While You Were Away: The Return of Yeah Yeah Yeahs And Panic! At The Disco, Plus Megadeth’s New Bassist, Juneteenth 2022 Concert And More
While You Were Away is back from holiday break! This week, we’re geeking out about the return of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Panic! At the Disco, plus talking about Megadeth’s new bassist, 2022 Juneteenth celebration concert, and more.
Panic! At the Disco announce new album ‘Viva Las Vengeance’
With the recent emo resurgence, it’s starting to feel like the mid-2000s again, especially with new music from Panic! At the Disco, who will release their new album, Viva Las Vengeance, August 19th via Fueled By Ramen.
As a preview, they have shared the album’s title track along with a video directed by Brendan Walter.
Talking about the upcoming album, Brendon Urie said “Viva Las Vengeance is a look back at who I was 17 years ago and who I am now with the fondness I didn’t have before. I didn’t realize I was making an album and there was something about the tape machine that kept me honest.”
Panic! At the Disco will also embark on a North American tour starting in September followed by a UK/European tour in 2023. Check out those dates here.
Watch “Viva Las Vengeance” below. Pre-order the album here.
James LoMenzo is Megadeth’s new permanent bassist
Megadeth have officially recruited James LoMenzo to be their new permanent bassist. LoMenzo already joined the band’s touring lineup as of last year. Now, he’s in for good.
This marks LoMenzo’s second stint with Megadeth. He was previously a member from 2006 to 2010. His work previously appeared on albums United Abominations and Endgame.
Frontman Dave Mustaine stated, “I am thrilled to welcome back James to the Megadeth family. James rejoined the fold as the touring bassist and it’s been a blast having him back, we thought let’s make it permanent.”
LoMenzo added, “I’m so excited to rejoin Megadeth and move forward full steam into the next phase of this iconic band’s history! With Dave, Kiko and Dirk, there’s no stopping us! It just feels great to be home again.”
Read Megadeth’s announcement below.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs announce new album ‘Cool It Down’
Yeah Yeah Yeahs are set to return with their first album in nine years. Their new album, Cool it Down, comes out September 30th via Secretly Canadian. In anticipation of its release, the band have shared its first single “Spitting Off the Top of the World,” featuring Perfume Genius. Listen to it below.
Talking about the origins of the album, frontwoman Karen O said “To all who have waited, our dear fans, thank you, our fever to tell has returned, and writing these songs came with its fair share of chills, tears, and euphoria when the pain lifts and truth is revealed,” she said. “Don’t have to tell you how much we’ve been going through in the last nine years since our last record, because you’ve been going through it too, and we love you and we see you, and we hope you feel the feels from the music we’ve made. No shying away from the feels, or backing down from what’s been gripping all of us these days. So yes we’ve taken our time, happy to report when it’s ready it really does just flow out.”
She continued: “I see the younger generations staring down this threat, and they’re standing on the edge of a precipice, confronting what’s coming with anger and defiance. It’s galvanizing, and there’s hope there.”
Pre-order Cool It Down here.
The Roots, Killer Mike, Mickey Guyton headline Juneteenth 2022 celebration
To celebrate Juneteenth 2022, The Roots, Killer Mike, and Mickey Guyton will perform at a Juneteenth celebration at the Hollywood Bowl on June 19th. The concert will be broadcast live on CNN.
Other acts on the bill include Earth Wind & Fire, Robert Glasper, Jhené Aiko, Anthony Hamilton, Billy Porter, Lucky Daye, Mary Mary, and Michelle Williams. The show will also feature the 68-piece symphony Re-Collective Orchestra. The orchestra, conducted by Thomas Wilkins and Derek Hodge, will be the first all-Black orchestra to ever play the Hollywood Bowl in the venue’s 100-year history.
“This is the most important event we’ve ever produced at Live Nation Urban,” said president Shawn Gee in a statement. “It’s a moment to celebrate and reflect on Black independence and the Black experience. It’s also a moment to raise awareness and shine light on the miles we still need to travel to true equity. We hope to see you there.”
Tickets for the concert can be found via the Hollywood Bowl’s website or by calling (323) 850-2000. You can also watch the broadcast live on CNN at 8 PM ET.
Tours on sale this week
Alexisonfire is hitting the road with Boston Manor this fall for a European\UK tour starting October 14th in Cardiff. The run includes stops in Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, and London before it wraps up November 1st in Utrecht. Get tickets here.
Porno for Pyros have announced another reunion show taking place on July 7th at The Belasco in Los Angeles as part of Perry and wife Etty Lau Farrell’s “Heaven After Dark” concert series. Tickets are on sale now.
Rocklahoma festival returns for its 2022 edition with Korn, Five Finger Death Punch, and Shinedown topping the lineup. Other acts on the bill include Cypress Hill, Bad Wolves, Ice Nine Kills, Motionless in White, Underoath, Back Veil Brides, Palaye Royale, Suicidal Tendencies, Dorothy and more. Early bird passes go on sale this Friday, June 10th 10 AM local time, with phase two of pricing starting on June 17th at 5 PM CT. Get all the details here.
The Melvins will embark on “The Five Legged Tour” this fall starting September 5th in San Francisco, California. The trek lasts throughout September and wraps up October 29th in Los Angeles, California. Get tickets and details here.
