music and concerts
Elton John’s Honky Château 50th Anniversary Reissue Announced
Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Available on 2CD, 2LP and Limited-Edition Gold Vinyl LP
Honky Château is available on four different formats:
2CD
- Contains the original album and a newly created selection of outtakes from the original session tapes. This 2CD format additionally contains eight live recordings from the Royal Festival Hall show in 1972, where the tracks received their live debut, just a few days after being recorded at the Château. Includes a 40-page booklet containing rare photos, memorabilia and an essay featuring interviews from those who were there at the time.
2LP
- Contains the original album and a newly created selection of outtakes from the original session tapes. Includes an eight-page booklet containing rare photos, memorabilia and an essay featuring interviews from those who were there at the time
Limited Edition Gold Vinyl LP
- Contains the original album pressed for the first time on limited edition gold vinyl
UMe today announces the 50th-anniversary reissue of Elton John’s Honky Château. Available to pre-order now on 2CD, 2LP and limited-edition gold vinyl LP, the album is released on March 24th. Pre-order here. “Rocket Man (Live at The Festival Hall, London 1972)” and “Mellow” (Session Demo) are also unveiled today as the first instant grats available from Honky Château 50th Anniversary Edition. This live debut of “Rocket Man at the Royal Festival Hall” – recorded two months before its release as the album’s first single – is striking in its freshness and its ability to nearly replicate the studio arrangement on stage. The line-up of Davey Johnstone (guitar), Dee Murray (bass) and Nigel Olsson (drums) immediately established itself as the core of the “classic” Elton band, solidifying Elton’s studio and stage presence through his most prolific period.
Honky Château was Elton’s step into global superstardom, spawning classics such as the aforementioned “Rocket Man,” “Honky Cat” and “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.” Originally released in May 1972, his 5th studio album ushered in a to-this-day unparalleled hot streak of classic albums and was the first time he recorded at the now legendary Château d’Hérouville, a residential recording studio situated 25 miles north-west of Paris. It was here where he and Bernie Taupin were to write – and the band subsequently record – some of the biggest global hits of his career. Elton, Bernie and the band – performing together on record for the first time – decamped to the Château for week’s pre-production on Honky Château in January 1972. Bernie brought his typewriter; the band set up in the dining room. Bernie would write lyrics at night and leave them on Elton’s piano for him to work on in the morning.
As Elton recalls of their notoriously prolific output at the time, “The first morning we were there, I had three (songs) done by the time the band drifted downstairs looking for something to eat: ‘Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters,’ ‘Amy’ and ‘Rocket Man.’” The remainder of the album would follow suit; ‘Susie (Dramas),’ ‘Hercules,’ ‘Salvation,’ ‘Honky Cat,’ ‘Slave,’ ‘I Think I’m Going To Kill Myself’ and ‘Mellow.’”
A pivotal album in Elton’s ascent to superstardom, the album’s sepia-tinged cover belies the effortless grooves within of a band who had truly found their feet as a unit. By mid-1972 their live recordings now matched their hallowed live shows, and they effortlessly channelled a soulful sound that effortlessly drew together the deep south of America via Pinner and the Parisian suburbs.
Following the release of Honky Château, by June 1972 “Rocket Man” was in the UK pop charts at No 2. In the US, the single reached No 6. Honky Château became the first of six consecutive Billboard Hot 100 No 1 albums. It remains a firm fixture in the setlist of this record-breaking Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. “Honky Cat” showcased the extraordinary swagger that was to define all of Elton’s work for the following half-decade. His first up-tempo number to make the US Top 10, the track helped cement Elton’s reputation in America.
Still a shining jewel in Elton’s back catalogue, Honky Château was the album that announced his arrival on the world stage. Its impact and legacy endures to this day, and it will forever be remembered as the album where the Rocket Man truly took flight.
Rocket Man (Live at The Royal Festival Hall, London 1972) & Mellow (Session Demo) Unveiled Recently…
Pre-Order Here for March 24 release…
Listen Here
Source: UMe
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McDonald’s is blending fast food, fandom and Korean-inspired flavors in a new collaboration with Netflix tied to the hit film KPop Demon Hunters. Beginning March 31, the chain will roll out two limited-time adult meals inspired by the movie’s rival groups, HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys, along with collectible photocards and app-based fan experiences. The promotion will be available at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.
McDonald’s KPop Demon Hunters meals
The campaign introduces two themed meals built around the film’s central rivalry. The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal includes a Spicy Saja McMuffin, hash browns and a small soft drink, while the HUNTR/X Meal features a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium soft drink, Ramyeon McShaker Fries, Hunter Sauce and Demon Sauce. McDonald’s said the menu was inspired in part by flavors from its South Korea restaurants, aiming to connect fans to the movie through food as well as pop culture.
The promotion also includes collectible card packs with each meal. Customers will receive a photocard featuring either HUNTR/X or the Saja Boys, plus a Derpy access card that can be scanned and entered in the McDonald’s app by April 26 to unlock early access to exclusive content and a special reveal tied to the “Battle for the Fans.” A new Derpy McFlurry, made with vanilla soft serve, berry popping pearls and wild berry sauce, will also be sold separately during the promotion.
