Author: Editorial Team

On January 23, 2026, The Damned will release Not Like Everybody Else, a personal and celebratory covers album dedicated to founding guitarist Brian James, who passed away on March 6, 2025. The record was tracked in five intense days at Revolver Studio in Los Angeles, capturing a mix of emotion and creative urgency. On the album, The Damned — Dave Vanian on vocals, Captain Sensible on guitar, Rat Scabies on drums, Paul Gray on bass, and longtime keyboardist Monty Oxymoron — reconnect with the energy that defined their earliest days. Not Like Everybody Else also marks the first time in 40 years that Rat Scabies has returned to the studio with the band.

The album opens with R. Dean Taylor’s “There’s A Ghost In My House” before moving into interpretations of classics such as Pink Floyd’s “See Emily Play” and The Animals’ “When I Was Young.” It closes with a striking farewell: The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time,” featuring Brian James himself. The performance comes from his final live appearance with The Damned at Hammersmith and has been newly remixed for this release.

To commemorate the album, The Damned will deliver a one-off covers show at Albert Hall in Manchester on January 28, 2026. The band will perform songs from Not Like Everybody Else alongside familiar covers that have shaped their career. The night is intended as a tribute to Brian James and the band’s shared history.

The second video and single, “See Emily Play,” is available to stream now. Sung by The Damned guitarist Captain Sensible, the track merges the band’s recognizable punk edge with the psychedelic character of the original.

Timed to align with The Damned’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, Not Like Everybody Else serves both as an homage and as a reflection of the resilience of one of punk’s most influential groups.

Fifty years of The Damned also marks five decades of punk itself, as the explosion of 1976 reaches its half-century milestone. The band helped spark the movement with the release of the first U.K. punk single, “New Rose”, and their debut album, Damned, Damned, Damned. Brian James wrote the first single and served as the primary songwriter on the album before leaving the group after their second record, Music For Pleasure, in 1977.

Over the years, the band built an ever-growing following through high-energy live shows, darkly thematic lyrics, and Dave Vanian’s distinctive baritone, which helped place them at the forefront of the emerging goth-rock scene.

The Damned have also confirmed a special 50th-anniversary show at OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday, April 11, 2026, honoring their five decades as one of the foundational forces in British punk rock. The celebration will feature special guests The Loveless featuring Marc Almond, Peter Hook And The Light, and The Courettes.

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Guns N’ Roses have returned with a pair of new singles, their first fresh material since 2023. Titled “Nothin’” and “Atlas,” the tracks highlight two contrasting sides of the band. “Atlas” captures the group’s driving, full-throttle rock sound, while “Nothin’” leans into a more reflective mood with atmospheric keys and expressive guitar work. Both songs are out now through Interscope Records.

In recent years, Guns N’ Roses have been steadily releasing new music while touring internationally to sold-out crowds. Following 2023’s releases “The General” and “Perhaps”, the new tracks “Atlas” and “Nothin’” become the latest additions to their setlists, which already blend classic hits with deep cuts from their early catalog. Beginning December 12, the two new singles will also be available for pre-order on seven-inch vinyl, a band-store-exclusive cassette, and a Japan-exclusive SHM-CD.

The band will return to the road in spring and summer 2026, with shows scheduled in Mexico and Brazil before moving into several European markets and then stadiums across the United States and Canada. This run includes a notable stop at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, marking their first performance at the venue in more than three decades.

The tour news follows the release of the deluxe Live Era ’87–’93 box set, a limited-edition pressing featuring remastered audio and updated artwork. Although Live Era documents Guns N’ Roses at an earlier point in their career, its arrival aligns neatly with the band’s reputation—then and now—as one of rock’s most intense live acts.

Alongside previously announced festival dates in Mexico, Brazil, and the U.K., the upcoming 31-date tour includes a European leg with stops in Poland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and France. Guns N’ Roses will then return to North America for shows spanning the U.S. and Canada.

To this day, Guns N’ Roses remain widely regarded as one of the most impactful and uncompromising American rock bands.

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Legendary metal titans Megadeth have teamed with Trafalgar Releasing for “Megadeth: Behind The Mask”, a cinematic legacy event that will debut on screens worldwide Thursday, January 22—on the eve of the release of the band’s final studio album on January 23. 

The film will screen in over 1,000 cinemas across 35+ countries. Tickets go on sale Thursday, December 11 at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm GMT / 3pm CET, with a trailer available for viewing on the same day. For more information and to sign up for updates, fans can visit this location.

In “Megadeth: Behind The Mask,” Dave Mustaine pulls back the curtain on 40 years of Megadeth, sharing untold stories of the band’s past and the creative fire that drives them. Interwoven throughout, audiences will get to experience the world premiere of Megadeth’s new self-titled album in full, brought to life with a 40-year retrospective career-spanning interview and Mustaine’s own track-by-track reflections about the band’s final studio album.

This one-night-only listening event will provide a first listen to this landmark project. “Megadeth: Behind The Mask, is an immersive celebration of one of the most influential bands in metal history, capturing their legacy while heralding a powerful new chapter.

“This listening event is going to be amazing,” says Mustaine. “I can’t wait to share it with thousands of my closest friends around the world. I have so much gratitude for everyone who helped bring this film to life, especially you, the fans! Now let’s fire this up… and pass the popcorn!”

 “We’re thrilled to bring fans together for an exclusive first listen to Megadeth’s final studio album—that brings their career full circle,” says Kymberli Frueh, EVP Programming and Content Acquisitions at Trafalgar Releasing. “This isn’t just another Megadeth album: it features a bold reimagining. This cinema event is a celebration of the riffs, the intensity, and the uncompromising spirit that have defined Megadeth’s legacy. We can’t wait to share this moment with the fans who’ve been with them every step of the way.”

Leading up to the album and film’s debut, Megadeth — Dave Mustaine, Teemu Mäntysaari (Lead, Rhythm, and Acoustic Guitars), James LoMenzo (Bass Guitar), and Dirk Verbeuren (Drums)—have released two tracks: “I Don’t Care” and “Tipping Point,” the album’s first single. Megadeth have also announced a very special bonus track from the album: a reimagined version of “Ride The Lightning,” which Mustaine co-wrote with Metallica’s James Hetfield, Cliff Burton, and Lars Ulrich, and was the title track from the group’s 1984 album.

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Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden and Richie Kotzen of The Winery Dogs, performing together as Smith/Kotzen, have released a new official lyric video for the track “Blindsided.” The song appears on their latest album, Black Light / White Noise.

The duo’s second album, Black Light / White Noise, earned widespread praise and reached No. 1 on the U.K. Official Rock & Metal chart. Building on that momentum, Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen are preparing to tour the U.K. and Europe in February and March of 2026.

Their partnership began with the self-titled 2021 album Smith/Kotzen, which broke into the U.K. Top 20 and found strong audiences across Europe as well as North and South America. After playing well-received shows on both sides of the Atlantic, the pair reunited in 2024 to create their second full-length record. Released this past April, the album triggered heightened demand from rock listeners eager to see the two musicians return to the stage.

Reflecting on the fan response, Adrian Smith says: “We’ve been blown away by the reaction to Black Light / White Noise! We’re extremely proud of it, and to know that it’s been received so enthusiastically by fans old and new has been amazing. We can’t wait to hit the road next year with Julia (Lange – bass) and Bruno (Valverde – drums) of course, and start playing some of these songs live.”

Richie Kotzen shares similar enthusiasm: “From the moment we finished the record, we knew we had something special on our hands. It’s been a joy for us both to play together in the studio and on stage, and to write some of the most exciting music we’ve ever done. Bringing it to bigger stages and even more people in the UK & Europe next year is going to be great. We’ll see you all down the front!”

Ahead of unveiling the tour schedule, Smith/Kotzen received awards celebrating the No. 1 position of Black Light / White Noise on the U.K. Rock & Metal Album Chart—a milestone they were delighted to acknowledge.

Black Light / White Noise Tour Dates:

February 2026
3 – La Riviera – Madrid, Spain
4 – Apolo – Barcelona, Spain
6 – Le Trianon – Paris, France
7 – Zik-Zak – Ittre, Bekgium
9 – Rockhal Club – Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
10 – Philharmonie – Haarlem, Netherlands
12 – Rock City – Nottingham, UK
13 – O2 Ritz – Manchester, UK
15 – SWG3 Galvanizers – Glasgow, UK
17 – KK’s Steel Mill – Wolverhampton, UK
18 – 1865 – Southampton, UK
20 – O2 Academy – Bristol, UK
21 – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire – London, UK
23 – Carlswerk Victoria – Köln, Germany
24 – Volkhaus – Zurich, Switzerland
26 – Live Club – Milan, Italy
27 – Backstage Werk – Munich, Germany

March 2026
1 – Lucerna Music Bar – Prague, Czechia
2 – Progresja – Warsaw, Poland
4 – Columbia Theater – Berlin, Germany
5 – Gruenspan – Hamburg, Germany
7 – Berns – Stockholm, Sweden
8 – Pustervik – Gothenburg, Sweden

Tickets for all shows are on sale now here.

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Rufus Publications has revealed Pantera, an officially sanctioned coffee table book created by renowned rock photographer Ross Halfin.

In recent years, Halfin has had complete access to the band while they were touring, backstage, during downtime, and onstage at major shows. This new authorized project highlights the current lineup through Halfin’s recent photography, while also pulling from his deep archive of images featuring the original four members — including “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul Abbott. Together, the material offers what the publisher calls a raw and often previously unseen perspective on one of metal’s most influential groups.

Designed as a large A3 portrait-style book with more than 300 pages, the collection gives the photos room to stand out. The edition comes housed in a diamond-plate embossed slipcase, with only 666 numbered copies being produced. Each copy is individually signed by Pantera’s current touring members: Philip Anselmo on vocals, Charlie Benante on drums, Rex Brown on bass, and Zakk Wylde on guitar.

Pantera remains one of heavy metal’s most successful acts. The classic lineup of Philip Anselmo, Rex Brown, Dimebag Darrell, and Vinnie Paul released a run of groundbreaking albums, culminating with the 1994 LP Far Beyond Driven, which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1. The band ultimately surpassed 25 million albums sold worldwide. In 2022, Billboard announced that Brown and Anselmo were coming together again for Pantera’s first major tour in over two decades. The revitalized lineup returned to the stage later that year with shows across Latin America and has continued touring internationally.

Pantera by Ross Halfin will be available for pre-order here on Thursday, December 4 at 3 p.m. U.K. time. The limited-edition book is priced at £250 plus shipping and is expected to be released in spring 2026.

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With the release date of their eighth studio album approaching on January 9, 2026, Alter Bridge has unveiled a new single titled “Playing Aces”. The song opens with the group’s familiar dual-guitar energy, with Myles Kennedy on vocals and guitar, Mark Tremonti on guitar and vocals, Brian Marshall on bass, and Scott Phillips on drums. Together, they build a tense, driving rhythm that leads into a sweeping chorus anchored by Kennedy’s line: “If I risked it all, I hope you’ll understand that I had to play my hand…”

The track is now available on all major streaming platforms. A music video directed by J.T. Ibanez has also been released and can be viewed below.

Kennedy explains the theme behind the song, noting that “The term ‘Playing Aces’ ties in with the gambling analogy of risking everything regardless of how many times you’ve failed in life. It’s a last-ditch effort to come out on top.”

After more than twenty years together, Alter Bridge continues to maintain its reputation for heavy riffs, memorable melodies, and their signature two-guitar interplay. The band aims to build on its longstanding global following with the arrival of its self-titled eighth studio album, set for release through Napalm Records.

The forthcoming self-tilted album, Alter Bridge, contains twelve new tracks, several of which the band feels will stand alongside their most recognizable songs. Titles such as “Rue The Day”, “Disregarded”, and “Scales Are Falling” reflect the band’s familiar energy. “Trust In Me” features a vocal trade-off with Myles Kennedy handling the verses and Mark Tremonti taking the chorus. That approach reverses on “Tested And Able”, where Tremonti delivers the verses and Kennedy leads the choruses following what is described as one of the group’s most forceful intros.

Another track, “Hang By A Thread”, is expected to resonate strongly in the live setting, evoking elements of fan favorites from earlier in the band’s catalog. The album closes with “Slave To Master”, a lengthy and expansive piece that marks the longest composition Alter Bridge has recorded.

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After close to fifty years as one of rock’s most recognizable bass players, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has finally carved out the time to pursue a long-held musical ambition. He’s stepping away from the instrument that defined his career and revisiting his first musical passion — the trumpet — for a new album arriving in 2026 through Nonesuch Records. Ahead of the release, he has shared a preview in the form of his original track “A Plea”, which is now available to hear below. Additional details about the full album are expected early next year.

The song, written and performed entirely by Flea, encourages listeners to “build a bridge, shine a light, make something beautiful and see somebody, give it to somebody.” Performing on electric bass, vocals, and trumpet, he’s joined by an ensemble that includes double bassist Anna Butterss, guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, alto flutist Rickey Washington, and trombonist Vikram Devasthali. Chris Warren contributes vocals, as does producer Josh Johnson, who also plays alto saxophone.

A music video directed by Los Angeles photographer and filmmaker Clara Balzary, featuring choreography by Sadie Wilking, has also been released today.

Reflecting on the lyrics, Flea explains that they deal with the tension and division he sees both in the United States and worldwide. He describes them as “yearning for a place beyond, a place of love, for me to speak my mind and be myself. I’m always just trying to be myself.” He adds: “I don’t care about the act of politics. I think there is a much more transcendent place above it where there’s discourse to be had that can actually help humanity, and actually help us all to live harmoniously and productively in a way that’s healthy for the world. There’s a place where we meet, and it’s love.”

Born Michael Peter Balzary, Flea became widely known as the founding bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Alongside his decades with the band, he has collaborated with artists such as Tom Waits and Johnny Cash, appeared in films including The Big Lebowski, My Own Private Idaho, and Boy Erased, and authored the 2019 bestselling memoir Acid For The Children. In 2001, he co-founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to music education.

Over the course of his career, Flea has earned six Grammy Awards, collected twelve No. 1 singles, and sold 80 million records with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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The Pretty Reckless have released the official music video for “Where Are You Christmas?” from the band’s holiday EP Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas, out now through Fearless Records. The video leans heavily into nostalgia, featuring Taylor Momsen stepping back into her well-known role as Cindy Lou Who from the 2000 film Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The visual blends warmth and seasonal sentiment, offering something meaningful for both longtime supporters and those discovering the band for the first time.

The video begins with a vintage broadcast clip of Jay Leno introducing Taylor Momsen’s appearance on The Tonight Show during the film’s original release. This moment sets the tone for a full-circle experience as Momsen connects her present-day self with the younger version of her that first embodied the character. From there, the visual shifts into a modern portrayal of her musical persona — a more intense and electrified version of who she has become.

Momsen is seen performing alongside her childhood self before taking center stage, launching into a rock-focused and reimagined take on the holiday classic. The performance unfolds on a Christmas-themed stage, complete with festive decor.

Midway through the video, the track “When We Were Young” from the EP blends in, offering a smooth transition before Momsen closes with “Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You?” The final scene features her performing alone in a vivid red Christian Siriano dress, marking the first time in 25 years she has sung the song’s final notes. The result is a heartfelt tribute to her artistic journey and a celebration of where The Pretty Reckless stand today in their continued evolution of sound.

The Pretty Reckless remain a history-making rock band led by Taylor Momsen, whose vocals shift easily between intensity and emotional subtlety. Their dynamic live shows have taken them around the world, sharing stages with artists such as AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, and Soundgarden. Since their debut album Light Me Up, the group has earned widespread recognition with standout tracks like “Heaven Knows,” and became the first female-fronted band to achieve eight No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

Their album Death By Rock And Roll explores themes of resilience, grief, and the enduring pull of rock music, while their track “For I Am Death” also climbed to the top of Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Most recently, the band released their holiday EP Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas, led by a refreshed version of Momsen’s well-known song “Where Are You Christmas?”

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Foo Fighters have announced a special benefit concert scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Proceeds from the event will go toward organizations long supported by Dave and Jordyn Grohl and the band, including Hope The Mission and Los Angeles Mission.

The only pre-sale opportunity for the show will take place on Sunday, December 7. This advance ticket sale requires in-person participation at the Forum and will double as a donation drive. Attendees taking part in the pre-sale are asked to bring items requested by Hope The Mission, which will be present to collect contributions.

Requested items include socks and underwear for men, women, and children in new, packaged condition; bagged dried pinto beans; bagged or boxed pasta such as spaghetti or macaroni; and bagged dried rice. The organizations have asked that no canned or perishable food items be brought.

Both Hope The Mission and Los Angeles Mission will use donations and concert proceeds to assist Angelenos experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Funds will help provide essential services, clothing, meals, and shelter to those in need.

Rowan Vansleve, president of Hope The Mission, reflected on the significance of the event. He said that Dave, Jordyn, and Foo Fighters demonstrate what can happen when people choose to step up and give back: “Dave, Jordyn and Foo Fighters are a striking example of what’s possible when we decide to show up and give back. This concert will be more than just a celebration, it’s a statement that it will take all of us working together to end homelessness in our city so that no one is left suffering on our streets. We’re incredibly grateful to partner with the band. Foo Fighters and their fans have a reputation of always stepping up to help when people need it, and this concert will be no different.”

Dennis Oleesky, CEO of Los Angeles Mission, also commented on the concert’s impact: “The impact of this event goes far beyond one night of incredible music. Every ticket purchased and every donation will directly help feed and house our unhoused neighbors. We’re honored Foo Fighters are joining to bring real help and real hope to people across Los Angeles.”

The performance coincides with Dave Grohl’s birthday, and he encouraged fans to contribute however they can — whether through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness.

Grohl shared his excitement, saying: “What better way to spend my 57th birthday than making a bunch of noise with a bunch of friends for a good cause.”

He added: “This ain’t just a big-ass rock show, it’s a big-ass party with a heart. Turn up the volume, turn up the hope, but most of all….TURN UP. The best gift is TO GIVE. Can’t friggin wait x”.

For those unable to attend the event or the pre-sale donation drive, additional information about supporting the featured charities is available here.

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Mammoth — formerly known as Mammoth WVH led by Grammy-nominated songwriter, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Wolfgang Van Halen — has revealed plans for its first headlining tour of 2026.

The group will embark on a 19-date run beginning March 5 in Buffalo, New York, continuing through April 4 with a final stop in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The tour will travel through multiple regions, with shows scheduled in Toronto, Ontario on March 8; Wallingford, Connecticut on March 15; Knoxville, Tennessee on March 24; and Cincinnati, Ohio on April 1, among additional cities.

Supporting acts on the tour will include 10 Years and James And The Cold Gun, both joining the full stretch of dates.

Ticket information and VIP package is available here.

Mammoth 2026 “The End” Tour Dates:

Mar. 5 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
Mar. 7 – Ottawa, ON – Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa
Mar. 8 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY
Mar. 10 – Montral, QC – L’Olympia
Mar. 11 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
Mar. 13 – Atlantic City, NJ – Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City
Mar. 14 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center
Mar. 15 – Wallingford, CT – The DOME at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Mar. 18 – Baltimore, MD – Nevermore Hall
Mar. 19 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Myrtle Beach
Mar. 22 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE
Mar. 24 – Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
Mar. 25 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
Mar. 27 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
Mar. 28 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Kewadin Casino DreamMaker’s Theater
Mar. 31 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Apr. 1 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Apr. 3 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
Apr. 4 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel (10 Years Only)
Jul. 18 – Omaha, NE – The Astro Theater (Rescheduled from November 29)

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