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
Drummer Chris Adler: Lamb of God ‘Bankrupted’ by Randy Blythe’s Legal Fees
Lamb of God's singer Randy Blythe's world was turned upside down when he was arrested last summer on manslaughter charges. And while he was acquitted of any wrongdoing earlier this year, the legal case has had a lasting affect on the band, not only emotionally but financially. In a new interview, drummer Chris Adler reveals that Blythe's legal fees bankrupted the entire band.
‘Sopranos’ Star James Gandolfini Dies at 51 – Rockers React on Twitter
James Gandolfini, who starred as Tony Soprano in the HBO series 'The Sopranos,' died today (June 19) at the age of 51. The news of the beloved actor's death has shocked his fans, including several prominent members of the rock + metal community.
Nikki Sixx Mourns Death of His Mother
Sad news to report, as Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx's mother Deana Richards passed away yesterday, June 8, at the age of 74. The musician announced the news via a simple tweet that reads 'RIP Mom 5-5 1939 to 6-8 2013.' No further details are known about her passing at this time.
Metallica Play ‘Kill ‘Em All’ Album in Full During Surprise Set at Orion Festival
Metallica pulled off the surprise of all surprises today (June 8) at their Orion Music + More Festival. During a slot that was scheduled for the mysterious band 'dehaan,' Metallica themselves appeared onstage and ripped through their 1983 debut album 'Kill 'Em All' in its entirety.
Nine Inch Nails Announce 2013 North American Arena Tour Dates
The big news keeps piling in for Nine Inch Nails fans! Shortly after unleashing a brand-new single, 'Came Back Haunted,' and details of their new album, NIN have announced dates for a 2013 North American arena tour kicking off in the fall.
Nine Inch Nails Unleash New Song ‘Came Back Haunted,’ Reveal Upcoming Album Details
The wait for new Nine Inch Nails music is over, as the industrial rock kings have unleashed the new song 'Came Back Haunted.' The tune is the first taste of the band's upcoming album, which is titled 'Hesitation Marks' and will arrive Sept. 3.
Guns N’ Roses To Play Intimate Gig at Bowling Alley Venue in Brooklyn, New York
Guns N' Roses have just announced that they will be playing an intimate show this Thursday, June 6, at New York's Brooklyn Bowl, a music venue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that is also a bowling alley. The gig will serve as a warm-up show of sorts for the band's headlining gig at New York's Governors Ball this Saturday, June 8.
Scott Weiland Files Multimillion Dollar Countersuit Against Stone Temple Pilots Members
Scott Weiland's feud with his former Stone Temple Pilots bandmates seems to be getting uglier by the minute. After learning he had been replaced in STP by Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington and being slapped with a lawsuit by the band's three other founding members, Weiland has filed a multimillion dollar countersuit.
2013 Rock Allegiance Tour With Volbeat, HIM, All That Remains + Airbourne: More Dates Unveiled
This summer's Monster Energy Rock Allegiance Tour, featuring the international lineup of Volbeat, HIM, All That Remains and Airbourne, has unveiled several more dates of its itinerary. The trek now spans from Aug. 23 through Sept. 28.
Scott Weiland: Chester Bennington-Fronted Band Is ‘Not Stone Temple Pilots’
Many music fans were surprised last weekend when Stone Temple Pilots not only played a secret gig with Linkin Park's Chester Bennington as their new singer at the KROQ Weenie Roast in Los Angeles, but also released a new song called 'Out of Time.' But perhaps no one was more surprised than original STP frontman Scott Weiland, who was apparently fired from the band earlier this year.
David Draiman Ensures Eventual Return of Disturbed, Asks for Support of Side Projects
Disturbed singer David Draiman is currently finding success with his new band Device, whose single 'Vilify' recently topped the Active Rock chart. Meanwhile, Disturbed guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren are taking off with their new outfit Fight or Flight, as bassist John Moyer continues to work with Adrenaline Mob.
The Doors Keyboardist Ray Manzarek Dies at 74
Sad news to report as Ray Manzarek, the legendary keyboardist of the Doors, has passed away at the age of 74. The veteran musician died today in Germany after a long battle with bile duct cancer.