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Recap of top stories for the second half of this week

Top 5 stories for second half this week

Slash Slams Weiland

Blabbermouth reports: UK's Kerrang! magazine has published an exclusive interview with VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash about the group's decision to part ways with singer Scott Weiland and its future plans. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

On how they felt when Scott informed a sold-out Glasgow SECC in March that they were "watching something special — the last tour by VELVET REVOLVER": Slash: "He [Scott] didn't know that we were already planning on extraditing him. When we started touring the second record, it just felt like we were losing Scott as far as our connection went. During the tour with ALICE IN CHAINS [in August 2007], he was just out to lunch. When he came back, he was supposed to go to rehab, so we postponed our Austrailian tour but he didn't really go to rehab. That was the final blow. We had a lot of commitments, like the tour in the UK, which we didn't want to go back on, so we wanted to finish those before telling him."

On the relationship between Weiland and the rest of VELVET REVOLVER on their last tour together: Slash: "We basically didn't speak a word that whole time. We gave him the cold shoulder in the UK like nobody's business. There were a couple of arguments around the stage, but other than that, nobody spoke to him. I imagine he was quite uncomfortable. No wonder he didn't have a good time. Then he told everyone in Glasgow that the whole band was over. We were like, 'Oh, well, I guess we've got a surprise coming for you, Scott.'- he ain't done

Jane's Addiction Reunion

The iconic foursome will be crowned with the Godlike Genius Award during the ceremony and performance, to take place at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, April 23. Jane's Addiction is joining the likes of The Clash, New Order, Primal Scream and Manic Street Preachers, who are among the acts to have picked up the Godlike Genius prize at the UK awards.

Avery has continually declined offers to reunite with the band and instead focused on his musical endeavors, most recently, a debut solo LP, "Help Wanted," released last week on Dangerbird Records.- more on this story

AC/DC CD and Tour Plans

Speaking to the Los Angeles radio station 97.1 KLSX FREE FM, Johnson revealed that the band has been in the studio for about five weeks now and added, "We're working with Brendan O'Brien, [Bruce] Springsteen's producer, and he's a great guy. He knows exactly what we want, and so far, it sounds really good. I'm well pleased. This will be the first album in about eight years." 

Asked if the band would hit the road once the current recording sessions were complete, Johnson replied, "I would probably thinks so, yeah. I always hate to say yes in case something happens, but I really do think we will be out there -- everybody's enjoying being back together again and the buzz is still there and the excitement. Mal [Malcolm Young] and Ang [Angus Young] are still just electric on their guitars, and Phil's [Rudd] got the old magic on the drums and Cliff Williams is Mr. Reliable on bass -- he's brilliant -- and it's just been fun. It's like a bunch of old [friends] getting together again and having a great time."- Listen to the interview 

Scars on Broadway (System of a Down) Announce Live Debut

Here is what the press release had to say:Scars on Broadway is the long-awaited collaborative effort between guitarist-frontman Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan, both best known for their work in the multi-Platinum-selling, Grammy-winning band, System of a Down. With Malakian sitting in the producer's chair, the two have been in the studio since last September recording their self-titled debut expected to be released in late July. More than two-dozen songs were recorded and some twelve-to-fourteen tracks will make the final album. Currently, the album is in the final stages of mixing.

Many of the Scars on Broadway songs had their genesis years ago. "I like to let my songs marinate over time, that helps determine which ones speak to me the loudest," explained Malakian. Malakian, who penned or co-penned SOAD classics such as "Aerials," "Chop Suey!," "Hypnotize," and "B.Y.O.B.", wrote the Scars songs mostly on keyboards and a drum machine.- more on this story

Leona Lewis Makes History with No 1 Debut

This is the first time in music history that a British female artist debuts at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, and it's the first time ever that a British artist overall has debuted on the chart at #1 with a first album. It is also the biggest female artist first album debut since Carrie Underwood in 2005, and had the biggest digital album sales week ever for a new artist. Leona is scheduled to perform "Bleeding Love" on The Tyra Banks Show on April 17th and American Idol on April 23rd.

