Chris Willman
@cwillman.bsky.social
Variety chief music critic and senior writer
The Best Concerts of 2025... I wrote up David Byrne, Dua Lipa, the Who, 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Haim, Halsey, Herb Alpert, Tyler Childers, Paul Simon, Chappell Roan, Dead & Company, Wet Leg, Jesse Welles, Maggie Rose, Rhiannon Giddens and, oh, maybe a few dozen more. variety.com/lists/best-c...
The Best Concerts of 2025
Variety's writers pick the 50 best concerts of 2025, including Beyonce, David Byrne, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, Paul McCartney and the Who.
variety.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:22 AM
The Best Concerts of 2025... I wrote up David Byrne, Dua Lipa, the Who, 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Haim, Halsey, Herb Alpert, Tyler Childers, Paul Simon, Chappell Roan, Dead & Company, Wet Leg, Jesse Welles, Maggie Rose, Rhiannon Giddens and, oh, maybe a few dozen more. variety.com/lists/best-c...
Dr. Possibly
You’re Only a Born Again Christian
Diamonds Are 50% Off
The Spelunker Who Loved Me
Mulchraker
Never Say Trevor Again
Try Another Day
Octogonny
Morongo Casino Royale
A View to a Killers Livestream
Quantum of Weak Sauce
You’re Only a Born Again Christian
Diamonds Are 50% Off
The Spelunker Who Loved Me
Mulchraker
Never Say Trevor Again
Try Another Day
Octogonny
Morongo Casino Royale
A View to a Killers Livestream
Quantum of Weak Sauce
Make a Bond film casual
The Spy Who Liked Me
The Spy Who Liked Me
Make a Bond film casual
A View to a Chill
A View to a Chill
December 26, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Dr. Possibly
You’re Only a Born Again Christian
Diamonds Are 50% Off
The Spelunker Who Loved Me
Mulchraker
Never Say Trevor Again
Try Another Day
Octogonny
Morongo Casino Royale
A View to a Killers Livestream
Quantum of Weak Sauce
You’re Only a Born Again Christian
Diamonds Are 50% Off
The Spelunker Who Loved Me
Mulchraker
Never Say Trevor Again
Try Another Day
Octogonny
Morongo Casino Royale
A View to a Killers Livestream
Quantum of Weak Sauce
It was a pleasure being able to help host an evening with Lady Gaga at the Grammy Museum. She was as warm and wonderful on-stage and off- as you'd hope. I'd written enthusiastically about her "Harlequin Live" concert 15 months ago, and I'm happy everyone will get to see it starting Christmas Eve.
December 24, 2025 at 1:01 AM
It was a pleasure being able to help host an evening with Lady Gaga at the Grammy Museum. She was as warm and wonderful on-stage and off- as you'd hope. I'd written enthusiastically about her "Harlequin Live" concert 15 months ago, and I'm happy everyone will get to see it starting Christmas Eve.
My talk with Lady Gaga about the "Harlequin" concert film is up now...
Lady Gaga to Premiere ‘Harlequin Live’ Christmas Eve on YouTube: ‘By Harlequin Standards, Christmas Is the Perfect Time to Release Something Rebellious,’ She Says (EXCLUSIVE)
Lady Gaga has announced her 'Harlequin Live' concert film will come out on YouTube Christmas Eve. She went in-depth on its making at the Grammy Museum.
variety.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:22 PM
My talk with Lady Gaga about the "Harlequin" concert film is up now...
Variety's annual music books compendium... I wrote up Cameron Crowe's "The Uncool," Barry Mazor's "Blood Harmony: The Everly Brothers Story," Steven Smith's "Hitchcock and Herrmann: The Friendship and Film Scores that Changed Cinema” and Tim Greiving's "John Williams" ... variety.com/2025/music/n...
The Best Music Books of 2025: Cameron Crowe, Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osbourne and More
Title by or about Paul McCartney, Cameron Crowe, Ozzy Osbourne, Yoko Ono, the Cars, Mark Ronson and more are among the year's best music books.
variety.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Variety's annual music books compendium... I wrote up Cameron Crowe's "The Uncool," Barry Mazor's "Blood Harmony: The Everly Brothers Story," Steven Smith's "Hitchcock and Herrmann: The Friendship and Film Scores that Changed Cinema” and Tim Greiving's "John Williams" ... variety.com/2025/music/n...
I interviewed the amazing Steven C. Smith about his great new book, "Hitchcock & Herrmann: The Friendship and Film Scores That Changed Cinema." Hope you'll read our Q&A *and* ask Santa for the book. variety.com/2025/music/n...
‘Hitchcock & Herrmann’: Author Steven C. Smith on His Book About the Greatest Director/Composer Collaboration in Hollywood History, and Why the Two Legends Finally Fell Out
Author Steven C. Smith talks about his absorbing new book, 'Hitchcock and Herrmann: The Friendship and Film Scores that Changed Cinema.'
variety.com
December 14, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I interviewed the amazing Steven C. Smith about his great new book, "Hitchcock & Herrmann: The Friendship and Film Scores That Changed Cinema." Hope you'll read our Q&A *and* ask Santa for the book. variety.com/2025/music/n...
My interview with Nick Mason, remembering the making of "Wish You Were Here" and celebrating the lavish new boxed set. I've talked with both Roger and David on a number of occasions over the years, so I was happy to finally engage Nick in conversation as well. variety.com/2025/music/n...
Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason Recalls the Making of ‘Wish You Were Here,’ as 50th Anniversary Boxed Set Arrives: ‘There Wasn’t a Theme to the Record Until Syd Barrett Visited the Studio’
Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason shares memories of 'Wish You Were Here,' including Syd Barrett's reappearance, as a 50th anniversary boxed set comes out.
variety.com
December 14, 2025 at 4:32 PM
My interview with Nick Mason, remembering the making of "Wish You Were Here" and celebrating the lavish new boxed set. I've talked with both Roger and David on a number of occasions over the years, so I was happy to finally engage Nick in conversation as well. variety.com/2025/music/n...
Fantastic show by Cynthia Erivo last night to reopen the 89-year-old Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, a spectacular way to mark a fresh start after a few years of darkness, fundraising and renovation. variety.com/2025/music/n...
Cynthia Erivo Reopens Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs With Bravura Performance, After Regaining Lost Voice in the Nick of Time: Concert Review
The Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs had its grand reopening after years of renovations with a bravura performance from Cynthia Erivo.
variety.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Fantastic show by Cynthia Erivo last night to reopen the 89-year-old Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, a spectacular way to mark a fresh start after a few years of darkness, fundraising and renovation. variety.com/2025/music/n...
If you've just watched episode 9 of "The Beatles Anthology," or plan to, here's my interview with its director, Oliver Murray, about putting together the new series finale. variety.com/2025/music/n...
‘The Beatles Anthology’ Gets a New Ending: Director Oliver Murray on How Episode 9 Finally Put a Sweeter Cap on the Group’s Historic Docuseries
The Beatles' 'Anthology' is back, on Disney+, with a freshly made episode 9. Director Oliver Murray tells how it got made and puts a cap on the story.
variety.com
November 29, 2025 at 3:33 PM
If you've just watched episode 9 of "The Beatles Anthology," or plan to, here's my interview with its director, Oliver Murray, about putting together the new series finale. variety.com/2025/music/n...
I couldn't be happier (you see what I did there) to bring you my conversation with Stephen Schwartz about "Wicked" and, especially, the two fresh songs he wrote, which are as much about America and the stands we take in it as about Oz. ... variety.com/2025/music/n... via @variety.com
Stephen Schwartz on His Two New ‘Wicked: For Good’ Songs and What They Say About America, Plus Spinoff Prospects: ‘I Might Be Participating in Other Visits to Oz’
'Wicked' composer and co-creator Stephen Schwartz
variety.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:28 PM
I couldn't be happier (you see what I did there) to bring you my conversation with Stephen Schwartz about "Wicked" and, especially, the two fresh songs he wrote, which are as much about America and the stands we take in it as about Oz. ... variety.com/2025/music/n... via @variety.com
Want to read my Elton cover? He's Variety's Philanthropist of the Year for his AIDS Foundation work. We also cover everything from his road retirement to his vision issues; from the "Captain Fantastic" 50th anniversary to what's on his shopping list for Record Store Day. variety.com/2025/music/f...
Elton John Is Still Standing: The Legend on Performing Plans, Loving Chappell Roan and His Legacy of Raising $650 Million for HIV/AIDS
Elton John graces the cover of Variety to break down his retirement of touring, new music and raising $650 million for HIV/AIDS research.
variety.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:33 AM
Want to read my Elton cover? He's Variety's Philanthropist of the Year for his AIDS Foundation work. We also cover everything from his road retirement to his vision issues; from the "Captain Fantastic" 50th anniversary to what's on his shopping list for Record Store Day. variety.com/2025/music/f...
I won a CMA Award. Not a typo! I was surprised by Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. handing me the CMA Media Achievement Award, and I don't imagine I'll get anything that means more to me than something honoring my association with country music. Grateful to every voter who thought I merited it.
Variety’s Chris Willman Honored With Country Music Association Media Achievement Award
Variety senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman was honored with the Country Music Association's Media Achievement Award.
variety.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:01 PM
I won a CMA Award. Not a typo! I was surprised by Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. handing me the CMA Media Achievement Award, and I don't imagine I'll get anything that means more to me than something honoring my association with country music. Grateful to every voter who thought I merited it.
Nothing more fun than devoting some extended conversation to the making of a great album, and learning the details of how the process evolved collaboratively, from beginning to end. I was glad to do that with Blue May, executive producer of Lily Allen's "West End Girl." variety.com/2025/music/n...
Producer Blue May on the Making of Lily Allen’s ‘West End Girl,’ the Year’s Buzziest Album: ‘It’s a Whole Record of Pretty Much Zero Metaphor’
Blue May, the executive producer and co-writer of Lily Allen's 'West End Girl,' talks about the making of what the pop world is calling a masterpiece.
variety.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Nothing more fun than devoting some extended conversation to the making of a great album, and learning the details of how the process evolved collaboratively, from beginning to end. I was glad to do that with Blue May, executive producer of Lily Allen's "West End Girl." variety.com/2025/music/n...
Enjoyed talking with this emerging country artist, who's going to be sticking around... Stephen Wilson Jr., Best New Artist Nominee for CMA Awards, on Why His Maverick ‘Death Cab for Country’ Approach Found a Home at Big Loud Records variety.com/2025/music/n...
Stephen Wilson Jr., Best New Artist Nominee for CMA Awards, on Why His Maverick ‘Death Cab for Country’ Approach Found a Home at Big Loud Records
CMAs nominee Stephen Wilson Jr. and the owners of Big Loud Records talk about his signing with the label and what makes him different in country music.
variety.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Enjoyed talking with this emerging country artist, who's going to be sticking around... Stephen Wilson Jr., Best New Artist Nominee for CMA Awards, on Why His Maverick ‘Death Cab for Country’ Approach Found a Home at Big Loud Records variety.com/2025/music/n...
Talked with Sara Bareilles about this new collaboration... Sara Bareilles on Her Duet With Brandi Carlile, ‘Salt Then Sour Then Sweet,’ Theme Song for ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’: ‘This Film Is Medicinal—It’s Easy to Want to Amplify It’ variety.com/2025/music/n...
