This September the centuries-old Bohus Fortress in Sweden, a site that has stood since the 1600s and witnessed countless Nordic battles, opened its gates to a different kind of conquest: the power of rock.
The inaugural Fortress of Rock transformed the historic stronghold into a stage where music and heritage collided, creating an atmosphere both unique and unforgettable. The festival gathered several local acts from the Swedish scene, spanning from punk to heavy metal, along with tribute performances that celebrated rock’s enduring spirit. Among them, Styren delivered the standout performance of the night.
Despite the evening’s recurring sound challenges—a hurdle that affected most of the lineup—Styren rose above the setbacks with remarkable energy and stage presence. Frontman Magnus showcased impressive vocal precision, while the band’s tight execution kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
Rather than being diminished by the audio issues, Styren’s performance proved their resilience and ability to command a crowd under any circumstance. Audience response was enthusiastic, with fans singing along, cheering, and supporting the bands not only with their presence but also by purchasing merchandise.
Beyond Styren’s standout set, the entire lineup delivered with brutal precision. Smoking Snakes, Sister Swing, H.E.A.T, Royal Rising, Dahlia, and Blind For A Moment each brought distinct energy—from venomous riffs to punk fury and melodic force. Despite technical setbacks, every act held the crowd, proving that Fortress of Rock wasn’t just a debut—it was a collective uprising of Sweden’s underground scene.
The sense of community was palpable, as attendees embraced the opportunity to back their local scene in such a historic setting. Food stalls offered local bites and festival classics, while craft vendors sold handmade crochet dolls—amigurumi—that added a personal touch to the merch zone. Cold beer was available for purchase, and vinyl records gave collectors a chance to take home sonic relics. The overall spirit of camaraderie made the fortress feel alive once more—not with battles, but with the unifying force of music.
With its strong foundation, remarkable setting, and clear support from the community, Fortress of Rock has all the potential to become an annual tradition in the heart of Sweden’s music culture.
At Each North American Stop Of The Band’s SUPERCHARGED Tour
LOS ANGELES, CA (September 10, 2025) — Punk Rock & Paintbrushes is where art and music come together, as the collective presents exhibits at galleries and music festivals around the world, each featuring original artworks from musicians and the music community that showcases creativity in a whole new light.
After wrapping up a summer tour with The Offspring where Punk Rock & Paintbrushes presented art and photo exhibits at each North American date of the SUPERCHARGED Tour, the collective has a few festival dates remaining for 2025, including:
September 19-21 Riot Fest (Chicago, IL)
October 3-5 Furnace Fest (Birmingham, AL)
The Riot Fest exhibit will feature the works of Matt Skiba, Jesse Michaels, Dave Navarro, Joe Lilak, Brian Diaz, Bob Dob, Kerry Smith, Stacie Stevenson, and Jason Adams. Plus, a special art auction featuring Fender guitars painted and signed by bands playing the event including Alkaline Trio, All Time Low, Gwar, Cobra Starship, Dropkick Murphys and more. Riot Fest headliners Green Day and Weezer as well as recently announced special guest John Stamos will also have several signed items up for auction to benefit charity partners including The Riot Fest Foundation, Alameda County Foodbank and Claddagh Fund. The auction will open at door time on Friday, September 19 and close the evening of Sunday, September 21.
The Furnace Fest exhibit will feature the works of Dave Navarro, Jay Weinberg, Jesse Michaels, Jason Adams, Matt Skiba, Paul Kobriger, Mike Gallo,Tiffany Anastasia Lowe and Bob Dob. Plus, a special art auction featuring Fender guitars painted and signed by bands such as Jimmy Eat World (including a signature Jim Adkins Fender guitar) and Dropkick Murphys to benefit the Claddagh Fund and “More Than Words” Foundation.
Punk Rock & Paintbrushes will also host a special gallery show in New York City, September 26-27, the organization’s first event in NYC since 2022, featuring the works of Jesse Michaels, Mike Gallo, Jay Weinberg, Warren Fitzgerald, Bob Dob, Lisa Brownlee and Tiffany Anastasia Lowe. Artists will be onsite at the opening reception on September 26 from 6-10 p.m. On September 27, a VIP event from 2-3 p.m. will include an artist Q&A panel. RSVPs are now open at: NYC-PRPB.eventbrite.com
Says Dave Navarro, “I am psyched to have my work shown along with these incredible artists and seen by likeminded audiences who I connect with on both a musical and artistic level.”
