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
AC/DC Reveal Plans for New Album and Tour
For those about to rock, here's some big news: AC/DC have been relatively quiet these past couple of years, but it looks like 2014 is gonna be a big year for the legendary hard rock act. Singer Brian Johnson says the band plans to hit the studio this spring, as well as plan a new tour.
Megadeth Pull Out of Australian Shows as Dave Mustaine Requests Apology From Promoter
Following last week's controversy in which organizers of Australia's Soundwave festival stated that Megadeth had requested that Newsted not support them on a pair of Sidewave gigs, Megadeth have now pulled out of all of their Australia shows.
Facebook Grants Father’s Wish to Create ‘A Look Back’ Video for Late Rock Guitarist
A man in Missouri posted a video yesterday (Feb. 5) on YouTube asking Facebook to create 'A Look Back' video for his late rock guitarist son, who passed away in January 2012. After the grieving dad's video went viral, Facebook has agreed to grant him his wish.
Fan Dies After Stage Dive at Swiss Concert Headlined by Suicidal Tendencies
Tragic news to report out of Switzerland, as a fan has died from injuries sustained in a stage dive at a concert headlined by Suicidal Tendencies. The Jan. 22 show was part of the Persistence Tour that also featured Terror, Strife and Evergreen Terrace.
SnoCore Tour, Featuring The Pretty Reckless, Canceled as Taylor Momsen Battles Illness
Disappointing news for those fans hoping to check out the return of the SnoCore Tour this year, as it has been called off just a couple of days before it was set to kick off. Unfortunately, Taylor Momsen, lead singer of headliners the Pretty Reckless, is battling walking pneumonia and acute laryngitis, forcing the band to pull out of the tour. As a result, the entire trek has been canceled.
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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.
Korn, Rob Zombie and Five Finger Death Punch Headline 2014 Fort Rock Festival
The impressive lineups for the big 2014 festivals continue to roll out, with the latest among them being the 2014 Monster Energy's Fort Rock festival at JetBlue Park in Ft. Myers, Fla. The headliners for the April 26 event are Korn, Rob Zombie and Five Finger Death Punch.
Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Alter Bridge, 5FDP + Rob Zombie Lead Welcome to Rockville 2014 Lineup
The lineup for the two-day 2014 Monster Energy's Welcome to Rockville Festival at Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, Fla., has been announced, and it features an all-star lineup of today biggest rock acts. Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Alter Bridge, Five Finger Death Punch and Rob Zombie are among the many bands set to rock the annual event.
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.