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Tim Roberts

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Ozzy Osbourne recently reflected on his recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, expressing his gratitude and the significance of the honor.

In an email to Billboard, the iconic singer conveyed his sentiments:

“Becoming one of the Rock Hall’s multiple inductees feels monumental. I am deeply honored.”

This induction marks a significant milestone for Osbourne, as it recognizes his solo career, distinct from his earlier induction as a member of Black Sabbath in 2008. Emphasizing the personal significance, Osbourne articulated:

“My solo career has been an integral part of my musical journey. To be recognized for my solo work holds a special place in my heart, different from my initial induction.”

Osbourne’s sentiment was echoed by his impressive showing in the fan vote, where he secured fourth place with over 480,000 votes. Reflecting on the overwhelming support, he remarked:

“The outpouring of support from the fans makes this induction even more meaningful. I am deeply moved and grateful.”

The push for Osbourne’s solo induction gained momentum, fueled in part by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, who advocated for his recognition on various platforms. Her efforts culminated in the long-awaited acknowledgment by the Rock Hall.

In a statement shared on X following the nomination announcement, Osbourne expressed his humility and pride:

“To be considered for a second entry, now as a solo artist, is beyond my wildest dreams. After 44 years as a solo artist, I am humbled to receive this recognition and to continue creating music.”

As preparations for the induction ceremony on October 19 in Cleveland unfold, Osbourne’s involvement remains uncertain due to health concerns. While he has not confirmed a performance, he affirmed his presence and commitment to the occasion, promising to don his signature black attire for the event.

Among the esteemed list of nominees for the 2024 Hall of Fame induction are Cher, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, and Kool & the Gang. Though some notable names missed out on nomination, Osbourne’s recognition serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the world of music.

During a recent Q&A session on X, Nikki Sixx fielded a fan’s inquiry about the potential success of a hair metal band in today’s music landscape. Sixx’s response veered away from categorizing bands within the hair metal genre, instead emphasizing the timeless power of exceptional songwriting and guitar craftsmanship:

“I’m not quite sure what constitutes a ‘hair band.’ However, a band that prioritizes strong songwriting and showcases skillful guitar work? Absolutely. In the end, a stellar song always prevails. So, I believe it’s entirely possible.”

His comments underscore a departure from the hair metal label, a stance he firmly established back in 2011 when Mötley Crüe distanced themselves from the genre before embarking on a tour with Poison. Sixx adamantly rejected any association with what he termed as “fake nonsense,” asserting Mötley Crüe’s distinct identity.

Clarifying their stance, Sixx elucidated, “We intentionally distanced ourselves from those bands. It wasn’t about animosity; it was about maintaining a clear distinction.”

Reflecting on the decline of hair metal bands in the 1990s, Sixx attributed their downfall to a propensity for replicating established formulas rather than fostering innovation. He highlighted Mötley Crüe’s resilience amidst the tumultuous era, crediting their commitment to creating compelling music as the catalyst for their enduring legacy:

“While others faltered due to a stagnating creative landscape, we focused on pushing our musical boundaries. Our ability to evolve and deliver impactful music ultimately set us apart during those challenging times.”

Mick Jones has set the record straight regarding his relationship with Lou Gramm, emphasizing that there’s no lingering animosity between them.

In a candid email exchange with Billboard, the Foreigner musician opened up about his sentiments surrounding the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the class of 2024. Jones extended an olive branch, expressing his willingness to welcome Gramm’s presence at the ceremony:

“On a personal level, I harbor no resentment toward Lou. We did share the stage together at the 40th-anniversary concert. It’s been many years since Lou’s departure from Foreigner, and I like to believe that any past grievances are now water under the bridge. There’s strength in letting go of grudges and moving forward with life.”

Jones’s perspective echoes a sentiment of reconciliation, emphasizing the power of forgiveness and growth.

Regarding his plans for the induction ceremony, Jones conveyed his desire to bask in the moment without the weight of past conflicts:

“Why carry the baggage of old grievances? It serves no purpose in the grand scheme of things. I fully intend to attend the ceremony, and I anticipate my entire family will join me. As for whether I’ll take the stage to perform, that remains undecided. Perhaps simply being present to absorb the atmosphere and savor the induction would be the most fulfilling.”

