WEEKLY ENCORE: Your Must-Read Setlist

Here's a look at this week's top headlines.

October 4, 2025

RECAP

The Who took the stage at Thousand Palms, Calif.’s Acrisure Arena last night, Oct. 1, for their final North American performance. Since August, the legendary rock innovators have crossed the US and Canada with their “The Song Is Over” North American Farewell Tour, properly honoring six decades of powerful music by sifting through the many highlights of their expansive catalog night after night. Wednesday’s performance was a fitting finale to the run and a bittersweet farewell to Stateside audiences.

NEWS

John Mayer is taking his Solo Tour to new parts of the world. The globally-recognized guitarist, who has spent many seasons supporting Bobby Weir in the Grateful Dead offshoot Dead & Company, will bring his songs to the Middle East and South Asia this winter.

Explore apparel, posters, and books inspired by the Merry Pranksters’ psychedelic art: limited designs celebrating Kesey, Cassady & the Acid Tests. This collection features Paul Foster’s rare memoir: The Answer Is Always Yes. With just 945 copies originally distributed, it’s one of the rarest memoirs of the ‘60s counterculture.

WATCH

Last night, October 1, San Francisco’s Presidio Theatre transformed into a lively celebration steeped in song and collaboration. The charity event was billed as a 50th anniversary for Wavy Gravy’s Camp Winnarainbow, and positioned the Sam Grisman Project as the House Band, in support of husband and wife duo, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, as well as acclaimed singer and songwriter Steve Earle, with special guests Peter Rowan and David Nelson.

On rotation in our office and broadcasting to readers worldwide on Spotify. Stay tuned for updates every Friday, and send anything you think we have to hear to [email protected].

Shop "If It's Worth Playing... It's Worth Playing Loud" and other new T-Shirts. From lot-style graphics to timeless tour styles, these shirts keep the music alive wherever you go.

NEWS

Earlier this month, the Grateful Dead’s seminal eighth studio album, Blues for Allah, reached its 50th anniversary and received a deluxe rerelease. The collection, known for its capacity to carry a Middle Eastern edge and also demonstrate the group’s unconventionality when it comes to incorporating intricate time signatures, has garnered the Angel’s Share treatment, through the arrival of 15 newly unearthed session recordings.

NEWS

Billy Martin has issued a reminder and shared an update on his work with Medeski, Martin & Wood. The jazz-informed percussionist will support his charity of choice, Creative Music Studio (CMS), this Sunday, October 5, at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl location. The night has been labeled “Jer’s Garage” and will consist of two sets of music, celebrating the songs of Zappa-Morricone, as well as the Grateful Dead. Besides the imminent event, he also shared an update on Medeski, Martin & Wood’s latest record and its estimated release date.

NEWS

High Sierra Music Festival has confirmed its 34th annual presentation and a new location for 2026. From July 2-5, the beloved Northern California institution will migrate from its longtime home at Quincy, Calif.’s Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds to the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, Calif. The festival’s change of venue promises new long-term stability and increased accessibility for fans, while maintaining its tradition of intimate, community-oriented musical celebrations.

NEWS

Steve Earle has announced the 2025 return of his John Henry’s Friends Benefit Concert, staging at Port Chester, N.Y.’s Capitol Theatre on Dec. 12. For the 11th annual presentation of his celebrated charitable endeavor, the country-rock icon has collected a top-tier supporting lineup, including Brandi Carlile’s debut for the tradition. All proceeds from the benefit will go to support the Keswell School, a holistic educational program for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.