Pitchfork Music Festival Will Not Return in 2025

Pitchfork Music Festival will not return to Chicago in 2025, marking the end of a 19-year tradition. The festival will continue to produce events, creating new spaces for music, culture, and community.

After two decades of celebrating music and community, the Pitchfork Music Festival will not be returning to Chicago in 2025. Organizers announced the news via their official website and social media channels, stating that as the music festival landscape continues to evolve rapidly, they have made the difficult decision not to host the festival in Chicago for the upcoming year.

Pitchfork’s Farewell to Chicago

In the statement, the festival’s organizers acknowledged the immense history and impact of the event, stating, "For 19 years, Pitchfork Music Festival has been a celebration of music, art, and community—a space where memories were made, voices were amplified, and the shared love of music brought us all together."

While Pitchfork Music Festival has always been closely aligned with the editorial vision of Pitchfork Media, it grew into a collaborative event with its own identity and became an essential part of Chicago’s arts scene.

"We are deeply grateful to the City of Chicago for being our Festival’s home for nearly two decades, to the artists who graced our stages with unforgettable performances, and to the fans who brought unmatched energy year after year," the statement continued. The festival team, including At Pluto and the hardworking staff, were also praised for their dedication. “Thank you to Mike Reed for founding the Festival and for your inspiring vision.”

The statement concluded by reassuring fans that Pitchfork would continue to produce events in 2025 and beyond, with a focus on creating spaces where music, culture, and community intersect in meaningful ways.

The Roots of Pitchfork Music Festival

Pitchfork Music Festival has its origins in the 2005 Intonation Music Festival, a project in which local promoters Skyline Chicago partnered with Pitchfork Media to curate the event at Union Park in Chicago. Although the Intonation Festival would return in 2006, Pitchfork Media decided to split and create their own music festival, officially named Pitchfork Music Festival.

Over the years, the festival hosted an impressive lineup of headliners, including Animal Collective, Björk, Wilco, A Tribe Called Quest, and many more. Despite the setback of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the 2020 event, Pitchfork Music Festival made a comeback in 2021. This year’s festival, held in July, featured major performances by Jamie xx, Alanis Morissette, and Black Pumas.

Expanding Globally and Other Developments

In addition to its beloved Union Park home, Pitchfork Music Festival expanded internationally over the years, hosting events in Paris (2011-2022), London (2021-2023), Berlin (2020, 2022), and a one-off event in Mexico City in 2023.

However, the news of the festival’s departure from Chicago comes just months after Condé Nast, which owns Pitchfork, announced staff layoffs in January. This restructuring follows the magazine’s absorption into GQ, Condé Nast's men's magazine, adding a layer of uncertainty for the publication's future.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Pitchfork Music Festival

The end of Pitchfork Music Festival’s Chicago era marks a significant shift in the North American music festival landscape. While the festival will not return to Chicago in 2025, its legacy of promoting alternative music and fostering community engagement remains strong. Fans can still look forward to future events where the spirit of Pitchfork Music Festival will continue to thrive globally.

Sting Says Diddy Sample Hasn’t Tainted ‘Every Breath You Take’: ‘It’s Still My Song’

Sting discusses the legacy of "Every Breath You Take" despite its connection to Diddy, who faces serious legal charges. Learn about the song’s success and Sting's musical evolution.

In a recent interview with The Los Angeles Times, Sting, frontman of The Police, shared his thoughts on the enduring legacy of their iconic 1983 hit "Every Breath You Take," especially now that the song is forever linked to Sean "Diddy" Combs. This connection was cemented when Combs famously sampled the track in his own 1997 tribute to Notorious B.I.G., "I’ll Be Missing You."

Sting’s Thoughts on the Song’s Legacy Despite Diddy’s Legal Issues

Sting was asked if his feelings toward "Every Breath You Take" had changed now that Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, is facing serious legal allegations, including charges of sexual abuse, racketeering, and more. The legendary musician was resolute in his response:

“No,” Sting said, expressing that he remains detached from the ongoing legal drama surrounding Combs. “I mean, I don’t know what went on [with Diddy]. But it doesn’t taint the song at all for me. It’s still my song.”

Despite the controversy, Sting holds firm in his connection to the track, which continues to hold significant cultural weight.

The Song's Monumental Success and Diddy's Tribute

Originally released in 1983, "Every Breath You Take" quickly became a global hit. The song spent an impressive eight weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making it The Police's only No. 1 hit.

In 1997, fourteen years after the original release, Diddy (then Puff Daddy) released “I’ll Be Missing You,” a heartfelt tribute to his late friend Notorious B.I.G. The track, which interpolates Sting’s classic hit, also reached No. 1, where it stayed for 11 weeks. It marked a pivotal moment in hip-hop and pop music, introducing Sting’s melody to an entirely new generation of fans.

Diddy’s Legal Troubles and Impact on the Music Industry

While Sting remains unfazed by the situation, Diddy’s legal issues continue to draw attention. On September 16, 2023, Diddy was arrested and charged with several serious crimes, including abuse, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, and bribery. He has since been denied bail multiple times and faces a trial scheduled for May 5, 2025.

The most recent development in his case came on November 8, when a judge rejected Diddy’s request for a gag order against his accusers, ruling that the First Amendment protections outweighed the need for such a restriction. The legal battle surrounding Diddy has been a focal point in the media, with the case still ongoing as fans and industry figures await the trial's outcome.

Sting’s Musical Evolution and Return to Trio Setup

Amidst the controversy surrounding Diddy, Sting continues to focus on his music career. Recently, the iconic artist has been performing as part of a trio with guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas, a setup that mirrors his earlier work with The Police lineup of Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland.

Reflecting on his musical journey, Sting remarked with a touch of irony: “I never left The Police,” emphasizing that his decision to step away from the band was never about leaving. “I just made a record — as the others had done — and enjoyed it more than I did being in a band.”

His recent return to a smaller, more intimate trio format signals a shift back to his roots, where he continues to surprise audiences with new musical explorations. “My whole modus is surprise,” Sting said. “I don’t want people to be entirely confident about what I’m going to do next. That’s the essence of music for me.”

Conclusion: Sting’s Lasting Impact on Music

Despite the ongoing legal drama surrounding Diddy, Sting's legacy remains unshaken. As "Every Breath You Take" continues to be one of the most influential songs in pop history, Sting's ability to adapt to new musical landscapes ensures that his influence will remain strong for years to come.

A Timeline of Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry’s Relationship

Explore the full timeline of Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia's relationship, from their meeting to their unexpected breakup and the aftermath of their public split.

After more than a year together, country singer Zach Bryan and Barstool Sports personality Brianna LaPaglia, known as Brianna Chickenfry, have ended their relationship. Here’s a complete timeline of the highs, lows, and final moments of their relationship.

How Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia Met

May 11, 2023: Meeting at the ACM Awards
The two met at the Academy of Country Music Awards, where LaPaglia asked Bryan for a quick photo. Both were in relationships at the time, but she described him as “the nicest man I’ve ever met” on her YouTube vlog, marking the beginning of their connection.

Key Moments in Their Relationship

June 2023: "Revival" Concert Sparks a Connection
Weeks after his previous breakup, Bryan performed at NYC's Forest Hills Stadium, where LaPaglia and her cohost attended. LaPaglia recalled Bryan sliding into her DMs shortly after, sparking a friendly chat that quickly evolved.

July 2023: Relationship Confirmed on ‘PlanBri Uncut’
In July, LaPaglia confirmed the relationship with Bryan on her podcast, saying, “We’re just hanging out, having fun, and I’m happy.”

August 4, 2023: Instagram Official
LaPaglia shared a series of photos on Instagram with a picture of Bryan, captioned “Life lately,” confirming their relationship for fans.

August 26, 2023: TikTok Support
LaPaglia shared a TikTok of herself getting ready to Zach Bryan’s song "Smaller Acts," showing her support for his new album.

Public Breakup and Aftermath

October 22, 2023: Bryan’s Instagram Announcement
On October 22, Bryan shared on Instagram that they had broken up, writing, “Brianna and I have broken up... She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time... I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways.” His message struck fans as sincere and amicable.

LaPaglia’s Response and Podcast Revelations
However, LaPaglia later revealed on social media that she was “blindsided” by Bryan’s announcement. In a follow-up video on the BFFs Podcast, she alleged emotional distress during the relationship and claimed she was offered $12 million and an NYC apartment to sign an NDA, which she refused. This revelation shed light on previously unknown complexities in their relationship.

As fans continue to react, the split between Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia remains one of the most talked-about breakups in recent memory.

