Cops Target Emo Kids- Tragic Def Leppard Anniversary- Big 4 New Year's Special- Bret Michaels Celeb of the Year- Rose Funeral- Free Blood Of Martyrs- more

On this day in 1984, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen, crashed his Corvette Stingray, on the A57 outside Sheffield, Allen lost his left arm in the accident. Allen was on his way to a New Year's Eve party at his family's home when a Jaguar passed him. The driver had been egging Allen on and would not allow him to pass. In his rage to pass this driver, he did not see a turn up ahead and lost control of his car. He was thrown from the car, with his left arm severed due to the seatbelt not being properly fastened. here

Ozzy Causes Drunk Driving?

(hennemusic) "Ozzy Osbourne and his music made me do it." That's the excuse a suspected drunk driver in Solon, Ohio gave police after he was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence.

FOX 8 TV in Cleveland reports a Portage County man claims the rocker's music drove him mad on Christmas Eve.

33-year-old William Liston, of Aurora was reportedly driving erratically when spotted by Frank Klarich, of Newbury, who was driving through Solon when he came across Liston.
more on this story

Nickelback, Linkin Park, AC/DC, Godsmack and Avenged Sevenfold Top Hard Rock Albums of 2010

(Gibson) Nielsen SoundScan has released its list of the best-selling hard rock and metal albums in 2010. And the winner isn't even an album that was made in '10, or even '09. Nickelback's Dark Horse, release way back in 2008, takes the top spot.

The remainder of the entries are split between 2010 releases and ones that were put out in '09 (such as Them Crooked Vultures' debut) or '08 (Shinedown's The Sound of Madness). Rock legends such as AC/DC and Jimi Hendrix are represented, as are younger bands like Breaking Benjamin.

Other hard rock favorites missed out on the Top 10, but made the Top 50. Foo Fighters came in at #14 (Greatest Hits), Ozzy Osbourne hit #15 (Scream), Pearl Jam appeared at #19 (Backspacer), Slash's debut showed up at #23 and Iron Maiden came in at #28 (The Final Frontier).

1. Nickelback, Dark Horse
2. Linkin Park, A Thousand Suns
3. AC/DC, Iron Man 2
4. Godsmack, The Oracle
5. Avenged Sevenfold, Nightmare

The rest of the Top 10

Queens of the Stone Age New Album Plans

(Gibson) Queens of the Stone Age are planning to begin work on their new album in January. It will be the band's first new full-length record since 2007's Era Vulgaris.

"Everybody seems excited and ready to go," keyboard player Dean Fertita told Billboard.com. "We've got so many ideas started already; I guess we'll see what turns out to be everybody's favorite."

Lately, frontman Josh Homme has been spending time with his supergroup, Them Crooked Vultures (with Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones) and Fertita's been touring and recording as part of The Dead Weather (with Jack White). more on this story

Rush Score The Best Selling Rock Video of 2010

(hennemusic) Rush are the current rock kings in the world of video, according to Yahoo! Music's Chart Watch.

"Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" was the best-selling rock video of 2010, and #2 overall, behind the newest Beyonce concert film.

The Canadian trio outsold rockers like U2, Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen, the only other rock acts in the Top 10. more on this story

Lemmy, Sex Pistol, Steven Adler, Gilby Clarke New Year's Gig

(hennemusic) If you're in the Los Angeles-area Friday night, THE rock n roll place to be has to be The Roxy.

Camp Freddy are on hand to help ring in the New Year; the band is made up of Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver), Billy Morrison (Billy Idol), Donovan Leitch, Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) and Chris Wyse (The Cult).

New Year's Eve, CF will crank things up ten notches with a huge lineup of special guests (or is that a special lineup of huge guests?), including Lemmy from Motorhead, Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols, Billy Duffy of The Cult, Gilby Clarke, Cherie Currie of The Runaways, Franky Perez of Scars On Broadway, and ex-Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler. more on this story

The Charlatans Jon Brookes Cancer Free

(Gibson) The Charlatans' drummer Jon Brookes was ready to play a full gig last night(December 30) in Edinburgh. It will be his first since collapsing on stage and being diagnosed with a brain tumor in September.

Charlatans singer Tim Burgess told the Daily Record: "Jon is doing really well, I texted him last night and he said he had got the all-clear and the cancer is gone.

"It's really crazy what happened. It still doesn't feel that real to us. Obviously, it does to him. It's amazing and a big deal to be asked to play what is the biggest party of the year. It means we're going to end the year in style." more on this story

Jani Lane Talks Great Great White Gig

(Gibson) In recent months, Jani Lane, formerly of Warrant, has been filling in for the ailing Jack Russell as part of Great White. Before Lane's tenure with the band ends (they'll play their last show together on New Year's Eve), he talked to Timberjay.com about his time in Great White.

