John Mayer Throat Condition Derails Album, Concerts

John Mayer is canceling two concerts and postponing his album until next year because he's having problems with his vocal cords.

Mayer revealed the problem on his blog, saying he had developed a granuloma in his throat. Granulomas are nodules, and they vary from harmless to very serious. John didn't elaborate.

He was scheduled to perform at the iheartradio Music Festival in Las Vegas next week and a show with Tony Bennett in Los Angeles.

Mayer also said his next album, which was due later this year, will now be pushed back to 2012.

He says he'll devote his time to "writing and composing more music and kicking an empty soup can around the West Village."

3 Doors Down Announce U.K. Tour With Seether

9/15/2011 4:18 PM ET

(RTTNews) - 3 Doors Down have announced a string of U.K. tour dates in support of their new release Time of My Life. The "Kryptonite" rockers will be joined by Seether on the tour, which kicks off on March 9 at the HMV Picture House in Edinburgh, Scotland.

During a recent interview with espyrock.com, the band's guitarist Chris Henderson explained that touring is vital to the band's livelihood in the era of downloading:

"It's the only way, the only f*****g way; downloading has killed it. We make a little money on publishing and like sponsorships and merchandise if people buy our t-shirts but touring, on the f*****g road, playing shows, that's how you f*****g do it like it or not. We love touring and we do a lot of f*****g shows . . ."

Time of My Life hit stores on July 18.

The tour dates are as follows:

Mar 9th - Edinburgh HMV Picture House

Mar 11th - Manchester Academy

Mar 12th - Birmingham O2 Academy

Mar 14th - Bristol O2 Academy

Mar 15th - London HMV Hammersmith Apollo

Stone Temple Pilots' Tour Hits Speedbump As Scott Weiland Needs Vocal Rest

9/16/2011 3:18 PM ET


(RTTNews) - The Stone Temple Pilots have put their current tour on hold because singer Scott Weiland is in need of "immediate vocal rest".

On the band's Facebook site, the group posted the diagnosing doctor's advice to Weiland:

"With such a heavy concert schedule and vocal activity we determined that Mr. Weiland could potentially run the risk of a vocal hemorrhage or suffer permanent damage hence putting him on complete vocal rest."

The group added: "STP apologizes to their fans . . . and of course, refunds are available at the point of purchase."

Shows in Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky and Council Bluffs, Iowa have been canceled. Four additional dates have been postponed. One date (Concho, Oklahoma) has been rescheduled for November 5; the status of the other three dates is pending an announcement from STP.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Top Multiple Billboard Charts

9/16/2011 2:03 PM ET


(RTTNews) - The Red Hot Chili Peppers owned the Billboard charts this week, claiming the number one spot on the Alternative Album, Rock Album and Rock Songs charts. Their new release I'm With You hit stores on August 26, the first single from which is "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie."

It's the second week at number one on the Alternative Albums chart for I'm With You. This week it edged out Foster The People's "Torches." Mumford and Sons remained in the number three spot with Sigh No More, the Muppet's: Green Album rose one spot to number four and Bon Iver took the fifth spot with his self-titled release.

"The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" edged the Foo Fighter's "Walk" for the top spot on the Rock Songs chart this week. Foster The People took the number three spot on this chart with "Pumped Up Kicks."

ROCK NEWS AND MORE!

New Rihanna This Fall- Interscope Offices Used For Drug Trafficking?- Big Week for Lady Antebellum- Katy Perry's Sixth Coming- Boyz II Justin Bieber- more

09/16/2011
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(Billboard) When Rihanna tweets, people listen. On Sept. 15, the diva tweeted a response to one of her followers asking "When's the next album due?" with "THIS FALL!!!!!" which must have been music to the ears of her fans. more

Lady Gaga released the second fashion video for her single "Yoü and I" yesterday. The clip, directed by Inez+Vinoodh and entitled "Haus of Ü ft. Bride" can be seen on YouTube here

(Billboard) Federal prosecutors say that the offices of Interscope Records were used by a drug-trafficking ring as a transit point for cases filled with cocaine and cash, according to a report in the Smoking Gun published Thursday. more

(BBC) Film director Roman Polanski is to collect a lifetime achievement award at the Zurich Film Festival, two years after his arrest in the city on child sex charges more

(Billboard) After two full days on sale, Lady Antebellum's third album, "Own the Night," is shaping up to have a bigger debut than expected. more

(FMQB) Justin Bieber has revealed he has been recording with Boyz II Men for the Pop star's upcoming Christmas record. MTV News has posted a photo of Bieber and Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockton in the studio together. more

(BBC) Coldplay is voted the best headline of any festival of 2011, according to a poll conducted by BBC Radio 6 Music. more