Foreigner’s journey to the Rock Hall’s hallowed halls received a significant boost from a passionate campaign orchestrated by Jones’s son-in-law, Mark Ronson. With notable endorsements from music luminaries like Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, and Paul McCartney, the campaign rallied support behind the band’s long-overdue recognition.

Lou Gramm, reflecting on the band’s nomination after years of eligibility, admitted his surprise at the acknowledgment:

“I had resigned myself to the fact that we might never be considered. It was a pleasant shock to learn of the nomination after all these years of being overlooked.”

In light of the induction announcement, Gramm took to social media to express his joy, marking a momentous occasion for Foreigner and their fans. With the induction ceremony slated for October 19 in Cleveland, Foreigner’s ongoing farewell tour adds an extra layer of significance to their induction, underscoring the enduring legacy of their music.

Exciting news has hit the streets of Hollywood as rocker Sammy Hagar is set to be immortalized with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The official announcement, posted on the Walk of Fame’s Instagram account, revealed that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will bestow the honor upon Hagar with the unveiling of the 2,779th star on Tuesday, April 30th, at 11:30 am PT. The star will find its home at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard, commemorating Hagar’s illustrious career in the category of Recording.

In a poignant statement, Hagar reflected on the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of success:

“It’s the fuel that propels me forward. That hunger to never experience poverty again drove me to work tirelessly. Even now, I can tap into that place and channel the determination it instilled in me. But nowadays, it’s about giving back and inspiring young talents to realize that hard work opens doors.”

As the ceremony approaches, notable figures including musician John Mayer and Hagar’s longtime manager Tom Consolo are slated to join host Guy Fieri in celebrating the Red Rocker’s achievements. This accolade comes in the wake of Hagar’s previous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Van Halen in 2007, a milestone he reminisced about during a candid interview with WKYC:

“It was a special moment. Although it would have been ideal if the entire Van Halen crew had come together. Dave [Lee Roth] and I were ready to join forces and perform, but you know how it goes with those guys [chuckles]. I guess the truth is starting to come to light now.”

During the same conversation, Hagar expressed his advocacy for the induction of Montrose into the Hall of Fame, citing the band’s influence on acts like Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard. Despite his efforts, Montrose’s induction remains pending, a testament to their enduring impact on the rock landscape.

In a recent conversation with Guitar Interactive Magazine, Dream Theater’s John Petrucci delved into his songwriting process and the impact of Mike Portnoy’s return on the band’s dynamic. Surprisingly, despite Portnoy’s comeback, Petrucci noted minimal changes to their creative approach:

“With Mike Portnoy back in the fold after 13 years, there’s certainly an air of excitement as we gear up to hit the studio for a new record. However, in terms of our songwriting process, not much has shifted. We still come together, bouncing ideas off each other, whether they’re fully formed or mere fragments. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, fueled by coffee and camaraderie, where we let the music guide us.”

Reflecting on their evolution, Petrucci revealed one notable departure from their past practices:

“Although some albums were meticulously planned as concept records, others were more spontaneous, born out of jam sessions and experimentation. We’ve found success in both approaches. Personally, I’ve moved away from excessive demoing in recent years, preferring to let the creativity flow naturally.”

Meanwhile, as the band gears up for their forthcoming album, Portnoy recently announced the completion of his drumming duties, hinting at an exciting phase of production:

“Today marks the end of my drumming journey for a while… My drums for DT16 are wrapped up! Yet, this is just the beginning as we dive into guitars, bass, keys, vocals, and more in the coming months. While details about the album remain tightly under wraps, we’re bursting with anticipation for what we’ve crafted. Stay tuned for more!”

Despite the buzz surrounding their reunion, Portnoy acknowledges the realities of aging and the potential finality of this chapter for Dream Theater:

“While my return to Dream Theater takes center stage in my priorities, the future of my other projects remains uncertain. Yet, the prospect of touring and creating music with Dream Theater fills me with unparalleled excitement. As for the future, only time will tell the fate of my other endeavors.”

Indeed, as Dream Theater embarks on this new chapter, both band members and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the culmination of their collective efforts in what promises to be a riveting musical journey.

