HARDY has more chart positions to make his team happy. 

Quit!! did 24,000 in total activity this week, landing at No. 23 on the all-genre Billboard 200.

Thirteen thousand of those units were album sales, including 3000 on vinyl. 13M audio and 540k video streams came to roughly 11,000 in streaming equivalent albums.

Quit!! is No. 9 on the Album Sales chart, No. 5 on the Current Rock Albums, and No. 1 on the Current Hard Music Albums. 

My good friends Louis Posen, Ian Harrison, Erin Choi, and the rest of the team at Hopeless Records are celebrating the label’s 30th anniversary this year.

The Southern California-based label played a huge role in the careers of Avenged Sevenfold, All Time Low, The Wonder Years, Waterparks, Fame On Fire, and more. 

The traveling “Hopeless Museum” exhibit, boasting over one thousand label artifacts, will stop at the Rock Hall in Cleveland on August 24 and 25th.

An additional Hopeless Records exhibit will open in the Rock Hall’s main exhibit hall on August 24. The same day will feature performances by Awsten Knight from Waterparks, Illuminati Hotties, Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years, and Scene Queen, with a Q&A panel hosted by Alternative Press magazine founder Mike Shea. 

Falling In Reverse & Jelly Roll remain atop the Active Rock chart this week with the country-tinged hard rock/metal tune “All My Life.” 

This week’s Active Rock Top 40 chart: 

1. Falling In Reverse / Jelly Roll “All My Life” (Epitaph)
2. From Ashes To New “Barely Breathing” (Better Noise)
3. Pearl Jam “Wreckage” (Republic)
4. Sleep Theory “Fallout” (Epitaph)
5. Daughtry “Pieces” (Big Machine Rock)
6. Motley Crue “Dogs of War” (Big Machine Rock)
7. Wage War “MAGNETIC” (Fearless/Concord)
8. The Offspring “Make It All Right” (Concord)
9. Bad Omes “V.A.N” ft. Poppy (Sumerian)
10. Billy Morrison & Ozzy Osbourne “Crack Cocaine” ft. Steve Stevens (TLG/Zoid/Epic-Virgin)
11. Staind “Better Days” (Alchemy)
12. Halestorm / I Prevail “Can U See Me in the Dark?” (Atlantic)
13. Bring Me The Horizon “Top 10 Statues That Cried Blood” (Columbia)
14. Tim Montana “Savage” (Music Knox/BMG)
15. A Day To Remember “Feedback” (FBR/Elektra/Atlantic)
16. Five Finger Death Punch “This is the Way” ft. DMX (Better Noise)
17. Fame On Fire “Nightmare (The Devil)” (Hopeless)
18. P.O.D. “AFRAID TO DIE” (Mascot/MLG)
19. Black Veil Brides “Bleeders” (Spinefarm)
20. Palaye Royale “Dead to Me” (Sumerian) 
21. Seether “Judas Mind” (Fantasy/Concord)
22. Set It Off “Fake Ass Friends” (Why Worry/Stern)
23. The Funeral Portrait “Suffocate City” ft. Spencer Charnas (Better Noise)
24. Myles Kennedy “Say What You Will” (Napalm)
25. Moon Fever “Forever Sleep” (Astro)
26. Kittie “We Are Shadows” (Sumerian)
27. Royale Lynn “Death Wish” ft. Danny W (Epitaph)
28. Plush “Run” (Pavement)
29. Shallow Side “Filters” ft. Elias S (Thermal Ent.)
30. ONI “Control” (Iron Shore)
31. Dirty Honey “Don’t Put Out the Fire” (DIRT)
32. HARDY “PSYCHO” (Big Loud Rock)
33. Rain City Drive “Medicate Me” (Thriller)
34. Stratejacket “Bad Start” (Edgeout/UMe)
35. Jesse James Dupree “Stranded” (Mighty Loud)
36. Poppy “New Way Out” (Sumerian)
37. Black Crowes “Bedside Manners” (Silver Arrow)
38. Limp Bizkit “Turn It Up, Bitch” (Suretone)
39. Scott Stapp “Black Butterfly” (Napalm/Shelter)
40. 311 “You’re Gonna Get It” (311/CO5) 

David Wolter and Miles Beard are now co-heads of A&R at Republic Records, moving up from EVP of A&R titles. 

The East Coast-based Wolter and West Coast-based Beard will report to label president and chief creative officer Wendy Goldstein.

They will lead A&R alongside EVP Danielle Price Sanders, who oversees the R&B/hip-hop A&R team.

“When it comes to A&R, Miles and David are two of the industry’s most savvy and visionary executives,” Goldstein said in a statement. “They could not be more different in terms of preferences, approach and even location of the two coasts, however they’re the perfect match to run this department. They share a rare passion for music and they’re intensely committed to championing their artists. Their partnership is genuinely next-level and will be integral to our success going forward. Our focus is creating a dominant A&R team with them along with our hip-hop/R&B initiatives.”

Beard has worked with the Jonas Brothers and Republic’s K-pop partners on Stray Kids and TXT. Wolter has worked with Greta Van Fleet, Miranda Lambert, and Zoe Kravitz. 

Wolter signed The Gorillaz while working at Virgin Records from 1997 through 2007. He then went to RCA Records for ten years before returning to Virgin under the Capitol Music Group umbrella in 2017. He joined Republic Records in 2022. Beard signed Charlie Puth at APG before moving over to Republic in 2022. 