Sara Bareilles on Her New Duet With Brandi Carlile, ‘Salt Then Sour Then Sweet,’ Theme Song for ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’: ‘This Film Is Medicinal — It’s Easy to Want to Amplify It’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Sara Bareilles talks about her duet with Brandi Carlile, 'Salt Then Sour Then Sweet,' theme song for the documentary 'Come See Me in the Good Light.'
variety.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Talked with Sara Bareilles about this new collaboration... Sara Bareilles on Her Duet With Brandi Carlile, ‘Salt Then Sour Then Sweet,’ Theme Song for ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’: ‘This Film Is Medicinal—It’s Easy to Want to Amplify It’ variety.com/2025/music/n...
I interviewed two of the principals behind the modern-day Antone's about the Texas club signing a 50-year lease deal for its downtown Austin location, establishing a museum on the second floor, and taking its all-star blues revues into year 51. variety.com/2025/music/n...
Antone’s Nightclub in Austin Seals Its 50th Anniversary With a Landmark 50-Year Lease Deal: How the Blues Mecca Is Moving Into Its Second Half-Century
Antone's, the famed blues-centric club in Texas, is capping its 50th anniversary year with news of a 50-year lease going forward, among other news.
variety.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:38 AM
I interviewed two of the principals behind the modern-day Antone's about the Texas club signing a 50-year lease deal for its downtown Austin location, establishing a museum on the second floor, and taking its all-star blues revues into year 51. variety.com/2025/music/n...
It would always be wonderful to get to talk with Emmylou Harris or Buddy Miller again, but getting them as a two-fer, to discuss the new reissue of "Spyboy," makes my heart triply happy. variety.com/2025/music/n...
Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller on the Historic Tour Captured on New ‘Spyboy’ Live Reissue, and Why the ‘Wrecking Ball’ Era Changed Everything for Her: ‘It Gave Me Another 30 Years’
Emmylou Harris sits with Buddy Miller to discuss the tour they did promoting her landmark 'Wrecking Ball' album, heard in a new live 'Spyboy' reissue.
variety.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
It would always be wonderful to get to talk with Emmylou Harris or Buddy Miller again, but getting them as a two-fer, to discuss the new reissue of "Spyboy," makes my heart triply happy. variety.com/2025/music/n...
I took a look at the history of the Barbra/Judy "Get Happy"/"Happy Days Are Here Again" mashup that Ariana and Cynthia performed on the "Wicked" special tonight, coming up with some other examples of duet partners who've tried to recreate it in the 62-year interim... variety.com/2025/music/n...
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Do Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland Proud With ‘Happy’ Duet on ‘Wicked’ TV Special: The History Behind the Mellifluous Mashup
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sang a mashup of 'Get Happy'/'Happy Days Are Here Again,' first done by Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland in 1963.
variety.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:55 AM
I took a look at the history of the Barbra/Judy "Get Happy"/"Happy Days Are Here Again" mashup that Ariana and Cynthia performed on the "Wicked" special tonight, coming up with some other examples of duet partners who've tried to recreate it in the 62-year interim... variety.com/2025/music/n...
How an 1802 letter from Thomas Jefferson found its way onto "Saturday Night Live," in song... What Was Brandi Carlile Reciting on ‘SNL’? How Thomas Jefferson’s Proclamation About Separating ‘Church & State’ Made It Into a Blazing Rock Song variety.com/2025/music/n... via @variety
What Was Brandi Carlile Reciting on ‘SNL’? How Thomas Jefferson’s Proclamation About Separating ‘Church & State’ Made It Into a Blazing Rock Song
Singing 'Church & State,' 'Saturday Night Live' music guest Brandi Carlile recited a letter by Thomas Jefferson, along with musically referencing U2.
variety.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:43 PM
How an 1802 letter from Thomas Jefferson found its way onto "Saturday Night Live," in song... What Was Brandi Carlile Reciting on ‘SNL’? How Thomas Jefferson’s Proclamation About Separating ‘Church & State’ Made It Into a Blazing Rock Song variety.com/2025/music/n... via @variety
Loved talking with Cameron about a book exploring the stuff that brought him to the dance... Cameron Crowe on ‘The Uncool,’ Memoir of His Teen Journalist Years, and How Patti Smith Inspired Its Prose — Also: What to Expect From His Joni Biopic
Cameron Crowe on ‘The Uncool,’ a Memoir of His Teen Rock Journalist Years, and How Patti Smith Inspired Its Prose — Also: What to Expect From His Joni Biopic
Cameron Crowe discusses 'The Uncool,' a memoir of life as a teen rock journalist, recounting tales of his '70s experiences with David Bowie and others.
