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  • Utah Singer Almost Eliminated on The Voice — Then Niall Horan Stepped In

    Utah Singer Almost Eliminated on The Voice — Then Niall Horan Stepped In

    Sadie Dahl, a 20-year-old singer from Draper, Utah, made an unforgettable impression during her blind audition on The Voice, earning praise from country legend Reba McEntire, who declared Dahl could “definitely win this thing.”

    But the journey wasn’t without its bumps. In the next round, Dahl faced a nail-biting Battle performance that nearly ended her time on the show. This season’s twist allowed contestants to pick their own partners for the Battle round, and Dahl teamed up with fellow Team Snoop Dogg member Tori Lorene to perform Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain.” Both were powerhouse singers, which left coach Snoop Dogg struggling to choose a winner.

    Leading up to the performance, Dahl admitted she worried this could be the end of her run. “I like to be optimistic, but that thought was definitely in the back of my mind,” she told the Deseret News.

    When the duo hit the stage, Dahl’s rich lower register blended beautifully with Lorene’s soaring vocals, earning a standing ovation from all four coaches. Niall Horan described it as “something very, very special,” while McEntire and Michael Bublé hinted they would have picked Lorene as the winner. Snoop Dogg ultimately followed suit, naming Lorene the Battle winner.

    But Dahl’s story wasn’t over. Unbeknownst to viewers, Horan had been saving his “steal” for her. The moment he hit the red button to add her to his team, he exclaimed, “It’s time to come home!” Off-camera, Horan’s excitement continued, and Dahl recalled him shouting “Finally!” as she joined his team. She felt valued and supported, ready to tackle the Knockout rounds with renewed confidence.

    Dahl’s journey on The Voice began with a stunning blind audition where all four coaches turned their chairs after she performed Black Pumas’ “Colors.” Her soulful R&B style, uncommon for someone from Utah, wowed everyone, surprising many who might have expected a more country or pop sound.

    A graduate of Lone Peak High School, Dahl honed her craft at Utah’s Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse for three years. “Stepping out of that, I knew this is what I love to do,” she said. Now, performing on a national stage, Dahl is living out a dream she once thought was out of reach. “I’m still pinching myself, trying to believe that it actually happened,” she admitted.

    Sadie Dahl’s journey is a testament to talent, persistence, and the thrill of second chances—proof that sometimes, when doors close, another one opens in the most unexpected way.

  • Lady Gaga Stuns Fans with Electrifying “Gimme Shelter” Duet with The Rolling Stones

    Lady Gaga Stuns Fans with Electrifying “Gimme Shelter” Duet with The Rolling Stones

    In 2012, the Rolling Stones once again proved why they’re the heartbeat of rock ‘n’ roll. Taking over New Jersey’s Prudential Center for a special concert celebrating their GRRR! greatest hits album, the band delivered a night packed with timeless anthems, iconic guests, and pure musical magic.

    The crowd was already on fire when the unmistakable opening chords of “Gimme Shelter” echoed through the arena. But when Lady Gaga strutted onto the stage—decked out in sky-high heels and fierce energy—the place erupted. Matching Mick Jagger’s legendary swagger move for move, Gaga didn’t just sing the part—she owned it. Her wild, free-spirited dancing and powerhouse vocals turned the performance into an instant classic. One fan summed it up perfectly: “Gaga is mighty—she held her own with the Stones.”

    The surprises didn’t stop there. Throughout the night, the Stones welcomed an all-star lineup, including The Black Keys, John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr., and Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen’s duet on “Tumbling Dice” was especially powerful—a joyful, full-circle moment for “The Boss,” who has often credited the Stones as one of his earliest inspirations. Watching him sing and play alongside Ronnie Wood and Mick Jagger, it was clear this was more than a performance—it was a tribute from one legend to another.

    For over six decades, the Rolling Stones have connected generations through their music. Parents and kids still sing along to the same hits, proving that great rock never fades—it only gets louder. Their 2012 show in New Jersey wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of legacy, influence, and the unbreakable spirit of rock.

    Even years later, the videos from that night continue to rack up millions of views—because moments like that don’t come around often. They’re reminders of why the Stones remain, quite simply, the greatest rock band in the world.

  • Bruce Springsteen Joins The Rolling Stones for an Unforgettable Rock in Rio Performance

    Bruce Springsteen Joins The Rolling Stones for an Unforgettable Rock in Rio Performance

    When rock legends collide, you know something special is about to happen. That’s exactly what went down at Lisbon’s Rock in Rio festival when the Rolling Stones surprised fans with an unexpected guest — Bruce Springsteen himself. The crowd roared as The Boss strolled onstage, guitar in hand, ready to join Mick Jagger for a powerhouse duet of the Stones’ classic “Tumbling Dice.” The performance crackled with raw energy — Jagger’s swagger and Springsteen’s soul feeding off each other in a moment that felt both effortless and electric.

    Rumors of a collaboration had started swirling earlier that day when Springsteen’s wife, Patti Scialfa, posted a throwback photo tagging Lisbon, hinting that something was up. By the time Bruce hit the stage, the anticipation had built to a fever pitch — and the result didn’t disappoint.

    Rolling Stones Bring Out Bruce Springsteen for 'Tumbling Dice'

    The concert was only the Stones’ second live show since the passing of Jagger’s longtime partner, L’Wren Scott, making the night even more meaningful. The chemistry between the two rock icons — both veterans of decades-long careers — was undeniable. Their shared smiles and traded verses were pure joy, reminding fans why they’ve both earned their legendary status.

    Covered by Bruce Springsteen

    Of course, this wasn’t the first time the two had teamed up. They previously shared the stage in 2012 during the Stones’ Newark show, performing the same song as part of a star-studded lineup that also featured Lady Gaga and the Black Keys.

    Springsteen’s admiration for the Stones runs deep — he’s covered their hits “Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Street Fighting Man” over the years. But this Rock in Rio moment felt different — spontaneous, fiery, and unforgettable.

    For fans lucky enough to be there, it wasn’t just another concert. It was history — two legends, one stage, and a reminder that rock and roll still knows how to surprise us.

  • Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Leave Fans Speechless at the Greek Theatre

    Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Leave Fans Speechless at the Greek Theatre

    Robert Plant and Alison Krauss reunited in Los Angeles for a night that reminded fans just how powerful their musical chemistry truly is. Returning to the iconic Greek Theatre for the first time since their Grammy-winning 2008 tour, the duo delivered a breathtaking mix of old favorites and fresh takes on classics.

    Their setlist flowed effortlessly between songs from Raising Sand (2007) and Raise the Roof (2021), with three beautifully reimagined Led Zeppelin tunes woven in. Though they come from completely different worlds—Plant, the rock legend, and Krauss, the bluegrass virtuoso—their voices intertwined like they were always meant to meet.

    Robert Plant, Alison Krauss on Resuming a Long-Reawaited Collaboration

    Backed by a stellar band led by guitarist JD McPherson and drummer Jay Bellerose, every song felt alive. McPherson’s vintage tone and Bellerose’s creative percussion grounded the performance, while Stuart Duncan and Viktor Krauss (Alison’s brother) added warmth and depth with fiddle and bass.

    The night’s standout moments included haunting renditions of “The Battle of Evermore” and “When the Levee Breaks,” where Krauss’ ethereal vocals and violin filled the hillside air. A twangy, foot-stomping take on “Rock and Roll” brought smiles early in the set, proving that even Zeppelin can sound right at home in Nashville style.

    While Krauss let the music do most of the talking, Plant charmed the crowd with his humor and reflections on their years apart. They closed the night with “Can’t Let Go,” a rollicking encore that had everyone on their feet — a joyful reminder that timeless music never fades, it just keeps finding new ways to shine.

  • Ace Frehley’s Psychic Warning Before His Death Has Fans Stunned

    Ace Frehley’s Psychic Warning Before His Death Has Fans Stunned

    Ace Frehley, the legendary KISS guitarist known to millions as “The Spaceman,” was full of optimism and plans for the future just months before his sudden passing at age 74.

    In one of his final interviews, published by The Aquarian in March 2025, Ace shared that a psychic had given him a surprisingly hopeful message — one that now feels both touching and eerie in hindsight.

    “I just spoke to a psychic,” he said with a laugh. “She goes, ‘Ace, you’re going to live to be a hundred.’ So I said, ‘No problem!’”

    At the time, he had every reason to believe it. “Luckily, I have good genes,” he continued. “My dad lived to be 96, my mom lived to be 86, and her older sister made it to 99. We’ve got longevity on both sides.”

    When KISS rose to prominence in the 1970s, they stood out with their theatrical stage presence; pictured in 1975

    Ace was also thrilled to be back on stage after a long recovery from a serious arm injury he suffered in a fall. “It’s been a struggle because I landed on my right arm — that’s the one I strum with,” he explained. “So it feels great to be back. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would ever get back to the way it used to be.”

