Big Thief Announce North American ‘Somersault Slide 360’ Tour Dates

Almost two years on from their last tour of the country, Big Thief will be hitting the road for a newly-announced run of North American dates.

Dubbed the Somersault Slide 360 Tour, the 20-date run of shows will launch in Sacramento, CA on Sept. 17 and traverse the U.S. and Mexico over the next two months before wrapping up in Houston, TX on Nov. 7. These dates also include a previously-announced performance at New York’s Forest Hills Stadium in October.

The band have, however, made an effort to assuage the fears of fans who may worry about missing them on the upcoming trek. “Somersault Slide 360 Tour will continue into 2026, and these shows that have just been announced are the first of more to come,” they explained. “Keep those antennas at a clear diagonal.”

The tour will be Big Thief’s first run of American shows since 2023 when they were supporting their fifth album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, released the year prior. The record was their biggest commercial success to date, peaking at No. 31 on the Billboard 200 and receiving a Grammy nomination for best alternative album, and best alternative music performance for second single, “Certainty.”

Big Thief released a pair of singles in 2023, and in July 2024, the group announced the departure of bassist Max Oleartchik, citing “interpersonal reasons” for his exit. In February, Big Thief also unveiled a new L.A. wildfires benefit EP, with Passional Relations collecting some of their “favorite unreleased songs” to aid relief for those impacted by the fires in Los Angeles.

In the time between studio releases, vocalist and guitarist Adrianne Lenker would release her Bright Future album in 2024, with recordings from the accompanying tour appearing on the recently-released Live at Revolution Hall album. On Friday (May 2), drummer James Krivchenia released the album Performing Belief.

Big Thief – 2025 Somersault Slide 360 Tour Dates

Sept. 17 – Channel 24, Sacramento, CA
Sept. 19 – Edgefield, Troutdale, OR
Sept. 21 – Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical, Boise, ID
Sept. 22 – Twilight Concert Series, Salt Lake City, UT
Sept. 25 – The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA
Sept. 27 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
Sept. 28 – Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego, CA
Oct. 1 – Teatro Metropolitan, Mexico City, MX
Oct. 20 – State Theatre, Portland, ME
Oct. 21 – MGM Music Hall, Boston, MA
Oct. 22 – The Met, Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 24 – The Anthem, Washington, DC
Oct. 25 – Forest Hills Stadium, Forest Hills, NY
Oct. 29 – Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC
Oct. 30 – The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
Oct. 31 – Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, LA
Nov. 3 – Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa, OK
Nov. 4 – The Bomb Factory, Dallas, TX
Nov. 5 – Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, Austin, TX
Nov. 7 – White Oak Music Hall Lawn, Houston, TX

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Nathan Jerde, Drummer of Chicago Indie-Rockers The Ponys, Has Died

Nathan Jerde, the drummer of Chicago indie-rock outfit The Ponys, has padded away, it has been confirmed.

News of Jerde’s passing was confirmed by the band on social media on Monday (May 5). “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we let you know our friend, our band mate, and our brother left this world today,” The Ponys wrote. 

“Nathan was an amazing drummer and possessed savant like art skills. Nathan loved goofing around, and had the sweetest of hearts. We traveled the world together. We ate amazing meals together and we met lifelong friends together. We fought like brothers sometimes, but we had so much f–king fun together. Nathan, we will miss you so much!”

Matador Records also expressed their “deepest condolences to all friends, family and bandmates of The Ponys’ Nathan Jerde,” with their sentiments echoed in a social post from In the Red Records, who issued The Ponys’ debut album.

“We’re beyond sad to hear the news of the passing of Nathan Jerde of The Ponys,” In the Red’s post read. “He was an awesome guy and a fantastic drummer. To say he will be missed is an understatement.”

The Ponys were formed in Chicago in 2001 by vocalist and guitarist Jered Gunmere, who had previously performed with The Defilers and The Guilty Pleasures. Joined by girlfriend (and later, wife) Melissa Elias on bassist, the lineup was rounded out by Jerde, who was previously the drummer for The Mushuganas, and Ian Adams, who also comprised one half of Chicago duo Happy Supply, on guitar and keys.

