SuperNova Records presents brand new vinyl reissues of Today Is The Day’s seminal LPs Supernova and Today Is The Day, confirming them for release in early February.


Following the release of their acclaimed No Good To Anyone LP, released through BMG in February of 2020, Today Is The Day founder Steve Austin used the downtime of the COVID-19 lockdowns to secure the rights to every one of the band’s albums, relaunching his SuperNova Records label. With the entire catalog now under one roof, the label reissued the band’s entire back-catalog digitally and began rolling out additional Today Is The Day recordings, rare gems, previously unreleased material, and more, and began repressing the catalog in updated physical incarnations, leading with last year’s reissue of the seminal 1994 album Willpower.


2024 will see the label stepping this mission up in a major way, beginning with reissues of the band’s debut LP, Supernova, and third album Today Is The Day, originally released through Amphetamine Reptile Records, in 1993 and 1996, respectively. Along with Willpower, which was released between these two albums, Today Is The Day forged an entirely new style of psychedelia-soaked noise rock/experimental metal that would solidify the band’s foundation as an undeniable force in the underground music scene, and this AmRep triad remains some of the band’s most seminal and influential material now three decades later.







Meticulously remastered by founder Steve Austin for vinyl from the original analog recordings, these new reissues represent the most accurate depiction of the records as originally intended by the band. The artwork has been recreated with great efforts made in keeping true to the original releases. Supernova will be pressed on Multi-Color Splattered Vinyl and Today Is The Day will be pressed on Ghostly Black Ice Vinyl, emulating the cover art of each. Both records will be reissued in runs of 500 copies alongside new shirt designs.


Steve Austin reveals, “2024 is finally going to be upon us and I am psyched that we have a lot of killer music coming out that I’ve been working on throughout 2023. We start the year off with the long-awaited vinyl reissues of Today Is The Day’s first album, Supernova, and third album, Today Is The Day LP. Every detail of these two releases we tried to update, down to the clarity of the graphics and sonic refinements, while staying true to the old-school original AmRep releases. Each record’s corresponding shirt will be available as well. It was wild getting these together. I wanted to make sure they sounded the very best and looked awesome!”


“I’m happy to announce that we have also brought on Chris X of Reptilian Records as a label manager. Chris has been a good friend for many years going back to the old AmRep days and I couldn’t be happier having him working with us. We will now be in full swing of being able to get these reissues coming out at a steady pace going forward with Chris as a part of the team. So, expect to see more reissues of the Today Is The Day catalog coming out throughout the year and going forward until we have reissued them all!”


SuperNova Records will issue both reissues on January 12. Find preorders and merch bundles at the SuperNova Records webstore.


Additionally, Austin is putting the final touches on Today Is The Day’s impending new album for release mid-year, as well as his first traditional old-school country album, and more. Stand by for updates on everything to post over the weeks ahead.

In a new interview with Kevin McKay of Florida's 99Rock WKSM radio station, KK'S PRIEST frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens was asked if he and his bandmates are offering meet-and-greets for their upcoming U.S. tour. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "We usually don't do meet-and-greets. I know it's the big thing to do nowadays. And I would be all right doing meet-and-greets, but I know K.K.'s [Kenneth Downing, KK'S PRIEST guitarist and leader] not a big fan of 'em. He likes to get in, do the show and get out."

When McKay noted that a lot of artists nowadays offer meet-and-greets as a way of making extra money on the road, Owens said: "Well, absolutely. And I'm all for that. [Laughs] Listen, I tried to talk [K.K.] into it. I said, 'Listen, we should do 'em. And we get some good money out of this and we can see the fans.' Listen, that's all I've been getting on social media is people asking, 'Is there gonna be meet-and-greets?' And I think everybody does it. I mean, it's a different era. You don't sell records like you used to and everything's so expensive and everybody takes a giant merch cut out of your merch. So it's ways to make extra money."

After McKay pointed out that a KK'S PRIEST meet-and-greet without K.K. "would kind of defeat the purpose," Owens concurred. "Yeah, we're not gonna do it like that," he said. "I think most of the people seem to want K.K. and myself to be doing them. And if I would just show up, some people would be all right, but K.K. is the [person everyone wants to meet]."

McKay then joked that "it doesn't even sound like" he can sneak backstage and eat KK'S PRIEST's food, to which Owens replied: "I imagine you can get back. I mean, we'll meet people and stuff like that. Ken and myself usually, [when] the show ends, we usually walk right out the door with our bag and go to the hotel. I do it because it's singing; I do anything I can to sing good. But yeah, we still get the people, especially people like the radio hosts and the people who [have] put time in the helping us out, we always love to say hello to all you guys."

KK'S PRIEST's first-ever U.S. headlining tour will kick off on March 7, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will feature support from L.A. GUNS and BURNING WITCHES. The tour will be the first of at least a two-leg USA run of shows, planned to continue later in 2024.

KK'S PRIEST made its live debut on July 6 at Downing's KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

KK'S PRIEST kicked off a five-date "Priests, Killers & Witches" U.K. tour on October 7 at O2 Institute in Birmingham. Special guest on all dates was former IRON MAIDEN vocalist Paul Di'Anno who performed a full set of classics straight from the first two MAIDEN records, and opening up the bill was BURNING WITCHES.

KK'S PRIEST's sophomore album, "The Sinner Rides Again", came out in September via the Austrian label Napalm Records.

Joining Downing and Owens, in KK'S PRIEST are guitarist A.J. Mills (HOSTILE),bassist Tony Newton (VOODOO SIX) and drummer Sean Elg (DEATHRIDERS, CAGE).

K.K. formed KK'S PRIEST after JUDAS PRIEST turned down his offer to rejoin the band for their 50th-anniversary tour. It followed a couple of celebrated stage appearances, first with former MANOWAR guitarist Ross The Boss in the summer of 2019, then with a one-off lineup that included former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson and former PRIEST drummer Les Binks later that year.

KK'S PRIEST released its debut album, "Sermons Of The Sinner", in October 2021 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records.

Downing spent four months writing and recording "Sermons Of The Sinner" and, along with new ideas, he even resurrected a few archived riffs from the 1980s.

Downing was reunited with JUDAS PRIEST for a performance at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony last November at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award at the event, which honored Eminem, Dolly Parton, DURAN DURAN, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, EURYTHMICS and Carly Simon in the Performers category.

Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance. He was replaced by Richie Faulkner, nearly three decades his junior.

In 2019, Downing said that he reached out to JUDAS PRIEST about taking part in the band's 50th-anniversary tour but that their response was that they were not interested in including him in the celebrations.

In 2018, Downing revealed that he sent two resignation letters to his bandmates when he decided to quit JUDAS PRIEST. The first was described as "a graceful exit note, implying a smooth retirement from music," while the second was "angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with specific parties."

Downing later said that he believed the second letter was "a key reason" he wasn't invited to rejoin PRIEST after Glenn Tipton's decision to retire from touring.

Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 and recorded two studio albums with the band — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before PRIEST reunited with Rob Halford in 2003.

M-Theory Audio in cooperation with thrash metal force WARBRINGER and Century Media Records is releasing cassette copies of the iconic band’s first four albums to retail stores Feb. 9, 2024. Limited to 100 copies these four albums that cemented WARBRINGER’s legacy will each feature bonus tracks and colored shells. Additionally, they can be pre-ordered now direct from the webstore www.m-theoryaudio.com/store.

“Road Warriors! We’re excited to extend our collaboration with M-Theory Audio to bring you the individual release of our first 4 albums during our time with Century Media Records on cassette! Thank you all who supported the ‘Total War’ box-set that also included our two demos and two newest Napalm Records albums; those are collector’s items that will be out-of-print once the last few boxes are sold,” states WARBRINGER drummer Carlos Cruz. “Prepare yourselves as we’ll finally be entering the studio for album 7 Spring 2024!”

These four albums, released between 2008-2013 highlight their years recording for Century Media and one can hear and appreciate the journey begun by teenagers inspired by their influences to an international recording and touring juggernaut trailblazing new paths and inspiring a next generation. Hear the raw ferocity and reckless innocence of classic debut ‘War Without End,’ produced by the esteemed Bill Metoyer (Slayer, D.R.I., Dark Angel), including 3 bonus tracks recorded in the same sessions of older demo re-recordings. Meanwhile, 2009’s ‘Waking Into Nightmares’ showcased a band who’d spent the past year on the road and sandwiched the writing and recording of this stellar beast, that introduced some death metal elements, between tours and witness the tightness and precision come to the fore, especially backed by drummer Nic Ritter (RIP). This one includes the infamous demo song “Road Warrior” re-recorded along with album producer Gary Holt (Exodus/Slayer) ripping a guest guitar solo plus a cover of Swedish Death Metal stalwarts Unleashed. Two years later, came ‘Worlds Torn Asunder’ that featured Carlos Cruz entering the ranks and further progressing their sound with producer Steve Evetts (Symphony X, Sepultura) behind the board, and the reissue tacks on their covers of Motorhead and Bathory. And finally, the experimental ‘IV: Empires Collapse,’ mixed by Brett Eliason (Pearl Jam, Avenged Sevenfold), which is the only album to include Mantic Ritual members Jeff Potts (guitar) and Ben Mottsman (bass) and to include writing contributions from all members that highlighted a more diverse effort, including punk and black metal elements, which while at first was misunderstood has become a standout for many fans. This one includes their rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Communication Breakdown.” There are no plans to individually reissue the demos or Napalm albums on cassette, but the full WARBRINGER catalog on tape is available while a few box sets remain – only available from the webstore.

The noteworthy release proves the true mastery of their craft, and spurred a forward shift of an entire genre – transporting thrash into a brand-new era. Building upon their internationally-acclaimed blistering attack, with ‘Weapons of Tomorrow,’ WARBRINGER showcases a refreshed technical approach and a heightened focus on unique lyrical and vocal style. The record takes the promise of the band’s previous release, ‘Woe to the Vanquished,’ and carries it onward, presenting WARBRINGER at their absolute best. A new album will be released by Napalm Records in 2024.

Formed in late 2004, WARBRINGER has gone on to be one of the most consistent and well-regarded thrash metal bands of the new generation. After releasing two demos, the band broke out with their 2008 debut, ‘War Without End’ – a record illustrating a frantic energy and aggression which had been absent from metal for some time. The band continued to redefine their sound on each of their next four career-defining albums – 2009’s ‘Waking Into Nightmares,’ 2011’s ‘Worlds Torn Asunder,’ 2013’s ‘Warbringer IV: Empires Collapse’ and 2017’s ‘Woe To The Vanquished,’ their first via Napalm Records (Billboard – #8 New Artist Albums, #17 Hard Music Albums, #26 Current Rock and #29 Independent Current Albums). WARBRINGER has bolstered their performance roster by relentlessly touring internationally throughout five continents with iconic artists such as Megadeth, Exodus, Arch Enemy, Testament, Napalm Death, Iced Earth, Nile, Suffocation, Kreator, Soilwork, Overkill, Sepultura, Hatebreed, Nevermore, Dark Tranquillity, Cavelera, Sacred Reich and many more, and found themselves working with industry greats on each new album – creating with producers such as Bill Metoyer (Slayer, D.R.I., Dark Angel), thrash legend Gary Holt (guitarist, Slayer/Exodus), Steve Evetts (Symphony X, DevilDriver, The Dillinger Escape Plan), and Mike Plotnikoff (In Flames, All That Remains, Fear Factory) and cover artwork from legends Dan Seagrave (Morbid Angel, Malevolent Creation, Suffocation) and Andreas Marschall (Blind Guardian, Obituary, Hammerfall). The ever-evolving quintet continues to renovate their potent concept with each passing year, without ever losing focus on the future. Metal Injection said it best, “…the almighty WARBRINGER have proven that they reign eternal… no matter what the circumstances.”

French black-doom metal torchbearers MOURNING DAWN have announced the upcoming release of their sixth studio album, “The Foam of Despair”, on January 12th 2024.

Today, the band unveil a new track from the album. Watch the video of “The Color of Waves” at THIS LOCATION.

The first video from the album, “Blue Pain”, is also available HERE.

Aesthetic Death will release “The Foam of Despair” on digi CD and gatefold LP – (vinyl co-released with Tragedy Productions).

Tracklist:

1. Tomber du temps
2. Blue Pain
3. Borrowed Skin
4. Apex
5. Suzerain
6. The Color of Waves
7. Midnight Sun (CD edition bonus track)

“Slam Of ’87” is the newest auditory savagery from Oakland, California-based brutal death metal outfit Iron Front. The track precedes the band’s second album, Hooked, nearing January release on Creator-Destructor Records.


Originally formed in 2016 as Dire Wolves, the band reformatted to Iron Front in 2019 and is currently embodied by drummer Max Mahmood, guitarist/vocalist Cruz Garcia, guitarist Jesse Dicruttalo, bassist Dmitri Castillo Russel, and vocalist Topey Plourde. Taking inspiration from old-school death metal and NYHC, the output of Iron Front is a hardcore-adjacent, slam-induced alloy of pure savagery, calling to mind 200 Stab Wounds, Snuffed On Sight, Skinless, Bodybox, Internal Bleeding, and Suffocation.


Iron Front has independently released a handful of demos, singles, and one full-length, as well as an EP on Transylvanian Recordings.. They have received airplay on independent radio stations including Possessed vocalist Jeff Becerra’s Gimme Metal show and were interviewed on Rampage Radio. Iron Front has performed live all over the greater Bay Area and has toured across the Western US.




Now, Iron Front arrives with their most decimating material to date with their second album, Hooked, the succinct but dense record savagely unloads seven earthmoving tracks stacked with infectious riff-hooks and earthmoving beatdowns. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Nicholas Morosini at Inpatient Studios in Oakland, Hooked was completed with cover art by Julian Felipe Mora Ibañez.


With the premiere of “Slam Of ’87,” Topey Plourde states, “It’s one of the more hardcore influenced songs on the album, with low chugging riffs and some mid-tempo sections. As with all the songs on the record, Nick Morosini did a great job mixing it; just listen to that snare. The track features our friend Gerold, formerly of Death Pickle and the current bassist of Manos De Fierro, who came in and did a dope verse.”


Hooked will be released on LP and digital platforms on January 12. Preorders are available at the Creator-Destructor webshop and Bandcamp.





Tracklisting:


“Dissolved In Resin”
“Slug Rounds”
“Burned By A Crack Pipe”
“Pig Splitter”
“Hooked”
“Intestinal Siphon”
“Slam Of ‘87”


“Slam Of ‘87”:





Iron Front will support Hooked with regional live actions and tour dates in 2024, leading with a trio of shows in San Diego, Pomona, and Los Angeles January 5 through 7, and a release show for the album in San Francisco on January 13. Watch for additional dates to post shortly.


Dates:


January
5 – San Diego, CA – Better Half Supply Co
6 – Pomona, CA – The Haven
7 – Los Angeles, CA – The Rec Center
13 – San Francisco, CA – The Bottom Of The Hill (Hooked release show)


(Photo – Bobby Kirwin)

In a new interview with "The Jeremy White Show", TWISTED SISTER singer Dee Snider has once again blasted Spotify for the paltry payments the music streaming service pays out to music rightsholders. He said: "That guy from Spotify," apparently referring to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, "I wanna tell you, he should be taken out and shot. When he heard that artists were complaining about how little we get paid, his response was 'make more music' — like we're producing cans of Coke. Just [increase] the production. [It's] insulting and belittling."

Regarding how artists like him can still generate revenue with their music, Dee said: "For me, it's licensing. The licensing is the last godsend, the last oasis where you can actually make some money. Steven Spielberg chooses [TWISTED SISTER's] 'We're Not Gonna Take It' for the finale of [his movie] 'Ready Player One'. Thank you, God, 'cause I'm not getting anything from Spotify."

For years, Spotify has been criticized for offering paltry payouts to musicians and songwriters, with some claiming that the service gives major-label artists an unfair advantage via playlist placement and other promotional avenues.

In an interview published in July 2020, Ek told Music Ally: "Even today on our marketplace, there's literally millions and millions of artists. What tends to be reported are the people that are unhappy, but we very rarely see anyone who's talking about… In the entire existence [of Spotify], I don't think I've ever seen a single artist saying, 'I'm happy with all the money I'm getting from streaming,' stating that publicly. In private, they have done that many times, but in public, they have no incentive to do it. But unequivocally, from the data, there are more and more artists that are able to live off streaming income in itself.

"There is a narrative fallacy here, combined with the fact that, obviously, some artists that used to do well in the past may not do well in this future landscape, where you can't record music once every three to four years and think that's going to be enough," he continued.

"The artists today that are making it realize that it's about creating a continuous engagement with their fans. It is about putting the work in, about the storytelling around the album, and about keeping a continuous dialogue with your fans.

"I feel, really, that the ones that aren't doing well in streaming are predominantly people who want to release music the way it used to be released," he added.

A number of notable artists have since fired back at Ek over his suggestion that artists need to churn out more content if they want to the same money they used to, with many in the music community saying that's just not how the creative process works.

"While you (the listener) benefit & enjoy Spotify, it's part of what's killing a major income stream for artist/creators," Snider tweeted back in August 2020. "The amount of artists 'rich enough' to withstand this loss are about .0001%. Daniel Ek's solution is for us to write & record more on our dime?! Fuck him!"

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach also chimed in, writing: "When this guy puts out an album himself I will listen to him tell me about my albums."

DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy was equally critical of Ek's comments, tweeting: "What a greedy little bitch...it's bad enough that he's worth BILLIONS based on stealing and giving away other musician's music...but now he's suggesting we need to make MORE music for HIM to make more money!!!

"I have 8 full album releases in 2020 & will make PEANUTS on them (if anything at all...) So his theory of artists needing to make MORE music to succeed is shit! Support THE ARTISTS DIRECTLY if you want them to be able to continue to make music..."

Asked in an August 2020 interview with Sonic Perspectives for his take on Ek's comments, STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet said: "I think artists should do whatever they feel led to do. And if that's every year or if that's every 10 years, it's not his place to tell artists what to do. And, unfortunately, he's in a position right now where he's captaining the ship.

"Spotify is pretty much the leading way for music to be heard and be streamed, and artists, as you know, make very little money from all the streaming. The labels are making a little more money, but this guy's getting rich, becoming a multi-millionaire, if not a billionaire. And then he's telling artists how to do things and what they need to do. It's just kind of hypocritical and comical.

"I can't wait until the day comes [when] Spotify is no more," Sweet added. "I'd love to see that day. I'd love to see streaming music be done away with, and for it to get back to some sort of hard copy, whether it's vinyl or CDs again. Because that's the fair way to do things. That's when the artist who is working so hard to create the music is compensated properly."

