A new video containing an interview with BLACK SABBATH guitar legend Tony Iommi has been made to commemorate the reinstallation of the band's "heavy metal" bench on Broad Street in Birmingham, England.

The mini documentary is presented by Christian Martin, the former Argentinian rugby player who is himself a huge BLACK SABBATH fan, and features rare footage of the band performing in its early days.

The video was commissioned and released by Westside BID to commemorate the rededication of the bench which first appeared in 2018 but had been temporarily removed during the Midland Metro tram extension works.

Martin, who was in Birmingham last week covering the COVID-19 lockdown for A24, the Argentinian-based cable news channel, agreed to front the video as a "labor of love" because of his enthusiasm for BLACK SABBATH.

During the 20-minute video, Martin sits on the bench — which features steel cut-outs of all four original members of the band — and uses a live Zoom link to interview Iommi from his home in the Cotswolds.

Iommi, BLACK SABBATH's lead guitarist who was born in Aston, talks about his Broad Street links and how apt it is for the bench to be there. He said: "I used to be on Broad Street all the time as a youngster at the Rum Runner nightclub, so this brings back a lot of memories to me."

He recalls the band's early days: "We had a tough road as no one had heard our kind of music and we could only play in small Blues clubs across the city. But we loved and believed in what we did."

Iommi spent a short time with the JETHRO TULL band and said this is where he learned the discipline it took to be successful. He said: "It was so organized, and when I went back to the band, I realized we had to rehearse and take it seriously. I was the only one who could drive, so I used to pick everyone up at 9 a.m., the same schedule every day, and we worked hard at it.

"It was never a chore, but it was tough in the early days when we had no money and on tour used to sleep together in one room. Then, as the money started coming in, we could stop in hotels when going around the world and it was amazing — I wouldn't change anything."

Iommi, who said he still speaks to lead singer Ozzy Osbourne by text most days, said he was "really proud" of the "heavy metal" bench. He added: "We've helped put Birmingham on the map. We're — if you like — the Birmingham BEATLES, and it's good for Birmingham to have these attractions."

The video also features an interview with Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council's cabinet member for Transport and Environment, who originally allowed the bench to be placed on Broad Street.

At the end, Mike Olley, the general manager of Westside BID, cuts a huge black ribbon to rededicate the bench, using left-handed scissors specially made for the event by William Whiteley and Sons Of Sheffield. The scissors — engraved with Tony Iommi's name as he is well-known as a left-hander — were then presented to Martin to thank him for presenting the video.

Olley said: "The original unveiling of BLACK SABBATH's 'heavy metal' bench was a huge event back in 2018 and we wanted to celebrate its return now the Metro works have moved along. We're grateful to Christian Martin for helping us make this video and we hope SABBATH fans in Birmingham and across the world enjoy it."

The video was produced by Jim Simpson, the original manager of BLACK SABBATH, and all archive film and pictures used in it are his copyright which he has waived. The video was filmed by Greg Gdowski and Margaret Maslanka of 57 Studio, directed by Mike Olley and technical facilities were provided by Al Dawkins of Cannock Sound.

QUIET RIOT guitarist Alex Grossi has confirmed that there are plans for the band to release new music.

The veteran rock group's last collection of fresh material was 2019's "Hollywood Cowboys", which marked drummer Frankie Banali's final QUIET RIOT studio album before his untimely death.

Banali, who joined QUIET RIOT in 1982 and played on its breakthrough album, 1983's "Metal Health", the first heavy metal LP to top Billboard's album chart, died in August after a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

The surviving members of QUIET RIOT later said it was "Frankie Banali's wish that the band continue and we keep the music and the legacy alive."

Grossi touched upon the possibility of QUIET RIOT making new music in a recent interview with "Rock Chat With Trace". He said (hear audio below): "There's been talk of doing a lot of new things… There could be a new album. There's definitely a lot of tracks that Frankie left behind that could be utilized for that, which is nice — that were works in progress before he got sick. All I'm gonna say is stay tuned, but there definitely will be new music from QUIET RIOT."

