• Former Godsmack Drummer Shannon Larkin Apologizes To Mötley Crüe Bassist Nikki Sixx Over Backing Track Claims

    As previously reported, Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx recently blasted former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin following his recent backing track accusations. As such, Larkin has now apologized, saying he has “nothing but respect for” Sixx.

    Larkin said the following in part:

    “On my previous stream — it’s a show about music, and I play some music, I talk about the music I wanna release, which is independent. I don’t have some label to do that for me, so I can talk about my bands on the show or whatever And I pull up music news from Metal.net or Blabbermouth or whatever, and I’ll read some news. And for the last couple weeks, there’s been different people, rock stars or whatever, on these rock places like Blabbermouth, and they are opining, giving their opinion, they’re putting their two cents in about the, oh, click tracks and live tracks and what they’re playing live, what’s actually on tape that the audience is seeing. And everybody’s throwing in their two cents: ‘Oh, I, I don’t mind. It makes the band sound better,’ or, ‘Oh, I hate that. It makes everything homogenized.’ But everybody has their own opinion on it in this world that I live in. And so I had just read it, and I read whatever I saw. I can’t remember who was talking about it at that one. And I read it. And so I put in my two cents. But I talked for a while about my two cents on the subject, which was I’m not really for it. That said, you can see the show — it’s on my channel or whatever — and rewatch it because I have nothing against people that do use it… I don’t like to use it. GODSMACK didn’t use it. AMEN didn’t use it. UGLY KID JOE didn’t use it. WRATHCHILD didn’t use it. All the bands I’ve ever been in, we just never used a click track live, and therefore if you run tracks, you have to use a click track. So to me, it takes the danger out of it, and I have this whole weird thing. And so I put my two cents in it, and then where I messed up and started this fucking drama is I used Nikki Sixx as an example of someone that I’ve seen singing at a mic and then walking away from it and his vocal’s still going or whatever, or the bass thing, whatever it is. And I called him out, I guess, but I didn’t… Like I said, it was taken out of context because I was talking about the whole thing and then I kind of said, ‘Like Nikki Sixx does when he’s at the mic.’

    So I wanna make an open letter to Nikki Sixx. And I’m looking at Nikki Sixx, I’m looking at you, and I’m talking to you. You’ll probably never see this. And I didn’t think you’d ever even respond or hopefully wouldn’t see the thing, but I had nothing to do with that.

    That’s why I’m apologizing. I was not doing that to attack you. I had fucking your first record on Leathür Records [MÖTLEY CRÜE’s original record label]. I have nothing but respect for you. You’re a legend, and you’ve deserve all the accolades that you’ve gotten and every award and all those gold records, platinum records, all that shit — you deserve all that.

    I made the mistake, which I’m apologizing for, sincerely too. Look at my eyes talking to you, because I’m sorry. I used you as an example. I’m one of those guys that’s I’m on the… I don’t do the tracks, but I have nothing against bands that do. And fuck, 80% of bands probably run the tracks. I don’t give a fuck.

    On the show, on my show, I read the news or whatever, and I’d seen people talk about it, so I put my two cents in, and then I did — I fucking used you as an example, and for that, I’m sorry. But it popped in my head ’cause I was talking about it.

    I wasn’t trying to get publicity, and you’re so famous, though, that I mentioned you in a sentence just as an example, and I shouldn’t have done that ’cause people take the track thing negatively. But I was being on the fence about the whole issue and just giving my opinion on what I felt. I feel it takes the danger out of it. I don’t like playing with a click unless I’m in the studio, and then it’s my friend, and I love playing with a click, man. And I did, and I’m sorry for that. I didn’t mean to use you as an example. That’s all I’m saying. And there’s nothing wrong with running tracks, man. And fuck it. You still sing great and you’re Nikki Sixx. You can do what you fucking want. And you got as many haters as you got lovers ’cause you’re so famous, but who gives a fuck, right? You’re Nikki Sixx.

    I don’t like beefs. I don’t like that L.A. fucking, like how you guys all hate each other and shit. And then — I don’t know. Beefs suck, and I don’t want to be in a beef. And I didn’t do this for fucking publicity. I don’t give a fuck. I walked away from this shit.

    Man, you’re probably right exactly where you want to be, and you deserve it. And I’m sorry that I used you as an example because I was on the other side of the fence on the tracks thing. But I never even said that — fuck, some of my best friends are in bands that are fucking rock stars right now, headlining stages, and they’re running tracks. And I don’t give a fuck. I don’t say anything about it in public. Like I said, I shouldn’t have used you as an example. I did. Sorry.

