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.

Today's Day In Pop!

Today's Full Report


Justin Bieber Faces Five Years In Prison Under Proposed Law?
(Opinion) We typically stay away from politics, especially partisan politics unless it directly affects music and this issue does just that. We were sent an announcement from an advocacy group which presents one side of the argument over a proposed law.

We encourage you to investigate the issue for yourself to learn the pros and cons (also visit opensecrets.org and find out how much money the politicians and your representatives were given by the entertainment industry which supports this bill. The sponsor of this bill's 4th largest special interest/industry group contributions for the 2012 cycle has come from TV/Movies/Music industries, up from 10th place for 2010. See the records here. We provide this link to illustrate how proposed laws like this may have been purchased encouraged. Contacting your representatives if you oppose this bill might not work if they too received large contributions from the organizations supporting the proposed law.) But for now, we do have one organization's con argument (and call to action) for you that uses Canadian pop star Justin Bieber to make their point, which is obviously biased against the bill (they also provided the text of the proposed law in question):

Fight for the Future (FFTF), a new organization vowing to fight for Americans' tech freedoms, warns Justin Bieber and his fans that the teen pop sensation could suffer five brutal years in prison if a bill pending in the Senate becomes law.

S.978 by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) would make it a felony for Internet users to stream unlicensed content 10 times in 180 days. The bill is being pushed by the Recording Industry Association of America, the Motion Picture Association of America, and others who seek to crush to Internet freedoms for the sake of higher corporate profits. The legislation was passed unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this summer; introduction of a House version is expected in coming weeks. more on this story



Britney Spears Delivers Steamy Criminal Video
(superLOUD) Britney Spears' has debuted her new music video for the song "Criminal," the 4th single from Femme Fatale.

The video is much gossiped about as being "X-Rated." Although it is steamy, "Criminal" in actuality is more PG-13.

Those expecting to see Britney truly naked will be out of luck. Instead, they'll see an impressive, high budget video with an abuse story. more on this story



Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes' Tru 2 Music Concert Postponed
The Tru 2 Music concert featuring Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, And Eric Bellinger that was scheduled for October 23rd, 2011 in Los Angeles has been postponed.

The concert will now take place on Friday, January 13th, 2012 at Nokia Theatre L.A LIVE.

The show headliner Rick Ross in recent weeks has raised health concerns in regards to his capability to perform. In an executive decision, Tru Royalty Entertainment has decided to postpone the show to offer Rick Ross a chance to properly rehabilitate. more on this story



Lenny Dykstra Strikes Grand Theft Auto Plea Deal
(TMZ) Former MLB great Lenny Dykstra struck a deal in his mega-criminal case, by pleading no contest to 3 counts of felony grand theft auto, and one count of submitting false statements to a financial institution.

Dykstra is charged with 25 crimes, but under the plea deal, 21 will be dismissed. Dykstra will be sentenced on January 20. He faces a maximum of 4 years in state prison, although under a new law, he'd serve any time he gets in county jail.

Dykstra is accused of leasing luxury cars from an L.A. dealership with fraudulent paperwork. There were also drug charges filed.

He's been released on his own recognizance until his sentencing. more on this story



Lindsay Lohan Deserved Judge's Rage?
(TMZ) Lindsay Lohan is telling friends ... she understands why Judge Stephanie Sautner threw the book at her yesterday -- and to prove her renewed commitment to community service, Lindsay plans to put in overtime at the morgue.

Sources close to Lindsay tell TMZ, she gets why Judge Sautner was pissed -- admitting she didn't follow Sautner's previous instructions to the T.

We're told Lindsay has internalized Sautner's admonitions -- and is taking the entire experience today as one big warning that she needs to get her act together, stat.

As a result, we're told Lindsay will be visiting the morgue tomorrow to get started on her community service. In fact, Lindsay says she's so serious about impressing the judge ... we're told she has promised to go to the morgue every day between now and her next hearing on November 2.

We're told Lindsay gets the message -- and doesn't harbor any bad feelings toward Sautner for taking a hard line.

Sources tell us, when Lindsay faces Sautner again next month, she'll argue she doesn't deserve jail time. more on this story



Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's Krayzie Bone Releasing New Solo Album
(Sub) Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's Krayzie Bone will release his new solo album "Under The Influence" on November 22nd.