"It's been fantastic," Lane said. "I've been friends with Jack for decades and I told him I'd be happy to fill in for him."

The former Warrant frontman said the job was harder than he thought it would be. "I wanted to stay true to how Jack sings," he said. "I didn't realize how hard that would be … I asked him why he sings so high all the time." more on this story

. Tony K Picks The Best Albums of 2010

Writing for antiMusic has its perks and among them was the steady stream of new music exposed to me over the last year. I estimate I received on average one new album a day sent to me via snail mail or via MP3 from PR agencies. I wont lie, some days it was downright maddening. - Read the full Tony K Picks The Best Albums of 2010 review

.... Mark Hensch Picks The Top Heavy Metal Albums of 2010

2010 has been an eclectic year in heavy metal. None of the ten bands featured here sound alike, and more importantly, they stick out in heavy metal at a time when the genre is more crowded than ever before. - Read the full Mark Hensch Picks The Top Heavy Metal Albums of 2010 review

Day in Rock 2010 Rewind: Top Stories From November

We continue our look back at the top stories of 2010. Today we flashback to November

Keith Richards Assaults Critic?

(Rock AAA) Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards had been accused of attacking a journalist – after he realised there was a score to settle midway through an interview.

While discussing his autobiography, Life, with Swedish writer Markus Larsson, Richards remembered a 2007 concert review in which Larsson called the Stones "amateurs" – an article which resulted in the guitarist writing his first-ever letter of complaint to a review publication.

Larsson says the rock icon stood up and hit him on the head after tense moments during which "I just wanted to get out of there pretty fast." - more on this story

Metallica Plan New Album

(Gibson) After two years of touring that involved teaming up with The Big Four and rocking airports, Metallica are planning to take a break from the road. After playing their final World Magnetic tour dates in New Zealand, the band is looking to begin work on a new album.

"There's a bunch of balls in the air for 2011, but I think the main one is we really want to get back to writing again," drummer Lars Ulrich said. "We haven't really written since, what, '06, '07, and we want to get back to kind of just being creative again. Right now we are going to just chill out and then probably start up again in, I'd say, March or April, and start probably putting the creative cap back on and start writing some songs."

Although the band recently confirmed that they will perform at Rock in Rio in Brazil on September 25, 2011, Ulrich didn't say if more touring was on the table for next year. But, the drummer did say that the chances are good for another Big Four tour (featuring Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth) in the next couple of years. "The vibe on this thing is so big, we'd be stupid to ignore it," he said. "You know on your iPhone, you can move the weather maps up and down? Well, the Big Four is quickly moving up to the top in terms of potential occurrences for the next couple of years." - more on this story

Grave of Slipknot's Paul Gray Robbed

(Gibson) Slipknot are asking for the return of gift items taken from the grave of the band's late bassist, Paul Gray. On their website, the group write:

"In a very upsetting turn of events we have learned that some gifts left for Paul at his grave site have been stolen. There were statues of a gargoyle as well as a Buddah that were placed at Paul's grave by his friends and family that were taken. We ask that whoever did this please return the items no questions asked. If anyone has any information about the stolen items please let us know by posting in the comments. Thank you for your continued support in this trying time."

As reported previously, Gray was found dead in a hotel in Urbandale, Iowa, on May 24, 2010. An autopsy determined that his death was caused by an accidental overdose of morphine and fentanyl. The autopsy further revealed that Gray was suffering from significant heart disease. - more on this story

Sex, Drugs and Angry Bon Jovi

The publisher of Sex, Drugs and Bon Jovi sent out an announcement to let everyone know that Jon Bon Jovi is reportedly unhappy with the memoir from his former tour manager Richard Bozzett.

Here are the highlights from the announcement which says that Bozzett guides us through his years on the road with one of the world's most iconic bands, with stories Bon Jovi hoped to keep under wraps.

"Jon Bon Jovi has publicly condemned the book and has criticized me in the media because I know a lot about Jon and the band that he would prefer to leave in his past." - more on this story

Steven Tyler Vs Kid Rock Round 2

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler has responded to Kid Rock's criticism over Tyler's new role as an American Idol judge. hennemusic reports:

"He's just jealous," Tyler tells Access Hollywood. "And he's working a new record and God bless him," he added.

Ooh, Brand Tyler slips in a sly cheap shot while appearing to take the high road, as the Aerosmith frontman suggests that Rock's motive in slamming him is to attract attention to the Kid's new album, "Born Free," out November 16. - more on this story

Jimi Hendrix Murdered?

The Redding Experience DVD is set for release on December 6th 2010. We were sent some background info on the release.

