Some weeks rock feels like a museum. This one felt like a fight. Neil Young went to court to protect a song, Aerosmith walked back onstage after three years away, and one of the new class learned a costume can get you sued. That’s the rock news this week, and the thread running through all of it: the legends are guarding what they built, on stage and in court.
Neil Young Takes Trump’s Committee to Court Over “Rockin’ in the Free World”
On Monday Young filed a copyright suit in federal court in Virginia against the Trump 47 Committee. He’s seeking $10 million after the song was played at an Ohio rally earlier this month. He fought this battle in 2020, when Trump’s campaign settled and promised not to use the song without a license. Now he wants damages and a ban on future use.
ZRock take: On Monday we cheered radio for breaking its own rules on Bohemian Rhapsody. This is the other side of that: whatever your politics, a songwriter deciding where his song gets played is about as rock and roll as it gets.
Sources: Consequence, Louder, Music Business Worldwide
Aerosmith Return to the Hollywood Bowl, and Joey Kramer Makes It
Last Friday we had rehearsal photos. Thursday night Aerosmith played their first full show in more than three years at “California Dream On,” with Guns N’ Roses, Heart, Billy Idol, the Black Crowes and Sammy Hagar on the bill. Dave Grohl drummed the opener, Johnny Depp jumped in on “Train Kept A-Rollin’,” and Joey Kramer came back for “Walk This Way,” his first show with the band since 2020. Night two is Sunday, November 1.
ZRock take: Joe Perry isn’t sure about another 40-city tour. Fine by us. Two nights done right beat a farewell tour done tired.
Sources: Ultimate Classic Rock, Louder
Black Sabbath and Ozzy’s Final Show Is Coming Home December 11
The Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne concert film Back to the Beginning reached cinemas Wednesday, and the home release was announced the same day. Blu-ray, CD, vinyl and digital editions land December 11, with Jack Black and Fred Durst guest spots and the Sounds of Birmingham documentary. A deluxe box with every guest cover follows in April 2027.
ZRock take: Holiday list, sorted. We already said our goodbyes to that night; now we get to relive it on the couch, tissues within reach.
Sources: Louder, Blabbermouth
My Chemical Romance Sued by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
The company behind the cheerleaders’ brand is suing My Chemical Romance over their October 21 Hollywood Bowl show. During “Teenagers,” dancers in look-alike uniforms did a routine, then picked up prop rifles for a staged firefight. The suit seeks a restraining order and damages, and says it has no problem with the band’s music, only the outfits.
ZRock take: MCR have always been theatre first. Getting sued by an NFL cheer squad might be the best review The Black Parade staging ever gets.
Sources: Consequence, Louder
Skid Row Name Justin Sargent as Their New Singer
Skid Row picked New Jersey’s Justin Sargent, a Broadway singer from Rock of Ages, after a worldwide search. He replaces Erik Grönwall, who left in 2024 for health reasons. His first release with the band is a cover of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” and a 2027 tour starts March 5 in Rancho Mirage, California.
ZRock take: That makes five singers since Sebastian Bach left. Debuting with a song called “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is either supreme confidence or a dare.
Sources: Consequence, Louder
U2 Bring The Greatest Show On Earth to Europe, With Wolf Alice
U2 added UK and European stadium dates for April to July 2027, including two nights at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 18 and 19, plus Paris, Berlin and Milan. Wolf Alice open. Register for the artist presale by Sunday, November 1; general sale is November 6.
ZRock take: Old guard headlining, new blood opening. That’s how you keep stadium rock alive. We called the bigger tent two weeks ago.
Sources: Consequence, Louder
Goodbye, Donnie Iris
Pittsburgh’s Donnie Iris died Monday at 83 after a three-year fight with bladder cancer. From the Jaggerz’ “The Rapper” to “Ah! Leah!” with the Cruisers, he gave the Steel City its own rock voice. He played his final show on September 28 and announced his retirement only weeks ago.
ZRock take: Turn up “Ah! Leah!” tonight. Rest easy, Donnie.
Sources: Ultimate Classic Rock, Guitar Player
Your turn: Neil Young in court, Aerosmith back on stage, or MCR versus the cheerleaders: which story won your week? And which song would YOU go to court to protect?
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