The Bone Thugs release titled "Strength & Loyalty", released in the spring of 2007 was the groups first major label album after an absence of nearly five years, thus catapulting them back into the limelight. Debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and containing many star studded guest-appearances, the executive produced Swizz Beatz album sold over 500,000 copies, reclaiming their place amongst hip hops greats.

BTNH dropped their last album "UNI-5", on May 4th 2010 and was the first album in over a decade with all 5 original members. Sparks flew as Krayzie, Layzie, Flesh, Wish and Bizzy were reunited and unified for the Warner Bros album that landed at Number 3 on the Billboard Rap Chart and sold over 200,000 copies. more on this story



Abba Limited Edition Vinyl Reissues Launched
Universal Music Enterprises have released a limited run of all the studio albums in ABBA's catalog. Here is the official word:

It's hard to imagine how different today's music charts might look without ABBA. From the moment they swept to glory at Eurovision in 1974, the Swedish pop group has been, and continues to be, a major influence on musicians around the world, and remains one of the most successful acts of all time.

To date, ABBA has sold over 370 million albums around the world with their "Gold" greatest hits collection selling well over 28 million copies alone. The musical Mamma Mia has gone on to be the world's No. 1 show with more productions playing simultaneously around the globe than any other musical. From their first hit single "Waterloo" in 1974, the phenomenon continues as new generations continue to discover the music of ABBA. more on this story



John Singleton's Hustle & Flow Against MTV Films and Paramount
(TMZ) John Singleton is suing Paramount Pictures and MTV Films, claiming they totally screwed him by reneging on their promise to finance and distribute 2 films -- especially galling because Singleton gave THEM the right to make untold millions by distributing "Hustle & Flow."

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Singleton gave Paramount the right to distribute the flick back in 2005 and Singleton took a relatively small, $9 million fee. In return, Paramount promised to green light and finance 2 Singleton pictures in the future, provided the budgets of those films didn't exceed $3.5 million each. Based on this promise, Singleton also says he later gave the studio the right to distribute "Black Snake Moan."

The suit claims Paramount made a fortune off "Hustle & Flow," which won an Oscar for Best Song and was critically acclaimed. But when it came time for Singleton to get his movies made, he claims Paramount started placing unwarranted conditions which made it impossible to make the movies.

Singleton says he passed up all sorts of opportunities to make big deals with other companies when he signed on with Paramount, and he's pissed.

The producer is suing for $20 million, minimum. more on this story



Il Volo Filming Concert For PBS
(PR) Il Volo will be filming their concert appearance at Detroit's Opera House on October 27th for the local PBS station.

The show will be produced by famed Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich, and Il Volo's managers, Michele Torpedine (who discovered Andrea Bocelli) and Steve Leber, are executive producers. The show will be part of their local pledge drive.

DPTV is a viewer supported PBS member station serving the nation's 11th largest television market in Southeast Michigan and over a thousand communities in Canada. It is a leading national producer and distributor of PBS fundraising programs. more on this story



Christmas Coming Early for Vanessa Peters Fans
Vanessa Peters will release her first-ever holiday recording, "The Christmas We Hoped For," on Amazon on October 25th, followed by iTunes and everywhere else on November 1st.

The twelve song album, recorded during the hottest Texas summer on record, features holiday standards such as "Winter Wonderland" and "White Christmas" as well as modern songs including a cover of "All That I Want" by The Weepies.

"I was building out a home studio and wanted to record some tracks to test out the acoustics. Temperatures were hitting 108 in Texas but on a lark, my producer and I decided to record some Christmas songs," said the singer. "Winter Wonderland" was recorded in my living room. We had to turn off the A/C to make sure the noise didn't show up on the track, and it was just brutally hot. Despite the heat, we were having so much fun that we just kept going. I chose my absolute favorite songs; I wanted to play what I love." more on this story



Kinky Friedman Hanukkah Tour
(Conqueroo) Kinky Friedman will hit the road this holiday season with his Hanukkah Tour of 2011.

Taking time off from finishing up a book with Billy Bob Thornton and formulating one with Willie Nelson, Kinky Friedman will visit 14 cities in the Midwest, West and Southwest, starting November 29.

In addition, the tour is bookended with two fundraisers in Salado, TX, for the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch, one on November 26th featuring BJ Thomas (with Kinky as host), and the other on December 17 with Rodney Crowell and Billy Joe Shaver (Kinky will perform a full show on this one). more on this story



The Western States Motel Taking Up Residency At The Roxy
Carl Jordan is taking The Western States Motel to On the Rox at The Roxy in Los Angeles for a month long residency in November (8th, 15th, 22th and 29th), as a part of KROQ's Local's Only Showcase.

Playing live with a five-piece, the band looks forward to hitting the road, connecting with friends old and new.

The shows are in support of the new The Western States Motel album, Freeway Freeway Riverbed, which will be released on October 25th. more info



Pac Div Announce Debut Album
(Sub) Hip hop trio Pac Div will release their debut album, "The Div", on November 8, 2011, through a joint venture with RBC Records.

The album is already being touted as a classic, with production from No I.D. (Common, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Drake, Rick Ross and more), Swiff D and the group's very own, Like, and features from long time friends, Bleu Collar, Asher Roth, Casey Veggies (Sleeping in Class"), Tiron and Skeme.

Pac Div consists of two brothers, Like and Mibbs, and long
time friend, BeYoung. Formed in 2005, while still in the high school, Pac Div was originally an eleven-member crew that shrank to three when it became apparent that a group of that size just wasn't feasible. While most young rappers were under the spell of "microwave" music, these three were doing their hip-hop homework, studying rap's pioneers, honing their skills and developing their own styles. From their music to shows to videos, and unique approach to creating, the group proves to showcase undeniable talent in everything they do. more on this story



Shia LaBeouf Made Knife Threat After Beating?
(TMZ) The man who tried to calm down Shia LaBeouf moments after the beatdown in Vancouver last week tells TMZ ... the actor threatened to pull a knife on him in the wake of the fight ... but he never actually flashed a blade.

TMZ spoke with Shea Carter ... the man who restrained Shia after the fight ... who tells us he noticed the actor inside the Cinema Public House bar BEFORE the melee. Carter says LaBeouf had been drunkenly swaying into several patrons ... including one man who calmly warned Shia, "Hey man, watch out."

Carter says Shia replied, "Oh yea? Or what? What are you going to do about it?" That's when the two decided to take things outside ... and the guy beat Shia down to the ground.

Afterward, Carter -- a local hip hop artist and bar regular -- tried to stop Shia from getting back inside, but LaBeouf got aggressive, spouting, "Well what if I grabbed my knife on you?"

Carter says he quickly grabbed Shia in an effort to protect himself in case the knife threat was serious.

Carter says the actor eventually walked away ... so he went back inside the bar. But moments later, Carter says, Shia appeared outside a window and made a throat-slashing gesture at him ... before leaving for the night.

TMZ placed multiple calls to Shia's rep for comment -- no word back.
more on this story



Daniel Baldwin Divorce Back On
(TMZ) The Daniel Baldwin divorce is officially back on ... just months after the actor and his wife put the split on hold ... and this time, she's making some HUGE financial demands.

Joanne Baldwin has just filed a fresh set of divorce papers in Oregon ... claiming she and Daniel have irreconcilable differences that have caused "the irremediable breakdown of their marriage."

In the papers, Joanne is demanding $4k per month in child support for their 2 children -- plus HALF of all of Daniel's earnings, including 50% of a $100k payday the actor is allegedly set to make in Australia.

Joanne is also asking the court to require Daniel to take out a $1,000,000 life insurance policy for the benefit of their kids.

According to the docs, Joanne wants sole custody of the couple's children. She's also demanding to be awarded all of the furniture that she owned prior to the marriage.

As TMZ previously reported, Daniel had filed for divorce back in July ... but both he and Joanne agreed to dismiss the divorce petition in August.

Calls to both Joanne and Daniel have not been returned.

Today's Day in Rock

Axl Rose Takes A Fall During Guns N' Roses Concert
(hennemusic) Tuesday night, Axl Rose was rock-rock-rockin' on the stage floor in Mexico City after the Guns N' Roses frontman slipped and fell during the show.

