BRUCE DICKINSON
ANNOUNCES
THE MANDRAKE PROJECT

BRAND NEW SOLO ALBUM IN 2024
OPENING TOUR DATES REVEALED

Renowned around the world as one of the greatest and most distinctive heavy metal vocalists of all time, Bruce Dickinson will be releasing a brand-new solo album in early 2024 on BMG Records. Entitled The Mandrake Project it sees him reunited with long-time musical collaborator and producer Roy Z.

The Mandrake Project will be Dickinson’s seventh solo album and his first since Tyranny Of Souls in 2005.

Dickinson explains, “This album has been a very personal journey for me and I am extremely proud of it. Roy Z and I have been planning, writing and recording it for years, and I am very excited for people to finally hear it. I’m even more excited at the prospect of getting out on the road with this amazing band that we have put together, to be able to bring it to life. We’re planning to play as many shows as we can in as many places as possible, for as many people as we can!
As for what The Mandrake Project actually is… all will be revealed soon!”

www.themandrakeproject.com

The first live shows to be announced are in Mexico and Brazil in April and May 2024, with further touring plans to be revealed in due course.

Bruce Dickinson – The Mandrake Project Tour

18th April – Diana Theater, Guadalajara, Mexico
20th April – Pepsi Theatre, Mexico City, Mexico
24th April – Live Curitiba, Curitiba, Brazil
25th April – Pepsi On Stage, Porto Alegre, Brazil
27th April – Opera Hall, Brasilia, Brazil
28th April – Arena Hall, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
30th April – Qualistage, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
2nd May – Quinta Linda, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
4th May – Vibra, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Tickets will be available from https://brucedickinson.lnk.to/tourPR

Z2 Comics Captures the Historical PMRC Hearings with Dee Snider: He’s Not Gonna Take It

Rolling Stone full story

More than 35 years ago, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider marched into the United States Senate’s Committee on Commerce in a jean jacket and tank top to confront a band of concerned Washington housewives hellbent on silencing the howl of metal and beyond. Co-founded by Tipper Gore, a committee of politicians’ spouses labeling themselves the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) had lobbied to plaster “Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics” labels on any music that conformed to their definition of sexual, violent, or drug-endorsing. Partnering with Z2 Comics, Snider’s war to preserve the First Amendment will be immortalized in He’s Not Gonna Take It, a graphic novel charting the rocker’s passionate battle against censorship alongside writer Frank Marraffino (Marvel Zombies) and artist Steve Kurth (Avengers, X-Force). Dee Snider: He’s Not Gonna Take It will be available at retailers everywhere on November 21, 2023.

This new graphic novel will follow the impact of Dee’s battle for freedom of expression in the arts throughout his life. From a childhood where he was frequently silenced, through the early efforts to stifle his band’s music, to the open warfare of the PMRC hearings in Washington DC, and his current efforts on social media. He’s Not Gonna Take It tells the story of why free speech is so important to this man who has fought for it…even when it endangered everything that was important to him.

Z2 Comics and Dee Snider present He’s Not Gonna Take It featuring cover art by Erik Rodriguez and Josh Bernstein. Deluxe editions include retro-comic art prints from Roy Burdine, Javier Aranda, and Carlos Olivares. DEE SNIDER: He’s Not Gonna Take It will be available as a Deluxe Edition for a list price of $99.99 (includes Deluxe Edition Graphic Novel Oversized HC with Slipcase, Signed by Dee Snider, Commemorative Coin, and three Retro Dee Snider Commemorative Art Prints), hardcover for a list price of $29.99, and paperback for a list price of $24.99 (ISBN: 979-8-88656-030-5) – available at retailers everywhere on November 21, 2023. Preorder link.

About Dee Snider
Dee Snider was ranked as one of the top 100 metal vocalists of all time by the magazine Hit Parader. His 1984 album with Twisted Sister, Stay Hungry, sold 3 million copies in the United States and around 8 million copies worldwide, with lead single “We’re Not Gonna Take It” eliciting ire from the PMRC. Snider would go on to co-found the ‘90s metal band Widowmaker before writing and starring in the cult horror film Strangeland in 1998. Snider has been the host of The House of Hair radio show since 1997, curating heavy metal, glam, and hard rock primarily rooted in the ‘80s and ‘90s and syndicated over 200 markets.

About Z2 Comics
Recently dubbed the “Hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 Comics has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, multiple Eisner and Ringo-winning Z2 Comics has produced 50-plus unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Pantera, Tori Amos, Last Podcast On The Left, Emily Hampshire, Balmain Paris, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. For more information visit Z2comics.com, and follow us on Instagram (@z2comics) and Twitter/X (@z2comics).

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
THE END IS NERO TOUR
December West Coast Dates Added
Spiritualized Confirmed to Support

“The last hard-’n’-heavy band that matters proved [that rock] isn’t dead yet.”
-The Washington Post

Queens of the Stone Age have announced a run of west coast dates to round out their epic worldwide The End Is Nero tour. Following another run of sold out arenas across the UK & Europe, the band will resume its North American campaign in Phoenix, sweeping through the Southwest before wrapping up 2023 in grand fashion with a December 16 headline at the Kia Forum in its homebase of Los Angeles.

Queens of the Stone Age are pleased to announce Spiritualized will be opening this run of December dates in North America. Led by J Spaceman, Spiritualized are supporting their stunning ninth album, Everything Was Beautiful.

The End is Nero tour is in support of the eighth Queen of the Stone Age studio album, In Times New Roman… recently hailed by Variety as “self-produced by band founder Homme and one of his strongest QOTSA lineups ever, is one of the rawest and heaviest albums the band has delivered, and during Saturday’s Queens, New York stop of their The End Is Nero Tour, they proved that sometimes the new material can be a live standout…”

Tickets for the newly announced dates will be on sale Friday, 9/22/23 at 10AM local time. Full routing below – for tickets and info visit https://qotsa.com/tour

Newly announced The End Is Nero dates:

12/05/23 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
12/06/23 – El Paso, TX – Abraham Chavez Theatre
12/08/23 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
12/09/23 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
12/10/23 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
12/12/23 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel ABQ
12/15/23 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
12/16/23 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

Full routing here:

09/19/23 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse***
09/20/23 – Kansas City, MO – Startlight Theatre***
09/22/23 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park***
09/23/23 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park***
09/24/23 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life*
09/26/23 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP***
09/27/23 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion***
09/29/23 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre***
09/30/23 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Great Saltair***
10/02/23 – Portland, OR – Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum***
10/03/23 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum***
10/04/23 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena***
10/06/23 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium***
10/08/23 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock*
10/14/23 – Guadalajara, MX – Coordenada*
11/04/23 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome**** – SOLD OUT
11/05/23 – Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU – Rockhal****
11/07/23 – Paris, FR – Accor Arena****
11/08/23 – Frankfurt, DE – Jahrhunderthalle**** – SOLD OUT
11/09/23 – Berlin, DE – Max-Schmeling-Halle**** – SOLD OUT
11/11/23 – Dusseldorf, DE – Mitsubishi Electric Halle**** – SOLD OUT
11/12/23 – Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis****
11/14/23 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena****
11/15/23 – London, UK – The O2****
11/16/23 – Bournemouth, UK – Bournemouth International Centre
11/18/23 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro****
11/19/23 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena****
11/20/23 – Stockton, UK – Globe Theatre**** – SOLD OUT
11/22/23 – Dublin, IRE – 3Arena****
12/05/23 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
12/06/23 – El Paso, TX – Abraham Chavez Theatre
12/08/23 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
12/09/23 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
12/10/23 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
12/12/23 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel ABQ
12/15/23 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
12/16/23– Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

*Festival
** Support from Phantogram and The Armed
*** Support from Viagra Boys and Jehnny Beth
**** Support from The Chats and deep tan

STEEL PANTHER ANNOUNCE THE
ON THE PROWL WINTER HOLIDAZE TOUR 2023
SLATED FOR DECEMBER
https://steelpantherrocks.com/pages/tour

Sixth Studio Album On The Prowl Now Available
https://lnk.to/Panther_OTP

Get your hoes, hoes, hoes ready! On the heels of two headline-making appearances on the current season of America’s Got Talent, California’s greatest export Steel Panther are announcing their upcoming holiday tour in support of their latest album. The On The Prowl Winter Holidaze Tour 2023 is set to kick off this December. Steel Panther will be stuffing stockings for all the naughty housewives on the 12-city trek that will kick off on December 1 in Cleveland, OH and wrap up in St. Louis, MO on December 17. The tour will make stops in Flint, MI (December 5), Pittsburgh, PA (December 10) and Louisville, KY (December 16) among others. Spreading holiday cheer with Steel Panther are Seattle rockers Moon Fever. More information on tickets and VIP experiences – which make the perfect holiday gift for anyone – can be found here: https://steelpantherrocks.com/pages/tour.

Steel Panther is currently wrapping up a string of Canadian tour dates before returning to the US and then continuing to South American next month. The band has remaining shows in Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Dawson Creek, Prince George, Penticton in Canada and then returns to the US to play Billings, MT and Boise, ID. The band continues their plan to spread their love around the globe when they hit Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico in October. Additional Information on all ticket and VIP packages including meet and greets, exclusive merch items, early entry and more for the On The Prowl World Tour 2023 can be found here: https://steelpantherrocks.com/pages/tour.

On The Prowl Winter Holidaze Tour 2023 Dates

12/1/23 – Cleveland, OH – Temple Live
12/2/23 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
12/3/23 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt
12/5/23 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
12/7/23 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
12/8/23 – Charles Town, WV – The Event Center at Hollywood Casino
12/10/23 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
12/12/23 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
12/13/23 – Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center
12/15/23 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
12/16/23 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
12/17/23 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory

Steel Panther released their sixth studio album On The Prowl worldwide on February 24, 2023. On The Prowl was produced by Steel Panther and brought the band their most-recent #1 Billboard comedy album. The album is currently available for order in multiple configurations including CD, Cassette, and 2 different color variant vinyl records here: https://lnk.to/Panther_OTP. From the opening synth intro of “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight)” to the thunderous outro of “Sleeping On The Rollaway,” Steel Panther is back with the infectious riffs, pounding drums, unforgettable vocals alongside the witty humor that has earned them a global audience. Songs like “On Your Instagram,” “Magical Vagina” and “One Pump Chump” are sure to fit in on the biggest live stages next to the band’s most-memorable songs. The band has released the music videos from On The Prowl to date: the opener “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight),” the chart-topping German radio hit “1987” and most-recently their Shark Tank inspired “Friends With Benefits.”

The track listing for On The Prowl is:

1) Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight)
2) Friends With Benefits
3) On Your Instagram
4) Put My Money Where Your Mouth Is
5) 1987
6) Teleporter
7) Is My D**k Enough (feat. Dweezil Zappa)
8) Magical Vagina
9) All That And More
10) One Pump Chump
11) Pornstar
12) Ain’t Dead Yet
13) Sleeping On The Rollaway

Gibson Launches Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass
Available Worldwide on Gibson.com

International Rock Legend and Co-Founder of KISS
Partners with Gibson for Second Signature Bass, a Limited-Edition Run of 100 Guitars

Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand continues its multi-year partnership with Gene Simmons–international rock legend and co-founder of KISS, America’s #1 gold record award-winning group of all time, in all categories (RIAA)–to create the new Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass. The Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass is inspired by the same Bass that Gene played with KISS in the 1970s. The new Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass is a limited-edition run of 100 guitars and is available worldwide at authorized Gibson Custom Shop dealers and via www.gibson.com.

If you saw KISS perform their high-octane live shows and television appearances in the 1970s, you may have spotted the bass that inspired this signature model from Gene Simmons and Gibson Custom Shop. Based on Gene’s heavily modified 1959 EB-0, the new Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass is the first 30.5” scale bass from the Gibson Custom Shop and the first bass the Custom Shop has produced in quantity. The Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass features a VOS finish in Ebony, as well as VOS hardware throughout, in addition, Gene made several modifications to his EB-0, including refinishing it, reshaping the neck to a custom profile, replacing the pickup with a later model Gibson unit, and relocating it much closer to the bridge, installing a custom pickguard, a fingerboard with Corian nut, adding binding, and changing the original tuners to Grovers. The bridge was also replaced with a high-mass model and can now be strung through-body or as a top-loaded bridge. All of these details are faithfully represented in the new Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass from Gibson Custom Shop. A custom hardshell case as well as case candy developed in collaboration with Gene is also included.

METALLICA
“Too Far Gone? (Live from MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ – August 6, 2023)”
Digital Single Out Now
“Too Far Gone?”
Video Directed by Coan “Buddy” Nichols Live Now

“Too Far Gone? (Live from MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ – August 6, 2023),” a digital single capturing the debut M72 tour performance of the 72 Seasons standout track as played for some 80,000 fans on night two of the tour’s North American opening weekend. Hailed for “its roaring melody” by the OC Register in their review of Metallica’s recent record-breaking weekend at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, “Too Far Gone?” has quickly become a staple of the M72 No Repeat Weekend setlist rotation. Find out for yourself why the song has quickly become a fan favorite by giving “Too Far Gone? (Live from MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ – August 6, 2023)” a listen HERE.

As for the original studio version of “Too Far Gone?”… it’s been reimagined as a music video directed by Coan “Buddy” Nichols (The Original Skateboarder, The Body Corporate, Deathbowl to Downtown, Love Letters to Skateboarding). Through Nichols’ lens, “Too Far Gone?” becomes the score to raw Metallica performance footage intercut with action shots of pro skater Felipe Nunes. The energy levels of the two scenarios feed off one other, resulting in peak after peak of hyperkinetic intensity—plus a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo from Tony Hawk, who premiered the video yesterday at: https://youtu.be/T-6Cx-VxXxI

Metallica recently completed the first North American swing of its M72 World Tour September 9 in Glendale AZ. The band will make a headlining appearance October 8 at Power Trip at the Empire Polo Club in Indio CA, before M72 resumes with its next No Repeat Weekend taking place November 3 and 5 at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis MO.

KK’S PRIEST Premieres 13-Minute Documentary Detailing the Return of K.K. Downing and the Band’s Debut Performance

Watch the New Mini Documentary HERE

New Album, The Sinner Rides Again, out September 29, 2023
via Napalm Records | Pre-Order HERE

KK’S PRIEST – the iconic heavy metal group of iconic Judas Priest alum and GRAMMY Award winning/nominated musicians K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals), along with A.J. Mills (guitar), Tony Newton (bass) and Sean Elg (drums) – will proudly reveal their new sophomore offering, The Sinner Rides Again, on September 29, 2023 via Napalm Records!

Today, in anticipation of the approaching album release, the band has revealed a brand new, 13-minute documentary film directed by up and coming British filmmaker Sam Singer. The piece was filmed at the first official KK’S PRIEST show this past July 6, 2023 at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, England. The documentary gives a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the band preparing for the concert, and includes exclusive live footage as well as personal commentary from K.K. Downing, Tim “Ripper” Owens, and the band.

On the heels of their highly-lauded 2021 debut album, Sermons Of The Sinner – which debuted within the Top 20 on charts in the United States, the UK, Germany, Sweden, Finland and more – KK’S PRIEST return to sin again! With The Sinner Rides Again, KK’S PRIEST double down on the ripping melodic force of their debut, Sermons Of The Sinner – which Metal Hammer UK dubbed “hugely enjoyable” and Metal Injection cited as boasting “catchy hooks and plenty of guitar wizardry”. The Sinner Rides Again wields nine tracks of pure hellfire, produced and written by Downing and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen.

After stepping out of the Judas Priest spotlight, the return of K.K. Downing was uncertain. Nearly ten years after its onset, the genre-defining guitar icon returned from his hiatus with proof that he was nowhere ready to cease writing classic metal songs or to put away his famous Flying V guitars – taking part in acclaimed international comeback performances (including with his former Judas Priest bandmates when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022) that would act as harbingers of the formation of KK’S PRIEST.

Downing was recently quoted saying, “We’ve lost a lot of great people – Dio, Lemmy, for example – but this amazing and unique style of music must be preserved for as long as possible and I feel it within me to continue to play my role, as I always have, and to defend this metal genre, which we all know and love.” The Sinner Rides Again is a testament to this call for the classics while speeding full force into the future, delivered by some of heavy metal’s most essential performers.

Media acclaim highlights for The Sinner Rides Again singles:

“The riffs fly at you at breakneck speed, the harmonized guitar solos are as sweet as they come, and those shreds will most certainly singe an eyebrow or two along the way.”
– Guitar World

“K.K. Downing at his very best!”
– Götz Kühnemund, Deaf Forever

“…tapping into the fist-pumping energy of classic heavy metal like it’s 1983 all over again.”
– Metal Hammer UK

The immense and intricate art for The Sinner Rides Again was created by talented artist Andy Pilkington.

A haunting introduction of dual guitars carries the listener into the thundering “Sons Of The Sentinel”, winding across a wasteland of burning riffs and a deftly dynamic guitar solo to kick off the record with relentless energy! The undeniably catchy anthem “Strike Of The Viper” proves itself as one of the album’s most unforgettable tracks, before “Reap The Whirlwind” crashes in with a classic heavy metal power thrust of soaring leads, hair-raising harmonics and earworm vocal hooks. First single “One More Shot At Glory” raises its sword high, instantaneously calling for battle with its opening riff and beckoning verses. Heroic chants and unrelenting double bass set the stage for a galloping midsection as a spine-tingling guitar solo commands the song. Striding “Hymn 66” commands with sultry, slow and low metallic punches and a bluesy gait, while massive title track “The Sinner Rides Again” straddles balladic passages and sinister, head-bobbing choruses. Beginning with ominous bells, “Keeper Of The Graves” rounds the final bend of the album with roaring cascades and a dynamic performance from Owens, before charging “Pledge Your Souls” and rollercoaster closer epic “Wash Away Your Sins” rise as the final embers of a certified burner – proving itself as a must-hear metal album of the year by the greatest to ever perform the genre!

The Sinner Rides Again track listing:
1. Sons Of The Sentinel
2. Strike Of The Viper
3. Reap The Whirlwind
4. One More Shot At Glory
5. Hymn 66
6. The Sinner Rides Again
7. Keeper Of The Graves
8. Pledge Your Souls
9. Wash Away Your Sins

The Sinner Rides Again will be available in the following formats:
-Digital Album
-1CD Digipak Edition
-1LP Gatefold in Black
-Wooden Box Edition (incl. Digipak, Flag, Logo Wristband, Artprint, Patch) – Napalm Mail Order only, limited to 500
-1LP Gatefold in Marbled Orange and Black – Napalm International (excl. North America) Mail Order only, limited to 300
-1LP Gatefold in Transparent Orange – Napalm North American Mail Order only, limited to 300
-1LP Gatefold in Orange, Blue and Black Inkspot – Napalm Mail Order only, limited to 500
-Cassette Tape Edition in Red with White Print – Napalm Mail Order only, limited to 200

KK’S PRIEST w/ Paul Di’Anno & Burning Witches across the UK in October:
October 7, 2023 – Birmingham @ O2 Institute
October 8, 2023 – Glasgow @ SWG3
October 10, 2023 – Nottingham @ Rock City
October 11, 2023 – Manchester @ O2 Ritz
October 12, 2023 – London @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

KK’S PRIEST live one-offs:
March 2-7, 2024 – Monsters of Rock Cruise

KK’S PRIEST is:
Tim “Ripper” Owens – Vocals
K.K. Downing – Guitar
A.J. Mills – Guitar
Tony Newton – Bass
Sean Elg – Drums

Damian Darlington is the founder of Brit Floyd, as well as the musical director of the band. Prior to Brit Floyd, Damian was also the musical director and lead of The Australian Pink Floyd for 17 years. This year Brit Floyd is touring celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of The Moon. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Damian about all things Pink Floyd and discuss their upcoming tour plans!

GRANTVILLE PA, August 25, 2023 — Brit Floyd founder and musical director Damian Darlington told me “It’s not just about the music, it’s about the multi-media experience.” Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album release, the band presented flawlessly executed tracks from the Pink Floyd catalog, showcasing musical mastery from start to encore and highlighting the band’s remarkable musical expertise.

The sound was perfect throughout the concert. Video projections on the immense circular screen and choreographed fog and dancing lights added to the experience, as they played to a sold-out crowd at the Penn Heros Stage at Hollywood Casino. Everyone had a good seat in the outdoor space and the staff was very courteous and helpful.

Brit Floyd vocalist Eva Avila earned a standing ovation for her thrilling performance of “The Great Gig in The Sky” from Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album. Bassist Ian Cattle played homage to Roger Waters with his vocals. Edo Scordo’s guitar solos were inspiring and Ryan Saranich’s soulful saxophone solos created unique and memorable experiences on their own. 

The energy kept climbing from the start, leading to more standing ovations as Brit Floyd performed the Pink Floyd classics and dug deep in the Pink Floyd playlist to thrill the crowd with their faultless musical talent. Images of co-founder Syd Barret beamed on the screen as the band performed “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” while the crowd reveled in Matt Riddle’s keyboard skills. Damian told me that his favorite Pink Floyd song to play is “Comfortably Numb.” The second set ended with his flawless guitar solo of the David Gilmour classic producing another standing ovation by the crowd.

If you like Pink Floyd’s music, attending a Brit Floyd concert in your town is a must. The immersive experience they offer is unforgettable, making it an event that will linger in your memory. Don’t miss the opportunity to be captivated by their incredible performance.

Walter Zapotoczny is an author, historian, and local Pink Floyd fan. He can be reached at mail@wzaponline.com.

Photo credit: Aaylan Zapotoczny

Guitarist Gina Gleason joined the heavy metal band Baroness in 2017 and since that time has performed all over the world with the group which hails originally from Savannah, GA. The band is set to release their 6th studio album in September and Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Gina recently about the albums creation, it’s title and the bands upcoming fall tour.

Founded by Ollie Rosenblatt in 2011, Senbla is a London-based concert promoting and production company that operates both nationally and internationally. Ollie has worked on projects like the ‘films in concert’ shows, like Harry Potter and Star Wars film with live orchestra franchises as well as Beauty and The Beast, La La Land, Love Actually, A Muppet Christmas Carol, The Godfather. MediaMikes had a chance to chat with Ollie about the film in concert of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live and it’s upcoming world tour!

Metalocalypse creator Brendon Small (despite some technical connection issues) chats with us about the new Dethalbum IV, the new movie Army of the Doomstar and Dethklok’s upcoming tour!

Von Frankenstein Monster Gear Instrument Strings

Our score 4.5 out of 5 stars

Von Frankenstein Monster Gear guitar and bass strings are the brainchild of Doyle/Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein. Produced in conjunction with Sheptone all strings are made in the U.S using the best-available, domestically sourced, raw materials. Each string is made by hand, one at a time, with nickel-plated steel that is wrapped over a treated hex steel core. Von Frankenstein avoids rushed mass production which helps ensures quality, feel and durability from every string produced.

When it comes to guitar and bass strings the market seems to be constantly flooded with new string products boasting enhanced feature including everything from wider gauge options and special coatings to the use of new metals all of which are supposed to help aid or solve all together the age-old pursuit of tone. Along with all these new innovations come an even longer line of questions and debates about which of these new features is actually useful/beneficial and which are only gimmicks.

The latest offering from VonFrankenstein Monster Gear is the Andreas Kisser “Forest Frequencies” and “Infected Voices” signature guitar string sets. The legendary Sepultura lead guitarist brings two signature sets to the ever growing Monster Gear line with the regular “Forest Frequencies” consisting of .010/.013/.017/.028/.038/.049 gauges and the heavy “Infected Voices” set in .013/.017/.021/.041/.050/.060. Both sets feature nickel plating and feature hex steel cores which give the strings tremendous feel and clarity while the individual sealed string packaging ensure consistent durability set after set.

From a playability standpoint both sets performed equally well and sounded
just as good as one another. The “Forest Frequencies” remained stable in both standard and drop tunings without becoming too stiff or too loose. Players who use multiple tunings and who are looking for consistency and comfortability will want to check these out as they require little to no adjustment to your setup. The heavier “Infected Voices” are a touch less forgiving as the higher gauges will require some getting use to as they do require a bit more hand strength however,  Once dialed in take warning as the low frequencies produced by this set are like a solid punch to the gut!

If you are looking for a quality string that does not sacrifice tone or feel and, is hand made in the U.S. then look no further. Von Frankenstein Monster Gear strings are a quality product that guitarists and bassists from all genres and ability will surely enjoy.

To purchase Von Frankenstein Monster Gear strings visit www.vonfrankensteinmonstergear.com

THE MENZINGERS ANNOUNCE 7TH STUDIO ALBUM

‘SOME OF IT WAS TRUE’
OUT OCTOBER 13

WATCH MUSIC VIDEO FOR LEAD SINGLE “HOPE IS A DANGEROUS LITTLE THING”

US HEADLINING TOUR STARTING NOV. 9

More than 15 years in, treasured Philadelphia punk rockers The Menzingers have cemented a multi-decade reputation as road warriors with an unbeatable catalog. Today they expand their impressive repertoire with the announcement of their seventh studio album, Some Of It Was True, due for release on October 13th via Epitaph Records. Pre-order it HERE

Vocalist and guitarist Greg Barnett reveals, “Written over the last two and a half years in hotels, backstages, basements, and rehearsal rooms and recorded during a life-changing retreat down south, ‘Some Of It Was True’ is the most realized version of what we set out to do when we started this band 17 years ago—have fun and be ourselves.” The band also shares the record’s lead single and accompanying music video, “Hope Is A Dangerous Little Thing” that balances confessional lyrics with an anthemic edge.

“Hope Is A Dangerous Little Thing”
WATCH | LISTEN

Four years since the release of 2019’s Hello Exile, the Menzingers presented an EP of acoustic reworks (From Exile, 2020) that saw the band “flex their creative muscles and make the most of their time away from each other in quarantine” according to Chorus.FM. Subsequently, Gregor Barnett’s solo record Don’t Go Throwing Roses In My Grave (2022) was praised by Kerrang! for its “clear-eyed songwriting never wavers.” This was around the time when Some Of It Was True started to come together.

Joined by Grammy-nominated producer Brad Cook (Bon Iver, the War on Drugs, Waxahatchee), the foursome took off to El Paso, Texas to record at the legendary Sonic Ranch. Lending his incredible ear, Cook helped accomplish the daunting task of capturing the Menzingers’ distinctive live energy within the confines of a studio. What results is their most immediate-sounding and energetic record to date, featuring a sound that’s both rich, raw, and complementary to the group’s increasingly prismatic songwriting approach.
“The Menzingers are as real as it gets,” Cook says on his time in the studio with the band. “I had an absolute blast working with these guys and was moved to tears many times. They are truly dedicated to artistic growth, and to each other, in ways I found both refreshing and beautiful. I am now a lifer.”

Speaking on the impact that Cook had on the band, Tom May says, “Brad massively changed the way we were approaching the record. We’d talk about music and develop a vocabulary about how to work together, and that made us embrace chasing the feeling instead worrying about locking in things immediately.

“Lyrically, Some Of It Was True is a showcase for how the band’s songwriting has expanded beyond their own personal experiences, drawing from what’s happening around them and the lives of those who keep this world’s lifeforce pumping. Acknowledging that they’re in a very different place than when they formed in 2008, this album embraces change and it’s definitely for the better. “This record just feels different for us,” Barnett explains. “It’s a really important one in our catalog, and a pivotal moment in our history. We have the liberty of our fans growing with us now, and after writing these lyrical songs about where we are in life, we decided to take other peoples’ stories and make something bigger out of it.”

The Menzingers Tour Dates
W/ Prince Daddy & The Hyena + Mercy Union

Aug 11 Akron, OH – Musica
Aug 12 Iowa City, IA – Wildwood
Aug 13 Omaha, NE – Slowdown
Aug 15 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s
Aug 16 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
Aug 17 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
Aug 18 – Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
Aug 19 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club
Aug 20 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall
Aug 22 – Jacksonville, FL – Underbelly
Aug 23 – Columbia, SC – The Senate
Aug 24 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station
Aug 25 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Bunker Brewpub
Aug 26 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater

W/ Microwave, Cloud Nothings

Nov 09 – Rochester, NY – Water Street Music Hall
Nov 10 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner
Nov 11 – New York, NY – Knockdown Center
Nov 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
Nov 14 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Nov 15 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
Nov 16 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
Nov 17 – Richmond, VA – The National
Nov 18 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
Nov 19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
Nov 24 – Columbus, OH – The Athanaeum Theatre
Nov 25 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
Nov 26 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
Nov 28 – Dallas, TX – Southside Music Hall
Nov 29 – Austin, TX – The Far Out
Dec 01 – Phoenix, AZ – The Nile
Dec 02 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory
Dec 03 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Dec 05 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre
Dec 06 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
Dec 07 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
Dec 08 – Vancouver, BC – Harbour Convention Centre
Dec 09 – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theatre
Dec 10 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
Dec 12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at The Complex
Dec 13 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
Dec 14 – Lawrence, KS – Liberty Hall
Dec 16 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Dec 17 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall

The Menzingers are Greg Barnett (vocals, guitar), Tom May (vocals, guitar), Eric Keen (bass), and Joe Godino (drums).

GWAR
Announces “Age of Imbeciles” Tour

Tenth Anniversary Edition Of ‘Battle Maximus’
Out September 1st on Pit Records!
Pre-Order HERE

The Intergalactic Scumdog Warriors GWAR are declaring war on humanity (AGAIN!) for their upcoming “Age of Imbeciles” Tour! The infamous Lords and Masters of Shock Rock will return to the road wreaking havoc, and laying waste to audiences across the US and Canada this Fall. The tour, featuring support from Negative Approach, X-Cops and Cancer Christ on select dates, starts October 11th in Hampton Beach, NH and runs through October 30th in Orlando, FL.

A complete list of dates and supporting act information can be found below.
Presales begin tomorrow and the general on-sale date is Friday, August 17th at 10:00 AM local time.

Lead singer, The Berserker Blothar had this to say about the impending battle:

“Attention People of Earth! Halloween is coming, and your world is up in flames. You’re a bunch of hairless apes with the smoothest of all brains. We see you there, groping in the chaos of maddening darkness. GWAR is coming to end your suffering, to bring a close to the Age of Imbeciles.”

Age of Imbeciles Tour
10/11 Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s*
10/12 S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground*
10/13 New York, NY @ Palladium Times Square*
10/14 Reading, PA @ Reverb*
10/15 Niagara Falls, NY @ The Rapids Theatre*
10/16 Toronto, ON @ The Phoenix#
10/18 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
10/19 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
10/20 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
10/21 Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
10/22 Huntsville, AL @ Mars Music Hall
10/24 Richmond, VA @ The National
10/25 Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
10/26 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
10/27 Gainesville, FL @ The Fest, Bo Diddley Plaza
10/28 Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
10/29 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven)
10/30 Orlando, FL @The Beacham
*No X-Cops
#No Negative Approach

Current GWAR Tour Dates
“The Psychotherapy Sessions” Tour:
8/15 Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
8/16 Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater
8/17 Irvine, CA @ FivePoint Amphitheater
8/19 Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion
8/20 Reno, NV @ Grand Theater at the Grand Sierra Resort
8/22 Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheater
8/23 Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
8/25 Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater
8/26 Englewood, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater

GWAR Headlining Shows:
8/21 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory *
8/27 Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre +
8/28 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue +^
8/29 Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s +^
8/30 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant +^
9/1 San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center +^
* – w/ Nonpoint
+ – w/ Crobot
^ – w/ 200 Stab Wounds

Festival Appearances:
9/2 Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma
9/3 Cookeville, TN @ Muddy Roots Festival
10/26-27 Gainesville, FL @ The Fest
10/31 – 11/4 Lamb of God’s Headbangers Boat – Sold Out
11/5 San Mateo Otzacatipan, MX @ Hell & Heaven Festival

In other GWAR news, the band will release a tenth anniversary Edition of their “Battle Maximus” album September 1st via Pit Records. This new version is completely remixed and remastered, and features the final recorded vocal performance of Oderus Urungus on the previously unreleased and never-before heard song “Tammy, Queen of Dirt.”
It is Available for Pre-Order HERE