In a new interview with the Paulieflix channel on YouTube, former IRON MAIDEN guitarist Dennis Stratton spoke about the band's upcoming induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Dennis, who played with the emerging NWOBHM act from December 1979 until October 1980, and appeared on MAIDEN's No. 4-charting self-titled debut album, will be inducted into the Hall Of Fame alongside the band's current lineup of singer Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris and guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers, as well as ex-singers Paul Di'Anno and Blaze Bayley and former drummers Nicko McBrain and Clive Burr.

IRON MAIDEN will miss the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony this fall, the band's manager Rod Smallwood confirmed, because MAIDEN has dates scheduled in Australia this November.

While MAIDEN has been eligible to join the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame since 2004, the band had only been nominated twice before — in 2021 and 2023.

After one of the Paulieflix interviewers noted that Stratton was initially vocal in rallying fans online to show their support for a possible MAIDEN induction when the band's nomination was first announced, despite the fact that Dickinson had called the institution "an utter and complete load of bollocks," Dennis clarified (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, not really. Unfortunately, I was already told by the gods above that MAIDEN didn't want it. So I understood that.

"A lot of people, a lot of magazines and a lot of people that quote you can actually twist things to their advantage," Dennis claimed. "And it makes me look stupid. And you gotta remember, I talk to Steve [Harris, IRON MAIDEN's founding bassist] all the time… And it was 2020. It was in lockdown. And I realized that Bruce had said these things, and the band were backing him. Fine. It's nothing to do with me. All I would say on social media is I'm over the moon to be nominated. It's something that I feel, after all the years that I've worked, I've done, not got very far, but I wouldn't change anything, but it's something that you should be proud of, and an achievement that most musicians would give their right arm for."

Stratton continued: "I've been nominated. Okay. Next quote, if the band are not interested, I have to go along with their decision. It's nothing to do with me. The band decide with the management, and whatever they decide, I respect their decision. End of. Then it got a little bit silly, because every year — '21, '22, whatever it was — IRON MAIDEN have been nominated again. So I get thousands of messages on Messenger, on Facebook and Instagram, 'Oh, well, congratulations.' 'Yes. Thank you very...' So it's like Groundhog Day. So you get to the point where, yes, 'I appreciate all your concerns.' People say, 'It's not worth voting for 'em because they don't want it.' And all I've said before is if they wanted it, if MAIDEN wanted to go into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, the votes from South America alone would've took them into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. It doesn't matter about the rest of the world. The fans in South America, the fans over there — there's millions of them — they would've voted MAIDEN in without anyone else in the world voting, but they didn't want it. So the same rules apply. Whatever the band decides, I respect that decision. That's done."

Dennis added: "So then this year, this summer, somewhere along the line, I suppose, to call an end to the feud or all the bad chatter and whatever, and what Bruce has called them or whatever, it's still nothing to do with me, but at the end of the day, I see on social media, and I'm getting texts from all over the world saying, 'Congratulations. You have been accepted and inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.' Great. Love it. It's my dream come true. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go because I have to respect the band's decision… And so I'll wait… And so [there was a] nice little message from Rod on social media, 'Thank you for inducting us into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Unfortunately, the band will be in [Australia].' Fine. If that's their decision, then I respect it and I have to go along with it. Nothing to say about how excited I am. I have my own feelings. So does probably Blaze. And so does Nicko. But at the end of the day, if no one's gonna go and accept the award, then no one goes. I think that they should send someone. Other bands have done it. So send a representative. Send Nicko, or send me, Blaze and Nicko and let us enjoy the day. There's a way around it to keep the peace."

Stratton went on to say: "I can't help being excited and over the moon that I've been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. It's something to tell the grandchildren. But if the band don't want it, and they don't wanna accept it, or they don't want to turn up, that's their decision and I have to respect that. And so it goes round in circles like Groundhog Day. But yes, I've not hid the fact that I am excited, and I would love to go. Whether I can or can't is not my decision. But I would like to go. I think so would Blaze in the end. And if we can't go, then thank you anyway for being inducted, and I do hope somewhere along the line I get something to show the grandchildren, to put up on the wall."

Asked by one of the Paulieflix interviewers if he could just attend the Rock Hall as a spectator, seeing as he is being inducted, Dennis said: "Well, I imagine so, but you wouldn't go behind the band's back or behind the management's back and create even more friction. What I'd like to think would happen is that we may get a call or an e-mail or something from the MAIDEN office to say, 'Look, this is the situation.' And same as when we did the [MAIDEN documentary] film premiere [earlier in the month]. Dave Shack from the MAIDEN office phones me, he said, 'Look, they want you to go to the premiere. Are you free?' I went, 'Yeah. Lovely. Thank you. I'm proud to be there on the red carpet. Lovely.' But 'cause this is so important and it's near the end of your career and you're not gonna be playing much past the end of 75, 76 up to the age of 80. Who knows? But to go there and feel the atmosphere and the glitter and the hype, yeah, who wouldn't wanna go? But I can't just go… But it would be nice ... If they're not interested and they're gonna be in Australia anyway, and Rod doesn't wanna go, I can't see the problem of why we can't go. But as I say, again, I'm fed up repeating these words every year. It is the band's decision. And I respect that. If no one goes, I have to accept that."

Even though artists are eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25 years after the release of their first album or single, iconic hard rock and metal bands like MOTÖRHEAD have yet to be recognized by the institution, which inducted GUNS N' ROSES in that group's first year of eligibility.

The only metal or metal-adjacent acts to have made it into the Rock Hall so far have been BLACK SABBATH, LED ZEPPELIN, METALLICA, AC/DC, JUDAS PRIEST, KISS, VAN HALEN, RUSH, GUNS N' ROSES, Ozzy Osbourne and DEEP PURPLE.

IRON MAIDEN finished in the fourth place in the fan vote for the 2023 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction class.

Dickinson made headlines in 2018 when he referred to the Rock Hall as "an utter and complete load of bollocks" during a spoken-word gig in Australia, insisting that the Cleveland-based institution is "run by a bunch of sanctimonious bloody Americans who wouldn't know rock and roll if it hit them in the face."

Bruce later told The Jerusalem Post that he was "so annoyed with that coverage because they took my statement out of context to make it seem like I was upset that we weren't in the Hall Of Fame.

"I'm really happy we're not there and I would never want to be there," he continued. "If we're ever inducted, I will refuse — they won't bloody be having my corpse in there.

"Rock and roll music does not belong in a mausoleum in Cleveland," Bruce added. "It's a living, breathing thing, and if you put it in a museum, then it's dead. It's worse than horrible, it's vulgar."

Dennis contributed significantly to such MAIDEN classics as "Phantom Of The Opera", "Running Free" and the band's eponymous anthem "Iron Maiden".

Formed in East London in 1975, IRON MAIDEN have grown into one of the world's most influential and enduring rock bands. Across 50 years they have released 17 studio albums, sold over 100 million records, and performed almost 2,500 concerts across 64 countries.

LEFT TO DIE will release its debut full-length album, "Initium Mortis", on July 17 via Relapse Records.

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

LEFT TO DIE performs most of the songs from DEATH's classic "Leprosy" album, along with cuts from DEATH's debut LP, "Scream Bloody Gore".

"Initium Mortis" pays homage to the brutal beginnings of DEATH with newly recorded versions of songs from the band's early catalog, including cuts from DEATH mastermind Chuck Schuldiner's pre-DEATH band MANTAS, which also featured Rozz and vocalist/drummer Kam Lee.

Harvey comments: "After Gus and I performed [DEATH's] 'Spiritual Healing' in its entirety with Terry and James [Murphy at a tribute show to Chuck in 2021], Rick wondered if people might want to hear something similar, but with him joining the three of us to perform 'Leprosy'. Of course, I leapt at the chance to do it, and we quickly threw together a tour which surpassed everyone's expectations, especially in terms of how much fun we were having playing together. As we continued to tour throughout the U.S., Europe, Latin America, Australia and Asia, people kept asking if we were going to record or write anything. After going back and forth on the topic, we felt that (ahem) exhuming some of these old tracks made the most sense for us. After all, we're not gonna top 'Leprosy'. I gleefully combed through the myriad DEATH/MANTAS demos and rehearsals looking for stuff that would make sense for a record, and we ended up going with tunes that we felt would make the most cohesive album, hence why 'Skill To Kill' and 'Back From The Dead' sadly didn't make the cut.

"I look at 'Initium Mortis' as a kind of 'alternate-universe' version of the 'Scream Bloody Gore' track list, as so many of these tunes were circling around the many DEATH lineups and rehearsals from '83-'87. In fact, Chuck and Chris [Reifert] recorded a version of 'Legion Of Doom' for 'Scream Bloody Gore' that never got completed. In revisiting these songs, it was crystal-clear to me that Rick's fingerprints are all over the MANTAS stuff and tunes like 'Slaughterhouse', so with that connection, the songs where his style really shone through immediately made sense to include on 'Initium Mortis'."

Butler says: "LEFT TO DIE went from a thought to doing a full U.S. tour in about three months! Pretty remarkable. We wanted to play the early material for the fans that couldn't see the first albums in a live setting. There are many young fans at our shows that are hearing the foundation that DEATH stands on to this day live for the first time! With Matt channeling the best Chuck Schuldiner out there and Gus playing the material perfectly and respectfully, we hit the road and haven't looked back!

"For 'Initium Mortis', we wanted DEATH fans who never heard these demo songs to hear them with good production. Most of these early demos were recorded on a boom box, so by the time someone got their demo through tape trading it was almost inaudible! We think these tracks are a good representation of the birth of MANTAS/DEATH. This is ground zero — where it all started: three 15-year-old kids creating death metal history, and even within these choice cuts from the demo days you can hear the evolution of the music. 'Archangel' is a great way to introduce this album. It's controlled chaos at its finest: catchy and riffy with a killer evil-sounding middle section!"

Rozz said: "First, I would like to thank Gus, Matt and Terry for making LEFT TO DIE happen. It's been an honor and pleasure working with them for the past few years and beyond. It's really cool to be able to hear these tunes from 1984 properly! The old-school DEATH fans are going to dig this release."

Rios said: "The band started simply because Rick called me and asked if I'd be into it... Which I very promptly replied by referencing bears, shit, and woods. I then called Matt and Terry and the rest is history. DEATH's 'Leprosy' record is my favorite death metal album, let alone DEATH album. To be given this unbelievable opportunity to play those songs with Rick and Terry across the globe is an honor and a blessing I find hard to put in words. Matt and I are living our 14-year-old selves' death metal fantasy! And now to make an album with the guys is flat-out surreal.

"I'm a pretty solid DEATH fan if I do say so myself, and yet these songs were all new to me. I never really gave the MANTAS stuff much of a listen because I'm just not a 'demo' production fan. To hear these songs with clean and solid, yet classic analog style production for me is like getting new DEATH songs... Which rules!"

Featuring tracks like "Archangel", "Witch Of Hell" and "Legion Of Doom" expertly executed in the now, "Initium Mortis" is a must-have for DEATH fans and collectors alike. Ultimately, LEFT TO DIE celebrates a seminal band and the camaraderie of the genre's most extreme corner of music.

"Initium Mortis" will be released on CD, LP, cassette and digital formats.

"Initium Mortis" track listing:

01. Legion Of Doom
02. Archangel
03. Power Of Darkness
04. Zombie
05. Witch Of Hell
06. Rise Of Satan
07. Summoned To Die
08. Mantas
09. Slaughterhouse
10. Death By Metal

Back in November 2023, Rozz said that it has been an "honor" to perform songs from DEATH's revered first two studio albums, "Scream Bloody Gore" and "Leprosy" as part of LEFT TO DIE. In an interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Rozz was asked whether he had any trepidation over learning material he hasn't played since 1989, which is the year he was dismissed by DEATH leader Chuck Schuldiner. "It was quite terrifying at first, especially when I saw we were doing a full tour," he said. "I had my taste of anxiety before the East Coast run that we did. I was like, 'Holy crap. I have to learn all of these songs and some 'Scream Bloody Gore' songs, and we're playing in front of people. I was like, 'Ugh.' Other than that, it's cool. It's chilled out a little bit."

Rozz then went on to discuss whether he has come "full circle" in his career by playing the songs that helped start his musical career. "It's been a blessing," he said. "I've made some new friends and rekindled my friendship with Terry. We room together. It's pretty cool. Then, getting to know Gus and Matt. They're so good at what they do. They're so passionate about the music and the songs. It's a really good feeling. It's an honor. There's nothing full circle about it, but it's pretty cool."

Rozz was also asked whether he has noticed increased fan support for DEATH, particularly the band's early period. "Definitely, especially these first two DEATH records," he said. "Not that people aren't passionate about the other records. There seems to be something with these first two records. It's an honor. It's flattering. It's a blessing. All of it all wrapped up into one. Those guys could have said, 'Nah. I'm good. We have enough on our plate.' They didn't have to learn all these songs and do a tribute to these records, but they did. It really is cool. It's been a lot of fun. When you're doing something with cool people — nobody is on their high horse or thinks they're owed something from someone else, that's the coolest thing about it. Everyone is doing their thing and gets along. There's no baloney."

