Author: Editorial Team

AC/DC is bringing its PWR/UP Pop Up experience along for the ride when the “PWR/UP” tour rolls through Canada in 2026, giving fans a free, open-to-all hangout spot in every city on the run.

As the tour hits Canadian soil for what’s being billed as its closing chapter, the traveling pop-up will set up shop at each stop, offering fans somewhere to gather, get PWRD/UP and soak in the atmosphere surrounding one of rock’s most enduring live acts.

The “PWR/UP” tour takes its name from AC/DC‘s 2020 record Pwr/Up, which topped the charts in 21 countries. The trek kicked off with the band’s comeback performance at Power Trip in California back in 2023 and has since packed out stadiums on four continents. As the tour winds down, Canadian fans get their own shot at the pre-show buildup courtesy of the pop-up.

Each stop will come loaded with exclusive merch, AC/DC-themed grub and drinks, tour props, custom visuals, photo setups, ticket giveaways, “PWR/UP” preview events and a shot at winning a guitar signed by Angus Young.

Location specifics, hours, food menus, giveaways, preview event details, and merch drops will be posted here as each city approaches.

Fans can expect a curated lineup of pop-up-exclusive gear, including apparel, accessories, posters and limited-run collectibles made specifically for the tour.

Each city will also get first crack at a limited run of that stop’s event shirt and poster, available at the pop-up a full day before they hit the stadium or go up for sale online.

No two stops will look alike. Every pop-up takes on the personality of its host city and venue while still tying back to the tour as a whole.

Venue selection wasn’t random, either. Each location was picked because it’s already a hub for local fans and music culture, letting every city put its own spin on the setup. Custom food and drink menus built around the band will turn these spots into proper pre-show meeting points, with some cities getting specialty items and collectible cups.

A handful of locations will also host live sets from local School Of Rock house bands, plus broadcasts with area radio partners, adding some hometown flavor to the festivities.

Every city gets its own “PWR/UP” preview event, a first-look gathering for press, media, partners and a small group of lucky fans ahead of the public opening.

Fans can sign up here for a shot at getting in. A random draw picks 100 fans per city to join press and other guests early, and those winners walk away with a free gift made just for the preview.

Each location will feature a mock stage setup where fans can snap photos with a replica of Young‘s guitar and enter on-site for a shot at the real thing, a guitar that will travel to every pop-up before landing in Philadelphia to be signed by Young himself and handed off to one lucky winner who entered in person.

Some cities will layer in additional promotions through radio partners, venues, social media, email and local fan communities.

The pop-up will greet fans the day before each show and again on show day itself, hitting every Canadian city on the tour route. Here’s where and when:

08/08-09: Edmonton, AB — Starlite
08/12-13: Vancouver, BC — Commodore Ballroom
09/11-12: Montreal, QC — Foufounes Électriques
09/15-16: Toronto, ON — Steam Whistle
09/19-20: Winnipeg, MB — The Pyramid

Fans should check here regularly for updated locations, hours, menus, merch info, giveaways, preview event news and city-specific announcements.

The AC/DC PWR/UP Pop Up is a limited-time fan destination built for each tour stop and overseen by the band’s longtime merch partner, Perryscope Productions. It’s designed as a one-stop shop for everything AC/DC: exclusive gear, rare collectibles, themed food and drink, photo ops, tour memorabilia, music, local venue history, preview events, giveaways and the general buzz of the “PWR/UP” tour, wherever it lands.

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“Allocated Savagery” is the latest single from veteran German thrash legion, Exumer. The track comes by way of the band’s latest studio album, Death Mask Messiah, set for release on August 28th through Metal Blade Records.

Death Mask Messiah is inspired conceptually by US politics of the last decade, the pandemic, the use of misinformation to stir up cultural divides, etc. Vocalist Mem V. Stein also explores the 30th anniversary of Waco, Texas, and the standoff with the Branch Davidians.

“‘Allocated Savagery’ delivers a brutal musical and lyrical account of the event,” comments Mem. “The track captures the intensity of the confrontation with the ATF, while reflecting on themes of misinformation and division that still resonate today.”

Death Mask Messiah serves as Exumer’s first new studio output in seven years and further cements the band’s legacy as a dauntless thrash metal institution. A logical and compelling progression from their three previous albums, the 11 ferocious songs, produced by Dominic Paraskevopoulos (Kreator, Caliban) and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Soulfly, King Diamond), take a more brutal and direct musical approach.

Recorded from December 2025 through January 2026, Death Mask Messiah is also the first Exumer LP recorded with the rhythm section of drummer Jerome Reil and bass player Alex Voss. “You can feel their young energy, coupled with our trademark aggression and experience,” says Mem. “The band sounds more focused and yet raw, thanks to their addition to the lineup.”

The sequencing of Death Mask Messiah mirrors the intended lyrical and conceptual narrative to the music guitarists Ray Mensh and Marc B. composed for the album. The result is an auditory and emotional rollercoaster ride worth repeating. “I think we are heading toward a thrash renaissance, with legacy bands like us, Exodus and Kreator dropping new albums, and younger bands becoming very popular with younger fans,” Mem observes. While it’s been a few years since Exumer’s last album, Death Mask Messiah is doubtless worth the wait; the band believes that “it’s always quality over quantity for Exumer, and we hope and believe people appreciate that approach.”

As a bonus, Death Mask Messiah includes a guest and a cover song: Nasty Ronnie Galletti from American metal legends Nasty Savage sings on Exumer’s version of his band’s track “Unchained Angel.” Exumer supported the band in 1988 on their first European tour.

Death Mask Messiah features front art and layout by Björn Gooßes of Killustrations (Sodom, Vomitory) and will be released on CD-Digipak and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:

• 180g Black
• “Galaxy” Red/Black
• “Saturn” Grey/Brown Ripple (Ltd. 250)
• “Onyx” Black Ice w/ White Splatter (Ltd. 250)

Death Mask Messiah can be pre-ordered here.

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With “Welcome To Life,” Kai Hansen releases the second single from his upcoming solo album Born With A Hammer. Following the powerful “Feeding The Beast,” the song reveals another side of the musician who, as co-founder of Helloween and founder of Gamma Ray, has played a defining role in European heavy metal and power metal in particular for decades.

Driving guitars, striking changes in tempo and strong melodies come together in a direct blend of heavy metal, punk and rock’n’roll. As the second track on the album, “Welcome To Life” makes it clear early on just how diverse Born With A Hammer is set to be.

Lyrically, the song is about accepting life as it is, not dwelling on what is missing and making the most of what you have. Hansen combines this outlook with his unmistakable guitar playing, an infectious sense of spontaneity, and the spirit of a road trip through life.

The official lyric video brings this idea to life as a Mustang tears through a heightened, hell-tinged world. Its imagery follows the song’s shifting dynamics and puts its sense of freedom firmly on the road.

Born With A Hammer was produced by Eike Freese, Kai Hansen and Alexander Dietz. The album was recorded with Eike Freese on guitar, Heaven Shall Burn’s Alexander Dietz on bass, Carcass drummer Dan Wilding and Induction guitarist Tim Hansen.

Across 10 songs, Born With A Hammer combines powerful heavy metal with punk attitude, hard rock drive, and strong melodies. “Welcome To Life” represents the album’s more immediate and carefree side, expanding the picture of this new solo chapter following “Feeding The Beast.”

Following the worldwide success of Helloween’s recent reunion era and its major international tours, Born With A Hammer sees Kai Hansen return his focus to his own musical world. “Welcome To Life” shows that this world is firmly rooted in his history while continuing to forge a path entirely of its own.

Born With A Hammer can be pre-ordered here in the following formats.

• CD Digipak
• Black LP Gatefold (180g)
• Limited Picture Disc LP (180g)

Kai Hansen is one of modern heavy metal’s most influential creative forces. As co-founder of Helloween and founder of Gamma Ray, he shaped the sound and spirit of power metal and continues to influence artists and fans worldwide. His work with Helloween has brought him back to the biggest stages around the globe, while Born With A Hammer reveals another side of his creative drive — personal, direct and fully charged.

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Anthrax will celebrate the release of their long-awaited 12th full-length studio album Cursum Perficio (Megaforce Records) with a late-night in-store signing in Louisville, KY. Immediately following their September 17 performance at the city’s annual Louder than Life festival, Anthrax will meet fans at Louisville’s Guestroom Records located at 1330A Bardstown Rd. Beginning at 12:01 AM on September 18, the multi-Grammy Award-nominated New York hard rock titans—Scott Ian (guitar), Charlie Benante (drums), Frank Bello (bass), Joey Belladonna (vocals), and Jonathan Donais (guitar)—will be signing copies of the new album. Space for the event is limited. To attend this special release event, fans must pre-order the album directly from Guestroom Records. Only albums pre-ordered via the link will be eligible for the signing.

Cursum Perficio marks the band’s first record in ten years since 2016’s For All Kings, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. The phrase Cursum Perficio is Latin for “My journey has come to an end,” “My journey is over,” or “I complete my journey.” It proves apropos for such a complete body of work. It will be available in various configurations, including an indie exclusive – red, orange, and yellow vinyl double LP with pop-up gatefold. To pre-order and/or pre-save, click here.

Thus far, Anthrax has released two singles and videos from Cursum Perficio: “It’s For The Kids,” a classic Anthrax ripper locked and loaded with buzzsaw-sharp riffs, explosive drumming, and a howling and head-banging hook. It undoubtedly has all the makings of a future live staple. It was followed by “The Edge Of Perfection,” highlighted by clean guitar echoes and cymbals that gently shake until a blastbeat blows open the doors. Guitars buzz like a motorboat on the River Styx, making waves through the darkness. In their wake, a crushing rhythm trails the melody of lead singer Joey Belladonna’s lament, “My heart breaks…I’m on the edge…I’m on the edge of perfection.”

The band dove into recording Cursum Perficio in earnest during 2022, working out of Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Los Angeles. They carefully pieced together what would be this magnum opus, mining their history with reverence, delivering on fan expectations tenfold, and broadening the scope of their signature sound. Produced by Jay Ruston and Anthrax, the result is an album that’s as angry, aggressive, and alive as their most celebrated fare.

Their journey has brought them to Cursum Perficio, a powerful, pummeling, and poetic milestone in Anthrax’s 45-year career.

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Rock fans and musicians of every skill level can dig into Seattle’s music history at “Sounds Of Seattle: Vol. 2,” a four-day rock camp where participants rehearse, learn and perform alongside artists who shaped one of rock’s most influential scenes.

Presented by Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp, “Sounds Of Seattle: Vol. 2” covers the music that changed rock — from grunge’s breakthrough to the lasting pull of Seattle’s alternative scene. Campers get placed into bands, paired with professional musician mentors, and worked through rehearsals, masterclasses, Q&A sessions and jam rooms.

Campers will jam alongside Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains, Kim Thayil of Soundgarden, Dave Krusen, formerly of Pearl Jam, and more. The camp wraps with live performances at the historic Central Saloon, the venue where Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and others cut their teeth. The camp welcomes all ages and skill levels, from total beginners to seasoned players.

Thayil said: “Well, right on! The Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp is coming to Seattle this year! We’d love to welcome all the campers to head to our town from December 3-6 to play in our rock clubs and jam on our tunes with your best rock riffing! See you there!”

David Fishof, founder of Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp, added: “Seattle’s music scene forever changed the sound of rock. This camp gives fans and musicians the rare opportunity to not only celebrate that incredible legacy but to become part of it by learning directly from the artists who lived it.”

Each camper band gets mentored by a touring musician, with a mentor lineup that includes Adam Kury of Candlebox, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, formerly of Guns N’ Roses, Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath, Pete Thorn of Satchvai and Chris Cornell’s band, Mike Squires of Loaded, Johnny Martin of L.A. Guns, Brandon Cook of Black ‘N Blue, Britt Lightning of Vixen and more.

Lightning, who also serves as musical director at Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp, said: “Rock Camp is where musicians stop dreaming about playing with their heroes and actually do it. Watching campers grow in confidence over just four days — and then take the stage at legendary venues — is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever been a part of.”

Spots are limited and registration is open now here.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp is marking its 30th anniversary this year, giving fans and aspiring musicians the chance to perform, rehearse, record and learn alongside artists they grew up on. Its alumni list runs from executives and entrepreneurs to hobbyists and working musicians, all of whom have come through camps built around some of rock’s most recognizable names.

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Metal Fest 2026 hits World Of Tanks Modern Armor as part of the new Masters Of Mayhem season. The event returns with two new Acts, each built around a headlining artist, along with challenges, discounts, and rewards, plus content carried over from four earlier Metal Fest collaborations.

Act 1 launches with Five Finger Death Punch, running August 4 through August 24. After a one-week break, Act 2’s headliner gets revealed and drops in on September 1. Metal Fest isn’t just music this time — two new premium tanks inspired by Five Finger Death Punch, five exclusive 2D Commanders covering every band member, a 3D Commander called Knucklehead, exclusive cosmetics, and limited-time challenges all land in the arena.

The FFDP Knucklehead Tank is a durable frontline Heavy with strong armor and a burst-fire weapon built for the front lines. It’s styled after the band’s look, carrying the Knucklehead mascot, oversized brass knuckles on the turret, and battle-worn artwork. Selecting it plays Five Finger Death Punch’s latest No. 1 hit, “Eye Of The Storm” — the band’s 18th chart-topper on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, and the lead single off their new album Legacy, out now digitally with CD, vinyl and cassette editions following September 18.

The FFDP Iron Fist Tank Destroyer leans into the band’s darker side: a battle-worn steel finish, red handprints, claw-mark graphics, and the FFDP brass knuckle crest on the turret, plus five oversized rear-mounted missiles. The 2017 hit “Trouble” plays while this one sits in the Garage.

Commanding the battlefield is Knucklehead, Five Finger Death Punch’s mascot, now a fully voiced 3D Commander brought to life by lead singer Ivan Moody.

Moody says: “We’re celebrating 20 years as a band, ‘Legacy’ is finally out in the world, and now fans get to experience Five Finger Death Punch in World Of Tanks Modern Armor. That’s a perfect storm. We had a blast creating this with the team, and there are plenty of Easter eggs and surprises waiting to be found. Go crank the music and play the game!”

Metal Fest also brings back “Rush The Stage” mode, building on 2025’s Vanguard-event format. It’s fast 7v7 combat with respawns on a Metal Fest-themed Ghost Town map decked out with concert stages, lighting, and festival scenery. New this year: stationary Taco Trucks players can destroy for bonus medals.

The mosh pit opens August 4 — amps up, engines revved, for World Of Tanks Modern Armor Metal Fest 2026.

Wargaming, headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus, has been developing and publishing games since 1998 and counts World Of Tanks and World Of Warships among its flagship free-to-play franchises.

World Of Tanks Modern Armor is a free-to-play MMO built around PvP and PvE tank battles, with over 1,000 authentic tanks ranging from WWII’s Sherman to the Cold War-era M1 Abrams. It’s available free on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

For more information about the event, visit here.

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Poison drummer Rikki Rockett is currently on the road with The Rockett Mafia and promoting his new memoir Ghost Notes: My Life In Poison. Now he’s added a stop at the Red Bank, New Jersey location of Octopus Music School, one of the state’s top music schools.

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, a capped group of 55 people will get into a music and drum clinic with Rockett, joined by his tech and High Priestess drummer Meg Mullins. Tickets include a meet-and-greet and can be purchased here.

Octopus Music School Middletown sits at 1009 Chestnut St, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701. The school has additional locations in North Brunswick, South Plainfield, and Hillsborough.

Ghost Notes: My Life In Poison, co-written with Leif Eriksson and Martin Svensson, arrives this summer via Rare Bird Books.

Rikki co-founded Poison and has drummed for the band since it broke out of the L.A. club scene in the 1980s, building a following on the Sunset Strip. Poison has sold over 50 million records worldwide across eight studio albums, four live albums and four compilations, and has landed 10 singles in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40 — six of them Top 10 hits, plus the No. 1 smash “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.”

The band clawed its way up independently before signing with Capitol Records, moving three million copies of an independent album that carried “Talk Dirty To Me,” “I Won’t Forget You,” “Cry Tough,” “I Want Action”, and underground favorite “Look What The Cat Dragged In.” Frontman Bret Michaels wrote “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” out of raw emotion, and the song spent three straight months at the top of the pop, rock, and country charts. The follow-up album, Open Up And Say…Ahh!, sold eight million copies right out of the gate and produced more hits in “Fallen Angel,” “Nothin’ But A Good Time” and “Your Mama Don’t Dance.” The multi-platinum Flesh & Blood kept the streak going with “Unskinny Bop” and “Something To Believe In.”

Poison’s original lineup — Rockett, Michaels, bassist Bobby Dall and guitarist C.C. DeVille — reunited for The Stadium Tour alongside Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 2022. The tour was originally set for summer 2020 but got pushed back twice due to the pandemic before finally happening.

Rockett was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2015 and was declared cancer-free in 2016 after an experimental treatment. In April 2022, he married longtime girlfriend TC Smith at the Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara, California. He was previously married to singer/songwriter Melanie Martel, and the two share custody of their kids, son Jude Aaron Rockett and daughter Lucy Sky Rockett.

Rikki launched his new band, The Rockett Mafia, in October 2024.

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Chilean progressive death metal band Decessus, fronted by Ignacia Fernández — the 28-year-old model crowned Miss World Chile 2025 last year — has signed with Blkiiblk, the heavy metal imprint of Frontiers Label Group.

The quartet blends technical precision with crushing heaviness, soaring melodies and relentless intensity, mixing progressive metal, death metal and djent into a sound that’s distinctly their own. After the singles “The Hollow Descent” and “Dark Flames” built the band’s profile, Decessus now moves into the next stage of its career with Blkiiblk behind them. Their upcoming debut album is set to bring together progressive songwriting, emotional weight and aggression in equal measure, staking out new ground in extreme metal.

Fernández says: “We’re incredibly honored to announce that Decessus has officially joined the Blkiiblk family. Our new chapter has begun, and we’re incredibly eager to see what the future will bring. This is a milestone we’ve worked towards for a long time, and how rewarding is the opportunity to be part of such an incredible roster of artists. It is part of our vision to push our music and what Decessus is further, reaching new audiences, and sharing some really precious metal moments.”

She continues: “To everyone who has supported us throughout this journey, our fans, friends, families, and everyone who has believed in Decessus from the very beginning, thank you. Your support has made moments like this possible. We can’t wait to show you what is coming next!! Horns up!”

Mike Gitter, head of A&R at Frontiers Label Group, backs that up: “Decessus is both an unexpected success story in the making and a testament to the drive, talent and vision of Ignacia and the band. When we heard the new material the band had recorded for the upcoming album, it was instant as it masterfully weaves together elements of death metal, progressive metal and djent in a thoroughly modern way that will cement Decessus on the world stage.”

The band has already built a footprint well outside Chile, playing Download Festival in the U.K. along with Hellsinki Metal Festival and Nummirock in Finland. Finnish management company Till Dawn They Count backs the band as they keep expanding their reach across the metal scene.

Decessus formed in 2020 and rounds out its lineup with drummer Martín Fénix and bassist Jaime Pepe. The band has opened for Insomnium and Jinjer, played festival dates in Finland and Germany, and opened for Epica in Santiago in September 2024.

Fernández was born and raised in Santiago, Chile, where she’s balanced modeling — a career she started in 2013 — alongside her other passion, extreme music. On social media, she’s described metal as “has been a fundamental part” of who she is and of her life, calling it “a refuge, a source of strength and purpose.”

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Accept are marking 50 years as a band with a massive collaborative record, and it’s stacked with names most metal fans grew up on. Teutonic Titans 1976–2026 drops September 4, 2026, on Napalm Records, and it’s built around 19 reworked Accept classics featuring roughly 50 guest musicians across the tracklist.

Guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, who’s driven the band’s sound since day one, is joined by Mark Tornillo on vocals and a rotating cast of guests on every song — no two tracks share the same lineup of singers, guitarists, bassists and drummers. Chris “Zeuss” Harris handled production, mixing and mastering.

The tracklist moves chronologically through the band’s catalog, starting with 1980’s I’m A Rebel and running through 1989’s Eat The Heat. Hoffmann says: “There is no better way to celebrate this 50th anniversary than to have our musical peers, friends, and inspirations come together with us to record these classic Accept songs, which I am honored and proud to share with the world. I hope everyone enjoys this very special record as much as we all enjoyed making it.”

Some of the highlights are:

• “Save Us” (from I’m A Rebel, 1980) features Tobias Forge of Ghost on vocals with Ray Luzier on drums.
• “Fast As A Shark” (Restless And Wild, 1982) brings together Philip Anselmo of Pantera, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, and Mikkey Dee of Scorpions.
• “Balls To The Wall” (Balls To The Wall, 1983) pairs Rob Halford of Judas Priest on vocals with Matthias Jabsof Scorpions on guitar.
• “Love Child” (also from Balls To The Wall) gets reworked by Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins and David Ellefson of Megadeth.

Other guests across the record include K.K. Downing of Judas Priest, Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth of Overkill, Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian, Chris Jericho of Fozzy, Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear, Billy Sheehan of Mr. Big, Ola Englund of The Haunted, and Jeff Loomis of Nevermore. The album closes out with a fresh take on “Hellhammer” (Eat The Heat, 1989), cut by the current Accept lineup — Hoffmann, bassist Martin Motnik, guitarist Philip Shouse and drummer Christopher Williams — with Jason McMaster of Dangerous Toys on vocals.

“Save Us” is out now as a preview track, featuring Forge, Frank Bello of Anthrax on bass and Ray Luzier of Korn on drums. Hoffmann explained: “Tobias was not really on my radar. Obviously, I know Ghost, and they’re huge, but last year he turned up at one of our shows when we played in Stockholm, and we were chatting a little bit, and he said that his favorite song was “Save Us”, and at one point he was considering using it as a cover song on one of their albums, but it never panned out. “Save Us”? I don’t even remember that song. Nobody has even mentioned that song! I had to go back and listen to it. After I saw a Ghost show, it all made sense to me. It really fits his style and I could really imagine him doing that song really well. He’s right, it’s a fun song!”

“Balls To The Wall” arrived last month with Halford, Jabs, Rex Brown of Pantera and Jason Bowld of Bullet For My Valentine. “Fast As A Shark” landed in June as the album’s first single.

Accept has moved millions of records over five decades and left a heavy mark on the genre through albums like Balls To The Wall, Restless And Wild and Metal Heart. The band went through a hiatus before Hoffmann connected with New Jersey vocalist Mark Tornillo in 2009 — a pairing that clicked fast and pushed Accept back to the top of the charts. Tornillo replaced original frontman Udo Dirkschneider and has now fronted the band’s last six studio albums, making him Accept’s longest-serving singer.

Teutonic Titans 1976–2026 is vailable to pre-order in various exclusive formats here.

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and former Deep Purple bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes has announced that he is stepping away from touring and live performances after doctors advised him to undergo another open-heart surgery.

Hughes, who turns 75 later this month, made the decision following a series of medical examinations that revealed the need for the procedure. As a result, he will be putting his live career on hold for the foreseeable future.

Sharing the news, Hughes said: “This past year, I’ve had some health issues. The results from numerous MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram have alerted my medical team that I need another open-heart surgery. I really have no option and no choice, as health is my number one priority. Grateful to have been chosen with a life full of the gift of music… Thank you for walking beside me.”

Hughes‘ most recent appearance on stage came on May 30, 2026, at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, where he reunited with The Dead Daisies for a special performance under The Purple Daisies banner. Joined by Doug Aldrich, Tommy Clufetos, and David Lowy, the group performed a set divided between The Dead Daisies material and Deep Purple classics. Following the sold-out show, a second performance had been scheduled for October 2 at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California.

Earlier this year, Hughes had already postponed his planned spring 2026 U.S. tour because of what was then described as a minor health issue requiring medical attention.

That canceled run was built around The Chosen Years, a career-spanning live show featuring music from Trapeze, Deep Purple, Hughes/Thrall, Iommi/Hughes and Black Country Communion. Hughes had planned to perform alongside guitarist Søren Andersen and drummer Ash Sheehan.

Born in Cannock, England, Hughes developed a style shaped by British hard rock, American soul and R&B, as well as the influence of The Beatles. His first major breakthrough came with Trapeze before joining Deep Purple in 1973 alongside David Coverdale during one of the band’s most significant lineup changes.

The new lineup quickly established itself with the release of Burn, followed by performances including the legendary California Jam and world tours aboard the band’s private jet, The Starship. Hughes also appeared on Stormbringer and Come Taste The Band before Deep Purple split in 1976.

His solo career began with the release of Play Me Out in 1977. A few years later, Hughes teamed up with former Pat Travers guitarist Pat Thrall to form Hughes/Thrall, releasing their self-titled album in 1982.

Throughout the following decades, Hughes remained active as both a solo artist and collaborator, contributing vocals, bass, and songwriting to projects involving musicians including Gary Moore, John Norum, and Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.

Beginning in the early 1990s, Hughes expanded his solo catalog with more than a dozen studio albums while continuing to collaborate with artists such as Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Navarro and John Frusciante. He also became a member of projects including California Breed, Black Country Communion, and The Dead Daisies.

In 2025, Hughes reunited with Tony Iommi on Robbie Williams‘ single “Rocket”, marking their first recorded collaboration since Fused in 2005. More recently, he contributed vocals and lyrics to “I Wanna Play My Guitar”, the debut single from SatchVai, the collaboration between Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

Although Hughes‘ touring career has now come to an end, his body of work across Trapeze, Deep Purple, his solo releases and numerous collaborations leaves behind one of the most influential catalogs in hard rock.

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