Today's Day In Rock News!

Marilyn Manson Jams With The Doors
Fans at the Sunset Strip Music Festival received a special treat during Marilyn Manson's set Saturday night.
Manson was joined on stage by The Doors legends Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger to perform The Doors classics 'People Are Strange', 'Love Me Two Times' and 'Five to One'.

Manson was headlining the annual event that took place over the weekend on the famed Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Organizers decided this year to celebrate the music and legacy of The Doors. NME has fan filmed footage of one of the Manson and Doors jams here.



Dance Gavin Dance Part Ways With Jonny Craig
Dance Gavin Dance have parted ways with controversial singer Jonny Craig and have reportedly already replaced him.

Craig broke the news to fans via a series of Twitter posts on Monday that the band had let him go, saying in part that they "want to go harder and I don't, so they have found another singer."

Who is that singer? PropertyOfZack reports that an unnamed source has confirmed to them that the band has hired Tilian Pearson (ex-Tides Of Man) to replaced Craig. Who the source is and their relation to the band was not reported by the site. more on this story



Fred Durst Not Booted Off WWE For Middle Finger
(TMZ) Fred Durst DID NOT get kicked out of WWE's SummerSlam Sunday night for giving the middle finger to the camera, despite reports to the contrary ... in fact, the real reason he left the main arena was to apologize to the producers.

The web has been blowing up this morning with reports that Durst was hauled out of the Staples Center in L.A. Sunday night because he flipped off the camera during the broadcast ... a big no, no on a family friendly show.

A rep for the WWE tells TMZ ... the reports are 100% FALSE. The "Limp Bizkit" frontman didn't get the boot, he just felt so bad following the incident, he immediately went backstage to apologize for his actions.

The rep notes, "We appreciate Fred's apology. However, we take our family-friendly environment very seriously and this was a violation of that. We sincerely apologize to our fans."

Not only did Durst peace out early to apologize ... he claims he also wanted to beat the legendary L.A. traffic following the show. Durst tweeted, "I was leaving to beat the traffic! Haha, security escorting me out?? WWE is family. hahaha. Is this really a rumor? Amazing. My boys at WWE are cracking up! Note -- never leave early to beat traffic!" more on this story



Jason Bonham Postpones Led Zeppelin Experience Dates
(hennemusic) Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience have postponed a series of shows previously announced for next month.

The dates include concerts in Chile and Australia during the first half of September.

The band posted the news, saying, "Hey Zep fans, we are sad to announce that unfortunately our September dates have been postponed for the moment. But not to worry, we are working on rerouting! We hope to see you all soon!" more on this story



Green Day Themed Angry Birds Coming
(hennemusic) A new Green Day-themed version of the popular video game Angry Birds is on its way. The Angry Birds Friends game features 10 never-before-seen levels, as well as all new Green Day pig characters.

Fans can also unlock the new song, "Troublemaker," off the band's upcoming album "¡Uno!," which is due next month.

"We're all fans of Angry Birds," said Billie Joe Armstrong. "It's such an addictive game that when we first started playing it we couldn't stop." more on this story



Dethklok Releasing New Album This Rocktober
Dethklok have set an October 16, 2012 North America release date for their new album, Metalocalypse: Dethklok Dethalbum III. Their camp sent over these details:

The Dethalbum III is once again co-produced by Metalocalypse co-creator Brendon Small and Dethklok producer Ulrich Wild (The Dethalbum and Dethalbum II). The cover art was also illustrated by The Dethalbum and Dethalbum II cover artist Antonio Canobbio.

Dethalbum III will not only be released in its original CD and digital format, but also as a Deluxe Edition CD/DVD and a clean version of the CD. The Deluxe Edition CD/DVD will include a 32-minute behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of Dethalbum III, as well as music videos and much more. A vinyl edition of the album with special etching will be released on November 6, 2012. more on this story



Thrice Anthology Coming In October
Thrice have set an October 30, 2012 release date for Anthology, a 4-Lp/2-Cd Live collection that was recorded during their recent farewell tour.

"This is a live record that is truly live," commented drummer Riley Breckenridge. "There are no overdubs, no edits and no pitch corrections. We wanted this to be an honest and accurate representation of a show from our Farewell Tour and a memento for our fans, and that's exactly what it is."

Thrice announced last fall that they were putting the band on hiatus after 13 years together and eight full-length releases and then embarked on a farewell tour. more on this story



Napalm Death and Municipal Waste Plan Fall Tour
Napalm Death will be teaming up with Municipal Waste to launch a co-headlining North American tour this fall.

The tour will be feature Vektor, Dayglo Abortions, Attitude Adjustment, and Speedwolf on select dates.

The five week trek will kick off on October 26th in Springfield, Va and will wrap up on December 1st in Tampa, FL. Napalm Death and Municipal Waste will then take part in the Barge To Hell and the pre-party. more on this story



As I Lay Dying Set New Album Release
Metal Blade have set a September 25th release date for As I Lay Dying's new album, Awakened.

The group plan to celebrate the album release by headlining a special album release show, but have not yet announced details.

They will begin touring in support of the album on October 15, when they kick off a European tour with Trivium, Caliban and Upon A Burning Body before returning to the U.S. in November for a nationwide tour. more on this story



Baroness Recovering From Bus Crash
Baroness checked in with fans yesterday via their Facebook page with an update following their hospitalization last week for a major tour bus crash in the UK.

Frontman John Baizley, drummer Allen Bickle and bassist Matt Maggioni are currently recovering in the hospital and guitarist Pete Adams has been released from the hospital and has returned home to the United States according to Antiquiet.

The group took to their Facebook page on Monday to thank their fans and posted a photo from the hospital. They wrote, "Thank you to all of you who have been sending the tidal wave of positivity our way. We are uplifted by its sheer magnitude, and power. Every single one of you is making our days and nights easier and our recovery quicker. Thank you all so much, we are truly lucky to have such incredible people on our side. A sincere and heartfelt thank you from each of us to each of you." You read more about the accident and see the hospital and crash photos here.



Nonpoint Launch North American Tour
Nonpoint have hit the road for a late summer/fall headline tour of North America ahead of their new album release.

The tour kicked off last week in Pennellville, NY and will run through November.

Nonpoint will release their new self-titled album this October and was produced/mixed by Grammy Nominated Producer, Johnny K (Disturbed, Staind, Megadeth) and also features some additional production and mixing from Brian Virtue (30 Seconds To Mars, Chevelle). more on this story



Widespread Panic's Jimmy Herring Releases New Solo Album
Widespread Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring today released his second solo album, Subject To Change Without Notice and is on the road this week supporting it. We were sent these details:

With Subject To Change Without Notice, Herring has compiled eight original songs highlighted by the addition of amazing covers, including the Mahavishnu Orchestra's "Hope", George Harrison's "Within You Without You" and Jimmy McGriff's "Miss Poopie". As one of the industry's top-tier performance and recording guitarists, Herring has once again illuminated the art form that transcends any categorization.

With Herring on lead guitar, the album also features such top notch musicians as Neal Fountain, Etienne Mbappe (Bass), Jeff Sipe, Tyler Greenwell (Drums), Matt Slocum (Piano/Keys). In addition, making special guest appearances on the album are Bela Fleck (Banjo), and Bill Evans (Sax) and Nicky Sanders (Violin) from the Steep Canyon Rangers. more on this story


Flyleaf Release First New Song In Three Years
Good news for Flyleaf fans, the three year wait for new music from the band is officially over.

The band released their first new single in three years today. "New Horizons" is the first new track and the name of the band's forthcoming third album. Full details about the album and the release date will be announced shortly.

"'New Horizons' expresses a feeling of looking toward the unknown future with hope," commented bass player Pat Seals. more on this story



Paul Simon Live In New York City CD, DVD and Blu-Ray Coming
Paul Simon Live In New York City will be release on September 18th in three formats: 2-CD/1-DVD special package, Blu-Ray and Standard DVD.

The release was captured during the first leg of Paul Simon's, 2011 U.S. tour, he played a special club performance for hometown fans at New York City's Webster Hall.

The 20-song, 90-minute set list was drawn from his career and includes several songs that haven't been performed live in many years. "Kodachrome," "Mother and Child Reunion," "Gone At Last" and "The Obvious Child" are just some of the highlights as well as songs from Simon's most recent album, 2011's So Beautiful or So What (Hear Music/Concord Music Group) including "Dazzling Blue," "Rewrite," "The Afterlife" and the album's title track. more on this story



Darrell Scott and Tim O'Brien Releasing Live Album
Darrell Scott and Tim O'Brien will release their joint live album, We're Usually a Lot Better Than This, on October 9.

The album was recorded during two separate concerts at the Grey Eagle in Asheville, N.C. in 2005 and 2006. The shows were benefits for the Arthur Morgan School, where both had children attending as students at the time. (It's not their first recording together; the Grammy-nominated studio album Real Time in 2000 was their debut as a duo.)

"With Tim and me, it's all fair game," says Scott of the collaboration. "We are fearless and we egg each other on toward the edge of crash and burn. Hopefully there's more burn than crash here." more on this story



All That Remains' Phil Labonte Part of New Season Of 3-Gun Nation
Razor and Tie sent over word that All That Remains' Phil Labonte is part of the new season of 3-Gun Nation. Here is the official word:

3GN TV host Mark Wills, a multi-platinum country singer and voice over talent instigates a new challenge by inviting fellow musician and gun enthusiast Phil Labonte (of the rock/metal band All That Remains) to join the show.

The season-long, head-to-head challenge features two lead singers receiving instructional sessions from pro 3-Gunners while comparing their individual progress throughout the experience. more on this story



Jon Anderson Going South
Original YES vocalist and songwriter Jon Anderson will be hitting the road next month for a South America tour.

More dates in Argentina to be announced soon as well as a special concert in Chile late November with the Youth Orchestra of Santiago.

