Kansas singer Ronnie Platt revealed on social media that he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer earlier this month. The band has canceled two upcoming shows in Louisiana.

Platt, who took over for Steve Walsh in 2014, reassured fans, saying, “For all of you asking, Tuesday [February 11] I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer but before everyone gets all excited, it has a 99% survival rate, it has not spread. It’s contained to my thyroid. I just have to have my thyroid removed. Go through some rehab time and be right back in the saddle. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and prayers. I have some absolutely amazing people going to bat for me!! As it has been put to me, this is just a bump in the road and will be behind me very soon! So everyone please CARRY ON!”

Fans are sending their support as he prepares for treatment.

Foreigner Members Set for Special Acoustic Shows Benefiting LA Wildfire Relief

Foreigner members are gearing up for two intimate “unplugged and powered up” performances at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA, on February 28th and March 2nd, with proceeds supporting LA wildfire relief.

Billed as Very Important Beer and featuring Jeff Pilson, Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, and Luis Maldonado, the shows are sponsored by Lagunitas Brewing Company. The band shared, “Not only will we be playing some incredible music, but we’re also raising funds for MusiCares to support those affected by the recent LA wildfires.”

Fans who donate $20 or more at the shows will receive a vintage Foreigner tour T-shirt, “straight from our locker (while supplies last)! Let’s rock for a cause and make a difference together. See you there!”

Adding to the fun, keyboardist Michael Bluestein and guitarist Bruce Watson recently became Certified Craft Beer Servers. Now, after plenty of “research,” they’re excited to share a pint with fans while delivering an acoustic sing-along of Foreigner classics.

Guitarist Karl Cochran, Collaborator of Kiss and Joe Lynn Turner, Dies

Karl Cochran, the acclaimed guitarist and songwriter known for his work with Kiss and former Rainbow/Deep Purple frontman Joe Lynn Turner, has passed away.

Turner honored his former collaborator in a heartfelt Facebook tribute: “The passing of Karl Cochran is an unbelievable loss not only to me but to the music world in general. Karl was an extremely talented guitar player and writer. He collaborated with some of the biggest names in rock.”

He continued, “Karl’s passing is our misfortune because he brought technical skill mixed with soulful artistic delivery through his music. Everyone who knew him personally and to anyone who heard his passionate performances, live or on record, can easily recognize greatness and expertise in his playing.”

Cochran’s legacy lives on through his contributions to rock music and the impact he had on those who worked alongside him.

Rock For Ronnie 2025 Set for May 18 with Sebastian Bach Headlining

The annual Rock For Ronnie: A Concert In The Park returns on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Griffith Park’s outdoor space next to the Autry Museum of the West. Benefiting the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, the event honors the late metal legend with a day of live rock, auctions, food trucks, and family-friendly fun.

This year’s headliner is former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and his solo band, with Ahmet Zappa hosting. The lineup also features Dio Disciples, Jason Charles Miller, Kill Devil Hill, and an all-star band, which in past years has included rock icons like Doug Aldrich, Steven Adler, Chris Broderick, Phil Demmel, Dave Grohl, Adrian Vandenberg, Ricky Warwick, and Brian Tichy.

Warped Tour is back for its 30th anniversary with three epic two-day festivals! The first lineup drop includes fan favorites Simple Plan, Bowling for Soup, Pennywise, and Miss May I, plus a reunion from Dance Hall Crashers (after 20 years!) and rising star Chandler Leighton making her debut.

Dates & Locations:

• Washington, D.C.: June 14-15 @ RFK Campus
• Long Beach, CA: July 26-27 @ Shoreline Waterfront
• Orlando, FL: Nov. 15-16 @ Camping World Stadium

Ronnie Radke Confirms Split from AEW Star Saraya

(WARNING LANGUAGE: In an effort to avoid censorship of expression, Ronnie Radke’s statement has been left uncensored.)

Falling in Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke has revealed that he and AEW star Saraya ended their relationship three months ago.

In a social media video reposted by fans, Radke confirmed the breakup, citing no drama and emphasizing their ongoing friendship. “We’ve been broken up for fuckin’ three months. Where the fuck were you guys? Saraya lives three minutes away from me. We talk all the time, we talk every day, that’s my friend. Sometimes things don’t work out the way that you guys want them to.”

Radke praised Saraya as a good person. Despite parting ways, the two remain on good terms, hinting that fans are more upset over the breakup than they are.

Ratt Members Reunite, David Lee Roth Headlines M3 Festival

Ratt’s Stephen Pearcy and Warren DeMartini are reuniting to headline this year’s M3 Rock Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, on Sunday, May 4—their first performance together since 2018.

In a statement on X, Pearcy said, “There was no question about doing something with Warren again… It’s time to Ratt n’ Roll again. You’re getting all the Ratt hits and more. Let the ‘Invasion Celebration’ begin!”

Also making waves, David Lee Roth will emerge from retirement to co-headline the festival.

Kansas and 38 Special Announce Summer 2025 Tour

Kansas and 38 Special are hitting the road together for a massive summer 2025 tour, joined by Jefferson Starship, the Outlaws, and Dave Mason.

The tour starts June 6 in Richmond, VA, and wraps up July 26 in Rogers, AR. Kansas, fresh off their 50th-anniversary tour, will bring classics like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” to the stage. Drummer Phil Ehart and bassist Dave Hope recently rejoined the group for a special performance last December.

Meanwhile, 38 Special will celebrate their own 50th anniversary, keeping the spirit of Southern rock alive.

Blink-182 Announces One-Night Benefit Show in Hollywood

Blink-182 (Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, Travis Barker) will play a special one-night-only benefit show at the Hollywood Palladium on February 13, with 100% of proceeds supporting fire relief efforts in Los Angeles. Donations will benefit the Pasadena Humane Society, California Fire Department, LAFD Foundation, and ARC Firefighter Fund.

Opening the night will be punk rockers Alkaline Trio.

Tickets go on sale Monday, January 27 at 3 PM PT via Ticketmaster.com. To protect fan-friendly pricing, tickets will be mobile-only, non transferable, and resold exclusively through Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange.