Ronnie James Dio steered Black Sabbath away from the brink of self-destruction when he replaced the ousted Ozzy Osbourne in 1979. But just three years and two beloved albums later, he’d sing his (first) last note with Black Sabbath on Aug. 31, 1982, at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Black Sabbath was on […]
It’s the first week of December 1987, and R.E.M. has just finished a tour of Europe and North America, playing to the largest crowds of the group’s career so far. They are on the cover of the Rolling Stone, underscored with the declaration “America’s Best Band.” Their latest album, Document, is fast approaching platinum sales […]
Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan chided “miserable bastard” internet trolls who have taken shots at his band since their 1999 return without classic-era frontman Sebastian Bach. “We were under a microscope — and we still are, to a degree — but we were under a microscope and the scrutiny was just ridiculous and unwarranted,” the […]
Nirvana’s headlining set on Aug. 30, 1992, at the Reading Festival, ranks among their most famous performances. In the days leading up to it, however, many questioned whether the band would even be able to take the stage. To say that Nirvana’s world was tumultuous at the time would be an understatement. Not only was […]
Cheap Trick‘s “I Want You to Want Me” has become a classic-rock staple since it was first released as part of In Color in 1977. But it was hardly a sure thing at the time. Producer Tom Werman had an interesting vision for the song. In his head, he heard it as a “dancehall tune,” […]
Former Alice Cooper and current Demi Lovato guitarist Nita Strauss has released a blistering new solo instrumental single titled “Summer Storm.” You can hear the song and watch the video below. “Summer Storm” finds Strauss getting back into her solo comfort zone of pulverizing instrumental metal, blending harmonized guitar riffs, brutal one-note breakdowns and dizzying […]
Micky Dolenz is suing the FBI over documents regarding the Monkees. In 1967, an FBI informant attended one of the group’s concerts and took notes on the performance. About 10 years ago, a select portion of this file was publicly released. “During the concert, subliminal messages were depicted on the screen which, in the opinion […]
John Lennon‘s Aug. 30, 1972, headlining benefit performance at Madison Square Garden would ultimately turn out to be the final full-length concert of his life. The show arrived amid a tumultuous time. Lennon had come under harsh scrutiny from President Richard Nixon due largely to his outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War, as well as […]
It’s been a rough past decade for Megadeth. In addition to the usual member turnover, the metal lifers faced leader Dave Mustaine‘s cancer scare, a public dismissal of their bass player following allegations of child grooming and the rerecording of parts of their 16th album, The Sick, the Dying … and the Dead! On top of that, there was […]
Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian said he asked Mike Patton to join his band and recalled why the Faith No More singer refused the offer. Admitting he wasn’t sure whether he was extending an invitation, Ian said the moment took place when the old friends were together at a festival in Australia. At that time, Faith No […]