Today's Day In Rock News!

Lamb of God Frontman Arrested For Manslaughter
(Banana 101.5) Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe was reportedly arrested in Prague yesterday (June 28) on charges of manslaughter stemming from an incident that took place during a performance in 2010.
Metal Sucks says that there are Czechoslovakian reports claiming that the Lamb of God vocalist was picked up by authorities in Prague, prior to his band's headlining set with Skeletonwitch and All Shall Perish.

The arrest was made over a 2010 incident where a fan allegedly jumped on stage and got into a physical altercation with Blythe. The fan later died and Blythe is now reportedly facing manslaughter charges. more on this story


Motley Crue Drummer Chastises Fans
(hennemusic) On Thursday, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee took to the band's Facebook page to post an open letter to fans.

He writes in part [profanity replaced with *]: What I have a problem with is... taking pictures! I hate it! Irritates the * out of me when people say... 'You owe it to your fans, they put you where you are, etc. etc.!' I certainly don't owe anybody anything!

When I bought all my Led Zeppelin records and concert tickets, I didn't say, 'One day these * are gonna owe me a picture.' It's the least they can do for me!...

[What the *], people? You don't admire something so that it can give back... You just cherish it! And to those who say, 'You should be grateful that people wanna take your picture. Maybe one day they won't want it!' That day can't come soon enough!

[By the way]… I'm not here to take pictures with you, I'm here to entertain you!

Nobody put me where I am but ME! He continues....



Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute Late Friend With Death Song
(Gibson) The latest video from the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a tribute to the group's long-running pal Brendan Mullen, who died in 2009. "Brendan's Death Song" features Anthony Kiedis and Co. taking part in a New Orleans Funeral for their fallen friend.

As the Peppers and a horde of others, parade through the Crescent City, the song rises from hushed elegy to a surging anthem. Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer leads the charge on a pretty, red Gibson. The video, directed by Mark Klasfeld, was filmed in one day in New Orleans.

According to Rolling Stone, Brendan Mullen was a club owner and booker in the Los Angeles music scene. In the early '80s, after hearing a Chili Peppers demo tape given to him by Kiedis and Flea, Mullen gave the band an opening slot for Bad Brains – a huge moment for the young band. Mullen and the band quickly became great friends. Watch the video here.





Eddie Van Halen Was In Back to the Future
(TMZ) Eddie Van Halen swears ... it was really him shredding guitar in that famous scene from "Back to the Future" -- when Marty McFly pops a cassette tape into his walkman ... and blows out his father's eardrums.

Don't pretend like you forgot -- Marty puts on that radiation suit and wakes his dad up with a Van Halen cassette tape, saying, "Silence earthling." IT'S CLASSIC!!!

In the movie, the tape says "Edward Van Halen" on it -- but there's been a lot of speculation over the years about what song it was ... and whether it was even Eddie playing the music ... but yesterday in L.A., the rock legend put the rumors to rest.

Eddie insists it WAS really him on the tape -- but as for whether the guitar lick was part of a real song ... Eddie said it was him "just playing a bunch of noise."

So there you have it. Watch the scene here.



Soilwork Replace Peter Wichers
Soilwork have tapped Night Flight Orchestra's David Andersson to replace founding guitarist Peter Wichers.

"We're super stoked to have David with us", said vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid. "He's a blast to be around and a kick ass guitarist. Plus, we've known him for so many years, from all the touring together, we just know he's a perfect fit for us." Andersson has toured on and off with Soilwork since 2006, and most recently during the 2011 festival season in support of the band's acclaimed eighth album "The Panic Broadcast."

Regarding the recently announced split with Wichers, who first left the band in 2005 only to return four years later, Speed commented: "We just had to do this. It's in the best interest of both him and us. Soilwork was born to be out there, tearing up the stage. Peter's been unable to commit to the kind of touring we need to do and it's time for us to move on. David's played with us for so long, he's really grown into the band. It feels natural, like a seamless transition. We're thankful for everything Peter has contributed to Soilwork over the years and we sincerely wish him the best." more on this story



Alex Lifeson On Rush's Clockwork Angles Concept and 2112 Connection
Our friends at Classic Rock Revisited have a new feature interview with Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson where we learn a lot about the band's new album, Clockwork Angels. Here is an excerpt:

What is most unexpected about Clockwork Angels is the band's return to a concept album. The album tells the story of a young man's quest to follow his dreams and all of the good, the bad, the magnificent and the horrible that he encounters along the way. "We did a number of strictly concept pieces, but a long time ago we decided that we'd run that format through. We moved away from that in the late 1970's," explained Lifeson," At the same time, all of our records are all thematic and loosely connected; sometimes it is broader and sometimes it is narrower. Nick [Raskulinecz, Producer] was really pushing for something like that; not specifically a concept but a story."

Clockwork Angels cover art is as fun and interesting as the music on the album. The cover shows a clock with the time 9:12. Hugh Syme, Rush's cover artist of choice, played a fun trick on the cover. If you make the time PM, then the military way of announcing the time is 21:12, as in the band's classic release from 1976. "Hugh Syme is a very clever and able designer," says Lifeson. "He works very closely with Neil on all of the artwork. He has done some really dramatic artwork for this record. It made me smile; I got it."

In reality, Clockwork Angles began years ago but Rush's touring schedule kept the project from being completed. Lifeson comments on working over such a long period of time, "We spread this one out over a couple of years and it ended up being a very nice way to work. It gave us a bit of breathing space, as we wrote in groups of songs. I think that always helps to get a little bit of variety. When you get into the studio and you record everything together then it brings that consistency through it. I think we really achieved an interesting dynamic. We have a lot of songs that are different from each other. I think a lot of the songs are very cinematic and part of the story.

"The first batch we did consisted of five songs that we wrote several years ago. When I think of the songs on the album I think of them in the little groups that we wrote them in." Read the rest of the feature here.



Metallica Recap Day One Of Orion Festival
(hennemusic) Metallica's inaugural Orion Music + More festival happened last weekend at Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

In addition to more than 30 artists on the bill, Metallica headlined both nights. On Saturday, they played their classic "Ride The Lightning" album in its entirety and, for the first time ever in the U.S., performed the "Black" album on Sunday.

The metal icons have put together a video recap of DAY 1 of the event, including "The Call Of Ktulu" and "Escape" from the show. Check it out here.



Anberlin Frontman Releasing New Anchor & Braille Album
Anberlin frontman Stephen Christian will release a new album from his solo project Anchor & Braille on July 31st.

Anchor & Braille was formed by Christian as a solo project in 2008. The new album, The Quiet Life, is the follow up to 2009's Felt and was written over the past three years.

Written wherever and whenever he could, The Quiet Life reflects the experiences of life as a nomadic musician and draws influence from the music Christian was personally listening to during the process. more on this story



James Iha Previews New Solo Album
James Iha of A Perfect Circle, Smashing Pumpkins and Tinted Windows fame will be releasing a new solo album, entitled "Look To The Sky," on September 18th. We were sent these details as well as a link for you to check out a song from the effort:

Produced by Iha and guitarist Nathan Larson (formerly of beloved indie rockers Shudder to Think) at Iha's own studio Stratosphere Sound in New York City, the sessions for "Look To The Sky" were designed to create an atmosphere of freedom, experimentation and shared fondness for a variety of enduring genres: from bright, modern rock, to 60s nuggets and cool, clean 80s new wave.

"I wanted this record to be more eclectic and reflect all of my tastes which is why it took so long," Iha explains. "It was important to me for the record to be multi-dimensional and complex. Being a part of the Smashing Pumpkins, and working with so many other bands and artists since my last album [1998's solo debut 'Let It Come Down'] gave me a fresh perspective on what music could be." more on this story



Former Bauhaus Frontman Peter Murphy Plans Intimate Shows With Ours
(Nettwerk) Former Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy has announced a final run of intimate shows in support of his latest album, Ninth.

The 11 dates include a stop in Hollywood, CA at The Roxy on Thursday, August 16th as part of the Sunset Strip Music Festival, as well as an east coast date in Brooklyn, NY at The Wick on Sunday, August 26th. Ours will support all dates except for the Brooklyn show.

Peter Murphy returned in 2011 with his ninth solo album, aptly titled Ninth. Murphy has toured extensively behind Ninth—including a major headline tour, a second co-headline tour with She Wants Revenge, and spurts of smaller, intimate gigs around the country. more on this story



Tomahawk Return
Tomahawk, featuring Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard, Unsemble), Trevor Dunn (Fantomas, Melvins Lite), Mike Patton (Mondo Cane, Faith No More) and John Stanier (Battles, Helmet), have returned and will release their new album, entitled Oddfellows, in January.

"It's dark and claustrophobic here, light and spacious there," says Denison of the new album. "Live in the studio, all together in one room. Oddfellows indeed." Oddfellows was recorded at Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville (which is owned by The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach) and co-produced by Tomahawk and Collin Dupuis (The Black Keys, The Nocturnals).

As Denison recently told Rolling Stone that Tomahawk is essentially re-launching after a lengthy hiatus. Oddfellows is the band's first new album in five years and marks the addition of bass player Trevor Dunn (Patton's longtime cohort dating back to their teenage years in Mr. Bungle). more on this story



Testament Stream New Song and Release Album Option Details
Testament are streaming a new song from their forthcoming album, Dark Roots Of Earth, which is set for release on July 31st in North America. The band also released package options details for the album.

"True American Hate" is the first track to be previewed from the band's 10th studio album, Dark Roots Of Earth, its first release in over four years following 2008's, The Formation Of Damnation. Listen to it here.

The CD was produced, mixed and mastered by acclaimed British producer Andy Sneap (Arch Enemy, Nevermore, Accept, Exodus). Special bonus tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga (Machine Head,Exodus, Ted Nugent, Night Ranger) at his Trident Studios. Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with Atheist, Sigh, Anacrusis and Gwar, among others, provided the cover artwork. more on this story



Staind's Aaron Lewis Sets New Album Release Date
Staind frontman Aaron Lewis has moved the released date for his debut solo full length album, "The Road", from the originally announced June 26th release date to September 11th. Webster sent over these details about the album:

Co-produced by Lewis and legendary Nashville hit-maker James Stroud (Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Chris Young), "The Road" follows Lewis' debut solo EP, "Town Line," which bowed at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart last year.

