Metal News

[Ravenpride]

"Grave Digger und Gitarrist Axel Ritt gehen ab sofort getrennte Wege. Wir bedanken uns bei Axel für sein langjähriges Engagement und wünschen ihm, persönlich wie musikalisch, nur das Beste.

[Ravenpride]

DREAM THEATER Announces Return Of Drummer MIKE PORTNOY

Grammy-winning progressive music titans DREAM THEATER have announced the return of drummer Mike Portnoy to the group. Portnoy will reunite with guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung — the trio formed the band at the Berklee College Of Music in 1985 — along with longtime members, vocalist James LaBrie and keyboardist Jordan Rudess. DREAM THEATER will be going into the studio to begin working on their 16th studio album and the first with Portnoy since 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings".

https://blabbermouth.net/news/dream-the ... uNuEpgRCYg

[Ravenpride]

Grad heute hab ich vor ca 2 Stunden die ersten zwei CRIMSON GLORY Alben gehört! Zufall?

Mit 3 Original Musikern! Leider ohne Gitarrist Jon Drenning! Dabei ist der nur einen Tag älter als ich! Drogen Vergangenheit dürfte da Mitgespielt haben. Schauen wir mal wie es mit neuen Lead Gitarristen und dritten Lead Sänger wird. Das 4. Album mit Sänger Wade Black war ja nicht so gut.

[Ravenpride]

MERCYFUL FATE Announces New Bass Player BECKY BALDWIN
January 19, 2024

MERCYFUL FATE has recruited Becky Baldwin as its new bass player.

The Birmingham, England-based musician previously toured with MERCYFUL FATE in the fall of 2022 as the temporary replacement for Joey Vera who was unable to make the dates due to a scheduled conflict with his longtime group ARMORED SAINT.

[Ravenpride]

Dear Friends (Kurdt here) As some of you may have recently noticed during our live performances, I frequently will disappear to the side of the stage during a set and continue playing while sitting on a chair. This is due to an ongoing back issue that I've needed to deal with for a while now. I kept putting it off and it's finally caught up with me, so I'm going to get this taken care of so I can continue performing live in the future. That being said, sadly we will be canceling all upcoming show dates for 2024. I apologize for this but I need to get this taken care of. Check with your local venues for any refunds. Thank you for your continued support and I'm looking forward to seeing you in the future!

[Ravenpride]

BRUCE DICKINSON Celebrates Worldwide Chart Success Of 'The Mandrake Project'


#1 In Germany and Sweden
#2 In Finland and Switzerland
#3 In U.K.
#4 In Brazil
#5 In Belgium and Italy
#6 In Netherlands
#10 In France and Mexico

[Ravenpride]

DAVID ELLEFSON To Play Bass For OVERKILL On 2024 Latin American Tour

New Jersey thrash metal veterans OVERKILL have recruited David Ellefson to play bass for the band on their "Scorching Latin America 2024" tour. The former MEGADETH member will be filling in for original OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni, who will be unable to make the shows as he is recovering from shoulder surgery.
OVERKILL's 10-date "Scorching Latin America 2024" tour will kick off on April 11 in Guadalajara, Mexico and will include stops in Costa Rica, Chile and Peru before closing on April 28 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

OVERKILL singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth states: "South, Central America and Mexico, with D.D. on the mend from surgery and the opportunity in front of us, where to go but back to the roots of THRASH! Please welcome Mr. David Ellefson to the OVERKILL, touring ranks this April 2024! 'David, can you help?' The answer: 'Yes, let's go!' We can't wait to see you guys! Horns up!"

Verni comments. "Bummed to not be able to thrash it up with our Latin America fans, but gotta get this wing workin!!....but who better than one of the great original thrash bass players, and old friend, David Ellefson to fill in."

Ellefson comments, "It's an honor to fill in for my friend, the mighty D.D. Verni, as he takes time to heal up right now. OVERKILL always brings the fury and I'm looking forward to scorching Latin America with them!"

[Ravenpride]

Liebe Fans und Freunde von Primal Fear,
wir müssen Euch heute leider mitteilen, dass Alex Beyrodt, Tom Naumann, Michael Ehré und Alex Jansen, der uns in den letzten zwei Jahren am Bass ausgeholfen hat, nicht mehr Teil der Band Primal Fear sind. Ausgelöst durch bandinterne Entscheidungen, mit denen wir nicht konform gehen, war dieser für uns alles andere als leichte Schritt unausweichlich. Wir möchten ausdrücklich klarstellen, dass es trotz der Meinungsverschiedenheiten keinen Streit oder gar böses Blut gegeben hat.

Wir bedanken uns für die gemeinsame Zeit, die zahlreichen Alben, die Tourneen, Shows und Festivals, die uns gemeinsam rund um den Globus geführt haben, und natürlich für die uns entgegengebrachte Liebe der Fans. Wir wünschen Mat und Ralf für die Zukunft alles Gute!
Alex, Tom, Michael und Alex

[Ravenpride]

JAKE E. LEE Was Shot Three Times — In Chest, Arm And Foot — While Walking Dog At 2:40 A.M.

https://blabbermouth.net/.../ozzy-osbou ... cked-to...

[Ravenpride]

Hello Savatage Fans
This is Jon Oliva. I want to set a few things straight for everyone. First of all, I am very excited for Johnny, Chris, Zak, Jeff & Al to play again. I feel it's important for the fans to enjoy our music live, and believe me these guys will kick ass.
As far as I go, I was going to do these shows but unfortunately, I've run into more health issues. I want you all to know that if there was any way I could do these shows I would, but my health issues are more serious than I originally thought. As most of you know I fractured my spine in 3 places and have recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis as well as Meniere's Disease. My doctors are working with me to get healthy again.
I am working closely with the guys and will be involved in every other aspect of the show. I am 100 percent behind the guys doing this and I promise I will return asap.
In the meantime, I am working in the studio on new material I love you all and thank you for understanding my situation, I know my brothers will deliver the goods.
Enjoy Sava Legions
Much love to you all
Jon Oliva

[Ravenpride]

[Ravenpride]

MIKKEY DEE Opens Up About Battle With Sepsis, Says He Was A Day Away From 'Playing Drums With LEMMY In Heaven'
January 2, 2025

Former MOTÖRHEAD and current SCORPIONS drummer Mikkey Dee has opened up about his battle with sepsis, a condition which occurs when one's immune system has a dangerous reaction to an infection. It causes extensive inflammation throughout one's body that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and even death.

Earlier today (Thursday, January 2),Mikkey took to his social media to write: "Just a quick statement about what has been happening to me these past three weeks:

"First I like to thank everyone for these heartwarming Christmas and New Years greetings, that I have not been able to respond to. I always try to do that every year.

"This holiday season, I have been hospitalized with a very serious blood infection (Sepsis). I was admitted for three weeks but now I am home fighting this bastard bacteria. Thankfully, I have received fantastic care at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, my hometown. So thanks a million to all the Doctors and Nurses that have been giving me the most excellent care.

"After several operations, I am now back home and the numbers are all going in the right direction. Still lots of recovery and rehab in front of me. Now I'm working a 100% to be back on the drum stool for the Residency that starts off in Las Vegas on February 27.

"We have a tremendous 2025 to look forward to, celebrating 60 years of SCORPIONS and many exciting gigs around the world.

"So, the Stinger is out and I can't wait to see you all out there on the road and rock the hell out of you! I wish everybody a fantastic 2025 with good health and lots of Rock n' Roll!"

Dee told the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that he unknowingly developed sepsis after spraining his foot in December. Since he had Christmas shows scheduled at Valand in Gothenburg, he took Alvedon, a drug used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever, and Voltaren, which is used to treat pain and inflammation, to make himself comfortable enough to play the final gigs of the year. The weekend before Christmas, his condition deteriorated.

"The ankle swelled up like hell, then it took on a weird shape and appearance and looked like an overcooked ham. I became very ill so I had to go by ambulance to Sahlgrenska and there they found that I had sky-high values, so I became priority one there," Mikkey said (as translated from Swedish). "It was surgery right away, the first of three. They cut away what was dead and infected and badly infested. It was not a good journey I was on… Another day and I'd be playing drums with [late MOTÖRHEAD leader] Lemmy in heaven. I can say that."

[Ravenpride]

Developers Accidentally Bulldoze ANGUS and MALCOLM YOUNG's Childhood Home: 'We Are Genuinely Sorry For This Oversight'

January 7, 2025

The house where AC/DC was formed in 1973 was accidentally demolished in recent weeks, developers have claimed.

According to the Herald Sun, the childhood home of the brothers and bandmates Angus and Malcolm Young — located on Burleigh Street in Sydney's Inner West — was bulldozed after it was purchased by developers in February 2023 for AUD $5.8 million (approximately USD $3.638).

The house was listed on the National Trust List Of Historic Homes in 2013, after becoming a pilgrimage point for fans of the legendary hard rock band.

In a statement, Burwood Square Pty Ltd general manager Leon Kmita said the company had only found out about the property’s musical history after it was knocked down.

"On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret that we have only just learnt of the cultural significance of 4 Burleigh Street, the former home of AC/DC, one of music history's most iconic bands," he said.

"We now recognize how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide.

"As we developed plans for this space, we conducted due diligence, including consulting heritage registers and collaborating with experts in the field.

"Unfortunately, the historical connection to AC/DC was not identified at that stage, and we regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property's background with us.

"We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.

"Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us.

"We feel a strong responsibility to honor AC/DC's legacy and to make amends to all the fans who hold this band in such high regard.

"While we cannot change the past, we are dedicated to celebrating this significant part of their story.

"We are now salvaging materials from the demolition to create a special space, such as a café, bar, or live music venue, where fans can gather to celebrate the band's enduring legacy.

"We are also committed to seeking a collaboration with the Young family, fan groups and cultural experts to ensure our tribute is meaningful and respectful.

"Burwood Council has already acknowledged AC/DC's connection to the area with an impressive mural nearby, and we share in that commitment.

"We aim to ensure that our development also serves as a lasting tribute to their cultural impact.

"To the global fanbase of AC/DC, please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right."

Burwood Council added in a separate statement: "The Young family's contribution to the Australian music scene has been widely recognized by Burwood Council and fans across the globe, and we like many others are saddened and disappointed by the demolition of 4 Burleigh Street, Burwood. Approval to demolish the property at 4 Burleigh Street was not granted by Burwood Council.

"The owner, under State Government Planning Controls, engaged a private certifier authorized to issue a Complying Development Certificate, requiring only two days' notice to Council before demolition works commence.

"Council has long-maintained that the Young House, located at 4 Burleigh Street Burwood has a special association with Australia's rock music history as the site where band AC/DC formed.

"In recognition of this, in 2015 Burwood Council proactively engaged independent heritage specialist, City Plan Heritage, to assess the potential heritage significance of 4 Burleigh Street.

"The study by City Plan Heritage cited that the 'listing of No.4 Burleigh Street in Schedule 5 of the Burwood Local Environment Plan 2012 as a heritage item is not recommended. The item fails to meet the significance assessment criteria'.

"Notwithstanding the above, in recognition of the cultural significance of the Young family and their connection to Burwood, Council continues to undertake initiatives to celebrate their legacy. These include commissioning a mural by artist Claire Foxton near the site at 12 Burleigh Street and coordinating a 300 person strong choir medley celebrating their contributions.

"Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family including engaging in discussions with the owner of 4 Burleigh Street to encourage any and all opportunities to honor the area's rich musical history."

The property was the first permanent Australian home of rockers Angus, Malcolm and George Young, after they moved to Australia from Scotland in 1963.

Both Malcolm and George died in 2017, with Angus still touring and recording with AC/DC to this day.

Malcolm died from effects of dementia at age 64.

In December 2014, Malcolm revealed he had dementia which forced him to retire from AC/DC. His nephew Stevie Young stepped into Malcolm's position.

Angus later said that he realized during the recording of the band's 2008 album "Black Ice" that his brother's faculties were impaired.

[Ravenpride]

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Unfortunately, Traveler has decided its journey has come to an end. Outside of the band, we have many endeavors to embark on that make it impossible to continue. Personal goals, family matters, personal matters, the many other musical projects, etc.

We had big plans for 2025 with some serious bucket list shows! But it’s not fair to us, or you the fans to continue unless we know we’re all the way in. What we’ve achieved so far went way beyond our expectations. If it dies here, we’re happy.

We’re sad to step down, but very excited to dive into all the things we’ve set aside for so long. We can promise you’ll hear new music from all of us individually.

A massive thank you to everyone that supported us over the years. The absolute die-hard fans, every promotor, server, bar tender, driver, all the bands we shared the stage with, No Remorse Records for taking us on, Ian Watts at AMG, @midnight_sunuk for being an absolute boss! We love ya all! If we’re all in a place where we feel it’s the right time to continue, we will be back.

The page will remain active. Merch every once in a while. We’re still here for you. See ya around!