Author: Logan Rocker

System Of A Down guitarist Daron Malakian has responded to claims that Glenn Close once drummed for the nu metal icons.

Onstage at the Golden Globes this weekend, the legendary actress presented the award for Best Motion Picture – Drama. Host Nikki Glaser jokingly introduced her, in addition to her status as a three-time Golden Globe winner and decades-spanning box office draw, as a “former drummer for System Of A Down”.

Yesterday (January 6), Malakian ‘confirmed’ Glaser’s comment in an Instagram post.

“Bet you didn’t know!!!! Bet you didn’t know!!!!!” he wrote. “Somewhere between our first drummer [Andy Khachaturian] and John [Dolmayan], Glenn Close was tearing shit up on the drums for us!!!!!”

Malakian’s post also contained video footage of Close’s introduction. Watch below.

System Of A Down released their Rick Rubin-produced debut album in 1998, shortly after Dolmayan replaced Close behind the kit. Its follow-up, 2001’s Toxicity, topped the US Billboard 200 charts and went on to be certified six-time Platinum by the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA).

The band went on hiatus in 2006, one year after releasing their Mezmerize and Hypnotize albums, and came back in 2011. They put out double A-side single Genocidal Humanoidz and Protect The Land in 2020, but have otherwise been a live-only band since returning.

In the spring, System Of A Down will headline their first full-length tour since 2018, when they play seven dates across South America. They’ll then co-headline six stadium shows in North America in August and September: two each with Korn, Deftones and Avenged Sevenfold.

There’s seemingly been no progress on a new System Of A Down album, but singer Serj Tankian recently told The Sun what their next record would sound like if they did make it.

“I would say if System ever decided to make a record, it would be a fresh start in a brand new way, in a beautiful new direction,” he said.

Tankian also teased that the band have a few unreleased “hidden gems” in their vault.

As for Close, she’s set to appear in two Netflix productions in 2025: action comedy Back In Action, which stars Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx and comes out on January 17, and Knives Out sequel Wake Up Dead Man.

A dispute between Kiss and a fired wig roadie was settled out of court, after the presiding judge had warned the band it would be a “serious risk” if it proceeded.

David Mathews, who’d worked with Kiss for 30 years, had claimed mistreatment on tour followed by wrongful dismissal with a trial set to begin this month.

But a clerk of court confirmed to Rolling Stone yesterday (Jan. 6) that the procedure had been called off, to be replaced by a hearing in March to confirm the unreleased details of the settlement.

READ MORE: Paul Stanley Feels ‘Kind of Disoriented’ After Farewell Kiss Tour

Mathews had filed a six-point complaint, stating that he’d been forced to work in close proximity with Gene Simmons during COVID exposure rules.

He also claimed he’d been fired after manager Doc McGhee decided he’d leaked information to the press regarding the band’s health security measures. Those measures were the subject of speculation after another crewman, Fran Stueber, died of Covid mid-tour in 2021. Mathews had denied he was one of those who’d spoken to reporters.

Judge Told Kiss Fired Roadie Could Win ‘Big Pot of Money’

At the preliminary hearing, L.A. County Superior Court Judge Armen Tamzarian had said: “If this goes to trial, it would not surprise me if Mr. Mathews got nothing. It would not surprise me if he made a big pot of money.”

He continued: “This is the kind of case any rational person would settle. There’s a big risk this could swing dramatically one way or the other.”

The judge added that if Mathews managed to win, “there are deep, deep pockets there, and there could be a big result.” He told lawyers on both sides: “You’re both overconfident in your positions.”

Kiss Solo Albums Ranked Worst to Best

Counting down solo albums released by various members of Kiss.

Gallery Credit: Matthew Wilkening

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The childhood home of Malcolm and Angus Young, where they laid plans to form AC/DC in 1973, was demolished last month by a company which said it hadn’t known the location’s history.

The brothers and their family moved into 4 Burleigh Street in Burwood, Sydney, in 1965. Its cultural importance meant it was added to the New South Wales National Trust’s Register of Historic Houses in 2013 – although the register has no legal status and doesn’t offer any protection.

Burwood Square Pty Ltd bulldozed the building at some point in December as part of a multi-million dollar residential development, resulting in a furious backlash from fans.

READ MORE: AC/DC’s Most Historic Concerts

“[P]ossibly the most iconic residence in the entire country has been demolished,” the operator of nearby music store Utopia Records said on Instagram. “One of my very favorite things to do was take visiting mates and musicians from around the world to this spot for the ultimate AC/DC photo op.”

The post continued: “One house out of an entire continent of houses couldn’t be protected as an Australian Rock Museum or a tourist destination for the gazillion Acca fans worldwide? Graceland keeps Memphis alive … this spot could have kept money coming into Burwood for decades to come.

“No one from the Local Council, State or Federal Governments stepped in? Even the bloke in charge that is apparently some huge Aussie rock fan?”

The company’s general manager, Leon Kmita, vowed to make amends by building a bar or cafe in the location, using material salvaged from the rubble of the Youngs’ house.

Developers ‘Shocked’ to Realize They’d Demolished AC/DC House

“We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us,” Kmita said in a statement. “Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.”

Adding that the entire team were experiencing “heartfelt regret,” he continued: “We now recognize how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide.

“While we cannot change the past, we are dedicated to celebrating this significant part of their story. To the global fanbase of AC/DC, please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right.”

https://www.instagram.com/utopiarecords/p/DETXgb5Pdyl/

AC/DC Albums Ranked

Critics say every AC/DC album sounds the same, but that’s far from the truth.

Gallery Credit: Ultimate Classic Rock Staff

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January 6, 2025, 23 minutes ago

news nightwish floor jansen northward pagan’s mind jorn viggo lofstad hard rock

Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen has shared another Music Corner video along with the following introduction:

“Join me as I dive into Northward – my 2018 rock collaboration with Jørn Viggo Lofstad (Pagan’s Mind). From its creation in 2008 to finally being released a decade later, discover the story behind this special album. Hear about ‘While Love Died’, ‘Storm In A Glass’, and the connection between ‘Paragon’ and my latest solo work.”

Check out the BraveWords review of the Northward album here. Our interview with Lofstad about the record can be found here.

In 2013 Linda Thompson released her fourth solo album Won’t Be Long Now. That year she told Prog about how the record came together and also shared memories from her remarkable – and accidental – career in music.

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True folk royalty and one of our finest living singers, Linda Thompson rose through the rough Glasgow clubs in the 60s to make classic albums with ex-husband Richard Thompson and four solo records – including her latest, Won’t Be Long Now, which is jam-packed with guests.

By turns modest, funny, nervous and philosophical, the 65-year-old is wonderful company as she looks back on a rich career. “I never planned on being a singer,” she says. “But I never planned on doing anything else either.”

Won’t Be Long Now features Eliza and Martin Carthy, Dave Swarbrick, Ron Sexsmith, Richard Thompson and your son Teddy Thompson. How did it begin life?

Teddy presented the track It Won’t Be Long Now to me, which was quite a nice present to receive and quite apropos considering my age! But it’s done with good humour. Sometimes the songs came first, sometimes the guests.

With Ron Sexsmith, you can send him any random words and he can turn it into a great song. With Richard, I just happened to be in New York so he came and did a session before he played a gig.

Do you prefer to work in New York?

I do, because there are no distractions. I’ve got kids, grandkids, a husband, other work. Didn’t GK Chesterton stupidly say, “The enemy of creativity is the pram in the hallway”? Well, maybe there’s a kernel of truth in that. If you’re working and your kids call saying they really need you, then you go. But I can’t do that in New York so I record there. I have a little place in The Village.

The album features some traditional and folk standards, such as Blue Bleezin’ Blind Drunk. How did you pick them?

Growing up in Scotland, domestic abuse wasn’t even a crime. The police said it wasn’t their business. But I heard Belle Stewart of The Stewart Family sing about it on that song. She got the subject out there, and that was interesting. It only has three verses so I added another.

I’ve been singing it for years and more recently The Unthanks did a wonderful version. That’s how it works with good traditional songs –there are always many versions circulating.

