Ozzy Osbourne sweeps the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 1 : OZZY OSBOURNE

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

Today we unveil the No. 1 hennemusic Rock News Artist Of The Year!


2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – GUNS N’ ROSES
09 – DAVID LEE ROTH
08 – BILLY IDOL
07 – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
06 – DAVID GILMOUR
05 – TRIUMPH
04 – JOHN FOGERTY
03 – PINK FLOYD
02 – METALLICA


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 1 – OZZY OSBOURNE

As 2024 came to a close, Ozzy Osbourne was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as a solo artist, years after being similarly honored as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006.

Despite dealing with an extensive number of health issues in recent years, Ozzy maintained a focus on returning to the live stage to perform for his fans one more time.

In February, Black Sabbath announced plans to reunite for the first time in 20 years this summer when they would regroup with Ozzy Osbourne as part of his final live performance.

Billed as “Back To The Beginning”, the July 5 event will see Osbourne play his own short set before being joined by Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward when they take the stage at Villa Park in the band’s hometown of Birmingham, UK.

“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning…time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” says Ozzy. “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever.”

Just days before the July 5 event, the founding members of Black Sabbath were awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham at a ceremony in the Council House; each was presented with their Freedom of the City scrolls and medals by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal.

“Back To The Beginning” saw performances by an extensive guest lineup that included Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer and more alongside mixed “supergroups” of musicians who were on hand to play their respects to what is widely considered the founders of heavy metal.

Prior to joining Black Sabbath for the final time, Osbourne played a 5-song set of his own while highlighting some of the most famous songs in his solo catalog.

In just over two weeks later, the world awoke on July 22 to news that Ozzy had passed away from a heart attack at the age of 76.

“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” shared his family in a statement. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis”

Add some Black Sabbath to your collection here and get some Ozzy here.

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 1: OZZY OSBOURNE

photo: Sony Music UK

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

Today we unveil the No. 1 hennemusic Rock News Story Of The Year!


2025 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – ALTER BRIDGE
09 – BILLY IDOL
08 – DAVID GILMOUR
07 – JOHN FOGERTY
06 – TRIUMPH
05 – BLACK SABBATH
04 – OZZY OSBOURNE
03 – THE ROLLING STONES
02 – METALLICA


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 1: 0ZZY OSBOURNE

Ozzy Osbourne delivered his final live performance during an emotional farewell concert event in his hometown of Birmingham, UK on July 5.

Prior to joining Black Sabbath for the final time, Osbourne played a 5-song set of his own while highlighting some of the most famous songs in his solo catalog.

The rocker arrived to huge applause via a lift through the floor at center stage before playing a set that featured four tracks from his 1980 solo debut, “Blizzard Of Ozz” – “I Don’t Know”, “Mr. Crowley”, “Suicide Solution”, and the iconic “Crazy Train” – as well as his 1991 hit, “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”

Check out the No. 1 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2025 on OZZY OSBOURNE here.

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 2 : METALLICA

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – GUNS N’ ROSES
09 – DAVID LEE ROTH
08 – BILLY IDOL
07 – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
06 – DAVID GILMOUR
05 – TRIUMPH
04 – JOHN FOGERTY
03 – PINK FLOYD


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 2 – METALLICA

Metallica was among the nominees in the Best Metal Performance category for the 2025 Grammy Awards in February, where “Screaming Suicide” from the band’s “72 Seasons” album was a finalist but lost out to Gojira, Marina Viotti & Victor Le Masne’s "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)."

Meanwhile, Metallica continued its ongoing M72 World Tour resumed with a leg of North American shows through the spring.

In June, the band released a series of remastered and expanded editions of its 1996 album, “Load”; launched with the lead single, “Until It Sleeps”, the band’s sixth studio record delivered the outfit its second straight US No. 1 and sold more than 5 million copies in the region.

Metallica rocked the Black Sabbath farewell show in Birmingham on July 5 with a set that mixed the legendary band’s classics with some of their own.

James Hetfield paid homage to the iconic UK group, telling the crowd: “Let's celebrate the band Black Sabbath, because without Sabbath, there would be no Metallica. Thank you boys for giving us a purpose in life. Thank you Black Sabbath."

