Mike Portnoy Drums His Way Through Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’

Dream Theater‘s Mike Portnoy recently ventured into unexpected territory by reimagining the drumming on Taylor Swift’s chart-topping pop anthem “Shake It Off.”

As part of Drumeo’s popular First Time series, the legendary prog-metal drummer approached Swift’s infectiously upbeat track with his technical brilliance, creating a fascinating hybrid of pop and prog.

After hearing a snippet of the song—stripped of its original drum tracks—Portnoy immediately immersed himself in crafting his own interpretation, quipping, “My daughter is going to get a kick out of this … It sounds like something out of Disneyland Japan or something.”

While figuring out how to approach the song, Portnoy commented on its unconventional structure: “It’s like Bob Dylan. It’s all verses, it doesn’t change keys. I don’t even know what to write. I’m just going to jam to it, I guess.” Despite the challenges, he powered through, delivering an impressive interpretation filled with his rhythmic flair.

Despite the playful mismatch of styles, Portnoy maintained his admiration for Swift, adding, “Taylor, I’m really sorry. I still would play with you in a heartbeat, but I wouldn’t do that [drum pattern].”

The unexpected crossover comes as Portnoy gears up for a major moment in his own career. Dream Theater—the iconic prog-metal band he co-founded in 1985 with John Petrucci and John Myung—is preparing to release their highly anticipated album Parasomnia on Feb. 7.

It marks the first record featuring Portnoy since his 2009 departure following Black Clouds & Silver Linings, and subsequent return in late 2023.

“There is so much shared history between us all… so many memories, so much music… to think we’re coming up on 40 years since this journey began!” Portnoy said. “The idea of creating new music together is so exciting and I absolutely cannot wait to hit the road and get to play live for a whole new generation of fans that weren’t ever able to see this lineup before…There’s no place like home!!” 

Taylor Swift, meanwhile, continues to shatter records in her own right. Her Eras Tour concluded in December 2024 as the highest-grossing tour of all time, earning $2.2 billion.

Swift also made waves with The Tortured Poets Department, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, spent a career-best 17 weeks at the top, sold 2.61 million equivalent album units in its first week.

You can watch Portnoy tackle Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” here.

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Taylor Swift and Benson Boone Rule Australia’s End Of Year Charts

It’s four years in a row for Taylor Swift, with the U.S. pop icon dominating Australia’s year-end charts once again, according to data published by ARIA

Swift has once more found her way to the top of the ARIA Top 100 Albums Chart, this time off the back of her massively-successful eleventh album, April’s The Tortured Poets Department. With results undeniably bolstered by her seven local shows as part of the record-setting Eras Tour, Swift is a constant presence in the year-end charts, making up 40% of the top ten.

While The Tortured Poets Department sits at No. 1, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) appears at No. 5, with Lover at No. 7, and Midnights rounding it out at No. 10. Overall, she makes up 11% of the entire Top 100, with original or re-recorded versions of her entire discography (save for her self-titled debut) placed across the top 68 positions. Her 2014 album 1989 doubles up thanks to its original version placing at No. 68.

It’s not a far cry from the results of last year either, where 1989 (Taylor’s Version) reigned supreme and was joined by the likes of The Weeknd, Morgan Wallen, SZA, and Harry Styles. In 2024, the top ten is rounded out by Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard And Soft, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet, The Weeknd’s The Highlights, SZA’s SOS, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time, and Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts.

The singles chart, however, belongs to U.S. singer-songwriter Benson Boone, whose “Beautiful Things” spent six weeks at No. 1 and has rarely been absent from the top ten since it first debuted. Boone’s success isn’t limited to Australia, with the track having topped numerous charts globally, and peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” holds the silver medal position, with Carpenter’s “Espresso” closing out the podium finishes. Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” and Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” round out the top five, with Eilish’s “Birds Of A Feather” following closely behind. Irish musician Hozier’s “Too Sweet” prevents a clean sweep for American artists, however, with his single hitting No. 8.

