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 FearlessRecords. 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?”
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.
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)
In recognition of Iron Maiden reaching their 50-year milestone, Fender Musical InstrumentsCorporation has unveiled a series of new releases from the Fender Custom Shop, Fender, and Jackson lines. Each model is designed to showcase the band’s long-lasting impact and its unmistakable place in heavy metal history.
Formed in East London in 1975, Iron Maiden became a major force in shaping the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Their signature blend of dramatic stagecraft and boundary-pushing sound helped build a global following, with the band selling over 100 million albums worldwide.
Max Gutnik, chief product officer at FMIC, explained the goal of the collection. He said that honoring Iron Maiden’s half-century of innovation meant bringing together the instruments that shaped their distinctive sound. “Honoring Iron Maiden’s fifty years of pushing heavy metal forward, this collection brings together the signature instruments that helped define their unmistakable sound,” he said.
He highlighted the lineup by noting the presence of Dave Murray’s high-performance Stratocaster models, Janick Gers’s vintage-leaning Stratocaster, Steve Harris’s iconic Precision Bass, and Adrian Smith’s Jackson SC1.
“From Dave Murray‘s high-performance Stratocaster models and Janick Gers‘s energetic, vintage-leaning Strat to Steve Harris‘s unmistakable Precision Bass and Adrian Smith‘s versatile Jackson SC1, each instrument carries the tone, feel, and power behind Maiden’s multi-guitar attack. These anniversary models are more than tributes; they are stage-ready tools built to inspire today’s players and the next generation.”
Across the band’s 50-year run, Dave Murray has remained a centerpiece of Iron Maiden’s sound. His soaring solos, tightly interwoven guitar harmonies, and galloping rhythms have appeared on all 17 of the band’s studio albums. To highlight his legacy, Fender Custom Shop masterbuilder Andy Hicks collaborated directly with Murray to craft a new version of the guitarist’s preferred Stratocaster: the Limited Edition Masterbuilt Dave Murray Stratocaster.
Hicks spoke about the personal significance behind the project: “Dave Murray has always been my favorite guitar hero. Not only is his style absolutely brilliant but he also proved to me long ago that Fender absolutely belongs in the world of heavy metal”. He added: “It was an absolute honor to build this guitar for him and I will never get over the excitement of seeing my favorite player from my favorite band playing one of my guitars.”
To build the Limited Edition model, Hicks and Murray focused on creating an instrument equipped for heavy touring and demanding performance. The guitar features 21 medium-jumbo stainless-steel frets, along with an oil-finished walnut neck shaped in a ’60s-style Oval “C” profile. It’s designed for comfort and ease of play. Paired with Murray’s preferred pickup configuration—Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in the bridge and neck positions and a JB Jr. in the middle—the guitar offers the tight punch needed for rhythm parts and the clarity required for melodic leads. Finished in NOS Olympic White, the design emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing character.
The model uses a 2-piece alder body finished in NOS Olympic White, matched with an oil-finished walnut neck in the familiar Oval “C” shape. It also includes a compound-radius rosewood fingerboard ranging from 9.5″ to 14″, built for smooth transitions across the fretboard. Murray’s Hot Rails and JB Jr. setup returns here as well, keeping the guitar firmly rooted in the tones he’s known for. To make the instrument road-ready, they added a series of upgraded components, including an AxLabs Tone Claw Locking Spring Claw, Heavy Duty Noiseless Springs, and several FU-Tone enhancements such as a 42mm Big Brass Block, Tremolo Stopper, titanium screws, saddle inserts, and other stability-focused hardware. After testing the final instrument on the road, Murray chose it as his new main guitar. The model also includes a signature neckplate, vintage-style tuners, a Custom Shop strap, and a certificate of authenticity.
As Iron Maiden marks its 50-year anniversary, the band remains one of heavy metal’s most recognizable and influential acts. Their trademark elements—driving bass lines, harmonized guitars, dramatic vocals, and the constant evolution of their mascot Eddie—continue to shape the genre. With 17 studio albums and a global sales record surpassing 100 million, their influence shows no signs of fading even after five decades.