The forthcoming album contains ten brand-new songs, including first single "Endless Summer," which CMT has hailed as "the anthem of the Summer of 2012." It also contains the Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson/Bobby Pinson-penned "Granddaddy's Gun," marking the first time in Lewis' entire career that he has cut a song he didn't have a hand in writing. more on this story



McCartney Says Elvis Cures Headaches
(Gibson) Paul McCartney told some fascinating stories to Ronnie Wood on the Stones' guitarist's Absolute Classic Rock show.

Elvis Presley cured a McCartney headache: "...the healing power of music is serious. I remember I had a mate called Ian James and I remember one day, I went back to his house and I had a headache, steaming headache, and I thought 'Oh God,' but we put on 'All Shook Up' by Elvis. By the time that record had ended I didn't have a headache!"

As for sparring partner John Lennon, Macca recalled that John would take off his glasses when girls were around despite being "blind as a bat." more on this story





Lita Ford Finds Redemption With New Album
Classic Rock Revisited recently caught up with Lita Ford to discuss her new album, Living Like A Runaway. Here is an excerpt:

CRR: Living Like a Runaway is an album of redemption. Do you agree? Lita: Yeah, I have risen from the ashes. My girlfriend called me and said I was like the Phoenix. She said she was going to buy me a tattoo of the Phoenix. I had no idea what she was talking about, so I Googled it. When I learned what that was, I related to it because I really did have to dig myself out of my situation and rise again.

I am very happy with the record. My manager, the record company and everyone that helped me with the record is happy, too. I can't wait to start playing these songs live.

CRR: How important was it to you to make this album sound like you? Lita: I had to make it sound like me because I had to bury the last album. The only way I could do that was to make a true Lita album. Gary brought the best out of me, on guitar and vocals. I didn't have anybody squashing me down saying, "No, you're doing it all wrong. You're not playing that riff right." You know what? I wrote that f**king riff, so I know how to play it.

I have really had a lot of freedom on this record and that is what makes it sound so True Blue, because it's real. There is no doubling the vocals and tripling the guitars and quadrupling this or that. I really went back to basics on this record. We stuck to bass, drums, guitar and vocals. Read the rest of the interview here, this only scratches the surface.



Engel Set Album Release Date and Post Video Online
FrostByte Media have set a September 25th North American release date for Engel's new album Blood of Saints.

Blood of Saints was produced by Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Hatesphere, Dark Tranquility).

Hailing from, Gothenburg, Sweden, Engel is the brainchild of In Flames guitarist Niclas Engelin.

Check out the video for new single "Question Your Place" here.



Sammy Hagar Excited About His Growing Alcohol Empire
(hennemusic) Sammy Hagar continues to build his alcohol empire with the recent addition of Sammy's Beach Bar Rum.

Distilled on Maui by Mark Nigbur of Pau Vodka, Sammy launched his Beach Bar Rum in Hawaii last fall and it has recently been made available on the US mainland.

On Thursday, Sammy checked in with some photos and an update: "I'm in Hawaii with Mark at the Sammy's Beach Bar Rum distillery! Here I am signing some of the bottles (see photo at the full story link). Behind me is white rum in the barrels that has been aging for 6 months and soon to come to stores in the mainland!

"I have other rum news too!! Sammy's Beach Bar Rum is now in the following states distributor warehouses: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. If you ask your local retailer and bars and restraints etc to order it for you they can get it in a day or two. Let's go!!! Other states should be added shortly with all having product by mid July." Read more and see the photo here.



Stone Axe Going On Hiatus, Not Breaking Up
Ripple Music sent over a statement from Stone Axe which dispels rumors that the band is breaking up but are instead going "on hiatus for a short while."

Tony Reed, after catching wind of the purported news, posted this statement on the bands website to help clarify the issue:

"Since getting back from the UK/Europe tour in April Dru & I have been taking some time to step outside of Stone Axe and work on some other projects. Dru has been working on a project with Steve Holt from 36 Crazyfists called Cokewulf (Facebook/Cokewulf) and I have been doing a lot of work mixing and mastering bands and also working on the new Mos Generator (Facebook/MosGenerator) album. None of this means there won't be any new Stone Axe. After three years of going full-on, we just need a little break. There are already a few songs recorded for the next record and many more to come. Right now we are riding on the two releases that we hope will keep the listeners satisfied until we can get a new album out. The Stone Axe II: Deluxe & Stone Axe: Captured Live! releases are jam packed full of previously unreleased material and well worth the money. Give 'em a spin and let us know what you think."



B Sides


Linkin Park Play New Song on Kimmel
(hennemusic) Linkin Park are back with this week's release of their new album, "Living Things."

The group stopped by Jimmy Kimmel's show Wednesday for the first of a two-night appearance to play the new album's lead single, "Burn It Down."

"Living Things" is expected to debut atop the Billboard 200 album chart next week, according to the music industry trade magazine. Watch the TV appearance here.



Wolfgang Van Halen Thanks Fans For Successful Tour
(hennemusic) Van Halen wrapped up the first leg of their "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour Tuesday night in New Orleans.

After the show, bassist Wolfgang Van Halen tweeted a photo and added, "Thanks everyone for such an incredible tour! It's been a wonderful experience. You guys are the best! ‪#grateful"

Van Halen's 2012 live shows began with an invite-only performance at the legendary Café Wha? in New York in January, followed by a similarly intimate gig in Los Angeles in early February. See the photo here.



The Offspring Rock Jimmy Kimmel
(hennemusic) The Offspring are back this week with the release of their new album, "Days Go By."

Ahead of the album's release, the band played a full series of shows on the European festival circuit; they'll kick off US dates at Cleveland's House Of Blues on July 17.

On Monday, the Offspring stopped by Jimmy Kimmel's show to rock the title track from the album as well as one of their classics. Watch it here.



The Day George Martin Became A Knight
(Gibson) On this day in 1996, Record producer George Martin received a Knighthood. Plus, music promoter Harvey Goldsmith became an MBE and Van Morrison an OBE. Gibson looks back:

Back in the '60s, George Martin probably felt unappreciated by his bosses. He was stuck on a meager salary throughout The Beatles' and Parlophone's commercial heyday, forcing him to go independent in 1965. Even The Beatles seemed to take his talents for granted at the end and didn't even credit his preliminary work on Let it Be.

But he'd have the last laugh. On this very day in 1996, George Martin, producer extraordinaire, was honored for all his contributions to British music with a Knighthood from the Queen of England. He was the fist of the Beatles camp to be honored so highly. Paul McCartney would have to wait another year for his.

And nobody could say that Martin's honor wasn't deserved. Producing music that is both artistic and commercial is nigh on impossible, but Martin managed it with apparent ease.

Of course, working with The Beatles helped him amass his 30 #1 U.K. singles and 16 #1 albums and 22 #1 singles and 19 #1 albums in North America. But at Parlophone in the early '60s, he also produced worldwide hits for Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, The Fourmost and Cilla Black. In fact, in 1963, Sir George Martin produced the #1 song on the U.K. singles charts for 37 weeks of the year.

Today's Day In Rock News!

10cc To Play First American Show Since 1978
10cc can still be heard on classic rock stations across America but the band hasn't played in the States since 1978. That's about to change.
10cc is set to play at The Concert Hall in New York City, on Friday, July 13, as part of a two-date flying visit to North America. The other show is a headline spot at Ottawa BluesFest in Canada.

Over their 40-year career, 10cc has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. "Things We Do For Love" has been played over 3.5 million times on US radio. "I'm Not In Love" (played more than 5 million times on US radio) has been recorded by The Pretenders (for the film Indecent Proposal), Will To Power, Peggy Lee, Richie Havens, Fun Lovin' Criminals, and most recently The Flaming Lips. more on this story



Deep Purple Legend Jon Lord's Live Return Sidelined By Cancer Fight
(hennemusic) Former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord has had to postpone his return to the live stage.

Last summer, Lord announced that he was fighting cancer and would be taking a break from performing while getting treatment. Jon recently scheduled his first concert appearance since revealing his health news: a special performance of his 2008 release, the "Durham Concerto," was set for July 6 in Hagen, Germany.

Jon's camp has posted the following update: "Unfortunately, due to on-going medical treatments Jon will not be able to perform in Hagen, Germany on July 6th. He was set to perform his Durham Concerto and a selection of other pieces.

"Jon wishes to assure everyone that this is not a matter for concern, but it is a continuation of his regular treatment that has just taken longer than anticipated." Read the rest of the statement here.



Dave Matthews Band Set New Album Release
RCA Records have set a September 11th release date for the Dave Matthews Band's new album, Away From The World.

For the new album, the band once again recorded with Steve Lillywhite, who produced its first three studio albums - Under The Table And Dreaming, Crash and Before These Crowded Streets.

The album will be available in CD, digital and vinyl formats. Deluxe versions of the CD and digital editions - containing three exclusive new live tracks - will also be available. A super-deluxe edition will include the deluxe CD, a DVD, a 2012 tour photo book and more. more on this story



Slash Adds New Tour Leg
Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators will follow up their summer tour of North American with another headline run this fall.

The fall headlining tour is set to kick off on September 4 in San Diego, CA and wrapping October 3 in Los Angeles, CA.

"I'm a strong believer that the best way to get your music heard is to get out there and play shows," said SLASH. "There are tons of talented bands that simply don't have the resources to go on tour, so I'm glad to be able to host them on my tour and at the same time introduce my fans to great, undiscovered artists." more on this story



Muse Land Official Song of the Summer Olympics
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London have selected Muse's brand new song "Survival" as the official song of the games.

The track made its radio premiere last and be available in iTunes around the world shortly. Here are the official details:

"Survival" will be played throughout the sporting sessions in all London 2012 venues during the entire Games, when athletes enter the stadium, the lead up to the medal ceremonies and it will be made available for international broadcasters of the Olympic Ceremonies to use in their broadcasts. more on this story



Godsmack Cancel Tour Due To Sully Erna's Medical Issues
Godsmack frontman Sully Erna's medical conditions appear to be worse than originally thought as the band announced on Wednesday that they are pulling the plug on their current European tour.

