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On this day in 1992, American blues singer and guitarist Albert King died from a heart attack in Memphis, Tennessee. King recorded dozens of influential songs, such as "Crosscut Saw" and "As the Years Go Passing By," and the 1967 album, Born under a Bad Sign. Find out what else happened on this date in music history here more on this story

Axl Rose Gives Rare Interview

(hennemusic) The "how" and "why" are a mystery, but Guns N' Roses leader Axl Rose sat down for an extremely rare interview to speak with the United Arab Emirates Newspaper Gulfnews.com this week, prior to the band's December 16 gig in Abu Dhabi.

Axl on the current state of GNR: "For me, one of the really cool things is I don't have to get on at everybody in the band. Hey do this, do that, you know. Because they're excited. Everybody takes a certain amount of pride in what they do. Plus they all get on at each other about it anyway. Everybody goes out there and tries to give everything they can. And we stay out there a couple hours more, you know, until we feel the crowd is happy. Or until we feel like we've done a good job. It's kinda like going to the gym or something, you know, you don't leave until you feel like you're supposed to."

Axl on fan support and reaction, and the pressure the band faces to live up to their past: "I think it's a lot to do with the material from the past and a hell of a lot to do with the heart that was put into it then. But if we weren't putting the heart into it now, if I wasn't putting my heart into it, the fans, they're not gonna let me get away with it. We have to live up to something, have to work a bit harder because you're living up to the legend or a myth or whatever. It's more pressure when you're playing to live up to myth." more on this story

Led Zeppelin Reunion DVD?

(hennemusic) Jason Bonham sat down with KLOS' Sal Cirricione before hitting the stage for the Mark & Brian Christmas Show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles Thursday night.

It's been three years since Bonham played the Led Zeppelin reunion show at London's 02 Arena, and he was asked about any possible DVD release plans.

"Nothing is official, as yet," said Jason. "I only know that because Robert (Plant) had said that he'd watched it. I really do hope that it eventually will see the light of day. It's just nice to know that Robert had seen it, so I knew something, but it was nice that he rang up and said 'Wow, it sounded great.' Fingers crossed, everybody… fingers crossed." more

Velvet Revolver May Have Found New Singer

(hennemusic) It's possible that Velvet Revolver's needle-in-a-haystack-like search for a new singer is nearly over.

Blabbermouth is reporting that VR drummer Matt Sorum has updated VH1 Radio Networks' Dave Basner on the band's singer search.

"We're real close [to finding the right person]," said Sorum "We got a guy that we like, but we haven't sat around a table and said to each other, 'Okay, let's shake hands and do this.' Hopefully we'll be able to… I mean, I know this has been going on for a while but the reality of it is Slash has been on the road [promoting his solo album] for the last year. We only started rehearsing last week after a year off and we're going to rehearse again in January with this particular person." more on this story

Rage Against the Machine Working On New Album?

(Gibson) Rage Against the Machine may be headed to the studio, according to a translation of an interview with vocalist Zack de la Rocha by La Tercera.

A translation of the interview by gunshyassassin.com quotes de la Rocha as saying the band is older and more mature. "We are working on a new album due out next year, perhaps for the northern hemisphere summer," he said.

The band reformed for some festival performances in 2007 and have played sporadic shows since, but have not been eager to rush into the studio. In fact, since the first round of Rage reunion shows, guitarist Tom Morello has released an album with Street Sweeper Social Club (his duo with Boots Riley of The Coup), collaborated with Steve Earle and Cyprus Hill, and made a surprisingly shreddy guest appearance with Ben Harper and Dhani Harrison's band Fistful of Mercy on Conan.

Steven Tyler Out Ditzes Paula Abdul?

(hennemusic) Steven Tyler is reportedly proving to be a hit with American Idol bosses. ShowbizSpy reports the Aerosmith rocker — who replaced Simon Cowell on the hit TV talent show — has impressed producers by being perpetually confused and lacking focus.

And insiders believe Tyler will become the new Paula Abdul! "Steven's the new Paula Abdul," a source told American tabloid the National Enquirer, "and producers couldn't be happier."

