AC/DC Officially Rule Again- Stone Temple Pilots Previews- Deftones Album Stream- Shinedown on Nickelback- Halford Tour- Superjoint Ritual RIP and more

This outta stir up some strong opinions. -

Bret Michaels Has Slurred Speech, Blurred Vision And Dizziness Following Brain Hemorrhage

Updated: Poison frontman Bret Michaels is conscious but remains in critical condition from a brain hemorrhage after being rushed to an undisclosed hospital on Thursday night after complaining of a severe headache.

Michaels' publicist confirmed that the star did suffer a brain hemorrhage and is in critical condition. "Bret is a fighter and we are hopeful that once all is complete, the slurred speech, blurred vision and dizziness, etc., will be eliminated and all functions will return to normal," a statement from his publicist said according to Philly.com.

Bret Michaels was rushed to hospital after suffering from an excruciating headache which doctors said was due to bleeding at the base of his brain stem, according to Jam!. This is the second time this month that Michaels has been rushed to the hospital. Last week he had an emergency appendectomy in San Antonio, where he was set to take the stage for a solo concert. -

Dire Circumstances Force Thrice To Cancel Tour With Manchester Orchestra

Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue issued a statement this weekend explaining why the band were forced to pull out of their tour with Manchester Orchestra late last week. As you'll read, he really had no choice. Here is what he had to say: Hey everyone. I apologize that the tour had to be cancelled but I had to get home to be with my Dad. He has an aggressive tumor in his brain and will be undergoing surgery this week. He wanted to convey his apologies as well (though I'm sure you'll agree it's unnecessary,) and also his thanks for your support of the band and our family. The tumor is near the language center of his brain which has made communicating increasingly difficult for him, so my Mom helped to edit the message below that he composed to all of you.

I want to say how sorry I am to each of you who have to miss seeing Thrice in concert on account of my health issues. I have been diagnosed with a large brain tumor and things at this point are very unsure and serious. I will be having surgery in the next few days. Both Dustin and his brother Chase were out on tour and returned home for some precious family time. I am blessed to have the most unbelievable family to support and love me through this. Through the years I have met many amazing Thrice fans who are the most wonderful people, as a matter of fact as I was having my CT scan and the technician asked if I was Dustin Kensrue's dad, and I proudly said Yes!!!! I love all of the guys in this awesome band and am sorry for the fact this is affecting them too. This has been a tough year on all of the guys in Thrice with family heartache, we all thank you for your prayers and good wishes! - Doug Kensrue

I want to thank everyone for their understanding and support and prayers. I spent last night and today with my family and am very glad I made the decision to leave as quickly as I did. Life is precious and fleeting, and events like these make real the fact that every moment is a gift, not a right. I thank God for the gift of my father, for the ways he has loved me and the things he has taught me thus far, and for the ways he will continue to love me and teach me in the time that God gives us.

By the grace of God,
Dustin Kensrue
- You can post comment for Dustin and his family here

Greed Threatens New Supergroup's Future

(Rock Radio) The supergroup album recorded by Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian may never see release after opposing management teams fallen out over profit splits, producer Kevin Shirley reveals.

The band were to be called Black Country but had to change their plans after an outfit with the same name objected. They've not revealed their new name, but stars including Steve Harris of Iron Maiden and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers have heard the album and say it's incredible.

Shirley himself has heaped praise on the tracks while working on them – but now he fears that if a "salvage operation" fails, the album will never be released. "Black Country looks to have imploded – with the complete album in the can. We set out as friends and lovers of music to make something special. Then the managers got involved and kept changing their wants, ultimately demanding everything," Shirley said. - more on this story

Relient K Release Boxset and Kick Off Tour with Paramore

Relient K's 51 song, three-disc set, Relient K: The First Three Gears (2000-2003), became available at retail stores and digital retailers worldwide on Tuesday April 20, just days before the band opens for Paramore on "The Spring Tour."