The band had the following to say on their website: Due to continued vocal issues with singer Sully Erna, Godsmack are forced to cancel the remaining dates on their currently scheduled European tour. Erna was examined by throat specialists in the US yesterday and the advice of his doctors has been advised to not sing for the next several weeks to allow time for his vocal chords to heal. The current tour marked the first time the band had toured Europe in nearly nine years, and the band were only able to perform two of their fourteen scheduled dates in Europe.

In an e-mail from Sully, he writes: "Sorry Europe. Seems like we can't catch a break there lately. London you were one of the best crowds we've played to in a very long time.... Belgium, you were awesome as well. As for the rest of you in Europe that we weren't able to reach, I promise you we'll be back!! For now it's lots of rest and fluids for me until my vocal specialist clears me to sing again. My deepest apologies Europe! You'll see us again. Thanks for your support and understanding."



Linkin Park To Stream X Games Concert Online
(Banana 101.5) Linkin Park's just-released album 'Living Things' will get the live treatment from the band at the X-Games on June 29.

The show from Club Nokia will be streamed exclusively at 11PM PT Friday on MySpace.

'Burn it Down,' the first single from 'Living Things,' sat atop the active rock airplay charts until this week when it was dethroned by Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. more on this story



Eddie Enthusiastic About Current Van Halen Lineup
(Classic Rock) Eddie Van Halen says the current lineup of the band is here to stay and the only arguments they have today are connected with making their music as good as it can be.

He believes they're in it for the long haul now, after having got rid of people he believes should not have been part of the band.

Van Halen released A Different Kind of Truth earlier this year after reuniting with singer David Lee Roth and replacing bassist Michael Anthony with Eddie's son Wolfgang. "It feels more like a band and a family than it ever has – and not just because three quarters of it is family," Eddie tells Guitar World. "Working with Dave has been very productive. We're all very opinionated about things, but it's all for the benefit of the music." more on this story



Metallica Forced Hetfield To Record Nothing Else Matters
(Classic Rock) James Hetfield is glad his Metallica bandmates forced him to record Nothing Else Matters for inclusion in their 1991 Black Album.

The frontman didn't believe it had any place in the thrash giants' catalogue – but since its release it's become a firm fan favourite. And guitarist Kirk Hammett admits there's some truth behind the long-running joke about his struggles to learn the song.

"It's absolutely crazy. That was the song I thought was least Metallica, least likely to ever be played by us – the last song anyone would really want to hear.," Hetfield tells the Village Voice. "It was a song for myself in my room on tour when I was bumming out about being away from home. He had a lot more to say about it.



Jesus Lizard and Filter Stars Cast In New Film
David Yow of The Jesus Lizard and Scratch Acid as well as Richard Patrick of Filter have been cast in the indie film High & Outside: A Baseball Noir.

Directed by Evald Johnson, the film is based on his personal experiences as the son of a Major League baseball player turned controversial manager. High & Outside: A Baseball Noir tells the story of one man's dream to play professional baseball and the desperate measures he takes to keep that dream alive. An early teaser trailer can be viewed here

Yow, the notorious front man for Scratch Acid and the Jesus Lizard, has filmed a half dozen films over the past few years including the Shira Piven comedy Fully Loaded, and the award-winning short Sunday Punch. more on this story



Chicago and Doobie Brothers Summer Tour
Chicago are teaming up with the Doobie Brothers for a 25-date summer tour of North America.

Following separate sets featuring their individual hits, the shows will culminate with a collaborative finale featuring classics from both bands.

Chicago are touring in support of 'Chicago In Chicago,' a new DVD that captures the hometown headliners playing for a sold-out crowd in Chicago's Charter One Pavilion, culminating in an encore with the Doobie Brothers, which includes "25 or 6 to 4" and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" more on this story



Zao Cofounder Jesse Smith Returns With New Band
Zao cofounder Jesse Smith has ended his eight year musical hiatus with the formation of his new group, Jesse Smith & the Holy Ghost. Here is the official word:

Smith's new solo project, Jesse Smith & the Holy Ghost, is a very personal project for Smith, who walked away from the band he founded in 2004 in order to deal with his struggles with addiction and remove himself from the negativity that plagued the band.

"I had big time things I've had to deal with and get a grip on," Smith said. "It's easier to be angry and aggressive when you're younger." more on this story



Triumph Reunion Album and DVD Coming
(hennemusic) Canadian rockers Triumph are updating fans on a new live package. After 20 years apart, the long-awaited Triumph reunion (of vocalist/guitarist Rik Emmett, bassist/keyboardist Mike Levine, and vocalist/drummer Gil Moore) took place at Sweden Rock Festival, on June 7, 2008.

Now, the band is offering details on a new package of that historic performance. "Triumph: Live at Sweden Rock Festival" will consist of a DVD and CD, with a tentative European release date of August 27 through Frontiers Records.

"It's great to finally be able show the world Triumph's reunion show at the Sweden Rock Festival," says Levine. "It certainly is one of the most memorable performances of our entire career! And they said it would never happen…" Check out the tracklisting and more here.



Devildriver Ink With Napalm Records For New Album
After spending their career at Roadrunner, Devildriver are moving their flag over to Napalm Records for the release of a new album which is expected next year.

Frontman Dez Fafara comments: "I am proud to announce DevilDriver's new partnership with Napalm Records! They have the passion and the drive we as a band were looking for! I'm looking forward to working together on DevilDriver's next release! Hail the groove!"

Markus Riedler (Napalm Records CEO) comments: "We are extremely excited to have this outstanding band on our label roster. DevilDriver are a true metal monster full of primal energy and more than ready to conquer the world with their upcoming album that will be released in the fall of 2013. Join the metal brotherhood and get ready for the world's largest circle pit!"



Mellowdrone's Jonathan Bates Returns With Big Black Delta
Jonathan Bates, best known as the mastermind behind Mellowdrone and a touring member of M83, is back with a new group called Big Black Delta.

The first offering from Big Black Delta is a single which will serve as a pre-cursor to a full length album due out this fall. Listen to the song here.

This summer the band will hit the road beginning on Independence Day at Summerfest in Milwaukee, followed by support dates with M83. more on this story



The Hives Add New Leg To North American Tour
The Hives have added a new West Coast leg to their North American tour in support of their new album Lex Hives.

The new leg will be kicking off September 6 in Vancouver, the band will make stops in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Oakland, Las Vegas and more.

The September tour will expand on the band's current U.S. outing, which kicked off last week to a sold-out Washington D.C. crowd. more on this story



Reel Big Fish To Deliver Candy Coated Fury in July
Reel Big Fish have set a July 31st release date for their 7th studio album, Candy Coated Fury.

"This album is a lot like our first two albums. It's got a lot of the same intensity, frantic energy in the music, and the same sarcastic sense of humor. I think these are the fastest songs we've done since those albums," Aaron Barrett, founding vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter says. "We're finally just doing what Reel Big Fish does best, and that's what we did on those first two albums."

Candy Coated Fury is Reel Big Fish's first album of newly recorded original material in five years. Overall, it's the seventh in the band's twenty year history. "Candy coated fury pretty much describes what Reel Big Fish does," Barrett says of the significance of the new album's title. "It's hateful, mean, sarcastic, and, sometimes sad lyrics, over happy, wacky, silly, joyous, fast music that makes you want to dance. This album is mostly love songs, but bitter, angry, hateful love songs. Just about everybody knows what it's like to be in a bad relationship. These songs could be sung by a 15 year old about his first love-gone-wrong, or by a 55 year old about a bitter divorce after 30 years. They're bad-relationship songs that everybody can relate to." more on this story



AC/DC Wine Set To Rock The States
(Gibson) Good news for AC/DC fans who also happen to be wine lovers: the band's much-lauded proprietary wine brand, dubbed simply AC/DC The Wine, will soon be available in the U.S.

Launched last fall in Australia, the brand has proved a tremendous success, with more than 50,000 cases sold to date. The wine comes in four varietals, each bearing the name of a classic AC/DC album: Back in Black Shiraz, Highway to Hell Cabernet Sauvignon, Thunderstruck Chardonnay and Hells Bells Sauvignon Blanc.

A fifth varietal, You Shook Me All Night Long Moscato, will soon be available in the U.S. as well. more on this story





Anthrax Feared For Their Future
(Classic Rock) Anthrax guitarist and producer Rob Caggiano has confirmed they feared for their own future during the "really dark period" when they'd sacked singer Dan Nelson.

The thrash pioneers settled with their former frontman in court earlier this week, making a secret agreement thought to include giving him co-ownership of the songs on 2010 album Worship Music.

Bassist Frank Bello said as he left the Manhattan hearing: "I've got to put a band-aid on my tongue from biting it so much."

But it marks an end to a turbulent seven years for Anthrax. more on this story



The Contortionist, Jeff Loomis, Chimp Spanner and 7 Horns 7 Eyes Tour
Former Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis will be hitting the road with The Contortionist, Chimp Spanner and 7 Horns 7 Eyes next month for the "Intrinsic 2012" Tour of North America.

In addition, Jeff Loomis will play four headlining dates featuring 7 Eyes 7 Horns as direct support.

Not only has Jeff Loomis been preparing for this tour, but he has also been working on new material. According to Joe Nurre, the touring guitarist and vocalist in Jeff Loomis' band, "Jeff and I have collaborated musically on two of the songs, and I have lyrics and vocals written for the three." Touring drummer Anup Sastry will be programming the drums, and producer Aaron Smith will be recording and mixing. more on this story



Gallon Drunk Returning With New Album
Gallon Drunk have carried on as a trio following tragic illness and death of their bassist Simon Wring, and now plan to release a new album, 'The Road Gets Darker From Here' on August 14th.

Recorded at Clouds Hills Recordings in Hamburg during the summer of 2011, produced by Johann Scheerer (Faust/Robots In Disguise), the new record which will be available on heavyweight vinyl, CD and download.

Featuring founder frontman and former Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds member James Johnston (vocals, organ, guitar, harmonica, piano, and bass), Terry Edwards (bass, saxophone and percussion) and Ian White (drums, percussion), the trio have refocused their musical vision with a collection of impassioned songs, imbued with pure mania, despair and abandonment.