Founded in 1984 by Chuck Schuldiner under the original name of MANTAS in Altamonte Springs, Florida, DEATH was among the more widely known early pioneers of the death metal sound, along with California's POSSESSED. Inspired by NASTY SAVAGE, DEATH was among the first bands in the Florida death metal scene. In the late '80s, the band was both a part of and integral in defining the death metal scene which gained international recognition with the release of albums by a number of area acts.

In late 2023, LEFT TO DIE completed a run of West Coast dates that included a guest appearance from "Scream Bloody Gore" drummer Chris Reifert (also of AUTOPSY) in Oakland, California. Reifert performed the DEATH classics "Infernal Death" and "Evil Dead".

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

"Born Human: The Life And Music Of Death's Chuck Schuldiner", the fully authorized biography of the legendary DEATH frontman, was released in November 2025 via Decibel Books.

"Born Human", authored by accomplished journalist David E. Gehlke ("The Scott Burns Sessions: A Life In Death Metal 1987-1997", "Turned Inside Out: The Official Story Of Obituary"),features exclusive interviews, contributions, stunning new Ed Repka cover art and previously unreleased, hand-selected photographs from those who knew Chuck best. "Born Human" brings life to the dramatic story of the man who blazed an iconic path in metal music, laying the foundation for generations to come.

Fans can order their copy now at store.decibelmagazine.com.

Photo by George Chalupa

Joe Lynn Turner says that it was "liberating" for him to drop the hairpiece he had worn since the age of 14 after being diagnosed with alopecia at three years old.

The former RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE singer, who will celebrate his 75th birthday in August, went public with his new look in August 2022 in a series publicity images released to promote his latest solo album, "Belly Of The Beast". In a press release for the LP, Joe said that he started wearing the wig to deal with "emotional and psychological damage from cruel bullying in school."

In a recent interview with Cassius Morris, Joe spoke about why the "Belly Of The Beast" promotional cycle was the right time to finally ditch the wig after all these years. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I took the wig off, the hair, 'cause everybody out there knew I was wearing it. 90% of these guys, the old timers anyway. And I'm not gonna mention names because I got no ax to grind. And that's a personal thing.

"I had alopecia at three years old. I'm sure you probably read about it," he continued. "So [my reason for wearing the wig] was one of trying to fit in with the uniform of rock 'n' roll. Everybody had long hair in rock 'n' roll. Only in the last — I don't know — maybe 10 years, they started to [come out with] a more brutal type of look, which went right along with 'Belly Of The Beast', and I said, 'It's time for me to be truthful to myself and to everyone.'"

Regarding how he felt after going public with his new look, Joe said: "Talk about freedom. That is freedom. What I did was free me. It opened me up completely. And here's the amazing thing, because it was a psychological disadvantage in a way, because you've been made fun of all your life — kids at school, all that kind of stuff. Kids are cruel. And so you grow up with that and you try to get out of that shadow and you do a little Jungian shadow work and you try to break free from all that. But it's so damn hard sometimes, because it's ingrained in your emotions so deeply. But that portion of it, and what happened to me was I broke that wall. I broke through it, and I just went, 'Man, this is just born again.' Talk about born again. That's really the feeling I had, was, like, 'Here I am. It's a whole new me.' And everybody, and this was a great statement by my assistant. I gotta give her credit. She actually had tears in her eyes when she told me, she said, 'You see, Joe — they love you even more. They call you brave. They call you courageous. They call you setting a new path. They call you iconic. They call you the Pharaoh.' And I went, 'Yeah, that's something.' The world really embraces you when you're yourself."

Asked if he was surprised by the reaction of the people to his decision to drop the wig, Joe said: "Absolutely. That's why I'm bringing this up, because I was walking a wire. I had no idea what reaction really would happen. But I thought I'd probably get more finger pointing than anything, or something, and blah, blah, blah. But no — they embraced it. People embraced it. People all said, 'You look better, man. You look cool. You're this, you're that.' And I was just, like, amazed. And I said, 'That was a lesson to learn.' Being yourself is the greatest thing you can do in this world. And when I finally came out and really opened up and was completely myself — physically and writing-wise, spiritually, and just putting the whole thing out there — that showed me that this is the way to go. This is the true freedom, internal freedom that you can have. In a slave-bound world that we live in, in a prison planet that we live on, the only freedom you have is in yourself intrinsically. And it's liberating. It's liberating. And I try to tell that to people and profess that because I want them to do the same. My daughter, my son, I tell them, 'Be yourself, no matter what they say.'"

Two years ago, Joe told VRP Rocks about finally ditching the wig after all these years: "I guess it's like a fine wine — not before it's time. Everything is timing. It was an open secret. It wasn't like a big deal. I mean, wearing hair — how many people wear hair out there? Unbelievable. And I won't mention any names, now that I'm here in the truth, but it was time for me to just say, to hell with all that — to hell with it.

"I had amazing support and love, of course, from my wife and family and people around me. And they just said, 'Look, you actually look good.' They go, 'A lot of guys can't do this look,' they said. 'But you actually look more badass.' So I said, 'Okay. That's a step in the right direction — more badass.'

"People said, 'Well, was it because you did a metal album?' And I said, 'Well, no, but it coincided,'" he explained It kind of came in like an apex, like when things things come together, so to speak. It just happened that the timing was right. But it was the right thing to do at the right time because I felt comfortable.

"You have to understand — this was not a decision that I made. This was because I was born completely with heads of hair and the whole bit, but I had an autoimmune deficiency. And I won't get into that and why, 'cause it's gonna upset some people, but that's what happened. And during the days when everybody was coming up with THE BEATLES, everybody had to have the hair. So what did I do? I went out and got the wigs. Boom, boom, boom. And it worked. I mean, there were still some people didn't understand I wore a wig. So it worked pretty good. But I never tried to say no. And I had people like my brother Glenn [Hughes] defending me and stuff. One time somebody was saying, 'How about that guy with the wig?' And Glenn was ready to bust him; he was ready to hit him. I said, 'Glenn, this guy's an idiot. Just let it go.' But when you have that kind of love, support and understanding from people you admire — family, friends, compadres — come on, man. So I had to do it. I just said, 'You know, it's time. I'm 70 years old. What am I waiting for?

"I'm really used to it now. I'm really enjoying it. It's a freedom. It's a truth. In my opinion, in a world of lies, I'm finally living my truth. I think that was an important personal message for me. If I'm gonna speak the truth on 'Belly Of The Beast', I'm going to be the truth. So here we are, people. Like it or not, this is me. And I think some people still don't have the courage to do that. Okay. I understand. I'm not judging them. Not at all. But I just felt, for me, I had to be an example. And the love and support I got from the fans out there, it was overwhelming. It absolutely made me cry one night. I was just like tearing up talking to my wife, looking at all these great comments and just saying… She said, 'See, they love you even more.' And I went, 'You're so right. When you're down to earth, when you're real, they love you even more.' And a lot of people said, 'Boy, that's bravery. That's courage.' Of course, you had a few guys saying, like, 'What's the big deal?' Hey, look, pal, what's the big deal? If it happened to you, it would be a big deal. It's all relative. It's all subjective. And it was a big deal for 60-something years. It was a big deal — hiding in plain sight."

Asked if it was a relief to finally let it go and be himself, Joe said: "Oh, man. Shower, everything. So easy to get dressed. Boom. You know what I mean? [Laughs] Really cool. I mean, for me, it's like such a burden is lifted — psychologically, physically, optically.

"I had people… For example, when I get hired sometimes for these big private parties, one guy said, 'My people know you with the hair. Could you put the hair on?' 'Yeah, that'll be another 10 thousand dollars, but I'll put the hair on.' And I would do it, because it's costuming," he explained.

"Everybody out there is costumed. You know what I mean? I think that was Glenn's — yeah, that was one of his remarks. He said, 'Look, it's like Shakespeare said. The world is a stage. We're all actors. Everybody has a costume. Everybody. And that was a costume. So what's the big deal? Look at KISS. They did it right from the beginning… But I'll tell you what: for me? Freeing? Yes. Validating? Yes. Relieving? Yes. All of those words — all of the above and more."

Turner previously discussed his alopecia battle in a November 2022 interview with Metal Talk. At the time, he said: "I lost my hair at three years old, and I'm in the medical books because of that. People who get alopecia totalis, or whatever that type of alopecia is, usually get it in their thirties to forties. Men and women. So at three years old, that was remarkable. I found a doctor when I was nineteen, and he started to give me a certain type of steroid injections, and I started to grow facial hair and body hair. I also had a moustache and beard for a while, which didn't look very good. They actually put me on display at the Mayo Clinic in New York, where all these doctors came in with their clipboards, taking notes to see how he did this because it was medical history at that point. Nowadays, they actually have a drug or something that will grow hair, but the side effects are supposed to be a little dangerous, and I'm too old for that. I don't need that. I like the way I look. I'm comfortable with it now.

"As far as the people I've worked with, when I walked in to audition for RAINBOW, Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover were at the board at the studio," he continued. "One of the first things Ritchie said to me was, 'Do you take your hair off to wash it or do you leave it on?' And I said, 'Either way.' So he said, 'All right. Fair enough, Get in there and sing.' And, obviously, I got the job. So I guess that answers one question of how other people took it. Nobody, at least the people that I worked with, seemed bothered at all. In fact, they were very protective in a way. I'll never forget one time when Glenn Hughes and I were with HTP [HUGHES TURNER PROJECT], we were on the road, and there was one bully, you know, and he was giving me some kind of shit. I mouthed off to him and everything else, but Glenn just got in the way and said to him, 'Look, I'll kick your fucking ass if you don't leave him alone.' And I was, like, 'Wow. Hey, Glenn, you don't have to do all that, you know? I've been fighting my battles for years.' But I was really impressed, and I love him. To this day, we're great friends.

"So, my people loved it, but there were a few haters out there that were always mocking me, making fun of me," Turner revealed. "For them, it was never really about the singing, the writing or anything. It was always about the wig, the hair, you know. [Laughs] I think it says more about them than it does me. I mean, they must have some pathetic lives to make fun of someone who's not in control of this issue. You know, it's not like I chose it.

"Anyway, it made me stronger. As the press release says, I think it made me wiser. It also made me more determined, focused, and angry. But anger is a good tool if you use it right. It's a motivator. And I think it motivated me, too, to try to rise higher than the rest. So in a way, the curse was a blessing."

Turner also discussed his decision to drop the wig in an interview in September 2022 with the "Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern" podcast. At the time, he said: "It's absolutely liberating. First of all, I'll give a little background. It was an open secret. It wasn't like I was trying to fool people or ever denied it or anything. In fact, I never thought it was that important, but certain, shall we say haters, or whatever, these bigots, these bullies, they would always take a shot at me, which I always thought they were just pretty jealous, really, to be honest with you. And then it said more about them than it does me. That's not my kind of people. What about the music? That's what's important."

He continued: "I knew this was on my so-called bucket list before I was gonna leave this planet. And while we were making this record, I started to feel, 'Something has to happen.' And my partner, wife, co-manager — she's amazing — she just said, 'Now's the time, man.' And I said, 'You know, you're right.' Even though I was trepidatious about it — of course, she would know naturally I would be a little fearful, because you're putting your foot in an unknown territory — she said, 'You know what? Once you're yourself, people love you more.' And she was damn well right. Once you're yourself, people love you more, because you come out and say, 'This is me. I've got nothing to hide. I've got nothing to prove. Take your shots. Do what you've gotta do. And hey, by the way, here's the record. Now what?'"

Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face. Hair typically falls out in small, round patches about the size of a quarter, but in some cases, hair loss is more extensive. Most people with the disease are healthy and have no other symptoms.

Alopecia became a topic of discussion in the mainstream media in March 2022 when actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars ceremony. Will's wife, the now-54-year-old actress Jade Pinkett Smith, experienced hair loss due to alopecia and has always openly shared her struggle. The confrontation took place after Rock made a joke, calling Pinkett Smith "G.I. Jane" in reference to her bald head, which she has previously explained is due to alopecia. The shocking incident saw Will storm on stage to hit Chris following the offending comment before returning to his seat and yelling "keep my wife's name out of your fucking mouth" shortly before he collected his best actor gong for his role in "King Richard".

A few hours after Joe first posted his new photos on social media, fellow ex-RAINBOW singer Graham Bonnet took to his Facebook page to share one of the images and he wrote in an accompanying message: "Hi all. Graham here. I'm posting this photo of my friend Joe Lynn Turner because I was moved to tears today when I saw it.

"Joe exemplifies the meaning of rockstar. His bravery is staggering. This industry is ruthless (especially in our genre),particularly when it comes to hair. I still hear the tale about Ritchie Blackmore posting a guard at my hotel door to keep me from getting a haircut. BTW, that never happened, although he was so pissed when I did visit the barber.

"But I digress...... I don't know if Joe will see this but I want him to know how proud I am of him and how moved I was at his honesty.

