Foo Fighters Guitarist Missing Tour Dates
Foo Fighter fans may notice a missing member on select tour dates as longtime guitarist Pat Smear recovers from a foot injury. According to the Foo Fighters, Smear will miss "a few dates" on the band's current tour due to a broken foot that they say was sustained in a "bizarre gardening accident." Beck and St. Vincent guitarist Jason Falkner will serve as his replacement for three shows set to take place in Mexico, Los Angeles and Texas. The band shared they'll miss their beloved member while noting they "want him fully healed and back on his feet as soon as possible."
Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler Says He's Using AI Singer To Help Craft New Music
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler is getting some help from AI for his new solo album. The musician opened up about the project during a Q-and-A session at the Steel City Con in Pennsylvania last month. Butler said he's been going through all the material he's written since the 80s and is using artificial intelligence to help bring them to life. He explained that not having a singer held him back before AI came along. Butler said he's updated his songs and is now using an AI singer. The upcoming album will mark his first solo record in 20 years.
The one instrument Jack White wished he was better known for
Jack White, known for his work with The White Stripes, has become a guitar hero for many fans with his raw and electrifying approach to the instrument. Despite his success as a guitarist, White revealed during a Q&A session that his true passion was for playing the drums. He explained that he only gravitated towards the guitar because it connected with people more easily, likening the experience to a stand-up comedian finding unexpected success in theatre. White's revelation sheds light on his musical journey and the unexpected path that led him to become a guitar icon.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers song that made Anthony Kiedis relapse
Anthony Kiedis, the frontman of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has a dark past marked by drug use and controversial relationships. The band's rise to fame in the late 1980s and mid-1990s was fueled by hedonistic behavior and unlimited drug access. Tragedy struck in 1988 when the band's guitarist, Hillel Slovak, died of a heroin overdose, prompting Kiedis to confront his own addiction. Music became a saving grace for Kiedis, providing an outlet for his struggles and helping him stay sober. Despite rocky years ahead, this pivotal moment marked a turning point in Kiedis's career.
The Woman on This Iconic Deftones Album Cover Wasn’t a Groupie, She Was Just ‘Lisa’
The cover art of Deftones' second album, "Around the Fur," featuring a woman in a jacuzzi, has become iconic in music history. In a recent interview with Jenkem, the model and photographer revealed the story behind the image. The model, Lisa Hughes, was not a groupie but a friend of the band during the recording in Seattle. Despite some criticism, Hughes appreciates the image and its unique aesthetic. The cover art continues to be celebrated by Deftones fans for its cool and risqué look.
Iron Maiden hail 'The Trooper' being played in 'Stranger Things' finale
Iron Maiden's classic track 'The Trooper' was featured in the final episode of 'Stranger Things,' marking a significant moment for the band. The show's finale, which aired on New Year's Day, paid tribute to the heroics of metalhead Eddie Munson. The use of music in the show has previously led to a surge in streaming numbers for other artists like David Bowie. Iron Maiden expressed their excitement about the inclusion of their song in the show and encouraged fans to watch the finale on Netflix. The show's creators revealed that the character of Eddie inspired elements of the finale, emphasizing themes of unity and embracing individuality.
Panic! At The Disco Share Updated 4K Version Of 'Build God, Then We'll Talk' Video
Panic! At The Disco has released a remastered music video for the closing track of their album 'A Fever You Can't Sweat Out', titled 'Build God, Then We'll Talk'. The video features the character Porno Mime and explores the highs and lows of a performer's life. The restored video is visually stunning and may not be suitable for public viewing due to its content. This release coincides with the upcoming 20th-anniversary edition of the album, which includes remastered tracks, unreleased demos, and a live performance on vinyl and digital formats.