QUIET RIOT played its first concert after Banali's death on October 9 at at the Grand Stage Amphitheater near Urich, Missouri. The group now features drummer Johnny Kelly (DANZIG, TYPE O NEGATIVE).

At some of QUIET RIOT's 2019 and 2020 shows, Banali was replaced by Kelly or Mike Dupke (W.A.S.P.), depending on each musician's availability.

QUIET RIOT's shows in 2019 with Kelly and Dupke marked the first time ever that the band performed without any of the members from its classic lineup: Banali, singer Kevin DuBrow, guitarist Carlos Cavazo and bassist Rudy Sarzo.

QUIET RIOT initially featured the late guitar legend Randy Rhoads and went through some early lineup shifts before securing the musicians that recorded "Metal Health".

Bassist Chuck Wright has been a part of QUIET RIOT, on and off, since 1982, having initially been involved in the "Metal Health" recordings (he played bass on the tracks "Metal Health" and "Don't Wanna Let You Go"). Grossi was in the last version of the band, from 2004 through 2007, before Kevin passed away, and was asked by Banali to return in 2010.

QUIET RIOT went through two vocalists — Mark Huff and Scott Vokoun — before settling on Jizzy Pearl in 2013. Pearl announced his exit from QUIET RIOT in October 2016 and was briefly replaced by Seann Nichols, who played only five shows with the group before the March 2017 arrival of "American Idol" finalist James Durbin. Pearl returned to QUIET RIOT in September 2019.

Rachel Bolan has paid tribute to Sylvain Sylvain, one of the founding fathers of punk rock as guitarist of legendary band the NEW YORK DOLLS, who died on Wednesday, January 13 at the age of 69. He had battled cancer for two and a half years.

On Friday (January 15), the SKID ROW bassist took to his Instagram to write: "This is a tough one. The first time I met Sylvain Sylvain was at the El Mocambo in Toronto in 87/88? We played to about 6 people. After the show the dressing room door opened and in walked Sylvain. I was dumbfounded. All I could think is that there was a New York fucking Doll in our dressing room. No one will ever believe me.

"He was such a great guy. Funny, stylish, compassionate (like I said. 6 people). We started talking about songwriting and I expressed what a profound affect the DOLLS had on me. Without missing a beat he said 'We wrote songs by listening to Chuck Berry records with the turntable sped up!' I will never forget that moment. To this day I'm not sure whether he was serious or not.

"R.I.P. Sylvain. Thank you for the inspiration. #thereisnohashtag".

The NEW YORK DOLLS were called many things — glam, proto-punk, hard rock — but are probably best understood as a "dirty rock and roll" band. Combining an aggressively androgynous style with street-smart New York attitude and campy humor, the NEW YORK DOLLS ushered in the era of CBGBs, heroin chic, loud guitars and referential lyrics which gave rise to Patti Smith, the RAMONES, TELEVISION and many more. Fans of the band range from GUNS N' ROSES to Morrissey, who organized the reformation of the band when he curated Meltdown festival in 2004.

Born Sylvain Mizrahi, Sylvain remained with the NEW YORK DOLLS until the group's breakup in 1977. He later worked on various projects, including a band called THE CRIMINALS and another group called THE TEARDROPS. Sylvain reunited with NEW YORK DOLLS in 2004 and played on the band's last three albums, "One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This", "Cause I Sez So" and "Dancing Backward In High Heels".

Sylvain's autobiography, "There's No Bones In Ice Cream", was released in 2018 via Omnibus Press.

In April 2019, a fundraising campaign was launched for Sylvain, who revealed at the time that he had been battling cancer for nearly a year.
























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Former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Gilby Clarke has clarified his previous comment that he was asked to take part in the band's "Not In This Lifetime" tour but that he had to turn it down.

