Over the course of 2024, there have been some big events that not only shaped the year, but have affected the music landscape in general. From historic performances and massive reunions to outrageous scandals, out-of-the-blue break-ups and retirements and heartbreaking passings, these are 10 of the most shocking moments in metal and hard rock that happened this year.
10) Jane’s Addiction reunites original line-up, then cancels tour:
In 2024: Jane’s Addiction had reunited their original line-up for their first tour together since 2010. The band even released new music together. However, the band crumpled just as fast. While on stage in Boston in September, frontman Perry Farrell first bumped then punched guitarist Dave Navarro, an altercation that led to the cancellation of the rest of the tour. The reason given was growing tensions within the band and concern for Farrell’s mental health. Despite the onstage meltdown, the band released a single days later.
09) The passing of producer Steve Albini:
In May, the world lost an icon in producer/musician/journalist Steve Albini. Over his more than four decade career in the music industry, he worked on such important albums as Nirvana’s In Utero, Pixies’ Surfer Rosa and Helmet’s Meantime, as well as works from a long list of influential bands that includes Veruca Salt, Manic Street Preachers, Screaming Females, Cheap Trick, PJ Harvey, Bush, The Jesus Lizard, The Breeders and more. As a musician, he fronted Just Ducky, Big Black, Rapeman and, most notably Shellac. Shellac released their first album in 10 years, To All Trains, days after his passing.
08) Vans Warped Tour announces return:
After five years, the Vans Warped Tour announced that it would be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year with three two-day events. The last full-scale tour happened in 2018 with a three-event 25th anniversary tour in 2019.
07) Otep retiring:
After 24 years, Otep Shemaya announced that she would be calling it a day on her music career. In a post made to her social media, Shemaya declared that she would be selling her instruments and equipment with an explanation to come later. Back in 2023, she had mentioned that her ninth album, The God Slayer, would most likely be her last.
06) Aerosmith retire from touring early:
In the middle of their Peace Out farewell tour last year, Aerosmith had to cancel dates due to a vocal cord injury sustained by frontman Steven Tyler. However, after rescheduling them for fall of this year, those new dates never came to be. In August, the band announced that they would be retiring from touring before finishing the tour. The band cited Tyler’s injury as the cause, saying in a statement, “Sadly, it is clear, that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible. We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision – as a band of brothers – to retire from the touring stage.”
