Today's Day In Rock!

Black Sabbath Reunion in Jeopardy
Black Sabbath's reunion featuring the original lineup has hit yet another roadblock which puts the new album and tour in jeopardy.
The reunion was dealt it's first blow when guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with cancer but he has vowed to carry on.

Now the reunion is facing another problem with drummer Bill Ward threatening to pull out unless he is given a "signable" contract.
Ward took to his official website to issue a statement about where things are at for him. He wrote: Dear Sabbath Fans, Fellow Musicians and Interested Parties, At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour. However, I am unable to continue unless a "signable" contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band. more on this story


Unreleased Pantera Song Coming
(Banana 101.5) According to drummer Vinnie Paul the final unheard piece of music recorded by Pantera will be released on their upcoming reissue of 'Vulgar Display of Power.'

In a recent interview with Loudwire , Pantera/Hellyeah drummer Vinnie Paul revealed that there is still one unheard Pantera song that will appear on the upcoming 'Vulgar Display of Power' reissue:

"The reissue has a song called 'Piss,' which I had forgotten about it. Some parts of it were taken for other songs, and at the time, it was the only song that did not make the record. In Pantera, we never had songs that didn't make the record. If we were going to write 11 songs, then we'd write 11 quality songs." more on this story


It's Motley Crue Day in Las Vegas
To mark today's launch of Las Vegas' first hard rock residency, "Motley Crue In Sin City," Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman has proclaimed today Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 as "Motley Crue" Day.

The Motley Crue In Sin City residency will run from February 3 through 19--at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The band will perform four shows a week. Super Bowl, Valentine's Day and President's Day fall within these dates. more on this story



Paul McCartney To Get Walk of Fame Star
(Gibson) Paul McCartney will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next week.

The ceremony will take place Thursday, February 9 at 2 p.m. in front of the Capitol Records Tower at 1750 N. Vine Street in Hollywood. McCartney's star will be located next to those of a few old pals, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, according to Music-News.com.

McCartney will also be named the MusiCares Person of the Year the following day at a gala dinner and concert featuring Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas, Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, Diana Krall, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Sergio Mendes, and Katy Perry. McCartney will close the event with a performance. more on this story




Bruce Springsteen Performing At The Grammy Awards
(Gibson) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have been added to the list of performers appearing on the 2012 Grammy telecast, according to Spin.

Springsteen will join other scheduled performers at the Staples Center (airing February 12 on CBS), including Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters, Adele, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry.

The show also will feature special collaborations between Coldplay and Rihanna, Glen Campbell, Blake Shelton and the Band Perry, and Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean. more on this story




Dave Grohl Sitcom Coming
(Gibson) Nirvana drummer/Foo Fighters frontman/funny video star/Muppets cameo actor Dave Grohl is about to add sitcom co-creator to his resume. The rocker will executive produce a new series for the FX cable network, according to Deadline.

Comedian Dana Gould (a former writer on The Simpsons) is working with Grohl on the comedy show, which will focus on a superstar band that, as a final attempt to stay together, go into therapy together. Gould will write and star in the series.

Gould is a fan of Grohl's music and approached him about collaborating on the project. Of course, Grohl has made his views on band therapy well-known: "I believe one of the reasons we've managed to stay together [is] because we just don't tell each other everything," he once told the NME. more on this story




Bootsy Collins Joins Experience Hendrix Tour
Bootsy Collins has been added to the 2012 edition of the Experience Hendrix concert tour which kicks off next month.

Collins will join the tour on March 13 in Orlando, continuing through the March 23 performance date in Thackerville, OK. Bootsy is a true Hendrix fan and was, in fact, the voice over actor who covered Jimi's lines in the recent Voodoo Child documentary.

The musical lineup for the tour has now expanded to include blues great Taj Mahal, legendary Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and left handed guitarist extraordinaire Eric Gales will be joining the Experience Hendrix tour for the final six dates while the participation of such phenomenal artists as Buddy Guy, Dweezil Zappa, Billy Cox, Robert Randolph, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, David Hidalgo & Cesar Rosas [Los Lobos], Keb' Mo, Eric Johnson, Brad Whitford [Aerosmith], Chris Layton [Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble] and The Slide Brothers having been announced earlier. more on this story


Slash Almost Done With New Album
(hennemusic) Slash tells fans that he will complete the recording of his second solo album next week.

Slash and his touring band - Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge), rhythm guitarist Bobby Schneck, bassist Todd Kerns (Sin City Sinners, formerly of Age Of Electric), and drummer Brent Fitz (formerly of Theory Of A Deadman) – have been holed up at Barefoot Studios in LA with producer Eric Valentine getting the project together.

There's now light at the end of the tunnel, according to Slash. "[It] looks like we'll be finished recording next week. Then mixing begins. It's all going on," he posted.

Naturally, there will be a tour, with Slash confirming that he'll be one of the headliners at the Download Festival in June. more on this story


Another Member Leaves Anthrax Tour
(Rock News Desk) Anthrax bassist Frank Bello has become the third member of the thrash giants to leave their current tour.

He's joined drummer Charlie Benante, his uncle, at the bedside of Benante's terminally-ill mother.

The rhythm section's departure follows guitarist Scott Ian's absence due to a viral infection for a number of shows last week. Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson from tour mates Testament stood in until Ian returned to the road. Their drummer Gene Hoglan is covering for Benante while Armored Saint's Joey Vera will appear in Bello's place. more on this story


Supertramp's Roger Hodgson Launching Solo Tour
Supertramp's Roger Hodgson is hitting the road later this month for his Breakfast in America Tour.

The tour will be kicking off with two sold out shows at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, CA on February 24 and 25.

Hodgson and his band will perform Supertramp classics on the tour like "Breakfast in America," "The Logical Song," "Dreamer," "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home," and "School." more on this story


Paradise Lost Album and Tour Coming
Paradise Lost will release their new studio album, Tragic Idol, on April 23rd in Europe and April 24th in North America via Century Media Records.

Tragic Idol features artwork designed by Parisian artist Valnoir, who has not only worked on this band's release, but also with artists such as Morbid Angel, Laibach, Ulver, Watain, and more than 150 others.

The band will be touring the UK this April, performing tracks from their forthcoming album Tragic Idol. To celebrate the event, Paradise Lost will have a very limited number of VIP tickets available (10 per show), which you can purchase online from the band's official website. In regards to this tour, vocalist Nick Holmes comments: "This is a pretty extensive UK tour for us, I'm speechless and excited. It's nice to know there's a WH Smith in every town we play." more on this story



Vera Farmiga To Play Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie In New Film
(Gibson) Oscar-nominated actress Vera Farmiga has signed on to play Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie in Randall Miller, Rad Rosenberger and Jody Savin's upcoming feature film, The Drummer.

The film follows the last six years of late Beach Boy drummer Dennis Wilson's (played by Aaron Eckhart) life, including Wilson and McVie's "passionate and tumultuous" six-year relationship before Wilson's passing in 1983.

Miller and Savin are stoked to have both Farmiga and Eckhart onboard the musical project. "Jody and I are thrilled to work with Vera," Miller told Hollywood Today, "Her commitment to every nuance will illuminate the character and having Aaron and Vera on-screen singing together will be pure magic." Rosenberger added that the filmmakers are "thrilled that Vera brings her special musical talents to our film. She is a superb actor and we can't wait to see and hear her as Christine McVie." more on this story




Classic Cult Song in Super Bowl Ad
(hennemusic) A classic from The Cult will be featured in a Super Bowl commercial this weekend.

A new ad for Budweiser features a mashup of The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary" with rapper Flo Rida's Top 10 hit "Good Feelin'".

The one-minute ad is a celebratory romp through several decades of great times in America that begins with the end of Prohibition in 1933. more on this story


Duff McKagan and Alice in Chains Call On Fans For New Radio Show
(Banana 101.5) Former Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan and Alice in Chains drummer Sean Kinney are joining forces to host a new radio program and are asking their fans to get involved.

The two hard rockers/Seattle residents announced their new joint venture on the Alice in Chains Facebook page and while details are scarce at this point — they did reach out to their would-be audience for participation:

"The guys will be doing a segment where they'll answer questions submitted by fans. What we need is for you to email us a brief question about anything: music, movies, food, travel, advice, or even their mutual disdain for milk. We're looking for anything that will get a little conversation going, and also answer the burning questions you've been dying to ask. So keep it short and to the point, include your name, and email us today at askseanandduff@gmail.com"




Hoppus Talks Up Blink-182's New Album
(Gibson) Blink-182 have never been a meek bunch, so it should come as no shock that Blink bass player/vocalist Mark Hoppus says the group's most recent release, "Neighborhoods," has some of the best Blink songs to date.

In a chat with NME, Hoppus asserted that the album – which was the pop-punk band's first in eight years – was the product of a ton of hard work, chiefly because the guys felt pressure to cook up something extra special after reuniting. "We'd been gone for five years, and by the time we put out Neighborhoods it had been eight years since our last record, so we didn't know if people would care or not," he said. "But the response has been great, and people love the record, so I couldn't be happier about it."

Hoppus also elaborated on the feverish buzz that the trio are already working on a follow-up to Neighborhoods. "I've started writing. We haven't, as a band, started getting together and working on new material yet, but we're always writing. I have no idea [of the sound], it's still so new. When Tom and Travis get their hands on it, it changes completely." more on this story




Ringo 2012 Arrives Next Week
(Gibson) Ringo Starr's new solo album, Ringo 2012, comes out on Tuesday (February 7) and he aims to send a positive message with it: "If there's a choice, I choose the positive," he said. "Me being negative is not going to make the world better."

Starr recorded the album in the guesthouse of his Los Angeles home, and the set packs five original tracks, remakes of his own "Wings" and "Step Lightly" and a cover of Lead Belly's "Rock Island Line."

He says the collection came together effortlessly. Writing songs, he says, "is not a struggle. I don't think any song took more than two hours. On [his 2010 release] Y Not and this, it started with me holding down a key on the synthesizer, a note and some sort of rhythm pattern. Then I play drums to that and maracas or piano and a bit of guitar. There's no song yet. It's like working in reverse, writing the song after the arrangement." more on this story




The Cult Frontman Defends Metallica and Lou Reed Collaboration
(Rock News Desk) The Cult singer Ian Astbury has defended Lulu, the collaboration between Lou Reed and Metallica that was universally panned by fans and critics.

He explains: "Lou Reed is a 67-year-old man. He is one of our greatest laureates and he's not well right now. He's getting frail and fragile.

"He's chosen Metallica to be his muscle so he can come out one more time and make a statement of what's happening in his internal life. There are some phenomenal moments on the album, by anybody's standards." (Rolling Stone) More rock news


AC/DC's Brian Johnson Rides Highway To Help
(Rock News Desk) AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson raised money for the Highway To Help foundation, which helps families affected by pediatric cancer, by taking part in a car rally at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

The car driven by Johnson and his team finished 32nd after 672 laps. Johnson likened race car driving to playing in a band, saying:

"It's pretty much the same – you've got the crew behind you telling you to go out there and keep it smooth. It's a big high, it's a wonderful feeling." More rock news


Bleeding Through Frontman Says Metal Has Short Shelf-Life
(Rock News Desk) Bleeding Through frontman Brandan Schieppati can't see another metal band ever making it big, and warns that playing such music "not a career move".

