Today's Day in Rock News !

Today's Day in Rock


Iron Maiden Drummer's Wife Arrested
(hennemusic) Rebecca McBrain, wife of Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, was arrested and charged with battery on February 24th after she allegedly tried to stab a man in her home with a decorative lance, according to Boca News Now.
Police say the stabbing attempt failed, but Rebecca was successful in hitting the victim with logs that had been sitting in a firepit behind her home.

McBrain was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail released on $3,000 bond. Rebecca has pled not guilty in the incident; she is due in court on May 3. more on this story



Van Halen's David Lee Roth Laughs Off Rumor That's He's Gay
(Classic Rock) Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth has laughed off the suggestion that he married his male chef in a civil ceremony, and explained why he'll never get married.

And the singer says he's glad he split with Van Halen during the 1980s – because it made him a more interesting person.

Roth tells Buzzfeed.com: "I've lived alone my whole adult life. I've had girlfriends. I've had love affairs. Never longer than a year and a half.

"I'm the drunk who won the lottery – I'm going to be very difficult to convince of a lot of traditional things. I put off getting married when I found out: oh, you don't really have to!"

He returned to Van Halen in 2006 after leading a solo career, and was at the helm for last year's album A Different Kind Of Truth. "I wonder who I might have been had I stayed in the band," he reflects. "Not as interesting, not as involved. more on this story




Biffy Clyro Cancel Tour For Medical Reasons
Biffy Clyro have been forced to pull out of their remaining North American tour dates which included a performance at Coachella this weekend and return to the UK for medical reasons.

The band announced that Simon Neil has been struggling with a serious respiratory problem and has been advised by doctors that he would endanger his long term health if he continued the tour.

The band apologized for the cancelation and they hope to soon announce some new North American tour dates. They also said that their upcoming UK and European dates this Summer should go forward as planned.




Sebastian Bach Writing His Autobiography
(hennemusic) While promoting his new live DVD set, "ABachalypse Now," Sebastian Bach is sharing some details about another project: his autobiography.

"I'm working on it now and I have a big offer from a big book company," Bach tells Metal Shrine. "I'm pretty much the only rock and roller who doesn't have a book. I'm working on it now, actually."

Asked if he would reveal all the stories from his rock n' roll past, Sebastian explains, "Someone said that it's not proper to put people down in a book and I agree with that. Sometimes when I read books and the author is bitter and wants to put people down, it doesn't come across well in the book, to me. I want it to be a positive book. I don't want to rip people apart or put them down. I don't like that in books."

Bach also revealed that he is working on the project on his own. "When I first got the deal, they wanted me to use a co-writer and I thought that was bullsh*t," he says, "but at the same time, I had proved to them that I was capable of writing a book, so they said, 'OK, we'll give you a chance.' I wrote, like, 25 pages and they loved it. They loved my writing and they said, 'Yeah, Sebastian, you can write it all on your own!' That was extremely important to me and like a milestone. I said, 'I can? Wow!'" more on this story




Deep Purple Release DVD Preview Clip
(Classic Rock) Deep Purple have released a clip from the bonus DVD to be packaged with deluxe versions of upcoming album Now What?!

In the near five-minute video the band discuss how producer Bob Ezrin's attention to detail brought out the best in them, with frontman Ian Gillan claiming he was asked: "When you inhale, could you do it with more pathos?"

Keyboardist Don Airey says: "He's got a great idea of how music should resolve. It's something musicians never think about. He sees that you want to give people a bit of closure. He's great for that – he made us think, 'What's the point of this bit?' We'd close it down or throw it out." Check out the clip here.





Black Sabbath Add Second Hometown Show
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath have added a second homecoming concert to their "13" world tour after their first Birmingham show sold out quickly.

Following the sell out of the first hometown show, the band have announced a second date in the city, set for the NIA on December 22.

The metal legends will launch their 2013 tour this Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand. The shows are in support of the band's forthcoming new album, "13," which is due June 11. more on this story




3 Doors Down and Daughtry Team Up Again For Summer Tour
3 Doors Down will be hitting the road once again with Daughtry this summer when they launch a third leg of their North American coheadlining tour.

This new run will feature support from Halestorm and is set to begin on July 5 at the PNC Waterside Pavilion in Solomons. MD, and will wrap up on August 3rd in 3 Cleveland, OH.

3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold had this to say, "We are looking forward to great summer touring with our friends in Daughtry! Everyone had so much fun on the last two legs that we had to add a third and hit some new cities and some outdoor sunshine along the way. See you on the road!" more on this story





Lamb Of God Announce Summer Tour Plans
Lamb Of God will be heading across the pond this summer to launch a UK and European tour in support of their latest album, Resolution.

The summer tour will include stops at many of the late summer music festival on the continent as well as headlining dates between festival appearances.

The tour will kick off at the Resurrection Festival in Viveiro, Spain on August 1st and will conclude on August 18th in Paris.

The band will be launching a North American tour on May 16th in Asheville, NC. That trek will conclude on June 20th in Norfolk, VA.

In July the band will be hosting their Metal on the Mountain Retreat on July 15-19th at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York. more on this story





Judas Priest Release Epitaph DVD Trailer and Track Details
(Classic Rock) Judas Priest have released a new online video trailer, tracklisting and the release date for their Epitaph live DVD.

The 23-track show was recorded during what the band say is their last-ever large-scale world tour. It's their first time on the road with guitarist Richie Faulkner after KK Downing surprised fans by announcing his retirement.

In the clip below frontman Rob Halford explains why the show they recorded was special: "We were only going to play the songs that each one of us wanted to play," he says. "It's a great way to get a complete picture of what Judas Priest has been trying to do over almost 40 years of metal. It shows you the scope."

Meanwhile, the band are working on a new album. Halford recently said: "We've already got a strong cross-section of ideas, some of them complete, some of them in bits and pieces. It's shaping up to be quite intense in terms of the riffage and the strength of certain tracks." Check out the tracklist and trailer here.





InTheStudio Celebrates Rush's Rock Hall Induction
InTheStudio are celebrating Rush's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a special they have posted on the website for the syndicated radio show.

The Rock Hall has famous snubbed the band for years. This year they were inducted after the Rock Hall decided to give fans a chance to vote for their favorites and Rush easily won the poll.

Guitarist Alex Lifeson and frontman Geddy Lee shares with host Redbeard their role as underdogs during their career. Lee said, "We couldn't get anything but a single deal, until we formed our own record label. So you think about that and you think about what its like today and it doesn't seem much different does it? So in one sense the more things change the more they stay the same."

Lifeson adds, "We've been outside of trends, we've been outside of the mainstream. I think if there ever was an Alternative band it's been us. For decades we've been alternative to just about anything that's going on." Check out the special here.





Metallica Plan Kirk's Crypt For Orion Fest
(hennemusic) Metallica have announced the return of Kirk's Crypt for the 2013 edition of their Orion Music + More festival, set for June 8 and 9 at Belle Isle in Detroit, MI.

Kirk's Crypt will return "with even more of your favorite, slightly chilling elements," writes the band. "The haunted house will be spookier than ever – where you'll get to see Kirk's personal horror collection of vintage horror movie posters, artwork from his favorite artists, vintage monster toys from the 50s, 60s and 70s, and a bunch of other fun stuff."

Fans will be able to check out Kirk's monster guitars, view some of the items featured in his book, "Too Much Horror Business," meet special guest horror movie icons, preview zombie movies, and hear Kirk talk about his monster habit on an interactive panel. Check out a video of last year's Crypt here.




Soundgarden Change Record Store Day Release Plans
(hennemusic) Soundgarden are sharing an update on their changed plans for Record Store Day 2013, which happens this Saturday, April 20.

The Seattle rockers are set to release a limited edition vinyl of the "King Animal" demos worldwide. Marking the first time these recordings have been available together, the songs will be pressed on 10" pink vinyl and the 6-song package will also include a free digital download card.

"Due to a manufacturing error," posted the group, "the limited edition vinyl of King Animal demos for Record Store Day will be pressed to pink vinyl in the US only.

"Our apologies to fans in all other territories, where the album will be available only on regular black vinyl." more on this story





Former Anvil Bassist Glenn Five Lashes Back At Robb Reiner
(Classic Rock) Former Anvil bassist Glenn Five has lashed back after drummer Robb Reiner compared his departure from the band to cancer surgery.

Five quit in 2012 after 15 years and later described Reiner and frontman Lips Hudlow as "grumpy old men" who made him feel expendable despite his long-term loyalty.

The drummer recently told Geeks Of Doom that Anvil were much happier with new member Sal Italiano, and said of the lineup change: "There was no real transition; we had cancer surgery and we were saved."

Now Five says: "What Mr Reiner doesn't realise is that he isn't insulting me – he's insulting the thousands of fans, hundreds of peers, and dozens of close friends of Anvil who, over the years, have told me they loved my contribution to the band.

"Shame that he has disrespected the fans and the band in such a manner just to save face with himself. Saying my departing was like the band had 'cancer surgery' just shows me how juvenile and idiotic he really is. I left – I wasn't removed." He has more to say.




Amon Amarth Releasing New Album in June
Amon Amarth have set North American and international release dates for their new studio album, Deceiver of the Gods, which features a guest appearance from Candlemass' Messiah Marcolin.

The new album is set to be released on June 25th in North America, on June 21st/24th in Europe and on June 26th in Japan.

The album was recorded at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, UK, and produced, mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap (Opeth, Megadeth, Exodus, Arch Enemy, Killswitch Engage).

Comments vocalist Johan Hegg: "We feel very excited about this new album, and personally I feel that Deceiver of the Gods is the strongest album we've ever done. By far! I'm confident that all our fans will enjoy this punch-in-the-face-of-a-record!" more on this story




Robert Randolph & The Family Band Set New Album Release
Blues rockers Robert Randolph & The Family Band have set a July 16th North American release date for their new studio album, Lickety Split.

"This record has elements from all of our earlier records," Randolph explains. "There are cool songs with lots of guitar and we can see the growth of our band in the new recordings.

"With this record we got to reconnect with the originality and creativity that fans fell in love with from the very beginning. This is the music that we started out playing and now that we are back on a roll I'm sure we won't keep our fans waiting three years for the next album."

We were sent over these additional details: Randolph co-produced the 12-track album and co-wrote nine of the 12 songs. Randolph has reconnected with songwriting partners such as Drew Ramsey and Shannon Sanders, with whom he composed such Family Band hits as "Ain't Nothing Nothing Wrong With That" as well as Grammy Award winner Tommy Sims, perhaps best known for "Change The World". Any one familiar with Randolph's high energy live performances are familiar with his love for reinterpreting classic songs Family Band style. Lickety Split honors that tradition with enthusiastic interpretations of The Ohio Players' dance-groove "Love Rollercoaster" and The Rascals' (and Olympics') "Good Lovin'." Randolph recorded the album with his longtime bandmates and actual family members, The Family Band, including Marcus Randolph (drums), Danyel Morgan (bass, vocals), Brett Haas (guitar, keys) and Lenesha Randolph (vocals) along with special guests Trombone Shorty and Carlos Santana. The album was engineered by Eddie Kramer [Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin] and mixed by Jim Scott [Tedeschi Trucks]. more on this story





Geddy Lee Explains His Musical Inspirations
(hennemusic) Geddy Lee of Rush is sharing some of his musical inspirations on the eve of the band's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

In a new Q&A with Billboard, Lee explains his original musical spark came from a rock classic. "The first song I heard that made me interested in music was 'Oh, Pretty Woman' by Roy Orbison," says the bassist. "It was the guitar intro, that riff, that I just really liked and kind of made me listen in a different way."

Lee developed his music skills by learning songs by others before writing his own. "I can't remember the first song I learned to play on bass, but the first song I learned to play on guitar was 'For Your Love' by the Yardbirds," Geddy says. "That kind of was the beginning for me. I thought it was a great song and I loved the open chord progression at the beginning of that song…. and I remember trying to figure out 'Pretty Woman' the first time I got a guitar." more on this story





Singled Out: Wig Party's Mia
Today Vincent Ventriglia and Charles Kirby from Wig Party tells us about "Mia" from their brand new debut EP "Glass Girls". Here is the story:

