Rock News

Former Van Halen bandmates Sammy Hagar and Alex Van Halen have not been on speaking terms for 21 years, and in a new interview with Rolling Stone, Hagar speculates that jealousy might be behind the drummer's ongoing rift. Hagar recently released a single inspired by a dream about Eddie Van Halen called “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight,” and is set to kick off a Las Vegas residency with his all-star band, which features Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, along with Joe Satriani and Kenny Aronoff. “I think Al’s angry because I’m out doing it, and Mike and I are out doing it, and he can’t,” said Hagar. “He’s not a singer. He’s not a guitar player. He is not really a band leader. And he seems like he doesn’t want to play drums or can’t play drums anymore, and he can’t go write a new record.” Hagar maintains that he is keeping the Van Halen legacy alive through his performances, while acknowledging Alex's health issues and Eddie's passing as contributing factors to their ongoing feud. (Consequence of Sound)

Mike Peters, lead singer of Welsh rock band The Alarm, passed away on Tuesday (April 29) at age 66 after a long battle with cancer. Peters continued to tour and release music despite his three-decade fight against multiple forms of cancer, becoming a passionate advocate for cancer research and awareneess. Peters was born in Wales in 1959, and formed The Alarm with bassist Eddie McDonald, drummer Nigel Twist, and guitarist Dave Sharp. The group achieved success with albums like Declaration (which reached No. 50 on the Billboard 200 album chart) and Strength (No. 39), which earned them an opening slot on U2's 1983 War Tour. The Alarm’s 1989 album, Change, was produced by Tony Visconti, which brought them their only Billboard Hot 100 Top 50 hit with “Sold Me Down the River” (No. 50). Their other charting singles were “Strength” (No. 61), “Rain in the Summertime” (No. 71) and “Presence of Love” (No. 77). Following the band's split in 1991, Peters pursued a solo career, sharing the stage with music icons like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. Peters faced multiple cancer diagnoses during his life, co-founding the charity Love Hope Strength with his wife, Jules, to help raise awareness around stem cell donation. Before his passing, Peters was preparing to release his final album, Transformation, and the second volume of his memoirs, Volume 2 HOPE – 1991-2005. (Billboard)

On Tuesday (April 29), Halestorm announced that their sixth studio album, Everest, will be released on August 8th, with a massive 2025 world tour planned in support of the upcoming release. The band will co-headline a fall North American tour with Lindsey Stirling, with support from Apocalyptica. The trek starts on September 11th in Salem, Virginia, and ends on November 11th in Spokane, Washington. Pre-sale for select dates begins on April 30th, with general ticket sales starting on May 2nd. The newly announced shows follow Halestorm’s previously scheduled dates supporting both Iron Maiden and Volbeat this spring and summer. The group already released the first track shared from the album, “Darkness Always Wins,” last week. “Our album Everest is a story of our journey as a band, full of beautiful endings and new beginnings,” said vocalist Lzzy Hale in a press release. “Everest is an auditory representation of the four pillars of Halestorm. Let us reintroduce ourselves and invite you into our world…if you dare.” (Consequence of Sound)

Metallica just announced that they are releasing an expanded deluxe reissue of their 1996 album, Load, on June 13th. The new set will feature a remaster of the original record overseen by their current studio engineer, Greg Fidelman, with the band sharing a remastered version of Load’s lead single (and Metallica’s only Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hit), “Until It Sleeps,” to promote the upcoming release. Available in multiple editions, the reissue will include a 2-LP vinyl release with remastered audio, a 3-CD deluxe edition containing demos, rough mixes, and live material, and a comprehensive box set featuring 15 CDs, six LPs, and four DVDs, as well as physical memorabilia such as Rorschach Test cards, a Pushead patch, and a 128-page book. The metal legend’s ongoing M72 Tour continues with a two-night "No Repeat Weekend" in Nashville on Thursday (May 1st) and Saturday (May 3rd). Fans can pre-order the Load reissue via Metallica's website. (Consequence of Sound)

John 5 is getting set to open his personal Kiss museum in May, which will showcase over 2,500 Kiss memorabilia items, such as Gene Simmons' last known boots from the Destroyer era and his iconic '74 tour outfit. The display – which John has dubbed The Knights In Satan’s Service Museum – will offer tours that will be headed by the Mötley Crüe guitarist himself, with the collection reflecting his lifelong passion for accumulating and documenting Kiss history, including tickets, records, magazines, and exclusive memorabilia. "It's taken an absolute lifetime to do this," John says of his project. "I started collecting when I was a kid, but when I decided to do a museum, it's taken a couple of years, just putting it together. It's a lot of work and it's been overwhelming, but I'm really happy." Amidst preparations for the museum opening, he is also gearing up for the release of a new John 5 and the Creatures album, Deviant, in October, along with upcoming tour commitments with both the Creatures and Mötley Crüe, who launch their Las Vegas residency in September. (Ultimate Classic Rock)

In a new interview with Billboard following Soundgarden’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, guitarist Kim Thayil expressed gratitude for the honor, while sharing his belief that the group’s late frontman, Chris Cornell, would be pleased with the recognition. “He’s the one who convinced me how appreciative the fans and our peers and the Soundgarden community would be about it,” Thayil said of Cornell’s impact on him. “He realized how important that was, and he understood that would be important to us because it’s important to people who cared about us and helped us and supported us all along. That’s how I believe Chris would respond to this. I think he’d be very appreciative and thankful to all the people who have believed in him and believed in the work he did and the work that we all did, collectively.” Thayil also admitted the complexity of finding a vocalist to join them for the band’s induction performance, saying, “It’s a high bar, not just technically, but emotionally.” (Consequence of Sound)

On Saturday (April 26), Dave Grohl surprised fans by performing at Oakwood Live, a school benefit and auction that took place at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. Grohl performed a covers set with a band that included Foo Fighters keyboardist Rami Jaffee, Foos engineer John Lousteau on drums, and bassist Wiley Hodgden, who used to play with the late drummer Taylor Hawkins. In addition to a rocked-up cover of LCD Soundsystem's "Daft Punk is Playing At My House," and a spirited version of the Knack’s “My Sharona,” Grohl was joined by The Struts’ Luke Spiller for a duet on Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure,” while Lisa Loeb paired with him on a rendition of Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream.” Grohl has been more visible as of late, reuniting with his Nirvana bandmates at the FireAid benefit concert and collaborating with Post Malone during Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary celebration. He also contributed drums to a song with Jack Black on A Minecraft Movie soundtrack. and performed at Coachella with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. (Rolling Stone)

In a new interview with The Observer, Thom Yorke sheds light on the creative connection between a new production of Hamlet and Radiohead's 2003 album, Hail To The Thief, ahead of opening night of Hamlet Hail To The Thief. Yorke collaborated with Tony and Olivier Award-winning directors Steven Hoggett and Christine Jones to create a “feverish new live experience, fusing theatre, music and movement.” The work premiered at Aviva Studios in Manchester on Sunday (April 27), and will run through May 18, before heading to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford  from June 4 until June 28. “Hamlet was not in our minds when we made the record,” Yorke stated. “I don’t not subscribe to the synchronicity thing. You know, the one about The Wizard of Oz and Dark Side of the Moon; you watch a movie, turn the sound down, put on another soundtrack and something is revealed. But, obviously, my initial reaction was, this is Hamlet, therefore it’s sacrosanct, it’s untouchable. You can’t. But the idea didn’t go away. It planted a little seed in my head.” (NME)

Kiss drummer Peter Criss has announced the upcoming release of his new solo album this fall, marking his first record since 2007's One for All. “I want to let the Kiss Army and all my rock fans know that my new ‘rock’ album will be coming out this fall,” Criss shared with Rolling Stone. “I’ve got some really great players on it: Michael McLaughlin, John 5 on lead and rhythm guitar, Billy Sheehan, Piggy D [Matt Montgomery] on bass, and Paul Shaffer on B3 and piano. I am on vocals, drums and percussion.” Criss co-produced the album with Barry Pointer, with the drummer adding about the project, “I had an absolute blast doing this album, and everyone was so much fun to work with — they were just amazing.” Criss was the original drummer of Kiss, and co-wrote and sang their 1976 worldwide hit “Beth.” He left the group in 1982 and released several solo records before reuniting with Kiss in 1996,  before ultimately departing again in 2004. (Rolling Stone)

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett expressed the band's eagerness to perform at the Las Vegas Sphere. When asked if the metal legends would consider playing a residency at the state-of-the-art venue, Hammett enthusiastically responded: “Oh, heck, yeah! That’s a great example of how venues are changing. That’s using modern technology to the fullest, to really up the levels of production and entertainment, connected to AI and making it a crazy experience.” Hammett is currently at work on a forthcoming solo album, while he also recently revealed that he has tons of new riffs written for the next Metallica album. Additionally, Metallica just teased a clip from their new documentary, Metallica Saved My Life, which is set to be screened at cities included on the North American leg of the band's ongoing M72 World Tour. (NME)

