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19 апр 2026
VOIVOD Announces New Live Album 'Symphonique' Featuring Quebec Symphony Orchestra
 Canada's progressive sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD will release "Symphonique", a special live collaboration with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra (Orchestre Symphonique De Québec),on June 5, 2026 worldwide via Century Media Records.
"Symphonique", which functions like an epic piece of cinema, showcases VOIVOD's pioneering futuristic metal with the strains of a symphony orchestra, and features a carefully curated VOIVOD best-of setlist composed of 12 songs across 73 minutes, recorded live on June 4, 2025, at the Grand Théâtre in Québec City, Canada.
Offering a first taste of "Symphonique", the band shares the first single, "Forgotten In Space (Symphonique)", alongside an official visualizer curated by Cloud Motion Design, available to view below.
VOIVOD's drummer and founding member Michel "Away" Langevin comments on "Symphonique": "This live album with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra is a longtime dream turned reality. Thankfully, we will experience it again in 2027 with the Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, right in the region where VOIVOD formed back in 1983. We wish to take this show across the globe with local orchestras one day, but in the meantime, I hope you will enjoy this epic release. It's the closest we've ever come to sounding like a dystopian sci-fi movie soundtrack, another dream of ours!"
About the first single "Forgotten in Space (Symphonique)", VOIVOD bassist Dominic "Rocky" Laroche adds: "Taken from the album 'Killing Technology', 'Forgotten In Space' transports us to a 'Mad Max'-esque science-fiction universe. [Late VOIVOD guitarist] Denis 'Piggy' D'Amour was even inspired by it when composing parts of the original version. This incredible symphonic masterpiece, orchestrated by Hugo Begin, offers a powerful orchestral introduction that takes us on a musical journey where the fusion of metal and classical music invites us to imagine, for six minutes and 27 seconds, that humanity itself may have been forgotten in space…"
"Symphonique" track listing:
01. Experiment (Symphonique)
02. Holographic Thinking (Symphonique)
03. The Unknown Knows (Symphonique)
04. The End Of Dormancy (Symphonique)
05. Into My Hypercube (Symphonique)
06. Forgotten In Space (Symphonique)
07. Cosmic Drama (Symphonique)
08. Pre-Ignition (Symphonique)
09. Nuclear War (Symphonique)
10. Fall (Symphonique)
11. Tribal Convictions (Symphonique)
12. Astronomy Domine (Symphonique) (PINK FLOYD cover)
VOIVOD previously played two shows with the Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal on January 29, 2025 and January 30, 2025 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletie in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Regarding how the collaboration with the Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal came about, Langevin told The Metal Voice in a December 2024 interview: "Oh my God, I think we've been dreaming about that forever. But it came through a strange chain of circumstances, where I did an interview for the magazine L'Itinéraire, for homeless people selling magazines on the street, and then I did an interview with one of the journalists for the magazine, and it ended up being published online by La Presse. And then the people directing the orchestra, the organization, they were made aware of that by one of the musicians from the orchestra, which is a metal dude and he's a fan."
The drummer continued: "It's funny because since my cousin Richard Langevin is married to Diane Dufresne, a famous singer from Montreal, and she had done the orchestra before, so they got in touch with him, because I was mentioning him in the article because he showed me how to draw. [Laughs] And anyhow, they phoned Richard, my cousin, and he phoned my mother. [Laughs] And when I came back from touring with VOIVOD, I had a message on my answering machine saying that the orchestra were looking for us. So, quite amazing."
Langevin added: "We didn't approach [the orchestra], but we always talked about either doing symphonic shows or doing a soundtrack for a sci-fi movie or something like that. It's part of the dreams we have."
VOIVOD guitarist Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain, who previously wrote an eight-minute arrangement for the brass quintet that performed with VOIVOD at the Montreal International Jazz Festival (Festival International de Jazz de Montréal) in June 2019, went on to say that the collaboration with the Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal is "a dream come true."
"I never tried to write for a whole orchestra," he explained. "I know a little bit about it, studying orchestration at university and knowing my music theory and all that. But what happened is that my help with the project was to provide the music sheets to the arranger, Hugo Bégin. He did an amazing work. He took the music sheet that I wrote for guitar and bass. So he had a template to work on. And so he orchestrated it for the whole orchestra and added his own color to it. And it's very efficient. It's like a movie soundtrack, like the movie we used to watch, like 'Planet Of The Apes' and 'Ben-Hur' and 'Mad Max' and all that. VOIVOD has been influenced since the beginning by those movies, so you can hear it, but with the whole orchestra, it's very exciting. So I exchanged a lot of e-mails and messages with Hugo, the arranger, and we worked really hard on it and he was really, really fast and efficient. And until the last minute, the last day, there was little modifications here and there, but it's gonna be amazing. It's a dream come true, but it's so big that you only imagine something like that in your wildest dreams, but you know it's not gonna happen. So this is just a life-changing experience, a bonus in a career. It's gonna be grandiose."
Added Langevin: "We're also gonna put a lot of work into the visuals with a company called Noisy Head. They're really high tech. It's gonna be spectacular. They did stuff for Lizzo or CHEMICAL BROTHERS. And also they did a symphonic show with the music of Harmonium. And so, yeah, it's gonna be pretty sci-fi visually as well."
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 on July 29, 2024 at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec. Canada.
"We Are Connected" dives deep into the 40-plus-year legacy of one of the most original and influential metal bands in history. From their explosive beginnings in Jonquière to their groundbreaking global journey, VOIVOD's story is one of unparalleled creativity, resilience, and evolution. The film covers VOIVOD's history from unlikely origins in northern Québec at the height of the Cold War to underground success to sharing tours and stages with IRON MAIDEN, RUSH and METALLICA. Included in the documentary are high and lows throughout those 40 years, from major-label support and Billboard recognition to seismic lineup changes and an event many critics claimed to be the end of VOIVOD: the death of co-founding guitarist and composer Dennis "Piggy" D'Amour.
Directed by Felipe Belalcazar and produced with full access to the band's archives, this film features exclusive insights and appearances by metal icons like Tobias Forge (GHOST),Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH),Jason Newsted (METALLICA),Zach Blair (RISE AGAINST, GWAR),Tom G. Warrior (CELTIC FROST, TRIPTYKON) and Ivan Doroschuk (MEN WITHOUT HATS),among many others.
VOIVOD has been touring in support of its latest album, "Morgöth Tales", which was released via Century Media, The Orchard and Sony Music.
The band's 2022 release, "Synchro Anarchy", garnered significant acclaim, winning the 2023 Juno Award for "Best Hard Rock/Metal Album" in Canada.
Once more recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio, mastered by Maor Appelbaum and produced by VOIVOD, "Morgöth Tales" includes fresh studio re-recordings by the band's current lineup of nine especially selected, not-so-obvious picks from the band's hyper-classy and extremely diverse back catalogue (between 1984 and 2003) as well as a brand-new song and the album's title track, "Morgöth Tales".
Press photo credit: Stéphane Bourgeois
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19 апр 2026
IRON MAIDEN Won't Attend ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME Induction Ceremony: 'The Band Will Be On Tour In Australia'
 British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have confirmed that they will not attend their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year.
The 2026 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. At the time of the event, IRON MAIDEN will be in the middle of an Australian tour, with dates booked for November 13 in Melbourne and November 15 in Sydney.
IRON MAIDEN manager Rod Smallwood told Billboard in an e-mail: "As the most observant have already noticed, the band will be on tour in Australia around the November date of the induction ceremony for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Los Angeles. In accepting, IRON MAIDEN made it very clear to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame that the fans always come first and that the shows will, of course, go on.
"We would like to assure all our fans in Australasia that the Australian and New Zealand dates will remain unaffected," Smallwood added, "and we look forward to bringing the 'Run For Your Lives' tour to them on the penultimate stop of our 50th-anniversary celebrations."
MAIDEN's Australasian tour will kick off November 7 with the first of two shows at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, before hitting Adelaide Entertainment Centre (November 11),Melbourne's AAMI Park (November 13),Sydney's Allianz Stadium (November 15) and wrapping up with two shows at Brisbane Entertainment Centre (November 18 and November 19). Support on the trek will come from MEGADETH.
IRON MAIDEN is among the artists who will be inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame class of 2026 Performer category. Also set to be honored are Phil Collins, Billy Idol, JOY DIVISION/NEW ORDER, OASIS, Sade, Luther Vandross and WU-TANG CLAN.
Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons will be presented with the Early Influence Award; Philly Soul songwriter Linda Creed, producer Arif Mardin, producer Jimmy Miller and Rick Rubin will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award; and Ed Sullivan will be given the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
"Induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is music's highest honor," John Sykes, chairman of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, said in a statement. "We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year's ceremony — it's going to be an unforgettable night."
The ceremony will air on ABC and Disney+ in December.
When IRON MAIDEN's induction was first announced earlier this week, Smallwood said in a statement: "We'd like to thank the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for including us (and former members who were all part of our story) in the 2026 roll call of inductees.
"IRON MAIDEN have always been about our relationship with our fans above anything else, including awards and industry accolades. However, having said that, it's always nice to be recognized and honored for any achievements within the music industry too!"
Smallwood added: "It also seems appropriate for the band to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year as we continue our 50th-anniversary celebrations with our 'Run For Your Lives' world tour visiting the Americas and beyond. We would also like to congratulate our fellow 2026 inductees and extend our gratitude as ever to our fans for their loyalty, perseverance and support for over 50 years now! See you all, somewhere on tour."
The MAIDEN musicians being inducted are singer Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers, along with former guitarist Dennis Stratton, former singers Paul Di'Anno and Blaze Bayley, and former drummer Clive Burr.
Having been eligible for induction since 2005, IRON MAIDEN is one of the biggest bands on the planet. Since the release of their self-titled debut album, the British heavy metal legends have released a further 16 full-length studio records, and sold over 100 million copies.
Rock Hall rules state that artists become eligible a quarter century after their first records were released, but the Hall also claims that other "criteria include the influence and significance of the artists' contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock 'n' roll," which is, of course, open to interpretation.
Eligible for induction since 1999, KISS didn't get its first nomination until 2009, and was finally inducted in 2014.
DEEP PURPLE was eligible for the Rock Hall since 1993 but didn't get inducted until 2016.
Nominees are being voted on by more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals.
The only metal or metal-adjacent acts to have made it into the Rock Hall so far have been BLACK SABBATH, LED ZEPPELIN, METALLICA, AC/DC, JUDAS PRIEST, KISS, VAN HALEN, RUSH, GUNS N' ROSES, Ozzy Osbourne and DEEP PURPLE.
IRON MAIDEN finished in the fourth place in the fan vote for the 2023 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction class. This year, they reportedly received 395,000 votes in the fan vote.
Seven years ago, Harris said that he didn't care that his band had yet to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame despite the fact that it had been eligible since 2004.
"I don't mind that we're not in things like that," he told Rolling Stone in an interview. "I don't think about things like that. It's very nice if people give you awards or accolades, but we didn't get into the business for that sort of thing. I'm certainly not going to lose sleep if we don't get any sort of award, not just that one, any award. I don't think we deserve to have this or that necessarily. With what we do, whatever comes of it is great. Whatever doesn't come of it is great, too."
Dickinson made headlines in 2018 when he referred to the Rock Hall as "an utter and complete load of bollocks" during a spoken-word gig in Australia, insisting that the Cleveland-based institution is "run by a bunch of sanctimonious bloody Americans who wouldn't know rock and roll if it hit them in the face."
Bruce later told The Jerusalem Post that he was "so annoyed with that coverage because they took my statement out of context to make it seem like I was upset that we weren't in the Hall Of Fame.
"I'm really happy we're not there and I would never want to be there," he continued. "If we're ever inducted, I will refuse — they won't bloody be having my corpse in there.
"Rock and roll music does not belong in a mausoleum in Cleveland," Bruce added. "It's a living, breathing thing, and if you put it in a museum, then it's dead. It's worse than horrible, it's vulgar."
Harris previously told "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon" that he wasn't concerned about whether IRON MAIDEN would eventually be inducted into the Rock Hall. "I don't really think about it, to be honest. I think awards are things that are nice to have when you get them, but it's not something you're really striving for — it's not what it's about it," he said. "It's never been about that. It's aways been about just trying to make good music and go out and play good live shows, and that's it, really. Hopefully people will appreciate it. It's probably nice when people give you awards — don't get me wrong; I think it's great — but it's not something that you would lose sleep over if you didn't get any.
"It's the way that I am," Harris added. "I don't know. Maybe the rest of the guys [in the band] might think differently to me, but that's the way I think. It's not that I don't care about [awards]. It's just… And it's not that they're not meaningful when you do get 'em — it's nice. But I certainly don't worry about it or anything like that. I think other people are the ones that make a bigger deal out of it than us, about whether we got one or not."
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19 апр 2026
KISS To Perform Two 'Unmasked' Shows At 2026 'KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas'
 The 2026 edition of the "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas" will take place November 13-15 at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The four members of KISS's current lineup — Gene Simmons (bass, vocals),Paul Stanley (guitar, vocals),Tommy Thayer (guitar) and Eric Singer (drums) — will perform two "unmasked" shows at the event, just as they did at last year's "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas". The 2026 "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas" will also include question-and-answer sessions with KISS and other activities.
More information about ticketing, including VIP packages, can be found on the event's web site.
Over the years, KISS had hosted 11 branded "kruises" that have departed from Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans, but for the twelfth installment of the event, KISS announced that the "KISS Army Storms Vegas" event would "transform" into "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas" and would be Sin City's Virgin Hotels complex last November. This special KISS Army fan event, co-produced by Pophouse, Topeka and Vibee, celebrated the band's five-decade career and the 50th anniversary of the KISS Army. In addition to KISS "unmasked" performances — the band's first live appearances in two years — the weekend included appearances from QUIET RIOT, Stephen Pearcy and Warren DeMartini performing the music of RATT, Bruce Kulick, Sebastian Bach, BLACK 'N BLUE, KUARANTINE, School Of Rock and more.
Speaking to the audience at Indy KISS Fan Expo on Saturday, Stanley stated about "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas": "So, the funny thing with the KISS Kruise — a couple of things. When we were first approached with the idea of doing a KISS cruise, when we first heard about it, I went, 'Who is gonna go on a KISS cruise?' And we've had people from 33 countries around the world for every time we went out. So it was amazing. But the crazy part about it is that over the years everybody started doing cruises, so we can't get a ship most of the time. So last year we decided, I said, 'Well, let's do a 'KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas'.' So we did that, and it was really fun. Having the band play was amazing and seeing everybody was great. And that was the first one. We'll do it again this coming year. We'll do it in November. And as good as that one was, this one's gonna be so much better, because we learn as we're going. And this next KISS Kruise in Vegas is gonna be awesome. I mean, we can't wait to play, and we can't wait to have the bands we're gonna have and be with you again. So, pack your bags."
