Category: news

  • INTERVIEW: Jonas ‘Jona Tee’ Thegel of H.E.A.T talks ahead of their April ‘Welcome To The Future’ Australian Tour

    Slaids caught up with H.E.A.T. founding member Jonas ‘Jona Tee’ Thegel on episode  6 of 50 Shades Of Slaids ahead of their April  Welcome To The Future Australian Tour. This is the bands third trip down under with previous tours in 2022 & 2024. This run of shows based on their previous tours are anything to go by are must see experience and yes they promise to make it up to Brisbane as they missed playing there in 2024.

    We catch up on things since their last visit and looking forward the band have a ton of things coming in the next twelve months. 2025 saw the release of ‘Welcome To The Future’ which had fans and critics raving. Never ones to rest the band is working on new music 

    H.E.A.T. deliver a set like no other band in the hard rock world today, the songs, the melodies, the phenomenal musicianship when combined brings such an incredible energy to every room they play.

    This run of east coast shows are not to be missed. Grab your tickets now as these shows will sellout.

    The post INTERVIEW: Jonas ‘Jona Tee’ Thegel of H.E.A.T talks ahead of their April ‘Welcome To The Future’ Australian Tour appeared first on The Rockpit.

  • Major Lance’s British tour December 1965

    For Major Lance’s first British tour, promoter Roy Tempest arranged for northwest London group Bluesology, who featured a very young Elton John (known as Reg Dwight at the time), to back the singer.

    It’s not clear whether Bluesology backed Major Lance on all the gigs, so we’d welcome any further information on this in the comments section below.

    At the time, Bluesology comprised Stu Brown (guitar/vocals); Reg Dwight (keyboards/vocals); Rex Bishop (bass); Pat Higgs (trumpet); Dave Murphy (sax); and Mick Inkpen (drums)

    Melody Maker, 4 December 1965, page 4

    The following tour gigs are incomplete

    Tour dates:

    3 December 1965 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (two sessions including an all-nighter) with The Rockhouse Band (Melody Maker)

    3 December 1965 – In Place, Baker Street, central London (Melody Maker)

    4 December 1965 – Jigsaw, Manchester with Alex Harvey and The Mockingbirds (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle)

    4 December 1965 – Oasis, Manchester with The Crestas (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle)

    5 December 1965 – Dungeon, Nottingham with Blues Incorporated (most likely Bluesology) (Melody Maker/Nottingham Evening Post)

    6 December 1965 – Gig in Rochester, Kent (Melody Maker)

    7 December 1965 – Birdcage, Eastney, Portsmouth, Hampshire (Melody Maker)

    8 December 1965 – Bromel Club, Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley Hill, southeast London (Melody Maker)

    9 December 1965 – Cue Club, Praed Street, Paddington, west London (Melody Maker)

    10 December 1965 – Durham University, Durham (Melody Maker)

    11 December 1965 – Mr McCoy’s, Middlesbrough (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)

    12 December 1965 – Lennoxbank House Hotel, Balloch, Scotland with The Five Interns (Clydebank Press)

    12 December 1965 – Stramash TV (Melody Maker)

    14 December 1965 – (possibly Birdcage Club), Harlow, Essex (Melody Maker)

    15 December 1965 – TWW’s TV Discs A Gogo (Melody Maker)

    16 December 1965 – Cromwellian, south Kensington, west London with Bluesology (Melody Maker) This was originally planned for 15 December.

    16 December 1965 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Alan Price Set (London Live book: Tony Bacon)

    17 December 1965 – Princess Theatre, Chorlton, Greater Manchester and then Domino Club, Openshaw, Greater Manchester with Bluesology Incorporated, The Manchester Playboys and Jonathan Goon Tweed (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle)

    17 December 1965 – Stockport, Greater Manchester (Melody Maker) Unless this is above gig

    18 December 1965 – New All-Star Club, Artillery Passage, Bishopsgate, east London (Melody Maker)

    19 December 1965 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (afternoon) (Melody Maker)

    19 December 1965 – El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London with Duke Lee (Melody Maker)

    20 December 1965 – Cooks Ferry Inn, Edmonton, north London (Melody Maker)

    We’d welcome any comments from readers below

  • Horse The Band’s Nathan Winneke Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, GoFundMe Started

    nathan_horsetheband

    Earlier today, Horse The Band frontman Nathan Winneke revealed that he’s been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and as a result, he needs help covering his medical bills since he can’t work at the moment. As a result, it’s time for our community to do the right thing and break out our wallets to help an artist in need, as he’s since launched a GoFundMe page to help crowdfund his medical expenses.

    Now, I’m not gonna go on a political tangent about how it’s criminal someone needs to go to GoFundMe to cover health costs when they live in the most wealthy nation on the planet and could have their needs met, but it should go without saying at this point. Still, Nathan needs our help and here’s his explanation of what went down and what he needs:

    “My name is Nathan, and I’m reaching out for support as I navigate life with Multiple Sclerosis. Since my diagnosis, the medical bills have piled up quickly, and the illness has made it impossible for me to continue working. On top of managing my health, I also have a family who depends on me, which makes this journey even more challenging.

