ROCK NEWS

I took my national newspaper experience into the rock world in 2009 when I started providing news coverage for some of the world's leading heavy music outlets. Most of my stories are published via Ultimate Classic Rock but I still occasionally write for Future's Louder group, including Classic Rock, Prog and Metal Hammer.

My most recent stories appear below. Over 8,600 pieces dating back to 2011 can be found at Authory.com.

Watch Unseen Film of Rolling Stones on ‘Glimmer Twins’ Vacation

Producers of an upcoming documentary about Anita Pallenberg have released unseen film of the '60s-era actress and model on vacation with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in 1967. The ocean cruise is notable for including the moment Jagger came up with…

APR

Sammy Hagar Recalls ‘Brutal’ Van Halen Tour With Broken Tailbone

By:

Martin Kielty

Sammy Hagar says he sustained a “brutal” injury on the opening night of a Van Halen tour, leading to weeks of agony because the shows had to go on. It was the first of 28 performances under the Monsters of Rock banner in 1988, with Metallica,…

APR

Moody Blues Co-Founder Mike Pinder Dead at 82

By:

Martin Kielty

Mike Pinder, co-founder of the Moody Blues, died on April 24 at the age of 82. "Very sad news, the last of the original lineup of the Moody Blues has passed away," Denny Laine's widow Elizabeth wrote on Instagram. "He is now reunited with Denny, Ray,…

APR

Joe Walsh Returns to Scene of Drink and Drugs ‘Epiphany’

By:

Martin Kielty

Eagles icon Joe Walsh performed a short set for 300 people in heavy rain during a return to the place where he’d had his drink and drugs “epiphany.” On Sunday he performed alongside a band of students at Otatara Pa, a Maori fort near Hawkes Bay, New…

APR

The Last Song Bon Jovi Would Sing if His Live Career Was Over Now

By:

Martin Kielty

Jon Bon Jovi revealed the last song he’d sing if his performing career is drawing to a close – and admitted it wasn’t what most people would expect. His future remains in doubt after he underwent vocal cord surgery in 2022. He previously explained…

APR

Bruce Dickinson Recalls Wanting to Front Iron Maiden at First Sight

By:

Martin Kielty

Bruce Dickinson says he wanted to front Iron Maiden from the first time he saw the band in action. In a recent interview with Record Collector, the vocalist said he’d already heard about Steve Harris’ group when Samson, his own outfit at the time,…

APR

How Earl Slick Nearly Toured with John Lennon

By:

Martin Kielty

Earl Slick recalled how he nearly derailed his first session with John Lennon, who had asked him to appear on his 1980 album Double Fantasy. The American guitarist first met the ex-Beatle during sessions for David Bowie’s Young Americans in 1975, but…

APR

David Bowie’s Slowburn Invitation for Reunion with Earl Slick

By:

Martin Kielty

Earl Slick discussed the strange working relationship he had with David Bowie, which began in 1974 and lasted on and off until 2013. The American guitarist’s career includes credits with John Lennon, David Coverdale and others. In a new interview…

APR

Everyone Except Josh Freese Knew He Would Join Foo Fighters

By:

Martin Kielty

Josh Freese revealed that almost everyone he knew, including his wife, believed he’d be invited to join the Foo Fighters – but it came as a surprise when Dave Grohl made the phone call. The former Guns N’ Roses and Nine Inch Nails drummer said he…

APR

Rock Hall of Fame Fan Vote Ends, Inductees to Be Announced on Live TV

By:

Martin Kielty

This year’s inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will be named live on American Idol on April 21, it was announced. 2022 honoree Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest will announce the winners during Sunday’s episode, which airs 8-10:01 p.m. ET…

© 2022﻿ Martin Kielty

© 2022 Martin Kielty