Animals As Leaders guitarist Tosin Abasi has confirmed via Instagram that the band has finished tracking the follow-up to their 2016 album, The Madness Of Many. He posted a teaser of the final track recorded for the record. Check it out below.

 

 

 

 



Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Tosin Abasi (@tosinabasi)

Check out Abasi's line of Abasi Concepts signature Larada guitars at this location.

"Abasi Concepts guitars give visionary players the creative tools to break boundaries. Guitarists who seek to explore new realms of sound, responsiveness or ergonomics will discover exceptional sonic depth and playability."




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This weekend Forged In Black will play two sets at the Bloodstock Open Air festival - both on the Serpent's Lair V.I.P. Stage. On Saturday afternoon the band will perform an exclusive acoustic set, before letting rip on Sunday evening with a full, electric performance.

To celebrate their return to the stage after a year of frustration, the band have recorded their own take on Deep Purple's classic track, "Into The Fire". "Into The Fire" appeared on Purple's monumental In Rock album and provides the perfect showcase for Forged In Black vocalist Chris 'Stoz' Storozynski's powerful pipes. Make sure you're stage front on Sunday night as this explosive number may well be sneaking its way into the Forged In Black set.

Forged In Black will be heading into the studio this autumn to record the follow-up to their Fighter Records album Descent Of The Serpent, so look forward to lots more magnificent heavy metal in the months ahead.

 




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Due to the current health regulations in effect, the 2021 Metal Hall Of Fame 5th Anniversary induction ceremony will be held online on September 12th starting at 12:00pm. The event itself will take place at Middletown Arts Center in Middletown, NJ. Below is a list of all inductees and the artistis that will be doing the inductions. 

Back in April, the Metal Hall Of Fame announced the induction of key members of the Iron Maiden family and history - original Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno, Blaze Bayley, and iconic “Eddie” mascot creator Derek Riggs.

Paul Di'Anno wrote and sang on Maiden's first two legendary albums. They are still considered by many Iron Maiden fans to be their favorites.

Blaze Bayley was hired following the departure of vocalist Bruce Dickinson in the 1990s. Bayley wrote and sang for Iron Maiden for five years and recorded two albums with the band. Blaze-era songs are still concert staples in the band’s set list today.

Derek Riggs is the genius behind the visual side of Iron Maiden. He created the iconic “Eddie” character, one of the most beloved mascots in history. Many can argue that a huge part of the band's continuous global success is attributed to the sinister, gruesome, shape-shifting Eddie.

“We are excited to induct these three artists who have helped shape the legacy of Iron Maiden,” says Pat Gesualdo, Metal Hall Of Fame President/CEO.

Gesualdo also addressed the fan's overwhelming demand to induct all former and current members of Iron Maiden. “Along with the band's massive fanbase, we've wanted to induct all the members of the band for years. However, we've been waiting for the green light from management. Hopefully with the continued support and encouragement from fans throughout the world, we can induct all the members of Iron Maiden into the Metal Hall Of Fame soon.”




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Everygrey frontman Tom S. Englund has checked in with an update on the second Silent Skies album, which has just been completed.

Englund: "I just listened through the final mix of our second album with Silent Skies. I must say I'm so very proud of pursuing something was just a hunch, five years or so ago, when I contacted Vikram (Shankar / keyboards) and suggested this collaboration. Now I stand here with two albums that I am not only ridiculously proud of, but also extremely eager for all of you to hear. Vikram, I think, did something REALLY special here, buddy! Also Jacob Hansen did some fine mixing here on music that is quite far from his normal gig."

Back in June, Napalm Records announced that Swedish/American duo Silent Skies - featuring Evergrey vocalist Tom S. Englund and pianist/multi-instrumentalist Vikram Shankar – have signed an official worldwide contract with the premier Austrian label.

The differing musical backgrounds and previous experiences of the musicians have formed a creative space of development for Silent Skies, taking the listener on a touching, melancholic journey and convincing with captivating talent. They are currently working on a successor to their stunning 2020 debut full-length. More details to be announced soon.

Silent Skies on the signing with Napalm Records: “Silent Skies are thrilled to be joining the Napalm Records family for our upcoming second studio record! We have a lot of admiration for the team behind this label, as well as the diversity and strength of their roster. We can't wait to work with Napalm to bring more music and content to the fans, develop a wider promotional reach together, and look forward to a fruitful partnership with one of the most cutting-edge labels on the forefront of modern music!”

Dive into Silent Skies’ atmosphere and watch “Solution” below:

(Photo - KJ Melgoza)




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Brandon Gibbs (Devil City Angels) is an explosive guitar player and singer / songwriter who has a powerful, soulful voice and a brilliant sense of melody that sets him apart from his contemporaries. Brandon has released his new single "My Own Way" on all digital platforms through Golden Robot Records. 

With catchy guitar sounds and searing vocals, this rock song is essentially about the journey, the ride and yes, the haters in your dream. If you're set for a goal and you wake up thinking about it, spend all your days working on it, go to bed dreaming of how to make it better the next day, you will often find some people in life change their perception of you.  

Either these people choose to make it positive and rally with you, or they decide to make hurtful judgement's or insert a sticky blurb of shade. This is your story and what comes out of your heart, soul, and will to better yourself. It is what you leave behind in this short time on earth. Guard your peace fiercely. Grow with me or don't... I'll be just fine ‘My Own Way.’  

 




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Blacktop Mojo will release their self-titled album on August 13th. The 12-track record is the band's fourth, and the follow-up to their 2019 effort, Under The Sun.

However, depending upon where you ordered your physical copy from, you may experience a setback in delivery. The band has issued the following statement: 

"Due to production delays at both the CD and Vinyl manufacturing plants, retail stock of our new album in both configurations will be delayed past this Friday's official release date. CD pre-orders from our band campaign will not be effected. If you pre-ordered the album on CD from our website, you will get your CD this week.

The album will be available for digital download and streaming on all platforms on Friday!

Physical CDs will be available at Amazon and all retail stores on August 27th. Unfortunately Vinyl will not be available until mid-September. We apologize for the delays, but the pandemic has caused backlogs at all CD and Vinyl manufacturing plants worldwide. We apologize for the inconvenience. If we had it our way, this would have worked out perfectly, but our hands are tied. Thank you for supporting us in the making of this record. We couldn't have done it without you!! We look forward to all of you hearing our new record and we thank you for your patience and understanding!"

Tracklisting:

"Wicked Woman"
"Bed Tundy"
"Latex"
"Rewind"
"Jealousy"
"Make Believe"
"Darlin' I Won't Tell"
"Do It For The Money"
"Hold Me Down"
"Cough"
"Stratus Melancholia"
"Tail Lights"

Thus far, videos for "Tail Lights" and "Wicked Woman" have been released:

Catch Blacktop Mojo live on tour at the following venues:

August
10 - Cleveland, OH - The Winchester
11 - Columbus, OH - Woodlands Tavern
13 - Port Byron, IL - Port Byron Great River Tug Fest
14 - Three Rivers, MI - Abate SummerFest
15 - Joliet, IL - The Forge
17 - Nashville, TN - The End
18 - Memphis, TN - Growlers
20 - St. Louis, MO - Red Flag
21 - Hutchinson, KS - The Red Shed
22 - Lubbock, TX - Jake's

September
1 - Little Rock, AR - Stickyz Rock-n-Roll Chicken Shack
2 - Springfield, MO - Odyssey Lounge
3 - Hobart, IN - The Hobart Art Theater
4 - Oconomowoc, WI - Wisconsin Harley-Davidson
5 - Louisville, KY - Diamond Pub
24 - Fort Worth, TX - Rail Club
25 - Enid, OK - Fling At The Springs
26 - Fort Smith, AR - Temple Live
30 - Biloxi, MS - The Cannery Bar & Grill

October
2 - Destin, FL - Club LA w/ Nonpoint
3 - Lake City, FL - Halpatter Brewing Company
5 - Orlando, FL - Soundbar
7 - Charlotte, NC - Amos
8 - Greensboro, NC - Blind Tiger
9 - Jacksonville, NC - Hooligans Music Hall
10 - Virginia Beach, VA - Elevation 27
12 - Brooklyn, NY - Kingsland
13 - Syracuse, NY - Lost Horizon
15 - Marietta, OH - Adelphia Music Hall
16 - Harrisburg, PA - HMAC
21 - Providence, RI - Alchemy
22 - Hampton Beach, NH - Wallys
23 - Hartford, CT - Webster Underground
24 - Albany, NY - Empire Underground
26 - Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
28 - Flint, MI - Machine Shop
29 - Indianapolis, IN - Emerson Theater
30 - Battle Creek, MI - Music Factory
31 - Ft Wayne, IN - Pieres

November
3 - West Dundee, IL - Rockhaus
4 - Peoria, IL - Crusens
5 - Wichita, KS - Temple Live
6 - Texarkana, AR - Crossties

(Photo by Dustin Dow)

 




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Altareth have released the sizzling track "Moon" as the first single taken from their forthcoming debut full-length, Blood, which is slated to hit stores on November 5.