While performing the Bob Dylan track, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," Axl was slowly wandering across the stage when he slipped and fell awkwardly. Rose continued to sing through the incident and, as a roadie rushed to help him up, Axl waved him off and climbed back to his feet, to the applause of the crowd.

The show was the first of back-to-back gigs at the Sports Palace in Mexico City, with another two to follow this weekend, including Guadalajara (Sat) and Monterrey (Sun). See video of the fall here



Metallica and Lou Reed Full Album Preview
(hennemusic) The Lou Reed and Metallica album, "Lulu," is now available for streaming on the project's website .

The 10-track collaboration between the artists runs almost 90-minutes in length (!), ending with the 20-minute "Junior Dad."

The project is based on songs for a theatrical production of Frank Wedekind's classic femme fatale "Lulu" plays. Reed rewrote the concepts of the plays – 1895's "Earth Spirit" and 1904's "Pandora's Box" – from the perspective of Lulu herself. more on this story



KISS'd Off: Ace Frehley Fought Tommy Thayer
(Rock News Desk) Ace Frehley says he once knocked Tommy Thayer to the ground in an argument over backstage rules made by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley – which they regularly broke themselves.

The drama took place when Frehley was still a member of Kiss and Thayer was the band's tour manager, before taking on the 'Spaceman' persona after the founding guitarist left in 2002.

In his autobiography No Regrets, Frehley says mailmen Simmons and Stanley introduced a rule banning wives or girlfriends from the band's dressing rooms. He claims they frequently brought their own partners backstage – but when he did, Thayer confronted him, leading to the fight.

Simmons once deliberately reduced Frehley's daughter to tears, the axe icon adds. Find out how here.



Evanescence Come Back On Top
(hennemusic) Evanescence are back in a BIG way. The band's self-titled album – it's first in five years – debuts at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart after selling 127,000 copies in its first week.

It marks the band's second consecutive #1 debut; the group's last effort, "The Open Door," hit top spot in its first week with sales of 447,000 in 2006.

The project's first single, "What You Want," climbs the Billboard Rock Songs airplay list, moving from 15 to 13, while speeding to the #17 position on the Alternative Songs chart. more on this story



Sammy Hagar Bandmate Dies
(Rock News Desk) Chuck Ruff, who played drums with Edgar Winger and Sammy Hagar, has died after a long illness.

Ruff played on the 1972 Edgar Winter Group hit Frankenstein. He joined Hagar's band in 1997 and played on the Street Machine and Danger Zone albums.

Chickenfoot singer Hagar says: "I have only memories of great times and great music with Chuck." More rock news.



Very Limited Edition Tom Petty
(hennemusic) Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers have announced the November 25th vinyl-only release of "Kiss My Amps (Live)," a limited-edition, individually-numbered album that will only be available at independent retailers in support of the Back To Black Friday Record Store Day event.

"Kiss My Amps (Live)" features 6 tracks from Mojo recorded during the 2010 Mojo Tour and also includes "Sweet William," a fan favorite recorded live during the 2008 Tour that has previously only been released as a b-side to "Room At The Top" from "Echo."

The release of "Kiss My Amps (Live)" will be limited to 5,000 individually numbered pressings. Each copy will include a unique code to allow purchasers to also download the album at no extra charge in High Resolution FLAC or 320k MP3 formats. more on this story



Paul McCartney's The Love We Make Coming to DVD and Blu Ray
(Kayos) The Love We Make, a look back at Paul McCartney and his efforts to plan and perform a benefit concert in the aftermath of the worst day in the history of New York City, is coming to DVD and Blu-Ray on December 6th.

Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the film, directed by Albert Maysles (Gimme Shelter) and Bradley Kaplan, on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Shot in stark 16 mm black and white, complete with color concert clips, The Love We Make juxtaposes dramatic images of "The Concert For New York City," held mere months after 9/11, with that of scenes of McCartney himself as he walks the streets of the town that his former songwriting partner, John Lennon, loved so much. more on this story



Final Lineup for Fun Fun Fun Fest With Slayer and Danzig
Slayer and the very special Danzig Legacy lead the final lineup for this year's Fun Fun Fun Festival. We were sent the following details

Fun Fun Fun Fest has announced the final lineup for its sixth annual music festival, set for November 4-6 at Austin, TX's Auditorium Shores.

