Chris Brown was among the massive layoffs at Atlantic Music Group, owned by Warner Music Group. Brown served as executive vice president at Elektra Entertainment and co-head of Roadrunner Records.  Cees Wessels formed Roadrunner in The Netherlands in 1980.  The label grew to international prominence (with offices in New York, among other cities) in the hard rock and metal underground with seminal releases from King Diamond, Obituary, Sepultura, and Machine Head. Type O Negative gave the label its first gold album; Slipknot was the first to go platinum. The label was also the longtime home to Nickelback (except in Canada).  In

BEARTOOTH can now add "platinum" to their list of accomplishments.  This week, the RIAA certified "In Between" platinum for sales and equivalent streams of over 1 million units. The 2014 single, released by Red Bull Music, went gold four years ago. It appears on the band's debut album, Disgusting.  "It's no secret it's been an insane ride for the gang since this release, and it's not over by a long shot!" longtime manager Thomas Gutches wrote in an email to those closest to Beartooth, including yours truly. "It's so wild to think that some of you saw the band in

Pop-punk bands gave the House of Mouse a pair of new No. 1s.  A Whole New World sees rock bands covering classic Disney songs, including “A Whole New World” (from Aladdin), “Part of Your World” (The Little Mermaid), and “Remember Me” (Coco). The 12-song set debuted atop Billboard's Kid Albums and Compilation Albums charts (dated Sept. 21). The album boasts Yellowcard, Mayday Parade, Magnolia Park, and New Found Glory, among others. “We grew up watching Disney movies with our families, and now we get to enjoy them with our kids, so it’s pretty amazing to have been invited to be on

Michelle Kerr passed away on September 14. The veteran hard rock and metal publicist died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones after a five-year-long fight against cancer.  I first met Michelle when she ran the publicity department for Roadrunner Records' UK office, where she worked with Nickelback, Korn, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, and Type O Negative, among others.  After 17 years with the company, she cofounded Cosa Nostra PR with fellow Roadrunner alum Kirsten Sprinks. The boutique firm quickly expanded into the United States with the additions of Charley Johns and Becky Black. Cosa Nostra PR clients in the US office

LAURA LEE joins 105.7 WAPL / Appleton-Oshkosh-Green Bay as morning show co-host. Mornings with Laura Lee & Cutter debuts on the Wisconsin Classic Rock station on September 23.  “I’m excited to have someone join me who can help propel this legendary radio station into the future,” said Cutter in a press release. “Laura embodies the spirit of WAPL; she knows the music and understands our listeners. Plus, she's willing to put up with me, which is a great start!” Added Lee: "I'm glad I never got rid of my 32oz truckers mega-mug for coffee last time I did mornings. I