Justin Hayward to embark on 'The Story In Your Eyes' Tour beginning March 31, 2026

Check out this exciting news regarding Moody Blues singer-guitarist Justin Hayward. You can revisit his incredible legacy via my May 2015 review of The Moody Blues' performance at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles...Robert Kinsler

Moody Blues singer-songwriter/guitarist Justin Hayward announces 2026 'The Story In Your Eyes' Tour

Justin Hayward performing "Nights in White Satin"
at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on May
5, 2015.  Photo: Robert Kinsler

Legendary singer-songwriter/guitarist Justin Hayward, the unmistakable voice and principal creative force behind The Moody Blues, will return to the road in 2026 with "The Story In Your Eyes' Tour.  The U.S. leg of the tour will make place in late March and throughout April 2026, ahead of subsequent U.K. and European dates later in the year.

Now in his fifth decade as a recording and touring artist, Justin Hayward is best known as the vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter for The Moody Blues. After joining the band in 1966, he helped shape their iconic sound with timeless classics including “Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon,” “Question,” “The Voice,” “In Your Wildest Dreams,” and “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.” The Moody Blues have sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Learn more about Hayward via his official website HERE.

In recognition of his contributions to music, Hayward was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2022. The medal was presented by King Charles III at Windsor Castle in July 2023.

Alongside his band legacy, Hayward has enjoyed a successful solo career with albums including Songwriter, Night Flight, Moving Mountains, The View From the Hill, and Classic Blue, recorded with Mike Batt and The London Philharmonic Orchestra. More recent releases include Spirits of the Western Sky, the No. 1 Billboard Video Chart release Spirits…Live, and Tuesday Afternoons: The Audio Files, which grew out of his popular YouTube performance series. His 2022 single “Living For Love,” following the EP One Summer Day, continues to receive international radio airplay and has become a fan favorite.

Hayward continues to perform extensively throughout the UK and U.S., most recently completing a sold-out co-headlining U.S. tour with Christopher Cross. “Working on the road with Christopher was a dream come true for me’ says Justin ‘I’ve always been a fan. and it was an honour to tour with him’.

IN 2025 Justin Hayward also released a new single and video, “Life in a Northern Town,” via Universal Records.

“The Story In Your Eyes” Tour features an expanded setlist spanning every era of Hayward’s career, stories behind the songs, and a dedicated audience Q&A segment. The tour is performed with a full band including Billy Adamson (guitar), Julie Ragins (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Karmen Gould (flute, keyboards, vocals), and longtime collaborator Josh Johnson (guitar).

“The title suggests my intention for this tour,” says Hayward. “It’s about sharing the stories, answering questions, and performing the songs that have meant so much to me — and to the fans — throughout my career.”

The Story In Your Eyes Tour Dates

Tue	3/31/26	Cerritos, CA	Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts
Wed	4/1/26	Santa Barbara, CA	Lobero Theatre
Thu	4/2/26	San Diego, CA	Balboa Theatre
Sat	4/4/26	Stateline, NV	Harrah's Lake Tahoe - South Shore Room
Tue	4/7/26	Tucson, AZ	La Rosa
Wed	4/8/26	Phoenix, AZ	The Celebrity Theatre
Fri	4/17/26	New Orleans, LA	Orpheum Theater New Orleans
Sun	4/19/26	Atlanta, GA	Center Stage
Tue	4/21/26	Augusta, GA	Miller Theater
Thu	4/23/26	Ponte Vedra Beach, FL	Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Sat	4/25/26	Clearwater, FL	Capitol Theatre
Mon	4/27/26	Fort Lauderdale, FL	The Parker

Omnivore Recordings announces The Knack's 'Knackology: The Zen Recordings' out May 8

Big news for fans of The Knack and power pop. A wonderful proponent of power pop and melodic rock, the Los Angeles-based band was formed in 1978 and released a number of great albums. "Knackology: The Zen Recordings" sounds like an essential title to add to your collection...Robert Kinsler

Omnivore Recordings Announces The Knack’s Knackology: The Zen Recordings Out May 8 19-Song Collection Features Rare Studio, Live and Demo Recordings from the “My Sharona”  Hitmakers

March 17, 2026: Today, Omnivore Recordings announces Knackology: The Zen Recordings, a special 19-song collection from The Knack. Out May 8, the release features rare studio, live and demo recordings — including their classic cover of Badfinger’s “No Matter What” and other hard-to-find performances — mastered by multiple Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves, with liner notes from Grammy-winning set co-producer Lee Lodyga.   Principal songwriter and vocalist Doug Fieger of The Knack created Zen Records as an outlet for new Knack material, as well as early recordings, demos, and more in order to get them into the public ear. Omnivore Recordings has been honored to have a decade-plus relationship with Zen Records.   Knackology: The Zen Recordings collects 19 classic Knack performances. From pre-Get The Knack demos (“That’s What The Little Girls Do”), to a live “Let Me Out,” Knackology shows the band’s genesis. Follow that with more performances of hits across the globe, including “Good Girls Don’t,” “Baby Talks Dirty,” “One Day At A Time,” and — naturally — “My Sharona,” and feel the live power that caused a bidding war for their debut, and how it never relented onstage throughout their tenure.   Also included are studio tracks from their releases Zoom (which Fieger called their best album) and Normal As The Next Guy, showcasing that they were never truly that “one hit wonder” label they had been slapped with. Add in rarities like their cover of Badfinger’s “No Matter What” (originally released on a Badfinger tribute) and you have a total Knack education and experience.   Knackology: The Zen Recordings is more than just a compilation. It is both an introduction and refresher course to one of the world’s most important, impressive, and irreplaceable bands.   Pre-order here: http://www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/knackolog   Knackology: The Zen Recordings: 1. Let Me Out (Live In Los Angeles, 1978) 2. Pop Is Dead 3. (She’s So) Selfish (Live At Mountain View, California, June 10, 1994) 4. Ambition 5. That’s What The Little Girls Do (Fieger/Averre Demo) 6. Les Girls 7. Rock & Roll Is Good For You (Fieger/Averre Demo) 8. Can I Borrow A Kiss 9. Oh Tara (Live From The Rock ’n’ Roll Fun House) 10. Normal As The Next Guy 11. Shine (Live At Leeds, 1991) 12. Good Girls Don’t (Live From The Rock ’n’ Fun House) 13. No Matter What 14. Love Is All There Is 15. One Day At A Time (Live From The Rock ’n’ Roll Fun House) 16. Seven Days Of Heaven 17. Harder On You (Demo) 18. Baby Talks Dirty (Live From The Rock ’n’ Roll Fun House) 19. My Sharona (Live At Mountain View, California, June 10, 1994) Credit: Randee St. Nicholas For more information about Omnivore Recordings, visit their website.

Peter Frampton announces new album, "Carry The Light," co-created with son Julian Frampton And Featuring Sheryl Crow, Graham Nash, H.E.R., Benmont Tench & Bill Evans

Exciting news that Peter Frampton is set to return with his first new album of original material in 16 years. The first advance single "Buried Treasure" is fantastic. The official media release follows...Robert Kinsler

PETER FRAMPTON CONFIRMS FIRST ORIGINAL ALBUM IN 16 YEARS, CARRY THE LIGHT, CO-CREATED WITH SON JULIAN FRAMPTON, SET FOR MAY 15 FEATURES SHERYL CROW, BILL EVANS, H.E.R.,  TOM MORELLO, GRAHAM NASH AND BENMONT TENCH SINGLE “BURIED TREASURE” OUT NOW

photo credit: Lynn Goldsmith

March 17, 2026—Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award-winning guitarist Peter Frampton will release Carry the Light, his first album of all-new rock material in 16 years, on May 15 via UMe—pre-order/pre-save here. Co-written and produced with his son Julian Frampton, the collection features guest appearances from Sheryl Crow, Bill Evans, H.E.R., Tom Morello, Graham Nash and Benmont Tench. “The Carry the Light album is the first new music from me in 16 years. It was one of my most enjoyable projects ever. I got to work with my son Julian—writing and producing together. A first of many for us I’m sure,” Frampton said. In advance of the album, Frampton has shared the new track “Buried Treasure,” featuring keyboardist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers—listen here. A tribute to the late Tom Petty, the track honors the SiriusXM radio show of the same name that Petty curated and hosted for 15 years, with lyrics crafted entirely from Petty’s song titles. Frampton personally sought out Tench to add his signature style to the Petty homage. For Frampton, Carry the Light is a reflection of the present, rooted in the challenges, changes and connections that have defined recent years. The title itself is a statement of purpose; to Frampton, the light represents wisdom, something to be carried forward. At its core, the album is a deeply personal document, one that Frampton credits in large part to the experience of making it alongside his son. “This may be the best album Peter’s ever made,” said engineer and co-producer Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler, Miranda Lambert, George Strait). “The songs are just so poignant, and his voice has matured in a way that really delivers what he's trying to get across.'" Frampton is surrounded on Carry The Light by an all-star supporting cast: Sheryl Crow is Frampton’s vocal foil on “Breaking the Mold,” Bill Evans adds saxophone to both “Can You Take Me There” and “Tinderbox,” H.E.R. trades guitar lines on the instrumental “Islamorada,” Tom Morello brings his signature intensity to the protest song “Lions at the Gate,” Graham Nash lends harmonies to “I’m Sorry Elle,” Benmont Tench contributes keyboards to “Buried Treasure.” Everyone asked to participate in Carry the Light gladly heeded the call to lend their support and create new material with an artist who’s been dispersing endless goodwill and great music across the globe for more than six decades and counting. Carry The Light will be released in a variety of formats, including CD, 180-gram yellow vinyl and digitally in stereo, hi-res audio and immersive Dolby Atmos® options. A special limited-edition vinyl, which will feature a premium cover treatment and be numbered, will be available exclusively via Peter Frampton’s official store, uDiscover Music and Sound of Vinyl.  Earlier this year, Peter celebrated the 50th anniversary of his iconic album Frampton Comes Alive! Upon its original release in 1976, Frampton Comes Alive! became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of the top-selling live albums of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide. In honor of the milestone, Peter released a Vinylphyle edition of the landmark album via A&M/UMe—order here. The limited Vinylphyle double LP pressing is sourced from the original 1975 Doug Sax 1/4" production master, with lacquers cut by Joe Nino-Hernes, and pressed on 180g black vinyl at RTI. The package features a four-panel insert including a new interview with Frampton and Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop. Over the course of a career spanning more than six decades, Peter Frampton has established himself as one of the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. In 2007, he won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Fingerprints; in 2014, he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame; and in 2019, he received the Les Paul Innovation Award at NAMM's TEC Awards. In 2020, Frampton was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, his autobiography, “Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir,” debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list and he appeared on Dolly Parton’s latest album, Rockstar, as the only artist featured on two tracks. In 2023, Frampton unveiled Frampton@50 on Intervention Records, a numbered limited-edition vinyl box set featuring Frampton’s essential 1972-1975 studio releases Wind of Change, Frampton’s Camel and Frampton. He also received The Myositis Association’s Heroes in the Fight 2023 Patient Ambassador Award and unveiled his historic performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall as a live album via UMe—listen here.  In 2024, he received the Les Paul Spirit Award at Gibson Garage Nashville, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and wrapped an extensive headline tour before returning to the studio to record Carry the Light. PETER FRAMPTON—CARRY THE LIGHT 1. Carry the Light 2. Buried Treasure (feat. Benmont Tench) 3. I'm Sorry Elle (feat. Graham Nash) 4. Breaking The Mold (feat. Sheryl Crow) 5. I Can't Let It Be 6. Lions At The Gate (feat. Tom Morello) 7. Islamorada (feat. H.E.R.) 8. Can You Take Me There (feat. Bill Evans) 9. Tinderbox (feat. Bill Evans) 10. At The End of The Day FIND PETER FRAMPTON ONLINE Facebook | Website | Instagram | Spotify | Twitter

New music: Squeeze, SLD

In this column, I review the latest studio albums from Squeeze and SLD.

Artist: Squeeze
Title: Trixies (BMG/Love Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Squeeze, The Beatles, The Zombies
Tell me more: British rock band Squeeze is back. Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook were just 19 and 16 respectively back in 1974 when they wrote the songs on the newly-released 13-track album Trixies (the album was demo-ed at the time but never released). The sixteenth studio album by Squeeze, the ambitious material taps into both imagination and nostalgia; Trixies focuses on a fictional members' club that the duo dreamt up in the early 1970s with its arc set in the "future" (the 1980s). This is a masterwork that features a parade of great songs, but those songs are even more compelling when heard as part of the complete album. Early standouts include the evocative opener "What Moore Can I Say," tender acoustic sortie "You Get the Feeling," the David Bowie-mining "The Place We Call Mars," the genre-defying rocker "Hell on Earth" and unsettling "The Dancer." The album's strengths play out on the last half courtesy of the jazzy "Good Riddance," edgy "Don't Go Out in the Dark," driving melodic rocker "Why Don't You," dreamy "It's Over" and stylish "Trixies, Pt. 1." Trixies marks the first new studio album from Squeeze since 2017's The Knowledge. Information: squeezeofficial.com.

Artist: SLD
Title: Look Back (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Paul Costanza is back with the latest full-length LP from SLD, the wonderful aptly-titled collection Look Back. Melody and solid songcraft — along with winning lyrics focused on memories from Costanza's past — take center stage across the 12-track disc. From the soaring opener "Nothing Can Stop Me" and charmingly Beatlesque "Bye Bye" to the '60s-flavored rocker "Come Back," music hall gem "A Look Back," exuberant "Everywhere She Goes" and shimmering acoustic nugget "Little Man," the album takes the listener on a wonderful listen. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Robert Kinsler

Tinsley Ellis releases music video for 'Sweet Ice Tea'; celebrated singer-guitar great coming to Coach House on March 12

Check out the great new video from singer-songwriter/guitar master Tinsley Ellis as well as news related to his most recent album 'Labor Of Love'. Ellis headlines a concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on March 12, 2026. Get details on that event HERE..Robert Kinsler

Tinsley Ellis in March 2019.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

TINSLEY ELLIS RELEASES VIDEO FOR SWEET ICE TEA Song A Highlight Track From Acclaimed New Album, Labor Of Love Labor Of Love is equal parts passion, grace and artistry…earthy, contemplative and gut-bucket. Ellis’ vocals deliver old-world goodness without pretense or artifice. [This is] the real deal for lovers of the bona fide. –Vintage Guitar Ellis delivers a masterclass in passionate musicianship. Raw, edgy performances. –Relix Labor Of Love is an unqualified masterpiece. –AllMusic Today, Monday, March 9, Atlanta-based blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis releases his new video for Sweet Ice Tea, a highlight track from Ellis' new album, Labor Of Love (released January 30). Labor Of Love is Ellis' second acoustic album (after 2024's Blues Music Award-nominated Naked Truth), and his first acoustic album to contain all original material. The album is available on CD, Georgia peach-colored vinyl LP and at all digital service providers. It is available to order here.  Since the release of Labor Of Love, many outlets including No Depression, AllMusic, Living Blues, Blues Music Magazine, Relix and numerous publications across the UK and Europe have featured Ellis and his mesmerizing acoustic music. Vintage Guitar magazine put Ellis on the cover of its February 2026 issue.  Sweet Ice Tea debuted on the nationally syndicated radio program, Acoustic Café, in over 120 markets. Labor Of Love hit #1 on the NACC Blues Genre Chart (North Americana College & Community),  #1 on The Big Blues Radio Chart and appears on the Folk Alliance International Radio Chart’s Top 50. It’s also at or near the top on blues radio chart across the globe in France, Australia, Canada and the UK. According to Ellis, “Sweet Ice Tea is a hill country blues stomper with a plaintive shout-out to the love of my life -- Soul Food! We hope it makes the listener hungry for more songs from my new Labor Of Love album!”  The video for the song was directed by filmmaker Tony Bieser, who also directed Ellis' previous videos for Too Broke and Hoodoo Woman. Watch Sweet Ice Tea below. Sweet Ice Tea by Tinsley Ellis From the new Alligator Records album, Labor Of Love. With Labor Of Love, Ellis delivers a raw, edgy, self-produced set of 13 original compositions, all performed with pure emotional honesty. The songs spin modern tales of floods, conflagrations, voodoo spirits, personal travails and heaven-sent prayers. From the feral opener Hoodoo Woman to the John Lee Hooker-groove of Long Time to the evocative, Skip James-inspired To A Hammer to the Son House-style stomp of Sunnyland, Ellis inhabits his songs in a way that is simply astonishing.   Each performance carries the weight, experience and hard-earned wisdom Ellis learned over four decades on the road, making Labor Of Love as profoundly deep and moving as any music he has made in his career. It covers the gamut of emotions, finding good times in the hard times, mixing gentle beauty with foot-pounding ferocity. Ellis continues performing solo all over the country in his aptly named “Two Guitars And A Car” tour. For Ellis, playing solo, acoustic blues has helped him tap into the raw essence of the music. “I love doing these shows,” Ellis says, “I can be more expressive and emotional as a solo acoustic artist. I just love the sound of acoustic guitar. I always have.” Find Ellis' tour dates here. “No matter what I play, I like to have an edge, "Ellis says. "For me, just playing this music is a labor of love. I sat at the feet of Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf. I got into this music because of them. I always told myself if I could just make a living playing the blues, I’d be, at least in my own mind, successful.” Premier Guitar believes he’s more than reached that goal, declaring, “Ellis is a legend of American blues music...he’s an American music treasure. He delivers a sermon on the power and glory of the blues, and is one of modern blues’ greatest performers.”  ###