Yungblud Says Part 2 of ‘Idols’ Album is ‘Imminent’ and It Will Be a ‘Little Bit More Cynical’
Yungblud is working on an untitled upcoming album with producer Andrew Watt, aiming for a minimalist sound that is live and band-oriented. The album will be a departure from his previous maximalist approach on "Idols." The first part of the album earned him Grammy nominations, and the second part is set to arrive soon with a song titled "I Need You to Make the World Seem Fine." Yungblud described the upcoming album as a journey from self-reclamation to facing the realities of the world, with a darker and more cynical tone.
Tiger Woods hosting 50th bash with Bon Jovi, Masters menu and own title sponsor
Tiger Woods celebrated his 50th birthday with a lavish gala at The Breakers in Palm Beach, sponsored by Ernst & Young. The event featured a performance by Jon Bon Jovi and a menu inspired by Woods' Masters Champions Dinners. The party also marked the launch of the TGR Foundation's 30th anniversary campaign, with a fundraising goal of $50 million to expand educational programs. Despite ongoing recovery from back surgery, Woods continues to make an impact both on and off the golf course.
Goo Goo Dolls Go Ga-Ga Over Bills Playing ‘Iris’ As Last Song at Highmark Stadium: ‘Incredible Honor’
The Buffalo Bills played their final game at Highmark Stadium, their home for 53 years, before moving to a new venue next door. After securing a playoff spot, the team celebrated with a highlight reel set to the Goo Goo Dolls' hit song "Iris," which recently reached 3 billion streams on Spotify. Fan-shot footage captured the entire stadium singing along to the 1998 track, showcasing the strong connection between the band and the Buffalo community. Goo Goo Dolls expressed their gratitude for the honor of having their song played as the last at Highmark Stadium in a social media post.
John Corabi to Release First Solo Album 'New Day' Featuring Guns N' Roses, Winger Musicians
John Corabi is set to release his first solo album, "New Day," on April 24 through Frontiers Music Srl. The album was recorded in Nashville studios last summer with Marti Frederiksen handling production and various musicians contributing to the tracks. The title track, "New Day," already has a music video and showcases a blend of classic rock, soul, and blues influences. Corabi describes the album as a collection of eclectic, organic songs reminiscent of the music he grew up listening to, with a European tour scheduled to support the release.
Puscifer Preview Comic Book Series With New Song
Puscifer is teasing a new comic book series with a new song. The track is called "ImpetuoUs" and the accompanying music video features semi animated comic panels from the "Tales from the Pusciverse" comic book series.Additional details about the series have yet to be announced. "ImpetuoUs" marks the third and final single of Puscifer's upcoming album "Normal Isn't." It's scheduled to be released in tandem with "Tales from the Pusciverse" on February 6th.
Depeche Mode Concert Film Heading To Netflix
A Depeche Mode concert film is heading to Netflix. "Depeche Mode: M" explores Mexico's relationship with music, mortality and tradition, and is framed by the band's sold-out run in Mexico City. The film makers describe the feature-length documentary as a "powerful tribute to the unbreakable connection between music, tradition, and the human spirit." The film captures Depeche Mode's three performances at the Foro Sol Stadium in September, 2023. "Depeche Mode: M" will be available on Netflix starting tomorrow.
JUDAS PRIEST: Halford Marks 40 Years Sober
Judas Priest singer Rob Halford marked 40 years of sobriety on Tuesday. In an Instagram post Halford said that "Over these years, I've learned that sobriety isn't just about staying clean, it's the presence of clarity, purpose and connectivity -- a gift of showing up for my life each day for the people I love." He also had a message for those who are thinking about getting sober. "To those of you who may be considering that first step on to the journey with me, I hope that my own journey proves that recovery is possible. Hope is real, and each day at a time is a chance to begin again." Halford and Priest start a European tour on July 25th in Germany.
STING: A Year Later
Last January, a throat infection forced Sting to cancel his appearance at the Bass Magazine Awards, where he was being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as postponing shows in Phoenix and Wheatland, California. A year later he's finally received his award and posted a video on Instagram of himself accepting it, along with him reading his speech, which is an ode to his Fender bass that he wrote in 2001. He said, "There are few artifacts of the 20th century as consistently recognized and recognizable as the Fender bass. Those elegant functional lines have etched themselves into our consciousness for over half a century. A Fender bass can shake a room with its thunder or moan softly like a sleeping giant. The bass is the ground of all harmony, the root, the foundation of all musical structure.