The band released their debut album Laced with Romance in 2004 via In the Red, before teaming up with veteran producer and Electrical Audio founder Steve Albini, to record their follow-up, 2005’s Celebration Castle. The group would sign to Matador for their third album, with 2007’s Turn the Lights Out reaching No. 39 on the Heatseekers Albums chart that same year. 

The band would split in 2007, with members focusing on other projects. Jerde founded the group Mother of Tears and also joined Tyler Jon Tyler as bassist, before The Ponys regrouped for a series of shows throughout 2009 and 2010.

Jerde would continue working in the music industry, focusing on the artwork for bands such as Outer Minds, Mannequin Men, and Choke Chains in the ensuing years. The Ponys would reunite again in 2016 for a series of shows, though had not played live since the following year.

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Lady Gaga’s Record-Breaking Rio Show Has Us Wondering: Could the U.S. Ever Host a Concert That Big?

Lady Gaga reportedly played to 2.5 million fans during her concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday night. It’s a hard-to-fathom crowd size, considering we’ve never seen anything like it for a concert in the United States.

Related

Lady Gaga’s concert at Copacabana Beach

Lady Gaga Draws 2.5 Million Fans to Record-Breaking Free Concert at Rio’s…

When it comes to free U.S. shows, some estimates put Garth Brooks’ 1997 concert in New York’s Central Park — nicknamed “Garthstock” — around 900,000 or even 1 million fans. (For non-concert crowds, the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series celebration reportedly drew 5 million fans for a parade and rally — but that’s not a single-stage event.)

On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking about the positively massive show and whether it could ever be replicated here in the U.S. — like, are Los Angeles beaches even big enough for such a thing? And where would people park?!?

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how Ghost scores its first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart — and brings hard rock back to No. 1 for the first time in four years. Plus, how Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” hits a new high on the Billboard Hot 100, climbing all the way to No. 2.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)

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GloRilla Gives Flowers to Her Fans, Talks About Working at Checkers Drive-In | Women in Music 2025

Drew Afualo gives GloRilla her flowers as she talks about GloRilla’s era of livestreaming on Facebook while working at Checkers Drive-In at Billboard Women in Music 2025.

Drew Afualo:

Team, we have the iconic, the legendary, the one and only GloRilla. Welcome backstage, how do you feel being here at the Billboard Women in Music Awards? 

GloRilla:

I feel honored. 

That’s amazing. You look fab. 

Thank you. You look fab. 

Thank you so much. Thank you. Did you guys get that on camera? I also hear you’re on tour, and you made time to come here. I love that. 

Yes, I did. 

How’s tour going? 

It’s going great. Sold-out shows every night. You know? 

Look at you, yeah, just slight work, you know, you know, a little bit. 

Well, really a lot of work, but we gonna call it slight work, you know, make it look easy.

You make it look easy, tea, love that for you. OK, so I do want to ask you some fun questions, but first I’m gonna give you some flowers. Oh, look at that. That’s for you!

Oh, thank you so much.

Oh my gosh, you’re so welcome. Flowers, literally and metaphorically. But I want to ask you: Who do you give your flowers to for getting you where you are now?

My fans. 

Love. 

Yeah, most definitely my fans and my team.

That’s amazing. And who do you give flowers to for inspiring your music? 

Oh, my cousin. My cousin. I ramp up.

Keep watching for more!

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Megan Moroney Gives Flowers to Kacey Musgraves & Miranda Lambert | Women in Music 2025

Drew Afualo gives Megan Moroney her flowers, and she shares that she won Miss Sorority Girl during college, her admiration for Kacey Musgraves and more at Billboard Women in Music 2025.

Drew Afualo:

All right, here we are with the iconic, the legendary, the unbelievably beautiful Megan Moroney. How do you feel being here at Billboard Women in Music?

I’m so excited. I mean, we’re just celebrating the girls tonight. So I love it.

Love, and you’re persevering — you don’t feel that great?

Yeah, I got a shot in my butt, my left butt cheek. 

She shared that with me. 

So now I shared with everyone.

And she’s still here serving. And what are you doing? 

Because, Mama ain’t raise no…

Exactly. You fill in the blank, exactly. Well, I’m so excited to have you here. I’m gonna do a little fun thing for you. So I’m gonna give you some flowers. These are for you. 

