Foreigner Star Diagnosed With Cancer
(Classic Rock) Foreigner keyboardist Michael Bluestein has been forced to bow out of the band's upcoming US tour after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
He'll take an indefinite break while he undergoes 28 radiotherapy sessions – but reports his illness was discovered early enough to be successfully treated. It follows Foreigner mainman Mick Jones' heart surgery in February.
"I recently went to the hospital following some symptoms and it was discovered I have colorectal cancer. This has required me to take a leave of absence from the band for a significant period," Bluestein says. "The good news is that I caught this early enough so that through chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, I will be able to treat this and return to normal life after it's over. And of course, normal life for me includes rocking with Foreigner." more on this story
Band Beat Up Former Singer?
(TMZ) A popular band was none too please when the lead singer quit, and they acted out their anger by beating the crap out of him -- according to allegations made in a police report.
Aron "Deuce" Erlichman was the lead singer of Hollywood Undead, a rap/rock band. Deuce decided to quit the band a few months ago to launch a solo career.
On May 25, Deuce performed at Angels & Kings -- a Hollywood hotspot. After his gig, Deuce left the club and claims his former bandmates were "lying in wait." Deuce claims when they spotted him, they jumped him and went to town -- punching, kicking and stomping on him.
Deuce says he was badly hurt and went to cops, alleging former bandmates Dylan "FunnyMan" Alvarez and Jorel "J-Dog" Decker were the primary culprits. Deuce also told cops the two dudes had someone videotape the attack.
Now, Deuce plans to sue -- and has already hired legal pitbull Donald Karpel.
Cops are investigating. So far, no comment from FunnyMan or J-Dog. more on this story
Spineshank New Album and Tour Coming This Month
Spineshank is officially back, not only is the band releasing their first new album in almost a decade, they are lauching their first headlining tour in over 6 years.
The band has set dates for a lengthy tour spanning nearly two months. They have released a list of confirmed dates which kick off on June 14th in Las Vegas. Support bands will be announced soon.
Spineshank will be touring in support of their new album, Anger Denial Acceptance, which will be out on June 19 in North America. more on this story
Another Slash Ban At Guns N' Roses Concert?
(Classic Rock) An 18-year-old Guns N' Roses fan was told to remove his Slash shirt or go home ahead of Axl Rose's appearance in London on Friday. It's a repeat of events first believed to have unfolded in 2010, when gigglers in Canada were ordered to turn Slash shirts inside-out and abandon their top hats.
James Revell attended the GnR show in London's O2 Arena with his younger brother. On arrival door staff instructed him to take off his shirt and said he wouldn't be allowed in if he didn't comply.
"I felt as though my freedom to wear what I want had been taken away from me. I did not react angrily as I didn't want to spoil the show for my brother," The teenager tells NME. "I believed they asked me to do it because Axl Rose has some problem with Slash, and if he saw me wearing the shirt he might have stormed off stage." more on this story
Aerosmith Tease New Video
(hennemusic) Aerosmith are gearing up to release the video for "Legendary Child," the lead single from the band's forthcoming album, "Music From Another Dimension."
Directed by Casey Patrick Tebo, the clip will be the band's first video in 8 years. Tebo raved about the results of the May 4 filming, after which he tweeted: "Can't wait for people to see the new Aerosmith video. looked great and really rocked. Psyched. Soon I shall unleash my fury on the world."
Aerosmith have released a sneak peek of what's to come with the "Legendary Child" video. Check it out here.
Black Sabbath Have Written 15 Songs For Reunion Album
(hennemusic) The planned Black Sabbath reunion may have gone off the rails due to contractual issues with drummer Bill Ward, but three of the four original members are continuing to work on a new album.
"We've written about 15 songs so far, whether they all get on an album, I don't know," Ozzy Osbourne tells NME. "We just keep on writing. I was trying to work out: where would we be now musically if we'd have stayed together?"
Rick Rubin is producing the new album, the band's first studio effort since 1978's "Never Say Die." The veteran producer helped shape the project with some initial words of creative direction. "He [Rubin] sat us down," explains Geezer Butler. "He put on the first [Sabbath] album on and said 'Listen to this. Now imagine it's 1969, you've just done that – what would you do next?'" more on this story
Classic Jimi Hendrix Shows Coming To DVD and Blu-Ray Restored and Expanded
(Gibson) A new edition of Jimi Hendrix's 1970 performances at the Berkeley Community Theatre is coming to DVD and Blu-ray. The restored and expanded concert will be released on July 10, according to Brave Words.
The documentary showcases the two performances Hendrix gave on May 30, 1970. This edition has been restored from the original 16mm negative, and includes more than 15 minutes of unseen footage. Among the new performances are "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," "Machine Gun" and "Hear My Train a Comin'" – none of which were included in the original film.
In addition, July 10 will see the first stand-alone release on Blu-ray of Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child. The documentary film directed by Bob Smeaton (The Beatles Anthology) was previously included on DVD in the West Coast Seattle Boy box set. more on this story
The Darkness Covering Radiohead On New Album
(Gibson) The Darkness have announced full details of their third studio album, Hot Cakes. The album is their first since 2005's One Way Ticket To Hell and Back. Hot Cakes (they plan it to "sell like hot cakes," geddit?) will be released on August 20 via Play It Again Sam recordings and has been produced by singer and guitarist Justin and Dan Hawkins along with long-time collaborator Nick Brine.
Frontman Justin Hawkins said: "Hot Cakes has a nice raw feel to it like the first album had, with occasional luxurious moments akin to the second. We're proud of the songs and we can't wait for people to hear them. We've been playing a lot of the material from the album in the live set for some time now. Each time we play a new song it feels like a deep powerful thrust in a frenzied love ritual between us and our fans."
The album also includes a cover of Radiohead's "Street Spirit (Fade Out)," of which Hawkins said: "We included the Radiohead cover because it has been a live favourite for many moons, and we wanted to release a definitive recording of our interpretation." more on this story
Adam Lambert Wants To Do Freddie Proud at Queen Shows
(Classic Rock) Adam Lambert is convinced his upcoming shows fronting Queen will prove he can do the job, although he insists he'd never try to replace Freddie Mercury. And the singer admits he knew talent shows weren't cool before he found fame in American Idol – he aimed to use the exposure to advance his career.
He's performed with remaining Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor on TV twice before. So when he hits the Hammersmith Apollo stage with them on July 11, 12 and 14 he knows what he has to achieve.
"We want to keep the music alive and give it an energy that would have made Freddie proud," Lambert tells the Daily Mail. "You can't replace him. But playing with Queen is the best thing that could happen to me. My intention is to pay tribute to Freddie." more on this story
Devin Townsend Project and Katatonia Epic Kings & Idols Tour
Devin Townsend Project and Katatonia are teaming up for a Fall tour of North America dubbed Epic Kings & Idols Tour.
Paradise Lost will be direct support on the trek and Stolen Babies will be openers (DTP and Katatonia will alternate in headlining each show).
In regards to this upcoming trek, Devin Townsend comments: "So after a break in which we've managed to finish the live DVDs from the London shows ('By A Thread') as well as our surprisingly epic new record, 'Epicloud'...We're about to start getting into touring mode again, and it pleases me to announce that we'll be with some wonderful bands this Fall. I think this package pretty much covers the gamut of emotional heavy music, and really...It'll be nice to share the stage with some passionate folks who live for their music as much as we do. Again, we can't thank you enough for supporting what we do and allowing us to play for you. It will be nice to catch up, and we hope to see you there!" more on this story
Biker Shot At Charity Rock Show
(Classic Rock) A charity rock show in Spanaway, Washington, US, erupted with gunfire this weekend as tensions between rival biker gangs spiraled out of control.
The Northwest Metal Fest was being held by the Bandidos fraternity to raise funds for cancer support, featuring the first headline appearance of thrash metal band Mace in 23 years. But violence ensued when members of the Ghostriders gang arrived in an SUV at Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill wearing their colours.
"A small group of Ghostriders showed up. One of the members tried to enter the bar while wearing his jacket. The Bandidos asked him to remove it so as not to disrespect their club. When he refused a group of Bandidos surrounded him," Local news outlet Q13Fox reports. "The Ghostriders member felt threatens and reportedly pulled a gun and shot a Bandidos member in the arm. He was then tackled by a friend of the victim, disarmed and held for police." more on this story
Zakk Wylde's True Rocker Test
(Gibson) Zakk Wylde, guitar legend and Black Label Society frontman, has been promoting his new book Bringing Metal to the Children.
The book begins with Wylde's "true rocker test" (TRT), in which the reader must answer and self-score 10 questions to determine if he is a true rocker and should continue reading, or if he's just a complete "tool" who needs to hand the book to someone more metal. There are plenty of epic stories about life on the road, using his Black Label Society coaching techniques to instruct the reader on proper touring hygiene, pre-concert preparations and post-show etiquette.
The road stories include wild nights with many of Wylde's peers, including Rob Zombie, Eddie Van Halen, Dimebag Darrell, Mike Inez, Snake Sabo, Lars Ulrich, professional wrestlers Chris Jericho, Bubba Dudley and Stone Cold Steve Austin and, of course, Ozzy Osbourne. more on this story
Metallica Star Working on New Film
(Gibson) An upcoming 3D movie isn't the only Metallica-related film project. Bassist Robert Trujillo is funding a biopic about the influential bass legend Jaco Pastorius, according to USA Today.
"Jaco was my hero growing up. Hearing him was like hearing Eddie Van Halen doing 'Eruption' for the first time: You thought, 'What instrument is that?'" Trujillo said. "I loved jazz fusion and branched out from there. But Jaco had an edge that far exceeded his jazz persona. He was funk, he was rock, he was soul. And his whole attitude was punk."
The documentary, tentatively titled Jaco, is being directed by Stephen Kijack (2010's Stones in Exile). Trujillo hopes the movie will be ready in time to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival this fall. more on this story
Blaze Bayley Was Suicidal With His Formal Band
(Classic Rock) Blaze Bayley says he'd have killed himself if he hadn't sacked his entire band and the only reason he didn't end his life was that his wife talked him out of it.
Last year he fired guitarists Nico Bermudez and Jay Walsh along with bassist David Bermudez , and announced he would continue to operate as a solo artist using pick-up bands. His move came after drummer Larry Paterson and manager Anna Di Laurenzio quit.
"I just wanted to kill myself on that tour. The pressure to keep a band together was too much. Sometimes I really wished I had killed myself to escape, but my wife talked me out of it. She persuaded me to carry on and that's why I'm still here," the ex-Iron Maiden singer tells Radio Metal. "So they can say what they want. But my truth is: being with those people on that tour in that situation made me feel like killing myself, ending my life, ending everything, leaving my wife and son just to get away from everything. That's the truth." more on this story
Nonpoint Preview New Song Online
Nonpoint have posted an online advance mix of "I Said It," a brand-new studio track they've recently been working on with producer Johnny K (Disturbed, Staind, Megadeth).
"I Said It" is a first look at the recently revamped Nonpoint line-up which includes founding members Elias Soriano (vocals) and Robb Rivera (drums) along with new members Dave Lizzio (guitar), Adam Wolosyzn (bass), and Rasheed Thomas (guitar). The new line-up has been hard at work on its new, yet-to-be titled album which is due for release in fall 2012 on Razor & Tie. Listen to the preview here.
The band will hit the road this summer to preview new music with Call Me No One. Lead singer Elias Soriano adds, "We are about to hit the road and wanted to give our diehards an exclusive advance mix version of a brand new song we just finished called 'I Said It'. We're excited to play this one along with a few other new songs live soon so show your love in the pit when you hear them!" more on this story
Skeletonwitch Plot North American Tour
Skeletonwitch will be hitting the road this summer for a North American headline tour that will feature support from Barnburner.
The tour, which includes two weeks' worth of dates in Canada, will kick off July 17 in York, Pennsylvania soon after the band return from a European tour during which they will play festivals alongside the likes of Slayer, Megadeth, and Behemoth.
Skeletonwitch will be touring in support of their latest album, Forever Abomination, as well as the recent vinyl reissues of their popular releases Breathing The Fire and Beyond The Permafrost. more on this story
B Sides
Watch Evanescence Rock Am Ring
(hennemusic) Evanescence played the Rock Am Ring festival in Nurburgring, Germany on Friday. The festival is streaming live and the Evanescence set, like many others, was seen by fans around the globe.
The show is part of the band's extensive world tour in support of their 2011 self-titled release.
The group's first album in five years, it debuted at #1 back in October, after selling 127,000 copies in its first week. Watch their set here.
The Black Keys Release New Gold On The Ceiling Video
(hennemusic) The Black Keys have issued a new version of a video for their latest single, "Gold On The Ceiling" from their album, "El Camino."
While the original featured footage of the Keys on tour, this one is more conceptual, with the duo dressed up in fluffy baby costumes being carried by two men in Black Keys masks.
The new version is directed by Harmony Korine, who has directed cult films such as "Kids," "Gummo," "Julien Donkey-Boy" and "Mister Lonely." Watch the video here.
Geddy Lee Remembers When Rush Fired Him
(Classic Rock) Geddy Lee formed a new band when Rush fired him in their early days and he was doing better than they were when he was invited to rejoin. But he believes the experience was a blessing in disguise because it set them on the road to becoming the band they are today.
The bassist and singer was dismissed long before the Canadian outfit made their first recording. It happened even before they'd become a three-piece. The band's new manager, Ray Danniels, who is still with them, carried out both the firing and re-hiring.
Lee recounts the story in Classic Rock's Rush Fan Pack, which includes a copy of the band's new album Clockwork Angels and is available for pre-order now."That was pre-history really. We hadn't recorded yet and were still in our embryonic stage, and Ray came along. He had no real reputation yet as a manager or anything. He was just kind of an agent working in Toronto," He says. "So he started directing the band and he just thought I wasn't suitable, for whatever reasons he had. I don't know whether it was the way I looked, or my religious background – who the f**k knew?" more on this story
Metallica's Rock Am Ring Set Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Metallica headlined the Rock Am Ring festival in Nurburgring, Germany on Saturday. The show is part of the band's European Summer Vacation tour.
The festival is streaming live and the Metallica set, like many others, was seen by fans around the globe as it happened.
In an effort to promote their upcoming US festival, Metallica also streamed the show live at OrionMusicAndMore.com, the band's online home for the event, which is set to take place June 23-24 at Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Watch their set here.
Slash Jams With Ozzy
(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne continues his run of fill-in shows to make up for the cancelled Black Sabbath reunion tour this year.
On Thursday, Ozzy and Friends played the Spektrum in Oslo, Norway, with the now standard setlist mix of Sabbath classics and Ozzy solo tunes.
Along for the ride are Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, former Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde and Ozzy band members Gus G., Rob Nicholson and Tommy Clufetos.
On this night, the crew were joined by Slash for a few Sabbath tracks. Watch it here.
Soundgarden Rock Am Ring Set Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Soundgarden are currently playing the European festival circuit and, on Friday, the band performed at the Rock Am Ring festival in Nurburgring, Germany. Their complete set is streaming online.
Soundgarden recently released "Live To Rise," the band's first new song in 15 years. The tune is featured on the soundtrack to the box office smash, "The Avengers."
As for a full new album, singer Chris Cornell told Rolling Stone last month that "it's done. It'll be out in probably October. I would say September but I'm just guessing October. We're pretty much done with everything." Watch their set here.
Remembering Faces' Ronnie Lane
(Gibson) On this day in 1997, ex-Small Faces, Faces and leader of Slim Chance, Ronnie Lane died aged 51 after a 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis. Gibson takes a look back:
Ronnie Lane, one of the good guys of rock, had risen from humble beginning to international pop star and everybody loved him. The friends he made on the way to the top, from Jimmy Page to Rod Stewart to Pete Townshend, would also figure prominently in the dark days as his body rebelled on him and disease took over his life.
Lane and his band The Small Faces were huge rock stars when Steve Marriott jumped ship to form Humble Pie. The rest of the Small Faces drowned their temporary sorrows with old pals Ron Wood and Rod Stewart, became the Faces and matched anything they'd done in the '60s and set the bar for no-frills rock and roll.
When Rod became a megastar and the Faces disbanded, Lane moved to a farm in Wales, enjoyed life in the country and played folk and roll with his new band Slim Chance. Their albums sold well but a caravan tour of England featuring an ambitious assortment of circus acts was a financial disaster. Undeterred, he kept making low-key albums. Critics loved the records he made with old pals, like Mahoney's Last Stand, with Ron Wood and Rough Mix with Pete Townshend.
But something wasn't quite right with Ronnie. As drummer Kenney Jones recalled later: "He seemed very forgetful, slurred his words and tripped up a lot. We accused of him of being drunk and of having a secret tipple, but he wasn't of course."
More than that, Lane was suffering coordination issues and numbness in his arms. A doctor diagnosed him with multiple sclerosis in 1977
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