(FMQB) More details have been announced for Kelly Clarkson's upcoming album Stronger, due out October 24. The album contains 13 songs, and will also be released in a deluxe edition, as well as a bonus EP. more

(Billboard) Add the winner of NBC's "The Voice" to the list of contemporary musical acts portraying stars of the late 1950s and early '60s on NBC's "The Playboy Club." more

(Jam!) Ashlee Simpson and actor Vincent Piazza have gone public with their romance after attending a Boardwalk Empire season premiere together on Wednesday. more

(BBC) Veteran US actor Mickey Rooney sues his step-son, Christopher Aber, claiming he tricked him out of millions of dollars and bullied him into working. more

(FMQB) Katy Perry will offer a sixth single from Teenage Dream when "The One That Got Away" goes to radio next month. more

(NME) No Doubt delay new album release until 2012 Band push back first LP in over 10 years to 'make the best record we can possibly make' more

TODAY'S ROCK NEWS!

Blink-182's New Album Leaks- Joe Perry for Hurricane Irene Benefit Event- The Doors Legend Jams With Alice Cooper- Paul McCartney- The Dead Leaves Mars Volta'd- more

09/16/2011
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(KROQ) The internet was hit with a leaked copy of Blink-182's new forthcoming album, Neighborhoods, which is due out September 27th. As we all know, when something big like this gets leaked, it spreads like wildfire – and that wildfire happened to spread all the way to our desks here at KROQ.com more

(UCR) Vermont was ravaged by Hurricane Irene last month, and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, who still resides in the Boston area and once attended school in Vermont, has joined the Irene Good Bye cabaret benefit to pitch in with his support. more

(BMN) In the midst of the "No More Mr. Nice Guy" world tour, Alice Cooper treated fans to a special performance last night (Thursday, September 15) at the legendary Whisky a Go-Go. Special guest appearances during the set featured former The Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger and pop singer Ke$ha. more

Lars Stalfors of Mars Volta recently remixed "If The Shoe Fits", the first single from The Dead Leaves upcoming album Cities On The Sea (Liberation Music). You can download the track for free here

You can grab a sneak peek of Paul McCartney's upcoming recorded release, Ocean's Kingdom, here ahead of the October 4th release date.

(BW&BK) Dream Theater have moved their Seattle show scheduled for Tuesday, September 27th at Showbox SODO to the Moore Theatre. more

(The 1st Five) According to the band's facebook page, Cartel will be releasing their In Stereo EP digitally on October 4th. more

(FMQB) Friday, September 23 marks Bruce Springsteen's 62nd birthday, and Envision Radio Networks and Boss Time Radio are offering a free, two-hour special broadcast celebrating the day. more

(Lambgoat) Dance Gavin Dance will headline a November/December tour of the U.S. with support from Isetmyfriendsonfire, A Loss For Words, and The Bunny The Bear. more

(BMN) soulfly has tapped Chris "Zeuss" Harris (chimaira, hatebreed, all that remains, the acacia strain, born of osiris, shadows fall) to produce the band's new album for an early 2012 release via Roadrunner Records. more

(Lambgoat) Dark Funeral has revealed that they've parted ways with Regain Records. more

(PNO) Coalesce will be reissuing 1996's Give Them Rope on vinyl. The double LP features a remastered version of Give Them Rope as well as a second disc of 2010's Give Them Rope She Said v2.0; a remixed version of the album more

Twenty years ago tomorrow Guns N' Roses unleashed the Use Your Illusion albums. Tony K takes a look back here

The voice of RATT Stephen Pearcy hits the road!

Thursday, 15 September 2011

The voice of RATT Stephen Pearcy hits the road!
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Stephen Pearcy plays Hollywood Sept 23rd @ Key Club



The voice of RATT and main rodent hits the road this fall from LA to NY!

Pearcy just tweeted the following in the last 24 hours!

"Filming Video's today for "Sucker Punch". "Don't Want To Talk About" and "Too Much Is Never Enough" @ EarDish Multi Media Complex. Gonna kick some ass! Back at ya later kidz, cya!" Stephen Pearcy - Twitter Sept 14th 2011

Tour Dates for the Fall.

· 09/23/11 Stephen Pearcy in West Hollywood, CA at Key Club

· 10/07/11 Stephen Pearcy in Fort Worth, TX at The Aardvark

· 10/08/11 Stephen Pearcy in San Antonio, TX at Back Stage Live / Sunken Gardens

· 10/20/11 Stephen Pearcy in Chicago, IL at TBD

· 10/21/11 Stephen Pearcy in Warren, MI at The Ritz

· 10/22/11 Stephen Pearcy in Fostoria, OH at The New Nest

· 10/23/11 Stephen Pearcy in Akron, OH at Ripper Owen’s Tap house

· 10/26/11 Stephen Pearcy in Irwin, PA at Pluma’s

· 10/27/11 Stephen Pearcy in Reading, PA at Reverb

· 10/28/11 Stephen Pearcy in Watertown, NY at The Exhibition Hall

Check out Pearcy on his TWITTER - FACEBOOK - WEBSITE - YOUTUBE

November 21 Releases

November 21 is shaping up to be a good day for modern rock fans with new studio albums due from Nickelback (Here And Now) and American Idol finalist Daughtry.

