Guitar legend Steve Vai paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen with the photo and caption above, following it up with a message of thanks.

Vai: "Feeling deep sadness and overwhelming appreciation. The appreciation and love for him is bigger, though. Let’s take a minute and try to imagine our world if he never showed up. It’s unthinkable. 

Thank you, King Edward. You are deeply loved and will be missed."

Eddie Van Halen died at age 65 following a long battle with throat cancer, according to an exclusive report from TMZ.

Sources directly connected to the guitar legend tell TMZ that he died at St. Johns Hospital in Santa Monica on Tuesday, October 6th. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with his son, Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie's brother and drummer.

Metallica - “We are enormously saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Eddie Van Halen. We considered him an inspiration, an idol, and after spending a summer together on the road in '88, a friend. Sending love to Alex, Wolf Van Halen & everyone in the greater VH family.”

Ozzy Osbourne – “Eddie Van Halen was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together.   His influence on music and especially the guitar has been immeasurable.  He was an absolute legend.  Eddie, I’ll see you on the other side, my friend.  Love, Ozzy.”

Former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar – “Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family.”

KISS’ Paul Stanley – “Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family.”

KISS’ Gene Simmons – “My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie!”

Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian – “Oh man, I just heard about Eddie. Fucking hell. I hope Wolfgang [Van Halen, Eddie’s son] and Alex [Van Halen, Eddie’s brother] and the rest of his family are doing OK. The greatest of all time has left the building. RIP EVH.”

Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler – “Just when I thought 2020 couldn't get any worse, I hear Eddie Van Halen has passed. So shocking- One of the nicest, down to earth men I have ever met and toured with. A true gent and true genius. RIP. So sad. Thoughts go out to his brother Alex, and his family.”

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi – “I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest in peace my dear friend, till we meet again.”

Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx – “Crushed. So fucking crushed. RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar.”

Overkill – “There are no words. RIP Eddie. True innovator. Thoughts go out to your family and friends.”

Faith No More’s Mike Patton – “There was only one Eddie Van Halen. Some of those solos I would sing, they were so musical and so out there. Rest in peace EVH.”

Uriah Heep – “Eddie Van Halen! He took the guitar to another level! What an amazing player, and what a legacy of fantastic music he has left us RIP Eddie.”

Stryper’s Michael Sweet – “No words can express what the world has lost. Eddie Van Halen meant more to me than I could ever express and I’m absolutely devastated by the news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Van Halen family and I wish them all peace and healing. There will never be another, ever. RIP Eddie Van Halen- Eternal Love & Respect.”

Trans-Siberian Orchestra / Savatage guitarist Chris Caffery – “Fly with the Angels Sir. For many your music was a part of our lives. For some like myself it was life changing. When these notes were first heard, nothing in many of our worlds was ever the same again. Your inspiration and innovation will be cherished forever. Prayers to all of his close friends and family members. Numb and speechless once again in 2020! Say hello to all of my friends in heaven and all of the members of our priceless band of angels in the sky.”

Says TMZ: "We're told in the last 72 hours Eddie's ongoing health battle went massively downhill - doctors discovered his throat cancer had moved to his brain as well as other organs. As you know, Eddie has been battling cancer for well over a decade. Our sources say he's been in and out of the hospital over the past year - including last November for intestinal issues - and recently underwent a round of chemo."

Last year it was reported that Eddie was flying between the US and Germany for five years to get radiation treatment. Though he was a heavy smoker for years, he believes he developed throat cancer from a metal guitar pick he used to frequently hold in his mouth more than 20 years ago. Nevertheless, he continued to attend concerts and rehearse music with his son, Wolfgang, who became Van Halen's bassist in 2006.

Wolfgang posted the following message via Instagram: "I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning. He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop."

 
 
 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 
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I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning. He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.

 

 

A post shared by Wolf Van Halen (@wolfvanhalen) on Oct 6, 2020 at 12:26pm PDT

BraveWords offer our sincere condolences to Eddie's family and friends. Stay tuned for tributes to pour in from the rock world over the following hours and days.




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KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen, who died earlier today (Tuesday, October 6) at the age of 65. The legendary VAN HALEN guitarist's death was confirmed by his son, and VAN HALEN bassist, Wolfgang Van Halen.

Less than a couple of hours ago, Simmons tweeted out a video message in which he said: "I just found out that Eddie Van Halen passed away. I'm heartbroken. He wasn't just a guitar god to millions of people, but Eddie was a gentle soul. What can I say? Rest in peace, Eddie. Rest in peace."

Simmons has claimed in several interviews that he once had to talk Eddie out of leaving VAN HALEN and teaming up with KISS. Asked in the April 2014 issue of Guitar World if it was true that Van Halen wanted to join KISS around the time of 1982's "Creatures Of The Night" album, Simmons said: "That is true. And he was very serious. He was so unhappy about how he and [David Lee] Roth were — or weren't — getting along. He couldn't stand him. And drugs were rampant. And so he took me to lunch, to a diner right across the street from the Record Plant. Vinnie Vincent, who was not yet in KISS, tagged along, too. Sneaky guy. And Eddie said, 'I want to join KISS. I don't want to fight anymore with Roth. I'm sick and tired of it.' But I told him, 'Eddie, there's not enough room. You need to be in a band where you can direct the music. You're not going to be happy in KISS.' I talked him out of it. It didn't fit."

During the 2018 "Kiss Kruise", KISS frontman Paul Stanley was asked by a fan if there is any truth to the rumor that Eddie nearly ended up in KISS. Paul responded: "No. Eddie Van Halen did not almost join KISS. Eddie [came down to] the studio. I think there was some strife within the band [VAN HALEN] at that point, for him, and Eddie came down just to see what was going on. And I remember he was really blown away by the solo in [the song] 'Creatures [Of The Night]'. He said, 'Get that guy.' That guy who played the solo in 'Creatures' was a guy named Steve Farris, who was in a band called MISTER MISTER, who had a bunch of hits. But the guitar player was great. And at that point, Eddie was getting into keyboards. And I remember he brought some tapes of some of the songs he was working on. And it was, like, this guy is this unbelievable guitar player. [I thought], 'Eddie, what are you doing on keyboards?' But that was the start of 'Jump' and all that other stuff that came afterwards. But Eddie was never going to join KISS and was never almost in KISS."

In a 1995 interview with The Times Leader, Eddie was asked if it was true that he met with Gene and Paul in Los Angeles 13 years earlier to discuss the possibility of him joining KISS. He responded: "Not that I know of… Unless I was so fucked up [that] I don't remember. They might have asked me… They might have just asked me in passing, and I just kind of laughed it off, probably. If it happened, I'm sure I would have remembered. Maybe they did ask me and I just thought they were joking."

Simmons has repeatedly taken credit for "discovering" VAN HALEN and flying the band to New York to record a 15-song demo at Electric Lady Studios, with Gene at the production helm. But he ended up not working with the group after his KISS bandmates and manager, Bill Aucoin, expressed little interest in his demos. "I gave the demo back to the band, told them I had a tour to go on and afterward I would try to get them a record deal, but until then, I tore up our contract and set them free," he said. "It didn't take them long to get on Warner Bros."

According to TMZ, Eddie died at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie's brother and VAN HALEN drummer.

The site reports that Eddie's ongoing health battle went massively downhill in the last 72 hours, with doctors discovering his cancer had moved to his brain as well as other organs.

There have been a lot of rumors regarding the VAN HALEN guitarist's supposedly worsening health, with TMZ reporting recently that Van Halen has been traveling between the U.S. and Germany for cancer treatment going on several years now.

Last November, TMZ reported that Eddie spent several days in a hospital due to complications from his cancer treatment. Sources close to the legendary guitarist told the site he was admitted to the hospital with intestinal issues and abdominal pain, both the result of a bad reaction to the drugs Eddie was reportedly taking to battle throat cancer.




??... pic.twitter.com/m9wRNfRQSr

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 6, 2020

PEARL JAM guitarist Mike McCready has paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen, who died on Tuesday (October 6) at the age of 65. The legendary VAN HALEN guitarist died at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with his son, Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie's brother and VAN HALEN drummer.

McCready wrote on social media: "Can't believe Eddie Van Halen died.

"I saw them on the VH2, Women and Children First, Fair Warning, and Diver Down tours. Also when they came back with Dave [Lee Roth].

"I started playing guitar about a year after Van Halen I came out. It sounded like Eddie was from another planet and the energy from VAN HALEN was undeniable. Amazing songs too. Romeo Delight, On Fire, Unchained, Mean Street, DOA, Light up The Sky, Ain't Talkin' bout Love, Eruption, Atomic Punk, Everybody wants some, on and on I can go...

"Tim Dijulio and I would skip school and wait in line all day for VAN HALEN back in the day.

"Eddie was like Mozart for guitar. Changed everything and he played with Soul.

"RIP EVH."

Eddie died from complications due to cancer, his son confirmed.

The guitarist was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2000 and had tongue surgery. He was later diagnosed with throat cancer and reportedly had been receiving radiation treatment in Germany.




pic.twitter.com/mX38E8xrNP

— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) October 6, 2020

Paul Stanley (KISS), Gene Simmons (KISS), David Coverdale (WHITESNAKE), Neal Schon (JOURNEY), Richie Faulkner (JUDAS PRIEST) and Flea (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) are among the rockers who have reacted on social media to the passing of Eddie Van Halen. The legendary VAN HALEN guitarist died earlier today (Tuesday, October 6) at the age of 65. His death was confirmed by his son, and VAN HALEN bassist, Wolfgang Van Halen.

Wolfgang wrote on social media: "I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning.

"He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on and off stage was a gift.

"My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss.

"I love you so much, Pop."

According to TMZ, Eddie died at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie's brother and VAN HALEN drummer.

The site reports that Eddie's ongoing health battle went massively downhill in the last 72 hours, with doctors discovering his cancer had moved to his brain as well as other organs.

There have been a lot of rumors regarding the VAN HALEN guitarist's supposedly worsening health, with TMZ reporting recently that Van Halen has been traveling between the U.S. and Germany for cancer treatment going on several years now. The site later said that "the sad medical news had some folks thinking Eddie was on his death bed ... but we're told that's anything but the case."

Back in September 2019, singer David Lee Roth said that there were no plans for VAN HALEN to do anything for the foreseeable future. "I think VAN HALEN's finished and this is the next phase," he said, referring to his solo project. "And that being said, Eddie's got his own story to tell. Not mine to tell it."

Last October, Eddie stopped by a McLaren dealership in Beverly Hills and mingled with the sales team, taking pictures and even giving one fan a kiss. A few days later, he was photographed at a spinal neurosurgeon's office in Beverly Hills.