The DVD features a never before seen interview with Noel Redding the bass player in the Jimi Hendrix Experience, which was recorded at Redding's home in Ireland in 1988.

Producer Will Scally explains how the interview came about. "I had known and been friends with Noel for many years and always found him a very upfront, straightforward guy. We often spoke about doing an interview, he wanted to speak about the band, money, drugs and the death of Hendrix and much more – even speaking about the possibility of Hendrix being murdered. He was on good form that day and wanted to record this for posterity." - more on this story

Slash Talks Guns N' Roses Reunion

(Gibson) Slash praised the recent reunion of Axl Rose and Duff McKagan on a London stage. The Daily Express reports that the guitar great is glad that his two former Guns N' Roses colleagues made amends.

Slash and McKagan both quit the famous rock band and later formed Velvet Revolver. Bass player McKagan made a surprise appearance on stage with Rose at London's O2 Arena in October. Slash told New York's Q104.3 FM, "It was cool. I got an e-mail from Duff going, 'I'm checked into a hotel and Axl is in the room next to me.'... He just sort of kept me posted through the day... So it was cool. And then the next day he told me it was great, everything was very cool, they went out and had dinner, and so they had that sort of, whatever, rekindling kind of thing..."

And on the inevitable question of a full GN'R reunion, Slash was thoughtful. "We'd have to do things way differently than we did in '91, '92, '93 and whatever... And I don't think that's changeable," he said. "That whole production would have to tighten up and be like a real working band, and I don't think that's salvageable." -

Marilyn Manson Going Punk

(Gibson) Marilyn Manson's forthcoming album is going to be a punk rock affair, according to his guitarist.

Speaking to The Blairing Out with Eric Blair Show, Twiggy Ramirez (aka Jeordie White) said Manson's eight studio album is "kind of like a little more of a punk-rock Mechanical Animals," referring to the 1998 album.

Ramirez said that the album was "almost done" and would most likely be out in 2011. "It's fantastic," he said. "It's our best record yet, I think. I mean, everyone always says that, but I think this is our best work so far." - more on this story

Ozzy Up For Black Sabbath Reunion... On One Condition

(Rock Radio) Ozzy Osbourne says he might be up for a Black Sabbath reunion in 2012 – but only if bassist Geezer Butler agrees to stop moaning.

The Prince of Darkness has been linked with a return to his old band since the death of Ronnie James Dio in May, who was singing with the rebadged Heaven and Hell.

But an original lineup, also bringing in drummer Bill Ward, could be on the cards once Osbourne has finished his current world tour supporting his new album, Scream. Osbourne tells QMI: "I'm not saying I wouldn't do it – but I've got another year to finish my tour. And if I do a Black Sabbath tour, Geezer has got to promise to stop moaning." - more on this story

Slash Disappointed With Aerosmith's Steven Tyler

(hennemusic) First, Kid Rock. Now, Slash. Brand Tyler takes it on the chin…again. Both rockers have gone public with their thoughts on Aerosmith's Steven Tyler's decision to join American Idol as a judge.

In an interview with New York's Q104.3 FM, The Examiner reports Slash expressed sympathy for Tyler's fans and Aerosmith bandmates, and disappointment in the charismatic frontman's judgment.

"It's really sort of disappointing to me that he's gone and done that, for whatever reason," says Slash. "A lot of it having to do with (the fact that) I just know the guy, and the other guys in the band are bummed out, and they've had a really rocky road for a while. And then just because 'American Idol' is what it is, so it's hard for me to put the thing together." - more on this story

Red Hot Chili Gorillaz Supergroup

(Gibson) Damon Albarn is adding another group to his ever-growing list of projects. The Gorillaz and Blur frontman has told Spin.com that he's been at work on a new band with Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea and Nigerian drummer Tony Allen (who worked with Fela Kuti and was in The Good, the Bad and the Queen with Albarn).

"[It's] another band with Tony Allen; centered around what he does," Albarn said. "But this time it's him and me and Flea from the Chili Peppers and some of my favorite African musicians will be involved also. Flea of course is an anagram for Fela and Flea is so into this music – so that's been great."

It's not the first we're hearing of Flea's love of African music. As Gibson.com previously reported, Flea and the Chili Peppers are experimenting with Afro-pop sounds on their forthcoming album - more on this story

Evanescence Get Risky

(Gibson) It's been four years since Evanescence released their last album (2006's The Open Door) and fans can expect to hear some different sounds on the band's new release, set for later this fall. Drummer Will Hunt told Radio Metal that frontwoman Amy Lee is taking "real big risks …Honestly, I think it's amazing."

Lee and Co. are working with famed producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones) on the as-yet untitled album. Hunt said that Lee, Lillywhite and the band played around with electronic touches during the sessions. "There are new colors in the pattern," he said. "There's a lot of cool new things going on, both electronically and futuristically. I think she's doing something that's very special and hasn't been done before. I'm a supporter. I think it's killer."

