing with the band across the September North American tour!

In addition, the quartet initially revealed three more guests who will take part in the tour.

Two Harbors will be the band's special guest in Minneapolis, while The Dandy Warhols and Mercury Rev are scheduled to perform in Santa Ana and Los Angeles.

The Charlatans' North American tour kicks off on Sept. 3 in Santa Ana, California, with multiple stops throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco before heading to Oregon, British Columbia, Washington, Minneapolis and more.

The final date of the North American run is scheduled for Sept. 26 in Brooklyn, New York.

Meanwhile, the 16-date tour is in support of the band's latest album, We Are Love.

“The idea is that we all get together when we feel like we've got something new to say,” he told Virgin Radio UK, adding, “I had an idea, but I needed everyone in the room together and there’s a song on the album called ‘Now Everything.’ It started in New Zealand.”

Released in October 2025, the album marked the band's first record in eight years after the release of its 13th studio album, Different Days, in 2017.

Prior to this, The Charlatans recently wrapped up its 2026 UK headline tour, which ran from April through May.

However, the band is currently on the road for a series of festival performances this August.

Aug. 6 – Lakefest at Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire
Aug. 29 – Roseshire Festival, Wellingborough
Sept. 3 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
Sept. 4 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Sept. 5 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
Sept. 7 – San Francisco, CA – The Castro Theatre
Sept. 10 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
Sept. 11 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
Sept. 12 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
Sept. 16 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
Sept. 17 – Chicago, IL – Park West
Sept. 19 – Detroit, MI – El Club
Sept. 20 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
Sept. 21 – Montreal, QC – Fairmount Theatre
Sept. 22 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
Sept. 23 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
Sept. 25 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Sept. 26 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel

Related: 1979 Rock Song, Never a No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among Greatest ‘Classic Rock Songs' of All Time

One of the key architects behind A-ha's rise from struggling musicians in London to one of the biggest pop acts of the 1980s has died.

Former manager Terry Slater has died at the age of 85, prompting an emotional tribute from A-ha keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, who described Slater as "the singularly most important person in A-ha's music career."

Furuholmen announced Slater's death in a heartfelt Instagram post, reflecting on the moment the veteran music executive first believed in the young Norwegian trio more than four decades ago.

"Forty-three years ago, give or take a couple of months, Terry Slater took a chance on three scruffy, hopeful Norwegians living in London squalor with a burning ambition and some degree of talent," Furuholmen wrote. "With this he pioneered what was to become the first Norwegian artists to have major hits and top the charts around the world."

That gamble paid off. After taking on A-ha in 1983, Slater helped guide Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, Magne Furuholmen and Morten Harket to worldwide success. The band broke through internationally with 1985's "Take On Me," which became a global smash thanks in part to its groundbreaking animated music video. A-ha would go on to score additional hits including "The Sun Always Shines on T.V." and "Hunting High and Low," eventually becoming Norway's biggest international music act.

While Slater brought decades of music industry experience to the relationship, Furuholmen said it was his personal support that made the biggest difference.

"He was already a towering figure in the music world when we first met, but more than just his business boldness, experience, knowhow, network etc., he became a kind of father figure and a good friend," he wrote. "He really cared. About the band, and the three of us as people, guiding us with a steady hand through the many trappings and pitfalls of success."

Furuholmen added that Slater "is without a doubt the person with the greatest impact on our professional lives and, I dare say, the lives of all our families."

He concluded the tribute by thanking his longtime friend for everything he had done.

"Thank you dear Terry, for everything. I hope you are inimitably chuckling away in some other dimension, playing bass and goofing off with your friends Phil and Don and all the other music greats who are no longer gracing us with their talent."

Long before helping launch A-ha, Slater had built an impressive career in the music business. During the 1960s, he performed and wrote songs with The Everly Brothers, earning songwriting credits on tracks including "Bowling Green," "Lord of the Manor" and "Up in Mabel's Room."

The Everly Brothers' official Facebook page remembered Slater as "a bass player, a writing partner and a lifelong friend," noting that Don and Phil Everly's parents affectionately referred to him as their "third son."

Slater later became an influential executive at EMI, where he worked with artists including Queen, Kate Bush, Duran Duran and the Sex Pistols before taking A-ha under his wing in the early 1980s.

Even after A-ha moved to new management in the late 1990s, Slater remained close to the band and was often described as an unofficial fourth member. He even appeared in the 2021 documentary A-ha: The Movie, according to the UK Metro.

The Ed Sullivan Show also paid tribute following the news, writing that Slater "left an unforgettable mark on the music industry" and that "his legacy lives on through the timeless songs and artists he championed."

His influence can still be heard every time fans press play on "Take On Me" and the many other classic recordings he helped bring to audiences around the world.

Related: Last Surviving Headliner of Legendary Rock Tour Turns 87

It’s been four years since Lacrimas Profundere released new music. But the wait is finally over: Lay Me Down O Silent Fear drops next month, with its debut single out now.

Released via Steamhammer/SPV, the album is set to arrive Sept. 25. But as a sneak peek, the band also released the debut single, “O Silent Fear.”

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According to the record label, the track is a blend of Amorphis, Arch Enemy, and HIM, three highly influential European metal bands Lacrimas Profundere cited as inspiration for the single.

“Goth Metal Rockers @lacrimasprofundereofficial released a new single and video for the song ‘O Silent Fear’ today. The song became a blend of Amorphis, Arch Enemy, and HIM. You can watch the video on our YouTube channel,” @steamhammer’s official post on Instagram reads.

“The new albumLay Me Down O Silent Fear will be released on Sept. 25, 2026, as CD digipak (incl. poster), LP splatter vinyl version, limited box set, download, and stream. You can pre-order it via our shop,” the post adds.

Blabbermouth previewed the album, noting the label describes it like so: “No matter which song you choose, the band members have finally emerged from their protective gothic cocoon and present the most spectacular album in their history. Every note reveals a band that refuses to choose between gothic, heavy metal, brutality, darkness, modernity, or old school—simply because there is no reason to.”

The write-up also compliments the album’s “profound and exciting songwriting,” saying that “Faceless” is a gothic-slash-metalcore standout, “Veil XV” is a captivating ballad, and “A Sinful Desire” is a track that would feel right at home in Slipknot’s catalog.

Formed in 1993 by guitarist Oliver Nikolas Schmid in Waging am See, Germany, Lacrimas Profundere gradually evolved from death-doom into a more melodic gothic metal and gothic rock sound.

Early influences included Anathema, Katatonia, and My Dying Bride, per AllMusic, taking the band through their debut And the Wings Embraced Us through 2001’s Burning: A Wish.

Shifting their approach to the more Gothic rock and heavy, melancholic death-doom metal fans know today, the band put out 2002's Fall, I Will Follow.

In 2007, Schmid’s brother and original vocalist, Christopher Schmid, departed the band. Since then, the group, whose name is Latin for “to shed tears,” has evolved to include vocalist Julian Larre, drummer Dominik Scholz, and bassist Ilker Ersin, with Oliver the only remaining founding member.

According to the band’s current promotional materials, they have played more than 100 concerts and headlined some of the biggest festivals in Europe since the release of their last album, How to Shroud Yourself With Night, in 2022. With every ticket sold, their fanbase only grows.

In 2017, the band came close to stepping on their first stage in North America, but the tour was canceled due to visas and health issues. According to Cryptic Rock, breaking into the U.S. market remains a major, unfulfilled dream for them.

Currently, the band is on their Neues Album (New Album) 2026 Tour, sticking mainly within their native country but hitting up spots in Austria and Czechia, too.

Related: Heavy Metal Legend Who Helped Define a Generation of 2000s Rock Turns 58

The Sopranos family is remembering one of its most unforgettable stars.

Following the news that Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's iconic mob drama, had died on Saturday, August 1 at the age of 80, several of his former castmates shared emotional tributes celebrating both the actor and the friend they knew behind the scenes.

