Jay Weinberg took to Instagram shortly after Slipknot’s announcement of Eloy Casagrande as their new drummer, reflecting on his recent experiences with Infectious Grooves and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform with the band.

Sharing snapshots from his shows with Infectious Grooves, Weinberg conveyed mixed emotions about the conclusion of the tour:

“What an incredible (albeit bittersweet) finale to this unforgettable Infectious Grooves run. It’s been an honor to share the stage with such talented musicians and a welcoming crew. This tour will undoubtedly hold a special place in my heart.”

Weinberg also opened up about the challenges he faced due to his surgery for a torn labrum and femoral adjustment, highlighting his determination to seize the opportunity despite uncertainty:

“When Mike Muir initially reached out to me for these shows, I was still on crutches, uncertain if I’d be ready to play drums by mid-March. However, I couldn’t resist the chance to collaborate with some of my musical heroes in a genre entirely new to me. The intricacies of funk music presented a fresh and exhilarating challenge.”

In response to Weinberg’s post, fans flooded the comment section with messages of support and encouragement. Some expressed solidarity with Weinberg’s decision to pursue his happiness outside of Slipknot, while others praised his talent and authenticity:

“It’s great to see you thriving in a space where you’re valued and appreciated for your skills.”

“You don’t need a mask to shine, Jay. Your talent speaks for itself.”

“Your joy and passion are evident, Jay. Keep doing what you love, and we’ll always have your back.”

Weinberg’s journey with Infectious Grooves began in January, leading up to their recent performances, which garnered widespread acclaim. Meanwhile, Slipknot debuted with Casagrande at the Sick New World festival, sparking discussions among fans about the drummer’s fit within the band.

In a recent Instagram video, John Petrucci provided insight into the making of the upcoming Dream Theater album featuring Mike Portnoy, detailing the meticulous process that went into crafting their signature sound.

Reflecting on the guitar recording sessions, Petrucci expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the collaborative effort with their skilled engineer, Jimmy T (James Meslin), to achieve what they dubbed the “Mount Rushmore of guitar tones”:

“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve officially completed recording all the guitars for what we’ll refer to as DT16, our latest Dream Theater album. Jimmy T and I embarked on a mission to capture the ultimate guitar tones, and I’m incredibly pleased with the results. We had a blast in the studio, dialing in the perfect sound.”

Petrucci delved into the technical aspects of their approach, revealing a nod to Dream Theater’s illustrious past with the involvement of longtime engineer Doug Oberkircher, known for his work on classic albums like ‘Images And Words’ and ‘Scenes From A Memory’:

“In our pursuit of sonic excellence, and with Mike Portnoy back in the fold, we decided to pay homage to our roots. We reached out to our friend Doug Oberkircher, who still possessed the original Neve preamps used on those iconic recordings. Acquiring these preamps allowed us to infuse our new material with the same raw energy and warmth that defined our earlier work. The result? A blend of aggression and depth, akin to a blazing T-Rex sculpted from chocolate cake [laughs]. Needless to say, we’re thrilled with the outcome.”

Meanwhile, Portnoy celebrated completing his drum parts for his eagerly awaited return to the band, teasing fans with hints of what’s to come:

“Today marks the end of my drumming sessions for DT16! But this is just the beginning… There’s still plenty of work ahead on guitars, bass, keys, vocals, and more. We’re keeping details under wraps for now, but rest assured, we’re incredibly excited about what we’ve created. Stay tuned for updates!”

As anticipation builds for the album’s release, Petrucci and Portnoy remain tight-lipped about specifics, keeping fans eagerly awaiting the unveiling of their latest masterpiece. Dream Theater’s European leg of the 40th Anniversary Tour 2024 – 2025 is set to kick off on October 20, promising a thrilling showcase of their enduring musical legacy.

You can watch the musician’s video message here.

In a recent statement addressing the delays in the delivery process of his solo record, Mick Mars took to Instagram to express his gratitude to fans for their overwhelming support and patience.

Accompanied by photos of himself packaging and signing new editions of his debut solo album, ‘The Other Side of Mars,’ Mars conveyed his appreciation for the enthusiastic response from fans:

“Apologies for the extended wait; we had to press more records due to the incredible demand on my web-store. I’m truly honored by the overwhelming support!”

In a subsequent comment, Mars extended his thanks once more:

“Thank you all so much.”