"Our songs always come together in a collective effort and every member contributes with their parts even though riffs and lyrics are often created individually", explains guitarist Niklas Sörum. "There is a somewhat folksy vibe to 'Moon' that we all very much appreciate. The combination of raw heavy riffs with more fragile moments and a wide space for vocals is part of how we express the spirit of our Nordic influences. Niklas and Sven came up with the riffs of this song. Paddy wrote the lyrics, which are obviously about the moon as a potent symbol. The funny story about this particular song is that Mats heard it before he became our bassist and it made him really want join this band. That's the power of the moon for you."

On their debut full-length Blood, Altareth serve their sludgy guitars low and slow, with a slab of fuzz and a side of doom in massive portions. The Swedes from Gothenburg have built their musical foundation on a melding of heavy riffs and memorable melodies that is carried on four pillars of soaring vocals, fuzzy guitars, pounding drums, and fat, resonating bass.

Thematically, Blood revolves around the dynamic relationship between the eternal and the imminent spheres of existence, communicated through elemental ideas like blood, sleep, and the moon, as well as delving into more immediate human struggles, and the notion of lives played out in an era of quantity over meaning.

Since their formation in early 2013, Altareth have conjured a musical spirit filled with crunchy and harsh guitars that shows their passion for true metal, which is refined by the sludgy tempos of epic doom and layered with haunting vocal melodies that float across and above.

Blood will be available as black vinyl LP and digi-sleeve CD. Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Blood"
"Satan Hole"
"Downward Mobile"
"Eternal Sleep"
"Moon"
"High Priest"
"Empty"

"Moon":

Lineup:

Paddy Strömberg – vocals
Sven Lindqvist – guitars
Niklas Sörum – guitars
Mats Lindgren – bass
Vigfus Valgeirsson – drums

(Photo - Daniel Baverrnas)




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THE RONNIE WOOD BAND has released two more tracks from the second instalment of the live album trilogy "Mr Luck - A Tribute to Jimmy Reed: Live at the Royal Albert Hall".

Ronnie and friends cover Jimmy Reed's track "Shame, Shame, Shame", originally released in 1963. Keeping true to Reed's sound in their interpretation, the listener can sense their adoration for the late musician. THE ROLLING STONES previously included this song in their early setlists, along with others by one of their key influences Jimmy Reed. The B-side of the STONES February 1964 U.K. hit single "Not Fade Away" is thought to have been a pastiche of "Shame, Shame, Shame". The incomparable Paul Weller features on the track and with its relatable lyrics and lively rhythm, this song has an easy listening energy and has been covered many times before by numerous musicians.

THE RONNIE WOOD BAND also offer their high-energy interpretation of Reed's instrumental song "Roll And Rhumba", a perfect one for any true blues fan. Without the distraction of lyrics, the instruments take center stage and Wood's incredible musicality comes to the fore.

Released by BMG on September 17, "Mr Luck - A Tribute To Jimmy Reed: Live At The Royal Albert Hall" is the 18-track album featuring THE RONNIE WOOD BAND, including Mick Taylor with incredible special guests Bobby Womack, Mick Hucknall and Paul Weller, and pays tribute to one of Ronnie's musical heroes and major influences, the Mississippi electric blues pioneer Jimmy Reed. The album is recorded live at a memorable night at the Royal Albert Hall on November 1, 2013. With unique album artwork specially created by Ronnie, "Mr Luck" will be available digitally, on CD, as a vinyl release, and as a beautiful limited-edition dual-tone smoky blue vinyl.

When self-taught guitarist Eddie Taylor imparted his skills onto his friend Jimmy Reed, he surely couldn't have imagined the effect this was to have on the Chicago blues scene. Backing up such luminaries as John Lee Hooker, he is best remembered for his work with his former student.

Sweet coincidence, then, that in 1974 another Taylor, Mick, would make way for Ronnie Wood in THE ROLLING STONES, paving the way for these two friends and celebrated guitarists to work on projects ever since. The culmination of this to date is Taylor's place in THE RONNIE WOOD BAND at the Royal Albert Hall for 2013's Bluesfest, where they played the now-legendary set that would come to birth to this recording.

In regard to "Mr Luck", Ronnie comments: "Jimmy Reed was one of the premier influences on THE ROLLING STONES and all the bands that love American blues from that era until the present day. It is my honor to have the opportunity to celebrate his life and legacy with this tribute."

This album marks the second iteration in a trilogy of special and personal albums by Wood and the band, celebrating Ronnie's musical heroes. The first album, "Mad Lad", explored the work of Chuck Berry as an emotional commemoration after Berry's passing just over two years ago. Ronnie toured with Berry and was a lifelong fan.

Wood is one of the foremost rock guitarists in the world, and a two-time inductee into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, with THE ROLLING STONES and THE FACES. Ronnie has also pursued a remarkable parallel career as a highly regarded artist and, as a natural raconteur, has won a record three prestigious Sony Radio Personality awards.

Photo credit: Mark Seliger

According to Focus Taiwan, CHTHONIC frontman-turned-activist and lawmaker Freddy Lim is facing a possible recall as a representative of Taipei's Wanhua District.

The recall petition, initiated by one of Lim's constituents Cheng Ta-ping, independent Taipei City Councilor Chung Hsiao-ping and former opposition Kuomintang (KMT) spokesman Eric Huang, accuses Lim of failing in his duties, seeing as Wanhua was the epicenter of Taiwan's recent COVID-19 outbreak.

The petition has gained enough signatures to proceed to the second stage, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said Tuesday.

Under Taiwanese rules, signatures from just one percent of the relevant electorate are required to propose a recall. After that, signatures from only 10 percent of the voting population are needed to advance the proposal to an official vote. And finally, for the outcome to be valid only 25 percent of voters need to participate.

Lim commented on the CEC's statement, saying that he respects the decision and that his main focus remains helping his constituency to combat COVID-19 and boosting local businesses.

In January 2016, Lim was elected as a member of the Taiwanese parliament, making him the first metal star to become a parliamentarian. The political party that he co-founded, the New Power Party (NPP), called for Taiwan to be recognized internationally as a country. In 2020, he was elected in 2020 to a second legislative term, this time as an independ

QUEEN guitarist Brian May has once again opened the door to the possibility of a sequel to the band's biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody".

Released in November 2018, "Bohemian Rhapsody" has become the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time, bringing in more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office. It was also No. 1 biggest-selling film of 2019 on home release.

Speaking on Instagram Live about a possible sequel, May said: "We are looking at it. Yeah, we have been looking at ideas."

He added: "It's going to be hard to follow that one as none of us could have predicted how massive that was going to be. We put a lot of heart and soul into making it and no one could have predicted [its success] as it was bigger than 'Gone With The Wind'. But yes, we are thinking maybe it could happen, but it would have to be a great script. It's going to take a while to figure that out."

In July 2020, QUEEN drummer Roger Taylor said that a "Bohemian Rhapsody" sequel was unlikely. "I really do think that we need to sit back for a year or two and look at things and see if that is a believable or credible thing to do," he told Rolling Stone. "The movie was a great hit. We were delighted, obviously. But I think I wouldn't want to be seen as cashing in again. I'd have to have a very, very good script and scenario to make that work. Right now, I can't think of a way of doing a sequel."

He continued: "If somebody comes up with a genius plan, maybe we'll think about it. [Laughs] Right now, we're just very happy with what the movie did. There are so many sequels that don't match up to the original one. There are obvious ones that did, but on the whole, I think it's a dangerous territory."

Roger went on to say that he was surprised by the success of the movie.

"It was extraordinary," he said. "There was the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs and then the Oscars! We thought, 'Hey, we'll take it!' It was a great ride, but it wasn't our world. Our world is the rock and roll world. It was fascinating and very interesting to be involved. When the movie got four Oscars, it took a while for that to sink in. Mind you, they didn't give Brian [May, guitar] and me any. That's okay, though."

In early 2020, May also ruled out a follow-up film, telling Rolling Stone: "Don't think we didn't think about it. We've talked. Basically, we think not, at the moment. Things could change, I suppose, but I think it would be difficult."

According to May, part of the challenge in making another movie is that it would likely focus on singer Freddie Mercury's battle with AIDS, with which he was diagnosed in 1987. Mercury battled the disease in private, telling only a select few close friends in the years which followed. He died in November 1991.

"I don't think that would be an uplifting thing to do," May told Rolling Stone. "I'm not saying it's impossible because there is a great story there, but we don't feel that's the story we want to tell at the moment."

QUEEN's six-song performance at Live Aid serves as the triumphant finale for "Bohemian Rhapsody", starring Rami Malek as Mercury. But the movie left out a ton of the actual Mercury story, as May acknowledged during his Rolling Stone interview.

"There's a million things in our career which you couldn't show in a movie since the movie had to be so simplified to make it watchable," the guitarist said. "But we don't really think there's another movie there. That's the long and the short of it. I think we should look somewhere else. There are other ideas that we had, but I don't think a sequel will happen. But we have looked at it pretty seriously."

Despite poor reviews and a problematic director (original director Bryan Singer was replaced by Dexter Fletcher during shooting), "Bohemian Rhapsody" came out of the gate a massive hit and has since dethroned "Straight Outta Compton" to become the highest-grossing music biopic of all time.

In the film, Mercury's AIDS diagnosis comes earlier than it did it real life; before the Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium, when, in reality, Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987.

Regarding any changes to the timeline of what actually happened in real life, Taylor told Mojo magazine: "The important thing is it did happen. We're not telling lies. The chronology doesn't really matt

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS has released the emotive title track from their upcoming eighth full-length album, "The Rain Just Follows Me".