This week’s Active Rock Top 40: 

1. Falling In Reverse / Jelly Roll “All My Life” (Epitaph) 
2. Pearl Jam “Wreckage” (Republic) 
3. From Ashes To New “Barely Breathing” (Better Noise) 
4. Billy Morrison & Ozzy Osbourne “Crack Cocaine” ft. Steve Stevens (TLG/Zoid/Epic-Virgin) 
5. Sleep Theory “Fallout” (Epitaph) 
6. Motley Crue “Dogs of War” (Big Machine Rock) 
7. Daughtry “Pieces” (Big Machine Rock) 
8. Wage War “MAGNETIC” (Fearless/Concord) 
9. The Offspring “Make It Right” (Concord) 
10. Bad Omens “V.A.N” ft. Poppy (Sumerian) 
11. Staind “Better Days” (Alchemy) 
12. Five Finger Death Punch “This is the Way” ft. DMX (Better Noise) 
13. Halestorm / I Prevail “Can U See Me in the Dark” (Atlantic) 
14. Bring Me The Horizon “Top 10 Statues…” (Columbia) 
15. Tim Montana “Savage” (Music Knox/BMG) 
16. A Day To Remember “Feedback” (FBR/Elektra/Atlantic) 
17. Fame On Fire “Nightmare (The Devil)” (Hopeless) 
18. Sum 41 “Landmines” (Rise/BMG) 
19. P.O.D. “AFRAID TO DIE” (Mascot/MLG) 
20. Black Veil Brides “Bleeders” (Spinefarm) 
21. Palaye Royale “Dead to Me” (Sumerian) 
22. Set It Off “Fake Ass Friends” (Why Worry/Stern) 
23. Metallica “Screaming Suicide” (Blackened/Q Prime) 
24. Myles Kennedy “Say What You Will” (Napalm) 
25. Moon Fever “Forever Sleep” (Astro) 
26. Kittie “We Are Shadows” (Sumerian) 
27. The Funeral Portrait “Suffocate City” ft. Spencer Charnas (Better Noise) 
28. Seether “Judas Mind” (Fantasy/Concord) 
29. Royale Lynn “Death Wish” ft. Danny Worsnop (Epitaph) 
30. Plush “Run” (Pavement) 
31. Shallow Side “Filter” ft. Elias Soriano (Thermal Ent.) 
32. ONI “Control” (Iron Shore) 
33. Linkin Park “Friendly Fire’ (Warner) 
34. Lines Of Loyalty “Hurts to be Human” (C3&B Ent.)
35. Rain City Drive “Medicate Me” (Thriller) 
36. Stratejacket “Bad Start” (Edgeout/UMe) 
37. Highly Suspect “Summertime Voodoo” (Roadrunner/Atlantic) 
38. Jesse James Dupree “Stranded” (Mighty Loud) 
39. Black Crowes “Bedside Manners” (Silver Arrow) 
40. Limp Bizkit “Turn It Up, Bitch” (Suretone) 

I am happy to announce my return to Silver Scream Con, the horror and music convention curated by Spencer Charnas and Ice Nine Kills.

I will once again lead the panel Q&As. 

Get complete information at SilverScreamCon.com. 

Myles Kennedy is thoughtful, earnest, and boundlessly talented.

Slash loved his voice and personality so much that he renamed his solo band Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. He’s made seven albums as frontman for Alter Bridge, auditioned for the band that became Velvet Revolver, sang for Guns N’ Roses at their Rock Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, and nearly replaced Robert Plant in a reconstituted Led Zeppelin.

I first met the Spokane, Washington native as he prepared to release his debut solo album, 2018’s Year of the Tiger. I was mesmerized by his performance at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he played acoustically alongside his friend and manager, Tim Tournier. His voice and presence resemble the late, great Jeff Buckley, and I felt an instant bond with him in conversation.

His second solo album, The Ides of March, came in 2021. Now he’s gearing up to release his third, the decidedly barn-burning The Art of Letting Go.

We caught up by phone on the eve of the release of his new single, “Say What You Will.”

The Art of Letting Go is due October 11, 2024, via Napalm Records.

This Q&A was slightly edited for length and clarity.

RYAN J. DOWNEY: You work with so many great collaborators, and you can execute your vision as a solo artist. Does it feel like the best of all possible worlds? Or is it overwhelming? What’s the general state of how you compartmentalize all your endeavors?

MYLES KENNEDY: It’s funny when you break it down like that. One could fall prey to being overwhelmed. But as I get older, I’ve tried to adopt the philosophy that ‘Gratitude is the attitude.’ So, I’m grateful for it. For me, the creative element is [even bigger] than performing. That’s the addiction. The solo endeavor has become an exercise in a lot of ways to learn to trust my own judgment.

When collaborating with people, you benefit from that immediate [feedback]. Whereas when you’re all by yourself, you are kind of left to your own devices, and you must cultivate that instinct of like, ‘Yeah, this is good, or, ‘it’s not good,’ because you can end up wasting a lot of time trying to realize an idea that ends up not being up to par at the end.

You’ve worked with producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette on almost a dozen albums.

MYLES: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Elvis has been such an integral part of my career for the last 20-plus years. I love getting back in the saddle with him at the helm, knowing he’s behind the glass when we’re recording. I trust his instincts. If I perform something, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, I don’t know. I’m not feeling that.’ I don’t question it. Because I know we will be on the same page in the end. So, it’s been great to make yet another one with Elvis.

Some bands change producers often. For others, a producer is like a band member.

For some artists, it’s good to change it up often, as it will give each record a different flavor. But for me, it’s about that trust. I don’t want to put a bunch of time into writing a batch of tunes and then get into a situation where halfway through preproduction, you realize you made the wrong decision [producer-wise]. And then you’re worried about how your little sonic babies will turn out. I never have to worry about that with Elvis.

Do you sit down with the intention of writing solo stuff? How do you figure out whether it will work for a solo record vs. something you want to show [Alter Bridge guitarist Mark] Tremonti?

From a genre standpoint, Ides of March and especially Year of the Tiger, were very acoustic singer/songwriter [driven]. So, it used to be easy. But with this record, it was much more challenging, [because] the intention was to make a rock record. At times, I’d come up with an idea that straddled the fence of where it could go, and that made it hard. But what ended up happening is that now I’m ahead of the curve. When there’s another album with my other projects, I’ve got these ideas that I knew would work better elsewhere. I have a bit of a head start.

It seems like a good moment to indulge that side as a solo artist, given how busy the other guys in your projects are right now with projects of their own.

Yeah, it’s great. It feels like there’s a clear lane.

When I wrote the record last year, there was a very precise window of time I had to do it. My manager, Tim [Tournier], always has things planned. I mean, my life is planned out for the next five years, really. So, when a manager is kind of cracking the whip in that respect, you don’t want to disappoint them. I just had to hunker down and get this record written.