He says: "I think people are too busy celebrating the short term, rather than the long term, and that's disconcerting. I hear about bands dropping out of high school because someone told them they had to tour full time to become rich.

"Metal and punk has a short shelf-life – no one is buying records anymore. So you're going to throw away your education away so someone else can make money off of you? It's just wrong." (Noiscreep)

VAN HALEN ALBUM RELEASED TONIGHT IN AUSTRALIA:

As I type up this news update, Van Halen are on stage in LA for a special media showcase event, performing some classics and new album tracks for the gathered crowd. Pic below... Follow the event at the always fantstic VHLinks.com (www.vhlinks.com/vbforums/vh-secret-media-t54237.html) and also www.vanhalennation.com.
Despite e-mailing band management, their PR company and 3 different reps from the label, I wasn't deemed worthy of an advance preview of the new A Different Kind Of Truth album, which is released in Australia tomorrow (Feb. 3). So with any luck iTunesAU will deliver pre-orders sometime after midnight tonight - at which stage I will try and tweet my first impressions on each song and the album as a whole. Keep a look out at: twitter.com/MelodicRock for updates.

Today's Day In Rock!

Dillinger Escape Plan Singer Explains Drug Meltdown
Police and EMTs came to aid of Dillinger Escape Plan frontman Greg Puciato last month following a bad experience with magic mushrooms. Last week he posted a blog on his site about the experience and this week he followed up with more details:
Mix of my own recollection and my girlfriend(also tripping but nowhere near as extremely….much lower dosage) helping me remember. I've done it enough(mushrooms) but not to that level. I felt like I was fully separate from my body, like my consciousness had nothing to do with being a physical being….like something in between a near death experience and a near-out of body experience. The only way I can describe it in hindsight, is that I felt that consciousness wasn't something that comes from inside of us, that it's somehow a universal thing that we must be harnessing into our physical bodies while we're alive, as if we are living antennae or something, or conductors of it. That realization seemed fine to me, and I wasn't scared of my energy or that consciousness disappearing or anything like that, I just didn't want to leave this current existence because I had too much left that I wanted to do. Thinking that I was leaving this existence, freaked me out. I just panicked, my girlfriend panicked seeing me panic, the more either of us panicked the more it escalated. I started to think that I was having some sort of mushroom induced seizure(I obviously knew I wasn't dying of toxicity or any sort of lethal dosage….at one point I was so furious/frustrated that I of all insanely physically healthy people was having some rare abnormal reaction)….my heart was racing out of control…I was really cold…it was just overwhelming. Next thing I know I was on a stretcher, there were cops everywhere, EMTs, taking my blood pressure…pulse….asking about previous mental health…giving me a sedative…asking me a lot of other health related questions…trying to get me to sign paperwork….I started thinking I was dying…and then perhaps that I was already dead…the way the people in movies are when they don't know they're dead….the whole thing was just really crazy. At one point I thought that my girlfriend and I were the same person, and that I had imagined her as a reflection or manifestation of my own psychosis/personality….like some sort of female mirror of me, and then that led to me thinking that Ben, Dillinger, my friends, family…and eventually the whole world was something I was imagining in another life…that this one must be a dream or a hallucination…that I was a creation…a dream that I was having somewhere else….and that explained(to me at the time) the feeling of consciousness coming from somewhere else. It just completely flipped my reality around over and over. All of the police and EMTs seemed like they were trying to pacify me into accepting that I was already dead…that I was on the other side now…but that it was okay.

The whole thing seems like it was a dream now(although my girlfriend remembers it very vividly haha….since I was BEYOND a handful to deal with during the whole thing). Let me be clear that I am not advocating any of what happened, just reporting it. People make their own choices. I could have very well easily jumped off of a roof in the state I was in, trying to wake up….thinking that maybe everything was like Tom Cruise at the end of Vanilla Sky. If you've ever seen that movie, the part where he was screaming "TECH SUPPORRRRT!!!"…..that's what I felt like. What people do is their own decision. Drugs…at least to me…aren't inherently good or bad….they simply affect you…and that's obviously the point of them, it just so happens that that particular instance was beyond what I have ever encountered at any time of any experience of my life, and it instantly and very clearly weeded out what was and is important to me, in a very terrifying fashion. I refuse to call it a "good" or "bad" trip…it just is what it is…people make neutral things/experiences good or bad through their perception and what they choose do with what they've learned from them. I would just say it was very profound, and to me was worth sharing since all of you in my eyes are a part of one of the very few things that I viewed as critically important….The Dillinger Escape Plan….and making music and sharing it with/performing it for others. Read his original post here.


Journey Star Pleads Not Guilty
(hennemusic) Journey drummer Deen Castronovo pleaded not guilty Tuesday to four charges stemming from his arrest on January 20 in West Salem, Oregon.

The Statesman Journal reports Castronovo, 47, is charged with recklessly endangering another person, interfering with making a police report, second-degree criminal mischief and harassment.

Castronovo was arrested late January 20 after a neighbor called 911 to report an altercation involving a man and woman across the street. more on this story


Van Halen Play Secret Show
(hennemusic) Van Halen warmed up for their world tour with a secret show in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

The event – at Henson Studios – was in front of 250 media types as the group replicated the east coast Café Wha? show in New York last month.

The setlist was a mix of VH classics and some tracks from the new album, "A Different Kind Of Truth," in stores next Tuesday, February 7. Check out a review of the show here and check out photos here.


Duff McKagan and Alice in Chains Radio Show- NOFX, Rancid, Pennywise Bowling- Anarbor Lose Member- Sepultura Strife- Eve6 Reunite- Allstar McCartney Tribute- more
(BW&BK) Duff McKagan (ex-Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver) and Alice In Chains drummer Sean Kinney are teaming up for their own radio show. Details as to when and where this will air won't be announced for a while, but they'd like to get you involved. Details here

(The 1st Five) Punk Rock Bowling, the annual punk festival held in Las Vegas every May have just confirmed a string of headliners including a special long awaited reunion show from The Briefs, NOFX, The Adicts, Rancid and Pennywise. more

(The 1st Five) Anarbor announced that guitarist Adam Juwig has left the band. According to Juwig's statement, there is no bad blood and he simply wanted to lead a "normal life" again. more

(Billboard) Over the years, Lisa Marie Presley has become dissatisfied with movies chronicling her father's life, so she just might make a film about the rock 'n' roll icon. The daughter of Elvis Presley said she has been in talks about a movie, though she didn't offer a timetable. more

(Jam!) Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett and Alicia Keys are among the performers who will celebrate the 69-year-old Paul McCartney when he's honored as MusiCares Person of the Year in Los Angeles in February. more

(The 1st Five) Meshuggah have announced dates for a North American tour with Baroness and Decapitated. more

(NME) New Order's Bernard Sumner hints they could record new material 'Hopefully there'll be some recorded music as well,' says guitarist ahead of April tour more

(The 1st Five) L.A. hardcore band Strife will be heading out to Brazil next week to start working on their first new album in 11 years. Why in Brazil? The band is teaming up with ex-Sepultura/current Cavalera Conspiracy drummer Iggor Cavalera who will play and record drums on the new record. more

(SRX) Rudolf Schenker says we will not have heard the last of the Scorpions even after the German headbangers finally complete their farewell tour later this year or in early 2013. "We have a library in our warehouse where we have a lot of old songs, especially from the days where you had only the possibility of putting eight or nine songs on vinyl," the guitarist, who co-founded the band in 1965, tells Billboard.com. "We always recorded 13 or 14 songs, so (the rest) are hanging out somewhere in our warehouse. We also have 800, 900 hours of film material from different festivals, from places like (Moscow's) Red Square, the Amazon, the pyramids, going through Russia in 2002... more

(Classic Rock) There have been 14 more additions to the line-up for this year's Download Festival, which happens at Donington from June 8-10 including Megadeth, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy, Black Label Society, Kyuss Lives!, As I Lay Dying and more

(SRX) Just last week former Dokken guitarist George Lynch revealed that Vains Of Jenna frontman Jesse Forte would be the new Lynch Mob vocalist. The announcement led to Vains Of Jenna calling it quits by saying that they were ending the band after seven years. However it now appears that Lynch and Oni Logan have put aside their differences to teamed up once again. more

(Lambgoat) Paradise Lost and Insomnium will tour the UK together in April. more

(Lambgoat) Ringworm has announced a string of dates to and from, and including this year's South By Southwest music festival in Austin, TX. Joining the band for the run will be Cancer Bats and Primitive Weapons. dates here

(FMQB) The original lineup of Eve 6 has reunited to release their fourth studio album, Speak In Code, on April 24 via Fearless Records. more

(Lambgoat) Cannibal Corpse and Between The Buried And Me will headline the The Summer Slaughter Tour 2012 more

(SRX) Stryper frontman Michael Sweet will be performing his faith-based storytellers solo acoustic show in churches around the world this year. more

(PNO) Warped Tour has confirmed six more additions for the 2012 tour. They are: Ballyhoo!, For Today, The Constellations, Tonight Alive, Bangups, and I Am The Avalanche. more

(Lambgoat) Knut has disbanded for the foreseeable future. The band has offered no details, stating only, "Knut is in indefinite hiatus. Thank you." more



Corey Taylor Explains Dave Grohl Collaboration
(Banana 101.5) Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor recently gave further details on Dave Grohl's upcoming Sound City Studios documentary and confirmed that their recent collaboration was part of the project.

Dave Grohl hasn't volunteered much information about his upcoming documentary involving the studio where 'Nevermind' was recorded –the now closed Sound City Studios. The one thing Dave has hinted at is that we can "expect some epic jam sessions." Those "epic jam sessions" will presumably involve the artists he has recently been working with — members of Ratt, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon and — the most recently revealed co-conspirator — Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor.

Most of the information we have on the upcoming documentary has come from the other parties involved with the project, not Grohl. The most detailed description to date came from Corey Taylor's recent conversation with Artisan News: "[Dave is] doing a documentary about the legendary board from Sound City that everybody and their mom recorded on — everybody from [Nirvana's] 'Nevermind' to, actually, [Slipknot's] 'Iowa'," Corey said. more on this story


Incubus, Megadeth, Slash, Chevelle, 5FDP To Rock On The Range
Rock On The Range 2012 lineup will be led by Incubus, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Marilyn Manson, Five Finger Death Punch, Slash, Megadeth, Chevelle, Cypress Hill and Mastodon.