Singer JT Woodruff commented: "I really wanted to name this album after those lyrics. It perfectly described what I've been going through. During the day, everything seems totally fine, but when I lay down and turn out the lights, my world comes crashing down. If this happens on tour or at home, I usually just think of the coast. I think of the way I feel, watching pelicans on the pier. And usually everything will stabilize, but for some reason nothing was working. When you're gone for months out of the year, it starts to feel normal. Your entire family and circle of friends have to rearrange their lives to stay connected to yours. And as much as this seems like a woe is me, touring band sob story, it really isn't about that at all. It's about how our society has taught us to work ourselves to exhaustion, and at the end of day, our prize is an early grave."

"The Rain Just Follows Me", which will be released digitally on September 10, 2021 via Pure Noise Records, was produced by Grammy winner Cameron Webb (ALKALINE TRIO, NOFX, MEGADETH). The 11 tracks stand as some of Woodruff's most resonant writing to date, as he unravels themes of both physical and emotional distance from his wife and daughter in Ohio as well as personal identity as the frontman of as one of the most iconic emo acts of the new millennium.

"The most unbelievable part of this story is that this entire album was written and recorded before the pandemic," Woodruff shares. "All of this darkness and turmoil is basically a summation of the coldest and loneliest nights I've tried to reconcile for the past 17 years."

Eager to hit the studio again as soon as possible after their 2018 release "Bad Frequencies" — and probably a bit naïve about how much they could physically take — the writing sessions for LP8 took place in unusual places: in sound checks and dressing rooms, in far-flung rehearsal studios after marathon overnight drives. HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS weren't just burning the candle at both ends; they were splitting it in two, then letting the flames engulf the smaller pieces completely.

Singing lyrics like "I can feel my body breaking down, California sun. I can see the colors spiral out, nowhere left to run," Woodruff tapped into the feeling of searching for something positive to cling to for lead single "Constant Dread" featuring labelmate Brendan Murphy of COUNTERPARTS.

"When writing, I tend to dig through memories, both good and bad. In, 'Constant Dread', I was searching through one of my favorite tour memories. Warped Tour 2017, in the tour bus village. One of our favorite hardcore bands, COUNTERPARTS, was hosting karaoke. As I was standing there, Brendan hit play on Niki FM, and then threw me the microphone, and as I was singing my own song to a jury of my peers, I realized that I need to loosen up. This should be fun, not agony. When I thought about that moment, while laying bed in the throes of the terror-filled gaze of the moonlight, I knew we needed to put Brendan in this song. And I'm so glad he said yes, because absolutely crushes it. "

"The Rain Just Follows Me" track listing:

01. Constant Dread

02. The Rain Just Follows Me

03. Holy Coast

04. Tired And Alone

05. Thunder In Our Hearts

06. Spray Paint It Black

07. Dull Headlights

08. Palm Canyon Drive

09. Seafoam

10. Words Can't Hurt

11. Bambarra Beach (The End)

Most of all, this upcoming release is quintessentially HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS. It's who they've always been – they just needed to push down the heartache and strife long enough to rediscover those intangible characteristics.

"We want to create the best songs that are accurate depictions of our lives and connect to other people through our songs," Woodruff says. "I hope this record helps people understand that others out there are thinking like them — and thinking about them. Everyone gets poured on in life; we just want to provide an umbrella."

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS is composed of JT Woodruff (vocals, guitar), Mark McMillon (guitar, backing vocals), Matt Ridenour (bass, backing vocals), Chris Popadak (drums).

Throughout their long and storied career as one of the most iconic emo acts of the new millennium, the quartet have overcome obstacles at every turn — but these roadblocks always seemed to come from external forces, from unscrupulous record labels and the shifting whims of fickle audiences to unimaginable personal tragedy threatening to derail them.

Despite the odds, HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS have overcome it all: earning two gold albums (2004's "The Silence In Black And White" and 2006's "If Only You Were Lonely"), penning some of the genre's most well-known songs ("Ohio Is For Lovers", "Saying Sorry"), and remaining a hard-touring act nearly two decades after forming in Dayton, Ohio.

Photo credit: Courtney Kiara

Frontiers Music Srl released the third album and label debut from Temple Balls, Pyromide, back in April. In this live studio session video, the band perform the album opener, "Thunder From The North":

The hard rockin' Finnish band is ready to take the world by storm. Pre-order/save Pyromide here.

Temple Balls are an energetic hard rock band from Finland. Pyromide, their Frontiers debut and third album overall, is a tour de force of melodic hard rock that sees the band pushing themselves onto the world stage. Produced by none other than Jona Tee (H.E.A.T.), Pyromide is a tour-de-force of hooks, powerful rhythms, and anthemic rock ‘n roll like it was meant to be played.

Tracklisting:

"Thunder From The North"
"Long Ways, Long Lies"
"T.O.T.C."
"Fallen Youth"
"Bad Bad Bad"
"What Is Dead Never Dies"
"Unholy Night"
"Heart Of A Warrior"
"You Better Run"
"If Only I Could"
"Something To Die For"

"T.O.T.C." video:

"Thunder From The North" video:

Lineup:

Arde Teronen - Vocals
Jimi Välikangas - Bass
Jiri Paavonaho - Guitar
Niko Vuorela - Guitar
Antti Hissa - Drums




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Rock legends MOTÖRHEAD have partnered with Pull The Plug Patches to bring you a series of exclusive woven patches, backpatches, and enamel pins arriving this summer.

Patches for "Orgasmatron" and "Bomber" as well as enamel pins for "Bastards" will land this August, with additional new patch designs becoming available throughout the year. "Ace Of Spades" backpatches are scheduled for a late winter release.

Founded in 2018 in Newcastle, Australia, Pull The Plug Patches has taken battle vest culture by storm. By introducing unique shapes and colorways into the global patch community, Pull The Plug Patches have given battle vests in every nook and cranny of the planet a shot of adrenaline. With sales extending to all of the world's inhabited continents, a worldwide community of metalheads have been called to arms.

Dedicated to bringing the highest-quality and most unique woven patches to market, over 500 artists have joined the Pull The Plug Patches roster to date, including ANTHRAX, BLACK SABBATH, CANDLEMASS, DISCHARGE, EXCITER, EXODUS, IRON MAIDEN, MEGADETH, METALLICA, ONSLAUGHT, PANTERA, SEPULTURA, SLAYER, THE EXPLOITED, VENOM and many, many more.

Pull The Plug Patches is featured prominently in Banger TV's series "The Fabric Of Metal", which takes viewers on a cultural tour of the mainstays of metal style — from battle vests to bullet belts.

For more information, visit the Pull The Plug Patches web site at www.pulltheplugpatches.com.

Slashercore outfit ICE NINE KILLS has continued the roll out of its highly anticipated new album "The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood" (out October 15 via Fearless Records) today with the release of brand new track and official music video for "Assault & Batteries". The new track is inspired by the "Child's Play" movie franchise that spawned the iconic, psychotic killer Nice Guy doll Chucky.

ICE NINE KILLS frontman and driving creative force Spencer Charnas shares: "It was only one month ago that we painted the walls of Wall Street red with the release of 'Hip To Be Scared'. Now we proudly present 'Assault & Batteries', a brutal ode to an iconic two-foot tall demonic doll."

The band also released their latest "Nightmare On The Ninth" merch capsule in conjunction with the new track/video. All items are available for a limited time here.

"Assault & Batteries" follows the release of "Hip To Be Scared", the first single from "The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood", that paid homage to the Bret Easton Ellis classic "American Psycho". The track has already clocked up 2.6 million streams with 1 million YouTube views.

A sequel of franchise proportions to the No. 1 Billboard Hard Rock album "The Silver Scream", "The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood" doubles down in pursuit of the anthemic band’s cinematic muse.

Decadent, devious, and fiercely insane, with sardonic wit to spare, ICE NINE KILLS celebratea pop culture’s darkest edges, mining a cinephile library’s worth of b-movie schlock and iconic horror on "Welcome To Horrorwood: The Silver Scream 2" and its prequel, "The Silver Scream".

"The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood" track listing:

01. Opening Night…

02. Welcome To Horrorwood

03. A Rash Decision

04. Assault & Batteries

05. The Shower Scene

06. Funeral Derangements

07. Rainy Day

08. Hip To Be Scared (feat. Jacoby Shaddix of PAPA ROACH)

09. Take Your Pick (feat. Corpsegrinder)

10. The Box (feat. Brandon Saller of ATREYU and Ryan Kirby of FIT FOR A KING)

11. F.L.Y. (feat. Buddy Nielsen of SENSES FAIL)

12. Wurst Vacation

13. Ex-Mørtis

14. Farewell II Flesh

Helpless teens, unhelpful authorities, supernatural forces, masked killers, and "final girls" abound in the shocking, blood-soaked songs of "The Silver Scream". Each piece focused on a different horror classic, including "The American Nightmare" ("A Nightmare On Elm Street"), "Thank God It's Friday" ("Friday The 13th"), "Stabbing In The Dark" ("Halloween"), and "IT Is The End" ("It"). For 2020's "Undead & Unplugged: Live From The Overlook Hotel" EP, the band recorded in the location used in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining", the inspiration behind "Enjoy Your Slay", featuring Kubrick's grandson, Sam.

