Month: March 2021

Geezer Butler has clarified a recent comment he made about his DEADLAND RITUAL bandmate Steve Stevens.

On Monday (March 8), Butler was a guest on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk”, where he discussed the status of the supergroup he started a few years ago with Stevens (BILLY IDOL, VINCE NEIL), drummer Matt Sorum (GUNS N’ ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER) and singer Franky Perez (APOCALYPTICA).

“DEADLAND RITUAL’s dead,” the BLACK SABBATH bassist said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. “The virus put the final nail in the coffin. We had 12 or 13 songs written. We were about to go into the studio last March, and everything closed down. Matt left the band. And Steve has got, I think, a lung condition or something, so he couldn’t leave the house ’cause of the virus. And we just didn’t revive it. You never know — we might do it next year or something. I don’t know.”

A few hours after BLABBERMOUTH.NET published Geezer’s comments, he took to his Twitter to write: “I would like to clarify a recent interview remark I made, concerning DEADLAND RITUAL, and Steve Stevens. I was referring to the start of the pandemic, how it stopped us from going into the studio to record. I said Steve wouldn’t leave his house because of a lung condition.”

He continued: “I was told Steve had a respiratory problem & didn’t want to risk getting Covid. I totally agreed. Anyway, I want you all to know that Steve is up and about and has no ‘lung condition’. In fact he played at this past Super Bowl. #lockdown #COVID19 @Stevestevens #clarification”.

DEADLAND RITUAL released two songs, “Down In Flames” and “Broken And Bruised” in late 2018 and early 2019. Both tracks, which were produced by Greg Fidelman (METALLICA, SLIPKNOT), were made available via Sonik Riot Records/AWAL powered by Kobalt.

For its live performances, DEADLAND RITUAL’s setlist consisted of several original tracks alongside classic songs from the members’ previous bands, including BLACK SABBATH’s “Symptom Of The Universe”, “Neon Knights” and “Sweet Leaf”, VELVET REVOLVER’s “Slither” and BILLY IDOL’s “Rebel Yell”.

Geezer previously said that he initially had no plans to join another band after SABBATH completed its “The End” farewell tour.

“Well, I retired after the last SABBATH show,” he said. “I just traveled and did everything that I wanted to do when I was retired for a year. And then I got fed up watching the TV every day. And I started writing stuff again, ’cause that’s what you do. I’ve been doing it for 50 years, so it’s in your blood. You can’t just stop, especially when it’s your hobby as well. And I just got back into writing stuff. I was planning on doing another solo album, a GZR thing. And I got a few songs together for that. And then Matt got in touch with me about DEADLAND RITUAL.”

Asked what appealed to him about being in a band again, Geezer said: “It’s what I’ve known since I started when I was 16; I was in a band. When you’re doing solo stuff, it’s just you writing stuff. There’s nobody to bounce off, and I really missed that. It’s good to have people saying, ‘That’s good. That’ll work.’ Or, ‘That’s not so good.’ And I missed having that. The guitarist that I worked with in GZR, he’s just moved to the East Coast and he’s got other things on his plate at the moment. With DEADLAND RITUAL, everybody’s local, so it’s easy to get together. And you don’t have to plan months in advance to do an album or write songs. If I feel like writing a song today, I call up Steve, go around to Steve’s house, and we try something.”

DEADLAND RITUAL made its live debut in May 2019 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.

I would like to clarify a recent interview remark I made, concerning Dealand Ritual, and Steve Stevens. I was referring to the start of the pandemic, how it stopped us from going into the studio to record. I said Steve wouldn’t leave his house because of a lung condition.
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) March 11, 2021

I was told Steve had a respiratory problem & didn’t want to risk getting Covid. I totally agreed. Anyway, I want you all to know that Steve is up and about and has no “lung condition”. In fact he played at this past Super Bowl. #lockdown #COVID19 @Stevestevens #clarification
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) March 11, 2021

SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor will take part in a a live-streamed one-off special in aid of Comic Relief from Friday, March 12 to Saturday, March 13.

To mark Comic Relief’s 35th year, “No Such Thing As A Fish”, the award-winning podcast from the team behind BBC Two’s “QI”, will host 35 guests for 35 minutes each — a whopping 1,225 minutes of live broadcast, and over 20 hours of non-stop fun-fact chit-chat.

The phenomenal guest list also includes Michael Palin, Sally Phillips, Tim Minchin, Rhys Darby, Shappi Khorsandi, John Lloyd, Richard Osman, Sue Perkins, Ian Hislop, Eddie Izzard, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Gemma Whelan, Stephen Fry, and Comic Relief co-founder Richard Curtis.

Taylor will be a guest for 35 minutes at 2:40 a.m. U.K. time on Saturday, March 13 (6:40 p.m. PST on Friday, March 12).

Curtis said: “The ‘QI’ team has really out done themselves with this brilliant idea — 35 guests to mark 35 years of Comic Relief is an extraordinary feat to pull off. I’m nervous to be part of such a clever lineup and will spend the next week dusting off my Comic Relief trivia. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I hope will help raise lots of money for Red Nose Day along the way. I want to say a huge thanks to the ‘QI’ team for their herculean efforts in bringing us all 20 hours of non-stop fund-raising entertainment. They have some amazing guests, and I am sure a ridiculous amount of interesting facts to enjoy from home.”

“No Such Thing As A Fish” said: “We’ve spent seven years messing around and only recording for an hour or two at a time. This year we are thrilled to be pushing ourselves to the absolute limit in the service of one of the best causes around. We aim to read out every fact in the world at least once.”

“No Such Thing As A Fish” is one of the world’s most listened to podcasts, with over 300 million listens and an average of one million listeners per week.

Now in its seventh year, “No Such Thing As A Fish” is at the forefront of the British podcast scene. The team has performed live across the world — including selling out the Sydney Opera House and the New York Comedy Festival — as well as writing three books, making two series of the hit BBC Two show “No Such Thing As The News” and releasing a podcast exclusively on vinyl in a fruitless attempt to be on trend.

Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day is back on Friday, March 19 and will aim to bring the U.K. together to show just how powerful humour can be through the toughest of times. It has never felt more important to raise smiles and money for those who are struggling more than ever, as the continued impact of COVID-19 brings unprecedented challenges to many.

Donations made to Red Nose Day during the 20-hour podcast marathon will help tackle issues including homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse, and mental health problems, all of which have been exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic, in the U.K. and around the world.

To view the live stream on Comic Relief’s YouTube page, click here.

A DAY TO REMEMBER has shared an official Reel Bear Media-directed music video for its single “Everything We Need”, which is featured on its recently released album “You’re Welcome”. Co-written by A DAY TO REMEMBER’s Jeremy McKinnon with multi-platinum superstar Jon Bellion, Nick Long and Collin “Doc” Brittain, “Everything We Need” is an understated, yet uplifting exhale of emotion. The track is currently impacting Active Rock Radio, rising to Top 25 this week on the airplay charts and approaching 2.5 million streams worldwide. “You’re Welcome” is available now on all streaming platforms, with exclusive merch bundles and multiple vinyl variants of the LP available in the band’s official store.

Pegged as one of the “Most Anticipated Rock Albums of 2021” by Forbes, Consequence Of Sound, Kerrang! and more, “You’re Welcome” is largely produced by Brittain and McKinnon. The 14-track collection represents another major step forward for the acclaimed quintet, and is highlighted by early singles “Brick Wall”, “Degenerates”, “Resentment” and “Mindreader”. Additional album standouts include “Bloodsucker”, which ravages with an infectious intensity, as well as “F.Y.M.” which spouts punk energy through an unforgettable chorus. The band shows its versatility and multifaceted songwriting with towering stadium-sized tracks like “Viva La Mexico”, while “Everything We Need” closes out the album with a plaintive melody and acoustic eloquence.

Having amassed over 1.6 billion global streams to date, A DAY TO REMEMBER is now inciting critical applause with “You’re Welcome”. Revolver declared, “[‘Brick Wall’] showcases the group’s signature mix of post-hardcore heaviness and pop-rock hooks,” while Consequence Of Sound wrote, “the Florida rockers’ new LP will continue their wide-ranging sound that ranges from infectious pop-punk to crushing metalcore.” Forbes put it simply, “It seems A DAY TO REMEMBER are only just getting started,” and Billboard praised the band’s “anthemic hybrid of post-hardcore and pop.” Popdust avowed A DAY TO REMEMBER “have all but mastered their niche melding of pop melodies with hardcore music,” while Kerrang! attested, “‘You’re Welcome’ is the perfect soundtrack to this strange and uncertain world that we live in.”

Earlier this year, A DAY TO REMEMBER unveiled ots first-ever acoustic livestream event, “A Day To Remember: Live at The Audio Compound”. After premiering the stream on its official YouTube channel, the band surprised audiences everywhere by releasing the career-spanning nine-song performance as an acoustic live album, “Live At The Audio Compound”, which is available now on all DSPs.

A DAY TO REMEMBER is: Jeremy McKinnon (vocals), Alex Shelnutt (drums), Kevin Skaff (guitar, vocals), Neil Westfall (guitar, vocals) and Joshua Woodard (bass).

Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

The Japanese government has announced that X JAPAN’s Yoshiki has been awarded the prestigious Medal Of Honor for his numerous charitable works, including his support and donations to frontline medical professionals during the COVID-19 crisis.

Yoshiki received the Medal with the Dark Blue Ribbon, which is awarded to individuals who have made exceptionally generous financial contributions to the national government, local governments, and public entities.

Yoshiki commented: “I am very honored to receive the Medal Of Honor. I hope to continue supporting these efforts in the future. I would be grateful if the circle of charity would expand further through these activities. Thank you very much.”

Last April, Yoshiki donated 10 million yen (approximately $100,000) to Japan’s National Center for Global Health and Medicine through his 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Yoshiki Foundation America. The Center researches infectious and autoimmune diseases, including COVID-19.

Yoshiki’s swift action to support medical personnel fighting on the front lines inspired other celebrities, who moved to make their own donations to aid the collective national effort.

Yoshiki also donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund in the U.S. established by The Recording Academy/Grammys and its charitable foundation MusiCares to help music artists and professionals affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Also in 2020, Yoshiki donated 10 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society in commemoration of the ninth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and donated a total of $24,000 to Meals on Wheels branches across Los Angeles for seniors affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

He has supported numerous other humanitarian causes around the world, including donating $100,000 to disaster relief for Hurricane Harvey victims in Texas in 2017.

In recognition of his active influence and philanthropy, he was selected as one of Forbes Asia’s 30 Heroes of Philanthropy in 2019.

CHEAP TRICK has released Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll, the latest single from the band’s eagerly anticipated 20th studio album, “In Another World”, arriving via BMG on Friday, April 9 digitally as well as on standard black vinyl and CD. Limited-edition blue and white splattered vinyl will be available at independent record stores nationwide. In addition, a limited-edition picture disc will be available exclusively via Target.

Produced by longtime associate Julian Raymond, “In Another World” sees CHEAP TRICK doing what they do better than anyone — crafting indelible rock ‘n’ roll with oversized hooks, mischievous lyrics, and seemingly inexorable energy. Trademark anthems like “Light Up The Fire” and “Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll” are countered by more introspective — but no less exuberant — considerations of times past, present, and unknowable future on such strikingly potent new tracks as “Another World” and “I’ll See You Again”. “In Another World” — which marks CHEAP TRICK’s first new LP since 2017’s double-header of “We’re All Alright!” and “Christmas Christmas” — further showcases CHEAP TRICK at their most eclectic, touching on a myriad of distinct sounds and song approaches, from the swampy Chicago blues number “Final Days” (featuring fiery harmonica from Grammy Award-nominated singer and WET WILLIE frontman Jimmy Hall) to a timely rendition of John Lennon’s still-relevant “Gimme Some Truth”, originally released for Record Store Day Black Friday 2019 and featuring the instantly recognizable guitar sound of erstwhile SEX PISTOLS member Steve Jones. As irresistible and immediate as anything in their already awesome catalog, “In Another World” is CHEAP TRICK at their irrepressible best, infinitely entertaining and utterly unstoppable.

“In Another World” track listing:

01. Here Comes The Summer
02. Quit Waking Me Up
03. Another World
04. Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll
05. The Party
06. Final Days
07. So It Goes
08. Light Up The Fire
09. Passing Through
10. Here’s Looking At You
11. Another World Reprise
12. I’ll See You Again
13. Gimme Some Truth

CHEAP TRICK’s current lineup includes three of its original members: singer Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson. Drummer Bun E. Carlos stopped touring with the band in 2010 and was replaced by Nielsen’s son Daxx.

Founded in 1974, CHEAP TRICK are an indisputable American institution, beloved around the globe for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential, brand of pop rock ‘n’ roll. The band are true pioneers with an unparalleled streak of certifiably classic tunes, from “He’s A Whore”, “California Man” and “Dream Police” to “Surrender”, “I Want You To Want Me” and the worldwide #1 hit single “The Flame”. 2016 saw CHEAP TRICK inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, a long-overdue acknowledgement of a nearly five-decade career that has earned them more than 40 international gold and platinum certifications, myriad awards and industry honors, featured appearances on over 20 movie soundtracks, and total record sales well in excess of 20 million.

CHEAP TRICK are, of course, one of rock’s hardest working live acts, lighting it up at arenas, concert halls, and amphitheatres worldwide more than 150 nights each year. Alas, recent events have forced the band off the road for perhaps the longest hiatus of their storied history. CHEAP TRICK plan to return to the endless highway later as soon as they can, including North American and U.K. tour dates.

“This band is held together by music,” says Zander. “It’s the super glue that keeps us writing and putting records out. The reason we started the band in the first place was to tour and write songs and put records out. If all that went away, there would be no point then, would there?”

In September, CHEAP TRICK released a cover version of David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel”. The track was engineered and produced by Jack Douglas.

Back in 2018, CHEAP TRICK released a single called “The Summer Looks Good On You” and followed it up with 2019 updates of Harry Nilsson’s “Ambush” and John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth”.

Dee Snider’s upcoming solo album, “Leave A Scar”, will include a duet with CANNIBAL CORPSE frontman George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher.

The TWISTED SISTER singer broke the news of the collaboration in a tweet on Wednesday. He wrote: “HOLY HELL!! Just heard mix of a duet (if you can call something this brutal that) with me and #corpsegrinder of CANNIBAL CORPSE for my next album! ‘Time to Chose’ is BEYOND HEAVY! @jameyjasta @CorpseOfficial #HAAAAAARD !!!”

Last week, Snider told New York’s Q104.3 radio station that his new LP will be “very heavy,” but added that “there are some surprises on there that I think people are gonna really be excited about.”

Snider’s next solo album will be the follow-up to “For The Love Of Metal”, which was released in July 2018 via Napalm Records. That effort, which was produced by HATEBREED vocalist Jamey Jasta, featured contributions from Howard Jones (ex-KILLSWITCH ENGAGE), Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD), Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Joel Grind and Nick Bellmore (TOXIC HOLOCAUST), and Charlie Bellmore (KINGDOM OF SORROW).

Snider previously spoke about his upcoming solo LP during an October 2020 interview with Full Metal Jackie’s nationally syndicated radio show. At the time, he said: “[I’m] working with the same amazing team — the Bellmore brothers, Charlie [on guitar] and Nickey. Nickey plays drums, but also is the engineer and mixer — an amazing, talented guy. And Jamey Jasta is the producer and curator. He is the gatekeeper, the master. As all ideas are brought in, they’re filtered through Jamey, his ears, and have to get a thumbs-up from him before it makes it to the record. But now we no longer have to do that ‘Is this gonna work?’ thing. And for me, it’s, ‘Do I trust these guys?’ I mean, I trusted them in the sense that they were friends, but when Jamey challenged me to do the metal record, I had my doubts. I don’t wanna say it’s doubts, but [I thought], ‘How is this gonna work?’ So there was an initial thing where we were all feeling each other out. Now, after two years of working together, touring with the Bellmore brothers, locking in a band with Nick ‘Taz’ Petrino on guitar and Russ Pizzuto on bass guitar, we come in and we don’t have to waste any time with that. There is trust, we do know our direction, we do know what works for Dee Snider and for this project, and we just go full steam ahead.”

Snider’s latest release was “For The Love Of Metal Live!”, which came out in July 2020 via Napalm Records. The DVD/Blu-ray and accompanying live album (available in various formats) features audio captured from several Snider festival performances worldwide — from the United States to Europe, Australia and beyond. In addition to tracks from Snider’s solo catalog, like “I Am The Hurricane” and “For The Love Of Metal”, TWISTED SISTER favorites such as “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, and even a cover of AC/DC’s “Highway To Hell”, the audio portion of “For The Love Of Metal Live!” also features a brand new original studio track, “Prove Me Wrong”.

TWISTED SISTER called it quits in 2016 after completing a farewell 40th-anniversary tour.