In other news, Jon played a special one-off concert on August 8th at the Sadler's Wells Theater in London. This was the first time Jon had performed in the UK since his tour with Rick Wakeman in 2010. "The concert in London was with the Slovakian Chamber Orchestra with the help of my good friend composer Peter Machajdik plus a semi acoustic group I performed with a couple of years ago in Bratislava," says Jon. In honor of the UK 2012 Olympics, Jon recorded a vocal version of the Vangelis song "Chariots of Fire" titled "Race To The End", with lyrics penned by Jon. more on this story



The Wedding Releasing New Album Next Month
Tooth & Nail Records have set a September 25th release date for The Wedding's new album, No Direction.

The Wedding features frontman Matt Shelton (formerly of Letter Kills. On the album's title, Shelton explains, "No Direction" means cutting ties with the idea that you can prepare your life in such a way to keep you from danger. As C.S. Lewis said, it's an illusion of safety. We are meant to live life unabashed and free, and this can only happen in the face of danger; which to most is the idea of not knowing where you are going. It is when we have No Direction at all and still we press on, trusting that the great unknown will be our rescue and not the demise we are so fearful of. We went into making this record with complete reckless abandon. We tried to write the record that we wanted and needed to hear."

"We are stoked to join the family at Tooth & Nail. It's exciting to get to make the records we want to make with so many good friends," says Shelton more on this story



A Sound Of Thunder Begin Work On New Album
A Sound Of Thunder have started work on their third full-length album, Time's Arrow, which they expect to be released in early 2013.

The band has entered Assembly Line Studios with producer Kevin "131" Gutierrez (Shinedown, While Heaven Wept, Raven), who produced the band's 2012 release, Out of the Darkness.

The centerpiece of the album is the 9-minute sci-fi themed title track. Guitarist and composer Josh Schwartz describes the track as "a high octane headbanger with an unforgettable riff and an engaging story. Stylistically it's Iron Maiden meets Rush with a bit of Meatloaf thrown in for bombast." The tale begun in the lyrics is expanded in a short story by drummer Chris Haren, available in the limited box set edition of Time's Arrow. more on this story



B Sides


Singled Out: Project 86
Project 86's new album, 'Wait For The Siren,' is being release today and to celebrate we asked frontman Andrew Schwab to tell us about the track "Fall, Goliath, Fall". Here is the story:

I had a specific vision for this song. I wanted a song that would harken visions of epic medieval battles, where families fight for land against evil oppressors.

The picture I had in my mind was a metaphor for the obstacles we face as artists in this industry, but I also wanted it to symbolize the plight of any underdog in any walk of life. We employed the use of a mandolin and a hammered dulcimer to give the song an epic, dramatic sound.

As I wrote with my friend Andrew Welch over Skype, and the song came together, I got chills, even before the vocals were written. I knew we had a special song. Then, when I actually laid down the vocals in the studio while recording the album version-which was the first time I had ever sang them-I almost came out of my skin with joy. It was one of those moments that justifies all the hard work and sleepless nights which come as a part of doing this for a living. It was one of those moments that only happens a few times in your whole career, and that is if you are lucky.

We have all faced insurmountable odds, or a seemingly undefeatable adversary at various points in our lives. When we encounter a Goliath, how will we respond? Will we cower in fear?

When he falls, we mount his head on a pike, high amidst our camp, as a monument to this event in our lives.

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



Audio of Metallica's Deep Purple Tribute Goes Online
(hennemusic) Metallica are one of the acts featured on the forthcoming Deep Purple project, "Re-Machined: A Tribute To Machine Head."

Due September 25, the compilation CD presents re-interpretations of Deep Purple's landmark 1972 album with songs recorded by Iron Maiden, Chickenfoot, Black Label Society and more.

Metallica covers "When A Blind Man Cries," a song recorded during the 1971 sessions. The tune did not appear on the album's original release, but was issued as the B-side to the single, "Never Before." "Blind Man" was eventually included on the 25th Anniversary 2CD edition of "Machine Head." more on this story



The Cult Preview Honey From A Knife Video
(hennemusic) The Cult are gearing up for the release of their new video, "Honey From A Knife." The track is the latest single from the band's latest 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.

The full video will be posted on Thursday, but The Cult have offered up a preview clip for fans to check

Today's Day In Rock News!

Russian Band Sentenced To Two Years In Jail
Russian punk band Pussy Riot was sentenced to two years in jail for publicly criticizing Vladimir Putin.
The 1st Five report that the group has been sentenced on Friday to two years in jail, for "crudely [undermining] social order" by protesting the Russian leader.

The trio was arrested following a guerrilla performance/protest at Moscow's main church, singing a "punk prayer" to the Virgin Mary to deliver Russian from Vladimir Putin. The 1st Five have a video report with more details here.



Sebastian Bach's Book May Make Motley Crue's Dirt Look Clean
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach has wrapped up a series of summer dates promoting his 2011 release, "Kicking & Screaming." One of the next projects on Bach's plate may be writing his autobiography.

Sebastian tells The Macomb Daily that he's been approached to write his memoir, which he predicts will make Motley Crue's "The Dirt" "look clean" if he decides to take that tack.

"It seems like such an overwhelming project, so don't hold your breath for it," says Bach. "It has to blow me away before I release it. I want to write it by myself." more on this story



Dillinger Escape Plan Lose A Member
Dillinger Escape Plan have parted ways with rhythm guitarist Jeff Tuttle, who joined the band in 2007. Tuttle and the band have both commented on the departure.

The band had this to say: "Jeff Tuttle has been a valuable member of The Dillinger Escape Plan since the beginning of the Ire Works cycle. He started his time with us in mid 2006 in a period of turmoil, and his positivity and team player mentality, his enthusiasm, and his fire onstage, will always be appreciated and will never be forgotten. That being said, for now, as you will read, his future with us is uncertain, but whatever the future holds for our relationship with him, we love him and wish him well and success as a brother who has gone into battle with us for six years, and we hope he enjoys and finds creative fulfillment in film school and his future endeavors."

Jeff tells fans: "To the fans of Dillinger, and to the multitude of people I've met, kicked, guitar-smashed, face riffed, or otherwise touched, I'm writing this to formally announce that as of today I will be taking my departure from The Dillinger Escape Plan. The years I've spent with this band have been some of the greatest in my life. I've seen and done so many things I never thought possible and I will forever be grateful to these memories and to the band that made them possible. I'd like to thank everyone who has given me support and encouragement along the way and to express all the gratitude that fills my bones. Dillinger is a beast that cannot be contained and I have no doubts that the band will continue on the road of destruction. I wish them nothing but the best in the years to come. Music is in my blood and I will continue making it with Old Gods and my solo effort, Malo Konjche. I will also be taking the opportunity to study film and film production in the fall; something I've been deeply passionate about for many years. Life may lead me back to the Dillinger fold in the future, but for now I've decided to pursue these creative paths. The past six years have been amazing and I'm lucky to have made it out alive. I'll never forget the time we shared on stage… the scars won't let me." more on this story



60s Hit Maker Scott McKenzie Dead at 73
Scott McKenzie, best known for his hit 1967 song "San Francisco (Be Sure To Where Flowers In Your Hair)," died at his home on Saturday (August 18, 2012).

Cause of death was not immediately released but he had reportedly been ill prior to his death, according to TheMusicsOver.com.

Aside from "San Francisco (Be Sure To Where Flowers In Your Hair)," which was written by John Phillips of the Mamma & The Papas and reached the Top 5 on the charts, McKenzie co-wrote the Beach Boys 1988 No. 1 hit "Kokomo." Read more about him here.



Motorhead Offer More Previews Of New Album
(hennemusic) Motorhead are offering up some more previews of their new album, "The World Is Ours - Vol 2: Anyplace Crazy As Anywhere Else."

The project will be released in Europe on September 21, the UK on September 24 and October 9 in North America.

The follow-up to 2011's "The Wörld Is Ours – Vol 1: Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" will feature the band's 2011 Wacken Open Air headline appearance as well as highlights from Sonisphere (United Kingdom) and Rock In Rio (Brazil) shows. Check out the previews here.



Black Country Communion Set New Album Release
(hennemusic) The third album from Black Country Communion is due October 30, according to bassist Glenn Hughes.

Hughes tweeted about the project, which once again sees him team up with bandmates Joe Bonamassa on guitar, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper).

Kevin Shirley is handling production duties, as he did with the band's first two albums. BCC have issued a few videos of their work in the studio, Watch it here.



Led Zeppelin DVD Goes 13 X Platinum
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin have reached yet another sales milestone. The band's 2003 DVD has been certified thirteen times platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for sales in excess of 1.3 million copies in the U.S. alone.

The RIAA report includes designations for Zeppelin's release at levels of eleven, twelve and thirteen times platinum all being confirmed in July.

The double-DVD set features over five hours of never-before-available concert and performance footage from Zeppelin, spanning the years 1969 to 1979. more on this story



AC/DC Bon Scott Film Needs Producer
(hennemusic) After the official press release of an upcoming docu-drama film production about late AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott went viral on the internet last week, it has been learned that the film's organizers are seeking a producer to back the project.

"We have been approached by a number of prospective producers for this project in a fairly short period of time," said a source. "But, this is a historic opportunity for a producer to step in and back a project now with international credibility."

Much of the speculation centered around the project is who would handle the starring role portraying Scott. Moreover, who knew enough about the story to write a viable screenplay for the project? Rob Liotti took on the task. The singer has portrayed Scott onstage for years in his tribute band TNT and is actually an American musician, writer, and actor. more on this story




Duff McKagan's Loaded Headed Across The Pond This Fall
(Gibson) Duff McKagan's Loaded have announced a string of tour dates in the U.K. and Ireland for October and November, including shows as main support act for Alice Cooper and co-headlining dates with Ugly Kid Joe.

In addition, for one night only, McKagan will present a special live performance based on his best-selling memoir, It's So Easy: and Other Lies. During the special show, dubbed "Rock Stars Say the Funniest Things," McKagan will read excerpts from his autobiography, perform acoustically and participate in a Q&A session. This special event will take place at The Garage in London on October 23.

Duff McKagan Loaded's latest album, The Taking, was released in April 2011. The album is the band's first to feature new drummer Isaac Carpenter. more on this story





Doors Member Reacts To Mars Rover Playing "Break on Through"
(TMZ) One member of The Doors is amped the Mars Rover mission plays "Break on Through" as a wake-up call in the morning -- telling TMZ, it's the perfect song for an extraterrestrial ... because The Doors are basically aliens.

In case you didn't know, several crew members on the Mars Curiosity Rover Mission answered a bunch of questions on Reddit last week-- and one question involved the rover's "wake-up" songs ... i.e. songs played by mission control to start their day. (It's a Mars rover tradition, apparently)

According to one crew member, the wake-up song list includes the "Mission: Impossible" theme, "Wake Up Little Susie" by Simon and Garfunkel, "Come Fly With Me" by Frank Sinatra ... and the Doors hit classic.

But Doors drummer John Densmore tells TMZ, he's not surprised by the crew's song selection ... claiming, "The Doors were always considered 'different'... like from Mars... no bass player, no flower power."

Densmore adds, "[last Thursday] the mayor of West Hollywood declared it 'Doors Day.' It seems appropriate that we are also waking up the Curiosity on Mars." more on this story



SUNN 0))) Expand Fall Tour Plans
SUNN 0))) have expanded their upcoming Fall tour to now include eight cities on the eastern seaboard of the US.

With newly confirmed performances now confirmed in Brookline, Massachusetts, and New Britain, Connecticut, the tour includes performances at the first installment of The Power Of The Riff East in Brooklyn, New York, and Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dead In The Dirt will provide direct support for SUNN 0))) on all dates except the Hopscotch Festival. more on this story



New Cradle of Filth Coming This Halloween
Halloween will come a day early for Cradle of Filth fans as the band have set an October 30th North American release date for their new album, The Manticore & Other Horrors

Commented the band's infamous front man, Dani Filth, "This is our 10th commandment in metal. We have diversified and kept alive the spirit of this band and breathed it into something that I can proudly say, slays like an absolute motherf**ker. The Manticore is coming… Long live the filth!"

The album was recorded in eight weeks at both Springvale and Grindstone studios (where it was also mixed by Scott Atkins), Suffolk. more on this story



Joe Bonamassa Giving Away Song From New Double Live Album
Joe Bonamassa is giving away a free download of "Slow Train" which comes from his new double live album, which hit stores next month.

Joe Bonamassa: Beacon Theatre - Live From New York, from the sold-out two-night performance at New York City's legendary Beacon Theatre will be released as a 2-CD set on September 25th. But you can get a taste of what's to come with the free download here.

Special guests on the album include Beth Hart, John Hiatt and Paul Rodgers. This CD is the companion to the March release of the DVD and Blu-ray of the same name. more on this story



Sammy Hagar Wants Fan To Have His Shelby Mustang
(hennemusic) Red Rocker, and car collector, Sammy Hagar is selling his Shelby GT500 Coupe 2007 Mustang and wants a fan to own it.

"I bought another car recently and have run out of space!," says Hagar. "Instead of letting one sit outside I've chosen to sell one and chose this beast! But, I don't want to put it up on Barrett-Jackson and see it get marked up - I'd rather see a Redhead driving it and sell it at blue book! I bought this Shelby new and have driven it very little (low miles), plus it's been driven by Mike Anthony and Chad Smith during the recording of Chickenfoot III."

Details: Shelby GT500 Coupe 2007 Mustang, V8 Supercharged 5.4L engine, manual 6 speed transmission, cruise control, power steering, tilt wheel, premium sound with Shaker 1000 audio system, power seats, leather, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, premium trim package with Shelby Blue tape stripe. more on this story



Hetfield Recaps Metallica's Mexico City Run
(hennemusic) Metallica recently played a series of eight shows in Mexico City, where the band debuted a new stage set that featured highlights from the band's lengthy career.

Frontman James Hetfield spoke to the Mexican radio station Ibero 90.9 prior to the start of the shows last month, and was impressed with the level of support Metallica has in the region.

"To play anywhere in the world for eight shows is unbelievable," Hetfield said. "I don't think we could do it anywhere else. Mexico City stepped up, and every [concert] we put on sale, there was another one and another and it kept going. It was crazy! We probably could have kept going, as the passion here is unbelievable." Read more and watch video here.



Elvis Presley Fans Get Surprise Visit at Graceland
(Gibson) Elvis Presley fans who had gathered at Graceland to mark the 35th anniversary of the singer's death got a surprise Wednesday night when Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley joined them at the vigil. It was the first time Elvis's widow and daughter had appeared together at the annual gathering, according to an Associated Press report.

"You should see this from our point of view," said Priscilla Presley, looking out at the crowd from an elevated stage. Lisa Marie Presley stood alongside her, looking at thousands of lit candles held aloft by the fans. "It's truly a sight to behold."

The vigil marked the high point of Elvis Week, an annual Memphis event that celebrates the life of the legendary singer. Organizers estimate that 75,000 fans took part in the vigil. "I've always avoided this because I felt that it would be too emotional," said Lisa Marie Presley, "but I really felt it was important to come down here tonight. I love you very, very, very much." more on this story





B Sides


Singled Out: The Commuters
Today Zeeshan Zaidi, the lead singer of the New York-based alternative rock band The Commuters, tells us about the song "As I Make My Way" from their debut album "Rescue". Here is the story:

This song is about the vision I had all my life of becoming a professional musician and just going for it. I'd been in and around the music industry much of my career as a label executive and producer, but had put my own musical dreams on the back burner. One day I was deep in thought and said to myself: 'Some day I will die. And when that day comes I don't want to look back on my life and kick myself for not doing what deep down inside I've always wanted.' So I did it. Started writing and producing my songs with the aim of putting a band together and doing what I'm doing now. The song is about that moment, and going for it, and not worrying too much about outcomes — about giving it your all and just trusting that things will work out as they are supposed to.

Ironically, even though ended up being the obvious first single off the album, in the studio this was one of the last songs to come together. It was lagging a bit behind the other songs and I wasn't sure if it would even make the album. Then one day I said to Uri — let's take a cue from the song itself and lay down some cool parts, starting with a great intro, without caring too much about how it turns out. Just let it go. So then I came up with the two guitar parts you hear in the intro and put them down, and Uri was messing around with a keyboard and came up with the really killer synth riff, as well as the scratchy sound at the beginning. It was awesome that when we took the perspective of the song it actually helped the song itself.

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



Lynyrd Skynyrd's Fox and Friends Performance Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Lynyrd Skynyrd performed live from New York City Friday morning as part of the FOX & Friends "All American Concert Series."

The free live performance was the 13th of the 14-week outdoor concert series held in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, directly outside the FOX News studios (48th & 6th).

Skynyrd are out promoting the release of their new album, "Last of a Dyin' Breed," which will be out on Tuesday, August 21st. Watch the Fox performance here.



Nickelback Video Starring Jason Alexander and Brooke Burns Now Online
(hennemusic) Nickelback have released a new video for "Trying Not To Love You." The track is the fifth single from the band's latest album, 2011's "Here and Now."

The clip features Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a coffee shop employee who falls in love with a customer, played by Baywatch's Brooke Burns.

Nickelback recently wrapped up an extensive North American tour and will fire up a European trek in Brussels, Belgium on September 6. Watch the video here.



The Gaslight Anthem Cover Pearl Jam
(hennemusic) The Gaslight Anthem released their fourth studio album, "Handwritten," last month.

The New Jersey rockers are promoting the album with a series of concert dates and promotional appearances, including a recent stop at Sirius XM's Alt Nation.

Satellite radio listeners were treated to a live session that included a cover of Pearl Jam's "State Of Love And Trust" (one of the bands previously produced by O'Brien); the song does not appear on the band's new album. Check it out here.



Metallica Share Blitzkrieg and Battery Performance Videos
(hennemusic) Metallica continue to roll out footage from their recent 8-date run in Mexico City. Up next is material from show number six at the Sports Palace, which happened on August 6.

Fans can check out video of Metallica rocking "Blitzkrieg" in the Tuning Room and the punishing "Master Of Puppets" track, "Battery," from the concert.

The final summer shows with the new stage set used in Mexico take place in Vancouver on August 24 and 25. Watch the video here.



The Darkness Preview New Album
(hennemusic) The Darkness return on Tuesday (Aug 21) with "Hot Cakes," the reunited band's third studio album and they are offering up a preview online.

The band's debut, 2003's "Permission To Land," hit the No. 1 spot in the U.K. chart and won the "MasterCard British Album" at the 2004 Brit Awards (along with "Best British Group" and "British Rock Act").

Between 2003 and 2006, The Darkness was honored with many awards and accolades; along with three Brit Awards, the band won an Ivor Novello in 2004 for "Songwriters Of The Year", four Kerrang! Awards, two Metal Hammer Awards, an MTV Europe Music Award and even an Elle Style Award in 2004 for "Most Stylish Band."

ANGEL COME TO ROCK CANDY:

The following three new Rock Candy titles are available now from www.rockcandyrecords.com for a discounted price including postage to anywhere in the world for the next two weeks ending on September 2.

PLEASE NOTE: These are the CD reissues. There will be a limited 500 edition exact-to-original 180g virgin white vinyl release of each title to follow shortly. Details will be announced in the next week.

Angel 'S/T' CANDY153 / And then there was Angel... Meticulously assembled as part of an advanced master plan to create the perfect rock band, Angel's manifest destiny revolved around two key components: that's killer hooks and killer looks. Seasoned players all, their arrival on the Los Angeles rock scene certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons in a world crying out for something fresh, original and very different. Based in Los Angeles, and signed to the forward thinking Casablanca label (home to Kiss and Parliament), Angel's debut album was issued in 1975 and received instant approval from anyone hip to the trip. Musically the focus was firmly on a sort of pioneering seventies mash-up of progressive and melodic hard rock, spearheaded by the extraordinary operatic vocals of Frank DiMino and the wildly dexterous keyboard virtuosity of Gregg Giuffria.
Produced by Englishmen Derek Lawrence (Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash) and session guitarist extraordinaire Big Jim Sullivan, the album is treasure trove of surprises and includes several songs that have since gone on to become standard bearers in the star spangled world of melodic-rock mayhem. For categorical proof look no further than the straight-from-the-hip attack of 'Rock & Rollers', 'On And On' and, arguably the greatest pomp-rock creation of all time, 'Tower', a pumping behemoth of a track with keyboards and guitars locked in mortal combat. No home should be without a copy.
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, new interviews with the band, enhanced artwork and previously unseen photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.
Track Listing: 1. Tower 2. Long Time 3. Rock & Rollers 4. Broken Dreams 5. Mariner 6. Sunday Morning 7. On & On 8. Angel (Theme).

Angel 'Helluva Band' CANDY154 - There have been many great bands that didn't receive the level of recognition due to them, but none have been more deserving than Angel. Cruelly denied the opportunity to bask in the spotlight of success, Angel's story is a tear-jerker in the grandest tradition. A great band, astonishing musicianship, sensational songs and a stunning stage show but for some reason doomed to cult status, maybe because they were - in effect - ahead of their time, far beyond the realms of previously known parameters. 'Helluva Band' was Angel's second album, and a record that took their brand of adventurous pomp-rock to astonishing levels. Unafraid of throwing everything and the kitchen sink into their music, they reached a new level of achievement which allowed every member of the band to excel at their craft. Singer Frank DiMino in particular, unleashes one of the definitive vocal performances of the era, an ostentatious operatic style that thrilled audiences back then and still continues to make its mark to this day.
Originally issued in 1976,and produced by British ex pats Derek Lawrence and Big Jim Sullivan in Los Angeles, the albums contains a clutch of 24 Karat showstoppers, including the epic 'Feelings', 'Mirrors', 'Pressure Point' and 'The Fortune', a progressive pomp-rock watershed with all the trimmings you might reasonably expect from such a genre defining band.
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, new interviews with the band, enhanced artwork and previously unseen photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.
Track Listing: 1. Feelin' Right 2. The Fortune 3. Anyway You Want It 4. Dr. Ice 5. Mirrors 6. Feelings 7. Pressure Point 8. Chicken Soup 9. Angel Theme.

Angel 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' CANDY155 / It was a brilliant concept. Five immaculately coffered musicians dressed in virginal white and playing a flamboyant combination of progressive pomp rock with all the genre trimmings that you could possibly desire. Their stage show was equally as breathtaking, taking in everything from holograms to spectacular magic stunts. It was as if PT Barnum himself had formed a rock band and created the ultimate spectacle. 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' was Angels' third album and showcases the band expanding their horizons by taking a more melodic hard rock path, but one with hooks and riffs to the fore. Just because the music was harder and edgier, isn't to say that they had abandoned their progressive roots altogether as Gregg Giuffria's keyboard work will testify.
Produced by seasoned sound man Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Zeppelin), the songs here display a raw edge that provides guitarist Punky Meadows with a platform to unleash some of his best riffs, whilst vocalist extraordinaire Frank DiMino soars to new operatic heights. Songs such as 'Can You Feel It', 'Cast The First Stone' and 'White Lightning' explode with a sense of urgency that suggests the band were scaling new heights of creativity and feeling all the better for it. Oh, and check out the band's logo – it reads the same upside down, back to front and in a mirror!”
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, original Japanese mix and superior track sequence, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, new interviews with the band, enhanced artwork and previously unseen photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.
Track Listing: 1. Can You Feel It 2. She's A Mover 3. You're Not Fooling Me 4. That Magic Touch 5. Big Boy (Let's Do It Again) 6. White Lightning 7. Telephone Exchange 8. On The Rocks 9. Cast The First Stone 10. Just A Dream.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Gene Simmons Family Jewels Canceled
(Classic Rock) Gene Simmons' reality TV show won't return after its current seventh season, producers have announced.
Family Jewels is credited with turning round the fortunes of cable network A&E, which premiered the show in 2006.

The broadcaster says: "We could not be more proud of the unparalleled run. We'd like to thank Gene and his amazing family for their partnership, collaboration and for opening up their lives to us." More rock news.



Whitesnake Vomit Lawsuit
(Classic Rock) A Whitesnake fan is demanding £10,000 in compensation after she slipped in vomit during a concert and suffered injuries to her knees, neck and back.

Lindy Butcher, 39, attended David Coverdale's show at Newport Leisure Centre in Wales last December, during which she slipped. She realised what had caused her fall when another fan helped her up. [She is suing the Newport council not the band].

Managers have refunded her ticket price and say they'd been alerted that a clean-up was required, but due to the number of people in the venue, staff had been unable to locate the puddle of sick. more on this story



Soundgarden Set New Album Release Date
(hennemusic) The long-awaited new Soundgarden is on its way this fall. The group's as-yet-untitled reunion album is due for release on November 13.

In the upcoming August 30 issue of Rolling Stone, guitarist Kim Thayil talks about the project, saying "It re-establishes that we still rock, we're still heavy, and we're still a little weird."

Thayil also confirmed that tracks titled "Blood On The Valley Floor" and "A Thousand Days Before" will appear on the record. Speaking about the latter, Thayil described it as "a little Indian thing and some chicken-pickin. We call it 'country and eastern.'" more on this story



Baroness Members Remain Hospitalized For Bus Crash Injuries
Members of Baroness and their crew remain hospitalized following the accident where their tour bus fell 30 feet off of a viaduct on a road outside of Bath, England early on Wednesday morning. Their camp sent over this update:

John Baizley has broken his left arm and left leg. Allen Blickle and Matt Maggioni each suffered fractured vertebrae. All three remain in the hospital as of this writing. Pete Adams has been treated and released from the hospital.

Three of the five crew members who were on the bus have also been treated and released. One member is still undergoing testing. The driver of the bus remains in critical condition.



Seinfeld's Jason Alexander and Baywatch Star In New Nickelback Video
Nickelback have recruited Seinfeld's Jason Alexander and Baywatch's Brooke Burns to star in their new music video.

The video for the song, "Trying Not To Love You," will debut today (Friday, Aug. 17th) at 9:00am EST though their YouTube channel here.

"Trying Not To Love You" is the fifth single from Nickelback's latest album, Here and Now. If you read this report before the debut, you can get a taste of what's to come with this preview.



Kid Rock Records Anthem For Detroit Lions
(Gibson) Kid Rock is getting into the fall football spirit. The Detroit Rock City musician is one of the many artists partnering with Pepsi to celebrate all things football through music. The musicians have recorded their own anthems for their home teams, which will be unleashed via PepsiAnthems.com and available for download.

Kid Rock, being a Detroit guy, has whipped up a song in honor of none other than the Detroit Lions. (This Lions fan can't wait to hear it.) Kid Rock's ditty is expected to be released in the coming weeks, and once it's out, fans will be able to download the track with the redemption codes on specially marked packages of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Pepsi MAX.

While Kid Rock is representing rock in the promotion, Pepsi has also tapped artists from the pop, country and hip-hop realms for the promotion. Other musicians taking part in the campaign include Kelly Clarkson (the Dallas Cowboys), Ice Cube (the Oakland Raiders) and Travie McCoy (the New York Giants). The final song to be released with the campaign will be a remixed version of Wiz Khalifa's #1 track, "Black and Yellow," for the Pittsburgh Steelers. more on this story





Muse Push Back Album Release And First Single Out Next Week
Muse have pushed back the release of their new album, The 2nd Law, from the original September 18th date to an October 2nd release.

"Madness" will be the first single from album will be released digitally and also to radio around the world on Monday (August 20th).

The album release will be followed by a tour of Europe starting in France on October 16 and including five UK shows. The UK dates start in Glasgow on October 24 and include two nights at London's O2 Arena, one night in Birmingham and one in Manchester. They will return to the United States in 2013. more on this story



Stone Sour Reveal New Album Details
Roadrunner sent over word that Stone Sour will release the first installment of their double album House of Gold & Bones Part 1 on October 23, 2012. The second installment will be released in 2013.

The album was recorded at Sound Farm Studios just outside of the band's native Des Moines, Iowa with producer David Bottrill (Tool, Muse, Staind) at the helm.

The band is sharing the first two tracks from Part 1, titled "Gone Sovereign" and "Absolute Zero," here . Guitarist Josh Rand states, "House of Gold & Bones takes everything that's great about this band and amplifies it. The riffs, the lyrics, the grooves and the songs are like Stone Sour times 10. There's also heavy stuff that's like nothing we've ever done before . It's dark as hell and a complete experience from the first track to the last." more on this story



Mark Hunter To Carry On With Chimaira
Chimaira vocalist Mark Hunter has issued a lengthy letter to fans addressing their concern about the future of the group following the departure of all long-term members aside from Hunter.

Here is what he had to say: The last few years have been bizarre, to say the least. Chimaira went through an insane amount of changes that would have killed 99% of the bands out there, and all things considered, probably should have killed us, too.

Since 2009, we've switched labels, management companies, booking agents, merchandisers, and unfortunately, band members.

Like many bands, we were tested in order to survive an ever-changing industry. There were various suggestions implemented to try and improve our situation; some methods worked, some not so much. Regardless, we all had different ideas and life goals that ultimately led to where we are today. Find out where that is.



Bob Dylan & The Band DVD Coming Next Month
MVD have set a September 25th release date for Bob Dylan & The Band "Down In The Flood" on DVD.

The DVD features exclusive new interviews with Garth Hudson, Ronnie Hawkins, band producer John Simon & tour drummer Mickey Jones.

Here is the synopsis: In 1966 Bob Dylan began his first electric world tour. It was a landmark moment, both for Dylan and for the history of rock music, and it bitterly divided his audience. more on this story



Rare 1981 Van Halen TV Appearance Goes Online
(hennemusic) A rare Van Halen video from 1981 has surfaced online. A few weeks after the band completed its North American tour in support of the "Fair Warning" album, Van Halen were in Italy to film a TV appearance to further the promotion of the project.

