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In a candid revelation to the Los Angeles Times, Maynard James Keenan expressed a desire to collaborate with none other than Dolly Parton.

When queried about dream collaborations, the enigmatic Tool singer wryly remarked, “Dolly Parton… Not gonna happen.” While the prospect may seem improbable, Keenan’s openness to the idea underscores his eclectic musical palette and penchant for the unexpected.

Keenan’s creative endeavors have traversed diverse landscapes, including notable collaborations with luminaries across the musical spectrum. From lending his distinctive vocals to Night Club’s recent release to past ventures with the likes of Deftones and Rage Against the Machine, Keenan’s collaborative spirit knows no bounds.

One noteworthy partnership that left an indelible mark is his collaboration with Lustmord. Reflecting on their synergy, Lustmord recounted their initial meeting with reverence: “I knew he would be perfect… but I wasn’t going to ask him because… he gets asked all the time for that sh*t, and it’s sleazy.” Yet, their collaboration on “The Word as Power” stands as a testament to Keenan’s ability to elevate any project with his unique vocal prowess.

As Keenan sets his sights on new artistic horizons, the prospect of collaborating with Dolly Parton remains a tantalizing possibility, albeit one shrouded in uncertainty. Meanwhile, Wolfgang Van Halen’s endorsement of Keenan as his dream collaborator further underscores the enduring allure of Keenan’s enigmatic presence in the music world. As the echoes of anticipation reverberate, one can only wonder what unexpected harmonies may emerge from the depths of Keenan’s creative crucible.

During a recent Q&A session on X, Nikki Sixx dropped a bombshell: Sixx:A.M. is officially hitting pause on both music-making and touring.

A curious fan piped up, asking the bassist, “Nikki, will Sixx:A.M. ever grace Buenos Aires with their presence?”

To everyone’s dismay, Nikki’s response was unequivocal: “Sixx:A.M. has called it a day.”

The shockwave rippled through the comments section like a sonic boom. One devastated fan summed it up with a simple yet poignant “NO NO NO” accompanied by a sorrowful emoji, while another lamented, “I audibly sighed and visibly frowned.”

The band’s swan song came with their latest album, ‘Hits,’ which dropped in August 2021. But the journey to this bittersweet conclusion was paved with promises of new music and a greatest hits album. In March 2019, Sixx teased four fresh tracks and a compilation of their best works. ‘Talk to Me’ hit the airwaves in September 2019, followed by a remix of ‘Maybe It’s Time’ for Artists for Recovery in August 2020.

Amidst the anticipation, James Michael, the band’s vocalist, hinted at a looming finale. In an interview with Metal On Loud in October 2021, he candidly shared their intentions: “We were looking at it [the ‘Hits’ album] as ‘This is the end, at least for now.’ …We really wanted to… wrap this up and put a nice bow on it.” DJ Ashba echoed similar sentiments in 2022, casting doubt on the band’s future endeavors.

For now, Sixx:A.M. bids farewell with ‘Hits,’ a testament to their journey and a poignant conclusion to an era of musical camaraderie. But as they say, never say never in the unpredictable world of rock ‘n’ roll.

In a captivating twist of fate, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm and Amy Lee of Evanescence are brewing up something fresh and electrifying together.

A cryptic teaser surfaced on Instagram courtesy of Halestorm, featuring a tantalizing glimpse of a swinging microphone nestled between the iconic logos of Evanescence and Halestorm. The enigmatic clip concluded with a solitary leaf and the cryptic word ‘TUESDAY,’ leaving fans clamoring for more. Accompanying the video was a teasing caption: “Stay tuned, freaks.”

Naturally, the announcement set the fandoms of both bands into a frenzy. Speculations ran wild beneath the posts, with devotees attempting to decipher the tantalizing clues. One fervent fan speculated, “Could it be an autumn tour through Europe or Canada? *Fingers crossed for Europe!* I’ve got my radar tuned in for you guys!” Meanwhile, another mused, “Perhaps a collaboration on new music or an epic joint tour?”

The palpable excitement is not without reason. Lzzy Hale and Amy Lee share a profound bond that traces back to their serendipitous encounter in 2012 during the Carnival of Madness tour. Since then, their friendship has blossomed, marked by a musical synergy that culminated in collaborations like ‘Break In’ from Halestorm’s ‘The Strange Case Of…’ and ‘Use My Voice’ from Evanescence’s ‘The Bitter Truth.’

Reflecting on their journey, Lzzy reminisced, “From day one of that tour, we just clicked. It was like finding a kindred spirit in this tumultuous industry.” Their camaraderie extends beyond the stage, serving as a beacon of solidarity in a traditionally male-dominated rock landscape.

Amy Lee echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of female empowerment and mutual support. “We debunk the myth that women can’t uplift each other. We’re living proof that we need one another,” she asserted.

The symbiotic relationship between Hale and Lee has not gone unnoticed by fans, who eagerly anticipate what the dynamic duo has in store next. And with Lzzy embarking on a new chapter as the touring vocalist for Skid Row, it seems that the stage is set for an exhilarating year ahead.

You can see their Instagram post here.

During a lively Q&A session at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp in March 2024, Michael Anthony shared insights about an upcoming summer tour. Joining him will be vocalist Sammy Hagar, guitarist Joe Satriani, and drummer Jason Bonham, with a focus on VAN HALEN’s iconic music.

Reflecting on the genesis of the tour, Anthony revealed, “Sammy and I were reflecting on the 20th anniversary of our last VAN HALEN reunion. Time flies, you know? With uncertainties looming and the unfortunate passing of Ed [Eddie Van Halen], we felt compelled to act. Alex [Van Halen] is still grieving, and we wanted to bring the music to the fans while we can.”

Asked about his rapport with VAN HALEN’s original frontman David Lee Roth, Anthony admitted, “It’s been ages since I’ve spoken to Dave. Last time was when talks of a reunion surfaced. Dave’s a character, to say the least. I’ve got no ill will, though. If the opportunity arises, I’d be open to jamming with him.”

The passing of Eddie Van Halen in 2020 marked a somber chapter for music lovers worldwide. Hagar and Anthony, known for their stint in the supergroup CHICKENFOOT with Satriani, had never before integrated VAN HALEN classics into their performances. However, recent collaborations with Bonham and guitarist Vic Johnson in SAMMY HAGAR AND THE CIRCLE have seen them revisit the VAN HALEN repertoire.

Hagar’s reconciliation with Eddie prior to his passing added poignancy to their musical legacy. The quartet last united in 2004 for a memorable U.S. summer tour, a moment Anthony recalls with fondness despite the contractual concessions he made at the time.

Now, under the banner of “The Best Of All Worlds” tour produced by Live Nation, the ensemble will embark on a 28-date journey, commencing in West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 13 and concluding in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 31. Hagar emphasized their commitment to delving deep into the VAN HALEN catalog, supported by Satriani’s virtuosity.

While Hagar and Anthony typically integrate VAN HALEN classics into their sets with THE CIRCLE, they plan to prioritize these hits alongside a selection of Hagar’s solo material for the upcoming tour. The prospect of revisiting songs not played since 2004 excites Anthony, although he acknowledges the challenge of honoring Eddie’s intricate guitar work.

Satriani, tasked with replicating Eddie’s iconic riffs, acknowledges the weight of the responsibility but also finds excitement in uncovering the nuances of Eddie’s live performances. As he delves into the guitarist’s improvisations, Satriani finds the process both daunting and exhilarating, a fitting tribute to a musical innovator.

Dee Snider of Twisted Sister recently took to X to share his perspective on why he wasn’t particularly fond of Eddie Van Halen.

It all started when a user tagged Snider in a video featuring musicians who had clashed with Van Halen. The tweet suggested that neither Randy Rhoads nor Snider had issues with Eddie, contrary to what the video implied. Snider responded, shedding some light on his encounter with Van Halen:

“Well, that’s not entirely accurate. The one time I crossed paths with Eddie, he was a bit rude and clearly had a few too many drinks. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate his talent. You don’t necessarily have to like the artist to admire their work.”

This wasn’t Snider’s first time commenting on Van Halen. Back in 2015, he discussed Van Halen’s behavior in an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, siding with Sammy Hagar in his disagreements with Eddie:

“Sammy’s the real deal. He’s talented and tough as nails. He’s got that fearless attitude, speaking his mind backed by both his success and his skill.”

Snider didn’t hold back in criticizing Eddie either, recalling a particular incident:

“I mean, let’s be real here, Eddie’s antics sometimes veered into the bizarre. Remember when he just randomly joined a Mexican band at a restaurant, with his boots falling apart? It was a strange sight.”

He also voiced his opinion on Van Halen’s impact on rock and roll, suggesting that the band wasn’t the sole savior of the genre:

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Van Halen wasn’t the only torchbearer for rock and roll. Bands like Aerosmith and KISS were already making waves before they hit the scene.”

Snider’s remarks highlight a nuanced view of Eddie Van Halen, acknowledging his talent while not shying away from criticism of his behavior and the band’s place in rock history.

Sebastian Bach recently opened up about a song lyric that has stuck with him throughout his life. In a chat with Whiplash about his upcoming solo album ‘Child Within The Man,’ he shed light on the inspiration behind the title.

Reflecting on his personal journey and career, Bach revealed the lyric that has continually resonated with him:

“You know, my wife affectionately calls me a man-child, and that’s kind of been a running theme for me. When I hit the stage, there’s this youthful energy I bring that gets people smiling, cheering, and just generally amped up. But there’s this one line from a song on the album, ‘child within the man,’ that just grips me every time I belt it out. It’s like it’s been haunting me.”

Keeping mum about the album hasn’t been a walk in the park for Bach. Since his last full-length release in 2014 with ‘Give ‘Em Hell,’ the anticipation for his new work has been mounting. Scheduled for release on May 10, Bach couldn’t contain his excitement, expressing how tough it’s been to keep things under wraps:

“I’ve poured years into this project, and let me tell you, it’s been a real challenge for me to stay tight-lipped about it. But the wait is almost over, folks. I’m making a comeback, and I hope you’ve all been eagerly waiting.”

Bach’s new album boasts collaborations with heavy hitters like John 5, Steve Stevens, and Orianthi, with two tracks co-penned by Myles Kennedy. Devin Bronson, Todd Kerns, and Jeremy Colson also make appearances, adding to the album’s allure. Ahead of the full release, Bach tantalized fans with singles like ‘What Do I Got To Lose?’ and ‘Everybody Bleeds.’ You can check out the latest single below for a taste of what’s to come.

Sebastian Bach took the spotlight at the Rainbow Bar & Grill’s 52nd-anniversary bash in West Hollywood, California, on Sunday, April 14. A fan-captured video of his electrifying performance is circulating online.

The Rainbow Bar & Grill has been a cherished haunt for stars and music lovers alike since its inception in April 1972. Founded by Mario Maglieri, along with Elmer Valentine, Lou Adler, and others, it has welcomed a constellation of celebrities over the years. Icons like John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and Keith Moon have graced its premises, alongside legendary bands such as LED ZEPPELIN, GUNS N’ ROSES, and VAN HALEN. The late MOTÖRHEAD frontman, Lemmy, was a regular, with a statue and mural honoring his memory adorning the establishment.

In 2019, a documentary titled “The Rainbow” celebrated the venue’s rich history, featuring interviews with luminaries like Lemmy, Ozzy Osbourne, and Slash. Maglieri’s legacy extends beyond the Rainbow; he also co-founded the iconic Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip, nurturing countless talents in the LA music scene.

Sebastian Bach’s upcoming solo album, “Child Within The Man,” is slated for release on May 10 via Reigning Phoenix Music. Recorded in Orlando, Florida, the album boasts 11 tracks, all penned or co-penned by Bach. Notable collaborators include John 5, Steve Stevens, and Orianthi, while production credits go to Michael “Elvis” Baskette. The album’s lead single, “What Do I Got To Lose?,” co-written by Bach, Myles Kennedy, and Baskette, sets the stage for a captivating musical journey.

To celebrate the album’s launch, Bach will embark on an international tour in 2024, spanning Latin and North America. Dubbed the “What Do I Got To Lose?” tour, it promises a blend of solo performances and festival slots, kicking off with shows in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile before hitting the U.S. and Mexico. The tour commences on May 10 in Jefferson, Louisiana, culminating on June 29 in San Diego, California.

Bach recently debuted “What Do I Got To Lose?” during a live performance at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota. The accompanying music video, directed by Jim Louvau and Tony Aguilera, captures Bach’s desert adventure, featuring cameos from actor-comedian Craig Gass and a cameo by his wife Suzanne. With his last full-length release dating back to 2014’s “Give ‘Em Hell,” anticipation is high for Bach’s latest offering, promising to be a rock ‘n’ roll spectacle not to be missed.

Bret Michaels and Dee Snider are teaming up for a rockin’ Canadian adventure!

The Poison frontman excitedly announced their joint tour stop in Ontario, Canada, slated for Friday, July 19, as part of the Timmins Festival. Michaels couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, sharing the news on X:

“Ontario Canada, get ready for an epic night of music! Bret Michaels brings the Parti-Gras to Timmins Festival + Dee Snider of Twisted Sister & Steven Augeri, former lead singer of Journey.”

