B-Sides

Today's Stories


Watch Eddie Vedder Unplugged
(hennemusic) Neil Young hosted and presented the 25th Anniversary Bridge School Benefit Concert this past weekend.

The Saturday concert was streamed live and carried by hennemusic. The first of two days included performances by Norah Jones, Beck, Mumford & Sons, Los Invisibles featuring Carlos Santana, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Arcade Fire and more.

Eddie Vedder was also on hand to deliver an acoustic set, featuring covers, solo material and Pearl Jam tracks. Vedder invited a couple of guests to join him at different points: Beck, and Regine Chassagne from Arcade Video of the full Vedder set has surfaced, check it out

Watch Puscifer's Weird New Video
(Banana 101.5) Maynard James Keenan brings his signature brand of weird to the trailer park in Puscifer's brand new music video for the title track off of their new album — 'Conditions of My Parole'.

Maynard jumps head first into the sophomore album with his genre-blending side project Puscifer. Their album 'Conditions of My Parole' hit stores last week and the band will begin a tour supporting the release shortly.

When you're the frontman of two highly conceptual, no nonsense art-rock bands like Tool and A Perfect Circle, it's gotta feel good to cut loose every once in a while and inject some comedy into your work. That's exactly how Maynard & Co. approached this video that features the band rocking out in a cramped trailer, a ton of creeper 'stache close-ups, and plenty of Maynard's beer gut. Check it out here



Rick Ross Seizure 911 Call Online
(TMZ) TMZ has obtained the 911 call placed moments after Rick Ross suffered his first seizure on board a commercial airplane earlier this month.

According to the caller -- a rep for Delta airlines -- the plane was landing for a medical emergency involving a first class passenger ... but the caller never identifies Rick Ross by name.

As we first reported, Rick suffered another seizure later that same day ... on a separate flight.

Ross postponed an L.A. concert last weekend after promoters felt it was in his best interest to take a break. Listen here



See J.Lo's New American Idol Promo
(popmusiclife) The new Season 11 of American Idol promo commercial features all four of the usual suspects, individually walking down the street, being followed by aspiring singers for the reality signing competition….then the four come together as they lead a crowd to Idol auditions.

In the video, Jennifer walks along the street and sees a girl group singing; she waves, they looked shocked to see her, and then end up following her down the road.

Expect to see more of these in the weeks ahead and, especially, as the January start date draws nearer. Check out this promo here.



Watch Jane's Addiction Rock Letterman
(hennemusic) Jane's Addiction's new album, "The Great Escape Artist," was released last week.

Right now, there's only two scheduled concerts on the band's horizon: a December 7 gig in Vegas and a December 30 show in Hawaii.

"The Great Escape Artist, is the band's fifth studio album, and first in eight years. Monday night, the Jane's crew stopped by David Letterman's show to perform "Underground" from the new record. Check it out here



Behind The Scenes With Def Leppard
(hennemusic) Def Leppard continue their Mirror Ball tour, which launched in Belfast back in June. The band has produced a series of videos documenting the trip.

The 3rd installment of Leppard's "behind-the-scenes" look at the world tour takes fans to Western Australia, where the band recently participated in the Channel Seven Telethon Trust, a charitable trust dedicated to raising funds to improve the lives of children throughout the region.

The video brings you backstage with the band warming up and getting ready for their show, as well as on-set for a special performance of "Two Steps Behind." Check it out



It's The Great Pumpkin, Sebastian Bach
(hennemusic) Even rockers have Halloween spirit. This past weekend, Sebastian Bach and girlfriend Minnie Gupta were filmed searching for pumpkins in West Hollywood.

The couple stopped by Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch to check out the selection and pick up a few things for the upcoming seasonal event.

The two were hounded by paparazzi, as you can hear camera shutters going off like crazy in the short clip. more on this story



Wear A Winning Charlie Sheen Halloween Costume
(TMZ) Leave it to the Warlock to cash in on Halloween -- TMZ has learned, the actor has partnered with a massive costume chain to sell Charlie Sheen-themed accoutrements just for All Hallows' Eve ... and they're selling out like crazy.

Sources close to Sheen tell TMZ, Spirit Halloween stores hammered out a deal with both Charlie and Live Nation to obtain all necessary Sheen licenses -- but wouldn't specify on the actor's cut.

People at several stores tell us the mask is an especially hot item -- with several locations currently awaiting new shipments to fill outstanding orders.

No word on sales numbers for the Ashton Kutcher costume.
more on this story



A Look At Peter Green's Legacy
(Gibson) Peter Green is far from the lean, furry-faced rock star who fronted the original incarnation of Fleetwood Mac and wrote such insanely great blues-infused classics as "Black Magic Woman" and "Oh Well." But for all of his trials with mental and physical health issues, Green, who turns 65 on October 29, remains active on the rock and blues trail.

One of the fundamental architects of the mid-to-late 1960s Gibson Les Paul Standard sunburst sound, Green was Eric Clapton's replacement in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. He smeared transcendent guitar all over 1967's A Hard Road, setting a creative bar in British blues with his interpretations of classics like Elmore James' "Dust My Broom" and Freddie King's "The Stumble," plus contributing his own now-classic songs "The Same Way" and the instrumental "The Supernatural," which remains the tonal textbook for balancing volume, sustain and natural reverb.

That same year Green ventured off with Mayall's rhythm section to form Fleetwood Mac. Over the next three years and four studio albums, Green's version of Fleetwood Mac were at the creative forefront of the blues-rock movement, quickly creating a catalog that includes "Black Magic Woman," the instrumental hit "Albatross," "Oh Well," "Man of the World," "Rattlesnake Shake" and "The Green Manalishi." Those tunes remain touchstones for any guitarist serious about exploring the best of British blues. more on this story



Milton Bradley Denies Threatening To Kill His Wife
(TMZ) Former L.A. Dodgers outfielder Milton Bradley claims he never once threatened to kill his estranged wife -- insisting she's an attention-grabbing liar who's been falsely accusing him of domestic violence for years.

Milton filed docs in L.A. County Superior Court recently, responding to Monique Bradley's attempt to obtain a restraining order against him this month -- claiming it's all based on lies.

As we first reported, Monique filed a request for a restraining order against Milton -- after he allegedly threatened to kill her with a gun -- but Milton is adamant ... any claims of wrongdoing are "absolutely false."

Milton claims Monique "has a habit of making false charges" against him -- and he cites several examples over the last few years, including last month, when Monique accused Milton of swinging a bat at her ... which he also denies doing.

Milton and Monique filed dueling divorce petitions after the alleged bat-swinging incident last month. Milton is asking a judge to dismiss the restraining order and award him joint custody of their two sons ... aged 5 and 2.

Today's Day In Pop!

Today's Full Report


They Might Be Giants' Album Raises New and Troubling Questions
They Might Be Giants will be releasing a new digital album next month. Here is the info we were sent:

They Might Be Giants released their new album, Join Us, this summer through Idlewild/Rounder Records. Join Us finds the Brooklyn originals returning to rock and to their singular sensibility that made them an instant phenomenon in the world of alternative rock. In the many months spent making and then promoting the album, the band recorded several new tracks, not all of which made it onto the album.

The band has compiled the best of these recordings to create a brand new full-length, made up of rarities and many previously unheard tracks. The resulting record is titled Album Raises New and Troubling Questions and will be released via Amazon and iTunes November 11 through Idlewild Recordings. more on this story



Madonna's Homeless Brother Living Under A Bridge
(superLOUD) Is the Material Girl so materialistic that she can't help out family from living on the street?

Apparently not, according to The Michigan Messenger, who interviewed Madonna's brother Anthony Ciccone. Anthony told the paper:

"My family turned their back on me, basically, when I was having a hard time. You think I haven't answered this kind of question a bazillion times — why my sister is a multibazillionarie, and I'm homeless on the street?" Something tells us there are two sides to the story



Janet Jackson Reschedules Tour To Support Family Over Michael Jackson Death Trial
(popmusiclife) Janet Jackson is rescheduling part of her Australian tour so she can support her family during the trial of the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in her brother Michael's death.

Entertainment Weekly reports the shows for her "Number Ones" tour were scheduled in Melbourne on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; to make them up, she'll perform one night, on November 3, in Rod Laver Arena.

She thanked her fans for their support and understanding. "When I planned these shows, the schedule in California was completely different," she said in a Sunday statement to The Associated Press. more on this story



Lindsay Lohan To Pose Nude For Playboy
(TMZ) Lindsay Lohan is shooting nude photos for Playboy -- TMZ has confirmed -- and LiLo don't strip for peanuts ... the spread will earn her almost a million dollars!

Sources tell us the deal has been in the works for months, and that Lindsay balked at an initial $750K offer because she wanted ... ONE MILLION dollars ... to show the world what her momma gave her (apologies for the DiLo reference).

We're told Hugh Hefner and Co. recently came back to Lindsay with an offer less than her asking price -- but close enough for her to sign on the dotted line. No word yet on which issue Linds will be featured in ... but it's a good bet she'll be on the cover.

Lindsay's rep said, "I can neither confirm or deny at this time." Playboy didn't immediately respond to our email or phone call.

According to sources, the shoot started over the weekend -- which means Linds was juggling her court ordered morgue duties ... with getting nekkid. more on this story



Christina Aguilera and Justin Bieber Added To AMAs
(popmusiclife) Christina Aguilera and Justin Bieber are among the artists confirmed to perform at the 2011 American Music Awards.

On Monday, producers announced more acts for the November 20 broadcast event, including Mary J. Blige, and Kelly Clarkson, who will join previously confirmed artists, including Katy Perry and Pitbull.

Artists will be honored in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin, and Contemporary Inspirational. more on this story



Hear Justin Bieber and Usher Duet
(popmusiclife) Justin Bieber's new Christmas duet with Usher was premiered on Ryan Seacrest's radio show Monday morning.

"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" will be featured on Justin's new album, "Under The Mistletoe," due November 1.

"Justin and I did the classic record 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.' This record is going to be remembered for years to come," Usher told Seacrest. "It's a record that has always been one of my favorites, and I'm happy that I was able to share it with Justin, and for us to put it out. The album is full of surprises. Justin's 'Under The Mistletoe' is going to be incredible!" Listen to the song here



Major Publishers Won't Make Book Deal With Casey Anthony
(TMZ) The NBC producer trying to score a book deal for Casey Anthony may be S.O.L. ... because the biggest names in the publishing biz tell TMZ ... they want absolutely NOTHING to do with tot mom.

