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	32
	TESTAMENT's ALEX SKOLNICK: 'It Would Be Great'... 28
	JOE LYNN TURNER Will Be Part Of International Jury At Russia... 27
	DARK TRANQUILLITY's MIKAEL STANNE On AT THE GATES'... 26
	26

JOAKIM BRODÉN: SABATON Has New Music 'In The Works'

In a new interview with Radioactive MikeZ, host of the 96.7 KCAL-FM program "Wired In The Empire", SABATON frontman Joakim Brodén was asked about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's follow-up to 2022's "The War to End All Wars" album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, we're working on new material always, it feels like. I mean, if we're done [with] an album, I feel like, 'Screw that. I don't wanna write music for a while now.' But there I am three months later writing new music. Maybe I'll sit with one of the guitarists on tour one day, and we'll be bored on a day off because there wasn't that much to do that day. It was Sunday. Everything's closed. So let's grab our gear and crank out a song because it's better than doing nothing."

He continued: "We already have some material. So it's not like we are, after this, gonna take a break and then start writing. We're in the works already."

Elaborating on how he feels after an album is completed, Joakim said: "For me, when an album is ready, I — sorry to say — fucking hate it, because first process… And I'm not the only songwriter in the band, but I'm the one who writes most of the music. And I'm involved with lyrics or in most of the songs and almost all of the songs in a musical way. So I spend months in the studio writing, alone or with somebody, then getting all the pre-productions ready, which is me again cleaning up takes and what are we gonna do putting it all together, delivering it to everybody in the band so they can practice. Then we go into the studio. And then I'm the constant in the studio, keeping track of everything, making sure everything is [as it should be], with the producer. So I'm there for the whole recording. Then I take a little break, and then the audio engineer starts mixing. And then I come in again for the mixing. And then, at that point, I'm already tired of the songs. And then all you do from that point on is try to find problems and errors. What went wrong? What's wrong here? Do we need to do a retake on something? Should we fix something? Oh, is that too loud? Do we need to EQ? So at that point I've programmed myself to only hear the problems with the album. So by the time like the master is done, I fucking hate it. I'm so tired of that music. So it'll take me a year or two before I can even, in some objective way, listen to it again."

SABATON recently announced that over 700 cinemas spanning 26 territories are taking part in the global premiere of their explosive concert film "Sabaton - The Tour To End All Tours" in Europe. The event will also land in nearly 500 North American cinemas for two nights only — October 30 and October 31. Go here to find the cinema and screening location nearest you and to purchase tickets.

Other participating countries include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.K.

The "Sabaton - The Tour To End All Tours" concert film was recorded at the sold-out Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, where 16,000 fans gathered to watch the band during their 2023 European tour.

SABATON is currently serving as main support to JUDAS PRIEST on the legendary heavy metal band's fall 2024 North American tour.

In the more than two decades since their launch, SABATON have achieved quadruple-platinum sales, headlined major festivals and sold-out arena concerts across the globe, and earned a legion of loyal fans by carving out a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in rock. SABATON combines standout stage design and production with epic concept albums, linking real-life historical war events with classic kick-ass metal. To date, the band has released ten studio albums, amassed six gold, two platinum and one four-times-platinum awards, seen eight of its albums score Top 10 international chart status, and six claim the Top 5. The band has earned eight Metal Hammer/Golden Gods Awards nominations, taking home the award for "Breakthrough Artist" in 2011 and "Best Live Band" in three different years, and a Grammis nomination (Swedish equivalent to the U.S. Grammy) as "Best Heavy Metal" band. SABATON has also accumulated more than two billion streams across all streaming platforms.

9

RICHIE KOTZEN Releases Music Video For 'These Doors'

Guitarist, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Richie Kotzen released his brand new solo studio album, titled "Nomad", on September 27 via BMG. The effort was made available digitally, on CD and standard black vinyl.

Richie has premiered the official video for "These Doors", the fifth single from "Nomad". You can check it out below.

Written, recorded and produced by Kotzen, "Nomad" features eight new tracks showcasing Kotzen's multi-faceted musical styles with Kotzen playing almost every instrument on the album. On "Nomad", Kotzen expresses his diverse techniques and influences, from hard rock to '70s-infused soul and funk, jazz fusion to R&B. It's all intertwined with his own unique playing and songwriting approach, while retaining his ever-evolving signature style.

"I came up exposed to soul, funk and R&B music extensively but at the same time I was a hard rock fan all the way," explains Kotzen. "So I've got this sort of interesting dynamic happening with my music where you hear elements of PARLIAMENT or Curtis Mayfield but then at the same time you've got the BAD COMPANY early Rod Stewart influence as well. Then when I started taking the guitar more seriously, I was drawn into fusion bands like THE DIXIE DREGS, RETURN TO FOREVER and Allan Holdsworth's work. It is a wacky mixture but that is the formula for Richie Kotzen."

Earlier this year, Kotzen released the first two tracks from the album, hard-driving single "Cheap Shots" and follow-up single, "On The Table", a heavy-hitting rocker that had been living on his hard drive, waiting for the perfect lyric to complete it. A subconscious memory of his Brazilian father-in-law's first English words "The book is on the table" sparked inspiration and perfectly tied it all together.

While "Nomad" has no shortage of heavy guitar rockers, the sheer diversity of the album as heard on tracks such as "Nihilist", "This Is A Test" and the title track "Nomad" showcases not only Kotzen's musical range and vocal prowess, but his fearless imagination as a producer/arranger. Already globally renowned as an extraordinary guitarist, with "Nomad" Kotzen stands tall as a truly remarkable all-round lyricist-producer/arranger and singer.

"Nomad" track listing:

01. Cheap Shots
02. These Doors**
03. Insomnia
04. Nomad*
05. Escape
06. On The Table
07. This Is A Test
08. Nihilist

* Dan Potruch plays drums on "Nomad"
** Kyle Hughes plays drums on "These Doors"

Michael Kachko, BMG senior vice president says: "After working with Richie on the successful SMITH/KOTZEN project, we knew what an incredible songwriter and artist he is so we were excited to hear what he was working on as a solo artist. When he played us the new material, we knew immediately we wanted to be involved."

Kotzen states: "I was very much elated with the news that BMG wanted to release this album as I envisioned it without artistic compromise. I love the fact that the BMG team put their creative trust in me and my vision without re-design. So many times the business side of things can really interfere with the creative progress of a writer and with a team like this the focus is on what can we do to help you beyond what you've already done as a recording artist. The attitude seems to be, 'you've done the work as a writer, producer [and] musician, now let us take the ball and run'. This feels like the beginning of an amazing journey for me and a bit of a re-set in an industry that is becoming more complex to navigate for a lone artist."

Photo credit: Vecc Schiafino

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH Donates $200,000 To Charities Championed By IVAN MOODY And ZOLTAN BATHORY

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has donated $200,000 from a portion of ticket sales from the band's massively successful headlining arena and amphitheater North American tour this past summer/fall. The funds will be split between two charities handpicked by singer Ivan Moody and guitarist Zoltan Bathory.

Ivan chose Covenant House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless, trafficked, and exploited youth and young families, in support of Youth Homelessness Awareness Month in November. With 34 locations across the Americas, Covenant House's mission is to provide shelter, support, and comprehensive services to youth facing homelessness. Highlighting this issue, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH leveraged their platform by including facts and resources for the cause in the music video for their 2023 single "Judgement Day". An acoustic version of the song is available as a bonus track on the digital deluxe edition of "AfterLife", alongside acoustic renditions of "The End", "Thanks For Asking" and "This Is The Way" (featuring DMX),marking the late rappers first No. 1 at rock radio.

"Many of our songs and music videos speak directly to the issues being addressed by Covenant House," says Ivan. "Our commitment to donating to support their programs and using our platform to raise awareness perfectly aligns with the band's and our fans' values."

"When a band like FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH approaches you about raising awareness and funds for children and youth facing homelessness and human trafficking, you say yes," exclaims Bill Bedrossian, president and CEO of Covenant House International. "For the past year, 5FDP has shared stats and stories about Covenant House on their social media platforms, and now their fans have joined the fight to end youth homelessness. We are thrilled to be in partnership with a group so devoted to the safety and well-being of young people."

Moody has made significant contributions to raising awareness in the recovery community. As someone in recovery himself, he has devoted both time and hundreds of thousands of dollars to support various recovery-focused organizations. Taking his commitment even further, he has established his own Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP),"Ciara Coral", in Cheyenne, Wyoming, dedicated to guiding and assisting addicts throughout the process of recovery and helping them regain control of their lives.

Zoltan chose to support the Call Of Duty Endowment, a non-profit organization that helps veterans find high-quality careers by supporting groups that prepare them for the job market and by raising awareness of the value that veterans bring to the workplace. His connection to this charity was forged when he was featured as a character — an in-game operator named Oz — in two "Call Of Duty" games: "Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II" and "Call Of Duty: Warzone".

"Thank you to Zoltan and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH for their generous support that will make a significant impact in the lives of those who have served," said Helene Imperiale, senior director, Call Of Duty Endowment. "This donation is instrumental in helping us continue our mission and will assist approximately 150 veterans in finding high-quality careers."

Over the past two decades Zoltan and Ivan have raised millions of dollars for various causes and shown overwhelming support to first responders and the military including performing at military bases worldwide, employing veterans in their crew, highlighting veteran causes across their music/imagery and have donated proceeds from their 2019 No. 1 hit "Blue On Black" featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Brantley Gilbert and Brian May to the Gary Sinise Foundation. The official video for the band's hit song "Wrong Side Of Heaven" brings awareness to the struggles of veterans suffering from PTSD and has garnered over 411 million views to date. The band also raised over $300,000 for various military organizations supporting veterans afflicted by PTSD through the campaign around the song in 2014. In 2016, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH were awarded the prestigious Soldier Appreciation Award by the Association of The United States Army, an honor bestowed only upon Elvis Presley before.

Photo credit: Hristo Shindov

1

Five Finger Death Punch

MIKKEY DEE On His Time With SCORPIONS: 'It's Been A Great Journey So Far For Me'

During a press conference announcing SCORPIONS' 60th-anniversary hometown concert in Hannover, Germany next July, former MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee was asked how he came to join the German hard rock legends. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I played with MOTÖRHEAD, as you probably know, for close to 25 years. And unfortunately, Lemmy [MOTÖRHEAD leader] passed away at the end of '15. And then Matthias [Jabs, SCORPIONS guitarist] called in early '16 and said, 'Are you in Göteborg [Gothenburg, Sweden], Mikkey?' I go, 'Yeah.' 'Can you come to Luxembourg tomorrow?' [Laughs] Basically, that's how it was. And I was basically gonna be standing in a little bit and helping out because James Kottak [then-SCORPIONS drummer] was battling a little bit of a health issue. But he did a great tour in Germany. And I was basically just standing by at that time. And we did rehearse a little bit secretly learning a few [songs]. And then I finished off the year and here I am, and we're going on the ninth year… Nine next year. But here we are and kicking ass like never before, I would say, and it's been a great journey so far for me."

Mikkey continued: "If you asked me, I'd say, 'Yeah, I've been playing with these crazy guys for about four years.' But we're talking nine, so time's flying. And we managed to create a great record [2022's 'Rock Believer'] over the COVID years. So it's gone so quick these nine years. I would say four, maybe five, but not nine. But here we are. So that's how it came about. So, something bad turned into something pretty good, I would say. And, yeah, as Lemmy's passing and then joining this band, I wanted to bring some power and tightness and a little bit of MOTÖRHEAD into the mighty SCORPS. And we've been friends, over the years, we'd seen each other at festivals and shows, so we kind of knew each other, but we never played together. And so there we are. Hopefully many more years to come. And we're starting off with the 60th [anniversary] next year, so that's a great honor to be a part of that."

In an April 2023 interview with Robert Cavuoto of Metal Rules, Mikkey was asked how he landed the job as the drummer for SCORPIONS in 2016 after spending almost 25 years as a member of MOTÖRHEAD. He responded: "They [initially] called me in to be the stand-in for maybe James. Because they started to get tired of his problems. So they said, 'Look, if you could be a stand-in on parts of the European tour.' I said, 'Yeah. No problem.' But meanwhile, while I was secretly following the band around in Germany, we were rehearsing a couple of times — secretly. And I'm sure that they wanted to check me out there, of course. And you never know how things are gonna go with the social part or the musical part, but they loved it immediately. And my idea was to show them what they cannot be without, basically.

"James is a great drummer," Mikkey continued. "He did fantastic with SCORPIONS. He ran into some health problems that he had to deal with. I was never, and I will never, talk him down in any way, shape or form, but I would like to do, what I wanted to do at that point was to show what I can do and what you cannot be without. I said to the guys that I'm gonna Motörize them. 'I want it harder, tighter and heavier, and I'm gonna show you what kind of drummer I am. I'm gonna put much more energy into what we do, and hopefully that will contaminate the whole band and we can take it to another level. And I can inspire enough to you guys, and you will inspire me as well, of course.' Because playing pretty much the same stuff for 25 years is one thing. So this was a big challenge for me, of course, as well… And when that works out the way it did, it's a good thing. They have no attitude. I have no attitude. We knew each other before. We get along great. And now we're just gonna play great together. But of course, you never, ever, ever know. I might be an idiot getting out there with the SCORPIONS, being a complete prick about stuff. And they go, 'Holy shit. We don't remember you like this.' I might think that, 'Holy smoke. These guys are fucking morons. I can't deal with this.' But that was not the case. And of course, we got along great, and we still do. And we're having a blast on the road and in the studio. So, it turned out to be a win-win situation."

The now-60-year-old Swedish musician also elaborated on his comment that "secretly followed" the SCORPIONS around in Germany while Kottak was still playing with the band.

"I saw every single show because I had to sit and learn the set," Dee explained. "And I was sitting secretly up on the arena. Usually, they have it blocked off. If you draw a line on the short side of an arena, the stage and then backwards, it's never open for the public. I had to sit very, very far away up there with in-ears, so I could hear what was going on. And [James] knew that there was a drummer [acting as a possible stand-in], [but he did] not [know] who it was. And he played great. I mean, he shaped up and played fine. And then I went back [home] to Sweden. And then I got a call just right after the European tour, and they said, 'Look, can you finish out the year?' And I said, 'Absolutely. 'Cause I'm doing nothing.' And I realized at that time that [James is] not coming back, because we already did some rehearsals and I showed them kind of what they cannot be without; I was hoping. But he did great, and then, obviously, he kind of lost it there a little bit. You can't live everybody else's life, of course. I was not there to snag his seat in the SCORPIONS, but they had to do something, and that's what they chose to do. And here I was."

More than two years ago, SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker spoke to Spain's classic rock radio station RockFM about how he would compare the drumming styles of Kottak and Dee. Schenker said: "Every musician has his own style. James was great, and is still a great drummer — no question about this — but we had a little problem… well, he had a problem, and we tried to help him through the problem. In this case, we noticed that he need[ed] more time than we could give him because we were on tour. So in this case, Matthias had the idea to call Mikkey Dee, because he was available because of Lemmy's death. So, yeah, it was a great thing to see light in the distance because we were a little bit depressed because we [were] helping James so much, but he couldn't deliver the spirit we gave him. And so we split."

Rudolf continued: "We rehearsed with Mikkey Dee and we noticed immediately there's a new kind of kick-ass [energy]. Everybody has his own style, and Mikkey Dee is really a very — especially for me as a rhythm guitar player — he is a very influencing person. That means when I play my riffs, he knows how to make them more wild and more powerful. And that's very good — it's a synergy effect which even is added by Paweł [Mąciwoda, bass] because they are really a great rhythm team, Pawel and Mikkey Dee, and me as a rhythm guitar player, we can build a great basis for Matthias and Klaus [Meine, vocals]."

SCORPIONS will celebrate their 60th stage anniversary with a big concert in their hometown. The "60th Anniversary - Coming Home" event will take place on July 5, 2025 at the Heinz Von Heiden Arena in Hannover and will feature a number of special guests, including JUDAS PRIEST.

SCORPIONS' only continuous member has been Schenker, although Meine has appeared on all of the band's studio albums, while Jabs has been a consistent member since 1978, and Mąciwoda and Dee have been in the band since 2003 and 2016, respectively.

"Rock Believer" was released in February 2022. The album was recorded primarily at Peppermint Park Studios in Hannover, Germany and was mixed at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, Germany with engineer Michael Ilbert, who has earned multiple Grammy nominations for his mix work with producer Max Martin on albums by Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.

Kottak passed away on January 9 in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was born and lived until 1987, although further details about the exact circumstances of his death weren't available.

In addition to SCORPIONS and KINGDOM COME, Kottak had toured with such bands as WARRANT and even DIO for a short run. James was also involved in various other projects, including the 1990s band KRUNK in which he sang lead vocals and played guitar.

7

KID ROCK 'Gives Credit' To EMINEM And TAYLOR SWIFT For Sharing Their Left-Leaning Political Views

Kid Rock says that he doesn't agree with Eminem and Taylor Swift's political views, but he respects them for using their platforms to speak out.

Kid Rock, who is a longtime supporter of former U.S. president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, took to his social media channels on Friday to share a video message in which he said: "I love Eminem. We've been friends for many years. I don't agree with his politics, but I do give credit to him and people like Taylor Swift for standing up and not being afraid to be vocal for that which they believe.

"Thinking differently and having the freedom to do so is what makes this country great," Rock continued. "My stance is unequivocally MAGA, because I know in my heart, mind, body and soul, that President Trump will make America great again. God bless the USA."

Eminem introduced former U.S. president Barack Obama in Detroit on Tuesday at a rally for Kamala Harris, while Taylor Swift publicly endorsed Harris in September after the debate with Trump, calling the Democratic nominee a "steady-handed, gifted leader."

In 2017, Eminem delivered an anti-Trump freestyle at the BET Awards, which included lyrics like "Any fan of mine who's a supporter of his / I'm drawing in the sand a line, you're either for or against."

In 2019, Rock tweeted about Taylor Swift, "Taylor Swift wants to be a democrat because she wants to be in movies….period. And it looks like she will suck the door knob off Hollyweird to get there. Oldest move in the book. Good luck girl."

Eminem appears on Kid Rock's 1998 track "Fuck Off", which was featured on Kid Rock's "Devil Without A Cause" album, and the 2013 music video for Eminem's "Berzerk" featured a Kid Rock cameo.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kid Rock (@kidrock)

Taylor Swift wants to be a democrat because she wants to be in movies….period. And it looks like she will suck the door knob off Hollyweird to get there. Oldest move in the book. Good luck girl.

-Kid Rock

— KidRock (@KidRock) August 9, 2019

2

Watch: SCOTT STAPP Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Grammy-winning songwriter, solo artist and CREED frontman Scott Stapp performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Thursday, October 23. It was the rocker's first time inside the circle and the first live performance of his first-ever duet, "If These Walls Could Talk" featuring rock queen Dorothy. The acoustic ballad delivers two Grammy-worthy vocal performances that escalate to soaring climax as they depict the experience of suffering in silence. It was written by Stapp with Kylie Sackley (Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Walker Hayes),Marti Frederiksen (AEROSMITH, Carrie Underwood, Ozzy Osbourne, Faith Hill) and Scott Stevens (HALESTORM, SHINEDOWN).

Fan-filmed video of Scott's Grand Ole Opry performance can be seen below.

Stapp's songwriting has long exemplified Music City's "three chords and the truth" ethos, baring it all to a multi-generational audience of rock, mainstream, and country fans with honest and authentic storytelling. From "Higher" to "Arms Wide Open", "My Own Prison", "One Last Breath", "My Sacrifice" and "Weathered", to solo singles "Purpose For Pain", "Higher Power" and current hit "Black Butterfly", Stapp has earned icon status with songs that continue to inspire stadium-wide singalongs.

Scott recently spoke about Nashville, his home since 2016, telling music journalist Melonee Hurt of The Tennessean: "I was unaware until I got into the community how big it is and how supportive and protective they are of people who are sincere… When they know your heart, they've got your back."

On being invited to take the Opry stage, Stapp said: "I am humbled by this invitation and grateful for the Opry's tradition of including outliers like me. The Nashville songwriting community has been an incredible source of inspiration and support through a life-changing era for me, so it is a distinct honor to step into the circle for the first time."

Stapp has had a transformative year with the chart-topping debut of his fourth solo album, "Higher Power" (released March 15 via Napalm Records) and the return of CREED, which "may be something this industry has never seen" (Pollstar). Their reunion tour quickly became "one of the hottest rock tickets of the year" (Billboard) and "one of the most anticipated tours of the summer" (USA Today),selling out amphitheaters and earning critical praise at each show. Due to fan demand, the tour was extended with an arena leg to include Nashville's Bridgestone Arena (November 8) and Madison Square Garden (November 29) to close out 2024.

In March 2024, "Higher Power" debuted to raves for its lyrical potency and powerful delivery. The album broke at No. 23 on the Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart (all genres) and Luminate reported it at No. 2 (Current Hard Music Albums),No. 4 (Current Digital Albums),No. 5 (Record Label Independent Current Albums),and No. 3 (Current Rock Albums). "Higher Power" follows 2019's "The Space Between The Shadows", which debuted at No. 3 on the U.S. Current Rock Albums chart, the U.S. Current Hard Music Albums chart, and the U.K. Official Rock And Metal chart, among countless other top chart positions.

Last night was a dream come true-stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time. Feeling beyond blessed to have been invited to stand in the circle where so many legends have stood before me🙏🏼 #GrandOleOpry #humbled #grateful #ifthesewallscouldtalk Dorothy Marti Frederiksen kylie sackley #scottstevens Andrew Wendowski Photography LLC Music Mayhem

Posted by Scott Stapp on Thursday, October 24, 2024

Scott Stapp and Dorothy duet at the Opry? Didn’t see this coming!!

Posted by Carl E Williams on Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Huge congratulations to our friend Scott Stapp of Creed on his unforgettable Opry debut! The Opry has never rocked like...

Posted by Operation Song on Thursday, October 24, 2024

WHITESNAKE's DAVID COVERDALE Releases "Love Is Blind" (Official Video 2024 Remix); Into The Light: The Solo Albums Out Now

David Coverdale, the powerful voice behind Whitesnake and former Deep Purple frontman, sees his solo work shine brightly in a new collection featuring remixed, remastered, and revisited versions of his solo albums Whitesnake (1977), NorthWinds (1978), and Into The Light (2000).

Into The Light: The Solo Albums are available through Rhino Records today as a 6CD boxed set. It comes packaged in a hardcover box featuring a 60-page book with rare photos, detailed liner notes, and a new interview with Coverdale. The newly remixed version of Into The Light is also available separately as a double vinyl album presented in a gatefold sleeve.

Watch "Love Is Blind" (Official Video 2024 Remix) below:

The boxed set features two versions of Coverdale’s solo albums: one newly remixed to deliver a more dynamic sonic experience and a second remastered from the original recordings for those who want to revisit the classic sound. The remixed versions feature significant updates (particularly to Whitesnake and NorthWinds) and utilize cutting-edge audio separation software. The track "Time & Again" from NorthWinds benefited from innovative voice extraction technology, allowing for new string and piano arrangements that Coverdale has envisioned for decades.

Coverdale shares, “The remixes are modern, using new technology to squeeze the best out of them… Truly exciting to revisit and take care of any technical ‘issues’ I had with the tracks all those years ago.”

Into The Light, Coverdale’s third solo album, boasts an impressive musical lineup that includes guitarists Earl Slick (David Bowie) and Doug Bossi, bassist Marco Mendoza (who later joined Whitesnake), legendary drummer Denny Carmassi (Montrose, Whitesnake), and keyboardist Mike Finningan (Jimi Hendrix). The remixed version of the album expands the original with songs like "Let’s Talk It Over" and "All The Time In The World". The collection also offers additional remixes, demos, and outtakes from the album, including "With All Of My Heart". Coverdale wrote the song for his wife and considers it one of the best he’s ever written.

The set also revisits NorthWinds, and Whitesnake Coverdale’s first two solo albums recorded immediately after leaving Deep Purple. Both albums have been reimagined and re-sequenced for the upcoming collection. NorthWinds includes some new arrangements and additional tracks like "Sweet Mistreater" and "Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth", breathing new life into this classic. Whitesnake features impossible remixes thanks to AI sound separation softwares, courtesy of technology that has only been available in the last couple of years.

Order here.

6CD tracklisting:

CD1: Into The Light (Remix)
"She Give Me"
"River Song"
"Don’t You Cry"
"Love Is Blind"
"Slave"
"Cry For Love"
"Living On Love"
"Midnight Blue"
"Too Many Tears"
"Don’t Lie To Me"
"All The Time In The World"
"Wherever You May Go"
"Yours For The Asking"
"Let’s Talk It Over"

CD2: Into The Light (Additional Remixes)
"Love Is Blind" (Band Version)
"As Long As I Have You"
"With All Of My Heart"
"Wherever You May Go" (Strings Version)
"Love Is Blind" (Strings Version)

Demos & Unfinished Symphonies
"Lust"
"Oh No Not The Blues Again"
"Into The Light Intro"
"Into The Light"
"You Make It Hard On Me"
"Would You Be Happy"
"Fooling Yourself"
"Make The Best Of It"
"Veda of Cassandra Blues"
"I Can See The Light"
"Another Fallen Angel"
"Itchy Finger"

Original Demos 1997
"Crazy ’Bout Cha" (Original Version of "Whipping Boy Blues")
"If You Want Me"
"Lay Your Love On Me" (Original Version of "Lay Down Your Love")

CD3: NorthWinds (2024 Remix)
"Keep On Giving Me Love"
"Sweet Mistreater"
"NorthWinds"
"Give Me Kindness"
"Queen Of Hearts"
"Only My Soul"
"Time & Again" (String Version)
"Say You Love Me"
"Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth"
"Breakdown"
"Time & Again" (Piano Version)
"Time & Again" (Strings Only)

CD4: Whitesnake MCMLXXVII (2024 Remix)
"Lady"
"Blindman"
"Goldies Place"
"Time On My Side"
"Peace Lovin’ Man"
"Sunny Days"
"Hole In The Sky"
"WhiteSnake"
"Celebration"

Young Lad's Blues (DC’s 1968 Home Demos)
"Sunny Days" (Original)
"Love Me In The Morning"
"I Will Love You"
"Moment In Time"
"It Would Be Nice"
"There Was A Time"
"Why?"
"I Still Love You"

CD5: Into The Light (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)
"She Give Me"
"River Song"
"Don’t You Cry"
"Love Is Blind"
"Slave"
"Cry for Love"
"Living On Love"
"Midnight Blue"
"Too Many Tears"
"Don’t Lie To Me"
"Wherever You May Go"

CD6: Whitesnake (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)
"Lady"
"Blindman"
"Goldies Place"
"Time On My Side"
"Peace Lovin’ Man"
"Sunny Days"
"Hole In The Sky"
"Celebration"
"WhiteSnake"

NorthWinds (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)
"Keep On Giving Me Love"
"NorthWinds"
"Give Me Kindness"
"Time & Again"
"Queen Of Hearts"
"Only My Soul"

1

David Coverdale

PAUL DI’ANNO Memorial Show Confirmed For November At London's Camden Underworld; Details Revealed

A memorial show has been announced in tribute to Paul Di'Anno following the recent news of the former Iron Maiden singer's passing.

Di’Anno's manager Stjepan Juras, who on October 21 had the difficult job of announcing Paul's death, has shared the following update:

"After the indescribable shock and sadness when we found out about the sudden death of the true legend of rock and heavy metal music - Paul Di'Anno, the whole world united in order to pay the last respect to Paul and send him to the other world the way he knew and did it whole life; loud, fierce and energetic.

"Camden Underworld has always been Paul's favourite venue where he always had fantastic shows. In this club, his last show in 2023 was sold out, as would be this one in 2024, which he unfortunately did not manage to play. However, his friends Electric Gypsy, Gypsy's Kiss and Hi-on Maiden, who were supposed to play with him that night, will hold an unforgettable in memoriam show together with their guests, who will sing and play a Paul Di'Anno set from this tour.

"Singers Guzz Colins (Electric Gypsy) and David Smith (Gypsy's Kiss) will sing Paul's songs, and in the meantime we are expecting many other guests. Also guest musicians will be Terry Wapram (ex-Iron Maiden) and Tino Troy (Praying Mantis), and in the near future we expect the response of other musicians and friends, who due to the close date of this event have to schedule their previously agreed commitments.

"The show will take place on November 7 at Camden Underworld, and you can find out about ticket prices and program times at theunderworldcamden.co.uk.

"As merchandise (fc magazine/tour program, t-shirts, patches) was previously printed for the upcoming (cancelled) tour, a very limited number will be available at this event, so if you want to have it, hurry to the club as early as possible.