In a recent discussion with Sweetwater, Pantera bassist Rex Brown delved into the decision to embark on the road with a reimagined version of the band, revealing a profound sense of connection with the departed spirits of Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell.

Brown recounted moments onstage where he sensed the ethereal presence of the late band members, describing it as a chilling sensation:

“At our last show, I experienced something eerie, like a sudden chill passing by. It felt like a cold presence enveloping me. I’ve felt this a few times before. When Charlie and I were recording, before Zakk joined us, we put in countless hours fine-tuning the bass and drums. There was this same inexplicable chill.”

Referring to these sensations as “angels,” Brown expressed his belief that Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell are watching over and approving of the band’s current endeavors:

“To me, they’re like guardian angels. I believe you know who I’m talking about. I sense that they’re watching over us, alongside us, and they’re pleased with what they see. That’s the only way I can make sense of it, as we strive to emulate their spirit with Charlie and Zakk. And let me tell you, it’s getting better and better. There’s so much untapped potential for us to become even tighter.”

Interestingly, Zakk Wylde, who joined Pantera for their resurgence in 2022, echoed similar sentiments about receiving signs and messages from Dimebag Darrell urging the band’s reunion. In an interview with On The Record, Wylde recounted the unmistakable signs he encountered:

“Even during rehearsals and preparations for the tour, there were signs everywhere, like license plates with the number 333 or chance encounters with Dimebag-themed plates. It felt like he was guiding us, pushing us toward this reunion. He’s always present, nudging us forward.”

Mötley Crüe has made headlines with the revelation of their latest track, ‘Dogs of War,’ marking a significant milestone in their journey since Mick Mars’ departure.

The band’s social media platforms erupted with anticipation as they unveiled a striking image portraying the members transformed into zombie-like figures amidst a post-apocalyptic backdrop. Nikki Sixx echoed the excitement with a poignant message on his official account, heralding the dawn of a new era:

“The return of Mötley Crüe signals the onset of an exhilarating new chapter with our latest single ‘Dogs of War.’ Now available for pre-order! Set to hit all platforms on April 26th. Big Machine Records proudly embraces the world’s most notorious band. Link in bio.”

With the release date set for Friday, April 26th, the promotional image, bathed in a haunting yellow hue, bears the band’s name alongside the title of the new anthem. Sixx further teased fans with his enthusiasm for the track, sharing his satisfaction during a recent rehearsal:

“‘Dogs of War’ sounded phenomenal during today’s rehearsal.”

In a groundbreaking move, Mötley Crüe also revealed their alliance with Big Machine Records, a development underscored by a shared post on social media. The record label’s announcement heralded the triumphant return of the iconic band, setting the stage for a thrilling comeback:

“Big Machine Records proudly presents the resurgence of ‘The World’s Most Notorious Rock Band,’ Mötley Crüe! This marks the inception of an electrifying new era for the legendary Crüe! Pre-save their latest single, ‘Dogs of War,’ NOW! Available on April 26th. This release signals the thrilling resurgence of the iconic group, marking their first original material since 2019. Pre-save now at the link in bio!”

The anticipation for new music from Mötley Crüe has been mounting, with ‘Dogs of War’ representing another collaboration with guitarist John 5, who contributed to three tracks on ‘The Dirt’ movie soundtrack. The addition of John 5 to the lineup in 2022, following Mick Mars’ retirement from touring due to health concerns, has injected fresh energy into the band’s creative process.

As the band gears up for a string of high-profile performances this spring and summer, including appearances at Welcome To Rockville, Festival D’été De Québec, Louder Than Life, and Aftershock, fans can expect an electrifying showcase of their enduring legacy. With their next show scheduled for May 3rd in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Sixx emphasizes the benefits of short tours, ensuring the band remains active and engaged with their audience throughout the year.

Sebastian Bach opened up about his decision to unfollow Lzzy Hale on Instagram in a candid and heartfelt statement.