"You have blazed a trail today, Joe. If you are reading this, I want you to know that I never realized what a beautiful man you were until I saw this photo."

Joe was the singer of RAINBOW between 1980 and 1984 and he sang on the album "Difficult To Cure", which featured the band's most successful U.K. single, "I Surrender".

During Turner's time with RAINBOW, the band had its first USA chart success and recorded songs that helped define the melodic rock genre.

1990 saw Turner reunited with RAINBOW leader Ritchie Blackmore in a reformed DEEP PURPLE for the "Slaves And Masters" album.

Photo credit: Agata Nigrovskaya

In September 2025, after performing at The Town festival in São Paulo, Brazil, IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson joined with directors Leo Liberti and Antoine de Montremy to shoot an epic new film to accompany his reworking of the classic track "Tears Of The Dragon", which is featured on last year's reworked version of his classic 1994 solo album "Balls To Picasso", now titled "More Balls To Picasso".

Taking over a disused brewery in São Paulo with a full film crew, Bruce and his HOUSE BAND OF HELL were accompanied by the Almai orchestra, conducted by Antonio Teoli, to create a dramatic video for the beloved song. Teoli and the orchestra featured in the studio re-recording of the track, adding a whole new dimension to the atmospheric ballad.

Their performance in the video, alongside Bruce and Brazilian ballet dancer Renata Bardazi, has created a striking and emotionally charged film that has already been shown at a number of film festivals around the world, resulting in prestigious nominations and awards. It has now been released and is available to watch below.

Bruce comments: "When we reimagined the whole 'More Balls To Picasso' album, we always wanted to do an orchestral version of 'Tears Of The Dragon'. Antonio Teoli scored it and we recorded it, then we called up the filmmaker Leo Liberti who previously shot a load of live stuff for me in Brazil that was fabulous. We found this amazing location, an enormous old-school brewery that was almost like a renaissance building, and we made up the orchestra so they looked slightly zombified. All the HOUSE BAND OF HELL band members are in the video and I gave them all instruments to play. The whole thing was brilliant madness. Leo also came up with the idea of having a ballet dancer interpreting the song, and she was amazing, poetic, and that adds an incredible extra-emotional dimension to the video."

The new video has already won "Best Music Video" at a host of international film festivals, with further official nominations awaiting results. They are:

"Tears Of The Dragon" video 2026 awards:

Los Angeles Film Festival IAF - Best Music Video
Los Angeles Film Awards - Best Music Video
New York International Film Awards - Best Music Video
Eastern Europe Film Festival - Best Music Video
Sweden Luleå International Film Festival - Best Music Video
World Premiere Films Awards - Best Music Video / Best Editing
Asian Independent Film Festival - Best Music Video
Berlin Music Video Awards - Bronze

2026 Nominations:

Cannes Film Awards
Cannes World Film Festival
International Sound & Film Festival
Rome Prisma Film Awards
Tokyo Lift-Off Film Festival
Filmmaker Sessions
New York Short Cinema Awards

In an August 2025 interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, Bruce spoke about the reworked version of "Balls To Picasso". Newly enhanced and expanded, it was described by Dickinson as a "reimagined" version of the original LP, which charted at number 21 in the U.K. The collection includes a pair of previously unreleased live-in-the-studio bonus tracks, as well as the original album track listing — albeit with updated performances, production treatments, and mixing. Bruce told Full Metal Jackie about the decision to revisit "Balls To Picasso" more than three decades later: "Well, we always felt that the album was never as heavy as it should have been, as it was intended to be. And that was 'cause we had so many different producers have their hands on it and everybody had different opinions and things like that. And I think it just kind of got lost in the mix, really, quite literally. But when the [record] label now, the one that [released my latest solo album] 'The Mandrake Project' and everything, when they said, 'Look, we wanna basically do the catalog and do it in Dolby Atmos and everything,' I said, 'Well, maybe we could take the opportunity of doing a bit of an upgrade on 'Balls To Picasso' and make it sound like the record it should have sounded like when we first put it out.' And so Brendan Duffey, who's done all the Atmos mixes and has been doing that for all of my solo catalog, Brendan, who mixed 'The Mandrake Project', said, 'Well, what do you wanna do?' And I said, 'Well, we wanna put some more guitars on it to beef it up.' 'Hey, let's see what else we can do with various percussion bits.' And then we looked at the orchestra for [the song] 'Tears Of The Dragon' and also for 'Change Of Heart'. And then we just went, 'Well, let's just go for broke. Let's put a horn section on 'Shoot All The Clowns'.' So he called his buddies at Berklee College Of Music, his two professors, 'cause he was doing a PhD in music by correspondence whilst he was getting his five Grammys for doing something else. So, he said, 'Oh, they're really, really big fans, man. They really wanna do it.' One's a trombone guy, one's a trumpet guy, and they put this horn section together for 'Shoot All The Clowns', which, it's just devastating; it's fantastic. So it is really a — it's an eclectic record to begin with, but it's now a much deeper, darker and heavier eclectic record."

In 1994, having left IRON MAIDEN for a time (he rejoined in 1999),Bruce released his second solo album, "Balls To Picasso". Named in honor of the cubist pioneer whose representations of spherical objects were as squares, and reflected on the cover in graffiti style on a tiled bathroom wall, the album belied its irreverent title by solidifying Dickinson's reputation as a serious solo artist.

His first record with collaborator Roy "Z" Ramirez, and recorded with Z's band TRIBE OF GYPSIES, it went through various iterations before its release, produced by Shay Baby. The original album contained a number of classic tracks and live favorites from Dickinson, including the singles "Tears Of The Dragon" and "Shoot All The Clowns", alongside the much-loved epic "Laughing In The Hiding Bush", which was the original title for the album.

Yet despite its positive reception at the time, it never quite captured Dickinson's original vision which was even more expansive in scope and ambition. However, with the ability to revisit his solo catalog — and following on from Dickinson's hugely acclaimed album "The Mandrake Project" in 2024 — the brand new part re-recorded, remixed and newly mastered version of the album, now titled "More Balls To Picasso", reimagines it as a fresh and contemporary release; a roaringly full-throttle and ambitious collection of supremely crafted and realized songs.

Additionally, "More Balls To Picasso" includes two previously unreleased live-in-the-studio tracks, "Gods Of War" and "Shoot All The Clowns". It is available as a splatter vinyl double album and tri-panel digisleeve CD album.

Photo credit: Marcos Vinicius Troian

Progressive rock legends YES will release their 24th studio album, "Aurora", on June 12 via InsideOut Music/Sony Music.

The current lineup of YES features guitarist Steve Howe, whose association with YES began in 1970, along with keyboardist Geoff Downes, a member of the 1980 "Drama"-era lineup. Jon Davison has been lead vocalist in YES since 2012 while bassist Billy Sherwood, who was hand-picked by original bassist Chris Squire, has been involved with YES since 1990s. Drummer Jay Schellen, who worked closely with Alan White on drums, completes the lineup.

YES has released the new single "Turnaround Situation", accompanied by a visualizer created by Matt Hutchings (Greg Lake, OASIS, IRON MAIDEN),who also created the video for the LP's first single, the "Aurora" title track. Watch it now below.

Jon Davison says: "'Turnaround Situation' came from realizing that every time I ignored my conscience, life seemed to fall apart in one way or another. I've taken the wrong road before. Most people have. There's always a temporary thrill in it, but eventually it catches up with you.

"Writing this song was part confession, part redemption. Ultimately, the song is meant to capture that feeling of finally being at peace with yourself — when, by choosing the high road, you stop fighting what you know deep down is right.

"The strange thing is, the right road is usually the harder one. It demands more from you. But in the end, it gives something back too: clarity, self-respect, and a kind of inner freedom. I think that's what everyone's really chasing underneath it all."

When YES first began sketching out ideas for what would become "Aurora", the process was loose and exploratory. There was no preconceived concept at the start, just a collection of musical fragments that gradually began to find one another and take form. Among these early sketches was a piece titled "Aurora", and it quickly became clear that the name carried certain gravity. It suggested light, emergence, and a sense of vastness, qualities that resonated deeply with the band. Jon Davison remembers how "the title immediately resonated with Steve Howe and sparked visual inspiration for artist Roger Dean, setting a conceptual tone that would guide the project."

Work on "Aurora" began almost as soon as the "Classic Tales Of Yes" tour ended in 2024. The idea of a new album surfaced quickly and with the label's encouragement, the band had the time to develop material organically. Rather than gathering in a single studio for months, they embraced a modern workflow; ideas were born in home studios, shaped independently, and then woven together through constant collaboration. Downes and Howe often acted as the central creative axis, with Howe, as producer, serving as the point through which all ideas eventually flowed.

Across "Aurora", each track carries its own character. Some echo the classic YES approach, others push into new territory, but together they form a cohesive whole that honors the band's heritage while embracing forward motion. With their 24th studio album, YES demonstrate not just longevity, but a sustained curiosity, a desire to keep exploring, keep refining and keep discovering their capacity to create.

Howe comments: "Making this record was joyful, a chance to play, explore and give everything to the music. It's always been about collaboration, somebody can write a song, but until everybody puts their contribution in it isn't really a YES song. We're not trying to echo the past; we're carrying the spirit of YES forward and turning it into something new".

"Aurora" will be available as a limited deluxe 180g light green 2LP+2CD+Blu-ray artbook and poster, as well as a limited deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray artbook, both featuring the stunning artwork of Roger Dean and Freya Dean, as well as a bonus disc of instrumentals, and a Blu-ray featuring Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound and 24-bit stereo mixes (by Curtis Schwartz). The album is also available as a gatefold 180g 2LP + LP-booklet, special edition CD digipak and as a digital album.

The track listing is as follows:

01. Aurora (07:27)
02. Turnaround Situation (05:50)
03. Love Lies Dreaming (06:24)
04. Countermovement (13:48)
05. Ariadne (06:18)
06. All Hands On Deck (03:04)
07. Outside The Box (04:20)
08. Emotional Intelligence (03:30)
09. Jambustin' (bonus track) (04:24)
10. Watching The River Roll (bonus track) (04:42)

Photo credit: Gottlieb Bros.

FOO FIGHTERS have released the official music video for "Of All People", the 2:35 blast of sonic fury from the band's new album "Your Favorite Toy".

Director Alex Acy recruited Swiss extreme skiers BPC (Buldoz Project Crew) — infamous for their snowless skiing daredevilry on surfaces ranging from concrete and glass to random off-snow terrain — to visualize the album's incendiary second song. The result is two and a half minutes of BPC skiers Flaco, Blasco Paterno Castello, Mael Bovey, Jordy and Andrea de Angelis pushing the limits of extreme skiing while FOO FIGHTERS pin db meters in the red.

FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl comments: "Just when I thought I'd seen it all, I discovered BPC and snowless skiing. It's either the gnarliest extreme sport I've ever seen, the most fun anyone can have before a guaranteed trip to the hospital, or both. It's an honor to be the soundtrack to this madness."

On discovering BPC and its commitment to adapting skiing to places where it shouldn't be possible, Acy says: "I found one of their videos on YouTube a year ago and I knew I had to meet them. We chatted a lot before figuring out how we could create something together. I was totally floored by their personalities and their way of seeing life. It takes a certain charisma to take on such stupid and dangerous stunts with style."

"Your Favorite Toy" came out on April 24 via Roswell Records/RCA Records.

"Your Favorite Toy" was co-produced by FOO FIGHTERS and Oliver Roman, engineered by Oliver Roman and mixed by Mark "Spike" Stent.

"Your Favorite Toy"'s release coincided with the launch of FOO FIGHTERS' massive "Take Cover" world tour.

FOO FIGHTERS played their first concert with new drummer Ilan Rubin on September 13, 2025 at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California.

The Grohl-fronted outfit announced the surprise show the day before, revealing that it would play an all-ages gig at the 900-capacity venue, marking the band's first official performance with Rubin, the former NINE INCH NAILS drummer who joined the FOO FIGHTERS earlier in 2025.

At one point, Grohl introduced Rubin from the stage. "Everybody else has said it," Dave said. "I finally get the opportunity to say, 'Ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome…' The most badass motherfucker, Ilan Rubin, is playing drums in the FOO FIGHTERS right now. It's official. You can stamp the passport."

Prior to the San Luis Obispo concert, FOO FIGHTERS had been off the road since September 2024.

FOO FIGHTERS announced Rubin as their new drummer in July 2025.

Rubin was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with NINE INCH NAILS in 2020.

Rubin stepped into the FOO FIGHTERS as the replacement for Josh Freese, who was fired from the group in May 2025. Freese, meanwhile, who was the NAILS' touring drummer from 2005 to 2008, returned to the band earlier last summer.

Two years after he was recruited to fill the vacancy left by the late Taylor Hawkins, Freese shared a statement on Instagram on May 16, 2025 in which he said the FOO FIGHTERS called him earlier that week to let him know that they had decided "to go in a different direction with their drummer." Freese added, "No reason was given."