The legendary rockers kicked off the 2025 edition of the "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas" with an outdoor unplugged performance on November 14, 2025 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. At the beginning of the concert, Stanley asked fans in the audience to lift the electric candles which were handed out to everyone prior to the gig in honor of founding KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, who died in October 2025 at the age of 74. Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer also played an electric "unmasked" show the same weekend, marking the first time KISS had performed together since retiring from touring in December 2023.
Simmons told Rolling Stone in a November 2023 interview that the second Madison Square Garden "End Of The Road" concert would mark "the final KISS-in-makeup appearance."
Ace co-founded KISS with Paul, Gene and Peter Criss in New York City in 1973. Frehley appeared on KISS's first nine albums, and returned for the band's 1998 reunion album, "Psycho Circus", only to leave again. He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with the rest of KISS's original lineup in 2014.
Frehley first left KISS in 1982. He rejoined in 1996 and parted ways with the band once again in 2002 after the conclusion of KISS's first "farewell tour." Since his departure, guitarist Tommy Thayer had assumed the role of the Spaceman.
KISS KRUISE: LAND-LOCKED IN VEGAS returns to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on November 13–15, 2026 🤘
KISS Army VIP members...
Posted by KISS on Thursday, April 16, 2026 | +2 | |
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19 апр 2026
Ex-MEGADETH Guitarist CHRIS POLAND Will Respond To Some Of DAVE MUSTAINE's Allegations In His Upcoming Book: 'There's A Lot Of Things He Said That's Total B.S.'
 In a new interview with U.K. radio veteran Paul Stephenson of VRP Rocks, former MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland spoke about the song "Liar" from the band's 1988 album "So Far, So Good... So What?", which was written by Dave Mustaine about him. Asked if being publicly called a "liar" by Mustaine hindered his career at the time, Poland said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I'm sure it did affect my career, but my career was playing instrumental, whacked-out fusion [music]. I had a handful of people that listened to my music. Those people didn't even listen to MEGADETH, so it didn't matter. And then when [Mustaine] asked me to come back [to MEGADETH] — I don't hold any grudges. Sometimes I get a little upset, if I think about it, but I never read [Dave's] books. People would tell me stuff he said [about me], and I'd be, like, 'What are you gonna do?'"
Poland continued: "I'm writing a book [called 'Now Leaving Metalopolis'] right now with [music journalist, podcaster and author] Matt Herring. And some of that stuff — I have my little rebuttal about stuff that was said [by Dave] about me. 'Cause, first of all, I don't hit girls. There's a lot of things he said [over the years about me] that's total B.S. But you know what? Like I said, I didn't, and I don't, hold a grudge. It's not worth it. And you know who helped me with that was [late MEGADETH drummer] Nick Menza. Cause Dave should have taken care of Nick, and it would get me upset, and I'd get all heated, and Nick would go, 'Dude, you can't carry that around, man. You gotta let all that go.'
"Yeah, I learned a lot from Nick, just in the short time that we were together," Chris added. "I miss him."
Asked what stage he is at right now with his book, Poland said: "Oh, it's close [to being completed]. It's close. And it's good, 'cause I told all the funny stories. I mean, you get to the part where it's the heavy stuff, and it's, like, yeah, it's heavy, but a lot of people have been through that. And it is what it is. But the funny stories are pretty funny, man."
Four separate audio excerpts from Poland's upcoming book, "Now Leaving Metalopolis", as read by Chris's co-author Matt Herring, can be heard below.
Back in May 2025, Poland reflected on his MEGADETH tenure while appearing on "The David Ellefson Show" video podcast, hosted by ex-MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson and podcast co-host Joshua Toomey. Poland said at the time: "I have no regrets about everything that's happened — except one. I regret that Mustaine for years would go on stage and call me a liar. I never really thought much about it, but then I did the math and I realized that's why things were so hard for me to try and get deals. I walked into Carvin [guitars] one day and I thought, 'You know what? These guitars aren't bad. I wanna talk to their A&R guy.' So I spoke to the guy and he goes, 'Dude, we don't use people like you on our roster.' So, I was, like, 'Oh, okay.' So I have a feeling that Dave's anger with me about what it was really was like dragging around a fucking 50-pound ball all the time — back then."
Ellefson chimed in: "Well, look, he did it to [another former MEGADETH guitarist] Jeff Young. There was some derogatory comment [Dave made] that kept [Jeff] from getting work for a long time. I could say the same was attempted at me. Fortunately, I just kept moving. I just kept going and was, like, 'All right, I'm just gonna ignore that comment and keep moving.'"
David continued: "It's interesting. There's always been a lot of these 'former MEGADETH members unite' [situations]. And it's not an intentional thing. It's not. In fact, when I was going back to MEGADETH [15 years ago], Jeff was really taking an issue over Dave [saying in interviews that Mustaine was] whistling or singing guitar solos to him [while Jeff was in the band] or something, and it was a public thing. And he is going, 'Come on, we gotta unite.' And I said, 'Hey, Jeff. I just got home from San Diego. I literally just rejoined MEGADETH.' And this was 2010. And I remember Dave came to me about it, and I said, 'I'll handle it. I'll take care of it.' And I made it go away — as I do. Because that's just part of — I don't know — part of the gift I've been given on this planet. It's, like, we're gonna come to peaceful terms, we're gonna make that go away, and we're all gonna just move on."
Added Chris: "It's not sour grapes or anything. It's just it finally dawned on me just how much damage that really did."
A little over four years ago, Poland told Sofa King Cool about the lyrical inspiration for "Liar": "Obviously, Dave was very upset with me when I left the band — when he fired me, basically."
Asked if he was angry when he first heard he was the lyrical inspiration for the song, Poland said: "No, man. It's like the pot calling the kettle black, man. When you point your finger, man, there's three pointing back at you. I just rolled my eyes and was, like, 'Really?'"
Poland was a member of MEGADETH from 1984 to 1987, during which time he performed on the band's classic albums "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" and "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" He is also a featured soloist on the group's 2004 album, "The System Has Failed".
Back in 2004, Poland and/or his management and attorney filed a lawsuit against Mustaine regarding the use of the three "Rust In Peace" demos on the album's reissue without Chris's permission. According to MEGADETH's webmaster, Mustaine included the demos because he thought Chris would be "thankful for the promotion, the tipping of the hat, and showing the fans how Marty [Friedman, MEGADETH's guitarist during some of the post-Poland years] had actually been influenced by some of Chris's solo selections for those songs." Chris also allegedly tried to sue Dave for defamation of character because Dave called him a "thief," but Chris's attorney "dropped that after he found out that Chris had actually taken the band's gear and sold it for drugs," according to MEGADETH's webmaster. "Remember, there is a confession in the VH1 'Behind the Music' on MEGADETH," the webmaster said. Chris eventually settled for $9,500 and thereby ended a professional relationship with Dave and MEGADETH.
In a September 2020 interview with Darren Paltrowitz (host of the "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" podcast),Mustaine singled out Poland, saying: "Chris Poland, as much as I don't really like the guy, he was a great guitar player, and I wanted to give him a shot when we did the 2004 reissues for 'Peace Sells' and 'Rust In Peace', and I wanted to put that song out on the 'Rust In Peace' reissue. He got involved in a nuisance lawsuit, I think it was, and we just ended our friendship. And I thought, 'God, that was such a waste.'
"There was a little teeny mountain that was right out by where we live, and I said I could have just as soon bought that piece of dirt there than sell Chris's friendship, and I'm so bummed that this happened," Mustaine added. "'Cause I thought it would have been terrific to have him on the record. [When] people say, 'Hey, this sounds like Marty Friedman.' No, Marty Friedman sounded like this, because Chris played it first."