Lewis, a 23-year-old London native and winner of the hit TV show the X Factor, Simon Cowell's British talent show, has broken all-time sales records there with Spirit entering the album chart at Number One and becoming Britain's fastest-selling debut ever. Spirit has scanned more than a 2.65 million copies worldwide since its release in November.
- more on this story

Axl November Rains on Reality TV Rumor

It was far worse then telling us "Chinese Democracy" won't came out this year. We expected that, but he tells us that the rumored Axl reality TV show isn't happening! 

Del reports: Despite rumors floating around the Internet, Guns N' Roses will not be appearing on any reality TV program to promote their forthcoming album, Chinese Democracy, or for any other reason. 

The reality TV rumors started a little while ago and have taken on an Internet life of their own, but there is no truth to any of this.
- 

Bon Jovi Announce Tour Finale

Joining Bon Jovi will be opening act All American Rejects, who have previously warmed up the stage on two Lost Highway World Tour dates, including Bon Jovi's 10-night run and grand opening of the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ in November 2007. 

With two shows to accommodate overwhelming fan demand, these performances mark the final milestone in the superstar band's Lost Highway World Tour.
- more on this story

Ted Nugent Drummer Commits Suicide

Corporal Brandon Gurley with the Paulding County Sheriff's department says 59-year-old Clifford Davies was found dead from a gunshot wound in his suburban Atlanta home Sunday. 

Reed Beaver, who owns Equametric Studio in Marietta where Davies was a chief engineer, confirmed Davies was a drummer for Nugent and played on the recording of his trademark song 'Cat Scratch Fever'. Beaver says Davies called him Saturday "extremely distraught" over money for medical bills.- more on this story

John Mellencamp and Lucinda Williams To Tour This Summer

The greatly anticipated tour kicks off on Tuesday, July 8th at Philadelphia's Mann Music Center with more dates to follow that will bring John and the band to play on both coasts as well as the middle of the country over the course of almost four weeks on the road. It's the iconic artist's first tour since his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month. 

In keeping with a policy that started more than ten years ago, members of the official John Mellencamp fan club, Club Cherry Bomb, will be offered early access to premium concert tickets and concert ticket packages via an internet pre-sale available through John's website
- more on this story

Get Underneath Alanis

Serving as her newest sherpa guide is British electronica producer Guy Sigsworth (Björk, Imogen Heap), who co-wrote and produced the album with Morissette. Nearly two dozen songs were born from writing sessions in London and Los Angeles, a baker's dozen selected for the final cut of Flavors of Entanglement. While hewing to a familiar process -- creating songs as snapshots of her life -- Morissette found cathartic support during a big transition in her life. "I often write in retrospect, but this time all was written in real time," she says. "This record helped me through some fragile moments. Every song was like a life raft."

Her penchant for eclecticism, whether musical, spiritual or otherwise, brought new sounds and styles into this latest effort, her first original studio album in four years. Eastern percussion and strings blend with electronic hues in the opening track, "Citizen of the Planet," a poetic narrative of her life story and transnational perspective. Morissette's yin/yang view of the microcosmic self being evidenced in the macrocosmic world extends to lead single "Underneath," which reflects Mahatma Gandhi's notion that "You must be the change you want to see in the world."
- Does it work? Listen to "Underneath" to decide

Avril Lavigne Crossed With Melissa Etheridge A Psycho Bitch?

The publicist described her to us as 21 year old from Dublin, Ireland who "can be described as a cross between Avril Lavigne and Melissa Etheridge." Normally that would lose our interest quicker then sending a press release that includes a review quote from Pitchfork, but the words "Psycho Bitch" caught our eye. 

You see "Psycho Bitch," is one of the songs from the album that they sent us a stream for. While Jive is obviously concentrating on the single "I'm Going, I'm Gone," which was apparently featured on something called "The Hills" last week, we figured "Psycho Bitch" would be more fitting for the spotlight here, so grab a listen and decide is the label's excitement is justified or if it's just your typical label jive.
- more on this story

Amy Winehouse 007

Gigwise has the story: Amy Winehouse is currently recording the theme tune for the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, according to reports.