"You will be able to hear various anecdotes from the stage from friends who worked with Paul. We will raise a glass in his name and once again sing the legendary songs that he performed the loudest, so that he can hear us.

"See you at Camden Underworld."

Paul Di’Anno's Croatian compatriots in Warhorse, Hrvoje Madiraca and Ante Pupačić, paid tribute to Di'Anno following the tragic news of the metal legend's passing. Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse released their debut full-length album back in July via BraveWords Records.

Madiraca and Pupačić shared the following tribute to Paul via Facebook on Wednesday, October 23:

"R.I.P. dear Paul. Hope you'll continue rocking on the other side!

"As sad as we are, the fact that so many people around the world celebrate his legacy is just incredible!!!! True testament to his legacy and to the joy he brought to millions.

"Truth is - he was an incredible guy, not just a legendary singer!!!

"Rock on Paul, wherever you are!"

Di’Anno's manager Stjepan Juras issued the following statement on October 21, announcing Paul's passing:

"On behalf of his family, I am very sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di'Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.

"Born in Chingford, East London on 17th May 1958, Paul first came to prominence as lead singer of English Heavy Metal band, Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981. He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential follow up release, Killers. Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances.

"Despite being troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023.

"In 2024 he published his new album with the band Warhorse, and only few month later his retrospective album. His first career retrospective album, The Book Of The Beast was released in September 2024 and featured highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden.

"I was so proud to call him my friend and I ask his legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory."

Juras then issued the following update:

"Dear friends,

"Sometimes a man thinks he is strong and can handle anything. When I got the phone call yesterday morning about Paul's death, I stayed calm and tried not to break down, knowing that it was going to be a long day, a lot of phone calls, and something I had never faced before. All day and all night I answered literally thousands and thousands of messages, until I collapsed into bed in a sleepless dream. However, when I woke up in the morning and saw all the overwhelming messages of support, all the emotional memories and events, I couldn't stop crying, finally realizing how much Paul meant to people around the world and how much our frantic battle for his life meant to them.

"Paul definitely left too soon. Perhaps the year 66 sounded cool and close to his inimitable temperament, but there was much more ahead of him. I'm not trying to write his obituary, because that's impossible. Paul, both as an artist and as a person, is simply indescribable and those who never knew him personally will never be able to fully understand who Paul was and what Paul was like. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the nice messages and help from all over the world and all those who are interested in being informed that Paul will be buried at the City of London Cemetary and that way he will be close to his mother and his friend Clive Burr. We still don't know what day it will happen, but we will let all our friends know everything in time. After the funeral, we will all go together to the nearby Cart and Horses, to raise a glass in memory of Paul, and at the same time we will all be able to donate to cover the costs of his funeral.

"What I'm about to tell you now sounds completely crazy, but that's exactly what happened. The book you see in the picture is the story of Paul and his and our fierce fight for his life. The same morning, when the book came out of the press, I received the news of his death. Just a few days earlier, he and I had joked that the contents of this book would completely shock the world and that he didn't know if he was ready for it, but we decided that for his sake and his future life, people needed to know what was going on, because only on that way everyone can help him. Unfortunately, he left too early, he was unable to sign the copy that I intended to give him on the tour in a few days. While I was returning from the printing office with a book in my hand, my heart could not stand it when I passed the Westin Hotel, so I turned towards the hotel and sat on the terrace where we spent a lot of time in recent years. I did not expect that the news of his death spread so quickly that at the same moment all the waiters stood in line and came to bow, sharing with me some of their memories with Paul.

"If the death of Bon Scott ended one era of rock, with the death of Paul Di'Anno also ended another era. He will never, ever be able to be replaced. A book about him is available at www.maidencroatia.com and will be soon at www.pauldianno.co.uk and I will also be happy to help his family financially to give Paul a dignified burial.

"When we have official news about the date of the funeral, we will inform you, and you will be able to find the notice on the Cart and Horses pages. Together with his family, we are working on this and we thank you once again for your great support and help. I'm sorry that we will all have to see each other in such terrible circumstances, but once again we will remember Paul and toast everything he has done.

"I can firmly promise you that I will never allow his legacy to be neglected. As long as I live, the story of Paul will live on. On his official pages and social networks, we will always share memories and thousands of photos and videos that we have taken, and together with all of you, we will make him immortal, even though he already is." - Stjepan Juras

Iron Maiden paid tribute to their former vocalist.

Said Iron Maiden: "We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di'Anno earlier today. Paul's contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not ju

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MOTÖRHEAD's We Take No Prisoners: The Singles 1995 - 2006 Out Now; Unboxing Video Posted

Back in the golden era of the single of the 1970’s and 80’s, Motörhead would regularly assault the ears of chart listeners on a Sunday afternoon with a string of hit smashes in the rock charts of the time. The single as a format may have been less prominent from the 90’s onwards due to the dawn of the CD, but that didn’t diminish the calibre of the singles and promos that Motörhead continued to release. These mostly CD singles are now rare and highly collectable, so it only feels fitting for this era of the band’s bullet belt full of hits to be reappraised and released on the format that singles were born for, 7” vinyl.

We Take No Prisoners is a collection of the bands singles spanning 1995 to 2006, and available as a nine 7” single box set and expanded double CD and digital editions. From crowd pleasers like the pummelling "Sacrifice", through their unique cover of Sex Pistols' "God Save The Queen" to the semi-acoustic roots vibes of "Whorehouse Blues", no one could deny their song writing prowess was still second to none. With a selection of rare live and radio edits thrown in for good measure and a long lost promo interview with Lemmy and Mikkey Dee from 2004, this is a definitive collection of this era of the band and the songs that drove the success of the albums they were lifted from.

See below for full details of the We Take No Prisoners releases and be sure to visit here for news and updates.

We Take No Prisoners: The Singles 1995 - 2006 is out now. Order here, and watch a new unboxing video below.

7” Box Set tracklisting:

Disc One
"Sacrifice"
"Over Your Shoulder" (Live)

Disc Two
"I Don't Believe A Word" (Single Edit)
"Overnight Sensation" (Live)

Disc Three
"Love For Sale"
"Take The Blame"

Disc Four
"God Save The Queen"
"One More Fucking Time"

Disc Five
"Shut Your Mouth"
"See Me Burning"

Disc Six
"Whorehouse Blues"
"Killers"

Disc Seven
"God Was Never On Your Side"
"Trigger"

Disc Eight
"R.A.M.O.N.E.S." (2006 version)
"R.A.M.O.N.E.S." (Live)

Disc Nine
A/B: Inferno Interview - Bel Age Hotel, California, April 2004 (w/ Mikkey Dee and Lemmy)

CD Edition tracklisting:

Disc One
"Sacrifice"
"Order / Fade To Black"
"Over Your Shoulder" (Live)
"I Don't Believe A Word" (Single Edit)
"Overnight Sensation" (Live)
"Love For Sale"
"Take The Blame"
"God Save The Queen"
"One More Fucking Time"

Disc Two
"Shut Your Mouth" (Single Edit)
"See Me Burning"
"Whorehouse Blues"
"Killers"
"God Was Never On Your Side"
"Trigger"
"R.A.M.O.N.E.S."
"Devil I Know"
"R.A.M.O.N.E.S." (Live)
Inferno Interview
Inferno Interview

1

TARJA Shares "Ciaran's Well" Single And Video From Upcoming Rocking Heels: Live At Hellfest Release

Today, Tarja releases the second single "Ciaran's Well", taken from her upcoming live series release Rocking Heels: Live At Hellfest. The full album will be available on December 6 via earMUSIC.

Originally released on Tarja's debut album My Winter Storm, this version of "Ciaran's Well", recorded at Hellfest 2016, is an electrifying performance that showcases her commanding stage presence and vocal power. The song’s dark, mystical atmosphere is heightened in a live setting, with the intense energy of the band and the raw emotion in Tarja's voice captivating the audience.

Stream/download the song here, and watch the video below:

On June 19, 2016, Tarja delivered a capti

QUEEN Release Re-Edited And Restored Promo Video For First Ever Single "Keep Yourself Alive"

To celebrate the release of the Queen 1 boxset, the promo video made for Queen’s first ever single release, "Keep Yourself Alive", has been re-edited and restored. Now complete with the stunning new 2024 mix of the song, this video has been created by returning to the original rushes and producing an entirely new edit. The footage has then been painstakingly restored so it can be shared with fans in all its glory.

The 6CD + 1 LP Queen I box set (out now) contains 63 tracks with 43 brand new mixes, comprising the original album with its intended running order restored, intimate fly-on-the-wall audio of Queen in the studio, demos, rare live tracks, and previously unheard recordings from Queen’s first ever live performance in London, August 1970. Absent from the 1973 release, the song “Mad the Swine” has been reinstated to its original place in the running order. A 108-page book containing handwritten lyrics and memorabilia accompanies the release.

“This is not just a remaster,” writes Brian May in the CD sleeve insert notes, “this is a brand new 2024 rebuild of the entire Queen debut album, which, with the benefit of hindsight, we have re-titled QUEEN I.”

BEHEMOTH Debut "At The Left Hand Ov God" Live Video; XXX Years Ov Blasphemy Out Now

Polish extreme metal giants, Behemoth, have released their monumental anniversary concert, XXX Years Ov Blasphemy, from 2021, , as 3CD + BluRay, 3LP and Digital Album.

The career-spanning show, held at and filmed on three different locations, has a total running time of 90 minutes, divided into three different acts. This very special set features fan favourites as well as a few selected deep cuts that Behemoth had rarely played live before.

As a new preview you can now watch the live video for the song "At The Left Hand Ov God". Check it out below:

XXX Years Ov Blasphemy is available on the following formats:

- 3CD+Bluray Mediabook
- 3LP (Gold / Silver / Clear)
- Digital Album

Order/save here.