HOLY HELL!! Just heard mix of a duet (if you can call something this brutal that) with me and #corpsegrinder of Cannibal Corpse for my next album! “Time to Chose” is BEYOND HEAVY! @jameyjasta @CorpseOfficial #HAAAAAARD !!!
— Dee Snider?? (@deesnider) March 10, 2021

The attorneys for ICED EARTH’s Jon Schaffer have filed a motion to dismiss the charges against the guitarist for his involvement in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

The documents obtained by BLABBERMOUTH.NET show that Schaffer’s attorneys have cited the Speedy Trial Act, which establishes maximum time periods for different stages of a federal criminal prosecution. Since the Speedy Trial Act required the government to file an information or an indictment within 30 days of Schaffer’s arrest, the “complaint must be dismissed,” they wrote.

Schaffer is still awaiting extradition extradition to Washington D.C., nearly seven weeks after U.S. Magistrate for the Southern District of Indiana judge Mark Dinsmore signed an order for the ICED EARTH guitarist to appear in D.C.’s district court. Schaffer is still being held by the U.S. Marshal Service at the Marion County Jail.

The 52-year-old musician, who resides in in Edinburgh, Indiana, is facing six federal criminal charges after he was accused of spraying a police officer with a pepper-based bear repellant during the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

According to Politico, the D.C.-based team of federal prosecutors has been stretched thin as the Justice Department and courts are trying to prosecute and process hundreds of people accused of storming the Capitol more than two months ago. While in all of last year, the D.C. federal court recorded 290 cases in its criminal docket for major crimes, so far this year, 199 such cases have already been filed, nearly all of them against alleged Capitol rioters.

Schaffer waived his preliminary hearing as well as his rights to an identity hearing and production of a warrant seven weeks ago in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, court documents state. He was supposed to be transported by a United States marshal to Washington, D.C. where government lawyers and Schaffer’s legal team have mutually agreed to handle all proceedings.

Schaffer is entitled to a hearing on the issue of pretrial detention upon his arrival in D.C., court documents said.

Seven weeks ago, government lawyers asked the judge to not offer Schaffer a bond when he goes in front of U.S. magistrate.

Schaffer must prove to the federal magistrate that he is not a threat to himself or the public before being released on bail. Others who have been charged for insurrection at the Capitol have been given bail but ordered to surrender their firearms, avoid contact with other alleged Capitol rioters and stay away from all state capitol buildings. Some other alleged rioters have been prohibited from using social media and participating in any political rallies.

Last month, a man resembling Schaffer was seen in newly released security footage from the U.S. Capitol riot that the House impeachment managers obtained and submitted as evidence for former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. The clip in question, which was released by CNN on February 15, shows rioters charging through a breached entrance and engaging and pushing officers. Schaffer can be seen near the front of the mob, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, a tactical vest and black leather fingerless tactical gloves, and pointing his finger while yelling at the officers.

Schaffer was photographed wearing an “Oath Keepers Lifetime Member” cap during the insurrection. The Oath Keepers describe themselves as an association of former law enforcement and military personnel dedicated to “support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” But the Anti-Defamation League describes it as “a large but loosely organized collection of right-wing anti-government extremists who are part of the militia movement, which believes that the federal government has been coopted by a shadowy conspiracy that is trying to strip American citizens of their rights.”

Schaffer has been held in the Marion County Jail since surrendering to police on January 17. He made his first court appearance the following day.

Just hours after the insurrection, ICED EARTH fans recognized Schaffer in a photo released by federal investigators.

Schaffer is believed to be one of at least 400 people who are being investigated by FBI officials over their roles in the insurrection.

More than 250 criminal cases have been filed so far. Charges include unauthorized access, theft, damage to government property and assault on law enforcement officers.

Grammy-nominated Christian rock band SKILLET has announced spring 2021 tour dates.

Building on the previous success of the “Drive-In Theater Tour”, Awakening Events has confirmed the fourth package of the 2021 series. SKILLET, along with JORDAN FELIZ and COLTON DIXON, will embark on a 21-city tour beginning April 22 in Mitchell, Indiana and wrapping up on May 23 in Chaffee, Missouri. The tour will make stops in Alabama, Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, Arkansas, and more.

All dates on the “Drive-In Theater Tour” will comply with local guidelines related to COVID-19. Tickets for the tour will again be sold by the car load* (up to six people per car) and will be available for purchase at 12 p.m. ET Friday, March 12. A full list of cities, dates, and tickets for the tour is available here. The dates are also posted below.

*Please note that some dates on the tour will NOT be at a drive-in theater. In these shows, billed as “An Evening Under The Stars,” seating may be sold in pods or other socially distanced configurations. Please see event listings for full details.

“The Drive-In Theater Tour”, supported by K-Love Radio, AiR1 Radio, and Food For The Hungry, is exclusively produced by Awakening Events.

Additionally, SKILLET will host a live Instagram chat on Friday, March 12 at 2 p.m. EST to catch up with fans and answer any questions they may have.

SKILLET on tour with JORDAN FELIZ and COLTON DIXON:

Apr. 22 – Mitchell, IN – Holiday Drive-In
Apr. 23 – Knox, IN – Melody Drive-In Theatre
Apr. 24 – Middle Point, OH – Van-Del Drive-In
Apr. 25 – Versailles, IN – Bel-Air Drive-In
Apr. 29 – Albertville, AL – Sand Mountain Amphitheater
Apr. 30 – Sparta, TN – Sparta Drive-in
May 01 – Marion, VA – Park Place Drive In Theater
May 02 – Athens, TN – Swingin’ Midway Drive-in
May 04 – Beaufort, SC – Highway 21 Drive-in
May 05 – Albemarle, NC – Badin Road Drive-In
May 06 – Roanoke Rapids, NC – I-95 Drive-In at Roanoke Rapids Theatre
May 08 – Destin, FL- Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village
May 13 – Guin, AL – Blue Moon Drive-In
May 14 – Bald Knob, AR – Grayson Farms Amphitheater
May 15 – Marshall, AR – Kenda Drive-In Theater
May 16 – Fayetteville, AR – 112 Drive-In
May 18 – Carthage, MO – 66 Drive-In
May 19 – Wichita, KS – Starlite Drive-In
May 20 – Tulsa, OK – Admiral Twin
May 22 – Cadet, MO – Starlite Drive-In
May 23 – Chaffee, MO – Rock ‘N’ Roll Drive-In

Last September, SKILLET released an epic deluxe project, “Victorious: The Aftermath” (Atlantic). The collection featured all twelve original tracks from 2019’s “Victorious” album, plus eight additional songs, including two previously unreleased cuts, and five reimagined songs. One of the brand new tracks was “Dead Man Walking”, a favorite of lead singer John Cooper, for which the band released a “Marvel-esque” lyric video.

SKILLET’s tenth studio album, “Victorious”, was released in August 2019 via Atlantic.

SKILLET’s previous four releases — from 2006’s “Comatose” to 2016’s “Unleashed” — have been certified at least gold by the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA). SKILLET’s 2009 album “Awake” has gone double platinum.

SKILLET has enjoyed success on both the secular rock and Christian charts, with four consecutive No. 1 albums on the latter — including “Victorious”. SKILLET has also had 27 Top 5 hits on the Christian Rock charts.

Earlier today, Rob’s School Of Music conducted an interview with GUNS N’ ROSES guitarist Richard Fortus. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked for tips on dealing with anxiety and stage fright as a musician, Richard, who joined GUNS in late 2001 or early 2002, said: “When I’m touring with GN’R, the stage is the most comfortable place to me — because it’s our stage, it’s our gear, it’s our in-ear mixes, it’s our physical stage. It’s the same every night, and it feels like being at home. But when you go to play a club or when you go to sit in with somebody, you’re nervous — because now you’re not at home; you’re at somebody else’s home. But it’s just part of life, man. You’ve just gotta do it. And the only way to get over it is to do it.

“When I was 15 years old, I was playing clubs — every weekend, we were playing clubs, my band,” he continued. “I grew up in St. Louis, and there were underage clubs. So I would play every week at an underage club, and we would play different underage clubs, and parties and stuff. And that’s how I got over that; it became comfortable for me.”

Last September, Fortus told “The Radical With Nick Terzo” podcast that it has been at times difficult to adjust to the different musicians that came through GUNS N’ ROSES since he joined the band nearly two decades ago.

Fortus got his big break when his band PALE DIVINE opened for THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS. This led to Fortus forming the band LOVE SPIT LOVE with PSYCHEDELIC FURS frontman Richard Butler and drummer Frank Ferrer. In 2000, Fortus and Ferrer became touring members of the reformed PSYCHEDELIC FURS before Fortus hooked up with GUNS N’ ROSES. Ferrer himself joined GN’R in 2006.

GUNS N’ ROSES is now reportedly working on a new studio album — the first under the GUNS banner since 2008’s “Chinese Democracy” and the first to feature guitarist Slash, singer Axl Rose and bassist Duff McKagan since 1993.