During a recent appearance on “The Joe Pags Show,” Ted Nugent was asked if there are any newer bands from the 1990s or early 2000s, such as the FOO FIGHTERS, that he really loves. He responded in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):

“The FOO FIGHTERS are not really a new band, but when they came on the scene, they were delivering the same dedication and work ethic. You can tell that [Dave] Grohl and his bandmates really put their heart and soul into delivering a monster every night. Now, as much as I love and adore and admire the FOO FIGHTERS, and Dave Grohl is one of the masters of crescendos, there’s not that fire-breathing crescendo guitar solo that elevates the entire musical moment to a higher place.

“I don’t know nothing about Auto-Tune. I let my ears and my spirit and my balls dictate the delivery of my music. The point being is that I want a killer guitar solo or a sax solo or even a Jimmy Smith keyboard monster. Andy Solomon with the AMBOY DUKES would deliver a Hammond B3 solo that was just so elevating.”

Ted continued:

“So I’m afraid to say in this world that’s gone down the toilet in all aspects, I’m afraid the success of Taylor Swift, and God bless her work ethic and musical dreams, but that’s cartoon music. It doesn’t have any piss and vinegar. There’s no fire, no sensuality. It’s all poppy nonsense as far as I’m concerned, and it’s the most popular stuff in the world, which is an indictment of the music industry and music fans. They’re not looking for that fire from a ZZ TOP or from MITCH RYDER AND THE DETROIT WHEELS or from BROWNSVILLE STATION or AMBOY DUKES. And I miss that. Thank God I’m still around. We still deliver the fire that THE BEATLES did [at clubs] in Germany.”

In his remarks, Nugent emphasized his appreciation for bands that bring intense energy and musical craftsmanship to their performances, contrasting this with his view on the current state of popular music. He praised the FOO FIGHTERS for their dedication but expressed a longing for the fiery solos and raw energy he associates with older rock bands. Nugent also critiqued the pop music industry, particularly the popularity of artists like Taylor Swift, whom he perceives as lacking the intensity and authenticity of classic rock acts.

In a revealing interview with Laughingmonkeymusic, Rob Affuso, the former drummer of Skid Row, shared insights into the much-anticipated but ultimately failed reunion of the band.

Affuso explained that the reunion was on the verge of happening, with schedules aligned and dates set for the summer. However, unforeseen factors led to its cancellation, which he described as a result of “stupid” reasons that could have been resolved.

He expressed his belief that the obstacles to the reunion were avoidable and manageable. Despite this, the plan fell apart about five or six years ago. When asked about the challenge of bringing all original members together, Affuso pointed out that some simply did not want the reunion to happen, which was within their rights.

The lead vocalist, Sebastian Bach, along with Affuso, were notably disappointed when the reunion was called off. Affuso admitted that the failed attempt took a significant emotional toll on him, leading him to focus on personal well-being and enjoyment of life. He remains open to the possibility of a reunion in the future, committing to being fully involved if it ever materializes, but for now, he chooses to move forward without dwelling on what could have been.

During an appearance on Sweet Potato Pod With Todd Royce, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH bassist Chris Kael shared a memorable “fanboy moment” involving one of his musical heroes, METALLICA frontman James Hetfield. Kael reflected on the experience, saying (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I am a huge METALLICA fan. We are out on tour with METALLICA, doing shows with them and then doing dates in between those shows. But I’ve had the chance to interact with the guys from METALLICA. And people will say, ‘Don’t meet your heroes.’ Fuck that. METALLICA is awesome. Those dudes are great.

“To see them, haven’t done it for — what? — 40 years, I think, at this point, and to still be as actively involved in the fan experience as those guys are, it’s amazing,” he continued. “It gives hope for me down the road and lessons to be learned to stay humble, to stay involved and be on top of everything. Don’t let other people do stuff for you. I’m very hardcore punk rock DIY. They are as well. Hands in everything that they do. Very oversight. And I love seeing that.

“There was one day I was in catering with my tech, and [METALLICA frontman] James Hetfield walked in,” Chris added. “He was on his phone talking to somebody. And I see him put [the phone] down. He goes, ‘Hold on a second.’ He said, ‘Hey, Kael. You doing good? Having a good time? Is there anything that you need?’ All that other stuff. And then he’s, like, ‘Okay, I’ll talk to you in a minute.’ He got back on his phone. I looked at my tech. I was, like, ‘Did James Hetfield just get off the phone to say hi to me?’

“So I’m still very much aware of how wonderful this whole experience is, to be able to rub elbows with people I grew up admiring, people who are the reason that I play music. We opened up for KISS. I got Gene Simmons tattooed on my shin. Just to be able to be on those same stages, playing those same shows — yeah, it’s crazy.”

This past April, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory spoke to Audacy Check In about what it’s been like for him and his bandmates to support METALLICA on a massive stadium tour in 2023 and 2024. He said: “That’s great. Eighty, ninety thousand people in a stadium, that’s massive. And it’s one of those things where, obviously, we have a big fanbase that overlaps. So, METALLICA is such a huge band; they had four decades to gain that fanbase, so you’re gonna have three generations of people in there. And it’s such a big band now that — and in some ways they’re growing, believe it or not, METALLICA, still; it’s crazy. And so it’s such a big band that even if you’re not necessarily into metal, you’ve gotta come; you have to come and see. And so that means there are gonna be a lot of people in that arena that, hearing a band named FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, they’re probably not gonna give us a chance because they have no idea what that would be. So that means that we are playing to a substantial amount of people who never heard of [us] before. And I can tell that we’re turning them, I can tell, especially after the show. You can definitely see it, because we have, obviously, statistics and online we can measure that. After every show, there’s a jump in visitors and a jump in downloads and a jump in statistics, so I know that we’re hitting a massive amount of people with that.”

Kael and Bathory’s comments highlight the surreal and gratifying experiences that come with touring alongside METALLICA, a band that has inspired them and continues to influence new generations of fans.

During a recent episode of “The Metallica Report,” METALLICA frontman James Hetfield discussed the band’s current “M72” tour and praised drummer Lars Ulrich’s performance. Hetfield was asked if Ulrich was “probably playing some of the best gigs he’s played in well over a decade, if not 20 years.” James responded affirmatively, saying (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I’d say this tour in general, the last two years, we’ve been building up to it. Absolutely. Absolutely playing great.

“I hope he’s having fun and [is] not too worried about his playing, ’cause he would let his emotions just take him,” Hetfield continued. “Now he’s a little more concerned about the click track and playing along with it, being solid.

“But, yeah, I think as a group, we are all playing really, really great, really tight,” James added. “And it doesn’t scare me, but I don’t mind fucking things up. It’s fun. There’s still mistakes — or not mistakes, but there’s still unique moments that happen, and it’s good. We don’t want to be that frickin’ polished machine up there at all, so no matter how practiced, no matter how good we think we’re doing, there’s still stuff that happens.”

Three years ago, Lars Ulrich addressed criticism of his drumming in an interview with METALLICA’s So What! fan-club magazine. He stated that he is no longer bothered by people’s negative opinions, saying: “Unlike years ago, I basically don’t read any of the interviews that the other guys [in METALLICA] do. 20 or 30 years ago, we would all sit and fucking read every page of Kerrang! and every page of Circus magazine, see what so-and-so’s saying and what the other band members were saying, what James [Hetfield] was saying about this and that. Now there’s just none of that. I also don’t really read what people say about METALLICA.”

Ulrich’s focus on the music and performance rather than external opinions has seemingly contributed to the band’s tight and energetic performances on the “M72” tour.

Singer-songwriter Ryan Adams performed a stripped-down cover version of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s “Clean My Wounds” on June 21 at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh, North Carolina, the band’s original hometown. The rendition can now be heard on YouTube.

“Clean My Wounds” was released as the third single from CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s fourth studio album, 1994’s “Deliverance”. Written by lead vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan, “Clean My Wounds” was a hit on rock radio, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, the band’s highest-charting single alongside “Albatross.”

A North Carolina native who grew up on punk rock and heavy metal, Adams told BLABBERMOUTH.NET about his decision to cover the track: “Some folks have sports teams they follow for life, through thick or thin. For me that’s C.O.C. In memory of Pepper’s father passing, I covered ‘Clean My Wounds’ in NOLA and the Carolinas. They mean more to me than I could ever say. Most C.O.C. fans feel that same way. C.O.C. are always and will always be my team and I’ll fly the flag forever.”

Pepper was equally full of praise for Adams, saying: “I’ve been a friend and fan of Ryan’s music and skills for a very long time. C.O.C. and Ryan sharpened our teeth in the same neck of the woods in the Old North State as youngsters. I consider Ryan to be one of the best singer-songwriters out there. Knew it back then, still do. To hear him do his thing to one of our songs in such a beautiful and haunting way, as well as dedicating it to my father, was quite moving to say the least. Honestly stopped me dead in my tracks. Very special on many levels and emotions. Thank you for that brother. Love and respect always.”

Jerry Pepper Keenan, Pepper’s father, passed away on June 7 at the age of 83.

Pepper joined CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in 1990, but he did not become the band’s lead singer until the recording of the aforementioned “Deliverance”.

On his current tour, Adams is playing his albums “Love Is Hell” and “Self-Titled” in celebration of their respective 10th and 20th anniversaries. He is also performing classics and fan favorites.

Adams is a seven-time Grammy-nominated artist with 22 studio albums to his name. He has produced albums for musicians such as Willie Nelson, Jesse Malin, and Jenny Lewis. Adams has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including WEEZER, FALL OUT BOY, and AMERICA.

Born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Adams began his music career in local bands before gaining prominence with the popular country group WHISKEYTOWN in the mid-1990s, releasing several critically acclaimed albums, including “Faithless Street” (1995) and “Strangers Almanac” (1997). He released his debut solo album, “Heartbreaker”, in 2000, receiving widespread acclaim with songs like “Oh My Sweet Carolina” and “Come Pick Me Up.”

Adams has had a very public love affair with metal over the past decade and a half. He has hosted a mock cable access show called “Night Sweats” and even attended Ronnie James Dio’s funeral. He had also previously performed stripped-down versions of IRON MAIDEN’s “Wasted Years,” RATT’s “Round And Round,” and DIO’s “Holy Diver.”

Back in 2010, Adams released what was described at the time as a “first fully realized sci-fi metal concept album” called “Orion” that was recorded in 2006 and featured artwork by Michel “Away” Langevin from Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD.

In a new interview with Stefs Rock Show, founding DROWNING POOL guitarist C.J. Pierce discussed the progress of the songwriting sessions for the new music that he and his longtime bandmates — drummer Mike Luce and bassist Stevie Benton — have been working on with singer Ryan McCombs. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Having Ryan McCombs back in the band this last year, it’s been awesome for us. We have a new song. Hopefully in the next four weeks it’ll be out. It’s being mixed right now today. In fact, I’m probably gonna hear the final mixed version tonight after we get off the phone. So I’m very excited about some new material from us. And this new song is jamming… We have two or three other ones that we’re finishing on now. We wanna start trying to get on the regular, put out a few new singles before we put out a full record.”

Last month, Pierce told Scott Penfold of Loaded Radio that he and his DROWNING POOL bandmates “just got done recording in [Las] Vegas about two weeks ago, and it’s getting mixed right now. So we do have three new ideas that we can’t wait to get out. We’re hoping to get them out here summertime. But things just take a little extra time, between touring schedule and life and family. Plus, we’re not trying to rush anything. We’re taking our time and writing what we feel and making sure it’s good to go for everybody to hear it. So it’s right there, man. It’s pretty much just about done.”

Pierce went on to say that he and his DROWNING POOL bandmates are once again working with producer Shawn McGhee. “He has his own studio,” C.J. explained. “We did the last record with him as well. We did [2022’s] ‘Strike A Nerve’ [with him]. And he’s just a great guy to work with. He’s on the same page as us and a great friend and a great musician and a killer producer and mixer. So, we love working with Shawn. He really knows how to capture what we’re trying to do, man. That’s the kind of producer you want. We put him in the driver’s seat and [have] somebody you can trust to have that outside ear to take what we have already and elevate it.

“I’m excited, man,” Pierce added. “We’re super excited, man. I was hoping to get [it] out sooner, but [it’s the] right place and right time for everything. And it’s right there, man. It’s almost done.”

Asked what fans can expect from the new DROWNING POOL music, Pierce said: “It just came out naturally. We just started writing. We were all excited to be together again. And we never try to be that kind of band to [go], like, ‘Okay, let’s write ‘Bodies Part Two’ or ‘Sinner Part Two’. We just write what we feel. And then this came out naturally just to have that ‘Sinner’ record foundation with Ryan singing on it, man. It’s probably the closest thing we’ve had that’s like that, that’s a good blend of us and Ryan and stuff from the Dave Williams [original DROWNING POOL singer] days. And it came naturally and organically and, dude, it’s slamming. I’m excited to be playing these new songs coming up here shortly within the next few weeks.”