Swift’s influence also extends to the Singles Chart, with 2019’s “Cruel Summer” hitting No. 9 off the back of its 2023 viral success and single release. Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers”, which topped the chart last year, also makes a return appearance, albeit relegated to a respectable No. 39.

Of note, however, is the lack of Australian artists that make up the Albums and Singles Charts. In the latter category, just 5% are home-grown, with Vance Joy’s 2013 single “Riptide” leading the charge at No. 24. Cyril’s reimagining of Suzi Quatro’s “Stumblin’ In” can be found at No. 29, while DJ and producer Dom Dolla’s “Saving Up” splits the field at No. 50. The Kid LAROI closes out the local representation with “Nights Like This” featuring at No. 84, and his 2021 Justin Bieber collaboration “Stay” in at No. 96.

The Albums Charts, however, boasts only three Australian names – with only one being a studio release. While South Australian veterans Cold Chisel can be found at No. 44 with their 50 Years – The Best Of compilation, so too can INXS’ Diamond-certified The Very Best be located down at No. 81. The Kid LAROI is once again the only point of difference, with his debut album – 2023’s The First Time – hitting No. 67.

Check out ARIA’s year-end singles and albums charts.

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Stephen Schwartz, Bonnie Greenberg to Be Honored at Guild of Music Supervisors Awards

Stephen Schwartz, the composer of the Broadway and film juggernaut Wicked, and music supervisor Bonnie Greenberg are set to receive honorary awards at the 15th Guild of Music Supervisors Awards. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, Feb. 23 at The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.

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Schwartz is set to receive the Icon Award, which celebrates those who have made legendary contributions to the music and film industries. Previous recipients include Robbie Robertson, Paul Williams, Diane Warren, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, Kenny Loggins and Marc Shaiman.

Schwartz, 76, has won three Oscars, four Grammys, four Drama Desk Awards and a Golden Globe. He has received six Tony nominations, in addition to receiving their Isabelle Stevenson Award in 2015. Schwartz was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009. In addition to Wicked, Schwartz’s other credits include Godspell and Enchanted and the animated classics Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince of Egypt.

The Legacy Award will be presented to music supervisor Bonnie Greenberg, known for her work on such films as My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Mask and The Hunting Ground. The Legacy Award is bestowed to a music supervisor who has made an impact within the industry over the course of their career. Previous recipients include Allan Mason, Pilar McCurry, Mitchell Leib, Maureen Crowe, Bob Hunka, Joel Sill, Gary Lemel and Chris Montan.

Greenberg began her career as an entertainment attorney. She was a business affairs executive at MCA Records and Paramount Pictures, then pivoted to become a sought-after music supervisor. After getting a master’s degree in clinical psychology, Greenberg pivoted again, turning her attention to documentaries and films that shed a light on issues. She is one of the founding members of the Guild of Music Supervisors.

“The Guild of Music Supervisors Awards is a night of coming together in our community, and we need this more than ever,” GMS president Lindsay Wolfington and vice president Heather Guibert said in a joint statement.

Further information and details about tickets can be found at www.gmsawards.com.

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Jon Bon Jovi to Trace Band’s History in New Anthology, ‘Bon Jovi: Forever’

More than 40 years after the formation of New Jersey rock outfit Bon Jovi, the group’s namesake is set to trace the band’s history in an upcoming book.

Fittingly titled Bon Jovi: Anthology, the forthcoming volume is an extensive look into the history of the band, with frontman Jon Bon Jovi penning a 35,000 word account of their four decades of fame, complete with hundred of photographs and memorabilia items from the band’s personal archives.

“As band members, you share a unique bond that no one else can truly understand, not even family,” Jon Bon Jovi explains in the book. “That brotherhood comes with a long career like ours. We all felt part of something special, trusted each other, and they trusted me. I never let them down. It was always a give-and-take by everybody.”

Described as “all-access pass to the world of Bon Jovi”, Bon Jovi: Anthology is set for release in June and is available in a limited edition of 1,150 copies signed by Jon Bon Jovi. The book is also quarter-bound in black vegan leather and comes packaged in a handmade black clamshell box with a silver heart and dagger. Additionally, it includes replicas of pins and badges, tour passes, and a special chrome-colored 7″ record which features two as-yet-unannounced tracks.

“I was single-minded. There was no plan B, even before there was an audience,” reads another passage from Jon Bon Jovi. “It was just the feeling that you got singing a song, and then playing in a band. There was something in that electricity, in the sheer sound of loud. There was something about it that captured my imagination.”

Bon Jovi first formed in New Jersey in 1983, releasing their self-titled debut album the following year. Though their first two records charted modestly, they achieved a global breakthrough when third album, Slippery When Wet, arrived in 1986 and gave the band their first No. 1 atop the Billboard 200.

Their 42-year career has since resulted in a total of 16 studio albums, four No. 1 singles, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Bon Jovi: Forever releases in June, with pre-orders available now.

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Tommy Lee Criticizes Artists Plugging Albums and Tours During LA Fires

Tommy Lee isn’t fond of artists engaging in self-promotion while the Los Angeles wildfires continue to rage, it seems.

The founding Mötley Crüe drummer let his opinions be known in an Instagram post shared on Monday (Jan. 13), where he took aim at those who have continued to plug upcoming products and events while the tragedy continues to unfold.

“Makes me fucking sick to see most people just caring on a [sic] posting on lame ass social media!” Lee wrote. “Guys right now nobody gives a flying fuck when your record drops or the next concert is when so many people are in the middle of one of the biggest disasters of all time! I get that some comic relief is always need but Jesus Christ leave it all alone and maybe just stop and see who needs help if you can.”

Lee’s opinion is a fair one, and indeed numerous artists have decided to reel in their promotional efforts at the current time. While the Grammys have decided to continue as planned, the likes of Universal, Warner, Sony, and BMG have all canceled their Grammy-related events.

Meanwhile, artists have also decided to take a step back. Beyoncé has pushed back an announcement scheduled for Jan. 14, and The Weeknd has delayed the release of his forthcoming album and canceled his release-day show at the Rose Bowl. Elsewhere, Nine Inch Nails have also been forced to halt the announcement of a global tour (of which details began to leak out regardless).

However, despite Lee’s stance on the matter, his message was preceded by a video shared to Mötley Crüe’s Facebook page promoting their upcoming residency in Las Vegas.

Though somewhat contradictory to his later statement, that post (which may have been shared by the band’s social media team) came about just days after Mötley Crüe shared their support for those in their hometown affected by the fires. “May you and your loved ones stay safe as we stand together to overcome,” the group wrote.

Mötley Crüe most recently released their Cancelled EP in October, their first collection of music with new guitarist John 5 following Mick Mars’ retirement from the band two years prior.

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Hayley Williams’ Grandfather to Release Debut Album – 50 Years After It Was First Recorded

Paramore’s Hayley Williams is about to have some familial competition in the music game, with her grandfather releasing his debut album five decades on from its recording.

Rusty Williams, at 78 years old, will release Grand Man on Feb. 14 thanks to the help of his granddaughter and her bandmates, but his musical journey has been a long time coming. According to a press release, Rusty was a lifelong lover of music, having written songs and joined a band in his earlier years. In fact, his talents even made an appearance on Hayley’s Petals for Armor album in 2020 – providing vocals and piano on the closing track, “Crystal Clear”.

For many, that was likely as far as Rusty’s musical story was going to go. Despite claims that he’d recorded an album back in the ’70s, few were certain the album even existed until “the senior Williams’ old production partner” Frank Morris rediscovered the record.

“So many people our age are mining these albums for tones and things you can’t even replicate,” Hayley said in a statement. “And Grandat has a way of cutting to the core of a feeling, and not overcomplicating it. Which we tend to do, because the world is hard. It’s nice when you can hear something plain and simple and know that it is true.”

Rusty’s songs hadn’t ventured much further than the Mississippi recording studio where the tracks were first laid down all those years ago. However, Paramore’s Zac Farro put his hand up to ensure that they live on, plotting to release the record by way of his Nashville-based label Congrats Records. “I thought that it was a crime that these songs were sitting there on the shelf,” Farro said.

Ahead of its arrival next month, the album has been previewed by way of the single “Knocking (At Your Door)”. However, despite the long-awaited release of Grand Man, Rusty isn’t hoping for a major career renaissance to come his way.

“I don’t expect anything, and I’m too old to be famous,” he explained. “But I just want to know someone liked what I did, and to be touched by whatever the hell they are listening to. I want people to see how it felt when things were real.

“You write stuff, and you want somebody to get something out of it,” he added. “I just had to wait for a granddaughter and a band with her to really do anything with mine.”

Rusty joins a slowly-growing list of famous relatives who have released albums due to their more famous descendants. In 2023, Lana Del Rey’s father, Rob Grant, issued his debut album Lost at Sea at the age of 69, all while leaning into the tongue-in-cheek “nepo daddy” descriptor.

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Snoop Dogg Praises Firefighters, Hints at Benefit Concert on ‘Kimmel’

Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumed its broadcast on Jan. 13, following a brief hiatus caused by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

Opening the show, Kimmel delivered a heartfelt monologue reflecting on the tragedy that has displaced thousands and destroyed countless homes, including those of his own colleagues. He lauded the bravery of first responders, firefighters, and volunteers who have stepped up in the city’s time of need.

Amid the heavy atmosphere, Kimmel turned to a figure synonymous with resilience and community, introducing his guest Snoop Dogg as “an icon of Los Angeles and a beacon of positivity.” The legendary rapper, known for his enduring ties to his hometown, didn’t hold back as he spoke candidly about the disaster’s impact and his personal efforts to assist those affected.

“The family’s good, but I know people I consider family who lost everything,” Snoop shared. “So we did what we do—we came together, pulled our troops together, and made sure they had what they needed.”

Reflecting on the unity he’s seen in the face of disaster, Snoop said, “California, this is like our first time dealing with [wildfires], and the way the world is helping us—that’s the important thing. People aren’t looking at differences; they’re just looking at trying to make a difference.”

Snoop’s reverence for firefighters took center stage, with the rapper calling their work “the toughest job” and emphasizing the often-overlooked heroism they display.

“They don’t get enough credit. They show up, do what’s best, and when it’s over, it’s like they’re forgotten about,” he said. “We need to give them a lot of praise right now. I give them a lot.”

Snoop described his hands-on approach to disaster relief, ensuring donations reach those in need. “A lot of times when we put these donations together, certain people don’t get it,” he explained. “What my team does is go on the ground, make direct connects, and make sure we’re not missing anybody. That’s what we do—it’s about love, man.”

While the conversation centered on the seriousness of the fires, Snoop’s trademark humor provided moments of levity. Reflecting on a false evacuation alert, he recalled, “I got three phones, and they all blew up. I started running, started packing, and then it was like, ‘It’s not real.’ See, now y’all playing games.”

Kimmel seized the moment to ask if the rapper still sets off smoke alarms wherever he goes. Snoop’s response, delivered with a grin, left the audience in stitches: “Not anymore. We have a shower cap technique that we use.” To demonstrate, Snoop stood up and mimed placing a shower cap over a smoke detector, humorously acting out the move by climbing onto Kimmel’s couch, drawing roaring laughter from the audience.

Kimmel quipped, “Especially at this time, that is very bad advice from Snoop Dogg!”

Amid the weighty topics of wildfires and community resilience, Snoop shared an anecdote about meeting Paul McCartney, describing it as a surreal and deeply respectful moment.

“It was about just respect and love,” he said, recalling the encounter. “He really knew who I was musically—that blew my mind. I’m telling him about all the records I like from him, but then he’s telling me about who I am and how he liked me. It’s just appreciation. I call that mutual love, fan appreciation.”