In addition to Orange Stage headliner Slayer (moved from the "Black Stage" to accommodate a bigger stage show), FFFFest has ramped up its "Black Stage" heavy music platform again this year as genre giants The Damned, Murder City Devils, Cannibal Corpse, EyeHateGod, Boris, Russian Circles and Glenn Danzig -- performing Misfits songs with original Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein under the moniker "Danzig Legacy" -- and many more will light up the festivals darkest stage over the course of the three day event. more on this story



Transatlantic Releasing 5 Disc Package
Prog supergroup Transatlantic have announced an October 25th worldwide release of "More Never Is Enough," 2 DVD/3CD package featuring two new live shows.

Here is the background Glass Onyon sent over: First came the news that Transatlantic had returned with a new studio album. The Whirlwind was their best-received album to date. For true fans, though, the more tantalizing prize was the prospect of live shows. Band and fans alike were rewarded with a month-long tour, and an initial live release. But audiences reported seeing cameras and recording gear at other shows. Indeed, the best was yet to come.

"When you're on tour, sometimes you have the best gigs when the cameras aren't running," enthuses Neal Morse (Keyboards, Vocals). "Such was the case one night in Manchester." It was the final show of the tour, and the band was at their best. One last show to let go and unleash it all. Who knows if they'd ever get to do it again? And while video wasn't rolling, audio was - and when the final echoes faded, the beast had been caged. more on this story



Slash Completes First Sessions for New Album
(Gibson) Slash has completed the first recording session for his second solo album at Barefoot Recording in Hollywood, California, with producer Eric Valentine.

Joining Slash in the studio are the members of his touring band: vocalist Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge), rhythm guitarist Bobby Schneck, bassist Todd Kerns (ex-Age of Electric) and drummer Brent Fitz (formerly of Theory of a Deadman).

Slash has recently played three of the newly recorded songs – "Halo," "Standing in the Sun" and "Bad Rain" – for VH1 Classic's That Metal Show. One of the show's co-hosts Tweeted; "I can tell you the three songs I heard are heavy with killer riffs and vocals. It's the same band that he has been touring with last couple years on the album, and it sounds more cohesive because of it. Really strong!" more on this story



X The Unheard Music Silver Anniversary Special Edition DVD and Blu Ray
So Cal punk legends X's 'The Unheard Music Silver Anniversary Special Edition' will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on December 13th by MVD. Here are the details:

We see the band at its peak in this legendary film, which took five years to make. As vital today as the day it was released 25 years ago, The Unheard Music - preserved by the Sundance Collection as a "seminal independent film" - provides an indelible record of underground America.

This innovative and unconventional film puts us inside the world of X using a striking, visionary style reflecting the uncompromising passion and raw energy of their music. Includes seventeen X classics from their critically hailed first four albums: Los Angeles, Wild Gift, Under the Big Black Sun, and More Fun in the New World.

Available for the first time in HD, this Silver Anniversary Edition of one of the greatest rock films ever made includes a new film transfer and 5.1 mix, plus never-before-seen Xtras: a 25th anniversary dialogue with John Doe & Exene Cervenka; an inside look into the making of the film with Angel City Productions (circa 1983); a raw outtake of a live performance of the song "Some Other Time"; the original theatrical trailer; and a replica of the original souvenir song book. Check out the trailer here



Queen Set For Global Icon Award Performances
Queen will be honored with the Global Icon Award at the "2011 MTV EMA" which premieres Sunday, 6th November at 9PM CET* from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The legendary rock band will also take the stage for a special performance during the awards show. "We are honoured to be designated a Global Icon. We will do our best to be worthy!" said Queen's Brian May.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Queen's formation in 1971; since then, these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have garnered a long list of accomplishments and accolades, including career sales of more than 300 million albums, 16 No. 1 albums, 18 No. 1 singles and the UK's top-selling album of all time (their Greatest Hits compilation has sold a staggering 5.7 million copies). more on this story



James Durbin Album Details
(hennemusic) American Idol's James Durbin is ready to go for the November 21 release of his debut album, "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster."

On Wednesday, the American Idol rocker released details about the project, including confirmation of the first two singles: the anthemic "Stand Up" will go to rock radio and the power-charged "Love Me Bad" will hit Top 40 radio.

Durbin, who co-wrote five of the albums tracks exclaimed it was "surreal" to be working with this bevy of rock royalty and recalls, "When Mick Mars started shredding on his guitar I literally lost my mind." The long-time Mötley Crüe fan continued saying, "He's a true rock legend and he's playing on my record. It doesn't get any cooler than that." more on this story



In Flames To Chat With Fans Today
In Flames will be doing an interactive live video chat with fans today at 1:00 PM PDT / 22:00 CET.

Peter and Niclas from the band will be chatting on Yowie. At that time, fans will be able to submit text or video questions for the band to answer live on video.

In Flames are promoting their latest album, Sounds Of A Playground Fading, which was released earlier this year. Check out the chat here



The Binary Code Recruit Swallow the Ocean Vocalist
(Sub) The Binary Code are in pre-production on new material with new vocalist Rory Crumm (formerly of Swallow the Ocean).

Rory joined the band in September, working extensively in preparation for the sold-out show with Periphery & Textures at the Gramercy Theatre NYC Frak the Gods tour stop. After playing a handful of shows with the Binary Code, it was decided that Rory would join the band full-time not only as a vocalist, but also to handle synths/sampling.

The band is periodically writing and recording new pre-production full-length at their very own Studio Nil in Bloomfield, NJ. Upon completion of the pre-production, the group will enter the studio in late-Winter/early-Spring with a yet-to-be-announced engineer. more on this story



Onslaught Do Over
(Rock News Desk) Onslaught are planning to re-record their In Search Of Sanity album with current vocalist Sy Keeler.

The album was originally released in 1989 with Steve Grimmett on vocals. Guitarist Nige Rockett hopes that the new recordings will be heavier.

He says: "We're really gonna try to recapture the feel that the early demos of those songs had before it all became polished and soulless. It's gonna be heavy and angry, and Sy is really gonna tear these songs a new asshole." (Rage Reviews) More rock news.



How Keith Richards Hooked Up With Tom Waits
(Gibson) While promoting his new album Bad As Me, due out next week, Tom Waits relayed the story of how Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards happened to get involved in the project.

"I was talking to the record company and they say, 'Any guests you want on the record?' And I said, 'What about Keith Richards?' I was just joking, but somebody went ahead and called him," Waits told Pitchfork. "And then he said, 'Yeah.' And I said, 'Now we're really in trouble.'

"I was really nervous. He came with about 600 guitars in a semi-truck. And a butler. We were in these huge studios in New York, like The Poseidon Adventure. Huge, high ceilings in these rooms like football fields. They'd fill these things up with orchestras and we were in there with five guys. It felt a little weird. He killed me. I was really knocked out that he played on all those things." more on this story



Rare Beatles Letter Up For Grabs
(Gibson) A handwritten letter by The Beatles inviting a drummer to audition for the band is to be auctioned. Paul McCartney penned the letter on August 12, 1960 in response to a notice in the Liverpool Echo newspaper from the drummer advertising their availability. At the time, Pete Best was the band's sticksman and it was not known whether The Beatles were seriously looking for a replacement drummer.

McCartney wrote: "We would like to offer you an audition for the position of drummer in the group. You will, however, need to be free soon for a trip to Hamburg (expenses paid £18 per week (approx) for two months). If interested ring Jacaranda club and ask for a member of The Beatles."

Three days later, The Beatles travelled as a five-piece, with Pete Best on drums and Stuart Sutcliffe on bass, to Germany. The identity of the drummer is not known, nor if the proposed audition ever took place. Pete Best was eventually "dropped" from the group. Ringo Starr, who knew the band from English and German dates, joined The Beatles in 1962. more on this story



65Daysofstatic's Polinski Releases Debut Solo Video
(UTG) 65Daysofstatic's Paul Wolinski has released the first music video from his forthcoming solo debut under the nom-de-tune Polinski.

The song "Stitches" is hosted by Consequence of Sound and available to watch right here.

The Polinski album, titled Labyrinths mixes sci-fi soundtrack moods with Daft Punk styled beat-laced anthems. It will be released in North America on November 7th, 2011 via Monotreme Records. more on this story



Orphaned Land DVD Coming
Orphaned Land's debut DVD, The Road To Or Shalem will be released in North America on November 1st via Century Media Records.