August Burns Red and The Amity Affliction will hit the road this coming spring for the Spring Horizons Tour. It kicks off April 10 in Worcester and runs through May 17 in Philadelphia. Boundaries and Heavensgate will serve as support.
“We’ve been talking in the background about touring with August Burns Red for years at this point,” says Amity’sJoel Birch. “It’s so awesome that it’s finally happening. We can’t wait to get back to our second home and bring what we feel will be one of the best tours we’ve been a part of to all the cities we’re hitting. The lineup is amazing, the venues are amazing, and we couldn’t be more hyped for it — see you there.”
“We’re pumped to be joining forces with The Amity Affliction for what’s sure to be the can’t miss metal tour of the spring,” says August Burns Red. “ABR will be debuting a few brand new songs and bringing the shred alongside Boundaries, Heavensgate, and Dreamwake. We’ll see you all this April and May for the Spring Horizons Tour!”
Pre-sale and VIP packages are available here. VIP packages will include meet and greet, signed screen printed poster, a photo with the band, early merch access (when venues allow), and a collectible tour laminate.
General tickets go on sale on Friday, December 5 at 10am local time. All dates are below, including an appearance at Sonic Temple.
August Burns Red + The Amity Affliction Tour with Boundaries & Heavensgate Dates:
4/10 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium* 4/11 — New Haven, CT — College Street Music Hall* 4/12 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE 4/14 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore 4/15 — Atlanta, GA — Tabernacle 4/16 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues 4/18 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore 4/19 — Dallas, TX — The Bomb Factory 4/21 — Houston, TX — House of Blues 4/22 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Event Center (Outdoors) 4/24 — Phoenix, AZ — The Marquee 4/25 — San Diego, CA — Soma 4/26 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues 4/28 — Sacramento, CA — Channel 24 4/29 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House 5/1 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Union Event Center 5/2 — Denver, CO — The Fillmore 5/3 — Omaha, NE — The Astro Theater 5/5 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore 5/6 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave 5/8 — Chicago, IL — Riviera Theatre 5/9 — Royal Oak, MI — Royal Oak Music Theatre 5/10 — Toronto, ON — History 5/12 — Montreal, QC — Mtelus 5/13 — Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Paramount 5/15 — Baltimore, MD — Nevermore Hall 5/16 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple** 5/17 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore *With Dreamwake, No Heavensgate **Festival Date (ABR + TAA Only)
Alan Morse is a multi-faceted artist whose career has been defined by continually giving audiences what they never knew they wanted. Best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of Spock’s Beard, Alan has spent decades captivating fans with an entirely singular approach to music, art, and life.
A true polymath, Alan is not only a guitarist but a patented inventor, producer, songwriter, singer, entrepreneur, electronics designer, and visual artist. His creativity stretches far beyond conventional boundaries – he enjoys, as he puts it, “playing in a lot of sandboxes.”
A lifelong musician, Alan can play almost any stringed instrument placed in his hands. His recordings and performances span sitar, bouzouki, mandolin, pedal steel, electric sitar, slide guitar, cello, bass, and even the musical saw and theremin. “I like toys!” he says, summing up his playful, exploratory spirit.
Between touring and recording with Spock’s Beard and as a solo artist, Alan has recently been on a deep dive into photography and digital art, and even clothing design. His latest invention, The Psychlotron, an interactive, intuitive animation toy, has wowed attendees at Bequinox, Burning Man, and other art festivals.
Now, after years of anticipation, Alan is set to release his long-awaited second solo album, So Many Words, scheduled for release in late January 2026. The album features contributions from an impressive roster, including his brother Neal Morse, Simon Phillips, Tony Levin, and members of Spock’s Beard. Musically, the collection explores the fringes of progressive rock, noise, loud guitars, and traditional influences, with Alan handling lead vocals on most tracks and performing a substantial portion of the instrumentation.
Alan currently resides in Monrovia, California, with his wife and family, where his constant flow of creative projects continues to expand into new artistic realms.
Evanescence has announced a world tour for 2026. The trek will kick off on June 11, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida, and run through the end of October. Evanescence will perform in North America in June and July, before heading over to Europe, and wrapping things up at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Support on the trek will come from Spiritbox, Poppy, K. Flay, and Nova Twins across select dates.
Speaking to Rolling Stone about the tour, Evanescence singer Amy Lee said, “It’s going to be a blast. I got all my ladies in. I have an excellent band beside me. When we go out on tour, we have fun together and challenge each other to be the best that we can be. It’s taken time to grow and build and change into that band. I definitely have more energy for everything Evanescence than I did 10 years ago. Because of that, we fuel each other. So I am very excited about the tour.”
Lee elaborated regarding the choice of Spiritbox, Poppy, K. Flay, and Nova Twins as openers: “I’m very excited to be touring with such amazing women and bands. It’s going to be awesome. This has been a big year for me, and for the band when it comes to collaborations and working with people. I’ve loved working with Poppy and Courtney on the ‘End Of You’. We still haven’t gotten to do it live yet. I’m hoping that comes out of this at some point. The same goes for our song with K. Flay, ‘Fight Like a Girl’. I just kind of want to bring all of us together as much as I can and bring it to life on the stage.”
“I haven’t worked with Nova Twins, but I’m a fan of them. We’ve done festivals together in the past couple of years, and seeing them really inspired me. Everything that [bassist Georgia South] turns the bass into is phenomenal. Emma [Anzai, Evanescence‘s bassist] and I will go stand side stage and just be like, ‘What is she doing right there? Figure out what that is. Go ask her after,” Lee added.
Evanescence 2026 World Tour Dates:
06/11 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre 06/12 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre 06/14 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre 06/15 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena 06/17 – Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek 06/18 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion 06/20 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion 06/21 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center 06/23 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center 06/24 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater 06/26 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center 06/27 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live 06/29 – Toronto, Ontario @ RBC Amphitheatre 06/30 – Montréal, Quebec @ Centre Bell 07/08 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre 07/09 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center 07/11 – North Little Rock, AR @ Simmons Bank Arena 07/12 – Kansas City, MO @ MORTON Amphitheater 07/14 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater 07/15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre 07/17 – Chula Vista, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre 07/20 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre 07/22 – Ridgefield, WA @ Cascades Amphitheater 07/23 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre 07/25 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 07/28 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater 07/30 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center 08/01 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center 08/02 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre 09/08 – Leeds, UK @ First Direct Arena 09/10 – Manchester, UK @ Co-op Live 09/11 – Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena Birmingham 09/13 – London, UK @ The O2 09/16 – Brussels, Belgium @ Forest National 09/18 – Paris, France @ Accor Arena 09/19 – Frankfurt, Germany @ Congress Center Messe Frankfurt – Festhalle Frankfurt 09/20 – Dortmund, Germany @ Westfalenhallen Dortmund 09/22 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Ziggo Dome 09/23 – Hamburg, Germany @ Barclays Arena 09/25 – Berlin, Germany @ Velodrom 09/ 26 – Munich, Germany @ Olympiahalle 09/28 – Bologna, Italy @ Unipol Arena 09/29 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Hallenstadion Zurich 10/01 – Barcelona, Spain @ Palau Olimpic Badalona 10/02 – Madrid, Spain @ Palacio Vistalegre 10/04 – Lisbon, Portugal @ MEO Arena 10/26 – Morrison, Colorado @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Two of music’s biggest bands, legendary multi-Platinum rockers Chicago and Styx, got their start in Chicago, and now they’re joining together for their first-ever co-headlining tour, bringing the best of the Midwest to venues nationwide with “The Windy Cities Tour – All The Hits…Your Kind of Tour” that kicks off July 13 in West Palm Beach, FL and wraps September 6 in Los Angeles, CA.
Styx and Chicago will be offering their own exclusive pre-sales along with VIP packages beginning Tuesday, December 2, at 10 am local time. Mastercard* and Citi cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning December 2 at 10 am and 12 pm local time, respectively. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, December 5, at 10 am local time atLiveNation. (Mastercard presales are only available for Austin and Kansas City shows.)
