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
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.
David Draiman Ensures Eventual Return of Disturbed, Asks for Support of Side Projects
Disturbed singer David Draiman is currently finding success with his new band Device, whose single 'Vilify' recently topped the Active Rock chart. Meanwhile, Disturbed guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren are taking off with their new outfit Fight or Flight, as bassist John Moyer continues to work with Adrenaline Mob.
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.
2013 Uproar Festival Lineup Boasts Alice in Chains, Jane’s Addiction + More
The lineup for the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival was announced this morning (April 22), and the headliners are Alice in Chains and Jane's Addiction, two '90s alt-rock goliaths who are still going strong.
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 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
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.
Alice in Chains Rock ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ with ‘Stone,’ ‘Man in the Box’ and ‘Hollow’
Fans lucky enough to attend last night's taping of ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' were treated to an outdoor gig by Alice in Chains. The televised portion of the show aired AIC's performance of their current single 'Stone' off their upcoming album 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here.' However, the band also rocked out their classic track 'Man in the Box' and their new album's first single, 'Hollow,' with th
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.
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.