A rep for Van Halen had no comment on TMZ's initial report when reached by Fox News.

Early last year, rumors were rampant that the classic-era lineup of VAN HALEN would reunite for the first time since 1984. It's unclear why the tour didn't happen, though there has been online chatter that a health setback involving Eddie Van Halen might have been responsible.

Last November, TMZ reported that Eddie spent several days in a hospital due to complications from his cancer treatment. Sources close to the legendary guitarist told the site he was admitted to the hospital with intestinal issues and abdominal pain, both the result of a bad reaction to the drugs Eddie was reportedly taking to battle throat cancer.




pic.twitter.com/kQqDV7pulR

— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020








Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO

— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020








I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/Qs8tsLPANJ

— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 6, 2020








Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family. https://t.co/ExAWzFAEYJ

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 6, 2020








Just when I thought 2020 couldn't get any worse, I hear Eddie Van Halen has passed. So shocking- One of the nicest, down to Earth men I have ever met and toured with. A true gent and true genius. RIP. So sad.Thoughts go out to his brother Alex, and his family. pic.twitter.com/fwIw040YMX

— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) October 6, 2020








This one sucks big time!!!!! R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen!!!! You took what Hendrix gave us, and created an even bigger legacy!!!! You will be sorely missed, and I’m glad to have met you and hung out together!!!!! Can 2020 just go the fuck away!!!! pic.twitter.com/SaCyhXEaz4

— John Corabi (@Crablegs59) October 6, 2020








Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. ? We will miss you. #fuckcancer @eddievanhalen #eddievanhalen pic.twitter.com/S4vnN3tyWc

— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) October 6, 2020








Feeling deep sadness and overwhelming appreciation.

The appreciation and love for him is bigger though.

Let’s take a minute and try to imagine our world if he never showed up.

It’s unthinkable.

Thank you King Edward. You are deeply loved and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/H1mS4sYZIo

— Steve Vai (@stevevai) October 6, 2020








There will be many words written and spoken about Eddie Van Halen over the next few days, months, and years. Those words will never come close to expressing what he meant to rock music, what he meant to guitarists, and what he meant to the guitar itself.

Rest easy sir,

-SG pic.twitter.com/d40xqEsunT

— Steve Gorman Rocks (@gormanrocks) October 6, 2020








Omg...RIP, Edward...Our Thoughts Are Prayers Are With Your Family, Friends & Fans...What An Incredible Loss...Truly An Astonishing Musician...???

Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/oA0P9VrnGp

— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) October 6, 2020






So sad to hear this https://t.co/pawDmmLYCE

— Tommy Thayer (@tommy_thayer) October 6, 2020








RIP Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen were a tremendous influence on both Vinnie & Dime & Pantera. Hopefully they are all rocking out together now! pic.twitter.com/XtnL33aGsd

— Pantera (@Pantera) October 6, 2020








My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie! ...Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/gITtcndQVv

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 6, 2020








May you Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen ! You changed my life with your music, your band and your life's journey. Condolences to your family.... #ripeddievanhalen @ Scottsdale, Arizona https://t.co/NSooZOgKjW

— David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) October 6, 2020






R.I.P. Edward Van Halen https://t.co/MV9aKaBdlo

— Dino Cazares (@DinoCazares) October 6, 2020








This is a very hard one to take for so many of us...his influence and his music will go on forever, thank you for everything Eddie Van Halen RIP #EVH https://t.co/AZRUyj1xll

— Taylor Momsen (@taylormomsen) October 6, 2020








Statement from Wolf VH on his father's passing. We've lost a giant in the world of Rock and Roll. No way to know how many countless guitar players Eddie inspired to sit in their rooms and jam for hours learning Eruption or bands that formed after hearing his band Van Halen. ? https://t.co/TijjVT47pI

— Sacred Reich (@SacredReich) October 6, 2020








Hearing reports that Eddie Van Halen has left us?

— Charlie Benante (@skisum) October 6, 2020






Oh man, I just heard about Eddie. Fucking hell. I hope Wolfgang and Alex and the rest of his family are doing OK. The greatest of all time has left the building. RIP EVH.

— Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) October 6, 2020








The world lost an icon, innovator, showman, virtuoso, master songwriter and perhaps one of the biggest inspirations ever to learn how to play guitar. Heartbroken to hear of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. Our love, condolences and best wishes to his his family, friends and fans. #RIP pic.twitter.com/pGhPUXRzyb

— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 6, 2020








Absolutely heart broken. Goodbye to the best there ever was and ever will be. RIP Eddie Van Halen pic.twitter.com/dZT693yvrO

— Todd Dammit Kerns (@todddammitkerns) October 6, 2020








I am in complete and utter shock over the news of Edward Van Halen’s passing...Very few musicians ever come along that change the entire landscape of their instrument and King Edward was one of those few. One of the G.O.A.T! #RIPEVH #RIPEdwardVanHalen ??? pic.twitter.com/1uuMLt1cvv

— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) October 6, 2020








No Words.

Edward Van Halen

Rest In Power & Peace

? ? ?

— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) October 6, 2020






There are no words. RIP Eddie. True innovator. Thoughts go out to your family and friends #5150 pic.twitter.com/LIUPkoSz4A

— OVERKILL (@OverkillBand) October 6, 2020








Damn. What a loss.https://t.co/ZpLzuRNWjt

— Todd La Torre (@ToddLaTorre) October 6, 2020








Rest In Peace to one of the truly greatest musicians of all time. My first guitar hero - the guitarist I grew up listening to in car rides with my family - a man I excitedly share the same birth date and month with: Mr. Eddie Van Halen. pic.twitter.com/cS3ovRrcnj

— Matthew kiichichaos Heafy (@matthewkheafy) October 6, 2020








Welp guess the rest of the day will be spent crying & listening to Van Halen. #RipEVH

— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) October 6, 2020








pic.twitter.com/Gff5BVoAco

— Richie Faulkner (@RichieFaulkner) October 6, 2020








RIP Eddie Van Halen pic.twitter.com/K2Lq9SouFQ

— rage against the machine (@RATM) October 6, 2020








The word “innovator” gets thrown around a lot in this industry.

In my humble opinion, there is no one it applies to more than the great @eddievanhalen.

Thank you for being THE innovator of these six strings and blazing a trail for so many of us to attempt to follow. ? RIP pic.twitter.com/5xG2Ywimk6

— Nita Strauss (@hurricanenita) October 6, 2020








Incredibly sorry for your loss man. Could never thank your dad enough for the joy he gave us all my sincerest condolences to you and your family

— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) October 6, 2020








Rest In Peace, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen . Icon, innovator, virtuoso. There will never be another like you. pic.twitter.com/83jFN3AvUc

— Dave Lombardo (@TheDaveLombardo) October 6, 2020








It’s a sad day. I never had the chance to see him live. But I was giving the opportunity to meet him in person at Guitar Center Hollywood. He will be missed. #eddievanhalen https://t.co/mx7LHdHV2g

— Mike Spreitzer (@MikeSpreitzer) October 6, 2020








I am saddened to hear to news one of my true guitar heroes death, Eddie Van Halen. He expanded the landscape of lead guitar playing, and took it to another level like a turbo charged muscle car leaving everyone behind. I was very influenced by his emotional lead playing. EVH RIP pic.twitter.com/b26nrXYPti

— Bruce Kulick (@brucekulick) October 6, 2020








Just heard the devastating news...

One of the absolute giants is gone. He influenced and inspired an entire generation, including myself.

His legacy will always remain.

RIP Edward #eddievanhalen

— Yngwie Malmsteen (@OfficialYJM) October 6, 2020








... how many? pic.twitter.com/pf4OzCIm5j

— Zach Myers (@ZMyersOfficial) October 6, 2020








Can’t believe Eddie Van Halen is gone. He was born to be great! There’s a huge band somewhere in Heaven and I think I know who’s playing lead.

— Tom Hamilton (@THaerosmith) October 6, 2020








I can't believe I'm even writing this right now! I'm truly heart broken & in complete shock. No words can even begin to explain what this man did for the world of guitar & rock music! He was & always will be the King! He changed the world of guitar! Rest in peace @eddievanhalen pic.twitter.com/zqWoHqrFGQ

— Mike Orlando (@MikeOrlando1) October 6, 2020




























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Oh man. Damn. I love you Eddie Van Halen. A true rocker, a deep musician, a HUGE heart, an LA boy through and through. A bold innovator and the undisputed king of all wheedlers. I hope you jam with Jimi tonight and soar freely through the cosmos. A vibrant part of music has left this earth. Broken through to the other side. What a sweetheart, my brother. All love and condolences to your family. ❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by Flea (@flea333) on Oct 6, 2020 at 12:50pm PDT


































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There have been many big losses in the music world but few that just stop you in your tracks, leave you speechless and basically unable to function. Similarly, very few for whom you can say - as for countless others in your field - that without this person, you might not be who you are today, for your life would look very different. Ironically I was just planning to post a new track I’ve been holed up working on that’s directly influenced by him, playing an instrument based on his (swipe to see). It doesn’t feel appropriate to post it today (it’s another humorous song a la Zappa), and the timing is eery. There so much more to say, at a total loss for words. I can’t believe I have to type this right now: RIP #eddievanhalen ??

A post shared by Alex Skolnick (@alexskolnick) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:32pm PDT






























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So deeply saddened by this tremendous loss today. EVH changed guitar forever and was a tremendous inspiration for me and countless guitarists everywhere. Today the guitar community and the world mourn the loss of a true innovator, legend and one of the greatest musical icons of our time. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. May you Rest In Peace Eddie. ?

A post shared by John Petrucci (@johnpetrucciofficial) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:11pm PDT






























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RIP to my friend and man who changed guitar playing forever ...F?CK!!! no words

A post shared by T?ɱɱ¥ ᒪEE (@tommylee) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:26pm PDT

Guitarist Bobby Keller has premiered a guitar playthrough video for his new single, “Light Bearer”:

“I am so thankful for the amount of love and support my new single, “Light Bearer”, has been getting since its release! I’m even more excited to unveil a new guitar playthrough video for it! I wanted this video to be more stripped down, personal/intimate, and give a glimpse of what it’s like to be inside the studio with me. The video was directed by Jazel of Black Card Films here in Orlando, Florida, at Full Sail University, with the help of Pierson James, Aandria Noel, and a very special thanks to Logan Belle for helping secure the studio location. Thank you everyone for checking it out, and I hope you all enjoy it just as much as I did making it!” - Bobby Keller

After the successful release of his debut solo single “Reign In Fire,” in March of this year, Keller once again teamed up with producer/mixer/drummer Ben Johnson (New Dilemma, Miss Fortune) to write and record the song at Reverse 13 Studios in Orlando, FL. The track was mastered by Machine (Lamb Of God, Clutch, Fall Out Boy) at The Machine Shop.

