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
Guitarist Jim Root Is Out of Stone Sour
Update (5:45PM ET): This story has been amended with a statement from Stone Sour confirming that Jim Root is in fact no longer in the band.
Earlier this year, guitarist Jim Root sat out Stone Sour's tour with the reason given that he was concentrating his efforts on writing music for Slipknot's next album. However, now the band has announced that it has parted ways with Root.
Green Day Bassist Mike Dirnt Reveals That His Wife Is Battling Breast Cancer
Tough news to report, as Green Day's Mike Dirnt has revealed that his wife Brittney has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The bassist posted the news on Green Day's Facebook page today (May 16).
Rise Against, Slayer, Bring Me the Horizon + More Highlight Riot Fest Chicago + Denver Lineups
Following the recent announcement of the Toronto lineup, the organizers of Riot Fest have now unveiled the list of bands performing at the Chicago and Denver editions of the festivals, as well. While there are a great deal of alt-rock acts, there are a number of heavy hitters on the bills.
Judas Priest, ‘March of the Damned’ – Exclusive Song Preview
Judas Priest are set to unleash their newest album, 'Redeemer of Souls,' on July 15, and have already shared the title track with their fans. Now, Loudwire brings you an exclusive preview of the disc's first official single, 'March of the Damned' (watch and listen above).
Peter Criss Joins Rob Zombie for Performance of KISS’ ‘God of Thunder’
A few days ago, Rob Zombie promised that KISS legend Peter Criss would be joining him onstage at their Camden, N.J., show on Saturday night (May 10), and that's exactly what happened. The veteran stickman rocked the KISS classic 'God of Thunder' with Zombie and his band.
Miss May I ‘Deeply Shocked and Saddened’ by Fan’s Death at New York City Show
Following the tragic news that a fan died at Miss May I's show in New York on Saturday, May 3, the band has released a statement expressing their condolences and asking people to donate to his funeral fund.
Fan Reportedly Dies After Stage Dive at Miss May I Show in New York City
Tragic news to report, as a young fan has reportedly died following a stage dive at Miss May I's show at the Studio at Webster Hall in New York City last night (May 3).
Zakk Wylde’s Stolen Pelham Blue Bullseye Gibson LP Custom Guitar Recovered
Back in March, we reported that Zakk Wylde's Pelham Blue Bullseye Gibson LP Custom guitar was stolen out of the back of his tour bus during the Chicago stop on the Experience Hendrix trek. Now, there's some good news to report, as the Black Label Society frontman's prized axe has been recovered.
Late Slipknot Bassist Paul Gray’s Doctor Acquitted of Involuntary Manslaughter Charges
A verdict has been reached in the involuntary manslaughter case involving Daniel Baldi, who was accused of recklessly prescribing medications to late Slipknot bassist Paul Gray and six other patients. After two counts of involuntary manslaughter were thrown out by the judge midway through the trial, Baldi has been acquitted of the remaining seven counts following a two-day deliberation by the jury
Note Found at Kurt Cobain’s Death Scene Newly Unveiled by Seattle Police
Following the unveiling of a number of photos of Kurt Cobain's death scene in recent weeks, CBS has obtained a copy of a note found in the Nirvana frontman's wallet at the time of his death.
Judas Priest Unleash New Song ‘Redeemer of Souls,’ Announce New Album of Same Name
Rejoice, Judas Priest fans! The legendary metal band has unleashed a brand-new song, 'Redeemer of Souls,' and has announced the release of a new album of the same name. The disc will be the first Judas Priest studio album in six years.
Iron Maiden Mummy + Trooper Clothed 8-Inch Eddie Action Figures Coming This Year
If you're an Iron Maiden fan, get ready to be the coolest metalhead on your block! Toy-maker NECA has announced that two clothed 8-inch Eddie action figures arriving this year. One will be a 'Trooper' edition and the other a 'Mummy' edition (both pictured above).