Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Radio Legend Casey Kasem Dead at 82
(Radio.com) Casey Kasem, legendary host of the American Top 40 radio program that counted down the hits for American audiences every week, has died. He was 82. Kasem passed away Sunday (June 15) after a lengthy illness and battle over his conservatorship by his family member, CBS News reports.

A judge ruled earlier this month that Kasem's daughter Kerri had the right to withhold food, fluids and medication from her father, a process that began earlier this week, Billboard reported. Kerri Kasem and Jean Kasem, the broadcaster's wife of 34 years, had been locked in a battle for control over the decision to keep him alive.

Forbes reported that, after the ruling in Kerri Kasem's favor on Wednesday (June 11), Jean Kasem stormed out of the courtroom, announcing, "You have blood on your hands!"

Kasem had suffered from Lewy body dementia since last year, a condition similar to Parkinson's that had rendered him with trouble speaking. He had also been bedridden for some time, and had been hospitalized with bedsores and sepsis. more on this story




The Birthplace of Black Sabbath May Be Lost
(Classic Rock) The Birmingham pub where Black Sabbath began has been sold to developers - and the landlady has been ordered to get out by next Monday. The Crown played host to the fledgling outfit when they were still known as Earth, and long before they became one of the biggest bands on the planet.

Plans to turn it into a permanent museum while still operating as a cafe, pub and club had been discussed for some time. But now owners Admiral Taverns have sold the premises to a Japanese firm - and licensee Collen Andrews, who took over nine months ago, has been given her marching orders.

Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has spoken of his regret at the sale, saying: "The Crown was hugely important to the Black Sabbath story," he says. "It was where we cut our musical teeth as a blues band."

Iommi continues, "The Crown is also one of the grand old buildings of Birmingham. It may have seen better days, but I would have thought it was important for the city to preserve the heritage that is all too quickly disappearing from our streets.

"It is a matter of concern, too, that music pubs are getting thin on the ground. Back in the 60s and 70s these were the places where today's big groups started out. Where are the opportunities for new bands to get their act together?"

Jim Simpson, Sabbath's first manager, says: "The Crown was the birthplace of the band, where Ozzy Osbourne faced a crowd for the first time." more.




Foo Fighters Fans Succeed
(hennemusic) The Foo Fighters will return to Richmond, Virginia for the first time in 16 years to play a concert after fans took things into their own hands and launched a crowdfunding campaign to make the show happen.

The campaign was launched in March by Andrew Goldin, who sought to bring the band back to one of Dave Grohl's former hometowns for their first show since 1998, according to Rolling Stone.

Goldin and his fellow organizers, Brig White, John McAdorey and Lucas Krost, launched the campaign with a goal of selling 1,400 tickets at $50 each to the hypothetical concert in order to convince the band to return.

Fans' credit cards would only be charged if the show sold out, and the contributions would be returned if the band didn't agree to play at the concert. more on this story





Linkin Park's Shinoda Thinks Rock Has Gone Disney
(Radio.com) Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda knows that 2014 isn't the best climate for them to re-emerge with a new album. "We've been around long enough that music trends have gone away from us and come back," he tells Radio.com.

"And right now, they're away. Rock music has gone in this direction that's like indie pop jingles. It's like songs that could be on Nick Jr. and the Disney Channel. I can't see myself writing music like that. I don't want to follow that trend. Forget it!"

He's quick to point out that he enjoys some of the big indie pop artists of the moment. "Bands like Chvrches and Haim to Vampire Weekend, I like those records, I like those bands, I always cite those bands when I talk about this subject. I like that style of music. But there was a point at which that was fresh and new, and they were making it because it was part of their identity and they were making something different. And now it's a different situation. None of these bands are indie bands, they're all major label bands. So if you think they're not, you're mistaken."

The thing that he felt was missing? Loud guitars. And his own band was guilty of that as well. "On the last two albums, there was not much guitar. "And the guitar that was there, I usually wrote and played." The band's other guitarist, Brad Delson, was more involved in the song arrangements.

