Metallica frontman James Hetfield takes the cover of Cigar Aficionado's April issue - which hits newsstands today. He discusses his new cigar line, shyness, self-criticism and more ahead of Metallica's newest album launch, 72 Seasons. We were sent some quotes from the feature:
On self-criticism, and performing with his bandmates: "I know individually we're all really average players, but when you put us together something happens. Something really happens....Getting up and jamming with people is like a nightmare for me."
On Metallica's 2009 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where they were joined on stage by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, the late Jeff Beck, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones and Joe Perry of Aerosmith: "I felt so inadequate. And it's a head game for me. I'm a perfectionist. And kind of a people pleaser. Most musicians are insecure." (continue)
Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp, the experiential music camp giving ordinary people the opportunity to live out their rock star fantasies, announced today a once-in-a-lifetime chance to jam with Pete Best, drummer for The Beatles prior to Ringo Starr.
Iconic musicians Tom Hamilton, founding member and bassist for Aerosmith, and Darryl Jones, bassist for The Rolling Stones, will join Best at The Camp in New York City July 13-16, 2023. (continue)
Designed in collaboration with Green Day's legendary guitarist, Billie Joe Armstrong, Gibson is proud to unveil the new Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior. The new Gibson Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior is available worldwide at authorized Gibson dealers and on www.gibson.com.
"The single cut 50's Les Paul Jr has been the root of my guitar tone for over 20 years," says Billie Joe Armstrong. "Ever since I bought 'Floyd' my 1956 Sunburst Jr, in the early 2000's I have been addicted. It's a simple, raw, and powerful guitar that has a sound that just can't be beat! Plug it straight into any tube amp, crank it and it will roar!" (continue)
(hennemusic) Def Leppard is sharing footage from recent shows in Chile and Brazil on the latest episode of their "Behind The World Tour" video series. The feature gives fans a look at the UK group's offstage and onstage antics while documenting their 2023 global concert series with Motley Crue.
Episode three sees Def Leppard hooking up with noted rock photographer Ross Halfin for a photo shoot in a Santiago graveyard on a day off from performing, which they did on March 3 before an enthusiastic crowd at Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida. (continue)
The String Cheese Incident is excited to announce their 2023 Colorado Incidents. The band kicks things off with two nights, July 11-12, at the beautiful Dillon Amphitheater located on the shore of the Dillon Dam, surrounded by the picturesque Colorado Rockies.
The Incidents continue July 14-16 at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Friday at Red Rocks will see SCI combine with rock legend John Fogerty to form a one night super group, the John Fogerty Incident. (continue)
More The String Cheese Incident News
Legendary punk band Subhumans announced a United States with support from Cop/Out and Upchuck on select dates!
This tour comes after a reissue of Subhumans' first 6 LPs which were all remastered from the original tapes. These records were pressed on several different versions with fans from around the globe quickly snatching up copies. (continue)
Larkin Poe performed their single, "Bad Spell," on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night. The song, which Rebecca Lovell describes as "a female response" to Screamin' Jay Hawkins' classic "I Put a Spell on You," is on Larkin Poe's acclaimed latest album, Blood Harmony.
Blood Harmony affirms Larkin Poe as an essential force in shaping the identity of Southern rock 'n' roll, breathing new energy into the genre with both a forward-thinking perspective and a decidedly feminine strength. In a departure from the self-contained approach of past albums like 2020's Self Made Man - praised by American Songwriter as "pumped up for arena-sized consumption without compromising any of its stripped-down command and intensity" - Larkin Poe co-produced the new album alongside Texas-bred musician Tyler Bryant (also Rebecca's husband). (continue)
Delain recently released their highly-anticipated new studio album, 'Dark Waters', out now via Napalm Records! To celebrate their latest masterpiece, the band has just announced an exciting North American tour to take place this fall 2023. The tour will feature support from labelmates and fellow symphonic metal frontrunners Visions Of Atlantis, who will release their new live album, 'Pirates Over Wacken', on March 31, 2023.
Kicking off on September 9 in Atlanta, GA at Prog Power USA, the tour will visit several major cities across North America, ending in Los Angeles, CA on September 24. Tickets are on sale now - make sure to get yours soon before this hot ticket sells out! (continue)
Who On Earth have released a new track, titled "Ascension/Unbeaten". The song is a stripped down, orchestral version of the track "Unbeaten" from the group's debut album 'Blame'.
