It’s been a decade since thrash metal icon Anthrax released a full-length album. But this fall, the group will return with the long-awaited follow-up to 2016’s For All Kings when they drop their twelfth LP, Cursum Perficio, on Sept. 18.

The news was revealed in an Instagram post on Monday (May 11) in which the band’s members assembled for a pic, with the caption reading “It’s been more than a decade … but we’re back ☠️ 5.15.” The photo featured founding rhythm guitarist Scott Ian, singer Joey Belladonna, bassist Frank Bello, drummer Charlie Benante and lead guitarist Jon Donais.

The album’s title appears to be a reference to the Latin phrase engraved on tiles in cement at the front door of Marilyn Monroe’s house, which was widely believed to mean “my journey ends here,” though it could also mean “I will persevere.” The first single from the LP, “It’s For the Kids,” is due out on Friday (May 15); you can pre-save it here.

In an interview with Metal Hammer in 2024, drummer Benante said the band had written “13 or 14” songs for the album, describing a few of them; no official tracklist has been announced yet. “There’s a song which has the same kind of epic feel as “In The End” [from 2011’s Worship Music] and “Blood Eagle Wings” [from For All Kings],” Benante said at the time. “It revolves around the journey we’ve been on in the band. And there are three songs that don’t sound like anything we’ve done before. One called “The Edge Of Perfection” I had way before Covid, and it has just stayed with me – the melody and the chords, but also the aggression.”

The plan at the time was to record the album at Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl’s Studio 606, which Ian said was a “bit of a Foo Fighters and Nirvana museum, but it’s awesome … It’s like being in the most rock clubhouse ever, but it’s also inspiring being surrounded by the success of somebody who has only ever done it ’cos he f–king loves to do it.”

Back in March, drummer Benante told the Everblack podcast that the upcoming album was a “very important release” for the group. “So we’re gonna, of course, make the time to fulfill doing as many shows as we possibly could in support of this record.”

After opening for Megadeth on the Canadian run of their final tour in February and March of this year, Anthrax will hit a run of European festivals and outdoor venues this summer. Check out the dates below.

Lamb of God and Trivium are heading to Australia this October for a five-city co-headline arena tour, presented by Destroy All Lines. Scottish metalcore outfit Bleed From Within will serve as special guests across all dates.

The run opens at Perth HPC on Oct. 2, followed by AEC Theatre in Adelaide on Oct. 4, John Cain Arena in Melbourne on Oct. 6, Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on Oct. 9, and Riverstage in Brisbane on Oct. 11. Artist early bird presale tickets go on sale Friday, May 15 at 9 a.m. local. Multiple presales open Tuesday, May 19, including Destroy All Lines, venue and My Ticketek early bird presales, followed by a Spotify early bird presale on Wednesday, May 20. General tickets go on sale Thursday, May 21 at 9 a.m. local via destroyalllines.com.

For Lamb of God, the tour marks their first full headline Australian run in nearly a decade. The Richmond, Virginia band — Grammy-nominated five times over — last performed for Australian crowds in 2024 as part of Knotfest Australia.

Formed in the mid-1990s, the band have built one of heavy metal’s most enduring legacies, with fan favorites including “Laid to Rest,” “Redneck,” “Walk With Me in Hell” and “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For” serving as cornerstones of the genre. Their latest studio album, Into Oblivion, arrived earlier this year.

Trivium, formed in Orlando, Florida in 1999, have spent over two decades building a reputation as one of modern metal’s most technically accomplished and restlessly creative live acts. The band’s catalog spans thrash, progressive, melodic death and groove metal, and their 2017 single “Betrayer” earned them a Grammy nomination.

They have also scored multiple top 20 debuts on the Billboard 200 and multiple No. 1 entries on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart. Trivium were last in Australia in 2023 for the inaugural Knotfest Australia, with their Brisbane sideshow drawing significant critical praise. Their latest release is the 2024 EP Struck Dead, following their 2021 album In the Court of the Dragon.

Glasgow’s Bleed From Within bring 20 years of metalcore to the support slot, having recently released their seventh studio album Zenith in 2025. The band have shared stages with Slipknot, Bullet for My Valentine and Megadeth throughout their career.

Stephen Colbert brought the band back together on Monday night (May 11), welcoming fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver and Seth Meyers to The Late Show for a reunion ahead of the show’s May 21 series finale.

The gathering marked a significant moment for the group, who previously united in 2023 during the writers’ strike to launch a limited-run podcast called Strike Force Five, which raised money for their out-of-work staffs. In a similar spirit, the five hosts announced a new video episode dropping Wednesday, May 13, which will again benefit nonprofit World Central Kitchen, which provides meals for humanitarian, climate and community crises globally.

The conversation touched on the impending end of The Late Show, the future of late-night television, and the current political climate.

When Colbert asked the group whether they’d ever imagined having a job that the president of the United States would have strong feelings about, Kimmel interjected: “You know what’s even weirder? We’re doing a job that his wife has strong feelings about.” Meyers deadpanned: “Most of us have avoided that part.”

Colbert also put to the group a question he said he’d fielded repeatedly in recent months — whether they could make the case for late-night television to continue to exist. Kimmel pushed back on the premise entirely: “Why should you have to defend late night? Ryan Seacrest doesn’t get asked that question about Wheel of Fortune or whatever the hell he’s hosting.” Oliver added that he was “gonna be leaning forward” waiting for Seacrest’s answer.

The show closed with a round of “How Well Do You Know Your Fellow Late-Night Hosts?”, featuring questions written by Late Show writers. Colbert claimed the title of most-likely-to-have-made-out-with-the-most-guests, name-dropping Helen Mirren, Sally Field and Andrew Garfield among others. Fallon admitted to receiving “full tongue” from Martin Short during an SNL skit — “more than I’ve ever made out with anyone in high school.”

Colbert noted that all four of his guests had been hosting their respective shows longer than he had been at The Late Show, and that they would all continue after his departure. “You’re like the candy shell, I’m the nougat filling — and then somebody came along and just sucked it out,” he said. Kimmel offered a characteristically blunt eulogy: “It’s like when your young wife dies. It’s such a tragedy. It is ‘gone too soon.’”

CBS announced last July that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end after its current season in what the network described as “a purely financial” decision. The series finale airs May 21 on CBS at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Season 24 finale of American Idol.

Hannah Harper has been named the Season 24 winner of American Idol. The Missouri country singer was crowned on Monday night (May 11) during the show’s live three-hour finale on ABC and Disney+, with Jordan McCullough finishing as runner-up and Keyla Richardson in third place.

The Top 3 opened the finale by singing judge Carrie Underwood’s “The Champion,” before each delivered a series of solo and duet performances throughout the evening.

Harper performed a duet with Lee Ann Womack on “I Hope You Dance” and closed out the competition with “String Cheese” — the original song that launched her journey on the show — before ultimately being crowned with a performance of “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” by Chris Tomlin.

Harper went viral during her audition with “String Cheese,” an original song she wrote while dealing with postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest child. The mother of three from Willow Springs, Missouri grew up performing bluegrass and gospel music with her family band, The Harper Collective, and cited Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Jo Dee Messina as key influences.

During her hometown visit last week, she was surprised onstage by Messina — whose song she had performed earlier in the competition. The city of Willow Springs officially declared May 6 Hannah Harper Day.

The star-studded finale featured guest mentor Alicia Keys, who performed alongside the top contestants. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood all took the stage — the trio performing Richie’s 1986 hit “Deep River Woman” together — with Underwood also performing alongside Mötley Crüe.

Additional performances came from Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly.

Harper had been a frontrunner throughout the season, with Underwood calling her one of her favorites from the moment she auditioned. American Idol Season 24 aired on ABC and streams on Hulu.

Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO of publishing company Warner Chappell Music (WCM), has been confirmed as 2026’s recipient of the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS). He is the first music publisher to be awarded the prize.

Organizers have said the award is in recognition of Moot’s 30-plus year career, “defined by creative vision, a ‘songwriter-first’ philosophy and a lifelong commitment to music’s power to educate, heal, and transform lives.”