And what’s interesting about that, other than the fact that I had like six months to write it, it was also kind of a unique situation in that, for the first time in my career, I have this signature guitar that I worked on with Paul Reed Smith. What was interesting about having that guitar, as I was writing this whole record, is that it kind of informed; there was something about that instrument that just really inspired me creatively. In many ways, that guitar is why this record is so riff-based; it’s just a riff machine.

It’s sort of like a traditional old bluesman or something. ‘The magic is in the fiddle.’

Exactly. Like, ‘the devil gave me this.’ Though I promise you, Paul Reed Smith is not the devil. He’s a great guy.

You and I spoke a few years ago for my podcast, No-Prize from God, which wrestles with life’s big questions. The album title, The Art of Letting Go, is certainly evocative and seems to live in that wheelhouse of the spiritual and emotional. I realize it’s also the title track, but album titles are often meant to summarize a whole record.

What’s the significance of this title?

It’s a good question. Because as opposed to the first two solo records, which very much followed a theme throughout and kind of told the story, and this record; this record is a collection of songs. I was in different places at different points. I wanted to be free to express how I felt that day without having to stay on a specific trajectory.

The album title, The Art of Letting Go, sums up where I am with life right now. I’ve been working at becoming less reactive and learning the art of letting go through a lot of Eastern philosophy I’ve absorbed in the last six years, which has profoundly affected how I view the world and life. It’s been just an incredible benefit to me as a human being and creatively. It’s very liberating.

The title, The Art of Letting Go, sums up where I’m at, how it affected this record, and the freedom it allowed me. I started to go down this road around the time of Year of the Tiger. Once that album had been written and recorded, I suddenly had a bit of anxiety about releasing it.

There’s a different kind of vulnerability with the solo stuff. And it’s just your name on the tin.

On the tin. Exactly. And with that came this dire need to figure out how to navigate these waters because it was really affecting me. Fortunately, I started reading, and listening to lectures, and I found this thing that improved my life. I’m so grateful for that period because it’s been life-changing.

How did you choose “Say What You Will” as the album’s first single?

I wrote the intro riff in a hotel while on tour with Alter Bridge. And when I stumbled onto it, I was like, well, that’s it. I’ve been doing this for so long – sometimes ideas will drop in your lap. ‘There we go, that’s what we’ve been looking for.’ I knew the riff would be important. That song wasn’t easy to write because I wanted everything to be at the same level as that main riff, but it was fun. In the end, I knew that was the song. I just knew.

Lyrically, “Say What You Will” is full of piss and vinegar, in a way. I mean, it’s an intense lyric. It was written from a perspective of truth. It’s an empowering proclamation, you know, just to cut through the din of criticism, be it external or your internal voices that you struggle with.

The intro riff was very inspired by Mark Knopfler, believe it or not. I’ve been going through this massive phase of listening to his solo stuff and Dire Straits. But then, the rest of the song, when the band kicks in, it’s as if Jimmy Page and Prince got together with the Smashing Pumpkins. That’s kind of what I feel when I play that riff.

Says the guy who’s been in the room with Jimmy Page!

Well, yeah, I forgot about that.

Now, with three albums worth of solo material and all the songs fans will expect to hear from your other bands, how do you put together a Myles Kennedy setlist?

That’s going to be a tough question to answer. I mean, this is an awesome problem to have. I remember starting in bands years ago, with one record to tour on. After doing it for a while, you have a catalog. I don’t want to disappoint people coming to the show who hope to hear their favorite song. But there are also the songs that are important to me. So, it’s a delicate dance.

As far as songs from other bands, be it Alter Bridge or Slash and the Conspirators, I always want to be careful there. I know fans want to hear a few of those, but out of respect for my bandmates, I don’t want to be up there playing them without them – especially doing them exactly how we do them together. If I do those, I should alter the arrangements somewhat just out of fairness to them. I’m hyper-aware of that. That will be one of the things I’ll have to address once I start working on arrangements and whatnot.

But I am excited because this record is such a rock record.

Were there things that surprised you about these new songs?

Hmm, anything that surprised me?

Was there anything, musically or lyrically, that made you go, ‘Whoa! That came out of me?’

Yeah, you know, I guess what surprised me to some degree is that I allowed myself a finite amount of time, and most of the songs were written in that six-month window, but a handful percolated for a while. I’m certainly grateful that I was able to get that done. Because usually, I like a little more time. I want a good year to put into a record, if possible, but with all these projects, it’s almost impossible because the clock is ticking, and you must get it done.

What I think pleasantly surprised me is that after making this many records, there are still ideas at this stage. I’m always worried that I will dip into the well, and it will be bone dry. That’s a fear of every songwriter. I’ve been reminded through this process that I still, more than anything, just love creating.

There’s nothing else for me like the high I get when I know a song resonates with me. ‘Okay, I’m tapping into some truth here,’ or if it’s goosebumps because I’m emoting something from an honest place. And as long as I continue to have that portal that I can extend into, I will probably keep doing this because there’s nothing like it. It’s so, so liberating. I can’t imagine life without it.

Everybody’s got the thing that gets them off, that makes them feel alive. I can’t imagine not having that. And for me, it’s songwriting.

So, I’ll say it once again: gratitude is great.

Joe Kelly, hailed as “the go-to” rock voiceover talent since the 1980s, passed away at the age of 82. 

At one time, Kelly was the voice of ABC-TV, Radio City Music Hall, United Airlines, and stations like KLOS/Los Angeles, WNEW-FM/New York, WLUP/Chicago, and others.

Kelly was also the tour voice for the Rolling Stones, The Who, Bob Seger, Rush, ZZ Top, and many more. 

Kelly’s son Harley posted a message to Facebook: “I have truly become a better man because of everything that I have learned from Dad over the years, and his soon-to-be grandson will know how amazing his grandfather was! Rest in peace, Dad! If God ever needs to make any announcements, he knows who to turn to! Love you, Dad!”

This news comes to us via RAMP. 

#HAPPENS pal Leslie Tucker is now APD at KQRA Q102 / KKLH 104.7 The Cave, where she’s been an on-air host since 2017.

“Jumping into the deep end of the APD pool with no floaties yelling ‘YOLO!'” she told us.  “I’m super excited about my new role. I’m ready to learn more about the industry and ready to do more!” 

Leslie continues as on-air host in addition to her duties as APD. 

Springfield, Missouri’s “only pure Classic Rock” station, The Cave, and the Active Rock formatted QRA Q102.1 are both owned by the Madison, Wisconsin-based Mid-West Family Broadcasting. 

Learn more about Leslie’s background in our Famous Firsts section! 

1. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH “This Is The Way” ft. DMX (Better Noise) 
2. GODSMACK “Truth” (BMG) 
3. NOTHING MORE “IF IT DOESN’T HURT” (Better Noise) 
4. BILLY MORRISON & OZZY OSBOURNE “Crack Cocaine” ft. STEVE STEVENS (TLG/ZOID/Virgin) 
5. METALLICA “Screaming Suicide” (Blackened/Q Prime) 
6. HARDY “ROCKSTAR” (Big Loud) 
7. FROM ASHES TO NEW “Barely Breathing” (Better Noise) 
8. PEARL JAM “Wreckage” (Republic) 
9. THE WARNING “S!CK” (Lava/Republic) 
10. MOTLEY CRUE “Dogs of War” (Big Machine) 

Andrew “Cutter” Puyleart, host and producer of the nationally syndicated Cutting Edge Countdown & Cutter’s Podcast, is looking for a new co-host for his morning show on WAPL. Apply for that position HERE. 

In addition, WZOR is looking to hire a digital media coordinator/midday host on Razor. The information on the position is HERE. 

WAPL (105.7 FM) is a classic rock formatted radio station licensed to Appleton, Wisconsin, that serves the Green Bay and Appleton-Oshkosh areas.

Razor 94.7 | 104.7, The Cutting Edge of Rock, is an employee-owned radio station serving northeastern Wisconsin. 

The long-running rap-rock/deathcore band ATTILA invited me to host a new interview series. I sat down with the core trio from the Atlanta band for an in-depth conversation about their past, present, and future.

The band just released a brand new single, “New Devil,” featuring Dickie Allen of Nekrogoblikon. Metal Injection describes the track as “very nü-deathcore.” 

“Our interview with Ryan J. Downey is an opportunity for our fans (or non-fans) to see a completely real and organic side of Attila,” the band says. “There are no gimmicks and no bullshit. Just real stories of our personal lives and how Attila came to be. If you appreciate shit that is 100% raw and real, then you will enjoy this interview.”

Watch Raising Hell: A Conversation with ATTILA Episode 1 below. 

Hoobastank is the latest hard rock band to join Spotify’s prestigious BILLIONS CLUB, a playlist compiling every song to cross 1 billion in worldwide streams on the platform, with “The Reason.” 

The rock radio anthem appears on the band’s double-platinum sophomore album of the same name, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. 

“The Reason” (certified 4x platinum in 2021) joins a handful of hard rock and metal songs to cross the 1 billion mark on Spotify. 

2024 additions include: 

• Nickelback “How You Remind Me” (two weeks ago) 
• Aerosmith “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” (two weeks) 
• Måneskin “I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE” (April 9) 
• Black Sabbath “Paranoid” (Feb 29) 
• Green Day “Basketcase” (Feb 26) 
• Evanescence “Bring Me to Life” (Jan 24) 
• Bon Jovi “You Give Love a Bad Name” (Jan 18) 
• Guns N’ Roses “Paradise City” (Jan 15) 
• Blink-182 “All the Small Things” (Jan 15) 
• AC/DC “You Shook Me All Night Long” (Jan 2) 

Check out the entire 643-song Spotify BILLIONS CLUB playlist here. 

Longtime host Lou Brutus and Programming and Content Director Randy Hawke acquired HardDrive Radio (including HardDrive and HardDrive XL) from its longstanding partners, United Stations Media Networks/Gemini XIII. The news comes via a press release from the duo’s newly formed company, BruteHawk Industries. 

BruteHawke Industries also announced a strategic sales and distribution partnership with USMN/Gemini XIII. 

“The new partnership is perfect. It allows all of us to focus on what we do best,” said Brutus. “We will continue to crush the world with loud music and the finest rock star interviews known to mankind, as well as lay waste to what little hearing I have left.”

Added Hawke: “This marks a new chapter of collaboration aimed at strengthening the HardDrive brands. We are dedicated to maintaining the high standards our affiliates expect while exploring new ways to enhance our offerings and services.”

BruteHawke Industries secured the extensive archives of audio, video, and photos from the HardDrive Radio vaults as part of the acquisition. This treasure trove encompasses thousands of hours of content, promising enriched and enhanced future offerings.

FROM ASHES TO NEW enters the Top 10 on this week’s Mediabase Active Rock chart with “Barely Breathing.” 

Jon Wysocki, founding member of STAIND, passed away at age 53. 

The former drummer for STAIND’s death was confirmed in a May 18 social media post from his most recent band, Lydia’s Castle: 

“On 5/18/2024 at 8:02 pm, Jon Wysocki passed away surrounded by family and friends that loved him dearly.” 

Townsquare Media recently made a deal to sell three upstate New York classic rock stations to Family Life Ministries Radio. 

The stations include the classic rock simulcast of WTBD, Delhi, NY (97.5); WDHI, Delhi, NY (100.3); and WIYN, Deposit, NY (94.7).

Townsquare applied to the FCC for STA (Special Temporary Authority) requests for those three signals in January.

“Due to economic conditions in the market, the licensee was forced to take the station off the air temporarily,” Townsquare Media wrote. 

Family Life Ministries Radio acquired the stations for a reported $150,000. 

Family Life owns FM stations in upstate New York. It is owned and operated by the Bath, New York-based Family Life Ministries.

ONI, the Active Rock band fronted by Jake Oni, premiered a brand new single, “Control.” 

“Control” was written by Oni and producer Josh Gilbert, the former bassist for As I Lay Dying and current bassist in Spiritbox. 