And Jesse Michaels (Operation Ivy) adds of the inspiration of his works on display, “I like to paint human and animal subjects inspired by 20th century modern and early contemporary painters as well as by outsider and folk art. When I start a painting, I am always 100% convinced it’s going to fail and when it succeeds, it feels like the universe intervened in some mysterious way. That help from something beyond what I think are my abilities is the only thing that I’m interested in. The best word to describe that unseen hand is ‘freedom.’”
Punk Rock & Paintbrushes founder Emily Nielsen adds, “We are looking forward to working with not only an incredible lineup of our artists and showcasing them this Fall, but also everyone else who makes what we do possible and the positive impact we are able to bring. The bands that are a part of our auction truly see the bigger picture in helping others through their platform. A huge thank you to Riot Fest and Furnace Fest for having us be part of the events.”
About Punk Rock & Paintbrushes
Punk Rock & Paintbrushes is a niche and unique art management company as well as art show production brand that creates art shows at galleries and music festivals across the world and works with a variety of non-profits using art as a tool to make a positive impact for all. The roots reach back to 2007 when founder Emily Nielsen asked friend Tim McIlrath (Rise Against) to paint a piece of art with the lyrics to the Rise Against song “Survive” for her after overcoming a battle with cancer. The painting has traveled around the world with Emily and is an everyday reminder that “How we survive is what makes us who we are.” Today, Punk Rock & Paintbrushes manages talented artists across the globe who share their love of music and art, and brings art to collectors and fans from all walks of life.
Twisted Sister Returns in 2026: “TWISTED FOREVER, FOREVER TWISTED”
Legendary Metal Icons To Announce Worldwide Performances Celebrating 50 Years of Not Taking It
New York, Sept. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
Dust off your denim and leather and flex your devil horns: Twisted Sister is back — bigger, louder, and more unapologetic than ever. The band that gave the world “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock” has confirmed they will storm stages worldwide in 2026, celebrating their 50th anniversary.
While full details remain under wraps (because even metal legends love a good tease), founding guitarist and manager Jay Jay French couldn’t contain his excitement about reaching a milestone that once seemed impossible:
“Beginning on February 2nd, 1976 in a little bar called The Turtleneck Inn in Hunter Mountain, NY, Dee Snider, Eddie Ojeda and I have called ourselves Twisted Sister and stood shoulder to shoulder for nearly five decades, through multiple personnel changes and thousands of performances. We are proud to celebrate a milestone that once felt unthinkable: a 50-year anniversary!! We have created a music and performance legacy that has and will continue to inspire millions of fans around the world. Twisted Forever, Forever Twisted!”
Lead guitarist Eddie Ojeda added:
“Fifty years on, and Twisted Sister is still the soundtrack for every rebel with a reason and a reason to turn it up.”
But it was frontman Dee Snider who really cranked the volume to 11 with his typically unfiltered announcement:
“If you’re lucky enough to be in a band that people still want to see after fifty years(!), how can you not answer the call? In 2026, Twisted ****ing Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!”
Let that sink in, SMFs. The band that gave us headbanging anthems, legendary MTV videos, and enough eyeliner to keep Max Factor in business, is returning to stages around the world.
Why This Matters (Besides the Obvious Awesomeness)
For those keeping score at home, Twisted Sister last toured with drummer Mike Portnoy in 2016, following the tragic death of drummer A.J. Pero. But 50 years? That’s cause for celebration. These guys have survived the club circuit grind of the ’70s, MTV domination in the ’80s, breakups, makeups, PMRC hearings (shoutout to Dee for that Senate testimony), and enough lineup changes to make Spinal Tap sweat.
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock” are the two most licensed songs in the history of heavy metal, for film, TV and advertising
Over 35 million albums sold worldwide
31 Silver, Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum album sales certifications across 8 countries
Those glorious videos that made MTV appointment viewing, when it was still music television
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” ranked #3 on NPR’s “Songs that Unite Us” (2018), ahead of Dylan, Springsteen, Guthrie, Simon & Garfunkel, Don McLean, Buffalo Springfield, Lady Gaga
First year inductees (2006) into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame,alongside Billy Joel, Joan Jett, John Coltrane, Run DMC and others 2023 inductees into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame
Toured and headlined in over 40 countries
In 1984, Twisted Sister made it to #10 on fashion icon Blackwell’s “Worst Dressed Woman” list!