This year's installment of the annual music festival will be held May 18-20 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH

The current lineup for Rock On The Range 2012 also includes: Theory of a Deadman, Volbeat, Down, The Darkness, Halestorm, Escape The Fate, P.O.D., Lacuna Coil, Adelitas Way, Black Stone Cherry, Cavo, Attack Attack!, Trivium, Bobaflex, Falling In Reverse, Redlight King, Aranda, Emphatic, Otherwise, James Durbin, Black Tide, Kyng, 12 Stones, SOiL, Rival Sons, Eve To Adam, and Ghosts of August. more on this story


Leslie West Rocks Back After Leg Amputation
Former Mountain guitarist Leslie West made an emotional return to the stage for his first public performance since his lower right leg was amputated as a result of complications from diabetes.

Ultimate Classic Rock reports that West heroically rolled onto the stage of New York's BB King Blues Club Tuesday night (Jan. 31)

West, who performed while sitting in a wheelchair, opened the show with 'People Get Ready' — but was forced to pause halfway through after being overwhelmed with emotion, as the crowd responded with a standing ovation. Read more and check out video here.


A Static Lullaby Break Up
A Static Lullaby's Dan Arnold quietly announced last month that the band has decided to breakup after over a decade together.

A reader sent over word to us this week that Arnold gave the bad news to fans on his wall on the band's Facebook profile page on January 9th.

He wrote: "Hi, Dan here, I'd like to thank everyone who supported the band for the past 11 years, i'ts been an amazing ride. It's very bittersweet to say that A Static Lullaby will not be making a new record, we are comfortable with what we have done with our music and have decided that "if it aint broke don't fix it". DON'T FRET THOUGH, I'm sure there will be plenty of music to listen to from most of the members." more


Ringo Hoping for Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary Tour
(Gibson) Ringo Starr is making the media rounds to promote his new album, Ringo 2012. In an interview with Spinner, the former Beatle spoke about performing live and that he would like to see The Rolling Stones back on the road.

"I hope they put it together and I hope they do a world tour," he said. "We all should be out there. If we can play, we should be out there playing, and that's the deal. My new attitude is 'as long as I can hold the sticks, I can play.' And you may have noticed that in the last several years, I'm playing live more and more. I'm putting records out more and more. Let's keep playing!

"That's how it is. Our new hero is B.B. King. I say, 'Look at B.B. King. He's 86, but he's still playing. He might be sitting down, but hey, I'm sitting down already' [laughs]. I was talking to Billy Squier yesterday and I said, 'Bill, just get out there and play. This is what we do.'

He then made a plea for the Stones to do a 50th anniversary tour. "I only advise everybody to get out there and play and I hope The Rolling Stones pull it together and I hope Keith and Mick pull it together and stop squabbling and get out there and do it – says Ringo!" more on this story




U2's Edge and Rolling Stone's Wood Team Up For WholeWorldBand
(Gibson) Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and U2's The Edge are both working on a new app that will let musicians share music globally.

According to U.K. trade publication Music Week, WholeWorldBand is a new a new app for iPhone 4, 4s and iPad 2 and has been developed by Kevin Godley (10CC) and Andy Wood (Hypergallery, Cubic Motion). The app allows musicians to share their work online. Godley said: "WholeWorldBand is a revolutionary new online music tool that provides a new platform for distribution while offering the opportunity of new revenue streams for up and coming and established musicians, bands and, in fact, anyone."

Aside from The Edge and Ronnie Wood, Gavin Friday, Gemma Hayes, Cathy Davey, Mik Pyro (of Republic of Loose) and Liam Ó Maonlaí (of Hot House Flowers) are working on performances and collaborations for WholeWorldBand. more on this story




The Darkness Get Animated
(Banana 101.5) After parting ways in 2006, The Darkness are back and have unleashed the first song and accompanying animated music video from their upcoming new album.

Blending their trademark late 70′s/mid-80′s glam rock sound and their flare for comedic videos, The Darkness have managed to pick up right where they left off in 2006 with the animated video for 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.'

The band reunited for their official comeback gig at last year's Download Festival, and are currently finishing up their third full-length album. Check out the video


Korn To Rock Jimmy Kimmel Tonight
Tune in to Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight (Thursday, February 2) to catch a special performance by Korn with a special guest.

Korn along with very special guest Kill the Noise, will perform their Top Five active rock single "Narcissistic Cannibal" on the show's outdoor stage. This will mark the national TV live debut of the song.

Meanwhile, on the touring front, Kill the Noise will provide support on various Korn tour dates for the second leg of the Path of Totality Tour. more on this story


Lacuna Coil Hit Career High
Lacuna Coil have scored their highest album chart debut ever with their brand new album hitting the Billboard Top 20.

The new album Dark Adrenaline (Century Media Records) has debuted at #15 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart, selling nearly 20,000 units in its first week.

Dark Adrenaline also nabs the #2 spot on the Current Alternative Album, Top Hard Music Album and Current Hard Music Album charts, respectively. The first single from the album, "Trip The Darkness," is currently at #27 on the Active Rock chart, tying the band's highest chart position ever. more on this story


Aborted and System Divide Pull Out of Overkill Tour
Aborted announced on Tuesday that they and System Divide have pulled out of Overkill's Killfest 2012 that is also set to feature Belphegor, Blackguard, and Diamond Plate.

The didn't offer a specific reason, only posted the following on their Facebook page: "Unfortunately Aborted and System Divide has to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control we are unable to perform at the Killfest 2 tour with Overkill.

"However no need to worry, Aborted WILL be touring North America in April/May as scheduled on a different package, which will be announced soon. We hope you all understand and see you all in the pit to smash it up!' more on this story


Dio's First Three Albums Getting Deluxe Reissues
Big news for fans of Ronnie James Dio. The first three seminal Dio albums, Holy Diver, Last in Line, and Sacred Heart are getting the deluxe reissue treatment.

That's the good news, the bad news is North American fans apparently will have to order the reissues as imports as these deluxe reissues are coming from Universal, not Warner Bros Records who hold the rights in North America, according the leading Black Sabbath fansite Black-Sabbath.com.

The site posted the official announcement with all the details, the tracklisting, plus some additional notes of their own. Of note in the announcement: As well as the original CD being re-mastered, these reissues each feature a bonus CD containing an expanded booklet with notes from Malcolm Dome and has been endorsed by Ronnie's widow Wendy Dio. more on this story


Bruce Springsteen To Broadcast Apollo Theater Show
(hennemusic) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at Harlem's Apollo Theater for the first time, at a special concert event to celebrate 10 years of satellite radio.

The Friday, March 9 show happens three days after the release of Springsteen's new album, "Wrecking Ball," on March 6.

The concert will air live nationwide on Bruce Springsteen's E Street Radio, channel 20 on SiriusXM on Friday, March 9 at 8:00 pm ET. more on this story


Puscifer Deliver Telling Ghosts Video
(Banana 101.5) Maynard and friends tap into their more aggressive tendencies on Puscifer's new single 'Telling Ghosts' from their sophomore release 'The Conditions of My Parole.'

Tool and A Perfect Circle vocalist Maynard James Keenan describes his third band — Puscifer — as "a playground for the various voices in my head." Much of their material tends to be more experimental, as oppose to the more genre-specific prog metal produced by his main band Tool.

On the latest single from Puscifer, however, the band ventures closer to the realm of Tool than usual. Trading the signature sound of Adam Jones angular riffage for a more industrial vibe, the track blends the melodic and heavy in the way that only Maynard can. Check it out here.



Classic Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Joan Baez Coming To DVD
(Webster) The DVD release of Legends Of Folk: The Village Scene features vintage performances by icons of the '60s folk movement.

The footage has been restored and remastered to pristine quality for the release, due in stores and major online retailers on April 3rd.

Produced for PBS by Emmy-winning filmmaker Jim Brown, Legends of Folk features the biggest and most influential artists of the era including Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Peter, Paul & Mary, Joan Baez and many more. The live footage offers an exciting and historic firsthand view into the music and musicians that forever changed pop culture from the intimate stage of The Village Scene. Legends of Folk is hosted by Noel Paul Stookey, of Peter, Paul & Mary. more on this story


Walk The Moon Releasing New EP Next Week
RCA have set a February 7th digital release date for Walk The Moon's new "Anna Sun EP."

The digital version of the EP will be available at all digital service providers as well as in physical form at all Walk The Moon shows.

They will be joining Young the Giant on their North American tour in February before playing SXSW and touring with the Kaiser Chiefs. Later this year they will also be headlining select North American markets. more on this story


Manic Street Preachers Launching National Treasures Tour
(Gibson) Manic Street Preachers have announced plans for a full European tour focusing on their recent compilation, National Treasures.

Released in 2011, National Treasures is an overview of the Welsh band's 20-year career. They played one gig at London's O2 Arena to launch the album, but are now taking the tour across Europe.

Unlike the one-off O2 show, in which they played every song from the compilation album, this tour will feature a "selection" of their best. more on this story



Wretched Releasing New Album In March
(Victory) Wretched has entered the studio with their new lineup and producer Jamie King to record their third full-length album, Son of Perdition.

The forthcoming effort is set for a March 27 release via Victory Records and will be produced by Jamie King (Between The Buried And Me, He Is Legend, For Today) at The Basement Recording in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Last year, Wretched solidified its line-up with the addition of industry-veterans Adam Cody (Glass Casket) and Andrew Grevey (Loculus) taking the positions of vocalist and bassist, respectively. Son of Perdition marks the first official appearances by Cody and Grevey since their inception into Wretched.

Today's Day In Rock!

David Lee Roth Confirms New Van Halen Songs Are Old
(Rock News Desk) Van Halen singer David Lee Roth has confirmed reports the band's new album consists of old material. A Different Kind of Truth, released next week, marks Van Halen's first release since 1998 and the first with founding member Roth since 1984.
Roth tells the LA Times: "It's material that Eddie and I generated in 1975, 1976 and 1977. Usually fellas in our weight division will kind of gamely – or ironically, wink-wink – try to hail back to it, but keep a safe, mature distance from it."

The band's reasoning, says the singer, is they know they're not the men they used to be. "Are there second chances?" he asks. "I'm tending to 'no.' We've managed to stretch our adolescence like a chiclet to the moon, and maintained the respectful dignities along the way that got us on that turnpike up in the first place." more on this story


Black Sabbath Day Coming?
(Gibson) The city council in Black Sabbath's hometown of Birmingham in England is considering a Black Sabbath Day to both honor the legendary rock band and bring attention to the city.

According to the Birmingham Post,the city's Destination Birmingham document said: "Black Sabbath's reunion and their agreement to headline Download Festival in June is an opportunity we should not miss. Early discussions are taking place about how best the city should celebrate this and the council should be supporting any celebrations."

Philip Parkin, the report's author said: "The report is saying that Black Sabbath reforming is significant, Black Sabbath are huge and metal is huge. Given this, it is us saying to the council that we need to celebrate the fact these people come from Birmingham and there could be various ways we could do it… Ozzy Osbourne came from Aston and he's an international star. more on this story



Mastodon and Opeth Tour
Mastodon are teaming up with Opeth for North American co-headlining tour that will feature support from Ghost.

The tour kicks off on April 4th in Portland, ME, and visits more than 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada before wrapping up with a hometown show at Atlanta's Masquerade Music Park on May 12th.