Rock vocalist Miljenko Matijevic, best known as the frontman of the renowned band STEELHEART, makes a powerful big-screen debut in Mick Davis’s new heartwarming dramedy “Trust In Love”. The film, which has already garnered 30 awards at festivals worldwide, will premiere in select theaters in early August before its VOD (video on demand) debut. Matijevic is also working on new music with an unexpected, exciting ally.

Directed by Davis, known for “Modigliani” and “Walden,” the film also stars a remarkable ensemble cast, including Matijevic, Natasha Wilson (“Once Upon A Time”, “Commander In Chief”, “Huff”), Sydney Bullock (“Stranger Things”, “Dynasty”, “Goosebumps”), Robby Krieger (THE DOORS), Eric Roberts (“The Dark Knight”, “The Expendables”, “Entourage”), and Jimi Petulla (“The Fall Of America And The Western World”, “Reversal”, “All The Kings Men”). Screenings of the film are being set up in cities including Los Angeles, California; Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Tempe and Sedona, Arizona; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, among others. The film will be digitally released on all major VOD platforms on August 13.

Diving deep into the heart of resilience and love, “Trust In Love” — based on a true story — promises to move and inspire viewers. Mickey Ferrara (Jimi Petulla) teeters at life’s crossroads: his record-producing career for a once huge band, fronted by Emerson (played by Matijevic), is going down the tubes. His estranged wife wants a divorce, and his son is struggling with his sexuality. Although plunged into adversity, Mickey is above all else a warrior, poised to make a valiant stand, get in the trenches, and “trust in love” to try to keep his family together and maybe — just maybe — make one more good record.

The film was named after STEELHEART’s epic track that has been translated into five languages and has become a symbol of peace around the world.

“The original title for the movie was going to be ‘Split’,” says Jimi Petulla. “When we were going over songs with Mili for the movie and myself and the director heard ‘Trust In Love’, we couldn’t believe it. It was BEYOND perfect. Then seeing Mili’s music video for the song, I felt like it was an anthem for peace and love. Not only did we feel it was the perfect song, it ended up being the perfect title for the movie ‘Trust In Love’. It really brings the family together at the end of the movie. Thank you, Mili!”

Written and produced by Petulla, the film won the Best International Feature Film award at the Vancouver International Film Awards and Best Narrative Feature at the Studio City Film Festival. It also won Best Feature Film, Best Cinematography of Feature Film, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor at the Los Angeles Cinematography Awards, and Best Feature Film at the Amsterdam World International Film Festival, among other accolades.

In a new interview with Nikki Blakk of the San Francisco Bay Area radio station 107.7 The Bone, guitarist Phil Demmel discussed his decision to leave VIO-LENCE, the band he formed nearly four decades ago. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “The VIO-LENCE thing just became… [Drummer] Perry [Strickland] left, or Perry’s no longer in the band, and it just became — and I love Christian [Olde Wolbers, former FEAR FACTORY and current VIO-LENCE bassist] — it just became something not familiar anymore. And it hit me when we played the Whisky [A Go Go in February 2023 in West Hollywood, California] and it was Adrian [Aguilar], the drummer’s first show. And we were having this kid Miles Dimitri Baker, who plays in ICE NINE KILLS right now, come down, and he was gonna be my fill-in [for some dates]. And so he was gonna play on a song or two. And I show up to the show and I walk backstage and, man, there were 50 people backstage and I knew maybe [the guys in] the band and a couple of other people. It was just, like, ‘Man, this isn’t my home anymore. This doesn’t feel like home.’ And no slight against the dudes, ’cause I loved playing with Adrian, I loved playing with Christian, and Ira [Black, now-former VIO-LENCE guitarist] really worked hard for the band and was a big — he was a big fighter for the band. He worked hard. He cared a lot. Ira was a very productive member of VIO-LENCE. But with everything that was happening, it was just time for me to go… The Kerry [King] thing was firing up, the CATEGORY 7 thing was firing up, and [I] just [did] not [want to] let that be a distraction from [the other stuff I was doing].”

Demmel added: “I loved the [2022] VIO-LENCE EP [‘Let The World Burn’] that I wrote, and me and Sean [Killian, VIO-LENCE singer] wrote and we recorded with the dudes. And I’m super proud of those songs and the way that the recording came out. [Producer/engineer] Juan [Urteaga] did a tremendous job.”

