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
Megadeth Pull Out of Australian Shows as Dave Mustaine Requests Apology From Promoter
Following last week's controversy in which organizers of Australia's Soundwave festival stated that Megadeth had requested that Newsted not support them on a pair of Sidewave gigs, Megadeth have now pulled out of all of their Australia shows.
Fan Dies After Stage Dive at Swiss Concert Headlined by Suicidal Tendencies
Tragic news to report out of Switzerland, as a fan has died from injuries sustained in a stage dive at a concert headlined by Suicidal Tendencies. The Jan. 22 show was part of the Persistence Tour that also featured Terror, Strife and Evergreen Terrace.
SnoCore Tour, Featuring The Pretty Reckless, Canceled as Taylor Momsen Battles Illness
Disappointing news for those fans hoping to check out the return of the SnoCore Tour this year, as it has been called off just a couple of days before it was set to kick off. Unfortunately, Taylor Momsen, lead singer of headliners the Pretty Reckless, is battling walking pneumonia and acute laryngitis, forcing the band to pull out of the tour. As a result, the entire trek has been canceled.
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Open Letter to the Grammys: Give Metal and Hard Rock the Respect They Deserve
We recently published an open letter to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, asking them to consider some of the greatest hard rock + metal acts ever for induction. But now we point our dissatisfaction at the 2014 Grammy Awards, which took place Sunday night, Jan. 26, and featured one rock and metal snub after another.
2014 Grammy Awards Snubs Late Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman During ‘In Memoriam’ Segment
As it does every year, the Grammy Awards paid tribute to the musicians who passed away over the past 12 months with an 'In Memoriam' segment toward the end of Sunday night's ceremony. However, there was at least one glaring omission, as there was no mention of late Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman.
Korn, Rob Zombie and Five Finger Death Punch Headline 2014 Fort Rock Festival
The impressive lineups for the big 2014 festivals continue to roll out, with the latest among them being the 2014 Monster Energy's Fort Rock festival at JetBlue Park in Ft. Myers, Fla. The headliners for the April 26 event are Korn, Rob Zombie and Five Finger Death Punch.
The Pretty Reckless Rock Acoustic Version of ‘Going to Hell’ – Exclusive Video
With the Pretty Reckless gearing up to release their new album, 'Going to Hell' on March 18 via Razor & Tie Records, lead singer Taylor Momsen and guitarist Ben Phillips stopped by the Loudwire studio to perform a stirring rendition of the disc's infectious title track.
Ministry Mastermind Al Jourgensen to Enter Rehab for Alcohol Abuse
Legendary Ministry mastermind Al Jourgensen, who helped pioneer the industrial rock movement, has announced that he is checking into a rehab facility on Feb. 3 to combat his alcohol abuse. The rock frontman, who has infamously battled addictions to drugs and alcohol throughout his career, announced the news via a series of colorful Facebook posts.
Metallica To Begin Work on New Album “In a Couple of Weeks”
One of the most repeated questions in the metal world over the past couple years has been, "When is the new Metallica album coming out?" Now, at least we have an answer as to when the legendary act will commence work on the new disc.
Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi Offers Latest Health Update, Outlook for 2014
The metal world's collective heart sank when it was announced in the beginning of 2012 that the godfather of metal himself, Tony Iommi, was battling lymphoma. However, the Black Sabbath guitarist has managed to persevere despite the diagnosis, and has started the new year with his latest health update.
Judge Rules in Favor of Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee in Lawsuit Over Roller-Coaster Drum Design
In September 2012, Tommy Lee and Motley Crue were sued by Howard Scott King, who claimed that he gave the Crue drummer the idea for the roller-coaster drum set which he has used on tour in recent years. Now, TMZ reports that a judge has dismissed the lawsuit, clearing Lee of any wrongdoing.
Joey Jordison: ‘I Did Not Quit Slipknot’
It was shocking news when Slipknot announced in December that they've parted ways with drummer Joey Jordison. Now, it appears as if Jordison himself was the person most shocked by the decision.