Stef Lach
Stef wrote close to 5000 stories during his time as Assistant Online News Editor and, later, as Online News Editor at Louder's former incarnation, TeamRock, between 2014-2016. An accomplished reporter and journalist, Stef has written extensively for a number of UK newspapers including The Herald and the Glasgow Times, and also played bass with UK rock favourites Logan. His favourite bands are Pixies and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Stef left the world of rock'n'roll news behind when he moved to his beloved Canada in 2016, setting just outside of Toronto, Ontario. He returned to Louder as a contributing news writer in late 2022, with his next 5,000 stories now firmly in his sights.
Latest articles by Stef Lach

Primus guitarist Ler LaLonde's home decimated by California fires
By Stef Lach published
Primus man just one rock star impacted by devastating fires – with Anthrax, Rage Against the Machine and Smashing Pumpkins members affected

"The original fans are all our age, and they're all sort of expiring." Judas Priest's Ian Hill on the importance of appealing to a younger audience
By Stef Lach published
Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill says the band need to remain relevant – because their OG fans won't be around forever

Eric Avery working on new music with Jane's Addiction bandmates – but there's no mention of singer Perry Farrell
By Stef Lach published
Jane's Addiction bassist says he's working with band's drummer Stephen Perkins and guitarist Dave Navarro

"Rock and roll is all about being defiant." Do rappers belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Absolutely, says Offspring guitarist Noodles
By Stef Lach published
The Offspring's Noodles says Rock Hall should be inclusive – but he doesn't think his band will ever be inducted

"You can get clean and live a life beyond anything you’ve ever dreamed of." Lamb of God's Mark Morton shares inspiring message as he celebrates 6 years clean
By Stef Lach published
Lamb of God guitarist is loving life without booze or drugs – and he wants everyone to know recovery is possible

"I cut grass all day long." What Joey Belladonna did when he was fired by Anthrax
By Stef Lach published
After being let go by Anthrax in 1992, Joey Belladonna made a living working at a horse barn

"It felt like someone took a 300-pound man off my shoulders." John Corabi on being fired by Motley Crue
By Stef Lach published
John Corabi says being let go by Motley Crue was a bummer – but it also came with huge relief

"I don't care if they call us a metal band or punk or anything." Donita Sparks is okay with whatever label you want to give L7 – as long as you're still listening
By Stef Lach published
L7 have always walked the line between metal, punk and grunge

Las Vegas honours ZZ Top icon with special ceremony for 'Billy Gibbons Day'
By Stef Lach published
Billy Gibbons' home town of Las Vegas, Nevada, rolls out the red carpet with City Hall ceremony for ZZ Top star

"Would you rather sell tons of records and have people come at you or sell no records and have everybody love you?" Mark Tremonti isn't losing any sleep over the Creed haters
By Stef Lach published
There's nothing new about popular bands attracting a lot of hate – and Creed are just fine with that

"Metal is more of a brotherhood than any kind of music." Slayer's Kerry King hails the inclusivity of heavy metal
By Stef Lach published
Slayer guitarist says metal scene does a good job of not alienating potential fans

Early career advice given to Linkin Park included a choreographer suggesting they incorporate a "gimmick" in which they would kick off a shoe onstage. Yes, seriously.
By Stef Lach published
Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda recalls the wild shoe-related choreography tips the band wisely rejected

Amen frontman Casey Chaos has died
By Stef Lach published
Amen's Casey Chaos – aka Karim Chmielnski – also worked with Christian Death and a string of other projects

Watch Nightwish documentary on the making of latest album Yesterwynde
By Stef Lach published
Nightwish release 45-minute film exploring the creation of their 10th album

Lars Ulrich embarrassed Biohazard's Billy Graziadei in front of his friends – but quickly made up for it in style
By Stef Lach published
Biohazard man called Metallica drummer out after nightclub incident and landed a coveted tour support slot

Watch pro-shot footage of Metallica's full performance at 2024 Helping Hands concert in Los Angeles
By Stef Lach published
Metallica release video of entire charity show – including acoustic and electric performance by thrash giants

Shawn 'Clown' Crahan says he "could care less" about the bands Slipknot have influenced – as his focus is on where The Nine go next
By Stef Lach published
"We’re only getting more and more dangerous," says Clown as he reflects on band's all-conquering anniversary tour

"It's finally hitting me that it's coming to an end." Sum 41's Deryck Whibley reflects as band bids farewell
By Stef Lach published
Sum 41 will call it a day in a little over a month – and the reality of the looming end is starting to hit home

"I felt bad about that actually." The Cure's Robert Smith on hilarious viral interview clip from Rock Hall induction
By Stef Lach published
We all chuckled at The Cure frontman's typically British reaction to excitable red carpet interviewer

“There’s always a lingering chance that we’re going to get back together," says Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty
By Stef Lach published
Post-hardcore heroes Fugazi have been on indefinite hiatus for more than 20 years

Do gig goers need a hero to put an end to ticketing fiascos and price gouging? And is that hero...sigh...Kid Rock?
By Stef Lach published
Kid Rock says he'll work with incoming US President Donald Trump's administration to protect live music fans

The history of heavy metal to be explored in new documentary series 'Into the Void'
By Stef Lach published
Creators of Hulu documentary series vow to go "beyond the mystique" of stars who helped shape metal

Slipknot's Clown: "We probably have several albums in us right now. It’s looking great."
By Stef Lach published
Slipknot percussionist Shawn Crahan talks new music, debut album anniversary tour and backstage donkeys
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