Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s recent comments on OVERKILL’s future and their approach to changes within the band provide some interesting insights into the band’s dynamics and upcoming plans. Here’s a breakdown:

New Album Timeline

• Writing and Recording: OVERKILL plans to start writing their next album in the majority of 2025, with recording expected to begin by the end of 2025. This means fans can likely expect the new album to be released in 2026.
• Label: While Ellsworth mentioned that Nuclear Blast might still be the label to release their next album, he noted that the band is not yet certain about this and has not made any definitive decisions.

Band Dynamics and Changes

• Directional Changes: Ellsworth discussed the internal changes within the band, explaining that the need for change is often felt internally before it becomes apparent to fans. He mentioned that too much tension can be detrimental, which is why the band occasionally needs to make adjustments.
• Personal Growth: He emphasized personal and band growth, citing his decision to quit smoking and vaping as a positive change that has improved his vocal performance. Ellsworth sees these personal improvements as beneficial for the band’s overall sound and future records.

New Drummer Jeramie Kling

• Joining the Band: Jeramie Kling, known for his work with VENOM INC., THE ABSENCE, and others, joined OVERKILL as the new drummer. He made his live debut with the band at the Posada Rock festival in Romania on August 30.
• Background: Kling’s extensive experience as a drummer and his background in recording and live sound engineering bring a wealth of experience to OVERKILL. His addition is seen as a positive step for the band as they embark on their upcoming tours.

Jason Bittner’s Departure

• Reason for Leaving: Jason Bittner announced his departure from OVERKILL due to a crowded schedule with his other bands, SHADOWS FALL and CATEGORY 7. Bittner cited the need to focus on these commitments as the primary reason for his exit.
• Gratitude: In his farewell statement, Bittner expressed his gratitude to the OVERKILL family and fans, highlighting the memorable experiences and support he received during his tenure with the band.

Band’s Future Outlook

• No Reinvention Needed: Ellsworth’s approach is focused on leveraging the band’s existing strengths rather than reinventing their sound. He believes that staying true to their roots while enhancing their strengths will keep the band fresh and energetic.

Touring Plans

• Upcoming Tours: OVERKILL has announced plans for a European and North American tour with KING DIAMOND. Kling will be part of these tours, bringing his new energy and skill to the stage.

Ellsworth’s insights into the band’s future and Kling’s addition indicate that OVERKILL is looking to maintain their classic thrash metal sound while navigating internal changes and preparing for the next phase of their career. Fans can look forward to new music and live performances as the band continues to evolve.

Rob Halford recently shared his thoughts on why JUDAS PRIEST continues to tour and make new music even after 50 years since their debut album, Rocka Rolla. Here’s a summary of his comments and the context around the band’s current status:

Rob Halford’s Perspective

• Continued Passion: In an interview with Rock 108, Halford discussed his and the band’s enduring passion for music. He mentioned that if the desire and passion are still present and the band can deliver high-quality performances, there’s no reason to retire. He emphasized the joy and fulfillment that comes from performing and creating music, stating that it’s an essential part of his life.
• Fans’ Role: Halford highlighted the importance of fans in sustaining the band’s career. He drew a parallel between live music and sports, suggesting that just as fans are crucial for sports teams, they are equally vital for live music. The experience of performing live and connecting with fans completes the band’s journey.

Band Members’ Views

• Ian Hill: The bassist, at 72, stated earlier this year that there are no plans to retire as long as the band can perform well. He mentioned that retirement would only be considered if their performances started to decline.
• Richie Faulkner: The guitarist, who joined the band in 2011, expressed that it’s up to the original members to decide when to retire. He noted that he joined the band with the expectation that his tenure might be limited, but as long as PRIEST wants to continue, he’s committed to supporting them.

Health Issues

• Rob Halford: Halford faced significant health challenges in recent years, including prostate cancer and a subsequent appendectomy. He underwent surgery and radiation treatment but is currently cancer-free.
• Richie Faulkner: In 2021, Faulkner experienced a life-threatening cardiac aortic dissection during a performance. He received emergency surgery and has since recovered.
• Glenn Tipton: Tipton, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over 15 years ago, has stepped back from touring. He was replaced by producer Andy Sneap, though Tipton remains involved in the band in a limited capacity.

Future Plans

• No End in Sight: Both Halford and Hill have expressed that there are no immediate plans to retire. The band continues to work on new music and tour. Their latest album, Invincible Shield, was released in March and represents their continued dedication to their craft.

