(Image credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ABA | Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images)
System Of A Down bassist Shavo Odadjian insists he never punched ex-Mastodon member Brent Hinds.
In 2007, it was reported that Hinds had been knocked out after attending the MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas, and that the guitarist/vocalist suffered a broken nose, two black eyes and a brain haemorrhage.
Some sources named Odadjian as the culprit but, in an exclusive interview with Metal Hammer, the bassist denies punching Hinds and sets the record straight.
“I never knocked out Brent Hinds,” Odadjian tells us. “That’s something that Brent was told by I-don’t-know-who.”
He continues: “What happened was, we were in Las Vegas, outside Mandalay Bay after the MTV Music Awards, and I was with my friend, [rapper] Reverend William Burk. Brent Hinds comes out of a taxi and he’s like, ‘Bro, I love you!’ He was inebriated and swinging his shirt. He kept coming up to hug me. He was very in-my-face.”
After the intense but good-natured interaction, Odadjian got into a taxi of his own. When he looked back, he saw Hinds throw a punch at Burk and miss. Burk retaliated with a swing of his own, which Odadjian says was in “self-defence”.
“Brent fell and hit his head and got knocked out,” the bassist remembers. “I was five, six feet away.”
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Despite his distance from the event, Odadjian says security outside Mandalay Bay “attacked” his taxi. “They put me in cuffs and took me to jail, but I didn’t do anything!” he claims, adding that the security guards’ roughness while putting his hands behind his back gave him a shoulder injury.
Odadjian continues: “I said, ‘Check the fucking cameras [at the front of Mandalay Bay]! I did nothing!’ Once they did, the police came and let me go. I was there for, like, four hours.”
The bassist, who’s Armenian-American, adds that he used to wonder whether him getting swamped by security was an act of racial profiling. “It was a time where there was a lot of tension with the Middle East,” he explains. “There was stuff going on so I thought I might have gotten profiled or something. I don’t know.”
The attack put Hinds in a short coma and was followed by months of rehabilitation. In a 2012 interview with Hysteria Magazine, the musician’s then-bandmate Troy Sanders spoke about the effect that that time had on Hinds and Mastodon as a whole.
“It was a life-changing event,” he said (via Loudwire). “It was a near-death experience, so it was very horrible. It was a very uncertain time – this is 2007, so that’s been five years. There were a lot of question marks at that time and thankfully we prevailed from that whole period and created the music from [2009 album] Crack The Skye. We felt like that was a triumphant way to round out that two-year period of creating music and working together.”
Sanders added that there was no bad blood between System Of A Down and Mastodon: “System Of A Down was there, but they’re our friends. It was a different individual that this altercation went down with, so to set the record straight, to this day all of the System Of A Down guys and Mastodon – we’re all friends.”
Hinds shockingly split with Mastodon earlier this year, ending his 25 years of service. The band described it as a mutual decision in a statement. Hinds is yet to issue a statement of his own.
Odadjian also performs with alt-metal project Seven Hours After Violet. The band will tour Europe in the summer and play a slot at Download festival in the UK.
SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET – Radiance (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Louder’s resident Gojira obsessive was still at uni when he joined the team in 2017. Since then, Matt’s become a regular in Prog and Metal Hammer, at his happiest when interviewing the most forward-thinking artists heavy music can muster. He’s got bylines in The Guardian, The Telegraph, NME, Guitar and many others, too. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably find him skydiving, scuba diving or coasteering.
AC/DC launched their long awaited North American tour Thursday night with a 21-song show in Minneapolis.
You can see photos, the complete set list and fan-shot videos from the show below.
Guitarist Angus Young turned 70 last month but remains an ageless wonder, prowling and duck-walking all over the massive stage while leading his band through their biggest hits and a pair of songs from their most recent Power Up album.
Johnson was able to overcome his hearing problems and return to the road for the band’s 2024 European tour, joining Angus Young, his nephew Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug and bassist Chris Chaney.
AC/DC’s ‘Power Up’ North American tour continues Monday April 14 in Arlington, Texas and will conclude May 28 in Cleveland. You can get show and ticket information at their official website.
Adam Bettcher, Getty Images
Adam Bettcher, Getty Images
Adam Bettcher, Getty Images
Adam Bettcher, Getty Images
Watch AC/DC Perform ‘If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)’
Watch AC/DC Perform ‘Thunderstruck’
Watch AC/DC Perform ‘For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)’
AC/DC, 4/10/25, US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis Set List
1. “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” 2. “Back in Black” 3. “Demon Fire” 4. “Shot Down in Flames” 5. “Thunderstruck” 6. “Have a Drink on Me” 7. “Hells Bells” 8. “Shot in the Dark” 9. “Stiff Upper Lip” 10. “Highway to Hell” 11. “Shoot to Thrill” 12. “Sin City” 13. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” 14. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” 15. “High Voltage” 16. “Riff Raff” 17. “You Shook Me All Night Long” 18. “Whole Lotta Rosie” 19. “Let There Be Rock” 20. “T.N.T.” 21. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
Feature Photo: Mr. Rossi, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The Cure originated in Crawley, West Sussex, England, formed by Robert Smith and schoolmates in 1978. Initially called Easy Cure, the band quickly streamlined their name and began their journey toward becoming pioneers of alternative rock. Smith’s distinctive vocals, introspective lyricism, and innovative approach rapidly established The Cure as influential figures within the post-punk and gothic rock movements.
