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
Slipknot / Stone Sour Frontman Corey Taylor Recovers 98-Percent of Stolen Gear
As we reported earlier this week, Slipknot / Stone Sour singer Corey Taylor was robbed of more than $36,000 worth of instruments and music gear, including two prized bass guitars from his late Slipknot bandmate Paul Gray. Now, there's good news to report, as Taylor has let fans know that 98 percent of the equipment has been recovered.
Pearl Jam’s Countdown Clock Suggests New Album and Tour News on the Way
There is buzz in the Pearl Jam universe, as the veteran rockers have set a countdown clock on their official website. There's been talk of a new Pearl Jam album for several months now, and it looks like Monday, July 8, might be the day the band's fans hear the first official news of a new disc and possibly a new tour.
Nine Inch Nails Unveil Track List + Guest Musicians for New Album ‘Hesitation Marks’
More and more details are pouring out about the return of Nine Inch Nails. Now, the band has unveiled the full track list for their upcoming album, 'Hesitation Marks,' as well as a few guest musicians who appear on the disc.
Drummer Chris Adler: Lamb of God ‘Bankrupted’ by Randy Blythe’s Legal Fees
Lamb of God's singer Randy Blythe's world was turned upside down when he was arrested last summer on manslaughter charges. And while he was acquitted of any wrongdoing earlier this year, the legal case has had a lasting affect on the band, not only emotionally but financially. In a new interview, drummer Chris Adler reveals that Blythe's legal fees bankrupted the entire band.
Metallica Play ‘Kill ‘Em All’ Album in Full During Surprise Set at Orion Festival
Metallica pulled off the surprise of all surprises today (June 8) at their Orion Music + More Festival. During a slot that was scheduled for the mysterious band 'dehaan,' Metallica themselves appeared onstage and ripped through their 1983 debut album 'Kill 'Em All' in its entirety.
Nine Inch Nails Announce 2013 North American Arena Tour Dates
The big news keeps piling in for Nine Inch Nails fans! Shortly after unleashing a brand-new single, 'Came Back Haunted,' and details of their new album, NIN have announced dates for a 2013 North American arena tour kicking off in the fall.
2013 Rock Allegiance Tour With Volbeat, HIM, All That Remains + Airbourne: More Dates Unveiled
This summer's Monster Energy Rock Allegiance Tour, featuring the international lineup of Volbeat, HIM, All That Remains and Airbourne, has unveiled several more dates of its itinerary. The trek now spans from Aug. 23 through Sept. 28.
Scott Weiland: Chester Bennington-Fronted Band Is ‘Not Stone Temple Pilots’
Many music fans were surprised last weekend when Stone Temple Pilots not only played a secret gig with Linkin Park's Chester Bennington as their new singer at the KROQ Weenie Roast in Los Angeles, but also released a new song called 'Out of Time.' But perhaps no one was more surprised than original STP frontman Scott Weiland, who was apparently fired from the band earlier this year.
Slayer’s Jeff Hanneman Died of Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis; Band + Family Planning Memorial Event
Following last week's tragic passing of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman on May 2, his official cause of death has been revealed to be alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver, according to a statement from the band. In the same press release, Slayer also announced that a public memorial will be held to honor Hanneman at a yet-to-be-revealed date.
As I Lay Dying Members Issue Statement on Frontman Tim Lambesis’ Murder-for-Hire Arrest
Yesterday (May 7), the metal world was shocked at the news that As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis had been arrested on suspicion of solicitation of murder charges for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill his estranged wife. This evening (May 8), Lambesis' bandmates have issued a statement to their fans in regard to the arrest.
Halestorm + David Draiman Perform Led Zeppelin Classic at 2013 Revolver Golden Gods
Halestorm rocked their Grammy-winning song 'Love Bites (So Do I)' and 'I Miss the Misery' at the 2013 Revolver Golden Gods on May 2, but really raised things to a fevered pitch by introducing Device's David Draiman. While many might have expected Lzzy Hale and Draiman to do their cover of 'Close My Eyes Forever,' they actually took on Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love,' a performance that showed of
Alice in Chains Uproar Festival Flyaway Contest
The year 2013 is shaping up to be a big one for Alice in Chains, as they prepare to release their new album 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here' on May 28 and co-headline the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival. In celebration, Alice in Chains are teaming up with Loudwire, Ultimate Classic Rock and Diffuser.fm to offer a flyaway trip for two to the Sept. 13 stop of the Uproar Festival in Phoenix,