Michael Anthony’s longtime roadie, Kevin Dugan, has been contemplating retirement after 43 years of working in the music industry, but Anthony wasn’t ready to see him go just yet. When Dugan first told Anthony that he wanted to step back from the road, Anthony, still active in his own touring career, responded, “I’m not going to do that, why should you? I’m still going to be out there.” However, Dugan pointed out the significant difference between their experiences on the road, explaining that while Anthony performs on stage and enjoys the luxury of private jets and five-star hotels, Dugan’s role as a roadie involves long hours and hard physical labor.

The demanding lifestyle led Dugan to reduce his alcohol consumption, noting that bouncing back from hangovers had become harder with age. Reflecting on his 53 years on the road, Dugan shared, “I’ve been around the world many times,” and that he would continue working for Anthony until he turned 70, after which he hopes to retire from touring. He plans to remain involved with Anthony’s work behind the scenes, managing the warehouse and training future road techs.

Dugan’s extensive career includes working with other legendary acts like Fleetwood Mac, James Gang, the Raspberries, and Rainbow Canyon.

In a recent episode of Heavy Consequence’s Two For The Road video series, Kerry King opened up about some of the challenges facing the rock industry, particularly the rising costs associated with touring. He explained that ticket prices have been increasing due to the pandemic, which caused a surge in expenses across the industry. “When the pandemic came around, all that sh*t exploded. Everything went up — buses went up and everything just plateaued,” King said. As touring resumed, the costs for things like buses and equipment remained high, leading to more expensive shows.

King acknowledged the frustration fans might feel about rising ticket prices but emphasized that the increased costs of running a tour are unavoidable. “It costs money to come around, unfortunately. And it’s not as cheap as it was five years ago, by far,” he explained. While the band’s stage shows remain top-notch, with the inclusion of pyrotechnics and elaborate backdrops, those effects come at a steep price. “Everything we do in Slayer costs a lot of money, and fire being the most expensive,” King shared. Though fire remains one of his favorite elements in live performances, the high cost of pyrotechnics means they can’t always afford to include it at every show.

Despite these challenges, King and his solo band are preparing for their first headlining North American tour, which kicks off on January 15 in San Francisco. Municipal Waste and Alien Weaponry will provide support for the tour, which will conclude at the end of February in Los Angeles, King’s hometown.

During an appearance on Artist Friendly with Joel Madden, M. Shadows, the lead vocalist of Avenged Sevenfold, shared a personal reflection on his growth and transformation over the years. He admitted that when he was younger, he was “prone to be a little bit of a closed-off redneck.” However, traveling the world opened his eyes to the shared humanity of people everywhere. “I traveled the world and I was like, ‘Whoa, everybody’s the same and everyone’s good. They all want the same thing,’” he explained. He added that his experiences on the road helped him move beyond his former mindset and influenced how he’s raising his own children today.

Avenged Sevenfold’s latest album, Life Is But a Dream…, was released in 2023, and M. Shadows is now focused on taking a break before starting work on the band’s next record. He discussed the need to disconnect from the constant barrage of media and technology in order to live more fully and experience life without distractions. “The next process would really be taking long walks, going on a bike ride, and playing some sports. Do some things where your mind is not being consumed by this attention economy,” he said. He believes that true creativity emerges when one gives their mind space to breathe and wander, which can lead to unexpected ideas.

Avenged Sevenfold has exciting plans for the summer, with a European tour lined up. They will be playing stadium shows alongside System of a Down, starting on June 7 in Greece, marking a major milestone for the band.

Marilyn Manson is celebrating a significant milestone: his fourth year of sobriety. In a heartfelt video shared on Tania Estrada’s Instagram, Manson spoke to his fans, expressing gratitude and appreciation for their love and support. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for everybody here, even the new people I haven’t met yet,” he said. “In exactly one month, it will be my fourth year sober.” This moment marked both his personal achievement and a celebration with friends and supporters.

Last year, Manson announced a return to the stage with Five Finger Death Punch (FFDP) for his first tour in five years. Fans had concerns about his ability to maintain sobriety on the road, but FFDP guitarist Zoltan Bathory quickly addressed those worries. Bathory praised Manson’s resilience, noting that, like FFDP’s Ivan Moody, Manson had come through a difficult period and was now sober. He assured fans that Manson was in a much better place, saying, “Manson is sober and he’s staying clean and doing the work.” Bathory’s message gave fans confidence that Manson was ready to reclaim his place in the spotlight.

