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Just happened to peak at the off-topic, saw Tom Petty, and thought I'd see what was happening. And, found out he was gone. Really tragic. Always loved his stuff, ever since I first heard Break Down. Loved the grooves and his vocals, and the way he fused into the old souls of rock and roll with Harrison, Lynne, Dylan, and Orbison. Just played sweet rock and roll you could not help but love. Too many great ones have left us in the past 2 years. So sad. RIP Tom.
Now CBS and others have said the death cannot be confirmed.
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This is so prevalent in the entertainment world. Not just music it's everywhere in "Hollywood", acting, music, TV shows, news anchors, everywhere.
Big stars like Prince and MJ surrounded themselves with rabid yes men who will say anything to protect their idol so all this BS comes out about how he treated his body like a temple, nobody ever saw him doing anything etc, etc. All BS.
At least Petty admitted it and we all know the recidivism rate for this, right? Anybody read the Carry Fisher autopsy tox screen results? She writes this book years ago telling all about it, becomes a hero, basks in the glory of coming clean. Right, all BS.
This has nothing to do with their influence, their writing, performances, all the joy they gave to their fans. No, this is my personal rant against the Hollywood hypocrisy about this. I'm using the word Hollywood generically. It could be New York, Nashville, anywhere. If you're not doing this stuff and partying hard as a player, actor or wannabe trying to get your foot in the door, you're out. I'm sure there's exceptions but basically, that's it. It's been that way for 100 years and it's still that way now.
I'm a big fan of music obviously and lots of movies and TV shows. Love them, great performances and entertainment value. BUT, I have no illusions about the personal lives of these people. Enjoy their art but don't waste any time reading or listening to interviews about anything and have zero interest in what they say personally. It's all pure 100%, finest grade BS.
Not the first time the media has incorrectly speculated about someones passing, I would wait until we have official information from his family, manager or himself.
This is so prevalent in the entertainment world. Not just music it's everywhere in "Hollywood", acting, music, TV shows, news anchors, everywhere.
Big stars like Prince and MJ surrounded themselves with rabid yes men who will say anything to protect their idol so all this BS comes out about how he treated his body like a temple, nobody ever saw him doing anything etc, etc. All BS.
At least Petty admitted it and we all know the recidivism rate for this, right? Anybody read the Carry Fisher autopsy tox screen results? She writes this book years ago telling all about it, becomes a hero, basks in the glory of coming clean. Right, all BS.
This has nothing to do with their influence, their writing, performances, all the joy they gave to their fans. No, this is my personal rant against the Hollywood hypocrisy about this. I'm using the word Hollywood generically. It could be New York, Nashville, anywhere. If you're not doing this stuff and partying hard as a player, actor or wannabe trying to get your foot in the door, you're out. I'm sure there's exceptions but basically, that's it. It's been that way for 100 years and it's still that way now.
I'm a big fan of music obviously and lots of movies and TV shows. Love them, great performances and entertainment value. BUT, I have no illusions about the personal lives of these people. Enjoy their art but don't waste any time reading or listening to interviews about anything and have zero interest in what they say personally. It's all pure 100%, finest grade BS.
Bob
So why don't you tell us what you REALLY think Bob! Hehe.
Well, Bob may have sounded insensitive to some of you, but he is essentially correct. How many times are we expected to feel sorry for someone who uses substances that either speed up or slow down the heart until that one time they push a little too hard? How often do we read stories about people who overcome a habit that they chose to partake in, and we are supposed to laud their "courage". Does it take courage to take a loaded gun out of your mouth, or common sense?
It's sad when ANYBODY dies, but reality is that we are all going to die. Natural causes is quite different from dying from something that was a conscious choice. It's just that in the case of "normal" people, only a handful of people will care. In my case, I can count them on less than one hand. (I tend to burn bridges.)
However, all that said, I DO wish news sources like TMZ would fact check before they start rumors. I read that Petty died early in the day. Within an hour it changed to heart attack and he was taken off life support. I don't even know where it stands now. Rolling Stone actually picked up the story from TMZ and incorrectly stated he had died about 2 this afternoon.
I was thinking about him a few day before, wondering how old he is now. Must of pick up the vibes. They come here with so much talent and creativity then leave it here for generations to come, job done, going back home to a higher place. I'm fixing a jukebox at the moment, all working good now and it's got Full Moon Fever and The Wilburys on it playing now as I type.
Hopefully, we can see a bright side to his passing.
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Hopefully, we can see a bright side to his passing.
And hopefully part of that bright side is that if you use drugs and smoke like he did, stop or you may join him when you are short of your 67th birthday, too. He used heroin, cocaine and was a chain smoker for years.
For me I remember driving around at a young age and hearing "Here Comes My Girl" and I'm thinking that's the coolest song I heard since the Beatles, maybe the best song ever! Around 1981 my band went to LA to try to "make it" in the music business, stopped in LA for gas and "The Waiting" is playing on the speakers there and i think, man, we could open for the Heartbreakers, that would be big enough and good enough for me. Of course we never got that far. One of the band members was from the area and at a later time we went to find some parts for something electrical, can't remember, but I'm riding in the passenger seat as we're headed to Reseda. I asked my bandmate if that was Reseda down to the right from the freeway. The freeway was running thru the yard where some kids were tossing a ball. I knew that I was experiencing a moment of inspiration that Tom had. There are many other instances and connections. The first time I listened to Wildflowers and was just blown away with how good it is. It's always worth a listen, end to end.
Today the Philly radio station is playing nothing but Tom Petty, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Mudcrutch. I wanted to just keep driving, best radio I've heard in years.
(edited the town name, as I get older the memory isn't as good, I said Pomona when it was Reseda)
I remember reading Don Felder's (of the Eagles) autobiography where he talked about teaching the neighborhood kid, little Tommmy Petty, how to play guitar.
I'm thinking it took...
John
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
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