Poland previously discussed the legal issues surrounding the 2004 reissue of "Rust In Peace" in a 2018 interview with the As The Story Grows podcast. He said: "When I did 'The System Has Failed', [Dave] was working on adding the demos to a re-release of 'Rust In Peace'. And I wasn't going to get paid, but I didn't realize that until it came out. I was like, 'Wait a minute — I'm not getting paid for this.' And I tried to call Dave at least a dozen times, and I never heard back from him. Then I called Dave's manager a dozen times, and he wouldn't get back to me. The last time I called him, I said, 'Hey, man. If you don't call me back, I'm going to call [my lawyer], and we're going to have to get into it.' [The manager] calls me back and totally insults me, saying, 'You played a couple solos. So what?' And I'm like, 'What do you mean, 'So what?'' 'Well, Dave thought that you would do it for the fans.' I said, 'Okay. Is everybody else that played on that demo doing it for the fans? Are they getting paid?' He said, 'Chris, that's not the point.' I said, 'Listen, man, we have to do something here. I'm not just going to walk away. I love the fans, but I'm just not going to do it. If everybody else is getting a performance royalty for this, I want one.' I want everybody to know that it wasn't a nuisance suit, it wasn't anything like that. I made every attempt to work it out, and they just ignored me."
For more than two and a half decades, Poland's main musical focus has been the fusion band OHM:, which has released several full-length studio albums to date.
Ellefson and Young are currently playing together in a band called KINGS OF THRASH. In May 2025, the band released a single called "Lockdown", featuring a guest appearance by Poland.
Photo credit: Anabel DFlux (courtesy of ABC Public Relations)
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19 апр 2026
KIKO LOUREIRO Says There Were 'Many Reasons' That Contributed To His Decision To Leave MEGADETH
 In a new interview with Niels Guns of Sixty Scales And The Truth, Kiko Loureiro spoke about his decision to leave MEGADETH at the end of 2023 after a nine-year run with the band. The 53-year-old Brazilian guitarist, who lives in Finland with his wife and three kids, said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "During MEGADETH, it was great, so nothing to complain. But it was eight years, almost nine years, and then I was touring maybe — I don't know — five months, maybe sometimes six months [in a year], so that's a lot. It's very different than doing 25 days [as I have done on my solo tour]."
He continued: "[There were] many reasons [that contributed to it]; there's never one reason when you take a big decision in life. So one of the reasons was the family. That was the more intensive reason. After doing the tour, there was another three-month tour, and then it was, like, 'Oh, maybe this is too much.' But I was fighting with these thoughts since I joined MEGADETH, basically. My daughter was around five [when I joined MEGADETH], and then one year later [in 2016], after joining MEGADETH, the year that we released the 'Dystopia' album, the Grammy winner and all that, I had twins. So all those years in MEGADETH was difficult to be traveling and having newborn twins at home, and then traveling. So it makes you think a lot, because that's what I always wanted, to be touring, etc., and playing guitar. And then also have the kids, and then your mentality, your mindset changes a lot. And then have the pandemic, and then do another album, etc. And then, at some point, I said, like, 'I think eight, nine years is enough.' And then I felt, like, okay. And then also I felt that the kids needed me more, more than before. [There were] some other issues happening. And there was a three-month tour [coming up], so [I said], like, 'Look, I can help to find a substitute. If you can wait, great. If you don't wanna wait, it's fine as well.'"
Elaborating on some of the other reasons that contributed to his decision to leave MEGADETH, Kiko said: "We did record the [2022] album ['The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead!'] in between, in that period. And composing is something that I like as well. I think at some point, [you start thinking about having] freedom of your schedule. I have elderly parents in Brazil, so I wanted to [spend time] there, and there was never a time to travel and to stay — I don't know — 10 days."
Kiko continued: "It's a common thing, it's a common thought [with touring musicians], I believe, depending on your age, of course. And then most of the places I played — we played in amazing places, but I've been doing this for a long time as well. So you think about this, like, 'I did this a lot, and where [can I go] from here?' And also there's that too. Sometimes you think about, 'I would love to do something else,' or, like, 'Should I play other kinds of music or compose differently or be more open to different things?' But that's a constant. The creative mind, let's say, is never satisfied."
Loureiro went on to say that he had some room to express his creativity while he was a member of MEGADETH.
"In MEGADETH, I could be creative there because we did two albums," he explained. "I could say whatever I wanted to say about the concert, or ideas for the lights, or stage performance, or whatever. Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH leader] was very open to [my input]. I think we had great conversations about everything in life, and also about the MEGADETH business. And that's why I think I was such a long time there, and then I had maybe, like, 13 or 15 compositions with Dave, which is pretty much. But I think there's always an expiring date, let's say. There's a moment that it's, like, 'Yeah, maybe it's time to go to another place.' So those actual forces kind of push you — maybe the family, maybe some stuff that was happening inside the band as well, maybe something about, as I said, I would love to decide when I want to go visit my parents or not. Because when you have kids, you cannot just travel. I was traveling a lot, and when you go home, you just wanna stay home."
Kiko previously talked about the circumstances surrounding his MEGADETH exit in a January 2024 interview with Guitar World magazine. "It started when I booked a trip home to Brazil," he revealed. "The last time I'd been was in 2019, before the pandemic; I got to a point where I said, 'I need to visit my family,' so I booked a trip for the Thanksgiving period in 2023 because MEGADETH never does anything around that time.
"When you're young, not married and have no kids, the mindset is, 'The more concerts, the better.' But my daughter is [a teenager] now, and I want to spend time with her. I also want to be out there playing. When the MEGADETH thing happened for me in 2015, I had a young daughter and twins who were newborns. I was always struggling with knowing I needed to be touring, but also wanted to be home with my kids and my wife. So the feeling of, 'Should I be out doing this rock star thing while my kids are at home?' kept coming up. And the more moments and important dates I missed, the harder it was. It got harder in 2023, especially during the three-month summer tour. So I went to Dave in June [of 2023], saying, 'This is too much. I'm not feeling like I'm in the right place or mood to give 100 percent.' It was complicated for me to say because I wanted to play, but I knew I needed to be at home. And, of course, Dave was not expecting it. We had just done a show in Florida with the MISFITS, and it was right after that show that I talked to Dave. And then MEGADETH management was there, and I let them know I could not do the September [2023] gigs. I offered to help find a replacement and do what was needed to help MEGADETH be ready to go."
Regarding what led to his departure being a permanent situation rather than just a temporary thing, Kiko said: "My proposal was not to do the September [2023] shows and help them find a replacement, which turned out to be Teemu [Mäntysaari]. But then I had some situations with my kids and had to go to the doctor, and I felt like I wanted to be home.
"And I get it — MEGADETH must go on, right? Being able to pick and choose where and when I play is not going to be a thing. I mean, I guess it could be, but that's not the way it turned out. Maybe they felt like, 'Well, Kiko might come out on the next tour and say the same thing,' which I understand. So I told them, 'I understand if you guys feel that I'm unreliable,' They kept asking me, 'Are you sure?' Ultimately, I had to take control because I knew I needed and wanted to be home. People who don't have kids won't understand, while if you do, you will."
In November 2023, Kiko announced his decision to "extend" his absence from MEGADETH's touring activities, explaining that he didn't want to "hinder any of the band's plans or the hard work of all the incredible people involved in the tour."
Kiko revealed in September 2023 that he would sit out the next leg of MEGADETH's "Crush The World" tour in order to stay home with his children back in Finland.
One day after Kiko's announcement that he was "extending" his absence from MEGADETH's touring activities, Mustaine released a statement in which he said that he loves Loureiro and respects and fully supports Kiko's decision. He described Kiko as "a top-notch professional, a maestro" and thanked the guitarist "for his dedication and hard work these past nine years, helping us to achieve a Grammy on 'Dystopia' and the additional awards we have received on this latest record 'The Sick... The Dying...And The Dead'." Mustaine added: "I could not have done this without Kiko Loureiro."
MEGADETH played its first concert with Mäntysaari on September 6, 2023 at Revel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The 39-year-old Mäntysaari was born in Tampere, Finland and began playing guitar at the age of 12. In 2004, he joined the band WINTERSUN. He has also been a member of SMACKBOUND since 2015.
Loureiro officially joined MEGADETH in April 2015, about five months after Chris Broderick's exit from the group.
In addition to Mustaine and Mäntysaari, MEGADETH's current lineup includes former SOILWORK drummer Dirk Verbeuren and bassist James LoMenzo.
Image credit: Metal Total Brasil
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19 апр 2026
Watch: SLIPKNOT's ELOY CASAGRANDE Performs At 2026 'Europe Drum Show'
 Video of former SEPULTURA and current SLIPKNOT drummer Eloy Casagrande's April 11 performance at The Europe Drum Show in Friedrichshafen, Germany can be seen below.
In an interview with Thomann's Drum Bash, Casagrande explained how he came to join SLIPKNOT in early 2024 prior to the launch of the heavy metal giants' 25th-anniversary North American tour. Reflecting on how he approached his first jam with the other SLIPKNOT musicians, Eloy said: "When I was invited to do the audition for SLIPKNOT, I didn't know how the guys wanted the drums to sound like, what they were looking for, if they wanted just a replacement for [original SLIPKNOT drummer] Joey [Jordison], for [more recent former SLIPKNOT drummer] Jay [Weinberg], or if they wanted a new, a different personality on the drums. So that was my biggest concern at the beginning — how I'm gonna approach the songs. Can I put myself into the music, or I have to respect all the original recordings, the original drummers? So when I went to the audition, I knew all the songs, but I knew also things that I could change by myself. But at the beginning, I was trying just to be the most respectful that I could be for the original arrangements. Don't change the music, don't change the songs. And then from time, like after a few months, I was able to change a few things. The band liked that. They also wanted to have a different personality on the drums. They wanted to have myself, Eloy, on the drums and not any previous member playing the drums."
Elaborating on how much freedom he had to express himself on the drums during his SLIPKNOT audition, Eloy said: "It depends a lot on the gig that you're gonna get. But the best thing that you can do is to talk to people, talk to the other musicians. Don't try to guess what they want from you, what they expect from you. So if you get a new gig, just go there and talk to the other musicians, what they are looking for, what they expect. And then you can prepare yourself. And in my case, I didn't have the chance to talk to SLIPKNOT before I went for the audition. I just met the guys on the first day of the audition, so I had to be prepared for everything. But I had that mentality — if you don't know how it's gonna be, just be prepared the best you can in different perspectives."
Asked if he feels comfortable in gigs where there's no place for him to be himself and where he is expected to only replicate the parts that were previously recorded and performed by another drummer, Eloy said: "Oh, yes. I did that a few times in my life. And some of the arrangements that I had to play either with SLIPKNOT or with SEPULTURA, I had to respect the original arrangement. Some of this stuff is very classic; you're not supposed to change that. There are just a few things, small details that I can change, some drum fills, but the structure of the song, the soul, the meaning, you cannot change that. But also if I had to play exactly the same thing, I wanna be able to do that, I was able to do that. But I feel a lot more comfortable if I have my freedom of speech, my freedom of musicality, if I can be myself at least a little bit. And that's something that I have always been concerned [about] in my life — to be in a band, to be in a place that I can express myself, that I'm not gonna be just a hired gun, a hired musician playing whatever they want me to play. And I was lucky enough to play in bands that the guys, the other musicians, they wanted me to be myself. They wanted me to have my perspective regarding music. So I'm very lucky regarding that. But in the past, yes, when I was a teenager and I was playing professionally, doing some pop gigs, country gigs in Brazil, a lot of recording sessions, I was just doing what the producer wanted me to do, or the band wanted me to do. I was having fun either way because I was playing the drums by the end of the day, but it's different when you can just sit and the people wanna listen to you. I'm very grateful for that."
Back in October 2024, Eloy told ProMark Drumsticks about how he came to join SLIPKNOT: "I just got a call from the manager. He asked me if I was interested in doing an audition for the band. So I came here to the U.S. I spent 10 days with the band. We were just jamming so we could check if there was some kind of chemistry between us. We spent, like, four or five days just recording new stuff. I think they wanted to check if I was able to compose some drum parts and to check if I was also able to record drums in the studio, because that's a whole different universe. So that was a very complete audition. And after those same days, I went back to Brazil. And they gave me a call two days later saying that I was in the band, that I made it. That was super cool."
Reflecting in more detail on his SLIPKNOT audition, Eloy said: "I had, like, 15 days to learn the songs; they gave me a big list of songs that I was supposed to learn. Every day in the rehearsal, we were trying different songs, picking different stuff from different albums. But, of course, I already knew how to play some of their songs.
"I remember the first day that I was there. I was warming up in the studio. I had, like, my pad, drumsticks, pedals. And the guys from the band, they started arriving at the studio, and I was in shock. When we played the first song, I did several mistakes, because I was so in shock to see everybody in front of me. And I couldn't think. I couldn't even breathe. But they were, like, 'Okay, we understand that you're in a difficult situation right now. We understand your side. So just relax, have fun. We're just here to see the vibe.' And then from the second day, I think everything got better. I was more relaxed to play the drums and just let the music flow."
Casagrande said that it was a huge honor and a dream come true for him to be an official member of SLIPKNOT.
"I have been listening to SLIPKNOT since I was a teenager, and it was very important to my musical formation," he said. "And here we are now, after a couple of months, we're here. When I was — I don't know— 12 years old, watching them on MTV playing 'Duality', that blew my mind. It's such an honor to be here now.
"Now, I never imagined that this was something possible," he added. "There is the difference of countries — I live in Brazil; it's an American band. We don't forget that I was lucky to be at the right moment in the right spot. So, I was invited to be here."
In an interview with Tone-Talk, SLIPKNOT guitarist Jim Root spoke about how Casagrande came to join SLIPKNOT and his impact on the band's overall sound. He said: "We didn't even try anybody else. Eloy's name came up. He contacted us, actually, about wanting to be a part of it and started sending a bunch of videos in. I think him and our bass player [Alessandro 'Vman' Venturella] might've had a little bit of a relationship before. I think they knew each other. They had mutual friends. And Vman's really in tune with a lot of really great, proggy, heavy musicians that are passionate about their instruments. And it just seemed like a no-brainer. And he's really respectful of the legacy of Joey, and Joey was a huge influence on him. And he's so humble. The dude has so much humility. And you could tell he just lives and breathes his craft, to the point where I see his passion and it ignites my passion for my instrument. And Brazilians, South Americans in general, are so passionate about what they do. Our manager told me, he was out to dinner with four or five promoters from South America, and they were all really stoked. They're all, like, 'It's so good you've got a Brazilian drummer in SLIPKNOT now. We kind of feel like we've won the World Cup.' It's a cool feeling. And God, he just fits in so well. I don't know, man. I mean, there's a lot of things I can say about it. I'm just glad it happened when it did. And we're lucky to have him — we are really lucky to have that dude."
After parting ways with Jay Weinberg in November 2023, SLIPKNOT teased fans with a hint about a new drummer in March 2024, posting a photo of a single broken drumstick online with the caption "Rehearsal."
The band explained in a statement that the split with Weinberg was a creative decision. Jay followed up with a statement of his own, saying that he was "heartbroken and blindsided" by his dismissal.
Casagrande abruptly quit SEPULTURA in February 2024, shortly before he was supposed to begin rehearsals for the band's recently launched 40th-anniversary farewell tour.
"February 6th, a few days prior to the first rehearsal, drummer Eloy Casagrande informed the band that he was leaving SEPULTURA to pursue a career in another project," the band said in a statement.
Casagrande joined SEPULTURA more than 14 years ago as the replacement for Jean Dolabella.
SLIPKNOT's latest album "The End, So Far", arrived in August 2022. It marked the band's the last full-length LP before the departure of both keyboardist Craig Jones, who left the group in June 2023, and Weinberg.
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18 апр 2026
Watch: DAVID LEE ROTH Kicks Off 2026 Tour In Spokane
 David Lee Roth, the 71-year-old lead singer for the rock band VAN HALEN, kicked off his 2026 solo tour Thursday night (Apri l16) at Spokane Live! at Spokane Tribe Casino in Airway Heights, Washington.
Roth's setlist was as follows:
01. Panama (VAN HALEN song)
02. Drop Dead Legs (VAN HALEN song)
03. Romeo Delight (VAN HALEN song)
04. Little Dreamer (VAN HALEN song) (first time since 2003)
05. Blues (Acoustic)
06. I'm The One (VAN HALEN song)
07. Dance The Night Away (VAN HALEN song)
08. Ice Cream Man (John Brim cover) (first time since 2020)
09. You Really Got Me (THE KINKS cover)
10. Jamie's Cryin' (VAN HALEN song)
11. Unchained (VAN HALEN song)
12. New York State Of Mind (Billy Joel cover) (Live debut)
13. Mean Street (VAN HALEN song)
14. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (VAN HALEN song)
15. Hot For Teacher (VAN HALEN song)
16. Everybody Wants Some!! (VAN HALEN song)
17. Jump (VAN HALEN song)
Fan-filmed video of the concert can be seen below.
As previously reported, Roth made a surprise appearance at the Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival in Indio, California on April 10, joining singer Teddy Swims for a rendition of VAN HALEN classic song "Jump".
Earlier this year, Roth announced a 30-date solo tour of North America. The 71-year-old former VAN HALEN singer will visit California, Arizona and Texas later in the month before playing in Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina and Ontario, among others, in May. June will see Roth hit New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin, among other states. In August, David will play at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Last year, Roth reversed his decision to retire from the touring circuit, announcing a U.S. tour which took place over the 2025 summer.
Roth's solo shows in 2025 saw him backed by Al Estrada on guitar, Ryan Wheeler on bass, Francisco Valentino on drums and Danny Wagner on keyboards.
Roth's summer 2025 U.S. tour concluded on September 14 in Napa, California.
Roth played his first full solo concert in more than five years on May 3 at the 2025 edition of the M3 Rock Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.
Roth originally left VAN HALEN to pursue a solo career following the success of the band's album "1984", but he returned for a stint in 1996 and then took over as VAN HALEN's frontman again from 2007 until 2020, although the band had not toured since 2015.
In early 2021, Roth announced that he would be officially retiring following a residency at Las Vegas's House Of Blues at Mandalay Bay in 2022. "I am throwing in the shoes. I'm retiring," Roth said at the time. "This is the first, and only, official announcement. You've got the news. Share it with the world."
"I'm not going to explain the statement," he added. "The explanation is in a safe. These are my last five shows."
Roth's 2022 Las Vegas residency was eventually canceled because of "circumstances related to COVID".
Legendary David Lee Roth is coming to Spokane LIVE! 🤘🔥
Jump · Runnin' With the Devil · Panama and every high-kickin'...
Posted by Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino on Monday, January 5, 2026 | 0 | |
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18 апр 2026
BROTHER CANE Recruits LYNYRD SKYNYRD's JOHNNY VAN ZANT And RICKEY MEDLOCKE For 'Prince Charming' Single
 Southern rock takes on a heartfelt tone as BROTHER CANE teams up with LYNYRD SKYNYRD's Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke for their new single, "Prince Charming". The collaboration delivers a track that feels both nostalgic and deeply meaningful.
"Prince Charming" stands as a powerful tribute to late LYNYRD SKYNYRD guitarist Gary Rossington, pairing timeless rock influences with a deeply personal message. The song reflects on legacy, loss, and the enduring impact of those who shape both music and life.
BROTHER CANE guitarist Damon Johnson, who has been filling in for Rossington in LYNYRD SKYNYRD since 2021, commented: "Gary Rossington was a hero for me that later became a friend and a mentor. Something magical happened the day after his funeral in March of 2023 when this song arrived to me fully formed and literally perfect. And the magic continued with the band's performance and the participation from Johnny, Rickey, Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle from my LYNYRD SKYNYRD family."
In addition to the single, BROTHER CANE has released its first new album in 27 years, "Magnolia Medicine", on Double Dragon Records, distributed by Virgin Music Group.
The album opens with "If This Means War", a fierce, no-apologies anthem that makes it clear this is no tentative reunion. BROTHER CANE's return is bold, soulful, and fully committed. This record isn't easing back into rock and roll; it's kicking the door wide open.
BROTHER CANE is an American rock band originally from Birmingham, Alabama. Formed by Johnson and bassist Glenn Maxey in 1991, the group released three studio albums, charting several singles, including three No. 1s and five top 10 hits.
"Magnolia Medicine" reunites Johnson with Marti Frederiksen, a songwriter-for-hire who has previously collaborated with AEROSMITH, DEF LEPPARD, Jonny Lang and Sheryl Crow, among many others, rekindling the creative spark that powered BROTHER CANE's legacy and redefining it for a new era.
Damon says: "We all need a little help from time to time. Writing these songs has helped me work through some challenges, both personal and professional. And to reconnect creatively with Marti Frederiksen was a gift to the band and certainly to this moment in BROTHER CANE's history."
During his career, Johnson has also played guitar with Alice Cooper and THIN LIZZY and co-written songs recorded by such artists as Stevie Nicks, Sammy Hagar and SANTANA. He is currently playing guitar for LYNYRD SKYNYRD, having been handpicked by Rossington as his replacement prior to Gary's passing in March 2023 at the age of 71. It was while touring with SKYNYRD that Johnson was pleasantly surprised at how many fans not only remembered BROTHER CANE, but shared their stories on how much the band and those songs meant to them.
BROTHER CANE returned to performing in 2022, released two brand new songs in October 2023, and continues to schedule shows around Johnson's now full-time commitment to SKYNYRD.
BROTHER CANE's current lineup also includes AEROSMITH keyboardist/backing vocalist Buck Johnson, plus guitarist Tony Higbee and drummer Jarred Pope, both from CINDERELLA frontman Tom Keifer's solo band.
"I'm just over the moon about this," Johnson previously said. "BROTHER CANE fans are some of the most passionate that I've encountered in all of my travels."
He added: "I'm certainly proud of all these songs, and the guys and I are energized to be bringing them to the people once again."
