CRO-MAGS founder Harley Flanagan has filed a lawsuit against his former bandmate John Joseph McGowan for allegedly ripping off the group's name.

According to the New York Post, the federal trademark infringement lawsuit, filed on Monday by Savoia NYC Inc., which is owned by Flanagan, claims that McGowan used the name "Cro-Mags Jam" in violation of a 2019 settlement agreement giving Flanagan the rights to the CRO-MAGS name.

The suit alleges McGowan used "Cro-Mags Jam" to promote an April 23 benefit concert in the East Village's Tompkins Square Park, causing confusion about who was actually performing, according to the filing.

"The impermissible phrase Cro-Mags JAM suggests that Mr. Flanagan, the original member of CRO-MAGS, would be conducting a jam session with other musicians—which is obviously not the case," the suit states.

"This clearly constitutes unfair competition, trademark infringement, and a material breach of the Settlement Agreement, as it is an impermissible use of Plaintiff's CROMAGS Mark," the filing adds.

Earlier today, Flanagan shared a screenshot of the New York Post article and he included the following message: "When you have fought for something that is yours as hard as I have and spent the kind of money that I have you have to protect what you own you can't just walk away from it when people decide to violate the terms. I have no problem fighting for what's mine anybody who knows me knows that. I'm not afraid to do what's right and I'm not afraid of anyone. So until you've had to fight for something that is yours as hard as I have you should shut the fuck up. And the New York post in particular has always taken every opportunity they can to shit on me and twist the truth. I wonder if it's because the NY posts editor used to have a crush on my wife. Sorry buddy fuck you and your rag of a paper".

Flanagan is seeking a permanent injunction to stop McGowan from using the trademark in any form.

In April 2019, McGowan and Mackie Jayson reached an agreement with Flanagan over the rights to the CRO-MAGS name. At the time, it was announced that going forward, McGowan and Jayson would perform as CRO-MAGS JM while Flanagan would get to use the CRO-MAGS name for his own version of the band.

In 2018, Flanagan, who founded the CRO-MAGS at the age of 14 and toured with the band for some 20 years, sued members of the group for allegedly using the CRO-MAGS name without his permission.

Claiming that CRO-MAGS was his idea when he formed it back in 1981, Flanagan filed a lawsuit against the then-most recent lineup of the group — including McGowan — in part for copyright infringement, saying he trademarked the "Cro-Mag" name for recording in 2010 and for merchandise in 2009 and then again in 2017.

According to the New York Post, Harley claimed in the lawsuit that the other members of the CRO-MAGS took over the band around 2002 when "Flanagan's first son was about to be born… and Flanagan had to stop touring to help with the baby."

In July 2012, Flanagan was arrested in New York City on charges of attacking several members of the CRO-MAGS during the CBGB Festival. Flanagan, who had been a panelist at one of the event's seminars, allegedly attempted to attend the concert of his former band.

At the time, McGowan told the New York Post he and Flanagan started the band together in the early '80s, but Flanagan continually took all the credit for himself. McGowan claimed the situation got so bad, Flanagan pocketed every cent from their 1986 tour. "That caused me to lose my apartment and be homeless in 1987," John said. "I lived hand to mouth."

In a separate interview with The New York Times, McGowan said that Flanagan "has been a negative thorn in the side of this band forever."

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SACRED REICH frontman Phil Rind has once again reflected on the passing of his former bandmate Jason Rainey, saying he and Jason "never really got a chance to resolve" their differences before the guitarist's death.

Rainey died in March 2020 of a heart attack. His death came more than a year after he was fired by SACRED REICH just as the band was beginning to record its comeback album, "Awakening".

Rind discussed Rainey's exit from SACRED REICH and how he dealt with the guitarist's eventual death during a brand new appearance on "The Jasta Show", the video podcast hosted by HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta. He said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Jason had a lot of issues going on, a lot of health issues, and going up to the last record, it was obvious to everyone that he wasn't gonna be able to do it. But we had to go all the way to the end. I said, 'We have to go all the way, because we don't wanna leave a 'what if'.' Did we not go far enough? Did we not try hard enough? Did we not do everything that we could to try to make it work? So we did. But when it didn't work out, he was really upset — like, really, really, really upset. And I was probably the closest person to him in the whole world. And every year on my birthday, even if he didn't have a nickel, he would find a way to get me something — if it was a little BEATLES picture; whatever it was. So it really hurt him to not be in the band. That was his whole identity; it was the one really positive thing he had in his life. And we would have some very heated discussions about the way things went. And I said, 'Look, I was there from day one. You can tell anybody else whatever story you like to tell folks, but I was there the whole way.' And I wish he wasn't so upset, because I still loved him and I was still his pal and I was still there to help him, whether he was in the band or not in the band. But it was really difficult for him. So that was bad terms — it was bad; it was hurtful. And then he died. So we never really got a chance to resolve any of it. So how do you deal with that?

"With Jason, I knew he had a lot of health issues," Phil continued. "We didn't expect him to have a heart attack and die. But what can we do? We just have to accept things as they are.

"When somebody close to you passes away, you can make up the story, 'Oh, I never got to say goodbye. I never did this. I never did that.' Well, it's too late. This is not helping; there's no benefit to any of this stuff."

Rainey was replaced by Joey Radziwill, who made his recording debut with SACRED REICH on "Awakening". Released in August 2019 via Metal Blade Records, the band's first LP in 23 years marked SACRED REICH's first release since the return of drummer Dave McClain.

Rainey's wife, Renee Novak, told the Arizona Republic in 2020 that her husband was "a very gentle human being with a good soul who didn't like confrontation or any kind of conflict. He would go way out of his way for friends, and his friends would go way out of their way for him."

Novak said the split with SACRED REICH was hard on Rainey. "But honestly," she said, "he couldn't fulfill the requirements of a tour and all the things that go along with putting out a new album because of his health."