About the tour, Opeth frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt says, "We're touring North America together with Mastodon soon. Nice! One of the very few metal bands of today that I genuinely like. Good people too! Ghost are coming with us as well, and they are one of the hottest new bands to come out of Sweden in recent years, and I dig them too. I sound like an old fart, don't I? Well, I am."

He continued, "Yet, am I right in thinking that this tour, this line up, is pretty decent? Would you all agree? Not complete s---, is it? Hope to see y'all out there! What are we playing? Not sure yet, but considering the company, maybe we'll have to pull out the big guns from time to time. In order to keep up, I mean." more on this story


The Cult Giving Fans Free Lucifer
The Cult are giving fans an early taste of their new album by offering a free download of the new track "Lucifer".

The Cult has wrapped up recording their first studio album in five years, Choice of Weapon. The album is set for a May 22, 2012 U.S. release on the band's new label Cooking Vinyl. The free song download is available here.

Long-time Cult collaborator and producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Bush), who produced one of The Cult's most successful albums, Sonic Temple, put the finishing touches on the foundations that were laid by co-producer Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age, U.N.K.L.E., Masters of Reality). more on this story


Shinedown New Album Preview
(Banana 101.5) Shinedown fans have a ways to go before the March 27th release of their fourth album 'Amaryllis' but can now get a preview of the album.

Shinedown are set to follow-up the biggest release of their career with their new album 'Amaryllis' this spring.

Whether or not they will trump the success 'The Sound of Madness' enjoyed is still unknown but if the latest taste of the new record is any indication — they have a good shot. Check out the preview here.



Neil Young Streaming 37-Minute Crazy Horse Track
(Gibson) After revealing that he has plans for not one, but two collaborations with Crazy Horse, Neil Young has posted the first sounds of their new work together. The rock legend unveiled a 37-minute track, now streaming on his official website.

The recording is titled "Horse Back" and was recorded on January 6 at Audio Casa Blanca studios, according to NME. In the video that accompanies the recording, fans have spotted various lyrics sheets, including ones marked "Gallows Pole," "Clementine," "This Land," "Oh Susanna!," "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain" and "Gotta Travel On (Done Laid Around)."

Could Young and Crazy Horse be planning some sort of campfire, folk song, sing-along record – with extreme distortion? Only time will tell. more on this story




Mark Hoppus Writing New Blink-182 Songs
(Banana 101.5) Blink-182 may have just released their first album in eight years with 'Neighborhoods' but are already looking forward to their next release according to Mark Hoppus.

Blink-182 fans had a long wait between their 2003 self-titled album and 2011′s 'Neighborhoods' but it looks like their next album is already on the horizon. In a recent conversation with Kerrang!, Blink bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus revealed that the writing process has already begun:

"Right now, I'm writing songs and Tom is doing other stuff. Basically, we've been on a break since last summer's US tour. I'm sure these will all be Blink songs at the moment. I don't have any plans to write songs with anybody else right now. If I do, it'll be a collaboration or a one-off thing, but everything I'm writing right now is for Blink-182." But what about the sound?



The Darkness Kick Off Tour and Give Away New Song
The Darkness kick off their North American tour today (February 1st) and will debut their first new song in six years.

The song and video for "Nothin's Gonna Stop Us," will be available on the band's official site www.theactualdarkness.com.

Fans have waited patiently since The Darkness last released material in 2006, and "Nothin's Gonna Stop Us" will be available for free as a "Thank you" for all who've supported the band with sold-out tours on both sides of the Atlantic. more on this story



Small Faces Classics Being Reissued
(Gibson) Classic albums from one of the great bands of the '60s, the Small Faces, have been slated for reissue.

Universal Music Catalogue will release deluxe editions of four albums: The Small Faces (1966), From the Beginning (1966), Small Faces (1967) and the psychedelic classic, Odgen's Nut Gone Flake (1968), according to Music-News.com .

The remastered albums will feature mono and stereo versions plus singles and alternate versions of tracks. Extensive liner notes include new interviews from surviving Small Faces Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones (Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane have passed away). more on this story




Harriet (Ex-Dawes) Giving Away New EP
Former Dawes member Alex Casnoff's new band Harriet are offering fans a free download of their debut EP.

The new EP, Tell The Right Story, is available as a free download right now at their official website HarrietMusic.Com

The Los Angeles based quartet will celebrate the release of the EP with a headlining performance at LA's Harvard and Stone tomorrow, Thursday, February 2nd. more on this story



From Ashes Rise Release First New Songs In Almost A Decade
(Earsplit) From Ashes Rise have recorded their new first new songs in over nine years.

The new tracks were recorded at Audible Alchemy, engineered by Bryan Sours and Steve Lobdell, and mixed at Audiosiege by Sours and the band's own Brad Boatright.

The two tracks -- "Rejoice The End" and "Rage of Sanity" -- are being finalized for a new 7" set to be released via Southern Lord in April or May. A final release date, cover art and more will be locked down in the coming weeks.



Death Cab for Cutie Expand Intimate Venues Tour Plans
(Atlantic) Death Cab for Cutie has announced additional dates for their upcoming North American intimate venues tour after several dates sold out.

The band will perform a third night at the Beacon Theatre on Sunday, April 29 as well as a second night at Oakland's Fox Theater on Wednesday, May 9.

The one-of-a-kind spring trek of intimate venues and historic theaters will see DCFC accompanied on stage by members of San Francisco's celebrated Magik*Magik Orchestra. Known for their innovative collaborations with such artists as Mike Patton, John Vanderslice, The Walkmen, and The Dodos, the orchestral group previously teamed with Death Cab for Cutie for their recent installment of VH1 Storytellers as well as doing all of the string arrangements on the band's most current release "CODES AND KEYS." Support acts include Low on the tour's first leg (April 10-April 25) with Youth Lagoon joining the second leg (April 27-May 13). more on this story


The Parlor Mob Joining The Pretty Reckless On The Road
(RR) The Parlor Mob are hitting the road with The Pretty Reckless on their upcoming tour beginning March 9, 2012 in Tucson, AZ.

The Parlor Mob only just released their Roadrunner Records sophomore album Dogs on October 11, 2011 but iTunes "Rewind" named it 2011's Rock Album Of The Year.

Produced, engineered and mixed by Matt Radosevich (30 Seconds To Mars, The Hives, Taking Back Sunday) Dogs is the follow up to their acclaimed debut album And You Were A Crow. more on this story


Mr. Big Unplugged For New Release
Frontiers Records have announced the release of a brand new live acoustic album from Mr. Big.

Live From The Living Room will be released in North America on February 28th.

Recorded live in front of an intimate studio audience at WOWOW TV studios in Tokyo, Japan in January, 2011, the offering features stripped-down versions of Mr. Big classics as well as a string quartet and arrangements by Takashi Miyazaki. more on this story


3 Inches Of Blood New Album Details
3 Inches Of Blood have released details about their forthcoming album, Long Live Heavy Metal.

Produced by Terry "Sho" Murray (City of Fire, Exhibitionists) the album is due out on March 27, 2012 in North America and March 26th in Europe.

3 Inches Of Blood teamed up with Kim Thiessen to perfect their artistic vision for the album, which will be released as a digipack and when opened, lays out similar to that of a book. more on this story


Mars Attacks Motley Crue's Shout At The Devil
(Sub) The latest installment of the Mars Attacks Classic Albums Column focuses on Motley Crue's Shout At The Devil.

As usual you can find written comments right on MarsAttacksRadio.com from an assortment of people, such as former David Ellefson of Megadeth, Kirk Windstein of Crowbar and Down, Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall, Steve Smyth of Forbidden, Dan Lorenzo of Hades and Non-Fiction, and comedian and That Metal Show host Jim Florentine, and a slew of others.

The podcast portion of the column contains comments from Iced Earth's Jon Schaffer, Fear Factory drummer Gene Hoglan, Hades lead singer Alan Tecchio, Glen Drover, Dave Reffett, author Martin Popoff and members of Talking Metal, Bravewords, and Iron City Rocks.

You can read the written comments, and stream or download the podcast here.


Mike Doughty Releases Double Live Album
(PS) Mike Doughty's new two-disc live album, "The Question Jar Show," was released this week by Snack Bar/Megaforce Records.

It was recorded on Mike's 2009 tour of the same name, where fans wrote out questions for Mike and placed them in a jar before the show.

Given Mike's smart, playful audience, things get interesting quickly. There's no "What's your favorite color?" or "What's [insert song name here] about?" Rather, Mike cheekily answers questions like: "It's the zombie apocalypse. Where are you and what are you doing?"; "Would you rather play Twister with Dick Cheney or punch a kitten in the face?"; and "Can you actually name 27 Jennifers?" (This last, a reference to Mike's hit song of a few years back.) Also, Mike's sideman, Andrew "Scrap" Livingston, sings some King Diamond, as well as his own classic tune, "Keeping Watch Over Some Cow."


Singled Out: Soulicit's Hell Yeah
Today Darick Parson from Soulicit tells us about "Hell Yeah" from their recently released album "Parking Lot Rockstar". Here is the story:

Imagine you are 18 years old cruising at 110 mph in a red convertible with the top down. The girls in the back are screaming. Your best friend riding shotgun is quietly rethinking his choice to break probation and split a half gallon of whiskey this evening. The cops you just lost while tearing through a city park didn't hesitate at the county line and are gaining fast. You have 4 miles until the cops in the next town join the chase. What do you do?

"Hell Yeah" is a true story about Trent's brother and the essence of rock and roll. It's a sound track to rebellion. It's about the moment when Tyler lit a cigarette, cranked up Elton John's "Tiny Dancer", and put the pedal to the floor. The rest of the story plays out like an episode of "Dukes of Hazard": Cop car pile ups, a foot chase, excellent use of an E-brake, and some jail time. To quote Ty, "The police report said nine, but the most I saw were 5 cops at one time."

He described the above situation as the most free feeling in the world. This song is about letting go of rules and giving a big middle finger to what you are supposed to do. It's the simple act of throwing a fist in the air and shouting, "Hell Yeah!"

As a band, we've had our share of "Hell Yeah" moments since writing the song. That phrase and the raw emotion of just going for it describes what our lives have been like lately. When writing the song, we were playing local clubs and laughing about Tyler and his crazy ways. Since then, we've taken everything the song stands for and made it our way of life. When we take the stage tonight and play our anthem, a song about risking it all, we feel it. Hopefully we don't put a cop in a tailspin on our way to the venue, but the emotion of the song hits close to home now more than ever.

When we were asked to trade in everything we've ever known to hit the road and chase the dream, there were only 2 words that came to mind

Today's Day In Rock!

Lost Beatles Solo Discovered (Hear It Online)
(hennemusic) The guitar solo from The Beatles' 1969 hit single "Here Comes The Sun" has been discovered after 43 years.
The solo was discovered by Harrison's son Dhani, Beatles' producer George Martin and his son Giles during a visit to Abbey Road Studios, according to NME.

The solo track was discovered while the three were listening to the Abbey Road classic when a chance move of a fader on the mixing board uncovered the lost guitar solo. Check out the video here.


Velvet Revolver Reunion Speculation Shot Down
(Gibson) Although Velvet Revolver fans still are buzzing from the band's reunion with vocalist Scott Weiland for a performance on January 12, the band's drummer Matt Sorum says there has been no talk yet of the singer returning to the band full-time.

In an interview with Frankie DiVita of 96.7 KCAL Rocks at the 2012 NAMM Show, Sorum said of the performance, "It was cool, man. We hadn't played together in a long time. We soundchecked a few songs. We only played, like, three songs. But it was cool to be on stage and play music again. It was like riding a bike."

Sorum said Slash was booked for the next year to support his upcoming solo album, and that a reunion with Weiland hasn't yet been discussed. The concert was organized to raise funds to support the family of late award-winning composer John O'Brien. "Everyone had a good time and we raised some money for a really sad situation," Sorum said. "John O'Brien passed away and left a pregnant wife and another child. And a lot of people turned out for the show… Amazing turnout." more on this story




Sammy Hagar Not Impressed With New Van Halen
(hennemusic) While chatting with Radio Metal, Sammy Hagar says he isn't impressed with what he heard so far of Van Halen's new studio album with original frontman David Lee Roth and offered some other harsh views of his former group.

While chatting with Radio Metal, Hagar was asked how he is feeling now that VH are releasing a new album. "Oh, I'm okay with those guys doing whatever they want to do," says Sammy. "What I've heard so far, I wasn't impressed with at all, personally. I think in Chickenfoot, we've raised the bar a little bit on what a four-piece rock band can do, and I think they chose to take the easy route and take some of their old stuff and and re-record it instead of writing new songs. Who is Van Halen today? I don't know, I don't think the fans are going to be happy with it. I couldn't care less if it's the biggest album of the year, that wouldn't be important to me, what is important to me is that, as artists, why would you do that? They haven't released an album since my last album in something like 1991 or '92, (Ed. note: "VHIII" was issued in 1998) and then they just go back. To me it makes a strange statement, it kind of says 'We don't have anything, we're not a band anymore, we're not creative.' Isn't it a strange statement to you?"

Radio Metal: Do you think this was intentional? I mean, as a band it's normal to have some habits, some patterns, some ways of composing that come back, so do you think it really was intentional? Hagar: I don't know. To be honest with you, the last time I was around those guys was in 2004 on the reunion. It was a disaster, it was horrible, Eddie was in a really bad shape, I wrote about it a lot in my book. And I don't know what they're thinking to be honest with you. Because if they were thinking at all, they would certainly have Mikey in there playing bass. So I don't know what they're thinking. I believe it was probably intentional because I don't think they had any choice. If they had had a choice they would've done all new stuff. From today. They would've written together like a band.

Radio Metal: So you think they don't have any inspiration today? Hagar: I don't think so. I think there's zero inspiration and zero creativity. If there was any, they would write new songs. What does the band do? When Chickenfoot got together for our first album, we were four new guys and we got together and wrote ten, twelve songs and made an album. When we decided to do our second album, we didn't go back and take the two songs that were left over from the first album, we wrote all brand new songs. Because we're new people, we're inspired. Here's what we have to say, here's what we want to play now, here's who we've become since then. And you present yourself to the fans as who you are and what you've become. And if you don't have any idea of who you are or what you are and what you've become [laughs], then I guess you have to go back and show them what you used to be. I don't know, does that make sense? more on this story



Nikki Sixx Reignites Motley Crue and Godsmack Feud
(Rock News Desk) Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx has reignited his war of words with Godsmack frontman Sully Erna.

In his latest retaliation after Erna wrote the song Crying Like A Bitch about Sixx, the glam icon says he'd like the singer to join Crue on stage at their upcoming Las Vegas residency.

Sixx says: "We're looking for an angry midget for our Vegas shows and I was thinking of using the singer from Godsmack." more on this story


Jack White Previews Song From Solo Album
(hennemusic) Former White Stripes main man Jack White has announced details of his first solo debut album release.

Due April 24, "Blunderbuss" was produced by White and recorded at his own Third Man Studio in Nashville.

White describes the project as "an album I couldn't have released until now. I've put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas."

White has offered up his first single, "Love Interruption." Listen here.


Jesse Leach Enjoys Killswitch Engage Reunion Mystery
(Rock News Desk) Former Killswitch Engage singer Jesse Leach wants fans to enjoy the mystery of not knowing if he's returning to the band.

So he won't confirm or deny whether he's been asked to replace Howard Jones, who parted company with the metalcore outfit earlier this month.

"I'm not going to comment. I'd rather those guys go through what they've got to go through. They're good friends of mine, so I'm respecting their space at the moment," Leach tells Loud. "It's more fun, more mystery, too – you don't have to know everything. These days everybody is on Facebook and tweeting everything that happens. What happened to the mystery of music and not knowing everything?" more on this story


Seether Fans Create New EP
(Banana 101.5) Seether recently held a contest asking musicians to remix the hit single 'Tonight' from their recent studio album 'Holding On To Strings Better Left To Fray' and were so impressed with the results they will be releasing an entire EP of fan-submitted remixes of their tunes.

Seether has announced that they will be releasing an EP — featuring 'Holding On To Strings…' songs culled from their remix contest hosted by IndabaMusic.com — on February 7th.

The band is currently preparing for some overseas gigs ahead of their North American tour with Nickelback, Bush, and My Darkest Days which kicks off in April. Tracklist and a little taste



Shinedown, Adelitas Way and Art of Dying for 2012 Avalanche Tour
(Banana 101.5) Shinedown will head up the 2012 Avalanche tour with support from up-and-comers Adelitas Way and Art of Dying.

The Avalanche tour returns for it's second outing with Shinedown headlining the annual touring festival — last year's featured Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, Skillet, and Halestorm.

Art of Dying appeared as part of last year's lineup and will once again be involved, as they will replace New Medicine as support for the second half the tour. more on this story



The Cult Set New Album Release
(hennemusic) The Cult return this spring with "Choice Of Weapon," their first full-length album in 5 years on May 22.

Co-produced by Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age, U.N.K.L.E.) and longtime collaborator Bob Rock (Metallica, Aerosmith), "Choice of Weapon" was made in several studios, including the band's own Witch Mountain as well as spots in New York City, Los Angeles and the California desert.

Rolling Stone caught up with Cult frontman Ian Astbury for an album update. "Let's put it this way – the paint's still wet. We're breaking it to you guys first," says Astbury. "I think we missed our initial release date, partially due to the way that we ended up finishing the record. We began with Chris Goss, who is a very close friend and somebody I've been friends with for over 20 years. And we always talked about doing a Cult record together. Chris did all the refinement, helping us find the material, craft it, and I think we've been at it for quite a while. It just became attrition. Everyone was getting kind of exhausted. Kind of wearing each other out in the studio." more including a new song preview


Michael Anthony Looking Forward To New Van Halen Album
(Gibson) Ever the class act, former Van Halen bass player Michael Anthony says he's looking forward to hearing the new VH album – especially because it includes material which he originally played with the band on their original demos in the 1970s.

In an interview with Rob Birnie of Planet Rock, to air in full in a few weeks, Anthony said he would not be looking for songwriting credits on the material on the new Van Halen album, A Different Kind of Truth, despite the band's former policy of crediting all members equally. "I don't want to do anything. I just let it be," Anthony said. "And, hey, it'll be nice to hear some of those old songs again that I haven't played in a long time."

Much has been made of how the band returned to early demos of unreleased songs to mine for inspiration for the new material. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times over the weekend, singer David Lee Roth said, "It's material that Eddie and I generated, literally, in 1975, 1976 and 1977. Usually fellas in our weight division will kind of gamely – or ironically, wink, wink – try to hail back to it [but] keep a safe, mature distance from it." more on this story




Peter Case & Paul Collins Reunite For Nerves, Plimsouls and The Beat Tour
Peter Case & Paul Collins will reunite this spring for a North American tour where they will perform fan favorites from their joint and separate bands. Here is the official word with the details:

Prior to Peter Case forming The Plimsouls in '78, he was part of two other influential mid-to-late '70s bands with Paul Collins – The Nerves and The Breakaways (Paul would later go on to form his own highly-respected group, The Beat). Both Peter and Paul have enjoyed successful solo careers on record and on the road, but this spring they'll once again be reunited for a very special North American tour.

The two frontmen (along with bassist Timm Buechler and drummer Amos Pitsch) will be performing classic numbers by their bands, The Nerves and The Breakaways, as well as material by The Plimsouls and The Beat. For fans of energetic live performances, visceral rock & roll, and raucous, hook-laden songs that draw as much from the golden age of '60s pop as they do from punk, these shows should prove to be nothing short of nirvana. more on this story


Paul Weller Announces Only North American Appearance for 2012
SKH announced that New York area fans will be able to see Paul Weller this spring for his only scheduled appearances in North America this year.

Weller and his band will perform at a two-night stand at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, New York on May 18th & 19th.

Paul Weller's two New York shows will be in support of his upcoming album Sonik Kicks, which is scheduled for release on March 27th 2012 on Yep Roc Records. more on this story


Garbage's New Album and Tour Coming In Spring
Garbage has set the release date for their first new album in seven years and they have announced the initial tour dates in support of the effort.

The group's fifth studio album, Not Your Kind Of People, will be released in the North America on May 15, 2012.

"Working with Garbage again was very instinctual," said Duke Erikson. "Like getting on a bicycle...with three other people." He adds "We haven't felt this good about a Garbage record since the last one!" more on this story


Warbringer Lose Member on Eve of Iced Earth Tour
Warbringer have parted ways with longtime guitarist Adam Carroll as the band prepares to hit the road with Iced Earth and Symphony X. Adam and the band have issued statements and his replacement has been named:

To all fans and friends, I, Adam Carroll, have officially quit WARBRINGER. I have financial issues at home that have to be addressed sooner than later. I hope you all can understand and respect my decision. It's been some of the best years of my life and I appreciate all the support you the fans have given us and continue to give. I will forever be part of the WARBRINGER family. Many thanks and until I see the rest of you again, keep the metal alive. Cheers!"

The band enlisted friend and talented, young guitarist Andrew Bennett for the purpose of filling in live for this tour with the hope that he may become a permanent member of the group as he continues his audition process where it matters most-- on the stage and in the van. more on this story


Staind Frontman Aaron Lewis Earns CMA Nominations
Big news for Staind frontman Aaron Lewis as his solo venture into country music has earned him some big nominations.

Aaron's debut country single "Country Boy," has received two Academy Of Country Music nominations.

Lewis was nominated in the "Vocal Event of the Year" category for the song--which features George Jones and Charlie Daniels--as both the artist and co-producer, along with co-producer James Stroud. more on this story


Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg World Tour
Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg, featuring the famed Ramones member and former Misfits frontman Michale Graves, will be hitting the road in March a world tour.

The tour kicks off mid-March in Argentina followed by a short U.S. East coast run that will include two hometown area shows for drummer and Brooklyn native Marky Ramone (March 28 @ Maxwell's – Hoboken, NJ & April 1 @ The Bell House – Brooklyn, NY). Following the U.S. leg Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg heads to Greece, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Germany and the U.K. with more dates to be added.

Festival stops along the tour will include Festival de Guitarra in Barcelona, Ruhrpott Rodeo Festival in Germany, Plymouth Volksfest in the U.K. and Hard Rock Hell Ibiza Road Trip in Spain. more on this story


Alex Harvey 'Enters' Rock Hall of Fame On 30th Anniversary Of His Death
(Rock News Desk) Seventies rock icon Alex Harvey is set to enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the establishment adds a photobook about his life to its collection.

The move comes just days before fans gather in the singer's native Glasgow, Scotland, to mark the 30th anniversary of his death.

Harvey, leader of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band and widely regarded as one of the best rock frontman of all time, passed away on February 4, 1982, a day short of his 47th birthday.

Acts as varied as Def Leppard, the Cure, the Sex Pistols, Nick Cave and AC/DC have cited him as an influence. SAHB released eight albums between 1972 and 1977 and are remembered for stand-out tracks including Next, Boston Tea Party, Give My Compliments to the Chef, Gang Bang, Vambo and Framed.

Photographer Janet Macoska, whose work is showcased in the hardback Alex Harvey: Last of the Teenage Idols, says: "He was my mentor and my friend. Alex gave me my first paying gig and believed in my talent long before I did. more on this story


Paul McCartney Was Intimidated By Diana Krall
(Gibson) Paul McCartney has talked about being intimidated when recording with jazz artist Diana Krall for his new album, Kisses on the Bottom.

According the U.K. newspaper The Daily Express, McCartney recorded without an instrument to accompany his vocals. He told Culture magazine: "Here was I in this completely new role, feeling really quite intimidated. There was nothing to hide behind, no guitar or piano that I could put between me and 'it.' I had to sort of find a vocal style...

"I'm in front of really good musicians, who know what's going on, and I'm thinking, 'Bloody hell, I'm going to totally disgrace myself here. I'm going to be, like, the worst person in this band, and I'm supposed to be, like, not bad. They're all going to be smiling at me, but secretly thinking, Jesus Christ, this guy is rubbish.' Then I think, 'Get it together, Macca, come on.' ... So, yeah, me not having an instrument was very strange, very intimidating." more on this story



Signed Limited Edition Prints of Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemons Released
(PR) Rock photographer James Shive is for the first time is making available to the public, via his ShiveArchive.com site, "Series 1" of six limited edition, signed photographic prints of musical icon Bruce Springsteen and the late E Street Band member and saxophonist Clarence "The Big Man" Clemons.

Shive, an established professional photographer who during the 1970s and 80s produced thousands of images of rock and roll's most illustrious concerts, over the years has earned a noted reputation as the "go-to photographer for his vast archive of rare early images of Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, including appearances by Springsteen together with Clemons before their meteoric rise to international stardom. Among the Springsteen/Clemons museum-quality prints being offered are concert photographs taken in 1974 in New Jersey at Kean College and at the now-infamous string of eight sold-out shows in 1976 at the Palladium Theater in New York City.

In May 2011, Shive's photograph taken in 1978 of Springsteen and Clemons at The Spectrum, Philadelphia, was featured in a full-page opening memorial to the deceased Clemons in Rolling Stone Magazine. Shive is also an original, longtime contributor to Backstreets Magazine, the publication and online community dedicated to all-things Springsteen. In October 2011, Shive contributed several images that were featured in a welcoming video as well as behind a live musical performance at the "Classic Rock and Roll Party, A Tribute to Clarence Clemons, Benefiting Homesafe," an organization for which Clemons was a spokesperson and host of many events in previous years. Shive's image of Springsteen is also featured on the cover and inside the recent best-selling rock book, "The Light in Darkness." more on this story


Sleeper Agent Announce Dates With Fun and Ben Kweller
Sleeper Agent are hitting the road for a series of tour dates this spring supporting fun.

The run of dates will kick off on February 29th at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT and wrap up in Little Rock, AR on March 11th at Juanita's.

Shortly after, Sleeper Agent will hit the road supporting Ben Kweller through April. Sleeper Agent will be out supporting their album, Celabrasion. more on this story


Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet Movie Premiere Set
(Gibson) The world premiere of the film Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet, about the life of guitarist Jason Becker, will take place on March 3 in San Jose, California. The film will include interviews with Becker, his family and friends, and the various musicians he has worked with.

Becker was a brilliantly talented guitarist with the world at his feet when he joined David Lee Roth's band for the Bob Rock-produced A Little Ain't Enough album in 1989. But while preparing for the ensuing tour, Becker began to notice sluggishness in his left leg. This led to a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or "Lou Gehrig's Disease") and by 1996 Becker had lost the ability to speak. Today he is unable to move his body at all, yet Becker continues to communicate and compose via eye movements correlating to a grid system.

The Jason Becker's Not Dead Yet festival in March 2011 featured Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, Richie Kotzen, the Kehoe Nation, Flametal and more, with all proceeds going towards medical supplies for Jason and a trust fund for his future security. more on this story




Riot Tribute Mark Reale And Release Details About Today's Memorial
Riot have issued a statement about the death of Mark Reale and announced details about the memorial mass which will take place today:

It was with great sadness that we had to announce that Mark Reale, the founder of US metal legends Riot, passed away last week, having lost his battle with Crohn's disease. He was just 56 years old. Mark's band mates have been devastated by his death.

Mike Flyntz on his personal loss: "I would like to thank everyone for the support and love regarding the passing of my dear friend Mark Reale. I have had the honor to stand next to him on the stage and in the studio for over 22 years. Mark gave me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of recording and writing records, and also touring in support of those records.

Today's Day In Pop

Today's Full Report


Spice Girls Reunion Rumor
(popmusiclife) There may be a Spice Girls reunion this year. UK tabloid The Sun reports Mel B has revealed the pop group are to reunite for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at Buckingham Palace on June 4 in front of the Royal Family.
Mel B revealed the plans during an interview on Australian TV — when she was asked if the Spices will reform for the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.

Mel smiled and replied: "Ooh, I think the Queen's Jubilee concert is the event I'd be looking at more closely for that to happen." more on this story


Cops Called To Flavor Flav Family Feud
(TMZ) Cops were called to the Las Vegas home of Flavor Flav early Sunday morning after a family spat turned violent -- and when cops sorted it out, one of his daughters was arrested.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Flav's 19-year-old daughter Dazayna got into an argument with one his step-sons, which eventually became physical.

We're told Flav tried to break it up and got hit by his daughter for his troubles. It's unclear whether it was on purpose or by accident.

Our sources say someone in the house called the cops. When police arrived, we're told they interviewed everyone and found evidence of domestic violence. Dazayna was eventually taken in for misdemeanor battery.

Dazayna is still in custody and will go before a judge tomorrow morning. more on this story


Lady Gaga Launches Social Network
(popmusiclife) Lady Gaga has launched her own social network. The new website, LittleMonsters.com, will serve a social networking service between Mother Monster and her fans.

Little Monsters is currently in beta mode and fans can request an invite to "be among the first to experience a new community only for Little Monsters. Because you were born this way!"

FMQB reports the site is part of Backplane, a new social networking company that will give celebrities the ability to interact directly with their fans online. more on this story


Madonna To Tease American Idol Viewers
(popmusiclife) As Madonna prepares for her Super Bowl Halftime Show this Sunday in Indianapolis, she will get fans warmed up for the event by releasing her new single, "Give Me All Your Luvin'" featuring Nicki Minaj, on Friday February 3.

The video for "Give Me All Your Luvin'", directed by Megaforce, is football and cheerleader themed - inspired by her upcoming Super Bowl appearance.

The night before the single drops – Thursday, February 2 - Madonna will world preview the video for the single on American Idol. more on this story


Rapper Machine Gun Kelly Arrested
(TMZ) Rapper Machine Gun Kelly's tour took an unexpected stop early Sunday morning -- to jail ... after he was busted by police in Florida for misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

According to the website for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, MGK (real name Richard Baker) was busted at 4:12 AM and released a few hours later after posting $100 bond.

Kelly tweeted about the arrest, saying, "Just spent my entire night in a f**king Florida jail...s**t escaladed way to quick last night, it always does with us though."

MGK is currently touring and played the State Theatre in St. Petersburg last night. His next tour date is in Los Angeles on February 8. more on this story



Conrad Murray Wants Out of Jail Pending Appeal Of Michael Jackson Death Conviction
(TMZ) Dr. Conrad Murray has just filed legal docs asking a judge to release him from jail pending appeal.

Murray claims in his legal docs he has a legitimate basis to appeal his manslaughter conviction. Among the grounds for appeal -- "improper exclusion of defense evidence and witnesses that resulted in violating the defendant's State and constitutional rights to due process, to present a defense and to the effective assistance of counsel."

Murray's lawyer also says, "He has exhausted virtually all of his available resources."

Murray is asking to be released on no bail pending the appeal. more on this story


Cops Respond To Man Trying To Move In On Kim Kardashian
(TMZ) Kim Kardashian called police to her home in Beverly Hills when a stranger showed up at her gate with luggage ... saying he intended to stay at Kim's home -- TMZ has learned.

According to sources close to Kim ... the man showed up late Saturday night. We're told he buzzed the intercom at her security gate and claimed Kim had flown him into town to stay with her -- and that he was supposed to be working on her reality show.

We're told Kim got freaked out when the man refused to leave and a member of her security detail alerted police.

It's unclear at this point if the man was booked for a crime. more on this story



Lindsay Lohan Fires Back at Rehab Worker
(TMZ) It took her six months, but Lindsay Lohan has finally fired back a response to the Betty Ford worker who claims LiLo assaulted her -- and to no one's surprise ... Lindsay is pinning all the blame on her.

Lindsay allegedly got into it with Dawn Holland (now going by Dawn Bradley) back in December 2010, while Lindsay was in rehab. Bradley filed a lawsuit last July against Lohan for the alleged incident, claiming assault and battery.

Attorneys for Lindsay filed their response in Riverside County Superior Court on January 10, claiming the entire incident was provoked by Bradley ... so Lindsay shouldn't have to pay her a cent. Lohan claims anything she may have done was done in self-defense.

Lohan also wants the court to force Bradley to pay for her court costs, plus any other relief the court sees fit. more on this story


Christina Aguilera Tributes Etta James
(popmusiclife) Christina Aguilera paid tribute to her favorite singer, Etta James, at the blues great's funeral in Los Angeles on Saturday.

NME reports Aguilera performed a moving version of James' classic single, "At Last." "It is an amazing honour for me to have been welcomed here today, invited here to pay tribute to the great Miss Etta James," said Christina as she introduced the song. "I've since I've been able to tour, I've gone round the whole wide world and I would tell people that Miss Etta James was my favourite singer."

