Rocker Mistaken For FBI Most Wanted Fugitive

"We arrived in Washington D.C. with a lay over to Chicago where I live now (the rest of the band still live in Montreal). So we grabbed our bags and went through immigration with no problems as expected. As we're waiting in line for the customs exit some uniformed guy grabs J-F and takes him away with his bags. We assumed it was just a random check." - it wasn't! read more here

Smashing Pumpkins Hire Teen Drummer

MusicRadar reports: Billy Corgan has tapped 19-year-old drummer Mike Byrne as the replacement for Jimmy Chamberlin in The Smashing Pumpkins.

Byrne, drummer for Oregon-based band Moses, Smell the Roses apparently landed the gig after working for a week with Corgan last month, and blogged on his MySpace page that he was "off for another couple of weeks at pumpkin camp."

Additionally, Billy Corgan blogged last Friday that he has found the band's "drummer of the future," explaining that he's eyeing October as the month to release. "I've worked with him so far for one week, and all indications are really good that he's the man for the job," Corgan wrote of the unnamed drummer. "Going to work with him some more before it becomes official. Whoever takes the job has quite big shoes to fill, no doubt about it."
- MusicRadar's Joe Bosso dug deeper to find out if Byrne really landed the gig

AC/DC Tap Anvil For Tour Support

Billboard reports: Anvil, the Canadian heavy metal band that spent more than 30 years in near obscurity before the documentary about its struggles became a surprise hit, is getting the ultimate rock and roll salute this summer.

AC/DC, arguably the most successful hard rock band in history, has personally selected Anvil as the sole support act for two arena shows -- July 28 at Gillette Stadium in Boston and July 31 at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.

"Anvil: The Story Of Anvil," the documentary directed by teenage roadie turned screenwriter Sacha Gervasi, made its debut at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and opened in theaters in New York and Los Angeles in March - more on this story

Bret Michaels' Camp Not Amused At Amusing Response To Tony Awards Accident

Blabbermouth reports: Poison singer Bret Michaels' representatives (Michaels Entertainment Group, Inc.) have issued the following statement in response to the incident at the Tony Awards on June 7: After a performance by singer Bret Michaels [guess those supporting guys in the band don't really count] at the Tony Awards Sunday night, he turned to exit the stage and was struck in the head by a descending half-ton stage prop, sweeping him off his feet causing contusions to his face and knocking him to the ground. Even at that point of impact, the heavy prop was still not halted and continued to descend even though Michaels remained underneath it. Witnesses state the singer moved himself out of the way just moments before the prop touched down.

Janna Elias, a representative for Michaels, stated, "With all due respect to everyone working the Tony Awards, somewhere down the line there was a lack of communication and the prop should have been immediately halted until Michaels was clear. Sunday morning at rehearsals, Bret was never informed that the descending set piece existed, let alone would be moving into position as he was exiting the stage."

Although Bret was visibly dazed, he remained extremely calm backstage as members of Poison's road crew brought him a towel to wipe the blood from his face. His only comment at the time was, "What the hell just hit me?" The severity of this injury is not being taken lightly as symptoms from head and neck injuries at first may seem like nothing and sometimes do not present for days. At this time, the full extent of his injuries remain to be seen until all x-rays are back. Added Elias: "I find it surprising that a Tony spokesperson would brush off this incident with a comment stating, Mr. Michaels missed his mark,' with no mention of concern for his condition. If everyone at the Tonys were aware that Bret missed his mark, then they should have been aware enough to stop the set piece from hitting him or at least slowed it down until he cleared the stage. I feel had this incident happened to Liza Minneli, Dolly Parton or Elton John, the Tonys would have at least issued a letter of concern. - the show's host gets spanked too

ZZ Top Coming To VH1 Storytellers

vh1 reports: ZZ Top, the major rock band that holds the record for the most enduring line-up of all original members, had the audience on their feet as they celebrated their 40 year anniversary with an episode of VH1 Storytellers taped at Chicago's Congress Theatre on March 31.