At the state of the art analogue recording studio, Scheerer recorded the band playing the songs live, direct to two-inch tape. This gave a warmth, richness and depth of sound to the recording. Coupled with the band members' own recent experiences, playing and recording with the likes of Lydia Lunch's Big Sexy Noise, Faust, Nick Cave, Tom Waits and The Tindersticks, this brought an open minded freshness to the sessions.

Watch the video for 'You Made Me' here.



Smashing Pumpkins Score Top 5 Debut With Oceania
Smashing Pumpkins new album, Oceania, debuted on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at no. 4.

The album also topped the Independent Albums Chart; it is the second highest debuting independently released album this year.

Oceania now marks the group's seventh Top Ten album. The band will be hitting the road for a North American tour. more on this story



God Forbid Announce Headline Dates
God Forbid will be spending a busy summer on the road in North America with the Trespass America Festival and now some newly announced headline dates.

Starting on July 6 in Springfield, VA, God Forbid will be headlining a set of dates leading up to Trespass America Festival.

They will also be performing on a series of off dates during the Trespass America Festival tour with Battlecross. more on this story



B Sides


Chris Cornell Jams With Fan
(hennemusic) Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell is currently winding his way across Europe on his solo "Songbook" tour.

The trek highlights works from Cornell's entire catalogue, including songs written for Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple Of The Dog.

When Cornell's tour rolled into Newcastle, UK on June 20, the singer was asked by fan Ben Dawson if he could join him onstage to play the Soundgarden classic, "Outshined."

Next thing you know, Dawson was on stage rocking with Cornell. Check out the video here.



Like Moths To Flames Post New Song Online
Like Moths To Flames have debuted their new song "The Worst In Me" online this week.

The track is off the band's new album When We Don't Exist which is currently available in stores and on iTunes.

Like Moths to Flames is will be heading out on the road as part of the Scream It Like You Mean It tour along with Attack Attack! We Came As Romans, The Acacia Strain, Abandon All Ships and more

Today's Day In Rock News!

Aerosmith Delay New Album Release
(hennemusic) Aerosmith fans have waited 11 years for a new album of original music from the band, and now it looks like they'll have to wait a little longer.
The Boston rockers have moved the release date of "Music From Another Dimension" from August 28 to November 6.

"Too many people [other notable recording artists] are releasing [new albums] those weeks [in late summer/early fall]," lead singer Steven Tyler revealed on the Alan Cox Show on 100.7 WMMS Cleveland. "We don't wanna step on their release dates. So we just said, 'You know what?! We've got the goods… ain't no doubt about it. We'll wait another couple of months.'" more on this story



KISS Video App Released
Chris Gossett has followed up his Van Halen video app with a brand new KISS video app for Android.

Chris's Free App for Android called "KISS Videos App" features nearly 40 KISS videos (90% official videos, some TV appearances).

Videos begin with the first TV appearance of KISS on the Mike Douglas Show in 1974 and Gene Simmons' first public interview, also included are the official videos for "Rock and Roll All Night," "Detroit Rock City," "I Was Made For Lovin' You," all the non-make up KISS videos, "Psycho Circus," "Modern Day Delilah" and more, with "Monster" coming soon.

If you have Android, you can download the app here. For those without Android, you can access the content here.



Geoff Tate Vs Queensryche
It appears that Geoff Tate isn't taking his ousting from Queensryche without a fight as he says he has started legal action against the members of his formal group.

Rolling Stone conducted an extensive interview with Tate where he gives his side of the story. Tate tells them, " Well, we're in a lawsuit right now and it's probably gonna get ugly. I filed a claim a couple of days ago. So it's all going to the legal system now to sort out who is what, and who owns what, and that stuff."

He goes into great details about the differences between him and the other members of the group, debunks the internet "knife" rumor and explains when he thinks the rift began. He tells RS, " I think it really began around February of this year. It mainly started with a disagreement about economics, about moving our merchandising to a third party. We had control over our own merchandising company for years and years and we ran it ourselves. It's a very successful entity, and the other three guys wanted to take it out of our hands and hand it over to somebody else and pay them more money to operate it, which just seemed liked a ridiculous business idea to me. That's really where the disagreement started."

The story doesn't stop there. Read the full interview here.



Anthrax Settle With Former Singer
(Classic Rock) Anthrax have settled their lawsuit with former singer Dan Nelson. He'd claimed $2.65million in damages after departing the band in 2009, before they reunited with Joey Belladonna.

Details of the agreement are secret but an Anthrax representative had said before the ruling that a "small cash dollar" amount plus co-ownership of the tracks on new album Worship Music was on offer.

After the Manhattan Federal Court hearing bassist Frank Bello said: "I've got to put a band-aid on my tongue from biting it so much." More rock news



Lindsey Buckingham Expands North American Tour Plans
Lindsey Buckingham is extending his North American tour and has announced additional dates on the East coast, the Midwest and Canada He's also making a few stops in Canada, with more dates still to be added.

The new six-week trek begins July 26 in Birmingham, AL and lasts through September 8 in Rama, Ontario. We were sent these details:

In his intimate-one-man show, Lindsey will showcase his distinctive guitar picking style and instantly recognizable voice in his usual awe-inspiring form, captivating his audience with songs from his recent album, SEEDS WE SOW, as well as performing a combination of favorites from his previous solo albums, along with a variety of Fleetwood Mac classics. more on this story



Yes, Asia, Porcupine Tree and XTC Members Form The Prog Collective
Purple Pyramid have set an August 14th from the new supergroup project, The Prog Collective, which features five current and former member of Yes.

We were sent these details, along with a link to a preview track: The producer and guiding force of The Prog Collective is Billy Sherwood. A multi-talented musician, he has played in Yes (and several of its reconfigurations), Yoso, Toto, Circa, World Trade and others.

The luminaries he enlisted to perform the original songs on The Prog Collective include Chris Squire (Yes), Rick Wakeman (Yes), Alan Parsons, John Wetton (Asia), Tony Levin (King Crimson), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Geoff Downs (Yes/Asia), John Wesley (Porcupine Tree), and Colin Moulding (XTC).

On "The Technical Divide," Squire, Parsons, and David Sancious (Bruce Springsteen, Stanley Clarke, Peter Gabriel) are featured. Said Sherwood in an interview with somethingelsereviews.com in May, it ended up sounding like "the Beach Boys meets Pink Floyd – with a Yes twist, of course." Listen to a track here.



Pelican Lose Founding Member
Pelican informed fans this week that guitarist and founding member Laurent Schroeder-Lebec is taking an indefinite hiatus from the band.

They had this to say: Many may have already noticed his absence from live shows over the last couple of years (he stopped traveling for out of town shows in 2010), his role as a composer is now also going on hold for the foreseeable future. The decision is not due to any internal turmoil or conflict - since our last full length album Laurent has made his family and career the central focus of his life, which the members of Pelican completely respect and honor.

In 2010, when his interest in playing out of town declined, Laurent was the first to suggest that we find a substitute guitarist and continue getting the music out to our fans. He continued to play local shows with us and rehearse (in the rare instances that all four of us were in Chicago), but after recording sessions for our last EP, Ataraxia/Taraxis, when we were ready to begin writing our next album and began planning the writing sessions it would entail, Laurent confided that his heart wasn't fully in it and, rather than deliver music that was half-hearted, he would rather sit it out. more on this story



Bloc Party Fall Tour
Bloc Party will follow up their summer North American live appearances with a string of live dates this fall that will feature support from Ceremony.

The dates take place in September and follow three sold out shows at NYC's Terminal 5 and a number of summer festival appearances.

Bloc Party will be touring in support of their forthcoming album, Four, which is set to hit stores on August 21st. more on this story



Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats Give Fans Live Meat and Potatoes
Red Hot Chili Pepper star Chad Smith's side project, the Bombastic Meatbats, have their first-ever live recording, 'Live Meat and Potatoes.' Chipster sent over these details:

Consisting of drummer Smith, guitarist Jeff Kollman (from Cosmosquad), bassist Kevin Chown (Uncle Kracker, Tarja Turunen), and keyboardist Ed Roth (Coolio and Ronnie Montrose), the band first formed in 2008, and hails from Los Angeles.

The third record in the evolution of the Meatbats sound, 'Live Meat And Potatoes' captures the band in their most natural environment: in front of a live audience in an intimate setting. The band has found its sound after its first two studio releases, 'Meet the Meatbats' and 'More Meat.' LIVE is where they shine the brightest, featuring long extended jams that take the audience on a roller coaster ride of funk, rock and experimental madness of all sorts. more on this story



Cradle Of Filth Plan New Album Release
Cradle Of Filth mainmain Dani Filth tells fans that the band's forthcoming 10th studio album is currently being mixed and will be released later this year.

Filth posted a lengthy update on his blog about the album: "The album has been split over two working studios; I have been based at Cradle's resident studio Springvale under the helmsmanship of Mark Harwood for the last month or so, whilst the music has been captured not ten miles up the road at Scott Atkin's Grindstone studio, enabling us to work parallel to one another and thus aid not only the creative itch, but the speed of the recording process too.

"There is little point describing the new tracks as such as it's downright obvious that the usual cliches of 'it's our best one yet', 'it's much harder, darker, faster' (been there, done that) and 'this is going back to our roots' may well apply, just be aware that, if anything, the album has a definite 'Midian' vibe to it, insomuch that it isn't a conceptual album full tilt but more like lots of fabulous little satellites orbiting a main overarching theme. And that theme on this particular slay-ride is one of demons and monsters, both personal and world-enslaving, and the music peoples it perfectly.

"Musically we have tried new things, expanding on our ever-increasing canon to greater, more unbiblical effect with all instruments. Hence the music is unique, almost experimental in its dark places, but at heart still the Cradle Of Filth people have come to know, love and hate! Hence also why it's almost impossible for me to paint this new pantheon in anything other than the absolute jet black that I usually do… for no matter how goresome it will inevitably be, we will always have our steadfast detractors like so many fat, unavoidable moths to our ever-growing flame (sits, sighs and weeps in a graveyard!)." Read more here.



Dispatch To Release New Album This Summer
Dispatch have set a August 21st release date for their new album, Circles Around The Sun.

Circles Around The Sun is the group's first studio album in twelve years and was produced by Peter Katis (Interpol, Jonsi, The National). You can watch the official video for their song "Not Messin'" here.

Dispatch will also perform this August at the Outside Lands festival in San Francisco and will embark upon the Circles Around The Sun Tour in September, the band's most extensive North American tour in over a decade. more on this story



Eve 6 To Rock U.S. Olympic Team Trials
Big news from the Eve 6 camp, the band has been invited to perform at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field at TrackTown Plaza on Friday, June 29 in Eugene, OR. We were sent these details:

The special entertainment event organized by USA Track & Field will bring Eve 6 to the stage as they tour in support of their new album, Speak in Code.

The group's set will begin following the conclusion of track competition, shortly past 5 p.m. PST. Admission is free and open to the public. more on this story



Van Morrison Sets New Album Release
(EMI) Van Morrison has set an October 2nd release date for his new studio album, 'Born To Sing: No Plan B.'

The release marks the legendary artists return to Blue Note Records which released the Grammy-nominated 'What's Wrong With This Picture?' in 2003.

Van says: "With most record companies being so corporate I am happy to be working with Don Was and the team at Blue Note. To have such a creative music person as the head of my recording label assures me that all the effort taken to write and record this new album will be rewarded with a music-based focus and marketing approach. I look forward to many recording projects with Don and Blue Note." more on this story



Jefferson Starship's Roswell UFO Set Being Released on 4-CD Set
Gonzo MultiMedia have set a July 2nd release date for Jefferson Starship's live 4-CD set 'Tales From The Mothership'.

Glass Onyon sent over these details: "Roswell UFO Parade & Festival Hosts Jefferson Starship Sci-Fi Extravaganza" read the headlines for the annual July 3rd event that took place in Roswell, New Mexico in 2009. Jefferson Airplane founder Paul Kantner and his legendary band Jefferson Starship and special guests, which included original Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten, performed a one-of-a-kind sci-fi concert at Pearson Auditorium in Roswell in honor of the town's famed annual parade.

The group was also bestowed the honor of being the parade's 'Grand Martians' that year and rode atop a special float especially built for them. The entire concert was filmed and recorded, and in addition to such iconic hits as "White Rabbit", "Somebody To Love", "Volunteers", "Wooden Ships" recorded by its forebear Jefferson Airplane (the last two penned by Kantner), a special programme of science fiction themed compositions and select recordings were performed, some for the first time ever! Now, much to the excitement of Jefferson Starship fans across the globe UK's Gonzo MultiMedia is releasing the entire concert in an extravagant 4-CD box set. (It's also being sold on their US site). more on this story



Artillery Replace Founding Member
Artillery have replaced founding member Carsten Nielsen with their new drummer Josua Madsen.

The band broke the news to fans via Facebook by saying, "We are proud to announce our new drummer, who will be Josua Madsen. Josua have been living the last couple of years in the US playing with different bands. Last Danish band Was Club Hell.

"We are looking forward to go on the road with Josua and first gig will be Headbangers open air in Hamburg, Germany: Thanx to former drummer Carsten for the 30 years of thrashing!" more on this story



The Darkness Release New Song
(hennemusic) The Darkness have released their new single, "Everybody Have A Good Time" which will be featured on the band's third studio album, "Hot Cakes," which will be released on August 21.

"Hot Cakes" is produced by the band's Justin and Dan Hawkins with longtime collaborator Nick Brine and mixed by Bob Ezrin.

The band has put together a behind the scenes look at the making of the "Everybody Have A Good Time" music video, which premieres June 28. Behind the scenes video for the new song.



Osada Vida Releasing Live DVD
Osada Vida will release their first live DVD, "Where The Devils Live," on July 2nd in Europe and July 24th in USA.

The material features the recording of their live appearance at the Wyspianski Theater in Katowice, Poland in November 2011.

Łukasz Lisiak, vocalist and bassist, comments the track: "The studio version of 'Everyday Ltd' was included on our debut album 'Three Seats Behind A Triangle'. 5 years after the release of the album, we still believe it contains really good tunes, interesting riffs and melodies… Just their performance was way too amateurish. We played the track 'Everday Ltd' just as a joke at one of our rehearsals, after 5 years of not playing it at all, and suddenly everything felt so right. We felt that this track had a huge potential. We decided to include it in our setlist as we have so much fun when playing it at our rehearsals. At the same time we wanted to make a connection with tracks recorded by SBB's classic line-up, which always inspired us a lot. It's all about this specific nerve which is so typical in improvisations. Bartek Bereska suggested that we should improvise in the middle of the song… And so we did! We had to shorten the track though. But it was so much fun to play 'Everyday Ltd'. I hope it will appeal to all listeners who like to mix music genres, and for whom the word "progressive" is not only synonymous of Marillion, Yes and Pink Floyd." more on this story



Heliosaga Recruit DesDemon's Chelsea Knaack
Heliosaga have recorded DesDemon lead vocalist Chelsea Knaack as their new frontperson.

Chelsea Knaack states "I was looking for a new chapter in my life with a new adventure and Heliosaga fit the plan. It was also the chemistry with the guys; we are all very similar in many ways. It will be a great adventure indeed."

Heliosaga adds "Chelsea's vocals are moving, her stage presence is captivating and she has an immense passion for this kind of music. Shortly after meeting we realized how well we click on personal and professional levels, so we can say that we have gained a great friend and an incredible band mate! We are eager to begin recording our debut album together, which will be released early next year."



B Sides


Robert Plant Band Of Joy DVD Preview Goes Online
(hennemusic) "Robert Plant & The Band Of Joy: Live From The Artists Den" will be released on DVD and Blu Ray on July 10 and a trailer for the release has now gone online.

The band was filmed at Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium for the music TV series. The DVD includes performances of three Led Zeppelin classics - "Black Dog," "Houses Of the Holy" and "Tangerine" - that were not part of the initial broadcast on public television stations.

Other songs included that did not make the initial cut are "In the Mood" from his solo disc "Principle of Moments," and the traditional "I Bid You Good Night." Watch the trailer



Anniversary of Elvis Presley's Comeback Special
(Gibson) On this day in 1968, Elvis Presley appeared on an NBC show that was billed as his "comeback special." The show featured the king performing on a small, square stage, surrounded by a mostly female audience. Presley was outfitted in black leather and performed many of his early hits. Gibson takes a look back:

As the '60s rolled in, Elvis Presley was still The King, but there were chinks beginning to appear in his armor. His music was still topping the charts, but a lot of that music – most of it, actually – came from the soundtracks of the profitable, yet cheesy, Hollywood films he was churning out. That's not to say that the music was lacking; some of his career-best songs came from that era, including "Can't Help Falling in Love" (1961) and "Return to Sender" (1962). Also, three of his movie soundtrack albums climbed to #1 in the first half of the decade. By anyone's standards, those are solid achievements. But Elvis wasn't just anyone.

Things were not as they used to be, and Elvis' slide into commercial mediocrity, if not downright obscurity, seemed to happen almost as quickly as his meteoric rise to superstardom a decade earlier. It didn't help that his core fan base was now a number of years older. They were getting married, having babies – growing up. Couple that with the overnight ascension of a certain mop-topped quartet from Liverpool, and just like that, the King of Rock and Roll was all but relegated to the "where are they now" file.

From 1964 through 1968, Elvis saw only one of his singles crack the top 10 – and that was the 1965's "Crying in the Chapel," which was actually recorded five years earlier. After the release of his '62 album Pot Luck, Elvis didn't put out another new studio album (not counting movie soundtracks) until 1967's gospel album How Great Thou Art, which brought him his first Grammy (for Best Sacred Performance).

Elvis seemed to hit rock bottom with the release of his 1967 Clambake movie soundtrack, which resulted in record-low sales. As historians Connie Kirchberg and Marc Hendrickx noted, "Elvis was viewed as a joke by serious music lovers and a has-been to all but his most loyal fans." Elvis' films were moving in the wrong financial direction, too, and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, was finding it increasingly difficult to secure his usual million-dollar per film fee.

So, Parker turned to NBC and struck a $1.25 million deal for both a movie (Change of Habit) and TV special.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Van Halen Rumored For Super Bowl
(hennemusic) There's a buzz in the sports community that Van Halen could be on tap to play Super Bowl 47 next year in New Orleans.
NBC Sports first speculated on the band's involvement a few weeks ago following comments made by Eddie Van Halen regarding the group's touring plans.

On the heels of canceling a full run of summer US tour dates, Eddie told USA Today that "a lot of the canceled dates were in cities we already played. So in November we'll hit Japan, and in the new year we'll possibly do something special, but I can't talk about it."

On Monday, NBC Sports made more references to Van Halen's involvement in the 2013 event. more on this story



Rolling Stones Open To Jack White Producing Next Album
(Gibson) Keith Richards and Jack White go back a few years. The two worked on a few (unreleased) recordings in 2009 and the former White Stripe joined The Rolling Stones on stage in 2006 (as seen in Martin Scorsese's Shine a Light).

When asked by Rolling Stone magazine if Jack might be in consideration to produce his band's next album, Keef seemed into the idea. "That's always a possibility," Richards said. "The door is wide open."

It wouldn't be the first time White has worked his magic on a music legend's album, having produced LPs for Loretta Lynn and Wanda Jackson. more on this story





Geoff Tate Moving Forward Following Queensryche Departure
Last week Queensryche surprised fans by naming Todd La Torre their new frontman and now it looks like the band's original singer Geoff Tate is happy to move ahead with his solo career.

Geoff Tate has signed a worldwide multi-album deal with Insideout Music and is currently finishing production on his first album under the agreement which is expected to be released this fall.

"I'm very excited to join forces with InsideOut Music," says Tate. "They are very committed to progressive music and care deeply for their artists, working together with them to bring music lovers worldwide some of the most compelling rock music available."



Staind Live Album, DVD and Blu-Ray Coming This Summer
Staind will be releasing their very first live album next month, followed by a DVD and Blu-Ray.

Live From Mohegan Sun, will be released on CD by Eagle Rock Entertainment on July 10 and will be followed by the DVD and Blu-ray release on August 14.