Keller has been making his way up the music scene with his unique style of guitar playing since 2009. He is considered one of the top guitar players in Florida and the south east. Inspired by guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix and Dimebag Darrell, Keller combines both untamed speed and euphonic rhythm into his technique to create a truly individual sound.

With the band Meka Nism, Keller has performed nationally along with numerous renowned artists from a variety of genres, from Evanescence and Stabbing Westward to Hellyeah and Gojira. In 2016, Keller was recruited to star in the Theater Works Production of Rock of Ages as the lead guitar player for the “house band” at the Bourbon Room in Hollywood, CA. Keller teamed up with drummer Ben Johnson last year to make his dream of recording a solo album a reality.

While working on his solo material, Keller has also recently joined the modern rock band New Dilemma. The band’s debut single, “Is Your Story Over,” the opening track from the EP of the same name, features a solo recorded by Keller before officially joining the band. “Is Your Story Over” has charted on the Billboard and Foundations Mainstream Radio Rock Charts. 

Through the years Keller has been endorsed by ESP Guitars, EMG Pickups, Richter Straps, Fortin Amps, SIT Strings, WB Gear, Neural DSP, Graph Tech Guitar Labs, FU-Tone, Klotz Cables and JH Audio.




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Vancouver’s Ysgaroth are releasing their debut album Storm Over a Black Sea and it is rife with vicious riffs and thought-provoking atmosphere.

The first single to entice listeners is “Sacred”. It contains a simple message: despite its imperfections, life is beautiful. The world we’ve been given is an amazing thing that should be protected and celebrated, and we owe it everything we are and have. The cycle of life and death is so much greater than any single person, and it is the one constant that we can rely on. We are born from the ashes of the old, and so will the new be born from the ashes of ourselves. Ysgaroth continues with how the track came to be:

“Unlike most Ysgaroth songs that come from the verses being written first, the chorus was actually the first piece of this song that we came up with. Sacred also slowly got faster and faster as we started practicing it until it became the thrash-influenced ripper it is today.”

Ysgaroth was initially formed as a studio black metal project but over time, a lineup was fleshed out and the songs got more structurally ambitious, a sludge influence began to creep into the band along with tinges of hardcore-influenced drumming and exceptional musical bass playing alongside razor-sharp guitars 

Anyone who has seen Ysgaroth live and liked what they’ve heard will love this - and we hope those who are on the fence will probably love it too.

Tracklisting:

“Rain”
“Nam Gloria Satanas” (feat. Jessie Grace of Kosm)
“Sacred”
“Altar Of Scars”
“Forward Unto Death” (feat. Jessie Grace of Kosm)
“Deluge” (feat. Erik Leonhard of Kosm)

“Sacred” video:

(Photo by: Jade Weekes)




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Gothic/dark rock outfit The Nocturnal Affair are set to emerge from the darkness behind the glow of the Las Vegas lights where they call home as they reveal their uniquely haunting sound on their new song “Beyond The Wall of Sleep.” The track marks the first single from their upcoming debut album (Meta)Morphosis (due early 2021) which was produced by John Moyer (Disturbed) and mixed and mastered by Logan Mader (Machine Head, Once Human) who also contributed to some of the songwriting and production. “Beyond The Wall Of Sleep” is available now across all digital platforms.

The Nocturnal Affair has performed alongside a wide array of artists from heavy metal heavyweights like Hellyeah, Asking Alexandria and Pop Evil to industrial rockers My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and were last seen on tour across North America in 2019 with gothic metal outfit The 69 Eyes. The band is spearheaded by singer/songwriter Brendan Shane whose crushing and melancholic musical style is an ode to gothic rock torchbearers like Type O Negative, HIM, David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails. He shares:

“‘Beyond The Wall Of Sleep’ is a collaborative effort between Logan Mader and myself. Logan approached me a couple years ago with an unfinished instrumental and I was immediately drawn to the song. Words and melody came easy and the experience in the studio led to my unstoppable hunger to work with him on a record. He works quickly, his ideas are sharp, his songwriting is immaculate while inspirational and he brings out some of the best in me. Our collaboration reminded me a lot of my time working with John Moyer so I couldn’t help but set my sights on getting the two of them in one place to put our heads together and create. Throw in some beautifully riffed harmonies from Andy Ingraham and I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

“I’m stoked to work with The Nocturnal Affair,” says Mader. “Brendan’s voice is timeless and he kills it in the studio every session we do together. Our collaboration on ‘Beyond The Wall Of Sleep’ is epic. I feel strongly the future for TNA is bright and full of dark music that will resonate worldwide for generations to come.”

(Photo by: Wren Budden)




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Canada’s The Myopia Condition will be unleashing their debut album Event Horizon this October. Featuring elegant grooves mashed together with blast beats and double kicks, along with guitar leads that sing like birds, the record is full of energy from front to back; even the soft bits are heavy. It’s a very real and genuine full length both lyrically and musically along with hints of goofy amongst. The Myopia Condition doesn’t take life too seriously, but they pour passion into their music.

The band adds:

"We believe people will really dig the album. Especially our local metal family. We always hear good things after we play our local shows. (which we miss immensely) And I think they will appreciate finally having some of our stuff to play outside of live shows. As far as possible new fans? If they enjoy metal, I think they will be pleasantly surprised with something fresh and new."

New single, “AfterLife”, is streaming below.

The band comments:

"This song is about those who live with a hidden evildoing and just play it off like it doesn't exist. Whether it is a partner who is having an affair or a child molester or rapist or murderer or one that even just spreads false words for their gain. I don't understand how one could live with themselves after harming another human being in such ways and just play it off like it doesn't bother their heart or soul. In time, the filth you are hiding will eventually catch up with you. You will be found out. Time is not on your side.”

Tracklisting:

“Event Horizon”
“Separation From Classification”
“Brainwashed”
“AfterLife”
“Walk Me Home”
“Song 9000”
“Empty Room”
“Rotting Soul”
“Fighting Fables”

“AfterLife”:

(Photo by: Robert Fearey)




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Critically acclaimed Mongolian rock group, The HU, released their deluxe edition of The Gereg on July 10, available in CD, double vinyl and digital formats. This new version includes three tracks re-made with special featured artists including Jacoby Shaddix (Papa Roach), Danny Case (From Ashes To New) and Lzzy Hale (Halestorm).

Alongside the Deluxe album The HU are shared a special film, ‘HE HU: Road to The Gereg looking back at the making of The Gereg, features and accomplishments along the way, plus unseen BTS footage from tour life, video sets and live performances. The Special also includes narrative from the band and collaborators on their music, Mongolian culture and the evolution of The HU’s customized traditional instruments, symbolism and presentation.

Three acoustic tracks are available on the deluxe release: “Shoog Shoog”, “Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Shireg Shireg”. The enchanting video for “Shoog Shoog” has been released, showing behind-the-scenes clips of The HU in the studio, offering fans a real insight into their recording process and a closer look at their gorgeous traditional instruments. 

The Gereg Deluxe edition was released on July 10th and is available in CD, double vinyl and digital formats. This version includes three of their tracks, re-made with special featured artists. Check it out here.

The video for “Song Of Women” features Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. Lzzy’s performance with the band was filmed prior to the Coronavirus quarantine. “I’m so thankful to The Hu for welcoming me, my words and my melody into this song,” says Hale. “I can count on less than one hand the number of times where a project has changed the course of my spirit and renewed my faith in humanity. This was one of those projects. I’m still levitating.”  May is a month filled with events honoring women – Mother’s Day on 5/10 and Women’s Health Week from 5/12- 5/18, so the band felt it important to release the song in May.

The Hu has been making waves across the globe with sold-out shows and festival appearances presenting their signature brand of “hunnu rock” - a one-of-a-kind mixture of Western rock music combined with traditional Mongolian instrumentation and throat-singing in their native language.




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Today, October 6, marks eight years to the day since the members of Sweden's legendary grindcore outfit Nasum put the band to its final rest with an emotionally and sonically pulverizing show at Stockholm's now defunct Debaser Medis venue. To mark the occasion, Nasum, filmmaker Michael Panduro, and Selfmadegod Records announce the December 2020 release of the DVD version of the concert/documentary film surrounding the band's final stand in 2012.

During its tenure, Nasum rose to become one of the most influential acts of the extreme underground. When lead singer Mieszko Talarczyk disappeared and died in the devastating and tragic tsunami of 2004, Nasum instantly ceased to exist. When the band's would-be 20th anniversary approached in 2012, the band decided to put the band to final rest, "The way it was supposed to end: exploding in a ferocious, blasting frenzy, not withering away at the mercy of tragedy."

The world tour took Nasum to more than sixty cities on almost every continent over the course of four months. Michael Panduro's film Blasting Shit To Bits - The Final Show documents the final performance in its intense, impassioned entirety, intertwined with interviews, behind the scenes footage and the band member's unhinged account of the band's rise and demise.

Three years after the cinematic premiere of the film, Blasting Shit To Bits - The Final Show will finally see a physical release. The DVD includes the feature-length film, as well as forty minutes of bonus material, including extended interviews and behind-the-scenes video.

Watch Nasum's "Shadows" from Blasting Shit To Bits - The Final Show, below.

Nasum's Blasting Shit To Bits - The Final Show will see release December 18 on DVD through Selfmadegod Records. Watch for pre-orders to post on October 20.

Director Michael Panduro states, "When Nasum asked me to document their final day as a band, we quickly agreed that we didn't want to add any polish, but rather depict the day as it was. It was an intense night with a band wearing their emotions for all to see, and we didn't want to shy away from that. So, that was my way of attacking the project, both in terms of filming and editing. To put equal focus on the things that went well, the things that went wrong, the things that were said and the things that weren't said (as highlighted through the honest interviews throughout the film). We also wanted to create an engaging viewer experience, that was as close to being in that sweaty pit of a thousand dedicated patrons as we could. So, we incorporated footage shot by the audience, and created a sound mix that resembled the live experience more than a polished live recording. October 6th, 2012 was a night to remember. There were tears, there was joy, there was emotional release, and there was exhaustion. To see all these emotions at a grindcore show is a rare thing. In documenting the event, I hope and believe we did the night and the legacy of Nasum justice."

