
Rich Hobson
Writer for Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Louder, Rich has never met a feature he didn't fancy, which is just as well when it comes to covering everything rock, punk and metal for both print and online. Passionate about seeing the spread of metal on a global scale, Rich has spent the last decade seeking out emerging acts from around the world, covering everyone from Alien Weaponry and The Hu to Kaoteon, Nine Treasures and Jinjer, whilst also re-examining rock and metal history with bands like Faith No More, Sepultura and Ozzy Osbourne, alongside legendary events like Rock in Rio and the 1991 Clash Of The Titans tour.
Latest articles by Rich Hobson

Kerry King isn't worried about the state of metal in 2024, and talks Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame snubbing metal
By Rich Hobson published
Kerry King isn't worried about the state of metal in 2024, so nor should you be

Comedian Frank Skinner says seeing legendary guitarist was "a fabulous meditative experience"
By Rich Hobson published
Birmingham comedian Frank Skinner shares how seeing a legendary guitarist helped him forget life's problems - and the time he upset Eric Clapton

Watch Metallica play Ride The Lightning in the city where they recorded the album over 40 years ago
By Rich Hobson published
The M72 world tour thunders on but Metallica took Ride The Lightning back to where it began 40 years ago

Wintersun finally confirm release of Time II, the Chinese Democracy of extreme metal
By Rich Hobson published
The decade-long wait for the second part of 2012's Time is finally over

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: June 27 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Tom Morello, Tribulation and Beast In Black are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

Foo Fighters deliver a rock 'n' roll masterclass in the Home Of Metal
By Rich Hobson published
Dave Grohl and co. close out their Everything Or Nothing At All UK tour in the Home Of Metal - Birmingham

“If this sounds like Tool, you’re not listening to Tool”: Wheel dismiss lazy comparisons
By Rich Hobson published
James Lascelles explains why the Anglo-Finnish band’s third album, Charismatic Leaders, takes on big issues but doesn’t try to offer world-changing solutions

P.O.D. were way ahead of the nu-metal curve, but others get the plaudits
By Rich Hobson published
P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval on growing up, the joys of collaboration and Justin Timberlake

Pearl Jam live review: Manchester Co-Op Live Arena June 25 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Eddie Vedder might be stricken with illness, but a vocal crowd help make Pearl Jam's Manchester show a success against the odds

Metal Hammer's Tracks Of The Week: June 21 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Ghost, Oceans Of Slumber and Powerwolf are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear right now
By Rich Hobson published
The Black Dahlia Murder, Charlotte Wessels and Bruce Dickinson are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

Weezer and The Smashing Pumpkins kick off their UK co-headline tour at Utilita Arena Birmingham - live review
By Rich Hobson published
Live debuts, surprise covers and all the alt rock hits you could ever possibly want - Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins kick off their UK tour in Birmingham

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: June 7 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Halestorm x I Prevail, Lamb Of God x Kublai Khan & Malevolence and Heriot are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

"I can’t believe we actually managed to pull it off!" Guitar hero Sophie Lloyd has upgraded her debut live show after selling out the original venue in five minutes
By Rich Hobson last updated
YouTube sensation turned guitar hero Sophie Lloyd will now play a bigger venue in Camden in October

Pain's Peter Tagtgren dismisses accusations that Croatia's Baby Lasagna copied ideas from a Pain song
By Rich Hobson published
In fact, the Pain/Hypocrisy frontman is just happy to see more metal acceptance at Eurovision

David Draiman isn't mincing his words when it comes to Pink Floyd's Roger Waters
By Rich Hobson published
Disturbed frontman David Draiman has called out Roger Waters over his controversial views and behaviour

Serj Tankian says he knew System Of A Down had problems as early as 1999
By Rich Hobson published
The System Of A Down vocalist also reveals the artists that inspired his early style before he found his own voice

What happens when members of extreme metal royalty like Meshuggah, Watain and Opeth form an orchestra? Meet the uniquely excellent Bright & Black
By Rich Hobson published
Bright & Black have made one of this year's most compelling albums. We found out how it all came together

Tony Iommi on future collaborations with Ozzy Osbourne, the best Black Sabbath riffs and which was Eddie Van Halen's favourite
By Rich Hobson published
It's fair to say Tony Iommi knows a thing or two about brilliant riffs

Tool review - Resorts World Arena Birmingham May 30 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Tool return to the UK for the second time this decade for a masterclass in mind-boggling imagery and prog instrumentals

4 brilliant new bands you need to hear this month
By Rich Hobson published
From sword'n'sorcery loving power metallers All For Metal to Will Putney's all-star metalcore mob END, these are the bands you need to hear in June 2024

Metal Hammer's tracks of the week: May 31 2024
By Rich Hobson published
Bury Tomorrow, Leprous and Puscifer are among the best new metal songs this week. Plus, vote for your favourite!

"A crowd that likes the idea of The Big Rock Show but find Foo Fighters a bit shouty." Nickelback do exactly what Nickelback do at Birmingham's Utilita Arena - and their fans wouldn't have it any other way
By Rich Hobson published
Nickelback prove they're still one of rock's biggest draws on a sold-out UK arena tour
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