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
Wrestling Legend The Ultimate Warrior Dead at 54
Sad news to report from the world of professional wrestling, as former WWF champion The Ultimate Warrior suddenly passed away at the age of 54 on Tuesday (April 8). The wrestling legend had just made a triumphant return to the WWE with a series of high profile appearances over the past few days.
Metallica Debut New Song ‘The Lords of Summer’ at 2014 Tour Kickoff in Bogota, Colombia
As promised, Metallica debuted a brand-new song 'The Lords of Summer' during their 2014 tour kickoff in Bogota, Colombia. The metal legends rocked the tune in the midst of their set at their concert on Sunday night (March 16).
‘This Is Spinal Tap’ Celebrates 30th Anniversary
On March 2, 1984, a little film called 'This Is Spinal Tap' quietly hit theaters, but its influence on pop culture and the music world has resonated loudly over the past 30 years. It's not just one of the funniest rock movies ever made, but one of the funniest films of all time.
AC/DC Reveal Plans for New Album and Tour
For those about to rock, here's some big news: AC/DC have been relatively quiet these past couple of years, but it looks like 2014 is gonna be a big year for the legendary hard rock act. Singer Brian Johnson says the band plans to hit the studio this spring, as well as plan a new tour.
2014 Grammy Awards Snubs Late Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman During ‘In Memoriam’ Segment
As it does every year, the Grammy Awards paid tribute to the musicians who passed away over the past 12 months with an 'In Memoriam' segment toward the end of Sunday night's ceremony. However, there was at least one glaring omission, as there was no mention of late Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman.
The Pretty Reckless Rock Acoustic Version of ‘Going to Hell’ – Exclusive Video
With the Pretty Reckless gearing up to release their new album, 'Going to Hell' on March 18 via Razor & Tie Records, lead singer Taylor Momsen and guitarist Ben Phillips stopped by the Loudwire studio to perform a stirring rendition of the disc's infectious title track.
Nirvana, KISS + More Among 2014 Class of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2014 class of inductees late Monday night (Dec. 16), and grunge goliaths Nirvana and hard-rock heroes KISS are among the acts who have been elected into the prestigious institution.
Will Metallica Rock ‘Enter Sandman’ During Mariano Rivera’s Retirement Celebration?
For nearly 20 years, New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera has been mowing down opposing batters en route to becoming the greatest closer of all time. And throughout the majority of his career, his entry to the mound has been powered by Metallica's 'Enter Sandman.'
Metallica To Play Historic Gig at New York City’s Apollo Theater
The mighty Metallica will bring their metal show to the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, next month. The Sept. 21 gig will celebrate the return of the Mandatory Metallica channel on SiriusXM radio.
Motorhead Cut Wacken Festival Set Short as Lemmy Kilmister Suffers Health Setback
Legendary Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister apparently suffered another health setback during the band's set at the Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany tonight (Aug. 2). While no specific announcement was made, the band cut its set short after playing only six songs.
Metallica Play ‘Kill ‘Em All’ Album in Full During Surprise Set at Orion Festival
Metallica pulled off the surprise of all surprises today (June 8) at their Orion Music + More Festival. During a slot that was scheduled for the mysterious band 'dehaan,' Metallica themselves appeared onstage and ripped through their 1983 debut album 'Kill 'Em All' in its entirety.
The Doors Keyboardist Ray Manzarek Dies at 74
Sad news to report as Ray Manzarek, the legendary keyboardist of the Doors, has passed away at the age of 74. The veteran musician died today in Germany after a long battle with bile duct cancer.