Circling back to the high turnover of members in VIO-LENCE, Demmel said: “[Former OVERKILL guitarist] Bobby [Gustafson was in the band for a couple of years] and Miles and this kid Jesse’s playing now. Ira, Adrian, [drummer] Nick Souza has played, [former CANNIBAL CORPSE and current EXHORDER guitarist] Pat O’Brien’s been in. And this is all within the past couple years. So it just wasn’t the thing that I started in high school, and the songs [didn’t mean] the same.”

Phil added that “it was cool traveling and doing the stuff that we did. And Sean wants to continue and travel and do the fun stuff. I’m still a partner with him in the business.”

As for the possibility of VIO-LENCE making new music without Demmel being an official member of the band, Phil said: “That’s all something that remains to be [seen].”

Demmel’s final concert with VIO-LENCE took place on February 11 at Carioca Club in São Paulo, Brazil. The gig also marked the last show of VIO-LENCE’s Latin American tour with EXHORDER.

Canadian metal pioneers ANVIL probably don’t need to release new studio albums. With their latest release, “One And Only,” ANVIL now has 20 LPs. However, according to co-founding member, vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Steve “Lips” Kudlow, there is plenty more to come, albeit begrudgingly. While many legacy bands either resist recording new music or do so sparingly, ANVIL continues to produce albums regularly. This has caused friction between Kudlow and co-founding drummer Robb Reiner, who constantly pressures the frontman to write new music.

Since the surprising success of the 2008 documentary “Anvil! The Story Of Anvil,” ANVIL has been a full-time band with a dedicated touring and recording schedule. To keep the band going and avoid returning to civilian life, Kudlow pushes himself to write and record new music. Whether this has resulted in better output is up for debate, but in Kudlow’s conversation with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, it was evident that “Lips” is determined to continue, even if the process has become less enjoyable.

Blabbermouth: What’s the motivation for releasing a new ANVIL album?

Steve: “I don’t even know, other than my drummer kicking my ass constantly. He’s already on to the next album. He’s already going, ‘What have you written for the next one?’ I’m like, ‘Can we let this one come out and see what happens? We haven’t even gotten a deal for the next album. One thing at a time.’ But he’s going, ‘We’re running out of time!’ I said, ‘We’re not due to put out an album for another year and a half. What do you mean?’ [Laughs]”

Blabbermouth: It’s not like you’re out of ideas. The stuff still sounds like ANVIL.

Steve: “That’s not a problem. There’s always something to write about. There’s always a riff to play. I never run out of that. I see these guys going, ‘I’ve got writer’s block.’ No, you’re fucking lazy. That’s what that is. If you sit down and start working on stuff, you’ve got stuff. If you don’t, then you’re done. It’s real simple.”

Blabbermouth: Have you ever had writer’s block?

Steve: “No. I don’t even know what that means. [Laughs] I just don’t want to do it right now. It doesn’t mean I can’t; it means I don’t want to.”

REFUSED frontman Dennis Lyxzén suffered a “massive” heart attack, leading to the cancellation of the band’s scheduled performance on Friday, June 14, at Stockholm’s Rosendal Garden Party.

The 51-year-old Swedish musician shared the news earlier today on Instagram, writing: “This morning, I had a massive heart attack in my hotel room. It was extremely painful and incredibly scary.

“Thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at Uppsala Hospital, I’m still here to fight another day.

“Under the circumstances, I feel okay—sore, tired, and really shaken up.

“I really hate canceling shows, but the doctor said no rock for a couple of weeks. This means that the @refused show at @rosendalgardenparty is not happening. It’s a complete bummer as I was really looking forward to it. But hopefully, I/we will be able to make it up to you soon.

“The good news is that with medication, I can get back to my rocking self hopefully sooner than later.

“Life is weird and precious. Take care of each other and tell your loved ones that you love them.”

When REFUSED’s participation in Rosendal Garden Party was first announced in March, the show was billed as the band’s “final festival” performance in their home country.

Rosendal Garden Party will feature headlining performances from THE CARDIGANS, M.I.A., and MASSIVE ATTACK. Other scheduled performers include Grace Jones, TURNSTILE, RAYE, SAINT LEVANT, and THE HEAVY.