In a recent interview with Brazil's Todo Mundo Em Campo, former HELLOWEEN guitarist Roland Grapow spoke about the upcoming MASTERPLAN album, "Metalmorphosis", which is tentatively due in early 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "It's finished already. It was a long progress and process [making the record]. I think we started to make this album already five years ago, and — I don't know — it took so long. And the idea was for me to make a bit more direct, not so much progressive elements. Not too melodic. I mean, I love melodies. I love melodic stuff, but not so poppy, commercial. So that's why the new album [is] called metal 'Metalmorphosis'. So we went a bit back more to the harder direction of — maybe MASTERPLAN never had it. Who knows? But we still have the elements — we have the midtempo numbers, we have still progressive elements, but somehow I felt like this album is more direct. And that was my inspiration. And I didn't wanna make any compromise. Maybe next album's even more harder. You never know. Depends how the people will like it."

He continued: "It's a natural progress. Because you can't repeat yourself. I'm not that kind of guy — I don't like to repeat myself too much. If I would make the same album every time, I would feel, like, 'Nah.' That's not me. I like to be in a challenge situation. Not going too far left and right, but always a bit — see what you can do. And the lyrics are about more critical as well — not only happy and positive. But they're still positive because it's my, or our, mentality. But it's more critical here and there, to mention something what's going on in this crazy world."

This past October, Grapow told Argentina's El Cuartel Del Metal that he and his MASTERPLAN bandmates already filmed three music videos in support of the "Metalmorphosis" album.

Grapow also talked about the inspiration for the "Metalmorphosis" album title, explaining: "The reason for this name was a bit like my kind of thinking that we have a bit more metalish influences again, back to the roots, you can say. Still proggy elements, still MASTERPLAN elements. I would say not so many pop songs. So that's my taste. I don't know — maybe I'm wrong. But we still have a good combination of nice melodies on every song."

Grapow addressed MASTERPLAN's switch from longtime label AFM Records to Frontiers Music Srl, saying: "Basically, we were lucky with AFM very much in the beginning, because the owner — Andy Allendörfer was his name, [and he] died after the second album of MASTERPLAN — and he was a very, very big MASTERPLAN fan, so we felt the support a lot. And after he died, everything changed drastically. The company went totally in different hands. The location changed — they went to Hamburg from kind of South Germany — and we always heard, like, we were priority, but later I had the feeling we were just one of hundreds [of bands on the label]. And so I lost a bit interest. That's why we didn't release any new material. I was basically more working in the studio for other bands, for 14 years maybe. And that's why I'm now concentrated with Frontiers. [It's] some fresh wind. The guy who takes care about us from Frontiers is a big Roland Grapow fan, MASTERPLAN fan and also HELLOWEEN fan. So that means he knows what he is liking and doing. And so when he heard the new album, he said, 'Wow, that's a very powerful, strong album.' So he was really happy. So this is the kind of relationship I need — I need some attention and feelings from the record label, not being [just] like a business partner."

Earlier in October, Grapow was asked by the Honduras rock radio station Conexión if the goal with the new MASTERPLAN album was to stick with the band's classic sound or experiment a little bit. Roland said: "I think both. I'm always thinking about how we have the typical MASTERPLAN style. I mean, it's my style of playing guitar, arranging the songs. It doesn't matter who writes the songs; I'm always responsible for arranging it and say 'yes, it's good' or not. And in that case, I'm not so easy going, because I have a concept. We started it and I don't want to leave the concept too much left and right, but I like to make experiments and I think it's also the strength of MASTERPLAN. We always did little bit left and right. Also, also when you see 'Time To Be King' [2010], this album was more heavier, more open, more different — not too power metalish, but still great. I love this album. But this time we go back a little bit to a new experiment with meets power metal style of MASTERPLAN. We have some elements ala 'Kind Hearted Light'. We have prog elements; we always had prog elements. Like 'Soulburn', definitely, is kind of a bit proggy song, and we always had it in many, many songs. It's, like, on one song on each album, it was a prog element. Or a lower key, like 'Bleeding Eyes' — very low tuning, which I need a different guitar for it; I can't play it with normal tuning. And I'm always open for this. We have also a couple of songs left, which we don't use this time because I think we went too far, if we would use these two, three songs which are left. One, really, is a very happy song, which is not typical MASTERPLAN; it's more like a HELLOWEEN song, to be honest. Could [have been] written by Weiki [HELLOWEEN guitarist Michael Weikath]. And I said, 'Nah, not now. Next time.' But it's a beautiful song. I like it. And then we have one song, it's a ballad and it's very Irish-sounding. And I also thought, 'This is too much now.' So we have 10 songs now, and, yeah, I'm pretty happy. Every song is a bit different. I don't like to have 10 songs the same, like AC/DC or something — not to make them degrading and something. It's just a style, which I think it's a bit boring."

He added: "Everything I learned in HELLOWEEN, I still keep arranging in my part as a guitar player. MASTERPLAN is just more modern HELLOWEEN style, kind of, with a mix of my old heroes like RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, maybe even the bands which are not metal at all, like FOREIGNER, STYX, KANSAS, TOTO. I'm the biggest TOTO fan in the '80s. Steve Lukather was my idol. I have many, many solo elements I'm playing from him. I learned from him. You see, I'm just showing all my idols melted in one — it's like a melting pot. But I think the new album is pretty good."

Asked in a separate interview with Zona Franca who composed the music and lyrics for the upcoming MASTERPLAN album, Roland said: "The music is composed by Axel Mackenrott, the keyboard player, and myself. We have two guest writers, friends of mine. One is from Slovakia, one is from Sweden. So the lyrics, basically — of the 10 songs, I did the lyrics for nine songs, and Rick [Altzi, MASTERPLAN singer] had one [set of] lyrics written. And that's it. Yeah, it's more or less teamwork."

Earlier this year, Grapow told Jarkko Lunnas about the musical direction of the new MASTERPLAN material: "I think it's still sounding like MASTERPLAN. I mean, it's my guitars, my arrangements, my mixing, kind of. You have to develop somehow. You can't repeat yourself. And I think every band, once in a while, or every musician has a peak in his career, and I think it would be not possible, and I don't even know any musician who was mega famous and he went better and better with a higher age. I think it's not possible."

He continued: "I call it a bit more — for my taste — a bit more back to the roots. It's more metal. We have a couple of progressive elements always, but maybe one song I wrote is very progressive but very fast and double bass. But we have also some more rock songs or metal songs in a typical way. So I didn't want it to make it too bluesy or too progressive this time, but we still have every element inside. It's my style. I can't do just like AC/DC, one style. It's not possible for me. Or I could, but I would get so much bored. Then I think, 'Oh, no, I don't like to do that.' You need to make yourself happy in a way, and then hope that the people like it."

In 2017, MASTERPLAN released an album titled "PumpKings", containing reworked versions of HELLOWEEN songs from albums that Grapow played on during his time in the legendary German power metal band. Included are three songs from HELLOWEEN's "Pink Bupples Go Ape" (1991) LP, two from "Chameleon" (1993),three from "Master Of The Rings" (1994),one from "The Time Of The Oath" and two from "The Dark Ride" (2000).

MASTERPLAN's first-ever concert release came out in October 2015. "Keep Your Dream aLive" was made available as DVD/CD and Blu-ray/CD sets, both including the entire show from Masters Of Rock festival, recordings from Wacken Open Air, footage from the band's Asian tour and ProgPower USA, as well as all five official MASTERPLAN video clips. The Masters Of Rock show is featured on the CD.

MASTERPLAN's latest studio album of all original material, "Novum Initium", was released in June 2013 via AFM.

A new MASTERPLAN single, "Rise Again" was made available in early 2024 via AFM Records.

In a new interview with Italy's Wanted Record, HELLOWEEN vocalist Andi Deris once again spoke about how the German metallers have managed to pull off the seemingly impossible by uniting returning singer Michael Kiske and guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen with Deris, guitarists Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Grosskopf and drummer Daniel Löble. Regarding the inspiration for the "Pumpkins United" tour, which marked the first time Kiske had played live with HELLOWEEN since 1993, Deris said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I'm a huge fan of VAN HALEN, and I remember back in the days there was this reunion with David Lee RothandSammy Hagar, and they played one show in Las Vegas. But it was the one and only show because in the middle of the concert, they kicked their asses. I mean, seriously. Probably Diamond Dave had too much cocaine, and maybe Sammy Hagar was too much on vodka — I don't know — or tequila. But they really kicked their ass on stage in front of everybody. And my dream was destroyed, because I love 'em both; I love Diamond Dave, I love Sammy Hagar. Yeah, that, for me, would've been the greatest 'Pumpkins United'. But they didn't do it. And I remember back in the days when we had the first meetings with Kai and Michael Kiske, we talked about that too. That was a shock for everybody, because nearly all the guys in the band are VAN HALEN fans and everybody would have celebrated having both of the singers on stage. And that gave us, yeah, the focus, so to say, not to fuck it up, if possible, because I realized I was not the only guy completely disappointed. There were millions of people disappointed because VAN HALEN didn't go through with it; they couldn't do it. Idiots. [Laughs] But, yeah, that's life. But that was something to learn from. I mean, you cannot force it. If people don't like themselves, you should not put them on stage together. I think that's the moral of the story."

Asked if he and the other members of HELLOWEEN had a feeling, when they first came up with the idea of an expanded reunion, that it would turn out to be such a success, Andi said: "Honestly, we did not even realize it. After the first three or four concerts, it finally hit, like, that was not an exception. We played in front of, like, uh, four up to seven thousand people somewhere in South America, and we realized, 'Okay, that's great,' but it didn't kick in that this is now the future, that there will forever be at least five, if not fourteen thousand people in the concert hall. This was, like, wow, a big jump up, and it took us quite a while to realize that this is the new normal now. And then you are just grateful. I mean, I remember Michael Kiske and I, when the boys mainly had their own shit going on, with Kai's medley, for example, and we had, like, 14 minutes during Kai's medleys, and Michael and I just were standing side by side and looking into the crowd behind the curtain and looking at everything. Everything got so big, everything was so huge, and we just looked at each other and said, 'Wow. Can you believe it?' And we both were, like, 'Nah. Unbelievable.' So we did not take it for granted. We really were, like, 'wow', in awe. And something happens here which is not to be explained easily. So, yeah, we did something right, I think. And, yeah, I'll be forever grateful for that. And believe me, the next world tour, we're gonna enjoy it again and again."

Earlier this year, Kiske brought up VAN HALEN while talking to Music Life Magazine about HELLOWEEN's enduring success. He said at the time: "The bands of the 1980s defined the modern hard rock and metal style, and most of them are still around. Some of them have stopped now because they get too old, but they never got out of fashion. And I think it's because when you do something that is not just a reflection of the fashion or trying to fall in line with the fashion, when you do something that creates its own kind of voice, it's possible to have a very long career because while fashion goes away and changes, you never have to. I always find it interesting when you look at the VAN HALEN history, for instance. When you look at the records with David Lee Roth, I think they’re even more timeless than the records they did with Sammy Hagar. And that's simply was because Eddie [Van Halen] wanted to prove a point. He was hungry and had something to say on those first records. He wanted to be successful, but he wanted to be successful doing it his way. I think they're [the albums with Hagar] still great sounding records and you're still able to listen to all those records even today, but to me they sound a little more dated, they sound a little more like the time they were in [mid to late 1980s] than the records with David, because the early VAN HALEN didn't care about anything. They just did their own thing. And those songs are timeless. That's one of the reasons why bands like HELLOWEEN can still be out there and still doing new music, and still being passionate about it, because they write songs that are timeless. I don't really see any band being around for a long time unless they have great songs and are able to continue to have great songs. And you need to be able to still play those songs well and put on a good show."

HELLOWEEN recently announced the North American leg of the band's "40 Years Anniversary Tour". Support on the trek, which will take place next spring, will come from Finnish melodic metallers BEAST IN BLACK.

HELLOWEEN kicked off the European leg of the "40 Years Anniversary Tour" on October 17 at Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.

HELLOWEEN is touring in support of its latest album, "Giants & Monsters", which came out in August via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The LP follows HELLOWEEN's self-titled No. 1 2021 record and is said to be the most versatile and dynamic release of the band's career. Mixed at the legendary Wisseloord Studios (IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, DEF LEPPARD) in Hilversum, Netherlands, "Giants & Monsters" reaffirms HELLOWEEN's position at the pinnacle of the metal world.

"Giants & Monsters" pushes the boundaries of HELLOWEEN's sound, thanks to the instincts of producers Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, as well as the band's relentless pursuit of excellence. Per example, Löble recorded all tracks using three different drum kits to capture the perfect vibe for each song, a testament to their attention to detail and love of experimentation.

"Helloween" was the first HELLOWEEN album to feature the band's expanded lineup, consisting of returning singer Michael Kiske and Hansen along with Deris, guitarists Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Grosskopf and drummer Daniel Löble.

HELLOWEEN released a live album, "Live At Budokan", on December 13, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The colossal effort immortalized HELLOWEEN's September 16, 2023 performance at Tokyo's legendary Nippon Budokan.

STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet has shared an update on his recent revelation that he has been diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer, the most common type of thyroid cancer. The diagnosis came less than a month after he underwent a biopsy of a nodule in the right lobe of his thyroid.

On Wednesday (December 24),Sweet took to his social media to write: "I wanted to give you all an update. I met with my doctor/team and apparently I'm a prime candidate for 'active surveillance'. What that means is they're going to do an ultrasound in 6 months to see if there has been any change to the nodule in my right thyroid.

"It is malignant, but the good news is it's self contained and surrounded by healthy tissue. It's also small enough that they feel it makes more sense to 'keep an eye on it' instead of rushing surgery at this point in time. They feel that surgery itself is more risky than the nodule itself. At least for now. So, I'll have an ultrasound in June and we'll go from there. My hopes and prayers are to see it disappear. Maybe through diet, hope and prayers, it will.

"Thank you all for taking the time to think of me and to prayer for me. It's comforting to know that there are so many friends out there and I love you all".

Two weeks ago, Sweet told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about his papillary thyroid cancer diagnosis: "Well, I've noticed over the past 10 years some issues with my neck and my voice, a little more difficulty singing like I wanna sing. And I just wrote it off to getting older and age and whatnot. I went in and got checked and they scoped me and did an ultrasound and they discovered that I had some nodules on my thyroid on each side. And they just kept an eye on those for a number of years. And they got bigger, they got larger, and then one in particular, the one on my left side, got large enough where they wanted to biopsy it, and it came back malignant. I had surgery two years ago to have that removed. My right side, I have Hashimoto's [chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland] and I had a nodule on that side, but it wasn't suspicious. They didn't think I'd have any issues with that. Having the other side removed and going on medication, well, obviously things took a different direction. There was some new calcification in that nodule and they did a biopsy and it came back malignant. So I gotta go through it again."

Asked by host Eddie Trunk to clarify if this was the same kind of operation he already underwent two years ago but just in "another part of the thyroid", Sweet said: "That's correct. Yeah, they left it in my right thyroid, with that nodule, 'cause they weren't concerned about it. Obviously things have a way of working themselves out, uh, different from what you might think and plans change, and that's what happened with me. So I've gotta go have the same surgery…"

Michael continued: "I've got all these people who — God bless them, and I appreciate it — are reaching out to me about holistic medicine and natural healing and this and that. And to be honest with you, I just wanna get it out of there. And I don't wanna mess around with it… It's papillary, slow growing. It's at a stage where I'm okay, but if I ignore it and I'm not proactive, it'll get to a point where it will eventually spread, and then I've got real issues."