Formed in 1986, SACRED REICH was part of the second wave of thrash, along with TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL, DESTRUCTION and DARK ANGEL. Over the years, SACRED REICH had produced a catalog of politically charged aggressive songs that have stood the test of time.

SACRED REICH broke up in 2000 and remained inactive until 2006 when they received offers to play European festivals.

M-Theory Audio will reissue Harsh Realities from Pacific Northwest thrashers, Bitter End. The Seattle group's 1990 release - produced by Randy Burns (Megadeth, Kreator, Death, Nuclear Assault) and featuring cover artwork by Jim Warren (Loudness, Lizzy Borden, Heir Apparent) - garnered critical acclaim and a cult following for a thrash metal assault that bludgeoned ears with musical precision that appealed to fans of acts such as Megadeth, Forbidden, and Testament.





Originally released by Metal Blade Records, Harsh Realities is set to be reissued on August 12 by M-Theory Audio with a new interior 4-panel layout featuring lyrics, extra flyers and photos and new liner notes from guitarist/vocalist Matt Fox on limited-edition (300 copies) radiation green with orange haze colored-vinyl. Pre-orders for the upcoming reissue are available now, here.




“What a thrill to see Harsh Realties re-released in 2022, and for vinyl to be the format that brings Bitter End to a new generation!” exclaims guitarist Russ Stefanovich.


“I am really excited to see Harsh Realities reissued,” adds bassist Chris Fox. “It was originally released when metal was phasing out, having become a parody of itself with the hair bands, the excess, and the rise of grunge. Nice to see that chops and passion never really go out of style.”





The roots of Bitter End date back to the early 1980's Southern California upbringing of then-teenage brothers Matt (guitars) and Chris Fox (bass), who began jamming together after being inspired by then-local acts such as Slayer and Armored Saint, and then-burgeoning Bay Area acts of the time such as Metallica and Exodus that would travel south for live performances. The brothers would relocate to suburban Seattle in 1983, and would join forces with drummer Harry Dearinger and later, guitarist Russ Stefanovich, to form the classic lineup of Bitter End with Matt taking on lead vocal duties. The group were mainstays of the late 1980's pre-grunge Seattle heavy metal scene that also gave rise to fellow Pacific Northwest thrashers of the era such as Forced Entry and Panic.


After the success of their demo tape, Meet Your Maker, an underground favorite amongst fanzines, college radio stations and tape traders Bitter End signed with Metal Blade Records and released Harsh Realities, their lone full-length record, in 1990. The album received strong reviews at the time from Metal Forces and Kerrang!, and the music video for the title track received airplay on MTV's Headbanger's Ball. The band cultivated their live presence with prolific shows in their hometown scene alongside future giants such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains, and toured alongside fellow thrash greats such as Sacred Reich and DRI. The group began tracking their follow-up record at Robert Lang Studios in Seattle with Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney) handling mixing duties, however the shifting tides of the music industry and creative differences resulted in the dissolution of Bitter End in 1992 before their next album could be completed.


The members of Bitter End continued to pursue further musical endeavors in the years that followed. Matt Fox would go on to play a part of a re-formed lineup of 1980's thrashers Holy Terror and punk rockers Zero Down. Chris Fox has performed in a number of acts, and most notably handled bass duties on Geoff Tate's 2002 debut self-titled solo record. Russ Stefanovich has performed in the years since with Seattle heavy metal acts Midnight Idöls and Demon Dogs, while drummer Harry Dearinger has continued to be a consistent presence within the Seattle heavy metal scene.  The remains of the proposed second Bitter End album were eventually released in 2011 by Metal on Metal Records as part of the “Have A Nice Death!” compilation - which will also be reissued later by M-Theory Audio - and include the esteemed “Meet Your Maker” demo.


More information on M-Theory Audio's upcoming reissue of Bitter End's Harsh Realities will be revealed in the weeks to come.


Bitter End is:


Matt Fox - guitars/vocals
Chris Fox - bass
Russ Stefanovich - guitars
Harry Dearinger - drums

Back in April, Scorpions members Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs were on hand at Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas, NV. They performed some of the band's songs with the campers, and video can be viewed below. Jeff Scott Soto joined them for "Big City Nights".













Scorpions will return to North America on the Rock Believer World Tour with special guests Whitesnake on their Farewell Tour. The two-month long run of dates kicks off on August 14 in Toronto with additional concerts in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas and Denver, amongst others. In addition to Whitesnake, Swedish band Thundermother will be joining the tour. Get tickets here.


“After the amazing start we’ve had with our residency in Las Vegas, it‘s about time to come back for a real tour to rock the US like a hurricane again.  We can‘t wait to see all you Rock Believers out there!” - Klaus Meine


“Once again it's time to feel the sting of the Scorpions & the bite of the Whitesnake!!! Can’t wait!!!” - David Coverdale





Tour dates:


August
21 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage
24 - Quebec City, QC - Centre Videotron
27 - Montreal, QC - Bell Center
30 - Detroit, MI - Pine Knob Music Theatre


September
1 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena
5 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Casino **
7 - Belmont Park, NY - UBS Arena
9 - Mashantucket, CT - Foxwoods Casino **
12 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live
14 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena
17 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
19 - El Paso, TX - Don Haskins Center
21 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Arena
24 - San Antonio, TX - Freeman Coliseum
27 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
29 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena


October
1 - San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena
4 - Los Angeles, CA - The Forum
7 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Cente
9 - Portland, OR - Moda Center
13 - Spokane, WA - Spokane Arena
15 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome
18 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Coliseum
21 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay


** Scorpions only

A rare "mistake" by KISS drummer Eric Singer during the band's concert in Antwerp, Belgium on Monday has revealed what some fans are saying is proof that KISS is using pre-recorded tracks during its performances.

