This Week's Top stories

Here are the top stories from this week's Day in Rock and the top Day in Rock digest stories

Guns N' Roses Fans Left Hanging

Guns N' Roses were hit with a late gig and a hoax this week that both left fans hanging. Axl Rose has apparently canceled all upcoming Guns N' Roses tour dates after a technical glitch caused another controversial late start gig this past weekend.

Guns N' Roses played what was billed as their only North American tour date of the year on Friday but the crowd was upset after the band took to the stage after a two hour delay. Then on Sunday a post on Axl Rose's official Twitter account announced that the plug has been pulled on all future dates.

The Twitter post from Sunday evening simply read, "All upcoming Guns N' Roses dates are officially cancelled. Please contact your place of purchase for any refunds." This would include the Reading and Leeds festival, Australian, UK and European dates. - Turns out the Axl notice was a hoax and the band wasn't responsible for the show delay.

Big Four (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax) DVD

You'll soon be able to watch the historic Big Four (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax) concert in your living room on DVD.

While North American and European release dates have yet to be announced [scratch that, see update], indications are they are coming soon now that a release date has been set in Japan. (You can at least get the import if NA and Euro labels are too far behind - if you have a Region 2 capable player).

CDJapan.co.jp is listing a Japanese release date of October 13th from Universal Music. According to the retailer: Live DVD features heavy metal event "The Big Four" in Sofia, Bulgaria on June 22, 2010. Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax perform on one stage together. Deluxe edition includes five discs, 24-page booklet, event poster, posters from each band (four posters) and guitar pick (subject to change). Box size: 20.5 x 15 x 4cm (subject to change). [Update: BW&BK reports according to the Universal Music Store UK, The Big Four: Live From Sonisphere 2010 concert is being released in the UK on October 11th in the following formats: Blu-Ray, DVD, DVD Deluxe Version.... The North American version is expected to be released on October 12th.] - more on this story

Led Zeppelin Experience Tour Dates

Jason Bonham's dream of honoring his father's historic career in Led Zeppelin with a multimedia tour is now a reality with the announcement of the Led Zeppelin Experience tour dates.

The tour is timed to take place just after the 30th anniversary of his John Bonham's death on September 25th, 1980 and will launch in North America October 8 in British Columbia.

"I can't wait," Bonham said in a press release. "I'm sure it will be an emotional night, especially the first time we do it in front of an audience, but it's a commemoration of Dad's life and my life with the music and the company of Led Zeppelin. And I'm really looking forward to doing it." - more on this story

Aerosmith Confirms Steven Tyler Joining American Idol

Steven Tyler may have fallen off the stage again this week but he's also fallen into a new job. One of his Aerosmith bandmates has gone on the record stating the Tyler has inked a deal to be a judge on American Idol.

According to Hanne Music, On Wednesday Tom Hamilton told the New Jersey Star-Ledger, "Steven is doing `American Idol.' The ink is dry on that." Hanne Music continues: As part of the latest "leak," Hamilton added some additional perspective: "So, we'll have to work around his schedule for a new record. I hope it doesn't hurt the new momentum we've built up on this tour, because that's been so important for us as a band. But I wouldn't want to be the one standing in the way of this for him."

"Steven is someone who absolutely lives to be in front of an audience, and the people closest to him know how witty and entertaining he can be. I don't know if `American Idol' will be rock 'n' roll enough for him, but it is an opportunity for millions of people to see another side of Steven Tyler." - more on this story

Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax Tour

It's not quite the Big Four, but three out of four ain't too bad at all for thrash fans. Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax are hitting the road together for the Jagermeister tour.

Here is announcement and the dates: The Jagermeister Music Tour will bring three of the hardest hitting metal bands in the world to one stage and will feature complete performances of Slayer's much lauded Seasons In The Abyss album from 1990, Megadeth's landmark 1990 album Rust In Peace, and the return of Anthrax's singer Joey Belladonna. The tour kicks off September 24 and will play 20 venues across the nation.