Sweet also talked about the importance of early cancer detection, because it drastically improves treatment effectiveness, increases survival rates, and often allows for less invasive treatment, making it easier and cheaper to cure, catching cancers before they spread. Asked if there were any symptoms that he noticed before getting diagnosed, Michael said: "There are symptoms, and I had those symptoms. I mean, probably the biggest symptom that you will notice is a hoarseness. You can probably hear it in my throat right now. I never had a hoarseness in my throat. So I went to go get checked to see if I had any polyps on my vocal folds, and I didn't. And when you have any type of prolonged hoarseness or sore throat, and then the obvious, if you have any protrusions in your neck, when you tilt your head back, any lumps, anything you see it, don't mess with it. Go. And chances are it's not gonna be anything. I'm in the very rare minimum and few that it develops into cancer. I wanna say, I believe it's four or five percent. Well, I'm that guy. And it's happened twice. So, it's one of those things. And I'm not gonna sit here and whine about it or anything. I mean, everybody has their issues — we all do — but I think the key is being proactive. Don't put off for tomorrow what you should deal with today regarding your health. Don't do it. Colonoscopy — I was scared to death to get a colonoscopy. I don't know why. I just was. I finally got one. I waited till I was 53. Thank God there were no issues at all. I'm good, but don't wait. Go deal with it."

When Sweet first went public with his latest cancer diagnosis on December 9, he wrote on his social media: "A lot of you have been asking about my health and well being so I wanted to give you an update.

"First, thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers. It always means the world and I can't thank you enough for taking the time to think of me.

"I spoke to my endocrinologist and unfortunately the biopsy that was performed on 11/17 (a nodule in my right thyroid) came back positive. Malignant.

"I'm scheduled for a CT and an ultrasound next Monday 12/15 (following the Christmas show) and then I'll be meeting with my doctor/surgeon on 12/22 to figure out a plan moving forward.

"We start recording the new STRYPER album on 12/28 and that will remain on schedule. Once we finish tracking, I'll be undergoing another surgery to remove my right thyroid and the nodule itself.

"This is papillary thyroid cancer, so the good news that it's slow growing and something that my doctor seems very optimistic about.

"Interestingly enough, I sang the album 'When We Were Kings' 2 months (to the day) after my first thyroidectomy, and I never felt better vocally.

"Unfortunately (and more recently),I've been experiencing a few issues vocally and it feels a little more 'crowded' in there. Now I understand why.

"My sincere apologies for not being to perform at 100% lately. It's been a bit of a burden to be honest, but I'm confident that things will get better.

"Even though it's concerning to even hear the 'C' word (much less be diagnosed with it),I believe that it will be behind me soon enough. I'll get in and deal with it and heal up and be ready for 2026.

"Please don't worry about me as I know and trust that God has a plan.

"I've always felt some kind of peace in being able to ask for prayer here. Whether it's for someone else or for myself, you always take the time to do that and it is a true blessing. It's been a constant in my life and I believe that you all are friends. Family.

"I love you guys and I can't wait to see you on the road in 2026.

"Merry Christmas and I hope you all are enjoying the new STRYPER Christmas album!

"Always remember - He Is The Reason For The Season".

According to the Columbia University Department Of Surgery, papillary thyroid cancer makes up about 80% of all cases of thyroid cancer. It is also the thyroid cancer with the best prognosis and most patients can be cured if treated appropriately and early enough.

In December 2023, Sweet underwent partial thyroidectomy, the surgery to remove part of his thyroid gland. Five months later, he told Steve Mascord of White Line Fever TV about the procedure: "I had nodules a nodule in each side of my thyroid, so thyroid nodules. And one of those got larger and larger. It was biopsied and it was cancer. So they removed half of my thyroid, [the left] half. [The right] half I still have. I have a nodule there still that's cystic they're gonna keep an eye on. I had to start thyroid medication. But I had the surgery back in December — December 15th [of 2023]."

Regarding how the operation affected his singing voice, Sweet said at the time: "I could feel the pressure of the room and the space in that area with those nodules getting larger. I could feel it. And it's been like that for a few years. I've had 'em for a while, but I had to have it removed because of the cancer, and I dealt with it right away. But having the side of that thyroid removed, they had to cut through some muscles. So I can really feel it — it just feels different, it's the only way I can describe it. My vocal nerve was not damaged. I went to the best doctor in Boston who specializes in that, specifically not damaging the vocal nerve. He uses a very particular monitoring system, and he kind of wrote the book on that. And no damage to my vocal nerve — thank God. But still, it feels weird when I sing. It feels like someone kind of has their hand on my throat. It's the only way I can describe it."

STRYPER released its long-awaited Christmas album, "The Greatest Gift Of All", on November 21 via Frontiers Music Srl. The 10-song effort includes five original Christmas tracks and five traditional Christmas cuts, including remakes of "Reason For The Season" and "Winter Wonderland", both of which originally appeared on a 1985 single and were also made available on the 1986 re-release of STRYPER's debut EP, "The Yellow And Black Attack".

STRYPER guitarist Oz Fox recently sat out the band's Latin American tour on advice of his doctor. The 64-year-old musician, who underwent a brain surgery in May 2024, was once again temporarily replaced by Howie Simon (JEFF SCOTT SOTO, GRAHAM BONNET),who previously filled in for Fox on several tours in the past.

STRYPER's latest all-original studio album, "When We Were Kings", came out in September 2024.

Hey everyone! First, Merry Christmas!! I hope you all have a blessed and beautiful Christmas🙏🙏

I wanted to give you all...

Posted by Michael Sweet on Wednesday, December 24, 2025

In a new interview with Spain's MetalJournal.net, IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith was asked if it's true that he tried out for DEF LEPPARD following the passing of the latter band's guitarist Steve Clarke in 1991. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, I did. I went over to L.A. for a couple of days. Phil [Collen, DEF LEPPARD guitarist] phoned me up — him and Ross Halfin [legendary rock photographer] phoned me up and said, 'Would you be interested in coming over?' I said, 'Yeah.' So I went to L.A. I played with him for a couple of days. I sat down with Phil. We went through some songs. It sounded good, it sounded good. And they're a great bunch of guys. But it didn't work out. Plus I had — my PSYCHO MOTEL [band Smith formed after leaving MAIDEN in 1990] album was just about to come out, so I was kind of, you know… But who knows? It was worth pursuing. They did okay without me."

Back in June 2023, Collen confirmed that Smith and ex-WHITESNAKE/THIN LIZZY guitarist John Sykes were among a handful of musicians who tried out for DEF LEPPARD following Clarke's death. Another WHITESNAKE alumnus, Vivian Campbell, ended up landing the gig. Speaking to Eonmusic at a pre-show press conference at the 2023 Hellfest in Clisson, France, Collen recalled the audition process to find a new second guitarist for DEF LEPPARD after Clarke's January 1991 death of a drug overdose.

"We invited five people we knew, five friends," Phil said. "And Vivian just fit in straight away; it was just like [it was] meant to be. [But] Adrian is great — he's a great singer. That was one of the other things [we were looking for], if you can sing. And there was some other people. We played with John Sykes — also an amazing player, amazing singer.

"Vivian's voice [was] unbelievable. And more than that, he just fit in the style of what we're doing.

"With Adrian, he played in context with what we were doing when we were rehearsing," he continued. "I mean, we were doing DEF LEPPARD songs — we weren't doing IRON MAIDEN songs, we weren't doing DIO songs; we were doing DEF LEPPARD. So, whoever comes into our house has to kind of play by the same rules.

"So that was the thing," Phil added. "And Viv fit straight in. And like I said, there was only five people. We didn't do, like, cattle calls or anything like that, because it was still a bit painful after losing Steve, to be quite honest. So we wanted someone who emotionally would work with us as a family member. And Viv did straight off the bat. It was just wonderful."

Adrian auditioned for DEF LEPPARD a year after he left IRON MAIDEN during the making of the latter band's "No Prayer For The Dying" album.

In a 2021 interview with Eonmusic, DEF LEPPARD drummer Rick Allen also confirmed that Smith had been on the LEPPARD radar for the role that was eventually landed by Campbell. The drummer then went on to name some of the other players who were under consideration, including an unknown Birmingham guitarist and the man who provided the licks on WHITESNAKE's colossal self-titled 1987 release. "There was a kid called Huwey Lucas that was a contender; there was John Sykes; there were all these people kind of lined up," he said.

However, it was Smith who impressed the drummer, with Rick praising Adrian for his ability to adapt.

"I loved the idea," Allen said. "It's interesting — you put somebody in a slightly different situation and new things are revealed about them, and it was cool. It was a compliment that he was so into it."

Concluding, however, Allen added: "But I think, ultimately, Vivian was the absolutely perfect choice."

In a 2020 interview with Eonmusic, Smith, who was promoting his memoir, "Monsters Of River & Rock", at the time, was asked if it was true that he was in contention to join the Sheffield rockers, to which he replied, "I was, yeah. I'm not sure… I want to write more books; that might be in my next one. [Laughs] There's a whole story about that, there's a whole story about that."

A year after he joined DEF LEPPARD, Campbell spoke to Steve Newton of Georgia Straight about how he ended up securing the spot. He said: "I've known [LEPPARD singer] Joe Elliott for a few years. He lives in Ireland, where I'm originally from, so I would see him every time I'd go there — we have a lot of mutual friends and stuff. And a couple of months after Steve had died, he had said that they were gonna continue, that they were gonna finish the record as a four-piece, but that they were eventually going to look for a new guitar player — and that he would like it to be me. Obviously, I didn't know the other people in the band very well, and they all had their own opinions. So about a year passed, and they made the record, and they had a short list of three or four people that they wanted to play with. So they came to L.A. and played with some folks, and that was that."

Elaborating on the audition process, Campbell said: "Well, it was weird. It was strange for a number of reasons. I've never played with a drummer with electronic drums before, and that's a different thing, 'cause normally when you're in a small room and you play with an acoustic drum kit, you hear it because of the proximity — you're standing next to it and it's loud. With an electronic drum kit, you don't hear it from the source, you hear it comin' through monitors, so that was a little strange from a musical point of view. The other thing was, most of my 'audition', so to speak, was them asking me questions as opposed to me playing guitar. I mean, it was more a personality test than it was to see whether the guy can sing or play."

Jeff Scott Soto says that he wants to be friends with Yngwie Malmsteen again, nearly four decades after he left the legendary Swedish guitarist's band.

Soto, who sang on Yngwie's first two albums, 1984's "Rising Force" and 1985's "Marching Out", discussed his relationship with Malmsteen during a recent interview with Artists On Record With Stefan Adika. Asked by a viewer if Yngwie comes to his shows and if he goes to Malmsteen's concerts when the guitarist comes through Soto's town, Jeff responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, you gotta pay a little more attention to Blabbermouth and all that stuff going on out there, because if you did, you'd know that there's absolutely no relationship between Yngwie and I right now. I'm trying to change that. Even on your show, I've been trying to extend that olive branch and trying to fix and change it. And the thing is, everybody thinks I want something out of Malmsteen, that, 'Oh, you're just doing this 'cause you're trying to get back with him. You wanna work with him.' No. I just want peace. I want love and harmony between me and everybody else I've ever worked with in my career. And that's why I keep extending, overextending that olive branch, because I'm 60 years old. Who knows how much longer I've got on this planet? I wanna walk away with no enemies, clean slate. Everybody in my life, I just wanna have good relationships with them. And Malmsteen [and me], we have no speaking relationship. We don't talk. I don't go to his shows. He doesn't come to mine. But hopefully one day we can change that."

Asked about Yngwie's recent online post in which the guitarist blasted some of the singers he worked with early in his solo career for allegedly "trying to capitalize from [his] brand", Jeff said: "My phone was blowing up for two days [after Yngwie posted that]. Everybody thought he was talking about me again. And he wasn't. He was talking about two other former singers that are going out and doing shows based on a tribute to Yngwie or a tribute to the time that they spent with Yngwie. And I guess that they were promoting that and he caught wind of it, and that's where that came from. Nothing to do with me."

Soto continued: "I'm not doing anything where I'm going out doing Yngwie shows or trying to capitalize on his name or his legacy. Not at all. All I do is I post things online to celebrate — celebrate my involvement, celebrate the things I did with him, because I have a legacy too, in my own world or however you want to call it. It's part of my history too, so I celebrate that. I'm not trying to toe the line, I'm not trying to do anything and try to get anything from him in those terms."

Referring specifically to the part of Yngwie's post where Malmsteen questioned what these singers have "recorded" and "created [in] the last 30, 40 years", Soto said: "You definitely can't put that on me, because if you look at the past 30, 40 years, I'm on easily over a hundred records. Just my solo records alone, I've got eight solo records. Then you do the W.E.T., you've got TALISMAN. So I've been busy. You can't ask, what have I done? I've done a lot.

"Everybody thought he was referring to me," Jeff continued. "They're sending virtual hugs: 'Dude, we got you, man. We understand what you're going through. We read this stuff, and it's not fair.' I say, 'Hey, he wasn't talking about me. It's cool.'"

Asked if he has ever tried reaching out to Yngwie directly, Jeff said: "I wouldn't know how. I don't have any numbers, any contacts or anything, so I wouldn't know how to reach out to him. But there's enough I put out there when I do interviews or do anything, even Cameos. I put it out there all the time that I would love to just bury the hatchet, whatever that hatchet is, and just walk away as friends again one day. I'd love to go to shows and be in the audience watching the show and not saying, 'Oh, man, hopefully one day he'll have me back.' It's not about that at all. I did my time with him. If someday, one day he wanted to do something like that, I'd absolutely be open to it. But I'm not looking for that. I don't need that in my life in terms of that's the only thing I have going for me. I got a lot going for me. I just wanna be the guy's friend again."

After host Stefan Adika pressed Jeff to record a personal message for Yngwie, Soto said: "Hey, listen, Yngwie. We've got a lot of history, man. We go back over 41 years. We made some great music together. I got to sing on your two classic records that everybody loves, and somewhere along the way we've stumbled on some blocks, on some roadblocks, on some walls. Let's put 'em aside. Let's break bread again. Let's be buddies. I don't need anything from you. You don't need anything from me, but I just wanna be your friend again. There's my olive branch extended once again. I love you, I respect you, and I cherish and treasure everything I ever did with and for you. So if we can fix this someday, I'm all in."

Jeff later added about the guitarist: "I know his wife. I never met his son, and that would be a nice thing. I'd love to meet the next generation of the Malmsteens, his son. He's got a kid. I know his wife. Everything was cool. We had a great relationship. There were times where I was possibly coming back and singing with him back in the day. These things didn't pan out — whatever. I don't want or need that. I would like to just say, 'Hey, let's be buddies again.'"

On December 18, Yngwie, who has worked with a number of other acclaimed vocalists over the years, including Mark Boals, Joe Lynn Turner, Göran Edman, Michael Vescera, Mats Levén and Tim "Ripper" Owens, with Nick Marino most recently handling some of the vocal duties live, took to his social media earlier to write: "So it has come to my attention that these hired and paid singers that I hired for my solo records are all trying to capitalize from my brand!

"Let's be clear: performing on MY SOLO records does not equal ownership, authorship, or legacy. Writing a line here and there doesn't make someone a songwriter, and singing my material doesn't make it theirs. They were merely given a salary (work for hire) to put down MY written parts, just like the keyboard player, bassist, drummer etc.

"If the only way you can tour or get attention is by leaning on my brand and using my name and album titles and my SOLO catalog, then you've already answered the question of who actually built something. And -What have they recorded/created the last 30,40 years?"

It's unclear what prompted Malmsteen's latest outburst, but it could have something to do with the fact that Levén recently announced that he will play two shows in Japan in May 2026 that will apparently focus heavily on the material from the sole Yngwie album he appeared on, 1997's "Facing The Animal".

Separately, Boals and Vescera have announced a European tour for September 2026 dubbed "The Seventh Trilogy Tour". An admat for the tour shared on social media bills the singers as "The Voices Of Yngwie Malmsteen."

Boals appeared on four Yngwie studio albums, including the hard rock classic "Trilogy".

Vescera recorded two full-length studio records with Malmsteen as well as an EP, various videos and the "Live At Budokan" DVD in the 1990s

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

Only four of the songs on Yngwie's latest album, 2021's "Parabellum" featured vocals. The album title is Latin, translating as "Prepare For War".

In a March 2023 interview with the YouTube channel of Brazilian music journalist Igor Miranda, Jeff reflected on his claim that Yngwie threatened to cancel his concert in May 2022 in Agoura Hills, California after finding out his former bandmate was in attendance. Jeff said: "I thought it was kind of funny. I mean, when I posted about it [on social media] that night, I was doing it because it was so unbelievable, I was laughing. I was, like, 'I have to share this because it's so silly.' But then to be called a liar about it, it made it even more funny to me, because why would I lie about something about that? Why would I even care to go to any extreme to go see somebody who doesn't wanna see me or doesn't want me around them? Of course I was there to see my friends' band playing. They invited me. It's a place that I go to all the time. I didn't feel there was any harm gonna be done if I just kind of stayed in the corner. And, of course, when the word was out that I was there, I was told if I'm gonna remain in the building, the show would be canceled. It's a thousand, one billion percent truth behind that. Two guys came up to me that work there, that I know that work there, they said, 'I don't know what this is about, Jeff, but I'm sorry to tell you that we've been informed if you don't leave, the show's gonna be canceled.' And I was gonna leave anyways. I was there to watch my friends' band. When they were finished, I was paying my bill to the bartender, who's also a very good friend of mine, and everybody watched that happening, and we were just, like, 'Can you believe this?'"

Jeff continued: "I wasn't there for the Yngwie show. I wasn't planning to stay. I didn't sneak in — none of that. Of course, it was so silly to me, it was so hilarious to me. But it's unfortunate that it has to be that, because I'm not looking to keep talking about this or to keep elevating it or to keep getting news from it. I want peace from everybody in my life. Anybody that has any issues with me, I would love to just give them a hug and move on with life and leave this world, leave this planet with no enemies. But, unfortunately, that's not the case on that side."

When Soto first posted about the Agoura Hills concert in May 2022, he wrote: "Hey my peeps, here's a fun little diddy for ya! I went to the Canyon Club tonight, my local watering hole for the past 21 years, it's like my Cheers where everybody knows my name...I actually went to see one of the support bands who were killer btw, I hesitated on going because my former ahem 'boss' was headlining but I was not planning to stay anyway...well, word got to him I was in the house and I was kindly told as long as I am present, the show would be cancelled... Now I've seen it all!

"I left as planned but it's kind of funny, I just had to share the ludicrousness (not a real word but seems to fit the detail) that continues in 2022, I laughed all the way home!' Jeff added. "I'm sure this will be shared like crazy but I couldn't help but sharing it with you all, good times!"

The following day, Malmsteen disputed Soto's account of what happened in Agoura Hills, writing on his Facebook page: " Hmmmm…. I think some people are making up stories to be in the media again. Kids, don't believe made up BS from people who are trying to stay relevant! He's not important for me to cancel my show to my fans. On the other hand I was told by my agent that he snuck in there without paying so the security threw him out. Certain people make up stories… turn up at my show, get kicked out by security because they snuck in the venue WITHOUT PAYING, then turn around make up a story to try and grab media attention… some people are sick. STOP stalking me and get help ".

When one fan questioned Yngwie about his claim that Jeff has to struggle to appear relevant on the scene today and challenged Malmsteen to "compare audience response to said projects and releases to what [Yngwie has] accomplished during the same period," Malmsteen responded: "Hmmm Let me think In the last 15/ 20 years … I have been on the American billboard chart every single time I have released a record including my last one! being playing theaters, promoters are happy. On top of that I have made mega deals including signature models with Major companies such as Marshall, Fender, ovation, Dunlop, Seymour Duncan, Lewitt microphones and the list goes on. On top of that I have won awards for the most magazine covers ever in the history of certain guitar magazines. Would you like me to carry-on?!? None of this matters to me, however what does matter is an intent to smear an attack me and my reputation for the last 40 years. Everything this man says is a lie with the intent to do damage. I have not once spoken about him and nor have any interest to simply because he’s not important to me. And yet he can’t stop talking about me on a regular basis! Making up stories because he has not had any relevant success on his own he tailgates on other people. He needs to just MoveOn and stop stalking me. Oohh I almost forgot I have over HALF A MILLION listeners on Spotify every month alone! His let me look it up… oh no ONLY 40k! Yep he needs to keep slandering me a bit more."

Soto later returned to social media to respond to Yngwie with the following missive: "I will put this to rest after clarifying a few things.

"God forbid ANYONE thinks I am trying to drum up press, especially by berating someone in the process.

"I post my past on social media to celebrate and share the pride I have for my musical endeavors the past 4 decades. I don't and don't need to ride anyone's coattails, stalk or trying to drum up press for myself, I have my music and the current things I partake in to do this. Everything else I share is a celebration, nothing more, nothing less.

"I went out to a venue I frequent for the past 21 years, I have played this venue more times than I can remember or count and know all that have been and still there since I walked through those doors the 1st time in 2001. I have not 'snuck in' to a show since 1988 when I heard of an intimate jam Prince was throwing at an undisclosed location which I found out about and finally made it in 15 min before he was done playing. That said, if I have to sneak in to a venue or not pay to get into one for ANYONE, I simply would not even be near the building, I am 56, not 16!

"Lastly, I went to this venue to see someone play who is very near and dear to me. When I found out who the headliner was, I decided it best not to go as I didn't wanna ruffle any feathers in any way. Then I decided I will go but leave before said headliner begins as I had no interest in seeing that part of the evening anyway.

"If anyone has been paying attention to interviews, award speeches and even my own social media where I have stated numerous times all I want in my life is peace, no enemies, no animosity ESPECIALLY with ANYONE in my past, they will know my intent is ONLY about leaving this planet with no water under the bridge. I extend olive branches, continue to celebrate my past with a positive spin and make sure everyone knows I wanna hug it out with anyone who has or has had any issue with me. If this is 'sick' then institutionalize me immediately!"

Eight years ago, Soto engaged in a war of words with Yngwie over the fact that Malmsteen claimed in an interview that he "always wrote everything," including the lyrics and melodies, and simply hired various vocalists to sing his material.

Back in 2017, Soto told the "US American Made Guitars" show that "it's false information" to suggest that he contributed nothing to Yngwie's early albums "because we co-wrote [some of] those songs together. I actually authored those songs," he said. "For him to say, 'I wrote every lyric, every melody,' it's absolute falsity. And he's speaking out of whatever anger or whatever throwaway conversation he might be having, but when it's put on text, it comes across as very crude and very arrogant. So, of course, I don't take that kind of stuff too personally."

The singer went on to say that faulty memory may be at least partly to blame for Yngwie's comments. "Yngwie's written so much of his own stuff, he's written so much on his own when it comes to lyrics and melodies through the years," he said. "Maybe the past eight albums… I don't even know how many albums he's put out, but for that many albums he's put out, clearly his memory is fogged on the albums that he wasn't doing all of that."

He continued: "Joe Lynn [Turner] was a very strong collaborator on the album ['Odyssey'] with he did with Yngwie, as was I, as were some of the other singers that were involved with him. Maybe later on that changed and the other guys were basically just used to sing his words. And I was as well on some songs. I mean, 'I Am A Viking', I didn't write one word or one melody on it. But the stuff that we did together, that's stuff that we did together. And there's some stuff I did on my own that's on there — he didn't add or remove one single thing from it. So, again, it's selective memory. It could be he doesn't wanna talk about me, he's got a bad taste in his mouth about me, so he's gonna do everything in his power to make sure that everybody knows how downplayed my role was in his life and his career."

As for why he thinks Malmsteen has been making disparaging comments about him and other former singers in the press, Soto told "US American Made Guitars": "If anybody knows anything about Yngwie's… the business end of things, his wife is managing him. And through the years, she's gotten more control over the people in his life, the people that were in his life, and it's really sad to see that a lot us have been kind of locked out. Slowly but surely, everybody that was in his past, including his band, including myself who actually retained a great friendship and relationship with him, were just dialed out. And we were just kind of pushed to the wayside for whatever reason, whatever paranoias there are. I really don't understand it. I actually had a great relationship with both of them, and I just saw more and more that they were just pushing everybody away. They wanted their inner circle to be so small, and I never did anything to interrupt that circle. But there were others around that I'm very close to, and was very close to, one of them being Marcel Jacob, who was the bass player that was in [Yngwie's] band when I was in the band. We had a band together called TALISMAN for about nineteen years until [Marcel] took his own life back in 2009. But he and Yngwie had a bit of a conflict and they dangled that over my head for a couple of years until Marcel actually passed away in 2009. When that happened, I assumed, like everyone else that knew Marcel, the guys in the band EUROPE, so many people, whether they were big or small, acknowledged Marcel's passing. Everyone expected Yngwie to do the same, and when he didn't, it rubbed everyone the wrong way, including myself. We tried to at least just get a statement or an acknowledgement of it, and when he was not only not doing that but actually hanging up on people, blocking them or changing his number so nobody can reach him anymore about it, to me… I made a statement, and that probably got back to their camp, that said, 'To me, Yngwie is dead.' I don't wanna know or hear from him."

Soto added: "Marcel was one of my best friends, and if you can't put water under the bridge when somebody has passed, to me, that's just the weakest, juvenile way of dealing with life. And it must have gotten back to his camp, 'cause all of a sudden I was cut out."

In the days after Yngwie's original interview with Metal Wani was published on BLABBERMOUTH.NET, several of the guitarist's other former singers — including Joe Lynn Turner and Tim "Ripper" Owens — responded on social media, with Turner describing Malmsteen's statements as "the rantings of a megalomaniac desperately trying to justify his own insecurity." This was followed by a retort from a member of Yngwie's management team, who wrote on Malmsteen's Facebook page that the three vocalists "came out enraged, spitting insults and profanities" at the guitarist because "Yngwie said something that they didn't like." The management representative added: " It's very unfortunate that these past hired vocalists must resort to mudslinging and insults to elicit any kind of media attention towards them. Such classless, puerile words are ungentlemanly at best and absolutely disgraceful at worst."

During a recent appearance on the Iron City Rocks podcast, DEATH ANGEL singer Mark Osegueda spoke about how he ended up joining SLAYER guitarist Kerry King's solo band more than two years ago. In addition to Kerry and Mark, the KERRY KING band includes drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER),bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH) and guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of MACHINE HEAD). Osegueda said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I love working with Kerry, and I love being in that band. It's a blast. I love all the guys. It's been a great experience. It sure has.

"Now, when the opportunity presented itself, it presented itself in an odd way as so much I also sought it," Mark explained. "I did — I sought it. 'Cause I kind of caught wind, at one of these NAMM conferences… I was somewhere at one of the NAMM conventions, and at this particular one, a couple of people just approached me. They were in the industry. I had no idea. And I was down there performing with [the all-star metal collective] METAL ALLEGIANCE. It was at the after parties at the hotel or whatnot, and a couple different people from different circles came up to me that particular year and said, 'You're one of the people Kerry's considering for his new project.' It kind of took me aback. I'm, like, 'Really?' Because I'm friends with Kerry, and it was never mentioned to me. And then it started getting a little mouse in my head running. And then I kind of started really thinking about it. This was during the pandemic now. A few months had gone by, and the pandemic was happening, I started just really thinking about it, and I approached a few people of mine that are heavy hitters in the music industry as far as musicians and some management companies. And I said, 'Hey, I'm just throwing this out there. What would you think if I was approached by Kerry? Do you think I should do it?' And these were people that are far more successful than me in music, than many people in music. [Laughs] And they were, like, 'You'd be a fool not to.' So when I kind of heard that, that's when it kind of hit me. And as I said, me and Kerry are friends. So I just kind of texted him and just said, 'Hey, man. I know you're putting something together. And I just wanna throw my hat in the ring.' I go, 'or rather my throat in the ring.' And his response was, 'I'd be lying if I [said I] hadn't thought about it.' And I said, 'Okay."

Mark continued: "So then me and him just started — he started sending me things, music, just instrumental things, and then started sending me music and sheets of lyrics and then some guide vocal stuff. And then I started going down to Southern California and demoing things with him, just privately. We didn't let anyone know we were doing this. And we eventually ended up demoing what [has] come [to be] the whole first [KERRY KING] record. But he already had the whole [rest of the] band picked out, except he kind of waited until the last minute before he finally said, 'Okay, you're the guy.' And when he finally did, he pulled me aside — this was a couple of years later, since I started the process — and he just kind of said, 'If you want the gig, it's yours.' And I just gave him a big hug. I'm, like, 'Fuck yeah. I do.' And it's been great. It's been a great experience. And I look forward to more to come with them too. I just love playing music. As long as I'm busy playing music, I'm happy."

Asked if there was any "trepidation" on his part to perform SLAYER songs with Kerry, considering that his voice is a bit different from that of SLAYER frontman Tom Araya, Mark said: "Well, I've always respected Tom, and I really admire his voice and always have. So, actually, when I got the gig with Kerry, we were mostly just working on the original material with that. Kerry pretty much had what he wanted. He laid down the guide vocal and said, 'This is what I want, just more aggressive.' So I just went in there and gave it my all and made it very, very aggressive. So, that came out. That's just me at my most aggressive, I guess, delivery of anything. And then it's when it came to playing live and that's when we throw in some SLAYER songs. But with that, I'm a SLAYER fan, so it doesn't take me long to learn the songs. So I just get up there and I do him justice — I do Tom justice. That's the way I see it, for sure. And I say that because justice needs to be done, if you're gonna sing him, 'cause got such a unique voice and I think a great voice. And that's why — I do my best to do him justice, and I think I do."

In a separate interview with the That Metal Interview podcast, Osegueda stated about his involvement with King's solo band: "Yeah, it's doing great. We just got back from Japan about three weeks ago, our first shows in Japan. So those were amazing. And, yeah, for [King's debut solo] record [2024's 'From Hell I Rise'], we toured everywhere. And I guess in a certain way, the touring cycle for that record has been completed. We did North America a couple of times, Europe a couple of times, South America, Japan, Australia. So we've worked that record pretty good. And now we're busy writing, getting the material together for the second record. And it's coming, it's coming along. And we're gonna probably record the second record sometime in the first quarter of this upcoming year. As far as when it'll be released, I'm not quite sure. But we're definitely in the process of getting the songs together for it."

Commenting on what it has been like to record and tour with King, Demmel and Bostaph, Osegueda said: "They're good guys. I love the guys. It's a great band to be a part of. Touring with them's amazing. They're all solid dudes that I've known for years, decades. And I'm very proud to be a part of it and I look forward to much more to come, for sure."

When the interviewer noted that Mark does a "great job of emulating Tom Araya's" vocal parts when King and his solo band perform SLAYER material live, Osegueda said: "Well, Tom, he's an icon. I admire him; I have for many years. I'm a SLAYER fan, so he's got a very distinct voice and one that I've admired for many, many years. So when we do those songs, I just get out there and do my best to do the songs justice and his voice justice, because I think he's fantastic."

In December 2024, Mark was asked by Australia's May The Rock Be With You what he thinks he can do vocally with Kerry's solo band that he can't do with DEATH ANGEL. He responded: "I don't know if that is anything that I'm not allowed to do that I can't do with DEATH ANGEL because I kind of have carte blanche with DEATH ANGEL to do what I want, in a way. But what I think it's just brought out another character in my voice. And it's much more aggressive — probably the most aggressive thing that I've done vocally. The closest thing we'd have in it from DEATH ANGEL is a song called 'Divine Defector'. [That] is the closest one that we have to that intensity level. But this whole album is even more so. If anything, it just allows me to just really get out all frustrations the whole way through the set. [Laughs] And, as I said, it gives more variety in my voice."

"From Hell I Rise" came out in May 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music. Working with producer Josh Wilbur (KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, BAD RELIGION),the vast bulk of King's solo album was recorded at Henson Recording Studios (formerly A&M Studios) in Los Angeles, California, a location that birthed classics from THE DOORS, PINK FLOYD, RAMONES and SOUNDGARDEN, among others.

Last year, Mark told Uruguay's The Dark Melody about how he feels about being part of Kerry's band: "I'm thrilled about it. That's how I feel about it. I'm excited as hell. I worked hard to get that gig — very hard to get that gig — and since I did, I worked very hard in the studio. And then the recording experience of the record was incredible. We went to the studio with Josh Wilbur and the recording went great. It went great. And I think Kerry assembled a band of people he knew could pull off the vision and what he heard in his head… And the album, it's a beast. It's a savage. It is."

Regarding how he landed the gig in Kerry's band, Mark told El Planeta Del Rock: "It wasn't an overnight thing. It was a long process. Me and Kerry are friends, for sure, but that's not the reason I got the gig. By no means did I get the gig because we're friends; it was definitely a lot of hard work.

"He's an institution unto himself as his, as is SLAYER, and when SLAYER announced that they weren't gonna go any longer, he made it known to everyone that he was far from done," Mark continued. "And when that was announced, it was quite a few years ago. It was probably during the pandemic that I just gave him a cold call out of the blue, or a cold text rather, just saying, 'Just so you know, I heard you're doing this, and I'm just throwing my name into the hat, into the ring, or throwing my throat into the ring rather.' And he was, like, 'Hmm.' He's a very to-the-point guy, and he said, 'Okay.' And I know he's very serious about everything he does musically.

"It was a lot of hard work, I'll tell you that — a lot of going back and forth," Mark repeated. "I did quite a bit of demoing with him, and nothing was a sure thing ever. I know he had other people in mind for every for every position in the band. I think Paul was the shoo-in right off the bat, and then after that… Kerry knew his vision. He knew what he wanted. He knew what he heard in his head, and he wanted a lineup that could deliver it. And after a lot of hard work, one day me and him were out together — and it was plain simple as that. But quite some time had gone by and a lot of work was put into it, and he just said, 'If you want the gig, it's yours.' And I, of course, I just looked at him, like, 'Ah.' Pretty much, 'Fuck yeah.' And I gave him a huge hug, and from then on it was just even more hard work. As hard as I worked to get the gig, once I got the gig, it was even more hard work just concentrating on the songs and getting what I was gonna do to deliver in the studio. Once we got in the studio, we went in with Josh Wilbur, who produced it, at Henson Studios in Hollywood, and we didn't mess around. We got in — I think loaded in, two weeks later loaded out. It was work every day, but one of the most amazing studio experiences I've had and very fulfilling."

Kerry told Rolling Stone about Osegueda's addition to the band: "With Mark, he was on board early on. I just didn't pull that trigger. I was like, 'Let's see what happens.' Say for instance, [JUDAS PRIEST's] Rob Halford calls me and says, 'Hey, I would love to be your singer,' I'd have to go that way."

King also confirmed that PANTERA's Philip Anselmo was "considered" as a possible singer for his new project. "My management, my promoter, my record label all wanted Phil," Kerry said. "Phil's a good friend of mine, but I always thought he's not the right guy. That has nothing to do with his ability; I just knew he wasn't the right guy. When you hear Mark on this record, you know that's the guy.

"I had to do due diligence, because at the end of the day, had Philip been the guy, we'd be in arenas immediately because we could play new stuff, we could play PANTERA, we could play SLAYER, and fans would've been happy. It ended when the PANTERA thing came up.

"I saw Mark a few years back singing covers of MINOR THREAT and cameo in THE WEDDING BAND with members of METALLICA," King added. "It was different from what he does in DEATH ANGEL, and he sounded great. He's super versatile. He took steps to make this different than DEATH ANGEL. I don't touch on probably 50 percent of what he can do on the album.

"Mark knew how I expected the songs to be performed. On my demos, I sing with very good conviction, but I don't have pipes; that's why I don't sing. With 'Residue', he sounded so good I had to ask him, 'Is this sustainable? I don't want you to blow your load on this record and then blow your voice out every third show.' And he swore up and down he could do it. He went on to some of the harder ones and did the same thing on those, so I went, 'Okay.'"

Following a tour with LAMB OF GOD and MASTODON and his first European headline tour in 2024, King and his new band hit the road for the 28-date North American headline tour in early 2025. With MUNICIPAL WASTE as special guest and ALIEN WEAPONRY supporting, the tour launched in San Francisco on January 15, 2025, and wrapped at House of Blues in Las Vegas on February 22, 2025.

In early May 2024, the KERRY KING band performed its first live show at Reggies in Chicago. In the days following, the band went from playing an intimate venue to performing at the huge U.S. festivals Welcome To Rockville (Florida) and Sonic Temple (Ohio).

KERRY KING launched a European tour on June 3, 2024 — King's 60th birthday – in Tilburg, The Netherlands. The trek combined headline shows in the U.K., The Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain but also festival appearances such as Rock Am Ring, Hellfest, Tuska, Download, Sweden Rock Festival and many more.

The SLAYER guitarist's solo band played its first concert as the support act for LAMB OF GOD and MASTODON on July 19, 2024 at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas. The six-week "Ashes Of Leviathan" tour wrapped on August 31, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Image credit: Pics from the pit

BLINK-182's "Enema Of The State" is the newest title unveiled for Interscope/Capitol's acclaimed Definitive Sound Series (DSS),a new premium audiophile limited edition series using the state-of-the-art One Step process.

As one of the defining bands of modern punk-pop, "Enema Of The State" cemented BLINK-182 as the architects of a new wave of melodic punk. Pairing high-velocity hooks with irreverent humor and an unexpected emotional core, the album launched the trio to global stardom and became a cultural touchstone for a generation. Now widely regarded as one of the most influential rock albums of the late '90s and 2000s, its legacy continues to resonate across modern pop-punk and alternative music.

Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering from the original analog master tapes, the AAA (All Analog Mastering) 180-gram high-definition vinyl LP ($100) was pressed at Record Technology, Inc., and features a top-quality heavyweight Tip On gatefold single jacket, housed inside a uniquely designed slipcase.

Limited to 3,000 hand-numbered copies, each DSS edition includes a certificate of authenticity detailing the mastering, plating, and pressing chain.

"The Definitive Sound Series represents the pinnacle of vinyl craftsmanship," says Xavier Ramos, EVP D2C and eCommerce Strategy at Interscope/Capitol. "We're proud to invest in these collectible pieces that reflect our respect for these iconic artists, their groundbreaking music, and the fans whose passion continues to keep these albums as relevant today as when they were first released."

Previous DSS titles include Dr Dre's "The Chronic", A PERFECT CIRCLE's "Mer De Noms", Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song", R.E.M.'s "Chronic Town / Murmur", Lionel Richie's "Can't Slow Down" and Beck's "Morning Phase". All DSS releases will be initially exclusive to Interscope.com and shop.capitolmusic.com.

The Riff Crew channel on YouTube has uploaded professionally filmed video of LEFT TO DIE's entire March 9, 2025 concert at the Melbourne Dethfest at Corner Hotel in Melbourne, Australia. Check it out below.

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".

Featured songs in video below:

00:00 Intro
00:45 Leprosy
07:29 Open Casket
12:31 Infernal Death
16:25 Sacrificial
20:05 Torn To Pieces
23:39 Regurgitated Guts
27:34 Left To Die
32:32 Scream Bloody Gore
37:10 Zombie Ritual
42:57 Pull The Plug
48:10 Evil Dead

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".

LEFT TO DIE completed its first U.S. tour in July 2022. A European run of shows followed this past March and April 2023.

Butler previously stated how LEFT TO DIE came together: "After the [2021] Chuck tribute shows that Matt, Gus, and myself did, Rick posed the question, 'Would anyone want to see some 'Leprosy' shows?' With a resounding 'yes!', the masses had spoken. Matt and Gus threw their hats in immediately and, in my opinion, they were the only real choice to bring this thing to life."

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 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.

LAST 100 TICKETS ARE READY TO GO!

DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE BIGGEST MELBOURNE DETHFEST YET!!

👇 TICKETS ONSALE HERE 👇
🎟 https://tickets.cornerhotel.com/outlet/event/3db93de4-eab1-4c18-84fc-6f7821922a84 🎟

Posted by Melbourne Dethfest on Tuesday, January 28, 2025

For the first time ever in Australia, Left to Die March 2025!

Pioneering the sound of Death Metal since the 1980s', a...

Posted by YOUR MATE Bookings on Sunday, September 15, 2024

On December 11, Grammy-winning CREED and ALTER BRIDGE guitarist Mark Tremonti once again showcased his versatility at The Paramount in Huntington, New York by honoring Frank Sinatra with "Tremonti Sings Sinatra", featuring signature Sinatra songs and Christmas classics performed with a 17-piece orchestra including members of Sinatra's touring band, among them saxophonist Mike Smith and guitarist Dan McIntyre. Video of the concert can be seen below (courtesy of NYPearlJammer).

In May 2022, Tremonti released a collection of Sinatra covers to support NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society). "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" was made available as part of a new charity initiative created by Tremonti called Take A Chance For Charity. Proceeds from the album go to support NDSS and the work they do to advocate for and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Mark and his family were blessed to welcome their first daughter Stella in March 2021 — who was born with Down syndrome — and the idea for the project was born.

In an interview with Guitar Interactive at last year's Download festival in the United Kingdom, Tremonti stated about "Tremonti Sings Sinatra": "The Sinatra record was probably one of the most satisfying records I've ever done. We've raised over a million dollars with it. I've gotten to see firsthand what it does. And I actually love it. Every show is raising further money for the charity. I'm trying to get other artists to do something similar to keep on raising funds."

When "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" was first announced, Tremonti said in a statement: "For years, I've loved singing along to Frank's songs. One night, I found an old video of him performing 'The Song Is You' from 1944. It made me want to dive into his vocal approach. I was all in and I wanted to do something with it. When we found out about our daughter Stella's Down syndrome diagnosis, the stars aligned. My obsession with Sinatra had its reason. Frank Sinatra raised more than a billion dollars for charity and that is a fact I wish the public the public knew more about. Beneath his cool and calm persona, he had a big heart. Doing this charity in his name was another way the stars had aligned. I decided to do this record to raise funds for families and individuals with Down syndrome. This project is the start of a new purpose that I will have for the rest of my life."

Tremonti came together with surviving members of Frank Sinatra's orchestra, creating new takes on some of the classics and some deeper cuts from Frank's catalog. From the opening horns and piano of "I've Got You Under My Skin" to final vocal outro of "All Or Nothing At All", Tremonti showcases the signature vocal approach and exemplary musicianship that made Sinatra's work timeless. To see his vision through, Mark reached out to Sinatra's musical director Mike Smith who collected as many remaining members as possible of Frank's touring band to record the music for "Tremonti Sings Sinatra". Popular standards like "I've Got The World On A String", "My Way" and "That's Life" find new life in the hands of these incredible musicians. Tremonti — known for his guitar work that has won him countless accolades — leaves the instrument behind and just sings on the 14-track album. The artwork on the album cover is an original painting that Tremonti created especially for this project.

Tremonti's first-ever Christmas album, "Christmas Classics New & Old", was made available in October 2023. "Christmas Classics New & Old" is Mark's interpretation of nine holiday classics and one original penned song from the acclaimed songwriter himself. After the success of his interpretation of songs Frank Sinatra made famous on his album "Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra", Mark decided to partner up with the orchestra from that album to work on the holiday album.

"This has been the most well-received and highly regarded thing I've ever done in my entire career," Tremonti told Newsday earlier this year. "Growing up as a kid in Detroit, my parents would play Sinatra around Christmastime. I'd hear it in the car and at the dentist. It's hard to escape him."

Regarding what it has been like performing with members of Sinatra's touring band, Mark said: "There's not many opportunities left for us on this earth to see people who shared the stage with Frank Sinatra. These musicians are some of the top performers in the business and I'm honored to share the stage with them."

~~Tremonti Sings Sinatra Tour ~~

12.04 - Orlando - Walt Disney theater
12.09 - Des Plaines, IL - The Des Plaines...

Posted by Mark Tremonti on Sunday, November 2, 2025

Former VENOM members Jeff "Mantas" Dunn (guitar) and Antony "Abaddon" Bray (drums) reunited for a special concert on November 30 at Shinjuku Antiknock, a legendary music venue in Tokyo, Japan. Dunn and Bray performed three VENOM classics alongside some of Japan's finest black metal players: Masaki "Gezol" Tachi (SABBAT) on bass and vocals, Mirai Kawashima (SIGH) on vocals, Shinji "Samm" Tachi (METALUCIFER) on drums, and Noboru "Jero" Sakuma (ABIGAIL) on guitar. Support at the gig came from SURVIVE and HELL FREEZES OVER.

Video of the entire show can now be seen below, courtesy of the UPP-tone music channel on YouTube. Also available is a previously released clip of "Welcome To Hell" performance from the Shinjuku Antiknock concert, courtesy of Roppongi Rocks.

Mantas and Abaddon recently announced that they will celebrate the 45th anniversary of VENOM's classic debut album, 1981's "Welcome To Hell", at various festivals in 2026, including Germany's Keep It True and Belgium's Graspop Metal Meeting. Speaking to MetalKaoz, Dunn confirmed that the door is open for VENOM bassist/vocalist Conrad "Cronos" Lant to take part in the reunion.  "I'll tell you right now that for 2026, the 45th anniversary of 'Welcome To Hell', Cronos has been invited," Mantas said. "He was invited by me. He was invited by the lawyers in the [recent] court case [involving Cronos and Abaddon]. His answer was, 'It's not worth my time.' That was his answer."

Mantas added that the prospect of spending time with Cronos again was not something he would ever look forward to.

"What I say to people is this. Fair enough, everybody wants to see their favorite members back together. We know that. 'And, oh, yeah, just travel separate. Just go in separate hotels.' We've done all that," Mantas explained. "We've done that. We did it on the first reunion. Okay, think of the most toxic relationship you've ever been involved in, how it made you feel. At your age now, invite it back into your life."

Mantas also touched upon the lawsuit Cronos filed against Abaddon and Plastic Head Music Distribution Ltd in June 2024 in which he accused the distributor of selling merchandise with Lant's copyrighted VENOM designs and Bray of approving the infringement through a licensing agreement. The dispute revolved around the fact that both parties were licensing and selling official VENOM merchandise featuring the contested designs.

Reflecting on VENOM's early days, Mantas said: "We were three young guys in a band, happy to be in a band and jamming. And that was it. And to us, at that particular point, it didn't matter who wrote the songs or who did the drawings or whatever. It was one for all and all for one. And that's why everything went the three ways for the first two albums. But then, when you get a bit wise at the business and everything like that, it's, like, you think, 'Wow. I wrote all that stuff and everybody else is still getting a share.' I don't mind that. That's the songs. That is the songs. And at the end of the day, you put those songs out into the world and you are giving them to the people.

"Now, it doesn't matter what your logo looks like," he continued. "It doesn't matter how good your album cover is. It doesn't matter what your image is, how much leather you are wearing or what guitar you are playing, if someone puts that album on and doesn't like the songs, you are done. A band isn't about logos and t-shirts and stuff like that — it's about music. Why do you wear the t-shirt of a band? Because you like their music. It's as simple as that.

"Now, I'm not saying that Cronos didn't write anything," Dunn clarified. "He wrote some phenomenal lyrics, and I've said this. The lyrics to 'Manitou', I think they are stunning. The lyrics to 'Nightmare' — amazing. We came up with some great songs together in the later stages, where we just bounced the ideas, and some of it just happened. We didn't have to look for it. And 'Welcome To Hell' is my first attempt at writing songs. I hadn't written anything before that — not a thing."

Asked if he and Abaddon have thought about writing and releasing new music, possibly under the VENOM banner, Mantas said: "No, no. At the end of the day, does the world need a new VENOM album? I remember reading an interview with Paul Stanley [of KISS] where he even said, 'I'll never write another KISS song.' Because as good as some of the '80s KISS material was, everybody still wants to hear 'Black Diamond' and 'Cold Gin' and 'Strutter' and 'C'mon And Love Me' and all that stuff. And I'm the same. Like JUDAS PRIEST — 'Firepower', great album; 'Invincible Shield', great album; but if I go to see PRIEST now and they kick into 'The Ripper', game over. It's, like, I'm happy. I know that's a sort of nostalgic way of looking at it, but if we are doing a celebration of this band… All I'm saying is it's a celebration of the music that we wrote 45 years ago; that's all it is. And you've got the two original members in there doing it as well."

Mantas added: "So, new music? I don't know. I don't know. I'm not adverse to maybe getting one song together or something like that. But do people really wanna hear it? It's, like, let's have a vote. I don't know."

There are now three different bands using variations of the VENOM band name. In addition to Mantas and Abaddon's new collaboration, there is the Cronos-fronted version of VENOM, in which Cronos is the sole remaining member from the band's classic era, and there is VENOM INC., which is led by bassist/vocalist Tony "Demolition Man" Dolan, who was a member of VENOM between 1989 and 1992, appearing on the albums "Prime Evil" (1989),"Temples Of Ice" (1991) and "The Waste Lands" (1992).

According to Law360.com, Lant testified in court earlier this year that he joined VENOM in late 1979 and came up with the Satanic-themed designs used in the band's logo and album covers, which included goat heads, pentagrams and inverted crosses.

Bray filed a counterclaim for infringement against Lant and Lant's distributor, Razmataz.com Ltd., arguing that Bray was the real author of the works.

Because Lant was able to produce numerous sketches which demonstrated his design process and Bray was unable to do the same, Bray was deemed the owner of the original logo, while Lant was found to be the creator and copyright owner of all but one of the other artistic works in dispute.

Nearly a decade ago, Dunn formed VENOM INC. with Bray and Dolan.

In December 2024, approximately eight months after suffering his second heart attack, Dunn announced that he was leaving VENOM INC., explaining in a statement that his "health and wellbeing are of paramount importance to myself and my family," but adding that "there are also more personal issues which have influenced my decision."

Dunn suffered his first heart attack in May 2018 and underwent a double bypass surgery.

Mantas sat out VENOM INC.'s fall 2023 U.S. tour after revealing that his wife had been diagnosed with cancer. He was replaced on the trek by Mike Hickey, known for his work with VENOM, CARCASS, CATHEDRAL and CRONOS.

VENOM INC. is not to be confused with the Lant-fronted version of VENOM, which is continuing to tour and make albums under the VENOM moniker. Joining Cronos in that group are Rage (a.k.a. Stuart Dixon) on guitar and Danté (a.k.a. Danny Needham) on drums.

VENOM's classic lineup trio of Dunn, Lant and Bray recorded four studio LPs, "Welcome To Hell" (1981),"Black Metal" (1982),"At War With Satan" (1984) and "Possessed" (1985),and live album, "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" (1986). Often cited by bands such as METALLICA, BEHEMOTH, CELTIC FROST and MAYHEM as major influences, they are one of the most revered bands of their generation. VENOM is still fronted by Cronos and headlines festivals all over the globe and continues to release new music while Dunn and Dolan had joined forces in the similarly named VENOM INC.

Abaddon was part of VENOM's classic lineup from 1978 to 1992. He then returned to the band in 1995 and stayed with them for four years before joining VENOM INC. alongside Dunn and Dolan. VENOM INC. released its debut album, "Avé", in August 2017. A year later, VENOM INC. revealed that it was recruiting Jeramie Kling of the Tampa-based melodic death metal band THE ABSENCE to fill in for Bray on a European tour while Abaddon stayed home to spend time with his newborn daughter.

Dunn, Bray and Dolan released the aforementioned three albums as VENOM: "Prime Evil", "Temples Of Ice" and "The Waste Lands".

In September 2022, Bray revealed that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma.

For the April 24, 2026 appearance at the Keep It True festival at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany, Mantas and Abaddon will be joined by an all-star lineup of guest musicians:

* Tom Angelripper and Andy Brings (SODOM)
* Tom G. Warrior (CELTIC FROST, HELLHAMMER, TRIPTYKON)
* Schmier (DESTRUCTION)
* Attila Csihar (MAYHEM)
* Danny Lilker (NUCLEAR ASSAULT, S.O.D.)
* Diva Satánica (BLOODHUNTER, NERVOSA)
* and introducing Blake "Bulldözer" Arendell from the rising force INTERCEPTOR

In a recent interview with Canada's The Metal Voice, Mantas said about the fact that there are now three different bands using variations of the VENOM band name: "I'm just gonna speak the truth, the absolute truth. I'm the founder member [of VENOM]. If there's a co-founder, it's Abaddon. Cronos was the last one to join. Everyone knows that. I wrote all the early material, blah, blah, blah. And at this very moment in time, the way I look at it is there isn't a VENOM out there. There's bands out there who are playing VENOM material. And that's the honest way that I look at it."

Regarding why he and Abaddon chose to reteam for these shows right now, Mantas said: "Myself and Abaddon, we said, 'Look, why don't we just do something to celebrate this fucking band?' And that's all we're doing. It's a celebration of 'Welcome To Hell', 45 years of that album. And this stupid fucking band has missed every major anniversary in its history. We've never celebrated an anniversary of this band. So I spoke to the guys at Keep It True, Oliver Weinsheimer in particular, the owner of the festival. And I said, 'Right, here's an idea. Why don't we get some special guests, people who have been influenced by the band? All that kind of thing.' And he said, 'Great. Let's do it.' So that's how it all came about. And now we're getting offers from other places to do the same thing. So, yeah, if nobody else will do it, we're gonna go out and celebrate this band."

Asked what band name he and Abaddon will perform under, Mantas said: "As far as I'm concerned, there's no fucking name to it. There's Abaddon's VENOM logo, which is his. And underneath it, it says, 'Mantas and Abaddon.' And then special guests. And that's what we're doing."

Elaborating on the reasons he and Abaddon have chosen to play the VENOM music together again, Mantas said: "I know it's not gonna be the PANTERA thing, and I know it's not a fucking KISS reunion or anything like that, but this band has had, for whatever reason, and it still amazes me to this day, but this band has had so much influence on the metal scene from day one, especially when that album ['Welcome To Hell'] came out. And then [VENOM's second album] 'Black Metal' — black metal, as a genre, is still alive and kicking today. Extreme metal is around, people say, because of us."

On the topic of the response from VENOM fans to the announcement of the Keep It True concert, as well as the November 30, 2025 appearance by Dunn and Bray at Shinjuku Antiknock, a legendary music venue in Tokyo, Japan, alongside some of Japan's finest black metal players, Mantas said: "Every comment I've seen so far, 90 percent has been really, really positive. Like, 'Great. Go for it, guys,' all this kind of stuff. Then you get the one, 'Oh, no Cronos, no VENOM.' It's, like, okay, listen to me right now. You can you imagine the most toxic relationship and the most stressful relationship you've ever had in your fucking life, and now go back and invite it back in. And that's what we tried to do.

"If everybody knew the real reason I left in 1986, you wouldn't even fucking look at that guy again. All these people who say that about Cronos and stuff like that, yes, he was a part of the band. I appreciate that. He didn't write all the fucking early material. He didn't found the band. He was the last person to join.

"If you were having problems with your wife and you put it on the fucking Internet, I would never go, 'Oh, yeah, well, I know what's going on,' because you don't — you don't know the personalities of the people involved in it," Mantas explained. "All you see from the outside is a band. I mean, I love KISS. I love JUDAS PRIEST. Now there's fucking problems with K.K. [Downing] and all the rest of fucking PRIEST. There's problems with Ace [Frehley] and fucking Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] and Peter [Criss], but we don't know what's really gone on. And it's, like, yeah, I tell you what, get back in your mom's basement. Eat your fucking microwave meal and play your video games. This is ridiculous to comment on people's careers. And that's the way I feel about it. And all I'm saying is that myself and Abaddon, as the two original members of VENOM, we're gonna go out and we're gonna celebrate this band and its music. And that's it. Nothing more, nothing less."

Abaddon also offered his opinion on the VENOM name issue, saying: "My take on that is very straightforward. If you've got three bands using the word VENOM to sell the music… Originally, VENOM were a three-piece. Unless you've got two members of that three-piece, you can't call it VENOM because it's Cronos and some other blokes, or it's Dolan and some other blokes. If you've got me and Jeff, you've got two-thirds of the original fucking band. That's as straightforward as you can get."

Mantas Venom Japan公演まであと3日！
参加チケットは前日まで発売中！
https://upp-tone-music.com/mantas2025/index.php

VENOM「Welcome to...

Posted by UPP-tone company on Thursday, November 27, 2025

DEEP PURPLE drummer Ian Paice has revealed that he is working on a solo album of sorts with his son James.

The 77-year-old British-born-musician — who spent much of the past year performing with the band PURPENDICULAR, which started in October 2007 as a DEEP PURPLE tribute act but evolved into a band playing original music — announced the first details of the upcoming LP in a video message he shared on Tuesday, December 23.

Ian said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "Hello, my friends. It's been a strange year for us. DEEP PURPLE decided to take the summer off, something we haven't done since 1984. And it was great being able to spend that time with our families instead of sitting on airplanes and going around the world. But although I wasn't working with DP, you'll have noticed I did quite a few shows with the PURPENDICULAR band. And great fun it is too.

"When I'm asked at these shows why I'm doing them, why I'm playing in small clubs and small venues, I tell people, and it's the truth," he continued. "When you get to a certain age, you've gotta keep playing. You mustn't stop. When you're 21, 22 years old, you can take a year off and you'll come back and you'll be the same. A little later in life, the muscles don't work the same way. So you can't let them forget what they're meant to do. And the only way to keep that right is to be on stage. You can sit in the practice room all you want; it won't be the same. So that's why I do 'em. It keeps the muscles right, keeps the brain right. That has to tell these [limbs] what to do or else it makes no sense. And if you take too long off, that can slip and that's not a great idea.

"I've also been working in the studio with my son James and his musical partner, Ben Batson," Paice added. "They've written some wonderful new music for me to play on. We've been taking a while to get this right, because I wanted really good musicians on it and their availability isn't something you can just take for granted. These guys are working all the time — instrumentalists and vocalists. And just so you know, it's not a drumming record. Eventually even drummers get bored with those. It's some nice new rock and roll music. I think you'll enjoy it. I did the drum tracks about four years ago now. That's how long it's taken us to get it right with the best musicians possible. Many of them are friends, and I did have the advantage of begging them, cajoling them, asking them nicely to help out with the project, and they all very graciously joined in. As I said, the hardest thing was trying to get the time when we could be together, locked in, when I was here and when they weren't on the road working with other people. It was difficult, and sometimes it didn't work. My dear friend Brian Johnson [AC/DC] was slated to come in and take a whack at a couple of the tracks, but the night before the session was due, a rather devastating hurricane blew through Florida and over the region where Brian's main house is. So, obviously, he had to hightail it back to the U.S. and check if he still had a house. It was literally one of those times where the best-laid plans were just blown out of the water. Then, of course, AC/DC went back on the road for a rather lengthy tour, and so the whole thing became impossible. And that's just the way it goes sometimes. Oh, well.

"We believe we have the recording finished now," Ian added. "So the next thing for us to work out is who, where, when we mix it. And I think logically it should be ready for you lot towards the end of next year.

"So at this time, I wish you and yours a very merry Christmas, and like any sane person in the world, I hope the chaos so many people are enduring at the moment can be quickly sorted out. History has shown us that when these situations happen — wars, conflicts, call 'em what you will — in the end, nobody really wins.
So please enjoy yourselves. Stay safe, and as you will have seen, DEEP PURPLE will be going around the world again next year. So I hope to see you at one of those gigs somewhere."

Throughout DEEP PURPLE's long career, which has seen numerous changes among the other personnel, Ian is the only drummer the band has ever had. When the group dissolved in 1976, Ian joined then-DEEP PURPLE vocalist David Coverdale to form WHITESNAKE. After a short hiatus, DEEP PURPLE reunited in 1984 for the "Perfect Strangers" release and has not stopped performing and recording since.

During a decade that DEEP PURPLE did not tour or record, Ian worked with the aforementioned WHITESNAKE, guitarist Gary Moore and, during a brief rest from touring in 1999, recorded an album and played a few shows with Sir Paul McCartney.

Paice suffered a minor stroke in 2016, forcing him to miss the band's shows in Sweden and Denmark — the first time his medical condition prevented him from performing with the group.

Paice and his DEEP PURPLE bandmates were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2016.

In a new interview with Riff X's "Metal XS", LYNYRD SKYNYRD guitarist Rickey Medlocke and singer Johnny Van Zant spoke about the possibility of fresh music from the iconic rockers. Johnny said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We have songs that we wrote with Gary [Rossington, late LYNYRD SKYNYRD guitarist] that we never recorded." Rickey chimed in: "We discovered [these songs] shortly after Gary's passing. They brought us a load of tapes and all this stuff — [Gary's] wife did — and we discovered we had about 30 songs that Gary had taken part with Johnny and myself and whomever. And you could hear him talking on the tapes and talking about lyrics and all that stuff. And Johnny and I started talking about doing — possibly doing — another LYNYRD SKYNYRD record that included Gary's songs on it and stuff."

Added Johnny: "We'll see what the future brings, but we would like to bring that to the forefront and get it to our fans."

Nearly a year and a half ago, Rickey told Joe Rock of Long Island's rock station 102.3 WBAB that he was "excited" about the prospect of making a new LYNYRD SKYNYRD album. He explained: "After being in this band, and this is my second go-around in this band, and after spending, collectively — what? — over 30 years with the LYNYRD SKYNYRD brand, I think it's, I guess, needed or wanted. What we should do is put out new music, like we've been doing all these past years since I've been back with the band. Starting in '96, we did LYNYRD SKYNYRD 'Twenty' record, and here we are today getting ready to do another record, and for me, I'm excited about it. And it is a tribute, basically, to Gary, because we're gonna include a lot of these songs that he wrote, co-wrote. And you know what, man? I'm really looking forward to this. I really am. Not too many people can say that they're still a part of an all-time, incredible band, classic band that has gone through everything that LYNYRD SKYNYRD has gone through and still come out on the very end of it. Back when Gary got me back in the band, I promised him that I would be here until the last note of 'Free Bird' was played. So here I am."

In March 2024, Medlocke told Iridium Rock And Metal Reviews that LYNYRD SKYNYRD may not go down the traditional route when releasing new music. "I do have I do have a thing about putting out whole albums now, because I think that people will go online or go to iTunes or go to Spotify or whatever, they'll see a whole album, but they're only gonna play one or two songs," he said. "They might scan over the rest of them, but they'll pick out one or two of their favorite and then that's it. My thing is that's one of the reasons why I like putting out one song at a time, and you see how people would accept it, react to it, or maybe they don't react to it at all. Maybe they don't like it for whatever reason. But I find that you get a lot of mileage out of one song instead of a collective of 10 to 12 songs or more… You can release one every three months or whatever and then you get a collection of it and release the collection. So, all of a sudden, everybody's got a collection of five songs that they can go and grab after they've loved, like, maybe three or four of 'em. And then you've got the collection and you're all the better for it. But we have thought about that. And we've also thought about how long are we gonna take this?"

Elaborating on how long he thinks LYNYRD SKYNYRD can carry on, Rickey said: "I will put this out there. There's one more guy — he's such a hero to me. And I know you're gonna laugh about this, but Gary, Johnny and I figured, people used to ask us, 'How long are you guys gonna take this?' And I always said, 'Hey, look. If THE ROLLING STONES can do it, we can do it.' And I'm telling you — come on, Keith [Richards]. If you can do it, I know I can do it. Come on, Keith. Join us in LYNYRD SKYNYRD and play on stage with us, because there's another one I'd love to see climb up there with us."

If a new LYNYRD SKYNYRD album materializes, it will be the group's first since 2012's "Last Of A Dyin' Breed". The band released a single, "Last Of The Street Survivors", in 2020.

"Last Of The Street Survivors" — which shares its name with what was the time of the song's release supposed to be LYNYRD SKYNYRD's farewell tour — was penned by Rossington alongside Van Zant, Medlocke and songwriter Tom Hambridge, and found the Southern rockers reminiscing about their career and the bandmates they lost.