After an exclusive debut via Sirius XM’s Octane, “Control” is now available via YouTube and streaming DSPs. 

ONI’s most recent album, The Silver Line, arrived last year.

The band’s touring history includes treks with Megadeth, Gojira, and Devin Townsend. 

Anthony “Roach” Proffitt, a 16-year Southwest Florida Rock market fixture, has left Fort Myers’ Rock 103.3. 

In a Facebook post shared last week, Roach wrote: “I’m sorry to say that Rock 103.3 is no longer part of rock radio in Southwest Florida.” 

Sun Broadcasting launched Rock 103.3 on W377AP Bayshore/93.7 WHEL-HD2 Sanibel/Fort Myers in March 2022, overseen by Roach, former 93X WXNX Program Director. (Sun flipped WXNX to Country in September 2020.) 

Roughly two years later, Sun has now flipped 103.3 to Sports. 

“We left on amicable terms,” Roach told #HAPPENS Shawn Alexander.

Roach can be reached at his company, Frontrow Productions, or antproffitt (at) yahoo (dot) com. 

Read Roach’s entire post below. 

German-based label OUT OF LINE Music appointed long-time music executive Nick Walters-Ocean as Executive Vice President of A&R / General Manager of North America. Ocean will build the label’s new U.S. home base in Miami, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The independently owned label houses artists such as Ten56., Cane Hill, Emarosa, True North, Being As An Ocean, Novelists, Combichrist, Villain of the Story, and more.

Nick played an integral role throughout his 14-year tenure at Sumerian Records, working with artists like Bad Omens, Asking Alexandria, and Des Rocs. 

“OUT OF LINE Music is the perfect name and fit for my continued journey within this ever-changing industry,” Ocean shared via statement. “I appreciate André & Yvonne inviting me to their family and trusting in my ability to help grow the artists and brand in North America. The team supports my vision in creative direction and taste in diverse music genres, and I look forward to contributing my toolset to the culture they’ve built throughout the years.”

Owner/Founder André Kobliha added: “Nick came into the picture at exactly the right time, and it quickly became clear that our tastes, opinions, and visions align. Out Of Line is a place for anyone who doesn’t fit into a particular box, a place for unique artists from diverse backgrounds, and with Nick, we have found an extremely experienced and dedicated partner for our venture to grow the Out Of Line brand. It’s great to have such an industry veteran join the Out Of Line family, and with this step, we reinforce our dedication and commitment to the US as our most important market.”

Metallica‘s “Screaming Suicide” tops the chart dated May 18, following previous 72 Seasons No. 1s “Too Far Gone?” (one week in November 2023), “72 Seasons” (two weeks last July) and “Lux Æterna” (11 weeks beginning in December 2022), according to Billboard. 

Metallica now has 14 No. 1 singles on Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock chart. Only Shinedown (19) and Three Days Grace (17) have more chart-toppers in the chart’s 43-year history. Metallica is tied for number three with Five Finger Death Punch and Foo Fighters. 

Most No. 1s, Mainstream Rock Airplay:

Pete Ganbarg launches Pure Tone Records, a joint venture with Atlantic Records. 

The GRAMMY Award-winning A&R executive will continue to A&R a handful of acts on the Atlantic Music Group roster, including Shinedown, Halestorm, and twenty one pilots, among others. Platinum-selling Canadian singer Forest Blakk, previously signed to Atlantic by Ganbarg, is Pure Tone’s first official signing. An A&R veteran with 35 years of experience, Ganbarg started at Atlantic in 2008 as EVP of A&R and became President of A&R in 2018. 

Ganbarg personally signed and/or worked with the above-mentioned artists and Jason Mraz, Christina Perri, Melanie Martinez, Skillet, Matchbox Twenty, Theory Of A Deadman, among others. 

Atlantic Music Group Chairman & CEO Julie Greenwald and Atlantic Records Chairman & CEO Craig Kallman said in a joint statement: 

“For the past 16 years, Pete has brilliantly led our A&R mission — discovering, signing, and championing a genre-crossing array of hit artists, while also boosting our theatrical presence with a string of award-winning cast albums. At the same time, he’s mentored and built a fantastic A&R team who are expert at nurturing baby acts and superstars alike. The formation of Pure Tone is an important event for Pete and Atlantic, as he brings his decades of experience, his impeccable taste, and great ears to steering his own ship, and we’re thrilled to be his partners on this exciting next phase of his musical journey.

Steve Albini passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at his home in Chicago, Illinois. 

Steve recorded (he hated the term “produced”) essential albums from Nirvana, Pixies, and PJ Harvey. His extensive discography also includes work with Failure, The Breeders, Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, Superchunk, Helmet, Jawbreaker, Dazzling Killmen, Jesus Lizard, Neurosis, and many others. 

He fronted Big Black from 1981 to 1987 and the short-lived band Rapeman. In 1992, he formed Shellac with Todd Trainer and Bob Weston. A new Shellac record, To All Trains, was already scheduled for release next week via Touch & Go Records.  

I spent some time with Steve at his Electrical Audio recording complex in Chicago in 2006, where he recorded Zao’s The Fear is What Keeps Us Here. We documented the sessions with a DVD included in deluxe editions of the album (see it here on YouTube). As he worked away in his signature boilersuit-style uniform, I found Albini as clever, diligent, and driven as his reputation promised. But he was also gentle and a great storyteller who didn’t hold back on rich details and insights. 

Steve was 61. He is survived by his wife, documentary filmmaker Heather Whinna.

The brand-new Falling In Reverse single “Ronald” features rapper Tech N9ne and Slaughter To Prevail frontman Alex Terrible.

The track is set to appear on Falling In Reverse’s first album since 2017’s Coming Home. 

Popular Monster, arriving on Epitaph Records on July 26, will contain the double-platinum title track, as well as the gold-certified singles “ZOMBIFIED,” “Voices in My Head,” and “Watch the World Burn.” The track listing also includes “Last Resort – Reimagined,” “Ronald,” and five more songs.  