Thanks!

So I want to give you your flowers- 

Are they real?

They are real. 

Cool!

Isn’t that so funny. OK, so who do you give your flowers to for getting you where you are now? 

My mom. 

That’s so common tonight. I love that. Moms, shout ’em out.

No, my mom, I feel like, at a very young age, gave me the confidence to be exactly who I am, and she gave me an attitude to match. 

Love. I got one for my mom too, period. I love that. OK, so who do you give your flowers to for inspiring your music?

Keep watching for more!

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Becky G Gives Flowers to Selena Quintanilla, Loves Fans for Sticking With Her | Women in Music 2025

Host Drew Afualo gives Becky G flowers, and she shares how Selena Quintanilla has helped inspire her music, her love for her fans and more at Billboard Women in Music 2025.

Drew Afualo:

Y’all, we’re here with the talented, iconic, hilarious and stunningly gorgeous Becky G, period. How are you feeling being here at Billboard Women in Music?

Becky G:

We’re not just at Billboard Women in Music. We’re in Inglewood, my hometown, so I’m very happy to be home. It’s very nice. And also, we’re celebrating so many bada– women.

So I love that, and I do want to start off by giving you your flowers. First, hold on. Here you go. That’s for you. So I’d like to ask you: Who do you give flowers to for getting you where you are now? 

Ooh, um, my mom. I quite literally would not be here without her.

I love that, that’s beautiful. And who do you give flowers to for inspiring your music? 

Selena Quintanilla, easy answer.

What a grand answer. “Si Una Vez” is my favorite song of hers. Yours?

All of them, of course, all of them — “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “Tú Sólo Tú,” “Si Una Vez”  

We love that. 

I can go on and on. 

Don’t get me started on Selena. 

It’s fine.

OK? And last, kind of serious one, what do you give flowers to your fans for? 

Oh, you know, I think any artist who’s been doing it for a long time, one thing we can thank our fans for is rocking with us throughout every phase. Yeah, I grew up doing this longer than I’ve ever not been doing it, and they have seen my life is basically chronological on the Internet, like a bubble. 

Keep watching for more!

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See Madonna, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx & Lorde Squeeze In for Epic Met Gala Selfie

There’s always one epic selfie that comes out of Met Gala, and we have a contender for the 2025 celebrity group pic of the year — and this time, it wasn’t taken in the bathroom.

Fashion designer Stella McCartney managed to get the Queen of Pop and three of pop’s brightest stars in one pic, posting a photo from inside the Met Gala with Madonna, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx and Lorde. McCartney posted the photo on her Instagram Story on Tuesday (May 6) with the caption: “This year’s Met Gala Stelfie… x”

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Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan Makes Her Met Gala Debut in Glam-Rock Magenta Suit

While we’ve seen individual photos of all four of the musicians on the Met red carpet from Monday night, this is the only evidence we’ve seen of their interaction inside the ultra-exclusive gala, where cell phones are discouraged and only Vogue cameras are allowed.

Over the years, guests have been known to sneak celebrity selfies in the Met bathroom, with Kylie Jenner posting a famous pic with sisters Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian in 2017 alongside A$AP Rocky, Frank Ocean, Diddy and Brie Larson in 2017, while Billie Eilish posed with Halle Bailey, Elle Fanning and Maya Hawke for a 2023 mirror selfie.

Before her pop-powered 2025 selfie, McCartney arrived at the Met Gala with a different music legend, walking the red carpet with Mary J. Blige, whom she dressed for the occasion in an off-white suit, matching floor-length jacket and a conversation-starting metal wide-brimmed hat.

“When I tried the cream with the pinstripes and the big shoulders, I was like, ‘Oh, this is Mary J. Blige to the 10th power,’” Blige told Vogue of choosing the menswear-inspired McCartney look.

See McCartney’s Met Gala “Stelfie” below:

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Bryson Battle Delivers Showstopping Ariana Grande Cover in ‘The Voice’ Playoffs

The Playoffs on The Voice wrapped up Monday night (May 5) with a standout moment that had viewers on their feet.

