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.

Dogs Of War sounded great at rehearsal today.

— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) April 24, 2024

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.

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.”

Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic heavy metal legend, has expressed his determination to visit the famous BLACK SABBATH Bench on Broad Street in Birmingham, his hometown.

In a recent video interview with his wife Sharon, Ozzy shared his excitement about seeing the bench, even stating he would “crawl there” if necessary.

Reflecting on his childhood in Birmingham, Ozzy reminisced about minding cars for tips during Aston Villa’s matches, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to the city.

Sharon, in a gesture of gratitude, sent the exclusive video to Mike Olley, the general manager of Westside BID, who played a significant role in creating and maintaining the bench.

In the video, Ozzy expressed his gratitude for the recognition of BLACK SABBATH’s legacy in Birmingham, emphasizing the significance of the bench as a tourist attraction.

The conversation turned nostalgic as Ozzy shared memories of Aston and his experiences during football matches, adding a personal touch to his anticipation of visiting the bench.

Sharon and Ozzy discussed plans to make a day out of the visit, mentioning boutique hotels and a possible beer, although Sharon jokingly insisted on water for Ozzy.

In closing, Ozzy thanked Mike Olley for his efforts, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the bench and its meaning to him.

MEGADETH is gearing up to rock North America with their “Destroy All Enemies” tour, presented by Live Nation. This exciting 33-city tour will hit major cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boston, and St. Louis, promising an electrifying experience for fans.

The tour kicks off in Rogers, Arkansas on August 2, with MUDVAYNE and ALL THAT REMAINS joining MEGADETH for an epic journey across the nation. From classic hits like those from Rust In Peace and Countdown To Extinction to tracks from their latest album The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!, fans can expect a show that exceeds all expectations.

Dave Mustaine, MEGADETH’s frontman, is thrilled about the tour and the chance to share the stage with MUDVAYNE and ALL THAT REMAINS. The band is tighter than ever, focusing on delivering top-notch performances and connecting with their audience on a deeper level.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. local time, with a presale for Cyber Army/Megadeth Digital members starting on Tuesday, April 23 at 12 p.m. local time on Megadeth.com. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable rock experience!

During the Q&A session at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp in March 2024, Michael Anthony addressed his relationship with David Lee Roth amidst Roth’s recent criticisms aimed at Sammy Hagar and Wolfgang Van Halen.

Anthony revealed that despite not having spoken with Roth for quite some time, their last communication involved discussions about a potential reunion, which took him by surprise. He recounted a call from Roth and Alex Van Halen, facilitated by manager Irving Azoff’s office, inquiring about his interest in a reunion tour featuring Joe Satriani on guitar.

Despite Roth’s unpredictable nature, Anthony expressed no ill will towards him. He acknowledged Roth’s eccentric personality but maintained that he harbors no animosity towards him, even expressing openness to jamming together if the opportunity arose.

However, Roth’s recent attacks on Wolfgang and Hagar have stirred controversy. In a YouTube video titled ‘This Crazy Kid…’ released in January, Roth criticized Wolfgang for allegedly complaining about not receiving enough attention during tours. Roth also claimed that Wolfgang had security remove two women he had invited to the stage during a performance in New York City.

Subsequently, Roth took aim at Hagar in another YouTube video in March, with lyrics disparaging the former Van Halen frontman. Wolfgang addressed Roth’s attacks during an interview, acknowledging himself as the new focal point of Van Halen drama following his father Eddie’s passing.

Despite the tensions stirred by Roth’s remarks, Anthony remains diplomatic, maintaining a stance of openness towards reconciliation and collaboration, even in the face of controversy.

In early April, Dee Snider hinted at the possibility of a Twisted Sister reunion as offers for a new tour continued to escalate. Responding to a recent inquiry from a fan, Snider clarified that while discussions about a reunion had taken place, nothing concrete was in motion at present.

The prospect of a reunion gained traction after the band’s 2023 performance at the Metal Hall of Fame, but some fans expressed concern about the band potentially reuniting solely for financial gain. Snider acknowledged this sentiment, agreeing that motivations should extend beyond monetary incentives. However, he hinted that under certain circumstances, an irresistible offer could sway their decision.

Furthermore, Snider revealed that the band had contemplated reuniting for select appearances at political rallies, particularly in support of causes they deemed significant. With a pivotal election year ahead, Snider emphasized the importance of banding together to advocate for causes such as women’s rights, distancing himself from political figures like Mr. Trump.

All I said was the offers keep getting bigger and the band has had a "what if?" conversation. But absolutely nothing is happening right now. https://t.co/46XG9pz1y6

— Dee Snider🇺🇸🎤 (@deesnider) April 20, 2024

Agreed. Then you get an offer you can’t refuse… https://t.co/1Rz7A8dzRe

— Dee Snider🇺🇸🎤 (@deesnider) April 20, 2024

Eddie Van Halen undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of rock music, but for Randy Rhoads and Rudy Sarzo, comparisons to the guitar icon were inconsequential distractions.

Responding to a claim on X that Rhoads was preoccupied with thoughts of Eddie, Sarzo swiftly rebuffed the notion, shedding light on the unwavering focus he and Rhoads maintained on their own musical journey. “Randy and I never discussed other musicians,” Sarzo asserted. “Too busy focusing on our goals.”

Addressing another user’s assertion that Eddie dominated discussions among rockers, Sarzo emphasized that Rhoads’ induction into the Rock Hall of Fame spoke volumes about his singular dedication to his craft, unencumbered by comparisons to his peers.

The perpetual comparisons between Rhoads and EVH have long been a subject of scrutiny. Sarzo vehemently refuted claims of Rhoads imitating Eddie, affirming Rhoads’ unique musical identity. In an interview, Sarzo stressed that Rhoads, though briefly jamming with Eddie at a NAMM show, forged his own path, distinct from Van Halen’s legacy.

Delving deeper, Sarzo clarified that Rhoads’ musical roots were distinct from Eddie’s influence, debunking the notion that Rhoads was swayed by the Van Halen virtuoso. Rhoads charted his own course, guided by his unique artistic vision and unwavering commitment to his craft.

In the end, Sarzo celebrates the distinct legacies of both Rhoads and Van Halen, acknowledging their transformative impact on music while emphasizing their individuality and contributions to the musical landscape.

Randy and I never discussed other musicians. Too busy focusing on our goals. https://t.co/GnNRivOYaF

— Rudy Sarzo (@rudysarzo) April 14, 2024

You don’t get to be inducted to the Rock Hall of Fame like Randy has by waisting your time concerned about what other musicians are composing and performing. https://t.co/bn40F0qywb

— Rudy Sarzo (@rudysarzo) April 15, 2024

In a recent tweet, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe shared his perspective on touring, highlighting the excitement of a condensed schedule compared to the grind of a year-round tour.

Expressing anticipation for the upcoming summer shows, Sixx emphasized the rarity of Mötley Crüe’s decision to limit their performances to just 20 shows in a year. In his tweet, he remarked, “Press and rehearsals coming up before we all head east to start the summer shows. We are usually off tour or on tour, so for us to just do 20 shows in a year is gonna be fun. Kinda best of both worlds…”

As Mötley Crüe gears up for their upcoming performances, anticipation is building for potential changes to their setlist. Sixx hinted at the possibility of fresh material and a revamped stage setup, suggesting a dynamic and engaging experience for fans attending their summer shows.

Meanwhile, drummer Tommy Lee’s recent health struggles have been a point of concern. Despite undergoing surgery on his hand, Lee remains resilient, sharing updates on his recovery with fans on social media. His triumphant return to health is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his enduring passion for music.

Amidst preparations for their tour, Mötley Crüe is also channeling their creative energy into a new album. Initially teasing a blend of country and hip-hop influences, Sixx clarified that his comments were meant in jest, highlighting the band’s ongoing commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

With performances lined up at prestigious festivals such as Welcome To Rockville, Festival D’été De Québec, Louder Than Life, and Aftershock, Mötley Crüe is poised to deliver a series of electrifying performances that showcase their enduring legacy and undeniable rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

Press and rehearsals coming up before we all head east to start the summer shows. We are usually OFF tour or ON tour,so for us to just do 20 shows in a year is gonna fun. Kinda best of both worlds……

— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) April 16, 2024