WHITESNAKE TO RELEASE MAJOR BOX SET & EXPANDED VERSION OF GOOD TO BE BAD:

Whitesnake are to have a box set released on November 7. Titled Box O'Snakes: The Sunburst Years 1978-1982, the box has every studio and live album from the period, two previously unreleased BBC concerts, a limited edition seven inch, a DVD and a 90-page book with new interview and unseen photos.
Here's the full track listing:
CD One: Trouble (1978) 1. Take Me With You 2. Love To Keep You Warm 3. Lie Down (A Modern Love Song) 4. Day Tripper 5. Nighthawk (Vampire Blues) 6. The Time Is Right For Love 7. Trouble 8. Belgian Tom's Hat Trick 9. Free Flight 10. Don't Mess With Me.
CD Two: Live At Hammersmith (1978) 1. Come On 2. Might Just Take Your Life 3. Lie Down 4. Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City 5. Trouble 6. Mistreated
CD Three: Lovehunter (1979) 1. Long Way From Home 2. Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues 3. Help Me Thro' The Day 4. Medicine Man 5. You 'N' Me 6. Mean Business 7. Love Hunter 8. Outlaw 9. Rock 'N' Roll Women 10. We Wish You Well
CD Four: Ready An' Willing (1980) 1. Fool For Your Loving 2. Sweet Talker 3. Ready An'Willing 4. Carry Your Load 5. Blindman 6. Ain't Gonna Cry No More 7. Love Man 8. Black and Blue 9. She's A Woman
CD Five: Live�In The Heart Of The City (1980) 1. Come On 2. Sweet Talker 3. Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues 4. Love Hunter 5. Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City 6. Fool For Your Loving 7. Ain't Gonna Cry No More 8. Ready An' Willing 9. Take Me With You
CD Six: Come An' Get It (1981) 1. Come An' Get It 2. Hot Stuff 3. Don't Break My Heart Again 4. Lonely Days, Lonely Nights 5. Wine, Women An' Song 6. Child of Babylon 7. Would I Lie To You 8. Girl 9. Hit An' Run 10. Till The Day I Die
CD Seven: Saints & Sinners (1982) 1. Young Blood 2. Rough An' Ready 3. Bloody Luxury 4. Victim Of Love 5. Crying In The Rain 6. Here I Go Again 7. Love An' Affection 8. Rock An' Roll Angels 9. Dancing Girls 10. Saints An' Sinners
CD Eight: Live At Reading Rock '79 (1979) 1. Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues 2. Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City 3. Steal Away 4. Belgian Tom's Hat Trick 5. Mistreated/Soldier Of Fortune 6. Love Hunter 7. Breakdown
CD Nine: Live At Reading Rock '80 (1980) 1. Sweet Talker 2. Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues 3. Ain't Gonna Cry No More 4. Love Hunter 5. Mistreated/Soldier Of Fortune 6. Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City 7. Fool For Your Loving
DVD Promo Videos 1978-1982 TV Performances Extra Feature: Official Bootleg Live at the Capital Centre, Washington, USA 1980
Snakebite EP (1978) 33rpm seven inch white vinyl - Side One 1. Bloody Mary 2. Steal Away Side Two 1. Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City 2. Come On.
Find out more at www.whitesnake.com.

An expanded updated version of Whitesnake's Still Good To Be Bad, is out this week as a Japanese import, featuring:
The CD+DVD Digipak Special Edition contains a 15 Track audio CD featuring newly recorded, remixed & remastered versions of Ready To Rock, If You Want Me, All I Want Is You and Dog, originally featured as bonus tracks from the Live In The Shadow Of The Blues double live album Plus a Bonus DVD that includes the music videos 'Ready To Rock' and 'Lay Down Your Love', a rare and unseen 8 song Live Acoustic Performance with David Coverdale and Doug Aldrich at the Cutting Room In NY in 2008, the 'Good To Be Bad' Interview by Eddie Trunk and the 'Live In The Shadow Of The Blues' EPK. The DVD also includes a slideshow of live photographs from 2008-2009 Good To Be Bad World Tour featuring the Summer Rain Acoustic Version. Click on album cover to order from CD Japan.

Today's Quick Hits!

Spinal Tap Officially Rules
(Rock News Desk) This is Spinal Tap has been voted the best comedy movie of all time by a panel of over 200 experts.

The spoof rockumentary that goes up to eleven came home ahead of Airplane!, Monty Python's Life of Brian and Annie Hall. Big names including actor Dan Ackroyd and writer Richard Curtis contributed to the poll.

The iconic film stars writers Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer as guitarist Nigel Tufnel, singer David St Hubbins and bassist Derek Smalls as they attempt to salvage their career with their new album Smell The Glove. more on this story

More on Spinal Tap - Spinal Tap CDs, vinyl and rarities - Spinal Tap Tour Dates/Tickets

Stevie Nicks Turned Down Prince's Purple Rain
(Gibson) Stevie Nicks has revealed that almost 30 years ago, Prince asked the Fleetwood Mac singer to collaborate on a new song. The Purple One sent Nicks a 10-minute instrumental and asked for lyrical assistance. The song eventually became "Purple Rain."

Nicks talked about the situation in an interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune. She said it came about after the two teamed up on her 1983 hit "Stand Back," and Nicks asked Prince if he thought they'd ever write together. He sent her the unfinished track in response. But it was too much for Nicks to take in.

"It was so overwhelming, that 10-minute track, that I listened to it and I just got scared," Nicks said. "I called him back and said, 'I can't do it. I wish I could. It's too much for me.' I'm so glad that I didn't, because he wrote it, and it became 'Purple Rain.'" more on this story

More on Stevie Nicks - Stevie Nicks CDs, vinyl and rarities - Stevie Nicks Tour Dates/Tickets

Coheed and Cambria Moving Forward: Now Hear Their New Song
(Banana 101.5) Coheed and Cambria have gotten a lot of attention this year, unfortunately all for the wrong reasons. Perhaps the most press the band has ever received came when bassist Michael Todd was arrested for armed robbery prior to their opening gig for Soundgarden in Boston. The band swiftly replaced Todd, and while remaining sympathetic of his plight, have wasted no time in moving forward as a band.

It has recently been reported that Coheed and Cambria have already begun writing and recording the follow-up to 2010′s 'Year of the Black Rainbow'. In addition to the album, the band has contributed their cover of 'Beer Drinkers and Hellraisers' to the upcoming ZZ Top cover album — 'A Tribute From Friends' (due Oct. 11th).

Their new song 'Deranged' will be featured on the soundtrack to the upcoming video game 'Batman: Arkham City', which is set for release October 4th. Check it out here

More on Coheed and Cambria - Coheed and Cambria CDs, vinyl and rarities - Coheed and Cambria Tour Dates/Tickets

Chickenfoot Up Next With Deeply Personal Song
(hennemusic) Chickenfoot have issued the fourth episode in a new video podcast series to introduce their forthcoming album, "Chickenfoot III," due September 27.

The every-other-day video podcast series is designed to take fans behind the scenes and hear the members of Chickenfoot give background behind each song on the new project while sharing a preview clip of the track. Episode #4 features the guys talking about the album's fourth track, "Up Next." The song has special meaning to the band. "Up Next" is written for our manager, [John] Carter, who died in the middle of making this record," says Sammy Hagar. "Carter was the guy who signed me to my first record contract when I was throw out of Montrose, and produced my first four albums. Carter, dear friend, became our co-manager, and he got cancer: last minute, got it diagnosed, got operated on immediately and died. It was horrible."

"No one knew Carter was sick," continued Sammy. "No one knew he was gonna die that year, no one knew he was gonna die that month. It was so crazy that it inspired this whole song." Check it out here

More on Chickenfoot - Chickenfoot CDs, vinyl and rarities - Chickenfoot Tour Dates/Tickets

Michaele Salahi Not Kidnapped, She Ran Off With Journey Star
(TMZ) TMZ has learned ... far from being kidnapped ... Michaele Salahi has run off with Neal Schon, the lead guitarist for the band Journey.

TMZ broke the story ... Tareq called authorities several times last night and today, claiming his wife has been abducted, because she left without taking her belongings.

But now we've learned ... Michaele has been dating the rock icon, went to his show in Nashville last night and is currently with Schon in Memphis, where Journey is set to perform with Foreigner.

Scoop Marketing, the rep for Journey, confirmed with TMZ that "Nobody kidnapped her and they are in Memphis together."

We've also confirmed Michaele has dated Schon in the past, and she's called it an "intimate and passionate relationship." more on this story

More on Journey - Journey CDs, vinyl and rarities - Journey Tour Dates/Tickets

Def Leppard Show They Got Talent
(hennemusic) Def Leppard put some rock into this season's America's Got Talent finale Wednesday night.

Originally scheduled to appear a week earlier, a last-minute scheduling change moved the British rockers to this week's season-ending show, as producers had 2 hours of programming to fill (to meet advertising commitments) for about 10 legitimate minutes of content.

Leppard performed a mix/medley featuring "Rock Of Ages" and "Pour Some Sugar On Me." more on this story

More on Def Leppard - Def Leppard CDs, vinyl and rarities - Def Leppard Tour Dates/Tickets

Music Leads To Better Hearing
(Rock News Desk) A scientific study suggests people who play musical instruments throughout their lives are likely to have better hearing in their later years.

Researchers say a 70-year-old musician will have ears are strong as those of a 50-year-old non player – meaning a life in music could keep hearing 30% better than it otherwise would be.

Hearing ability is known to decline naturally with age, with as many as one in three experiencing moderate loss by their 60s, and two in three by their 80s. more on this story

More on Hearing

Jeremy Piven Honors Slash With Stones at Benefit
(TMZ) Jeremy Piven returned to the stage Tuesday night ... WITH A VENGEANCE.

Piven was tearing it up behind the drum set for a Rolling Stones tribute band in NYC ... and it was all to benefit young, recovering addicts.

The event was hosted by an organization called Road to Recovery -- and even though Piven dominated ... the entire thing was put together to honor Slash from Guns 'N Roses. more on this story

More on Slash - Slash CDs, vinyl and rarities - Slash Tour Dates/Tickets

Limo Driver Doesn't Remember Giving Reality Show Permission
(TMZ) The limo driver who sued the people behind the TV Guide reality show "Nail Files" for violating his privacy has a big problem ... in the form of a signed release form obtained by TMZ.

Fred Busby -- a limo driver -- claims he was taking the star of the show and her cameraman to LAX, when he went into a diabetic coma. Busby says the show aired the footage and portrayed him as drunk ... even though he insists he never signed a release form.

But we now have a release form that appears to show Fred's signature not once, not twice but three times.

The form states, among other things, "I recognize that my signature on this release is a condition of Company permitting me to be a guest/participant in the Programming or both"

We spoke to Fred's lawyer who tells TMZ, "My client does not recall signing any such documents"

The lawyer went on to imply that Fred may have been "incapacitated" when he was asked to sign the release, and therefore even if he did sign " it would not be enforceable" more on this story

More on Reality

Chaka Khan Wins Grandchild
(TMZ) Chaka Khan just won temporary custody of her 10-year-old granddaughter because the child's parents are drug addicts -- this according to legal docs obtained by TMZ.

Chaka filed a petition for appointment of guardianship last week -- claiming she has already "assumed on a day-to-day basis the role of the child's parent fulfilling both the child's physical and psychological needs for care and affection."

Chaka claims the child's mother -- who lives in the same house -- is incapable of caring for the girl because of a "heavy involvement in drugs."

Chaka's sister Tammy McCrary -- who was also awarded custody -- filed an additional statement in the petition, claiming Chaka's son "also uses and abuses drugs and other illegal substances."

The judge temporarily granted the petition for custody on September 6th ... and extended it today. A hearing is set for October to make it permanent. more on this story

More on Chaka Khan - Chaka Khan CDs, vinyl and rarities - Chaka Khan Tour Dates/Tickets

Snooki Swaers She's Not Obscene
(TMZ) Snooki swears she's NOT an Obscene person ... but she claims the Obscene Jeans company used her name to promote the brand anyway ... and now the MTV star is calling them out.

It's all over a press release Obscene sent out Monday -- announcing a new product placement deal with Celeb Branding, LLC to "outfit the female cast members of 'Jersey Shore' in its hottest new fashions." The statement mentions Snooki, Jwoww, Deena and Sammi by name.

But Snooki's rep claims Snooki has NOTHING to do with the company and it had no right to use her name.

The rep tells us, "The inclusion of Ms. Polizzi's name in the announcement was unauthorized. Ms. Polizzi has never been approached by the company."

It's unclear if Snooki will be pursuing legal action against the company. more on this story

Today's One Liners

One-liners: ‘Having one leg changes everything’
West on life after amputation plus Mike Portnoy and Stone Sour, BLS, Aerosmith, STP, Fleetwood Mac, Seb Bach and Kiss
Leslie West

Learning again: Leslie West

Mountain man Leslie West says he’s learning to live with one leg after he lost his lower right limb in emergency surgery to deal with an infection.

The guitarist explains: “It changes everything. I can’t just jump out of bed and go outside. It’s been different, trying to remember you have one leg. You still feel it because the nerve endings are in there. It’s called ‘phantom pain’ – you think it’s there but it’s not. I’ve had to learn how to use crutches and be in a wheelchair. But it was either my leg or my life.”