Fans can watch this exclusive performance when "VH1 Storytellers: ZZ Top" premieres Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 PM on VH1 and will air on VH1 Classic and Palladia, MTV Networks' high-definition music channel on Saturday, July 4 at 9:00 PM.

The Texas trio answer questions from the audience, renew one couple's wedding vows, and tell the stories behind such hits as "La Grange" (about the real "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas") and "Sharp Dressed Man" (during the song's video shoot a homeless person started critiquing everything on the set and band and crew went on to follow his advice). - more on this story

Mayhem Tour Falls Apart

antiMusic reports: It looks like the Blackenedfest has fallen apart, according to a statement issued by Cephalic Carnage. The tour, headlined by Mayhem and was supposed to be feature Marduk, Withered, Cattle Decapitation and Cephalic Carnage for the full run, ran into trouble from the start with Marduk missing the kick off due to visa issues and Withered pulling out prematurely.

As of Tuesday night, the tour's Myspace still lists several dates through June 15th. However, it looks like Sunday's show in Denver was the last hurrah for the outing, if we read Cephalic Carnage's statement correctly. Here is what they had to say according to Metal Underground: "So, unfortunately, we were reluctantly forced to stay in Denver as the Blackenedfest Tour was unable to continue. We sincerely apologize to the friends and fans who've been waiting a while to see us and this tour. - more on this story

Van Halen Snub Past Members in Guitar Hero- Poison Frontman Busted Up- KISS Potatoheads- Kenny Rankin RIP- Pirate Elected- Godsmack Hangover and more

antiMusic reports: When Rolling Stone checked out a trailer and some video footage of the new Guitar Hero: Van Halen from last week's E3 Expo, they noted the band seemed short a few members — namely founding bassist Michael Anthony and onetime frontman Sammy Hagar. Their suspicions that the former members would not be included in the game were confirmed today by a spokesperson for the game.read the report

A little follow up to yesterday's story about Bret Michaels of Poison being hit by a piece of staging at the Tony awards. His publicist says that he fractured his nose and had to get three stitches in his lip. She says he was getting a CAT scan on Monday as a precaution, as he's had a past neck injury. more No word on his bruised ego.

In related news: Spinal Tap has been confirmed for an appearance on the Conan O'Brien Show on June 15th. They will be performing on the show but no word has been given on what song(s) they will play yet. more

A spokesman for Kenny Rankin's record label says the veteran singer-songwriter has died of lung cancer. He was 67. In a career spanning 50 years, Rankin worked with such artists as Bob Dylan, wrote songs for Peggy Lee and Mel Tormemore

Sweden's Pirate Party, which wants to abolish copyright laws and protect Internet privacy, has won a seat in the European Parliament. The Pirate Party captured 7.1% of the Swedish vote Sunday, enough to secure it one of Sweden's 18 seats in the Europe's 785-seat parliament more

Promotional Partners company will release a series of KISS Mr. Potato Head toys, complete with interchangeable parts. This collectors set includes all four "characters" of KISS: The Demon, The Spaceman, The Catman and The Starchild.more

Godsmack is coming back on the scene next week with a brand new track called "Whiskey Hangover", according to an e-mail blast sent out on Friday (June 5).more

Amy Speace's "Better" almost didn't make it on to her new album 'The Killer In Me,' out June 30 from Wildflower Records. But thanks to some advice from producer and guitarist James Mastro (formerly of The Bongos/Health and Happiness Show), the song was included. Was it a good call? decide for yourself

Opiate for the Masses have gone the way of the Soviet Union. The members have decided to go separate ways and are individually pursuing new projects. more

Within Temptation vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitar player Robert Westerholt have issued the following announcement about giving birth to a son: 'Two weeks ago he already did an attempt, but on Monday the 1st of June he made it and Sharon gave birth to Robin Aiden Westerholt.more

The most overused cliché in music is "[overused cliche removed]". Seems every single album these days is billed that way by the labels and PR peeps.... but are they really that anticipated? The actual sales often tell another tale.

