Today's Day In Rock News!

Aerosmith Debut New Song
(Classic Rock) Aerosmith have revealed the first single from their long-awaited 15th studio album: Legendary Child will be song number four on the 14-track record Music From Another Dimension.
It will be included on the soundtrack for upcoming movie GI Joe, and it's on an unfinished piece they put together in 1991. The studio version has been streamed after Aerosmith performed it live on TV gameshow American Idol last night.

Music From Another Dimension is due in September including songs entitled What Could Have Been Love; Beautiful; Street Jesus; Legendary Child; Oh Yeah; We All Fall Down; Another last Goodbye; Out Go the Lights; Love Three Times a Day (Hello Goodbye); Closer; Shakey Ground; Lover A Lot; Freedom Fighter; Up On the Mountain. Listen to the new song here.



Michael Anthony Doubts Van Halen Postponement Reason
(Classic Rock) Chickenfoot bassist Michael Anthony cast doubt on his former band' Van Halen's claim that they cancelled 31 tour dates due to exhaustion, asking why it took them three days to say that was their reason.

The current lineup, featuring original singer David Lee Roth and Eddie's son Wolfgang in Anthony's place, surprised fans by pulling three months of shows. Roth later appeared in a video to explain: "The band is getting along famously, better than we have in quite some time. As usual, we've bit off way more than we could chew when it came to scheduling."

Anthony says: "Everybody's got their own opinions. Who knows? To me it sounds kinda interesting – if you say you're tired and you want to recharge your batteries you don't put 30 shows on sale. If I were a fan I'd be going, 'Why are you putting 30 shows on sale?'" more on this story



Roger Waters To Build Massive Final Wall
(Classic Rock) Roger Waters has added one last date to his world tour of Pink Floyd epic The Wall promising to shake fans with the biggest outdoor set ever.

He's been on the road since 2010 and has previously stated he plans to bow out after the trek ends. That was due to take place in Philadelphia on July 14.

But now he's announced he'll appear in Quebec a week later – and the outdoor performance will rival the one he put on 22 years ago to the day. "The Wall in Berlin was on the 21st of July 1990. This one will be different. It's going to be 800 feet wide, to make it the widest wall ever. When we did it in Berlin the end of the wall tapered off. Here it's going to look like it disappears, so we get a Great Wall of China effect. more on this story



Spinal Tap Star Hit By A Car
(Gibson) Spinal Tap singer-guitarist Michael McKean is recovering in a Manhattan hospital after being struck by a car Tuesday (May 22) in New York.

As reported by New York's Daily News, the 64-year-old actor-musician was first taken to St. Luke's Hospital, in critical condition.

His condition has since been upgraded to stable, and the worst of his injuries appears to be a broken leg. McKean's publicist, Harriet Sternberg, characterized the accident as "devastating," but added that McKean is expected to be "okay." "He'll be fine," she said. more on this story





Motley Crue Star's Drug Tales Branded A Fraud By Rival
(Classic Rock) LA Guns frontman Phil Lewis has blasted Nikki Sixx's bestseller The Heroin Diaries as a "fraud," two years after former Motley Crue singer John Corabi made a similar suggestion about his ex-bandmate's book.

Lewis' outburst came in a forum tirade in which he slammed Crue's touring partners Def Leppard, accusing them of not working hard enough on stage. On the MetalSludge.tv boards the singer said: "I don't like arena rock. Motley Crue, with exploding drum kits and midgets, bore me to death. Poison is an embarrassment. Def Leppard going through the motions and mailing it in every night is pathetic."

After Sixx responded by calling Lewis a "sad li'l pumpkin" on Twitter, the Gunsman turned his anger on the bassist's 2007 book. Subtitled A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star, it documents the bassist's experiences in the band, in his love life and with his drug issues, leading up to his heroin overdose in 1987. more on this story



Sebastian Bach Bandmate Fighting For His Life
(Classic Rock) Sebastian Bach has asked for prayers after his solo band drummer Mark Bam Bam McConnell was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

A friend reports his liver and kidneys shut down and he's suffered partial brain damage, but appears to be in better shape than he was when the tragedy struck.

Sebastian says: "My friend is fighting for his life right now in Gainesville, Florida. Miracles can happen though, so everyone have Bam Bam in your hearts and prayers. We love you, Bam Bam – you can kick this in the ass just like you play your drums. Fight hard, buddy. We all wanna rock with you. We love you." More music news including Status Quo, Rush, Slash, Marillion and more.



Led Zeppelin II RIP
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin II has died. Not the album ... the man. The Chicago Tribune reports Zeppelin, who lived near St. Louis, was known most of his life as George Blackburn before officially changing his name last fall.

"He and Mom got divorced and he wanted to start his life over, like a new chapter," said his daughter Mindy Baker of Seattle, adding that her father had seen Jimmy Page and Robert Plant's English band probably about 20 times in its heyday of the late 1960s and early '70s. "He had always liked Led Zeppelin since they came out, and it was just time to do it. My mom says that he talked about it for probably five years before the divorce."

The 64-year-old Zeppelin "climbed the 'Stairway to Heaven'" May 18 at Alton Memorial Hospital, according to a death notice published in newspapers, including the Tribune. He died of a heart attack, his daughter said. more on this story



David Bowie Guitarist Escapes Burning Car
(Gibson) Guitarist Earl Slick, best known for his work with David Bowie and John Lennon, was riding in a car that burst into flames this past weekend.

The guitarist had been performing earlier at a "British Invasion" show at Just Jake's in Montclair, New Jersey.

According to NorthJersey.com, Slick (whose real name is Frank Madeloni) was travelling in a Ford Cobra on Saturday, May 19, when the engine burst into flames. more on this story






Di'Anno Wants Former Iron Maiden Bandmate To Undergo Stem Cell Therapy
(Classic Rock) Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno wants his ex-bandmate Clive Burr to undergo stem cell therapy, despite the costs and risks associated with the procedure.

Burr, the drummer with Maiden from 1979 until 1982, has been in a wheelchair as a result of multiple sclerosis, which has been attacking his nervous system since before he was diagnosed in 2002.

MS reduces the ability of the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other, resulting in a wide range of potentially severe symptoms. The cause is unknown and there is no cure; but in 2009 researchers made the first breakthrough in reversing symptoms through stem cell therapy.

Di'Anno tells Talking Metal Pirate Radio Burr's condition is "not very good at all." He had a lot to say, read it here.



Prince, Grateful Dead and Bo Diddley Classic Added To National Registry
(Gibson) Recordings by Prince, Bo Diddley and the Grateful Dead are among the latest additions to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

Each year, 25 sound recordings deemed to be "cultural, artistic and/or historical treasures" are added to the registry.

Included this year are Bo Diddley's 1955 double-sided hit, "I'm a Man/Bo Diddley," the Grateful Dead's 1977 Live at Barton Hall concert recording and Prince and the Revolution's 1984 soundtrack album, Purple Rain. more on this story





Surviving Beastie Boys Say Yauch Stayed Positive
(Classic Rock) Surviving Beastie Boys Adam Horovitz and Mike Diamond believed Adam Yauch was going to win his battle against cancer, because of his courage and confidence. And they say their bandmate, who died last month, was never scared of what lay ahead.

Horovitz tells Rolling Stone: "You would get swept up in his excitement and positivity. He had that extra drive to see things through. We each had our roles – one of his was the make-it-happen person.

"We recorded a few months ago – it wasn't any different from before. We spent more time making fart jokes and ordering food, which was true to form. I don't believe Adam was afraid. Bummed out, yeah – but I can't think when I ever saw him afraid." more on this story



CBGB Festival Lineup Features 300 Bands
The CBGB Festival organizers have announces some details about the upcoming event which will take place at 30 venues over the four days from July 5th to 8th, 2012 in New York City and feature 300 bands.

Music highlights include a hardcore show headlined by Cro-Mags, Vision of Disorder and Sick of It All at Webster Hall, a show at SummerStage in Central Park with Guided by Voices, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Cloud Nothings and War On Drugs as well as line ups with David Johansen, D Generation, The Baseball Project (Mike Mills of R.E.M & Steve Wynn of Dream Syndicate), Craig Finn (The Hold Steady), Rocket from The Tombs, MEN, MXPX, Reggie Watts, The Dirty Pearls, LA Guns and more.

The music line up includes: Guided By Voices * Pains Of Being Pure at Heart * Cloud Nothings * War on Drugs * Craig Finn * D Generation * The Cro-Mags * Sick Of It All * Vision of Disorder * The Baseball Project * David Johansen * Sister Sparrow & The DirtyBirds * Willie Nile * Rocket From The Tombs * LA Guns * Dirty Pearls * Ben Taylor * Popa Chubby * MXPX * Harry Waters * Escort * Cerveris * Xylos * Firehorse * Gary Lucas With Gods and Monsters * Eytan and the Embassy * Richard Lloyd Waldos * Radio 4 * Shayfer James * Sophie Madeleine * My Pet Dragon * Bardot * Jon DeRosa * So So Glows * Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan * Men * PS I Love You * Orion Experience * Empire Beats featuring Camille Atkinson * The Killing Floor * Ingrid and The Defectors * Bebe Buell * The Noise * The Bowery Tones * Faith NYC * Weekend * Two Lights * The Bamboo Kids * The Indecent * Romans * Brass Knuckle Evangelists * Mary C * New Cassettes * Waking Heroes * Daddy Long Legs * Van Hunt * Hollis Brown * Andy & The Rattlesnakes. more on this story



Hatebreed Begin Recording New Album
(APR) Hatebreed have entered the recording studio to begin recording their next full-length studio album.

The band is self-producing the effort with co-producer assistance from world-renowned metal producers Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Avenged Sevenfold) and Chris "Zeuss" Harris (Suicide Silence, All That Remains, Shadows Fall).

When talking about the new songs, frontman Jamey Jasta said, "This album is so heavy, it's irresponsible." more on this story



Beck Teams With Jack White
(Gibson) An upcoming release on Third Man Records features a coming together of alt-rock heroes. Jack White's Nashville-based record label will release a single by Beck; White also plays on the tracks.

