Heavy metal rocker Rob Halford says he was just looking for a few good men.

The Judas Priest lead singer recalled in his upcoming memoir how he hooked up with some Marines at Camp Pendleton in the 1990s — including a married serviceman who invited Halford to join in a threesome with his wife.

“For a gay guy, Pendleton was an Aladdin’s Cave,” Halford wrote in his tell-all “Confess.” “There were just so many amazing male specimens there: young, buff guys at the the height of their physical powers! With my thing for men in uniform, my eyes were on stalks.”

The 69-year-old, who came out in an MTV interview in 1998, said that he was first invited to visit the California Marine base in 1991 by a Leatherneck named Hank, who he met at a bar in Marina del Rey, Calif.

The “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” singer writes that he had an affair with Hank, who then introduced him to another married Marine at Pendleton named Steve.

“He was just as ultra-masculine as Hank, but his big thing was threesomes- with his wife, Dawn.” Halford remembers. “Marines were allowed family visits, so I would go along at the same time as she was there.

“Once the door was shut, we would go at it for hours. I’d leave there more exhausted than if I’d been for a gym workout.”

Not surprisingly, Halford ended up with an ex-Marine named Thomas Pence who he met when he answered Pence’s ad looking for companionship. The couple have been together for 25 years.

“Confess” hits bookstores on Tuesday.

Burton C. Bell has officially announced 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 comes more than two weeks after guitarist Dino 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, Bell posted the following statement to his official web site:

"IN MY OWN WORDS

"I consider myself a private person, preferring to keep my personal business to myself and trusted loved ones. I make my public statements with thoughtful intent, never deviating from the truth, in spite of the consistent series of dishonest representations and unfounded accusations from past and present band members; a toxic drama I choose to not be part of.

"The past several years have been profoundly agonizing, with these members bleeding my passion with depraved deceit. As a direct consequence of their greed, these three have dragged me through the unjust, judicial system, resulting in the legal attrition that has financially crippled me. In the end, these three members have taken possession of my principal livelihood. However, they will never take my 30-year legacy as the beating heart of the machine. A legacy that no other member, past or present, can ever claim.

"So, it is after considerable, contemplative soul searching that I have come to the realization that I cannot align myself with someone whom I do not trust, nor respect. Therefore, I am announcing to my fans my departure from FEAR FACTORY, to focus all my energy and attention toward the continuing success for ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS, and all my future endeavors.

"I am very proud of the ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS' latest album, 'Apocrypha'. The writing and recording process for 'Apocrypha' has been a truly cathartic and artistic journey of exploration and growth for me. Reigniting my passions for my writing, allowing my music to flourish, enabling my soul to soar, saving me from the real hell that engulfed a significant part of my daily life. Collaborating with talented, kindred spirits has truly created an inspirational environment of support and mutual respect, a spirit I have missed for a very long time.

"I would like to thank all of my fans for their continued support throughout my career. I am very proud of my achievements, but it is time for me to move forward. Now I look to the future with open eyes, open mind and open heart, as my artistic path strives for even greater success in music, writing and my art. It's true, 'the end is always the beginning'. The soul is free from the machine."

In a statement explaining his reasons for starting a fundraising campaign, Cazares said that all donations will go toward covering newly incurred production costs involved with the making of the new FEAR FACTORY LP, including re-recording the drums, guitars, bass and keyboards, as well as mixing and mastering by Andy Sneap. Burton's original lead vocals, which were recorded in full in 2017, will remain on the new version of the album.

Earlier this month, Dino told Dave "Higgo" Higgins of Australia's MMM Hard N Heavy radio station that he has not spoken to Burton directly about his decision to update the 2017 recordings and release them. "He's made it clear that he's distancing himself from FEAR FACTORY because he is working on [his] ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS [project]," Cazares said. "Now, I'm quoting him, and he's [told the] media and [gone] on record [as] saying that. We have tried to reach each other over the years, but we do not have exactly the perfect relationship. Usually when Burt's working on a project, he disappears and he focuses on that. That I know from 30 years of knowing him and being in the business with him — those things I know. And that's it. There hasn't been any communication between us two at all whatsoever — lately."

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.

In a November 2018 interview, Bell said that FEAR FACTORY had completed a new album tentatively titled "Monolith". He also said that "legal technicalities" needed to be sorted out before the record could be released. The effort will mark the Californian band's first collection of new music since 2015's "Genexus" LP.

FEAR FACTORY was the subject of breakup rumors in May 2017 when the band's former bassist-turned-guitarist Christian Olde Wolbers posted a since-deleted eulogy for FF on his Instagram. He wrote "RIP Fear Factory" and appended that post with the hashtag #GrownAssMenThatCantWorkOutShit.

ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS second full-length album, the aforementioned "Apocrypha", will arrive on October 9 via Dissonance Productions. The recording will be available on CD, two limited vinyl formats and through all major digital outlets.

During a recent appearance on the "Stop! Drop & Talk" podcast, Richard Patrick reflected on his decision to leave NINE INCH NAILS in 1993 and form FILTER.

"I started in NINE INCH NAILS, but then I quit when I was, like, 26," he said (see video below). "NINE INCH NAILS was the only time I actually had a boss.

"We had just finished Lollapalooza — the first Lollapalooza — and we went to Europe to open up for GUNS N' ROSES, which was kind of a weird thing, because no one in Europe knew us at the time, and they actually booed us off the stage, which was crazy. Imagine NINE INCH NAILS being booed off the stage.

"[Trent Reznor and I] were just two knuckleheads from Cleveland, Ohio — we were not big yet," he continued. "But eventually, we did get big. And there was a point in time where Trent just kind of looked at me, and I said, 'Wow, you're going down to New Orleans to go live in this beautiful house that you're getting, and I'm gonna go back to my mom and dad's house.' And Trent goes, 'Well, go write a record.' And I was, like, 'Wow!' What do you say to that? He goes, 'You should have seen your face. 'Cause you were kind of pissed at first, and then you were, like, 'No. I should.'' He said that to me in Paris. And I remember thinking to myself I'm gonna literally go back and eat out of my mom and dad's kitchen every night, and this guy is gonna go off and write 'Broken' and whatever else he was gonna go work on. But I sat there and I took his words of advice, which was, 'Go do something.' His advice was, 'Go get off your ass and do something. Don't wait for me to do it. Don't wait for me to write a record without you. Just go off and do it.'

"I got close to kind of getting a record deal, and [Trent] didn't know it at the time, but I had already lined up Warner Brothers," he said. "And I was in Los Angeles to kind of work on [NINE INCH NAILS'] 'The Downward Spiral' [album], or just be around, and I had already kind of made a decision on a mushroom trip in the Grand Canyon. I had already decided. I was, like, you know what? I'm only getting on this ball one time, and if I don't step out on my own now, I'm never gonna do it.

"But the final straw was Trent goes, 'Hey, listen, Rich, I know you need some extra cash. Listen. Down at the end of [the street], there's a little pizzeria, and they need drivers. So maybe you can go make some extra cash over there. And I'm, like, 'Wow!'

