By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Your average person may never have heard of the Epiphone Grabber G3, but for punk rock fans and bassists, the instrument is a legend. I'm one of those fans; as a former punk rock drummer and occasional bass player myself, Green Day remains my favorite rock band, and I play a lot of their music to this day. The Grabber is the source of the … [Read more...] about Gibson Brings Back the Epiphone Grabber Bass with Green Day Legend Mike Dirnt
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AI ‘Musician’ Breaking Rust Hits Number One on Billboard Chart
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief An AI 'artist' known as Breaking Rust made history in November, as its song “Walk My Walk” hit number on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. It is the first time an AI-created song has topped a Billboard chart, although it does not mean it was the most listened to country song in America. That honor goes to Morgan Wallen’s “I Got … [Read more...] about AI ‘Musician’ Breaking Rust Hits Number One on Billboard Chart
Toy Association Names 2026 Toy Industry Hall of Fame Inductees
TLL Staff The Toy Association has named four inventive visionaries as the 2026 inductees into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. The new inductees include Melissa and Doug Bernstein, co-founders of the toy company Melissa & Doug; Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment; and posthumous honoree Stanley Weston, inventor of the G.I. Joe action figure and founder of … [Read more...] about Toy Association Names 2026 Toy Industry Hall of Fame Inductees
Licensing Roundup: Top Deals You May Have Missed
Entertainment: Govee Releases Zootopia 2-Themed Outdoor Lighting Kits Global smart-lighting innovator Govee is working with Walt Disney Animation Studios on a first-time collaboration tied to the upcoming film Zootopia 2, due in theatres November 26, 2025. The partnership features Govee’s outdoor lighting portfolio—including Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism, Curtain Lights Pro, … [Read more...] about Licensing Roundup: Top Deals You May Have Missed
Jazwares Named Master Toy Partner For Miraculous Corp
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The acclaimed toy company Jazwares has just enjoyed a 'Miraculous' boost to its business, thanks to a new licensing deal. Miraculous Corp has just named Jazwares as its exclusive global master toy partner, in a deal that includes the studio's global hit Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. “At Jazwares, we create toy … [Read more...] about Jazwares Named Master Toy Partner For Miraculous Corp
Hasbro and Kayou Saddle Up For ‘My Little Pony’ Card Game
TLL Staff Chinese collectibles company Kayou has corralled a deal with Hasbro to introduce a My Little Pony card game in the U.S. Kayou is China's top trading card brand, and previously launched the My Little Pony Card Game – Friendships Begin in that country back in April. The success of that program has seen the partners expand the program, and the game is now being … [Read more...] about Hasbro and Kayou Saddle Up For ‘My Little Pony’ Card Game
Heinz Releases Some Saucy Luggage in Deal With Herschel
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian lifestyle brand Herschel Supply's latest luggage line is the epitome of good taste ... literally ... thanks to a clever collab with HEINZ. The global leader in condiments announced its first-ever collaboration with Herschel, a Vancouver-based lifestyle brand that has gone global. The partners say their partnership is … [Read more...] about Heinz Releases Some Saucy Luggage in Deal With Herschel
Tillamook and Kewpie Finally Resolve the Debate Over Grilled Cheese
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There are few foods that so simply solve the need for comfort food as the classic grilled cheese. Prepared in minutes, and combining the crunch of crispy toasted bread with the glory of melted cheese, the grilled cheese is a lunch-time staple that anyone could master. Or, could they? In truth, the grilled cheese is a matter of … [Read more...] about Tillamook and Kewpie Finally Resolve the Debate Over Grilled Cheese
AI ‘Musicians’ Like Xania Monet Are Appearing on Billboard Charts
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The worst nightmare for musicians has come true, as AI 'artists' are now replacing them on Billboard charts. "AI music is no longer a fantasy or niche curiosity among internet sleuths; it’s here, and it’s already beginning to have an impact on Billboard’s charts," the music authority reported. "In just the past few months, at least six AI … [Read more...] about AI ‘Musicians’ Like Xania Monet Are Appearing on Billboard Charts
WD-40 Brand Wipes Away the Competition—Now in Towel Form
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The brand that’s been loosening bolts and saving weekends for generations is now helping you clean up the mess afterward. WD-40 Company, in partnership with licensing agency Earthbound, just launched the brand's first-ever licensed product at SEMA, expanding the iconic brand beyond the can. The new line, developed with Caco Abbo … [Read more...] about WD-40 Brand Wipes Away the Competition—Now in Towel Form