Nasum 2012 was:

Anders Jakobson - drums
Jesper Liveröd - bass/vocals
Jon Lindqvist - guitars/vocals
Urban Skytt - guitars
Keijo Niinimaa - vocals

(Photos - Soile Siirtola)




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Washington D.C.’s Ilsa return with their sixth full-length album, Preyer, coming November 20 via Relapse Records. Listen to the first single “Poor Devil” below, and on all streaming services here.

Grontman Orion comments on the new track: “'Poor Devil' sprung from study of Potter's Fields and the story of Judas Iscariot, where I found parallels with Satanic murderer Sean Seller's "betrayal" by his best friend and Judas' role as biblical scapegoat. For such a lynchpin in the Passion of Christ, Judas was never afforded the reverence of the other disciples; forever damned as an unredeemable traitor, while the story could never be complete without his participation. The Potter's Field where Judas hung himself became the burial grounds of the discarded and unclaimed dead, and the name stuck to this day. Apologies to D.I.'s 'Richard Hung Himself', where we snuck a nod to the one of the best punk songs ever written.”

Preyer physical pre-orders are available here and Digital Downloads/Streaming here.

Tracklisting:

"Epigraph"
"Poor Devil"
"Moonflower"
"Shibboleth"
"Mother Of God"
"Scavengers"
"Widdershins"
"Preyer"
"Lady Diamond"
"Behind The Veil"
"The Square Coliseum"

"Poor Devil":

On Ilsa's new album, Preyer, the Washington, D.C. band embraces sonic pummeling like never before. Recorded as the world shuttered away in 2020, Ilsa harnessed the fears and uncertainties of  troubled times, and used these as driving forces for their unnerving metal's raw, chaotic, and whipping intensity. The result is a new full length that delivers overdoses of crushing doom and menacing death metal.

The ghost of the Satanic murderer Sean Sellers still haunts the band. The notorious killer was the first and remains the only person executed in the US for a crime committed under the age of 17 since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976. "These songs were written with his life in mind," the band states. "Sean's story is an exploitative intersection of religious, media and state authority, culminating in his 1999 execution for murders committed in a state of self-described "Demonic Possession."

But make no mistake, Preyer is not simply a narrative or concept album. Remaining true to Ilsa's punk ethos, Preyer serves as a cathartic condemnation of a Christo-fascist society, a corrupt class dimension, and the evil cruelty behind it all. "Preyer is a wringing of these themes for the sweat and stink. Power's destructive force, love and other extremist positions, religious fanaticism, depression & mental illness, social order and control."

In the midst of the darkness that continues to take hold, Ilsa remain observant and pull no punches. With tracks such as "Poor Devil", "Shibboleth", and the album's title track, the band are poised to release one of the year's most vicious offerings from the underground.

Lineup:

Orion - Vocals
Brendan - Guitar
Dylan - Guitar
Tim - Guitar
Sharad - Bass
Joshy - Drums

(Photo - Marie O'Sullivan)




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Melodic rockers, Unruly Child, return with their new album, Our Glass House, on December 4. The group, in its constant state of evolution, has generated an exciting new album reflecting its musical roots in contemporary and classic rock. For long-time fans of the band, this is a crucial entry in the Unruly Child discography and for melodic rock fans unfamiliar with the band, this is a wonderful entry point.

For your first taste of the album, enjoy the music video for the single "Poison Ivy" below. Pre-order/save Our Glass House here.

After disbanding around 1993, the legendary melodic hard rock quintet Unruly Child reunited to produce a brand new album for Frontiers Records in 2010, with subsequent releases following in 2014, 2017, and 2019. Marcie Michelle Free (vocalist - King Kobra, Signal), Bruce Gowdy (guitarist - Stone Fury, World Trade), and Guy Allison (keyboardist - Lodgic, World Trade, Doobie Brothers) are now back together again for their new album, Our Glass House. Joined by legendary fretless bass player Tony Franklin (ex-Blue Murder, The Firm) on bass, Unruly Child have written and recorded a stunning new album that continues the hot streak they have been on. The album is going to be nothing short of a true delight for all AOR/melodic rock lovers.

Since the initial release of the critically acclaimed "Unruly Child", the band continued to release music through other projects. Marcie Michelle Free is one of the finest singers of the melodic rock genre. She first released a solo record as Mark Free, entitled Long Way From Love, in 1993 and then another solo record as Marcie Free, Tormented in 1996. Guitarist Bruce Gowdy and keyboardist Guy Allison were also quite busy over the years. They produced two more Unruly Child records without Free and participated on another World Trade album with drummer Jay Schellen. They have also pursued other projects and their reputation as writers, performers, and arrangers is second to none with their experience of working with the likes of Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Doobie Brothers, Boz Scaggs, Air Supply, and The Moody Blues.

Tracklisting:

"Poison Ivy"
"Say What You Want"
"Our Glass House"
"Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead"
"Talked You Out Of Loving Me"
"Underwater"
"Catch Up To Yesterday"
"Freedom Is A Fight"
"The Wooden Monster"
"Here To Stay"
"To Be Your Everything 2020"
"Let’s Talk About Love 2020"

"Poison Ivy" video:

Lineup:

Marcie Free - Vocals
Bruce Gowdy - Guitars, keyboards, vocals
Guy Allison - Keyboards, percussion, vocals
Tony Franklin - Bass
Unruly Child - Drums




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Former Candlelight Red guitarist, Jeremy Edge, is quickly establishing himself as an axe slinging guitarist/singer, stretching his musical horizons beyond hard rock and metal. Deko Entertainment (ADA/Warner Music Group) has just released his new release, The Jeremy Edge Project, which features guest performances by Brandon Yeagley (Crobot), Brett Hestla (Dark New Day), and master blues guitarist Josh Smith. It is available for streaming and download, as well as all major outlets on both CD and Limited Edition Vinyl.  

The album features nine tracks - varying from bluesy and soulful ballads to in your face rock grooves with blazing guitar. He has just released a video for the lead off track on the record, “Firedancer”, which already has people taken notice of this blistering track. Watch the clip below.

There are also limited edition bundles (while supplies last), which can be ordered here.

Bundle includes:

- One (1) The Jeremy Edge Project - “Self-Titled” Vinyl / or CD
- One (1) The Jeremy Edge Project Tee
- One (1) The Jeremy Edge Project Pick
- One (1) Digital Download of "Firedancer"

Tracklisting:

"Firedancer Intro"
"Firedancer"
"Hot Lava" (Featuring Brandon Yeagley of Crobot)
"Sing My Blues" (Featuring Brandon Yeagley of Crobot)
"Breath Holding In" (Featuring Brett Hestla)
"Lies" (Featuring Josh Smith & Brandon Yeagley of Crobot)
"Indifferent" (Featuring Brett Hestla)
"Outlive Yesterday" (Featuring Brett Hestla)
"Sunrise"

"Lies" lyric video:




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Once again, Tarja is bringing the festive season early with the reissue of her highly acclaimed Christmas album, From Spirits And Ghosts (Score For A Dark Christmas), on November 6. Get ready for an extra dark Christmas this year!

Once more Tarja brings the Christmas songs to a never before seen level, uniquely blending her classically trained voice with darker gothic influences. Utilizing the sound of a grand orchestra, the most successful Finnish solo artist puts a sinister spin on traditional songs.

Additional to the 12 Christmas carols from the 2017 edition, the reissue includes three versions in alternative languages plus the collaboration with Tarja's friends Cristina Scabbia, Doro Pesch, Elize Ryd, Floor Jansen, Hansi Kürsch, Joe Lynn Turner, Marco Saaresto, Michael Monroe, Sharon Den Adel, Simone Simons, Timo Kotipelto and Tony Kakko for the beloved “Feliz Navidad”.

The 2020 edition of this festive album adds even more to the perfect dark Christmas spirits. Further to the additional studio recordings, the reissue comes with the previously unreleased live album, Christmas Together: Live At Olomouc And Hradec Králové 2019. With this first ever Christmas live album, Tarja takes her fans back to an atmospheric celebration and invites them to be a part of her always successful Christmas tours.

Tarja about the album: “On this album, I explored the other side of Christmas. The Christmas of the lonely people and the missing ones. The Christmas for those that do not find joy in the blinking lights and the jingle bells.”

The 2020 version of From Spirits And Ghosts (Score For A Dark Christmas) is going to be released on November 6 via earMUSIC as a limited 2CD digipak. Additional to that, Christmas Together: Live at Olomouc and Hradec Králové 2019 will be released as a limited 2LP Gatefold on November 27, via the official Tarja shop only.

You can pre-order From Spirits And Ghosts (Score For A Dark Christmas) here.

The album is produced by Tarja, the American Emmy Award winning film score composer Jim Dooley and British producer Tim Palmer, known for his work with Pearl Jam, U2, David Bowie, Lang Lang and The Cure among others, who also mixed the album at 62’ Studio in Texas. The album was mastered at Sterling Sound in NY City.

Tracklisting:

CD1
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
"Together"
"We Three Kings"
"Deck the Halls"
"Pie Jesu"
"Amazing Grace"
"O Tannenbaum"
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
"Feliz Navidad"
"What Child Is This"
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
"Sublime Gracia"
"Ô viens, Ô viens, Emmanuel"
"O Christmas Tree"
"Feliz Navidad" (Barbuda Relief and Recovery Charity Version)

CD 2 (Christmas Together: Live at Olomouc and Hradec Králové 2019)
"Sydämeeni Joulun Teen"
"What Child Is This"
"Tonttu"
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
"Varpunen Jouluaamuna"
"You Would Have Loved This"
"Ave Maria" (Paolo Tosti)
"Ave Maria" (Michael Hoppé)
"Ave Maria" (Giulio Caccini)
"Ave Maria" (Tarja Turunen)
"Together"
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
"The Christmas Song"
"Walking in the Air"
"Silent Night"

Meanwhile, Tarja has announced that the Christmas Together Tour 2020 is being rescheduled.

"Due to the current global pandemic of coronavirus and completely unpredictable developments in the upcoming months, we have decided to postpone the tour to ensure everyone’s safety."

New dates in Germany, Luxembourg and Czech Republic are now added to the route.

Christmas Together Tour 2021 dates:

November
30 - Moscow, Russia - International House of Music

December
1 - Moscow, Russia - International House of Music
3 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Paterskerk
4 - Hamburg, Germany - Kulturkirche (New Date)
5 - Bielefeld, Germany - Lokschuppen
7 - Bochum, Germany - Christuskirche
8 - Luxembourg, Luxembourg - De Atellier (New Date)
10 - Odessa, Ukraine - Academic Theatre of Musical Comedy
11 - Kiev, Ukraine - International Center of Culture and Arts
12 - Zithomir, Ukraine- Academic Music and Drama Theater
14 - Zlín, Czech Republic - Kongresové Centrum (New Date)
16 - Prague, Czech Republi - Kongresové Centrum (New Date)
17 - Olomouc, Czech Republi - Kostel Panny Marie Sněžné (New Date)
18 - Ostrava, Czech Republi - Gong (New Date)
20 - Vilnius, Lithuania - Compensa Concert Hall
21 - Riga, Latvia - Hanzas Peros
22 - Tallinn, Estonia - Alexela Concert Hall




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2020 has been a rough year for most, but rising from what seems to be a crumbling time is music that will power us through. Part of the much-needed revival is Nashville-based, rock ‘n roll act, True Villains and their new single, “The Villain”. 

