Former Fleetwood Mac Frontman Dead From Apparent Suicide
(Classic Rock) Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist and vocalist Bob Welch has been found dead after shooting himself at his Nashville home. He was 66.
Welch, who was with the band from 1971 until 1974, was discovered by his wife with a suicide note left nearby. He'd pulled the trigger around 12.15pm.
Law enforcement officials say the musician had been experience health issues in recent months. Don Aaron of Metropolitan Nashville Police Department reported last night: "Officers discovered Mr Welch with a single gunshot wound to the chest. There was a suicide note found at the residence. There was no evidence of foul play." more on this story
Muse Tease New Album
(Gibson) This week Muse posted a trailer online for their upcoming sixth studio album and announced the title: The 2nd Law.
The clip is classic Muse fare in its drama, offering a faux news broadcast that depicts scenes of stock market crashes, rising gas prices and other calamities. New for Muse, the video also offers some dubstep-seasoned music blended in with footage of the group rocking out live. Watch it here.
Muse's last album, 2009's Resistance, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 128,000 copies, according to Neilson Soundscan. more on this story
Van Halen Go Bottoms Up For The First Time Since 1983
(hennemusic) Van Halen's "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour is in the middle of a swing through the band's home state of California.
Tuesday night, Van Halen rocked the HP Pavilion in San Jose, and the band dug out a rare track from 1979's "Van Halen II" album.
"Bottoms Up!" made its first appearance of the new tour and, in fact, it was played for the first time onstage since 1983. The classic deep cut replaced "The Trouble With Never," from the new album, in Tuesday's setlist. Watch it here.
Guns N' Roses Frontman Axl Rose Comments On Jewelry Theft
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has thanked the woman who walked off with $200,000 worth of his jewelry for their safe return.
"Got my things back (really just an excited fan.) Thank you to the person for returning them n' big thanks 2 the Paris police," Axl tweeted.
Rose's jewelry - three gold-and-diamond necklaces – went missing following a concert in Paris. The woman was placed under formal arrest after she returned the items to a police station in central Paris. more on this story
Def Leppard Club Gig Streaming Online
(hennemusic) On Wednesday, Def Leppard played a rare club show at the House Of Blues on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
The event was captured for a "YouTube Presents" special, featuring a live performance and a Q&A session hosted by Rockline's Bob Coburn.
The band invited fans to submit question in advance, which they handled in an extensive interview segment. Watch it here.
Ozzy, Metallica's Hetfield, U2's Bono, Gene Simmons, Dave Grohl Big Daddy's
(Gibson) Father's Day is this weekend, so it's an appropriate time to pay homage to all the great dads out there.
On the Line, a national prostate cancer awareness campaign, is celebrating fatherhood with the Big Daddy Awards, which has celebrity fathers contending for top honors in 33 creative categories. A few of the musical men nominated this year include Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl, U2's Bono, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Kiss' Gene Simmons, Ozzy Osbourne, Lenny Kravitz, Metallica's James Hetfield and Jon Bon Jovi. Other categories pay tribute to dads from the sports, movie, TV and radio fields.
Fans can vote for their favorite celebrity fathers through June 17 via BigDaddyAwards.com, and the winners will be announced June 18, the day after Father's Day. more on this story
Queensryche Members Vow To Go On
(Classic Rock) Queensryche splinter group Rising West disappointed fans last night by refusing to go into detail about their current relationship with singer Geoff Tate.
Last week Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren announced they'd hired frontman Todd La Torre of Crimson Glory and would perform material from the prog metal giant's early years at two show in Seattle this weekend.
Speaking to 99.9 KISW they avoided in-depth discussion about rumoured fall-outs with Tate, and didn't even elaborate on their statement they'd been banned from Queensryche's website and Facebook page. Guitarist Wilton said: "We still very much are Queensryche, and Queensryche will be continuing on. We want to just have some fun, play some old 'Ryche, bring back some memories and just kick it."
Asked if he'd learned anything from their current position he replied: "Make a band agreement." They go into more details, read that here.
Elvis To Be Resurrected
(Gibson) Elvis Presley will soon be immortalized with his very own hologram. Digital Domain Media Group, the same company that recently created a hologram of late rapper Tupac Shakur that debuted at last spring's Coachella festival, has teamed up with the company that owns the rights to Presley's likeness and is working to produce a holographic Elvis for use in a variety of Elvis-related projects.
"His lifelong fans will be thrilled all over again, and new audiences will discover the electric experience of Elvis the performer," Elvis Presley Enterprises president Jack Soden said in an official statement.
"We are thrilled to have been chosen to bring new performances and original shows where fans can have their own, new experiences of Elvis," Digital Domain Media Group chairman and CEO John Textor added. "This agreement enables us to participate in the success of any number of potential virtual Elvis appearances." more on this story
New Found Glory's Chad Gilbert Releasing New What's Eating Gilbert EP
New Found Glory's Chad Gilbert side project What's Eating Gilbert will be releasing a new five-song EP CD and 7inch, entitled Cheap Shots, on July 31st.
Gilbert commented, "I'm excited for people to hear my songs on this EP. As my solo song writing develops, it's showing more and more my goal: to create modern 50's pop rock throwback… a style of music I heard around my house being played by my parents when I was a baby." This is one of many collaborations with Chad Gilbert and the label on various platforms, between his bands New Found Glory, International Superheroes of Hardcore, and What's Eating Gilbert. Chad continued, "So happy for another release with Bridge Nine - a label I admire that works hard and has the same roots in hardcore and punk rock as I do."
What's Eating Gilbert has released albums and EP's on labels like Epitaph, Paper and Plastick, and Bridge Nine Records. Cheap Shots, Chad's fifth solo release, was recorded earlier this year at Buzzbomb Studios and produced by Chad Gilbert and Paul Miner. more on this story
Steve Vai Plans North American Tour
Steve Vai will be hitting the road in August for a two month long North American Tour.
Vai will be touring in support of the upcoming release The Story of Light, a new solo album of original material, to be released on August 14th.
The tour kicks off the next day, August 15, at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida's Revolution, and ends October 13 in Agoura Hills, CA. more on this story
Beatles Museum Shutting Down
(Gibson) NME is reporting that the Beatles museum in Hamburg, Germany, will shut down at the end of June due to a "lack of interest."
The famed museum opened its doors on the Reeperbahn strip in Hamburg in 2009 -- right near the Cavern Club, where the guys played many of their early shows -- and offers over 1,000 pieces of Beatles memorabilia. Even with everything a Beatle fan could ever imagine inside its doors, the museum has attracted an estimated 150,000 visitors over the past three years, far fewer attendees than expected by museum operators.
Speaking with German newspaper Hamburger Morgenpost, museum manager Folkert Koopmanns explained that he believes closing the museum is the responsible thing to do. "In view of the high deficits, there is no solution left but closure, if you want to act responsibly. A privately run museum as big as Beatlemania is condemned to fail without public support. That's a fact that we fought against until enthusiasm turned into resignation – a bitter experience." more on this story
Linkin Park To Broadcast Upcoming Concert on MTV Channels Globally
MTV sent over word that Linkin Park will visit Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico for the first time ever to perform live at MTV World Stage Monterrey.
This international music event will be taped entirely in high definition at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico on September 12th and will be broadcast throughout the region on October 8th by MTV Latin America. The event will also be seen on more than 63 MTVs around the world, exact dates to be confirmed.
"It's been so long since the last time we performed in Mexico. We cannot wait to celebrate the launch of our new album with our fabulous Mexican fans," commented Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park. more on this story
Capt. Beefheart's Lost Broadcasts Coming To DVD
Rare TV performances by Capt. Beefheart and his Magic Band 'The Lost Broadcasts' is set to be released on DVD on June 18th. Glass Onyon sent over these details:
Don Van Vliet, (1941-2010) better known to his legions of fans as 'Captain Beefheart' was one of the most enigmatic figures in rock music. Unashamedly an artist, rather than a pop star, he forged his own idiosyncratic furrow through popular culture, producing some of the most innovative and uncompromising music ever committed to recording tape. From the age of three he painted and sculpted, and had an obsession with animals and the natural world. As a teenager he was friends with Frank Zappa, and as early as 1963 they recorded a demo under the name 'The Soots'. Sadly this was unsuccessful, and the world would have to wait a few more years before Beefheart's own unique take on the blues would be heard by anyone outside his own particular circle of friends. His first album, 'Safe as Milk' came out in 1967, and Hunter Davies' eponymous biography of The Beatles notes that John Lennon was an early fan. It is not surprising considering that the primal rock and roll that Lennon idolized and the pioneering surreal blues of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band, had much the same cultural genesis. Probably the most important album of the Captain's career was the Zappa produced 'Trout Mask Replica' which was released in 1969. Its mixture of blues, free-form improvisation and heavily structured Van Vliet avant-garde compositions proved too much for many listeners but eventually ensured him a place in the history books. High profile fans of this album include the late John Peel, who would remain a champion of Beefheart's until he died.
In 1972 Captain Beefheart released two albums; 'The Spotlight Kid' and 'Clear Spot'. He also toured the UK and Europe with the Magic Band, even performing two concerts at London's famed Royal Albert Hall. On April 12th , in the middle of the European leg of the tour, Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band stopped off at the Beat Club studios in Bremen, Germany to film a session for later transmission. Of the four songs filmed that day only one track has ever been broadcast. The band at that time included: Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet) vocals, harp; Rockette Morton (Mark Boston) guitar and bass; Zoot Horn Rollo (Bill Harkleroad) guitar; Orejon (Roy Estrada) bass; Ed Marimba (Art Tripp) drums; and Winged Eel Fingerling (Elliot Ingber) guitar. Author Jon Kirkman describes the recordings: "The session kicks off with a bass solo entitled 'Mascara Snake'. This short piece was named after a former member of the Magic Band Victor Hayden (Don's cousin), who had appeared on the 'Trout Mask Replica' album. The solo is played by Mark Boston, although at this point former Mothers of Invention bassist Roy Estrada had joined The Magic Band following his departure from Little Feat in early 1972. The other songs in the set here include a track dating back to 'Trout Mask Replica' ('Steal Softly Thru Snow') and also a track that would be featured on 'Clear Spot' some eight months later ('Golden Birdies'). more on this story
Grave Set For New Album and Tour
Century Media will release Grave's tenth studio album Endless Procession Of Souls on August 27th in Europe and on August 28th in North America.
Recorded at Studio Soulless, Endless Procession Of Souls, featuring nine tracks of death metal, executed by the survivors of the legendary Swedish Dödsmetal scene.
In support of this upcoming release, the band will be touring North America with Morbid Angel and Dark Funeral this September/October. In regards to the album and tour, founding member Ola Lindgren (vocals/guitar) comments: "Grave will return to North America in September, sharing the madness with our comrades in Morbid Angel and Dark Funeral. After the successful 'Into the Grave' sets we did in September last year, it will be very exciting to come back to promote the new album 'Endless Procession of Souls', which will be released August 28th in North America (Aug 27th in Europe) through Century Media Records. This killer bill is in extremo deluxe and will show you what brutality is all about...Beware the Winds of Chains!" more on this story
The Dear Hunter Premiere Never Forgive, Never Forget Video
The Dear Hunter have premiered a new music video for the song "Never Forgive, Never Forget," which comes off of the Color Spectrum - Black EP collection.
The fan-made video was brought to the attention of frontman Casey Crescenzo via Twitter: "I received a twitter alert to my phone mentioning @therealtdh and a new 'official' video from the band. Before this we had decided to throw in the towel on making a video, so this news was a bit confusing. I followed the links and watched in disbelief as the video played... About 10 seconds in, I called out to the rest of my band, who was still in the other room rehearsing, and asked them to come in the control room and watch the video with me. About 5 minutes later we were all sitting with our jaws on the floor.
"I immediately reached out to the production company, and professed my love and admiration for what they created. Now I am excited to share with everyone what these incredibly talented people crafted." more on this story
Dropkick Murphys Announce Initial Halfway To St. Patrick's Day Tour Date
Dropkick Murphys have announced the initial date for their upcoming their "Halfway To St. Patrick's Day Tour."
The band will be playing Boston's Bank Of American Pavilion waterfront amphitheatre on September 21 as part of the tour. Additional September tour dates will be announced soon.
They are touring in support of their Going Out In Style and Going Out In Style: Fenway Park Bonus Edition CDs, both released via the band-owned Born & Bred Records. more on this story
Danko Jones Set DVD Release
Danko Jones have set a July 3rd U.S. release date for their very first official DVD, entitled Bring On The Mountain. We were sent these details:
The two-disc DVD features a comprehensive 90 minute documentary spanning the band's incredible career, including a slew of exclusive live clips from some of their most memorable performances from around the world. In order to give their fans the best viewing experience possible, the band has blended the greatest clips and moments captured on video throughout their career—forming the outstanding DVD that rabid Danko Jones fans have been clamoring for. Shot by the Diamond Bros., the documentary offers a unique insight into the ups and downs of one of the hardest working bands around today.
An extra special treat for fans comes in the format of a short film titled The Ballad of Danko Jones. Based on Danko Jones' most recent video trilogy, the film features actors Elijah Wood, Selma Blair, Ralph Macchio, Jena Malone, musicians Lemmy (Motorhead), Mike Watt (Minutemen, fIREHOSE), and many other familiar faces. All 19 music videos the band has ever made, including videos that have not been available in over 10 years, are also included. more on this story
B Sides
New Rush Clockwork Angels Songs Streaming Online
(hennemusic) The new Rush album, "Clockwork Angels," is being released next Tuesday. Now, tracks from the new album are surfacing online.
The thematic project has been billed as following the story of a young man's quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The tale features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life.
Listen to the full-length preview of the album's title track, which clocks in at seven and half minutes and other new tracks from the album here.
The Whigs Give Fans A Listen To New Song
The Whigs are giving fans a first taste from their new album "Enjoy The Company," which comes out September 18th on New West Records.
The album was written in Nashville, TN and Athens, GA, and recorded in Woodstock, NY with producer John Agnello (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.).
Drummer Julian Dorio says "we looked back at our first three albums and saw what we liked and didn't. We thought about the songwriting, playing, production - taking the best elements to make a record - a bunch of songs, that we're really proud of."
See what he's talking about on new song "Summer Heat" here.
Metallica's Lars Ulrich Compares Arctic Monkeys to Rush
(Gibson) Lars Ulrich is an Arctic Monkeys fan. According to NME.com the Metallica drummer wanted the U.K. indie band at his band's Orion Festival in New Jersey.
Ulrich told Rolling Stone: "For me, having the Arctic Monkeys on there is big. I think they're a heavy metal band disguised as an indie band…. there's almost a Rush element in there.''
The Orion Music festival is set for June 23 and 24 near Atlantic City in New Jersey. more on this story
Wolves At The Gate Streaming New Song Online
Wolves At The Gate are giving fans a first listen to their new song "Dead Man," which comes from their forthcoming album, Captors, which is set for release on July 3rd.
"We chose 'Dead Man' as our first single because of how well it encompasses the entity of our band," explains guitarist/vocalist Stephen Cobucci. "As a song it has sort of a youthful energy about it that we really enjoy playing and a really solid melody that we feel will draw in new fans and appease long time fans."
"Writing this song quite easily took longer than anything else on the album. I heard in my head how I wanted the song to sound, but it took about a month's worth of work to get everything to the point where it flowed musically and lyrically. I record all of our preproduction on my computer and there's a folder I like to call the 'riff graveyard' which contains all the riffs I wrote for the record that never made it... 'Dead Man' easily had the largest riff graveyard of any song on the record." Listen here.
Singled Out: Spider Rockets
Today Helena Cos from Spider Rockets tells us about the songs "Going Down" and "Gasoline" from their brand new album "Bitten". Here is the story:
Our song "Going Down" was first called "Bitch Slapped" and I remember sitting with Eric Rachel, our producer and showing him the idea for the song. He just looked at me and said, "you may want to change the title of that one." I thought that was funny as hell, but it got me thinking. The song is about power but I didn't want it to be predictable. I toyed with having a double meaning take place in the lyrics and liked the way it was coming out. The double meaning brings out two polar opposite emotions. As it turns out "Going Down" became our active rock single.
Our other single in the metal market, "Gasoline," had a working title called "Razor Blade Kisses." I am not sure even why except I liked the way it sounded. The song is about what makes someone tick, what gives them fuel. It comes out in a personal struggle in the song. The emotion behind the song is like gasoline to a car. We tried working the chorus in a few different ways to make the song come to life. Finally, our producer, Eric Rachel suggested dueling male/female vocals. That made all the difference and the tension in the verses explodes into the vocals in the chorus.
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