Having released only one solo album in 1985, you’ve now done three in just over 10 years – you’re having a busy spell!

Indeed, though no one could ever call me prolific. I do it for love.

It’s beyond stage fright – it’s an ailment… I envy people who murder songs on the karaoke

Presumably there’s a lot less pressure now than in the 70s.

You know, in the 70s, artists were left alone. Island and Chrysalis had ‘prestige acts’ – who wouldn’t sell but who they liked. I can’t believe that we were lucky enough to be in that bracket in that era. We were signed to Island for eight years; now you’re lucky to get 80 days. But I’m not moaning. Change is change. I download music all the time and I love it. Also, I’m deaf as a post, so I only go and see heavy metal bands these days anyway!

What are your first musical memories?

My parents loved country – Hank Williams, but also George Jones, Elvis, Ray Charles and the Everly Brothers. I first sang a Doris Day song at the Brownies and all the girls stopped dib-dib-dibbing and listened.

Growing up on a council estate in Glasgow, you don’t think of having a singing career, but I still love it. Live gigs less so. I’m too nervous. It’s really hard for me. It’s beyond stage fright – it’s an ailment. I have to take the beta-blockers weeks in advance. I envy people who murder songs on the karaoke.

Your first paid singing work was doing advertising jingles.

I sang in clubs first, with people like Hamish Imlach. Then I did commercials. It was the best-paid job. I was 19 and made a fortune selling yoghurt, butter, toilet paper – anything. Artists get accused of selling out, but when you’re broke and unknown, go for it, I say.

The British folk-rock scene seems like it was a bit of a boys’ club, yet its more distinctive and enduring voices – yourself, Sandy Denny, Jacqui McShee, Maddy Prior – were female.

The boys didn’t mess with me and Sandy because we were bolshy

The boys didn’t mess with me and Sandy because we were bolshy. But the 60s was an attractive time for guys. Everyone was sleeping with each other willy-nilly – excuse the pun – and men didn’t have to change nappies. You had to box clever when record executives would say, “Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.” I just got on with it.

1972’s Rock On project, released under the band moniker The Bunch, included Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, Ashley Hutchings and others. It was an oddity – a folk supergroup playing Elvis and Buddy Holly tunes. Was it fun?

Great fun, and a perfect example of musical bedrooms. It was done at Richard Branson’s residential studio, The Manor, so there were cooks on call, all-night parties and people sleeping with one another. I’ve no idea how the record was received.

1982’s Shoot Out The Lights with Richard Thompson was a big success, but it heralded the end of your marriage.

Yes, very strange. How dense was I, singing some of those songs and not realising those things were happening to me? But my problems weren’t huge – those records still sell and I’m grateful. It’s a pension, which is just fab. And I’ve recently got into watching YouTube clips that people send me. It’s historically interesting; and the haircuts are hilarious!

You’ve lost your voice for long spells due to spasmodic dysphonia. When did it begin?

I always look on the bright side of life. Which is funny, because I write very sad songs

Three months after I married Richard in 1972, I got pregnant and found it difficult to breathe. But we had a record to make. That’s when it started. It got really bad when we split up. There was a lot of pain. Even now it’s still there and I don’t like talking much. My iPad is my main method of communication.

What do you consider your greatest achievement in life?

I would say the children – but I’m sick to death of people saying that! They’re horrible ingrates anyway! I suppose, like Monty Python said, it’s my ability to always look on the bright side of life. Which is funny, because I write very sad songs.

The Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown was shut out at the Golden Globes, losing all three of the categories in which it was nominated.

Expectations were understandably high for the film entering the night, especially for its star, Timothee Chalamet, who has generated substantial awards buzz for his portrayal of Dylan. Many oddsmakers had the 29 year-old as the favorite to take home Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, however the award instead went to Adrien Brody for The Brutalist.

READ MORE: Timothee Chalamet Spent Five Years Working on Bob Dylan Role

Edward Norton, who plays Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown, was met a similar Golden Globes fate. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor – Drama, but lost to Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain. Norton previously took home Golden Globe in 1997 for his captivating turn in the film Primal Fear.

The third and final nomination of the night for A Complete Unknown was Best Picture – Drama. That honor went to The Brutalist.

The Golden Globes have been good to rock biopics in recent years. In 2019, Queen‘s Bohemian Rhapsody earned Best Picture, while Rami Malek won Best Actor for his portrayal of frontman Freddie Mercury. A year later, Taron Egerton won Best Actor for playing Elton John in Rocketman, while John and Bernie Taupin took home the Golden Globe for Best Original Song. 

Timothy Chalamet Describes ‘Unique Challenge’ of Playing Bob Dylan

While Chalamet didn’t add a Golden Globe to his trophy collection, the star has nevertheless received ample praise for his embodiment of Dylan. Chalamet previously described the part as “the most unique challenge I’ve taken on,” adding that “where my confidence came through is eventually doing all the music live.”

In preparation for the role, Chalamet worked for years with both dialect and harmonica coaches. The actor, who also served as one of the producers of A Complete Unknown, admitted to feeling a certain connection to Dylan.

“Bob wanted to be a rock ’n’ roll star – Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Elvis Presley… Equally, I wanted to be a big movie actor,” he explained during a conversation with Apple Music 1. “I’m now deep in the church of Bob, and I feel like I get this opportunity to kinda be a bridge to this music.”

Bob Dylan at the Movies: A Guide to 10 Films

“In one way I don’t consider myself a filmmaker at all. In another way I do,” Dylan once said. 

Gallery Credit: Allison Rapp

More From Ultimate Classic Rock

A motorcycle owned by legendary Rush drummer is going up for auction on Saturday, February 1st in Las Vegas.

His 2004 BMW R1200GS / 1170cc Boxer-Twin, 6-Speed was the bike used on his on a 55,000-mile journey around Canada, the U.S. and parts of Central America
detailed in his book, Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road. 

Highlights:

– Includes the original purchase receipt signed by Neil from McBride Cycle of Toronto
– Peart documented many of his motorcycle journeys around the world and was a big fan of the GS models
– Ridden on the band’s R30 Anniversary Tour
– Jesse aluminum panniers
– Worn canvas tank bag
– Includes 2 used Neil Peart drum sticks

For auction details visit this location.

BravePicks 2024 – The Scribes Speak!
Aaron Small

Top 20 Of 2024
1) BLACKTOP MOJO – Pollen (Cuhmon Music Group)
2) KERRY KING – From Hell I Rise (Reigning Phoenix Music)
3) SEBASTIAN BACH – Child Within The Man (Reigning Phoenix Music)
4) MYLES KENNEDY – The Art Of Letting Go (Napalm Records)
5) RICHIE KOTZEN – Nomad (BMG)
6) SLASH – Orgy Of The Damned (Gibson Records)
7) CATEGORY 7 – Category 7 (Metal Blade Records)
8) BLACK SMOKE TRIGGER – Horizons (Self-Released)
9) THE CROWN – Crown Of Thorns (Metal Blade Records)
10) THE COMMONERS – Restless (Gypsy Soul Records)
11) THE DEAD DAISIES – Light ‘Em Up (Self-Released)
12) THE NATIVE HOWL – Sons Of Destruction (Sumerian Records)
13) QUIREBOYS – Wardour Street (Cadiz Music)
14) TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION – Gunsmoke (MNRK Heavy)
15) TROY REDFERN – Invocation (RED7 Records)
16) MICK MARS – The Other Side Of Mars (1313 LLC)
17) THY WILL BE DONE – Pillar Of Fire (Eye.On Lion Recordings)
18) PHILIP SAYCE – The Wolves Are Coming (Atomic Gemini / Forty Below Records)
19) TUK SMITH & THE RESTLESS HEARTS – Rogue To Redemption (Gypsy Rose Records)
20) THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS – Rise Above It All (Mascot Records)

Top 5 Concerts 
DIRTY HONEY / THE BAND FEEL – Madrid Theatre – Kansas City, MO
TOQUE – The Rivoli – Toronto, ON
SEBASTIAN BACH / KURT DEIMER – The Venue – Peterborough, ON
W.A.S.P. / ARMORED SAINT – History – Toronto, ON
BILLY IDOL – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON

Top 5 Brave Embarrassments
WARLOCK A.D. – Book II: The Valley Of Vâgené (Rockshots Records)
“The Golden Showers Of Prestønia” equates to a giant pint of piss!