Despite being linked to the role increasingly over recent months producers have refused to confirm who would be singing the theme tune.
- more on this story

Linkin Park Make It With Busta Rhymes

The song will be the first to be taken from the US rapper's new album, 'Blessed', which is due to be released on June 16th.

Shinoda has also helped to produce the rapper's new album alongside Cool & Dre.
- more on this story

Austin City Limits Lineup

In the tradition of the TV show from which the Festival was born, the three-day event has always aimed to offer musical discovery for the fans. The 2008 edition serves up a collection of acts from rock to hip-hop, blues to country, singer-songwriter to avant-garde, and all sounds in between including Tegan and Sara, Iron & Wine, G. Love & Special Sauce, Neko Case, Band of Horses, The Swell Season, Silversun Pickups, Gogol Bordello, Gillian Welch, The Black Keys, Against Me!, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, Slightly Stoopid, Duffy, and many more.

Austin City Limits Music Festival fans will also get a healthy dose of Lone Star State artists this year including Erykah Badu, Robert Earl Keen, Patty Griffin, Eli Young Band, Kevin Fowler, Flyleaf, Roky Erickson, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Black Joe Lewis & the Honey Bears, and White Denim.
- more on this story

Motley Crue's HypeFest Announced

Here is what Mostly Thru's publicist promised us about Tuesday's announcement, "all four ORIGINAL band members of America's [self proclaimed] most notorious rock band will make a colossal announcement in Los Angeles on April 15. This will by far be one of the biggest music announcements of the year!!". Now here is what they actually announced, "Motley Crue, the [self proclaimed] world's most notorious rock band, has revealed that this summer they, along with Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX:AM and Trapt, will head out on the road for what will undoubtedly be the hottest ticket of the year for rock fans - 'Crue Fest '08'. The tour, produced by Live Nation, kicks off on July 1st and will hit over 40 major North American and Canadian cities by the end of August.... Mötley Crüe also announced the upcoming release of Saints of Los Angeles, their first new studio album recorded with all of the original band members in over a decade, hitting stores on June 17th " 

Exciting huh? More important than a cure for cancer! Almost as thrilling as learning that the New Kids were back on the block. But colossal? In a molehill--we haven't had a gold record in a decade and had to get people to pay attention somehow--kind of way. On the brighter side, Buckcherry has a recent platinum album. Why they aren't headlining is a head scratcher, but Nikki is in charge of the label now after all. 

We interviewed Satan shortly after the announcement to get more of his reaction- more on this story

more stories including: 04/16: Jane's Addiction Reunion- Colossal Summer HairMetal Tour Announced!- Amy Winehouse 007- Linkin Park- Robert Plant and Bon Jovi Rock The CMT- more
 

Thursday

Akon or A Con Job?

antiMusic reports: Does Akon really stand for a con job instead of a convict? The Smoking Gun seems to think so. The site claims that the rapper may have stretched the truth a tiny bit when braggin on his gansta like past. 

The Smoking Gun reports: Akon's ad nauseum claims about his criminal career and resulting prison time have been, to an overwhelming extent, exaggerated, embellished, or wholly fabricated, an investigation by The Smoking Gun has revealed. Police, court, and corrections records reveal that the entertainer has created a fictionalized backstory that serves as the narrative anchor for his recorded tales of isolation, violence, woe, and regret. Akon has overdubbed his biography with the kind of grit and menace that he apparently believes music consumers desire from their hip-hop stars.

While the performer's rap sheet does include a half-dozen arrests, Akon has only been convicted of one felony, for gun possession. That 1998 New Jersey case ended with a guilty plea, for which the singer was sentenced to three years probation. Another 1998 bust, this one in suburban Atlanta, has been seized upon by Akon and transformed into the big case that purportedly sent him to prison (thanks to his snitching cohorts) for three fight-filled years. In reality, Akon was arrested for possession of a single stolen BMW and held in the DeKalb County jail for several months before prosecutors dropped all charges against him- more on this story

System of a Wu-Tang Supa Group

Achozen's mantra is "Many shall come, only a few shall be Achozen," and the four principal members feel that their unique sound is not only spiritual in nature, but a new genre of "heavy hip hop," not "rap-metal." There are no heavy guitars on the album, but the sound is genre-blending.

