Nearly five decades after its original release, The Rolling Stones are set to celebrate their groundbreaking 1976 album Black And Blue with a definitive Super Deluxe Box Set, arriving globally on November 14 from Interscope/UMe. Originally released in April, 1976 Black And Blue marked a bold new chapter for the band and now returns in a stunning, remixed and expanded package across multiple formats.

Available as a 5LP vinyl box set and a 4CD box set, both editions include a Blu-ray disc, a hundred-page hardback book, and a replica tour poster. A limited edition 5LP version on exclusive Black And Blue marbled vinyl will also be available via select online retailers, alongside streamlined 2-disc and 1-disc formats on both vinyl and CD. Additionally, a limited edition 1LP zoetrope vinyl will also be released. Now available to pre order here.



Black And Blue is the Stones’ 13th studio album, the first following the departure of former guitarist Mick Taylor who was eventually replaced by Ronnie Wood. The recording sessions famously served as auditions with guitar greats Harvey Mandel, Wayne Perkins, Jeff Beck, and Robert A. Johnson all contributing. Ultimately, free from commitments to The Faces, it was Ronnie Wood who joined Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts & Bill Wyman as a bona fide Rolling Stone appearing on three tracks. Soon after Ronnie officially signed up for the band’s U.S. tour, starting his continuing tenure with the group across five decades with multiple live and studio albums and dozens of Stones groundbreaking world tours. In a brand-new interview included in the new box set, Ronnie reflects on joining the band in 1976 with these words – “Right then, this is where I’m meant to be.”

Musically, Black And Blue showcased The Rolling Stones’ adventurous spirit by infusing reggae, funk, and soul into their signature rock sound. The swaggering “Hot Stuff,” the driving “Hand Of Fate,” the poignant ballad hit single “Fool To Cry,” fan favourite “Memory Motel” plus “Melody” featuring the talents of Billy Preston a heavy contributor to the whole album. Black And Blue was the second to be self-produced, credited to ‘The Glimmer Twins’ a pseudonym used by Jagger and Richards for their roles as producers. On release it went to No. 1 on the USA album chart and stayed there for four consecutive weeks gaining immediate platinum status while in the UK Black And Blue went to No. 2 in May 1976.

The Black And Blue 2025 reissue includes a six-track disc of previously unreleased recordings, including the Jagger/Richards composition “I Love Ladies,” plus a high-energy take on Shirley & Company’s “Shame, Shame, Shame” which is available to listen to now here, and below. Also included are four amazing Stones instrumental jams from the 1975 sessions featuring the guest guitarists.

To accompany the reissue, a new music video for “Shame, Shame, Shame” will premiere on September 25. Directed by acclaimed Dutch filmmaker Camille Boumans, the video is a collage of Stones history and attitude, blending rare archival photography with hand-drawn animation and modern flair. Known for her award-winning work with global brands and her distinctive blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics, Boumans brings a fresh energy to the Stones’ legacy.

In addition and a must for Stones fans is a full live concert recording from the bands celebrated six night residency at London’s Earls Court Exhibition Centre, where they were joined onstage by Ian Stewart, Billy Preston, and Ollie Brown – all of whom had contributed to the studio album.

The accompanying Blu-ray disc offers a previously unreleased TV broadcast of the Stones’ 1976 show at Les Abattoirs in Paris, plus Dolby Atmos surround sound mixes of both the studio album and the live Earls Court concert. All audio content is also available in high-resolution stereo. Rounding out the Super Deluxe Box Set is a 100-page hardback book featuring a brand new essay by recognized Stones expert Paul Sexton, exclusive photographs from the album sessions and tour, and a replica poster from the 1976 Paris concert.

Release formats Include:

– 5LP Super Deluxe Box Set
– 4CD Super Deluxe Box Set
– Limited Edition 5LP Marbled Vinyl Super Deluxe Box Set
– 2LP / 2CD (Album + Outtakes & Jams)
– 1LP / 1CD (2025 Steven Wilson Mix)
– 1LP Zoetrope Vinyl



Tracklisting:

1CD – Steven Wilson Remix 2025

“Hot Stuff”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Cherry Oh Baby”
“Memory Motel”
“Hey Negrita”
“Melody”
“Fool To Cry”
“Crazy Mama”

1LP – Steven Wilson Remix 2025

Side A
“Hot Stuff”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Cherry Oh Baby”
“Memory Motel”

Side B
“Hey Negrita”
“Melody”
“Fool To Cry”
“Crazy Mama”

2CD

Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025

“Hot Stuff”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Cherry Oh Baby”
“Memory Motel”
“Hey Negrita” (Inspiration by Ron Wood)
“Melody” (Inspiration by Billy Preston)
“Fool To Cry”
“Crazy Mama”

Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams

“I Love Ladies”
“Shame, Shame, Shame”
“Chuck Berry Style Jam” (With Harvey Mandel)
“Blues Jam” (With Jeff Beck)
“Rotterdam Jam” (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson)
“Freeway Jam” (With Jeff Beck)

2LP

Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025

Side A
“Hot Stuff”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Cherry Oh Baby”
“Memory Motel”

Side B
“Hey Negrita” (Inspiration by Ron Wood)
“Melody” (Inspiration by Billy Preston)
“Fool To Cry”
“Crazy Mama”

Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams

Side A
“I Love Ladies”
“Shame, Shame, Shame”
“Chuck Berry Style Jam” (With Harvey Mandel)

Side B
“Blues Jam” (With Jeff Beck)
“Rotterdam Jam” (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson)
“Freeway Jam” (With Jeff Beck)

Super Deluxe 4CD + Blu-ray

Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025

“Hot Stuff”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Cherry Oh Baby”
“Memory Motel”
“Hey Negrita” (Inspiration by Ron Wood)
“Melody” (Inspiration by Billy Preston)
“Fool To Cry”
“Crazy Mama”

Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams

“I Love Ladies”
“Shame, Shame, Shame”
“Chuck Berry Style Jam” (With Harvey Mandel)
“Blues Jam” (With Jeff Beck)
“Rotterdam Jam” (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson)
“Freeway Jam” (With Jeff Beck)

Disc 3: Live at Earls Court 1976

“Honky Tonk Women”
“If You Can’t Rock Me”/”Get Off My Cloud”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Hey Negrita” (Inspiration by Ron Wood)
“Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”
“Fool To Cry”
“Hot Stuff”
“Star Star (Starfucker)”
“You Gotta Move”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
Band Intro
“Happy”
“Tumbling Dice”
“Nothing From Nothing ”
“Outa-Space”

Disc 4: Live at Earls Court 1976

“Midnight Rambler”
“It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)”
“Brown Sugar”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
“Street Fighting Man”
“Sympathy For The Devil”

Blu-Ray Disc

Black And Blue (Steven Wilson Remix 2025)

Les Rolling Stones Aux Abattoirs, Paris-Juin 1976

Band Intro
“Honky Tonk Women”
“Hand of Fate”
“Fool To Cry”
“Hot Stuff”
“Star Star”
“You Gotta Move”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
Band Introductions
“Happy”
“Outa Space”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
“Street Fighting Man”

Live at Earls Court Live 1976

Band Intro
“Honky Tonk Women”
“If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Hey Negrita”
“Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”
“Fool To Cry”
“Hot Stuff”
“Star Star (Starfucker)”
“You Gotta Move”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
“Happy”
“Tumbling Dice”
“Nothing From Nothing”
“Outa-Space”
“Midnight Rambler”
“It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)”
“Brown Sugar”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
“Street Fighting Man”
“Sympathy For The Devil”

Super Deluxe 5LP + Blu-ray

Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025

Side A
“Hot Stuff”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Cherry Oh Baby”
“Memory Motel”

Side B
“Hey Negrita” (Inspiration by Ron Wood)
“Melody” (Inspiration by Billy Preston)
“Fool To Cry”
“Crazy Mama”

Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams

Side A
“I Love Ladies”
“Shame, Shame, Shame”
“Chuck Berry Style Jam” (With Harvey Mandel)

Side B

“Blues Jam” (With Jeff Beck)
“Rotterdam Jam” (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson)
“Freeway Jam” (With Jeff Beck)

Disc 3: Live at Earls Court 1976

Side A
“Honky Tonk Women”
“If You Can’t Rock Me”/”Get Off My Cloud”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Hey Negrita” (Inspiration by Ron Wood)

Side B
“Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”
“Fool To Cry”
“Hot Stuff”
“Star Star (Starfucker)”

Disc 4: Live at Earls Court 1976

Side A
“You Gotta Move”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
Band Intro
“Happy”

Side B
“Tumbling Dice”
“Nothing from Nothing”
“Outa-space”

Disc 5: Live at Earls Court 1976

Side A
“Midnight Rambler”
“It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)”
“Brown Sugar”

Side B
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
“Street Fighting Man”
“Sympathy For The Devil”

Blu-Ray Disc

Black And Blue (Steven Wilson Remix 2025) Hi-res stereo and Atmos Mix

Les Rolling Stones Aux Abattoirs, Paris-Juin 1976

Band Intro
“Honky Tonk Women”
“Hand of Fate”
“Fool To Cry”
“Hot Stuff”
“Star Star”
“You Gotta Move”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
Band Introductions
“Happy”
“Outa Space”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
“Street Fighting Man”

Live at Earls Court Live 1976

Band Intro
“Honky Tonk Women”
“If You Can’t Rock Me”/”Get Off My Cloud”
“Hand Of Fate”
“Hey Negrita”
“Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”
“Fool To Cry”
“Hot Stuff”
“Star Star (Starfucker)”
“You Gotta Move”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
“Happy”
“Tumbling Dice”
“Nothing From Nothing”
“Outa-Space”
“Midnight Rambler”
“It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)”
“Brown Sugar”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
“Street Fighting Man”
“Sympathy For The Devil”

“Shame, Shame, Shame”:

From the swampy heaviness of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY to the Southern sludge of DOWN, Pepper Keenan has shaped some of the most iconic riffs in heavy rock. In the latest episode of Gibson TV's "Riff Lords", Pepper breaks down the songs, tunings, and tones that defined CORROSION OF CONFORMITY records like "Deliverance", "Wiseblood" and "In The Arms Of God", as well as DOWN's "NOLA" and "Down II".

Pepper shows you how to play CORROSION OF CONFORMITY classics including "Albatross", "Clean My Wounds", "Senor Limpio", "King Of The Rotten", "13 Angels", "Paranoid Opioid" and "Stare Too Long" — before switching gears to DOWN and teaching fan favorites like "Lifer", "Ghost Along The Mississippi", "Stone The Crow" and "Bury Me In Smoke". Along the way, he shares insights into groove, restraint, tone, and his unique approach to writing riffs.

These are essential guitar lessons for fans of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, DOWN, and anyone who wants to learn how to capture Pepper's crushing tone and heavy Southern groove.

Keenan joined CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in 1990, but he did not become the band's lead singer until the recording of "Deliverance", which came out in 1994.

In 2014, after nearly a straight decade traversing the globe as a guitarist with New Orleans supergroup DOWN, Pepper reconnected with the core CORROSION OF CONFORMITY trio of guitarist Woody Weatherman, bassist Mike Dean and drummer Reed Mullin to hit the road hard.

Thus far, Keenan has appeared on six CORROSION OF CONFORMITY studio albums as well as three full-lengths and two EPs with DOWN.

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's most recent studio album with Keenan, "No Cross No Crown", came out in 2018 on Nuclear Blast. A follow-up effort will arrive in 2026.

DOWN, in which Keenan is joined by vocalist Philip H. Anselmo (PANTERA),guitarist Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR),drummer Jimmy Bower (EYEHATEGOD) and bassist Pat Bruders, is working on a new studio album for a 2026 release.

SHINEDOWN singer Brent Smith recently joined Billboard's "Behind The Setlist" podcast for a wide-ranging talk about the band's music and business. Smith explained the importance of radio for the band and how it has helped give SHINEDOWN a career in a way that streaming alone couldn't replicate. He also explained the writing of one of the band's new songs, "Three Six Five", and talked about the band's upcoming album and tour plans.

Asked what he thinks has been the secret to SHINEDOWN's success so far, Brent said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think there's a couple of things. I live by the motto that the secret to success is to never arrive. Once you figure that out and understand that there's always a bigger mountain to climb, depending on who you are, what you have to say and how you want to present yourself to the public from a global scale as an artist.

"I think we're very, very lucky because we've always looked at SHINEDOWN as everyone's band," he continued. "So even from the beginning, that ideology of, 'Is it a rock band?' — yes, it's a rock band, but that's not everything that we are, because we're not influenced by just one style of music or one genre. We have a pretty vast palette. We swim in a pretty big ocean.

"I've had people say it to me before, they're like, 'Are you a rock band? Are you a pop band? Are you a country band, a metal band, an alternative band?' I'm, like, we're just SHINEDOWN. We would like to think that there's something for everyone. The other side of that is whether you've been a fan of the band from day one or you're just kind of finding out who the band is, the way we've always seen it is our audience allows us to evolve and to be ourselves. So they want us to not give them the same song over and over again. They don't want the same record over and over again. So that makes it very challenging for us in the studio because you don't ever wanna write a record or write music for an audience per se. I do kind of come from the Rick Rubin school — when I'm saying that where it's, like, if you're walking into a studio and you're saying to yourself, 'I'm gonna write this album,' or 'I'm gonna write this song today because I wanna win an award,' that's not the way to do it, I don't think. I think that you have to write it because you have something to say. So I think that there's an authenticity to what we do, or at least I hope there's an authenticity to what we do, that the public can see is very genuine with us. So I think that's where some of the longevity comes from.

"In North America and Canada, I've gotta be honest, 'cause I'm not taking anything away from any other territory from a global scale, but specifically in North America, the reason this band has had the career that it's had thus far, and while we're very proud of the last 20 years, we're focused on the next 20 years and beyond, is broadcast radio, terrestrial radio," Smith explained. "Even with the consumption of streaming and how there's an open floor now, which I think is great — I mean, for the discovery of new music — but when you're in a band, what I can tell people, and this is just from my experience, streaming will get your music played, but radio will give you a career, 'cause it gave us a career and it continues to do that. So radio is a big part of the success of the band in North America. And also because we're on multi formats, 'cause we are on alternative radio, we are on active and mainstream radio, we are on pop radio, we are on alternative radio, we are on hot AC, we're on AC… Once again, SHINEDOWN is everyone's band — eight to 80 and beyond.

"I know that's kind of a long-winded [answer], but it's a lot to unpack because we take the music and we take the brand very, very seriously, but we also take all the program directors and the APs [associate producers] and the music directors that have been with us from day one that are still with us and the new stations that are with us…

"Rock and roll is most certainly not dead, and radio is most certainly not dead," Brent added. "We're living proof that you can grow an audience from the radio."

Asked what he thinks it is about radio specifically that has helped SHINEDOWN so much, Brent said: "I think specifically the one thing about radio is that it's localized. We'll just utilize North America for a minute here. You have 50 states in the U.S., and inside those 50 states you have multiple cities. And inside those multiple cities, you have multiple towers from AM to FM, and then you have different formats inside of those cities. So you're curating a very specific audience in those states and in those cities. What makes them original? What makes them true to who they are? What are those markets like? What are the people like in those markets? What are they into? You have the sports teams. You have the culture. You have the dynamic of education, you have the dynamic of the restaurateurs, the art districts. There's all these different things, but in each one of those states, it's very localized in what they're into, what their identity is. So those radio stations are very, very proud of their culture and are proud of their people. Now, granted it's a lot of work because you've gotta go into all of those different markets and you have to go into all those cities. And for a band like us, one of the things that we have to be very strategic about, because we care so deeply about radio and those formats, we have to make sure in certain cities, if we're being played on six radio stations, each one of those stations, we need to be able to go in and say hi, say thank you, do promotion, do very specific events. So you have to tailor your touring cycles and your album cycles to making sure that you're able to get into those fundamental markets. And it's not just the A markets or the B markets, it's also the tertiary markets. That's another thing about radio that's really, really powerful. A lot of times people will talk about the A markets, like the big cities, but they don't realize some of those tertiary markets, they have just as many people and you don't want to neglect those markets.

"The tour that we just got finished with, the 'Dance, Kid, Dance' tour, there were two legs of that tour," he continued. "And the way that I see it is the first show on the first leg was in Des Moines, Iowa. And the first show on the second leg, or the first two shows on the second leg, was the Boston Garden and Madison Square Garden. Well, yes, they're different markets. But the reality is that the Des Moines arena holds 15,000 people and the Boston Garden and Madison Square Garden hold 15,000 people, the way it's scaled. So, you see what I'm saying? They're still the same magnitude of the public. So that's a lot of why it's important for us personally, is you wanna build it grassroots, because when you go outside of America, it's a little bit different. When you talk about the scale of streaming and consumption and YouTube versus Spotify, Deezer, what you get in the European markets, the U.K. markets versus what you do in Australia or South America or Asia.

"So that's kind of a long-winded answer, but the fact of the matter is you keep coming back, you keep touring those cities in North America. Our band has kind of always looked at it — you wanna steadily be growing, you wanna steadily be climbing those mountains because you don't want this massive rocket ship, and then all of a sudden it's, like, well, how much further can you go before you drop off? And then it's also the idea of keeping up with the Joneses. Everybody's, like, 'Well, you were this. Now you're this. Now you're that.'

"Look, it is a very competitive industry now, not only in the world of recorded music and streaming and all those different elements, views on YouTube and all of that, but just the touring aspect of how artists make money now, a big chunk of it is in touring and merchandising and can you fill a room up, no matter what size, whether it's five or five hundred thousand, 'cause we played for both," Brent added. "And you have to constantly remember that people evolve. Your younger audience is gonna get older. You're gonna gain a new audience. But specifically with radio, radio has just always worked for us to be able to grow our awareness and our audience in North America."

SHINEDOWN recently made history (once again) as the band's latest single, "Killing Fields", reached No. 1 on the Active Rock Mediabase chart. This is a massive moment for the band as it solidifies their 23rd single at the format. This marks the third No. 1 for the band this year with their No. 1 at Alternative for "Three Six Five" and two No. 1s at Active Rock with "Dance, Kid, Dance" and now "Killing Fields". In addition, it further solidifies their record of holding the most No. 1s, Top 5s and Top 10s in history on the Mediabase Active Rock chart.

Fresh off their massive "Dance, Kid, Dance" arena tour, where they sold out Madison Square Garden and performed at some of the countries’ most iconic venues, including Kia Forum in Los Angeles, SHINEDOWN's song "Three Six Five" also hit Top 20 at Top 40 radio. SHINEDOWN is the only rock band currently on the Top 40 chart as "Three Six Five" continues to reach new audiences with its message of love and loss. The song has been charting at five radio formats after hitting No. 1 at Alternative, Top 10 at Hot AC and AC, No. 16 at Active Rock, all in addition to reaching Top 20 at Top 40 radio.

SHINEDOWN recently took home two trophies at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, where they won "Rock Artist Of The Year" and "Rock Song Of The Year" for "A Symptom Of Being Human". The awards were in celebration of the banner year they've had as "A Symptom Of Being Human" has hit nearly 125 million global streams and charted at five radio formats, including a No. 1 at Active, Top 10 at Alternative, Top 10 at AC, Top 15 at Hot AC and a Top 20 at Top 40.

Soultone Cymbals has uploaded a new video of former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler playing through the band's classic song "Civil War". Check it out below. An accompanying description reads: "A true rock legend at work — Steven Adler drives the beat of this unforgettable track.

"Steven plays a completely customized set of cymbals, designed specifically for him."

Also available is a previously released video of Adler playing through another GUNS N' ROSES song, "You Could Be Mine".

The former GUNS N' ROSES drummer's current solo band lineup includes lead guitarist Michael Thomas, rhythm guitarist Alistair James, bassist Cristian Sturba and lead singer Ariel "Ari" Kamin.

"You don't get better than Michael Thomas and Alistair James; they are two of the best guitarists in rock," noted Adler.

Thomas previously delighted music fans as the lead guitarist for ENGINES OF AGGRESSION, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES and FASTER PUSSYCAT. In addition to providing Adler with smooth rhythms, James has engineered recordings for HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES — the supergroup featuring Johnny Depp, Joe Perry of AEROSMITH, and Alice Cooper.

Kamin was a well-known rocker in Argentina with such bands as CRIATURAS SALVAJES and GN'R tribute act SON OF A GUN when he was selected to come to the U.S. and join Adler in electrifying audiences with the music of GUNS N' ROSES. Audiences have been blown away.

"Ari Kamin is the total package. He's everything a rock 'n' roll front man is supposed to be," Adler said. "Not only does he have an incredible voice, he really connects with the audience. He's one of the best you'll ever experience."

In 2021, Adler told the M3 Rock Festival YouTube channel about how he ended up recruiting Kamin to front his ADLER solo band: "Actually, I went to Argentina [in November 2016] — my wife's from there; her family lives there — and the GN'R guys invited me to do a couple of songs. And so I had a little party at a club called the Roxy in [Buenos Aires], and he was the singer [that played with us that night]. You can go on my web site and see — the Roxy in Argentina. He was so great. I was, like, 'You're coming with me.' And the guitar player from the band that opened up for GN'R was so amazing. I told him, 'Come down. I wanna jam with you.' And he came down. I tell you, if [GUNS N' ROSES guitarist] Slash would have seen him playing, he would have been in the back, in the dressing room, practicing. That's how good he was."

Kamin replaced Constantine Maroulis of "American Idol" and "Rock Of Ages" fame, who was the vocalist for ADLER'S APPETITE for a dozen or so dates in May 2018, including an Australian tour.

Although he wasn't included in the lineup that launched the "Not In This Lifetime" trek in 2016, Adler rejoined GUNS N' ROSES at several shows on the tour, including three stops on the U.S. leg and one gig in Buenos Aires, Argentina, playing drums on "Out Ta Get Me" and "My Michelle".

In February 2017, Adler revealed that he was originally supposed to appear at more than just a handful of shows on the GUNS N' ROSES reunion trek. He claimed that he expected to play all the "Appetite For Destruction" material during the entire tour, only to be told he was out after he hurt his back during rehearsals.

Speculation was rampant that Adler would participate in at least a portion of the reunion tour ever since GUNS made it official in January 2016.

GUNS N' ROSES' current drummer is Isaac Carpenter, who made his live debut with the band on May 1 at Incheon, South Korea's Songdo Moonlight Festival Park. Carpenter replaced Frank Ferrer, the longest-serving drummer in GUNS N' ROSES' storied run, in March.

Having earned the rare endorsement of K.K. Downing as the next big thing in metal, and touring the U.K. supporting KK'S PRIEST, British newcomers TAILGUNNER have just signed with Napalm Records. Further endorsing his praise for the band, the JUDAS PRIEST guitar legend has now taken on a new role of producer for their dynamic sophomore album. TAILGUNNER have quickly made a name for themselves amongst heavy metal fans — this young band from the home country of metal is one to watch!

TAILGUNNER comments on the Napalm signing: "There are iconic partnerships — like denim and leather, Jack and Coke, and swords and tequila. Now we hope to add TAILGUNNER and Napalm Records to that list.

"We're proud of being pure heavy metal, with zero apologies or compromise. That's why joining the world's biggest independent metal label feels right at home.

"The blitzkrieg of our first three years as a band continues full throttle — with our upcoming sophomore album, and together with the incredible team at Napalm behind us and the great and legendary K.K. Downing producing the record, we're taking on the world n' planting the flag for British metal right at the top of it. Heavy metal for eternity!"

K.K. Downing states: "TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the U.K. They personify everything that is heavy metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in metal that has gone before — their energy and rawness, together with their brand of metal, incorporates all of the godfathers and much more. [IRON] MAIDEN, PRIEST, MOTÖRHEAD, DEF LEPPARD — the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true Metal favourite of the fans."

Napalm Records senior A&R Sebastian Münch adds: "Over the past few months, I've been fortunate enough to witness the development of the new album, and it's simply incredible. K.K. Downing has already said everything perfectly here. TAILGUNNER are not a copy or nostalgically drawing on IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST or DEF LEPPARD, but are creating their own fresh, authentic heavy metal universe."

TAILGUNNER will support FOZZY on the "Eyes On You" U.K. tour in February 2026.

TAILGUNNER is:

Craig Carns - Vocals
Rhea Thompson - Lead Guitar
Zach Salvini - Lead Guitar
Bones - Bass

Photo credit: Tunde Valiszka

During an appearance on the latest episode of the "One Life One Chance With Toby Morse" podcast, Mark "Barney" Greenway spoke about the fact that NAPALM DEATH is often classified as a political band. He said in part (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "Ultimately, the thing about politics is it's meaningless unless you put human beings first. That's the point. It doesn't matter where you position yourself. The ultimate thing, for me at least, is to be a human being. That transcends everything. So, although I'm sort of set on the fence a little bit in some ways because even though my upbringing was kind of, sort of — I hate to say this; it sounds a bit contrived — but I kind of came from a left-wing background. My dad and my brothers were union people, which in the U.K. was traditionally quite left-wing. Also in the U.S., but less so now, I think. In the U.K. it was always — if you are a union person, generally you were kind of, sort of a left-leaning person. So, that's the house I grew up in. And I also was a union rep for some time. So, yeah, that was my background. But above and beyond that, in my formative years — 14, 15, 16, when you start to think about things — I was, like, 'Well, yeah, you know what? It's gonna benefit me in this world if I always try and advocate for world peace and dignity for everybody.' So we're striving for that — still now striving for that, in our own ways, to whatever capacity that we have."

Greenway went on to say that polarization is not necessarily a new phenomenon but is more noticeable now because of social media.

"The thing is it's very easy to look at what's going on now and go, 'Well, it's worse than it's ever been,' but there always was quite a significant amount of that stuff going on throughout the world," he said.

Greenway previously spoke about the perception that NAPALM DEATH is a political band in a 2022 interview with RAMzine. He said at the time: "Well, the thing is is this: I would say we're equally apolitical because the ideas that we actually espouse are human ideas, and human ideas surely, and should, transcend politics. But, yeah, for sure, I'm a person — I come from the left; that's how I grew up; that was where my ideas kind of came from. So, yeah, it's that. That's what we are — we are a 'human ideas' band."

Asked if he ever encounters fans who begrudge him for his opinions and how he feels and what he represents, Greenway said: "From time to time, you get people that are in opposition to what you say, but you know what? That's fine, man. I'm not here to beat people with a stick; that's not the point. 'Cause that's kind of entrapment in a way. And I'm not there. But I am here to say there is a better way; there are better ways. It doesn't mean I'm here to say, 'You must do what I say and do what I do.' The whole essence of where NAPALM takes ideas was about actually true freedom, anarchy in a way — peaceful anarchy. So that's where I continue to… that's where my path goes."

More than a decade ago, Greenway told Washington Post Express that he wasn't a fan of "mainstream" politics. "The power structures really bug me," he said. "I won't go into this too deeply because we'll be at this forever, but I think the structures that are in place at the moment give the people in power more rights than you and me have, and how can that be right? Systems evolve and systems change, and maybe there's an argument that the whole worldwide system really needs to change so the people at the bottom of the scale right now really get more input, because it's just not happening and it needs to at some point if we want to maintain a peaceful, tolerant world — it's just got to. So, in that sense, NAPALM's not really — I'm probably playing cat among the pigeons right here — but is it really a political band at the end of the day? I don't know. I see it as an extension of the things I believe in, and the band does: humanitarianism and peace and tolerance. Is that politics? Maybe it is and maybe it isn't; I don't know. But would I still be involved [in social issues] if the band were to go on pause? Well, yeah, because I was of that nature before I joined the band. It wasn't like I flipped a coin overnight and decided this was how I was gonna direct myself; I was that way, to be honest, since I was 6 or 7 years old. My dad was involved with trade unions, and I understand what I believe to be injustice. So, I will always be involved with something, because I can't really see me working for someone in a suit, making money for them, and getting really bored. [Laughs]"

NAPALM DEATH are credited as pioneers of the grindcore genre by incorporating elements of crust punk and death metal, using a noise-filled sound that uses heavily distorted, down-tuned guitars, grinding overdrive bass, high-speed tempos, blast beats, and vocals that consist of incomprehensible growls or high-pitched shrieks. Their music features extremely short songs, fast tempos, and sociopolitical lyrics. Even after exerting an indelible influence on the entire world of heavy music for nearly 40 years, there is still no band on Earth that sounds like NAPALM DEATH. Not just pioneers, but an enduring benchmark for invention and fearlessness in heavy and experimental music of all kinds, the Birmingham legends are still hurtling forward at full pelt.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone Brasil, SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker spoke about the driving motivation behind his decision to form the band sixty years ago in Hanover, Germany. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "First of all, nothing is easy. So for me, I have an important point, but I found out later why I made it. It's because I was setting the goal very high. I set it so high that other people thought I'm stupid and I'm crazy, whatever their thought [was]. [With] the postwar generation, like Klaus [Meine, SCORPIONS singer] and me are, I said, it would be great to go out in the world and show the people, here is a new generation. They're not coming with tanks and making war. The new generation is coming and making music."

Schenker's latest comments echo those he made more than three years ago when he told Headliner Chicago that it was important for him to challenge the world's perception of Germany when SCORPIONS first formed.

"We weren't born in England or America, where rock and roll was really born. [Instead, we] learned from our idols," Rudolf said at the time. "[When we first formed] we said to ourselves, 'In Germany, we want to go and make bridges with our music, show that from Germany they're not coming with tanks and making war; they're coming with guitars, playing love, peace and rock and roll.'"

Also in 2022, Schenker told Metal Hammer magazine that he was still inspired by the idea of making new music, even in his 70s. "Of course," he said. "I'm from the 50s, so I saw THE BEATLES and THE ROLLING STONES when they first started changing things. I was there and said, 'Yes, I want to do this. I believe in rock.' People would say, 'Why do you do these things? Music?! Wake up! What will you do when you're 30 or 40?' but I'm still here making music and they're all not living or looking like they're 90."

Regarding how he has managed to keep SCORPIONS going for so long, Rudolf told Classic Rock: "From the very beginning, I wanted the right chemistry. It's very important that you have friendship in the band. When I founded the band, I said, 'Look, we don't have a boss here. We are a democracy.' This was a very important point. Keep the band as close as possible."

SCORPIONS' latest album, "Rock Believer", was released in 2022. The LP was recorded primarily at Peppermint Park Studios in Hannover, Germany and was mixed at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, Germany with engineer Michael Ilbert, who has earned multiple Grammy nominations for his mix work with producer Max Martin on albums by Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.

SCORPIONS originally intended to record "Rock Believer" in Los Angeles with producer Greg Fidelman, whose previous credits include SLIPKNOT and METALLICA. However, because of the pandemic, some of the initial work was done with Greg remotely, after which SCORPIONS opted to helm the recordings themselves with the help of their engineer Hans-Martin Buff.

SCORPIONS' latest LP marked their first release since 2017's "Born To Touch Your Feelings - Best Of Rock Ballads", which was an anthology of new and classic material.

SCORPIONS' previous full-length collection of new recordings was "Return To Forever", partially comprising songs the band had in the vault from the '80s. It was the final recorded appearance of SCORPIONS' longtime drummer James Kottak, who was dismissed from the band in September 2016. He has since been replaced by Mikkey Dee, formerly of MOTÖRHEAD.

For the first single from the companion album, Best Of Nine Inch Nails Redux, to be released in parallel with the forthcoming MER Redux Series instalment, The Downward Spiral Redux, Albuquerque stoner metal outfit, Blue Heron, pay a fierce and sizzling tribute in the shape of the somewhat caged video clip for the track “Head Like A Hole”.

Both tribute albums are scheduled for release on November 28. Pre-order here.

Watch the “Head Like A Hole” video below.

“It’s always been a dream to cover a Nine Inch Nails song, but the opportunity never presented itself being that I’ve never played in an Industrial band”, Blue Heron bassist “Big” Steve Schmidlapp writes. “I was beyond excited when we were asked to do a track for the Nine Inch Nails Redux and was shocked that ‘Head Like A Hole’ hadn’t already been taken. ‘Head Like A Hole’ was the gateway song for me and many others to find Nine Inch Nails and industrial music in the early 90s. I always felt like the synthesized bass line would be a badass heavy groovy guitar riff, which was the foundation of how we approached creating our rendition. We definitely put our own stamp on the song, I’m excited to hear what people think of it.”



Best Of Nine Inch Nails Redux tracklisting:

Snakemother – “The Day The World Went Away” / “Sin”
Blue Heron – “Head Like A Hole”
Graycon – “Right Where It Belongs”
The Ocean – “Even Deeper”
Evi Vine – “This Isn’t The Place”
Nonexistent Night – “The Perfect Drug”
The Moth Gatherer – “The Hand That Feeds”
Chrome Ghost – “Every Day Is Exactly The Same”
Marissa Nadler – “The Great Below”
Bees Made Honey In The Vein Tree – “Over & Out”
Thou – “Suck”
Orbiter – “Terrible Lie”
Bleakheart – “Something I Could Never Have”

Drawing on three of the most impactful careers in American rock, HOWL OWL HOWL is a brand-new band with an old-school rock and roll soul — and an elusive musical creature, rarely seen in the wild: A true rock supergroup.

Founded by Grammy-winning HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH frontman/multi-platinum country star Darius Rucker, REM co-founder/Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Mike Mills and THE BLACK CROWES co-founding drummer and lauded media personality Steve Gorman, HOWL OWL HOWL rekindles the spirit of the authentic rock band. Infusing roots rock with an open-minded alternative flair — plus a fluid rhythm section and the barrel-chested vocal rasp of an iconic frontman — it was born from friendship and the pure joy of collaboration, and powered by the world-class instincts of true originals. After moving in the same orbit through their hard-touring '90s heyday, the three founding members are far from done making noise.

HOWL OWL HOWL will release its debut song, "My Cologne", on October 31, to be followed by the band's inaugural tour, kicking off on November 3 at the Vogue in Indianapolis, Indiana.

"It feels great to be singing with a rock band again. It's like buddies getting together, but also getting to play with your idols," Rucker explains. "The stuff we're writing is so different than anything I've tried to do before."

"You never can explain band chemistry," Mills adds. "We all like each other. And we all admire each other musically. All those things come together and if it weren't fun, we wouldn't be doing it."

Some 30 years in the making, an upcoming album captures the group's wide range of sonic influence in melody-driven freeform style. From punchy garage rock and jangle pop to throwback soul, blues, and beyond, self-penned songs veer from deeply personal to colorful and quirky, for a set steeped in the rebellious passion and forever-young philosophy of rock … yet designed in a different phase of life.

The band traces its beginnings back to 2019, when Gorman pulled the longtime friends together for a Nashville benefit show. Then in 2021, they began working in earnest. With no idea considered off limits, each member contributed to original songwriting in a series of loose, freewheeling studio sessions, building a sound moment by moment. Their combined experience went to good use, and the refreshing result grew well beyond any just-for-fun expectations.

"The concept from day one was, 'Let's just write a bunch of songs together and see what we think, see if there's anything cool that comes from it' – there was no grand design beyond that," Gorman says. "And then we all hit this realization of, 'This is actually really good! I think we've caught something.'"

"Writing these songs — it feels great to get to do it the way we did it back in the day," Rucker agrees. With more maturity and humility — but the same swagger each member brought to their genre-defining first act — the near-mythical group will hit the road in late 2025; a new era started for all the right reasons. HOWL OWL HOWL has been a rewarding leap of faith, the group says. And the excitement is real.

"I hope people listen to this and realize it's just three old rock & roll friends that started hanging out," Rucker explains.

"We all truly dig the record. We knew it would be fun and we knew it would be cool and all those things, but this is beyond that," Gorman adds. "This is a record we would feel when we were much younger. This is a record we'd be proud of in any of our other bands."

HOWL OWL HOWL tour dates:

Nov. 03 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
Nov. 04 - Chicago, IL @ Metro Chicago
Nov. 06 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Nov. 07 - Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
Nov. 08 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club - Music Hall
Nov. 11 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Nov. 12 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Nov. 14 - Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
Nov. 15 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

Photo credit: Steven Cohen

Three legends collide for one epic band. Introducing Howl Owl Howl, a rock supergroup comprised of Hootie frontman...

Posted by Howl Owl Howl on Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Duff McKagan has unveiled "Fallen Ones" from "Lighthouse: Live From London", an all-new live album and full-length concert film recorded last October during his sold-out "Lighthouse Tour '24". The 19-track collection will be available in a wide variety of formats, including digital, CD Digipak, CD and Blu-ray digipak (with live audio and the complete "Lighthouse: Live From London" concert film),2LP 180g black vinyl (with gatefold sleeve and ticket replica),and limited-edition 2LP 180g black vinyl (with live audio, complete concert film, gatefold sleeve, and autographed ticket replica signed by McKagan). "Lighthouse: Live From London" arrives on Friday, October 31. Pre-orders/pre-saves are available now via duffmckagan.com.

Recorded and filmed October 5, 2024, before a sold-out crowd at London, England's historic Islington Assembly Hall, "Lighthouse: Live From London" sees McKagan and his band performing songs from throughout the iconic musician-songwriter's legendary career, including stellar renditions of tracks originally found on his critically acclaimed third solo album, 2023's "Lighthouse". Among the live album's many highlights is an unforgettable take on the plaintive fan favorite "Longfeather", premiering everywhere alongside an official live performance video streaming now on YouTube.

"Lighthouse Tour '24" saw McKagan lighting up sold-out houses across North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom, joined by his murderer's row of musicians, guitarist Tim DiJulio, guitarist/keyboardist Jeff Fielder, bassist Mike Squires, and drummer Michael Musburger, with live sound engineered by longtime collaborator Martin Feveyear. Recorded and mixed by Feveyear, "Lighthouse: Live From London" collects electrifying in-concert versions of such McKagan originals as "I Saw God On 10th St.", "Lighthouse" and the volatile "Chip Away" (a personal favorite of Bob Dylan himself),along with breakneck performances of THE STOOGES' "I Wanna Be Your Dog", THE CRICKETS' (by way of THE BOBBY FULLER FOUR and THE CLASH) "I Fought The Law", and GUNS N' ROSES' classic "You're Crazy". What's more, "Lighthouse: Live From London" features a very special guest appearance by SEX PISTOLS co-founding guitarist Steve Jones that sees the two friends (and NEUROTIC OUTSIDERS bandmates) joining forces for once-in-a-lifetime renditions of Johnny Thunders' "Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory" and David Bowie's "Heroes", the latter of which can be viewed now below.

For more than 40 years, Duff McKagan has been an unstoppable creative force, spanning a multitude of bands, tours, collaborations, writings, and an ongoing solo body of work that includes such critically acclaimed albums as 2019's Shooter Jennings-produced "Tenderness" and 2023's soul-searching "Lighthouse". Starting at just 15, McKagan has been a part of such diverse and influential bands as THE VAINS (1979),THE FASTBACKS (1980),THE LIVING (1982),THE FARTZ (1990),10 MINUTE WARNING (1993) and LOADED (1998),along, of course, with his historic role as founding member of both GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER. In addition to his prolific musical efforts, McKagan is The New York Times best-selling author of 2011's "It's So Easy: And Other Lies" and 2015's "How To Be A Man: (And Other Illusions)", and the co-host (with Susan Holmes McKagan) of the popular "Three Chords & The Truth" radio show, airing in North America on SiriusXM's Ozzy's Boneyard (Ch. 38). In addition, "Three Chords & The Truth" airs weekly on stations around the globe, including the U.K.'s Planet Rock, Denmark's myROCK, Finland's Radio Rock, Germany/Switzerland/Austria's Rock Antenne, Iceland and Canada's x977, and Poland's Antyradio.

"Lighthouse: Live From London" track listing:

01. Forgiveness
02. Chip Away
03. This Is The Song
04. I Saw God On 10th St.
05. Tenderness
06. Feel
07. Holy Water / I Wanna Be Your Dog
08. I Just Don't Know
09. Fallen Ones
10. Fallen
11. Wasted Heart
12. Longfeather
13. Just Another Shakedown
14. I Fought The Law
15. You're Crazy
16. Lighthouse
17. Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory (feat. Steve Jones)
18. Heroes (feat. Steve Jones)
19. Don't Look Behind You

In a new interview with Jordi Pinyol, legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen spoke about how the music industry has changed in the four decades since he launched his career as a professional musician. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The industry itself, it's not a pretty thing. But the truth of the matter is that the recording industry was existing on one premise in the '70s and '80s, whatever, for the longest time until today, and it was the record labels wanted to make money. It's like any company — they make a product and they wanna sell it. So therefore, if there was a certain band or certain trend that came up, they would go, 'Oh, let's find the next one.' 'Let's find the next one.' 'Let's find the next one.' They would sign bands and acts every week. And it became like a puppy mill of this where the quality was maybe not the greatest all the time. There would be an originator and then there'd be a lot of copies, and then there'd be an originator… And I'm not talking about me or guitar; I'm talking about styles. When the grunge [movement] came out, it was NIRVANA who started it, and then it was a million grunge bands that I don't even know the names for. Or the glam thing, for instance, POISON or whatever, when that happened, they had 15, 20 other bands on MTV every day that that would sound and look the same. And then that went out of style. And the reason this was happening was because they knew what would sell. There was a format. Everything was a format. You have a format on the radio, you have a format on MTV, you know — that's it. And then if that changes, you change the acts that you sign in order to make money. Now the rug was pulled out under this because the product doesn't exist. Why would you spend money on trying to sell something that doesn't exist? There's no record stores, there's no records. It's not a product anymore. It's a streaming subscription that you can never make the kind of money that was made in the '80s; you can never do that. So, that is also a reflection of what happened with all the guitar players that came up because they saw, 'Oh, this Malmsteen guy, he's doing really well. Let's get a bunch of other guys and try to make money with them too.' Same thing with any band, like BON JOVI or whatever. When they made it big, they made a hundred bands that sounded and looked the same as them. That's just the way it was then. I was there. I didn't read it in a book. I was there. I saw it with my own eyes. I navigated through that whole thing and stayed pretty much on my own course, but that's what happened there."

Yngwie continued: "Today, there's no huge record company offices with local reps in every town. They don't do that anymore, because there's no record chains, there's no system. Of course, there is some — very small — but I'm talking about when it was the thing to do. [Back then English billionaire investor] Richard Branson said, 'I wanna make money. I'll start a record label.' Today you start record label 'cause you love music — maybe — not to make money. So now with YouTube and so on, anybody could make a record, anybody could make a video and so on. So it diluted everything. There's no impact. Nothing has impact."

Malmsteen added: "If you go even back further, 1964, THE BEATLES came to America. They did one TV show and they were the biggest band in the world because there was two TV channels. If they came and they did the same thing today, on YouTube today, nobody would give a shit. That is what's happening then and this is what's happening now. So something needs to be done about that. And I don't know what… I mean there is a revival in vinyl.

"When I was a kid, you went on the tube, you went to the store, you bought a record, you took it home, you opened it up, you played it on the record player, and you listened and you looked at the pictures. It was a big event. Not anymore. It doesn't exist. It's not, like, 'Oh, yeah, I'm making a record.' Yeah, but where's the record chain? Where's the store? There isn't any. That's what's happening."

Yngwie released a new live album, "Tokyo Live", in April via Music Theories Recordings. The concert was recorded at the Zepp DiverCity, Tokyo on May 11, 2024 as part of Yngwie's 40th-anniversary world tour.

Malmsteen's breathtaking technique takes center stage of the 100-minute concert while being cocooned by exquisite musicianship throughout. The setlist tracks Malmsteen's illustrious career, from "Hiroshima Mon Amour" and "Evil Eye" and through his remarkable solo career with "Rising Force", "Far Beyond The Sun", "Arpeggios From Hell" and "Seventh Sign" all the way up to his most recent material taken from 2021's "Parabellum", with "Wolves At The Door", "Relentless Fury", "(Si Vis Pacem) Parabellum", not to mention rousing renditions of "Paganini's 4th" and "Smoke On The Water".

Only four of the songs on "Parabellum" featured vocals. The album title is Latin, translating as "Prepare For War".

After working with some of the top hard singers of the past four decades, Yngwie now handles much of the lead vocals himself in his own band, backed by a lineup that includes keyboardist Nick Marino, bassist Emilio Martinez and drummer Kevin Klingenschmid.

The name of Yngwie Malmsteen has always stood for uncompromising excellence. In a career that now spans more than 40 years he has proven himself to be a unique artist. You can try to categorize him in any way you wish. But the manner in which this supreme Swedish craftsman has continually developed his music makes Malmsteen sublimely transcend any definition you attempt to impose.

He now has a catalogue of 22 solo studio albums, each of which has much to commend. Malmsteen's artistry has always clearly incorporated a healthy virtuosity, but his talent goes well beyond a comprehensive control of the guitar. The man is a fine composer and, on recent releases, has also showcased a strong vocal presence and now, with only this fifth live release, it captures four decades of relentless fury and blissful artistry of one of the true greats.

German/Finnish/French thrash metal veterans KREATOR will release their sixteenth studio album, "Krushers Of The World", on January 16, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records.

KREATOR recorded "Krushers Of The World" at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren. Bogren previously helmed KREATOR's "Phantom Antichrist" (2012) and "Gods Of Violence" (2017) LPs.

Following the recent releases of the KREATOR documentary film "Hate & Hope" as well as "Your Heaven, My Hell", the autobiography of KREATOR frontman Mille Petrozza, "Krushers Of The World" will be the next step in the evolution of KREATOR — a band that is still at its peak more than forty years into its career.

"Krushers Of The World" is not a shy title — it is a statement, an expression of pride and self-awareness knowing how long and hard the band's path has been and knowing what they still have to say and share with their ever-growing following. After the buzz around the movie and book, it is time for KREATOR to let the riffs, the roaring vocals and thunderous drums do the talking.

Alongside the album news, KREATOR revealed plans for a monumental European tour across 20 countries, joining forces with fellow metal powerhouses CARCASS, EXODUS and NAILS.

The tour kicks off on March 20, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal, at MEO Arena and wraps up on April 25, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark, at Poolen. Highlights include shows in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Paris, Milan, Berlin, Stockholm, and more.

A new KREATOR single, "Seven Serpents", will arrive this Friday, September 26, alongside album pre-orders and a tour pre-sale, with general tickets going on sale Monday, September 29 at 10 a.m. local time.

Tour dates:

March 20 - Lisbon, Portugal - MEO Arena
March 22 - Madrid, Spain - Palacio Vistalegre
March 24 - Paris, France - Zenith Paris
March 25 - Brussels, Belgium - Ancienne Belgique
March 27 - London, UK - O2 Academy Brixton
March 28 - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo Manchester
March 29 - Glasgow, UK - O2 Academy Glasgow
March 31 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal
April 01 - Zürich, Switzerland - Halle 622
April 03 - 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands - Mainstage Brabanthallen
April 04 - Essen, Germany - Grugahalle
April 05 - Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle
April 07 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
April 08 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Media Center
April 09 - Vienna, Austria - Gasometer
April 10 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - MHP Arena
April 11 - Munich, Germany - Zenith
April 12 - Karlín, Czechia - Forum Karlín
April 13 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
April 15 - Warsaw, Poland - COS Torwar
April 17 - Hamburg, Germany - Inselparkhalle
April 18 - Berlin, Germany - Uber Eats Music Hall
April 20 - Riga, Latvia - Palladium Riga
April 21 - Helsinki, Finland - Black Box Finland Oy
April 23 - Stockholm, Sweden - Annexet
April 24 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum Scene
April 25 - Copenhagen, Denmark – Poolen

In a recent interview with Greece's Altars Of Metal conducted at last weekend's Chania Rock Festival, KREATOR guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö stated about the band's upcoming LP: " I'm happy to tell you that the entire March, April, May, we were working on the album, intensively, every day. In May, we went to Sweden to record the new album with Jens Bogren in Sweden, in Örebro, and the plan for it is to come out early next year."

Asked how the new KREATOR album will be different from what we have heard from the band before, Sami said: "Well, there is a little different kind of an edge. For example, for a couple of songs we tuned down the guitar. Not every song. And, of course, it affects everything. And just different kind of songs. It's hard for me to describe it because I'm so close to it, so near to it, but I'm really looking forward to hearing the mixes myself. It was a lot of work in the spring time. And I hope people will like it too. Let's see."

KREATOR's upcoming effort will be the follow-up to 2022's "Hate Über Alles", which was recorded at Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin, Germany. Helming the sessions for that LP was Arthur Rizk, who has previously worked with CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, CODE ORANGE, POWER TRIP and SOULFLY, among others.

"Hate Über Alles" marked KREATOR's first album with bassist Frédéric Leclercq, who joined the group in 2019.

In a recent interview with Loaded Radio, Leclercq stated about KREATOR's upcoming music:  "We are putting the final touches to a new album that will be released sometime next year. I spent two months away — I was in Germany [working with the band on the songs] and then in Sweden."

Asked what the new KREATOR material is like, Leclercq said: "It's great. [Laughs] I think everybody agrees to say it's better than 'Hate Über Alles', which was already cool. And that was my first [album] with the band. But I think this one has better songs. I mean, that's how we feel. I'm just saying it's gonna be great."

Regarding what it's like working with Petrozza, Leclercq said: "It's cool. They're all easy to work with. And Mille comes with the majority of the riffs and the vocals. He works differently than me in a sense that for him the lyrics, that's what's important. And from the lyrics will come the riffs and whatnot, and obviously he needs to be able to play the riff while singing. So it's a different way of building songs. So my job there is just to check guitar, melodies and solo parts and whatnot. That's what I do. And it's great, because that was already the case on the first album I did with them, is that I told them, I said… I'm very passionate when it comes to music, and I have a tendency to go, like when I hear something, I'm gonna be, like, 'Yeah, we should try this,' and very — not a dictator in that sense, but very [forcefully] giving orders. And they were, like, 'Oh, no, that's cool.' So they actually really trust me on this. So I pick things that they not always notice, and they give me that sort of freedom to arrange a bit, and that's great."

He continued: "I love the KREATOR guys. The minute I joined them, it felt like I was part of the family forever. That's how we feel. And I'm not [just] saying [that], because it sounds like very cliché, but it's really the truth. I've known Mille for a long time, before I joined DRAGONFORCE, actually. I met him in Germany in 2003, I think. So we've always been bumping into each other since then, at festivals and whatnot. And when I joined the band, there was no audition. There was me and no one else. I'm the first one they asked, and I said yes. And I learned the songs and I went in the rehearsal room and I was a little shy for a few bars. And then I was, like, 'That's cool.' And I saw everybody smiling and I was just, like, 'Yeah, that's it.' And yeah, yeah, it really felt like I was part of the family forever."

The official KREATOR documentary, "Hate & Hope", was shown on July 2 at the 42nd Munich International Film Festival and received a theatrical premiere on September 4. The 110-minute film was directed by Cordula Kablitz-Post.

KREATOR played its first show with Leclercq in October 2019 in Santiago, Chile.

Before joining KREATOR, Leclercq rose to fame with U.K.-based extreme power metallers DRAGONFORCE for whom he handled bass duties from 2005 until August 2019.

As previously reported, Mille's official German-language autobiography, which he wrote with journalist, author and presenter Torsten Groß, "Your Heaven, My Hell - Mein Leben, Heavy Metal Und Wie Das Alles Passieren Konnte", was published on August 28 via Ullstein Verlag.

In a new interview with 95.5 KLOS radio legend Frazer Smith, RATT frontman Stephen Pearcy reflected on the band's early years. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "As soon as discovered [VAN HALEN] in '78, I was in my band MICKEY RATT in San Diego, as Robbin [Crosby, late RATT guitarist] was in his band PHENOMENON, Jake E. Lee [future Ozzy Osbourne guitarist] was in his band TEASER, Warren [DeMartini, RATT guitarist] was in his band ENFORCER. When I went and saw [VAN HALEN] — well, first of all, I became friends with Ed that night, Eddie Van Halen, and we traded gear. We had a lot in common. And I went, 'You know what? January 1st, 1980, I'm fucking moving to L.A.' And I did. I took my band up there. We moved into a garage room kind of thing, and we started from scratch. 'Cause we were happening in San Diego; we were doing the Bing Crosby Hall, Golden Hall, Plaza Hall. And then here we are in L.A. and I'm doing blah blah café, Madame Wong's, playing these places. They paid me to not play. 'Here's your 50 bucks. Don't play. Go home.' And I was agent, manager, booker — I was doing everything. I was a hustler. And it worked.

"I saw [VAN HALEN] at the Whisky [A Go Go]," Pearcy continued. "They had just left Gazzarri's [nightclub on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California], and I went, 'Okay, I get it. You've gotta start here.' I pretty much followed their schematic, is what I did. I listened to Ed. Like I say, we became friends. I'd go to his pad, and he'd tell me this and blah, blah, blah. Anyway, I went, 'Oh, okay, Gazzarri's.' And sure enough, I harassed Bill Gazzarri until he let me in, and he was, like, 'All right, you can play on a Monday night at 12 o'clock, midnight.' And I played every night there until we became the house band. And then it worked. And then we were, like, 'See you later. We've gotta go down to the Whisky now.'"

Asked about his friendship with some of the other bands who were coming up on the Los Angeles scene in the early 1980s, Pearcy said: "People think that all these bands, which they're calling hair metal, we all came out of the same clump of clay, which is not true, because the first batch out of there — VAN HALEN pretty much started it all. But the real guys were, believe it or not, STRYPER was ROXX REGIME, regulars at Gazzarri's with me, and MÖTLEY [CRÜE], W.A.S.P., ARMORED SAINT. There was a real first batch that pretty much spearheaded that '80s thing. So I break it down to 1980 to '85, which we were off and running, and then you get the second batch. And then you've got all these bands from everywhere else who came to L.A., which people thought, 'Oh yeah, they're from Hollywood.' No, they're not — they're from fucking Pittsburgh. But I find it interesting, the whole trip, and I'm glad that we actually were part of that first [wave of bands]."

RATT exploded on to the national scene in 1984 with the release of "Out Of The Cellar". Featuring an undeniable hook and legendary music video, lead single "Round And Round" hit No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Out Of The Cellar" reached No. 7 on the Billboard Top 200 and was certified triple platinum. Two more charting singles followed with "Back For More" and "Wanted Man". RATT started the tour as an opening act, but by the end of the tour had climbed to arena headliner.

RATT returned in 1985 with its second full-length album, "Invasion Of Your Privacy". Certified double platinum and also reaching No. 7 on the Billboard 200, "Invasion Of Your Privacy" also featured the classics "Lay It Down" (No. 40 on Billboard Hot 100) and "You're In Love".

"Dancing Undercover" followed in 1986 as RATT toured North America with a then-brand new Los Angeles band called POISON as the opening act. Lead single "Dance" hit the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned another music video hit with "Slip Of The Lip", while "Body Talk" was featured in a key scene in the Eddie Murphy film "The Golden Child". "Dancing Undercover" became RATT's third consecutive platinum album and reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200.

1988's "Reach For The Sky" saw RATT return to the Top 20 of the Billboard 200 album charts, peaking at No. 17. Driven by the bluesy hit and MTV favorite "Way Cool Jr.", "Reach For The Sky" was also certified platinum and became RATT's fourth album in a row to move well over a million copies. "I Want A Woman" was also a successful single and the video captured the excitement and energy of RATT live.

RATT released its last full-length record of the Atlantic era, "Detonator", in 1990. Music was changing, but "Detonator" was still a success, peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 and going gold. It was the first RATT album to feature major outside songwriting contributions (Desmond Child, Diane Warren) and guests (Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Schenker). Lead single "Lovin' You's A Dirty Job" hit No. 18 on the rock chart while the power ballad "Givin' Yourself Away" reached No. 39.

In 1991, they released the single "Nobody Rides For Free" from the hit film "Point Break", starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze.

In January 2021, Pearcy told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that he was open to the idea of making a new RATT album with all the surviving members of the band's classic lineup.

RATT hasn't released any new music since 2010's "Infestation" LP.

Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the signing of acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Jared James Nichols. Known for his high-voltage blend of soulful vocals, raw energy, and searing guitar work, v has carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting new voices in rock.

Nichols is currently on tour across the US supporting the legendary Michael Schenker Group – and with a run of EU and UK dates approaching fast in November and December. He joins the Frontiers roster, ready to deliver his “Blues Power” to fans worldwide and with his fourth album now in the works.

Jared James Nichols comments: “I am absolutely thrilled to announce my signing to Frontiers. I am ready to break through to the next level with new music and this epic partnership. They have built a crew of seasoned and forward-thinking industry pros that understand rock n’ roll. The sky is the limit with the stellar, passionate, and badass team at Frontiers. TURN IT UP, BLUES POWER!”

Mario de Riso, A&R and Business Affairs VP at Frontiers, added: “I’m delighted to have worked on bringing Jared James Nichols into the label. His vision and talent make this collaboration a perfect fit, and I look forward to what’s ahead.”

Armed with nothing more than his signature Gibson Les Paul, a cranked amp, and a microphone burning hot, Jared James Nichols lives the Blues the way it was meant to be lived – tough by design, raw in delivery, and authentic to the core. The Wisconsin-born, Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist unleashes unapologetic rock ’n’ roll, his voice hitting with grit and soul while his fretwork roars with fire and fury.

Celebrated by American Songwriter, Guitar World, and Relix, Nichols has already tallied millions of streams and built a devoted following online. Gibson Guitars recognized his impact by naming him one of only four Global Brand Ambassadors worldwide – a rare honor that cements his standing as one of today’s most vital guitar slingers.

Now preparing his fourth – and most defining – album, Nichols calls this era “JJN Mach II.” Written and inspired by his post-pandemic touring experiences and new home base in Nashville, the record showcases his growth as a singer and songwriter, while taking his guitar playing to explosive new heights.

Nichols’ journey has not been without hardship: cancelled tours, collapsed labels, breakdowns on the road, even a freak accident that left him with 20 screws in his arm. Yet every challenge has only fueled his drive and deepened the legend of his self-proclaimed “Blues Power.”

With Frontiers Music Srl now by his side, Jared James Nichols is ready to bring his uncompromising rock ’n’ roll to the world. The time has come for his name to be known in every household where true rock is alive.

Find Nichols’ tour itinerary and ticket links here.

In a new interview with Finland's Chaoszine, FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares was asked to name the first band he ever became a fan of. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "AC/DC. [AC/DC guitarist] Angus Young is the reason why I wanted to play guitar. The minute I saw him, I was nine years old, I saw him on TV. It was about 1976, '77, around there, and I saw him and I just instantly knew that's what I wanted to do."

Regarding whether there are other bands he was a fan of when he first started playing guitar, Dino said: "Well, it wasn't necessarily being a fan of the bands. Once I saw Angus Young play, I became a fan of the guitar. So anybody who played guitar, like [VAN HALEN's] Eddie Van Halen, [METALLICA's] James Hetfield, of course [PANTERA's] Dimebag Darrell, and Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King of SLAYER. I became a fan of guitar and I learned a lot of things from those type of guys. Like for instance. James Hetfield did a lot of down picking, so I learned my down picking from him. Then you've got Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King doing like the staccato picking. And, of course, you've got IRON MAIDEN to do the gallop. So I learned picking from all those different guitar players. And so, yeah, I was a fan of the music, but I was also a fan of the style of playing and guitar, the sound, the tone, all that stuff."

Asked if he still takes influence from other musicians or if he is "doing all just" him at this point, Dino responded: "I'm definitely doing just me, because — but in theory, you never stop learning, because you're always gonna learn. But it doesn't necessarily have to be from guitar. It could just be from music in general or just life in general. Life's inspirations sometimes can trigger something for you to write in a certain style or a certain way. And I take all those life experiences like that and I apply it to my music. And that's been from the beginning. Even if you're going through something sad or a heartbreak, you're doing dark chords. Or for some bands, you're summoning the dark Lord and you're gonna be playing that death note. But for me it's, like, all those types of different things I learned from. And I apply it to my music."

Asked what inspires him right now, Dino said:  "What inspires me right now is, well, we have a new vocalist. His name's Milo Silvestro, and he sings amazing. He's an amazing vocalist. He's multi-talented. And right now he kind of inspires me because he brought… We've been writing a new record, so he brought a little bit of a new character. And I was, like, 'Wow, okay, let's go with that.' 'Let's try that.' 'Let's go with this.' And he's brought that kind of inspiration into the band that really helped take it to somewhere new, but without being too far new to where people are not gonna recognize who we are."

He added: "Sometimes, you could play with other musicians and they inspire you. Maybe you're a fan of their bands, but when you get 'em in a room together and you start collaborating together, sometimes that can really spark an idea and that could spark a different flavor that maybe you wanna apply to your music. But I love it all."

Silvestro replaced FEAR FACTORY's original singer Burton C. Bell more than two years ago.

FEAR FACTORY recently completed a European tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the band's classic second album, "Demanufacture".

FEAR FACTORY's current lineup features Cazares, Silvestro, drummer Pete Webber and bassist Tony Campos.

Ricky Bonazza (BUTCHER BABIES) played bass for FEAR FACTORY on the road in Europe while Campos was busy touring with STATIC-X.

Silvestro's addition to FEAR FACTORY was officially announced in February 2023.

FEAR FACTORY played its first headlining concert with Silvestro and Webber on May 5, 2023 at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California.