Music News Today — September 26, 2026

In a day filled with unexpected announcements and bold statements, the worlds of music and entertainment are buzzing with fresh news. Pearl Jam made a surprise reveal at the Ohana Festival, introducing Abe Laboriel Jr. as their new drummer, and got everyone talking with an electrifying performance alongside their new addition. This move has fans speculating about the band's future direction and how Laboriel Jr.'s style will mesh with their iconic sound.

Meanwhile, other artists and creatives are also making waves. Leon Bridges is shaking up his sound once again, pushing the boundaries of his music. In the realm of film and fashion, notable figures like Isaac Mizrahi and Florence Pugh are speaking out on topics ranging from restoration projects to social justice, showcasing the power of influential voices in sparking conversations and driving change. As the day unfolds, it's clear that the themes of innovation, self-expression, and courage are resonating across various industries.

Today's signal:
• Pearl Jam Surprise Reveal Abe Laboriel Jr. as New Drummer at Ohana Festival (rollingstone.com)
• Pearl Jam Surprise Perform With Drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. at Ohana Festival (rollingstone.com)
• Isaac Mizrahi on the ‘Unzipped’ Restoration, the John Galliano Met Gala Fiasco and Why the ‘Devil Wears Prada’ Cerulean Blue Speech ‘Makes Me Want to Kill Somebody’ (variety.com)
• ‘Control Resonant’ Team on ‘Reverse Symmetry’ of Switching From Jesse to Dylan as Sequel Game’s New Protagonist (variety.com)
• Leon Bridges Shakes Up His Sound Once Again (rollingstone.com)
• Florence Pugh Says ‘I Was Never Scared’ of Publicly Supporting Palestine and ‘I Don’t Know Why It Took So Long’ for Hollywood to ‘Start Talking’ (variety.com)