    I’m sincere when I say I have utmost respect for you, and you deserve everything that you have and got… It just popped in my head because it was just an obvious example. I’m sorry for that, but it is. And it doesn’t fucking matter. You’re Nikki Sixx. Doesn’t matter. And you’re one of the coolest cats, and everybody knows it, and everybody knows you.

    I hope you see it and just fucking take me for real and know that I am sorry for saying it, for using you like that. But it wasn’t for what you think it was for, for this fucking press and attention… I was not starting shit… And so, for what it’s worth, you don’t know who I am, but you can sleep at night knowing I do respect you, and I didn’t mean to call you out like that. That was bullshit. Anyway, fuck it. I’m done. I’ve been talking to you, man, and I’m sorry. And that’s the truth.”

    [via Blabbermouth]

  • The Amity Affliction Comment On The Recent Departure Of Drummer Joe Longobardi

    The Amity Affliction have addressed the departure of drummer Joe Longobardi. The group say they are “sad to see Joe go, [but] are super happy for him to start this next chapter of his life as a father.”

    Longobardi previously said the following:

    “After 8 years I have decided to leave The Amity Affliction. I feel extremely grateful and fortunate to have spent those years with the band. I wish Johnny, Dan and Joel along with the crew nothing but the very best moving forward. It’s been an incredible journey. Thank you all for the love. See you out there.”

    The band have since added:

    “While we’re sad to see Joe go, we are super happy for him to start this next chapter of his life as a father and wish him all the best. Knowing how exceptional he is at drums we’re certain this is just the beginning of a new journey for him, and we look forward to seeing him when we’re stateside again, big love.”

  • Iron Maiden To Finish New Live Film At Eddfest

    As previously reported, Iron Maiden attempted to record a new live film during their June 22 show at La Défense Arena in Paris, France. However, the set ended up getting cut short due to a power outage. As such, they are now planning to finish the film during their July 11 concert at Eddfest in Hertfordshire, UK.

    Iron Maiden issued the following statement:

    “On 22nd June, in the middle of a ferocious heatwave in Paris with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, Iron Maiden were performing at the La Défense Arena, playing to over 30,000 fans and filming the concert for posterity and a future cinematic release. It was a hugely anticipated event, with exuberant fans travelling from all over the world to be part of the experience. However, about fifty minutes into the set, towards the end of ‘Two Minutes To Midnight,’ a total power cut in the building brought everything to a sudden stop, plunging the whole stadium into silence and total blackness.

    Full power was eventually restored, and the band were able to retake the stage about an hour after the cut occurred and resume the concert. The Police allowed an extension to the legal curfew until 11.35, but no more as Paris public transport closes soon after that and they didn’t want over 30,000 fans unable to get home and left on the streets of Paris, especially in the heat. In that time the band were able to finish the set closing with Iron Maiden but not the three encores ‘Aces High,’ ‘Fear Of The Dark’ and ‘Wasted Years.’

    The band quickly decided to complete the forthcoming film at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth on July 11, where they will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary tour with EDDFEST, a once-in-a-lifetime event.

    Band founder and bass-player Steve Harris says, ‘You all know what happened in Paris, we all know what happened in Paris, so we’re gonna finish it off at Knebworth, and we’ll see you there.’

    Singer Bruce Dickinson adds, ‘We’re not going to lose what we did in Paris but we’re going to add to it with some amazing stuff from Knebworth. So Knebworth, be on ya best behaviour!!’

    After a lot of rapid, behind-the-scenes activity, EDDFEST will now be captured for posterity, meaning that the fans in both Paris and also in the UK, at this unique event, will become part of the cinematic film commemorating the Run For Your Lives production, which is currently halfway through the World Tour.

    In addition to this news, further details of the ground-breaking on-site Infinite Dreams Museum have been revealed, giving fans a taste of what waits in store for them as last year’s pictorial book, Infinite Dreams, is brought to life in a brand-new dedicated experience where fans will get up close and personal with the exhibits. And remember, please keep your phone in your pocket during the show but feel free everywhere else!

    Just some of what’s on display will include the iconic pharaoh’s head from the ‘World Slavery Tour,’ Eddie’s ray-gun from 1986’s Somewhere On Tour, the ‘X-Factor’ electric chair, tank commander Eddie from the ‘A Matter of Life & Death Tour,’ Baphomet from ‘Number Of The Beast,’ the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ organ from the Maiden England tour, and personal band mementoes from Paul Di’Anno onwards. And if that already excites you, just wait until you walk through the doors and see what else is on display!

    Manager Rod Smallwood reveals, ‘We’ve raided Eddie’s Archive, Steve’s garden and our very own offices, warehouses and homes to bring you some actual pieces of our history! More than 50 items from almost 50 years of history will be on display for tens of thousands of you to see. Try to be there early, because sadly there likely won’t be time for every one of you to take everything in, especially as we have so many other exciting things happening on site.

    This weekend is for you, our fans, we are trying to do something special and a bit different in celebration of 50 years– a full on Maiden experience from the moment you arrive on site to the minute you leave. And of course, a very special couple of days for the campers, and I will certainly join them both nights, as I don’t want to miss anything!. So enjoy it, try to get to see and be part of a bit of everything, and I’ll see you in the bar!’

    The EDDFEST Festival starts on Friday afternoon with camping included for both nights. ‘Maidenville,’ the on-site village dedicated to being the best Maiden experience ever, will be open to weekend campers throughout Friday and Saturday.

    Friday will see Maidenville live performances including Blaze Bayley, Gypsy’s Kiss and more, while fans can also join in the fun at Eddie’s Dive Bar, enjoy the ‘Infinite Dreams’ Museum Experience, take part in the Unfair Funfair, featuring rides and Eddie-themed Funfair Games, plus explore Eddie’s Emporium, with even more surprises to explore throughout the site.

    Saturday-only tickets will also be able to access Maidenville alongside the opening of the Main Arena. It all culminates with the main stage performances on the Saturday, featuring an exceptional supporting line-up, ahead of Iron Maiden’s show-stopping ‘RUN FOR YOUR LIVES’ performance.

    For further details, to purchase the final remaining tickets and to stay updated on all things to do with Iron Maiden at Knebworth including FAQs & timings make sure you check out ironmaiden.knebworth.com

  • Airbourne Premiere New Song “Kid In A Candy Store”

    Airbourne have premiered a new song titled “Kid In A Candy Store.” This track is from the band’s new self-titled album, which will be released on August 28.

  • Stick Men Pay Tribute To King Crimson’s “THRAK” With New Album “Let’s THRAK Again”

    Stick Men, the project featuring King Crimson’s Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto alongside Markus Reuter, will be releasing a new album, titled “Let’s THRAK Again,” on September 4. The effort is a Robert Fripp-sanctioned tribute to King Crimson’s “THRAK.” The first single, “Swimming In Tea,” can be found below:

    A press release offered more details on the record:

    “The album is presented as two entirely distinct versions. Reel One, mixed by Stefano Castagna (producer/engineer for Super Eurobeat and founder of Ritmo & Blu Studio) and Reel Two, mixed by Fabio Trentini (producer/engineer and bassist for H-Blockx and Guano Apes). The two versions feature different mixes, alternate track sequences, and contrasting sonic perspectives that transform the material into two distinct listening experiences.”

    The band added:

    “‘Let’s THRAK Again’ is 60 minutes of pure, kinetic energy. We didn’t just write 12 new compositions; we designed an entirely new sonic vocabulary for them. Our audience listens deeply. They don’t just want to hear the notes; they want to understand the architecture of the sound. By having Stefano and Fabio approach the exact same music with completely different visions, we are handing the listener the ultimate audiophile puzzle. It’s a roll of the dice, a sonic triptych, and a tribute to the heavy, mechanical impact of the original ‘THRAK’ era.”

    “Let’s Thrak Again” Track Listing:

    Reel One:

    01. “Let’s Thrak Again”
    02. “Like We Did Last Summer”
    03. “Haggin Triptych”
    04. “Komodo”
    05. “Swimming In Tea”
    06. “Bash Machine”
    07. “Reading The Future”
    08. “Thief Of The Dice”
    09. “Brutal”
    10. “Dark Birthday”
    11. “Fandango”
    12. “The Well”

    Reel Two:

    01. “Dark Birthday”
    02. “Komodo”
    03. “Let’s Thrak Again”
    04. “Like We Did Last Summer”
    05. “Renoir”
    06. “Swimming In Tea”
    07. “Bash Machine”
    08. “Brutal (Pat)”
    09. “Carriage Parade”
    10. “Fandango”
    11. “Reading The Future”
    12. “The Well”
    13. “Thief Of The Dice”
    14. “Yosemite Sunset”

  • Jay Buchanan (Rival Sons) Releases Cover Of Black Sabbath’s “Changes”

    Jay Buchanan (Rival Sons) has released a new cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” This news comes after he previously performed the track for Rolling Stone France. Buchanan commented:

    “The chorus lyrics in this song, just four short words, are so eloquent to me. Ozzy became a permanent fixture in my life about ten years ago and the man I witnessed was a man who, against just about all odds, won. This man left us last year, in victory. I wanted to frame the song in that context, the hero that was allowed to age, lived to see his grandchildren and in his very last sunsets be kissed by the entire goddamn world when we saw him off at Villa Park last year.”

  • Hollywood Vampires Announce New Live Album “At Montreux Jazz Festival”

    Hollywood Vampires, the supergroup featuring Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry (Aerosmith), and Tommy Henriksen (Alice Cooper), have announced a new live album titled “At Montreux Jazz Festival.” The effort was recorded during the band’s set at the 2018 Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and it will receive a digital release on August 7 and a CD and vinyl release on October 16. A video for “Raise The Dead” from the performance can be found below:

    “At Montreux Jazz Festival” Track Listing:

    01. “I Want My Now”
    02. “Raise The Dead”
    03. “I Got A Line On You” (Spirit cover)
    04. “7 And 7 Is” (Love cover)
    05. “My Dead Drunk Friends”
    06. “Five To One/Break On Through” (The Doors cover)
    07. “The Jack” (AC/DC cover)
    08. “Ace Of Spades” (Motörhead cover)
    09. “Baba O’Riley” (The Who cover)
    10. “As Bad As I Am”
    11. “The Boogieman Surprise”
    12. “I’m Eighteen” (Alice Cooper cover)
    13. “Combination” (Aerosmith cover)
    14. “People Who Died” (The Jim Carroll Band cover)
    15. “Sweet Emotion” (Aerosmith cover)
    16. “Welcome To Bushwackers”
    17. “Heroes” (David Bowie cover)
    18. “Train Kept A-Rollin’” (Tiny Bradshaw cover)
    19. “School’s Out/Another Brick In The Wall” (Alice Cooper/Pink Floyd covers medley)

  • Haken Announce New EP “In A Fever Dream”, Share “Delirium” Video

    Haken have announced a new EP titled “In A Fever Dream.” The effort, which features bass from Bryan Beller (Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats) and Adam “Nolly” Getgood (Periphery), will receive a digital release on July 17 and a CD and vinyl release on September 18. A music video for the latest single, “Delirium,” can be found below:

    “In A Fever Dream” Track Listing:

    01. “In A Fever Dream”
    02. “Delirium”
    03. “Eclipsed By You”
    04. “Bleeding Sky”
    05. “Lotus”

    Haken commented:

    “This EP was born from a period of reflection and rediscovery.

    Over the last few years, we’ve faced challenges that forced us to look inward, both as musicians and as people, and the songs on this record are the result of that journey.

    We allowed ourselves to be completely honest in the writing process, digging into real experiences, doubts, and emotions rather than hiding behind them. That vulnerability gave these songs a weight and purpose unlike anything we’ve created before. Musically, we pushed ourselves into new territory, embracing fresh influences while holding onto the intensity and identity that define this band. Working with producer George Lever helped us sharpen that vision, and Vada Studios provided the perfect environment to collaborate and bring it to life.

    This EP captures a moment in time of us finding our feet again — moving forward, taking risks, and creating from a place that feels as genuine as we have ever been.”

  • Rush Postpone Two Shows After Geddy Lee Comes Down With Laryngitis And Bronchitis

    Rush have postponed their upcoming shows at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX. The concerts were delayed after bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee came down with laryngitis and bronchitis.

    The band commented:

    “To our fans,

    We are deeply sorry to share that we must postpone our June 30 and July 2 shows.

    Geddy has been diagnosed with laryngitis and bronchitis. After being evaluated by his doctors, he has been advised that he needs additional time to rest and recover before returning to the stage.

    This is incredibly disappointing for all of us. We know many of you have made travel plans and have been counting down the days to these shows. Please know this decision was not made lightly. After more than 50 years of touring, we’ve always believed that if we’re going to step on stage, we owe you the very best performance we can give—and right now, that simply isn’t possible.

    We’re grateful to everyone involved for helping us quickly find new dates to celebrate together.
    The June 30 show has been rescheduled for July 11.
    The July 2 show has been rescheduled for July 13.

    All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled dates. If you are unable to attend, refund information will be available from your original point of purchase.

    Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and for always standing with us. We look forward to seeing you in just a couple of weeks and appreciate your continued support while Geddy makes a full recovery.”

  • Watch Trauma Ray’s In-Studio Performance For KEXP

    On May 5, Trauma Ray played a set at KEXP Studio in Seattle, WA. You can see footage of that below.