"I've been working with Jagermeister since 2004 to try to make the first Jagermeister Music Tour Trifecta happen," said guitarist Kerry King of Slayer. "I always have such a killer time on the Jagermeister Music Tour, and this time we're coming through with Megadeth and Anthrax so you know everyone will be on the top of their game for these shows." Megadeth's Dave Mustaine adds, "It is a rush to finally be a part of the Jagermeister Music Tour!" - more on this story

Aerosmith's Tyler Wasn't Allowed To Walk Slash's Way

It doesn't take too close of a listen to know that Aerosmith is one of Slash's biggest influences so it was curious that his star-packed solo album didn't feature a collaboration with a member from his favorite band.

We know learn that it was planned but apparently label politics prevented it from coming off. "When it came down to it I ended up working with everybody I'd pegged for the material I wrote," Slash says in a new interview.

"I worked with Steven for a second, but it was a huge conflict of interest with Aerosmith. There was no chance the label was going to allow us to release it, so we had to let it go," he said. "The song hasn't been used with anybody else, so I might go back and revisit that with Steven." - more on this story

Juggalos Attack Tila Tequila

Our friends over at the1stfive.com confirm everyone's worst fears about Jugalos: This past weekend the pop culture train wrecks of Tila Tequila and ICP's Juggalo fan base met head first and the results got ugly.

According to a statement released by Tequila describing the event, "I went onstage and immediately, before I even got on stage, dudes were throwing huge stone rocks in my face, beer bottles that slit my eye open, almost burnt my hair … cuz they threw firecrackers on stage." She says the fans then grabbed literal sh*t from the porta potties to throw at her.

CNN reports that Tequila was then chased by the crowd back to her trailer where the mob broke her trailer windows and the windows of her SUV before she was finally able to escape. However CNN has a comment from a performer at the fest, who wishes to remain anonymous in fear of "Juggalo retaliation", who says Tequila was taunting the crowd from the moment she got on stage. - more on this story

Killswitch Engage Members Reunite In New Band

Killswitch Engage fans hoping for the return of Jesse Leach will have the next best thing, a semi reunion with Jesse and Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who are teaming up for a brand new band.

Here is the announcement: Times Of Grace ia a brand new band that finds the duo taking a creative left turn, boldly exploring new musical terrain, while fearlessly digging deep into the recesses of their musical synergy.

It has yielded a provocative, heavy-yet-melodic result, one that helped each of them overcome personal struggles and emerge from the darkness, more empowered than ever. - more on this story

The Call's Michael Been Suffers Fatal Heart Attack on BRMC Tour

We received this sad news on Thursday: Michael Been, vocalist and guitarist of '80s band The Call, and father of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's Robert Been, passed away today in Belgium, after suffering a heart attack backstage. Been was on tour with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, acting as their sound engineer. He was 60.

The Call erupted on the scene with a passionate sound and a strong political message, and earned numerous hits, including "The Walls Came Down," "I Still Believe (Great Design)" and "Let the Day Begin," which climbed to #1 on the Rock chart. Their fans included Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson, and Bono, all contributing to albums, and Gabriel deeming them "the future of American music."

Been was not only the father of Robert Been but a significant part of BRMC's development. Often referenced as their fourth member, Been spent countless hours in the studio acting in many roles from mentor and guide, to helping the now internationally revered band capture their sound to tape. He acted as co-producer and engineer on numerous BRMC albums and was their loyal sound engineer for as many years. -

Black Sabbath Members Discuss Possible Reunion

All four original members of Black Sabbath have now gone on record discussing the possibility of a reunion. Gibson has some of the highlights: Ozzy Osbourne tells Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "We're talking and that's a good sign. We're not at war with each other. I was speaking to Bill Ward last night. I've got to speak to the other two. But it was in the last attempt where we just all met without saying anything to each other [after] quite a few years. I'm trying to get things done right, talking at least."

It sounds like at least two of his former bandmates are open to a conversation. The aforementioned Ward said recently that "everyone has an open mind about touring again." He then added, "I'd love to do another album and tour with the Sabs. It keeps me fresh and going."

Bassist Geezer Butler expressed similar sentiments this week to Hellbound.ca: "You know, it would be nice to finish the whole thing off with one last tour, I suppose. We're all getting a bit old now, so time is running out. It would be nice – I wouldn't say 'no'!"

As for Ozzy, while he won't commit to any specific plans, he does sound like a man ready make music: "I can't give any dates, 'cause I don't know anything. I don't know whether they want to do it with me, or whatever, but I'm starting to feel [things] ease up for it. To be honest with you, I would love to do a killer Black Sabbath album. It would make my life, my whole thing, round up perfectly for me."

What does Tony Iommi have to say about the matter? Find out - here

Eddie Creator Derek Riggs Discusses Parting Ways With Iron Maiden

Derek Riggs was the creative mastermind behind Iron Maiden's mascot Eddie and painted most of the iconic images of Ed The Head over the years. MetalSucks recently caught up with Derek to discuss his parting with the band. Here is part of that exchange:

What I've read says that you ended things with Iron Maiden and walked away. This has included giving them Eddie without further claims on it. How do you look on that decision? Derek: Well, it probably wasn't the smartest business decision , but I didn't really care. I couldn't work with their management, and I still can't really. At that point, it just became too painful to keep doing it. I'd had enough. There was so much bulls*** around Fear of the Dark. I just said, "Forget it, I've had enough." I mean, they gave me some money. But the rights to the character haven't been bought or sold — so that's still all floating out there. But the bottom line was that I'd had enough of doing it. F**k it. And I wasn't going to be doing anything else with Eddie, so why not let them have it?
You could have held it hostage, right? Weren't you leaving money on the table by not being an a**hole? Derek: Well, I've done a few paintings for them since then. But they asked me to sign another contract with them. Initially it looked all right, but then I thought the better of it. Look, you can have an art director who wants to see six different versions of something because he's ten years old. But I can already tell you — "That's not going to work." F**king around with different options… when I tell you it won't work, it won't work. And I got into artwork to do good artwork, not to satisfy an arti director by making boring crap.
Really, I've done zombies. At this point, it's like, "How do you want your zombie? Would you like him with a burning city behind him or with lightning? Do you want him boiled or fried?" [laughs]
- read the full interview here

Rolling Stones Ronnie Wood Recruits Slash, Flea, Billy Gibbons, Kris Kristofferson and More For New Album

Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood has a new album and a new record label. And it's not just any old solo album, it's packed with guest appearances from the likes of Slash, Flea, Billy Gibbons, Kris Kristofferson and more.

Here is the announcement: Eagle Records is delighted to announce that Ronnie Wood has signed with the label for the release of his brand new studio album I Feel Like Playing. The album is released on September 28, 2010. The new single 'Lucky Man' will be impacting at radio September 14. To hear some of the new music visit www.ronniewood.com.

Ronnie Wood says, "Eagle understood exactly what I needed for my album and they will give it the push that it deserves, both in the UK and internationally." - more on this story

Slipknot To Get Fans Sic

Roadrunner have announced details about the forthcoming '(sic)nesses' DVD from Slipknot, which the label will release on September 28th. Here is the background and tracklisting:

On June 13, 2009, Slipknot headlined the annual Download Festival in the UK, performing in front of 80,000 of their rabid fans. The performance was absolutely electric, in typical Slipknot fashion, especially since it came hot on the heels of one of the strongest years in Slipknot's illustrious career.

It makes perfect sense that the band, known for their eclectic DVD collection, ranging from multi-camera angle concert documents to arthouse-style films, would release (sic)nesses, which captures a special performance at Download. All Slipknot shows are memorable, but this one is particularly memorable, as the band blasted through hits from all of their Platinum albums. On stage is Slipknot in its most natural state and (sic)nesses will put you in the front row. - more on this story

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Full Tracklisting

Activision have released the entire on-disc tracklisting for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Here is the announcement and the list:

With more than 90 tracks focusing on guitar shredding hits, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is headlined by some of the largests bands in rock and features original tracks written and composed by AAA talent, special re-records by famous artists, and bands that are making their Guitar Hero® debut.

