Rhino Releases Audiophile Vinyl, Reel-To-Reel & Atmos Versions Of Grateful Dead's 'Workingman's Dead'

On June 14, 1970, the Grateful Dead released Workingman's Dead, an album that was unlike anything they'd ever done, one that showed the world a new side of the Dead. It was clearly the same band as before, but now with a distinctly different sound and approach to the music, pivoting from psychedelic improvisation to folk-rock storytelling for the "everyman," as the album's title suggests. Now, Rhino High Fidelity presents new audiophile editions of the album on reel-to-reel and vinyl, plus Mickey Hart's 2023 Atmos mix, available on Blu-ray for the first time.

Workingman's Dead (Rhino High Fidelity) was cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray and pressed on 180-gram black vinyl at Optimal in Germany. It features glossy gatefold packaging with newly written liner notes by author and Grateful Dead historian David Gans. The album is limited to 5,000 individually numbered copies and available exclusively at Rhino.com and select Warner Music Group stores internationally.

In the liner notes, Gans says the songs reflect a more direct, stripped-down approach, calling them "concise, countrified, and catchy as hell." As bassist Phil Lesh recalled in his autobiography Searching for the Sound, the shift moved the Dead "from the mind-munching frenzy of a seven-headed fire-breathing dragon to the warmth and serenity of a choir of chanting cherubim."

Workingman's Dead (Rhino High Fidelity R2R) was duplicated in real time from a 1:1 copy of the original flat analog master tape. The result is a master-quality listening experience that captures the full dynamics of the recording. The 15 i.p.s. half-track 1/4" tape is produced to the IEC equalization standard on premium RTM LPR90 tape stock and housed on a 10.5" metal reel. The Reel-to-Reel edition is limited to 300 copies worldwide and available exclusively at Rhino.com.

In 2023, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart created a new Dolby Atmos mix of Workingman's Dead, revealing remarkable instrument separation and nuance in the album's harmonies and arrangements. Hart's immersive mix expands the sonic depth of the original recording while preserving its essential character. Hart's new Atmos mix will be available on Dead.net and Rhino.com. 

While the Dead's first three studio albums appealed to many, the group didn't yet have the mass breakthrough that would make the entire world take notice of this band of misfits from the Bay Area. Workingman's Dead changed all that. With eight perfect songs – like "Casey Jones" and "High Time" – the album solidified the Jerry Garcia-Robert Hunter songwriting tandem as one of the best and most important songwriting collaborations in music history. The album reached the Top Thirty and included the single "Uncle John's Band," which climbed to #69 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart recorded the album in about 10 days at Pacific High Recording Studio in San Francisco with Bob Matthews and Betty Cantor – the band's live-sound engineers – as producers.

Yes Announce 24th Studio Album 'Aurora' For Early Summer Release

 

Yes have announced their 24th studio album Aurora will be released on June 12 via InsideOutMusic and Sony Music. The album will be available as a Limited Deluxe 180g Light Green 2LP+2CD+Blu-ray Artbook & Poster, as well as a Ltd Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook, both featuring the stunning artwork of Roger Dean and Freya Dean, as well as a bonus disc of instrumentals, and a Blu-ray featuring Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound & 24bit stereo mixes (by Curtis Schwartz). The album is also available as a Gatefold 180g 2LP + LP-booklet, Special Edition CD Digipak & as Digital Album. 

Pre-order Aurora

Check out the first single from the album, with a beautiful animated video for the title track, created by Matt Hutchings (Greg Lake, Oasis, Iron Maiden) below. 

"Making this record was joyful, a chance to play, explore and give everything to the music," guitarist Steve Howe says. "It's always been about collaboration, somebody can write a song, but until everybody puts their contribution in it isn't really a Yes song. We’re not trying to echo the past; we’re carrying the spirit of Yes forward and turning it into something new."

 When Yes — Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood, and Jay Schellen — first began sketching out ideas for what would become Aurora, the process was loose and exploratory. There was no preconceived concept at the start, just a collection of musical fragments that gradually began to find one another and take form. Among these early sketches was a piece titled “Aurora,” and it quickly became clear that the name carried certain gravity. It suggested light, emergence, and a sense of vastness, qualities that resonated deeply with the band. Davison remembers how "the title immediately resonated with Howe and sparked visual inspiration for artist Roger Dean, setting a conceptual tone that would guide the project."

Work on Aurora began almost as soon as the ‘Classic Tales of Yes’ tour ended in 2024. The idea of a new album surfaced quickly and with the label’s encouragement, the band had the time to develop material organically. Rather than gathering in a single studio for months, they embraced a modern workflow; ideas were born in home studios, shaped independently, and then woven together through constant collaboration. Downes and Howe often acted as the central creative axis, with Howe, as producer, serving as the point through which all ideas eventually flowed.