"This was when I had [FILTER's] 'Hey Man, Nice Shot' was written, and I had five record companies ready to sign me. And I was, like, 'Hey, dude, I hate to tell you this now, but I quit. And I'm so sorry. But I fucking quit. I'm not gonna sell pizzas and I'm not gonna drive for a [pizzeria]."

According to Patrick, he never regretted his decision to leave NINE INCH NAILS.

"There is nothing like being your own boss," he said. "Since that day, I have literally woken up, and the only person I have to answer to is myself or my wife and my kids.

"Have I made mistakes? Absolutely," he added. "Have bad things happened to me? Sure. But at the end of the day, I know every day that all I have to do is apply myself and work and be sober and be connected to what it is that makes me alive, and that's music."

With FILTER, Patrick released seven albums and scored two major rock radio hits, the aforementioned "Hey Man, Nice Shot" from the band's 1995 debut, "Short Bus", and "Take A Picture", from the 1999 follow-up, "Title Of Record".

Patrick went on to say that he and Reznor have remained close over the years.

"Trent and I talk; we text all the time," he said. "[When] it ended [between me and NINE INCH NAILS], it was kind of weird. But how many people have you gone through these experiences with? You've gotta stay connected."

American rock legend Alice Cooper is gearing up to bring his fans a different type of release this fall, something a little spicy. The beloved godfather of shock rock announced today he has partnered with the world's largest specialty hot sauce distributor, Hot Shots. In collaboration with his publishing company, Primary Wave Music, Cooper is releasing three different hot sauces based on his hit songs, "Welcome To My Nightmare", "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and "Poison". All three hot sauces are now available and can be found at select stores and online globally.

Alice's "Welcome To My Nightmare" hot sauce is the mildest of the three. With the great taste of the medium heat of Serrano chiles, the sauce also brings an early flavor of lime. Fans nervous of heat shouldn't be scared off, the robust flavor of garlic and a hint of cumin will leave them feeling right at home with this southwestern sauce.

The "No More Mr. Nice Guy" sauce tells a different story. This medium level heat contains aged red habanero peppers that create the perfect balance of heat and flavor so good you'll find it obscene. With a few drops of this, you'll be swinging back at the good Reverend.

Rounding out the three sauces is the hottest of them all, "Poison". The intense heat of this sauce will put you in Alice's straitjacket. Your senses will tell you to stop when you feel the reaper chiles running through your veins with Poison!

Cooper said: "In general, I don't believe food should be painful. But in the case of my hot sauces, it is PAIN, PLEASURE, PAIN, PLEASURE! Just repeat until satisfied!"

Of the partnership, Matthew Heald, president of Hot Shots, said: "We are honored to partner with Alice Cooper to develop his line of sauces. These sauce recipes were developed by the godfather of the hot sauce industry, CaJohn, and they are sure to be fan favorites — if they can handle the heat!"

For the past decade, THE PRETTY RECKLESS has been putting out stadium-worthy rock anthems. Their sophomore album, 2014's "Going To Hell", earned the group three No. 1 rock hits on Billboard, including for "Heaven Knows".

For the latest episode of Grammy.com's "Press Play" series, the powerhouse act performs an acoustic rendition of "House On A Hill" from "Going To Hell". Frontwoman Taylor Momsen describes the heart-wrenching song (inspired by the Vietnam War) as a "cry for humanity."

THE PRETTY RECKLESS's upcoming album, "Death By Rock And Roll", is the band's first to be made without longtime producer Kato Khandwala, who died in April 2018 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

"Death By Rock And Roll" will be released in early 2021 via Fearless Records in the U.S. and Century Media Records in the rest of the world.

Momsen has confirmed that RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello guests on "Death By Rock And Roll". Morello appears on a track called "And So It Went".

Morello joins previously announced guests Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron from SOUNDGARDEN. The song with Cameron and Thayil, called "Only Love Can Save Me Now", was recorded at Seattle's legendary London Bridge Studios, where seminal LPs like PEARL JAM's "Ten" and SOUNDGARDEN's "Louder Than Love" were laid down.

Matt Coe of Dead Rhetoric recently conducted an interview with bassist/vocalist John Gallagher of British/American trio RAVEN. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.

Dead Rhetoric: "Metal City" is the latest RAVEN album and first with drummer Mike Heller. What was the game plan in following up "ExtermiNation"? Did you enjoy having such a powerhouse drummer as Mike to elevate these songs to another level with his abilities?

John: "Yes. Every time you do a record, you want to raise the bar. We've done that successfully on the last two records. I think 'ExtermiNation' was a big leap forward from 'Walk Through Fire' — we had a killer selection of songs. We'd written a ton of songs; the tough part was choosing the right ones. Joe [Hasselvander] had his heart attack, he's out of the band and we had a couple of fill-in guys to do some U.S. dates and one of them was Mike Heller. We talked for half an hour, he got up and played and we were amazed. And he really nailed it; the two following shows were even better. We had other guys to do the European dates, but we told him we would talk when we got back. He just brought… new blood, a whole adrenaline to the whole thing. We had the songs. He didn't write them per se but his energy and with the arrangements, it took the material that was already good to another level above that. I really think this is the best thing we've ever done. It was a birthing process to get it here, but it was worth all the difficulties. I'm very proud of it."

Dead Rhetoric: You said that you had more than enough songs. How do you end up whittling down the final ten, because that must be a challenge in and of itself?

John: "It's really a great place to be. There's nothing worse than saying 'This is all we've got, let's go with it and hope for the best.' Luckily, we've almost never been in that position, we are very prolific with the writing. We had all these cool songs — what would be a great opener? Where would you go from there? And pick them out like that. There were two or three songs that we thought would be a great opener — we picked 'The Power'. We just went on consensus and we tried it and if it didn't fit, we tried another one. We didn't have it 100 percent sequenced as it were, but it kind of sequenced itself."

Dead Rhetoric: The pandemic has definitely put the live concert market in a state of flux — one of the main methods of making money for most rock/metal artists. How have you been handling this downtime, and what do you foresee things looking like when we are finally able to come out and go to shows again?

John: "I would replace the word flux with another 'F' word. [Laughs] We have dates booked in Europe for February 2021. All things being equal, that's what we are going to do. It's been terrible and my personal views would probably get me locked up. I don't think any of this was justified and it's an overblown nightmare that I hope we get out of it. We are stuck in the situation, a lot of people it's their livelihood. We are lucky that we weren't planning on touring now. I know bands that started a tour in March, and all your costs are upfront. So, they got screwed, the flights, truck rental, what have you. That worked out fine for us. The only good thing is I think there will be a huge outpouring of good will, and people wanting to go out and have a good time as soon as this thing opens up."

You can read the entire interview at Dead Rhetoric.

RAVEN's new album, "Metal City", was released on September 18 via SPV/Steamhammer.

Considered part of the "New Wave Of British Heavy Metal" movement of the early '80s, RAVEN is perhaps best remembered for its trailblazing tours in America in the early '80s that gave groups like METALLICA and ANTHRAX their first taste of the road.