"We engaged our fans to find out what they really wanted and then hand-picked over 90 tracks that deliver the ultimate rock experience," said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Guitar Hero. "From the new guitar controller to the gameplay to the on-disc set list, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is truly a return to rock." - tracklisting

Rush Hashanah TV

VH1 Classic have announced that they will be giving viewers 24-hours of Rush for "Rush Hashanah," in addition to a Labor Day weekend of "Back to School" classics hosted by Carrie Keagan and "VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time" countdown.

Here are the details they sent over: "RUSH Hashanah" begins Wednesday, September 8 @ 7 PM* When sundown hits, RUSH comes out to play this Rosh Hashanah. VH1 Classic celebrates the Jewish New Year with "RUSH Hashanah" starting at sundown on Wednesday, September 8 at 7 PM* for 24-hours straight.

Tune in to the award-winning VH1 Rock Doc "RUSH: Beyond the Lighted Stage," for an up close and personal look at the Canadian musicians and jam to their "RUSH In Rio" concert. Take an in-depth look at Classic Albums "2112" and "Moving Pictures" premiering at 9:30 PM ET/PT and get even more RUSH when "That Metal Show" hosts Don and Jim sit down with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. - more on this story

Megadeth Vs Kataklysm

Kataklysm frontman Maurizio Iacono tells Exclaim! that Megadeth disrespected his band at last month's Heavy MTL festival in Montreal, Quebec. "We always looked up to Megadeth, to us they're a cult band and legendary musicians and we've always been huge fans," Iacono said. "But there is a certain limit to where you can be a rock star. Sometimes you can overstep your boundaries and to us, it was a disrespectful thing."

He continued, "What happened is, we were backstage and a person from our camp - I don't want to start mentioning names - but somebody from our band was waiting to go backstage where the area for musicians is. The cart was passing through and the driver stopped and said, 'Do you want to hop on?' and he said, 'Yeah' and hopped on. They drove ten meters and they just stopped and all the Megadeth people, including Dave Mustaine, just jumped off the cart and said, 'We're not going to share with everyone else.' So my guy got off and said, 'You guys can keep it, I'll walk.'"

When asked whether Megadeth knew who Kataklysm was, Iacono said it shouldn't have mattered. "To me, even if we're Kataklysm and you're a fan or a person that belongs to the entourage of the backstage area and you're jumping on to get a ride to somewhere, I would never stop the guy and say, 'I'm not being on the same cart,' or 'I'm not stopping for anybody,'" he said. "That's not us, but maybe we're just different." - more on this story

Iron Maiden Rocketing To The Top

It looks like Iron Maiden's new album The Final Frontier is rocketing to the top of the charts in the band's native UK.

Rock Radio reports: The band's fifteenth studio album has entered the UK midweek charts at number one, with over 22,000 sales since its release yesterday – three times as many as second-placed Eminem.

That puts the metal icons on course to top the official list on Sunday, which naturally delights McBrain. He tells MusicRadar.com: "It would be a great accolade. Would it mean the same now as it might have 15 or 20 years ago? I can't say – but at the end of the day I know we have a great album." - more on this story

Zakk Wylde Goes Top 5

Being publicly fired by Ozzy Osbourne in a press interview apparently didn't hurt Zakk Wylde's solo career. In fact, his sales are up and his latest Black Label Society album looks to have made a Top 5 debut.

Gibson says reports indicate that Black Label Society's new album, Order of the Black, sold between 35,000 and 40,000 copies in its first week of release. The latest from Zakk Wylde and Co. hit store shelves and online retailers last Tuesday. [Hits Double Daily has the sales at 35,722 for a close 4th place finish ahead of Blake Shelton who reportedly sold 35,465 copies of his new album. Eminem, Arcade Fire and Camp Rock 2 hold the top 3.]

This means that BLS's new album will have topped the first-week sales of their previous CD, 2006's Shot to Hell, which reached about 31,000 copies in its first seven days. - more on this story

Great White Singer Has Surgery For Nearly Fatal Bowel Injury

Great White frontman Jack Russell has been hospitalized and is currently recovering from surgery to repair a nearly fatal perforated bowel injury, according to his manager.

