Raise Your Hands and Pledge Metal Allegiance in Anaheim

Metal Allegiance, the all-star metal band consisting of core members Mark Menghi, Mike Portnoy, David Ellefson, and Alex Skolnick, put on what is becoming their almost annual show during NAMM week at the House of Blues in Anaheim on Thursday, delivering an almost two hour set of not only metal classics, but new material as well.

Mark Menghi, Mike Portnoy, Alex Skolnick, Gary Holt, Mark Osegueda, Cristina Scabbia and Chuck Billy

The NAMM weekend provides a perfect opportunity to find some of metal's finest all in one place at the same time and it was like a class reunion of sorts, with the core group rounded out by a stellar group of guest performers. Joining the core members on this outing were Mark Osegueda of Death Angel, longtime Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser, Chuck Billy of Testament, Gary Holt of Slayer and Exodus, John Bush of Armored Saint, Bobby Blitz of Overkill, Nita Strauss from Alice Cooper's band, and Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil.

Opening with Metallica's "Hit the Lights" with Chuck Billy on vocals, the rotating cast performed everything from Exodus' "Bonded By Blood" to Testament's "Into the Pit." It was a full on metal extravaganza throughout the night.

Metal Allegiance also debuted a brand new song, "Mother of Sin," with Overkill's Bobby Blitz on vocals, before wrapping up the evening with a blistering take on Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast."

Motorhead Guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke Dies at 67

Motorhead guitarist Edward Allan Clarke -- aka "Fast" Eddie Clarke -- passed away peacefully Wednesday night (Jan. 10) after being treated for pneumonia. He was 67.



The official Motorhead Facebook page shared the news in a post. "We are devastated to pass on the news we only just heard ourselves earlier tonight...Edward Allan Clarke - or as we all know and love him Fast Eddie Clarke - passed away peacefully yesterday," the band wrote. "Ted Carroll (who formed Chiswick Records) made the sad announcement via his FB page, having heard from Doug Smith that Fast Eddie passed peacefully in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia..."

Fellow band member Mikkey Dee responded to the heartbreaking news. "I saw Eddie not too long ago and he was in great shape. So this is a complete shock," he said before adding his condolences to Eddie's "family and close ones."

“Just heard the sad news that Fast Eddie Clark has passed away,” guitarist Phil Campbell said in the statement echoing his sympathy. “Such a shock, he will be remembered for his iconic riffs and was a true rock and roller. RIP Eddie.”

Four more bands added to Steelhouse Festival 2018 line-up

Welsh rock institution Steelhouse Festival has added four new acts to the 2018 bill.

Making their Steelhouse debuts next summer are The Wildhearts, Dan Reed Network, Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons and Mason Hill.

The Wildhearts enthused: “Steelhouse is an amazing festival, run by true music lovers, and we are honoured to bring our brand of rock n roll back to Wales. See you down the front.”

Also waxing lyrical, Motörhead legend Phil Campbell said: “I’ve been hearing lots of great things about Steelhouse Festival over the last couple of years. Can’t wait to play to the great Steelhouse crowd and see you on the mountain”

Dan Reed commented, “I have been hearing for years how great a festival Steelhouse is, and how DRN should one day perform there.

“To be confirmed for 2018 is a not only great honour but we are very much looking forward to finding out in person what all the positive reviews have been about! I can imagine a greater place to perform than on a scenic mountaintop in majestic Wales!”

The newly confirmed artists join an already impressive line-up that boasts Black Star Riders, Stone Broken, The Quireboys, King King, Aaron Buchanon and The Cult Classics, Massive Wagons, The Dust Coda, The Bad Flowers and Those Damn Crows.

Promoter Mikey Evans said of today’s additions: “Personally I think Ginger has been, and continues to be, one of the greatest British songwriters of the last 30 years. To have him finally bring the classic line-up of the Wildhearts - himself, CJ, Ritch and Danny - to the mountain and play that immense catalogue is a dream come true.

“We are also so pleased to welcome the Dan Reed Network to the line-up for the very first time. We saw them live recently and it was a no-brainer. Their sheer musical talent speaks for itself.”

Promoter Max Rhead added: “What can you say about Phil Campbell? Motörhead guitarist for 30 years and Welsh ambassador of rock. He's a local legend. He was destined to make it up the mountain at some point and adding him and The Bastard Sons to the Friday line-up really makes that opening night very special indeed.

We're determined to continue to support new blood. Anyone who has seen Mason Hill will have felt the commitment to their live performance. They were built for big stages.”

Dubbed ‘The Welsh International Classic Rock Festival’, the eighth Steelhouse Festival takes place at Hafod-Y-Dafal Farm in Ebbw Vale, Gwent, Wales from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th July 2018.