Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Metallica Never Asked Military Not To Use Their Music
Metallica have denied the claims of an anonymous Navy Seal that said the band asked the U.S. Navy to stop using their music in interrogations.
The band took to their website to "Clear the Air" about the claims and told fans the following: "There has been a lot of talk recently about us asking the military not to use our music to 'soften people up before interrogation.'

"We NEVER commented to the military either way on this matter. Any statements that have been made otherwise are not correct."

Frontman James Hetfield was asked by Germany-language TV network 3SAT in 2008 about the band's music being used at Guantanamo Bay and he said, "Part of me is proud because they chose Metallica."

"And then part of me is kind of bummed about it that people worry about us being attached to some political statement because of that.

"We've got nothing to do with this and we're trying to be as apolitical as possible, 'cause I think politics and music, at least for us, don't mix."



Def Leppard Guitarist Dabbling In Dubstep
Def Leppard are getting ready to launching their Viva Hysteria residency at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas next month and antiMusic's Morley Seaver spoke with guitarist Phil Collen about it and other topics.

When asked if he had any plans following the residency, Phil said that he will be recording some new music with his other band Manraze and that the music will be very different from their previous work.

"Just recording really. I'm constantly writing and we have a Manraze thing on the go as well. Yeah, I'm really looking forward to that. It's just three or four songs but I can't wait," Phil said. "One of them is a very soulful version of an old song and it's a real vocal thing. It's very different to what we've done before. One's actually almost like dubstep and the other sounds like The Police meets Def Leppard. Again, I'm very excited about that.

"And as Def Leppard, we're going to be doing some writing when we're altogether at Vegas. I mean, it's probably going to be 2014 before anything comes out but the Manraze record should be out this year."

As for the upcoming residency, Phil told Morley, "it's going to be pretty unique. We've never done this before. You do all these tours and you become a road dog. You do all this stuff for years and years and years but we've never done a residency so we're really looking forward to doing this.

"It's very different from what we've done before. Again, we're up to the challenge. Actually though, I think it will be a lot easier than touring. So it will be an interesting thing to see how it works out. " Read the full interview here.



Jack Russell Still Struggles With Great White Club Fire
(Classic Rock) Former Great White singer Jack Russell says the Station nightclub fire, which took place 10 years ago today, left him shattered.

But despite pleas from victims of the 2003 disaster which killed 100 people including guitarist Ty Longley, Russell stops short of making a public apology or accepting any responsibility.

He played a controversial benefit show on February 7, which he admits was a disappointment after only 30 people attended, raising just $180 for a charity run by Longley's son.

"It's been almost 10 years and no matter what I say it's never going to make anybody feel any better about it, and sometimes it might make them feel worse, so I really would rather not say too much," Russell tells the Boston Globe.

"After the Station I was really down, was taking anything I could take," he told the paper. "I would just sit for hours and cry." A victim of the fire had some strong words in the article




Allman Brothers Band Reveal 2013 Peach Music Festival Details
The Allman Brothers Band had so much fun launching their Peach Music Festival that they decided to bring it back for another year.

This year the band will be holding the festival from August 15 to August 18 at the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain and Sno Mountain Ski Area & Water Park in Scranton, PA.

The Allman Brothers Band will be performing during two nights of the festival and the lineup will also include sets from Bob Weir & RatDog (performing 2 nights), The Black Crowes, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Jaimoe's Jasssz Band with additional artists to be announced soon.

"The first Peach Festival was as great of a success as we could have asked for," said the band in a statement. "The overwhelming response from both the audience and artists to continue has exceeded our expectations.

"We are very excited that Bob Weir & RatDog have decided to join us this year in Scranton along with many other talented musicians. Year two will be even better than the inaugural Peach Music Festival, we cannot wait to play Scranton again."




Charlie Benante Will Miss Another Anthrax Tour
(Classic Rock) Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante has been forced to sit out the band's upcoming tour of Australia, with "personal issues" preventing him from leaving home.

He'll be replaced again by Jon Dette, ex of Testament and Slayer, currently with Animetal USA. He manned the drumkit for Anthrax's European tour with Motorhead last year after Benante bowed out for similar reasons.

Guitarist Scott Ian reports: "Charlie is dealing with personal issues right now and can't leave. He's really bummer about not being able to head down there." more on this story




Jack White Will Be 2013 Record Store Day Ambassador
Record Store Day organizers have selected musician and record company owner Jack White as their 2013 Ambassador.

This year's Record Store Day will be taking place on April 20th with independent record stories across America selling special edition releases for the event.