"The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood" saw guitarists Ricky Armellino and Dan Sugarman, bassist Joe Occhiuti, drummer Patrick Galante, and Charnas return to producer and collaborator Drew Fulk (AS I LAY DYING, A DAY TO REMEMBER), who produced and mixed "The Silver Scream", which spawned U.S. radio success in the form of Top 10 mainstream rock single "A Grave Mistake" and Top 20 hit "Savages".

ICE NINE KILLS' synergy of music and lifestyle draws favorable comparisons to SLIPKNOT and ROB ZOMBIE and saw them become recent recipients of the prestigious Clio Award for Music Marketing for their "Merry Axe-mas" mobile game. Visionary trailblazers and multimedia raconteurs, INK built a thrilling world for a growing legion of devoted true believers, with theatrical shows, high-concept videos, and inventive band-to-fan communion. With 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, 405 million career streams, a combined social media reach of over 950k, over 71 million views on YouTube, the band are firmly cemented as one of modern metal's most vicious forces.

Photo credit: F Scott Schafer

On November 12, Adam Wakeman will release his contemporary classical piano album "A Handful Of Memories", his first piano album since 1996's "Tapestries" which he recorded with Rick Wakeman.

"A Handful Of Memories" is the result of an appreciation upon reflection of Adam's past experiences, trips with his family, his touring families and friends in some places that hold special memories for him.

The pandemic had a hand in Adam's return to modern classical piano after 25 years. As a highly sought-after touring pianist, Adam played extensively with BLACK SABBATH, OZZY OSBOURNE, TRAVIS and many others, he records and performs with his progressive rock band HEADSPACE, with his acoustic duo WILSON & WAKEMAN and last year he even ventured into the jazz world with his critically acclaimed documentary/album project JAZZ SABBATH. When the pandemic started, and the music world paused, he was halfway through a South American tour with Martin Barre on his 50th-anniversary tour of JETHRO TULL. Forced to leave his gear in Chile and hurry home before the airports closed, a period of reflection had started and this album is a result of that.

To reflect the personal, minimalist nature of the tracks, no effort was made to remove any of the pedal noises or enhace the tracks in any way, as Adam wanted them as exposed and natural as they can be.

The album will be released through Blacklake Records on CD, LP and on

all digital platforms.

Track listing:

01. Draa Valley

02. Pristina

03. Sunrise Over L.A.

04. The Winter Palace

05. Iceland

06. A Walk in the Park

07. Treyarnon Bay

08. Gateway to the Sun

09. The Island

10. Home

11. Abbotsham Cliffs *

12. Polruan *

* Exclusive pre-order digital bonus tracks

TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon has confirmed that he recently tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Hannon publicly acknowledged his diagnosis on the same day that TESLA announced it was postponing its next few shows due to members of the touring party contracting COVID-19.

As BLABBERMOUTH.NET reported yesterday, TESLA played the first two shows of its summer 2021 tour — August 5 in Grants Pass, Oregon and August 6 in Grand Ronde, Oregon — without Frank. Filling in for him was Howie Simon (JEFF SCOTT SOTO, GRAHAM BONNET, STRYPER), who previously stood in for Hannon in September 2018.

Earlier today, Hannon released the following statement via his social media: "I want to thank my friend Howie Simon for stepping in to help us.

"Please accept my apology for not saying anything sooner, but I've not been able to move all week in pain. The day the bus was leaving I woke up w 102 fever, shakes and couldn't hardly breathe. So I stayed home. I've been unable to hardly move or function since. Tested positive for Covid. (yes I got the vax, thought maybe it was side efx). Howie did the 2 Oregon shows for me, and the guys are postponing more dates until we're all cleared up and safe ..

"I love you all LET's GET REAL @howiesimon @teslaband".

Added bassist Brian Wheat in a separate post on his Instagram: "Hello folks it's obvious some of us have come down with Covid please send out good vibes to my brothers in the crew and the band we'll get back out there when everyone is healthy again …… and for the record this isn't fun".

TESLA will release a brand new single, "Cold Blue Steel", on August 27. In an interview with Rob Rush Radio, Hannon described the track, which he co-wrote with singer Jeff Keith, as "a very real-sounding rock and roll new song. It's influenced by [late LYNYRD SKYNYRD singer] Ronnie Van Zant."

In June 2020, the members of TESLA got together — virtually — to jam out a quarantined version of "Breakin' Free" as part of their online series "Home To Home".

The original recording of "Breakin' Free" appeared on TESLA's 2008 album "Forever More".

TESLA spent most of 2019 touring in support of its latest album, "Shock", which was released in March 2019 via UMe. The follow-up to 2014's "Simplicity" was produced by DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen.
























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A post shared by Frank Hannon, Musician (@frankhannonofficial)

Iron Maiden will release an exclusive limited edition collectors box of their upcoming studio album, Senjutsu, which will be available for Fan Club members only. Only 2021 copies of the box were made, and they will go on sale this Friday, August 13. The boxes are priced at 333GBP / 400EUR / 450USD and will be strictly limited to one per person.

The box, pictured above, will contain:

- The CD digipak version of Senjutsu
- The Blu-Ray digipak of "The Writing On The Wall", including a making-of video and sleeve notes
- A decorated board portfolio containing the following:
* A Japanese hanko-style Eddie stamp, made of teak and engraved, in an engraved teak case
* An exclusive Mark Wilkinson print, signed and stamped by the man himself
* A unique artwork print in Japan's Ukiyo-e tradition illustrated by Masumi Ishikawa, who previously created 2 pieces of Iron Maiden ukiyo-e works
- An Eddie lenticular  
- A Japanese-style tsuba - a decorated metal sword hilt typically worn by the Samurai
- A Senjutsu Eddie pendant necklace
- A printed canvas banner with wooden ends
- And last but not least, a certificate of authenticity presented in an envelope inspired by Japanese celebratory Shugi Bukuro envelopes and featuring an intricate bow: a mizuhiki.

BMG will release of Iron Maiden’s 17th studio album, Senjutsu, their first in six years, on September 3. It was recorded in Paris with longstanding producer Kevin Shirley and co-produced by Steve Harris.

For Senjutsu – loosely translated as ‘tactics & strategy,’ the band once again enlisted the services of Mark Wilkinson to create the spectacular Samurai themed cover artwork, based on an idea by Steve Harris. With a running time of a little under 82 minutes, Senjutsu, like their previous record The Book Of Souls, will be a double CD/Triple vinyl album.

Steve says: “We chose to record at Guillaume Tell Studio in France again as the place has such a relaxed vibe. The setup there is perfect for our needs; the building used to be a cinema and has a really high ceiling so there’s a great acoustic sound. We recorded this album in the same way we did The Book Of Souls in that we’d write a song, rehearse it and then put it down together straight away while it was all fresh in our minds. There’s some very complex songs on this album which took a lot of hard work to get them exactly as we wanted them to sound, so the process was at times very challenging, but Kevin is great at capturing the essence of the band and I think it was worth the effort!  I’m very proud of the result and can’t wait for fans to hear it.”

Bruce continues: “We’re all really excited about this album. We recorded it back in early 2019 during a break in the Legacy tour so we could maximize our touring yet still have a long set up period before release to prepare great album art and something special as a video. Of course the pandemic delayed things more - so much for the best laid plans – or should that be ‘strategies’!?  The songs are very varied, and some of them are quite long. There’s also one or two songs which sound pretty different to our usual style, and I think Maiden fans will be surprised -  in a good way, I hope!"

Senjutsu will be released on the following formats and is available to pre-order/pre-save at IronMaiden.com.

- Standard 2CD Digipak
- Deluxe 2CD Book Format
- Deluxe heavyweight 180G Triple Black Vinyl
- Special Edition Triple Silver And Black Marble Vinyl (Details to follow)
- Special Edition Triple Red and Black Marble Vinyl (Details to follow)
- Super Deluxe Boxset featuring CD, Blu Ray and Exclusive Memorabilia
- Digital album [streaming and download]

Tracklisting:

"Senjutsu" (8:20) - Smith/Harris
"Stratego" (4:59) - Gers/Harris
"The Writing On The Wall" (6:13) - Smith/Dickinson
"Lost In A Lost World" (9:31) - Harris
"Days Of Future Past" (4:03) - Smith/Dickinson
"The Time Machine" (7:09) - Gers/Harris
"Darkest Hour" (7:20) - Smith/Dickinson
"Death Of The Celts" (10:20) - Harris
"The Parchment" (12:39) - Harris
"Hell On Earth" (11:19) - Harris

"The Writing On The Wall" video:

Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson and Kevin Shirley talk about the making of Senjutsu:




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Accept have released the new video below, with Martin Motnik stating: "I'm showing you how I played the bass on our album Too Mean To Die. This is song no. 9, 'How Do We Sleep'."

Accept have been flying the flag of classic metal for decades, and with their latest album, Too Mean To Die, they have once again proven themselves to be international chart stormers with top 10 placings worldwide. Now, after a long absence due to Corona, they are proud to announce they will finally be returning to European stages in 2022, with their usual driving energy full of irrepressible power. They will be playing the new album Too Mean To Die and the Accept classics.