The MITS will be presented to Moots on Nov. 9 at a gala ceremony held at central London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, in support of two leading U.K. music charities: The BRIT Trust and music therapy organization Nordoff & Robbins.

“To be the first publisher to receive the MITS Award is a real honour, and one that I hope serves as a celebration of songwriters and the extraordinary value of their music,” Moot said in a statement. “I’ve spent my whole life championing creators and finding the next generation of talent who deserve a pathway in.

“The BRIT Trust has a proven track record of building careers and opening doors for young people who might never otherwise get the chance. And Nordoff & Robbins reminds us why music matters in the first place — its profound ability to reach people in a way that nothing else can. I’m proud to support both, and humbled to receive this recognition.”

Moot will join an illustrious line of previous MITS recipients including both executives (Sir Lucian Grainge, Rob Stringer, Jason Iley, Emma Banks, Michael Eavis and Lucy Dickins) and artists (Kylie Minogue, Sir Elton John, Roger Daltrey). 2025’s honoree was Ashley Tabor-King, founder and executive chairman of commercial radio group Global Media & Entertainment.

Moot began his industry journey in retail before transitioning into A&R in 1984 at ATV Music and Chrysalis Records. In 1987, he joined SBK Music Publishing, following its merger with EMI Music Publishing. He rose through EMI’s ranks and by 2003 had been appointed executive vp of A&R for the U.K. and Europe, later becoming U.K. managing director and president of European Creative in 2005.

In 2012, Moot played a central role in navigating the Sony-EMI merger in Europe. Five years later, he was named president of worldwide creative. In 2019, Moot was appointed co-chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, working alongside Carianne Marshall. The company’s roster has grown to include artists and songwriters such as Dua Lipa, Cardi B and Zach Bryan, alongside catalogues from David Bowie, Madonna, George Michael and Tom Petty.

Toby Leighton-Pope, co-chair of the MITS Award Committee, added: “Few people in our industry have had a career as extensive and influential as Guy’s. His impact reaches far beyond the U.K., making this year’s recognition especially significant. From his early days in a record store to becoming one of the industry’s most senior executives, his commitment to music has never wavered, matched by a depth of experience that truly sets him apart. Congratulations to Guy on this well-deserved MITS Award and on an exceptional career to date.”

iHeartMedia, the largest U.S. radio station and podcast distribution company, saw revenue rise nearly 10% to $884 million in the first quarter — but nearly 20% growth in podcasting revenue wasn’t enough to offset disappointing advertising income.

In its Q1 earnings release on Monday (May 11), the company reported that adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) — a key measure of profitability — fell 11.4% to $93 million in the quarter ended March 31 due to softness in the advertising market and marketing expenses incurred earlier in the year than expected, executives said. Cash provided by operating activities generated $93 million, while free cash flow — what’s left over after operational spending and capital expenses are covered — was negative $114 million.

Facing substantial debt repayments starting in 2028, iHeart executives said they were optimistic that growth in podcast revenue and political advertisements in the second half of the year would help the company achieve its full-year EBITDA guidance of $800 million and $200 million in free cash flow.

Revenue from iHeart’s multiplatform group, which includes its more than 860 broadcast radio stations with shows like The Breakfast Club with Charlamagne Tha God, rose 4% to $493 million. Adjusted EBITDA fell 33% to $47 million on adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.5%.

Revenue from the digital audio group was up nearly 20% to $327 million. That was driven by $180 million from podcasts, a figure that was 27% higher than the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment held flat at $87 million from a year ago.

Cash balance for the quarter was $135 million, with the company’s total available liquidity coming in at less than half a billion dollars.

The company forestalled any questions about media reports that it was exploring a merger with satellite media company SiriusXM. At the outset of the Q&A section of the call, the operator said, “Our company does not comment on rumors or speculation.”

The Wiggles sparked a wave of online reactions after revealing during an Australian radio appearance that they aren’t particularly familiar with Oasis — even confusing the Britpop icons for The Beatles at one point.