On May 28, Beck will release "I Just Started Hating Some People Today," with "Blue Randy" as the b-side as part of Third Man Records' Blue Series.

The songs were recorded in Music City, U.S.A., in 2011 when Beck was working on a full album. White contributes "drums, acoustic guitar, punk vocal and background vocals" on the first song, but just drums on the b-side. more on this story





Jon Anderson Announces Summer Tour Dates
The legendary voice of Yes, Jon Anderson will be playing select concert dates this summer.

Anderson will be playing the North American dates in support of his new digital download release 'Open'.

Glass Onyon tells us that the new summer tour promises to deliver an exciting mixture of material from Jon Anderson's prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic YES songs, along with songs from his latest CD 'Survival & Other Stories' and new compositions, highlighted by humorous and enlightening stories told by Jon. more on this story



Nikki Sixx To Toss Out First Pitch at Dodgers Game
(hennemusic) Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx is headed to the mound. Sixx will throw out the first pitch in Dodger Stadium at this Sunday's Los Angeles Dodgers game vs. the Houston Astros.

"Being from Los Angeles, this is a a huge honor for me," Nikki wrote. "I don't know if any of you remember, but I was part of the Dodgers billboard campaign a few years ago. The whole Sixx Sense gang, my kids and Courtney are all going...Bad ass."

The Sixx billboard was part of a celebrity-based 2009 marketing campaign by the Dodgers. See the billboard here.



New Slash Movie Gets Underway
(Gibson) Filming has begun on the first movie being made by Slash's Hollywood production company, Slasher Films.

In 2010, Slash announced he was joining the likes of Rob Zombie by launching a movie production company that would focus on horror flicks in the style of the "slasher" movies of the '70s and '80s.

As reported by Louisiana's St. Tammany News, filming for the company's first project, Nothing to Fear, is currently underway in the small town of Covington, Louisiana. more on this story





The Flaming Lips Eye World Record
(Gibson) The Flaming Lips have announced they will attempt to set a new world record for the most live concerts in multiple cities in a 24-hour period.

The official Guinness Book world record, currently held by Jay-Z, stands at seven. Jay-Z accomplished the feat by jetting around the country, but frontman Wayne Coyne says the Flaming Lips will break the record by traveling by bus through the Mississippi Delta. "Like when the Sex Pistols did their one and only American tour, the weird mid-south … has something very absurd about it when contrasted with radical visionary musicians," Coyne said, in a prepared statement. "I've accepted the job of, not DRIVING, but commandeering the Magical Mystery Merry Prankster bus."

The attempt will take place on June 27, beginning in Memphis and wrapping up in New Orleans. All the Flaming Lips performances will be streamed to coincide with MTV's O Music Awards. more on this story





B Sides


Slash Talks Drugs N' Roses
(hennemusic) On Wednesday, Slash stopped by CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight for an interview to promote his new sophomore album, "Apocalyptic Love". One of the subjects the pair discussed was Slash's sobriety – he's been clean almost 7 years now.

Asked if his drug-filled years were fun, Slash said, "I don't have any regrets about any of it. It was a lot of fun, and I think a lot of that whole sort of lifestyle - that freedom of doing anything you want to do and have a good time however you want to do it is all great. But it catches up with you at some point. You don't see it coming. There's an invisible line that you cross."

Morgan and Slash also discussed the legacy of Guns N' Roses and how the guitarist left the band in 1996, which began with Slash telling Axl Rose, "I'm done." Slash explained further: "It wasn't even me necessarily leaving the band; it was not continuing on with the new band that Axl had put together that he was now at the helm of – which was the new Guns N' Roses. I was given a contract to basically join his new band. It took about 24 hours before I decided, you know, I think this is the end of the line." Watch the interview here.



Van Halen Break Out Another Classic On Tour
(hennemusic) Van Halen brought their "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour to St. Paul, MN on Saturday.

It was the band's first show since the postponement of 31 dates of a recently-announced US summer tour, played just hours before Van Halen released a video of David Lee Roth explaining the reasons behind the change in plans.

The group had recently settled back in to a stable setlist, after keeping fans guessing by randomly mixing some rarities in the show. That changed Saturday, when Van Halen broke out their 1980 track, "And The Cradle Will Rock," for the first time this tour. Check it out here.



Mick Jagger Jams Stones Classics at SNL Cast Party With Foo Fighters
(hennemusic) Saturday Night Live wrapped up its season last weekend with Mick Jagger hosting and handling musical duties.

Jagger was joined by Arcade Fire, the Foo Fighters and Jeff Beck for the program. Following the show, Jagger and the Foos rocked the SNL cast party, and video has surfaced of the guys performing the Stones classics "Bitch" and "Miss You."

The Foos played under the alias "Chevy Metal," and were also joined by current and former SNL cast members for other songs. Check out video here.



Gregg Allman Explains Engagement To 24-Year-Old
(hennemusic) Gregg Allman is out spreading the word about his newly-released autobiography, "My Cross To Bear." On Tuesday, Gregg stopped by Piers Morgan Tonight for an interview with the CNN host.

Morgan's ego got the best of him when he learned that Allman was engaged to be married a 7th time; Piers' tacky tabloid instincts kicked in and he couldn't stop talking about getting a "scoop" on the topic from his guest. Somehow, Piers attempted to make Gregg's news more about himself than his invited guest.

Asked what make the Allman brother take the plunge again with 24-year-old fiancée Shannon, Gregg replied, "Well, because this time I am really in love." Watch the interview here.



Hellyeah Premiere Band of Brothers Video
Hellyeah has premiered their new music video for the title track to their latest album, "Band of Brothers".

The video was Directed and Produced by David Brodsky (Video of the Year for Devin Townsend's "Juular," As I Lay Dying, All That Remains, In This Moment, etc.) and My Good Eye Visuals. Watch it here.

Band of Brothers, the band's third studio album, will be released on July 17th. The single, as well as the rest of the album, has been described as a return to each band member's original roots. more on this story




Nightrage Deliver Of The Fallen Video
Nightrage have released a new music video for the track "Delirium Of The Fallen" from the band's 2011 album "Insidious".

The video was shot on their Greek tour with PSYCHO JOKE last month. It was directed by Gabriel Psaltakis. Watch it here.

Since the release of "Insidious" Nightrage toured North America with Firewind, Arsis and White Wizzard in October 2011 and just recently finished a short European run with Demon Hunter and Deadlock.



Happy Birthday Bob Dylan
(Gibson) Since he burst on the rock and roll scene in the early '60s, Bob Dylan has been consistently taciturn about his personal life before he became "Bob Dylan" at the University of Minnesota. But as time has passed, snippets of information from Dylan himself and interviews with contemporaries have shed more light on his early years.

He was born on this day in 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. He wasn't Bob Dylan then, just Robert Allen Zimmerman. In 1948, when Dylan's father was diagnosed with polio, the family moved to nearby Hibbing, at 2425 7th Avenue East (a street now renamed named "Dylan Drive"), to be precise, where he spent the rest of his childhood and high school years.

Dylan attended Hibbing High School, graduating in 1959. A copy of the '59 yearbook with his high school photograph is located at the Hibbing Public Library, and the very same piano that Dylan played in school is still used in the school today.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Axl Rose Takes A Fall On Stage
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses hit Liverpool Sunday as part of their current European tour. A hobbling Axl Rose was still feeling the effects of an injury he suffered in Moscow a week earlier, when he reportedly hurt his leg falling off a table while dancing at the trendy club Premier Lounge after the second Moscow concert.
In Liverpool, Rose acknowledged his injuries at the end of the show, telling fans, "Thanks for coming out. You guys have been great. Thanks for putting up with my hobbling around. Be safe getting out of here."

As he as making his comments, Axl was walking backwards and waving to the crowd when he fell over some stairs at the side of the drum riser. See video here.



Original Status Quo Lineup Reuniting
(Classic Rock) Francis Rossi has confirmed speculation that the original lineup of Status Quo are getting back together.

He, Rick Parfitt, bassist Alan Lancaster and drummer John Coghlan will tour the UK and record an album next year. But the project will exist alongside the current Quo, which will also release a new record.

The reunion brings to an end decades of acrimony and reunites the outfit that finalised its classic lineup in 1967, when Parfitt joined Rossi, Lancaster, Coghlan and keyboardist Roy Lynes – who left three years later. more on this story



Pearl Jam Lead Jay-Z Festival Lineup
(hennemusic) Pearl Jam have announced that they will be headlining the Made in America Music Festival curated by Jay-Z.

Made in America takes place Labor Day Weekend (Saturday, September 1st - Sunday, September 2nd) at Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.

In addition to Pearl Jam, this 2-day music festival will include performances from fellow artists like Jay-Z, Skrillex, Miike Snow, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Odd Future, D'Angelo, Maybach Music (feat. Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill), Passion Pit, Santigold, Dirty Projectors, X, Janelle Monae, Prince Royce, Rita Ora, Savoy (DJ set), and The Knocks. more on this story



Joe Walsh Delivers Analog Man Early
Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh's new album, Analog Man, will be living up to its name with an early release of the effort today on vinyl (ok, not entirely analog, as the vinyl comes with a digital download card.)

The 10-track album standard album and the deluxe 2-disc CD/DVD version will be officially released on June 5th.

Analog Man, features the new tracks "Analog Man" and "Wrecking Ball", as well as "Lucky That Way" a sequel to the classic "Life's Been Good."

Look for Joe Walsh in concert across the U.S. in 2012. more on this story



A Lot Has Changed For Paramore's Hayley Williams
Buzznet have a new interview with Paramore's Hayley Williams for their 20 Questions series. Here are two of the questions where she discusses the band's new album:

Buzznet: You guys are working on your new album, I heard that it's being produced by Meldal-Johnsen, who most recently worked on M83's albums. How was it working with him on this album and how would you compare it to previous albums? Hayley: At this point, we have recorded one song with Justin. That time in the studio was easily the most relaxed, inspired, and liberating experiences we have had in any studio thus far. We are huge fans of his work not only as a producer but as a musician, writer and musical director. He wears all those hats well and with a lot of humility.

