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19 май 2025
Watch: RITCHIE BLACKMORE And CANDICE NIGHT Inducted Into 'Long Island Music And Entertainment Hall Of Fame'
 The Long Island Music And Entertainment Hall Of Fame (LIMEHOF),in coordination with earMUSIC, recently hosted a night celebrating Candice Night and the release of her new album, "Sea Glass". This celebration featured a live solo performance by Candice, performing three songs — including "Unsung Hero" and "Promise Me" (featuring her daughter) — from her new album followed by the official induction of Ritchie Blackmore and Candice of BLACKMORE'S NIGHT into LIMEHOF at its museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook, New York. Candice accepted the induction by LIMEHOF executive board member Robert deBrauwere on behalf of BLACKMORE'S NIGHT as Ritchie was not able to attend.
The Rob Teller Photography YouTube channel has uploaded video of Candice's acceptance speech and performance. Check it out below.
"I am so honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music Hall Of Fame," Night said. "Being surrounded by some of the greatest musicians, knowing we all have the same roots here is an incredible feeling. I've lived on Long Island my whole life and am constantly inspired by the energy here and the beauty of our nature. The imagery is a constant focus in my songs."
The two inductees met on Long Island and have strong Long Island community ties. Legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW) grew up in the U.K. and moved to the USA in 1974, moving to Huntington, Long Island in the 1980s.
Candice Night grew up in Hauppauge and is a lifetime Long Island resident and a graduate of NYIT in Old Westbury. While interning at WBAB in West Babylon in 1989, she met Ritchie Blackmore at a charity soccer game where DEEP PURPLE played against the station's DJs and staff. After the game, Candice asked Ritchie for his autograph and the two became friends, later developing into more. They started living together in 1993 and co-founded BLACKMORE'S NIGHT in 1997. They continue to live on the North Shore while raising their family.
They have been very involved in many local charity efforts and community events across Long Island including Save A Pet in Port Jefferson, STAR animal rehabilitation, Little Shelter in Huntington, and the North Shore Animal League. They have raised funds, awareness and supplies for them and set up donation booths over the years at every BLACKMORE'S NIGHT show, even hosting adopting events at their concerts for some.
Candice started singing at Lillian Carans Little Theater Workshop in Smithtown and has recorded music at Richie Cannatas Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove with local producer/engineer Brendan Keenan. Candice was also the Snow Queen in the Dickens Festival at Port Jefferson for two years, including receiving the first "artist in residence" award.
"In recorded and live performances, Long Island's BLACKMORE'S NIGHT has been thrilling and entertaining audiences all around the world for nearly three decades," said LIMEHOF co-founder Norm Prusslin. "Blending renaissance melodies, instrumentals, and folk-rock original songs into a style uniquely their own, BLACKMORE'S NIGHT is beloved by their fans for their exceptional musicianship, extraordinary vocals, and legendary performances. BLACKMORE'S NIGHT's induction into the Long Island Music And Entertainment Hall Of Fame recognizes and honors their artistry, creativity and legacy."
Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music And Entertainment Hall Of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island's musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State's Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall Of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.
BLACKMORE'S NIGHT plays "Renaissance music," or "medieval music," with most of the tunes featuring lyrics conjured by Night and melodies crafted by Blackmore.
Ritchie, Candice and their two children reside on Long Island, New York, near Port Jefferson.
Blackmore is a co-founder of DEEP PURPLE and wrote many of their most memorable riffs, including "Smoke On The Water", but he has not played with the group since his 1993 departure.
DEEP PURPLE drummer Ian Paice said in a 2017 interview that there was "no point" for the band to consider a reunion with Blackmore, explaining that he wouldn't be able to guarantee that every day with the notoriously moody guitarist would be fun.
Blackmore is a co-founder of DEEP PURPLE and wrote many of their most memorable riffs, including "Smoke On The Water", but he has not played with the group since his 1993 departure.
During his time away from PURPLE, Blackmore established the neo-classical band called RAINBOW, which fused baroque music influences elements with hard rock before gradually progressing to catchy pop-style hard rock.
Blackmore stepped away from his Renaissance-inspired brand of music with BLACKMORE'S NIGHT in 2016 to perform a handful of shows with a brand-new lineup of RAINBOW.
In addition to Blackmore and Night (backing vocals),the most recent incarnation of RAINBOW included singer Ronnie Romero, STRATOVARIUS keyboardist Jens Johansson, BLACKMORE'S NIGHT drummer David Keith, bassist Bob Nouveau (a.k.a. Robert "Bob" Curiano, ex-BLACKMORE'S NIGHT) and backing singer Lady Lynn.
The two shows RAINBOW played in Germany in June 2016 were caught on camera to produce "Memories In Rock - Live In Germany", which was released in November 2016 via Eagle Rock Entertainment on DVD+2CD, Blu-ray+2CD, and digital formats.
After Ritchie left DEEP PURPLE for the final time in 1993, he reformed RAINBOW for one album (1995's "Stranger In Us All") and one tour, ending things in Denmark in 1997.
Blackmore didn't join his former DEEP PURPLE bandmates at the group's 2016 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony.
Blackmore previously suggested that PURPLE's manager had blocked him from attending the Rock Hall induction ceremony, and he used that as an excuse for not attending the event.
Despite Blackmore being a no-show at Rock Hall, he was given several shoutouts during the induction speeches of the DEEP PURPLE members in attendance. In addition, METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich, who inducted DEEP PURPLE into the institution, praised "Ritchie fucking Blackmore" for one of the most memorable guitar riffs of all time on "Smoke On The Water".
Photo credit: Michael Keel (courtesy of earMUSIC)  | +2 |  |
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19 май 2025
TESLA's BRIAN WHEAT Shares 'Endless Days ' Music Video From His New Band VIOLET BREED
 Alternative rock band VIOLET BREED, a collaboration between Brian Wheat, the founder and bassist of the multi-platinum selling band TESLA, and Alex Gonzato, an emerging singer/songwriter from the U.K., has released its third single, "Endless Days".
With "Endless Days", VIOLET BREED charges back into the spotlight, delivering a dynamic blend of heavy alternative rock, razor-sharp production, and raw emotion. Marked by infectious melodies and bold, no-nonsense songwriting, the single captures the band's signature edge with a renewed sense of urgency. The track's intense energy and assertive sound hit hard — making you want to dive back in and listen over and over again.
Thematically, "Endless Days" reflects the universal desire to break free from the monotony and pressures of everyday life. It's a call to persevere, push forward, and escape the grip of the mundane—a message that resonates now more than ever.
"Endless Days" follows VIOLET BREED's strong momentum, building on the success of the band's first two singles, "Awake" and "10 Years Sober".
Wheat and Gonzato have spent the last five years meticulously crafting an album that draws from their own life experiences, creating music that resonates with listeners of all ages. With honest and emotive lyrics, VIOLET BREED's sound blends rich rock and pop influences, promising a unique and compelling listening experience.
VIOLET BREED's debut album, which features TESLA's own guitarist Dave Rude on guitars, will showcase the musical prowess of the duo.
Brian and Alex are able to tap into experiences from these diverse generations, which add to the depth of the music they produce. Their passion and inspiration for music is born from a shared love for records by THE BEATLES, Paul McCartney, QUEEN and MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE. Influences from these bands is subtly interwoven into their music.
Over his successful forty years in the music industry, Brian has crafted an enviable music career. Performing live, author to autobiography "Son Of A Milkman" and managing the multi-platinum selling rock band TESLA, alongside side projects such as SOUL MOTOR and now VIOLET BREED, Brian has maintained an impressive consistency in the music industry over multiple decades resulting in an abundance of sellout tours across the U.S. and world.
Over the last ten years, Brian has acted as a close mentor and peer to Alex, notably being a huge influence in the studio, producing and co-writing songs. His oversight has helped refine the music Alex creates and brought priceless industry for Alex to further improve his craft. With his own individual success on active rock radio, numerous successful tours and festival appearances, and constantly performing to a demanding live schedule, Brian notices the potential of Alex's talents and commitment, and recognizes snippets of his younger self in the artist. Having displayed a unique range of vocal performances, heavily inspired by Freddie Mercury, plus a natural talent for songwriting, the opportunity to form a new band seemed inevitable. | 0 | |
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19 май 2025
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE Shares Previously Unreleased Live Version Of 'Helena'
 MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE has unveiled a previously unreleased live version of its four-times-platinum-certified generational anthem "Helena" — the second bonus track off the band's forthcoming "Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (Deluxe Edition)" . Additionally, the official music video for "Helena" has also been film restored. Watch it below.
Earlier this year, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE announced the expanded edition of its three-times-platinum-certified sophomore album, out on June 6, 2025 — exactly 21 years to the original release date. The "Deluxe Edition" is remixed and remastered and will be available on CD, multiple colored vinyl variants, including a stunning zoetrope 2LP, and digitally. The 2LP vinyl formats are three-sided, with Side 4 boasting a special etching, making them collector's items for the MCRmy.
To commemorate the band's beloved 2004 album, Grammy Award-winning producer Rich Costey has done new mixes for the "Deluxe Edition". It is also presented with brand new artwork. The collection features four bonus tracks recorded for BBC in 2005: previously unreleased live versions of "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)", "Helena" and "The Ghost Of You", plus a live take on "You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison" — originally released as a B-side on the limited edition U.K. CD single of "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)".
"Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge" redefined the 21st-century rock genre and catapulted MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE into global stardom. Rolling Stone touted it on the "40 Greatest Emo Albums Of All Time", proclaiming the band's "purposeful revolution started here." The record landed on Spin's "The 300 Best Albums of the Past 30 Years (1985–2014)" list and NME's "20 Emo Albums That Have Resolutely Stood The Test Of Time" list. Alternative Press hailed it as MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE's "best album" and "the definitive MCR LP from their discography." Not to mention, Pitchfork described it as "an operatic pop-rock behemoth that became an icon for outcasts," attesting that "MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE thrived because they came to the realization that emotional outcasts deserved something to cheer for, even if their victories were imaginary." To date, the record has sold over seven million copies worldwide.
The band's impact continues to reverberate from one generation to the next — and that influence shows no signs of diminishing. If anything, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE's upcoming sold-out 2025 North American stadium tour — "'Long Live': The Black Parade" — proves just that. The entire tour sold out merely hours after tickets went on sale.
Photo credit: Chapman Baehler | +1 | |
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19 май 2025
POP EVIL Announces 'Unleaded' Acoustic EP, Shares Cover Of SIMPLE MINDS' 'Don't You (Forget About Me)'
 Michigan rock band POP EVIL has delivered a surprise cover of SIMPLE MINDS' classic '80s hit "Don't You (Forget About Me)". The track is reimagined through a minimalist lens from POP EVIL's "Unleaded" performance at the group's album-release event with SiriusXM Octane. This marks the first time that POP EVIL has ever commercially released a cover song in their career.
"There is such a special story connected to this piece for so many people worldwide," reflects POP EVIL singer Leigh Kakaty. "What started off meaningful as one thing, when they were young, now holds a much deeper weight. It's tied to an entire lifetime of choices, experiences, and moments. We are shining a light on a new way of discovering these lyrics and asking the deepest of questions. A question we all ask: "Will we be remembered?"
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" will be featured on POP EVIL's forthcoming four-song EP, "Unleaded". The live, acoustic EP is a bold departure from their signature sound. "Unleaded" reveals an entirely different side of the band — one that trades distortion and fury for shadow and nuance. It will leave you with chills running up and down your spine.
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" — along with the other songs on the EP — were recorded in the heart of New York City at an extremely special show that only a small subset of the band's diehard fans were lucky enough to witness. The EP also includes an "Unleaded" version of the band's hit single "What Remains". The original version is currently Top 10 at rock radio.
The show was hosted by SiriusXM Octane and set within the edgy, denim-clad atmosphere of the "Cult Of Individuality" showroom. This ensuing release strips away the band's signatures — thunderous riffs and ferocious, breath-stealing energy — in favor of laying bare the soul of their songwriting in an intimate performance.
"Unleaded" track listing:
01. What Remains (Unleaded Version)
02. Paranoid (Crash & Burn) (Unleaded Version)
03. Wishful Thinking (Unleaded Version)
04. Don't You (Forget About Me) (Reimagined Unleaded Version)
POP EVIL is currently wrapping up the last few dates of its current headline tour. The band will perform at festivals and fairs this summer. Expect more touring later in 2025.
POP EVIL's eighth album, "What Remains", was released on March 21 via MNRK. | 0 | |
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19 май 2025
Watch: SCOTT IAN, DANNY LILKER And JAMEY JASTA Perform STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH Classics At MILWAUKEE METAL FEST
 STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH, a tribute to the mid-1980s politically incorrect project STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (S.O.D.),performed at this year's Milwaukee Metal Fest on Friday, May 16 at The Rave / Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH lineup for this special performance consisted of two members of the original STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH, guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Danny Lilker, along with HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta on vocals and Scott's son Revel Ian on drums.
STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH's setlist was as follows, according to Setlist.fm:
01. March Of The S.O.D.
02. Sargent "D" And The S.O.D.
03. Kill Yourself
04. Milano Mosh
05. Speak English Or Die
06. Chromatic Death
07. World Peace (CRO‐MAGS cover)
08. Freddy Krueger
09. Milk
10. Pussywhipped
11. Fist Banging Mania
12. Perseverance (HATEBREED song)
13. Fuck The Middle East
14. Victim In Pain (AGNOSTIC FRONT cover)
15. Ballad Of Jimi Hendrix
16. Ballad Of Jimi Hendrix
17. Ballad Of Jimi Hendrix
18. Diamonds And Rust
19. Anti-Procrastination Song
20. Anti-Procrastination Song
21. United Forces
Fan-filmed video of the concert can be seen below.
STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH are commonly credited as being among the first bands to fuse hardcore punk with thrash metal into a style sometimes called "crossover thrash." The track "March Of The S.O.D." from the group's debut LP, "Speak English Or Die", was the "Headbangers Ball" intro song for many years.
STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH was formed shortly after Ian finished his guitar tracks on the ANTHRAX album "Spreading The Disease". He would draw pictures of the face of a character known as "Sargent D," and the pictures would be accompanied by slogans such as "I'm not racist; I hate everyone" and "Speak English Or Die." Ian would then wrote lyrics about this character. He decided to form a hardcore band based on Sargent D, so he recruited Lilker, ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante and vocalist Billy Milano.
The 30th-anniversary edition of "Speak English Or Die" was made available in November 2015 via Megaforce. The set included the original album as well as the demo recordings from the pre-STROMTROOPERS OF DEATH project CRAB SOCIETY NORTH.
In a recent interview with Screamer Magazine, Lilker spoke about the fact that S.O.D. garnered controversy even back in the day for the deliberately offensive lyrics of songs like "Speak English Or Die" and "Fuck The Middle East". He said: "There were some people that we did wanna piss off a little bit, but if you couldn't tell that we were kind of being just obnoxious and provocative… People weren't looking at the big picture. We also had a song on the record about being hung over and having no milk in the fridge. And you had to step out a little bit. And by the way, 'Fuck The Middle East' is still relevant. And we wrote a song about a guy in a movie with impossibly long fingers who would fucking slice your throat off with. So, sure, calling the record 'Speak English Or Die' — and we're not gonna get into the cancel culture conversation, by the way. I know that [the S.O.D. album] couldn't happen today, and we all know that. But let's just say that we knew what we were doing. I don't regret any of it. I know some people might've thought, 'That's over the line,' but then we weren't really like that. We were just being perhaps a tiny bit reckless, but S.O.D. was about the music. The lyrics were just kind of like — I was gonna say icing on the cake, but it's more like salt. I don't know."