This concert was recorded and filmed in high definition at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Montville, Connecticut on November 25, 2011, and the chords must still be echoing somewhere deep within the bowels of the building. more on this story



Slipknot Stars Start Horror Movie Co
(Classic Rock) Corey Taylor and Shawn 'Clown' Crahan of Slipknot have formed a horror movie production firm.

Living Breathing Films aims to create TV and cinema releases. Taylor says: "We want to do psychological thrillers, dramas.

"We don't want our company to be a machine to create bad horror films. We're really big fans of the movies and art." More rock news



Blur To Debut Two New Songs On Twitter
(Gibson) Blur will play two new songs on Monday, July 2 during a live performance to be streamed on Twitter.

The reactivated Britpop legends will play "The Puritan" and "Under the Westway." The tracks were written for their August 12 show at Hyde Park in London. The concert, coinciding with the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, will also feature New Order and The Specials.

To tune in to next week's performance, visit Twitter.com/blurofficial at 6:15 p.m. London time on Monday, July 2. The band will perform one of the two songs, with an interview taking place immediately afterwards. The second track will be played at 7:15, and then both will be made available for download. Fans who would like a physical copy of the songs can pick up a limited edition double A-side 7-inch single via Parlophone from August 6. more on this story





Car Ad Sparked Breakup of Bowie's Spiders From Mars
(Gibson) A chance conversation over a Lamborghini led to the dissolution of David Bowie and the Spiders From Mars, according to drummer Woody Woodmansey.

In an interview with the BBC for the Jarvis Cocker-narrated TV special David Bowie and the Story of Ziggy Stardust, Woodmansey says an offhand comment over a magazine advertisement for the sports car led to a discussion with Spiders keyboard player Mike Garson about wages, and uncovered a startling discrepancy between pay packets.

"…Mike said, 'Well, why don't you buy one?' I said, 'I wish,'" Woodmansey recalled. The two then discussed their earnings: "I went, 'What do you think I get?' He went, 'Well, I know what I get,' and he told me – and it was three times what I got."

Garson added, "I was getting a salary that seemed fair, and I just assumed the other guys were getting more because they'd been there several years." more on this story





Rush's Geddy Lee Receives Royal Honor
(hennemusic) Rush legend Geddy Lee has received another honor in his Canadian homeland.

Cashbox Canada reports Lee was among 600 Ontario residents to receive a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee commemorative medal on Monday, June 18 at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall.

The special medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. more on this story



Metallica Play Escape Live For the First Time
(hennemusic) There were at least a couple of firsts for Metallica as they rocked Day 1 of their Orion Music + More festival on Saturday.

The band's headline set at Bader Field in Atlantic City featured the very first performance of their "Ride The Lightning" album in its entirety. Saturday's set also included the very first performance of "Escape" from the 1984 release.

Frontman James Hetfield recently explained the album's significance to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "'Ride the Lightning' started to splinter us off from your Slayers and other thrash bands," explained Hetfield. "A song called 'Fade to Black' was an instant thorn in the side of the metal community. It was the first veering off the studded path." Watch the jam here.



London Olympics Trying To Not Pay Musicians?
(Classic Rock) Organisers of the London Olympics are trying to make professional musicians perform for free, using the tired old excuse they should "do it for the exposure."

Management committee Locog are already a laughing stock in rock music quarters after asking whether long-dead Who drummer Keith Moon was available to appear at the event. And they recently drew the ire of live music fans by confirming all acts that play at the opening and closing events in London will be miming.

Corporate Watch say they've seen an email which instructs Locog staff not to spend money on music "across the board." more on this story



Warrant's Cherry Pie Video Girl Bobbie Brown Writing Autobiography
(Gibson) Model Bobbie Brown (immortalized as "The Cherry Pie Girl" thanks to her involvement in the video for the Warrant classic) is wrapping up work on an autobiography.

Titled Sex, Drugs and Cherry Pie, the book is scheduled for release early in 2013. Meanwhile, Brown has just finished filming a new reality television series titled Ex Wives Rock, which begins airing on August 29 on the Slice network.

The program is co-produced by Loraine Lewis with narration by Shannon Tweed-Simmons – of course, the co-star of her own reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels. more on this story





Atheist Reunite With Tony Choy
Atheist have reunited with bassist Tony Choy ahead of a hometown headline show and Death To All tour date.

The show will be June 29th in the band's hometown of Sarasota, Florida at Jake's Tavern and will mark the return of Choy to the band.

Atheist founder Kelly Shaefer commented: "We're very excited to announce that Tony Choy will be appearing on our upcoming dates; a headlining club gig and the Orlando date of the Death To All Tour 2012. It's been more than two years since Tony has played live with us. Just having him along will make this Death To All show with the Cynic guys, Gene Hoglan, Steve DiGiorgio, and everyone else a night to remember." more on this story



Green Day Releasing New Song Next Month
Green Day have set a July 16th release date for "Oh Love," the debut single from their upcoming album trilogy ¡UNO! ¡DOS! ¡TRÉ!

Produced by Rob Cavallo and being released by Reprise Records, ¡UNO! will street September 25th, ¡DOS! November 23rd, and ¡TRÉ! January 15, 2013.

Look for Green Day this summer headlining music festivals this summer and fall including headlining at Summer Sonic in Japan and Voodoo Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana this October. more on this story



Slash Scores His First No. 1 Hit
Slash has scored his very first no. 1 hit at rock radio as "You're A Lie" vaults to the top spot this week at Active Rock.

The song is the first track from Slash's second solo album Apocalyptic Love, which was released May 22 and entered the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at #4, marking the top rock debut that week. Watch the video for "You're A Lie" here.

Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators will launch a summer headlining tour July 12 in Portland, OR and on July 10 Slash will receive his own star on the Hollywood Blvd Walk of Fame. more on this story



The All-American Rejects and Eve 6 Summer Tour
The All-American Rejects will be hitting the road for a North American summer headlining tour with support from Eve 6.

The tour is set to kick off on August 8th in Costa Mesa at the OC Fair and wraps August 30th in Louisiana.

The All-American Rejects have been busy performing at European festivals as well as accompanying Blink-182 on their International tour. "After spending the summer overseas, we're looking forward to coming home and having a little fun this August playing... Couldn't ask for a better summer vacation," said Nick Wheeler. more on this story



12 Stones, Digital Summer, Blameshift and Throwing Gravity Tour
Blameshift will be hitting the road with 12 Stones, Digital Summer and Throwing Gravity next month for a North American tour.

The trek is set to kick off on July 6th in Merriam, KS and will come to a close a month later on August 7th in Marietta, GA.

Amidst the tour, Blameshift will break off for two dates in Pecatonica, IL at Rock'n the Valley 2012 at the Winnebago Fairgrounds. These two festival dates also feature Skid Row, Warrant, Trixter, and more. more on this story



Exhumed Frontman Matt Harvey Added To Death To All Tour 2012
Exhumed frontman Matt Harvey will be replacing Obscura vocalist Steffen Kummerer as a lead vocalist to the Death To All Tour 2012 after Kummerer had to drop of the all-star tour due to visa issues.

Matt Harvey will be joining drummers Gene Hoglan (Individual Thought Patterns/Symbolic) and Sean Reinert (Human), bassists Steve DiGiorgio (Human/Individual Thought Patterns) and Scott Clendenin (The Sound of Perseverance), guitarists Paul Masvidal (Human), Shannon Hamm (The Sound of Perseverance) and Bobby Koelble (Symbolic), and vocalist/label-mate Charles Elliott of Abysmal Dawn/Bereft.

Harvey only 9 days to learn his entire set. Matt Harvey elaborates on the opportunity: "To say that I'm excited about hitting the stage with such amazing musicians would be a massive understatement. To say that I'm overwhelmed standing in Chuck's spot singing his songs would be the understatement of the century. Phrases like 'it's an honor' get tossed around pretty casually, but taking part in this unique celebration is truly exhilarating, humbling and magical for me. Even though the name of the band is Death, this event is a celebration of Chuck's life and the vitality and staying power of his work. To be able to share what Death's music has meant to me this way is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I am incredibly grateful to have." more on this story



Success Sunk The Eagles
(Gibson) The archetypal west coast band of the '70s, the Eagles reached a creative and commercial peak in 1976 with their Hotel California album.

Looking back, Glenn Frey, according to the Daily Express, feels the magnitude of their success brought too much pressure on the group.

He told BBC News: "If I had known what I know now, I would have just had the Eagles have a vacation for a while, we're getting on each other's nerves, that's what the Stones used to do... It's not really ego, it's the pressure to follow 'Hotel California.' Trying to get better every time out, and you just can't be better every time out, every record can't be 'Hotel California,' every song you write can't be 'Desperado.'" more on this story





This Or The Apocalypse Ink New Deal
This Or The Apocalypse will be releasing their next album under a new deal eOne Music in North and South America.

"On behalf of This Or The Apocalypse Enterprises, I'm proud to let everyone know that our new American home is located at eOne Music. Please make a note on all outgoing packages. Honestly, I couldn't believe we would be making one signing announcement, so the third feels pretty surreal. It's humbling and a reminder that hard work pays off," says vocalist Ricky Armellino.

The band is on tour with Norma Jean and will head over to China for a short batch of dates.



B Sides


Singled Out: Ninth Moon Black's Animus Lumino
Today Eric from Ninth Moon Black tells us about the song "Animus Lumino" from their new album "Chronophage". Here is the story:

"Animus Lumino" is the longest track on Chronophage, and bits and pieces of it came together in a number of different ways over a period of time. It would seem a track like that would be difficult to record, and I certainly thought it would take a lot of time however we ended up getting it on the first take. At almost 16 minutes, we were pretty happy with that, and I think it was the complexity of it that actually helped track that quickly, we were all pretty focused. I did have to overdub the Wurlitzer part, and I think Atom did his solo over later, but everything else was there.

I remember writing the guitar part for the longest section, towards the end, that starts with my just my guitar. It had morphed out of something completely different. I had been working on an acoustic part, kind of a minor country blues finger picking thing, on a slow day at the music store I worked at. The melody that's in the song now came really quick, with the four different parts and a tormenting flatted 5th at the turn-around. I was having trouble fitting the bass part in with the fingering, so I put it in a drop-d, which forced me to change the key. It was pretty cool, but nothing Ninth Moon Black would use. It was dark, but had almost a waltzy groove.

I played with it like that for a couple of weeks and was at home one day when my roommate, Jamie Hartley of Parade of Storms, came in and wanted to play along. We moved to the studio and I was playing it on an electric guitar for the first time, a little delay and reverb. I ended up dropping the bass parts I was playing and let him do his thing on the bass, which was a lot different. As we played, the waltz swing disappeared, and I found myself playing the low D throughout, underneath the melody. It was awesome. It became this hypnotic, sweeping part. The turnaround had to go as well, but the flatted 5th stayed right there at the end of the last riff, giving this sense of interruption, which sounded great.

When I brought the part to the band, it went really smooth. I had this idea of guitars swimming on top of the riff, interlacing with each other and building, but I expected nothing close to what those guys came up with; really epic sounding. That first practice I just played the part over and over and everyone did their thing until it started to take shape. I remember the first few times we played that song live the part was almost twice as long as it is on the record, waaaay too long; but we liked the build and just kept going. By the time we had everything really dialed, we could follow the patterns Kasey was building with her drums, and we shortened it.

It's really cool to look back at what the part was and then listen to the recording now. I remember sitting in the studio for the mix, in disbelief of how epic it had become. And then when we named the track, "Animus Lumino", which means luminous mind, I couldn't have written a part more fitting to the feel and spirit of the song after the fact, it was just baffling at how perfect it all came together. Maybe sometime, as a joke, we should jab at where this part came from: Ninth Moon Black, "Blackened Country Blues!" Seriously though, I think the forging of this part speaks to our process as a whole; that somehow we're able to take our wide swath of influences as individuals, and work them into a cohesive but diverse sound. It makes me hopeful, like it might be impossible for us to run out of good ideas.

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



Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder Jams With Tom Petty
(Banana 101.5) While in the midst of their summer European tour, Pearl Jam crossed paths with classic rockers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in Amsterdam on Sunday (June 24).

Vocalist Eddie Vedder stepped onstage during Petty's show at the Heineken Music Hall, lending his pipes to the band on 'The Waiting' and 'American Girl'

While Eddie handled a majority of the vocals on their first song of the night — Petty added backup vocals on the hook and sang the song's bridge — the same was not the case when he reappeared to split vocal duties on the set closing tune, 'American Girl.' Vedder's second verse added vitality to the 1976 track and totally redeemed his drunken rendition of the song from the infamous 'Birdman Sessions' bootleg. Check it out here.



Rush's Geddy Lee Explains How He Sings Neil's Lyrics
(hennemusic) Rush's new album, "Clockwork Angels," debuted at the top of the Canadian charts and at #2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart last week.

Lyrically, the album chronicles a young man's quest across a lavish and colourful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life.

In a new video session, bassist Geddy Lee discusses the dynamics involved for him singing lyrics written by drummer Neil Peart. "It's an interesting dynamic because it's a relationship we've had for over 30 years," explains Geddy. "Obviously, me being the spokesperson for his lyrics is an intimate and difficult relationship just in the sense that I have to really believe what I'm singing – because if I don't, you can tell. You can't fake something like that."

"So, for me," continues Lee, "I have to try and get into his headspace and I have to try and understand the lyrics from a point of view that's meaningful to me even if it's not always the same as the writer's intent." Watch the video here.



Sebastian Bach Joins Guns N' Roses at Gods of Metal Fest
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses continued their European tour with an appearance at Italy's Gods Of Metal festival.

GNR headlined the second night of the three-day event; among the artists joining them was Axl Rose's pal Sebastian Bach, who is touring in support of his latest album, "Kicking & Screaming."

Sebastian joined GNR during their set for a performance of "My Michelle." Watch video of the jam here.



Devin Townsend Project Release Planet Of The Apes Video
Devin Townsend Project has released a new video clip of "Planet Of The Apes" from the new DVD box-set, By A Thread - Live in London 2011.

By A Thread - Live in London 2011 contains a 4-DVD set with footage from the unique, sold-out UK shows from last fall where Devin performed all four DTP albums (Ki, Addicted, Ghost, Deconstruction), along with a 5-CD set with the four DTP albums and one disc of encores.

In addition to the 4 DVDs and 5 CDs, the deluxe edition of By A Thread - Live in London 2011 also includes an exclusive 7" with take 2 of the track "Coast" (Devin's hand-drawn etching is on the B-side), plus an autographed and numbered collector's certificate of authenticity.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Family Killed Going To Van Halen Concert
(hennemusic) A family was killed in car crash on their way to a Van Halen concert in Dallas last week.
The Victoria Advocate reports Tuesday afternoon's three-vehicle crash claimed the lives of Felipe Garcia, 39, and his two children - Brandon, 9, and Anthony, 10, as well as Garcia's girlfriend, Christine Salazar, 42.

Garcia lost control of his 2003 Ford Explorer on the wet roadway and crossed into the southbound lane; the vehicle was struck by a tractor-trailer driven by Thomas Jimenez, of Yoakum, according to the Texas Department Of Safety report. more on this story



Black Keys Vs Pizza Hut and Home Depot
(hennemusic) The Black Keys are suing Pizza Hut and Home Depot, alleging the companies used the rock duo's songs in commercials without authorization.

The group claims Pizza Hut's commercial for their Cheesy Bites Pizza "prominently features significant portions" of their song "Gold on the Ceiling," according to here

The band also sued Home Depot over a commercial for their Ryobi brand of power tools that used parts of their song "Lonely Boy". more on this story



Metallica Ride The Lightning Live
(hennemusic) Metallica pulled out a very rare and special treat for fans on Day 1 of their Orion Music + More festival on Saturday.

The band's headline set at Bader Field in Atlantic City featured the very first performance of their 1984 album, "Ride The Lightning," in its entirety.

Metallica switch things up on Sunday when they play the "Black" album it its entirety for the first time ever in the U.S.; they performed it nightly on their recent European tour. Watch the Ride the Lightning set here.



Radiohead Postpone Tour Following Fatal Stage Collapse
(Gibson) In the wake of the stage collapse that caused the death of Radiohead drum tech Scott Johnson and injured three other crew members, Radiohead have postponed several upcoming European tour dates.

In a prepared statement, the band said new dates for the postponed shows would be announced on June 27. The collapse also destroyed the band's light show and other stage components, which the group indicated would be difficult to replace.

The statement goes on to say: "Whilst we all are dealing with the grief and shock ensuing from this terrible accident there are also many practical considerations to deal with & consequently we have to try and reschedule [shows through July 9th].

"We aim to announce the new dates for these shows on Wednesday 27th of June and will also supply information on how to obtain refunds on tickets if you cannot come to the show on the new date. We will start playing live again at Les Arenes Nimes, Bilbao BBK festival and Lisbon Optimus Alive festival. We will make every effort to offer the fans the very best show possible under the circumstances – thanks for your understanding and support." See the list of shows here.





Thin Lizzy Enter Recording Studio Today
(hennemusic) A Thin Lizzy member announced over the weekend that the band is hitting the studio today to record some new music.

"Thin Lizzy enters the recording studio tomorrow with electric guitars and amps a'blazin'; and Brian Downey's full drum kit!" tweeted guitarist Damon Johnson on Sunday.

The band is fresh off playing the Graspop Festival in Dessel, Belgium on Saturday; they'll perform a full series of European dates throughout the summer. more on this story



Godsmack Cancel Dates Due To Illness
Godsmack announced on Friday that they had to pull the plug on a few concerts on their current European tour while frontman Sully Erna recovers from an illness.

The band told fans: "Erna has been advised by doctors to not sing for the next five days. Their performance at Luxembourg's Rock a Field Festival, The Bataclan in Paris France for Sunday June 24th, and Zurich Switzerland at Komplex 457 on June 26th will unfortunately all be cancelled. Information regarding ticket refunds can be found at the box office for each venue."

The 26th date still shows on their official website, but going by the above it appears the tour will resume on Thursday when they play Wien, Austria. Get the latest here.



Jack White Voodoo For Halloween
Jack White has been confirmed as the final headliner at this year's Voodoo Music And Arts Experience.

This year's Voodoo will take place this Halloween weekend in New Orleans, Friday, October 26, Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28-- and will mark its 14th consecutive year. In addition, for the first time, this year's Voodoo will offer on site camping.

White joins previously announced headliners Green Day and Neil Young & Crazy Horse. The Avett Brothers; Kaskade; Justice; Silversun Pickups; JFK of MSTRKRFT; AWOLNATION; Étienne De Crécy; K'Nann; Dave Stewart; The Gaslamp Killer; Thomas Dolby; Borgore; Nervo; and Supagroup round out the developing 2012 Voodoo line-up that features artists from a variety of musical genres. more on this story



Kamelot Announce New Lead Singer
Kamelot have announced Seventh Wonder frontman Tommy Karevik as their new lead singer.

Guitarist Thomas Youngblood says: "We had around 800 candidates for the vacant position, among them a number of really renowned musicians, and having to reject them really wasn't easy. We want to thank all the applicants, thank you for your understanding and we wish you all lots of success in the future!"

In their search for a new singer, Thomas Youngblood found YouTube to be an amazing tool: "I listened to a clip of a studio production featuring Tommy and have to confess that his performance really amazed me. His approach to melodies and themes suits KAMELOT perfectly, and during our European shows we had plenty of opportunity to find out what a great guy he is." more on this story



Tom Waits Going Late Night in July
(hennemusic) Tom Waits has announced the rescheduled dates for appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Waits was originally scheduled to be on both shows in late April, and new dates have been confirmed. Tom will appear on Letterman July 9 and Fallon on July 10.

The music legend will be talking with the hosts and giving the first live performance of songs from his latest recording, "Bad As Me." more on this story



Alez Lifeson Discusses Setlist For Upcoming Rush Tour
(hennemusic) Now that Rush's 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels," is out, the band is turning its attention to planning for their upcoming tour, which kicks off September 7th in Manchester, NH.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson explains the challenge the group has creating a setlist when they have such a huge catalogue of material to choose from.

"It's very difficult," says Lifeson. "We want to play the new material. We sort of go back and forth. 'Should we play the whole thing? Or should we play most of it, or some of it, and mix it up?' It's always very difficult, and having come off a tour where we featured an album in its entirety, it makes the idea of featuring the whole of 'Clockwork Angels' that much more appealing."