"It's very emotional for me to sing today, as this has meant so much to me," she continued. "All my life, I've aspired to sing like Etta James, to be like her, of all the singers I've ever heard, she was the one who cut right to my soul." Watch Xtina's performance here.


Whip-it Reference Removed From Demi Moore 911 Tape
(TMZ) The L.A. City Attorney recommended that all references to whip-its be redacted from the Demi Moore 911 tape -- and the recommendation was followed ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us ... the Deputy City Attorney assigned to the case heard references to whip-its and felt it would be an invasion of privacy if that information was released to the public -- so it was cut out of the tape, along with specific references to other drugs.

TMZ broke the story ... paramedics on scene were told Demi had used whip-its to inhale nitrous oxide just before she lapsed into semi-consciousness and exhibited seizure-like symptoms.

Now we know the person who called 911 also told the dispatcher about the whip-its. more on this story


Terminator 3 Star Nick Stahl Arrested
(TMZ) Nick Stahl found himself a little short on cash Friday night when his cab driver told him his bill was $84 ... so then Nick Stahl found himself arrested, TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... when Stahl arrived at his destination, he told the cab driver he just didn't have the cash or credit to pay the fare. We're told the cabbie then flagged down a nearby officer, and Nick was arrested.

Stahl was booked at 8:52 AM on Friday and was not released until 3:42 PM the next day, after posting $500 bail.

Calls to Shahl's rep were not returned. more on this story


Injuries At 50 Cent's X-Factor Appearance
(TMZ) 50 Cent's performance on "X-Factor" last month was a bloody mess behind the scenes -- with one stagehand smashing his head open after falling off the stage ... this according to the 911 call obtained by TMZ.

The accident occurred just as Fiddy took the stage to perform two songs. According to reports, a stair riser crashed down on several stagehands ... striking two on the head and one on the elbow.

As a result of the accident, according to the 911 call, one man fell off the stage and "cracked his head open."

Paramedics responded to the scene, treating the injured just feet away from 50 Cent's performance. All three stagehands were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. more on this story


Cee Lo To Perform With Madonna At Super Bowl?
(popmusiclife) Madonna's been tight-lipped about her upcoming Super Bowl halftime show performance, but others have been sharing news about it.

will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas told Capital FM that LMFAO will be joining the pop icon on center stage.

Now, The Insider reports sources are telling them that The Voice coach Cee Lo Green is on board, as well. "We're told, for the past two weeks, Cee Lo has been traveling to New York to practice with Madonna. And he is expected to bring a new sound to some of Madonna's classic hits!" says the site. more on this story


Halle Berry Case: Gabriel Aubry To Take Anger Management Classes?
(TMZ) Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry met for hours Friday with representatives from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services ... and social workers concluded Gabriel needed to work on his anger issues ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

We're told DCFS recommended that Gabriel take anger management classes and our sources say he agreed to enroll.

As one law enforcement source told us who is connected to the case, "Gabriel has a little bit of a temper, but the good news is that he realizes it."

The recommendation stems from an incident earlier this month in which Gabriel allegedly pushed the nanny while she was holding Nahla. Our sources say Gabriel told social workers he never touched the nanny and she was making the story up to curry favor with Halle.

Our sources say DCFS is not making any recommendations on changing the custody arrangement. That will be left to the judge on Monday morning ... when Halle and Gabriel square off
again in court.

As we first reported ... there's also a criminal investigation focusing on child endangerment and battery. Our law enforcement sources tell us they are confident Gabriel will NOT be prosecuted because it's a "he said she said" case. We're told the matter will be referred to the L.A. City Attorney next week but it's expected the Office will decline to prosecute. more on this story


States Lien-ing On Bow Wow
(TMZ) Bow Wow needs to hire himself a new accountant -- because not only does he have a tax lien against him for unpaid taxes from 2006 ... but now it turns out he owes back taxes from 2008 and 2010 as well!

As TMZ first reported, a tax lien in Florida for the year 2006 put Bow Wow on the hook for $91,105.61. The lien has still not been paid off.

Now a new lien was filed on January 9, this time in Georgia, saying Bow Wow owes $15, 279.62 for unpaid taxes from 2008 and another $19.700.91 for 2010.

Put it all together ... and you've got $126,086.14.

Calls to Bow Wow's rep were not returned. more on this story



Money Fight Over Failed Lady Gaga Appearance
(TMZ) The Russkies are pissed ... claiming a doomed Lady Gaga concert screwed them out of $1.5 million -- and now, they're taking it to court.

TV Service ZAO -- a media company that owns the Russian music network MUZ-TV -- filed the legal docs in Miami, claiming it paid the $1.5 mil to book Gaga for the upcoming MUZ-TV awards in June ... but the deal fell through ... and they still haven't gotten their money back.

According to the lawsuit, ZAO attempted to book Gaga through a Miami-based management firm called NWE -- which claimed it had the necessary Gaga connections to lock down the pop star for the summer appearance.

But ZAO claims NWE was just blowing smoke -- and ultimately failed to secure the singer.

ZAO claims it has repeatedly asked for its money back, but NWE has refused -- and worse ... siphoned off $300,000 from the 7-figure sum as a broker fee.

ZAO is suing for ALL its money back, plus damages. Calls to NWE have not been returned. more on this story


Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Now Getting Along
(TMZ) Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony have found the secret to getting along -- splitting up.

Sources very close to the former couple tell TMZ ... months before the breakup, there was virtual radio silence between the two. We're told when they did talk, it was loud and contentious ... often ending in tears on Jennifer's part.

But since the split, we're told their bond has materially strengthened. They are communicating and co-parenting well and not fighting at all.

We're told they're actually happy to do joint appearances for their new show, as well as charity work.

Sources say a number of people around them are saying there are signs of a possible reconciliation, although it is by no means certain. more on this story


Police Report Filed In Basketball Wives Fight
(TMZ) A peaceful day of filming "Basketball Wives" at a racetrack in Florida ended up in between Jennifer Williams and an assistant for Evelyn Lozada ... and it's all detailed in a police report obtained by TMZ.

Sources close to the show tell TMZ ... the girls were all in a VIP suite at the Gulf Stream Race Track in Hallandale, FL last Saturday. We're told Nai Crooks -- who is Evelyn's assistant but used to work for Jennifer as well -- called out Jennifer ... who the other girls feel has become "too big for britches."

According to our sources, the two got face-to-face and Nai pushed Williams in the face to get her away. In the police report, Williams described it as being "intentional struck by Crooks with an open hand to the left side of her face."

Williams told police security from the production company then stepped in to intervene. Our sources say that's true ... but that security also grabbed Lozada to keep her from jumping in after Williams.

In the report, the officer states he saw no injuries on Williams and told her she could file a misdemeanor complaint with the state attorney's office if she wanted to pursue the matter further.

The police report also states Williams believes the entire incident was captured on video. more on this story


Rehab or 5 Years in Prison for Teen Mom
(TMZ) "Teen Mom" star Amber Portwood has struck a plea deal after her drug arrest last month -- requiring her to serve a 5-year prison sentence -- but TMZ has learned, there's still a way for her to keep her freedom.

According to the deal, law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Amber can stay out of the big house ... provided she completes a court-mandated drug rehabilitation program.

As part of the deal, Amber pled guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance and one count of probation violation.

The entire case will be dismissed if Portwood successfully graduates from the Madison County Drug Court program -- but we're told, if she screws up ... she'll be tossed in the pokey immediately, no questions asked.

A hearing is set for February 6th -- when the judge will decide whether to approve the deal.

TMZ broke the story -- Amber was arrested on December 19 for drug possession and failing to provide a urine sample (a stipulation of her probation). She is still in custody. more on this story


Dog the Bounty Hunter Star Lyssa Chapman Drugged Day of Arrest?
(TMZ) Lyssa Chapman says she has a good reason for highly-publicized arrest last year -- and she plans on revealing that and more in a new tell-all memoir about the family ... TMZ has learned.

Baby Lyssa's arrest was a big deal when it happened last March -- and a big part of a recent episode of "Dog the Bounty Hunter." Sources close to Lyssa tell TMZ in her planned memoir, she'll reveal she was drugged on the night in question.

According to our sources ... Lyssa, who has had substance abuse issues in the past but has clean and sober for years, even visited a doctor in the months after her arrest who deemed she did not have a substance abuse order.

We're told the book -- which is being repped by Martin Literary Management -- will also detail problems with Leland and Duane Lee. According to our sources, they've left the bail bond business and severed ties with the rest of the family ... putting next season of the show in jeopardy.

Our sources say the production company behind the show have even sent the two a letter demanding their return to production or face being kicked off the show for good.

Calls to A&E have not been returned. more on this story


Michael Lohan Hospitalized
(TMZ) Michael Lohan was taken to the hospital early Friday morning after experiencing chest pains ... TMZ has learned.

According to our sources, Lohan was transferred from a rehab facility in Palm Beach, FL. We're told doctors found more blood clots and put him on medication to try and break them up.

Our sources say doctors feel they don't need to perform surgery, but they want to keep in the hospital for a couple of days to make sure the medication works.

This is the second time in two months Lohan has been hospitalized for heart problems. He had surgery to repair a blockage back on December 5.

Lohan is due to be released from rehab on March 16.

Today's Day In Rock!

Guns N' Roses Set For Intimate Venue Tour
The big news that Guns N' Roses' bassist Tommy Stinson hinted at last week has been revealed and it involves the band playing some intimate venues in the United States. The news comes as dates for a European tour have leaked out.
While the band has yet to confirm the European tour, early this morning we received official word that Guns N' Roses will invade New York during fashion week with a series of intimate shows followed with additional stops through the northeast.

Six shows confirmed so far including the historic return to The Ritz (now Webster Hall), 24 years after the filming of their "Live At The Ritz" – the MTV concert continues to be one of the most sought after trades in bootleg circles, according to the announcement. more on this story


New Van Halen Songs Originated In The 1970s
(hennemusic) While David Lee Roth returned to Van Halen a few years ago for their 2007/08 reunion tour, it's the February 7 arrival of "A Different Kind Of Truth" that really seals the deal that both Roth and Van Halen are back and the material on the album is also a blast from the past according to Roth.

"It's material that Eddie and I generated, literally, in 1975, 1976 and 1977," Roth tells the Los Angeles Times. "Usually fellas in our weight division will kind of gamely — or ironically, wink, wink — try to hail back to it [but] keep a safe, mature distance from it."

Instead, Roth said, he and the band have tried to do a sort of collaboration with their past. They can't be the same people — too much has changed — but Roth said there's interesting experimentation in the era-spanning synthesis of self. more on this story


Anthrax's Scott Ian Hospitalized and Benante Leaves Tour
A veteran member of Anthrax was hospitalized this weekend while another veteran member has been forced to pull out of their current tour due to a family emergency.

Loudwire reports that Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian is battling a severe viral infection that caused him to be hospitalized in Los Angeles.