We broke the story ... an NBC news producer has contacted literary agents and told them Casey has agreed to do a TV interview with the network if he can lock up a book deal.

But according to the three publishing powerhouses -- that ain't happening ... just check out the statements we received regarding a possible Casey Anthony publishing deal:

Simon and Schuster: "We are 100% not interested. We are NOT NOT NOT interested. Simon & Schuster is not publishing, and has never intended to publish, any book by Casey Anthony, her family, or any member of her team.

Harper Collins: "We are planning on publishing the Prosecutor's book who was involved in the Casey Anthony case, so we have no plans in releasing a Casey Anthony book. We're sticking with the prosecutor."

Penguin Group: "We have no plans on doing a book deal with Casey Anthony."

Another publisher went so far as to say, "Hell no ... it's blood money." more on this story



Tara Reid Never Really Married
(TMZ) That wedding Tara Reid just couldn't shut up about -- she should've shut up about ... because she now admits the marriage was never legal.

Tara seemed totally out of it at LAX when a TMZ camera guy asked if she and her husband could win the Newlywed Game.

While not quite, "In the butt, Bob" -- Tara's slurred response was still pretty awesome ... as she confessed she was "never really married."

You might recall, Tara and Zack Kehayov had a surprise wedding in the Greek Isles in August ... which she tweeted about endlessly. Tara says she and Zack never made it a legal union here in the U.S.A. more on this story



Southland Star In Real Life Gun Drama With LAPD
(TMZ) "Southland" star Michael Cudlitz was riding shotgun with the LAPD during a police ride-along this weekend ... when suddenly, a call came in about a "man with a gun" ... and Cudlitz's car raced to the scene.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the piece turned out to be an "air soft" gun, which looked like a real firearm, but shoots plastic pellets instead of real bullets. The man in question was not arrested.

The gun drama was just one of several calls Cudlitz's car responded to that night ... while Michael was doing research for his role as a cop on the TNT show.

We're told Cudlitz got some great real-life experience as his unit patrolled Hollywood Blvd. ... while the cops made sure the actor was never in harm's way.

Sources tell us Cudlitz impressed everyone by asking a ton of questions and even puling a double shift -- 12 p.m. until 3 a.m.

Cudlitz isn't the first actor to participate in an LAPD ride-along -- back in July, Jake Gyllenhaal witnessed the aftermath of a gang shooting while he was doing research for a movie role. more on this story



Jennifer Lopez Break Down Not About Marc Anthony
(TMZ) Jennifer Lopez is telling friends ... she didn't break down on stage Saturday night because of Marc Anthony -- or any other ex for that matter -- she choked up because she was thinking about her kids.

During part of her performance at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut -- when she sang "Until It Beats No More" -- several dancers dressed as men from her past ... like Diddy, Cris Judd, and Ben Affleck ... and Jennifer teared up, telling the crowd, "I took a trip down memory lane."

But sources tell TMZ, Jennifer is claiming it wasn't her exes who brought her to tears ... it was a picture of the singer and her babies that was displayed on the jumbo-tron during her performance.

According to sources, the photo -- shot for a Gucci ad last fall -- has some serious sentimental value to J.Lo ... and when she saw the image during an already emotional performance ... it pushed her over the edge. more on this story



Get Kardashian In The Bathroom
(TMZ) The Kardashian family is expanding their massive empire ... and soon you won't be able to eat, sleep or use the bathroom without a Kardashian in your life.

TMZ has learned ... the K-gang has filed documents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to use the name "Kardashian Kollection Home" on an upcoming product line.

According to the documents, the Kardashians plan to use the trademark on everything from bath mats, to hand towels, pillow covers, sheets, golf towels, football towels, linens candlesticks and even beer mugs!!!

The K-squad also wants to use the name on flatware, kitchen knives, picture frames and window blinds too.

Sources close to the family tell TMZ ... there's no specific timetable on when they expect to begin selling the products ... but one person tells us, "The towels are SUPER soft."

Today's Day In Rock!

Metallica Making 3D Film
(Banana 101.5) The latest reports from Hollywood say metal giants Metallica are gearing up for an unspecified 3D film project.

Respected Hollywood news source Deadline.com is reporting that Metallica are self-financing a 3D film and have enlisted 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' producer Charlotte Huggins to help.

They are currently looking around for a director with the chops necessary to bring a Metallica-style feature to the big screen. more on this story



Axl Rose Halts Guns N' Roses Concert
(hennemusic) It's been a rough week for Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose in Mexico. On Tuesday, he slipped on stage in Mexico City at the first of four shows in the country, and Sunday night in Monterrey, Axl stopped the concert, entirely, about a minute after it began, when fans threw objects onto the stage.

In fan-shot video, it looks like a single drink hits center stage near Axl's feet and spills liquid on the floor, which caught the singer's attention just seconds into the show's opening number, "Chinese Democracy."

Rose shut the band down immediately, waving them off as the song came to a crashing halt. The singer then threatened that the group would pack up and leave. "Is that what you wanna do?" asked Axl. "'Cause we will go home," he threatened. The rest of the story and the video here



Bono Unsure About U2's Future
(Gibson) After recently completing the highest-grossing tour of all time and working on a deluxe reissue on 1991's Achtung Baby, it seems that U2 aren't sure where they are headed next. In an interview with Rolling Stone, frontman Bono talked about questioning the band's relevance.

"I'm not so sure the future hasn't dried up," said Bono, who revealed he's been taking heat from his bandmates for such talk. "The band are like, 'Will you shut up about being irrelevant?'"

Although the singer said he'd be content with ending U2 in 2011 ("We'd be very pleased to end on No Line on the Horizon"), he also doubted that the band would actually stop. Bono said that working on the deluxe Achtung project has helped light the band's way to a possible future. "Ironically, being forced to look back at this period reminds me of how we might re-emerge for the next phase," Bono said. "And that doesn't mean that you have to wear some mad welder's goggles or dress up in women's clothing. Reinvention is much deeper than that." more on this story



Pearl Jam Deliver Not For You Video
(hennemusic) Pearl Jam have released footage of "Not For You," a full-length, never-before-seen music video directed by Cameron Crowe, featuring live, archival performances and behind-the-scenes footage of the band.

However, fans should note that this clip is NOT a part of the new film; it's a bonus freebie offered up by Crowe and the band.

This comes on the day that the new Crowe-directed film, "Pearl Jam Twenty," hits stores in parts of the world; a North American release happens Tuesday. more on this story



11 Days of Metal Lead To National Metal Day
Get ready to bang your head next month as VH1 Classic have announced special programming featuring the biggest names in heavy metal leading up to their National Metal Day on 11-11-11. Here are the details:

"National Metal Day" will feature a slew of exclusive metal programming, including three major metal premieres: "Behind The Music Remastered: Megadeth" at 9PM ET/PT, the exclusive debut of Banger Films' groundbreaking documentary series, "Metal Evolution" at 10PM ET/PT and the ninth season premiere of a VH1 Classic original "That Metal Show" at 11PM ET/PT.

To warm up for the National Metal Day celebration, VH1 Classic has scheduled 11 days worth of legendary metal programming beginning Tuesday, November 1. Every night during the 11 days of metal, VH1 Classic will make an offering to the metal gods with a nightly concert at 11 PM ET/PT. Legends Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Motley Crue, KISS, Ozzy Osbourne and Iron Maiden will be featured. more on this story



Bret Michaels To Donate Hospital Music Room
(hennemusic) Bret Michaels is giving back to his community in a big and personal way. This Thursday, the Poison frontman will announce plans for the donation of the Bret Michael's Hospitality and Music Room inside St. Joseph's Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.

"I want to give something back to the hospital that helped save my life," said Michaels. "Phoenix is my home, and I'm proud to be a part of this community."

In April 2010, Michaels was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center suffering from a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life-threatening type of stroke that causes bleeding in the fluid-filled spaces around the base of the brain. St. Joseph's is the home of Barrow Neurological Institute and Michaels was treated by Barrow neurosurgeons. more on this story



Tony Iommi Explains Hurdles To Black Sabbath Reunion
(Gibson) Although millions of fans are anxious at the idea of Black Sabbath's original four members reuniting, guitarist Tony Iommi said it won't be terribly easy getting the boys back together.

"The band can decide to do something, but there are a lot of people involved, and everybody's got individual managers," Iommi told Rolling Stone. "It's not as easy as like it was in the old days – us all going in one room and it all works. I mean, we can certainly do that, but it's a bit more involved than that."

But, the riff master did say that all four members – Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – are on good terms. "I talk to Ozzy a lot – we've always been in contact. And I talk to Bill occasionally," he said. "Geez, I played with him until Ronnie [James Dio] passed away. We still stay in contact. Geezer is not one for being on the phone, we normally e-mail. We all get on well – I don't think there's any bad vibes or anything." more on this story



The Academy Is... Star Joins Say Anything
Former The Academy Is… bassist Adam T. Siska has officially joined Say Anything, replacing Alex Kent who parted ways with the band last year, with The Starting Line/Person L's Kenny Vasoli filling in temporarily on tours.

"Having parted much more than amicably with Alex last year (he's still a dear friend), we knew it would be very difficult to find someone who can fill his shoes on both a professional and personal level, but we are so lucky that Adam happened to be available at exactly the right time, and somehow we seem to have ended up with both," states Say Anything front man, Max Bemis.

"I couldn't be more excited to become a member of Say Anything. I have been a fan of the band since the release of the debut album, and got to know them well while on tour during the summer of 2008," adds Siska. "When I spoke to Max about joining, there was no doubt in my mind that this is a band that I believe in and want to put my heart into. I look forward to seeing all of you at shows very soon!" more on this story



Metallica's Orion Inspired Mastodon
(Gibson) The guys in Mastodon recently sat down with Premier Guitar's Chris Kies to talk about guitars, gear and their new album, The Hunter. Guitarist Bill Kelliher shared some insight on how he used an Explorer for the solo on "Black Tongue," the metal behemoths'current single.

"The second part of the solo was done in the studio before that European tour, and I really like it because it has that 'Orion' [from Metallica's Master of Puppets] feel and groove," he said. "I used this new Gibson Explorer with EMG X Series 81 and 85 humbuckers. It's a metal-shredding beast that doesn't sound phony – it's quickly become my go-to super-heavy guitar.

"I plug straight into the amp for the majority of my recordings, so when I need something gargantuan, I have that in my back pocket. I used to hate active pickups and thought they sounded brittle and stale, but I totally dig their tone with my Explorer – it's a clear, concise, unique distortion. I use that guitar a lot on 'All the Heavy Lifting' and some of the harmonies on 'Curl of the Burl.'" more on this story



Journey Receive Legend Honor
(hennemusic) Journey will receive the "Legend of Live" award at the 2011 Billboard Touring Awards, which are taking place November 10 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York.

The awards are part of the Billboard Touring Conference, happening on the 9th and 10th.

Billboard reports the award honors groups or individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to live music and the touring business, and acknowledges the recipients' commitment to the art of performing live and reaching fans through the concert experience. more on this story



Yes To Deliver New CD/DVD Next Month
(hennemusic) Yes have a new live album on the way. "In The Present—Live from Lyon" will be available on CD/DVD on November 29th in North America and December 2nd in Europe.

Recorded in Lyon, France, on December 1st 2009, "In The Present – Live from Lyon" is a collection of hidden gems and unforgettable classics, with new singer Benoit David breathing new life into each of the songs.

The package comes with a 55 minute DVD containing excerpts from the live performance, candid interviews and behind the scenes footage. The cover art features an original design by Roger Dean, author of most Yes album covers including classics "Fragile," "Close To The Edge" and "Drama." more on this story



Thirty Seconds To Mars Add 2nd Mars 300 Celebration Following Sell Out
Thirty Seconds To Mars have announced a second show to their Mars 300 celebration in NYC at Hammerstein Ballroom on Dec. 6th.

Earlier this month the band announced that they would celebrate their 300th and final show in support of their third studio album This Is War with a special Tribus Centum Numerarae concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Dec. 7th. That show sold out in minutes last week and due to popular demand the second show has been added.

Their 300th will also set a new Guinness World Record for the most shows played during a single album cycle. The two Hammerstein shows will be a part of a weeklong celebration in New York to commemorate this occasion.



Liam Gallagher Open To Oasis Reunion
(Gibson) Former Oasis vocalist Liam Gallagher has added to speculation the band could reform to mark a key milestone in a few years' time.

Oasis may only have been broken up for two years, but now both Gallagher brothers – Noel and Liam – have spoken publicly about the possibility of a reunion to mark the 20th anniversary of 1995's (What's The Story) Morning Glory? album.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, singer Liam Gallagher said, "In 2015, if we can put our [expletive] aside, we can tour and play the album in its entirety for the 20th anniversary. I'd be up for that, if it's on our terms. There's got to be two-way respect." more on this story



Guns N' Roses Heading North
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses will be crossing one international border on their upcoming North American tour.

GNR have announced the first Canadian date on the road trip: a Monday, November 28 show at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario (an hour west of Toronto).

The tour is expected to hit 30 cities between its October 28 launch in Orlando and New Year's Eve. And a word of caution



Nazareth Star Billy Rankin's School of Rock Coming
Former Nazareth guitarist Billy Rankin spent the last five years entertaining Rock Radio listeners with his School of Rock feature every weekday morning on the cult station.

Over 4000 hours of live broadcasting he shared tales of wine, women and song starring big names like Ozzy Osbourne, Guns N' Roses, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Metallica, Status Quo, Ted Nugent, the Who, REM, the Beatles and many others.

With the end of Rock Radio on Friday came the end of Billy's broadcasting stint. But he's decided to leave his listeners with a written memento of his audio lessons, in the shape of his book, Billy Rankin's School of Rock, stuffed with hundreds of his favourite anecdotes. The foreword is written by award-winning Scottish rock broadcasting legend Tom Russell. more on this story



Chris Cornell Songbook Details
(hennemusic) Chris Cornell has unveiled the cover of his forthcoming "Songbook" album, due out November 21.

The project is a collection of songs recorded during his first-ever acoustic tour, which he did this past Spring. Things went so well, Cornell is doing another "Songbook" trip this fall; things kick off November 1 in Memphis.

As for the album itself, it features Cornell doing his own songs, as well as a few covers – including Led Zeppelin's "Thank You" and John Lennon's "Imagine." More details including the cover art and tracklisting



Get A Phone Call From Steve Perry and Help Fight Breast Cancer
(superLOUD) An eBay auction's listing currently reads: "Your phone rings. You answer and hear, 'Hi, this is Steve Perry.' Imagine hearing THE VOICE, the one & only Steve Perry! What would you say?"

You would expect that a 15-minute phone call and a couple of autographs from Steve Perry (the legendary former frontman of Journey) would fetch a decent amount. And it is, it's currently at $10k.

Perry isn't pocketing even a penny of the winning bid -- He's donating the proceeds to breast cancer research. more on this story



The Stone Roses Singer Ian Brown Faces The Music
(hennemusic) A week after The Stone Roses confirmed their reunion, singer Ian Brown was in a Chester, UK court Monday settling up on an old speeding ticket.

The Belfast Telegraph reports Brown escaped a driving ban after he was clocked speeding at 105mph this past April.

Ian, 48, appeared before Chester magistrates who fined him £650 and gave his driving license six penalty points, after the singer pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to speeding in his Lexus car on the M6. He was also ordered to pay £300 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge. more on this story



Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Come Out On Top
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds debut at No. 1 on the UK charts after selling a 122,000 in its first week of release.

Gallagher's debut solo album, which was released in Europe on October 18th, ranks among the highest selling debuts of 2011.

On November 8th, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds will be released in the U.S. on Sour Mash/Mercury Records followed by their network television debut on The Late Show with David Letterman on November 10th. more on this story



Neurosonic and Bif Naked Stars Form CrashScene
(RM) CrashScene, featuring members of Neurosonic and Bif Naked, has signed with Epochal Artists Records/EMI for the release of the group's debut album "I Fall Apart" on March 13th, 2012.

CrashScene will be touring throughout the year leading up to the release of the group's debut album on March 13, 2012. Tour dates will be announced shortly.

"After the sudden demise of Neurosonic and the constant touring for three years, Troy, Shane and myself took some time off and joined some other projects. I joined Bif Naked, while Shane joined punk legends SNFU, and Troy collaborating with FosRock," remembers CrashScene's Jacen Ekstrom. "After a year apart, we decided to get back together and start writing some songs. The magic was still there, so we called on former Neurosonic singer/producer Jason Darr to produce the album and everything just clicked on all levels." more on this story



A First For The B-52s
(Gibson) The B-52s have released their first-ever live album, which captures the band almost 34 years to the day since their very first gig in their hometown of Athens, Georgia.

With the Wild Crowd was recorded in February 2011, just a few days after the anniversary of their debut show on Valentine's Day, 1977.

The album contains classics such as "Love Shack," "Rock Lobster," "Roam," "Whammy Kiss" and "Private Idaho," as well as recent material from 2008's Funplex such as "Pump," "Hot Corner," "Ultraviolet" and the title track. Guitarist and musical director Keith Strickland's axe is right up front in the mix, linking the band's newer material back to the group's early days when Strickland was their drummer and the late Ricky Wilson wove his angular guitar magic. more on this story



Negura Bunget To Launch First North America Tour
(PP) Romanian black metal band Negura Bunget will be touring North America for the first time next year.

Dubbed the "Transilvanian Legacy Tour 2012," the tour will begin on April 21st in Montreal and culminate in an appearance at Maryland Deathfest on May 25. Between there, NEGURA BUNGET will play from coast to coast, and will also perform a handful of dates in Canada.

Accompanying Negura Bunget on the tour will be Eclipse Eternal, Wolven Ancestry, and The Way of Purity. more on this story



Boots Electric Release Complexity Video Ahead of Tour Kick Off
Boots Electric (a.k.a. Eagles of Death Metal front man Jesse Hughes) is getting ready to kick off a US tour in support of his new album Honkey Kong this weekend.

Before he departs, Jesse has bestowed a new Boots Electric video for the album's opening track, "Complexity." Check it out here.

The video finds Jesse squarely in his triumphant and tongue-in-cheek sleeze-rock mode, complete with scantily clad ladies, strip-club lighting, and the mustachioed madman's larger-than-life persona. He elaborates, "It was our attempt at remembering the future and that its easier to look at anything when half naked chicks are involved." more on this story



Black Skies Hitting The Road
Black Skies will hit the road for a 16 date tour next month. The short stint, which includes two stops in Canada, will officially begin on November 14 in Asheville.

The band will be touring in support of their self-released On The Wings Of Time full-length, which is currently available at their shows on digital download cards included with the purchase of a limited edition, silk-screened poster.

A CD version with alternate cover art will also be available at shows during the tour. The album will be available in downloadable format through various online outlets beginning November 8. more on this story



The Dillinger Escape Plan Kick Off Tour Tonight
(Sub) On November 1st, The Dillinger Escape Plan will join Mastodon and Red Fang for the band's final tour of 2011!

But starting today in Little Rock, you can check out Dillinger on some special headlining show taking them over to the west coast.

For those of you in Australia who have been waiting for the band to return...you can now mark your calendars for Feb 25 - Mar 5 of next year where the band will be part of the Soundwave Festival! more on this story



Singled Out: Halcyon Way's IndoctriNation
Today Jon Bodan from Halcyon Way tells us about the title track from their brand new album which hit stores today, "IndoctriNation," the sequel to "Building the Tower." Here is the story:

This is the title track from our new CD, and lyrically it deals with the subject of radical Islamic Jihad. I'm certain that the lyrics are going to piss a few people off!

This song started its life a few years back and it was called "Citizen Zero" at that point. Our previous vocalist had written it about illegal immigration and we'd been playing it live for quite some time, even before our first album "A Manifesto For Domination" came out, and it was a crowd favorite. However, he left the band and demanded that we not use any of his lyrics or material. So, since we had already tracked the music for the record at that point we had to re-imagine the song from the ground up lyrically. That was pretty tough in this case because we were used to it as it was originally written.

So what happened was when Steve joined the band, I went up to Nashville to his house from Atlanta and we started reworking the material. I had come up with some new lyrics but had no idea how to really put it all together, except for the "Aaah" parts after the choruses, because I woke up one day and that part just hit me, it was going through my head when I got up. So we demoed the song out and I really didn't know what to think – Steve has a totally different vibe from our old singer, and like I say – we were used to it a different way. It took a minute for me to really latch onto it, and I think the other guys had the same thing going on too. But in time the way the song ended up is one of my favorite things that Halcyon Way has ever done, and that part after the chorus makes me rage every time I hear it!

Musically the song has got some vicious thrash riffs, a great breakdown, and an insanely catchy chorus. Kris also did a killer job on some death vocals on it that are really catchy and they play off of what Steve did really nicely too. Definitely one of my favorite HW tracks!

McKagan accused of lying over Cobain death connection

Audience member hijacks interview and heckles ex-GnR bassist Duff about final meeting with the Nirvana star before he killed himself


Duff McKagan personally escorted a heckler out of a question-and-answer session after the audience member accused him of lying over his final meeting with Kurt Cobain.

The former Guns n’Roses bassist is believed to be one of the last people who saw the Nirvana frontman alive before he took his own life.

The pair were on a flight from Los Angeles to Seattle a few days before Cobain’s suicide – but McKagan says they were both in their own personal hell and failed to meaningfully communicate.

They came close to talking at the airport’s baggage reclaim area, but the moment passed, McKagan reported.

On Friday a middle-aged man was unsatisfied with the bassist’s answer to his question about Cobain during a book-signing appearance, and refused to sit down when asked.

Instead he approached the stage carrying a video camera and demanded to know: “Was he depressed on the airline flight? Was he despondent? Was he in despair?

“You never seem to be telling the truth.”

As other audience members called on him to “get out” and said, “It’s somebody else’s turn,” the man was surrounded by event personnel. He began to protest about “intellectual freedom” to be told: “You’re not an intellectual” by someone in the crowd.

Eventually he became aggressive and shouted: “Get your hands off of me before I knock your ass down, motherfucker.”

At that point McKagan shouted: “Get the fuck out of here, motherfucker,” and came off the stage to personally eject the man. He then returned to appreciative applause.

Last year the bassist revealed how he’d never properly dealt with his emotions over the last meeting with Cobain.

He wrote in his Seattle Weekly column: “We were both fucked-up. We talked, but not in depth. I was in my hell, and he in his, and this we both seemed to understand.

“When we arrived in Seattle and went to baggage claim, the thought crossed my mind to invite him over to my house then and there. I had a real sense that he was lonely and alone that night. I felt the same way. There was a mad rush of people there in public. I was in a big rock band, and he was in a big rock band. We were standing next to each other. Lots of people stopped to gawk. I lost my train of thought for a minute, and Kurt said good-bye and left to his waiting town car. His new house was right down the street from my new house.

“I received a call from my manager two days later that Kurt had died.”

Poison sued by former D'Molls drummer Billy Dior.

The Glam Slam Kings of Noise are being sued by former D'Molls drummer.



According to The Hollywood Reporter, POISON is being sued by Billy McCarthy and James Stonich, who were members of a Chicago band known as KID ROCKER, for allegedly stealing four of KID ROCKER's songs. The plaintiffs claim that guitarist C.C. DeVille auditioned for KID ROCKER in 1984 prior to joining POISON and was allegedly shown completed and formatted songs and was lent master-recorded studio tapes.

KID ROCKER disbanded that year, but McCarthy purportedly presented songs — including "Hit And Run" and "Wham Bam Slammin' Romance" — for DeVille's use as a member of another group, SCREAMIN' MIMIS. DeVille later joined POISON and proceeded, along with his bandmates, to incorporate KID ROCKER's songs in POISON's own work, including the tracks "Talk Dirty To Me", "I Won't Forget You", "Fallen Angel" and "Ride The Wind".

POISON's debut album, "Look What The Cat Dragged In" — which contains the above-mentioned songs — sold approximately 4 million copies.

In the lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in Illinois federal court, the plaintiffs are demanding disgorgement of all profits from the songs in question, statutory damages for willful infringement, and an injunction that prevents POISON and singer Bret Michaels from performing this allegedly stolen material.

Acclaimed '80s Swedish glam-rock band EASY ACTION, which featured in its ranks future EUROPE guitarist Kee Marcello, reportedly took POISON to court for allegedly "stealing" the chorus to the EASY ACTION song "We Go Rocking" for the POISON U.S. smash-hit "I Want Action" and was said to have been awarded a financial settlement in the case.

Billy McCarthy was also known as Billy Dior in D'Molls. We did 20 Questions with him back in 2004 and ironically he talks about these songs, his former band and some other details. Hmmm.

Read more from The Hollywood Reporter.

Today's Day In Pop!

X Factor's Simon Cowell Vs L.A. Reid
(TMZ) There is a war brewing behind the scenes at "X Factor" ... with two judges vowing to destroy each other ... and TMZ has learned it's the contestants who could feel the repercussions.

Sources connected to the show tell us ... ever since judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid were assigned to mentor competing groups of contestants on the show (Reid with the boys, Cowell the girls) ... the two have been ruthless with each other ... even after the cameras turned off.

Our spies overheard Reid telling people he plans to play "mind games" and "dirty tricks" with the members of Cowell's team ... explaining, "Even if I have to give really bad advice to the other contestants when their mentors are not around ... I will!"

We're told Cowell seemed to be wise to the scheme ... and even called Reid out on it after a rehearsal ... but sources say L.A. is adamant he's do "whatever it takes" to win and doesn't plan on letting up anytime soon.

Dirty. more on this story



Insane Clown Posse Tour Drug Bust A Set Up?
(TMZ) The guys touring with Insane Clown Posse -- who were arrested Saturday night for marijuana possession -- not only maintain they are innocent ... they claim they were set up!

As TMZ first reported, Jamie Spaniolo and Paul Methric (better known as the rap duo Twiztid) and Chris Rouleau (who raps under the name Blaze) were all busted for felony marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.

Methric tells TMZ the group was "set up and snitched on by a guy with a vendetta against them." He says the group is "not guilty" and their "lawyer will be fighting this in court to the full extent."

As for who could have set them up ... Methric did not want to elaborate, for legal reasons. more on this story



Rihanna Stirs Hopeless Controversy
(popmusiclife) Rihanna is still causing a stir in Ireland. After receiving major attention for filming her latest video, "We Found Love," in Belfast, the pop star may now get even more, following comments by Northern Ireland's Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland.

The BBC reports the politician has lashed out at Rihanna for suggesting that north Belfast is "a hopeless place."

The new video was filmed in parts of Northern Ireland, including a field in Bangor in County Down, and the New Lodge Road area of Belfast. Writing on his blog, McCausland notes, "apparently much of it involves her singing 'I found love in a hopeless place'. This is set against a background of drugs, alcohol and gambling, interspersed with shots of the New Lodge flats and views of the general area. 'A hopeless place?' Fortunately most people who see the video will have no idea where it was filmed." more on this story



Lady Gaga DVD, Blu Ray and Remix Album Coming
(popmusiclife) Lady Gaga has some pre-Christmas presents in store for fans this year. On November 21, Gaga releases "Born This Way - The Remix," an album featuring 14 versions of various tracks for her smash album of the same name.

The project includes contributions from Foster the People, The Weeknd, and Michael Woods, among others.

There's also a live DVD of her critically acclaimed, Emmy Award winning HBO special, "Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour At Madison Square Garden," available on both DVD and Blu-ray. more on this story



Free Avril Lavigne Ticket Confusion For Military Families
(popmusiclife) There's some confusion over what happened with a free ticket offer for Canadian military families to see Avril Lavigne in concert on Saturday.

The London Free Press reports Canadian military families throughout Southern Ontario were told about 10 days ago that a block of tickets to the October 22 show at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario would be available to them; they were asked to let organizers know how many tickets interested families would need.

But Friday, the day before the concert, the families received an e-mail saying the offer was cancelled. But that's not the case, said John Labatt Centre manager Brian Ohl. more on this story



Toby Keith Club Jams To Be Released This Week
(UMG) Toby Keith stunned fans and music critics alike with his unannounced, intimate New York club jam in 2010. He delighted his fans by including four songs recorded live that night on the Deluxe Edition of his Bullets In The Gun album last October. Now, Toby's doing it again.

The Oct. 24 Deluxe Edition release of his new studio album Clancy's Tavern will include four more classic covers recorded live at that "Incognito Bandito" show. They are: Waylon Jennings' "High Time (You Quit Your Low Down Ways), Buck Owens' "Truck Drivin' Man," Three Dog Night's "Shambala" and Chuck Berry's "Memphis."

Recorded at The Fillmore in New York City, the tracks were produced by Toby Keith, Mills Logan & Kenny Greenberg. Keith's backing band for the show included Greenberg, Chad Cromwell, Kevin "Swine" Grantt, Rob McNelley, Jim Hoke and Mica Roberts. Keith produced the album's 11 new studio tracks. more on this story



Justin Bieber Gives Back
(popmusiclife) It's only October, but Justin Bieber is already way ahead of the game when it comes to holiday spirit.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Justin recently handed over a check for $10,000 to the Stratford House of Blessing, a local food bank in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario - enough to fill its shelves through Christmas day.

It's the same food bank where Bieber and his mother Pattie Mallette used to get their food when they couldn't afford to buy a proper holiday meal. more on this story



Ricki Lake Malibu Fire Fight Derailed By Dancing With the Stars?
(TMZ) Safe to say the guy suing Ricki Lake for allegedly burning down his Malibu mansion is NOT a fan of "Dancing With the Stars" ... because he claims the show has derailed his lawsuit!

According to docs filed last month, the owner, Hovsep Kousouyan, has been trying to get Lake to sit for a deposition for months ... but she claims she can't because of her commitment to "DWTS."

Kousouyan's lawyers claim they've offered up at least eight different dates -- including nights and weekends -- but Lake's attorneys have repeatedly said she's unavailable until December.

Sources close to Lake tell TMZ she has no problem sitting down for the depo ... she's just been working seven days a week on "DWTS." We're told he lawyers are working on setting a date.

Kousouyan says he's out $20,000 a month on lost rent, so Lake could be on the hook for a HUGE chunk of change.

Lake was renting the house in September 2010, when she tried re-filling a portable heater with oil and accidentally spilled it on the hot coils, which then ignited the sofa on fire which in turn caused a mega-blaze. more on this story



Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez Do Winnipeg
(popmusiclife) Justin Bieber and girlfriend Selena Gomez had a pretty full weekend in Winnipeg, taking in the sights, catching a movie and having a romantic dinner, all surrounding Gomez's concert tour appearance in the city Friday night.

The Winnipeg Free Press reports the duo were spotted all over town – from an NHL Winnipeg Jets home game to a Tim Hortons, and even a romantic candlelit dinner.

The teen stars were spotted at the Jets game and tied up their skates to hit the MTS Centre ice surface afterwards (see photo above from Winnipeg Free Press), where Texas-born Gomez didn't look quite as comfortable on skates as her Canuck squeeze. more on this story



Lindsay Lohan Dropping Manager?
(TMZ) Lindsay Lohan is cleaning out more than just trash bins at the morgue -- TMZ has learned she's kicking her business manager to the curb.

Sources close to LiLo tell TMZ she decided to split with her business manager, Lou Taylor. We're told Lindsay felt Taylor (who also manages Britney Spears) didn't have the time to manage her and Lohan wanted someone who could put more effort into her.

According to our sources, Lindsay felt her finances (which were Taylor's responsibility) were beginning to slip through the cracks and word was getting back to her that her balances were not being handled in a timely manner ... in part because Taylor is based in Tennessee.

Lohan's rep, Steve Honig, tells TMZ the split was amicable and Lohan and Taylor remain friends.

Calls to Taylor were not returned. more on this story



Selena Gomez Meet Selena Gomez
(popmusiclife) The 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards happen in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Sunday, November 6.

Selena Gomez is gearing up for her hosting duties at this year's event; she's recorded a promo for the show, where she is actually joined by – herself.

The two Selena's congratulate themselves for being the "hostess with the mostest," while rapping about her climb to the top of the charts. See the video here



Hannah Montana Star Facing Jail Time
(TMZ) Mitchel Musso -- who starred alongside Miley Cyrus on "Hannah Montana" -- has been charged with 2 counts of drunk driving stemming from his arrest in Burbank, CA earlier this week ... and he could wind up behind bars.

Law enforcement sources tells TMZ ... the Burbank City Attorney has charged Musso with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher -- both misdemeanors.

If convicted on both counts, 20-year-old Musso faces a maximum of 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

TMZ broke the story ... Musso was pulled over at 3:43 AM Sunday ... after he allegedly failed to slow down for cops who were directing traffic for an unrelated accident. Cops suspected he was hammered and placed him under arrest.

The actor is due back in court on Nov. 11. more on this story



Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries Break Up Reports Denied
(TMZ) Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries are NOT on the verge of a split ... not even close ... despite several screaming magazine covers and websites SWEARING they're headed for divorce.

In fact, TMZ has learned the newest story making the rounds -- about Kris supposedly getting booted out of their NYC pad -- is just another steaming pile of BS.

Multiple sources who are extremely close to the couple tell us they were simply getting some boxes together for the newlyweds' big move back to L.A. ... together.

The couple had been living out of NYC's swagtastic Gansevoort Hotel for a couple months while Kim shot her new reality show "Kim and Kourtney Take New York" -- and yesterday, it was finally time to move out.

As for Kris' lack of wedding ring -- we're told the guy just isn't a fan of jewelry. more on this story



Snooki Gets Apology For Bogus Drug Bust Story
(TMZ) Snooki's legal team just smoosh smoosh'd all over the website that published a false story about her -- claiming she was arrested in a marijuana mega-bust last week-- because the site has issued an embarrassing apology for the mix-up.

TMZ obtained a copy of the mea culpa -- sent to Snooki's reps earlier today -- in which the website admits, "It has come to our attention that the story we released regarding your alleged arrest yesterday was false."

The site continues, "Our actions were wrongful and reckless ... What we did was wrong. We are sorry we did it. We are sorry for the attention it brought you."

And the coup de grace -- "We would also like to inform you that upon your request we will no longer use nor refer to you, your name, your likeness, nor your image."

Boom. Snooki wins by knockout.

Today's Day In Rock!

Guitarist Killed By Bandmate
(Rock News Desk) Aleister Wild guitarist Terry Span has died twelve days after being put in a coma with one punch from his band's bassist. He was 48.

Bassist Michael Sorden, who was on parole for a violent episode involving shooting at a truck driver, floored Span and put him in a coma during an argument about loading out their equipment after a pub gig in Colorado.

The band's singer Ernest Munoz told last week how Sorden had first attacked him outside the venue. As he lay on the ground Span stepped in to stop the fight. But Sorden hit him too. Munoz said: "Blood spattered on my arms and I knew there was something really serious about this." more on this story



Anthrax Singer Tackled On Stage
(Rock News Desk) Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian is furious after singer Joey Belladonna was forced to the ground by a security guard during their show in LA on Saturday.

The band were 90 minutes into their show when Belladonna went to put his arm round a fan who'd managed to make his way onto the stage. A bouncer climbed onto the stage and threw himself at the fan, taking the singer down with them. Belladonna remained at the bottom of the scrum as more guards joined in.

Bassist Frank Bello was the first member of the band to stop playing as the violent episode continued. He screamed abuse at the overzealous guard as the rest of Anthrax ground to a halt. more including video



Poison's Hits Were Stolen?
(hennemusic) Poison have been hit with a lawsuit that claims four of the band's songs were stolen from another group.

The Hollywood Reporter says the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Illinois federal court, is over some of the band's old hits, including "Talk Dirty To Me," "I Won't Forget You," "Fallen Angel" and "Ride the Wind."

The plaintiffs in this new case are Billy McCarthy and James Stonich, who were members of a Chicago band known as Kid Rocker, a group formerly signed to Atlantic Records and is said to have been a favorite on the Hollywood club scene in the early-1980s. During those years, they created a number of songs, including "Hit and Run" and "Wham Bam Slammin' Romance," which are said to have later been incorporated by Poison in their own work. more on this story



Paul Rodgers Open To Queen Reunion
(Gibson) After hearing that Queen drummer Roger Taylor had suggested a reunion for the 2012 Olympics in London, singer Paul Rodgers said, "I would be open to something like that."

"I must say, [Queen + Paul Rodgers] did great. I think we did fantastically well," Rodgers told Billboard (viaUltimate Classic Rock). "We were up against potential disaster, really, and I think we really pulled it off. Toured the world a couple of times. Made a brand new studio album (2008's The Cosmos Rocks). I just didn't want to do it forever…but for something like (the Olympics), that would be ideal."

In the meantime, Rodgers is working on a book that would cover his 43-year career in music, working in bands such as Free, Bad Company and The Firm. more on this story



Dee Snider, Clay Aiken, Debbie Gibson, Penn and Mr. Sulu for Celebrity Apprentice
(Gibson) Veteran rock singer Dee Snider, of Twisted Sister, will be one in a throng of luminaries competing to be Donald Trump's next Celebrity Apprentice. Snider was spotted in New York filming a challenge for the new season, which won't air for a few months, according to Reuters.

Snider's not the only music star to be involved in this edition of the reality show, in which the winner receives money to donate to their charity of choice.

Other contestants include American Idol favorite Clay Aiken, singer Debbie Gibson and singer Aubrey O'Day. Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk), Tia Carrere (Wayne's World) George Takei (Star Trek), Penn Jillette (Penn and Teller), Adam Carolla and Arsenio Hall are among the non-musical celebrities involved. more on this story



Black Sabbath Reunion Complicated
(Rock News Desk) Black Sabbath have rehearsed together with a view to reuniting, guitarist Tony Iommi has confirmed. But while they'd love to get back to work, he says it's not as simple as that – and they're all concerned with the project backfiring.

Iommi was angered when news of the reunion surfaced in August following a conversion he had with a journalist two months previously. He didn't deny he, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward had got together, but said he'd been "merely speculating."

Now he tells Planet Rock: "There's no definite decision on anything at the moment, but at least it's going. We're talking." He has more to say here



Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary Regroup Possible
(Gibson) Keith Richards has tossed out some hope to fans wanting to see The Rolling Stones reconvene next year for a 50th anniversary tour. In a just-published interview with GQ, Richards said down-time from the Stones is a bit like "being in purgatory." "Next year is sort of up for grabs," he said. "It's almost an overwhelming power – it'll be 50 years. So there's that sort of pressure. If I can pull them together, I'm there."

Richards also brushed aside less-than-flattering revelations he made about Mick Jagger in his book, Life. "Life's life," he said. "I really don't want to go into it anymore, because what is in the book is in the book, and the fact is that Mick and I still talk and are still working together. So maybe that was another balance that needed to be sorted out. Mick and me, two guys divided by love."

Richards is currently rehearsing new material with his other band, the X-Pensive Winos. "I hardly played [guitar] at all for two years," he revealed. "I'm sort of basically recovering from the book, and this is my therapy at the moment. In the process of doing it, my chops are coming back." more on this story



Danko Jones Slams Metallica and Lou Reed's Lulu
(hennemusic) Now that the forthcoming Lou Reed and Metallica album, "Lulu," is available for streaming, fans and fellow rockers alike have the opportunity to sample the project and decide whether or not they want to weigh in on one of the strangest collaborations in recent years.

Toronto rocker Danko Jones is stepping into it and letting fans know where he stands on "Lulu," with a series of tweets over the weekend

"The Metallica/Lou Reed album is the 'Ishtar' of Rock 'N' Roll." Jones tweets. "The Metallica/Lou Reed album is the 'Waterworld' of Rock N' Roll." As if that didn't make his point, he then tweeted: "The Metallica/Lou Reed album is the 'Battlefield Earth' of Rock N' Roll." What did he say next?



Drug Bust Derails Dance Gavin Dance
(Rock News Desk) Dance Gavin Dance have been forced onto hiatus after drug addict singer Jonny Craig was jailed for new offences relating to his substance abuse.

The band stuck behind him after he scammed over $8000 from a number of his fans by pretending to sell them a laptop. He later admitted he'd sold the same non-existent machine to a number of people and spent the money on drugs.

He was arrested last week in California on two counts of illegal drug use, two counts of possession and one count of failing to appear in court. Bail was set at $15,000. In the light of the development Dance Gavin Dance say: "We regret to inform everyone that due to circumstances beyond our control, we have been forced to cancel our upcoming tour. more on this story



Aerosmith Kick Off Tour
(hennemusic) Aerosmith are back on the road, kicking off their South American tour Saturday night in Lima, Peru.

El Comercio.pe says more than 30,000 fans went wild at the concert, the first of 8 stops in the region.

The 16-song set was noticeably short of Aerosmith staples, including "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing," "Dream On" and "Love In An Elevator" all not being performed at the show. Check out video from the show here



Stone Roses Reunion Selling Out
(hennemusic) It would be an understatement to suggest The Stones Roses are hot again – they're on fire.

The BBC reports the band have sold out three nights at Manchester's Heaton Park after announcing their reunion, earlier this week.

On Friday, the first two shows sold out in just 14 minutes, with a third date added shortly afterwards. more on this story



Ace Frehley Plans Book Tour
(hennemusic) It's 2011 and rockers still head out on tour – now, they're book-signing events, not full-on rock shows.

Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi are currently on the circuit, and now former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley joins the crowded schedule at book stores across the nation.

Frehley's autobiography, "No Regrets: A Rock N' Roll Memoir," gets published on November 1. Co-written by New York Times journalist Joe Layden, the book is being billed as "a funny, truthful, candid memoir about a hard-drinking, drug-addicted, music-loving guitar player who lived life as a rock star and survived to tell the tale." more on this story



Chickenfoot To Rock Kimmel
(hennemusic) Chickenfoot plays a week of live shows on The Road Test Tour, as they break-in drummer Kenny Aronoff, who's filling in for Chad Smith, now on the road with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Chickenfoot will play shows in San Francisco (Nov 1), Los Angeles, (Nov 2), St. Louis, (Nov 4), Chicago (Nov 5) and New York (Nov 8).

Squeezed into the plans is a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!; Chickenfoot will be on the show the night of Thursday, November 3. more on this story



Slipknot Scored Best Debut in 25 Years
(hennemusic) Readers of UK rock magazine Metal Hammer have overwhelmingly named Slipknot's 1999 self-titled disc the Best Metal Debut in the past 25 years.

Over 16,000 fans participated in the special 25th Anniversary Poll, with Slipknot taking about a third of all votes – ahead of debuts from the likes of Guns N' Roses, Korn, Machine Head and Pantera.

Slipknot recently played the Rock In Rio festival, on a bill headlined by Metallica. more on this story



Santana Headed Back To School Today
(Gibson) Today (October 24), Carlos Santana will return to his high school alma mater, San Francisco's Mission High, to deliver a special presentation.

Following a talk with students gathered in the school assembly, Santana and members of his band (including his drummer-wife, Cindy) will take the stage at the school theater, which contains 1,750 folding wooden seats. Members of Mission High's Guitar Club will perform alongside Santana, and 15 Guitar Club members will be presented with guitars, courtesy of the non-profit organization, Little Kids Rock.

Currently operating in 24 cities, Little Kids Rock has donated more than 35,000 free instruments, resources and lessons to school children in under-served public schools throughout the country. The organization is part of the Milagro Foundation, a publicly supported foundation that Santana established in 1998. Santana attended Mission High as a student 45 years ago. more on this story



Scott Weiland Christmas Album Coming Tomorrow
(superLOUD) It's a little early to be talking about Christmas, isn't it? Wait, Scott Weiland??? The Stone Temple Pilots / Velvet Revolver frontman?

Yes, it's true. Coming tomorrow is a X-Mas album of Scott Weiland crooning his way through 10 classics, such as "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Silent Night," "Sex Type Thing," and "Winter Wonderland." Okay, I'm kidding about one of those songs, but not about the album.

Scott Weiland's Christmas album, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, will be available starting October 24th on Rhino Records. more on this story



Legendary Dylan, Joplin and George Harrison Photographer Dies
(Gibson) Photographer Barry Feinstein, the man responsible for such iconic album cover-shots as Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin', Janis Joplin's Pearl and George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, died on October 20 in upstate New York, of natural causes. He was 80.

Feinstein's photos of Dylan during Dylan's 1966 electric tour remain some of the best-known images of the legendary singer-songwriter. Following his work with Dylan, Feinstein went on to shoot numerous album covers, including the infamous "dirty toilet" image used on The Rolling Stones' 1968 masterpiece, Beggars Banquet.

Feinstein's agent, Dave Brolan, said Feinstein was known for his integrity and modesty. "Barry would never tell you about anyone," Brolan said. "He'd never tell you a Dylan story or anything personal. He would never talk about himself. It was a hard push to get him to say anything about his work. He'd just say, 'Look at the pictures, good luck.'" more on this story



Spare Rolling Stones Song Set For Release
(Gibson) The forthcoming reissue of The Rolling Stones' classic 1978 album, Some Girls, will include a recently unearthed track that will also be released as a single.

As reported by Reuters, producer Don Was discovered the recording, which was made by the Stones while they were working on Some Girls in Paris. The song, titled "No Spare Parts," features Mick Jagger on electric piano, Keith Richards on acoustic piano, Ron Wood on pedal steel guitar, Charlie Watts on drums and Bill Wyman on bass, according to Universal Republic Records. The label went on to say the recording was produced by engineer Chris Kimsey in early 1978, and that it features a "country guitar twang, subtle groove and soulful storytelling."

Upon its original release, Some Girls re-established the Stones as a force to be reckoned with, following a period of relatively lackluster albums. The reissue, which will come in a variety of deluxe formats, is set for release on November 21. more on this story



James Durbin Album Details and Double Single Release
We were sent the following info and track list for American Idol finalist James Durbin's debut album Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster which will be released on November 21st:

He is giving fans a taste of what's to come as he reveals the track list and first two singles from the debut. The lead single "Stand Up" will go to rock radio and "Love Me Bad" will go to Top 40.

Unforgettable performances on the Idol stage with legends such as Judas Priest and Zakk Wylde led Durbin's own "Idols" to support the rocker's first ever release. more on this story



New Video Game Uses Real Guitars
(superLOUD) For fans of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series, there's a new rhythm game in stores with a major difference. Instead of performing button presses on a piece of plastic, Rocksmith allows users to plug in actual guitars.

This means that if you get good at the game, you'll be learning how to play guitar in real life. For actual musicians, there should be little learning curve.

They can simply plug their existing guitar in to their PS3 or XBox 360 and start rocking out. more on this story



Noel Gallagher Wants Supergroup With Johnny Marr and Paul Weller
(Gibson) Noel Gallagher says he likes the idea of his own supergroup. Commenting about Mick Jagger's recent all-star project with SuperHeavy (Joss Stone, Eurythmics' Dave Stewart, Bob Marley's son Damian and composer A.R. Rahman).

The Oasis star told TheQuietus.com, "I'd love to do a supergroup as long as it wasn't like SuperHeavy. (Expletive) ridiculous. You know, me, Johnny Marr, Mani, and Paul Weller. That would be great."

Gallagher also talked about his issues with brother Liam: ""I'll tell you what really annoys me – when I read about 'the warring brothers'. I'm not at war with anyone. I'm just trying to get on with my f**king thing." more on this story



Singled Out: Vangough's Drained
Today Clay Withrow from Vangough tells us about "Drained" from their brand new album "Kingdom of Ruin," which hits stores tomorrow. Here is the story:

"Drained" was a very personal song that I wrote during a challenging transition in my life. Everyone has their muse or place of inspiration and for me it's no different. For me it happens once that warm water hits my neck, the steam comes surging through my lungs and my voices echoes like a demonic angel. That's right, the shower is my almighty inspiration and that's precisely where "Drained" was birthed. I might have been singing something completely different at the time, as is usually the case, but it evolved into something quite unique.

Unfortunately I didn't have my waterproof pencil and paper handy so I just sang the melody over and over until it was committed to memory (I find this to be a distinctly first world problem to have an idea hit the moment I step into the shower). As soon as I got out of the shower I went to work fleshing out the melody with a suitable harmony, mostly in Sibelius or Guitar Pro, can't remember which. After air drumming to the empty scaffolding of a song that was a mere melody with harmony I finally had the architectural blueprint for "Drained" (I pride myself on my air drumming ability).

The production was a long and exhausting process of trial and error as well. I had three different melody ideas for the opening verse that I just couldn't really decide on. I ended up going back and forth a number of times before resting on the final version that you hear on the album. I also remember Lopez, our drummer, adding a very cool rhythm to the opening phrase, which really sparked a lot of energy. Past those little nuggets of gossip there isn't much else to say on "Drained" other than it is fun as hell to play. It's kind of a grungy, sludgy and viscous kind of thing. It's about as close as we'll get to a Pantera-inspired metal groove without betraying our style I'd say. On top of that we put together a really creepy video about rabbits getting bloody revenge on some helpless victim. I like to think of it as our Clockwork Orange meets Donnie Darko meets Watership Down homage.

Celebity Apprentice 5' Cast named! Includes Dee Snider

Thursday, 20 October 2011

Celebity Apprentice 5' Cast named! Includes Dee Snider



LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - The full cast of NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice 5" outed themselves in New York Tuesday, as the new assemblage of competitors hit the mean streets to test their sandwich-making skills in what appeared to be a one of the show's competitions, Reality Blurred reported.

From the looks of things, this season's cast should prove quite dynamic, featuring a healthy collection of reality-TV stars, eye candy and -- quite possibly, if we all cross our fingers -- a showdown between small-screen Italian divas Victoria Gotti and Teresa Guidice.

According to the site, the new cast will also consist of former "American Idol" favorite Clay Aiken, race-car driver Marco Andretti, radio and TV personality Adam Carolla, "Wayne's World" muse Tia Carrere, former bodybuilder and "Incredible Hulk" star Lou Ferrigno, "Shake Your Love" chanteuse Debbie Gibson, former late-night host Arsenio Hall, magician/rumor debunker Penn Jillette, "Making the Band" vet Aubrey O'Day, "American Chopper" dad Paul Teutal, models Cheryl Tiegs and Patricia Velasquez, former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, foul-mouthed funny lady Lisa Lampanelli and George Takei, known lovingly worldwide as Sulu from "Star Trek."

According to an eyewitness report from EW.com, Tiegs and Mendoza descended on New York's West 52nd Street to lure customers with flyers, while the rest of the female team set up shop at Cafe Metro to serve customers.

The culinary offerings included Giudice's "Hot-Blooded Housewife Hoagie" (which consisted of Italian meats on Focaccia bread, and carried an eye-popping $100 price tag), and Gibson's "Teen Dream" grilled-cheese sandwich, which ran for a far more modest $20.

No word on what the male team's offerings consisted of. It's just a shame that host Donald Trump is barred from competing, because something tells us he probably excels at crafting a ham sandwich.

NBC did not immediately reply to TheWrap's request for comment on this story.

Article care of REUTERS

Today's Day In Pop!

Today's Full Report


B2K Singer Denies Owning Illegal Weed Shop
(TMZ) The B2K singer who could be hit for nearly $2 million in fines and lawyers fees because of his involvement in a marijuana dispensary ... might be the victim of a bum rap -- because we're told he has nothing to do with the pot shop anymore.

TMZ broke the story ... Dreux Pierre Frederic -- aka Lil' Fizz -- is being sued by the State of California, which claims he's a part owner in an illegal marijuana store in West Hollywood. According to the suit, the shop -- Little Amsterdam -- was operating in an area not zoned for pot dispensaries. The state is asking for $2,500 a day in fines from July, 2010 till now. Total -- more than a million bucks, and another possible $750,000 in law enforcement costs and lawyers fees.

But sources close to Fizz tell TMZ ... he got out of the pot business in 2008. So, they say, the state is barking up the wrong tree.

We're told people close to Fizz have contacted the state, and authorities are now on the hunt for the real owners. But so far, Fizz is still a named defendant. more on this story



Mavericks To Reunite
Mavericks will reunite for the first time since 2003 for an appearance at the Stagecoach Festival to be held April 27-29, 2012 in Indio, Calif.

Following the Stagecoach appearance, original band members Raul Malo (vocals, guitar), Robert Reynolds (bass) and Paul Deakin (drums) plan a summer tour of North America and Europe.

Lead singer Malo says, "I'm excited to get back together with the band. Stagecoach is obviously the perfect way to start a tour — for the band to be reintroduced to us as well as for us to refamiliarize ourselves with the fans. It's one of the great music festivals of the world. This time out, we'll get to do things right and finish what we started on our own terms — not subject to the powers that be." more on this story



Lindsay Lohan In More Legal Trouble After Morgue No Show?
Lindsay Lohan first day on morgue duty hit a snag when she failed to show up on time and now she may be in deeper trouble with the court.

TMZ reports that Lohan was supposed to arrive at the L.A. County Morgue for her community service at 8:00 A.M. yesterday but didn't arrive until 8:40. Here is their report from yesterday morning:

Sources at the morgue tell TMZ ... Lindsay was scheduled to be at the morgue at 8 AM. At 7:40, Lindsay's assistant called to say they were 10 minutes away. By 8:20, she was still a no-show.

So officials at the Coroner's Office have decided if Lindsay eventually shows up they will turn her away. And it gets way worse for Lindsay. We're told the Coroner's Office will notify Probation's Volunteer Center -- which monitors her probation -- that Lindsay screwed up again, and the judge will then be notified.

It's not a violation for her not to show today ... the judge only required that Lindsay put in 16 hours at the morgue by Nov 2. But it's awful for Lindsay and her lawyer, who will try to convince the judge that she's not thumbing her nose at authority.

8:45 AM: Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter just told reporters Lindsay was a no-show on her first day -- and now, she'll have to face the judge's wrath.

TMZ report



T-Pain rEVOLVEr Coming Soon
T-Pain will release his fourth studio album rEVOLVEr on December 6, 2011 via RCA records.

"rEVOLVEr is drawn from seven albums' worth of material," said T-Pain. "There are so many different things on this album. I couldn't settle on what I wanted to include, but the final result I think will really hit all of my fans and different audiences," says the singer.

"I've developed a new audience from the Taylor Swift stuff, the Bud Light and Toshiba commercials, the T-Pain Mic and App. There is music for everyone on this album, but definitely still classic T-Pain at the same time."



Straight No Chaser To Release Six Pack: Volume 2 Next Month
Straight No Chaser have set a November 29th release date for their new EP, entitled "Six Pack: Volume 2."

The EP will be released in a variety of packages, including digital and CD editions of the EP as well as a "Deluxe Bundle" that comprises a CD, a poster/calendar, and a limited edition SNC stuffed bear.

"Six Pack: Volume 2" sees the acclaimed a cappella group covering modern pop classics, including Weezer's "Buddy Holly," Madonna's "Like A Prayer," and "Get Ready," written by Smokey Robinson and made famous by The Temptations. more on this story



Erasure Be With You Details
(Mute) Erasure have the details for their new single "Be With You", which will be released on November 22, 2011.

"Be With You" comes from their new album, Tomorrow's World, which is in stores now.

"Be With You", comes backed with exclusive remixes from Moto Blanco, and a brand new b-side, "Never Let You Down", an acoustic version, and "Be With You – (Love Is Coming)" an extended remix by Gareth Jones. more on this story



Alfa Matrix Releases Free Compilation with Rarities and Exclusives
Alfa Matrix is celebrates thier 10th anniversary with a free download compilation on Facebook

Alfa Matrix label, the Brussels (BE) based electronic music label - housing such acts as Front 242, PNE, amGod, ... - decided to give their loyal fan base something for free: "Matrix Downloaded (001)" a 34 track compilation which can be downloaded for free on the label's Facebook page here.

Most of the 34 tracks on the compilation or rare or exclusive and only feature Alfa Matrix bands. Since going online the compilation has been downloaded close to 5000 times. more on this story



Luke Bryan and Eric Church To Play CMA Awards
Luke Bryan and Eric Church have been added to the list of performers at this year's CMA Awards which will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, November 9th at 8pm ET on ABC.

The two are up for New Artist of the Year, along with The Band Perry, Chris Young and Thompson Square.

This is the second time Luke has been nominated for the same award, while Eric is a first-time CMA nominee. He secured his first ACM Award earlier this year for Top New Solo Artist, and this will be the first time he's performed on an awards show in front of his peers. At the ACMs, he performed at the ACM Fan Jam off-site from the actual awards show. Luke took home the ACM Top New Artist of the Year award in 2010. more on this story



James McCartney To Release Two CD Set
James McCartney's new The Complete EP Collection is set to be released on November 22 exclusively as a two-cd set.

The CDs gather McCartney's two recent, critically acclaimed digital EPs 'Available Light' and 'Close at Hand,' with five previously unreleased bonus tracks.

All told, the set features fourteen McCartney originals, plus a deeply felt cover of Neil Young's "Old Man," and a rousing version of Carl Perkins' "Your True Love." more on this story



Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile For Goat Rodeo
(Sony) Thanks to a fortuitous "goat rodeo," Sony Masterworks is releasing The Goat Rodeo Sessions, a landmark album project by four of the great instrumentalists in music today, Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer And Chris Thile, on Monday, October 24, 2011.

The album uniquely showcases cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bassist Edgar Meyer, mandolinist Chris Thile and fiddler Stuart Duncan. While each musician is a renowned superstar in his own music sphere, they have come together now as a unified ensemble on a most remarkable and organic cross-genre project stemming from their friendship, and the title concept. The album also includes two vocal tracks featuring Thile and guest artist Aoife O'Donovan, the lead vocalist and writer for progressive bluegrass group Crooked Still.

A goat rodeo, according to Urban Dictionary, "is about the most polite term used by aviation people (and others in higher risk situations) to describe a scenario that requires about 100 things to go right at once if you intend to walk away from it." Meyer first heard it used by his longtime music copyist in reference, he recalls, to "a very chaotic situation where a lot of agendas are kind of confused, and it's hard to tell up from down."

Today's Day in Rock

Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx Undergoes Surgery
(hennemusic) Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx is recovering following knee surgery on Wednesday.

The rocker injured his left knee during a Crue show over the summer, and has found time in his schedule to get the repair job done.

"Surgery on left knee went amazing today," posted Sixx on Faecbook afterwards. "Nothing like a little tune up and TLC from the people who love you to recharge the life batteries. Now to see how many sympathy votes i can get..I think my kids and girlfriend are already onto me...Who's a bigger baby, men or woman in theses situations?" more on this story



Metallica The Big Four Tour Hold Out?
Loudwire has this insight into what might be preventing a full blown Big Four tour from happening. They report that members of Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth have said in interviews that they'd love to do a full tour next year but Metallica is keeping mum on the topic. Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian has plenty to say on the subject.

"It's funny that I've done 400 interviews, I guess, in the last month and that's the one question I've been asked in every interview. And I tell everybody, 'What makes you think we have any say at all over what happens with the Big 4?,'" Ian tells SF Weekly.

"I mean, I get it; we're a part of it and all that, but Metallica is steering the ship. This is their thing. They installed this red phone with a big red '4' at our manager's office and when it rings, you just say when and where." More from Scott here



Muse Working On New Album
(hennemusic) UK rockers Muse are in the early stages of work on the follow-up to 2009's "The Resistance," an album that saw the band tour the world for 14-months, starting in October 2009 and wrapping up this summer with a headline slot at the U.K. dual-site Reading and Leeds festival.

Band manager Anthony Addis confirmed the group is already working on what comes next – album number six.

"They've now gone into the recording studio," Addis tells Billboard.biz. "The plan is to do it all in London...Hopefully, [the album] might come out October next year. They've written a lot of material already but you don't know how it's going to gel between them all. They write constantly. They write on the road, so before or after a gig they'll write nearly every night. It's a serious process, but you don't know how it's going to turn out [until] you start practicing it together, because everybody's done it individually." more on this story



Rolling Stones Some Girls Rarity Released
(hennemusic) We'll be getting a taste of some new old Rolling Stones material today, when the band officially issues an unreleased track from the upcoming, expanded "Some Girls" rerelease.

The 1978 album is getting the reissue treatment with its November 21st street date, but on Thursday, Stones fans will be able to get their hands on "No Spare Parts," one of the tracks from the original sessions.

The new version of the song made its debut on BBC Radio 2 early Thursday, but the official version hasn't surfaced as of press time – however, a bootleg version has been floating around online for years. Check it out here



New Bob Segar Collection Coming
Capitol/EMI has set a November 21st release date for a new double disc Bob Segar collection called Ultimate Hits: Rock And Roll Never Forgets.

For the first time, all of Bob Seger's top hits have been gathered for a career-spanning 2CD and digital collection titled

The 26-track collection includes "Night Moves," "Turn The Page," "Hollywood Nights," "Mainstreet," "Old Time Rock And Roll," "Like A Rock," "Her Strut," "We've Got Tonight," "Against The Wind," "Still The Same," and many other Seger classics, as well as the Detroit rocker's two #1 radio singles from this year, "Downtown Train" and his current #1 Classic Rock hit, "Hey Hey Hey Hey (Going Back To Birmingham)." more on this story



Bridge School Concert To Be Streamed Online
Don't worry if you can't attend The 2011 Bridge School Concerts this weekend, because you catch night one online.

For the first-time ever, The Bridge School Concert will be webcast live from The Shoreline Amphitheatre this Saturday only, Oct 22nd and will stream in its entirety on Facebook and YouTube.