Billed as “Back To The Beginning”, the event saw the farewell performances by both Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, where they were joined by a number of guest artists paying tribute to the influential heavy metal band.

Ozzy made global headlines when he passed away roughly two weeks following the farewell event.

November saw Metallica play shows across Australia, as well as the group’s first concert in New Zealand in 15 years when they performed in Auckland.

The band – who closed out the year with three shows in the Middle East – will return to action in 2026 with a European leg of the tour set to start in Athens, Greece in early May.

Pick up some Metallica at the band’s official Amazon store here.

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 2: METALLICA

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – ALTER BRIDGE
09 – BILLY IDOL
08 – DAVID GILMOUR
07 – JOHN FOGERTY
06 – TRIUMPH
05 – BLACK SABBATH
04 – OZZY OSBOURNE
03 – THE ROLLING STONES


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 2: METALLICA

Metallica rocked “Master Of Puppets” during a rare, intimate club show on August 28, and the band shared video from the concert.

A promotion for the August 29 launch of the group’s own SiriusXM channel, Maximum Metallica, the event at a tent set up behind the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, NY (Long Island) was part of a contest that saw fans try to win a ticket to the performance.

“You’ll find Maximum Metallica on Channel 42, where you’ll hear “The Most Metallica Anywhere,” including the hits, deep cuts, live shows, rare recordings, and exclusive interviews, plus behind-the-scenes stories and surprises straight from us. Whether you’re new to the Metallica Family or you’ve lived all 176 Seasons alongside us, there is something for every fan on Maximum Metallica.”

Check out the No. 2 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2025 on METALLICA here.

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3 : PINK FLOYD

Credit: Pink Floyd Archives

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – GUNS N’ ROSES
09 – DAVID LEE ROTH
08 – BILLY IDOL
07 – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
06 – DAVID GILMOUR
05 – TRIUMPH
04 – JOHN FOGERTY


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 3 – PINK FLOYD

Pink Floyd kicked off 2025 with news that they restored its 1972 “Live At Pompeii” concert film for theatrical release this spring.

Directed by Adrian Maben, the project captures the band performing in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy, where Pink Floyd performed an intimate concert without an audience. Filmed in October 1971, the performance marked the very first live concert to take place at Pompeii, and features the vital “Echoes,” “A Saucerful Of Secrets,” and “One Of These Days.” The breathtaking visuals of the amphitheatre, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance.

Additionally, the film includes rare behind-the-scenes footage of the band beginning work on "The Dark Side of the Moon" at Abbey Road Studios.

Trafalgar Releasing and Sony Music Vision will release “Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII” in select cinemas and IMAX worldwide from April 24; the project is also accompanied by the release of the live album on multiple formats.

On the heels of the Pompeii release, drummer Nick Mason released a new 2024 live version of the Pink Floyd classic, “Echoes”, while on tour as Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.

In September, Pink Floyd announced details for a December release of an expanded “Wish You Were Here” half a century after its original 1975 release.

“Wish You Were Here 50” gives fans an exciting new perspective into one of Pink Floyd's most iconic and best-loved records. The 50th anniversary edition features multiple discs of rarities - at the core of this special collection are six previously unreleased alternate versions and demos presenting Pink Floyd's eighth studio album in a brand new way.

Get some Pink Floyd for your collection here.

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 3: THE ROLLING STONES

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10


10 – ALTER BRIDGE
09 – BILLY IDOL
08 – DAVID GILMOUR
07 – JOHN FOGERTY
06 – TRIUMPH
05 – BLACK SABBATH
04 – OZZY OSBOURNE

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 3: THE ROLLING STONES

In October, The Rolling Stones announced they will release a definitive Super Deluxe Box Set of their 1976 album “Black and Blue.”

The band’s 13th studio album was their first following the departure of former guitarist Mick Taylor, who was eventually replaced by Ronnie Wood.

The recording sessions famously served as auditions with guitar greats Harvey Mandel, Wayne Perkins, Jeff Beck, and Robert A. Johnson all contributing. Ultimately, free from commitments to The Faces, it was Ronnie Wood who joined Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman as a bona fide Rolling Stone appearing on three tracks.

Soon after Ronnie officially signed up for the band's U.S. tour, starting his continuing tenure with the group across five decades with multiple live and studio albums and dozens of Stones groundbreaking world tours. In a brand-new interview included in the new box set, Ronnie reflects on joining the band in 1976 with these words - "Right then, this is where I'm meant to be."

Check out the No. 3 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2025 on THE ROLLING STONES here.

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 4 : JOHN FOGERTY

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – GUNS N’ ROSES
09 – DAVID LEE ROTH
08 – BILLY IDOL
07 – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
06 – DAVID GILMOUR
05 – TRIUMPH


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 4 – JOHN FOGERTY

In May, John Fogerty announced plans to release an album that sees him re-record classic hits from his band Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Due August 22 via Concord, “Legacy: the Creedence Clearwater Revival years” is a 20-track collection that features newly recorded versions of Fogerty’s most beloved songs while marking both a celebration of an iconic catalog and a personal reclamation of artistic ownership.

For the first time in his career, Fogerty fully owns the rights to his groundbreaking Creedence Clearwater Revival catalog—a milestone decades in the making. With Legacy, he offers fresh takes on the music that continues to define American rock, recorded with renewed energy and a deep sense of purpose as he celebrates his 80th birthday.

“For most of my life I did not own the songs I had written,” says Fogerty. “Getting them back changes everything. Legacy is my way of celebrating that—of playing these songs on my terms, with the people I love.”

Ahead of the album’s release, the rocker shared multiple new versions of his iconic CCR work while continuing to tour throughout the year – playing shows across North America into the spring before a series of UK and European dates in June and a return to North America.

Upon its release, “Legacy” ranked high on multiple US charts and across Europe, including top 10 spots in Australia, Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

Fogerty shared much of the story behind the 2025 project during an appearance (and extended performance) on the November 17 edition of the CBS-TV series The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Pick up some John Fogerty and CCR for your collection here.

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 4: OZZY OSBOURNE

photo: Sony Music UK

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – ALTER BRIDGE
09 – BILLY IDOL
08 – DAVID GILMOUR
07 – JOHN FOGERTY
06 – TRIUMPH
05 – BLACK SABBATH


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 4: OZZY OSBOURNE

Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22 at the age of 76.

“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” shared his family in a statement. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis”

The rocker’s passing comes just weeks after Osbourne and Black Sabbath delivered their final performances in a farewell event in their hometown of Birmingham, UK on July 5.

Billed as “Back To The Beginning”, the band were joined by a number of guest artists paying tribute to the influential heavy metal band

Check out the No. 4 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2025 on OZZY OSBOURNE here.

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 5 : TRIUMPH

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – GUNS N’ ROSES
09 – DAVID LEE ROTH
08 – BILLY IDOL
07 – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
06 – DAVID GILMOUR


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 5 – TRIUMPH

Details surfaced in March that Round Hill Records would release a Triumph tribute album on June 6.

“Magic Power: All Star Tribute To Triumph” would feature a variety of rockers – including Sebastian Bach, Nancy Wilson, Joey Belladonna, Slash, Dee Snider, Jeff Keith and more – covering classic Triumph tunes.

In sync with its release, Triumph regrouped in Edmonton to perform ahead of Game 2 of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.

In August, Triumph was named as one of the 2025 honorees that would be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame in October.

Triumph made more headlines in December when they announced dates for a 50th Anniversary Tour.

Set to open in late April and run into early June, the North American series marks the band’s first tour in 30 years.

"Our fans have always been the heart of Triumph,” says the band. “Their energy, their belief, and the way they embraced the positivity in our music have carried us for fifty years. We've always said these songs were meant to bring people together - and that's exactly why we're coming back now. We knew there was still a chapter left to write. This tour is our chance to do it, together with the people who made the Triumph journey possible."

Formed in Mississauga, ON as a four-piece outfit in 1975, it was the addition of guitarist Rik Emmett to the lineup alongside bassist Mike Levine and drummer Gil Moore a few months later that led to Triumph re-launching as a trio, and would see the release of a self-titled debut album in 1976 before 1977’s follow-up, “Rock & Roll Machine”, began to gain some attention from US radio.

Triumph would go on to release 9 studio albums ahead of Emmett’s departure in 1988; a tenth record, 1992’s “Edge Of Excess”, rounded out the catalogue before the group essentially disbanded the following year.

Add some Triumph to your collection here.

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 5: BLACK SABBATH

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – ALTER BRIDGE
09 – BILLY IDOL
08 – DAVID GILMOUR
07 – JOHN FOGERTY
06 – TRIUMPH


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 5: BLACK SABBATH

In July came news that a collection of pre-Black Sabbath recordings when the UK band was named Earth would be released.

“Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes” was recorded during the foursome’s early days in 1969 by music promoter Jim Simpson, who went on to become Black Sabbath’s first manager.

Simpson, now in his mid-80s and still ubiquitous on the Midlands’ music scene, has found the tracks he recorded when the group were in their early days.

“Before Black Sabbath, the band were known as Earth – a blues-driven powerhouse already making a name for themselves,” says Simpson. “This new release presents rare early recordings from that era, remastered from long-lost tapes. These recordings clearly demonstrate what fine music they produced right from the very beginning. We recorded these tracks at Zella Studio in Birmingham in 1969, but held back from releasing them as their style was evolving so quickly.

“Now, some 57 years later, the recordings assume a greater importance, illustrating how these four young men from Birmingham, barely out of their teens, were excellent musicians and a fine band, fully deserving of all the success that was to come their way.”

Check out the No. 5 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2025 on BLACK SABBATH here.

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 6 : DAVID GILMOUR

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – GUNS N’ ROSES
09 – DAVID LEE ROTH
08 – BILLY IDOL
07 – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 6 – DAVID GILMOUR

In July, David Gilmour detailed a fall release of a concert film and companion live album from a 2024 tour in support of his fifth solo album, “Luck And Strange.”

The series began with two sold-out warm-up shows at the Brighton Centre before moving to Circus Maximus in Rome for six sold-out nights, followed by the same at London's Royal Albert Hall before moving Stateside for sold-out evenings at the Intuit Dome and Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, before concluding with five sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The series accompanied Gilmour's fifth solo album, which hit #1 in the UK, Germany (his first #1 there), Poland, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal and Austria. It reached #2 in France, Italy, and Belgium, the top 5 in Spain, Japan, Norway, Denmark, and Hungary, and the top te

n in the USA, Australia, Finland, Sweden, Ireland, and New Zealand.

The guitarist would release a concert film “Live At The Circus Maximus, Rome” and a companion album, “The Luck and Strange Concerts”, in October.

The packages would blend solo tracks from Gilmour’s most recent album alongside classic Pink Floyd anthems such as “High Hopes”, “Breathe (In The Air)”, “Time”, “Wish You Were Here” and “Comfortably Numb.”

“I can’t wait for you to relive what were – as far as I’m concerned – the best concerts of my career,” says Gilmour.

Add some David Gilmour to your collection here. https://amzn.to/45bXgq3





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Rock News Story Of The Year No. 6: TRIUMPH

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – ALTER BRIDGE
09 – BILLY IDOL
08 – DAVID GILMOUR
07 – JOHN FOGERTY


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 6: TRIUMPH

In September it was announced that Triumph would be among the 2025 honorees that will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame this fall.

The trio of Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore will be honored during the first of two events by the national, non-profit organization that is dedicated to honoring and celebrating Canadian songwriters and those who’ve dedicated their lives to the legacy of music.

Billed as The Legends Series, an October 17 event at the Meridian Arts Centre in Toronto will recognize Triumph, Andy Kim, Ian Thomas, Jane Siberry and Gino Vannelli, while a November 17 event at Espace St-Denis in Montreal, QC will honor Kate & Anna McGarrigle, François Cousineau, Michel Pagliaro and Florent Vollant.

Check out the No. 6 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2025 on TRIUMPH here.

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 7 : THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – GUNS N’ ROSES
09 – DAVID LEE ROTH
08 – BILLY IDOL


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 7 – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

In January, The Doobie Brothers detailed plans to release a new album, “Walk This Road”, on June 6 via Rhino Records.

The 10-track studio album will see former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald rejoin the band alongside Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston and John McFee both in the recording studio, writers room and on a 2025 global tour.

“Getting back in with the guys and playing again is great,” says McDonald. “In my heart I’ve always been a Doobie Brother. We’ve all remained friends over the years. We’ve all been enjoying it tremendously, even more than we thought we would.”

The spring saw The Doobie Brothers share more previews of “Walk This Road,” including the tracks “Learn To Let Go” and “Angels & Mercy” ahead of the June release of the first new album by the foursome in over 40 years, with Simmons, Johnston and McFee being honored at the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

While on the road across North America, the group taped their NPR Tiny Desk debut, with a set of reimagined iconic hits that would surface online on November.

After an enthusiastic start, Johnston told the audience: "It's not like this at gigs. We just played up in New York at Jones Beach last night and y'all are outdoing them. It's pretty cool."

Pick up some Doobie Brothers for your collection here.

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 7: JOHN FOGERTY

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – ALTER BRIDGE
09 – BILLY IDOL
08 – DAVID GILMOUR


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 7: JOHN FOGERTY

In June, John Fogerty streamed a lyric video for his re-recorded version of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, “Lodi.”

The original 1969 track was the b-side to “Bad Moon Rising”, the lead single from the California band’s fourth album, “Green River”; the updated version is one of a 20-track collection, “Legacy: the Creedence Clearwater Revival years”, that features newly-recorded versions of Fogerty’s most-beloved songs.

For the first time in his career, Fogerty fully owns the rights to his groundbreaking CCR catalog – a milestone decades in the making. With “Legacy”, he offers fresh takes on the music that continues to define American rock, recorded with renewed energy and a deep sense of purpose as he celebrates his 80th birthday.

Check out the No. 7 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2025 on JOHN FOGERTY here.

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 8: BILLY IDOL

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – GUNS N’ ROSES
09 – DAVID LEE ROTH


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 8 – BILLY IDOL

In January, Billy Idol announced dates for a North American tour.

Billed as “It's a Nice Day To...Tour Again!”, the rocker would be joined by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts for the series, which would open in Phoenix, AZ on April 30.

The following month, Idol released “Still Dancing” as the lead single from his then-newly-announced album, “Dream Into It.”

“‘Still Dancing’ is really a reflection of my whole journey,” explains Idol. “From the punk rock period through to now. And I’m still looking towards the future, still living the life I set out to live.”

In sync with the tour’s launch, Idol was joined by Avril Lavigne on “77”, the second preview to the project, which marks Idol’s first new music since a pair of EP’s – 2021’s “The Roadside” and 2022’s “The Cage” – while also doubling as his first full-length album since 2014’s “Kings & Queens Of The Underground.”

A few days later, Lavigne teamed up with Idol to perform “77” on an episode of ABC-TV’s Jimmy Kimmel Live.

This week, Idol celebrated the 2025 tour with a new video for “Too Much Fun” after closing out the series with a November 30 show in Mexico City.

Directed by Harsh Patel, the video features footage captured at a number of venues, including Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater, Bridgestone Arena, Budweiser Stage, Wembley OVO Arena, ‪Madison Square Garden‬, ‪Red Rocks, Greek Theater, and ‪The Forum‬.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“We really had too much fun!,” says Idol. “From the ‘Dream Into It’ album to ‘It’s A Nice Day To…Tour Again!’ - thank you all for an incredible year.”

Add some Billy Idol to your collection here.

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 8: DAVID GILMOUR

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.




2025 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – ALTER BRIDGE
09 – BILLY IDOL


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 8: DAVID GILMOUR

In September, David Gilmour streamed video of the track, “Between Two Points” – featuring a collaboration with his daughter Romany – as a preview to the concert film, “Live At The Circus Maximus, Rome.”

The project captures the guitarist live at the venue at the beginning of a 2024 tour in support of his fifth solo album, “Luck And Strange.”

The concert film will be shown in cinemas and IMAX venues worldwide and also released on 2 Blu-Ray and 3 DVD sets with bonus unseen footage, while the companion album – “The Luck and Strange Concerts” – would be available in multiple formats.

Check out the No. 8 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2025 on DAVID GILMOUR here.

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 9: DAVID LEE ROTH

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – GUNS N’ ROSES


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 9 – DAVID LEE ROTH

David Lee Roth began 2025 with news that he would be releasing a new box set, “The Warner Recordings 1985-1994”, in February via Rhino Records.

The package includes the first five solo releases by the rocker following his departure from Van Halen and the release of the EP “Crazy From The Heat.” The set was an immediate success thanks to the lead single and cover of the Beach Boys’ classic, “California Girls” – which scored Roth a US Top 3 hit – as well as a series of videos from the set earning high rotation in the MTV years.

Roth’s success continued as 1986’s “Eat ‘Em And Smile” hit the US Top 10 with a band lineup featuring guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Greg Bissonette.

1988 saw the platinum “Skyscraper” return Roth to the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, elevated by “Just Like Paradise”, after which he kicked off the ‘90s with the gold-selling “A Little Ain’t Enough” in 1991 and, later, “Your Filthy Little Mouth” in 1994.

In May, Roth announced dates for a US tour; at the time, the rocker detailed the series after playing his first full solo concert in more than five years at the M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, MD.

The mid-summer trek would launch July 22 in Paso Robles, CA, with shows wrapping up in Napa, CA on September 14.

Roth – who previously announced in late 2021 that he would retire from music in early 2022 – hinted at a change in his active status several months later after delivering a private performance in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in May of that year.

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 9: BILLY IDOL

As part of the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


2025 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – ALTER BRIDGE


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 9: BILLY IDOL

In February, Billy Idol released “Still Dancing” as the lead single from his then-newly-announced album, “Dream Into It.”

“‘Still Dancing’ is really a reflection of my whole journey,” explains Idol. “From the punk rock period through to now. And I’m still looking towards the future, still living the life I set out to live.”

“Dream Into It” features guest appearances by Joan Jett, Avril Lavigne and Alison Mosshart of the Kills.

Check out the No. 9 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2025 on BILLY IDOL here.

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 10: GUNS N’ ROSES

Welcome to the 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards.

Over the next ten days, we’ll be counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2025 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 24.


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 10 – GUNS N’ ROSES

Guns N’ Roses ended last year by announcing a series of shows in Europe and The Middle East as part of a 2025 tour.

The events would see the rockers headline stadiums and festivals throughout the summer, and see them joined by special guests Public Enemy, Rival Sons and Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter on select dates.

In February, Ozzy Osbourne announced Guns N’ Roses would be among the artists added to the iconic singer’s farewell concert in Birmingham, UK in July.

“Guns N' Roses, Tool & Rival Sons added to Back To The Beginning!,” shared Ozzy on social media. “Plus Vernon Reid, Chad Smith, David Ellefson, Whitfield Crane & watt to the Tom Morello directed tribute. Event hosted by Jason Momoa.”

March saw Guns N’ Roses welcome drummer Isaac Carpenter to the band’s lineup following an amicable parting of the ways with longtime touring member Frank Ferrer.

Carpenter – whose career spans an impressive roster of acts, including live and studio work with Duff McKagan's Loaded, Awolnation, Adam Lambert, and A Perfect Circle, among others – would hit the road with the band throughout their 2025 European, Asian, and Middle East Tour, headlining stadiums and festivals throughout the summer.

In June, Guns N' Roses announced the second leg of their 2025 world tour, with new dates slated for the fall throughout Latin America.

Guns N’ Roses performed four Back Sabbath songs during its appearance at the UK band’s farewell concert event on July 5.

The group opened its set at Birmingham’s Villa Park with the 1972 “Technical Ecstasy” tune, “It’s Alright”, which was followed by the title track to 1978’s “Never Say Die!” and its deep cut, “Junior’s Eyes”, as well as the title track to 1973’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” – before closing with “Welcome To The Jungle” and “Paradise City.”

“My first time meeting Axl Rose,” shared Ozzy on social media, “at my age you don’t get to meet many legends, seriously an utter gentleman.”

Late in the year, Guns N’ Roses announced they will hit the road again in the spring and summer of 2026, while also issuing two new songs - “Nothin” and “Atlas” - marking their first releases since 2023.

Add some GNR to your collection here.