Tracklisting:

Act 1:
"Chant Of The Eastern Lands"
"Lasy Pomorza"
"Summoning (Of The Ancient Ones)"
"Blackvisions Of The Almighty"
"Cursed Angel Of Doom"
"Pure Evil and Hate"

Act 2:
"The Thousand Plagues I Witness"
"Decade Ov Therion"
"Christians To The Lions"
"44 (The Youth Manifesto)"
"Heru Ra Ha: Let There Be Might"
"Chant For Ezkaton 2000"

Act 3:
"Demigod
"At The Left Hand Ov God"
"Alas, Lord Is Upon Me"
"Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer"
"Rom 5:8"
"O Father O Satan O Sun!"

"The Thousand Plagues I Witness" video:

"Cursed Angel Of Doom" video:

Behemoth recently released a video trailer for "The Unholy Trinity" European tour, scheduled for April 2025. Find the clip below.

Says Behemoth: "Legions of Europe! It’s that time again… We are beyond thrilled to announce that we’ll be bringing together the blasphemous forces of Behemoth, Satyricon and Rotting Christ for ‘The Unholy Trinity’ European tour." 🔥

Tickets are on sale now. Dates are listed below.

TOM HUNTING On Next EXODUS Album: 'We Already Have The Nucleus Of A Bunch Of Great Songs'

In a new interview with The Metal Voice, EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's follow-up to 2021's "Persona Non Grata" album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The music is gonna come together really fast and it's really awesome. We worked last March, April and a little bit in May and got the nucleus for a bunch of songs, basically flip flopped some of the beats on some songs. That happens sometimes. And so I have a lot of material to work with. After this [fall 2024] tour, we're gonna woodshed. We'll probably get together in my studio here; I'm in Northern California. Yeah, we're probably gonna work through the end of December and then into January. So we'll have two months. And we already have the nucleus of a bunch of great songs."

Asked if he is going to be contributing musically and lyrically to the next EXODUS LP, Tom said: "I wrote the lyrics to one [track], 'The Years Of Death And Dying', on the last record, and it turned out to be a really great song. So, I think between that and the journey with the cancer and stuff, it awoke something in me. So I've got notepads with scribbles, like a whole bunch of stuff. I need to formulate them into songs [laughs], but I got a lot of words and stuff… I'm gonna try to write some [of the lyrics]. Yeah, it's really fun. And I really enjoy like lyric writing. It's great."

Regarding the overall sound of the new EXODUS material and whether some of it will "veer off into other directions", Tom said: "I really couldn't tell you. I mean, there could be some experimental stuff, and it all happens organically and kind of in the moment. I thought 'Blood In, Blood Out' was kind of like a good old thrash album. 'Persona Non Grata' was a little more —yeah, a little more meaty, a little more dark, goes to some dark places. All the music we made with [singer Rob] Dukes was a little more progressive and went to dark places, and I like that stuff too. So I think there'll be a little bit of everything. And we've got a bunch of covers in the bag too that we recorded in the last sessions for 'Persona Non Grata', and we'll probably do some of those too — just obscure B-side punk stuff. Fun stuff."

Earlier this week, EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about the band's next album: "I've got a dozen [songs] in the works right now, and Lee [Altus, EXODUS guitarist] has some stuff. Our plan is to hit the studio in February. We were gonna do it this summer, but we felt we were rushing it. And the last time was so well received and a landmark album for us, we can't shortchange ourselves and hurry into it. And [we have a] brand new record label with Napalm Records and we wanted to make sure the album's as good as it possibly can be. So, February and March we'll be in the studio and then back at it again after that. No rest for the wicked, for sure."

Holt previously discussed EXODUS's plans to hit the studio this past August in an interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show. He said at the time: "Well, I'm writing the new record right now. We were going to go in the studio in a week, but we needed more time. We're not ready. And if we rushed it, that'd be a huge mistake. Unfortunately, due to touring commitments, our next gap to get in and do this proper, it's, like, the beginning of next year. So, we're pushing back, but it's gonna be worth it 'cause the songs are just coming along very well. I'm super pleased. Stuff's heavy."

He continued: "The last album we had all the time in the world due to the pandemic, and the results are apparent in the record, and to follow 'Persona Non Grata' with a rushed release would be the dumbest thing we could possibly do. But it's coming along — it's coming along really well. Actually, I've got 10 songs I'm working on. Lee's got some stuff, and we'll take it from there."

Asked if it looks like the next EXODUS album will be released in 2025, Gary replied: "Oh, yeah, for sure. It will be next year. It's just gonna be later next year than we hoped."

This past February, EXODUS frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza said on his Zetro's Toxic Vault YouTube channel about the musical direction of the band's new material: "I haven't heard anything that they're writing. It usually starts with Tom and Gary. So, it'll be music and then drums. And then when they have kind of stuff pasted together, then I'll hear bits and pieces of it. It kind of rolls like that, but within three or four weeks' time, what sounds like just riffs put together actually turn into full songs, with lyrics and everything. 'Persona Non Grata' went that way, for sure. And in the past we had done it like that. So that's what's actually happening as far as EXODUS is concerned right now."

Souza went on to say that Napalm Records, with whom EXODUS signed a new record deal last year, was anxious to start working with the band on promoting the upcoming LP.

"It's been 20 years or even more than we were on Nuclear Blast," Zetro said. "I mean, the first record on Nuclear Blast was 'Tempo Of The Damned', and so [it was] in 2003, 2002, I think, when we actually signed to them. And then everything that [former EXODUS singer] Rob Dukes did with them was on there. And then when I came back, [we did] 'Blood In Blood Out' and 'Persona' [with Nuclear Blast].

"[Napalm] seem very excited, and that's always a good thing," he continued. "We had such a great relationship with Nuclear Blast and they were really good to us. I think sometimes change is good and a breath of fresh air comes. And I think that we were due for that. So, it's worked out good. We've got, obviously, Napalm, their deal for us was really, really good and it's a three-album deal, so there's at least three more EXODUS records on the books there. So we just have number one that will start this year at some point."

EXODUS will embark on "The Battle Of '24" North American tour this fall. The trek marks the band's first headlining run in many years and will feature support from thrash metallers HAVOK, metallic hardcore outfit CANDY and crossover thrashers DEAD HEAT. The tour kicks off on November 2 in Tampa, Florida and will thrash across North America, ultimately concluding on December 7 in Los Angeles, California.

"Persona Non Grata" came out in November 2021 via Nuclear Blast Records. The LP was recorded at a studio in Lake Almanor, California and was engineered by Steve Lagudi and EXODUS. It was produced by EXODUS and was mixed by Andy Sneap.

"Persona Non Grata" was the follow-up to 2014's "Blood In Blood Out", which was the San Francisco Bay Area thrashers' first release since the departure of EXODUS's singer of nine years, Rob Dukes, and the return of Souza, who previously fronted EXODUS from 1986 to 1993 and from 2002 to 2004.

Photo credit: Tayva Martinez

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DUFF MCKAGAN Teams With Iconic Punk Legends For Three New Singles

GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan is heralding the eagerly awaited U.S. kickoff of his "Lighthouse" tour 2024 with today's premiere of three new songs that see him joined by a trio of iconic punk legends set to accompany him on select dates of the upcoming headline run. All three songs are available now. "All Turning Loose (Feat. Lee Ving)" and "My Name Is Bob (Feat. Joey Shithead)" will be on an exclusive seven-inch single available on this tour.

"'All Turning Loose' seems to highlight those times in life that you just wanna pull your fuckin' hair out! Lee Ving adds his pure brilliance...and it makes me so happy!" says McKagan. "'My Name Is Bob' is a fun rocker that seemed to write itself one day. Having Joey Shithead be my compatriot along for the ride is one of the best things that could ever happen."

"Witness the power and glory from Duff & Co on the forthcoming single 'All Turning Loose'!!" says Ving. "Don't miss it (especially with me singing on it)! RANGE WAR is honored to play upcoming shows with Duff McKagan this November. Keep an eye out for surprises! Don't miss your chance to see RANGE WAR on its first tour in over 35 years! We look forward to seeing you all there!"

"Hey it was great to be invited to sing on 'My Name Is Bob'," says Joey Shithead. "It's a great story about how messed up life can be for the average person. Duff hit the nail directly on the head with this one. My name is Joe but I'm glad to help kick ass in the name of Bob! Ya Hey!!!"

The U.S. leg of McKagan's "Lighthouse" tour 2024 gets underway on November 4 at Boston, Massachusetts's Paradise Rock Club. Highlights include intimate shows at New York City's Le Poisson Rouge (November 6),Chicago, Illinois's Outset (November 8),and Denver, Colorado's Bluebird Theater (November 10),all of which will see support from Ving's RANGE WAR, marking the first live performances from the famed FEAR founder's groundbreaking country-punk outfit in over three decades. "Lighthouse" tour '24 then hits Los Angeles, California's historic El Rey Theatre (November 13) with support from acclaimed singer-songwriter — and Duff's daughter — Grace McKagan, before wrapping up at Portland, Oregon's Aladdin Theater (November 18) and Seattle, Washington's The Showbox (November 20) joined by extremely rare solo acoustic performances by legendary D.O.A. co-founder Joey "Shithead" Keithley. Tickets and VIP all announced dates are on sale now.

McKagan and his band wrapped the European leg of the "Lighthouse" tour earlier this week following sold-out stops in Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, France, and Sweden. Among the tour's highlights was a very special guest appearance by SEX PISTOLS co-founding guitarist Steve Jones at London, England's Islington Assembly Hall that saw the two longtime friends (and NEUROTIC OUTSIDERS bandmates) joining forces for electrifying renditions of Johnny Thunders's "You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory" and David Bowie's "Heroes", the latter of which can be viewed now at McKagan's official YouTube channel. In addition, an exclusive "Lighthouse" tour recap video showcasing the run's first week of shows is streaming now.