    Performing again meant the world to him. As he prepared for another show in New York, he reflected on his incredible journey and lasting influence.

    The band's over-the-top makeup and larger-than-life personas set them apart from the era's other rock acts

    “I think my legacy’s going to live on for hundreds of years,” he said confidently. “I do what I do very well — and I’ve earned the respect of my peers.”

    And he wasn’t wrong. Since co-founding KISS in 1973, Ace helped shape one of the most iconic bands in rock history. His “Spaceman” persona — alongside Gene Simmons’ “The Demon,” Paul Stanley’s “Starchild,” and Peter Criss’ “Catman” — became larger than life, redefining what a rock performance could be.

    Ace’s talent extended far beyond the makeup and fireworks. His guitar work, songwriting, and stage energy helped fuel KISS’s rise in the 1970s and secured his place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

    The legendary guitarist died in Morristown, New Jersey after suffering a devastating brain bleed that left him on life support; pictured in 2018

    Tragically, the rock world lost him far too soon. Frehley passed away in Morristown, New Jersey, after suffering a severe brain bleed that left him on life support. According to reports, the injury stemmed from a fall in his home studio weeks earlier. Surrounded by family, he was peacefully taken off life support.

    Ace Frehley’s story began with an electric guitar and a dream — and ended with a legacy that will echo through rock history. Even in his final days, he faced life with humor, courage, and that unmistakable spark that made him a legend.

    The psychic may have been wrong about the number, but in spirit, Ace Frehley will indeed live to be a hundred — and then some.

  • Bob Seger Stuns Crowd with Surprise Performance of “Heartache Tonight”

    Bob Seger Stuns Crowd with Surprise Performance of “Heartache Tonight”

    This weekend, the Eagles soared once again, proving that some bands are simply too timeless to fade. Following the heartbreaking loss of Glenn Frey, many thought the magic might never return. But in true Eagles fashion, they came back stronger than ever — joined by Vince Gill and Glenn’s son, Deacon Frey, who carried his father’s spirit with every note.

    Then came the moment that sent the crowd into pure rock ’n’ roll bliss: Bob Seger walked on stage.

    Here's How Bob Seger Helped The Eagles Create A Hit

    The audience roared as Seger, grinning ear to ear, joined the Eagles for a powerful rendition of “Heartache Tonight.” From the very first chord, the energy was electric — a perfect blend of Seger’s gravelly soul and the Eagles’ flawless harmonies. He danced, laughed, and poured every ounce of heart into the song, as if channeling five decades of friendship and music history in one incredible moment.

    💡 Fun fact: “Heartache Tonight” was actually born from a jam session between Glenn Frey and J.D. Souther. The two were listening to Sam Cooke songs when they called Seger just to sing him the first verse. Without missing a beat, Seger shouted back what would become the chorus — and just like that, a classic was born.

    Bob Seger makes surprise appearance at Country Music Hall of Fame induction – 106.5 The Arch

    Seger went on to co-write the hit for The Long Run album in 1979, even lending his voice to the original recording. His bond with Glenn Frey lasted more than 50 years, and their friendship echoed through every word of this live performance.

    As Seger belted out the final chorus, it wasn’t just music — it was a tribute, a reunion, and a reminder that true rock legends never really leave us. They live on in the songs, in the memories, and in nights like this one.

    Because when Bob Seger and the Eagles share a stage, it isn’t just a concert.
    It’s rock and roll — alive, loud, and forever.

  • From Small Town Stage to Big-Time Spotlight: 4-Year-Old Amelia Wins Hearts — and Lainey Wilson’s Attention

    From Small Town Stage to Big-Time Spotlight: 4-Year-Old Amelia Wins Hearts — and Lainey Wilson’s Attention

    In the little town of Viburnum, Missouri — home to just 600 people — 4-year-old Amelia stole the show and the internet’s heart after her adorable performance of Lainey Wilson’s “Somewhere Over Laredo” at her community’s annual Tiny Tot Pageant.

    Each year, the pageant takes place during the town’s fall festival, giving preschoolers a chance to show off their talents. Last year, Amelia wowed everyone by shooting a toy bow and arrow at a pretend deer, winning the crown. This year, she returned — not to compete, but to retire her crown with a new skill: singing.

    It was her first time performing for a crowd, but you’d never know it. Dressed in sparkly pink bell bottoms, a matching cowboy hat, a Lainey Wilson tee, and a fringe vest, Amelia strutted onto the stage with confidence that could light up a stadium. Then she began to sing — and every person in the audience was instantly spellbound.

