Weekly International Music News Roundup (Dec 19-26, 2025)
What a week it's been in the music world! From legendary rock bands making major announcements to chart-breaking Christmas hits and unexpected reunions, the final week before New Year delivered some seriously massive news. Let's dive into everything that went down between December 19-26, 2025.
Chart Domination: Christmas Classics Rule the Airwaves
The holiday season brought some incredible chart achievements that had music fans buzzing across social media. Wham!'s "Last Christmas" finally reached the summit of the Billboard Global 200, hitting No. 1 for the very first time with a staggering 95.3 million streams worldwide. This makes it only the second holiday song to top the chart since its launch back in 2020.
It's pretty wild to think that a song from 1984 is still pulling these kinds of numbers. The track's enduring popularity has also sparked a massive surge in Wham! merchandise sales this holiday season, with vintage-style band tees and retro designs flying off the shelves at retailers worldwide.
Meanwhile, Mariah Carey continues her absolute stranglehold on the holiday charts. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" notched up its record-breaking 21st week at No. 1 on the Hot 100, marking her 100th career week atop the chart. That's not just impressive: that's legendary territory right there.
Major Tour News: Rolling Stones Cancel Massive 2026 Run
Here's the big one that had rock fans absolutely devastated this week. The Rolling Stones officially canceled their planned 2026 UK and European stadium tour, and the reason hits hard: Keith Richards couldn't commit to the extensive touring schedule.
Reports suggest the band had a new album nearly finished before making this difficult decision. At their age, you can't blame them for prioritizing their health and well-being, but it's still a massive blow for fans who were hoping to catch the legendary rockers one more time.
This news sent shockwaves through the rock merchandise community too. Rolling Stones tour merch that was already in production for the canceled dates has now become instant collector's items. If you've got any official Stones gear, hang onto it: the value just went through the roof.
The cancellation also raises questions about whether we'll see the Stones touring again at all. While nothing's been confirmed either way, many fans are treating this as potentially their final touring chapter, making existing Rolling Stones merchandise even more precious to collectors.
Reunion Alert: Black Eyed Peas Get Back Together
In much happier news, Fergie reunited with will.i.am, Taboo, and Apl.de.Ap to celebrate some milestone birthdays, marking the Black Eyed Peas' first public reunion since 2018. The photos from their get-together had fans immediately speculating about a possible comeback.
While nothing official has been announced about new music or touring, the reunion has definitely reignited interest in the group. Black Eyed Peas merchandise saw a noticeable spike in searches and sales following the reunion photos, with their classic logo tees and hoodies becoming hot items again.
Holiday Specials and Seasonal Surprises
Christina Aguilera brought some festive glamour to our screens with Christina Aguilera: Christmas in Paris, which premiered on CBS and Paramount+ on December 22. The special featured stunning performances against the backdrop of the City of Light, reminding everyone why she's considered one of the greatest voices of her generation.
The timing couldn't have been better for Christina Aguilera merchandise sales, with fans snapping up everything from tour tees to vintage-inspired designs celebrating her incredible catalog.
Adding to the holiday spirit, Death Dealer dropped a Christmas version of one of their tracks right before the big day, showing that even the heaviest bands know how to get into the seasonal mood.
Sad Losses in the Music Community
The week wasn't without its somber moments. The music world lost Remi Kabaka, the Nigerian afro-rock percussionist and drummer, who passed away on December 20, 2025. Kabaka was a respected figure in the international music scene, and his contributions to afro-rock will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.
It's always tough to lose talented artists who've contributed so much to the global music landscape. The outpouring of tributes on social media showed just how much respect Kabaka had earned throughout his career.
Health Updates: Barry Manilow on the Mend
Barry Manilow gave fans a scare but also some relief this week. The legendary singer underwent surgery to remove a cancerous lung spot, but thankfully, doctors confirmed the cancer hadn't spread to other areas.
Manilow had to postpone his January shows, but he's planning to return to the stage in February. The 81-year-old performer's resilience is inspiring, and fans worldwide are sending their best wishes for a speedy recovery.
The health scare has reminded fans not to take their musical heroes for granted. Barry Manilow merchandise has seen increased interest as supporters show their love for the "Copacabana" singer during his recovery.
The Streaming Revolution Continues
These chart achievements and streaming numbers really highlight how the music industry has evolved. When a 1984 track like "Last Christmas" can hit No. 1 in 2025 with nearly 100 million streams in a week, it shows how streaming platforms have given classic songs new life.
The same goes for holiday standards like Mariah's Christmas anthem: streaming has turned seasonal favorites into year-round phenomena, with dedicated fans keeping these tracks relevant 365 days a year.
What This Week Says About Music Merchandise
This week's news really hammered home how closely music news and merchandise trends are connected. When the Rolling Stones canceled their tour, their merch instantly became more valuable. When Wham! hit No. 1, their retro designs started flying off the shelves. When the Black Eyed Peas reunited, fans immediately wanted to rep their favorite group again.
It's fascinating to see how quickly music fans translate their excitement, disappointment, or nostalgia into wanting to own a piece of their favorite artists. Whether it's showing support during tough times or celebrating major achievements, band merchandise remains one of the most direct ways fans connect with their musical heroes.
Looking Ahead: What's Next?
As we wrap up 2025, this week's news sets up some interesting storylines for 2026. Will the Black Eyed Peas officially announce a reunion tour? How will the Rolling Stones' absence affect the live music landscape? And will any other classic acts step up to fill that legendary rock void?
One thing's for sure: music fans are as passionate as ever about supporting their favorite artists, whether through streaming their songs, attending their shows, or proudly wearing their merchandise. The connection between artists and fans remains stronger than ever, even as the industry continues to evolve.
The holiday season always brings out the best in music, from chart-topping classics to heartwarming reunions, and this week delivered on all fronts. Here's to more incredible music moments in the year ahead!
Whether you're celebrating chart victories, mourning tour cancellations, or getting excited about potential reunions, there's never been a better time to show your musical allegiances. After all, the bands and artists who soundtrack our lives deserve all the support we can give them: and sometimes that means rocking their merch with pride.