Go-Go’s got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

the Go-Go’s got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Written by Alyson Camus
Monday, 15 August 2011 00:10
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At last, the Go-Go’s got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last Thursday, and I wonder what took so long! Weren’t they famous in the 80s?
Their debut and now classic album, ‘Beauty and the Beat’, is from 1981, and it is crazy to think they had to wait 3 decades to see this consecration, but I tend to believe that a star on the Hollywood boulevard goes hand to hand with your wax statue in the museum next door, it’s tacky and a little kitschy, but it’s part of Hollywood. However, their star was placed in front of the former site of legendary punk club, The Masque, where they played their first show, so that makes things a little bit better.
Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Gina Schock, now in their 50s, celebrated the day, posing for the photographers in front of a large crowd,… they made history these girls!

Priest deny management row

Halford’s admin accuses other businessmen of being “leaches” then withdraws claims – but band say there’s never been an issue

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No control: Rob Halford

Judas Priest have distanced themselves from public comments made by frontman Rob Halford’s manager in which he called other businessmen associated with the band “leaches”.
The disagreement fuelled speculation that the gods of metal were suffering from internal business disagreements which contributed to the surprise departure of guitarist KK Downing, who mentioned “management elements” in his resignation statement.
But the band say even Halford doesn’t agree with what was said, and they’ll deal with the situation behind closed doors.
John Baxter, who’s worked with the singer’s Metal God Entertainment firm for years, recently posted a message on RobHalford.com saying: “We will begin removing Judas Priest related topics from its websites in protest at Glenn Tipton (decision maker), Jayne Andrews (amateur thug for Glenn, can’t trust, leach), Bill Curbishley (apathetic leach) and John McBrice (unlicensed, unregistered accountant, leach) for lack of professional and ethical conduct as it relates to Rob’s business matters for much of the last six years.
“Rob will publicly deny the above, so we will take a seat next to KK Downing and watch how the Glenn and Jayne show plays out.”
Later he deleted the message and said: “I withdrew my comments for I chose not to sit on the sideline. I have resolved all matters and I will share general details once the lawyers clean up.”
He added: “Rob Halford’s participation in Judas Priest’s farewell tour was never an issue.”
Now the band have added their own statement, denying shy such problems existed.
They say: “There has recently been some nonsense and propaganda on Rob’s site regarding the band and management. Rob currently is not controlling his site and absolutely does not agree with the comments.
“We refuse to get drawn into any public arguments. It is below us, and will be dealt with legally.
“The band have always jointly made any major decisions and have been with the same management team for over 25 years. Everyone knows and respects them in the music business and we have ultimate faith and trust in the way they have guided us.”
Priest are continuing their Epitaph world tour, which they’ve said will be their last, then they’ll continue work on an album with Downing’s replacement Richie Faulkner.

Radiohead to Play SNL Season Premiere

Bryan Wawzenek

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08.15.2011

Alt-rock titans Radiohead will be the musical guests on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live this fall. The late night institution will begin its 37^th season with frequent host Alec Baldwin on September 24, according to USA Today.
It will be the second time Thom Yorke and pals will perform on SNL; the first was in 2000 when the band was promoting Kid A. This time, it’s assumed that Radiohead will play songs from The King of Limbs, released earlier this year.
The second SNL episode this season will feature country stars Lady Antebellum, with host Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, Mike & Molly).

Boston: We’re not splitting

Band clarifies position after Stryper’s Sweet returns to his own outfit – Tom Scholz reveals new album is 85% complete