In recent years, Ek has been trying to defend Spotify's payouts, telling CBS News in early 2023: "We don't pay artists directly. [Artists] have their deals with their record companies and their deals with their publishers, et cetera. And what Spotify does is we pay out to those record companies and these publishers, and don't know what individual deals these artists may have."

Two years ago, Spotify created a web site called Loud&Clear to clarify exactly who receives payments.

According to Forbes, "Spotify has been paying back nearly 70% of every dollar generated from music as royalties to rights holders who represent artists and songwriters. These organizations, which include independent distributors, publishers, performance rights organizations, record labels, and collecting societies, then pay the artists and songwriters based on their agreed terms."

Spotify boasts 574 million monthly active users as of September 30. The number of people paying for Spotify Premium stands at 226 million.

In the third quarter of 2023, Spotify posted a rare quarterly profit of $33.88 million, a stark contrast to last year's loss of $249.73 million.

KINGS OF THRASH, the band featuring former MEGADETH members David Ellefson (bass) and Jeff Young (guitar),performed this past Saturday night (December 16) at Stages in Santa Ana, California.

KINGS OF THRASH recently completed a couple of tours during which it performed MEGADETH's classic albums "Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!" and "So Far, So Good… So What!" A live CD/DVD package called "Best Of The West…Live At The Whisky A Go Go" was recorded and filmed live at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California on October 15, 2022 and was released this past March via Cleopatra Records. The DVD, which was directed by Michael Sarna for Inmotion Entertainment, includes an appearance by another former MEGADETH member, Chris Poland (guitar).

"Let me put it this way: What's happening now is a win for all of us — Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH leader] included," Young told Metal Edge this past August. "He gets to make money off the publishing from the MEGADETH songs we play. Dave knows that, so he's very aware of us."

Young continued: "He hates what KINGS OF THRASH is doing. But it doesn't matter because, eventually, we'll delete a lot of the MEGADETH from our set, and we'll keep writing new stuff. But Dave is feeling the heat because we're getting attention, and the KINGS OF THRASH album will be better than anything MEGADETH has done recently. And we're playing all the MEGADETH songs better than he has in years. It's not just me saying that — read the reviews."

This past January, Young told Ultimate Guitar that he and Ellefson had not received any feedback from Mustaine about their new band or their recent live shows. "We couldn't care less… and it's a win-win for him," Jeff said. "Because all the publishing, for example, on the 'Best Of The West', he's getting all that money. We're making him money and he doesn't have to do anything. So, we're performing the songs because they're part of our history and the fans want to hear them and we will benefit from that, and so will he, so it's a win-win. How much cooler can anything be than that? So, if he has something to say about it… I wouldn't imagine it would be very objective… not that anything he's ever said has been objective."

Jeff's recent comments were similar to those he made last year when he told Thomas S. Orwat, Jr. of the Rock Interview Series that he and Ellefson were "really not concerned" about Mustaine's reaction to KINGS OF THRASH. "I don't pay attention," he said. "I haven't really paid attention or followed MEGADETH since, I think, I heard the 'Rust In Peace' album a couple of times, and then what you might hear on the radio or in the press.

"For us, this isn't about any spite or retaliation; it's a celebration of the music that we were all a part of, that we helped create," he explained. "And it's fun for us to do this.

"People said, 'You should do this.' And we said, 'Hey, yeah, you're right. We should do this.' It's a win-win — it's a win for us, and it's a win for [Mustaine], because any performance royalties, anything… If we did include live tracks, he would make money off that. It's promoting albums that hopefully fans will go back and buy, which is putting money right in his pocket. Especially 'Killing Is My Business', I think a lot of people are gonna go back and wanna rediscover that album after this tour.

"For us, it's all about positivity," Young added. "We're all in this moment — we're living in the moment, and we're not looking beyond. We're not reading any of the comments on Blabbermouth or any of the stuff. Because we know what our intent is, and intent is everything. And our intent's positive. We like playing together. We know we're crafting original music. We're not relying on this; we don't need to ride the coattails of this. This is just something that the fans wanted, and you wanna give fans what they want."

Ellefson told Yes! You CAN Play Guitar! that the intention behind KINGS OF THRASH is not to stick it to his former bandmates. "This is a celebration, not a retaliation," he explained. "This is a good moment. This is a happy moment, to celebrate these songs and these tracks and these records. So we go at it with just fun… It's, like, 'Wow. Wouldn't it be fun if we went out and played these records?' And we're doing it. So it's meant to be this celebration and bringing people together. And honestly, that was kind of always my role in MEGADETH. Dave [Mustaine] always called me 'The Ambassador', and I was always that guy, and I am that guy. So it's, like, let me just continue that role in our community and have one of good will."

Ellefson was fired from MEGADETH more than two and a half years ago after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the bassist were posted on Twitter.

David was in MEGADETH from the band's inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest exit.

In 2004, Ellefson filed an $18.5-million lawsuit against Mustaine, alleging the MEGADETH leader shortchanged him on profits and backed out of a deal to turn Megadeth Inc. over to him when the band broke up in 2002. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed and Ellefson rejoined MEGADETH in 2010.

Young's entire career with MEGADETH was spent recording and touring in support of the band's 1988 platinum-selling album "So Far, So Good...So What!"

Jeff made headlines in December 2009 for accusing Mustaine of, among other things, "dissing, exaggerating and just plain lying on some level about nearly every talented musician that has passed through his dysfunctional little ensemble." He also disputed Mustaine's claim in an interview that Young's drug problem led to MEGADETH's 1988 Australian tour being called off and the group being "banned" from performing in the country.

In some recent interviews, Ellefson suggested that the upcoming original material from KINGS OF THRASH, which also includes drummer Fred Aching as well as guitarist/vocalist Chaz Leon, may be released under a different moniker. "Because, look, it doesn't have to be thrash," he told KNAC.COM. "It doesn't even have to be from a MEGADETH origin, really. Even though that was kind of the origin story, it doesn't have to sound like that. It should be us, who we are now today, I think. So, we've decided KINGS OF THRASH, for sure, is this [touring project] playing the music of yesterday. And then we're just deciding now, okay, this new music, to fit within that, should it be Jeff Young and David Ellefson doing something together? You know — ELLEFSON-YOUNG."

