BULLETBOYS frontman Marq Torien has weighed in on bands who rely heavily on pre-recorded tracks during their live performances.

In recent years, more and more artists have been given a pass for relying on pre-recorded tracks, drum triggers and other assorted technology that makes concerts more synthetic but also more consistent. For better or worse, pre-recorded tracks are becoming increasingly common for touring artists of all levels and genres and they're not just used in pop music — many rock artists utilize playback tracks to varying degrees.

Speaking to the Iron City Rocks podcast, Marq stated (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Live music is live music. And I don't care what form it is in. There's always this argument of [using backing] tapes. I don't have any issues with that. Live music is live music. If you have the guts and the glory to come out and perform, come out and do your thing. I just happen to be from the straight old school. We don't use any computers. There's nothing — there's real vocals, real performances, mistakes and all. And that's the problem. I shouldn't say 'the problem.' Here lies the issue: rock and roll is supposed to be imperfect. When it becomes perfect, it's not rock and roll anymore. That's the truth. And if people wanna argue that, that's fine. But that's where I'm coming from, definitely."

When the interviewer note that the "mistakes" were often what made live performances from the classic rock bands "so good", Marq concurred. "That's what made Ed Van Halen the greatest guitar player ever," he said. "It's because when he wrote — and, of course, a shoutout to [VAN HALEN's producer] Ted Templeman, [who was also] our producer that I was very, very privileged to work with, he taught us that. Mistakes are good. 'Cause you can't get that back, and then it's unique. And that's why those bands — [LED] ZEPPELIN, VAN HALEN, AC/DC, THE [ROLLING] STONES — there's mistakes in all these songs, and that's what gives it that human element. And that's really important, I think, especially now."

Lamenting the fact that we have reached a point where every element of every composition can be fully produced and automated by computers, Marq said: "We're losing that in the music business. And I would challenge people not to use click tracks. I would challenge people to maybe not worry about Auto-Tuning and all this other stuff. Let it go. Let it be what it is. Let it breathe. Let the music breathe. There has to be a human element."

KISS frontman Paul Stanley, who has been struggling to hit the high notes in many of the band's classic songs for a number of years, has been accused of singing to a backing tape on KISS's ongoing "End Of The Road" tour.

Back in 2015, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons slammed bands who used backing tapes for not being honest enough to include that fact on their concert tickets.

"I have a problem when you charge $100 to see a live show and the artist uses backing tracks," Simmons said. "It's like the ingredients in food. If the first ingredient on the label is sugar, that's at least honest. It should be on every ticket — you're paying $100, 30 to 50 percent of the show is [on] backing tracks and they'll sing sometimes, sometimes they'll lip sync. At least be honest. It's not about backing tracks, it's about dishonesty.

"There's nobody with a synthesizer on our stage, there's no samples on the drums, there's nothing," Gene continued. "There's very few bands who do that now — AC/DC, METALLICA, us. I can't even say that about U2 or THE [ROLLING] STONES. There's very few bands who don't use [backing] tracks."

This past March, KISS's longtime manager Doc McGhee defended Stanley's vocal performance on "End Of The Road", explaining that the "Star Child" "fully sings to every song" at every concert. He explained: It's enhanced. It's just part of the process to make sure that everybody hears the songs the way they should be sang to begin with. Nobody wants to hear people do stuff that's not real, that's not what they came to hear."

When McGhee was asked to clarify if he was "actually saying there are backing tracks that [Paul is] singing to," Doc said: "He'll sing to tracks. It's all part of a process. Because everybody wants to hear everybody sing. But he fully sings to every song."

In March 2020, SHINEDOWN guitarist Zach Myers said that "90 percent" of rock artists use at least some pre-recorded tracks during their live performances. He told Rock Feed: "It bothers me that it bothers people. I'm, like, 'Why does this bother you?' It's the way it is. People have been doing this since the '80s. And we want the sound to be the best it can be. Could we go up there, just the four of us, and put on the best rock show ever? Of course. But that's not how we wanna do it."

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach has previously said that he is "one of the last people" who are still not using pre-recorded tracks at their live shows. "I don't know how much longer I can say to you that I don't use tapes onstage, because I don't, and I never have," he told Consequence Of Sound. "And I still don't. When I have opening bands, and they're using tapes, and then I come out and I don't use tapes… sometimes, it makes me feel stupid, because I'm like, 'What am I doing, when all these kids half my age can come onstage and do all of my moves, but they don't have to warm up for an hour before the show, or weeks, before the first show?' Sometimes, I'm like, 'Why do I even bother, if the public is so used to this other way?' It's becoming very rare to come see a good band that's actually a real band — that's not miming or doing silly moves while a tape is running. It just becomes more rare as the years go on."

In 2019, IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith said that he doesn't "agree" with certain rock artists relying on pre-recorded tracks during their live performances. "I tell you what, I see it with a lot of younger bands, and I don't think it's a good thing at all," he told the New York Post. "I mean, the music is getting too technical now. You have computerized recording systems, which we use, but I think we use them more for convenience than because we need to. We've toured with a couple bands that use tapes — it's not real. You're supposed to play live; it should be live. I don't agree with using tapes … I think it's a real shame."

One musician who has been open about his band's use of taped vocals during live performances is MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx, who said: "We've used technology since '87." He added the group employed "sequencers, sub tones, background vox tracks, plus background singers and us. [MÖTLEY CRÜE also taped] stuff we can't tour with, like cello parts in ballads, etc.... We love it and don't hide it. It's a great tool to fill out the sound."

In a 2014 interview, MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars admitted that he wasn't comfortable with the fact that his band used pre-recorded backing vocals in its live shows, claiming that he preferred to watch groups whose performances are delivered entirely live. "I don't like it," he said. "I think a band like ours… I have to say '60s bands were my favorite — '60s and '70s bands — because they were real, like, three-piece bands or four-piece bands, and they just got up there and kicked it up. Made a mistake? So what? Sounded a little bit empty here or there? So what? It's the bigness and the rawness and the people that developed and wrote the songs and made them and presented them. To me, that's what I really like. I mean, I could put on a MÖTLEY CD and play with it all day long. I don't wanna do that."

Michael Sweet of openly Christian rockers STRYPER has blasted individuals who "constantly disrespect people of faith."

The 60-year-old Massachusetts-based musician offered his take on those who mock others' belief in God in a social media post on Friday (November 17).

Sweet wrote: "I will never understand the mentality of people who feel the need to constantly disrespect people of faith.

"Here's my take. Those people are intimidated by those who have faith in God and who find joy in that. I'll even go as far as to say that they’re miserable human beings who are searching and they need to find whatever it is that's robbing their joy and fix it.

"Get help. See someone. Get to the root of the problem. The problem is certainly not other people who are happy in their faith.
There's a much deeper issue at hand and it's a very sad thing to witness.

"I've said it before and I'll keep saying it — it's all about respect. Everything. Every issue, every disagreement, every motive. Respect. If you don't have any, get some. If you have a lot, pass some on".

This past January, Sweet once again urged his fellow believers to hold on to faith through disappointment, tragedy and loss, explaining that "God is not a genie in the sky waiting on every command from every human being."

The vocalist/guitarist, whose first wife Kyle Rae Sweet passed away in March 2009 after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer, addressed the age-old question of "If there is a good and all-powerful God, then why is there so much suffering and evil in the world?" in a social media post. He wrote: "It's interesting how we often blame God for good things that happen to us and for bad things that happen to us.

"My view is that God is not a genie in the sky waiting on every command from every human being. We treat God like that many times. All of us.

"I Believe that God wants nothing but the best for us yet protects us from our own foolishness," he continued. "We can't just pray or snap our fingers and ask for something and expect it to be done. It just doesn't work that way.

"So often we praise him when we're blessed then curse him when we're not. And sometimes we even hate God.

"I cursed God when Kyle passed," Michael admitted. "Believe me. I was extremely pissed at God. Then as time went by, I realized that God had nothing to do with it. It was simply life and what happens in life. Life brings joy and life brings tragedy. Through the good and the bad we become stronger and more resilient. At least I'd like to think so.

"We have free will and God respects that. He doesn't control us like robots. We're not puppets and God is not pulling the strings.

"Let's all give God a break".

Sweet previously tackled the same topic in a July 2021 installment of his "coffee talk" where he offered his opinion on various topics related to his personal and professional life. At the time, he wrote: "Why is it that we as humans often praise God when things are going well yet curse God when things are going bad? We give God glory when something good happens but we also give God grief when something bad happens. I've always found that to be quite interesting. I've done it myself and do it myself.

"God isn't (IMO) a puppeteer on a cloud pulling our strings and deciding to make our days good or bad. That's up to us. The choices we make and how we handle the outcome of those choices is ours. God has given us all free will and with that comes responsibility. Taking responsibility for our own actions.

"Often we blame God if we don't get that new car, or that new home, or that new job," he continued. "We blame God if someone close to us is sick or if we lose a loved one. We blame God for the state of our country, the state of our world. At the same time we'll praise God when we get some unexpected cash in the mail or when we get a discount on a new toy or when someone we love is sick and they get better.

"Being human is an emotional and spiritual roller coaster ride and we all have an 'unlimited' day pass to ride. That's life. I don't believe however that God is pulling the strings as much as we think. I do believe that there are many things that determine how our lives turn out. From what we eat or don't eat to how we manage our own bodies. For example, my cholesterol is on the higher side these days and that's on me, not God. I'm doing something about it but I'm not waking up every day and praying for God to lower my cholesterol. He has nothing to do with it. If I have heart disease based on my diet that's not Gods fault. That's my fault.

"What's my point? Let's not blame God for every bad thing that happens to us. Let's take responsibility for our own actions and be realistic about our expectations from God. He's there, He cares and He's obviously in control of the universe but there are also many circumstances that have nothing to do with God. They have everything to do with us.

"I certainly could have turned my back on God when Kyle died," Michael added, referencing his late wife. "We devoted our lives to Him yet she was stricken with cancer. I had two choices — to either blame God and be bitter for the rest of my life or to realize that life is about tests and tribulations. Faith is about tests and tribulations. We live in a world that is imperfect and because of that we will all face adversity. The sooner we realize that it's not Gods fault but part of the plan itself, the better off we'll all be.

"I thank God for all that I have, all that I've done and all that comes my way".

Formed 40 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

In a 2018 interview with the Detroit Free Press, Michael said that STRYPER was never fully embraced by the heavy metal and hard rock communities, largely because of the band's Christian lyrics.

"We've never been accepted by either side," he said. "The secular side, the mainstream, they've never accepted us to this day. We're probably that band that everyone's going to go to whenever there's a time to mock. We'll be the band used for that in most cases. Now on the Christian side, we've never really had the full support of the Christian side because we don't fit into their little club. We're not wearing suits and ties and going to every church and preaching."

STRYPER's albums include "To Hell With The Devil", "Second Coming", the aforementioned "No More Hell To Pay", "Fallen", "Even The Devil Believes" and the band's latest effort, "The Final Battle".

Michael is joined in STRYPER by his brother Robert Sweet (drums),Oz Fox (guitars) and Perry Richardson (bass).

Photo courtesy of Frontiers Music Srl

I will never understand the mentality of people who feel the need to constantly disrespect people of faith.

Here’s my...

Posted by Michael Sweet on Friday, November 17, 2023

New MEGADETH guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari has released a statement thanking Dave Mustaine and his predecessor Kiko Loureiro for "all the guidance" and their "trust" in him.

The 36-year-old broke his silence about his addition to MEGADETH one day after Mustaine confirmed that Mäntysaari will continue to play guitar for the band for the foreseeable future.

The MEGADETH leader addressed the group's current lineup one day after Loureiro announced his decision to "extend" his absence from the group's touring activities.

Earlier today (Tuesday, November 21),Teemu released the following statement via social media: "Thank you everybody for the supportive messages! @kikoloureiro Much love and respect and all the best to your family. Dave and Kiko, thank you for all the guidance and your trust in me. I can't wait to get back on stage and rock all over the world with MEGADETH next year!"

Mäntysaari was born in Tampere, Finland and began playing guitar at the age of 12. In 2004, he joined the band WINTERSUN. He has also been a member of SMACKBOUND since 2015.

On Monday (November 20), Mustaine released the following statement: "Hey Droogies, last week I received a call from my partner, Kiko Loureiro, and we spoke for a while. I asked him how things were going regarding the important issues that led to his absence from our previous run, which was necessary for him to be with his family.

"I want to update you now on what Kiko shared with me. But before I do, want you to know that I love, respect, and fully support Kiko's decision. He has emphasized his love for me, MEGADETH, and all of you, our fans.

"As a reminder, Kiko had to leave the tour last August to handle some very important and private family business. He was conflicted but appreciative when I told him that he needed to go to take care of his family. He agreed but was still concerned about us — meaning the fans, and MEGADETH. I told him at the time, 'Go! Kiko, you can never regain this time with your family, I know first hand... I paid the price myself'. Eventually, he agreed.

"Kiko is a top-notch professional, a maestro — and he did not want to hurt me or MEGADETH," Mustaine continued. "We came up with a solution to find a fill-in for him during that time and that's when he presented and trained Teemu Mäntysaari to take over for us. In the beginning, this was only going to be until the first week of October 2023. However, things rarely turn out the way they are planned.

"The 2023 tour is over, and it was long and arduous. Last year saw a substantial amount of touring, and it appears that 2024 is gearing up to be even more intense, with extensive touring commitments keeping us on the road for most of the year. We have had many conversations with Kiko about this and they have all been very positive. Kiko is going to remain on an extended leave of absence, due to our heavy touring commitments next year and we are going to continue to move forward with Teemu Mäntysaari as the guitar player for MEGADETH.

"I would like to thank Kiko for his dedication and hard work these past 9 years, helping us to achieve a Grammy on 'Dystopia' and the additional awards we have received on this latest record 'The Sick... The Dying...And The Dead'," Mustaine added. "I could not have done this without Kiko Loureiro.

"We hope to see all of you supporting Kiko in his next endeavors, and we want to see you next year out on the Killing Road. We have exciting plans to share with all of you in our next newsletter."

Kiko, who revealed in September that he would sit out the next leg of MEGADETH's "Crush The World" tour in order to stay home with his children back in Finland, announced his decision to step back from the band in a social media post on Sunday (November 19). He wrote: "Dear MEGADETH fans, I want to share with you a decision that hasn't been easy for me. In September, I had to step away from the U.S. leg of the tour for family reasons. Looking ahead, during 2024, we anticipate an even heavier touring schedule for MEGADETH. After thorough reflection and discussions with Dave Mustaine and MEGADETH's management, we have collectively agreed that it is the right move to extend my absence. I don't want to hinder any of the band's plans or the hard work of all the incredible people involved in the tour.

"My nine years with MEGADETH have been an unbelievable journey, filled with countless 'pinch-me' moments," he continued. "Unforgettable tours, a Grammy Award for 'Dystopia', a Grammy nomination, and various accolades for 'The Sick, The Dying, And The Dead' are just a few of the highlights. It is hard to put into words the magnitude of these experiences. I am sure any heavy metal fan can appreciate how incredible it is to play and create music in a band you grew up listening to, and to share the stage with a guitar legend like Dave Mustaine, along with phenomenal musicians like James LoMenzo and Dirk Verbeuren, not to mention our incredible crew. However, the most cherished aspect of these nine years has been getting to know the incredible army of devoted MEGADETH fans around the world. Your dedication is inspiring, and I have immense admiration and respect for all of you.

"Much love, see you soon!"

Last month, Mustaine told Ultimate Guitar about Kiko's absence from the band's recent tour: "I love [Kiko] and I want him to get whatever he's going through worked out. And fortunately, he had mentioned the name of a guy, Teemu Mäntysaari. Teemu came out, and he was prepared.

"I don't know when Kiko is coming back," Mustaine continued. "He won't be back for this run [of tour dates]. He's at home, and he's soldiering on — for lack of a better term — and working through whatever it is he needs to get through. Out of respect for him, I didn't pry and ask what exactly it was — because it's really none of my business unless he tells me. But I think for any of the fans that are going to say, 'How's it going to sound? What's it going to be like?' Don't worry. I've picked good guitar players in the past, and I train them well. Teemu is very capable of playing these songs. In fact, we're adding new songs to the set. That is really exciting, too."

Dave added: "I wish Kiko the very best. I love him, and I hope to get some good news from him soon."

In early October, Mustaine told Shaggy of the 94.9 and 104.5 The Pick radio station in Idaho Falls, Idaho about Teemu's addition to MEGADETH: "People are losing their minds over how things are going right now 'cause we have a really good chemistry together.'

According to Mustaine, MEGADETH has been able to change up its setlist a bit as a result of the guitarist switch. "We've got a bunch of songs from our catalog that we're playing, a bunch of new songs too," he said. "We've been able to add a bunch of songs to the set because Teemu was a metal fan. Kiko did not grow up baptized in metal… Like the show we did a couple of nights ago, we opened with 'Hangar [18]' and then we followed it up with 'Mechanix'. We've never done that before, so it's a pretty heavy beginning. And we've added a second track off of the new album with 'Soldier On!', and we're getting ready to add a third."

In September, Mustaine was equally full of praise for Mäntysaari, telling Wes Styles in a separate interview: "He's really great. And I'm super excited with what Teemu has brought. And it's uncanny because he plays a lot like [former MEGADETH guitarist] Marty [Friedman]. And it's really exciting. At certain times I just close my eyes during the set and I just hear these songs played, whether like Kiko in the past or Teemu now, it just sounds really magic because these guys have learned these songs and they're not just going out there and just banging their guitar around; they actually learned the solos from some of the virtuosos that I've played with over my career."

MEGADETH played its first concert with Mäntysaari on September 6 at Revel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Loureiro officially joined MEGADETH in April 2015, about five months after Chris Broderick's exit from the group.

Thank you everybody for the supportive messages!🙏

@kikoloureiro Much love and respect and all the best to your family....

Posted by Teemu Mäntysaari on Tuesday, November 21, 2023

In the latest episode of "The Disc Dive", presented by Knotfest host Ryan J. Downey, Serj Tankian, the frontman of SYSTEM OF A DOWN, looked back on what it was like for him and his bandmates to open for SLAYER around the 1998 release of their self-titled debut album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We were fucking scared, bro, on stage. It was bootcamp, just surviving, learning how to work an audience. 'Cause SLAYER audiences will hate everyone else, obviously, But that brings back a lot of memories, because it was our first tour as well. And Daron [Malakian, SYSTEM OF A DOWN guitarist] was all glammed out. I had, like, weird shit on my face. And they would look at us, like, 'Who the fuck are these fucking idiots?' And we had to impress from, like, not just base zero point, but negative point. We had to get up there and score points. And that, my friend, was incredible bootcamp as touring artists, that really, really kind of made us. It molded us."

Three and a half years ago, SYSTEM OF A DOWN drummer John Dolmayan told the "Let There Be Talk" podcast: "Our first tour was with SLAYER, and after you play in front of a SLAYER crowd, everything else is easy. And they were very accepting of us, very supportive, and the people were super nice to us, and they would actually listen.

"SLAYER audiences can be brutal," he continued. "[SLAYER singer/bassist] Tom Araya came up to us and said, 'Let me know if you have problems,' and they would watch us every night, they were so good to us and supportive and nice people, and I miss them dearly.

"I miss Jeff [Hanneman, late SLAYER guitarist who passed away in 2013]. He was such a good guy. He would share music with us and come hang out with us, and we were just this little band driving around in an RV. We got to know [SLAYER drummer Dave] Lombardo as well at the time. He's a sweet guy, and [later SLAYER drummer Paul] Bostaph, of course, was a very nice guy, great drummer. Our first tour in the U.S. was with them, and they took us to Europe as well, and it was us, SLAYER and SEPULTURA. What a great trio that was — a great experience for us."

In March 2020, SYSTEM OF A DOWN bassist Shavo Odadjian told the "Ya Neva Know" podcast about what it was like to tour with SLAYER: "SLAYER, if you're opening for them, they [the fans] don't like you. It doesn't matter who the fuck you are because you ain't SLAYER. SLAYER fans, they're so hardcore. They're, like, 'I don't give a fuck about this, SYSTEM OF A what?! What, they're wearing makeup?!' Because we used to do all sorts of theatrics… It comes from KISS and all that stuff. Appreciating what KISS did. I don't like all their songs, but I dug what they did with their vision. So we're playing songs like 'Sugar' with, like, eyeliner on and makeup on, and these guys are ready for 'Raining Blood', and they go, 'Fuck these guys!' And we get booed."

Shavo added: "But I think it built us. It made us who we are — I swear — because if that didn't happen, we probably wouldn't have the balls to stay up there. We never left. They booed us, but we never left. It drove us. And four months later, they took us to Europe for the first time. So the first tour ever in America and the first tour ever in Europe was with SLAYER. And they just dug the fact that we didn't give a fuck, and we did weird shit with metal and funk and everything else we just did — waltz and polka — and we just love music, bro."

SYSTEM OF A DOWN has toured intermittently since ending its hiatus in 2011, but has only managed to record two songs in the last 18 years, "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz". Released in November 2020, the tracks were motivated by the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, with all proceeds supporting humanitarian efforts in SYSTEM OF A DOWN's ancestral homeland of Armenia. Along with other donations from fans on their social pages, they have raised over $600,000.

Drummer Artimus Pyle - currently the oldest remaining member of the Lynyrd Skynyrd legacy - is releasing Anthems: Honoring The Music Of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a 13-track album, on February 2, 2024. It intends to celebrate the memory of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band that, with Gary Rossington’s passing in March 2023, lost all of its original members.


Pyle, a distinguished Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame member, today unveils the soulful "Simple Man" in collaboration with fellow Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame member, Sammy Hagar. This heartfelt duet stands as the second digital single release from Pyle's highly anticipated studio album, paying homage to the timeless sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd's iconic repertoire.


Stream/purchase the single here. Listen below:







The Get Joe Records studio album will be released and distributed by BFD/Orchard and is entirely comprised of duets between the Artimus Pyle Band and acts including Billy Ray Cyrus, Ronnie Dunn, Sammy Hagar and Dolly Parton. Pre-orders can be placed here.


“This project has been a year in the making, but when the fans hear it they will understand why it took so long,” says Len Snow, Get Joe Records president. “Artimus is legendary within the Southern Rock space. The music that Lynyrd Skynyrd made will always live as a part of rock history. This album honors that music and gives Artimus a way to honor his former bandmates.”





Tracklisting:


"I Know A Little" – Micheal Ray
"Sweet Home Alabama" – Ronnie Dunn
"Simple Man" – Sammy Hagar
"Needle And The Spoon" – Lindsey Ell
"The Ballad Of Curtis Loew" – Chris Janson
"Workin’ For MCA" – Lee Brice
"That Smell" – Jerrod Niemann
"Gimme Three Steps" – Marty Raybon
"Call Me The Breeze" – Billy Ray Cyrus
"Saturday Night Special" – Warren Haynes
"The Hunt" – Artimus Pyle Band
"What’s Your Name" – LoCash
"Freebird" – Dolly Parton


"Sweet Home Alabama":





Charlie Daniels recommended Pyle to join Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1974, following the release of the group’s second album, Second Helping, after the departure of Bob Burns, the band’s original drummer. Pyle performed both live and with the band on Skynyrd’s subsequent four live and studio albums: Nuthin’ Fancy, Gimme Back My Bullets, Street Survivors and their live album, One More For The Road.


Pyle was injured but survived the band’s previously-mentioned and tragic 1977 plane crash.


Both in 1979 (as the Rossington Collins Band) and from 1987-1991 (as Lynyrd Skynyrd), Pyle returned to the road with various iterations of the act. During that time, as a press statement notes, he also created the Artimus Pyle Band to “honor the music and legacy of Ronnie Van Zant.”


The Artimus Pyle Band is currently comprised of Pyle (drums), Scott Raines (guitar/vocals), Jerry Lyda (guitar), Brad Durden (keyboards/vocals), and Dave Fowler (bass). Catch them live at the following venues:


December
7 - Amaturo Theater at Broward Center For The Performing Arts - Fort Lauderdale, FL
8 - Capitol Theatre - Clearwater, FL
9 - Capitol Theatre - Clearwater, FL
10 - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall - Ponte Vedra, FL

Hailing from Cleveland, OH, Olathia (oh-lay-thee-ah) is a four-piece female fronted heavy metal band. Their music is a captivating blend of traditional heavy metal, power metal, and thrash influences, creating a melodic and powerful sound that pushes the boundaries of the genre. On November 17, Olathia released their new full length album, The Forest Witch, on all digital platforms and on CD from the Olathia Bandcamp page.


"In our latest album, The Forest Witch, we weave tales of light and darkness, riding the line between thrash and traditional metal," Chris E. (lead singer) states. "We're staying true to our roots and doing what feels right to us, weaving in the battles we’ve faced and the good time that rage on. Riffs, melodies and lyrics burrow down deep. Let ‘em in and see where they take you."


"Metal" Tim Henderson from BraveWords.com said this about Olathia: "Imagine a reincarnated Nevermore meeting Savatage with soaring female vocals and you’ve got the thrash-tastic Olathia that will surely have you doing a double take, they are that good."




Having heard a early preview of "The Forest Witch", Bill Peters from WJCU adds, "The Forest Witch pulverizes you from the cauldron of metal with a relentless sonic attack that never let's up. Olathia's HEAVIEST offering to date!"


Olathia's music is often characterized as "power thrash," offering a melodic, driving, and purposeful experience that supports storytelling of dark and light themes while fearlessly pushing the boundaries of songwriting and musicianship. Their ability to meld together catchy melodies, heart stopping rhythms and bone crunching chords has given them a rabid fan base in Ohio and throughout the Midwest.


Olathia embodies the heart and passion that defined 1980s heavy metal, infusing it with a melodic twist that resonates with the spirit of the metal world today. They draw inspiration from iconic acts such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Pantera, Heart, Halestorm, and Dio. Yet, what truly sets Olathia apart in the modern heavy metal landscape is their extraordinary female vocalist, Chris E., whose versatility captures the emotional essence of their songs.


Their songwriting dives deep into universally relatable themes, including battles with inner demons, the sting of betrayal, the weight of depression, the ache of loss, and the warm embrace of camaraderie. If heavy metal runs through your veins, Olathia's music is the electrifying elixir that promises to deliver the thrilling experiences cherished by dedicated


The band members bring their own unique talents to the stage. Terry “Bull” Johnson handles the bass and contributes menacing backing vocals, delivering a stage performance that's not to be missed. Joe Lowrie, behind the drum kit, provides metronome-perfect timing with powerful precision. Dylan Andras, with his lightning-quick fingers, unleashes crushing riffs and blistering shredding solos that set listeners ablaze.


Brace yourself for an auditory journey that harkens back to the golden era of metal while pushing the genre's boundaries into exciting new territories by blending classic influences from both sides of the Atlantic. Olathia is a blazing comet in the metal constellation, destined to leave a lasting mark on the genre.”


Order the album here.





Tracklisting:


"Insatiable"
"The Forest Witch"
"Shotgun"
"Fight"
"Who’s The Devil"
"Last Breath"
"Satan On My Mind"
"Hall Of The Mountain King"





Production Details:


Recorded, mixed and mastered by Noah Buchanan at Mercinary Studios in Avon, Ohio. Produced by Olathia & Noah Buchanan.


Lineup:


Chris E. - vocals
Dylan Andras - guitar
Joe Lowrie - drums
Terry Johnson - bass

King Crimson founder Robert Fripp and his wife, Toyah Willcox, performed Kaiser Chiefs' "I Predict A Riot" for this week's Sunday Lunch session. Watch the clip below:





Toyah recently revealed in an interview with eonmusic that a movie of the Sunday Lunch series is in the planning. The phenomenon, which sees Toyah and partner Robert Fripp cover songs from across the rock spectrum, started life during the lockdown, and has grown into a "phenomenon", according to the singer.




Toyah made the revelation while speaking to sonmusic's Eamon O'Neill ahead of her performance at Rewind South in Henley-on-Thames in August.  


Speaking about how Sunday Lunch has taken off; Toyah said; "Well, the Sunday lunch phenomenon, which is a worldwide phenomenon, it's basically, we picked up on classic rock, and our treatment of rock is; if you can teach Mozart and Beethoven in schools, then why can't you teach classic rock? Because that's what it is now; rock from Led Zeppelin, rock from Black Sabbath; it's classic, it's never going to go away. And it's something that I think, kids would really love learning about. That's not that we're going on the road and being educational, but our show kind of goes on a journey with artists we know, artists who visit us in our homes."


Going on to reveal that a movie about Sunday Lunch is on the way, Toyah said; "We have a documentary crew following us, and we have quite a big production company scripting an idea at the moment. Obviously we won't be in it. It's for actors to play, but that's all in the back kind of pool of what do you call pre-production. All of that's going on."


Asked when the movie might see the light of day, she was however, less committal; "I mean, movies take years, you know, for the even scripts to be accepted, so who knows what will happen?"


Read the interview here.

Def Leppard have shared a new video of the last moments of The World Tour in Melbourne, Australia. The show took place at Marvel Stadium on November 14th.


"Until next time... and there WILL be a next time!!" 







On January 12, 2024, Def Leppard's 2022 studio album Diamond Star Halos will be released on Blu-Ray Audio, the next in the ongoing SDE Surround Series.


The 15-track long-player includes "Kick", "Fire It Up" and "Take What You Want" and features guest vocals from Alison Krauss on two tracks: "This Guitar" and "Lifeless". The album – the band's 12th – was co-produced by Ronan McHugh and was a critical and commercial success, peaking in the top 10 of both the UK and US album charts.


The new forthcoming SDE-exclusive Blu-Ray edition will feature a Steven Wilson Dolby Atmos Mix of Diamond Star Halos, which is the first time this mix has been available on a physical product. It will also include an exclusive instrumental version, the standard stereo mix and two rare bonus tracks, unreleased outside of Japan: "Angels (Can't Help You Now) - Stripped Version (Covent Garden Mix)" and "This Guitar (Joe Only Version)".


This limited edition Blu-Ray is only available via The SDE Shop. Do not miss out. It has a limited pre-order window which will close in 14 days on November 30, 2023.





Tracklisting:


"Take What You Want"
"Kick"
"Fire It Up"
"This Guitar" (featuring Alison Krauss)
"SOS Emergency"
"Liquid Dust"
"U Rok Mi"
"Goodbye For Good This Time"
"All We Need"
"Open Your Eyes"
"Gimme A Kiss"
"Angels (Can't Help You Now)"
"Lifeless" (featuring Alison Krauss)
"Unbreakable"
"From Here To Eternity"


Bonus Tracks:


"Angels (Can't Help You Now) – Stripped Version (Covent Garden Mix)"
"This Guitar (Joe Only Version)"


The Blu-Ray will be region-free so international fans won't have any issues playing the disc.

Ghosts Of Atlantis have premiered their new video for “Behind The Wall” via BraveWords. The track is the final single from their new album Riddles Of The Sycophants. 


This song tackles the struggles many of us face in the modern world. “Behind The Wall” sees the band down their usual attire, and deliver a message to all that need a voice, when they feel they have none.







Colin Parks says: "We went to a fragile place with this video, we all took a step in to the darkness, and once again walked the path of despair that we all trod before. Filming the video was hard on us, to step in to that pain again, to allow it back in, for even an afternoon, was tough. 


“However, it is our hope, that it may help others who feel lost, isolated, and disconnected from the world, we just wish we got it out earlier, as we have sadly lost friends since this was done. 


“Please, whatever your struggle, reach out, talk, do not hide from it, meet it head on and vanquish it from your headspace!! Step out from ‘Behind The Wall’.”


Riddles Of The Sycophants is available in Digipack CD, Gatefold LP and Digital formats, order now.





"Land Of Snow":





In live news, catch Ghosts Of Atlantis supporting Fear Factory across Europe this fall.





Remaining Dates:


November
21 - Graz, Austria - PPC
22 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
23 - Vienna, Austria - Simm City
24 - Munich, Germany - Backstage Halle
25 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
26 - Strasbourg, France - La Laiterie
28 - Stuttgart, Germany - LKA Longhorn
29 - Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal
30 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix


December
1 - Amsterdam, Holland - Melkweg
2 - Cologne, Germany - Live Music Hall
3 - Berlin, Germany - Columbia Theater
5 - Prague, Czech Republic - Meet Factory
6 - Warsaw, Poland - Proxima
7 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
9 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Pumpehuset
10 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Valand
11 - Oslo, Norway - Vulkan Arena
12 - Stockholm, Sweden - Fryshuset Klubben
14 - Tampere, Finland - Olympia
15 - Tallinn, Estonia - Helitehas
16 - Helsinki, Finland - Tavastia


 

US dystopian black metal band Abhoria will release their sophomore album, Depths, on January 19, 2024 via Prosthetic Records. Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.


The band has also shared the lead single and accompanying music video, "The Well", directed by Kyle Lamar. Abhoria's return marks the group's first release with a newly expanded four-piece lineup, as well as the inclusion of Ben Pitts (In The Company Of Serpents) on vocals.







Speaking on the album announcement, guitarist Trevor Portz comments: "Depths leans fully into the dystopian themes loosely explored on the first album. This album explores different extreme scenarios in which the inhabitants of the dystopian world are trying to survive. In each case, the true depths of human suffering are full display, hence the album title. It’s a look at how humans find a way to carry on despite being thrust into the most adverse circumstances... though, how much they retain their humanity is definitely not consistent. As Brutal Truth taught us, extreme conditions demand extreme responses."


Of "The Well" music video Portz adds: "We were extremely fortunate to work with Kyle Lamar / Digital Myle on a concept video for 'The Well'. Having seen his epic work with countless bands, I knew he’d capture the images I had in my head. I gave Kyle a rundown of the story, and could just see the wheels spinning as he was sorting out the visuals. It was so cool to see the story I imagined when writing the song come to life."


"We shot it in the mountains outside Denver in December. It was about 20 degrees, and snowed intermittently. I’m thankful we weren’t actually playing live, because I lost feeling in my fingers about 10 minutes in. Maybe not the ideal weather for an all-day shoot, but it sure provided the perfect setting for the song."


"Besides the crew, the true heroes of the day were our actors. Their level of commitment was insane. Not only did they tough it out in the cold all day, but they climbed, ran, fell and truly embodied the agony of the characters they portrayed. At one point toward the end of the video, when they find the water source, I expected them to mime everything. But no—they full on broke the ice and scooped up handfuls of brutally cold water. Talk about getting into the role... infinite hails to the cast!"





Standout track, "The Well", tells the tale of a group of refugees escaping a compromised city in the aftermath of a war. Exhausted, dehydrated and losing hope, they come across a natural water source. Relieved, their thirst is slaked... but the relief is temporary, as they soon discover the water is tainted. Only one among their number doesn’t drink from the poisoned “well,” thus forced to watch helplessly as her friends perish agonizingly. The story was inspired by Montezuma Well in Arizona, where there is a high level of arsenic in the water, rendering it a tantalizingly dangerous prospect for many generations of people.


A reinvigorated lineup has instilled a newfound confidence in the core members of Abhoria. The result is an album rooted in the aggressive black metal core of its predecessor, but with new flourishes that push the boundaries of the band. Whilst recording took place in various locations, the resulting nine tracks are a cohesive, dynamic collection masterfully mixed by Zack Ohren. A fine balance of melody and intensity makes the album a compelling listen; for fans who were taken with the desolate black metal of their debut, there’s even more to embrace on Depths.


While the groundwork for the lyrical content on Depths was laid in the dystopian-inspired songs of its predecessor, founder Trevor Portz’s vision is more fully realized on their second full-length. Whilst not quite a concept album, there is a thread that runs between each track; each unveils a different extreme scenario or revelatory terror for the surviving inhabitants in a hellish world. The nightmarish anthology details different Orwellian scenarios where the human condition is laid bare with all its ugly possibilities offered up for examination. How do they react when confronted with nearly inconceivable adverse events? How do extreme conditions shape their view of the world and of themselves?


The band was inspired by many real life locations and situations, allowing their imaginations to embellish further fictional details to bring their bleak visions to life. The ominous, fantastical realm where Abhoria’s storytelling exists is brought to life further still by the magnificent cover art by iconic artist, Dan Seagrave.





Tracklisting:


"Emergence"
"The Inexorable Earth"
"The Well"
"Within Our Dominion"
"They Hunt At Night"
"Devour"
"The Foundling"
"Ghost In The Smoke"
"Winter's Embrace"


(Photographer credit: Nicholas Dodge)


 

Black Absinthe has unleashed the first single from their upcoming album On Earth Or In Hell, set for release early 2024. The riff-fuelled title track, "On Earth Or In Hell", condemns the sordid history of Canada’s residential school system. Sonic rage and disgust fuel the track’s fire with hope that the crimes of church and country are never forgotten. 


Black Absinthe comments: "The largest, loudest expression of Black Absinthe’s upcoming album, On Earth Or In Hell, sets a more serious tone, casting the good-time party anthems aside, for our latest release. Our blend of thrash and N.W.O.B.H.M. came together for this song. A distinct black and death metal twin vocal attack, of Jack Cerre (lead vocals / guitar) and Fernando Villalobos (drums / vocals) drive the aggressive melody."


"The video portrays us in a fiery hellscape, thrashing and screaming, with the intensity of the flames matching the ferocity of the song and the impending fate of the damned. The collaboration with the video’s director, Michael Jari Davidson (Alice In Chains), came from Davidson attending one of our live shows and him wanting to capture the chaotic energy. His visionary work brought the song to life and the video is a reflection of our progressing intensity, and fury."







Proceeds from this track via Bandcamp will go exclusively to the IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivors Society).





(Photography: Michael Jari Davidson)


 

Dave Mustaine has confirmed that Teemu Mäntysaari will continue to play guitar for MEGADETH for the foreseeable future.

The MEGADETH leader addressed the band's current lineup one day after longtime MEGADETH guitarist Kiko Loureiro announced his decision to "extend" his absence from the group's touring activities.

Earlier today (Monday, November 20), Mustaine released the following statement: "Hey Droogies, last week I received a call from my partner, Kiko Loureiro, and we spoke for a while. I asked him how things were going regarding the important issues that led to his absence from our previous run, which was necessary for him to be with his family.

"I want to update you now on what Kiko shared with me. But before I do, want you to know that I love, respect, and fully support Kiko's decision. He has emphasized his love for me, MEGADETH, and all of you, our fans.

"As a reminder, Kiko had to leave the tour last August to handle some very important and private family business. He was conflicted but appreciative when I told him that he needed to go to take care of his family. He agreed but was still concerned about us — meaning the fans, and MEGADETH. I told him at the time, 'Go! Kiko, you can never regain this time with your family, I know first hand... I paid the price myself'. Eventually, he agreed.

"Kiko is a top-notch professional, a maestro — and he did not want to hurt me or MEGADETH," Mustaine continued. "We came up with a solution to find a fill-in for him during that time and that's when he presented and trained Teemu Mäntysaari to take over for us. In the beginning, this was only going to be until the first week of October 2023. However, things rarely turn out the way they are planned.

"The 2023 tour is over, and it was long and arduous. Last year saw a substantial amount of touring, and it appears that 2024 is gearing up to be even more intense, with extensive touring commitments keeping us on the road for most of the year. We have had many conversations with Kiko about this and they have all been very positive. Kiko is going to remain on an extended leave of absence, due to our heavy touring commitments next year and we are going to continue to move forward with Teemu Mäntysaari as the guitar player for MEGADETH.

"I would like to thank Kiko for his dedication and hard work these past 9 years, helping us to achieve a Grammy on 'Dystopia' and the additional awards we have received on this latest record 'The Sick... The Dying...And The Dead'," Mustaine added. "I could not have done this without Kiko Loureiro.

"We hope to see all of you supporting Kiko in his next endeavors, and we want to see you next year out on the Killing Road. We have exciting plans to share with all of you in our next newsletter."

Kiko, who revealed in September that he would sit out the next leg of MEGADETH's "Crush The World" tour in order to stay home with his children back in Finland, announced his decision to step back from the band in a social media post on Sunday (November 19). He wrote: "Dear MEGADETH fans, I want to share with you a decision that hasn't been easy for me. In September, I had to step away from the U.S. leg of the tour for family reasons. Looking ahead, during 2024, we anticipate an even heavier touring schedule for MEGADETH. After thorough reflection and discussions with Dave Mustaine and MEGADETH's management, we have collectively agreed that it is the right move to extend my absence. I don't want to hinder any of the band's plans or the hard work of all the incredible people involved in the tour.

"My nine years with MEGADETH have been an unbelievable journey, filled with countless 'pinch-me' moments," he continued. "Unforgettable tours, a Grammy Award for 'Dystopia', a Grammy nomination, and various accolades for 'The Sick, The Dying, And The Dead' are just a few of the highlights. It is hard to put into words the magnitude of these experiences. I am sure any heavy metal fan can appreciate how incredible it is to play and create music in a band you grew up listening to, and to share the stage with a guitar legend like Dave Mustaine, along with phenomenal musicians like James LoMenzo and Dirk Verbeuren, not to mention our incredible crew. However, the most cherished aspect of these nine years has been getting to know the incredible army of devoted MEGADETH fans around the world. Your dedication is inspiring, and I have immense admiration and respect for all of you.

"Much love, see you soon!"

Last month, Mustaine told Ultimate Guitar about Kiko's absence from the band's recent tour: "I love [Kiko] and I want him to get whatever he's going through worked out. And fortunately, he had mentioned the name of a guy, Teemu Mäntysaari. Teemu came out, and he was prepared.

"I don't know when Kiko is coming back," Mustaine continued. "He won't be back for this run [of tour dates]. He's at home, and he's soldiering on — for lack of a better term — and working through whatever it is he needs to get through. Out of respect for him, I didn't pry and ask what exactly it was — because it's really none of my business unless he tells me. But I think for any of the fans that are going to say, 'How's it going to sound? What's it going to be like?' Don't worry. I've picked good guitar players in the past, and I train them well. Teemu is very capable of playing these songs. In fact, we're adding new songs to the set. That is really exciting, too."

Dave added: "I wish Kiko the very best. I love him, and I hope to get some good news from him soon."

In early October, Mustaine told Shaggy of the 94.9 and 104.5 The Pick radio station in Idaho Falls, Idaho about Teemu's addition to MEGADETH: "People are losing their minds over how things are going right now 'cause we have a really good chemistry together.'

According to Mustaine, MEGADETH has been able to change up its setlist a bit as a result of the guitarist switch. "We've got a bunch of songs from our catalog that we're playing, a bunch of new songs too," he said. "We've been able to add a bunch of songs to the set because Teemu was a metal fan. Kiko did not grow up baptized in metal… Like the show we did a couple of nights ago, we opened with 'Hangar [18]' and then we followed it up with 'Mechanix'. We've never done that before, so it's a pretty heavy beginning. And we've added a second track off of the new album with 'Soldier On!', and we're getting ready to add a third."

In September, Mustaine was equally full of praise for Mäntysaari, telling Wes Styles in a separate interview: "He's really great. And I'm super excited with what Teemu has brought. And it's uncanny because he plays a lot like [former MEGADETH guitarist] Marty [Friedman]. And it's really exciting. At certain times I just close my eyes during the set and I just hear these songs played, whether like Kiko in the past or Teemu now, it just sounds really magic because these guys have learned these songs and they're not just going out there and just banging their guitar around; they actually learned the solos from some of the virtuosos that I've played with over my career."

MEGADETH played its first concert with Mäntysaari on September 6 at Revel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The 36-year-old Mäntysaari was born in Tampere, Finland and began playing guitar at the age of 12. In 2004, he joined the band WINTERSUN. He has also been a member of SMACKBOUND since 2015.

Loureiro officially joined MEGADETH in April 2015, about five months after Chris Broderick's exit from the group.

Shortly after Loureiro's addition to MEGADETH, Mustaine called him "definitely the best guitarist we've ever had." His comments echoed those he made about Broderick during the latter's tenure in the band. Back in 2013, during the making of MEGADETH's "Super Collider" album, Mustaine wrote in a tweet that Chris was "without a doubt the best guitarist I've ever played with."

Mustaine told Revolver magazine that finding Loureiro "was really a mind-blower. It was the first time since Marty Friedman joined the band that I was really intimidated as a player," he said. "He's such an amazing talent, and he's been coming in with all of these fresh ideas." Mustaine added that Kiko was a good fit personality wise. "Chris [Broderick] and I had a good chemistry, but we weren't really as close as I would have wanted us to be," Mustaine explained. "Kiko, I feel like I've known him for years."

In 2009, Mustaine praised Broderick, saying in an online post: "I am going on record and I am saying unequivocally that Chris is THE BEST GUITARIST MEGADETH has ever had. And the real talented musicians in MEGADETH's alumni will agree, he is an absolute monster. I mean, he plays the catalog better than anyone did. Jeff Young never wanted to do Chris Poland's stuff, and so on, and so on, until the last guitarist we had before we disbanded over my arm injury."

Mustaine added: "It's funny, because just when I think [Broderick] can get no more outrageous, or any more thrilling with the guitar solos, he comes up with something really beautiful like Marty Friedman would do (he has Marty pretty well down pat),and then goes into the GIT styles that Jeff Young did, yet, there is still such a freshness to his playing and he is so raw, it's like having a new prize bull. And even though he ain't a such a young bull, he's definitely an old bull like me."

In addition to Mustaine and Mäntysaari, MEGADETH's current lineup includes former SOILWORK drummer Dirk Verbeuren and bassist James LoMenzo.

When internationally renowned actor Brian Blessed OBE delivers a proclamation for opening track "The Prophecy", expectations are automatically high for SAXON's latest album. Have no fear and make no mistake, SAXON meet and exceed them on their 24th studio album, "Hell, Fire And Damnation", set for release January 19, 2024 via Silver Lining Music.

Biff Byford, SAXON lead singer and founder member, reminisces when asked about the title of the band's brand new release.

"I've had that saying in my head since I was a small boy because my dad used to say it when he was upset," Biff smiles. "He used to say, 'Hell, fire, and damnation, what's tha' been doing now?!' when I was 'messing up his cabbage patch' or carving things into the kitchen table. It was a very 'Yorkshire' saying back in the day."

The title track unleashed today is a superlative British heavy metal classic exploring the juxtaposition between good and evil.

"There's so much music out there about hell and the devil and the occult that I just thought it's about time somebody wrote one about the battle just between good and evil!" explains Biff. "You can't sing about the devil without singing about the good guy either, and the song basically says 'make your choice'. We all have to make the choice, are we evil or are we good? The song's about that fight."

"Hell, Fire And Damnation" is an album which sees SAXON investigate all areas of history and mystery amidst ten of their most confident and thunderously powerful songs yet. Biff delivers his richest vocals in years, Nigel Glockler and Nibbs Carter on drums and bass, respectively, lay down the rhythmic law with bombastic power, and the guitars of Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler are fresh and fiery, a perfect complement to each other, carrying an overall energy and fury which will have fans salivating. Musically, SAXON bring it all to the table. There's a furious tribute to actual heavy metal in the denim-and-leather-coated super-sprint "Fire And Steel", a wonderful nod to the NWOBHM's birth in the electric mid-pace "Pirates Of The Airwaves", but maybe the true treasure amidst the jewels is "There's Something In Roswell", with the sort of expansive groove and embrace which deserves arenas.

Produced by Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, EXODUS, ACCEPT) and Byford, with Sneap mixing and mastering, "Hell, Fire And Damnation" strides the perfect line between confident, current power, and gloriously irreverent flexing of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal muscle which SAXON co-created.

"I think this album's one of the best he's done sound-wise, and he's done a lot of albums," Biff declares. "It has a really raw, vibrant sound... if you compress the total time making this album, it was four weeks tops… you can hear everything brilliantly, nothing's overcomplicated, nothing's over compressed. The guitar sounds are fucking immense, they're just great, raw guitar sounds. And we haven't done a lot of overdubbing on there, it's just playing. I really, really like it."

2024 promises to be a great year for SAXON, with the European tour alongside JUDAS PRIEST and URIAH HEEP kicking off in the U.K. in March, plus the arrival of the heavy metal masterpiece "Hell, Fire And Damnation".

"Getting these shows in March 2024 with JUDAS PRIEST and URIAH HEEP meant it made sense to push and get the album made faster," says Biff, "so, we got on with it in haste and pulled it out of the bag. It was tricky, but I think it's safe to say we managed it well."

"Hell, Fire And Damnation" track listing:

01. The Prophecy
02. Hell, Fire And Damnation
03. Madame Guillotine
04. Fire And Steel
05. There's Something In Roswell
06. Kubla Khan And The Merchant Of Venice
07. Pirates Of The Airwaves
08. 1066
09. Witches Of Salem
10. Super Charger

The cover art was created by Péter Sallai and can be seen below.

"Hell, Fire And Damnation" 2024 tour dates:

March 11 - OVO Hydro, Glasgow (UK)
March 13 - First Direct Arena, Leeds (UK)
March 15 - 3Arena, Dublin (IE)
March 17 - BIC, Bournemouth (UK)
March 19 - Resorts World Arena, Birmingham (UK)
March 21 - OVO Arena Wembley, London (UK)
March 24 - Festhalle, Frankfurt (DE)
March 25 - Olympiahalle, München (DE)
March 26 - Volksbank Messe, Balingen (DE)
March 27 - Westfalenhalle, Dortmund (DE)
March 29 - O2 Arena, Prague (CZ)
March 30 - Tauron Arena, Kraków (PL)
April 1 - Wiener Stadhalle, Vienna (AT)
April 2 - Roxy, Ulm (DE)
April 3 - St. Jakobshalle, Basel (CH)
April 5 - Halle Tony Garnier, Lyon (FR)
April 6 - Mediolanum Forum, Milan (IT)
April 8 - Zénith, Paris (FR)
June 13 - Sant Jordi Club, Barcelona (ES)
June 15 - Navarra Arena, Pamplona (ES)
June 17 - Palacio Vistalegre, Madrid (ES)
July 1 - Barclays Arena, Hamburg (DE)
July 2 - Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin (DE)
July 4 - Arena Nürnberger, Nürnberg (DE)
July 8 - Sap Arena, Mannheim (DE)
July 10 - Messehalle, Dresden (DE)

More dates to be announced.

Earlier in the year, SAXON guitarist Paul Quinn announced that he was stepping back from touring with the band. As a result of his decision, SAXON canceled its April 2023 South American tour as well as the appearance at the Monsters Of Rock cruise. Quinn has since been replaced on the road by DIAMOND HEAD's Brian Tatler.

Brian has already joined fellow guitarist Doug Scarratt, drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Tim "Nibbs" Carter and Byford for several European shows but will continue to be a member of DIAMOND HEAD.

SAXON's latest release, "More Inspirations", arrived in March via Silver Lining Music. Following the release of "Inspirations" in 2021, "More Inspirations" is the second "deep dish" serving of the influences which have fed SAXON's immensely successful 40-plus-year career.

Produced by Biff, with Seb Byford helping record the music alongside mixing engineer Jacky Lehmann, "More Inspirations" includes takes on RAINBOW, ZZ TOP and CREAM, as well as "Razamanaz" by NAZARETH, THE WHO's "Substitute", and URIAH HEEP's "Gypsy".

Byford and Quinn are the sole remaining original members in SAXON's current lineup.

Originally from South Yorkshire, England, SAXON has gone on to sell about 23 million albums and has produced such classic songs as "Denim And Leather", "Princess Of The Night", "Wheels Of Steel" and "Power And Glory".

Geddy Lee says that Paul McCartney did his best to convince him and his RUSH bandmate Alex Lifeson to tour together again.

The 70-year-old Lee told Rolling Stone magazine that he, Lifeson and McCartney had a chance to speak in September 2022 when all three of them were performing as part of the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert in London. FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl, who organized the show, as well as another tribute event in Los Angeles that same month, brought the RUSH and BEATLES legends together for the first time.

"Dave was so sweet," Lee told Rolling Stone. "He comes up to us at rehearsal and he goes, 'Paul McCartney's up next to rehearse, and he's outside, and he said to me, 'Dave, I've never met anyone from RUSH before.' And I said, 'I've never met him! Bring him in, please.' And he came in. He's just a very lovely man. A very positive person."

Asked if he got the sense that McCartney knew the RUSH music, Lee said: "No, but I got the sense he knew who we were and had heard about us. He had never listened to us. So at the show, he was there. He watched the set. I think he was really curious because people probably had mentioned us to him.

"But after the show, he was incredible," Geddy continued. "He was so warm and embracing and positive. He came and sat and drank with us. We all got plastered together. And he was very emphatic, talking about, 'You know what Ringo [Starr] always says: 'It's what we do.'' And I said, 'Talk to Al, because he's the stubborn one.' And so he was lecturing Al about how great it is to tour. 'You have to do it, man. You have to get back out there, man.' And Alex said something, like, 'I'll do it, if you'll be our manager.' 'I'll manage you, mate!' It was really fun, really funny, but he had a point. That's the way he looks at life. He's ageless because he really, truly believes he was born to do this. That's what you do. And you just do it. You don't question it. And I think we all sometimes forget that."

In a recent interview with The Washington Post, Lee spoke about reuniting with Lifeson for last year's Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts. They enlisted a few drummers — TOOL's Danny Carey, Omar Hakim, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Chad Smith and Grohl — to join them at the gigs.

"It had been a taboo subject, and playing those songs again with a third person was the elephant in the room, and that kind of disappeared," Lee told The Washington Post. "It was nice to know that if we decide to go out, Alex and I, whether we went out as part of a new thing, or whether we just wanted to go out and play RUSH as RUSH, we could do that now."

Geddy also revealed that in October 2022, for the first time in years, Lee and Lifeson went down into Lee's home studio and jammed.

Although Lifeson was "excited as offers rolled in after the Hawkins shows," he ended up undergoing surgery in July for his long-standing stomach problems.

Asked if he plans on nudging his pal to get back onstage, Lee told The Washington Post: "He needs to feel good and feel healthy and strong. And then maybe we have a discussion."

RUSH drummer Neil Peart died in January 2020 after a three-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 67 years old.

RUSH waited three days to announce Peart's passing, setting off shockwaves and an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians all over the world.

There has been a huge outpouring of loving tributes to Bernie Marsden since he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on August 24, 2023 at the age of 72.


Rock icon, songwriter, guitar hero, author, even some time actor, so many areas of expertise... but beyond these qualities, the common theme throughout the multitude of testimonials was Bernie’s huge heart and friendly demeanour. Always approachable, never in too much of a hurry to stop and talk to fans. His warmth and wit would regale the listener with fascinating tales and amusing anecdotes from six decades at the top of his game.


Although Bernie had always worked hard and kept busy, most recently releasing three solo albums since 2021 in Kings, Chess and Trios as part of his Inspirations series, only a few knew that he had just completed a brand new album.




Earlier in August, Bernie had approved the artwork, sequence and audio masters for Working Man. An album of Bernie Marsden original songs.


Fran Marsden, Bernie’s wife of over 40 years, shared with us his passion for Working Man:


"Bernie was really excited about his new album, Working Man, and proud of the tracks featured on it. After the last three albums of covers he was keen for his fans to hear some new, original songs. He loved working on them in the studio during lockdown and he couldn't wait to get the album out into the world."


Conquest Music were considering delaying the release until 2024 out of respect, but knowing Bernie's eagerness to get the album out there, they want to follow his wishes and release it as planned. The final recording sessions took place in June 2023.


Bernie was fully involved in the mixing, artwork and planning and for the album, and he really wanted the Working Man album to come out in late summer, but because of the longer lead time needed to manufacture vinyl, it was scheduled for release on November 24.


Alan Bambrough, speaking on behalf of Conquest Music, emphasized their profound connection with Bernie:


"Bernie Marsden was far more than an artist to Conquest Music. He has been a great friend and mentor for many years and was a huge part of our decision to form the label. His Kings album was our first release and we are proud to work with his company, Little House Music in releasing some of his finest ever work. We are heartbroken at Bernie’s passing and thought the right and respectful thing to do would be to postpone the release until next year. Fran Marsden convinced us that Bernie would want the Working Man album to come out as planned."


So as originally intended, Working Man will be released on Friday, November 24. The album contains 12 brand new Bernie Marsden penned tracks. Produced by Bernie Marsden and Mixed by Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers, The Who).


The limited first pressing of the LP & CD will come with a bonus disc of 10 more new recordings.


Working Man will be available initially as a limited edition 2CD Digipak and 2LP set in Burgundy vinyl. These limited edition sets will also include a bonus disc of 10 more new recordings alongside the 12 track Working Man album. These bonus tracks include some astonishing reinterpretations of classic Whitesnake songs.


The album can be pre-ordered from the special Bernie Marsden shop, where there’s a chance to win one of five special lithographic prints hand signed by Bernie. Each order will also include an exclusive free Collectors’ Card.


Pre-order the album here, and watch a video for the song, "Bad Reputation", below.





Tracklisting:


Limited Edition Double CD


Disc 1:


"Being Famous"
"Midtown"
"Longtime"
"Invisible"
"Son I've Never Known"
"Steelhouse Mountain"
"Working Man"
"Valentine's Day"
"Savannah"
"Bad Reputation"
"You Know"
"The Pearl"


Disc 2 (Bonus Disc):
"Look At Me Now"
"Midnight Believer"
"Who's Fooling Who"
"Just Don't Have The Time"
"Foolish Day"
"Here I Go Again"
"Ain't No Love In The Heart of The City"
"Til The Day I Die"
"Time Is Right For Love"
"Come On In My Kitchen"


Limited Edition Double LP


Side One:
"Being Famous"
"Midtown"
"Longtime"
"Invisible"
"Son I've Never Known"
"Steelhouse Mountain"


Side Two:
"Working Man"
"Valentine's Day"
"Savannah"
"Bad Reputation"
"You Know"
"The Pearl"


Bonus LP


Side Three:
"Look At Me Now"
"Midnight Believer"
"Who's Fooling Who"
"Just Don't Have The Time"
"Foolish Day"


Side Four:
"Here I Go Again"
"Ain't No Love In The Heart of The City"
"Til The Day I Die"
"Time Is Right For Love"
"Come On In My Kitchen"


"Bad Reputation" video:





"Being Famous":

Legendary guitarist and composer Jason Becker, who has been living with ALS for decades, is auctioning off a guitar gifted to him by late Van Halen guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, in 1996. The Peavey Wolfgang #69 Guitar, personalized and autographed by Eddie Van Halen, will be auctioned by New York City-based auction house Guernsey's on December 14, 2023. 


Yesterday, November 18th, Jason Becker's official Facebook page was updated with the following message:


"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."








When it comes to guitar legends, no one would question the extraordinary talents of the late Eddie Van Halen. Fewer, however, will know of Jason Becker, the 16-year old phenom who exploded on the rock scene in the mid-1980s, only to contract ALS by the age of 20. Although Jason continues composing music (by using his eyes in a system developed by his father), his days as a lead guitarist were short. But two albums (produced with his friend Marty Friedman) and stints with David Lee Roth cemented Jason’s place forever in the world of rock greats.


Several years ago, this auction sold the three instruments Jason himself played. The proceeds from that sale have gone a long way in easing the life of a man, now in his fifties, forever burdened by his crippling disease. But demands are such that we are now offering Jason’s most treasured instrument - Eddie Van Halen’s personal Peavey EVH Wolfgang guitar.


While Eddie was known to have greatly admired the work of Jason for years, on August 31, 1996 the two men met for the first time when Van Halen visited Becker’s Southern California home. In a video (available above) recorded by Jason’s parents, Eddie Van Halen played a section of 'Eruption' (as well as other tunes) on the guitar before handing it over to the wheelchair-bound artist. He then inscribed the instrument: “Jason. We will play guitar together in the future. Love - from heart to your soul. Eddie Van Halen, ’96.” The two men remained close friends through the end of Eddie’s life.


Production of the Peavey EVH Wolfgang signature guitar (named after Eddie’s son) had just begun at the time of the gift. Jason’s instrument, designated #69, had been culled from the first 100 examples of the model that were made after Eddie tested each one and selected a handful that he deemed best for his personal use. Once selected, the guitar was re-inspected and set up by Jim DeCola, Peavey Guitar Design Engineer / EVH Wolfgang Designer. Jason Becker’s thumbprint now appears on the back of the neck, reflecting its ownership by two true guitar icons.


The instrument comes with an original Certificate of Authenticity and, should the buyer wish, an opportunity to meet with Jason Becker.





 

Julien's Auctions kicked off its blockbuster three-day music auction event "Played, Worn And Torn: Rock N' Roll Iconic Guitars And Memorabilia" in high gear on Thursday, November 16, with the highly anticipated sale of one of the world's most famous and important guitars of all time, Eric Clapton's "The Fool" guitar. This circa 1964 Gibson SG electric guitar, first stage-played by the legendary guitarist while touring the United States with iconic rock band CREAM, and famously known as Clapton's "Fool," sold for $1.27 million, the first time a Clapton guitar has sold for seven figures at auction and setting a world record for the sale of a Clapton guitar.

The guitar was acquired by The Jim Irsay Collection in Indianapolis with Larry Hall, chairman of the world-renowned collection who bid on behalf of Jim Irsay at the auction in a bidding war among collectors all across the globe who participated live at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville. A portion of the auction proceeds of the Fool guitar will go towards "Kicking The Stigma", the Indianapolis Colts and Irsay family's mental health awareness initiative.

"Eric Clapton's 'The Fool,' one of the most important guitars in all of rock music history has made history once again tonight at our auction," said Darren Julien, president/chief executive officer of Julien's Auctions. "To have this legendary guitar that created and defined the classic rock sound that is an art masterpiece and symbol of the psychedelic 'Summer Of Love' era go to Jim Irsay's renowned memorabilia collection is another great privilege and hallmark of my career and a highlight of Julien's Auctions' 20-year anniversary celebration this year."

Named after the Dutch art collective, The Fool, who were commissioned to custom paint this 1964 Gibson electric guitar in a psychedelic finish, the art piece/guitar burst upon the world at a pivotal moment in music history. Clapton had just left JOHN MAYALL'S BLUESBREAKERS to form CREAM with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Coming off the release of their first album, "Fresh Cream", in 1966, their 1967 debut U.S. tour began at New York's RKO 58th Street Theater with a cavalcade lineup of artists, including "Direct from England, the CREAM and THE WHO." Neither band had played in the United States before and despite CREAM's brief role in the show, their stunning custom-painted instruments, hairstyles and clothing made an unforgettable impact and launched their career as the world's-first supergroup.

Clapton created his influential "woman tone" sound on this guitar that remained his principal guitar for most of his career with CREAM and his musical work that followed. It is perhaps the pre-eminent surviving symbol of the "Summer Of Love" and of psychedelia, and it has been reproduced on countless book and magazine covers, and discussed in countless articles and videos ever since its creation.

"Played, Worn, & Torn: Rock 'N' Roll Iconic Guitars and Memorabilia" continues with traditional day sessions starting 10 a.m. CT on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18, 2023 with over 1,000 items to be sold over the three day event being held for the first time at Hard Rock Cafe Nashville in celebration of Julien's 20th anniversary as the industry's leading rock n' roll auction house and online at juliensauctions.com.

In a new interview with Troy Patrick Farrell of the weekly live "This That And The Other" radio show, MR. BIG singer Eric Martin spoke about the band's ongoing last worldwide tour, aptly titled "The BIG Finish". Since the band's original drummer and co-founder Pat Torpey lost his battle with Parkinson's disease in 2018, the band now feels it's time to mark the end of this chapter of their legacy. The first leg kicked off in Japan and Southeast Asia in July and August, where the band performed for hundreds of thousands of loyal fans at 11 sold-out shows including Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. Now MR. BIG is ready to bring "The BIG Finish" to the U.S. The first batch of shows throughout the States will start January 12, 2024 in Houston, Texas at the Rise Rooftop. Joining MR. BIG on drums for this special final world tour is longtime friend of the band Nick D'Virgilio (SPOCK'S BEARD, BIG BIG TRAIN),stepping in for Torpey.

Asked why he and his bandmates feel that now is the time to officially pull the plug on MR. BIG, Eric told "This That And The Other": "Well, I really didn't wanna end it. I think we're gonna be done with it. I would just keep the door open forever. I didn't wanna ever end something. I hate the end of anything, but Pat Torpey is not there anymore. And that's kind of taking the wind out of the sails. He was the anchor of the band. And Nick D'Virgilio is a great replacement. He's phenomenal drummer. He sings just like Pat. Nick's great. But everybody has so many other projects. I don't. I really like the MR. BIG project… I have a couple of irons in the fire. But, yeah, it's over. To me, it's kind of a bummer. But it's time. It's been 35 fucking years, man."

Martin went on to say that it "feels great" to have a drummer in MR. BIG who can not only reproduce Torpey's parts on the band's classic songs but who also has the voice to harmonize with him during MR. BIG's live shows.

"No offense to Matt [Starr]," Eric said, referencing the drummer who played with MR. BIG for four years prior to Torpey's passing. "I thought Matt Starr was great. He was fine. The thing about Matt is that he came when Pat just couldn't do it anymore. He had this little cocktail kit on the side and he would play drums with us once in a while. Matt did it. It was just too soon for me. I wasn't ready to give up Pat Torpey. And when Matt did it, Matt has his own style. He's more like a John Bonham. He's not a Pat Torpey, and I was looking for somebody to play exactly like Pat, because I could. I wanted it, and I was really bummed that Pat couldn't do it anymore. And Matt did it, and he did a fine job for us. We sounded like a different MR. BIG. Pat Torpey has this finessey kind of things, and he's like Steve Gadd meets Vinnie Colaiuta meets maybe like a John Bonham. But Matt has got that form, heavy rock [approach], but there's a lot of finesse in the MR. BIG style — you know, 'Colorado Bulldog' and all that. And Matt did a great job; he really did. But then, after Matt, we didn't do anything. COVID thing, Pat passed away first, actually. And then nothing happened. And then when we were gonna get another drummer, we wanted to do a different style — not a different style, but we wanted to find somebody new that could play exactly like Pat. And that's what we found in Nick. He's got the same chops and the incredible voice. Matt can sing too. I mean, he was great. But I'm just letting the folks know out there, there's no bad blood between Matt Starr and MR. BIG or me or anything like that. He's killer."

Regarding the possibility of MR. BIG making a new album as the follow-up to 2017's "Defying Gravity", Eric said: "We're doing it now. We're working on it now. [MR. BIG guitarist] Paul Gilbert and I — I've been going back and forth to Portland, Oregon, where Paul lives, and we've been writing and recording everything. And so far, I wanna say, [we have] 10, 13 songs so far. And Billy's [Sheehan, MR. BIG bassist] got one that he just brought in. And Nick — we said, 'Hey, Nick, if you've got any tunes, man, throw it our way.' And he's got four songs that are pretty good."

In an April 2023 interview with Border City Rock Talk, D'Virgilio spoke about how he landed the gig as MR. BIG's new touring drummer, five years after the passing of the band's co-founder, Pat Torpey. The 55-year-old Nick, who has spent the last nine years working for the Indiana-based online retailer of music instruments and audio gear Sweetwater, said: "It stemmed through Sweetwater. I've known Paul [Gilbert]; Paul was the one guy I knew most. I met Pat, and I met Billy — Gosh — at a music trade show back in the day. And I was definitely a fan of the band. I listened to a lot of Pat's drumming way before I ever met him in person. But at Sweetwater, we do a lot of recording workshops and we get artists in to come and people pay to come to the studio and hang in the studio with the artists that come in. Paul does it quite a bit; he's been there a bunch. Billy was there a while back as well, but Paul's been there a number of times. And I've been able to play as his rhythm section for these recording workshops. And I also had Paul play on a song on my solo record called 'Invisible' that I put out in 2020. Through all of this stuff, we got to just jamming some more stuff. And I know Paul through Mike Portnoy and Neal Morse and a lot of circles of musicians. After the last thing we did at Sweetwater, Paul just sent me an e-mail and asked if I would be interested in going on tour with MR. BIG in Asia. Now, this was [in] July [2022], when he first sent me the e-mail, so nine, 10 months ago or so. And I immediately said 'yes'. I think I said 'fuck yes', all in bold letters… So then I went sort of hog wild here in my studio and I videotaped and multi-tracked my drums. I kind of just went hog wild, sending back these demos of me playing and then singing all the parts. So I sang the lead vocal, and then I sang Pat's parts too. Since [it was an] audition, I figured I'd put my best foot forward. Long story short, they said, 'Yeah, we'd love to do it. And you're in,' basically. So that's kind of how it all happened. It came out of the blue."

As a session musician and touring artist, Nick has worked with many different kinds of artists and bands, from TEARS FOR FEARS, Sheryl Crow and Kevin Gilbert to Peter Gabriel and Eric Burdon and the ANIMALS. In 1996, Nick took Phil Collins's place in GENESIS and played on their "Calling All Stations" album. He has also carved out a major presence in the progressive rock world with his bands, SPOCK'S BEARD and BIG BIG TRAIN.

Before joining the Sweetwater team, Nick spent almost five years touring with Cirque Du Soleil's "Totem" as drummer, vocalist, and assistant bandleader.

When D'Virgilio's addition to MR. BIG was first announced in March 2023, Sheehan said in a statement: "We found a wonderful drummer in Nick, and he's got a great voice too. Nick has a vocal range similar to Pat's, and he'll be able to do the parts Pat did with a similar finesse. It's a big relief because MR. BIG has always been heavy on the harmonies. When the band began, we really relied on each other. We knew each guy would do exactly what he needed to do vocally and to do it righteously, on key, and in time. It's difficult to find a drummer who sings in that range, but Nick has the voice we really need onstage."

Gilbert concurred, saying: "Nick gets close to the spirit of Pat Torpey. Billy, Eric [Martin, vocals] and I have been really happy with the music we've already shared back and forth. I'm impressed with Nick's level of musical adaptability and breadth of skill. He and I have done some recording together, and I was blown away with his groove, and how he just played what fit the song. If the song requires him to be more progressive and stand out, he will stand out. But if the song requires him to groove, he will groove. That's actually a rare thing, and it really fits in with what we do in MR. BIG."

Martin added: "I love the fact that Nick was a fan of Pat Torpey and wants to keep our BIG sound intact. When I first saw his audition demo video of the 'Lean Into It' song 'Lucky This Time', Nick was playing drums with those signature Pat snare hits and singing harmonies spot on to what Pat used to do. It gave me goosebumps!! I am so thrilled to have this man who will be filling some mighty BIG shoes join us on our last tour."

MR. BIG's final tour sees the band performing the entirety of its breakthrough platinum-selling 1991 album "Lean Into It" from start to finish as a featured highlight of the live setlist.

Fan-filmed video of Corey Taylor's November 18 concert at Poppodium 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands can be seen below.

The setlist was as follows:

01. Post Traumatic Blues
02. Tumult (STONE SOUR song)
03. Black Eyes Blue
04. We Are the Rest
05. Song #3 (STONE SOUR song)
06. Beyond
07. Before I Forget (SLIPKNOT song)
08. SpongeBob SquarePants Theme (Painty The Pirate & Kids cover)
09. Snuff (SLIPKNOT song)
10. 30/30-150 (STONE SOUR song)
11. Talk Sick
12. Midnight
13. Through Glass (STONE SOUR song)

Encore:

14. Duality (SLIPKNOT song)
15. Fairies Wear Boots (BLACK SABBATH cover)

Corey kicked off his fall 2023 European tour on November 8 at the O2 Academy in Leeds, United Kingdom.

Taylor recently completed a 28-city U.S. tour. The trek launched on August 25 at Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, making stops across the U.S in Detroit, Orlando, Dallas and more before the final headline show in Los Angeles at The Wiltern on October 5. Support on the tour came from WARGASM, OXYMORRONS and LUNA AURA on select dates.

In a recent interview with Rock Sound, the SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman spoke about the solo album of covers and acoustic recordings, titled "CMFB…Sides", that he released last year via Roadrunner Records. "CMFB…Sides" comprised nine previously unreleased B-sides, covers of tunes that influenced Taylor, acoustic renditions, and live versions. Asked if he used "CMFB…Sides" as an opportunity to tip his hat to artists that had inspired him growing up, Corey said: "Oh, absolutely. I mean, there are so many people I have not had the chance to nod to, to acknowledge, to thank. Let's not forget music kept me alive. Music was the only source of happiness for me for the longest time, from when I was a kid all the way up until even into my twenties, for God's sakes. Music was the only thing that made me feel something other than horrible about myself. So there were so many voices in my head and so many people kind of holding me up that I am just really scratching the surface. Obviously, I've had a chance to show my respect over the years — 'cause of SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR, I've been able to kind of talk about my influences, whatnot — but there's still so many out there that I really want to acknowledge. And the cool thing about doing the B-side stuff is getting to show those little hints and bursts of — doing everything from 'Lunatic Fringe' [RED RIDER cover] to 'Shakin'' [Eddie Money cover]."

He continued: "The B-sides that we have for this album [Corey's recently released sophomore solo LP, 'CMF2'], people are gonna freak out. We've got everything from Alice Cooper to ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN. I mean, it's that level of fucking radness. And I also have a band who can play anything, and I'm really, really, really spoiled when it comes to that. So I'm really looking forward to putting that out next year. It's one of those things that I want the audience to kind of get to the point where they expect that, just like, 'Oh, man, this album is great. There's also going to be this album that comes out next year with like all the B-side stuff.' And the cool thing with this is that in addition to the covers — it's not just acoustic versions, it's actually leftover originals that didn't make this album. So it's changed up even more from that side of stuff, so it's evolving. And it just feels great. It's everything that I've ever wanted to do. It's everything I've tried to do with SLIPKNOTandSTONE SOUR, and I'm finally getting to do it now because I'm the boss and I get to fucking make the decisions."

"CMF2" was released on September 15. Taylor's first album for BMG and the first on his own label imprint, Decibel Cooper Recordings, was produced by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER, AMON AMARTH),who also helmed STONE SOUR's 2017 LP "Hydrograd" as well as 2020's "CMFT".

Throughout "CMF2", Taylor sings, plays lead and rhythm guitar, piano, and mandolin.

The 13-track opus packs the energy, experimentation, and forthrightness that's defined a career which has seen him sell more than 12 million albums with his Grammy-winning band SLIPKNOT and several million with chart-toppers STONE SOUR.

Taylor began tracking the follow-up to 2020's "CMFT" LP in early January at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada with Ruston. Joining Corey in the studio was the rest of his solo band — bassist Eliot Lorango, drummer Dustin Robert, along with guitarists Christian Martucci and Zach Throne.

Twenty-six songs were recorded for "CMF2", including "Beyond" and "Post Traumatic Blues".

"CMFT" featured the No. 1 Billboard mainstream rock single "Black Eyes Blue" and streaming sensation "CMFT Must Be Stopped" (feat. Tech N9ne and Kid Bookie). The LP hit No. 6 on Billboard's U.S. Top Rock Albums chart.

Posted by Poppodium 013 on Friday, August 25, 2023

Former MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee performed some of the band's classic songs on October 28 at Milepelen Kulturhus in Nord-Odal, Norway. He was joined at the gig by THE DRIPPERS members Viktor Skatt on bass and vocals, and Stig William Rickard on guitar. Fan-filmed video can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Finland's Chaoszine, Dee reflected on MOTÖRHEAD's final tour, which concluded on December 11, 2015, just two weeks before the passing of late MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister. Mikkey said: "[Lemmy] was very excited. He loved doing this stuff. And I do remember that we were having a pretty tough time. Lemmy was sick. He was tired. And we could not get him off the road. Both me and Phil [Campbell, MOTÖRHEAD guitarist] said, 'Look, let's break.' … Let's go back to [Lemmy's hometown of Los Angeles], rest, eat and we pick up the European tour again. But he said, 'No, no, no, no, no. We've gotta play.' 'Okay.' So me and Phil were talking, and we said, 'Instead of argue with Lemmy, trying to get him off the road, let's just help him instead.' And I remember, the shows, we had to adjust a lot of stuff, but I think we and he did fantastic. I mean, the last show was 11th of December in Berlin, and then a couple of weeks later, the man is gone. So, trust me, me and Phil put in 150 percent and Lemmy must have put in 300 percent to get through the set."

Dee, who has played a number of shows in the Nordic countries in recent months performing the MOTÖRHEAD material under the "Mikkey Dee With Friends" banner, was also once again asked if he and Campbell would ever go out and perform MOTÖRHEAD music together, with someone else stepping in to play Lemmy's parts. He responded: "Well, you never know. I mean, me and Phil wrote great music. But he's fully involved with his boys [in their band PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS]. And I'm fully involved with SCORPIONS. We're touring a lot. Not right now, obviously, but we're on the road all the time with the SCORPS. So I don't say no; there's always possibilities. But, of course, as I explained in, I think a podcast, I said, and some people misunderstood this, or actually, they didn't — actually the press wrote the wrong things. I said, 'We will never, ever get back together and replace Lemmy. That's impossible.' I said, 'But doing little constellations, doing some tribute stuff, that's great.' That's very, very different. And I think they said something, 'Mikkey will never play MOTÖRHEAD again.' That was the main headline on Blabbermouth. I said that's not what I said at all. [Editor's note: Contrary to Mikkey's assertion, the actual headline for the February 2023 BLABBERMOUTH.NET story that he is referring to was 'MIKKEY DEE: 'We Will Never Tour' Under MOTÖRHEAD Name Again'.] Of course I will play MOTÖRHEAD. But I will never be a part of trying to put MOTÖRHEAD as a band out there again with some other fucking idiot supposed to take Lemmy's place. So that's all I said. But to do this ['Mikkey Dee With Friends' thing], [it's] fantastic. And, of course, we'd like to plan something bigger than this in the future, hopefully."

Lemmy died on December 28, 2015 at the age of 70 shortly after learning he had been diagnosed with cancer.

MOTÖRHEAD had to cancel a number of shows in 2015 because of Lemmy's poor health, although the band did manage to complete the aforementioned European tour a couple of weeks before his death.

In June 2020, it was announced that Lemmy would get the biopic treatment. The upcoming film, "Lemmy", will be directed by Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the 2010 documentary of the same name, "Lemmy".

A custom-made urn containing Lemmy's ashes is on permanent display in a columbarium at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, California.

Posted by Odal Rock Club on Monday, April 3, 2023

The MJT LIVE YouTube channel has uploaded video of LEFT TO DIE's entire November 13 concert at the Constellation Room in Santa Ana, California. Check it out below.

LEFT TO DIE is the new band featuring classic DEATH members Terry Butler (also formerly of MASSACRE and currently in OBITUARY) and Rick Rozz (ex-MASSACRE) paired with GRUESOME founders Matt Harvey (EXHUMED) and Gus Rios (ex-MALEVOLENT CREATION).

The second leg of LEFT TO DIE's "Reborn Dead" U.S. tour features support from San Jose crushers MORTUOUS, Los Angeles death merchants MORTAL WOUND and Santa Fe, New Mexico's STREET TOMBS. As before, LEFT TO DIE is performing DEATH's classic "Leprosy" album in its entirety, along with cuts from "Scream Bloody Gore".

When the latest leg of the "Reborn Dead" tour was first announced in September, Butler said in a statement: "You asked for it, and you got it! We're excited to bring the 'Reborn Dead' tour to the Western U.S. Rick Rozz, Matt Harvey, Gus Rios and yours truly will be hitting the dusty trail and rockin' these DEATHly tunes for you in November!" Rozz added: "I'm really looking forward to bringing this tribute to old-school DEATH fans in Western U.S. See you in November. Cheers and peace!"

Remaining tour dates:

Nov. 19 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Nov. 21 - Portland, OR @ Dante’s
Nov. 22 - Sacramento, CA @ The Starlet Room
Nov. 24 - Oakland, CA @ Eli’s Mile High
Nov. 25 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
Nov. 26 - San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick

Asked in a recent interview with Germany's Moshpit Passion, how he and Rick approach LEFT TO DIE without making it appear like a "cash grab", Terry said: "We approach it like Rick wrote quite a bit of material on 'Leprosy'. Rick was around in the demo days, and a lot of those riffs are also on [DEATH's debut album] 'Scream Bloody Gore'. Rick and I joined DEATH right as 'Scream Bloody Gore' came out, so we have history with that album. We're approaching this as a band. We're eventually going to put out some new music; that's our gameplan. When we find time, put some riffs together, write some stuff, put an album out. So we are approaching this as a band. We're honoring the album 'Leprosy' and [late DEATH mastermind] Chuck [Schuldiner] by doing these handful of tours right now. Down the road, we foresee a future where we have new material, we're playing 75 percent of our new album and throwing in five or six DEATH tunes on top of it, kind of thing. So we don't look at it one hundred percent as a tribute band. We're looking at it as a band with some former members that have a lot of history in that band and have written songs in that band. It's not like we're doing a DARK FUNERAL tribute band. We're doing DEATH songs by people who actually wrote those songs. So that's how we approach it."

With regard to LEFT TO DIE's plans for original material, Rick said: "Like Terry said, we're definitely looking to record new music. Everybody has some riffs, and when we have the time, as a band, to put 'em together, we will most likely do that. Gus and I will probably end up doing some jamming while Terry and Matt are gone on tour, coming up in the next few months, and try to put a couple of things together and present it to the two of them and see what they think about it. And then, slowly but surely… We're not gonna rush. If it's meant to be, it'll come together. And it'll definitely be kickass. But we'll see what happens. But we're definitely looking forward to doing that, yes."

Added Terry: "And musically, obviously, it's gonna be in the same vein. It's not gonna sound like TRIVIUM or GOJIRA. It's gonna be 'Scream', 'Leprosy', [MASSACRE's] 'From Beyond', kind of all of that thrown into a blender, and there you go… It's good stuff. So why not have more of it?"

LEFT TO DIE completed its first U.S. tour in July 2022. A European run of shows followed this past March and April.

Butler previously stated about how LEFT TO DIE came together: "After the recent Chuck tribute shows that Matt, Gus, and myself did, Rick posed the question, 'Would anyone want to see some 'Leprosy' shows?' With a resounding 'yes!', the masses had spoken. Matt and Gus threw their hats in immediately and, in my opinion, they were the only real choice to bring this thing to life."

Harvey and Rios were both very excited about the project coming together. Harvey reflected: "When Gus and I started GRUESOME as a DEATH tribute, we never thought that it would lead to us playing some of our favorite songs alongside the guys that recorded them, but here we are — and I couldn't be more stoked." Rios added: "When Rick contacted me about his idea, I was immediately on board, since 'Leprosy' is not only my favorite DEATH album, but my favorite death metal album of all time! I'm very grateful and stoked that Terry and Matt were also on board."

LEFT TO DIE is:

Terry Butler - bass guitar
Rick Rozz - guitar
Matt Harvey - guitar, vocals
Gus Rios - drums

On December 11-12, 2021, several former DEATH members — including Butler — played two shows commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passing of the band's mastermind Chuck Schuldiner at Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida. Butler, James Murphy (guitar),Harvey and Rios performed DEATH's classic third album, "Spiritual Healing" (1990),in its entirety under the LIVING MONSTROSITY banner, while Steve DiGiorgio (bass),Bobby Koelble (guitar) and Kelly Conlon (bass) joined forces as SYMBOLIC to play songs from "Human" (1991),"Individual Thought Patterns" (1993),"Symbolic" (1995) and "The Sound Of Perseverance" (1998

Schuldiner died on December 13, 2001 after a battle with pontine glioma, a rare type of brain tumor.

In recent years, DEATH's storied catalog has undergone a meticulous reissue campaign via Relapse Records.

Relapse released the first-ever fully authorized DEATH tab book, featuring 21 classic songs tabbed out for guitar from the band's entire discography. The book, which includes traditional notation as well as tablature, also comes with a digital download of all tracks.

In a new interview with New Zealand's Stuff, AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd said that he was unable to join his bandmates ar the Power Trip festival in California, but there are talks that AC/DC will finally embark on its long-awaited world tour in 2024, with potential gigs in Australia and New Zealand.

"I look forward to playing with them again in the future," he told Stuff. "Rock on."

In other news, Rudd is selling off his drum kit, with proceeds going to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. Phil's close friend of 15 years has terminal stage 4 breast cancer. Six months ago, she was given six months to live. Doctors say she "will be lucky to make it until Christmas," Rudd told Stuff.

Sitting behind the drum kit for AC/DC's appearance at Power Trip in early October was Matt Laug. The 55-year-old Laug is an American drummer who has played with many bands/artists such as Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT and Vasco Rossi. Matt moved to Los Angeles after graduating from South Florence High School in 1986 and after attending college in L.A., Matt became a sought-after studio drummer. In 2001, Laug supported AC/DC as part of SLASH'S SNAKEPIT on the North American and European legs of the "Stiff Upper Lip" tour.

When AC/DC announced in early September that Laug would play drums for the band at Power Trip, it offered no explanation for the absence of Rudd, who rejoined AC/DC for the recording of the group's comeback album, "Power Up", which came out in November 2020.

Rudd was ousted from AC/DC when he was sentenced to eight months of home detention by a New Zealand court in 2015 after pleading guilty to charges of threatening to kill and drug possession. He was replaced on the band's "Rock Or Bust" tour by Chris Slade, who had previously served as AC/DC's drummer between 1989 and 1994, playing on the album "The Razor's Edge".

Rudd, who appeared on all but three of AC/DC's 18 previous studio albums, toured in support of his 2014 solo debut, "Head Job". It was the release of that album that led indirectly to Rudd's arrest, with the drummer allegedly so angry at a personal assistant over the way the record was promoted that he threatened to have the man and his daughter killed.

During an appearance on a November 2020 episode of Dean Delray's "Let There Be Talk" podcast, Rudd confirmed that the seed for his return to AC/DC was planted at the funeral of AC/DC rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young in 2017. Rudd, singer Brian Johnson and bassist Cliff Williams all attended the ceremony. At the time, the three musicians were considered former members of AC/DC, with Johnson and Williams both having left in 2016 for health reasons, while Rudd was sidelined in 2015 with various legal issues.

"Angus and I had a good chat at Mal's funeral and caught up," Rudd recalled. "[After I played on the 'Rock Or Bust' record] there was crazy shit going on, but since then, I'd got my shit together and put a little band together, I went to Europe and was doing a bit of playing and stuff and did [a solo] album. The guys knew I was still playing, so when I caught up with Angus at the funeral, we were sort of chatting away and somehow, he just sort of [asked me] if I was up for [doing a new AC/DC] album. And he started writing the next day. He went in the studio and started writing straight away."

Angus told Rolling Stone that it was indeed Malcolm's funeral that helped heal old wounds.

"[Phil] was there and in good shape," the guitarist said. "He was keeping himself well together. He was getting therapy and sorting himself out. It was really good."

Johnson added that he and the rest of AC/DC welcomed Rudd with open arms. "I speak for all the boys with Phil," he said. "We defend Phil to the hilt. What happened up there, that's not the Phil we know. That was just something else. He's really looking brilliant now and doing everything great."

In a new interview with the Irish Examiner about the recent vinyl re-release of LED ZEPPELIN's "Led Zeppelin IV" album, Robert Plant weighed in on rumors that Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones wanted to carry on with the band more than four decades ago, even if it meant continuing without the singer. Plant maintained his solo career and toured alongside THE BAND OF JOY, Alison Krauss and at present with SAVING GRACE, featuring Portuguese vocalist Suzi Dian.

"You have to keep on developing. Probably for everybody and everything it was the right thing. It was right for me," Plant said of LED ZEPPELIN's 1980 break-up following the alcohol-induced death of drummer John Bonham. "I think Jimmy and John Paul, for a while, wanted to keep it going but we all change. You have to go from the writing of youth. You're talking about 'Bron-Yr-Aur' and 'Battle Of Evermore', from writing in that fashion and those visions of a life and an eternal rub between people to the maturity you find along the way; I'm doing the right thing."

After LED ZEPPELIN's 2007 reunion concert at the O2 Arena in London with Jason Bonham, the son of John Bonham, Page and Jones were looking for a way to keep working and tried out several singers, including AEROSMITH's Steven Tyler and ALTER BRIDGE's Myles Kennedy.

The option for a three-quarter ZEPPELIN reunion ended when Jones accepted an offer to form THEM CROOKED VULTURES with Dave Grohl and Josh Homme. Page later said: "I guess that was a pretty definitive statement."

Page said "the LED ZEPPELIN question" is never far from people's lips, joking, "People ask me nearly every day about a possible reunion. The answer is 'no.' It's been [more than a decade and a half] since the O2. There's always a possibility that they can exhume me and put me onstage in a coffin and play a tape."

Back in 2018, Plant suggested in an interview that he would be "whore" if he were to agree to take part in a LED ZEPPELIN reunion. When pressed about the band's 50th anniversary that year, the inevitable archival releases, and the hopes for yet another reunion, Plant told Esquire: "All those projects, well, they're going to do somebody some good somewhere, and that's good. But you don't even have to talk to me if all you want to know about is LED ZEPPELIN.

"LED ZEPPELIN was an amazing, prolific fun factory for a period of time, but it was three amazing musicians and a singer living in the times. Those times. That's not going to stop me doing what I'm doing now. So that's a headline, or not a headline. It doesn't matter to me... If I didn't, I'd be a whore, and I'm never going to be that. I'm only a singer, and therefore I can get bored really quickly. And if I get bored really quickly, what am I doing [more than] 70 years old being bored? No chance. So I move on all the time."

Plant admitted to The Pulse Of Radio that no matter what he does, there will always be a cross-section of fans that rate it against his work with LED ZEPPELIN. "The LED ZEPPELIN myth has been extended now by the mission and the cult," he said. "And so, everybody goes, 'Oh, but ZEPPELIN was much better than that.' Maybe it'll happen to me, too, but I've kind of taken the essence of ZEPPELIN, and I am the singer of LED ZEPPELIN. And I've taken the essence of the changes of LED ZEPPELIN and brought it up to date. So, I could never, ever hope to top it. I could never expect to be taken as... taken to the hearts of people quite like LED ZEPPELIN was, because I'm only a part of it."

Legendary Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers and trailblazers JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS have shared the official music video for the song "Whiskey Goes Good". The track is taken from the band's latest digital EP, "Mindsets", which came out in June on Jett's longtime independent record label Blackheart Records. Featuring six brand new songs, including the single "If You're Blue", the EP was produced by Jett, Kenny Laguna and Thom Panunzio, and executive produced by Carianne Brinkman. "Mindsets" marked the first new music release for the band since their first-ever acoustic album "Changeup", which came out in March 2022.

"Mindsets" is a perfect blend of punk and rock and roll that feels timeless and immediate at once, serving as a reminder of what JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS are all about. Each of the six new tracks on the EP features its own spin on the band's signature tight instrumentation and heavy guitar riffs, effortlessly pairing with Jett's vocals that remain full of attitude and urgency. Both a voice and force to be reckoned with, Jett continues to deliver a sound of conviction and energy.

"If You're Blue", both the EP's single and first track, sets the tone for the full collection through the band's signature crunchy, distortion-forward guitar, hooky chorus, and Jett's powerful, snarling vocals.

Jett said: "The last several years have been tough ones on the whole world. These songs reflect the various 'mindsets' needed to make it through the day, the week, the year, or the next minute. It's a way to feel more connected to that big, beautiful, scary world out there, and in your head. THE BLACKHEARTS and I had an incredible experience writing, rehearsing, and recording these songs. Dougie Needles, our guitar player, created great songs from which we built out the EP."

The release of "Mindsets" came ahead of JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS' summer tour alongside Bryan Adams.

"Mindsets" track listing:

01. If You're Blue*
02. Whiskey Goes Good**
03. Shooting Into Space*
04. Rearview Mirror*
05. Before The Dawn*
06. (Make the Music Go) Boom*

* Written by Joan Jett and Dougie Needles
** Written by Dougie Needles

Jett grew up during a time when rock and roll was off limits to girls and women, but as a teenager, she promptly blew the door to the boys' club right off its hinges. After forming her band THE BLACKHEARTS in 1979, with whom Jett has become a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, she has had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics "Bad Reputation", "I Love Rock 'N' Roll", "I Hate Myself For Loving You" and "Crimson And Clover". With a career that has spanned music, film, television, Broadway, and humanitarianism, Jett remains a potent force and inspiration to generations of fans worldwide. As a producer, she has overseen seminal albums by BIKINI KILL and THE GERMS' L.A. punk masterpiece "GI".

Jett and Kenny Laguna (her longtime producer and music partner) co-founded Blackheart Records from the trunk of Kenny's Cadillac after rejections from no less than 23 labels. 40 years later, Blackheart is a thriving entertainment company producing music, film and television, and continues to champion emerging bands.

JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS continue touring the globe with headlining shows alongside fellow rock legends like THE WHO, GREEN DAY, HEART and FOO FIGHTERS.

"Bad Reputation", a documentary about Jett's life, premiered to critical acclaim at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.

