Today's Day In Rock News!

Axl Rose Jokes About Guns N' Roses Reunion Reports(hennemusic)

Axl Rose has issued his first public response to rumors of an impending announcement regarding a Guns N' Roses reunion. Rose tweeted on Friday: "The only thing I know 'confirmed' is my LOVE of Taco Bell! Mmmmm.... Taco Bell!! Happy New Years!!"
Music industry magazine Billboard and other media outlets are reporting a GNR reunion will launch in the spring - with Rose and Slash confirmed so far among the players involved.

The group are reportedly set to headline the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA over the weekends of April 15-17 and April 22-24 and are in talks with promoters for a 25-date stadium tour of North America this summer. Read more including the Axl's tweet here.



Lemmy's Favorite Bar Announces Memorial Plans(hennemusic)

A public memorial service for Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister will be held at the late rocker's favorite bar and hangout, The Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood.
"Join us Saturday, January 9th as we say goodbye a dear friend and loved one," announced the bar. "We will open our doors at 2:00pm. Come celebrate the life of Lemmy Kilmister. Legends never die."

Lemmy passed away from an "extremely aggressive cancer" at his Los Angeles home on December 28. The iconic frontman - who turned 70 on Christmas Eve - was diagnosed with cancer just two days before his passing, according to manager Todd Singerman.

Fellow rockers and fans from around the world have been paying tribute to the rocker, and his longtime bandmates offered their own salutes. Read more here.



Deep Purple To Begin Recording New Album With Bob Ezrin

This Month 2016 promises to be a big year for Deep Purple. The band will not only finally receive their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but they will also be making a new album.
Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice revealed in an interview published by WCSX.com on Christmas Eve that the band will begin recording the follow-up to their 2014 album "So What?!" late this month.

He said, "We start around the end of January. We'll go back into the studio in Nashville with Bob Ezrin; We had such a great time making the last record that we just want to try to duplicate that the next time around.

"There's plenty of material, probably more than we need, but there is a weeding process that happens when you start listening back in clarity. So, you know, the runts of the litter will be discarded and the best 10 or 11 tracks will be worked on."



Videos From Motley Crue's Final Show Go Online(hennemusic)

Motley Crue wrapped up their farewell tour on New Year's Eve with the last show of their career at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and videos from the show have been posted online.
The group closed out the 18-month run with three shows in their hometown after a July 2, 2014 launch in Grand Rapids, MI saw them hit the road for the last time.

Bassist Nikki Sixx and singer Vince Neil both offered extended goodbyes to fans and Tommy Lee's drum set stalled on the roller coaster during his "Cruecify" drum solo as the Crue delivered their greatest hits set to a sold-out crowd.

The event was filmed by director Christian Lamb for a theatre and Pay-Per-View release later this year. The project will also include interviews and behind the scenes footage captured during the final week of the tour, with footage shot by Jackass creator Jeff Tremaine.

Motley Crue announced the farewell run at a January 28, 2014 press conference in Hollywood, and signed a binding legal document known as a "cessation of touring" contract which prevents them from touring beyond 2015. Watch the videos here.



Kings Of Leon Begin Work On New Album(Classic Rock)

Kings Of Leon have begun pre-production on their seventh album, and they aim to complete it this year. And frontman Caleb Followill says they're "in a good place" for the follow-up to 2013's Mechanical Bull.
The band reported in July that they'd started writing material for the record. Followill tells AP: "We're all excited to do something new. Our first two albums were recorded in LA, so we're going to go back and see if it inspires us.

"If it doesn't, we have a studio at home, so we can always come back." Drummer Nathan Followill adds: "The main thing on the calendar for 2016 is getting the record finished, then the press machine kicks up." Read more here.




Anthrax's New Song 'Breathing Lightning' Streaming Online(hennemusic)

Anthrax premiered "Breathing Lightning", a track from their forthcoming record "For All Kings", during an appearance on the BBC on Sunday and the song and interview are streaming online.
Guitarist Scott Ian joined BBC Radio 1 Rock Show with Daniel P. Carter to discuss the tune from the group's 11th album, which will be issued on February 26.

The project marks the debut of former Shadows Fall lead guitarist Jon Donais, who replaced Rob Caggiano following his departure in 2013. The follow-up to 2011's Grammy-nominated album "Worship Music" is also being previewed with a lyric video for the lead track, "Evil Twin."

On January 15, Anthrax will hit the road to support Lamb Of God on their headlining US tour, before teaming up with Iron Maiden in March for a month-long run across Latin and South America. Stream the song and the interview here.




Panic! At The Disco Stream 'Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time'

Panic! At The Disco celebrated the New Year by giving fans another taste of their forthcoming album via a stream of the new track "Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time".
The band revealed the song in a series of post on their website beginning on New Year's Eve (December 31st) when they shared the song on YouTube with the message "One more thing before ya kiss 2015 goodbye… You think we'd let another holiday go by without releasing a new song?!"

On New Year's Day they announced the song had been added to Spotify and said "So this is the future, huh? Seems pretty f***ing awesome so far. Kick off your new year with an equally as new song, 'Don't Threaten Me with a Good Time'".

The track comes from the band's forthcoming album "Death Of A Bachelor" which is set to be released on January 15th. The band also announced that if fans pre-order the digital version of the album on iTunes and Amazon, they will get an instant download of 5 songs including track "Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time" and the lead single "Victorious." Stream the new track here.



Sum 41 'Almost Done' With New Album Reveals Jubilant Deryck Whibley

Sum 41's Deryck Whibley revealed in a New Year's Eve post that the band's new album is almost complete and he took the opportunity to look back on 2015, which he says was one of the best years of his life.
Whibley suffered what has been called a near-death experience in 2014 after suffering liver and kidney failure due to excessive alcohol consumption, which led him to being hospitalized for a month and warned by doctors that he could die if he continued to drink.

He has since sobered up and that new found sobriety fueled a very productive year. He tells fans in his online post, ""as the year comes to an end, i can honestly say that 2015 has been one of the best years of my life. it has been a year of accomplishments. learning to walk again and getting back on stage were some of the hardest things that i've ever had to do. getting my life back on track and my health in order, while at the same time making a new Sum 41 album, almost seemed impossible this time last year, but now the record is almost done and i feel stronger and better than ever. the band is sounding bigger and better as a 5-piece, and it's so great to have dave 'brown sound' back again after almost 10 years.

"the Alternative Press awards performance with DMC was one of the best experiences in our career and the shows in North and South America were all amazing. it's hard to believe that 2016 is going to be an even bigger year - i can't wait! thanks for all the love and support and we'll see you all in the new year!"



Supergroup Denimgoat Tribute Phil Lynott With New Single

Supergroup Denimgoat, featuring members of Truckfighters, Crucified Barbara, Backyard Babies, are marking the anniversary of loss of Thin Lizzy icon Phil Lynott with a new single.
Today, January 4th, marks the 30th anniversary of Lynott's death and Denimgoat are paying tribute with the release of their cover of Lynott's final single "Nineteen."

The Swedish supergroup features Danne McKenzie (Satan Takes A Holiday, Mustasch & Truckfighters), Ida Evileye (Crucified Barbara), Richie Puzz (Bandit Rock radio), Nicke Borg (Backyard Babies & Nicke Borg Homeland), and Max Diesel (Junkstars).

"Nineteen" follows the group's chart topping debut single "I Need To Know", which claimed the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Rock chart in Sweden, upon release.

The new single is being released digitally world wide and can found on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Apple Music, Tidal, Rhapsody and Deezer.



The Gathering Offer Song Download From Reunion Show(Prog)

The Gathering have made their reunion show performance of the song "Travel" available for download and streaming ahead of the release of the live album captured at the event.
It was recorded in their home town of Nijmegen in the Netherlands, when Anneke van Giersbergen rejoined her former colleagues to mark the band's 25th anniversary.

The Gathering say: "Travel is a classic song, originally from our How To Measure A Planet album. Sung by Anneke and with Hugo Prinsen Geerligs on guitars and bass, this song is played with the original lineup. One of the many highlights that day!" Read more and get the download link here.



Thy Art Is Murder Keeping New Singer Search Behind 'Closed Doors'(TeamRock Radio)

Thy Art Is Murder guitarist Andy Marsh says he wants to avoid "starting another circus around the band" following the departure of frontman CJ McMahon last month.
Instead, he hopes the Australian outfit will be allowed privacy to get on with the business of finding a replacement. McMahon cited financial pressures as one of the main reasons for quitting, saying: "We have been broke for years and I can't live like this any more."

Marsh tells The Jasta Show: "We love what we do, and we like playing heavy music, but at the same time we're low-key guys. We don't want all this attention - we want to create our shortlist in private. Hopefully we keep that in private and it goes through the motions behind closed doors."

He already knows what kind of person the band are looking for. "They have to be our friend," he says. "They have to represent our music and what our band is to people.

"Whoever we get will be good, no doubt - but they also have to fit un with us, sit in the van, sit in the bus, sit on the plane, and be bored for 20 hours a day with us." Stream the full interview here.



Neck Deep Look Back At 2015 With 'Smooth Seas' Video

Neck Deep rang in the New Year by releasing a new montage video for the track "Smooth Seas Don't Make Good Sailors" that features a look back at the band's activities in 2015.
The song comes from the band's sophomore album "Life's Not Out To Get You," which was released this past summer. The band posted the new video along with the following message on their Facebook page on New Year's Eve, "2015 was another wild year for our band, where we achieved things we could never have dreamed of 3 years ago.

"We released our second album 'Life's Not Out To Get You', and saw it charting in the TOP 10 album charts in both the UK and USA. That album has gone on to sell over 55,000 copies worldwide so far, which just blows our minds...

"We played 117 shows across UK, USA and Europe, including some of the biggest shows Neck Deep has played to date: Wembley Arena, main stage at Reading & Leeds festivals, Madison Square Garden, London Alexandra Palace....

"Here's a little look back on the year that was, filmed and edited by our friend Josh Halling." Watch the video here.



Trujillo Looks Back At 'Surreal' Metallica Audition

Metallica bass player Robert Trujillo provided a detailed account of his audition to replace Jason Newsted in a recent episode of the WTF With Marc Maron podcast.
Trujillo recalls the event as "a very surreal day for me. But when you get a gig like that, it's so… strange. Really, strange is the word. Because I remember going up there. I was late. I was always late back then."