Popular Monster tracklist: 

1. Prequel 

2. Popular Monster 

3. All My Life 

4. Ronald (feat. Tech N9ne & Alex Terrible)

5. Voices In My Head 

6. Bad Guy (feat. Saraya) 

7. Watch The World Burn 

8. Trigger Warning 

9. ZOMBIFIED

10. NO FEAR

11. Last Resort – Reimagined

Active Rock station KEGL (97.1 The Eagle) has returned to Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas.

KEGL Dallas (97.1) was relaunched over a year ago as “97.1 The Freak” in October 2022, with a hot-talk format that included personalities who previously worked mainly at sports talk stations. The return of The Eagle means the return of Active Rock staples like METALLICA and GUNS N’ ROSES. 

“I’m excited that The Eagle is back and ready to rock Dallas/Ft. Worth again,” said Patrick Davis, Senior Vice President of Programming for Dallas/Ft. Worth. “This is a legendary brand for the market, and listeners have been asking to have it back on air and we listened!”

“We are thrilled to announce the return of a legendary station to the DFW airwaves, 97.1 The Eagle,” said Amy Leimbach, iHeartMedia Region President. “Active rock enthusiasts can rejoice as their beloved station is back, ready to once again be the destination for all things rock!”

Following a year and a half of programming a hot talk format on KEGL Dallas (97.1), iHeartMedia returns the station to its rock roots. 

The on-air lineup of “97.1 The Eagle” will be announced later.

Cumulus Media launched a new series yesterday (April 29), taking fans behind the scenes of the making of Mötley Crüe’s latest single. “Dogs of War” is the group’s first song since adding guitarist John 5 (ex-Rob Zombie, ex-Marilyn Manson) to their lineup and their first with Big Machine Records.

The latest Your Music Plus audio series (launched in February 2023 as Your Music First) includes insights and stories from the band and will air on Cumulus Media’s Rock stations across the U.S. over the next eight weeks. 

In a social media post, SLIPKNOT confirmed what fans long suspected: their new drummer is Eloy Casagrande. 

Speculation began when Casagrande suddenly dropped out of Sepultura on the eve of the band’s final world tour. Casagrande made his live debut with Slipknot at a warmup show at Pappy and Harriets in Pioneertown, California, before their set at this year’s Sick New World in Las Vegas over the weekend. 

The band just announced the return of the Knotfest Festival to their native Iowa and a North American leg of the 25th anniversary tour to support their double-platinum self-titled debut. The Here Comes the Pain Tour includes Knocked Loose, Orbit Culture, and Vended as support. 

According to Mediabase, BEARTOOTH‘s “I Was Alive” is No. 1 on this week’s Active Rock chart. 

In November 2023, the band achieved their first #1 on active rock radio with “Might Love Myself” after only 15 weeks. “I Was Alive” is now their second No. 1 and once again managed to top the format after only 15 weeks. Both songs appear on the band’s latest album, The Surface. 

BEARTOOTH’s 2014 single “In Between” was certified gold by the RIAA in 2020. 

I’m proud to have been part of the journey with BEARTOOTH mastermind Caleb Shomo and his longtime manager, Thomas Gutches, from the first EP when they drafted me to help tell the band’s story. I’ve since written each BEARTOOTH bio for every album cycle and conducted several interviews with Caleb and the band for different outlets over the years, including Knotfest and Alternative Press. 

I love these guys and their team, and I send my heartfelt congrats to them and everyone at Red Bull Music. 

MÖTLEY CRÜE will release a new single, “Dogs of War,” on Friday, April 26, as part of their newly announced deal with Big Machine Records.

Produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi, Black Veil Brides), the song features the current line-up of cofounding members Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, and Tommy Lee with new guitarist John 5 (ex-Rob Zombie, ex-Marilyn Manson, ex-David Lee Roth).

“It’s a great match for us,” Neil told Classic Rock. “We’re good friends with [Big Machine founder/CEO] Scott Borchetta, who put together the Nashville Outlaws album back in 2014. His company just knows radio, how to get it out there, how to get the right people listening.”

“We self-released Too Fast For Love on our own Leathür Records label,” he added, speaking of the Crüe’s 1981 debut. “It cost $3,000 to make and was done in three days. It was a glorified demo tape, but we were the record label until we got signed by Elektra. We haven’t been on a record label for 20 years. But Scott shares our philosophy, and he’s a brilliant guy.”

Mötley recorded three new songs with longtime producer Rock more than a year ago, including “Dogs Of War” and a cover of BEASTIE BOYS’ “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!.”

OZZY OSBOURNE is among the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, this time in recognition of his solo career. 

It’s the second such honor for Osbourne, who was inducted alongside the rest of the original BLACK SABBATH line-up in 2006.

(Ozzy, rather famously, once asked to have Sabbath removed from consideration in 1999, calling it “meaningless.”) 

In an email to Billboard, the 75-year-old heavy metal icon said that becoming one of Rock Hall’s multiple nominees “feels big. I’m more than honored.” 

“I definitely wouldn’t say I was confident” about solo success, he added, noting that the 2021 induction of late guitarist RANDY RHOADS in the musical excellence category “made me feel we could be on to something. With every new music venture, there’s always a certain amount of surprise when the fans embrace it because no one wants to make a record and have it flop. I feel like I was invited to a party in 1980, and it hasn’t stopped. Not bad for a guy who was fired from his last band.”

Other inductees in the Performer category are FOREIGNER, PETER FRAMPTON, MARY J. BLIGE, CHER, DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, KOOL & THE GANG, and A TRIBE CALLED QUEST.

JIMMY BUFFETT, MC5, DIONNE WARWICK, and NORMAN WHITFIELD will be presented with the Musical Excellence Award. 

The induction ceremony will be held on October 19 at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. It will air live on Disney+. An edited version will run on ABC later and be available on Hulu the day after.

GREEN DAY scored their ninth No. 1 single on Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with “Dilemma.”

It marks the Bay Area, California trio’s second consecutive number-one hit after “The American Dream is Killing Me.” 

Both songs appear on the band’s fourteenth album, Saviors, which arrived on January 19. 

Watch the “Dilemma” music video here. 