BROTHER CANE found immediate success with the July 1993 release of its self-titled debut album, which delivered three singles: "Got No Shame", "That Don't Satisfy Me" and "Hard Act To Follow". "Got No Shame" reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock charts and garnered the band U.S. tours with AEROSMITH, Robert Plant and LYNYRD SKYNYRD. The band's next album, "Seeds" (1995),yielded another No. 1 rock track, the haunting and swampy "And Fools Shine On". This hit led to a lengthy and successful tour in support of the mighty VAN HALEN. Three years later saw the release of "Wishpool" (1998) and BROTHER CANE's third No. 1 song at rock radio, "I Lie In The Bed I Make". After major personnel changes at Virgin Records (the band's label),as well as a major shift in style at rock and alternative radio formats, the band laid down their instruments and called it a day in 2000.
Photo credit: Stephen Jensen | 0 | |
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18 апр 2026
LZZY HALE: How HALESTORM 'Lost' Its 'Taste In Religion' After Starting Out As 'Christian' Rock Band
 In a new interview with music journalist Matt Mills of the Heavy Stories podcast, HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale reflected on the group's early days in the late 1990s when the music she and her bandmates created was described by the Patriot-News as "classic rock" with "a wholesome message for the American teenager, driven by faith in God". She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Since I was little, we would go to church — we would go to Presbyterian church. Our parents wanted us to have good morals and all. And we did that up until — I think right after the band started. We kind of lost our taste in religion — not our faith in [the belief that] there is something out there that is out of our control and feeling that type of spiritual presence."
She continued: "I was going to a Christian school at the time, shortly after we started the band. And I would get so much… I got called in the principal's office because I was sharing our songs and they didn't say 'Jesus' on it enough — that kind of thing. And we were getting so much hell from not even — the kids were bad enough, but the adults were really just kind of bugging us with this. And when I started seeing some of the hypocrisy that goes into religion versus wanting to follow the 10 Commandments, it started kind of clicking something in my brain where, like, there's something more than we as humans believe is religion or that blanket of that. And so we kind of stopped doing that. But then there would be church gigs that we would do that maybe weren't necessarily our community, but, like, 'Hey, they want you to play these three songs. We'll give you free lunch and 50 bucks,' that kind of thing… We kind of got ourselves out of that community, but it kind of followed us around for a while."
Asked if it was a hard transition getting out of that community and transitioning to doing different types of gigs, including country fairs, Lzzy said: "Yeah. I think that we knew we were getting ourselves out of certain circles and losing some friends because of it, that kind of thing. But for whatever reason, the magic of music was so important to us, it was something that probably brought me closer to a God than when I was in church. And so I think it was one of those things where it's, 'I have to follow this through because it's helping me learn more about myself than Bible study does.' And so, yeah, I wanted to follow that rabbit hole and see where that went."
After Mills noted that HALESTORM is still occasionally called a "Christian rock" band in some circles, Lzzy said: "It's so funny you said that, because for the first time in a while I was reminded of that. My friend called me up. She's, like, 'I just put on Pandora and I'm with a bunch of the moms and the church friends. So I'm, like, 'Hey, Siri, play Christian music.'' And she said [HALESTORM's] 'Freak Like Me' came on. And I've known this friend for years. She's, like, 'Did you guys use to be a Christian band?' It is funny how that still follows me around."
Lzzy continued: "I'm not ashamed of that, I'm not denying that. I think that I very much enjoy being able to live on both sides of the coin, in both a religious upbringing and into a spiritual upbringing, in the secular world. And I love having both of those perspectives because I believe that a lot of the things that I learned were very good ideas. It's when man's hands kind of get all into it and start twisting into greed or gain versus, 'Hey, loving one another is a really good idea.'"
HALESTORM's sixth full-length studio album, "Everest", came out last August via Atlantic Records. HALESTORM worked with producer Dave Cobb, after making three records with Nick Raskulinecz.
Fronted by Lzzy with her brother, drummer Arejay Hale, guitarist Joe Hottinger and bassist Josh Smith, HALESTORM's music has earned multiple platinum and gold certifications from the RIAA, and the band has earned a reputation as a powerful live music force, headlining sold-out shows and topping festival bills around the world, and sharing the stage with icons including HEAVEN & HELL, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett and JUDAS PRIEST. Additionally, Lzzy was named the first female brand ambassador for Gibson and served as host of AXS TV's "A Year In Music".
"Love Bites (So Do I)", from HALESTORM's second album in 2012, won the Grammy Award that year for "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance".
In 2019, HALESTORM was nominated for "Best Rock Performance" Grammy for the song "Uncomfortable".
Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine (courtesy of Atlantic) | +1 | |
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18 апр 2026
ERIC SINGER Didn't Think He Would Ever Play With KISS Again After Original-Lineup Reunion In 1996
 Podcast Rock City Live has uploaded video of KISS drummer Eric Singer's entire April 12 question-and-answer session at the Indy KISS Fan Expo at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can now watch it below.
Asked if he ever thought he would play with KISS again when the first reunion of the band's original lineup took place in 1996, Eric replied (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "No. Well, you don't know what in life's gonna happen, so I didn't think so. And I didn't do anything that whole year, in '96. I just stayed home. [KISS leaders] Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] were nice enough — they actually paid Bruce [Kulick, then-KISS guitarist] and I [and they] kept on on a retainer for that whole year. 'Cause they didn't know if their tour was gonna be successful or what was gonna happen. So they just thought, 'Okay, let's just go and see what happens. And if it doesn't work out with the reunion, we still have a band and we'll just continue on.' I'm guessing that was their mindset. So they were nice enough to do that. They didn't have to. And in fact, I was offered to play with [MÖTLEY CRÜE singer] Vince Neil to join his solo band that summer, but I didn't do it because I thought, 'I don't know what's gonna happen with KISS, so I should just kind of bide my time.'"
Singer continued: "At that time, rock and roll and the kind of music most of us probably like was not really all that popular. Grunge took over by '92. I mean, I played with Alice Cooper '90 and '91. After '91 Alice didn't tour until 1997. He didn't tour for six years 'cause there was no market for it. Eventually things kind of turned around. And then Alice asked me to come back and play with him in '98. Then I toured with [QUEEN guitarist] Brian May that year too. And then, all of a sudden, they called me up to come back and play with KISS. And I was playing with Alice at the time. From '98 to 2008, I still played with Alice and I was doing both gigs for a while. But then KISS actually got busy and wound up touring more starting in 2008. And that was it. Then we were off and running until the end of the touring in 2023."
Three decades ago, KISS did a full-on reunion with the original lineup that included drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley.
After Criss returned and left again, Singer rejoined the lineup in 2004.
The most recent KISS lineup, as it has been since Singer returned, consisted of Stanley, Simmons, Singer and former BLACK 'N BLUE guitarist Tommy Thayer, whom Singer has known since the mid-1980s.
Back in 2015, Singer was asked by MichaelCavacini.com what it was like coming back to the band as the replacement for Criss during the "farewell tour." He said: "At that point, I was still playing with Alice Cooper. When they did the reunion tour, I didn't have much contact with anyone in the band for a while. It was hugely successful, and I was back playing with Alice Cooper. Then Paul called me up and told me that they wanted me to come tour with them in Australia and Japan. He told me they were making a change because things weren't working out with Peter. I was actually out of the country when I got the call. My lawyer contacted me, saying KISS reached out to him and that they wanted me in the band. I didn't know what was going on at the time regarding the makeup. My lawyer said, 'They're going to have you wear makeup, but they're not sure what they're going to do yet.' By the time I got back, they decided they wanted me to wear the Catman makeup."