DURBIN – Screaming Steel (Frontiers Music SRL)
A failed attempt at emulating the greatness of Dio and Judas Priest.

DRAGONCORPSE – The Fall Of House Abbarath (Shattered Earth Records)
Unlistenable mash-up of deathcore and power metal from costumed characters infatuated with Game Of Thrones.

SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET – Seven Hours After Violet (Sumerian Records)
System Of A Down bassist Shavo Odadjian’s unfocused, annoying side project.

MUSHROOMHEAD – Call The Devil (Napalm Records)
The Devil doesn’t care about worthless, obsolete nu-metal; neither does anyone else.

Thoughts On 2024
In addition to the titles listed in my Top 20, there are two albums that deserve honorable mention: Science, Not Fiction by Orange Goblin, and Scream For Rock from Stone Whiskey. If you haven’t already, I urge you to listen to both.

2024 had no shortage of unexpected events, beginning with Aerosmith announcing their retirement from touring, cancelling their rescheduled Peace Out Farewell Tour. The band released a statement, announcing that 76-year-old singer Steven Tyler is unable to fully recover from a vocal injury, specifically a fractured larynx.

Jane’s Addiction imploded after vocalist Perry Farrell attacked guitarist Dave Navarro on stage during the song “Ocean Size” in Boston, Massachusetts, thereby forcing the cancellation of the rest of their North American Tour. Farrell would later apologize for his “inexcusable behaviour,” but the damage was done.

After suffering a stroke in 2023, Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain completed The Future Past Tour, and subsequently stunned fans when he announced that he is stepping away from touring. With many of the shows on Maiden’s upcoming Run For Your Lives Tour already sold out, the band quickly introduced Nicko’s replacement – Simon Dawson from Steve Harris’ British Lion. 

Skid Row amicably parted ways with singer Erik Grönwall, citing “the travel and rigors of the road as not conducive to his overall health and recovery” from leukemia. “It proved challenging touring the world with an impaired immune system, which is a result of my bone marrow transplant,” said Grönwall. Longtime friend Lzzy Hale of Halestorm temporarily took over vocal duties for a handful of concerts; while she did a tremendous job and the fans loved her, Hale cannot commit to Skid Row full-time as that would interfere with her main band. The question beckons, what happens next? Grönwall was the fifth singer for Skid Row. Original vocalist Sebastian Bach would love to return, but guitarists Snake Sabo and Scotti Hill, along with bassist Rachel Bolan, have been crystal clear on multiple occasions that they have no interest in working with Baz again.

A day after Dimmu Borgir headlined the main stage at Dynamo Metal Fest in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, guitarist Galder announced his departure from the band by issuing the following statement on social media: “Yesterday I played my last show with Dimmu Borgir. After almost 25 years of making music and playing with Dimmu Borgir, I have decided to leave the band. I have been thinking about this for years, and as many of you have been pointing out – it’s time for Old Man’s Child to get on stage again and finalizing the new album. I wish the best for the other members of the band moving forward.”

After disbanding in 2019 following a lengthy farewell tour, Slayer shocked fans by announcing a trio of reunion shows: Chicago’s Riot Fest, Louisville’s Louder Than Life, and Sacramento’s Aftershock. The Louder Than Life festival date in Kentucky was cancelled due to inclement weather caused by Hurricane Helene. As a result, Slayer will headline Louder Than Life in 2025.

No one could have predicted that guitarist Jake E. Lee (Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands, Red Dragon Cartel) would get shot three times while walking his dog outside his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lee was hit by bullets in the forearm, in the foot, and in the back – which broke a rib and damaged a lung. According to Lee, the two masked gunmen were attempting to steal his neighbor’s motorcycle. No arrests have been made yet. Thankfully, Jake is on the road to a full recovery.  