Buzznet: What is the main inspiration behind the new record? Hayley: I am laughing things off a lot more easily these days than I was at 19, when I wrote the last album. A lot of change... a lot of positivity. Even the songs with the more serious subject matter feel less toiled and troubled. Musically, I am most inspired by the personality captured in every instrument. That, to me, is actually what is making up this newer sound that is happening. Read the full interview here.



Iommi Comments On Black Sabbath Hometown Show
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath guitar legend Tony Iommi says he was "extremely nervous" before playing the band's semi-reunion show Saturday in their hometown of Birmingham.

"I was extremely nervous beforehand about playing a long set, not knowing whether I'd be able to last," writes Iommi. "It turned out to be no problem whatsoever because Ozzy [Osbourne], Geezer [Butler] and Tommy [Clufetos] were nailing everything, no chance to feel tired! I'm really pleased with how it turned out, fantastic crowd and I want to say thank you to all of them for giving me such an amazing reception. On our way again at last!"

"Finally, a special thanks to Tommy," Tony added, "we invited him to play and he was brilliant." more on this story



Rush To Play Their First European Festival In Over Three Decades
(hennemusic) Rush have confirmed their first European festival appearance in over three decades.

In support of their new album, "Clockwork Angels," the Canadian rockers will play the 2013 edition of the Sweden Rock Festival, which happens June 5-8, 2013 in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

Rush will appear on the festival's closing night of June 8. Sweden Rock Festival 2013 will be a four-day festival featuring a total of 80 bands performing on five outdoor stages. more on this story



Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack White and Neil Young Lead ALC Fest Lineup
This year's Austin City Limits Festival will be lead by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, The Black Keys, Jack White, Florence + The Machine, and The Avett Brothers.

The festival will feature 130-bands and all and we sent these details: Avicii, Bassnectar, The Roots, Iggy & the Stooges, The Shins, Weezer, Gotye, and The Civil Wars are also on tap to rock Zilker Park in October.

This year's roster crosses generations, genres and international borders, delivering one of ACL Festival's most diverse lineups to date. Sounds from Gotye (Belgium), M83 (France), Metric (Canada), Die Antwoord (South Africa), Kimbra (New Zealand), Los Campesinos! (Wales), Jovanotti (Italy), Sonámbulo (Costa Rica), and others Even more acts listed here.



Kyuss Lives! Member Slams Josh Homme Over Legal Fight
(Classic Rock) Former Kyuss drummer Brant Bjork has slammed ex-guitarist Josh Homme for taking legal action against the Kyuss Lives project. The pair co-founded Kyuss in 1987 and were its combined driving force until Bjork left after their relationship broke down. The outfit split in 1995 after which Homme created Queens of the Stone Age.

In 2010 Bjork and singer John Garcia decided to reactivate the old band, and while Homme refused to take part he gave them his blessing. They toured as Kyuss Lives with no issues until discussions began about recording a new album. At that point the former guitarist became unhappy.

In March he filed a federal lawsuit alleging trademark infringement and consumer fraud, arguing that their name suggested a link to Homme which didn't exist. Bassist Scott Reeder then added his name to the legal action. But Bjork says the move is the result of Homme having his ego bruised – and an extension of problems which arose in 20 years ago. Find out why here.



Fall From Grace and Saving Abel Summer Tour
Fall From Grace will be teaming up with Saving Abel for a Summer tour of North America that will also feature Redlight King.

The trek will be kicking off May 31st at The Black Sheep in Colorado Springs, CO and will hit select cities across the US through July 20th.

Fall From Grace will be hitting the road in support of their 3rd full length album, "The Romance Years," which hit stores in January. more on this story



Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Streaming New Album Online
NPR is giving Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros an early listen to the group's forthcoming album.

The band's second release will be available everywhere on May 29th via Community Music but you can listen now via NPR right here.

The band is currently on the road, they have a sold out show in Chicago on Thursday and will continue on tour until June 1st when they will play the Wakarusa Festival in Ozark, AR. more on this story




The Devil Wears Prada Set New Release
The Devil Wears Prada have set a June 26th release date for their new live CD/DVD, Dead&Alive. We were sent these details:

Dead&Alive was filmed and recorded last year during The Devil Wears Prada's hugely successful Dead Throne Tour : North America tour.

The collection includes performances of songs spanning TDWP's career, including Dead Throne's "Born To Lose," "Mammoth," and "Kansas," among others, as well as other notable fan favorites including "Danger: Wildman," "Assistant To The Regional Manager," and "Outnumbered". more on this story




Blameshift and Straight Line Stitch Tour
Blameshift will be teaming up with Straight Line Stitch for the forthcoming Never Sleep Again Tour of North America.

Blameshift will kick off their full US stretch this Thursday May 24th in their home town at Mulcahy's in Wantagh, NY.

The band will be headlining a select run of shows down the east coast on their way to meet up with Straight Line Stitch in Austin, TX on June 5. more on this story



Megadeth and Rob Zombie Tour To End at Rocklahoma
Megadeth and Rob Zombie kicked off their very first co-headlining tour earlier this month and will be wrapping up the trek with a festival appearance.

The tour wraps on Saturday, May 26 when both bands are set to play at the Rocklahoma festival.

After their tour with Rob Zombie wraps at Rocklahoma, Megadeth will head to Europe for shows in Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Czech Republic, England, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Romania, Turkey, Switzerland, Greece, Belgium, Russia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland, then in September will head to South America for concerts in Chile, Argentina and Mexico. more on this story




KISS Plan 1974 Dolls Release
(hennemusic) The KISS merchandise machine keeps crankin' 'em out. KISS' website has offered up a preview of the new Paul Stanley 1974 'action figure.'

The figure pictured on their website is of a prototype that was submitted for approval.

The full set of KISS 1974 figures will be released later this year by Figures Toys. See the preview here.



Blood Red Shoes Releasing New Album This Summer
Blood Red Shoes have set a July 24th release date for their new album, In Time To Voices, which was preceded by the single "Cold" which came out on May 15th.

The new album was recorded at The Motor Museum in Liverpool with producer Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys/Foals/Tribes) who has partnered with them on the production side since their debut album Box of Secrets in 2008.

Since the release of their debut 4 years ago, the duo of Laura-Mary Carter and Steven Ansell has embarked on a grueling, unrelenting tour schedule, seeing them travel the four corners of the globe and earning them an international fanbase. However, life on the road can have its side-effects as Steven speaks of some of their more troublesome moments: "From getting arrested after spending a night drinking in a biker den, Laura fighting bouncers....twice, to the two of us breaking up onstage or having a giant fight in Prague and me getting found in the street robbed by two prostitutes. Oh and there was that time where we were invited to a hotel demolition party in Paris where we broke into Keith Richards' room and totaled it. These stories are all on the record. I guess being only two people spending more than 300 days a year together makes you kind of...volatile. Modern bands seem way too clean-cut and sensible to us anyway." more on this story



B Sides


Singled Out: To Speak of Wolves
To Speak of Wolves frontman Gage Speas and drummer Phil Chamberlain tell us about "Je Suis Fini" from their brand new album "Find Your Worth, Come Home," which hits stores today. Here is the story:

Gage Speas "Je Suis Fini" was one of the first songs we wrote for our new record, "Find Your Worth, Come Home." One of the memorable things to me about this track is that I recall wanting to change the chorus when we were in the studio, but I was having major writer's block at the time. Later I was taking a shower and it came to me right away, so I scrambled out of the shower and wrote it down as fast I could so I didn't forget, haha.

We ended up choosing this track to make a video for because we felt it was a really good representation of the record as whole. Lyrically, the song is about finding your worth and rising up. Also of note is that this is the first song I ever really sang on and the end result is a good mix of both singing and screaming.

Phil Chamberlain: Musically, "Je Suis Fini" was built off of a few riffs our guitarists and Aaron and Corey had written. We worked on it in our practice space for a few days with each member of the band having a fair amount of input, which is different from some of the other tracks on the album where one particular person had a specific vision for the way the song should go and took the reigns for that particular song. The end result is one of our favorite tracks on the new album!

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here!




Slash Rocks New Song on Jimmy Fallon
(hennemusic) Slash's sophomore album, "Apocalyptic Love," is released today. To help launch the project, Slash with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators stopped by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Monday night to play their current single, "You're A Lie."

The guys also recorded a web-exclusive performance of "Back From Cali," a track from Slash's 2010 self-titled effort.

Tuesday night, the band will broadcast their live sold-out concert from Irving Plaza in New York City exclusively on the new Livestream. Watch the Fallon performance here.



James Durbin Tributes Ronnie James Dio
(hennemusic) Last week marked the second anniversary of the passing of music legend Ronnie James Dio. The Elf/Rainbow/Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell frontman died May 16, 2010 following a lengthy battle with stomach cancer.

Rockers of all kinds took time to salute Dio, including James Durbin, currently out promoting his debut release, "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster."

The American Idol rocker paid tribute to Ronnie during his show in Baltimore on Thursday, performing "Rainbow In The Dark" while opening for Steel Panther. Watch it here.



Tesla Deliver New Video
(hennemusic) Tesla have issued a new video from their "Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions" project.

The 2011 album marked the band's 25th anniversary; it features six songs that were recorded back in 2005 at bassist Brian Wheat's J Street Recorders studio — which also serve as the last recordings with original member Tommy Skeoch — and six newly recorded tracks, including acoustic remakes of songs from Tesla's entire catalog and two brand new tracks, "Second Street" and "Better Off Without You."

The latest video is for the tune, "I Love You." Tesla are on the road across the States all summer. While you wait, check out the new video here.