"I think for the first leg of the tour, at the very least, we'll do most of the record – not all of it, but we'll do most of it," Alex continues. more on this story



Steve Winwood Surprise Jam With Tom Petty
(Gibson) Fans of Steve Winwood received an unexpected treat on Wednesday night (June 20) when the former Traffic star joined Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers onstage at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Winwood, who shared tour dates with Petty & The Heartbreakers during their 2008 and 2009 North American appearances, joined the headliners for renditions of his songs, "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "Can't Find My Way Home."

The Albert Hall appearance was Winwood's first live performance in the U.K. since he performed at a tribute for George Harrison in 2002. more on this story





Fans Prevent Elvis Crypt Auction
(Classic Rock) The crypt where Elvis Presley's body lay before it was moved to his Graceland home has been pulled from a celebrity auction following a fan backlash.

Supporters erupted in fury after Julien's Auctions announced the empty tomb in Forest Hill Cemetery, Memphis, was to go under the hammer with a starting price of $100,000.

The end price was to include a memorial inscription, use of the cemetery chapel for a service and the opening and closing of the crypt for burial.

The sale was called off before yesterday's event as a result of fan activity. more on this story



Iron Maiden Celebrating Seventh Son Era With New Tour
(Classic Rock) Iron Maiden have kicked off their new retro tour and they're preparing for the barrage of complaints from some sections of their vocal fanbase. But it's business as usual for guitarist Adrian Smith, who insists anyone who's unhappy about their 1980s-themed setlist just needs to look at things the other way.

The band's Maiden England tour focuses on and around their Seventh Son of a Seventh Son era with no up-to-date material making an appearance.

On the opening night of the US leg in Charlotte, North Carolina, Maiden's set list was Moonchild, Can I Play With Madness, The Prisoner, 2 Minutes to Midnight, Afraid to Shoot Strangers, The Trooper, The Number of the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, Run to the Hills, Wasted Years, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, The Clairvoyant, Fear of the Dark, Iron Maiden, Aces High, The Evil That Men Do and Running Free. more on this story



Children of Bodom Return To Nuclear Blast For Next Album
Children of Bodom have returned to Nuclear Blast Records and plan to release a new studio album next year under the deal.

"We had a good, productive and long run with Spinefarm Records for fifteen years and now it's simply just time for a change." said Children of Bodom front man / guitarist Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho. "I'm absolutely stoked to start the new chapter of COB's career with Nuclear Blast and look forward to working with them."

"Personally, I am so excited to get to work with Nuclear Blast again." adds COB bassist player Henkka T. Blacksmith. "We have such good memories from the beginning of our career with them. We know the people already and we know how committed they are in doing metal!" more on this story



The Offspring To Rock Jimmy Kimmel
The Offspring are set to perform on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" tonight, Monday June 25th.

The Offspring set will be part of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! summer concert series on the outdoor stage.

The band will be performing their new song "Days Go By," which is the title track and first single from their new album due out tomorrow, June 26 (Columbia Records).



Flaming Lips Aiming For New Album Release This Fall
(Gibson) Flaming Lips leader Wayne Coyne says the band has nearly finished recording their next studio album, with a release tentatively planned for this fall. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Coyne said he "honestly [thinks] it might be the best Flaming Lips record that we've ever made."

Coyne went on to say many of the songs for the album were composed during the sessions for the group's recent collaborative work, Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends. That album, which saw the band team with such artists as Bon Iver and Coldplay's Chris Martin, received a limited release in April, in conjunction with Record Store Day. A proper release is set for June 26.

"Things happen when you're making lots and lots of music and working with lots of freaky people," Coyne said. "It sends you off in directions that you would not think of. That's the magic of music."
more on this story





Sylosis To Release New Album in September
Sylosis have set a September 7th release date for their new studio album, entitled Monolith, which will be released by Nuclear Blast Records.

"Monolith" was recorded with Romesh Dodangoda in Wales at Monnow Valley Studio. Vocalist and guitar player Josh Middleton commented:

"Some people might not have expected us to come out with a new album so quickly but we already had a few songs written for this album by the summer of 2010. We've spent as much time writing this album as any of the others and I think we're all the most proud we've ever been. Monolith is the best representation of us as a band in terms of our diverse influences and stylistically it's what we've always been aiming for. A mixture of thrash, big doomy riffs and dark atmospherics and ambience. more on this story



B Sides


Singled Out: Argonaut's Touch Electric
Today Nathan Lyons from Argonaut tells us about their brand new single "Touch Electric" which is being released today and will be on their forthcoming album. Here is the story:

The title was inspired by a friend of ours who was continually getting electric shocks – he claims to have been struck by lightning a number of times. I'm not so sure, but all that I know is that he would yelp in pain every now and again and claim to have had a shock off the TV, the stereo, even the fridge. Some people say that you get a static shock off him whenever you touched him but I can't verify that!

It was one of the first songs we ever gelled with. Like most of the songs then, it is a love song. It's the story of two people with an over-whelming, all-consuming love for each other. The adrenalin and nervous energy literally make them sick. The emotions are so strong, every touch feels charged, like an electric shock – 'the touch electric'

The music came instantaneously. Music and lyrics probably took an hour to write and record. The guitar riff is a grunged up T-Rex meets the Kills kind of thing. The chorus has the chukka chukka chukka chukka break a bit like in The Breeder's Cannonball – one of the best songs ever written! There's a touch of Mudhoney in the words too – we were listening to a lot of grunge at the time and these things seep through the subconscious.

The bass line wrote itself but was always going to be the driving force. I also love the noise break/ anti solo – great fun to play live. The synths were added by our producer, and sound amazing – they sneak up on you , sometimes they sound like an alarm or phone going off – but they really drive the chorus. There's some great backing vocals too, that Lorna could hear every time she sang. They work really well in the final version and with Abby singing live.

We are really chuffed to have Touch Electric as our first single from the album. It's something that we all agreed with as a band, and were fully backed by Criminal Records. It's loud, heavy and noisy and I think it captures the spirit of some of our influences."

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



Van Halen's Full Manchester Concert Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Van Halen are currently winding down the first leg of their "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour.

The band wraps things up on Tuesday in New Orleans before taking a summer break, with a November series of Japanese dates appearing to be next on their schedule.

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

Plenty of fans have taken Van Halen up on the offer, including some newly-posted footage of their complete March 13 show in Manchester, NH. Watch it here.



Behind The Scenes With Megadeth
(hennemusic) Megadeth rocked the second day of the Graspop Metal Meeting in Dressel, Belgium on Saturday.

The band played on a bill with Thin Lizzy, Twisted Sister, Limp Bizkit, Trivium, Adrenaline Mob and Powerwolf.

The festival appearance was part of Megadeth's "Thirteen" world tour, in support of their 2011 album of the same name. Bassist David Ellefson is sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the June 23 event. Watch it here.



Sebastian Bach Loses His Microphone
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach has been winding his way across Europe while he tours to promote his latest release, "Kicking & Screaming."

Last Friday, Bach rolled into the Gods Of Metal festival in Milan, Italy to perform on the second day of the three-day event. During his opening number, Skid Row's "Slave To The Grind," Bach lost his microphone while spinning it in the air over his head, ala Roger Daltrey of The Who.

Sebastian had his solo band stop the set, and returned to the stage a few minutes later to restart things once the technical issue was addressed. Watch it here.



Def Leppard Rock Of Ages 2012 Lyric Video
(hennemusic) Def Leppard released newly-rerecorded versions of two of their classic hits from the 1980s: "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Rock Of Ages," and have now released a new a lyric video for the 2012 version of "Rock Of Ages."

As to why the band rerecording the classics: "It was, well, let's just say a sensible business decision on our part," Leppard vocalist Joe Elliott tells MTVHive.

"How can I put this politely? We were having a major disagreement with our ex-record label about the digital rights for our back catalog. We couldn't come to a mutual understanding that seemed fair for both sides. So we finally just decided to re-record all our hits. We started with 'Sugar' and 'Rock of Ages,' and I think we did a pretty good job. It's hard work trying to recreate something you did 30 years ago." Watch the lyric video here.



Steve Vai Special Edition of Classic Rock Coming
(Classic Rock) The next issue of Classic Rock (No.174) will be available as a Steve Vai variant edition, featuring his brand new solo album The Story Of Light.

The issue will feature: * The full new album from Steve Vai: The Story Of Light * A 12-page feature on the making of the album – exclusive and unique to this limited-edition version of Classic Rock

* Exclusive interview with Steve Vai unavailable elsewhere * A collector's edition of Classic Rock with an exclusive variant cover featuring Steve Vai more on this story



Anniversary of The Beatles All You Need Is Love Broadcast
(Gibson) On this day in 1967, 40 million people saw The Beatles perform "All You Need is Love," live via satellite as part of the TV global link up, Our World. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Graham Nash, Keith Moon and Gary Leeds provided backing vocals. Gibson takes a look back:

On June 25, 1967, the BBC put on the world's first global satellite television broadcast. The program was called Our World, and consisted of five different segments from five continents, a tremendous technological undertaking in 1967.

Selected countries were to produce two items that best symbolized the their life and culture. The BBC chose to produce a four-minute report on Scottish town Cumbernauld and also asked The Beatles to come up with a special song that would reflect the times and the occasion and be understandable by all watching nations. As an incentive, The Beatles would receive £2,000 for their performance.

John Lennon, always good for a slogan, as he'd show consistently post-Beatles, came up with a perfect summer of love peace anthem, "All You Need is Love."

The ambitious satellite link-up was devised by the BBC and executed by the pioneering producer Aubrey Singer, who pulled in an incredible lineup of contributing countries and networks: Australia (ABC), Austria (ORF), Canada (CBC), Denmark (DZR), France (ORTF), Italy (RAI), Japan (NHK), Mexico (TS Mexicana), Spain (TVE), Sweden (SRT), Tunisia (RTT), United Kingdom (BBC), United States (NET) and West Germany (ARD). Our World was also shown Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Switzerland, although those countries did not provide content. It would have been more, but just a week before the planned broadcast, the Soviet Union and several Eastern Bloc countries backed out