WELCOME TO BLACK WIRE

Tales From the Pit, where rock, metal and alternative music come alive.

THE SPIRITUAL HOME OF HEAVY MUSIC

Black Wire was created out of a passion for live music for those who have always believed the best part of music is being there.

The anticipation before a show starts. The first listen of a new album. Discovering your new favourite band and seeing them go from a small room to the biggest stages. These are the moments that we ingrain in our memories forever.

From the grassroots venues that birth the bands we love to massive arenas where we see our favourite bands, Black Wire covers the music, moments and stories that make the rock and metal scene one universal family and provides helpful tips, information and tools to help you make attending every gig and festival possible.

NEWS

Stay up to date with the latest news from the world of rock, metal and alternative music. From new album announcements and tour dates to festival updates and scene-wide stories, we’ll keep you in the loop without the noise.

Korn headlining Download Festival 2025

Nu Metal Revival: Why A New Generation Is Falling In Love With The Sound Of The Early 2000s

Nu metal is back. From Limp Bizkit and Korn to Linkin Park's new era and Deftones' continued influence, discover why a new generation is falling in love with the sound that defined the early 2000s.
Bad Omens Live and London Alexandra Palace 2025

Inside The Metal Crowd: The Unwritten Rules That Keep The Scene Alive

To outsiders, a metal crowd can look like chaos. To fans, it is a community built on respect, trust and an unwritten code. From the pit to the barrier, these are the rules that keep the scene alive.
Sid Wilson in costume playing for Slipknot, with the logo in the top left

Sid Wilson And Slipknot: What We Know About The Rumours Surrounding His Future With The Band

Rumours are swirling that Sid Wilson has been fired from Slipknot. Here's everything we know so far and what it could mean for the band's future.
Radar Festival x Doom featuring Mick Gordon in 2027

RIP AND TEAR: RADAR Festival 2027 Announces Mick Gordon as its First Headliner

RADAR Festival 2027 just unlocked a seriously heavy addition, with Mick Gordon announced for next year’s lineup. The man behind DOOM’s legendary soundtrack is bringing the noise to Manchester.
Ozzy Osborne haunted house at universal studios Orlando Halloween horror nights

Ozzy Osbourne Haunted House Announced for Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios has unveiled an Ozzy Osbourne themed haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights, inspired by the metal icon's legendary solo career.
Rock and metal section of a record store

The Most Anticipated Rock and Metal Albums Still to Come in 2026

The biggest rock and metal albums still to come in 2026, including Mastodon, Anthrax, Electric Callboy, Amon Amarth, Nickelback and more.

REVIEWS

Honest reviews of the rock, metal and alternative scene. From face-melting live shows to releases worth blasting on repeat, discover what’s worth your time (and what you missed out on).

GIGS AND FESTIVALS

From intimate club shows to massive arena tours and unforgettable festivals, these are the events you won’t want to miss, chosen by the team here at Black Wire. Explore the biggest upcoming gigs across rock, metal and alternative music, all in one place and discover how to get there, plus essential gig-going advice from gig and festival veterans.

SEP-OCT

2026

DON BROCO

OCT-NOV

2026

KORN

NOV

2026

PAPA ROACH

JAN

2027

ELECTRIC CALLBOY

JAN

2027

ALESTORM

FEB

2027

AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS

MAY

2027

SLAM DUNK 2027

JUN

2027

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2027

JUL

2027

2000TREES 2027

JUL-AUG

2027

RADAR FESTIVAL 2027

AUG

2027

BLOODSTOCK 2027

PLAN YOUR VENUE JOURNEYS

No one ever wants to miss out on seeing their favourite band. But the first question is always: how am I going to get there? We all know it’s personal when a band doesn’t book a show in your city, or they are playing a festival halfway across the UK.

Whether it’s a gig or a festival, Black Wire has the answer to your travel planning. Get rough cost estimates, plan your route and see what transport is available, all with our gig and festival travel planner. Hell, we even give you the 7-day weather forecast for the event.