Manson’s commitment to sobriety seems to be paying off, with his latest album, One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1, showcasing a cleaner and healthier version of the artist. Fans have praised his voice and lyrics, with many commenting on how Manson sounds revitalized and better than ever. One fan wrote, “Music doesn’t make me feel much these days. But hearing Manson sounding clean, healthy, and 20+ years younger has filled my heart with such emotional joy.”

Manson is now gearing up for his European tour, which begins on February 10 in Zurich, Switzerland, and ends on February 23 in Wolverhampton, UK, marking a new chapter in his career and life.

Michael Monroe has welcomed Todd Kerns, bassist for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, to his solo band following the departure of Sami Yaffa due to television commitments in Finland. Yaffa explained via Instagram that he would be unable to attend the Michael Monroe band’s American dates but expressed his joy about Kerns stepping in to take over on bass. He reassured fans that he would return to perform with the band for their UK tour in May.

Todd Kerns, who had previously played with Monroe as a guitarist in December 2015, was thrilled to rejoin the band. At the time, Kerns shared his admiration for Monroe, recounting how he grew up as a fan of the legendary Hanoi Rocks, and his dream of one day playing alongside Michael and Sami. Kerns said, “Anyone who knows me knows what a gigantic fan I am of Michael and his previous band, Hanoi Rocks.” He also mentioned his long history with Sami Yaffa and reflected on the important role Yaffa played in his musical journey.

The addition of Kerns to the band has fans excited for the upcoming shows. Monroe’s band will perform three special concerts on the U.S. West Coast in April 2025, with the first show in Las Vegas on April 11, followed by performances in Hollywood on April 12 and 13. These highly anticipated concerts will offer a chance for fans to experience the new lineup in action, with Kerns now anchoring the bass as the band takes the stage. Monroe continues to capture the attention of rock fans with his electrifying performances and dedication to his music, ensuring that his legacy and his collaborations with talented musicians remain as impactful as ever.

Myles Kennedy recently shared his perspective on the success his bandmates have been enjoying with Creed’s reunion. Reflecting on the band’s impact, he compared seeing their comeback to watching a partner dine with an ex. Despite this, Kennedy expressed gratitude for Creed’s role in helping to open doors for Alter Bridge and his solo work. In an interview with Classic Rock, he said, “It’s great that they’re back in that world again. It allows me to make more solo records… it’s all good.”

Kennedy views Creed’s return positively, as it has created space for him to focus on his solo career. He mentioned how their success has provided him with an opportunity to fully dedicate himself to his solo work without the pressure of juggling multiple projects. “With the success they’re having with that, it kinda clears the lane really for the first time with me and any of the solo records,” he explained. He also noted that for the first time, he has a clear lane to tour and promote his solo material without competing with other band commitments.

Kennedy, who recently completed a European tour, is now preparing for a solo U.S. tour, which begins on January 17 in Illinois and concludes on February 21 in Spokane, Washington. His new solo album, The Art of Letting Go, has also allowed him to focus on his individual musical journey.

Disturbed’s frontman David Draiman has strongly condemned social media users celebrating the devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. In an emotional Instagram post, he expressed his outrage, writing, “There are people on this platform cheering on the destruction caused by the Los Angeles Fires. Delighting in the misery and misfortune of others. Nothing justifies this. No reason. No cause. NOTHING. Absolute scum. The lot of you.”

The wildfires have wreaked havoc, destroying over 1,000 buildings and displacing numerous families, celebrities, and residents. Among those affected is Primus guitarist Larry LaLonde, who tragically lost his home. Sharing his grief on Instagram, LaLonde wrote, “My mind is still trying to convince me this whole thing is real. As the losses in this fire trickle into my brain, it feels like being hit with a bag of rocks over and over, but the people around us make me feel like the luckiest motherf*cker on the planet.”

Other rockers, including Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee, Anthrax’s Scott Ian, and Joe Bonamassa, were also forced to evacuate their homes as the fires continued to spread.

The situation remains dire, with smoke-filled neighborhoods and fast-moving flames leaving devastation in their wake. Despite the chaos, community support has been strong, with many stepping up to help those affected. Draiman’s words serve as a reminder to approach such tragedies with empathy and humanity.