Jam reports that doctors discovered a hole in the bowel wall, which was allowing waste products to flow into his body. According to the Stockholm Rock Out festival's blog, where Great White was scheduled to perform, The surgery left Russell with a colostomy bag. Doctors are confident that this procedure is temporary.

Russell remains hospitalized in Southern California, and his condition is improving he is expected to recover in six to eight weeks. "It was touch and go for about 48 hours whether or not he was going to live," manager Obi Steinman said. "He's been in the hospital for several days, and he's doing a lot better." He faces another operation, but he was in good spirits today "I've felt better, but I've felt a hell of a lot worse. Nothing is going to keep me down," Russell said. "This whole thing definitely makes me appreciate life more than I ever have." - more on this story

Pink Floyd Reunion Show Posted Online

If you weren't lucky enough to be in attendance at last month's mini-reunion between the Pink Floyd principles don't worry, you can now you can see it online. hannemusic has the report and the video: Roger Waters and David Gilmour teaming up for The Hoping Foundation benefit in Oxfordshire, England on July 10.

Before a crowd of about 200, it was the first time the duo had played publicly since the Pink Floyd reunion set at Live 8 in London back in 2005.

Gilmour and Waters - backed by drummer Andy Newmark, bassist Guy Pratt, and keyboardists Harry Waters and Jonjo Grisdale - played a four song set: "To Know Him Is To Love Him" (a Phil Spector song), "Wish You Were Here, "Comfortably Numb"and "Another Brick In The Wall, Pt. 2" The charity has just released video of the full 28-minute performance - check it out here

The Gap Band's Robert Wilson Dies From Heart Attack

Gibson had this sad news yesterday: Founding member of The Gap Band, bassist Robert Wilson died Sunday, according to Billboard.com. He suffered a heart attack at his home in Palmdale, California. He was 53.

Known as the "Godfather of Bass Guitar," Robert formed The Gap Band with his brothers Charlie and Ronnie in the late '60s in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally, they were known as the Greenwood, Archer and Pine Street Band, before they shortened the moniker to The Gap Band.

Although the funk group is best known for its 1982 pop hit "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," The Gap Band had a streak of R&B hits from the late '70s all the way into the mid-'90s. - more on this story

Linkin Park Announce Free App and Video Premiere

Linkin Park's new album, A Thousand Suns, will be released September 14th. But fans won't have to wait until then for a taste of what's to come as the band have announced a free iPhone and Android App and the world premiere of a new video from the effort.

Linkin Park has announced the worldwide MTV/VH1 premiere of the video 'The Catalyst' on August 26th 2010. The video will premiere on MTV, VH1, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Tr3s and all MTV international territories, (MTV, VH1 and MTV2 at 8:00pm primetime PDT/EDT). It will go online globally on MTV.com and onVH1.com at 12am EDT on the night of August 25th. The channels and websites will begin airing a 30 second clip of the video as well as exclusive shots from the video shoot leading up to the premiere.

The video of "The Catalyst" was directed by Linkin Park's Joe Hahn. "When coming up with the idea of the visual piece to accompany the song, I thought of the end, " Hahn says. "What would it look like and feel like if someone pushed the button to decide our fate? What would it feel like if we accepted our fate in the moment of devastation? If we had a final moment to celebrate our final living moments, how would that feel? When J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, described the first test detonation of the atomic bomb, he famously recalled the Bhagavad Ghita, which says, 'If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one.'" - more on this story

Evergreen Terrace Deny Being Arrested For Beating Up Girl

Evergreen Terrace have issued a lengthy statement to give their side of the story about a fight that broke out at their show last Thursday (August 12th) in the Pittsburgh suburb of Cheswick where online claims had the band arrested for "beating up a girl". Here is the band's side of things: Because of the amount of attention that the 'ET fight' rumor has caused, we want to answer your questions and clear up what happened at our show on 8/12 in Cheswick, PA. We attempted to let these ridiculous comments pass and not to take part in the absurdity, but because the rumors continue-even if by only a small group of people - we think our fans deserve the truth. Craig and Jake, a crew member of the tour, (NOT Andrew) were sitting by a red car (not on it).