This variation from the original version delivers a unique and emotionally powerful message of perseverance, and showcases the musical versatility of Who On Earth - proving their capacity for great anthems and crossover potential. (continue)
Another Day Dawns have shared the video for their crackling new single "Bitter", which was directed by Max Portnoy (drummer for Code Orange, Tallah).
"'Bitter' really goes to the root of uncomfortable situations with people in our lives that never get addressed, and there's just this kinda 'off' feeling about them," singer Dakota Sean explains, offering insight into the track. "In this case, it's a parental figure that left at a young age, which made me go through life in a bitter way. As I've gotten older, I've learned that separation really is the best defense in these scenario (continue)
The Bomboras have announced that they will return with their first album in 25 years - "Songs From Beyond!" - out May 5th on MuSick Recordings.
Glamorous go go girls, looming tiki heads, and Farfisa organs (literally) ablaze are just some of the lasting impressions left by cult '90s L.A. neo-surf band The Bomboras. Now this famously incendiary act is not only picking up where it left off a quarter-century ago, but has returned more inspired and accomplished than ever on long-awaited comeback album Songs From Beyond!, coming from MuSick Recordings on May 5. (continue)
Greg Puciato, former vocalist of The Dillinger Escape Plan, and man of multiple bands (Killer Be Killed, Jerry Cantrell, and The Black Queen), ventures out on his first solo tour this Spring, with dates stretching across North America.
"Gonna take a big ol' North American road trip with some friends, booked some shows along the way to justify it to myself, and pay for gas." says Puciato. "I'd love to see as many of you as possible, old fans and new, and everyone in between. Let's make some memorable nights together. This is the first time I've gone on tour for the records that I started releasing under my own name back in 2020, and it'll possibly be the only tour under my own name for the foreseeable future. Come on down!" (continue)
Ripple Music announces the release of "Turned To Stone Chapter 8: The Wake", the new split record featuring Southwestern heavy and stoner rock merchants High Desert Queen and Blue Heron, to be issued on May 26th, 2023.
About joining forces with High Desert Queen, Blue Heron frontman Jadd Shickler says: "We dig High Desert Queen as musicians and as people. We invited them to Albuquerque to play the release party for our first single, which I think was their first-ever out-of-town gig. They returned the favor by having us play with them at Ripplefest Texas last summer, and I think all of us in Blue Heron are pretty impressed by their go-getter attitude. Along with all that, several of us are actual friends outside of band stuff, so it just felt like a natural pairing that Todd at Ripple was on board with. We're stoked that it worked out, and with luck, we'll be playing some shows with them to promote the record later this year!" (continue)
Resolve have today returned with their brand new single "Death Awaits," out now via Arising Empire. It's a track that is both positive and beautifully brutal all at the same time. It follows the band's debut album Between Me and The Machine and sets out a new era for Resolve, with a relentless touring schedule ahead.
Bassist Robin Mariat says "'Death Awaits' is a creed. Down the line, we all end up the same, and that's something we should embrace and not fear. But while death is - at least in our society - often perceived as something sad and solemn, our track is nearly the opposite: upbeat and ferocious with an hopeful chorus. Creating the music video for this song was the most fun we've had in ages. We gathered about 100 fans and friends, and celebrated our love for life the only way we know how: By beating our skulls to the sound of music together. We especially cannot wait to play this track live on our upcoming European tour starting next week!" (continue)
Closure in Moscow have released a video for their new single "Better Way", a preview of the band's Oct. 27 album, Soft Hell (Bird's Robe Records).
"This is the first song that our producer Andrei serendipitously hear the demo of in a livestream, leading to a meet up and kicking off the entire production process, so it feels completely fitting to have it be the first taste people get of the album," explains singer Christopher de Cinque. "It's also the song that feels most like a return to the songwriting sensibilities of our early work, while still reflecting how the band has evolved." (continue)
Ween has unveiled plans for an upcoming US tour - the band's first extensive national headline run since they reunited in 2016. The newly announced dates begin July 28 at Los Angeles, CA's famed Greek Theatre and then continue through early September. Highlights of the 14-show run includes visits to Oakland, CA's Fox Theater (July 29), Morrison, CO's Red Rocks Amphitheatre (August 3), Chicago, IL's Salt Shed Outdoors (September 9), and New York City's The Rooftop at Pier 17 (September 14).
Tickets Today Artist Presales begin Wednesday, March 22 at 10:00 am (local) exclusively here. Venue, radio, and local presales - including a special Brooklyn Vegan presale for New York City's Pier 17 (Password: BOOGNISH) - begin Thursday, March 23 at 10:00 am (local). All presales conclude Thursday, March 23 at 10:00 pm (local). All remaining tickets will be released to the general public on Friday, March 24 at 12:00 pm (ET)/9:00 am (PT). (continue)
The High Strung announce their double-single release, "Different Animal" (A-side) and "Telescope" (B-side), out March 30. Singer/songwriting duo Josh Malerman (New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box) and Mark Owen compose a playful and contemplative banter, passing the baton to one another as each track delves between the synapses of storytelling. Produced by Jason Berkowitz and Zach Shipps (Electric Six), the singles are off the band's newest studio album, set to release May 5 on Paper Thin Records.
While the singles are akin in lineage and put forth honest, revealing views by illuminating the uncertainties of life, they do so from different storytelling approaches. Written by Owen, the upbeat "Different Animal" features him on lead vocals with harmonies by Allison Laakko. The single captures the catharsis of getting over a bad and necessary breakup. Sing-a-long melodies dance between Roman references to Nero's fire and culminate in the crazed piano outro that becomes "Telescope." (continue)
Kentucky based post-hardcore quintet Picturesque released their fiery new single & video "Strange Habits", which will appear on their newly announced six track EP IYKYK ('if you know, you know') due out April 21st on Equal Vision Records.
This new single is a follow up to last month's "Hopeless", which marked the return of the band after a several year hiatus following their critically acclaimed sophomore LP Do You Feel O.K?. Born out of a post-hardcore scene that's often characterized more by aggression than accessibility, the five-piece steadfastly refuse to be boxed or pigeonholed, and they're set on embracing musical tropes not traditionally associated with heavy music. (continue)
Alcatrazz today unleash their furious new single, "Battlelines." Taken from the band's upcoming new studio album, Take No Prisoners, set for release via Silver Lining Music on May 19th, the track sees Alcatrazz delivering an epic heavy metal anthem, brimming with metallic chugging riffs, soaring melodic vocals, and ear-splitting drums.
"'Battlelines' is one of the songs we feel is very representative of the direction the band is at now and where we are going, which is powerful, heavy, and melodic metal in that British and European style," enthuses Alcatrazz keyboardist and co-founding member Jimmy Waldo. "In the mid-1980s, Alcatrazz strayed far too much from the direction of our debut album, that first record set the blueprint of what the band was all about and with the recent two albums over the last couple years and now even more so with this new one, Take No Prisoners, we are finally establishing the true sound of the band. If fans give this a listen, they will hopefully find a lot to like!" (continue)
Immortal have completed work on their upcoming new studio album, War Against All, due to be released on May 26th via Nuclear Blast Records. The band's 10th studio album will feature 8 new songs in the classic, frostbitten Immortal style. Today, Immortal release their first song, the album title track 'War Against All', delivering just what fans have been waiting for - classic Immortal Blashyrkh metal!
The band ́s founder Demonaz stated: "War Against All was the first track I wrote for this album. It's a fast one where the riffs are mostly inspired by my riffs from Battles in the North. The lyrics are in the true Blashyrkh battle feel and mood for an opening track too. The frosty, raw, and fast battle songs in this style mean everything to me. I will never forget the early years, or disappoint the fans with slowing down the pace. (continue)
Peter Gabriel announces thirteen additional cities on his massive North America run of i/o - The Tour. Newly added shows on the Live Nation produced tour include Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Palm Springs, Denver, Austin, Dallas and Houston.
i/o - The Tour will see Gabriel playing new material from his forthcoming album i/o, as well as delving into his peerless catalogue of music, with hits, fan favourites and the unexpected. For the shows, Gabriel will be joined by regular band-mates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché. Additionally, new music from the i/o album is being released on the full moon of each month. The March song release is called Playing For Time. (continue)
Kickstarting their first headlining tour in over fourteen years, today heavy metal band Mudvayne announced The Psychotherapy Sessions.
