Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson says that nobody took it personally that the house band played the song "Master Of Puppets" from Dave Mustaine's former band METALLICA when MEGADETH was honored with its first-ever Grammy eight years ago.

MEGADETH was nominated for a 2017 Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance" for the title track of "Dystopia". This marked the band's twelfth Grammy nomination in this category (including nominations in the discontinued "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category).

Mustaine was fired from METALLICA in 1983 — some three years before "Master Of Puppets" was released — over substance abuse and anger issues. Although he later conceded that he was "bitter" for a period of time after being dismissed, he insisted that any perceived feud with his former bandmates was an illusion.

In a new interview with Joshua Toomey of the "Talk Toomey" podcast, Ellefson was asked if he and his former bandmates ever found out why the Grammy organizers thought "Master Of Puppets" was the right song to accompany MEGADETH's walk up to the stage. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "So here's what it is. So, our number — I think we were number 69 out of, I don't know, 70 or 71 Grammys given away that afternoon. 'Cause they give away, like, 12 [awards] during the televised portion, because it's basically a TV show. Let's face it — your competition is the NFL; either the week before or the week after is the Super Bowl. So it's all about eyeballs on TV. That's why they get the biggest stars. They give the Grammys to the biggest 'Album Of The Year', 'Song Of The Year', this big stuff. And then they give out another 70 or so Grammys during the afternoon for like 'Best Children's Book', 'Best Tejano Record', 'Best Jazz With A Vocal', all kinds of stuff.

"The way they did that — I kind of got a real view of it because we were there all afternoon waiting — they already had the song set," Ellefson explained. "So David Bowie had just put out his record and then he had died. So posthumously he was winning all these Grammies right before us. And even while he's winning, they're playing THE WHO, they're playing all kinds of stuff. I assume they go through every category and they pick who's either a past Grammy winner, so they could play their music. And to give you an example, in 2014, I took my daughter Athena — we went — and it was like her entire Spotify playlist; Taylor Swift opens the show, then it's Bruno Mars… She was like, 'Oh my god. Yeah, best concert ever.' But I remember during the afternoon, we were waiting, same thing, 'cause they always did metal kind of toward the end of categories. But I remember 'Best Children's Book', dude, they played [GUNS N' ROSES'] 'Sweet Child O' Mine'. I'm, like, 'Okay. All right. I get it.' But so look, I assume for metal — who's the most winning metal artists ever in the Grammys? For sure, METALLICA. So I'm sure they probably just went, 'All right, let's look through the Rolodex. Who's our metal? Oh, yeah. METALLICA. Play that. Okay. Next category, 'Rock'.' I don't know. 'THE WHO. Sure. Play them.' So I'm sure that's what they did. 'Cause there's no way, on demand, they could have six nominees… 'And the winner is…' Cue it up. 'MEGADETH!' 'Oh shoot, let's flip to the MEGADETH page in the book.' And 20 people in the orchestra suddenly have 'Dystopia' in front of them."

David added: "I forgot even who [else] was in [the same category as MEGADETH]. It was us, KORN, whoever, GOJIRA. I can't remember. It was a few years ago. But I remember GOJIRA and KORN, et cetera. So imagine if they got KORN queued up and then MEGADETH wins. That would be kind of insulting. So I think they just pick one that's not even in the category. They just go, 'All right. It can't be one of the six nominees. So let's pick [something else].'"

David went on to say that no one in MEGADETH was particularly bothered by the house ensemble's choice of a song to play while they walked up to the stage. "I don't think anybody took it personally," he said. "But it was funny, the irony that it would be that artist. But they were very happy for us that we won it."

Less than two weeks after MEGADETH was honored with the 2017 Grammy, Mustaine was asked by Grammy.com what it was like winning his first award, Mustaine said: "It was really exciting. We were all sitting in a row, and when Margaret Cho [one of the pre-telecast hosts] had said, 'Dystopia', we were all ready to hear 'M_' [for MEGADETH], and she went 'D_' [for 'Dystopia'], and I think it kind of faked all of us out for a little while. And then after she said 'Dystopia' and said 'MEGADETH' really loud, I was, like, 'Oh my God! We got it.' So I remember standing up and being pretty excited."

He continued: "It was a long way from our seat to the stage, and a lot of people are making a big deal about the house band playing a METALLICA song. I don't care. I didn't care at all. It was about the award. I thought winning the award was great."

Mustaine added: "I wish that there would have been more time so that the [other] guys [in MEGADETH] could have had something to say too, but I know they're all gonna get their chance to say whatever they wanna say about winning the award."

A few days earlier, Mustaine told Radio.com that he "didn't even notice" "Master Of Puppets" being played as he walked toward the stage to give his acceptance speech. "It just sounded like some music in the background," he said. "The funny thing is that when I went back and listened to my acceptance speech, and I heard the song, I was, like, 'Wow!' Everyone was asking me, 'What about the METALLICA thing?' And I said, 'I didn't hear it, I just saw it.' 'How could you not have heard it?' I didn't know what they were talking about. I thought that they were talking about METALLICA's performance. Because we split [after the pre-televised awards]. By the time they did their thing with Lady Gaga, we were across the street eating dinner. So I went back and listened to my acceptance speech and I went, 'Wow!'"

He continued: "I didn't mind them playing it at all, it's a house band, and they're doing cover songs. They were probably saying, 'We don't know any MEGADETH songs. How about if we do a METALLICA song?' But when I went back and listened to it, I was, like, 'Oh my God! That's the worst version of 'Master Of Puppets' I've ever heard in my life!'"

When the interviewer pointed out to Mustaine that the house "house band seemed to be playing pretty random songs," Mustaine agreed: "They could've done a Cyndi Lauper song! [Laughs] I was just happy to be up there. It's about being recognized."

The members of METALLICA have been mostly respectful while discussing their onetime member, with guitarist Kirk Hammett saying on a podcast in 2016: "I've always seen Dave as someone who was just really, really sad, really angry, really frustrated about his situation with METALLICA, and he never could let that go. And, you know, I've always shown a lot of empathy for him, understanding that he was just pissed off. It's the equivalent of the woman of your life leaving you."

Less than two years ago, Ellefson brought up Mustaine's dismissal from METALLICA while discussing the way he was fired from MEGADETH in May 2021. Ellefson told Brazil's Heavy Talk: "We're all human, and it is what it is. You can't lament it. I've watched how [Dave has] treated his dismissal from METALLICA, still bitching about it 40 years later, and I think it looks fucking pathetic. And it's, like, 'You know what? Fix you shit and move on.' And that's how I've chosen to deal with it: fix your shit and move on. And that's why I put out four records [with various other projects] in the time the last fucking MEGADETH record came out, and I think every one of 'em are as good or better than the latest MEGADETH record."

Ellefson was in MEGADETH from the band's inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest exit.

Photo credit: Maciej Pieloch (courtesy of Napalm Records)

In a new interview with Bilal Butt of the CHOM 97.7 radio station, guitarist Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain of Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD was asked if he and his bandmates are still hoping to one day score a sci-fi movie, as they had previously stated. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think it's still there on the list, because it would be very challenging in the most creative way to write music for a story that's already been written and creative with a script and images. I think as an artist and creator, you're always looking for stuff like that to happen and provoke it when it's your own music and your own world. But when you're asked to help, collectively, on audio sculptures or something that can enhance another form of art, it's always motivating. And it's always a matter of accomplishing ourselves through this medium that is VOIVOD. And I think we can do it. It would be a great experience, for sure. We're still waiting for the call. [Laughs]"

Later this month, VOIVOD will perform with the Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal. This legendary Quebec band, known worldwide for redefining the boundaries of metal for over 40 years, will take the stage for two extraordinary concerts, conducted by Dina Gilbert, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletie in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on January 29, 2025 and January 30, 2025 in a groundbreaking collaboration.

Regarding how the collaboration with the Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal came about, VOIVOD drummer Michel "Away" Langevin told The Metal Voice: "Oh my God, I think we've been dreaming about that forever. But it came through a strange chain of circumstances, where I did an interview for the magazine L'Itinéraire, for homeless people selling magazines on the street, and then I did an interview with one of the journalists for the magazine, and it ended up being published online by La Presse. And then the people directing the orchestra, the organization, they were made aware of that by one of the musicians from the orchestra, which is a metal dude and he's a fan."

The drummer continued: "It's funny because since my cousin Richard Langevin is married to Diane Dufresne, a famous singer from Montreal, and she had done the orchestra before, so they got in touch with him, because I was mentioning him in the article because he showed me how to draw. [Laughs] And anyhow, they phoned Richard, my cousin, and he phoned my mother. [Laughs] And when I came back from touring with VOIVOD, I had a message on my answering machine saying that the orchestra were looking for us. So, quite amazing."

Langevin added: "We didn't approach [the orchestra], but we always talked about either doing symphonic shows or doing a soundtrack for a sci-fi movie or something like that. It's part of the dreams we have."

Mongrain, who previously wrote an eight-minute arrangement for the brass quintet that performed with VOIVOD at the Montreal International Jazz Festival (Festival International de Jazz de Montréal) in June 2019, went on to say that the collaboration with the Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal is "a dream come true."

"I never tried to write for a whole orchestra," he explained. "I know a little bit about it, studying orchestration at university and knowing my music theory and all that. But what happened is that my help with the project was to provide the music sheets to the arranger, Hugo Bégin. He did an amazing work. He took the music sheet that I wrote for guitar and bass. So he had a template to work on. And so he orchestrated it for the whole orchestra and added his own color to it. And it's very efficient. It's like a movie soundtrack, like the movie we used to watch, like 'Planet Of The Apes' and 'Ben-Hur' and 'Mad Max' and all that. VOIVOD has been influenced since the beginning by those movies, so you can hear it, but with the whole orchestra, it's very exciting. So I exchanged a lot of e-mails and messages with Hugo, the arranger, and we worked really hard on it and he was really, really fast and efficient. And until the last minute, the last day, there was little modifications here and there, but it's gonna be amazing. It's a dream come true, but it's so big that you only imagine something like that in your wildest dreams, but you know it's not gonna happen. So this is just a life-changing experience, a bonus in a career. It's gonna be grandiose."

Added Langevin: "We're also gonna put a lot of work into the visuals with a company called Noisy Head. They're really high tech. It's gonna be spectacular. They did stuff for Lizzo or CHEMICAL BROTHERS. And also they did a symphonic show with the music of Harmonium. And so, yeah, it's gonna be pretty sci-fi visually as well."

For more information, visit www.osm.ca.

VOIVOD is a Canadian heavy metal band from Jonquière, Québec. Their musical style has changed several times since the band's origin in the early 1980s. Starting out as a speed metal band, VOIVOD have added a mix of progressive metal and thrash metal to create their own unique metal style, and are credited as one of the "big four" Canadian thrash metal bands, along with SACRIFICE, RAZOR and ANNIHILATOR. They are considered by many as one of the most influential metal bands from the '80s, influencing and gaining praise from multiple bands and across numerous genres.

VOIVOD found mainstream success in the late 1980s with their fifth studio album, "Nothingface" (1989),which is the band's only album to enter The Billboard 200 chart, peaking at number 114.

As previously reported, VOIVOD's long-awaited official documentary, "We Are Connected", received its world premiere on July 29, 2024 at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec. Canada.

"We Are Connected" dives deep into the 40-plus-year legacy of one of the most original and influential metal bands in history. From their explosive beginnings in Jonquière to their groundbreaking global journey, VOIVOD's story is one of unparalleled creativity, resilience, and evolution. The film covers VOIVOD's history from unlikely origins in northern Québec at the height of the Cold War to underground success to sharing tours and stages with IRON MAIDEN, RUSH and METALLICA. Included in the documentary are high and lows throughout those 40 years, from major-label support and Billboard recognition to seismic lineup changes and an event many critics claimed to be the end of VOIVOD: the death of co-founding guitarist and composer Dennis "Piggy" D'Amour.

Directed by Felipe Belalcazar and produced with full access to the band's archives, this film features exclusive insights and appearances by metal icons like Tobias Forge (GHOST),Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH),Jason Newsted (METALLICA),Zach Blair (RISE AGAINST, GWAR),Tom G. Warrior (CELTIC FROST, TRIPTYKON) and Ivan Doroschuk (MEN WITHOUT HATS),among many others.

Last April, Langevin was asked by Jimmy Kay of Canada's The Metal Voice why it has taken so long to put the documentary together. Away said: "It first started when Piggy passed in 2005, where we had the idea of doing some documentary, mainly to honor him. And so, when Piggy passed, we were like maybe two or three years without doing any touring. At this point, Snake, [then-VOIVOD bassist] Jason Newsted and I were on a mission to finish the two albums we had started in 2004. And so it gave me some time to gather the archives and put it into digital format. When we reformed for the Heavy Montreal festival in 2008, we just went on tour forever. And so everything was sort of put aside for a long time. And then, it must be about seven or eight years ago when Felipe got in touch with me. He really wanted to do that movie, and he sent me the DVD of the documentary he had done about the band DEATH, 'Death By Metal'. And I was really amazed. It's a bit like a Ken Burns documentary vibe where, if he's missing some archives, he will do a pan or a zoom on an old photo so the visual keeps moving. And I really liked that documentary, and I was convinced he could do something great for VOIVOD. So we started working on this. And, of course, his travels were cut short by the pandemic. But it's a period that it gave me the opportunity, since VOIVOD was not touring, it gave me the opportunity to gather even more archives and put them into digital format. So, now after all these years, it's almost done. [Laughs]. The last mile. [Laughs]"

Back in 2006, it was reported that VOIVOD had recruited Canadian documentarian Sam Dunn to helm the band's documentary after he interviewed members of VOIVOD for his "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey" movie.

"It was a real honor to be asked, and we've already started shooting," Dunn said at the time. "The documentary is going to be about Piggy's life and the making of the new record and how those are tied together."

After VOIVOD's collaboration with Dunn failed to materialize for reasons that are not clear, the band recruited Belalcázar, who has a proven record of delivering quality productions to millions of metal fans around the world, most recently the aforementioned critically acclaimed Chuck Schuldiner documentary "Death By Metal".

Earlier last year, VOIVOD completed a North American tour with PRONG.