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Focus: Michael Sweet

Boston have moved to quell rumours they’ve split up after Michael Sweet announced he was leaving the band to focus on Stryper.
And Tom Scholz has revealed he’s nearly finished work on the long-awaited follow-up album to 2002′s Corporate America.
Sweet had played guitar and shared lead vocals since Boston gathered for a tour in 2008, with chief writer, guitarist and producer Scholz the only remaining member of the original lineup.
Last week he announced he was returned full-time to Stryper, saying: “My loyalty lies with the band I’ve committed almost thirty years of my life to. The music of Boston helped shape who I am as an artist, and the opportunity to be part of their legacy is overwhelming.”
But that led to rumours the band had split, leading Boston to announce: “We truly involved having Michael sing and play on stage. We have always understood his commitment to Stryper and with them the best of luck.
“However, Michael has not been involved in the recording of our next studio album, which is now 85% complete. Lead vocals include Brad Delp singing on many songs along with several excellent performances from our other three lead vocalists.
“The album reflects an intentional effort by Tom to capture the recognisable sound and energy of his original releases, combined with the musical sophistication expected within the framework of the well-known Boston sound.”
Sweet adds: “I feel the need to clarify that my statement did not imply that Boston is no more. They will continue on.
“Fans should be encouraged and excited about their future. As a fan myself, I’ll be the first in line when they tour and the first to purchase the next Boston record.”
Former frontman Delp committed suicide in 2007. In 2009 Scholz admitted studio work was “painfully slow” but vowed to complete the project to his usual standards.

UNAUTHORZIED '80S WITH DAVID S. GRANT PRESENTS: DAVID LEE ROTH

Six chart topping albums as one of the biggest bands in the world (Van Halen), a messy break-up, and a rumored reunion? This is a different story. Today, a look at the paramedic, talk-radio host, and one of the biggest personalities from eighties rock and roll. This is the story of David Lee Roth, the solo artist years.

The founder of the 'It's not whether you win or lose, it's how good you look' club, solo Diamond Dave begins before his years with Van Halen officially ended, when he released 'Crazy From The Heat'. Most notably the EP contained two covers, "California Girls" and "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody", and both would generate moderate success due to Roth's humorous videos that included Dave in a fat suit, extremely beautiful women, and either monkeys or little people -- or in some cases both.

After the famous split with Van Halen Dave teamed up with guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, keyboardist Jesse Harms, and drummer Gregg Bissonette for what would be his first initial solo record, 'Eat'em And Smile'. No one needed a hit more than Diamond Dave, and he didn't disappoint. The lead single "Yankee Rose" was a rocker accompanied by a video with the famous line: "I'll take a glazed doughnut and a bottle of anything -- to go." The videos for "Yankee Rose" and "Goin' Crazy" may be the definitive height of the spandex era thanks to Roth's numerous costume changes, most incorporating spandex with thongs worn on the outside. 'Eat'em And Smile' was a well balanced album with rockers like "Shy Boy" as well as the 'slow it down and show Dave's seductive side' with "Ladies Nite in Buffalo?". There's even a cover of Frank Sinatra's "That's Life", displaying Roth's show biz nature, a side only he has been able to portray without coming off too corny, or cheesy, or both. To top it all off Roth appeared on the very first episode of The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers in October of 1986.

It was 1988 when David Lee Roth would release his second full length album titled 'Skyscraper'. Apparently between albums Dave had done a lot of rock climbing and this became either the inspiration for the album, or just an outlet for Roth to showcase his feat. The album (Brett Tuggle joined on keyboards) was more 'pop' than his first, including the hit "Just Like Paradise", a drive-with-the-top-down radio-friendly ditty with a video showing Dave inside a boxing ring as well as flying through the crowd on top of a surfboard. It was already somewhat clear, but for me, this is the album that solidified the circus act Roth's performances had become. For many, the act characterized as a circus would symbolize a downfall, but for David Lee Roth this was a positive. However Billy Sheehan split and was replaced by Matt Bissonette on bass during the 'Skyscraper' tour while Steve Vai left for Whitesnake shortly after.

It was 1991, the height of glam/hard rock, when David Lee Roth released his third full album 'A Little Ain't Enough'. This album featured Todd Jenson on bass with Peter Lewis, Steve Hunter, Joe Holmes, and Jason Becker all contributing guitar on the album and/or supporting tour. This album was far heavier than the previous effort and may be, from the first to last track, Roth's most magnificent. Starting off with the rocking title track through a made-for-David Lee Roth closer titled "Showtime", the album delivers heavy guitars with great sounding vocals accompanied by gritty lyrics of sex, power, and more sex.

'A Little Ain't Enough' didn't generate the sales of his first two albums due to the lack of major ballad ("Sensible Shoes" just didn't get the ladies wet) and it's straight-up rock sound, but it did put Roth in that rare group of bands able to put out three consecutive great albums in the glam/hard rock genre. Looking back, 'Eat'em And Smile', 'Skyscraper', and 'A Little Ain't Enough' hold their own against any three consecutive albums put out by Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue and Ratt, and separates from some of the others who were not as consistent with their releases during the late eighties/early nineties.

In 1994, with Ron Wikso on drums, James Hunting on bass, and Terry Kilgore and Rocket Ritchotte on guitar, Roth released 'Your Filthy Little Mouth', an album that failed to garner critical and commercial success because in 1994 flannel didn't match with spandex and thongs -- a duet with country star Travis Tritt likely didn't help either. An album titled 'DLR Band' was released in 1998, and featured Mike Hartman, John Lowery, and Steve Hunter playing guitar at various times, B'urbon Bob (aka Bob Marlette) on bass, Ray Luzier on drums, and Patrick Howard on keyboards. This is one of those albums that on paper works with song titles like "Slam Dunk", "Lose The Dress (Keep The Shoes)", "King Of The Hill", "Right Tool For the Job", and "Weekend With The Babysitter", but apparently Roth wasn't that confident as he refused to tour to support the album. In 2003 Roth released 'Diamond Dave', a collection of covers that is best not to discuss.

Between albums David Lee Roth took time out for medical training in order to become a paramedic, was a Vegas lounge singer, wrote an autobiography titled 'Crazy From The Heat', was elected (as part of Van Halen) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (he did not show), played with the Boston Pops, hosted a radio show, released some of his paintings and other artwork, and appeared in an episode of The Sopranos where he played in a card game with Tony.

Since the 2007 Van Halen reunion tour there have been rumors of new music coming from the band, the latest gossip has late 2011 as a potential release date. Other projects include Roth's on-going paintings he has released to the public, a rumored follow-up book titled something along the lines of 'The Tao Of David Lee Roth', and we can only hope more random appearances by one of the greatest rock stars of all time.

David Lee Roth is undeniably an original. They broke the mold, and the others that have tried to copy him have been unsuccessful. A true inspiration to many of the eighties top rock stars -- there would be no Vince Neil, no Bret Michaels without David Lee Roth -- he is the definition of an artist and an entertainer. Sometimes it is unclear which comes first for Diamond Dave, the artist or entertainer -- and that's what makes him fun.

About the Author:
David S. Grant is the author of several books including Rock Stars (Oak Tree Press), Corporate Porn (Silverthought Press), The Last Breakfast (Brown Paper Publishing), and Happy Hour (SynergEbooks). David lives and works in New York City. For more information go to www.rockstarbooks.net follow David on Twitter: @david_s_grant.

Def Leppard's Phil Collen Approves Of Tom Cruise In Rock Of Ages

8/13/2011 5:49 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Phil Collen has voiced his resounding approval of Tom Cruise's performance in Rock of Ages.

The Def Leppard guitarist opened up about his opinion of Cruise's performance in the 1980s rock film—which features the music of Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Styx, Scorpions and Pat Benatar—and told VH1 Classic Rock Nights:
"I was so impressed because he hadn't sung before and he had vocal lessons. He was literally doing five hours a day, five days a week, like truly real, getting in there and doing it."
He added: "And we saw him and he was amazing; it was like Iggy Pop meets someone else and he's in great shape and it was like, 'What!?' It was surreal, but he really pulls it off and it was like he's a total rock star."
Cruise stars alongside Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti and Russell Brand in the adaptation of the Broadway hit show, which is slated for theatrical release in June 2012.

Ozzy Osbourne Documentary To Be Released Late This Summer

 

 

8/14/2011 4:39 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Ozzy Osbourne will star in a documentary with himself as the subject when God Bless Ozzy Osbourne hits theatres on August 24.

The doc, directed by Ozzy's son, Jack Osbourne, will chart his life story seen through the eyes of his son. The doc will also explore his music, addictions, first marriage, marriage to Sharon and rehab.
Music footage will include live performances, rare behind the scenes footage and other various candid moments.
In a statement, Jack said that the goal of the doc is to give viewers a frank portrait of his famous father's life and times:
"This is the most honest portrait of my father. I set out to tell the truth - regardless of how raw it might be - and I think we accomplished just that."

Lane ‘killed by only friend’

August 14, 2011

Sebastian Bach believes alcohol cause ex-Warrant singer Jani’s death as police reveal vodka and pills were found with his body

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No drugs: Lane only had drink problem, says sister

Ex-Warrant singer Jani Lane’s body was found beside a bottle of vodka and prescription medication, California police have said – leading Sebastian Bach to reflect: “His only real friend killed him in the end.”
An autopsy on the 47-year-old was inconclusive following his death on Thursday in a Comfort Inn motel. Former bandmates and other musicians have paid tribute to Lane while his manager, Obi Steinman, says: “I lost a very dear friend. His family, including his young children, asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Bach, ex of Skid Row, says Lane’s tragic end is “all too typical of what a rock musician’s life actually is.”
He comments: “It’s a life marked by extremes. Extreme attention from people you don’t know while the work and travel take you away from those you do know.
“Playing to thousands of people then going back to your hotel room and shutting the door. When the door shuts the quiet is the exact opposite of the volume of the concert. The solitude of the room becomes the parallel of the adulation of strangers.
“For some, the bottle of vodka or whatever becomes a friend that’s always there for you while others come and go. I’ve felt those emotions myself.”
Bach says it’s another reminder to share fond words with people you care about – while you still can. “I guarantee Jani would not have anticipated everyone coming out of the woodwork extolling his life and times,” the singer continues. “Which is why he probably died alone in a hotel room with his only real friend.”
His cause of death cannot be confirmed until toxicology reports are completed, which may take up to eight weeks. In the meantime investigators suspect accidental overdose or possibly natural causes.
The family of Lane, real name John Kennedy Oswald, have gathered today for a private memorial service. His sister Vicky Oswald-Ley says: “Alcoholism is something he fought every day – and it just won.
“There were no drugs; that was one thing he could not tolerate. But he’d get clean and sober then fall off the wagon.
“He was talented and witty and bright – but he shut his siblings out, and I know that’s because he was ashamed of his drinking. There wasn’t a day when one of us didn’t try to contact him.”
But she hasn’t yet heard from Lane’s wife. “We have so many questions and don’t know where to turn for answers,” she says. “Why was he in a hotel? Why was he away from his wife? Why was there isolation?”

Def Leppard's Phil Collen Approves Of Tom Cruise In Rock Of Ages

8/13/2011 5:49 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Phil Collen has voiced his resounding approval of Tom Cruise's performance in Rock of Ages.

The Def Leppard guitarist opened up about his opinion of Cruise's performance in the 1980s rock film—which features the music of Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Styx, Scorpions and Pat Benatar—and told VH1 Classic Rock Nights:
"I was so impressed because he hadn't sung before and he had vocal lessons. He was literally doing five hours a day, five days a week, like truly real, getting in there and doing it."
He added: "And we saw him and he was amazing; it was like Iggy Pop meets someone else and he's in great shape and it was like, 'What!?' It was surreal, but he really pulls it off and it was like he's a total rock star."
Cruise stars alongside Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti and Russell Brand in the adaptation of the Broadway hit show, which is slated for theatrical release in June 2012.

3 Doors Down Top Billboard's Rock And Alternative Charts

(RTTNews) - 3 Doors Down have topped the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart this week with their latest LP, Time of My Life.

The album held down the top spot for the third consecutive week, beating out stiff competition from Theory of a Deadman, whose album The Truth Is . . . came in second. Incubus and Foo Fighters filled out the top four with If Not Now When and Wasting Light, respectively.
3 Doors Down's fifth studio album also made the Billboard 200 at number 27, the Rock albums chart at number 5 and the Alternative albums chart at number 3.
The record hit stores on July 18 after several delays, which the band's guitarist Chris Henderson chalked up to the competition of fellow rockers, Foo Fighters.