Rubin played with NINE INCH NAILS from 2008 to 2009, and again from 2013 until his latest exit. Rubin is also a member of Tom DeLonge's band ANGELS & AIRWAVES, and has played with Danny Elfman. He also recorded solo albums under the name THE NEW REGIME.

FOO FIGHTERS are Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin.

Photo credit: Elizabeth Miranda

SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan will release his debut solo album, "Gargoyle Of The Garden State", on June 12 via earMUSIC. The LP, which will be made available under the BOLAN banner, was produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who previously worked on SKID ROW's 2022 album "The Gang's All Here", and it will feature guest appearances by Rachel's SKID ROW bandmates Dave "Snake" Sabo (guitar),Scotti Hill (guitar) and Rob Hammersmith (drums),along with Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR),Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME),Danko Jones, Steve Conte (NEW YORK DOLLS) and Damon Johnson (BROTHER CANE, LYNYRD SKYNYRD).

The official music video for the LP's third single, "Memory", can be seen below. The track features Bolan on vocals, bass, and guitar; Damon Johnson on lead guitar; Rob Hammersmith on drums; and Matt Farley on backing vocals.

According to a press release, "Gargoyle Of The Garden State" is "a bold, deeply personal debut rooted in the grit, attitude, and storytelling spirit of his New Jersey upbringing."

The album began as a simple conversation between friends. What started casually quickly evolved into a record that would ultimately define Bolan's voice as both a songwriter and storyteller.

"'Gargoyle Of The Garden State' is not a project; it is every bit of my soul," says Bolan. "Like me, it knows when to be serious and also knows where the party is."

Musically, the album delivers hook-driven, anthemic songs that fuse punk energy with melodic sensibility, wrapped in swagger and raw edge what early listeners have already called "quintessentially New Jersey." Among its standout moments is a surprising cover of OASIS's "Rock And Roll Star", reimagined through Bolan's distinctive lens.

Expanding beyond his role as a bassist, Bolan performs the majority of instruments, shaping the record from the ground up. Drawing on influences from Britpop and glam to punk rock and new wave, the album represents a lifetime in music.

"It was incredible to work with so many of my talented friends an experience I wish everyone could have at least once," Bolan adds.

"Gargoyle Of The Garden State" will be available as CD digipak, LP gatefold, as well as digital and download.

The official music video for the LP's first single, "At War With Myself", featuring Canadian rocker Danko Jones, can be seen below.

Bolan discussed "Gargoyle Of The Garden State" during a recent appearance on the "Rockstrap" podcast hosted by rock and roll comedian Don Jamieson and radio veteran /musician Keith Roth. Rachel said: "It doesn't sound like SKID ROW. I'm doing most of the singing. I've got a few guests on there. Our buddy Steve Conte is singing a song. The first single Danko Jones is singing with me. And then there's another song that Corey Taylor sang. So there's that. Snake played a solo. Scotti played a solo. Damon Johnson played a bunch of solos. Nuno Bettencourt played a solo. Hammersmith played drums on the whole thing. It's a whole bunch of buds on there, and it's cool, man. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Nick produced it. He produced the [last] SKID ROW record, and every worth-a-shit Active Rock band that's out there, he produced. He's so great to work with because he is such a fan of music."

He continued: "When we did my solo record, I played most of the guitars, most of the singing, all the bass. I didn't do drums and I didn't do some of the solos, so most of the solos. So it was a whole different dynamic that way [from making a SKID ROW album with Nick], because he was just talking to me. So it made it go a lot quicker. Stuff didn't have to clear the committee's vote and stuff and shit like that. So it was cool, man. And to see him excited about something that I wrote again, it was awesome, man. It was a really, really fun process.

Asked if he is "doing any covers" on his solo album, Rachel said: "[I'm] doing one," apparently referencing OASIS's "Rock And Roll Star". "I'm not gonna tell you [what it is]… I did it just for the hell of it because I heard it on the radio and I was, like, 'Man, I didn't know that was them.' And so I was, like, 'It's a cool tune.' And I was, like, 'I'm gonna completely change this — not change the chord structure or lyrics or anything, but I'm gonna change the vibe of it.' So I did it, expecting the band never to be heard from again, and then they were. And I'm, like, 'Oh, okay.'"

In July 2024, Bolan married his longtime girlfriend Leila Porreca.

The 62-year-old Bolan, who was born James Richard Southworth, was previously married to Donna "Roxxi" Feldman from June 1994 until less than a decade later, when they got divorced.

A couple of years ago, Rachel moved back to his former home state of New Jersey after living in Nashville, Tennessee for about eight years. Prior to relocating to Nashville, Bolan had resided in Atlanta, Georgia for about 14 years.

SKID ROW is currently looking for a new singer following the departure of Erik Grönwall in March 2024.

Sebastian Bach fronted SKID ROW until 1996, when he was fired. Instead of throwing in the towel, the remaining members took a hiatus and went on to play briefly in a band called OZONE MONDAY. In 1999, SKID ROW reformed and, after a bit of shuffling over the years, featured a lineup consisting of bassist Rachel Bolan, guitarists Dave "Snake" Sabo and Scotti Hill, alongside drummer Rob Hammersmith and singer Johnny Solinger. SKID ROW fired Solinger over the phone in April 2015, a few hours before announcing ex-TNT vocalist Tony Harnell as his replacement. Eight months later, Harnell exited the band and was replaced by South African-born, British-based singer ZP Theart, who previously fronted DRAGONFORCE, TANK and I AM I. Theart was fired from SKID ROW in February 2022 and was replaced by Grönwall, who was previously a member of the Swedish hard rock band H.E.A.T.

Photo credit: Anabel DFlux (courtesy of earMUSIC)

Ex-QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate has released an official performance video for "The Answer", a song from his just-released third chapter in the band's classic "Operation: Mindcrime" album series, "Operation: Mindcrime III". The clip was filmed on May 16 at The Rose Music Center At The Heights in Huber Heights, Ohio and was directed by Philipe Rossi of STRAK Productions, with an audio mix by Nick Bedrosian. Check it out below.

"Operation: Mindcrime III" was produced by DISTURBED bassist John Moyer, who has worked with Tate on four of the singer's albums, starting with 2015's "The Key". "Operation: Mindcrime III" also marks the recording debut with Geoff of guitarist Kieran Robertson, who co-wrote many of the songs on the album with Tate. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Kieran moved to America nearly a decade ago from Glasgow to join Geoff's band as one of the guitar players.

"Operation: Mindcrime III" was made available under Geoff Tate's own name and not under the QUEENSRŸCHE banner. The LP is once again a concept album with a storyline following Nikki, a drug addict-turned-assassin manipulated by a shadowy figure known as Dr. X. However, unlike the first two installments, "Operation: Mindcrime III" tells the tale from the perspective of Dr. X, "how the story happened from his point of view," according to Geoff. "Which is kind of interesting, I think, because we've only heard it from Nikki's point of view, and he's been sort of this victim throughout the whole story," Tate previously explained. "And Dr. X's perspective is completely different, 'cause he's not the victim at all. So it's very aggressive."

In a recent interview with the "Let There Be Talk" podcast, hosted by rock and roll comedian Dean Delray, Tate stated about the LP's first single, "Power": "It's a cool track. 'Power' is the first — I don't know — we call 'em singles nowadays. It's the first release on the album. And, yeah, it's a really cool song — very, very energetic, very up, and kind of says a lot in a very short time, which I like."

Regarding the writing process for "Operation: Mindcrime III", which follows 1988's "Operation: Mindcrime" and 2006's "Operation: Mindcrime II", Geoff said:  "I think you use whatever sort of way you can in order to get what you want. And, for me, I sort of look at it as a story, and I write the story out first of what is happening, and then I kind of dissect it and create chapters, and those chapters turn into songs. And then I kind of work to link them all together and follow a storyline that makes sense. And then you gotta kind of factor in musically how you're gonna tie it together. Does it make sense musically and melodically to put this song before this song, before this song, before this song? 'Cause that's a big thing too, is making it flow, so it doesn't seem obtrusive and people don't have to turn the page back to find out what happened, and they're kind of following along in a chronological order."

After Delray noted that "Power" "sounds like QUEENSRŸCHE", Geoff said: "Yeah. Well, part of the whole writing process was keeping the music in the universe of 'Mindcrime', writing within that style, I guess you'd say."

As for how "Operation: Mindcrime III" was recorded, Geoff said: "There's 13 songs on the record, and it was recorded all over the world. And the beauty of modern recording is that if you have the right equipment, the quality gear, we just take it with us wherever we go. And we set up in hotel rooms backstage at shows, venues. I think one track was recorded in a church. Just wherever we have the right kind of room for the sound, we can record there. We recorded one of the songs, parts of it, in this castle in Italy. Do you remember that character Casanova? Well, he was imprisoned in this castle way back when. And the place is just an amazing ruin, of course, but it had this one room that was just incredible. It [had] big, high ceilings, open environment, big stone walls and that kind of thing. But it added a really unique sound to the song. So anyway, we just kind of took advantage of that wherever we could and wrote the album as we were touring around the world, really. And I wrote music for the album and lyrics for the album. And Kieran Robertson, my writing partner for this project, contributed so much to this record, playing guitar and also writing music and lyrics too."

This past March, Tate was asked by Canada's The Metal Voice why he wanted to make another LP in the "Operation: Mindcrime" series. Tate said: "I'm interested in it. It's a subject I've always been interested in, the 'Mindcrime' saga, the story of these three characters, really: Nikki, Dr. X and Sister Mary. A fascinating triangle there of… Oh, it's an interesting relationship between all three of them. And Nikki's story has really been kind of chronicled on 'Mindcrime I' and 'Mindcrime II', and nothing has really been written about Dr. X. Like, who is he? What's he all about? Why is he the way he is? What got him to this place he's at? And I just found the subject to be interesting. And especially at the age I'm at now, where I'm probably very close to Dr. X's age, I'm looking at life differently now, and [I have] different goals, [and I have] a different reason to be, really, which I think probably happens with people as they age and get older. You've had past accomplishments, you've had things that you've done that you've really been interested, and you've followed your dreams, you followed your muse, and now you're at a different place where those wants and needs kind of change. So Dr. X is a character study, really, of where he is at and how he got to where he is."

Asked if "Operation: Mindcrime III' is "a prequel" to the first two albums or if it is a continuation of the story, Geoff said: "It's kind of a — hmm, I'd say it's in the same universe, but a different perspective. It's X's perspective. It's happening in time at the same time as 'Mindcrime I'."

On the topic of whether "Operation: Mindcrime III" is musically as heavy as the original "Operation: Mindcrime" album, Tate said: "Oh, yes. The new one is probably, I guess in the same realm. It's heavier than 'Mindcrime I'. I don't know. I'd have to go back and listen to it again, 'Mindcrime II', to see where it compared in the heaviness [laughs] scale."

As for his expectations for the "Operation: Mindcrime III" album, Tate said: "I just hope everybody can give it a spin, check it out. And especially with headphones. It's a wonderful headphone album. Absolutely. We spent a lot of time dialing all the details in that I find to be very important with the record, is it's gotta sound good on headphones. And it really sounds great with the mixing and the engineering on it. John [Moyer, DISTURBED bassist, who produced the album] did an amazing job putting it all together, and the sound, especially of the rhythm section — oh, it's phenomenal. It's really, really crunchy, punchy, big… I think it's miles above 'Mindcrime I' — absolutely. Especially the bottom end — the bass and drums, rhythm section. It's so modern, so huge. If you listen back to the 'Mindcrime I' album, it sounds like… I think it was one of the three first digital recordings made, and so it has a brittleness to it that you just don't hear anymore, 'cause the technology has gotten so much better now. The analog-to-digital converters are so much more sophisticated now. So, yeah, it sounds miles about that. I'm very happy, very happy with it."

Originally released in May 1988, QUEENSRŸCHE's third studio album, "Operation: Mindcrime" took the quintet to an entirely new level. The concept, revealed through the songs, revolves around the character of Nikki, a recovering drug addict disillusioned with a corrupt society. Drawn into a cult-like revolutionary group headed by Dr. X (voiced by the late and beloved British actor Anthony Valentine),Nikki is manipulated to assassinate political leaders until his friendship with nun Sister Mary finally opens his eyes to the truth. Regarded as one of the greatest concept metal albums of all time, "Operation: Mindcrime" was certified platinum in 1991 in the U.S. and was ranked in the "Top 100 Metal Albums Of All Time" by both Kerrang! and Billboard magazines. Rolling Stone included it on a similar list, noting that "nearly 30 years after its initial release, 'Mindcrime' feels eerily relevant."

The original "Operation: Mindcrime" album weaved themes of religion, drug abuse and underground, radical politics. By contrast, 2006's "Operation: Mindcrime II" was regarded as an unnecessary sequel that many felt cheapened the original album, despite being a decent record in its own right.