Interestingly, it seems Dee Snider was just as surprised by the announcement. Taking to X, he expressed his excitement with a touch of humor:

“I’m going to Canada? I mean, I’M GOING TO CANADA! Thank god for social media.”

This collaboration isn’t the first for Michaels and Snider. Michaels had previously unveiled the dates for his ‘Parti-Gras 2.0’ tour, following up on last year’s success. This time around, the tour spans six cities and boasts a stellar lineup featuring Snider, Don Felder of the Eagles, Chris Janson, and original Foreigner singer Lou Gramm.

Their camaraderie was evident earlier when Snider joined Michaels for the Parti-Gras Day event on September 8th at Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon. Now, their joint venture promises to deliver an electrifying experience to Canadian rock fans.

 

In a recent chat with Full Metal Jackie on “Whiplash,” aired by KLOS radio, former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach delved into the inspiration behind his upcoming solo album’s title, “Child Within The Man,” slated for release on May 10 through Reigning Phoenix Music. Reflecting on his nickname “man-child” given by his wife, Bach shared how this theme has resonated throughout his career, infusing his performances with youthful energy and audience engagement. The album title draws from a lyric in one of its tracks, a phrase that stuck with Bach, echoing in his mind.

Bach also shed light on the album’s artwork, particularly poignant as it was crafted by his late father, acclaimed visual artist David Bierk. Recalling the discovery of his father’s painting depicting him as a child beside a beat-up Cadillac with a backdrop of Jesus ascending, juxtaposed with another painting capturing his iconic stage presence, Bach envisioned merging these elements into the album cover. The imagery, reminiscent of ’70s album art, evokes a sense of nostalgia and personal connection, bridging the past with the present.

Recorded in Orlando, Florida, “Child Within The Man” was helmed by producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette and features contributions from renowned musicians like John 5, Steve Stevens, and Orianthi, among others. Bach’s involvement extends beyond vocals, as he either wrote or co-wrote all 11 tracks. The album’s first single, “What Do I Got To Lose?,” co-penned by Bach, Myles Kennedy, and Baskette, offers a taste of what’s to come.

Ahead of the album’s release, Bach plans an extensive international tour in 2024, spanning Latin and North America. Dubbed the “What Do I Got To Lose?” tour, it kicks off with shows in South America before heading to the U.S. and Mexico. Bach teased audiences with a live performance of the single during a recent concert in Minnesota and earlier released a music video for the track, featuring his former bandmate Rob Affuso and cameos by comedian Craig Gass and his wife Suzanne.

“Child Within The Man” marks Bach’s first full-length release since 2014’s “Give ‘Em Hell,” continuing his collaboration with Frontiers Music Srl, known for championing AOR acts. With its blend of nostalgia, rock energy, and personal reflection, the album promises to be a compelling addition to Bach’s musical journey.

In a recent interview with LA Lloyd, Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach expressed his optimism about the future of rock music, citing bands like Falling In Reverse and Bad Omens as torchbearers for the genre.

Shaddix exuded excitement for the resurgence of energy reminiscent of the early 2000s within the current rock scene. He praised the emergence of younger bands such as Falling In Reverse, Beartooth, Bring Me the Horizon, and Bad Omens, remarking on their inspiration and enthusiasm:

“And then you’ve got this new artist Falling In Reverse that’s coming up, and there’s a lot of younger [bands] — Beartooth, Bring Me the Horizon, and a lot of very inspired younger bands — Bad Omens — coming up. And I think the future of rock is exciting — rock and punk rock music. It’s just bubbling, man. And so, it’s a good time to be in rock and roll.”

Meanwhile, Bad Omens received accolades when they secured the top spot on a list of the 30 most popular hard rock songs from 2023, as voted by Octane listeners, edging out Falling In Reverse. Reacting to the news, Falling In Reverse’s frontman Ronnie Radke took to X to congratulate Bad Omens, acknowledging the power of their music and the support of their fans.

However, Radke’s sentiments about the current music landscape differ from Shaddix’s optimism. In a series of social media posts, Radke criticized what he perceives as a shift in the hardcore scene, lamenting what he views as a departure from its former authenticity. He also took aim at new metal bands, accusing them of hypocrisy for singing about violence while displaying sensitivity on social media platforms.