What We Know (And What We’re Dying to Find Out)
CONFIRMED: Twisted Sister will hit stages around the world in 2026.
CONFIRMED: The return of Joe “Seven” Franco on drums, a former member of Twisted Sister who last recorded and performed with the band in 1987 for the Love is for Suckers album and tour. Playing bass will be Russell Pzütto, who has previously appeared in concert with Twisted Sister and has been a touring member of Dee Snider’s solo projects.
STILL MYSTERIOUS: Specific dates, cities and venues…
The Waiting Game Begins
Tour dates and details remain under wraps, tighter than your mom’s jeans in the ‘80s. But if you’re a betting person, start saving your pennies and preparing your vocal cords now. When Twisted Sister announces they’re ready to rock one more time, you know it’s going to be LOUD, PROUD and ABSOLUTELY UNMISSABLE. And don’t be surprised if you see a Bent Brother date pop up along the way…
Stay tuned to official Twisted Sister channels for the announcement that will have metalheads worldwide screaming “WE’RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT” – except this time, we absolutely ARE gonna take it, and we’re gonna love every gloriously over-the-top minute of it.
About Twisted Sister: In 1984, after nearly a decade of dominating and setting attendance records throughout the Tri-State area club scene (including being the only artist without a record deal to twice sell out NYC’s historic Palladium Theater), Twisted Sister rose to international stardom. Known for their anthemic songs, outrageous costumes, and theatrical performances, the band became one of the most recognizable forces of 1980s heavy metal, cementing their place as superstars and icons of rock and roll rebellion.
CHIODOS ANNOUNCE SECOND LEG OF ‘ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL’ 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Photo Credit: Jared Stossel | download hi-res September 9, 2025 – Emo/post-hardcore trailblazers Chiodos are keeping the celebration going. Following the nearly sold-out success of the first leg of theirAll’s Well That Ends Well20th anniversary tour in April, the band has announced the second leg of dates, kicking off November 6 in Grand Rapids, MI and wrapping December 20 in Riverside, CA. Released on July 26, 2005, All’s Well That Ends Well became a defining record for the mid-2000s emo/post-hardcore scene, launching Chiodos into the spotlight with its dynamic blend of soaring melodies, aggressive instrumentation, and poetic storytelling. The debut charted on the Billboard Top 200 (#164), landed at #11 on the Independent Albums chart, and climbed to #3 on Heatseekers – cementing its place as a genre classic that still resonates nearly two decades later. To mark the milestone, the band re-recorded and reissued the album, out now via Sumerian Records, giving longtime fans and new listeners a fresh way to experience the songs. The first leg of the anniversary tour in April brought packed rooms and high-energy singalongs from coast to coast, reminding everyone why Chiodos has remained such an influential force. The upcoming second leg will feature full-album performances of All’s Well That Ends Well alongside fan favorites from across the band’s discography. More than a trip down memory lane, these shows offer a glimpse into Chiodos’ next chapter, with hints at new music on the horizon. Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning Tuesday, September 9 at 12pm ET, with additional presales running throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, September 12 at 10am local time. For tickets and more information visit https://chiodos.band
CHIODOS TOUR DATES: Nov 6 – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI Nov 7 – Mercury Ballroom – Louisville, KY Nov 8 – The Signal – Chattanooga, TN Nov 10 – Ozark Music Hall – Fayetteville, AR* Nov 11 – Minglewood Hall – Memphis, TN* Nov 12 – VBC Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL Nov 13 – The Ritz Ybor – Tampa, FL Nov 15 – Five – Jacksonville, FL* Nov 16 – Warped Tour – Orlando, FL* Nov 17 – Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA Nov 18 – House of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC Nov 19 – The Dome – Virginia Beach, VA Nov 21 – Nevermore Hall – Baltimore, MD Nov 22 – The Wind Creek Event Center – Bethlehem, PA Nov 23 – The Wellmont Theater – Montclair, NJ Nov 24 – The Paramount – Huntington, NY* Nov 25 – Citizens House of Blues – Boston, MA Nov 26 – The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre – Wallingford, CT Nov 29 – Empire Live – Albany, NY* Nov 30 – Electric City – Buffalo, NY* Dec 1 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH Dec 2 – KEMBA! Live – Columbus, OH* Dec 3 – Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH Dec 6 – The Rave – Milwaukee, WI* Dec 7 – Val Air Ballroom – Des Moines, IA* Dec 10 – The Criterion – Oklahoma City, OK Dec 11 – Concrete Pavilion – Corpus Christi, TX* Dec 12 – Emo’s – Austin, TX Dec 14 – Revel Entertainment Center – Albuquerque, NM Dec 16 – Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ Dec 18 – Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV Dec 19 – Fremont Theater – San Luis Obispo, CA* Dec 20 – Riverside Municipal Auditorium – Riverside, CA *Non-LN date
About Chiodos: Emerging from Davison, Michigan in the early 2000s, Chiodos quickly became one of the most talked-about acts in the post-hardcore and emo scenes. Known for their technical musicianship, theatrical performances, and emotionally charged songwriting, the band’s influence continues to inspire a new wave of artists. With the All’s Well That Ends Well 20th anniversary celebration in full swing, Chiodos are proving that their story is far from over. When All’s Well That Ends Well first dropped on July 26, 2005, it shook up the emo/post-hardcore world with its mix of intensity, melody, and raw emotion. It didn’t just resonate—it charted, hitting #164 on the Billboard Top 200, #11 on the Independent Albums chart, and #3 on Heatseekers. Over time, it’s become a cornerstone record for the genre, influencing countless bands that followed. CHIODOS ONLINE:Website | Instagram | Facebook
(September 8, 2025) – Dropkick Murphys have just released a new single and video from their powerful and poignant For The People album. Following the success of early track “Who’ll Stand With Us?,” a call to stand together against divisiveness and inequality, the new single and video for “Chesterfields And Aftershave” pay tribute to singer and founder Ken Casey’s late grandfather who was an important role model in his life.
The video, directed by Jon Vulpine, features evocative vignettes that follow a young “Ken Casey” and demonstrate the steadying influence his late grandfather had on his childhood. The video includes historical television clips of Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics games that Ken watched with his grandfather when he was a child, as well as a clip from the Red Sox 2004 World Series-clinching victory referenced in the song, thanks to the help of MLB, the NHL and the NBA.
The video culminates with the song’s refrain “I hope I’d make you proud” as Ken‘s grandfather watches on (in spirit) while Dropkick Murphys perform the song at their recent free show for the Quincy 400 celebration – just a mile up the road from where the band formed in 1996.
Casey explains the song’s inspiration, “My father died when I was young and my grandfather raised me. He passed away before the band got going. I hope my grandfather would’ve really liked the message that we carry in our music because he’s the one that ingrained a lot of those beliefs in me. I hope I would’ve made him proud and I hope the band would’ve made him proud.”
“In a chaotic time, this heartfelt song about the people who helped us become who we are today was released just in time for Grandparents Day (September 7 in the U.S),” said the band.
The post includes a call for fans to tag @DropkickMurphys in a post (or send a DM) “talking about someone who’s been instrumental in YOUR life…and don’t forget to play Chesterfields in the video!”
Dropkick Murphys have also announced the titles of the 5 bonus songs that will be included on the For The People vinyl and CD release, out October 10 via the band’s Dummy Luck Music label / Play It Again Sam. Four of these songs are exclusive to the physical album and “Sirens” was previously only released digitally as a single. The bonus tracks are:
Dropped On My Head
Take Your Bow
Straight Edge (I Liked You Better)
A Hero Among Many
Sirens
For The People also includes the following tracklist, and is available now via the album’s digital release:
Who’ll Stand With Us?
Longshot (feat. The Scratch)
The Big Man
Chesterfields And Aftershave
Bury The Bones (feat. The Mary Wallopers)
Kids Games
Sooner Kill ‘Em First
Fiending For The Lies
Streetlights
School Days Over (feat. Billy Bragg)
The Vultures Circle High (feat. Al Barr)
One Last Goodbye “Tribute To Shane” (feat. The Scratch)
For The People shows courage and confidence, speaking up against the injustices happening in the United States, and doing so with the strength and power that harkens back to Dropkick Murphys’ earliest punk rock roots. For The People is more than a title. It’s a heartfelt stance, a declaration of who this band is – and who they’ve always been.
While on tour supporting For The People, Dropkick Murphys have continued to advocate for workers’ rights and human rights–as they have done for their entire 29+ year career–with surprise appearances at many picket lines across the U.S. to support unions fighting for fair wages and better contracts.