For decades, Accept have stood for pure metal, great melodies and unforgettable live moments. Their three exceptional guitarists will undoubtedly transform audiences into a surging mass and blow the virus into oblivion. Because, according to Wolf Hoffmann: "We are too mean to die! Weeds do not die! Accept won't let it get them down!"

Guitarist Philip Shouse adds: "The best thing that will happen for us is to go to the airport, get on a plane, fly to you and play a big, fantastic gig."

Accept will be supported in Europe by none other than Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, who unforgettably brought venues around the world to boiling point with Motörhead and stands for pure Rock N Roll. The US speed/thrash wrecking ball veterans Flotsam And Jetsam complete the billing.

Tour dates:

December 2021
10 - Tokyo, Japan - Club Citta
11 - Tokyo, Japan - Club Citta

January
15 - Oberhausen, Germany - Turbinenhalle
16 - Brussels, Belgium - La Madeleine
18- Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
19 - Paris, France - Bataclan
21 - Pamplona, Pain - Burlada
22 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
23 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 1
25 - Ramonville, France - Bikini
26 - Villeurbanne, France - Transbordeur
28 - Zürich, Switzerland - Komplex
29 - Telfs, Austria - Rathaussaal
30 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra

February
1 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Hala Euronics
2 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresia
4 - Tallinn, Estonia - Helitehas **
5 - Helsinki, Finland - House Of Culture **
6 - Tampere, Finland - Pakkahuone **
8 - Stockholm, Sweden - Fryshuset **
9 - Oslo, Norway - Rockefeller **
11 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Tradgarn **
12 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega **
13 - Bremen, Germany - Aladin
15 - Berlin, Germany - Huxley´s
17 - Ulm, Germany - Ratiopharm Arena
18 - München, Germany - Tonhalle
19 - Filderstadt, Germany - FILharmonie
20 - Geiselwind, Germany - Eventzentrum
22 - Leipzig, Germany - Haus Auensee
23 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Garage
25 - Moscow, Russia - Glavclub **
26 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Cosmonaut
28 - Kiev, Ukraine - Stereoplaza **

Shows marked (**) are without Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons.




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In a new interview with retired boxer David "Niño" Rodriguez, legendary rocker Ted Nugent was asked is today's rock music has lost its soul. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "A big hallelujah that Freddie Mercury's gift of talent and soulfulness, musical creativity and adventure that so enriched everyone's lives. QUEEN's music and Freddie Mercury's musical vision and spirit, it enriched the world. It's the soundtrack, these magical pieces by the band QUEEN, just gifted virtuosos. And their work ethic — to achieve that level of success and uninhibited musical outrage takes an unbelievable man-in-the-arena work ethic. So, a salute to the QUEEN band and Freddie Mercury. But how prophetic. Because those words have iron, and we are horrifically living in that time now where technology has literally deterred people from practicing the guitar so that you could play like Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen and Billy Gibbons and Tommy Shaw, my DAMN YANKEES musical genius buddies and all the incredible musicians in my life. I've been surrounded by the best of the best forever.

"But, no, music has not lost its soul," he continued. "The biggest, most powerfully impacting music today is VAN HALEN, MONTROSE, ZZ TOP, FOREIGNER, QUEEN, THE [ROLLING] STONES, THE BEATLES, THE WHO, THE KINKS, LED ZEPPELIN, the DAMN YANKEES, the Ted Nugent music, the BLACKFOOT, the BROWNVILLE STATION, the AC/DC. I mean, all that music is so unleashed in its ferocity and soulfulness and uninhibitedness. FOO FIGHTERS create some great stuff, and GRETA VAN FLEET from Michigan create some great stuff. That's it."

Nugent recently completed work on a new studio album called "Detroit Muscle". The follow-up to 2018's "The Music Made Me Do It" was recorded with Ted's current band, which includes bassist Greg Smith and drummer Jason Hartless. Songtitles set to appear on the 10-track disc include "American Campfire", "Come And Take It", "Born In The Motor City", "Just Leave Me Alone", "Driving Blind" and "Alaska".

Released via Round Hill Records, "The Music Made Me Do It" was Nugent's first studio album in four years. Accompanying the CD was a bonus DVD, "Live At Freedom Hill", a full-length concert captured at Freedom Hill Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Last month, SEETHER joined 3 DOORS DOWN on the latter band's "The Better Life" 20th-anniversary tour as special guests on select dates throughout the summer. These shows kicked off on July 17 in Huber Heights, Ohio and are seeing the bands play amphitheaters in major markets across the U.S.

Asked in a new interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station what it felt like to back performing in front of crowds again, SEETHER frontman Shaun Morgan said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Oh, man. I've gotta tell you the first couple of weekends, it was a little bit nerve racking because we hadn't done it in so long. In fact, the first show back was our first show in front of an audience in 648 or 649 days. That's the longest we've ever gone [without playing a show], I think, since 1999. So it was kind of a trip, man. It was the first time I felt kind of almost sick before going on. We just did a couple of shows to sort of ease our way back into it, and then for the following weekend since then, it's been a little bit easier. And it's just been fun again.

"The thing that I have to consider is that I haven't sang in so long," he continued. "So when I go out there, I've gotta take it easy for the first couple of shows so I don't blow my voice out; then I have to recover. So I did. I took it easy. But at least I had three days at home, so whatever damage I had done was fine. And I went back out, and there was still a little bit of residual damage from all the exciting yelling from the first shows. But then, by the third weekend, my voice was great. So my confidence is much better on stage, much higher on stage, if I can sing properly. So, yeah, it's been great, man. I think this upcoming weekend, it's our fourth week out already, which is crazy to think about. But I'm excited."

Morgan also spoke in more detail about the emotions he and his bandmates felt at the first show they played in more than a year and a half. "It was this elated feeling that I had when I walked out," he said. "It immediately overshadowed the illness and the sickness and the nausea and the fear — all that stuff dissipated when you had all these people. And I think the first one back, we had about nine or 10 thousand people. So it was quite a large audience. As soon as you go out, I just said, 'Woah! This is amazing.' I'm not one to talk much on stage; I don't really have a lot to say. But you sort of have to take a moment and realize that this is actually real, that we've been talking about this for so long. It was postponed so many times over the course of so long that it never felt like it was ever going to arrive, and now that we're actually doing it, yeah, there's a sense of surrealness about it that you go, 'Is this real? Is this just an elaborate dream?' But then you figure out that it's real. And people had fun, and we had fun. And it feels good to be quote-unquote essential again."

SEETHER released "Wasteland - The Purgatory" EP digitally and on CD on July 30 and will make it available on vinyl October 22 via Fantasy Records. The five-track set includes the fan favorite "Wasteland", from the band's most recent album, and features three never-before-heard songs, and an alternate/stripped down version of "Wasteland". Written and produced by Shaun Morgan, engineered by the band's newest member Corey Lowery, and mixed by Matt Hyde, "Wasteland - The Purgatory" EP follows the August 2020 release of SEETHER's eighth album, the acclaimed "Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum" ("If You Want Peace, Prepare For War.") The first two singles from the album both hit No. 1 on the Active Rock and Rock charts: the anthemic "Dangerous" and hard-hitting "Bruised And Bloodied".

REO SPEEDWAGON frontman Kevin Cronin has blasted COVID-19 deniers, saying that the "thoughtless, misinformed and nasty comments" about the coronavirus pandemic have "pushed [his] patience over the edge."

Earlier this week, Cronin and his bandmates canceled two shows after members of the REO SPEEDWAGON team tested positive for the virus. The group's announcement on social media was met with a lot of support from REO SPEEDWAGON fans as well as some skepticism from those who doubt the seriousness of the virus or assume it's a hoax.

In a message posted to Facebook, Cronin updated fans on his health, writing: "Hi friends, as I sit alone in quarantine, dealing with the reduced, yet uncomfortable symptoms of Covid-19, and reading the comments regarding the shows we made the painful decision to cancel this weekend, I am struck by two things. First, on behalf of myself, our entire band, crew, and management, I would like to thank the majority of people whose comments were understanding, supportive, and empathetic. I am so touched by the outpouring of positive energy. You are awesome. Second, I have never personally responded to Facebook comments in the past. But as our band goes through this difficult period, the thoughtless, misinformed, and nasty comments I read this morning pushed my patience over the edge.

"I encourage lively discussion of differences of opinion. That is part of what makes the United States the Golden Country. But our organization is living through Covid, and to hear people spouting ridiculous conspiracy theories, is more than I can bear right now. To those people: Call me back when you catch it.

"If you are not vaccinated you are in for a world of hurt. And if you take the vaccine, while you can still test positive, your experience will likely be mild by comparison.

"This is a difficult medical, public health and safety issue. Within the REO organization there is a wide spectrum of political views. To connect our decision to cancel shows to some political agenda is absurd, insulting, and quite simply wrong."

Late last month, just a few days prior to the REO SPEEDWAGON concert cancelation, Cronin told Ultimate Classic Rock that people were "just so excited to have live music back. It's been great for us so far," he said. "Hopefully, the rest of the country starts to wake up and get vaccinated so this virus doesn't take over and shut everything down again."

Formed in 1967, signed in 1971, and fronted by Cronin since 1972, REO SPEEDWAGON's "Hi Infidelity" contained the massive hit singles "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It On the Run". That landmark 1980 album spent 15 weeks in the No. 1 slot and has since earned the RIAA's coveted Diamond Award for surpassing sales of 10 million units in the United States.


