On January 22, a tragic incident occurred during Bad Omens’ concert at Festival Hall in Melbourne, Australia, when part of the ceiling collapsed near the end of the show. As the band was performing their hit song Just Pretend, a large ceiling tile and debris fell onto the crowd as confetti was blasted. Footage from the show reveals the moment the debris hit fans, though the band seemingly didn’t notice the incident and continued performing until the end, even returning for an encore with Dethrone.

Reports indicate several injuries, with one fan sharing on social media that their friend suffered soft tissue damage and possibly fractured fingers after being struck by the falling debris. Despite the severity of the incident, Bad Omens proceeded with their next show at the same venue the following night. During the second show, frontman Noah Sebastian addressed the crowd, expressing his relief that everyone was okay. He clarified that he hadn’t noticed the ceiling collapse and explained that he was “in the zone” while performing. He acknowledged that some fans were injured, mentioning he heard that at least one person was knocked unconscious.

Although some concertgoers reported that someone did lose consciousness during the first night’s incident, Festival Hall denied these claims, stating that no one had passed out. However, fans from the second night maintained that one person did indeed lose consciousness. The venue has yet to comment on the injury of the fan directly hit by the falling debris, and it remains unclear what caused the ceiling collapse.

This incident has raised concerns about venue safety, especially regarding the structural integrity of performance spaces, and fans are anxiously awaiting further updates.

Aerosmith is set to reunite for a special performance at Steven Tyler’s annual “Jam for Janie” Grammy Awards Viewing Party, which will take place on February 2 at the Hollywood Palladium. This event is particularly meaningful as it comes after the band’s announcement that they would retire from touring due to Tyler’s vocal cord damage. While the band has decided that a full recovery is not possible, they will come together for this one-night event to raise funds for important causes.

Hosted by comedian Tiffany Haddish, the event will feature a star-studded lineup including performances from Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Linda Perry, Matt Sorum, Nuno Bettencourt, and of course, Aerosmith’s special reunion performance. The night will support Janie’s Fund, an organization founded by the band to help young women who have survived abuse. Additionally, funds will go to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund, with over 100 firefighters attending to celebrate the night.

Tyler expressed his gratitude for the event’s impact, particularly in light of the devastation caused by recent California wildfires. He emphasized the healing power of music and how the event will not only bring joy to first responders but also continue to support Janie’s Fund, which is named after Aerosmith’s 1989 hit “Janie’s Got a Gun.” The song’s success marked a milestone for the band, reaching Number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning them their first Grammy.

The event will feature a red carpet, a cocktail reception, a dinner, a live auction, and an after-party. With a wide range of celebrity attendees, the night promises to be a memorable occasion, raising both funds and awareness for crucial cause

Lamb of God, which has been a fixture in the metal scene for over two decades, shows no signs of breaking up, according to Blythe. In fact, the singer emphasized that the band will never officially split, citing the deep connection they have as a group. Blythe acknowledged the challenges of aging, particularly the physical demands of performing, but he remains committed to the band’s longevity. While he doesn’t foresee himself at 85 still performing with the same intensity, his dedication to Lamb of God is clear.

Aside from his music career, Blythe has ventured into the world of writing, publishing his first book, which explores his personal journey with mental health, addiction, and the struggles that have shaped him. He described the book tour as something different from the typical author experience. Instead of just reading excerpts, Blythe will engage with his audience, sharing stories from his own life that connect to the themes of the book. This candid approach is not for the faint of heart, as Blythe has already warned fans that it’s not suitable for children due to its mature content.

The book, set to release on February 18, 2025, will give readers an intimate look into Blythe’s life and the battles he has faced, both personal and professional. It’s clear that his creativity and willingness to be open about his experiences continue to inspire his fans, whether through his music or his written word.

Ted Nugent has once again spoken out on cultural and religious matters, this time criticizing Hollywood’s treatment of Christianity. In an Instagram post, Nugent supported Joe Rogan’s remarks from a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, where Rogan expressed concerns about the entertainment industry’s negative portrayal of Christianity compared to other religions.

Rogan remarked, “Christianity is the one religion that you’re allowed to disparage. All these progressive, open-minded leftist people… they’ll embrace all these different religions until it comes to Christianity. For whatever reason, that represents colonialism, whatever it represents, it’s negative.”

Sharing a clip of Rogan’s commentary, Nugent captioned his post, “Hollywood hates Christianity because it stands for truth, and everything they fear and can’t control.”

