February 15th – 21st: Judas Priest Doc & “The End Of You”

Judas Priest

2/15 “The Ballad Of Judas Priest” Premieres

The documentary’s world premiere is at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).

The film chronicles the band’s journey from their working-class beginnings to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Behemoth

2/16 Threats Cancel Behemoth

The extreme Metal band announces the cancelation of a scheduled performance in Bangalore, India.

“Over the past few weeks, we and our team have received numerous credible threats stemming from religious Christian groups. These threats have raised serious concerns regarding the band’s safety and security,” reads a statement.

Billy Steinberg

2/16 Songwriter Billy Steinberg Dies

An accomplished lyricist Steinberg penned Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” “The Bangles “Eternal Flame” and “Heart’s “Alone.”

“His lyrics often began as deeply personal reflections, transformed into anthems in which millions found themselves,” wrote his family. Steinberg was 75.

2/18 Rise Against Launch A.R.T.

Rise Against reveals the launch of The A.R.T. Project (All Rise Together), a fan-driven initiative celebrating community, collaboration and expression in support of the band’s recently released tenth studio album, “Ricochet.”

The project is about bringing people together through music and creativity during divided times.

2/18 Vicious Rumors Part With Drummer

Power Metal’s Vicious Rumors announce the departure of the longtime drummer Larry Howe. over “his personal political ambitions.”

Since their recording debut in 1985, the San Francisco/Bay Area band has released fourteen albums.

Flemming C. Lund 

2/19 Volbeat Makes Touring Guitarist Permanent

Volbeat recruits their longtime touring guitarist Flemming C. Lund as a “permanent” replacement for Rob Caggiano.

“We’re very happy to announce that after this past year of touring and, of course, laying down some scorching solos we’ve finally ‘put a ring on it’.”

Bon Scott

2/19 Bon Scott Birthday Celebration

The Bon Scott estate announces events and merchandising to celebrate what would have been the AC/DC icon’s 80th birthday: July 9th.

The effort includes limited edition collectibles, apparel collections, a YouTube channel and tribute events.

Bon Scott died in 1980.

Guns N’ Roses

2/19 Everybody Like Guns N’ Roses?

Delegates from nearly 50 countries gather for the inaugural Board of Peace meeting hosted by President Trump in Wahington, D.C.

As members stand on stage for a picture, Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” is played. “Does everybody like the music?” Trump asks, which is met with nods and approval. “It’s good music,” he says.

“November Rain,” a ballad written by the band’s Axl Rose, was released in 1992 and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Guns N’ Roses has strongly and repeatedly expressed their opposition to the Trump administration using GN’R’s music to promote the president’s political initiatives.

2/21 “End Of You” is #1

Amy Lee (Evanescence), Poppy, and Courtney La Plante (Spiritbox) top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with “End Of You.” 

It’s the first time that three women or women-led acts have led the list in the survey’s 45-year history.