Sharon Osbourne has spoken out about her "working relationship" with Marilyn Manson after several women came forward accusing the singer of abuse and assault.

Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager discussed her longtime relationship with Manson during Wednesday's (February 3) episode of her daytime TV show "The Talk".

"I've known Marilyn for 25 years," she said (see video below). "[I've] worked with him for many, many years, and, obviously, I would not know what goes on in his bedroom; neither do I want to. But as far as people who've been going on all my socials, calling me names and things and putting up pictures of Marilyn and I, you know, there's something called a working relationship, and that's what I've had with Marilyn for many years. I know nothing about his sexual preferences or the way he treats women. I know how he treats an older woman, which is me, and he's always been respectful."

Sharon's comments came two days after "Westworld" actress Evan Rachel Wood claimed in a social media post that Manson "groomed" and "horrifically" abused her for years. After she shared her accusations, at least four other women posted their own allegations against the singer. The women claimed to have endured "sexual assault, psychological abuse, and/or various forms of coercion, violence, and intimidation" at the hands of Manson.

Manson later released a statement denying the abuse allegations leveled against him, writing on Instagram: "Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth."

Manson was set to support Osbourne on tour in 2020, but those dates were canceled as Ozzy sought treatment for various health issues.

Last year, Manson spoke to Consequence Of Sound about the influence that Ozzy has had on his career, and he reminisced about his early exposure to the legendary BLACK SABBATH singer's music.

"I remember getting [Ozzy's solo debut] 'Blizzard Of Ozz' when I was in Christian school," he recalled. "My mother took me to get it at the record store when it was highly frowned upon and forbidden in Christian school. But I just remember that he had this strange mystique that he's never really escaped from, despite the fact that he even had a reality TV show. Somehow his music outlived that [show]. That's something I would not have done 'cause I would never want to share my personal life on reality TV. But his music completely exceeds that, which I find to be amazing."

Manson continued: "I remember having a 'Shot In The Dark' poster on my wall, in 10th grade I think, and it was so great to have gotten to tour with him and with BLACK SABBATH as well. And he's always been a very quiet and interesting person. We bonded over painting, strangely enough, at one point on tour."

According to TMZ, police were summoned to Marilyn Manson's home in Hollywood Hills, California on Wednesday night (February 3) after a friend expressed concern about the singer's well-being. Law enforcement sources told the site they received a call for a welfare check by someone who said they hadn't heard from Manson and were worried something may have happened to him.

Los Angeles police officers were called to Marilyn's house just after 6 p.m. due to reports of a "disturbing incident," The Sun revealed. They knocked on the 52-year-old rocker's door, but no one answered.

After initially leaving, law enforcement went back to Marilyn's home two hours later, around 8 p.m., and attempted to speak to someone at the residence, but once again no one answered. At one point, an LAPD helicopter circled overhead, shining a spotlight onto the property. (See video below.)

After some time, authorities were able to reach a representative of the singer, who assured the officers that "everything was fine," and that he "simply didn't want to come out."

The incident came two days after "Westworld" actress Evan Rachel Wood claimed in a social media post that Manson "groomed" and "horrifically" abused her for years. After she shared her accusations, at least four other women posted their own allegations against the singer. The women claimed to have endured "sexual assault, psychological abuse, and/or various forms of coercion, violence, and intimidation" at the hands of Manson.

Several hours after Wood went public with her allegations, Manson's most recent record label, Loma Vista Recordings, issued a statement discontinuing its relationship with the singer.

Manson later issued a statement denying the abuse allegations leveled against him, writing on Instagram: "Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth."

Former PORCUPINE TREE frontman Steven Wilson has apologized to Wolfgang Van Halen for offending him with his recent comments about Eddie Van Halen.

Last month, Wilson was asked in an interview with FaceCulture if the passing of the legendary VAN HALEN guitarist affected him at all. He responded: "Honestly, it didn't, because I was never a fan. I know he's an extraordinary musician, and it's always sad when an extraordinary artist dies, [but] I was never a fan of the so-called shredder mentality. And I think in many ways, he was the father of that whole kind of movement.

"I never understood that 'playing as fast as you can' thing," he continued. "And I know that wasn't all he did — I know he was a more flexible musician than that — but I think that the legacy that he has, Eddie Van Halen, is in creating the shredder phenomenon, which is something so vile to me. That kind of idea that you play music almost like you're playing an Olympic sport is kind of anathema to my kind of ideas on creativity and music."

In response to Wilson's comments, Wolfgang tweeted: "Damn this bums me out hard. Been a huge fan of his for years. [PORCUPINE TREE's 2005 LP] Deadwing is one of my favorite albums of all time."

Earlier today, Steven took to his Twitter to clarify his position to Eddie's son, writing: "Dear @WolfVanHalen, apologies, no disrespect was meant to your father, an extraordinary musician.