“We are excited about the summer tour,” says Chicago trumpeter Lee Loughnane. “Chicago has never toured with Styx before, so it’s going to be a lot of fun; we’re looking forward to it.”
“In my early days of live performing, I had several mentors who were kind enough to let me join in and play with them despite not being able to read charts,” adds Styx singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw.
“Rod Henley, Ricky Parsons, Bobby and Larry Moore, Eddie Wohlford, Wimpy Jones, Country Boy Eddie, and others gave me a shot. And I am thankful for that. By the time Chicago released their first album, I had enough experience to begin learning their amazing music on my own. Now, the idea of Styx touring with Chicago is a major thrill all on its own. We can’t wait to spend the summer with them!”
With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, in addition to being in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, the multi-Grammy Award-winning Chicago has been hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era.” The legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest-charting American band in Billboard magazine’s Top 125 Artists Of All Time.
Chicago received The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys and was previously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014. They’ve earned two American Music Awards, been named Founding Artists of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street dedicated in their honor, and keys to and proclamations from an impressive list of U.S. cities. Band members Robert Lamm and James Pankow were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. Further to that, the band has 21 Top 10 singles, five consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles, and five gold singles, with a total of 49 gold and platinum awards.
Chicago have toured every year since the beginning; they’ve never missed a year. The original three band members are Robert Lamm on keyboards and vocals, Lee Loughnane on trumpet and vocals, and James Pankow on trombone. The band lineup also includes Ray Herrmann on sax and flute, Wally Reyes, Jr. on drums, Neil Donell on vocals, Ramon “Ray” Yslas on percussion, Tony Obrohta on guitar, and Eric Baines on bass and vocals.
From the signature sound of the Chicago horns, their iconic vocalists, and a few dozen ever-classic songs, this band’s concerts are celebrations. 2026 marks the band’s 59th consecutive year of touring.
Creating and recording new music is often considered the lifeblood of any band — an ethos AOR torchbearers Styx continue to embody with the highly anticipated release of Circling From Above, the 18th studio album in their formidable catalog via the band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe.
Spanning 13 tracks, the album navigates the complexities of the human experience through the intersecting lenses of technology and nature. Circling From Above — hailed by critics as their third “masterpiece” album in a row, following 2021’s Crash Of The Crown and 2017’s The Mission — features contributions from all seven members of the band, including founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young (affectionately known as “the godfather of Styx“), guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, original bassist Chuck Panozzo, longtime drummer Todd Sucherman, keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich and bassist Terry Gowan.
The seven men comprising Styx have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. They draw from over five decades of barn-burning chart hits, joyous sing-alongs, and hard-driving deep cuts.
Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is “The Grand Illusion” to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man”, from the majestic spiritual love for a special “Lady” to the seething indictment of preening, primping pageantry for pageantry’s sake of “Miss America”, from an individual yearning for true connection as a “Man In The Wilderness” to a soul-deep quest to achieve what’s at the heart of one’s personal vision in “Crystal Ball”, from the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away” to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged “Renegade” who had it made, the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.
“The Windy Cities Tour – All The Hits…Your Kind Of Tour” Dates:
07/13 – West Palm Beach, FL 07/15 – Tampa, FL 07/17 – Alpharetta, GA 07/18 – Charlotte, NC 07/20 – Bristow, VA 07/21 – Camden, NJ 07/23 – Wantagh, NY 07/25 – Gilford, NH 07/26 – Mansfield, MA 07/28 – Toronto, ON 07/30 – Grand Rapids, MI 08/01 – Rosemont, IL 08/02 – Noblesville, IN 08/05 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH 08/06 – Cincinnati, OH 08/19 – Austin, TX 08/20 – Houston, TX 08/24 – St. Louis, MO 08/25 – Kansas City, MO 08/28 – Denver, CO 08/30 – Salt Lake City, UT 09/01 – Phoenix, AZ 09/02 – Palm Desert, CA 09/04 – Concord, CA 09/06 – Los Angeles, CA
In the early ‘90s, there was a wave of progressive metal bands inspired by the likes of Queensrÿche, Fates Warning, and the then initial success of Dream Theater that inspired a generation of hopeful fans influenced to create their own brand of melodic yet challenging material.