RAVEN's albums "Rock Until You Drop", "Wiped Out" and "All For One" virtually invented both the speed metal and power metal genres, with the band consistently pushing the envelope while retaining its unique sound and attack — both in the studio and in their true element: onstage.

HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale says that she will vote against another four years of "hatred," "name calling," "fear mongering," "racism" and "childish leadership" in the upcoming presidential election.

On Thursday (September 24), Lzzy took to her Twitter to share the following message:

"#VoteAgainst

"I'm not voting for blue over red.

"I'm not voting for MY team over YOUR team

"This is not a Republican vs Democrat election. THIS is a GOOD VS EVIL election

"I'm not voting FOR …. I'm voting AGAINST.

"I'm voting against hatred.

I'm voting against name calling.

I'm voting against fear mongering.

I'm voting against racism.

I'm voting against inequality.

I'm voting against sexism.

I'm voting against injustice.

I'm voting against idiocracy.

I'm voting against dissonance.

I'm voting against childish leadership.

"I cannot predict the future

I cannot change the past

But I know what we can change right Now

"I'm voting against the evil happening NOW

I'm voting against another 4 years of THIS.

"Now is not the time to make OUR decision over petty differences or one issue stances

"Now is the time to abolish the wrong that we KNOW exists right NOW.

"THEN we will take the next step toward healing and CHANGE.

"Are you registered to vote?

"Make sure that you are and then make sure at least three of your friends and family are as well.

"NOW more than ever we must stand UNITED. All hands on deck! VOTE AGAINST!"

"#voteagainst"

She added in a separate tweet: "To everyone worried about me or me losing followers... don't. My heart, soul, and music will be fine. I can live without the 'likes', and the approval of those who think that hate and inequality should rule the world. Can you? My life is Mine. I am not ruled by anyone but Me."

Hale's onetime touring mate and occasional collaborator, EVANESCENCE's Amy Lee, retweeted Lzzy's original message and wrote: "Courageous warrior sister, I stand beside you 100%. This is a fight for freedom. Vote for your life. #voteagainst #VoteHimOut2020"

In a 2018 interview with the Live 105 radio station in Halifax, Hale was asked if it was hard to avoid writing about politics on HALESTORM's latest album, "Vicious", in light of the current political and social climates in the U.S. "Absolutely," she responded. "We even said that early on, because there have been some people that have picked certain things out from our record that we weren't necessarily consciously trying to do. We kind of stay away from politics and religion; with those two things, you can't really win. So it's one of those things where we kind of stay away from it — we just wanna rock; that's all we wanna do. But it is really hard not to let that stuff soak in, because it's just there — always, especially nowadays. Whereas before, you could kind of ignore it — you're, like, 'Oh, people that are into politics, they're paying attention to that.' And now everybody's into it, and it affects so many different people, and it affects friendships. So, for us, our main goal is, like, 'All right, we can't necessarily escape it, but since we're in a position where people are going to listen to what we're doing, let's make sure we put out some empowerment, we put some positivity out there, because there's too much crap going on right now.' So that was kind of our m.o. But, yeah, it's definitely tough."

About a month before the most recent U.S. presidential election, Lzzy said that she was "into equality" and insisted that she couldn't "out of good conscience" vote for anybody who built his or her empire on "division and hate and inequality."

Although she initially said that she was a Bernie Sanders supporter, Lzzy later expressed concern that he would "die the first year in office" if he got into the White House. Hale went on to say that she would "definitely not" vote for Donald Trump, explaining that she has "just never been a fan."

This past May, Lee said that she was " angry, horrified" and "ashamed" over the murder of George Floyd in police custody as well as President Donald Trump's response to the subsequent protests and riots.

Just three months earlier, Lee opened up about her political views for the first time, explaining that she couldn't "stand by" and keep her mouth shut while her "country's freedom is taken away." He decision to speak out was apparently prompted by the GOP-controlled Senate's vote to acquit Trump on both articles of impeachment without calling witnesses.

She wrote at the time: "I do not accept lying, cheating or bullying from my government… Accepting this abuse says it's okay for our leaders to lie to us, cheat on us, make decisions without our input, and silence us when we try to speak up. This isn't about your policies or beliefs, it's about our freedom."

Lee added: "I will never bow down to a dictator."




https://t.co/UV0rK9mkUD pic.twitter.com/8xgDQv6PXB

— Lzzy Hale (@LZZYHALE) September 25, 2020








To everyone worried about me or me losing followers... don’t. My heart, soul, and music will be fine. I can live without the “likes”, and the approval of those who think that hate and inequality should rule the world. Can you? My life is Mine. I am not ruled by anyone but Me.

— Lzzy Hale (@LZZYHALE) September 25, 2020








Courageous warrior sister, I stand beside you 100%. This is a fight for freedom. Vote for your life. #voteagainst #VoteHimOut2020 https://t.co/PVBJs2Jrc9

— Amy Lee (@AmyLeeEV) September 25, 2020

METAL CHURCH's Kurdt Vanderhoof will release his new solo album, "Brainchild", in early 2021. In a new interview with Pete Pardo of Sea Of Tranquility, the guitarist described the LP, which was completed two years ago, as "a personal challenge — just something I wanted to do. It's just '70s old-school guitar riff rock.

"One of the best albums in the world was MONTROSE's first record, so I was, like, 'I just wanna see if I can do this.' So I did everything — drums, everything, vocals, everything," he explained. "Not 'cause I think I can, but just 'cause I wanted to do it — I wanted to try it. And it came out okay. I can listen to it, and I don't have to hit 'eject' right away. Musically, it's fine, but the whole vocal thing was just something I wanted to try to do. I spent years and years and years and years telling singers how to do it, like, 'Okay, that was flat. That was sharp. Do it again.' [I was] doing that [while] producing a record. So I'm, like, 'Well, why don't you just do it yourself?' It was a lot of fun."

During the same chat, Vanderhoof, who recently relocated from his longtime home of Aberdeen, Washington to Palm Springs, California, also revealed that he is "finishing up" the new solo album from RIOT V singer Todd Michael Hall, which should also arrive in 2021.

METAL CHURCH is currently working on material for a new studio album. The follow-up to 2018's "Damned If You Do" will likely arrive in 2021 via Rat Pak Records.

METAL CHURCH's latest release was "From The Vault", which arrived in April via Rat Pak Records. The compilation album featured 14 previously unreleased songs from the Mike Howe era, including four newly recorded studio tracks including a redux of the band's fan favorite classic "Conductor". The remaining tracks are compiled from various recordings in the band's history and include five tracks from 2018's "Damned If You Do" recording sessions, three cover songs and two live tracks, "Agent Green" and "Anthem To The Estranged", which was recorded at the famous Club Citta, Kawasaki, Japan on the "Damned If You Do" world tour.

Howe, who fronted METAL CHURCH from 1988 until 1994, officially rejoined the band in April 2015.

Classical guitar virtuoso Thomas Zwijsen has released the new video below, featuring his acoustic finger style ukulele cover of Bon Jovi's "You Give Love A Bad Name".