Organizers have released a quote and video from White. The quote begins, "Years ago someone told me that 1,200 high school kids were given a survey. A question was posed to them: Have you ever been to a stand-alone record shop? The number of kids that answered "yes" was... zero.

"Zero? How could that be possible? Then I got realistic and thought to myself, "Can you blame them?" How can record shops (or any shop for that matter) compete with Netflix, TiVo, video games that take months to complete, cable, texting, the Internet, etc. etc? Getting out of your chair at home to experience something in the real world has started to become a rare occurrence, and to a lot of people, an unnecessary one. Why go to a bookstore and get a real book? You can just download it. Why talk to other human beings, discuss different authors, writing styles and influences? Just click your mouse. Well here's what they'll someday learn if they have a soul; there's no romance in a mouse click. There's no beauty in sitting for hours playing video games (anyone proud of that stop reading now and post your opinion in the nearest forum). The screen of an iPhone is convenient, but it's no comparison to a 70mm showing of a film in a gorgeous theater. The Internet is two-dimensional…helpful and entertaining, but no replacement for face-to-face interaction with a human being. But we all know all of that, right? Well, do we? Maybe we know all that, but so what?" Let's wake each other up.




Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Pay Tribute To Tony Sheridan
(Gibson) Both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have paid tribute to Tony Sheridan, with whom the Beatles worked in Hamburg in the early '60s.

Sheridan died on Saturday, aged 72. The group's first commercial recordings were as Tony Sheridan's backing band.

McCartney posted on his website: "Tony was a good guy who we knew and worked with from the early days in Hamburg. We regularly watched his late night performances and admired his style. He will be missed."

Ringo Starr used Twitter to write: "Just say goodbye to Tony Sheridan just he died. I had a great month 1960/61 playing with him was great." more on this story






Slash Tells Czech TV He Doesn't Think Randy Blythe Is Guilty
Slash was recently asked in a TV interview in the Czech Republic about his thoughts about the manslaughter trial of Lamb of God singer Randy Blythe.

"I know as much as I've been told from everybody I know in that camp. It's a strange unique situation," Slash told Be in TV. "I think that when he first came over here and put up his bail and they never let him out and they kept paying and they kept paying and paying and paying and they never let him out, I said, 'What the f— is going on there.'

"I mean, that's a whole different type of law to me, where it's just different. And so finally they let him out and now it's actually going to trial."

Slash also addressed if he thought that Blythe was guilty of a crime, "I really don't think he, in any way, shape or form, is guilty. So they're gonna let this thing run its course I suppose. And because the judicial system here is so different that he was able to stay in jail here so long, who knows what the verdict is gonna end up being?! It's hard to say." You can watch the full interview here.




David Bowie Plans Record Store Day Releases
(Classic Rock) David Bowie will release The Stars (Are Out Tonight) as the second single from surprise comeback album The Next Day.

It's available on February 26 as a digital download. A limited-edition seven-inch vinyl edition will be on sale for Record Store Day on April 20, with the album's lead single Where Are We Now? on the B-side.

Two other seven-inch discs are also planned for Record Store Day: a Drive-In Saturday picture disc and the Bowie 1965! EP. More rock news.




Slayer Want To Keep Gary Holt On Until Jeff Hanneman Recovers
(Classic Rock) Slayer guitarist Kerry King doesn't want his band to operate a revolving-door policy over the continued absence of Jeff Hanneman, who's still recovering from a near-fatal spider bite sustained in 2011.

Exodus axeman Gary Holt has stood in for him, and King wants it to stay that way. He say: "I don't want it to be a carousel, where if Gary can't do it we get somebody else, and if he can't do it we get somebody else again.

"We told Gary when our schedule is and said, 'Please keep it open.' We don't know when Jeff's going to be able to play guitar. Jeff's a wait-and-see thing." More rock news.




Glenn Danzig Adds New Leg To Danzig 25th Anniversary Tour
Glenn Danzig has announced another leg of his upcoming Danzig 25th anniversary tour with a three date stop in the UK.

Last week Danzig announced that this special tour will not only feature a Danzig set but it will also feature a special Misfits set with former Misfits star Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, which will mark the first time the two have performed together on stage.

The previously announced North American leg will be taking place in April and will followed up with the UK leg which will take place in June and includes dates in Manchester, Wolverhampton and London. more on this story




Dark Tranquillity Lose A Member
Dark Tranquillity announced that bassist Daniel Antonsson has left the group. Both the band and Antonsson have addressed fans about the change.

"The decision has been growing for a while, and the main reason is that Daniel wanted to focus on his own musical projects as well as working more in his recording studio," The band said. "Being first and foremost a guitarist, he felt that the playing bass in a full-time band didn't allow him much time for his main instrument and true passion. With this in mind, he chose to follow his heart and step aside at this point instead of committing to another album and an intense touring cycle that would leave little room for other activities.

"We thank Daniel for his years in the band - filled with great shows and amazing memories and experiences in all corners of the world - and wish him all the best with his future musical career."

Daniel Antonsson had this to say, "I want to thank the guys in Dark Tranquillity and the amazing D.T. fans around the world for the last four years of touring around the globe! It´s been awesome! more on this story




Phil Anselmo Addresses Rift With Pantera's Vinnie Paul
Former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo opened up about the continued rift between him and his old bandmate Vinnie Paul Abbott in a new interview with Revolver Magazine.

"I feel bad for Vince," Anselmo said in the interview according to a Blabbermouth excert). "People should pity the guy. I wasn't there when Dimebag [Darrell] was murdered, but he sure as f— was. That's his flesh and blood, murdered right in front of him. It's a shame that Vince never reached out to [bassist] Rex [Brown] and I. I think the healing process would have been beneficial to him, instead of his knee-jerk reaction to fear and his therapy through tit bars and whiskey."

Anselmo also believes that he and Dimebag would have mended their relationship if the famed guitarist hadn't been murdered. "We would have made amends. I would like to think he would be proud of me for pulling myself out of the muck, the abyss," Anselmo said.

"I just choose to remember the positive things. He was almost like the perfect counterpoint to me. We may have clashed to a certain extent, but we would always find a happy medium. It was a vital relationship that I miss greatly." more on this story





Rush Nominated For Two Juno Awards
(hennemusic) Rush have been nominated for two 2013 Juno Awards (The Canadian equivalent to the Grammy Awards.)

The rock veterans are up for Group Of The Year, and Rock Album of The Year for "Clockwork Angels", which will see them compete against projects by The Tragically Hip, Billy Talent, The Sheepdogs and Big Wreck.

Hosted by Michael Buble, the 2013 Juno Awards will take place at Regina's Brandt Centre and air live on Sunday, April 21st on CTV. more on this story




Abigail Williams Post Open Call For New Drummer
Abigail Williams have put out an open call for a new drummer after Alan Cassidy left the group to perform with The Black Dahlia Murder.

Last week the band took to their Facebook page to announce they wee looking for Cassidy's replacement. They wrote, "As some of you know our good buddy Alan Cassidy has been playing with The Black Dahlia Murder and though we are very happy for him this sadly puts Abigail Williams on the market for a new drummer.

"Before anyone even says anything he did not bail on us for a bigger band as some have in the past. I actually personally put the a good word in for him so we hold no animosity towards his decision whatsoever especially since it was made during a period when we were unsure about the future of AW. more.




Stevie Nicks Documentary Set For Screening At SXSW
(Radio.com) Stevie Nicks chronicles the recording of her 2011 solo album, In Your Dreams, in the documentary, also called In Your Dreams. Former Eurythmics legend, Dave Stewart produced the album at her home-studio, and also directed the documentary.

The film will screen at Austin, Texas' South by Southwest Interactive, Film, and Music Festival Thursday, March 4.

The film details her writing and recording process and her recollections of her career struggles and triumphs. Nicks and Stewart's collaboration is seen through the lens of writings by Edgar Allan Poe paired with lyricism and short stories from Nicks' past. more on this story




David Bowie Documentary To Be Broadcast on TV
(hennemusic) A new feature length film "David Bowie - Five Years" is set to be broadcast on BBC Two in May.

The film focuses on five critical years of Bowie's career (1971, 1975, 1977, 1980 and 1983) and will also include coverage of where he is at today with his latest album, "The Next Day."

"This is a project that has been in development for more than a decade, in fact since Bowie and I worked together in 2001 on a film for the BBC Omnibus strand," says director Francis Whately.

"This year, 2013, is shaping up to be the year of David Bowie, and now is the perfect moment for this feature length film devoted to this extraordinary artist." more on this story




Saxon Is Not Spinal Tap
(Classic Rock) Biff Byford says Saxon have no strong connection to Spinal Tap, despite having taken actor Harry Shearer on tour with them before he played the role of Derek Smalls.

Celebrated 1984 rockumentary-if-you-will This Is Spinal Tap pokes fun at the rock'n'roll lifestyle through documenting the career of its titular fictional band. And although Byford admits they shared anecdotes with Shearer, he says it doesn't follow that Spinal Tap are based on Saxon.

"All of the Spinal Tap stuff really came from our former bass player, who made those connections and talked about it and all of that," The singer tells Noisecreep.

"We definitely told some stories to Harry, and that perhaps made it in some form into the film. But there's not that big a connection between that sort of band and us.

"I love This Is Spinal Tap but that's not really the music we make. I don't feel as close a connection as some people make it out to be." more on this story




Houndmouth Announce Their First American Headline Tour
Houndmouth announced that they will be hitting the road next month to launch their first national headlining tour.

The trek will kick off on March 7th in Little Rock, AR and will conclude on April 18th in Chicago, IL.

The band will be making a stop at this year's SXSW festival in Austin, TX including a performance at Paste's official showcase.

The group is also confirmed to play two dates with the Alabama Shakes and Michael Kiwanuka in March, and the Newport Folk Festival in July. more on this story




Lynette Skynyrd Playing Free Three Set Show
The female Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Lynette Skynyrd sent over word that they will be playing a free all ages show this Friday that will feature three different sets.

They will be kicking things off with a performance of their entire upcoming debut album, "Hot As A Fox In A Forest Fire," followed by a set of Lynyrd Skynyrd classics.

The night will be topped off with a late night set which will be the debut performance of "Acoustic Lynette."

The show is set to take place at Viva Cantina in Burbank, Ca starting at 9 pm. The venue is located at 900 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506. Band's website.





Motley Crue Excited About Touring Australia With KISS
(hennemusic) Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx has posted an update for fans about the band's preparation for their upcoming tour of Australia with KISS.

"We got into a rehearsal room this weekend to blow the dust off a bunch of songs before we head to Australia next week. I gotta say considering we haven't played together since last year when we ended the KISS-CRUE co headline tour, it sounded pretty damn tight.....:) "

"This is the longest and biggest tour we have done to date in Australia," he added, "and it's gonna be a f**king blast, for sure... more on this story




The Who's Simon Townshend Sees It All Coming Together
(Radio.com) Simon Townshend played the Super Bowl and the Olympics and his surname is one of rock's most famous, but he's just now feeling like it's all coming together for him.

"There is a definite difference between an artist and a musician, and I've always seen myself as an artist," Townshend tells Radio.com while on the road with The Who for the Quadrophenia & More tour. "I'm all about the artistic thing, writing songs and the emotional side of it. But I have worked very hard for the last five or six years, looking at my musical ability a bit more and studying guitar a bit harder. Everything has spear-headed to this moment in time where I'm now getting the chance to sing lead vocals on one song and play some guitar solos with the Who – and I'm actually able to do it and feel comfortable and confident."

Simon says that after nearly two decades of touring with Roger Daltrey solo and The Who, he's "earned his stripes" with the band. His challenge now is balancing his role as rhythm guitarist in The Who with his solo career, in which he's feeling quite inspired these days. Maybe it's the technology that's allowed Townshend to record rough takes of song ideas while on the road, but he says he has another solo album coming out this year to follow up his first solo album in 10 years, late 2012′s Looking Out Looking In. more on this story




University Actually Conducts Scientific Study of Mosh Pits
(Radio.com) Despite concert-goer's best efforts to incite chaos, four scientists at Cornell University have released a mathematical study that finds seemingly disorderly mosh pits to be quite predictable.

Titled Collective Motion of Moshers at Heavy Metal Concerts, the study analyzes both the disorganized mosh pit (where participants run into each other from all directions) and the relatively organized circle pit (think swirling toilet bowl) or the wal.

The scientists from Cornell's Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics and Department of Physics poured over internet video and studied the participants as "self-propelled agents that experience dissipative collisions." The researchers turned the video into statistical data.

They asked why does a mosh pit that appears to be out of balance actually show characteristics of an otherwise predictable system?

The answer points to "flocking," the social phenomenon that describes the collective motion of a large number of self-propelled entities (birds, fish, humans). In other words, without direction from a central leader, the group of individuals unknowingly choose to follow a set of rules. Read more as you ponder why tuition is so high.



Journey's Neal Schon Discusses His Signature Guitars
(hennemusic) Journey's Neal Schon was at the recent NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show to promote his new line of PRS signature guitars.

Schon sat down with David "Gus" Griesinger of BackstageAxxess.com to talk about the new gear. Neal developed two distinct signature models: the NS-14 and NS-15.

"The new NS-14 and NS-15 PRS guitars are on the cutting edge of now," said Schon. "I love everything about them. I had the pleasure in helping in the creation of these beauties and I love the weight, sound, and ultimate playability. These are among the best guitars I've ever played. Check 'em out."