Dover, New Hampshire’s Divine Regale were one of the strongest and most striking candidates, as evidenced by their two demos, 1992’s ‘Window” and 1994’s especially popular Horizons. That EP actually led them to an opportunity to appear on Metal Blade Records’ Metal Massacre XII and the eventual signing to Metal Blade to bring you 1997’s coveted classic Ocean Mind, before disbanding by the end of the decade. Until 2017, when stories of their reformation began, an occasional social media post or live show would occur, and over the years, even a new song, “Pieces,” was uploaded with an accompanying video.
Divine Regale has inked a new deal with M-Theory Audio, which begins with the January 16thlimited vinyl issue of the band’s classic first two recordings on 200 copies on colored vinyl, including an insert with extra pics and personal liner notes. Pre-order it now, here.
This will be followed later in 2026 with the release of the band’s brand-new album, the eagerly anticipated Ghost in Every Room. “We’re excited to announce our signing with M-Theory Audio! The MTA team has been very supportive of DR, and we are looking forward to our debut label release, Ghost In Every Room, reaching you in 2026,” cites drummer Chris Anderson.
“While we continue wrapping production on the new album, M-Theory Audio will be releasing our ‘Window’ and ‘Horizons’ recordings on vinyl. From 1992, Window solidified our following and garnered an opening slot for Dream Theater on their ‘Images and Words’ tour. Horizons is still one of the most highly regarded independently produced progressive albums of the 1990s, and brought the band to worldwide attention. The reissues feature images, reviews, and insight. We hope you enjoy a look back at these early recordings.”
For most metal fans, the story seems simple: Ozzy Osbourne leaves Black Sabbath, and Ronnie James Dio steps in to launch a new era. But tucked away in the band’s late-’70s chaos is a strange, almost mythic side quest — the brief moment when Dave Walker fronted Black Sabbath, and nearly helped shape what became Never Say Die!.
In late 1977, burnout and bad blood finally caught up with Ozzy Osbourne. With relationships inside Black Sabbath fraying and another album cycle looming, he walked away just as the band was gearing up to record their eighth studio record, Never Say Die!.
Suddenly, this doom-laden juggernaut needed a new voice.
They turned to Dave Walker, a name that made sense on paper but still felt left-field in the Sabbath universe. He’d already put in time with Fleetwood Mac, Savoy Brown, and other outfits, bringing a bluesy, road-tested presence that was miles away from Ozzy’s haunted wail. For a moment, it looked like Black Sabbath might be about to pivot into a different future — same riffs, different ghost behind the mic.
But the timing was brutal. Dave Walker barely had a chance to settle in before the ground shifted again. Before the band could fully cement this new lineup, Ozzy Osbourne had second thoughts and decided to come back. When he did, there was a catch: he reportedly refused to sing any of the material that Black Sabbath had worked up with Dave Walker. For a band already drowning in personal and creative tension, that was another headache stacked onto an already unstable situation.
For decades, this whole episode lived mostly as rumor and footnote. Some read read about Dave Walker’s stint, maybe saw a photo or a passing mention, but actually hearing him with Black Sabbath was nearly impossible. No official releases. No easy bootleg. Just whispers about what might have been.
That’s why a recent upload by YouTube user Brian Schaefer hit the heavy music world like a long-delayed transmission from an alternate timeline.
The footage captures Black Sabbath on the UK television programme “Look! Hear!”, with Dave Walker out front. It’s not some polished live album or box-set centerpiece — it’s a TV appearance from a messy era — but for us fans, it’s gold. In the video, the band slides into the intro to “War Pigs” before unveiling an early version of the Never Say Die! track “Junior’s Eyes”.
“Junior’s Eyes” is where things get really intriguing. As an early take on a Never Say Die! cut, it hints at how that material might have evolved if Dave Walker had stayed. The phrasing, the feel, even the emotional center of the song shifts when it’s not filtered through Ozzy’s uniquely haunted delivery. You can almost sense another version of Never Say Die! taking shape — one that never got the chance to exist.