The quintet’s new release was produced by Grammy-award winner Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Velvet Revolver, Alice In Chains), and according to the band, the song, “highlights that sometimes in life we are forced into positions that cast us as the anti-hero. This track deals with the realization and overall acceptance of that role, and learning to lean into the characteristics of becoming the villain.”

True Villains introduce a fresh take on rock n’ roll, melding the raw energy and excitement of a bygone era with a voice, sound, and songwriting that is completely their own.

True Villains' founding members, Tim Venerosa and Matt Carter, first met in Los Angeles while attending Musician’s Institute, and reconnected  in Nashville in 2015 after touring and working on other various projects. After bringing bassist Barry Conaway and Greg Herndon onboard, the band embarked on an exhausting search for their frontman (think of Mötley Crüe’s search in The Dirt for Vince Neil) who would share the same vision of bringing rock back to center stage.

Though Nashville is full of incomparable talent, it was not a swift process to nail down a singer. Finally, the group connected with lead singer Beau Lastavich who was still living in his home state of Minnesota at the time through a post on Craigslist. The five bonded over their mutual love for rock music, citing influences like Guns N’ Roses, Soundgarden, Mötley Crüe, and Skid Row. Together they vowed to create, perform, and move fans with their music as their idols once did for  them.

(Photo By Zach Martini)

 




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Bon Jovi were guests on last night's episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, which airs weeknights at 11:35 PM, ET/10:35 PM, CT on CBS.

The title of Bon Jovi's new album, 2020, took on new meaning for Jon Bon Jovi as the pandemic unfolded, his band members contracted the virus, and the Black Lives Matter movement grew around the world.

Bon Jovi performs a song written during lockdown, "Do What You Can", from their new album 2020 which reflects many of the struggles Americans have gone through during this unprecedented year.

Bon Jovi's new album, 2020, is out now via Island Records. Order the album here.

2020 tracklisting (with songwriter credits):

"Limitless" (Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Falcon, John Shanks)
"Do What You Can" (Jon Bon Jovi)
"American Reckoning" (Jon Bon Jovi)
"Beautiful Drug" (Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Falcon, John Shanks)
"Story Of Love" (Jon Bon Jovi)
"Let It Rain" (Jon Bon Jovi)
"Lower The Flag" (Jon Bon Jovi)
"Blood In The Water" (Jon Bon Jovi)
"Brothers In Arms" (Jon Bon Jovi)
"Unbroken" (Jon Bon Jovi)

"Brothers In Arms" lyric video:

"Let It Rain" lyric video:

"Lower The Flag" lyric video:

"Do What You Can" video:

"American Reckoning" lyric video:

"Limitless" lyric video:

"Limitless" video:

"Unbroken" video:




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Ozzy Osbourne has paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen, who died on Tuesday (October 6) at the age of 65. The legendary VAN HALEN guitarist's death was confirmed by his son, VAN HALEN bassist Wolfgang Van Halen.

Ozzy told Rolling Stone: "The last time I spent any serious time with Eddie was on the last official BLACK SABBATH tour I did in '79, when they opened up for us. They were such good guys to be around. We had such fun. Every time I ever saw Eddie Van Halen, it was fun.

"I remember seeing Eddie do that finger-tapping thing, and that was the first time I'd ever seen anyone do that. Just when you think nobody can make guitar playing exciting, somebody like that comes out. He was one of them.

"That thing with finger-tapping in the 80s, with the hair bands, everybody was doing that finger tapping. Once you've seen the master do it, everyone else comes second. Anybody after Eddie Van Halen was in second, as far as I'm concerned."

Osbourne went on to say that the "one thing I loved about Eddie was he always had a big grin on his face, and he looked like he was enjoying every second he was up there. Whether it was showbiz bullshit or not — I don't think it was — he always looked like he was having the best time of his life up there."

Describing the late guitarist "a force to be reckoned with," Ozzy recalled one show they played with VAN HALEN in San Antonio where "they went on and blew the roof off. And we had to follow them. I mean, it was such a hard gig for us. To follow VAN HALEN, you'd go, 'Oh, fuck. No.' And after that tour, they took off."

Osbourne said that he "could sit and watch Eddie Van Halen play guitar all day. He's so entertaining as a guitar player. He made it look like it was not difficult. He made it look like it was a natural thing. Everybody else was trying to be Eddie Van Halen, but there is only one Eddie Van Halen. I thought he was brilliant. God only knows, what you have to do to get that good."

According to TMZ, Eddie died at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie's brother and VAN HALEN drummer.

The site reports that Eddie's ongoing health battle went massively downhill in the last 72 hours, with doctors discovering his cancer had moved to his brain as well as other organs.

There have been a lot of rumors regarding the VAN HALEN guitarist's supposedly worsening health, with TMZ reporting recently that Van Halen has been traveling between the U.S. and Germany for cancer treatment going on several years now.

Last November, TMZ reported that Eddie spent several days in a hospital due to complications from his cancer treatment. Sources close to the legendary guitarist told the site he was admitted to the hospital with intestinal issues and abdominal pain, both the result of a bad reaction to the drugs Eddie was reportedly taking to battle throat cancer.




. @EddieVanHalen was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together. His influence on music and especially the guitar has been immeasurable. He was an absolute legend. Eddie, I’ll see you on the other side, my friend. Love, Ozzy.

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) October 6, 2020

AC/DC has released "Shot In The Dark", the first single from the band's long-awaited comeback album, "Power Up", which is due on November 13. The follow-up to 2014's "Rock Or Bust" features AC/DC's 2020 lineup of Brian Johnson (vocals), Phil Rudd (drums), Cliff Williams (bass), Angus Young (guitar) and Stevie Young (guitar).

Angus told Rolling Stone about "Shot In The Dark": "It's got that great AC/DC vibe about it, great swagger, and a good AC/DC rock and roll chant. The title is a little bit cheeky because we all like a little nip [of alcohol] in the night or a few shots in the dark. I was very glad when the record company heard it [that] they felt it was a very strong song and should be the first one that people hear."

"Power Up" was recorded over a six-week period in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver with producer Brendan O'Brien, who also worked 2008's "Black Ice" and 2014's "Rock Or Bust".

"What I like about Brendan is that he keeps you working when you're doing a project with him," Angus said. "He's talented himself. He knows his bass and his guitar and a bit of drums. And piano. He covers the spectrum for what we can do musically. It's very good because you’re working with a musician, since he can apply that musical knowledge."

Although AC/DC originally planned on releasing "Power Up" earlier this year, the pandemic forced the band to reconsider.

"We were hoping to get the album out before all this happened," Angus said. "They were getting ideas together for packaging and video promo things. And then that virus thing came along. It kind of put everyone on hold."

"Power Up" will be available in multiple configurations that will excite collectors and die-hard fans alike, including digital, CD, and deluxe versions. The limited edition, one-of-a-kind deluxe "Power Up" box is the ultimate fan package. Hit the button on the side of the box and watch the flashing neon AC/DC logo light up while the opening bars of "Shot In The Dark" blast out of the built-in speaker. Inside the box is the full CD package in a soft-pack with a 20-page booklet that features exclusive photos and USB charging cable allowing the box to remain powered up and on display. The vinyl LP will be pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in a gatefold jacket. Limited-edition variants of the LP will be available at select retailers nationwide, as well as the band's online store. The album will be available on all digital platforms.

"Power Up" track listing:

01. Realize

02. Rejection

03. Shot In The Dark

04. Through The Mists Of Time

05. Kick You When You’re Down

06. Witch's Spell

07. Demon Fire

08. Wild Reputation

09. No Man’s Land

10. Systems Down

11. Money Shot

12. Code Red

Ever since AC/DC completed the tour cycle for its 2014 album "Rock Or Bust" four years ago — a turbulent trek that weathered the forced retirement and eventual death of co-founder Malcolm Young, plus the departures of Johnson, Rudd and Williams — fans have wondered whether sole remaining founding member Angus Young would keep the band going or decide it was time for AC/DC to pack it in.

The legendary hard rockers postponed the last ten dates of their North American tour in 2016 after doctors told Johnson he faced a total loss of hearing if he did not stop touring immediately. He was eventually replaced on the road by GUNS N' ROSES vocalist Axl Rose.

Rudd was ousted from AC/DC when he was sentenced to eight months of home detention by a New Zealand court in 2015 after pleading guilty to charges of threatening to kill and drug possession.

Michael Sweet of openly Christian rockers STRYPER has criticized rap superstar Cardi B over the suggestive lyrics to her single "WAP", saying he doesn't want his granddaughter subjected to that "garbage."

"WAP" debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart last month, breaking numerous streaming records and spawning a viral TikTok dance challenge. The track's lyrics, which are about female sexual liberation, have also been the subject of controversy, with several right-wing commentators implying "WAP" was specifically marketed to young girls, when the song's obvious audience is adults.

Sweet offered his opinion of "WAP" in an interview with the "Cobras & Fire" podcast, where the vocalist/guitarist was promoting STRYPER's new album, "Even The Devil Believes".

Asked by host Jason "Bakko" Bakken about his September 2 social media post in which he called "WAP" "a piece of crap," with the word "crap" replaced by a poop emoji, Sweet said: "I don't wanna come across like a prude or someone that is closed-minded, but I just find it interesting how, here we are in 2020 fighting for women's rights, as we should be, and you've got videos like that.

"There's a time when it's not about judging — it's just about what's right and what's wrong," he continued. "I have a little granddaughter who has probably heard that song, and I'm thinking to myself, that just pisses me off. It pisses me off, the fact that she most likely has heard the song, because I don't want that garbage going into my granddaughter's ears.

"I think that we have a responsibility as artists, and many artists cross that line," Sweet added. "I said the same thing about [former child star] Miley Cyrus. Here she is on Disney — all these kids are looking up to her and following her — and the next thing you know, live in concert, she's riding a big, hanging… whatever," referring to the fact that Miley had a giant inflatable penis as a stage prop during her "Bangerz" tour. "And I'm just thinking, can't she just have a little responsibility — even just a smidgen of responsibility?"