But die-hard Evanescence fans shouldn't worry about the band sounding too different on this release. "It's always going to sound like Evanescence, 'cause it's Amy Lee singing, but the vehicle for that voice can be different and still be Evanescence," Hunt said. -

The Verve's Richard Ashcroft Sets Solo Album Release

The Verve's Richard Ashcroft will release his new solo album, The United Nations of Sound, in early 2011 on Razor & Tie.

The 12-song album was produced by noted hip-hop producer No I.D. (Kanye West, Jay-Z, Common).

"It's an honor to work with someone as esteemed as Richard," said Beka Tischker, Vice President of A&R at Razor & Tie. "Besides being one of the seminal figures of modern British rock music, his music has touched my life. It's the icing on the cake in this business when you get to work with someone who soundtracked important parts of your life." -

Zakk's Wylde Kung Fu

Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society have released a brand new video for the track "Overlord," which comes from their latest album Order Of The Black.

The video, directed by Master Cylinder, finds guitar legend Zakk Wylde and his Black Label Society in a satire of 70's Kung Fu movies.

Wylde is featured as the Bruce Lee-type action hero (yellow jumpsuit and all) in hot pursuit of the Overlord...in this case an old lady who holds the key to a very special prize. - check it out here

Garbage Reunite

(Gibson) Singer Shirley Manson has confirmed that the band Garbage have reunited to work on recordings for their fifth album and their first since 2005's Bleed Like Me. Manson has been working in the studio with fellow bandmates – guitarist Steve Marker, guitarist-bassist-keyboardist Duke Erikson, and drummer Butch Vig, who also serves as the group's producer.

Garbage announced they were going on hiatus after the release of Bleed Like Me, and Manson began work with Vig as a co-producer and co-writer for a debut solo album, though no material from those sessions has been released.

The group is currently trying to focus the new material they've recorded, and to narrow things down to an album's worth of songs. - more on this story

Jason Bonham Reflects On His Led Zeppelin Experience

(hennemusic) Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience is out on the road these days, touring as a 30th anniversary tribute to Jason's dad, the late John Bonham.

Jason is thrilled with the tour's progress, as it kicked off across Canada before hitting the States. "Calgary was just – every one of them has been phenomenal for whatever reason, and always the same reason is the audience and the amount of response they give back," Bonham tells John J. Moser of the Lehigh Valley Music blog. "Cause it's not just myself, you know, this is representing my family. I'm playing my father's music and I'm a fan of Led Zeppelin. The response has been beyond what I ever imagined it would be. Unreal. Everyone seems to understand the story I'm telling. We break up the show with a video and the footage of my day as a kid and the home movie parts."

The show is a personal journey for Bonham, another way of providing some closure with the past. "Yeah. The strangest thing is the way it hit me," says Jason. "The thing you've got to remember is, when dad was alive, initially one the reasons I kind of have a thing with it is, I never really got it when he was alive. He was my dad and he played in a band and I was more into The Police. You know, I went through the whole blond hair bit. And dad took me to see The Police when I was 13. And I was like, this is a cool band, dad. See this is a cool band. [Laughs] And I felt bad for years because then a year later … I never had a chance to tell him how great I think was. After he passed away, I would go and listen to his music. And when I had a few incidents where I really had to go and really do my homework, I found new favorites – things in the songs that I never knew. There's certain parts where I thought, 'I thought I knew that.' And I didn't. I had blinders on. So it's been a great journey for me finding new favorites from albums. Certain albums I hadn't played for a long, long time. And now some of those things are … 'Presence,' which is an under-rated album , is probably one of my favorite albums." - more on this story

Lil Wayne 90s Rock (Nirvana. Pearl Jam, Radiohead etc) Mashup Released

Despite label protest, DJ Alexei has gone ahead with the release of his latest project, Alexei Presents ... Weezy's 90s Ball, Vol. 1, a remix and mashup album that pairs Lil Wayne with 90s rock classics from Nirvana, Radiohead, and other influential acts.

The release, timed to mark Lil Wayne's release from jail, comes after several days of uncertainly that followed when Universal Motown issued a cease and desist letter to block the release. The album is available for free download at 90sBall.com.