West’s new solo album Unusual Suspects is released next week, featuring appearances by Slash, Joe Bonamassa, Zakk Wylde, Billy Gibbons and Steve Lukather.

* * * * *

Former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy will gist with another band when he covers for Stone Sour drummer Ray Mayorga at Rock in Rio on September 24.

The sticksman quit his prog-metal outfit while touring with Avenged Sevenfold last year, and recently said he loved the experience of being able to play drums without having to be involved in a band’s decision-making process.

Now he’ll repeat the feat while Mayorga attends the birth of his first daughter, due on the day of the show.

Stone Sour’s Corey Taylor says: “Having Mike fill in for one show will be great. We can’t wait ti take the stage and lay it down.”

Portnoy adds: “It’s an unexpected treat for me to get another visit with some of the greatest fans in the world down in Brazil.”

* * * * *

Chad Szeliga, formerly of Breaking Benjamin, will become Black Label Society’s fourth drummer in less than a year.

He replaces Mike Froedge, who says: “It’s not every day one gets to tour the world with a living guitar legend and his amazing band. I will never forget it.”

Szeliga comments: “Being a hired gun can be hard. If you don’t do your job you’ll be replaced instantly. You have to be hungry. You have to practice and show that you’re dedicated.”

* * * * *

Aerosmith have laid down 13 basic tracks for their strife-torn follow-up album to 2004′s Honkin’ on Bobo.

Bassist Tom Hamilton says: “The bass parts are done, subject to some adjustment in the future. The drum tracks are all done and we’re starting to do guitar overdubs. It’s fun.

“We can see and hear the album in our minds – we can kind of tell what’s going on. I like to describe it as being crunchy on the outside with a creamy centre.”

* * * * *

Stone Temple Pilots have cancelled the remaining shows of their US tour after frontman Scott Weiland was ordered to rest his vocal cords.

Dr Sid Khosla, who treated Weiland at the UC Health Voice Center in Cincinnati on Tuesday, reports: “We determined his left cord has likely scarring and his right cord is tremendously inflamed. With such a heavy concert schedule we determined Mr Weiland could potentially run the risk of a vocal haemorrhage or suffer permanent damage, hence putting him on complete vocal rest.”

* * * * *

Meanwhile, Sebastian Bach has suggested Velvet Revolver made a mistake in hiring Weiland to front the band rather than himself, after he spent a month working with them during their formation.

The ex-Skid Row man says: “They put their faith in a heroin addict. How did that work out for them? If they had picked me we’d probably still be together right now. I’m a musician like them; I’m not a junkie and not into that kind of thing.

“So they don’t have a singer – and I have a new album.”

* * * * *

Fleetwood Mac are laying plans to tour next year, although Mick Fleetwood admits the plans aren’t very sturdy.

He says: “We’re so disorganised as a band. All we know is we’re working next year. We’re all up for touring in the early summer of next year, I think, and once we start we’re much like U2 and the Stones in terms of workload – we basically play until no one wants to book us any more.”

Meanwhile, his bandmate Stevie Nicks has revealed Prince invited her to co-write the song which became Purple Rain; but the concept scared her too much.

She explains he sent her a ten-minute instrumental version of the track after the pair had discussed working together. “It was so overwhelming. I called him back and said, ‘I can’t do it. I wish I could. It’s too much for me.’

“I’m so glad that I didn’t, because he wrote it and it became Purple Rain.”

* * * * *

Kiss mainman Gene Simmons doesn’t want talk of an original lineup reunion to circulate after he met up with former bandmate Ace Frehley recently.

Simmons says: “Ace and I had a nice, friendly lunch together. It was wonderful to see him. He looked healthy and happy. Nothing else was talked about. Ace and I are both happy with our lives and are not changing anything.”

Original KISS Not Reuniting

09/15/2011
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(Rock News Desk) Kiss mainman Gene Simmons doesn't want talk of an original lineup reunion to circulate after he met up with former bandmate Ace Frehley recently.

Simmons says: "Ace and I had a nice, friendly lunch together. It was wonderful to see him. He looked healthy and happy.

"Nothing else was talked about. Ace and I are both happy with our lives and are not changing anything."

Fleetwood Mac Summer 2012 Tour Confirmed

Just about two weeks ago, Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham told fans he “wouldn’t be shocked” if there was a “tour and possibly an album” to come in 2012 from the ’70s pop/rock giants.

Following on from that conversation, band founder Mick Fleetwood has confirmed that Fleetwood Mac will play again next year.

He told Billboard.com: “We’re so disorganized as a band... All we know is we’re working next year. I’ll get a phone call that we’re going to start rehearsing – usually in a blind panic because we leave everything way too late. But we’re all up for touring in the early summer of next year, I think, and once we start we’re much like U2 and the Stones in terms of workload. We basically play until no one wants to book us anymore.”

