05) Kiss play their final live shows
Capping off a 50+ year touring career, Kiss played their final live shows in December. The shows took place at the famed Madison Square Garden in the band’s home state of New York, the second of which was filmed for Pay-Per-View for those who couldn’t be there in person. It won’t be the last of Kiss though. At the second show, the band announced they will be continuing as virtual avatars of themselves and play virtual shows. The first of those is supposed to take place in 2027.
06) Anti-Flag’s sexual assault allegations
It came as a surprise this past July when word broke that Anti-Flag frontman Justin Sane was being accused of rape by several women, some of whom were underage at the time of the incidents.The band, who are known for being politically left-wing, promptly broke up and the rest of the band condemning Sane’s actions.
07) Blue Ridge Rock Festival
Photo provided by: Phil Ryabkin
What was supposed to be a highly anticipated rock festival in Alton, VA. The 2023 version, however, was anything but a good time. Following a surprise severe storm the festival was not prepared for, cracks in their security and communication became evident. The rest of the festival was canceled and the organizers maintain that they did nothing wrong. The event led to much debate about festival preparedness, including by the writers of Metal Insider.
08) The return of Pantera
Following the deaths of Darrell “Dimebag Darrell” Abbott and Vinnie Paul Abbott, Pantera had all but called it a day. However, in 2022, Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown revived the band for a few festival dates with Zak Wylde and Charlie Benante replacing the Abbott brothers. In 2023, they went on their first tours in more than 22 years.
09) Mike Portnoy rejoins Dream Theater
After more than a decade away, Mike Portnoy returned to the Dream Theater fold, reuniting the original line-up. Portnoy will be joining them on their upcoming 16th studio album, his first with the band since 2009.
10) Mick Mars sues Motley Crue
In 2022, Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars pulled away from touring with the band due to his ankylosing spondylitis, with every intention of continuing to record with them. That idea was shattered in April when Mars sued the band for allegedly removing him “forcefully” from their corporation and stripping him of his shares. The band responded by saying Mars’ lawsuit was “off-base,” as he was given a compensation package after resigning from the fold and had signed an agreement in 2008 stating that no resigning member is entitled to monies from live performances.