Shinoda recalled an important conversation with his fellow guitarist. "I said, 'Look dude, I need to hear some guitar and I know that I can't write the things that you can write. [Bassist] Dave [Farrell] told me that when he first met you, he told me you were one of the best guitar players that he had ever met. Do you think our fans know that?' He doesn't like to be a very showy guitarist. I asked him, 'What do you think the 14-year old Brad thinks of you right now? What would he say if he heard your music right now?' That kid was listening to really heavy metal and shredding in his room all day. 'That's the kid you want to impress, to inspire to be a better guitar player, or be a guitar player at all.'" And so Delson plugged in and turned it up, pointing the album in a much heavier direction." more on this story





Def Leppard Have 15 Songs For New Album
(Classic Rock) Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen has confirmed the band's next studio outing will be an album rather than an EP. The change of plans comes after an incredibly successful songwriting session at frontman Joe Elliott's studio in Ireland - and the experience was fuelled by a vegan diet.

Collen reports: "I just got back from a very productive and creative Def Leppard session in Dublin. We got about 15 songs started. What we thought was going to be an EP has now definitely turned into an album of new Def Leppard material.

"The whole time we were there, the incredible gourmet chef Jeni Cook put the band on a raw vegan food diet - no, it's not just lettuce. We were treated to some of the tastiest foods I've ever had in my entire life." more on this story





Rock Has Never Recovered From Grunge Says Rob Zombie
(Classic Rock) Rob Zombie insists it would be impossible to stage a festival like Download in the US - because the 90s grunge explosion has left a deep wound in the rock scene across the Atlantic.

And he blames the movement that come out of Seattle for opening the door to the mainstream for rap music. Zombie tells TeamRock Radio: "When the grunge rock thing hit with Nirvana and all that, everybody thought it was cool to be anti-rock star.

"They sort of anti-rock starred themselves right out the door - because the rap guys came in and said, 'F*** it. We'll be the rock stars if you guys are going to wear flannel shirts and stare at your feet.'

"US rock music has never recovered from that. A whole generation of kids thought, 'Rock music is boring. Let's go listen to rap music.'" Check out the full interview here.





Letlive's Jason Butler Injured On Stage
(Classic Rock) Letlive frontman Jason Butler was forced to perform at the Download festival this weekend on crutches - and he's accepted that an onstage accident was a long time coming.

He injured his leg during a recent show after leaping in the air and landing in a pool of water he'd thrown on the platform himself. Butler tells TeamRock Radio: "The stage was really wet - because of me - and I jumped off of something with something in my hand. It prevented me from putting my hands down. When I slipped coming down, my legs went the opposite way. It popped something.

"I tore two ligaments in my knee. I think it's alright, but I've got to be really, really careful." And he admits: "It was years in the making - I've been being an a**hole for quite some time." more on this story




Slash Streaming New Single 'World On Fire'
(hennemusic) Slash featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, has revealed a full length stream of his new single and title track to his forthcoming album "World On Fire".

Due September 16, the new album was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette. The guitarist's third solo album is the follow-up to 2012's "Apocalyptic Love", which earned the guitarist his two first-ever No. 1 US rock radio hits: "You're A Lie" and "Standing In The Sun".

Slash and the band will be on the road this summer across North America with Aerosmith for the Let Rock Rule tour, with dates starting July 10 in Wantagh, New York. Check out the song here.





Smashing Pumpkins Lose A Member
(Classic Rock) Smashing Pumpkins mainman Billy Corgan has confirmed drummer Mike Byrne is no longer part of the band. The 24-year-old appeared on 2009's Teargarden by Kaleidyscope at the age of 19, and then 2012 follow-up Oceania.

Corgan recently announced the launch of two albums next year, then revealed that Motley Crue's Tommy Lee had recorded all the tracks on one of them. Now he tells Music Radar: "Let's just say that Mike, like Elvis, has left the building. Tommy Lee is the drummer on Monuments To An Elegy."

He hints that he felt the need for change after Oceania, saying: "It's still about excitement, right? So what is my version of 'excitement' at this point in my life? I don't think it's that same old formula - I don't see where people would listen to it." more.




Avengers Star Lands Role as Hank Williams in Biopic
(Gibson) London-born actor Tom Hiddleston is set to play the most iconic American country singer of all time, Hank Williams, in an upcoming biopic. Hiddleston is best known for portraying the supervillain Loki in The Avengers.

According to Deadline, Hiddleston will not just learn Williams' Alabama accent but master his music too. And unlike Andre 3000's recent turn as Jimi Hendrix in All Is by My Side, producers have secured the rights to several legendary Williams songs, including "Your Cheatin' Heart," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," and "Hey Good Lookin'."

