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
‘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.
Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng Dies at 42
It is with true sadness that we report that Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away early Saturday morning (April 13) after a four-year battle to survive following a car crash in 2008.
Black Sabbath Performing New Single on Season Finale of ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’
Dying to hear the first single off Black Sabbath's upcoming '13' album? Better yet, would like to see the metal legends perform the tune? Well, next month you can catch Ozzy Osbourne & Co. rock out 'End of the Beginning' on the season finale of CBS' hit show 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.'
Early AC/DC Bassist Neil Smith Dies
Neil Smith, an early bassist for hard rock legends AC/DC, died today (April 7) after battling cancer. The news was reported on the Australian rocker's official Facebook page.
David Draiman’s Device Unleash ‘Close My Eyes Forever’ Collaboration With Lzzy Hale
One of the more intriguing tracks on Device's upcoming debut album is the cover of 'Close My Eyes Forever,' in which frontman David Draiman shares vocal duties with Halestorm singer Lzzy Hale. Now, the song has been unleashed for everyone to hear. Check it out below, as well as some insight Draiman gave Loudwire into recording the duet with Hale.
Verdict: Lamb of God Frontman Randy Blythe Ruled Not Guilty in Manslaughter Trial
Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe was acquitted of manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic when a not guilty verdict was handed down today (March 5). After spending five weeks in a a Czech prison this past summer and standing trial over two sessions this winter, Blythe is a free man.
Trapt, ‘Living in the Eye of the Storm’ – Exclusive Video Premiere
Trapt are back with a brand new album, 'Reborn,' and we are proud to team up with the band to premiere the video for their new single 'Living in the Eye of the Storm' (watch below).
2013 Grammy Award Winners
On Sunday night (Feb. 10) at the 2013 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, the big winners in the rock categories were the Black Keys and Halestorm.
Randy Blythe Addresses News Reports About Trial: ‘Many Things Are Incorrect’
Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe, who is in the midst of his trial on manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic, has written an open letter to his fans on his Instagram page. The metal vocalist says many of the media reports on the trial are incorrect, due in large part to the difficult translation of the original reports from Czech into English.
Lamb of God Vocalist Randy Blythe’s Manslaughter Trial Begins in Czech Republic
Randy Blythe has traveled back to the Czech Republic, where his trial on manslaughter charges began today (Feb. 4). Before entering the courtroom, the Lamb of God vocalist posted a photo of himself with a new short haircut and dressed in a suit and tie (seen to the left), with a message to his fans:
One Fan Dies and Several Injured at Linkin Park’s South Africa Show After Scaffolding Collapse
Tragedy struck at the stadium where Linkin Park performed in Cape Town, South Africa, on Wednesday night (Nov. 7). One female fan died and about 20 others were injured.