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
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.
Jeff Hanneman Passes Away: More Rockers Honor Late Slayer Guitarist
The tributes to founding Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman from the metal community continue to pour in tonight following the news he passed away earlier today at the age of 49. After such artists as Slash, Corey Taylor, Pantera and more paid respect to Hanneman earlier in the evening, several more rockers have offered their condolences via Twitter.
Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman Dead at 49: Rockers Pay Tribute on Twitter
As reported earlier, legendary Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman died at 11AM PT today. Hanneman had contracted the skin tissue disease necrotizing fasciitis, most likely from a spider bite, in early 2011, and had not been touring with the band since that time...
Deftones Issue First Statement Regarding Death of Bassist Chi Cheng
The rock world was saddened over the weekend to hear the news that Deftones bassist Chi Cheng had passed away. The musician died after spending four years in either a coma or semi-conscious state as the result of a devastating 2008 car accident. After reactions and condolences from many in the rock community, the first official statement from Deftones themselves came today via a message from the b
Ozzy Osbourne Reveals Drug and Alcohol Relapse, Apologizes to Family, Friends + Fans
In a surprising Facebook message posted tonight (April 15), heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has admitted to "drinking and taking drugs" over the past 18 months. The revelation comes after rumors earlier today that he has split with his wife Sharon.
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.
Queens of the Stone Age Set to Release New Album ‘…Like Clockwork’ in June
After teasing the title and release of their upcoming album last week, Queens of the Stone Age have now confirmed that the disc will be titled '...Like Clockwork' and will arrive in June.
Limp Bizkit Unleash New Single ‘Ready to Go’ Featuring Lil Wayne
Limp Bizkit are baaaaack and ready to go! The rhyme-slinging rockers have just unleashed their new single 'Ready to Go,' featuring rapper Lil Wayne.