Templeton Thompson and Sam Gay Sign With ORiGiN Music Publishing

Shinedown say their decision to step away from Rock The Country reflects the band's long-held belief in unity through music, with Shinedown emphasising that their responsibility is to their audience above all else.

Taylor Swift had 10 Top 10 singles; Australia had none by Jeff Jenkins No Australian song hit number one in 2025. In fact, an Australian single failed to crack the Top 20. It’s believed to be the first time in chart history that a homegrown hit has not reached the Top 20.

Michael Lippman, one of the most influential artist managers and entertainment lawyers of the modern music industry, has died aged 79. Lippman passed away at his home in Santa Ynez, California, surrounded by family. No cause of death has been disclosed.

Gibson Gives has capped off 2025 with the most impactful year in its history, delivering record levels of instruments, funding, and support to music education and wellness programs around the world. The philanthropic arm of Gibson confirmed that 2,445 guitars were donated during the year, alongside more than $5.3 million enabled for global music education initiatives, reinforcing the company's long-standing belief that access to music can be transformative.

Howie Klein, one of the most influential and artist-friendly record executives of the modern era, has died aged 77. Klein passed away on December 24, 2025, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His death marks the loss of a rare figure who bridged underground music culture, major label power and uncompromising political activism, leaving a legacy that continues to shape how the music industry understands creative freedom.

Australia's festival season is heating up, but for music fans, the cost of entry is rising faster than ever. New analysis by Culture Kings of ticket data from 11 major Australian music festivals shows that prices have surged dramatically beyond inflation and are projected to continue climbing over the next decade.

Since 2015, the Melbourne Guitar Show has earned a reputation as the country's most comprehensive gathering for players, builders and enthusiasts. In 2026 the format expands, as the Sydney Guitar Show arrives at Sydney Olympic Park for the first time, taking over Sydney Showground Hall 5 on Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March. The two-day event aims to deliver a deep dive into the culture, craft and community that surrounds the world's most played instrument.