Zwijsen previously released an acoustic fingerstyle ukulele cover of the Dio classic, "Rainbow In The Dark". Watch below:




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After more than 10 years of successfully working together, Nuclear Blast has announced that Polish tech death masters DECAPITATED have decided to refresh their bond and have re-signed with the German metal label for another era of extreme metal.

Nuclear Blast USA general manager Gerardo Martinez states: "DECAPITATED has been in my life literally since the band started, and soon after the first time they toured the U.S. with their second album. First time seeing them live, I knew that the band had 'it.' Fast forward to the 'Organic Hallucinosis' days and I became very good friends with all of them and I haven't left them since. We've gone through highs and lows, but one thing that makes me feel great is that we are here, in 2020, extending their deal so we can continue to be in the family and release more music together for many years to come."

Guitarist Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka says: "We have been working with Nuclear Blast Records for over a decade now and I am more than happy to announce that we have re-signed our contract. The bond which we have between the band and the label is really great; it's not only a business relationship but also a lot of respect, loyalty, understanding, and support over the years, definitely the core of any relationship. Many things will happen in the upcoming months! I am super excited to continue this journey with such a professional team again! Wait for the new music! It's coming!

Nuclear Blast A&R Jerome Riera adds: "I'm extremely happy to be working with DECAPITATED for their next chapter with Nuclear Blast. They are one of the rare bands of our time that uses their incredible technical skills to consistently deliver their own unique brand of brutal and impactful songs. Looking forward to spending 2021 with them!"

DECAPITATED's latest album, "Anticult", was released in July 2017 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Back in March 2018, Kiełtyka said that he and his bandmates were "ready to return," two months after all rape and kidnapping charges against were dropped against them in Spokane County.

Less than two weeks before the Polish death metal musicians were scheduled to go on trial in January 2018 for allegedly kidnapping and raping a woman on their tour bus four months earlier, Spokane County prosecutor Kelly Fitzgerald filed a motion dismissing all rape and kidnapping charges. The motion cited "the well being of the victim" as a reason for dropping the charges without prejudice, meaning the four members of DECAPITATED could be prosecuted in the future.

DECAPITATED is:

Waclaw "Vogg" Kiełtyka - Guitar

Rafał "Rasta" Piotrowski - Vocals

James Stewart - Drums

Photo credit: Robert Zembrzycki

An excerpt from the audiobook version of JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford's upcoming autobiography, "Confess", can be heard using the SoundCloud widget below.

"Confess" will arrive on September 29 via Hachette Books. Pre-orders are now available at Amazon.

On August 5, Halford shared a photo of him in a recording booth, and he captioned it: "'Confess audio book recording done and dusted!'(preorder available now at all major online sites and bookstores)"

Known as "The Metal God" by his devoted, global fan base, Halford has always subverted the norm, and "Confess" will offer readers a compelling, heartfelt and honest look at the struggles Rob has faced with addiction and his sexuality as well as exploring his music and his many brushes with controversy.

Written with Ian Gittins, co-writer of "The Heroin Diaries" by Nikki Sixx, the book charts Halford's rock and roll lifestyle from the late eighties to the band's 50th anniversary in 2020.

Halford explained: "'Confess' is a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to expose every facet of myself. Digging deep with nothing to hide and nothing to fear was in many ways exciting, fun, disturbing, terrifying and cathartic. I've held nothing back. It's time for me to 'Confess'."

Headline Publishing's publishing director Sarah Emsley, who acquired world rights from Dave Daniel at CSA for "Confess", said: "I have a real passion for warts-and-all, career-spanning autobiographies from icons of the music world and Rob Halford's story is truly incredible. Covering seven action-packed decades, the early material from 'Confess' is stunning. We cannot wait to publish Rob's book around the globe."

Last year, the JUDAS PRIEST singer confirmed that he was finally working on a book, after having previously insisted he would never do so because of privacy concerns.

In a recent interview with Robert Cavuoto of Sonic Perspectives, Halford stated about the book's title: "I would like to feel there are parts of this book which are relatable to others. Everybody is the same, as we all share similar life experiences. There are so many things that happen to us; we are almost identical no matter where we are from. I've traveled the world and seen how our music can touch people from all walks of life and professions. Confessing these stories or episodes is important, and it gives the reader a look-see into this guy that you only see from one point of view."

Asked if he has any regrets about sharing some of his stories with the world, his friends, his family and bandmates, Halford said: "That's a really great question. When I was sitting with [co-writer] Ian [Gittins, who also co-wrote The New York Times bestseller 'The Heroin Diaries' by Nikki Sixx], I was very open and honest. It just flows out of me. Being clean and sober for 30 years, I don't lie anymore, nor do I hold anything back. I like people to be the same towards me.

"I don't doubt for one minute that some people will be shocked by what's in 'Confess'. This is my life, and me telling you all the important parts of it. It's up to you to decide how to interrupt and utilize it.

"Going one step further, when I was having these long sessions with Ian, I would stop and go, 'Why did I say that?' particularly with some of the family incidents. I really had to let that go.

"The book isn't even out yet, and I think about it nearly every day," he continued. "I have to find a commonplace, because I am exposing parts of my life, which some people will be quite shocked. That's not my intent.

"When you are confessing, it's exactly what you are doing. To protect certain individuals, we just changed their names out of respect.

"It's crazy — some days I feel great that it's all out there. Some days I would like to rewrite a paragraph or part all over.

"I'm sure I'm not the first person who has made this kind of book.

"Quite frankly, if I weren't feeling that way, I would think there is something wrong with me.

"I'm a very emotional person. I'm still trying to find a settled place. That is why these interviews are good for me, as I can talk things out. Talking and communication are so vital to us in life, especially when we are trying to figure things out."

Halford is not the first member of PRIEST's classic lineup to release a book. Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing released his autobiography, "Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest", in September 2018 via Da Capo Press.

In 2009, original JUDAS PRIEST singer Al Atkins released his autobiography, titled "Dawn Of The Metal Gods: My Life In Judas Priest And Heavy Metal". JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill penned the foreword to the book, which was written with Neil Daniels — a freelance rock writer and heavy metal fan who befriended Atkins during the writing of Neil's book "The Story Of Judas Priest: Defenders Of The Faith" (Omnibus Press).


























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“Confess audio book recording done and dusted!”(preorder available now at all major online sites and bookstores)???????#heavymetal #ink #tattoo #read #books #listen #learn #life #story #true #facts #open #up #love #family #friends #fans #one #world #peace #respect #all @headlinebooks @hachetteus @hachettebooks

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For this year's "Record Store Day", the surviving members of SOUNDGARDEN teamed with singer Brandi Carlile to record new versions of "Black Hole Sun" and "Searching With My Good Eye Closed".

The tribute to late SOUNDGARDEN vocalist Chris Cornell was released as a 12-inch on September 26, which is the second of three separate "Record Store Drops" this year.

In addition to Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd and Matt Cameron, Carlile worked with her frequent collaborators, twins Phil and Tim Hanseroth.

The songs were recorded at Seattle's London Bridge Studio, a legendary place that hosted both SOUNDGARDEN and Carlile early in their careers, along with many other Seattle music luminaries.

Cameron told Rolling Stone about "Searching With My Good Eye Closed": "That was Brandi's choice and it was a good one. 'Searching With My Good Eye Closed' is one of Chris's greatest songs; it has so much depth. It's a colossus. Hearing Brandi and the twins completely rock the fuck out on that tune was amazing. I love how it turned out. Kim's solo is pretty incredible too."

Thayil added: "I assume that Brandi chose to record 'Searching With My Good Eye Closed' because it’s a beautiful song that is accommodating of her vocal style. I'm really happy that she chose this song, because her interpretation is absolutely amazing. It's beautifully emotive, floating and trippy. Her version sent shivers down my spine."

Earlier this year, Carlile wrote about recording her early demos at London Bridge with her band, saying, "SOUNDGARDEN were just gods to us back then. Total pioneers and unreachable to us in every way. We went about making our demos and cleaning the studio when we couldn't afford the bill never knowing that in November of 2019 we would go back to London Bridge and RECORD TWO SONGS WITH THEM!! [Chris Cornell] was as great as a human singer can get and now he's an angel. Thank you Kim, Ben, and Matt. I'll never forget this day for as long as I live."

Cornell was found hanged in his room at the MGM Grand Detroit hotel in May 2017, following a SOUNDGARDEN show at the city's Fox Theatre. His body was found soon after he had spoken with a "slurred" voice to his wife by phone. The death was ruled a suicide.
























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Tomorrow.... @soundgarden @nudedragonsofficial @recordstoredayus #RecordStoreDay #RSDdrops

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During an appearance on the latest episode of the "Off Menu With Ed Gamble And James Acaster" podcast, Corey Taylor spoke about the physical aspect of being in SLIPKNOT and having to put on a high-energy live show more than 20 years into the band's existence. He said (hear audio below): "We came out of the gate so nuts that only age has been able to really kind of take the edge off of it, and yet, on stage, we're still just a fucking ball of, like, what the fuck?

"We still tour like we're 25, 'cause we're stupid. And we're just fucking running all over the place. We've all had at least one surgery. It's, like, what the fuck are we trying to prove at this point? 'I can kick my own ass. You fucking watch.'

"I don't get it, man."

Last month, Taylor told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation Virtual Invasion" that he will know when it's time to finally time for him to walk away from SLIPKNOT due to the physical cost of performing with the band for so many years.

"I'm still as into extreme music as I've always been," he said. "That's just a side of me that I've always been into. It' never hard enough; it's never crazy enough. And sometimes the band has to calm me down when it comes to the stuff that I write. [Laughs]

"I don't know, man. I've always said that the second that I'm doing this for reasons other than my absolute passion for doing it, as soon as that changes, that's when I'll know. And that's honestly why I've always followed my passions and followed my interests, and I've never allowed myself to do anything for money, for a cheap pop, cheap fame — I've never done any of that. I'm not gonna say I'm proud of it, because that's just who I am.

"But needless to say, if I get to the age where that choice makes more and more sense, I think there's a part of me that will absolutely rein myself in and be, like, 'No. No. This isn't who you are. This isn't what you wanna do. You need to walk,'" he added. "And I think at that point, I'll have accomplished enough that I'll be okay with it. It won't mean that I'll stop making music. It just means I'll stop making a certain type of music. For me, I think I'll have the honesty to know and hopefully the courage to do it, because sometimes it's scary."

Corey will release his debut solo album, "CMFT", on October 2 via Roadrunner Records. Taylor recorded the effort with his band consisting of Jason Christopher on bass, Dustin Schoenhofer on drums, and Zach Throne and Christian Martucci (STONE SOUR) on guitar. The LP was completed at Kevin Churko's The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas with producer Jay Ruston, who has previously worked with ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER and STONE SOUR, among others.

In the video below, Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro can be seen performing a playthrough clip for his new song, "Overflow":

"Overflow" is the lead-off track on Kiko Loureiro's new solo album, Open Source. Order your copy here, and find a full audio stream below.

A recent message from Kiko states: "By definition, 'open source' is related to softwares which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. It brings us a higher sense of community, enhances our creativity and creates new possibilities. So why not take this concept to our art, our music? How much richer a song could be if others had access to its source code? What if the song's original composition wasn't the final product? What if it was just the beginning? Something that could be constantly updated and evolve over time. And as well as a machine, we as humans are also minded to enhancements, being an open source ourselves, constantly moving and growing, through technology, science, spirituality… and art. This is the mindset which I bring now to my fifth solo album, that was named... guess what? OPEN SOURCE!"

Tracklisting:

"Overflow
"EDM (e-Dependent Mind)"
"Imminent Threat"
"Liquid Times"
"Sertão"
"Vital Signs"
"Dreamlike"
"Black Ice"
"In Motion"
"Running With The Bulls"
"Du Monde"

Album stream:




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"We're going to be doing another livestream concert on Saturday, October 3rd at 4pm Eastern / 1pm Pacific with The Obsessed and I Am," says Crowbar frontman Kirk Windstein.

"Our set list is going to be completely turned upside down. We're going to have seven, eight, maybe even nine songs we haven't played in ten, fifteen, twenty years. It's going to be a totally different setlist than what we had last time. We're really looking forward to it!"

Purchase your tickets and/or merch bundles now at this location. 

(Photo courtesy of Robin Windstein)




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SHINEDOWN singer Brent Smith spoke to Andy Hall of the Des Moines, Iowa radio station Lazer 103.3 about SMITH & MYERS, his collaboration with SHINEDOWN guitarist Zach Myers. Last month, the duo released dual singles from its forthcoming full-length album, "Smith & Myers Volume 1", due out October 9 via Atlantic Records.

"It just isn't SHINEDOWN acoustic," Brent said about SMITH & MYERS. "This is a different project. It sounds different. I think that if people have an idea that it's gonna sound like SHINEDOWN, they're gonna notice very quickly that that's not what it is.

"Before me and Zach decided to go and do this, we talked to Eric [Bass, SHINEDOWN bassist] about this, we talked to Barry [Kerch, SHINEDOWN drummer] about this. They understand that this is an outlet, and it's a different style, and they're very, very much on board with it — they're very supportive of it.

"I'm in Pennsylvania right now, 'cause me and Zach have a SMITH & MYERS show in Scranton tomorrow night, and then the night after tomorrow, we have a show in Pittsburgh. But I'm in the middle of writing with Eric at the moment SHINEDOWN [album number] seven in Charleston [South Carolina].

"Look, it's something for the four of us, where we talk to each other, we're very open with one another about what we're doing.

"This is a project that is very, very dear to me and Zach, and it's just a different style, it's a different animal."