Pastore played one of Tony Soprano's closest friends in the series. After the character secretly became an FBI informant to avoid prison, Big Pussy met one of the show’s most unforgettable endings in Season 2. Despite his character's death, Pastore continued appearing in flashbacks and dream sequences through the show's 2007 finale. 

Pastore was found dead by a neighbor at his home on City Island in the Bronx. He was 80 years old.

Here’s what the cast is saying about their beloved co-star.

Michael Imperioli, otherwise known as Christopher Moltisanti, reflected on their decades-long friendship in an Instagram post. "This is a hard one for us, it seems like I've known Vinny forever," Imperioli wrote. "We did lots of work together and traveled all over the USA as well as Italy and Australia. Lots of good times. Lots of laughs. Vinny was a kind hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always.” The accompanying throwback photo shows Pastore with his arm around Imperioli.

Edie Falco portrayed Tony’s wife Carmela Soprano throughout the series. She remembered Pastore in a statement to Page Six shortly after news broke of his passing. "It's an awful loss. So unexpected," she said, adding, "Vinnie was always so full of life."

Jamie Lynn Sigler is known for her role as Tony and Carmela's daughter Meadow. Sigler took to her Instagram Stories Saturday night, re-sharing a post of his passing with the message: "💔 a wonderful actor, a kind and loving man. It was an honor to know you and work with you."

Lorraine Bracco, starred as Tony’s psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi, shared her own tribute on Instagram Stories. She reshared a photo announcing his death, and remembered Pastore as "Such a funny & charming man…just a beautiful soul." She also described his passing as "absolutely heartbreaking 💔."

Meanwhile, Dominic Chianese, beloved by fans as Uncle Junior, kept his message simple but touching. He shared a throwback photo on Instagram of them shaking hands with the message: "We lost a friend today. Paying respect and sending Love in tribute. You were a gem Vinnie🤍.”

When Mahogany Rush released "Dragonfly" in 1976, the band was already earning a reputation for electrifying performances and fearless guitar work.

The song appeared on Mahogany Rush IV, with guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Frank Marino just 21 years old at the time of its release. More than five decades later, "Dragonfly" remains one of the defining songs in Marino's catalog and a favorite among classic and progressive rock fans.

From its opening notes, "Dragonfly" showcased the qualities that made Marino one of rock's most distinctive guitarists.

"It was just a jam, really, like every other song," Marino told Hit Channelyears later. "Most of the songs that we did on the record, I would write the songs the night we went into the studio. I would never write the songs before. They were done for the first time when we would go into the studio and 'Dragonfly' was one of them."

Combining soaring melodies, blues-inspired phrasing, and psychedelic flourishes, the song balanced technical virtuosity with an emotional performance. Marino's expressive guitar playing became the centerpiece, helping establish "Dragonfly" as one of the standout moments on Mahogany Rush IV.

"People didn't know this, but Mahogany Rush wasn't a band name so to speak," Marino told Classic Bands. "In other words, it wasn't, 'Let's call the band this.' From the earliest days when I was jamming with people, even before the main guys that everyone knew in the '70s, I was always calling my music Mahogany Rush music. It was kind of a name of a description. It comes from something in my youth. Mahogany Rush was more of a description of a type of music that I was playing. A psychedelic kind of idea. It became the band name because all of a sudden we started recording and that's what it was called. It was never an intention, even before Jimmy [Ayoub] and Paul [Harwood] came with me, to call a band Mahogany Rush. In fact, Jimmy and Paul joined up with me at two different times and it was always Mahogany Rush before either of them got there. So then it became the name they put on the album."

"Dragonfly" also reflected the band's evolving sound.

While Mahogany Rush had built its early reputation on hard-driving blues rock, "Dragonfly" embraced a more expansive, atmospheric approach without sacrificing the energy that defined the group's live performances. The result was a song that highlighted Marino's versatility as both a guitarist and songwriter.

Although "Dragonfly" wasn’t a major chart single, it became one of Mahogany Rush's signature recordings and an underground hit that has endured the test of time.

The song gained a devoted following through FM radio and the band's relentless touring schedule, where Marino's extended live interpretations often became concert highlights. Over time, it has earned a reputation as one of the essential recordings in the Canadian rock pioneer's discography.

Marino's influence has continued to grow in the decades since.

Frequently praised by fellow guitarists for his fluid playing and improvisational style, he has remained a respected figure in rock music, with many fans citing "Dragonfly" as one of the best examples of his unique musical voice.

Fifty years after its release, "Dragonfly" continues to captivate listeners with its memorable melody and inspired guitar work. Recorded by a 21-year-old Frank Marino during the early years of his career, the song stands as one of Mahogany Rush's most enduring rock classics.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Became a Generational No. 1 Hit

Since March of 2025, Severance fans have been anxiously waiting to find out what happens next on the fan-favorite psychological thriller, but it wasn't yet clear when work on season 3 would begin and new episodes would be released. While we still don't have an official release date, Patricia Arquette did just confirm a massive update on season 3, and fans of the show will no doubt be pleased.

Speaking exclusively with Parade on July 27, Arquette said, "I can say they start shooting today. It's on its way, and I feel very good about the scripts and excited about where we're going. And, you know, each season has really had its own twists and turns and visuals, and I think that's going to continue, and I think people will be excited about it."

Although Ben Stiller, who has directed most episodes of the show, had previously dropped major hints on his X account that Severance season 3 had begun filming, with an image of Adam Scott's Mark and Britt Lower's Helly running through red-hued halls and a caption reading, "To return to work is to return home," Arquette's comments come as confirmation that Severance season 3 began filming in late July, and season 3 is indeed underway.

About whether she feels her character, Harmony Cobel, is misunderstood, she added, "Yes, I do, as a matter of fact. Of course, I do. Why, yes. No, I do think she is misunderstood, yeah, and I think that, you know, a lot of people think that they're misunderstood who do things that people don't like. I think they have their reasons. We may not agree with them, but, you know, she was indoctrinated...and they have this very different way of behavior and punishments and things like that. So, she's kind of a creature of that establishment."

In addition to ongoing work on Severance, Arquette has just undertaken another endeavor, this one seeing her in a directorial role. Specifically, alongside Lindsay Lohan and Amy Sedaris, Arquette has just worked on a new campaign highlighting the Reese’s Oreo cup. The ad spot, which Arquette directed, shows Lohan teaching twins (both played by Sedaris) how to get along, all with a backdrop highly reminiscent of The Parent Trap.

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It’s never easy dealing with foot pain, especially in the summer when a lot of activities require you to be on your feet. From backyard barbecues to beach strolls, issues like plantar fasciitis, high arches, and flat feet can make it nearly impossible to enjoy these outings comfortably. While orthopedic sneakers and orthotics can help relieve the pain, they’re often too stuffy for the summer weather. Luckily, there are a few sandals that work just as well and allow your feet to breathe in the sweltering heat. 

These Kuailu Yoga Mat Flip-Flops at Amazon are a prime example. Loved by many reviewers with foot woes, they’ve racked up over 16,000 five-star reviews. Right now, you can score them on sale for a limited time! Normally retailing between $24 and $33, these sandals are now marked down to as low as $22. Prices vary depending on size and style, but most options are on sale for $23 or less. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Featuring a foam footbed designed to mimic the plush feel of a yoga mat, these sandals cushion your every step. They cradle your feet and offer a cloud-like feeling, making each step feel as comfortable as the last. Attesting to their comfort, reviewers said that they were able to walk 10 miles in these sandals without pain or discomfort.

Delivering the utmost support, these sandals have a contoured silhouette with raised arches and deep heel cups that conform to the natural shape of your feet. Over 500 Amazon reviewers raved about the “wonderful arch support” these sandals provide. The thickened sole absorbs the impact when your feet hit the ground, reducing the pressure on your joints. The soles are treaded and made of rubber, ensuring stability and traction on all kinds of surfaces to prevent you from slipping. They’re waterproof, making them ideal for beach and pool days. 