"He's hilarious! Viewers are in for a real treat when they watch the auditions in January! Steven's incredibly comical without realizing it. Who'd have thought it was possible to out-ditz Paula?" more on this story

Simon Cowell Beats Slipknot's Corey Taylor and Biffy Clyro

(Rock AAA) Simon Cowell has secured the UK's Christmas Number One slot despite brave efforts from Corey Taylor and Biffy Clyro fans. The X-Factor boss spent an extra £1m on making sure he won this year's race, after losing out to Rage Against the Machine last year.

And by allowing gameshow winner Matt Cardle to cover a Biffy Clyro song, he managed to divide and conquer fans of real music, who were forced to choose between backing Biffy's original version of Many of Horror and Corey's track XM@$.

Many of Horror reached No10 while XM@$ hit No37 – which is still a significant result for a metal artist like Taylor. more on this story

Staind's Aaron Lewis Country Hit

(Gibson) Aaron Lewis hasn't even released his country album, Town Line, yet, but country fans are already tipping their ten-gallon hats to the Staind frontman's first single, "Country Boy." With 20,000 downloads in its first week, the song debuted at #9 on the Billboard Country Digital Singles sales chart.

CMT Senior Vice President of Music Strategy Jay Frank said, "The minute Aaron walked into CMT with this song, we knew it would be a smash." Endorsements like Frank's have been widespread, as radio stations add the song into their playlists.

WCCC (Hartford, CT) Assistant Program Director Mike Karolyi told press, "From the first moment 'Country Boy' hit the air, it became our most requested song." more on this story

INXS Working On A New Rock Album

(hennemusic) In a newly-published interview with Chartattack, INXS singer J.D. Fortune says he and the band started writing new material together in Melbourne, Australia a few months back.

When asked what musical shape their new songs are taking, Fortune says the songs are in a very "rock" groove.

"So far, the songs are a real cross between swampy drums from the 60's and really thumpy bass," says Fortune. "There are some really cool melodies in these songs. So far, the demos we have recorded are more aggressive than anything that was on 'Switch.'" more on this story

Dio Era Black Sabbath Album Going Deluxe

(Gibson) Black Sabbath have announced yet another rerelease in the coming months, this time from an under-appreciated Dio gem. Dehumanizer was a reunion album of sorts for the band's Heaven and Hell line-up.

Recorded in 1991 and 1992, the album was the first collaboration of Ronnie James Dio and the Sabs in over a decade, and it featured the Wayne's World soundtrack nugget, "Time Machine," as well as the single, "TV Crimes."

The Deluxe Edition of Dehumanizer, to be released on February 7th, will feature one disc of the original album and one disc of B-sides, alternate versions and live tracks. The five live tracks are from a 1992 Tampa, Florida show, featuring a combination of Dehumanizer tracks and Heaven and Hell classics. more on this story

Jimi Hendrix Biopic Killed

(Gibson) A planned Jimi Hendrix biopic has been respectfully dropped at the request of Experience Hendrix, overseers of the Hendrix estate.

The film had secured financing from Legendary Pictures, and Oscar-nominated director Paul Greengrass had committed to the project. The Hurt Locker's Anthony Mackie was set to star in the film. But Deadline New York reports that the Hendrix estate was concerned that the movie could possibly hurt sales of the back catalog, which Deadline says supposedly happened to The Doors catalog following Oliver Stone's biopic.

Deadline says the film could have been made with songs Hendrix covered but did not write, as these are not controlled by Experience Hendrix, but that the filmmakers refused to move forward without the approval of the estate. Deadline says Legendary Pictures chief Thomas Tull, who financed the guitar documentary It Might Get Loud, was motivated purely by the prospect of making a studio-caliber movie about his hero. "Unless Experience Hendrix has a change of heart, the movie has gone up in flames," Deadline says.

Captain Beefheart RIP

(Gibson) Rock and Roll lost a visionary and a pioneer on Friday. Captain Beefheart (born Don Van Vliet) died December 17 of multiple sclerosis. He was 69.

Captain Beefheart, a friend and collaborator of Frank Zappa, recorded 12 art rock albums from 1967 to 1982. Beefheart's groundbreaking 1969 album, Trout Mask Replica, produced by Zappa, is considered an art rock classic with its surreal fusion of imagery, sounds and musical genres.