variety.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Loved talking with Cameron about a book exploring the stuff that brought him to the dance... Cameron Crowe on ‘The Uncool,’ Memoir of His Teen Journalist Years, and How Patti Smith Inspired Its Prose — Also: What to Expect From His Joni Biopic
Here's the most popular musician I will interview all year, probably: Dieter Ruehle!... Dodgers Organist Dieter Ruehle on His Witty, Spontaneous Song Picks and Keeping Up With the Series’ Epic Game 3: ‘The Game Isn’t Scripted — What’s Better Than Live Accompaniment?’ variety.com/2025/music/n...
Dodgers Organist Dieter Ruehle on His Witty, Spontaneous Song Picks, and Keeping Up With the Series’ Epic Game 3: ‘The Game Isn’t Scripted — What’s Better Than Live Accompaniment?’
Dodgers organist Dieter Ruehle talks about his amusing choices of song snippets for the World Series, especially that nearly 'All Night Long' Game 3.
variety.com
October 29, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Here's the most popular musician I will interview all year, probably: Dieter Ruehle!... Dodgers Organist Dieter Ruehle on His Witty, Spontaneous Song Picks and Keeping Up With the Series’ Epic Game 3: ‘The Game Isn’t Scripted — What’s Better Than Live Accompaniment?’ variety.com/2025/music/n...
I talked to Brad Paisley this afternoon about his unbroken streak of performing National Anthems before World Series games that go into overtime, including last night's epic... "I’m available also for football. I’d like to see that go into more quarters, as well.” variety.com/2025/music/n...
Brad Paisley on Singing the Anthem Before the Only Two 18-Inning Games in World Series History: ‘I Had No Idea There Would Be Major Cosmic Ramifications’
Country star and Dodgers fan Brad Paisley has now sung the national anthem at the two longest World Series games ever: 'Call me Mr. More Baseball.'
variety.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:31 AM
I talked to Brad Paisley this afternoon about his unbroken streak of performing National Anthems before World Series games that go into overtime, including last night's epic... "I’m available also for football. I’d like to see that go into more quarters, as well.” variety.com/2025/music/n...
Love this album even more than I thought I would, and I thought I'd love it... Lily Allen’s ‘West End Girl’ Is a Stunner — A Divorce Album That Feels Like a Stage Drama Unfolding in Real Time, but With Bops: Album Review variety.com/2025/music/a... via @variety
Lily Allen’s ‘West End Girl’ Is a Stunner — A Divorce Album That Feels Like a Stage Drama Unfolding in Real Time, but With Bops: Album Review
Lily Allen's 'West End Girl' is a divorce album of such brutal honesty that it's compulsively listenable -- with great hooks and production on top of the shock value.
variety.com
October 26, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Love this album even more than I thought I would, and I thought I'd love it... Lily Allen’s ‘West End Girl’ Is a Stunner — A Divorce Album That Feels Like a Stage Drama Unfolding in Real Time, but With Bops: Album Review variety.com/2025/music/a... via @variety
Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska '82" is one of the most rewarding retrospective projects he's put out. If nothing else, thank you to Scott Cooper for maybe having finally forced his hand!
Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska ’82’ Offers a Highly Rewarding Trip Down Some Highways Not Taken: Album Review
Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska '82' offers the satisfaction of material long rumored as 'Electric Nebraska," but also solo outtakes just as fascinating.
variety.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska '82" is one of the most rewarding retrospective projects he's put out. If nothing else, thank you to Scott Cooper for maybe having finally forced his hand!