Metal Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Slash has opened up about which metal bands he would consider to be his favourites.As you can tell from his style of playing, the guitar icon and Guns N’ Roses star is most famously a fan of blues and classic rock. In fact, he has a blues album on the way, ‘Orgy Of The Damned’, which will include a number of blues covers.However, in a new interview ahead of the release, the guitarist has opened up about other artists he is vibing with at the moment – in particular, those from the metal scene.Speaking on the YouTube channel Coffee With Ola, he was asked about what he has been listening to lately, to which he revealed he is mainly listening to older bands who have been sharing new material.“AC/DC had a new record that was really good, Queens of the Stone Age have got a new record,” he said, referring to the 2020 album ‘Power Up’ and last year’s ‘In Times New Roman…’ respectively.Going on, he went on to name some heavier artists, including the eco-conscious French metal band Gojira, and thrash veterans, Metallica, as some of his current favourites.“I love Gojira, it’s great, and the new Metallica record [‘72 Seasons’] is fucking amazing,” he explained.

Eurovision entry Bambie Thug has been forced to change their pro-Palestine message by the competition’s organisers.The non-binary contestant has become Ireland’s first finalist in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2018, winning a place in Saturday’s final (May 11) with a performance of their track ‘Doomsday Blue’ at yesterday’s (May 7) semi-finals.However, the artist, whose real name is Bambie Ray Robinson, has criticised the competition’s organisers after being forced to change their pro-Palestine message ahead of the final. Originally, they wore body paint in Ogham script – an early Medieval alphabet – which translated to ceasefire and freedom.

Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has claimed that people have been “trying to kill heavy metal” for about 40 years.The metal musician made the comments in a recent interview with music YouTube channel Metal Oda ahead of their concert in Istanbul, Turkey this July.Asked what advice he would give himself if he could go back to the beginning of the band’s career more than 50 years ago, the bassist spoke about the importance of “patience and persistence” (per Blabbermouth).Elaborating on the title of the new album ‘Invincible Shield’, Hill continued: “We’ve had a lot of stuff thrown at us over the years. I mean, people have been trying to kill heavy metal now for about 35, 40 years, so it’s always been a bit of a struggle against the establishment, if you know what I mean.”The artist concluded that the band had “managed to survive and come through it”.Hill’s comments come after Judas Priest’s own Rob Halford reflected on being labelled ‘Metal God’ by fans.Speaking to NME as part of a recent In Conversation video interview, he shared that the nickname “kind of got a life of its own and then I started to take it too seriously”, adding: “So much so that I’ve actually got a trademark on ‘Metal God’ because I cherish it so much – not just not for me, but for the band and the fans as well”.The vocalist said he always has “fun” with it, sharing: “I always say: ‘There was only one Elvis, and there’s only one Metal God.’ And I mean that, you know, with my tongue in my cheek.”Halford also expressed his relief that the band were aligned in their outlooks on fame and music.

Slipknot‘s brand-new drummer.The band confirmed the identity of their new drummer on Tuesday April 30 on their social media pages. Slipknot posted a new promo photo of its nine members in their classic red jumpsuits and masks, resembling an iconic photo taken in 1999. In the photo, the band tagged eight of its nine members – one of whom has been revealed to be Casagrande.Now, the former drummer of Brazilian metal icons Sepultura has shared his first statement after confirming his position in the band.

Ozzy Osbourne has revealed the one accolade he still wants to win.On the latest episode of Ozzy’s SiriusXM program Ozzy Speaks, the former Black Sabbath frontman was asked about what he has yet to achieve in his long and illustrious career. Now that he’s soon to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo act, there’s just one thing left that Ozzy has yet to win: an Oscar.“You’ve got to fucking be in a movie to win an Oscar,” co-host Billy Morrison replied while laughing.

Slipknot have announced their ‘Here Comes The Pain’ 25th anniversary US tour with Knocked Loose and more.The legendary heavy metal band are set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 1999 self-titled debut album. The North American leg of their ‘Here Comes The Pain’ tour will see the masked members make stops in major cities such as Baltimore, New York City, Toronto, Ridgefield, Inglewood, Austin, Dallas and more before wrapping up in their hometown of Des Moines, Iowa for Knotfest.Knocked Loose, Orbit Culture and Vended will all serve as opening support on select dates.

Ghost have shared details of a debut feature film, titled RITE HERE RITE NOW.Set to arrive in cinemas worldwide next month, the film is the first of its kind from the metal group, and will combine footage of their September 2023 shows at The Forum in Los Angeles with a narrative that picks up plot threads from the band’s long-running webisode series.It has been directed by the masked Swedish collective’s frontman Tobias Forge, alongside American filmmaker and actor Alex Ross Perry, and is set to arrive in cinemas globally on June 20 and 22 only.A full trailer is set to launch next Thursday (May 9), and tickets for screenings will be available then too.