Metallica Share Footage From Tour Opening Night
(hennemusic) Metallica opened their 2012 European Summer Vacation Tour in Prague last Monday night.

The event – at the city's Synot Tip Arena - marked the first time Metallica performed their 1991 self-titled ("Black") album in its entirety.

The band are now sharing some video from opening night, including sound check, meet & greet and the performance of "The Struggle Within" from the show.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Bee Gees Legend Robin Gibb Dead at 62
Legendary Bee Gees star Robin Gibb died on Sunday after a battle with cancer and a brief coma following a surgery and a case of pneumonia.
His official website had this statement: "The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery. The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."

Gibb went into a brief coma last month after coming down with pneumonia. "He woke up while we were playing the track which is a movement from the Titanic Requiem we have just written," his son Robin-John Gibb told ITV News at the time.

He fought both liver and colon cancer two years ago and thought he had made a "spectacular recovery", but a new tumor had recently developed according to MSN.

His website has set up a comment page for fans to pay their respects here and antiMusic's Kevin Wierzbicki offers up his personal remembrance of Bee Gees legend Robin Gibb and how a few years ago Robin impressed him and made him a true believer during a trip to Aruba. You can read that here.



Sabbath Drama Sabbath
It has been a dramatic week for Black Sabbath. The band had a falling out with original drummer Bill Ward, removed his images from their website (by request of Ward's attorney according to the Sabbath camp) and played a hometown reunion gig for charity, all the while bassist Geezer Butler issued a statement announcing Ward's replacement and addressing the controversy. Ward followed up with a statement of his own.

Butler posted an open letter to fans on his website. Here is what he had to say: I feel sad to see the Sabbath reunion becoming a bit of a soap opera on the internet. It has been a very tough year for us as a band, having announced our reunion plans, only for Tony to be diagnosed with lymphoma, leaving us no choice but to postpone the proposed Sabbath tour, and then for Bill to go public on his site about an un-signable contract. None of us knew how Tony was going to respond to his intensive chemo therapy, and radiotherapy. Ozzy and myself flew to England to be with Tony, and on his "good" days, we'd meet at his home studio and put ideas together for the upcoming album, all sitting down together, no drummer involved, just 3 of us quietly putting together ideas. We thought that when we had enough songs together for a full band rehearsal, we'd move back to L.A and put the whole thing together with Bill. Unfortunately, to our surprise, Bill issued a statement on his site saying he'd been offered an un-signable contract. He hadn't told any one of us he was having contractual problems, and frankly those things are worked out between our representatives, and never between the four of us let alone in public. We had the idea of keeping just one show in this year, hoping that Tony would be well enough for that show, and that things with Bill would be sorted. As you may expect, a one off show at Donnington Festival (Download) costs an absolute fortune to stage, involving over 50 people, transport, air fares, hotels, meals, agents, promotors, accountants, lawyers etc, so none of us, expected to make much money from it- it was a one off Sabbath show for the fans, before we go into recording the new album. Apparently, this wasn't acceptable to Bill's representatives, they wanted an amount that was so unrealistic that it seemed to have been a joke. So we resigned ourselves to doing Download without Bill, hoping he'd change his mind and at least make a guest appearance. We started rehearsals a few weeks ago with Tommy Clufetos, the drummer who will be on the Ozzy and Friends Tour. Brilliant drummer and good bloke. It was decided we'd better do a warm up show, to break the ice since we haven't played together live. The O2 Academy was available in Birmingham, where we were rehearsing, so we decided on that, and to make a donation to Help For Heroes Charity, since we'd be ironing out any glitches we may have. Then Bill put out a further statement saying he'd been ready to play the Birmingham show , but he was expected to have to do it "for free"- well, I think that's basically how you raise money from gigs for charity – you play them "for free".

All I am saying is that there are two sides to everything. I do hope to play with Bill again some day. For whatever reason; it wasn't meant to be this time. Bill's made his decision, and I have to respect that. Hopefully this painful year will be worth the wait for the new Sabbath album and end in joy and happiness for all.

Yesterday, Ward posted a response on his site



Roth Explains Van Halen Tour Postponement
(hennemusic) In a new video entitled "Public Relations," Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth offers up details of why the group postponed 31 newly-announced dates of its "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour without explanation last week.

"The band is getting along famously, better than we have in quite some time, and I think the shows reveal that through the miracle of YouTube," begins Roth. "I think we're one of the few bands who relishes you bringing whatever camera — if you can carry it in and pull the trigger on it yourself, then please do. And through the eye of YouTube, you can see that we're having ourselves a hell of a time, and I think that translates into the music."

"As usual, we bit off way more than we can chew when it came to scheduling," Dave continues. "The band is winning, but our schedule has been sidelined for unnecessary roughness. If we continue past July 4th and all the way into Australia and Japan, then we're asking for the robot zombie tour." He leaves it on a good note for fans about the future. Watch it here.



Nationwide Fan Hunt for New Metallica Album?
(Classic Rock) Lars Ulrich is intrigued with the idea of hiding copies of a new Metallica album somewhere in every ZIP code across the United States, and urging fans to go and find them. It's an illustration of how the drummer feels the band aren't finished stretching themselves, and how they want to continue trying new things to keep their music fresh.

Ulrich tells Rolling Stone: "I still don't feel we've challenged ourselves enough. We still talk about 'the next album.' We can do whatever we want with our music. 'We've hidden a new Metallica CD in each ZIP code in America. Go find it!' There's nothing but options."

There are 43,191 area codes in the current US ZIP directory. But even if that idea doesn't come to fruition, Ulrich insists there's plenty more to be done by the 30-year-old thrash outfit. And he's still glad they recorded controversial album Lulu with Lou Reed, despite its hugely negative response. more on this story



Crowded House Star Dead at 45
Former Crowded House drummer Peter Jones has died after a battle with brain cancer. Jones spent two years in the band in the 90s. He was 45 years old.

Crowded House posted this statement on their website, "We are in mourning today for the death of Peter Jones. We remember him as a warm hearted, funny and talented man, who was a valuable member of Crowded House. He played with style and spirit. We salute him and send our love and best thoughts to his family and friends."

Crowded House frontman Neil Finn also posted a message on Twitter that reads, "I am very sad to hear tonight that Peter Jones has died . ..a great man and a wonderful drummer . RIP Pete."




Anselmo Addresses Possible Pantera Reunion Using Zakk Wylde
(Banana 101.5) Although stating that Pantera should leave the 14 years they had together untouched by a partial reunion, drummer Vinnie Paul recently stated that if the band were to come together once again, Zakk Wylde would be the only man who can fill the spot of "Dimebag" Darrell. "I mean, [Zakk] and my brother were so tight," began Paul. "If [a Pantera reunion] ever were to happen, [Zakk] would be the guy [to step in for Dimebag]."

Vinnie Paul isn't the only Pantera member who spoke about the possibility of Zakk Wylde manning guitar duties. Frontman Phil Anselmo, who recently spoke to us about his love for Dimebag, responded to Vinnie Paul's comments during an interview with Grand Rapids radio station WGRD 97.9.

"That is an interesting question, if anything like that would ever possibly happen," says Anselmo. "Vince and I would have to sit in the same room, hash out whatever differences that we have, and as far as Zakk Wylde goes, I am not too sold on that 'cause we have to hash some crap out too. That day has not come yet, and until that day comes, I can comment further on that, but till then it is just talk. It would be rough not to see Dimebag on stage to my left, I would feel naked." more on this story



Bono Denies Billionaire Reports
(Classic Rock) U2 frontman Bono has shouted down reports that the floatation of Facebook on the stock market made him a billionaire on Friday.

His private equity firm Elevation Partners bought a 2.3% share in the social media giant in 2009, which cost them $90m – but was valued at $1.5bn last week.

But he suggests he's made the relatively small amount of between $4m and $10m, and adds that it would be impossible for him to become more wealthy than ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, who's topped the rock rich list for years with an estimated worth of £660m ($1.1bn). more on this story



Jack White Eyes World Record
(Gibson) Jack White is determined to gain a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Having been refuted in his claim that he and former White Stripes bandmate Meg White staged the shortest concert in history – the "performance" consisted of one note and a cymbal crash – White says he will now attempt to establish a record for "most metaphors in a single concert."

In a statement posted on his website, White writes: "Third Man Records encourages all attendees of said concerts to please not interfere or interject with any metaphors that they witness during the show as to not disqualify or worse yet, trivialize the metaphor in question. In addition, all concert attendees are encouraged to entice as many metaphors to occur during the show that they possibly can, as long as they don't endanger themselves or Mr. White."

With tongue firmly in cheek, White also writes: "The attempt may prove very exhausting and at times even dangerous, but the results could prove to be glorious and possibly even vainglorious." more on this story





Jeff Beck Jams With Mick Jagger on SNL
(hennemusic) Mick Jagger rocked the season finale of Saturday Night Live over the weekend. The Rolling Stones frontman proved to be very adept at comedy, having fun with his opening monologue and participating in several skits.

The musical highlights were many, and they started with Jagger joining Arcade Fire for "The Last Time." Midway through the program, things kicked into musical overdrive when the Foo Fighters jammed some thundering versions of a couple of Stones classics, including "19th Nervous Breakdown" and "It's Only Rock N' Roll (But I Like It)."

Late in the episode, Jeff Beck sat in with Mick for a 2012 US election blues number, with Beck wailing on his six-string. Check out video here.



Dave Matthews Band Kick Off Summer Tour
It's not officially summer yet, but that didn't stop the Dave Matthews Band from launching their summer tour last Friday in Texas.

The tour, which marks the band's first since 2010, will include visits at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY (June 8 & 9) and the Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, FL (July 20 & 21). Along the way, the band will headline the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, AL on May 20 and the inaugural River's Edge Music Festival, held on historic Harriet Island - just across the Mississippi River from St. Paul, MN - on June 24.

