Stone Temple Pilots Confirm Split With Chester Bennington
After word spread that Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington had left Stone Temple Pilots, the band confirmed that amicable parting of ways in a statement on Sunday night.
The news of the departure first came to light from the band's original singer Scott Weiland who told Alternative Nation, "He's not in the band anymore" and soon after Highly Suspect singer Johnny Stevens tweeted that he was approached by Stone Temple Pilots guitarist Dean DeLeo to join the group.
Bennington released the following statement about his departure, "The last few years have been an amazing experience. I got to create and perform with one of the greatest rock bands of our generation, that had so much influence on me growing up.
"With the amount of time STP deserves, in addition to being in Linkin Park, and with the needs of my family, one of them always seems to fall short. Going in to this, the four of us... Robert, Eric, Dean and myself knew what we were up against.
"We decided in due fairness to friends, fans and the legacy of STP that it needs more than time was allowing me. And in all fairness to my bandmates in Linkin Park, as well as to myself and to my family, I'm going to focus solely on Linkin Park so I can contribute 100%. It's been an amazing experience and a dream come true, and I look forward to the future of both STP and Linkin Park."
The band had the following to say, "What an amazing and beautiful few years we've all had together. It was our honor to play and see all of you recently on tour. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time together with Chester not only professionally, but even more so on a personal level.
"Sadly, it was evident that scheduling and time was working against us. Within this, there is a new beginning. There is an abundance of new music written, some of which is already recorded. We have had the fortune of playing with some very talented singers over the last few months and will continue to do so until each of us feels and knows when the right person arrives."
Stone Temple Pilots will have a new singer tonight (November 9th) when they perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live with soul singer Joss Stone as Joss Stone Temple Pilots for the late night show's Mashup Mondays.
Scott Weiland Has 'Heard' Guns N' Roses Are Reuniting
Former Velvet Revolver singer Scott Weiland says that he heard that his former bandmates will be reuniting with Axl Rose in Guns N' Roses and also says that he believes Slash's former wife "kind of put the kibosh" on a Velvet Revolver reunion.
Rumors of a reunion of the original lineup, or the Use Your Illusions era, of Guns N' Roses have surfaced after Slash revealed that he and Axl Rose had settled their longtime feud.
Weiland was interviewed by Alternative Nation and was asked about his own feud with Rose and he responded, "There was a little going back and forth between the two of us at the time, but I think that Guns N' Roses are getting back together."
The site says they then pressed him on that response and he said, "I just heard that." Tommy Black, the bass player for Weiland's band The Wildabouts, added "we've heard rumors."
One reunion involved those same Guns N' Roses members that didn't come to fruition was with Weiland and Velvet Revolver. They did perform together again at a charity event in 2012 and discussed regrouping but it didn't happen.
Weiland shared his view of what prevented the reunion, "We did a show together, and there was talk about us getting back together, but Perla, Slash's ex-wife, kind of put the kibosh on everything … As far as getting back together, I thought at the time we would get back together and do a tour."
Alternative Nation will be publishing the full interview with Wieland later today (Nov. 9), in the meantime read the report featuring the GNR and Velvet Revolver reunions here.
Ritchie Blackmore Reveals Members Of New Rainbow(Classic Rock)
Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow lineup for his upcoming rock shows has been revealed. The guitar icon will hit the road with his new version of Rainbow for two German Monsters Of Rock festivals in June, and an appearance at Birmingham's Genting Arena the same month.
The lineup will consist of Blackmore, Lords Of Black singer Ronnie Romero, Stratovarius keyboardist Jens Johansson, Blackmore's Night drummer David Keith and bassist Bob Nouveau.
They'll play music from Rainbow and Deep Purple's back catalogue at the shows. Blackmore recently said his chosen vocalist was "a cross between Dio and Freddie Mercury." Read more here.
Paul Stanley Of KISS Addresses Gay Rumors(Classic Rock)
KISS frontman Paul Stanley has described long-standing rumours that he's gay as the "oddest" thing that's ever said about him. And he asserts that, if he was, he'd be proud of the fact.
Whispers have circulated for years that the iconic musician and father of four has kept his true sexuality a secret. But Stanley tells The Breeze: "As long as you're a good person, sexual orientation and stuff like that is totally irrelevant. That being said, I never saw a guy where I said, 'Gee, that's a close second to a woman.'
"I never looked and said, 'If I can't have that girl over there, I'm taking the bloke.' It's always persisted over time that I'm gay. If I were, I'd be proud to be whatever I am."
He adds: "That's always been really interesting, that some people can't take my comfort with sexuality, misreading it as something it's not. I scratch my head at that." Read more here.
Metallica's New Album Will 'Most Likely' Come In 2016
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett says in a new radio interview that the band's new studio album, the follow up to 2008's "Death Magnetic," will "most likely" be released next year.
Hammett told Buffalo, NY radio station 103.3 The Edge WEDG-FM, "Well, you know, we're moving forward. We're hoping that the album will be released next year. It's pretty much more along the same lines as 'Death Magnetic' - kind of like that direction. And, you know, we'll see.
"We're into it. I don't wanna say that we're a third into it, or two-thirds into it, or an eighth into it, 'cause anything could happen that'll just change that number.
"But, eventually, you will see a new Metallica album, and it will most likely be in 2016, and at the very worst, at the beginning of 2017." Listen to the full interview here.
Daniel Svensson Announces Departure From In Flames
Daniel Svensson revealed in an online post that he has left In Flames to spend more time with his family. Svensson took over as drummer in the group back in 1998.
Here is what Svensson had to say, "Time to turn the page... I have decided to close my chapter in In Flames after finishing up this current tour.It has truly been a fantastic journey and I want to thank Anders, Björn, Peter, Jesper and Niclas from the bottom of my heart, for all great memories and experiences that we've shared during the last 17 years(!) together.
"It's hard to leave what have become my second family, but now it's time for me to take care and spend more time with the most important people in my life - my wife and my three daughters.
"Perhaps some of you of will see me again, as I will start my very own brewery in a very near future. Something I am just as passionate about as In Flames.
"I wish my friends in the band, the whole crew and everyone that's working for In Flames the very best in the future. To you, all fans around the world, I want to say, thank you, massively, for all the support you have shown during my years in the band."
Third Member Of Goodbye To Gravity Dies From Club Fire(Classic Rock)
The death toll in the Colectiv club fire in Bucharest has reached 45 after Goodbye To Gravity drummer Bogdan Enache passed away on Sunday. He was the third member of the Romanian band to die, after their pyro display caused a blaze in which over 160 others were injured on October 30.
Enache's heart failed while he was being transported to Switzerland for burn treatment. Medical crew spent 70 minutes in attempts to keep him alive. Guitarists Vlad Telea and Mihai Alexandru both died in the club, while vocalist Andrei Galut remains in a serious condition in a Netherlands hospital, and bassist Alex Pascu is recovering from surgery in Romania. 95 others remain in medical establishments across Europe.
Colectiv owner Alin Anastasescu and two associates were arrested and charged with homicide on November 2. Romanian prime minister Victor Ponta and his government resigned as a result of public reaction to the tragedy. Read more here.
Teenage Bottlerocket's Brandon Carlisle Being Taken Off Life Support(TeamRock Radio)
Teenage Bottlerocket drummer Brandon Carlisle is to have his life support removed, his band have confirmed. His bandmate and brother Ray Carlisle reported last week that the sticksman had been found unresponsive at home and was subsequently rushed to hospital.
He'd been in a coma for several days but the decision has been made to switch off his life support after scans showed no vital signs. The band say in a statement: "It is with the heaviest hearts that we have to report our beloved drummer Brandon didn't make it.
"Doctors did everything they could to save him, but the MRI showed he is no longer with us. His family and loved ones are with him as they prepare to take him off life support and let him gently move on."
"Brandon lived his life with his whole heart. He loved music, and he loved people. He always made it a point to let everyone know how much they meant to him, and to take time to make new friends. Anyone who was lucky enough to spend even a minute with the guy knows what a blessing he was to this Earth." Read more here.
Carlos Santana's Longtime Percussionist Raul Rekow Dead At 61(The Blues)
Carlos Santana's longtime percussionist Raul Rekow has died, it's been announced. He made his debut on Santana's 1977 album Festival and went on to play on 15 other studio recordings, including Marathon, Beyond Appearances, Supernatural and last year's Corazon.
Santana said in a statement: "We mourn the loss of my brother Raul Rekow. He was an integral member of Santana for 34 years and the heartbeat of the band.
"His presence on the stage was one of power, grace, collaboration and joy. He redefined what it means to be a conga player. My heart goes out to his family.
"Raul, may you soar in heaven in the company of your mom and dad." See Santana's post here.
Phil Collins Would Love To Stage Genesis Reunion(Classic Rock)
Phil Collins says that he would love to stage a reunion with Genesis - but thinks it would have to be with the lineup he fronted, rather than bringing back Peter Gabriel.
The singer and drummer last month confirmed he'd come out of retirement after rethinking his life and receiving treatment for the physical issues that had hounded him.
He reported that he only needed to practice if he wanted to play drums again - but his latest comments suggest it might not be so straightfoward. Collins tells the Telegraph: "I'd love to do it, but it puts a bit of a kibosh on it if I can't play the drums. There's no reason why the three of us can't get back together, though. We still get along - always have done.
"The voice is alright, that's the main thing. Considering a lot of people don't even know I play drums, I could get away with it. It would piss me off, because it's the reason I started doing this in the in the first place - but I'm not sure anyone else would care." Read more here.
Good Charlotte Streaming New Song 'Makeshift Love'(TeamRock Radio)
Good Charlotte have released a lyric video for their track Makeshift Love. It marks the first material from Joel Madden, Benji Madden, Billy Martin, Paul Thomas and Dean Butterworth since 2010, when they launched their fifth album Cardiology.
The track is available to purchase via iTunes and stream via Apple Music and has been launched to coincide with their upcoming show at the Troubadour, Los Angeles on November 19.
Last year, the Madden brothers released Greetings From California. Benji Madden said of the record: "The idea was to not hide behind a band name or a genre, but rather to write some songs, and find someone to record them and help us deliver the truest picture of who we are musically." Stream the new song here.
W.A.S.P. Streaming Title Track To New Album Golgotha(Classic Rock) W.A.S.P. have released an online stream for the song "Golgotha" which is the title track of the band's brand new 15th studio album, the follow-up to 2009's Babylon.
"Golgotha is Hebrew for place of the skull," says frontman Blackie Lawless, "and it's the hill where Christ was crucified. And it's interesting, when you see a lot of bands going around using Satanic images or images of death and things like that, and I'm thinking, all they need to do is look at the source, 'cause it's right there.
"I mean, if you want death, there's enough to go around there." W.A.S.P. released a lyric video for Scream in September to coincide with their UK tour dates. Check out the new song here.
Metal Allegiance Stream New Song Featuring Cristina Scabbia (Classic Rock)
Metal Allegiance have released a lyric video for their track, Scars. It features Lacuna Coil frontwoman Cristina Scabbia and Death Angel singer Mark Osegueda.
It's the latest track lifted from the metal collective's debut album, which was released in September featuring core members David Ellefson, Alex Skolnick and Mike Portnoy.
Skolnick tells Billboard: "The lyrics are a lament on modern times, with the male voice representing an honest person at their wit's end, scarred by all the falseness and deception he's encountered in life, and dismayed at the negative impact of human behaviour on a global scale. He's balanced by the female voice. She appears as a soothing angelic presence, offering hope and a reminder to stay strong."
Scabbia adds: "The love we all have for music and what we do for a living, added to the fact that we cherish our friendship, created an even bigger explosive factor that will blow your minds." Check out the song here.
Queen and Adam Lambert To Rock Next Year's Sweden Rock Festival(SRF)
Sweden Rock Festival has announced that Queen + Adam Lambert will be performing at next year's festival which will be taking place on Thursday, June 9th.
The festival will mark the group's first performance in Sweden in over 11 years. The festival organizers sent over the following details: It has been more than 10 years since Queen last visited Sweden, playing a sold out show at the Stockholm Globe Arena. Still, they have remained in the public eye and perhaps even built on their popularity since then.
Their musical "We Will Rock You" enjoyed tremendous success in Stockholm in 2010, Queen's music is continuously played on radio and television and just this past spring a Queen tribute show toured Sweden, selling thousands of tickets for each performance date.
This coming summer, Queen's Swedish fans finally have a chance to hear and see Her Majesty in the flesh again! "This is definitely one of the largest bookings in the history of our festival," says Martin Forssman, Promotor at Sweden Rock Festival.
"For a band of this magnitude, that haven't been to Sweden in so long, to do their only concert on Sweden Rock Festival, feels fantastic. They will bring a large production, and play all of their famous songs, so it's really rigged to become a magical evening."
Korn, P.O.D. Supergroup Stillwell Release Raise It Up Video(TeamRock Radio)
Stillwell have released a video for their track Raise It Up. The song is the title track of their second album, out on November 13 via Rat Pak Records and follows their 2011 debut Dirtbag.
The band features Korn bassist Reginald 'Fieldy' Arvizu on guitar, P.O.D. drummer Noah 'Wuv' Bernardo, Arsonists singer Q-Unique and bassist Pablo 'Spider' Silva.
Raise It Up is available for pre-order via Amazon and iTunes, with those buying ahead of launch getting the title track as an instant download. Stillwell previously released a video for Mess I Made from the album. Watch the new video here.
The Cult Streaming New Song 'Dark Energy'(hennemusic)
The Cult have released a stream of the song "Dark Energy" which is the lead single from their forthcoming album, "Hidden City." The album is the group's first to feature new bassist Grant Fitzpatrick.
Produced by Bob Rock and due February 5, the band's 10th studio album is the third and final installment in a trilogy of recordings that began with 2007's "Born Into This" and 2012's "Choice Of Weapon."
"Hidden City is a metaphor for our spiritual lives, our intimate interior lives," says frontman Ian Astbury. "I find today's gurus are trying to peddle some cure, product or insight as if it's a new phenomenon. My place is to respond, not react, to observe, participate and share through words and music. There is no higher authority than the heart."
The Cult are hitting the road with Primal Scream for a series of 6 dates along the west coast of North America, with shows starting November 12 in Portland, OR. Stream the song here.
Megadeth, Motorhead, Disturbed Lead Download Additions(Classic Rock)
Korn, Megadeth, Motorhead, Deftones, Disturbed and Nightwish have been added to the bill for Download 2016. They'll join headliners Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Rammstein at the festival, which will take place at Donington Park on the weekend of June 10-12, 2016.
Friday, June 10 will see Korn and Motorhead take to the stage, while Saturday's bill features Megadeth and Deftones. Disturbed and Nightwish have been confirmed for the Sunday.
Speaking about the headline acts, festival organizer Andy Copping said: "The mighty Iron Maiden back after another yet another no.1 album, the legendary Black Sabbath on their final tour and Rammstein, who blow me away every time I see them. Their headlining set at Download 2016 will make rock history." Read more here.
Vinnie Moore Reveals Unusual Approach To Recording With UFO(Classic Rock)
UFO guitarist Vinnie Moore says recording away from the band helps control his "schizophrenic personality." He released his eighth solo album entitled Aerial Visions in October via Mind's Eye Music.
And he reports he finds it easier writing and recording his own material as he finds the process "therapeutic." Moore tells The Rocktologist: "UFO is a rock band so when I write songs for that, it stylistically falls within a more defined range. Because my solo stuff is instrumental, things are more open and there are less rules so I can just explore and follow the inspiration wherever it leads."
He continues: "I am all over the place so this format is perfect for me. It's therapeutic for my schizophrenic personality, frequent mood changes, and problems staying focused with one task. I enjoy both musical realms, though." Read more here.
Therapy? Expand Infernal Love Tour(Classic Rock)
Therapy? have added 11 shows to their Infernal Love tour. The trio had previously announced December gigs in Dublin, Belfast and London where they'll perform their 1995 album in full.
Now Andy Cairns, Michael McKeegan and Neil Cooper have revealed an extra run of dates across the UK early next year. Cairns says: "After 20 years we'll be revisiting our dark follow up to Troublegum, 1995's Infernal Love. We played the album in its entirety at Sonisphere 2014 and were knocked out by the reception it got.
'These songs, inspired by past sins, written under pressure and recorded under the influence, will be brought out for another moment in the sun alongside other tracks recorded for singles in the same era.
"A blue period recorded in angry, raw reds at a time when our hearts were blackest." Read more and see the tour dates here.
Next To None Announce U.S. Winter Tour(Prog)
Next To None - the band featuring Mike Portnoy's son Max on drums - have announced a run of extra dates across the US this winter in support of their debut album A Light In The Dark.