Van Vliet forged a successful career as a painter after quitting rock and roll in 1982. According to Entertainment Weekly one of his paintings had recently been priced at $40,000. more on this story

Rock News Awards Nominees

Day in Rock partner hennemusic is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2010 hennemusic Rock News Awards – recognizing the biggest rock news stories and artists of the year.

The nominees and, ultimately, winners of the 2010 hennemusic Rock News Awards have been chosen by hennemusic readers – rock fans around the world – who have already voted with their most valuable resource: their time.

"In a salute to the artist/fan relationship, the 2010 hennemusic Rock News Awards are tabulated by page views," says Bruce Henne. "The biggest compliment an artist can receive is that their work is supported by fans, who not only spend time enjoying the music, but also follow their career through media reports, seeking out the latest news in order to stay on top of what's happening. hennemusic.com supports fans daily in this regard."

The hennemusic Rock News Story Of The Year Award highlights the five (5) biggest news stories of 2010.

* Jimmy Page planning to play shows in 2011
* Keith Richards book due Oct 26
* Metallica guitarist accidentally kicks child during Sydney show
* Roger Waters kicks off The Wall Live in Toronto
* Slash slams Steven Tyler over American Idol

see the other category and vote here

Rush's Neil Peart To Be Inducted Into New Hall of Fame

(hennemusic) For the 4th straight year, Rush's Neil Peart has been named "Drummer Of The Year" at the Drummies.

Enter Music Publishing are publishers of drum and percussion magazines worldwide; their "Drummies" - an annual awards/poll consisting of 40 categories - had record-breaking results with more than 6500 drummers casting votes.

Next year, Enter Music Publishing will have its 20th anniversary and, in celebration, will be launching a Drummies Hall Of Fame. more on this story

Thin Lizzy Deluxe For America

(Gibson) Fans of the Irish hard rock heroes Thin Lizzy are in for a treat this winter with the release of three Lizzy classics bundled with a plethora of rarities in new Deluxe Editions.

Scheduled for release on February 8in North America are Jailbreak (1976), Johnny the Fox (1976) and Live and Dangerous (1978). The release date in the U.K., as previously announced, is January 24.

The Deluxe Editions will feature the original album with an extra disc of remixes, alternate takes and live BBC performances. Live and Dangerous will feature a live DVD, as well, featuring some of the band's best-loved tracks, including "The Boys are Back in Town" and "Don't Believe a Word." Each album has been remixed and remastered by legendary Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham, with help from Def Leppard vocalist (and Thin Lizzy super-fan) Joe Elliott. more on this story

Watch Joe Perry, Peter Frampton, Paul Rodgers, Michael Anthony All Star Jam

The 2010 edition of the Mark & Brian All-Star Band rocked the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles Thursday night as part of the KLOS Mark & Brian Christmas Concert.

The L.A. morning radio team put on the event, featuring headliner Billy Idol, as well as the Mark & Brian All-Star Band: Aerosmith's Joe Perry, Peter Frampton, Paul Rodgers (Bad Company, Queen, Free), Michael Anthony (Chickenfoot, ex-Van Halen), Steve Lukather and Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin).

A few different singers led the All-Star Band; some clips from the main set with Paul Rodgers have surfaced, featuring the crew running through some classics by Bad Company, Free and Aerosmith. Check it out

Sebastian Bach and Billy Idol Jam With Camp Freddy

(hennemusic) Camp Freddy closed out their fourth annual residency at The Roxy in Los Angeles Friday night with a 90 minute all-star line up that included Sebastian Bach, Billy Idol, Cypress Hill, Jonny Lang, Juliette Lewis and Franky Perez.

The band played an extended set that culminated in a three song finale by Billy Idol and his band mates (Steve Stevens, Stephen McGrath and Jeremy Colson) all on stage with the members of Camp Freddy.

The New Years Eve performance at The Roxy still has a few tickets left, and the band will feature Steve Stevens and The Cult bassist Chris Wyse, due to Dave Navarro and Chris Chaney being out of town. The band will be joined by a few friends on stage to celebrate the entrance of 2011. Check it out

Journey's Don't Stop Believin Hasn't Stopped

(Gibson) England's The Guardian has deconstructed Journey's Don't Stop Believin' phenomenon with a thoughtful look at the song's slow-burn success.

The Guardian's Dorian Lynskey points out that although the song was a hit in the U.S. upon its initial release, in the U.K. it took much longer to climb the charts – almost 30 years, in fact. "Americans have had longer to live with it," Lynskey wrote. "It was a hit there back in 1981, and it's had so many phases that even its comebacks have had comebacks. But over here [in the U.K.] it stalled at #62 on its first release in February 1982 and didn't begin to register in the pop psyche until relatively recently."

Journey's Jonathan Cain credits the song's long road to resurgence with its use in the 1998 Adam Sandler film The Wedding Singer, followed by its use in a montage in Scrubs in 2003 and a karaoke jam in Family Guy in 2005. But Cain says it was the 2007 Sopranos finale that really sealed the deal. By the time Glee latched onto the song, it was ripe for the picking. more on this story

Peter Frampton To Come Alive Again in 2011

(hennemusic) Peter Frampton sat down with KLOS' Sal Cirricione before hitting the stage for the Mark & Brian Christmas Show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles Thursday night.

Frampton talks about his latest release, "Thank You Mr. Churchill," working with his son on the record, and his extensive 2010 touring schedule.

Peter also discusses his 2011 tour plan to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of "Frampton Comes Alive." Check it out here

Live Heaven and Hell Era Black Sabbath Recording Posted Online

The Metal Den has obtained an enhanced audience recording of late great vocalist Ronnie James Dio performing live with Black Sabbath during his smashing debut tour.

The date is April 24, 1980 and according to official Black Sabbath historian Rob Dwyer the concert took place at the venue Sophiensale in Vienna, Austria.

The song is "Neon Knights" off the legendary group's classic Heaven and Hell album, which was released the very next day on April 25 via Warner Bros. Records in the US and Canada. Check it out

Michael Anthony Gives Chickenfoot Update

(hennemusic) Chickenfoot's Michael Anthony sat down with KLOS' Sal Cirricione before hitting the stage for the Mark & Brian Christmas Show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles Thursday night.

Michael was on hand as part of Mark & Brian All-Star Band - featuring Aerosmith's Joe Perry, Peter Frampton, Paul Rodgers (Bad Company, Queen, Free) Steve Lukather and Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin).

Michael updates Sal on Chickenfoot's plans, as they get set to return to the studio in January to work on their sophomore record. Check it out here

Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It Finale Airs Tonight

Vh1 sent over some details of the Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It finale, which airs tonight:

After having experienced major medical trauma earlier this year, Bret Michaels has learned what keeps him going…his family and his music – two entities that are not always synonymous. In the season finale of VH1's critically acclaimed "Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It,", Bret makes a major life decision that will affect his family forever.

Will Bret finally pop the question? If he does, what will Kristi's answer be? Tune-in to see the shocking season finale of "Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It," premiering Monday, December 20 at 10:30PM ET*.

All Time Low, Yellowcard, Hey Monday and The Summer Set Tour

Hey Monday will be hitting the road with All Time Low, Yellowcard and The Summer Set for a 32-date spring tour.

The trek begins March 25 at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ and will wind across the country with shows on both coasts through May 7.

Hey Monday's Cassadee Pope says of the tour, "I can't think of better people to spend time with on tour. We've toured with both All Time Low and The Summer Set previously and had the times of our lives. And Yellowcard -- well, there's my childhood. It's an honor to be able to share the stage with them." Hey Monday has also performed on the Warped Tour, Bamboozle, and shared the stage with Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship and Metro Station. more on this story

Steve Morse Reissues Announced

Metal Mind has announced the exclusive reissues of Steve Morse's "High Tension Wires", "Southern Steel" and "Coast to Coast" .

The albums will be available in a new digipak edition each limited to 2000 copies. Metal Mind Productions set the release date for 31st January 2011.

Steve Morse is best known for being the current guitarist of Deep Purple, replacing Ritchie Blackmore back in 1993. But his passion for rock started long before joining the legendary British group. Out of all the musical endeavors he participated in, the Steve Morse Band is perhaps the most significant and personal one. This instrumental trio is well known for re-inventing rock in all possible ways, mixing it with jazz, country, funk and even bluegrass more on this story

Beecher Reunite

Earache sent over word that British progressive metal act Beecher have reformed almost five years after splitting up, with plans to play live shows in 2011.

