Global music news on June 24, 2025, features major announcements from pop-rock giants, scrutiny over digital streaming practices, and the passing of a legendary guitarist. Maroon 5 has detailed plans for a new single and a significant US arena tour, while Spotify faces calls for a regulatory investigation into its business practices. The rock world is also mourning the loss of Mick Ralphs, co-founder of Bad Company and Mott the Hoople.
Maroon 5 Reveals New Music and Fall Tour
Pop-rock veterans Maroon 5 are set to release their latest single, titled “Love Is Like,” on August 15th. This release precedes a substantial 23-date US arena tour scheduled for the fall. The lead single from their upcoming project, “All Night,” already has a video directed by Aerin Moreno, hinting at the visual direction for their new era. Fans anticipate details regarding the full album accompanying these releases and the specific dates and venues for the extensive tour.
Rock World Remembers Guitar Icon Mick Ralphs
Mick Ralphs, the acclaimed guitarist and a founding member of influential rock bands Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81. Ralphs was the creative force behind some of classic rock’s most enduring anthems, including Bad Company’s iconic hit “Can’t Get Enough.” His distinctive riffing and songwriting were pivotal to the sound of both groups, leaving an indelible mark on the history of rock music. Tributes from fellow musicians and fans are pouring in, celebrating his significant contributions.
Spotify Under Regulatory Scrutiny and Teasing Premium Tier
Music streaming giant Spotify is currently facing pressure from US Senators who are demanding a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) probe into the company’s practices. The Senators allege that Spotify employs “shady bundling tactics” that they claim serve to lower royalty payments to artists and labels and potentially bypass user consent requirements. These allegations raise questions about the fairness and transparency of streaming economics in the digital age.
Simultaneously, reports indicate that Spotify is preparing to launch a new “Super-Premium” tier for its service. This higher-priced subscription option is expected to cost an additional $5 per month and will reportedly include features such as lossless audio quality and potentially more control or enhanced features for users seeking a premium listening experience. The timing of this potential launch amidst regulatory scrutiny remains a point of interest for industry observers.
Jessie J Shares Health Update Following Surgery
British singer-songwriter Jessie J has shared a candid and emotional update with her fans following recent breast cancer surgery. In a raw social media post, the artist expressed her profound gratitude to her medical team and the loved ones who have supported her through this challenging health journey. Her transparency offers a personal glimpse into her recovery process and highlights the importance of medical care and personal support systems.
Splice and Avid Partner on AI-Powered Tools
Music creation platform Splice has announced a strategic partnership with Avid, the technology company behind the industry-standard Pro Tools digital audio workstation. This collaboration is set to roll out new AI-powered tools integrated within Splice’s offerings. Additionally, the partnership introduces “Splice Mic,” a new feature providing Pro Tools users direct access to a vast library of over 2500 free samples, streamlining the creative workflow for producers and musicians using Avid software.
The Lemonheads Announce First Original Album Since 2006
Seminal alternative rock band The Lemonheads are making a significant return with the announcement of their new album, “Love Chant.” Scheduled for release on October 24th, this record marks the band’s first collection of original material since 2006, ending a nearly two-decade hiatus from releasing new studio songs. Accompanying the album is a planned tour that will feature notable guest appearances from figures including J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. and acclaimed singer-songwriter Juliana Hatfield, promising a nostalgic yet fresh live experience for long-time fans.
Dr. Demento Retires After 55 Years
Broadcasting legend Dr. Demento is set to retire after an extraordinary 55-year career championing novelty and comedy music. His final shows will revisit many of the novelty greats that became staples of his program over the decades. The iconic radio personality will officially close his microphone on his 55th anniversary, concluding an era defined by introducing generations of listeners to unique and often eccentric musical talents.
Thom Yorke Releases New Video for “Dialing In”
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has released a new music video for his track “Dialing In.” The video is associated with the Apple TV series Smoke and features distinctive visual work created by the artist Weirdcore, known for his abstract and often unsettling digital imagery. The collaboration continues Yorke’s exploration into multimedia projects and experimental visual accompaniments for his solo work.
Mötley Crüe and Dolly Parton Collaborate for Charity
In an unexpected but welcome collaboration, veteran rock band Mötley Crüe has teamed up with country music icon Dolly Parton. The artists have recorded a special 40th-anniversary version of Mötley Crüe’s power ballad “Home Sweet Home.” Proceeds generated from this charitable release will benefit Covenant House, an organization dedicated to serving homeless youth, demonstrating a cross-genre effort for a worthy cause.
This Week’s Top Songs
Rounding out the week’s music news, the top 5 songs charting currently provide a snapshot of popular tastes. The list includes “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter, “What I Want” by Morgan Wallen featuring Tate McRae, “Just In Case” also by Morgan Wallen, and “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar & SZA, showcasing a mix of pop, country, and hip-hop dominating the airwaves and streaming platforms.
