• New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert Passes Away

    New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert has sadly passed away at the age 45. This news comes amid his lengthy battle with cancer.

    The following statement was issued:

    “On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep. He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished. We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.

    ‘Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings. While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had. His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.’

    Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever ❤️
    Lisa, Jordan, Ian, Cyrus, and Dan”

  • DragonForce Singer Marc Hudson Is “Stepping Back” From The Band “Due To An Ongoing Issue With Tinnitus”

    DragonForce’s Marc Hudson is “stepping back” from the band “due to an ongoing issue with tinnitus.” The singer will be replaced by Alessio Garavello.

    DragonForce commented:

    “Due to an ongoing issue with tinnitus, Marc Hudson is stepping back from DragonForce music duties for now including the forthcoming album and touring plans in 2026/2027. In the meantime, he’ll still very much be involved with DRAGONFORCE behind the scenes, working with the band’s management on some exciting stuff you’ll start seeing later this year!

    Joining us for the next chapter is our longtime friend and Marc’s former vocal coach, Alessio Garavello. He will be handing the male vocals supporting frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz.

    DragonForce’s forthcoming album will feature a dual-vocals format, with new songs dropping starting next week.”

    Guitarist Herman Li continued:

    “For the last fifteen years, Marc has poured his heart into this band, and his voice has become such a huge part of who we are. Protecting his hearing isn’t something we’d ever ask him to compromise on. We’d much rather have him healthy and with us for the long haul than push through now and risk that. He’s still in the room with us every day, just wearing a different hat, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

    Guitarist Sam Totman added:

    “When we started talking about who could step in, there was really only one name on the list. Alessio has been part of our story longer than most people realize. He helped shape Marc’s voice in the first place, so he understands these songs from the inside. But he’s not here to be anyone but himself, and he brings his own warmth and energy to everything he sings. Hearing him on the new material has lit a real spark in all of us, and we think you’re going to love him as much as we do.”

  • Forbidden’s Matt Camacho And Chris Kontos To Sit Out Fall Tour

    Forbidden bassist Matt Camacho and drummer Chris Kontos will be sitting out the band’s upcoming U.S. tour. During their absences, bassist Avery Thurman and drummer Eli Lucas will be filling in.

    Forbidden said the following:

    “Hello, Forbidden People. We’re letting you all know that Matt & Chris unfortunately can’t be a part of our upcoming US tour with Heathen & Void, starting on October 23rd. They both have personal reasons that they can’t make this trip. Please respect their privacy as we do and support their decision.

    That being said, they’re both planning on being back in the fold in 2027, as we have a full slate of touring coming up to support our first new album in 16 years — a record that both Chris & Matt are a part of and made amazing contributions to.

    We’ve already been preparing/rehearsing the set for the last few weeks with Eli Lucas (drums) & Avery Thurman (bass). Both of these guys are absolutely insane musicians in their own right. Eli was the runner-up as Forbidden’s drummer during our international search back in 2011. He barely missed the cut by a whisker to Sasha Horn, simply because Eli was a little too young & inexperienced at the time. Since then, he’s gained a reputation as one of the Bay Area’s best drummers. Avery is being borrowed from the legendary Blind Illusion for this tour. He’s a 21-year-old bass prodigy who’s been quickly making a name for himself with his insane technique & raging stage presence. Both of them have no shortage of energy & musical prowess. We’re ecstatic to have them aboard for the tour, with the blessings of both Matt & Chris.

    We’re working on a set spanning most of our history, revolving around 18 songs that we can pull in & out each night.

    See you out there on tour starting October 23rd at The Usual Place in Las Vegas.”

    Camacho also commented:

    “There is nothing more satisfying than playing for Forbidden fans, which is why it pains me, due to circumstances out of my control, that I will miss the upcoming US tour.

    I want to thank Avery Thurman from Blind Illusion for stepping in for me, and thank Team Forbidden for understanding.

    This is the first tour I will miss since 1987, and I’ll be super excited to rejoin my brothers in 2027.

    HORNS UP!!!! You’re in good hands. This lineup is insane!”

    Kontos added:

    “Hey everyone, I wanted to share that I will not be able to join Forbidden on the upcoming US tour. It all comes down to some very important family and personal commitments, as well as timing that just doesn’t line up right now.