Sacrifice have pulled the previously reported Rush cover of 'Anthem' off the special edition version of their [overused cliche removed] return, The Ones I Condemn. Says frontman Rob Urbinati: "We will release it digitally or vinyl, or both; it will see the light of day!"more

Sonic Youth are set to perform a free show in New York City Tuesday (June 9) to celebrate the release of their new album 'The Eternal'.more

DMX was sentenced Monday to more than a year of probation, avoiding more time in Arizona jails after spending two years in and out of the state's legal system.more

Sunn 0))) will tour the Midwest in July with support from Eagle Twin.more

Helix vocalist Brian Vollmer has revealed that Russ Dwarf will appear on the band's upcoming CD. Brian states, "Now that we have the first three songs for the new CD recorded it's onwards and upwards. The next track we plan on taking into "The A Room" is Hung Over But Still Hanging In, written by myself, Sean & Moe Berg. For this number my good friend Russ from Killer Dwarfs is coming in to sing a duet with me. Should be a blast."more

After the Fall have announced their summer touring schedule which includes shows with The Carrier, Sakes Alive!!, Caleb Lionheart and more.dates

Bouncing Souls have announced their second 7-inch for 2009, Volume 2. The record compiles their three monthly songs from April, May and June 2009 (plus one bonus track) as they continue their ongoing project to release a new song each month this year, and a new 7-inch every quartermore details

Barry Manilow announces his only UK gig this year will be at the BBC Proms in the Parkmore

Night Of The Vinyl Dead will reissue Saxon's 1999 album "Metalhead" on limited-edition silver fold-out vinyl, featuring an eight-page booklet. The album is hand-numbered, with only 333 copies having been made.details

Former members of Forever Wings Fold and ex-Inmemory frontman Marco Lira have joined forces to create the new progressive rock quartet The Sound Archives. more - more News Quicks

God Forbid's Doc Coyle In Gothic Comic

PR reports: God Forbid guitarist Doc Coyle appears along side his bandmates in the second issue of the gothic comic book series Eternal Descent, slated for publication this Fall.

The issue features a storyline inspired by God Forbid's fourth studio album IV: Constitution of Treason and will be available at comic book stores worldwide, scheduled for release through Diamond Distribution during the 4th quarter of 2009. Llexi Leon, creator of the multi-media concept ETERNAL DESCENT, began approaching ESP artists late last year to create the Eternal Descent comic.

The series is inspired by and features cameos from a host of iconic metal musicians. The initial launch issue is slated for late October, 2009 with the God Forbid issue released in November. The bands Atreyu, Firewind, and Static X, among others, are also slated for upcoming cameo appearances in subsequent issues.

Coinciding with each guitarist's cameo, interview video footage will also be available on youtube. Visit Doc Coyle's interview on youtube - here

Why You Can't Compare Chickenfoot To Van Halen

antiMusic reports: Our friend Ross CAT recently spoke with Chickenfoot's Michael Anthony after witnessing their "must see" live performance. Here is one of Ross and Michael's exchanges:

Do you feel the Chickenfoot lineup takes any Van Halen comparisons out of the equation by assembling a group of established musicians like Chad & Satch? Michael Anthony: I really do. It wasn't like we reacted to what anyone else was saying or doing, it's just a group of gifted musicians getting together and doing what they love to do. It just so happens that those jam sessions lead us to some creative common ground.

We're extremely proud of what we've done in our pasts musically but for the initial stages of the tour we are consciously staying away from doing any Van Halen, Chili Peppers or anything from Satch's amazing solo catalog. This project is all about a new band presenting new songs; what makes it even more exciting is the prospect of playing them live for the fans. On this little Club Circuit tour, we've been tearing through the entire album along with the bonus track "Bitten by the Wolf".