Across Aurora, each track carries its own character. Some echo the classic approach, others push into new territory, but together they form a cohesive whole that honors the band’s heritage while embracing forward motion. With their 24th studio album, Yes demonstrate not just longevity, but a sustained curiosity, a desire to keep exploring, refining and discovering their capacity to create.

For more info, visit yesworld.com. 

Jethro Tull Announces 'Under Wraps: The Unwrapped Edition' Box Set

Jethro Tull's Under Wraps: The Unwrapped Edition brings together 1984’s Under Wraps with Ian Anderson's debut solo album Walk Into The Light, released in 1983. The two albums hold significant importance in Anderson's vast body of work, marking a notable shift from Jethro Tull's established sound. At the time, Anderson embraced cutting-edge technology, integrating synthesizers and drum machines. This was a considerable move away from the band's traditional folk roots and illustrated their ability to adapt to the evolving musical landscape.

This comprehensive five-CD, single Blu-Ray box set has been overseen by Anderson and includes both original albums extensively remixed twice by Bruce Soord - ‘2026 Drums’ and ‘Original Drums’ remixes. These discs also include associated recordings from that period. The fifth CD is a live recording from a BBC Radio 1 concert at The Hammersmith Odeon in 1984 and the Blu-Ray contains stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes, along with promo videos from the era. The set comes complete with a 100-page book offering an extensive article on the making of the records.

Additionally, Walk Into The Light is available as single vinyl featuring Bruce Soord’s 2026 Drums remix and includes its own booklet. 

Pre-order Under Wraps: The Unwrapped Edition

Under Wraps is perhaps one of Jethro Tull’s most misunderstood albums, where the band fully embraced the electronic and synth-pop sounds of the ’80s focusing heavily on keyboards, drum machines, and a polished, synthetic production. Once reflecting on this period, Anderson said “We wanted to do something completely different with Under Wraps. It was about exploring the technology of the time and seeing how far we could push our sound into new territories. It was an experiment, and not everyone was ready for that kind of change from Jethro Tull.” 

Tracks like "Lap of Luxury" show Anderson’s attempt to fuse his lyrical storytelling with the cold, often detached soundscapes of the era, creating a unique, if divisive, chapter in their discography. The album has grown to be appreciated for its bold experimentation, showcasing Anderson’s willingness to risk the band’s established identity for artistic exploration.

Walk Into Light combines sophisticated, cutting-edge electro-pop songs with typically pointed and uncompromising sociological lyrical observations. This album was a brave reinvention of an established identity – made in conjunction with keyboardist Peter-John Vetesse – the album reflected Anderson’s growing fascination with modern life, technology, and isolation.

In other Jethro Tull news, the UK leg of the band’s The Curiosity Tour starts on April 19. Tickets are available from jethrotull.com/tour-dates/ and from venue box offices.

April 2026

19 – Perth, Concert Hall

20 – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall

22 – Edinburgh, Usher Hall

23 – Newcastle, O2 City Hall Newcastle

25 - Bradford, St George’s Hall

26 – Salford Quays, The Lowry

28 – Liverpool, Philharmonic

29 – Sheffield, City Hall

May 2026

2 - Stoke-on-Trent, Victoria Hall

3 – Birmingham, Symphony Hall

5 – Leicester, De Montfort Hall

6 – London, The London Palladium

8 – Basingstoke, The Anvil

9 – Swansea, Brangwyn Hall

10 – Bristol, Beacon Theatre

12 – Truro, Hall for Cornwall

13 – Bournemouth, Pavilion Theatre

15 – Southampton, Guildhall

16 – Eastbourne, Congress Theatre

Dave Mason Releases Children’s Book Inspired By Traffic Song

After more than six decades on the road, singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Mason is embarking on a new creative chapter. The co-founder of groundbreaking band Traffic has announced the release of his first-ever children’s book, Hole In My Shoe, a reimagining of the whimsical 1967 song that launched his extraordinary career.

In September 2025, Dave Mason made the difficult decision to retire from touring after 60 remarkable years, citing ongoing health challenges. While recuperating at his home in Maui, he revisited an idea that had lived quietly with him for decades — transforming his 1967 composition “Hole In My Shoe,” written at just 19 years old, into a children’s book.

“‘Hole In My Shoe’ was the first song I ever wrote,” says Mason. “Released by Traffic in 1967, it spent 14 weeks on the UK charts, climbed to #2, and has carried its charm ever since. Now, it’s been reimagined as a children’s book for all ages. I’ve had the lyrics beautifully illustrated and re-recorded the song, which is included as a download inside the book — and it’s the only way you can hear it.”