    “The funds raised will go directly toward my ongoing treatments, medications, and the monthly expenses that have become difficult to manage. Every bit of support will help ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on my health and well-being. Living with MS means facing new obstacles every day, from physical symptoms to emotional stress, and your support can make a real difference in my life.

    “I’m grateful for any help you can offer, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing my story. Thank you for taking the time to read about my situation and for considering a contribution to help me and my family during this difficult time.”

    Horse The Band reunited back in 2024 after taking a five year hiatus to play a buncha shows the following year celebrating the 20th anniversary of their 2005 album The Mechanical Hand. They’ve since been playing shows here and there, with plans to play this year’s Aftershock Festival in October. They also have plans to go on tour with Dance Gavin Dance, The Fall of Troy, Wolf & Bear, and Novelists starting in May. There’s no news at this time as to what Winneke’s diagnosis will do to those plans, but once we know we’ll keep you informed.

    In the meantime, if you have the means and can comfortably contribute, feel free to donate to Winneke’s health care fund. It’s a worthwhile effort.

    The post Horse The Band’s Nathan Winneke Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, GoFundMe Started appeared first on MetalSucks.

  • Dimmu Borgir Announces Tenth Studio Album, Releases First Single



    photo credit: Stian Andersen



    Norwegian symphonic black metal giants DIMMU BORGIR make their long-awaited return after an eight-year break with their new release, Grand Serpent Rising, due for release on May 22 via Nuclear Blast Records. The album delivers thirteen  remarkably diverse tracks that cement the band’s status as one of the most formidable forces in extreme music.

    Vocalist Shagrath says the reflects the past thirty years’ of the band’s history: 


    “I truly feel we’ve outdone ourselves musically on this album. It’s been a long and demanding process, but seeing how it all came together makes it incredibly rewarding. Grand Serpent Rising reflects every era of Dimmu Borgir — This album carries echoes of every chapter of Dimmu Borgir’s legacy — I believe our fans will recognize that, and find something within it that truly resonates.”


     guitarist Silenoz explains about the meaning behind the album title Even the sheer weight of the album title speaks volumes.

    “Dimmu Borgir is a leviathan of a band on a grand scale and we are rising once again. While the serpent represents evil to some, for us it symbolizes something else: renewal, growth, knowledge, and liberation. Shedding our skin, so to speak. And let’s not forget that February 2026 marks the end of the Year of the Snake, roughly the same moment this album was completed.”



    Grand Serpent Rising was recorded in Gothenburg with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström, whose legacy with the band includes landmark releases Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and Death Cult Armageddon. The collaboration once again captures the band at their most expansive and ferocious, blending orchestral grandeur with unrelenting black metal intensity.

    The band  have unveiled a cinematic video for the track ‘Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel’. Sung in Norwegian, the song reflects  the passing of something essential from one generation to the next.

    Dimmu Borgir was formed over thirty-three years ago in Norway by its remaining members, vocalist Shagrath and guitarist Silenoz. They took their name from an Icelandic volcanic formation that translates to “Dark Cities.” Known as a major influence in the symphonic and black metal scene, they themselves draw inspiration from bands like Celtic Frost, Dethroned, and even Iron Maiden. Over the years, they’ve gone through several lineup changes and have released ten albums, with their latest, “Grand Serpent Rising,” on the horizon.


    Watch the video for ‘Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel’ here:



    Listen to ‘Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel’ here: https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/ulvgjeld-blodsodel

    Pre-order Grand Serpent Rising here: https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/grandserpentrising










    In October 2026,: DIMMU BORGIR will team up with fellow Death Metal overlords, BEHEMOTH  on the ‘In League With Satan‘ Co-Headline Tour, storming across Europe . As special guests, the Swedish black metal icons Dark Funeral will probably make this event more terrifying than it already is.


    TOUR DATES
    IN LEAGUE WITH SATAN TOUR 2026


    09 Oct 2026 – Zurich, Switzerland – Halle 622
    10 Oct 2026 – Zwickau, Germany – Sparkassen-Arena Zwickau
    11 Oct 2026 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
    13 Oct 2026 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
    14 Oct 2026 – Munich, Germany – Zenith
    16 Oct 2026 – Paris, France – Zenith
    18 Oct 2026 – Den Bosch, Netherlands – Mainstage
    20 Oct 2026 – Cologne, Germany – Palladium
    22 Oct 2026 – Hamburg, Germany – Inselpark Arena
    23 Oct 2026 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle
    24 Oct 2026 – Brno, Czech Republic – Hala Vodova
    27 Oct 2026 – Helsinki, Finland – Ice Hall
    29 Oct 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden – B-K
    30 Oct 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – K.B. Hallen


    TICKETS: www.dimmu-borgir.com/tour



    LINE UP:
    Shagrath – vocals
    Silenoz – guitars
    Damage – guitars
    Victor – bass
    Gerlioz – keyboards
    Daray – drums




    DIMMU BORGIR ONLINE:
    https://www.facebook.com/dimmuborgir
    http://www.instagram.com/dimmuborgir
    https://www.youtube.com/user/dimmuborgir
    https://x.com/dimmuborgir
    https://www.dimmu-borgir.com/