Still, Sweet said he respected Cardi B's right to express herself freely as an artist.

"We live in America — she can do whatever she wants, as can I, by commenting on it," he said.

"Even The Devil Believes" was released on September 4 via Frontiers Music Srl.




Call me old fashioned but when I think of my grandkids listening to this and singing along to this piece of ? I get a...

Posted by Michael Sweet on Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Renowned Egyptian-American artist, director, and death metal musician Nader Sadek will unleash his four-track The Serapeum EP single on November 20th.The offering serves as his first output since 2014's critically-lauded The Malefic: Chapter III EP and a taste of the impending Malefic full-length, set to be released during the first half of 2021.

The Serapeum features principal members Karl Sanders (Nile), Derek Roddy (Serpents Rise), and Mahumud Gecekusu (Perversion), who visited Egypt in 2017 at the invitation of Sadek and Cairometal.net, alongside a host of equally notable guests. Marking Sanders' and Roddy's first ever visit to the ancient land, the EP is monikered after an ancient Egyptian subterranean burial chamber and reflects the collective's deep inspiration by the grounds explored. Sadek himself recorded the vocals inside the Pyramid of Snefru.

The first version of the track, "The Serapeum: Black Osiris," adapts the style to which followers of Sadek have grown accustomed: savage death metal featuring guitar harmonies and black metal-inspired avant-garde melodies. It also contains choral chanting by Morean (Dark Fortress, Alkaloid) while Shaun LaCanne (Putrid Pile) backs Sadek up on the chorus. Bass duties are handled by Benoit Claus (Gorod). Gecekusu plays all rhythm, while Sanders adds a guitar solo.

The second version, "The Serapeum: Polluted Waters," features Sanders' signature tone on rhythm guitar yet offers a different angle of experimentation, with the inclusion of eastern harmonies and drones provided by Alex Zubair (Nephelium), and instead of chants, Nancy Mounir, among Egypt's top musical talents, adds the ever haunting theremin to the mix. Dominic "Forest" Lapointe (Augury) plays the low end, and Gecukusu swaps solo spots with Sanders on this version. Both versions feature Roddy's staggering drum work along with Sadek's ferocious vocal delivery and his first ever in-studio vocal recording. To complete this musical encounter with the archaeological wonders of Egypt, Sadek recorded the vocals inside the inner chamber of Dahshur's "Red Pyramid." 

"ReSarcophogus," recorded inside a sarcophagus at the Serapeum, appears between the two versions and used binaural mixing by Ahdy Khairat while the final track represents the first (and last time) "The Serapeum" was performed live, and features Zubair, Jim Ross (Bandwhore), Kevin Paradis (Benighted), and George Maier (ex-Pestilence). 

Thematically, Nader Sadek's The Serapeum draws inspiration from the contrast between the wondrous mystery of the Serapeum and its undervalued status today as simply a tomb for bulls. As an underground complex of twenty-four eighty-ton sarcophagi, many archaeologists consider it a stranger and more complicated legacy than the pyramids. Notes Sadek, "By recording in the Serapeum and the Red Pyramid, not only did we want to take advantage of the amazing acoustic effects of these ancient structures, we wanted to explore how the powers that be arrogantly dismiss that which they don't understand." Sadek explores this theme and draws parallels in the lyrics like, "Bull tomb uncovered, fallacy discovered / The reign of lambs begotten," and, "Dead Serapis' decay, sands triggered, shall pay / Serapeum! Rise! and confront us with the truth's majesty." These lyrics symbolically portray the relationship of modern to ancient Egypt, once the greatest civilization, now a cesspool of poverty and dilapidation. The Serapeum, like the musical performances on this single, will find its admirers in those who reject the shallow and superficial comforts of the familiar.

Mixed and mastered by engineers Mahmud Gecekusu, Mendel Bij De Leij, and Ahdy Khairat, respectively, The Serapeum will be released independently on CD and digitally. Preorder here.

Tracklisting:

“The Serapeum: Black Osiris”
“ReSarcophogus”
“The Serapeum: Polluted Waters”
“The Serapeum” (Live)

Teaser:

(Photo by: Nader Sadek/Universus Art Sherbieny)




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Former PANTERA singer Terrence Lee "Terry" Glaze says that he hopes the band's early albums can receive a proper release one day.

Glaze was the frontman of PANTERA during the band's early'-'80s "party metal" phase and sang on the group's first three LPs: "Metal Magic" (1983), "Projects In The Jungle" (1984) and "I Am the Night" (1985). After leaving PANTERA, Glaze formed the band LORD TRACY.

Glaze discussed possibility of PANTERA's early albums being re-released during an appearance on the debut episode of "Drag The Waters: The Pantera Podcast".

Asked if he thinks the PANTERA records he sang on will ever be properly reissued, Terry said (hear audio below): "It would be amazing to share that music with the rest of the world. I think everybody would really be interested in listening — especially listening to Darrell's ['Dimebag' Abbott] guitar playing. With with the loss of Darrell and Vince [Paul Abbott, drums], I guess it would come down to their father [Jerry Abbott] and Rex [Brown, bass]. I don't have possession of the master tapes, and with Vince gone… It'd be a great thing for the fans — I'd love to be part of that — but as of right now, I haven't spoken to Jerry Abbott or Rex about it."

Glaze went on to suggest a possible new PANTERA box set featuring the three albums he performed on plus 1988's "Power Metal", which marked the recording debut of his replacement, Philip Anselmo. "Put all four together in a box," he said. "The rhythm section and the guitars — bass, drums and the guitars — are consistent through the whole project. And you could see the growth through them. It'd be really cool. I would love to help out in that in any way I could. But we'll see. Hopefully someday."

During the same chat, Glaze was asked if he left PANTERA on good terms or if he was done dealing with the Abbott brothers. He responded: "A lot of times, when you hear those things, where they'll say 'musical differences,' I don't remember any musical differences. The two hours of the day that we were on stage was the best — but you hear that from a lot of touring bands. It was the other 22 hours of the day that was tough to get on. Ultimately, there were four guys in the band, plus their father was the manager, and three of the five had the same last name. And they never split their vote, so you didn't really have any say. And so that ultimately started to wear, and ultimately, I just chose to go in a different direction. But I loved the music and I loved playing all of them, especially Darrell."

Back in February 2018, Glaze said that the last time he saw Vinnie was when he attended Darrell's funeral in December 2004, just days after the PANTERA guitarist was killed while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot onstage by Nathan Gale. He was 38 years old.

In April 2010, Glaze rejoined Brown on stage in at the debut gig from Rex's then-project ARMS OF THE SUN in Dallas, Texas. They performed a couple of early PANTERA songs — "Come-On Eyes" from 1985's "I Am The Night" and "All Over Tonite" from 1984's "Projects In The Jungle".

Listen to "Terry Glaze" on Spreaker.

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has blasted people who are defiantly skeptical of mask wearing, saying that their refusal to follow the rules is putting all of our health at risk.

The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention has emphasized social distancing for the general population and self-quarantine for people with COVID-19 symptoms.

In a new interview with Edmonton, Alberta, Canada's K-97 radio station, Simmons said that he wants everyone to stop complaining when it comes to being in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic, because it's actually not that hard to just stay at home.

"Right now, the pandemic is not fun," he said (hear audio below). "It is devastating for families who've lost loved ones. A million people are dead around the world — two hundred thousand dead in America, and many, many fewer — thank God — in Canada, because you're more sane and more, sort of, non-political about it. But as you can tell, in America, there are areas where certain segments of the population see health and wearing a mask, or not wearing a mask, as political, and that's a shame. It just makes sense.

"In either case, the perspective is my mother lived through World War II," he continued. "My mother was a victim of the concentration camps of Nazi Germany when she was 14 years old. My mother survived. The rest of our family were wiped out, and you don't wanna get into that.

"The great generation, we call them, of the last century had many wars — over a hundred million people died in World War II. There were food shortages in America. There were many countries in the world that couldn't feed their population. And at the turn of the 20th Century, there was a flu epidemic where, again, 50 million people died from it. Now we're being asked to stay in our homes and quarantine for two weeks, and you order room service, or somebody brings you food exactly the way you like it. FedEx brings you, or UPS brings you, whatever you like.

"I understand the job rates are not good — there are people who are losing the way they support their families," Gene added. "I get it. And governments are being sort of smart about it — stimulus packages and so on. But to compare today to what went on before is… C'mon! The older folks, your grandparents are looking at you like you're on crack."

Simmons also spoke in more detail about the resistance to mask-wearing edicts at places like grocery stores and retail stores, with some store customers reacting negatively when approached by staff who request them to "mask up," and customers attacking other customers for non-compliance to wearing masks.

"Be kind to each other," Gene said. "C'mon! Seeing these YouTube and TMZ videos of everybody going insane. I know the nerves are up, 'cause we're all scared — what's gonna happen and all that stuff. It's okay. The sun is gonna come out one of these days. It's all gonna get better. And just be kind to each other. That doesn't take much effort. And wear your goddamn masks. It ain't about you.

"If you sneeze, you put your hand over your mouth," he explained. "Why wouldn't you cover your face for something that might be life-threatening. 'Well, you can't tell me what to do.' Actually, you get told what to do all the time. When there's a red light, you're told to stop the car. 'Well, I don't wanna stop the car.' It's not about you. 'Cause if you go through a red light, you're gonna kill somebody, possibly. So when there's a red light, you're told to stop.

"Wear a goddamn mask. It's not about you; it's about the rest of us," he reiterated.

This past summer, the U.S. Surgeon General urged people to wear face coverings, saying they will promote freedom during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a study published in June, researchers from Texas A&M University, the California Institute of Technology and the University of California San Diego, concluded "that wearing of face masks in public corresponds to the most effective means to prevent interhuman transmission."

President Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday after refusing to follow his own government's public health advice to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a recent New York Times poll, a majority (59 percent) of Donald Trump voters support requiring masks (only 18 percent are opposed), and 81 percent of Trump voters who support mandatory masking think Trump does as well.

NAPALM DEATH guitarist Mitch Harris, who has been taking a leave of absence from the band since late 2014 to focus on his family life, spoke to Rock Titan about his involvement in NAPALM's new studio album, "Throes Of Joy In The Jaws Of Defeatism". Harris, who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, played guitar on the disc but is not part of the group's touring lineup.

Mitch discussed his status with NAPALM DEATH while promoting "Scarcity", the debut album from his BRAVE THE COLD project, also featuring MEGADETH drummer Dirk Verbeuren.

Harris said: "I flew over [to England] and [recorded] guitars [for 'Throes Of Joy In The Jaws Of Defeatism']. I was there for a week. Shane [Embury, NAPALM bassist] had so much material. I saved my [original] material for BRAVE THE COLD in the end. Long story short, I wanted to help my bros. I wanted to see my friends and family. And [producer] Russ Russell — he's one of my closest people. And I can't see a NAPALM record without him. I mean, I miss working with him as well.

"It was two years ago or more [that I laid down my tracks], actually — just after my mom died. [Before she passed away,] she [was], like, 'I want you to do the NAPALM album and BRAVE THE COLD and do your own thing. Do it. Follow your music and just make it happen.' Soon after, I got back to work. Me and Dirk started jamming, and then they sent me over to England to do [the NAPALM album].

"I'm glad I brushed up on guitar," he added. "I mean, I'd been playing, but not like I used to. Suddenly I was in better shape for the NAPALM record, which was good, 'cause it was more physically demanding, actually. BRAVE THE COLD is a little more — I don't know — vocal-driven."

Back in the summer of 2018, NAPALM DEATH frontman Mark "Barney" Greenway told TotalRock Radio that Harris was still a member of the band. "Basically, Mitch went on hiatus, just because of circumstances," he said. "Officially I can say that he has played on the new album — the brand new album. Because here's the thing: everybody was, like, 'Oh, Mitch hasn't played with you in three years. He must be out of the band.' We were, like, 'Look, if he's out of the band, we'll let you know. But he isn't.' And nobody believed us. Well, not nobody, but a lot of people were, like, 'No. This can't be right.' We were, like, 'Look, he's on hiatus. He's dealing with some quite serious stuff. So, please.' And so, yeah, he has played on the new album. What will happen above and beyond that, I'm not sure yet. But, yeah, he's played on the new album."

"Scarcity" was released on October 2 via Mission Two Entertainment. The disc was produced by Logan Mader, who has previously worked with GOJIRA, FEAR FACTORY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY and W.A.S.P., among others.

James Michael spoke to Andy Hall of the Des Moines, Iowa radio station Lazer 103.3 about the possibility of new music from SIXX:A.M., which consists of James, MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx and guitarist DJ Ashba. SIXX:A.M.'s latest release was a reworked version of its song "Maybe It's Time", which came out in August as part of the Artists For Recovery project.

"We've been talking a lot," James said (hear audio below). "Nikki and I spent a lot of time talking — not just about music, but just about life in general. But we have had a lot of conversations recently about writing.

"Actually, when we got off the road in, I think, 2017, we went right into the studio and recorded a few more songs," he revealed. "So there's some incredible new SIXX:A.M. music that's waiting in the wings. So we're trying to figure out what the next move is, what would make sense for us. And I think this project right here, with 'Maybe It's Time', is a great starter for us to kind of start thinking, 'Hey, what's next for us?' Obviously, with COVID still being such a relevant thing, it's hard to answer those questions entirely, but we are talking about getting back in the studio and doing some more [writing]."

The new version of "Maybe It's Time" was made available as part of an industry-wide initiative to draw attention to the opioid crisis and raise funds to serve the recovery community and save lives. The idea for the song, featuring a who's who lineup of rock, country and alternative stars, was conceived by Sixx, recovery spokesperson and advocate, and one of the leading public figures fighting to destigmatize substance use disorders and recovery. All artist royalties from the song are being donated to the Global Recovery Initiatives foundation (GRI) to support those in early recovery, with a matching contribution from Better Noise Music.

The original version of "Maybe It's Time" appeared on SIXX:A.M.'s latest album, "Vol. 2, Prayers For The Blessed", which was released in November 2016 via Eleven Seven Music. The disc was written and recorded at the same time as "Vol. 1, Prayers For The Damned", released earlier that same year, and it acted as a companion piece to the first chapter.

This past January, SIXX:A.M. released the official music video for "Talk To Me". The track, originally released in September 2019, invited each of us to take the first step toward mutual understanding and healing using the power of conversation.

In a new interview with Germany's Rock Antenne, Jon Bon Jovi was asked if there is anything in this career where he would say, "I should have done this differently." He responded (see video below): "Very few things — honest to god, very few things. Some things happened that are the catalyst for why other good things happen. There's not a day that goes by that I don't wish that Richie [Sambora, former BON JOVI guitarist] had his life together and was still in the band. And yet, in a weird way, it's because of his inability to get it together anymore that we went on and wrote 'This House Is Not For Sale'. It was a very strong record, and that I'm able to write songs like this... Maybe we would've gotten lazy... I don't know where we would have gone, but through all that pain and heartbreak came this."

Sambora, who joined BON JOVI in 1983 and co-wrote most of the group's iconic hits over the following three decades, hasn't performed a full show with the band since he left the "Because We Can" tour in 2013. He later said he thought BON JOVI "should have made more strides to become a band" and not turn into "Jon being the front guy and nothing else." Jon, in turn, claimed Sambora's "choices" had "led him astray."

Sambora rejoined BON JOVI on stage in April 2018 at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland, marking his first performance with the band in five years. Also appearing with the group was bassist Alec John Such, who hadn't played with BON JOVI since a one-off performance in 2001. They performed several crowd favorites, including "Livin' On A Prayer", "You Give Love A Bad Name" and "It's My Life".

BON JOVI's new album, "2020", was released on October 2 via Island Records. 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.

During an appearance on "The Ex-Man" podcast hosted by Doc Coyle (BAD WOLVES), former MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel said that he wants to remember all the positive things that happened during his 15-year stint with the band.

"I spent a good year letting out a lot," he said, reflecting on some of the early interviews he gave after his departure from MACHINE HEAD. "I think that I kept my lips pretty tight, actually. There were some things that needed to be shared, a lot that doesn't need to be talked about. And I spent a year talking. And then I looked back and said, 'A year is good enough.' It's coming up on two years that I quit now.

"There was so much good and there was so much fun and so much learning and so many good experiences that I don't want the 98 percent of good — I don't want the two percent to ruin that 98 percent, or that to be the headline or be the focus of what my experience in that band was.

"That band gave me a second life," Demmel continued. "From not being in music and pretty much quitting on music to concentrate on a failing marriage, it brought me into what has been my calling — it's what I'm meant to do. So I'm grateful for having that chance in MACHINE HEAD to play and make that music and have those experiences. I made some awesome memories with those dudes, and that's what I wanna kind of focus on now."

Demmel went on to say that looks back fondly on most of the albums that he recorded with MACHINE HEAD, a list that includes "Through The Ashes Of Empires" (2003), "The Blackening" (2007), "Unto The Locust" (2011), "Bloodstone & Diamonds" (2014) and "Catharsis" (2018).

"I was their guitar player for 16 years, and that's only a fraction of what that band has been," Demmel said. "There was this whole couple of lives before me, and there's gonna be a life after me. It's a testament to what [MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn is] capable of as a musician. I'm proud to have been a part of that. He hasn't done it alone for all this time; it's not just been him. He's had help every step along the way. But it's predominantly his vision and his show. [He had help from] Logan [Mader, guitar] on the first couple of records, [Dave] McClain [drums] and Ahrue [Luster, guitar] on the next couple. Me and McClain on the ones after that. It was a group, and I'm proud of what that band and that group accomplished."

Reflecting on how he informed Flynn of his decision to leave MACHINE HEAD, Demmel said: "I called him, went over to his house, asked him to come outside. I gave him my key to the studio, gave him my credit card, gave him everything right there. And he was, like, 'What's going on?' And I said, 'You know what's going on.' I said, 'It's not working anymore. We're done.' And he knew it… He was just as done with me as I was with him."

Asked if his and McClain's departures from MACHINE HEAD were intentionally "coordinated," seeing as they were announced on the same day, Demmel said: "Man, I hate to talk for Dave. I wanna just make sure I've got my words right. Dave and I talked a lot — we had talked a lot — and Dave was more on the ledge than me. So he was ready to go before I was.

"We had a tour lined up, and I think Dave was gonna wait until after the tour," Phil explained. "We were supposed to shoot a video for 'Triple Beam' or something like that, and Robb was going, 'What about the video? What about the tour?' And I said, 'I'm done. There's no more, nothing, for me.' Then I texted him back the next day, and after thinking about it, I said it's a dick move to bail on the tour, it's a dick move to bail on what's been set up. And I wanted them to get somebody else to [play guitar on the tour]. And if they couldn't do that, I said [I would] honor the tour. He was on his way going out to the studio when Dave was quitting on him that day."

Back in June 2019, McClain told "Robb's MetalWorks" that he no longer believed in MACHINE HEAD's songs and musical direction toward the end of his tenure with the band.

Demmel has spent much of the past year and a half playing sporadic shows with the reunited VIO-LENCE, which recently inked a deal with Metal Blade Records. The band's new EP is tentatively due to be released in early 2021.

FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares says that the door for vocalist Burton C. Bell to come back to the band "won't stay open forever."

On Monday (September 28), Bell issued a statement officially announcing his departure from FEAR FACTORY, explaining that he "cannot align" himself with someone whom he does not trust or respect.

Bell's exit from FEAR FACTORY came more than two weeks after Cazares launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist him with the production costs associated with the release of FEAR FACTORY's long-awaited new album.

Earlier today, Dino issued the following statement via social media:

"The departure of the Dry Lung Vocal Martyr"

"Last week Burton C Bell announced his decision to leave FEAR FACTORY. We were all saddened and surprised by the news, as it was not discussed with anyone within the FEAR FACTORY camp, as he has not spoken to anyone for well over a year which has made communication difficult. With our upcoming new album penned for a 2021 release, it is sad that he has chosen to do this.

"There has been a lot of speculation as to why this has happened, with many fans posting negativity and sometimes very hurtful personal comments on all our social media platforms, mainly directed at myself. There are however a lot of inaccuracy's and inconstancies in Burton's statement posted on his website, and as always, there are two sides to every story.

"After a long court battle with the two ex-band members, Burton lost his legal rights to own the name FEAR FACTORY. I had the opportunity to do something right and I felt that obtaining the name in full was the right thing to do for the both of us, so after nearly 4 years we can continue as FEAR FACTORY, to make more records and to tour. That is why It is sad to hear that he decided to quit and, in my opinion, for whatever issues he has it seems like it could've been worked out.

"I respect his decision although I don't understand it. I think sometimes people just need to make big changes in their lives.

"Even though I am getting blamed for his departure I'm not mad because I am a pretty secure and a strong individual. I forgive all the lies, the negativity and the blame that has come from him and from some of the fans, because I don't really know what he is going through and some people handle a great loss differently to others.

"One thing that will be made clear though, and I will reiterate one more time is the GoFundMe campaign is solely being used to complete the album.

