The incredible rise of Blake Shelton from an Oklahoma club singer to one of the most dominant forces in modern country music history stands as a testament to his authentic charisma, powerhouse vocal delivery, and unerring ear for hit records. Bursting onto the Nashville landscape in 2001 with his chart-topping debut single “Austin,” Shelton quickly established himself as a prominent storyteller who could seamlessly bridge the gap between traditional honky-tonk grit and massive, radio-friendly contemporary country anthems. His decade-long run as a beloved coach on NBC’s The Voice elevated him to a household name, but it is his relentless, multi-platinum
Timezone [Release date 23.01.26] ‘Miles of Time’ is the second album by Americana style German duo of Carl Carlton and Melanie Wiegmann. Carlton is an experienced singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer (Herman Brood, Udo Lindenberg,The Songdogs, Manfred Mann, Eric Burdon, Joe … Continue reading →
Speed Stroke will release the new album ‘Damage Control‘ on August 21st through Scarlet Records. Speed Stroke master the art of hard rock through a personal approach that perfectly blends the Scandinavian sleaze rock modern edge and the glorious legacy of the 80s street metal scene. Top-notch songwriting, hit after hit, all killers-no fillers: that’s […]
Die Welt zu Gast in Wacken! Nirgendwo stimmt das noch mehr als bei den Wacken Metal Battle Bands, die auf dem Hold Ground um den Sieg kämpfen. Bands aus allen Ecken der Welt strömen nach Wacken, um hier die Finals der Metal Battles für sich zu entscheiden.
Ein kultureller Austausch auf schwermetallischer Ebene der uns dieses Jahr, neben den bereits angekündigten, zehn weitere Bands präsentiert.
Wacken zum Erzittern bringen werden:
Born Broken – Kanada
The Crescents Call – Österreich
Ashed Winter – Frankreich
Blanket Hill – Luxemburg
Deflag – Italien
Morphide – Lettland
Sót – Island
Haine – Malta
GÁGOR – Slowakei
Gidora – El Salvador
Doch auch einen kleinen Wehrmutstropfen müssen wir verkraften:
Leider können Of Mice & Men ihren Auftritt bei uns dieses Jahr nicht wahrnehmen. Stattdessen springt das schwedische Metalcore Geschwader Dead By April ein. Wir bleiben dran und versuchen die Mäuse aber für kommende Editionen zu buchen. Langsam aber sicher wird es eng auf dem Bandposter, aber so ganz fertig sind wir trotzdem noch nicht.
Inspired by a cello riff and launched by one of rock’s great drum intros, Stargazer found Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio at their absolute peak
The British Airways ARC officially opens on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, though for Metal fans, July will be more interesting with three nights with Sammy Hagar, which follow a show with Joan Jett And The Blackhearts.
For Lucy Noble, senior vice president of UK venues for AEG Presents, the opening of this 3,800 capacity purpose-built music venue is very special, and MetalTalk were delighted to be offered a tour.
British Airways ARC is the first venue of its size to be built in London from the ground up in over a decade and, as Noble told us, features a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.
Lucy Noble – The British Airways ARC, Olympia, London. Photo: Manuela Langotsch/MetalTalk
You can sense how special this will be when it is alive with quality live music blasting out. “The audience will feel close to the artist even if they are at the back,” Noble says.
The stage is quite high at 1.7 metres. With 37 spaces for wheelchairs, accessible dressing rooms care has been taken to make this a venue for all. Accessibility has been built in rather than bolted on.
The British Airways ARC, Olympia, London. Photo: Manuela Langotsch/MetalTalk
The British Airways Wing, a VIP premium viewing area on the first floor, offers an alternative experience, but it is just one part of British Airways ARC’s aim to deliver an unparalleled live event experience.
This new world-class venue is part of the £1.3 billion transformation of London’s iconic Olympia. There is a 1,575-seat theatre, a host of bars, restaurants and eateries, two hotels and 550,000 sq ft of office space.
The move marks a strategy for AEG’s long-term investment in UK live music. The British Airways ARC has been designed as an artist and fan-first building, boasting the very best audio and employing cutting-edge technical innovation.
The British Airways ARC, Olympia, London. Photo: Manuela Langotsch/MetalTalk
Noble says the partnership with British Airways “is very special” and is part of the aims for AEG to deliver a vibrant cultural hub where music, nightlife and dining all meet in one place.
There are cross-genre ambitions, with a five-night Van Morrison run and The London Jazz Festival sitting alongside dates that will interest MetalTalk readers more directly. MetalTalk will cover Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in July, and one of the three nights with Sammy Hagar.
MetalTalk cannot wait to test this out with the venue full and keen to report back. The British Airways ARC opens on 16 June. See you at the bar.
The British Airways ARC, Olympia, London. Photo: Manuela Langotsch/MetalTalk
July
British Airways ARC, LondonOlympia, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX
Originally scheduled for the Sammy Hagar Best Of Both Worlds Tour, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts will still return to the UK this July for their first headline tour in
Event Details
Originally scheduled for the Sammy Hagar Best Of Both Worlds Tour, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts will still return to the UK this July for their first headline tour in 16 years, kicking off in Glasgow and concluding in London.
The tour will feature classic hits including I Love Rock N Roll, Bad Reputation and I Hate Myself For Loving You.
“We can’t wait to be back on stage in the UK this Summer,” Joan Jett said. “I wrote and recorded Bad Reputation, my first solo LP in London. It’s been too long since we’ve been in the UK, and we’re excited to see everyone.”
Joining them are special guests The Meffs.
Sammy Hagar will return to the UK for his first tour since 1996 when he brings his star-laden Best Of All Worlds Band across the
Event Details
Sammy Hagar will return to the UK for his first tour since 1996 when he brings his star-laden Best Of All Worlds Band across the pond in July 2026. Hagar will be joined by guitarist Joe Satriani, fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and longtime Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, and powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff.
Having released the live album The Residency this month, which features music of Van Halen, Montrose and his solo material, Hagar says he is looking forward to decamping the band from the neon streets of Las Vegas to Manchester, Wolverhampton and London.
Opening the shows will be rising stars Jayler, who will bring their punchy riffs, big choruses, and high-energy live shows.
Sammy Hagar will return to the UK for his first tour since 1996 when he brings his star-laden Best Of All Worlds Band across the
Event Details
Sammy Hagar will return to the UK for his first tour since 1996 when he brings his star-laden Best Of All Worlds Band across the pond in July 2026. Hagar will be joined by guitarist Joe Satriani, fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and longtime Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, and powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff.
Having released the live album The Residency this month, which features music of Van Halen, Montrose and his solo material, Hagar says he is looking forward to decamping the band from the neon streets of Las Vegas to Manchester, Wolverhampton and London.
Opening the shows will be rising stars Jayler, who will bring their punchy riffs, big choruses, and high-energy live shows.
Sammy Hagar will return to the UK for his first tour since 1996 when he brings his star-laden Best Of All Worlds Band across the
Event Details
Sammy Hagar will return to the UK for his first tour since 1996 when he brings his star-laden Best Of All Worlds Band across the pond in July 2026. Hagar will be joined by guitarist Joe Satriani, fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and longtime Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, and powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff.
Having released the live album The Residency this month, which features music of Van Halen, Montrose and his solo material, Hagar says he is looking forward to decamping the band from the neon streets of Las Vegas to Manchester, Wolverhampton and London.
Opening the shows will be rising stars Jayler, who will bring their punchy riffs, big choruses, and high-energy live shows.