Titled I Saw The Light, the movie is based on Colin Escott, George Merritt and William MacEwen's 1994 book, Hank Williams: The Biography. Director Marc Abraham adapted the screenplay himself and he aims to begin shooting in Louisiana in October 2014.

Hiddleston Tweeted a photo of June 12 with the simple message: I saw the light. See it here.







King 810 Members Arrested At Airport For Alleged Assault
(TeamRock Radio) King 810 were forced to cancel their Download appearance after vocalist David Gunn and bassist Eugene Gill were arrested as they began their journey to the UK.

Cops detained them at a US airport on Thursday and jailed them in connection with an assault during which a man was "critically beaten" in Flint, Michigan, last year.

The 28-year-olds will appear in court next week to answer the charge of "assault with intent to do great bodily harm." They said: "As we drove into Detroit Metro Airport for the flight to London, the Michigan State Police Fugitive Team arrested David and Eugene, and took them away in handcuffs. They remain in jail for an alleged assault from last year." more on this story





John Garcia Previews Solo Album Songs
(TeamRock Radio) Vista Chino and former Kyuss frontman John Garcia has released a series of clips from his upcoming self-titled solo album. It's due on August 1 via Napalm Records and contains 11 tracks - plus a guest appearance by Doors guitarist Robby Krieger.

Garcia says: "To have Robby on my first solo record was surreal. To be the first artist ever to record in his brand-new studio made it even more special. I'm honoured, humbled by his talent and professionalism, and I'll never forget the experience. It truly made the song Her Bullets Energy better, not to mention the entire record."

Vista Chino, renamed from Kyuss Lives, launched debut album Peace last year. Garcia's bandmate Brant Bjork last week confirmed his own solo record, Low Desert Punk, was being readied for launch.

Check out the clips here.




The Offspring Look Back At Smash's Impact
(Classic Rock) The Offspring admit the massive success of their hit album Smash left them feeling "a little uncomfortable." They headlined the Zippo Encore Stage at Download this weekend, performing the album - the best-selling independent release of all time - in its entirety to mark its 20th anniversary.

And while they are proud of everything Smash achieved, they don't want to accept the credit it was given for reviving the punk scene. Guitarist Noodles says: "Kurt Cobain had just passed away - I think they found his body the day our record came out."

He adds: "The Ramones were still alive and playing shows, and not getting the respect or the listenership at the time that we were. That was just weird to us; that was wrong. But at least The Ramones were still around. We lost Cobain but we still had The Ramones." more on this story





Zakk Wylde Inspired By Jimmy Page's Work Ethic
(Classic Rock) Zakk Wylde says his hands-on approach to running Black Label Society was inspired by Jimmy Page's work ethic. And the Black Label Society mainman believes anyone who needs pointers on running a band need look no further than the Led Zeppelin maestro.

Wylde, who hit the main stage at Download yesterday, tells TeamRock Radio: "You wanna play music for the rest of your life, right? Well, make the band your job, because that's the coolest job you can possibly ever have.

"It's like Zeppelin with Jimmy Page - he said, 'Led Zeppelin is my whole life.' It's all-consuming. Even today he's coming out with the re-issues. All his time is invested in what he loves."

Wylde is committed to remaining "involved with everything" when it comes to BLS, and compares himself to a football boss by way of illustration. "If I own Manchester United, I'm involved with not just the trades we're making and the players," he says. "I'm involved with the way the field looks, the way the stadium is, the way concessions are - everything." more on this story






Bury Tomorrow Lucky Escape From Their Own Fans
(Classic Rock) Bury Tomorrow bassist Davyd Winter-Bates was forced to make a swift retreat during their Download set on Saturday after vocalist and brother summoned the crowdsurfers - and received an incredible response.

The band admit they weren't flavor of the month with festival security staff, but they're still reeling over the success of their main stage set. Davyd says: "When you're band that pride yourself on intimate shows… that's the biggest crowd I felt like I could interact with people. During Lionheart I got down and walked up and down in front of the crowds.

"Then Dan called for so many crowdsurfers I got kicked in the head about three times, and decided to go back on the stage! Security swore a lot after our set. They were laughing, but apparently they were not happy." more on this story





Red Dragon Cartel Tour Drama May End Up in Court
(Classic Rock) Jake E Lee is watching his words over last week's tour dramas - because there's a chance the disagreement could go to court. His latest band Red Dragon Cartel became embroiled in a "Spinal Tap moment" argument with agent Denise Dale, leading to the cancellation of a show shortly before doors were to open, and throwing their other UK appearances into doubt.

They found another agent and salvaged the rest of their visit across the Atlantic, and they'll play at Download today as planned. Lee tells TeamRock Radio: "I'm not sure what I can say because someone wants to bring this to litigation.

"The booking agent was trying to hurt us, but who you're really hurting is the fans. She tried to punish us for personal reasons. We managed to salvage the shows and Download - she tried to stop us from doing that too." more on this story





Judas Priest Streaming New Song Dragonaut
(hennemusic) After teasing fans with a short preview, Judas Priest are now streaming "Dragonaut", one of the tracks found on their forthcoming album, "Redeemer Of Souls."

Due July 8 in North America, "Redeemer Of Souls" will be issued in a standard version and a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks. Here is what the band had to say about the song stream: "Dragonaut is a great opening track, you know," says bassist Ian Hill.

"It's a heavy one, for sure," adds drummer Scott Travis, "so we're proud of that. It's a great way to introduce people to the new Priest record." Check out the song stream here.




Yes Preview New Song 'Believe Again'
(Prog) Yes have launched a 90-second clip of Believe Again, the lead track from Heaven & Earth - their first album with Jon Davison. It's set for launch on July 21 in the UK, July 18 in Europe and July 22 in North America.

The eight-track album - the band's 21st studio outing - is described as a continuation of their classic prog sound, but also featuring a "timelessly fresh and innovative" edge.

Davison recently revealed recording work had been finished with just days to spare before they left for another tour, saying: "We were doubling up in the studio. Chris Squire and I were working on background vocals and Steve Howe was finishing guitars. Geoff Downes was in Wales, Alan White was in Seattle and they were both sending tracks."

But he added that the band were left with more material than they needed, and some of it could appear in a future release. Check out the song preview here.




Megadeth Working On New Music
(hennemusic) Megadeth bassist and cofounder David Ellefson has released a new update for fans on the band's latest activity in the studio as they work on some new music.

"Dave [Mustaine] and I are in the studio this week in California working up some of the new riffs," posted Ellefson. "We're having fun, just throwing it down and keeping it chill. These are essentially writing demos at this point so just grinding out the tunes like a metal band should. More to come...."

Drummer Shawn Drover recently shared news that he and Mustaine were working on demos, as well. The band have been touring in support of their latest album, 2013's "Super Collider." more on this story





Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach Humbled By Post Breakup Job
(Classic Rock) Returned Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach won't forget the humbling experience of being identified by fans as he worked in a bar serving drinks.

He left KSE in 2002, and moved away from music altogether, working a string of jobs including bakery assistant, paralegal and woodcutter. Five years later he formed Times Of Grace with KSE's Adam D, and eventually made peace with the rest of his colleagues, paving his way for his return to the mic in 2012 - and meaning he could leave his job as a cocktail waiter in Manhattan.

Leach tells TeamRock Radio: "For me, the most humbling thing about being a barman is having someone recognise you when you're wiping their glass down, getting ready to serve them." more on this story






Volbeat Focused On The Road, Not Next Album
(TeamRock Radio) Volbeat are trying not to get too creative on new music - in case it distracts them from delivering the best live shows possible, says guitarist Rob Caggiano.

The former Anthrax man joined Michael Poulson's band last year after being invited to produce fifth album Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, then enjoying the experience so much that he signed up full-time.

They're currently concentrating on supporting that release on the road - and Caggiano says they don't want anything to get in their way. He tells TeamRock Radio: "We've started bits and pieces during soundchecks, but we've not really started work yet. I guess at the end of the year we might start looking really seriously into doing some new stuff." more on this story




All The Slayer Fans Love Tesla
(Classic Rock) Dave Rude says Tesla always fear being bottled at festivals - but they've always escaped the worst excesses of violent crowds because even fans of extreme music end up enjoying the band's classic rock vibe.

The guitarist has got used to finding his band sandwiched between much heavier acts on the summer circuit. He tells TeamRock Radio: "Sometimes we'll be on bills like Download, when there's a lot of really heavy bands.