Most of the "Achozen" album was recorded at one of Shavo's two studios and produced by the Grammy-winning musician. The bulk the beats were created by Shavo (only one or two samples were used on the entire record) who also played live instruments throughout, including bass and sitar. The RZA, who contributed his share of beats, Kinetic 9 and the Reverend William Burke handle all of the vocals and lyrics, which are, according to Shavo, "some of the most innovative, poetic and righteous words and vocals that I've ever heard."- more on this story

Dylan Biopic Coming to DVD

I'M NOT THERE features an all-star cast with six actors each portraying a different aspect of Bob Dylan including Blanchett, Christian Bale (Rescue Dawn), Richard Gere (Chicago), the late Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain) as well as Ben Whishaw (Layer Cake) and Marcus Carl Franklin ("Law & Order"). It also features a stellar supporting cast including Julianne Moore (Children of Men) and Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain).

I'M NOT THERE not only uncovers an intimate biographical story unbeknownst to Dylan's fans and the general public, but it also sheds light on the creativity and uniqueness in his music, style, voice, and personality. The I'm Not There soundtrack mixes original Dylan recordings with existing covers, including new versions by a variety of musicians including Ritchie Havens, Iggy Pop, John Doe and Sonic Youth, among others- more on this story

So Is Ashlee Knocked Up or What?

But why did Pete Wentz say Ashlee Simpson wasn't pregnant when she really was? Was he telling the truth, making up a barefaced lie or is he just a bit stupid? Pete Wentz more than denied it - he likened the speculation to a witch hunt, called it 'crazy' and said that he couldn't wait for the rumours about him being gay as well. Which is odd, because Pete's denial has only made the pregnancy speculation stronger, especially since Ashlee Simpson won't deny that it's true. People reports:

Ashlee Simpson is pregnant and plans to get married next month at a private residence in Southern California, a source close to her family tells PEOPLE… On Tuesday, Simpson sidestepped the rumors during an interview with MTV after taping TRL in New York, saying simply, "Some things you want to keep personal." And now the source tells PEOPLE that not only is Simpson pregnant, but that she's planning to have her wedding in May at a friend's house.- more on this story

It's Official Everybody Hates Moby

The 42-year-old New Yorker said that the hatred is disconcerting because these are largely people he has never met. He also refuted claims that he is self-righteous through his outspoken views on politics, world climate and other such pressing issues.

Somewhat dejected, he said: "Some people seem to like me and some people seem to hate my guts, which is strange. I mean, it's a very strange phenomenon being hated by people you've never met.- more on this story

Swervedriver To Kick Off Reunion at Coachella

There's no better way to reintroduce your band to the masses than a hot performance in the desert. 

With just two weeks away, it's a nice addition to the already jam-packed Sunday.Not going to Coachella? No worries more reunion dates can be found- here

Monterey Music Summit Lineup

Over 30 performances will take place on three stages throughout the weekend, offering attendees everything from regional favorites to international stars of pop, rock, surf punk, hip hop, folk and world beat. 

Musical artists currently include: Snoop Dogg, Slightly Stoopid, Coheed and Cambria, Sound Tribe Sector 9, Ozomatli, The Crystal Method, Tea Leaf Green, Melvin Seals and JGB, Moonalice, Fishbone, New Moonson, Diesleboy with MC Messinian, Albino!, Tibetan Monks and Mystical Arts of Tibet, Paula Cole, Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace, Shelby Lynn, Crash Hot, Hot Buttered Rum, West Indian Girl and others.- more on this story

Steve Winwood CD and Tour Update

Songs on Nine Lives include "I'm Not Drowning," "Fly," "Raging Sea," "Dirty City," "We're All Looking," "Hungry Man," "Secrets," "At Times We Do Forget," and "Other Shore." Additionally, fellow musical legend Eric Clapton lends guitar work to "Dirty City."