Posted by Stages on Tuesday, December 12, 2023

The guitar Jason Becker received as a gift from Eddie Van Halen has sold in an auction for $110,000.

Becker, who was diagnosed with ALS in 1989, parted ways with the instrument in order to raise money for his ongoing care, which costs more than $100,000 a year.

The guitar — which was given to Becker by Van Halen in 1996 — was auctioned at New York City-based auction house Guernsey's.

The guitar was signed by Van Halen and bears the message: "Jason. We will play guitar together in the future. Love – from heart to your soul. Eddie Van Halen, '96." It also features Becker's thumbprint on the rear of the neck.

On Monday (December 18),Jason posted the following message on his social media: "My family, Team Becker, and I want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped spread the word about the auction. Your support means the world to us. The overwhelming love we receive is an incredible gift. In the upcoming year, I'm excited to share new music and other exciting projects with you. Each and every one of you deserves to know how genuinely grateful I am for your unwavering support. It's because of all of you that I'm able to bring the music I envision to life and share it with you."

The auctioneers previously estimated a final price of between $300,000 and $400,000.

When the auction was first announced last month, Becker shared a message on his social media in which he wrote: "Hello, everyone, Jason here. I want to convey that I'm completely fine with this guitar being put up for auction. It was just collecting dust on my wall, and I thought it should be with someone who would really love and appreciate it as much as I do, and hopefully share it with others.

"Over the years, Eddie was incredibly kind and generous to both me and my family. These memories are something that all of us will cherish forever. To many, he was a guitar hero and a larger-than-life character. He meant all of those things to me as well, and then he became my friend. He was as kind, generous, and compassionate as he was a musical genius.

"Whenever people visited my house and saw the guitar, their faces would light up, knowing they were close to something that had a connection to Eddie. My family would share stories about the day he came over, sat on our couch, jammed, and hung out with all of us. After Eddie's passing, I shared a video of that special day, revealing a side of him that very few had the privilege to witness. Reading the heartfelt comments and witnessing the overwhelming outpouring of love for Eddie from so many has genuinely touched the depths of my heart.

"I hope it serves as an inspiration for people to extend as much love to others as Eddie bestowed upon me and my family on that day.

"The auction of this guitar will benefit my family in many ways, but equally important, I hope it shines a light on the extraordinary heart that beat within Eddie.

"Love to all, Jason, Family, and Team Becker."

An amazing meeting took place on August 31, 1996. That's when Eddie spent the day with a guy who had followed in his footsteps playing alongside David Lee Roth — Jason. Jason had been diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, and was not in good shape. Van Halen came to Jason's house to give love and support — as well as a guitar — to his friend and to film an ALS awareness promotional video. During that time, Eddie told stories, talked about his creative process, and played amazing music, instantly sounding exactly like Eddie Van Halen even when playing Jason's guitar through a small practice amp.

In December 2020, Becker released never-before-seen footage of the meeting which shows a side of Eddie Van Halen that goes far beyond his brilliant musicianship: a sweet, caring, generous personality, devoid of the trappings of fame or rock stardom. The video also documents the incredible strength of Jason Becker, who had been deprived of his shot at fame as well as his genius guitar skills, but still found the courage and the will to battle a debilitating disease.

"Eddie was such a beautiful person," said Becker. "He was incredibly kind to me and my family. Not only was he my biggest influence, he had such a huge heart. He honestly saved my life."

Becker's story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the technical guitar duo CACOPHONY, with his great friend Marty Friedman. In 1989, at only 19 years old and after wowing audiences all over the world, the young virtuoso became the guitarist for David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded on Roth's third solo album, "A Little Ain't Enough", and was poised for superstardom when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as Motor Neurone Disease (MND),also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),or Lou Gehrig's Disease, the same condition Stephen Hawking lived with for over five decades. It is a fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.

That was nearly 35 years ago. He lost the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles and magazine cover stories.

Becker's latest album, "Triumphant Hearts", was released in December 2018 via Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group. The disc features guest appearances by a who's who of six-string gods, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert and Joe Bonamassa.

Photo courtesy of Jason Becker's family

My family, Team Becker, and I want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped spread the word about the...

Posted by Jason Becker on Monday, December 18, 2023

In a new interview with Chas Byrne, Tarja Turunen spoke about the possibility of new music from the former NIGHTWISH singer in the not-too-distant future. She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I'm writing new songs all the time, preparing the songs for the new album, new rock album. I hope [I will be] wrapping things up in January, February next year before all the touring starts again, because there will be a lot of touring involved next year. I'll go on tour March with Marko Hietala from NIGHTWISH. We go to South America. I do in Germany also a tour, 'Rock Meets Classic', together with SUPERTRAMP guys, [members of] ULTRAVOX — legends, I go on tour with them in April. And in May, I will be in Mexico having a tour on my own. And then it's the summer already, summer festivals and more touring to do at the end of the year. So there's a lot of things. It's a lot, but I hope to come out with the album next year. Absolutely."

Turunen released "Dark Christmas", the sequel of her 2017 album "From Spirits And Ghosts (Score For A Dark Christmas)", on November 10. The LP includes enchanting and captivating renditions of well-known Christmas carols, such as WHAM!'s "Last Christmas", Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You", Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime", classics such as "Jingle Bells", "Frosty The Snowman" and "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer", as well as Tarja's brand new original song "Dark Christmas". The release is accompanied by 12 music videos — a video for each album song, as well as a full-length music feature film made available with Dolby Atmos immersive audio mix on all supporting platforms.

Turunen, who boasts a three-and-a-half octave vocal range, has released five rock/metal solo records since 2007 — including her latest, 2019's "In The Raw".

Turunen was fired from NIGHTWISH at the end of the band's 2005 tour by being presented with an open letter which was published on the NIGHTWISH web site at the same time.

Regarding the marrying of metal and classical music, Tarja told Kerrang! magazine: "Both styles have so much in common. I feel music is just emotion. It can connect people from whatever background. It's a very personal experience, we all have things we like and don’t like, but ultimately music is just emotion. Metal and classical music are both very emotional genres."

SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser joined Ivete Sangalo on stage at the Brazilian singing sensation's 30th-anniversary concert on Wednesday, December 20 at the Maracanã stadium in Rio De Janeiro.

Kisser and Sangalo performed her song "Cadê Dalila", originally released in 2009 as the lead single from her album "Pode Entrar". Andreas also played the solo section of the SEPULTURA classic "Refuse/Resist", to the delight of the 60,000-strong audience.