The DVD is said to document the band's mission to unite warring factions in their home region through the power of music.

Filmed in Tel Aviv, Israel in December, 2010, The Road To Or Shalem features nearly two hours of live performance, as well as a 2nd bonus DVD. Check out the cover art here



Havok Hitting The Road
Havok are hitting the road next week for a North American tour with Exhumed and Goatwhore.

The band will play two warm-up shows in Colorado on October 21st and 23rd before joining Exhumed in Amarillo, Texas.

The band will be touring in support of their latest album, Time Is Up, which was released earlier this year via Candlelight Records. Said vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez: "I hope everyone is ready for a sore neck! This tour is gonna be a rager! We'll supply the tunes, you guys bring the mosh!" more on this story



Singled Out: Broadway Mile's Til The End
Today Brendan Kelso from Broadway Mile tells us about "Til The End" from their brand new EP "Now You Know". Here is the story:

The song "'Til The End" started as a guitar riff that Justin brought to the table one evening.

It was played with more of a straight beat, punk rock vibe which was cool, but we thought it might be time to change things up a bit. We gave the riff a swing feel and based the chorus and bridge around more of an acoustic-pop feel – which differed from our previous upbeat, pop-rock tunes.

As far as lyrics were concerned, we went with a nostalgic focus; looking back on things and realizing how much each moment counts.

Not long after the song was written, we took a trip down to Melbourne to record some demos. We thought we'd give "'Til The End" a go and take a risk - especially after hearing some positive feedback from our friends and family on the song. Since we'd flown to Melbourne, I didn't have my drums, so we had to be more creative with the rhythm section. Tim and I scoured the streets of Melbourne looking for an egg shaker, without much luck. One woman (who didn't speak English very well) asked, "Is it something you eat?" ...yeah... so we gave up, went to the local supermarket, grabbed the cheapest rice we could find, a plastic cup and some cling wrap and there you have it, an egg shaker! It sounded pretty good too....and you could probably eat some of it :P

We also had to learn how to play a glockenspiel on this track; honestly....it must be the easiest instrument on the planet!

Since we released the track on our EP, Now You Know, the response has been amazing. Every night that we play this song it gets the biggest crowd reaction of all our tunes. It seems like there is a hunger for something different, not just another indie rock song or club track about "slappin' booty" and "getting crunk."

Ulrich ducked Quentin Tarantino movie offer

Sad But True: Lars let Kill Bill deal die
Ulrich ducked Quentin Tarantino movie offer – because he couldn’t understand script that had been choreographed to match Metallica tracks
Lars Ulrich in Kill Bill



Quentin Tarantino wanted Metallica to appear on the soundtrack of 2003 movie Kill Bill – but Lars Ulrich avoided giving him an answer because he couldn’t understand the script.

The drummer describes the move as his “favourite mistake” in a Newsweek series of similar stories.

And he reveals Tarantino choreographed the movie’s fight scenes to match the thrash band’s tracks Enter Sandman and Sad But True.

Ulrich explains how the conversation unfolded after he “facilitated” a dinner with the director.

“One of the most surreal 30 minutes of my life was having QT six inches from my face, eyes dancing, intensely animated, explaining in intricate detail how he had written and choreographed the two main fight scenes.

“Kicks would land on cymbal hits. Bodies would twirl along with the rhythm of the music. Tarantino’s next-level movie magic married to Metallica music – all turned up to 11.”

The drummer imagined himself watching the resulting movie 18 months in the future, enjoying “the greatest marriage between music and film the world had ever seen.”

But he came crashing back to earth after Tarantino sent him the “thick and dense” 180-page script.

“Page by page, I realised that most of this was written in a language that was outside of my realm of understanding.” says Ulrich.

“I had never encountered a narrative like this, set in, to me, a very foreign culture of martial arts and Asian myths.

“I just couldn’t wrap my thick Danish head around it. I wasn’t capable of appreciating its brilliance.”

As a result he ignored his gut instinct, and instead of giving Tarantino permission to use the tracks, he simply ignored the offer.

“In the end I never got back to him,” Ulrich admits. “Probably the single biggest mistake I’ve made in the creative department.

“To this day I worship the ground QT walks on. If only…”

Kiss Frehley decked Thayer

Ace says he floored his replacement in argument over rules made by Simmons and Stanley – which they broke themselves
Ace Frehley



Ace Frehley says he once knocked Tommy Thayer to the ground in an argument over backstage rules made by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley – which they regularly broke themselves.

The drama took place when Frehley was still a member of Kiss and Thayer was the band’s tour manager, before taking on the ‘Spaceman’ persona after the founding guitarist left in 2002.

In his autobiography No Regrets, Frehley says mailmen Simmons and Stanley introduced a rule banning wives or girlfriends from the band’s dressing rooms.

He claims they frequently brought their own partners backstage – but when he did, Thayer confronted him, leading to the fight.

Simmons once deliberately reduced Frehley’s daughter to tears, the axe icon adds.

Monique was 18 years old when she flew across the US to appear in Kiss movie Detroit Rock City. But when she got there, Simmons announced her character had been axed.

Her dad says: “I knew it was no accident. Gene had been involved in the editing process on a daily basis.”

He assumes it was the bassist’s way of exacting revenge for something he’d done, but says: “To get back at me by hurting my daughter? He had reached an all-time low with me.”

Frehley maintains: “I can’t help but remember all the fun we shared in our formative years,” and he’s glad Kiss is part of his past. But he warns his ex colleagues: “What comes around, goes around.”

Simmons recently said he’d had lunch with Frehley and the pair were on good terms, although there could be no question of a reunion.

No Regrets is published on November 1.

“Eddie Van Halen” Hardcover Photo Book by Neil Zlozower Released Today

Autographed Copies Exclusively at VanHalenStore.com
Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Legendary rock photographer Neil Zlozower’s second Van Halen hardcover coffee table photo book, Eddie Van Halen, was released today! Once again Van Halen Store is the exclusive retailer of autographed copies, signed by the author himself, at no additional charge. SIGNED copies ship next week, while UNsigned copies are in stock and shipping now.

Book details:

The definitive visual history of early Eddie Van Halen! This hardcover photo book is jam packed with classic and never before published photos! A MUST HAVE for Van Halen fans and guitarists alike!

One of the most revolutionary and influential players ever to pick up a guitar, Eddie Van Halen’s music and technique continue to energize legions of fans and guitarists around the world. This book of photographs and text focuses on the innovative early years of the band Van Halen, when Eddie burst on the scene and changed the face of electric guitar-playing and melodic hard rock. Nearly 200 images of Eddie in action–both classic and never before seen–are complemented by text and testimony from famous guitarists, music writers, and many others. Also featuring a foreword by guitar legend Slash, this is the definitive visual history of classic Eddie Van Halen.

Famous guitarists who contributed text: Angus Young, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, Les Paul, Stave Vai, Joe Satriani, Nuno Bettencourt, Ritchie Blackmore, Gilby Clarke, Phil Collen, Billy Gibbons, Peter Frampton, Paul Gilbert, Allan Holdsworth, Scott Ian, Tony Iommi, Steve Lukather, Mick Mars, Ronnie Montrose, Gary Moore, Tom Morello, Dave Navarro, Rick Nielsen, Ted Nugent, Paul Stanley, Nancy Wilson, Zakk Wylde, Dweezil Zappa, and many others.

Van Halen insiders who contributed text: Eddie Anderson (director of security 1980-84), Pete Angelus (creative consultant, production/lighting designer), Marshall Berle (personal manager 1977-78), Bill Gazzarri (owner: Gazzarri’s nighclub), Michael Karlin (Van Halen business manager, 1978-present), Jas Obrecht (editor: Guitar Player magazine), Patrick Whitley (production manager 1978-84) and Michael Anthony.

Neil Zlozower’s rock photography spans more than 40 years and includes work with The Rolling Stones, Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Motorhead, Tom Waits, Slipknot, and many others. From 1978 to 1984, Zlozower was the “fifth member of Van Halen,” touring with and capturing images of the band during the David Lee Roth era.

Hardcover, 176 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches, Nearly 200 color and b/w photographs.

STEVE PERRY WILL CALL YOU!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month! Fan Asylum has launched an eBay auction to raise awareness & funds to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Win a phone call from Steve Perry!
Check out the auction and bid at: www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330628535238.