The new recording features acclaimed guitarist John McFee of The Doobie Brothers, who also mastered the track, while Mason’s wife, Winifred, lends her voice to the spoken passages, adding a deeply personal touch.

Long celebrated as an “everywhere man,” Mason’s career includes collaborations with Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Graham Nash, Cass Elliot, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie, Spencer Davis Group, and Eric Clapton — a testament to his enduring and far-reaching influence on rock music.

Originally written during his time with Traffic, “Hole In My Shoe” emerged from the band’s free-flowing, experimental spirit. Its surreal lyrics and psychedelic sound helped propel it up the UK charts, becoming the band’s first major hit. Yet despite its success, the song was never performed live due to its complexity, remaining a deeply personal piece in Mason’s catalog.

The roots of the song stretch even further back. As a child, Mason spent 14 months in a hospital, immobilized while recovering from a serious hip condition. During that time, his imagination flourished—an experience he now believes helped shape his early songwriting instincts.

Now, at nearly 80 years old and newly retired from touring, Mason has come full circle.

“It brings great satisfaction,” he reflects, “to revisit my first creative endeavor. A lot of miles and music have happened since then, and that song opened a door to a life bigger and better than I ever imagined.”

Hole In My Shoe is illustrated by Jillian Dister and includes a QR code for a free exclusive download of the updated recording. The project bridges past and present—linking the first song Mason ever wrote with his most recent recording to date.

Though retired from touring, Dave Mason remains creatively engaged in his home studio, revisiting and reworking material from across his six-decade career. He also hosts his monthly NewHD Radio show, Feelin’ Alright, which continues to gain momentum — three episodes have already aired, with episode four set for April 15. The May installment will air on May 8th and is set to celebrate Mason’s 80th birthday, featuring surprise messages from friends and collaborators, along with a curated selection of their favorite Dave Mason songs, making for a truly special broadcast.

With Hole In My Shoe, Dave Mason invites a new generation into his imaginative world proving that even after a lifetime of music, the story is still unfolding.

To purchase the book, head over to davemasonmusic.com/hole-in-my-shoe-book

'Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition' Movie Tickets Available, Trailer Released

 

With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the

band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one

of the most iconic journeys in music history. The film is set to hit theaters on May 7 for a limited time only in the US and Canada and on general wide release throughout the rest of the world. Tickets are now available at ironmaidenfilm.com.

Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.

Check out the official trailer for the film below.

Formed in East London in 1975, Iron Maiden has grown into one of the world’s most influential and enduring rock bands. Across 50 years, they have released 17 studio albums, sold over 100 million records, and performed almost 2,500 concerts in 64 countries.

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition arrives as the band continues its two-year “Run For Your Lives” world tour, which included a triumphant homecoming performance at London Stadium a short distance from where it all began five decades ago.

A recently announced, one-of-a-kind celebration named EddFest in historic Knebworth Park, England, on July 11, forms part of over 50 shows worldwide in 2026.

For more info, visit ironmaiden.com.

John Lennon & Yoko Ono's 1972 NYC 'One To One' Concerts Coming To Cinemas Worldwide

 

Trafalgar Releasing will be bringing Power To The People: John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant's Memory and Special Guests – Live at the One To One Concert, New York City, 1972 to the big screen worldwide this spring. The film is produced by and released in partnership with Mercury Studios.

Representing the only full-length concerts John Lennon, with Yoko Ono, performed after leaving The Beatles, Power To The People: John & Yoko Live in NYC is a multiscreen concert film of two massive Madison Square Garden live shows. This is a film restoration 20 years in the making, with every frame physically and digitally cleaned by hand. This definitive version has been newly restored, re-edited and remixed by the Lennons’ award winning team, led by Sean Ono Lennon.

Tickets for Power To The People: John & Yoko Live in NYC go on sale Friday, March 20 —coinciding with John and Yoko’s 57th wedding anniversary. Fans can visit powertothepeoplefilm.com to purchase tickets. Audio will be in 5.1 Surround or Dolby Atmos® at select locations. Visit the official event website now and sign up for the most current information and event updates.

John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant's Memory and Special Guests performed the One To One concerts on August 30, 1972, to a combined audience of 40,000 people, raising over $1.5M (equivalent to $11.5M in 2026) for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Originally filmed by multi-camera director Steve Gebhardt in 1972, this 2026 version of the concert film is directed by Simon Hilton, edited by Ben Wainwright-Pearce and produced by Peter Worsley and Sean Ono Lennon with a view to creating the film as a multiscreen experience. Music Production is by Sean Ono Lennon; mixed and engineered by Paul Hicks and Sam Gannon. 