Asked if he ever struggles with what might be a better song idea for SHINEDOWN versus what's dedicated to SMITH & MYERS, or if they are really that different, where he knows for sure that's what this is, Smith said: "Well, the thing about SMITH & MYERS is that it was interesting because this is the first time where we wrote 10 original songs. The first installment of SMITH & MYERS back in 2014 was just kind of for fun, and we didn't realize that it actually had the potential to be something outside of SHINEDOWN. So this is kind of the beginning of feeling it out in a lot of ways. With the other element of what we do here is we take songs from other artists that the audiences helped us pick, or kind of nudged us in one direction. But that's another thing, too — the covers on these two volumes that people are gonna be hearing, we've reimagined them in a way of we're really focusing on the lyrics and the story in these songs. And then from the original material, it was the first time that we had done it, so we didn't go into it thinking about, 'This is gonna be a SHINEDOWN song.' We went into it thinking, 'This is gonna be a SMITH & MYERS song, so what does that sound like?' And the very first single out of the gate, 'Not Mad Enough', I think a lot of people, they've already said, 'This is not what we thought it was gonna be, but it's quite intriguing.'"

SMITH & MYERS' new original single, "Not Mad Enough", was written in the immediate aftermath of George Floyd's death, expressing the intense emotions that followed and laying bare a plea for racial justice through direct and urgent lyrics over acoustic guitar. The song is paired with the release of a poignant version of "Rockin' In The Free World", highlighting Neil Young's timeless lyrics that are just as relevant today over lone piano.

"Smith & Myers Volume 1" features five original tunes and five re-imaginings of fan-submitted songs, including Post Malone's "Better Now", INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart", Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse's "Valerie", and THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS' "Unchained Melody".

Marilyn Manson's music video for the song "Don't Chase The Dead" can be seen below. The clip stars Manson alongside Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl Dixon on "The Walking Dead".

"Don't Chase The Dead" is taken from Manson's eleventh studio album, "We Are Chaos", which was released on September 11 via Loma Vista Recordings. Produced by Grammy Award winner Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker) and Manson, the ten-track opus was written, recorded, and finished before a pandemic blanketed us all.

Manson's painting "Infinite Darkness", which can be seen on the album cover, was specifically created to accompany the music. His fine art paintings continue to be shown all over the world, including gallery and museum exhibitions from Miami to Vienna to Moscow.

Manson said of the album: "When I listen to 'We Are Chaos' now, it seems like just yesterday or as if the world repeated itself, as it always does, making the title track and the stories seem as if we wrote them today. This was recorded to its completion without anyone hearing it until it was finished. There is most definitely a side A and side B in the traditional sense. But just like an LP, it is a flat circle and it's up to the listener to put the last piece of the puzzle into the picture of songs.

"This concept album is the mirror Shooter and I built for the listener — it's the one we won't stare into. There are so many rooms, closets, safes and drawers. But in the soul or your museum of memories, the worst are always the mirrors. Shards and slivers of ghosts haunted my hands when I wrote most of these lyrics.

"Making this record, I had to think to myself: 'Tame your crazy, stitch your suit. And try to pretend that you are not an animal' but I knew that mankind is the worst of them all. Making mercy is like making murder. Tears are the human body's largest export."

Manson continues to infiltrate fashion, film, and music, leaving his fingerprints on modern culture. Saint Laurent tapped him for a campaign, Travis Scott personally invited him to perform at the sold-out Astroworld festival, GQ named him one of the most fashionable men of 2019, he appeared as an actor in everything from "Sons Of Anarchy" to "American Gods" to "The New Pope", and also co-headlined several "Twins Of Evil" tours with Rob Zombie.

SEVENDUST frontman Lajon Witherspoon spoke to Talking Metal about his long-in-the-works debut solo album. He said (see video below): "The solo thing for me has been fun. I've not had any pressure. It hasn't been something that, 'Oh, I have to do this.' This is something I've done on my own.

"I've been working with a very close friend of mine, Sahaj [Daniel Ticotin], which is the lead singer from the band RA, which I think a lot of people out there would know," he continued. "[He's] an incredible friend and artist, and we write well together. I think we have, like, nine songs — nine or 10. We're gonna do another writing session. In October, Sahaj will be coming to my farm house, and we'll hook up there for, like, a week, and do some writing. So it's really cool."

Asked about the musical direction of his solo material, Lajon said: "You can be on the avenue and hang out with my solo stuff. It's rock. It's a little bit of heavy, but I think it lends more towards a bluesy, soulful, more radio friendly… I'm not saying SEVENDUST isn't radio friendly, but I think this is more of a radio friendly… I don't know. It's a lot, a lot, a lot of melody. It's cool."

Witherspoon released the standalone solo single "Love Song" in 2017.

SEVENDUST has set "Blood & Stone" as the title of its 13th studio album, due on October 23 via Rise Records. The follow-up to 2018's "All I See Is War" was once again tracked at Studio Barbarosa in Gotha, Florida with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who has previously worked with ALTER BRIDGE and SLASH, among others.

Guitar Interactive Magazine has posted a new video clip with the following introduction:

"If you play the electric guitar, odds are you owe everything you do to the innovative musicianship of Jimi Hendrix. A bold claim? Perhaps, but once we’re done I’m fairly confident you’ll agree. Almost half a century on from the electric guitar icon's passing, Nick Jennison explores the impact that Hendrix still has the electric guitar today and breaks down some of the key factors that made his playing so influential and groundbreaking."

Experience Hendrix L.L.C. in partnership with Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, are releasing the brand new feature length documentary,  Music, Money, Madness... Jimi Hendrix In Maui, as well as the accompanying album, Live In Maui, on November 20.

The film chronicles the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s storied visit to Maui and how they became ensnared with the ill-fated Rainbow Bridge movie produced by their controversial manager Michael Jeffery. The Blu-ray will include the full documentary as well as bonus features featuring all of the existing 16mm color film shot of the two performances that afternoon mixed in both stereo and  5.1 surround sound. Included in the package will be Live In Maui - both of the aforementioned sets spread across 2 CDs or 3 vinyl LPs, newly restored and mixed by longtime Jimi Hendrix engineer Eddie Kramer, and mastered by Bernie Grundman.

“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” from this historic concert is available today on streaming services; those who pre-order the package will receive a digital download of the track. In addition, there will be various Maui merchandise designs and music bundles available exclusively at the Authentic Hendrix store.

View a trailer for Music, Money, Madness... Jimi Hendrix In Maui below:

A video for “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” Live In Maui, 1970 can be found below. Pre-order Music, Money, Madness... Jimi Hendrix Live In Maui documentary/Live In Maui album here.

By the middle of 1970, Jimi Hendrix was working on a follow up album to Electric Ladyland with his bandmates Mitch Mitchell (drums) and Billy Cox (bass), headlining festivals and arenas across the U.S. and building Electric Lady Studios in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. Completing this state-of-the-art recording facility was proving to be a costly endeavor, so his manager Michael Jeffery procured a $500,000 advance from Warner Bros. to fund the remaining construction required to complete the studio. At those same meetings, Jeffery convinced Warner Bros. executives to finance a film called Rainbow Bridge that was to be shot in Maui, in exchange for rights to its soundtrack album consisting of new Jimi Hendrix studio recordings.  