The BAD OMENS single “Just Pretend” was just certified platinum by the RIAA for digital sales and streams in excess of 1 million.  

The smash rock hit, which originally went gold in July 2023, has continued to be a success on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, among other places. 

“Just Pretend” was written and produced by the band’s own Noah Sebastian and Joakim Karlsson. Sebastian revealed in an interview with NME that it began as a parody of “butt rock” radio hits: 

“At the time, I was frustrated with people in my ear talking about, ‘Oh, you need to focus on the radio,” the band’s frontman explained. “Never having an ulterior motive when writing has always been a strict rule of ours. We just want to make music that we like and we’re proud of. So with ‘Just Pretend,’ it started as this ironic butt-rock song. Even the way I was singing in the demo, I was doing this exaggerated bravado. As silly as the vocal sounded I was like, ‘This is actually a really great chorus.’ I was kind of just freestyling. I had written some chords and I just started singing in the booth over it. And this melody came out, the lyrics came out really quickly.” 

Once the song hit No. 1 on the rock radio charts, Bad Omens concluded, “It’s the most ironic full-circle moment this band will probably ever have.”

“Just Pretend” appears on the band’s 2022 album, The Death of Peace of Mind (Sumerian Records). The album’s title track was certified gold in January of this year. 

• “Waking Lions” (MNRK Music Group) released 2017 / certified gold 2024
• “100 in a 55” (Republic Records) released 2008 / certified gold 2022 
• “Trenches” (eOne Music) released 2013 / certified gold 2021 
• “Footsteps” (eOne Music) released 2015 / certified gold 2021
• “Torn to Pieces” (eOne) released 2014 / certified gold 2020 

Five Finger Death Punch is the biggest gainer on the Active Rock chart this week, jumping 19 spots to No. 16 with “This is the Way,” the Las Vegas hard rock band’s collaboration with the late DMX. “This is the Way” is also No. 1 this week on Billboard‘s Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart. 

Linkin Park’s “Friendly Fire” is No. 1 with 2206 spins, according to the Mediabase chart for April 9 – 15. 

Foo Fighters’ “The Glass” falls from No. 1 to No. 3, with Green Day’s “Dilemma” moving up a single spot to No. 2. 

This week’s complete Active Rock Top 10:

1. Linkin Park “Friendly Fire” (Warner)
2. Green Day “Dilemma” (Reprise/Warner)
3. Foo Fighters “The Glass” (Roswell/RCA)
4. Beartooth “I Was Alive” (Red Bull/The Orchard)
5. Pearl Jam “Dark Matter” (Republic)
6. Metallica “Screaming Suicide” (Blackened/ Q Prime)
7. Asking Alexandria “Dark Void” (Better Noise)
8. Des Rocs “I Am The Lightning” (Sumerian)
9. NOTHING MORE “IF IT DOESN’T HURT” (Better Noise)
10. Godsmack “Truth” (BMG) 

BILLY MORRISON‘s collaboration with OZZY OSBOURNE cracked Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart this week. 

“Crack Cocaine,” which also feature’s Morrison’s longtime BILLY IDOL bandmate, STEVE STEVENS, debuts at No. 28. 

Other new entries on the chart include P.O.D.‘s “Afraid to Die” (featuring JINJER‘s TATIANA SHMAYLUK) at No. 38 and SET IT OFF‘s “Fake Ass Friends” at No. 40. 

Earlier today, the Ozzman and ex-THE CULT bassist Morrison announced a forthcoming series together called The Madhouse Chronicles. The show will see the pair talking about conspiracy theories, UFOs, drugs, and rock n’ roll. Head over to osbournemediahouse.com for more information. 

SiriusXM‘s Liquid Metal added the following tracks this week: 

• Better Lovers “The Flowering” (SharpTone) 
• Knocked Loose “Don’t Reach For Me” (Pure Noise Records)
• Entheos “An End To Everything” (Metal Blade)
• Seeyouspacecowboy/Courtney LaPlante “To The Dance Floor For Shelter” (Pure Noise Records)

Courtney LaPlante, of course, is the front woman for Spiritbox. 

Check out Liquid Metal host Jose Mangin in our Famous Firsts section. 

It’s also his birthday later this week! 

“Record Label Layoffs Hit Radio Promotions Staffs: Why It’s Happening.”

Billboard addressed that question today in a new piece by Steve Knapper (with additional reporting by Gail Mitchell). 

#HAPPENS favorites THE GHOST INSIDE and LINES ØF LOYALTY both crack Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock Airplay Top 40 this week. 

THE GHOST INSIDE, who participated in a moving Q&A at this year’s #HAPPENS event in Las Vegas (where the band is based), debut at No. 36 with “Wash It Away” (Epitaph). Meanwhile, LINES ØF LOYALTY (who hails from Kenosha, Wisconsin) debut at No. 40 with “Hurts To Be Human” (C3&B). 

Pearl Jam is No. 1 for a second week in a row with “Dark Matter” (Monkeywrench/Republic). 

• Beartooth “I Was Alive” (Red Bull) No. 6
• Metallica “Screaming Suicide” (Blackened/Q Priime) No. 8 
• Des Rocs “I Am The Lightning” (Sumerian/Virgin) No. 11 
• The Warning “S!CK” No. 19 
• Blind Channel “Deadzone” (BloodBros/Century Media) No. 26 
• Dayseeker “Dreamstate” (Spinefarm) No. 29 
• Velvet Chains “Stuck Against the Wall” (WWDD) No. 39 

See the entire Billboard Mainstream Rock chart here. 

AVENGED SEVENFOLD, DISTURBED, and SLIPKNOT are among this year’s Rocklahoma headliners. 

Rocklahoma returns August 30 – September 1 to Rockin Red Dirt Ranch in Pryor, Oklahoma, just outside Tulsa. 

The Labor Day Weekend event will feature AVENGED SEVENFOLD and EVANESCENCE (Friday), DISTURBED and A DAY TO REMEMBER (Saturday), and SLIPKNOT and LAMB OF GOD (Sunday).

The lineup also includes HALESTORM, SKILLET, MASTODON, ANTHRAX, CLUTCH, NOTHING MORE, KERRY KING, BADFLOWER, POP EVIL, BAD WOLVES, SET IT OFF, DES ROCS, and many more hard rock and metal artists. 

Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) acquired Rocklahoma and will work with creators Pryor Creek Music Festivals and other key stakeholders. 

Rocklahoma is hosted by Eddie Trunk.

Complete information is available at Rocklahoma.com. 

Papa Roach‘s 2021 collaboration with TikTok star Jeris Johnson just went gold. 

“Last Resort (Reloaded)” appears on Johnson’s 2021 album, my sword, released by 300 Entertainment. 

The RIAA certified the track gold for over 500,000 digital units. 

The reimainged song joins a number of other Papa Roach albums and singles on the band’s proverbial wall. 

• Infest (Dreamworks) 2000 — certified triple-platinum in 2001 
• Lovehatetragedy (Dreamworls) 2002 — certified gold in 2002 
• Getting Away with Murder (Geffen) 2004 – certified platinum in 2005 
• “Scars” (Geffen) 2004 – certified gold in 2005 
• “Help” (Better Noise Music) 2017 – certified gold in 2021 

Congrats to Papa Roach, Ian Dietrich and Lewis Kovac at 10th Street, Jeris Johnson, Chris Cary, 300 Entertainment, and everyone else involved!

The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and Taylor Swift accounted for 29% of all cassette sales, according to Luminate (via Billboard). 436,000 cassettes were sold in the U.S. in 2023 (vs. 439,700 this year before). Cassettes made up just 0.41% of the 105.32 million albums sold (cassettes, vinyl, CDs, digital downloads). 

TOP 10-SELLING CASSETTE ALBUMS OF 2023 IN THE U.S. 

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 (18,000)

2. Taylor Swift 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (17,500)

3. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 (16,000)

4. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3: Awesome Mix Vol. 3 (13,000)

5. Taylor Swift Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) (11,500)

6. Nirvana Bleach (8,000)

7. Metallica 72 Seasons (7,500)

8. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Mix, Vol. 1 (6,000)

9. Barbie: The Album (5,500)

10. Phoebe Bridgers Punisher (5,500)

A handful of rock-label signings have come to light this month, including: 

• GRAMMY-nominated American black metallers DEAFHEAVEN with the Warner Music-owned Roadrunner Records 
• Melodic hardcore merchants HIGHER POWER with the Believe Digital-owned Nuclear Blast 
• DREAM THEATER keyboardist JORDAN RUDESS with the Sony/Century Media-distributed InsideOut Music 
• THRICE frontman DUSTIN KENRUSE with BMG for his forthcoming solo work 
• Alt-metal band A KILLER’S CONFESSION with MNRK Heavy 
• ALL FOR METAL with the newly launched Reigning Phoenix Music 

PAPA ROACH is No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart this week for the tenth time. “Leave a Light On” climbs from No. 4 to the top spot on the survey dated February 24. It’s the fourth No. 1 single from the band’s 2022 album, Ego Trip. 

This makes PAPA ROACH one of 11 bands with ten or more No. 1 singles in the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart’s 43-year history. (SHINEDOWN tops ’em all, with 19.) Ego Trip is one of only eight albums (from seven different bands) to produce four or more chart-toppers from the same album.

Two of those records belong to SHINEDOWN. The rest of the list includes LINKIN PARK, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, GODSMACK, DISTURBED, and THE BLACK CROWES. 

Daughtry achieved a significant milestone as “Artificial” ascended to the top spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, dated February 17. 

It’s been 17 years since the Chris Daughtry-led band first broke into the chart with “It’s Not Over,” which peaked at No. 5 in March 2007. 

Chris Daughtry began his career in earnest as a contestant on American Idol, where he placed fourth during the competition show’s fifth season in 2006. 

Though “Artificial” is Daughtry’s first Mainstream Rock No. 1, the band has previously topped other Billboard airplay charts multiple times. This includes four No. 1 hits on Adult Pop Airplay between 2007 and 2009, as well as one each on Pop Airplay and Adult Contemporary.

Daughtry returned to the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with 2020’s “World on Fire.” 

Meanwhile, “Artificial” continues its ascent on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, moving from 14 to 13 with a 13% increase in audience impressions. The song also ranks at No. 12 on the most recent Hot Hard Rock Songs list, bolstered by both radio airplay and streaming activity.

“Artificial” arrived as a standalone single as the follow-up to 2021’s Dearly Beloved, which has accumulated 88,000 equivalent album units to date, according to Luminate. 

Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Offspring will perform at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming, set for July 25 – 28, 2024, at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

The confirmed lineup also includes Jelly Roll, HARDY, Warren Zeiders, Cypress Hill, and Destroy Boys, among others. 

Complete information is available at hdhomecoming.com. 

Audacy announces The Black Keys and Jelly Roll will headline this year’s Riptide Music Festival on December 2nd and 3rd on Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. The lineup includes Bleachers, Lovejoy, Cannons, Silversun Pickups, MisterWives, Beach Weather, little image, The Beaches, Jack Kays and more to be announced for the end-of-year beach party. 

“Riptide Music Festival is the premier beachfront event and we can’t wait to bring two days of amazing music, food and fun to the sunny sands of Fort Lauderdale,” said Claudia Menegus, Regional President, Audacy. “What’s especially exciting about this year’s lineup is that we’ve included some of the hottest crossover stars in music today, giving our devoted attendees the acts they love and welcoming new festival goers with the chance to experience a wide variety of performers. Don’t miss out on two days of live music on two stages and this epic celebration of sound and sensation!”

The LowTide pre-sale for two-day tickets begins tomorrow (9/26) at 9a.(ET). The pre-sale is exclusive to Audacy/Miami stations – Alternative WSFS (104.3 The Shark), Country WKIS (KISS Country 99.9), WPOW (Power 96), Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 The Beach), AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) and Sports WQAM (560 Sports) newsletter subscribers.

General on-sale of Wave 1 two-day tickets begins Monday, October 2nd at 8a (ET). Find all the ticket info and more at RiptideMusicFestival.com.