The Pretty Reckless had an unforgettable year! It began with opening for The Rolling Stones in Las Vegas, Nevada at Allegiant Stadium. That was followed by a support slot for AC/DC on the European leg of their Power Up Tour. During the concert in Seville, Spain, frontwoman Taylor Momsen was bitten by a bat which flew on stage and clung to her leg during the song, “Witches Burn”. This resulted in a series of rabies shots. But as Ozzy so famously sung, “You can’t kill rock and roll, it’s here to stay.”

KISS sold their music catalog, name, and likeness to Pophouse – the Swedish entertainment and music investment firm, “for about $300 million,” according to Gene Simmons. If you think that’s a lot of money, Queen sold their recording, publishing, and other rights to Sony Music for a record-breaking $1.27 billion. How these companies will ever recoup their cash is beyond me!

As is the case every year, in 2024 we lost a number of beloved musicians. A partial list of those who passed away includes: James Kottak (Scorpions, Kingdom Come, Warrant), Martin Lacroix (Cryptopsy), Greg “Fritz” Hinz (Helix), C.J. Snare (FireHouse), Ciriaco “Pinche Peach” Quezada (Brujeria), Jack Russell (Great White), Sean Blosl (Sanctuary), John “Juan Brujo” Lepe (Brujeria), Dave Allison (Anvil), Karl Näslund (In Flames), Paul Di’Anno (Iron Maiden), and Casey Chaos (Amen). R.I.P.

Most importantly, massive thanks to each and every one of you who visit BraveWords.com to read our news, reviews, and exclusive interviews. We sincerely appreciate it!

What / Who Needs To Stop In 2025
Speculative ticket listing! This is when unofficial, unauthorized sellers list tickets for sale even though they do not actually have those tickets. They’re speculating that they will be able to get tickets and then resell them, at a much higher price. Essentially, this is fraud! Sadly, there are endless stories of people getting scammed via this practice.

Metal Predictions For 2025
As part of their massive European and Middle East Tour, Guns N’ Roses will play the prestigious Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany for the first time, headlining on July 31st; of course it’s already sold out. What a way to celebrate their 40th anniversary!

Poison drummer Rikki Rockett will publish his autobiography, Ghost Notes, on July 15th via Rare Bird Lit. This should be a very interesting read!

It’s shaping up to be another great year for hard rock and heavy metal, with new albums expected from: Alter Bridge, Anthrax, Arch Enemy, Armored Saint, Black Label Society, Corrosion Of Conformity, Cradle Of Filth, Down, Halestorm, The Halo Effect, The Haunted, The Hellacopters, Billy Idol, L.A. Guns, Machine Head, Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Smith/Kotzen, Testament, Tremonti, Volbeat, Ricky Warwick, W.A.S.P., and Wednesday 13.

Read our BravePicks 2024 countdown where Judas Priest’s Invincible Shield conquered the throne at #1 here.

More Scribe Speaks:
Mark Gromen

January 5, 2025, 3 hours ago

news jane’s addiction dave navarro stephen perkins eric avery hard rock

According to a January 3rd update from Jane’s Addiction bassist Eric Avery, he is working with bandmates Dave Navarro (guitar) and Stephen Perkins (drums) on new music. This follows in the wake of the October 2024 onstage dustup in Boston, when Jane’s Addiction singer Perry Farrell attacked Navarro. The band cancelled the remaining dates on their US tour at that point an announced a hiatus.

Back in October,

Loudwire shared the isolated vocals of Perry Farrell, leading up to his onstage altercation with Navarro.

Said Loudwire: “It was just last month that Farrell’s frustration during the band’s performance in Boston boiled over onstage, initially leading him to lunge at and push Navarro before eventually landing a punch at the guitarist. The singer was then restrained and taken offstage by several crew members. In the aftermath, the band offered an apology and then proceeded to call off the remainder of the touring and announce an immediate hiatus. The isolated audio was shared by Dan Cleary, a longtime friend of the band who had worked as the guitar and bass tech during the reunion tour.”

Read the full story, including what Dan Cleary had to say about the concert, at Loudwire. Hear Farrell’s rant below: