Hard Rock
Rainbow in the Dark Admirably Chronicles Ronnie James Dio’s Iconic Career: Book Review
For years, Ronnie James Dio fans have been patiently waiting for an autobiography that he had begun work on prior to his passing in 2010 from stomach cancer. Now, we have finally received Rainbow in the Dark: The Autobiography. First off, readers should know that the idea behind the book was to recount the story of the legendary metal vocalist (real name: Ronald James Padavona) from birth up until his fulfillment of a lifelong career dream, when Dio headlined Madison Square Garden in 1986 (as the leader of his eponymous band). The book was not completed before Dio’s passing, but with the help of his wife/manager, Wendy Dio, and respected rock journalist Mick Wall, the missing bits have been filled in commendably. As a reader of many rock autobiographies over the years, I must admit that I ...
Marilyn Manson Seeks to Dismiss Esmé Bianco’s Lawsuit, Describes Assault Allegations by Multiple Women as “Coordinated Attack”
Marilyn Manson has filed legal papers seeking to dismiss a lawsuit brought against him by Game of Thrones actress Esmé Bianco. In the same documents, the disgraced singer describes the recent sexual assault allegations by multiple women as a “coordinated attack.” Bianco is one of a number of women who have accused Manson of sexual abuse over the past several months. As previously reported, she sued the shock rocker in April for sexual assault, physical abuse, and human trafficking. She first shared her story in February, weeks after actress Evan Rachel Wood went public with her accusations against Manson. Bianco described Manson as “monster who almost destroyed me,” adding that she “basically felt like a prisoner” while living with the singer. She accused Manson of using “drugs, force...
Rock World Reacts to the Death of ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill: “What an Icon”
The rock community is mourning the passing of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who died in his sleep at age 72. Hill was an indispensable longtime member of the “Tres Hombres” and famously sported a lengthy beard like his bandmate Billy Gibbons. Musically, Hill had a gift for rhythm, holding down the band’s airtight bluesy rock tunes with drummer Frank Beard. ZZ Top had just kicked off a massive U.S. tour when Hill was sidelined with a “hip issue.” Longtime guitar tech Elwood Francis filled in on bass for a handful of dates, and today it was announced that Hill passed away in his sleep at his home in Houston. Following the sad news, fellow musicians and rock icons took to social media to pay tribute to Hill and his musical legacy. Advertisement Related Video John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater ...
R.I.P. Joey Jordison, Former Slipknot Drummer Dead at 46
Former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison has died at the age of 46. According to a statement issued by his family, Jordison “passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26th, 2021.” A cause of death was not immediately disclosed. “Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow,” his family’s statement reads. “To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart and his love for all things family and music.” Advertisement Jordison was a founding member of Slipknot and played in the band until his departure in December 2013. He later revealed that he suffered from transverse myelitis, a neurological disease that limited his the ability to play the drums. The drummer suggested that his condition led Slipknot to fire him from the ...
AC/DC-Loving Boy Ends Run on The Voice Kids Spain with Performance of Europe’s “Final Countdown”: Watch
The memorable run of Jesús del Río on The Voice Kids Spain has come to an end. The young boy went viral with his rousing rendition of the AC/DC classic “Highway to Hell” during the blind auditions and then earned a trip to the finals by singing “Back in Black.” For the 8-year-old’s last performance, he sang the Europe anthem “The Final Countdown,” but it wasn’t enough to win the competition. Jesús is clearly a fan of hard rock, having looked quite uncomfortable singing Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven” during the battle round. Until his performance in the finals, it appeared that AC/DC was the only band that suited his wailing vocals. However, he performed an admirable rendition of “The Final Countdown” for his last song of the competition. Ultimately, Jesús’ coach, Spanish singer Melendi...
Robert Fripp and Toyah Take on The Who’s “My Generation” as King Crimson’s US Tour Kicks Off: Watch
Robert Fripp has already embarked on a summer U.S. tour with his legendary UK prog-rock band King Crimson, but that hasn’t put a stop to the guitarist’s viral “Sunday Lunch” performances with his wife, Toyah Willcox. The pair apparently filmed some advance episodes in their kitchen, beginning with today’s cover of The Who’s “My Generation.” Per usual, Toyah goes with a skimpy outfit, this time a white shirt that somehow doesn’t pop all the way open despite being held together by a little red clasp. Vocally, she delivers a raspy take on The Who’s classic 1965 track, adding some additional punk flavor to what could be argued is one of the earliest punk songs ever recorded. Fripp is back to his proper vest-and-tie look, while still sporting the mohawk that he featured in previous performances...