He then went into detail (via Blabbermouth) about the audition : "I'll tell you a quick story about the audition. Basically, it was a two-day audition. The first day of the audition, I was kind of just there to be a fly on the wall. [Producer] Bob Rock's there. The bass [for Metallica's 'St. Anger' album] had already been recorded; Bob Rock recorded the bass. So I'm just hanging around. And Lars [Ulrich, Metallica drummer] and James [Hetfield, Metallica frontman] and Kirk [Hammett, Metallica guitarist] kind of live in this bubble. They were just, like, 'Yeah, make yourself at home. Just hang out.' And I was just kind of hanging out in this big complex up north [in the Bay Area]. And I'm kind of lost, because no one's really completely communicating with me, and I'm just there. And, okay. So [they tell me], 'Come on in the control room,' and I'm just there. They're cutting tracks. And that's it; hanging around. Eleven o'clock rolls around at night, and Lars... We're in the parking lot. We're the last ones leaving. And Lars says, 'Hey, man, let's go get a drink. Let's go get a nightcap.' So I'm, like, 'All right.' And we go to the first bar, have a couple of cocktails, we go to the second bar, have a few more, go to the third bar. Then we end up at his house for more cocktails. By this time, it's five in the morning. I can't even drive to where I'm staying; it's impossible. And he even says, 'Here, crash out in my guest room.' So, at nine in the morning, four hours later, he's on the treadmill, this guy, and it's like he doesn't know me anymore. He's already sobered up. And he's on the treadmill. And I've got this crazy headache. And then he's, like, 'All right. Let's go. Let's go to the studio.' And I'm driving behind him. I couldn't even keep my eyes open. I get to the studio.

He continues: "This is when [the members of METALLICA] were going through this sort of therapy thing, [with] this guy Phil Towle, who was… what do they call it? Kind of a life coach, kind of a motivator, which was, at the time, I guess, good for the band, but I wasn't used to that. Here I am with a pounding headache. James has just gone through this whole thing where, of course, he's sober, and the last person he wants to see anywhere near his band is a drunk Mexican. That would be me. So I'm sitting at the table, and I've got the worst headache, [I'm] completely hung over. And I'm thinking, 'Lars did this to me, 'cause he was checking me out, to see if I could hang with him.' It was [a test]; it had to have been. He's a Viking, really. I'd go into the bathroom. I was throwing water on my face, slapping it, going, 'Oh, man, you've gotta… Hang in there. Hang in there.' 'Cause I really wanted to say, 'I can't do this right now, guys. I don't feel good. I really can't do this.'"

Trujillo concluded: "I stuck it out. I knew the tech, the bass tech, from back when Suicidial Tendencies was touring with Metallica, which would have been in 1993 on the 'Black Album.' So, Zach Harmon, who is now still my bass tech. I didn't have a bass, so [I went], 'Let's go grab a bass. Let's choose the amp setup.' So I kind of used that as my way to get out of this hangover situation." Read more and listen to the full podcast here.



Whitechapel Heading Into The Studio For New Album

Whitechapel are kicking off the new year by heading into the studio next week to begin laying down tracks for a new studio album, according to metal site Lambgoat.
The group had previously revealed in their North American tour announcement back in late September that they planned to begin recording he follow-up to "Our Endless War" early in 2016.

Lambgoat reports the band expects to release the new effort this spring via Metal Blade Records. Whitechapel had the following to say on their Facebook page, "Thank you to anyone who supported us in 2015, without you what we do would not be possible. We look forward to bringing you album 6 in 2016."



Rusty Paul, Son Of Guitar Pioneer Les Paul, Dead At 74(Classic Rock)

The son of guitar pioneer Les Paul, who helped his father in his work, has died at the age of 74 after a long battle with diabetes, according to the Les Paul Foundation.
Lester 'Rusty' G Paul, the elder of two children, spent many years assisting his dad while he developed technology that's become standard in musical instruments and sound equipment.

A statement from the Les Paul Foundation says: "Often Rusty could be seen sitting in with legendary artists including Les' godson Steve Miller, and called many famous musicians his friends including Richie Sambora, Slash and Eddie Van Halen." Read more here.



John 5 Releases 'Black Grass Plague' Video(Classic Rock)

Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 has released a video for solo track Black Grass Plague. It features his skills on guitar, electric mandolin and banjo, along with support work from drummer Rodger Carter and bassist Ian Ross.
The promo is dedicated to the memory of camera operator Khalil Tiner, who was killed by a drink-driver soon after filming was completed. Colleagues George Maria, Tyki Sato and Ryder Page say:

"He was an amazing filmmaker and one of those rare people who could brighten any day with his smile. Khalil you are missed, and we are honoured to have called you friend."

Rob Zombie will launch sixth album Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser in the coming months. Watch John 5's new music video here.



Traitors Stream New Song Featuring Black Dahlia Murder's Trevor Strnad

Late last week, Traitors released an online stream of the song "Burnout," which features a guest appearance from The Black Dahlia Murder frontman Trevor Strnad.
The band released the lyric video for the track a couple days ahead of the January 1st release of their new EP "Night Terrors" and the kick off of their U.S. tour. Check out the song here.

The band launched the tour in support of the new EP in Orlando, FL at the Backbooth on Friday (January 1st) and will criss-cross the country before wrapping up the trek on January 27th in Odessa, FL at The Goathouse. See the tour dates here.



Former Marillion Vocalist Fish Remembers Lemmy (Classic Rock)

Fish has paid tribute to Lemmy, describing the Motorhead and Hawkwind icon as "a huge romantic with a passionate lyrical bent." The 70-year-old died on December 28, two days after being told he had an aggressive form of cancer.
Recalling long nights of conversation in London clubs during the 1980s, ex-Marillion vocalist Fish says: "We'd rattle off on our favorite subject of history, and especially World War 2.

"He was a highly knowledgeable and intelligent guy with strong opinions as well as being a huge romantic with a passionate lyrical bent. I really enjoyed his company back then.

"He came up to North Berwick in 1987 to attend my first wedding - much to the surprise and amusement of fellow guests, who he totally charmed and captivated with stories. He was a charming and sensitive man totally outwith his rough desperado image."

The pair lost contact in later years, and Fish admits to being disappointed when they last met in the 1990s. "I saw him was in the Rainbow Rooms in LA, where he was, as always, totally locked into a gaming machine. We exchanged few words as it was obvious he was somewhere else and not open to conversation with anybody. I heard later that he was dealing with a lot of dark issues around that time." Read more here.



Spoof Prog Star Brian Pern's New TV Series Trailer Released(Classic Rock)

The BBC have released a trailer for the latest adventures of spoof prog star Brian Pern. The third series, subtitled 45 Years of Prog and Roll, will be broadcast on BBC Four beginning on January 14.
It stars Simon Day as the Thotch frontman and co-writer Rhys Thomas as himself, along with Paul Whitehouse, Nigel Havers, Michael Kitchen, Martin Freeman and others. Rick Wakeman appears as himself alongside a range of other musicians.

The BBC say: "After a year out of the public eye following his heart attack, Brian is making a major comeback. Not only is he appearing on Desert Island Discs and at the the Isle of Wight Festival - he has a new album, a new look and a new wife who is half his age.

"Taking her advice, Brian sacks his picky manager John Farrow by fax and lets her take over. She quickly says yes to every offer going, including an appearance at the Thotch convention cruise with annoying fan club president, Perry." Watch the trailer here.



Nightwish May Change Musical Approach On Next Album(Prog)

Nightwish could move away from their heavily-orchestrated approach to music on their next album, says Troy Donockley. The multi-instrumentalist says they're looking at ways to explore a stripped-down sound without fully abandoning the complex arrangements they've become known for.
Asked about the possibility of an acoustic tour, Donockley tells CarlBegai.com: "I think if we went out with a skeleton crew of three woodwinds, a string quartet and the band, it would smooth over the edges of doing something that people might freak out over.

"It would still retain the orchestral elements, but strip it down to a chamber band. I think it's something we should get onto." He adds: "We're got plans for the next album - really loose plans - but some things are heading in the direction. Our fans are very forgiving." Read more here.



Big Big Train Preview 'Stone & Steel' Documentary(Prog)

Big Big Train have released a trailer for their documentary movie Stone & Steel. The production is based around nine songs recorded at rehearsals in 2014, along with four shot during performances last year.
They explain in the clip: "In August 2014, Big Big Train gathered at Real World Studios in England for a week of rehearsals, to see if gigging after a 17-year absence form the stage was feasible.

"They were accompanied by a film crew. Stone & Steel tells the story of the band's transition from the studio back to the stage." Watch the "Stone & Steel" trailer here.



Jimmy Page Might Have Prevented Guitar Solo On Jethro Tull's Aqualung(Classic Rock)

Martin Barre has recalled the moment that speaking to Jimmy Page could have led to him losing a guitar solo on classic Jethro Tull track Aqualung. He risked bandleader Ian Anderson taking away the opportunity, and filling the space on tape with flute work instead.
The album of the same name was released 45 years ago in March. It was recorded at Island Studios in London, while Led Zeppelin were working on their fourth record next door.

Barre tells Guitar Player: "We'd locked ourselves away and I hadn't seen Jimmy at all. Finally he walked into the control room to say hello, just as I was recording the solo to Aqualung.

"In those days, if you didn't get a guitar solo in one or two takes, it might become a flute solo. It was, 'Go in there and do it or else.' And here was Jimmy, waving like mad - 'Hey, Martin!' - and I'm thinking, 'I can't wave back or I'm going to blow the solo!'"

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: AC/DC Had The Most Popular Tour Of 2015 AC/DC's Rock Or Bust Tour was the most popular tour of 2015. Industry publication Pol...

Today's Day In Rock News!

AC/DC Had The Most Popular Tour Of 2015

AC/DC's Rock Or Bust Tour was the most popular tour of 2015. Industry publication Pollstar released the top tour numbers for the year with AC/DC coming out on top in ticket sales.
The Australian band launched the tour in support of their "Rock Or Bust" album, which was revealed earlier this month to the be biggest selling hard rock album of year in the U.S..

The tour was a major success as well, selling 2.31 million tickets and grossing $180 million. The list was ranked by profit, so AC/DC came in second to pop star Taylor Swift who had higher priced tickets and grossed $250.4 million but sold approximately 40,000 fewer tickets.

Elsewhere on the list, the Foo Fighters grossed $127 million with 1,682,053 tickets sold followed by Fleetwood Mac which grossed $125 million with 995,939 tickets sold.

Rock veterans The Rolling Stones brought in $109.7 million with ticket sales of 44,910 and Paul McCartney grossed $77.7 million with 26,255 in ticket sales. Read the Pollstar report here.



Axl Rose Will Reportedly Talk Guns N' Roses Reunion On Kimmel(hennemusic)

Axl Rose will reportedly end months of rumors and speculation about a Guns N' Roses reunion when he makes a guest appearance on ABC-TV's Jimmy Kimmel Live next week.
Multiple sources have confirmed to Rolling Stone that Rose will join Kimmel on the late night program, although no broadcast schedule has been revealed to date.

This week, Billboard reported that a Guns N' Roses reunion will launch in the spring - with Rose and Slash confirmed so far. Some variation on the group's lineup is expected to one of the first acts to play the new Las Vegas Arena when it opens April 6 - and then they'll headline the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA over the weekends of April 15-17 and April 22-24. Read more here.



Motley Crue Recording Their Final Show Tonight For Concert Film

Motley Crue will be taking the stage tonight (December 31) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for their very last concert. But fans that can't be at the show in person will still be able to watch it.
The band revealed that they will be filming the concert for a full length concert film that will also include interviews and behind the scenes footage captured during the final week of the tour as the band prepared for their farewell show.