Los Angeles police have released video footage of the shooting involving author Jillian Lauren, the wife of Weezer bass player Scott Shriner, during a tumultuous backyard confrontation in Eagle Rock on April 8. Lauren sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, where she emerged with a gun as authorities searched the area for suspects involved in a car accident. Lauren was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and released on $1 million bond pending further inquiry, with a court appearance scheduled for April 30. The released footage includes body camera recordings, surveillance videos, and audio of 911 dispatch conversations, which capture Lauren carrying a pistol while officers were shown urging her to drop her gun before shots were fired. The 51-year-old acclaimed author is known for works such as Some Girls: My Life in a Harem and Everything You Ever Wanted, in addition to being married to the longtime Weezer bassist. (Billboard)

The American Music Honors, an annual event hosted by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center at Monmouth University in New Jersey, recognized Smokey Robinson, John Fogerty, Emmylou Harris, Tom Morello, and Joe Ely at this year’s ceremony. All honorees except Ely were present to receive their awards, while also performing their classic songs with the help of artists like Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Bruce Springsteen, and surprise guests Jackson Browne, Nils Lofgren, Nora Guthrie, and Darlene Love. The intimate, star-studded ceremony was attended by only 714 lucky fans, with Springsteen himself delivering the induction speeches for Ely and Fogerty.

The event featured a series of unique collaborations, including Springsteen performing classic Creedence Clearwater Revival hits with Fogerty, with the Boss also covering a few of Ely's songs, and joining with Robinson on “Going to a Go-Go,” playing with Browne on “Take It Easy,” and pairing with Morello for “The Ghost of Tom Joad” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” Harris and Patty Scialfa gave an induction speech for Harris, and they dueted on a version of “Red Dirt Girl.” The evening’s finale featured all performers on stage with Love and Guthrie for a rendition of Woodie Guthrie's anthem, "This Land Is Your Land." (Rolling Stone)

On Sunday night (April 27), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its inductees for the class of 2025. Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes will be inducted in the performer category. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will receive Musical Influence Awards, while Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye will be honored with Musical Excellence Awards, and Lenny Waronker will receive the prestigious Ahmet Ertegun Award. “Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever,” said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”

The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and will be streamed live on Disney+, with an edited version airing on ABC at a later date. Notable snubs from this year's induction class include Phish – who won the recent fan vote – Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, and Mariah Carey. (Rolling Stone)

David Thomas, the celebrated frontman of Pere Ubu and Rocket From the Tombs, has died at 71. The announcement of Thomas’ passing was made on Pere Ubu’s official Facebook page, which revealed that the singer died on Wednesday (April 23) “after a long illness.” “He died in his home town of Brighton & Hove, with his wife and youngest step-daughter by his side,” reads the announcement. “MC5 were playing on the radio. He will ultimately be returned to his home, the farm in Pennsylvania, where he insisted he was to be ‘thrown in the barn.’” Emerging from the vibrant Cleveland rock scene of the mid-Seventies, Thomas was a key figure in the punk movement, forming influential bands like Rocket From the Tombs – which featured innovative guitarists Peter Laughner and Cheetah Chrome – and Pere Ubu, best known for their groundbreaking 1978 album, Dub Housing. His Pere Ubu bandmates revealed that Thomas was working on a new album at the time of his death, and that “he knew it was to be his last.” They plan on releasing that final project and Thomas’ nearly completed autobiography at some point in the future. (Rolling Stone)

Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, and Kenney Jones have recorded a series of songs for a new Faces album, suggesting a forthcoming reunion from the legendary rock band 50 years after their last record. In an interview with The Telegraph, Jones confirms that the trio have recorded “about 11 tracks” at the RAK studios in London. The drummer also revealed that a new Faces documentary is in the works, and that Jools Holland makes a guest appearance on one of their new songs. “Not all of them are going to be right [for the album], but most of them are good,” Jones said. “I can’t see it coming out this year. But I can see it coming out next year. Everyone’s doing different things. We do little snippets [of recording] here and there. Then all of a sudden, The Stones are out [on tour] again, Rod’s out again.” The anticipation for new Faces music fuels the rumors of Wood and Jones joining Stewart's scheduled Glastonbury performance this summer. (NME)