While Mötley Crüe faced some criticism for their latest song release, ‘Dogs of War,’ Mars garnered more positive feedback for his solo endeavor, with his record quickly climbing the charts. In February, Mars celebrated his solo effort reaching the number one spot on the iTunes Charts with a heartfelt message on Instagram:

“Waking up to find myself topping the iTunes Charts feels surreal. I’m at a loss for words. Thank you immensely for your unwavering support. And a special thanks to iTunes and Spotify for the feature!”

However, ‘Dogs of War’ received mixed reactions from Mötley Crüe fans, with some expressing reservations about its departure from the band’s signature sound. Commenting on a snippet shared by the band on Instagram, one fan remarked:

“I’m a die-hard Motley Crue fan, but this song just doesn’t feel like them to me.”

Another fan echoed similar sentiments:

“While I love Crue and admire John 5’s talent, this song doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s not bad, and the guitar work is exceptional, but it lacks the memorable quality of their classics like ‘Too Fast for Love’ or ‘Shout at the Devil.’ I’m eager to hear more music from them.”

Some fans also noted the absence of Mars’ distinctive guitar stylings:

“It feels like something’s missing.”

In addition to fan feedback, Mötley Crüe’s new release faced tough competition, trailing behind Sebastian Bach, whose latest single, ‘(Hold On) To The Dream,’ secured the top spot on Heavy 1 Radio’s Top 20 singles list, further highlighting the dynamic landscape of rock music.

In a candid interview with Metal Hammer, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm shared her surprise at the overwhelming response after publicly discussing her bisexuality, reflecting on the journey of self-discovery and the unexpected impact of her revelation.

Recalling the moment when her sexual orientation became public knowledge, Hale recounted a seemingly innocuous interaction on Twitter that snowballed into a significant revelation:

“I casually responded to a question on Twitter, mentioning my bisexuality, and suddenly it was like the floodgates opened. While my inner circle, including my bandmates and family, were already aware, it never occurred to me that the vast majority, about 95%, were completely unaware. Suddenly, I found myself thrust into the spotlight, realizing that I needed to be prepared to address this newfound aspect of my identity.”

Despite the initial shock, Hale embraced the opportunity to engage in conversations about these deeply personal matters, finding solace and fulfillment in connecting with her fans:

“While I do cherish certain aspects of my life as private, I’ve found immense joy in being open about topics like this. I’ve received heartwarming embraces from young fans at our shows who are navigating their own journeys of self-acceptance and coming out. I’m at a stage in my life where I can openly discuss these matters and offer support to those who may be struggling.”

Hale’s decision to share her bisexuality on social media during Pride Month in June 2022 sparked a wave of empowerment and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. In her heartfelt Instagram post, she eloquently expressed her unapologetic embrace of her identity and urged others to do the same:

“I’m unapologetically bisexual, navigating the vast spectrum of this magnificent rainbow we all inhabit. I encourage you to embrace your true self, celebrating what sets you apart and owning your uniqueness as your greatest strength. Your authenticity is a precious gift, one that no one can take from you unless you allow them to. Embrace every facet of yourself, for we only have one shot at this journey. Rock on, motherf*ckers! I salute you!”

Reflecting on her journey, Hale revealed the challenges of reconciling her sexuality with her upbringing and likened her experience to that of Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Bret Michaels Promises Not To Disappoint Poison Fans With Lineup Plans For Upcoming TourBret Michaels is extending a heartfelt invitation to Lou Gramm for Foreigner’s upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, signaling a potential reconciliation amidst the band’s historic milestone.

In celebration of Gramm’s birthday, the Poison frontman shared a photo of the two, accompanied by a generous offer in his Instagram post:

“As a birthday gesture to my friend Lou Gramm, I’m extending an invitation for him to join me at the arena show just outside Washington DC on September 18. Furthermore, I’ll be flying him on my private jet, ensuring he enjoys a selection of delectable snacks and beverages. I personally guarantee his safe arrival for Foreigner’s well-deserved induction into the Rock Hall… Tune in tomorrow at 9 am PST on The Show on Rock 105.3 with my daughter Raine and our amazing hosts – San Diego Seals rock!”