On the album, Alexei both reinterprets old Lil Wayne hits and combines the artist's numerous -- and, in some cases, obscure -- feature verses to create new songs. Musically, the album is divided into tracks that retain the rock sensibility of the source material ("A Milli In Bloom," "Zombie Musik") and hip-hop-influenced tracks on which Alexei combines samples of 90s rock with hip-hop drums ("Bring Back That Raspy Sh*t," "Gimme That, Rude Boy"). - more on this story

Classic INXS Concert Comes To DVD

(Kayos) Eagle Rock will unearth another rare concert from the Rockpalast vaults, when they release INXS: Mystify, on DVD today (November 2)

Filmed on June 21, 1997 at the Loreley Festival in Germany for their famed Rockpalast television series, this 105-minute DVD is a showcase of INXS in top form. The set list is packed to the brim with favorites (including all seven of their US Top-10 singles), like "What You Need," "Need You Tonight," and "New Sensation."

This concert also captures their iconic lead singer, Michael Hutchence, just before his untimely passing five months later. This DVD is a perfect snapshot of the frontman in action, capturing the crowd as they melt under his charismatic delivery and unfettered talent. - more on this story

Keith Richards Did Snort His Dad's Ashes

(Gibson) Of all the myths and rumors that have swirled around Keith Richards, few have gained more traction than the supposed episode in which he snorted his father's ashes, and the alleged story that he received a total blood transfusion in Switzerland. In an in-depth interview posted on the CBS News website, Richards confirms one rumor, and denies the other.

"True!" he says, of the ashes incident. "I ingested my ancestor, yes." Richards goes on to explain that the episode resulted from an accident that occurred as he was preparing to spread his father's ashes around an oak tree. "… As I took the lid off the box, fine bits of my Dad flew onto the table, you know, like powder," he says. "And honestly I could not resist. I just scooped him up there, took out a straw and, 'See ya, Dad!' [sniffs] And I did a little line of him. Yeah. I did that."

Regarding the supposed blood transfusion, Richards says he himself perpetuated that story, which is untrue. "I created that myth," he says, "because people wanted to believe that, ya know? No, I wouldn't swap this blood for nobody's!" - more on this story

Davies Shoots Down Kinks Reunion

(hennemusic) Dave Davies can't make himself any clearer: "Ray's an a**hole." Brother Ray has been talking up the idea of a possible Kinks reunion recently while doing press for his new release, "See My Friends," a collaborative tribute with other artists to the brothers' legendary band, which comes out next week.

Ray recently told Gigwise that he thinks his brother is "coming around" to the idea of a possible Kinks reunion (see "Is a Kinks reunion in the cards?" here).

Dave set the record straight with London's Daily Mail – there will never be a reunion. "I think the music is so beautiful it shouldn't be tainted," he says. "It would be a shame. You don't need to see silly old men in wheelchairs singing 'You Really Got Me.'" - more on this story

Ozzy's Moved On From Zakk Wylde Pokes Fun at Guns N' Roses

(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne's on the road in support of "Scream," his first album in years without guitarist Zakk Wylde by his side.

"Let me set something straight: I didn't lose Zakk. It was time for me to move on," says Osbourne. "I love the guy as much as I've always loved him, and as much as I will always love him. He's like family, you know. I remember when he was in hospital a while back. He had a blood clot in his hip or his leg or something. I sent him an email that said, 'Zakk, if you die before me, I'll f---ing kill you!'"

A documentary about the rock legend is in the works, directed by son Jack. "I have not seen a f---ing frame of this thing. He's been at it so long I told him he should call it Chinese Democracy 2," laughs Ozzy. - more on this story

Jon Bon Jovi Going Solo?

(Gibson) In a new interview, Jon Bon Jovi says that he's thinking of doing another solo album in the next year. But, he's committed to his band's tour for their most recent release, The Circle, through next summer.

"I'm going to sit on a beach for August, which is usually what I do, and come September figure out what's next," Bon Jovi told Billboard.com. He might begin work on "a smaller-sounding solo record and/or focus more on the philanthropy and sports ownerships."

Bon Jovi has gone it alone twice before (for the 1990 soundtrack for Young Guns II and with 1997's Destination Anywhere). What does he think a new solo record would sound like? "A lyric-driven, acoustic-sounding kind of thing with piano, a couple guitars, a B3 [organ] and a violin," he said. "I do these solo things oftentimes for charity, and I enjoy the atmosphere because it really gives the singer a chance to sing. You're not competing with the loud amps. So I could see myself doing a singer's type of a record. We'll see." - more on this story

Chevelle Set New Release

Chevelle continue their 10th anniversary celebration with the release of a new DVD "Any Last Words?" on January 11th 2011.

The DVD is a live performance video of Chevelle's 10th Anniversary shows, which are a sold out, two-night celebration of their 10 years in music at the Metro in Chicago.

The DVD also includes a live CD of the show. Pre-order the new DVD before November 19th 2010 and have your name be included in a special "thank you" in the DVD packaging. - more on this story

Joe Perry Addresses Aerosmith's Future

(Gibson) After a year of high-profile squabbles, which nearly resulted in his band getting a new singer, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry seems to have made peace with Steven Tyler's extracurricular activities. Talking to Spinner.com, Perry wished his Toxic Twin well.