Their debut album, “Three Imaginary Boys” (1979), garnered critical attention, setting the stage for the band’s evolving sound. Early singles such as “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Jumping Someone Else’s Train” showcased their unique blend of melodic hooks and melancholic themes, quickly winning a devoted following. Throughout their career, The Cure released 13 studio albums, continuously reshaping their musical style, experimenting with gloomy, atmospheric compositions as well as upbeat pop melodies.
One of their breakthrough albums, “Pornography” (1982), significantly deepened their gothic credentials with darker, more emotionally intense tracks. However, their commercial peak came in the late ’80s and early ’90s with albums like “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me” (1987) and “Disintegration” (1989), both achieving substantial international success. “Disintegration” particularly became iconic, featuring hits such as “Lovesong,” “Pictures of You,” and “Lullaby,” cementing the band’s global status and marking a creative pinnacle.
Their success continued into the early 1990s with the release of “Wish” (1992), which produced their highest-charting single in the U.S., “Friday I’m in Love.” This track became an enduring favorite, demonstrating the band’s remarkable ability to craft accessible pop songs while maintaining emotional depth and authenticity. “Wish” reached number one on the UK album charts, solidifying their commercial standing.
The Cure’s extensive career has earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, a testament to their profound influence on alternative music. They have sold over 30 million albums worldwide, reflecting their widespread and enduring appeal. Their music’s emotional honesty, coupled with Smith’s charismatic presence, has cultivated a loyal, passionate fanbase, making them beloved and revered by generations of music enthusiasts.
Outside of their extensive discography, The Cure has actively supported several charitable causes. They have notably participated in benefit concerts such as Live 8 in 2005, aimed at combating poverty and promoting social justice globally. Additionally, they have contributed to the Teenage Cancer Trust, performing at fundraising events to support young people facing cancer. Their philanthropic endeavors further exemplify their dedication to making a positive impact beyond music.
Complete List Of The Cure Songs From A to Z
10:15 Saturday Night – Three Imaginary Boys – 1979
10:15 Saturday Night (Chestnut studio demo, May 1978) – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
10:15 Saturday Night (live in Nottingham, October 1979) – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
10:15 Saturday Night (Robert Smith home demo, February 1978) – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
(I Don’t Know What’s Going) On – The Cure – 2004
2 Late (alternate version) – Disintegration (Deluxe Edition) – 1989
39 – Bloodflowers – 2000
A Few Hours After This… – The Head on the Door (Deluxe Edition) – 1985
A Foolish Arrangement – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
A Fragile Thing – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
A Forest – Seventeen Seconds – 1980
A Forest (live in France, June 1980) – Seventeen Seconds (Deluxe Edition) – 1980
A Hand Inside My Mouth – The Top (Deluxe Edition) – 1984
A Letter to Elise – Wish – 1992
A Letter to Elise (1990 Demo, aka “Cut”) – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
A Letter to Elise (Blue Mix) – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
A Man Inside My Mouth – The Head on the Door (Deluxe Edition) – 1985
A Night Like This – The Head on the Door – 1985
A Night Like This (Fitz/F2 Studios Demo 2/85) – The Head on the Door (Deluxe Edition) – 1985
A Normal Story – Faith (Deluxe Edition) – 1981
A Reflection – Seventeen Seconds – 1980
A Reflection (live in France, June 1980) – Seventeen Seconds (Deluxe Edition) – 1980
A Short Term Effect – Pornography – 1982
A Short Term Effect (Live in Brussels 6/82) – Pornography (Deluxe Edition) – 1982
A Strange Day – Pornography – 1982
A Strange Day (Live at Hammersmith Odeon 5/82) – Pornography (Deluxe Edition) – 1982
A Thousand Hours – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me – 1987
A Thousand Hours (Miraval Studio Guide Vocal/Rough Mix 10/86) – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (Deluxe Edition) – 1987
A Wendy Band – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
Abetabw – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
Accuracy – Three Imaginary Boys – 1979
Accuracy (live in Nottingham, October 1979) – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
Airlock: The Soundtrack – Pornography (Deluxe Edition) – 1982
All Cats Are Grey – Faith – 1981
All Cats Are Grey (live “somewhere”, “Summer 1981”) – Faith (Deluxe Edition) – 1981
All I Ever Am – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
All I Want – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me – 1987
All I Want (Beethoven St. Studio Demo 6/86) – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (Deluxe Edition) – 1987
All Mine (Live at Hammersmith Odeon 5/82) – Pornography (Deluxe Edition) – 1982
Alone – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
alt.end – The Cure – 2004
And Nothing Is Forever – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
Anniversary – The Cure – 2004
Another Day – Three Imaginary Boys – 1979
Another Journey by Train (AKA 44F) – Seventeen Seconds (Deluxe Edition) – 1980
Wailing Wall (Genetic Studio Rough Mix 2/84) – The Top (Deluxe Edition) – 1984
Want – Wild Mood Swings – 1996
Warsong – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
Watching Me Fall – Bloodflowers – 2000
Wendy Time – Wish – 1992
Wendy Time (1990 Demo) – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
Where the Birds Always Sing – Bloodflowers – 2000
Why Can’t I Be You? – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me – 1987
Why Can’t I Be You? (Live Bootleg audience recording – Wembley Arena London 12/87) – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (Deluxe Edition) – 1987
Winter – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
World War – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
You Stayed… – The Top (Deluxe Edition) – 1984
Albums
Three Imaginary Boys (1979)
Seventeen Seconds (1980)
Faith (1981)
Pornography (1982)
The Top (1984)
The Head on the Door (1985)
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (1987)
Disintegration (1989)
Wish (1992)
Wild Mood Swings (1996)
Bloodflowers (2000)
The Cure (2004)
4:13 Dream (2008)
Songs of a Lost World (2024)
Check out our fantastic and entertaining The Cure articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.