Nugent has spoken publicly about his Christian faith on several occasions. In an interview with Katy Christian Magazine, he described his spiritual beliefs and how he credits God with saving his life. “I believe in God, I’m a Christian… I could give you many, many examples. I should not have survived certain occurrences, and God saved my life and pulled me through. He has a plan for me, He woke me up, and He continues to wake me up.”

He also criticized what he described as countercultural movements, saying, “When I saw the hippies and the beatniks intentionally poisoning their lives to pursue a comfortable numbness… it’s just irresponsible, and it’s rude, it’s disrespectful, it’s condescending, it’s selfish.”

In 2021, Nugent became a minister in the New Independent Fundamentalist Baptist (NIFB) church, a controversial organization known for its extreme views, including anti-LGBTQ+ stances, adherence to the King James Bible, and the belief that Christians, not Jews, are God’s chosen people.

As always, Nugent’s comments have sparked debate among his fans and critics alike, reflecting his outspoken approach to religion, culture, and politics.

During his recent appearance on the Come On Over Podcast, former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach opened up about performing during the LA wildfires and praised Metallica for their extraordinary efforts in supporting disaster relief.

“It is completely fun, and people are sad. Maybe just for an hour and a half, they can forget about the misery for a little bit,” Bach said, referring to the power of music in difficult times. He compared the situation to 9/11, recalling how the tragic event disrupted the music world but also highlighted its healing power through benefit concerts like those by Bruce Springsteen and The Who.

Bach also commented on Metallica’s significant donation of $500,000 to wildfire relief efforts, joking about his own inability to match the gesture. “Metallica just gave half a million. I’m not going to be giving half a million [laughs]. I’ll give you half a million laughs,” he said, adding humor to an otherwise heavy topic.

Earlier this month, Metallica donated $500,000 through their All Within My Hands Foundation to support the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.

The foundation issued a statement detailing the devastation caused by the wildfires since January 7, which have resulted in at least 24 lives lost, nearly 100,000 people under evacuation orders, and more than 12,000 structures destroyed.

“All Within My Hands is granting $500,000 to relief efforts carried out by the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund,” the statement read.

Metallica’s foundation has consistently stepped up to aid disaster relief, donating $100,000 in October for Hurricane Helene and raising funds through its annual Helping Hands concert and auction. Last month, the band performed at the event, with all proceeds benefiting their charitable efforts.

Despite not being able to contribute financially on the same level, Sebastian Bach’s sentiment highlights the impact of music and community during times of crisis. “Rock even brought some sense to that [9/11],” he said, reflecting the enduring role of music as a source of comfort and hope.

In a recent interview with Eonmusic, Alex Skolnick opened up about the time he was considered for Megadeth and why he ultimately chose to remain with Testament. The guitarist shared the backstory while discussing Metal Allegiance’s upcoming show at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California.

Skolnick revealed that Dave Mustaine had him in mind long before Marty Friedman joined Megadeth in 1990. “I heard through the grapevine, many, many years ago [that they were interested],” Skolnick said. “I don’t know, if I’d made a call secretly, and reached out to management, and said, ‘Hey, I really wanna give this a shot,’ maybe it could’ve happened.”

At the time, Testament was gaining momentum with albums like The New Order and Practice What You Preach. Skolnick felt strongly about staying with the band. “We were really finding our footing and establishing a sound,” he explained. “It seemed like, ‘Okay, I’m a part of this thing,’ while Megadeth already had three guitar players by then, and it felt uncertain how long that would last.”

Though he didn’t join Megadeth, Skolnick was briefly “on standby” for the band in 2016 when Kiko Loureiro’s wife was expecting twins. He prepared for the possibility of filling in, but Loureiro didn’t end up missing any shows.

Skolnick also touched on his relationship with Mustaine in a 2009 interview with The Quietus. Reflecting on their time together during a U.K. tour with Testament, Megadeth, and Judas Priest, he described Mustaine as “a very intense personality.” Despite this, the two got along well. “Dave actually came to me for tips. I play in a jazz orchestra when I’m not doing this, and he was looking for help with jazz chords. What you need to know about Dave is that he’s always looking to improve,” Skolnick said.

Testament is slated to perform at the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival on May 9 and Welcome to Rockville on May 18. Skolnick’s unwavering dedication to Testament has helped the band maintain its signature sound and legacy within the metal scene.

Slipknot drummer Eloy Casagrande recently opened up to Modern Drummer about the origins of his stage mask, which features a distinctive bullet hole design, and the personal story that inspired it.

“When we were designing the mask, we felt the balance wasn’t right. There was a lot happening below, but the forehead felt empty,” Casagrande explained. “We tried adding a circle, but it didn’t feel right. That’s when I suggested the bullet hole.”

The idea stemmed from a life-altering experience in Sao Paulo. Casagrande recounted, “Two years ago, I was walking in my neighborhood at 9 AM, heading to the gym with my backpack and phone. Two guys on motorcycles stopped me, put a gun to my head, and demanded my belongings. It was terrifying, but luckily, they didn’t shoot. That moment stayed with me and influenced the design of my mask.”

Though the experience was harrowing, Casagrande was quick to put it into perspective. “I don’t want to badmouth my country. Every place has its dangers. But in Sao Paulo, safety can sometimes be an issue. Fortunately, this was the only time something like that happened to me.”

Joining Slipknot and Achieving Recognition
Casagrande joined Slipknot after departing Sepultura right before their 40th-anniversary farewell tour. He replaced Jay Weinberg as Slipknot’s drummer for their 25th-anniversary tour. Interestingly, Casagrande had auditioned for the band earlier, completing an intense 10-day tryout ahead of their 2024 Here Comes the Pain tour.

In other exciting news, Casagrande was recently named Best Metal Drummer in Modern Drummer’s 2024 Readers’ Poll, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

Casagrande’s mask, much like his drumming, embodies intensity and depth—perfectly fitting for the Slipknot legacy.

In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, Body Count’s Ice-T shared his thoughts on Slayer’s potential comeback after their 2019 disbandment. The rapper and metal frontman expressed optimism about seeing the legendary thrash band reunite in some capacity.

“I always expected it would happen,” Ice-T told the magazine. “Kerry King has his own band now, but it wouldn’t take much to get them back together. There’s a big difference between a group breaking up and a group retiring. When a band breaks up, they might never come back, but retiring? That’s just a long break.”

He added, “Bands like Slayer don’t retire quietly. They might step away from the grind of constant touring, but they’ll still play one-off gigs down the line. The worst thing is to retire and have no one care—but that’s never gonna happen with Slayer, is it?”

Ice-T on New Slayer Music
Ice-T didn’t shy away from saying he’d love to hear new material from Slayer. “Of course, fans always want new music from the bands they love. That’s like saying Body Count shouldn’t make another album. Slayer should do whatever the f*ck they want,” he said.

Kerry King’s Firm Stance on Albums
Despite Ice-T’s optimism, Slayer guitarist Kerry King has made it clear that a new record isn’t in the cards. “Mark my words: we’re never gonna make a record again, we’re never gonna tour again. That was it,” King said in a past interview with Metal Roos. “When we said in 2018, ‘This is our final tour,’ we meant it.”

Slayer’s Live Return
While a full-scale comeback seems unlikely, Slayer surprised fans in February 2024 by announcing two live performances—their first since disbanding. They were set to play Riot Fest on September 22 and Louder Than Life on September 27. However, Hurricane Helene forced Louder Than Life to cancel its original dates. The festival has since been rescheduled to September 18–21, with Slayer still on the lineup.

For now, fans can celebrate Slayer’s return to the stage, even if new music remains uncertain. As Ice-T put it, “Bands like Slayer will always have a place in

Dream Theater has unveiled their latest single, “Midnight Messiah,” from their highly anticipated album Parasomnia, set for release on February 7 via InsideOut Music. This marks a historic moment for fans, as it’s the first Dream Theater track since 2009 to feature lyrics written by drummer Mike Portnoy.

Portnoy, who rejoined the band after more than a decade, shared his excitement about contributing to the song in a press release. “It was great writing lyrics again and contributing this chapter to the Parasomnia story,” he said. “DT fans may enjoy discovering the hidden nuggets I planted, referencing many of my past lyrics with the band. The music video captures the energy and excitement from the first two tour legs we completed across Europe and South America. It’s the perfect way to gear up for our North American run, which we’re so excited to start.”

A Classic Lineup Reunited
Parasomnia is a milestone album, as it features Dream Theater’s classic lineup: Mike Portnoy, James LaBrie, John Petrucci, John Myung, and Jordan Rudess. This reunion has fans eagerly awaiting the album and their upcoming tour.

North American 40th Anniversary Tour
Dream Theater’s Parasomnia tour kicks off on February 7 in Pennsylvania, coinciding with the album’s release. The tour will celebrate their 40th anniversary, wrapping up on March 22 in New York. With their iconic lineup back together, the tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans.

Dream Theater’s ability to weave intricate musical narratives has made them a cornerstone of progressive metal, and “Midnight Messiah” offers a glimpse into what’s shaping up to be one of their most exciting chapters yet.