Monthly Archives: November 2025

Gene Simmons is thinking wistfully. He wonders how he could have done things differently regarding two former KISS bandmates, Peter Criss and the late Ace Frehley. Per People, at the KiSS Kruise in Las Vegas on November 16, Simmons, 76, mused about what might have been. Per the outlet, he said, “If I have any […]

The post Gene Simmons Regrets Not Being Firmer With Two KISS Bandmates: “Tough Love Is a Good Idea” appeared first on Wide Open Country.

Alice and Ellen Kessler, the famous showgirls from the 50s and 60s both passed away on the same day, aged 89

The post “A Nation Mourns” as Famed Identical Twin Duo Both Die on the Same Day: “They Had Chosen To End Their Lives Together” appeared first on Wide Open Country.

Spencer Lofranco, 33, last appeared in the 2018 rendition of “Gotti” where he shared the screen with legendary actor John Travolta

The post John Travolta Co-Star and Budding Actor Dead at 33 appeared first on Wide Open Country.

Whoops… Joe Rogan let the “Red Clay Strays new album in 2026” cat out of the bag a little early. Back in September, the country rock band from Mobile, Alabama were out in Joe Rogan’s neck of the woods to join in on the popular podcaster’s show. Brandon Coleman (frontman), Andy Bishop (Bassist) and Drew Nix (guitarist) all sat down on The Joe Rogan Experience and discussed their careers, how the band formed, names the group almost went by, their […]

The post The Red Clay Strays Confirm That Joe Rogan Wasn’t Supposed To Break The News About Their New Album On His Podcast first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Only Willie Nelson. This week, the legendary Mickey Raphael is a guest on the Drifting Cowboy podcast, and of course, he is Willie’s longtime harmonica player, and has been in Willie’s band since 1973. He was there since Willie returned to Texas and started making a name for himself in Austin and beyond, as the pioneer of the country outlaw movement alongside his fellow country icon Waylon Jennings. So of course, back in the glory days of the ’70s when […]

The post Willie Nelson’s Longtime Harmonica Player Mickey Raphael Recalls He & Willie Getting A Ride To A Venue From The Hells Angels first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Kenny Chesney’s tribute and Riley Green’s new love interest are just two things that require a bit more explaining. Continue reading…

Jelly Roll looks very different these days. He lost a tremendous amount of weight. Then he shaved off his trademark beard. That was a shocker! Fans who liked the furry-faced appearance of the popular crooner were taken aback. One country star who wants Jelly Roll to grow the beard again is Shaboozey. Per People via […]

The post Country Music Star Pleads With Jelly Roll To Grow His Facial Hair Again: “We Miss the Beard, Man” appeared first on Wide Open Country.

There were plenty of country music stars in attendance at the 59th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville last night.  Riley Green arrived with his rumored girlfriend, Bryana Ferringer. Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley also walked down the red carpet. Kelsea Ballerini, LeAnn Rimes, and Megan Moroney were also in attendance.  But perhaps more noticeable were those who didn’t come […]

The post Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, and These Other Stars Were Noticeably Absent From the CMA Awards—But Why? appeared first on Wide Open Country.

Lainey Wilson had a night she and we will never forget at the 59th CMA Awards on November 19. She did an outstanding job of hosting the celebratory event solo. The “Somewhere Over Laredo” singer was vivacious, gracious, and lively, infusing the occasion with her easygoing charm and wit. She picked up honors for Female […]

The post Lainey Wilson Blasts Naysayers Who Invent Rivalry Between Female Country Stars: “Y’all Need To Find Something Better To Do” appeared first on Wide Open Country.

Voting totals are never released, but I’d bet it wasn’t even close. Continue reading…