From the latest lawsuit developments involving Mötley Crüe and Mick Mars to talk of a potential Ozzfest revival and Skid Row continuing the search for a new singer, here’s a quick roundup of the latest rock and metal headlines from the past week.
01) Skid Row launch global search for new singer
Skid Row have teamed up with music retailer Sweetwater for a worldwide audition campaign aimed at finding the band’s next lead vocalist. As the group approaches their 40th anniversary, singers across the globe are invited to submit auditions at this location. Known for classics such as “18 and Life,” “I Remember You,” and “Youth Gone Wild,” Skid Row are looking to usher in a new era while honoring their legacy.
The band comments:
“This is not a contest or a gimmick. It’s a genuine search for the right voice, presence, and authenticity to carry Skid Row forward.”
Sweetwater’s content creator Nick Bowcott adds:
“I first saw Skid Row play in New Jersey before they were signed, and they totally blew me away with the sheer quality of their songs, and the infectious high-energy of their performance. We at Sweetwater are excited to partner with the group to host this once in a lifetime opportunity”
02) Mötley Crüe win arbitration ruling against Mick Mars
Mötley Crüe have reportedly secured legal victory in their ongoing arbitration battle with former guitarist Mick Mars. The ruling rejected all claims brought forward by Mars and upheld the band’s right to remove him as an officer and director after he stepped away from touring due to health issues. The arbitrator also confirmed that Mars forfeited any share of touring revenue under a 2008 agreement he had previously supported, and ordered him to repay more than $750,000 in unrecouped advances, resulting in a net payment owed to the band.
According to statements from the band’s legal team, the decision “vindicates” Mötley Crüe both contractually and financially, while also addressing past allegations regarding live performances, which Mars later recanted under oath during proceedings. While Mars’ legal representatives have criticized the outcome and suggested possible next steps, the band has already filed to confirm the arbitration award in Los Angeles County.
03) Sharon Osbourne discusses potential Ozzfest revival and new Black Sabbath orchestral tour
Sharon Osbourne has revealed she is in talks with Live Nation about bringing Ozzfest back, with a possible return as early as 2027. This isn’t the first time Sharon has expressed a potential Ozzfest return, which she emphasized back in 2024. Speaking with Billboard, she explained that the iconic traveling festival could return with a refreshed vision by mixing up the genres.
She expressed:
“I’ve been talking to Live Nation about bringing Ozzfest back recently. It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people. We really started metal festivals in this country. It was replicated but never done with the spirit of what ours was, because ours was a place for new talent. It was like summer camp for kids.”
She added:
“I’d like to mix up the genres.”
In addition to the potential festival revival, Sharon also shared plans for a classical tour celebrating Black Sabbath’s catalog, featuring local orchestras paired with modern visuals.
