May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Thundercat makes his small-screen debut in a new Star Wars series episode.
(Photo: Courtesy of Disney+)Genre-busting bassist Thundercat has crossed over into film as he makes his acting debut in The Book of Boba Fett, the new Star Wars series airing on Disney+. He appears in the episode titled “Chapter 4–The Gathering Storm” as The Modifier, a body-modification artist, whatever that means.
“Thank you, John, Dave, Rob and the family at Disney and Star Wars for giving me a chance,” Thundercat said. “I have loved Star Wars my whole life, and I’m happy to be part of its legacy.”
Thundercat recently finished his largest North American headline tour following his 2021 Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album with It Is What It Is. For 2022, Thundercat has already lined up a series of tours as a headliner and opening act for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He will continue to support RHCP during the American leg of its tour as well, which kicks off in July.
Thundercat European headlining dates:
March 29 – Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow, UK
March 30 – Northumbria Domain, Newcastle, UK
April 1 – Manchester Academy, Manchester, UK
April 3 – O2 Academy Brixton, London, UK
April 4 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, NL
April 5 – Melkweg, Amsterdam, NL
April 6 – Élysée Montmartre, Paris, FR
April 9 – De Roma, Antwerp, BE
April 10 – Astra, Berlin, DE
April 11 – Palladium, Warsaw, PL
April 13 – Ottakringer Brauerei, Vienna, AT
April 14 – Alcatraz, Milan, IT
April 15 – Kino Šiška, Ljubljana, SI
Europe with the Red Hot Chili Peppers:
June 4 – Seville, Spain, Estadio La Cartuja De Sevilla
June 7 – Barcelona, Spain, Estadi Olimpic
June 10 – Nijmegen, Netherlands, Goffertpark
June 15 – Budapest, Hungary, Puskas Stadium
June 18 – Firenze, Italy, Firenze Rocks
June 22 – Manchester, UK, Emirates Old Trafford
June 25 – London, UK, London Stadium
June 26 – London, U, London Stadium
June 29 – Dublin, Ireland, Marlay Park
July 1 – Glasgow, UK, Bellahouston Park
July 3 – Werchter, Belgium, Rock Werchter
July 5 – Cologne, Germany, RheinEnergieStadion
July 8 – Paris, France, Stade de France
July 12 – Hamburg, Germany, Volksparkstadion
North America with Red Hot Chili Peppers:
July 23 – Denver, CO, Empower Field at Mile High
July 29 – Santa Clara, CA, Levi’s Stadium
July 31 – Los Angeles, CA, SoFi Stadium
Aug. 3 – Seattle, WA, T-Mobile Park
Aug. 6 – Las Vegas, NV, Allegiant Stadium
Aug. 10 – Atlanta, GA, Truist Park
Aug. 12 – Nashville, TN, Nissan Stadium
Aug. 14 – Detroit, MI, Comerica Park
Aug. 17 – E. Rutherford, NJ, Metlife Stadium
Aug. 19 – Chicago, IL, Soldier Field
Aug. 21 – Toronto, ON, Rogers Centre
Aug. 30 – Miami, FL, Hard Rock Stadium
Sept. 1 – Charlotte, NC, Bank of America Stadium
Sept. 3 – Philadelphia, PA, Citizens Bank Park
Sept. 8 – Washington, DC, Nationals Park
Sept. 10 – Boston, MA, Fenway Park
Sept. 15 – Orlando, FL, Camping World Stadium
Sept. 18 – Arlington, TX, Globe Life Field
DB
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