"I personally never owned any @VanHalen records and didn't ever get into the style of playing, but he was clearly an incredible innovator," Steven continued. "So when asked about his passing I couldn't honestly say I was affected deeply by it, at least not in the way that my heroes [David] Bowie or Prince's passing had affected me.

"This statement was given in honest humility. Forgive me for any offence unintentionally given, and I offer my deepest condolences."

A short time later, Wolfgang saw Steven's tweet and responded: "Incredibly kind of you to say, @StevenWilsonHQ. I meant no ill will in my previous tweets. As I said, the internet was exacerbating what you had said, as the internet tends to do. Still very kind of you. Be well, friend".

Steven previously touched upon the subject of guitar shredding in a 2018 interview with Music Radar. Speaking about his third solo album, 2013's "The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories)", Wilson said: "My stuff isn't super-hard to play, but it isn't easy. It's somewhere in the middle. You need chops to be in my band, but the one thing I can't stand is shredding. I cannot abide and it has nothing to do with music and everything to do with sport. And music is not sport. It never should be. Being able to play fast has got nothing to do with my music at all.

"One of the struggles with ['The Raven That Refused To Sing' guitarist] Guthrie [Govan] was trying to get him to stop playing fast… because when he plays slowly, as everyone knows, he is sublime. But his natural setting is to play quite fast and shred. I had this kind of battle with him where I'd try to pull him back and say, 'Play slower, play less notes…' which he did absolutely beautifully when he did.

"That's the number one prerogative for me: every musician has to come in understanding the importance of playing slow, playing nothing, playing with space and feeling. They sound like really obvious things, but you'd be amazed at how many people and kids out there haven't learned that lesson. Be creative, play with space [and] understand the importance of silence."

Wilson's latest studio album, "The Future Bites", was released last year via Caroline International. The follow-up to 2017's "To The Bone" was described in a press release as "an exploration of how the human brain has evolved in the Internet era." The effort was recorded in London and co-produced by David Kosten and Steven Wilson.

Eddie died in October at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked Van Halen No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.




Dear @WolfVanHalen, apologies, no disrespect was meant to your father, an extraordinary musician. I personally never owned any @VanHalen records and didn’t ever get into the style of playing, but he was clearly an incredible innovator.

— Steven Wilson (@StevenWilsonHQ) February 3, 2021








So when asked about his passing I couldn’t honestly say I was affected deeply by it, at least not in the way that my heroes Bowie or Prince’s passing had affected me.

— Steven Wilson (@StevenWilsonHQ) February 3, 2021








This statement was given in honest humility. Forgive me for any offence unintentionally given, and I offer my deepest condolences. SW

— Steven Wilson (@StevenWilsonHQ) February 3, 2021








Incredibly kind of you to say, @StevenWilsonHQ. I meant no ill will in my previous tweets. As I said, the internet was exacerbating what you had said, as the internet tends to do. Still very kind of you. Be well, friend ✌️ https://t.co/obx3R79KgP

— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) February 4, 2021








Damn this bums me out hard ? Been a huge fan of his for years. Deadwing is one of my favorite albums of all time.

Although... the title is a little too clickbait-y, because what he said really wasn’t that rude.

https://t.co/67YPG7pzjr

— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) February 1, 2021

Cited by many as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, Chris Jericho joins the latest episode of "AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" to salute his favorite band and put the beatdown on such topics as Angus Young and Brian Johnson recently guesting on his "Talk Is Jericho" podcast, adding AC/DC songs to the setlist in his own band FOZZY, sporting a massive "For Those About To Rock" cannon tattoo, sprinkling a little Axl Rose love, and explaining just how rock and wrestling makes for the perfect tag team.

Jericho discusses his two childhood dreams while growing up in Winnipeg — becoming a professional wrestler and playing music. By the year 2000, he would achieve both, fronting FOZZY, churning out a half dozen albums while touring the world, and now celebrating his 30th year as a pro wrester with an undisputed 35 championships under his belt.

Currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Jericho describes how the sport that made him famous has become so synonymous with AC/DC's music.

"The reason why you hear so much AC/DC is because that's Vince McMahon's favorite band of all-time," talking about the chairman and CEO of WWE, who's used everything from "Highway To Hell" to "War Machine" and "Are You Ready" as theme songs. "There's a real synchronicity between what AC/DC does and wrestling. It's very hard-hitting. Electric. It's a very aggressive feeling that you get."

As the frontman of FOZZY, Jericho recalls opening for IRON MAIDEN in 2019 and deciding to close the set with AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" to ensure the crowd was truly warmed up. "It was a 'cheap pop,' as they say in wrestling," he laughs.

And when asked if he could have pulled off replacing Brian Johnson during the singer's unexpected departure from the "Rock Or Bust" tour, Jericho confidently responds, "I could do it. That's kind of my wheelhouse," all the while reminding listeners just how difficult it is to hit those incredibly high notes.