McDonald’s and Netflix both described the collaboration as a way to bring fans deeper into the world of KPop Demon Hunters through menu items and interactive experiences. For STM Daily News readers in the food and drink section, the release highlights how major brands are increasingly turning entertainment partnerships into immersive dining promotions that combine limited-time flavors, collectible merchandise and digital engagement.
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Entertainment
Bad Bunny Set to Make History at Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, marking a historic moment for Latin music. Industry leaders praise his cultural impact and global influence. The event promises to deliver an unforgettable performance, celebrating Bad Bunny’s significance in today’s music scene.
Last Updated on January 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Global superstar will take center stage at Levi’s Stadium in February 2026
The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation dropped major news this week that’s sending shockwaves through the music and sports worlds: three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
A Historic Moment for Latin Music
For Bad Bunny, this isn’t just another performance—it’s a cultural milestone. The Puerto Rican sensation expressed the profound significance of this opportunity in his own words:
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”
The announcement represents a watershed moment for Latin music on the world’s biggest stage, with Bad Bunny becoming one of the first Latin artists to solo headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, whose Roc Nation serves as strategic entertainment advisor for the performance, praised Bad Bunny’s impact: “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
Jon Barker, the NFL’s SVP of Global Event Production, highlighted why Bad Bunny is the perfect fit for this moment: “Bad Bunny represents the global energy and cultural vibrancy that define today’s music scene. As one of the most influential and streamed artists in the world, his unique ability to bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him an exciting and natural choice.”
Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Music, Sports and Beats, emphasized the artist’s cultural impact: “Few artists embody that intersection [of music and culture] more perfectly and authentically than Bad Bunny. His music has not only broken records but has elevated Latin music to the center of pop-culture.”
Tune In to the Special Announcement
Apple Music Radio is celebrating the news with a special Halftime Headliner broadcast featuring Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, and surprise guests. The show aired Monday, September 29th at 9:30am ET across Apple Music Radio platforms.
What to Expect
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show will be produced by DPS, with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers and Hamish Hamilton directing. The performance will air on NBC during Super Bowl LX, bringing Bad Bunny’s explosive stage presence and genre-defying music to an audience of millions.
A Winning Tradition
The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show has become synonymous with excellence, racking up multiple Emmy wins in recent years. The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show starring Kendrick Lamar became the most-watched Super Bowl Halftime Show ever, earning four Emmy nominations and winning Outstanding Music Direction. Previous shows featuring Usher, Rihanna, and the legendary lineup of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar have collectively earned dozens of nominations and awards.
With Bad Bunny’s proven track record of delivering unforgettable performances and his massive global fanbase, the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated musical events of 2026.
Mark your calendars for February 8, 2026—this is one performance you won’t want to miss.
What are your thoughts on Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl? Will you be tuning in? Let us know in the comments below, and follow Apple Music on social media for more updates as we get closer to game day.
Related Links
Official Announcements & Streaming:
Follow the Conversation:
- Apple Music on Instagram
- Apple Music on TikTok
- Apple Music on X (Twitter)
- Apple Music on YouTube
- Apple Music on Facebook
- Apple Music on Snapchat
More Super Bowl Halftime Content:
- Kendrick Lamar’s Record-Breaking Super Bowl LIX Performance
- Usher’s Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Highlights
- Rihanna’s Historic Super Bowl LVII Return
- The Evolution of the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Explore Bad Bunny:
- Bad Bunny on Apple Music
- Bad Bunny’s GRAMMY Wins and Nominations
- The Rise of Latin Music in Pop Culture
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
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actors & performers
What Was the Cause of Michael Jackson’s Death?
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 from acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. Learn what the coroner found, why his death was ruled a homicide, and how Dr. Conrad Murray was held responsible.
What Was the Cause of Michael Jackson’s Death?
On June 25, 2009, the world lost one of its most influential entertainers when Michael Jackson died at the age of 50. The Los Angeles County Coroner determined that Jackson’s death was caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. The powerful anesthetic propofol—administered in a home setting—combined with sedatives created a fatal mix that stopped his breathing.
Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was later found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for administering the drugs without proper monitoring or medical safeguards. The ruling underscored the dangers of using hospital-grade anesthesia outside a controlled environment.
Michael Jackson’s passing remains one of the most discussed celebrity deaths in modern history, marking a tragic end to the life of a groundbreaking artist whose music still shapes global culture.
Related Links
- LA Times – Coroner Rules Michael Jackson’s Death a Homicide
- New York Times – Michael Jackson Dies at 50
- CNN – Dr. Conrad Murray Found Guilty
- BBC – Understanding the Drugs Involved in Jackson’s Death
- Biography.com – The Final Days of Michael Jackson
- Rolling Stone – Timeline of the Death Investigation
- NBC News – Why Propofol Is So Dangerous Outside Hospitals
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited Voice
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