After four SKYNYRD members were killed in an October 1977 plane crash, Rossington recruited Johnny to fill his brother's shoes a decade later.

Medlocke, who played drums in SKYNYRD in 1970-71 before leaving to lead his own band BLACKFOOT and coming back to SKYNYRD in 1996, defended LYNYRD SKYNYRD's decision to carry on, telling Cleveland.com in May 2023: "People have beat us up over the years: 'Ah, you guys ain't nothin' but a freakin' tribute band' and blah, blah, blah.

"There's a lot of tribute bands out there to LYNYRD SKYNYRD, but none of them holds it as dear to their hearts as the guys who have been there as long as we have," he explained. "We have the history; I played on the first (recording) sessions. We just know that we have to portray the music with the integrity and the sound and the love as close as we can to when it was originally created."

Rossington was the last surviving founding member of LYNYRD SKYNYRD. On March 5, 2023, his bandmates announced the news of his death in a statement shared on their social media.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD and FOREIGNER recently announced 19 co-headline appearances across North America confirmed for summer 2026. Produced by Live Nation, the "Double Trouble Double Vision Tour" begins on July 23 in Atlanta, Georgia at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre with a final performance planned on August 29 in Rogers, Arkansas at the Walmart AMP.

During a recent appearance on the "Mohr Stories" podcast, hosted by comedian and actor Jay Mohr, Gene Simmons was asked how he found out about the passing of his longtime KISS bandmate Ace Frehley. Gene responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I was here in California, and I got a text from Gigi, Peter Criss's [original KISS drummer] wife, that Ace had passed. He fell down the stairs, apparently the second time, and they couldn't… The short story is the hospital said, 'He has to go.' The family fought to keep him alive, but he didn't last long. So Peter Criss, Paul Stanley [KISS guitarist/vocalist] and myself went and flew to the wake [in New York] and then the funeral. But I will tell you that no matter how emotional it was, the open casket was just too much. I just had to put my head down because he was right in front of — we were right there. And Ace looked like he was [gonna go], 'Oh, just kidding,' and get up and always be the fun guy he was."

Reflecting on some of the most turbulent moments in KISS's history, Gene said: "Families have squabbles. Sometimes they don't agree on stuff, sometimes they don't talk to each other, but family is forever, and without Ace, and certainly without Peter, KISS wouldn't have happened. There's that chemistry thing. Despite the fact that they were in and out of the band three separate times, what I can say about Ace, whether you like it or not, is almost every guitar player out there grew up playing his licks. Kirk Hammett from METALLICA and Mike McCready [PEARL JAM] literally copied his solo note for note… He told me. I said, 'Yeah, that's note [for note].' NINE INCH NAILS, you name the bands, they all grew [up on KISS]. I've got a photo of Lenny Kravitz at 13 being thrown out of school for wearing KISS makeup. But what I'm getting at is despite the fame and the glory and the money and the chicks, all that stuff, there was something inside of Ace — originally it was alcohol — he just couldn't stop. We all tried, and then it went on to this stuff and some of the heavier stuff, and he was just in and out of it, back and forth. And then he finally passed younger than I am. And maybe the only thing you can say is he lived his life his way all the way to the end, and people tried to either change him, but he was always Ace. And that's the way he chose to live his life."

Simmons added: "The saddest part of all, for me, other than his passing, is we're about to be honored by the president of the country [at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors], and we're gonna have an a seat right between us that's gonna be empty and hopefully Ace is gonna be looking out. 'Wow, we did some cool stuff, right? Didn't we?' He should have at least stayed alive just that long, to be there with his family and stuff. It's heartbreaking. What are you gonna do?"

Asked if the call informing him of Ace's death is one that he was, in the back of his mind, expecting for a long time, Gene responded: "Yes. When you see — when you witness, not see, when you're in the company, when you witness self-destructive behavior, you start to imagine… I mean, there were so many car wrecks, so many — let's just say lesser people would've died."

Pressed about whether he and the other members of KISS had interventions for Ace while he was still in the band, Gene said: "In those days it was unheard of. And once he was out of the band the third time, there were times when he'd move around to different states, different phone numbers, different girlfriends, and it was just… to separate. But we'd talk. Every once in a while we'd get on [the phone and go], 'Hey, remember that time,' and everything. What are you gonna do?"

Acknowledging Frehley's role in KISS's rise to fame and the band's cultural impact, Simmons added: "We were four knuckleheads off the streets of New York without a resume, no expertise, no experience, who had this bizarre notion of putting together a band that we'd never seen before. Why can't you be on stage and spit fire, or have rockets come out of your guitars or fly through the air? …  So we had this kind of singularity, this moment of, 'Wait a minute. They're gonna come hear the songs, but they're bringing their eyes. Give them something audiovisual. Give them something to look at.'"

Earlier this month, Gene said that he was sorry for suggesting that Ace's death may have been caused by "bad decisions".

Simmons made headlines after he alleged that Frehley's "lifestyle" contributed to a fall at the guitarist's New Jersey home, which ultimately caused his October 16 death at age 74. A couple of days later, Gene apologized, writing on X: "On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used. I humbly apologize. My hand to God I didn't intend to hurt Ace or his legacy but upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone. Again, I apologize. I've always loved Ace. Always."

Simmons originally told the New York Post in an interview on December 6 that Frehley "refused [advice] from people that cared about him — including yours truly — to try to change his lifestyle." He added: "In and out of bad decisions. Falling down the stairs — I'm not a doctor — doesn't kill you. There may have been other issues, and it breaks my heart. The saddest thing — you reap what you shall sow, unfortunately."

The founding KISS guitarist died of blunt-trauma injuries to his head due to a fall, the Morris County Medical Examiner confirmed in a report obtained. The manner of death was ruled an accident.

According to the report, a CT scan of Frehley's head revealed multiple contusions, bone fractures to the back of his skull, hemorrhages, and a subdural hematoma (the type of bleeding that occurs in a person's brain after a head injury). Additional bruises were found on the musician's hip, thigh, and abdomen. The report also noted that Frehley had suffered a stroke.

A separate toxicology report on Frehley's blood at the time of his death has not yet been released.

During last month's "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas" event, Gene talked about Ace and Peter while answering a question about what he would have done differently in his career if given the opportunity. He said: "If I have any regrets, it's that I sometimes — and I think we all go through this — wish we were smarter and better at trying to help Ace and Peter have better lives. All of us are guilty of it, and so am I — 'I don't want to start an argument. Let's just continue doing the tour,' because you want to get through it for selfish reasons because it's working and the chicks and the money and [so on], and you don't want to ruin anything. [In the] meantime, somebody who might be your brother is ruining their life by bad decisions. I think this goes to your friends, your lovers, your family members — I wish I would have practiced more tough love and been more in the face of people that we cared about… Tough love is a good idea in my opinion with your children, with the people you love, with the people you care about, with the people you work with. It's not going to be a popular thing — you're going to argue about it — but in the long run, you're going to be helping that person hopefully change their life."

Frehley's longtime manager John Ostrosky confirmed to the New York Post that the late KISS icon was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, New York.

The legendary musician was buried on October 22 following a private memorial on October 21 at Sinatra Memorial Home in Yonkers, New York.

Frehley, whose real name was Paul Daniel Frehley, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey. He reportedly died nearly two weeks after a second fall at his home, which led to him being placed on life support after a brain bleed. The musician's family made the heartbreaking decision to take him off the ventilator.

Frehley's family confirmed his death, writing in a statement: "We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.

"We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace's memory will continue to live on forever!"

The day of Ace's death, Stanley and Simmons issued a statement in which they said: "We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world."

Simmons also wrote on X: "Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace's legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn't live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!"

Ace co-founded KISS with Paul, Gene and Peter in New York City in 1973. Frehley appeared on KISS's first nine albums, and returned for the band's 1998 reunion album, "Psycho Circus", only to leave again. He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with the rest of KISS's original lineup in 2014.

Frehley first left KISS in 1982. He rejoined in 1996 and parted ways with the band once again in 2002 after the conclusion of KISS's first "farewell tour." Since his departure, guitarist Tommy Thayer had assumed the role of the Spaceman.

Earlier in October, Frehley scrapped the remainder of his previously announced 2025 tour dates due to unspecified "medical issues".

The legendary rocker announced the cancelation two weeks after he pulled out of the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California after sustaining minor injuries in a fall at his home.

Frehley had a rocky relationship with Simmons and Stanley whom he blamed for exacerbating his abuse of drugs and alcohol because they allegedly minimized his contributions to KISS.

In 2019, Simmons told Guitar World that Frehley and Criss had exited KISS three times, in part because they "weren't carrying their load" and weren't dependable onstage. In response, Frehley called Simmons and Stanley "control freaks, untrustworthy and… too difficult to work with."

Ace said in a 2024 interview that he got sober in 2006 after "10 car accidents" and credited his daughter Monique with inspiring him to give up drinking in 2006.

"My daughter calls me up and goes, 'Dad, I'm not hearing good things about you.' I looked in the mirror and just said, 'Shit — she's right,'" he said. "That evening, I called my sponsor and he took me to an AA meeting, and I've been sober ever since."

In a new interview with the RRBG podcast, former SEPULTURA and current SOULFLY frontman Max Cavalera — who is known for his many collaborations through the years — 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 (A.I.) algorithms and machine learning (M.L.) models. Max said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "That's one of my arguments with people about this whole A.I. shit. To me, that's like what A.I. cannot do. You can't really put people like me and Dino [Cazares, FEAR FACTORY guitarist], or me and Chino [Moreno, DEFTONES singer], or me and Tom Araya [SLAYER vocalist], and you get a cool song out of it. A.I. can never do that. And they won't be able to do it. They'll do a false Xerox of it, but it's not the same… I don't give a shit what people say. It's not the same, man, and it will never be."

Addressing A.I. technology as a whole, Max said: "My hope is that we can coexist with this thing; that's my wish. 'Cause I think some of it can be good, if it's done the right way. I think we're gonna actually learn to coexist with this A.I. technology and see where it goes from there. But the soul of the person, yeah, that's a unique thing. Your heart, your passion, that's a human thing, man."

SOULFLY's thirteenth album, "Chama", came out on October 24 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Last month, SOULFLY kicked off the "Favela Dystopia" 2025 West Coast tour with GO AHEAD AND DIE. The 17-date trek launched on November 1 in Roswell and headed to Denver, Spokane and Fresno, among other cities, before concluding in Flagstaff on November 23.

SOULFLY drummer — and Max's son — Zyon Cavalera co-produced "Chama", which was recorded at the Platinum Underground Studio in Mesa, Arizona by John Aquilino. John has worked with Max and company multiple times before and is not only a talented engineer but a family friend. The album was produced by Zyon and Arthur Rizk. The latter was also responsible for the mixing and mastering. Rizk has not only worked with the Cavalera family numerous times before, but has also helped to shape the world of heavy metal in the modern day. SOULFLY enlisted Carletta Parrish to create the album artwork. For the album, Igor Amadeus Cavalera (GO AHEAD & DIE, NAILBOMB, HEALING MAGIC) played bass and Mike De Leon played guitar.

In a recent interview with CHOM 97 7's Randy Renaud, Scott Anderson (vocals) and James Black (lead guitar/backing vocals) of Canadian rockers FINGER ELEVEN were asked what it feels like to be performing songs to an audience that includes kids who are younger than the bandmembers were when they first started out. Scott responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "That's an absolute trip. That's the dream, to have this — I guess we could really, truly definitively call it a music career. We've been at this for long enough."

He continued: "I think the perspective now, I just feel luckier than I have ever felt, because this is — a whole bunch of stuff has changed, but the main core of us just getting together and trying to make stuff that we enjoy and the idea that we still get to do it, I mean, come on. The dream is still happening. I love it."

James added: "Music, for me, is very attached to my dad and my dad's record collection. And so when you see that happening again in another cycle of it, it's — I don't know — it's pretty heavy duty, actually, to think, like, okay, in some kid's house, FINGER ELEVEN was on all the time, and so that's part of the fabric of what he thinks rock and roll is. It's, like, a rite of passage or something. I know that it sounds like highfalutin, but…"

FINGER ELEVEN's latest album, "Last Night On Earth", came out on November 7 via Better Noise Music.

Released in September, the "Last Night On Earth" title track was the follow-up to the album's second single and video which was released in August, the thunderous "Blue Sky Mystery" featuring Richard Patrick from FILTER.

Last year, fans got the first taste of "Last Night On Earth" via the high-octane "Adrenaline" (which reached the Top 20 on the Mediabase Active Rock chart) and a video that's garnered nearly 200,000 views on YouTube. The song also reached No. 2 on the Active Rock chart in Canada, where the song held strong in the Top 5 for over four months.

"As we were making 'Last Night On Earth', there was this feeling that we were making a big rock record," rhythm guitarist Rick Jackett recalled. "We had done that early in our career, and then we veered away from it. But it was time to go back and embrace that bigness of the sound. Even the soft songs sound big."

FINGER ELEVEN have always amalgamated their musical influences from the 1960s forward into their rock mix. They acknowledge that Phil Collins and GENESIS were a big melodic influence on "Last Night On Earth". And the new tunes explore time-honored FINGER ELEVEN concepts with fresh twists. While "Adrenaline" is a rousing, intense anthem about pushing forward against adversity, "Blue Sky Mystery" is another hard-hitting rocker about being beguiled by something just out of reach. Further into the album, "The Mountain" rides musical peaks and valleys in its quest to chase the song, about the creative process expressed in a fantasy setting. Then there is the acoustic number "Last Night On Earth", which tackles relationship turmoil. It's the most personal new track for Anderson.

Originally from Burlington, Ontario and now based mostly out of Toronto, FINGER ELEVEN has released a series of consecutive hit albums and become among the greatest live bands to ever emerge from the great White North. Their self-titled debut album broke the band into the international mainstream, achieving gold status in the United States and platinum in Canada, and smashing the first single "One Thing" across the radio and Billboard charts. Their 2007 album "Them Vs. You Vs. Me" launched the single "Paralyzer", setting radio records in the U.S., peaking at No. 1 internationally and going five times platinum, the band's second million-plus seller. They won the Juno Award for "Rock Album" the following year and set an incredible run at rock radio, with an unbeaten 14 weeks at the top spot. "Life Turns Electric" was nominated for a Juno Award for "Best Rock Album Of The Year". 2015's "Five Crooked Lines" continued to electrify audiences the world over and their 2023 "Greatest Hits" includes their biggest smash hit in a decade, "Together Right", which topped the radio charts for an amazing five-week run at No. 1.

Photo credit: Myles Erfurth

In a new interview with Jorge Botas of Portugal's Metal Global, guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet of STRYPER was asked if there is "any chance" of a fourth album from SWEET & LYNCH, Michael's collaborative project with legendary guitarist George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB). Sweet responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Absolutely. There's always a chance for that. And I think that's going to depend on the label knocking on our doors and asking for it. They haven't yet. That doesn't mean it's not gonna happen. But I will tell them when they do knock that it's gotta be done different. I don't wanna do it like the last record, is what I'm saying."

Sweet continued: "I personally think the first [SWEET & LYNCH] album was the best of the batch. It had [drummer] Brian Tichy on it, [bassist] James LoMenzo, a little more money was spent. And that's what I mean by that. I don't wanna compromise the quality. And I'd wanna go back and do it just like the first album… And that team was the best team you could ask for. There was something magical about that team. James, his playing is insane. Brian, I don't even know what to say. [He's] just one of the best I've ever worked with. George [is amazing], obviously. So it was a very special team, and we created a really cool album, I think… And I think that one, overall, had the best songs too. There were a few more doozies on that one, and I'd like to repeat that and do something. And I loved it, 'cause it's kind of that cross between DOKKEN and STRYPER and something else. And it's kind of cool hearing that."