He continued: "I was back in the band for a little over a year, and then Ace decided he didn't want to be in the band. He was becoming less and less reliable. Every time we tried to do something, it would become difficult because we wouldn't know if he'd make it or not. One minute he'd say, 'Yes.' Then the next minute he'd say, 'No.'
"I remember that summer, the summer of 2001, when I first came back, our manager booked a European tour three times and had to cancel it each time. The reason why is because Ace would commit to it and then change his mind."
Singer added: "Just so I'm clear, the band did everything in their power to keep Ace in KISS. But he's the one that made it more and more difficult. And eventually, we did a show, a private party, and Ace didn't want to show up in L.A. to do rehearsals. We had already committed to doing the show, so we had Tommy Thayer step in and do the show. And that was it. From that point on, Tommy was the guitar player."
Eric also talked about the fact that some KISS fans still couldn't accept him and Thayer as members of the band because they were wearing the classic makeup that Ace and Peter used to wear.
"If a band can't continue on because somebody quits, can't play anymore, whatever the reason is, that shouldn't prevent the remaining members from continuing on if that's what they want to do," Eric said. "STYX is a good example. I'm really good friends with Ricky Phillips, their bass player. I saw STYX in their heyday back in the '70s, but I think they're every bit as good now, if not better. The same thing applies to FOREIGNER. They're another great band that no longer features all of the classic or original members, but they sound fantastic. To me, that's what it's all about. As long as the members of the band are doing the music justice and paying respect to its origins, then I'm fine with it. That's what it's all about. If a band gets new members and they aren't very good, then you have the right to complain."
He continued: "The way people look at the makeup situation is interesting to me. I don't play any different in makeup than I do out of makeup, yet people perceive that there is a difference. I do have a more toned-down approach than I did when I first joined the band, but that's because I believe that's what the music dictates and needs."
Eric went on to say: "I've heard people say that I was told to sing, play and act like Peter Criss. That's completely ridiculous. I've never once been told to do that. Never. So, when people say that, it's totally ridiculous. Look at any of the shows I've done since being in the band after Peter. I don't play anything like Peter Criss."
Eric Q&A!
Posted by Fans of Eric Singer on Monday, April 13, 2026
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18 апр 2026
ANETTE OLZON Looks Back On Her Time With NIGHTWISH: 'I Don't Have Any Resentment Towards The Band'
 In a new interview with Finland's Chaoszine, Anette Olzon spoke about her upcoming summer 2026 European tour which will be dedicated to the acclaimed albums she recorded with NIGHTWISH, "Dark Passion Play" (2007) and "Imaginaerum" (2011). Asked if her views on her time with NIGHTWISH have changed in the decade and a half since she exited the band, Anette responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yes, it has, actually. I don't feel any bitterness or anger towards them. And I actually e-mailed Tuomas [Holopainen, NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter] when I was on the [fall 2025 South American] tour, just saying, 'I hope it's fine that I sing these [NIGHTWISH] songs.' No, I feel really good."
She continued: "I think when I came out, it was such heavy years to tour that heavily as we did. And the ending was not nice for either of us. But now it's been so many years and I don't have any resentment towards the band. I hope we can see each other one day and just, like, 'Okay, we had good times too.' So, for me, no, I just feel no anger at all."
Anette added: "You have to move on. You shouldn't be holding a grudge, I think. And I think the older you get, you know that. So you should just forgive and forget."
Asked what the future holds for her after the European tour, Anette said: "Well, I can say that THE DARK ELEMENT [project with former SONATA ARCTICA guitarist Jani Liimatainen], Jani moved to Brazil, and I haven't heard from him. I know that he's fine, so I just wanna say, because I have friends there. But I think he doesn't wanna do music at the time. So, we'll see. When he wants to do it, I will be there. [The third album from] ALLEN/OLZON [the collaborative project with SYMPHONY X singer Russell Allen] is actually recorded, so it will be out. I don't know exactly when, but it's been mixed and stuff. So maybe this year. Solo, I haven't planned anything because I think I will focus on singing live now. So it's the Europe tour for a month, and then it's South America with an orchestra in October, doing some new countries there. And then maybe next year USA. And, yeah, I would like to go to Japan too. And maybe some festivals, if there will be someone who wants us next summer. So, yeah, I'd say that [the next] two years I will play live, because I'm getting older too. I'm 55 this year. But as long as it's fun and the family agrees with me going away, I will do it."
Last fall Anette celebrated the two albums she recorded with NIGHTWISH on a special tour of Brazil. The trek marked the first time Anette performed live, as a solo artist, the iconic songs from her era of NIGHTWISH.
The Swedish-born singer originally joined NIGHTWISH in 2007 and recorded two studio LPs with the band before being dismissed in 2012 in the middle of the group's North American tour. She was replaced by former AFTER FOREVER frontwoman Floor Jansen.
Olzon previously reflected on her time with NIGHTWISH in a 2021 interview with Chaoszine. Asked how she looked back on the entire five-year experience, she said: "Well, it's mixed emotions. It was a hell of a ride. You know how it was with the media in Finland. And for me, I didn't understand what was happening because I didn't know how big the band was, since I don't live in Finland. So it was really fun the first years with everything and also crazy. I wasn't home a lot. They did their heaviest touring when I joined. All of a sudden, they wanted to do so many long weeks [on the road]. I remember just that I had a five-year-old son [and] I came home after five weeks. I was home one week. I didn't almost have time to unpack my bags before I went off again for four weeks. So I don't remember everything, to be honest. There are so many things that I don't remember. And also, of course, the last years where it wasn't such a nice atmosphere between us. And I had my third child, and things happened.
"So I remember it both with really happy, happy feelings, but also with very, very negative and sad feelings," she explained. "But, of course, it was an amazing experience, and it was my dream that came true to be a full-time singer in an amazing big band. And they are a super-good band. So I bless the albums that we did and will always cherish that time, of course."
Not long after Olzon was fired from NIGHTWISH 15 years ago, she claimed that an argument arose between her and NIGHTWISH when she asked for an Australian tour to be postponed during her pregnancy. Holopainen suggested that Jansen should front the band on a temporary basis, but Olzon said no.
Anette explained in a 2014 interview: "I would have been too pregnant to go to Australia, so I wanted to push the dates back, but Tuomas didn't want that. Discussions about a substitute came up, and at first, I was, like, 'Yeah, well, okay.' But when they mentioned Floor, it was an automatic 'no' from me. I didn't think it was a good idea, because I knew what would happen — I knew the fans would love Floor, because she's a metal singer and I'm a pop singer, and I wanted to keep my job."
A year after NIGHTWISH fired Olzon, the band released a statement denying that she was dismissed because of pregnancy or illness. "We discovered her personality didn't fit this work community, and was even detrimental to it," the group said. NIGHTWISH went on to say that Anette was initially receptive to the idea of hiring a temporary replacement if she couldn't "manage everything," but that she later "took back her decision, and the difficulties really started. Fear of losing money and position seemed obvious." The band also insisted that "Anette and her company" were "paid a fifth of everything that was done during her time" with NIGHTWISH.
Since the end of her stint with NIGHTWISH, Olzon also formed THE DARK ELEMENT with Liimatainen. The group's self-titled debut album was released in 2017; a follow-up, "Songs The Night Sings", came out in 2019.
Olzon and Allen released a collaborative album under the moniker ALLEN/OLZON titled "Worlds Apart" in March 2020 via Frontiers Music Srl. A follow-up LP, "Army Of Dreamers", arrived in 2022.
Anette's third solo album, "Rapture", came out in 2024.
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