The live concert portion of the film will be directed by Christian Lamb and the documentary portions of the film will be directed by Jackass creator Jeff Tremaine. The film will be released theatrically and on Pay-Per-View some time next year.




Motorhead Members Pay Tribute To Lemmy, Confirm Motorhead Over

Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee have both released online statement following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister on Monday (Dec. 28) from an aggressive form of cancer.
Dee writes, "Lemmy! My bandmate. My friend. My brother. There are no words to describe the emotions running through my mind at this point but I could write thousands and thousands of words of all we created and experienced together.

"It has been a true honor and a privilege to play with you and share all this time brother. I celebrate every moment we shared…you bastard. I know I'll see you sometime in the future and maybe I'll join your band again…but this time, let's go a bit slower buddy. "There is a big black hole here now that no one can ever fill. No one... Later Lem Mikkey

"P.S I am deeply moved by all the care and love that has come in from fans, friends and fellow band mates from all over the world. I appreciate each and every one of you. Now, let's make Lemmy proud and carry on his legacy."

Campbell writes, "Unfortunately by now everyone reading this post will have found out that Motörhead is no longer. I'm still trying to come to terms with everything but I've been totally overwhelmed with the well wishes and stories about how Lemmy & Motörhead affected people's lives.

"I genuinely would like to thank everyone who's supported Motörhead over the last 40 years. Please turn it up to 11 and celebrate Lemmy's life to the full."




Skid Row Not Reuniting With Bach, Surprised By Tony Harnell Departure

Skid Row have posted their first public statement since now former singer Tony Harnell announced earlier this week that he had quit the band. It turns out that the band learned about the departure via Harnell's online post and they also shot down rumors that they were reuniting with Sebastian Bach and going on tour with Guns N' Roses.
Harnell made the announcement with the following Facebook post, "I'm sorry to inform everyone that I'm no longer the lead singer for Skid Row. I thank the fans for their love and support!"

The band issued the following on Wednesday, "To the Skid Row faithful, As you may know, Tony Harnell quit the band yesterday. We found out about his decision the same way all of you did, via his post on social media. He had posted that he was no longer in the band before informing the band personally.

"The last we spoke with Tony was on December 17th. He was in the hospital being treated for 'bronchitis with asthmatic symptoms'. We were all very concerned and offered any assistance we could to help him get healthy. Due to his condition we were forced to cancel our show in Chicago on December 19th. The next time we heard anything was his post yesterday.

"That being said, we are all moving forward and wish Tony the best in his future endeavors. Lastly, amidst all of the rumors and speculation, there has been no talk of a reunion nor are we opening for Guns N Roses. That's it for now. We'll keep you updated as best we can. Thanks for your support and understanding. See you in 2016!"



Slipknot's Corey Taylor Shares His Favorite Lemmy Memory(Classic Rock)

Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor has recalled a "fanboy moment" as his favorite Lemmy story. Taylor once met him in Germany at the offices of the Gibson guitar company. He tells the Guardian: "We were there to check out some new gear, do some press, sign some sh*t. We saw each other, gave each other a quick hug and shoulder slap, and immediately went looking for a place where we could smoke.
"We found ourselves standing in a kitchen with all the windows open, chain smoking, bullsh*tting and laughing like crazy. I felt like we were cutting class and hanging out somewhere in the high school."

He refuses to repeat a "most hardcore" joke Lemmy told him, but says: "I laughed so damn hard I thought my pancreas was going to rupture. Once I caught my breath, I had a sense of where I was - hiding in a tiny room, smoking cigarettes, telling dirty jokes and hanging out with my friend, who just happened to be a man I'd been listening to most of my life. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a little fanboy moment." Read more here.




Zakk Wylde Reflects On Paris Attack and Dimebag Murder


Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist and Black Label Society mainman Zakk Wylde was interviewed by AMFM on the anniversary of Dimebag's murder and in the wake of Paris terrorist attacks and reflected on both during the discussion.
Wylde was asked if he now feels vulnerable on stage following these tragedies. He responded," I don't think anybody thinks about it. It's like guys that drive a racecar. I think you just get in the racecar and go, you know what I mean?

"It's just really insane with the thing that just happened in Paris and Dimebag thing and the John Lennon thing. You can't stop mental illness. It's crazy that the Dimebag thing happened the same day as John Lennon.

"The one guy said that Dimebag broke up the band [Pantera] and stole his songs and the guy with John Lennon figured he would kill him, get his fame, and get a date with Jodie Foster. It's like, 'Bro, I don't know if any chicks are going to want to date you now.' [Laughs]

"You can't stop crazy. If it's not guns, we'll be banning samurai swords or whatever weapon you can get. It's pointless, man. And the thing that happened in Paris, it's ridiculous, man. If you've got a problem with America, get an army together, and try and come over and whoop our ass then instead of this punk sh*t." Read the full interview here.




Dave Grohl Tributes Lemmy With Ace of Spades Tattoo(Radio.com)

Since Lemmy Kilmister's passing on Monday, several artists have shared thoughts, condolences and tributes to honor the Motorhead frontman. Dave Grohl did something a bit more permanent.
Hours after news broke that Lemmy passed away, Grohl visited a tattoo parlor to get some fresh ink of Motorhead's "Ace of Spades" logo on his left forearm (via SPIN). The tattoo artist who inked Grohl shared a pic of the finished work on Instagram.

Grohl's ink takes on a personal note for what the Foo Fighters have already expressed regarding the loss of their friend and sometimes collaborator. Posting on their Facebook page, the band shared "We've lost a friend & legend. My heart is broken. RIP Lemmy. Born To Lose, Lived To Win." See the photo here.



Nikki Sixx Emotional About Tonight's Final Motley Crue Show(Classic Rock)

Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx hopes he won't burst into tears during the band's final show tonight. They'll bring the curtain down on their career in Los Angeles, where it began in 1981.
The band signed a legal document ahead of their farewell tour in 2014, making it all-but impossible for them to reunite after tonight's performance.Sixx tells Billboard: "I don't know how we're going to feel. We've been dodging that question for two years - and now there's no getting out of it.

"We're pretty rough-and-tumble dudes. But even the toughest guy going in for his last fight is going to feel a pang in his heart. I'm guaranteeing that something's going to happen that I don't know about, and I don't want to think about until it happens. I just hope I don't cry during Shout At The Devil." Read more here.




Alabama Shakes and Vintage Trouble ACL TV Special Airs This Weekend(CoakleyPRess)

Austin City Limits have announced that they will be kicking off the new year with the double bill of Alabama Shakes and Vintage Trouble this Saturday, January 2nd at 8pm CT/9pm ET.
"Few contemporary singers in the world today can touch the raw power and emotion of Brittany Howard," says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. "Since their ACL debut, before they even had their first record out, Alabama Shakes has reached new heights, and their Grammy nomination for Album of the Year says it all!"

Lickona had this to say about Vintage Trouble's set, "I've never seen anyone take command of a stage (and audience) like Ty Taylor and Vintage Trouble! It was a musical and emotional roller-coaster ride. People are still talking about that taping-and now so will viewers." See the band's setlists and the upcoming schedule for the show here.



Orgy and Bobaflex Launch Pop Killers Tour

Orgy, Bobaflex and Death Valley High will be spending the first month of the New Year playing to rock fans across North American on their Pop Killers Tour.
According to Bobafex's Facebook page, the tour kicked off on Tuesday in Arizona and will include a special New Year's Eve show tonight in San Leon, TX. The trek will visit cities across the U.S. and Canada before wrapping up on January 30th in Las Vegas.

Bobaflex are touring in support of their new album "Anything That Moves" and promise more live action in the coming year. Marty McCoy says, "The Orgy tour is the first of many shows in the new year. 2016 will be our busiest year in the band's history More tour announcements including festivals are coming soon." See the dates here.



Keith Emerson Reveals How Lemmy Got The Name Lemmy(Prog)

Keith Emerson has lead further tributes from the prog community to Hawkwind and Motorhead man Lemmy Kilmister. In a post on Facebook, which also alleges that Lemmy took his nickname from a 1950s BBC radio programme Journey Into Space, specifically the character Lemuel 'Lemmy' Barnet, originally played by David Kossoff, Emerson recalls the days when Lemmy road managed The Nice.
"Farewell Lemmy. In the late 60s Lemmy and The Nice toured England. Lemmy was our road manager and he presented a formidable figure of someone that did not take prisoners or suffer fools gladly,

"The Nice were in their destructive art period, a term used by Pete Townshend. Lemmy came up after a show. 'Ere, if you're gonna use a knife use a real one and gave me two Hitler Youth knives. He was an avid collector of World War 2 paraphernalia, not that he was into the horrors of war. No, far from it. His reckoning was that if you're going to send an army into war, dress 'em so they look and feel good. The English, according to my father who was with The Royal Engineers, had very drab outfits and consequently morale was low. And the opposition looked well turned out. So that was it with Lemmy. He just wore black.

"Many have wondered why he chose the name 'Lemmy'. In the late 50s and early 60s there was a BBC Radio series called Journey Into Space. 'Lemmy' was one of the characters. Lemmy was a big fan." Read more here.



Iron Maiden Tells Lemmy To Rest In Peace Loudly!(Classic Rock)

Iron Maiden have said farewell to Lemmy, saying the Motorhead icon "played a great set." He died at home in Los Angeles on December 28, aged 70, two days after being told he had an aggressive form of cancer.
In a message credited to all six band members and manager Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden say: "Lemmy, rest in peace - loudly! The world has lost a unique character.

"They don't build them like you any more. But you played a great set. Our condolences to your family and friends and Motorheads everywhere. With much affection and respect." Read more here.




Peter Frampton Announces 2016 'Raw' Acoustic Tour(Gibson)

Peter Frampton closed out a round of acoustic shows in the East and Midwest this fall, and now, he's at it again. Frampton has plotted out a new unplugged tour that will take him to the West Coast this March.
The latest round of tour dates in his "Peter Frampton Raw, an Acoustic Tour" will being March 9 in Tucson, Arizona, and run through a March 26 show in Tacoma, Washington. Tickets for the shows are available now.

These shows are a family affair. On tour, expect to see Frampton accompanied by his son, singer and guitarist Julian Frampton, and longtime friend Gordon Kennedy.

Earlier this year, Frampton explained to Billboard that the acoustic shows are prepping an unplugged album he's working on that will feature raw versions of some of his songs. See Peter Frampton's 2016 'Raw' Acoustic Tour Dates here.





Annihilator Plan Live Blu-Ray and Unplugged CD and DVD

Annihilator have announced that they have signed a two studio album deal with UDR Music and Jeff Waters also revealed some details of the band's plan to release a new live Blu-ray as well as an acoustic CD/DVD set in 2016.
Waters had these details (via BraveWords): "Well, 2015 is almost over and myself and the guys want to wish everyone a great holiday season and also to thank everyone that enjoyed our latest CD, Suicide Society, and/or recent Europe Tour! We are working on Part 2 of the tour now and expect to make an announcement on dates in mid-January. That announcement should include Russia/Danish/German dates that were cancelled by the Lufthansa strike, a venue issue and one night off for a bad throat!