VOIVOD has been touring in support of its latest album, "Morgöth Tales", which was released via Century Media, The Orchard and Sony Music.

The band's 2022 release, "Synchro Anarchy", garnered significant acclaim, winning the 2023 Juno Award for "Best Hard Rock/Metal Album" in Canada.

Once more recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio, mastered by Maor Appelbaum and produced by VOIVOD, "Morgöth Tales" includes fresh studio re-recordings by the band's current lineup of nine especially selected, not-so-obvious picks from the band's hyper-classy and extremely diverse back catalogue (between 1984 and 2003) as well as a brand-new song and the album's title track, "Morgöth Tales".

Photo credit: Catherine Deslauriers

In a new interview with Marko Syrjala of Metal-Rules.com, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick spoke about his plan to release his autobiography. He said: "Yeah, I mean, actually, over 20 years ago — like 25 years ago — I started working on a book with a friend of mine in the industry. He wanted to write it, and I was pretty cool with that. He started doing interviews with people. Fortunately, I still have all those interviews. One of my projects last year was to digitize them all. My parents, my brother, Bob Ezrin, Eddie Trunk, and even Michael James Jackson — though I didn't really work with him — were all interviewed. Obviously, having my parents and my brother included is fascinating to me. Carrie Stevens and many other friends and industry folks who were pretty hip to KISS and my career were also interviewed.

"But here's what happened. The reason I probably said [in the past] that I'd never write a book is because we did start working on it. He even put together some sample chapters — maybe 30 or 40 pages. But the reaction at the time was, like, 'Wait a minute, this isn't… We're looking for stuff like MÖTLEY CRÜE's 'The Dirt'.' You know what I mean, right? But that's not my life. That's not my experience. I'm more of a musician who was part of a famous band and some of the other groups I worked with are really interesting. A lot of people don't know much about Meat Loaf and don't know that much about Michael Bolton, let's say, or a Billy Squier record. There's so much about my career that's unique — it isn't just one thing. And I was never involved with drugs or wild debauchery. So when they wanted salacious stuff, I kind of put the brakes on. Then my friend got busy with his career, and I got busy with mine. We shelved it and didn't revisit it for a long time.

"I used to have a web site — Kulick.net—but for the past five or six years, it's been BruceKulick.com. Back in the day, I used the web site to write blogs when people were still into web sites. Now, it's all about social media. I wrote about record releases, anniversaries, and things like that. I've amassed all this material over the years and realized there's a good story to tell here.

"I think my journey — from being a guitar player from Brooklyn to being with KISS, one of the most iconic bands in the world — has value. And I embrace that. I don't want to write a book to slam people. I want to share my perspective — how I saw things — but I don't need to do that by saying horrible things about other musicians or people I've known.

"I was shocked at some of the stuff other KISS members said in their books. Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] are like brothers, which probably explains why they take liberties picking on each other, you know? In their books, they told it like it is — or how they wanted it to be. And if they wanted to be snarky, they had the platform to do that. But I want my book to focus more on my learning experiences and successes. I hope to share some life lessons because I've certainly seen a lot in my career."

Bruce previously talked about his upcoming book last month in an interview with Paul Salfen of AMFM Magazine. He said at the time: "I amassed a lot of materials from [my] era [of KISS]. When I first started a book with a guy in the industry back in '99, there were a lot of interviews done, and I was able to get all those tapes digitized because that's important, to spark my memories and stuff. I have notes of subjects.

"It's certainly gonna be a really in-depth discussion of my life as a musician with, of course, hefty amounts on my KISS years, 'cause I know that the fans are gonna wanna get my thoughts on how it felt and what I did," he continued. "It's certainly not gonna be some salacious slam book. It's not me. But I do have a lot of stories that I never really discussed that I think are gonna be really fun for people to read about and fascinating for them to see.

"Everything was, in many ways, a very interesting journey, and there were many [instances] of where you fall in the ditch, but you've gotta pull yourself out — that kind of thing."

In a separate interview with Loaded Radio, Kulick was asked why he wasn't ever approached to rejoin KISS after Ace Frehley left for good back in 2001. He responded: "That's a great question. And not everyone's aware of some of the backstory. I would hear things about them having problems with Ace and Ace was getting erratic or difficult. And [later KISS guitarist] Tommy Thayer was actually tour managing with them; he was on the road with them. Because even during my era, he was involved with the band, helping with 'Kisstory' and doing things for the group. He wrote some songs with Gene [Simmons, KISS bassist/vocalist] and was always part of the inner circle, shall I say. So from what I understood, there was one or two things that KISS did — not a concert, even though once Ace was almost not gonna make it and they made Tommy get the outfit on. [He had a] similar build — tall and thin — and Ace made it to the show. But there were a couple of other things they needed to do. I believe 'That '70s Show', when they were taping, Ace didn't show up. 'Tommy, get the outfit on.' And then I think there was a private gig, too, that no one would really know about — one of those things where you go to an island and play for some rich people. And Ace wouldn't go. And KISS wasn't gonna say, 'All right, we're not gonna take the gig.' So if they ever had a thought of me, I think they would have known that that probably would have been a lot harder. Tommy was younger, there already, if you know what I mean, working with them. And Tommy, not everybody knows that he was in a tribute band for fun at times called COLD GIN as Ace Frehley."

Bruce continued: "So if they would have went to me, I can't say I absolutely would have said 'no.' I miss being in KISS. I do realize it would have kind of pooped on my era because then I'd have to kind of play the role of the 'Spaceman' and shoot rockets and play more like Ace. I was never given that direction from Gene and Paul [Stanley, KISS guitarist/vocalist], where Tommy knew that it actually was more comfortable with his natural style of guitar playing. He wasn't a Floyd Rose, play-some-flashy-riffs king of the mountain. So I never felt like they made the wrong choice — ever. I always felt that was the right way to go 'cause then Tommy could assume the role of the Spaceman in the group. Eric [Singer, KISS drummer] sometimes gets some criticism, like Tommy has, but Eric being behind the drums and having five years in the band without the makeup, maybe he gets a little less. Neither of them really deserve criticism because they're talented players doing a great job. And it was Gene and Paul's choice to say, 'And now you're the Catman,' 'And now you're the Spaceman.' It wasn't [Tommy and Eric] saying, 'Please, I wanna be the Spaceman.' And to new generations, Tommyis the Spaceman. Even though Eric has a lot of credibility from 'Revenge' and 'MTV Unplugged' and 'Carnival Of Souls' and all the work that we did together for those five years. So, I actually kind of lost the big gig on many levels for the right reasons though. And I was never fired the first time. It was simply, 'Well, we're making all this money. Now we're selling out from arenas to stadiums in makeup.' So my era ran its course."

In 1984, Bruce joined KISS, where he remained as their lead guitarist for twelve years, accompanying the band on the "Animalize" tour and continuing with the band until the 1996 reunion tour. Bruce is heavily featured on "Kissology – Vol. 2" and "Vol. 3", the band's DVDs spanning their historic 45-year career.

In an April 2020 interview with Sleaze Roxx, Kulick said that he was "relieved" he wasn't approached to rejoin the band after Frehley left for good back in 2001.

"When I had to leave in '96 after the success of the KISS 'Unplugged' performance, people were aware of the musicianship that existed in the band between Eric Singer [drums] and I, but after 20 years of people hearing about KISS in makeup, it was kind of like 'Star Wars' when it was rebooted people went to see what it was all about," he said. "I understood that it was the original guys, they put the makeup on and people were excited to either see it again or see it for the first time. That carried on, then it carried on and it carried on. [Laughs] It then reached a point where Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] couldn't continue with Peter [Criss] so they called on Eric Singer to step into the role and the makeup.

"Eric is such a tremendous drummer," he continued. "I was genuinely happy for him. I still am. Then when Ace started dropping the ball, it was seamless for them to go with Tommy Thayer who does such a fantastic job as the 'Spaceman.'

"If I had been asked to step into the 'Spaceman' role, it would have been really awkward for me. I get asked by the fans a lot, 'Well, why aren't you there?' I think Tommy stepping into the role was a lot more natural than Bruce Kulick becoming the 'Spaceman' and shooting rockets off of my guitar. I would have had to play the songs note for note like Ace. I don't think I could do that and remain happy in the band. Tommy does that to perfection. I was never required to learn the classic stuff note for note, but if you're going to be the 'Spaceman,' it would have to stay true to the way Ace plays it. That's not to say that I don't play the classic songs with respect. I play the GRAND FUNK RAILROAD songs with respect, while injecting my own style into them, like I did in my time in KISS. I would lose my 'liberties' if I stepped into the 'Spaceman' role.

"I'm friends with Tommy, Bruce added. "We've gotten closer over the years on the 'Kiss Kruise'. We've spoken a lot on the 'Kruise'. He once said to me, 'Hey, I never got into the Floyd Rose whammy bar thing. How do you play 'Crazy Nights'?' I said, 'Don't worry about it. Play it how you play it. It's what works for you. I don't take any offense and you don't need to copy how I do it.'

"Tommy's style is so much closer to Ace's than mine. I have a unique style to my approach you can hear it on 'Tears Are Falling', 'Who Wants To Be Lonely', 'Unholy' and even the acoustic solo on 'Forever'. I am proud of my body of work for that era of KISS. I'm embracing it. The fans are embracing it. It's all good."

Kulick went on to say that he is at peace with the fact that he will never be part of the makeup era of KISS.

"I was relieved [when they didn't ask me to step in after Ace left]," he said. "I think if I had been asked and done it, I think it would hurt. I know that Tommy and Eric avoid… I'm close to both but I'm closer with Eric. They avoid reading things online. Their best medicine is to just do a great job every night and not read that stuff. I'm shocked that sometimes someone will leave a snarky comment toward me. I'm, like, 'Really?' I don't get into that stuff and I don't like anything negative on social media and I never do or post anything negative. I won't allow anything negative. There's times I read something and I choose to ignore it. Everyone has a voice these days. They have a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone.

"I was relieved, but how could I not have 'entertained' the idea if I was asked? At the time when they swooped Tommy right in, I was already in GRAND FUNK RAILROAD and I was and still am pretty happy with my role in the band. Sure, it wasn't KISS, but it's a great gig. Now think of it from this angle. Let's say they made the right proposition and I took it, then Ace wanted back into the band. Where would that have left me? No KISS gig and no gig in GRAND FUNK."

In some of his recent interviews, Bruce once again confirmed that he wasn't asked to perform at KISS's final show and wasn't invited to attend the event, which was held in December 2023 at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

SLAYER guitarist Kerry King and his solo band performed on Wednesday, January 22 at The Palace Theatre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Fan-filmed video of the concert can be seen below.

King kicked off his first-ever headlining tour a week earlier, on January 15, at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, California.

With MUNICIPAL WASTE as special guest and ALIEN WEAPONRY supporting, the tour is set to wrap at House of Blues in Las Vegas on February 22.

Earlier in the month, King told Heavy Consequence's "Two For The Road" video series about the headlining trek: "We jump at the chance to tour anywhere. So, we were lucky enough to do the MASTODON/LAMB OF GOD summer [2024] run in the sheds. That was really cool because those dudes, we had a big part in both those bands' early history, so for them to reciprocate and give me a shot, I thought that was super cool and super humbling. So that was rad. But now we get to come back and headline the States."

Referencing the fact that he has been living in Manhattan for the past three years and that three of his bandmates in his solo group — guitarist Phil Demmel, drummer Paul Bostaph and vocalist Mark Osegueda — live in the San Francisco Bay Area, King added: "We haven't played in New York City yet. And that's my new hometown, so that's weird. We haven't played the Bay Area yet. So we're gonna be hitting some places for the first time in this band, which is gonna be awesome for the hometowners like Phil, Paul and Mark from the Bay area and me from New York City. And then all the places I've called home — L.A., we're playing L.A. We finish up in [Las] Vegas. So I will be seeing a lot of friends on this run, and everybody's fired up."

As for which songs King might add to his band's set on the headlining tour, Kerry said: "[I'm] still working on the setlist and set length because I don't want people to get burned out with two heavy hitters playing in front of us. I don't wanna stay up there too long because when you play thrash, I feel there is a limit to how long you should play."

King also talked about how touring has changed in the four decades since SLAYER hit the road for the first time. He said: "I've been doing this so long. When we started out, in the very beginning we had a U-Haul and maybe my van. And then when we went out on our first U.S. run, we had a U-Haul and Tom's [Araya, SLAYER bassist/vocalist] Camaro. Then we graduated to a U-Haul and a passenger van. And we were all taking turns driving the stupid thing back then. And then, with [SLAYER's] 'Reign In Blood' [album], we finally got a bus, and we had never even considered it before. We were, like, 'Oh, yeah. I guess we made it 'cause we got a bus and we can get hotel rooms and we can get our own hotel room. We don't gotta room together.' So, that was a graduation back then. And now, one of the things I didn't wanna come back too early for is because I wanted all the nonsense from COVID to go away. I wanted all the promoters and venues to get through all the stuff that I didn't wanna have to feel out again. I just wanted all that to go by before we came back."

King added: "One bad thing that people may not know and why ticket prices are so high these days is because when the pandemic came around, all that shit exploded. Everything went up [in terms of cost] — buses went up and everything just plateaued. And then when we started touring again, the buses and everything stayed expensive. So, you can curse promoters and venues all you want, but it costs money to come around, unfortunately. And it's not as cheap as it was five years ago, by far. So it's cush, it's comfortable, we'll have a good time, but it's all a means to what the poor fans have to pay at the end of the day."

King's debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", was released in May 2024. All material for the LP was written by the 60-year-old SLAYER guitarist. Helming the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles in 2023 was producer Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BAD RELIGION, among others.

Joining Kerry in his new band are Osegueda, Demmel, Kyle Sanders (bass; HELLYEAH) and Bostaph.

In early May 2024, the KERRY KING band performed its first live show at Reggies in Chicago. In the days following, the band went from playing an intimate venue to performing at the huge U.S. festivals Welcome To Rockville (Florida) and Sonic Temple (Ohio).