Last week was a good week for debut singles by new bands from already established musicians, as California Irish (led by The Answer frontman Cormac Neeson) triumphed with their first single, Big Question, while Hollow Souls (led by Kris Barras, from the Kris Barras band) came third with their first release, Big Question. Dividing the newbies were Tracks Of The Week regulars When Rivers Meet, and we’d like to congratulate all of them.
‘Big Questions’ In The Studio (Official Video) – YouTube
This week, just like every other, we’ve found another eight songs to excite all the different parts of your auditory system. They’re below.
Those Damn Crows – The Night Train
A beautifully brooding slice of melodious, grunge-infused action from the Bridgenders’ upcoming album, God Shaped Hole, The Night Train is accompanied by a stunning animated video, in which the protagonist soars through a compelling dreamscape – expect flying trains, bucolic scenes, black holes… All of it drawn from a dream that frontman Shane Greenhall had about his late father. “It really felt like I had travelled somewhere else,” he says, “to a different time/place rather than a dream. It inspired me to write The Night Train – the transport that takes you to loved ones who are no longer with us.”
Those Damn Crows – The Night Train (Official Video) – YouTube
Need a cheery distraction from the angst-inducing headlines of late? Listen to this. Initially dreamt up by singer TJ in a Waffle House a few years ago – not long after “a couple of drinks” (read: all the drinks) one night with The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston – Finish This Drink finds the Osbornes on boot-stomping, country-fried form, without losing their rocker-friendly edge. It’s their first new music since the Break Mine EP in March 2024, and hopefully a sign of more to come.
Deraps’ drummer Josh Gallagher goes all Axl Rose on this expansive power ballad, which finds him at the mic and the skins. Not that it’s all full-fat 80s rock right away. In fact it’s all very pretty and acoustic, like Toto at their gauziest, for the first minute and a half – after which the bright, chunky riffs and heartfelt refrains start to seep in. Then, mid-way, it kicks up a notch with gravelly screams and some slick, classy soloing from guitarist/singer Jacob Deraps. Their second album, Viva Rock’n’Roll, comes out in May.
And now for something decidedly rawer and more 60s-rooted, thanks to mercurial rock’n’roll beatnik Jim Jones and his All Stars. Less MTV muscle, more loose-limbed hip-shaking, honkytonk-thumping rock’n’roll, like The Stooges having a lock-in down the pub with Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. Fancy some of that to liven up your Monday? Of course you do.
Twenty-something Texan guitarist/singer Ally Venable teams up with fellow blueser (and powerhouse voice) Shemekia Copeland on this moody but forward-kicking shot of heartfelt blues rock – capped off with a classy, wah-tastic solo from Ally. “This is a powerful duet, and defiant anthem that celebrates the indomitable spirit of women who have weathered life’s storms,” says Ally. “The song paints a vivid portrait of two souls who have both gone through adversity, yet their voices blend in a harmonious tribute to resilience and triumph.”
Stoney Berlin rockers Kadavar are back with a new album (I Just Want To Be A Sound, due out in May) and a new vibe, leaning harder into their psychedelic side, of which the trippy yet toe-tapping Regeneration is the latest taster. If Tame Impala listened to more Black Sabbath, they might have ended up with something like this. Like the sound of that? Along with the album itself there’s also a UK record release show on May 13, at London’s Rough Trade East.
Billed in fittingly gung-ho fashion as “a euphoric ode to relentless passion”, Running To You is H.e.a.t at their most H.e.a.t-esque – all galloping 80s hard rock bravado complete with flame jets, big-ass chorus, monster guitar crunch, just the right amount of twiddly soloing and more wide-eyed synth energy than is probably legal. We live in a strange world, but H.e.a.t are here to make it feel like a simpler time. More where this came from on their new album, Welcome To The Future (I mean… yeah they play a little fast and loose with the term ‘future’, on such firmly retro fare as this, but no matter).
H.E.A.T – Running to You (Official Video) – YouTube
John Drake, the former Aussie frontman of London-based quartet The Dust Coda, left after a decade last year and has just put out his first song under his own name. The slickly-produced and introspective Ocean comes from the same melodic ballpark as Alice Cooper’s Only Women Bleed, and is plucked from his debut solo album, Separation Songs, which will arrive later in the year. “Leaving The Dust Coda was scary and took a giant leap of faith, but I knew there was a whole world out there creatively for me,” says John. “I just had to get to the other side, onto dry land.”
Michael Tullberg / Hannah Foslien / Terry Wyatt, Getty Images
Kiss has announced more special guests for their upcoming Kiss Army Storms Vegas convention and reunion show, including additional bandmates, fellow rockers and industry professionals who helped guide the band to stardom.
Principal members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will be joined by longtime Kiss lead guitarist Tommy Thayer for an unmasked electric show — their first since concluding their farewell tour in December 2023 — during the weekend-long event, which takes place from Nov. 14 to 16 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Thayer’s former band, Black ‘n Blue, will also take part in the event, as will former Skid Row frontman and avowed Kiss superfan Sebastian Bach. Other musical guests include the tribute acts Mr. Speed and Kiss Nation: The Kiss Tribute Show.
Additionally, Kiss Army Storms Vegas will feature Q&A sessions with members of the band, a panel with the band’s longtime manager Doc McGhee and special appearances from Kiss Army founders Bill Starkey and Jay Evans. Fans can also look forward to a previously announced performance from former Kiss lead guitarist Bruce Kulick.
Simmons recently spoke to UCR about the appeal of the Kiss conventions, which allow the band to engage more directly with fans.
“The Kiss conventions begat the Kiss Kruises,” he said. “We decided to do that, in essence, to get closer to the fans. Because when you’re up on that stage, whether you’re playing a stadium or arena, there’s all that energy going off the stage, visual and sound and all that. And even though there’s lots of energy coming from the fans up there, it’s not as personal, because there’s a lot of them.”
Simmons also attempted to distinguish Kiss Army Storms Vegas from a regular Kiss show. “The fans are taking over the Virgin Hotel, yes. So we’re attending to celebrate in the party,” he said. “But this ain’t a Kiss concert, so we’ll be doing Q&A, and of course, we’ll play, we’ll get up there. So it’s much more informal. It’s kind of like a gathering of the tribes. We promised we would never tour again, and we’re not, but it’s a party celebrating the legacy and the fans, and we should be there, and that’s what’s going on.”
Kiss Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide
An in-depth guide to all of the personnel changes undergone by the “hottest band in the land,” Kiss.
Pete Best, the original drummer for the Beatles, has announced his retirement.
The news was confirmed on social media in a post made by Best’s younger brother, Roag.
“Well what an absolutely wonderful ride we’ve had,” Roag wrote. “However, everything comes to pass. My brother Pete Best has announced today he is retiring from personal appearances and performing with the group. His daughter has informed me it’s due to personal circumstances.”
Best, who recently performed a handful of U.S. concerts, added on to the post: “I had a blast. Thank you.”
How did Pete Best Join and Leave the Beatles
Like the other members of the Beatles, Best grew up in Liverpool, England. He was invited into the group via Paul McCartney in 1960, drumming for them during the band’s busy gigging days in Hamburg, Germany. In 1962, he was told by the Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, that Ringo Starr would be replacing him.
“We were rockers, we were little hardies, we could handle ourselves. But when I got back home and I told my mother what happened, behind the sanctuary of the front door, I cried like a baby,” Best recalled to The Irish Times in 2020, explaining that he’s tried only to move forward in his life and career, instead of harboring resentment.
“You’re the Beatle who got kicked out because you were crap. So there’s always been a point where I’ve had to prove myself,” he explained. “I haven’t talked about it, people make their own impressions about what a drummer is about. So I’ll perform on stage and the audience can make their own mind up. I’m glad to say that the consensus of opinion is yeah, you’re a great drummer, Pete. I’m happy with that.”
In 2024, Best and his family turned an early Beatles venue in Liverpool called the Casbah Coffee Club into a an Airbnb with rooms named for every member of the band except for Starr.
“I think if I’d kept reflecting about what happened yesterday, all the time, and it was like a nightmare to me, I would have ended up bitter and twisted,” he said in 2020. “But there came a period in my life when I was like, to hell with what happened yesterday it’s about today and tomorrow.”
Beatles Solo Albums Ranked
Included are albums that still feel like time-stamped baubles and others that have only grown in estimation.
Feature Photo: Sven Mandel, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Three Days Grace formed in Norwood, Ontario, Canada, in 1992, originally under the name Groundswell. The band’s founding members were vocalist and guitarist Adam Gontier, drummer Neil Sanderson, and bassist Brad Walst. After years of refining their sound and building local recognition, the group rebranded themselves as Three Days Grace in 1997, marking a fresh start and a stronger commitment to their music careers. They gained significant attention after signing a deal with Jive Records in the early 2000s, positioning themselves to reach a global audience.
The band has released seven studio albums, consistently demonstrating their powerful and dynamic style. Their self-titled debut album, “Three Days Grace,” came out in 2003, immediately establishing their identity with hit singles like “I Hate Everything About You,” “Just Like You,” and “Home.” The album’s massive success quickly catapulted them to international fame, earning them widespread radio play and solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene.
Their subsequent albums, “One-X” (2006), “Life Starts Now” (2009), “Transit of Venus” (2012), “Human” (2015), “Outsider” (2018), and “Explosions” (2022), continued their momentum. “One-X” notably featured hit singles “Animal I Have Become,” “Pain,” and “Never Too Late,” further cementing the band’s reputation for writing powerful, emotionally resonant music. The album reached triple-platinum status, becoming one of their career-defining releases and underscoring their lasting appeal.
Throughout their career, Three Days Grace has produced numerous chart-topping singles, establishing them as one of the most successful acts in modern rock radio history. They hold records for the most number-one songs on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, with hits such as “Animal I Have Become,” “Break,” “World So Cold,” “Chalk Outline,” and “The Mountain.” Their ability to craft songs that speak directly to listeners’ personal struggles, emotions, and experiences has been key to their enduring popularity.
Recognition for their musical contributions has come through multiple awards and accolades. Three Days Grace has received nominations from prominent organizations such as the Juno Awards and the Billboard Music Awards, winning the Billboard Music Award for Rock Artist of the Year in 2007. Their music has consistently connected with both fans and critics alike, reflecting their authenticity, consistency, and emotional depth.
Three Days Grace has also actively participated in meaningful efforts beyond their music, including charitable events and social awareness campaigns. Former lead vocalist Adam Gontier notably used his own experiences with addiction and recovery to advocate publicly for mental health and substance abuse awareness. His involvement with organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association highlighted the band’s dedication to using their platform for important social issues, bringing greater attention to mental health challenges and supporting fans through shared experiences.
The band’s lasting impact and loyalty from fans come from their honesty, their raw emotional expression, and their authentic connection with their audience. Over decades of continuous artistic evolution, Three Days Grace has remained a cornerstone in alternative rock, known for deeply personal songwriting and explosive live performances. Their dedication to their craft and to meaningful advocacy off-stage has reinforced why they remain beloved within the rock community.