"Also, while I can't confirm and give details, there is 'rumor' of discussions to film our first full-length, full production BluRay concert. Tentatively aiming for April and we will likely do it in Germany. It would be a very special event for fans, as we are (apparently!) discussing all the ways to make it so!

"Another project in the final stages of confirming is something that many of you have been asking for a long, long time... a full CD/DVD of a dozen or so acoustic songs. There would be six musicians involved in this live acoustic show but we are thinking of doing it live in my recording studio in Ottawa; something along the lines of the bonus acoustic video material on the latest Van Halen release.

"South American touring is in the planning stages, as well as summer 2016 in Europe again. Yah, I know: where the fk is the USA/CAN touring? Still trying to make that happen.

"So for the best news here: We just re-signed to UDR Records for another two studio CDs! That will put us at 17 studio CDs when that deal is over! Add that to the mega-package(s) we are planning in 2016 and it's gonna be a fantastic four more years with them, us and the fans!"



Enter Shikari Release Live 'The Last Garrison and Juggernauts' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Enter Shikari have released a live video featuring performances of The Last Garrison and Juggernauts. The clip was shot during their February UK tour in support of fourth album The Mindsweep.
Frontman Rou Reynolds had the following to say of the follow-up to 2012's A Flash Flood Of Colour: "There's a lot more positivity on this album, and love is a central theme."

"But if you boil down everything we've ever done it's all about loving one another, loving the planet, loving our biosphere." Watch "The Last Garrison and Juggernauts" performance video here.



Joanne Shaw Taylor Tributes Lemmy, Releases New Year Message(The Blues)

Joanne Shaw Taylor has paid tribute to Motorhead mainman Lemmy Kilmister following his death at the age of 70. He passed away on December 28, two days after being told he was suffering from an aggressive form of cancer.
Taylor says: "After hearing the news I spent a little time re-reading some of his quotes. Obviously he leaves behind him an amazing musical legacy - but the thing that's always struck me most is that he was one of the few that really had life figured out.

"No regrets, no excuses, a one of a kind character. He knew exactly who he was and how he wanted to live. 70 years lived to the fullest - I think we could all learn a lot from him."

Meanwhile, Taylor has posted a new year greeting video, thanking fans for their support during 2015. Watch it here.



Emerson, Lake & Palmer In The Studio For 45th Anniversary (ITS)

The latest episode of syndicated radio show In The Studio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands 45th anniversary of the self title debut album from Prog Rock pioneers Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The show sent over these details:
ELP were a true supergroup in progressive rock, elevating the musical genre by taking it out of the science lab and onto FM rock radio, where ultimately millions of listeners would respond in favor.

Each member of ELP had a hand in defining the Prog Rock sound, albeit individually in separate bands, Keith Emerson as a keyboardist, innovator with The Nice; Greg Lake writing and singing on the 1969 King Crimson groundbreaker In The Court of the Crimson King; and Carl Palmer exhibiting power and space-filling percussion in the trio Atomic Rooster.

Greg Lake shares with InTheStudio host Redbeard the story behind the song "Lucky Man" and how it ended up making the cut on ELP's debut album. "I wrote "Lucky Man" when I was 12 years old... And I never had any use for it... When it came to the album and we were due to finish the album there and then, it was just a case of ' Does anybody got any idea?' And there was a silence, and I said, Well, I got this. 'So alright then, give it a go.'" stream the episode here.



Mansion Studio Used By Bowie, Pink Floyd To Reopen(Prog)

The French mansion studio that became known as the Honky Chateau has reopened for business - and its new owners aim to expand its activities beyond recording music.
Chateau d'Herouville, built near Paris in the 18th century, became an icon of 1970s excess when it was used by Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Rick Wakeman, Iggy Pop, the Grateful Dead, Ritchie Blackmore, Fleetwood Mac, T Rex and many others.

It opened in 1970 and got its nickname from the 1972 album Elton John recorded there. It was also known as "France's Abbey Road." Owner and composer Michel Magne became celebrated for his hospitality at the live-in location, offering a bohemian lifestyle that included drink, drugs and sex parties. He committed suicide in 1984 while being pursued for debts run up after the studio's glory era had passed. Read more here.




Alabama Shakes Release 'Don't Wanna Fight' TV Performance(The Blues)

Producers of US TV show Austin City Limits have released a preview of the Alabama Shakes' upcoming appearance. The clip features their performance of Don't Wanna Fight - a track that's just been nominated for a Grammy award.
It appears on their second album Sound & Color, which has gained a total of four Grammy mentions for the 2016 awards ceremony. The Shakes' latest Austin City Limits appearance is broadcast in the US on January 2.

Frontwoman Brittany Howard recently admitted the band's rising fame was a challenge to deal with, saying: "I'll go see shows, but it's getting harder and harder. I get recognized, and there are a lot of pictures, which is kind of hard when you're just trying to enjoy the band." Watch the video here.



Sum 41 Preview Tracks From Forthcoming Album(TeamRock Radio)

Sum 41 have released two clips from their sixth album, which is currently under production. One clip was labeled "just a rough mix" and the other "unfinished".
The band's forthcoming new album follows frontman Deryck Whibley's near-death from alcoholism, and it's been funded by fans via a Pledge campaign.

Whibley recently said: "Words can't describe how good it feels to be back, so I'll just let the music do that instead. We're really proud of these songs and we want to make sure our fans know they're coming." Check out the clips here.



Singled Out: The Knitts' Get Up Get Out

Justin Volkens from Los Angeles-based five-piece garage-rock, post-punk band The Knitts tells us about their new single "Get Up Get Out," which will also be featured on their forthcoming "Simple Folk" EP. Here is the story:
"Get Up! Get Out!" is supposed to praise and encourage those who are brave enough to create art, and able to remove themselves from formulaic tendencies...[while] in the same breath rejecting those who still believe the world is flat.

We didn't have the money to rent a rehearsal room that day [we wrote the song] so to the park with acoustics and a keyboard we went. We had established the core of what is now 'Get Up! Get Out!' throughout that one day.

The hardest part however, was trying to write a groovy, sexy song, while gleefully relaxing in the grass of Reseda Park. Within the next couple of days we managed to get into a studio and play it with a full drum set, electric guitars and VOILA!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Guns N' Roses Reportedly Reuniting For Coachella, Stadium Tour In 2016 Original Guns N' Roses members will reunite early nex...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Guns N' Roses Reportedly Reuniting For Coachella, Stadium Tour In 2016

Original Guns N' Roses members will reunite early next year and will headline the Coachella festival according to reports from two credible music publications that cite "multiple sources."
Axl Rose and Slash will reportedly lead the lineup, according to Billboard which reports that they have been told by multiple sources that the band is set to headline the California music festival next April.

They also report that the band is currently negotiating with a promoter to launch a North American stadium tour next summer and they are also in talks to be one of the first bands to play the Las Vegas Arena, which is set to open on April 6th.

A second report from Consequence of Sound says that an official announcement is "imminent" and the publication confirms that their "sources" tell them that the band lineup will also include original bass player Duff McKagan along with Rose and Slash and they will likely tap "Use Your Illusions" era drummer Matt Sorum for the reunion.

However, Billboard also reports that there were unable to reach representatives of the band, Coachella organizers, or AEG who will be operating the new Las Vegas venue for confirmation. Coachella's lineup is set to be revealed in January.

These new reports come in the wake of a mysterious Guns N' Roses trailer that appeared in movie theaters over the Christmas holiday during showings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and the band launching a redesign of their website over the holiday that features the group's classic "Appetite For Destruction" era bullet logo.

Last month the band's official Twitter was updated with a series of cryptic tweets that read "What ever happened to no new is good news?... Of course today everyone is a journalist... if only they could read lips... Surely they'll read between the lines."



Rush's R40 Tour Was Not A Farewell Trek Says Geddy Lee

Rush frontman Geddy Lee has reiterated in a new interview that he does not believe that the legendary band's career is over and says that their R40 tour was not a farewell trek.
As we reportedly earlier this week, Lee told Paste Magazine that the band members at this point can not agree on their plans for the future, but he is not ruling out another album or future live performances.

The band's 2015 R40 tour was speculated to be their final large scale tour but Lee also says in the interview that the trek's "intention was not a farewell tour; its intention was a look back and a celebration of 40 years of music." Read the interview here.



Skid Row Part Ways With Singer Tony Harnell

Skid Row has lost another frontman. Former TNT vocalist Tony Harnell broke the news to fans via a social media post this week that he has parted ways with Skid Row.
Harnell was brought in earlier this year to replace Johnny Solinger. Now Harnells tells fans, "I'm sorry to inform everyone that I'm no longer the lead singer for Skid Row. I thank the fans for their love and support!"

His announcement comes following his hospitalization earlier this month, which forced the band to cancel their concert in Chicago. He posted the following message on Facebook about the situation at the time:

"I wanted to snuff out a few rumors I've seen online so here's the story. I'm neither dying nor faking! lol I was in the ER Tues night and admitted and released Wednesday for severe Bronchitis with Asthmatic symptoms and low oxygen levels, they ran tests to rule out anything serious.

"The Dr's felt traveling today and attempting to sing as soon as tomorrow would be a bad idea. I'm always willing to give it a try but everyone involved with the show felt it was best not to wait till the last minute to make a decision."



Motorhead Manager Reveals Lemmy's Reaction To Cancer News(hennemusic)

Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee says the band is done following the death of leader Lemmy Kilmister in Los Angeles on Monday and the band's manager has revealed Lemmy's reaction to the news that he only had a short time to live.
"Motorhead is over, of course. Lemmy was Motorhead," Dee tells Sweden's Expressen newspaper. "We won't be doing any more tours or anything. And there won't be any more records. But the brand survives, and Lemmy lives on in the hearts of everyone."

Motorhead manager Todd Singerman revealed Lemmy had not been feeling well in recent weeks and went to the emergency room when he complained of chest pains.

Rolling Stone reports doctors found no heart trouble but Singerman and others decided he needed a brain scan "because his speech was getting bad." There were concerns that he'd had a stroke.

"We took him for the X-rays and they said, 'Oh, my God, there's stuff all over his brain and his neck,'" said Singerman on Monday. "On Saturday, two days ago, the doctor came by the house, brought the results and told us all that he has two to six months to live."

It was cancer, and Lemmy reacted calmly. "He took it better than all of us. His only comment was, 'Oh, only two months, huh?' The doctor goes, 'Yeah, Lem, I don't want to bullsh*t you. It's bad, and there's nothing anyone can do. I would be lying to you if I told you there was a chance.'"

