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
Slayer’s Jeff Hanneman Died of Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis; Band + Family Planning Memorial Event
Following last week's tragic passing of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman on May 2, his official cause of death has been revealed to be alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver, according to a statement from the band. In the same press release, Slayer also announced that a public memorial will be held to honor Hanneman at a yet-to-be-revealed date.
As I Lay Dying Members Issue Statement on Frontman Tim Lambesis’ Murder-for-Hire Arrest
Yesterday (May 7), the metal world was shocked at the news that As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis had been arrested on suspicion of solicitation of murder charges for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill his estranged wife. This evening (May 8), Lambesis' bandmates have issued a statement to their fans in regard to the arrest.
Jeff Hanneman Passes Away: More Rockers Honor Late Slayer Guitarist
The tributes to founding Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman from the metal community continue to pour in tonight following the news he passed away earlier today at the age of 49. After such artists as Slash, Corey Taylor, Pantera and more paid respect to Hanneman earlier in the evening, several more rockers have offered their condolences via Twitter.
Halestorm + David Draiman Perform Led Zeppelin Classic at 2013 Revolver Golden Gods
Halestorm rocked their Grammy-winning song 'Love Bites (So Do I)' and 'I Miss the Misery' at the 2013 Revolver Golden Gods on May 2, but really raised things to a fevered pitch by introducing Device's David Draiman. While many might have expected Lzzy Hale and Draiman to do their cover of 'Close My Eyes Forever,' they actually took on Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love,' a performance that showed of
Alice in Chains Uproar Festival Flyaway Contest
The year 2013 is shaping up to be a big one for Alice in Chains, as they prepare to release their new album 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here' on May 28 and co-headline the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival. In celebration, Alice in Chains are teaming up with Loudwire, Ultimate Classic Rock and Diffuser.fm to offer a flyaway trip for two to the Sept. 13 stop of the Uproar Festival in Phoenix,
2013 Uproar Festival Lineup Boasts Alice in Chains, Jane’s Addiction + More
The lineup for the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival was announced this morning (April 22), and the headliners are Alice in Chains and Jane's Addiction, two '90s alt-rock goliaths who are still going strong.
Deftones Issue First Statement Regarding Death of Bassist Chi Cheng
The rock world was saddened over the weekend to hear the news that Deftones bassist Chi Cheng had passed away. The musician died after spending four years in either a coma or semi-conscious state as the result of a devastating 2008 car accident. After reactions and condolences from many in the rock community, the first official statement from Deftones themselves came today via a message from the b
Ozzy Osbourne Reveals Drug and Alcohol Relapse, Apologizes to Family, Friends + Fans
In a surprising Facebook message posted tonight (April 15), heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has admitted to "drinking and taking drugs" over the past 18 months. The revelation comes after rumors earlier today that he has split with his wife Sharon.
Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng Dies at 42
It is with true sadness that we report that Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away early Saturday morning (April 13) after a four-year battle to survive following a car crash in 2008.
Alice in Chains Rock ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ with ‘Stone,’ ‘Man in the Box’ and ‘Hollow’
Fans lucky enough to attend last night's taping of ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' were treated to an outdoor gig by Alice in Chains. The televised portion of the show aired AIC's performance of their current single 'Stone' off their upcoming album 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here.' However, the band also rocked out their classic track 'Man in the Box' and their new album's first single, 'Hollow,' with th
Black Sabbath Performing New Single on Season Finale of ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’
Dying to hear the first single off Black Sabbath's upcoming '13' album? Better yet, would like to see the metal legends perform the tune? Well, next month you can catch Ozzy Osbourne & Co. rock out 'End of the Beginning' on the season finale of CBS' hit show 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.'
David Draiman’s Device Unleash ‘Close My Eyes Forever’ Collaboration With Lzzy Hale
One of the more intriguing tracks on Device's upcoming debut album is the cover of 'Close My Eyes Forever,' in which frontman David Draiman shares vocal duties with Halestorm singer Lzzy Hale. Now, the song has been unleashed for everyone to hear. Check it out below, as well as some insight Draiman gave Loudwire into recording the duet with Hale.