Halford’s comments reflect a strong sense of commitment and gratitude towards their fans and the music they create, emphasizing that as long as they can deliver compelling performances and maintain their passion, JUDAS PRIEST will keep rocking on.

Emily Armstrong’s recent clarification regarding her past support of Danny Masterson has sparked a new wave of discussion and scrutiny. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the situation:

Background and Controversy

• Past Support: Emily Armstrong, the new vocalist for LINKIN PARK, faced criticism over her past support for Danny Masterson, a convicted rapist and former actor. In 2020, Armstrong attended a preliminary court hearing for Masterson, which she later regretted.
• Accusations: Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, who have accused Masterson of sexual assault, resurfaced the incident on social media. They criticized Armstrong for her support of Masterson and questioned her ties to the Church of Scientology, which they claim has harassed them and covered up sexual assaults.

Armstrong’s Response

• Public Statement: In response to the backlash, Armstrong addressed the situation on her Instagram Stories. She expressed regret for attending the court hearing, stating she had misjudged Masterson and had not been in contact with him since. Armstrong also emphasized her stance against abuse and violence, stating, “I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes.”
• Avoidance of Broader Issues: While Armstrong acknowledged her mistake, she did not address her ties to Scientology or the broader allegations against the Church in her statement.

Legal Outcome

• Masterson’s Conviction: Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in September 2023 after being found guilty of two counts of forcible rape. The case involved allegations from three women who accused him of raping them between 2001 and 2003.

Public and Media Reaction

• Support and Criticism: Armstrong’s response has been met with a mixed reaction. Some supporters appreciate her acknowledgment and regret, while others continue to criticize her for her past association with Masterson and the Church of Scientology.
• Church of Scientology’s Stance: The Church has denied the accusations made by Bixler-Zavala and Carnell-Bixler, stating that church policy demands adherence to the law and that allegations of criminal behavior are false.

Impact on LINKIN PARK and Armstrong

• Band’s Focus: Despite the controversy, LINKIN PARK’s focus remains on their upcoming tour and new music. The band’s new lineup, including Armstrong, has been well-received by fans, and the band is moving forward with their scheduled activities.
• Armstrong’s Position: Armstrong’s past actions and affiliations continue to be a point of contention, but her recent statement aims to clarify her current position and disassociate herself from past mistakes.

This situation highlights the complexities and challenges artists can face when their past actions come under scrutiny, especially in light of new roles and public visibility.

LINKIN PARK’s recent announcements and activities have sparked a significant buzz among fans and the music industry alike. Here’s a summary of the latest updates:

Concerts and Ticket Sales

• Sold-Out Shows: LINKIN PARK’s upcoming concerts have seen incredible demand. Tickets for their September 11 show at the Kia Forum and the September 16 gig at Barclays Center sold out almost immediately after being released. The band’s unique 360-degree stage setup has been a major draw.
• Pre-Sale Success: The band held exclusive pre-sales for their fan club, Linkin Park Underground (LPU), on September 6. These pre-sales accounted for over 90% of the Brooklyn show tickets. An “LPU Reserved” section will offer fan club members a prime view of the stage.

Tour Dates and Lineup

• Global Tour: In addition to the U.S. shows, LINKIN PARK will perform in Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota as part of their six-date tour spanning September and November.
• New Lineup: The band has introduced new members Emily Armstrong (vocals) and Colin Brittain (drums), joining Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and Joe Hahn. Alex Feder will be filling in for Delson on guitar during the tour.

New Music

• Single Release: LINKIN PARK released a new single, “The Emptiness Machine,” which will feature on their upcoming album “From Zero,” set to drop on November 15. This will be their first full-length release since Chester Bennington’s passing and 2017’s “One More Light.”
• Livestream Concert: On September 5, the band held a global livestream showcasing their new lineup and performing both new material and classic hits like “Numb” and “In The End.”

Band Dynamics and Future Plans

• Lineup Changes: Drummer Rob Bourdon has exited the band, citing a desire for distance from the group. Shinoda and the remaining members have been working with new musicians and have found a strong connection with Armstrong and Brittain.
• Album Concept: The upcoming album “From Zero” is described as a nod to the band’s beginnings and their current journey. Shinoda emphasized that the new music balances the band’s classic sound with fresh elements.

LINKIN PARK’s return and their new direction have been met with enthusiasm and curiosity, reflecting both a tribute to their past and a bold step into the future.

In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, DEF LEPPARD frontman Joe Elliott looked back on a memorable collaboration with a young Taylor Swift during a 2008 episode of CMT’s “Crossroads.” At the time, Swift was an emerging country star whose transition to pop stardom was just beginning.

Reflecting on their partnership, Elliott was asked if he could foresee the trajectory Taylor Swift would take. He shared:

“I don’t think anybody could. You look at it now and it kind of makes sense. But if you think back to 2008, there was no such thing as what she’s accomplished. I know anybody that was there when THE BEATLES and THE [ROLLING] STONES came over will go, ‘Wait a minute…’ But for people born this century or in the ’90s, this is a phenomenon that’s never been seen before — technically bigger than THE BEATLES and THE STONES combined, at least commercially. It’s insanity, the amount of tickets she sells. But I always knew she’d be big. And for all the hardships she’s gone through — the people who’ve tried to trip her up over the years at certain parts of her career — she’s just dusted herself down. She’s a fantastic role model for a generation of kids.”

Elliott’s admiration for Swift was evident as he recounted a personal moment from a recent “Eras” tour stop in Dublin. He was spotted wearing a black Taylor Swift T-shirt from the concert, a keepsake from the show where he introduced his eight-year-old daughter to the pop superstar. Elliott fondly remembered:

“It was a very magical moment,” adding, “and I will forever be grateful to Taylor for making Daddy look cool for a couple of days.”

Joe Elliott’s reflections highlight not only the profound impact Swift has had on the music industry but also the personal joy her success has brought him and his family.

In a recent interview with Classic Rock, Bruce Dickinson reminisced about his efforts to rejoin Iron Maiden after Blaze Bayley’s departure. Dickinson shared insights into his conversation with Steve Harris during that pivotal moment:

“Steve was very suspicious. He said: ‘Why do you wanna come back?’ I actually said, ‘I want to come back, Steve, because, in the words of my mates, ‘The world needs Iron Maiden,’ and secondly, I think we can make amazing music.’”

When asked if he felt Iron Maiden needed him as much as he needed the band, Dickinson responded with a mix of candor and diplomacy:

“Probably. But there was no point in saying that because it would have sounded like sour grapes.”

He elaborated on his approach to the situation:

“What I said was: We will sweep away the past by doing an amazing future.”

Dickinson also recounted a bold assertion he made during the discussions:

“Though the first words out of my gobby mouth were: Of course we are better than Metallica! People said: ‘You can’t say that.’ I said: I just did. Then they started going: ‘Maybe he’s right.’”

His remarks reflect the confidence and conviction he brought to the table, emphasizing his belief in Iron Maiden’s potential to create exceptional music and rejuvenate their legacy.

Dee Snider recently addressed rumors and fan concerns about a possible Twisted Sister reunion in a conversation with fans. Back in early April, Snider had hinted that the band was considering offers for a new tour, leading to speculation about a potential comeback. When a fan sought clarification, Snider provided an update:

“I simply mentioned that the offers are increasing, and the band has had discussions about ‘what if?’ scenarios. However, there are currently no concrete plans in motion.”

In 2023, Twisted Sister reunited for a special performance at the Metal Hall of Fame in Agoura Hills, California, marking their first appearance together since 2016. Despite some fans being concerned that the potential for a new tour might be driven solely by financial incentives, one fan expressed their disappointment:

“Performing just for money is disappointing.”

Snider acknowledged these concerns and responded thoughtfully:

“I understand. But sometimes, an offer comes along that’s too tempting to pass up…”

His comments suggest that while there is no definitive plan for a full-fledged reunion tour at this time, the band is open to exploring opportunities that may arise, balancing fan expectations with the practicalities of the music business.

In a recent interview on “The Bogus Otis Show: 9 Degrees Of Sammy Hagar,” Sammy Hagar was asked about the possibility of the “The Best Of All Worlds” lineup recording new and original music. Hagar responded affirmatively:

“Yes. I guarantee it. I mean, it’s like, I don’t know when and why, because records don’t sell. I’ve made a couple of my best records of my life, my last two solo records, and I’m lucky to sell 50 or 60,000 records.”

He continued with a candid take on the current music industry climate:

“You go and make a record nowadays just to lose a couple hundred thousand bucks. It’s all good. But I need a tax write-off, so it really helps. ‘I made too many this year. Let’s go make a record.’”

Hagar’s comments reflect a realistic view of the modern music industry’s challenges, balancing artistic desires with practical considerations.