McKagan marked the start of "Lighthouse" tour last month with the debut of a double-sided single including a distinctive cover of Bowie's timeless "Heroes" backed with "True To The Death Rock N Roll Ballad", both available now. "Heroes" is joined by an official visualizer streaming now at YouTube.

In addition, McKagan recently announced "Duff McKagan Live At Easy Street", a Record Store Day exclusive vinyl LP release of his hometown performance last December at Seattle, Washington's Easy Street Records, arriving for RSD Black Friday 2024 on November 29. The limited-edition release features ten searing live tracks, including performances of songs from McKagan's critically acclaimed third solo album, "Lighthouse".

P.O.D. Frontman SONNY SANDOVAL's Memoir, 'Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds', Due In February

Baker Books has set a February 25, 2025 release date for "Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds", the new book from P.O.D. frontman Sonny Sandoval.

Born and raised on the streets of Southtown, two exits from the Mexico border, Sandoval was always going to go his own way. And as frontman of the platinum selling nu metal band P.O.D. — a group too Christian for the world and too secular for the church — he has broken every mold, defied every expectation, and reached into the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of people who wanted to belong to something but never felt like they fit in.

In his book "Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds", he shares how he lived on the edge between two worlds, a line he has attempted to walk with integrity.

Raw and uncut, this memoir tells his true story of growing up in the gritty beauty south of San Diego, his early musical influences and big breaks, his rise to fame and many hardships and struggles along the way.

Readers will get an inside glimpse into stories of performing in cornfields at the Cornerstone Music Festival to rocking MTV's "Total Request Live" with Carson Daly to playing in New York City just weeks after 9/11, and every unglamorous moment in between. His story will inspire readers to always be totally and uniquely them, without apology and without compromise — but with passion and integrity.

Sandoval says: "I've often been asked about my story, and it's always been something I'm very proud to share. This book is a fast-forward look into the off scripted journey that is my life. Now, I'm excited to bring it all together for you on paper, 'Son Of Southtown', coming out everywhere on February 25th! You can pre-order it now wherever books are sold.

"Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I can’t wait to share this journey with you."

KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch says: "Love + Joy + Peace + Patience + Goodness + Kindness + Gentleness + Faithfulness + Self Control — nine attributes which, in my opinion, describe my friend Sonny Sandoval's character precisely. I'm confident that you will agree as you dive into his amazing new book, 'Son Of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds'. Sonny would shy away from this statement and say he's not perfect. Obviously true. All of us are beautifully flawed. But Sonny comfortably displays these nine characteristics more genuinely than most I've met in my life. In 'Son Of Southtown' you will find that Sonny is always shining in the crazy entertainment business he and I live in, and he shines just as bright in his personal life when the crowds aren't there to see. A hero of the faith to me since 2005, Sonny Sandoval has been an encouragement to me since day one, and I will love+support this son of Southtown and everything he does forever."

PAPA ROACH frontman Jacoby Shaddix says: "This book is such an open, honest look into Sonny Sandoval's life. His story, his music, and his walk with Christ continues to inspire me and many others."

Toby Morse, H2O singer and host of "One Life One Chance" podcast, stated: "Sonny's journey hasn't been easy. But the pain and struggle he's been through has only made his faith and PMA (positive mental attitude) stronger. And as someone who lost a parent as well, I can relate. Also there are only a few musicians that really live their lyrics off stage, and Sonny is one of them. He's very inspiring to me and millions of people around the world. Honored to call him my friend."

Sandoval is the lead singer and lyricist of the multi-platinum band P.O.D. (PAYABLE ON DEATH) and cofounder of THE WHOSOEVERS. He is a product of Southtown, the southern part of San Diego that approaches the border with Mexico. He is the founder and president of the Youth Of The Nation Foundation, which reaches out to children from underprivileged neighborhoods and gives them the opportunity to find their self-worth and value. Sonny is married to his high school sweetheart, Shannon, and they have three children.

View this post on Instagram

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KAMELOT - Fan-Filmed Video Of Entire Madrid Show Streaming

Kamelot brought their Awaken The World Tour 2024 to Sala La Riviera in Madrid, Spain on October 23. Fan-filmed video of the entire show can be viewed below.

Setlist:

"Veil Of Elysium"
"Rule The World"
"Opus Of The Night (Ghost Requiem)"
"Insomnia"
"When The Lights Are Down"
"Vespertine (My Crimson Bride)"
"New Babylon"
"Karma"
"Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)"
"Willow"
"The Human Stain"
- drum solo -
"March Of Mephisto"
- keyboard solo -
"Forever"

Encore:
"One More Flag In The Ground"
"Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)"

GYPSY PISTOLEROS Release New Single / Video "Church Of The Pistoleros"

"Church Of The Pistoleros" is the first release from Gypsy Pistoleros' groundbreaking album of the same name, set for release in early 2025 via Golden Robot Records (Australia, New Zealand) and Earache Records (Rest Of The World).

The album, recorded at the renowned Old Cider Press Studios in Pershore, is produced and co-written by the legendary Dave Draper, whose credits include work with Ginger Wildheart, Nickelback, The Professionals and Terrorvision, etc. Draper has described Church of the Pistoleros as "a total monster" and one of the best projects he's ever worked on.

This album is a rallying cry to the outcasts, the misunderstood, the shy, the quiet and disenfranchised of society. A place where they are welcome. Gypsy Pistoleros is a band that refuses to conform. Proudly walking their own path, their music is a rallying cry for misfits everywhere. With a sound that defies traditional genres, Gypsy Pistoleros stand as one of the most unique and innovative acts in the world of rock music today.

Gypsy Pistoleros’ sound spans a vast musical landscape - from 1950s Phil Spector-esque ballads to high-energy glam punk and Latin-infused rock, creating a sonic experience that is truly unmatched. Fusing anthemic rock, Latin swagger, glam punk, and even elements of goth and emo, their music is a celebration of the unconventional.

Gypsy Lee Pistolero states: "Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros. Come and take my hand, all you beautiful weirdos, for the lost, the strange, and the ne'er-do-wells! This is a call to all the misfits and outcasts, to stand up and join us and be proud to be different. Join the New Church."

Gypsy Pistoleros

BURNING WITCHES Vocalist LAURA GULDEMOND Shares Video For Cover Of "Nymphetamine Fix" By CRADLE OF FILTH

Laura Guldemond, vocalist for Swiss heavy metal force Burning Witches, has shared a video performance of the Slayer classic, "Raining Blood".

For more videos and exclusive material go to Guldemond's official Patreon page.

Compare with the original, which has been viewed over 82 million times on YouTube:

Burning Witches cannot be stopped. After winning over American audiences earlier this year on their support run with the mighty KK's Priest, the blazing quintet returns for a US headline tour this fall.

Featuring support on select dates from Graveshadow, the tour kicks off in Hollywood, Californ

1

Burning Witches

HELL IN THE CLUB Release "Carolina Reaper" Single And Music Video

Italian/Swedish hard rock/heavy metal band, Hell In The Club, is excited to share their new single and accompanying video, "Carolina Reaper".

Stream/download the single here, and watch the video below.

Bassist Andrea Buratto comments: “'Carolina Reaper' is the first brand new song for the new lineup and anticipates, as an episode in itself, the recording sessions of the new album which will take place in the first months of 2025.”

“This is the true first chapter of the new Hell In The Club era. This song is about the fiery passion that a musician lives on stage. A tribute to the magic that music offers. It is a heavy rock song with a super catchy chorus! A perfect mix of heavy metal and 80’s hard rock!”, adds Andrea.

Hell In The Club recently welcomed their new Swedish singer Tezzi Persson (Infinite & Divine, Venus 5), marking the beginning of a new journey for the band, as Tezzi's wonderful voice fits perfectly the music of Hell In The Club.

With nearly 15 years of history and hard work, Hell In The Club have earned their place in the scene over the c

Hell in the Club

Dance with the Dead

AL PITRELLI On His Time With MEGADETH: 'That Was An Education And A Half'

In a new interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA guitarist and musical director Al Pitrelli, who played with MEGADETH during 2000-2002, recording "The World Needs A Hero" album, was asked how he initially landed the gig with the Dave Mustaine-fronted outfit. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I had met him a couple times over the years. SAVATAGE was on a few of the festivals with him. I remember when I was with [Alice] Cooper, [Dave] had done the soundtrack — he cut 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' for one of the Wes Craven films; I don't remember the name of the film off the top of my head, but I remember meeting him back then. And, obviously, listening to the music on the first few MEGADETH records. [Then-MEGADETH drummer] Jimmy DeGrasso, who, he and I played in clubs together back in, I guess, late '70s, early '80s, was the one who recommended me to at least substitute for Marty [Friedman] until they found a permanent replacement. So, that was an education and a half."

Asked if he knew he was only going to be in MEGADETH temporarily when he originally started playing with the band, Al said: "Yeah, that was the original thing. Marty wanted to leave. They were in the middle of a pretty lengthy tour. And they basically needed somebody just to fill in until they found somebody permanent. And I was supposed to be there for three, four, five weeks. And then Dave said, 'Well, would you come…?' I think they had dates booked in Korea. And he's, like, 'Would you come over with us?' I'm, like, 'Yeah, listen, I'm here until I'm not. Let me know.' And then, all of a sudden, [he was], like, 'Well, you're in the band.' I'm, like, 'Okay.' And I think I was with him for a better part of two years, just up until 9/11 kicked in, and then the whole world fell apart for a while."