Inspired by Easy Rider and directed by Warhol acolyte Chuck Wein, Jeffery’s film centered around the idea of a “rainbow bridge” between the unenlightened and enlightened worlds. It was envisioned to feature everything from surfing and yoga to meditation and Tai-Chi and filmed without the aid of a script or professional actors. It proved to be a rambling assemblage of hippie excess and Jeffery grew concerned that his investment was being squandered. The Experience were already booked to perform a concert in Honolulu at the H.I.C. Arena on August 1, 1970. Chuck Wein, desperate to feature Hendrix in some capacity within the film, devised a plan to film a free ‘color/sound vibratory experiment’ on the lower slope of the dormant Haleakala volcano. Word of mouth about a free Jimi Hendrix concert led a few hundred curious Maui locals to the Baldwin cattle ranch in Olinda where a makeshift stage was constructed and the audience was arranged by their astrological signs. The performance was a success – the trio was at the height of its powers and played two sets flawlessly against a stunning natural backdrop.

In the aftermath of his performance on Maui, Hendrix would return to New York and his work at Electric Lady Studios. He had no further involvement in Rainbow Bridge. He left for Europe at the end of August to headline the massive Isle Of Wight festival and begin a European tour. Tragically, he would die in London on September 18, 1970.

The Cry Of Love, the first album of posthumous Jimi Hendrix recordings, was issued in 1971 to wide commercial and critical acclaim. Jeffery readied Rainbow Bridge and its accompanying soundtrack to be the next release. Despite its Hendrix association, the film was a commercial flop. Rainbow Bridge confused moviegoers, many of whom were under the impression they were going to see a concert film. A scant 17 minutes of haphazardly edited Hendrix concert footage was used in the final cut, and it proved to be the film’s saving grace. Due to technical problems inherent in the original recording of the Maui performances, Mitch Mitchell had to overdub his drum tracks at Electric Lady Studios in 1971 just so those performances could be featured.

Eddie Kramer recalls, "Mitch did a tremendous amount of work on the overdubs. If he didn’t get it in one take, he certainly did in the second one and I was so blown away by his ability to duplicate the parts he had already played! He was determined to fix what suffered on the recordings due to the 50 mile an hour winds because they were playing on the side of a bloody volcano! After Jimi died it took a while before I was able to go back to the closet with all the tapes. Mitch was a trooper with a can do British attitude. It’s all very well to overdub drums, but to do it so you can’t tell, that’s the magic. He knew the material extremely well and it’s a tribute to his sensitivity as a great musician and an equal and willing partner of Jimi’s.”

The posthumously released Rainbow Bridge soundtrack album, prepared by Mitch Mitchell, Eddie Kramer and John Jansen, was first rate and featured classics such as “Dolly Dagger” and “Hey Baby (New Rising Sun).” The album, however, did not include audio from the Maui concert, which may have also added to consumer confusion.

Directed by John McDermott  and produced by Janie Hendrix, George Scott and McDermott, Music, Money, Madness... Jimi Hendrix In Maui incorporates never before released original footage and new interviews with firsthand participants and key players such as Billy Cox, Eddie Kramer, Warner Bros. executives and several Rainbow Bridge cast members, as well as its director Chuck Wein. Their fascinating account tells the definitive story about one of the most controversial independent films ever made.  

The documentary sets the proverbial stage for Live In Maui – the two full Jimi Hendrix Experience sets, including breathtaking renditions of crowd favorites like “Foxey Lady,” “Purple Haze” and Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” as well as then-unreleased songs like “Dolly Dagger” and “Freedom” that showcased the new direction Hendrix was moving toward.

“Jimi loved adventure and there was certainly no shortage of it during his time in Hawaii, a place he also loved,” said Janie Hendrix. “The back story of Rainbow Bridge and these recordings paint a picture of Jimi’s uncanny ability to turn the bizarre into something amazing! We’re excited about this release because it gives the world a closer look at Jimi’s genius.”

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Live In Maui CD tracklisting:

Disc One - First Show:

Chuck Wein Introduction
"Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)"                                      
"In From The Storm"              
"Foxey Lady"                      
"Hear My Train A-Comin'"        
"Voodoo Child (Slight Return)"   
"Fire"
"Purple Haze"                    
"Spanish Castle Magic"                    
"Lover Man"                      
"Message To Love"              

Disc Two - Second Show:
"Dolly Dagger"
"Villanova Junction"
"Ezy Ryder"
"Red House"
"Freedom"
"Jam Back At The House"
"Straight Ahead"
"Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)/Midnight Lightning"
"Stone Free"

"Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" - Live In Maui, 1970 video:




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AC/DC updated its social media earlier today with a short video clip featuring the lightning bolt from its iconic logo as a neon light alongside the sound of a guitar or musical instrument plugging into an amplifier. The speculation is that the legendary hard rock band is preparing to announce its comeback, possibly as early as this week or next week.

Earlier in the month, images seemingly taken from a new video shoot were apparently posted on the band's official web site before being swiftly removed. The photos, which were obtained by a Brazilian fan site, appeared to show frontman Brian Johnson joined by drummer Phil Rudd, bassist Cliff Williams and guitarists Angus and Stevie Young. The pictures were the first of Phil and Stevie sharing a stage, adding weight to the rumor of Rudd's return.

Earlier in the year, prior to the coronavirus outbreak, it was rumored that AC/DC was about to announce a world stadium tour. The trek will apparently include Johnson, who was forced to leave the band mid-tour four years ago due to a dangerous level of hearing loss. He was eventually replaced on the road by GUNS N' ROSES vocalist Axl Rose.

Two years ago, Brian and Phil, along with Angus and Stevie, were photographed outside Vancouver's Warehouse Studios. Based on the pictures, the assumption was that AC/DC was in the midst of making — or at least planning — another album, with Rudd and Johnson both back in the lineup.

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.

In February 2019, a photo surfaced on social media suggesting that Williams has also returned to AC/DC and will appear on the rumored comeback album, which is expected to be released in 2021.

A September 2018 report from JAM! magazine cited a "reliable source inside the AC/DC camp" as indicating that the band was recording a new LP which would utilize previously unreleased guitar tracks from Malcolm Young on all the songs.

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.

Rudd, who has appeared on all but three of AC/DC's 18 studio albums, toured in support of his 2014 solo debut, "Head Job". It was the release of that album that led indirectly to Rudd's arrest, with the drummer allegedly so angry at a personal assistant over the way the record was promoted that he threatened to have the man and his daughter killed.




pic.twitter.com/0WKzNSi3ix

— AC/DC (@acdc) September 28, 2020






Posted by AC/DC on Monday, September 28, 2020



Posted by AC/DC on Monday, September 28, 2020

Apocalyptica have released footage of their performance of Metallica's "Master Of Puppets" at With Full Force Festival 2018. Watch below:

Apocalyptica recently released their new digital single, "Talk To Me" featuring Halestorm's Lzzy Hale. Get it here, and watch a lyric video below.

