Today's Day in Rock
This Week's Top Stories
Stone Temple Pilots Explain Legal Battle With Scott Weiland
(Classic Rock) Stone Temple Pilots have explained their reasons for taking legal action against sacked singer Scott Weiland – saying he turned a planned band tour into a solo trip without telling anyone.
Last week it was revealed that Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz had recruited Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington as Weiland's replacement. They later filed a lawsuit against their former colleague.
Now the band explain: "Our purpose in taking this action is not to hurt Scott. We want to move forward productively and Scott's choices and actions have prevented us from doing that.
"We were in the process of putting our 20th anniversary tour together to celebrate the release of our first album, Core. The plan was for a big tour where we'd perform the album in its entirety along with some other STP songs.
"You might imagine our shock and disappointment when, without any notice, we learned that Scott has seized the tour for himself as his solo tour – and decided to do exactly what we as a group had planned. We found out about it the same way you did: we saw an ad for it." - more on this story
As I Lay Dying's Tim Lambesis Released From Jail
(Radio.com) As I Lay Dying singer Tim Lambesis was released from a San Diego County jail on Thurday (May 30) after being arrested for allegedly hiring a hitman to kill his wife.
According to Metal Injection, who phoned the San Diego County Jail, Lambesis was released this afternoon after posting bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.
Lambesis was taken into custody on May 7 for paying an undercover police officer $1000 in cash along with photographs of his wife, Meggan Lambesis, access codes to her home and a list of dates when he would be away with the couple's three adopted children in order to establish an alibi.
After pleading not guilty to one count of solicitation of murder, Lambesis' bail was set at $2 million, a reduction from the $20 million originally requested by Deputy District Attorney Claudia Grasso. Judge David L. Berry stipulated that if Lambesis makes bail, he must wear a GPS device, remain in San Diego and stay away from his wife and children. - more on this story
Slayer Reunite With Paul Bostaph
(Classic Rock) Slayer have reunited with Paul Bostaph and hired him as their full-time drummer, replacing original member Dave Lombardo for the second time.
It's Bostaph's third stint with the thrash giants – he first joined in 1992 after Lombardo left, then departed himself in 1996 to be replaced by Jon Dette. He returned the following year and remained until Lombardo came back in 2002.
Dette had been covering live duties after Lombardo was dropped in February after a disagreement over contracts. Slayer say in a statement: "Tom Araya and Kerry King are very pleased to announce that Paul Bostaph has rejoined the band on a full-time basis. He will be behind the drumkit beginning June 4 when Slayer kicks off the first leg of its 2013 international tour in Poland."
Bostaph – who appeared on Slayer albums Divine Intervention, Undisputed Attitude, Diabolus In Musica and God Hates Us All –comments: "I'm very excited to be rejoining. We spent a very intense ten years of our lives together, had a lot of fun, made a lot of great music. This feels like coming home." - more on this story
Mustaine and Newsted May Have Metallica Jam On Gigantour
(Classic Rock) Former Metallica members Dave Mustaine and Jason Newsted have discussed the possibility of jamming together on early material by the band.
The pair will be on the road together on the US Gigantour extravaganza during July – Mustaine with Megadeth and Newsted with his recently-formed self-titled outfit. They're joined by Black Label Society, Device, Hellyeah and Death Division.
Bassist Newsted tells SkullsnBones.com: "There is a chance that Mustaine and I will bust out some old Metallica that he was a part of. it has been talked about.
"I'm willing to throw down Phantom Lord – actually, whatever he calls out, I'm gonna throw down." - more on this story
Bon Jovi Expand Because We Can Tour
Bon Jovi have announced a new North American leg to their Because We Can Tour which is set to take place this fall and visit arenas in several major markets.
The new leg of dates will be kicking off on October 2nd at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver and will conclude on November 8th in Montreal at the Bell Centre.
The arena dates follow the band's North American stadium tour which is set to kick off on July 12th in Chicago at Soldier Field and includes newly announced stops in Cleveland, Saratoga Springs, NY and Darien Center, NY.
The stadium tour will also have stops in Detroit at Ford Field on July 18th and the band are set to perform for two nights for their home state fans at the MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, NJ on July 25th and 27th. - more on this story
Queens Of The Stone Age Plan Surprise Show?
(Classic Rock) Queens Of The Stone Age, who are currently streaming new album …Like Clockwork ahead of its release next week, have hinted they'll be making a surprise live appearance in London.
They say: "QOTSA are psyched to announce an appearance at this years @iTunes UK festival. All tickets are free.
"Just can't wait till September? Well… Keep your pretty eyes peeled London, cause you never know where we might turn up." More rock news - here.
Soundgarden Star Almost Joined Nirvana
(hennemusic) In a new interview, Soundgarden bassist Ben Shepherd reveals that he almost joined his fellow Seattle band Nirvana as their lead guitar player.
"Well, I was supposed to play lead guitar for them. But they stayed a three piece," Shepherd tells Denver Westword's Backbeat. "I knew them before they were a band, too. Chad [Channing] never told Kurt [Cobain] that I played guitar, even though the first time Kurt and I met, we were at a party in Olympia, and we were the two loners on the end of the couch, and there was a guitar there.
"I would always find a guitar at a party because I didn't like parties much. So I would find the guitar and space off by myself, you know? Kurt was the same way, so we wound up sharing a guitar that night, an acoustic that was there."
"Then our paths went different ways. Chad, my old friend, we were in a band together, and I was the singer for a band," he said.
Shepherd continued to connect with future Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, sharing the same stages and shows; along the way, he provided the link to the band securing drummer Channing, two years before they brought in Dave Grohl. - more on this story
Aerosmith Reveal New DVD Details
(hennemusic) Aerosmith have revealed more details about their upcoming DVD release, "Rock For The Rising Sun," including the cover art, release date and tracklisting.
Due July 22, the project shares the story of the band's tour of Japan following the devastating March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit the region.
In the autumn of 2011, despite advice to the contrary, Aerosmith brought their "Back On The Road" tour to Japan, a country with which they'd always had a special relationship.
Directed by Casey Patrick Tebo, "Rock For The Rising Sun" combines live performance material with behind-the-scenes footage that shows the nation coping with the destruction. - Check out the cover art and tracklisting here.
Slash Narrated Jimi Hendrix Documentary Set For Reissue
(Classic Rock) The Jimi Hendrix documentary, Jimi Hendrix: Guitar Hero, which was narrated by Slash, is getting the reissue treatment and the updated version will be released on DVD on June 10th.
Jimi Hendrix: Guitar Hero features interviews with Eric Clatpon, Bad Company's Paul Rodgers, Cream's Ginger Baker, Stephen Stills and many more.
The new version included unseen archive footage, a clip of the Experience playing live in London, a 20-page booklet and a bonus disc of extended interviews. - More rock news.
