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A RIFF REPORT DEEP DIVE INTO METAL’S MOST FAMOUS MONSTER Right then. Let’s talk about the only bloke in heavy metal who’s been stabbed, shot, mummified, lobotomised, frozen, digitised, resurrected and still turns up for work every single tour without calling in sick. We’re talking about Eddie. The wide-eyed, snarl-faced, dimension-hopping mascot of Iron Maiden — and arguably the greatest...

Right then, brace yourselves, because The Simpsons has just smashed through its 800th episode — and instead of fireworks or some lazy clip show cobbled together on a Friday afternoon, they brought back alt-rock royalty. Yes. Proper indie legend behaviour. 🤘 The show welcomed the return of Michael Stipe, co-founder and former frontman of R.E.M., who stepped up to deliver...

Prog heads of Wales (and beyond), gather round the glowing crystal of pure riff energy because this is not a drill… Jon Anderson – the celestial voice behind the golden era of YES – is heading back to the UK in September and October 2026 for a seven-date tour packed with legendary YES classics. And he’s not popping over for...

Right then. You’re in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Beads flying. Brass bands blasting. Someone’s auntie dancing on a float dressed as a glitter cannon. Then you turn the corner… …and you’re suddenly surrounded by HUNDREDS of Ozzy Osbourne clones. 🕶️🖤 Round sunglasses. Black trench coats. Purple shirts. Wild eyeliner. A suspicious number of inflatable bats. The Prince of Darkness...

This one lands heavy. Timothy Very, the longtime drummer for indie rock heavyweights Manchester Orchestra, has passed away at the age of 42. Far, far too young. A rhythm cut short. For anyone who’s ever stood in a crowd with Manchester Orchestra swelling into those huge, emotional crescendos — you’ve felt his work in your bones. He wasn’t flashy-for-the-sake-of-it. He...

Right then, riff disciples… this one’s heavy. And not just in the drop-D sense. Thrash titan Dave Mustaine is stepping out from behind the Marshall stacks and into the pages of a brand-new memoir titled “In My Darkest Hour.” And if you know anything about the man who built Megadeth from the ashes of pure spite and six-string fury, you...

Right then, Riff Report crew… steady yourselves. W.A.S.P. have just unleashed the kind of announcement that makes your old leather jacket twitch in anticipation 🤘 The shock-rock titans are rolling out the “1984 To Headless” Tour – and this isn’t some half-baked greatest hits run. Nope. They’re going all in on their first FOUR classic albums.Played LIVE. Celebrated properly. No...

Right then, prog heads. Strap in. This isn’t just a gig announcement — this is a full-blown musicians’ summit of absolute madness 🤯🎶 BEAT have just announced an extra June 2026 UK concert after fans practically kicked the doors down trying to get tickets. And when you look at the line-up, you understand why. We’re talking about a four-headed hydra...

Right then… gather round, heartbreak survivors, situationship escapees, and anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at a £12 petrol station teddy bear… because this one’s for YOU 😈🔥 Bailey Spinn has just unleashed “homicide” — and bloody hell, it doesn’t just slap… it swings a chair across the room and sets it on fire afterwards 💣🤘 Dropped on February 13th...

Right then, Riff Report crew… let’s talk about the beautiful chaos that is tour logistics. 🤘🔥 Legendary prog titans Marillion have responded to fans constantly asking them to play “just one more city” — usually their city — and the answer is as honest as a pint at closing time. “If it was practical and made financial sense to play...

Right. Kettle on. Volume up. Because Gene Simmons has fired off another spicy one — and this time he’s aimed squarely at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Demon himself has criticised the Hall for inducting hip-hop acts ahead of heavy metal juggernauts like Iron Maiden, arguing that hip-hop “doesn’t belong” in the Rock Hall at all. And...

Proper history moment incoming. One of rock’s most iconic albums by Heart is officially being immortalised in the Grammy Hall of Fame — joining 13 other legendary recordings that changed music forever. And honestly? It’s about time. 🤘 💿 THE ALBUM THAT HIT LIKE A THUNDERCLAP The record stepping into rock immortality is Dreamboat Annie (1975) — the debut that...

Right then, Riff Report crew… dust off the glitter, charge the eyeliner, and prepare to ascend. A brand-new immersive tribute to the one and only David Bowie is launching this spring — and it’s called David Bowie: You’re Not Alone. And honestly? That title alone hits like a late-night spin of Heroes with the lights off and the world feeling...

12th Studio Album Lands In 2026 — And This One’s Gonna RATTLE THE RAILINGS Right. Gather round the pit, Riff Report crew. Thrash royalty Anthrax have officially confirmed they’re dropping their long-awaited 12th studio album in 2026 — and according to bassist legend Frank Bello, this one’s going to be HEAVY. Not polite heavy.Not “we’ve mellowed with age” heavy.Proper, boots-on-the-barrier,...

Right then, Riff Report crew… if there’s one day that deserves the speakers cranked to “annoy the neighbours” levels, it’s Welsh Language Music Day – Dydd Miwsig Cymru. This isn’t a quiet nod to culture.This isn’t background radio in a tea room. This is Cymraeg through distortion pedals, drum kits, synth stacks and sweaty club PAs. 💥 Once a year...