When Simply Red released their debut album Picture Book on 11 October 1985, few could have predicted that it would introduce one of the defining British voices of the decade. Fronted by Manchester's fiery-haired Mick Hucknall, the band's blend of soul, pop and sophisticated R&B gave them a sound that bridged the late 70s' blue-eyed soul movement with the sleek production of the mid-80s. Forty years on, Picture Book remains one of the most polished debut albums of its time, the record that established Simply Red as one of the UK's most enduring musical exports.

Two of Melbourne's most promising young singer-songwriters, Aimee Isobel and Connor Stanton, have come together for a hauntingly beautiful new single, Rainy Weather, a powerful duet that explores heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery.

You Got Gold, a new feature documentary celebrating the life, music and influence of John Prine, will begin its national theatrical rollout in New York on 28 November at The Quad, before expanding across North America.

Neil Young has announced he will once again remove his music from a major digital platform, this time targeting Amazon, while urging fans to boycott large corporations and instead support local businesses.

John Lodge, bassist, singer and songwriter for The Moody Blues, has died suddenly and unexpectedly at age 82. His family announced that Lodge passed peacefully on 10 October 2025, surrounded by loved ones and listening to the music of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. No cause of death was disclosed.

Bellarine Estate has thrown its hat into the festival ring with 100 Acres Festival, a one-day celebration of blues, wine and coastal hospitality set for Saturday April 18, 2026. The new event will take over the estate's rolling vineyards and pastures from midday until 6pm, and it will be led by US blues elder statesman Eric Bibb performing with his full band.

Stereophonics have cancelled their Australian Spring Tour following medical advice that frontman Kelly Jones is unfit to travel long distance after suffering a displaced jaw joint. The decision comes as a major disappointment to Australian fans, with the band's first local shows in several years now officially called off.

Midnight Til Morning are wasting no time making their mark. The global pop outfit have released their debut seven-track EP Afterglow along with the new single Heart On Fire, just as they launch into their first international tour across North America, Australia, and Europe.

British trip hop pioneers Morcheeba will return to Australia in February 2026 for a national tour celebrating three decades of genre-defying music. Following a sold-out run in 2024, the band, featuring Skye Edwards and Ross Godfrey, are marking 30 years since their debut album Who Can You Trust? reshaped the sound of late 90s downtempo music.

Beach Boys founding member Al Jardine has rescheduled his long-awaited Australian tour with The Pet Sounds Band to 2026. The shows, originally slated for 2025, will now take place in June 2026, bringing fans a reimagined live experience celebrating the timeless legacy of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys.

One of Australia's most celebrated voices, proud Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji artist Emma Donovan, has entered a new creative era with a deeply soulful cover of Al Green's 1974 classic ‘Take Me To The River', released today through Civilians. The new single is accompanied by a moving video that celebrates her family, her Country and her lifelong connection to the water.

After the 35th-anniversary celebration of their classic Black Milk album at Melbourne's Forum Theatre, The Beasts will bring their swamp-soaked rock ‘n' roll revival to Sydney's Factory Theatre on Friday 12 December for one special night.

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter GoldFord will make his long-awaited Australian debut in March 2026, bringing his acclaimed ‘Space of the Heart' Tour to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Presented by Frontier Touring, these will be GoldFord's first ever performances on Australian soil.

Jon Stevens has returned with Shimmer, his first solo album in seven years, marking a powerful new chapter in one of Australia's most enduring rock careers. The album arrives alongside the announcement of the Summer of Love Rockfest, a 2026 national tour featuring Stevens alongside Wolfmother and The Screaming Jets.

Akaash Singh, one of the sharpest voices in modern American comedy, will make his Australian and New Zealand debut early next year with his Generational Triumph Tour, bringing his fearless brand of humour to stages in Auckland, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.

Superstar Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez will make his highly anticipated return to Australian stages later this year, performing from 29 November to 3 December 2025. The world-renowned vocalist, hailed as one of the greatest living tenors, will bring his breathtaking artistry back to audiences in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide for an exclusive series of recitals.

Brantley Gilbert has quietly, and then not so quietly, shifted his label home, signing with BBR Music Group in partnership with BMG Nashville after label executives joined him on stage during a recent stop of his Tattoos Tour in Nashville. The Georgia-born country rocker confirmed the move with fans mid-show as executives from both companies celebrated the new partnership, signalling a major next chapter in Gilbert's career.

Acclaimed American singer-songwriter Alex G will make his long-awaited return to Australia in February 2026 for two exclusive headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne. The Philadelphia-born artist will perform at the Sydney Opera House on 9 February and Melbourne's Palais Theatre on 11 February, coinciding with his appearances at the Laneway Festival.

Bad Bunny opened the 51st season of Saturday Night Live with the kind of energy that makes headlines across two continents. The Puerto Rican superstar not only hosted the season premiere, but also used the stage to joke about, and celebrate, his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, a first for an artist performing entirely in Spanish.

For Liam Finn, songwriting has always been part of his DNA. As the son of Neil Finn, he grew up surrounded by the melodic architecture of Split Enz and Crowded House, but over two decades and countless projects, Liam has carved out his own creative identity - one that both complements and challenges his father's legacy.

There's a new energy coursing through Melbourne's live event scene, and it's radiating from Port Melbourne's iconic The Timber Yard. Following a $3 million transformation, the much-loved warehouse venue has emerged from its redevelopment with a bold new identity, one that redefines what a multi-purpose space can be in Victoria.

September 4 has brought with it some of the most memorable musical events, from record-breaking chart success to the births of legends. On this date, The Rolling Stones achieved their first UK No.1 with “It’s All Over Now,” while The Beatles continued their world domination with landmark US performances. Beyoncé, one of the most influential artists of her generation, was born on this day, as was the ever-charismatic Martin Chambers of The Pretenders. With a mix of career-defining milestones, iconic releases, and the arrival of future stars, September 4 holds a unique place in music history.

Fresh off the release of their fourth album Straight Line Was A Lie, New Zealand indie-rock favourites The Beths will return to Australia in April 2026 for their biggest headline shows to date.

Irish singer-songwriter Maverick Sabre will return to Australia in February 2026, bringing his soulful, multi-genre sound to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Rising alt-R&B luminary UMI (née Tierra Umi Wilson) has just announced a new chapter in her ascent: her People Stories World Tour will hit Australia and New Zealand next March. Tickets go on sale Friday 5 September at 10 am local time, with shows scheduled in Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.

Phil Campbell co-wrote nearly every Motörhead classic from Orgasmatron (1986) through to Bad Magic (2015). In this exclusive Noise11 interview with Paul Cashmere, Phil looks back on three decades with Lemmy, Motörhead’s legendary legacy, and his new life fronting Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons.

For more than two decades, Pete Murray has been one of Australia’s most consistent and beloved singer-songwriters. His breakthrough album Feeler in 2003 sold more than half a million copies, spawning hits like “So Beautiful” and “Lines.” Since then, Murray has built a career based on honesty, storytelling, and a connection with his audience that has kept him at the forefront of Australian music.

September 3 has witnessed some of the most iconic turns in music history. On this day, The Rolling Stones released Angie, one of their defining ballads, while Elvis Presley scored another No.1 with “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise.” Stevie Wonder released Innervisions, a landmark in soul and funk, and Metallica began their unstoppable rise with early live breakthroughs. The date also marks the birthdays of The Beach Boys’ Al Jardine and producer George Martin, the “Fifth Beatle.” From chart-toppers to the birth of innovators, September 3 has been a day of creativity, transformation, and milestones across generations.

September 2 has played host to pivotal shifts and milestones in music history, from landmark album releases to defining cultural moments. On this day, The Beatles recorded “Love Me Do,” sparking the beginning of their recording career, while future legends like Fleetwood Mac, U2, and Red Hot Chili Peppers unveiled career-shaping albums. It is also the birthday of Billy Preston, one of the few musicians ever credited on a Beatles recording, and Chrissie Hynde, the fearless frontwoman of The Pretenders. Marked by debuts, breakthroughs, and unforgettable performances, September 2 continues to be a day that shaped the soundtrack of generations.

Newcastle’s 14-year-old powerhouse Maple, performing as Maple’s Pet Dinosaur, has officially joined the roster of New World Artists for exclusive live touring representation across Australia and New Zealand. Bursting onto the scene with her debut single “Lego”, Maple has taken the global internet by storm, racking up millions of views and streams in just two weeks.