Clarke replaced founding guitarist Izzy Stradlin in the GUNS lineup in 1991, during the "Use Your Illusion" tour, and stayed with the band for three years. After exiting GUNS N' ROSES, Clarke continued as a producer and solo artist, while also playing in SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA, HEART and other acts.

Clarke addressed his non-participation in GUNS N' ROSES' reunion tour, which features three-fifths of the group's classic lineup — singer Axl Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan — during a new interview with "The SDR Show". He said (see video below): "They didn't ask me to join the band; they asked me to come out and do [a guest appearance] with the band. And it just happened to be the day that I was in Chicago with my daughter. Her band was playing Lollapalooza [in July 2016]. And I'm actually her roadie. I don't think anybody would know how to tune the guitar if I wasn't there. Just kidding. But, yeah, it was just bad timing. I just said, 'Look, I think it's a great idea. I'm up for it. I just can't do it today.' And they literally asked me that day. And I never heard back from them after I said that."

Gilby also confirmed that he only had a week to learn the entire GUNS catalog when he first joined the band nearly three decades ago. "That's true," he said. "They told me on a Monday, that 'You have the gig,' and the next week we were flying to Boston for our first show. And I literally had a week. And remember, this is before YouTube. I was glued to their records with the headphones on, trying to learn the catalog. And the last song I learned was a song called 'Estranged', which was a really long ballad piece. And if you listen to it, it's kind of one-dimensional guitar-wise — it really just features Slash. So I was listening to it, and I really couldn't figure out what I should do in that song. So I went to Dizzy [Reed, GUNS keyboardist]. I go, 'Hey, man, can you sit down with me, and let's work on 'Estranged'.' I go, 'I just wanna kind of figure it out.' And he goes, 'Oh, well, here's the music book.' And he handed me the music book. And I went, 'There's a music book? I just spent a week learning every note by ear when I could have just grabbed the freakin' music book…' I mean, I read charts — it would have taken me an hour. I was a little pissed off that I didn't ask. They could have offered it to me."

Clarke, along with Slash, McKagan, and former GN'R drummers Steven Adler and Matt Sorum, performed three "Appetite For Destruction" songs with Myles Kennedy at the band's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in April 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio. Kennedy, who handles lead vocals in Slash's solo band and ALTER BRIDGE, sang "Mr. Brownstone", "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Paradise City", with "Use Your Illusion"-era member Sorum sitting behind the drum kit on "Brownstone" and the man he replaced in GN'R, Adler, pounding the skins for the other two songs.

Clarke's new solo album, "The Gospel Truth", will be released later this year via Golden Robot Records. The disc was produced and written by Gilby at his Los Angeles recording studio, Redrum Recording, where he's also helmed records for such artists as L.A. GUNS, THE BRONX, BEAT ANGELS, BULLETS AND OCTANE and many more. The album was mixed by Grammy Award winner Chris Lord-Alge and mastered by Maor Appelbaum. Joining Gilby on the LP are Muddy Stardust on bass, Kenny Aronoff (JOHN MELLENCAMP, JOHN FOGERTY, CHICKENFOOT) on drums, along with Matt Starr (ACE FREHLEY, MR. BIG) and Chad Stewart (FASTER PUSSYCAT, L.A. GUNS) on backing vocals.

William DuVall has paid tribute to Sylvain Sylvain, one of the founding fathers of punk rock as guitarist of legendary band the NEW YORK DOLLS, who died on Wednesday, January 13 at the age of 69. He had battled cancer for two and a half years.

On Thursday (January 14), the ALICE IN CHAINS frontman took to his social media to write: "I idolized the NEW YORK DOLLS as a kid. Along with the MC5 and the STOOGES, the DOLLS were like superheroes to me.

"I remember being in 7th grade in 1979 writing fictional short stories for school that had Johnny Thunders as the main character. Fast forward sixteen years and somehow I struck up a fast friendship with Sylvain Sylvain circa 1995-96. He was living in ATL then and I can’t remember how we met but he heard some of the songs I was writing and producing for my band at the time, MADFLY, and he asked me to produce a solo album for him. In particular, he loved a song of mine called 'Chains Around My Heart'. He told me he wanted to record that song or at least write something like it with me. For several weeks, we either met up or talked on the phone pretty much every day. This was the pre-cellphone era of answering machines. So whenever Sylvain would call my apartment and I wasn't home, he would sing 'Chains Around My Heart' on my answering machine in his thick Noo Yawk accent. It's one of the most treasured memories of my early career. I think I still have some of those micro-cassette tapes from that old machine somewhere.

"We never ended up making that record of his but I really enjoyed that time getting to know him and hearing his many amazing stories.

"As cliche as it sounds, in Sylvain's case, the old adage is true: They just don't make 'em like that anymore.

"Rest In Peace and power, Sylvain Sylvain. Thank you for all you did for rock-n-roll. #sylvainsylvain #newyorkdolls".

The NEW YORK DOLLS were called many things — glam, proto-punk, hard rock — but are probably best understood as a "dirty rock and roll" band. Combining an aggressively androgynous style with street-smart New York attitude and campy humor, the NEW YORK DOLLS ushered in the era of CBGBs, heroin chic, loud guitars and referential lyrics which gave rise to Patti Smith, the RAMONES, TELEVISION and many more. Fans of the band range from GUNS N' ROSES to Morrissey, who organized the reformation of the band when he curated Meltdown festival in 2004.

Born Sylvain Mizrahi, Sylvain remained with the NEW YORK DOLLS until the group's breakup in 1977. He later worked on various projects, including a band called THE CRIMINALS and another group called THE TEARDROPS. Sylvain reunited with NEW YORK DOLLS in 2004 and played on the band's last three albums, "One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This", "Cause I Sez So" and "Dancing Backward In High Heels".

Sylvain's autobiography, "There's No Bones In Ice Cream", was released in 2018 via Omnibus Press.

In April 2019, a fundraising campaign was launched for Sylvain, who revealed at the time that he had been battling cancer for nearly a year.


I idolized the New York Dolls as a kid. Along with the MC5 and the Stooges, the Dolls were like superheroes to me. I...

Posted by William DuVall on Thursday, January 14, 2021

Multi-talented, genre hopping anonymous collective, Non Serviam, have teamed up with the Code666 label to bring forth another masterful release, blurring lines between genres and going beyond the boundaries that restrain them.

Non Serviam creates a sonic collage of experimental, black, doom, grindcore, crust and industrial metal while staying within the framework of a baroque influence that will assault the auditory senses in the form of one of the most brutal and extreme releases of the year.

Le Coeur Bat (The Heart Beats) is comprised of eight tracks which delve into the the deepest pits of the universe and worse even still, the darkest corners of the mind. This psychosis inspiring album will be available on all major platforms digitally as well as digipack CD and yellow vinyl on April 23.

Non Serviam adds: "It's a chance for a project like Non Serviam to benefit from the expertise and scouting talents of Code666. It is indeed one of the rare labels that has offered in the last decades the possibility to get under the spell of some of the best black metal bands from around the world, that is to say for us the most experimental and consequent ones, among which some of our inspirations (Ephel Duath, Imperial Triumphant, Negură Bunget, Aborym, Amesoeurs, Vampillia). Le Coeur Bat is an album that has been delayed many times, and has suffered greatly from the current pandemic crisis, it must now be released, like all of us. Long live the devil who threatens this world of money, cops and viruses - The old world has to burn."

Stratovarius tribute project, Stratofortress have revealed the cover artwork and tracklisting for the upcoming album, Anthems Of The World, available for pre-order here.