    Amelia Wigger; Photos Provided

    “She said she wasn’t scared or nervous at all!” her mom, Averie, told Country Now. “We were so proud of her courage.”

    Music has always come naturally to Amelia. “She’s been singing since she could hum at a year old,” Averie said. “She can hear a song once and know all the lyrics right away. She even knows every song on Lainey’s Whirlwind album!”

    @averiewigger

    My 4 year old singing Lainey Wilson at our home town pageant Friday night!! #toddlersoftiktok #toddler #laineywilson #laineywilsonmusic #countrymusic

    ♬ original sound – Averie Wigger

    Amelia’s love for Lainey Wilson made her song choice an easy one. “She says Lainey has blonde hair like her and rides horses like her — and she wants to be just like her when she grows up,” Averie added.

    The performance was captured on video and shared on TikTok — and from there, everything changed. The clip exploded with over 100,000 views and hundreds of comments cheering on the pint-sized performer. But the best part? Lainey Wilson herself noticed.

    Amelia Wigger; Photos Provided

    The country superstar commented, “Superstar!! Killlllllled it sister 💪🤍” — and even shared the video on her Instagram story, introducing Amelia to thousands of new fans.

    “When Lainey first commented, we almost cried,” Averie admitted. “And when she reposted it — we were shaking! When I told Amelia, she said, ‘Mom, you mean REAL Lainey Wilson?’ It was so funny and so sweet.”

    Next up for little Amelia? Seeing her hero live. On October 16, she’ll be heading to Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind Tour stop in St. Louis, Missouri — her very first concert.

    “I can’t wait to see her face when she hears Lainey live,” Averie said with excitement. “It’s going to be such a special night.”

    From a small-town pageant to viral fame, Amelia’s story is a reminder that dreams can start early — and sometimes, all it takes is a song, a smile, and a little pink fringe to set them in motion.

    Amelia Wigger; Photos Provided

  • Robert Irwin Brings Viewers to Tears as He Opens Up About His Late Father Steve Irwin and the Legacy That Still Shapes His Life Today

    Robert Irwin Brings Viewers to Tears as He Opens Up About His Late Father Steve Irwin and the Legacy That Still Shapes His Life Today

    Robert Irwin Opens Up About His Father Steve Irwin in a Heartfelt Interview

    The studio was calm, filled with cameras and quiet chatter — but when Robert Irwin began to speak, something changed. His voice carried the same warmth and kindness that once made his father, Steve Irwin, a global icon. And as he spoke about his dad, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

    Robert Irwin makes emotional admission about father Steve Irwin | New Idea

    The studio was calm, filled with cameras and quiet chatter — but when Robert Irwin began to speak, something changed. His voice carried the same warmth and kindness that once made his father, Steve Irwin, a global icon. And as he spoke about his dad, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

    Robert, now in his early 20s, has spent his life carrying on the incredible legacy of his father, the “Crocodile Hunter.” In a recent interview, he shared how deeply he still feels his father’s presence, even years after Steve’s passing in 2006.

    Robert Irwin breaks down after receiving message from late father Steve on his 19th birthday | Daily Mail Online

    “I still talk to him sometimes,” Robert said softly. “Not out loud, but in my mind. I tell him about the new animals, about the rescues, and about how we’re still keeping his dream alive.” His voice trembled slightly as he added, “I think he’d be proud of how far we’ve come. But more than that — I hope he knows we’re still doing it with the same love he taught us.”

    The audience was silent, deeply moved. Many of them had grown up watching Steve Irwin wrestle crocodiles, rescue wildlife, and share his endless enthusiasm for nature. Now, they were seeing that same spark in his son — a spark shaped by both love and loss.

    When asked what he misses most about his dad, Robert didn’t talk about the adventures or the fame. “What I miss most are the small things,” he said. “Sitting by the river, fishing. Talking about clouds. The way he’d point out a bird and tell me its story. Those were the real adventures.”

    Robert Irwin breaks down after receiving message from late father Steve on his 19th birthday | Daily Mail Online

    Robert went on to explain how grief has changed for him over the years. “Some days, I still expect him to walk through the door and yell, ‘Crikey!’” he said with a soft laugh. “But then I realize — he is here. In everything we do. In every animal we save. In every kid who grows up loving nature because of him.”

    Through tears and smiles, Robert shared that his mission isn’t to become his father, but to live like him. “The best way to honor Dad,” he said, “is to care, to protect, to laugh loudly, and to love this planet as much as he did.”

