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Alice Cooper Announces Gilby Clarke as Fill-In Guitarist for Upcoming 2025 Tour

Alice Cooper has revealed a last-minute change to his upcoming tour lineup, with former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke stepping in as the new fill-in guitarist for Nita Strauss. Strauss had originally been slated to join Cooper’s band for the tour, but she is now unable to perform due to unforeseen health issues. Clarke will take over from former Cooper guitarist Orianthi, who had been announced as Strauss’ fill-in but is also unable to complete the tour due to her own medical concerns.

Orianthi’s Health Setback

Orianthi, the talented Australian guitarist, shared the news with her fans on social media, revealing that she is suffering from a torn hamstring, hip, and lower back issues that have made touring physically impossible. “I have a torn hamstring, hip and lower back issue which is very uncomfortable and unfortunate,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Getting the help I need here with the best doctors. I have been advised to not tour/travel. I love Alice and the band very much, but won’t be able to do this short run with them this time. I’m mending up. Love you all.”

Her departure from the tour, while unfortunate, has opened the door for Clarke to join the band, ensuring that Cooper’s iconic shows will continue as planned.

Gilby Clarke Joins the Tour

Clarke, who is no stranger to the rock scene, will take over for Orianthi on guitar for Cooper’s upcoming shows. Clarke rose to prominence in the early ’90s when he joined Guns N’ Roses as the replacement for Izzy Stradlin during their Use Your Illusion tour. He later appeared on GNR’s 1993 covers album, The Spaghetti Incident? and released his solo debut, Pawnshop Guitars, in 1994. Clarke has also contributed to Slash’s Snakepit and toured with Heart, among other collaborations. His vast experience and rock pedigree make him an exciting addition to Cooper’s live performances.

Tour Dates

The tour will kick off on January 31 in Augusta, Georgia, and run through February 17, including a major highlight—the Rock Legends Cruise in Miami from February 13-17. Fans can look forward to an incredible setlist filled with Alice Cooper’s greatest hits, with Clarke’s guitar work adding a fresh energy to the show. Below are the confirmed dates with Gilby Clarke on guitar:

  • Jan. 31 – Augusta, GA @ The Bell Auditorium
  • Feb. 1 – Cherokee, NC @ Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
  • Feb. 2 – Greensboro, NC @ Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
  • Feb. 4 – Mobile, AL @ Saenger Theatre Mobile
  • Feb. 6 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live Orlando
  • Feb. 7 – Ft. Myers, FL @ Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW
  • Feb. 8 – Clearwater, FL @ The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park
  • Feb. 11 – St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre
  • Feb. 13-17 – Miami, FL @ Rock Legends Cruise

What’s Next for Alice Cooper

While the 2025 winter tour with Clarke is a temporary adjustment, Alice Cooper’s 2025 touring plans don’t end there. The rock icon has more dates lined up for the spring and summer, and it’s expected that Nita Strauss will rejoin the band for these shows once she’s recovered. Cooper’s loyal fanbase can anticipate more exciting announcements as the year progresses.

Despite the changes to the tour lineup, Alice Cooper’s influence and legendary status in rock ‘n’ roll remain undiminished. With his powerful live shows and a guitar lineup featuring some of the most skilled musicians in the industry, this year’s tour promises to be another must-see event for fans around the world.

For those unable to catch the early 2025 shows, stay tuned for more announcements on future tour dates and the return of Nita Strauss to the fold.

While the shuffle of guitarists might seem like a bump in the road for Alice Cooper’s 2025 tour, it’s clear that the legendary rocker’s team is more than equipped to handle such challenges. With Gilby Clarke stepping in as the fill-in guitarist, the shows are sure to deliver the same high-energy performances fans have come to expect. As always, Alice Cooper continues to prove that the show must go on.

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SACRIFICE Thrashes Hard On New Single “Missile”


Sacrifice – one of Canada’s Big Four of Thrash alongside Voivod, Razor, and Annihilator – is back with their first new record in 16 years Volume Six, due out February 21. We’re thrilled to stream Sacrifice‘s unrelenting new single “Missile” below, whose overall energy may allow you to forgo all coffee this morning.

“‘Missile’ is a thrashing, anti-war, riff-fest written about the beginning of drone warfare where pilots were a half world away launching missile strikes like a video game,” wrote Sacrifice‘s guitarist and vocalist Rob Urbinati. “War solves nothing.”

Volume Six was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Phase One Studios with Darius Szczepaniak and features Sacrifice‘s original lineup of lead guitarist Joe Rico, bassist Scott Watts, and drummer Gus Pynn as well as Urbinati. The front cover artwork for Volume Six was painted by Propagandhi bassist and lifelong Sacrifice fan Todd Kowalski, who it should be noted kicks major ass. Pre-orders for Volume Six are available here.

On the record itself, Urbinati added: “I write all the time. It was around 2017 when I wrote a couple songs that I thought were really good. I played them for the band, and they were totally happy with them and the direction. I wrote a couple more and Gus and I were making some real progress in getting the songs tight and even talking about recording, then the pandemic hit.

“My creativity completely dried up for whatever reason, even though I was sitting at home with nothing to do. There was nowhere to rehearse in the city because things would shut down, then open up, then close down again, so it was hard to get a consistent rehearsal schedule going and I just wasn’t feeling it. When things started coming back, our original plan was to do an EP, but we had enough songs that we were completely comfortable and happy with to do a whole album.”

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Inkcarceration 2025 Lineup Has Been Released

Inkcarceration 2025 Lineup Unveiled: The Ultimate Rock & Metal Experience

The highly anticipated Inkcarceration Festival has just released its 2025 lineup, and it promises to be one of the most electrifying weekends of the year. Held at the historic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, from July 18-20, 2025, this festival is set to shake the very walls of the iconic location, which famously served as the filming site for The Shawshank Redemption.

A Heavy-Hitting Lineup

This year’s Inkcarceration Festival is bringing some of the biggest names in rock and metal to the stage. Headliners Slipknot, Falling in Reverse, Five Finger Death Punch, Marilyn Manson, Three Days Grace, Lamb of God, and Knocked Loose are just a few of the over 60 bands that will rock the stage across the weekend.

Whether you’re a die-hard metalhead or a rock aficionado, this year’s festival will feature an array of performances that will keep fans headbanging from start to finish. With such a star-studded lineup, attendees can expect to experience unforgettable performances, set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Ohio State Reformatory.

Roam the Shawshank Redemption Halls

What makes Inkcarceration uniquely special is its setting: the Ohio State Reformatory—a place that fans of The Shawshank Redemption will instantly recognize. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to roam the same corridors where the iconic film was shot, taking in the rich history of the site while rocking out to some of the best in music. The reformatory’s sprawling grounds, once a prison, add a fascinating layer to the festival atmosphere, combining music, history, and an undeniable sense of adventure.

Ink and Art at America’s Rock & Metal Tattoo Festival

In addition to the stellar music, Inkcarceration is also home to America’s Rock & Metal Tattoo Festival, where fans can get inked by some of the top tattoo artists in the world. The festival brings together an incredible lineup of tattoo artists, each showcasing their talent and artistry on-site. Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or get your first tattoo, Inkcarceration is the perfect place to do it.

With so many incredible artists under one roof, attendees can book tattoo appointments, browse the best of the tattoo world, and even take part in live tattoo competitions throughout the weekend.

Tickets and Passes

For those looking to secure their spot at this epic event, Weekend GA, VIP, and Single Day passes are now available for purchase, with options starting at just $1 down. Whether you’re in it for the full festival experience or just a day of rocking out, Inkcarceration offers a variety of ticket options to suit your needs.

Inkmates can now lock in their tickets to be part of this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a festival that combines world-class music, the best in tattoo artistry, and a truly legendary setting.

Save the Date: July 18-20, 2025

Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend that promises to be filled with great music, unforgettable memories, and a celebration of everything rock, metal, and tattoos. Inkcarceration 2025 is shaping up to be a festival like no other, and you won’t want to miss it.

Secure your passes now and prepare for an event that will leave you talking long after the music stops. The walls of the Ohio State Reformatory are about to echo with some of the best in rock and metal—will you be there to hear it?

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You’ll Get That New MERCYFUL FATE At Some Point


The saga of new King Diamond and Mercyful Fate continues! Mercyful Fate has been working on a new album since 2020 in tandem with frontman King Diamond working on his own solo records, and it seems they’re still in the demoing process. According to Mercyful Fate bassist Becky Baldwin in an interview with The Metal Voice, the new King Diamond record is in the works this year and then 2026 will be the time for new Mercyful Fate.

“So, it’s in the kind of demoing process at the moment. Instrumentally, it’s mostly there,” said Baldwin. “And so the next step is for King to work on it, but King also needs to put out the King Diamond album this year, hopefully. So [the King Diamond album] should be this year and then he’ll do a European tour, and then it’s Mercyful Fate time. So it’s kind of like, yeah, there’s an order that things need to happen. So, hopefully this year we’ll be able to start on finishing the album, like finishing it in terms of lyrics.

“‘The Jackal Of Salzburg’, that song has already been performed live. That’s gonna be on the album. King has done some really amazing things with the demo version that he’s been working on. And then, yeah, towards the end of the year, probably [Mercyful Fate will release] some singles hopefully. Or if not, then next year.”