Cradle Of Faith have announced a UK and Ireland tour for later this year, conveniently taking place around Halloween.The 11-date ‘By Order Of The Dragon’ run will lick off on October 27 at Bristol’s O2 Academy and they will be stopping by London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on All Hallows Eve itself. The tour also includes a show at Manchester’s Damnation Festival and a few shows later, the metal band will later sign off on November 8 at Newcastle’s NX.They will be supported by Butcher Babies and High Parasite.You can see the full list of dates below and buy your tickets here.OCTOBER27 – Bristol, O2 Academy28 – Bournemouth, O2 Academy29 – Birmingham, O2 Institute31 – London, O2 Forum Kentish TownNOVEMBER1 – Swansea, Patti Pavilion2 – Manchester, Damnation Festival3 – Nottingham, Rock City5 – Belfast, Limelight6 – Dublin, Academy7 – Glasgow, SWG38 – Newcastle, NXEarlier this year, Cradle Of Faith gave fans an update on when to expect the release of their long-awaited collaboration with Ed Sheeran.The collaboration was first revealed in 2021, when the band’s frontman Dani Filth revealed that he had been in touch with the pop star and that Sheeran had invited him “up to his place”.Work on the track was progressing in 2022 according to Filth, with work then halted due to Sheeran becoming a father.

Iron Maiden‘s Bruce Dickinson recently called out fans for smoking at a gig after a vape exploded during the show.During Dickinson’s gig on Saturday (April 27) at the Opera Hall in Brasília, Brazil, the singer addressed the crowd and called out a group of fans who were smoking cigarettes and vaping during his set. The smoke and fumes were irritating the singer’s voice and affecting the rest of his band and touring party.In a now-deleted video clip shared by the Instagram account Iron Maiden Brasil, Dickinson told the crowd: “I can’t fucking breathe.

Alien Ant Farm have announced a joint headline tour with CKY, which will come with a £1 ticket levy to help support grassroots venues. Find ticket details below.The announcement of the upcoming 2024 shows comes on the heels of California nu-metal band sharing ‘~mAntras~’ last week – marking their first new album in nearly a decade.Set to kick off towards the beginning of November, the shows will see frontman Dryden Mitchell and co.

System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian has announced a new solo EP, ‘Foundations’ – find out more below.Yesterday (April 29), Tankian took to social media to announce the EP, which is due for release sometime in the fall via Gibson Records, though a firm release date has yet to be announced. However, the track’s first single, ‘A.F. Day’, is due much sooner on May 17 alongside an accompanying music video.Tankian also shared a snippet of ‘A.F.

Slipknot have confirmed the identity of their new drummer after he made his debut with the masked metal band last week.Today (April 30), the band took to social media to post a new promo photo of its nine members in their classic red jumpsuits and masks, resembling an iconic photo taken in 1999. In the photo, the band tagged eight of its nine members – one of whom has been revealed to be Eloy Casagrande.A post shared by Slipknot (@slipknot)Eloy Casagrande – the former drummer of Brazilian metal icons Sepultura – has now been confirmed as Slipknot’s new drummer.

Slipknot have announced the line-up of homecoming Knotfest Iowa 2024 with Rammstein‘s Till Lindemann, Knocked Loose and more.The band’s annual homecoming music festival is set to take place on September 21 for one night only as a special 25th Anniversary Event at Water Works Park in Des Moines, IA. Along with Slipknot, Till Lindemann and Knocked Loose, the likes of Hatebreed, Poison The Well, GWAR, Vended, Dying Wish, Zulu, Twin Temple, Holy Wars, Swollen Teeth, Spine, and Dose are also set to perform.A ticket pre-sale for Knotfest will commence on Tuesday April 30 at 10am CT (4pm BST).

Knocked Loose have brought out Poppy to perform ‘Suffocate’ at Sick New World – watch fan-shot footage of the performance below.Last week, Knocked Loose released a new song, ‘Suffocate’ featuring Poppy. The track marks the third single from the hardcore band’s upcoming third album ‘You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To’, which is due for release on May 10 via Pure Noise.This marks the first time that ‘Suffocate’ has been performed live, as Poppy joined the band onstage in Las Vegas halfway through the track.

Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes joined BABYMETAL during their set at Sick New World 2024 on Saturday – check out footage below. The Japanese band were playing the Las Vegas festival yesterday (April 27), when they were joined by Sykes on a version of their collaborative track.

Slipknot co-headlined Sick New World Festival in Las Vegas last night (April 27) with a career-spanning setlist for which they donned their classic original masks and red boiler suits.Appropriately for their attire, and for their celebrations of the 25th anniversary of their self-titled 1999 debut album, their setlist leaned on material from their first three records, the others being 2001’s ‘Iowa’ and 2004’s ‘Vol.

Mötley Crüe have shared ‘Dogs Of War’ – their first new single since 2019 and first official music with new guitarist John 5. Check it out below, along with our interview with Nikki Sixx and John 5.The glam metal veterans first shared news of new music earlier this week, when they confirmed that Friday (April 26) would see them drop ‘Dogs Of War’.

Slipknot fans believe that they have figured out who the band’s new drummer is following their most recent intimate performance.The Nine played an intimate club show last night (April 25) at the Pappy + Harriet’s barbecue bar in Pioneertown, California. They were dressed in their self-titled era masks and distinctive red boiler suits.

Slipknot have performed their first live show with their mysterious new drummer – check out fan-shot footage of the gig below.Yesterday, the nine-piece Iowan nu-metal outfit announced a last-minute intimate show at the Pappy + Harriet’s barbecue bar in Pioneertown, California set to take place on April 25 PDT. Now, fan-shot footage of the show has emerged shortly after the band took to the stage.The intimate gig marks Slipknot’s first concert with their new drummer – who is still unnamed – following the shocking firing of Jay Weinberg late last year.

Fever 333 have announced that they have formed a new band together.Aric Improta and Stephen “Stevis” Harrison both made their departure away from the group in October 2022 – surprising fans by sharing their own respective statements confirming that they had left the line-up.Now, the two have confirmed that they have got a new band together called House Of Protection, and revealed that they will be releasing the first taster of their sound soon.They shared the news with a joint Instagram post, which blends together a series of pretty intense visuals, along with a voice-over that says “Welcome to the House of Protection”.No music is featured on the video although, based on the clips, it appears that Harrison is taking on the role of frontman, and will be delivering some intense and chaotic vocals not too dissimilar from that of their former group.At the end of the video, it is confirmed that House Of Protection’s music will be arriving via Red Bull Records – the same label which has long been home to Beartooth.A post shared by House of Protection (@house_of_protection)While there is not yet any previews available of what the band will sound like exactly, the two have worked with enough bands in the past to presume that the final result will be pretty intense.As highlighted by Loudwire, aside from their time in Fever 333, Harrison has taken on the role of bassist for metalcore group The Chariot, while Improta is still contributing to the releases by post-hardcore act Night Verses.House Of Protection’s first song is set to arrive next week (April 30).After their departure last October, frontman Jason Aalon Butler was left as the sole remaining member, and Harrison alleged that “things were pretty bad internally” between the

Evanescence‘s lead singer Amy Lee has shut down rumours that she will be Linkin Park‘s new singer.Earlier this month, Orgy frontman Jay Gordon sparked rumours of Linkin Park’s impeding return with a new female vocalist. When pressed during an interview about what he had let slip, Gordon continued by saying: “Don’t quote me on that. I’m not sure who the singer is going to be, but I heard it was gonna be female.

Peter Frampton has shared his thoughts about his upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, likening Ozzy Osbourne to Betty White in the process.Following yesterday’s news that Frampton and Osbourne will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year, Frampton spoke to Rolling Stone about the honour.When asked about Ozzy’s induction, Frampton compared the Prince of Darkness to Betty White, who was unanimously conceived as a likeable figure: “The man is the Betty White of rock & roll.” He also said it would be “fantastic” if he could perform ‘Crazy Train’ with Osbourne.Elsewhere during the chat, Frampton told the publication that he was astonished when he learned of his induction: “It’s something I never expected. Because I was eligible so long ago, I kind of put it into the back of my mind. It’s like before I got my first Grammy for my instrumental record where I didn’t sing a note.

Knocked Loose have unveiled a crushing new single ‘Suffocate’ featuring Poppy — listen to it below.Last night, the American hardcore band shared the video for ‘Suffocate’ via Pure Noise’s YouTube channel. The track starts with a furious, hard-hitting riff as the band waste no time, diving straight into the heaviness and aggression.Soon, Poppy joins them, screaming and leading the band into a heavy reggaeton-inspired breakdown.

