Top 5 stories for first half this week

Page Ready for Zeppelin Reunion

antiMusic reports: Seems that the little jam on Saturday night with John Paul Jones and the Foo Fighters has put Jimmy Page in the mood for a Led Zeppelin reunion. Here is part of the Telegraph.co.uk story: Led Zeppelin legends Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones performed two of their classic songs ('Ramble On' and 'Rock And Roll') with FOO FIGHTERS at Wembley Stadium last night (June 7).

It was the first time Led Zeppelin had appeared onstage since their hugely successful reunion concert in front of 22,000 fans at London's O2 centre in December.

In an interview after that concert, Page said the band were ready to reunite and perform more live events. But he said that fans could have to wait until autumn 2009 as band members had to tie up individual projects first. - more of this story

McCartney Retirement Tour, AC/DC New CD Only in Wal*Marts, Nas Preview, More Rock Band Tunes, Judas Priest Gig Moved, Gnarls Barkley Apple Show and more

antiMusic reports: Happy Monday, we start off with this report about McCartney supposedly planning a retirement tour. Here is the NME report: Paul McCartney is set to announce a massive farewell tour, according to reports. The UK press is claiming that the former Beatle is soon to confirm a hundred-date stretch over two years. Keep in mind that this comes from a report from a not always reliable Brit tabloid. But more info is here

Rock band AC/DC will sell its new album only through Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the Wall Street Journal reported on its website on Sunday, citing unnamed sources. The AC/DC album is expected to come out in the fall, the paper reported. more

Judas Priest's recently confirmed a St. Paul, MN live date at The Myth has moved to August 2nd. No word if it's part of the Metal Masters Tour with Heaven And Hell and openers Motörhead and Testament. more

Check out the first official single from Nas's UNTITLED album "Hero", produced by Polow Da Don. Nas UNTITLED Album Hits Stores On July 15th more

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today the next addition to the Rock Band Music Store will be tracks from MTV2's "Circuit Breakout" band contest winners The Material, The Myriad and Them Terribles, available on Tuesday, June 13.

Martha Wainwright will be premiering her new album I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too (Zoe/Rounder) on social networking site iLike on June 7 three days prior to the street release of the album.

Gnarls Barkley has scheduled "The June Residency Series," a set of intimate shows in London and Paris, for June 12-18. The shows will feature a core lineup of artist/producer Danger Mouse, vocalist Cee-Lo, and multi-instrumentalist Josh Klinghoffer, playing rare minimalist versions of popular Gnarls songs. A few close associates of Gnarls may make surprise guest appearances. Attendance will be limited. The PR was a bit confusing as they didn't offer any additional details about those shows but also stated Gnarls to perform at Apple Store Soho Tuesday June 10, 2008 at 7pm

Gojira is currently recording the follow-up to "From Mars To Sirius" at Studio Des Milans in France (with drums recorded in Los Angeles with Logan Mader). The new album, titled "The Way of All Flesh," is set for an October release more metal news .

Tony Saputo has decided to leave Lye By Mistake. The singer/keyboardist will be pursuing other life goals (going back to school, etc.). - more

Warren G Drug Bust

TMZ reports: It was a clear black night, a clear white moon, Warren G was on the streets -- then got arrested for possession of A LOT of marijuana.

G, real name Warren Griffin III, and Ryan Butler, were pulled over for running a red light at around 2 AM PT this morning in Hollywood. Butler was driving. When cops searched the car, they found enough marijuana to arrest both men for possession of narcotics with intent to sell!

Warren and Butler posted $20,000 bail each and were released at around 9 AM Sunday morning.
- more on this story

Winehouse Denies Being A Racist

Jam! reports: Amy Winehouse denied that her singing of a slur-filled ditty made her a racist Monday, the same day it was learned that her husband - who videotaped the performance - pleaded guilty to assault and other charges that could cost him more jail time.

The video, taken by Blake Fielder-Civil sometime before his arrest late last year and published Sunday by the News of the World, shows Winehouse and another woman sitting on a couch, singing a string of racial epithets to the tune of the children's song "Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes."

Fielder-Civil, holding the camera, is heard encouraging them to sing it, insisting afterward he "wasn't recording it . . . I swear on my life." The video goes on to show Winehouse passed out on the couch. - more on this story

Foo Zeppelin Jam

Blabbermouth reports: According to a posting on the Ramble On Led Zeppelin fan blog, Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones joined the Foo Fighters onstage Saturday night (June 7) during the final encore of the Dave Grohl-fronted band's concert at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

The Zeppelin duo joined the FOOS to play "Rock And Roll" with Dave Grohl on drums and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins singing (see video footage at link). Grohl and Hawkins then switched places for "Ramble On" (see video footage at link).

In the past Grohl has intimated that he would be willing to drum for Zeppelin should they reunite, so this event probably falls in the dream-come-true category for Grohl.
- Stop reading and go see it!

Monday

Sister Hazel Week: Day 1

antiMusic reports: We start this week's artist spotlight with some random antiMusic trivia. Way back in November of 1998, Sister Hazel was the very first band to be the focus for a special feature when Debbie Seagle profiled the band. So when we heard that they were release a new album, it was a no brainer for us to do an artist week with them. Fortunately. frontman Ken Block readily agreed to tell us about his five favorite tracks from the new CD, "Before The Amplifiers, Live Acoustic," which hits stores next week. The CD features live acoustic versions of the band's hits, fan favorites, and live concert staples. Here is Ken with today's song:

"Your Winter": I wrote this song in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, sitting next to a filthy pool at a Days Inn. It was back when we were still in a van and trailer. It ended up on our "Fortress" CD but also on the soundtrack to the Movie "10 Things I Hate About You."

The Soundtrack went gold and the song introduced us to a whole new audience all around the world. The acoustic version we did of it is one of my favorite things we've ever done.

Learn more about the new CD, preview some tracks and grab tour dates - here

Metallica Censoring Critics

idolator reports: Somehow, our invitation to the Metallica listening party got lost in the mail, but Brit bloggers The Quietus had the opportunity to listen to most of the album, then proceeded (as bloggers are likely to do) to write about it. What happened next was a little strange.

The not entirely negative coverage of the album exists only in the Google archive, because Metallica, through a third party (possibly our buddy, the Web Sheriff?) asked for the post to be removed.

The story behind the removal of the article runs as follows: Metallica held an album listening party for selected music journalists in London this Wednesday past. One of the writers was kind enough to write a piece about the album which, if you were lucky enough to read it before it was taken down, was full of praise about a return to form. At no point was the writer ask[ed] to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The Quietus and other websites ran pieces on the album, but were quickly contacted by Metallica's management via a third party and told to remove the articles. - more on this story

The Final Police Show

Billboard reports: The Police's last-ever show will be held Aug. 7 at New York's Madison Square Garden, with proceeds to benefit New York public television stations Thirteen/WNET and WLIW21. Tickets will only be available via donations to the station, starting June 14.

That day, the stations will air a Police retrospective featuring new interviews with the band and vintage concert clips.

Beginning Monday (June 9), members of the Police fan club will get first crack at tickets to the show, which will feature support from the B-52s. There is speculation that the concert will be broadcast at some point on public television, but details have yet to be announced. - more on this story including ticket prices

Injured Fan Sues Korn, Mudvayne, Radio Station and Live Nation

Rocky Mountain News reports: Nicole LaScalia was knocked to the floor of Magness Arena and trampled by concertgoers moments after the heavy metal band Mudvayne took the stage. The Thornton waitress had gone to the KBPI-FM (106.7) "Birthday Bash" on March 8, 2006, eager to see Mudvayne and Korn.

She left in an ambulance, her leg crushed. Those details emerged two years later in a lawsuit LaScalia filed against radio station owner Clear Channel Broadcasting, concert promoter Live Nation and the University of Denver, the site of the concert. She also sued members of the bands.

Injuries continue to pose legal problems for the businesses that host and promote rowdy shows and raise questions about who is responsible. Many cases involve festival seating - or general admission - areas. - more on this story

New York Dolls Plan New CD

Blabbermouth reports: New York Dolls lead singer David Johansen has told Goldmine magazine that the band will hit Europe for some dates this summer, and after that, "I think we're probably going to think about making a studio album," he said.

"Yeah, it's an interesting time, because we have no idea how like we're going to proceed with that. I mean, we know we're going to make songs, and we know how to do that, but as far as how we're going to get it out there, we haven't figured that out yet, and that's kind of exciting I think.

"You know, we've always been kind of like mavericks — mavericks ... now I sound like John McCain (laughs) — but as far as the record business is concerned ... I see people coming up and getting awards, and they go, 'I want to thank this great industry,' and I'm always thinking, 'Oh, f*ck you, this great industry. What a joke.' We've always kind of done our own thing." - more on this story

Megadeth Singer Walks Off Stage During Gig

Blabbermouth reports: Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine has posted the following message in the "Forums" section of the band's official web site: "Over the last six months, we have had almost a dozen [road crew] changes at monitors and sound due to visas, deaths, and inadequacy.
"Tonight [Friday, June 6 in São Paulo, Brazil] I had to walk off the stage for only the second time ever. The first [time it happened] in Toronto [during the first Gigantour].

"My apologies to everyone who didn't understand, but my ears are very important to go forward in my career, and I had to stop the show to fix this - more on this story

Bleeding Through Pissed at CareerKill Records

Lambgoat reports: Bleeding Through has publicly voiced their displeasure with Trustkill Records over the label's recent announcement of plans to release a "special edition" of Bleeding Through's 2006 album, "The Truth." The group had the following to say on the Headbangers Blog:

"Let it be known that Bleeding Through is 100% against this so-called 'special' edition. We did not approve the title, cover artwork (whatever it is), track-listing or bonus features for this transparent and obvious cash-grab of a re-release from a record label that despite selling a quarter of a million of our albums worldwide is having problems.

"Over a year ago we suggested the idea of a re-release of the album to Trustkill — on our terms, of course, with our artistic vision — and he said he'd consider it if we could land a 'big' tour. We confirmed a tour with Marilyn Manson and Slayer, followed by a tour with HIM, and he said, 'NO' to us. He thought we should put out a new album instead. Now we have a new album finished that we are very proud of and he wants to squeeze our fans and our band by throwing out an unapproved 'special' edition in a fast and overt attempt to pay some bills."

[It's not like the label didn't warn you not to trust them, they are called Trustkill after all. CareerKill might be a good name as well. - The plot thickens though, the band go on to call out the label for other issues including money!]

Def Leppard Slams Fakes Motley Crue and Poison

Blabbermouth reports: During Friday's press conference at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden, Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott was asked how his band managed to avoid getting caught up in the whole "glam-rock" scene of the '80s even after citing such image-oriented artists as Mick Ronson, David Bowie and T.Rex as major influences.

"If you actually look at the way that the 'glam' bands, if you want to call it that, from Los Angeles dressed themselves up, they totally missed the point," Elliott replied. "When English glam bands from the '70s came on 'Top of the Pops' [long-running British music chart television program], it was almost an afterthought to what they were actually doing — music always came first, and then they'd be like, 'What are we gonna wear?' . . .

"The only band — and I'm not saying it because we're here — the only band that did pull it off was [Finland's] Hanoi Rocks. I thought Hanoi Rocks were a good band, and they looked… Michael Monroe [Hanoi frontman] was one of the best… I would have shagged him. [Laughs] I like Michael, I think he's sexy, and I'm not gay. And I think Andy McCoy [Hanoi guitarist] does the best kind of Keith Richards... so much better than Motley Crue or Poison or any of those bands. They [Hanoi Rocks] were real — the rest of the guys, it was all a bit fake for me." - We edited down his comments a little, read them in full and get to the real fun with the fan comments here

Warped Additions

MSO reports: The Warped Tour has announced two more mainstage additions for portions of this summer's trek. Southern California's Pennywise has been added to the June 20 kick-off show (Pomona) and will continue on the tour through June 29 (Denver).

Minneapolis-based pop-rockers Motion City Soundtrack will also join the tour for a two-week trek from July 29 (Pittsburgh) through August 13 (Fresno), which includes a headlining hometown stop at Minneapolis' Canterbury Park August 3.

The 46-date Warped Tour kicks off June 20 in Pomona, CA and wraps August 17 in Los Angeles, CA. For a full list of tour dates and venues for North America's longest-running touring festival, go to - www.warpedtour.com

Hawthorne Heights Drop Lawsuit Against Victory

PR reports: The surviving members of platinum selling rock band Hawthorne Heights have agreed to drop, in its entirety, their August 2006 lawsuit against Victory Records. Victory Records will release Hawthorne Heights' third studio album titled 'Fragile Future' on August 5, 2008.

'Fragile Future' follows two highly successful albums with Victory Records. 'The Silence in Black and White' (2004), peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top 200 reaching platinum status. The band followed up in 2006 with 'If Only You Were Lonely' which debuted at #3 on the Billboard Chart and was certified Gold shortly thereafter.

Victory Records Owner Tony Brummel commented, "Everyone at Victory is ecstatic about the forthcoming album from Hawthorne Heights. It is by far their best material to date. When Victory and Hawthorne started our relationship in 2003 it was always about beating the odds ...We have lived in a reality of petty disputes, unresolved misunderstandings, unhealthy friction and negative sensationalism for too long. - more on this story

KISS To Carry On With Reality Show Members

Old School Metal reports: The manager of rock band Kiss has confirmed the group are in talks to launch a TV talent show to find replacements for frontman Paul Stanley and [bass] guitarist Gene Simmons - when the duo eventually retire.

It has long been rumored that founding members Stanley and Simmons hope to keep the band running when they decide to quit - but both men have been evasive when asked about whether any new members have been signed up and if the takeover will happen after their current world tour.

However their longtime manager Doc McGhee insists that there are indeed plans to replace all four band members and keep KISS alive for a new generation - they are close to signing a deal to find their replacements through an American Idol-style TV show. - more on this story

Hunter S.Thompson Movie Coming

punknews.org reports: A trailer has been released for the upcoming documentary about Hunter S.Thompson, the father of "Gonzo Journalism," and author of notable works like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

The film is led by director Alex Gibney and producer Graydon Carter and features narration by Johnny Depp. Thompson passed away in 2005.

The film addresses the major touchstones in Thompson's life-his intense and ill fated relationship with the Hell's Angels, his near-successful bid for the office of sheriff in Aspen in 1970, the notorious story behind the landmark Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - more on this story

Alabama Battle Over Cash

AP reports: The drummer for the country group Alabama has been sued by his fellow band members, who say he was overpaid $202,670.

The lawsuit filed May 9 in the Circuit Court of DeKalb County, Ala., claims that in 2003 Mark Herndon was paid for his share of net merchandise sales during the band's "American Farewell Tour" before a final accounting was done.

The final accounting, the suit claims, found that "there were no net merchandise revenues as defined by the contract." [The key word is "net" here, sounds like they had one of the lawyers that draw up record company contracts put this one together. - Seems there is a dispute over some CD money as well, read it here]

Toto Split Up

House of Rock reports: Steve Lukather has announced the end of long running Los Angeles based band Toto "I would like to make a formal announcement as I have been barraged by e-mails and speculations on various websites.

The fact is yes I have left Toto. There is no more Toto. I told the guys before the last leg of our tour.We had some differences in how business was being done. The other fact is that I have been the only guy who was at the first rehearsal till the last gig a month or so ago.

When Jeff(Porcaro) died part of us all died with him. We pursued it and had some great times. Simon(Phillips) was a champ replacing Jeff at a most difficult time. Bobby was out of the band for 16 years and then came back and you know the other singer stories. Other than Bobby, Joe was the only guy that really fit with us cause he was a high school buddy as well. No offense to Bobby at all. - more on this story

Osbourne Quits Talent Show

Old School Metal reports: Sharon Osbourne has announced that she is stepping down as a judge on The X Factor after four seasons. In a statement she thanked fellow judge Simon Cowell and "the wonderful British public for their enormous support".

The wife of rock star Ozzy was also joined on the panel by Louis Walsh and, in the last series, by Dannii Minogue.

"She has been a tremendous judge and mentor on the programme, but we respect her wish to leave and wish her the very best," an ITV spokesman said. - more on this story

Layne Staley Tribute And Benefit Concert Details

antiMusic reports: We had a quick story about this last week but here is the official word with all the details: The seventh annual Layne Staley Tribute And Benefit Concert, honoring musician Layne Staley's life and music, will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2008, 8:30pm at Showbox Sodo located at 1700 1st Avenue S., Seattle, WA, one block south of Safeco Field.

This year's event will feature the band Hurt, who toured as direct support for Alice In Chains on their 2006 tour. Hurt quickly gained attention and a rabid fanbase of their own among Alice in Chains fans. Band members include; J. Loren – vocals, Evan Johns – drums, Josh Ansley – bass, Paul Spatola – guitar.

The show also features another favorite among Alice in Chains fans, Tantric, who's single 'Down and Out" is currently #20 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart and #19 on Radio & Records' Active Rock chart. Band members include; Hugo Ferriera – vocals, Kevin Miller (ex-Fuel) – drums, Joe Pessia – guitar, Eric Leonhardt – bass and Marcus Ratzenboeck – violin. - more on this story

Underground Thrash Legends Laaz Rockit Set Release

PR reports: Bay Area thrash pioneers Laaz Rockit will be releasing a new album. Left For Dead is set for a July 25 release in Europe on Massacre Records.

There will be a record release party on August 23rd at Betty's Rock Club in Walnut Creek, CA. Two new songs off the new CD are available on the band's official MySpace page

Formed in 1982 in Berkeley, CA, Laaz Rockit is considered to be one the founders of the unique genre of Bay Area thrash metal. The band's new style of metal garnered a huge fan base, with their high energy live performances becoming their signature trademark. - more on this story

Four Out of Five Accursed Members Jump Ship

PR reports: After seven years, four of the five members of The Accursed have called it quits. This is just an end to one era of The Accursed, with Jonathan [Helme, vocals], Chris [Helme, drums], Timothy [Giblin, guitar] and Metal George [bassist George Pacheco] choosing to go their separate ways, and Loki [guitar] deciding to continue on into the unknown.

It feels like we just couldn't keep going on the route we were headed; we needed change. We have grown apart musically, and our opinions on where The Accursed should go from here differed between members so drastically that there would be no way to make everyone happy."

Commented Loki: "Yes, I will be continuing the band. I will not play the whole catalogue of songs. I am not quite sure which but this is not a death of a band but a rebirth. I plan to carry on and make The Accursed darker like I had in mind at the beginning. Being a fan of other bands, I know that sometimes when they lose members and continue they are never quite as good, but my goal is not fall into that path but to try and make it better. - more on this story

The Music That Influenced Bob Dylan

PR reports: Get ready for another incredible behind-the scenes look at a genius from Eagle Rock Entertainment, the same folks who bring you the Classic Albums and Live At Montreux DVD series. On July 15, 2008, Eagle is proud to announce the DVD release of Down The Tracks: The Music That Influenced Bob Dylan.

Blues…folk…country…these are the genres of the artists featured—Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Pete Seeger, Reverend Gary Davis, Blind Willie McTell and more on Down The Tracks. Legends all, and they all had a major impact on the young mind and heart of Bob Dylan. Through archival performance tapes and interview footage amidst new interviews, an understanding is achieved on what went into the making of perhaps the most enigmatic poet of music the world has ever known. - more on this story

zebrahead Set Release

PR reports: Orange County, CA's zebrahead are once again gearing up to make their presence felt with the group's highly-anticipated new album 'Phoenix' with most tracks produced by Cameron Webb (Social Distortion, Motorhead, Papa Roach) along with a few tracks produced by zebrahead's old friend and producer from their debut release Howard Benson (Daughtry, Saosin, POD Adema) CD to hit the street and Internet August 5 on ICON Music Entertainment.

Excited about their second release for ICON Music Entertainment, the band is revitalized, road-ready and eager to get the party started. The quintet comes out kicking, delivering a flurry of pummeling rhythms, clench-fisted chords and meaty hooks that we have come to expect from zebrahead.

In addition to the new CD the band is already slated to play Japan's Summersonic Festival, Europe's Download Festival and Switerland's Greenfield Festival. US tour dates to be announced soon. - more on this story

Banjo Rock from Oneside Coming

PR reports: With Oneside's debut album First, to Last set to release September 30, the banjo will be reborn this Fall. First, to Last was recorded mainly between the hours of 10 P.M. and 7 A.M. The late nights and early mornings can be heard in the grooves, with lead singer Ned DeBary's earnest and soulful voice effectively bridging the gap between Americana and indie rock.

Beginning with First, To Last's foot-stomping opening track "The Letter," which combines elements of bluegrass, rock, jazz and even reggae, it is apparent that Oneside is willing to take traditional fundamentals of old time music and transform them into a unique, modern context. If My Morning Jacket decided to cover Bill Monroe, chances are that it would come out sounding an awful lot like Oneside. And for music fans, that's a good thing. - more on this story

Paper Bag Go Digital

PR reports: Toronto's hometown heroes Paper Bag Records are proud to announce the launch of Paper Bag Digital! PBD is scheduled to open its virtual doors later this month with the inaugural release of Sally Shapiro's Remix Romance Vol. 2 on June 17th, 2008 featuring Dntel, Russian Futurists and Solvent.

Preceding its release date, Remix Romance Vol. 2 will first be made available June 3rd exclusively for iTunes, and will include two bonus remixes not available anywhere else!

Digital-only releases are also in the works for Woodhands, rare live highlights of The Acorn's Glory Hope Mountain, and You Say Party! We Say Die! among others. All future releases will now be available in 320kbps / DRM-free files on the Paper Bag Records site. - more on this story

Foo Zeppelin Jam

Blabbermouth reports: According to a posting on the Ramble On Led Zeppelin fan blog, Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones joined the Foo Fighters onstage Saturday night (June 7) during the final encore of the Dave Grohl-fronted band's concert at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

The Zeppelin duo joined the FOOS to play "Rock And Roll" with Dave Grohl on drums and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins singing (see video footage at link). Grohl and Hawkins then switched places for "Ramble On" (see video footage at link).

In the past Grohl has intimated that he would be willing to drum for Zeppelin should they reunite, so this event probably falls in the dream-come-true category for Grohl. - Stop reading and go see it!

Metallica Censoring Critics

idolator reports: Somehow, our invitation to the Metallica listening party got lost in the mail, but Brit bloggers The Quietus had the opportunity to listen to most of the album, then proceeded (as bloggers are likely to do) to write about it. What happened next was a little strange.

The not entirely negative coverage of the album exists only in the Google archive, because Metallica, through a third party (possibly our buddy, the Web Sheriff?) asked for the post to be removed.

The story behind the removal of the article runs as follows: Metallica held an album listening party for selected music journalists in London this Wednesday past. One of the writers was kind enough to write a piece about the album which, if you were lucky enough to read it before it was taken down, was full of praise about a return to form. At no point was the writer ask[ed] to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The Quietus and other websites ran pieces on the album, but were quickly contacted by Metallica's management via a third party and told to remove the articles. - more on this story

Megadeth Singer Walks Off Stage During Gig

Blabbermouth reports: Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine has posted the following message in the "Forums" section of the band's official web site: "Over the last six months, we have had almost a dozen [road crew] changes at monitors and sound due to visas, deaths, and inadequacy.

"Tonight [Friday, June 6 in São Paulo, Brazil] I had to walk off the stage for only the second time ever. The first [time it happened] in Toronto [during the first Gigantour].

"My apologies to everyone who didn't understand, but my ears are very important to go forward in my career, and I had to stop the show to fix this. - more on this story

The Final Police Show

Billboard reports: The Police's last-ever show will be held Aug. 7 at New York's Madison Square Garden, with proceeds to benefit New York public television stations Thirteen/WNET and WLIW21. Tickets will only be available via donations to the station, starting June 14.

That day, the stations will air a Police retrospective featuring new interviews with the band and vintage concert clips.

Beginning Monday (June 9), members of the Police fan club will get first crack at tickets to the show, which will feature support from the B-52s. There is speculation that the concert will be broadcast at some point on public television, but details have yet to be announced.

- more on this story including ticket prices

Hawthorne Heights Drop Lawsuit Against Victory

PR reports: The surviving members of platinum selling rock band Hawthorne Heights have agreed to drop, in its entirety, their August 2006 lawsuit against Victory Records. Victory Records will release Hawthorne Heights' third studio album titled 'Fragile Future' on August 5, 2008.

'Fragile Future' follows two highly successful albums with Victory Records. 'The Silence in Black and White' (2004), peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top 200 reaching platinum status. The band followed up in 2006 with 'If Only You Were Lonely' which debuted at #3 on the Billboard Chart and was certified Gold shortly thereafter.

Victory Records Owner Tony Brummel commented, "Everyone at Victory is ecstatic about the forthcoming album from Hawthorne Heights. It is by far their best material to date. When Victory and Hawthorne started our relationship in 2003 it was always about beating the odds ...We have lived in a reality of petty disputes, unresolved misunderstandings, unhealthy friction and negative sensationalism for too long. Forgiveness and the ability to reunite are powerful gifts. They create a spirit. Couple that spirit with great music and you have something that is extraordinary and transcendental. You cannot change the past but you can affect the future. There is a bigger lesson and story here than just releasing a new album. Victory, and I know Hawthorne Heights, are thankful to be a part of that." - more on this story

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