Complete List Of Three Days Grace Songs From A to Z
A Scar Is Born – Explosions – 2022
Animal I Have Become – One-X – 2006
Animal I Have Become (stripped acoustic version) – One-X – 2006 (Special edition)
Animal I Have Become (stripped acoustic version) – Pain – 2007
Anonymous – Transit of Venus – 2012
Are You Ready? – Three Days Grace – 2003 (Target/Japanese/iTunes/deluxe bonus track)
Bitter Taste – Life Starts Now – 2009
Born Like This – Three Days Grace – 2003
Break – Life Starts Now – 2009
Broken Glass – Transit of Venus – 2012
Bully – Life Starts Now – 2009
Burn – Three Days Grace – 2003
Car Crash – Human – 2015
Chain of Abuse – Explosions – 2022
Chalk Outline – Transit of Venus – 2012
Champion – Explosions – 2022
Chasing the First Time – Outsider – 2018
Drown – Three Days Grace – 2003
Drown (live acoustic version) – Three Days Grace – 2003 (iTunes/deluxe bonus track)
Every Other Weekend – Human – 2015 (Deluxe/Japanese bonus track)
Expectations – Transit of Venus – 2012
Explosions – Explosions – 2022
Fallen Angel – Human – 2015
Get Out Alive – One-X – 2006
Give in to Me – Transit of Venus – 2012 (Michael Jackson cover)
Give Me a Reason – Transit of Venus – 2012
Goin’ Down – Life Starts Now – 2009
Gone Forever – One-X – 2006
Happiness – Transit of Venus – 2012
Home – Three Days Grace – 2003
Human Race – Human – 2015
Human Race (atmosphere version) – Human – 2015 (Deluxe/Japanese bonus track)
I Am an Outsider – Outsider – 2018
I Am Machine – Human – 2015
I Am the Weapon – Explosions – 2022
I Hate Everything About You – Three Days Grace – 2003
I Hate Everything About You (live acoustic version) – Three Days Grace – 2003 (iTunes/deluxe bonus track)
I Hate Everything About You (acoustic version) – One-X – 2006 (Special edition)
I Hate Everything About You (Clear Channel stripped version) – Never Too Late – 2008
Infra-Red – Outsider – 2018
It’s All Over – One-X – 2006
Just Like You – Three Days Grace – 2003
Landmine – Human – 2015
Last to Know – Life Starts Now – 2009
Let It Die – One-X – 2006
Let You Down – Three Days Grace – 2003
Let You Down (live) – Human – 2015 (Deluxe/Japanese bonus track)
Somebody That I Used to Know – Explosions – 2022 (Japanese edition bonus track)
Someone to Talk To (featuring Apocalyptica) – Explosions – 2022
Someone Who Cares – Life Starts Now – 2009
Souvenirs – Explosions – 2022
Strange Days – Outsider – 2018
Take Me Under – Three Days Grace – 2003
Tell Me Why – Human – 2015
The Abyss – Outsider – 2018
The Chain (Fleetwood Mac cover) – Lost in You – 2011
The End Is Not the Answer – Human – 2015
The Good Life – Life Starts Now – 2009
The High Road – Transit of Venus – 2012
The Mountain – Outsider – 2018
The New Real – Outsider – 2018
The Real You – Human – 2015
Time of Dying – One-X – 2006
Time That Remains – Transit of Venus – 2012
Unbreakable Heart – Transit of Venus – 2012
Villain I’m Not – Outsider – 2018
Wake Up – Three Days Grace – 2003
Wicked Game – One-X – 2006 (iTunes deluxe edition, Chris Isaak cover)
Without You – Life Starts Now – 2009
World So Cold – Life Starts Now – 2009
World So Cold (piano version) – Life Starts Now – 2009 (Japanese release)
World So Cold (piano version) – Lost in You – 2011
Albums
Three Days Grace (2003): 15 songs
One-X (2006): 16 songs
Pain (2007): 3 songs (with some overlap from One-X)
Never Too Late (2008): 4 songs (with some overlap)
Life Starts Now (2009): 13 songs
Lost in You (2011): 3 songs (with some overlap)
Transit of Venus (2012): 13 songs
Human (2015): 16 songs
Outsider (2018): 12 songs
Explosions (2022): 13 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Three Days Grace articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.
Almost every great metal band has that album. And no, I’m not talking about the album that won them critical acclaim or thrust them into this genre’s upper echelon. I mean the album that is so irredeemably bad that it causes legions of fans to reassess what it was about their favourite artist that made them their favourite artist in the first place.
Heavy music is littered with such clangers, many of which have become infamous even outside their creators’ fanbases. But what happens when that reputation is unearned? I asked a collection of Hammer writers and editors to go against the grain, defending the ‘bad’ album by their aggressor of choice, to prove that even duds have their value and that music is very much subjective – even in the face of seemingly overwhelming backlash.
Just what is it that attracts one to metal, or any kind of counterculture music? For me, it’s experiencing something truly unknown, arcane, unsettling and uncompromising. Black Sabbath did it, early death metal did it, and Metallica and Lou Reed did it on Lulu. Hearing the biggest metal band of all time refuse conformity, discard genre tropes and dive headfirst into the world of jazz, avant-garde expressionism and art rock was a thrilling proposition. And – although it would be disingenuous to suggest Lulu entirely works – the questions it poses, the unsettling sensations it conjures, the Pandora’s box of oddness it opens is everything that true outsider art should be. Stephen Hill
Lou Reed & Metallica: The View (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Even the most ardent fan must admit Iron Maiden are prone to bloating. Starting with Powerslave, their songs’ run-times ballooned, alongside their conceptual ambitions. After perfecting that loftier style with Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, the band basically rebooted, employing a get-to-the-point approach that was harder and punchier than anything they’d done since Killers. No Prayer…is probably the last time Maiden really took a risk – with Bruce at the helm, at least – and if you’re inclined towards a gruffer, darker sound, the likes of Tailgunner, Holy Smoke and Fates Warning are belters. Plus, Bring Your Daughter… was the first metal (and Maiden’s only) UK number-one single. Historic. Rich Hobson
Iron Maiden – Holy Smoke (Official Video) – YouTube
Overshadowed by its ludicrous gestation and Axl Rose’s ego, Chinese Democracy was always destined for a kicking – which is a shame, because it’s a good (albeit imperfect), kitchen-sink’n’all rock’n’roll opera. It’s stacked with great songs: the snarling, joyously messy title track; stomping, instantaneous banger Better; a trio of world-class power ballads in Street Of Dreams, If The World and There Was A Time; woozy Western waltz Sorry. If this were an Axl Rose solo project in a world where GN’R hadn’t so spectacularly imploded, it would have received its flowers. And, judging by the songs we’ve heard so far, I reckon it’s better than anything the reunited lineup will give us. You heard me! Merlin Alderslade
Guns N’ Roses – Chinese Democracy (Live) – YouTube
I had a love/hate relationship with Turbo when it came out. Defenders Of The Faith was the pinnacle of pure 80s metal. However, I also had a penchant for hair metal, and I was quietly infatuated with the poppier excesses of Turbo. I just wished it hadn’t been Judas Priest who made it. Gradually I came to accept that no musical pleasure should be guilty and that bands should experiment as they like. The result is an enduring love for an album that broke the Priest mould, from the synthetic pulse of Turbo Lover to the PMRC-baiting pop-rock of Parental Guidance. Paul Travers
There were some superficial stumbling blocks with Anthrax’s seventh album: the off-the-peg cover, meaningless title and nondescript logo showcased an 80s band in a 90s identity crisis. Some detected influences from Helmet and Pantera, but crunching patterns of staccato rhythm were Anthrax innovations, and Stomp stripped everything down to a concentrated bludgeon, favouring directness and simplicity over the mainstream-baiting sophistication of predecessor Sound Of White Noise. Stomp maintained a consistent standard of unpretentious, blue-collar metal songwriting, with John Bush’s charismatic voice and pithy lyrics in delectable form. Oh, and Dimebag Darrell added delirious solos to two tunes. Chris Chantler
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Paradise Lost – Host (1999)
1997-to-2002 are broadly viewed as the years Paradise Lost got, well… lost. After releasing five death/doom and goth metal classics in as many years (and touring in between), the Yorkshiremen grew bored of their own sound, turning to Depeche Mode and electronica for inspiration. Many deem 1999’s Host and 2001’s Believe In Nothing as the nadir of this four-album detour but, while the latter feels legitimately lifeless, Host is a triumph in synth-rock songwriting. From Nothing Is Sacred’s industrial-classical contrast to the graceful vocals throughout Made The Same, it’s as fresh as it is catchy, completely undeserving of its ‘clanger’ reputation. Matt Mills
Celtic Frost – Cold Lake (1988)
Cold Lake is what happens when your brain short-circuits, expecting To Mega Therion and instead getting a sleazy glam metal artefact that sounds like W.A.S.P. pissed on cheap Swiss lager. Celtic Frost, those conjurers of dread, traded corpsepaint for crotch bulges and unleashed a glitter-drenched misfire so flamboyantly turgid, it loops into brilliance. You don’t enjoy it – you succumb to it. The riffs punch hard, the choruses stick and its lo-fi pugnacity gives it a raw, back-alley charm. Beneath the Aqua Net and pleather, there’s swagger, musicianship and a band weirdly ahead of the curve. The bastard child of glam absurdity and basement fury: loud, dumb and stupidly fun. Joe Daly
Forge – best known for his work as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in Ghost, as well as for his masked appearances as the band’s various “Papa” frontmen – recorded his solo effort in 2008, two years before his now-band’s debut. However, it went unreleased and became a highly sought-after collector’s item, to the point a bootleg on Discogs sold for $5,434 (£4,210).
Now, two months after Passiflora leaked onto YouTube, Forge explains why he shelved its release in a new interview with Chaoszine.
“I remember that when I wrote the songs and I had recorded them, I was a little bit irritated that I had not written them in a key that was ideal for my singing,” he says (via Blabbermouth). “It’s amateur mistakes. There are some songs on Opus [Ghost’s debut album Opus Eponymous] that are like that. I should have written them in another key. I should have detuned them to more fully… And it’s not too late; I can do that.”
(Image credit: Future)
He continues: “I think Passiflora was definitely… it’s a super-ambitious record. I was so filled with emotions and creativity. I had a real vision for that record. I had a real vision for that band. It literally really didn’t go anywhere. So when that happens… If you write a love letter and that just disappears into the void, you would just try to distance yourself from it as soon as possible and, and that’s what I felt.”
Ghost will release their sixth studio album Skeletá via Loma Vista on April 25. The lead single Satanized is currently streaming. The band will start a six-month world tour to promote the record in Manchester, UK, on April 15. The gig will mark the debut of Ghost’s ‘new’ frontman, Papa V Perpetua.
Ghost are the cover stars on the new issue of Metal Hammer. In an extensive interview about Skeletá, Forge admits that he doesn’t know much about Papa V Perpetua yet, and that it will take playing live for the character’s personality to emerge.
