Chicago’s fest delivered star-studded surprises as politics and accountability roiled headlines and U.K. charts rewrote history.
Lollapalooza’s opening day turned into a pop‑rock mash‑up machine, while the news cycle bristled with offstage consequences: Singapore banned two Massive Attack members over a pro‑Palestinian stage display, Boy George exited a London Jesus Christ Superstar run amid backlash to his AI‑assisted pro‑Israel song, and Modest Mouse reshuffled its tour lineup following misconduct allegations. The White House stirred debate by pairing Bad Bunny and Drake tracks with new ICE deportation TikToks, even as the week’s wins stacked up: Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s “Rein Me In” set a U.K. singles record and Charli xcx notched another U.K. albums No. 1, with Madonna and Morgan Wallen topping key radio charts stateside. Elsewhere, North West scrapped her debut tour, Glen Hansard’s family detailed public memorial plans, the Chantels’ Arlene Smith died at 84, and veterans Tom Waits and Carly Simon returned
Festivals & live momentsMusic and geopoliticsAccountability & ethicsCharts & milestonesLegacy & remembranceAI in music
Lollapalooza: Lorde brought out Charli xcx for “Girl, So Confusing,” Smashing Pumpkins welcomed Olivia Rodrigo and Yungblud, and 5 Seconds of Summer jumped on Sombr’s set to cover Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.”
Singapore banned two Massive Attack members and issued a stern warning after an onstage pro‑Palestinian display, with police confirming investigations are ongoing.
Modest Mouse dropped guitarist Simon O’Connor from its upcoming tour following allegations of inappropriate messages; Les Savy Fav’s Seth Jabour will fill in.
Boy George pulled out of London’s Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash to his AI‑generated pro‑Israel song “We Will Dance Again,” as he publicly defended his intentions.
North West canceled her debut headlining Kimokawaii tour with Molly Santana days before launch, saying it’s not happening anymore.
Charts: Sam Fender & Olivia Dean’s “Rein Me In” became the U.K.’s longest‑running No. 1 single; Charli xcx’s Music, Fashion, Film hit No. 1 on the U.K. albums chart; Madonna’s “Love Sensation” topped Dance Airplay; Morgan Wallen repeated a
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