The Canadian-American wrestler also gives props to Axl Rose, comparing the notorious singer joining AC/DC to THE ROLLING STONES enlisting Paul McCartney for a special tour. "I think that if you ask the other guys in GUNS N' ROSES, I think Axl really got a sense of, like, 'Holy smokes, this is how it can be. You can be in a great rock 'n' roll band and [I don't have to] worry about the egos or the bullshit that surrounds it.' I think he really came alive as the singer of AC/DC."

From their latest release, "Power Up", to his unsung favorites like "Fly On The Wall", Jericho sums up just how AC/DC's music has inspired him throughout his entrepreneurial career: "When you find something that you're good at, and you do it better than anybody else, don't mess with it."

"AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" features well known actors, authors, athletes, comedians, musicians, media hosts, and even members of the band, all paying homage to one of the greatest bands of all time. Guests have included Slash, Hall Of Fame MLB pitcher Trevor Hoffman, "SNL" comedian Jim Breuer, U.S. military war hero Mike Durant from the film "Black Hawk Down", classically trained Croatian duo 2CELLOS, Dweezil Zappa and AC/DC drummer Chris Slade.

Created by duo Gregg Ferguson and Kurt Squiers, "AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" originally set out to be a feature-length documentary film. After shooting on the Highway To Hell for years, Ferguson and Squiers approached AC/DC's management to seek partnership with the band for a worldwide commercial release. After countless attempts for a face-to-face, the duo sent a proof of concept edit for review, and while the band said they, "weren't quite ready to make a historic film while still making history," AC/DC liked what they saw. But with no partnership, and no music rights from the band, "AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" was, for all intents and purposes, shot down in flames.

Wondering if the film would ever catch lightning, Ferguson and Squiers decided to unearth these wonderful stories of extraordinary fans discussing their affinity for AC/DC and harness that energy into a vehicle that just might work…a podcast. After capturing over 50 interviews and with a newfound momentum to create all-new episodes with sound engineer Eric Kielb, "AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" is back, serving up inspirational stories about the fans, for the fans, by the fans.

"AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any of your favorite podcast apps.

THE DEAD DAISIES' Glenn Hughes and Doug Aldrich have opened up about the recent departure of Deen Castronovo. The drummer announced his exit from the group two days after THE DEAD DAISIES' publicist revealed that Tommy Clufetos (BLACK SABBATH, OZZY OSBOURNE, ROB ZOMBIE, TED NUGENT, ALICE COOPER) will rejoin the band when they hit the road in support of their new album, "Holy Ground". Clufetos previously toured with THE DEAD DAISIES in 2015.

During an appearance earlier today (Tuesday, February 2) on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Aldrich stated about Castronovo's decision to leave THE DEAD DAISIES: "Deen was having a hard time with some back problems. We got together and played in October of last year, and he was struggling — he was having a hard time. And he just said, 'Look, guys, I need to get some work done, and it's gonna put me out of business for a little bit. I know you guys wanna move fast and you've got plans to do things.' So he decided to do that."

Glenn praised Deen, who laid down the drums on "Holy Ground" as well as on 2018's "Burn It Down" LP.

"[Deen] sang on a couple of ['Holy Ground' songs] with me. I would have liked to have had Deen sing more. We have a great blend together, and you can hear it.

"It's such a shame that he's not with us. But we have to continue. And Tommy was the guy."

Both Doug and Glenn said they were looking forward to sharing the stage with Clufetos, who worked with such rock icons as Nugent, Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie before joining Ozzy Osbourne in 2010. That led to a spot as the drummer on BLACK SABBATH's last two world tours.

"Tommy's an incredible player," Aldrich said. "I'm so excited to hear him and Glenn together. It's gonna be amazing."

Asked if they ever played with Tommy before, Glenn said: "I have not. I've met him a couple of times at Geezer's [Butler, BLACK SABBATH bassist] house. I've seen him play on YouTube, of course."

Added Doug: "I haven't played with him, but I've watched him a lot, especially since him signing up. And, man, it's such a small world, that Glenn played with Tony [Iommi] and Tommy's played with Tony, and that feel is very important, and Tommy's got it. I think it's even gonna be a step deeper with Tommy."

Continued Glenn: "I think it's gonna be way heavier. With all due respect to Deen, who I love, Tommy is meat and potatoes. For me, I'm a [John] Bonham fan, so I've gotta have the meat and potatoes behind me."

"Holy Ground" was released on January 22. Recorded at La Fabrique Studios in the south of France with producer Ben Grosse, the LP is the band's first to feature Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), who joined the group in 2019 as its new bassist and vocalist, replacing John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE) and Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY).

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).

In 2019, Castronovo, who had recorded and toured with THE DEAD DAISIES for the past three years, played several shows with JOURNEY guitarist Neal Schon under the "Neal Schon's Journey Through Time" banner. Joining them were founding JOURNEY and SANTANA singer/keyboardist Gregg Rolie, bassist Marco Mendoza of THE DEAD DAISIES and THIN LIZZY, a musician named Chris Collins (on guitar and keyboards) and super-producer Marti Frederiksen (multi-instrumentalist, voca

Legendary Dutch death doom elite, Asphyx, recently released their 10th full studio album, Necroceros, via Century Media Records. Vocalist Martin van Drunen unboxes the album in this new video:

Necroceros was recorded at Tom Meier’s Tom Meier Studio and at Paul Baayens’ The Mörserstudio and then finally mixed and mastered by Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann at Greenman Studios. The album once again features front cover artwork by Axel Hermann.

Order Necroceros in all its various formats here.

Tracklisting:

"The Sole Cure is Death"
"Molten Black Earth"
"Mount Skull"
"Knights Templar Stand"
"Three Years of Famine"
"Botox Implosion"
"In Blazing Oceans"
"The Nameless Elite"
"Yield or Die"
"Necroceros"

“The Nameless Elite” video:

"Knights Templar Stand" lyric video:

“Botox Implosion” video:

Asphyx lineup:

Martin van Drunen - Vocals
Paul Baayens - Guitars
Alwin Zuur - Bass
Stefan “Husky” Hüskens - Drums

Swedish melodic death metal pioneers AT THE GATES are "finishing up" the mixing of their new album with producer Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden. The follow-up to 2018's "To Drink From The Night Itself" was recorded in part at Studio Gröndahl in Stockholm, Sweden.

In its latest Instagram post, AT THE GATES promised that the new LP would be "massive."

AT THE GATES guitarist Jonas Stålhammar recently told Italy's Poisoned Rock about the music he and his bandmates have written for the upcoming effort: "It's kind of progressing even more from the last album. It's gonna be different than that one too, but still you know it's AT THE GATES. It's evolving even more. All of us are kind of on the same page with why should we do the same record over and over again. It's gonna be an interesting album to record, actually."

"To Drink From The Night Itself" was produced with Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, THE HAUNTED, DIMMU BORGIR) at Parlour Studios in the U.K. The follow-up 2014's "At War With Reality" featured conceptual artwork created by Costin Chioreanu of Twilight13Media, who also worked with AT THE GATES on the band's previous disc.

"To Drink From The Night Itself" was the first AT THE GATES album written and recorded without lead guitarist/primary songwriter Anders Björler, who departed in 2017. He has since been replaced by Stålhammar.

Back in 2018, AT THE GATES singer Tomas Lindberg told Decibel magazine that Stålhammar came into the band too late to be involved in the composing process for "To Drink From The Night Itself". "This one is basically Jonas [Björler] and me when it comes to the writing," he said. "All the guys have contributed in some way, but the main writing comes from Jonas and me. Most of the songs were already in the finishing stages when Jonas Stålhammar joined, so there wasn't much time for him to contribute, but we look forward to having him more involved next time around."

AT THE GATES 2021 is:

Adrian Erlandsson - Drums

Jonas Björler - Bass

Tomas Lindberg - Vocals

Jonas Stålhammar - Guitar

Martin Larsson - Guitar
























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Wymer Publishing has set a June 11 release date for "Judas Priest: Decade Of Domination".

When the world thinks of heavy metal in its pure, potent, undiluted form, it is none other than the Metal Gods, JUDAS PRIEST, that instantly come to mind. Chrome and black leather, studs and whips and chains, a chopper on stage to announce the coming… these are the tools of the trade for Rob Halford and his legendary band of Birmingham bashers.

Indeed, the PRIEST are the bringers of metal's biggest anthems. "Breaking The Law", "Living After Midnight", "Exciter", "Electric Eye", "Victim Of Changes" and especially "You've Got Another Thing Comin'"… these are songs woven into the fabric of metal's wild ride, PRIEST having been there since its origins, revving up crowds as superstars certainly for 30 years of that run.

Lifelong fan and preeminent metal historian Martin Popoff examines the PRIEST's rich legacy from 1974 to 1984, album by album, anthem by anthem, in this hugely expanded update on the early years portion of his long-out-of-print "Heavy Metal Painkillers" book.

Having interviewed all the principals in the band repeatedly over the years, Popoff gives a first-hand account of PRIEST's rocky, often comical ride through the '70s, and through the gold and platinum records of the '80s, expertly detailing the long road to the arena headline status the band now enjoys as heavy metal's proudest ambassadors.

"Judas Priest: Decade Of Domination" includes extensive commentary from reclusive drummer Les Binks, along with new interview footage from Tom Allom, Chris Tsangarides, K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Rob Halford and various other insiders who are part of the PRIEST saga during this hallowed, golden era. Also included are tons of memorabilia shots, live photography, and two tipped-in color sections.

To reiterate, this is the most extensive analysis ever in book form of:

"Rocka Rolla", "Sad Wings Of Destiny", "Sin After Sin", "Killing Machine/Hell Bent For Leather", "Unleashed In The East", "British Steel", "Point Of Entry", "Screaming For Vengeance" and "Defenders Of The Faith" — song by song, lots of stories, looking at licks and fills, and what's in the right channel and left, lyric analysis… the deepest dive ever on these records.

BLACK SABBATH unleashed its fourth album in two years in 1972 with "Vol 4". Stacked with classic tracks like "Supernaut", "Changes" and "Snowblind", the record harnessed the group's surging popularity to reach the Top 10 on the albums chart in the U.K. and the Top 20 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., on its path to being certified platinum by the RIAA.

The innovators of heavy metal revisit "Vol 4" on a new collection that includes a newly remastered version of the original album along with a trove of 20 unreleased studio and live recordings. "Vol 4: Super Deluxe Edition" will be available on February 12 as a 4-CD set and a 5-LP set pressed on 180-gram vinyl. Both versions come with extensive booklets featuring liner notes with quotes from the era from all four band members, rare photos, and a poster with previously unpublished early artwork of the album using the working title "Snowblind". Both the 4-CD and 5-LP versions are available for pre-order now at this location.

The newly remastered version of the original album will also be available on digital download and streaming services on the same day.

A newly remastered version of "Changes" is available below.

Bolstered by a fresh remastering, "Vol 4"'s ambitious arrangements and complex grooves have never sounded more inspired and menacing. Originally released in September 1972, the album marked two major changes for the members of SABBATH: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. While their previous albums — "Black Sabbath", "Paranoid" and "Master Of Reality" — were produced by Rodger Bain and recorded in England, they instead chose to produce "Vol 4" themselves and record it at the Record Plant in Los Angeles.

The generous addition of bonus material on "Vol 4: Super Deluxe Edition" begins with six previously unreleased studio outtakes from the original sessions for the album. Each one has been newly mixed by Steven Wilson using the analog multi-tracks. Highlights include outtakes for "Supernaut" and "Changes", as well an instrumental version of "Under The Sun".

The set also features 11 additional studio recordings (also newly mixed by Wilson from the analog multi-tracks) that spotlight alternative takes, false starts and snippets of studio dialogue. These tracks transport listeners into the studio with the band and offer some insight into the making of the album. Along with several alternative takes for "Wheels Of Confusion", these recordings also include outtakes for "The Straightener" and "Snowblind".

The collection concludes with a searing collection of live performances that re-create a typical setlist from BLACK SABBATH's tour for "Vol 4". Recorded in March 1973 at various stops along the band's U.K. tour. The recordings were originally slated for a live album that was ultimately shelved. Although some of these performances have been previously available in various states, the release marks the first time that a full 1973 live SABBATH show has been recreated. The live audio has been newly mixed by Richard Digby Smith using the original 16-track analog tapes to achieve a level of fidelity not heard on any previous incarnations. Included here are thrilling live versions of "Vol 4" tracks ("Tomorrow's Dream" and "Cornucopia") and fan favorites ("Paranoid" and "War Pigs").

"Vol 4: Super Deluxe Edition"