When Kimmel asked if the two had smoked together, Snoop laughed and clarified, “Oh no, no—but I smoked around him.”

Later in the chat, the host praised Snoop’s ongoing community contributions, from organizing relief efforts to his long-standing youth football league, which has helped countless kids achieve their dreams, including NFL stardom.

The Doggfather, ever humble, turned the spotlight back on the collective effort. “There was talks about concerts to raise money for the victims and the people that have lost in this situation,” he said.

“So I think that’s more of the angle that I would be leaning towards—to do a concert and not, you know, be paid, and take my proceeds and the proceeds from the tickets and make sure that the people got something.”

Watch Snoop Dogg’s latest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! here.

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Beyoncé Delays Announcement Amid LA Wildfire Crisis

Beyoncé has postponed her much-speculated Jan. 14 announcement, citing respect for those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

The news comes after weeks of fan speculation that the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer was preparing to unveil her Cowboy Carter tour, following a stunning halftime show performance on Christmas Day at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game.

In a statement shared on Instagram on Jan 13., the singer expressed solidarity with families and communities grappling with the aftermath of the fires, which have destroyed homes and displaced thousands.

“The January 14th announcement will be postponed to a later date due to the devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires around areas of Los Angeles,” Beyoncé wrote.

“I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss. We are so blessed to have brave first responders who continue to work tirelessly to protect the Los Angeles community.”

The wildfires have deeply affected Beyoncé’s family as well. Her mother, Tina Knowles, revealed on Jan. 9 that her beloved Malibu bungalow—her “sacred happy place”—was destroyed in the fires. “It was my favorite place, my sanctuary,” Knowles wrote on Instagram, alongside a video of dolphins swimming near the home’s former location.

Beyoncé’s announcement had been teased in December with a cinematic video shared on her social media. The clip featured the 32-time Grammy winner straddling a white stallion, swinging a large American flag in slow motion as a Western trumpet theme played over the sound of a stampede. The video concluded with the cryptic date “1.14.25” and the caption, “Look at that horse.”

Though the video revealed no further details, fans immediately began speculating about a possible Cowboy Carter tour, a theory bolstered when Live Nation shared the teaser on its social media channels.

The news follows a significant contribution from Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation, which pledged $2.5 million to assist families in recovery from the devastating California wildfires.

In an Instagram post on Sunday night (Jan. 12), the foundation announced the pledge to the L.A. Fire Relief Fund aimed at helping impacted Los Angelenos in the midst of one of the most destructive wildfires in the state’s history.

“The fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes, and to churches and community centers to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires,” read the post, which encouraged followers to show their support for the impacted families by visiting the organization’s website.

Earlier today, The Weeknd announced he would be delaying the release of his highly anticipated album Hurry Up Tomorrow in light of the ongoing wildfire crisis. His album release show at the Rose Bowl, which had been slated for Jan. 25, has also been canceled.

The hitmaker broke the news to fans Monday (Jan. 13) with a post on Instagram. “Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, the Rose Bowl Show has been cancelled and the album date has been postponed to 01.31.25,” reads the message, which he signed, “With love, Abel.”

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Khruangbin Announce 2025 U.S. ‘A La Sala’ Tour Dates

Houston psych-rock trio Khruangbin have announced a new run of U.S. tour dates in support of their latest album, A La Sala.

Announced on Monday (Jan. 13), the critically-acclaimed trio added an additional 25 dates to their 2025 schedule, with their North American shows launching in Grand Prairie, TX on Apr. 9. The group will travel across the country throughout April, May, and June, with headline dates planned alongside festival dates at the recently-announced BottleRock Festival in Napa Valley and Buena Vista Lake’s Lightning in a Bottle Festival. They’ll wrap up their current schedule with a return to the U.S. in September for an appearance at Louisville’s Bourbon & Beyond Festival.

The newly-announced dates will also see the band joined by the likes of Helado Negro and John Carroll Kirby on select dates.

Khruangbin return to the road with shows in New Zealand and Australia throughout February and March. They’ll return to Europe and the U.K in August, with headline dates and festival appearances scheduled to take place across the likes of Norway, Finland, Germany, and Turkey.

The current run of dates appear to wrap up the touring schedule for Khruangbin’s fourth album A La Sala, which was released in April 2024 and peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard 200. Despite the record arriving 14 years into the band’s career, its release and critical reception was enough for Khruangbin to receive a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Khruangbin 2025 ‘A La Sala’ Tour Dates

April 9 – Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, TX
April 12 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands, TX
April 15 – Firefly Distillery, Charleston, SC
April 16 – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine, FL
April 18 – The BayCare Sound, Clearwater, FL
April 19 – FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park, Miami, FL
April 22 – Moody Amphitheater, Austin, TX
April 23 – Moody Amphitheater, Austin, TX
May 18 – Wonderfront Festival, San Diego, CA
May 21 – Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA
May 22 – Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA
May 23-25 – BottleRock Festival, Napa Valley, CA
May 24 – Lightning in a Bottle Festival, Buena Vista Lake, CA
May 27 – WAMU Theater, Seattle, WA
May 28 – Hayden Holmes Amphitheater, Bend, OR
May 29 – Outlaw Field at Idaho Botanical Garden, Boise, ID
May 31 – The Outside Festival, Denver, CO
June 20 – Mountain Jam Festival, Highmount, NY
June 21 – Stage AE Outdoors, Pittsburgh, PA
June 22 – Electric Forest Festival, Rothbury, MI
June 24 – Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green, Shelburne, VT
June 27 – The Stage at Suffolk Downs, Boston, MA
June 28 – The Capitol Groove Festival, Hartford, CT
June 29 – Thompson’s Point, Portland, ME
September 12-14 – Bourbon & Beyond Festival, Louisville, KY

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Nine Inch Nails Appear to Be Readying a 2025 World Tour

It’s been a while since Nine Inch Nails toured on a grand scale, but speculation is mounting for a global tour announcement to arrive soon following some leaked dates.

News of a potential tour was first put forward on Monday (Jan. 13) when fans on the Nine Inch Nails subreddit began to share screenshots of what are ostensibly prematurely-posted Facebook events for the upcoming shows.

In a thread titled “It’s happening (?)”, a fan shared a screenshot of an event which lists a Sept. 10 date for the Peel It Back World Tour to take place in Tampa, FL. Another user tracked down a Ticketmaster listing for the event which shows an on sale date of Friday (Jan. 17).

Though these fans confirmed that the events were swiftly taken down following their listing on social media, a collation of the supposedly leaked dates featured shows scheduled for the likes of Brooklyn, Tampa, Atlanta, Raleigh, Philadelphia, and Cleveland throughout the U.S., along with dates in Manchester and London in the U.K., and a Canadian show in Toronto.

Currently, none of the dates have been confirmed by the band, though the tour title alludes to Nine Inch Nails’ 1994 track “March of the Pigs”, potentially indicating the rumored tour could be an anniversary trek in support of the band’s The Downward Spiral record, which turned 30 in 2024.

Nine Inch Nails haven’t performed live since the completion of their U.S. and U.K shows in 2022. Prior to that, their last concert tour took place across 2017 and 2018, with The Trilogy Tour seeing them play 69 shows across North America, Europe, and Asia.

In recent years, the veteran industrial act (which comprises founding member Trent Reznor and – since 2016 – Atticus Ross) have been more focused on soundtrack work, which has seen them take home numerous Golden Globes, Grammys, and Academy Awards.

In April 2024, Reznor noted that his work with Ross had left the pair eager to work on a new Nine Inch Nails album. “[Soundtrack work has] managed to make Nine Inch Nails feel way more exciting than it had been in the past few years,” he said. “I’d kind of let it atrophy a bit in my mind for a variety of reasons.”

Ross added he feels, “excited about starting on the next record… I think we’re in a place now where we kind of have an idea.”

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