"Here's the shocker for me and everyone else: He's been to a thousand doctors and hospitals throughout the world, but nobody caught this," adds Singerman. "To be told you have terminal cancer with all the blood tests he's taken in his life and everything else? It's very hard to grasp that. It's not like he had a f***ing chance here. This was outright: 'You got no more than six months.'" Read more here.




Foo Fighters Score Their Sixth Million Selling Album In The U.S.

Foo Fighters have another platinum level selling album release under their belt in the U.S. after their Greatest Hits collection passed one million copies sold earlier this month.
The 2009 best of collection reentered the Billboard 200 this past week at No. 159 and has now sold 1,009,000 copies in the U.S., following sales of 6000 copies last week and the 3000 copies sold during the week of December 17th, which pushed the compilation's total sales tally past one million.

This gives the band, formed by former Nivana drummer Dave Grohl, their sixth million selling album in America. Greatest Hits joins their previous platinum level albums The Colour and the Shape (1.9 million), In Your Honor (1.5 million), One By One (1.4 million), There Is Nothing Left To Lose (1.3 million) and their self-titled debut (1.3 million), according to Billboard. Read the report here.



Beatles Attract Younger Fans With Spotify Launch(Gibson)

Now that The Beatles catalog is available on streaming services, a whole new generation of future Beatles fans are discovering the Fab Four. And casual fans will be able to access the music more easily to dig deeper. And those of us who are die-hards who bought everything years ago have another way to access their beloved tunes on the go.
The Beatles albums are now available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, TIDAL and Amazon Prime Music. And it's particularly interesting to see which songs have had the most plays since the catalog went live on Christmas Eve.

According to Billboard, 65 percent of Beatles plays on Spotify were by users under the age of 34, and over 673,000 people added the band to Spotify playlists. And the top Beatles songs on Spotify around the world are: 1) Come Together 2) Let It Be 3) Hey Jude 4) Love Me Do 5) Yesterday. See the rest of the top 10 here.





There Would Be No Metallica Without Motorhead(Classic Rock)

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich has detailed how big a part Lemmy played in his decision to form his first band. Ulrich now explains how, after having seen Motorhead play on a number of occasions, he found his way into their rehearsal room in England when he was 16 years old and it inspired him to star Metallica.
Ulrich tells Rolling Stone, "I got down to this studio - and within half an hour I'm sitting in their room and it's Lemmy, Phil Taylor and Eddie Clark. It was just them and me, and they're writing songs for their next album.

"I remember they were talking about this new song called Iron Fist. This is the biggest band in England, and I'm just sitting there with them in the f***ing rehearsal room writing songs for their next record. Just put that in f***ing perspective."

Ulrich continues: "There was this openness to let people into their inner circle, and it motivated me. I had met this kid, James Hetfield, about six months before - I could tell he was a super-cool guy, but nothing much came out of that interaction.

"Later in the week after I got back, I called him up and said, 'We've got to form a band together. I just hung out with Motorhead. I'm feeling it, this otherworldly calling.'

"So when I say that Lemmy is the primary reason that I'm in a band to this day, and that Metallica exists because of him, it's not some cheap exaggeration. It really was. They took me in, they let me be a part of what they were doing, and it inspired James and I to form this band based on that attitude and that aesthetic. We were just a bunch of lost kids who wanted to belong to something that was bigger than ourselves." Read more here.



Phil Anselmo's Superjoint Recording New Music

Superjoint (formerly Superjoint Ritual) has started recording new music, the band lead by former Pantera and current Down frontman Philip Anselmo, confirmed in an online post.
The band simply said "new tunes are coming" in a Facebook post which linked a metal blog report about the band recording new material at Anselmo's Louisiana studio, Nodferatu's Lair.

New Orleans photographer Jody Dorignac broke the news of the recordings by sharing a series of photos on his Instagram account of guitarist Jimmy Bower recording guitar tracks for the new music. See the posts here.



Fans Pushing To Have Motorhead's Ace Of Spades Top UK Chart(Classic Rock)

Motorhead classic Ace Of Spades is at the centre of a fans' bid to pay tribute to Lemmy in the UK new year singles chart. But organizers don't want half-hearted support from those who aren't prepared to buy the single during the week of January 1.
The Facebook page was launched in 2014, but it had secured fewer than 2000 likes until Lemmy died on December 28, two days after being told he had an aggressive form of cancer. Now nearly 20,000 people have signed up.

Admins say: "As a tribute to the absolute legend that we knew and loved as Lemmy, let's chart Ace Of Spades. Buy it from as soon as Big Ben chimes in 2016."

But they warn: "Please only like this page if you're serious about downloading Ace Of Spades from 00:01 on January 1. The new chart begins then, meaning we have a better chance of a No.1 than if we download now.

"Let's make the loudest No.1 single in years as a worthy tribute to a great man." Read more here.




Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi Says Ozzy's Devastated By Lemmy's Death(Classic Rock)

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi thinks Lemmy didn't want people to know about the pain he was in before he died. The Motorhead icon passed away aged 70 on December 28, two days after being told he had an aggressive form of cancer.
Old friend Iommi, who admits he's still in shock, tells the BBC: "I'd remember him as a nice kind man, very honest, no airs and graces. He didn't want to harp on about the past - the future was what he was concerned about. It seemed so sudden, even though I knew he'd been ill. I think maybe he didn't want people to know all that. That would be him."

He adds that bandmate Ozzy Osbourne is "devastated," saying: "Lemmy wrote some lyrics for Ozzy's solo albums so he was in contact a lot. It's going to hit everybody. It hasn't sunk in properly yet." Read more here.



Stuck Mojo Reunion Over, Band To Continue Without Bonz and Lowery

Stuck Mojo drummer Frank Fontsere says that band is continuing on with him, guitarist Rich Ward, and new members taking the place of frontman Bonz and bassist Corey Lowery.
The news comes a year after the band's reunion show in Atlanta. The new lineup has already recorded a new studio album which they hope to release in mid-2016.

Fontsere explained the lineup changes in a recent appearance on the "Talk Toomey" podcast. He said (via Blabbermouth), "We did the reunion show [in December 2014], and it was great, and we did a couple of other shows that were great. But it was one of those things - not to go into too much detail - we're gonna continue on, but it's gonna be me and Rich [Ward, guitar] and two other guys. It hasn't been announced yet officially, but I was told that I can say that."

He also discussed the new album: "I think it's the best album we've ever done. I know everyone says that, but I've let a few people preview it, and I know Rich has let a few people preview it, and the responses are from people whose opinions we respect, who have no reason to be dishonest, and were, like, 'Oh my God! This is amazing!' So I really think it will silence any doubters. If anybody hears ,'Oh, Stuck Mojo put out a new record, but it's not with the guys that I want to be in the band, so it can't be any good.' Well, they'll get a surprise when they hear it. This album is not fooling around." Read more and listen to the full interview here.



Joe Lynn Turner Asks Fans Not To Buy Brazen Abbot CD/DVD Release

Former Rainbow and Deep Purple frontman Joe Lynn Turner has asked fans not to purchase a new CD/DVD compilation from another band he was involved with: Brazen Abbot.
Turner says in an online posting that the 'homemade bootleg' was released without his consent and he is looking into taking legal action to stop the release, according to BraveWords.com.

The singer posted the following message on his Facebook page, "Attention to all! I have just been made aware of a Brazen Abbot CD/DVD 20 years compilation release. I am very saddened to learn that this 'homemade bootleg' release was done without my knowledge, consent or approval. I consider this a breach of trust and fair business practice.

"I am looking into the legal aspects of such release and would urge everyone not to purchase this unauthorized product until any and all legal points are negotiated and agreed upon.

"I am shocked and disappointed at such unethical practice by Mr. Kotzev and feel this is a direct stab in the back. I have never seen this DVD and was not aware of the fact that Mr. Kotzev decided to release this DVD on his own without any regard or respect to me. This is unacceptable and appalling!

"I will ask you all to share this information with everyone to support all true artists who still keep the integrity and standards in this crumbling music industry. Your choice is the only decision that can make a difference.

"I appreciate your consideration and understanding in this matter and thank you for your continued love and support!"



Saxon's Biff Byford Tributes Longtime Friend Lemmy(Classic Rock)

Saxon frontman Biff Byford has bid farewell to Motorhead counterpart Lemmy after nearly four decades of friendship. The Motorhead icon died aged 70 on December 28, two days after being told he had an aggressive form of cancer.
Byford says: "I knew Lemmy for 36 years. If you were his friend you were his friend for life. He was a defiant rebel to the end, who loved his music and never compromised. Let's remember Lemmy as he wanted to be: as an iconic songwriter, lyricists and rock'n'roll rebel. Wherever you are, mate, give 'em hell."

Longtime Motorhead collaborators Girlschool say: "We lost a true friend, someone who since 1979 was part of our lives and our history as a band. We played together, recorded and toured together - but most and foremost we had the opportunity to know Lemmy's true and kind heart." They add: "We have no words to express how much we miss you." Read more here.




Evilyn Strange Announce Evilution EP

Evilyn Strange have announced that they will be releasing their new EP, "Evilution," in the first part of next year. The new EP is the follow up release to the band' 2013 debut album "Mourning Phoebe."
Frontman Phillip Strange had the following to say about the upcoming release, "Our aim is to make storming classic hard rock and metal music. I grew up listening to so many awesome bands such as Whitesnake, Sabbath, Dio, Megadeth, Alice In Chains, and The Cult. Listening to that music was such a massive inspiration in my teenage years."

Strange also discussed a change in the song writing dynamics for this new EP, "[guitarist Mikael Johannesson] gets to have a larger influence this time out which means we're heading in a heavier direction.

"It's important that we continue to explore new roads with our music, and Mike's influence has helped us to do that. Mourning Phoebe was a great foundation and Evilution builds on it." See the tracklisting here.



Lemmy's Firing From Hawkwind Recalled By Dave Brock(Classic Rock)

Hawkwind mainman Dave Brock has recalled the band's decision to fire Lemmy in 1975 - and the jokes both parties made about it afterwards. The Motorhead icon died at home in Los Angeles on December 28, two days after being told he had an aggressive form of cancer.
Brock yesterday paid tribute to his old friend, saying they'd always had a "magical bond" when they worked together. Lemmy went on to form Motorhead in 1975, and the bands toured together two years later. Brock tells the BBC: "He was a great character, a great musician. He'll never be forgotten because he made a lot of great records."

Lemmy regularly said he'd been kicked out of the band for "doing the wrong drugs." Brock responds: "Our little joke, we always had, was that if he hadn't been fired from Hawkwind he wouldn't have formed Motorhead and gone off to this fantastic career and lifestyle that he had.

"It was a band decision - two of us didn't want to sack him and four of us did. And off he went, blazing a star. It's a great style of playing he had. Very few bass players play like Lemmy. He was originally a guitarist, and when he joined us he didn't have a bass, so we had to go to a second-hand shop and buy a bass for him. He was a very eccentric lad - but he did what he wanted to do." Read more here.



Singled Out: City Reign's Sympathy

Chris Bull and Michael Grice from Manchester, UK indie rockers City Reign tell us about their new single "Sympathy" which will be included on their forthcoming sophomore album "Dasein". Here is the story:
Michael: Musically the song came in a purple patch where I was came up with the vast majority of the songs on the Dasein. The two riffs are one of those lucky moment where you pluck them out the air. The song has a great driving groove and it is impossible to not think of Springsteen when listening to those riffs. However once I took it to the practice room the 'creative disagreements' started. I think we came up with three different choruses before finding the winner, those included going half time, playing sixteenths on the drums and only playing one chord…all terrible ideas! For the outro we were a little reserved about how to end it but rightly in the end we threw caution to the wind and released the power ballad within us.

Chris: Lyrically I guess Sympathy is about something and nothing at the same time. It encapsulates the heady cocktail of vulnerability and bravado of unrequited love, and the ultimate feeling of helplessness it leaves you wallowing in. Love is strange and beautiful and makes no sense. Kinda like this song.

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister Dies From Aggressive Cancer Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister died on Monday (December 28th) two day...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister Dies From Aggressive Cancer

Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister died on Monday (December 28th) two days after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and four days after his 70th birthday. A number of rock stars posted tributes to the iconic frontman including Ozzy Osbourne and Matt Sorum.
The band broke the sad news with the following message," There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer.

"He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made it's way down the street, with his family.

"We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren't words. We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please…play Motörhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy's music LOUD.

"Have a drink or few. Share stories. Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself. HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT. Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister 1945 -2015 Born to lose, lived to win."

Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne was one of the first to pay tribute to Lemmy by tweeting "Lost one of my best friends, Lemmy, today. He will be sadly missed. He was a warrior and a legend. I will see you on the other side."

Former Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, The Cult, and one-time temporary Motorhead drummer Matt Sorum had the following tribute, "Today we lost the greatest badass in the history of Rock n Roll , Lemmy Kilmister . He was a man who lived his life with no apologies and lived the dream of a life on the road playing to thousands of fans worldwide .Lemmy loved RNR and his fans. Never took them for granted and rocked as hard as he could night after night . With his opening line at every Motorhead show... 'We are Motorhead and we play Rock n Roll.'

"I met Lemmy in '89 when playing with The Cult in London in a small rock club called St Moritz . He opened his arms to me as I was new to the big leagues at that point. I felt accepted by him and that meant everything to me. The years ahead with Guns N' Roses, The Cult and Velvet Revolver and travels on the road it was always a good time crossing paths with him. Likes Pirates on sailing ships. He was someone that carved the way and we followed by example. Stick to what you believe in, never waver, and everybody else can f*** off.

"I got the call to play with Motorhead in 2009 and took the invitation meeting them in DC with no rehearsal although somewhat nervous the fans would kill me if I didn't do the music justice. I played with the toughest rock n roll band in history and definitely the loudest. The best time was on the bus with countless stories from the very intelligent Lemmy, a well read man and history buff. It made you really love him like an elder statesman that you looked up too. A classic gentleman, really.

"That's what he was for me. He taught me to respect myself and have respect and gratitude for the life we'd be given. He will always remain in my heart as a guide to push on. Take no prisoners and never give up. The world of rock is shaken today but thank god Lemmy was here to teach us how it's supposed to be done.

"My condolences to his band mates Phil and Mikkey and his family and close friends . God Speed my Friend , I love you and will miss you."



A Static Lullaby Reuniting For Don't Forget To Breathe Shows

A Static Lullaby shared a big Christmas gift for fans this year. The group announced on Christmas Eve that that they have reunited and will play a string of shows in early 2016.
The band posted the Facebook message with the simple message "Merry Christmas" accompanied by a photo that listed four live dates where the band will play their 2003 album "...And Don't Forget To Breathe" in full.

The string of California dates kick off on February 26th in San Diego at the Soda Bar and also includes shows in Pomona at The Glasshouse the next night, followed by The Boardwalk in Orangevale on March 25th and San Francisco on March 26th at the Social Hall SF.

No word yet if the band plans more show or if they plan to continue their reunion beyond the announced concerts.



Geddy Lee Addresses The Future Of Rush

Rush frontman Geddy Lee addressed the uncertain future of the band in a new interview in light of Neil Peart's recent revelation that he has "retired from music," which Lee said at the time meant that the drummer had only retired only from large scale touring.
Lee now elaborates more in a new interview with Paste Magazine. When asked about the band's future plans following Peart's revelation, Lee says, "Well, I don't know, I can't tell you.

"We happen to find ourselves in a very differing state of mind in terms of doing major tours. Neil is not up for the kind of work that it takes for him to be ready to put out a three-hour show the way we have for the last 20-odd years.

"So his interest in this kind of touring has dwindled. And that's sort of where we're at. It doesn't necessarily mean we won't do another record together, and it doesn't necessarily mean we won't play another concert together-it just means that for the moment we cannot agree on doing a big tour... maybe something will happen where we can come up with some other idea about how to tour. But at the moment it doesn't look good." Read the full interview here.



AC/DC Dominate 2015 Hard Rock Year End Charts

AC/DC were the clear winners in hard rock on the U.S. charts this past year as Billboard has revealed their year-end charts with AC/DC dominating the Hard Rock artist and album charts.
AC/DC's "Rock Or Bust" album topped the Hard Rock Album Chart. They were followed by 2) Nickelback's No Fixed Address; 3) Foo Fighters' Sonic Highways; 4) Breaking Benjamin's Dark Before Dawn; 5) Five Finger Death Punch's Got Your Six; 6) Disturbed's Immortalized; 7) Slipknot - .5: The Gray Chapter; 8) In This Moment's Black Widow; 9) Halestorm's Into The Wildlife; and 10) Iron Maiden's Book Of Souls.

The top 10 hard rock artists list was similar to the album list: 1) AC/DC; 2) Nickelback; 3) Foo Fighters; 4) Breaking Benjamin; 5) Five Finger Death Punch; 6) Disturbed; 7) Slipknot; 8) In This Moment; 9) Halestorm; 10) Iron Maiden.

The Australian band also landed at No. 4 on the publications "Top Rock Album chart" which curiously listed several albums that would normally not be considered rock, or would only marginally qualify.

Check out the full list of year end charts, including the curious rock lists, compiled by Billboard here.



Silverstein Announce 2016 U.S. Headline Tour

Silverstein have announced that they will be launching a U.S. headlining tour early in the New Year which will feature support from Being As An Ocean, Emarosa, Coldrain, and Rarity.
The tour is scheduled to kick off on February 29th in Milwaukee, WI at The Rave and will be concluding on March 31st in 31 Grand Rapids, MI at The Intersection.

Silverstein say in the announcement, "We will be returning to America for an exclusive headline tour this February/March. These will be our only headline dates for 2016 so be sure not to miss out!" See the dates.



Police Investigating Alleged Linkin Park Stalker(Banana 101.5)

Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda has been dealing with a stalker and has recruited the LAPD to help track down the obsessed fan. Shinoda reportedly suspects a number of harassing tweets recently sent to him are allegedly from Tabitha Boccarossa, who believes she is Shinoda's wife.
Boccarossa was arrested back in 2013 for stalking Mike Shinoda and his wife, Anna. A protective order was issued but Boccarossa violated the order by sending Shinoda letters from prison.

The Linkin Park rapper's latest potential issue with the female stalker has been through Twitter, where someone has reportedly been sending bizarre messages to Shinoda.

According an LAPD search warrant obtained by TMZ, police are asking Twitter to provide all information behind the user in question. Read more here.



Former Motorhead Guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke Remembers Lemmy(Classic Rock)

Former Motorhead guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke says "the world seems like a really empty place" now his former leader Lemmy has died. The rock icon passed away on Monday.
Clarke was a member of the band from 1976 until 1982. Along with drummer Philthy 'Animal' Taylor - who died last month - he was part of the classic-era lineup. They appeared on five albums together: their 1977 self-titled debut, 1979's Overkill and Bomber, 1980's Ace Of Spades and 1982's Iron Fist.

Clarke says: "I have just been told that Lemmy has passed away in LA. Like Phil, he was like a brother to me. I am devastated. We did so much together, the three of us. The world seems a really empty place right now. I am having trouble finding the words... He will live on in our hearts. RIP Lemmy!" See his full post and photo here.



Five Finger Death Punch, Megadeth Lead Rock'n Derby Lineup(Gibson)

Demolition derbies and hard rock music will unite at a new festival called Rock'n Derby which will take place May 20 through 22, 2016, in Schaghticoke, New York, close to Albany.
The three-day extravaganza will offer headlining sets from Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm and Shinedown. Heavy music and demolition derbies make a good fit, right?

Additional artists confirmed for the debut Rock'n Derby are Megadeth, Sixx:A.M., Wolfmother, Clutch, Scott Stapp, Trivium, Anthrax, Sevendust, Pop Evil and Dokken, among others. More bands will be announced as the event draws closer. Read more here.




Courtney Love Shares Christmas Message To Kurt Cobain

Courtney Love was in a reflective mode this past holiday weekend and posted a Christmas message to her late husband Kurt Cobain and daughter Frances Bean Cobain on Instagram.
The Hole frontwoman posted a photo of herself, Cobain and their daughter Frances Bean as a baby dressed in a Santa outfit and captioned the Instagram post with the following message:

"That Christmas moment in everyones lives that you never forget, the one that makes you feel on top of the world, where the greatest gifts are the loved ones you shared that moment with. Well this is mine, I'm grateful to have ever experienced that moment.

"Merry Christmas Kurt, the greatest true love I've ever experienced in my life. You gave me the gift that makes life worth living, our incredibly talented, loving, beautiful and gifted daughter Frances Bean Cobain. Merry Christmas Bean, love mom and dad"

See the post here.


Styx Reveal Live DVD Plans

Styx revealed in an online post that they are currently working on a DVD version of their "Live at the Orleans Arena Las Vegas" live album which was released back in May.
The concert was recorded in July of 2014 during the band's North American summer tour that also featured hitmakers Foreigner and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder.

Styx did not reveal a release date for the DVD, explaining that they are still working on bonus material for the release but did offer some comments from director Steven A. Jones and guitarist James 'J.Y.' Young.

Jones says, "We're shooting an in-depth look at what life on the road is like. The audience is used to seeing the band onstage, but we're trying to show them what the band's life is besides what they do onstage."

Young adds, "The original idea… was that it was just going to be about being on the road. Me, I'm happy to sit there and be interviewed, which I did... I can soliloquize about filling in the blanks about the songs that are going to be on the DVD." See the full post here.



Downfall Of Gaia Announce Departure Of Peter Wolff

Downfall Of Gaia announced in their year-end recap post last week on Facebook that they will be parting ways with Peter Wolff in April of next year and the band put out an open call for guitarists that are interested in replacing him.
They write, "The year is coming to an end and we would like to thank each and everyone for an intense and busy 2015! Europe, USA, Japan and Australia - it has been a crazy ride!But unfortunately it's not only 2015 that is coming to an end.