Winwood also recently announced that he will head out on a national tour with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers this summer for shows across the U.S.- more on this story

KISS Comes Alive Again With Shoes

KISSnews.de reports: Just few minutes ago Tommy talked to a national Rock radio in Italy about the forthcoming European leg of the ALIVE35 World tour. Tommy confirmed that Kiss will play all songs from ALIVE

Plus they will play obscure songs never played before and they can't wait to play in Verona where they are going to show all Kiss stuff from big pyros great lights and the biggest stage ever. After the European part of the ALIVE35 tour they will play US and Canada and they are planning to play in South America and maybe also Japan- more on this story

more stories including: 04/17: Akon or A Poser Con?- System of a Wu-Tang Supa Group- Evel Dick To Rock Against Diabetes- Ted Nugent - McGraw To Hit Wal-Mart Shelves- P.O.D. - more
 

Friday

E Street Legend Dies

antiMusic reports: Very sad news from the E Street Band camp on Thursday, they lost a core member of the band to cancer. Here is the notice posted on Bruce Springsteen's official site: 

"Danny Federici, for 40 years the E Street Band's organist and keyboard player, died this afternoon, April 17, 2008 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City after a three year battle with melanoma.

"Bruce Springsteen's concerts scheduled for Friday in Ft. Lauderdale and Saturday in Orlando performance are being postponed. Replacement dates will be announced shortly."

Tony K was on hand for Danny's last performance on March 20th in Indianapolis. In tribute to Danny we are posting a link to Tony's review so we can remember Danny doing what he loved most.- Read it here and RIP Danny you will be missed.

Did Sting Steal Roxanne? Victim Calls the Police!

They stopped at a 7-Eleven for beer (Sting, at a 7-Eleven?) and hung out for hours in Sting's basement. During that time, Smith told Sting about an ex-girlfriend of his named Roxanne, who was a prostitute. Smith also explained how after his father died, he wrote his mom messages, which he put in a bottle. Just like in the song! Oh, right ...

Smith claims Sting agreed to give him royalties for the songs, but never did. Here is the best part -- Smith claims Sting tried to contact him, through his mom, but she didn't pass along the messages because she thought the real police were after her son!- more on this story

Zeppelin Mixup

Led Zeppelin have been in contact with Pendulum to remix their classic track Immigrant Song, to be released at some point over the summer. 

However, what's not clear is just how the Pendulum remix will be used. Led Zeppelin have so far not commented on the news, whilst the PR for Pendulum revealed: "We just know they wanted someone cool to do a remix for some stuff they've got coming up."- more on this story

Ziggy Stardust Live CD and DVD

The recording was taken from Bowie's show at the Los Angeles Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on October 20, 1972. In a statement Bowie said: "I can tell that I'm totally into being Ziggy by this stage of our touring. It's no longer an act; I am him.

"This would be around the tenth American show for us and you can hear that we are all pretty high on ourselves. We train wreck a couple of things, I miss some words and sometimes you wouldn't know that pianist Mike Garson was onstage with us but overall I really treasure this bootleg. Mick Ronson is at his blistering best." - more on this story

Quicks: No Rush For Hornets, Leppard Still Mute, Watch Alanis Get Yahooed, RIAA Tries To Buy Congress

Blabbermouth had sad news that the Leppard is still mute and more shows have been scratched,. Two more Def Leppard shows have been postponed due to an upper respiratory tract infection affecting the band's lead singer, Joe Elliott — Grand Rapids, Michigan (April 18) and Detroit, Michigan (April 19) — according to an email sent to fan club members of Iloveallaccess.com. The email states that the shows will be made up in August.

If you live in the Southern California area, Alanis will be filming a special performance for Yahoo! Music on April 24th, 2008 at 7pm (you will need to arrive two hours before). The first 200 fans to email Invite@YahooLiveSets.com will get in the doors for this exclusive taping! Plus you get to bring a friend. Just email your name and your location, and you will be contacted if you are chosen to attend. *You must be at least 13 years old to attend. Fans under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You must provide your own transportation and accommodations (if necessary).