SWEET & LYNCH's third album, "Heart & Sacrifice", came out in May 2023 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Alessandro Del Vecchio, who co-produced the LP with Sweet, played bass on the album, while Jelly Cardarelli (LALU) played drums.

SWEET & LYNCH, which has yet to play a single concert, first emerged with its debut album, "Only To Rise", in 2015. The album cracked the Billboard 200 and came in at No. 6 on the Top Hard Rock Albums, No. 17 on Independent Albums, No. 18 on Top Rock Albums, and No. 4 on Christian Albums charts. SWEET & LYNCH's sophomore album, "Unified", followed in 2017, landing at No. 53 on Top Current Albums, No. 13 on Top Current Rock Albums, and No. 8 on Record Label Independent Current Albums. While plans for a third album were always on the table, the project went on a slight hiatus while the guys concentrated on their other musical endeavors. 2022 proved to be the year where the creative juices for SWEET & LYNCH began to flow again and work on what would ultimately become "Heart & Sacrifice" began.

Seven years ago, Michael expressed his frustration about SWEET & LYNCH's lack of activity, telling the "Focus On Metal" podcast: "I've gotten to the point with SWEET & LYNCH where I'm almost sensing and feeling like maybe it's run its course. We did two albums. I talked about doing a third and a fourth and a fifth, but there is kind of no point to it if we don't tour. We really should be touring and playing those songs live. It's kind of pointless, after a while, if you're not doing that."

Sweet said in the aforementioned 2018 interview that another reason SWEET & LYNCH hadn't played any gigs is the fact that the LYNCH MOB leader and former DOKKEN guitarist "has his hands in so many different things. When the first album came out and the second album came out, I promoted the snot out of 'em and was really pushing, pushing, pushing, pushing," he said. "George didn't do a lot of promoting and a lot of pushing with those albums. It gets to be exhausting for me when I feel like I'm the only guy really pushing it. And that's not to take anything away from George — it's just a fact. It's a simple fact that I'm stating in saying that that becomes an issue.

"I'm one of those guys where I want everybody in the band pushing and promoting equally as much, as they should be," he continued. "Or why are you doing it? So I'm at that stage right now where I'm just kind of feeling like the fire is kind of dwindling. I don't want it to — I wanna pour some gasoline on the fire and ignite it again. Maybe that'll happen, but it's quite possible that it won't."

Sweet helms the Grammy-nominated Christian hard rock outfit STRYPER, which he co-founded more than 40 years ago, as the band's vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter. To date, the band has more than 10 million career album sales worldwide. The venerable band ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40-charting singles like "Calling On You", "Honestly" and "Always There For You" and has in more recent years enjoyed an unparalleled career renaissance, delivering arguably the best albums of their storied career, including 2024's "When We Were Kings".

Michael has released multiple solo albums, including a self-titled release in 1994, which yielded five No. 1 singles, "Truth" in 2000, the critically acclaimed 2015 project "I'm Not Your Suicide" (which peaked at No. 10 on Billboard's Hard Rock albums),and 2019's "Ten", which reached No. 4 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart. He also partnered with Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE),Nathan James (INGLORIOUS),Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE) and Tommy Aldridge (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE) in the supergroup ICONIC, which was greeted with much adoration by rock fans around the globe.

Lynch emerged from the '80s hard rock scene with the L.A. based group DOKKEN and went on to become a world-renowned guitarist. Aside from DOKKEN, he also enjoyed great success with LYNCH MOB, the group he founded after leaving DOKKEN.

Lynch has gone on to become a prolific (that is an understatement, to say the least) music creator, continuing with LYNCH MOB, releasing solo albums, and a wealth of collaborative efforts over the decades. Those include, but are not limited to, KXM with Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) and Ray Luzier (KORN),THE END MACHINE with Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, ex-DOKKEN),Mick Brown (ex-DOKKEN),and Robert Mason (WARRANT),SWEET & LYNCH with Michael Sweet (STRYPER),ULTRAPHONIX with Corey Glover (LIVING COLOUR),DIRTY SHIRLEY with Dino Jelusick (ANIMAL DRIVE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA),and THE BANISHMENT with Joe Haze.

In the special season 10 premiere of Jon Stankorb's "Guitar Hang" podcast, DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci reflects on the heroes who shaped him, the responsibility that comes with becoming a source of inspiration for others, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right creative team over a decades-long career.

Regarding DREAM THEATER's relationship with the band's fans, Petrucci said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "As kids, bands [like] IRON MAIDEN and METALLICA, those are bands that that modeled that kind of the importance of the fan-band relationship. Any time we'd see them on stage or we'd watch their live videos, whatever, you would see them interacting and always taking the time to connect with fans. And so that's what we learned, like, that's normal; that's how you do it. Not only that, but because of the work that we've had to do as a band, where we're not playing the type of music that's instantly successful. If anything, it has a lot going against it. So, the fact that we built our career on really the power of live performing and working hard and being consistent creatively, it makes you sort of value the relationship with the fans because they're the reason why this is growing, why we have gone from the Marquee in London to the O2 arena. They're the reason we can do this stuff. So you cannot lose sight of that. It's a very important relationship. And I think the best sort of perspective, the way to look at it, at least the way I do, is that we're in it together. It's not like 'us and them'. I've always hated that. Just 'cause we're standing higher on a stage — we're just musicians."

On DREAM THEATER's upcoming spring 2026 tour of Latin America, the progressive metal giants are continuing their "An Evening With Dream Theater" run that celebrates DREAM THEATER's latest album, "Parasomnia", by performing the LP in its entirety, as well as playing the entire seven-movement masterpiece "A Change Of Seasons" for the first time since drummer Mike Portnoy's return as well as other classics and fan favorites from the band's catalog.

DREAM THEATER played its first concert with Portnoy in 14 years on October 20, 2024 at the O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom. The drummer, who co-founded DREAM THEATER, played on 10 of the band's albums over a 20-year period, from 1989's "When Dream And Day Unite" through 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", before exiting the group in 2010. Portnoy returned to DREAM THEATER in October 2023 after being replaced by Mike Mangini, who played with DREAM THEATER across five studio albums and accompanying world tours.

DREAM THEATER kicked off its summer/fall 2025 "An Evening With Dream Theater" U.S. tour on September 5 at Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading, Pennsylvania. The 30-city trek ran through October 25, when it wrapped in Long Island, New York.

DREAM THEATER launched the spring/summer 2025 leg of its "40th Anniversary European Tour" on June 3 at Logomo in Turku, Finland.

"Parasomnia" came out on February 7, 2025 via InsideOut Music. The LP was produced by John Petrucci, engineered by James "Jimmy T" Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme returned once again to lend his creative vision to the cover art.

"Parasomnia" is an eight-song, 71-minute set which was recorded at DREAM THEATER's DTHQ studio on Long Island, New York. It is the follow-up to 2021's "A View From The Top Of The World", which debuted at in the top 10 of Billboard's Top Hard Rock Albums, Top Rock Albums and Independent Albums charts. Six songs on "Parasomnia" are over seven minutes and the closing epic "The Shadow Man Incident" clocks in at nearly 20 minutes.

The North American leg of DREAM THEATER's 40th-anniversary tour kicked off on February 7 at The Met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The trek was "An Evening With Dream Theater" and was the first tour of North America since Portnoy's return to the lineup,. The tour concluded on March 22 in New York City.

Portnoy, Petrucci and bassist John Myung started DREAM THEATER as MAJESTY in 1985, after meeting at the Berklee College Of Music in Boston. Singer James LaBrie came on board in 1991, while Rudess joined in 1999.

Prior to Portnoy's return to DREAM THEATER, the drummer and Petrucci worked together on the latter's 2020 solo album, "Terminal Velocity", and toured together. Portnoy and Petrucci also joined Rudess and bassist Tony Levin for a third studio album as LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT in 2021.

During a recent appearance on the BlazeTV podcast "Relatable", hosted by Allie Beth Stuckey, John Cooper of Christian rockers SKILLET spoke about how he first got into playing hard rock and heavy metal, even though his mother — who was "a fanatical Jesus freak", according to John — "felt that rock music was the biggest tool of the devil." Cooper said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's not by any means I was like Mr. Theology or anything like that, but I did recognize the inconsistency, even as a young person… The church I went to was a Bible-believing church. So we were always taught this, that it's about grace. It's not about rules. And we were always taught things like the Pharisees, they added all these rules in order to earn God's favor and how that wasn't right. And I would always be, like, 'Yeah, but I think you're doing that with music.' … The church I was at was fixated — I mean, obsessed — about the way you dress. So, like, black was bad; black was the devil's color. So my mom didn't want me wearing black. And they were fixated on these really weird rules, arbitrary rules. And even as a young person, I was, like, 'I just don't see this in the Bible.' And on one hand you're telling me that we don't wanna be like the Pharisees, it's all about grace, but the other thing is every day they're fixated on this stuff. And it gave me a really, really bad taste. And that is why I can relate to people when they actually do go through deconstruction [of faith, which involves critically examining your beliefs, practices, and traditions to discern what feels authentic and what doesn't], and they have these stories of church hurt and church abuse. I'm, like, 'I'm against deconstruction, but I know what you mean. I honestly do know what you're saying, and I do think that we could do a better job in the evangelical world of showing the joy we have in Christ,' instead of just seeming angry all the time. We're not angry. We're really joyful. We love God. So let's fight what we need to fight and let's calm down about some of the other things. So even as a young person, I really did not understand this weird music thing. I didn't understand the idea that the devil had created a style of music because I remember saying to my mom once, 'But you taught me that the devil doesn't create anything. He distorts things. So how can it be that he created an evil drumbeat?' Even as a seventh grader, I was, like, 'This isn't adding up.' All that to say I did wanna go away from some of that legalism, and I did go away from that, but I never wanted to go away from Christianity. I never wanted to go away from the Bible or Jesus. I was into that."

John added: "I guess what I'm saying is I can relate to some of the deconstruction people. I understand what they're going through, and if anybody is listening that's like that, I just wanna encourage them. I feel you. I hear you. Don't deconstruct from the Bible. Don't leave Jesus over this stuff. Just get rid of some of the things that people probably good-heartedly added on to the faith that they really shouldn't have. Get rid of that stuff, but don't deconstruct from Christ."

Circling back to how he first decided to pursue playing rock music wholeheartedly despite objections from his own mother, who died of cancer when he was just 15, John said: "I remember I got very serious in my relationship with the Lord when I was 18. And I really believed it with all my heart — I believed God was calling me to play music. It was hard because on my mom's deathbed, my mom had gotten very into word of faith before she died. So we were Southern Baptist, but she kind of was looking for that miracle. She kind of went Kenneth Copeland-ish [American televangelist associated with the charismatic movement], went to some of those things. And so for the last three weeks that my mom was alive, I didn't get to say bye to her because she didn't want us to lose faith. She was gonna be healed. She was in the hospital, didn't want us to lose faith seeing her like that. And if we came to say bye, that would be an admission of not having faith. And again, I am never disparaging about my mom; she's the reason I'm walking with the Lord. So that's not disparaging; that's a sad piece of this story. But I knew in my heart I was supposed to be playing music, but I had been told — by people that love me dearly — that on my mom's deathbed, she's pumped full of all sorts of morphine or whatever it is that they give to you when you're in that sort of agony at the end, she was having visions and dreams and whatever, and part of those visions were that one of her sons — me — I was going to lead people to hell through Christian music. I was gonna play Christian music and the devil was gonna use me to lead people to hell, and things like that. So that was also kind of over me — it was hanging over me — but I just knew God had called me to it. And I just was, like, I'm 18. This is one of those things, are you going to do what God's called you to do? Or are you going to — I don't know. I don't know if I'm stretching to say this, but it kind of felt like let the dead bury their own dead, kind of a thing. Not that she was dead, but almost, like, I can't live with that over my life. I know God's called me to this. And I don't believe it was real. I just think there were really godly people that were wrong about something."

In 2021, Cooper was asked by the "Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast" what he would say to someone who says that Satan works through rock music, and thus Christians shouldn't play rock music. He responded: "I would say Satan can work through just about anything. I would say that music is created not by the Devil; [it is] created by the Lord. All things were created by God. So instead of thinking that the Devil owns a genre of music, I would say capture that music and bring it back into subjection under the lordship of Christ."

As for what he would say to someone who says it is sinful for Christians to have tattoos, Cooper said: "I understand why Christians think that, because of the Old Testament. I would say it probably takes a little bit of a longer explanation of Old Testament law and what it meant. But a short version would be there are some things in the Old Testament that were a picture of something in the New Testament. There are some things that are not pictures, like murder — we don't murder, we don't steal, so and so forth. Dietary restrictions, things like that, were a picture of something.

"Here's what God wanted: God wants to make his people set apart and holy unto his name," he continued. "And I don't think that God does that any longer from the way that we look; he does that now because of Christ's work on the cross, his resurrection, and he sanctifies us, which sets us apart from the sinner and the pagan."

John has written in depth about his views in the two books he has released so far, "Awake & Alive To Truth", which came out in December 2020, and "Wimpy, Weak, And Woke", which became available in late 2023.

Cooper told Baptist Press about how his faith directs him to speak out on cultural issues: "If Jesus is the truth, then that means He has something to say about culture, politics, abortion and sexuality. The Bible has something to say about these things."

SKILLET's latest album, "Revolution", arrived in November 2024 via the band's Hear It Loud imprint.

SKILLET released its first-ever Christmas recording, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", in November.

John Cooper press photo courtesy of The Media Collective

In a new interview with MyGlobalMind magazine, ALTER BRIDGE guitarist/vocalist Myles Kennedy spoke about the band's upcoming self-titled eighth studio album, which will arrive on January 9, 2026 via Napalm Records. Regarding why it took ALTER BRIDGE more than 20 years to release a self-titled effort, Myles responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, we just felt laziness, as far as trying to come up with a fancy name. But I think the other part of it was it just felt like we really touched on the kind of the essence of what this band has always been, a certain thing, and we didn't really veer off into too many new territories, like arrangement-wise or texture-wise; there's no keyboards or anything like that, like we've experimented on other records. And it was just, like, 'Well, this is kind of the essence of the band.' So we all felt like a self-titled approach was appropriate."

On the topic of how the songwriting approach for "Alter Bridge" was different from that for 2022's "Pawns & Kings" album, Myles said: "To me, it was similar. I think we kind of took the same approach that we took on 'Pawns & Kings'. Even with the production as well, where it's very stripped down. It's funny because I've been rehearsing for the upcoming tour, and so I put together this playlist of what the songs are gonna be. I can't tell you; it's top secret. So I've been in rehearsing a couple of hours a day. But it's fascinating when you're playing along with the records, playing along with the songs, and that's when you juxtapose everything and put it together like that, you really hear the difference in each of the recordings sonically. And you hear kind of where we were and where the producer was and the engineer. And so, yeah, with some of the records, there's a lot of information, like, there's a lot of textures, and it's almost like a smear thing. And it's not always a bad thing, but it's just different, where the newer recordings, with this recording and where 'Pawns & Kings' are, is you can kind of pick out every detail. When I'm trying to relearn a part and I can't remember exactly what I did, it's pretty easy to discern what it is, because it's right there. It's pretty much just stereo guitars, left and right, and not a lot of extra stuff. So I think that it's a similarity between the 'Pawns & Kings' record and this record. And I think that it'll be interesting moving forward, whenever that day comes, how that would be, if we're gonna stay on that approach. 'Cause it seems like fans are gravitating towards that. When we talk to people, they're, like, 'Man, we really like the way these records sound.' There's something about, when they're recorded that way, you could turn 'em up louder. It's funny how that works. They just work well in a loud environment."

"Alter Bridge" is comprised of 12 all-new tracks once again helmed by the band's longtime collaborator and producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette. The effort was recorded over two months this past spring at the legendary 5150 studio in California and Elvis's recording studio in Florida.

ALTER BRIDGE will be touring in support of the release. The band is heading out on the "What Lies Within" tour. The 31-date European leg of the trek will kick off on January 15 in Germany and will wrap on March 5 in Nottingham, U.K. Support on the tour will come from DAUGHTRY and SEVENDUST. The band also announced a headline U.S. tour featuring FILTER or SEVENDUST and Tim Montana as support in select markets. The tour kicks off on April 25 in Orlando, Florida and runs through May 24 where it wraps in Tampa, Florida.

Back in 2004, four lifelong musicians got together down in Florida. Even though they had traveled separate paths, similar lessons learned, wisdom earned and dues paid united these gentlemen — Myles Kennedy (vocals, guitar),Mark Tremonti (guitar, vocals),Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums) — as ALTER BRIDGE. Over the ensuing two decades, the band endured countless trials and tribulations, defied every odd, and rose to the head of the pack as a hard rock juggernaut, cementing a singular legacy by selling out arenas, gathering nearly one billion streams, inciting international acclaim, and quietly attracting a diehard audience. Beginning with the Top 5 entry of 2004's gold-certified "One Day Remains", the band has scored six consecutive Top 20 debuts on the Billboard 200. Among a myriad of highlights, Guitarist magazine applauded "Blackbird" for the "Greatest Guitar Solo Of All Time," the "ABIII" single "Isolation" vaulted to No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, 2013's "Fortress" received rare perfect scores from Kerrang! and Total Guitar, and "Walk The Sky" shook the Top Rock Albums chart at No. 1. Beyond packing O2 Arena and Royal Albert Hall, Classic Rock hailed 2022's "Pawns & Kings" as "the Rolls-Royce of ALTER BRIDGE records" in a 4.5-out-of-5-star review. Plus, the latter LP garnered praise from American Songwriter, Guitar World and Loudwire, while Billboard christened them "one of America's premiere hard rock quartets." Channeling the same hunger, the band continue to push themselves on their self-titled eighth full-length offering, "Alter Bridge". It embodies everything they're known for such as the precise riffs, towering hooks, and solos that practically break guitar strings as they burst through the clouds.

The Kennedy Center channel on YouTube has uploaded a one-and-a-half-minute video in which the three living original members of KISS — guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley, bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss — talk about being reunited at the Kennedy Center Honors on December 7 in Washington D.C., less than two months after the death of their longtime bandmate, original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley.

Stanley, Simmons and Criss were all clad in black tuxedos and medals at the John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts for the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors, which was hosted by U.S. president Donald Trump and also honored songwriter George Strait, actors Michael Crawford and Sylvester Stallone and singer Gloria Gaynor.

 Stanley said: "It's really surreal because it's the embodiment of the American dream."

Simmons chimed in: "We were awed by the singers, some of the best singers we've ever seen. America gave the world rock and roll, and this celebration at the Kennedy Center is all about that.

"The greatest honor in the world for us right here in America is that the president allows us to celebrate this thing that America invented."

Criss said: "Ace Frehley, as you know, passed away not long ago. He was a major part of this band. And so tonight I got to sit next to his chair, and I broke down quite a few times."

Added Stanley: "Most of us came from nothing. My mother came from Germany, fled the Holocaust. You see the American flag, you see the Statue Of Liberty, and you realize all things are possible."

As in years past, the December 7 gala was turned into a broadcast special that aired on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23.

Reflecting on the fact that Ace died less than two months before he was supposed to be honored alongside his bandmates, Gene said:  "The saddest thing of all is that Ace couldn't live long enough to see this amazing thing."

Paul chimed in: "You can't build something without a strong foundation. And Ace and Peter and Gene and I are that foundation."

Gene added: "We are there at the finish line with Peter. And Ace is up there and he's gonna be watching and proud."

Stanley went on to say that KISS receiving the Kennedy Center honor is the culmination of decades of hard work.

"We are products of the American dream," he explained. "There are opportunities, and they're not always the same for everybody, but you're willing to work hard and find out how much something matters to you by how much you're willing to work to get it."

Trump praised this year's honorees as "perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center honorees ever assembled."

Before presenting Simmons, Stanley and Criss, along with Frehley's daughter Monique, with their medals, Trump called KISS an "incredible rock band" and acknowledged Ace, "who now is resting in peace", adding that the guitarist's "beautiful daughter is here to accept the award."

According to Billboard, Ace became only the third person to receive a Kennedy Center Honor posthumously, following two other group members who likewise died after the groups' awards were first announced: Glenn Frey of EAGLES and Phil Lesh of GRATEFUL DEAD.

The day of Frehley's passing, Simmons, shared a touching statement reflecting on the guitarist's impact and the Kennedy Center Honor.

"Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on," Gene wrote. "No one can touch Ace's legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn't live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!"

Trump announced the honorees in August during a press conference at the performing arts center.

When KISS's Kennedy Center Honor was first announced, Simmons told TMZ: "KISS is the embodiment of the American Dream. We are deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honor."

Stanley added: "From our earliest days, KISS has embodied the American ideal that all things are possible and that hard work pays off. The prestige of the Kennedy Center Honors cannot be overstated and I accept this on behalf of the long legacy of kiss and all of the band members who helped create our iconic band."

Frehley, meanwhile, called the Kennedy Center Honor "a dream come true that I never thought would materialize."

Criss kept his statement simple, saying: "I feel so blessed. This is the greatest honor of our career."

During his first term, Trump seemingly paid no attention to the Kennedy Center, often skipping the honors ceremony. He has since vowed to transform the marquee arts center, first ousting its leadership board, then filling the board of trustees with his loyalists.

In September 2020, Frehley called Trump "the strongest leader that we've got." Two years earlier, the original KISS guitarist also expressed his support for America's 45th president during an appearance on the "Juliet: Unexpected" podcast. At the time, he said about Trump: "Whether you love him or hate him, if you're an American and you're a patriot, you should get behind your president. He was elected. We live under the Constitution of the United States, and you're supposed to support your president. Love him or hate him, you're supposed to support him, or go move to another country.

"Being American, we have the right to free speech, and I'm all for everybody putting their two cents in on everything," he added. "But when musicians or actors get really verbal and jump on a bandwagon against our government, I don't agree with that."

The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique artistic contributions have shaped our world. Recipients have each had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts. Whether in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures, or television, each Kennedy Center honoree has a unique place in the fabric of our nation and their influence has inspired audiences from all walks of life.

The honoree selection process includes solicitation of recommendations from former honorees, the artistic community, the Kennedy Center board of trustees, and the general public. This year's selected honorees were chosen based on the recommendation of the Center's special honors advisory committee.

In a new interview with Spain's Stairway To Rock, legendary rock vocalist Graham Bonnet spoke about "Lost In Hollywood Again", the latest live album from his own group, the GRAHAM BONNET BAND, which is out on now via Frontiers Music Srl. After the interviewer noted that the LP sounds "absolutely real with no overdubs", Graham responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I've had my ex band[mates from ALCATRAZZ], my ex dead band called ALCATRAZZ, they're going out as that band. They call themselves ALCATRAZZ, and the manager of the band is singing. It's fucking incredible. And they're saying I lip sync and all that kind of thing, and they're doing anything to try to destroy me. And this is not the way it is, because you can see by [the videos that have been released for 'Lost In Hollywood Again'] — no, there's nothing there. I am live, I am singing. I can't fool people with that anymore. That's something you do when you are on [BBC's flagship] 'Top Of The Pops' [show] or something, or something like that, on a TV show. But live, you have to sing live, and that's what I do. And people are saying to me, 'How can you do this when you're 77 years old? You sound the same as you did when you were 30.'"

After the interviewer noted that it makes "no sense" for ALCATRAZZ to carry on without Bonnet, a reference to the fact a band calling itself ALCATRAZZ is recording and touring under that name with a lineup that includes Giles Lavery (vocals),Joe Stump (guitars),Jimmy Waldo (keyboards),Gary Shea (bass) and Mark Benquechea (drums),Graham concurred. "No, it's ridiculous," he said. "I wrote the songs — me and the guitar players. Joe Stump has nothing to do with ALCATRAZZ. And neither do the other people in the band — the band, whatever it's supposed to be. It's not even a good cover band. It's terrible. I saw videos of it, and it's laughable. They're trying to do something that is not working for them. And I'm very happy it isn't, because they're stealing my image on t-shirts and stuff, selling t-shirts, blah, blah, blah, blah, ALCATRAZZ, yada, yada, yada, and all the songs I've written with [former ALCATRAZZ guitarists] Yngwie Malmsteen, with Steve Vai, they're doing those things. It's not their music. They are not a musical band. None of those guys in that band. It's not even a band. There's the keyboard player and our manager, our ex-manager, my ex-manager, their ex-manager singing. I mean, how stupid is that? It's, like, what the hell's going on here? And if you've ever seen a video of them, it's laughable. It's so bad. I'm embarrassed to even think that I put that band together years ago with Yngwie. And it was a good band for a while. And when Yngwie was gone, that's when the band started to go downhill. And then Steve Vai came along, and we were up again. It was okay. I mean, we had some great players, but not what they are doing right now. A keyboard player who can't play. He presses the button… He doesn't play all [the notes]. He pretends to play it. It's all pre-recorded. And I'm saying this because it's true. And they're telling the public that I don't sing. Come on. If they're saying that, I can say this, that the keyboard player can't play and that the manager of the band can't sing. It sounds ridiculous. Anyway, that's my bit. And ALCATRAZZ is dead, it's dead — long dead — and the name now embarrasses me."

Regarding why the aforementioned musicians are touring and recording under the ALCATRAZZ moniker without him, Graham said: "They [are using the name] because they can; they can do it. And I thought of putting something together and calling it GRAHAM BONNET'S ALCATRAZZ. But we decided, me and the rest of the guys in the band, 'No, let's just do it your name. Your name, and it's your songs.' Our songs, we write them together, and that's what we're doing right now."

Back in January 2024, the members of the current ALCATRAZZ band released a statement in which they claimed that "between January 2017 and the split with Graham in mid-2020 nearly every song in every live performance was lip synced to pre-recorded vocal tracks." They added in various Facebook posts that they "went along with it" and "even encouraged it" on some nights. "It was a drag," they claimed. "We felt trapped. We couldn't work without the tracks. We couldn't even get through a gig without the tracks. We are sure this wasn't fun for Graham either, but his voice is toast and has been for a long, long time... Three or four songs a night he was fine, but more than that it was impossible. We tried to be supportive and get through it together. Then he threw us all under the bus in the end and has continued to needlessly slander us in interviews... The most recent comments regarding the songwriting is the final straw."

Waldo claimed that as a member of the GRAHAM BONNET BAND he was responsible for recording, pitch correcting and putting into a Pro Tools session the tracks for Graham to "mime" to live. "I did what I needed to do to be a team player and help Graham however possible work through this," Waldo said.

The comments came in response to Graham suggesting in an interview that no one in the current ALCATRAZZ band ever wrote any music for ALCATRAZZ, and that "any songwriting credit given to these musicians was simply a gesture on Graham's part," according to the January 2024 statement issued by the current lineup of ALCATRAZZ.

"Lost In Hollywood Again" was released on December 12 via Frontiers Music Srl. The LP was recorded on August 29, 2024 at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, California.

Bonnet is a hard rock legend with a pedigree to back that statement up. His solo offerings and stints with RAINBOW, MSG, ALCATRAZZ and IMPELLITTERI prove he is one of the finest rock vocalists and songwriters of his generation. From his late 60s into his 70s, Graham has written and recorded some of the best albums he's ever done, including an album with GRAHAM BONNET'S ALCATRAZZ called "Born Innocent" in 2020, along with three records with his GRAHAM BONNET BAND: 2016's "The Book", 2018's "Meanwhile, Back In The Garage" and 2022's "Day Out In Nowhere".

In 1979, Bonnet auditioned for the frontman position in RAINBOW. With his James Dean image, the choice of Bonnet to replace Ronnie James Dio was subject to some questions. However, once the band heard Bonnet sing, they knew they had their man. With Bonnet at the mic, they recorded the "Down To Earth" LP, which became one of RAINBOW's most successful releases.

Graham moved on from RAINBOW in the early '80s to work on his solo career. He also played with MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, recorded several albums with ALCATRAZZ and had a short stint with IMPELLITTERI.

In a new interview with Spain's Modern Guitar Lab, Adrian Smith spoke about his songwriting process with IRON MAIDEN. The 68-year-old guitarist said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "I still spend a couple of weeks before every MAIDEN album, I sit in my home studio, 'cause we're all separated all over the world, so we're not together with MAIDEN. So I always have six, eight, 10 ideas in a demo form, so they'll have drums, guitars, even some melodies on the guitar. Then, depending on the idea, I'll show it to Steve [Harris, MAIDEN bassist] or Bruce [Dickinson, MAIDEN vocalist], because Steve is almost more into writing lyrics and melodies these days. So quite often, he'll just write lyrics to what I've written. But I write lyrics as well, and titles. I think there was a song called 'Speed Of Light' [from 2015's 'The Book Of Souls' album] a couple of albums ago, and I had that idea, and Bruce liked the title, but then he wrote around [it]. But I had the title and the kind of melody for that. 'The Writing On The Wall' [from 2021's 'Senjutsu' album] was the same thing. I had the title for that, but Bruce took it further on. So, yeah, it's all about sparking off someone else, which is great."

Asked if he uses other instruments during the writing process, such as the piano or the drums, or if he only focuses on the guitar, Smith said: "Just guitar, really. A bit of bass. I could mess around on the drums… But no, I wish I could play piano. I think you have to dedicate yourself and do something every day to play piano. And I just don't have the patience to really learn it. So, as far as guitar, I'm quite into effects. So I like to try, and every time I do an album, I bring in a new effect or something, and maybe that will inspire a song. Like song 'Wasted Years', when I was in Japan in the '80s, they gave me a guitar synthesizer, one of the first ones, a Roland. I remember getting it out of the box — we were rehearsing in the Channel Islands in Jersey — and I plugged it in and it just started making this crazy noise. But it was like a sequence. And I kind of listened to it, and then I started playing this riff, and it was 'Wasted Years'. I wouldn't have come up with that riff if it wasn't for that thing. So sometimes messing around with things that you're not a master of will give you an idea. Or a new guitar will give you an idea. I had a white flying V, which I've never really played. I bought it in the '80s. And as soon as I picked it up, I played this riff and it ended up being a song called 'Back In The Village' [from 1984's 'Powerslave' album]. But I never played the guitar. But I got that song off it. So it was worth the money."

Two months ago, IRON MAIDEN announced the North American dates of the "Run For Your Lives" world tour. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the band will perform at stadiums and major amphitheaters across the United States and Canada, allowing fans the chance to witness the brand new, state-of-the-art production, on the scale it is intended for — huge stages in outdoor venues, to accompany the once-in-a-lifetime setlist of songs from the band's groundbreaking first nine albums. The 16-stop trek opens at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and includes performances at TD Garden in Boston, Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre just outside of Chicago, Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, and more before concluding Saturday, October 2 at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City. Joining MAIDEN on tour are thrash metal pioneers MEGADETH and ANTHRAX, depending on the date.

These upcoming tour dates will mark 45 years since IRON MAIDEN first visited Canada and the USA on the 1981 "Killer" world tour, and feature some of the biggest shows the band has ever played there. The return to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on September 25 and September 26 will be the 25th and 26th time the band has played in the City of Angels.

The first European leg of "Run For Your Lives" took place this past summer. A second European leg will run from May through July 2026.

For MAIDEN's European tour in 2025, the band requested that fans "severely limit their use of phones at our concerts, ideally just keeping it in their pockets the whole time, especially in those standing areas in front of the stage."

Smith was born in Hackney, East London, on February 27, 1957. He joined IRON MAIDEN at the end of 1980. Adrian is the bandmember who has collaborated on the most side projects outside of IRON MAIDEN, as well as writing and recording a series of albums in the early '90s, before rejoining the band. IRON MAIDEN has sold 100 million albums, and tours the world playing to millions of fans. Onstage, Adrian uses Jackson and Gibson guitars. Offstage, he is an avid tennis player. However, his main hobby is fishing.