The CMS Network VIPs
Politics • Music • Comedy
LIFE OF AGONY BASSIST ALAN ROBERT TEAMS UP WITH GEEZER BUTLER'S SIGNATURE GEAR ENGINEER TO UNLEASH FUZZ OFF & DIE BASS FUZZ PEDAL
March 03, 2026
post photo preview
LIFE OF AGONY BASSIST ALAN ROBERT TEAMS UP WITH GEEZER BUTLER'S SIGNATURE GEAR ENGINEER TO UNLEASH FUZZ OFF & DIE BASS FUZZ PEDAL

Alan Robert, bassist and co-founder of Life of Agony — a Metal Hall of Fame inductee whose landmark debut album River Runs Red was named by Rolling Stone as one of the "Greatest Metal Albums of All Time" — has partnered with legendary audio engineer Terry Welty to release Fuzz Off & Die, an octagon-shaped bass fuzz pedal designed to deliver ferocious aggression without sacrificing the weight and authority of the low end.

Welty is widely respected for his engineering contributions to Geezer Butler's signature bass products, including the EMG Geezer Butler Signature pickups and the Ashdown Head of Doom amplifier — gear celebrated for preserving massive low-frequency fundamentals while delivering unmistakable grit and power. That same philosophy is baked directly into Fuzz Off & Die, a pedal engineered from the ground up for bass players, not adapted from guitar circuits.



Hand-built in the USA and inspired by a snarling 1972 fuzz circuit, Fuzz Off & Die maintains mass, punch, and presence as gain increases — allowing bassists to push their sound to the brink without thinning out their signal. Its distinctive octagon-shaped enclosure reflects both its uncompromising attitude and road-ready construction.

placeholder

Alan Robert explains the years-long pursuit behind the pedal: "I’ve gone through countless fuzz pedals over the years, on the road and in the studio, and some came close to the sound I’ve been chasing but Fuzz Off & Die is the sound I’ve been hearing in my head. It doesn’t betray the soul of the bass — it adds aggression without losing the weight of the low end. Fuzz Off & Die is all about attitude, tone, and keeping your low-end frequencies huge — with no compromises."



Terry Welty adds: "Bass players are usually forced to give something up when they step on a fuzz. With Fuzz Off & Die, the mission was simple — keep the low end intact no matter how aggressive the circuit gets. Everything about this pedal was engineered to hit hard, stay massive, and feel alive under your fingers."

Why Many Pro Bass Players Consider 'Fuzz Off and Die' One of the Best New Bass Fuzz Pedals Around:

MATT FREEMAN:
(Multi-Platinum–selling bassist of Rancid, Operation Ivy)
"Really great bass distortion/fuzz is not easy to achieve. This pedal makes it easy. It can dial in as little or as much as you need without losing low-end tone, and it’s built like a tank."

DAVID ELLEFSON:
(Grammy Award–winning founding bassist of Megadeth)
"Alan Robert is truly one of the OGs of the New York hardcore scene, and his tone with Life of Agony is at the cornerstone of it all. Super glad to see the Fuzz Off & Die pedal in action—it adds to an already iconic tone."



JEFF PILSON:
(Platinum–selling bassist of Dokken, Foreigner)
"Fuzz Off & Die sounds and feels like an amp when it’s on the verge of blowing, hitting that magical sweet spot that—until now—only a loud tube amp could deliver. Plus, it never thins out the sound like most units do. It’s hefty and powerful. I don’t think I’d ever need anything else to achieve killer distortion on my bass."

CRAIG SETARI:
(NY Hardcore veteran bassist of Sick Of It All, Straight Ahead)
"Fuzz Off & Die is nasty as hell. This pedal is perfect for when you want a quick boost or you wanna get a little filthy without making a mess. The bottom-end stays nice and warm while creating a strong growl, without sacrificing your fundamental sound. I'll be stomping the sh*t outta this thing regularly."

NEIL JASON:
(Legendary A-list studio session bassist)
"Fuzz Off and Whatttt? This is the box that will melt your pedal board. From the mind of Life of Agony's Alan Robert comes the most searing bass fuzz you've ever experienced. Plug it in and stand back. It's time to FUZZ OFF!"

KEY FEATURES:
Bass-First Circuit Architecture — Designed to preserve low-frequency fundamentals
1972-Inspired Fuzz Design — Classic character re-voiced specifically for bass
Fire (Volume) & Fury (Tone) Controls — Shape aggression without thinning
Preserves Weight & Presence — Punch and clarity at any gain
Octagon-Shaped Housing — Built like a tank for the road
Hand-Built in the USA

The first 100 pedals ship with a signed and numbered Certificate of Authenticity, plus exclusive extras including a steel bottle-opener keychain, pin, octagon sticker, and bass pick.

Availability & Distribution:
Fuzz Off & Die is distributed worldwide by Alpha Distribution, home to premium gear brands including CIOKS, Seamoon FX, and Manhattan Prestige Basses.

community logo
Join the The CMS Network VIPs Community
To read more articles like this, sign up and join my community today
0
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
Why is Don Jamieson the Last National Act to Play This Iconic Club?

Seth Williams and Chris Akin aren't here to play by the rules or read from a corporate script. In this raw, unedited session, the guys are joined by special guest and comedian Don Jamieson to pull back the curtain on the "death" of the legendary Funny Stop. Between Seth’s "swollen ball syndrome" updates and the arrival of restaurant reporter Tony Musachio from the new and improved SHOOTERS, this is the high-octane chaos the mainstream media is too terrified to broadcast. If you want the truth from a comedy veteran who has seen it all, you’re in the right place.

👉 JOIN THE VIP INNER CIRCLE: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

👉 Get Don Jamieson's HELL BENT FOR LAUGHTER Here: https://amzn.to/3NBSfCl

Featured On This Episode:

Special Guest Don Jamieson: The comedy vet discusses being the final national headliner at the Funny Stop.

The Death of Local Comedy: Don Jamieson breaks down the reality of closing iconic rooms.

The "Gateway Band" Theory: Don and the guys debate how to indoctrinate friends into ...

01:04:08
Don't Wait For Our GREAT Chat with Heaven & Hell's Vinny Appice!

Vinnie Appice reveals the "drum machine" drama behind Black Sabbath's final studio album with Dio. Lawsuits, legends, and loud drums. Watch now! #Metal #Sabbath

Not a VIP? Join Here Today!!

FULL EPISODE: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com/post/7797752/black-sabbath-vs-heaven-hell-the-truth-about-why-they-switched-names-vip

00:00:26
👉 NEW HERE? START HERE — WHAT YOU GET AS A VIP

👉 “You’re already behind if you’re seeing this.”

👉 WATCH THIS FIRST ⬇️

👉 This explains exactly what you’re missing.

If you’re watching The Classic Metal Show or Chris Akin Presents anywhere else…

👉 You’re not getting everything
👉 You’re getting it late
👉 And you’re missing the best parts

This page is where the real CMS experience happens.

🔥 HERE’S WHAT VIP MEMBERS GET:
🎙️ EXCLUSIVE CMS 3RD SEGMENT

This is the part of the show we don’t release publicly.
No filters. No holding back.

⚡ FULL CMS EPISODES — 1 WEEK EARLY

While everyone else waits…
👉 You’re already watching the full show

🚫 COMMERCIAL-FREE EPISODES

No interruptions. No filler. Just the show.

🎤 CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS — EARLY ACCESS

Interviews with rock legends posted here weeks before public release

👉 Some interviews hit here up to 6 weeks early

Example: Interviews you see today may not hit the public feed for over a month.

💬 DIRECT ACCESS TO CHRIS AKIN

I don’t interact on X, ...

00:00:53
DEAD ARTIST LAWSUITS & AIRPLANE SEAT SQUATTERS! (Audio)

Why is everyone still suing Michael Jackson's estate? Neeley and Chris are giving their honest take on the skepticism surrounding the latest legal battle and reviewing the trailer for the upcoming MICHAEL biopic. We're also talking about the tragedy of the woman who fell off the cruise ship and the infuriating new trend of "seat squatting" on planes. Finally, CMS Producer Weezie honors our lost friend, Bob Nalbandian. Share and follow for the metal-fueled truth! Get commercial-free episodes by joining Rumble Premium at https://rumble.com/premium. Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!

Sponsor: SPONSOR: The CMS Hail and Snore Pillow - https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/listing/hail-and-snore-pillow

Get all your favorite CMS Merchandise from our online store: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

BUY CHRIS AKIN'S BEST BOOKS HERE:

Call Me Chris by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4 Little Victories by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/43A143y ...AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY... By ...

DEAD ARTIST LAWSUITS & AIRPLANE SEAT SQUATTERS! (Audio)
Agnostic Front BASSIST on DMC & Their Bold New Sound! (Audio)

Seriously, how do you keep your music fresh when you're a band with a decades-long history? It's tough! Chris chats with Agnostic Front bassist Mike Gallo about their latest, ECHOES OF ETERNITY. They talk about the killer sound improvements, what it was like working with a legend like DMC for the first time, and the guts it takes to try new things as a legacy act. Don't just listen—hit that share button, follow us, and subscribe to Rumble Premium for more! Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!

SPONSOR: The Classic Metal Show Stickers - https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/listing/classic-metal-show-stickers

Get all your favorite CMS Merchandise from our online store: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

BUY CHRIS AKIN'S BEST BOOKS HERE:

Call Me Chris by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4
Little Victories by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/43A143y
...AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY... By Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/3SRP3Bq

Want more? Get commercial-free episodes, early ...

Agnostic Front BASSIST on DMC & Their Bold New Sound! (Audio)
LEMMY SMASHES MIXING BOARD! KING DIAMOND'S $26K HANDOUT! (Audio)

What’s crazier: Lemmy destroying a multi-million dollar mixing board with a cheeseburger, or King Diamond getting $26,000 a year from his government just for being an artist? Neeley and Chris tackle these wild metal stories! We also review George Lynch's new single, which he released after admitting he totally lied about retiring. Hint: the guys are NOT impressed. Plus, check out the insane guitar talent from a young private school student. Like, follow, and share this video! Get commercial-free episodes and more by joining Rumble Premium at https://rumble.com/premium. Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!

Sponsor: SPONSOR: Def Leppard - PYROMANIA 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOX SET - https://amzn.to/46AhFaB

Get all your favorite CMS Merchandise from our online store: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

BUY CHRIS AKIN'S BEST BOOKS HERE:

Call Me Chris by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4 Little Victories by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/43A143y ...AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY... By Chris ...

LEMMY SMASHES MIXING BOARD! KING DIAMOND'S $26K HANDOUT! (Audio)
Welcome Back, Boys!

Devildriver Returns!

Bare Knuckle Fighting

As some of you are aware, I LOVE combat sports. I watch some league of it almost daily.

My faves are BYB Extreme and BKFC.

I’m going to start posting them here and there to see if any of you end up digging it!

New Chat with Geoff Tate...

Hey guys,

VIPs - the new interview with Geoff Tate will be released at 1pm ET.

Let me know what you think!!

post photo preview
Why Thundermother Refuses to Use Backing Tracks (And Who She’s Calling Out)

placeholder

Thundermother’s Filippa Nässil isn’t here to play the corporate rock game. In this raw sit-down, she exposes the nightmare of American work visas, the “hierarchy” of stadium tours, and why most modern live albums are over-produced garbage. If you think your favorite band is actually playing every note you hear on stage, you’re in for a rude awakening.

👉 ORDER THUNDERMOTHER'S LIVE AND ALIVE HERE: https://amzn.to/4bh5YHO

👉 JOIN THE VIP INNER CIRCLE: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

- The “Live and a Lie” Industry: Why Thundermother kept the mistakes in.
- The Scorpions Tour: 27 trucks, hierarchy, and what a support band actually sees.
- The $10,000 Visa Nightmare: Why European bands are being priced out of the US.
- The Death of the Encore: Why Filippa prefers the “Elvis Exit.”
- Backing Tracks Rant: Filippa’s take on bands that “play” to a computer.

Watch “Whatever” By Thundermother Here:

🔥 SPONSOR GEAR:

Scorpions “Coming Home” Vinyl: https://amzn.to/3U6VAcf

AC/DC Highway to Hell Live: https://amzn.to/4oetQjL

Motley Crue Dr. Feelgood 35th: https://amzn.to/3Je81AA

📚 CHRIS AKIN’S VAULT:

...And Other Things I Should Not Say...: https://amzn.to/48v3YVf

🛒 OFFICIAL MERCH:

CMS All Black Mug: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/listing/the-cms-all-black-mug

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Cameo (Custom Video): https://www.cameo.com/chrisakin

Substack (Audio Feed): https://cmspn.substack.com

Follow on X: https://www.x.com/cmsrocks

Saturday Night Live: THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW is Live Saturdays 9pm-3am EST on Rumble/Locals.

Read full Article
post photo preview
Why Does Hollywood Hate Small Tits and Real Women? + Throwback

placeholder

Lili Reinhart is crying "sexism" because a director asked her to suck in her gut. Really? Neely and Chris dive into the total insanity of modern actresses complaining about the very industry that made them rich for being hot. From the unrealistic beauty standards of Old Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe to the current reign of Sydney Sweeney, the boys break down why "body dysmorphia" is becoming the go-to excuse for actresses who can't handle the job requirements of being a leading lady. Plus, a "Home Depot Test" proves that men aren't "intimidated" by hot girls—they’re just over the drama.

 

 

ON THIS EPISODE
The Sucking-In Scandal: Lili Reinhart’s "traumatic" encounter with a director.

Hollywood Standards vs. Reality: Why being hot is literally the job description.

The Sydney Sweeney Playbook: Why playing the game makes you a superstar.

The Home Depot Experiment: Hot girl vs. "Boy" outfit—who gets better service?

The Death of the Traditional Relationship: Why men are choosing to go their own way.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE A LOCALS VIP STARTING NOW!
The real show doesn't happen here. YouTube is for the casuals who like filtered, censored, and safe content. If you want the raw, offensive, and totally uncensored third segment where the gloves actually come off, you need to be a VIP. Our Locals members got this episode a week ago. They don't deal with ads, and they get the content Hollywood wants to ban. Stop being a bystander and join the inner circle.

HELP KEEP THE CMS ALIVE!
Casual fans skip this. Real fans don’t.

SPONSOR: Black Sabbath - THE BROADCAST COLLECTION 1970-1975 - https://amzn.to/4oUeEIg

SPONSOR: Journey - The Broadcast Collection 1976-1983 - https://amzn.to/48rPif8

SPONSOR: Rush - Broadcast Collection 1974-1980 - https://amzn.to/3XdXdq2

SPONSOR: CMS Winter Skull Cap - https://classicmetalshow.creatorspring.com/listing/cms-winter-skull-cap

Call Me Chris by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

IT'S YOUR LAST SHOT - JOIN LOCALS VIPS NOW!
If you’re still reading this on a public platform, you’re already behind. The real segment isn’t public. While you’re waiting for the next "safe" clip, our VIPs are interacting with us directly and watching the show the way it was meant to be seen—loud and unfiltered. This is where it actually happens. Don't be the guy left wondering what the joke was.

Read full Article
post photo preview
LYNCH MOB UNLEASHES FINAL LIVE ALBUM: THE ULTIMATE ROCK RIDE COMES TO AN END

In a thunderous farewell that has hard rock fans roaring with both excitement and bittersweet emotion, legendary guitar virtuoso George Lynch and his powerhouse band Lynch Mob have officially announced the release of their brand-new live album titled "The Final Ride."

GREAT PRICE FOR PREORDERS OF THE LAST RIDE LIVE HERE: https://amzn.to/4tS3l5B

The project captures the raw energy, blistering solos, and crowd-shaking anthems from what the band describes as their ultimate tour run, marking a dramatic close to an era that has defined melodic metal and hard rock for decades. Fans who have followed Lynch Mob since their explosive debut in the late '80s will recognize this as more than just another live recording—it's a high-octane time capsule preserving the group's signature sound at its absolute peak.

George Lynch, widely celebrated as one of the most innovative and technically gifted guitarists in rock history, formed Lynch Mob after departing from Dokken, quickly carving out a distinct identity with soaring vocals, massive riffs, and unforgettable hooks. Over the years, the band has delivered classics like "Wicked Sensation," "River of Love," and "No Bed of Roses," building a devoted following that spans generations. "The Final Ride" promises to deliver all that fire and more, recorded during a series of electrifying shows where the chemistry between Lynch and his bandmates reached fever pitch.

Sources close to the release indicate the album features a carefully curated setlist blending fan-favorite deep cuts with the band's biggest hits, all captured with modern production that brings the live atmosphere straight into listeners' speakers or headphones. Expect extended guitar workouts that showcase Lynch's lightning-fast fingers and emotional phrasing, powerful vocal performances that hit every high note, and a rhythm section that drives the music forward with relentless groove.

placeholder

The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for the hard rock community, as many iconic acts from the '80s and '90s era reflect on their legacies and choose to bow out on their own terms. Lynch Mob's decision to brand this as "the final ride" suggests the band is closing this chapter with intention, leaving behind a legacy of adrenaline-fueled performances rather than fading into obscurity.

For longtime supporters, "The Final Ride" serves as both a celebration and a collector's item. The live setting allows the songs to breathe and evolve, often stretching beyond their studio counterparts with improvised solos, crowd sing-alongs, and that unmistakable electric connection only possible when a band is locked in on stage. Early reactions from those who attended the recording shows describe the energy as "pure electricity," with Lynch delivering some of the most inspired playing of his career.

placeholder

As details about the exact release date, track listing, and potential special editions continue to emerge, anticipation is building rapidly across metal and rock forums. Will there be guest appearances? Exclusive bonus material? One thing is certain: Lynch Mob is determined to make "The Final Ride" a memorable send-off that honors their history while giving fans one last chance to experience the magic live in audio form.

This release isn't just for die-hard fans either. Newcomers discovering the band through streaming playlists or viral guitar clips will find "The Final Ride" an accessible entry point into Lynch Mob's world of high-octane rock 'n' roll. In an industry where live albums sometimes feel like afterthoughts, Lynch Mob has treated this project with the respect and intensity it deserves, ensuring every note, every cheer, and every blistering solo is preserved for posterity.

As the countdown to "The Final Ride" begins, one message rings clear from the band: thank you for the ride. Now crank it up one final time and let the music take you there.

Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals