Monday, January 4, 2016

Today's Day In Rock News!








Axl Rose Jokes About Guns N' Roses Reunion Reports(hennemusic)

Axl Rose has issued his first public response to rumors of an impending announcement regarding a Guns N' Roses reunion. Rose tweeted on Friday: "The only thing I know 'confirmed' is my LOVE of Taco Bell! Mmmmm.... Taco Bell!! Happy New Years!!"
Music industry magazine Billboard and other media outlets are reporting a GNR reunion will launch in the spring - with Rose and Slash confirmed so far among the players involved.

The group are reportedly set to headline the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA over the weekends of April 15-17 and April 22-24 and are in talks with promoters for a 25-date stadium tour of North America this summer. Read more including the Axl's tweet here.



Lemmy's Favorite Bar Announces Memorial Plans(hennemusic)

A public memorial service for Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister will be held at the late rocker's favorite bar and hangout, The Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood.
"Join us Saturday, January 9th as we say goodbye a dear friend and loved one," announced the bar. "We will open our doors at 2:00pm. Come celebrate the life of Lemmy Kilmister. Legends never die."

Lemmy passed away from an "extremely aggressive cancer" at his Los Angeles home on December 28. The iconic frontman - who turned 70 on Christmas Eve - was diagnosed with cancer just two days before his passing, according to manager Todd Singerman.

Fellow rockers and fans from around the world have been paying tribute to the rocker, and his longtime bandmates offered their own salutes. Read more here.



Deep Purple To Begin Recording New Album With Bob Ezrin

This Month 2016 promises to be a big year for Deep Purple. The band will not only finally receive their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but they will also be making a new album.
Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice revealed in an interview published by WCSX.com on Christmas Eve that the band will begin recording the follow-up to their 2014 album "So What?!" late this month.

He said, "We start around the end of January. We'll go back into the studio in Nashville with Bob Ezrin; We had such a great time making the last record that we just want to try to duplicate that the next time around.

"There's plenty of material, probably more than we need, but there is a weeding process that happens when you start listening back in clarity. So, you know, the runts of the litter will be discarded and the best 10 or 11 tracks will be worked on."



Videos From Motley Crue's Final Show Go Online(hennemusic)

Motley Crue wrapped up their farewell tour on New Year's Eve with the last show of their career at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and videos from the show have been posted online.
The group closed out the 18-month run with three shows in their hometown after a July 2, 2014 launch in Grand Rapids, MI saw them hit the road for the last time.

Bassist Nikki Sixx and singer Vince Neil both offered extended goodbyes to fans and Tommy Lee's drum set stalled on the roller coaster during his "Cruecify" drum solo as the Crue delivered their greatest hits set to a sold-out crowd.

The event was filmed by director Christian Lamb for a theatre and Pay-Per-View release later this year. The project will also include interviews and behind the scenes footage captured during the final week of the tour, with footage shot by Jackass creator Jeff Tremaine.

Motley Crue announced the farewell run at a January 28, 2014 press conference in Hollywood, and signed a binding legal document known as a "cessation of touring" contract which prevents them from touring beyond 2015. Watch the videos here.



Kings Of Leon Begin Work On New Album(Classic Rock)

Kings Of Leon have begun pre-production on their seventh album, and they aim to complete it this year. And frontman Caleb Followill says they're "in a good place" for the follow-up to 2013's Mechanical Bull.
The band reported in July that they'd started writing material for the record. Followill tells AP: "We're all excited to do something new. Our first two albums were recorded in LA, so we're going to go back and see if it inspires us.

"If it doesn't, we have a studio at home, so we can always come back." Drummer Nathan Followill adds: "The main thing on the calendar for 2016 is getting the record finished, then the press machine kicks up." Read more here.




Anthrax's New Song 'Breathing Lightning' Streaming Online(hennemusic)

Anthrax premiered "Breathing Lightning", a track from their forthcoming record "For All Kings", during an appearance on the BBC on Sunday and the song and interview are streaming online.
Guitarist Scott Ian joined BBC Radio 1 Rock Show with Daniel P. Carter to discuss the tune from the group's 11th album, which will be issued on February 26.

The project marks the debut of former Shadows Fall lead guitarist Jon Donais, who replaced Rob Caggiano following his departure in 2013. The follow-up to 2011's Grammy-nominated album "Worship Music" is also being previewed with a lyric video for the lead track, "Evil Twin."

On January 15, Anthrax will hit the road to support Lamb Of God on their headlining US tour, before teaming up with Iron Maiden in March for a month-long run across Latin and South America. Stream the song and the interview here.




Panic! At The Disco Stream 'Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time'

Panic! At The Disco celebrated the New Year by giving fans another taste of their forthcoming album via a stream of the new track "Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time".
The band revealed the song in a series of post on their website beginning on New Year's Eve (December 31st) when they shared the song on YouTube with the message "One more thing before ya kiss 2015 goodbye… You think we'd let another holiday go by without releasing a new song?!"

On New Year's Day they announced the song had been added to Spotify and said "So this is the future, huh? Seems pretty f***ing awesome so far. Kick off your new year with an equally as new song, 'Don't Threaten Me with a Good Time'".

The track comes from the band's forthcoming album "Death Of A Bachelor" which is set to be released on January 15th. The band also announced that if fans pre-order the digital version of the album on iTunes and Amazon, they will get an instant download of 5 songs including track "Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time" and the lead single "Victorious." Stream the new track here.



Sum 41 'Almost Done' With New Album Reveals Jubilant Deryck Whibley

Sum 41's Deryck Whibley revealed in a New Year's Eve post that the band's new album is almost complete and he took the opportunity to look back on 2015, which he says was one of the best years of his life.
Whibley suffered what has been called a near-death experience in 2014 after suffering liver and kidney failure due to excessive alcohol consumption, which led him to being hospitalized for a month and warned by doctors that he could die if he continued to drink.

He has since sobered up and that new found sobriety fueled a very productive year. He tells fans in his online post, ""as the year comes to an end, i can honestly say that 2015 has been one of the best years of my life. it has been a year of accomplishments. learning to walk again and getting back on stage were some of the hardest things that i've ever had to do. getting my life back on track and my health in order, while at the same time making a new Sum 41 album, almost seemed impossible this time last year, but now the record is almost done and i feel stronger and better than ever. the band is sounding bigger and better as a 5-piece, and it's so great to have dave 'brown sound' back again after almost 10 years.

"the Alternative Press awards performance with DMC was one of the best experiences in our career and the shows in North and South America were all amazing. it's hard to believe that 2016 is going to be an even bigger year - i can't wait! thanks for all the love and support and we'll see you all in the new year!"



Supergroup Denimgoat Tribute Phil Lynott With New Single

Supergroup Denimgoat, featuring members of Truckfighters, Crucified Barbara, Backyard Babies, are marking the anniversary of loss of Thin Lizzy icon Phil Lynott with a new single.
Today, January 4th, marks the 30th anniversary of Lynott's death and Denimgoat are paying tribute with the release of their cover of Lynott's final single "Nineteen."

The Swedish supergroup features Danne McKenzie (Satan Takes A Holiday, Mustasch & Truckfighters), Ida Evileye (Crucified Barbara), Richie Puzz (Bandit Rock radio), Nicke Borg (Backyard Babies & Nicke Borg Homeland), and Max Diesel (Junkstars).

"Nineteen" follows the group's chart topping debut single "I Need To Know", which claimed the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Rock chart in Sweden, upon release.

The new single is being released digitally world wide and can found on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Apple Music, Tidal, Rhapsody and Deezer.



The Gathering Offer Song Download From Reunion Show(Prog)

The Gathering have made their reunion show performance of the song "Travel" available for download and streaming ahead of the release of the live album captured at the event.
It was recorded in their home town of Nijmegen in the Netherlands, when Anneke van Giersbergen rejoined her former colleagues to mark the band's 25th anniversary.

The Gathering say: "Travel is a classic song, originally from our How To Measure A Planet album. Sung by Anneke and with Hugo Prinsen Geerligs on guitars and bass, this song is played with the original lineup. One of the many highlights that day!" Read more and get the download link here.



Thy Art Is Murder Keeping New Singer Search Behind 'Closed Doors'(TeamRock Radio)

Thy Art Is Murder guitarist Andy Marsh says he wants to avoid "starting another circus around the band" following the departure of frontman CJ McMahon last month.
Instead, he hopes the Australian outfit will be allowed privacy to get on with the business of finding a replacement. McMahon cited financial pressures as one of the main reasons for quitting, saying: "We have been broke for years and I can't live like this any more."

Marsh tells The Jasta Show: "We love what we do, and we like playing heavy music, but at the same time we're low-key guys. We don't want all this attention - we want to create our shortlist in private. Hopefully we keep that in private and it goes through the motions behind closed doors."

He already knows what kind of person the band are looking for. "They have to be our friend," he says. "They have to represent our music and what our band is to people.

"Whoever we get will be good, no doubt - but they also have to fit un with us, sit in the van, sit in the bus, sit on the plane, and be bored for 20 hours a day with us." Stream the full interview here.



Neck Deep Look Back At 2015 With 'Smooth Seas' Video

Neck Deep rang in the New Year by releasing a new montage video for the track "Smooth Seas Don't Make Good Sailors" that features a look back at the band's activities in 2015.
The song comes from the band's sophomore album "Life's Not Out To Get You," which was released this past summer. The band posted the new video along with the following message on their Facebook page on New Year's Eve, "2015 was another wild year for our band, where we achieved things we could never have dreamed of 3 years ago.

"We released our second album 'Life's Not Out To Get You', and saw it charting in the TOP 10 album charts in both the UK and USA. That album has gone on to sell over 55,000 copies worldwide so far, which just blows our minds...

"We played 117 shows across UK, USA and Europe, including some of the biggest shows Neck Deep has played to date: Wembley Arena, main stage at Reading & Leeds festivals, Madison Square Garden, London Alexandra Palace....

"Here's a little look back on the year that was, filmed and edited by our friend Josh Halling." Watch the video here.



Trujillo Looks Back At 'Surreal' Metallica Audition

Metallica bass player Robert Trujillo provided a detailed account of his audition to replace Jason Newsted in a recent episode of the WTF With Marc Maron podcast.
Trujillo recalls the event as "a very surreal day for me. But when you get a gig like that, it's so… strange. Really, strange is the word. Because I remember going up there. I was late. I was always late back then."

He then went into detail (via Blabbermouth) about the audition : "I'll tell you a quick story about the audition. Basically, it was a two-day audition. The first day of the audition, I was kind of just there to be a fly on the wall. [Producer] Bob Rock's there. The bass [for Metallica's 'St. Anger' album] had already been recorded; Bob Rock recorded the bass. So I'm just hanging around. And Lars [Ulrich, Metallica drummer] and James [Hetfield, Metallica frontman] and Kirk [Hammett, Metallica guitarist] kind of live in this bubble. They were just, like, 'Yeah, make yourself at home. Just hang out.' And I was just kind of hanging out in this big complex up north [in the Bay Area]. And I'm kind of lost, because no one's really completely communicating with me, and I'm just there. And, okay. So [they tell me], 'Come on in the control room,' and I'm just there. They're cutting tracks. And that's it; hanging around. Eleven o'clock rolls around at night, and Lars... We're in the parking lot. We're the last ones leaving. And Lars says, 'Hey, man, let's go get a drink. Let's go get a nightcap.' So I'm, like, 'All right.' And we go to the first bar, have a couple of cocktails, we go to the second bar, have a few more, go to the third bar. Then we end up at his house for more cocktails. By this time, it's five in the morning. I can't even drive to where I'm staying; it's impossible. And he even says, 'Here, crash out in my guest room.' So, at nine in the morning, four hours later, he's on the treadmill, this guy, and it's like he doesn't know me anymore. He's already sobered up. And he's on the treadmill. And I've got this crazy headache. And then he's, like, 'All right. Let's go. Let's go to the studio.' And I'm driving behind him. I couldn't even keep my eyes open. I get to the studio.

He continues: "This is when [the members of METALLICA] were going through this sort of therapy thing, [with] this guy Phil Towle, who was… what do they call it? Kind of a life coach, kind of a motivator, which was, at the time, I guess, good for the band, but I wasn't used to that. Here I am with a pounding headache. James has just gone through this whole thing where, of course, he's sober, and the last person he wants to see anywhere near his band is a drunk Mexican. That would be me. So I'm sitting at the table, and I've got the worst headache, [I'm] completely hung over. And I'm thinking, 'Lars did this to me, 'cause he was checking me out, to see if I could hang with him.' It was [a test]; it had to have been. He's a Viking, really. I'd go into the bathroom. I was throwing water on my face, slapping it, going, 'Oh, man, you've gotta… Hang in there. Hang in there.' 'Cause I really wanted to say, 'I can't do this right now, guys. I don't feel good. I really can't do this.'"

Trujillo concluded: "I stuck it out. I knew the tech, the bass tech, from back when Suicidial Tendencies was touring with Metallica, which would have been in 1993 on the 'Black Album.' So, Zach Harmon, who is now still my bass tech. I didn't have a bass, so [I went], 'Let's go grab a bass. Let's choose the amp setup.' So I kind of used that as my way to get out of this hangover situation." Read more and listen to the full podcast here.



Whitechapel Heading Into The Studio For New Album

Whitechapel are kicking off the new year by heading into the studio next week to begin laying down tracks for a new studio album, according to metal site Lambgoat.
The group had previously revealed in their North American tour announcement back in late September that they planned to begin recording he follow-up to "Our Endless War" early in 2016.

Lambgoat reports the band expects to release the new effort this spring via Metal Blade Records. Whitechapel had the following to say on their Facebook page, "Thank you to anyone who supported us in 2015, without you what we do would not be possible. We look forward to bringing you album 6 in 2016."



Rusty Paul, Son Of Guitar Pioneer Les Paul, Dead At 74(Classic Rock)

The son of guitar pioneer Les Paul, who helped his father in his work, has died at the age of 74 after a long battle with diabetes, according to the Les Paul Foundation.
Lester 'Rusty' G Paul, the elder of two children, spent many years assisting his dad while he developed technology that's become standard in musical instruments and sound equipment.

A statement from the Les Paul Foundation says: "Often Rusty could be seen sitting in with legendary artists including Les' godson Steve Miller, and called many famous musicians his friends including Richie Sambora, Slash and Eddie Van Halen." Read more here.



John 5 Releases 'Black Grass Plague' Video(Classic Rock)

Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 has released a video for solo track Black Grass Plague. It features his skills on guitar, electric mandolin and banjo, along with support work from drummer Rodger Carter and bassist Ian Ross.
The promo is dedicated to the memory of camera operator Khalil Tiner, who was killed by a drink-driver soon after filming was completed. Colleagues George Maria, Tyki Sato and Ryder Page say:

"He was an amazing filmmaker and one of those rare people who could brighten any day with his smile. Khalil you are missed, and we are honoured to have called you friend."

Rob Zombie will launch sixth album Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser in the coming months. Watch John 5's new music video here.



Traitors Stream New Song Featuring Black Dahlia Murder's Trevor Strnad

Late last week, Traitors released an online stream of the song "Burnout," which features a guest appearance from The Black Dahlia Murder frontman Trevor Strnad.
The band released the lyric video for the track a couple days ahead of the January 1st release of their new EP "Night Terrors" and the kick off of their U.S. tour. Check out the song here.

The band launched the tour in support of the new EP in Orlando, FL at the Backbooth on Friday (January 1st) and will criss-cross the country before wrapping up the trek on January 27th in Odessa, FL at The Goathouse. See the tour dates here.



Former Marillion Vocalist Fish Remembers Lemmy (Classic Rock)

Fish has paid tribute to Lemmy, describing the Motorhead and Hawkwind icon as "a huge romantic with a passionate lyrical bent." The 70-year-old died on December 28, two days after being told he had an aggressive form of cancer.
Recalling long nights of conversation in London clubs during the 1980s, ex-Marillion vocalist Fish says: "We'd rattle off on our favorite subject of history, and especially World War 2.