Slipknot are set to play a one-off intimate gig this week – find out more below.Per the band’s new You Can’t Kill Me website – which first made headlines after a new billboard popped up in California earlier this month – the band will be playing to a crowd of 350 attendees at the Pappy + Harriet’s barbecue bar in Pioneertown, California on Thursday (April 25).Tickets to the event are now completely sold out, but cost USD$9 per ticket, with a strict limit of two tickets per purchase. It will mark the band’s first show of the year, as well as their first show with the Iowan metal band’s new drummer, who has yet to be confirmed.Slipknot will be donating all of the show’s proceeds to the Joshua Tree No Kill Shelter and BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of the Hi Desert.The upcoming intimate gig comes after percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan told NME that the band are “going back to basics” this year to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Bring Me The Horizon brought out IV from Sleep Token to perform ‘Antivist’ during a show in Brisbane today (April 20).The Sheffield metallers have been on tour in Australia with Sleep Token as main support, as well as Make Them Suffer and Daine.During the show, the masked band’s guitarist joined Bring Me The Horizon for a special rendition of the 2013 hit where he got to take a more prominent role vocally. Although he isn’t Sleep Token’s main vocalist, he also provides additional screams.Amusingly, it appears that frontman Oli Sykes performed the track wearing one of Sleep Token’s old masks, which IV himself was also wearing.

Slipknot have teased a mystery upcoming event with a cryptic billboard message in California that reads ‘ONE NIGHT ONLY’.The apparent advert popped up on a billboard on the highway to Coachella 2024 over the last week, bearing the band’s logo alongside a second slogan of ‘LONG MAY YOU DIE’.Also included on the banner is a link to youcantkillme.com, a vintage website that is adorned with references to the band’s self-titled 1999 album (via Revolver).The site also carries the band’s upcoming live dates, and includes a note that the page was last updated on April 25 – next week. All taken together, fans have started to speculate that the band are teasing a possible 25th anniversary show for the ‘Slipknot’ album.It comes at a time when rumours of new music from the band has been percolating among their fanbase.The last album the nu-metal icons released was ‘The End, So Far’, which arrived back in August 2022.

Verdens Gang (VG), the iconic record store and venue space caught fire on April 9 and the surrounding apartments in the area were also evacuated due to the amount of smoke the fire caused. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown; police received a report of a fire by a witness who saw flames in the basement of the property.

According to a series of new social media posts, the post-hardcore band are seemingly reforming for a series of farewell shows across the world next year.They are also releasing a new, remastered version of their landmark album, ‘The Blackest Beautiful’.The influential band’s final line-up consisted of lead vocalist Butler, guitarist Jeff Sahyoun, bassist Ryan Jay Johnson and drummer Loniel Robinson. Throughout their career, they released four albums and one EP, with their final album, ‘If I’m The Devil’, released in 2016. They broke up in 2017, announcing the split on social media at the time.In a new post on the band’s social media page, they wrote: “11 years of ‘The Blackest Beautiful’ after 7 years of silence.

Metallica frontman James Hetfield has shown off his latest tattoo, which is a tribute to late Motörhead legend Lemmy Kilmister.Today (April 17), Hetfield took to Metallica’s Instagram to show off the tattoo, etched on his middle finger. The tattoo is of a spade inside what appears to be an iron cross symbol – a symbol that Hetfield has incorporated on his guitars in the past. The singer also a tattoo of an iron cross on his elbow.However, the tattoo isn’t a regular tribute to Lemmy, it also contains the remains of Kilmister himself, according to Hetfield.

Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson has played his first solo shows in 22 years last week – check out footage from the moment below.Over the weekend (April 13-14), Dickinson played two nights at the Whisky A Go Go venue in Los Angeles, both of which were surprise, last-minute gigs.Dickinson performed under the pseudonym The House Band Of Hell and it was the first solo concert he’s done in 22 years.Check out some footage of the gigs and the set lists below: ‘Accident Of Birth’‘Abduction’‘Laughing In The Hiding Bush’‘Afterglow Of Ragnarok’‘Chemical Wedding’‘Many Doors To Hell’‘Tears Of The Dragon’‘Resurrection Men’‘Rain On The Graves’‘Frankenstein’‘Gods Of War’‘The Alchemist’‘Darkside Of Aquarius’‘Jerusalem’‘Road To Hell’‘Accident Of Birth’‘Abduction’‘Starchildren’‘Afterglow Of Ragnarok’‘Chemical Wedding’‘Many Doors To Hell’‘Tears Of The Dragon’‘Resurrection Men’‘Rain On The Graves’‘Frankenstein’‘Gods Of War’‘The Alchemist’‘Darkside Of Aquarius’‘Book Of Thel’‘The Tower’Dickinson recently released his new album, ‘The Mandrake Project’, his first solo record in nearly two decades.In a statement about the album, the musician said said: “This album has been a very personal journey for me and I am extremely proud of it.