Van Halen's lip-sync performance of "Mean Street" was originally recorded November 14, 1981, and was re-broadcast this summer by Italian television channel Rai Storia.

Release in April of '81, "Fair Warning" was the fourth studio album by Van Halen. Featuring classics like "Unchained," Hear About It Later" and "So This Is Love?", the record went on to sell more than two million copies. Watch the video here.



Steven Adler To Debut New Band On Kiss Kruise
Former Guns N Roses drummer Steven Adler's new group Adler will make their live debut aboard the forthcoming Kiss Kruise.

The Kruise is will which will launch on Halloween from Miami, FL and sail to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas onboard the Norwegian Pearl.

"I'm really excited to debut my new band by playing with Kiss" states Steven Adler. "Kiss has always been one of my favorite bands and they are all great guys. The cruise is sure to be an amazing time!" more on this story




Geoff Tate Launching His Own Version of Queensryche
(Classic Rock) Queensryche fans have been left bemused as sacked singer Geoff Tate delivered on his threat to launch his own version of the band.

He's announced that next year he'll front an "all-star lineup" for an anniversary tour under the title Queensryche Starring Geoff Tate, The Original Voice.

Last month he went to court in an attempt to stop his former bandmates using their name, arguing that they couldn't do so without support of 80% of their company directors, which they couldn't achieve since he was 25% of the board.

When that failed, he argued that the ruling meant they were free to call themselves Queensryche – but that he could do the same. more on this story



World Premiere of All-Star Deep Purple Tribute Album Airs Today
The all-star Re-Machined A Tribute To Deep Purple's Machine Head album is set to hit stores on September 25 but you can hear some of the tracks today.

Eddie Trunk will premiere several songs from Re-Machined on his syndicated radio show on Q104 FM (New York) today, August 17. He posted some details here.

Meanwhile, Eagle Rock sent out some new details about the album including an interesting back story to Iron Maiden's cover of "Space Truckin," which was actually recorded back in 2006. Lead singer Bruce Dickinson explains, "Initially we didn't think we'd be able to contribute anything due to our touring commitments. Then we remembered 'Space Truckin' which we'd recorded as a single B-side during our A Matter Of Life And Death album session, but never used. However now, thanks to Kevin Shirley's remixing skills, we're able to include it on Re-Machined" more on this story



Green Day To Perform at 2012 MTV Video Music Awards
(Gibson) Green Day have signed on to perform at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. The show will air Sept. 6 with comedian Kevin Hart hosting.

According to MTV.com, the trio are planning to play fresh tracks from their upcoming trilogy of albums, ¡Uno!, ¡Dos! and ¡Tré! on the show.

¡Uno! is scheduled to hit stories and online outlets on Sept. 25, while ¡Dos! and ¡Tré! are set for release on Nov. 13, and Jan. 15, respectively. more on this story





Earth Plan U.S. Tour This Fall
Earth will be embarking on a month long tour of the U.S. this fall as part of their world tour in support of their two-part Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light album series.

The trek is set to kick off on October 24th in Portland, Or and will wrap up on November 25th in Seattle, Wa.

The band will also make an appearance at the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas on November 2nd as part of the trek. They will have various support acts along the way. more on this story



Toadies and Helmet Fall Tour
Toadies have mapped out the 2nd leg of their coheadlining North American tour with Helmet which will take place this fall.

The new leg will be hitting the west coast with some southern dates including the 5th annual Dia De Los Toadies in New Braunfels, TX (which will also have the only Texas area appearances for Helmet and Mariachi El Bronx.)

Toadies will be touring in support of their latest release, Play.Rock.Music, which was released at the end of July. more on this story




Jack Russell Says New Great White Music Is Blasphemous
(Classic Rock) Jack Russell describes the music of Great White with new singer Terry Ilous as "blasphemous."

The sacked frontman says: "They don't sound bad – how could they? These are guys I played with for 30 years. I didn't play with those guys because they're slouches. But the sound of the band is completely changed, and it's not like it's a singer that's remotely in league with what I did."

Great White guitarist Mark Kendall recently described Russell's own current performances as "ugly". More rock news.



Journey's Neal Schon Settles With Salahi
(Classic Rock) Journey guitarist Neal Schon has settled a lawsuit with girlfriend Machaele Salahi's estranged husband.

Tareq Salahi went to court after his wife left him for Schon, alleging she'd "lived a double life" with the musician for years.

Schon has reached an agreement with Salahi, but the terms are confidential. A band spokesman says: "Neal and Journey are very pleased with the resolution of all legal issues." more on this story




New Zealand's Six60 Confirm North American Tour
New Zealand's Six60 are getting ready to bring their mix of rock, soul and dub step to North America for a tour this Rocktober.

After overcoming visa issues this spring, the band has everything sorted and will be hitting North American shores in October for dates across Canada and the U.S.

They will be touring in support of their self-titled debut. The tour is set to kick off on October 2nd in Bellingham WA and wrap up on October 21st in Toronto. more on this story



A Loss For Words Hitting The Road With Chiodos
Chiodos have recruited A Loss For Words to support them for a three dates next week on their fall tour.

In addition to the Chiodos dates, A Loss For Words will also be headlining a short string of U.S. dates before heading over to Russia and Europe for a headline tour, which will see them performing at Warped UK on Nov. 10 in London.

A Loss For Words recently released an acoustic EP titled Returning To Webster Lake, which is streaming here and they will be touring in support of their latest album, No Sanctuary. more on this story



Immolation Recording New Album
(SPR) Immolation have entered Sound Studios in Millbrook, NY with longtime producer Paul Orofino to record their ninth full-length album.

The follow up to their 2010 release Majesty and Decay, will once again be mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren (All Shall Perish, Decrepit Birth, Suffocation).

"Just got out of the studio a couple of days ago, here in Europe now getting ready to do some open air festivals," commented guitarist and dead ringer for Anton LaVey, Robert Vigna. "The new album will have 10 tracks of some of the most intensely dark material we have ever written! Very powerful and very heavy. Steve (Shalaty – drums) really pushed it all to the limits on this one too. more on this story



B Sides


P.O.D. Release Higher Video
P.O.D. have posted their new music video for their forthcoming single, "Higher" online. The track will be the 2nd single from the band's new album, Murdered Love

The video for "Higher" was filmed with director Ramon Boutisveth (All That Remains, For Today, Trivium). The band also partnered with Harley Davidson for this video and the video features a number of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Talking about the "Higher" video, Sonny reveals, "We went through a bunch of treatments, and we loved the fact that the director wanted to do the video in San Diego. It's our hometown. The treatment had a good vibe, and it reminded us of how we felt when we saw the video for 'Alive'." Watch the video here.



Metallica Release Footage From Outside Lands Fest
(hennemusic) Last weekend, Metallica were one of the headliners at the Outside Lands Music Festival in their hometown of San Francisco.

The metal icons played Saturday as part of a sold-out weekend event that also featured performances by Foo Fighters, Neil Young & Crazy Horse and Stevie Wonder.

Metallica are now sharing some footage from Outside Lands, including a run through of "Hell And Back" in the Tuning Room, as well as "Blackened" from the concert.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Lotto Winner Would Buy Guns N' Roses Reunion?
(Classic Rock) Adrian Bayford had two dreams and one of them just came true when he won an incredible £148m on the Euromillions lottery at the weekend. And that puts the Englishman in a good place to try and make his other dream happen too: he'd love to get Guns N' Roses' classic lineup back together.
It's not very likely, of course, with several members of the band having repeated it'll never take place, and frontman Axl Rose's no-show at their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

The Deep Purple and Iron Maiden supporter says: "I think I would just have to get Guns N' Roses together – the original lineup, mind. I'm a real fan." more on this story



Sea World Never Used Motley Crue Songs
(hennemusic) Last week, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee sent a note to Sea World asking the theme park to stop using his band's music and to shut down its "Shanu Rocks" shows for the sake of the animals but apparently Motley were never a part of the show.

SeaWorld VP of Communications Fred Jacobs. "We have never played a Motley Crue song in any Shamu show, nor will we. I can assure you the volume of music played during parts of our killer-whale shows poses no risk at all to our animals."

The park's response failed to satisfy the Crue drummer, who replied to Jacobs/Sea World with a follow-up note of his own. You can read it here.



Randy Blyrhe Says Fan's Death Reminded Him Of Losing His Baby Girl
(Classic Rock) Randy Blythe says his recent manslaughter charge has reminded him of how his baby daughter died – and that's why he has nothing but sympathy for the family of the fan who lost his life in 2010.

The Lamb of God singer spent five weeks in jail, all but ignored by US authorities, in connection with the death of Daniel Nosek, who suffered a brain haemorrhage weeks after allegedly striking his head while Blythe's band performed in Prague.

He's already vowed he'll return to the Czech Republic to stand trial after he was freed following weeks of legal wrangles. But now he reveals the experience has left him thinking about Sarah Fisher Blythe, his daughter, who passed away soon after her birth in 2000. more on this story



Motorhead Preview New Album
(hennemusic) Motorhead are offering a preview of their new album, "The World Is Ours - Vol 2: Anyplace Crazy As Anywhere Else," which will be released in Europe on September 21, the UK on September 24 and October 9 in North America.

The follow-up to 2011's "The Wörld Is Ours – Vol 1: Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" will feature the band's 2011 Wacken Open Air headline appearance as well as highlights from Sonisphere (United Kingdom) and Rock In Rio (Brazil) shows.

"The Wörld Is Ours - Vol 2: Anyplace Crazy As Anywhere Else" will be available as a digipack (DVD plus two CDs), double-CD, double-vinyl (Wacken Open Air show), Blu-ray and direct-to-consumer version featuring 2 CDs, a DVD/Blu-ray and a special booklet. Check out the preview.