"He was a highly knowledgeable and intelligent guy with strong opinions as well as being a huge romantic with a passionate lyrical bent. I really enjoyed his company back then.

"He came up to North Berwick in 1987 to attend my first wedding - much to the surprise and amusement of fellow guests, who he totally charmed and captivated with stories. He was a charming and sensitive man totally outwith his rough desperado image."

The pair lost contact in later years, and Fish admits to being disappointed when they last met in the 1990s. "I saw him was in the Rainbow Rooms in LA, where he was, as always, totally locked into a gaming machine. We exchanged few words as it was obvious he was somewhere else and not open to conversation with anybody. I heard later that he was dealing with a lot of dark issues around that time." Read more here.



Spoof Prog Star Brian Pern's New TV Series Trailer Released(Classic Rock)

The BBC have released a trailer for the latest adventures of spoof prog star Brian Pern. The third series, subtitled 45 Years of Prog and Roll, will be broadcast on BBC Four beginning on January 14.
It stars Simon Day as the Thotch frontman and co-writer Rhys Thomas as himself, along with Paul Whitehouse, Nigel Havers, Michael Kitchen, Martin Freeman and others. Rick Wakeman appears as himself alongside a range of other musicians.

The BBC say: "After a year out of the public eye following his heart attack, Brian is making a major comeback. Not only is he appearing on Desert Island Discs and at the the Isle of Wight Festival - he has a new album, a new look and a new wife who is half his age.

"Taking her advice, Brian sacks his picky manager John Farrow by fax and lets her take over. She quickly says yes to every offer going, including an appearance at the Thotch convention cruise with annoying fan club president, Perry." Watch the trailer here.



Nightwish May Change Musical Approach On Next Album(Prog)

Nightwish could move away from their heavily-orchestrated approach to music on their next album, says Troy Donockley. The multi-instrumentalist says they're looking at ways to explore a stripped-down sound without fully abandoning the complex arrangements they've become known for.
Asked about the possibility of an acoustic tour, Donockley tells CarlBegai.com: "I think if we went out with a skeleton crew of three woodwinds, a string quartet and the band, it would smooth over the edges of doing something that people might freak out over.

"It would still retain the orchestral elements, but strip it down to a chamber band. I think it's something we should get onto." He adds: "We're got plans for the next album - really loose plans - but some things are heading in the direction. Our fans are very forgiving." Read more here.



Big Big Train Preview 'Stone & Steel' Documentary(Prog)

Big Big Train have released a trailer for their documentary movie Stone & Steel. The production is based around nine songs recorded at rehearsals in 2014, along with four shot during performances last year.
They explain in the clip: "In August 2014, Big Big Train gathered at Real World Studios in England for a week of rehearsals, to see if gigging after a 17-year absence form the stage was feasible.

"They were accompanied by a film crew. Stone & Steel tells the story of the band's transition from the studio back to the stage." Watch the "Stone & Steel" trailer here.



Jimmy Page Might Have Prevented Guitar Solo On Jethro Tull's Aqualung(Classic Rock)

Martin Barre has recalled the moment that speaking to Jimmy Page could have led to him losing a guitar solo on classic Jethro Tull track Aqualung. He risked bandleader Ian Anderson taking away the opportunity, and filling the space on tape with flute work instead.
The album of the same name was released 45 years ago in March. It was recorded at Island Studios in London, while Led Zeppelin were working on their fourth record next door.

Barre tells Guitar Player: "We'd locked ourselves away and I hadn't seen Jimmy at all. Finally he walked into the control room to say hello, just as I was recording the solo to Aqualung.

"In those days, if you didn't get a guitar solo in one or two takes, it might become a flute solo. It was, 'Go in there and do it or else.' And here was Jimmy, waving like mad - 'Hey, Martin!' - and I'm thinking, 'I can't wave back or I'm going to blow the solo!'"

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