Sammy Hagar To Be Hometown Grand Marshal
(hennemusic) Sammy Hagar has been named the Honorary Grand Marshal of the Fontana Days Parade, set for this Saturday (June 1) in his hometown of Fontana, California.
The event, part of the Fontana Days Festival Centennial Celebration, runs May 30 through June 2. "It's an honor," said Hagar. "Something about your hometown never leaves you."
"His [Sammy's] unequaled ability to entertain and thrill audiences as well as his unstoppable entrepreneurial spark, are rivaled only by his devotion to philanthropy and giving as he hosts several charity events each year benefitting local organizations all around the country," said Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren. "His work ethic, determination and innovative spirit speak highly of his character and his deep Fontana roots." - more on this story
Ministry To Release Final Live DVD
(Classic Rock) Ministry will released their last-ever live DVD on August 1. Enjoy The Quiet was shot at Wacken last year, before the Al Jourgensen decided to split the industrial metal outfit for good following the death of guitarist Mike Scaccia last December.
"Mikey was in his version of heaven at Wacken," says Jourgensen. "His guitar playing was the heart and soul of Ministry and he loved that band more than everyone – even me.
"He's the one who convinced me to continue when I swore I was done with it." Ministry's final album, From Beer To Eternity, will appear in September. - More rock news.
Metallica Announce Festival Appearance
Metallica have announced that they will be making their return to the Roskilde Festival, which appears to be the band's only European show this summer.
the Roskilde Festival will be taking place from June 29th until July 7th in Roskilde, Denmark with Metallica headlining during the July 4-7 weekend.
The band had this to say about their return to the famed festival, "It's been ten long years since we've been to this classic festival and we can't wait to return."
Organizers issued this statement, "The giants will take a short break from the studio recording their 12th album to visit Roskilde for the first time in ten years. It was not in the cards that the undisputed kings of metal were going to Europe at all this summer. But late in the game, we managed to secure a single show with the band that visited Roskilde ten years ago, teaching us a lesson in thrash metal that made traffic around the festival come to a standstill."
The festival's Director of Music & Creation, Rikke Øxner adds: "We listen to our audience, and this year they have been shouting for a large name to complete our high-quality, forward-thinking, broad music programme. Very few names of this kind are on tour, so we have had to think outside the box and are obviously thrilled to welcome back Lars Ulrich and his crew much earlier than expected."
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Johnny Cash Forever Stamp To Be Released At Free Event
(Gibson) The United States Postal Service, John Carter Cash and other members of the Cash family will the release of a limited-edition Johnny Cash Forever stamp on June 5, 2013 at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Doors open for stamp sales at 9 a.m. and the event is free and open to the public.
Artists set to appear, perform or speak at the first-day-of-issuance ceremony include John Carter Cash, Carlene Carter, Larry Gatlin, Jamey Johnson, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Roys, Marty Stuart and Randy Travis among others. 650AM WSM personality Bill Cody will serve as emcee of the event.
"It is an amazing blessing that my father Johnny Cash be honored with the issue of this stamp. Dad was a hard-working man, a man of dignity. As much as anything else, he was a proud American, always supporting his family, fans and country. I can think of no better way to pay due respect to his legacy than through the release of this stamp," said John Carter Cash.
"My family is thrilled that my father will grace a United States 'Forever' stamp, a great honor for any American, and an honor that would have particularly delighted him. It is a joy to know that generations will use this stamp, and my father will forever be where he loved to be: traveling the world," added Rosanne Cash. - more on this story
Billy Idol Working On Autobiography
(hennemusic) Billy Idol is working on his autobiography with plans to publish it next year and Idol also tells Billboard that he is currently working on new music, with plans to record an album in the fall.
"I'm three-quarters of the way through it; we're actually editing at the moment," Idol tells Billboard while promoting his current North American tour. "It's sort of my recollections, which is almost a massive joke 'cause I don't remember anything!
"The bits I do remember...I've tried to give an overview of my career or my love of music or whatever, my personal way through life, maybe some thoughts about what I've done right or wrong in my life. In general it's a bit of a walk through my career, just said in my own words, really."
"All I tried to do was write about things as I saw them, and I didn't try to think about was it sensational, was it this or was it that," he added. "I tried to honestly write about how I felt about things as they happened." - more on this story
Megadeth Announce Signing Sessions
(hennemusic) Megadeth, who launch a UK tour on Monday (June 3) in support of their about-to-be released album, "Super Collider," have announced a series of signing sessions in the country.
The band will sign copies of its new album at HMV stores across the UK that will include stores in Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester and London.
350 wristbands for access to each singing will be available from each store on the day of the event from 9 a.m. on a first-come-first-served basis, one per customer only, no reservations, while stocks last, subject to availability.
Fans should note that Megadeth will only be signing copies of the new album, "Super Collider" and no other product or merchandise. - more on this story
Black Star Riders May Take Different Approach To Next Album
(Classic Rock) Black Star Riders guitarist Scott Gorham admits recording debut album All Hell Breaks Loose was a challenge because producer Kevin Shirley had them lay down twelve tracks in twelve days. And he's recalled how he learned the art of songwriting from Thin Lizzy bandmate Phil Lynott.
BSR played their first-ever show last night in Milton Keynes just days after All Hell Breaks Loose went on sale. The band, fronted by Ricky Warwick, will head out on a UK tour later this year.
Gorham tells Songfacts: "It's totally different recording a BSR album to any Thin Lizzy album that I've ever done. One of the main differences was in the time that we didn't take to do it – this was literally twelve songs in twelve days.
"That's because that's how Kevin Shirley likes to work. He doesn't like to sit there and put the microscope on this note or that note, or this passage, or this guitar tone. It was kind of a pressurised situation. It was really a fun thing to do it that way."
He adds: "I'm not sure that any of us are going to do it that way again – but he did catch a lot of what we were all about on stage, especially for the last year and a half. He got some good stuff." - more on this story
Gaslight Anthem Talk Short Film and New Music Plans
(Radio.com) Gaslight Anthem were having a moment for most of 2012. The Jersey rockers' fourth studio album, Handwritten, was easily their highest-charting album to date, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 upon its release in July.
The Top 5 charting, however, wasn't the band's only first of 2012. Gaslight drummer Benny Horowitz made his directorial debut with the band's video for "Handwritten" (alongside New York-based director Kevin Slack), and midway through the process decided there was much more to the story than the four-minute clip would allow. Instead leave the video as is, he decided to create a short film around it, which follows the lifespan of one piece of vinyl.
Every Word Handwritten, a 15-minute film conceptualized by Horowitz and Slack, marked Horowitz's full-blown foray into cinematography. The self-professed cinephile enlisted the help of fellow bandmate, guitarist Alex Rosamilia, and friend Wes Kleinknecht to compose the score for the film. Radio.com chatted with Rosamilia about the process of writing the music for Every Word Handwritten and how it differs from recording with Gaslight Anthem, as well as when we can expect a follow-up to 2012′s Handwritten.