Continuing its Labor Day weekend tradition, Dave Matthews Band will perform on August 31, September 1 & 2 at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA, where the group has headlined 40 shows since 1997. The tour will come to a close with a trio of California shows: Chula Vista's Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre (September 7), Irvine's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (September 8) and Mountain View's Shoreline Amphitheatre (September 9). more on this story




Afghan Whigs Offer Free Download of First New Song in Five Years
The Afghan Whigs have released their first new recording in over five years and have made the song available as a free download on their website.

Originally recorded in 1970 by Marie "Queenie" Lyons, the band's version of "See And Don't See" is the first new recording in over five years from the recently reunited group and is available as a free download at: here.

The Afghan Whigs will perform "See And Don't See" when they make their first television appearance in over a decade on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon tomorrow, Tuesday May 22nd. more on this story




Sammy Hagar Comments On Van Halen Tour Postponement
(hennemusic) On Thursday, Van Halen postponed 31 newly-announced dates of its "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour without explanation. Former VH singer Sammy Hagar, still very bitter over his two departures from the group, chimed in with his thoughts while doing a charity event in Atlantic City on Friday.

"They're hard people to get along with, those brothers," the Denver Post reports. "Otherwise I'd still be in the band."

"I'm surprised it took this long" for the tour to experience major difficulties, he added. "I predicted this was going to happen a lot sooner. I lost money on that bet!" more on this story




Gypsy Lee Pistolero Plans Solo Album
Gypsy Lee Pistolero will be releasing a new solo album, 'The Good, The Mad and The Beautiful', this fall via Pledge Music. We were sent these details:

As former founder, frontman & songwriter of Gypsy Pistoleros, he left his own band on the eve of the Greatest Hits album launch party a few weeks ago, totally disillusioned the constraints of a band.

Lee stated "Days after leaving my own band I pulled in my old White Trash UK writing partner guitarist/Bassist/producer( Clever tosser) Mark Westwood ( Camoora, Neo, Shadowland, Arena,etc) and we have madly put together 20 plus new songs, all the great songs I'd been saving for 'God knows what?'. All the great ideas & songs that couldn't be done within the constraints of bands & labels, sales,etc, we have begun demoing. Lee Evans ( Leeroy Pistolero) has the drum duties, and Kris Jones is on trumpet. more on this story




Drug Busts Down at Rock Festivals
(Classic Rock) Drug busts at UK rock festivals are plummeting, while arrests for substance offences are increasing at other weekender events.

Figures revealed by police authorities show £3.95 worth of illegal drugs were discovered for every person attending the last Glastonbury festival – a total of £44,869 among its 177,000 attendees.

Meanwhile, £1062 worth of drugs were confiscated at Download, adding up to just 1.5p for each of the 70,000 people there. The figure at the combined Reading and Leeds Festival was slightly lower: 1p per punter, from a total of £1601 found among a crowd of 162,000.

But the figure at Sonisphere was only £413, which is just over 0.5p split among its 60,000 fans. more on this story




B Sides


Black Sabbath Reunion Show Footage Goes Online
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath rocked their hometown of Birmingham Saturday night and video from the show has been posted online.

The event marked the first time the band had played the city in more than a dozen years, and acted as a warmup show to the group's upcoming headline appearance at Download next month.

Original Sabbath members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler were joined by Ozzy's drummer Tommy Clufetos for the show as Bill Ward released a statement this past week declining to participate in the reunion based on a current contract offer.

Rolling Stone reports much of the audience's focus was on guitarist Iommi, still receiving treatment for lymphoma, with the first emotional chant of "Tony! Tony! Tony!" going up immediately after opening song, "Into the Void." Check out video here.




Slash Soundchecked
(hennemusic) Slash continues to work hard to get the word out about his new solo album, "Apocalyptic Love," which hits stores Tuesday.

The guitarist and his band performed a half dozen tunes as part of the Walmart Soundcheck series, playing a mix of classic and new material, including his current single, "You're A Lie."

Slash is on the road playing shows to introduce the new music to fans; this week, the band play Grand Rapids, MI (Thu), Rock On The Range in Columbuis, OH (Sat) and Camden, NJ (Sun). Check out video here.




The Cult Rock Old and New Songs On Jimmy Kimmel Live
(hennemusic) The Cult return this week with the Tuesday, May 22nd release of their new album, "Choice Of Weapon."

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.

On Friday, the band stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! to play their current single, "For The Animals," as well as one of their classic cuts. more on this story



Metallica Release Sonisphere Footage
(hennemusic) On May 10, Metallica headlined the Sonisphere festival in Warsaw, Poland and the band have shared some video from the show.

The show was the second date on the band's current 2012 European Summer Vacation Tour, a trek that features Metallica performing their 1991 self-titled ("Black") album in its entirety.

The band are now sharing some video from the Sonisphere stop, including James Hetfield in the Meet & Greet, "Creeping Death" in the Tuning Room, and "The God That Failed" from the show.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Van Halen Postpone Over 30 Concerts Amid Infighting Rumors
(Classic Rock) Van Halen have taken 31 dates on their current US tour off their website, and they've given no reason for the change of plans.
The band were set to stay on the road until September with original frontman Dave Lee Roth, brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen and Eddie's son Wolfgang promoting new album A Different Kind of Truth. Instead, the tour now appears to end on June 26 in New Orleans.

Rolling Stone cites a band insider who says: "They hate each other. The band is arguing like mad. They're fighting." But Van Halen News Desk notes: "These dates have been postponed, not cancelled. Several shows on their 2007-2008 tour were postponed as well, and all were ultimately rescheduled." more on this story


Pink Floyd Post Wall Reunion Video Online
(Classic Rock) Behind-the-scenes video of Pink Floyd's 2011 reunion has been published online, showing Roger Waters and David Gilmour setting aside their 30-year feud to appear on stage with bandmate Nick Mason. The former bandmates appear at ease and happy in each other's company, in a series of scenes that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

In 2010 Gilmour invited Waters to play with him at a charity show. He agreed, on the understanding that Gilmour would return the favour during Water's final tour of The Wall. That's what happened in London in May 2011, when Gilmour astonished the crowd by appearing at the top of the stage wall to perform during Comfortably Numb. After that bombshell Mason joined them for the end of the show.

The video shows Waters warning his ex-colleague: "Don't dive off the top," as a platform takes him to the height of the wall during rehearsals. Later Gilmour rests his head affectionately on Waters' shoulder during a sound check. The group are seeing chatting with crew and friends, and sharing a backstage dinner table. More including the video here!


Black Sabbath Replace Bill Ward
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath have confirmed that the group has hired a substitute drummer for the band's upcoming shows, following word from Bill Ward that he will not be joining them.

Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler have released the following message: We have decided not to make any detailed comment on Bill's latest statement. There are two sides to every story. We have been working hard at rehearsals making excellent progress after Tony's treatments and we have engaged a substitute drummer for the forthcoming shows. See you at Download.

The Sabbath team have not publicly announced yet who will be joining them on drums; the group's first show is this Saturday in Birmingham.

On Tuesday, Ward posted a lengthy letter online explaining his attempts to work out a fair contract with a mystery Sabbath band representative, his readiness and willingness to be a part of the group's reunion this year, and his disappointment that the band he started will be playing their hometown of Birmingham without him. more on this story



Def Leppard Redo Two Of Their Biggest Hits
(hennemusic) To celebrate the summer of "Rock of Ages," Def Leppard has recorded new versions of "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Rock Of Ages."

The songs will be available on iTunes, Amazon.com, and all other digital music retailers June 4th.

Leppard have billed their summer tour as Rock Of Ages, after the band's hit from their 1983 release, "Pyromania," and the upcoming Broadway play-turned-movie starring Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Brand and Julianne Hough.

The Rock Of Ages tour also features Poison and Lita Ford, and it kicks off June 20 in Salt Lake City. more on this story



Ace Frehley Jams KISS Classic With Pearl Jam's McCready
(hennemusic) Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready is on the road with his UFO tribute band, Flight To Mars.

Joining McCready in Flight To Mars are friends and fellow Seattle-area musicians Tim DiJulio (guitar), Gary Westlake (bass), Mike Musburger (drums) and Paul Passereli (vocals).

Tuesday night, the trip rolled into the Casbah in San Diego where the group was joined by original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley for a cover of that group's classic track, "Black Diamond." Check out video here.



The Cult Planning Collaboration With Hip-Hop Star
(Classic Rock) The Cult frontman Ian Astbury is glad he finally gave into demands to record full-length release Choice of Weapon and he says the follow-up will be a "big shock" if the band can turn their plan into reality.

The singer doesn't plan to sit still for long, and says he's working towards a surprising collaboration. "Let's say he's a real illuminati of the hip-hop community. If we pull this off it'll be a big shock."

He says he can't confirm who the artist in question might be, but asked if it's Grammy-winning Wu Tang Clan member RZA, Astbury replies: "Warm." more on this story



Rob Zombie Slams Today's Pathetic Pop Singers
(Classic Rock) Rob Zombie believes rock music has been out of fashion in recent years because the industry prefers pop artists who are prepared to mime on stage.

He says: "Rock bands can deliver it live, whereas a lot of pop acts – you watch the Grammys and it's pathetic sometimes. 60-year-old Bruce Springsteen comes out and he rocks. Whatever pop star of the moment comes out and lip-synchs through some pathetic performance, and you're like, 'Really? Is this what it's come down to?'

"I feel like hard rock and heavy metal has been pushed back underground for the last couple of years. But it doesn't seem like that anymore. So that's why I'm kind of excited to make a record again."

More news including Ratt, Beastie Boys, Chickenfoot and more.



Chad Smith Rejoins Chickenfoot In Boston
(hennemusic) There was a Chickenfoot reunion, of sorts, Wednesday night in Boston. Drummer Chad Smith rejoined the 'Foot for the encore portion of the band's show at the city's Orpheum Theatre.

Smith has been unable to tour with Chickenfoot since the 2011 release of "Chickenfoot III" due to his recording and touring commitments with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Chad's recommendation, Kenny Aronoff, has been handling drum duties in his absence. Smith took the Orpheum stage to perform a drum solo before the group launched into their 4-song encore, which included covers of tracks by Jimi Hendrix and Montrose. Check out video




Slash Headed Down Under
(hennemusic) Slash has announced dates for a summer tour of New Zealand and Australia as part of his latest round of touring.

The guitarist will head down under in August for a series of shows to promote his new "Apocalyptic Love" album, which hits stores next week.

Dates start August 17 in Auckland with one more date in NZ before he jumps over to Australia for five dates that wrap up in Perth on August 30. more on this story



Russell Sorry About Accusing Former Great White/Guns N' Roses Manager
(Classic Rock) Jack Russell has apologised to former Great White manager Alan Niven after he accused the businessman of sharp practise in a recent interview.

The singer said Niven – also known for setting Guns n'Roses and Motley Crue on the road to stardom – took a songwriter's cut for material he helped write, but then subjected band members's cuts to his management commission fee.

The move wouldn't have been illegal – but it's not even true, Russell has since discovered. The singer tells BraveWords: "I recently did an interview and I made a comment about our first manager Alan Niven. In the interview I said something to the effect of: 'When Alan and myself of Mark or Michael wrote songs together he would hake half of the publishing as an outside writer, then he would commission our percentage.'

"This information came to the band and myself after we parted ways with Alan, from a person we felt was reliable. I have since found that this is not correct." more on this story



Zakk Wylde, Sebastian Bach and Vince Neil For Rock Camp
(Gibson) Zakk Wylde will be bringing his rock and roll expertise to the October Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas.

Wylde be joined by KISS bass player Gene Simmons and singers Sebastian Bach and Vince Neil at the MGM Grand from October 10-14.

The Daily Express reports that Simmons said: "I can't wait to reveal the secrets of becoming a rock star. Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp is a gruelling, military-style musical training process. And I'm just the guy to be your sergeant. Now, drop and give me twenty." more on this story






Soul Control Going Bore Core in July
Bridge Nine Records have set a July 31st release date for Soul Control's new EP, Bore Core.

It will be released as a five song EP and the digital version will be released with a bonus track, according to the announcement.

Guitarist Jim Connolly commented: "One more quirky cliche phrase on how this is our best material to date. I wouldn't say there's one direct musical influence on the sound of this EP but the fact that we're nothing more than a punk band comprised of people raised in the 90's is becoming more and more evident." He continued, "We tend to write in chunks. This chunk of songs seemed to all fit together nicely as an EP and we're happy that B9 wanted to release more of our chunks." more on this story



Jimi Hendrix Alien Fascination Explained
(Classic Rock) Jimi Hendrix became fascinated by aliens at an early age, his brother has revealed.

The guitar icon is said to have been convinced UFOs exist and beings from other planets walk amongst us. His theories were embedded in some of the music he wrote.

Now Leon Hendrix explains those ideas developed while Jimi was still very young – and forced to be "seen and not heard" by dominating father Al. more on this story




Lynch Mob Revisit Dokken Classics on New 3-Disc Collection
Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records have set a June 19th release date for a special 3-disc audio/video deluxe collection of Lynch Mob's REvolution.

The set features the full-length studio album Revolution with renditions of classic Dokken/Lynch Mob tracks such as "Tooth And Nail," "Breaking The Chains," "Wicked Sensation," and more.

It also includes professionally filmed live performances recorded during the 2005 REvolution Tour, mixed in 5.1 surround sound. more on this story




Sodom Plan Two Limited Edition Releases For 30th Anniversary
(Freeman) Sodom will celebrate their 30th anniversary with the two special limited edition releases in July.

On July 17th a limited edition deluxe box set entitled "30 Years Sodomized - 1982-2012" will be released in North America. There will only be 300 copies made available and it features the following content:

- 2 LPs Official Bootleg - The Witchunter Decade, colored vinyl - 1 CD Official Bootleg - The Witchhunter Decade - 2CD Thirty Years War best of compiled by Tom Angelripper - 30th Anniversary poster - Postcard - Sticker - 32 page book in LP format about the history of the band incl. unseen photos - Size: 35 x 35 cm, hard cardboard material with top more on this story



Rival Sons Releasing New Album This Summer
(EAR) Rival Sons have finished recording and mixing their new album in Nashville, Tennessee and the effort is due to be released on Earache Records in late August.

The as-yet untitled follow-up to the band's 2011 album, Pressure & Time, was recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Dave Cobb and Grammy-winning engineer Vance Powell.

Rival Sons guitarist Scott Holiday comments: "We have officially completed and turned in our next full length record. We thought we might give ourselves a bit more time to work this time around, as opposed to the 20 days for Pressure & Time... BUT, it was even MORE crazy this time. Everything was finished in about the same amount of time (22 days), but this time we are giving much more music (a much longer record) - nearly twice that of P&T. more on this story




B Sides


Van Halen's David Lee Roth Vs Fan
(hennemusic) Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth called out a fan in Winnipeg during the band's recent show in the city.

Roth spotted a fan throwing garbage on the stage during the group's performance of the Roy Orbison classic, "(Oh) Pretty Woman."

"Wait a second, wait a second," Roth scolded the audience member. "Don't throw your garbage up on stage, throw your girlfriend, a--hole." Check out video here.




To Speak of Wolves Premiere New Video
To Speak of Wolves have posted their brand new music video for the song "Je Suis Fini" online.

The track comes from the band's new album, Find Your Worth, Come Home, which will be released on May 22nd via Solid State Records.

To Speak Of Wolves will also be embarking on a tour this Spring with Harp & Lyre, Wolves At The Gate, Lions! Tigers! Bears!, Set The Sun, and Fallstar. watch it here.



Sacred Oath Release Video Blood Storm
Sacred Oath have posted the music video for the song "Blood Storm" online to celebrate their exclusive digital release "Spells and Incantations" on iTunes this week.

The video contains rare performance clips and photos from the band's personal archives spanning their 25-year tenure in the metal underground.

"I think perseverance is something to be celebrated," says Rob Thorne, the band's singer/guitarist. "It hasn't been easy for us. It isn't easy for anybody, really, but 25 years is a long time to hang in this business without the support of a record label. I like to think of us as pure, uncut. Or stupid."

The best-of collection "Spells and Incantations" was released this week as an iTunes exclusive metal album. Two previously unreleased bonus tracks are included. A digipack CD hits stores and other digital outlets on May 29th through Super D and MVD distribution. Watch the video here.




Singled Out: Six60's Forever
New Zealand's Six60 are getting ready to bring their mix of rock, soul and dub step to North America for a spring tour and to celebrate we asked frontman Matiu to tell us about their latest single "Forever" from their self-titled debut. Here is the story:

We come to you from a small hotel room in Melbourne, Australia where this coming weekend will see us bring a close the first leg of our World tour (we have just toured New Zealand and Australia and the next leg is UK and Europe, then finally USA and Canada).

Its crazy how fast things have moved in the last 2-3 years. From playing flat parties and small bars in Dunedin, to having three sold out shows in London. We couldn't be more excited about our future in music, and our latest single "Forever" is the perfect representation of where we stand right now, and the journey we have been on.

Marlon (synth player) and I (Matiu – lead singer) had planned to get together and share some new demos. After running through the first few (not good enough to remember) we started to question whether or not anything would eventuate, until Marlon played me something. I remember think that this was the worst crap I had ever heard! But somewhere in the mix of this rubbish was a bridge section that immediately made us Feel. Our eyes lit up and we knew we had something.

From there is was a sh*t fight to try and turn this small section in to a song. We tried everything - epic synth lines to heavy rock chords to side chaining and nothing seemed to work. That was until Eli (drummer) suggested we pick up the acoustic guitar and pluck the progression. its weird how people can listen to the same thing but hear something completely different.

From there the lyrics came easily. The music itself made me feel like we had created something that is our own. Something that we can call Six60, so the word 'Forever' came to mind. I started to think about friendships and relationships, but also, our trials and triumphs as a band. Along with that, we wanted make a statement, that we are here to stay and that we are going to do everything in our power to get to where we want to be.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose Injured
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose suffered an injury while the band was kicking off their tour in Moscow.
GNR kicked off their 2012 European tour with two shows in the Russian city last weekend and, according to Komsomolskaya Pravda, Rose hurt his leg when he fell off a table while dancing at the trendy club Premier Lounge after the second Moscow concert.

The Sun reports Axl's agent revealed that the rocker had slipped and pulled a hamstring. Rose wrote "Can U say HemaToma?!" when he tweeted a photo of his injury, which reveals extensive bruising to his leg. See the photo here.


Ronnie Wood Hints At Rolling Stones Tour
(Gibson) Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has hinted the legendary band will tour soon. Earlier this year, it appeared they would be delaying the celebrations until 2013 after guitarist Keith Richards suggested the band weren't ready to go back on the road yet.

Wood told The Sun, "It looks like we are going to be doing more stuff. I am keeping October/November free, that's what I've been told. I'm just awaiting more information."

A 2012 winter tour seems unlikely. It is more plausible that late 2012 will herald full Stones rehearsals for a 2013 tour – Keith Richards has already says that he considers 2013 as the band's real 50th anniversary. "The Stones always considered '63 to be 50 years, because Charlie [Watts] didn't actually join until January," Richards said. "We look upon 2012 as sort of the year of conception, but the birth is next year." more on this story





Dio Replacement Singer Ready For Backlash
(Classic Rock) Andrew Freeman is prepared to be regarded as "the world's most hated singer" when he replaces Ronnie James Dio in a reunion of Dio's original lineup.

Guitarist Vivian Campbell recently announced he'd jammed with keyboardist Claude Schell, bassist Jimmy Bain and drummer Vinny Appice, and it had gone so well they'd decided to work together again.

Now Schnell confirms they'll perform under the name Last In Line, by way of a tribute to Dio, who died two years ago yesterday. The keyboardist also reveals the reunion came about after Def Leppard axeman Campbell jammed with metal cabaret act Steel Panther. A lot more from Schnell here.



Go To Rock Camp With Gene Simmons
(hennemusic) Gene Simmons of KISS is set to headline the Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp this Rocktober in Las Vegas.

Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp founder David Fishof commented: "I can't think of a better way to kick off our next installment of Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas with none other than rock god Gene Simmons."

"I can't wait to reveal the secrets of becoming a rock star," added Gene. "Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp is a grueling, military style musical training process. And I'm just the guy to be your Sergeant. Now, drop and give me twenty." more on this story



Bono To Become Richest Rock Star
(Classic Rock) U2 frontman Bono is set to become the richest man in rock when Facebook shares go on public sale tomorrow.

His Elevation Partners equity firm bought 2.3% of the social media company in 2009 for $90m, and that investment will be worth over $1.5bn – that's £940m – by close of business today.

That will make the singer and anti-poverty campaigner far more wealthy than former Beatle Paul McCartney, who's topped the rock rich list for years and is currently valued at £665m. More rock news including Queen, Twisted Sister, Rob Zombie and more



Jack White, String Cheese Incident Hangout Webcasts This Weekend
If you can make it to Gulf Shores, Alabama for this weekend's Hangout Music Fest, you are still in luck as some of the performances are set to be webcast. We were sent these details:

Fans not lucky enough to score tickets will still be able to watch the show on Myspace and catch performances by Jack White, String Cheese Incident, Dispatch, Umphrey's McGee, G. Love & Special Sauce, Paul Oakenfold, Gogol Bordello, Dr. Dog, Flogging Molly, Yelawolf, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Alabama Shakes, and more, blaze the stage on May 18-20.

"When tickets sold out so quickly, we knew we had to do something to share the festival to a wider audience. Thanks to Myspace, music fans that can't make it to our party in person can still join in the fun," said Hangout Music Fest founder and owner, Shaul Zislin. "Enjoy the broadcast and we'll see you here next year!" more on this story



Reversed Beatles Abby Road Photo To Be Auctioned
(Gibson) An alternative photo of The Beatles' Abbey Road album sleeve is up for auction. And guess what, it proves Paul McCartney is NOT dead.

For decades, the original Abbey Road picture has been cited as "proof" of a bizarre conspiracy theory by some Beatles obsessives – that Paul McCartney died in the 1960s.

On the cover of the band's Abbey Road album, Macca is barefoot, supposedly indicating that he had died and been replaced by a body double. George Harrison, in denim, was (supposedly) dressed as the gravedigger, Ringo Starr as the undertaker and John Lennon as the preacher.

Now, however, a photograph has come to light which supports McCartney's own explanation – that he had merely kicked off his sandals because it was a hot summer's day.

In the soon-to-be-auctioned image, McCartney has sandals on and the band are crossing Abbey Road from right to left. more on this story





Def Leppard's Setlist Dilemma
(Classic Rock) Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott believes his band have no option but to play a set of hits on tour and he sometimes feels guilty about it. Yet every time he tries to address the issue by changing the setlist around, it winds up backfiring.

The Sheffield giants are preparing to tour the US with Poison and Lita Ford, and the frontman vows to give fans what the want – as long as the fans keep letting the band have their own way from time to time.

"People come to hear what they know. The only place people go psychologically prepared for an hour of brand-new music is an open mic night in some little bar," Elliott tells KFAB. "You don't go to Madison Square Garden expecting to hear two hours of brand new Paul McCartney, Def Leppard, Roger Waters or the Who. You go to see Quadrophenia, something you've owned for 40 years. That's what these gigs are." He explains why they can't make everyone happy



Leslie West Plans Three Night Stand
Leslie West will rock a very special three night stand at Iridium in Times Square on June 11, 12 and 13.

These will be isolated dates with West headlining, and performing a 75-minute set. Joining the renowned guitarist at 8PM each evening will be Bobby Rondinelli on drums and Rev Jones on bass.

West has called New York home for most of his life, and shared, "Sometimes I think about where I could have come from. Then it dawns on me, I am From New York. Then I say, 'Thank God'." more on this story



Prong Explain Why They Have Two Bass Players On Tour
Prong have a rather unusual lineup for their current UK and European tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Beg To Differ album.

Joining mainman Tommy Victor and drummer Alexei Rodriguez are bass players Matt Brunson of Crowbar and former Cradle of Filth bassist Dave Pybus.

Tommy explained the presence of not one but two well know bassists: "Since Tony Campos (who has been touring with the band and played on Carved Into Stone) is touring with Soulfly, we've had to tour with other bass players. Everyone who has toured with us so far has been fantastic and brought their own personal style to Prong. Phil Zeller from Toxic Holocaust did the Crowbar tour. Jason Rapesi who has played with Stone Sour did a few shows with us before that. We were heading to Europe and the guy we had couldn't do it in the eleventh hour. Rather than cancel, our friend Matt Brunson from Crowbar stepped in and learned the entire Beg To Differ album in a day and a half! Then we found out that Dave Pybus who has played with Cradle of Filth, was going to be the tech on the tour. As it turned out, Dave is a massive PRONG fan! He learned some of the other songs and has been joining Alexei and I onstage every night. Now we have two great bass players each night! This tour has been a blast!" more on this story



Ted Nugent Named Detroit's Greatest Guitar Player
Motor City Madman Ted Nugent lives up to his nickname having been voted the Detroit's greatest guitar player by a landslide.

MLive! in Michigan conducted the poll and Nugent won with 428 votes, or over 51 percent of the total vote.

Nugent is current out out on the road with REO Speedwagon and Styx of their Midwest Rock 'n' Roll Express Tour. more on this story



Drivin' N' Cryin' To Release 4 EPs Within 12 Months
Drivin' N' Cryin' fans won't have to wait long for new music from the group. In fact, you will get new music and won't have to wait long to get even more.

The band sent out this update: "In an effort to release Drivin' N' Cryin' music while it's still fresh and new to both ourselves and our fans, we have partnered with our good friends at Redeye Distribution to release 4 EPs over a 12 month period beginning June 12, 2012 [on the band's own New! Records label].

This first EP, 'Songs From The Laundromat,' contains 5 songs reflecting the rock side of DNC. EP2, 'Songs About Cars, Space and The Ramones," will showcase songs from the secret landscape of the American psyche. EP3, 'Songs From The Garage,' will harken back to DNC's punk roots. EP4 - well, you'll have to wait and see!" - Kevn Kinney/Drivin' N' Cryin' Band's site.



Gojira To Deliver The Flesh Alive This Summer
Gojira will release their 2 DVD / Blu-ray, entitled The Flesh Alive, on July 31st in North America and the band has released the trailer.

The live set includes a bonus CD and poster in the deluxe packaging The title presents the French progressive metallers complete performances from Garorock and Bordeaux, plus bonus material from a Les Vielles Charrues show, a documentary and a live CD. The trailer can be viewed here

The full track listing for The Flesh Alive features: Garorock (93 min): "Oroborus," "The Heaviest Matter Of The Universe," "Backbone," "Love," "From The Sky," "A Sight To Behold," "The Art Of Dying," "Drum Solo," "Clone," "Flying Whales," "The Way Of All Flesh," "Terra Incognita," and Vacuity."






Nick Lowe, Robyn Hitchcock, Fountains of Wayne For Yep Rock Anniversary Shows
(Gibson) Indie record label Yep Roc is celebrating its 15th birthday with three nights of concerts. Participating acts include artists who have been signed to the label, including Nick Lowe, Robyn Hitchcock, Fountains of Wayne, Dave Alvin, Chuck Prophet and many more, according to Billboard.

The shows will take place October 11-13 at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina.

"We've always thought of Yep Roc as the label that refuses to be labeled, and the lineup for Yep Roc 15 is testament to that," label co-founder Glenn Dicker said. "What unites our roster, what's at the center of the Yep Roc identity, is that we are very artist-driven. The label itself is just the pop-up camper that follows behind." more on this story





Onslaught Explains In Search of Sanity Singer Switch
(Classic Rock) Onslaught founder Nige Rockett says the band were given a straight choice in between working with singer Steve Grimmett on 1989 release In Search of Sanity– or being sidelined until their record contract expired.

While the album was their most successful to date, it marked a significant change of direction and left diehard fans bewildered and angry, not least because popular frontman Sy Keeler had been kicked out. But Rockett explains the band were left with little say in the matter. "We'd recorded aw hole album and we were in the mixing stages. This was the fist time the label came down to listen to it, and, basically, they didn't like what they were hearing," He tells 69facesofrock.com. "You could tell something wasn't right. At the end they said, 'We were expecting something else. We want to look at the vocal situation.'

"Next day the management tells me Steve Grimmett's name was thrown into the bag. We said, 'No, Sy is our singer.' They were like: 'You do what we say or we put the band on ice for the length of your contract. You'll release no albums in that time. You got to play ball with what we want.' So that's what happened." more on this story



Own KISS Doobles For A Good Cause
(hennemusic) KISS are taking an active part in NF Awareness Month. Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects one in every 2,500 births. NF is more common than Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy and Huntington's Disease combined.

As part of NF Awareness month, celebrity doodles, including the ones pictured below by KISS members Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, along with Mrs. Simmons (aka Shannon Tweed) are available for auction on eBay until May 20th.

These doodles have a very important aim: the funds they raise will benefit NF, Inc. Network, an organization dedicated to providing support to individuals and families affected by neurofibromatosis (NF). More including Gene's doodle here.



Michael Angelo Batio Launching Tribute to Rock Guitar Tour
Michael Angelo Batio will be heading to Europe next week to debut his newly devised show: "Hands without Shadows - A Tribute to Rock Guitar."