A message states: "This is our tribute to StratovariuS, our way to say "Thank you!" to all the members of this band (past and current) for all the great music they gave us. This music teached us how to play and how to live, helping us to carry on the bad moments and give us happiness during beautiful ones of our lives. This album is made from the deepest of our hearts as truly StratovariuS fans for truly StratovariuS fans..."

The cover was made by Harley Velazquez in collaboration with Iliour Griften, the mastermind of the project. The album album contains 14 songs and and features great bands and new super special guests, to be revealed soon.

Anthems Of The World tracklisting:

"Destiny" - StratospherE
"Hunting High & Low" - Kublai Kapsalis
"Black Diamond" - Beto Vazquez Infinity
"Distant Skies" - Marko Pukkila
"Eternity" - Dark Horizon
"Hold On To Your Dream" - Heart Attack
"Anthem Of The World" - Tales And Legends
"Paradise" - Heaven Denies
"Shine In The Dark" - Magma Lake
"Playing With Fire" - Gépmadár
"Father Time" - Iliour Griften
"S.O.S" - Eagleheart
"The Kiss Of Judas" - Silent Saga
"Halcyon Days" - Sunrise

Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen has checked in with a new video from lockdown, along with the following message:

"The next cover in the series is 'Adagio' by Lara Fabian. It certainly brings me back in time and I hope you all enjoy this rendition of the song. Have a great weekend everyone! Music by Tommy Johansson.

Jansen recently uploaded a new episode of Floor Finds. She posted the following overview for the clip below.

"Mental health, depression and difficult times are topics which are often not touched upon as much as they should. I sat down with Tom Englund from Silent Skies and Evergrey to discuss these heavy topics. Tom has a background in helping people with psychological issues and also got himself through a hard time. Hope you all enjoy this talk and are taking care of yourselves."

Jansen guested on the Evergrey track "In Orbit" for the band's 2016 album, The Storm Within. Check out the official video below.

Turbulence, a new progressive rock/metal band hailing from Lebanon, have announced that their new album, Frontal, will be released via Frontiers Music Srl on March 12. Pre-order the album here, and watch a video for the song "Madness Unforeseen" below.

Coming from a region not exactly famous for prog music, Turbulence has emerged from their local scene and is ready to compete on a world stage. The band is preparing to unleash their sophomore album, Frontal, a concept album which showcases Turbulence's ability to combine compelling musical storytelling with modern sounds and production.

Turbulence was founded in 2013 by two extremely gifted composers, guitarist Alain Ibrahim and keyboardist Mood Yassin. Omar El Hage (vocals), Sayed Gereige (drums) and Anthony Atwe (bass) round out the band's line-up. The band started when Mood sent Alain a sample of a song that really piqued his interest. The meeting of the two men felt like an inevitable event and the two prog-loving songwriters, both among the most skilled and proficient musicians and instrumentalists in their country, teamed up with the rest of the line-up to complete their shared vision. Turbulence's goal is to bring their unique style of progressive music from the Middle East to the world.

"Our first release with Frontiers will be our second album, titled Frontal, on which we were able to incorporate compelling musical storytelling with a modern sound that fuses a bit of everything. From rhythmic illusions, polyrhythms, somber melodies, a melting pot of crunching synths, soaring vocals, complex drumming, and a never ending stream of riff carnage that fuses jazz virtuosity with prog metal tension, all the way to ambient soundscapes and textures layered with memorable and heart-piercing clean vocals; it's an emotional roller coaster of a journey filled with surprises and details on every corner," adds the band.

"'Madness Unforeseen' sets the mood for Frontal. It is aggressive and moody, carried by soaring vocals over one of the catchiest choruses on the album. Dark themes of madness haunt the lyrics, banging riffery drives the music. It is definitely the perfect appetizer for the album," concludes the band.

This band will be a stunning revelation for all prog metal lovers, so be sure to start following them now and get ready for Frontal on March 12.