Four Dead in Stage Collapse at Sugarland State Fair Concert

Sugarland

Four people were killed and at least 40 were injured as an outdoor stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair minutes before Sugarland was to perform, Reuters reports.
A YouTube video of the incident showed that the stage rigging was blown down by a heavy gust of wind Saturday. Witnesses said the weather was windy and that it had started to rain, according to the news agency.
Catch up on today's latest news
Spectators tried to hold up parts of the collapsed stage to help anyone who might be trapped, according to eyewitnesses.
"We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis," Sugarland tweeted late Saturday night. "We hope you'll join us. They need your strength."
Underneath the main stage were dressing rooms and other facilities. The venue seats more than 15,000 people.

Jani Lane Banned from L.A. Hotel Weeks Before Death

Jani Lane had been frequenting L.A. area hotels in the weeks before he died -- and trashed one of his rooms so badly, that he was BANNED from the hotel ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us Lane had been kicked out of the Hilton Woodland Hills sometime in the last month -- after hotel employees noticed that he had torn his room apart.

We're told Jani was "not rude" about the situation -- and understood why he had to leave.

Lane, we're told, had recently earned a reputation in the area for trashing his hotel rooms -- one source tells us he had been kicked out of multiple places within the last few weeks of his life.

As TMZ first reported, Lane died at a Comfort Inn hotel in L.A. on Thursday evening. Investigators have not released an official cause of death ... but report that a half-bottle of vodka and prescription drugs were found in the room.

Jani Lane Vodka, Pills at Death Scene

Investigators found a half-empty bottle of vodka and prescription medication in the hotel room where Jani Lane died yesterday ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us paramedics were called to the Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, CA yesterday around 5:15 PM. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

An autopsy is scheduled for later today.

We're told Lane's death is being treated as an accidental overdose or a possible death from natural causes.

Style Icon: David Lee Roth

Friday, 12 August 2011

Here’s something different–a Van Halen article written by a female. Liz Barker says, “‘Van Halen with David’ is the most magical and powerful and soul-changing sour-heart antidote I’ve ever known in all my awesome life.”
From NoGoodForMe.com:

(L: David Lee Roth, the year I was born. R: The David Lee Roth photo I identify with most.)
Do you want to know why I’m writing this? Why I started posting photos of David Lee Roth every Wednesday on nogoodforme.com, why I bought five Van Halen albums in one Saturday sometime last month, why I’m wearing a Van Halen shirt right now and why I was wearing another Van Halen shirt yesterday? Why I own two Van Halen shirts and listen to Van Halen, like, all the goddamn time nowadays? Do you wanna know?
It’s because of a dude, this dude I dated. He loved Van Halen. “Van Halen with David,” he qualified, on our second date. Who the hell calls David Lee Roth “David”? You call him “Dave,” or “Diamond Dave,” or you call him by his full name. But not this dude, apparently. I thought he was a good dude but turns out he’s kind of a sleazebag, with a real sour heart. I felt so duped! So I moped for five days, or maybe just five hours. “Motherfucker, you will not take ‘Jump’ away from me” is something I wrote in my notebook, cuz I’m so stupid-dramatical sometimes. And also because I mean it: I’ve loved “Jump” since I was six-years-old, and I’ll be a monkey’s uncle if I’m gonna let some sourhearted sleazebag ruin it for me.
So with no real recourse for revenge, I decided all there was to do was steal the dude’s favorite band, love them harder and hotter than he ever could. Evil, right? Almost as rotten as blowing up his hot car, but without the mess and the threat of jail time. I bought all the records, excepting the one I already owned, told myself I’d listen till I loved them all to death.
And then I loved them right away. Which not only cured me of sourhearted-sleazebag disease but also made me better at life than ever before – God, I’m so good at therapy! I should totally think about a career in positive psychology. Or maybe game-show hosting?

LIZ’S ALL-TIME TOP 10 VAN HALEN SONGS (AS PER REQUEST OF OUR FRIEND ROB)
10. “And The Cradle Will Rock…”
9. “Secrets”
8. “Hot For Teacher”
7. “Everybody Wants Some!!”
6. “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”
5. “Little Guitars”
4. “Unchained”
3. “I’m the One”
2. “Panama”
1. “Jump”
And the kiss noise at the end of “Beautiful Girls.” I’m into hits.
Sometimes in bars I like to ask boys, “Hey, do you like Van Halen? Do you love Van Halen? What’s your favorite Van Halen song?” Last month I asked my friend Ian that, and he told me: “I always loved ‘Jump,’ mostly because of the jumping in the video.”
I like the jumping in the video too. But what I love most about “Jump” is when Dave sings “Can’t you see me standing here, I got my back against the record machine…” That’s the most I ever relate to David Lee Roth, apart from that photo of him up there, the one where he’s hiding behind his big ol’ mess of fake-blonde hair.
CHEESEBURGERS AND TEA
I wanted to write this entry while eating a cheeseburger. There’s this story in Crazy from the Heat about how when Dave was recording the vocals for “Jamie’s Cryin’” he made sure not to smoke any cigarettes and to eat a good breakfast the morning before. But when he sang it sounded all wrong, so the producer told Dave to go smoke a joint and eat a cheeseburger – which he did! And then he “knocked out ‘Jamie’s Cryin” in forty minutes.” And now “Jamie’s Cryin’” is my 14th or 15th favorite Van Halen song.
But: I’m not eating a cheeseburger. I’m drinking tea, Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Gypsy Rose, with soymilk and raw honey. I’m drinking rose petal tea and listening to “I’m the One” by Van Halen, and maybe that’s all you ever need to know about me.
My rose petal tea smells so good; it smells like rose petals and tea. Van Halen doesn’t smell anything like that; they smell like cheap cologne and spilled gasoline and skunked beer and cheeseburger grease. But they’re a prettier color than my tea; they’re hot-pink fireworks or the color my bathroom sink’s stained right now cuz I’m using Lush’s It’s a Date bubble bar for hand soap.
VAN HALEN IS GIRL-COLORED AND DON’T YOU EVER FORGET.
I WISH THEY ALL COULD BE CALIFORNIA BOYS

I wish I had David Lee Roth’s metabolism. I’d be so be eating that cheeseburger right now, if I had David Lee Roth’s metabolism.
Other Diamond Dave properties I deeply covet:
He’s got joie de vivre. “Razzle dazzle.” He loves hot babes, hot cars, hot guitars; he’s hot hot hot! Dave loves ice cream, and ice cream cones. Dave drinks Jack right from the bottle, then goes rollerskating down the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Dave tested all Van Halen’s songs for danceability, by dancing to them. He’s wild, man, but he’s not outta control; he’s a got a real good brain – you know the truth about the brown M&Ms, right? It’s not because Dave’s crazy!
(Actually, we’ve got a lot in common, Dave and I, now that I’ve reviewed that paragraph. I also suspect we have a very similar hair texture.)
Nowadays I get my kicks seeking out boys with a little Diamond Dave in them, like this weirdo mohawked man I met at the milk-and-sugar embankment of the laundromat Starbucks a few weeks back. “What is it about humans that we just love being AWAKE?????!!!!!!!” he asked, wide-eyed, totally serious, craziest smile. “I don’t know, man!!!!!!!!!!” I said, trying to match his exuberance. He was wearing sweatpants and a sleeveless vest. Maybe it was this vest. There was a little boy with him; he must have been about five. “Do you eat FIVE CUPS OF COFFEE A DAY??????!!!!!!!!” the little boy asked my Dave Surrogate. The boy was a big weirdo too. The two of them, bonkers! I loved them so much.
In general I’m really into people who make me want to match their exuberance. The thing about me is I’m so exuberant in my own mind, but I dampen it down for most of the planet, with the exception of:
-all my buddies under the age of eight
-dudes I’m in love with and that’s just ’cause I can’t help myself
-some of my friends, some of the time
-Dave Surrogates!
I wish that last category were a more populous group. I wish Los Angeles/the Earth were just crawling with dudes who make me want to speak every sentence with ten thousand exclamation points, dance all the damn time, see everything like there’s pink fireworks going off in my eyes.
I mean, it would probably ruin the world if every dude were just like David Lee Roth. But in the funnest way possible.
CONTINUE READING at NoGoodForMe.com.

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Proud Of Upcoming Album TH1RT3EN

8/11/2011 3:19 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Dave Mustaine has revealed that he is more proud of Megadeth's upcoming album, TH1RT3EN, than of any other Megadeth release.

The Megadeth frontman said of the album, which is the band's thirteenth studio release: "This record is the culmination of my work over the 13 records I recorded. There are moments on TH1RT3EN that capture my every emotion, and other moments where I am releasing feelings I never knew existed! My proudest moments of my musical career are captured on TH1RT3EN."
He added that the title had personal significance for him, explaining: "I was born on September 13th; this is my 13th record. It just seemed like it was the right thing to do to call it TH1RT3EN."
The album—which will be released on November 1-features the return of bassist and founding band member Dave Ellefson and was produced at Mustaine's Vic's Garage studio in San Marcos, California with producer Johnny K.

Ex-Foreigner Frontman Says Band's Shows Are 'Misleading'

8/11/2011 12:39 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Former Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm has taken aim at his ex-band mates. Gramm split off from Foreigner nearly a decade ago but says that the band is misleading fans by carrying on without him under the original band name.

"What's stranger to me is that, as I've learned talking to people who see those shows, is that in many cases the audience, especially if they're younger, don't even know it's not the original lead singer," Gramm told spinner.com. "In Foreigner's case, as I understand it, the singer was actually trained to deliver pretty much exactly everything as I did it, note for note."
"If I were in the audience and learned that while I was there, I'd get up and leave," he said. "I think when the band name remains the exact same, but something as important as the lead vocal is different, it's misleading. It's like false advertising."
Gramm provided the original vocals in hits including "Cold As Ice" and "Hot Blooded."

'Bridget Jones 3' Gets The Go-Ahead

8/12/2011 12:19 PM ET

(RTTNews) - "Bridget Jones 3" has been given the green light.

The follow-up to the original 2001 film and its 2004 sequel ("The Edge of Reason")—which starred Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant--has been in planning since 2009, and EW has confirmed that Working Title Films have agreed to produce the third film in the franchise. The film has not yet been titled and will be based on the corresponding installment of the Helen Fielding novels on which the first two are based.
Firth recently hinted about the possible plot of the film in an interview with EW: "I can tell you that Bridget and Mark can't have children, I think that's the way it goes on. So then she makes the huge mistake of going back to Daniel Cleaver [Hugh Grant's character] for long enough to get pregnant. And I think he dumps her, and she's left stranded, and guess who comes back to rescue her?"
The first two films in the franchise earned $281.9 million and $262.5 million, respectively.

R.I.P. JANI LANE - DEAD AT 47:

Jani Lane -- former lead singer of the rock band Warrant has died. The popular singer's body was discovered at the Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, CA. So far, no official cause of death has been released.

Jani had a long history of addiction, but was always revered for his songwriting talent and his death is yet another body blow to the rock community. He is gone way to early and his fans will long morn his passing. R.I.P Jani.

A number of people have already expressed their disbelief and sadness at Jani's passing. Some are listed here:

Michael Sweet: "My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jani Lane. Had the pleasure of meeting him on TMS and he was a great guy."

Glenn Hughes: "RIP Janie Lane...another one lost ...GH" and "We must remember that the unlucky ones who lose their life to Alcohol and drugs, are those that could not completely surrender~sad day, GH."

Michael Eden & Eden's Curse: "This is another sad day for our community that continues to lose rock warriors one by one. On behalf of Eden's Curse and myself we express our sincere and deepest sympathy to the entire Oswald family as well as Jani's band members past and present. Jani left his mark on an ever changing business and his family can be proud of knowing he wrote some of the biggest songs in Hard Rock and heavy metal history. These songs speak to us and will never leave us. Jani was a gifted song writer/ performer that had a special talent not often found in today's artists. Tonight as I write this I blast Mr. Rainmaker in hopes that Jani knows we will never forget him or the great songs he leaves behind. RIP!!!"

Dave Reynolds: "I am truly stunned and very, very saddened at this news. I only spoke to Jani a couple of weeks ago after he graciously agreed to be interviewed for a historical piece on Warrant I was writing. He was in a good mood, very candid and we had an excellent hour long conversation about his career that he later e-mailed me to say that he had thoroughly enjoyed. The guy has battled various demons for a long time, but I always found him to be great company in my dealings with him over the last twenty years and feel that he was always extremely underrated as a song writer. I really am truly shocked by this news. Rest In Peace Jani, my friend."

Vic Rivera: "He'll ultimately be remembered as one of the great writers of his genre. R.I.P., man."

Tony Mills: "Great writer, singer and performer, will be sadly missed."

Stephen Pearcy: "Sad to hear today. R.I.P. Jani Lane."

Paul Laine: "RIP Jani Lane of Warrant."

Billboarddotcom: Sad news to report. Jani Lane, ex-Warrant singer, found dead at 47. t.co/5Xj26QW.

Kevin Shirley: "R.I.P. Jani Lane."

The Hollywood Reporter: "Jani Lane's Death: Hollywood, Fellow Musicians React: t.co/qJDg61h.

Kelly Hansen: "So very sad about the passing of Janie Lane. We came up at the same time. I'll remember his voice. My heart goes out to his family & fans."

Trixter: "R. I. P. Jani Lane..."

Bret Michaels: "We'd like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jani Lane regarding their loss. Respectfully, Bret and all at MEGI."

BRET MICHAELS Sues Shoreline Tours For Failed Cruise

Rock Hard

Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 18:53:21 EST

According to Thewrap.com, POISON frontman Bret Michaels filed suit against Shoreline Tours on Monday, alleging that the cruise-ship company participated in "a fraudulent scheme" intended to get Michaels to drastically drop his agreed-upon fee for two performances on one of its cruises.

According to the suit, Michaels' was approached by promoter Willie Donwell to perform a two concerts on a "Super Cruise" this fall, with Donwell handling the promotion, as well as the collection of Michaels' fee.

Read the full lawsuit here.

Check out the entire report here.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Johnny Van Zant Hospitalized; Shows Cancelled or Postponed

Russell Hall

|

08.11.2011

Health issues involving Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Johnny Van Zant have forced the band to postpone or cancel a number of shows. According to the group’s website, the 51-year-old singer was hospitalized over the weekend due to complications from a previous surgery. Specifically, the site reports that “Johnny Van Zant was admitted to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN on August 6, with a surgical site infected cellulitis which required hospitalization with IV antibiotic treatment. Van Zant has a severe Staph infection and multiple symptoms related to infection. Johnny Van Zant is to remain out of work and recover until cleared by his primary physician.”
The remaining affected shows are listed below. Lynyrd Skynyrd plans to resume their regular tour schedule with the Doobie Brothers on Friday, August 19, in Bethel, New York, at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
- Sedalia, MO at Missouri State Fair on August 12, Skynyrd performance has been cancelled; Doobie Brothers still scheduled to perform with Kansas.
- Fort Knox, KY at Godman Army Airfield on August 13, Skynyrd performance has been cancelled; Doobie Brothers still scheduled to perform with Kansas.
- Des Moines, IA at Iowa State Fair on August 16, Skynyrd performance has been cancelled; Doobie Brothers still scheduled to perform with Kansas.
Ticket holders should go back to point of purchase for refunds. Rescheduled shows will honor previously printed tickets.
Lynyrd Skynyrd plan to resume their regular tour schedule with the Doobie Brothers on Friday, August 19, in Bethel, New York at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.