During QUEENSRŸCHE's 2012 legal battle with Tate over the rights to the band's name, guitarist Michael Wilton submitted a sworn declaration in which he said the idea to make "Operation: Mindcrime II" was first brought to the table by Geoff's wife and QUEENSRŸCHE's then-manager Susan Tate. "The band was hesitant and did not want to lessen the original," the guitarist claimed. "But Susan Tate and Geoff Tate hired a budget producer and took control without really any other input. Scott Rockenfield [drums], Eddie Jackson [bass] and I were squeezed out of having any input in the musical direction or business decisions, thus the project suffered. During the initial writing phase, I would show up to bring my input to the creative process only to find that the producer, the new guitar player (who were both staying with the Tates at the time),along with Geoff Tate had been up late the night before or up early that morning and had written the songs without me. I was then told my ideas were not needed as the songs were now done. I could, however, 'bring my own style' in during the recording after learning to play what they wrote for me. In frustration, I gave up on the writing process knowing that I would at least get to make changes in the studio to bring back the QUEENSRŸCHE sound into these songs that we were known for. The final straw was when they refused to let me to be a part of the final recordings and mixes. I was shut out and they had the nerve to replace some of my parts on my songs. They denied me flying to San Francisco to be a part of my band, telling me that everything was ready to go and I was not needed. Had the communication been better, and had I been aware that parts needed to be recorded or rewritten, I would have been there. It was not until years later that I even became aware of the issues during the final recording and mixing of 'Operation: Mindcrime II'. It was all under the control of Geoff and Susan Tate. Call it delusions of grandeur, but they were convinced that this was going to sell three times more than the original, and to date (six years later) this album has sold fewer than 150,000 copies. The original album sold over 500,000 copies within a year."

In April 2014, Tate and QUEENSRŸCHE announced that a settlement had been reached after a nearly two-year legal battle where the singer sued over the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being fired in 2012. Wilton, Rockenfield and Jackson responded with a countersuit. The settlement included an agreement that Wilton, Rockenfield and Jackson would continue as QUEENSRŸCHE, while Tate would have the sole right to perform "Operation: Mindcrime" and "Operation: Mindcrime II" in their entirety live.

Tate's replacement, Todd La Torre, has released four albums thus far with QUEENSRŸCHE: 2013's "Queensrÿche", 2015's "Condition Hüman", 2019's "The Verdict" and 2022's "Digital Noise Alliance".

In a new interview with Thomas S. Orwat, Jr. of the Rock Interview Series, former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes was asked if he would ever consider rejoining the band if W.A.S.P. leader Blackie Lawless asked him to. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "No. No. Do you know what happened with my publishing? Why would I play with [Blackie] again? It'd be pretty stupid, wouldn't it? He'd have to pay me my publishing [before I would even consider going back], and he's not gonna do that. I'd be an idiot. I'd be an idiot to go back."

Reflecting on why he feels he was wronged by Blackie, Chris said: "Listen, we're on the road, and [then-W.A.S.P. drummer] Frankie Banali's not gonna tour unless he gets $1,850 [a week], okay? And I'm getting $500 a week, okay? I went to Blackie, 'Well, it doesn't seem right. I'm one of the guys, main guys that people come to see, and Banali's not. But he's getting $1,850. I get five [hundred]? That's almost four times as much.' Blackie grabs me and puts his arm around me and he goes, 'You're gonna make more off your publishing. What are you worried about?' When he knew he was taking my money. When he knew they already wrote me down as a session player. What kind of person is that? You think I'd ever wanna even sit in a room with that guy? No. No. No. So it's not worth it; it's not worth it to me. And plus — how can you say it? He's a malignant narcissist, and I don't wanna be around people like that anymore. There's no money in the world that's [gonna make wanna be around people like that]. I wanna be happy. I wanna be around people I enjoy being with, that make me smile, that crack jokes. I don't need to be around people like that. Plus, from [1997's] 'Kill Fuck Die' on, W.A.S.P. was nothing but a depression to play with live because they were sampling, and it's not live to me. And it hurt me in my heart to be playing, knowing that I was faking it to p[eople] — or the band was faking it. I wasn't. But knowing that it was faking it. I really hated myself doing that."

Chris added: "Why do you think I don't like signing the [W.A.S.P. records]? I never got a penny of my publishing. I can't stand that band. I can't stand the band. I can't stand what he's done. So, that's the way it is. And that's why I wanna play with people I enjoy."

Holmes recently canceled a tour of the United Kingdom and Scandinavia, scheduled for May 2026, due to a "minor prostate issue" which required immediate attention.

In February 2022, Holmes was diagnosed with throat and neck cancer, and he immediately postponed his touring commitments while he received treatment. He completed seven weeks of radiation therapy and five months later, he shared the good news with fans that his cancer was "gone".

Holmes joined W.A.S.P. in 1982 and remained with the group until 1990. In 1996, the guitarist returned to W.A.S.P. and stayed with the band until 2001. Chris has not played with W.A.S.P. since.

In 2021, Holmes told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that W.A.S.P. was "a group, a band" on the first LP. "And after that, the second album, it wasn't a group — it was a one-man show," he said. "And it's been a one-man show after that ever since. It's the way it is. Look at the records. It's the way it is in that band."

According to Chris, he, guitarist Randy Piper, drummer Tony Richards and Blackie Lawless were all part of W.A.S.P. initial management contract, but Blackie was the only one signed to the record label. "Everybody thinks we [all] signed to the label, but it wasn't [like that]," Holmes told "Trunk Nation".

Despite the fact that he only got songwriting credit on a couple of the songs on each of the first four W.A.S.P. records, Holmes was adamant that his input was essential to the band's overall sound.

"If I would have quit after the first album, the way I play guitar, the way I play is really important to writing those songs," he told "Trunk Nation".

"If I hadn't joined in the beginning, it would have never worked. Blackie told me that the first day, when he came and talked to me to play in W.A.S.P. He says, 'I've got this band. It's not gonna work unless you're in it.' He told me that to my face."

In a September 2024 interview with Cassius Morris, Blackie was asked if he has seen Chris's documentary film "Mean Man: The Story Of Chris Holmes", written and directed by French filmmakers Antoine De Montremy and Laurent Hart. The project, which was made available on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD in January 2021, was born in 2014 after De Montremy and Hart had an opportunity to meet and direct Holmes in a music video for the Holmes-penned song "Let It Roar" in Cannes. At that time, the now-67-year-old rocker had more or less disappeared from the music scene, leaving his home in the U.S. to seek a new beginning with his wife Sarah in France.

Blackie said about "Mean Man": "I have no desire to see anything that has to do with that. First of all, you wanna base anything you're gonna do in life on truth. And you know what? It may be his truth, but your truth doesn't necessarily make it fact. Anybody can have their own truth, but that doesn't make it real. And when somebody's spewing a bunch of hate because they can't create on their own… Listen, if the guy had genuine creativity, he wouldn't give two hoots about what I do. So, that's the yardstick on how you judge those things. And if somebody's coming from a perspective where they're not telling the truth, I'm not gonna waste my time on that."

Asked if that was the reason that he didn't participate in the documentary, Blackie said: "Well, I don't recall being invited, but if I would have, I wouldn't have done it. Like I said, I've got no desire to do something… I mean, if it's based on truth, then I might have taken a look at it. But for a guy to do a tutorial for an hour, or however long it was, to sit and give just their side of the story that's not based on truth, why do I wanna be part of that?"

Blackie also once again dismissed the possibility of a reunion of W.A.S.P.'s original lineup — Lawless, Holmes, guitarist Randy Piper and drummer Tony Richards — for the recent tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of W.A.S.P.'s first album. He said: "Allow me to be unapologetic for just a moment. The band that I have now… Mike Duda is one of the best bass players in the world. Doug Blair is one of the best lead guitar players in the world. Aquiles Priester, his drumming speaks for itself. I'm fortunate enough to be in a band with world-class musicians, the guys that are way better than me. And I look around sometimes during the show at I think to myself, 'Wow, I get to play with these guys.' And I'm being honest here — they're far better than me. So why would I wanna go back to something that would be taking a step backwards?"

Lawless continued: "I understand that the hardcore fanbase likes to romance ideas in their heads. I totally get that. But when we started doing [W.A.S.P.'s fourth studio album, 1989's] '[The] Headless [Children]', I was moving in directions that required musicianship that the original band could not do. I don't mean to be overly hard. It's just, again, these are just facts. If you want to do stuff where the degree of difficulty is up there, then you're gonna have guys that can play it and play it consistently. And then by the time 'Headless' was done and I moved into [1992's] 'The Crimson Idol', forget it. I mean, look at who played on that record. Your average run-of-the-mill musician is not gonna be able to do that. And again, I was privileged to work with guys that were world-class musicians. So if you're gonna get that level of creativity, professionalism, it's almost impossible to duplicate in an original situation. If that band grows together, then yes, you could. But if the band does not grow together, then it's never gonna happen. And it doesn't matter whether it's us or what band it is, that's gonna be the same every time."

Lawless also addressed the perception that W.A.S.P. is essentially his solo project, with hired guns helping him achieve his vision. He said: "No man's an island — no man. And I have gone to great lengths to speak out about the guys that are in this band to make sure that the world knows who they are. At no point have I ever wanted this to be just my situation.

"I grew up playing sports," he explained. "To me, team is everything. And I'm much more happy and comfortable, relaxed, it's a much more enjoyable situation in a team surrounding. So that's always been the thing that I focused on the most. What the world sees is when they look at the records, they see me as the primary songwriter. So I think that that's a lot of where they get that from. But when it comes to making those records, you see that I don't play all those instruments. I do what I do, but those other guys, they're doing their fair share of contributing to making those records what they are."

Back in January 2021, Holmes was asked by Cassius Morris if he had approached Lawless about participating in the making of "Mean Man: The Story Of Chris Holmes". Chris said: "I didn't, but Antoine did, and he said [Blackie] didn't have the time to do it."

Explaining that his relationship with Blackie is "over" and calling Lawless a "narcissist," Chris said: "When I left [W.A.S.P. for the final time] — or I really never left. [Blackie] just got another guitar player. They never even told me [I was out]. I found out that they were doing shows [without me]. So, I was, like, 'Wow. I must be out.' He never called me. Since then, I've dug in and found out some shitty stuff, what happened to me, and he knows that I know that, and he probably will never wanna talk to me ever again."

In October 2020, Chris said that he would never consider returning to W.A.S.P. unless Lawless agreed to pay him the publishing royalties that he allegedly owes him. He told Canada's The Metal Voice: "A lot of people think I made money from W.A.S.P. I've never gotten my royalties, or even my songwriting. All the stuff that I wrote, I've never gotten paid one penny. And you know whose fault it is? It's my my fault for not knowing the business, how it is. I trusted somebody.

"After every album, when the album is done, how they split up the publishing with the publishing contracts, the publishing companies — that's where the money comes from," he continued. "I was never told about when that meeting was. Because the other guys in the band never wrote — I was the only one [other than Blackie]. So I'm the only one that they have to screw over to get all the publishing. So I was never told. Then when I dug into it in about 2006 or [2007], I went into Sanctuary Music, had a lawyer go in to find out where all my publishing is, and I was written in as a session player into all the records. And if you don't know about it, and you're not told, and you don't see, you don't know. So I trusted Blackie Lawless about that. And when I found out, it really kind of yanked me wrong. It yanks me wrong — it makes me see he was sticking a knife in my back from the first day, from the first album, and not telling me, and being my best friend."

As far as Holmes is concerned, Lawless is solely to blame for him not getting his due from the W.A.S.P. records that he was involved with.

"If it wasn't for me, he wouldn't be where he's at — I guarantee you that," Chris said. "And then he screws me like that. It's all right. It's been a long time. It's something that I will never, never get over. I'll take that to the grave with me. I'm pissed thinking about it.

"Anyway, that's the kind of person he is. Everybody thinks, 'Wow! He's got the greatest…' Yeah, he's got an outrageous voice, Blackie, yeah, but he turns his back on his bandmembers real bad — he screws 'em. I'm the only guy in the band that ever came back to get screwed twice, which I did. I came back for 'Kill.Fuck.Die', and I was promised half publishing on that album. Didn't get crap. Knowing that I couldn't get in to see what was written in the contracts, of course. That's why I wrote the song 'Two Faced Mother Fucker'. It's about him. It's on 'Shitting Bricks'. And I've got one on the new album. It's called 'The Truth'. It says, 'You can't handle the truth.' It's on my new [album]. I'm gonna write a song about him on every album."

Addressing the possibility of his return to W.A.S.P., Holmes said: "Everybody asks me about a W.A.S.P. reunion. Sure, I'd love to play a W.A.S.P. reunion — if he pays me my publishing. If it doesn't, then he can have a reunion with Randy Piper, Johnny Rod and [Steve] Riley and everybody else. I'm not gonna play it. It's not worth it.

"I came back to W.A.S.P. in '95. I got screwed again," he added. "Screw me once, screw me twice — you're not gonna screw me a third time."

During a November 2017 press conference in Moscow, Russia, Lawless was asked what he would say to those W.A.S.P. fans who continue to call for the band to reunite with Holmes. He responded: "People get divorced for certain reasons, and there's times when the kids want the parents to get back together, but sometimes it never happens. And this is one of those [times]. Sorry."