How is writing music for a film different than making music with Gaslight Anthem? "The biggest difference is there is nobody else in the band there. Wes [Kleinknecht] is the guy I wrote the score with. I have written with him before but not this type of music. Instead of having a structure and building off of that, you're starting from the ground up and watching the film at the same time seeing how to bring the music from here to here. [You're] basing your song structure on what's happening in the movie and not the verse/chorus."
Any plans to release a new single soon? "No. We're going to start writing more heavily in the month coming up. We haven't really been home much. After the Asbury [Park, New Jersey] shows around Memorial Day weekend, we'll be home more. We'll probably end up writing then, but there's nothing down the Gaslight pipe for a bit." - A lot more here.
Steven Tyler To Guest On Craig Ferguson
(hennemusic) Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is set to make a return visit as a guest on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson. Tyler is scheduled to appear this Monday, June 3 on the late night series.
Aerosmith are off the road for the month of June, but Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry will be inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall Of Fame on the Bowl's opening night of the 2013 season on Saturday, June 22.
Following their induction, Tyler and Perry will perform with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by Thomas Wilkins. The Hollywood Bowl Hall Of Fame recognizes artists whose achievements embody the spirit of the Bowl. - more on this story
Video From John Fogerty's Album Release Show Goes Online
(hennemusic) John Fogerty launched his new album, "Wrote A Song For Everyone," with a show at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The event – held on Fogerty's 68th birthday – was broadcast live on AXS TV, but fan-filmed footage has also surfaced.
"Wrote A Song For Everyone" is an all-star duets project that features Fogerty pairing with artists like Foo Fighters, Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, and others to perform tunes from his legendary songbook, including solo tracks and Creedence Clearwater Revival cuts.
In sync with the Tuesday's concert, Fogerty also announced a fall US tour where he will be playing full CCR albums in their entirety. Depending on the date, John will perform either 1969's "Bayou Country" or 1970's "Cosmo's Factory." - Watch the video here.
Video of Black Sabbath's Full Adelaide Concert Posted Online
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath's Australian tour stopped in Adelaide for a May 7 date at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, and video of the full show has surfaced.
The band's 15-song set included "God Is Dead?", the lead track from the group's forthcoming album, "13." Due June 11, "13" was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Rick Rubin.
Sabbath will return to the road to launch a US tour in Houston on July 25. For now you can check out the HD video of the band's full Australian concert - here.
Black Spiders Streaming Their New Song Teenage Knife Gang
(Classic Rock) Black Spiders have released a new track, Teenage Knife Gang. It's to be bundled free with upcoming album This Savage Land, which is currently available for pre-order via the band's PledgeMusic campaign.
The project is fully funded with 95 days remaining until release, and packages range from £13 for a signed CD to £250,000 for a "hangover weekend experience" with the band in Las Vegas.
Black Spiders say of the record: "It's set to be a pulse-pounding, action-packed journey with a complex plot; so hold on to your capes, tie your belts tight and listen as these five unsung masters of the sword go in search of ancient tombs, gleaming treasure and thrilling landscapes – matching wits and daring with deadly sorcerers, scheming priests and evil cults."
They're planning a listening party and Q&A session on June 12, and they'll tour the UK in October. - Check out the song and grab the dates here.
The Guitar World of Richie Sambora
(Gibson) Richie Sambora is responsible for writing some of the best-known rock songs of the past thirty years, together with Jon Bon Jovi. Sambora's fast bluesy solos and infectious riffing is half the fun at a Bon Jovi show. Richie, who is attending to a private matter, won't be on stage with Jon and the boys when Bon Jovi tour Europe this month. Here we present some interesting thoughts from Sambora on guitar playing, song writing, and music in general.
In an interview with Guitar.com in 2000, around the time Bon Jovi released their album Crush, Richie talked about his first guitar: "A $10 guitar that was returned to E.J. Corvettes, which used to be a big department store in New Jersey. My dad used to work there part-time in the music department and he brought it home for me one day."
Sambora talked about how he learned to play guitar in an interview with M Music & Musicians Magazine: "I approached it a bit backward. I would put on something like the Live Johnny Winter And album—which has lots of fast lead solos—and try to move my fingers as fast as I thought he was playing. I didn't know which notes I was playing; I was just trying to get the same type of phrasing. I did that for a long time with lots of different albums. That created a kind of muscle memory in my hands. By the time I tried to actually put notes to what I was doing, I was already pretty good."
Even though Sambora is self-taught according to the previous quote, he revealed in the same interview that he has recently started taking guitar lessons: "I walked into Norman's Rare Guitars in L.A., and there was a guy playing acoustic guitar. He sounded like two players at once. I asked how he was doing that, and he started showing me all these alternative tunings. He turned out to be [former Wings guitarist] Laurence Juber. I said, 'Would you teach me how to do that?' It was fingerstyle playing that had passed me by when I was learning to play. So I took my first guitar lesson at the age of 53. I'm still taking lessons from him. It's been a gas." - A lot more.
Geoff Tate Denies Insulting His Former Queensryche Bandmates
(Classic Rock) Geoff Tate says Queensryche were never a close group of friends, but he's denied the title and artwork for his album is a dig at his former colleagues.
He released his record Frequency Unknown in April, while the other Queensryche, fronted by Todd La Torre, launch their self-titled work in June. A court hearing in November will decide which of the two outfits get to keep the name.
The artwork on Frequency Unknown features a fist bearing the initials "FU," which La Torre recently slammed as a "cheap shot" – but Tate says that's not the case.
He tells Jam: "It's an abbreviation of the album title. It's a metal thing. I've seen tens of thousands of fists punching the air at Queensryche shows. There is nothing out of the ordinary about it. I get criticised because I'm not metal enough – now I do an obvious metal album cover and I get criticised for that!"
Soon after the acrimonious split last year, Tate said he'd always imagined the band still together as a group of old men, sharing stories about a long and successful career. Since then his attitude has - changed.
Bon Jovi Playing Concert For Free
(Classic Rock) Bon Jovi have waived their fee for an upcoming concert in Spain to help fans in the financial crisis-torn country be able to afford tickets for the show.
Spain was one of the worst-hit nations in Europe in the aftermath of the 2008 financial meltdown. It's still suffering high inflation, high unemployment and low growth, with latest estimates suggesting the country hasn't yet emerged from recession.
The idea of the band working for nothing came from frontman Jon Bon Jovi himself. "When we were planning the tour we did a study and found that, due to the economic situation, Spain was not on the road map," He tells El Mundo. "But we didn't want to stop playing to the fans of a country that's treated me so well for 30 years."
As a result of the gesture, tickets for the show in Madrid on June 27 were sold for as little as £15, with the income covering the costs of staging, crew and venue staff. - more on this story
Taj Mahal Jams With The Rolling Stones
(hennemusic) Taj Mahal was the featured guest Tuesday night in Chicago as the Rolling Stones played the 9th stop on their "50 & Counting" arena tour and video of the jam has been posted online.