In a 2018 interview with the "Let There Be Talk" podcast, Ian defended the lyrics on "Speak English Or Die", saying: "You've gotta understand, this was a character — I was writing for a character. This isn't how I feel, as Scott Ian. I created a guy named Sargent D, who I was writing a comic book about and I wrote songs based on it. And if you don't get it, go fuck yourself. I will never apologize, because that's where it comes from."
Three years ago, Ian told Metal Hammer magazine about "Speak English Or Die": "If it had never existed in 1985 and we tried to put that out today, no matter how hard we tried to explain the joke or the humor, yes, certain sections of people would cancel it. It would have a much harder time now. We didn't have Internet back then.
"If people don't know, Sargent D is a character that I created, because I wanted to try and make a comic book," Ian further clarified. "I didn't know how to write a comic book, so I wrote songs about this character, who's dead. He's unliving, and therefore he hates anything alive. We explained it a few times in interviews back then, but either people want to hear it or they don't."
SARGENT D IS IN THE HOUSE! 🫡 Stormbreeders Of Death - A Tribute to S.O.D. bringing the noise and the fury to Milwaukee Metal Fest 💥👊
Posted by The Rave / Eagles Club on Friday, May 16, 2025
Look who’s filling in for Uncle @charbenante !
@revelyian is sitting in with @scottianthrax and Danny Lilker with @...
Posted by PEARL on Thursday, February 20, 2025
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19 май 2025
Watch: VIVIAN CAMPBELL Plays First Show With DEF LEPPARD After Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant
 DEF LEPPARD guitarist Vivian Campbell played his first show with the band in eight months this past Thursday (May 15) at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
DEF LEPPARD's setlist was as follows, according to Setlist.fm:
01. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
02. Rocket
03. Let's Get Rocked
04. Foolin'
05. Armageddon It
06. Animal
07. Love Bites
08. Just Like '73
09. Let It Go
10. Take What You Want
11. Die Hard The Hunter
12. This Guitar
13. Two Steps Behind
14. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
15. Switch 625
16. Rock Of Ages
17. Photograph
Encore:
18. Hysteria
19. Pour Some Sugar On Me
Fan-filmed video of the performance can be seen below.
The 62-year-old Campbell missed DEF LEPPARD's two previous concerts after undergoing a bone marrow transplant as part of his ongoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma. For DEF LEPPARD's performances on January 18 at Feria Estatal De León in León, Mexico and October 14, 2024 in Nashville (as part of the Daimler Truck Customer Appreciation Event),Vivian was replaced by John Zocco, who is Phil Collen's guitar tech.
Back on January 23, Vivian released a statement via social media in which he thanked fans for their "recent messages and support." He added: "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. He 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. | 0 | |
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19 май 2025
Watch: SHINEDOWN Joined By LYNYRD SKYNYRD's JOHNNY VAN ZANT And RICKEY MEDLOCKE For 'Simple Man' Performance
 SHINEDOWN was joined by LYNYRD SKYNYRD's Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke on stage at the Welcome To Rockville festival at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on Thursday (May 15) for a performance of the LYNYRD SKYNYRD classic "Simple Man". Fan-filmed video of their appearance can be seen below.
SHINEDOWN recorded a cover of "Simple Man" in 2004 as an acoustic "thank you" to LYNYRD SKYNYRD singer Ronnie Van Zant's widow Judy Van Zant and later included it — in both acoustic and hard rock versions — on the re-release of the band's debut album, "Leave A Whisper".
In November 2022, SHINEDOWN singer Brent Smith joined LYNYRD SKYNYRD on stage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee to perform "Simple Man".
Speaking to U.K.'s Rock Sound about the experience of performing "Simple Man" with LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Brent said: "It was extremely moving and a very special moment for me. They've always been extremely cool with us and always were super positive about us doing the song. The way that we did the song and how it happened was very organic. So things kind of come in full circle. It meant a lot to me. I'm still trying to process it in a lot of ways. But all the guys in SKYNYRD, much love and respect. I appreciate them so much for asking me to come and sing the song with them. It was a great night. I had a lot of fun."
In introducing Smith to the stage at the Nashville concert, Johnny Van Zant said: "This next guest, these guys, his band, they're from Jacksonville, Florida, by the way — where LYNYRD SKYNYRD's from. And they did this song so great. When we were thinking about doing this show, I said, 'Man, we'd love to have him.' Y'all give it up for our good buddy… Y'all give it up for Mr. Smith from SHINEDOWN."
On November 15, 2022, Brent shared a photo of his performance with LYNYRD SKYNYRD, and he included the following message: "Still trying to process this moment… Thank you @skynyrd and @johnnyroyvanzant for allowing me to be a part of this extraordinary event!!! GOD BLESS #LynyrdSkynyrd GOD BLESS the #simpleman and #woman".
Smith previously spoke about how SHINEDOWN's cover of "Simple Man" came about in an interview with Metal Hammer magazine. He said: "Our original guitar player, Jasin Todd, was married to Melody Van Zant [Ronnie Van Zant's daughter]. When I was writing 'Leave A Whisper', Judy [Van Zant, Ronnie's widow] put me up in her guesthouse, and our first show in front of an audience there to see us was at a club Judy and Melody owned. After we started touring, we played 'Simple Man' on a radio show in Boston. They released it as an MP3 and it got downloaded 500,000 times. After that, we recorded the song in the studio in three takes." | 0 | |
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19 май 2025
Masked Mystery Band PRESIDENT Releases First Single 'In The Name Of The Father'
 Mysterious masked British rock band PRESIDENT, which is rumored to be fronted by Charlie Simpson of the pop-punk act BUSTED and the post-hardcore outfit FIGHTSTAR, has released its debut single, "In The Name Of The Father", via King Of Terrors/ADA. (Notably, King Of Terrors Limited is a London-based company with Charles Robert Simpson listed as its director.)
A press release announcing "In The Name Of The Father" described the track as "a raw meditation on existential fear and the inevitability of death, referencing the 'King Of Terrors.'"
PRESIDENT said in a statement: "Something has been stirring. A growing noise, a ripple through the republic of the underground. We called. You listened. Your curiosity, your questions, your conversation… We have witnessed it all.
"Here, we make our first proclamation. 'In The Name Of The Father'. This is the first crack in the surface. This is your PRESIDENT. We'll be seeing you soon.
"Godspeed".
Operating at the intersection of heavy music, electronic experimentation, and cinematic atmosphere, PRESIDENT doesn't conform to the traditional structures of genre or identity. Prioritizing intent over image and shifting the spotlight away from those who have created this movement, firmly onto the music itself.
In February, it was announced that PRESIDENT would perform at this year's Download festival. At the time, very little information about the band's identities was released, and a photograph of PRESIDENT on the event's web site depicted a shadowy figure against a red neon-lit backdrop.
Earlier this year, a Reddit user discovered that the U.K. trademark for "PRESIDENT" was registered under Komorebi Entertainment Limited, a company owned by Simpson.
Simpson previously wore a mask for his appearance on the British version of the singing show "The Masked Singer" in 2023 as Rhino.
PRESIDENT will perform on the Dogtooth Stage at Download on Sunday, June 15 at 4:25 p.m.
Charlie is a 39-year-old multi-instrumentalist who was born into a musical family. He began his career as one third of the multi-BRIT award-winning pop rock outfit BUSTED before forming alternative rock group FIGHTSTAR. | 0 | |
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19 май 2025
SAMMY HAGAR Joins LIFEHOUSE Members For Surprise Two-Song Performance At Las Vegas's The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails
 Rock legend Sammy Hagar surprised fans Thursday night (May 15) with an unannounced appearance at The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where he jumped onstage with the venue's superstar band THE REGULATORS.
Fresh from a backstage hangout with Belinda Carlisle following THE GO-GO'S concert, Hagar arrived with his wife, Kari Hagar, son, Aaron Hagar, and Aaron's wife, Misha Hagar. He joined THE REGULATORS — featuring Ben Carey and Bryce Soderbergh of LIFEHOUSE — to perform electrifying renditions of "Rock Candy" and "Why Can't This Be Love", thrilling the packed crowd.
Before heading into the live music saloon, Hagar stopped by The Barbershop, the upscale men's grooming salon that serves as a secret entrance to the hidden bar, where he sat in the chair of a stylist named Rockstar. Once inside, Hagar and his friends and family were presented with several bottles of his own tequila, Santo, and Sammy's Beach Bar Rum, each adorned with sparklers.
The Red Rocker is currently in the midst of his "Best Of All Worlds" Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, featuring a rotating setlist that spans his iconic career — from MONTROSE and VAN HALEN to CHICKENFOOT and solo hits. He's joined by Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, Kenny Aronoff and Ray Thistlethwayte. Only two shows remain: Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and RedRocker.com.
The Barbershop, known for its vintage speakeasy vibe and killer live rock music nightly, has hosted surprise performances by stars including Bruno Mars, Rod Stewart, Machine Gun Kelly and Zac Brown. Hagar's rock-and-roll cameo added another unforgettable night to the venue's growing legend.
Video below by Tonya Lamia | +1 | |
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19 май 2025
TARJA TURUNEN Doesn't Miss Anything From Her Time With NIGHTWISH: 'We Did Great Music Together, But We Were Not Happy'
 In a new interview with Brazil's Ibagenscast, former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen was asked if she misses anything from her time with the band. She responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I don't, actually. I don't. Because the music lives. It lives in my heart. It lives out there. It will be forever. That will be forever. But the rest of it, I don't. I can say 'unfortunately', in a way. I spent — what? — almost nine years with the band. I've been a solo artist [for the last] 20 [years]. So it's not that long time [that I was in NIGHTWISH] . We did great albums together. We did great music together, but we were not happy, I have to say.
"This is the thing — the happiness is everything to me," she explained. "Even with the people that I work [with] today, I want everybody being happy around me. It's so important, because if you really go through this life without being happy, even without being able to be happy and feel the happiness… Music is emotion, and it starts eating you up. You need to find that love inside of you. Love, for me, was music. The first love ever in my life was music. And if I cannot express myself, really, with that love that there is in me, it's not good. I'm not in a good place."
Asked if she has plans to release a follow-up to her last rock solo album, "In The Raw", which came out in 2019, Tarja said: "Actually, we are starting little by little producing the new record. So, of course, now I still have a lot of touring to do; until September, I will be more or less on the road. I need to write the lyrics for the album. I'll start writing the lyrics in September and the production starts at the same time, more or less, for the album already. But we have started already, so the songs are done. Yeah, it's coming. It's coming. I'm very excited. I hope you'll love my work, because, yeah, I think that it's a very, very nice album that is there."
Turunen was fired from NIGHTWISH at the end of the band's 2005 tour by being presented with an open letter which was published on the NIGHTWISH web site at the same time. In the letter, the other members of NIGHTWISH wrote: "To you, unfortunately, business, money, and things that have nothing to do with emotions have become much more important."
NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen later called the decision to part ways with Turunen "the most difficult thing I ever had to do." For her part, Tarja said the way she was kicked out of the group proved that her former bandmates were not her friends. "Maybe one day I'll forgive, but I will never forget," she said.
In 2019, Turunen dismissed Internet chatter about her possible return to NIGHTWISH after her December 2017 onstage reunion with the band's then-bassist/vocalist Marko "Marco" Hietala during a "Raskasta Joulua" concert in Hämeenlinna, Finland.
"I know a lot of fans would love to see something happen, but it's a very long distance away," she told Kerrang! magazine. "Personally, I don't see anything happening with me and them, to be perfectly honest. Marco came a little later into the band; he wasn't there since the beginning. He was always a guy I was close to. Me and [NIGHTWISH keyboardist/leader] Tuomas Holopainen, however, haven't seen each other in a long time… but we have been in touch. It's not bad. The past is what it is; we can't change that. We can only change the future."
NIGHTWISH's authorized biography, "Once Upon a Nightwish: The Official Biography 1996-2006", was published in Finnish in 2006 and in English three years later.
Turunen's husband, Marcelo Cabuli, and his business partners later sued the parties behind the book for defamation. Named in the lawsuit were the publishing house Like Kustannus Oy and the author of the book, Marko "Mape" Ollila. Cabuli and his Brazilian business partners argued that the book includes false accusations and insinuations that have caused them suffering and financial problems.
The book blamed Cabuli for the events leading up to Turunen's dramatic expulsion from the band in late 2005.
In 2011, the Helsinki District Court dismissed Cabuli's lawsuit, ruling that the book — which criticized Cabuli on only a few of its 380 pages — did not detrimentally affect his work or reputation in South America. In addition, the court determined that Ollila did not maliciously portray Cabuli in a negative light.
Press photo credit: Tim Tronckoe (courtesy of earMUSIC)
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19 май 2025
BLACK FLAG Releases First Photo Of New Lineup, Promises 'Exciting Season Of Live Shows And New Music Production'
 Legendary punk rock band BLACK FLAG has released the first official photo of its new lineup. Joining founding guitarist Greg Ginn are Max Zanelly on vocals, David Rodriguez on bass and Bryce Weston on drums.
A press release from Ginn's SST Records states: "With a fresh lineup and renewed creative energy, BLACK FLAG is gearing up for an exciting season of live shows and new music production. The group has already begun writing and rehearsing together, building on their signature sound while embracing new influences brought in by the latest members."
The press release adds: "BLACK FLAG's upcoming performances will showcase the chemistry and talent of the revitalized lineup, giving fans a first taste of the new era."
BLACK FLAG formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California, and made music from 1978 until the mid-1980s with several singers, including Keith Morris, Ron Reyes, Dez Cadena and Henry Rollins. BLACK FLAG has been called the first American hardcore band.
BLACK FLAG's 2024 lineup consisted of Ginn, singer Mike Vallely, who first appeared with the band as a guest in 2003 and became BLACK FLAG's fifth vocalist in 2014, and a rhythm section of Harley Duggan and Charles Wiley (both from Seattle band DARKHORSE RISING). Vallely played his last show with BLACK FLAG in January 2025.
In 2013, Ginn sued his former BLACK FLAG bandmates Keith Morris, Dez Cadena, Chuck Dukowski and Bill Stevenson for touring as FLAG, which he claimed constituted a violation of trademarks to the name and logo. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ginn claimed that use of the band's logo, consisting of four uneven black bars simulating a waving flag, was an infringement and that FLAG was "a colorable imitation" that was "likely to cause confusion, mistake or deception among consumers." In April 2014, the parties informed the court of a settlement. "FLAG gets to be FLAG, and BLACK FLAG as it is presently known continues to be BLACK FLAG," attorney Evan Cohen, who represented Ginn, told Billboard.
Photo courtesy of SST Records
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19 май 2025
ORIANTHI Announces 'Some Kind Of Feeling' Album, Shares 'Attention' Single
 Critically acclaimed guitarist and singer Orianthi will release her new studio album, "Some Kind Of Feeling", via Woodward Avenue Records digitally on June 27, on CD on August 15, and on vinyl on September 19.
Orianthi produced three songs from the new album: "First Time Blues", "Ghost" and "Bad For Each Other". The remaining seven songs on the album, including the new single "Attention", are produced by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley (Beth Hart, Joe Bonamassa, Joanne Shaw Taylor).
"Attention" is available on all streaming platforms now. The song's accompanying music video can be seen below.
Though the lyrics of Orianthi's latest fiery, kick-ass single "Attention" expose an annoying ex-lover's habit of drunk texting to rile up her cooled passions, its title, on a deeper level, makes us think about the kind of attention we've been paying to the singer/songwriter and virtuoso electric guitarist over the past 20 years. Seems nothing can ever be written about the multi-talented veteran artist without mentioning her collaborations with Alice Cooper, Dave Stewart and Richie Sambora, and the fact that Michael Jackson hired her for his London performances the year of his untimely death.
Equal "Attention" should also be paid to her success as an artist in her own right, starting with her Top 20 Billboard pop hit "According To You" and gold-selling Geffen album "Believe", released in 2009. While playing with legends over the years, she's continued to build her discography with numerous albums on different labels.
Her prolific streak of stylistically diverse singles in 2024 on Woodward Avenue — "First Time Blues" with Joe Bonamassa, "Ghost" and "Some Kind of Feeling" — launches a fresh, adventurous new phase of her solo career, an era of exciting creativity and powerhouse contemporary rock and roll.
Penned by Orianthi, Don Miggs and Gregory Hanson, "Attention" is a classic styled power rocker that marks her second track produced and mixed by the legendary Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley, whose surreally extensive resume includes Bonamassa, JOURNEY, AEROSMITH, LED ZEPPELIN, DREAM THEATER and countless artists from his home country of South Africa and his later adopted home of Australia.
After an edgy, rhythmic electric guitar intro, Orianthi uses her silky, sultry vocal tone to bring us into a compelling scenario where she's free from a complicated relationship and living life on her own terms now: "I ain't at the Whisky/Waiting on you/Or staring at the ceiling/Sitting in a hotel room…" Then the groove, propelled by bassist Justin Andres and drummer Demian Arriaga, kicks up, and over more rhythmic, crunchy guitar energy, she tells her former significant other, "I'm sipping on tequila/With someone you knew/And you're out on tour/Doing what you always do." She doesn't specify, but it feels like code for "screwing around like you did on me."
As the track develops, Orianthi's increasingly emotional vocals convey frustration and exasperation, then everything explodes on the killer hook where she really lets the guy have it: "You're so predictable/You do it every time/Drunk checking on me/In the middle of the night/You know what you put me through/U just want attention." She wraps the chorus with the mic drop line: "I'm done thinking about you," which is followed by a cool melodic earworm of wordless background vocals.
After some clever wordplay in the second verse ("Ambien and alcohol/Swearing I'm the love of your life") and another romp through the high-octane chorus (where he repeats "I'm done thinking about you" a few times for good measure, Orianthi gets to the magic that every fan waits for — her blazing solo action. It's 30 seconds of wild abandon, pure hyperkinetic rock and roll bliss, an effortless fire with a blaze of high notes that allows her to say with her axe something deeper that even the biting lyrics can't: I'm so over you! "Attention" is best appreciated via its dynamic performance video, which shows a few close ups of her intricate guitarisma. After another run through the hook, Orianthi repeats "I'm done thinking about you" over and over as her guitar wails behind her vocals for heavier emphasis.
With every new single, Orianthi reminds us that she's at the top of her game in every way, finding fresh, vulnerable yet attitude-filled musical stories to tell, and allowing us to experience the guitar chops that have made her a modern-day rock hero.
"Some Kind Of Feeling" track listing:
01. Attention (3:48)
02. Some Kind of Feeling (4:44)
03. What I've Been Looking For (5:15)
04. Sharp Dressed Man (2:46)
05. Ghost (3:29)
06. First Time Blues (feat. Joe Bonamassa) (3:48)
07. Dark Days Are Gone (3:43)
08. Bad For Each Other (3:12)
09. Call You Mine (3:56)
10. Heaven Right Here (4:12)
Album Credits
Executive Producer - Mark C. Nordman
All songs mastered by Brian Lee, and Bob Smith at Waygate Mastering
1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10 - Produced by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
5, 6, 8 - Produced by Orianthi
Artwork by James Silvera. Photos by Jim Donnelly
1, 4, 10 - Recorded at NRG Studios, North Hollywood, CA
2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 - Recorded at Love Street Sound, Glendale, CA
"Attention" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar and lead vocal
Justin Andres - Bass, Nick Maybury - Guitars
Demian Arriaga - Drums, Carey Frank - Keyboards
Background Vocals - Sharlotte Gibson, Maiya Sykes and Allison Iraheta
Music and lyrics by Orianthi Panagaris, Don Miggs, and Gregory Hanson
Produced and mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
"Some Kind Of Feeling" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar, Lead and background vocals
Justin Andres - Bass and background vocals, Nick Maybury - Guitar
Ed Roth - Keyboards, Jimmy Paxson - Drums
Jade MacRae - Background Vocals
Music and lyrics by Orianthi Panagaris
Produced and mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
"What I've Been Looking For" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar, lead and background vocals
Justin Andres - Bass and background vocals, Nick Maybury - Guitar
Ed Roth - Keyboards, Jimmy Paxson - Drums
Jade MacRae - Background Vocals
Music and lyrics by Orianthi Panagaris
Produced and mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
"Sharp Dressed Man" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar and lead vocal
Justin Andres - Bass, Nick Maybury - Guitars
Demian Arriaga - Drums, Carey Frank - Keyboards
Greg Morrow - Percussion, Bobby Summerfield - Synths
Music and lyrics by William Gibbons, Frank Beard and Joe Hill
Produced and mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
"Ghost" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar and lead vocal
Michael Bearden - Keyboards, Roberto Vally - Bass
Tony Braunagel - Drums
Background Vocals - Sharlotte Gibson, Luke Edgemon & Maiya Sykes
Music and lyrics by Orianthi Panagaris, and Jacob Bunton
Produced by Orianthi
Mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
"First Time Blues" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar and Vocals
Joe Bonamassa - Guitar
Justin Andres - Bass & Background Vocals, Carey Frank - Keyboards
Nick Maybury - Guitars, Elias Mallin - Drums
Music and lyrics by Orianthi Panagaris
Produced by Orianthi
Mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
"Dark Days Are Gone" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar, lead and background vocals
Justin Andres - Bass, Nick Maybury - Guitar
Ed Roth - Keyboards, Jimmy Paxson - Drums
Jade MacRae - Background Vocals
Music and lyrics by Orianthi Panagaris
Produced and mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
"Bad For Each Other" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar and vocals
Justin Andres - Bass, Carey Frank - Keyboards
Nick Maybury - Guitars, Ellias Mallin - Drums
Music and lyrics by Orianthi Panagaris
Produced by Orianthi
Mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
"Call You Mine" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar, Lead and Background Vocals
Justin Andres - Bass and background vocals, Nick Maybury - Guitar
Ed Roth - Keyboards, Jimmy Paxson - Drums
Jade MacRae - Background Vocals
Music and lyrics by Orianthi Panagaris
Produced and mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
"Heaven Right Here" credits:
Orianthi - Guitar and lead vocal
Justin Andres - Bass, Nick Maybury - Guitars
Demian Arriaga - Drums, Carey Frank - Keyboards
Background Vocals - Sharlotte Gibson, Maiya Sykes, and Allison Iraheta
Music and lyrics by Orianthi Panagaris, Judith Hill, and Steve Diamond
Produced and mixed by Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley
Photo by Alex Brown | +3 | |
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19 май 2025
JOHN 5 Releases Music Video For New Single 'Fiend' Featuring KENNY ARONOFF
 John 5 will release a new solo album, "Ghost", on October 10. Produced by Barry Pointer, the LP's first single, "Fiend", features legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff and is accompanied by an official music video, which can be seen below.
For the first time ever, guitar greats John 5 and Richie Kotzen will head out on the road together this year. The trek will launch October 16 and run through November, hitting markets across the U.S.
Says John 5: "I've got a brand-new show and a whole bunch of songs we haven't played in a long time plus all your favorites. I'm super excited! I love touring with other great guitarists like Richie Kotzen! It's gonna be a Noodle-Palooza."
For over 30 years, John 5 has been one of the most in-demand guitar players on the planet. As well as being a songwriter/guitarist for hire, John 5 has shared the stage as axe-man for Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Rob Halford. He has also worked with an impressive array of names, from all walks of music, including KD Lang, Rod Stewart, David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Tina Guo, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Meat Loaf, Dolly Parton and Ricky Martin. In October 2022, it was announced that John 5 would be joining MÖTLEY CRÜE as their guitarist following Mick Mars's decision to retire from the road. John 5 continues to tour with MÖTLEY CRÜE, including an upcoming residency in Las Vegas in 2025.
John's most recent solo album, "Sinner", came out in 2021. The first single from the LP, "Qué Pasa", featured a guest appearance by MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine. "Sinner" also included a guest appearance by original KISS drummer Peter Criss on a cover of "Georgia On My Mind", a 1930s classic by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell that became famous thanks to Ray Charles decades later.
In the last four years, John 5 has been involved in numerous projects, including completing his documentary, which includes testimonials from the likes of Joe Satriani, Rob Halford, the late Gary Rossington, Michael Anthony and Rudy Sarzo, among others. He's also announced the opening of his KISS museum, featuring his own personal mementoes and rare artifacts from the group's early years.
Slash has called John 5 "one of the most mind-blowing guitarists around," and Rob Zombie has dubbed him "a fucking shredder."
John 5 has released ten solo albums to date, as well as a remix album.
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19 май 2025
Hear NANCY WILSON-Sung Version Of TRIUMPH's 'Fight The Good Fight' From 'Magic Power: All Star Tribute To TRIUMPH'
 Another sneak preview of "Magic Power: All Star Tribute To Triumph", a Nancy Wilson-sung rendition of the TRIUMPH classic "Fight The Good Fight", can be heard below.
On Friday, June 6, 2025, one of the greatest and most successful Canadian rock bands of all time, TRIUMPH, will be honored with a star-studded tribute album. "Magic Power: All Star Tribute To Triumph" will arrive via Round Hill Records, featuring such renowned rockers as Dorothy, Sebastian Bach, Nancy Wilson, Dee Snider, Joey Belladonna, Slash and Jeff Keith covering classic TRIUMPH tunes.
The 15-track album features an amazing collection of musical firepower, including drummers Kenny Aronoff and Tommy Aldridge, and guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Paul Gilbert and Nita Strauss. The project was conceived by renowned producer Mike Clink, who has produced classic recordings for GUNS N' ROSES, MÖTLEY CRÜE and WHITESNAKE.
"Magic Power" will be released on CD with a 12-page booklet and as a double-LP gatefold edition.
To pre-order "Magic Power: All Star Tribute To Triumph", click here.
The participants are extremely honored to salute TRIUMPH, including Phil X, who went on to say: "It is so incredible to get back to my roots with my brothers, Gil, Mike and Rik. The TRIUMPH fans will love this!"
Enthusiastically, JOURNEY drummer Deen Castronovo commented: "TRIUMPH was a huge influence. No Gil Moore, no Deen Castronovo singing behind a kit."
Furthermore, Bach said: "The music of TRIUMPH will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm super proud to pay tribute to one of my favorite bands of all time…the Rock n' Roll Machine known as TRIUMPH!"
Originally formed in 1975 and hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the trio was always proud of their Great White North roots. And seemingly ever since their inception, TRIUMPH was on the cutting edge of technology when it came to their live show, particularly lighting, sound, and effects.
Sophisticated lasers, pyrotechnics and moving lighting rigs, all computer-controlled — TRIUMPH was one of the first arena rock bands to incorporate all of these elements into their shows. TRIUMPH's headlining tours were legendary, and the band was featured on many memorable stadium/outdoor shows, including the US Festival, the World Series Of Rock, the American Rock Festival, Texxas Jam and Day On The Green, to name but a few.
And now, fans will be able to re-experience TRIUMPH classics in a whole new way via "Magic Power: All Star Tribute to Triumph".
"Magic Power: All Star Tribute To Triumph" track listing:
* 24 Hours A Day - Sebastian Bach
* Rock & Roll Machine - Sebastian Bach
* Magic Power - Joey Belladonna
* Spellbound - Mickey Thomas
* Lay It On The Line - Dee Snider
* Somebody's Out There - Lawrence Gowan
* Never Surrender - Deen Castronovo
* Hold On - Jeff Keith
* Just One Night - Jason Scheff
* I Live For The Weekend - Dorothy & Tyler Connolly
* Fight The Good Fight - Nancy Wilson
* Follow Your Heart - Jack Blades
* Allied Forces - Phil X
* Blinding Light Show - Envy Of None
* Fight The Good Fight (Encore) - Dino Jelusick
Gil Moore (drums),Mike Levine (bass) and Rik Emmett (guitar, vocals) formed TRIUMPH in 1975, and their blend of heavy riff-rockers with progressive odysseys, peppered with thoughtful, inspiring lyrics and virtuosic guitar playing quickly made them a household name in Canada. Anthems like "Lay It On The Line", "Magic Power" and "Fight The Good Fight" broke them in the USA, and they amassed a legion of fiercely passionate fans. But, as a band that suddenly split at the zenith of their popularity, TRIUMPH missed out on an opportunity to say thank you to those loyal and devoted fans, a base that is still active today, more than three decades later.
Emmett, who quit TRIUMPH — acrimoniously, in 1988 — over music and business disputes, went on to pursue a solo career, while TRIUMPH carried on with future BON JOVI guitarist Phil X for one more album, 1992's "Edge Of Excess", before calling it a day the following year.
Emmett was estranged, both personally and professionally, from the two other members of the legendary Canadian classic rock power trio for 18 years before they repaired their relationship.
After 20 years apart, Emmett, Levine and Moore played at the 2008 editions of the Sweden Rock Festival and Rocklahoma. A DVD of the historic Sweden performance was made available four years later. | 0 | |
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19 май 2025
Former MEGADETH Members DAVID ELLEFSON, JEFF YOUNG And CHRIS POLAND Unite On KINGS OF THRASH Single 'Lockdown'
 KINGS OF THRASH, the acclaimed union of MEGADETH alumni David Ellefson (bass) and Jeff Young (guitar),plus Chaz Leon (vocals, guitar) and DEAD GROOVE/BULLETBOYS drummer Fred Aching, with special guest (and fellow ex-MEGADETH-er) Chris Poland, returns to the fray with a stunning new single, and a dramatic shift in attitude, too.
The band, after all, is most renowned as the sonic spark that detonated one of the recent past's most incendiary live albums, the mighty "The Mega Years" reinvention of MEGADETH's first and three studio LPs, "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good" (1985) and "So Far, So Good...So What?" (1988),plus highlights from the intervening "Peace Sells...But Who's Buying!" (1986). The albums, in other words, upon which the entire thrash metal genre was built and defined in the first place.
As guitarist Young put it at the outset of the continent-devouring "Mega Years" tour: "The mission here is to bring a connection of goodwill through the music, with a collaboration of musicians and friends in our community. Our thrash tribe casts a wide net to give people hope in a time when they're looking for something positive and uplifting. What better way than to do that than through the music which has become the soundtrack to our lives."
Released today, the new single "Lockdown", however, sees the KINGS OF THRASH step out of the shadow of their old band, while both maintaining, and even amplifying all the qualities that made those albums so wildly influential.
A brand new KINGS OF THRASH original, "'Lockdown' has it all," confirms guitarist Poland. "Great riffs. A super catchy chorus. And a rhythm section that is locked up tight! And I'm honored to have been invited to be a part of it."
"Lockdown" is what Young describes as "a cool mix of '80s thrash and punk vibes, plus four guitar solos (!!!) We had a lot of fun bringing this song to life!"
"'Lockdown' captures the true spirit of old school thrash metal," says bassist Ellefson, "with a lyric that can be seen as timely in this chaotic world we now live in."
A stunning new video, directed and edited by drummer Aching and his DEAD GROOVE bandmate Holly West, can be seen below, capturing KINGS OF THRASH both live in the studio and, appropriately, behind bars.
During its 2023 "Thrashin' USA" tour, KINGS OF THRASH played another new original song called "Bridges Burned".
KINGS OF THRASH recently completed a couple of tours during which it performed MEGADETH's classic albums "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good" an "So Far...So Good... So What!" A live CD/DVD package called "Best Of The West…Live At The Whisky A Go Go" was recorded and filmed live at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California on October 15, 2022 and was released in March 2023 via Cleopatra Records. The DVD, which was directed by Michael Sarna for Inmotion Entertainment, includes an appearance by Poland.
"Let me put it this way: What's happening now is a win for all of us — Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH leader] included," Young told Metal Edge in August 2023. "He gets to make money off the publishing from the MEGADETH songs we play. Dave knows that, so he's very aware of us."
Young continued: "He hates what KINGS OF THRASH is doing. But it doesn't matter because, eventually, we'll delete a lot of the MEGADETH from our set, and we'll keep writing new stuff. But Dave is feeling the heat because we're getting attention, and the KINGS OF THRASH album will be better than anything MEGADETH has done recently. And we're playing all the MEGADETH songs better than he has in years. It's not just me saying that — read the reviews."
In January 2023, Young told Ultimate Guitar that he and Ellefson had not received any feedback from Mustaine about their new band or their recent live shows. "We couldn't care less… and it's a win-win for him," Jeff said. "Because all the publishing, for example, on the 'Best Of The West', he's getting all that money. We're making him money and he doesn't have to do anything. So, we're performing the songs because they're part of our history and the fans want to hear them and we will benefit from that, and so will he, so it's a win-win. How much cooler can anything be than that? So, if he has something to say about it… I wouldn't imagine it would be very objective… not that anything he's ever said has been objective."
Jeff's recent comments were similar to those he made in 2022 when he told Thomas S. Orwat, Jr. of the Rock Interview Series that he and Ellefson were "really not concerned" about Mustaine's reaction to KINGS OF THRASH. "I don't pay attention," he said. "I haven't really paid attention or followed MEGADETH since, I think, I heard the 'Rust In Peace' album a couple of times, and then what you might hear on the radio or in the press.
"For us, this isn't about any spite or retaliation; it's a celebration of the music that we were all a part of, that we helped create," he explained. "And it's fun for us to do this.
"People said, 'You should do this.' And we said, 'Hey, yeah, you're right. We should do this.' It's a win-win — it's a win for us, and it's a win for [Mustaine], because any performance royalties, anything… If we did include live tracks, he would make money off that. It's promoting albums that hopefully fans will go back and buy, which is putting money right in his pocket. Especially 'Killing Is My Business', I think a lot of people are gonna go back and wanna rediscover that album after this tour.
"For us, it's all about positivity," Young added. "We're all in this moment — we're living in the moment, and we're not looking beyond. We're not reading any of the comments on Blabbermouth or any of the stuff. Because we know what our intent is, and intent is everything. And our intent's positive. We like playing together. We know we're crafting original music. We're not relying on this; we don't need to ride the coattails of this. This is just something that the fans wanted, and you wanna give fans what they want."
Ellefson told Yes! You CAN Play Guitar! that the intention behind KINGS OF THRASH is not to stick it to his former bandmates. "This is a celebration, not a retaliation," he explained. "This is a good moment. This is a happy moment, to celebrate these songs and these tracks and these records. So we go at it with just fun… It's, like, 'Wow. Wouldn't it be fun if we went out and played these records?' And we're doing it. So it's meant to be this celebration and bringing people together. And honestly, that was kind of always my role in MEGADETH. Dave [Mustaine] always called me 'The Ambassador', and I was always that guy, and I am that guy. So it's, like, let me just continue that role in our community and have one of good will."
Ellefson was fired from MEGADETH three years ago after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the bassist were posted on Twitter.
David was in MEGADETH from the band's inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest exit.
In 2004, Ellefson filed an $18.5-million lawsuit against Mustaine, alleging the MEGADETH leader shortchanged him on profits and backed out of a deal to turn Megadeth Inc. over to him when the band broke up in 2002. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed and Ellefson rejoined MEGADETH in 2010.
Young's entire career with MEGADETH was spent recording and touring in support of the band's 1988 platinum-selling album "So Far, So Good...So What!"
Jeff made headlines in December 2009 for accusing Mustaine of, among other things, "dissing, exaggerating and just plain lying on some level about nearly every talented musician that has passed through his dysfunctional little ensemble." He also disputed Mustaine's claim in an interview that Young's drug problem led to MEGADETH's 1988 Australian tour being called off and the group being "banned" from performing in the country.
There's more KINGS OF THRASH on the way, too, as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of MEGADETH's "Youthanasia" and other thrash classics. Their "Thrashin' SoCal" mini tour ignites at the Whisky on September 4, before "Thrashin' The East" begins in Frenchtown, New Jersey on October 17. Young concludes: "We can't wait to hear everybody singing the 'Lockdown' chorus with us live!"
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19 май 2025
FOREIGNER And Mexican Singer JOY HUERTA Share Music Video For Spanish Version Of 'I Want To Know What Love Is'
 Legendary rock band FOREIGNER has paid tribute to its Latin fans with the Spanish-language release of its most beloved hit with "Quiero Saber Si Es Amor". The emotional duet, the official music for which can be seen below, is a powerful reimagining of FOREIGNER's chart-topping classic "I Want To Know What Love Is".
"Quiero Saber Si Es Amor" features Luis Maldonado, FOREIGNER's own guitarist and vocalist, alongside acclaimed Mexican singer-songwriter Joy Huerta of the Grammy Award-winning duo JESSE & JOY, and is set for release on May 15 via Rhino.
The single has been released in two versions — one entirely in Spanish and a bilingual Spanish-English edition — marking FOREIGNER's first official foray into Spanish-language recordings. The release comes as the band just wrapped its 2025 South American tour, which included stops in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and beyond.
The Spanish adaptation of "I Want To Know What Love Is" was created in collaboration with Warner Chappell Music songwriter and Chilean music producer Cris Zalles. His creativity was key in preserving the song's original sentiment while adding a fresh flair that will resonate with Spanish-speaking audiences.
"We have been embraced by our Latino fans for decades," said Maldonado. "Recording these songs in Spanish is our way of thanking them and sharing the music in a more intimate and personal way."
Joy Huerta recalls a moment in the studio with FOREIGNER founding member, songwriter, and producer Mick Jones. She asked Jones, "What is love?" to which Jones replied, "Love is a sentiment — and so much more." She adds, "That moment speaks deeply to Latinos, and for me — having grown up with this song — recording it now with FOREIGNER in my own language is truly incredible."
Joy Huerta was just named as the first Mexican woman to be nominated for the 2025 Tony Award for "Best Original Score" for her work on "Real Women Have Curves: The Musical", currently playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre on Broadway. With "Quiero Saber Si Es Amor", Huerta brings her powerhouse vocals to the collaboration, blending seamlessly with Maldonado's breathtaking performance.
With nearly five decades of chart-topping hits and global tours, FOREIGNER continues to evolve and embrace new generations and audiences. This latest release signals an exciting new chapter in the band's storied career — one that's deeply rooted in global connection and musical innovation.
Responsible for some of rock and roll's most enduring anthems, including "Juke Box Hero", "Cold As Ice", "Hot Blooded", "Waiting For A Girl Like You", "Feels Like The First Time", "Urgent", "Head Games", "Say You Will" and the worldwide No. 1 hit and member of Spotify's exclusive Billions Club "I Want To Know What Love Is", Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers FOREIGNER still rock the charts almost 50 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard 200 album success. Streams of FOREIGNER's hits are over 15 million per week.
Photo credit: Daniel González
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19 май 2025
FASTER PUSSYCAT Releases New Single 'Motorbike'
 Legendary rockers FASTER PUSSYCAT have released their brand new single "Motorbike". The adrenaline-fueled track is available on all major streaming platforms.
In true FASTER PUSSYCAT fashion, "Motorbike" captures the gritty, fast-lane energy that has made the band icons of the late-'80s hard rock scene, delivering a roaring joy ride of sleaze, swagger and attitude.
"Sex, rock and roll and motorcycles! The lyrics are tongue in cheek, you can take them how you want to…" raves FASTER PUSSYCAT founder and frontman Taime Downe of the single. "I started writing 'Motorbike' about a decade ago, then the pandemic happened and… I'm slow…" he trails with a laugh. "We actually recorded this a couple times before, I finally felt like we got it right."
Fans will be thrilled to learn that a limited-edition seven-inch of "Motorbike" printed on "Pussycat Purple" vinyl is also available to order now. For collectors, an even more limited number of seven-inches signed by Taime Downe are available exclusively at www.fasterpussycat.com.
As was the case with the band's previous two single releases, the vinyl B-side is a cover that has Downe just as excited as his FASTER original — a fuel-injected and grease-splattered take on the INXS classic "Don't Change".
"I've been a big fan of INXS for years — I even hung out with Michael Hutchence, Iggy Pop and Debbie Harry after an awards show, which was a night I'll never forget," waxes the frontman. "I've always wanted to do an INXS cover — they have so many great songs, but this is one of my favorites. We've been playing it on and off for years, and it's obviously in the set when we play Australia. I'm psyched to finally get it recorded and out there with our own spin. It's INXS meets the SEX PISTOLS, as only FASTER PUSSYCAT can."
As Taime appropriately sings on "Motorbike", "Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!"
FASTER PUSSYCAT rose from the depths of the mid-1980s Hollywood rock scene and took the Sunset Strip by storm with a sound that wasn't glam and wasn't punk, but blistered somewhere in between. With an attitude and swagger all its own, their self-titled debut featured the instant classics "Babylon", "Bathroom Wall", "Cathouse" and "Don't Change That Song", and its follow-up "Wake Me When It's Over" climbed even higher with the radio hit "House Of Pain", "Poison Ivy" and "Where There's A Whip There's A Way".
Despite sales in excess of two million records worldwide, FASTER PUSSYCAT defied the mainstream mold and always followed their frontman's underground sensibilities. The accolades are nice, but Taime considers his greatest accomplishment longevity. "The only number that really matters to me is the number 40," he says. "Four decades later, FASTER PUSSYCAT are still rocking, and it feels as fresh as it did in 1986."
Back in 2019, Taime told AL.com about the camaraderie between all the hard rock bands in the 1980s: "We were all friends. We were all like incestual, L.A. GUNS, GUNS N' ROSES. GUNS N' ROSES basically got a record right when we were putting FASTER together, so they helped us out tons for us getting our shit going. I was friends with [L.A. GUNS guitarist] Tracii Guns and [GN'R drummer] Steven Adler. So, all this was just a melting pot.
"I remember going and seeing GUNS N' ROSES' first show, and it's so funny too because originally when we were putting FASTER with Mick Cripps (who would soon join L.A. GUNS) and we answered an ad in the Music Connection for a 'loud glam guitar player available,' and it was fucking Slash. We went and checked him out at the first GN'R show he did after Tracii [left GN'R]. I thought he was great. Mick said, 'He looks stupid.' [Laughs] I was like, 'Whatever.' And then I sold Slash his fucking hat. … He said he stole it. He's so full of shit. I gave it to him. [Laughs] But he can say he stole it; it's tougher. But we've been friends ever since."
This past March, FASTER PUSSYCAT landed in mainstream headlines when Downe's fiancée went overboard from the Royal Caribbean ship Explorer Of The Seas during the first day of this year's edition of The 80s Cruise. It is unclear whether the woman, who had been in a relationship with Downe for nearly a decade, fell or jumped. | 0 | |
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19 май 2025
FOO FIGHTERS Fire Drummer JOSH FREESE: 'I'm Not Angry, Just A Bit Shocked And Disappointed', He Says
 Drummer Josh Freese has been fired from the FOO FIGHTERS.
Two years after he was recruited to fill the vacancy left by the late Taylor Hawkins, Freese shared a statement on Instagram in which he said the FOO FIGHTERS called him earlier this week to let him know that they had decided "to go in a different direction with their drummer." Freese added, "No reason was given," and later joked, "Stay tuned for my 'Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the FOO FIGHTERS' list."
Josh's full statement reads as follows:
"The FOO FIGHTERS called me Monday night to let me know they've decided 'to go in a different direction with their drummer.' No reason was given. :(
"Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band.
"In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I've never been let go from a band, so while I'm not angry just a bit shocked and disappointed. But as most of you know I've always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, I'm fine.
"Stay tuned for my 'Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the FOO FIGHTERS' list.
In April 2024, Josh spoke to producer and YouTuber Rick Beato about how he landed the coveted FOO FIGHTERS gig. He said in part: "On my children's lives, I had zero plans of being called to be the drummer. And everyone and their mother — my neighbor walking the dog, 'Hey Josh, the FOO FIGHTERS call you yet?' Other people hitting me up, other drummers, Reddit forums, 'Josh Freese is gonna be the guy.' I'm going, 'I don't even know if they're gonna continue on [after Taylor's death].' And most people I knew said, 'Oh, they're gonna have to. They're gonna figure it out.' I was, like, 'Well, maybe. Who knows?' I didn't ask them that question during those [Taylor Hawkins] tribute [concerts in September 2022]. Once again, I wanted to give everybody space. I wasn't gonna be another guy coming at Dave [Grohl, FOO FIGHTERS frontman], going, 'So dude, if you need a drummer, I'm around. I'm just saying.' I didn't mention it once, and was busy enough and making a good enough living already that I wasn't freaked out about it. I wasn't going, 'God, I hope they call. I hope they call.' I was, like, 'You know what? Whatever happens is gonna happen.' And that's how I kind of like to roll."
He continued: "Months went on after that second, L.A. [Taylor Hawkins tribute concert]. I guess it was September [2022 when the two shows took place]. And Dave had said that he'd written a bunch of songs. He was gonna record a bunch of stuff after those shows. So, cool. So it sounded like he was gonna make a record. And then I guess it was right before Christmas that year, 2022, and I got a call from him. I got a missed call. I was on a walk with my wife and some of our dogs, and I go, 'Ah, Dave just tried calling me like 20 minutes ago.' And she's, like, 'I know why he's calling you.' I was, like, 'Easy. I'm not thinking that.' I swear to God, that's not why I thought. I go, 'You know what? He might be having a New Year's Eve party. He might be doing a project where he has all those drummer friends of ours that perform at the thing, we each play a track. He could be calling me for numerous reasons, but I'm not gonna pretend like that's why he's calling me.' I called him back, and we small-talked about Christmas and our kids and do they still believe in Santa Claus? And who's the hardest to shop for? And just this silly small-talk family stuff, if anything. I said, 'Hey, did you go record?' He goes, 'Yeah, we recorded a bunch of stuff. And I played drums, and I'm really happy with the way it sounds. I'm really excited about it. And we had the drummer talk. And we want you to be the guy.' And it felt like someone kind of socked me in the stomach. I didn't go, 'Wow, yippee, this is so cool.' I didn't get excited like that. It was almost like I got the wind knocked out of me. And I was, like, 'Oh my God.' I was, like, 'Here we go.' 'Cause I knew… I had time to think about it and all that, but I was, like, come on. After the holidays, Dave and I got together and talked and he played me the new record, we were talking, and even there's sometimes when you go, 'You know you've gotta do this, right?'"
Freese went on to say that he had no doubt he would accept the offer to become FOO FIGHTERS' new drummer. "It couldn't have gone down any other way after being asked, and being asked by someone that I've respected forever, not just as a songwriter and a singer/guitarist, but as a drummer," Josh explained. "First and foremost for me, Dave is such a bad motherfucker, man. And he just innately has this thing. That stuff can't be taught; it just can't be taught. You can try to explain it to somebody, but you're either gonna do it or you're not. And he was blessed with being able to do it and just deliver. So, for me, as a drummer, it's great. And I used to talk about it with Taylor all the time. He was, like, 'Oh, man, it's so cool. Look at Dave.' He loved Dave's drumming, and we'd talk about it."
Freese continued: "I've made records with bands where the singer maybe used to play drums. But Dave's a drummer's drummer. And so it's not, like, 'Oh, yeah, he used to play drums.' Nah, he's the drummer. And I've tried to let that be a source of inspiration and excitement when I'm playing with him and playing in a band with him rather than letting it intimidate me or freak me out. 'Cause if you start going down that path, it could intimidate you and freak you out. 'My God, I'm Dave Grohl's drummer.' But he makes it so comfortable and good and natural, the way we play together. And as a drummer, his rhythm is great. Most bands, when you've got a break, you've got a four-bar break and the guitar is playing, I'm making sure to keep that time on the hi-hat. [With Dave, I] never have to [do that]. It's right there all the time. Ah, it's so cool. It's so cool. And when he turns around and we lock in, luckily — maybe one day it will become nerve racking — it's never been nerve racking for me. It's always fun and exciting, 'cause it's kind of laid out that way. It's not some heavy trip or weird thing. It's just all good. It's all good stuff."
FOO FIGHTERS revealed Freese as part of its touring lineup on May 21, 2023 during a pre-tour livestream called "Foo Fighters: Preparing Music For Concerts". Freese was unveiled as the drummer during the livestream after comedic cameos by Chad Smith of RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, Tommy Lee of MÖTLEY CRÜE and Danny Carey of TOOL.
Prior to joining the FOO FIGHTERS, Freese had most recently been drumming for Danny Elfman but was recently replaced by Ilan Rubin. Freese was also touring with THE OFFSPRING up until 2022, with former SUICIDAL TENDENCIES drummer Brandon Pertzborn stepping in to officially replace him.
Freese is a veteran session drummer who has performed with GUNS N' ROSES, A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUDDLE OF MUDD, NINE INCH NAILS, WEEZER, PARAMORE, THE REPLACEMENTS, Sting and THE VANDALS, among many others. He has also played more than 300 recordings ranging in genres from pop to rock to country.
FOO FIGHTERS' 11th album, "But Here We Are", was released in June 2023 on Roswell/RCA.
Hawkins tragically passed away in March 2022 at the age of 50.
Hawkins was found dead in a hotel room in Colombia, shortly before FOO FIGHTERS were due to play a festival in Bogotá. No cause of death was ever announced.
Hawkins had been the FOO FIGHTERS drummer for 25 years, taking over from original drummer William Goldsmith in 1997. He is survived by his wife Alison and their three children.
FOO FIGHTERS staged two tribute concerts in honor of Hawkins. The first tribute concert took place September 3, 2022 at London's Wembley Stadium. A Los Angeles concert was held on September 27, 2022 and raised money for Musicares and Music Support charities and served as a farewell party for Hawkins's adopted hometown.
Other notable tributes to come in the months following Hawkins's death included a segment at the 2022 Grammy Awards, a drum circle in Taylor's hometown, and a live performance of the FOO FIGHTERS song "My Hero" by more than 1,000 musicians.
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18 май 2025
KING DIAMOND On Long-Awaited New Album From His Namesake Band: 'I Want To Make Sure It's The Best Material I've Ever Released'
 In the brand-new issue of Fistful Of Metal magazine, Oran O'Beirne sat down for an in-depth conversation with the legendary Danish heavy metal singer King Diamond. During the chat, King opens up about the long-anticipated new KING DIAMOND album, offering fresh studio updates, confirmed songtitles, and a rare glimpse into the ambitious concept trilogy that's been haunting fans' imaginations. But that's not all — he also drops major news about the next MERCYFUL FATE release, and what fans can expect from the iconic band's latest chapter. A couple of excerpts follow below.
On how he survived through the difficult era of grunge, a time where metal suffered and was figuratively forced back into the shadows:
King: "I didn't care. I don't want to play something that I don't feel inside, and if I had to, I would stop. Record labels have approached me in the past and asked me to focus on writing 'radio-friendly' songs. That's actually what happened around the time of 'Abigail' [1987]. Roadrunner Records at the time asked us for four 'commercial/radio-friendly' songs and I just told them, 'Yes. No problem. That's the direction we're going in anyway.' When they finally heard the album, they were on the phone asking, 'Where are those songs?' They eventually let it go. Thankfully, they were happy with the album and it was released the way I wanted it. I just don't want to deal with that kind of stuff. Don't tell me what I should be doing. If people don't like it, then they should just go and listen to something else. I don't really know how we survived the '90s, but we did, and that's all that matters. It was like we were on some back road to a highway — we were still moving, perhaps not as fast, but moving all the same."
On his health complications back in 2010, including a triple bypass surgery that left him confronting his own mortality:
King: "It was certainly a wake-up call and I definitely learned a lot about what the body can and cannot handle. Honestly, I nearly died three times due to a lot of complications. I should not be here. I was on a ventilator and woke up earlier than expected, and as a result, nearly choked to death. I couldn't follow the rhythm of the machine, which is extremely dangerous. My wife was by my side sleeping in a chair beside me, and when she woke, she saw me trying to pull the tube out of my mouth in desperation. Had I done so, my lung would have collapsed."
On the long-awaited new KING DIAMOND album:
King: "Well, for starters, the original name that we had picked was 'The Institute'. However, that has now changed to, 'St Lucifer's Hospital 1920', since the start of the U.S. tour. There very well may be a track on the album called 'The Institute'. We were supposed to release the album this year, and in fact the album was supposed to be completely finished prior to the live shows, but I just want to make sure that it's the best material I've ever released. Right now, we are gearing up to film the next video for the single 'Lobotomy', which will definitely be released later this year. Other songs that are completed are an intro track called 'Under The Surface', 'The Institute', 'The Nun', 'Faceless' and, of course, 'Spider Lilly'. There's another track, which I'm not sure is going to be on the album yet, called 'Deep In The Darkness 1920'. Andy [La Rocque, KING DIAMOND guitarist] has been working on at least five tracks, one of which has as monster chorus that we plan to record with a choir. The plan is that this album will be the first of a trilogy, and I already have all three album titles."
Pick up a copy of Fistful Of Metal magazine online from this location. The magazine can be purchased at WH Smiths in the U.K., as well as all good newsagents, while North American and Canadian fans can buy from Barnes & Noble.
Issue #19 also features GHOST, SPIRITWORLD, BLACK SABBATH, MANOWAR, KATATONIA, AT THE GATES, CANCER, MACHINE HEAD, EPICA and much more.
In a recent interview with Guitar World, La Rocque spoke about KING DIAMOND's forthcoming horror trilogy, part one of which is titled "Saint Lucifer's Hospital 1920". Asked about his previous comment that the new KING DIAMOND songs would be, in some form, a return to the band's earliest records, Andy said: "It's mainly to get that organic sound back, where everything doesn't have to be… placed perfectly in time, or even in pitch. There's got to be some rock 'n' roll to it. [Laughs] If you listen to an album that's totally perfect, it gets boring. We wanted to make an album where it's a little bit more alive, like it was in the '80s.
"We're trying to avoid the stiffness of the albums of the '90s and early 2000s," he explained. "Really, we're just trying to loosen it up a little bit. Then again, we also had a talk about going back to the roots with the songwriting. Some parts are going back to 'Fatal Portrait' and 'Abigail' when it comes to the riffing style, but it's also going to be totally different from what you've ever heard from us before."
As for a possible timeline for the next KING DIAMOND album, Andy said: "We're going to do some festivals in Europe [this] summer, so everything has to be recorded and done before we do that, that's for sure. We're still working on some of the other stuff we have. It's going to be eight or nine songs on the album, I believe."
Last December, KING DIAMOND released a new single, "Spider Lilly". It was a first-time mixing collaboration with Arthur Rizk, who also mastered the track. The music and lyrics were written by frontman King Diamond.
The official music video for "Spider Lilly", which was directed by My Good Eye Visuals, can be seen below.
The recording lineup for "Spider Lilly" is still the same, with King Diamond handling lead and backing vocals plus playing the Hammond Organ, Andy La Rocque and Mike Wead on guitars, Pontus Egberg on the bass, and Matt Thompson on drums. There is also a special guest appearance by Danish female vocalist Myrkur with some additional backing vocals.
Part of the new "Spider Lilly" video was filmed at the very haunted Pennhurst Asylum outside of Philadelphia on a travel day during the band's 2024 North American tour, two days before Halloween. It was only King himself and actress Jodi Cachia who could participate on that specific day, together with producer David Brodsky, Allie Woest and their killer crew.
KING DIAMOND performed "Spider Lilly" live for the first time at the kick-off concert of the band's 2024 North American headlining tour, which launched on October 15 at Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. The "Saint Lucifer's Hospital 1920" trek ran through December 6 in Dallas, Texas. Support came from OVERKILL and NIGHT DEMON. Additional backing vocals for the KING DIAMOND set were provided by the special guest Myrkur.
In November 2024, the KING DIAMOND shows in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (November 20 at Edmonton Convention Center),Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (November 21 at TCU Place),Calgary, Alberta Canada (November 22 at Grey Eagle Event Centre),Portland, Oregon (November 24 at Keller Auditorium) and Seattle, Washington (November 25 at The Moore Theatre) were canceled due to "unforeseen circumstances".
KING DIAMOND's setlist for the fall 2024 tour included two new songs, "Electro Therapy" and the aforementioned "Spider Lilly".
In October 2023, KING DIAMOND released a music video for the 2019 single "Masquerade Of Madness". The clip was directed by David Brodsky and Allison Woest of My Good Eye Visuals.
At the time of the video's release, King commented: "'Masquerade Of Madness' was released digitally in 2019 before our North American tour. During rehearsals, we took one full day to film 'Masquerade Of Madness' with David Brodsky and Allison Woest. We spent all day and all night recording while performing the song with our full tour stage show choreography. After the tour, Covid happened.
"The video was all but forgotten as the world came to a standstill — we never saw a single frame from all the footage. Years later, as things began to pick up and writing began for both new MERCYFUL FATE and KING DIAMOND records, we wondered, what happened to that video from four years ago? So we decided to check in with David Brodsky and a couple of weeks later, we had the first cut of the video.
"I was speechless! I had nothing to criticize and after just a few notes from Andy La Rocque, the video for 'Masquerade Of Madness' was finished! There's so much mood and black and white is used in a perfect way with Jodi's performances. The visuals fit the music flawlessly and this is now among my favorite KING DIAMOND videos along with 'Sleepless Nights' and 'Welcome Home' — and not to forget of course, our double live DVD."
A month after KING DIAMOND released "Masquerade Of Madness" in November 2019, La Rocque told The Metal Voice that he came up with the music for the track first before passing it off to King, who "needed to arrange a few things and change just a small few things for making it work with his vocals. And then, of course, he wrote the lyrics for it," the guitarist revealed. "So we [went] a little back and forth until he felt like, 'Okay, this is cool, man. This is the right key to sing in,' and all that."
KING DIAMOND received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Metal Performance" category for the track "Never Ending Hill" off the band's last album, 2007's "Give Me Your Soul … Please".
"Give Me Your Soul ... Please" sold 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 174 on The Billboard 200 chart.
KING DIAMOND released a DVD/Blu-ray, "Songs For The Dead Live", in January 2019 via Metal Blade Records. The set captured 1987's seminal "Abigail" album in its entirety, twice, and in very different locales: Belgium's Graspop Metal Meeting in June 2016 and Philadelphia's Fillmore in November 2015. The performances featured KING DIAMOND's current band, comprising of guitarists La Rocque and Mike Wead, bassist Pontus Egberg and Matt Thompson.
Photo by Jeremy Saffer
FISTFUL 19 OUT NOW! with King Diamond and a host of Metal Royalty!
www.fistfulofmetal.co.uk
Posted by Fistful Of Metal Mag on Tuesday, May 13, 2025
WE ARE THE NEW FACE OF HARD N' HEAVY!!!! In Stores Now!!!! King Diamond/ KING DIAMOND & MERCYFUL FATE GROUP MERCYFUL...
Posted by Fistful Of Metal Mag on Monday, May 12, 2025
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18 май 2025
VOIVOD Receives Honorary Doctorate From Université Du Québec À Chicoutimi
 On April 26, 2025, Canadian sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD were honored with an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) from UQAC (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi).
Founded in 1969, the UQAC is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Chicoutimi, Quebec. This institution also has branch campuses in Jonquière, La Baie and Alma.
In his speech, VOIVOD's founding drummer Michel "Away" Langevin stated: "I would like to sincerely thank the entire UQAC team for this generous and honorable gesture. This moment will be forever etched in our memory, as a symbolic culmination of our journey. I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere congratulations to all the students. Bravo for your perseverance, determination, and this remarkable achievement — you can be proud."
VOIVOD shared several photos from the ceremony on social media and included the following message: "It is with great pride and emotion that we received the highest distinction from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) at the Collation des Grades on April 26, 2025: an honorary doctorate honoris causa!
"We are deeply touched by this exceptional recognition, as it celebrates not only our artistic journey of over 40 years, but also our commitment to our Saguenay community.
"A huge thank you to the UQAC team and The Pickup Box for their wonderful tribute video presented at the ceremony.
"A big congratulations to the graduates for your determination and success!
"This moment will remain etched in our memories.
"Thank you so much to all those who have been supporting us all the time. The ongoing adventure continues!"
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.
VOIVOD's long-awaited official documentary, "We Are Connected", received its world premiere in July 2024 at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec. Canada.
VOIVOD has been touring in support of its latest album, "Morgöth Tales", which was released in July 2023 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 courtesy of UQAC
🎓🤘 Voïvod reçoit un doctorat honorifique de l'UQAC ! 🤘🎓
C'est avec une grande fierté et beaucoup d'émotion que nous...
Posted by Voivod on Sunday, April 27, 2025
L’UQAC a accueilli aujourd’hui dans sa grande famille 1 153 bachelières et bacheliers, 489 maîtres et 45 docteures et...
Posted by UQAC - Université du Québec à Chicoutimi on Saturday, April 26, 2025
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18 май 2025
SABATON Guitarist THOBBE ENGLUND On His Return To The Band: 'It Was A No-Brainer For Me'
 SABATON guitarist Thobbe Englund says that his rejoining the band a little over a year ago was a "no-brainer".
In early February 2024, the Swedish metallers announced that they had welcomed back Englund. This news came a month after Tommy Johansson revealed his departure from the group.
Thobbe originally joined SABATON in April 2012 and amicably parted ways with the band in July 2016 to focus on his personal life and expand his creativity. Eight years later, he came back and accompanied his bandmates on the road once again.
Englund recorded two studio albums with SABATON, namely "Heroes" (2014) and "The Last Stand" (2016),and assisted with the songwriting of some very popular songs including "Shiroyama" and "Fields Of Verdun", among others.
In a new interview with Brazil's Porque! Metal, Thobbe stated about his return to SABATON (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I stayed in very close contact with the guys during all these years, since I left back in '16. We even wrote some songs together, and we always made sure to stay in touch, barbecuing, having beers, visiting each other's family and stuff like that. So when I got the question [about coming back to the band], it was, like, 'Oh, so Tommy's leaving. 'Whoa. Yeah, yeah, of course.' Because it was the perfect timing for me, because when I quit in '16, I was a bit worn out and I wanted to slow down a bit, and focus a little bit on my own music and stuff like that, but also have a kid, buy a house and all that. Now when the guys asked me if I would like to rejoin, it was a no-brainer for me. It was, like, yes, the circle is absolutely complete. So it was the best that could ever happen. And my son is six years old now and his favorite band is SABATON. So there you go."
According to Englund, his first rehearsal back with SABATON went better than expected. "I remember one song in particular, 'The Art Of War', I just put my guitar on, and [it was] spotless — from the beginning to the end," he recalled. "And I was, like, 'Yeah, I'm back.' Yeah, it was great."
Regarding how his return to SABATON came about, Thobbe told Brutal Planet Magazine in a March 2024 interview: "It was quite funny, actually, because me and my wife and, of course, my son, we celebrated New Year's Eve [on December 31, 2023] together with [SABATON bassist and manager] Pär [Sundström] and his wife. They came here [to my house] like three minutes before midnight, so we were, like, 'Will they make it? Yeah. All right. Happy New Year.' Then we had had a couple of beers, and a couple of beers became a couple of more beers, and we kept on going like until five, six in the morning. Luckily, we had a babysitter. And it was in the air. I said this somewhere that we were listening to this song by SCORPIONS, 'The Best Is Yet To Come'. And the chorus goes something like… Well, I don't remember exactly, but I remember the line. We were kind of drunk, and it went something like this: 'How can I live without you?' And we were like looking into each other's eyes, and we knew."
He continued: "I didn't have to think about it that much, because my son is [six] now. His favorite band is SABATON. When I left the band, it looked completely different for me privately. It was, like, we wanted to have a kid. And then, you know how it is with kids when they're toddlers and all that. You wanna be home, you wanna be there. And during all these years, for me being home, being together with [my son] and the family, the band has grown immensely for eight years, which means that we won't be away that much anymore like we used to. One year — I think it was in '14 or '15 — we were away 270 days that year. I went to the wrong building when I came home from a tour, and [my wife] was standing on the balcony on the other one, 'Hey, this is where we live.' 'Ah, okay.' So, I mean, now it's a completely different thing, and everybody in the band has their own family. So, yeah, it's, like, let's do this until we're 85 years old now. It's just an open road."
Reflecting on when he was officially asked to rejoin SABATON, Thobbe said: "[New Year's Eve] was the moment when I realized that something inside of me has told me that if the question comes, yes, of course. I belong to SABATON. That's my family, that's my best friends. So it was just, everything kind of dawned on me. 'Of course, yes. If the question comes, I'll say yes.' And I think it was a week later, we had a birthday party for [my son], and me and Joakim [Brodén, SABATON singer] had been writing a song that's gonna be on this new album. And he just texted me a couple of days before. And he was, like, 'Are you gonna be at home Sunday? Because, yeah, I'm just coming by.' I was, 'Yeah, yeah, of course. Just come by. I'll put on some coffee,' and like that. I thought it was that we were going to go through some details in that song and just to [decide], do we change this or that? Because he usually always kind of writes or tells me what's gonna happen when he comes, if it's just, 'Let's drink coffee and talk bullshit' or if it's something [else]. And I was, like, 'Hmm, why didn't he say what his plans are? That's a little odd, for being him.' But I didn't think more about that. And then he came, and we sat there drinking coffee, and we talked about something. And then he was, like, 'By the way, how do you feel about putting those camo pants back on?' And I was, like, 'All right. So here is the question. It actually came, like one week later.'"
Englund admitted that he was "a little bit shocked" at being asked to return to SABATON. "I didn't think take anything for granted," he explained. "I mean, maybe they had somebody else, because I stepped away almost eight years ago. So I never took anything for granted that they would even ask me. I was, like, if they ask me, I'm gonna be super happy and I will say yes.' So but then the question came, and for me it was, like… We had a long talk about how things are today compared to back in '16, and all that. Where SABATON is today — a lot of stuff has happened during the eight years I've been away. So, yeah, I was, like… I told him, 'Let me think about it and I'll call you.' I just talked to my wife for 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and I called him [and I told him], 'Hey, man. I'm in.' And that was it. And it was really emotional. And then Chris [Rörland, SABATON guitarist] and Hannes [Van Dahl, SABATON drummer] called. We were [giddy] like school girls."
When Thobbe's return to SABATON was first announced, Pär said in a statement: "This is a full-circle moment for SABATON and we are beyond excited to have Thobbe rejoin the band. He's a talented guitarist, songwriter and a kind guy who we have a lot of fun with. We didn't even need to hold auditions with other guitar players. All that was needed was to spend New Year's Eve together to know that the time was right for Thobbe's return."
Echoing Pär's sentiments, Joakim stated: "This decision was a no-brainer for us as a band and for Thobbe. He knows the drill and is the perfect fit. This is a great outcome, and we think everyone is going to be psyched about the news! The time is right. Welcome back, brother!"
Meanwhile, Van Dahl added: "Who? Thobbe f***ng Englund, that's who! The man is back! I'm happy to once again share the stage with one of my best friends! Welcome back, brother!"
And finally, Rörland said: "I'm beyond excited and happy for the return of the king! We've had so many good times together, both on stage and off stage. It's gonna be great to share the stage again. Welcome back and welcome home my brother! Love ya!"
This past Friday (April 25),SABATON unveiled a new single and video, "Templars". The track will appear on the band's soon-to-be-announced eleventh studio album, to be released later in the year via SABATON's new label home, Better Noise Music.
Since SABATON's 2005 debut LP, the band has released 10 studio albums (some of which have been certified as gold, platinum, and even quadruple platinum),seen eight of its albums score Top 10 international chart status, and six claim the Top 5.
In November 2025, SABATON will embark on a 20-city European run dubbed "The Legendary Tour". The band teased the trek as "a huge celebration of SABATON's music, storytelling and the incredible bond they share with their fans", featuring "The Legendary Orchestra and other surprises," resulting in "something unprecedented."
Last fall, SABATON served as main support to JUDAS PRIEST on the legendary heavy metal band's North American tour. | 0 | |
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18 май 2025
PETER CRISS On His Upcoming Hard Rock Solo LP: 'It's An Album I Always Wanted To Do'
 In a new interview with The Rock Experience With Mike Brunn, original KISS drummer Peter Criss spoke about his upcoming rock solo album, which is due in the fall. The LP was co-produced by Criss alongside Barry Pointer, who has worked with Ozzy Osbourne, John 5, MÖTLEY CRÜE, Steve Stevens, Pearl Aday and Dolly Parton. Joining the 79-year-old musician on the LP are Billy Sheehan and Matthew Montgomery (a.k.a. Piggy D.) on bass, John 5 and Mike McLaughlin on guitar and Paul Shaffer on piano. The record also features the talents of backing vocalists Dennis and Sharon Collins, and Cat Manning of CAT 5.
"Yeah, I'm excited," Peter said. "I got great players on it. I got Billy Sheehan, Paul Shaffer, Johnny 5, Michael, my guitarist, [and] I got Piggy from ROB ZOMBIE. So it's like a dream team band. And it's a real Peter Criss album. It's an album I always wanted to do. And hopefully the fans will like it."
The as-yet-untitled studio album will be Criss's first solo release since 2007's "One For All", which arrived 13 years after his previous solo release.
"I had an absolute blast doing this album, and everyone was so much fun to work with — they were just amazing," Criss told Rolling Stone of the upcoming LP. "I will be doing a more in-depth interview closer to the release date in the fall."
Criss had previously touched upon a new solo album back in 2014, promising at the time that the LP would be "heavier" than the stuff he had done in the past. Speaking to an audience of fans at a question-and-answer session at the All Things That Rock festival in Oaks, Pennsylvania, Criss stated about the progress of the recording sessions for the follow-up to "One For All": "I've been sitting on a record … I'd done this thing, like, five years ago and I'm still messing with it. I'm not done, because I don't wanna rush it."
Criss revealed at the time that he had been working with John 5, but added: "I wanna take my time with it. I'm constantly putting time into it. I want it to be heavier than I've usually done my stuff, and then I'll get, 'It's too heavy. You should go back and do light stuff.' Because fans are never happy. You guys aren't! No matter what we ever do, you're like, 'Oh, that sucks. I want this.' [Or] 'He's playing that ballad shit again.'"
Criss first left KISS in 1980. Since then he's worked with other bands and released solo albums. He teamed up with KISS again for a reunion tour in the 1990s and most recently in 2004. He was replaced by Eric Singer.
In addition to playing drums in KISS, Peter also provided lead vocals for a number the band's most popular and memorable songs, including "Beth", "Black Diamond" and "Hard Luck Woman".
Criss, who was known as "Catman," released his last solo CD, titled "One For All", in 2007. Peter produced the album himself for the first time, and was joined by guest musicians that included keyboardist Paul Shaffer and bassist Will Lee of "Late Night With David Letterman". The album featured a range of styles, from rock and jazz to blues and Broadway, and included covers of "What A Difference A Day Makes" and "Send In The Clowns".
Criss played what was being billed as his final full U.S. concert in June 2017 at the Cutting Room in New York City.
Peter last appeared onstage with KISS when the group was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2014, though he and his former bandmates didn't perform at the event.
On Friday, April 25, Criss was presented with the Legacy Award at Raven Drum Foundation's event at New York City's famed Cutting Room. | +4 | |
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18 май 2025
LOCUS NOIR Signs With Listenable Records
 Locus Noir is the latest endeavor from singer Ben DMN, best known as the former frontman of the Swiss industrial/groove metal juggernaut Sybreed, and is the result of a deeply personal journey, driven by his aspiration to reconnect with the music that inspired him during his formative years and to rekindle his passion for songwriting and live performances.
Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Type O Negative and Fields Of The Nephilim, Locus Noir’s sound radiates a dark and evocative energy. The music also incorporates brooding atmospheres reminiscent of Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride and the raw edge of gothic rock, resulting in a cohesive soundscape that offers both a fresh perspective and a timeless interpretation of what gothic metal can be.
This venture also marks a significant evolution in Ben’s vocal style, as he now fully embraces haunting melodic vocals that merge Peter Murphy’s theatrical flair with a depth reminiscent of Depeche Mode. The lyrics traverse contrasting realms, delving into themes both esoteric and carnal, often laced with irony: love, death, lust, and the bitter taste of parties that linger past dawn. Ultimately, Locus Noir serves as a sincere homage to the Gothic subculture.
Ben comments “I am simply thrilled to be working with Listenable Records again. It’s a team I’ve known for a long time and hold in high regard: they played a key role in Sybreed’s career and have always demonstrated a highly collaborative approach, which is in line with my own work ethos and was one of my non-negotiable conditions when I decided to return to music as an active artist. I also know that there is a real cultural affinity that will facilitate our exchanges. So I was very happy when they told me they wanted to sign Locus Noir after I contacted them, and I know I can count on the Listenable Records team, especially since they see as much potential in this new band as I do. This makes me very confident – and as optimistic as one can be when playing this kind of music – about the release of Locus Noir’s debut album, Shadow Sun, and the next steps in this new musical adventure.”
Initially conceived as a solo project with contributions from both long-standing and new friends, Locus Noir is poised to evolve into a full-fledged live band, ready to carve out its niche in the Metal landscape.
Locus Noir’s debut album’Shadow Sun is due for release in 2026 on Listenable Records. | 0 | |
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18 май 2025
JOHN CORABI On His Next Solo Album: 'It's Gonna Be Eclectic'
 In a new interview with Shawn Ratches of Laughingmonkeymusic, former MÖTLEY CRÜE and current THE DEAD DAISIES frontman John Corabi, who released two standalone solo singles in the last four years — 2021's "Cosi Bella (So Beautiful)" and 2022's "Your Own Worst Enemy" — spoke about his plans to put out more solo music in the not-too-distant future. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think, honestly, I wanna do something different. My outlet for heavier stuff, I can do with THE DAISIES. But I wanna experiment now. I've gotta be honest with you, lately I've been on a kick of CREEDENCE, John Fogerty. I thought that CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL stuff was fucking brilliant. Another guy that I saw a bazillion times when I was younger, [and I] had no idea who he was until he became a household name, who I still to this day love, is Bob Seger. So Bob Seger had some rock shit, but he was just a great storyteller, great songwriter. So, I don't know, man. I've really been listening to a lot of that stuff, but I'm not worrying about it."
Corabi continued: "I told my manager — initially I was, like, 'I wanna do a Bob Seger-type record.' My manager's, like, 'Great. If anybody I know can do it, it's you.' But then the more I thought about it, I go, 'I just wanna write. Let me see what I come up with.' And then Marti [Frederiksen, songwriter-for-hire, who has previously collaborated with AEROSMITH, DEF LEPPARD, Jonny Lang and Sheryl Crow, among many others] and I [have been writing together], and I've got a couple of other buddies that I started some songs with here in Nashville… I'm just gonna write 10, 15, 20 songs and then I'll pick the best eight or 10, whatever, and put 'em on a record. I'm not gonna worry about it. I'm not gonna overthink it. I'm just gonna write. But I do wanna write something that's just organic and very… I miss the '70s. I miss that whole eclectic, all-over-the-place, no-boxes type of shit that we grew up listening to. So I just wanna go for it. The only thing I can tell you guys, it's gonna be eclectic."
With Corabi on vocals, MÖTLEY CRÜE released one critically acclaimed full-length CD, which ended up being a commercial failure in the wake of grunge despite a Top 10 placing on the album chart. When Neil returned to the fold in 1997, Corabi was left on his own and formed the band UNION with ex-KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.
Corabi in 2016 said that he would avoid talking about MÖTLEY CRÜE in the future because he didn't want his comments about CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx to descend into a feud.
In an interview with Sweden Rock Magazine, Nikki said that writing the "Mötley Crüe" LP with Corabi was a prolonged and difficult experience. He went to call it "a very unfocused record" that was "painful for me, because John Corabi can't write lyrics, and I had to do all that work."
In February 2018, Corabi released a live album of his performance of MÖTLEY CRÜE's entire 1994 self-titled album, recorded on October 27, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. "Live '94: One Night In Nashville" documents the album in its entirety along with the bonus track "10,000 Miles", which was originally released as a bonus track on the Japanese version of the "Quaternary" EP.
Corabi's autobiography, "Horseshoes And Hand Grenades", came out in June 2022 via Rare Bird Books. It was written with the help of MÖTLEY CRÜE historian/author Paul Miles. The book's description promised to detail the singer's "life from the mean streets of Philadelphia to the Sunset Strip." It featured stories from Corabi's tenures in MÖTLEY CRÜE, UNION, RATT and THE DEAD DAISIES, as well as personal tales including "his parents' difficult divorce, his family's dark history of abuse [and] his run-in with a serial killer." | +1 | |
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18 май 2025
BIFF BYFORD On SAXON's Continued Relevance: 'You Have To Keep Trying To Write Great Songs'
 In a new interview with Stefan Nilsson of link textRoppongi Rocks, SAXON frontman Biff Byford was asked about a possible follow-up to the band's 24th studio album, "Hell, Fire And Damnation", which came out in January 2024 via Silver Lining Music. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're actually doing some work on [the next SAXON LP] today. Mostly the ideas come from Brian [Tatler, guitar], Doug [Scarratt, guitar] and Nibbs [Tim Carter, bass], musical ideas. And my job is just basically to arrange everything, to write lyrics and come up with the melodies. Just those three things, really. But, yeah, so I leave it up to the boys to come up with the guitar riffs. And it's really down to me whether I like them or not. It's just how it is. It's worked really well for lots of years, so if it's not broke, then don't fix it, is what we say. So I think we'll probably start recording the next album in November, if everything's ready to go, and possibly finish it in January. So [it will] be out next year sometime."
Regarding how SAXON has managed to stay relevant for nearly five decades, Biff said: "I think you have to keep trying to write great songs and not fool yourself into thinking that something's great when it's not. It's quite easy to do that when you've been around a long time. So, yeah, I think keeping the quality high — not quantity— quality is always great. So, yeah, always trying to write songs that you like yourself and keep your fingers crossed that people like it as well. So I think the last 10 years we've had a good roll, had some great albums, and our fanbase has changed slightly. A younger fanbase now, as well as the older fans as well, so we're very lucky to have that, really, to be relevant still. But I think our music's a lot to do with that, and our attitude, 'cause we don't give a fuck, basically."
On the topic of how DIAMOND HEAD guitarist Tatler — who joined SAXON in early 2023 as the replacement for Paul Quinn — is working out, Byford said: "He's doing great. He wrote a few songs on the last album; [the] 'Hell, Fire And Damnation' [title track], that's mine and Brian's song. I think with Brian, because he's not really had a platform to put his music on, he's enjoying himself because he comes from a slightly different mental space because he's never had as much success as he probably should have had. So he's making up for it now, really. I mean, apart from the three songs that METALLICA recorded of [DIAMOND HEAD's] — they were gonna be big, but it didn't quite happen in [the early 1980s]."
Byford added: "It was a no-brainer, really, to ask Brian [to join SAXON]. And Brian was my only choice. We had a lot of people who wanted to be the guitarist in the band. But Paul Quinn is a hard act to follow. And you have to have somebody with a bit of a special something that… It surprised a lot of people, which surprised me because it's a no-brainer, really. It's going well. And he is having a great time. And he plays well with Doug. There's no problem there. So they play well together."
Asked how important it is for SAXON to continue to release consistently strong new studio albums this far into the band's career, Biff said: "I think it's always important to try and have a new album be great because you're never gonna write an album as popular as 'Wheels Of Steel' or 'Denim And Leather', because that's how it was in those days. It's just they're classic albums. And the secret is to not try to write another 'Wheels Of Steel' or 'Strong Arm Of The Law'. It's just to write where we are now. And it was surprising how big the album was, actually. We're still selling tons of albums all the time, particularly vinyls. But we've turned into a bit of a streaming band now, which is quite new for us. But I think that's probably because a lot of younger fans are streaming. Well, they'll buy the vinyl and then they'll stream it as well. But who cares? Just get the music — steal it, borrow it. It makes no difference. Just get hold of it and listen to it."
As a result of Quinn's decision to step back from touring with SAXON, the band canceled its April 2023 South American tour as well as the appearance at the Monsters Of Rock cruise. Quinn has since been replaced on the road by Tatler.
Brian has been touring with Scarratt, Carter, Byford and drummer Nigel Glockler since mid-2023, but continues to be a member of DIAMOND HEAD.
Byford and Quinn are the sole remaining original members in SAXON's current lineup.
Originally from South Yorkshire, England, SAXON has gone on to sell about 23 million albums and has produced such classic songs as "Denim And Leather", "Princess Of The Night", "Wheels Of Steel" and "Power And Glory".
"Hell, Fire And Damnation" was produced by Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, EXODUS, ACCEPT) and Byford, with Sneap mixing and mastering.
Image courtesy of SDTV - Stonedead Festival | +1 | |
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18 май 2025
GENE HOGLAN: New DARK ANGEL Album 'Extinction Level Event' Contains 'A Lot Of Savagely Blistering Tracks'
 Drummer Gene Hoglan of California thrash metal pioneers DARK ANGEL spoke to "The Zach Moonshine Show" about "Extinction Level Event", the band's first new album in 34 years, due later in 2025 via Reversed Records. The LP's first single, the "Extinction Level Event" title track, was written by DARK ANGEL guitarist Jim Durkin a decade ago, long before he suffered from severe liver disease, and, to the surprise of everyone, passed away in 2023. It was recorded and mixed at the Armoury Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, executive produced by Hoglan, produced and engineered by Rob Shallcross and mixed by Mike Fraser.
Regarding the fact that it has taken so long to release new DARK ANGEL music, Gene said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "About a decade ago, I just blurted out in an interview one time, 'Yeah. Hey, we're writing a new record and we're gonna get this thing out as soon as we can.' And that was a decade ago. And, hey, man, just thank you for everybody whose patience has been at a premium here. But we are finally moving forward on getting the new DARK ANGEL album 'Extinction Level Event' out and coming to everybody really soon — definitely before the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. We've got a number of songs in the can and we're just kind of releasing a little bit here and there. And so the first release was the title track."
On the topic of the musical direction of the "Extinction Level Event" title track, Gene said: "This is just a pretty darn blistering DARK ANGEL track. It was written by our recently departed brother Jim Durkin, the music was, anyway.
"About a decade ago or so, when we got back together and we started playing some shows and the vibe was so cool and everybody was just having a great time and we had all kind of grown up into men, as it were, we were just having a great time together, and Jim took me aside one time, he was, like, 'Hey, man, I have this song that I wrote pretty recently.' And it was just, like, 'If we ever get a chance to do any kind of recording with DARK ANGEL or do any kind of DARK ANGEL stuff, this is my most DARK ANGEL-esque song that I've got.' And I was, like, 'Hey, man, lay it on me.' And I was just so blown away by it. It was just so killer, so catchy, so Jim Durkin-like. So that song there, as well as another one that he had in the works, just got me so pumped that I just happened to do an interview pretty recently after that, and I was, like, 'Yeah, man. We're gonna record a new record. Yeah, it's gonna be coming really soon.' And like I said, it's taken over a decade. But here we are, and our first track, 'Extinction Level Event', is out there. And so people, check it out, and I'm really stoked about the new album."
As for why "Extinction Level Event" was chosen to be the first single from the upcoming LP, Gene said: "All the tracks on the album, any one of them could have been our first release, but this is one of the more… well, we have a lot of savagely blistering tracks on this record. This is one of them, and it was just so kick-ass DARK ANGEL, such a DARK ANGEL-type song that we didn't release this first one because Jim wrote it and this was kind of his last, final entire song that he left with us. It just kind of worked out that way. It's, like, this is a really kick-ass track and it's got a cool title and all the artwork that goes along with the album goes along with this. So there you go."
The "Extinction Level Event" artwork and layout was designed by Cain Gillis, with concepts by Hoglan.
DARK ANGEL was originally scheduled to play new music for the first time since 1991 during its January 29 concert at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. However, that show ended up getting postponed due to the wildfires in the state.
In July 2024, DARK ANGEL officially entered the studio to begin recording its new LP. Two months earlier, Hoglan was asked by Rocking With Jam Man what it has been like making new DARK ANGEL music more than 30 years after the release of the band's last album, 1991's "Time Does Not Heal". Gene responded: "Well, that's one thing. It's like we had a choice. I had an entire DARK ANGEL album written that was ready to start getting recorded after the 'Time Does Not Heal' record, and circumstances occurred where the band just had to dissolve. So, I had a bunch of material written. And when Jim Durkin and myself — Jim is no longer with us, but when we put DARK ANGEL back together and we started talking about, like, 'What do we wanna do for the future? Do we wanna write some new material?' And 'I've got some ideas, Gene, and you probably have some ideas.' And I have a number of songs that I sent to Jim. And when Jim heard that — I sent it to him on a CD — he freaked out and he was, like, 'My God, here's our new album. This is gonna be our next record. Hell yeah.' And he got really excited about that material. But I was, like, 'Hey, Jim, tell you what. I feel really strongly about my writing chops, and the songs I'm hearing from you right now are crushing. So how about we just write new stuff, get together and start writing new material?' And so we kind of went that route."
He continued: "For my elements of what I wanted DARK ANGEL to sound like, Jim Durkin is a huge influence on my writing style. So I wanted this to have a lot of the Jim Durkin influence on it. In terms of riffs, there's not as many from Jim as we were hoping for, but Jim's entire presence is all over the new DARK ANGEL material that I've been working on. And he's a huge guitar influence on me, as well as a lot of people. So, there's definitely gonna be a pretty hardy Jim Durkin influence. So what I've tried to do is not go back 35 years or 37 years or whatever, 'Darkness Descends' or even 'We Have Arrived', those early albums, or 'Leave Scars' or 'Time Does Not Heal', I've not tried to duplicate anything from any of those albums, but I tried to put myself in the mindset of what if DARK ANGEL just kept writing albums for the last 30-whatever years, 32, 33 years, where would we be at now? And so that has been my approach on the new DARK ANGEL material."
Durkin died on March 8, 2023 at the age of 58. An original member of DARK ANGEL, Durkin played on the band's first three albums — 1985's "We Have Arrived", 1986's "Darkness Descends" and 1989's "Leave Scars" — before departing the group in 1989. He was part of DARK ANGEL's lineup when the band reformed in 2013, and had been playing with them, on and off, ever since.
Prior to his death, Durkin had been sitting out some of DARK ANGEL's gigs. He was replaced at the shows by Hoglan's wife Laura Christine, who has since joined DARK ANGEL as a permanent member.
DARK ANGEL released two albums with Don Doty on vocals — the aforementioned "We Have Arrived" and "Darkness Descends" — before he exited the group and was replaced by Ron Rinehart (after a brief stint with Jim Drabos in 1987). The band issued two more studio LPs — "Leave Scars" and "Time Does Not Heal" — before calling it quits in 1992.
Hoglan previously talked about DARK ANGEL's upcoming LP in May 2023 in an interview with Friday 13th. He said at the time: "Jim and I, we had gotten together a number of times to write some new material for DARK ANGEL. And we weren't able to get it down on tape too much. If DARK ANGELhas any new material, there's a song that he's got on there that is pretty darn DARK ANGEL-esque.
"In tribute to Jim, DARK ANGEL's new material will have a ton of his spirit all over it — his feel. Whether he actually wrote stuff on the new stuff or not, his spirit is very there. His imprint is felt throughout thrash metal, I feel. Even before I was in DARK ANGEL, I'd see Jim's influence on bands. Absolutely. So his legacy will live forevermore in the realm of extreme metal. His style will always be a part of DARK ANGEL, absolutely, big time."
Asked how the next DARK ANGEL album will compare to the band's previous efforts, Hoglan said: "Well, I can't really even comment on the fact that there might or might not be an album yet. But put it this way — if I were to have any new DARK ANGEL material, I would want it to be an extension of where the band is at now and where I'm at now. And I would probably approach the writing of it in a way as if DARK ANGEL never disappeared for a decade, two decades, three decades, or whatever it's been. It's just like we just kept doing what we do, and this would be where we're at right now. Which I would want to be putting out the most savage, heaviest material that DARK ANGEL could. And I'm no slouch with writing psychotic, heavy material. So I would be very, very excited with where DARK ANGEL's new material would be."
Photo by Alex Solca | +5 | |
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18 май 2025
ALICE COOPER Explains How He Reunited Surviving Original Members Of His Band For Brand New Studio Album
 In a new interview with Matt Bingham of the Z93 radio station, legendary rocker Alice Cooper spoke about his reunion with the other surviving members of the original ALICE COOPER band — guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith — for an upcoming studio album, "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper", which is due on July 25 via earMUSIC. This highly anticipated effort is heralded as the successor to their iconic records "School's Out", "Billion Dollar Babies", "Love It to Death" and "Killer".
The first single from the album, "Black Mamba", was made available in April, featuring the legendary Robby Krieger of THE DOORS.
Regarding how the reunion with the other original members of the ALICE COOPER came about, Alice told Z93 (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, the funny thing was when we disbanded in '74, that was not like a divorce; that was a separation. And we all stayed in touch with each other. Everybody did their own music. Dennis worked a lot with BLUE ÖYSTER CULT and things like that. And so on the last four Alice Cooper albums, they played on two or three of the songs. And finally I just said, 'Why don't we just do an album?' And [longtime Alice Cooper producer] Bob Ezrin said, 'I'll do it.' He did all the original ones with us. And the great thing was it felt like no time had gone past us. This album sounds like the album that should have come out right after 'Billion Dollar Babies'. We didn't try to make it sound like the '70s, we didn't try to make it sound like anything — it was just exactly what would've happened in 1975. So I'm really proud of the album. It's just really a clever album."
Asked by Bingham if there was a "déjà vu" feeling surrounding the recording sessions, considering that all the musicians and the producer had previously worked together more than 50 years earlier, Alice said: "Oh, yeah, absolutely. Honestly, it didn't feel like we missed a beat. And I forgot how funny the band was. I forgot how funny Dennis and Neal and Mike were. And every song we just got along on everything. There was no argument about any song. Everybody [was] just, 'Let's try this.' 'Oh, let's try that.' 'Let's try this.' In the end, we agreed to everything, and it sounded great. Now, we did have the luxury of going to different lead guitar players because Glen Buxton, our original lead guitar player, passed away. So, Robby Krieger played on 'Black Mamba' and a couple other songs. And so we had a bunch of different lead players on it."
In a truly special moment, "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper" features a posthumous appearance by Buxton, the original ALICE COOPER guitarist who passed away in 1997, through an unreleased recording that seamlessly blends the past with the present on "What Happened To You", featuring his original guitar part.
Asked how important it was for him that Buxton was somehow incorporated into the album, Alice said: "Very much so. One of the reasons why we did disband, I think, in '74 was the fact that we were exhausted, and we really couldn't put the band back together without Glen. I mean, he was so much a part of the heart and soul of this band. He was like our Keith Richards, and there was no replacing him. It just wouldn't have sounded like ALICE COOPER. So, we had to work around him. And everybody had incredible affection for Glen Buxton. Even when he got to a point where he pretty much couldn't really do what he used to do, we never would ever have taken it out of the band — ever. But he did pass away. And so it was one of those things where there — the whole album is dedicated to Glen. One of the luxuries we had was Dennis Dunaway never throws anything away. He had tapes from us when we were the SPIDERS in high school. And so he had a lot of Glen Buxton stuff that was on tape. And we took a couple of the Glen Buxton guitar solos and then wrote songs around those solos just so we could have Glen on the album."
Cooper added: "We had not heard any of [those old tapes before]. And Dennis happened to say, 'I have a whole bunch of Glen Buxton just on rehearsal tapes and on demos and stuff.' And so as soon as we heard that, Bob Ezrin went, 'Well, give 'em to me, and let's see what I can salvage off that.' And so the stuff that we salvaged off that, that's when we wrote the song around that bit."
Regarding the possibility of the surviving original members of the ALICE COOPER band going on tour in 2026, Alice said: "We haven't even gotten to that point of even talking about it. Just the other day, we knew that 'Black Mamba' came out, but we didn't know that they went on pre-sales. It was number one in pre-sales in America, number one in pre-sales in England, number one in pre-sales in Europe. So, it was a shock to us that that many people wanted to hear new, old Alice Cooper."
One of the bonus tracks on "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper" (box set and limited smart format) also includes a long-lost gem from 1970 — a raw, alternate take of "Return Of The Spiders" (not the version heard on "Easy Action") — recently unearthed from original multi-tracks missing for 50 years and now enhanced and mixed by Bob Ezrin.
Alice, Neal, Michael and Dennis reunited with Ezrin in an old-school recording studio in Connecticut, rekindling the magic from the 1970s. This album is a celebration of friendship, nostalgia, and the timeless sound that solidified Alice Cooper as a rock icon. Fans can expect a powerful and nostalgic experience that bridges the gap between the band's storied past and their vibrant present.
From the venomous bite of "Black Mamba" to the rebellious charge of "Wild Ones" and the soft, haunting melodies of "See You On The Other Side", every track feels like a rock 'n' roll classic.
"The Revenge Of Alice Cooper" is going to be released on July 25 in a wide variety of formats and limited vinyl colors. It will also be available as a limited box set and as a limited art print (smart format),featuring exclusive access to two bonus tracks from the start, plus the full album automatically delivered as a high-definition download on release day.
The original ALICE COOPER group — Alice Cooper (vocals),Michael Bruce (guitar),Dennis Dunaway (bass),Neal Smith (drums) and Glen Buxton (guitar) — redefined rock in the early 1970s, blending raw, hard-hitting music with shocking theatricality. With Bob Ezrin at the helm, they pioneered shock rock, delivering rebellious anthems, dark storytelling and over-the-top stage shows featuring guillotines, snakes, and macabre theatrics.
Albums like "Love It To Death" (1971),"Killer" (1971),"School's Out" (1972) and "Billion Dollar Babies" (1973) turned them into superstars, producing legendary hits like "I'm Eighteen", "Elected", "School's Out" and "No More Mr. Nice Guy". Their mix of hard rock, glam, and horror made them one of the most influential and controversial bands of their era, leaving a permanent mark on rock history.
Alice Cooper has sold countless millions of records worldwide and shaped rock history forever. Inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2011, their music remains as powerful and relevant as ever.
Now, with "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper", the original band reunites for one more epic chapter, reclaiming the sound and legacy that made them legends.
Cooper told Billboard that making a new album with his original bandmates "was very much like this was our next album after [1973's] 'Muscle Of Love', just like, 'Okay, this is the next album.' Isn't that funny after 50 years? All of a sudden it just falls into place."
Ezrin said about the making of "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper": "None of them has changed much as a person. Obviously, everyone's older and more mature and more settled, but when we all get together and I watch the interplay between them, it's like they just walked out of high school and were hanging out in the local cafe. They just revert to type. They revert to who they were as kids when the first got together… and make music together like they did 50-some years ago."
As for the possibility of the original COOPER band hitting the road again, Alice said: "We haven't even gotten to that point yet. I don't really see it being a full-out tour; it would be very, very hard, I think, if you haven't done it for a long time. But I could see it being a feature, like going into certain cities — Detroit, New York, L.A., London maybe, and doing a half-hour or 40 minutes in a club or something. We always leave those things open, and if it looks feasible, then we do it."
"The Revenge of Alice Cooper" track listing:
01. Black Mamba
02. Wild Ones
03. Up All Night
04. Kill The Flies
05. One Night Stand
06. Blood On The Sun
07. Crap That Gets In The Way Of Your Dreams
08. Famous Face
09. Money Screams
10. What A Syd
11. Inter Galactic Vagabond Blues
12. What Happened To You
13. I Ain't Done Wrong
14. See You On The Other Side
15. Return of the Spiders 2025 (bonus track)
16. Titanic Overunderture (bonus track)
Formed in 1968, the original ALICE COOPER band forged a theatrical brand of hard rock that was destined to shock and had never been seen before. Within five years, they would release no fewer than seven studio albums, amongst them their international breakthrough "School's Out" (including the Top 10 hit of the same name) and the U.S. No. 1 "Billion Dollar Babies" (1973). By 1974, the band had risen to the upper echelon of rock stardom... and then it dissolved.
In October 2015, over 40 years later, record store owner and superfan Chris Penn convinced the original lineup to reunite for a very special performance at Good Records, his record store in Dallas, Texas. Alice, Michael, Dennis and Neal were joined on stage by Alice's current guitarist Ryan Roxie (standing in for Buxton).
Cooper pioneered a grandly theatrical brand of hard rock that was designed to shock. Drawing equally from horror movies, vaudeville, and garage rock, the group created a stage show that featured electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood and boa constrictors. He continues to tour regularly, performing shows worldwide with the dark and horror-themed theatrics that he's best known for. With a schedule that includes six months each year on the road, Cooper brings his own brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new, enjoying it as much as the audience does. Known as the architect of shock rock, Cooper (in both the original ALICE COOPER band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, like a great horror movie, even in an era where mainstream media can present real-life shocking images.
Photo by Jenny Risher | +4 | |
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18 май 2025
JUDAS PRIEST's RICHIE FAULKNER Reveals He Suffered Stroke That Left Him With Permanent Brain Damage
 JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner has opened up about the health issues and physical challenges he has faced in the three and a half years since experiencing an aortic aneurysm and complete aortic dissection while performing at the 2021 Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky. It took the Rudd Heart and Lung Center at UofL Health - Jewish Hospital's cardiothoracic surgery team approximately 10 hours to complete the now-45-year-old British-born musician's first surgery, an aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement with hemiarch replacement, enabling Richie to eventually return to the road.
In a new interview with PremierGuitar, Faulkner stated about his recovery (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We went back out on the road in 2022 and have kind of been on the road since. But there's a bit of collateral damage. Well, not a lot of people know — some nearest and dearest, they know about it. So about a month after the incident, I went back in and we were walking the dog in the neighborhood back here [in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee], and I had the dog. [My girlfriend] Mariah had [our daughter] Daisy [with her]. And I felt it come, I felt it, and it came over me and I knew it was coming and it came over me and my face went. I couldn't talk. And Mariah was there. She took the dog, she had the baby, and she was holding me up. The neighbors were running out.
"I haven't felt comfortable up until this point — and I'll tell you why — explaining what happened," he continued. "So long story short, we went into the hospital — this was a month after the surgery — we went back in, and it was the last thing I wanted to do. 'Fuck hospitals.' They saved my life, but I've had enough of them for a month, So I'm back in there. And they basically said, what I think it was, was a TIA, which means transient ischaemic attack, which is a TIA. It's a small stroke. So they're sure it's that. They put me on some medication. Turned out later on, it was an actual stroke. So Mariah thinks I had one in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. I don't remember. I don't recall anything. I remember small ones happening after the event. I was in the bathroom — it kind of went fuzzy and I sort of fell over. I think they were the TIAs, the mini ones. And the hospital said is when you have those, the danger is that there's a big one coming or a normal stroke coming. So that seems to be what happened — when we were out walking the dog, that's what happened. And it was obvious — Mariah said, 'Your face went, you couldn't talk.' It was like a weight was pulling me down. I was gonna fall over if she wasn't holding me up. So, that's what happened. And at the time, it stopped happening. I had another incident about a year after. I had another open-heart [surgery] — there was a leak, so they went in, opened it up again; I had another small one. So what happened was we went back out on the road, and I thought everything was fine. There was something in my right hand — I thought it was my rings; I wore these stupid rings for some reason. And I thought it was that. So I took the rings off. I thought it was impeding something. I was changing my picks. There was something different. I could get through it, but there was something different about my right hand. And again, I could get through it. I was brushing my teeth one morning and I thought, 'Something's wrong with the right hand. Something's different.' And the right foot, the right leg. So we went back in. We'd done some tests. They found some damage on the left side of the brain, which affects the right side. Now, fortunately, I don't play guitar with my foot, so that's fine. I can get away with that. But my hand, obviously, that's our engine room. And everything started clicking into place in regards to what I was feeling on stage. There was something that was wrong. Something was impeding, something wasn't right. So, as I said, we'd done some more tests. They found the damage. They said that the fact that it hasn't gone away means that it's not a TIA; it's a stroke. TIA damage can go away. Stroke — that's it. It is damaged. You've got damage in your brain. Now I thought I had brain damage before, but this is real. It's a small thing on the left side."
Elaborating on why he hasn't been comfortable discussing his ongoing physical issues publicly up until now, Faulkner said: "A few people near to me, they know, in the industry. There's a lot of fear from my side about being found out. I feel like I've got a lot of trust from the fanbase, from the guitar companies, the string companies. They back you. They put their bets on you, and I don't want anyone to know, because as soon as they know, they're gonna lose faith, they're gonna bail out. I'm not gonna be appealing to them anymore or I'm gonna let the fans down. And when we play with PRIEST, we go out… I mean, you go out and you think, 'How is it gonna be tonight?' And it's not so much the solo stuff because the solo stuff you can kind of adapt. It's the rhythm — the coordinated rhythm patterns and stuff like that. It's gotta be locked in. And I felt that in a band like PRIEST, it's gotta be world-class stuff and I don't feel world class. I went out there every night. I feel like a fraud because people don't know — maybe. But one day they're gonna find out. Someone's gonna find out, someone's gonna say he's not playing that the same. [PRIEST's latest album, 2024's] 'Invincible Shield', we came to record the guitars [at my home studio] and I couldn't play what was on the demos from a year before. And we went out with [my side project] ELEGANT WEAPONS in 2023 playing with the band. It's, like, 'I can't do that. What's going on?' And the more I practiced, the worse it got. When you practice, you hopefully get better. It was getting worse.
"There's two reasons for me wanting to… Well, I'm more comfortable about coming out about it — and now 'coming out' is the wrong word — but opening up about it," Richie explained. "I know there's a lot of people out there that play, they sing, whatever they do, and they feel like they're not good enough or that we don't have these issues as well, and it affects your mental health. And I want them to know that they're not alone. All of us, probably more people than we are all aware of, struggle with something somewhere. So you're not alone. And the other reason was to release it, to get it out, to tell people. Because every time I go out — we do an onstage soundcheck [in front of fans who pay extra for the experience]. People are standing right where the cameras are and they're right in front. And I'm thinking they're gonna know, they're gonna say I'm not playing [the PRIEST song] 'Painkiller' right. Again, it is the rhythms more than anything. And I just thought if I kind of free that up, if I make that accessible, then the truth is the truth. You can't argue the truth. That's the way it is. I still play, we're still writing records, we're still playing as hard as we can — it doesn't affect that — but there's just little things I have to do. But I go out every night thinking… Sometimes I come off stage and I call home and I say, 'I can't fucking do it. I can't do it. I can't do it.' There's stuff that I used to play — I used to think something and it would come out. And now I'm up there struggling to play like a rhythm pattern. 'I can't do it. I can't. I'm gonna quit. I can't do it.' And then you have a good one. So who wants that? But that's the way it is. That's the truth. So that's what I struggle with. That's the collateral damage."
He later added: "As I said, I have to get it out so people might know what it is. I don't have to hide it anymore. It's not an excuse to take my foot off the gas — that's just not in my being — but just so people know.
"We did an ELEGANT WEAPONS gig in Paris in '23. We did [a cover of PRIEST's] 'Painkiller'," he recalled. "I was awful. It's on YouTube. If anyone wants to go and have a laugh, go and check that out. Fuck, it's bad. Everyone else was great, but the guy [who is actually] in the band [PRIEST] — fucking, 'Ah, I don't know what…' Well, there you go. But yeah, so maybe just gives a bit of understanding into what it is. But even if not, I've got it out there. It's out there. I don't have to hide behind it anymore. And again, hopefully, maybe it helps someone else that might be struggling with their struggle to think, 'This is okay' and 'I'm not alone. How do I turn this into a positive for myself?' So, that's it, really."
After the Louder Than Life incident in 2021, Faulkner said he had no history of heart complications and that the aliment came completely "out of the blue."
Aortic aneurysms are "balloon-like bulges in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso," according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Dissections happen when the "force of blood pumping can split the layers of the artery wall, allowing blood to leak in between them."
After Louder Than Life, JUDAS PRIEST postponed the remainder of the U.S. dates on its 50th-anniversary tour, dubbed "50 Heavy Metal Years". The shows were rescheduled for March and April 2022.
Faulkner joined PRIEST in 2011 as the replacement for original guitarist K.K. Downing.
Richie was once the guitarist in the backing group for Lauren Harris, daughter of IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris.
Faulkner and Mariah Lynch, daughter of former DOKKEN guitarist George Lynch, welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Daisy Mae, in July 2020.
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18 май 2025
SNOT Recruits Ex-GODSMACK Drummer SHANNON LARKIN For WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE Performance
 Reactivated Santa Barbara-based metal/punk rock hybrid SNOT has recruited former GODSMACK drummer Shannon Larkin to sit behind the kit for the band's performance this coming Sunday, May 18 at the Welcome To Rockville festival at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Earlier today (Thursday, May 15),SNOT shared a video of Larkin playing along to one of the band's songs and included the following message: "Due to [regular SNOT drummer] Jamie Miller currently on tour in Spain with BAD RELIGION, legendary drummer Shannon Larkin will be joining SNOT on the drum throne this Sunday at @WelcomeToRockville in Daytona Beach! Shannon is responsible for putting SNOT together in the beginning and also played the very last two SNOT shows before [original SNOT singer] Lynn [Strait] passed away in 1998."
Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola quit GODSMACK last year in order "to fulfill their desire to live a more simple and quiet life away from touring," according to GODSMACK frontman Sully Erna, who didn't make their departures public until early April.
Shannon joined GODSMACK in 2002, replacing founding drummer Tommy Stewart.
Last month SNOT recruited Doc Coyle (GOD FORBID, ex-BAD WOLVES) as the band's touring guitarist after the group's recent split with Sonny Mayo.
The news of Mayo's departure was broken by SNOT guitarist Mikey Doling who stated in a video message: "Sonny Mayo has decided to quit SNOT. SNOT doesn't fit into his life right now, and he just wants to focus on himself and his life. And SNOT's just too busy for him to be able to continue.
"So I'd like to wish Sonny Mayo the best of luck in his future, and I wanna thank him for all he's contributed to SNOT over the years. We love you, brother," Mikey continued.
"That being said, our very, very good friend from GOD FORBID, formerly BAD WOLVES, Doc Coyle, is going to be filling in on guitar for the upcoming shows. And we're excited to have him on board. And thank you very much, Doc Coyle."
In March, SNOT announced a European tour for August 2025. The eight-date trek will mark the band's first shows on the continent with new singer Andy Knapp, who made his live debut with SNOT in January.
SNOT's first gig with Knapp took place on January 17 at the Parish room at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California. The performance was also livestreamed via the band's Instagram. SNOT played a second show with Knapp, who also sings for fellow Southern California band STRONGER THAN MACHINES, on January 18 at Brick By Brick in San Diego, California.
In a recent interview with "The Garza Podcast", hosted by SUICIDE SILENCE guitarist Chris Garza, Doling and bassist John "Tumor" Fahnestock confirmed that there are plans for SNOT to write new music.
SNOT will also play at select European festivals, as well as at the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival in Mansfield, Ohio, this summer.
SNOT disbanded in 1998 following 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).
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.
Cummings fronted SNOT in 2008-2009 before he and Mayo exited the group amid "strained relationships."
Photo credit: Chris Bradshaw
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18 май 2025
I PREVAIL Announces Departure Of Vocalist BRIAN BURKHEISER
 Platinum-certified and twice Grammy-nominated Michigan rockers I PREVAIL have parted ways with vocalist Brian Burkheiser.
Burkheiser had handled the clean vocals in I PREVAIL since the band's formation but was forced to step away from the group's touring activities due to his battle with Eagle's syndrome, a condition associated with the elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, clinically characterized by throat and neck pain, radiating into the ear. In Burkheiser's absence, co-vocalist/growler Eric Vanlerberghe had handled the bulk of the singing in I PREVAIL, with the help of guitarist Dylan Bowman.
Earlier today (Thursday, May 15),I PREVAIL released the following statement via social media: "To our I PREVAIL family: Today we share that we are mutually parting ways with Brian Burkheiser. This was a difficult decision, but we believe it is the right one and we are all grateful for the 10 epic years we shared together. We wish Brian nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors.
"Moving forward, Eric will continue to be the powerhouse frontman you've come to know and love. He'll be backed up live by Dylan who you've seen in this role many times over the years at the shows we've performed without Brian.
"Rest assured, we will continue to deliver the high-energy shows that we've made a pillar of our band, and we will continue to perform all the bangers from our catalogue. All scheduled shows will go on exactly as planned.
"New music coming soon...
"See you out there."
I PREVAIL released its latest album, "True Power", in 2022 via Fearless Records. It was followed by a sold out, two-leg tour across the U.S. and Canada.
Last October, I PREVAIL released an expanded edition of "True Power", featuring one new song and three reimagined tracks. The updated version included the new single "Hate This Song", the band's collaborative track with ALL TIME LOW, along with reimagined versions of the album singles "Bad Things", "There's Fear In Letting Go" and "Deep End".
Rising to an arena level and receiving two Grammy nominations — "Best Rock Album" for "Trauma", and "Best Metal Performance" for "Bow Down" — I PREVAIL saw its "Hurricane" single top Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in 2020, officially the top song on U.S. rock radio at the time. A number of their singles have since been certified gold and platinum, and they have been praised by press far and wide, including Forbes, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and NPR.
To Our I Prevail Family:
Today we share that we are mutually parting ways with Brian Burkheiser. This was a difficult...
Posted by I Prevail on Thursday, May 15, 2025
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Blackmore's Night