Hi friends, as I sit alone in quarantine, dealing with the reduced, yet uncomfortable symptoms of Covid-19, and reading...

Posted by REO Speedwagon on Friday, August 6, 2021

In a brand new interview with "Talking Metal", legendary guitarist George Lynch spoke about what it has been like playing select shows around the U.S. over the course of the last few weeks while the pandemic is still in full swing. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I'm very conflicted and I'm a supreme hypocrite, because I'm a 'safety safety' guy. I'm double vaxxed and I wear my mask everywhere and I'm real careful about travel and anything like that. But I care about other people, and yet again I play shows where I afford the opportunity for people to stand shoulder to shoulder without masks on and get sick. So, I'm not sure how to deal with that. Because, as you know, things were tamped down quite nicely and it looked like things were going sort of back to semi-normal there for a second, and after we booked all these shows. And now I'm contractually obligated to play these shows and pay for flights and pay for everything. Literally, if I pulled out of this two-week run, and whatever else I got contracted for, I'd get my ass sued, I'd get blackballed and I'd just be out of business. It still doesn't make it right. So I try to make it as safe as possible. I cannot control what people do. Hopefully everybody is masked up, and that's what I encourage people to do — is mask up, and try to stay distant. Obviously, we play mostly outside venues. I mean, on this run, we're playing one indoor venue, in Houston, but it's a large amphitheater."

He continued: "I do understand music is important — it's a vital thing, just like food, air, water and love. We need it for our sanity and our humanness; [we're] social creatures. But we've gotta be smart at the same time and follow the science and do the right thing. So it is exasperating and frustrating to see people pushing back against that. It's very disappointing to see people do that, because if we had all done, collectively, the right thing and done our duty… We're not getting shots of little… [They're] not putting cameras in our bodies. That's why we don't have polio anymore. Let's just do that. And we can get through this and get back to some semi-normalcy."

Lynch also addressed the fact that the delta variant of the coronavirus, now the most common strain circulating in the United States, has a supercharged transmissibility, driven in part by how the mutated virus behaves in the body after infection.

"With this new virus, this new strain, they say it's just like cigarette smoke," he said. "It's more transmissible than chicken pox. I know what's gonna get to people is when businesses… Since we're not like some countries where people are sort of a high society and they work together collectively for the common good, we're this country of rugged supposed individualists that don't need anybody else's help; we're all these independent people and operate that way to some extent. So the way the things will change is through business. Because businesses' job is to make money, and you don't make money by killing your customers. So they'll force vaccine card mandates and all these kinds of things — that'll happen — to go to work and go to a venue and [for] transportation and I don't know what, [to] work at a hospital. And I think that'll be the new normal, and it should be. There's nothing wrong with that.

"I don't see anybody crying about seatbelts, but I remember they used to, George added. "When they had a seatbelt mandate, [some people were saying], 'The seatbelt's taking away my freedom.' And the seatbelt was just you; it wasn't affecting anybody else. This is even way more of an issue where not only are you gonna potentially hurt yourself but you're gonna hurt a whole bunch of other people too, including people you love — potentially."

A vaccine passport is a physical or digital document that displays whether someone is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Critics say that such passports are a violation of privacy and an example of government overreach. Meanwhile, supporters point out that federal immigration law already requires that immigrants provide proof of vaccination status for several diseases.

There's plenty of precedent for having to show proof of vaccination whether for work or travel. For a century, nearly every school in the U.S. has been requiring proof of vaccinations for students to enroll. Dozens of countries across the globe require a "Yellow Fever Card" to enter their borders.

Proponents of vaccine passports, including several high-profile heavy metal musicians, have touted them as one of the most effective ways to reopen the nation's economy in a safe manner.

Yngwie Malmsteen has revealed that Ian Gillan isn't a fan of his, and that there were "murmurs" of an approach from DEEP PURPLE, as well as a number of artists over the years. The Swedish guitarist made his comments in a brand new interview with Eonmusic while promoting new album "Parabellum", which was released last month via Mascot.

When asked by the site if he had been approached by any big names during his career, he repied: "Yeah, of course. Quite a lot, actually". Going on to list a number of acts, all of whom he claims sought out his services, Yngwie said: "I was offered a gig in UFO, I was offered a gig with David Lee Roth. There was some murmur about the Ozzy [Osbourne] thing. Ronnie James Dio, he talked about it all the time."

More surprisingly, the guitar virtuoso also revealed that Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were interested in retaining him, presumably for the role that was eventually filled by Vinnie Vincent in 1982. "When I actually lived in Sweden", he said, "I was offered a gig in KISS. The wanted to talk to me. They called me up, and the guy said, 'Are you hot?' And then he asked me, 'Are you six feet tall?' And I'm metric, right? I'm six-foot-three; I'm actually quite tall — I'm 192 centimeters. So I said, 'No, I'm 192.' And he goes, 'What the fuck's that?' So they never called back, so I didn't end up with an ankh on my face!"

It was when asked if he was ever approached by DEEP PURPLE that Malmsteen made the revelation that Gillan doesn't appear to be a fan. "There was murmurs," he said: "Me and Roger Glover always got along. I got along with Ritchie Blackmore too, but Ian Gillan, for some reason he… I did a show with him once, and we had the greatest time, it was a lot of fun, but then I did a tour with him a few years ago, and he didn't seem to like me a lot, so I don't know."

Read the entire interview at Eonmusic

Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, THE WINERY DOGS, SONS OF APOLLO) and Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT) have both expressed their concern over the increasing number of concerts and tours that are being canceled as the coronavirus is still spreading, especially among the unvaccinated.

In the past week, a number of high-profile hard rock and heavy metal artists — including TESLA, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, SHINEDOWN and LIMP BIZKIT — have called off shows or played concerts without members who have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The cancelations and the increased number of COVID-19 infections are driven in large part by the fact that the delta variant of the coronavirus, now the most common strain circulating in the United States, has a supercharged transmissibility, driven in part by how the mutated virus behaves in the body after infection.

Earlier today, Portnoy took to his Twitter to share several BLABBERMOUTH.NET headlines related to COVID-19 infections and concert cancelations, and he included the following message: "And this is just THIS WEEK!! I'm not scheduled to begin touring again til Oct, but I have a bad feeling about all of this…"

Portnoy's METAL ALLEGIANCE bandmate Skolnick concurred, sharing a press release about the cancelation of the 2021 edition of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and adding: "Same here and exactly right - Not looking good. Not everyone wants to admit it yet."

Portnoy's SONS OF APOLLO bandmate Jeff Scott Soto shared Mike's post, writing: "Taken from MP's feed, this really stinks...and please don't turn this into a political post, I'm bummed to hear even one of these acts had to pull out because ALL artists (& fans) are affected!

"Hoping this isn't a sign of things to come, I too have a LOT booked throughout the rest of the year!!"

New variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 illness are spreading in the United States and other countries. Current data suggest that COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States offer protection against most variants. However, some variants might cause illness in some people after they are fully vaccinated.

According to Healthline, data so far suggests efficacy rates against the delta variant of more than 67 percent for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 72 to 95 percent for the Moderna vaccine, and 64 to 96 percent for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Even though vaccines offer different ranges of protection, experts say getting fully vaccinated is crucial.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said earlier today that while vaccinated people can carry and spread the virus in what is known as "breakthrough infections," people largely driving the current surge were unvaccinated.

As the virus spreads, it can mutate and create more dangerous variants. Consequently, "there could be a variant that's lingering out there that can push aside delta," Fauci said.




And this is just THIS WEEK!! ? I’m not scheduled to begin touring again til Oct, but I have a bad feeling about all of this…? pic.twitter.com/rOrtfsV2Xl

— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) August 8, 2021








Same here and exactly right - Not looking good. Not everyone wants to admit it yet. pic.twitter.com/cXy4aqJrYq

— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) August 8, 2021




























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A post shared by jeғғ ѕcoтт ѕoтo (@jeffscottsotoofficial)

JOURNEY guitarist Neal Schon recently gave a college radio simulcast interview to WMSC and WNUW where he discussed the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for the band's upcoming studio album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I learned how to play keyboards better than ever during the pandemic, which I'd never really done before. And that's where our first single ['The Way We Used To Be', which was released in June] came from. [I sent it to] Jonathan [Cain, keyboards], and he did the lyrics on it and put a rough vocal on it. And then we had Arnel [Pineda] sing it, and we cut it and re-cut it in the studio, and it was just released. And a lot of people went, 'Wow, man. I love it.' 90 percent of people love it; the other 10 percent went, 'I don't think it sounds like JOURNEY.' I go, 'I never wrote it to be a JOURNEY song.'"

According to Schon, he and his bandmates have written over 30 new songs for the upcoming JOURNEY record. "Some of 'em are unmistakeably JOURNEY without sounding like another song that we have; it just sounds like a new version of the band, because we do have a new rhythm section," he said. "It's ballistic, man. And there's no lack of guitar on this record. So I'm excited about it getting out there. I think any guitar player out there is gonna love this record, because I'm just kind of unleashing on this record — like I do a lot live, but sometimes hold back in the studio. I don't think it's O.D.ing on the guitar at all and going overboard, but I like to check out the times and where I see music going. I usually have a pretty good gut instinct about it, and I feel like the late '60s, the time and era of early Jeff Beck with Rod Stewart and [LED] ZEPPELIN when they first came out, Jimi Hendrix, the CREAM with [Eric] Clapton and Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, that whole era, there's a lot of younger kids out there, younger generation, that never got to experience that era. So I'm feeling like that is the era that I grew up in and that's what I truly love doing and the type of music I love playing, so I'm going more there and I'm writing for that, to be able to do that on stage. And I think it's really gonna trip some people out, when we finally do get this album out there and can combine it with all the hits that we do have."