Photo credit: Shervin Lainez (courtesy of Full Coverage Communications)

In a new interview with Sense Music Media, SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser, whose wife Patricia Perissinoto Kisser passed away in July 2022 after a battle with colon cancer, was asked what the experience of losing his longtime partner taught him about life. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, man. It taught me everything about life. It was such an experience that I started a movement right after she passed away. Because everything that happened, the whole process, cancer, she was really going very slowly and all the palliative care that came in, the morphine and all that stuff, the conversations with the hospital, with the doctors, I learned so much during that week or two weeks, of the last days that I felt so unprepared as a Brazilian citizen to deal with that situation. Not only because we do not talk about dying, but because all the bureaucratic stuff that we are not stimulated to learn and to talk about with our family, basically to talk about dying, talk about euthanasia, talk about assisted suicide, talk about the will or everything that is related to dying, the funeral, if you have insurance, if you don't have insurance, how much you're gonna pay for taxes and all that stuff. And I started this movement because I wanna stimulate people here in Brazil to talk about dying with their loved ones, with their family, with their kids, with their fathers, with their friends, because Patricia, she used to talk about dying in a very natural way. Since we met, she's talked, 'When I die, don't put me in the coffin without my pillow, without my blanket, without my pajamas. I don't want to get cold and stuff.' And we all laughed. When it happened, we all knew what she wanted. So I realized that it was so comforting, so warm to do the wish of the people you love the most there that I realized that we need to talk about dying. It's the way to feel more peaceful, to feel more alive, including to accept finitude, to accept the end, and not try to avoid the conversation or think that it's not gonna happen with us."

He continued: "We're all gonna die, so why not we talk talk about it, to prepare ourselves better, to know each other better, because you're gonna learn about your family. If you talk about dying, you're gonna learn about yourself, you're gonna raise questions about yourself, you're gonna want to talk to a doctor, to a lawyer, to your mom or to your kid about that. And you're gonna raise awareness and you're gonna be more united with your family. I went through that with Patricia, with my kids, with my father and mother-in-law, with my brother-in-law and stuff, and we are more united than ever. And I feel life much more intense because I respect death. I respect dying. It is our biggest teacher. We should learn with that. We shouldn't be afraid of dying. Dying is not punishment. Dying is a fact of life. We all know that. Let's respect that. As soon as we respect that, we start living the daily, the present, more intensively. You're not gonna wait till tomorrow to do certain stuff, to say 'I love you' to your loved ones. You're not gonna wait to fulfill a dream or to make a trip or to learn guitar, if it's your dream, or anything."

Kisser added: "So, that's what I learned. I met amazing people that want to stimulate, like myself, the Brazilian society to talk about that, because it is possible for us to prepare better our heart, our soul and our intellect to deal with the bureaucratic stuff at the time we are most fragile emotionally. So why not prepare, during life, since you were born, to talk about dying, because we're all gonna die. I don't understand why people are so afraid to talk about dying. I understand it's not easy, but it's fundamental and totally necessary for us, not only in Brazil, but for all of us. We see in different cultures around the world that deal with death in very different ways, especially in Mexico, for instance — they celebrate, they make a big party, because they respect dying. It's not our choice. It's not a choice. So, let's live with it. Let's live with dying [laughs], and then we can deal with that [in] a much more peaceful way. So that's something that I started here in Brazil, and it's growing slowly, but we are starting to gather some really cool people that are starting really to stimulate, at least the talk, the discussion so we can move forward on the subject."

Asked if he thinks this whole experience will inform the next SEPULTURA release when he starts to write music and lyrics for the upcoming LP, Andreas said: "Of course. It's inevitable. It's an experience of life. And I changed a lot, because a big part of myself died with my wife, and other parts of myself are starting to wake, because I have new experiences, a new future, something that I didn't plan. I have a totally different idea of my future. Growing old with her, having grandsons and stuff — whatever. But it's not gonna be that way, so I'm gonna accept the present that I have and gonna live with the elements I have and be very thankful, very grateful that I have Patricia for 32 years in my life, that we built a family that we had. I have three amazing kids. Plus all the stuff that I learned with her, I'm never gonna forget, and then I move on, to build and to grow up out of this experience and not be — I don't know — be ungrateful or with hate or not accepting a situation, because this is not the way. I mean, it's not up to me or to anyone. We're gonna die. It's a fact of life for everything. Not only us — plants, animals, everything. So what's the point of trying to deny that?"

Patricia had just turned 52 years old one day before her death.

Andreas and the couple's three children, Giulia, Yohan and Enzo, announced Patricia's death in a social media post. They wrote: "It is with deep sadness that we have to share that Patricia Perissinoto Kisser passed away this morning. She will remain in our memories forever."

Andreas and Patricia had been together for 32 years after first getting together in 1990. They married in 1994.

In June 2022, Andreas left SEPULTURA's European tour due to what was described at the time as a "family emergency." He was temporarily replaced on the road by Jean Patton of fellow São Paulo, Brazil-based heavy metal act PROJECT46.

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

Founding BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has shared a new original poem called "Fog's Here". Check it out below.

Ward has released a number of poems in recent years, some inspired by the coronavirus pandemic and others celebrating the fall–winter holiday season, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Bill was on board for the SABBATH reunion when it was first announced more than 11 years ago, but backed out soon after. The drummer later claimed that he sat out the recording and touring sessions because of unfair contractual terms, although the members of SABBATH have hinted in other interviews that he wasn't physically up to the task.

All four original members of SABBATH were present when the band announced its reunion in late 2011. But Ward split from the group in 2012, citing an "unsignable" contract, and singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler carried on with their Rick Rubin–produced "13" LP and extensive international touring without him.

Ozzy told The Pulse Of Radio during SABBATH's last tour that Ward was not in shape to participate. "Bill Ward has got the most physically demanding job of the lot of us, 'cause he's the timekeeper," he said. "I don't think personally he had the chops to pull it off, you know. The saddest thing is that he needed to own up to that, and we could have worked around it, whether we had a drummer on the side with him or something."

It was rumored that SABBATH wanted to bring a second drummer on the road to share duties with Ward, something that Iommi confirmed in 2017 during a question-and-answer session about SABBATH's "Ten Year War" box set.

In 2015, Ward released his first solo album in 18 years. Titled "Accountable Beasts", the record can be purchased on iTunes.

In November 2017, Ward's band DAY OF ERRORS released its first two songs, "Day Of Errors" and "Blaspheming At Creation", via iTunes, Spotify, Amazon MP3 and Google Play. Two more tracks, "Dark" and "Ghost Train", followed in 2019.

In March 2021, Ward revealed that he was working on an autobiography.

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Trivium have shared Alex Bent's drum playthrough video of "Like A Sword Over Damocles" shot at The Hangar. Check it out below. 





The clip below features Trivium performing "Down From The Sky" live in Edinburgh, Scotland with soundboard audio. It was shared online by frontman Matt Heafy.

TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy has weighed in on bands who rely heavily on pre-recorded tracks during their live performances.

In recent years, more and more artists have been given a pass for relying on pre-recorded tracks, drum triggers and other assorted technology that makes concerts more synthetic but also more consistent. For better or worse, pre-recorded tracks are becoming increasingly common for touring artists of all levels and genres and they're not just used in pop music — many rock artists utilize playback tracks to varying degrees.

Speaking to the Syncin' Stanley YouTube channel, Chuck was asked for his opinion on singers who use pre-recorded tracks for their lead vocals. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): " That's not my thing. I definitely don't lip sync. I think the only time I've ever had to lip sync is when you shoot videos for, like, MTV. Of course, those aren't live. Every band does it. You perform to the track and you lip sync it. So it's not the most fun, cause it's not real. So I'm sure I'm much uglier and nastier-looking when I'm singing live than in a video you see on MTV or somewhere out there. I guess there's bands out there that probably need help. I know there's bands like DEF LEPPARD that use a lot of backing tracks, but that's also backing tracks for that big sound, 'cause, obviously, you can't get all their voices live unless you brought in a choir. So, there's an exception to the rule."

The members of DEF LEPPARD have repeatedly denied that they use backing tracks for their vocals, with guitarist Phil Collen telling Ultimate Classic Rock in a 2019 interview: "We've always used keyboard things and parts of a drum loop, like on 'Rocket' — you couldn't really play that part live. So we've used stuff like that." But that's as far as it goes. "Our vocals are always live, and that's the big difference — we're like a live vocal band," he pointed out. "That's something that a lot of the other bands don't do. They kind of fake the vocals and it's not really them. But this is really us. … It's real."

KISS frontman Paul Stanley, who has been struggling to hit the high notes in many of the band's classic songs for a number of years, has been accused of singing to a backing tape on KISS's ongoing "End Of The Road" tour.

Back in 2015, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons slammed bands who used backing tapes for not being honest enough to include that fact on their concert tickets.

"I have a problem when you charge $100 to see a live show and the artist uses backing tracks," Simmons said. "It's like the ingredients in food. If the first ingredient on the label is sugar, that's at least honest. It should be on every ticket — you're paying $100, 30 to 50 percent of the show is [on] backing tracks and they'll sing sometimes, sometimes they'll lip sync. At least be honest. It's not about backing tracks, it's about dishonesty.

"There's nobody with a synthesizer on our stage, there's no samples on the drums, there's nothing," Gene continued. "There's very few bands who do that now — AC/DC, METALLICA, us. I can't even say that about U2 or THE [ROLLING] STONES. There's very few bands who don't use [backing] tracks."

This past March, KISS's longtime manager Doc McGhee defended Stanley's vocal performance on "End Of The Road", explaining that the "Star Child" "fully sings to every song" at every concert. He explained: It's enhanced. It's just part of the process to make sure that everybody hears the songs the way they should be sang to begin with. Nobody wants to hear people do stuff that's not real, that's not what they came to hear."

When McGhee was asked to clarify if he was "actually saying there are backing tracks that [Paul is] singing to," Doc said: "He'll sing to tracks. It's all part of a process. Because everybody wants to hear everybody sing. But he fully sings to every song."

In March 2020, SHINEDOWN guitarist Zach Myers said that "90 percent" of rock artists use at least some pre-recorded tracks during their live performances. He told Rock Feed: "It bothers me that it bothers people. I'm, like, 'Why does this bother you?' It's the way it is. People have been doing this since the '80s. And we want the sound to be the best it can be. Could we go up there, just the four of us, and put on the best rock show ever? Of course. But that's not how we wanna do it."

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach has previously said that he is "one of the last people" who are still not using pre-recorded tracks at their live shows. "I don't know how much longer I can say to you that I don't use tapes onstage, because I don't, and I never have," he told Consequence Of Sound. "And I still don't. When I have opening bands, and they're using tapes, and then I come out and I don't use tapes… sometimes, it makes me feel stupid, because I'm like, 'What am I doing, when all these kids half my age can come onstage and do all of my moves, but they don't have to warm up for an hour before the show, or weeks, before the first show?' Sometimes, I'm like, 'Why do I even bother, if the public is so used to this other way?' It's becoming very rare to come see a good band that's actually a real band — that's not miming or doing silly moves while a tape is running. It just becomes more rare as the years go on."

In 2019, IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith said that he doesn't "agree" with certain rock artists relying on pre-recorded tracks during their live performances. "I tell you what, I see it with a lot of younger bands, and I don't think it's a good thing at all," he told the New York Post. "I mean, the music is getting too technical now. You have computerized recording systems, which we use, but I think we use them more for convenience than because we need to. We've toured with a couple bands that use tapes — it's not real. You're supposed to play live; it should be live. I don't agree with using tapes … I think it's a real shame."

One musician who has been open about his band's use of taped vocals during live performances is MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx, who said: "We've used technology since '87." He added the group employed "sequencers, sub tones, background vox tracks, plus background singers and us. [MÖTLEY CRÜE also taped] stuff we can't tour with, like cello parts in ballads, etc.... We love it and don't hide it. It's a great tool to fill out the sound."

In a 2014 interview, MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars admitted that he wasn't comfortable with the fact that his band used pre-recorded backing vocals in its live shows, claiming that he preferred to watch groups whose performances are delivered entirely live. "I don't like it," he said. "I think a band like ours… I have to say '60s bands were my favorite — '60s and '70s bands — because they were real, like, three-piece bands or four-piece bands, and they just got up there and kicked it up. Made a mistake? So what? Sounded a little bit empty here or there? So what? It's the bigness and the rawness and the people that developed and wrote the songs and made them and presented them. To me, that's what I really like. I mean, I could put on a MÖTLEY CD and play with it all day long. I don't wanna do that."

Guns N' Roses bassist, Duff McKagan, recently released his third solo album, Lighthouse, and today shares a visualizer for the song, "Hope", which features his GN'R bandmate, Slash. Check it out below:





Lighthouse is available now in a wide range of formats including streaming, download, CD, cassette, and LP. A number of deluxe versions and bundles featuring official Certificates of Authenticity signed by McKagan are also available.




In addition, two webstore exclusive vinyl variants – “Transparent Green & “Black Marble” and “Black Velvet” – of the deluxe packaging are on offer, including three lithographs, a 12-page booklet, a sticker, and a guitar pick, all enclosed in a transparent PVC sleeve allowing interchangeability of the graphics displayed on the album’s cover.


Lighthouse – as well as an exclusive line of brand-new Lighthouse merch – is available now at duffonline.com.





Tracklisting:


"Lighthouse"
"Longfeather"
"Holy Water"
"I Saw God On 10th St"
"Fallen"
"Forgiveness"
"Just Another Shakedown"
"Fallen Ones"
"Hope" (Feat. Slash)
"I Just Don’t Know" (Feat. Jerry Cantrell)
"Lighthouse" (Reprise) (Feat. Iggy Pop)


"I Just Don't Know" video:





"Longfeather" video:





"I Saw God On 10th St." visualizer:





"Lighthouse" visualizer:





"Fallen Ones" visualizer:





(Photo - Charles Peterson)