In a new interview with The Entertainment Outlet, ex-MEGADETH guitarist Jeff Young spoke about "Bullets Ready", the latest single from KINGS OF THRASH, in which he is joined by former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, guitarist/vocalist Chaz Leon and drummer Fred Aching (DEAD GROOVE/ex-BULLETBOYS). Released earlier this month via Cleopatra Records, "Bullets Ready" delivers a powerful vocal duet between Leon and Gabriel Connor, frontman of the rising Los Angeles theatrical rock group RED DEVIL VORTEX. The track also features a special guest appearance by former EXODUS vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza.

"Well, we recorded 'Bullets Ready', and the great news is no one can say it's A.I., 'cause there was no A.I. when we wrote 'Bullets Ready' three, four years ago, when we started writing originals," Jeff said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "I came in with two [songs]. We demoed them. A couple of months later, David came back to L.A. with two [songs]. We finished those off, demoed them. So that all happened before [we launched] KINGS OF THRASH."

Referencing the fact that KINGS OF THRASH has been touring the world and performing material that focuses largely on the MEGADETH albums "Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good!" and "So Far, So Good…So What!" , Jeff said: "We never planned on playing any MEGADETH. We just wanted to make an EP of new originals. So that song's been sitting on the back burner just... You gotta let songs write themselves. You can't force it. You can't put your ego on it and try to mold and shape it. You gotta just allow, allow, allow, allow. And so we kind of got sidetracked with the whole MEGADETH thing and doing — learning all these albums in their entirety is no small chore. But now that we've been out doing that, and then [the KINGS OF THRASH single] 'Lockdown' came out [in May 2025], of course. Chaz wrote most of that. And that was a great first experience for him, and I think he did a great job. That was actually written after the first four. So 'Bullets Ready' was written long ago. We put the newest song out first. Now we've gone back, and 'Bullets Ready' just seemed, lyrically, with everything that's going on in the world, it seemed so timely and apropos that we couldn't resist. And we were out on tour with RED DEVIL VORTEX opening for us, and Ace Frehley had just died, and Gabriel Connor, the singer-bass player for RED DEVIL VORTEX, a huge KISS fan, we kept bringing him out every night on the tour for 'Cold Gin'. And so his participation in the song grew organically out of our KISS jams every night on tour. And as a matter of fact, we're gonna be dropping a live video on KINGS OF THRASH YouTube of the 'Cold Gin' track in week or two. It's being mixed right now, so stand by for that."

"Bullets Ready" was mixed by Grammy-winning producer Cameron Webb, known for his work with MOTÖRHEAD, DANZIG and GODSMACK.

When the track was first released, Young reflected on the origins of the song: "During the making of the [former MEGADETH drummer] Nick Menza [documentary] film, I acquired several demo recordings of Nick playing various drum progressions. In essence, the introduction, verses and chorus of 'Bullets Ready' came from playing along to one of Nick's energetic grooves.

"During [MEGADETH's] 'So Far, So Good... So What!' tour, it was often David, Nick and myself that would conduct the soundchecks. It was a surreal and nostalgic feeling to be playing along and writing riffs with my longlost friend. Nick's playing inspired so much of this song and his spirit is forever encapsulated inside this recording."

KINGS OF THRASH was formed in April 2022, following a special appearance by Ellefson and Young at "Ultimate Jam Night" at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, California. The event was honoring the legendary "Big Four" of thrash metal — METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX. During the evening, Ellefson and Young performed three classic MEGADETH songs alongside vocalist Chaz Leon. The electrifying performance sparked an immediate chemistry that led to the formation of KINGS OF THRASH.

KINGS OF THRASH was built around a concept envisioned by Ellefson: creating a live experience celebrating early MEGADETH albums and rarely performed deep cuts from his decades-long tenure with the thrash metal pioneers. This vision became known as "The MEGA Years".

In November 2022, KINGS OF THRASH took to the stage with four proof-of-concept concerts in San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Hollywood. Their performance at the Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip was filmed and recorded resulting in the acclaimed release "The Best Of The West - Live At The Whisky A Go Go". The double live album and DVD were released by Cleopatra Records in spring 2023 in both digital and vinyl formats.

In 2025, Cleopatra Records released KINGS OF THRASH's first thrash/punk-inspired song "Lockdown". With its accompanying music video, directed by KINGS OF THRASH drummer Fred Aching, the group distinguished themselves as more than just a nostalgic tribute band.

The new music video for "Bullets Ready" was shot in Hollywood, California and again directed by Aching. Additional scenes were filmed at the infamous Nelson Valley Ghost Town in El Dorado Valley, Arizona — the same location as seen in the movie "3000 Miles To Graceland".

Now, with the progressive strains of "Bullets Ready", KINGS OF THRASH continues expanding its musical scope, while performing worldwide on their massive global tour. Dates in Canada, U.S., Norway, Ireland and U.K. are on the docket.

In January 2023, Young told Ultimate Guitar that he and Ellefson had not received any feedback from Mustaine about their new band or their recent live shows. "We couldn't care less… and it's a win-win for him," Jeff said. "Because all the publishing, for example, on the 'Best Of The West', he's getting all that money. We're making him money and he doesn't have to do anything. So, we're performing the songs because they're part of our history and the fans want to hear them and we will benefit from that, and so will he, so it's a win-win. How much cooler can anything be than that? So, if he has something to say about it… I wouldn't imagine it would be very objective… not that anything he's ever said has been objective."

Jeff's comments were similar to those he made in 2022 when he told Thomas S. Orwat, Jr. of the Rock Interview Series that he and Ellefson were "really not concerned" about Mustaine's reaction to KINGS OF THRASH. "I don't pay attention," he said. "I haven't really paid attention or followed MEGADETH since, I think, I heard the 'Rust In Peace' album a couple of times, and then what you might hear on the radio or in the press.

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

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

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

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

Ellefson was fired from MEGADETH five years ago after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the bassist were posted on Twitter.

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of O'Donnell Media Group

During an appearance on the latest episode of Mohr Stories, the podcast hosted by actor, comedian and sports enthusiast Jay Mohr, THE BLACK CROWES frontman Chris Robinson reflected on the band's 2015 breakup, caused by his demand for a greater ownership stake in the band and for wanting to make drummer Steve Gorman, the CROWES' founding drummer, into a salaried employee. Chris said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I had to remove myself because I was heartbroken about the whole thing. I was angry, and I felt that I was in a situation that the only thing I could control is... It's the same thing with everyone, like at the time, the primary people in the band were mad… 'Cause at the time, the manager goes, 'Well, what would you want to keep doing this?' And I knew this would be the nail in the head. I knew I could also set it down. I said, 'I want more money then. If this is a cash cow, then I want my side of beef.' It's not like I did it out of some random thing. I did it completely to put a nail in this thing, 'cause I knew. And to be honest, at that time, I was so angry that I felt THE BLACK CROWES had just become this thing for..."

Chris continued: "I think 'Warpaint''s a really good record. I love 'Before The Frost... Until The Freeze'. Very different, but [I'm] really proud of the music on that record and the experience. But we're out there just chasing money so everyone can live a certain lifestyle. And I felt, in all honesty, I was, like, 'I'm not here for that. And I'm not done. As an artist, as a person, I'm not done. This isn't over. I'm not ready for the 'Shake Your Money Maker' tour' that would come 10 years later."

Chris added: "I'm also completely aware and prepared for that to sound selfish, self-indulgent. But I'm not your parents. Yeah, it's a family thing, but my dad would say, 'Man,' some kid, 'Why is this kid in my house eating dinner three nights in a row? I didn't take him to raise,' like a friend of mine or something. That would be my dad saying, 'I didn't take this kid to raise.' And I didn't take them to raise, and I felt it was still kind of on me, as the front guy and as the catalyst, as the leader of the band. I've always been that… I did it to be cruel in a way, too, 'cause my heart was broken. And my spirit. I wasn't gonna allow my spirit to be broken. [My spirit was in danger of being broken by] the business and the attitude and culture that the band had cultivated at that time."

During a THE BLACK CROWES hiatus a decade and a half ago, Chris formed the CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD, which lasted for eight years before disbanding.

"When I stopped [with THE BLACK CROWES] and did THE BROTHERHOOD and started that, I went off on an incredible adventure, but that adventure, through its trials and tribulations, led me back to my brother," Chris told "Mohr Stories". "So the way I dealt with issues in 1995 is not the way I would deal with anything today… And all the shit, anything bad that happened or that looks like, 'Oh, well, we got this' or 'you did that,' blah, blah, blah, that's all out the window as well. I completely believe this. There's nothing in me that this is convenient or insincere in any way 'cause I don't wanna deal with it. Everything has to happen for me to be here. All of it has to happen the way it happened. There's no way to go back."

Chris and his brother, THE BLACK CROWES guitarist Rich Robinson, repaired their relationship and reunited in 2019 for a string of more than 150 shows in 20 countries in celebration of the 30th anniversary of their breakthrough 1990 album "Shake Your Money Maker". They have since released two studio albums, 2024's Grammy Award-nominated "Happiness Bastards" and 2026's "A Pound Of Feathers". "Happiness Bastards" was the CROWES' first new release in 14 years, and the first since the Robinsons reactivated the band.

"A Pound Of Feathers" came out on March 13 via Silver Arrow Records. The 11-song set was recorded over a 10-day period in Nashville with Grammy-winning producer Jay Joyce, and with only Cully Symington, the band's drummer since 2023, joining Rich and Chris in the studio.

When THE BLACK CROWES announced their split in 2015, Rich issued a statement saying that he loved his brother and respected his talent but that "his present demand that I must give up my equal share of the band and that our drummer for 28 years and original partner, Steve Gorman, relinquish 100 percent of his share … is not something I could agree to."

French progressive metallers GOJIRA have released a professionally filmed video of their performance of the song "Global Warming", shot at their December 10, 2025 concert in Lyon, France during a tour of their home country. The clip, which was directed and edited by Errick Easterday, can be seen below.

Prior to the start of GOJIRA's November/December 2025 tour of France, GOJIRA guitarist/vocalist Joseph Duplantier underwent "minor surgery" on his right hand, rendering him unable to play guitar on the trek. As a result of his injury, he and his bandmates hired Greg Kubacki of the New York-based mathcore act CAR BOMB to play guitar for GOJIRA on the tour, which concluded on December 12, 2025 in Strasbourg.

At the 2025 edition of the Bloodstock Open Air festival in the United Kingdom, GOJIRA drummer Mario Duplantier spoke to Bloodstock TV's Oran O’Beirne about the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for the follow-up to the French progressive metallers' 2021 album "Fortitude". He said:  "We already did record some drums and guitars and basses.

"It took us a long time. We needed that time, I think, just to make sure we are all on the same page, make sure what is GOJIRA is bringing next is strong enough," he explained. "Also, we don't have that much pressure. We are not a young band anymore. We're not like SLEEP TOKEN or LORNA SHORE where the next album is so important. We've been a band for 30 years, so GOJIRA is already an established band. It doesn't mean that we can be lazy — it doesn't mean that — but it's very crucial to take the time to bring something fresh and new and powerful."

Mario added: "For the new songs, we took so much time just to make sure everything is fine and powerful enough and — I don't know — smart enough as well. But it's on the way, it's on the way. 2026, for sure."

Nearly two years ago, Mario's brother, Joseph Duplantier, told Chuck Armstrong of Loudwire Nights that he and his bandmates were "in the middle" of working on their next studio album. He said at the time: "We're trying to deliver something that is meaningful and impactful. We're very ambitious in terms of writing songs and the quality of it. And we wanna take a clear step forward and upward with this album. So we're putting all our love and energy on it."

In February 2025, GOJIRA was honored with a Grammy in the "Best Metal Performance" category in the pre-telecast ceremony at the 67th annual Grammy Awards, which was held at the Crypto.com Arena (formerly the Staples Center) in Los Angeles, California. GOJIRA was nominated for "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)" — a version of the French Revolution-era standard "Ah! Ça Ira!" — which the band performed at last year's Olympic Games opening ceremony.

In July 2024, GOJIRA performed a surprise rendition of "Ah! Ça Ira" alongside opera singer Marina Viotti as well as a number of beheaded figures representing the slain Queen Marie Antoinette. The performance took place outside the Conciergerie, a former prison and residence of French kings during the French Revolution where Antoinette was held before she was beheaded in 1793.

GOJIRA made history as the first metal band to ever perform at the Olympic Games. The performance made international headlines and was widely regarded as one of the most talked about moments from the 2024 summer Olympics.

Prior to winning last year's Grammy, GOJIRA had been nominated for a Grammy Award three times — twice in 2017, for "Best Metal Performance" and "Best Rock Album" ("Magma") and once in 2022 for "Best Metal Performance".

GOJIRA is considered a standard-bearer for French rock and bringing French rock to an international audience. Metal Hammer declared GOJIRA "metal's most important band" in 2016.