The RIAA spent nearly $2.8 million since mid 2007 lobbying for legislation in Washington DC. According to Billboard the RIAA "lobbied on a bill to limit fees charged to Internet radio stations for music broadcasts and on efforts to limit copyright violations, especially overseas." Interestingly enough, the former head of the RIAA is now a hack/activist for the party in control of Congress. Wonder how much Ticketmaster has spent to insure their monopoly? Check OpenSecrets.org. It's interesting, as one congressmen seems to get a lot of donations from Tickebastard employees that live nowhere near his district- in the mood for a little hip hop/reggae? Then check out the Jah Cure and Stack$- "Flyin' High" video.

The King of Cheese Dethroned, BMG Replace Clive Davis

Jam! has the story: Legendary music executive Clive Davis is being replaced by Barry Weiss as chairman and CEO of the BMG label group. 

Parent company SonyBMG announced the move Thursday. The 74-year-old Davis will become chief creative officer of Sony BMG. Two other BMG executives also departed in the label shakeup. - more on this story

Widespread Panic for Bonnaroo

Known for their incomparable live shows, Widespread Panic will close the festival in the great rock tradition with what is sure to be an epic and unforgettable festival finale. This will mark Bonnaroo's 7th year, and will take place on the Manchester, TN festival grounds during June 12-15, 2008. The largest and most revered music and camping event in the country, Bonnaroo has elevated the American rock festival to an unprecedented level as the only round-the-clock major U.S. music festival.

Over the course of their 22 year career, Widespread Panic have cemented themselves as touring legends with one of the most loyal fan bases in rock and have been a staple at Bonnaroo since its inaugural year in 2002. This will be the band's 7th headlining performance at Bonnaroo. "We are extremely excited to be invited back for our 7th gig at Bonnaroo," says the band. "Bonnaroo is always a blast. We hope to have plenty of surprises for the fans." - more on this story

Judas Priest Have Double Vision for Nostradamus Album

Long in the works, "Nostradamus" takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th Century French prophet. Some of the events that Nostradamus experts have interpreted as his predictions include the great fire of London in 1666, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and most recently, 9-11, among countless other renowned events. 

"As in any concept piece, the lifeline needs to be of a solid source, taking the music over many levels of interest and perception," points out singer Rob Halford. "Nostradamus contains new frontiers explored and defined. The sense of adventure and the journey we undertook bringing the man's life alive with metal was a real labour of love."- lot more info, including tour bits, special editions and when you can get a free preview

X Legend Inks Solo Deal

A true renaissance woman, Exene is a singer, artist and poet whose work traverses virtually every aspect of those disciplines. She is known for her work as singer for the legendary punk band X as well as The Knitters and The Original Sinners. Her spoken word performances with Lydia Lunch in the 80's led to the publication of "Adulterers Anonymous" and another four volumes of poetry followed. 

As X's anniversary trek, known as The 13 X 31 Anniversary Tour 2008, has been traversing the country; the next leg starts in Detroit on May 15 at the Majestic Theater. X brings Bloodshot Records band the Detroit Cobras in support through June 7th. Dates can be found- here

Whatever Happened To Local H?

Written after the bitter end of a long-term relationship, the album chronicles a full year of post-breakup experiences. Each track on 12 Angry Months corresponds to a month, and deals with the range of emotions one encounters after love turns sour. Those emotions range from anger ("so, baby could you do me a favor? fall off the earth and i'll see you later"), to jealousy ("this is crazy, I can't believe that you replaced me"), to acceptance ("you knew we'd never make it anyway"). 

In 2007 Local H showcased their typical humor when they played a show at Chicago's Cellular Field, and fans were only granted tickets by finding Lucas around town and proclaiming "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation - we have assumed control." Other shows have seen the band passing out a sushi menu-type ballot to take song requests, auctioning off a concert on eBay, and performing under the names and guises of other bands, including Nirvana, Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, and Hall & Oates. The band performs regularly, and will be on tour nationally in 2008.- more on this story

more stories including: 04/18: Springsteen Legend Dies- Did Sting Steal Roxanne?- Ziggy Stardust Live CD and DVD- Widespread Panic- Local H- Joe Cocker- The Submarines- Neil Diamond- more
 

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