Power Trip singer Riley Gale dead at 34
News filtered through on Wednesday morning that Power Trip vocalist Riley Gale had died at the age of 34. His bandmates paid tribute to the singer, saying: “We will celebrate Riley's life and never forget the great works of music, charity, and love that he left behind. You, the fans, meant so much to him, please know how special you are. If you have a memory of Riley please share it, no matter how small, as we remember him.”
Chris Cornell’s statue in Seattle vandalised
Nick Marra’s bronze sculpture of Soundgarden great Chris Cornell situated outside of Seattle’s Museum Of Pop Culture was defaced when vandals covered it in white paint. His family said they were heartbroken, but vowed to restore the statue.
And speaking of Chris Cornell…
It emerged this week that a new film based on his last days was to be released, with it later emerging that the biopic titled Black Days doesn’t have the backing of Cornell’s estate.
Wolfgang Van Halen: Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth both kick ass
Wolfgang Van Halen, the bassist and son of Eddie Van Halen, waded into the debate about who the best Van Halen frontman is. Fans are have continually been split between the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar eras, but Wolfgang says any arguments about it were “dumb” and added: “They both kick ass.”
Justin Townes Earle dies aged 38
Monday brought the news that Justin Townes Earle – the singer/songwriter and son of Steve Earle – had died the day before at the age of 38. Later in the week, police reported that the cause of death was a “probable drug overdose.”
Metallica close out Metallica Mondays in spectacular style
Metallica have been keeping all of us entertained during lockdown by sharing 23 concerts from their archives on Metallica Mondays. However, all good things must come to an end, and this week, Lars Ulrich revealed that their set from Mexico City this week would be their last.
Iron Maiden celebrate 40th anniversary of their debut album
It’s been 40 years since Iron Maiden released their self-titled debut album, with the band this week announcing they would celebrate the anniversary with a new limited edition clear vinyl picture disc.
Bob Harris recruits an all-star lineup for charity single
It was revealed this week that broadcaster ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris had gathered together more than 30 vocalists and musicians for a charity single which will support the Help Musicians charity. Included in the lineup are Rick Wakeman, Paul Rodgers, Mark Knopfler and Peter Frampton, with the ensemble recording a cover of Ben E King’s Stand By Me.
Van Morrison attacks the ‘pseudoscience’ behind socially distanced concerts
The world of live music has been rocked by the coronavirus pandemic, with thousands of shows and tours either cancelled or postponed. Some artists are now playing socially distanced sets, but Van Morrison isn’t a fan and lashed out, calling on other artists to “stand up, fight the pseudoscience.”
Slayer’s Kerry King hints at his next project
Kerry King has been quiet since Slayer brought the curtain down their career last November – but this week the guitarist checked in to reveal he’d been working on riffs during lockdown and has plenty of material for a couple of albums.
Where is the new Evanescence album?
Evanescence revealed their new album The Bitter Truth back in April, but although they’ve released a handful of singles, they’ve kept the release date secret. This week, vocalist Amy Lee explained what the band are up to.
Chino Moreno: Ohms builds on everything Deftones have done in the past
Speaking exclusively with Metal Hammer, Deftones frontman spoke about their upcoming studio album Ohms and the challenge of pushing themselves forward creativity.
Find all the big news stories from August 16-21 below
Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali dead at 68
The news was confirmed in a statement from his widow, Regina Banali, who wrote, "He put up an inspiringly brave and courageous 16-month battle to the end and continued playing live as long as he could. Standard chemotherapy stopped working and a series of strokes made the continuation on a clinical trial impossible.
Deftones announce new album Ohms and release title track
After teasing some sort of announcement on their social media channels throughout the week, Deftones finally revealed the news of their new album Ohms with a video for the title track.
How Linkin Park’s She Couldn’t laid the groundwork for their later sound
After Linkin Park revealed details of their 20th anniversary edition of Hybrid Theory, last week, Mike Shinoda looked back at their demo of She Couldn’t and explained how that one song laid the groundwork for their later sound.
Devin Townsend to release Order Of Magnitude: Empath Live Volume 1
Devin Townsend has been busier than most during lockdown – and the Canadian musician is showing no signs of slowing down. He’s just announced a new live album titled Order Of Magnitude: Empath Live Volume 1… and it’ll be out in October.
Blue Oyster Cult announce their first studio album in 19 years
Blue Oyster Cult released their last studio album Curse Of The Hidden Mirror way back in 2001 – but fans can now look forward to the follow-up, with The Symbol Remains set to arrive before the turn of the year.