Several KISS fans who attended the group's June 6 show at Sportpaleis have shared video of KISS kicking off the set with "Detroit Rock City", the classic song that has consistently served as the live opener for the band's live performances in recent years. At the end of the track, Singer, who has played with KISS on and off since 1991, apparently "forgets to rest for a measure," according to YouTube commenter Austin Ogonoski, "instead continuing to play the standard beat for two additional measures. " After "Eric realizes he messes up," he "begins the drumroll/breakdown a measure late," which "means Paul's [Stanley] vocal track is out of sync with what the band is actually playing," Austin explained. "Paul's track plays 'Everybody's gonna leave their SEAT,' completely out of sync with the song and when nobody is at a mic."

Another YouTube user, Jochem Blaauw, who shared video of the "Detroit Rock City" performance shot from a different angle, simply wrote in the clip's description: "Show opening of the Antwerpen show 2022. Eric's rare mistake at 5:05 makes even more interesting." He also commented on another video of the same song, writing: "Great quality. Curious about Eric's rare mistake at 5:09 and Paul's 'singing' right after..."

Some of the other attendees apparently didn't notice the mishap, with Lieven Ostijn writing on Facebook: "The show got kicked into motion with classic show opener, Detroit Rock City... and with numerous loud blasts of pyrotechnics…. Paul Stanley was in remarkably good voice, and also proofed to still be one of the best frontmen in the world."

Ever since KISS's "End Of The Road" trek launched in late January 2019, there has been persistent online chatter about Paul allegedly singing to a backing tape. The speculation stemmed from the fact that Stanley had been struggling to hit the high notes in many of the band's classic songs for a number of years.

Three years ago, former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach defended KISS against claims that the band is using pre-recorded tracks during its farewell tour, saying that Stanley sang "his ass off LIVE" during a concert in California. "I have seen way more obvious use of backing tracks than with KISS," Sebastian wrote on Twitter.

FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho also defended Stanley's vocal performance on "End Of The Road" tour, saying that the "Star Child" "has nothing to prove to anybody." Jericho explained: "He's one of the greatest rock and roll singers of all time. I think that's something that anybody would say. I would much rather have him use the technology that's available to not sound like he's hurting himself, which then makes me not enjoy the show as much."

Bach's comments came just hours after MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx called out another band for using taped vocals during its live performances after it previously derided other groups for doing the same thing.

Sixx wrote on Twitter: "Certain band out on the road right now putting other bands DOWN and saying that they are a REAL rock band, no background singers,and other old people cranky comments except his lead vocals are on tape.People in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. #GetOffMyLawn #WizardOfOz"

Most fans assumed that Sixx was referring to KISS, especially since Gene Simmons has previously slammed bands who used backing tapes for not being honest enough to include that fact on their concert tickets.

After KISS played on NBC's "America's Got Talent" in September 2018, Stanley was asked by Rolling Stone if that was actually a live performance or if he and his bandmates tracked it earlier. "What you tend to do is record it live and that way you know that everything is as it should be," he responded. "It's not like going into the studio or anything like that. It's…with all its imperfections, it's live."

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

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

Back in 2015, Simmons slammed bands who used backing tapes, saying: "I have a problem when you charge $100 to see a live show and the artist uses backing tracks. It's like the ingredients in food. If the first ingredient on the label is sugar, that's at least honest. It should be on every ticket — you're paying $100, 30 to 50 percent of the show is [on] backing tracks and they'll sing sometimes, sometimes they'll lip sync. At least be honest. It's not about backing tracks, it's about dishonesty.

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



Kiss «Detroit Rock City» live @ the Sportpaleis in Antwerp, Belgium on June 6th 2022. Here’s the opening of Kiss farewell show as I taped it.

Posted by Mitch ZoSo Duterck on Tuesday, June 7, 2022



KISS - Antwerp – 06.06.22 –
INTRO + "Detroit, Rock City" -

Posted by Jean-Patrick Bourdon on Monday, June 6, 2022

"People, you are AWESOME!"
Paul Stanley cheering the crowd on. And it were great words to hear, after 2 miserable years….

Posted by Lieven Ostijn on Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Yesterday 6th of June, the American rock band #Kiss was stopping at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp on their "End Of The Road...

Posted by Etienne Tordoir on Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Dead Creek, featuring Job Bos (Satyricon) and Norman Lonhard (ex-Triptykon), have released "Set Me Free", the band's debut single, and an accompanying video.





"'Set Me Free' was the second song I ever wrote for this band," says Bos. "It already started coming to life in late 2019 when Norman and I started jamming on that main riff, which felt so incredibly heavy. It's a very catchy song with a great groove, it feels very spacious and almost atmospheric at times but also like a brick to your head. ‘Set Me Free’ is still one of my favorite tracks on this record and I am f***ing proud of how it turned out!”




“One of the thrilling gifts of working with a musical force like Dead Eyed Creek is not only to creatively connect with their music, but also being given the opportunity to collaborate with fellow artists by helping them along the journey to share their message,” explains director Matt Mahurin [Metallica, Alice In Chains, U2]. “Such powerfully beautiful songs. I love the contrast between the heavy, brooding parts and the calmer passages.”


Actress Ruby Modine (“Shameless,” “Happy Death Day” stars in the video.





In the fall of 2019, guitarist and band founder Job Bos (Satyricon, Dark Fortress, The Ruins Of Beverast), approached longtime friend and drummer Norman Lonhard (ex-Triptykon) with the idea of creating music together. “I’ve been working with music for over half of my life. This time I felt the need to go far back to my roots, play the kind of music I grew up with. I never really played guitar but I had all these ideas in my head, so the only way to realize these ideas was to actually pick up a guitar and start. It was such a natural and rewarding process and it turned out pretty damn good!” Job Bos explains.


Dead Eyed Creek’s sound has it all - from heavy riffs and monstrous grooves to tragic and beautiful ballads and everything in between. With their music, they expand upon the greatness of ‘90s rock, but most of all continue the sound from that era that so many have fallen in love with.


