New releases, tours, movies, and a controversial fashion trend

Being on publicity mailing lists is a double-edged sword. While it is wonderful being “in the know,” it is very easy to get overwhelmed with information overload and have (most) things slip through the cracks. Here are just a few items that we didn’t get to share in the most timely manner.

Billy Joel releases first new single in decades

On Thursday, February 1, the “Piano Man,” himself, officially released his first new single in decades. “Turn The Lights Back On” was written by Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler, Arthur Bacon, Wayne Hector, and, of course, Billy Joel. The track was also produced by Wexler. To learn more about this new single, see a list of upcoming shows, and more, visit Billy Joel’s website.

Avril Lavigne announces “The Greatest Hits” tour

Last month, the Canadian pop-punk legend announced her 2024 North American headliner tour, “Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits.” The 27-date Live Nation-produced tour will start on Wednesday, May 22 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC and end on Monday, Sept 16 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. The artist will be performing “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” “Girlfriend,” “Here’s To Never Growing Up,” and many more anthemic hits. All Time Low and Simple Plan will be joining Avril on select dates as special guests and direct support, while Royal & the Serpent and Girlfriends will appear on select dates as opening acts. For a list of tour stops, which also includes a run of UK and European festivals and special performances, visit Avril’s website.

P!NK announces more dates for the end of 2024

In 2023, P!NK sold nearly 3 million tickets while touring around the world. Currently, the iconic artist is still traveling and performing through Australia and New Zealand with concerts that continue until late March. After a short break, she’ll pick up again in June with a string of performances that will keep her on the road until the end of November. Last month, Live Nation announced additional dates that extend P!NK’s tour till deep in November. During These months, she will be performing with special guests The Script (in select cities) and KidCutUp as support for all dates. For a full list of her 2024 performances, visit P!nk’s website.

Lifetime announces “Terry McMillan Presents” series

As part of the network’s 40th Anniversary, Lifetime announced a new partnership with award-winning, critically acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author Terry McMillan. The series of new original movies will fall under the banner “Terry McMillan Presents.” McMillan is best known for How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Waiting to Exhale.

Previously, Lifetime collaborated with McMillan for A Day Late and a Dollar Short, which featured an all-star cast, including Whoopi Goldberg, Mekhi Phifer, Anika Noni Rose, Kimberly Elise, Tichina Arnold, and Ving Rhames. While the movie titles and casting have yet to be announced, Lifetime reported that the new slate will focus on the love and lives of African American women. 

“As women, we can be messy. We can be complicated. We can be so many things,” McMillan said. “Life is never tied up in a bow, so it’s thrilling to be back in business with Lifetime who allows women to tell our own stories in an authentic way.”

How to brighten your “Mob Wife” baubles

Love it or hate it, the mob-wife aesthetic has reached a tipping point. It is officially a thing. Thanks (once again) to Tik-Tok for another microtrend that will give us pictures to be embarrassed about in years to come. But let’s not think about the future. Live in the moment… no matter how gaudy it is. Now’s the time to pull grandma’s luxurious (hopefully faux) fur coat out of that cedar chest in the attic and drape it over your animal prints and add some leather (again, of the faux variety). With the help of glamorous makeup, an oversized accessory, a few pounds of jewelry, and an aloof attitude, you can complete the look.

But if you want to really make an impression, you gotta make sure that jewelry is attention-getting. Baublerella suggests making sure it sparkles. The Bling Brush, Bauble Bath, and Glitzy Glove are all tools you can use to give those gems a sparkle that is as big as your fictional husband’s rap sheet.

“Imaginary” second trailer: Chauncey the Bear will never leave you

From Blumhouse, the producer of such recent thrillers as Five Nights at Freddy’s and M3gan comes this nightmarish twist on childhood. What if imaginary friends didn’t like being forgotten? Watch this new trailer to see what happens when you neglect the things that were once important to you. Imaginary is only in theaters on March 8.