KERRY KING launched a European tour on June 3, 2024 — King's 60th birthday – in Tilburg, The Netherlands. The trek combined headline shows in the U.K., The Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain but also festival appearances such as Rock Am Ring, Hellfest, Tuska, Download, Sweden Rock Festival and many more.

The SLAYER guitarist's solo band played its first concert as the support act for LAMB OF GOD and MASTODON on July 19 at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas. The six-week "Ashes Of Leviathan" tour wrapped on August 31 in Omaha, Nebraska.

During an appearance on the latest episode of the "Come On Over" podcast, former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach spoke about the physical demands of his energetic live performances. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I've gotta dial it back physically, to be honest with you. That headbanging bullshit, I cannot do that anymore. And I have this thing where I get on stage and my brain says, 'Don't be a pussy. Fucking kick their ass, you motherfucker. You fucking go.'

"When I'm onstage, I don't know why, but I don't feel any pain up there," he explained. "I laugh when I'm on stage, I go, 'Ha ha ha ha ha ha. Oh, my ankle hurts.' And I say to myself, 'Nobody's here to see your fucking ankle! Nobody cares about your ankle!' That's the voice in my head. 'Nobody cares about your shoulder, dude! Nobody cares!' So, I don't know why I'm like that, but when I get off stage, my shoulder goes, 'Hey, man, fuck you. Hey, you don't care about your shoulder, huh? You don't care about your back, you don't care about your neck. Well, guess what? You're gonna be caring about it tonight, and when you wake up tomorrow, your neck is gonna be [stiff] like this."

Last May, Bach talked toSiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about a physical injury that he sustained during his run of dates in Latin America. He said: "We just did six or seven shows in South America. And I got good news and bad news about that. The good news was the shows were incredible. The bad news, and I'm saying this to myself as much as I'm saying it to you, the days of my figure-eight headbanging are past me now. I cannot do that anymore. Tom Araya [SLAYER] had to stop doing it. Phil Anselmo [PANTERA] had to stop doing it. I just did six shows when I was doing it the way I usually do it, and when I got home, I have spent the last five days fucking paralyzed, taking Swedish massage, doing yin yoga stretching because my neck and my back are telling me, 'Dude, that shit is fucking over now.' And it's freaking me out, because I feel like Gene Simmons [KISS] going on stage without the makeup. That's part of my show. But what can you do?"

In a 2013 interview with Blinded By Sound, Sebastian seemingly predicted that he would not be able to continue performing the same way into his late 50s. He said at the time: "Well, you know, Tom Araya from SLAYER is one the the greatest frontmen of all time and he injured his neck and back from headbanging in that figure-eight motion that I do all the time. He destroyed his back and had to get surgery and is not physically able to headbang anymore because of the damage he's done. I'm not at that point yet or anything, but when you're banging your head as hard as you can, I kind of wonder what's happening to my brain as it's bashing into the wall of my skull. I look at footage of myself and think, 'Maybe that's not so good for you.' [Laughs] I don't see most people banging their heads like trying to snap their craniums off their necks. Basically, the reason I'm telling you and the world is that it's more impressive to me, artistically, to be more accurate and good than be a cheeerleader."

Nearly a decade and a half ago, SLAYER was forced to cancel shows so that Araya could undergo emergency treatments for neck and back problems. He eventually had a titanium steel plate attached to his spine and held together by screws.

"It was all from the same thing — the posture that I took playing my bass onstage, leaning forward and putting a lot of pressure and weight to the front," Tom told the San Francisco Examiner. "All from 30 years of being in the same position, headbanging."

In recent years, Anselmo underwent a line of corrective procedures designed to helped him deal with the damage to his back, neck, and knees sustained over decades of touring.

Anselmo later said that while all the surgeries have certainly helped, he was never completely cured from the physical damage he had done to his body.

In a 2005 interview with Revolver magazine, Anselmo said that the back problem had plagued him since the late 1990s when the lowest lumbar disc in his back was "ruptured — shattered from being onstage since I was 14 years old, jumping off the stage, off [PANTERA drummer] Vinnie's [Paul Abbott] drum set, going as crazy as possible."

Bach's latest solo album, "Child Within The Man", was released in May 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music. The LP was recorded in Orlando, Florida; produced and mixed by Michael "Elvis" Baskette; engineered by Jef Moll, assistant engineered by Josh Saldate and mastered by Robert Ludwig of Gateway Mastering. Bach wrote or co-wrote all the album's 11 tracks and sang all lead and backing vocals.

"Child Within The Man" features guest appearances from John 5 (MÖTLEY CRÜE, ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON),Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL) and Orianthi (ALICE COOPER, MICHAEL JACKSON) — who all co-wrote their respective tracks with Bach — and two tracks co-written with ALTER BRIDGE's Myles Kennedy ("What Do I Got to Lose?" and "To Live Again"). Devin Bronson (guitars),Todd Kerns (bass) and Jeremy Colson (drums) round out the players on the album. The album is available on jewelcase CD, cassette, and double LP in a variety of color options.

During last night's "Ultimate Jam Night" at NAMM at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena in Anaheim, California, Alissa White- Gluz of ARCH ENEMY sang a cover of the Pat Benatar classic "Heartbreaker" backed by Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT) and Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE, DIO) on guitar and Frank Bello (ANTHRAX) on bass. Fan-filmed video of the performance can be seen below.

In a July 2023 interview with Finland's Chaoszine, White-Gluz was asked about a possible timeline for the release of her long-in-the-works debut solo album. She said: "We're not ready to release it yet, so there's no real timeline yet. I'm still very much in the 'Deceivers' timeline with ARCH ENEMY, so I have to basically find a gap in ARCH ENEMY's albums to release this. But we don't really take a lot of breaks. So I'm working on it. As soon as it's done, everyone will know."

White-Gluz also talked about her vocal approach on her solo material, saying: "I like to include lots of different techniques, and for that reason I like to write music that's a little bit progressive so that there's some room for experimentation in there. And so, yeah, I did some really low growls, some kind of black metal growls, straight-up normal growls, some whispering stuff, some operatic stuff, more belting, more jazzy singing. I think one of the things that I used the most that I just haven't used that much so far is what I would call my natural voice, which is me just singing as me. And I think that that is actually a little bit of a bluesy, jazzy tone that maybe people don't know about yet."

Back in March 2022, Alissa told "Vox&Hops", the podcast hosted by Matt McGachy, frontman of extreme metal band CRYPTOPSY, about the delay in getting her debut solo album released: "What happened was it was announced [in September 2016] that I signed [with Napalm Records] for a solo album. All I did was sign to do one, but I think a lot of people interpreted that I had an album that I was ready to put out. So, basically, when the news came out about this solo album, the only thing that happened at that point was that I just agreed to do one. And then I was on tour for, like, three hundred days of the year up until 2020. And so now it's done, because now I've actually been home long enough to write the songs and get them done. And it's awesome and I love it."

Regarding a possible release date for the effort, Alissa said: "There's nothing holding it back — it's done — but I need to be careful with how I release it, because now there's so many releases happening that I wanna make sure that the music gets the attention it deserves. So it's not gonna come out at the same time as an ARCH ENEMY album, for sure, because that's just not a good idea, but I will find a time to release it in a way that makes sense."

As for the musical direction of her solo material, Alissa said: "It doesn't really sound like ARCH ENEMY, actually. It's still me, so it's gonna sound a little bit like ARCH ENEMY, but it's kind of different. I feel like it's kind of an amalgam of that really interesting place that you're at when you're a beginner musician, because although I'm not a beginner vocalist or songwriter, I am a beginner guitarist — I'm very bad at guitar. So when I'm writing songs on guitar, I have an approach that is probably totally wrong, and that's what, I think, makes it cool. It's different — it's an unorthodox approach. I mean, I can still play it, but it's not my main instrument, so when I'm writing riffs on a guitar, I'm writing like a vocalist writing riffs on a guitar. Some could argue that that's kind of how Michael [Amott, ARCH ENEMY] writes too, actually, because his riffs are so 'sing-songy.' But, yeah, so I wrote a bunch with Jeff [Loomis, ARCH ENEMY guitarist] and I wrote a bunch with a lot of other people, actually, which I don't wanna spoil and announce them all now. But there's clean singing, there's growling, of course, and other interesting vocal techniques with the note screaming and some operatic stuff. It's a heavy album. I don't know what genre to call it. It's totally self-produced in that sense. It's honest. It's exactly what I just felt like writing for this. So there's some prog elements, there's some rock and roll elements, there's a lot of metal in it, obviously. But, yeah, I'm really happy with it. So I hope that other people like it too, basically."

Back in 2017, Alissa said that her debut solo album would feature collaborations with a member of KAMELOT and at least one of her bandmates in ARCH ENEMY.

The ARCH ENEMY frontwoman said that the idea for a solo project came about as a suggestion from the band's former lead singer Angela Gossow, who has been managing ARCH ENEMY's career for more than a decade and also oversees Alissa's personal affairs.

"[Angela] was, like, 'Well, you need something. You need something that you can do, because I know you're a workaholic and you're not gonna be able to just sit there like this waiting for the next ARCH ENEMY tour,'" Alissa told France's Duke TV. "And she's totally right — I needed something else to be able to work on. And also, I have a lot of ideas that maybe don't sound like ARCH ENEMY and it would be kind of silly to just force them into ARCH ENEMY."

According to White-Gluz, her debut solo album will be released under the ALISSA banner because she wanted to "keep it simple" and "make it very clear who it is and what it is." In order to make the disc, Alissa "did a huge life overhaul," which included building a studio and investing a lot of time and money into learning how to engineer and record, program drums and improving at playing guitar. "Of course, on the album itself we're gonna have real musicians playing all of these things, but in terms of just getting the style down and the songwriting, it's something that I need to start on my own," she explained to Duke TV.

At the time of the Duke TV interview, half of Alissa's solo effort had been written, and it contained some musical surprises. "It doesn't really sound like ARCH ENEMY — it's pretty different — but I think it's pretty cool," she said. "For example, a song that I'm writing with Oliver [Palotai, keyboards] from KAMELOT doesn't sound like KAMELOT and it doesn't sound like ARCH ENEMY, but it's members of both."

Ex-ARCH ENEMY and current NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis, who joined the former band in late 2014, didn't have any of his songwriting ideas included on ARCH ENEMY's last two albums, 2017's "Will To Power" and 2022's "Deceivers", but will play a prominent role on Alissa's upcoming disc.

"Jeff didn't write with Michael, because Michael was already writing so well with Daniel [Erlandsson, ARCH ENEMY drummer] that we just actually had too many ideas," White-Gluz told France's Loud TV in a separate interview. "But all of Jeff's ideas are really good and I've heard them and they're gonna be released, so people will hear them… Jeff is gonna be one of my collaborators on my solo project, because how can you say no to that? [Laughs]"

ARCH ENEMY's twelfth studio album, "Blood Dynasty", will be released on March 28 via Century Media.



Posted by John Ringo Garcia on Saturday, January 25, 2025



Posted by John Ringo Garcia on Saturday, January 25, 2025



Posted by John Ringo Garcia on Saturday, January 25, 2025



Posted by John Ringo Garcia on Saturday, January 25, 2025



Bon Jovi RUNAWAY last night at Ultimate Jam Night
Michael Starr with Phil X
KICK ASS
🎥 Elias Anrriquezz
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#philx #bonjovi #michealstarr #steelpanther #NAMM #namm2025

Posted by Phil X Fan Club on Saturday, January 25, 2025



Donnie Vie and Alex Kane at the Ultimate Jam Namm thing.. Alex Kane

Posted by Ronny North on Friday, January 24, 2025



Namm ultimate jam thingy… Phil Xenidis, "Get your Shred On" Guitar Page

Posted by Ronny North on Friday, January 24, 2025



Ultimate jam #namm2025 with Robin Johnson Cecil on violin 🎻

Posted by Jim James Cassidy on Friday, January 24, 2025

Kick ass RUNAWAY from last night at Ultimate Jam Night

Posted by Phil X Fan Club on Saturday, January 25, 2025

In a new interview with Jorge Fretes of Spain's GoetiaMedia, TRIVIUM guitarist Corey Beaulieu spoke about the band's upcoming "The Poisoned Ascendancy" tour during which TRIVIUM and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE will celebrate the 20th anniversary of "Ascendancy" and "The Poison" albums, respectively, by playing them in full. Asked if there are plans for TRIVIUM to celebrate the upcoming 20th anniversaries of any other albums, such as 2008's "Shogun", Corey said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We've seen over the years that a lot of bands, doing anniversary tours has been kind of like, I guess, a popular thing to do. Some bands have done it 10 years after a record came out or whatever, and we always just kind of thought that, 'Hey, if people still care after 20 years, that'll be like the time to think about doing something' and whatever. So, especially 'Ascendancy' our first big thing that kind of people heard of us, so that kind of made a big impact, so we figured 'Ascendancy' was a good record to do it on. Some of our records probably we wouldn't."

He continued: "We did a little thing on our last U.K. tour. It was the 'Shogun' 15th anniversary and we played a couple of extra songs from it. But 'Shogun', I'm sure there'd be a lot of fans that would love for us to play that record from start to finish, but that record is so musically demanding that I don't know if I could manage wanting to do a whole tour of playing just that record. I'd probably just be mentally exhausted. But, no, it's cool to do this record 'cause it was so special of a record for us and the fans. We have a lot of records that'll be turning 20 — 'The Crusade' turns 20 the year after, and then 'Shogun' and stuff like that — but we'll be probably back into focusing on new music. But there'll be some cool stuff for anniversary stuff coming out that people can collect and buy, but probably spending a year of touring for another record is not gonna be something that's gonna be popping up anytime soon. So this is a kind of our one-time thing for now. I know BULLET, talking to them, I know they're in the same boat, like, once we get done doing this anniversary run together, they've been in the studio. [The plan is to get] some new tunes and stuff out and kind of moving on to the next record. But it's gonna be exciting. I think playing a record like 'Ascendancy' on tour and the energy of the crowd, we're definitely looking forward to kind of channeling that, playing those songs and getting that energy from the fans and kind of channeling that into new music and hopefully capture some of that intensity from the tour and project that back into a new record that people will be pumped on."

Last September, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and TRIVIUM announced the North American dates for "The Poisoned Ascendancy" tour. Support on the trek will come from AUGUST BURNS RED, with SYLOSIS and BLEED FROM WITHIN appearing on select shows.

Produced by Live Nation, the 26-city tour kicks off on March 30 at PNE Forum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, making stops across North America in Las Vegas, Chicago, New York and more before wrapping up in Raleigh, North Carolina at Red Hat Amphitheater on May 18.

"The Poisoned Ascendancy" will launch in the U.K. in late January 2025 for six shows, before the two bands, along with support act ORBIT CULTURE, head over to mainland Europe for 18 more concerts.

Released in March of 2005, TRIVIUM crafted a classic in the form of "Ascendancy". It concluded 2005 as Kerrang!'s "Album Of The Year," went gold in the U.K., and has since surpassed global sales of 500,000 copies. Opening the main stage of Download festival that year, the Floridian four piece — barely out of their teens — delivered a set that left all who witnessed it in no doubt that they were looking at future legends, with Kerrang! readers later voting it as the tenth best gig of all time.

TRIVIUM's latest album, "In The Court Of The Dragon", came out in October 2021 via TRIVIUM's longtime label Roadrunner Records. The record was produced and mixed by Josh Wilbur and recorded in the fall of 2020 at Full Sail University in Orlando. The album cover is an original oil painting by French artist Mathieu Nozieres.

TRIVIUM supported MEGADETH and LAMB OF GOD on the 2022 leg of "The Metal Tour Of The Year".

In a new interview with The Metal Voice, guitarist Chris Caffery and drummer Jeff Plate of reactivated American progressive metallers SAVATAGE spoke about the band's upcoming 2025 live shows. Regarding how the SAVATAGE "reunion" came together, Plate said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I think the catalyst has just been the fanbase. The fanbase never gave up on us. They've been beating the drum for this reunion for years.

"The band never broke up," the drummer clarified. "We haven't done a proper tour in over 20 years, but we never officially broke up. Obviously, we all work together in TSO [TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA]. We've played a lot of this SAVATAGE music in the TSO shows. Throughout the years, we've done at least one SAVATAGE song per tour, I believe — at least one. So the music has been out there. And the fanbase has been clamoring for this for the longest time. And, man, I've gotta hand it to them.

"[SAVATAGE frontman and mastermind] Jon Oliva, several years ago… Jon is always writing music, and the plan was to do some recording — he's got a bunch of new ideas — do some recording and get out there and let's do this again. Jon has obviously run into a number of health problems, which are serious, and I'm sure everybody's read about them. But in Jon's wisdom, he's, like, 'You know what?' The ball kind of started rolling again. He's not going to stop it this time. Jon's gonna be involved in everything that we're doing from here forward. He can't go out and do these tours right now, and he's gonna work himself back into it. We've got our fingers crossed. But I tell you, man, the music in general, the fanbase, there's just a strength behind all that that's really kept the name alive, kept the interest alive.

"We're all here," Plate continued. "We're all playing probably as well or better than we've ever played. It's not like we've been sitting around for 20 years doing nothing and decided to reunite. Chris and I, Johnny [Lee Middleton, bass] and Al [Pitrelli, guitar], we've been doing these TSO tours every year, plus a number of things in the off season. So there's a lot of factors to this. But the excitement of seeing the reality of it, seeing the confirmed shows, seeing the posters…

"Chris and I have been basically joined at the hip since 1995," Jeff added. "We've done a lot of stuff together. We talk about this all the time, and it really is exciting just to be able to get back out there and do this and play this music."

Chris chimed in: "The plan was, after we did Wacken [Open Air festival in 2015], to start playing. But [TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA founder] Paul [O'Neill] passed, and then we had to get over that. Then COVID came. And then Jon wanted to get started, then his injuries came. Like Johnny Lee had said when I was just speaking with him, 10 years went by like that. And we need to do this now. It's, like, if you blink your eyes, 10 more years will go by. And I don't wanna get emotional on things, but every other day, somebody in my life passes, it seems nowadays, as you get older. So we wanna take the advantage now of getting us together and celebrating what Jon and Paul and Criss [Oliva, late SAVATAGE guitarist] and all of us have done with SAVATAGE's music and give the fans that had a chance to see it a chance to see us again and the ones that never saw us a chance to see it."

Jeff continued: "And I'll tell you something. Chris mentioned losing Paul, and that obviously threw a huge wrench into everything. But in the infinite wisdom of Jon and Paul, they never dissolved the band. We've had this discussion several times. 'Well, what is SAVATAGE? Are we still a thing?' Paul refused to ever say that we were done. 'We're still a band,' yada, yada. So here we are all these years later. It may have been frustrating for a lot of people that we haven't played, but we never broke up. So now we're back. And I think this is gonna be really interesting and it's gonna be awesome."

Chris said: "I used to tell the fans, 'My crystal ball isn't working. When it happens, I will be there.' And I wanted it probably as much [as], if not 10 times more than, the fans, because it was such an important part of my everyday life. The fans are fans of a band, and SAVATAGE was a lot of my life for decades. And then TSO came along, but that piece of SAVATAGE not being there… I'm the one who's not married and I don't have kids, so it's, like, that part of my life being gone was a big part of me. So it means a lot for me to be back in that family and that world. It really does."

SAVATAGE recently announced its first headlining shows since 2002.

SAVATAGE's lineup for the 2025 dates will consist of Lee Middleton on bass, Caffery on guitar, Pitrelli on guitar, Plate on drums and Zak Stevens on lead vocals.

Regarding how the SAVATAGE comeback came about, Caffery previously told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk": "It was funny. I got a phone call from Adam Lind, our manager with TSO [TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA], and he'd worked with us with SAVATAGE since back at 'Dead Winter Dead' and before that. And we always talked about it.

"I just kind of looked at SAVATAGE, like, I mean, we never broke up," he continued. "I remember the movie '48 Hours' with the guy Reggie who went to pick up the car, the car that nobody used for all those years. And the guy's, like, 'Where have you been?' He's, like, 'I've been busy.' It's, like, that's kind of the way it is with SAVATAGE.

"So yeah, well, that's the whole thing. It was time now. And Adam had called us up and he said, 'I wanna get on a call about SAVATAGE with everybody.' And I had no idea what he was gonna say. And he had us all on the line and said, 'Look, I've got some really solid offers for you guys to go do some festivals.' And me, I just basically started crying, to be honest with you. I couldn't believe it. I was so happy to hear that news. The first ones had come at it. There was offers from South America and Europe, and that's what we're doing now. We're going down to Brazil first in April, we're doing the Monsters Of Rock there, we're doing Masters Of Rock in Chile and Argentina. And then we head over to Europe in June and we're doing Hellfest and Rockwave and Graspop, and there's a few other ones over there and some headline shows. And it's just really exciting. The headline shows in Germany have been selling out, and we haven't even played on tour there in 20 years. So when you have 2,500- 3,500-seat places selling out, it makes you really excited."

Chris added: "Everybody asks me what's coming next. And I'm taking it one day at a time right now, because I had no idea this was gonna be happening. So I have all the answers you have. And when I get the news, everybody else will. So, I mean, we've talked. We wanna play everywhere. Everybody is really excited about it. So hopefully this is the beginning of a new run for SAVATAGE. So I can't really answer exactly what's happening next, but I'm just gonna tell you, we're going day by day on it and we're just really excited about it. And we know, you'll know. That's kind of how I look at it. But right now, I just look at it on my news and on the post and I see these things come out, and I'm, like, 'Wait a second.' I'm looking at this poster and it says SCORPIONS and JUDAS PRIEST and SAVATAGE, and I'm, like, 'This is awesome,' 'cause it's what I'd seen for decades before in the past with that, and now that part is back in my life. And like I said, that puts me full circle. Because I never really joined another band. I worked with Doro [Pesch], and when people needed help, I did some stuff with METAL CHURCH. But I mostly just did my own solo records and kind of laid it to the side, because I never wanted to place myself into another band that I couldn't commit to. And with TSO and my scheduling and I do a lot to take care of my mom, I just didn't have the time to give to something else. And now it's like SAVATAGE is such an important part of my life and my career and it's back. And like I said, it just feels like I've went full circle. And I was so happy every day of my life since I heard that announcement.

"There's a lot of things in this world that people look at," Caffery said. "And I pray for my friends in California. And I look at a lot of troubles and problems of this and that, and I'm blessed to have one of the most special, important things back in my life again. And I just feel really happy. It gives me a chance to help the people I know that have problems that exist in my life because it just levels my head and I look at it saying, like I said before, I'm pretty fortunate and pretty lucky and I'm excited to be able to go out and see those fans again."

Regarding the 2025 lineup of SAVATAGE, Chris said: "We've gotten together, we've done some photos, we've done some set stuff, but we have not sat down and played together as the band yet. We're still working on some of the little pieces for it, because the lineup is gonna be what you saw on 'Dead Winter Dead'. It's me and Al on guitar, it's Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, and then Jeff Plate on drums. And then you have Zak doing the vocals. I mean, [SAVATAGE mastermind] Jon Oliva is still a huge part of the band, and he's gonna be at rehearsals and he's working on the setlists and the arrangements and stuff, but right now he has some things with his back. And when he's able to go and do the shows, he will. But it was actually him who said to us, 'Go.'

"I talked to some people who are, like, 'Well, SAVATAGE doesn't have Jon going out with them.' But when I was talking to Jon before we left on the TSO tour — we were in his hotel room before I left for Green Bay for the first show out of rehearsals — and I was, like, 'Jon, I've never done a show without you,' and we were kind of tearing up on some things 'cause we were talking about his brother, and things, and Paul [O'Neill, TSO founder] with the music, and he just looked at me and he said, 'Would you go effin' play this music?' And it's what he wants us to do. So if that's what I'm hearing from Jon and that the fans are happy about it, then it's the right thing to do. And like the song says, this is the time. It's the time for us to do it. And we're all really excited, and the reaction has been great. And I think that people are gonna be really happy to see what comes onto that stage starting in April."

Asked if there has been any discussion about potentially new SAVATAGE music at any point, Caffery said: "Yeah. That's something we have talked about for years. I mean, Jon had said some things about it. Like I said, we're just doing things day by day now. And if and when anything goes down, it will. Right now, I'm just focusing on this. Like I said, I'm still so ecstatic that this is actually happening here. So I'm just looking forward to these shows.

"Years ago when people were asking if we were playing again, I told them my crystal ball wasn't working. So right now I'm saying the same thing and I'm just doing this day by day," he continued. "And right now SAVATAGE is playing, and from there, whatever's gonna happen is gonna happen. And I'm excited about the future. That's all I can say. I'm just really glad that SAVATAGE is back as part of my life and it's gonna be a part of everybody else's life again. Because, to me, it's just something that I've missed tremendously. I missed the fans, I missed those songs. I just missed that part of my life, and I never accepted… When people would go, 'You're ex-SAVATAGE,' I'm, like, 'Well, we didn't break up.' So it's just fun for me now… Because it's just, like, that's who I am, and that's the thing I wanna be. I never wanted to be in somebody else's band, replacing this person or that person. I was created a job in SAVATAGE by [late SAVATAGE guitarist] Criss Oliva, and from that point it just had been me and that band… And I'm just so happy that that part of my life is back."

As for the possibility of U.S. shows by SAVATAGE in the not-too-distant future, Chris said: "Yeah, like I said, we're just going day by day… It's one of these things [where] if you're seeing us playing in Europe and you're seeing us playing in South America and we're talking about wanting to continue doing shows, I would guess that we're gonna play everywhere, and that's what I wanna do. I know that's what the band wants to do. I haven't looked at dates yet, but I'm not booking the shows right now and I'm not going to. So when they come to me and say, 'Hey, we've got this,' then I'll be, like, 'Let's go.' It's one of these things where, like I said, I'm just happy it's happening and I'm going day by day on it and story by story and show by show. So as soon as I know, and it shows up either in my e-mail or on the SAVATAGE site, that is when you guys will know, because right now you actually know as much as I do. So I'm just happy to see the ones that we have. So I just assume, from what's been happening as I watched more shows get added on, that more shows are gonna get added on. Like I said, I'm taking it day by day."

When some of SAVATAGE's 2025 European headlining concerts were first announced last month, Stevens said in a statement: "As you can imagine, there are so many special things about these shows that are racing through my mind. We get to play a series of headline shows for the first time in over 20 years that will put us right back in front of all of the unbelievable fans who have given us so many unforgettable memories over the last three decades. Here's our chance to directly give back to everyone who’s been there supporting us all these years."

He added: "All the great festival shows are going to be off-the-charts amazing. It's even hard to imagine the scale of excitement that's going to take place with those shows."

Jon expressed his disappointment at not being able to join his bandmates but shared his deep elation for the upcoming concerts, stating: "I am very excited for the guys to be doing some shows. Unfortunately, due to health issues, I will not be able to join the guys for this run. Hopefully, this is just temporary. I will continue working in the studio on new music for the future. These shows will be awesome and I will be working with them to get it all ready for you. I know everyone is going to love it!!! Me and the guys are very excited and ready to kick ass! So from me, thank you all for the support for all these years and we can't wait to rock you!"

SAVATAGE 2025 tour dates:

April 19 - São Paulo, Brazil - Monsters Of Rock
April 21 - São Paulo, Brazil - Espacio Unimed *
April 23 - Santiago, Chile - Masters Of Rock
June 13 - Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Into The Grave
June 14 - Oberhausen, Germany - Turbinenhalle * (sold out)
June 16 - London, England - Shepherds Bush Empire *
June 18 - Zurich, Switzerland - Komplex 457 *
June 19 - Munich, Germany - Zenith * (Upgraded venue from Tonhalle)
June 22 - Dessel, Belgium - Graspop
June 24 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz *
June 26 - Barcelona, Spain - Rock Fest
June 28 - Thessaloniki, Greece - Rockwave

* Headline date

In late October, Jon explained in more detail his absence from the band's upcoming appearances, writing in a social media post: "Hello SAVATAGE fans, this is Jon Oliva. I want to set a few things straight for everyone. First of all, I am very excited for Johnny, Chris, Zak, Jeff & Al to play again. I feel it's important for the fans to enjoy our music live, and believe me these guys will kick ass.

"As far as I go, I was going to do these shows but unfortunately, I've run into more health issues. I want you all to know that if there was any way I could do these shows I would, but my health issues are more serious than I originally thought.

"As most of you know I fractured my spine in 3 places and have recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis as well as Ménière's disease. My doctors are working with me to get healthy again.

"I am working closely with the guys and will be involved in every other aspect of the show. I am 100 percent behind the guys doing this and I promise I will return [as soon as possible]. In the meantime, I am working in the studio on new material.

"I love you all and thank you for understanding my situation, I know my brothers will deliver the goods."

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness (vertigo),ringing in the ears (tinnitus),hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear. Ménière’s disease usually affects only one ear, but in 15% to 25% of people with the disorder, both ears may be affected.

Nearly two years ago, Jon told Sakis Fragos of Greece's Rock Hard that he had "enough material" for three SAVATAGE albums, but he wanted to take his time making the best LP possible. "I'm not rushing this," he said. "No fucking way. 'Cause this will probably be the last album we ever do. And I'm gonna make sure that it's a 10 out of a 10."

Regarding the musical direction of the new SAVATAGE material, Jon said: "Some of this shit is really strong. I'm even looking at myself going, 'Holy shit. This is really strong.' And the fact that you're gonna have me and Zak sharing the vocals and doing songs together in like a duet thing, is even more… it blows me away. I purposely wrote five or six songs specifically for Zak to sing. And then I worked [on] a lot of songs with Al Pitrelli that are definitely, 'These are Oliva songs.' And then we have a couple of big epic songs.

"This is gonna be the best album I ever made," Oliva promised. "Unless I kill myself. All I know is that the SAVA fans are gonna be fucking blown away when they hear this. They're gonna be blown away. I wasn't gonna do the SAVATAGE thing and just do a half-assed album. If I'm doing this album, it's gonna be the best album I've ever done. 'Cause when I go out, I wanna go out on top."

Jon went on to say that a new SAVATAGE song called "For The Man Who Would Be King" is one that he sometimes refers to as "the new 'Morphine Child'," a nod to the track on SAVATAGE's 2001 album "Poets And Madmen". "And that's one that me and Zak are gonna do together," he explained. "And then it's got this big middle section that's all these QUEEN, operatic[-style vocals]. I'm, like, 'Wow, this is gonna be epic.'"

Regarding which other musicians will be involved in the recording process for the new SAVATAGE album, Jon said: "I'm gonna have [former SAVATAGE drummer Steve] Wacholz come in and play on a couple of songs. But Jeff Plate, Johnny, Al Pitrelli, Chris Caffery, Zak, me, and on a couple of things I'm gonna have Jane Mangini [TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA keyboardist] come in and play."

He continued: "I'm getting everybody involved from the beginning. I want it to be a full-band album, all of us working together. And it's gonna be great."

Asked about a possible title for the new SAVATAGE album, Jon said: "The working title is 'Curtain Call', but I don't know if that's gonna be it. 'Cause the very last song that's gonna be on the album is this song called 'Curtain Call', and it's just me with a piano, and it's very deep. It's basically me singing to the fans, telling them all goodbye and thank you. Every time I hear it, I cry. Everybody I played it for cries. It's just very deep. But it's my way of saying goodbye to everybody. 'Thank you. I love you all. And this is my final goodbye. Thank you. Have a good life. And do whatever.' So I think I'm gonna call it 'Curtain Call', but it's not in stone yet."

Zak joined SAVATAGE in 1992 as the replacement for Jon Oliva. Zak sang on four albums with the band — "Edge Of Thorns" (1993),"Handful Of Rain" (1994),"Dead Winter Dead" (1995) and "The Wake Of Magellan" (1997) — before departing in 2000, allowing Jon to return. Both Jon and Zak took part in SAVATAGE's 2015 performance at Wacken Open Air, which marked the band's first, and only so far, appearance on stage since they went on hiatus back in 2002.

SAVATAGE's last album release, "Poets And Madmen", in 2001 was highlighted by Jon's return as lead vocalist, replacing Zak, who left the band citing family reasons, and the departure of guitarist Al Pitrelli, who accepted an offer to join MEGADETH in 2000. Pitrelli did record solos for some songs prior to his departure. Another very limited U.S. tour followed, supported by FATES WARNING in the early shows, and then NEVERMORE for the remainder. Around this time, Jon chose Zak's replacement in the form of Damond Jiniya (DIET OF WORMS). Damond performed Zak's parts on tour, with Jon having an increased vocal role in proceedings.

In September 2021, Jon Oliva was arrested on the west central coast of Florida for driving under the influence as well as possession of a controlled substance. Police charged Oliva with possession of cocaine, which is a felony, and DUI, which is a misdemeanor. Oliva was reportedly arrested again in July 2023 on another cocaine possession charge.

Back in 2016, Jon announced on social media that he suffered a stroke in April of that year. At the time, he said: "It was not as serious as it could have been, but it did leave me with some physical recovery challenges often associated with strokes."

Despite his health issues, Jon said that he didn't regret the way he had lived his life. He wrote: "I lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle since I was 18. It's all I knew and I enjoyed the ride very much. But there comes a time in everyone's life where you have to step back and make some life-changing decisions... which I have."

Shortly after SAVATAGE's reunion performance at the 2015 Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany, Oliva claimed that he felt better than he had in 20 years because he had "stopped drinking and eating" in preparation for the concert. He explained: "It's my voice that's freaking me out, because, even when I was in my late 20s, early 30s, doing songs like '24 Hours Ago' were always really hard to do. And, of course, I didn't realize that it was all the drugs and alcohol I was doing. But, after doing that, getting my act together and stuff, singing '24 Hours Ago', it's actually easy now. [Laughs]"

In addition to his work with SAVATAGE, Oliva is well known for co-creating the classical music-meets-prog rock and pyro act TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA alongside the project's founder Paul O'Neill. Oliva has reportedly remained involved in TSO's activities even after O'Neill's April 2017 death of an accidental drug overdose.

Jon's brother Criss, who was one of the founding members of SAVATAGE, was killed in October 1993 by a drunk driver when he and his wife Dawn were en route to the Livestock festival in Zephyrhills, Florida. The driver of the other car was found to have a drunk driving record of seven prior DUIs and having a blood alcohol content of .294 percent.

Photo credit: Josh Ruzansky

Legendary rocker Sammy Hagar, who is preparing for a nine-show Las Vegas residency in the spring, has clarified his recent comments about no longer wanting to spend any time on the road.

Earlier in the month, Hagar told the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "I don't think I want to go on tour anymore. I hate to say that, because I don't want to piss my fans off. I'll go out and do a one-off show and do things like that, but the residency is going to give me a good extension of my career. That's what I'm hoping for."

Referencing the upcoming residency, "Best Of All Worlds Tour - The Residency", which is scheduled for April 30-May 17 at Dolby Live, the 77-year-old former VAN HALEN and MONTROSE frontman said: "With this, I don't have to travel, I don't have to unpack and pack and get on an airplane every day. You know, at my age, it hurts my shoulders to do all this. And I have to perform. I'm a performer, at the end of the day."

"I keep telling my manager, 'Don't take any tours, let me do this residency,'" Hagar added. "If I like it enough, I'll do another one. And if that's successful I'll do another one, and I can squeeze a few more years out of my career."

On Monday (January 20),Hagar shared a video message on his Instagram in which he attempted to offer more insight into his thinking with regard to potentially touring in the future. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "The last couple of weeks, yeah, I've been getting all these messages from people, 'Oh my God. You're not gonna tour anymore.' I didn't say I'm not gonna tour anymore. I was referring to the residency coming up in May with Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony, Kenny Aronoff, Rai Thistlethwayte, the same 'Best Of All Worlds' band, 'Best Of All Worlds' tour. We're gonna do a residency [at] MGM Park. And I'm hoping that that will be a lot easier for me than packing bags every day and getting on an airplane, flying in the next city, checking in the hotel, running a soundcheck, trying to get something to eat, go to the meet-and-greet, get to the show and then doing a show. Without all that crazy travel and all that extracurricular stuff, it should be easier for me — waking up, having a nice breakfast in the town where you're gonna play, not having to do anything but maybe go to the gym, maybe rehearse. Yeah, man, now you're talking. [Laughs] I'll be chomping at the bit when it comes showtime, because I will be well rested without all that travel. I just think it's gonna be great. And maybe I will able to squeeze fifty, a hundred more shows out of this voice and this body.

"I'm a performer," he continued. "I like to perform, and it takes it out of you. So that's all I'm saying, is hopefully the residency will be the answer to be able to continue on for many more years, because if not, touring is getting tough, and I will be doing less and less. And eventually, I probably won't be able to do it at all. I mean, it's inevitable. I'm only human. [Laughs]

"Anyway, it's all good," he added." I'm not gonna stop performing ever. I will play music — live music — as long as I can. I fricking love it. Are you kidding me?

"All right, there's your answer."

Last November, Hagar admitted to People magazine that retirement had "crept into my head for 10 years."

"I get insecure in between shows, in between tours, and I think, 'Gee, do I still have it? Can I really still do all that?' And I get out there, and it's like it's riding a bike or having sex," he said.

"I'm going to retire when I can't do this, when I can't sing anymore… I'm not going to have people pay the kind of money that it costs to see these concerts these days and not deliver. So that's where my retirement is. It's in the hands of the higher being."

"The Best Of All Worlds Tour - The Residency" will reunite the rock powerhouse band of Sammy, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani and Kenny Aronoff with a new "only in Las Vegas" setlist.

This residency will showcase Sammy's career-spanning hits, from seminal breakouts with MONTROSE, his iconic solo hits, and a deep dive into his tenure with VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT, and everything in between. Presented in partnership by Live Nation and MGM Resorts International, the residency will be custom-designed for Dolby Live, giving fans an intimate, high-energy concert experience in the 5,200-seat entertainment venue.

Tickets for the following nine dates are onsale now: April 30, 2025 and May 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 2025.

Paganfest 2025 - featuring Alestorm, Ensiferum, Týr, Heidevolk and Elvenking - kicked off on January 8 in Hamburg, Germany at Grosse Freiheit. Fan-filmed video of the Alestorm's entire January 19th show in London, England at O2 Academy Brixton can be viewed below.


Setlist:


"Keelhauled"
"Shipwrecked"
"Mexico"
"Under Blackened Banners"
"Alestorm"
"Hangover" (Taio Cruz cover)
"Fannybaws"
"Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship"
"Voyage of the Dead Marauder"
"Nancy the Tavern Wench"
"Uzbekistan"
"P.A.R.T.Y."
"Shit Boat (No Fans)"
"Drink"
"Wooden Leg!"
"Fucked With an Anchor"
"Rumpelkombo"

TRIUMPH guitarist/vocalist Rik Emmett will release a new book, "Ten Telecaster Tales: Liner Notes For A Guitar And Its Music", on March 25 via ECW Press.

"Ten Telecaster Tales" remakes the idea of the "concept album." It is music that arrives inside a book. It's also, arguably, the most comprehensive attempt at liner notes in the history of electric instrumental fingerstyle guitar albums.

In his latest offering, Emmett delves into the creative process — the roots, influences, philosophy, and spirituality involved in writing and recording. Even the story behind these stories explores creativity. (Emmett dreamed of then commissioned a guitar — a one-of-a-kind Telecaster-style guitar — then wrote and recorded with and for it.)

Playfully, beautifully, "Ten Telecaster Tales" lays bare an artistic journey in an act of discovery — that the storytelling inherent in writing good musical compositions translates into good storytelling about the process behind the songs, and how compositions turn into recordings. A generous amount of fairy-tale mythology is sprinkled throughout — despite the whole process being assimilated by digital technology. The notion of a "telecaster tale" implies something "vintage" at its heart, and it is humanity that glues the layers together.

Principally, though, "Ten Telecaster Tales" is the next logical step for Emmett after publishing his memoir, "Lay It On The Line". It represents the evolution of his life story into a combination of musical composition, guitar playing, and prose. After all, writing has always been the solid backbone and lifeline of his multi-faceted journey.

After a dozen platinum LPs from 1975 to 1988 with TRIUMPH, Emmett has released 20 more solo projects, ranging across genres. An avowed family man, he's retired from touring but still writes and records. Rik was a Guitar Player magazine columnist for over a dozen years, taught with the Humber College music faculty, and is the Artistic Director Emeritus of the SongStudio songwriting workshop. He lives in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

"Ten Telecaster Tales: Liner Notes For A Guitar And Its Music" will be distributed by Simon & Schuster Distribution (U.S. and international),Jaguar Books Group (Canada) and Turnaround Publisher Services (Europe).

Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman has shared the official visualizer for his new single "A Prayer". The track is taken from his latest solo album, "Drama", which came out last May via Frontiers Music Srl.

Marty comments on the new single: "'A Prayer' was one of the first songs I wrote for 'Drama'. It is an unapologetic tearjerker, and it set the melancholy tone for the entire album. I always wanted to do a full album of wistful songs like this, but only recently have I developed the ability to put together elaborate arrangements like this that sound deceivingly simple and uplifting."

Recorded in Italy, "Drama" showcases Marty's unique touch, for the first time using both vintage and modern guitars, delivering a pure delight for lovers of music everywhere. From the captivating first single "Illumination", which can be streamed below, to the album's breathtaking "Mirage" and 10 other emotionally charged mini-symphonies, Marty paints atmospheric elements with a modern and exotic flair, promising an unforgettable musical experience.