“A Fender bass has been my constant companion for most of my life, a brother to me, sister. The loom on which I have woven dreams and stories, and my oldest friend.”
Sting is in Amsterdam, where he will star in 22 performances of his musical, The Last Ship, starting on January 14th. He'll follow that up with performances in Paris in February and March, Brisbane, Australia in April and May, and New York in June.
Wolfgang Van Halen Says Father's Rhythm Playing and Songwriting Often Overlooked
Wolfgang Van Halen believes his father, Eddie Van Halen, is underrated as a rhythm guitar player and songwriter. He emphasized Eddie's songwriting and rhythm skills as the foundation for his technical prowess. Wolfgang also praised AC/DC's Malcolm Young as the greatest rhythm guitarist in history. These comments are in line with his previous discussions on musicianship and effective songwriting, drawing comparisons between technical skill and songwriting effectiveness. Wolfgang shared insights into his father's playing style and influences in interviews with Guitar World.
AC/DC, EAGLES & OASIS: Up for More Hardware
Nominees for the 37th annual Pollstar Awards have been announced. Oasis are up for Major Tour of the Year along with Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter and Tate McRae. Oasis are also up for Rock Tour of the Year along with AC/DC,
Metallica, Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, and Sleep Token. With residencies being all the rage, it's time for the Residency of the Year award, and four of the six nominees held theirs at the Sphere in Las Vegas. They are:
- Eagles - Sphere
- Dead & Company - Sphere
- Backstreet Boys - Sphere
- Kenny Chesney - Sphere
- Bad Bunny - Coliseo de Puerto Rico San Juan, PR
- New Kids on the Block - Dolby Live at Park MGM in Vegas
In the Music Festival of the Year with more than 30,000 in attendance, the nominees are:
- Austin City Limits Music Festival - Austin, TX
- Bourbon & Beyond - Louisville, KY
- Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival - Indio, CA
- Lollapalooza - Chicago, IL
- Louder Than Life - Louisville, KY
- Osheaga - Montreal, QC
Music Festival of the Year (under 30K attendance):
- High Water Festival - North Charleston, SC
- Hinterland Festival - Saint Charles, IA
- Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival - Mansfield, OH
- (Eddie Vedder's) Ohana Festival - Dana Point, CA
- Treefort Music Fest - Boise, ID
- Two Step Inn - Georgetown, TX
International Music Festival of the Year:
- BST Hyde Park - London
- Corona Capital Festival - Mexico City
- Glastonbury - Pilton, UK
- Osheaga - Montreal, QC
- Primavera Sound - Barcelona, Spain
- Tomorrowland - Boom, Belgium
This year’s Pollstar Awards will be held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles on April 15th.
IN OTHER NEWS
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson paid tribute to their late Rush bandmate Neil Peart on the sixth anniversary of his death – January 7th, 2020 – by posting a photo on their socials of him in a London studio in 1978. They captioned it: “The man knew how to rock a ’stache … So hard to believe it’s been 6 years … never forgotten…” Last month, Peart’s mother Betty died at age 90 and Geddy and Alex posted a photo of all the band members with their moms.
J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf has added nine more dates to his tour, including stops in New York and Detroit. Details at PeterWolf.com. The tour starts on February 13th in Fall River, Massachusetts with 11 shows through April 25th in Maine.
Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent says after he hopefully sells his new singles for $200 each, he’ll charge $500 apiece for the next batch. Once again Vinnie, good luck.
Los Lobos have announced a spring tour that starts March 27th in San Francisco and wraps up May 17th in Park City, Utah. Tickets go on sale Friday.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has posted video of Soundgaren and Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless doing "Rusty Cage" at last November's induction ceremony in which Soundgarden were inducted. Watch it on YouTube.