Dropkick Murphys unique promotional events for For The People have included:
–Dropkick Murphys Night at Fenway Park (July 11): Building on the band’s longtime relationship with the Boston Red Sox, fans enjoyed a night of fun along with a limited edition Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” bobblehead. The band also had the honor of thowing out the ceremonial first pitch. A portion of ticket proceeds benefitted Dropkick Murphys‘ official charity, The Claddagh Fund, which has raised over $20 million to support non-profit organizations that are focused on children, veterans and addiction recovery.
–Free For The People Album Release Show At Quincy400 (July 12): Dropkick Murphys free concert in the streets of Quincy, Massachusetts, where the band formed in 1996. This event was in connection with the Quincy400, celebrating the 400th year of the city’s settlement.
–Unite for Veterans – Unite for America Rally (June 6): Dropkick Murphys performed on the National Mall in DC (on the anniversary of D-Day) at this event in support of veterans.
Dropkick Murphys recently wrapped the Summer of Discontent Tour with Bad Religion co-headlining and will play a handful of North American festivals (CityFolk, Riot Fest and Furnace Fest) before heading overseas for their fall European headlining tour with Frank Turner and Haywire that kicks off October 15 in Milan Italy. Find all tour dates and more info at: https://dropkickmurphys.com/tour/.
In other news, Ken Casey has been named Massachusetts Storyteller Of The Year by Mass Humanities and will be honored at a September 25 event in Boston. Mass Humanities will present the award to Casey for his decades of songwriting, his commitment to fighting injustice, and his unique use of archival material to craft relevant narratives about subjects ranging from labor rights to Irish-American identity to the threats to our democracy. For nearly thirty years, Casey has inspired all of us through his defiant stands against injustice, his generous contributions to local communities, and the punk rock ethos he brings to contemporary issues.
Dropkick Murphys are:
Ken Casey (vocals)
Tim Brennan (guitars, tin whistle, accordion, piano, vocals)
(Dropkick Murphys, by @Chezphoto / Riley Vecchione)
About Dropkick Murphys: Dropkick Murphys proudly remain Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll underdogs turned champions. Since 1996, the boys have created the kind of music that’s meant to be chanted at last call, in packed arenas, and during the fourth quarter, third period, or ninth inning of a comeback rally. Their celebrated discography includes four consecutive Billboard top 10 album debuts (Turn Up That Dial, 11 Short Stories Of Pain & Glory, Signed and Sealed in Blood, Going Out In Style), along with 2005’s Certified-Gold album The Warrior’s Code featuring the double platinum classic “I’m Shipping Up To Boston.” Whether you caught a legendary gig at The Rathskeller (The Rat) under Kenmore Square, found the band by taking the T to Newbury Comics to cop Do Or Die in ’98, discovered them in Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award winning The Departed, or saw ‘em throw down at Coachella (or one of hundreds of other festivals), you’ve become a part of their extended family. Dropkick Murphys’ music has generated half-a-billion streams, they’ve quietly moved 8 million-plus units worldwide and the band has sold out gigs on multiple continents. Dropkick Murphys’ official charity, The Claddagh Fund, has raised over $20 million to support non-profit organizations that are focused on children, veterans and addiction recovery. In 2020, the band was one of the first to embrace streaming performances, starting with their Streaming Up From Boston St. Patrick’s Day virtual performance. It was followed by their landmark Streaming Outta Fenway livestream, which drew more than 5.9 million viewers and held the #3 spot on Pollstar’s “Top 2020 Live Streams” chart. Dropkick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day Stream 2021…Still Locked Down, was #1 on Pollstar’s Livestream chart for the week ending March 22, 2021, logging over 1 million views. Dropkick Murphys returned in 2022 with their first-ever all-acoustic album, This Machine Still Kills Fascists (Dummy Luck Music / Play It Again Sam), and seated theater tour. This Machine Still Kills Fascists–and their follow-up album Okemah Rising–breathe musical life into mostly unpublished lyrics by the legendary Woody Guthrie, curated for the band by Woody’s daughter Nora Guthrie. Dropkick Murphys’ new album For The People rises to its moment: an expression of humanity at a time of relentless dehumanization, a promise of hope in an era fueled by fear-mongering, a declaration of solidarity in an age of disunion, a defiant rebuttal to the charlatans and demagogues who seek to divide us for their own power and profit.