The new Mercyful Fate record will be the band’s first since 9 in 1999. Mercyful Fate in 2025 is currently King Diamond alongside guitarists Hank Shermann and Mike Wead, bassist Becky Baldwin who joined in 2024, and drummer Bjarne T. Holm. As Baldwin noted, so far as we’ve heard is the new single “The Jackal Of Salzberg” in a live setting. Mercyful Fate returned to the stage in 2022 for the first time since 1999 for a full tour, and then played two shows in 2024 – Summer Breeze Brazil 2024 and then a show at the Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile.

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BRANN DAILOR Talks MASTODON’s Upcoming Concept Album Revolving Around “Supernatural Horror”


The follow-up to Mastodon‘s 2021 record Hushed And Grim seems to be coming this year, and it’s gonna be a pretty creepy concept album! At least that’s what Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor said in a recent interview with Metal Hammer.

According to Dailor, the new stuff is very all over the place, and that includes some of the heaviest Mastodon we’ve heard in a long time! “[The songs are] all over the place,” said Dailor. “I hear some punk rock in there, but then I hear some insane prog and I hear the heaviest version of ourselves poking its head out again. You can talk all day about what you want to do, but at the end of the day it governs itself – it pulls you where your heart is.”

Elsewhere, Dailor notes that he’s working on a story for the new record and that it’ll revolve around “supernatural horror.” So to recap – insane new Mastodon concept album about some terrifying shit in the works, which Dailor later notes he doesn’t “see a world in which it does not come out in 2025.”

Mastodon has been keeping themselves plenty busy over the past year outside working on new music. Mastodon hit the road in 2024 to celebrate 20 years of Leviathan alongside Lamb Of God, which resulted in a collaborative song between the two legendary bands. Mastodon also dropped a completely remastered version of their 2008 progressive metal classic Crack The Skye.

Mastodon will also hit the this May for a tour with headliners Coheed And Cambria and special guests Periphery. The tour kicks off on May 10 at Salem Civic Center in Salem, VA and wraps up about a month later on June 8 at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee, IA. Tickets are available here.

5/10 Salem, VA Salem Civic Center
5/11 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum
5/13 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
5/15 Wilmington, NC Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
5/16 Charleston, SC Firefly Distillery
5/17 Augusta, GA William B Bell Auditorium (no Mastodon)
5/19 Estero, FL Hertz Arena
5/21 Huntsville, AL Orion Amphitheater
5/22 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
5/24 Virginia Beach, VA The Dome
5/25 Bridgeport, CT Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
5/26 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC
5/28 Portland, ME Cross Insurance Arena
5/30 Syracuse, NY Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
5/31 Scranton, PA The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
6/1 Youngstown, OH Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
6/3 Fort Wayne, IN Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
6/4 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center Arena
6/6 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
6/7 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
6/8 Waukee, IA Vibrant Music Hall

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Edge Of Paradise – New Album Details Disclosed


Edge Of Paradise – New Album Details Disclosed

Edge Of Paradise have premiered a new video for their new song “Death Note.” You can watch it below. The track comes off the band’s upcoming new album Prophecy, which will be released on March 7th through Napalm Records.



Directed by Margarita Monet & No Face Studios

Frontwoman Margarita Monet commented: “’Death Note’ is an intense battle for identity and connection, powered by soaring melodies and an aggressive sound. In a world where digital forces aim to seize control, and greed and conquest have dehumanized existence and stripped away individuality, two souls stand in defiance. Together, they fight to preserve the essence of being alive. Bound by loyalty, determination and human spirit, they risk everything to stand united against the rising tide of control to reclaim what it means to be truly human.”

Track listing:

01. Death Note

02. Give It To Me (Mind Assassin)” [eat. Ludovico’s Ben V.]

03. Prophecy Unbound

04. Sad Life Of A Rose

05. Rogue (Aim For The Kill)

06. Hear Me

07. The Other Side Of Fear

08. Martyr (Monster)

09. Relive Again

10. Falling Light


Hits total: 10 | This month: 10



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MEGADETH & QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE Booked For Bonnaroo 2025


Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is set to take place between June 12 and 15 on the Bonnaroo Farm, located just 60 miles southeast of Nashville in Manchester, TN. This year’s festival is hardly heavy, though it does feature Megadeth opening for Tyler, The Creator and Queens Of The Stone Age as one of the headliners for the Sunday show. The Friday show also features Insane Clown Posse, should anyone feel the urge to get real weird with things. Tickets are available here.

As for the two aforementioned bands, Megadeth is currently working on a new record and Queens of the Stone Age has a bunch of rescheduled shows from last year for this June. Check ’em out below.