"As I type this, the mixing and mastering the album has started and we cannot wait for you, the fans to hear it. And yes, even with Burton's decision to quit FEAR FACTORY, all of his vocals will remain on the album. For those of you who have already contributed to the GoFundMe, we thank you immensely!

"Burton, I'm going to miss you and after a thirty-year legacy as the frontman for FEAR FACTORY, I can only wish you all the best for all your current and future endeavours and I want to thank you for all of your years of service to FEAR FACTORY.

"For now, the door remains open for Burton should he wish to return, but the door won't stay open forever.

"Whatever happens, FEAR FACTORY is here to stay.

"Thank you

Dino Cazares"

FEAR FACTORY's fundraising campaign marks the first public activity from the band since it completed a 2016 U.S. headlining tour on which it performed its classic second album, "Demanufacture", in its entirety.


“The departure of the Dry Lung Vocal Martyr”

Last week Burton C Bell announced his decision to leave Fear Factory.

We...

Posted by Fear Factory on Friday, October 2, 2020

The four members of SYSTEM OF A DOWN have issued a collective band statement and call to action on all their social platforms regarding a current crisis occurring in their cultural homeland of Armenia and Artsakh.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, September 27, forces in Azerbaijan began a large scale pre-meditated offensive attack on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh), an independent and autonomous country that borders Armenia, populated with a vast majority of ethnic Armenians. International peace keeping powers are doing very little to dissuade Azerbaijan's advances and the people of Artaskh are doing everything they can to defend their lives and homeland, where they have lived for thousands of years. For them, this a matter of survival, and nothing more as Azeri forces are trying to do little less than eradicate the 150,000 people that these lands are home to.

Artsakh gained independence in the early 1990s from Azerbaijan after years of war and conflict beginning soon after the 1988 collapse of the Soviet Union, of which both countries were a part of. After gaining its own independence from the Soviet Union, Armenia has been a guarantor of Artsakh's security. A cease-fire was agreed to between the countries in 1994, but over the past two decades, Azerbaijan has frequently broken this pact via mostly minor to moderate advancements and skirmishes along the line of contact.

This time, Azerbaijan, with the aid of Turkey's Recep Erdogan regime and military forces, launched a large-scale offensive attack along the full eastern border of Artsakh and has launched attacks within the borders of Armenia as well. International calls for a stop to Azeri advances have gone ignored, and the leader of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, is attacking with impunity.

All four members of SYSTEM OF A DOWN are of Armenian heritage, and since the band's inception have brought awareness to many human rights issues, none more prevalent than that of the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Turkish leadership of the Ottoman Empire during WWI, when more than 1.5 million Armenians perished in the first genocide of the 20th century. To the band members and other Armenians all around the world, the war being waged on the people of Artsakh now is a continuation of the Armenian Genocide as the Turkic Azeris along with the support of Recep Erdogan's Turkey are trying to eradicate the Armenians of Artsakh and claim these lands for themselves.

Their statement posted on their socials is below. It includes various calls to action and online petition links to raise awareness and a call on world leaders to insist Azerbaijan and Turkey stop the attacks immediately.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN statement:

"The world turned a blind eye during:

* the Armenian Genocide in 1915

* the mass killings and pogroms of the 1980s and ‘90s

* Azerbaijan's invasion of Armenia in 2016

"Now the world is turning a blind eye to 150,000 landlocked civilians under attack by Azerbaijan and Turkey.

"SOAD has always stood for justice and peace. This notion comes from the suffering and injustice done to our people over centuries. Erdogan's denialist Turkey is continuing the work of its genocidal ancestors, and allied with petro-corrupt Azerbaijan, are firing American made F-16 missiles into Artsakh and parts of Armenia killing soldiers as well as civilians. The world seems too busy with Covid and politics to care, but we HAVE to do something as this is an existential threat for our people and the first Christian Nation.

"Since it seems difficult for the media, international organizations, and world powers to call out Azerbaijan on its war mongering, ethnic cleansing, and killing of innocent civilians, let's help them. We are calling on everyone to join our efforts. Here is how…

Donate:

Armenia Fund: armeniafund.ejoinme.org/donate

Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund: armenianwoundedheroes.com/donate

1000plusam: www.1000plus.am

Armenian American Medical Society: aamsc.org/make-a-donation

Aid Beyond Borders: aidbeyondborders.org

Sign Petitions:

Armenian Rights Watch – Stop Against Azerbaijan and Turkey's War Crimes: bit.ly/ArmenianRightsWatch

ANCA – Cut Off Military Aid to Baku: bit.ly/CutMilitaryAid

ANCA – Strengthen US-Armenia Ties: anca.org/action-alerts

WhiteHouse.gov – Condemn Azeri and Turkish Aggression: bit.ly/CondemnAggression "

Former ILL NIÑO members Cristian Machado (vocals), Ahrue "Luster" Ilustre (guitar) and Diego Verduzco (guitar) are working on a new project.

Machado, who released his debut solo album, "Hollywood y Sycamore", on September 25 via Chesky Records' sub-label Coconut Bay, discussed his renewed collaboration with Ilustre and Verduzco during a recent interview with the "Aftershocks" podcast.

Asked if he is still planning on making new music with Ahrue and Diego, Cristian said: "We absolutely are. I haven't talked about it at all [publicly], and it's something that we're not really in a rush to prove anything to anybody, but we do have almost a half an album finished. It is phenomenal. The songs are phenomenal."

Elaborating on the musical direction of the material the trio has come up with thus far, Machado said: "We are trying to write a metal album, clearly, but that is full of hit singles. It's a challenging thing to do, but we'll take our time, if that's what it takes. But we're working on things. And Ahrue and Diego, the material they presented me is fucking next level. It's not this extreme metal thing, but the songs are phenomenal — really, really catchy. Really strong material. Some of the best music that I've been thrown at to sing on in… I can't remember since when. And we're working with a fucking amazing producer."

According to Cristian, the new band is already planting the seeds in preparation for a successful launch when the time is right.

"[We don't have] a record company [in place yet], but there are music industry friends who are interested in growing this with us," he said. "We don't have a contract with anyone yet or anything like that.

"We're not in a rush. We definitely wanna be able to come out with guns blazing. If we're gonna do the metal thing, we want the songs to be right."

This past March, Machado, Ilustre, Verduzco, drummer Dave Chavarri and bassist Laz Pina announced that they "have reached a mutual, amicable and binding agreement" that will allow Chavarri and Pina to continue with ILL NIÑO while Machado, Verduzco and Ilustre will move on with new projects. According to a joint statement release by the five musicians, "No party has admitted fault and there has been no court judgment on the merits. The parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement."

Back in January 2019, Chavarri and Pina said that they had recruited vocalist Marcos Leal (SHATTERED SUN), lead guitarist Jes DeHoyos (SONS OF TEXAS) and rhythm guitarist Sal Dominguez (UPON A BURNING BODY) to be in their new incarnation of ILL NIÑO. The Chavarri-led ILL NIÑO also issued a new single, "Sangre". A day later, Machado, Ilustre and Verduzco dismissed reports that they had left ILL NIÑO and vowed to continue with their own version of the band. Two months later, the trio filed a lawsuit against Chavarri and Pina, accusing the drummer and bassist of failing to pay the band's tour rental company and engineers, slandering Machado by spreading rumors that he has a drug problem, collecting and spending the band's money without consulting in all of the members and refusing the members access to the group's financial records.

In a statement announcing the launch of his new version of ILL NIÑO, Chavarri said about the split with his former bandmates: "Being in a band is much like being married, and sometimes people grow apart, and no longer see eye to eye, and a separation becomes inevitable."

Back in August, legendary Entombed/Entombed A.D. singer L-G Petrov revealed that he had been diagnosed with incurable bile duct cancer. Members of Colombian bands Sol de Sangre and Headcrusher have teamed up for a cover of Entombed's  "Wolverine Blues" and have made it available via Bandcamp for "Whatever you want to pay." All earnings will be donated to LG Petrov’s GoFundme campaign, found here.

Sol de Sangre's members comment the initiative: "A few months ago we invited our brothers in Headcrusher to record a cover of 'Wolverine Blues' from the almighty Entombed. After hearing the terrible news about LG Petrov’s incurable cancer, we decided to put the cover up on Bandcamp for 'Whatever you want to pay' and all earnings will be donated to LG Petrov’s GoFundme campaign. Give it a listen and make a donation for the most vicious of all. 'Wolverine Blues' - an utterly fearless tribute to LG by this misanthropical breed!"

Wolverine Blues - Sol de Sangre + Headcrusher by Sol de Sangre

In a new interview with Louder, Petrov opened up about his battle, despite feeling the effects of a round of chemo he completed just 24 hours before the interview. Read a few excerpts from the interview below.

Louder: How tough is the chemotherapy treatment?

L-G Petrov: "It’s very, very hard stuff. It’s not water they’re putting in you. You're very, very weak. You get all these pills filled with cortisones [a steroid for strength], and you can't sleep. Pills for nausea as well. But if you take a sleeping pill, then it works against it. I didn’t sleep at all last night. I waited until my local store opened at 8am, then put some clothes on and slowly walked there. It’s a mile but I had to sit down three times to rest. Your body gets so unimaginably weak. But like I say, I’m a positive person."

Louder: Have you changed your lifestyle in the last couple of months?

L-G Petrov: "The first day I found out, I quit smoking, quit drinking. I haven't done either in a couple of months. I've gone over to the other side. It feels great! I can smell cigarettes from a hundred yards: 'Oh shit, there's somebody smoking.' It makes me want to puke now."

Louder: Have you changed your diet? Have you given up meat or gone vegan?

L-G Petrov: "No. I spoke to a dietician, and they said when you've got this kind of cancer it's not good to be skinny. You should eat a lot of ‘good fat’ - chicken, turkey, bearnaise sauce, stuff like that. Lots of water, lime, oranges too. I was 87 kilos before. Now I’m 93. The weird thing is, you lose the taste of food, especially after you've had treatment. When you eat, you just chew - you don't get that swallow reaction. It's really, really weird. Sometimes I'm chewing like a camel but not swallowing."

Louder: How does it all affect you mentally?

L-G Petrov: "I'm a really positive person, but sometimes you get really depressed, of course. But I have so many good friends that call me, visit me. We sit outside - distanced, of course. My doctor actually ordered me to have cigars and rum. He said, ‘That’s about life quality.’ Not a lot of rum, just a taste. Same with cigars. But it helps."

Read the full interview at Louder.

L-G previously stated: “If you wanna support a metalhead in need please feel free to donate here. Stay well everybody ❤️ #fuckcancer #fightforlifeandmetal.”




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