"Fortitude" entered Billboard's Top Albums chart at No. 1 in May 2021, while also claiming the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Top Current Albums, Current Rock Albums and Current Hard Music Albums tallies. The release also marked a career high debut on the Billboard 200 for GOJIRA, arriving at No. 12, with several career high chart positions and Top 10 debuts in countries around the globe including: France (No. 2),United Kingdom (No. 6),Australia (No. 3),Germany (No. 8),Belgium (No. 2),Netherlands (No. 4),Denmark (No. 3),Portugal (No. 4),Finland (No. 2) and Norway (No. 10).

Furthermore, GOJIRA concluded a month-long fundraising initiative in support of the indigenous-owned NGO The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) who advocate for environmental and cultural rights of indigenous tribes in the Amazon. Working with the social good-focused digital platform Propeller, the charitable campaign raised over $300,000 through an auction and raffle of one-of-a-kind items from the band and their friends in METALLICA, TOOL, SLIPKNOT, SLAYER, Slash and more. All proceeds were donated to APIB to support their work aiding the indigenous tribes of the Amazon who have suffered immensely — victims of deforestation, land loss, forced labor, violence, and harassment.

Recorded and produced by Joseph Duplantier at Silver Cord Studio — GOJIRA's Ridgewood, Queens, New York headquarters — and mixed by Andy Wallace (NIRVANA, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE),"Fortitude" is GOJIRA's first album in five years and the follow-up to 2016's Grammy-nominated LP "Magma". A collection of songs urging humanity to imagine a new world and then make it happen, "Fortitude" has been earning widespread critical praise with Rolling Stone naming it one of their best albums of April 2021 and remarking "It's all the rage of death metal mixed with the conscience of punk rock and the musicality of progressive rock." NPR hailed "Another World" as "an apocalyptic banger," and Paste called "Into The Storm" a "much-needed revolutionary anthem." Stereogum declared, "hearing this band operating at their peak is a life-affirming thing," while Revolver attested "Fortitude" "could spark a revolution."

In the middle of his 2025 solo tour of North America, IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson was simultaneously hard at work crafting the next volume in his critically acclaimed graphic novel saga "The Mandrake Project". This next installment is sure to send readers reeling, as everything they thought they knew about the world of Necropolis and Dr. Lazarus is turned on its head as the second book descends deeper into a world of surreal and mystical madness.

Now, Z2 is proud to announce the impending release of "The Mandrake Project: Year Two" as the war between magic and science for the control of immortality reaches a hallucinatory fever pitch. Starting with a near-death experience that propels Necropolis into a parallel world where he learns the dark secrets of his twisted family tree, he's exposed to revelations that leave him shocked, wondering if he can escape the family legacy of self-destruction in the name of ambition, or if he is simply a cog in a greater cosmic machine, controlled by supernatural forces?

When asked about how "Year Two" expands on the story in the first volume, Dickinson said, "Oh, just hold on to your proverbial hats, folks… This one gets REALLY weird!" and writer Tony Lee laughed, following it up with, "You thought the first book was going to get us sued and bring out the pitchforks? You haven't seen anything yet!"

The 184-page volume also includes an extensive series of interviews and essays recounting Dickinson's life on tour supporting "The Mandrake Project" album in 2025, as well as insight with the creative team into the development of this next terrifying chapter of the "Mandrake" saga. With an introduction by "Anvil! The Story Of Anvil" director Sacha Gervasi, the 12"x12" deluxe and platinum editions are housed in an elegant die-cut slipcase and are bound with a sealing ribbon and gilt paper edging. The oversized deluxe and platinum editions also include a holder inside the back cover that contains four new foil collectors' cards and a new edition of the antiqued metal "Mandrake Project" medallion held by Dr. Lazarus in the comic. This book is the must-have item for all lovers of IRON MAIDEN, Bruce Dickinson and supernatural tales.

Continuing the tradition of heralding the influences contained within the saga of "The Mandrake Project", "Year Two" also contains an extensive article on Wilhelm Reich, the sociologist and mystic whose controversial work led to him being imprisoned by the FBI, where he died in jail in the 1954.

The Dickinson-signed oversized 12"x12" deluxe editions and signed platinum editions both come with collector cards and "Mandrake" coin in a die-cut slipcase with foil page edging, and will be available directly from Z2 at Z2Comics.com, while a 9"x9" smaller hardcover edition without slipcase will be available via Z2's retail partners Amazon and Barnes & Noble in the United States, and at HMV U.K., as well as many independent comic and music shops worldwide.

When asked about "The Mandrake Project: Year Two", Z2's editor-in-chief Rantz Hoseley shared: "I thought I knew the limits and boundaries of Bruce's mad vision for this world, but one thing 'Year Two' has made brutally clear… there are no limits to where the story will go! And, let me just say, we are all the luckier for it!"

For pre-order details, visit Z2comics.com/BruceDickinson.

Bruce Dickinson – a Polymath best known as the vocalist of IRON MAIDEN, and for his solo albums, Bruce has never been one to take the easy, expected, or pre-defined path in his life. Trained in aviation, Bruce had an additional career as a commercial pilot — eventually flying three versions of IRON MAIDEN's Ed Force One culminating in a 747 that traversed the world with the band, crew, and all their stage gear on board. He's hosted his own radio show on the BBC, has a podcast, starred in television documentaries and and produced films, created a multi-million-selling beer with Robinsons Brewery, and competed internationally in the art of fencing. Were that not enough, he's written novels, non-fiction memoirs, film scripts, and comics. He's developed the mythology and and story of "The Mandrake Project" for over a decade.

Tony Lee is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author. Tony has written comics for international publishers, including DC, Marvel, Hachette, IDW, Del Rey and Z2. In 2008, he became the writer for the ongoing IDW "Doctor Who" comic, as well as the 2012 "Doctor Who" / "Star Trek" crossover series. He's also known for his work in audio drama, notably the "Confessions Of Dorian Grey", "Robin Of Sherwood", "Doctor Who" and "Dodge & Twist", adapted from his own bestselling novel, and has written for both BBC One and ITV Studios. In 2021, Tony revealed he was the writer behind the bestselling series of Jack Gatland procedural crime novels.

Piotr Kowalksi started his professional career in Europe working on series such as "Gail", "La Branche Lincoln", "Urban Vampires" and "Badlands". He published his first comic series in the American market in 2010 and since then has produced almost 150 issues, including "Marvel Knights: Hulk", "The Dark Tower", "The Witcher" and "Wolfenstein". A big fan of horror, you can also find him playing death metal on his five-string bass guitar.

John Devilman is an award-winning actor, writer, comedian, illustrator, tattooist, and bona fide international criminal. An unfuckwithable errant wanderer who has adventured around the world collecting stories of legendary bad ass-ery, usually at his own peril. I mean, the guy's been shot and stabbed on multiple occasions, but every brush with death or scar makes for a pretty good story. This is his first comic, so be gentle. He's fragile and prone to cry easily. He just didn't want to miss the opportunity to work with Bruce (and Rantz),both legends in their own respects.

Bill Sienkiewicz is a multi-Eisner Award-winning artist known for revamping the style of comic and graphic novel illustration — a feat earning him an international reputation across media industries, as well as entrée into the Eisner Hall Of Fame. He is most noted for Marvel's "Elektra: Assassin", "Moon Knight" and "New Mutants" — inspiring FX's "Legion" and Disney's "Moon Knight" series — and his acclaimed graphic novel "Stray Toasters". He has garnered two Emmy nominations and contributed artwork for "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse", "The Batman", "Dune", "Logan", "The Grinch", "The Green Mile" and "Unforgiven". His work within the field of music includes album covers for DIO, EPMD, RZA, Kid Cudi, T.I. and Seth MacFarlane.

Recently dubbed the "hottest brand in music" by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, which handles book trade distribution, Z2 has produced more than 50 unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with PANTERA, SPIRITBOX, MÖTLEY CRÜE, ANTHRAX, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, JUDAS PRIEST, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's Ivan Moody, BABYMETAL, ALTER BRIDGE and Poppy, among others.

In a new interview with Allison Hagendorf, SHINEDOWN singer Brent Smith confirmed that "no A.I. [artificial intelligence] was used in the making of" the band's upcoming eighth studio album, "Ei8ht". Brent explained (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "For us, we're not into it. We want music to be made by people with souls and with a consciousness. And look, man, I know some people will come at us and be, like, 'Yeah, but the technology…' I'll be, like, 'Cool. Have at it.' But to convince me that that's the direction you should go in — and this is just me — that's not... I don't wanna write with a computer. I wanna write with people. I wanna connect with human beings. And I think the moment that you start saying, 'Oh, but it's fine,' it's, like, until you're obsolete. And then what?"

Brent continued: "Look, man, if you worked for that ingenuity and that technology, and I think there's a lot of good that can come from that, but when I do see this ideology that people that are in a hierarchy just think that the public are sheep — I'm not into that either. And by the way, they're finding out, I think, in a lot of ways, too, at least from what I'm seeing, you thought that they wouldn't be able to figure out that it's fake.

"There's an energy between people that are alive," Smith explained. "And there's something incredible about when you put human beings in a room with each other and give them instruments, and you're pushing air, there is something electric that happens. And we made sure a lot of that… Like, loops — any kind of certain instrumentation that was done [on 'Ei8ht'], it wasn't like setting a program or something like that. [SHINEDOWN bassist and producer] Eric's [Bass] super specific about that, man. He may use something and pull something that gives him a sequence of something like that, but he'll go back into it and be, like, 'Okay, how do I make this for real?' And then, when he makes it for real, if he's using it as a template, it inspires him to do something else that takes him down a different road. So I'm not saying that programs and software isn't awesome. It's just you want somebody with a heartbeat controlling it."

Brent previously weighed in on a debate about people using an A.I. (artificial intelligence) music generator as a tool to create melodies, harmonies and rhymes based on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and machine learning (ML) models during a February 2025 interview with Popdust. He said at the time: "The interesting thing about A.I. is you have to look at exactly what it stands for: artificial intelligence. One of the things about A.I. is that it's learning off of servers from inundated information that ultimately was created by a living human being. So every bit of knowledge it has, it's pulling from what somebody already documented. So that's an interesting thought process.

"When it comes to the health care community and it comes to A.I. being used to figure out how to cure diseases or how to fundamentally create treatments for the betterment of human beings and their physical health, that's a different animal. So, when you're looking at that, and it's hard because people have a process of going, 'Okay, well, when is the line when you're creating art and a machine is creating art or a computer is creating art and you're giving that computer….' Who owns the rights to that? And that's where people get a little nervous to talk about this, but the reality, how I look at A.I. as far as for the arts, and when I take a step back and look at it with a very wide lens, I think that human beings are connected to each other."

Smith continued: "Music is a very powerful part of our existence. There's a great quote by a philosopher in the 1800s, and the quote was, 'Without music, life would be a mistake.' It was actually said by Friedrich Nietzsche, which is probably one of the most profound quotes ever, 'cause we are connected to sound, we are connected to hearing a human voice or the pattern of a chord progression and how it lifts and how it like makes the hair on your arm stand up. There's a very real thing that's happening there. I haven't heard a song created by A.I. that's made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

"When you think about books like '1984' and you think about 'Ender's Game' and you think about 'Terminator' — we made movies about artificial intelligence, 'I, Robot', and it did not turn out very well. So it is weird to kind of see like this ideology of these robots actually becoming a real thing. And I will tell people, 'Go watch 'Terminator' and tell me how you feel afterwards.'"

"Ei8ht" will arrive on May 29 via Atlantic Records.

SHINEDOWN recently announced a massive "Dance, Kid, Dance Act II" world tour, taking the band to 11 countries across 54 dates, including stops throughout North America and Europe at some of the world's biggest venues. Joining SHINEDOWN on the trek will be COHEED AND CAMBRIA, BLACK STONE CHERRY, FROM ASHES TO NEW, DJ Rock Feed and THOSE DAMN CROWS on various dates.

Photo credit: Ebru Yildiz

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA — Mike Hranica (vocals),Jeremy DePoyster (guitar, clean vocals),Kyle Sipress (guitar),Jonathan Gering (keys, synths, programming, percussion) and Giuseppe Capolupo (drums) — has released the official music video for the song "When You're Gone". The track is taken from the band's ninth album, "Flowers", which came out last November via Solid State Records.

In an interview with Revolver magazine, Hranica stated about "Flowers": "It's impossible for PRADA to write a happy song. A lot of what makes up the album is so bare bones and vulnerable. It's not these ultra-futuristic themes. It's not fighting these epic wars [like] what so much [of] metalcore is today. Not to bad-mouth that, but there is no mask. We're not building out space-age, fantasy imagery."

DePoyster added: "I've had so many conversations with people at shows who thank us for these songs and say they needed someone to tell them it's okay to feel this way. I need that a lot, too. I like straightforward lyrics and want to feel authenticated in my feelings."