Sangalo is one of Brazil's leading female pop music icons with a remarkable career spanning three decades.

Ivete made a huge impression on the U.S. East Coast in 2010, when her Madison Square Garden concert in New York City sold out weeks in advance, resulting in a hugely successful CD and DVD, "Multishow Live - Ivete Sangalo At Madison Square Garden". The New York Times concert review headline summed up the excitement: "Arena Full Of Fans Caught Brazilian Fever And Had To Sing Along."

In 1999, after five years of success as lead singer of BANDA EVA, Sangalo branched out and has become one of the most important artists in Brazilian music. Ivete is the undisputed "Queen of Carnaval".

Earlier in the month, SEPULTURA announced that it will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year by embarking on a "farewell tour" which will cover the entire globe. Starting in March 2024, SEPULTURA will spend 18 months celebrating the band's past and the present one final time.

In the works for two years, SEPULTURA's final tour, titled "Celebrating Life Through Death", will start with dates in Brazil, and will include shows in Latin America and the United States, with the promise of additional dates to be revealed soon.

SEPULTURA comprises Kisser, vocalist Derrick Green, bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. and drummer Eloy Casagrande.

SEPULTURA was formed in 1984 in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of Minas Gerais, by Cavalera brothers Max (guitar, vocals) and Igor (drums). Guitarist Jairo Guedz joined the group the following year and played on the band's first two releases, 1985's "Bestial Devastation" EP and their 1986 full-length debut, "Morbid Visions". He also participated in the early songwriting sessions for 1987's "Schizophrenia".

In early 1987, Jairo quit SEPULTURA and was replaced by São Paulo-based guitarist Kisser.

In 1996, Max exited SEPULTURA after the rest of the band split with Max's wife Gloria as their manager.

Igor left SEPULTURA in June 2006 due to "artistic differences." His departure from the band came five months after he announced that he was taking a break from SEPULTURA's touring activities to spend time with his second wife and their new son (who was born in January 2006).
Andreas Kisser sentando a mão na guitarra de “Cadê Dalila” com Ivete Sangalo ao vivo no Maracanã 🗣️🔥

Medallion, a direct artist-to-fan platform that enables white-label fan experiences and digitally native commerce for artists, has closed $13.7 million of Series A funding. The round was co-led by Dragonfly and Lightspeed Faction, alongside technology investors such as Coinbase Ventures, Infinite Capital, J17, The Chernin Group, Third Prime and Zeal Capital, as well as music industry investors including Bill Silva Entertainment, Black Squirrel, Guy Lawrence of Disclosure, Foundations Artist Management, Jungle, Mt. Joy, Method, Tiga and TAG Music. Black Squirrel was founded in 2020 by former Morgan Stanley executive Paul Donahue, METALLICA and its in-house leadership team (Tony DiCioccio, Marc Reiter and Vickie Strate),WG&S founder Eric Wasserman and artist management firm Q Prime, which represents METALLICA.

Medallion intends to use this capital to accelerate an ambitious technical roadmap to deliver net new revenue opportunities for artists and immersive experiences for community members around pivotal artist moments.

Since launching in 2022, Medallion's technology has enabled artists to launch community-driven digital environments and target their highest intent fans to deliver exclusive access to drops, merchandise and experiences. Medallion-powered communities quickly became artists' fastest-growing community channel, attracting 86% more members than their Facebook groups, 161% more than Reddit and 206% more than Discord.

Medallion's most recent product release is Digital Deluxe, a chart-eligible format in the U.K., Australia and Germany. The premium product seamlessly integrates exclusive audio and visual content to tell the story behind the music. Jungle's most recent album landed at #3 on the U.K. charts, propelled in part by launching an experiential Digital Deluxe version of the album within their Medallion community. As consumers continue to embrace collecting physical music formats, Digital Deluxe offers fans a premium digital alternative with more immersive content straight from the artist.

"Artists owning direct access to their fans is critical, but they also need more ways to deliver value for it to drive impact," said Matt Jones, CEO of Medallion.

While streaming has opened up access to music and social media and created new channels for direct distribution, the full potential of direct artist-to-fan connections has not been realized. Medallion's artist-centric approach and emphasis on digitally native fan experiences is helping usher in a new, transformative period for artists.

"Artists are starting to understand they are not just content creators, but brands themselves, and as a result are building multimodal businesses that go beyond simply music and content," said Rob Hadick, general partner at Dragonfly. "Medallion is building the infrastructure to enable artists to directly interact with their highest intent customers through new and exclusive products and experiences, while simultaneously owning the customer relationship themselves and driving net new revenue opportunities around their IP. We believe this paradigm shift will permeate across the entirety of the creator economy."

"Artists only have direct relationships with a fraction of their fanbase. Medallion solves this problem by unlocking direct artist-to-fan connection," said Will Leas at Lightspeed Faction. "The team has a history of building pioneering technology for the world's biggest artists, and we are thrilled to back them on this journey."

Medallion is led by technology, e-commerce and music industry veterans from Songkick, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Grailed, Warner Music Group and Live Nation. Prior to the Series A round, the company raised more than $9 million of seed funding in 2022 from investors including The Chernin Group, Polygon Ventures, Mike Shinoda, Betaworks, Red Light Ventures and Noise DAO, along with current Medallion artists iLLENNIUM and Tycho.

In a new interview with Lisa Desjardins of PBS NewsHour's arts and culture series "Canvas", RUSH bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, whose parents survived Nazi concentration camps, was asked for his opinion on the tension now between free speech and rising hate that we see all over the world. He said: "People are smart. People should be able to discuss things. The death of discourse is not good for the human race. It's not good for improving things. It's through discourse and through educating each other about the things that are important to have a good, safe, peaceful life. That cannot go away. And when you see that starting to happen, it scares me — it really scares me a lot. And I am put in mind of what was going on in Germany before World War II. There are danger signs all over the world right now, and that worries me a lot."

Last month, Geddy explained to CBC News' The National why he and his RUSH bandmate Alex Lifeson wanted to publicly speak out about the deadly conflict triggered by Palestinian group Hamas's shock attack on Israel.

In response to Palestinian militants in Gaza firing a deadly barrage of rockets and sending gunmen into Israeli territory, Israel launched strikes on what it called Hamas targets in Gaza.

On October 13, RUSH released the following statement via social media: "We are sickened by news of the brutal atrocities and monstrous acts of cold-blooded murder committed by the terrorist group Hamas - an organization dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish state and the extermination of its people. Our hearts break for the people of Israel and for Jews around the world as they process these horrible events. These are dark acts of barbarism for which there can be no justification. Our hearts also go out to all innocent souls in Gaza that have lost their lives, been injured or put in jeopardy as a result of the actions of this inhuman terrorist regime."

Asked by The National's Ian Hanomansing why RUSH wanted to publicly comment to clearly and unequivocally denounce Hamas's violent attacks against civilians and express their anguish at the bloodshed in both Gaza and Israel, Lee said: "Well, it was a hurtful, terrible moment in modern history and speaking out as a human being that happened to be a Jewish person — this happened to Jewish people — so both Alex and I felt it was important to express the pain we were feeling watching this, what could be arguably called one of the worst massacres since World War II of the Jewish people."

He continued: "It's a complicated issue. I am not a person that wants to be a spokesman, spokesperson for Israeli politics; it's not really about that. It was just a natural crying out of, 'Wow. This is a terrible thing we're watching.' And it's still terrible to watch."

In a 2009 interview with Heeb magazine, Lee described himself as an atheist. "I consider myself a Jew as a race, but not so much as a religion," he explained. "I'm not down with religion at all. I'm a Jewish atheist, if that's possible… I celebrate the holidays in the sense that my family gets together for the holidays and I like being a part of that. So I observe the 'getting together' aspect."

Lee's Jewish mom, Mary Weinrib, who passed away in July 2021, was not only a massive supporter of her son's music career but was also a Holocaust survivor.

Geddy, who was born Gary Lee Weinrib in 1953 in Toronto, reportedly took on his stage (and later, legal) name as an homage to his mother: her strong accent made "Gary" sound like "Geddy," and the name stuck.

Former EXODUS guitarist Rick Hunolt joined GENERATION KILL, the band featuring ex-EXODUS frontman Rob Dukes, on stage last night (Thursday, December 21) at Ivy Room in Albany, California to perform the EXODUS classic "A Lesson In Violence". Video of the performance, which included an appearance by members of opening band HATRIOT, can be seen below (courtesy of Capital Chaos TV).

Hunolt — the other half of the famed EXODUS "H-Team" who is on every studio recording from 1985 through 2004 and co-wrote some of the band's best-known songs such as "A Lesson In Violence" and "Deliver Us To Evil" — left EXODUS after the band's highly acclaimed 2004 reunion album, "Tempo Of The Damned". Following his departure, Hunolt was replaced by HEATHEN guitarist Lee Altus.

Rick discussed his exit from EXODUS during an appearance on "Put Up Your Dukes", the podcast hosted by Dukes. He said: "During the recording of 'Tempo', Gary [Holt, EXODUS guitarist] had just gotten clean a little while prior to that, and I was still using. But I've gotta say, Gary Holt — my hat's off to the man for… He never sweated me. Not once did Gary say, 'Dude, you're a piece of shit. I'm gonna fire you from the band if you don't get your shit together.' He never said nothing. He let it take its course, you know what I mean?

"I was a mess," Rick continued. "We all were, but everybody got better, and I didn't. I fell down the rabbit hole even worse, I think, because I was just so depressed. I couldn't stop. I don't know what was up… To the point where I was gonna lose my position in the band I'd been in for over 20 years — my best friends, my life. Yeah, it was dark as fuck.

"One day, after spending my life, giving everything that I had and the whole world to EXODUS, one day I woke up and I wasn't in EXODUS anymore," Hunolt added. "And that morning was, like… Dude, I can't even describe the emotions that I [was feeling]. I woke up and I wasn't in EXODUS anymore, dude. It damn near took me out, bro."

Rick revealed that he went through a particularly difficult period after splitting with EXODUS. "I had to reinvent myself at 40-plus years old, [with] two little kids," he said. "I ended up moving out of Oakland. I had to get the fuck out of there, 'cause we were living at the studio; it was bad. And then we moved in with my wife's mom and I got a job at the [discount chain] Dollar Tree and I ended up working there for, like, two or three years. I mean, I can go on and on and on. But long story short, I met a guy who knew who I was and offered me a job on his ranch. And the rest is history. He taught me how to live my life and make money."

Hunolt makes a guest appearance on EXODUS's latest studio album, "Persona Non Grata", which was released in November 2021 via Nuclear Blast Records. The disc was the follow-up to 2014's "Blood In Blood Out", which was their first release since the departure of Dukes, the group's lead singer of nine years, and the return of Steve "Zetro" Souza, who previously fronted EXODUS from 1986 to 1993 and from 2002 to 2004.

Back in April 2019, Hunolt rejoined Holt and other EXODUS members Tom Hunting (drums) and Souza to perform several of the group's classic songs during a METAL ALLEGIANCE concert in San Francisco, California. More recently, Hunolt joined EXODUS on stage in August 2021 at Psycho Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The original lineup of EXODUS consisted of guitarists Kirk Hammett (now in METALLICA) and Tim Agnello, Hunting and vocalist Keith Stewart. Holt joined the band in 1981, while Kirk left two years before EXODUS's debut album, "Bonded By Blood", saw the light of day.

December 21st in Albany, CA
Generation Kill - the real at the Ivy Room with
Hatriot / Titan Rage / Infex

21+ Event / $15 ADV / $20 DOS
Tickets: https://bit.ly/3R56s8v

Posted by PinUp Productions on Thursday, December 14, 2023

35 years after releasing the legendary "Alice In Hell" album, ANNIHILATOR will play it all at an exclusive appearance at Topfest 2024 in Slovakia next June.

Former ICED EARTH frontman Stu Block will sing the entire "Alice In Hell" record, along with the return of original drummer Ray Hartmann. There will also be a few "best-of" songs that will include "hits" chosen by the fans.

ANNIHILATOR guitarist and leader Jeff Waters commented: "Ok, Metal World! First, ANNIHILATOR hope you all have a great holiday season. Be healthy, happy, good and crank good music!

"2024 is the year of Alice: 'Alice In Hell'. 35 years since its release and we will be celebrating with many of you for the year with merch, signature guitars, shows, events, catalogue re-issues, etc... and this will lead us into 2025, which is the anniversary of our biggest record: 'Never, Neverland'. Alice will continue on with us, into 2025.

"Drummer Ray Hartmann is back. Yup. Great to have one of the best, back in the saddle again, playing the songs he recorded decades ago!

"More? How about the best singer we could possibly have brought into the band: Stu Block.

"Randy Rampage, 'Alice In Hell''s vocalist and awesome frontman, passed away a few years back. To honor Rampage, I had a tough job to find someone to fill his shoes for this anniversary.

"Stu may be known as a badass vocalist and frontman BUT he also loves Rampage's attitude and will be the perfect singer to channel this classic record onstage. Longtime fellow axe-slingers Rich Gray (4 strings!) and Aaron Homma (6 strings!) also continue their journey with ANNIHILATOR.

"Stage? Oh yea. Let us just start with this: ANNIHILATOR will be co-headlining, along with SCORPIONS and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, at Topfest, Slovakia on June 29, 2024. We will play the entire 'Alice' record, along with some other rockin' tunes.

"This will be an exclusive Europe festival show for 2024, however, we will be announcing lots more, starting January. We have NOT forgotten anyone. We will do our best in 2024-2025+ to get to where we should have been playing AND to where we already have!

"So, thank you all for getting ANNIHILATOR to the point of 17 studio records, a zillion tours and STILL rockin, after all these years. We are very aware that we're still going strong because of our fans; not the industry.

"On that note, any festivals and promoters that want this legendary 'Alice'/'Neverland' set in 2025, talk to our dude Nik at Bottom Row for Europe and our web site contact for everywhere else!

"Check the socials for regular updates now, cause we have a lot coming for you!

"Love and Metal to all".

Block can be heard on "Metal II", the reworked version of ANNIHILATOR's 2007 "Metal" studio album. "Metal II" also features former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo.

Founded in 1984, ANNIHILATOR took the metal scene by storm with its debut 1989 release "Alice In Hell", upped the ante with 1990's "Never, Neverland" and has continued a non-stop career-pattern of releasing records and touring with many of the biggest bands in the metal genre (mostly all outside North America),ever since, cementing ANNIHILATOR as the biggest-selling metal act in Canada's history.

Two years ago, earMusic announced a reissue series of (almost) the entire ANNIHILATOR catalog. In total, 18 records are being released over the next few years, including the original 2007 version of the "Metal" album.

British rockers BRING ME THE HORIZON have parted ways with longtime keyboardist and percussionist Jordan Fish.

In a statement posted on social media earlier today (Friday, December 22),the band wrote: "BRING ME THE HORIZON has decided to part ways with Jordan Fish. We want to thank him for the musical journey he took with us and wish him luck with everything in the future. Meanwhile we continue to work on 'Nex Gen', with brand new music coming very soon. See you on our UK tour in January."

Fish added in a separate statement: "I'm really grateful for my 11 years with the band, and extremely proud of all that we have achieved together. I look forward to hearing what they do next, and wish them every success in the future. I'm excited to start this next chapter in my career."

Fish joined BRING ME THE HORIZON in 2012 and appeared on the albums "Sempiternal", "That's The Spirit" and "Amo", which he helped write.

BRING ME THE HORIZON has been called one of the most forward-thinking metal bands in the world. As it has grown, BRING ME THE HORIZON has undergone a musical progression from its earliest days as a metalcore band, in large part because of the production talents of Fish.

Jordan has been a major influence on BRING ME THE HORIZON's sound, inspiring many of the edgy guitar riffs and other elements on the "Sempiternal" album. His music production fingerprints can be found all over "That's The Spirit", which offered a stylistic departure from the metalcore genre.

BRING ME THE HORIZON will embark on a U.K. arena tour next month.

The band's next release, "Post Human: Nex Gen", is set to arrive in 2024.

Photo credit: Jonti Wild (courtesy of Grandstand Media / Columbia Records)
Bring Me The Horizon has decided to part ways with Jordan Fish. We want to thank him for the musical journey he took with us and wish him luck with everything in the future. Meanwhile we continue to work on Nex Gen, with brand new music coming very soon.
See you on our UK tour…

— Bring Me The Horizon (@bmthofficial) December 22, 2023


I’m really grateful for my 11 years with the band, and extremely proud of all that we have achieved together.

I look forward to hearing what they do next, and wish them every success in the future.

I’m excited to start this next chapter in my career https://t.co/XxThgRMtRG

— jordan (@JordanFish86) December 22, 2023

Alex Van Halen's drumming has profoundly shaped the landscape of modern music and performance. The VAN HALEN drummer's distinctive style, rhythmic innovation and iconic drum sound are deeply embedded in the DNA of the music we enjoy today. Moreover, his elaborate and customized drum sets have undoubtedly influenced a generation of young drummers, encouraging them to expand their kits with additional drums or cymbals, or to create their own unique, custom drum setups.

In honor of Alex Van Halen's prestigious 2023 induction into the Modern Drummer Hall Of Fame, the magazine is thrilled to present an exclusive video series that pays tribute to Alex's remarkable career and enduring legacy. The series was filmed at the IronShore Studios in Grand Cayman and features interviews and performances by three of todays most recognized drummers playing on Alex's actual 2012 custom touring drum set, built by the great John Douglas.

The first episode features former SLIPKNOT drummer Jay Weinberg. Jay speaks to Modern Drummer publisher/CEO David Frangioni about his encounters with Alex Van Halen and how he influenced his drumming and career. Following the interview, Jay performs his own version of VAN HALEN's "Running With The Devil" on Alex's drum kit. Though purposely not the same as Alex's drum parts, Jay pays homage to Alex's uniqueness by bringing his own originality to the performance.

Jay said: " To celebrate the music of Modern Drummer magazine's 2023 Hall Of Fame inductee Alex Van Halen, it was a total trip to be asked to rip a VAN HALEN song of my choosing on Alex's own drums!

"Kind thanks to Modern Drummer for asking me to take part in this tribute series, and congratulations to Alex on this amazing achievement and well-deserved HOF induction!"

Don't miss Jay and his father Max Weinberg on the cover of the September 2023 issue of Modern Drummer magazine.

Modern Drummer is the world's No. 1 publication on drums and drumming — loud and proud, and representing all styles and skill levels since 1977.

Subscribe to Modern Drummer's digital monthly magazine at ModernDrummer.com.