This show is billed as a multimedia extravaganza featuring the music of some of the greatest rock guitarists of the past 50 years. We were sent this description. along with the dates:

Michael Angelo Batio, takes you on his 90 minute aural/visual journey to the different eras of rock music while playing guitars with incredible speed and musical precision. The "Hands without Shadow's – A Tribute to Rock Guitar" show entails an awesome display of guitar wizardry accompanied by an equally talented band. This chronological tribute features Batio's incredible arrangements and medley's from the different eras of rock beginning with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, then moving on to Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Metallica and more. more on this story



Jimmy Cliff, Bob Mould and More Added To DeLuna Fest
The DeLuna Fest will hit Pensacola Beach, Fl on September 21 thru 23, 2012 and organizers have announced 10 additional artists to the already impressive lineup.

The newest artist additions include Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, Bob Mould plays COPPER BLUE, Trampled by Turtles, Blackberry Smoke, OFF! and Red Kross. Also added to the lineup are late night DJ sets from Diplo, 12th Planet, Paper Diamond and AC Slater.

Last month, the third annual music festival hosted on Pensacola Beach announced headliners Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters with Florence and the Machine, Band of Horses, Dwight Yoakam, Ben Folds Five, Guided By Voices, DJ Jazzy Jeff and many more. A third headliner will be announced in mid-June. more on this story



Greek Fire Release To Aid Cancer Stricken Bandmate
Greek Fire were recently hit with some very bad news, one of their own is battling cancer. Now the band is doing what they can to help their bandmate by donating the proceeds from a new release to his fight. The band sent out these details:

In February 2012, shortly after an amazing tour of Japan, Greek Fire drummer and longtime Story Of The Year drum tech Johnny Venus was diagnosed with Leukemia. As anyone can imagine, this devastating news came as a complete shock and rocked the entire camp to the core.

Johnny is fighting the battle of his life, and even in these darkest of times his incredible courage and strength inspired Johnny's fellow band mates to write a song about this profoundly difficult and emotional journey.

The song, "If this is the End (The Sound of Belief)" was utilized for a video GREEK FIRE released via YouTube on May 15th, 2012. The video was made for zero dollars by a group of amazing and selfless individuals that donated their time and talents with no thought of reward or payment, and the result is a heartfelt and emotional offering of hope and support for anyone, anywhere who has experience with cancer. Greek Fire is releasing this video in hopes that it can help people find the courage and strength to fight with all of their heart, and that there are people everywhere in the world fighting with them. That is the mission: HOPE. Please share this video with as many people as you can. Nothing will make Johnny Venus and the band more proud than if it can help someone, somewhere, in some way. more on this story

More on Greek Fire - Greek Fire Music - Greek Fire Tour Dates/Tickets - Greek Fire CDs, vinyl and rarities
Reverend Horton Heat, Nekromantix, Lee Rocker For Revival Fest
Reverend Horton Heat is set to headline the first anniversary of The Revival Festival in downtown Austin on May 26th.

"When I first had the idea for the festival in 2007, the first band I thought of was Reverend Horton Heat," says Orlando Rios, Revival Festival Executive Producer and Founder. "They were the first band I ever saw live and they changed my life for the better. Fans always request them and we are always glad to have them. Last year saw record attendance and even a nod from Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell with our own designated day."

The following bands will join the Reverend Horton Heat in Austin: Nekromantix, Lee Rocker, Three Bad Jacks, Psycho Devilles, The Smites (Tribute to The Smiths), Rosie Flores, Holy Moly!, Johnny Hootrock, and the Hot Rod Hillbillies.



B Sides


Slash Previews New Song Unplugged
(hennemusic) This Friday, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators will appear on DIRECTV's The Audience Network for the season premiere of "Guitar Center Sessions."

The 8:00 p.m. ET broadcast, in support of the May 22 release of Slash's new "Apocalyptic Love," marks the second time ever that the guitarist will perform an acoustic set featuring new material and tracks from spanning his career.

The latest preview features the guys performing a new track, "Not For Me." Slash's first acoustic session was filmed in Australia for "Max Sessions" back in the summer of 2010. more on this story



Mick Jagger Saturday Night Live Promos Now Online
(hennemusic) Saturday Night Live has posted a series of promos by Mick Jagger for this week's season finale.

The Rolling Stones frontman is joined by SNL's Kristen Wiig for the session, which features several different versions of a promotional ad.

In addition to his hosting duties, Jagger will perform with Arcade Fire, and the Foo Fighters with Jeff Beck. more on this story



Grandmas Smuggled Heavy Metal Behind The Iron Curtain
(Classic Rock) East Germany's cold war appetite for heavy metal was served by fans' grandparents, says Kreator frontman Mille Petrozza. And he's paid tribute to the senior citizens who risked severe reprisals to take albums behind the Iron Curtain.

As a leading symbol of western culture most heavy music was banned in the Communist bloc, with state label Amiga only publishing a range of censored pop. But those who wanted more found their own sources – and that's how German bands including Kreator found a well-informed fanbase in East Germany after the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.

Petrozza tells The Gauntlet: "They found ways to get the records. Older people were allowed to travel outside East Germany in the later years, and a lot of kids would have their grandmas bring in metal albums from West Germany." more on this story



Thief Steals Guitar By Shoving It Down His Pants
(Gibson) Stealing anything is bad. Stealing a guitar is extra-wrong. Stealing a guitar by putting it in your pants? That's crazy.

Kansas police are asking for help identifying a thief who stole a guitar by shoving it down his pants and walking out of an Olathe music store with his accomplice. The theft occurred about 2:30 p.m. April 12 at Spencer's Music Store, 1717 S. Mur-Len Road.

The two men entered the store, and surveillance photos show that as one man distracted an employee, the other grabbed a guitar and shoved it down his pants. The two men then left the store.

"We have reason to believe they are involved in similar thefts in other cities in the Midwest," Allen said. "We are working with other agencies to see if they have had crimes with similar patterns." more on this story





Remembering Sharon Sheeley
(Gibson) On this day in 2002, Sharon Sheeley, songwriter, died at age 62. Her hits include "Poor Little Fool," a U.S. #1 for Ricky Nelson in 1958 and "Somethin' Else" a 1959 hit for Eddie Cochran. Sheeley survived the car crash that killed Eddie Cochran during a 1960 U.K. tour. Gibson looks back:

There weren't too many female songwriters in the early days of rock and roll. But in 1958, Sharon Sheley, who died on this day in 2002, became the first female to compose a U.S. # 1 hit – "Poor Little Fool" for Ricky Nelson.

Born in California in 1940, Sheley fell in love with the power and glamour of rock and roll and infiltrated the scene any way she could. In Hollywood, she dated Don Everly, and hung out with Gene Vincent. She got to meet Elvis, and became friends with him and joined his Hollywood entourage.

She told Photoplay magazine in 1959 about an adventure at the move theater with Elvis and the gang: "It was intermission and while people were out buying popcorn and stuff they played records. The first record that came on was 'Don't Be Cruel.' That was followed by three other Presley records. The manager knew Elvis was there and was trying to be nice, but Elvis got embarrassed. I was sitting way down front, but I could hear a voice in the back calling out, 'Ah, lay off that Presley music. C'mon, put on somethin' else!' It was Elvis heckling his own tunes!"

Elvis also gave the young Sharon Sheeley some sage advice. more on this story





Singled Out: mbilly's malheur
Today mbilly tells us about the title track to his new album "malheur," which is set to hit stores on June 5th. Here is the story:

"malheur" is the title track of my album and takes its name for the county in Eastern Oregon where I grew up. The word is French for misfortune and supposedly came from French fur trappers who had everything stolen from them while passing through the area. They ran into nothing but trouble there so they gave it that name. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I found out what the word actually means and at the time it couldn't have seemed more appropriate to me. It's a very rural area that is both geographically and culturally miles away from Portland and what people think of as "the NW." It was around the time I was 14 that I began playing guitar and became obsessed with Uncle Tupelo, The Jayhawks, and Townes Van Zandt, all of whom were just "country" enough that I could identify with their rural aspects. Eastern Oregon is mostly dry and desolate, wide open and expansive: it looks like "the West."

I really hated it by the time I left after I graduated high school and was ecstatic to be in Portland which was everything that Eastern Oregon is not: green, liberal, and populated. I very much felt at home in Portland and no longer like a transplant. I've lived in Portland for 13 years now and slowly I've begun to feel like a transplant here. I identify with Eastern Oregon in ways that I never had before and I've become much more nostalgic for the landscape and isolation. Almost two years ago one of my best friends growing up died unexpectedly. We began playing music together when we were 14 so all of my musical development was with him. We learned the process of writing songs--both together and as individuals--with each other and we learned how to first record together. He was really fundamental in the development of something that is a huge part of my life so I can't separate making music from him, no matter how old I am or how long ago it was. We had grown apart over the years which is totally natural, but what really struck me was how immediate his death still felt to me, even though we were no longer involved in each other's day to day lives. I felt a tremendous sense of loss that I wasn't really expecting.

I found parallels in the ambivalence I felt towards my old friendship and my hometown. And I found that I can't articulate what it is about either that makes me who I am today, but I know that it's very much there. I realized that it's like trying to explain how the color of your eyes makes you who you are. It just is, it can't be separated from who you are. These feelings felt confusing and hard to solidify into any real answer or resolution. The album itself deals with this issue in one form or another on almost all the songs so I wanted the title track to be the jumping off point for it.

For the sound of the song itself I knew I wanted it to sound desolate and raw in some ways, but also driven and purposeful. I wanted it to have the atmosphere of the landscape in some way. The song wasn't going to have any kind of answer to it, so I didn't want it to be structured in a way that songs often are where the verse is setting up the question and the chorus is delivering some kind of answer. I thought of the Neil Young song "Albuquerque" which I really love and the way in which he stretches the name of the town over the whole measure so it's the only word in the chorus. I always thought that was an awesome idea and wanted to try it, so Malheur--which is a difficult word to fit in to a song--seemed like the perfect opportunity. That song became a guide for me not only for the one word chorus, but for it's lack of a resolution. It feels so sad and lonely, but it's unclear what it's really about other than he wants to get away from the pressures of his life. The song still feels complete though and for me it's one of those I most identify with. And hopefully people will have that same reaction to "malheur."