Aerosmith's Joe Perry Not Sure How Much To Include in Autobiography
(hennemusic) Aerosmith recently wrapped up their summer Global Warming tour and are now working towards the November 6th release of their new album, "Music From Another Dimension."

Guitarist Joe Perry also has another project on the go: his autobiography. "I expect there will be a fair amount about me and Steven [Tyler], considering I've spent a good part of my life with him and three other guys," Perry told the Atlanta Journal-Constitutionrecently.

"The reality of writing it is starting to sink in, but I'm mostly wondering how much I want to put in the book and what to keep out." more on this story



The Who's Unaired Olympics Jam Goes Online
(hennemusic) The Who closed out the London Olympic Games Sunday with a specially prepared medley of "Baba O'Riley," "See Me/Feel Me," "Listening To You" and "My Generation."

Sports and music fans around the world saw the performance live as it happened, but not in the U.S., where NBC had other priorities. The broadcaster interrupted the Olympics feed with a far less compelling program, and bumped The Who's performance from the main event until after the sitcom had ended.

In addition, NBC removed the performances of Ray Davies and Muse from the program without explanation. But you can watch The Who's set here.



Slash Reunites With Former Guns N' Roses Bandmate At Sturgis
(hennemusic) Slash's "Apocalyptic Love" summer tour of North America pulled into Sturgis, South Dakota on August 10 to play the Buffalo Chip Campground.

The famed guitarist's appearance was part of the week-long series of concerts held as part of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Former Guns N' Roses bandmate Gilby Clarke joined Slash and his band at the concert, rocking out on the GNR classic "Paradise City." Watch it here.



Pete Townshend To Release His Memoir
(hennemusic) The Who's Pete Townshend will publish his memoir, "Who I Am," in October. "This book is not a vanity for me. It is an essential rite of passage," said Townshend in a press release. "I know I am good at what I do as a performer and composer, but since my early teens, I have been happiest when writing. Writing is my principal daily occupation."

"Rock 'n' Roll is a tough career, however cynically or comically it is portrayed by its detractors," Pete continued. "I am lucky to be alive and to have such a crazy story to tell, full of wild adventures and creative machinations. I am happy that I am able to write my book myself, in my own 'voice' that many readers will be hearing for the first time."

"I am not my favourite subject, that will always be art and music, but whenever I write about my life and work, I learn something," added the guitar icon. "So, the year ahead spent writing will also trigger the last vital bit of 'growing up' required by the now pensionable fellow who once wrote I hope I die before I get old. I want to write a book that is enjoyable to read, but above all, I want it to be honest." more on this story



Five More Rory Gallagher Remastered Albums Set For Release
(Gibson) The next series of Rory Gallagher's classic studio albums remastered (1975-1982) will be available in the U.K. on Monday, October 1 for a limited period in deluxe digi-packaging.

The five remastered Rory Gallagher studio albums include Against the Grain (1975), Calling Card (1976), Photo-Finish (1978), Top Priority (1979) and Jinx (1982).

"Continuing on from last year's 40th anniversary of Rory Gallagher's solo career, we're pleased to present his next five solo albums from 1975-1982," said Daniel Gallagher, Rory's nephew and producer of the reissues. "We're going back to the vinyl artwork and original ¼ inch tapes so that they look and sound exactly as Rory intended. It's also great to see in a digital world that the demand for a physical copy of Rory's music means we can release these albums on vinyl for the first time in almost 40 years." more on this story





Steve Vai Explains Unconventional Trilogy
Classic Rock Revisited caught up with Steve Vai to discuss his new album, The Story of Light, the second album in a planned trilogy. In this excerpt Steve explains the unconventional approach he took to the trilogy:

Steve: When I started Real Illusions, which was my last studio record, I wanted to do a concept record, but I didn't want to do it in the conventional way. I wondered what I could do in order to make it different. I wanted it to span a long period of time, as it is probably going to be one of my life's greatest works. I wanted to break it up into little pieces and put it out, not in a linear way.

If you listen to Real Illusions, then you will just hear a studio album, as you will not be able to put all of the pieces together. If you read the liner notes, then you can start to put little pieces together. The idea is the same with The Story of Light. It is like Real Illusions, as it is a studio album. That said, the songs are all based on characters in the story, but they are not in the right order. The third part of the trilogy, which I will do sometime in the future, will be similar.

What I would, then, like to do is to take all of the three records and put them out in a box set. I could do some new stuff to glue them all together. I would take the songs and put them in the correct order, so it would flow like a story. You would be able to actually follow the story. He has a lot more to say including his thoughts for the final part of the trilogy



Creed's Scott Stapp To Release Autobiography In October
(Gibson) Creed frontman Scott Stapp is planning to release an autobiography. The book will be called Sinner's Creed and is scheduled for an October 2 release. It will deal with Stapp's musical career and his success Creed as lead singer of Creed, but also with darker subjects, such as his battle with alcoholism, and depression. The book is co-written with David Ritz, who has worked on biographies for Janet Jackson and Marvin Gaye.

Earlier in the year Stapp spoke about the book to Billboard.com, saying: "It's going to be constantly interrelated with the realities of God's grace and love and miracles, and how they happen in the weirdest ways and how they happen to all of us... It's definitely a cathartic process for me, and I really hope that those who read it can walk away knowing more about my life... but also the grace of God. If we can accomplish that, that would be a blessing."

Stapp reunited with Creed in 2009, and is currently on tour with the band. The tour, which is billed as 2 Nights Live, sees the band performing their first two albums, My Own Prison and Human Clay, in full. more on this story





Becoming the Archetype Set Baffling New Album Release
Solid State Records have set a September 18th release date for Becoming the Archetype's baffling new album, I AM. Baffling? This explanation was sent out:

The band's fifth full-length is baffling first and foremost because it's not meant to be baffling. As guitarist, mastermind and band nucleus Seth Hecox explains, the album is less about reinventing heavy music than it is reinventing Becoming the Archetype. That's not to say listeners won't find the band doing its usual mind-warping and genre-bending, but the point of this album wasn't to transcend the artform of metal music, it was to master it.

"I AM is 100% head banging riffs," Hecox says. "Gone are the sitars and horns of Celestial Completion. Instead, we've crafted an album full of the heaviest and most technical songs we've ever written." more on this story



King's X Plan First Tour Dates Since Jerry Gaskill's Heart Attack
King's X have announced the dates for their upcoming North American tour where they will be providing direct support to Kansas.

These dates will mark the band's first tour since drummer Jerry Gaskill's remarkable recovery from a major heart attack earlier this year.

"Not too long ago I was thinking I might not ever get back on a stage, now I'm ready and with the ok from all my doctors," says Gaskill. "What better way to get back than to tour with the legendary Kansas. Let's rock..." more on this story



Phish's Trey Anastasio Solo Album And Tour Coming
Phish's Trey Anastasio will be hitting the road in October in support of his new solo album, Traveler, which will be released on October 16th.

Anastasio co-produced the album with Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Jónsi) last fall in Katis' Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT.

"My goal was to create an album that used the studio as an instrument," says Anastasio, who began recording Traveler after Phish wrapped up its 2011 summer tour. "I wanted to work with Peter because he is a master at creating a sonic landscape," notes Trey. "We were hoping for a cinematic end result." more on this story



Details About Forthcoming Jon Lord Album
We were sent the official details for Jon Lord's "Concerto For Group And Orchestra" which will be released on October 1st by earMUSIC:

"Over these last years since leaving Deep Purple, I've played it over 30 times with different orchestras and conductors all over the world, and, of course, in 2000 I did it well over 30 times with Purple on the Concerto tour, so I've been honing the piece live on stage, and I've had the opportunity to change things in the score that weren't sounding quite right. It is therefore a marvellous and exciting prospect to have the definitive recording of the definitive version of the score." (Jon Lord May 2012)

Jon Lord recorded the marvellous rhythm section - Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd, Madonna) & Brett Morgan (Jon Anderson, Sting) and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (with whom Jon had recorded twice before) in June 2011 in Liverpool - conducted by Paul Mann. The production then moved to Abbey Road Studios in London to record Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson (on vocals with Steve Balsamo and Kasia Laska) and Joe Bonamassa, Darin Vasilev and Steve Morse on guitars. more on this story



Clutch Add Shows and Plan New Album
Clutch have added two new shows to their short tour this November with Lionize and Monstro and they have begun preproduction on their new studio album, with a target release next year.

With both the Flint, MI and Detroit, MI shows sold out, the band has added an additional show to each city.

The new show in Flint at the Machine Shop is scheduled for October 31st and the new show in Detroit at St. Andrews Hall is scheduled for November 4th. more on this story



Intronaut Set Void Vinyl Release
Intronaut have been granted permission from Goodfellow Records to issue the very first pressing of their 2006 album "Void" on vinyl.

The band is limiting the release to only 500 copies on silver vinyl. The LPs will also come with a previously unreleased version of "Fragments Of Character," a song from their first EP "Null," which was re-recorded during the "Void" sessions but never released.

First 20 preorders will include an Intronaut T-shirt and the LP will come signed by the band, including original guitarist Leon del Muerte, now in Murder Construct.

Preorders will run through August 31st, with the vinyl shipping late September/early October. They are taking the preorders here.



B Sides


Singled Out: Thought Beneath Film
Today Brent Wirth from Thought Beneath Film tells us about the track 'If I Could Fix You (You Know That I Would)' from their debut EP "Detours". Here is the story:

Very few people truly appreciate the emotional turmoil that comes along with writing, recording and releasing a song. You spend countless hours brooding away in your room contemplating every aspect of the song and fine-tuning every minute detail of it until it's perfect. From that point, you do something that's even more insane: you go into a studio and spend thousands of dollars to put yourself through hell and endure a dozen emotionally draining sessions recording it. You do overdub after overdub until it's just right. You become so attached to the song that you begin to truly believe it's one of the best songs ever written and that it's going to redefine music. A few weeks go by and, finally, you get to release it to the world! And guess what happens next? No one gives a f**k. In one way or another, everyone endures this kind of heartbreak and, inevitably, the only way to keep going is to be optimistic and have faith that things will eventually turn around. That's what makes the underlying theme of "If I Could Fix You (You Know That I Would)" so relatable.