Tracklisting:

"Inside The Gage"
"Madness Unforeseen"
"Dreamless"
"Ignite"
"A Place I Go To Hide"
"Crowbar Case"
"Faceless Man"
"Perpetuity"

"Madness Unforeseen" video:

Lineup:

Omar El Hage - vocals
Alain Ibrahim - guitars
Mood Yassin - keyboards
Sayed Gereige - drums
Anthony Atwe - bass

Former U.D.O. guitarist Andy Susemihl is gearing up to release his seventh studio album, Alienation. Also on board are a number of "superfriends" who support him with this long player. These include international giants such as Peter Baltes (Accept), Francesco Jovin (U.D.O. / Jorn) and Andre Labelle (Vinnie Vincent). Check out the official video for lead-off track "Another Day Another Turn".

Alienation is "a very up-to-date album, a combination of rousing rock songs, unique compositions and lyrics that life has written especially in these crazy times." Susemihl himself describes his eclectic and multi-string style as Sophisticated Global Rock.

The tracklist is as follows:

"Another Day Another Turn"
"Aliens"
"Top Of The World"
"Monkey Time"
"Billion Dollar Light Show"
"Common Sense"
"Medicine Wheel"
"The Game"
"Over My Head"
"Hands On The Wheel"
"Somewhere In Time"
"So Tired"

The album will be released on January 22nd, 2021 via SM Noise Records.

Red Wolf's debut album, Sessions Vol. 1, was released on October 14th, 2020. Guitarist Euge Valovirta has posted a playthrough video for their single "Point Of No Return". Check it out below.

Check out the cover art and tracklist for Sessions Vol. 1 below.

Tracklist:

"Crossing The Line"    
"The Road"    
"The Point Of No Return"
"Running In Circles"
"The Devil Inside Of Me"
"Hypocrite"
"Watch It Burn"
"Coming For You"
"Face Of God"
"I Am The Night"

"Crossing The Line"

"The Road"

Red Wolf is:

Euge Valovirta – guitar
Samy Elbanna – vocals & guitar
Janne Joutsenniemi – bass & vocals
Adde Larsson - drums

Check out the band's official Facebook page here.

Necronomicon's new album, The Final Chapter, is in essence a new chapter for the band. It's the first time that the band has international members, so the sound is different because of Rik Charron (ex-Exciter) on the drums, and Glen Shannon on lead guitar. But, oddly enough, you still know it's Necronomicon - due to founding member Freddy, and his distinctive song writing style, and Marco Lohrenz on bass and backing vocals.

El Puerto Records will release The Final Chapter on March 26, 2021 in CD, Limited Edition Steelbox, and Digital formats.

The songs on The Final Chapter, Necronomicon's tenth album, are intricate, hard-hitting, full of force speed and power. There will be a song on this album that will please everyone from power metaller to thrasher. As with all the previous releases, the album bears the unmistakable and signature sound of Achim Köhler who was responsible for the mixing and mastering. This album is coming to tear the roof down with a blistering sonic assault, and maybe it's the final chapter? Beware of the beast!

Tracklisting:

"I Am The Violence"
"Give Me Fire"
"Pain"
"Purgatory"
"Burning The Fury"
"Spilling Blood"
"Selling Nightmares"
"Justice"
"The Devil's Tears"
"The Unnamed"
"Me Against You"
"Stormreaper"

The Final Chapter Video Medley Preview:

 

In a recent interview with Canada's The Metal Voice, Glenn Hughes was asked if there are any plans for him to collaborate with Tony Iommi again. The legendary DEEP PURPLE bassist/vocalist previously worked with the BLACK SABBATH guitarist on "Seventh Star" (1986), and later reunited with him for "Fused" (2005), in addition to being featured on the "1996 DEP Sessions" (2004) collection of previously unreleased material.

Glenn, who is currently promoting the upcoming THE DEAD DAISIES album "Holy Ground", said: "There's always something going on with Tony. We've done three albums, and you never know, and there's a possibility there'll be another one. But at this time, it's so hard to say anything, because I'm just doing everything I can to make sure THE DEAD DAISIES get to as many people as humanly possible."