"Steven wants to spend time in L.A. and do this," said Perry, referring to Tyler's much-hyped addition to American Idol. "He's always talked about doing stuff like that and I think he wants to try his hand at that. Let him go at it. That's an interesting endeavor. I hope he's really happy doing it."

As for the future of Aerosmith, Perry said, "I don't know what's going to happen with the band." But he added, "I'm optimistic about it. I know that the band will always somehow put something together and play, whether it's two or three weeks out on the road and playing this or that or some charity stuff. I do not think this band is going to see its last show. That's how I feel." - more on this story

Monster Magnet Guitarist Quits

(hennemusic) Monster Magnet guitarist Ed Mundell has quit the band after 18 years, for "personal reasons."

MM leader Dave Wyndorf posted the news on the band's website. "What can I say? [Ed] told me this two months ago and I gave him some time for him to perhaps reconsider, but no go. It's a bummer, yeah but we've been through this kind of thing before.

"Make no mistake, Magnet goes on. We start the 'Mastermind' tour tonight [Wednesday, November 3] in Cologne, Germany with Phil Caivano and Garrett Sweeny handling dual guitar chores." - more on this story

Emerson, Lake and Palmer Breaking Up

(hennemusic) After four decades, Emerson, Lake and Palmer are done. Drummer Carl Palmer has told Classic Rock that ELP's 40th anniversary reunion gig at this summer's High Voltage Festival will be the trio's final appearance together.

"Well, for reasons I won't go into, it's always hard to rev it up," said Palmer. "We rehearsed for it for a month, which almost killed me. Not the physical side of it, just keeping interested. Me personally, I didn't need a month. But that's what we did, and when it came to the gig, what you saw was what you got.

"That's as good as it will ever be (again). Everyone seemed pretty happy with it, and I think that gig will be far as the three of us can take things." - more on this story

U2, Metallica, AC/DC and Rush Take Top Tour Honors

(hennemusic) U2, Metallica, AC/DC and Rush were among the big names honored at the 2010 Billboard Touring Awards in New York on Thursday night.

AC/DC snagged the "Top Boxscore" award for its three sellout shows at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.

Metallica picked up the "Eventful Fans' Choice" award, as voted by music fans across the States – essentially, a "Favorite" or "Best Concert Tour Of The Year" prize. - more on this story

KISS Hit With Copyright Violation Claim

(Rock Radio) The official YouTube video channel of American glam legends KISS has been closed for breaching copyright laws – just weeks after bassist Gene Simmons controversially called for all rights breakers to be sued and jailed.

Visitors to the band's OfficialKISSonline channel were advised in a YouTube error message: "This channel has been terminated due to multiple or severe violations of our community guidelines, and/or claims of copyright infringement."

Some Kiss videos embedded on the band website's front page were replaced with the message: "This video is no longer available because the associated YouTube account has been terminated." At least one replacement message stated S'more Entertainment had lodged a breach of rights claim against Kiss. - more on this story

Pearl Jam Set New Album Release

(hennemusic) Pearl Jam kick off their 20th Anniversary year with the release of "Live On Ten Legs," a new live compilation.

"Live on Ten Legs" features 18 PJ tracks recorded over the course of the band's 2003-2010 world tours by recording engineer, John Burton. All tracks have been newly remixed by longtime PJ engineer Brett Eliason and remastered.

The live compilation album will be available through the band's Ten Club and select digital and independent music retailers on January 18, 2011 (January 17, 2011 internationally). - more on this story

Aerosmith Plan Old School Album

(Gibson) Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer is looking forward to making a new Aerosmith album. He hopes his band can release a new record by this time next year.

"I would like to see a record within a year from the Aerosmith boys," he said. "My brothers and I are destined to make another record in the next year or so.

"It's going to be an old-school Aerosmith record. We're going to do it the old way with the whole band [in the same room] and it should be a good one. We're all anticipating." - more on this story

Alan Wilder Remixing Depeche Mode

Depeche-Mode.com had this exciting update for fans: Alan Wilder joins Vince Clarke on the list of people who've done remixes for the forthcoming Depeche Mode remix album, tentatively set for release early next year.

The two Mode legends' involvement signal a very interesting project is in the works.

Also rumoured to be included in the project are The Yeah Yeah Yeahs!, Brandon Flowers and Arcade Fire - more on this story

Bon Jovi, Springsteen, Metallica Get The Kinks With Ray Davies

Ray Davies has gathered together a who's who roster of rockers to help him pay tribute to his band The Kinks on his new album, See My Friends. Here is the official word along with the tracklisting and guest list:

See My Friends features an all-star cast of collaborators, including Jon Bon Jovi/Richie Sambora, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Mumford & Sons, Lucinda Williams, Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Jackson Browne, Spoon, Amy Macdonald, Black Francis (The Pixies), Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol), Paloma Faith and the late, great Alex Chilton (Big Star).