The Cure’s ‘Songs of a Lost World’ Debuts at No. 1 on Multiple Billboard Charts

The Cure has made an impressive comeback on Billboard’s album charts with Songs of a Lost World, their first album of new material since 2008. This marks the band’s debut at No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart, a feat for the group on the chart’s 33-year history, and their highest position on the Billboard 200 since 1992, landing at No. 4. In addition, Songs of a Lost World takes the No. 1 spot on several other charts, including Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums, Top Alternative Albums, Vinyl Albums, and Indie Store Album Sales.

A Historic Week for The Cure

With 57,000 equivalent album units in its first week, Songs of a Lost World achieved The Cure’s best week in the United States in terms of album units. Of this total, 53,000 units came from album sales, giving the band its highest sales week since 2004, when The Cure debuted with 91,000 copies. The album also earned 4,000 SEA units, which equates to about 5.02 million on-demand official streams of its songs, with TEA units contributing a negligible amount.

Unique Formats and Vinyl Success

The Cure’s strategy for Songs of a Lost World involved multiple formats to engage fans. In addition to a standard CD and two cassette versions, the album was available in five vinyl variants, selling a combined 23,000 copies—a milestone as the band’s best week on vinyl since 1991. The band also offered a CD/blu-ray audio package, a standard digital download, and an exclusive deluxe digital edition with five bonus live tracks available only through their official store.

Chart Success for “A Fragile Thing”

The Cure’s success with Songs of a Lost World also extends to the single “A Fragile Thing,” which has climbed on two airplay charts. The track rose from No. 25 to No. 22 on the Alternative Airplay chart, marking the band’s best position since 2004. It also hit No. 10 on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, making it their first top 10 hit on this list, which debuted in 1996.

The Nov. 16-dated Billboard charts, which feature The Cure’s landmark achievements, will be available on Billboard’s website on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Songs of a Lost World is the third album by The Cure to reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200, following Wish (No. 2 in 1992) and The Cure (No. 7 in 2004), showing that their influence and popularity remain as strong as ever.

Ariana Grande Says If She Hadn’t Gotten Her ‘Wicked’ Role, She ‘Might Have Ended Up in an Insane Asylum’

 Ariana Grande’s determination to portray Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked was nothing short of intense. So intense, in fact, that she joked about her fate if she hadn’t landed the role: “If it hadn’t happened, I might have ended up in an insane asylum,” she shared at a panel event in Hollywood on November 10 following a screening of the upcoming movie. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is set to hit theaters on November 22, and Grande’s performance as Glinda is among the most anticipated in the film.

Grande, who is credited under her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, dedicated months to preparing for her audition, adapting her voice and diving deeply into the character’s essence. “Vocally, it’s very different for me than what I usually sing, so I started training every single day with my vocal coach for two-and-a-half, three months before my first audition,” she explained. “I just wanted to be prepared to use any tool needed... to really become her.” For Grande, this role was so significant that she paused her other projects to focus solely on it.

The Support of Wicked’s Director and Producer

Director Jon M. Chu acknowledged the challenge Grande faced. Her fame as a pop star initially raised questions about whether she could truly disappear into a character. “Does she really know what it takes to carry a movie? Does she know what it takes to be inside a character?” he wondered. But once she began her audition, Chu was stunned: “I couldn’t believe what I was watching. She’s not talking like Ariana Grande. She’s not singing like Ariana Grande.”

Chu also recalled seeing Grande’s dedication as he observed her driving in circles, blasting Wicked’s “One Short Day” on repeat. When Grande realized Chu had noticed her, she laughed, saying, “I didn’t know you had seen me or heard me.”

A Special Bond with Co-Star Cynthia Erivo

Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, established an immediate bond from the moment they met at Erivo’s home. Over shared snacks, including berries, they found common ground and forged a friendship that would carry them through the intense filming process. “We just giggled and I felt an immediate safety,” Grande said. “And then we kind of made a pact to really take care of each other.”

Erivo added, “To be really honest with each other... to make space for each other.” The bond they developed was a source of comfort and support. Grande recalled, “I almost sh-t in my pants. But she’s just the warmest human being. We were just so open immediately with each other.”

Preparing for the Role of a Lifetime

For Grande, Wicked has been a project close to her heart, and she approached the role with a seriousness and dedication that impressed both her co-stars and the production team. Her transformation into Glinda, both in terms of voice and character, is anticipated to be a standout in a film that promises to bring a beloved story to new life.

Jimmy Fallon Jingles Onto Billboard Charts With Festive New ‘Holiday Seasoning’ Album

Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning album debuts at No. 2 on Billboard's Holiday Albums chart and No. 1 on the Comedy Albums chart, marking his return to music after a decade.