Aerosmith Making Progress

09/15/2011
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(hennemusic) Aerosmith continues to work on their 14th studio album with producer Jack Douglas, their first since 2004.

Bassist Tom Hamilton checks in with an update on the project in a new video message for fans. "We're finished with the basic tracks" says Tom. "We've cut 13 basics and we're gonna sit with that for the moment. The bass parts are done, subject to some adjustments in the future. The drum tracks are all done, and we're starting to do guitar overdubs. It's fun. I enjoy going down to the studio and hanging out with the other guys while Joe [Perry] and Brad [Whitford] do their work. So that's probably what we're gonna be doing for the rest of September. And then we're gonna start rehearsing and getting ready for the tour in South America and Japan, which will take us to the end of December."

"And then," continues Hamilton, "sometime between now and then, Steven's [Tyler] probably gonna start singing some vocals and then get really intense about it when we get back from Japan. We can see and hear the album in our minds; we can kind of tell what's going on. And I like to describe it as being crunchy on the outside with a creamy center."

Stone Temple Pilots Cancel Remainder Of 2011 Tour

Yet again Stone Temple Pilots have canceled the remainder of a tour because of Scott Weiland, at least this time it appears to be for legitimate reasons.

Last year STP dropped the off of their tour early after singer Scott Weiland had an exciting multiple-night run of falling off of stages and announcing to the crowd he had also fallen off the wagon. This year the band took another run at it and was receiving mostly positive reviews — all was going well…until last night.

Scott Weiland consulted with Doctor at the UC Voice Health Center prior to their show last night (Sept 13th) in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Doctors informed Weiland that he had scarring on his left vocal chord and a “tremendously inflamed” right vocal chord. The director of the UC Voice Health Center gave the following statement in regards to their orders to put Weiland on vocal rest:

“With such a heavy concert schedule and vocal activity, we determined that Mr. Weiland could potentially run the risk of a vocal hemorrhage or suffer permanent damage, hence putting him on complete vocal rest.”

The band themselves issued a statement about the final 3 shows that are effected by the doctors orders:

“STP regrettably postpones last 4 shows of the summer 2011 tour. Concho, Oklahoma already rescheduled for November 5th. STP apologizes to their fans and should have their remaining three shows rescheduled soon. And of course, refunds are available at the point of purchase.”

Dave plays through Mustaine barrier for NY show

Megadeth mainman scheduled for neck surgery after recent injury – but fronts his band for Big 4 show as planned
Dave Mustaine


Dave Mustaine fronted Megadeth for the Big 4 concert in New York last night – but admitted he was facing surgery on his neck after sustaining an injury during a recent tour.

Rumours had been rife that Megadeth might miss the last scheduled appearance of the touring event which has seen them sharing a stage with genre mates Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax since last year.

It had been said the guitarist and singer spent the last few days in hospital, suffering from pain in his shoulder following an incident on the recent Mayhem Festival US tour.

TV presenter and insider Eddie Trunk had tweeted: “Big news circulating about Big 4 Wed. Stand by for an official announcement.” He later added: “Megadeth IS scheduled to play tomorrow at Big 4. Apparently there was some concern over a back issue with Mustaine but they are on as of now.”

But Mustaine appeared as planned at the Yankee Stadium last night – then told fans he’d be going under the knife in the near future.

The Big 4 ended their show last night with a group performance of Motorhead track Overkill. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich says there are plans for more US dates to be announced, but a full tour is unlikely.

Joe Francis Charges DROPPED in $2.5 Mil Gambling Fight

Chalk up another legal victory for Joe Francis -- a Nevada court has ruled the "Girls Gone Wild" honcho WILL NOT be prosecuted for allegedly plotting to screw Steve Wynn out of a $2.5 million gambling marker.

It all dates back to an incident in 2007 -- when Francis took out the marker at the Wynn Las Vegas ... and failed to pay it back. Wynn reported the incident to officials ... and the State of Nevada later charged Francis with theft and drawing and passing a check without sufficient funds.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, prosecutors admitted Francis HAD enough cash to cover the marker at the time -- but before Wynn tried to collect, Joe's accounts "may have been frozen by the government in connection with a federal tax prosecution."

Therefore, the court ruled prosecutors could no longer move forward with the case because they couldn't prove Joe "intended to default on the marker" ... a required element of the charged offenses.

In fact, the evidence shows Joe PROBABLY would have paid the money back ... if he could've.

TMZ spoke with Joe ... who tells us, "I think it is absolutely disgusting what Steve Wynn and his cohorts tried to do to me."

He adds, "I have now been found innocent by a Las Vegas judge and a court of law, and I am so happy to put this behind me ... but you better believe I will go after Steve Wynn personally and the Wynn casino for every dime this has cost me."

Former NFL Pro Bowler I'M DEAD BROKE ... and Living with My Parents

Former NFL Pro Bowler
I'M DEAD BROKE
... and Living with My Parents



Former NFL bad ass Chris McAlister -- who signed a $55 MILLION contract in 2004 -- claims he's BROKE AS A JOKE and living with his parents ... this according to court docs obtained by TMZ.

The ex-Baltimore Ravens defensive superstar has just filed new documents in his child support war with his ex-wife Marlene in the hopes of lowering his $11,000 per month obligation.

In the docs, Chris -- a 1st round NFL draft pick in 1999 who played in the league for 10 years -- states, "I have been unemployed since 2009. I have no income."

He adds, "I live in my parent's home. My parents provide me with my basic living expenses as I do not have the funds to do so."

McAlister was a KEY member of the Ravens when they won the Super Bowl in 2000 ... and even got himself an interception during the big game.

McAlister was only married to Marlene for 13 months -- but she claims Chris ended the relationship in 2009 when she got pregnant and refused to get an abortion.

Tareq Salahi "Devastated" by Wife's Liaison With Journey Guitarist

Tareq Salahi is telling friends, he feels "betrayed" by Journey guitarist Neal Schon, a trusted friend who has hooked up -- again -- with his wife, Michaele.

Tareq is saying he considered Neal and his band members "best friends." The band recently came to his winery in Virginia and played for free and even stayed with Tareq and Michaele.

And there's more. Two weeks ago, Tareq and Michaele went to a Journey concert in Virginia and hung backstage with Neal and a woman named Ava, whom Tareq believes is Neal's wife.

Tareq has been crying hysterically, saying he feels as if his life is over because Michaele is all he lived for.

TMZ broke the story ... contrary to Tareq's belief that his wife had been kidnapped, Michaele was hooking up with Neal in Tennessee, bouncing from Journey concert to Journey concert.

Lita Ford: “Eddie Van Halen is The Les Paul of Today’s World”

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Lita Ford from The Runaways contributed to the upcoming hardcover photo book, Eddie Van Halen, by Neil Zlozower.

The Van Halen News Desk has the exclusive on Lita’s quote in the book, below.

In the very early days, the Runaways and Van Halen musically grew up together on the Sunset Strip. Edward was my friend. I’d go to his house after a night of partying, and we would say “Hi” to his mom, and he’d make me breakfast by opening a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast (mix with milk and drink your breakfast, chocolate or vanilla).

Edward had no time in his life for anything unless it was for sex or rock ’n’ roll. He didn’t even have an ignition switch in his car. He just said, “Fuck, I don’t need a key,” and he would put these wires together, and off we went in his piece of trash vehicle with an AMAZING stereo system, on which he played me “Running with the Devil.” I was blown away by how awesome and rockin’ it sounded! Good ol’ straight-in-your-face rock ’n’ roll, no bells and whistles. Not watered down with tons of guitar overdubs and tons of keyboards, as we just came out of the Boston era. Boston was cool, but extremely produced. back-to-basics three-piece rock ’n’ roll. Everyone was too busy trying to figure out how to outdo each other, while Edward would just DO IT! No questions asked!!! Just fuckin’ DO IT!

He was a great inspiration to me. You know how sometimes people say things to you that you carry with you for years, and that change your life forever? I was stuck in a world where not too many people listened to girls playing guitar. I didn’t know what I was capable of doing, especially having been fresh from the Runaways, which was an uphill battle. One day Edward said to me, “Lita, you can play guitar, what’s your fuckin’ problem, just DO IT!!!” Something so simple coming out of the mouth of Edward Van Halen was like an electric charge of energy going through my brain. Suddenly, my life became so clear and simple. Hey, it’s not an issue that you’re a chick. So what? Just fuckin’ DO IT! What are you waiting for? Approval? Fuck them!!! Just be yourself!!!

We all know EVH is the Les Paul of today’s world. We all know Edward changed the face of rock ’n’ roll. But it’s the person that he truly is that makes him so unique. He is an inspiration to every musician, because we all wanna be him, and some of us try real hard, but the reality of it is that there is only ONE Edward Van Halen!!! PERIOD! What makes him tick? Good question! But whatever it is, they honestly did break the mold after they made Edward!!! I love you, buddy friend! God bless you and your family! Thanks for rockin’ my world!!!

—Lita Ford

From the upcoming hardcover photo book, Eddie Van Halen, by Neil Zlozower. For more info or to pre-order your Autographed copy, visit Van Halen Store.