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
Steven Tyler, Stevie Nicks Offer Thoughts on Betty Ford
Steven Tyler and Stevie Nicks are among those paying tribute to Betty Ford, who passed away on Friday (July 8). The one-time First Lady is famous for starting the Betty Ford Center for people battling alcohol and drug addiction.
John Fogerty Condemns Former Bandmates’ Use of Similar CCR Name
John Fogerty is not a fan of his former Creedence Clearwater Revival bandmates Stu Cook and Doug Clifford touring under the name Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Fogerty says it breaks a longstanding band agreement and "confuses the fans."
Paul McCartney Plays Beatles’ ‘Birthday’ for Ringo Starr
Paul McCartney recently wished Ringo Starr a happy birthday with a musical tribute to his former Beatles bandmate. Macca and his band were filmed playing the Fab Four's 'Birthday' in their U.K. rehearsal studio to celebrate the drummer's 71st birthday on Thursday (July 7).
Aerosmith Rock Boston Bruins’ Stanley Cup Trophy
The Boston Bruins don't have to "dream on" about winning the Stanley Cup anymore, as they recently won the NHL championship for the first time since 1972. Now, hometown boys Aerosmith have gotten in on the celebration.
Def Leppard Frontman Joe Elliott’s Father Passes Away
Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott is mourning the loss of his father, Joe Elliott Sr., who passed away in a U.K. hospital after battling an unspecified illness for the past several weeks. As previously reported, Def Leppard have postponed several dates on their current North American tour with Heart.
Mountain Frontman Leslie West Set for First Public Appearance Since Leg Amputation
Mountain frontman Leslie West, who recently underwent an emergency leg amputation, has set a Sept. 20 release for his next album, 'Unusual Suspects.' The recovering rock veteran will make his first appearance since the surgery at the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Woodstock Weekend on Aug. 13 in New York.
Def Leppard Postpone Several Shows Due to Family Illness
Def Leppard have postponed six shows on their current North American tour with Heart as the result of an unspecified family illness.
Slash Pens Song for ‘Phineas and Ferb’ Animated Movie
Slash seems to be wearing many top hats these days. The former Guns N' Roses axe-man has written and performed a song for the soundtrack to the upcoming animated film 'Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension.'
Billy Idol Announces Dates for West Coast 2011 Tour
Billy Idol has unveiled dates for a brief West Coast fall 2011 tour that kicks off Oct. 12 in Saratoga, Calif. The veteran punk rocker and his band have seven shows scheduled for October.
Chickenfoot Offer Teaser of New Single ‘Bigfoot’
Chickenfoot are giving fans a taste of their upcoming album, reportedly titled 'Chickenfoot III,' with a teaser clip of the disc's first single, 'Bigfoot.'