The blues legend joined the band for "Six Days On The Road," a cover song from his 1969 album, "Giant Step." Tuesday's show was the first of three in the Windy City for the Stones this week; they'll play the United Center again on Thursday and Friday.
The group are also at the halfway point of their 18-date North American swing, which wraps up June 24 in Washington, DC. Check out video from Tuesday night's jam - here.
Elvis Costello Teams With The Roots For Collaborative Album
(Radio.com) The Roots and Elvis Costello are teaming up in the studio to release a collaborative album, Wise Up Ghost, due out September 17 on Blue Note Records.
Roots drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson first announced the album in an interview with Billboard in January, where he described the collaboration as "love at first sight." He explained that the artists bonded during Costello's three Late Night With Jimmy Fallon appearances, where the Roots serve as house band.
"The second time he came on, we surpassed the first one," added Questlove. "So by the third time, he was like, 'Let's stop messing around and do something together.'"
The collaborators have been keeping the album under wraps over the past few months, even holding some recording sessions during the night.
"We had 13 or 14 songs, but then we said, 'Ooh! Wait a minute! Let's replace four of these songs with four better songs!" Questlove said in the interview. "And now we have the tightest 12-14 song collection out of about 20 songs that we made." - more on this story
Ringo Starr Releasing Never-Before-Seen Beatles Photos
Ringo Starr has set a June 12 2013 release date for his new ebook, Photograph, which will feature a collection of never-before-seen material, including photos taken by Ringo as well as exclusive images from his own personal archives.
The ebook will be released exclusively on the iBookstore in conjunction with the Grammy Museum Exhibit, "Ringo: Peace & Love", where select images from the book will be displayed. Starr explains, "These are shots that no one else could have."
Starr will be following up the eBook release with a limited-edition hand-bound book, signed by Ringo Starr, will follow in December 2013. Ringso says, "I've got a lot of pictures in the ebook, a lot more in the real book and some in the exhibition in the Grammy Museum."
We were sent the following additional information about "Photograph": Ringo shares forgotten photographs of his childhood home, family holidays and all-night parties on his road to stardom. He candidly captures his Beatles bandmates in pensive and playful moments: washing, eating, recording, smoking, drinking and playing monopoly.
Pictures of 'the boys' are joined by Ringo's travel photography, taking you inside the car with The Beatles as they toured the world. His photographs and stories portray four lads from Liverpool, trying to live normal lives amidst the frenzy that surrounded them.
The digital book lifts the Genesis design off the page into an interactive format. Readers can pick up and zoom in on photographs as they scroll through Ringo's memoir, while audio clips narrated by Ringo tell the previously unheard stories of the photos.
Ringo tells tales of growing up in Liverpool and his time in hospital, where he played a drum for the first time. He remembers his first car, drum-kit, girls and bands, amidst the excitement of the emerging Merseybeat scene. Ringo has also filmed exclusive videos for this ebook, featuring interviews, music and animation. -
P.O.D. and Flyleaf Teaming Up For Summer Tour
P.O.D. and Flyleaf will be teaming up this summer to launch a coheadlining tour of North America after P.O.D. conclude their European tour next month.
The North American trek is set to kick off on July 13th in Kenosha, WI at the Brat Shop and will conclude on August 10th in San Diego, CA. at the House of Blues.
P.O.D. will be touring in support of their latest album, "Murdered Love," and will be launching their European tour on June 12th in Moscow, Russia. That trek includes a handful of coheadlining dates with Hellyeah. - more on this story
Stereophonics Plan American Tour and Album Release
Stereophonics have set an August 20th release date for their latest album, "Graffiti on the Train," in the U.S. and have announced North American tour dates in support of the release.
The album proved an instant success when it was released in the UK earlier this spring. The album was released in the UK in March and entered the charts at number 3 and has remained in the Top 20 since its release.
The music on "Graffiti on the Train" was written by lead singer and guitarist Kelly Jones and Jones teamed up with Jim Lowe to produce the new album.
Stereophonics will be hitting the road in support of the album. They will be launching a North American tour in late September which will last until mid-October.
The tour kicks off on September 19th in Philadelphia at Union Transfer and is set to conclude on October 13th in Mexico City at the Corona Festival. - more on this story
Status Quo Releasing Double Album This Summer
Status Quo have set a July 9, 2013, release date for their new double album, which will be entitled Bula Quo! which was inspired by their very first feature film of the same name.
The first disc features nine brand new tracks, written as the soundtrack for the movie and the second disc will feature exclusive reworked studio songs or live versions of 10 classic Quo hits that also featured in the film (including an amazing Fijian-style rendition of "Living On An Island").
"Making the film in Fiji was a fantastic experience and we couldn't help but be inspired by our surroundings," states vocalist/lead guitarist Francis Rossi. "We had no plans to write and release a new studio album as well as filming our parts for the movie, it just happened."
Rick Parfitt adds, "We hope that Quo fans will enjoy the film, which is certainly something new for the band, but we know they are going to love the music." - more on this story
Relient K Announce New Album and Tour Plans
Relient K fans that have waited four years for a new album, won't have to wait much longer as the band has announced a new album release and summer tour plans.
The band has announced a July 2nd release date for their new studio album, Collapsible Lung, which will be release by the Mono Vs. Stereo record label.
"This time around, we wanted to have a collection of songs that surprised even us," states frontman Matt Thiessen. "To do that, we teamed up with several other writers in LA, Nashville, and New York City. This ensured that the new LP would be unpredictable.
"Each song includes a different combination of authors, yet there is an underlying thread that ties the tunes together thematically. We took an experimental approach creating the album, and we couldn't be more pleased with the result."
The band plans to hit the road this summer to support the album's release. They have lined-up tour dates with The Almost and The Rocketboys and will be appearing at select stops on this summer's Warped Tour. - more on this story
Robert Randolph Resurrecting The H.O.R.D.E. Tour
(Radio.com) Jam band festivals are a dime(bag) a dozen these days. Depending on where you live, you can check out the best improvisational rock and roots artists at the Wakarusa Festival in Ozark, Arkansas, the Mountain Jam in upstate New York, the Allman Brothers Band's Peach Festival in Scranton, Pennsylvania and, of course, Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee. But Robert Randolph tells Radio.com that he's bringing back the biggest jam band tour of the '90s, the H.O.R.D.E.
"We're in the process of re-branding the H.O.R.D.E. tour," Randolph said. "We'll be bringing that out with a group of bands and artists that the fans will really enjoy. We've got Trombone Shorty and John Fogerty and Gary Clark Jr., we're gonna invite Blues Traveler out since it was their original idea back in the early '90s."
Randolph discussed the tour when asked about his tour plans for his upcoming album, Lickety Split, due out July 16. He says that the H.O.R.D.E tour will have a soft launch this fall with 6-7 dates with the artists he named, and the tour will have a larger slate of dates in the spring or summer of 2014.
The name standing for "Horizons Of Rock Developing Everywhere," the H.O.R.D.E. Tour started in 1992, as a more jam-based, less testosterone-y version of Lollapalooza. The initial trek featured Blues Traveler (frontman John Popper and manager Dave Frey were said to have come up with the idea), the Spin Doctors, Phish, the Aquarium Rescue Unit and Widespread Panic. - more on this story
Black Star Riders Shooting Video for Hey Judas
(hennemusic) Black Star Riders are shooting a video this week for "Hey Judas," the next single from the band's just-released debut album, "All Hell Breaks Loose."
The clip is being directed by Mark Hylands and filmed at The Marshall Theatre at Milton Keynes, UK, the same location where the band will launch the new project with a sold-out live show this Thursday.
For the Black Star Riders' debut performance, the set is expected to be a mix of music from the new album along with some classic Thin Lizzy tracks.
Following Thursday's show, the band will head to Germany for the High Rock Festival on June 2 and then off to Sweden for the Sweden Rock Festival on June 8. - more on this story
Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi Donates Guitar Strings To Charity
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has donated his used guitar strings to "Wear Your Music", an organization that turns used guitar strings into jewelry.
All profits made from the sale of Iommi's guitar strings will go to charity. Rock Recycled Bracelets are hand-wrapped with sterling silver to create a one-of-a-kind bangle style bracelet. Each bracelet uses a different number and color of strings, depending on what is available at the time of purchase.
Tony and Black Sabbath recently wrapped up the initial dates of their 2013 world tour in support of their forthcoming album, "13," which will be released June 11. - See a photo of the bracelet here.
Skin Cancel 20th Anniversary Tour After Neville MacDonald Quits
(Classic Rock) Skin frontman Neville MacDonald has left the band with immediate effect, forcing them to call off their 20th anniversary tour and Download festival appearance.
He says in a brief statement: "For deep, personal reasons, I have quit the band. Those closest to me fully understand my reasons and have been unswerving in their support; something I am truly grateful for.
"To you, our fans, I extend my sincere apologies and, of course, my gratitude. Your support over the last few years has been nothing short of overwhelming and I thank you so much for that. I love you all – keep on rockin'." - more on this story
Ian Rubbish Giving Away Song That Premiered on SNL
(PKPR) Ian Rubbish, the punk rock alter-ego of comedian Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live, Portlandia), is giving away a free download of the song "It's A Lovely Day," which was premiered on SNL.
Armisen hit the recording studio with producer Travis Harrison (Robert Pollard, OK GO, The Homosexuals) at Serious Business Music in New York City on May 26th to record "It's A Lovely Day."
"It's A Lovely Day" premiered on the season finale of Saturday Night Live with Ian Rubbish on lead guitar and vocals, Bill Hader on bass, Jason Sudeikis on drums, and Taran Killam on guitar, along with Armisen's Portlandia co-star Carrie Brownstein, Aimee Mann, Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon, Dinosaur Jr.'s J. Mascis, and the Sex Pistols' Steve Jones.
And now, just two days recorded, Ian Rubbish is releasing the studio version of "It's A Lovely Day" as a free download - here.
Rolling Stones Exhibit Opens At Rock Hall
(Gibson) A newly-opened exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum is offering a plethora of riches for Rolling Stones fans. The museum is devoting nearly three floors to Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction, a comprehensive retrospective filled with artifacts, film, text and interactive media.
Among the treasures on display are Mick Jagger's green leather jacket from the 1989 Steel Wheels tour, the Appalachian dulcimer Brian Jones played on "Lady Jane," and the bomber jacket worn by Keith Richards on the cover of the 1966 album Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass).
In addition, for the first time, the museum has launched a fan-generated interactive project in which participants from around the world can share photos of Stones-related memorabilia, artwork, concerts and other items.
"You have to show people the scope of their career, and there's nothing comparable in the history of recorded music," says Howard Kramer, curatorial director for the museum. "They're much more than the bad boys of rock. Keith has said, 'I still look at this as a Chicago blues band.' But the richness of the story is in the quality, sustainability and impact they've had." - more on this story
Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard Streaming New Song Online
(Classic Rock) Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard has released the song "I Don't Want To Go To Bed" which comes from his upcoming solo album Moonlander.
He says of the track: "It came from a darker place than the other songs on the record. In terms of the lyric, it's a straight metaphor for leave me alone, lock the door, and don't tell me what to do."
Moonlander is released on June 25, while Pearl Jam are currently at work on their next album. Mike McCready recently reported that they were close to completing the project. - Check out the new song here.
John Fogerty Releases Mystic Highway Video
(hennemusic) John Fogerty has released the music video for the song "Mystic Highway," which is the first single from his new album, "Wrote A Song For Everyone."
The record features Fogerty pairing with artists like Foo Fighters, Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, My Morning Jacket and others to perform tunes from his legendary songbook, including solo tracks and Creedence Clearwater Revival cuts.
The video for "Mystic Highway," directed by Bill Fishman, features one of two new original songs on the project, along with "Train of Fools." Watch the new video - here.
Video From Guns N' Roses San Antonio Concert Goes Online
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses played the River City Rockfest in San Antonio, Texas this past Sunday and video of the performance of several songs has surfaced from the event.
The band's gig at the AT&T Center was the second concert of a brief, 8-date series of shows in the US, which began at Rocklahoma on May 24.
Gun N' Roses will wrap up the dates with a headlining set at the Governor's Ball; the June 7-9 event at Randall's Island will also see performances by Kanye West, Kings Of Leon, Gary Clark Jr, and many more. - Check out the video here.
Mastodon's Bill Kelliher Thrilled With His Golden Axe
(Gibson) Mastodon's Bill Kelliher recently praised the attributes of Gibson's newly launched Kelliher Signature "Golden Axe" Explorer in a new YouTube video.
"I've always been a fan of Explorers," he says. "This [one] is like the 'blingy' axe …. Just the way it looks to me, first off, makes me excited. And it sounds great. The pickups in it are amazing — the Nitro Hemi's. They're really hot pickups, real precise." Watch the video here.
So, how did Kelliher come up with name "Golden Axe"? "'Golden Axe' is an old video game by Sega that I used to play at the arcades," he explains.
"Going to the Gibson factory, going there in person, on tour ... was [great]. Being a Gibson guitar player since I was 15 years old … to go in and actually have people making my Signature model was pretty darn cool. It's up there in the Top 10 [events] in the history of my life." - more on this story
Van Halen's David Lee Roth Continues Wrestling on The Roth Show
(hennemusic) David Lee Roth talks about his personal history with, and connection to, professional wrestling in part 2 of a mini-series feature on The Roth Show.
This latest episode is the 16th edition in the online show's series, which provides the singer with a creative outlet while Van Halen are off the road.
Roth has announced that, due to his summer touring schedule with the band, The Roth Show is taking a bit of a break and will return with Season 2 at the end of the summer.