Bryson Battle from Team John Legend delivered an out-of-this-world rendition of Ariana Grande’s “pov,” which debuted at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually climbed to a peak position of No. 27, securing his spot in the semi-finals and emerging as one of the season’s strongest contenders.

For much of the performance, it seemed the song’s tricky arrangement might hold Bryson back. But as soon as the track invited him to let loose, he unleashed a powerful vocal that reminded everyone why he is a frontrunner.

Bryson advanced alongside fellow Team Legend member Renzo, who wowed the coaches with a fiery cover of Hozier’s “Too Sweet.”  BD.ii performed “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo, Olivia Kuper Harris covered “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish, while Ari Camille took on “Rain” by SWV. Despite strong showings, BD.ii, Olivia Kuper Harris and Ari Camille were eliminated from Team Legend.

On Team Michael Bublé, Adam David and Jadyn Cree moved forward after delivering memorable performances. Adam’s soulful take on Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” drew comparisons to Father John Misty, while Jadyn charmed with a quirky cover of “99 Red Balloons.” Kaiya Hamilton, Angie Rey and Barry Jean Fontenot were eliminated.

In a twist revealed at the end of the episode, coaches John Legend, Adam Levine, Michael Bublé and Kelsea Ballerini were each granted a Super Save. This gives them the power to bring back one eliminated contestant ahead of the Lives. The identities of the returning singers will be revealed next week.

The Super Save selections and the first round of Live performances will air next week.

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Royel Otis Announce 2025 North American ‘Meet Me in the Car’ Tour Dates

Australian indie-rock duo Royel Otis have announced another run of U.S. tour dates, with the group detailing their latest round of shows while in the country.

Announced on Monday (May 5), news of the group’s Meet Me in the Car tour coincides with the first of two sold-out shows at the Troubadour in Los Angeles on Monday and Tuesday. The 12-date run of shows launches in Philadelphia at the Franklin Music Hall on Sept. 12 before wrapping up in New York City at The Rooftop at Pier 17 on Oct. 11. 

Following their current Los Angeles shows, the Sydney duo will perform at both New York City’s Governors Ball Music Festival and Tennessee’s Bonnaroo festival ahead of a run of festival dates throughout Europe, the U.K., and North America before launching their own headline shows in September.

Royel Otis first formed in 2019, releasing a series of EPs between 2021 and 2023 before issuing their debut album, Pratts & Pain in 2024. Though their “Sofa King” track reached No. 12 on the Alternative Airplay chart in 2023, the band found widespread fame last year following their cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” for Australian radio station triple j’s Like a Version series. 

The cover topped the Alternative Airplay charts and also peaked at No. 41 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The group’s penchant for covers was again felt when their SiriusXM session rendition of The Cranberries’ “Linger” was released, giving them their first appearance on the Hot 100 when it reached No. 94.

In late 2024, Royel Otis won four ARIA Awards from eight nominations, including best group and best rock album, while producer Chris Collins won best produced release and best engineered release for Pratts & Pain.

Currently, Royal Otis are ostensibly preparing the launch of their latest era, having recently overhauled their socials with a largely minimalist approach. Alongside noting that “there will be singing. and dancing. and new music” alongside their latest tour announcement, the group have been teasing a song which “may or may not be called ‘Moody’” for a May 9 release.

Royal Otis – 2025 Meet Me in the Car Tour Dates

Sept. 12 – Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Sept. 14 – The Anthem, Washington, DC
Sept. 16 – The Ritz, Raleigh, NC
Sept. 19 – The Bomb Factory, Dallas, TX
Sept. 20 – Stubb’s, Austin, TX
Sept. 28 – Marquee Theatre, Tempe, AZ
Sept. 30 – Mission Ballroom, Denver, CO
Oct. 2 – Palace Theatre, St. Paul, MN
Oct. 3 – Grinders KC, Kansas City, MO
Oct. 4 – The Factory, Chesterfield, MO
Oct. 10 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Boston, MA
Oct. 11 – The Rooftop at Pier 17, New York, NY

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James Baker, Prolific Australian Drummer, Dies Aged 71

James Baker, the prolific Australian drummer best known for his work as a member of The Scientists, the Hoodoo Gurus, and the Beasts of Bourbon has passed away at the age of 71.