6/19 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall at Fenway
6/11 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall at Fenway
6/18 Cincinnati, OH The Andrew J Brady Music Center
6/20 Madison, WI Breese Stevens Field
6/21 Chicago, IL Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

MEGADETH & QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE Booked For Bonnaroo 2025

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Top Live Heavy Metal and Hard Rock Touring Acts in 2024: A Year-End Review

As 2024 draws to a close, the hard rock and heavy metal scenes continue to deliver electrifying live performances. From legendary acts to modern icons, the touring landscape has been packed with powerhouse performances, and many bands are planning extensive tours into 2025. Let’s look at the top touring heavy metal and hard rock acts of the year, ranked by their number of planned concerts and the excitement they’ve generated among fans.

1. Metallica#2

With 25 concerts scheduled through November 2025, Metallica leads the pack in both longevity and power. The thrash metal giants continue to reign as one of the most influential bands in rock history, and their upcoming tour promises to keep them at the forefront of the live music scene. Whether performing their classic hits or showcasing material from their latest album, Metallica’s high-energy live shows remain a must-see experience.

2. Guns N’ Roses#16

Guns N’ Roses, one of the most iconic hard rock bands of all time, has 21 concerts lined up through July 2025. Their reunion tour, which sees Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan back together, is still going strong. Known for their explosive live performances and a setlist that spans decades, Guns N’ Roses remains a favorite among fans who crave nostalgia and high-octane rock anthems.

3. Iron Maiden#23

With 31 concerts planned through August 2025, Iron Maiden proves that metal isn’t just a genre—it’s a way of life. The band’s iconic stage setups, impressive setlists, and Bruce Dickinson’s commanding presence continue to thrill audiences worldwide. As they take their “Legacy of the Beast” tour to new heights, Maiden proves that heavy metal and performance artistry go hand in hand.

4. AC/DC#27

Despite their lineup changes over the years, AC/DC remains an indomitable force in the hard rock world. With 13 concerts scheduled through May 2025, the band is set to continue delivering their timeless brand of high-energy rock. Hits like “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell” keep fans coming back for more, and their legendary live performances show that rock ‘n’ roll is far from dead.

5. Def Leppard#28

With 4 concerts planned through August 2025, Def Leppard is still rocking the stage. Known for their anthemic hits like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Photograph,” Def Leppard’s enduring popularity is a testament to the band’s ability to connect with multiple generations of fans. Whether opening for other legends or headlining their own shows, their electrifying live performances are never to be missed.

6. System of a Down#36

With 13 concerts scheduled through September 2025, System of a Down’s socially-conscious lyrics and eclectic sound continue to captivate audiences. Their shows are an intense, cathartic experience, with a mix of aggression and melody that has made them a unique voice in metal. Fans are eagerly awaiting their performances, which have been sporadic in recent years, making each show even more special.

7. Scorpions#37

The Scorpions are living legends, with 15 concerts scheduled through July 2025. Known for their classic hits like “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Wind of Change,” the German band continues to thrill audiences with their hard rock anthems. Their ability to evolve while retaining their signature sound ensures their live shows remain as electrifying as ever.

8. Slipknot#39

With 9 concerts scheduled through June 2025, Slipknot remains at the forefront of modern heavy metal. Their chaotic stage presence, theatrical performances, and unrelenting aggression make every show an intense spectacle. Slipknot’s fans are some of the most loyal and enthusiastic in the world, and their live shows continue to be an essential experience for metalheads everywhere.

9. Nickelback#57

Despite being a band that frequently generates mixed opinions, Nickelback remains a staple of the hard rock scene with 11 concerts planned through July 2025. Their success isn’t just in the studio; their live performances continue to draw large crowds, who sing along to hits like “How You Remind Me” and “Rockstar.” Nickelback’s tours are always a reliable source of arena rock excitement.

10. Avenged Sevenfold#61

With 9 concerts scheduled through September 2025, Avenged Sevenfold continues to captivate fans with their intricate blend of metalcore, hard rock, and progressive metal. Their live shows are a testament to their evolving sound, with a mix of new material and fan-favorite tracks. The band’s ability to surprise and innovate on stage ensures their continued popularity.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Foreigner (#64) – 17 concerts planned through October 2025, offering a dose of classic rock with a focus on sing-along anthems.
  • Disturbed (#67) – 35 concerts scheduled through May 2025, showcasing their modern take on hard rock and metal.
  • Korn (#69) – 10 concerts planned through August 2025, continuing their reign as nu-metal pioneers.
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd (#80) – 6 concerts scheduled through May 2025, delivering Southern rock at its finest.
  • Judas Priest (#81) – 16 concerts scheduled through July 2025, proving that they are still one of the most influential metal bands on the planet.

As we move into 2025, these acts, along with a wealth of other hard rock and metal bands, are set to bring electrifying performances to stages across the globe. The hard rock and heavy metal communities remain as passionate and powerful as ever, with these bands leading the charge in the live music scene. Whether it’s the legends of yesteryear or the contemporary giants, 2024 has been a year of unforgettable tours and performances. Here’s to even more headbanging, mosh pits, and loud anthems in the years to come.