"Drama" track listing:

01. Illumination
02. Song For An Eternal Child
03. Triumph (Official Version)
04. Thrill City
05. Deep End
06. Dead Of Winter
07. Mirage
08. A Prayer
09. Acapella
10. Tearful Confession
11. Icicles
12. 2 Rebeldes (Dead Of Winter) (Spanish version)
12. Mirage (Guitar Karaoke Version) (bonus track Japan)

Recording lineup:

Marty Friedman - Guitar
Wakazaemon - Bass
Gregg Bissonette - Drums
Mika Maruki - Piano, Keyboard & Synth
Hiyori Okuda - Cello
Miho Chigyo - Violin

Vocals on "Dead Of Winter": Chris Brooks (LIKE A STORM)
Vocals on "2 Rebeldes": Steven Baquero Vargas
Bass on "Mirage": Or Lubianiker
Rhythm guitar on "Thrill City": Naoki Morioka
Keys and synth on "Sanctuary": Takuro Iga
Drums on "Thrill City": Chargeeeeee

During the question-and-answer portion of the November 2023 Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp's "Metalmania III" in Los Angeles, Friedman spoke about "Drama". He said: "I've got 15 solo albums now, and each time I try to do something new and something I've never done before. I don't want ever to be heard as one of those guys, 'Ah, his early albums were great.' You know what I mean? I used to say that about my favorite guitarists — sadly — and I never wanted that to be said about me. So I'm always challenging myself on new stuff. On this new album, the closest thing I can relate it to is an album I had called 'Scenes' [1992], which I released quite a while ago. It was very dramatic and orchestral, and there was a lot of other type of instruments — violins, cellos and all that type of stuff. So it's more of a dramatic, orchestral concept. But everything that I've learned since that 'Scenes' album has just exponentially grown, so it's a much bigger scale. So if you like that 'Scenes' album at all, I think this one will be right up your alley."

Marty previously talked about "Drama" in October 2023 in an interview with Chris Akin Presents.
Asked what challenges and motivates him to keep pushing forward with his music, Marty said: "I'm not really so much into trying something that I haven't done for the sake of trying something I haven't done. I'm trying to impress me with something that I've never done before. It's not like I'm gonna suddenly wake up one day and say, 'Okay, I'm gonna be a rapper' or something. I do what I do and I have my musical vision and sound. I just try to do deeper things with it. I try to make more complex emotions, deeper emotions in the music, more interesting, melodic twists and turns, more adventurous things, things that I wasn't deep enough to do last year or two years ago, or five years ago, things that I couldn't hear back then, things that I can only hear because life has given me more experiences since then, and, of course, more musical experiences, and just to consciously be aware of stuff that I've already done and not repeat it. It's a natural challenge that I've been doing forever, and the hardest part is that blank sheet when I just start from zero. It's, like, 'How am I going to top that last thing that I just did? I worked my ass off. I'm completely done. I have nothing left. I've got zero.' And so that's the challenge."

Marty's presence in the world of music, the world of guitar and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. His first major impact in music was in the game-changing guitar duo CACOPHONY, which he founded with equally enigmatic and now-legendary guitarist Jason Becker. He then spent 10 years as lead guitarist in the genre-defining thrash metal act MEGADETH before moving to Tokyo due to his love for Japanese music, language, and culture.

Following his move, he landed a starring role for a new TV comedy "Hebimeta-san" ("Mr. Heavy Metal") and its spinoff, "Rock Fujiyama", which ran for six seasons and propelled him into the living rooms of Japan's mainstream. He has since appeared in over 800 TV shows, movies and commercials, including a two-year campaign with Coca-Cola for Fanta, authored two best-selling novels and was the first-ever foreigner to be appointed as an ambassador of Japan heritage and perform at the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Marathon.

At the same time, Marty has continued his career in music with several solo albums in addition to writing and performing with the top artists in Japanese music, racking up countless chart hits, including a No. 1 with SMAP, two No. 2 songs with MOMOIRO CLOVER, a No. 2 with SOUND HORIZON — just to name a few.

Friedman's autobiography, "Dreaming Japanese", arrived on December 3, 2024 via Permuted Press.

Photo credit: Takaaaki Henmi

New SNOT singer Andy Knapp has commented on his first two concerts with the band, which took place on Friday (January 17) at the Parish room at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California and on Saturday, January 18 at Brick By Brick in San Diego, California.

SNOT's current lineup also includes guitarists Mikey Doling and Sonny Mayo, bassist John "Tumor" Fahnestock and drummer Jamie Miller.

On Wednesday (January 22),Knapp, who also sings for fellow Southern California band STRONGER THAN MACHINES, took to his Instagram to write: "So I feel like I have finally been able to catch my breath and come down from this high from this weekend.

"1/17/25 and 1/18/25 will be two dates that I will remember for the rest of my life.

"I don't know how to put it into words this experience. It is very much a dream come true full circle kind of feeling.

"I am very blessed and honored to be in the situation that I am in.

"I still don't think I know all the right words to say right at this moment but I wanted to say thank you to my friends that have always had my back way before this was ever close to occurring. The ones that believed in me and dreamed the dream with me. Thank you people! You know who you are! And to my Angel of a wife. I love you Ariana. Thank you for everything you are.

"SNOT FOREVER! LYNN STRAIT FOREVER!!!! LETS GO!!"

Fahnestock was among the people who posted a comment below Knapp's message, writing: "I just want to say this would not be able to happen if it wasn't for Andy Knapp. We love you so much. Thank you. You fucking crush it. It's still so unbelievable."

SNOT is scheduled to play three more club concerts in February and April 2025, leading up to the band's appearance at the Welcome To Rockville festival in May 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. SNOT will also play at select European festivals, as well as at the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival in Mansfield, Ohio, this summer.

Upcoming SNOT shows:

Feb. 08 - Santa Barbara, CA - SOhO (with SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET, PETMEDZ)
April 25 - Denver, CO - HQ
April 26 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep
May 18 - Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome To Rockville
July 18 - Flint, MI – The Machine Shop (with THE UNION UNDERGROUND)
July 19-20 - Mansfield, OH - Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival
Aug 8-10 - Kortrijk, Belgium - Alcatraz
Aug. 14-17 - Carhaix, France – Motocultor

SNOT disbanded in 1998 following original singer Lynn Strait's death, putting an end to a career that generated considerable promise but only one studio album, "Get Some". The band had been writing material for its sophomore CD and had completed 10 songs at the time of Strait's tragic passing. As a memorial to Strait, SNOT eventually decided to release those tracks, with lyrics and guest vocals provided by a host of stars from the alt-metal community. The resulting album, "Strait Up", was a fitting tribute from Strait's peers and friends, featuring members of LIMP BIZKIT, KORN, SLIPKNOT, SEVENDUST, (HED) P.E., COAL CHAMBER, SUGAR RAY, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, SOULFLY, and more.

SNOT in 2014 recruited Carl Bensley (VITIATE, CONSUME THE FIRE) to sing for the band following the departure of Tommy "Vext" Cummings (ex-DIVINE HERESY, BAD WOLVES).

Reflecting on SNOT's original split and 2014 comeback, Doling told The Kevin Powell Podcast: "Un-fucking-fortunately, our singer Lynn Strait, the great, mighty Lynn Strait, who I miss and love so much, he passed away in a car accident and it put a halt to SNOT. We just couldn't go on without him at that point. And so we stopped for many years. And then we kind of got back together with some friends, and it wasn't real serious — [we] just [played] some shows. I don't really wanna say their names right now, but they're cool people and they helped us out."

As for how SNOT's latest reunion is different from the band's 2014 comeback, Doling said: "This one, it's serious. We're back-back. We got the booking agency. We got high-level shows and festivals. This is the real deal for us. We're back right now. And, yeah, that's where we are right now. And we're hungry to do it again. I'm very excited about it."

Doling previously discussed SNOT's reunion during an appearance on an episode of the "Talk Toomey" podcast. Regarding how the band's comeback happened, Mikey said: "Well, let's see. About a year ago, I was seeing the festivals that were coming in 2024, and I was noticing there were so many bands out there from our genre. You have the COAL CHAMBERs, the MUDVAYNEs and just so many bands out there killing it. And I'm sitting there thinking, 'Man, SNOT, it's time that we get on board with this.' So I talked to the dudes. We didn't even have a singer at that point. So anyway, so I reached out to the band and said, 'Hey, man, I think we should find a singer and play some festivals and have some fun.' And they were, like, 'Yeah, well, we're in if you can find us the right singer.' So, I looked around for a while. I had no luck. But I kept looking. And then I reached out to Alex Gilbert over at TKO — it's our booking agency — and I asked him, I said, 'Hey, man, I'm currently looking for a vocalist. And if I put all this work into putting SNOT back together, would you be interested in booking some shows and festivals for us?' And he said, 'I'll put the feelers out there and let's see how it goes.' So, a year went by. I didn't hear anything back. I kind of thought, 'All right. No interest.' So about three months ago, Alex called me. So I'm looking at my phone, like, 'Whoa, it's Alex from TKO.' I answered and I asked him how he's doing. And he said, 'Hey, man, I'm getting a lot of interest for SNOT. It's a lot. Everybody I talk to wants the band.' So I told him, 'Look, man, we're into it.' I didn't even let him know we didn't have a singer yet at that point. And I said, 'Let me get back to you. I'll talk to the guys.' So I instantly jumped on social media for a little something about looking for a vocalist for SNOT. And I got a lot of response. I got, like, eight videos and audio of dudes who just didn't fit. What they did is they would sing with the album, 'Get Some', and it just didn't fit. So I almost kind of gave up. And so right there at the end, before I threw the towel in on the whole thing, a friend of mine from Santa Barbara hit me up, texted me and said, 'Hey, I found the guy for SNOT.' And, I was, like, 'Yeah, sure,' in my mind thinking, 'Yeah, yeah. Right. Right.' So I jumped on the phone with him — let's say it's a girl, with her — and she said, 'I saw a guy. He has a band. And he reminded me of Lynn. It was goosebumps,' she said. And I said, 'Cool.' And Lynn is one of his favorite all-time singers. So, she put me in contact with him. And, again, I asked him, I said, 'Look, we're looking for a singer. Do me a favor. Set up a camera, microphone and sing along to 'Get Some', our album. And so about three or four days go by and then I get some videos on my phone. So I'm watching the video, and immediately it just punched me in the face how good it was. I was, like, 'Wow, this is the guy.' What he did is he set up in front of his — he has a little rehearsal spot, drums and amps, and he put 'Get Some' through his P.A. system and he wrapped the cable from the microphone around his arm and laid into it as if he was doing a show. He did, like, five songs and he was absolutely incredible, nailing it. He looks right. He's got the whole punk vibe that we're looking for. And he just nailed it, man.

"Singing like Lynn Strait is not easy, man. And he absolutely fucking rocked it, to the point where I had to sit down; I was so blown away. And so I immediately contacted Tumor, John Fahnestock, bass player for SNOT. And Tumor, [he is the] best guy in the world, but [he] hates everything. I sent it to him, and he called me right away. He was, like, 'Dude, holy shit. You found our guy.' That was the first thing he said. 'Who is it? Is this real?' I was, like, 'It's real.' So then I sent it out to the rest of the guys, Jamie and Sonny, and, and yeah, boom, it's there."

According to the Los Angeles Times, Lynn died in died in a car accident in December 1998 as he attempted to drive across Highway 101 in Mussel Shoals, California. The 30-year-old singer died instantly after his 1992 Ford Tempo was broadsided by a southbound full-size pickup truck about noon. Also killed was Strait's small bulldog, SNOT's mascot Dobbs, who adorned the cover of the band's debut album, the 1997 Geffen Records release "Get Some". Strait, a Santa Barbara resident, was crossing the highway after visiting his girlfriend in the community. Lynn apparently pulled into the path of the truck, which was going about 65 mph. The impact sent Strait's car spinning into the center divider where it stopped, a California Highway Patrol officer told the Los Angeles Times at the time.

SNOT's most recent U.S. tour, during which the band performed "Get Some" in its entirety, kicked off in late November 2014 in Palm Desert, California and wrapped in late December 2014 in Pomona, California.

Cummings fronted SNOT in 2008-2009 before he and Mayo exited the group amid "strained relationships."

In a new interview with Outlander Media, NONPOINT vocalist Elias Soriano was asked for a health update on Robb Rivera, just a few days after the NONPOINT drummer had to be rushed to the hospital because he had an elevated heart rate during the band's concert in Louisville, Kentucky. Elias said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Robb's [doing] good. Robb's a hundred percent. He's fine. It was a little spell. It was a perfect storm — a mix of a couple of different things. He normally doesn't drink caffeinated coffee, and that day he had gone down to the local coffee shop and had a couple of cups of coffee that were not decaf, because they did not have decaf at the time. And then that mixed with just the stress, the stress of the show, and blood sugar. The doctor said he was low on magnesium and potassium, so he's just gotta hydrate right, make sure he doesn't drink caffeine before a show. And he performed last night — no problems, no issues."

The singer added: "You're getting older, and the older you get, your body doesn't work the same. So, normally, two cups of coffee and a little stress normally would have done it, but…"

According to NONPOINT, Robb had a sudden shift in his heart rate that was "dangerously high" during the band's concert on January 12 at the Mercury Ballroom. Since "the paramedics were not able to get it down in time", they took him to the hospital."

On January 14, Rivera shot down speculation that "drugs" were a factor in his having to be rushed to the hospital during the Louisville concert. He said in a video message posted to social media: "To the people that said that this was due to drugs — shame on you. Anybody who knows me out there knows that I do not use drugs at all or drink alcohol. Back in the day, I used to drink little sips. I've never been an alcoholic, never been a drug addict. So those people that said that, I could easily go off on you, but I'm not stooping down to your level."

A short time after the Louisville concert, Elias shared a video message in which he stated about Rivera's condition: " So tonight is a pretty wild night here in Louisville. Thank you to all the fans that hung around and stayed. Robb is okay. He is back at the hospital right now, just getting some tests done. His heart rate got a little bit high today on stage. It's something that's never happened before."

He continued: "You guys know we put on an energetic show, and this is never anything that really is any different than what we normally do. But Robb is okay. They got his heart rate down, and we're just gonna wait for more news. But I just wanna let everybody know.

"Thank you so much for everybody in Louisville for coming out," Elias added. "I'm sorry we couldn't do the last song. Literally we had one and a half more songs to do and Robb really wanted to do it, but the paramedics wouldn't let him do it."

Louisville was the third show of NONPOINT's "Painful Statements" tour with special guests CROBOT and HEARTSICK. The trek is in celebration of the 20th and 25th anniversaries of NONPOINT's two most popular albums, "To The Pain" and "Statement", respectively. The band is playing songs that not only haven't been heard in a long time, but also songs that have never been played live.

NONPOINT has been captivating audiences with its energetic sound and passionate performances for over two decades. Formed in 1997, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what modern rock can be, combining heavy metal, nu-metal, and hard rock into a unique and powerful musical force. Over the course of its 27-year career, NONPOINT has released several critically acclaimed albums and garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the industry.

Throughout their career, NONPOINT has been celebrated for their signature sound and powerful lyrics, which often tackle social and political issues. Their hard-hitting sound and emotional live performances have earned them a dedicated fanbase, as well as recognition from the music industry. NONPOINT has received multiple award nominations and has been praised by publications such as Rolling Stone, Revolver and Alternative Press.

NONPOINT's songs "Bullet With A Name", "Alive And Kicking", "In The Air Tonight", "Circles", "Your Signs", "Everybody Down" and many others have been featured in trailers, hit movies, television, iconic video games, as well as broadcasts from NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WWF.

NONPOINT has toured with major acts like DISTURBED, PAPA ROACH, MUDVAYNE and SEVENDUST, to name a few. They have also been featured on the main stages and support stages of iconic festivals like Soundwave, Rock Am Park, Rock Am Ring, Ozzfest, Rock On The Range, Welcome To Rockville and many more.

Steel Panther have released the new video below, along with the following message:


"You didn't think we were done celebrating, did you?! Join us as we take a look back at the album critics hailed as, "An exercise in taking a joke too far!" Let's take a deep dive on all things Feel The Steel! In this episode, Michael, Satchel and Stix reflect on making the transition from cover band to writing original music."







Snag your copy of the 15th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Feel The Steel at steelpanther.com.


Get ready to crank up the volume, because the worlds of high fashion and rock 'n' roll are about to collide in a blaze of glory at NAMM 2025 in Anaheim, California. Riot Stitch, the couture brand that brings the thunder to rock stage wear, is pumped to announce its debut Metal Catwalk on January 25 at 2 PM in Hall D, Booth 4234.


Riot Stitch’s showcase, at the NAMM 2025 convention will be an exclusive feature at the 3rd Annual Ellefson Coffee Co. Rock & Roll VIP Lounge at Booth #4234 in Hall D. The lounge is hosted by legendary bassist David Ellefson, and is an exclusive experience buzzing with rockstar appearances throughout the week, offering attendees the perfect mix of caffeinated energy and rock ‘n’ roll excitement.


This ain’t your average runway show - it’s a full-throttle spectacle! Expect jaw-dropping designs and jaw-dropping looks that push the limits of rock fashion into uncharted territory for 2025. Fans and industry insiders will witness a dazzling display that fuses the glitzy vibes of '80s Hollywood glam with the free-spirited essence of '70s boho, all set to the backdrop of a mini rock concert that’ll have you shouting for more!


"Rock 'n' roll isn’t just music - it’s a way of life, a fierce statement, and pure art. I’m bringing that raw energy to the catwalk like you’ve never seen before," said Sherri Lu, Owner of Riot Stitch.


Prepare for a show that’s destined to shake the foundations of fash

Includes Hardback Book, 11 CDs Of Live Material, Performance DVD">
Madfish Music proudly presents Wishbone Ash At The BBC 1970-1988, an extraordinary collection of iconic performances, rare recordings, and behind-the-scenes gems, captured over nearly two decades from one of the most celebrated bands in rock history.


Four years in the making and shaped by the input of devoted fans and band members alike, this long-awaited release is the definitive archive of Wishbone Ash's unforgettable relationship with the BBC. The set will be available on March 25.

Robert Trujillo (METALLICA),Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (OVERKILL),John Bush (ARMORED SAINT),Doc Coyle (BAD WOLVES, GOD FORBID),Marty Friedman (MEGADETH),Gary Holt (SLAYER, EXODUS),Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA),Jeff Loomis (ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE),Mark Tornillo (ACCEPT),Troy Sanders (MASTODON) and Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY) are among the musicians who performed with METAL ALLEGIANCE last night (Thursday, January 23) at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California.

METAL ALLEGIANCE began as a celebration of heavy metal, powered by the almost tribal bond shared between the extreme music community's most revered trailblazers, armed with a list of contributors onstage (and off) that read like a Wikipedia entry on the genre itself.

Since METAL ALLEGIANCE's inception in 2014, the band is comprised of the core four members of: Mark Menghi on bass, Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT) on guitar, David Ellefson (MEGADETH) on bass, and Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER) on drums.

The night was sponsored by Jackson Guitars, EVH Gear, Charvel Guitars and IK Multimedia and included direct support from OTTTO. Opening the night were WICKED and LOST LEGACY.

As with METAL ALLEGIANCE's previous shows, last night's setlist balanced original material with classic covers of metal royalty.

In a recent interview with RadioBypass, Skolnick was asked if there has been any talk of METAL ALLEGIANCE writing and recording a third album as the follow-up to 2018's "Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty". He responded: "Yes. We've been talking about it for some time. It's always easier said than done, given everybody's schedules, but we're continuing to talk about it and I'm pretty sure that [2025] is the year we will get started on it. So I don't know what it's gonna look like, I don't know how it's going to compare to the past albums. Maybe we'll get our feet wet with an EP or a single — who knows? — but either way, we're gonna get started and see how it goes, probably later this [coming] year."

Collaborative tribute experiences like HAIL! and METAL MASTERS eventually led to the founding of METAL ALLEGIANCE a decade ago.

The collective's raucous renditions of classic material from the likes of JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, OZZY OSBOURNE, THIN LIZZY, VAN HALEN and PANTERA in clubs, conventions and cruise ships inevitably led to the creation of an album of brand new material.

METAL ALLEGIANCE has issued two full-length albums so far, 2015's self-titled debut and "Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty", as well as an EP, 2016's "Fallen Heroes".

METAL ALLEGIANCE's Anaheim show from 2024 drew rave reviews from the metal press, including Metal Talk saying, "If you weren't here, you definitely missed out on probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Also, the Vinyl District added, "Fans were treated to some of the very best metal has to offer from a supergroup that truly understands what a live musical performance should be. All hail METAL ALLEGIANCE!"

DEF LEPPARD guitarist Vivian Campbell has offered an update on his health after he was forced to miss the band's last two concerts due to his ongoing cancer battle.

The veteran British rockers played their first concert of 2025 on Saturday, January 18 at Feria Estatal De León in León, Mexico. As was the case with the band's October 14, 2024 private show in Nashville (as part of the Daimler Truck Customer Appreciation Event),Vivian was unable to join his bandmates at the León gig and was replaced by John Zocco, who is Phil Collen's guitar tech.

On Thursday (January 23),Vivian released the following statement via social media: "Thank you for all the recent messages and support. As you all may know, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma several years ago. I recently had a bone marrow transplant as part of my treatment plan, and it's safe to say that thus far it's been a very successful transplant! I just have to keep my head down and my spirits up for the next 100 days of primary recovery."

During a November 2023 appearance on the "Lymphoma Voices" podcast, Campbell spoke about his battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma, with which he was diagnosed in 2013. The now-62-year-old musician said in part: "I'm still dealing with the lymphoma. It's sort of like — it's an American expression — whac-a-mole. You beat something back and then it pops up somewhere else. But it's been a pretty consistent battle, but it hasn't been too difficult for me. I deal with it fine. I've been able to live my life. I've been able to continue touring. For the bulk of those 10 years, I actually was doing immunotherapy. Starting in June of 2015, I started taking a drug called pembrolizumab. I did that as part of a clinical trial. We discussed a few options. And I'd heard about this immunotherapy, and it was a very nascent treatment and I was really pushing for doing it. I remember at the time my doctors wanted me to do radiation and maybe a combination of radiation and chemo. And I just thought, 'Well, let's just try this immunotherapy thing. Let's see if this works.' So I managed to get on the trial. I'm happy to say that it worked well for me. So from June of 2015 until essentially the end of 2022, I was able to, just about once a month, go in and do an infusion of pembrolizumab and just go about my life, and it was very, very easy for me to do. Honestly, the hardest part was scheduling with all my travel. There were very, very subtle, very benign side effects. For me, I tolerated the treatment very, very well. And that was working great. But it sort of lost its efficacy a year, year and a half ago. And we could tell in the scans. I would do scans every three to four months just as a matter of protocol anyway to see what was happening. And my oncologist now had been telling me for essentially the last two years that the pembrolizumab was not being as effective as it once was and that we were gonna have to consider different treatments. So anyway, in November of [2022], we did a combination of pembrolizumab with three chemo drugs. You have to forgive me 'cause I cannot remember the names of the chemo drugs. But anyway, so I did a course of treatment, six cycles of that combination therapy of the three chemo drugs and the pembrolizumab. Unfortunately, it didn't put me into remission; we fell a little bit short of that. So I just recently, at the end of July [of 2023], started doing six cycles of a combination therapy of a chemo drug called brentuximab and an immunotherapy drug called nivolumab. I'm halfway through that. I've done cycle three. I do cycle four early next week. So far, so good. I had to go and get this stunning haircut yesterday because the brentuximab does have hair loss as a side effect. So I could start telling in the last couple of weeks, every time I touched my hair, it was coming out. So, I'm a little bit more proactive by going and cutting it super, super short."

Asked if he has gotten used to his much shorter haircut, Vivian said: "10 years ago, when I first started doing the ABVD chemo, that's when my hair first fell out. And so that was difficult. It was mostly difficult for me because I'd had long hair my entire adult life. I literally started growing my hair long when I was about 11 or 12 years old, and it's just gotten longer and longer. And it becomes part of your identity when it's around for so long, especially as a guitar player. And to be honest, it was a comforting thing to me because it gave me something to hide behind when I was on stage. I am naturally a very shy person and I identify with being a musician. I don't identify very much with being a performer, even though, if I'm being honest with myself, that's really kind of what we do in DEF LEPPARD. Yeah, we're musicians and we're songwriters, we write songs and we make records and we record music, but when we go on tour, we're performers, and that's part of it. And my hair gave me something to hide behind. It was a big part of my identity for so much of my life. So it was difficult letting go of it the first time again.'

He continued: "I was living in L.A. at the time, and I went to a theatrical wig maker when they first told me my hair was gonna fall out. They took pictures and measurements of my hair before it fell out. And they made a very, very realistic wig for me. It was very expensive and it was very realistic. And I could have transitioned to that, and people might not have noticed — other than the weight loss. I mean, I definitely was losing a lot of weight, so I was a bit more gaunt looking. But the wig thing just didn't feel right to me. And I know that it's different for everyone else. I literally wore that wig, I think, for about 12 or 13 minutes driving home after visiting the wig guy and getting fitted for this. And I pulled over. My wife was with me and. And I just took it off my head and I never put it back on since. And I decided to just go public about my cancer diagnosis'

Campbell added: "I was able to speak directly to DEF LEPPARD fans via social media and sort of tell them, 'Well, this is what's going on with me. I've had this cancer diagnosis. And my hair is gonna fall out. So you're gonna see me on tour. I'm not gonna have much hair. Don't be too shocked.' So that's sort of helped that I was able to put it out to anyone who cared or was interested before actually just going on stage as bald as a cue ball. And, and it did get to that stage, that my hair completely fell; I didn't even have eyebrows. But in a way I found the whole process somewhat cathartic, because I didn't have this mane of hair to hide behind. I had nothing to offer on stage but my talents as a musician, as a guitarist, as a singer, as a songwriter. And in a way, it was somewhat liberating for me. And I realized that it's probably easier for me than for a lot of other people, because at this time I was already in my early fifties. I don't think I would have handled that as well if I had gotten this cancer when I was 20 years old, as opposed to 50 years old, so I had a different mindset about it.

"So it is a very personal thing, "Vivian said. "But for me, I tried to look on the positive side of it. I didn't see any shame in it. There's no shame in having cancer. There's no shame in going through treatment and wearing the effects of your treatment physically, and even being in a very public position as I was, going on tour with DEF LEPPARD and playing in front of tens of thousands of people. Like I say, there was there was something kind of really liberating about it. It's not my first choice, but you kind of go with it and you own it and you make the best of it. And for me as a musician, like I said, there was something that just allowed me to go on stage and just focus on the essence of who I am as a musician and as a person and to just put it all out there."

Campbell — who before joining DEF LEPPARD in 1992 was well known for his work with DIO and WHITESNAKE — went public with his Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis in June 2013.

Vivian underwent three separate spells of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, only for his Hodgkin's lymphoma to return.

Six years ago, Campbell underwent spine surgery.

Vivian and his DEF LEPPARD bandmates were finally inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March 2019 — 14 years after the British rockers first became eligible.

DEF LEPPARD's latest album, "Diamond Star Halos", arrived in May 2022 via UMe.

An update from Viv:

"Thank you for all the recent messages and support. As you all may know, I was diagnosed with...

Posted by Def Leppard on Thursday, January 23, 2025

In a new interview with Sylvia Alvarado of the Las Vegas radio station KOMP 92.3, Scott Stapp was asked what the conversation was like about getting CREED back together in July 2023, initially for two different "Summer Of '99" cruise festivals in April 2024, followed by two separate U.S. tour legs last year. Scott said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "There was a time that I didn't think that things would come together. We began having conversations, I think, in 2020 when we started to notice this kind of viral thing happening organically online. And so conversations were had about potentially doing something. And I just felt at the time — I didn't wanna rush it. I didn't wanna just throw something together, and I wanted it to be real. I wanted it to be authentic. I wanted it to be where everyone's heart was in it."

He continued: "I can't really say it was one person or the other [who initiated the discussions]. We all kind of were feeling it. Calls were made. Then management was talking. And we all just kind of migrated to each other organically, kind of the same way we did in 1994 when we started the band. And then when we got together and started rehearsing, the energy within the band — there was so much love in the room, so much support in the room. We all kind of went from back in 2001, [200]2 and [200]3, when we kind of ended our run there, doing multiple nights in the same city and sold-out arenas, having stadiums on hold, we all went our separate ways and started over with our solo careers and our other projects and were back out there [sweating] it out in clubs and bars. And I know it's kind of probably hard for people to believe, but it's true. The other guys did, and I did as well. And it was quite the contrast to what we had just experienced in CREED, but I think it was a necessary thing for us to grow as individuals and human beings, but also to really appreciate what had happened to us between '96 and 2000, into 2003, 2004."

Scott added: "I think everything happened so fast and so quick on our first three CREED records and the rise to arenas was, like, 12 months. I think that's not typical. It's unheard of. And I think when it happens like that, you miss out on what paying your dues does to you in terms of your level of appreciation, your level of maturity, your ability to handle the growth at such a rapid pace when it happens, your gratitude, your gratefulness, your maturity, your understanding of the big picture and your impact. And so I think we kind of did that in reverse. So we had it all and then went back and paid our dues in reverse. I went back to playing clubs, they were playing clubs, and then here we are all these years later bigger than we were when we went away in 2004. And so I think all of that contributed to our gratitude and how we walked in, because we're all much more mature and have a deeper appreciation. And it definitely had an impact on me in my solo career, because I was out there slugging it away on my first three solo records, wondering, 'Should I continue?' I love playing music. I love doing this. It didn't happen like CREED, so initially I was kind of, like, 'What am I supposed to do? I love making music.' But I just kept at it, kept at it, kept at it. And here we are with [my solo single] 'Higher Power' breaking the Top 10 and now 'Black Butterfly' Top 5 and with more music to come. And so it's really been just a complete full-circle experience with CREED and my solo career all kind of peaking at the same time."

Asked what it is like seeing the love that CREED is getting all over again, and a whole new generation is learning about the band, Scott said: "It's probably one of the most gratifying and humbling experiences you can have as an artist, especially where we all are in our hearts and in our minds and in our spirits today. To see a whole new generation that never saw a CREED show — most of them weren't even born when we broke up. I mean, I think the numbers, if I'm quoting them correctly, I think over 80 percent of our tickets sold out of the near-million tickets we sold last year were between [people between the ages of] 18 [and] 35. We have a whole new generation of fans. And all I can say is I'm grateful, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I understand how rare this is. I have an appreciation for it, and I just wanna do it right. And I want to give the fans what they deserve. I wanna represent my children and my friends in the best way that I can, so they're proud of me, and leave a legacy that they're proud of, because it's no secret I went through my struggles, and they were very public and at times very humbling. And so this is an opportunity to kind of end the movie the right way. But I still think the movie's being written. But I think you get what I'm saying by that."

In the summer of 2023, after an 11-year hiatus, CREED announced their long-awaited reunion — returning to the stage for the first time at the sold-out Summer Of '99 cruise and Summer Of '99 And Beyond cruise. In May 2024, meanwhile, the band's multiplatinum-selling "Greatest Hits" collection made its wide debut on vinyl (via Craft),landing the collection back into the Billboard Top 200, as well as hitting Top Hard Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Alternative Albums, and moving up the Top Hard Rock Albums rankings. Originally issued in 2004, the 14-track compilation spans the band's first three albums (1997's "My Own Prison", 1999's "Human Clay" and 2001's "Weathered").

Last summer, CREED completed the "Summer Of '99" tour, joined by the likes of 3 DOORS DOWN, FINGER ELEVEN, SWITCHFOOT, FUEL, BIG WRECK and DAUGHTRY. The band then headed into arenas last November and December on the "Are You Ready?" tour with 3 DOORS DOWN and MAMMOTH WVH in the U.S. and MAMMOTH WVH and FINGER ELEVEN in Canada.

CREED kicked off its first tour in 12 years, "Summer Of '99", on July 17, 2024 at Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

With more than 53 million albums sold worldwide, CREED remains one of modern rock's most successful acts. Now, 30 years into their incredible journey, CREED is bigger than ever. In late 2023, the Texas Rangers made "Higher" their unofficial anthem, as it spurred them to their first World Series win. In early 2024, the song appeared in a high-profile Paramount+ Super Bowl commercial, while a NASCAR Daytona 500 campaign also incorporated the hit single. Along the way, CREED has gained a new generation of fans, thanks to countless TikTok videos that feature their songs.

In a new interview with Scott Davidson of Chicago's Rebel Radio 92.5 FM, TROUBLE singer Kyle Thomas spoke about the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for the long-awaited follow-up to the band's 2013 album "The Distortion Field". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "So, on and off for several years now — I mean, probably better than a decade — there's been pre-production very slowly just kind of creeping down the line here. So, I don't know — there's about eight to ten songs, maybe, on this thing. And they've been trickling the recorded music versions of them to me so that I can get myself in gear and started [on vocals]."

As for a possible release date for the new TROUBLE album, Kyle said: "I couldn't give you a timeline on it. I'm always scared to do that anyway, because it seems like every time you say something's gonna happen at a certain time, it doesn't. I think more importantly, we're busy, we're working on it, and that's something that really hasn't happened for a long time. But, yeah, we're ready to get this thing going and give everybody a quality TROUBLE record. It's been a long time."

Regarding where he gets the inspiration for his lyrics in TROUBLE, Kyle said: "Well, I think it's safe to say most of what I write comes off my sleeve. I like to write from my life experiences. That doesn't mean that everything that I write has something to do with my life in particular. It might be current events that I'm looking at, it might be something that happened to someone I know that's inspired me to jot something down. So, it's never really one thing, but I do try to at least have most of the lyrical content have some meat to it. But on another hand, there are times when I'll scat into a microphone when I'm listening to a new piece of music and whatever comes out, if it sounds cool, I'll try to find words that match what I scatted. But you try to keep it interesting, you try to not get into a pattern. I think more than anything, you don't wanna be in a pattern that's looping the same thing over and over again. I think that gets a little boring, perhaps.

"I used to work with a producer when I was younger, and he had a word that he used when we were experimenting, and he liked to call it 'blowing things up,'" Kyle continued. "Like, 'Let's blow this up. Let's blow that up.' And all that really meant was, 'Let's experiment with this idea and see if it sticks.'

"For me, my passion is a lot more aligned with songwriting and production and the magic that you make with your music in that regard, more so than trying to be a virtuoso at this or that," Thomas added. "That's less important to me than the quality of the craftsmanship of the material that you're working on. So, I don't know — maybe one day I'll figure out the songwriting enough to be able to live off of it. But that's definitely more important than just trying to be killer at something."

When Davidson noted that Kyle sings the classic TROUBLE songs the way they were originally sung, Thomas said: "I'm a TROUBLE fan. Before I was really even in bands, I was listening to TROUBLE. And I'm definitely a fan of [original TROUBLE singer] Eric [Wagner] and Eric's work, his legacy, the band and its legacy. So, for me, it was never an option of… I'm not gonna sit there and pretend to sing like Eric or pretend to be Eric. I think that is a disservice to Ericand to me, but to me, what Eric did in the song, the spirit of TROUBLE through him, through his voice, through his soul, is what I like to honor. I wouldn't dream of trying to put my own spin on it, per se. Now, again, like I said, I'm not trying to imitate him, but at the same time, there's a certain way the songs need to be sang.

"There's people that probably never will love me in this band because I'm not Eric," Kyle acknowledged. "And I mean, I can't help that. So, the good news is those old records will never let you down. Listen to those old records and stay home. And the people that wanna come see the show, they'll come and enjoy it. I've met people on the road that are old, old friends of the band, old friends of Eric's. They came up to me after a show and they go, 'Man, we didn't want to like you, but you do such a good job, it's obvious that you care about the songs and the band.' And I'm, like, 'Yes.' That's priority number one."

When TROUBLE announced its co-operation with Hammerheart Records in January 2020, it was already planned to record a new LP in the summer of 2020. However, that did not happen due to several reasons, including the coronavirus pandemic. But recording finally started in July 2022, according to founding guitarist Rick Wartell.

Back in February 2019, Kyle, who joined TROUBLE in 2012, told "The Metal Magdalene With Jet" about the band's plans for a new album: "This time they've actually written songs with me in mind as the singer instead of, 'These songs were written when Kory Clarke was in the band, but that didn't work out, so let's give it to Kyle and have him back-cleanup, I guess.'"

TROUBLE's first studio album in six years, "The Distortion Field", landed at position No. 25 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. Released in Europe in August 2013 via FRW Records, the 12-song follow-up to 2007's "Simple Mind Condition" was helmed by veteran producer Bill Metoyer (SLAYER, W.A.S.P., ARMORED SAINT, DARK ANGEL, SACRED REICH, CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER, D.R.I.) and marked the recording debut with Thomas following the departure of the group's frontman of four years, Kory Clarke (of WARRIOR SOUL fame).

TROUBLE played its first show with the band's new lineup in October 2013 at the Day Of Doom festival in Barcelona, Spain.

TROUBLE formed in 1979 and released several classic albums like "Trouble", "Manic Frustration" and "Plastic Green Head".

Singer Eric Wagner left TROUBLE in April 2008, citing his disdain for the touring life as the main reason for his departure.

Eric, who was TROUBLE's original singer, died in August 2021 after a battle with COVID pneumonia. He was 62 years old.

According to Wagner's TROUBLE and THE SKULL bandmate Ron Holzner, Eric was generally opposed to institutionalized medicine but he wouldn't make an exception for the COVID vaccine.

"We argued about it, and he stood his ground on the matter," Holzner told the Chicago Reader. "I always joked, 'The World According To Eric Wagner — you should write a book.' He lived his life his way."

Wagner, who smoked cigarettes and occasionally drank and vaped, had health issues, but had begun taking better care of himself and switching to a plant-based diet, Holzner said.

EXTREME guitarist Nuno Bettencourt joined PAT TRAVERS BAND on stage last night (Thursday, January 23) at the Coach House Concert in San Juan Capistrano, California to perform several tracks, including EXTREME's "Get The Funk Out" and Pat's "Snortin' Whiskey". Video of his appearance can be seen below.

When Bettencourt first announced his performance with the PAT TRAVERS BAND on Wednesday (January 22),he said in a video message (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "The reason this is such a big deal for me — this is a big, big, big dream come true. This is up there. I know I've been able, in my lifetime, to do some amazing things and perform with some amazing people, but when people talk about the Mount Rushmore of guitar… And in the past, I've alwaysin conversations and interviews and with peers, we always have this kind of, like, 'What's your Mount Rushmore?' And I've always said Jimmy Page, Edward Van Halen, Brian May. And I've always thrown in Jimi Hendrix as the fourth one. Which is because of what he's done, obviously. I don't know if any of those other guys that I mentioned would even exist without Hendrix, but that's more of a Mount Rushmore. If people say, 'Okay, now what's your personal Mount Rushmore, to you. What is your icons and the guys who really made you who you are as a guitar player and influenced you that much into your DNA of playing that is so recognizable?' And it would still be Edward, it would still be Brian May, it'd still be Jimmy Page, but that fourth guy would have to be Pat Travers — without a doubt. I don't mention him enough, we don't talk about him enough.

"In the funk guitar world, uh, there is no way what I did with 'Get The Funk Out' and what I did with EXTREME would even be that sound if it wasn't for Pat Travers's influence on me. As a matter of fact, when Brian May and met me for the first time and he talked about 'Get The Funk Out' and he said, 'What kind of person writes a riff that's like all these like sort of different movements within riffs instead of just one straight rock riff?' And I told him, 'Why? Pat Travers.' And he said, 'Excuse me?' And I said, 'Yeah, Pat Travers, motherfucker.'

"When you go listening to 'Snortin' Whiskey', that song alone, to me, is a masterpiece in rock and roll," he continued. "The riffs, the playing, the soloing, the drumming, the bass, the pocket, the feel is everything that really shaped me.

"I was always attracted to the funk side of rock, and Pat was a massive, massive influence in songs like 'Gettin' Betta'. If you go and check out Pat Travers's 'Live! Go For What You Know', that was my Bible, that was my funk guitar rock Bible.

"I've never gotten to perform with Pat," Nuno added. "He's always been a hero of mine. He actually did a little bit on 'Get The Funk Out', the original, but he didn't really get to play. It didn't really come out the way we wanted it to. I was young, stupid, whatever. And I'm getting a chance to perform with a hero, an idol of mine who is in the fabric of my being as a guitarist, as a writer, as a singer. And I am so pumped. I'm playing about four or five songs with him. And I get to sit there and not only watch my idol; I get to go up and jump up with him.

"I'm so grateful that Pat is allowing me to share the stage with him. He is an absolute icon to me and one of the most influential guys. Yes, Edward. Yes, Jimmy Page. Yes, Brian. But just as equal, I'm telling you, for me, just as equal on how he affected me and how he changed my game and is in my DNA, Pat Travers, all the fucking way. Most underrated. And if you can catch him— he's still fucking touring like a fucking tour dog that he is and he's still playing clubs, playing wherever they'll let him fucking play because this music needs to be heard."

From his early days in Toronto to playing alongside rock legends like Ronnie Hawkins and touring with the likes of RUSH, Travers has built a career that spans over 40 years and includes some of rock's most electrifying guitar solos. Known for his fiery performances and timeless hits like "Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights)", "Snortin' Whiskey" and "I La La La Love You", Travers remains a top-tier guitarist whose influence can be heard in bands from METALLICA to WHITESNAKE. His current lineup — featuring the talented David Pastorius (bass) and Alex Petrosky (drums) — continues to deliver unforgettable live shows that keep his legacy alive and thriving.

Bettencourt rose to rock superstardom as lead guitarist of the legendary rock band EXTREME. He has parlayed that success into an acclaimed career as a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist, songwriter, and producer, working alongside industry titans such as Sir Paul McCartney, Steven Tyler, Kanye West, Robert Palmer, Rihanna, Janet Jackson and Perry Farrell, among others. Nuno is also the CEO and co-founder of Atlantis Entertainment, a full-service media and production company which creates and produces content through ventures integrating film and television, music, branded entertainment, commercials and digital content.

EXTREME's latest studio album, "Six", was released in June 2023 via earMUSIC.



Pat Travers Band with special guest Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme doing Snortin’ Whisky

Posted by Carl Alvarez on Thursday, January 23, 2025



Posted by Taeko Ogawa on Friday, January 24, 2025



PAT TRAVERS
Thursday Jan 23
Coach House Concert Hall
San Juan Capistrano

Posted by Nuno Bettencourt on Wednesday, January 22, 2025