CD Track Listing

Disc One: Original Album Remastered

01. Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener

02. Tomorrow's Dream

03. Changes

04. FX

05. Supernaut

06. Snowblind

07. Cornucopia

08. Laguna Sunrise

09. St. Vitus Dance

10. Under The Sun / Every Day Comes And Goes

Disc Two: Outtakes - New Mixes

01. Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener *

02. Changes *

03. Supernaut *

04. Snowblind *

05. Laguna Sunrise *

06. Under The Sun (Instrumental) *

Disc Three: Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue

01. Wheels Of Confusion (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *

02. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 1) *

03. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 2) *

04. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 3) *

05. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 4) *

06. The Straightener (Outtake) *

07. Supernaut (Outtake) *

08. Supernaut (Alternative Takes with False Starts) *

09. Snowblind (Alternative Take 1 - Incomplete) *

10. Under The Sun (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *

11. Under The Sun (Alternative Take with Guide Vocal) *

Disc Four: Live In The UK 1973

01. Tomorrow's Dream *

02. Sweet Leaf *

03. War Pigs

04. Snowblind *

05. Killing Yourself To Live

06. Cornucopia

07. Wicked World (includes excerpts of:)

i. Guitar Solo

ii. Orchid

iii. Into The Void

iv. Sometimes I'm Happy

08. Supernaut / Drum Solo

09. Wicked World (Reprise)

10. Embryo

11. Children Of The Grave

12. Paranoid

LP Track Listing

LP One: Original Album Remastered

Side One

01. Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener

02. Tomorrow's Dream

03. Changes

04. FX

05. Supernaut

Side Two

01. Snowblind

02. Cornucopia

03. Laguna Sunrise

04. St. Vitus Dance

05. Under The Sun / Every Day Comes And Goes

LP Two: Outtakes - New Mixes

Side Three

01. Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener *

02. Changes *

03. Supernaut *

04. Snowblind *

Side Four

01. Laguna Sunrise *

02. Under The Sun (Instrumental) *

Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue

03. Wheels Of Confusion (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *

04. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 1) *

05. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 2) *

06. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 3) *

LP Three: Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue

Side Five

01. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 4) *

02. The Straightener (Outtake) *

03. Snowblind (Alternative Take 1 - Incomplete) *

04. Supernaut (Outtake) *

Side Six

01. Supernaut (Alternative Takes with False Starts) *

02. Under The Sun (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *

03. Under The Sun (Alternative Take with Guide Vocal) *

LP Four: Live in the UK 1973

Side Seven

01. Tomorrow's Dream *

02. Sweet Leaf *

03. War Pigs

Side Eight

01. Snowblind *

02. Killing Yourself To Live

03. Cornucopia

LP Five: Live in the UK 1973

Side Nine

1. Wicked World (includes excerpts of:)

i. Guitar Solo

ii. Orchid

iii. Into The Void

iv. Sometimes I'm Happy

Side Ten

01. Supernaut / Drum Solo

02. Wicked World (Reprise)

03. Embryo

04. Children Of The Grave

05. Paranoid

* previously unreleased

Photo Duffy © Duffy Archive

In the latest installment of "Mavericks With Ari Melber", a MSNBC series of interviews with artists, musicians and cultural icons, Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Jon Bon Jovi opens up about his songwriting, from classics like "Livin' On A Prayer" to new ballads about COVID-19 and the BLM protests; why he runs his band like a CEO; and how he has learned to measure true success.

Speaking about the advice he would give to younger artists looking to break into the music industry, Jon said (see video below): "I got a record deal in such a unique way that I don't know how I was so smart to think of it. But I said, 'Who is the loneliest man in the record business?' And my answer to myself was, 'The DJ.' And so I went and I knocked on the door of a brand new radio station that, fortunately for me, was so new, it didn't have a receptionist. And the DJ [told me to wait] one minute, 'cause he was on the air. He came out on the commercial break, and I told him that I wanted to talk to him. I had these songs, one of which was 'Runaway'. He said, 'Stick around until after I'm off the air. We can talk.' I did. Eventually, that song got on the radio in New York City — no band, no record deal, no manager, no nothing. A 20-year-old kid knocked on the door."

He continued: "Now, looking 37 years later, kids have the Internet, so they have to find their own way to reinvent the wheel. They have to think of something that's as unique so that they stand out. 'Cause there's a lot of other talented kids out on the street, and a lot of other talented songwriters out on the street. In order to differentiate yourself, you've gotta think differently. And so go and be that me from 37 years ago and find your DJ, find your way. It can be done. And do not succumb to fads and fashions, because by the time you get up to speed on whatever is fashionable, the trend has changed. You have to be your own self. That's why you don't see me doing collaborations with rap guys and pop guys and dance bands, because unless you're true to who you are, it's not gonna resonate — it's gonna be a fad, and it's gonna be there for a moment. Move on. It's like candy — it's a sugar high."

BON JOVI's latest album, "2020" was released in October via Island Records. Originally due last May, it was a completed album with a breadth and depth of songwriting, titled for a challenging and pivotal election year. Along with all of America, Jon Bon Jovi found himself unexpectedly experiencing a world-altering coronavirus pandemic, followed quickly by the staggering events of George Floyd's death and the ensuing national movement for racial equality. He knew there was even more to say about 2020. Writing from a home studio, two new songs were born: "American Reckoning" and "Do What You Can" encompass these events and made the album a complete body of work.

On "2020", Jon Bon Jovi delves into socially conscious matters such as soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder ("Unbroken", featured in the documentary "To Be Of Service"), gun violence ("Lower The Flag"), our shared social experience ("Let It Rain", "Brothers In Arms") and the political climate ("Blood In The Water").

Once again co-produced by John Shanks and Jon Bon Jovi, the record features the entire touring band — keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, bassist Hugh McDonald, guitarist Phil X, percussionist Everett Bradley, and guitarist John Shanks.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory recently spoke to Pablo of the Minneapolis, Minnesota radio station 93X about the band's 2009 album "War Is The Answer". Watch the one-hour chat below to hear more about the "blood, sweat and ass-kicking" it took to complete the LP, some of the crazy stories along the way, and what success means to the group.

On the topic of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's work ethic, which has propelled him and his bandmates from undercard hopefuls to arena-filling headliners, Zoltan said: "I love what I'm doing. That's the secret of life — if you do what you love doing. I can speak for all of us — this is what we wanted to do our whole lives, and now that it's here, this is not the time to step off the gas pedal. So, yeah, we didn't wanna take time off, and this situation right now, this COVID thing, is the first time in 15 years that I am actually home… And Andy James is here, our new guitarist, so we're jamming around and writing music. So that's another thing — if we can't tour, we'll just make another record, maybe even a double one. Why not?"

The second instalment of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's greatest-hits collection, "A Decade Of Destruction - Volume 2", came out in October.

"A Decade Of Destruction - Volume 2" contains four previously unreleased tracks: "Broken World", a Steve Aoki remix of "Bad Company", a Joe Hahn remix of "Wash It All Away", a Felmax remix of "Trouble" and a new acoustic version of "Wrong Side Of Heaven".

In October, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH confirmed that it officially parted ways with guitarist Jason Hook back in February 2020, during the band's sold-out European arena tour. He has since been replaced by the aforementioned renowned British virtuoso Andy James, who is also featured on "Broken World".

"F8" was once again helmed by Kevin Churko, the Canadian record producer/engineer and songwriter who currently lives in Las Vegas, where he works out of his private studio, The Hideout Recording Studio. The drums on the LP were laid down by Charlie "The Engine" Engen, who made his live debut with the group during its fall 2018 tour with BREAKING BENJAMIN. The follow-up to 2018's "And Justice For None" capped a turbulent period for FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH in which singer Ivan Moody finally got sober after a near-fatal struggle with addiction, while co-founding drummer Jeremy Spencer bowed out of the band due to physical issues.

ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann spoke to SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about the band's latest studio album, "Too Mean To Die", which was released on January 29 via Nuclear Blast. The LP is the group's first without bassist Peter Baltes, who exited ACCEPT in November 2018. He has since been replaced by Martin Motnik. ACCEPT's lineup has also been expanded with the addition of a third guitarist, Philip Shouse, who originally filled in for Uwe Lulis during 2019's "Symphonic Terror" tour, before being asked to join the band permanently.

Asked if he has had a chance to talk to Peter since his departure from ACCEPT and if he has gotten clarification on why Baltes left the group, Wolf said: "No, man. That's kind of the sad part about it. He kind of made that decision alone, and we never really had a sitdown and a man-to-man talk that I was hoping we'd have. He just announced it to the world, and that was it, and at that point, it was almost too late. I have to respect his decision.

"I miss him very much, and I think he's always gonna be my buddy or whatever," Wolf continued. "But right now, we don't really have much in common. Because when somebody leaves the band, it's usually that we never really see them much again, as sad as it is. I wish we would, and maybe one day we will. But right now, we don't, really. But we didn't have any fights or anything. I can only speculate why he left the band, but I'd rather not."

Hoffmann was also asked if he was surprised to see Baltes working briefly with original ACCEPT singer Udo Dirkschneider on some new music last year. He responded: "Yeah, I probably shouldn't say much about that. Again, I can only speculate what that was all about. At the end of the day, we do our thing, and everybody has to know for themselves what they wanna do. Yeah, let me not say as much about that as I can, please."

Dirkschneider's long-running metal band U.D.O. released an album last July called "We Are One", featuring contributions from two other former ACCEPT members, Baltes and Stefan Kaufmann. Baltes and Kaufmann also reunited with Dirkschneider in the studio to record a song called "Where The Angels Fly" as a tribute to the frontline workers who have protected others from the pandemic.

"Too Mean To Die" was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with British producer Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH), who has been responsible for the studio sound of ACCEPT since 2

A little over a year after the death of RUSH drummer Neil Peart, his bandmate of more than four decades, singer-bassist Geddy Lee opened up to Rolling Stone about his friend in an extensive interview.

When asked whether there were there times when he was truly awed with stuff that Neil either conceived or was just pulling off technically, Geddy responded: "With regularity. I've never met a musician like him. He was a monster drummer of the highest magnitude. I've met some great musicians but I had the pleasure to watch him every night onstage and watch him improvise, as he got older, through his solos."

Lee continued: "When he became determined to add improvisation as part of his drum solo every night, that's a bold, brave step for him and the level of complexity that he functioned at. I don't know many other musicians that can function at that level. So for me, I was always trying to live up to his watermark, so to speak, because he pushed me. He would say the same thing about me, but of course, I always thought, ‘No, no, I'm following you.'”

He added: "[Peart] set the bar really high for himself, and as his body started to let him down he worried that he would betray that. He was really big on that. He used to say all the time that he never wanted to let down the kid in him."

Lee also spoke about Peart's health issues, particularly during RUSH's final tour, "R40", which commemorated the 40th anniversary of Neil joining the band.

"He struggled through that tour," Geddy said. "He had lot of weird issues, physical issues, a tendency to get infections. He was so fucking stoic. He would never let, you know … You'd see him limping or something and you'd go, 'Man, what's going on?' 'Oh, fuck … I need to tell you.' But you had to guess if he even had a cold, because he didn't grumble about that kind of stuff. He was the exact opposite of me. When I have something wrong, everyone in the fucking organization knows I have something wrong. [Laughs] I really tried to teach him how to whine but he just couldn’t learn."

Peart died on January 7, 2020 in Santa Monica, California after a three-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 67 years old.

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

RUSH's final show took place at the Forum in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015. Peart indicated at the time that he wanted to retire while he was still able to play well, along with a desire to spend more time at home with his young daughter.

