June 24, 2025 – The global music industry today delivered a rich tapestry of news, featuring highly anticipated new releases, extensive tour announcements shaping the live performance calendar for late 2025, and significant updates from the international festival circuit. This flurry of activity underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the music world, offering fans and industry observers alike a wealth of developments to track across diverse genres and geographic regions.
Fresh Sounds: New Music Released on June 24, 2025
A diverse array of new tracks landed on streaming platforms today, showcasing the continued creative output from artists across multiple genres and generations. Headlining the new releases is a notable collaborative effort between acclaimed Scottish band Franz Ferdinand and iconic guitarist Johnny Marr, formerly of The Smiths, who unveiled their joint track titled ‘Build it Up.’ This pairing of indie rock sensibilities with legendary guitar work is expected to draw considerable attention. British indie-rock duo Wet Leg, who rose to prominence with their Grammy-winning debut, presented their latest single, ‘davina mccall,’ continuing to build on their unique sound.
The legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy, pioneers whose influence spans decades, contributed to the day’s releases with their potent track ‘March Madness,’ offering their signature commentary. Alternative rock stalwarts The Lemonheads, led by Evan Dando, offered fans their new single, ‘In The Margin,’ providing a fresh addition to their extensive discography. The wave of new music continued with dream-pop outfit Coral Grief releasing ‘Paint By Number,’ Horsepower debuting ‘Coins,’ and the indie band OK Cool sharing their track ‘Safety Car.’
Further augmenting today’s soundscape are new singles from pop experimentalist Caroline Polachek, titled ‘On the Beach,’ following her critically lauded recent work; the energetic duo Sophie And The Giants with ‘A Little Bit Wild,’ known for their infectious synth-pop sound; and the rising indie band Late Night Drive Home, who released ‘day 2.’ This extensive collection underscores the vibrant and ongoing creative output across multiple musical styles and artist profiles.
On the Road: Major Tour Announcements for Late 2025
Beyond the studio, the live music landscape is taking definite shape for late 2025 with a series of major tour announcements impacting North America, Europe, and Australia. British rapper Little Simz, widely celebrated for her critically acclaimed work and powerful live shows, announced a comprehensive Fall 2025 North America tour, marking a significant opportunity for her growing fanbase across the continent to experience her dynamic performances live.
Joining the robust touring schedule are rock powerhouses AFI, known for their enduring gothic punk sound, who confirmed their own extensive Fall 2025 headline tour. They will be supported by the electronic project TR/ST, creating a compelling double bill for alternative music enthusiasts across their dates. Japanese experimental metal band Boris revealed plans for their Pink 20th anniversary tour, a dedicated run celebrating the influential 2006 album that expanded their global reach.
Adding a touch of legendary glamour to the live calendar, country icon Dolly Parton announced a unique and highly anticipated six-show “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” residency set for December 2025. This limited engagement will provide fans with a special opportunity to see the beloved artist in an intimate Las Vegas setting. Rock veterans Queens of the Stone Age are also set to hit the road with their Fall 2025 The Catacombs Tour across North America, promising their signature high-energy, riff-driven performances.
In major international news, Australian rock titans AC/DC announced their highly anticipated return to their home country with their first Australian tour in 10 years, a landmark event for generations of rock fans down under who have eagerly awaited their return. Meanwhile, British punk pioneers The Damned confirmed plans for a special 50th anniversary show to be held at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, a fittingly grand venue to celebrate five decades of their influential and chaotic career.
Festival Circuit Updates: Cancellations, Gap Years, and Set Times
The global festival landscape, a cornerstone of the live music experience for millions, saw several important updates today, impacting future attendance plans for major events. Following its recent cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, the organizers of the major Tennessee-based Bonnaroo festival have confirmed that all ticket holders for the planned 2025 edition will receive full refunds, a crucial step addressing the logistical and financial concerns of attendees who had made plans.
In another development affecting a major North American event, the multi-genre Boston Calling festival, held annually in Massachusetts, has announced it will take a gap year in 2026, indicating a temporary pause in its regular programming. While specific reasons for the hiatus were not immediately detailed, the decision will significantly shift the regional festival calendar for that year.
Looking towards upcoming confirmed events later in 2025, both the massive electronic dance music festival Tomorrowland 2025, with editions held internationally, and the alternative music and punk-focused Riot Fest 2025, based in Chicago, have released their highly anticipated set times. This crucial information allows attendees to finalize their schedules, plan their viewing priorities across multiple stages, and prepare for the multi-day events.
Industry Briefs: XXL Freshman, Black Sabbath, and Cardi B
Beyond releases, tours, and festivals, other notable headlines emerged from the music industry today, covering key developments in hip-hop, rock history, and global pop. Hip-hop culture buzzes annually with the reveal of the 2025 XXL Freshman class, an influential list published by XXL Magazine that highlights artists identified as rising stars and potential future leaders in the genre, often serving as a predictor of mainstream success.
Fans of rock legends Black Sabbath were given a rare and compelling glimpse into preparations for a significant future project, as the first rehearsal photo for “Back To The Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow” was revealed. This highly anticipated project appears to center around frontman Ozzy Osbourne‘s potential final live appearances with the band, marking a poignant moment in rock history.
Finally, global music superstar Cardi B made a significant announcement regarding her highly anticipated sophomore effort. Following the immense success of her debut album, the artist officially confirmed details surrounding her second album, revealing its title to be “Am I The Drama?,” sparking immediate excitement and widespread speculation among fans and critics about its musical direction and lyrical themes.
Collectively, these announcements from June 24, 2025, underscore the vibrant activity across the music world, from the creation of new sounds and the planning of large-scale live events to shifts in the festival market and significant developments from established icons and emerging artists alike, reaffirming music’s central role in global culture.
