👋 Hey noise lovers — welcome back to Fans With Benefits, your weekly reminder that behind every riff, breakdown, and pop chorus, there’s a story worth screaming (or crying) along to — and probably a tour bus already en route. The 2025 tour floodgates? Busted wide open. Avril’s dusting off her ties for a Greatest Hits victory lap, Yungblud’s back to scream through your feelings, and Nathaniel Rateliff just turned his MSG comeback into a quiet triumph of resilience. But this week’s biggest power moves aren’t just onstage — Rateliff nearly pulled the plug on his tour before clawing his way back with therapy and grit, while Eddie Vedder turns a hometown concert doc into a rally cry for a cure. Stadium dreams, backstage breakdowns, and a cause worth crowd-surfing for — it’s all here.

Here’s what’s buzzing:

• Rateliff Nearly Quits Before MSG

• Vedder Turns Premiere Into Fundraiser

• 10+ Events

  • Steve Miller Band

  • Rob Thomas

  • Avril Lavigne

  • Djo

  • Benson Boone

So pour another coffee (or crack that first concert beer), scroll on, and plug into the week. 🎧

🤘 Backstage Pass

After Nearly Canceling His Tour—Nathaniel Rateliff Played Madison Square Garden

 Nathaniel Rateliff is no stranger to soul-stirring anthems and late-night tearjerkers, but behind the beard and bourbon voice was a storm of anxiety that nearly wiped out his entire tour. At the height of what should've been career glory—headlining MSG, fresh album South of Here—he was close to canceling it all. “I thought I wasn’t going to tour at all,” he admitted, crediting therapy, sobriety, and some serious soul-searching for getting him back onstage. His new music video for the title track dives headfirst into the emotional turbulence, offering both gravitas and goofiness (yes, he falls into a river on camera). 🌊

Now, Rateliff’s taking the lessons he earned the hard way and giving back as a curator and mentor at the legendary Newport Folk Festival. Think Pete Seeger vibes, with a modern twist—he’s pushing for more hip-hop on the lineup and spotlighting emerging singer-songwriters like Hannah Cohen and Duff Thompson. It’s part healing, part homage, and all heart. “I want to make myself available to younger artists,” he says, hoping to steer others away from the pitfalls that nearly undid him. From soulful jams to stepping into the Big Brother role, Rateliff’s evolution hits all the right notes. Don’t miss out. Get tickets here. 🎶

🫶 Artists Doing Good

Eddie Vedder’s Documentary: Rocking for a Cure from Seattle to Tribeca

Eddie Vedder is turning a hometown show into a global call for compassion. His new documentary Matter of Time premieres June 12 at the Tribeca Festival, spotlighting his mission to fund research for Epidermolysis Bullosa — a rare and often devastating skin disorder. More than just a concert film, Matter of Time blends the raw intimacy of Vedder’s acoustic performances at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall with deeply personal stories from families affected by EB, leading scientists, and advocates. Directed by Matt Finlin, the film underscores the urgency and emotional stakes of the cause, while showcasing Vedder’s longtime commitment through the EB Research Partnership, the nonprofit he co-founded. To take the impact further, Vedder’s teamed with Fandiem for a fan-driven sweepstakes. Donations support EB research — and double as entries to win a flyaway trip to the premiere, including VIP tickets, a private acoustic performance, signed merch, and a red carpet photo op. It’s music with a mission — and a chance to stand up for a cure.

📢 Sound Off

🗳️ Cast your vote, and yes—we know you’ve got opinions. Let’s hear ’em.

🎶 Event Radar

Steve Miller Band – 2025 North American Tour 

Classic rock’s smoothest hitmakers are back with 22 new dates added to their coast-to-coast run. From state fairs to icons like Jones Beach and the Honda Center, Steve Miller Band is bringing timeless jams, stellar solos, and plenty of singalongs. Catch a night of laid-back legends doing what they do best.

Get tickets here

Rob Thomas – The All Night Days Tour

Mr. “Smooth” himself is sliding back into the spotlight with a solo tour that blends Matchbox Twenty nostalgia with grown-up pop rock polish. Expect a night of heartfelt hits, slick vocals, and maybe a tequila-fueled dance moment (Santana optional). It’s the kind of show your mom and your Spotify Wrapped would approve of.

Get tickets here

Avril Lavigne – Greatest Hits Tour

The pop-punk queen is extending her victory lap, and yes — your teenage self is screaming. Avril’s Greatest Hits 2025 tour is stacked with fan-favorite anthems (“Sk8er Boi,” anyone?) and special guests like Simple Plan and We The Kings. Whether you're reliving your Hot Topic era or introducing Gen Alpha to peak mall punk, this show is a glittery punch of nostalgia.

Get tickets here

Djo – Back On You World Tour

Psych-pop shapeshifter Djo is back to bend minds and melt hearts with a tour that feels like stepping into a neon-lit dream. Joe Keery channels vintage vibes, cosmic synths, and just enough existential wonder to make your brain dance. It’s part sci-fi soundtrack, part therapy session — and all groove.

Get tickets here

Benson Boone – American Heart Tour

TikTok’s favorite heartbreak crooner heads out on his first major headlining tour, blending emotional ballads with pop hooks that hit harder than a breakup text. Expect heart-on-sleeve ballads, soaring vocals, and pop hooks that hit like a late-night text from your ex. It’s emotional, melodic, and made for singing (and maybe sobbing) along.

Get tickets here

• Peter Bjorn and John – Writer’s Block Album Tour – Indie pop’s Swedish sweethearts are reviving their iconic Writer’s Block album live — whistles, wistfulness, and all — for a nostalgia trip that’s as catchy as ever. Get tickets here

• Gogol Bordello – European Tour – Gypsy punk legends Gogol Bordello return with a wild, accordion-fueled riot of Balkan beats, sweat-soaked singalongs, and frontman Eugene Hütz’s untamed charisma. It’s chaotic, cathartic, and completely unforgettable. Get tickets here

• Yungblud – the world tour – UK alt-rock firestarter Yungblud is back with a 2025 world tour full of punk energy, glam chaos, and emotional release. Eyeliner, mosh pits, and big feelings guaranteed. Get tickets here

• Cannibal Corpse – North American Tour – Death metal’s fiercest are back on the road in 2025, bringing blast beats, guttural growls, and mosh pit mayhem to cities across North America. Brutal, loud, and not for the timid. Get tickets here

• Bladee – Martyr World Tour – Drain Gang’s enigmatic frontman is hitting the road for his biggest global tour yet. From Australia to North America, Bladee brings his hypnotic, genre-blurring sound to life in a rare live run that spans cult-favorite venues and major cities alike. Get tickets here

🎤 Mic Drop

The Beatles released their final album on this day, May 8, in 1970. Let It Be wasn’t just a record—it was a farewell letter sealed in harmony, heartbreak, and a whole lot of history. Read more here. 🎶

That’s a wrap for this week! Until next time, catch you in the pit—or next week’s email. 🎵🔥 

Signing off,

The Fandiem Team