Bruce Springsteen backs Joe Biden with new video for The Rising
Bruce Springsteen’s new video for his 2002 track The Rising made its debut at the Democratic National Convention midweek, with The Boss showing his support for presidential hopeful Joe Biden.
Slash reunites with ex GNR men Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke
The Morrison Hotel Gallery’s (De)Tour charity festival saw Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash teaming up with former GNR men Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke to cover The Beatles’ classic Come Together in blistering fashion. The trio were also joined by Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, Linda Perry, Blasko and Mike Garson.
Queen and Adam Lambert reveal first album together
While Queen and Adam Lambert have toured together extensively over the course of the last eight years, they’ve never released an album. But all that is bout to change with Live Around The World.
Dee Snider: My goal is to be like Ozzy Osbourne
In an interview in the brand new issue of Classic Rock, Dee Snider said that rather than getting Twisted Sister back together, he’d like to emulate Ozzy Osbourne’s success as a solo artist.
Former Supersuckers guitarist Ron ‘Rontrose’ Heathman has died
The Supersuckers confirmed the death of their former guitarist Ron ‘Rontrose’ Heathman earlier this week, with the tributes to him led by Michael Monroe guitarist Rich Jones.
Metallica reflect on James Hetfield’s return to rehab
Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo spoke candidly to the new issue of Metal Hammer magazine about what it was like seeing their friend and bandmate James Hetfield return to rehab last year.
London’s Carnaby Street is set for a Rolling Stones makeover
The Rolling Stones announced this week that they’ll soon be opening the doors to their very own store in London. The flagship shop will be situated at 9 Carnaby Street in the Soho area of the city, with fans able to walk in from September 9.
Fish: New album feels like a great way to go out on a high
Fish is the cover star of the new issue of Prog magazine, where the vocalist talks about his new album Weltschmerz and looks forward to retirement. “Now what I’ve got is an album that is as perfect as it can possibly be, and it feels like a great way to go out on a high,” he said.
Phil Lynott film gets first trailer - as massive Thin Lizzy box set is revealed
Thursday would have been Phil Lynott’s 71st birthday, with the day marked with the first trailer for upcoming documentary Songs For While I’m Away. Also on Thursday, it was revealed that a massive new Thin Lizzy box set packed full of rarities was on the way.
Corey Taylor shares video for Black Eyes Blue
Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor released a video for his solo track Black Eyes Blue - the second song lifted from his upcoming album CMFT. The promo sees Taylor frantically trying to escape a remote house in the middle of a desert.
Pink Floyd’s Delicate Sound Of Thunder set for cinema release
Pink Floyd’s classic 1988 concert film Delicate Sound Of Thunder will hit cinema screens around the world in October. It’s been restored, remixed and re-edited from the original 35mm negatives and transferred into 4K.
Find all the big news stories from August 9 - 14 below
Former UFO bassist Pete Way dead at 69
The death of former UFO bassist Pete Way at the age of 69 was announced on Friday. A statement from his family revealed that the musician had sustained life threatening injuries in an accident two months ago.
Legendary rock producer Martin Birch dies aged 71
Martin Birch, who transformed the world of rock with his studio production and engineering techniques, died earlier this week at the age of 71. Birch worked with some of the biggest names in rock, including Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Fleetwood Mac.
Metallica announce their first live show of 2020
Metallica have been raising spirits since lockdown began with their ongoing Metallica Mondays series – and this week, they revealed they’d play their first show of 2020 later this month. Their performance will then be broadcast at drive-ins and outdoor theatres.
Michael Schenker announces new MSG album Immortal
Earlier this week, Michael Schenker announced that he’ll celebrate his 50th anniversary as a musician with new record featuring Joe Lynn Turner, Ronnie Romero, Derek Sherinian and more.
Linkin Park announce Hybrid Theory 20th anniversary edition
Linkin Park have been saying for a while that they were planning on doing something to mark the 20th anniversary of their Hybrid Theory album - and this week they lifted the lid on a special edition of the record, along with a stream of the 1999 demo She Couldn’t.
Wayne Hussey and friends remake The Mission’s Tower Of Strength
It’s remained a firm favourite with fans since it appeared on the Children album back in 1988, but this week it was revealed that The Mission’s classic track Tower Of Strength was to be re-recorded by Wayne Hussey and a host of guest artists, including Julianne Regan, Gary Numan and Billy Duffy.
Brian May thanks firefighters for tackling wildfire that threatened his home
Queen guitarist Brian May thanked the fire service for saving his home after a wildfire destroyed approximately 30 hectares of heath land at Chobham Common last weekend. “I was rescuing as many precious things from my house as was practicable, under threat of the whole thing going up in flames,” he said.
Taylor Momsen, Lzzy Hale and more guest on new Evanescence track
Evanescence released their new single Use My Voice this week and recruited the talents of a cast of musicians, including Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale and Taylor Momsen from The Pretty Reckless.
Mr Bungle return with first album in 21 years
Mr Bungle announced their reunion in August 2019 - and this week they confirmed they would release The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny Demo in October with new additions Scott Ian and Dave Lombardo.
Shirley Manson confirms new Garbage album
Garbage vocalist Shirley Manson this week confirmed the band would release the follow-up to 2016’s Strange Little Birds in 2021. “We’ve got three more songs to go and then we’re done,” she said.
Did Slipknot mistakenly unmask Tortilla Man?
While unveiling a new range of merch, Slipknot appeared to confirm Tortilla Man’s identity. However, the band – or the website admins – quickly pulled the info, but not before the internet did its thing and grabbed a screenshot.
Corey Taylor: Stone Sour are on indefinite hiatus
Corey Taylor this week confirmed that Stone Sour were on “indefinite hiatus” while he and his bandmates Josh Rand, Johny Chow, Roy Mayorga and Christian Martucci concentrate on other projects. “I feel like Stone Sour has kind of run its course for now,” Taylor said.
I have 25 song ideas I could bring to System Of A Down
In a new interview with Metal Hammer, bassist Shavo Odadjian said that if he and his System Of A Down bandmates get back in the studio, he has plenty of musical ideas to contribute for a potential new album.
Chris Slade: To my knowledge I’m still AC/DC’s drummer
Chris Slade reported this week that he’s heard nothing to suggest he’s out of AC/DC - despite all the rumours suggesting Phil Rudd is back behind the kit. “Nobody has ever called me and said, ‘By the way, you’re not the current drummer,’” he said.
New Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne biopic is in “active development”
A biopic focusing on Ozzy Osbourne and his wife and manager Sharon is now in “active development,” according to their son Jack. He reported in May that plans for a film based around his father’s younger years was “in motion” and this week he gave further details about the project.
Find all the big news stories from August 3 - 8 below
Kiss, Biffy Clyro and System Of A Down set for Download 2021
Download 2020 might have been cancelled, but on Monday, organisers revealed that the 2021 event would be headlined by Kiss, System Of A Down and Biffy Clyro. And as if that wasn’t enough, the names of 77 more artists were also announced.
Roger Waters revisit Pink Floyd’s Time
While Roger Waters’ concert film Us + Them is out now on digital platforms and on-demand services, it’ll also be released later this year on 2CD. And this week, Waters shared his performance of Pink Floyd’s Time from his landmark Amsterdam performances.
Molly Hatchet co-founder and guitarist Steve Holland dies
On Sunday, news came through that Molly Hatchet co-founder and their former guitarist Steve Holland had died. Holland and guitarist Dave Hlubek formed Molly Hatchet in 1971, with Holland playing on the first five Molly Hatchet records.
Buy a beer and help grassroots music venues across the UK
The grassroots music scene in the UK needs your help if it’s to survive the pandemic – and this week, a new initiative came to light when it was revealed that Music Venue Trust had teamed up with Fightback Brewing Company. A portion of proceeds from sales of four of their bottled beverages will go to help struggling venues.
Neil Young sues Donald Trump
Neil Young previously revealed he was considering beginning legal proceedings against the Trump administration for using his material without permission. Now he’s filed papers in New York for copyright infringement.
Devin Townsend is writing a “weird” new album called Lightwork
Despite the fact Devin Townsend has been live-streaming, working on ambient music and is preparing for a special Empath Volume 2 online show, he’s somehow still found time to begin working on a new album he’s titled Lightwork. He calls it "a weird, alien sounding, effervescent, sunny load of oddness.”
UK music industry unites to call for an end to racism
Hundreds of artists, companies, managers, agents, promoters and trade bodies representing the UK music industry united this week to call for an end to racism. They’ wrote an open letter to “amplify our voices, to take responsibility, to speak out and stand together in solidarity” and are encouraging fans to keep using the hashtag #NoSilenceInMusic.
Trivium are buying an aircraft hangar to turn into their HQ
Trivium vocalist and guitarist Matt Heafy reported that the band are purchasing a decommissioned aircraft hangar which they are planning on transforming into their headquarters – complete with recording studio, rehearsal space and more.