The group recently headlined The Stone Music Festival in Australia, and are scheduled to play four concerts in Japan in June. You can watch the latest episode of The Roth Show - here.
Pre-Guns N' Roses Axl Rose Demo Posted Online
(hennemusic) An audio sample of Axl Rose's pre-Guns N' Roses band Rapidfire has surfaced online. Portions of the track "Ready To Rumble" are being shared by Rapidfire guitarist Kevin Lawrence, who along with Roses, bassist Mike Hammernick and drummer Chuck Gordon made up the group.
Axl joined Rapidfire shortly after his arrival in Los Angeles; the band recorded a 5-song demo on May 25, 1983, which included "Ready To Rumble."
When Rapidfire disbanded, Rose joined the first lineup of L.A. Guns before forming Hollywood Rose with Izzy Stradlin. Axl would later form Guns N' Roses with Tracii Guns and two other members of L.A. Guns. - Check it out here.
Nine Inch Nails Secretly Worked On New Album That's Due This Year
(Radio.com) Nine Inch Nails has inked a new deal with Columbia Records, and are finishing up work on a new album that will be released before the end of this year.
"I've been less than honest about what I've really been up to lately," the band's frontman and mastermind Trent Reznor said on the official NIN Tumblr page. "For the last year I've been secretly working non-stop with Atticus Ross and Alan Moulder on a new, full-length Nine Inch Nails record, which I am happy to say is finished and frankly f****** great.
"This is the real impetus and motivation behind the decision to assemble a new band and tour again. My forays into film, HTDA (How to Destroy Angels) and other projects really stimulated me creatively and I decided to focus that energy on taking Nine Inch Nails to a new place. Here we go!"
The latest incarnation of Nine Inch Nails features musicians Adrian Belew, Alessandro Cortini, Josh Eustis and Robin Finck, who recently replaced a departed Eric Avery (formerly of Jane's Addiction), who left to work on other projects.
The new line-up is set to make an impression on this year's festival seasons, with appearances lined up at Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, Made in America and more. - more on this story
Van Halen Engineer Threatened To Burn 5150 Tapes
(Classic Rock) Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones has recalled his "crazy sh*t" experience of producing Van Halen's first album with Sammy Hagar. He had to contend with an engineer who didn't want him there – and even threatened to burn the master tapes at one point.
He was hired to work on 5150 after Van Halen split with David Lee Roth – but before they started in late 1985, old friend Hagar gave him a word of warning.
Jones tells Ultimate Classic Rock: "Sammy picked me up at the hotel. We were driving to Eddie's studio and we were talking about the old days. Finally he said, 'I've got to tell you, Mick, all of that was wild and crazy – but we're just about to walk into another dimension of that. I wasn't going to tell you, but you'd better get ready for some crazy sh*t now.'"
He ran into issues with engineer Donn Landee, who'd worked on all six of Van Halen's previous albums with producer Ted Templeman. "Here was I, walking in from a completely different place," Jones says. "I got a feeling at the beginning from Donn – he wasn't particularly thrilled to see me, I don't think.
"We went through some crazy times. The engineer locked himself in the studio for a day and threatened to burn the tapes. It was a real standoff, you know? It was touch and go whether the tapes were going to survive." - more.
Alice in Chains Star Addresses Fan Criticism
(Banana 101.5) Alice in Chains drummer Sean Kinney sat down with Banana 101.5 for an exclusive interview at Rock on the Range and discussed at length his thoughts on the fans that want nothing to do with the current lineup of the band.
Our Rock on the Range 2013 interview with Sean Kinney of Alice in Chains got off to a rocky start, with the first few questions not really heading in the direction we expected. After that, we asked Sean how he would address the fans of Alice in Chains that bash them online for continuing after the tragic passing of Layne Staley. What followed was an emotional and thoughtful conversation about the band's past and present that Sean admitted he had never spoken about at such lengths.
"I always have the chance to address those people, I mean, it's personal choice. They don't have to like it. We're not designed for everybody. We never [begged] anybody to follow this or dig it. We do it because we like it. I get the passion that they have about our friends that are no longer here and that they've made a connection through music to that and I respect that, you know? I think it's great that they care so much. But it can be off putting, you know? We don't really look at that stuff. There's always this [white noise] about things for the most part it seems like a minority mind set.
"The fact is, like everybody here, they're going to run up to the fact that people you love and care about and yourself won't be here and what do you do then? This was never a solo project this is always a band. This is real to us. Those are really our friends, those are all my best friends. Nobody knows better of what do and how to handle this than us and were not doing it for the 'money' … [the music industry] is dead. There's not a lot of money, especially in rock and roll. So, I mean, we don't need the money. We do this for the same reason we always did and more than half the reason I ever did this at all was bringing that that we did together — that was so important to us and that had a life of its own — to be able to bring them with us and the music and that's important.
"If people wanna close their minds to those things, these things will happen to them. It's just not on a public forum where people have to deal with it. When your mom dies not everybody starts telling you, 'you gotta change your name' and 'how dare you go on living' and 'you can't be you and do things, you need to change your job and everything you spent your life doing… your career.' It's just not well thought out, but it's based behind passion and caring.
"I have those same hopes too, you know? Trust me, nobody wished… nobody wanted it to be like this. It truly only affects — every single day — our friends, families and us in a real way. So we live with that and try to move on and how do we honor the past and honor who we are now — and it's our past — and do that as men and that's what we do.
"I'm talking more than I know I have about this, I guess. When those guys were alive right? Mike [Starr] is on a TV show and everybody is talking sh*t about him for the most part, right? And when Layne was alive and we were doing this, we were very open about the lifestyles we lived and those lifestyles will end your life… and they have. Jerry [Cantrell] and I are just fortunate that it didn't end ours either. It's not like it was one guy doing things. We all lived a pretty toxic lives and that's not rare to music. We're not an exception to the rule, but the horrible facts are [that] these are the outcomes of those things.
"Some of these people, back then, spent all their time chastising these people and trying to vilify us for what we were doing then and then when they're no longer here, which I find is really nice, they come to accept that and hold them in a different regard. So I think that's great, but it can be a little misguided sometimes.
"In my fantasy, world maybe if those guys would've known that people cared like they apparently do now while they were alive would they have heard that. Would they have known. But these are the facts. This is reality. This is the reality we live with… it's real to me, you know? Every day… there's not a day we don't think about that stuff and it'll go on for the rest of our lives. This is why I do it. I'm not out here to play rock star and everything. We do this because were great friends and we spent our lives doing this and we still enjoy the music." - Stream the full interview and read more here.
Queens of the Stone Age Streaming New Album Online
(Radio.com) While Queens of the Stone Age's new album, ...Like Clockwork, is set for release on June 4, the album is currently being streamed on iTunes for the next week leading up to the big day.
Boasting dark and wildly diverse tracks like "I Appear Missing" and "Kalopsia," the new album is shaping up to be one of the most essential rock releases of the year. Listen here and decide for yourself.
Queens of the Stone Age recently played most of the new album mixed in with a wide cross-section of older material during a special L.A. theater show, with such celebrities as Morrissey, Jack White and Kat Von D spotted among the crowd.
The album recently received a boost from celeb chef Anthony Bourdain, who penned the band's official bio that accompanies the release, stating in part:
"Whatever happened — out there, in whatever desert arroyo, former meth lab, decommissioned missile silo, nuclear test site, underground laboratory, convergence of brain waves and gamma rays, QOTSA emerges with not only their best work to date, but one of the most ambitious, fully realized rock albums in recent memory." - more on this story
Don't Expect Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty Jam
(Radio.com) Thanks to the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty, fans are getting more bang for their buck this summer tour season. Or should we say, thanks to their agents.
Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac told Radio.com that the joint tour between the two bands was set up by the higher-ups. "I think the agents looked at it and said, 'Why haven't we done this yet? This makes sense, we should do this!'" he said with a laugh.
Even though both bands have been around since the '90s, Johnny Reznick said the two have rarely crossed paths, but he was more than happy to team up with Rob Thomas and the guys for a summer tour.
"By the end of the '90s was probably when the both of our bands were at their most popular," he explained. "You know, we're both putting albums out and we're still on the radio… It's so rare to see any band that's put out ten studio albums [and] has been blessed for 16 years to truly have a real career and make a living with this."
As for whether the Goo Goo Dolls, whose new album Magnetic comes out June 11, will be jamming with Matchbox Twenty, fans shouldn't hold their collective breath. - Find out why.
Scott Weiland 'Surprised' And 'Hurt' By Stone Temple Pilots' Lawsuit
(Radio.com) On Saturday, May 18, Stone Temple Pilots Robert DeLeo, Dean DeLeo and Eric Kretz took surprised concertgoers at KROQ's Weenie Roast in Irvine, Calif. with an unannounced performance and a new lead singer. Linkin Park's Chester Bennington had been tapped to replace Scott Weiland, with the performance winning the new foursome favorable reviews.
In an interview with the group backstage, guitarist Dean DeLeo revealed that communication with their recently-fired frontman had become impossibly difficult. DeLeo explained Weiland had "changed his numbers years ago and didn't forward the new ones" to the band.
Less than a week later, the band stunned the rock community by suing Weiland. In a complaint filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court, the band accused their ex-frontman of misappropriating the band's name and assets to further his solo career. A quick search of setlist.com shows Weiland had regularly played Stone Temple Pilots songs during his solo concerts.
In the court filing, the band also claimed Weiland caused STP to lose lucrative business opportunities for live performances and other appearances, which cost the band millions.
As STP's filing continues, upon learning of a radio promotion revolving around a new STP song with Bennington, Weiland is said to have attempted to interfere with airplay of "Out of Time" by calling Los Angeles radio station KROQ, claiming the band was infringing on Weiland's rights.
Scott Weiland posted an open letter to his fans on Friday (May 24) explaining that the band has no legal right to call themselves STP without him. - Read it here.
Prince Surprises Home Town With Pearl Jam Encore
(Radio.com) "Am I from here?' Prince asked as the Minnesota crowd roared to life as the curtain opened on the second of two shows at the Myth in Minnesota on Saturday (May 25). The audience, lovingly referred to as "hometown" throughout the night, may have paid close to $300 for their tickets, but they experienced an unforgettable show by Prince in full-on rock and roll mode.
Starting the night off with a heavy blues-rock remake of "Let's Go Crazy," Prince flaunted his new backing band, the all-female 3rdEyeGirl. On drums, beautiful blonde Hannah Ford belted out lyrics as she laid down solid rock drums and thunderous tom fills.
On bass, Ida Nielson, with her pointed pigtails and heavily distorted blues basslines, brought the funk with bass pops and slaps that compelled the audience to dance. And on guitar, Donna Grantis, with her wild hair flowing over her half shaved head, ripped through fiery guitar solos and lead riffs that would bring a smile to any rock god's face. And smile Prince did.
For the first encore, Prince swooped into an emotional "Purple Rain" with Bobby Z from his former band The Revolution on drums. After playing another song Prince thanked the crowd and wished them goodnight. But everyone seemed to know better and was rewarded when Prince and 3rdEyeGirl walked out on stage in front of the curtain, spotlights illuminating them in the pitch black club.
Through a silly game of telephone, Prince whispered to the girl on his right, who whispered to the girl on her right, who said into the microphone that Prince no longer had a voice. A few boos went out and Prince whispered down the line again and the girl said with a big smile that he still had his fingers! And with a sarcastic look over his shoulder as the curtain opened and he strapped on his guitar, Prince and 3rdEyeGirl finished out the night with a funky all instrumental version of Pearl Jam's "Even Flow." Worlds collided, minds were blown, and with a raspy "Thank you," Prince ended the show. - more on this story
Black Star Riders' Debut Show Sells Out
(hennemusic) Black Star Riders - the new band formed from the final Thin Lizzy lineup – have just released their debut album, "All Hell Breaks Loose," and have sold-out their debut live show.
This Thursday, the group will launch the new project with an exclusive concert at The Marshall Theatre at Milton Keynes, UK. The set is expected to be a mix of music from the new album along with some classic Thin Lizzy tracks.
The band posted a photo of the stage setup at The Marshall Theater, writing "Getting ready for Thursday in Milton Keynes!!" You can see the photo - here.
Eddie Spaghetti Giving Away Single From New Album And Plans Tour
Supersuckers frontman Eddie Spaghetti is giving fans an advance taste of his new solo album with a free download of the album's first single and has released the initial tour dates for his upcoming tour.
Bloodshot Records will release Spaghetti's new solo album, "The Value of Nothing," on June 18th and have released the title track as first single. You can download the song here.
The album was recorded in Austin, TX with the aid of Jesse Dayton (collaborator to country legends Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings), and mixes the Eddie you know with other elements of rock and country.
Spaghetti has announced the initial dates for his upcoming summer tour. At this point the tour will kick off on July 13th in Seattle and will hit Portland, San Fransisco, San Diego, Phoenix and Tucson with more dates still to be announced. - more on this story
Iron Maiden Kick Off Maiden England Tour Leg
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden kicked off their European leg of the "Maiden England" tour Monday night at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Barakaldo, Bilbao, Spain.
The stage show closely mirrors, in terms of production and content, the original 1988 concert video of the same name – reissued on DVD this year - shot on the "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour."
This new European tour leg is a continuation of the tour which played across North America last year. You can check out the setlist and see video from the tour kick off - here.
Motorhead and Saxon Teaming Up For Tour
(Classic Rock) Motorhead and Saxon will tour the UK together in November, it's been confirmed. Lemmy's band have listed seven dates, with Biff Byford's outfit joining them on six, and Skew Siskin providing support.