Halsey may be a pop icon, but her deep love for metal and hardcore music has shaped her creative journey. In a recent TikTok chat with In Dissonant drummer Christian Leyva, she opened up about her hardcore roots in New Jersey. “I super f*ck with hardcore music,” she revealed. Before her rise to mainstream fame, Halsey promoted hardcore shows, booking acts like August Burns Red and The Devil Wears Prada when she was just 16. She even immortalized her passion with a Defeater lyric as her senior-yearbook quote.

This influence seeped into her music over the years. In 2019, Halsey collaborated with Oli Sykes and Jordan Fish of Bring Me The Horizon on the high-energy track Experiment on Me for the Birds of Prey soundtrack. She later expressed her desire to create a rock album, and that vision materialized in her 2021 release, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The album featured contributions from rock legends like Dave Grohl, Lindsey Buckingham, and Dave Sitek, further cementing her credibility in the rock and alternative scenes.

Halsey’s embrace of heavier genres demonstrates her versatility as an artist. From her hardcore roots in Jersey to collaborating with some of rock’s biggest names, she continues to bridge the gap between pop and metal, earning admiration from fans of both genres.

Ted Nugent recently declared on Spirit Campfire that his music in 2025 is more relevant, inspiring, and fun than ever. He credited its enduring appeal to its themes of independence, defiance, and truth, which resonate with diverse groups like military heroes, law enforcement officers, and athletes. Specifically, Nugent mentioned his iconic song Stranglehold, calling it “the ultimate song of defiance.” He shared that Donald Trump Jr. once used it as his walk-on music, reflecting its embodiment of rugged individualism and the American fighting spirit.

Nugent’s self-titled debut album, released in 1975, propelled him to fame, with Stranglehold standing out as one of his most celebrated tracks. The song’s extended guitar solos and rebellious energy helped the album crack the Top 30 and achieve multi-platinum status. However, Stranglehold almost didn’t make it onto the record. Nugent recalled in a previous interview how his record label initially opposed its inclusion, arguing that it lacked a conventional chorus. The rocker pushed back, emphasizing the song’s success during his live shows. “I said, ‘It doesn’t have to have a chorus. It’s a movement,’” Nugent explained.

He recounted how he defied the label’s reluctance, standing firm on his creative vision. “I told them, ‘We’re recording Stranglehold today, and it’s going on the album. Period.’” That decision paid off, as the song became a staple of his career and a rallying cry for individuality.

In 2025, Nugent’s music continues to inspire fans who connect with its raw energy and message of self-reliance. Whether through his classic hits or outspoken personality, Nugent remains a steadfast voice for freedom and defiance, proving that his legacy is as strong as ever.

Ronnie Radke, frontman of Falling In Reverse, has once again stirred controversy with his outspoken and confrontational presence on social media. In a recent video, Radke responded to a negative comment accusing him of past misdeeds, including being “a wife beater and an accomplice to murder.”

Visibly frustrated, Radke directly addressed the commenter and the broader criticism he often faces online. “You know what I’m sick of? I’m sick of these little fcking pieces of sht,” he began, pointing out the hypocrisy of people who criticize him while engaging in toxic behavior themselves.

Radke didn’t hold back, stating that he doesn’t care about the age or identity of those attacking him online. “I don’t give a fck if you’re seven years old, I’m gonna fcking destroy you,” he said, highlighting his refusal to let comments go unchecked. He further emphasized that he doesn’t view himself as above others, unlike many celebrities, but insisted he has the time to defend himself when attacked.

He called out the culture of online hate and entitlement, saying, “You go online, you tell people to blow their brains out… The cold hard world is gonna teach you a valuable lesson.” He also noted that much of his online behavior is light-hearted and satirical, though he added, “You shouldn’t take everything I say so f*cking serious, except for this.”

Recently, Radke sparked further backlash when he used a slur to insult a fan imitating his style and doubled down when criticized, stating, “Because I ain’t afraid of none of you fcking pssies.” He added that he doesn’t rely on sponsorships, platforms, or awards, dismissing what he sees as “fake sh*t.”

Radke, known for his history of social media bans, insists his actions don’t warrant such penalties and continues to defend his approach to dealing with critics. While some admire his candidness and refusal to conform, others see his behavior as divisive and unnecessarily aggressive.

Radke remains a polarizing figure, with his unapologetic attitude continuing to fuel both his fanbase and his detractors.