"We did a show in Germany last week with Testament and f***ing Annihilator and all these hardcore bands. Every time we're about to get onstage at those festivals I think, 'Man, we're gonna get bottled - it's gonna be nuts.'

"But no: there's dudes with leather jackets and upside-down crosses tattooed on their faces, going 'Love will find a way!' All the Slayer fans f***ing love Tesla." more on this story





The Temperance Movement Hope To Meet Rolling Stones During Tour
(Classic Rock) The Temperance Movement are nearing the end of their European tour with the Rolling Stones - but they've never been given the chance to speak to Mick Jagger and co.

That hasn't ruined the rising-star blues-rockers' experience of playing their biggest shows ever during the summer. Speaking to TeamRock Radio ahead of their Download appearance on Friday, bassist Nick Fyfe said: "It came up so quick. It sort of blindsided us, and suddenly it was happening. We've played some amazing venues in front of a lot of people."

And he lives in hope of shaking the Stones' hands: "I think they've penciled in a window to meet up with them on the last show," he says. "We've had glimpses of them. It's been amazing - a real honor." more on this story






Anathema Breaking New Ground With New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Anathema's Daniel Cavanagh credits Opeth frontman Mikael Akerfeldt with helping him through a tough time in 2012 - although he won't discuss the details.

Cavanagh tells TeamRock Radio: "I got to know Mike and to like him a lot on our tour in 2012. He was really there for me when I particularly needed somebody. I've never forgotten it and I never will - I'm looking forward to saying hello to him later on."

Anathema released tenth album Distant Satellites last week, and Cavanagh is certain it marks a high point in the band's career. He says: "It's breaking new ground for us. We've had a good chart entry in the UK, Germany and Europe.

"It's a good time - we have new management, we have a great relationship with the record label. We've got the best crew; we're so lucky. The dynamic in the band is so good."

Stream the full interview here.





Sebastian Bach Performs as LMFAO
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach teamed up with comedian Jon Lovitz to perform as LMFAO on the season finale of the new ABC-TV reality series, "Sing Your Face Off."

The pair sang the hip hop duo's massive 2011 hit, "Sexy And I Know It." Bach had been eliminated after four weeks of competition that saw him perform as Lady Gaga, Willie Nelson and Queen's Freddie Mercury.

The series features five celebrity contestants taking on the identity of an iconic music performer each week. Hosted by actor John Barrowman ("Torchwood", "Arrow"), "Sing Your Face Off" saw Bach compete alongside Lovitz, Toronto Raptors basketball star Landry Fields, singer China Anne McClain ("A.N.T. Farm") and actress Lisa Rinna ("Days of Our Lives"). Check out the video here.






Singled Out: The Kut's Make Up
Today The Kut's lead vocalist and guitarist Maha tells us about the title track from their brand new 'Make Up' EP, which was released by Criminal Records this summer. Here is the story:

Make up was one of those tracks that was around as an idea for a long time before it hit paper. It was a collection of different emotions and feelings that were probably bottled up but recurring in my life at that time. The lyrics explain the way that whilst words can build us up, that the emotions aren't the same as the words said to convey them - they are totally separate, and sometimes they conflict or are just a face for something that isn't actually there.

The riff is pretty grunged up, I guess, but the mood also kind of goes through a number of emotions. The verses talk about dark mood swings, feeling unsettled and how sometimes the people around you can have a negative impact on how you feel. It was also about being alone in the world and somehow feeling that it was nothing new or special, and actually quite detached from every day emotions or how you appear to the onlooker.

But that's not to say that everything was totally bleak in the track, even in the most broken times it was swaying in summer beauty, and you can just suppress it to the back of your mind and watch it all fade out. It talks about the seasons, in the summer sun, the trees and then in the fall it's all bare, but it was never about the seasons, just about emotion cycles and a lack of emotion, like it was always on a switch.

The end part is almost the breakthrough, the realisation that some of it stems from the frustration of giving so much of your life for something that hasn't or doesn't seem to be materialised yet. The solo was just an explanation of the future and the unknown. The song asks what then? but that part is unwritten and it's for the time that's coming to decide your fate or future…

It's a great feeling to be finally get the track out there on the EP now though. We had some great reactions to our No Trace single this year and have just started shooting our Mario music video, so it's all go x