Baker’s passing was confirmed by a statement issued to the press on Tuesday (May 6), noting that the rocker had passed away at his home the night prior. “It is with heavy heart that we say that James Baker, the King of the Perth Big Beat, the godfather of Perth Punk and Australia’s Garage Guru passed away around 7:30 last night at home in Perth,” it read.

“It was no secret that James had been suffering from terminal cancer for some time, but he did his best to hold it at bay which enabled a final go round from the Victims – the band he formed with fellow Hoodoo Guru Dave Faulkner in ’77 – and a couple of last tours as well as a new album from the Beasts, the band he co-founded in ’83.

“He also joined the Gurus on stage in Perth in December,” it continued. “He released his first solo 12” record Born to Rock – his first solo release since 1985’s legendary “Born to Be Punched”/”I Can’t Control Myself” single – in May last year, and a newly recorded single with Dom Mariani as recently as January of this year.”

Baker was born in the Western Australian city of Perth in 1954, purchasing his first drum kit at the age of 16 following a love of The Beatles’ Ringo Starr. The following year, Baker would launch his own musical career behind the kit of a Beatles cover band before performing with groups such as the hard rock outfit Black Sun and the glam-rock Slick City Boys.

In the mid-’70s, Baker would spend time in the U.S. and U.K., even going so far as to consider auditioning for The Clash after a chance meeting with Joe Strummer and Mick Jones following a show from the Damned. “I had a Ramones T-shirt on and they came up to me and talked to me about that,” he recalled in 2003. “They said they needed a drummer. But I hadn’t played for a year.”

It was in 1977 that Baker first let his presence be felt fully as the co-founder The Victims with bassist Rudolph V (aka Dave Cardwell). The band had its roots in an earlier group called The Geeks, which took influence from the Ramones and their blend of burgeoning punk music. Following the addition of Dave Flick (aka Dave Faulkner), the group would rename and issue their debut single, “Television Addict.” The track remains a pioneering cut from the Australian punk scene, with copies of the ferocious tune selling for small fortunes amidst collectors.

While still a member of The Victims, Baker would join The Scientists in 1978, replacing drummer John Rowlings. Emerging from the punk scene, The Scientists would later become one of the most notable independent groups to emerge from Australia, with their influence on grunge being felt by later groups in the genre such as Mudhoney and Nirvana. 

Following the release of their 1981 self-titled album, the band would briefly split, and Baker would embark on new ventures. This included the formation of the Hoodoo Gurus with former Victims bandmate Faulkner, former Scientists bandmate Roddy Radalj, and Kimble Rendall, who would pass away in April 2025.

Baker would depart the band in 1984 following the release of their debut album, Stoneage Romeos, which would be the first of four consecutive records to top the US College Radio charts.

While still a member of the Hoodoo Gurus, Baker would also co-found the Beasts of Bourbon, a rock supergroup of sorts fronted by former vocalist of the Dum-Dums, Tex Perkins. The initial lineup would be complemented by Baker, guitarist Spencer P. Jones of The Johnnys, and former members of The Scientists Kim Salmon and Boris Sujdovic.

Baker would remain most active in the Beasts of Bourbon, performing with most versions of the band until 2024. Additionally, he was a prolific songwriter and performer, going on to serve as a member of myriad bands, including the James Baker Experience and The Dubrovniks.

In 2006, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the West Australian Music Industry Awards, while The Scientists would follow in 2019. The Hoodoo Gurus, meanwhile, were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007.

In 2014, Baker was diagnosed with liver cancer, which he battled for the remainder of his life. Fundraising campaigns were launched to aid his medical journey, and Baker continued to perform live in spite of his health issues, even releasing his debut solo EP, Born to Rock, in 2024.

“James is survived by his wife Cathy, daughters Lorna and Faye and sister Barbara, and his unborn grandson who will be arriving on the scene in the next week or so,” the statement issued to media concluded.

The death of Baker is another loss experienced by the extended Hoodoo Gurus family over the past year. In April 2024, longtime manager Michael McMartin passed away, just one month after handing the reins over to Mick Mazzone. In April 2025, Mazzone himself would pass away, with founding member Kimble Rendall following just days later.

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