For the encore we've been kicking around a couple of oldies that we thought people might like to hear, "Highway Star" by Deep Purple and "Bad Motor Scooter". While the latter is a tune Sammy wrote with Montrose it's the perfect song for him to strap on the guitar and slug it out a little with Satch on stage, it's been an absolute riot. - Read the full interview, check out photos and a live review

Vegas Bizkit

PR reports: Limp Bizkit are bringing the only performance in the US of their "Unicorns N' Rainbows" tour to Mandalay Bay Beach on Friday, July 10th to perform in their first North American concert in eight years as a part of the UFC 100 weekend.

"Music is one of the things that make the UFC experience so exciting, and I've always been a big fan of Limp Bizkit, so we are excited to have the group perform at UFC 100 event weekend," said Dana White, UFC President.

"We are proud that our first show in the USA with the original line-up in eight years will be in Las Vegas at UFC 100. The ultimate fighting music has finally found its home with the Ultimate Fighting Championship," said Fred Durst. - more on this story

3 Inches Of Blood Complete Work On New Album

PR reports: The world is eagerly awaiting the triumphant return of one of the biggest defenders of traditional heavy metal, 3 Inches Of Blood, and the anticipation continues to build to epic proportions. The stunning new album, Here Waits Thy Doom, was tracked in Seattle's Sound House Recordings with renowned producer Jack Endino (High On Fire) and is soon to be hailed as the gospel of all things heavy.

Shane Clark (guitars) states: "Our new album is finished and we've named it Here Waits Thy Doom. Much like our last record it is a step beyond the album that precedes it. We've again taken what we do a step further and not made Fire up the Blades part 2, we've stuck to our formula- no formula. We are true metal fans and we've made an unapologetic metal record. I think this our most focused record to date, from writing all the way to mixing there was no unnecessary drama or too many cooks in the kitchen. This is 3 Inches Of Blood at its most punishing, epic and mighty."

Also, comic fans rejoice as The Punisher kills his enemy by blasting 3 Inches Of Blood looped with feedback from his external speakers on his helmet in the latest issue, #5. - more on this story

Singled Out: InnerKill

antiMusic reports: Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Chuck "Rabid" Ivey from Roswell, NM metal band InnerKill, who will be releasing their debut CD this summer, tell us a little bit about the first single "Gagged and Bound". Here you go!

Gagged and Bound is probably the one song I didn't expect to be liked so much. I have a few favorites, but until those songs become available, Gagged and Bound is the one I would want to push. Our manager has recently pushed this song on internet radio. There are several stations that have put it into their rotation. It's pretty flatterring. I wrote the music in, like, ten minutes. I had it composed and everything on the bass guitar. It has a heavy Maiden influence in the chorus. the verse riffs are like early-Megadeth. It's a hell of a tune to play, difficult to pull off live, because the tempo has to be just right. If it's played too fast, it becomes hard to articulate and sounds like chaos.

In the early life of this song, the bass runs in the verses were played solo over the actual guitar verse riff. When Paul joined the band, I wanted him to twin what I was doing. So on this version, the bass and guitar are doing the scales together over the grinding rythym guitar. It proves to be somewhat melodic underneath the vocals. It's an intense song to play! The title Gagged and Bound is pretty tame compared to the actual lyrics. The lyrics are purposely sadistic. I wanted to capture something to express my anger towards women, specifically my ex-girlfriends. Most of the songs I write are inspired by these awful intense relationships I endured. Anyway, we sat around practice one day, I brought up the new tune, I explained to Rich what I wanted lyrically and it went from there. Rich and I wrote the lyrics with a little help from my girlfriend at the time. It worked out because she was psychotic anyway. haha... In fact, she came up with the "sodomized" part. Ahh, magic..haha..

I had recently discussed this tune with Rich. He told me he didn't like the idea of the song at the time because of personal reasons. He told me he was so pissed off at me about being adamant about the title, he just wrote out of anger. In a sick, perverted way, this song is probably about me!! haha...
Gagged and Bound is blatant, in your face, f*ck off music.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album - right here!

Wait there is more!

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Subscribe to Day in Rock Report by Email

Add the Day in Rock to your site/blog/Myspace

Read Day In Rock Reports From Other Days

Submit news or a press release to the Day In Rock report