Spencer Kaufman is the Editor-in-Chief of Loudwire. He grew up playing stickball and basketball in Brooklyn, N.Y., before graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Communication Arts. He has been a professional music journalist for more than a decade in New York City. He digs punk, hardcore and industrial music, and fondly remembers the time Iggy Pop landed on him after a stage dive. His favorite movie is 'Taxi Driver' and he once played in a fictional college band called the Raging De Niros.
Spencer Kaufman
The Doors Keyboardist Ray Manzarek Dies at 74
Sad news to report as Ray Manzarek, the legendary keyboardist of the Doors, has passed away at the age of 74. The veteran musician died today in Germany after a long battle with bile duct cancer.
Slayer’s Jeff Hanneman Died of Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis; Band + Family Planning Memorial Event
Following last week's tragic passing of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman on May 2, his official cause of death has been revealed to be alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver, according to a statement from the band. In the same press release, Slayer also announced that a public memorial will be held to honor Hanneman at a yet-to-be-revealed date.
As I Lay Dying Members Issue Statement on Frontman Tim Lambesis’ Murder-for-Hire Arrest
Yesterday (May 7), the metal world was shocked at the news that As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis had been arrested on suspicion of solicitation of murder charges for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill his estranged wife. This evening (May 8), Lambesis' bandmates have issued a statement to their fans in regard to the arrest.
Alice in Chains Uproar Festival Flyaway Contest
The year 2013 is shaping up to be a big one for Alice in Chains, as they prepare to release their new album 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here' on May 28 and co-headline the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival. In celebration, Alice in Chains are teaming up with Loudwire, Ultimate Classic Rock and Diffuser.fm to offer a flyaway trip for two to the Sept. 13 stop of the Uproar Festival in Phoenix,
Ozzy Osbourne Reveals Drug and Alcohol Relapse, Apologizes to Family, Friends + Fans
In a surprising Facebook message posted tonight (April 15), heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has admitted to "drinking and taking drugs" over the past 18 months. The revelation comes after rumors earlier today that he has split with his wife Sharon.
Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng Dies at 42
It is with true sadness that we report that Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away early Saturday morning (April 13) after a four-year battle to survive following a car crash in 2008.
Early AC/DC Bassist Neil Smith Dies
Neil Smith, an early bassist for hard rock legends AC/DC, died today (April 7) after battling cancer. The news was reported on the Australian rocker's official Facebook page.
My Chemical Romance Break Up
In surprising news, My Chemical Romance have announced that they have broken up via a posting Friday night (March 22) on the band's official website.
Marilyn Manson Stage Collapse Due to Flu
As reported earlier, Marilyn Manson collapsed and vomited onstage near the end of his set in Saskatoon, Canada, last night (Feb. 6). Now, comes word that Manson was suffering from the flu, according to TMZ.
Randy Blythe Trial, Day 4: Witness Testifies in Favor of Lamb of God Frontman
As reported, it was announced yesterday (Feb. 6) that Randy Blythe's manslaughter trial in the Czech Republic would be adjourned until March 4 to accommodate a witness who is currently ill. However, it was also revealed that there would be one more witness set to testify today (Feb. 7) before the one-month break. During a session that only lasted 45 minutes, the latest witness spoke in defense of
Randy Blythe Addresses News Reports About Trial: ‘Many Things Are Incorrect’
Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe, who is in the midst of his trial on manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic, has written an open letter to his fans on his Instagram page. The metal vocalist says many of the media reports on the trial are incorrect, due in large part to the difficult translation of the original reports from Czech into English.
Lamb of God Vocalist Randy Blythe’s Manslaughter Trial Begins in Czech Republic
Randy Blythe has traveled back to the Czech Republic, where his trial on manslaughter charges began today (Feb. 4). Before entering the courtroom, the Lamb of God vocalist posted a photo of himself with a new short haircut and dressed in a suit and tie (seen to the left), with a message to his fans: