Spencer Kaufman is the Editor-in-Chief of Loudwire. He grew up playing stickball and basketball in Brooklyn, N.Y., before graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Communication Arts. He has been a professional music journalist for more than a decade in New York City. He digs punk, hardcore and industrial music, and fondly remembers the time Iggy Pop landed on him after a stage dive. His favorite movie is 'Taxi Driver' and he once played in a fictional college band called the Raging De Niros.
Spencer Kaufman
Open Letter to the Grammys: Give Metal and Hard Rock the Respect They Deserve
We recently published an open letter to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, asking them to consider some of the greatest hard rock + metal acts ever for induction. But now we point our dissatisfaction at the 2014 Grammy Awards, which took place Sunday night, Jan. 26, and featured one rock and metal snub after another.
2014 Grammy Awards Snubs Late Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman During ‘In Memoriam’ Segment
As it does every year, the Grammy Awards paid tribute to the musicians who passed away over the past 12 months with an 'In Memoriam' segment toward the end of Sunday night's ceremony. However, there was at least one glaring omission, as there was no mention of late Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman.
The Pretty Reckless Rock Acoustic Version of ‘Going to Hell’ – Exclusive Video
With the Pretty Reckless gearing up to release their new album, 'Going to Hell' on March 18 via Razor & Tie Records, lead singer Taylor Momsen and guitarist Ben Phillips stopped by the Loudwire studio to perform a stirring rendition of the disc's infectious title track.
Ministry Mastermind Al Jourgensen to Enter Rehab for Alcohol Abuse
Legendary Ministry mastermind Al Jourgensen, who helped pioneer the industrial rock movement, has announced that he is checking into a rehab facility on Feb. 3 to combat his alcohol abuse. The rock frontman, who has infamously battled addictions to drugs and alcohol throughout his career, announced the news via a series of colorful Facebook posts.
Metallica To Begin Work on New Album “In a Couple of Weeks”
One of the most repeated questions in the metal world over the past couple years has been, "When is the new Metallica album coming out?" Now, at least we have an answer as to when the legendary act will commence work on the new disc.
Steel Panther Dish Out Full Details of New Album ‘All You Can Eat’
Steel Panther fans, get your appetites ready, because the band has just unveiled full details of their upcoming album, 'All You Can Eat.' The disc hits stores April 1, and its artwork is an early contender for album cover of the year.
Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi Offers Latest Health Update, Outlook for 2014
The metal world's collective heart sank when it was announced in the beginning of 2012 that the godfather of metal himself, Tony Iommi, was battling lymphoma. However, the Black Sabbath guitarist has managed to persevere despite the diagnosis, and has started the new year with his latest health update.
Judge Rules in Favor of Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee in Lawsuit Over Roller-Coaster Drum Design
In September 2012, Tommy Lee and Motley Crue were sued by Howard Scott King, who claimed that he gave the Crue drummer the idea for the roller-coaster drum set which he has used on tour in recent years. Now, TMZ reports that a judge has dismissed the lawsuit, clearing Lee of any wrongdoing.
Black Label Society Tap Dario Lorina as New Rhythm Guitarist
One month after announcing the departure of guitarist Nick Catanese, Black Label Society have revealed his replacement, Dario Lorina of the band Lizzy Borden.
Joey Jordison: ‘I Did Not Quit Slipknot’
It was shocking news when Slipknot announced in December that they've parted ways with drummer Joey Jordison. Now, it appears as if Jordison himself was the person most shocked by the decision.
Former Pearl Jam Management Executive Pleads Guilty to Stealing From Band
Back in June of this year, we reported on the case of Ricky Charles Goodrich, an executive at Pearl Jam's former management company who was charged with stealing $380,000 from the band over a four-year period. Now, Goodrich has pleaded guilty to 6 counts associated with those charges.
Nirvana, KISS + More Among 2014 Class of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2014 class of inductees late Monday night (Dec. 16), and grunge goliaths Nirvana and hard-rock heroes KISS are among the acts who have been elected into the prestigious institution.