Beastie Boys’ Mike D appears to be working on new music

Mike 'D' Diamond of Beastie Boys fame appears to be working on new music as he returns with a cryptic online project.

The US rapper drew attention last month when he shared a photo of a digital postcard on Instagram, with artwork reading ‘Mike D 5D’ on its front, with a website link on its reverse.

He shared the artwork alongside a caption, reading: “In coming. Check your mail/post box”. The link attached led to a website with just a series of tour dates, which include five shows across New York, California and Paris.

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Around the same time, Mike D shared a series of videos of him performing at home and in the studio, and appeared on stage alongside his son’s band, Very Nice Person, to perform several Beastie Boys classics.

Fans speculation began stirring online, with one contemplating on Reddit: “He started by helping his kid’s band, but it inspired him to go back in the studio to maybe make some new stuff.”

Yesterday (May 6), Mike D confirmed that he’s working on new music, writing on Instagram: “Los Angeles and Brooklyn. It’s happening. Shows. New music. Switch Up. Let’s Go.”

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Mike D’s first solo live shows in several years kick off tonight, May 7, at Plaza Nightclub in LA. He’s due to perform at Pasadena’s Sid The Cat on May 10, before playing two consecutive nights at New York’s Xanadu from May 22 - 23.

According to the Irish Times, the founding Beastie Boys member will also make an appearance at this year’s Beyond the Pale festival, marking his first Ireland show in almost two decades. He’s set to perform with a six-piece band.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X