(Since we ran this article Blabbermouth.net is reporting that lead guitarist Jake Dryer is focusing on Witherfall going forward.) Iced Earth singer Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton have announced their effective departure from the band. Block, who joined Iced Earth in 2011 after fronting Into Eternity, issued the following statement via his social media: “Hey All, Well, there are times and events when you have to take stock and re evaluate your life, work, and trajectory for the future. That being said I have informed Jon [Schaffer, Iced Earth guitarist and leader] and his current management that I must announce my resignation from Iced Earth with immediate effect.
Tag Archives: Luke Appleton
Iced Earth Members Comment on Jon Schaffer’s Presence During US Insurgency
Iced Earth’s Stu Block, Luke Appleton, Brent Smedley, and Jake Dreyer collectively issued the following statement today regarding band founder and mastermind Jon Schaeffer’s actions during the domestic terrorism event in Washington DC on January 6th.
SOS Fest XII – Part II – The Longfield Suite, Prestwich UK
The third and final day of SOS is more of a classic rock day, although it features fewer bands for me that I was aware of than yesterday. Today is more of an adventure day, and I’m hoping for some discoveries. Continue reading
SOS Fest XII – Part I: Live at The Longfield Suite
Time for one of the highlights of my year, the rather excellent SOS festival. A festival envisioned 12 years ago by Lynne Hampson of Rocksector Records as an antidote to the plethora of family un-friendly festivals around at the time. Continue reading
BLOODSTOCK 2018- Part 2: Catton Hall, Derbyshire UK
SATURDAY
With everyone firmly into the swing of things by now, Saturday’s main stage openers Nailed to Obscurity opened proceedings strongly enough but were promptly blown out of the water by one of the major surprises of the festival – Power Trip. A combination of thrash and early death metal, the Texan act were a blur of riffs and speed, whipping up the early afternoon crowd into an explosive cyclone of energy. Continue reading
FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Bloodstock Open Air 2018
The heshers and hesherettes are already in line at Bloodstock Open Air for the start of this years’ festival. Get set for the fest with the top bands to watch with our preview. Continue reading
Bloodstock Adds More Bands, Releases Day Tickets, And New Entertainment Plans
Bloodstock Open Air, the UK’s biggest independent metal festival, is just six weeks away. The fest will release a limited number of day tickets at 9 am (BMT) this Friday, 29th June! Adult day tickets are priced at £65 (+ booking fee) and child day tickets at £20 (+ booking fee) and will be available at http://bloodstock.seetickets.com. You can still also pick up four-day ‘weekend tickets with camping’, priced £145 (+ booking fee), and children’s weekend tickets at just £35 (+ booking fee). Children under 4 years old go free! Weekend tickets are selling faster than ever and may sell out in advance.Continue reading
Bloodstock Adds More Bands, Closes In On Festival Weekend
Bloodstock Open Air 2018 continues to grow in stature with a little over two months to go until the fest kicks off at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 9th-12th August. New blood added to the bill includes Metal 2 The Masses contest winners Vulgore, Severn Hells, Turbyne, Ashborn, 13, Valafar, Crawlblind, Autocracy, Drudge, as well as Jagermeister Stage bands Kamikaze Test Pilots, Luke Appleton (Iced Earth), Alpha Omega, Dawn of Anubis and more. Continue reading
SOS Fest 2017 – Part 2: Prestwich, UK
Sunday
Sunday at SOSfest was for my money one of the stronger days of the weekend. Starting the day were midlands grunge band Resin. Resin have undergone an almost total line-up change since I last saw them play a couple of years ago. Most interestingly they’ve added a violinist in the form of Emma from one of my all-time favourites Cadence Noir, so I was eager to see how their sound had changed since then. Continue reading
SOS Fest 2017 Part 1: Prestwich, UK
Friday:
SOS (Schools Out for Summer) fest 2017 was celebrating its 10th year of existence, if you’ve not heard of it then you’re probably not alone but you’re still missing out. SOS fest is the jewel in the crown of small independent family friendly festivals. This festival instantly became an annual highlight for myself and my daughter, as it’s one of few place gigs the average nine-year old can attend and properly rock out, and even practice concert photography.Continue reading