Hughes previously reflected on his time fronting BLACK SABBATH in the mid-1980s in a 2017 interview with the "Collision" radio show on Australia's Voice FM. He said: "It was a little different, because number one, some of those songs were not written for me, kind of, to sing in the way I sing. It was a very dramatic change for me to be in a band that had this huge fanbase of really cult, kind of, you know, metal kind of, dark, kind of image. Let's be clear, because Ozzy [Osbourne], Geezer [Butler], Tony and Bill Ward, like, were all my family — we all grew up together, so I know these guys personally, but their catalog is very dark and sinister, but they're not, you know. And for me to wear that cloak and dagger, mystery thing, was a little bit strange for me.

"I really did enjoy making 'Seventh Star', and I made another album called 'DEP Sessions' with Tony, and [then] we did 'Fused', so I've done three records with Tony. But it was a little bit different for me singing in BLACK SABBATH," he continued. "It wasn't quite who I am. I've always liked a challenge, you know — I always like a challenge — but I think Ozzy's voice, and Ronnie Dio's voice, is perfect for that band, although I did enjoy working with those guys."

"Holy Ground" will be released on January 22. The LP was recorded at La Fabrique Studios in the south of France with producer Ben Grosse. The follow-up to 2018's "Burn It Down", will be the band's first to feature Hughes, who joined the group in 2019 as its new bassist and vocalist, replacing John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE) and Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY).

TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider says that he is continuing to work on material for his next solo album. The upcoming disc will be the follow-up to "For The Love Of Metal", which was released in July 2018 via Napalm Records. That effort, which was produced by HATEBREED vocalist Jamey Jasta, featured contributions from Howard Jones (ex-KILLSWITCH ENGAGE), Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD), Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Joel Grind and Nick Bellmore (TOXIC HOLOCAUST), and Charlie Bellmore (KINGDOM OF SORROW).

On Friday (January 15), Dee tweeted: "Another day in the studio demoing new stuff for my next album. Some great, haaaaaaard stuff coming together with the help of @jameyjasta @CharlieBellmore @NBellmore ! Creative juices are flowing and inspiration is there. And before you ask, NO I'm not looking for songs!"

Snider previously spoke about his upcoming solo LP during an October 2020 interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show. At the time, he said: "[I'm] working with the same amazing team — the Bellmore brothers, Charlie [on guitar] and Nickey. Nickey plays drums, but also is the engineer and mixer — an amazing, talented guy. And Jamey Jasta is the producer and curator. He is the gatekeeper, the master. As all ideas are brought in, they're filtered through Jamey, his ears, and have to get a thumbs-up from him before it makes it to the record. But now we no longer have to do that 'Is this gonna work?' thing. And for me, it's, 'Do I trust these guys?' I mean, I trusted them in the sense that they were friends, but when Jamey challenged me to do the metal record, I had my doubts. I don't wanna say it's doubts, but [I thought], 'How is this gonna work?' So there was an initial thing where we were all feeling each other out. Now, after two years of working together, touring with the Bellmore brothers, locking in a band with Nick 'Taz' Petrino on guitar and Russ Pizzuto on bass guitar, we come in and we don't have to waste any time with that. There is trust, we do know our direction, we do know what works for Dee Snider and for this project, and we just go full steam ahead."

Snider's latest release was "For The Love Of Metal Live!" , which came out in July 2020 via Napalm Records. The DVD/Blu-ray and accompanying live album (available in various formats) features audio captured from several Snider festival performances worldwide — from the United States to Europe, Australia and beyond. In addition to tracks from Snider's solo catalog, like "I Am The Hurricane" and "For The Love Of Metal", TWISTED SISTER favorites such as "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It", and even a cover of AC/DC's "Highway To Hell", the audio portion of "For The Love Of Metal Live!" also features a brand new original studio track, "Prove Me Wrong".

In an interview with Chris Annunziata of the New Jersey radio station 90.3 WMSC-FM, Snider said about "For The Love Of Metal": "This is a really exciting album I did not expect to make, especially at this point in my life. I was doing Jamey Jasta's podcast, and he challenged me to make a contemporary rock record. And I was, like, 'Who's producing?' He said, 'I am.' And so we went in the studio [with] no record deal, and people started flocking [to appear on the LP]. It just amazed me, the enthusiasm and excitement that these younger musicians — younger than me, at least — had for working with Dee Snider and being a part of this project."

TWISTED SISTER called it quits in 2016 after completing a farewell 40th-anniversary tour.




Another day in the studio demoing new stuff for my next album. Some great, haaaaaaard stuff coming together with the help of @jameyjasta @CharlieBellmore @NBellmore! Creative juices are flowing and inspiration is there. And before you ask, NO I'm not looking for songs!

— Dee Snider?? (@deesnider) January 16, 2021

SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE have released the official music video for their cover of David Bowie's "Heroes". All proceeds from the song will be donated to food banks nationwide.

Commented Hagar: "David Bowie's 'Heroes' is one of my favorite songs ever, and a chance to tip our hat to all those frontline workers on every level from the grocery stores, to the policeman and firefighters, doctors etc. that put their own lives at risk & do their jobs to help others. For us it kind of sums up 2020, the whole year. And to release it so close to David Bowie's birthday just makes it that more special."

SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE released their massively popular "Lockdown Sessions" as an album collection titled "Lockdown 2020" on January 8.

"Lockdown Sessions" began in March 2020, when the COVID-19 shelter-at-home order went into effect. With time on their hands and their upcoming tour in limbo, the band's legendary drummer Jason Bonham challenged his Hagar, Michael Anthony and Vic Johnson to record a warmup jam they'd been playing backstage before concerts for several years. Equipped with iPhones and their respective instruments, they each laid down their individual tracks from the den, music room, closet and even showers of their homes, and "Funky Feng Shui" and the band's "Lockdown Sessions" were born.

"When we first start doing these lockdown sessions, it was only meant to stay in touch with the fans until we could get back out on the road again," Hagar explained. "But as the weeks and months drew on, it also became a fun way to keep the band together, musically and creatively."

Over the next eight months, their "Lockdown Sessions" became a hit with critics and fans alike, producing 10 tracks and reaching an online audience approaching 30 million. The sessions gave the band the opportunity to throw down raw and raucous compact covers of classic hits that they'd jammed to backstage but never planned to record, including THE WHO's "Won't Get Fooled Again", Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds", AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie" and more. When plans for an album came to fruition around the holidays, the band came together to record one more track, a cover of David Bowie's "Heroes" which they'd offer as an instant download or single purchase.

"With the addition of 'Heroes', it made sense to help those who are struggling from the effects of COVID-19," Hagar said. "It probably wouldn't have happened without it."

"Lockdown 2020" track listing:

01. Funky Feng Shui

02. Won't Get Fooled Again (THE WHO)

03. Good Enough (VAN HALEN)

04. Three Little Birds (Bob Marley)

05. Whole Lotta Rosie (AC/DC)

06. For What It's Worth (Buffalo Springfield)

07. Keep A-Knockin' (Little Richard)

08. Right Now (VAN HALEN)

09. Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do (VAN HALEN)

10. Sympathy For The Human (SAMMY HAGAR & THE WABOS)

11. Heroes (David Bowie)

Last May, SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE's U.S. tour with NIGHT RANGER was officially canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping the globe. Produced by Live Nation, the outing was scheduled to kick off July 9 in West Palm Beach, Florida at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre and make stops in Tampa, Cincinnati, Dallas, Phoenix and more, before wrapping September 20 in Chula Vista, California at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre.

THE CIRCLE's first album of all-original material, "Space Between", was released in May 2019 via BMG.