The moment unfolded during an appearance by Anthony Field and Lucia Field — the father-daughter duo currently performing as the Blue Wiggles — on Nova 96.9’s Ricki-Lee & Tim. While participating in a game identifying famous songs, the hosts played Oasis’ 1995 hit “Wonderwall,” prompting Lucia to admit she didn’t recognize it.

“Controversially, I like Blur more … that is why I have no idea,” Lucia said, referencing Oasis’ long-running Britpop rivalry with Blur.

The comment stunned the hosts, with Tim Blackwell responding, “No! That is gonna go everywhere.”

Anthony then admitted his own knowledge of Oasis was limited, recalling a moment during a visit to Abbey Road Studios with his son.

“I bought him what I thought was a Paul McCartney and John Lennon poster and he said, ‘They’re the guys from Oasis,’” Anthony said. “I am so out of touch mate.”

Despite the confusion, Anthony did recognize the band’s signature song title, adding: “I know they had a song called ‘Wonderwall.’”

The exchange arrives during a major resurgence of interest in Oasis following the band’s blockbuster reunion tour, which has driven huge global demand and sold-out stadium dates across multiple continents. The Britpop group — led by brothers Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher — scored eight No. 1 albums in the U.K. and became one of the defining rock acts of the 1990s with songs including “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Champagne Supernova.”

“Wonderwall” remains the band’s biggest hit in the United States, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996 while topping the Alternative Airplay chart.

The Wiggles, meanwhile, continue to expand well beyond children’s entertainment, recently collaborating with artists across pop, country and rock while building a strong following among adult audiences through festival appearances and viral crossover moments.

The group appeared on the Nova program to promote their new song “Sparkle.”

Nettwerk Music Group co-founders Terry McBride and Mark Jowett will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Libera Awards, to be held on Monday, June 8, at the historic Gotham Hall in New York City. The recognition celebrates their four-decade commitment to artist development, innovation and leadership within the global independent music sector.

The 15th annual Libera Awards (officially, The Libera Awards Presented By Merlin) are presented by the Foundation for Independent Music (FIM), with support from the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM).

“Terry and Mark have been true mavericks and innovators in the independent music sector the past 40 years,” Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM, said in a statement. “Their tireless work supporting a diverse array of artists through their label, management, publishing and various non-profits has been an inspiration to generations of independent musicians and industry members. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary work with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Now in its 40th year, Nettwerk Music Group has become one of the world’s most influential independent music companies. As CEO, McBride has long been a champion of artist empowerment and digital innovation. Beyond Nettwerk, he co-founded the groundbreaking Lilith Fair, which raised more than $10 million for women’s charities, and has continued to expand his impact through ventures in wellness and industry advocacy.

Jowett, a founding partner of Nettwerk, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s evolution into a global, multi-faceted organization spanning recorded music, artist management and publishing. His work has helped support artists including Sarah McLachlan, Coldplay, Avril Lavigne, Dido and Sum 41, while also contributing to the broader industry through leadership roles with organizations such as FACTOR, SOCAN and the Canadian Music Publishers Association.

The organizers also announced four performers for the show, three of whom are 2026 Libera Awards nominees. The announced performers are Nigerian Tuareg guitar innovator Mdou Moctax, nominated for best global record for Tears of Injustice (Matador Records); singer-songwriter Valerie June, nominated for best American roots record for Owls, Omens, and Oracles (Concord Records); Dawn Richard, a previous Libera Award winner, nominated for best R&B record for “A Flex” (Merge Records); and eclectic synth-pop artist PORCHES.

This year’s ceremony will feature 38 categories highlighting the best in independent music, including, for the first time, independent record store of the year. This year’s top artist nominees are Oklou, Geese, Clipse, Hayley Williams and Wednesday.

The event will once again be hosted by Delisa Shannon, Billboard’s short form content director. Tickets, which begin at $369.70, are on sale at the A2IM site.

The Libera Awards will once again kick off the Indie Week conference, which begins the following morning, Tuesday, June 9, and runs through Thursday, June 11, at the InterContinental New York Times Square.