Weezer plans to kick off their four-part Seasons album cycle on the beach, headlining California’s BeachLife Festival. The third iteration of the fest — held May 13 and 15 on the Redondo Beach waterfront — also features Smashing Pumpkins and Steve Miller Band.
Announced last summer, Seasons will feature a new release on the first day of each season throughout the year. Frontman Rivers Cuomo previously told Good Morning America: “Spring is kind of like happy chill. And then we move through to dance rock, like a Strokes-style album for the fall, and then sad acoustic, Elliott Smith-style for winter.”
Meanwhile, Smashing Pumpkins are heading into the new year with a wide-spanning slate of festival appearances already on their calendar. Last spring, Billy Corgan told Rolling Stone: “Any talk of new touring is rolled back to next year, and I think there’s still a little trepidation in the business about how it’s all going to work itself out. Obviously, festivals selling out is a big step toward people wanting to go back and have fun.”
The first day of the BeachLife fest will see additional performances from 311, Black Pumas, Cold War Kids, Milky Chance, Cannons, Atlas Genius, and more. And, on Saturday, Vance Joy, Stone Temple Pilots, Capital Cities, and Michael Franti & Spearhead will take the four stages. Sunday wraps up the weekend with appearances from Sheryl Crow, Lord Huron, UB40 with Ali Campbell, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, among others.
The complete BeachLife Festival lineup is available on the organizer’s official website. All ticket packages for the festival are available now.
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