The group just concluded a small tour leg across North America with a concert at Allentown's Chicago Restaurant, Pennsylvania on Sunday night, (November 8).
But they'll head out on the road again starting next month for more shows, including an appearance on New Year's Eve with Portnoy Sr's Metal Allegiance project. See the dates here.
Crown The Empire Release 'Cross Our Bones' Video(TeamRock Radio)
Crown The Empire have released a video for their track Cross Our Bones. It appears on the deluxe edition of their second album, The Resistance which was issued at the end of October via Rise Records.
The new deluxe edition version of their 2014 release features four extra tracks, including a re-worked version of Machines and an acoustic take on Millennia.
Andy Leo, David Escamilla, Brandon Hoover, Hayden Tree and Brent Taddie recently wrapped up a North American tour with Hollywood Undead and I Prevail. They'll play The Bomb Factory in Dallas on December 27. Watch the video here.
Devin Townsend Releases 'Deadhead' Video From Ziltoid DVD(Prog)
Devin Townsend has released his performance of Deadhead from his Ziltoid Live At The Royal Albert Hall which is set to be released on November 13 via InsideOut.
It was filmed at London's Royal Albert Hall in April, featuring a cast of 12 actors and singers, narration from Bill Courage and guest stars Jean Savole, Chris Jericho and Dominique Lenore Persi.
Townsend recently said: "The whole thing was quite a challenge - but ultimately it worked and we were all very satisfied with it. If you enjoy what I do, you'll really dig it." Watch the video here.
Night Demon Release Heavy Metal Heat Video Ahead Of Holy Grail Tour
Night Demon have released a music video for their single "Heavy Metal Heat" and announced a string of tour dates in various markets in the U.S. next month with Holy Grail.
The band has been busy on the road supporting their debut album "Curse of the Damned" and played a special hometown show in Los Angeles on Saturday with Kyng. The new single "Heavy Metal Heat" video is now streaming at YouTube here.
The band had the following to say about the upcoming tour dates and new video, "What an amazing year it has been so far for Night Demon! Since the beginning of 2015, we have been on a mission to spread the gospel of metal. Starting as early as the first of the year, we traveled the states for the first month with Skull Fist, released our debut full length Curse of the Damned, came straight to Europe for ten straight weeks of concerts, some which included appearances at the Very Eavy fest and Metal Assault.
Taking no break, and coming back to America for a seventy date headlining tour, then following it up with an extensive tour of Mexico. We now find ourselves finally having some breathing room at home, but not too much, as we are currently writing and demoing songs for what will become the next Night Demon album. We recently played the Frost and Fire fest and are scheduled to perform at the Southwest Terror Fest. But never count the Demon out of touring!
"We will be again hitting the road this December for the holiday season with our brothers in Holy Grail. We love you all and appreciate the endless support. Lets finish the year strong, and gear up for a new album and much more touring to come. Time to feel the Heavy Metal Heat!" See the tour dates here.
The Who Live In Hyde Park Details Revealed(Kayos)
Eagle Rock will be releasing The Who Live In Hyde Park on November 20th on DVD+2CD set, Blu-ray+2CD set, DVD+3LP set and digital formats. A Deluxe Edition Blu-ray+DVD+2CD will follow on December 4. We were sent the following details:
Filmed on June 26, 2015 as The Who celebrated their 50th anniversary, this stunning show with 65,000 fans in attendance at London's famous Hyde Park is a triumphant return to their home city. This massive event formed a fitting culmination to The Who's 50th anniversary celebrations and the set includes classics like "My Generation," "Pinball Wizard," "Baba O'Riley," "Pictures Of Lily," "I Can't Explain," "You Better You Bet," "Who Are You," "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Join Together," "The Kids Are Alright," "I Can See For Miles," and many more! This grand scale concert, complete with huge screens surrounding the stage and an exceptional light show, holds true to Pete Townshend's promise at the start of the set: "You're a long way away…but we will reach you!".
"The Seeker," an extra song from Hyde Park, is part of the bonus features on the DVD and Blu-ray sets, as well as the stage screen films used at recent shows: a film by the band for "The Kids Are Alright" and "You Better You Bet" (both with Hyde Park audio) and "Squeeze Box" (with the original studio audio). The lavish Deluxe Edition comes packaged with an exclusive 60 page hardback photobook containing the DVD, Blu-ray & 2CDs
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