Produced by Live Nation, the 26-city tour kicks off on July 20th in West Palm Beach at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre making stops across the U.S. in Syracuse, Albuquerque, Phoenix, and more before wrapping up in Englewood, CO at FIddler's Green Amphitheatre on August 26th. (continue)
Nashville rockers Country Westerns have shared new track "Grapefruit," accompanied by an official music video by Miranda Zipse. The track comes from their anticipated sophomore LP Forgive The City, due April 28, 2023 via Fat Possum Records. Marking the band's second full-length release for Fat Possum, Forgive The City is also their second to be helmed by famed producer Matt Sweeney (who also contributes his lead guitar stylings to a few tracks).
"'Grapefruit' has Country Westerns' frontman Joey Plunket singing from a bartender's point of view - and he lets it rip like he's been wound up by years of endless night shifts," says Sweeney. The result is as sharp as a spray of citrus in your eye, but way more f'n fun." (continue)
Prog rock legend Steve Hackett will be revisiting his stellar work with Genesis when he launches the North American leg of his 'Genesis Revisited: Foxtrot and Fifty + Hackett Highlights Tour' in the fall (which will be predated by a tour throughout Europe in the spring).
"I'm thrilled to be bringing my 'Genesis Revisited: Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights' tour to the USA and Canada in the autumn, and very much look forward to seeing you all then!" (continue)
Mercury Records will release A Night At The Family Dog (1970), Go Ride The Music and West Pole (1969), three psychedelic trips down memory lane, on May 12 as a 2 DVD package, complete with new artwork and '60s-styled poster. All three films were originally produced and created as groundbreaking television documentaries by Ralph J. Gleason [1917-1975] who did more than any other journalist to hip the world to what was shakin' in San Francisco in the late '60s.
A Night At The Family Dog held on February 4, 1970, featured the brightest three lights of the Bay Area, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead and Santana. These three bands would define a scene that had the whole world wondering what exactly was going on in the Haight-Ashbury section of San Francisco. A Night At The Family Dog starts with two iconic Santana performances before Grateful Dead covers Otis Redding. Jefferson Airplane then splits the club wide open with their patented incendiary and provocative performance style. And when Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady and Paul Kantner kick out the jams to end it all, all hell breaks loose. The original mono recording has been remixed and remastered. (continue)
Lollapalooza has unveiled a powerhouse lineup for the 2023 edition, featuring first-time headliners Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish along with Red Hot Chili Peppers, ODESZA, Lana Del Rey, Karol G, who will make history as the first female Latin artist to headline Lolla, British superstars The 1975, and a triumphant return from Tomorrow X Together. This year's lineup also includes highly anticipated performances from Fred again.., Noah Kahan, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, J.I.D., Maggie Rogers, Carly Rae Jepsen, Diplo, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and many more. The year's biggest celebration of music will take place August 3-6 with over 170 bands, nine stages and four full days of music and programming in Chicago's crown jewel, Grant Park.
Fans can sign up now for the SMS Presale that begins this Thursday, March 23 at 10am CT at www.lollapalooza.com to secure 4-Day General Admission at the Tier 1 price of $365 (while supplies last) as well as 4-Day GA+, VIP, and Platinum Tickets. A public on-sale will follow with any remaining tickets. For the full list of amenities visit www.lollapalooza.com/premium. Layaway Plans are also available on all ticket types starting at $20 down. (continue)
Sleeping With Sirens have today announced their upcoming Family Tree Tour across the United States with Dayseeker and MAGS as support.
Having recently toured across Australia, Europe and wrapping up their UK tour tonight, this new run of shows begins on May 16 in Little Rock, AR, and wraps up in Riverside, CA on June 2. (continue)
More Sleeping With Sirens News
"I let myself tap in and reset with this one creatively," says The Rocket Summer brainchild Bryce Avary about his newly announced studio album Shadowkasters, due out on May 12 .
This follows the release of previous singles "M4U," and "Stuck Inside Your Light" (Named by Rolling Stone as a Song You Need To Know). A departure from what some might expect from the piano-driven alt-pop rocker, the new album dives deeper into the synth-enriched waters he waded in on his most recent albums and swims effortlessly into darker, keyboard-driven and affected guitar depths. "I felt this tangible tug to tap into the long inherent but sonically neglected places of my heart and simply begin exhaling from there," continues Avary. "What happened was a creative release and outflow that I've never really had before." (continue)
British Heavy Metal legends Saxon unleash the high-octane second single, "Razamanaz", from More Inspirations - out this Friday, March 24th via Silver Lining Music.