"Priorities in life do change and from time to time you have to make choices and walk the path that's best for yourself even if it differs from the direction of others. So today is the day where we have to say goodbye to Peter!

"We would like to thank him for the last 7 years, the highs and lows, the willing and the unforgettable time we spent with each other! Our last show with Peter on guitar will be in April 2016. More info soon!

"Downfall of Gaia will continue as always! So right now we are looking for a new guitar player! Someone based in Berlin or Hamburg (best case/no must) with enough time, passion and willing to tour worldwide! If this sounds like you - get in contact via booking[at]downfallofgaia[dot]com".



Metallica Share Video Tribute To Their Hero Lemmy(Classic Rock)

Metallica have called late Motorhead leader Lemmy Kilmister their hero in an online post, adding that he's one of the main reason the band got together in the first place.
James Hetfield and co posted a video of Lemmy's 2009 appearance with them, when they performed Motorhead track Too Late Too Late together. The band say: "Lemmy, you are one of the primary reasons this band exists. We are forever grateful for all of your inspiration. Rest In Peace. Endless love and respect, Metallica."

Among many other tributes, Anthrax say: "There's nothing we could write that can live up to the mighty life you lived. You are rock'n'roll. Warrior Always. Much love."

Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine simply writes: "Farewell Lemmy. I love you brother." Read more tributes and watch the video here.



Slipknot's Corey Taylor and Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach On Lemmy(Classic Rock)

Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor has mourned the loss of his friend Lemmy Kilmister, who passed away on December 28 (Monday) after a brief battle against an aggressive form of cancer.
Slipknot presented the rock icon with a Best Bassist Award in memory of late member Paul Gray in 2013. Taylor says: "My friend died today. We'll all miss you. Your name was Lemmy, and you played Rock'n'roll. Rest in peace, my man."

Among many other tributes, Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage reports he's "gutted" by the news and says: "No one will ever come close to the sheer power and presence of this man, ever." Read more tributes here.


Glenn Hughes Calls Lemmy The Originator(Classic Rock)

Glenn Hughes has described Lemmy as "the real dang deal" and "the originator" in his tribute to the Motorhead leader. The rock icon passed away on December 28 (Monday).
Former Black Sabbath and Deep Purple vocalist and bassist Hughes says: "Within seconds on the radio I knew it was him - distinctive bass and vocal approach. He lived for rock'n'roll.

"In the 80s I failed miserably to keep up with him at the bar. He set the bar. He was the bar. There will never be another like you Lem. You did good, kid." Read more here.


Hawkwind's Dave Brock Tributes Former Bandmate Lemmy(TeamRock Radio)

Hawkwind leader Dave Brock has paid tribute to late friend Lemmy, describing him as "a character, a gentleman and friend." The Motorhead frontman passed away on December 28 (Monday).
The future Motorhead founder joined Hawkwind in 1972, playing bass even though he'd only previously played guitar. He fronted the band for their biggest hit, Silver Machine, but he was fired in 1975 after being arrested for drugs possession on tour in Canada.

He went on to form the outfit that made his name later that year - and bad feelings didn't last between the bands. Brock says: "So very sad to wake to the news that we have lost Lemmy. I'll miss him, and especially our eccentric text conversations of recent years."

He adds: "We had a magical bond when we played together. He had a style all of his own. His legendary bass playing will live on for ever."

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Sparked By Mysterious Movie Trailer The Guns N' Roses reunion rumor-mill is churning in overdrive following website and Facebook...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Sparked By Mysterious Movie Trailer

The Guns N' Roses reunion rumor-mill is churning in overdrive following website and Facebook changes and a mysterious trailer that reportedly appeared in theaters over the Christmas holiday weekend.
The latest round of rumors began on Christmas Eve when the band's official website was updated with a large image of the "bullet" logo from the band's "Appetite For Destruction" era and the removal of all but three links on the site's navigation bar.

The band's website wasn't the only online change noticed by fans. Guns N' Roses also updated their official Facebook cover photo and profile image on Christmas Eve with a black and white image showing a crowd of fans.

To add more fuel to the reunion rumor fire, several media outlets report that Guns N' Roses also made a mysterious appearance during the pre-show movie trailers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens over the weekend.

According to the reports, the trailer plays three short clips of "Welcome To The Jungle" over black and white images of a concert crowd, similar to the Facebook updates.

This follows a series of cryptic tweets from the band's official Twitter last month that read "What ever happened to no new is good news?... Of course today everyone is a journalist... if only they could read lips... Surely they'll read between the lines."

And read between the lines people have. There has been no official word from any of the original members about reunion plans, but the clues and developments have led many to speculate that it is coming. Perhaps, or maybe Axl is having fun fueling the fires and the tweets and redesigns and movie trailer point to something else like the release of a classic era live album or DVD, or a theatrical concert film. With so few details, speculation can lead anywhere. Time will tell... until then, we need a little patience to see what ultimately happens.

Ultimate Classic Rock has put together a time line of reunions rumors here.



Lamb Of God Were Sued After Listening To Aspiring Band(TeamRock Radio)

Lamb Of God guitarist Mark Morton has explained why he always refuses to listen to demos offered to him by hopeful bands. His own outfit once became the subject of legal action after accepting a recording that had been handed to them.
Morton says: "Years ago, some aspiring band gave us their demo. Some time after that unremarkable incident, they presented us with a lawsuit. They claimed that, upon hearing their crappy demo, we stole some of their music and released it as our own without compensating them."

He says that very little came of the unfounded allegation and "the whole thing went away as quickly as it had appeared." But he adds: "That, my good friends, is why I don't want to hear your demo. As so often happens in life, one a**hole ruins it for everybody." See his full posts here.




Radiohead Streaming Rejected James Bond Spectre Theme(Classic Rock)

Radiohead have streamed their track Spectre, which they wrote for the James Bond movie of the same name. Thom Yorke and co were the subject of speculation earlier this year that they'd been signed up to write the theme song for the 24th film in the series, starring Daniel Craig.
Bookies suspended betting in July after a customer tried to place a £15,000 wager on the subject. Now Radiohead say: "We were asked to write a theme tune for the Bond movie Spectre. Yes we were. It didn't work out - but became something of our own, which we love very much.

"As the year closes we thought you might like to hear it. Merry Christmas. May the force be with you." Earlier this month Yorke wrote a public letter to Santa, asking him to send his children "hope for the future." Listen to the track here.



Eagles Of Death Metal Frontman Helped By U2 Following Paris Attacks(Classic Rock)

Jesse Hughes has told how U2 helped him recover from shock in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks - at a time when the Eagles Of Death Metal frontman wasn't sure he could ever perform again.
And he's described the Irish band's hospitality when he took part in their own Paris show as the best way to get over his fear of returning. EODM were on stage when 89 people were killed at the Bataclan venue last month. They guested with U2 just weeks later, playing a collective cover of People Have The Power, and then Bono's outfit left the stage so they could perform alone. They've now rescheduled the shows they'd been forced to postpone.

Hughes tells Rolling Stone: "Bono knows I'm a Christian and he knows I'm a mamma's boy. The day after the attack a courier came with a phone and a note that said, 'This is from Bono. Make sure you call your mom.'

"I thought that was awesome - it was the first time I really got to talk to my mom without being in a police station, and that meant the whole world to me at that moment."

Bono later called him to offer advice and support. "I felt like the best person to ask is someone who's rubbed elbows with world leaders," says Hughes. "He just prayed with me on the phone. He kept my head off things. Then U2 visited the memorial site - that was important to me because I really wanted to be out there. I didn't want to be in some safe house.

"That little detail is something that nobody would ever know mattered, but it mattered to me. I didn't know how I was ever going to get back on stage again." Read more here.




Aerosmith Guitarist Hopes Another Dimension Not Their Final Album(Classic Rock)

Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford says he's not holding his breath for another album - but he'd prefer it if Music From Another Dimension wasn't their final word from the studio.
The 2012 title, which received mixed reviews, came after the band endured a tumultuous period that saw frontman Steven Tyler fall off the wagon, fall out with his colleagues and come close to being fired.

Whitford said last month that Aerosmith "kind of felt abandoned" while Tyler concentrated on his country rock solo album, which had forced them to change touring plans.

Asked about the chances of recording a 16th record, Whitford tells Eddie Trunk: "I really don't know. Joe Perry and I are in the trenches digging away. We're certainly capable of sitting down with the rest of the guys and writing music. If that happens, great. But I'm not going to hold my breath. I really don't know."

He says he's "not really" happy with the idea of Music being their last release, adding that he'd wanted to approach the project differently but he "couldn't get anybody to go along" with him.

"I said, 'Let's go record this the same way we recorded Toys In The Attic and Rocks.' Aerosmith is such a good band that I wanted to basically record live, because we play so well together." Read more here.




Singer For AC/DC Precursor Easybeats Stevie Wright Dead At 68(Classic Rock)

Stevie Wright, frontman with Australian rock pioneers The Easybeats, has died at the age of 68. The English immigrant, also known as Little Stevie Wright, formed the band in 1964 along with Englishman Gordon Fleet, Scotsman George Young and Dutchmen Harry Vanda and Dick Diamonde.
Vanda and Young became one of the leading songwriting teams of their generation. Their best-known composition is The Easybeats' Friday On My Mind from 1966, featuring Wright's vocals. It was named the best Australian song of all time by the Australian Performing Rights Association and it's been covered by David Bowie, Gary Moore, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Frampton, Blue Oyster Cult and others.

George Young is the elder brother of AC/DC co-founders Malcolm and Angus Young. Malcolm played guitar on Wright's 1974 track Evie, which became the first 11-minute song to chart anywhere in the world. Read more here.




Vivian Campbell Reunites With Whitesnake At Final Tour Stop(Classic Rock)


Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has revealed how a conversation with former Whitesnake colleague David Coverdale cleared the air between them. That led to Campbell guesting with his old boss on the final show of their UK tour together last week.
He was a touring member of Whitesnake from 1987 to 1989, but recently said the stint "didn't mean an awful lot" to him. He was dismissed after the bandleader decided he wanted to focus on working with guitarist Adrian Vandenberg.

Asked about his relationship with Coverdale, Campbell tells RockPages: "It's good. It was strange for a few years. Adrian didn't want another guitar player in the band. It was nothing against me - when he was hired they didn't tell him there would be two guitar players. There was a certain rivalry in the air.

"When the tour ended, David said to us all that the songs on the new record would be written by Adrian and himself, because they had a great working relationship. I knew deep inside that this wasn't a band I would last in for too long."

The situation came to a head when Coverdale had his tour manager tell Campbell that his wife wasn't welcome on the road, because she and the frontman's wife didn't get along.

Campbell continues: "That's the problem I had with David - I always thought he didn't have the balls to look me in the eyes and say what he wanted to say. Even when he wanted to let me go, he asked the tour manager to break the news." Read more here.