The band has issued the following statement: "Summer 2011 sees the 10 year anniversary of the start of Beecher. We disbanded suddenly, during our most active period, playing just one 'goodbye' gig, at which more than 100 fans of the band were rejected at the doors of the already over-capacity venue.

"Having had five years of reflection time, and considering the aforementioned fact that our tenth birthday is fast approaching, we have decided to reform, playing a handful of shows over the course of 2011 - the first of which will take place on April 29th at the Star & Garter, in our hometown of Manchester. The rest are as-of-yet unconfirmed. more on this story

Iggy Pop, Serj Tankian, Mike Patton, Killah Priest Gues on New Praxis Album

Praxis will release the latest creation, Profanation: Preparation for a Coming Darkness, on January 25th.

The new album finds the trio once again collaborating with various musicians, this time with the spotlight clearly on lead vocalists.

Among them are Iggy Pop, System Of A Down's Serj Tankian, Mike Patton, RAMM:ΣLL:ZΣΣ, Doctor Israel, Wu-Tang protégé Killah Priest and Jamaica-born toaster Hawk. more on this story

Dancing With The Pete Doherty

(Gibson) Now that maverick U.K. rock star Pete Doherty is becoming an actor, he has taken dance lessons to prepare for his new role. Doherty will star alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg in the French historical movie Confession d'un Enfant du Siecle.

The Daily Express reports that Doherty recently blogged, "My character must display natural grace and poise – as was expected of a young aristocrat and dandy of 1830s French society.

"I was going to film the lesson, but it didn't seem appropriate. The teacher was just as I had imagined – straight backed, horsewhip in hand, and a brutal perfectionist."

John Lennon Christmas Giveaway

(hennemusic) To celebrate the holidays and as a thank you to fans, John Lennon's Facebook team are giving away a massive bundle of Lennon prizes.

One lucky person will win a Limited Edition, numbered, John Lennon - Box of Vision + the John Lennon - Signature Box.

5 runners up will each receive the remastered John Lennon "Imagine," "Mind Games," "Rock N Roll" and "Double Fantasy/Stripped Down" albums on CD. more on this story

Vanna, Eyes Set To Kill and Stray From The Path Plot Euro Invasion

Vanna are heading overseas with Eyes Set To Kill and Stray From The Path for a tour next March

The tour kicks off in Trier, Germany and will last over a month ending in Koln, Germany on April 11th.

"I am really happy to get back on the road in Europe," states vocalist Davey Muise. "We can't wait to see all of our European fans again, and play some great shows with our friends!" more on this story

Sammy Hagar Christmas Message

(hennemusic) Sammy Hagar has issued a Christmas message: What a great event we had this past weekend in Mill Valley. Great food, great music, and a preview of the new film.

We collected an unbelievable pile of toys and raised much needed funding for our friends at Homeward Bound, Ritter Center and the 142 Throckmorton Theatre Scholarship fund. It always feels great to give a big check to someone this time of year and it's all because of you people. A big thanks to all that came out to support these great charities. I love you.

We also got a lot of love from the crowd about "Go There Once, Be There Twice" - the new movie about the Cabo Bash. I'm super excited to share that with the rest of you in the New Year. more on this story

Wormrot To Begin New Album Next Month

(Earache) Wormrot will be heading into Singapore's TNT Music Productions this January to record a brand new album entitled Dirge.

With this being the full-length followup to ABUSE, the band promises to bring their breakneck grind tones to grim new lows. Frontman, Arif Rot is highly excited about the band's new material and wants the world to know about it:

"We are definitely stoked to get this album out. We are working extra hard on this one. EXTRA F**KING HARDER THAN ABUSE. We are currently in the rehearsal studio still writing songs and making some minor adjustments and what not. If you are digging Abuse and also from our latest split with I ABHOR, then u might dig the new album. We'll be in the studio for "DIRGE" first week of January. NEW YEAR WITH A NEW DOSAGE OF GRIND!" more on this story