"After years of friendship we are more than happy to release a song together with the amazing Lzzy of Halestorm! This song has been in our minds for quite some time and we have been waiting for the right moment to finish it, and getting Lzzy to join us and perform in her outstanding way was a dream come true! We want to thank Lzzy and the whole Halestorm team for their great work and friendship." - Eicca Toppinen

“Apocalyptica and I have for years talked about doing something together, and the last time I saw Eicca Toppinen, in Helsinki, Finland during the 2019 Tuska Festival, he brought up the idea that we finally make that talk a reality. I’m so excited for the world to hear this song! Thank you so much to the entire Apocalyptica camp for being a part of our family all these years and for including me in this project!” - Lzzy Hale

The Epic Apocalypse Tour featuring Epica and Apocalyptica, with support by Helsinki prog metallers Wheel, has been postponed till Spring 2021.

Resheduled tour dates are as follows:

March
1 - Berlin, Germany - Columbiahalle
2 - Leipzig, Germany - Haus Auensee
3 - Hannover, Germany - Capitol0
5 - Zurich, Switzerland - Komplex
6 - Munich, Germany - Tonhalle
7 - Milan, Italy - Fabrique  
8 - Lausanne, Switzerland - Metropole
10 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
11 - Vienna, Austria - Gasometer
12 - Brno, Czech Republic - Hala Vodova
13 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
14 - Gdansk, Poland - B90
17 - Hamburg, Germany - Docks
18 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Amager Bio
20 - Stockholm, Sweden - Berns
21 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum

April
1 - Helsinki, Finland - Ice Hall
7 - Lisbon, Portugal - Coliseum
8 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
9 - Murcia, Spain - Gamma
11 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz
12 - Toulouse, France - Bikini
13 - Paris, France - Zenith
14 - Brussel, Belgium - Ancienne Belgique
16 - Nottingham, UK - Rock City *NEW*
17 - Glasgow, UK - O2 Academy
18 - Bristol, UK -  O2 Academy
20 - Cologne, Germany - Carlswerk Victoria
21 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - MHP arena
22 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
24 - Luxembourg - Den Atelier
25 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - AFAS Live
27 - London, UK - Roundhouse
28 - Manchester, UK - Academy




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ALTER BRIDGE frontman Myles Kennedy has completed recording his second solo album. He used the same team that worked on 2018's "Year Of The Tiger", including producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, engineer Jef Moll, as well as drummer Zia Uddin and bassist Tim Tournier.

On Saturday (September 26), Myles posted an Instagram photo of him behind a recording console, and he included the following message: "After spending the last 7 months writing and recording, the 2nd solo record is tracked and 'in the can' as they say. The process, which started with me writing and demoing for the first half of the year merged into connecting with @zznuddin @timothysonoftimothy and driving nearly 3000 miles to Florida with gear in tow to meet up with the legend that is @elvisliberace at his fine studio. We all lived in a state of lockdown for 7 weeks with no outside world and nothing to focus on but recording music and acting like a bunch of 7th graders hopped up on vast amounts silly juice. It was an incredible experience....Rock n Roll summer camp at it's finest. Thanks to my band and Elvis as well as his merry men @1f_jef and @joshuasaldate for helping bring yet another record across the finish line in best way possible. Love to y'all. #solorecord #MKII".

In July, Kennedy told "Offstage With DWP" about the musical direction of the forthcoming LP: "'Year Of The Tiger', first of all, is a very dark record, and it's very stripped down, very acoustic based. This one has elements of that. I wanted to keep a common thread with it. There are acoustic elements. There's definitely still that element of a lot of slide guitar, a lot of lap steel, 'cause I just love how emotive both those are. But it definitely rocks a little more. There's no doubt about it — this is more of a rock record, with kind of a heavy R&B undercurrent at times as well. There's even one song — if it makes the record — which is a full-on Motown thing.

"I've got so many [songs] right now," Myles added. "[The overall direction] is really gonna depend on what makes the record. I think I learned that from David Bowie interview, where he [said he] would try and write… He'd have 40 songs to choose from [for an album], so that way you can make the best statement you can."

Myles's tour in support of "Year Of The Tiger" featured music from the album as well as selections from Myles's work with ALTER BRIDGE, THE MAYFIELD FOUR and SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS.
























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“Turn up the Flux Capacitor!!” After spending the last 7 months writing and recording, the 2nd solo record is tracked and “in the can” as they say. The process, which started with me writing and demoing for the first half of the year merged into connecting with @zznuddin @timothysonoftimothy and driving nearly 3000 miles to Florida with gear in tow to meet up with the legend that is @elvisliberace at his fine studio. We all lived in a state of lockdown for 7 weeks with no outside world and nothing to focus on but recording music and acting like a bunch of 7th graders hopped up on vast amounts silly juice. It was an incredible experience....Rock n Roll summer camp at it’s finest. Thanks to my band and Elvis as well as his merry men @1f_jef and @joshuasaldate for helping bring yet another record across the finish line in best way possible. Love to y’all. #solorecord #MKII

A post shared by Myles Kennedy (@officialmyleskennedy) on Sep 26, 2020 at 12:08pm PDT

Ozzy Osbourne says that he "just started to work" on a new album with producer Andrew Watt.

The legendary BLACK SABBATH singer's next effort will be the follow-up to "Ordinary Man", which he recorded with Watt late last year while recovering from surgery and related illnesses. Released in February, the LP featured Andrew on guitars, Duff McKagan (GUNS N' ROSES) on bass and Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) on drums.

Speaking to Radio.com's "Live Check In" series about what he has been doing during his coronavirus downtime, Ozzy said (see video below): "I'm doing another record right now. I just started to work with Andrew again.

"It's what gets me up in the morning, and it's what I'm here to do," he continued. "It saved my life, doing that last album. [It's better than] sitting on my ass all day waiting for the fucking pandemic to be over. And then you go, 'Oh, yeah, I am a rock and roller. I'd better do an album.' You've got all the fucking time in the world to make the best album possible."

Beyond the core band, "Ordinary Man" featured a who's-who of Ozzy friends and collaborators, including Elton John, Slash, Post Malone and Tom Morello.

This past July, Ozzy said that he was still "not back to 100 percent" after suffering from several medical issues last year, including a fall, neck surgery and hospitalization for the flu. Ozzy also said that he was looking forward to performing again once he has regained his health and the coronavirus pandemic has subsided.

Ozzy had had previously canceled all his 2019 tour plans, and the rescheduled 2020 shows have also been scrapped. Osbourne was also forced to cancel an April trip to Switzerland to see a doctor who specializes in treatment of Parkinson's disease. The singer revealed earlier this year that he was diagnosed with the condition.

Japanese drum prodigy Yoyoka Soma, who has become a YouTube sensation and has attracted the attention of KISS icon Gene Simmons and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, has teamed up with Mr. Big / Sons Of Apollo bass legend Billy Sheehan, ZO2 vocalist Paulie Z, and guitarist Brandon Paul for a lockdown cover of Mr. Big's "Take Cover". Check it out below.

"Take Cover" is taken from the 1996 Mr. Big album, Hey Man.

Yoyoka previously teamed up with Paulie Z, bassist Koichi Terasawa (ex-SLY) and guitarist Satsuma3042 to record a lockdown cover of Ozzy Osbourne's "Over The Mountain". Check it out below.




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