He continued: "There's certain songs that are being mixed by Bob Clearmountain, that mixed our 'Raised On Radio' record, and he's made it sound really amazing, really pulled it together. You have mixers out there sometimes that have this incredible ability to take work that you've done throughout a year, even though they were recorded at separate times, and different sounds here and there, and they pull it all together and they make it sound like it's a tight album that has a focus sound-wise."

As for when fans can expect to see the new JOURNEY album released, Schon said: "If it doesn't drop later this year or before the first [of 2022], I think some time after the first. But I believe that if we do not release this year, then we'll probably follow with another couple of singles to keep people going and get them excited about the whole album. But the whole album, there's not a filler on the record; that's what I can tell you. I look at it, and I'm listening to it now, and many others that have known our music for a long time that have very good ears have said, 'Look, this is the modern-day-and-age 'Escape'. I think this could be the next 'Escape' for you guys.' And I think that's a bold statement, but honest to God, I feel like it's that good."

JOURNEY made its return to the live stage on July 29 during a special "aftershow" at Chicago's Aragon Ballroom. The concert took place just two days before JOURNEY's appearance at Lollapalooza on the Bud Light Seltzer stage at Grant Park.

JOURNEY's lineup for both shows included the return of drummer Deen Castronovo, who shared the drum duties in the band with Narada Michael Walden. Walden, bassist Randy Jackson and keyboardist/backing singer Jason Derlatka all joined JOURNEY last year following the band's acrimonious split with drummer Steve Smith and bassist Ross Valory. Jackson — who previously played with JOURNEY during the mid-1980s — was forced to miss the Aragon and Lollapalooza gigs because he was scheduled to undergo back surgery. Filling in for him was Marco Mendoza, who previously played several shows in 2019 with Castronovo and JOURNEY guitarist Neal Schon under the "Neal Schon's Journey Through Time" banner.

Castronovo's 17-year tenure with JOURNEY ended in 2015 when the group fired him after his arrest for a variety of charges involving his now-wife (including physical abuse, coercion, and unlawful use of a weapon).

"The Way We Used To Be" was the multi-platinum band's first new music since 2011's album "Eclipse", and the first song released by the band's revamped lineup. "The Way We Used To Be" marks Walden and Derlatka's first studio recordings with the band, and Jackson's first since 1986's "Raised On Radio". The song was produced by Narada Michael Walden at his Tarpan Studios, with co-production by Schon and Cain.

Former SOULFLY guitarist Marc Rizzo has opened up about his departure from the band, saying that his last decade with the Max Cavalera-fronted outfit has "not been very good."

Although Rizzo's exit from SOULFLY wasn't officially announced until Saturday (August 7), it was widely speculated that he was out of the group two days earlier when it was revealed that FEAR FACTORY's Dino Cazares will play guitar for SOULFLY on the band's upcoming U.S. tour, which kicks off on August 20 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Rizzo addressed his departure from SOULFLY in a new interview with Pierre Gutiérrez of Rock Talks. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "This has been a very difficult year. I got no support from SOULFLY. There was no sort of loans that were taken out for the bandmembers or the crew. This is just the honest thing of what happened. I had to go back and get a day job. I was doing home renovations, working very hard, 10 hours a day. A [SOULFLY] live record came out [last year]. I never saw a dime off that. So, basically, within the [first] six months, seven months of COVID, I just said, 'You know, man, I don't want this anymore. I gave you guys 18 years of my life.' And it was a great time. Back in the good years, it was great. But the last I'd say eight to 10 years have not been very good. [I was] away from my family. Scheduling is crazy. It was impossible to have a personal life, see my family, make plans with my family. So, basically, six months into COVID, it was just, like, I don't even wanna do this anymore. I'd rather just concentrate on my solo project and spend time with my family where I'm happy, where I get my credit for everything I do.

"I put 18 years in," he continued. "It's a long, long time to be in the band. When COVID hit, I felt like, what have I been doing these last 18 years? Normally, you work a day job, you get support during a pandemic like COVID. And I was working very hard. I was doing plumbing, electric. Finally, my very good friend Nic Bell at Godsize Booking, he was, like, 'Listen, dude, I can get you back on the road to the states in America that are open.' So he got me to Montana, Texas, Florida, doing my solo project. And I was able to quit my job and get back on track playing music for a living and making money. Big props to Nic Bell, 'cause he was one of the few people that supported me during the pandemic and helped me to get back on the road. Again, I got no support whatsoever from anyone else. So, it's a good thing. Again, I'm very excited about the future."

Asked if it's fair to say that his decision to exit SOULFLY was based on a financial issue, Marc said: "I would say that was one of [the issues] — for this year, yes. There were years that were good financially, but this year — again, there was no loans, there was no, 'Hey, let's do a live video to make money for the bandmembers or maybe let's do a special merch deal.' A lot of my friends, they were doing special merchandise deals. I mean, if you look online, SOULFLY didn't do anything for the bandmembers or the crew. It's just not right to do that to people during a time like this.

"So, whatever, man," he added. "They have the right to run their business however they want to, and I have the right to do I want to do. So, again, I'm very excited to do my solo project. That's what got me through COVID, back to being on the road and doing what I love to do as a living. And then this spawned Tony [Campos, STATIC-X, FEAR FACTORY] and me finally getting together to do a project that we've always talked about. So we're excited with HAIL THE HORNS — we're very, very excited to get that going. I've got my death metal project REVENGE BEAST. And these were guys that called me. They were, like, 'Hey, what's up, man? How are you? How are you doing?' I never got a phone call from anybody in the SOULFLY camp during COVID. It just opened up my eyes this year about what I should be doing in 2021."

Rizzo also confirmed that he hasn't had a conversation with Max since they last saw each at the final pre-pandemic SOULFLY show nearly a year and a half ago. "I haven't talked to Max since [March] 2020 when we played the Hell & Heaven festival in Mexico," he said. "I had no contact with him. I don't think he has a phone, so it's not like I can call him."

Max addressed Rizzo's departure during the latest episode of "Max Trax", a twice-weekly Internet video series in which he discusses the inspiration for many of the songs spanning his nearly 40-year music career. He said: "[Marc] did not leave the band. We decided to part ways with him due to personal reasons. I wish Marc the best on his career. I wanna thank Marc for the 18 years with SOULFLY."

Rizzo joined SOULFLY in 2004, and has since appeared on all of the band's subsequent records, including "Prophecy" (2004), "Dark Ages" (2005), "Conquer" (2008), "Omen" (2010), "Enslaved" (2012), "Savages" (2013), "Archangel" (2015) and "Ritual" (2018). In 2007, Rizzo became a member of CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, the side project of SEPULTURA co-founders, brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, and has performed on all CAVALERA CONSPIRACY releases including "Inflikted", "Blunt Force Trauma", "Pandemonium" and the critically acclaimed 2017 LP "Psychosis".

Back in 2018, Max praised Rizzo, telling "The Classic Metal Show": "He loves what he does; he loves playing in SOULFLY; he loves working with me. We are totally connected. He gives 150 percent every show, no matter if there's ten people or ten thousand, which is rare. Sometimes when there's not a lot of people, it's hard to go out there and still be excited and he does it. I do believe he's underrated big-time, but I'm kind of happy about that because if he gets too big, then he will go away. He will join a big band. I'll be out looking for another guitar player and it would suck. It would really suck to lose Marc. I'm kind of happy. It's almost like a secret thing that we have, this treasure that we have. He's fantastic. He's an amazing guitar player. I sit sometimes around the dressing room just to hear him play. Just go in the dressing room to hang out while he's practicing just to hear him playing some of the flamenco sections in the dressing room or when he's just shredding. He's killer. He is a true, true guitar hero."

Rizzo was originally a member of New Jersey Latin metal favorites ILL NIÑO, appearing on their classic 2001 Roadrunner release "Revolution Revolucion" and the 2003 follow-up "Confession".

SOULFLY mainman Max Cavalera says that the band's longtime guitarist Marc Rizzo was fired "due to personal reasons."

Max addressed Rizzo's departure during the latest episode of "Max Trax", a twice-weekly Internet video series in which he discusses the inspiration for many of the songs spanning his nearly 40-year music career.

He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Right now, for the tribe, I wanna address something that is going on with SOULFLY. Of course, it's about Marc Rizzo. He did not leave the band. We decided to part ways with him due to personal reasons. I wish Marc the best on his career. I wanna thank Marc for the 18 years with SOULFLY."

Max also discussed last Thursday's (August 5) announcement that Dino Cazares (FEAR FACTORY) will play guitar for SOULFLY on the band's upcoming U.S. tour, which kicks off on August 20 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"I'm very excited that we're bringing our friend Dino to play guitar with us for the next U.S. tour," he said. "The show must go on. Dino is an O.G riffmaster. One of my favorite riff [writers]... He's on 'Eye For An Eye' [a song from the first SOULFLY album]; that's how long me and Dino go back. I got them signed; FEAR FACTORY, I got them signed [to Roadrunner Records], because I loved their demo so much and I showed it to Monte [Conner, former Roadrunner A&R executive].

"Dino's gonna come here [to Phoenix, Arizona to rehearse with the band]," he continued. "We're gonna start practicing. We might even throw a couple of Dino classics in there for the set for you guys. And we're playing a brand new SOULFLY song for the future for the next record; we're gonna play it on this next tour. So be there to watch two legends, Max Cavalera and Dino Cazares, on a stage together. It's gonna be a sick tour starting August 20th."

On Friday (August 6), Rizzo has confirmed that he is focusing on his solo projects following his departure from SOULFLY. He said: "I'm just going full forward with my solo project. It's just better for me. It's more of a healthier environment for me and my family. And being home more, and do my solo project, which I'm super stoked about. I've also got [my new band] HAIL THE HORNS. We're releasing the video that we did for a KISS cover today. I've got REVENGE BEAST. I've got ACOUSTIC VENDETTA. Things are good. And I'm doing a lot of good shit. I'm going full forward with my solo project. That's really where my heart is at, where I get my writing credit, where I get credit for my work and all my hard work gets proper credit. It's a healthier environment."

Rizzo joined SOULFLY in 2004, and has since appeared on all of the band's subsequent records, including "Prophecy" (2004), "Dark Ages" (2005), "Conquer" (2008), "Omen" (2010), "Enslaved" (2012), "Savages" (2013), "Archangel" (2015) and "Ritual" (2018). In 2007, Rizzo became a member of CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, the side project of SEPULTURA co-founders, brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, and has performed on all CAVALERA CONSPIRACY releases including "Inflikted", "Blunt Force Trauma", "Pandemonium" and the critically acclaimed 2017 LP "Psychosis".

Back in 2018, Max praised Rizzo, telling "The Classic Metal Show": "He loves what he does; he loves playing in SOULFLY; he loves working with me. We are totally connected. He gives 150 percent every show, no matter if there's ten people or ten thousand, which is rare. Sometimes when there's not a lot of people, it's hard to go out there and still be excited and he does it. I do believe he's underrated big-time, but I'm kind of happy about that because if he gets too big, then he will go away. He will join a big band. I'll be out looking for another guitar player and it would suck. It would really suck to lose Marc. I'm kind of happy. It's almost like a secret thing that we have, this treasure that we have. He's fantastic. He's an amazing guitar player. I sit sometimes around the dressing room just to hear him play. Just go in the dressing room to hang out while he's practicing just to hear him playing some of the flamenco sections in the dressing room or when he's just shredding. He's killer. He is a true, true guitar hero."

Rizzo was originally a member of New Jersey Latin metal favorites ILL NIÑO, appearing on their classic 2001 Roadrunner release "Revolution Revolucion" and the 2003 follow-up "Confession".




Max Trax! Last of the Mochicans!!

Posted by Soulfly on Saturday, August 7, 2021

Fan-filmed video footage of Bruce Dickinson belting out an a cappella version of the IRON MAIDEN song "Revelations" during one of the shows on his current U.K. spoken-word tour can be seen below.

Dickinson is considered one of the world's most storied musicians after decades spent delivering high-octane performances with his larger-than-life persona in IRON MAIDEN. A true polymath, his accomplishments include: pilot and airline captain, aviation entrepreneur, beer brewer, motivational speaker, film scriptwriter, twice-published novelist and Sunday Times best-selling author, radio presenter, TV actor, sports commentator and international fencer….to name but a few.

So there's plenty to be entertained by throughout the evening's cornucopia of fascinating tales and derring-do exploits, all delivered by Bruce with characteristically infectious enthusiasm and wry wit.

Split into two parts, the first section of the show sees Bruce taking a humorous and often satirical look at the world from his own very personal perspective, as told first-hand in his inimitable anarchic style, punctuated with photographs, videos and sometimes even erupting into song a capella, to illustrate a point.

The final section of the evening is devoted entirely to a question-and-answer session, with the opportunity to pose questions on any subject whatsoever. The more left-field and quirky the question, the more interesting and compelling the response is likely to be.

Speaking about what fans can expect from his spoken-word tour, Dickinson said: "Mainly it's a sideways look at my life, which in some ways is pleasantly ridiculous. The show that is now the show has moved on quite a long way from what is just in [my autobiography]. Yes, it's a bit autobiographical but there's an awful lot more stuff. Part two gets interesting because it's, dare I say, a bit improv. I give you cue cards upon which you can write whatever you want — insults, advice, questions perhaps. And I then rearrange those like some sort of bizarre crossword puzzle into what becomes the third third of the show. So, basically, that's it — the last third of the show is created by you, with a little bit of help from me."

Dickinson's autobiography, "What Does This Button Do?", landed at No. 10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list. It was released in the U.S. in October 2017 via Dey Street Books (formerly It Books), an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

"What Does This Button Do?" is Dickinson's third book. He has previously published two satirical novels, "The Adventures Of Lord Iffy Boatrace" about the English upper classes and "The Missionary Position" about televangelism.

Dickinson, who will turn 63 later this week, joined IRON MAIDEN in 1981, replacing Paul Di'Anno, and made his recording debut with the band on the 1982 album "The Number Of The Beast". He quit the band in 1993, pursuing several solo projects, and rejoined in 1999.

RESIST & BITE, the new band featuring former TESLA guitarist Tommy Skeoch, played TESLA's classic song "Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)" during its August 6 concert at the Mercy Lounge in Nashville, Tennessee. Fan-filmed video footage of the show can be seen below. Joining Skeoch in the group are ex-LYNCH MOB lead vocalist Nathan Utz, guitarist Steve Stokes, drummer David Parks and bassist Brian Powell.

RESIST & BITE is currently mixing its debut album, which was recorded over a 21-period at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, Tennessee with producer and engineer Michael Rosen.

RESIST & BITE's debut single, "The Myth I'm Livin'", came out in March 2020. A follow-up single, "Fate", arrived this past June.

Skeoch left TESLA in 2006 and went on to receive treatment for substance-abuse issues. He has since been replaced by Dave Rude. Asked in an interview with SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" if he exited the group of his own accord or if he was asked to leave, Tommy said: "I was fired. I was getting fucked up and I was definitely in the wrong about a lot of stuff, and they put up with it for a long time. But at the same time, none of us were angels, and we put up with a lot of stuff from the other guys for a long time too, and they're still there. So I felt like a little scapegoated by the thing. And the other thing is they didn't want people — I guess for the benefit of my family, so it wouldn't look bad — they said, 'Tommy's just gonna spend time [with his family].' That's why nobody knows, and that's why you're asking this question. Everyone's confused on even what happened. Basically, I was fired. I was getting fucked up, and I kept fucking up, and I kept telling 'em I wouldn't, and I just couldn't stop."

Skeoch added that he accepts responsibility for the circumstances that led to his departure from TESLA. "I do, of course," he said. "But I also believe we put up with a lot of shit for a long time from almost every other guy in the band, and they're still there. So I don't know what's up with that; that's a little weird to me."

Last September, TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon was asked by Detroit's WRIF radio station if the band will ever work with Skeoch again. Hannon said: "When we were kids, Tommy Skeoch and myself, I was 16 and he was about 19 or 20. I used to really look up to him — I was a huge fan of his style, and still am, a great fan of his guitar playing. We were like best buds. And then we would collaborate and write songs like 'Modern Day Cowboy' or any of those TESLA songs, we'd write 'em together. But as time went on, man, the egos and the problems — myself included — throughout the years, the competition, it really drove a wedge between us. And the drugs and alcohol just really destroyed our relationship, I've just gotta be honest. We weren't supposed to talk about this stuff, but now I figure it's been long enough.

"I don't see that TESLA will ever go back, because we love Dave Rude, and Dave has really been a great addition to the band. And it would be disrespectful to him to go backwards to a toxic thing, a relationship that really got very toxic.

"Unfortunately, I don't think that TESLA will work with Tommy again — ever," Frank reiterated. "But I will say that myself, personally, I have always loved Tommy and I just wish him the best. I'm so glad that he's still alive, and I know he's got a new band out [RESIST & BITE] that put a song out called 'The Myth I'm Livin''. It was kick-ass; it had Tommy's guitar. Look, I'm getting goosebumps right now. Every time I hear Tommy Skeoch play, it brings a smile to my face, 'cause he's freakin' awesome. As a musician, I have nothing but love and respect for the guy. But I don't think TESLA will ever work with him again. But I do wish him the best."

In a 2011 interview with Noisecreep, TESLA singer Jeff Keith stated about Skeoch: "Look, everyone in TESLA has been through their own substance-abuse issues. But Tommy got in too deep again. So the band told him that the only way we would be able to make this work is if he was clean and sober. I felt like we couldn't ask him to do that if we weren't going to commit to it too. So I was the first one to say that I wouldn't drink, or do anything else, on the tour. The next thing you know, the other guys did the same thing. Troy [Luccketta, drums] has been clean and sober for over 20 years, so it wasn't even an issue for him... Tommy couldn't stay off the stuff he was doing. It broke my heart to see it, but we knew we had to replace him."