Now Dead Eyed Creek are gearing up to release their debut album. The international four piece already recorded eleven songs with German producer Michael Zech at Q7 studios in Munich and crafted something wonderfully iconoclastic. To top it off, the acclaimed American music video director Matt Mahurin, who has worked with bands such as Metallica, U2, Alice In Chains and many more, teamed up with Dead Eyed Creek to help them craft their first music videos.





Lineup:


Job Bos - guitars
Einar Vilberg - vocals
Max Blok - bass
Norman Lonhard - drums


(Photo - Anne Catherine Swallow)

Legendary rock band DEF LEPPARD played a special invitation-only concert in Los Angeles at the Whisky A Go Go for SiriusXM listeners. The intimate performance, part of SiriusXM's Small Stage Series, took place on May 26 in celebration of DEF LEPPARD's new album "Diamond Star Halos" which was released the following day (May 27). Professionally filmed video of the "Pour Some Sugar On Me" performance from the Whisky show can be seen below.

Prior to DEF LEPPARD's upcoming "The Stadium Tour" with MÖTLEY CRÜE, POISON and Joan Jett, this was the first time fans could see the band perform new songs live from its latest album live in addition to the stadium anthem hits that cemented DEF LEPPARD as rock icons.

The setlist was as follows:

01. Take What You Want
02. Animal
03. Foolin'
04. Armageddon It
05. Kick (live premiere)
06. Love Bites
07. Excitable
08. Rocket
09. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
10. Switch 625
11. Hysteria
12. Pour Some Sugar On Me

Encore:

13. Rock Of Ages
14. Photograph

The performance is being broadcast throughout June on Classic Rewind (ch. 25) and '80s On 8.

Def Leppard Radio launched on May 27 and will run through Saturday, June 25 on the SiriusXM app.

Featuring a slew of guest hosts, Def Leppard Radio delves into the band’s 40-year music career, providing insight behind both their greatest hits and their new album. Def Leppard Radio also spotlights other artists performing on their stadium tour like MÖTLEY CRÜE, POISON and Joan Jett, as well as artists who influenced DEF LEPPARD, including David Bowie, QUEEN, T.REX, MOTT THE HOOPLE and more.

SiriusXM's Small Stage Series features performances with premier artists spanning music genres and styles, and comedy, and held in small iconic venues. SiriusXM launched its Small Stage Series in August 2021 and to date has announced performances by Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Brandi Carlile, COLDPLAY, Dave Matthews, Ed Sheeran, GLASS ANIMALS, THE GO-GO'S, H.E.R., J Balvin, J. Cole, Jason Aldean, John Mayer, John Mulaney, Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney, Michael Che, Nathaniel Rateliff & THE NIGHT SWEATS, OLD DOMINION, Shaggy and TWENTY ONE PILOTS.

SiriusXM is available to subscribers nationwide on SiriusXM radios, the SXM App, and with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or however they stream at home. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM's trials and most popular plans.

HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD will release its eighth studio album, "Hotel Kalifornia", on August 12 via Dove & Grenade Media/BMG. According to a press release, the LP represents "a juxtaposition between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots', highlighting the ongoing homelessness and cost of living crisis that is affecting the band's home state of California." The record features recent singles "Wild In These Streets" and "CHAOS", as well as new release "City Of The Dead".

Not long after the turn of the century, a collective of friends congregated around a common vision bred in the gutters and back alleys of Hollywood, California. Under the influence of everything from gritty Nineties hip-hop to industrial metal (not to mention cheap booze),they climbed out of similar experiences in poverty and hardship and vaulted to the forefront of 21st century rock music on their own terms.

To this day, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD hinges on the bond of five individuals who relay such raw experiences into relatable anthems. However, the platinum-certified quintet — Johnny 3 Tears, J-Dog, Funny Man, Charlie Scene and Danny — tell their story like never before on "Hotel Kalifornia".

"We were in a world of shit," states Johnny 3 Tears. "The opportunities for failure were far more prevalent than the opportunities for success. We were hanging out with gangbangers and drug dealers. The chances of overcoming were very slim. We made something special together because of the heartbreak and heartache that came from all our experiences."

"'Hotel Kalifornia' brings me back to a time when all that mattered was music," adds J-Dog. "The only thing I gave a shit about was going to shows. That was it."

Throughout 2021, the boys recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles with producers Erik Ron (PANIC! AT THE DISCO, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE),Andrew Migliore (SUECO, PAPA ROACH) and Drew Fulk (Lil Wayne, Lil Peep). Working face to face, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD rekindled the unbridled intensity of their formative material, yet with refinement only possible through years of grinding on the road.

"When you listen to 'Hotel Kalifornia', I hope you see how far we've come," Johnny 3 Tears leaves off. "J-Dog and Charlie Scene are completely different songwriters than they were 15 years ago. I'm so impressed by everyone in the band. The only thing we give a fuck about is the audience and trying to get better on each record."

"After all of these years, people on the outside really have a hard time believing we're still best friends," J-Dog adds. "We've stayed this close even with all of the shit we've been through. Usually bands break up friendships, but we're best friends — and we always will be."

"Hotel Kalifornia" track listing:

01. CHAOS
02. World War Me
03. Ruin My Life
04. Hourglass
05. Go To War
06. Alone At The Top
07. Wild In These Streets
08. Dangerous
09. Lion Eyes
10. Trap God
11. Happy When I Die
12. Reclaim
13. City Of The Dead
14. Alright

In addition to the new album, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD recently announced the "Rockzilla" U.S. tour with PAPA ROACH, FALLING IN REVERSE and BAD WOLVES.

GUNS N' ROSES played a cover version of the AC/DC classic "Back In Black" during its headlining concert Tuesday night (June 7) at Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville, Spain. Fan-filmed video of the performance can be seen below.

GN'R's version of "Back In Black" came three days after the Axl Rose-fronted out played a cover of AC/DC's "Walk All Over You" in Oeiras, Lisbon, Portugal.

Six years ago, Rose did a string of European and North American concerts with AC/DC as a "guest vocalist," mostly to fan and critical acclaim.

In March 2016, AC/DC's singer of 35 years, Brian Johnson, had to leave the band's North American tour after doctors told him he might lose his hearing, while 40-year bassist Cliff Williams announced his retirement at the rescheduled trek's conclusion.

The lineup that completed the tour consisted of Rose, Williams, Angus Young, Chris Slade on drums and Angus's nephew Stevie Young on guitar.

AC/DC's North American tour with Rose ended in Philadelphia in September 2016, and despite initial fan trepidation, Axl got generally good reviews for his performances. Angus said at the time: "I mean, under the situation that we had, it was very good that he volunteered and said, 'Hey, if I can help, let me try.' So he's been very good. And he had to learn a lot of songs very quickly, and he's done a great job."

Duff McKagan, who is one-third of the reunited partial classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES, got a chance to watch Rose and AC/DC play in June 2016 in London, England and in September 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Duff spoke about Axl's collaboration with AC/DC during a 2019 appearance on "The Church Of What's Happening Now" podcast. He said: "The way [Axl] did that was amazing. He was, like, 'If you guys don't mind, I'm gonna go try out. They need a hand here.' [Late AC/DC frontman] Bon Scott's his all-time [hero]. [We said], 'Dude, you know you don't really have to try out for AC/DC.' But he was really nervous. 'I'm gonna go try out. It fits in with our touring perfect.' And [GUNS N' ROSES guitarist] Slash and I were, like, 'You've got the gig.' But he went to Atlanta and tried out, quote-unquote, and got the gig. I saw him twice on that tour. I flew to London to see him, and I flew to Cleveland to see that. It was great."

McKagan added: "I think what it did for [Axl]… We got to know Angus through that. Angus has now come out and played with us a bunch of times. That was that thing when he was 14 or 15, 'Man, one day, if I ever got to be in AC/DC…' He was singing with a broom, and he finally got to do it. Amazing."

This past January, Slash told Classic Rock magazine about Axl's pairing with AC/DC: "I came out to a gig in London, and it was phenomenal. I was blown away, especially when he sang the Bon Scott stuff. That was a very proud moment, actually."

Asked by Classic Rock writer Paul Elliott if it felt weird seeing Rose fronting another band so soon after GN'R launched its reunion tour, the guitarist said: "Not at all. It was AC/DC, man.

"The fact that he got asked to do that was very cool," Slash continued. "And he worked his ass off doing it, too. He really adhered to the whole AC/DC regimen and pulled it off.

"In the moment, when it first came up, it was a little jarring, I have to say," the guitarist admitted. "I was super-proud that he was doing it, but how that was gonna happen and go right into the GUNS thing, I really didn't know. But anyway, it worked out. So it wasn't like a big deal.

"In all these years that we've been apart, he's become super-fucking professional. And he's never missed a beat during this whole time. So it's been great. There has been a sort of synergy that's been happening this last six years that we never had in our first incarnation."

Back in February 2017, GUNS N' ROSES was joined by Angus on stage for a pair of AC/DC songs — "Whole Lotta Rosie" and "Riff Raff" — toward the end of GN'R's main set at two concerts at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.

AC/DC reunited with Johnson and Williams in 2018 to record its long-awaited comeback album, "Power Up", which was released in November 2020.

The Dead Daisies, currently on tour in Europe, have shared the new video below, stating: "The first three shows of the tour with Foreigner have been a blast!🚀🚀 Check out the goings-on..!"🤘🤘





The Dead Daisies recently released the meta cinematic video for "Radiance". Watch below, and listen to the single here.







Says the band: "Today sees the release of our much anticipated Meta Cinematic for the new single ‘Radiance‘.


Entering into a new world which we call the Metaverse, the band have transformed into The Meta Daisies where they become an eternal burning flame of youth and hero like with their Guardian Daisy always looking out for them and guiding them through this wonderful new world. Daisy moves through metaverses, searching through futuristic cities, enchanted forests and to the depths of Hell, discovering mystical energy sources that will change this new world forever.


Set to the soundtrack of ‘Radiance’, the brand new song from The Dead Daisies, this brand new cinematic view of a parallel universe will have plenty for you to discover time and time again as you watch Daisy finding and unlocking secrets on her quest to protect the band.


You can view the entire dramatic story of Daisy moving through different Metaverses online now, here.





"Radiance" is the first single from The Dead Daisies' upcoming new album, set for release in August.  The band have been writing and recording over the last couple of months in Los Angeles with esteemed producer Ben Grosse at the Mix Room studios.


Tour dates:


June
8 - Zitadelle Spandau - Berlin, Germany (with Foreigner)
10 - Freilichtbühne Peißnitzinsel - Halle (Saale), Germany (with Foreigner)
11 - Muziekcentrum De Bosuil - Weert, Netherlands
13 - Matrix - Bochum, Germany
14 - Hirsch - Nuremberg, Germany
16 - Schlossgarten / Schloss - Bruchsal, Germany (with Foreigner)
18 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
19 - Graspop Festival - Dessel, Belgium
22 - Rockhal - Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg (with Judas Priest)
23 - Garage - Saarbrucken, Germany
25 - God Save The Kouign Fest - Penmarch, France
27 - Zenith - Munich, Germany (with Judas Priest)
29 - Conrad Sohm - Dornbirn, Austria
30 - Komma - Woergl, Austria