Vincent Ventriglia: "Mia is a song that was written during a busy song writing session, in fact its not the only song from that session that found its way onto the Glass Girls EP. I have a room in my house that is my designated song writing room, where I can escape, away from the distractions of the world, like television, computers, cell phones. For me, song writing is a type of therapy, if I am going through anything in my personal life writing always helps me find the place where things start to make sense again. At the time I was going through a rough breakup,I had ended a relationship and I found myself in that room a lot. I wrote Mia with an acoustic guitar and it was one of those things were I found as fast as my hands would play through the chord changes I would also start to hum melodies and sing lyrics. I love to read or watch interviews in order to gain perspective from some of my favorite musicians and I recently saw some with guys like Greg Allman, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia, Mark Knopfler. When it comes to song writing they all break it down the same way, basically that the best songs come out so fast that your mind needs to catch up with what just happened, it leaves your head spinning. That's what happened with Mia, I quickly developed a strong verse and chorus, after that a bridge was worked out. I worked with Charlie to hash out the lyrics that were right, that's how we write most of our songs. I played it for some friends and had a strong reaction, that's when I knew it was a great song, it's the final testing ground before I bring it to the guys in Wig Party. From there it takes a life of its own and the final result can be heard in the recording and when we perform it out live."

Charles Kirby: "Vin and I have been writing music together for 6+ years, so we have developed a relationship with each other in that regard, based on what has been successful. We are always writing in some way, but the bulk of the writing happens in short stints. A lot of material comes pouring out at once over a week or two and we are left with the process of collecting it all and turning it into something that works. Mia was the product of one of these sessions. I remember when Vin came to me with a batch of new songs and Mia stood out in particular as something with a great sound and framework for lyrics. I know he was going through a tough breakup and he came to me with some lyric ideas based around his feelings. I remember the key for us to writing about a breakup was not wanting to be too "poor me" about it and also not wanting to be so direct in our approach to explaining the exact events of the relationship, "loosely based around" was the idea. However, at the same time we wanted to portray the craziness of it all, maybe if not for any other reason but to help Vin to move on. The hook "See ya Mia, I wouldn't want to be a friend to you know more" embodied this perfectly. Its catchy, expressive and describes that almost nagging, assertive breakup feeling. It's tricky writing about breakups, I know that almost every song ever is written about love, and probably half of those about love gone wrong, but it's still quite difficult to write about something gone wrong and do it right. You will never write something that everyone likes, some people will always find something wrong with it, but in the case of Mia, I think we got it right."

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here!




Airbourne Release Live It Up Video
Airbourne have released a new music video for their new single "Live It Up." The track is the first single released from their forthcoming album, Black Dog Barking which is set to be released on May 21st.

The band had this to say about the album, "A lot of thought and effort has gone into this record not only by the band, but by the production crew who worked countless hours, seven days a week, even through Christmas and New Year's Eve to achieve the best possible performances, backed by real undying tones.

"Now we're handing it over to you... so crank it up, crack a beer and stick some rock 'n' roll in your ear". You can check out the new video here.

The group is currently touring and will be joining Shinedown and Bush later this month for a run of North American shows in addition to their own shows. more on this story




Cradle of Filth's Dani Filth On Wikimetal This Week
The latest episode of the Wikimetal podcast features an exclusive interview with Cradle of Filth mastermind Dani Filth. They sent over these details:

During the interview, Dani spoke about the band's new album, The Manticore and Other Horrors, released in 2012, about the Metal scene in England in the 90's and what the Brazilian fans can expect from the concert on the 20th of April in São Paulo.

You can listen to the full episode of the podcast here or you can skip directly to the interview and listen to it here.





Kingdom Come's God Does Not Sing Our Song Video Released
Kingdom Come have released a brand new music video for the song "God Does Not Sing Our Song" and you can watch it on YouTube.

The song is the first single from their new studio album Outlie and the video was filmed and produced by Tim Aßmann and co-produced by Lenny Wolf. You can watch it here.

Outlier which will be released worldwide through Steamhammer/SPV. It will be released in Germany on April 26th, in Europe on April 29th and in the US/Canada on May 7th. more on this story




Soundgarden Members Unplug
(hennemusic) Soundgarden members Chris Cornell and Ben Shepherd unplugged recently for Phoenix radio station 98 KUPD.

In an April 15 live performance for station listeners at Pub Rock in Scottsdale, the pair delivered acoustic versions of Soundgarden classics like "Fell On Black Days," "Black Hole Sun" and "Blow Up The Outside World."

Soundgarden will resume their "King Animal" tour on May 3rd in Atlantic City, NJ. You can check out the unplugged performance