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
Marilyn Manson Mourns Death of His Mother
Sad news for Marilyn Manson, aka Brian Warner, who is mourning the death of his mother. Barbara J. Warner passed away at the age of 68 this past Tuesday, May 13, after a long battle with dementia.
Metallica Rock National Anthem at San Francisco Giants Game
This past Friday (May 16) marked the second annual 'Metallica Night' at the San Francisco Giants' AT&T Park, and the metal legends got the festivities going with a rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before the Giants took on the Miami Marlins.
Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley: ‘If I Have One Drink, The Docs Say I Will Die’
Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley was missing in action for several weeks, and now it turns out the singer-guitarist was hospitalized after years of alcoholism nearly killed him. The rocker's liver and kidneys recently collapsed as a result of his heavy drinking...
Guitarist Jim Root Is Out of Stone Sour
Update (5:45PM ET): This story has been amended with a statement from Stone Sour confirming that Jim Root is in fact no longer in the band.
Earlier this year, guitarist Jim Root sat out Stone Sour's tour with the reason given that he was concentrating his efforts on writing music for Slipknot's next album. However, now the band has announced that it has parted ways with Root.
Green Day Bassist Mike Dirnt Reveals That His Wife Is Battling Breast Cancer
Tough news to report, as Green Day's Mike Dirnt has revealed that his wife Brittney has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The bassist posted the news on Green Day's Facebook page today (May 16).
Rise Against, Slayer, Bring Me the Horizon + More Highlight Riot Fest Chicago + Denver Lineups
Following the recent announcement of the Toronto lineup, the organizers of Riot Fest have now unveiled the list of bands performing at the Chicago and Denver editions of the festivals, as well. While there are a great deal of alt-rock acts, there are a number of heavy hitters on the bills.
Judas Priest, ‘March of the Damned’ – Exclusive Song Preview
Judas Priest are set to unleash their newest album, 'Redeemer of Souls,' on July 15, and have already shared the title track with their fans. Now, Loudwire brings you an exclusive preview of the disc's first official single, 'March of the Damned' (watch and listen above).
Peter Criss Joins Rob Zombie for Performance of KISS’ ‘God of Thunder’
A few days ago, Rob Zombie promised that KISS legend Peter Criss would be joining him onstage at their Camden, N.J., show on Saturday night (May 10), and that's exactly what happened. The veteran stickman rocked the KISS classic 'God of Thunder' with Zombie and his band.
Miss May I ‘Deeply Shocked and Saddened’ by Fan’s Death at New York City Show
Following the tragic news that a fan died at Miss May I's show in New York on Saturday, May 3, the band has released a statement expressing their condolences and asking people to donate to his funeral fund.
Fan Reportedly Dies After Stage Dive at Miss May I Show in New York City
Tragic news to report, as a young fan has reportedly died following a stage dive at Miss May I's show at the Studio at Webster Hall in New York City last night (May 3).