July
2 - Fabrique - Milan, Italy
3 - Castello Di San Giusto - Trieste, Italy
6 - SRC Tasmajdan - Belgrade, Serbia (with Whitesnake)
8 - Masters Of Rock - Vizovice, Czech Republic
9 - Hype Park - Krakow, Poland
11 - Budapest Arena - Budapest, Hungary, (with Judas Priest)
12 - Dvorana Stozice - Ljubljana, Slovenia (with Judas Priest)
15 - Faliro Olympic Indoor Hall - Athens, Greece (with Judas Priest)
17 - Midalidare Rock - Mogilovo, Bulgaria (with Judas Priest)
18 - Arenele Romane - Bucharest, Romania (with Judas Priest)
19 - Skenderija - Sarajevo, Bosnia (with Whitesnake)
26 - Theatre Antique - Vienne, France (with Judas Priest)
27 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
28 - Substage - Karlsruhe, Germany
30 - Freilichtbuhne Peißnitzinsel - Halle (Saale), Germany (with Judas Priest)
31 - Rudolf Weber Arena - Oberhausen, Germany (with Judas Priest)


August
2 - Brose Arena - Bamberg, Germany (with Judas Priest)
5 - Time To Rock Festival - Knislinge, Sweden

California deathcore act SUICIDE SILENCE has set "Remember… You Must Die" as the title of its next studio album, due in early 2023 via Century Media. The LP, which was produced and mixed by Taylor Young at The Pit Recording Studio, will be the band's fourth full-length effort with vocalist Hernan "Eddie" Hermida (ex-ALL SHALL PERISH),who joined SUICIDE SILENCE following the passing of frontman Mitch Lucker.

SUICIDE SILENCE said in a statement: "It's safe to assume that [our new album] will CRUSH your expectations. We'll have more info and music very soon."

Last month, SUICIDE SILENCE released a new song, "Thinking In Tongues". An accompanying music video was directed by Vicente Cordero for Industrialism Films.

SUICIDE SILENCE stated about the track: "This song derives from the chaotic feeling of losing one's mind. Feeling like you're choking on every breath you take until you eventually break. Debilitating confusion sets in and your mind begins 'Thinking In Tongues', essentially processing thoughts that not even you yourself can understand. In a sense, this song evokes the ultimate sense of helplessness."

"Thinking In Tongues" marked SUICIDE SILENCE's final recording with longtime drummer Alex Lopez who exited the band in April. Ernie Iniguez, who recorded drums on SUICIDE SILENCE's "Become The Hunter" album, drummed for the group on the just-completed "Chaos & Carnage" tour and will also sit behind the kit on the upcoming European festival run.

In a statement, Alex said: "So I'll make this as short as possible. SUICIDE SILENCE and myself have parted ways. I'll always love them and their families and everything we accomplished together during my time. I wish SS the best. With that said, I'm excited to continue making music and art, and plan to be involved with any projects I find fulfilling. I'd be truly grateful if you continued to follow and support what I do next, It's not over for me by a long shot. Love and thank you to all my fans, friends and supporters, the next chapter begins".

Lopez joined SUICIDE SILENCE in 2006 as the replacement for the band's original drummer Josh Goddard. He has appeared on all six of SUICIDE SILENCE's studio albums, including the group's latest, the aforementioned "Become The Hunter" being the most recent.

SUICIDE SILENCE's debut album, 2007's "The Cleansing", will receive an expanded 15th-anniversary re-release on June 24. "The Cleansing (Ultimate Edition)" will include liner notes by the band as well as extensive bonus material.

With nearly two decades of non-stop touring around the globe, hundreds of thousands of records sold, and cementing themselves as a linchpin band in modern extreme metal, the Riverside, California quintet recently returned to Century Media, the label that released the highly acclaimed albums "The Cleansing", "No Time To Bleed" (2009) and "The Black Crown" (2011).

"Become The Hunter" was released via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

Photo by John Travis

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LIVING WRECKAGE — the new modern metal band comprised of vocalist Jeff Gard (DEATH RAY VISION), guitarists Jon Donais (ANTHRAX, SHADOWS FALL) and Matt LeBreton (DOWNPOUR), bassist Matt Bachand (SHADOWS FALL, ACT OF DEFIANCE) and drummer Jon Morency (LET US PREY) — has released a music video for the brand new single "Endless War". The track is taken from LIVING WRECKAGE's upcoming, self-titled debut album, due on September 23 via M-Theory Audio on CD, limited-edition colored vinyl and digital. Produced and engineered by Shane Frisby (UNEARTH, BURY YOUR DEAD),and mixed by Pete Rutcho (REVOCATION, FALLING IN REVERSE),the LP is anticipated by fans curious to hear more music, as evidenced by how quickly LIVING WRECKAGE's three-song EP, which was available solely at the group's shows and via mail-order, sold out.

"With 'Endless War', we wanted to do a straight-forward thrasher," explains Bachand. "This song shows the more aggressive side of what we do as opposed to the previous releases of 'One Foot In The Grave' and 'Breaking Point', which showcase a more melodic side to the band. As our influences are so varied, there is a little something for everyone on the upcoming full-length album."

LIVING WRECKAGE will take part in Bike Week with a couple shows: June 15 and June 17 at Tower Hill Tavern in Laconia, New Hampshire.

In a 2021 interview with the "2020'd" podcast, Donais was asked how we landed the gig with ANTHRAX after previously spending almost two decades with SHADOWS FALL. He said: "SHADOWS FALL, a couple of the guys were having kids or about to have kids and got married, and they just didn't wanna be on the road anymore. And we weren't making enough where you could have that kind of stuff; you had to be on the road all the time. You can't be selfish anymore once you have a wife and kids. You can't [go], 'Well, I might make this much money, or I might not. But I'm gonna go have fun.' It came to the point where they had to choose that path. And then ANTHRAX lost their guitarist, and they asked me to fill in — just to fill in. And I was, like, 'Absolutely,' 'cause I kind of saw the writing on the wall with SHADOWS FALL."

According to Donais, his predecessor in ANTHRAX, Rob Caggiano, hooked him up with his current gig. "'Cause he knew he was gonna leave, and he wanted to make sure that they were all set," Jon said. "He wanted to make sure that they were covered and didn't wanna leave 'em hanging. And he knew we knew each other, and he asked me if I'd be interested, and I was, like, 'Yeah. A hundred percent.' And then I didn't hear anything for a little bit, and I didn't know what was going on.' Then, maybe two or three weeks later, [ANTHRAX guitarist] Scott Ian called, and he goes, 'I heard you know what's going on.' I go, 'Yeah.' He goes, 'Can you do it?' I go, 'Fucking absolutely.'"

