Latest Big Rig Rock Report for 5/26 on 102.5 KZOK – iHeart
Jack Osbourne is addressing the backlash he and his mother, Sharon Osbourne, received over their decision to create an artificial-intelligence avatar of his late father, Ozzy Osbourne. The Osbournes partnered with digital human tech company Hyperreal to develop a life-sized avatar that can engage in conversations with fans, move, speak, and respond as Ozzy would have. During a live stream on YouTube, Jack emphasized that their approach to this project is methodical and respectful, not merely a superficial replication of his father using ChatGPT technology. Furthermore, Jack revealed that he had discussed this concept with his father before his passing and believed that the “Prince of Darkness” would have approved of the initiative. The death of Ozzy Osbourne in July of 2025 marked the passing of a rock legend, leaving a significant void in the music industry.
At a recent METALLICA concert in Frankfurt, Germany, guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo surprised fans by covering ACCEPT’s iconic track “Fast As A Shark”. This performance was part of the band’s ongoing “M72” world tour, which commenced in April 2023 and has attracted an incredible four million fans globally. METALLICA has been using their “doodles” segment to showcase their versatility and connect with fans in a unique way. Despite mixed reactions from artists like Tom Gabriel Fischer of CELTIC FROST, the band’s determination to experiment with varying musical genres has kept audiences captivated and engaged.
Billy Corgan, the frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins, is currently touring a theatrical reimagining of their classic 1995 album, “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness”. This production features orchestral arrangements and operatic vocals, transforming the music into a cinematic experience for fans. Corgan has expressed interest in staging this sensory extravaganza at Las Vegas’ futuristic Sphere venue in the future. The overwhelmingly positive reception to this innovative concept highlights The Smashing Pumpkins’ enduring creativity and commitment to delivering exceptional performances to their audiences.
The annual rock and alternative music awards ceremony in 2026 saw bands like Deftones, Sleep Token, and Linkin Park being overlooked in favor of artists like Twenty One Pilots and sombr. Despite their notable contributions to the heavy music scene, these bands failed to secure any awards, reflecting a growing disparity between mainstream recognition and the ever-evolving heavy music landscape. This trend mirrors the recognition issues faced by heavy music at events like the Grammy Awards, signaling a broader industry disconnect concerning the representation of heavier genres in major music ceremonies.
Simon Williams, a resident of Stowmarket, has spent five decades amassing a collection of over 8,000 crisp packets from around the world. His book, “Up the Packet,” chronicles his adventures in the world of crisps, spanning various countries and decades. Despite his success in the music industry with Fierce Panda Records, Simon’s passion for crisps remains unwavering, with a gammon-flavored crisp packet from the 1970s holding a special place in his collection. This quirky hobby showcases Simon’s dedication to preserving the history of crisps and the joy they bring to enthusiasts worldwide.
The upcoming release of Great Van Fleet’s new single, “Play Your Games,” is generating excitement among fans eagerly anticipating fresh material from the band. Set to debut on May 29th, this single will mark the band’s first release since their 2023 album, “Starcatcher.” In anticipation of the new single, Great Van Fleet will host an intimate concert at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom on May 27th, offering fans a special preview of their latest musical endeavor and further solidifying their place in the rock music scene.
Rivers Cuomo, frontman of Weezer, recently unveiled a collection of 15 cover songs from his archive on YouTube under the playlist title “randum cuverz.” This assortment includes diverse tracks such as Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ and Nirvana’s ‘Lithium,’ showcasing Cuomo’s musical range and creativity. While the rationale behind this release remains unclear, fans have enthusiastically received these lo-fi, acoustic covers, with some recordings dating back over two decades. Weezer is gearing up for their 2026 US tour and released a new single, ‘Shine Again,’ adding further intrigue to their evolving musical journey.
SEVENDUST frontman Lajon Witherspoon emphasized the unity and equality within the band during discussions about their fifteenth studio album, “One.” Witherspoon underscored the importance of treating all band members as equals and co-owners in fostering a close-knit working dynamic. The album’s production by Michael “Elvis” Baskette further amplified the camaraderie within SEVENDUST, showcasing their collaborative spirit and dedication to creating music that resonates with audiences. The band’s U.S. tour in support of