    By the end of the interview, the studio was quiet again — not because people didn’t know what to say, but because they felt every word. It wasn’t just a son remembering his dad. It was a reminder of how one man’s love for the natural world continues to inspire millions — and how his legacy lives on in his son’s gentle heart and fierce dedication.

    Robert Irwin holds back tears after seeing father Steve's wax figure | The Independent

    Steve Irwin may be gone, but through Robert, his spirit still shines as brightly as ever.

    Robert, now in his early 20s, has spent his life carrying on the incredible legacy of his father, the “Crocodile Hunter.” In a recent interview, he shared how deeply he still feels his father’s presence, even years after Steve’s passing in 2006.

    “I still talk to him sometimes,” Robert said softly. “Not out loud, but in my mind. I tell him about the new animals, about the rescues, and about how we’re still keeping his dream alive.” His voice trembled slightly as he added, “I think he’d be proud of how far we’ve come. But more than that — I hope he knows we’re still doing it with the same love he taught us.”

    The audience was silent, deeply moved. Many of them had grown up watching Steve Irwin wrestle crocodiles, rescue wildlife, and share his endless enthusiasm for nature. Now, they were seeing that same spark in his son — a spark shaped by both love and loss.

    When asked what he misses most about his dad, Robert didn’t talk about the adventures or the fame. “What I miss most are the small things,” he said. “Sitting by the river, fishing. Talking about clouds. The way he’d point out a bird and tell me its story. Those were the real adventures.”

    Robert went on to explain how grief has changed for him over the years. “Some days, I still expect him to walk through the door and yell, ‘Crikey!’” he said with a soft laugh. “But then I realize — he is here. In everything we do. In every animal we save. In every kid who grows up loving nature because of him.”

    Through tears and smiles, Robert shared that his mission isn’t to become his father, but to live like him. “The best way to honor Dad,” he said, “is to care, to protect, to laugh loudly, and to love this planet as much as he did.”

    By the end of the interview, the studio was quiet again — not because people didn’t know what to say, but because they felt every word. It wasn’t just a son remembering his dad. It was a reminder of how one man’s love for the natural world continues to inspire millions — and how his legacy lives on in his son’s gentle heart and fierce dedication.

    Steve Irwin may be gone, but through Robert, his spirit still shines as brightly as ever.

  • Grand Teton’s 399 Emerges with Quadruplets

    Grand Teton’s 399 Emerges with Quadruplets

    Grand Teton’s matriarch, Grizzly 399, is perhaps the most famous grizzly bear alive. And she has recently performed a miracle, emerging with four new cubs! If there ever was a mom capable of commanding this tiny but vivacious army, it is the maestro mother, bear 399.

     

    Her feat is remarkable for several reasons. For one, at the age of twenty-four, 399 is truly ancient. If 399 has not warranted a proper name before now, maybe Sarah is fitting, in reference to the biblical character who gave birth at 90.

     

    But quadruplets? Among the rarities that can be seen in Yellowstone, a litter of grizzly bear quadruplets is right up there with an eruption of mercurial Steamboat geyser, the tallest of all. Indeed, only eight litters of quadruplets have been documented since 1983 in the Yellowstone ecosystem.

     

    Grizzly 399 has created magic once again — and just in time.

     

    To her fans, the sight of 399 and her new family transformed a season of tedium and anxiety into a time of celebration. After months of lockdown, the wonders of the natural world have seldom seemed so precious. Spring is bursting forth with a superabundance of wildflowers as seeming redemption for our social isolation, and as fitting welcome for an amazing bear whose life has enriched families from across the country who have been fortunate enough to see her.

     

    What helped make Grizzly 399 so famous is her tolerance of people. She has also taught generations of cubs how to live amicably near roads and recreational areas. Her main reason for settling into these human-impacted environments is to keep her cubs safe from aggressive boars that often prefer to hang out in more remote areas. For her and other female grizzlies who frequent roadsides, staying near people is a better bet than mixing it up with boars that can and will kill cubs.

     

    To these bears, people are allies – even, at times, babysitters. For thousands of years, Native Peoples throughout the world have left us stories about human beings living side by side with bears, saved by bears, even marrying bears. No wonder. We share so much with bears — the ability to stand upright, eat the same foods, and nurture our offspring for extended periods of time. We are reminded of the challenges all moms face as we watch the placid 399 keeping track of her babies with their boundless curiosity, guiding them across streams, or teaching them the art of digging biscuitroot.

     

    We know more about 399 than most grizzly bears because she has lived her life so close to us. (Tom Mangelsen and Todd Wilkinson wrote a lovely book about her too). A successful and attentive mom, 399 is the quintessential mother with muffins in the oven. This is her sixth litter, of which three were triplets.

     

    Thankfully, the Park Service embraces bears like 399. With the help of volunteers and rangers, Grand Teton and Yellowstone are doing their best to ensure that everybody, bears and humans, stays safe – through social distancing.

     

    The Perils of an Olympian Mom

    But when 399 steps outside the borders of the National Parks, she enters a much more dangerous world. On neighboring non-park land vital to the survival of these bears, policies are dictated by the state of Wyoming. Wildlife managers here have a far less inclusive view of grizzlies. Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGF) views large carnivores, not only as competitors for elk and moose that would otherwise be the source of hunting-license revenues, but also as little more than grist for the mill of sport hunting.

     

    This cynical and transactional view of bears is rooted in various causes, including a deep-seated impulse to instrumentalize wildlife, a devotion to the ethos of hunting, and dependence for revenues on taxes from sales of arms and ammunition and sales of licenses to hunters.

     

    Not surprisingly, after federal endangered species protections were stripped from Yellowstone grizzlies in 2017, Wyoming planned a sport hunt of grizzlies that would have allowed hunting right up to the borders of national parks. Fearing a public backlash if 399 were killed by a hunter, WGF reluctantly created a no-hunt buffer zone that barely encompassed her known range. But the zone did not include habitat used by her similarly unafraid offspring – or any other bears for that matter.

     

    In September 2018, some hunters were already afield when a federal judge stopped the grizzly bear hunting season – just two days before it was scheduled to begin. Shortly afterwards, he restored endangered species protections to the Yellowstone grizzly population.

     

    Hunting was not the only threat posed by delisting to 399’s clan. State managers said they also planned to haze or kill roadside bears. WGF’s large carnivore specialist, Dan Thompson, succinctly described the reason why: “Habituation towards people and the roadside bear situation, it’s not something that we’re supportive of.”

     

    These regressive attitudes central to the culture of WGF underscore why federal protections are vital to 399 and her family. But even with safeguards provided by the ESA, grizzlies rarely die of natural causes. Roughly 80% of all the adolescent and adult grizzlies that die each year are killed by humans, according to government researchers.

     

    We should never forget that the fate of grizzlies is in our hands. Nor should we forget the difference that one good mom can make, provided we let her and her kids live. The entire Yellowstone grizzly bear population could be built on as few as 50 fertile females alive during the early 1980’s. Every mom matters. And a female such as 399 is an Olympian.

     

    But despite her competence as a mother, so far 399 has replaced herself just once with a female who has also had cubs: Grizzly 610. The reasons are pretty straight-forward. Grizzly bear birth rates are inherently low and many of 399’s offspring have been killed by humans.

     

    I have spent years scrutinizing reports that describe grizzly bear deaths — not an undertaking for the faint of heart. Most of the deaths look as if they could have been — should have been — avoided, a conclusion confirmed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

     

    Among these are the tragic deaths of four of 399’s offspring. These deaths also illuminate some of the biggest threats to grizzlies in the Yellowstone ecosystem: poaching, cars, livestock-related conflicts, and managers’ gaffs.

     

    The Tale of Grizzly 615, Persistence

    Grizzly 615, a daughter of 399’s, was diminutive and shy. And she assiduously avoided barbeques, birdfeeders, and the many human attractants in Jackson Hole. Dubbed “Persistence”, the one thing 615 could not persist was bullets at close range.

     

    In 2009 she was shot illegally by Stephen Westmoreland as he was out hunting on National Forest land near Jackson. She was feeding on the remains of a moose that had been killed by another hunter and stood up to look at Westmoreland as he walked by about 40 yards away. He proceeded to shoot 615 repeatedly in the chest and abdomen, later claiming self-defense.

     

    Astonishingly, this case went to trial – which almost never happens, especially in Wyoming.

    A modicum of justice was done in that Westmoreland was convicted by his peers of poaching. But rather than being fined $10,000 and spending significant time behind bars — all allowed for under the law — he only paid a $500 fine and walked away, which speaks volumes about how grizzlies are valued in Wyoming’s legal system.

     

    The Story of Grizzly 587: Of Bears and Cows

    In 2013, Grizzly 587, a son of 399’s, was killed by WGF officials in the Upper Green River area east of Jackson because he had developed the habit of eating cows grazing on US Forest Service pastures. Notably, all of these cows were owned by local ranchers who benefit from cut-rate grazing fees heavily subsidized by tax-payer dollars. The Upper Green area is at the juncture of vast wilderness areas, yet it has become the ecosystem’s epicenter of conflicts between grizzlies and ranchers.

     

    Former Bridger-Teton National Forest biologist Timm Kaminski has called the Upper Green an “ecological trap” – a place that attracts bears and wolves because of an abundance of natural food and secure habitat, but where they end up being killed because relatively helpless cows are dumped on the landscape with little oversight. The heart of the problem here is not bears but rather human ignorance and resistance to change.

     

    Many ranchers peacefully work out their differences with grizzly bears without much fanfare, often with the help of livestock guardian dogs, riders, electric fence, and commonsense husbandry practices. That is not the case in the Upper Green. The tool of choice among these wealthy ranchers seems to be the telephone. Calls to Wyoming’s governor and high-level administrators often succeed in pressuring wildlife managers to kill bears.

     

    Ranchers in the Upper Green were again recently rewarded for their behavior when the US Fish & Wildlife Service decided to allow for killing 72 grizzlies in this area during the next ten years, while at the same time not requiring any changes in how ranchers operate on Forest Service grazing allotments. Not surprisingly, conservationists have sued to stop the plan.

     

    Although wildlife managers might argue that 587’s death was justified, the death of 760 clearly was not.

     

    Grizzly 760 was the grandson of Grizzly 399 and son of 610. Handsome and joyful, Grizzly 760 was often described as “the perfect gentleman.” In 2014, he was killed by Wyoming officials in Clark, Wyoming, after he ate a freshly-killed deer that a hunter had left dangling on a pole.

     

    Grizzly 760’s troubles began when he showed up in a high-end Jackson subdivision and was removed for “public safety” reasons. Records show that this young bear had never obtained food from humans — in other words, Grizzly 760 never had committed an offense sufficient to prompt being trapped and hauled off to a far corner of his world.

     

    But he was drugged and moved anyway to be dropped off near Yellowstone National Park’s east entrance—in October when he needed to pack on pounds for winter. Moreover, in contravention of government guidelines designed to maximize the chances that a translocated bear would survive, Wyoming officials dumped Grizzly 760 among a veritable hive of bears.

     

    Not surprisingly, Grizzly 760 quickly made his way to a community of people that his life experience had taught him would be hospitable. Behind a home in Clark, he found the deer. To Grizzly 760 a hanging deer quarter was clearly dinner – not unlike the elk gut piles that hunters conveniently left behind back home.

     

    The deer remains could just as well have been bait. The owner of the deer had not taken reasonable precautions to “bear proof” it. After dining on venison, Grizzly 760 tried to guard the rest from its putative owner, who tried to push him away with a truck. To Grizzly 760 trucks were old hat. He was undeterred.

     

    In response to Grizzly 760’s behavior, impeccable by bear logic, Wyoming’s officials killed him — a bear who had never committed any one of the three cardinal sins that typically warrants death: depredating food that had been reasonably secured; displaying aggressive, non-defensive behavior; or injuring or killing someone.

     

    Within days, the officials involved in this fiasco tried to rewrite Grizzly 760’s history, painting him as a dangerous “food conditioned” bear. But over time his fans came to rescue his reputation, celebrating him with poems, video, testimony…and the truth.

     

    Although Grizzly 399 could not have known what happened to 615, 587 and 760, the death of her baby Snowy clearly broke her heart.

     

    The Saga of Snowy

    In 2016, Grizzly 399 emerged with a blond-faced cub that was quickly nicknamed Snowy. Her admirers had been holding their breath because during the previous fall a Wyoming man claimed to have illegally and maliciously killed 399.

     

    But just a month after emerging from the safety of the den, Snowy was struck by a car and killed. Grizzly 399 promptly drug the cub’s body away from the road. After 399 had wandered away from the cub’s side, Park Rangers removed the corpse. Photographers described a gut-wrenching scene that lasted for days as the grieving mother frantically birddogged the sagebrush looking for her cub.

     

    And Snowy will not be the last to die this way. More and more grizzlies are being killed by cars each year as traffic mounts throughout the region.

     

    Inside Grand Teton, the Park Service can and does close roads to protect 399 and other roadside bears. But this is less of an option outside park boundaries, such as on Togwotee Pass east of Jackson, where another famous grizzly nicknamed Felicia is making her living along a highway.

     

    Of Felicia: Bear Mom in a Danger Zone

    The stolid 399 could not be more different from Grizzly 863, aka Felicia, who my husband, Dr. David Mattson, has described as “a bear’s version of the young woman who got in trouble with the law and ended up a single mom in a rough neighborhood trying to scrape together a living while fending off predatory males.” By the time she was 3 years old she had already been trapped, drugged, and handled by humans twice.

     

    Last year, she emerged with her first litter of two cubs, but has since lost them both. Wyoming officials tried to haze her from the roadside where she had settled – a move that failed most likely because she was more terrified of male bears in the backcountry that might eat her cubs than she was of the poorly implemented and ill-thought-out hazing efforts.

     

    State officials were aggrieved, not only with the bear but the whole roadside bear watching phenomenon. Last summer, Brian DeBolt of WGF accosted a photographer who had been watching her and the hazing operation, saying “f..k you photographers.”

     

    Thankfully, this summer the Forest Service has hired a roadside bear ambassador who is trying, with the help of volunteers, to manage the crowds now watching Felicia consort with a male bear. Other grizzlies will undoubtedly follow in Felicia’s footsteps. Because this is a state highway bisecting 60 miles of wild National Forest land, managing roadside bears will be much more challenging here than in Grand Teton Park. A major coordinated effort among state and federal agencies is warranted, possibly including a system of highway overpasses and underpasses that have proven to be effective in Alberta’s Banff National Park and in Europe.

     

    Taking Our Bearings

    There is much to learn from these tales. As I have discussed elsewhere, we need better law enforcement that reflects the extent to which we collectively value these animals. Managers also need to punish rather than reward bad actors, including inside the government, as highlighted by 760’s death. And we must address the threat of mounting car traffic.

     

    But the biggest problem is the culture and financial dependencies of state wildlife agencies. Protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act would not be so critical were it not for the fundamental hostility of the states to grizzlies – and even to those who love them. Despite growing demand for a more compassionate approach to wildlife, state managers are clinging to a past era of dehumanized connections with nature, wherein wild animals are mere objects or quotas to be filled during a hunting season. If federal protections are again stripped, we would soon see Wyoming—along with Montana and Idaho—open a grizzly bear sport hunt.

     

    This does not have to be so. Through fiscal reforms, other states – including relatively poor ones such as Arkansas and Missouri — have moved beyond financial dependencies on hunters to rely on other funding sources, including wildlife watchers. As a result, these states have increasingly prioritized conservation of so-called “non-game” species. We need to make similar changes in the Northern Rockies, where tourism and wildlife watching have replaced extractive industries as the engines driving the health of our economy.

     

    Just as Grizzly 399 is busy teaching her four little ones how to navigate the topside world, she has much to teach us — about tolerance, equanimity and being a good mom. Watching this Olympian bear mother and her family graze sedges or nap in the shade of cottonwoods – magical in the ordinariness of it all – we can feel reconnected with the natural world and ourselves.

     

    Grizzly 399 reminds us that a reciprocal relationship with nature — even with a large carnivore — is still possible. In making the risky choice to trust us with her fate and those of her cubs, she is also challenging us to return the favor with a spirit of generosity. The lives and deaths of Grizzly 399’s clan remind us too how far we have to go to reform the institutions that govern their fate – and that of hundreds of grizzlies that define the wild heart of the Northern Rockies.

     

  • Steven Tyler and Billy Gibbons Revive the Spirit of Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac

    Steven Tyler and Billy Gibbons Revive the Spirit of Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac

    Before a single note rang out, the stage seemed alive with history. When Steven Tyler and Billy Gibbons launched into “Oh Well Pt. 1,” every chord, every rasp, every slide of guitar struck like lightning — a bridge between the past and the present. Backed by Mick Fleetwood & Friends, the room became a living tribute to Peter Green, bringing to life the Fleetwood Mac that shaped blues-rock from the ground up.

    Tyler’s voice carried gravel and reverence, while Gibbons’ guitar snarled and purred with decades of soulful experience. The rhythm section throbbed like a heartbeat — urgent, timeless, and impossibly alive.

    Mick Fleetwood & Friends Preview

    Fans leaned in, mesmerized. Some whispered to their neighbors, others closed their eyes, letting the music wash over them.

    “People my age never really knew Peter Green,” one fan said. “But watching this, I finally understood what made him legendary.”

    For those minutes, it was more than a performance — it was a communion, a masterclass in memory and craft, and a vivid reminder that true blues never dies. It simply waits for voices brave enough to bring it back to life.