Donais made his live debut with ANTHRAX in Australia without a single rehearsal with the band. "I jammed with Scott a little bit, but it was, 'Here. Learn these songs and be ready,'" he recalled. "Oh. God. That first show — I was shaking."

Donais contributed lead guitar to ANTHRAX's latest album, "For All Kings", which came out in 2016 via Nuclear Blast in Europe and Megaforce in the U.S. At the time of the record's release, his ANTHRAX bandmates praised his playing, with bassist Frank Bello saying: "I think Jon has brought a great energy to the band. He stepped up and then some on this record." Ian added: "Jon's approach towards lead guitar playing, he's more of a guy who's looking to construct something that makes sense and helps a song rather than the 45 seconds for him to be showing off how many notes he can play in X amount of measures."

Former HANOI ROCKS frontman Michael Monroe has released the anthemic new single "Everybody's Nobody", taken from his upcoming album, "I Live Too Fast To Die Young", due on June 10 via Silver Lining Music.

Michael stated about the track: "It's a tongue-in-cheek tale about letting go of the 'good old days' and finding the things that make you happy here and now.

"A lot of artists in our position seem content to bask in the glow of nostalgia instead of striving to move forward. And since they never 'made it big', they'd rather claim that they never really wanted to.

"The title can also be about your own self-worth," added Monroe. "Everybody's at least been a nobody and that's already an achievement in itself."

The "Everybody's Nobody" single is accompanied by a high-octane, feel-good video showing Monroe and his band swaggering the streets like rock-punk poets, storytellers who've seen it all.

Regarding the musical direction of "I Live Too Fast To Die Young", Monroe said: "The punk is always gonna be there — it's part of my thing and our sound — and overall I think we've really renewed the band's sound in the best possible way without getting away from who and what we are."

He continued: "I always wanted to maintain the excitement and curiosity of life, to keep that mind of a child and excitement about stuff and not get complacent, not get tired. Of course, I can be cynical and I'm sarcastic, and I haven't had the best of luck, but then again who does? And I still have a lot of things to be happy about. It doesn't take much for me to be happy. To be able to do what I love doing the most, and make a living out of it, that's a gift."

Monroe, the gargantuan, gregarious, glamorous rock 'n' roll God who struts and fronts it with the same power and panache he first thrust our way leading HANOI ROCKS all those years ago, does not try to be a philosopher, but goddamn, he projects like one. Throughout "I Live Too Fast To Die Young", Monroe tells tales of glory and observed stories, some pretty, some shitty, but all through a lens of eventual optimism, hope and a sense of dirty, cheeky late-night fun. Monroe's lens has always been directed towards the upside, even after the greatest downs a man can suffer, and the sheer power of his positive energy infuses everything he comes into contact with.

The eleven lean, mean, raw power rock 'n' roll songs which make up "I Live Too Fast To Die Young" see Monroe swagger the streets like a rock-punk poet, a storyteller who's seen it all from the hellholes of Helsinki to the late-nights in London's St. Moritz with some trashy times in Tokyo to boot. Warm, funny, occasionally sad but ultimately upbeat, "I Live Too Fast To Die Young" brings the listener into the heart and soul of its creator.

The title track, "I Live Too Fast To Die Young", is quintessential Monroe, playing with words and concepts in a playfully irreverent way and wrapping it all up in some proper 'fuck you' rock 'n' roll. A close friend of Monroe's, Slash from GUNS N' ROSES, throws down some lead guitar on the track.

Recorded at Inkfish Studios in Helsinki, Finland between November and December 2021 and produced by the band with engineer Erno Laitinen, the album features Monroe on lead vocals and harmonica, Steve Conte (guitars and vocals),Rich Jones (guitar, vocals),Karl Rockfist (drums) and Sami Yaffa (bass/vocals/guitar).

With "I Live Too Fast To Die Young", it is clear Michael Monroe is striding into the summer with a triumphant — and perhaps most importantly, defiant — roar to offer you a chance to let your hair down (or up!) and to once again enjoy the freedom of joyous celebration and expression.

"We're entertaining, we all want people to have a good time, but you don't have to switch your brain off to dance and have a good time," concluded Monroe. "Fight boredom, fight normalcy, fight against what you're told, what you're supposed to do, be, or say. It's about letting yourself be yourself and no apologies, about having no regrets."

At a time when fun has been hard to feel, "I Live Too Fast To Die Young" is lean, mean, raw power rock 'n' roll music, with cracking cuts such as "Young Drunks & Old Alcoholics", "All Fighter" and the punky fun of "Murder The Summer Of Love" showing crisp electricity and melodies which wrap their shimmering selves around some razor-sharp riffs. There are also expansive, STONES-tinged saunters such as "Can't Stop Falling Apart" and "Everybody's Nobody", while the title track takes aim between your eyes off a driving back-beat with a defiant chorus dripping with Monroe's irrepressible attitude.

"This album has a great combination and balance of songs, and the collection tells a great overall story," says Monroe. "It has a lot of color and energy, and, of course, it is rock 'n' roll, but punk is also always going to be a part of who we are; that will never die."

"I Live Too Fast To Die Young" will be available on CD digipak, 12" red vinyl, signed limited-edition 12" vinyl with alternative artwork, digital download, streaming and special D2C bundles.