In addition, the band also has announced that drummer Charlie Benante has left the tour to be at the bedside of his terminally ill mother in New York. more on this story


Aerosmith Almost Done With New Album and Plan Summer Tour
(hennemusic) Aerosmith are putting the finishing touches on their first studio album in 8 years, and preparing to return to the road this summer, says guitarist Joe Perry.

"We're in the middle of a bunch of stuff," Perry tells the QMI Agency. "I'm out here [Hollywood] finishing up the Aerosmith record that we started last summer. Hopefully we'll have it done in the next month or so."

"And we're definitely touring this summer. We're gonna put tickets on sale in February or March and we're going on the road in June. Everybody's lined up. We're ready." more on this story



Retro Style KISS Dolls Coming
(Gibson) For those of you who missed out on the original line of KISS action figures introduced in 1977 by the Mego toymakers, this is for you. Figures Toy Company has announced a line of KISS action figures made in the image of those collectibles, according to Blabbermouth.

In addition to recreating the original 12-inch toys that were popular in the late '70s, Figures will produce the four original KISS members (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss) in 8-inch versions.

"Our first release will have the retro look from the 1970s, but future releases will cover all time periods in KISS's almost-40-year musical career from 1973 to 2012," said Figures CFO Paul Balasco. The next editions in the works will feature the band in the Sonic Boom, Dressed to Kill and debut album eras. Both editions, which feature the band's Love Gun-era looks, will be available starting in March. more on this story



Iron Maiden May Tour This Year
There is some good news for Iron Maiden fans. The band is planning to tour at some point this year. Though the plans are not yet firm.

Loudwire reports: In a recent interview at the 2012 NAMM convention in Anaheim, Calif., Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain told 96.7 KCAL Rocks that the band has a tour in their sights.

When asked what's going on with the band, McBrain said, "Well, we're taking some time off and we're gonna go back out on tour sometime this year. We're not sure yet when." He went on to say that it probably won't be a world tour this time around, only a "little tour" and a "short run." "We're not sure yet when," reiterated McBrain. more on this story


Iwrestledabearonce Road To Metal Fest Tour
Iwrestledabearonce are set to headline the "Road To Metal Fest" which will feature support from Molotov Solution, Glass Cloud and The Greenery.

Kicking off on April 16th in Oklahoma City, OK the string of dates will lead into New England Metal and Hardcore Festival on April 21st and continue on until wrapping up in Flagstaff, AZ on May 1st.

"We're super excited about this tour and the opportunity to play New England Metal and Hardcore Fest again!" Says Iwrestledabeatonce guitarist Steven Bradley. The New England Metal and Hardcore Festival is the largest, longest running and most successful metal festival in the United States. It has presented some of the biggest and up-and-coming artists in the metal and hardcore music genres over the past 13 years. "A lot of these shows are in venues we missed in 2011, so can't wait to party with all you folks for the first time in a while. Come hang out with us and let's make mistakes!" more on this story


Motorhead Release Limited Edition Motor-Bag
(Gibson) Motorhead are putting out a limited-edition package that may contain all the motormadness any fan could want.

The Motör-Bag is available online via www.merchdirect.com/Motorhead and is limited to 4,000 copies worldwide. You get a Motörhead messenger bag, and inside you will get two double-vinyl LPs of live shows not available anywhere else.

You also get a laminate pass and a piece of The Wörld is Yours 2010-11 stage backdrop, mounted and numbered. more on this story




Celebrate Rush Day on 2-1-12
(Gibson) Last year, we were able to ring in "National Metal Day" on 11-11-11. Just a few months later, it's already time for another music holiday – "Intergalactic Prog Metal Day" or "Rush Day" on 2-1-12, according to BraveWords.

In celebration of Rush, their landmark album 2112 and all of the bands that have been influenced by Rush ever since, various radio stations, music stores and websites have special events planned.

"Rush's 2112 is probably the first album that can rightfully be called progressive metal, so it's only appropriate we blast the album from the rooftops, from our cars, from our iPods, from everywhere, to celebrate this landmark album and Rush's incredible longevity and lasting influence," said Jeff Wagner, author of Mean Deviation: Four Decades of Progressive Heavy Metal. more on this story




Ian Anderson Plans Jethro Tull Thick As A Brick Tour
(Gibson) Jethro Tull singer and flautist Ian Anderson is honoring the 40th anniversary of the album Thick as a Brick by playing the entire album live in concert. It's the first time the progressive rock epic has been performed live in its entirety since 1972, according to Ultimate Classic Rock .

However, the tour is credited to Anderson as a solo artist and not Jethro Tull as a band. The frontman recently explained why he decided to present the Thick as a Brick tour this way.

"Back in 1972, when I tried to play Thick as a Brick live on stage in the USA, it turned into the tour from hell," he said. "I decided never to do that again." more on this story




Joe Satriani 3D Movie and Soundtrack Details
Joe Satriani has released details about his upcoming concert film that is hitting theaters and the song listing for the film's soundtrack.

The live-concert film, 'Satchurated: Live in Montreal,' will be shown in both 2D & 3D HD at theaters across North America on March 1st and the soundtrack will be released on April 10, 2012 through Epic Records

Satchurated was filmed live during Satriani's "The Wormhole Tour", supporting his studio album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards at the Metropolis in Montreal, Canada. The December 12, 2010 concert was filmed by Grammy and Emmy award-winning concert filmmakers Pierre and Francois Lamoureux. Satchurated: Live in Montreal will be released to select theatres throughout the country on March 1, 2012 for a limited engagement. more on this story


Analog Man Joe Walsh Stuck In A Digital Age
(Gibson) Joe Walsh is done with his new solo album, Analog Man. It is set for a release in May or June and will be his first solo set since 1992's Songs for a Dying Planet.

In a new interview with the San Diego Reader about the upcoming album, Walsh seems more concerned with technophobia. Of the album title, he says: "I just decided I better get with it. After all, it is the digital age. Back when it was all analog, we used to go in the studio, and studios had knobs. We used to turn knobs and say, let's see what this does. Now, we have a mouse. We [the members of the Eagles] spend hours yelling at our computers. My son comes in and he says: Dad, you're really stupid.

"I was at a Lakers game last night, and everybody there was texting. Now and then they'd look up and check the score." more on this story




Anthrax, Savage Messiah, Cerebral Bore For Hammerfest IV
Savage Messiah have confirmed that they are taking part in this year's edition of Hammerfest, which set from 15th - 18th March in Prestatyn, Wales.

Having already performed at the festival before, Savage Messiah are now the latest band to be confirmed for Hammerfest IV, joining a line-up that includes the likes of Anthrax, Skindred, Amon Amarth, Cerebral Bore and more.

Savage Messiah frontman David Silver comments: "It's fantastic for the band to have been asked back to Hammerfest for the second time - we had a great time last time, but now with a new album to promote, it's going to be even better!! We're on late, but that's not going to matter - we'll be getting the final circle pits of the festival going and we're looking forward to kickin' ass!!!" more on this story


Original Captain Beefheart Bat Chain Puller Album Coming From Zappa Family Trust
MSO sent over word that The Zappa Family Trust is making the legendary Captain Beefheart album Bat Chain Puller available in its original format for the first time ever.

Recording for the album began in 1976 and was completed but was never released on Frank Zappa's label that Beefheart was signed to at the time, due to "all the usual financial difficulties in the proverbial record business, including breach of contract with the artist, lawsuits with artist management and distribution for the label," according to sources.

Different recordings of some of the songs were released elsewhere, but this will be the first time Captain Beefheart fans will be able to hear the album the way it was intended. The release is available for pre-order here and shipping is planned for the week of February 13. more on this story


Jeff Loomis Guests on 7 Horns 7 Eyes Album
Jeff Loomis (ex-Nevermore) makes a guest appearance on 7 Horns 7 Eyes debut full-length album, Throes Of Absolution.

Century Media Records have announced a April 24th, 2012 release date for the album in North America.

In regards to the state of the band and their upcoming release, guitarist Aaron Smith comments: "7H7E has been on quite a journey since we embarked on recording this album, full of some big ups and downs-- not the least of which being signed to Century Media/Basick Records, enduring a front-man change, re-recording all the album vocals, and sharing the stage with some great bands...and let me tell you-it feels amazing for us to know that we finally get to release this thing out into the world. Many of our fans have waited patiently for years for this record to drop, likely wondering at times if it ever even will, and we can't thank them enough for sticking by us. Here's to our fans and to 2012 being a great new year for 7 HORNS 7 EYES! See you on the road!"


Vintage Blue For Valentine's Day
Vintage Blue have set a February 14, 2012 release date for their debut full-length record, Strike the Mics.

For the Strike the Mics sessions, Vintage Blue enlisted grammy-nominated producer Jamie Candiloro (The Eagles, Luscious Jackson, Willie Nelson, Ryan Adams).

"To a man, Vintage Blue believes the music on our album is truly us," says singer/lead guitarist Bassett. "It speaks to our lives, our loves and our passion. We truly love what we gained from the process and look forward to making music for many more years to come. We could not be more excited to have listeners get to know the guys behind the sound." more on this story


SPV / Steamhammer Tribute Riot's Mark Reale
SPV / Steamhammer has released a statement about the recent death of Riot guitarist and founding member Mark Reale. The label had this to say: With deep sadness we have to say goodbye to one of the most underrated guitar players and composers on this planet: Mark Reale.

With albums like "Fire Down Under" or "Thundersteel" he created timeless metal music which will stand the test of time for many more decades.

Last years studio album "Immortal Soul" on remains his legacy, and what an album it was: RIOT were back for the attack! more on this story


Steve Vai Receives Les Paul Award
(hennemusic) Steve Vai was honored with the prestigious Les Paul Award at the 27th annual Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards on January 20th in Anaheim, CA as part of the NAMM 2012.

The Les Paul Award is an annual prize given to a musician/recording artist whose work has epitomized the marriage of music and technology.

The 2011 honor was co-presented to Vai by Les Paul's son, Russ Paul, and bassist Billy Sheehan. Check out video here.


Singled Out: Mariana's Trench's Haven't Had Enough
Today Ian from Mariana's Trench tells us about the video for their song "Haven't Had Enough" from their recently released album "Ever After". Here is the story:

"Haven't Had Enough" is our first video released from our latest album 'Ever After.' The album itself is a concept album that is one continuous piece from beginning to end, meaning that each song on the album is joined together with interludes. The album theme is that of a dark fairy tale, kind of Tim Burton-esk.

Like the album, our videos for 'Ever After' are all going to follow a concept and will be centered around a dark fairy tale. In the video for "Haven't Had Enough," the band gets trapped in the fairy tale world by the evil Queen and we essentially become her pawns, unbeknown to us of course! (Look at me, I used unbeknown in a sentence and I'm a drummer, not bad...) We are manipulated by the Queen and tossed between her worlds but with the snap of her fingers, our minds are erased and we're back to the beginning yet again. Kind of like most of my relationships.

We go from Old France to a 50s diner to Ancient Egypt to Zombie Land and end up in the end in an unknown Toy Land.