This historic collection shows Davies giving fresh treatments to each track, while affectionately acknowledging his band millions have admired for decades. See My Friends will be available in the U.S. March 2011 on Decca. - more on this story

Godsmack Jumps To Steven Tyler's Defense

(hennemusic) After taking some flack in the past week from Kid Rock and Slash for doing American Idol, Steven Tyler responded to Rock's criticism by saying, "He's just jealous, and he's working a new record and God bless him."

The Aerosmith frontman is getting support from Godsmack singer Sully Erna, who told Detroit's WRIF 101.1 FM, "I think it's brilliant. Beyond good. I think he's gonna be the male Paula Abdul, 'cause he's a little bit dingy, you know what I mean?! He's probably all pilled up, and he's gonna be funny. I mean, he's witty, he's really witty."

Erna also took exception to Rock's comments, saying "Kid Rock needs to shut up. That's not true. This is gonna be great for TV, man." - more on this story

Rolling Stones Contradict Keith Richards

(Gibson) A spokesman for The Rolling Stones has denied that the band has plans to tour or record in 2011, contrary to Keith Richards' recent comments.

The Guardian reports that, after Keith Richards told BBC6Music that the band were ready to tour next year, an official statement from the band's press office said instead: "There are no concrete plans for The Rolling Stones to tour. The same applies to rumors that they are going into the studio soon to record a new album."

Speaking at the book launch of his new memoir, Life, Richards had told BBC6Music: "After these many years working together, we have a lot of unfinished stuff to work on that we had to leave off the last album. And knowing Mick, as I do, he's a very prolific writer. I have ideas and we'll put them together in December or January. We're looking forward to working." - more on this story

New Guns N' Roses Album Coming?

(hennemusic) At the release party of the new video game, "Call Of Duty: Black Ops," in Santa Monica on Thursday, Guns N' Roses guitarist D.J. Asha dropped an update on the status of a new album by the band.

"We're talking about that right now," said Ashba. "We've been throwing around a bunch of ideas and it should be good, man. We've got a lot of good stuff on the plate coming out. It won't take as long, I promise."

13 years in the making, it's been two years since "Chinese Democracy" was released. "Yeah, I'm excited to get this next one rolling," added Ashba. "A lot of great s**t. Axl (Rose) has a lot of good s**t up his sleeve, so I'm really excited about it." - more on this story

Gene Simmons Box Set

(hennemusic) Gene Simmons is one active guy, even on Twitter. The Kiss bassist posts frequently, keeping followers update on his plans, including a hefty, new music project.

On Monday, Simmons tweeted: "Been working every day, on and off on my Box Set... unreleased songs from over 30 years!!! Lots of toons. Maybe 200. Soon."

At this point, it's unclear if the box set will include Gene's solo output, songs he wrote for Kiss that weren't used, and/or maybe even Kiss stuff. - more on this story

Slash Sideswiped With Axl Parody

(Rock Radio) Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash has slammed a German TV show after he was made to sit through a comedy sketch parodying former bandmate Axl Rose.

The axe icon was a guest on the Oliver Pocher Show on Friday night. During an interview Pocher cut to a five-minute spoof documentary about Rose, which featured Pocher playing the singer living alone with a dog called Slash.

Later the guitarist said via Twitter: "I wasn't too pleased with the Axl parody on the Oliver Pocher Show. That wasn't too cool." - more on this story

Pulp Reunite

(Gibson) Britpop greats Pulp have announced a run of reunion shows for 2011, according to Billboard.com. The Sheffield band have been on hiatus since 2002 and frontman Jarvis Cocker has been working as a solo artist ever since.

The band's 2011 shows will reunite Pulp's original lineup, who have not been onstage together since 1996. Pulp said that they "decided to get together and play some concerts next summer," in a statement. So far, the band's confirmed appearances are Barcelona's Primavera Sound Festival on May 27 and Live Nation's London festival Wireless with Barclaycard on July 3.

There have also been rumors that Pulp will play at next summer's Glastonbury Festival. They last performed there in 1995 - more on this story

MTV To Publish Ronnie James Dio's Memoir

Wendy Dio said this was coming and there is now a deal in place to publish Ronnie James Dio's memoir. The literary agency which brokered the deal sent us the following details:

Rainbow in the Dark: The Autobiography of Ronnie James Dio, the revealing memoir of the heavy metal master, was sold at auction to Jacob Hoye, Senior Director of Publishing at MTV Books, by Shawna Morey, in her first deal at Folio Literary Management, LLC. Renowned for his powerful, hard-driving vocals, Dio, lends that unique voice to recount his extraordinary journey from early pioneer in a burgeoning music movement to his undisputed reign atop the heavy metal landscape. He was born in a time and to a family so far removed from the hard-rocking world he would dominate for nearly five decades, but his unbounded passion and peerless talent broke barriers and legitimized heavy metal as an alternative art form. His creative genius made him a legend.