Regarding whether Mustaine contacted him in 2004 when he put MEGADETH back together after taking a two-year break when he dealt with severe nerve damage in his right arm, Pitrelli said: "No, he didn't re-contact me. He knew that my first love was this thing called the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA. Because we recorded the first song in '95, '96 we put a record out, I think '97 or '98 we put the second record out. We sold millions and millions of records. And we did the first tour in '99. And that's when Dave asked me to kind of sub for Marty for a little while. And so it was kind of like my home was being established with Paul [O'Neill, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA mastermind], and I mentioned Paul, I said, 'Listen, they offered me this opportunity.' I was going through my first divorce. Financially, I needed some help. He goes, 'Go do what you gotta [do]. Go make money. You come home as soon as you're ready to come home.' Which, that's the heart that Paul O'Neill had. He was like my big brother. And Dave was kind enough to take me, and he knew my heart lied elsewhere. But I tried to do a really good job for Dave to continue on with them. And then, after 9/11, I know he went through a couple of personal issues that he had to contend with. And when he came and put the band back together, I wasn't called, but I was already spoken for. I was back home where I belonged."

Al previously discussed his time in MEGADETH during a 2010 interview with New York Hard Rock Examiner. He said at the time: "I thought [Mustaine and I] got along pretty good as long as I always kept in mind that his work was lore, it was his band, his vision, and he's the boss. You know, it's like anything else — you go to work, and either you like your boss or you dislike your boss, it doesn't really matter, it's whether your boss likes you. I went in there, he pulled me out of a pretty troubled personal life and he helped me get through a lot of things like that, which I was real appreciative of, and he was pretty hard, he's a hard guy to work for. If you don't bring your game every day, you're gonna catch his wrath, and that's something that you probably don't want to do more than once. I had no problem with it. When he was being strict and disciplined me, well, dude, it's your thing, y'know? I mean, he got kicked out of METALLICA and created the second largest metal band on the planet, so, you know, whatever you're doing seems to be working. I'm all ears, let me learn from you, because you did pretty good for yourself. There were nights we'd get along like two brothers, and there were other nights where he'd want to throw me off the bus, so it is what it is."

In a 2007 interview with STLtoday.com, Pitrelli was asked to address Mustaine's previous claim that Al "wasn't fitting" MEGADETH during his time with the band. Pitrelli said: "Dave is a pretty brilliant guy. People used to say he was difficult, but I found that when I was doing the job the right way, he never bothered me. Again, he had his bout with his demons, so he wasn't drinking. I find that at the end of the day, there's nothing better than drinking a beer or a glass of wine, and we didn't see eye to eye on that. There are three sides to that, and the center story is that I'm not into the metal thing. I never was a heavy metal guitar type. I just adapted, and that's how I survived. I loved playing music, and I loved being with the band, but I just didn't like the things that surrounded that."

1

Watch: MYLES KENNEDY Performs Solo Single 'Say What You Will' At France's OÜI FM

Video of Myles Kennedy — known for his work with rockers ALTER BRIDGE and SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS — performing an acoustic version of his solo single "Say What You Will" at the studios of the French rock radio station Oüi FM can be seen below.

"Say What You Will" is taken from Kennedy's third solo album, "The Art Of Letting Go", which was released on October 11 via Napalm Records. The LP marks the return of Myles, backed by his band comprised of Zia Uddin on drums and Tim Tournier on bass.

From the opening guitar riff of the title track "The Art Of Letting Go" to the haunting melody of album closer "How The Story Ends", Myles Kennedy is back with a collection of songs that is sure to cater to old and new fans alike. Songs like "Mr. Downside", "Miss You When You're Gone" and "Saving Face" showcase the memorable storytelling that has become synonymous throughout all of Myles's projects.

The "Say What You Will" music video was directed by Gordy De St Jeor (MAMMOTH WVH) and tells the story of a bullied and timid student who breaks out of her shell with the help of a teacher, janitor and lunch person portrayed by Kennedy, Uddin and Tournier in the school talent show.

The track listing for "The Art Of Letting Go" is:

01. The Art Of Letting Go
02. Say What You Will
03. Mr. Downside
04. Miss You When You're Gone
05. Behind The Veil
06. Saving Face
07. Eternal Lullaby
08. Nothing More To Gain
09. Dead To Rights
10. How The Story Ends

To celebrate the release of "The Art Of Letting Go", Myles Kennedy and his trio will be hitting the road in support of the new album. A six-date U.K. run with support from Devin Townsend will take place in November and December. Twenty more dates were added to "The Art Of Letting Go" tour 2024 all across Europe starting in October. The additional European dates will feature support from BLACK RIVER DELTA and CARDINAL BLACK. The band will also be bringing the tour to North America with dates set for January and February 2025. The 2025 dates will feature special guest Tim Montana.

As a prolific songwriter, powerhouse vocalist, and proficient guitar player, Kennedy tunes into the rhythm of his surroundings and goes with the flow. Fronting ALTER BRIDGE, his soaring vocals, open-hearted lyrics, and airtight riffs have fueled the group's global impact as a gold-certified, arena-filling force of nature over two decades-plus. On the microphone for SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS, his towering range has consistently stunned audiences since 2010. Becoming a celebrated collaborator, he's the rare presence just as comfortable on a track with DISTURBED, HALESTORM and SEVENDUST as he is with GOV'T MULE and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels. It's why he's generated over one billion cumulative streams, earned gold and platinum certifications worldwide, uplifted countless fans, and Kerrang! christened him "one of rock's finest vocalists." It's also why he's carved out his own lane. 2021 saw him deliver his acclaimed sophomore opus, "The Ides Of March". It impressively notched a total of four No. 1 debuts across three countries, toppling the Billboard U.S. Top Current Hard Music chart, the U.K. Official Rock & Metal chart and Official Independent Album chart, and Canada's Hard Music Albums chart. Beyond generating 10 million-plus streams, it incited unanimous critical applause from American Songwriter, Guitar.com, Loudwire, Guitar World and more. RIFF hailed it as "a fantastic and must-listen record," while Classic Rock magazine awarded it "4.5 out of 5 stars," going on to attest, "'The Ides Of March' confirms Myles Kennedy as a musical powerhouse."

SIMON WRIGHT Says Performing With RONNIE JAMES DIO Hologram Was An 'Enjoyable' Experience

Simon Wright says that playing along with a Ronnie James Dio hologram was an "enjoyable" experience.

Dio died in 2010 at the age of 67 from stomach cancer. The singer's hologram was created by a company called Eyellusion and made its debut at the Wacken Open Air festival in August 2016 in front of more than 75,000 fans.

The Dio hologram production used audio of Ronnie's live performances from throughout his career, with the DIO band playing live under the DIO DISCIPLES banner, consisting of Craig Goldy on guitar, Simon Wright on drums and Scott Warren on keyboards, along with Bjorn Englen on bass. Also appearing with them were ex-JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens and former LYNCH MOB frontman Oni Logan.

Asked by Thomas S. Orwat, Jr. of Rock Interview Series what it was like to perform with the Dio hologram, Simon said: "Well, I had to play along to a click track, and just for myself, I don't use in-ears. I don't like things inside my ears for some reason. And I would use headphones. So I had the headphones on and play along to a click track. We had to do it that way because we were kind of following Ronnie's voice a lot of the time. But it was enjoyable. It was really cool. I had a great mix inside of there. I couldn't really see the hologram, so to speak. Now and again I could, but I had a lot to concentrate on, so I wasn't really watching it anyway. I had a lot of count-ins to certain songs and parts, so I had to really concentrate on what I was doing. But it was enjoyable; it really was. It sounded great inside of those headphones."

Asked if the upcoming DIO DISCIPLES shows will incorporate any old footage of Ronnie James Dio in the show, Simon said: "Yeah, it won't be the hologram, I don't think. But we do plan on, if we can, it all depends on how things pan out, but we'd like to put some footage together on the big screens. And that would be very cool 'cause I think Wendy [Dio, Ronnie's widow and longtime manager] has a whole bunch of footage of performances by Ronnie that I'm not sure if people have seen them already. I think there's some they haven't. And there'll be stories and snippets of Ronnie talking and moments from his great career. And hopefully we can do that, but we'll just have to see how it all pans out, whether the budget can take that or what's happening with it."

Elaborating on the attention to detail he and the rest of the DIO DISCIPLES team have paid when it comes to putting the show together, Simon said: "Well, it means a lot to us. I mean, we still talk a lot about Ronnie when we get together — good memories and stuff. And we care about what how things are and how they look. It's gotta be a cool show, 'cause we know how hardcore his fans are. And that's the most important thing."

Last November, Wendy discussed the status of the Ronnie James Dio hologram during an appearance on an episode of "Interviewing The Legends With Ray Shasho". She said: "[The hologram] worked for a while. It was 50-50 — [50 percent of the] people loved it, 50 [percent of the] people hated it. It was done. It was an experiment. We did it. I think it worked out fine at the time. But I'm not doing that again. We are planning to go out with [official Dio tribute band DIO] DISCIPLES next year, but I'm gonna use video of Ronnie and different eras from whatever pieces we have and it'll be just a walk down the memory lane again with different stuff for Ronnie with the band playing. So, yeah, I'm working on that. We'll have special effects with it. And hopefully it'll be a good show."

Wendy previously talked the status of the Ronnie James Dio hologram during a September 2021 appearance on an episode of the "Hangin' & Bangin': Artists On Lockdown" online show. Speaking about how her reaction to the hologram evolved over the years, she said: "When I first saw it, I cried. Then I got used to it because it wasn't Ronnie. And then we took it out [on tour]. The first [version] was not that good. The second one was a lot better. But I decided that I don't wanna do it anymore; I decided I want real Ronnie. So we're working on a stage with the DIO band. Instead of having a hologram, it will have film of Ronnie with the live band playing and with special effects and everything else. So that's what we're working on. We're working on it with Paul Dexter [who was Ronnie's lighting designer and stage designer for years] and a bunch of other people. And also the Eyellusion people, who did do the hologram, are doing a bunch of special effects for us with it."