8-Year-Old Boy’s Performance of AC/DC’s “Back in Black” Earns Him Spot in Finals of The Voice Kids Spain: Watch
After wowing the judges and viewers with his performance of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” during his blind audition on Spain’s edition of The Voice Kids, little Jesús del Río sang another hit by the legendary rock band for the semifinals. This time, he blazed through AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” earning a trip to the finals. Jesús, who was only 7 years old when the season began but has since celebrated his eighth birthday, went viral with his initial “Highway to Hell” audition. The judges/coaches went crazy for his performance and mobbed him onstage. He had to perform Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven” alongside a couple of other contestants for the battle round, but looked completely uncomfortable singing the pop hit. However, he still made it to the next stage. It just might be that AC/DC is the...
Buckcherry’s Josh Todd Wants to Front Minor Threat Reunion, Laments Lack of 21st Century Rock Stars
Buckcherry frontman Josh Todd says he would front a Minor Threat reunion if founding singer Ian MacKaye wasn’t up for it. Todd also lamented the lack of 21st century rock stars, calling the genre “faceless” since the early 2000s. Yes, you read that correctly. The singer of “Crazy Bitch” is down to front arguably the most influential straight-edge hardcore band of all-time. In fact, Todd suggested as much to original Minor Threat member Brian Baker (now Bad Religion’s guitarist) upon meeting him once. “[I told him] ‘Hey, man, if you ever want to do a Minor Threat tour and Ian doesn’t want to do it, I’ll shave my head and we’ll f–king do it!’” Todd recalled to Classic Rock magazine. “[Baker] just laughed.” Advertisement Related Video While the chances seem slim, it sounds like Todd coul...
Dee Snider Announces Streaming Concert Filmed in Front of Live Audience
Dee Snider has announced a streaming concert that was filmed in front of a live audience. The stream goes live on July 29th, a day before the release of the Twisted Sister singer’s new solo album, Leave a Scar. Livestreams became the norm for many artists during the pandemic. It was a way to bring the concert experience into the homes of fans worldwide, but most featured only the performers and no crowds. For Snider’s upcoming stream, the metal legend filmed a June show in Patchogue, New York, in front of a full crowd, and he’ll beam the full performance across the interwebs for 30 days starting on July 29th for virtual ticketholders. Advertisement Related Video “I can’t wait to see all you crazy motherf—kers when we’re on the road again, but for now, grab a cold one, crank the volume, it’...
Guns N’ Roses Have an Official Line of Bongs and Smoking Accessories
Axl Rose has hit some pretty amazing high notes during his career, but now Guns N’ Roses are offering up a new kind of high. The legendary band has its own line of bongs and smoking accessories. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers have partnered with Famous Brandz for a collection that includes two bongs, a couple of grinders, and two hand pipes. The two glass bongs feature artwork from the band’s iconic debut album, Appetite for Destruction. The “Band 12-Inch Water Pipe” has a hexagonal shape at the bottom showing each of the skeletal images of the band members, while the “Appetite for Destruction 10-Inch Dab Rig” shows the group shot of the skeletons at the base, with the words “Guns N’ Roses Was Here” in the middle. Advertisement Related Video A description of the GN’R line from Famous B...
Slash and Epiphone Launch New Collection of Electric and Acoustic Guitars
Slash and Epiphone have launched a new collection of electric and acoustic guitars, continuing the Guns N’ Roses guitarist’s ongoing partnership with Gibson Brands. Epiphone’s Slash Collection follows last year’s Gibson collection, but offers the guitars at a more accessible price point. Epiphone prides itself as being known as “the leading accessible guitar brand For Every Stage,” and the new axes are ideal for beginners or seasoned vets. The new line introduces two electric guitars and five variants: the Epiphone Slash Les Paul Standard (finished in Appetite Burst, November Burst, Anaconda Burst, and Vermillion Burst) and the Slash “Victoria” Les Paul Standard Goldtop in Gold. The acoustic Epiphone Slash J-45 (in Vermillion Burst and November Burst) rounds out the Epiphone collection. Al...
Rival Sons Announce 2021 North American Tour with Dorothy
Like many bands that have been off the road for the past year and a half due to the pandemic, Rival Sons are more than ready to get back on tour. The California rockers have booked a fall North American run in honor of the 10th anniversary of their 2011 album, Pressure and Time. The outing, dubbed the “Pressure and Time Tour,” will feature support from by Dorothy on most dates, with Reignwolf and Myron Elkins at select gigs. The tour kicks off September 29th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and continues through a November 13th date in Anaheim, California. Pressure and Time scored Rival Sons airplay with the title track, as well as the singles “Soul” and “All Over the Road.” Expect to hear the full album from front to back, as well as other favorites from the band’s discography. Advertisement ...
