NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC ASSOCIATION

Robert Plant Makes A Surprise Visit at the 38th Annual Black Hills Powwow in Rapid City  South Dakota Prior to  his Concert

On Sunday, October 11th, Robert Plant, one of the most influential frontmen in music history, best known as the legendary lead vocalist of Led Zeppelin, made a surprise appearance at the 38th Annual He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate or the Black Hills Powwow in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Plant was performing at The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota, on October 11, 2026 with his group Saving Grace featuring Suzi Dian. His concert coincided with the final day of the 38th Annual He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate at

Summit Arena at The Monument on Mount Rushmore Road in Rapid City, South Dakota. According to Lakota Times, Plant used the opportunity “to engage with the indigenous cultural gathering, support the community, and experience tribal traditions”.

Later that evening, Plant took the stage with Saving Grace as part of his Up the Sharp End tour at The Monument’s Fine Arts Theatre.  Plant shared his appearance at the Black Hills Pow Wow with a post on his official Instagram page stating, Brothers and sisters … strong, focused with very long memories — Oglala Sioux Lakota in South Dakota Powwow 

Legendary Thrash Frontman Chuck Billy To Release A Memoir Entitled Holding My Breath: The Two Testaments of Chuck Billy

Iconic vocalist and legendary frontman, Chuck Billy of Testament, is set to release a memoir entitled, Holding My Breath: The Two Testaments of Chuck Billy  on November 10th and distributed by Simon and Schuster. 

Chuck Billy is the powerhouse lead singer of Testament, one of thrash-metal's original Bay Area legends since the 1980’s. He beat cancer in 2001 and came back stronger, weaving his Native American (Pomo) roots into his life and lyrics. With fourteen studio albums released and 40 plus years of touring the world, Chuck Billy still practices what he preaches, whilst also pushing boundaries to elevate fans with thought-provoking songs that bring socially conscious subjects, like 1987’s "The Greenhouse Effect", or ballads like 1992’s "Return to Serenity".

Billy is of Pomo heritage, the indigenous people of Northern California and Mexican-American. His heritage has always remained an important part of his identity. Beyond the stage, Billy’s personal story reflects the importance of cultural identity, family, and perseverance. He attended the inaugural Native American Music Awards as a special guest presenter, helping connect Indigenous representation with a genre not always associated with Native artists. He received recognition from the California State Assembly for his positive influence on Native communities, was featured in a Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian exhibition and won Best Music Video at the American Indian Film Festival for Testament’s “Native Blood,” a powerful statement about Indigenous identity, history, and survival.

Multifaceted to say the least, Chuck Billy is a brother, a family man, an iconic heavy metal vocalist, a friend, and a cancer survivor. His book release tells it all, and so much more. Pre-Order his book here: chuckbillybook.com 

Upcoming Chuck Billy Appearances:

October 29

In-Store Appearance in Phoenix, AZ at Changing Hands Bookstore/Bar, 300 West Camelback Road   7PM 

November 10 

Party in Seal Beach, California with Jose Mangin Sirius XM Metal Ambassador and co-host Comedian and Metal fanatic Brian Posehn  4 to 8 PM  

November 14

Party in Dublin, CA at Metal Community Bar - The Back Lounge with Phil and Marta Demmel + Brian Posehn to host  7138 Village Parkway  2 to 6 PM  

Chuck Billy is available for interviews and his book is available for the media to review.