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA have always explored life's extremes in their music. They've never shied away from staring down darkness, dealing with depression, making sense of confusion, soothing anxiety, or grappling with faith, existence, and death. At the same time, they've mirrored life's ups and downs by alternating between crushing heaviness and heart-wrenching melodies. After over two decades of making music, their union as bandmates — but more importantly as friends — is stronger than ever. All of this time and experience ultimately empowered the group to make a statement on "Flowers". Matching bold themes with equally bold songs, they process grief, weather struggle, and not only heal together, but creatively blossom like never before.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA have always been there for audiences. Among a string of seminal releases, Revolver readers named "With Roots Above And Branches Below" (2009) one of the "Five Greatest Metalcore Albums", the "Zombie" EP (2010) and "Dead Throne" (2011) each debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, and 2021's "ZII" marked their sixth straight Top 5 entry on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart. They have also tallied nearly a half a billion streams — unprecedented for most acts this heavy. The group elevated to another stratosphere with "Color Decay" (2022),selling out their biggest shows worldwide and receiving some of the highest praise of its career.

During 2024, the musicians decamped to a VRBO in Rodgers, Arkansas for three weeks where they constructed the foundation for the LP, with Jonathan Gering (keys, synths, programming, percussion) again at the helm as producer. Following their time "in this heavenly corner of Arkansas," Jon, Jeremy and Mike Hranica (vocals) took a handful of trips to Los Angeles. Putting the finishing touches on recording, the guys collaborated with Tyler Smyth (I PREVAIL, FALLING IN REVERSE),Austin Coupe (LØ SPIRIT, MOODRING),Colin Brittain (LINKIN PARK, PAPA ROACH),FIT FOR A KING's Bobby Lynge, and Marshall Gallagher of TEENAGE WRIST. They also enlisted "Color Decay" collaborator Sam Guaiana as an engineer and tapped Zakk Cervini (BRING ME THE HORIZON, SPIRITBOX) for mixing and mastering.

Photo credit: Wyatt Clough

Hasbro has collaborated with record label Reigning Phoenix Music to announce "The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition", the fully reimagined official soundtrack for "The Transformers: The Movie" from 1986, continuing Hasbro's "The Apology Tour" in celebration of the film's 40th anniversary.

"The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition" brings 10 re-recorded, reimagined tracks from the iconic film, including performances led by THE KNIGHTS OF UNICRON, a band of world-class musicians featuring Gus Rios, Matt Harvey and Ross Sewage, with guest appearances by Stan Bush as the original voice that defined an era, rock/metal icon Sebastian Bach (former lead singer of SKID ROW and solo artist),power metal artist Brittney Slayes (UNLEASH THE ARCHERS),Mark Osegueda (KERRY KING, DEATH ANGEL),Francesco Cavalieri (WIND ROSE, V.B.O.),and Torch from COLD SLITHER. Composer Vince Dicola complements this winning formula for the most honest and true collaboration for die-hard "Transformers" fans.

"The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition" track listing:

01. "The Touch" - KNIGHTS OF UNICRON featuring Stan Bush (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
02. "Instruments of Destruction" - KNIGHTS OF UNICRON featuring Francesco Cavalieri (originally recorded by N.R.G.)
03. "Death of Optimus Prime" - Vince DiCola
04. "Dare" - KNIGHTS OF UNICRON featuring Stan Bush and Vince DiCola (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
05. "Nothin's Gonna Stand in Our Way" - KNIGHTS OF UNICRON featuring Sebastian Bach (originally recorded by SPECTRE GENERAL)
06. "The Transformers (Theme)" - KNIGHTS OF UNICRON featuring Brittney Slayes (originally recorded by LION)
07. "Escape" - KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
08. "Hunger" - KNIGHTS OF UNICRON featuring Mark Osegueda (originally recorded by SPECTRE GENERAL)
09. "Autobot/Decepticon Battle" - KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
10. "Dare to Be Stupid" - KNIGHTS OF UNICRON featuring Torch (originally recorded by "Weird Al" Yankovic)

Additional album credits:

Produced by Matt LaPlant (COLD SLITHER)
Mixed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE)
Recorded at Ripper's Lair at an undisclosed location

Hasbro, in collaboration with Fathom Entertainment, is bringing "The Transformers: The Movie" back to theatres for its 40th anniversary, inviting fans to relive the action, the music and yes… that moment. The loss of Optimus Prime remains one of the most talked-about moments in franchise history. As part of the year-long "Apology Tour", Hasbro is leaning into that shared experience, bringing fans together to grieve, heal, and reminisce at special fan events all year long, including the film's return to theaters.

Beginning September 17, 2026, in honor of "Transformers Day", the beloved 1986 animated film — presented in 4K — will roll into theatres across the U.S. with a wide theatrical release through September 21 as a special limited-run cinema experience. Select international markets are expected to launch day-and-date with the U.S.

Tickets for "The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary" will be available later this summer and at participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change). For more information and to be among the first notified when tickets go on sale, please visit Fathom Entertainment.

Alongside the cinema experience, fans can expect additional anniversary surprises across toys, merchandise, publishing, and more because 40 years later… it still hits like a truck.

Hasbro is a leading games, IP and toy company whose mission is to create joy and community through the magic of play. With 165 years of expertise, Hasbro delivers groundbreaking play experiences and reaches more than one billion fans annually around the world, through physical and digital games, video games, toys, licensed consumer products, location-based entertainment, film, TV and more.

Through its franchise-first approach, Hasbro unlocks value from both new and legacy IP, including Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Monopoly, Hasbro Games, Nerf, Transformers, Play-Doh and Peppa Pig, as well as premier partner brands. Powered by its portfolio of thousands of iconic marks and a diversified network of partners and subsidiary studios, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen.

For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, a 2025 JUST Capital Industry Leader, one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50, and a Brand That Matters by Fast Company.

In a new interview with Hollie Nicole of Teaser Talk, NONPOINT singer Elias Soriano spoke about the band's latest single, "Is It". The track, which was made available on May 8 on all major digital streaming platforms, serves as the first release from NONPOINT's upcoming full-length album, "The Last Word", arriving in late summer 2026. Elias said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We've been playing ['Is It'] on this recent tour. A lot of people have gotten a chance to hear the new music before it even drops. And that's been very exciting. It's been getting a great reaction."

Regarding the lyrical inspiration for "Is It", Elias said: "'Is It', it deals with guilt and the battle of guilt and regret when you're making a decision that there is really no right and wrong. It's whether or not it's gonna help this person or hurt this person, and there's no other choice. That it's definitely gonna hurt this person, and it's definitely gonna help this person, but you have to be the one to make the choice. And there's so many factors to why we make the choices that we make, the lines of right and wrong start to get blurred, and I think the song kind of starts to address that."

Asked if there was a specific personal experience that inspired the song, Elias said: "Yeah, I think it was the general setup of about — it was honestly us about to step back into the business of the release and the business of promo with the new music. And it ramps up and you start to make choices, and sometimes you hope those choices are gonna be in your best interest, and you start realizing that sometimes your best interest isn't in the best interest of everyone else. And then that struggle back and forth with those moments is really what kind of inspired it. So, really getting back into the business of the business really started to make the wheels turn on me fighting in between what's right and what's wrong for our next steps."

On the topic of "The Last Word" album, Elias said: "This is the first time in three years that we've dropped a full-length record — almost four years. So, the anticipation of that, it was a bit nerve-racking, setting up for this. We weren't exactly sure, when we hit song number 15, what we were doing artistically with the new music. And it took till song number 27 for us to go, 'Okay, this is what we wanna do.' And waiting for almost four years to drop something, we just didn't wanna put out anything. So, we really worked hard on this record. I think people will notice that."

Both NONPOINT and the band's independent record label 361 Degrees Records LLC are positioning "Is It" as the opening statement of a new era, setting the tone for the new album's themes and energy of the new record. Rather than following a traditional rollout, the song debuted in the form of a hand-drawn, animated lyric video, offering a unique visual experience that complements the song's message and listening experience while giving fans an early, immersive look into the creative world of "The Last Word".

When "Is It" was first made available in late April, Elias said in a statement: "In a world that sometimes wants to put a timestamp on creativity, 'The Last Word' is our way of saying we're just getting started. We're pushing back against expectation and pushing forward into our own next chapter."

Regarding the lyrical inspiration for "Is It", Elias said: "'Is It' is that internal conflict where you question getting too involved? Did I push too hard? Did I ask too much? It's that feeling of wondering if doing what you thought was right actually meant hurting the people around you."

Elias explained the bold concept behind his design imagery on "The Last Word" cover, saying: "This album cover tells a piece of our story. After years of making music, we feel more aligned than ever — musically, visually, and creatively. We're writing some of the strongest material of our career, our live shows are as powerful as they've ever been, and the band feels focused and energized. The pencil on the cover represents what it's like to be handed one last tool and expected to fit everything you have left to say into it. Not because the ideas are gone, but because longevity often comes with assumptions and limits. 'The Last Word' isn't about accepting an ending. It's about challenging that narrative. If this is the pencil we're being handed, we're going to use it — and make sure the words written with it still matter."

NONPOINT performed two new songs, "Is It" and "Red Yeti", the latter of which features a guest appearance by SUMO CYCO frontwoman Skye Sweetnam, during the band's headlining concert on April 25 at Ritz Ybor in Tampa, Florida. The show, which was part of NONPOINT's "The Outta Control Tour", featured support from SOIL and SUMO CYCO. Fan-filmed video of the concert can be seen below (courtesy of IFM RAW).

This past March, Soriano told Super Cool Radio about the musical direction of NONPOINT's upcoming full-length album: "The overall vibe of the record is very, very heavy, very, very new feeling, especially with the addition of Jason [Zeilstra, guitar], addition of some of the textures and layers that we're playing with sonically just in the general mix of our music, keys and strings and stuff that we played with on our [2018] 'X' record that we fooled around with a little bit during the 'Heartless' [2023] and 'Ruthless' [2021] era. So, we're really gonna bring all those in the fold. But I think I took steps way, way back and really started to pay attention to what people were asking of me of the collabs that I was doing with them and having that epiphany of, 'Hey, maybe this is what people wanna see me do more on my record. So let me lean in that direction' and go really back to basics and go back to a lot of my cadence play, a lot of my lyric play, a lot of metaphors and double and triple entendres and things that make people hopefully want to re-listen and dig in and find a meaning in there somewhere."

He added: "It's all fun and games and great in the pit, and I love to excite people with trigger words, but at the end of the day, I want them to read further and have their own epiphanies."

Elias also talked about the NONPOINT songwriting process, explaining: "Well, from what the guys usually send, there's a song in there within the song. Sometimes it's just there. When it comes to what I see and what I translate into a song and lyrics and meaning, [it] usually comes from how the music paints itself in the room mood-wise — [how] aggressive [it is], how much of a rollercoaster it is. If it's more linear, then that's where I have to be the rollercoaster. If I can't find something that's more, maybe it rests on me to do that. So I like to allow the players and the other guys in the band to play and write stuff that they like themselves… That way they spend all the time, beat their heads against the wall, rewrite the riff a dozen times, and then finally get to this point. And then sometimes what they feel like might be a verse, may feel like a chorus to me, and I write a vocal line over top of it that, [which] now has them flipping their thinking on what they wrote because they expected it to be a chorus. There's this dance that comes with, 'Hey, write whatever you wanna write. But at the end of the day, it's my turn next to then be inspired by it enough to then lay something down that feels even exciting for me to wanna present.' And sometimes in its first incarnation, it doesn't always present itself that way. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it's just, like, 'Yeah, that's a verse. Yeah, that's a chorus.' It's really letting the current kind of take things where they're gonna go, and then me just steer to the most beautiful shore I can find."

Also in March, Elias told Rev. Tom Brice of Sportzwire Radio about his expectations for NONPOINT's upcoming full-length album: "I think people are gonna have fun with it. It's different than what's on the radio. It's different than what people are dropping right now. It's not what anybody else is doing. That's the best way I can describe it. It's NONPOINT. It's NONPOINT and it's only NONPOINT."

Soriano also talked about how he feels about the supposed nu metal resurgence in recent years, partly thanks to a whole new wave of exciting revivalists. He said: "I think people remember how fun it was back then. The music right now leans — it's decorating a time that's kind of sad. There's a lot of struggle and a lot of money problems in the world and war problems in the world, and mental health because of post-pandemic generation, and that is what paints new inspiration. So music, I think people are starting to remember, is for getting away from all that. So when you go to the playlist to find something, a lot of it doesn't inspire you to get creative, to get out of your funk, all that stuff. And sometimes you just wanna do it all for the nookie, you know what I'm saying? Gimme something to break. Put that fucking finger up your ass. That kind of whole time of music in the early 2000s was a spectrum of power and excess. I think fans and everybody, we all miss that. So, we definitely are trying to bring that back to this new music."

Elias added: "I think people are gonna hear our new record and they're gonna have fun. I really feel like they're gonna have fun again, in the way that we intend it to be, I feel, which is empowering, which is retrospective, which is painted with a little bit of self-awareness, a little self-growth and then some initiative and drive and motivation peppered throughout."

NONPOINT is:

Elias Soriano (Lead Vocals)
Robb Rivera (Drums)
Rasheed Thomas (Guitar, Backing Vocals)
Adam Woloszyn (Bass)
Jason Zeilstra (Lead Guitar)