Amidst the anticipation of Gramm’s potential attendance, Foreigner’s induction into the Rock Hall marks a significant moment for the band, despite longstanding internal tensions. Mick Jones, in correspondence with Billboard, expressed his openness to reconciling with Gramm:

“On a personal level, I hold no animosity towards Lou. We did share the stage at the 40th-anniversary concert. It’s been quite some time since Lou departed from Foreigner, and I believe any lingering grievances belong to the past. There’s strength in releasing resentments and moving forward.”

However, Gramm revealed his ongoing struggle to reconnect with Jones, citing communication barriers:

“I had hoped our induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame would pave the way for reconciliation. It had been years since I last heard from Mick, but we had a fantastic time at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, playing alongside the house band and basking in the honor. Despite that night, our relationship seemed on the mend, yet I haven’t heard from him since.”

As the induction ceremony approaches on October 19 in Cleveland, the question remains whether Gramm will join Foreigner on stage, heralding a potential reunion amid the band’s monumental achievement.

In an exclusive interview with Metal & Rock Zone, Glenn Hughes made a significant announcement regarding his future touring plans, revealing that his current tour would mark the final occasion he performs Deep Purple tracks.

Since departing from Deep Purple in 1976, Hughes has directed his focus towards his solo endeavors, embarking on numerous solo tours and releasing his own music. Last year saw the commencement of his solo tour titled ‘Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live – Celebrating The 50th Anniversary Of The Album Burn,’ where he showcased songs from Deep Purple’s ‘Burn’ album and selections from the MKIII and MKIV eras. However, Hughes has made the decision to retire these performances.

During the interview, Hughes delved into his musical trajectory and disclosed his intention to permanently conclude the Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live tours. He articulated:

“The inclusion of Deep Purple songs in this setlist will come to a close in November, by the end of November, and thereafter, this chapter will be sealed shut. There’s a finite number of shows I can dedicate to this particular showcase. While I cherish my time with Deep Purple, my artistic identity extends far beyond those boundaries.”

Contrary to the pre-performance jitters that afflict many performers, Hughes radiates confidence on stage, a trait he attributes to his disciplined routine and mindset.

Addressing inquiries about his ability to hit those challenging high notes consistently during live performances, Hughes shared insights into his regimen and mental approach. He elucidated on his pre-show rituals and how he tackles any apprehension:

“Yes, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity. I prioritize rest, hydration, and vocal exercises. Pre-show warm-ups are crucial. But perhaps the most significant aspect for me is the absence of fear. While I may grapple with apprehension offstage, once under the spotlight, fear dissipates. I’m fully immersed in the moment, unencumbered by doubts or hesitation.”

In a candid interview with Metal Hammer, Kerry King addressed the lingering question of personal dynamics between himself and Tom Araya ahead of the upcoming Slayer reunion shows. Despite any private differences, King assured fans that it wouldn’t cast a shadow over their stage presence.

The band’s unexpected return to the limelight with performances slated for three prominent US festivals – Louder Than Life, Riot Fest, and Aftershock – marks their first collective appearance since their disbandment in 2019.

While King’s management advised steering clear of Slayer discussions amidst promotions for his solo endeavors, the topic naturally arose. King confirmed that the reunion hadn’t prompted any reconnection with his bandmate.

When probed about communication between them since the announcement, King’s response was succinct:

“No.”

Elaborating on the apparent lack of dialogue, King emphasized that it wasn’t an anomaly in their dynamic. He clarified that despite their differences, there was no animosity between them, attributing their relationship to that of evolved business partners:

“What’s normal anyway? There’s no rulebook for this stuff. It’s not about harboring resentment. We’ve simply grown apart over time, becoming more like business associates. Our interests and perspectives diverged. Does that mean I despise him? Not at all. But daily conversations aren’t a necessity.”

Further addressing the issue, King highlighted the pragmatic aspect of their collaboration:

“It’s not strange. We just move in different orbits. When it’s time to hit the stage, I’ll be there without hesitation. We’re seasoned pros, and that’s our job.”

In a prior interview with Rolling Stone, King disclosed that Araya hadn’t reached out since the band’s dissolution in 2019. Reflecting on his interactions with other band members, King noted the absence of contact from Araya:

“Not a call. Not a message. I’ve conversed with everyone else from the band via phone, text, or email. If Tom reached out, I’d likely respond. The context would matter, of course, but I harbor no ill will towards him at present.”

Slayer is scheduled to headline Louder Than Life on the weekend of September 27th, Riot Fest on the weekend of September 20th, and Aftershock on Thursday, October 10th.