Scott Ian Explains Why S.O.D. Won't Reunite(Classic Rock)

Scott Ian has explained why he's ruled out a Stormtroopers Of Death reunion - saying the supergroup "became like a job" after a while. He founded the outfit with bandmate Charlie Benante and former colleague Dan Lilker along with vocalist Billy Milano, who went on to form MOD.
They've released three albums - 1985's Speak English Or Die, 1999's Bigger Than The Devil and 2007's Rise Of The Infidels - but Ian recently said there was "zero chance" of another round.

Now he tells Mammoth Metal TV: "I have only fond memories of anything I've done with SOD. That being said, I just felt like we did too much. Speak English Or Die is a f***ing anomaly.

"We wrote a bunch of ridiculous songs that made us laugh - the whole 22 minutes is just a big inside joke. It f***ing worked. A lot of people got the joke all over the planet, laughed along with us, and it was f***ing awesome."

He enjoyed the opportunity of touring with SOD in 1999 and 2000. "It have some people a chance to see it," he says. "It's when we came around for a second run, though - then it became like a job.

"All of a sudden it was like, 'Wait a minute, I already have a band with baggage and issues and business problems. Now I've got two.' I couldn't handle that. I couldn't handle having two bands struggling." Read more and watch the full interview here.




Gladys Knight & The Pips' William Guest Dead At 74(The Blues)


William Guest of Gladys Knight & The Pips has died at the age of 74, it's been confirmed. The backing vocalist was one of two members, along with Merald 'Bubba' Knight, who remained part of the group from their 1953 formation until their split in 1989.
After the Pips split, Guest went on to found a production company with former bandmate Edward Patten, who died in 2005. He was later boss of Crew Records, and published an autobiography, Midnight Train From Georgia: A Pips Journey, in 2013.

Co-author Dhyana Ziegler, Guest's sister-in-law, reported that he'd passed away of a heart condition. She added: "I'm so glad we finished the book, so his wonderful life and legacy will be celebrated throughout eternity." Read more here.




Asking Alexandria Announce New Album The Black(TeamRock Radio)

Asking Alexandria have confirmed the name of their first album with new frontman Denis Stoff. The Black is to be released in March, after work was all-but started again following the departure of Danny Worsnop in January this year.
Guitarist Ben Bruce recently had the following to say: "After we spent the last two years writing for this record, a lot of that ended up getting scratched when Denis joined."

Describing the follow-up to 2013's "From Death To Destiny" as being packed with "raw energy and aggression, he added: "You turn it on and you're like, 'Wow - they're back.'" Check out the cover art here.




Jackie Wilson To Be Resurrected For Hologram Show(The Blues)

Late R&B icon Jackie Wilson is set to perform again - as a hologram. The performing image is under production by the firm that drew attention when it brought dead rapper Tupac Shakur to the Coachella festival stage in 2012.
Since then, Hologram USA has created working images of Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday and others. Wilson will be the subject of the Mr. Excitement show.

Boss Alki David has vowed their version of Wilson will boast "everything you expect - the leaps, spins and backflips, not to mention his amazing four-octave range." Read more here.




Papa Roach Release 'Falling Apart' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Papa Roach have released a music video for their single Falling Apart, which is also a track that is taken from the band's eighth album F.E.A.R., which was launched in January.
Frontman Jacoby Shaddix says: "Falling Apart is an epic Papa Roach track - the vocals are really straightforward, and then it explodes into that massive chorus. The audiences can't help but jump up and down when we play it."

He reported earlier this year that he'd started work on the band's next record, saying: "We're working on riffs already. Stuff just gets me off. It lifts me up, it moves me and it inspires me. I think that's why we're still here - because we still have that fire." Watch the video here.




Nikki Sixx Says Motley Crue Is His Guilty Pleasure(Classic Rock)

Nikki Sixx has described Motley Crue as his "guilty pleasure" as the band's career nears its end. They'll play their final show on New Year's Eve in Los Angeles, after last year signing a legal document making it nearly impossible for them to reunite afterwards.
The bassist has already confirmed plans to concentrate on Sixx:AM for at least the next two years, while Crue's swansong is likely to be the movie version of their book The Dirt, expected for release next year.

Sixx tells Examiner.com: "In my own life I like to be poised and have a positive outlook on life, and I'm leading by example to mu children and the people around me.

"In Motley Crue I let it fall apart - it's my guilty pleasure. We're ageing, sometimes gracefully and sometimes not, and the blemishes enhance the beauty. The falling apart at the seams seems to be what people like. We don't have to grow up, so why would we?"

He believes one of the biggest lessons he's learned in recent years is to delegate tasks to those around him. "It's been a gradual work in progress," he says.

"There's a big difference between confidence and over-confidence. Over-confidence comes from fear and doubt. I look back at things I said when I was younger. It was bullsh*t.

"The more confident you are, the more you can let go, and believe that the people in your circle are able to do what they say they're going to do. It's made me a better band member, too." Read more here.




Bring Me The Horizon Release String Section Performance Video (TeamRock Radio)

Bring Me The Horizon have released a new online video that features the band's live performance of their song "Drown" with a string section at a London Studio.
It was recorded during a BBC Radio 1 session in London's Maida Vale studios earlier this year, while the band promoted the release of fifth album That's The Spirit, launched in September.

BMTH have one UK date set among runs in Asia, Europe and North America - but Oli Sykes and co have tweeted: "In 2016, Bring Me The Horizon will tour the United Kingdom. This is not an announcement. This is a warning." Watch the video here.




Behemoth's Next Album May Be Released Sooner Than Expected(TeamRock Radio)

Behemoth frontman Nergal has said the band could release the follow-up to The Satanist in 2017 - much earlier than expected. The overwhelming success of their 10th release, and the amount of effort involved in bringing it to fruition, had led him to suggest that the band's next release might be several years away, if it happened at all.
Nergal tells Rocksverige: "When we were in the studio f***ing around with ideas for a theatre project, it kind of triggered my creativity. I think I'll be getting into writing mode earlier than I expected. It's still too early, but I think I want to start in 2016. I think it would be smart to have a new album in 2017."

But he won't commit to any deadline. "It's been two years since The Satanist and it couldn't have been done better," he says. "I'm the happiest artist alive because I have the strongest album in my hands." Read more here.




Panic! At The Disco's 'Death Of A Bachelor' Video Streaming Online(TeamRock Radio)

Panic! At The Disco have released a video for their track Death Of A Bachelor. It's taken from their upcoming album of the same name, which arrives on January 15 via DCD2 / Fueled By Ramen.
Frontman Brendan Urie recently described the follow-up to 2013's Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die as "a beginning of a new era and a homage to how it all began."

He added: "Death Of A Bachelor is in honour of those times I spent alone as a kid, allowing music to consume me, playing everything myself just to get the idea right and out of my head. It's a beginning to a new era. This album is me." Watch the video here.



Chthonic Will Still Continue If Frontman Wins Political Office(Classic Rock)

Taiwanese metal band Chthonic cemented their reputation as 'the Black Sabbath of Asia' during their 20th anniversary concert this weekend - which doubled as a political rally for frontman Freddy Lim's election campaign.
And even though he knows it'll be difficult, he's vowed the band will continue if he becomes an official representative of the people. He's a candidate in the parliamentary elections that take place on January 16. Reports suggest he and his year-old New Power Party are likely to do well, with their policies of enhancing social freedom, advancing ecological issues and resisting the restrictive intentions of neighbouring China - which has Chthonic are banned from playing there.

Their Taipei concert, attended by 20,000 fans and seen by hundreds of thousands, was partly funded by the band selling their stage gear. It was billed as "a concert to calm the soul and defend the nation." It can be streamed in full below.

Lim - a former chairman of Amnesty International in Taiwan - tells the Guardian: "It's a show of how we support freedom of speech and to encourage our fans to all try their best over the coming year to change Taiwan for the better. There is a new political space and it will allow more and more young people to bring about real change." Read more here.



Avantasia Preview New Album Ghostlights(Classic Rock)

Avantasia have released a teaser for seventh album Ghostlights, containing clips from five tracks. Ghostlights will be released on January 29 via Nuclear Blast.
Mainman Tobias Sammet gathered a wide range of guest artists for the album, including vocalists Dee Snider and Geoff Tate, ex-Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick, Marco Hietala of Nightwish and Sharon Den Adel of Within Temptation.

Sammet recently said of the work: "Anything worth doing is worth overdoing, and more is more." The new teaser follows the launch of lead single Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose earlier this month. Check out the preview video here.




The Flaming Lips Release Sad Christmas Miley Cyrus Collab(Prog)

The Flaming Lips have released another collaboration with Miley Cyrus, entitled My Sad Christmas Song. It follows their appearance on her album Miley Cyrus And Her Dead Petz earlier this year.
The release ends a year in which Wayne Coyne and co have worked on a wide range of non-Lips material, including tributes to Donovan, Brian Wilson and John Lennon.

Frontman Coyne admitted last year that their Beatles tribute album With A Little Help From My Fwends - which also feaured Cyrus - was a risk, adding: "The Beatles took chances.

"There was nothing safe about Sgt Pepper, and it probably could have been a huge disaster. But the Beatles wanted to follow their own path, and that's something to be celebrated." Stream the song here.



Singled Out: Soundgazer's Dancing With The Dead

Voytek Iwasiuk from Soundgazer tells us a little about the song "Dancing With The Dead" which comes from the Toronto band's brand new album "Two Graves". Here is the story:
It's a person we have all met. Someone we trust, whose intentions we know and with whom we feel comfortable sharing our time. "Dancing with the dead" is about the disbelief one feels when this person's true intentions turn out to inflict suffering rather than pleasure, break trust rather than build it, and repel rather than attract. This disbelief may be perplexing enough to lead one to conclude this person is dead on the inside. Like a zombie on the dance floor!

This concept fuelled the lyrics we wrote for this song and ignited its edgy instrumentation and vocal layering. The original guitar tone was very distortion saturated and more akin to a metal sound. We spent hours sprucing up the guitar with variations of effects but could not capture anything compelling. Just before giving up on the entire idea, we decided to start cropping sections of the guitar audio clips. It sounded ridiculous dry, but with the channel effects turned on it instantly became the intro to the song.

We also layered 3 non unison vocal lines using 3 distinct voices to create the chorus. As an initial idea we expected this would sound cluttered and confuse the ear of the listener as to a focal point. However, after our first take we loved the outcome and found it very suiting for the track. We actually created a makeshift vocal recording area in the corner of my bedroom. It was a bit comical initially, as the sensitive condenser microphone captured every background sound, including passing cars, aircraft, running faucets, etc. It took a bit of creativity and numerous takes to finally capture a clean recording (we covered the windows with pillows and more or less held our breath while the other person was being recorded to ensure we did not shift our weight which would cause the bed and chair we were sitting on to creak).

Every other aspect of the song simply fell into place after this point. It felt very natural, more akin to something we allowed to freely channel through us rather than something we intentionally created.

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Metallica Preview New Song In Christmas Video(hennemusic) Instead of the 12 days of Christmas, fans received 12 seconds of Metal...