Following the release of Inspirations in 2021, More Inspirations is the second 'deep dish' serving of the influences which have fed the mighty Saxon's immensely successful 40+ year career. The second single is a striking take on Nazareth's "Razamanaz". (continue)
Liverpool's The Room presents 'Sleepless', a song inspired by the modern-day phenomenon of internet addiction, social media and news junkies. Following lead track 'The Drift', this is the latest offering from their 'Restless Fate' LP, the band's first new recordings in 38 years. Producer Mark Jordan has also created accompanying videos for both singles.
Originally formed by singer Dave Jackson and bassist Becky Stringer in 1979, they are once again joined by the band's original drummer Clive Thomas, as well as guitarist Darren Brown, keyboardist Ethan Kyme and drummer Tom McCabe. (continue)
Following the release of the band's critically acclaimed "Live at Bush Hall" film, Black Country, New Road have today announced a new live album featuring the set from their three sold out back-to-back shows at Bush Hall in December 2022. The album will be released digitally on 24th March, and physically on 28th April via Ninja Tune
The announcement of the new album also comes alongside the news of the band's biggest headline show to date at Shepherd's Bush Empire, which will take place on 10th October following live dates across the world including the band's first ever tour in Japan and dates in Indonesia and Taiwan, as well as an array of festival appearances including a performance at c6 Fest In Brazil, their Glastonbury Festival debut on the West Holts stage, four different sets across various Primavera Sound events in Spain, as well as further European festivals such as Best Kept Secret, Super Bock Super Rock, Motel Mozaïque festival, and more. The band will also embark on a largely sold-out UK headline tour in May. Tickets for the new London date will go on sale 24th March to coincide with the live album's digital release. (continue)
More Black Country New Road News
Fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith will be able to see his artistry in a whole new way during Punk Rock & Paintbrushes pop-up gallery exhibitions held at festivals this spring and summer. Smith leads the list of talent contributing original paintings that will be on display at both BeachLife Festival, held May 5-7 in Redondo Beach, California as well as Summerfest in Milwaukee June 22-24, June 29-July 1 and July 6-8.
Punk Rock & Paintbrushes has a mission to show the intersection of music and art by producing onsite art exhibits at various galleries and music festivals around the world and showcasing musicians' creativity in a whole new light, as expressed through their original artwork. (continue)
More Red Hot Chili Peppers News
Neal Schon has shared a live video for the Journey classic "Lights" to announce the release of his "Journey Through Time" live package on May 19, 2023, which features his special performance that was recorded on February 9, 2018 at The Independent In San Francisco, CA.
This is the show where Neal Schon, founding member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted band Journey, first debuted 'Journey Through Time' along with two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and former Journey and Santana bandmate, Gregg Rolie. Joining Schon and Rolie were current Journey member Deen Castronovo on vocals and drums, Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) on bass, and John Varn on keyboards and vocals. (continue)
John Diva & The Rockets of Love just released their new album "The Big Easy", and to celebrate we asked John to tell us about the song "Runaway Train". Here is the story:
During the pre-production for The Big Easy, I tinkered with some of my old cars and had to drive them every day to get the old engines from the 70s and 80s running again. This made me drive around the streets nearby the studio again and again, often at similar times. It was then that I noticed a group of kids, just teenagers, hanging out at the bus stop. Typical small town behavior, I thought. Everything is so obvious: this is the only way out, to where the supposed real life is raging. The pathetic bus stop becomes the gateway to the world, the interface between depression, dreams, longing and departure. One of the kids stood out in particular, he looked different, not as standardized as the others. He had a style of his own and something fearless in his look, mixed with anger and impatience. And of course, he was the only one who wore long hair - no wonder he got my special attention. He triggered me, and in the days that followed, I slipped deep back into my own youth - remembering details, faces, stories, triumphs and defeats - much that I had actually forgotten. I could suddenly really feel like I did back then. These memories overlapped with the Kid from the stop, and I tried to imagine his dreams, which may not be so dissimilar to mine were. (continue)
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