Corey Taylor has material for three or four solo albums
Slipknot and Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor hasn’t even released his debut solo album CMFT yet, but he's now revealed that there will definitely be more to come, saying: “I've got enough material for three or four solo albums.”
Jon Anderson would love to get Yes together again one day
Jon Anderson this week expressed an interest in reuniting the surviving members of Yes at some point “in the next couple of years.” But will it happen? It seems unlikely after Steve Howe’s recent comments.
Brian May joins Generation Axe for wild Bohemian Rhapsody jam
Brian May joined an online jam featuring Generation Axe: Nuno Bettencourt, Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi and Yngwie Malmsteen, to play a sizzling version of Queen classic Bohemian Rhapsody on AXS TV.
Steve Hackett announces new live album
Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett revealed that he’ll release a new live album later in the year. Selling England By The Pound & Spectral Mornings: Live At Hammersmith was filmed and recorded in 2019, with Hackett also sharing a video showcasing the track Deja Vu.
Find all the big news stories from July 27 - August 1 below
Corey Taylor details his new solo album
Slipknot and Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor revealed this week that his debut solo album will be titled CMFT – and it’ll be out later this year. And as if that wasn’t enough, Taylor released a star-studded video for the track CMFT Must Be Stopped alongside a lyric video for Black Eyes Blue.
New AC/DC album has been “delayed”
While AC/DC continue to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Back In Black, former Twisted Sister vocalist Dee Snider revealed that the highly anticipated new AC/DC album has apparently been delayed, but insisted that it’ll be a “miracle of technology.”
Robert Plant to release Digging Deep anthology
Robert Plant launched the third season of his Digging Deep podcast with the news that he would release a new compilation titled Digging Deep: Subterranea which will bring 30 of his solo tracks together – including three previously unreleased songs. The first, Charlie Patton Highway (Turn It Up - Part 1), was released on Friday.
Ihsahn vs Taylor Swift: Who has the best cover design?
Last week, Taylor Swift surprise released her new album Folklore. It drew the attention of Emperor’s Ihsahn who commented on the cover, which bears an uncanny similarity to his Telemark track Stridig. So which one is best?
Tool, Primus, Coheed and Mastodon members cover Rush classic
Danny Carey, Les Claypool, Claudio Sanchez, Bill Kelliher and Mutoid Man’s Stephen Brodsky teamed up for a blinding cover of Rush classic Anthem - and the money raised will go to The Cancer Research Institute.
Fish: How we made the Garden Of Remembrance video
After Fish released a video for his new track Garden Of Remembrance last week, this week the vocalist took us behind the scenes at how the video was created during lockdown.
Metallica’s Robert Trujillo unboxes S&M2… at the beach
Metallica’s S&M2 will be with us in just a few weeks – and to get us in the mood, bassist Robert Trujillo shared an unboxing video of the deluxe edition. But rather than do it from his home, the bassist took the box set to the beach before he went surfing.
New Ozzy documentary gets a new trailer
Biography: The Nine Lives Of Ozzy Osbourne will debut later this year – and this week, a brand new trailer for the documentary was released, focusing on Ozzy’s early days as a solo artist and what he was like at home between tours.
Anna von Hausswolff announces new album All Thoughts Fly
Anna von Hausswolff launched a video for atmospheric new single Sacro Bosco this week – and revealed that her new studio album – the follow-up to 2018’s Dead Magic – would be titled All Thoughts Fly.
Manowar ex Karl Logan faces 25 years in jail
Former Manowar guitarist Karl Logan is facing at least 25 years in prison after reportedly pleading guilty to downloading child pornography.
Marilyn Manson is back with a new album and single
Marilyn Manson has finally lifted the lid on his new album. It’s going to be titled We Are Chaos, with the vocalist revealing the news alongside a video for the title track.
Bon Jovi share lyric video for new single Do What You Can
Earlier this year, Jon Bon Jovi asked fans to work with him on a song – and this week the final version was released. Titled Do What You Can, it’ll appear on new Bon Jovi album Bon Jovi 2020 which will now launch in October.
Mastodon release the track Fallen Torches
Earlier in the week, Mastodon teased the track Fallen Torches before revealing it would appear on a new compilation album titled Medium Rarities. The track was recorded back in 2018 with Scott Kelly from Neurosis.
Halestorm team up with Amy Lee for Break In
Halestorm have announced that they’ll release a six-track EP titled Halestorm Reimagined in August – and to mark the news, the band shared their new take on 2012 song Break In, which features guest vocals from Evanescence’s Amy Lee.