"I Live Too Fast To Die Young" track listing:

01. Murder The Summer Of Love
02. Young Drunks & Old Alcoholics
03. Derelict Palace
04. All Fighter
05. Everybody's Nobody
06. Antisocialite
07. Can't Stop Falling Apart
08. Pagan Prayer
09. No Guilt
10. I Live Too Fast To Die Young
11. Dearly Departed

Recording lineup:

Michael Monroe - lead vocals, harmonica
Steve Conte - guitars, vocals
Rich Jones - guitars, vocals
Karl Rockfist - drums
Sami Yaffa - bass, vocals, guitar

* Recorded and mixed by Erno "Error" Laitinen at Inkfish Studios, Helsinki, Finland
* Produced by Erno "Error" Laitinen, Michael Monroe, Rich Jones, Sammi Yafa, Steve Conte and Karl Rockfist
* Mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers

* Additional recording by Bobby Nieminen at Raymond's Barn
* Piano recorded at Sonic Pump Studios, recording assistant Tommi Saarinen
* Slash's guitars engineered by John Ewing

Additional musicians:

* Slash - guitar solo and additional guitars on "I Live Too Fast To Die Young"
* Lenni-Kalle Taipale - Piano on "Antisocialite" & "Can't Stop Falling Apart"
* Suvi Aalto and Astrid Nicole - Additional backing vocals on "Can't Stop Falling Apart" and "Murder The Summer Of Love"
* Neil Leyton - Additional backing vocals on "Everybody's Nobody", "Murder The Summer Of Love" and "All Fighter"

Taylor Hawkins's widow has made her first public comments since the passing of her husband.

The late FOO FIGHTERS drummer tragically died on March 25 while the band was on tour in Colombia, leaving behind Alison Hawkins and their three children.

Earlier today, Alison released the following statement via social media: "My deepest thanks and admiration go out to the global FOO FIGHTERS community and Taylor's fans far and wide for the outpouring of love each and every one of you have shown our beloved Taylor. Your kindness has been an invaluable comfort for my family and me during this time of unimaginable grief.

"As Taylor's wife, and on behalf of our children, I want to share how much you meant to him and how dedicated he was to 'knocking your socks off' during every performance. Taylor was honored to be a part of the FOO FIGHTERS and valued his dream role in the band every minute of his 25 years with them. We consider every band member and the extended FOO FIGHTERS team our family.

"Taylor's endearing spirit and deep love of music will live on forever through the collaborations he so enjoyed having with other musicians and the catalog of songs he contributed to and created.

"In celebration of his life, it is now up to all of us who loved him most to honor Taylor's legacy and the music he gave us.

"Thank you all again for your love and sympathy. Taylor loved all of you & we love you too.

"With gratitude, Alison Hawkins".

Taylor and Alison got married in 2005 and reportedly resided in Hidden Hills, California.

In 2019, Taylor referenced his wife in the TAYLOR HAWKINS & THE COATTAIL RIDERS song "I Really Blew It" from the album "Get The Money".

Speaking to the Sydney Herald at the time, Taylor said: "I married Alison Hawkins in 2005. We have three children.

"There's a song on 'Get The Money' called 'I Really Blew It', which is for those men who think they can win an argument with their missus.

"I only speak for myself, but the man will always lose because the woman has the power."

Taylor and Alison share three children together — Oliver, 16, Annabelle, 13 and Everleigh, 8.

Earlier today, FOO FIGHTERS members Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee announced that they will come together with the Hawkins family to celebrate the life, music and love of their husband, father, brother and bandmate with the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts.

The all-star rock and roll shows will take place September 3 at London's Wembley Stadium and September 27 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. The lineups for each concert will be announced shortly.

Hawkins was found dead at the Four Seasons Casa Medina hotel in Bogota.

An official cause of death for Hawkins hasn't yet been released. But on March 26, Colombia's attorney general's office released a preliminary toxicology report, saying that medical examiners found evidence of 10 types of substances in Hawkins's body, including opioids, benzodiazepines, marijuana and antidepressants.

Hawkins joined FOO FIGHTERS in 1997. Prior to that, he played with the Orange County band SYLVIA and was also in the backing band for Sass Jordan. He also toured with Alanis Morissette as her drummer.

Hawkins was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last year as a member of the FOO FIGHTERS.

Hawkins's most recent work with FOO FIGHTERS included last year's "Medicine At Midnight" album, a collection of BEE GEES covers and FOO FIGHTERS' horror film "Studio 666".
A Message from The Hawkins Family pic.twitter.com/mOOI9PXtJD

— Taylor Hawkins (@taylorhawkins) June 8, 2022

FOO FIGHTERS members Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee will come together with the Taylor Hawkins family to celebrate the life, music and love of their husband, father, brother and bandmate with the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts.

As one of the most respected and beloved figures in modern music, Taylor's monolithic talent and magnetic personality endeared him to millions of fans, peers, friends and fellow musical legends the world over. Millions mourned his untimely passing on March 25, with passionate and sincere tributes coming from fans as well as musicians Taylor idolized. The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts will unite several of those artists, the Hawkins family and, of course, his FOO FIGHTERS brothers in celebration of Taylor's memory and his legacy as a global rock icon — his bandmates and his inspirations playing the songs that he fell in love with, and the ones he brought to life.

The all-star rock and roll shows will take place September 3 at London's Wembley Stadium and September 27 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

The lineups for each show will be announced shortly. Sign up to receive information on timings, ticketing links and on-sale dates at FooFighters.com.

Hawkins was found dead at the Four Seasons Casa Medina hotel in Bogota.

An official cause of death for Hawkins hasn't yet been released. But on March 26, Colombia's attorney general's office released a preliminary toxicology report, saying that medical examiners found evidence of 10 types of substances in Hawkins's body, including opioids, benzodiazepines, marijuana and antidepressants.

Hawkins joined FOO FIGHTERS in 1997. Prior to that, he played with the Orange County band SYLVIA and was also in the backing band for Sass Jordan. He also toured with Alanis Morissette as her drummer.

Hawkins was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last year as a member of the FOO FIGHTERS.

Hawkins's most recent work with FOO FIGHTERS included last year's "Medicine At Midnight" album, a collection of BEE GEES covers and FOO FIGHTERS' horror film "Studio 666".