As is the case with most of our songs, the melodies for "If I Could Fix You" preceded the lyrics. One of the major downfalls associated with this writing approach is that the lyrics always have the potential to suffer given the fact that you're never at liberty to say things exactly how you may want to. It's like a jigsaw puzzle. Every lyric has to work within the rhythmic confines of the melody. It can feel extremely restrictive at times, but one of the things I love about writing this way is that it forces me to find more interesting and creative ways of expressing an idea. Although the song's intended message may become abstracted through the process, it often adds additional layers of meaning to the song which, if anything, makes it more accessible and relatable.

Given that this was the last song on the EP that I needed to write lyrics for, I wanted to break out of my comfort zone and try something different to ensure that it didn't feel like I was just reiterating an idea that I had already tackled in one of the other songs. A few days prior to writing the lyrics, I was joking around with one of my songwriter friends about how both of us always seem to shy away from writing "relationship songs" for one reason or another. Inspired by the conversation, I was determined to write one. However, given the fact it had been quite some time since I was in a serious relationship, I felt so detached from those feelings that it was impossible to write anything sincere. Nonetheless, it got me thinking about relationships in general and how intense some non-romantic relationships can be, particularly those you share with bandmates.

To me, being in a band has always been like having three or four girlfriends simultaneously. There are so many different perspectives and emotions that are constantly colliding. It becomes a seemingly impossible challenge to keep everyone engaged in the project and inspired to keep grinding it out. It's easy to feel defeated as a musician at times, but, when you take on the role of being the band leader, you aren't allowed to show it. It's your duty to keep the other members' morale up and continue to promote optimism in the camp, even when you may feel emotionally crushed yourself. Ultimately, that's what the song deals with. Although it may be packaged as a simple relationship song about someone who is trying to console a friend who has recently been heartbroken, to me, it's about my band and my constant attempt to keep my band members (and myself) inspired to keep moving forward…even when it may seem impossible to do so.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself right here!



Green Day's New Song Kill The DJ Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Last week, Green Day played a surprise club show in Los Angeles, where the group debuted some new songs from their forthcoming trio of albums, "Uno," "Dos" and "Tre."

One of the tunes, "Kill The DJ," has surfaced online after being played on UK radio. "[Bassist] Mike [Dirnt] asked me to write a song with a four-on-the-floor rhythm," Billie Joe Armstrong told Rolling Stone while explaining the origins of the tune.

"I'd never done it before. It's kind of like [The Clash's] 'Sandinista!,' Ian Dury's 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll' and the Tom Tom Club song, 'Genius Of Love.' We were trying to figure out how to make dance music without turning into a dance band." Listen here.



Europe Members Tells The Story Behind The Final Countdown
Wikimetal recently spoke with Europe's John Leven for their podcast. They sent over this info on the episode:

Leven, bass player that was on every studio album of Europe was our special guest last week on Wikimetal.

During the interview, John told us amazing stories, including how the greatest Europe hit ever, 'The Final Countdown', was conceived and more. Listen here.



Hoobastank Streaming New Song Online
Hoobastank are giving fans an advanced listen to the song "No Destination," from their new album, Fight Or Flight, which will be released on September 11.

The "No Destination" stream coincides with the launch of the band's new website design. You can check out the site and the song here.

Hoobastank's current single, "This Is Gonna Hurt," has reached an audience of more than 6 million in just their 3rd week out promoting the track at radio.



Lynyrd Skynyrd Release New Studio Video
(hennemusic) Lynyrd Skynyrd fans only have to wait one more week before the Southern Rock icons release their first new album in three years, "Last Of A Dyin' Breed."

The group worked on the album at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and are giving fans an inside look in part 3 of their 'in the studio' video series.

Part 3 features interviews with Skynyrd's Gary Rossington. Rickey Medlocke, Johnny Van Zant and Peter Keys, along with songwriter Blair Daley.

"Writing for this album's been kinda crazy," says Van Zant. "Trying to write stuff about common people and the things that we know about." Watch it here.



Sites and Sounds: Tesco Fest- Slaughter By The Water 3- Ride Festival- More
Whether you fancy punk, metal, Americana or a little of everything, there's a festival for you! antiMusic travel editor Kevin Wierzbicki gives us the lowdown on Tesco Fest, Slaughter By The Water 3, The Ride Festival, Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival and FYF Fest

Tesco Fest
August 18, Detroit, Michigan
Upset that there's not really an annual punk festival of note, the Meatmen's Tesco Vee has taken it upon himself to create one and name it after himself. Set to appear at the inaugural Tesco Fest at Detroit club The Magic Stick are Negative Approach, Antiseen, Gang Green, Iron Cross, Hellmouth, Against the Grain, Bill Bondsmen, Golden Torso and of course the Meatmen. www.majesticdetroit.com

Slaughter By The Water 3
August 25, Alameda, California
Chuck Billy of Testament hosts this metal blowout that happens right on the deck of the (supposedly haunted) aircraft carrier the USS Hornet. Bringing the thunder will be Philm, Severed Filth, Absu, Witchaven, Impaled, Autopsy, Fog of War and Abysmal Dawn. Tickets purchased for all main stage shows also entitle the holder to a free tour of the ship, including a haunted tour. The ship itself is essentially a museum and there is a separate $12 museum entry fee for all show goers. www.slaughterbythewater.com

The Ride Festival
August 25-26, Telluride, Colorado
Kick back in the scenic mountain setting of Telluride for two days of rootsy music. Scheduled to perform are Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Lucinda Williams, Los Lobos, JJ Grey & Mofro, the Lumineers, the North Mississippi Allstars, David Lindley, James McMurtry, Matthew Curry & the Fury and more. www.ridefestival.com

Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival
August 31-September 2, Snowmass Village, Colorado
Lots of big names gather in Snowmass to say goodbye to summer; expect to have lots of company as you enjoy Kid Rock, Mumford & Sons, Sugarland, Michael Franti & Spearhead, the Steve Miller Band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave. and Vintage Trouble. www.jazzaspensnowmass.org

FYF Fest
September 1-2, Los Angeles, California
This Labor Day weekend event features way too many acts to list them all here but here's a little sampler: Refused, Beirut, M83, James Blake, Quicksand, Yeasayer, Sleigh Bells, Dinosaur Jr, Against Me!, Turbonegro, Purity Ring, Hot Snakes, Black Mountain, Redd Kross, FIDLAR, Cursive, Wild Flags, Gold Panda and many, many others. herewww.fyffest.com" target="_blank">www.fyffest.com

Today's Day In Rock News!

Guns N' Roses To Launch Appetite for Democracy On Halloween
North American fans will have the chance to watch Guns N' Roses live this fall. But you have to go to Las Vegas for that chance.
The band has announced that their very first residency, dubbed Appetite for Democracy, will kick off on Halloween at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The GNR camp promise that the 12 show run will be a "never-before-seen, one-of-a-kind music experience. Each night, the band will perform an electrifying show featuring a set list created exclusively for The Joint. Appetite for Democracy will span the band's biggest hits from their debut album Appetite for Destruction (1987) through their platinum-selling record Chinese Democracy (2008)." more on this story



Former Bulletboys Member Dies
(Classic Rock) Bulletboys frontman Marq Torien has announced the death of former drummer Robby Karras in a brief statement.

He was behind the kit for the hard rock outfit's 1995 release Acid Monkey, which forged a new direction for them as they fought to escape their "hair band" labelling.

No details relating to the death have been confirmed, although it's thought Karras had been ill for some time. more on this story



Fans Angry at Jaz Coleman Over Missing Stunt
(Classic Rock) Fans of Killing Joke have reacted in fury after suspecting they've been victims of a publicity stunt involving the alleged disappearance of frontman Jaz Coleman.

The band released a statement last month saying they were concerned for his welfare after he disappeared. That followed a post on the band's Facebook page, purportedly from Coleman, slamming future tourmates the Cult and the Mission, and leading to KJ being dropped from the tour.

On Sunday Coleman – who had an official Facebook page launched while he was believed to be missing – announced his reappearance and revealed three new products. Find out what that was all about and read the fan reaction



KISS Won't End When Paul Stanley Leaves?
(Classic Rock) KISS frontman Paul Stanley believes the day he's replaced in the band would be more than just a lineup change, it would be a victory. That's because it would prove he's been right all along about what the glam rock icons really are.

He and bandmate Gene Simmons have frequently discussed the possibility of Kiss continuing without any of the original or current members – but now the guitarist and vocalist has defined how important the move would be to him.

"I'm damn good at what I do; but do I think I'm the only person capable of doing it? Absolutely not. Can I envision a time when I won't be here any more? Absolutely," Stanley tells the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It's not tomorrow, or next week, but when it happens I would be celebratory, Because it would prove that I was right, that KISS is exactly what I believe it is: an ideal, a way of performing, a point of view." more on this story



Testament Lineup's Future Not Certain
(Classic Rock) Testament guitarist Eric Peterson doesn't believe the band's current lineup will survive if they should face hard times in the near future.

The only original member of the acclaimed thrash outfit admits there's some negative vibes between the five men who recorded well-received new album Dark Roots of Earth.

Long-time frontman Chuck Billy has been there since 1986, while guitarist Alex Skolnick and bassist Greg Christian have both left twice in the past. It's drummer Gene Hoglan's second stint. But Peterson is hopeful the positive response to their tenth record means the current lineup, which has been together for seven years, will hold. Read what he had to say.



Stone Sour Streaming Two New Songs
(Classic Rock) Corey Taylor put his band Stone Sour under pressure when he decided to record two albums while only having studio time for one. Did he push too hard? Decide for yourself with two new songs.