A girl approached them and told them to get off her boyfriend's car. They told the girl they weren't on the car and to chill out. Craig asked where her boyfriend was. The boyfriend walked up and both parties began s*** talking. The girl dumped a beer on Craig and Jake and threw the beer can at them. Craig stood up. He and the boyfriend lunged at each other. The boyfriend tackled Craig to the ground causing Craig to land on his back. The boyfriend hit Craig 3 times, and the girl jumped in swinging. Craig was on his back, his arms up to block. Jake and witnesses pulled the boyfriend and the girl off. There was a large crowd of people by this time. The boyfriend sustained his injuries from someone else (not in the band) after being pulled off Craig. When Craig got up, the girl ran toward him again. Craig shoved her away and walked off. She did not fall on the ground from this action. Later Craig went back to the area to get his phone. The boyfriend apologized to Craig, said the whole thing was stupid and that the girl was drunk.

Thirty minutes after the incident, Andrew (who was not at the fight by the car) approached the boyfriend, took his cigarette, and asked why he was starting s***. They exchanged words. Andrew blew smoke in the boyfriend's face, handed back the cigarette, and the boyfriend punched Andrew in the face, causing a cigarette burn on Andrew's cheek. Cops who were in plain view ran over and arrested the boyfriend for assault on Andrew. Ten minutes after the boyfriend's arrest, Andrew told the cops that he wasn't pressing charges on the boyfriend because he felt he had instigated the punch by blowing smoke in his face. The cops let the boyfriend go. - more on this story

Slash, Jason Bonham and Green Day to Rock NFL Opener

Slash, Jason Bonham and Green Day will be providing the music to an NFL opener this season. Gibson has the report: The New York Jets have announced that Green Day will perform during a fireworks-filled halftime show at the team's home opener on September 13 against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Monday night game will also feature a pre-game tailgate concert, featuring Slash, who will be joined by Myles Kennedy, Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls and Jason Bonham, currently of Black Country Communion. Scherzinger will also perform the National Anthem.

As for Green Day, the California punkers will perform with the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical, American Idiot. The band will reportedly play the hit, "Last of the American Girls." - more on this story

Scorpions May Not Retire But Ratt Are On The Rocks

The Scorpions well publicized farewell tour featured a run of dates with the reunited Ratt opening for them. But Ratt's frontman Steven Pearcy says there are hints that The Scorps may carry on while his band is on the rocks.

Rock Radio reports: The Scorpions could be close to changing their minds over splitting up, Ratt singer Steven Pearcy has revealed. But his own band may not reconvene after their current album cycle finishes. "We had a great tour with the Scorpions. We jammed with them on the last night and it was very cool. They're just the utmost professionals." Pearcy tells BraveWords.com. "Hopefully they won't retire – there's chatter of them doing more stuff."

But Pearcy, who admits he's not back to full health after a hernia operation, is less optimistic when talking about his own band. He says"I don't need to give that book any more attention than it deserves. I've been working on something called Ratt Tales, and lo and behold, Tales of Ratt by Bobby Blotzer comes out? It's not too original." He adds, "I'm looking forward to a break. I'm ready to go with new solo stuff with the Rat Bastards and my new band Battering Ramm. Will we do another Ratt record? I don't know. Things didn't fall into place and I've left my options open. We'll see what happens." - more on this story

Ted Nugent Settles Deer Baiting Charges

Ted Nugent has entered into a plea agreement after his reality TV show landed him in hot water in California. The rock legend pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges for baiting a deer and not having a properly signed hunting tag.

He was originally facing 11 charges after California Department of Fish and Game wardens saw Nugent kill an immature buck on a episode of his Outdoor Channel TV show "Spirit of the Wild," earlier this year.

Sleazeroxx reports that Investigators found that the deer had been eating bait called "C'mere Deer." Baiting wildlife is illegal in California. Nugent will have to pay a $1,750 fine. - more on this story