New Wave icons the B-52’s will be honored in a comprehensive box set titled, The Warner and Reprise Years, featuring their nine albums recorded between 1979 and 1992. This extravagant collection is set to be released on June 20 in celebration of Pride Month, and will showcase each album in newly remastered, colored vinyl pressings, such as their self-titled debut in yellow, Wild Planet in red, and the 4x-platinum, Top 5-charting Cosmic Thing in orange. Additionally, an 8-CD version will be released on the same day, with the vinyl box set limited to only 2,000 copies. Both sets are available for pre-order at Rhino.com. The band, known for their unique blend of post-punk, Southern soul, surf-rock, and bubblegum pop, achieved unexpected success with hits like "Rock Lobster" and "Love Shack." The B-52’s finished a Farewell Tour in 2023, and followed that up with a Las Vegas residency, while also performing at the recent SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall. (Rolling Stone)

Modest Mouse has just unveiled the Psychic Salamander Festival, a two-day event in Carnation, Washington on September 13-14. Modest Mouse will serve as the headliner for both nights, with The Flaming Lips also playing two sets, including a performance of their acclaimed 1999 album, The Soft Bulletin, in full on the second day. Joining the lineup are Sleater-Kinney, Built to Spill, Courtney Barnett, Yo La Tengo, Friko, The Vaudevillian, Mattress, and Sun Atoms across the two days. The festival will take place on the family-owned Remlinger Farms, a working farm with a concert space and a family-friendly amusement park on the grounds. Tickets for the festival go on sale to the public on May 2nd, following an artist pre-sale on April 29th. The festival will mark the end of Modest Mouse and The Flaming Lips’ co-headlining 2025 tour, which is set to kick off in August. Modest Mouse will also launch their inaugural “Ice Cream Floats” cruise in 2026 with Portugal. The Man, Kurt Vile, and more. (Consequence of Sound)

Green Day, fresh off their triumphant Coachella 2025 headline sets, will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 1st at 11:30 a.m. PT, with the ceremony set to stream live on the Walk of Fame website. Avowed Green Day fans Ryan Reynolds and Serena Williams are set to speak at the unveiling, with former MTV VJ and radio personality Matt Pinfield hosting the event. “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to welcome Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool to the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said. “Green Day’s music has not only inspired generations but also served as the soundtrack to our lives.” Fans will be able to visit Green Day’s star at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard, appropriately located nearby Amoeba Music and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ star. The band will perform at Daytona Beach’s Welcome to Rockville on May 16th, before bringing The Saviors Tour to the UK and Europe this summer. (Consequence of Sound)

In a new interview with Billy Morrison on Ozzy’s Boneyard channel, Ozzy Osbourne revealed that he is undergoing intensive training to prepare for Black Sabbath's final performance on July 5 in Birmingham, England. The 76-year-old heavy metal legend has experienced years of health issues due to a series of surgeries following a 2019 fall, and a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. “I haven’t done anything for, this will be seven years, and so I’ve been through all this surgery. It really is like starting from scratch,” said Osbourne. His endurance training includes, “doing two sets of three-minute walks and weight training.” “I’m going and going you know,” he adds. “I’m waking up my body.”

In addition to the reunion of the classic Sabbath lineup – and sets by Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Pantera, Alice in Chains, and more – this historic show will also mark Osbourne's return to the stage following a brief set in 2022 at an NFL Kickoff event in Los Angeles, with Ozzy’s last full show taking place in 2018 as part of his No More Tours 2 outing. (Billboard)

Bryan Adams has unveiled his 2025 North American Roll with the Punches Tour, which will feature Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo as the opening act for all US shows. The 40-date arena tour will commence on September 11th in Kamloops, British Columbia, and will include stops in major Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, with the Sheepdogs and Amanda Marshall supporting Adams on select Canadian dates. The US leg of the tour kicks off on October 26 in Boston, hitting cities like New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles, before finishing on November 26 in Minneapolis. Tickets go on-sale Friday, May 2nd, with a pre-sale starting on Thursday, May 1st. “I’m so thrilled to be announcing the North American leg of the ‘Roll with the Punches Tour,'" the 65-year-old Adams said in a statement. “We’ll be playing all the classics, some deep cuts, and sharing some brand-new tracks from the forthcoming album.” Adams 17th album, Roll with the Punches, will be released later this year via his own Bad Records label, and it was co-written with his longtime collaborator Mutt Lange. (Consequence of Sound)