Alan Cross

Toronto

Host at Ongoing History of New Musi‪c

Professional music geek. TV/Radio Broadcaster, writer, speaker & consultant. Get my new children's book! The Science of Song https://t.co/i5U4SczLMi

Articles

It's back to ZZ Top for Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox for Sunday Lunch

2 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

We have an encore from the kitchen this week with Robert Fripp, Toyah Willcox and the mysterious masked guitarist Sidney Jake. It’s their version of “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top. Note the Robert-Toyah interaction. Each week, the podcast looks at something from the alt-rock universe, from artist profiles to various thematic explorations. Whatever the episode, you’re definitely going to learn something that you might not find anywhere else. Trust us on this.
Netflix has a trailer for "Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy," a doc on the Travis Scott concert tragedy.

2 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

On November 5, 2021, Travis Scott took to the stage at Astroworld in Houston. By the time his performance ended, ten people died and hundreds were injured in a crowd crush. The fallout was intense, including many, many lawsuits. The Astroworld tragedy affected thousands of people. There’s now a Netflix documentary on what happened. Based on eyewitness accounts of survivors and featuring unseen footage, the doc explains what happened, how it happened, and why it should never happen again.
Time for more of my speaking gigs! Here's an updated schedule.

2 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

Over the past few years, I have been making the rounds and speaking at pubs, bars, studios, and theatres around Canada, the USA, Europe, and Asia. Ticket details available soon. June 14 – Toronto ON at Cat’s Cradle Sports and Spirits for U2 Day (Free!)June 28 – Hamilton ON at Playhouse Cinema. This is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s infamous Ivor Wynne Stadium gig in 1975.
ICYMI: Things I posted elsewhere this week (07 June 2025)

3 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

Here’s material from me that appeared elsewhere online just ICYMI. Weekly Global News Column: Why are some artists electing not to tour? Let’s investigate the reasons why. Five Songs You Must Hear This Week: Fresh stuff this week, including a new single from grandson and new material from the Canada-loving drummer of Happy Mondays. London Calling: Maruja‘s lineup consists of vocals, bass, drums, and saxophone. It works way better than you might first think.
There's a new exhibition on music at the Canadian Museum of History

3 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

For the longest time, Canadians suffered from self-esteem issues and didn’t seem to think it worth documenting our music history. That, of course, has changed over the years, starting in the 90s, and now we recognize that we’re a global powerhouse. But what about the years prior to that? Is that history destined to be forgotten? Not if the Canadian Museum of History has anything to do with it. The Museum has produced the first-ever exhibition about popular music in this country.
Random music news for Saturday, June 7, 2025

3 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

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Despite how things look now, Live Nation says Toronto's new Rogers Stadium will open on schedule later this month

3 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

Toronto has had a summer concert problem for decades. With the Blue Jays occupying the Rogers Centre for weeks at a time and Budweiser Stage capped at around 18,000 people, it’s not easy to stage a mega-gig during the summer months. But an issue is at hand. Rogers Stadium, the 50,000-capacity outdoor venue, is set to open this month in Downsview Park. Building continues on the site of the decommissioned Downsview Airport and Live Nation says it’s set to open on schedule June 29.
Restored footage of Pink Floyd's infamous 1975 Hamilton gig to be screened for its 50th anniversary

3 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

On June 28, 1975, Pink Floyd, on their way to being one of the biggest bands in the world ever, played a gig in front of about 52,000 fans at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario. It did not go well. First, the old Ivor Wynne was in a quiet residential area and the neighbours didn’t take kindly to the all the people, their litter, and the noise. Then the Floyd crowd ripped down the gates and stormed into the stadium. But then it got worse.
About that supposed Talking Heads reunion announcement...

3 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

If Talking Heads were ever to get back together, that would be a certified Big Deal. And when the group (their people, most likely) started teasing something about June 5, 2025, on social media, fans were hopeful this was a hint of an impending reunion. After all, June 5 was the 50th anniversary of the band’s first gig, an opening slot for The Ramones at CBGB. Hey, the dots were there to connect, right? Well, it didn’t happen.
Reviews and photos of Metric in Ottawa as they perform Fantasies at the Bronson Centre

3 weeks ago | ajournalofmusicalthings.com | Alan Cross

[This comes via Zachary Resnick and Melody Maloney. – AC]Metric kicked off a four-stop tour on Monday, June 2nd at Ottawa’s Bronson Centre, where they performed their Juno-winning album, Fantasies, in its entirety as well as some of the greatest hits. Let me get this out of the way first: I’m a huge Metric fan. The chance to see one of my favorite bands performing one of my favorite albums felt like a dream come true. I used to listen to my copy so much I was worried that the CD would melt.