The artists set to appear are: Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Arcade Fire, Eddie Vedder, Los Invisibles (featuring Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana & guests), Beck, Mumford & Sons, Devendra Banhart and Norah Jones with The Little Willies. more on this story



That 70s Rock Show From Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese
(Gibson) Mick Jagger is about to add television producer to his extensive list of accomplishments. The Rolling Stones frontman is teaming up with filmmaker Martin Scorsese to create a new HBO drama depicting the 1970s rock scene, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Terence Winter – best known for creating HBO and Scorsese's current hit drama, Boardwalk Empire – penned the show's script. What, exactly, will this rock-saturated drama entail? The hour-long series promises to track the adventures of "a cocaine-fueled record executive in New York City circa 1977," a time "when punk, disco and a new form of music called hip-hop collided."

The Rolling Stones rocker first proposed the idea for the series as a film project, initially going to Disney and then Paramount. Jagger will executive produce the series along with his producing partner, Victoria Pearman. Pearman and Scorsese's manager, Rick Yorn, are executive producers. The project will serve as a reunification for Scorsese, Jagger and Pearman, who collaborated on the 2008 documentary, Shine a Light. more on this story



Imagine Owning John Lennon's Tooth
(Rock News Desk) When John Lennon pulled out one of his own teeth at home in the late 1960s, he gave it to his housekeeper as a souvenir. Now it's up for auction – and experts reckon it could be yours for around £10,000.

Dot Jarlett was working for the Beatles icon when he pulled the tooth at his home, Kenwood, in Surrey.

Her son Barry tells the BBC: "He was in the kitchen and he had this tooth which which he wrapped in pieces of paper. He said, 'Dot, will you dispose of this?' Then he said, 'Or, as your daughter is a Beatles fan, you can give it to her as a souvenir.'" more on this story



Stormdroopers of Death Are Finished
(Rock News Desk) Scott Ian insists Stormdroopers of Death will never reform. The outfit starred Anthrax men Ian, Charlie Benante and Dan Lilker along with frontman Billy Milano. Most active in the late 80s, they played occasional shows since until 2000.

Ian says: "I think I can safely say that there is no chance of us re-igniting that spark. It was never meant to be a 'real' band, with a schedule and making records and touring. SOD was supposed to be the 'anti' of that – it was supposed to just about having fun and never turning into a job or a business.

"We played everywhere in 1999 and 2001, and I don't feel the need to go out and do that again." (None Louder) more on this story



The Doors Limited Edition Box For Black Friday
The Doors 40th anniversary L.A. Woman Vinyl Singles Box created especially for indie record stores will be released on Black Friday, November 25th.

The must-have four 7" singles box will feature the now-classic album tracks from L.A. Woman, "The Changeling," "Riders on the Storm," and "Love Her Madly," backed with newly-discovered and never-before-heard alternate takes of each song, and a fourth single of never before-released studio banter. The box artwork will also include the original Messianic image of the naked woman nailed to the telephone pole used for the album's inner sleeve.

2012 will see the 40th anniversary of L.A. Woman, the last Doors recording, which upon its 1971 release just 3 months before Jim Morrison's death in Paris, was proclaimed "A landmark worthy of dancing in the streets" by Rolling Stone's Robert Meltzer. more on this story



Chris Shinn Solo Album Coming
Former Unified Theory frontman Chris Shinn will release his self-titled debut solo album, in January 2012 (Black Cicada).

We were sent the following details: With his striking vocals and passionate songwriting, Chris Shinn delivers an eclectic album pulling from elements of rock, country, jazz and blues. He will be playing a special showcase on November 16th at the Converse Rubber Tracks Studio in Brooklyn.

Recorded in Nashville, Shinn has orchestrated a band of heavy hitting musical legends for his solo debut made up of Brent Mason (Neil Diamond, Alan Jackson) on lead guitar, Bobby Ogdin (Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson) on piano, Billy Ward (Yoko Ono, B.B. King, Carly Simon) on drums, Tim Smith (Kris Kristofferson, Bill Evans, Boots Randolph) on bass, Paul Franklin (Sting, Barbara Streisand, Megadeth) on steel, and Roddy Smith (Boots Randolph, Bill Evans, George Hamilton IV) on rhythm guitar along with Steve Marcantonio (Taylor Swift, George Strait, Billy Falcon, Alabama) who mixed and engineered the album. more on this story



New Jon Anderson Release Coming Next Week
Jon Anderson, the legendary voice of YES, has set an October 25th digital release date for "Open". Here is what it's all about:

A return to the long-form composition that Jon Anderson is best known for, ("Close To The Edge", "Gates of Delirium", "Revealing" and "Awaken"), OPEN is a 21-minute exhilarating musical journey; a pioneering effort that weaves intricate melodic and harmonic themes within a classical music framework whilst showcasing Anderson's iconic vocals and timeless melodies throughout. In many ways OPEN is a return to Jon Anderson's musical roots, as YES music continually flows through his veins, making it only natural to revisit now and again. Coupled with wonderful orchestration by his neighbor and good friend Stefan Podell, messages of peace, love, light and freedom are further explored within OPEN, making listening an uplifting and joyous experience!

" 'Forever taken to that place of understanding,' are the first lyrics of 'OPEN', as though I am always remembering my true musical journey. To create this work, I sat with my 19th Century guitar and strummed ideas last spring 2010. Songs just poured out of me that week, and before I knew it I had created a long form musical idea, and with the help of Stefan Podell's powerful orchestration, we put together what is now 'OPEN.' more on this story



America Announce Two Special Shows
America will perform two special shows, one in San Diego and one in Los Angeles, for the Grammy Museum.

The Friday, November 4 performance at 8:00 PM and audience Q&A in San Diego is part of the ongoing Pacific Standard Time: Art In L.A. 1945-1980 series taking place at museums throughout southern California and will be held in the Sherwood Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

After the interview, moderated by Grammy Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli, America will take audience questions and will perform an acoustic set. All proceeds benefit the Grammy Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. more on this story



Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience Resumes Next Week
Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience will hit the road next week for a final 2011 run of performances beginning October 27 in Englewood, NJ and wrapping November 13 in Clearwater, FL.

The tour will also return to the heart of New York City on Tuesday, November 1 for a special show at Best Buy Theater.

Show highlights include a heartfelt duet with JASON performing "Moby Dick" off Led Zeppelin II side-by-side with a giant video of his late father from Led Zeppelin's landmark Royal Albert Hall gig. more on this story



The Lemonheads Add 50 Tour Dates
(CS) The Lemonheads have announced an additional 50 North American tour dates for early 2012.

The group will be performing their classic 1992 album, It's A Shame About Ray, from beginning to end.

Evan Dando will be joined on this tour by guitarist Josh Lattanzi (The Candles) and drummer Brian Nolan (American Hi-Fi). more on this story



ZZ Top's La Grange Fest This Weekend
ZZ Top's La Grange Fest is taking place this weekend in Austin, TX. It's a ZZ Top-hosted music festival on Saturday, October 22 at Austin's The Backyard. Doors are open at 5 PM and the show kicks off at 6 PM.

Featured with ZZ Top are Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jamey Johnson and Corey Taylor. Skynyrd and ZZ Top have a relationship that dates back to the early 1970s and they have worked together extensively ever since. They've most recently shared concert bills on the Rebels & Bandoleros Tour.

Jamey Johnson is one of the key contributors to the just-released A Tribute From Friends, the album of ZZ Top cover songs by a slew of the band's admirers including Nickelback, Grace Potter, Daughtry, Wolfmother and The M.O.B. (Mick Fleetwood, Steven Tyler, Johnny Land and John McVie) and others. His contribution to the collection is, appropriately, "La Grange" with none other than ZZ ax man Billy Gibbons guesting on the track that's the album's closer. more on this story



Cerebral Bore Mini Tour
Cerebral Bore kicked off a mini UK tour last night at the Purple Turtle in London.

Cerebral Bore have joined Severe Torture for the four-date tour, just two weeks before the band will perform at Damnation Festival in Leeds alongside the likes of Devin Townsend Project, Godflesh, Decapitated, Evile and more.

Cerebral Bore guitarist Paul Mcguire recently commented: "Us and Severe Torture have been talking about touring together for years now, so it's great to finally make it happen. Not many CB shows left in 2011, so we hope to have as much fun as you can without being arrested this weekend." more on this story



East Of The Wall Kick Off Tour Today
East Of The Wall hit the road today for their month-long U.S. tour in support of their latest full-length, The Apologist.

The quintet set it off with three record release events in their usual stomping grounds between the coast of New Jersey and New York City

The trek includes a show at The Saint in Asbury Park, a CMJ-related show in Brooklyn and an in-store performance at Vintage Vinyl in Fords. more on this story



Modest Mouse Announce Dates
Modest Mouse have announced plans to visit the Lone Star state to play a couple of shows before playing a festival in Brazil.

The band has booked shows at Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater in Austin, TX on November 9th and the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas, TX on November 10th.

On November 13th, the band will appear at the SWU Music and Arts Festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil. more on this story



Singled Out: The Heavy Pets' Song for John
Today Mike Garulli from The Heavy Pets tells us the moving story behind "Song for John" from their brand new album "Swim Out Past the Sun". Here is the story:

About a year after John's death in 2006 I felt compelled to write a song about his life and our friendship. John McCann was a good childhood friend of mine. He's one of the first guys I ever jammed with and probably the first friend that I ever attempted songwriting with. In fact, the lyric "remember when everything was just gold or grey" refers to a lyric that he wrote for one of the first tunes we worked on together. He was an Insane genius type, a great lyricist. He was mad about music and literature and his knowledge of both far surpassed anyone I had ever met.

Looking back now, it's easy to see that he is responsible for introducing me to all of the great music that would grow to influence me so deeply in my life. He was kind of a mentor to me in that respect. I think the song, in part, is an attempt to show him how grateful I am for that.

In early 2010 I was in Mill Valley California working on the album "Swim Out Past The Sun" when we got word from our producer that David Grisman was interested in laying down some tracks with us. John had always been a big Garcia/Grisman fan. We had already picked "Song for John" as one of the tunes for the album, and knowing for sure that John had turned me on to Grisman's music so many years earlier, I thought it was only appropriate to have Grisman play on that specific track. Having the opportunity to work with Grisman was truly an honor, and being that the song is a more Americana/Folk type thing, he added to it in an incredibly natural and authentic way. I'm totally happy with the way the track came out, It's one of my favorite songs on the album and I can't think of a better way to honor my boys memory.