With a whopping 51 songs, including five rare bonus tracks, the compilation is a three-disc set of the first three Relient K albums, Relient K, The Anatomy Of The Tongue In Cheek (Gold Edition/Riaa certified gold), and Two Lefts Don't Make A Right But Three Do (Gold Edition/RIAA certified gold), and includes hits like "My Girlfriend," "Sadie Hawkins Dance," "Chap Stick, Chapped Lips and Things Like Chemistry" and more. Digital outlets such as Amazon and iTunes will additionally include three music videos ("My Girlfriend," "Chap Stick, Chapped Lips and Things Like Chemistry," "Pressing On").

After returning from a recent string of dates in Japan, "The Spring Tour" with Paramore and Relient K will kick off in Knoxville, Tenn. on April 26 and wrap in mid-May. - more on this story

Mike Patton's Mondo Cane Project Video

With the release of Mike Patton's Mondo Cane set for May 4, Ipecac Recordings shares a video for the album's first single, "Il Cielo In Una Stanza."

The footage comes from Patton's performance at The Paradiso in Amsterdam with the full concert slated for a DVD release later this year (date to be announced).

An Italian language homage to great composers including Morricone, Paoli and Buscaglione, Patton has said of the collection: "My purpose in revisiting these pieces is not to relive the past, not for nostalgia, but more to illustrate through modern and adventurous interpretation exactly how vital and important this music still is." - watch the video here

Rammstein Give Us A Crying Shark

Rammstein's brand new video for "Haifisch" ("shark") premieres around the world today at the band's page on Myspace. "Haifisch" ("Shark") is the third single from the Berlin-based band's sixth studio album, Liebe Ist Für Alle Da.

We learn from the video that the shark not only has teeth – he's got tears as well, but since he lives in the briny deep, no one sees them. A shame. After all, this cartilaginous fish is one of the oldest of the world's many misunderstood creatures. A bit more sympathy couldn't hurt!

Filmed at Schloss Marquardt outside of Berlin, Rammstein worked once again with director Joern Heitmann to create what fans will likely consider of their most ingenious videos ever. - Go watch it here

Our Lady Peace Release Dreamy Video As They Continue Special Tour

Since March, Our Lady Peace has been traveling across Canada performing the albums Clumsy & Spiritual Machines in their entirety. The "An Evening With Our Lady Peace Tour " consists of two nights at a venue, each night dedicated to one of the albums followed by a full second set of songs from all of their records including their most recent album Burn Burn.

A new video for "Dreamland", a stand out track from Burn Burn, is a compilation of footage taken from the first leg of the tour. Watch it here

Here is lead singer Raine Maida's description of the inspiration for the song: "Norman Rockwell paintings, while being weaved into "Americana" over the years have always seemed creepy to me. The irony is that 'Dreamland' is inspired by his style of painting. Escapism from present day woes right into one of his Rockwell lands . I guess part two to 'Dreamland' would have us sinking into the dogs playing poker painting... " - more on this story

Sweet Get Festive and Release Beatles Cover

Sweet in headlining the Conejo Valley Days Festival in Thousand Oaks, California on May 1st.

It's an all day event with full lineup of bands playing and Sweet take the stage at 8.00pm. Admission is only $7.00. Details here.

In other Sweet news, the band just released a new cover of The Beatles classic "I Saw Her Standing There." You can get that now at - iTunes.

Frightened Rabbit Kick Off US Invasion Which Now Includes Lollapalooza

Frightened Rabbit has landed. After an unforeseen delay due to a no-fly decree, the band has made it to the States and kicked off their North American tour last Friday in Little Rock.

The fivesome were expected to launch their tour at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival this past Saturday but were unable to play the fest due to the volcanic ash that clouded England's skies, making it impossible to fly.

However, Frightened Rabbit isn't a band thwarted by catastrophic tectonic activity and has announced added dates to the first tour in support of their acclaimed new LP, The Winter of Mixed Drinks (FatCat Records), including a performance at the Henry Fonda Theater in Los Angeles on May 23. Additionally, they will play a handful of free in-stores, which will be stripped down, intimate acoustic performances at some of the best independent music retailers in the country along the way. Lastly, they will appear at this summer's Lollapalooza. - more on this story

Taintstick Announce Taintstock

Hot off the heels of three sold-out shows at Wasted Space in Las Vegas, NV, satellite radio host and action sports icon Jason Ellis' band, Taintstick, have announced their plans to hold the first annual "Taintstock" Festival on May 15th, 2010 at the Roxy in Hollywood, CA.

The festival will feature performances by Taintstick, The Jingleberries and surprise acoustic performances by highly respected musicians to be announced later along with stand-up comedy by radio personalities Rawdog and Stretch, as well as stunts and surprises that Ellis has planned for his fans.

Ellis recently hosted his sold-out Ellismania 5 in Las Vegas, where Good Charlotte/Taintstick bassist Benji Madden knocked out ex-Headbangers Ball/VH1's Daisy of Love host Riki Rachtman in the main event.

Taintstick's debut album, "6lbs of Sound", was released through Suburban Noize Records and charted at #120 on the Billboard Top 200. The group's video for "Monkeys Of War" can be viewed online - here

The Script Announce Fall Tour

The Script are gearing up to head back out on the road this fall for their third headlining tour of America.

The tour will officially kick off October 11th in San Diego, CA at the House of Blues, will cover over 19 markets across the country and wrap in Boston, MA at the House of Blues on November 7th. Tickets will go on sale Friday, April 23rd.

Last year saw the band open for both Sir Paul McCartney and U2, head out on tours with the likes of Adele and sell out both their headlining tours. - more on this story

Cage the Elephant's Spring Tour Kicks Off This Week

Cage the Elephant are set to embark on a new run of U.S. spring tour dates that will take the band from coast to coast, beginning in San Antonio, TX on April 30 and wrapping in Noblesville, IN on May 29.

They will be performing new songs as well as playing fan favorites from their 2007 acclaimed self-titled debut album that has sold 275,000 copies to date and remains on the Billboard 200 chart for the 52nd consecutive week. - more on this story

Tesla's Dave Rude Announces Solo Shows with Nashville Pussy and Pearl

After a highly successful Midwestern USA tour, the Dave Rude Band, featuring Tesla's guitarist Dave Rude, returns home to San Francisco to perform live on their home turf.

DRB has landed the support slots for PEARL (featuring Meatloaf's daughter Pearl Aday and Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian) and Nashville Pussy.

In 2005, Dave Rude decided to start a solo project as a singer/guitarist, but as soon as he hooked up with bassist Marco Guzman and drummer Josh Schmidt, things gelled so well that it quickly solidified into a permanent band. Some may recognize lead singer/guitarist, Dave Rude, as multi-platinum rock band Tesla's newest guitar hero. When Tesla randomly came across the Dave Rude Band myspace page, they were so impressed they offered him the job in early '06 and he is still a member today. - more on this story

The Fletchers Welcome Summer Early With Beaches

Summer may still be two months away, but the brand new video for The Fletchers' debut single, "Beaches," is giving fans the chance to pick up the Jersey shore's good vibrations a little early. The HD video, which can be seen more, premieres following a successful nationwide radio campaign for the indie rock band's sophomore album Lights Out Loud, released in February.

The "Beaches" video was directed by Jeff Wertz, whose MuliMedia Video has also produced videos for the Bouncing Souls among others. "Beaches" was recorded on location with The Fletchers at NJ's famed Asbury Park boardwalk. It also features archival footage of the legendary Coney Island beach and amusement parks.

Wertz said, "When I heard 'Beaches,' Asbury Park immediately popped into my head. Where else would we shoot? A chance encounter with the owner of the Paramount Theatre -who also owns the Stone Pony -gave us the location on the outdoor terrace of the Paramount. I love the song and the video came out exactly as I saw it in my mind. Funny how that sometimes happens." - more on this story

Gwar and The Red Chord Take A Stand Against Dog Crushing

The Supreme Court has just struck down a law banning the distribution of dogfighting videos and so-called "crush" videos (in which small animals are stomped to death). In an effort to head off the potential proliferation of underground dogfighting—which is illegal in all 50 states—peta2 (the world's largest youth animal rights organization) is releasing a brand-new video starring shock rock/thrash metal band GWAR and metal/grindcore masters The Red Chord.

Titled "Fight Humans, Not Dogs," the video—which is hosted by GWAR's Oderus Urungus in full "Scumdog of the Universe" regalia—pits a GWAR "slave" against The Red Chord's Guy Kozowyk in a WWE-esque no-holds-barred match. However, unlike in dogfights, no real blood is shed, and it's obvious that the participants will live to fight dogfighting another day.

"We're doing it across the country—encouraging our fans and members of our crew to beat each other senseless," says Urungus, with tongue firmly planted in cheek. "It's a good time for all, and it saves dogs a lot of pain."

The video can be seen exclusively on peta2's - YouTube channel

Dig Jelly Release New EP

Dig Jelly, fronted by female Rock 'n' Roll wild child Rayko, has released a new EP called Predicate. Dig Jelly's unique mixture of music has been described as "Energetic, hook-driven, mind-blowingly, in-your-face modern rock with a lethal dose of pop."

Featuring the alluring Japanese-born singer-songwriter/guitarist/pianist Rayko on lead vocals and piano who one critic acclaims, "Possesses the pipes to belt it out and scream with the best of them," Dig Jelly are ready to take the world by storm with the release of Predicate!

Do you find yourself asking has music died? Has sincere emotional platitudes plateaued? Has the cookie cutter song writing mock the passion you seek? And has your thirst for authenticity been sedated by the staged productions that radio and TV call reality? Dig Jelly is an arsenal of emotional conflict expressed by a pantheon of sound. - more on this story

Mars Attacks Bands With Five Or More Words In Their Name

Episode 7 of the Mars Attacks Podcast contains two interviews. One that host Victor M. Ruiz conducted in person with Steven Bradley from the band Iwrestledabearonce, and another that was conducted over the phone with Rasmus Booberg from New Keepers Of The Water Towers.

The interview with Steven was conducted while he and IWABO was on tour in Spain with The Chariot, and The Eyes Of The Traitor. Items discussed during his segment include his playing ability, why he, Krysta and John have been able to keep the band together, what are some of the more common questions directed at the band, their upcoming Warped Tour dates, what types of music they aren't interesting in incorporating, Hurricane Katrina, and the possibility of them touring with The Bacon Brothers.

Rasmus discusses not only their album Chronicles, but their upcoming EP The Caledonian Hunt, as well as the prospect of putting another full length out this year. He also mentions that they will be playing the Roskilde Festival a little later this year among other things. - Listen To, Or Download The Episode Here

The Audition At Apple Store

Victory Records pop-rock outfit, The Audition has announced details of their upcoming Apple In-Store at Chicago's premiere Michigan Avenue location.

At 6:00PM (CST) on May 14, 2010, THE AUDITION will be performing an exclusive acoustic set in support of their latest release, Great Danger, which hit stores on March 16th.

In early March, The Audition received hundreds of responses after they held an open call for fans to participate in the filming of their latest music video. "You Ruined This!" was directed by actor, Denzel Whitaker and Ryan Perez; it premiered last Friday. - Video Premiere can be seen here

Knights Of The Fallen Empire Awakening in May

Knights Of The Fallen Empire, the Phelan, California based progressive power metal band will put out their self released debut cd "The Awakening - Chapter One" on May 1st, 2010.

The blistering cd features nine tracks of pure progressive power / heavy metal mayhem, that the band plans to showcase live in concert at various performances already scheduled in the coming months throughout the Southwestern United States.

The cd can be purchased directly from the band or at all online digital download retailers such as itunes, Amazon mp3.com and Napster among many others. - more on this story

Singled Out: The Tygers' Scottsdale Blues

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Lanny Hale from sixties rockers The Tygers tells us about "Scottsdale Blues" from The Tygers Second Album. We now turn it over to Lanny for the story:

I wrote Scottsdale Blues after living there part-time for over 10 years, which is another whole story. During my time there, all the events that occur in the tune actually took place before my eyes at one time or another. The song was actually finished prior to the Recession and probably would have been a bit more enjoyable had we released it back then, but it was one of the early tracks from the new album.

It still resonates today but maybe in a different way. It was originally about the all too typical life of the young, overly affluent class in Scottsdale with no worries other than their self-indulgencies, but morphed a bit when the economy collapsed. It's still a valid satire of a lifestyle that occurred in the glamour cities of the US, and I'm sure to some extent always will. I thought Tony's guitar work opposite the lead vocal was terrific and was reminiscent of the Greek chorus as it responded to the dialog.

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