The audio multitracks were similarly given the ultimate restoration treatment, having been baked and re-transferred at high resolution by Rob Stevens and then digitally restored and remixed in High Definition 192/24 Stereo, 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos. Hits performed include John’s “New York City,” “Instant Karma!,” “Imagine,” and “Mother,” plus Yoko’s “Don’t Worry Kyoko” and “Open Your Box,” plus rousing renditions of “Come Together” and “Hound Dog,” and the encore “Give Peace a Chance” with special guests including Stevie Wonder, Sha Na Na, Melanie Safka-Schekeryk and many others.

Sean Ono Lennon says: “It was a concert that had a legendary status in my mind, because it was my dad’s last concert. I remember wanting a Les Paul because he played Les Paul during that show. I feel very grateful I got to work on it because he did plan on touring and he didn’t get to, so all we’ve got is this concert. And I think it is very beautiful because it is so unlike what people were doing at the time. Everybody was getting into slicker and slicker stuff in the early ‘70s, and I think my dad was already kind of pre-empting the arrival of punk. He just wanted to go back to basics and be raw and spontaneous and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a very cool thing he was doing that was very against the grain. Maybe not everyone realizes how special it is for me to hear my dad talking or to see him. I grew up with a set number of images and audio clips that everyone’s familiar with. So to come across things that I’ve never seen or heard is really deep for me, because it’s almost like getting more time with my dad.”

On October 10, 2025, the day after John’s 85th birthday, Capitol/UMe released Power To The People, a massive 12-disc box set produced by Sean Ono Lennon and his production team, that chronicles and celebrates John & Yoko’s political activism and their early years in New York City. The new film serves as the definitive companion to that collection, arriving at a time of peak anticipation following the box set and the 2025 documentary One To One: John & Yoko, which documented the rehearsals and preparation for the MSG shows.

National GUITAR Museum Presents “Lifetime Achievement” Award To Ritchie Blackmore

 

The National GUITAR Museum has awarded Ritchie Blackmore, whose career spans more than 60 years, its annual “Lifetime Achievement” Award. Blackmore is the sixteenth recipient of the award.

 

The guitarist, best known for his work with Deep Purple and Rainbow, joins previous award winners including Honeyboy Edwards, Jeff Beck, Bonnie Raitt, Liona Boyd, Jose Feliciano, and B.B. King. Recipients are recognized for a lifetime of contributing to the legacy of the guitar and having a singular historical importance to the development and historical appreciation of the instrument.

 

HP Newquist, NGM executive director issued the following statement: "Most people know Ritchie from being the driving creative force behind two of the defining hard rock bands of all time — Deep Purple and Rainbow. But before starting those bands, he had a long career as a London session musician, performing on records by numerous artists, including The Outlaws. And then—after helping to define hard rock guitar in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s — he formed Blackmore’s Night, incorporating medieval and Renaissance acoustic music into his immense repertoire.”  

 

Blackmore responded: “I’m rather thrown by the magnitude of this honorable award. I am grateful to accept this award and this recognition.”

 

Blackmore’s guitar playing has inspired countless numbers of musicians to follow in his wake, and very few guitarists can match his lifetime of achievements. His influence is pervasive amongst players in a wide variety of genres, from blues-rock and heavy metal on to neoclassical and pop rock. It is conceivable that every electric guitarist on the planet has learned how to play the riff Blackmore came up with for “Smoke On The Water.”

 

Added Newquist, “It’s difficult to find any modern guitarist who has incorporated so many diverse styles into their playing — and then fused them all into something recognizably their own over their entire career. Ritchie was one of the first electric guitarists to add classical melodicism to his playing, along with classical speed and finesse. I think that most of the early '80s guitarists who played lightning fast riffs and claimed to be learning from Bach and Mozart were, in fact, borrowing from Ritchie."

 

Ritchie Blackmore joins previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients:

 

2010: David Honeyboy Edwards

2011: Roger McGuinn

2012: B.B. King 

2013: Vic Flick 

2014: Buddy Guy

2015: Tony Iommi 

2016: Glen Campbell

2017: Bonnie Raitt

2018: Liona Boyd

2019: Jose Feliciano

2020: Eddie Van Halen (in memoriam)

2021: Al Di Meola

2022: Jeff Beck

2023: Tommy Emmanuel

2024: Alex Lifeson

2025: Ritchie Blackmore

For more info about the National GUITAR Museum, visit nationalguitarmuseum.com. 

 

To keep up with Ritchie Blackmore, go to blackmoresnight.com.