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.

Rock history was made at SNL’s 50th Anniversary concert when Nirvana’s surviving members—Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear—hit the stage for a rare reunion. The trio was joined by Post Malone for an electrifying performance of Smells Like Teen Spirit at Radio City Music Hall on February 14. The three-hour all-star event saw the grunge legends and the genre-blending star bring new life to the iconic anthem, marking a standout moment of the night.

Blink-182 Rocks Hollywood Palladium for Fire Relief

Blink-182 lit up the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday night with a sold-out benefit show supporting LA fire relief efforts. 100% of net ticket proceeds went to the Pasadena Humane Society, California Fire Department, LAFD Foundation, and ARC Firefighter Fund. Fans packed the iconic venue for a night of high-energy punk rock, unity, and gratitude, proving that music can make a difference.

Great White’s Mark Kendall Talks Jack Russell, New Music & Rock Legends

Talking Metal’s Mark Strigl just dropped an exclusive interview with Great White guitarist Mark Kendall, covering everything from the passing of Jack Russell to new music in the works. Kendall reflects on the band’s glory days—touring with Whitesnake, his ties to Guns N’ Roses, and an untold story about trying to help Jani Lane stay sober. He also teases Great White’s M3 Rock Festival 2025 plans and dives into the making of Psycho City. Check out the full conversation on Strigl’s YouTube for a must-watch deep dive into rock history!

Ozzy Osbourne Teases Black Sabbath Reunion at Final Show

Ozzy Osbourne has revealed that while he won’t perform a full set with Black Sabbath at his final show, he will join them for “bits and pieces.” Speaking on Ozzy Speaks via SiriusXM, the Prince of Darkness shared that he’ll take part where he feels comfortable.

His farewell performance, Back to the Beginning, takes place on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, featuring a stacked lineup including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, and more.

Rock royalty is taking center stage this spring as Billy Idol embarks on the It’s a Nice Day To…Tour Again! Joined by the iconic Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, the duo is set to electrify arenas and amphitheaters across the U.S. The tour, produced by Live Nation, kicks off April 30 at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ, and will feature stops at legendary venues including New York’s Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland, and many more.

In true rock ‘n’ roll fashion, Billy Idol is giving back. Five dollars from every ticket sold for the Los Angeles show at the Kia Forum will be donated to the American Red Cross to aid Southern California Wildfire Relief efforts. Taking it a step further, Idol himself will personally match the donation.

Rock Community Mourns the Loss of Guitar Legend John Sykes

The rock world is reeling from the loss of John Sykes, the iconic guitarist known for his work with Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and Blue Murder. Sykes passed away at age 65 following what an official statement describes as “a hard-fought battle with cancer.”

Tributes have poured in from peers and fans alike, celebrating the life and legacy of a musician whose riffs and solos left an indelible mark on rock history.

David Coverdale, who collaborated with Sykes on Whitesnake’s Slide It In and self-titled Whitesnake albums, shared his heartfelt condolences:
“Just heard the shocking news of John’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family, friends & fans.”

Known for his blistering guitar work and songwriting prowess, Sykes was instrumental in shaping the sound of classic rock staples. His contributions to tracks like “Still of the Night” and “Cold Sweat” cemented his status as a legend in the rock pantheon.

John Sykes’ influence will live on through his music, inspiring generations of rockers to come. Rest in power, John.

Green Day Takes a Swing at Elon Musk During South African Show

Green Day turned heads once again during their January 20th show in Johannesburg, South Africa, by tweaking the lyrics of their iconic track American Idiot to take a jab at tech mogul Elon Musk.

While performing the title track from their 2004 album, frontman Billie Joe Armstrong altered the lyric “I’m not part of a redneck agenda” to “I’m not part of an Elon agenda.” The change took aim at Musk, who was born in Pretoria, South Africa, before becoming a U.S. citizen in 2002. Musk, now the world’s richest man and head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, has been no stranger to controversy—and Green Day didn’t hold back in making their stance clear.

This isn’t the first time Green Day has rewritten the lyrics to “American Idiot” for a pointed critique. Last year, they updated the same line to “I’m not part of the MAGA agenda” as a direct rebuke of Donald Trump’s influence. The band has a history of politically charged performances, including their memorable chant, “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist U.S.A.,” at the 2016 American Music Awards.

Musk, using a made up word, previously mocked the band’s activism, claiming they had gone from “raging against the machine to milquetoastedly raging for it.” As of now, the billionaire has yet to respond to Green Day’s latest onstage antics, which coincided with a day of controversial gestures from Musk following Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Green Day continues to use their platform to call out figures of power, proving once again that punk rock is alive, well, and unafraid to speak truth to power.

Spiritbox Launches Charity Raffle to Aid California Wildfire Victims

Metal heavyweights Spiritbox have joined the growing list of artists and festivals stepping up to support victims of the devastating California wildfires. The band recently announced an exclusive charity raffle to raise funds for recovery efforts, with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles and Altadena Girls.

The initiative, revealed on Spiritbox’s social media pages this past Friday (Jan. 17), was spearheaded by guitarist Mike Stringer. In his post, Stringer shared the band’s determination to “not only donate” but to “raise as much as possible to help.” For Spiritbox, the cause is deeply personal, as bassist Josh Gilbert lost his home in the Eaton Fire.

Adding to their significance, the items in the raffle were used by the band either on tour or in the studio, making them highly coveted collectibles for fans.

Each $20 donation grants one entry into the raffle, giving supporters an opportunity to own a piece of Spiritbox’s history while aiding vital wildfire recovery efforts.

This charitable move by Spiritbox underscores the band’s commitment to using their platform for good. For those eager to contribute and win, check out the full details on their official social media pages.

Coming March 25, 2025, LOLLAPALOOZA: The Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock’s Wildest Festival (St. Martin’s Press) offers a raw and unfiltered look at the groundbreaking music festival that defined a generation. Written by New York Times bestselling authors Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour (Nothin’ But A Good Time), this definitive history captures the chaos, creativity, and cultural revolution that was Lollapalooza’s 1991–1997 heyday.

Through hundreds of fresh interviews with the people who lived it—artists, tour founders, festival organizers, promoters, publicists, stage crews, sideshow performers, record execs, reporters, and roadies—the book reveals the festival’s untamed spirit and its impact on alternative rock and beyond. From backstage antics to seismic shifts in the music industry, LOLLAPALOOZA traces the festival’s role in catapulting alternative rock into the mainstream and reshaping pop culture.

The book features a foreword by Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil and exclusive interviews with some of music’s most iconic names, including Perry Farrell and Jane’s Addiction, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Sonic Youth, Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Green Day, Patti Smith, Ice-T, Alice in Chains, Metallica, and more.

Prepare to dive into the madness behind the mosh pits and megastars that made Lollapalooza the ultimate counterculture celebration. This will be the story of a festival that rocked the world—literally.

Bowling For Soup Celebrate 20 Years of A Hangover You Don’t Deserve with a Heartwarming New Video

Pop-punk heroes Bowling For Soup are in full celebration mode as they mark the 20th anniversary of their iconic album A Hangover You Don’t Deserve. While the band is gearing up for a massive UK tour next month to continue the festivities, they’ve just dropped something special to tide fans over—a brand-new music video for their beloved track “Friends O’ Mine.”

A standout favorite during the anniversary shows, “Friends O’ Mine” is a heartfelt anthem about cherishing the good people in your life, whether they’re with you now or living on in memory. The new video perfectly captures the song’s emotional core, blending nostalgic moments with uplifting vibes that’ll hit longtime fans right in the feels.

Bowling For Soup continues to prove they’re not just about jokes and party anthems—they know how to celebrate the connections that make life meaningful.

Saliva Announces Deluxe Album Revelation: Retold and Drops Explosive New Single “Time Bomb”

Hard rock legends Saliva are kicking off 2025 with a bang, unveiling their new deluxe album Revelation: Retold, set to drop January 31 via Judge & Jury Records. Known for their powerhouse touring history and massive streaming numbers, the band is charging into a bold new chapter.

The first taste of the album comes with the release of “Time Bomb,” a hard-hitting track tackling the struggles of a chaotic world. Featuring the gritty vocals of post-grunge standout Peyton Parrish, “Time Bomb” fuses Saliva’s signature intensity with a fresh edge. The single is accompanied by a gripping performance-driven music video, directed by Mason Wright, now available to stream on YouTube.

Revelation: Retold promises to be a must-hear, showcasing the band’s continued evolution while staying true to their hard rock roots.

Dave Navarro and Billy Morrison Postpone Above Ground 4 Benefit Concert in Wake of Los Angeles Wildfires

In light of the devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles, Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction) and Billy Morrison (Billy Idol) have announced the postponement of the highly anticipated 4th ABOVE GROUND  benefit concert. Originally scheduled for January 25 at The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA, the event will now take place later this year.

Since its inception in 2018, Above Ground has been dedicated to raising awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention. Despite the delay, Navarro, Morrison, and their team remain committed to the cause while redirecting their focus to the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires.

“Dave, Billy and I know that at this time there is a much greater use of the team’s collective energy, time, and attention” says co-founder and manager Rick Canny. “We will have Above Ground 4 later this year. But right now, the focus is on the immediate needs of friends, our extended families, and the community at large. We would like to thank our partners MusiCares, Goldenvoice, CenterStaging, and Capital Funding Group for supporting us in this decision.”

Hard rock heavyweights Nothing More have just announced a series of headlining shows during their highly anticipated spring tour with multi-platinum rock icons Disturbed, who are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their game-changing album, The Sickness.

The new headlining dates will feature alternating support from rising Texas-based hard rock band Kingdom Collapse and genre-blending hip-hop/rock artist Mike’s Dead.

Nine Inch Nails Delay 2025 World Tour Announcement Amid Southern California Wildfires

Billy Morrison and the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, are set to unleash a brand-new version of “Gods of Rock N Roll” this Friday (January 17th) on SiriusXM’s Ozzy’s Boneyard. The exciting news was teased on social media by show host Mark Strigl, sparking major buzz in the rock community.

Originally featured on Morrison’s 2015 album God Shaped Hole, the track has been given a monumental upgrade. This new version boasts a massive 61-piece orchestra and choir, taking the song to epic new heights while adding a cinematic edge to its raw, rock ‘n’ roll core.

Chicago Announces Massive Summer 2025 North American Tour

Legendary rock band Chicago is hitting the road again! The multi-Grammy-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees just announced a brand-new string of summer tour dates, running from June through September 2025, across North America.

This announcement follows an incredible 2024 for the iconic group, during which they wowed audiences with sold-out shows across the U.S. and Japan, both headlining and co-headlining with funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire. Now, as they gear up to celebrate an astonishing 58 years of touring, Chicago is proving they’ve still got plenty of gas in the tank.

Known for their timeless hits like “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” and “If You Leave Me Now,” Chicago continues to deliver their signature blend of rock, jazz, and brass-driven magic to fans of all ages.

Adrian Smith’s Home Destroyed in LA Wildfires: “We Will Start Again,” Says Wife Nathalie

Tragedy has struck the family of Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith, as his wife, Nathalie, revealed that their home was destroyed in the raging wildfires tearing through the Los Angeles area.

Taking to Instagram, Nathalie shared an emotional video featuring the heartbreaking message: “We lost our house.” In the comments, she reassured fans and supporters, writing, “We are safe. We have each other. We will start again. #MalibuStrong. Thank you for your support during these trying times.”

The devastating news has prompted an outpouring of love and solidarity from fans, friends, and the metal community. With resilience at the heart of her message, Nathalie’s words echo a spirit of hope in the face of destruction.

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler Making “Great Progress” in Vocal Recovery, Says Tom Hamilton

Good news for Aerosmith fans—frontman Steven Tyler is making impressive strides in his recovery from the vocal injury that forced the band into an unexpected retirement, according to bassist Tom Hamilton.

In a recent interview with Boston public radio station WBUR, Hamilton—currently promoting his new band, Close Enemies—shared an optimistic update on Tyler’s healing process.

“Steven’s healing process is going really well,” Hamilton revealed, hinting at the possibility of brighter days ahead for Aerosmith. Though no official plans for a comeback have been announced, the update will no doubt fuel speculation about the band’s next chapter.

Sons of Silver Join Myles Kennedy and Tim Montana on Tour to Celebrate Debut Album “Runaway Emotions”

Sons of Silver are hitting the road this week alongside Myles Kennedy (of Slash and Alter Bridge fame) and Tim Montana to mark the release of their highly anticipated debut album, Runaway Emotions.

The buzz around Runaway Emotions is undeniable. Sons of Silver’s songs have already amassed over 16 million streams and views, building a loyal following. The album was self-produced by the band and mixed by acclaimed English producer Tim Palmer, known for his work with U2, Pearl Jam, and David Bowie.

“These guys epitomize the essence of classic alternative rock,” Palmer said. “Their music is fueled by both power and raw emotion, with genuinely profound lyrics.”

With a blend of hard-hitting rock and introspective depth, Sons of Silver are poised to make waves with their debut.

Come back tomorrow for another edition of Today In Rock!