Gone Sovereign and Absolute Zero are taken from House of Gold and Bones Part I, due in October, while Part II will come out in May next year. But it's not just a double-album experience – the Slipknot frontman wants to offer much more.

He tells Rolling Stone: "It's a lot of moving pieces that are gonna tie together. There'll be a lot of content that's not in the album that'll be on the website. Everything will really kind of tie together and make it a really cool experience for the listener." Listen to the tracks here.



Fred Durst Says Limp Bizkit Were A Moment In Time And It's Over
Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst was brutally honest when Kerrang! magazine asked him why the band has played in other countries but they have avoided touring at home in North America.

The PRP excerpted the following part of the interview from the August 01st issue: "We don't play back home. We've boycotted America for many years now. I don't know, I just don't wanna go out like that. We did a few radio shows in 2010 for a friend and that was it. We haven't properly toured America since 2006.

"The reason? We just don't know what's going on in America. It's all about the new catchy thing and that's always changing. America is driven by record sales. It's the home of corporations. We're just Limp Bizkit, so we don't know how to do anything but Limp Bizkit."

He adds, "But here's the deal: say in 2000, there were 35 million people who connected to this band. Twelve years later, lots of those people have moved on. We were a moment in time and it's over." Read the PRP report here.



Iwrestledabearonce, Oceano, Vanna, Within The Ruins Tour
Iwrestledabearonce will be hitting the road in October for the North American leg of their headlining "Ruining Earth For Everybody" Tour.

They will be supported on the trek by Oceano, Vanna, Within The Ruins, The Plot In You and Surrounded By Monsters.

While the band issued the official word about the tour and provided the dates, there was no mention about who will be fronting the group on the trek (see related story about that here) and grab the tour dates here.



Lynyrd Skynyrd To Appear On Fox's Concert Series
Lynyrd Skynyrd sent over word that they will be performing live from New York City as part of the FOX & Friends "All American Concert Series" this Friday, August 17th during the 8am (ET) hour.

The concert is open to the public (corner of 48th St and 6th Avenue) with free food offered all morning from Famous Dave's BBQ.

This free live performance is the 13th of the 14-week outdoor concert series held in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, directly outside the FOX News studios (48th & 6th). more on this story



ZZ Top To Receive Living Legend Award
(Classic Rock) The Classic Rock Roll Of Honour enters its eighth year and is proud to announce the first of 2012's winners: ZZ Top. The biggest award of the night – Living Legend – will be presented to Texas' finest at our awards ceremony in November.

The eighth annual Orange Amplification Presents The Classic Rock Roll Of Honour in association with currencies.co.uk will take place at London's Roundhouse on Tuesday, November 13.

The Living Legend Award has become one of the most coveted awards in the music industry. It is only ever awarded to those artists who have truly cemented their place in the rock pantheon – with past winners including Jeff Beck, Alice Cooper, Jimmy Page, Lemmy, Ozzy Osbourne and Iggy Pop. more on this story



Don McLean Documentary and Album Coming Next Month
The new authorized documentary, Don McLean: American Troubadour, is set for release on September 11, 2012, along with a new retrospective compilation album. Webster sent over these details:

McLean granted unprecedented access and interviews for the film, revealing his personal account of a career spanning over four decades and performing songs that have become integral parts of American pop culture.

Don McLean: American Troubadour also features over 15 live performances including "American Pie," "Vincent," "Crying" and "And I Love You So" along with extensive commentary by historian and Rolling Stone journalist Douglas Brinkley, interviews with other artists such as Brian Wilson and REM's Mike Mills, footage of McLean on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and performances of his songs by Elvis Presley and Fred Astaire (who inspired "Wonderful Baby"). On the same date, a double CD of McLean's biggest hits will also be released. Also titled Don McLean: American Troubadour, the CD set will include live performances as well as a special duet of "And I Love You So" With Nanci Griffith. more on this story



Neil Peart Explains The Concept for Rush's Clockwork Angels
(hennemusic) Rush are getting set to launch their "Clockwork Angels" tour, which kicks off in Manchester, NH. on September 7. In a new interview with Canada's Maclean's magazine, Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart shares some thoughts on the upcoming tour and talks about the concept of the new album.

"This started as a simple [idea]—the steampunk image and aesthetic I liked, I suggested to the guys as the basis for some kind of extended work," explains Peart. "It built up to [the album] piece by piece by organic expansion. All the music was created by [bassist] Geddy [Lee] and [guitarist] Alex [Lifeson] jamming in the studio, and many of the lyrics were just extemporized over email."

"There's so much life experience in this story—it's not just a far-blown fantasy," he continues. "'Wish Them Well' [offers] a very mature response to the world that it took me a long time to learn. In a lot of our early stuff, my lyrical inspiration was anger, for sure. [laughs] There's still a lot I'm angry about, a lot of human behaviour that's appalling and despicable, but you choose what you can fight against. I always thought if I could just put something in words perfectly enough, people would get the idea and it would change things. That's a harmless conceit. With people too, you constantly think, 'If I'm nice to people and treat them well, they'll appreciate it and behave better.' They won't, but it's still not a bad way to live." He has more to say here.



Slash Wants To Rock Sesame Street
(Gibson) Slash has done it all: played in one of the most legendary rock bands of all time, shared the stage with Michael Jackson, paid tribute to Van Halen at that band's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, but there's one gig he's never been able to land: Sesame Street.

In an interview with Australia's Rip It Up magazine, the guitarist said, "Sesame Street have never approached me, though I would do it and I love kids. There's no way I'd ever turn Sesame Street down, but I don't know if parents would think I'm the best public influence on little kids."

It does bring up the question: what exactly would Slash play on Sesame Street? R.E.M. reworked "Shiny Happy People" as "Fuzzy Happy Monsters," Nora Jones changed "Don't Know Why" to "Don't Know Y" and even James Blunt got in on the action by changing "You're Beautiful" to "My Triangle." Perhaps "Sweet Child o' Nine" or perhaps new lyrics for "Welcome to the Jungle" about different types of jungle fauna? more on this story





Slayer For Tots
Iron Maiden and Metallica have both had their classic songs turned into lullabies, so the next logical band to have their music made tot friendly is Slayer.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star have released "Lullaby Versions of Slayer" featuring lush instrumental versions of 12 classic thrash tracks.

They say that fans can now share their love of metal with those little ears not quite ready for the amps cranked to 11.

Lullaby Versions of Slayer
South of Heaven
Seasons in the Abyss
Spill the Blood
World Painted Blood
Raining Blood
Disciple
Skeletons of Society
War Ensemble
Dead Skin Mask
Angel of Death
Hell Awaits
Black Magic

You can get Lullaby Versions of Slayer on iTunes



Dropkick Murphys Add More Fall Tour Dates
The Dropkick Murphys have extended their upcoming North American tour plans with dates that will run through November.

The band are hitting the road on September 14th for their "Halfway To St. Patrick's Day Tour" supported by a number of acts on tour, including Snapcase, Creepshow, Elle King, and The Devil Makes Three.

The new tour dates kick off on October 29th in Grand Rapids, and include a number of dates along the West Coast and the Mountain States. more on this story



Eddie Van Halen Releases His Latest Frankenstein Items
Eddie Van Halen has released his new EVH Frankenstein striped laceless slip on shoes and beach towels. Eddie's camp sent over these details:

Following the popularity and success of his striped tennis shoes, this newly updated, laceless version features cool "slip-on" wear ability with a stealthy "blackout" toe cap and sole for looks that are sure to draw compliments. The new design is available in all three EVH stripe color themes.

High quality 100% cotton construction with a plush feel is the appeal of the new Frankenstein striped beach towel. Perfect for any outdoor occasion - beach, pool or picnic, there will be no mistaking whose colors you're loyal to when you take this towel along with you to the event. Check them out here



B Sides


Iron Maiden Hockey
(hennemusic) Nashville Predators backup goalie Chris Mason has unveiled a new mask for the 2012-2013 NHL season.

Mason's move from the Winnipeg Jets to the Nashville franchise meant new gear was in order, so the goalie hooked up with Steve Nash of EyeCandyAir.

InGoalMag reports the mask is inspired by the Egyptian-themed cover of the Iron Maiden's 1984 album, "Powerslave." Maiden's album covers were created originally by artist Derek Riggs, who has inspired Nash throughout his own career. Read more and check out an image of the mask here.



Motorhead's Lemmy Jams With Slash
(hennemusic) Slash played Boston's House Of Blues recently as part of his "Apocalyptic Love" tour.

The guitarist was joined by special guest Lemmy from Motorhead at the August 2nd show, as the two rocked out "Dr. Alibi," a track from Slash's 2010 debut solo album.

Slash has completed his North America summer dates and now heads to New Zealand and Australia where he will play a series of shows starting Friday in Auckland. Check out the Slash/Lemmy jam here.



Metallica Release Live Video of Master of Puppets Classics
(hennemusic) A couple of 1986 classics are featured in the latest Metallica video package from Mexico City, fans can check out video of Metallica rocking two tracks from 1986's "Master Of Puppets" album - "Leper Messiah" in the Tuning Room and "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" from the show..

Last week, the band wrapped up their series of seven concerts in Mexico, and they are continuing to share behind the scenes and concert footage, including material filmed at their fifth show, on August 4.

Released March 3, 1986, "Master Of Puppets" was Metallica's third studio album and major label debut. "Puppets" peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 and was the group's first record to be certified gold for sales of over 500,000 copies. This was done without any radio airplay or the release of a music video. The album has since been certified six times platinum by the RIAA. Check out the video here.



Lita Ford Talks With Wikimetal
Wikimetal's latest episode features an interview with Lita Ford. They sent over these details:

To become the solo guitar player of a band that left its mark on rock History is only for a few people… To do that at age 16, is for a very, very, very, limited number of people…

But to achieve that, being a woman, during the 70s, against everything and everybody, is only for the one and only Lita Ford, our special guest this week.

It was a real honor to talk to Lita that spoke about everything, from the times that she was at The Runaways until the release of her last solo album, the amazing 'Living Like A Runaway'.