Ryan J. Downey has worked as writer, editor, correspondent, and producer for MTV News, Marvel, Billboard, and the Hollywood Reporter. He is the host of the MI Conversation Series and the Speak N' Destroy podcast, as well as a longtime artist manager in the rock, metal, and punk genres.
Ryan J Downey
Megadeth and Testament Guitarists Team For Guitar Retreat
There's nothing like speedy fingers burning "fire" across a fretboard to create some warmth in the wintertime. Starting the day after Christmas, Alex Skolnick from Testament and Chris Broderick of Megadeth will cohost the first annual Skolnick & Broderick's Winter Guitar Retreat in New York's Catskill Mountains.
Judas Priest Bassist Ian Hill: ‘No One’s Missing’ Guitarist K.K. Downing
Often when a person begins a statement "with all due respect," it's safe to assume that what's about to be said could be interpreted as less than respectful. And when an ex-bandmate is involved?
Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam Set for Pink Floyd Week on ‘Jimmy Fallon’
NBC's 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' will host a weeklong musical tribute to legendary rockers Pink Floyd that will feature performances by Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam and other acts on Sept. 26-30.
Motley Crue Dismiss Rumored Indonesian Show
Back in the day, a band had fewer tools available when they wanted to correct a rumor, but social media has dramatically expanded that. Bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee recently hopped on Twitter to shoot down reports that Motley Crue would be playing their first ever Indonesian show as part of their October tour.
Megadeth Planning Tour With Motorhead, Volbeat, Lacuna Coil
Dave Mustaine is rarely at a loss for words. With the Big 4 at Yankee Stadium show behind him and a new album on the horizon, the Megadeth leader is already talking about touring plans down the road.
London Subway Rejects Metallica / Lou Reed Cover Artwork
Whether fans will cry foul at the forthcoming collaboration between Metallica and Lou Reed remains to be seen. But at least one organization has rejected cover artwork for the experimental project which unites the ex-Velvet Underground frontman with the biggest band in heavy metal: the London Underground.
Megadeth’s Ellefson, Broderick Announce October Clinics
Clinics are a great opportunity for experienced and aspiring musicians to get up close and personal with some of the shredders at the top of the game. Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has participated in an increasing number of them recently and just announced a half a dozen more for October.
Megadeth Shoot Video For ‘Public Enemy No. 1′
The Megadeth rhythm section of drummer Shawn Drover and founding bassist David Ellefson released a video statement through Roadrunner Records from deep in the heart of the set for the music video for 'Public Enemy No. 1.' The song is the first single from the band's upcoming album, 'TH1RT3EN.'
Jane’s Addiction Headed Back To Clubs For Album Release Shows
Jane's Addiction will return to the club environments that helped spawn their innovative and influential alternative rock for a series of intimate album release shows behind their upcoming album, 'The Great Escape Artist.'
Judas Priest Assemble ‘The Chosen Few’ With Help From Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne + More
Judas Priest have influenced generations of heavy metal bands. Heck, Anthrax even named a song 'Judas Priest' on their forthcoming album, 'Worship Music.' So when it came time to assemble a new definitive collection of classic material, who better than guys like Metallica and Slash to pick the tracks?