    I’m really bummed to miss it because I was looking forward to hitting the road with the band and crew and seeing all of you out there.

    Thank you so much for your understanding and support. Please show my replacement, Eli Lucas, the same respect and support you would show me. Eli is a fantastic drummer who will certainly deliver an outstanding performance on this tour.

    I’m hoping I’ll have another chance to tour down the line and see you all again.”

  • Ministry Play “Scarecrow” Live For The First Time Since 2003

    During Ministry’s September 15 set at Red Rocks in Morrison, CO, the band performed “Scarecrow” live for the first time since 2003. You can see fan-filmed footage of that below. Notably, ex-bassist Paul Barker also joined the band for a performance of “Useless.“ Fan-filmed footage of that is available as well.

  • Papa Roach Cancel Their Louder Than Life Set

    Papa Roach have cancelled their set at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, KY due to a medical emergency involving bassist Tobin Esperance. The band issued the following statement:

    “After careful consideration and advice from medical professionals, Papa Roach bassist Tobin Esperance will be unable to perform this weekend due to an unexpected emergency. Therefore, we will not be able to perform at this year’s Louder Than Life Festival, and wish everyone the best. Right now, Tobin‘s health is our immediate concern. We look forward to welcoming him back on stage in November and appreciate the continued support and respect for his privacy during this time.”

  • Bayway Premiere New Song “Violent By Design”

    Bayway have premiered a new song titled “Violent By Design.” The band commented:

    “This song is a reflection of a world we came up in that has gotten progressively worse year after year. It’s a way of mourning a world that at one time felt safe but changed drastically and has never been the same.”

  • Ministry Premiere “Singularity” Video

    Ministry have premiered a new video for their new song “Singularity.” This track is from the band’s new album, “Hate To Go – Take Out Or Delivery,” which will be released on October 30.

  • Bad Company To Release “Live In London” In November

    Bad Company will be releasing a new live album, titled “Live In London,” on November 13. The effort features the band’s October 29, 2016 show at the O2 Arena in London, UK. That set served as the group’s final concert with the late Mick Ralphs.

    “Live In London” Track Listing:

    01. “Live For The Music”
    02. “Gone, Gone, Gone”
    03. “Feel Like Makin’ Love”
    04. “Electricland”
    05. “Burnin’ Sky”
    06. “Run With The Pack”
    07. “Ready For Love”
    08. “Crazy Circles”
    09. “Troubleshooter”
    10. “Movin’ On”
    11. “Shooting Star”
    12. “Can’t Get Enough”
    13. “Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy”
    14. “Bad Company”
    15. “Seagull”

    Paul Rodgers commented:

    “Both the fans and the band were in great form that night in London. The rapport with the audience was deeply felt, and they sang their hearts out. Thinking back to that evening in retrospect, Mick’s song ‘Ready For Love’ was particularly moving, singing ‘Walking down this rocky road wondering where my life is leading’; little did we know that Mick would suffer a stroke just four days after this concert.”

    Simon Kirke added:

    “When Bad Company last played in London, it was at the O2 Arena. We had enjoyed a great tour of England, and it would culminate in this final show. We were all in good spirits. Paul performed brilliantly every night, and Mick was playing with his usual taste and panache… It was the last time I ever played with Mick… Had I known that at the time, I would have hugged him a little tighter and a little longer.”

    A video for the first single, a live version of “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy,” can be found below:

  • Greta Van Fleet Premiere New Song “Tear It Down”

    Greta Van Fleet have premiered a new song titled “Tear It Down.” This track is from the band’s new album, “Palace For The People,” which will be released on October 9.

  • Rival Sons Plan To Enter The Studio In January

    Rival Sons are planning to enter the studio in January to work on their new album. The effort is expected to arrive in late 2027.

    Guitarist Scott Holiday told Mark Strigl the following on SiriusXM’s Ozzy’s Boneyard:

    “We are in the process right now. We have done a little bit of stuff here and there, but not our normal, like, bury ourselves in the studio and get something done inside of a month, which we are going to do, planning like for mid-January. We have ideas. We have a record we want to make.”

    He continued when asked about a late 2027 release:

    “Something like that. Yeah, once the business gets a hold of it, it takes a minute, so hopefully, I would say late summer, hopefully the fall, something like that.”

    [via Blabbermouth]