With solo projects, other bands and a massive Creed reunion between them, there were whispers that Alter Bridge might be on the way out. Instead they regrouped, faced the dark side of our times, put their foot on the gas and recorded a brilliant new album.

The tour hasn’t even happened yet, but if 2025 is remembered for one thing, it most likely will be Rush announcing they were going back out on the road, with German drummer Anika Nilles, for their R50 shows.

Long-awaited returns, new albums and tours, festival headliners, fresh faces… here are just 26 reasons to be cheerful in 2026.

Steeleye Span have had a shifting line-up over ...

PRESS Gluecifer Same Drug New High STEAMHAMMER Bringing ...

A key figure in 70s pub rock is back with more songs “about politics or idiots with fingers on buttons”.