Peart joined RUSH in 1974. He was considered one of the best rock drummers of all time, alongside John Bonham of LED ZEPPELIN; Keith Moon of THE WHO; and Ginger Baker of CREAM. Peart was also RUSH's primary lyricist, drawing inspiration from everything from sci-fi to Ayn Rand

Alexi Laiho's wife has shared photos of the private funeral service for the former CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman, who passed away on December 29 in his home in Helsinki, Finland. The 41-year-old had suffered from long-term health issues leading up to his death.

On Wednesday (February 3), Australian-born Kelli Wright, who has previously worked as a publicist for various extreme metal bands, took to her Instagram to post a picture of what appears to be an invitation to the January 28 service, along with a photo of Alexi's casket surrounded by beautiful flower arrangements.

She wrote in an accompanying caption: "Although Shelby" — referring to Kelli's daughter from an earlier relationship" — "and I were unable to be there physically on the 28th of January, we were still able to share this heartbreakingly beautiful day with Alexi's closest.

"I'd like to thank my family @annalaiho and @nadanada_i_know_you for trusting me in all arrangements.

"My perfect love, your memory is sown in our hearts where it will stay forever, cherished and honored."

When Alexi's death was first announced on January 4, Kelli called him "the most loving and magnificent husband and father."

Last month, Finnish tabloid Ilta-Sanomat reported that Alexi was still married to former SINERGY bandmate Kimberly Goss at the time of his death.

Laiho tied the knot with Goss in February 2002, and the couple never officially divorced. Goss confirmed this information directly with Ilta-Sanomat.

Although Laiho filed for divorce in November 2002, he quickly withdrew the petition and never filed another.

According to Finnish law, Laiho and Wright would not have been able to wed, as Laiho and Goss had never terminated their marriage.

At the time of Alexi's death, Goss was at her current home in Chicago, Illinois, while Wright was in Australia.

In December 2017, Wright shared an Instagram photo of what she called her and Alexi's "wedding day," and described it as "full of love and magic".

Goss moved to Finland in 1999 and stayed in the country for a number of years before moving back to the United States in 2012.

Laiho reportedly spent the last 10 months of his life in Finland.

Alexi and drummer Jaska Raatikainen founded CHILDREN OF BODOM in 1993, and the band was one of the most internationally acclaimed metal acts in Finland up until their very last farewell concert in December of 2019. Last year, Alexi put together BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT, which recorded three songs and shot one music video, to be released posthumously.

Besides CHILDREN OF BODOM, Laiho had played in such acts as WARMEN, SINERGY, KYLÄHULLUT and THE LOCAL BAND. Awarded with a Metal Hammer Golden God and several other international prizes, the guitarist was also the main star, leading a group of one hundred guitar players at the Helsinki Festival in 2015 in "100 Guitars From Hel" — a massive concert piece he composed.

BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT made its live debut last October at Rytmikorjaamo in Seinäjoki, Finland. The 17-song show consisted entirely of CHILDREN OF BODOM material.
























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BEARTOOTH singer Caleb Shomo was a guest on a recent episode of "The Electric Theater With Clown" Internet show hosted by SLIPKNOT's M. Shawn "Clown" Crahan. You can now listen to the entire chat below.

Speaking about Japan's inherent mask-wearing culture, with face masks being sporadically worn during hay fever and influenza seasons, and even being adopted by the fashion and beauty industries, Caleb said: "When we first started going over there, I'm, like, 'Are people afraid of getting sick? What's the deal?' And I got explained, 'No. That means they're sick, and they're doing everything in their power to make sure nobody else gets sick.' And I was, like, 'Man, that is just such a foreign ideal to the culture I grew up in.' I feel like so much of American culture is you look out for number one — you look out for yourself. Literally, fuck everybody else that gets in your way; it doesn't matter.

"Obviously, not everybody is like this, but that's a big portion of our society," he continued. "So to hear that it's so much rooted in respect and the understanding that people have fucking lives and jobs and families, and if they get sick, that can fuck that up. So they just do it out of respect. I'm, like, 'Man, that is just fucking cool.'

"The Japanese culture, man, it is absolutely my favorite," Caleb added. "For the last record that we put out, I got to spend 10 days there in a studio. And it was just me, a guy with a camera, and I just got to live there for 10 days in Shibuya. And I was, like, 'This is just fucking so interesting to me, man.' The work ethic — even working with the engineer in the studio there, I would say something, and in 10 seconds, that shit would be done or finding out how someone else can do it. The amount of respect and understanding… I don't know… Just everything about it was a totally mindblowing experience. But it's made it my favorite place to go and visit."

BEARTOOTH's latest release was the folk- and country music-inspired "The Blackbird Session" EP, which came out in September 2019.

The band's third album, "Disease", was released in September 2018 via Red Bull Records. The disc was recorded at BlackBird studio in Franklin, Tennessee with producer Nick Raskulinecz (DEFTONES, KORN, FOO FIGHTERS).