During a recent conversation with Screamer Magazine, the interviewer broached the topic of Bach’s social media activity, particularly his choice to cease following Hale after news surfaced that she would be stepping in as Skid Row’s vocalist for upcoming performances. Bach’s response was laden with emotion, revealing the depth of his feelings:

“After witnessing nine replacements step into my shoes, perhaps the prospect of a tenth was simply too much to bear. Do people consider how that might affect me? I poured the best years of my life into building the Skid Row brand, only to see it passed around like a commodity. Maybe I just didn’t want to be reminded of it anymore. Let them revel in what were the peak years of my career; meanwhile, I’m focused on creating rock ‘n’ roll that stands tall against anything I’ve ever produced. That’s where my energy lies.”

It’s evident that Bach’s decision to unfollow Hale stemmed from a place of deep-seated emotion, reflecting the complex dynamics surrounding his tenure with Skid Row.

In a recent development, Skid Row announced the departure of Erik Grönwall from the band due to health concerns. In a joint statement, they revealed that Lzzy Hale would be stepping in as vocalist for the upcoming shows.

Grönwall later addressed his exit in a poignant Facebook post, citing his health as the primary reason for his departure and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his well-being and recovery.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Terrie Carr of the Morristown, Hale hinted at the possibility of extending her tenure with Skid Row beyond the initial four shows. This revelation comes in the wake of Bach expressing his desire to reunite with the band, believing it to be a debt owed to their loyal fanbase. The intertwining narratives of past members, current developments, and future aspirations add layers of complexity to the ongoing saga of Skid Row’s evolution.

Creed has emerged from a 12-year hiatus, igniting excitement among fans with the promise of fresh music on the horizon.

In an exclusive interview with Rock Feed, the band delved into their triumphant return to the stage after over a decade. Mark Tremonti, sharing insights into their future plans, acknowledged the persistent clamor for new material:

“The demand for new music has been relentless over the years, and now that we’re back in action, it’s just a matter of aligning our schedules to make it happen. The timing has always been crucial for us. This cruise has been three years in the making, and things escalated rapidly. While we’ve been focused on the event, there’s been a buzz around creating new music to complement our comeback. It’s inevitable that the next chapter will feature fresh tunes, especially given the anticipation from our dedicated fanbase.”

Creed’s resurgence was heralded by whispers of a comeback, culminating in a monumental announcement: their return to the stage would unfold aboard their very own festival cruise.

The inaugural performance kicked off with a thunderous rendition of ‘Are You Ready?’ before delving into a setlist packed with beloved classics like ‘Torn,’ ‘My Own Prison,’ and ‘Weathered.’

As the night reached its crescendo, the crowd joined in jubilant sing-alongs to anthems like ‘With Arms Wide Open’ and ‘Higher,’ punctuated by a special celebration for Tremonti’s milestone 50th birthday.

While specifics regarding new music remain under wraps for now, the anticipation lingers, hinting at the possibility of forthcoming updates in the near future.

Guitarist Wolf Hoffmann of Accept has shattered stereotypes by showcasing that being a metal musician doesn’t mean you’re confined to metal alone in your musical tastes.

In a recent exchange with A&P-Reacts, Hoffmann was probed about his exploration of new bands and genres beyond the realms of metal. His response was a revelation:

“I rarely delve into metal, if ever. It’s peculiar, isn’t it? I appreciate music, but my playlist rarely features metal. Occasionally, I’ll indulge in some classics like old Uriah Heep or vintage Deep Purple, but aside from that, metal isn’t my go-to. It’s just not my cup of tea, I’m afraid. Despite creating metal, I don’t consume it avidly. It’s a curious paradox.”

Accept’s reluctance to embrace the heavy metal label in their early days is another intriguing facet of their journey.

In a separate dialogue with Rockklassiker, Hoffmann elaborated on their initial aversion to being pigeonholed as heavy metal pioneers:

“There’s always been this notion that we were among the first heavy metal bands to emerge from Germany. Yet, in the early ’80s, when ‘heavy metal’ started gaining traction as a term, we were skeptical. It felt somewhat cheap, you know? Initially, I wasn’t keen on being labeled heavy metal. But eventually, it stuck.”

Reflecting on their stance then and now, Hoffmann mused:

“Today, ‘metal’ seems to encompass a vast spectrum of sounds. Back then, it was ambiguous. We hesitated. But eventually, we owned it. If anyone embodies heavy metal, it’s us.”

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