 Jimmy Fallon’s latest album, Holiday Seasoning, has quickly made its mark on the Billboard charts. Released just in time for the festive season, it debuts at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart and No. 1 on the Comedy Albums chart for the week dated November 16. This festive release marks Fallon’s first album since 2012, and fans are clearly thrilled to see him back on the music scene.

With nearly 13,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. during its debut week (ending on November 7), Holiday Seasoning has achieved impressive numbers. Traditional album sales alone accounted for around 12,000 of those units, illustrating the strong demand for Fallon’s blend of humor and holiday spirit.

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Strong Sales for Holiday Seasoning

The majority of Holiday Seasoning’s success comes from traditional album sales, reflecting the enthusiasm of fans eager to own the physical copy of Fallon’s work. These high sales have helped propel the album to the No. 1 spot on the Comedy Albums chart, making it Fallon’s second chart-topper in the comedy category after his 2012 album Blow Your Pants Off.

The holiday album also secured positions on multiple charts beyond just holiday and comedy genres. It debuted at No. 3 on the Top Album Sales chart and even reached No. 9 on the Vinyl Albums chart. These achievements showcase Fallon’s broad appeal and his ability to attract listeners across different formats and genres.

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Success Across Multiple Charts

Alongside its chart-topping status on the Comedy Albums chart, Holiday Seasoning’s strong performance places it in a competitive spot among other holiday albums. This debut comes as five holiday albums make appearances on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning enters at No. 84, joining a festive lineup that includes classics from artists like Mariah Carey and Vince Guaraldi.

The Nov. 16-dated Billboard charts are set to refresh on Tuesday, November 12, and industry watchers are eager to see if Fallon’s album will continue to rise in popularity as the holiday season unfolds.

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Notable Collaborations on Holiday Seasoning

Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning boasts an impressive lineup of collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. Among the previously released tracks, Holiday Seasoning includes “It Was a… (Masked Christmas),” featuring Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion, and “Almost Too Early for Christmas” with the legendary Dolly Parton.

In addition to these hits, the album features new collaborations that add a unique twist to Fallon’s holiday offering. Notable tracks include “Holiday” with the Jonas Brothers, “You’ll Be There” with Justin Timberlake, and a fun, polka-themed track, “New Year’s Eve Polka (5-4-3-2-1),” featuring “Weird Al” Yankovic and The Roots. The blend of comedy and music in these collaborations has resonated with audiences and contributed to the album’s strong chart performance.

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Michael Bublé’s Christmas Album Tops the Charts

While Holiday Seasoning has captured fans' attention, Michael Bublé’s Christmas album reclaims the top spot on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart. The album jumps from No. 3 to No. 1, marking its 53rd nonconsecutive week as the leading holiday album on the chart. This impressive run further cements Bublé’s status as a holiday music favorite, with over 13,000 equivalent album units (up by 190%) pushing his album to the top.

The longevity of Bublé’s album on the charts exemplifies the appeal of traditional holiday music, which continues to attract listeners of all ages each year.

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Holiday Albums on the Billboard 200

The Billboard 200 chart, encompassing albums across all genres, has welcomed a lineup of classic and new holiday releases. In addition to Holiday Seasoning debuting at No. 84, Bublé’s Christmas re-enters the chart at No. 72, Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas lands at No. 93, Bing Crosby’s new compilation Ultimate Christmas debuts at No. 150, and Vince Guaraldi Trio’s beloved soundtrack A Charlie Brown Christmas re-enters at No. 170.

The presence of multiple holiday albums on the Billboard 200 is a seasonal tradition, as fans turn to familiar tunes and nostalgic favorites to mark the holidays. Each year, the holiday spirit brings these albums back to the forefront, demonstrating their enduring popularity and cultural significance.

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Holiday Albums Continue to Shine Through the Season

As December approaches, Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart will continue to track the season’s biggest holiday hits. Published weekly, this chart captures the festive releases that define the holiday music landscape. Following its seasonal appearance, the Holiday Albums chart typically dashes away in early January, returning to the Billboard lineup the next October as the festive season draws near once more.

Fans of Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning can look forward to seeing how it performs in the coming weeks. Fallon’s fresh take on holiday music and comedy, combined with his star-studded collaborations, has already proven successful. As the album continues to reach listeners, it might just become a new holiday classic.