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“I’ve always felt that it was a scary thing,” he said. “On one hand, I’m trying to make the ‘product’ that is Ghost an entertaining thing for our fans. On the other, I try to do that as pleasantly as is possible for myself as well.
“When I decided to introduce Cardinal Copia into the mix [for 2018 album Prequelle], it felt very uncomfortable because he was going to be thrown out there as someone who hadn’t become [a Papa Emeritus] yet: ‘Wow, this is going to be a little different.’ But what I did know was that I didn’t have to go through the process of introducing a new character for the next album. Now, I do!”
The new Hammer is currently sold-out online, but is stocked in the UK in WH Smith, Tesco and more. The Louder webstore also has an exclusive bundle that includes a version of the latest Hammer with a cover you can’t get anywhere else, plus a vinyl variant of Skeletá unavailable in the shops.
My Story As Metal/Rock Frontman: Tobias Forge (Ghost) – YouTube
You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.
The Band – The Band
(Image credit: Capitol Records)
Across the Great Divide Rag Mama Rag The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down When You Awake Up on Cripple Creek Whispering Pines Jemima Surrender Rockin’ Chair Look Out Cleveland Jawbone The Unfaithful Servant King Harvest (Has Surely Come)
Having backed Bob Dylan at the Isle of Wight Festival, the quintessential Canadian backwoodsmen rented Sammy Davis Jr’s mansion in the Hollywood Hills and knocked off their second magnum opus.
With an album containing The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (a hit for Joan Baez), Up On Cripple Creek and the bouncy Rag Mama Rag, the beardy quintet paved the way for rootsy rockers everywhere.
Robbie Robertson established himself as the group’s director, casting his bandmates to sing roles intrinsic to the nature of songs that reach deep into some storied, semi-mythological past: Richard Manuel excels on Across The Great Divide; Levon Helm was never more powerful than on the Civil War lament, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.
A flawless assimilation of blues, soul, R&B and more, and a touchstone for every Americana act that followed. Although not the most successful act of the era, they were arguably the hippest.
Every week, Album of the Week Club listens to and discusses the album in question, votes on how good it is, and publishes our findings, with the aim of giving people reliable reviews and the wider rock community the chance to contribute.
I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – Janis Joplin
Then Play On – Fleetwood Mac
New York Tendaberry – Laura Nyro
Abbey Road – The Beatles
At Home – Shocking Blue
Get Ready – Rare Earth
2 Ozs of Plastic with a Hole in the Middle – Man
Canned Wheat – The Guess Who
Four Sail – Love
Love Chronicles – Al Stewart
Nice – The Nice
Noah – The Bob Seger System
Rock & Roll – Vanilla Fudge
The Aerosol Grey Machine – Van der Graaf Generator
Spare Parts – Status Quo
A Step Further – Savoy Brown
Supersnazz – The Flamin’ Groovies
These Things Too – Pearls Before Swine
Volume Two – The Soft Machine
What they said…
“The Band were four-fifths Canadian – drummer Levon Helm was from Arkansas – but their second album is all American. Guitarist Robbie Robertson’s songs vividly evoke the country’s pioneer age (“Across the Great Divide”) and the Civil War (“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”), while reflecting the fractured state of the nation in the 1960s.” (Rolling Stone)
“Now, when people think about the Band, the most common reference point is The Last Waltz, Martin Scorsese’s iconic concert film about the group’s would-be farewell show in 1976, in which Robertson is placed at the center and Manuel is barely visible. Hierarchy had finally been imposed. And yet the power of the Band’s second record is such that it can make you forget all of that for about 40 minutes.” (Pitchfork)
“The Band overflowed with talent. From the Civil War (The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down) to the plight of farmers (King Harvest [Has Surely Come]), Canadian Robertson channeled Helm’s (the group’s only American) individual experience and knowledge into roots pop/rock with teeth. The outfit spent nearly a decade refining its sound and with the modestly titled The Band, reached arguably the pinnacle of its career.” (American Songwriter)
What you said…
Steve Pereira: The Eric Clapton story is that he says he heard The Basement Tapes and loved the loose sound and friendly atmosphere. He obviously wasn’t referring to the 1975 album, nor the bootleg, Great White Wonder, which contained some of the recordings, as that was released in 1969, after Cream split up. He must be referring to some demo tapes that got sent out.
We know about the demo tapes because various bands recorded and released songs from The Basement Tapes from 1968 onwards (Julie Driscoll with This Wheel’s On Fire for example). He liked the atmosphere so much that he went out to Woodstock to meet the band, with a view to asking if he could join them.
But when he got there, he found he had little in common with them, and that they were not as friendly and laid back in real life as they had sounded on the demo tapes with Dylan. So he went back to the UK and formed Blind Faith instead. And Clapton considered Blind Faith to be the English version of The Band.
Henry Martinez: A sour Rolling Stone review also contributed to Clapton’s decision to end Cream, but I can see The Band influencing the sound of his self-titled 1970 debut and especially his solo output starting in ’74. The line from this Band album to the The Last Waltz is well worth following if you’re new to them. It’s not just about Robbie Robertson; it was a talented assortment of characters who all brought their different strengths. Well worth a listen.
Steve Pereira: As regards The Band by The Band. I feel it’s a solid, worthy, respectable album. But it’s also somewhat dull and boring. The Band behind and with Dylan are a gritty little band. Little in the way of character, but certainly decent backing musicians. By themselves they retain that feel of a solid, respectable band. Though (unless playing live) they do end up sounding more like a group of skilled session musicians than a proper band. They are a band in need of a charismatic front man.
Decent, solid songs on the album, which like the debut, Music From Big Pink, sounds like they came out of the recordings which ended up on The Basement Tapes. I guess if folks like The Basement Tapes they’ll like this album. But it’s all so dour for me. And Americana is not a genre of music than holds any interest for me. I struggle to see the genuine distinction between Americana and American folk-rock and country-rock. Except that it lacks joy and life. And is rather old-fashioned. The next year Elton John released Tumbleweed Connection – for me John’s finest (sadly overlooked). Now that’s a great exploration of the Americana genre.
The Band “Up On Cripple Creek” on The Ed Sullivan Show – YouTube
Greg Schwepe: As a music aficionado, I’ve always been sure to check out bands or albums that are generally acknowledged as classics or influential in some way to other artists. Kind of like, if you’re really a music geek you have to own a copy of Rumours, Hotel California and Back In Black type of thing.
So, I had to do the same thing with The Band a few years ago. Knowing how Eric Clapton was a fan, and their involvement with Bob Dylan, I decided to give them a listen. And, during a concert marathon on a music related TV channel I watch, I probably saw an ad for The Last Waltz, so that probably nudged me a little. After purchasing some album by The Band (either a compilation or release that I can’t remember), I did my due diligence to see what the fuss was about.
And to tell you the truth, I was a little underwhelmed. And I was disappointed that I was underwhelmed. After I got past the 3-4 songs that actually did radio airplay I just didn’t “get” The Band. Bunch of talented musicians, but the rest of their stuff didn’t seem to click with me.
And when The Band’s second album got selected for this week’s review, I thought I’d take another listen and try harder this time. But alas, the same result. A few songs really, really stuck with me; the funky Up On Cripple Creek, and the bluesy chugging Jemima Surrender. The rest of the album, well, maybe Americana is not my thing for the most part.
7 out of 10 for me on this one. Influential band with albums that influenced and moved a lot of people, but just not me.
John Davidson: Not my cup of tea. Though lord knows I’ve tried over the years. I do like southern rock and the occasional country rock song crosses over but this one just sounds dated to me.
Clearly a host of talented musicians and some decent songs that have entered the public lexicon, but overall it’s a no.
Evan Sanders: Thanks for making The Band the Album of the Week, as my usual listening to them has either been The Last Waltz or a greatest hits selection. I think this album is a great example of the Americana movement, which influenced bands from The Grateful Dead, The Eagles, and even Southern Rock, with its emphasis on songs that seem to evoke a place and history.
Even though the album that gets more attention is the previous year’s Music From Big Pink, I think the second album better establishes The Band’s sound. Perhaps this is because all the songs were written by the members, rather than adapting covers. Songs like The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up On Cripple Creek and Look Out Cleveland continue to be played in the great American songbook, deservedly.
I’m giving it a 7/10, subtracting a few points for several songs that are less impressive b-sides, and my opinion that the lyrics of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down have not aged well.
Philip Qvist: A good album, including a couple of their iconic songs, mainly The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and Up On Cripple Creek.
Some great vocals from Richard Manuel (who also contributed to the songwriting), Levon Helm and Rick Danko. That all said, it is Robbie Robertson’s songwriting that is the key here. A rather decent album.
John Stout: Just bought the deluxe edition, as it includes the Band’s full set at Woodstock. Music From Big Pink and this one are the essentials, but Stage Fright is excellent too (and comes with a full show from the Royal Albert Hall 1971 which is absolutely killer.)
And that’s coming from someone who only just started listening to them a couple of months ago.
Chris Elliott: In 1984 during one of their reformations I “saw” them at a strange festival. I was 18 and may have succumbed to other temptations and I have absolutely zero recollections of much at all – including seeing The Band.
However a few years down the line I finally got this album and it’s been a favourite since. Once a complete outlier in my tastes – it’s become more of an indicator of my tastes as time passes.
It has the same feeling as Uncle Tupelo albeit taking a more roots approach. Barely a note wasted – together with Music From Big Pink it’s a wonderful album. They never reached the same heights after.
A perfect album to walk the dog – a wonderful album to just waft you along. Whispering Pines is a thing of beauty.
Adam Ranger: I’m probably in the minority here but I found this a bit dull. Great playing, good writing, but I found myself, with a couple of exceptions, a bit bored by the experience.
I think I was expecting something special from years of critical acclaim. I had only heard these songs on The Last Waltz (an excellent live album that I can easily listen to anytime)
I guess for me, the album versions are not as lively.. the exception being Up On Cripple Creek, the best song on this record.
I can appreciate their influence given that this was 1968, and I appreciate the artistry, but it’s not an album I will revisit quickly.
Mike Canoe: Party over, oops, out of time; tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1869.
I try one of the Band’s albums again every few years, but I find their music as aggressively and pretentiously dull as their choice of band name. It’s as if, at the peak of psychedelia and heavy rock, they made a point of rocking out as little as possible.
In some ways, they remind me of the Grateful Dead but without Jerry Garcia’s scruffy charm and the cool skull logo. I guess their musicianship is high quality but none of the three vocalists or Robbie Robertson’s lyrics draw me in.
The faux ol’-timey The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is everything I dislike about the band in one song. As inauthentic as the sepia-toned band photo on the album cover. If I had to point someone towards a hit, it would be the upbeat Up On Cripple Creek. For a deeper track, Look Out Cleveland or Rag Mama Rag.
I have friends who swear by the Band’s greatness and have named dogs after certain band members. However, they remain not for me. But I’ll probably try again in a few years.
Final score: 8.09 (53 votes cast, total score 429)
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