US metal band Huntress recently revealed Lemmy had written lyrics for a track on their upcoming album. It's called I Want To Fuck You To Death, of which the iconic frontman says: "The first time I heard Jill Janus' voice it was phenomenal. I wrote the lyrics from her point of view – the huntress."
Saxon released 20th album Sacrifice earlier this year and completed a UK tour at the beginning of May. Motorhead play the Download festival at Donington on June 15. - more on this story
Motley Crue Retire Tommy Lee's Roller Coaster Drum Kit
(Gibson) Motley Crue played the last show of their current tour on May 25, at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. That was also the last show where the band would use Tommy Lee's roller coaster drum set.
The setup has been one of the most talked about parts of Motley's live show over the past few years. During Tommy's drum solo, the rig spins him around upside down while he's playing the drums. At times local radio stations would hold contests where fans were able to win a ride-along with Lee.
Tommy Tweeted after the show: "A bottle of Champagne smashed on the coaster last night as it sets sail for the scrap yard! Ha! Man we've given so many people the thrill of a lifetime together!"
But fans need not worry that the Crüe will simply go back to a regular drum set up, as Lee also Tweeted: "Dont you all worry! Just wait til ya see what crazy I got for ya next!" - more on this story
Marshall Tucker Band Release Classic All-Star Performance
Veteran southern rockers The Marshall Tucker Band have released a brand new live album from one of their biggest performances, which is entitled "Live! From Spartanburg, South Carolina."
The never before released live recording was captured during the band's 1995 performance for their South Carolina Music Hall of Fame induction.
The album features eleven tracks including their tops hits "Can't You See," "Heard It In A Love Song," "Fire On The Mountain" and "24 Hours At A Time," and was recorded at the Spartanburg, South Carolina's Memorial Auditorium.
The concert featured guest appearances from Charlie Daniels, Jamioe and Butch Trucks of The Allman Brothers Band, The Outlaws, Firefall and Wet Willie.
"The day this concert was recorded was a very big day for Marshall Tucker," says MTB lead singer and founding member Doug Gray. "Fans have waited a long time for this live recording with so many of our musical friends." - more on this story
Avenged Sevenfold and Korn Lead Aftershock Festival Lineup
Avenged Sevenfold and Korn have been announced as the headliners of this year's Aftershock Festival and organizers will be revealing an additional headliner soon.
The festival is set to take place at Discovery Park near downtown Sacramento, CA on September 14th and 15th and most of the lineup has been announced.
The festival will feature performances from Shinedown, Megadeth, Volbeat, A Day To Remember, HIM, Skillet, Halestorm, Asking Alexandria, In This Moment, All That Remains, Falling In Reverse, Device, Steel Panther, P.O.D., Pop Evil, Otherwise, Airbourne, SOiL, Heaven's Basement, Nothing More, and more.
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Weezer Cruise Lineup Revealed
Weezer have revealed the lineup of stars that will be hitting the high seas with them and their fans early next year for their second Weezer Cruise.
The cruise will be launching from Jacksonville, FL on February 13th and will visit Caribbean ports, including Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas, and will be returning to port on February 17th.
Weezer will be headlining the cruise and plan to perform three sets during the cruise, including a "Beach Concert with Weezer" on their own private island (off of Nassau's coast) where they will be joined by Cat Power.
The cruise will also feature Toro y Moi, comedian Adam Devine (from "Workaholics"), Ash, Bleached, Caveman, DIIV, Holy F*ck, Ozma, Palma Violets, The Cribs, The Orwells and The Relationship.
Weezer's Rivers Cuomo said, "Once we locked in all these great artists I started to feel Weezer is real lucky to be able to go on this cruise. Sharing the boat with them and all of our fans is going to be so much fun."
Weezer's Pat Wilson said, "Why not join us on a Weezer Cruise to the Carribean? Magic feelings will turn into magic memories, magically. I am a big fan of Ash and Cat Power and looking forward to seeing the other bands too." - Get more details here.
Megadeth Perform New Song Kingmaker Live
(hennemusic) Megadeth are slowly adding some new music from their forthcoming album, "Super Collider," into their live shows in advance of the record's release on June 4.
A week into their European tour and the band has already debuted the album's title track, and now fans are sharing footage of the project's second single, "Kingmaker," filmed May 27 at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium.
"Super Collider" will be available as a limited-edition CD with a 3-D cover and bonus tracks, regular CD, regular LP, limited LP plus seven-inch vinyl, and as a digital download. - Check out the video here.
Vampire Weekend's Secret Lives As Preppy Social Outsiders
(Radio.com) Vampire Weekend might currently be riding high with the No. 1 album in America, thanks to their third full-length, Modern Vampires of the City, but there's more to the band's notoriously preppy image than meets the eye.
During an exclusive interview with CBS News, Vampire Weekend's primary songwriters, frontman Ezra Koenig and multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij, discussed the irony and humor involved in their preppy persona, and how it was inspired by the pair's shared outsider status in their respective communities growing up.
"Ezra was one of the only Jews in his town, and I was one of the only Iranians in Georgetown, where I grew up," Batmanglij explained. "So we had like a little bit of a fire that you get, I think, from being an outsider. That does kind of inspire us. People would call us WASPs (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants), which is really interesting," he continued, laughing.
"There always seems to be something worth exploring about preppiness, and the fact that some people reacted so strongly to it, I think proves that there's something inherently interesting," added Koenig about the backlash that came with after the band's early success.
"It's a little bit unnerving to have somebody call you total trash or garbage," Koenig joked. "But truly, this happens to all bands." - more on this story
Thirty Seconds To Mars' Music Video History Turned Inside Out
(Radio.com) With their combined years of experience in film, Thirty Seconds To Mars can personally craft and execute a video narrative like no other band. From the unexpected Shining tribute in "The Kill (Bury Me)" to the first-ever complete music video shot in China for "From Yesterday" to the Los Angeles love letter of "Kings And Queens" to the star-studded short film for "Up In The Air," the trio has continually matched its cinematic songs with highly conceptual clips.
They're a band that doesn't dumb down artistic endeavors for the fans, known as the Echelon. If anything, they plant cultural Easter Eggs in their epic videos to keep their throngs of highly engaged fans poking away and the mystery and myths they're constantly building.
In the episode of Radio.com Inside Out, they explored Thirty Seconds To Mars' music video history. The band themselves shed some light on their work, including the revelation that singer Jared Leto thought his original cut for "The Kill (Bury Me)" was "a piece of s***."
Also weighing in was panel of experts and Thirty Seconds To Mars collaborators including: Howard Petruziello, VP of Promotion at Capitol Music Group; Amani Duncan, former SVP of Marketing/Video at Virgin Records (2000-2008) and current VP of Brand Marketing for Martin Guitars; Gina Esposito, VP of Music & Talent at MTV; and, Steven J. Gottlieb, Founder of Video Static.