Thanks to the contoured construction, customers with plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, and high arches said they were able to walk comfortably in these sandals. Many mentioned that they actually helped relieve the pain. A customer with plantar fasciitis said that they showed their podiatrist these sandals, and he commented that they were a good choice.  

Courtesy of Amazon

“These sandals were surprisingly better than my expensive pair,” one reviewer raved. “They’re great for travel and beach days, and comfortable for walking several hours at a time.” A second shopper said, “These shoes are cute, comfy, supportive and have made walking easier with plantar fasciitis” and called them a “game changer.”

Breathable and airy, these sandals have an open construction with Y-shaped straps. You’ll be able to slide in and out of them with ease while keeping your feet securely in place as you walk around. The straps are made of leather, which customers mentioned felt comfortable against their skin and didn’t chafe or cause blisters. While practical, the straps also add a chic accent. They have a woven design, giving these sandals a playful and coastal feel. 

These sandals are available in 20 colors, including neutrals like white, gray, and black, and vibrant hues like green, pink, and aqua blue. Sizes range from 5 to 12, with some half sizes available. Shoppers noted that these sandals fit true to size, and customers with narrow and wide feet found them to be comfortable. 

• Kuailu Recovery Sandals, From $30 (were $46) at Amazon
• Kuailu Adjustable Buckle Slides, From $22 (were $36) at Amazon
• Kuailu Platform Flip-Flops, From $32 (were $46) at Amazon

Related: Cole Haan's ‘Terrific’ Thong Sandals Are So ‘Comfortable’ for Everyday, and They’re Now 40% Off at Macy's

Whether you’re sightseeing on vacation or running some errands, throw on the Kuailu Yoga Mat Flip-Flops for some sweet relief. Don’t hesitate to grab them at Amazon while they’re on sale for as low as $22. 

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Amy Schumer is feeling better than ever in her bikini as she highlights her 50-pound weight loss in new vacation photos.

The actress and comedian, 45, who transitioned from stand-up standout to Comedy Central fame with her beloved series, Inside Amy Schumer, went on to film roles in projects like Trainwreck and I Feel Pretty. But in a new Instagram post, Schumer made it clear that she's feeling great as she soaks up the sun on a tropical vacation.

"I never knew there would be days like this. No filter as per ushe," Schumer captioned her photo set, which includes shots that showed the blonde beauty sporting a mismatched bikini and robe standing on a boat. She also wore a scuba suit as she headed to the depths of the ocean to check out the scene down there.

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In recent years, Schumer has gotten lots of press for her weight loss transformation, including her use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Schumer has previously spoken out on social media about why she decided to lose weight. In a now-deleted Instagram reel, she said she did so to “survive” Cushing syndrome, a condition caused by too much of the hormone cortisol in the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

“I didn’t lose 30 lbs, I lost 50,” Schumer explained. “Sorry for whatever feeling it’s giving you that I lost that weight.” She went on to say that she’s now able to play tag with her son, Gene.

One thing fans can always expect from Schumer is honesty. The actress and comedian has spoken candidly with the press about her health. Back in 2023, she appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and revealed that while she tried using Wegovy several years ago, the side effects were horrific, and she became devastatingly ill as a result. Schumer told Cohen the drug made her “so sick” that she couldn’t even play with her son and had to ditch the medication.

“Like, a year ago, I tried it. I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn’t play with my son. I was so skinny, and he’s throwing a ball at me and [I couldn’t],” she shared.

More recently, Schumer said she’s been having a “really good experience” with a different drug called Mounjaro.

 “My symptoms of being in perimenopause have disappeared. My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy. I want to ‘get down’ more, if you know what I mean,” Schumer shared in a video taken while sitting in her car. “I’m talking about sex.”

Related: Amy Schumer’s Little White Bikini Photos Highlight More Than Her 50-Lb Weight Loss