Metal Sludge

RIP … Former SCORPIONS Bassist Francis Buchholz Dead at 75

SCORPIONS bassist Francis Buchholz with Klaus Meine / Photo: © Dieter Roosen / DPA / Picture Alliance “Our hearts go out to Hella, his family, and friends. R.I.P. Francis.” — Klaus, Rudolf, Matthias HANOVER, Germany — Sad news today as we report that former SCORPIONS bassist Francis Buchholz has died. Buchholz was in the group between 1973-1992 and appeared on

Read More »

TALK FRIENDLY TO ME ….. Poison’s Bret Michaels Breaks his Silence: “To my friend Rikki Rockett – have Fun Tonight”, then adds “(There is) Potential of a Future Reunion”

Poison / 1986 / Photo: Mark ‘WEISSGUY’ Weiss “As always, I consider Poison to be Bobby, C.C., Rikki and myself. I also make no bones about loving the BMB and will always have both in my life.” — Bret Michaels THE WORLD WIDE WEB — Rock frontman Bret Michaels has broken his silence and addresses what has been an on-going

Read More »

SHOUT AT THE GAVEL … Previously Dismissed Sexual Assault Lawsuit against Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee has been Revived

Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee at ‘US Festival‘ 1983 – Photo: Mark ‘WEISSGUY’ Weiss “If anyone thought my prior dismissal was a retreat, they vastly miscalculated my stamina. I dismissed my own case to await this legislation. Now that I have the law in my favor, I’m seeking justice.” — Heather Taylor / Rolling Stone LOS ANGELES, California — The

Read More »

NEW MUSIC … The Cruel Intentions have announced the release date for their third album “All Hail Hypocrisy” via Indie Recordings May 29th

“Where do you want to see us live next year?! 2025 was epic and we want to thank you all for the endless support! You guys ROCK.” — The Cruel Intentions OSLO, Noway — A big announcement from The Cruel Intentions as they share a date for their 3rd album release coming up later this spring! The Cruel Intentions “All

Read More »

SHOTS FIRED > Bret Michaels guitarist Pete Evick speaks on Poison Drama: “Why would Bret want to Play with a Guy who on Multiple Occasions has Publicly Tried to Make Him the Enemy.”

“Poison tried it without Bret, No one cared. However Bret as a solo artist is playing and packing the same exact venues that Poison plays as a headliner.” — Pete Evick / Bret Michaels Band MANASSAS, Virginia — In the on-going drama in and out of the Poison camp, there has been more fuel added to the feud! This time,

Read More »

WHAT WOULD POISON FANS SAY IF? Rikki Rockett on if it’s been considered to replace Bret Michaels: “It’s not out of the question. But doing that is like surgery: it’s the last resort.”

“ I don’t think there’s a better frontman for Poison.” — Rikki Rockett on Bret Michaels LOS ANGELES, California — Poison drummer Rikki Rockett has gone on the record to state he will perform the entire “Look What The Cat Dragged In” record with his side-project to celebrate the band’s debut and its 40th anniversary (1986/2026). Out of all Poison

Read More »

TUFF NEWS 2026 … Stevie Rachelle shares appearances for Wisconsin, Ohio, Australia, California and the Monsters of Rock Cruise, along with the return of Michael Lean on drums

TUFF L-R: Todd Chase, Michael Lean, Stevie Rachelle & Jorge DeSaint / Photo: Neil ‘ZLOZ’ Zlozower 1989 “It never felt like I left — more like I hit pause. Stepping back in now feels natural, powerful, and exactly where I’m supposed to be.” — Michael Lean on his return to Tuff after more than 30 years LOS ANGELES, California —

Read More »

CRY TOUGH … Rikki Rockett explains to Page Six that Bret Michaels was looking to earn 6x what the others will make: “It’s like $6 to every one of our dollars. You just can’t work that way.”

“I don’t do this just for the money. I do have a love for this, absolutely. But at the same time, you don’t want to go out and work really hard just to make somebody else a bunch of money.” — Rikki Rockett on Poison‘s 2026 summer tour offer, and how he feels about Bret Michaels LOS ANGELES, California —

Read More »

FIFTY YEARS of NAMM – 1976/2026 …. The annual National Association of Music Merchants hits Anaheim California January 20-24th

NAMM invades Anaheim California January 20th-24th 2026 ANAHEIM, California — The annual National Association of Music Merchants exhibit & convention invades Southern California in late January 2026, and there are events and happenings from morning til after midnight for 5 days straight. The event also known as the NAMM convention will take place from January 20th – 24th, but the

Read More »