Wendy continued: "I never say never [about bringing back the hologram], but technology gets different every day, every day, every day. And I just decided that I wanted to see real Ronnie. … QUEEN does [something similar, using footage of Freddie Mercury]. Ours will be a little bit different to that because we have all these great effects, 3D effects. It's almost like going into — what's that ride at Disneyland, when you go through, and it's like a 3D effect? That's what we're working on right now."

Two former DIO guitarists have publicly expressed their doubts about the Ronnie James Dio hologram. In December 2019, Tracy "G" Grijalva, who played for DIO from 1993 through 1999, said that the hologram "looks creepy" and resembles "a puppet." Nine months earlier, Doug Aldrich, who was in DIO between 2002 and 2006, told XS Rock that "Ronnie would probably not" like the hologram. "He would probably be, like, 'This is not what I signed up for.' A hologram? It's not really what he would want to be. I'm just guessing, you know, that it's something that Wendy thought about and she decided that Ronnie would be fine with it. But I knew Ronnie well enough to know that he was very particular and he would prefer for them to let him just die and be in peace."

After the "Dio Returns" tour's initial seven-date run was completed in December 2017, Ronnie's hologram underwent some changes before the launch of the 2019 leg of the trek, which took place in May and June of that year.

The "Dio Returns" 17-song set consisted of seven tunes sung by the Dio hologram — the rest featured Owens and Logan separately or together — and encompassed material from Dio's lengthy career, including his earlier days in RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH.

A few years ago, Wendy told Patch.com that critics of the Dio hologram were "entitled to their opinion. I just ask that people come and see the show first before criticizing," she said. "We got a lot of flak in the beginning but I think more and more people are getting used to it. It's for the fans. It's for the fans who would love to see Ronnie back up on the stage and the ones that never got a chance to see him. I think Ronnie would approve. If anybody saw the 'Sacred Heart' tour in 1986 we tried to make a hologram then. We had Ronnie in a crystal ball hanging from the stage talking through it. Also he was an innovator in music, so why not be an innovator in technology."

In 2020, TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick, who toured with Ronnie on two separate occasions a decade and a half apart — in 1992 when Dio fronted BLACK SABBATH and again in 2008 when Ronnie was the singer of SABBATH offshoot band HEAVEN & HELL — offered his opinion on the Dio hologram on Twitter, writing: "I don't believe in those hologram shows. It would be one thing if the artist was still alive, chose not to tour for whatever reason, gave his or her approval & maybe even had a hand in the process. But Dio had no say." Skolnick also added a thumbs-down emoji as a way of voicing his disapproval.

DISTURBED frontman David Draiman said in a 2016 interview that he had mixed feelings about concerts featuring the Dio hologram. He said about the prospect of seeing a holographic version of Ronnie: "It makes me sad. I'm always happy to hear any music from anybody that's left us, that we've lost. But I don't know… The hologram thing, to me, it almost isn't letting the dead be dead." He added, "It just seems weird... Is there a difference between a hologram and a guy dressing up like Ronnie James and doing it?"

8

IAN HILL On Key To JUDAS PRIEST's Longevity: 'It's Love For One Another'

In a new interview with Matt Zaniboni of Metal Express Radio, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill was asked what has been the key to the longevity of the band. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think going back to those early days, it's the things that we went through to get where we are. And I think it makes a bond with the members. I know some members have changed over the years, but, now, of course, Rob [Halford, PRIEST singer] and myself went through all that, sleeping in the van outside the gigs in January in Norway and stuff like that, things that you wouldn't dream of doing now. And if your own kids suggested it, you'd do your best to stop them. But we did all of that, and it creates that bond, and it's still there with myself and Rob. Of course, Glenn [Tipton, PRIEST guitarist] as well. And I think it is that. We've had personnel changes over the years, but they've come gradually, if you like. I mean, you say Richie [Faulkner, PRIEST guitarist] being the new guy in the band. He's been with us now for 13 years. So he's spent a lot of time with the rest of us, and that philosophy sort of rubbed off on him as well. I mean, Andy's [Sneap, PRIEST producer and touring guitarist] been with us now since 2018. So he's getting it as well. Of course, Scott's [Travis, PRIEST drummer] been with us now since '89. And so the band's roots and that core — I don't know… It's love, really. It's love for one another. It's rubbed off on those as well, and that's been the secret behind it. We've all got personality quirks, things that drive each other mad. But you've always got that anchor. You always have that anchor, what's built the band over these years. And that's continuing with all the members of the band to this day."

Last month, Halford dismissed the idea of retirement, telling Ned of the Waterloo, Iowa radio station Rock 108: "I think if your desire is still there, if your passion is still there, if you can still deliver the goods, to quote a PRIEST song, if you're moving along and the machine's not too wobbly, you can still get from A to B on one wheel, as long as it looks good and sounds good and all the other pieces are in place, why would you wanna retire? I wouldn't know what to do with my life if I suddenly couldn't do this beautiful work. I need to do it. It's part of me that I need to do to live as a person because I love it so much. And I think I'm speaking for everybody in PRIEST. And that's the leading light that pushes through. That's what keeps you carrying on. You marry that instantly with our glorious fans here in America and around the world that have kept this heavy metal machine rolling, because we can't do this alone. We'd look pretty dumb going into an arena if there's nobody in there. You need people there. That's part of the experience. It completes you. A live show completes the love of your band. It's like going to see your favorite basketball team or football team. You can watch them on the TV, you can get the shirt, you can see them on the Internet, but going to see them live, going to support them live is the ultimate commitment and dedication. So our fans are the biggest part of this story. We're nothing without our fans. It's true."

This past March, Hill was asked by Spain's Rock FM if he and his bandmates have thought about a possible retirement yet. The 72-year-old bassist responded: "No, we have no plan to retire yet. We're still able to perform. The time to think about retiring is when your performances start to dip and you're not doing too well. You have to think about it then. We're not stupid; we know that we're not getting any younger and that there will be a time when we have to retire, but there's no plans to do so just yet."

Earlier that same month, Halford was asked by Germany's Rock Antenne if there is an end to JUDAS PRIEST. The now-73-year-old singer responded: "No, no. It's a good question. And no. I think once you start thinking about the end, you start to kind of deflate and decompress and the light starts to get a bit dim. I think all of us in this band, we're just so grateful to be where we are with this 19th studio album, 'Invincible Shield'. I think if you say, 'One more tour and then we're gonna call it quits,' or, 'One more album. Then we'll call it quits.' … Hey, listen, life is life. We all have the emotions, 'Oh, god. I've gotta work today. I just wanna stay in bed and watch the TV.' It's perfectly normal. But you have to balance that up against all these great things that JUDAS PRIEST has been blessed to achieve. And this thing about responsibility as well — I've gotta tell you, you owe your fans everything. So we've gotta come back to Germany, gotta come back to Austria, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, New Zealand, Australia. All of our beautiful fans are waiting and waiting and waiting to see this band again and celebrate this music that we make with JUDAS PRIEST."

In February, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner was asked by Mexico's Summa Inferno how much longer he thinks the band can keep touring and recording. He responded: "Well, it's not for me to say, really. Those guys were the originators of PRIEST metal and they're still doing it and it's up to them, really. If they ever feel like they don't wanna do it or they can't do it anymore, that's for them to decide.

"When I joined the band, it was only for one tour, and that was gonna be the farewell tour. So, obviously, I've had to think about what I'm gonna do after PRIEST from that time. For all I know, that was gonna be the only tour, [and] then I'd have to do something after that. So it's always been a part of my mindset. But as long as PRIEST are here and we all wanna do it together and they wanna do it and push on, then I'm here for it. I'm here to fly the flag for them however long they wanna do it."

Back in 2019, Hill told Canada's "Thorn Of Rock" radio show that there were no plans for the band to retire anytime soon. "We've done it for 50 years, and it would just seem strange if we stopped," he said. "Having said that, we thoroughly enjoy what we're doing, which is a main motivation these days. And there's no reason to stop. As long as can put on quality performances and put out quality music, we'll keep on doing so. And as long as the fine people who are the PRIEST fans are happy with that, there's no reason for us to stop."

Hill is the sole remaining original member of PRIEST, which formed in 1969. Halford joined the group in 1973 and Tipton signed on in 1974. Rob left PRIEST in the early 1990s to form his own band, then came back to PRIEST in 2003. Original guitarist K.K. Downing parted ways with the band in 2011, and was replaced by Faulkner.

Halford was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020 after experiencing symptoms for at least a couple of years. In July of that year, Rob underwent prostatectomy, an operation where the entire prostate gland is removed plus some of the tissue around it, including the seminal vesicles. After more cancer was found in 2021, he went through radiation treatments and eventually got then all-clear. He also had an appendectomy after a tumor was discovered on his appendix.

Faulkner suffered an acute cardiac aortic dissection during the band's performance at the Louder Than Life festival in September 2021. Faulkner was rushed to the UofL Health - Jewish Hospital where the cardiothoracic surgery team needed approximately 10 hours to complete a life-saving surgery.

Halford's cancer battle and Faulkner's acute cardiac aortic dissection are not the only health scares the members of PRIEST have had to deal with in recent years. Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease more than 15 years ago but announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of PRIEST's "Firepower" album. He was replaced by "Firepower" and "Invincible Shield" producer Andy Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.

"Invincible Shield" arrived on March 8 via Sony Music.

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