With nearly five decades of worldwide success and album sales in the tens of millions as the front man of Elf, Rainbow, Dio, Black Sabbath, and, most recently, Heaven & Hell, Ronnie James Dio grabbed the mic, took the stage, and led a movement whose influence resonates to this day. In Rainbow in the Dark, Dio himself will introduce the reader to this incredible life and the over 50 photographs included will provide readers with an unprecedented all-access pass to the rock concert of a lifetime. - more on this story

Queen's Big 40th Anniversary

(Gibson) After almost 40 years with EMI, rock legends Queen have signed a deal with Universal Music Group, according to Reuters. Re-releases of the band's studio albums have been announced for 2011, which also marks Queen's 40th anniversary. "We are very excited, after all this time, to be embarking on a new phase of our career – with a new record company, with new ideas and new dreams," Queen guitarist Brian May said in a statement.

The switch from EMI to Universal has been rumored since May but was only recently confirmed. This marks another high-profile loss for EMI, who have parted ways with The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Radiohead in recent years.

Starting in 2011, Queen albums will appear on Universal subsidiary Island Records. Reportedly, the label will release each of the band's 15 studio albums with bonus content and remastered sound. In March, the first five re-releases – Queen, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack, A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races – will hit stores and online retailers. - more on this story

Velvet Revolver DVD Details and Preview

Eagle Rock have release details and a preview eCard for the forthcoming Velvet Revolver: Live In Houston, which is set to hit stores on November 16. Here are details followed by the eCard link and tracklisting:

Filmed in 2005, while Velvet Revolver was touring in support of their best selling/Grammy Award-winning debut Contraband, Live in Houston features the original line-up of vocalist Scott Weiland, lead guitarist Slash, bassist/vocalist Duff McKagan, drummer Matt Sorum, and rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner.

Showcasing rock's elite bringing the heat on hits like "Slither" and "Fall To Pieces" before the raucous, riotous Texas crowd, this 78-minute rock fest also treats fans to tracks from each member's background, including Guns 'N' Roses "It's So Easy" and "Used To Love Her," and Stone Temple Pilots' "Sex Type Thing," and "Crackerman." - more on this story

Paul Tried To Top The Beatles With Band on the Run

(Gibson) In a new interview with The Guardian, Paul McCartney admitted that, with Band on the Run, he was trying to compete with what he had done with The Beatles.

"Otherwise there was kind of no point, though it was virtually impossible to do," he said. "Immediately after the Beatles, though, I was just trying to form a group. OK, I thought: I can ring up a lot of famous people and get a supergroup together, or I can go with my instinct – which is that groups don't happen like that. There has to be a certain amount of building up, shared experience, shared music. That's how it was when I started out with John – neither of us really knew how to do much. And it's the kiss of death if someone says they're the next Beatles. I was in that position with Wings, taking on this impossible task – in which my lovely wife wasn't even a musician. I had Mick Jagger saying [bad Mick Jagger impersonation], 'What's he doing getting his old lady in the band?'"

McCartney also discussed an obvious similarity between John Lennon and his work, post-Beatles. "Everyone had every reason to slag [Linda] off. In fact, there was no reason for anyone to support her," he said. "But I knew what I was doing – as did John, having Yoko on his records. He didn't think she was Aretha Franklin. He was in love and he wanted to make something new – something of his own making. It was to do with intensity of feeling. And looking back on it, he was absolutely right. Everything they did, I think, was good. John had proved himself a master in conventional terms and in joining up with Yoko he was about to prove himself in unconventional terms. In a way, that was in both our thinking." - more on this story

AC/DC, Slash and The Rolling Stones Top Classic Rock Awards

(hennemusic)The 2010 Classic Rock "Roll Of Honour" Awards were handed out Wednesday night at the Roundhouse in London, with Alice Cooper hosting the event.

It was the 6th year for the awards, presented in a variety of categories for the classic rock set, featuring, for the first time, live performances, including: The Union, the new band from Thunder guitarist Luke Morley, plus Alter Bridge and power pop originators Cheap Trick.

AC/DC, Slash and The Rolling Stones took the top honors with AC/DC winning band of the year, Slash winning album of the year and the Stones winning reissue of the year. - more on this story

Gang of Four Return With New Album and Tour

Gang Of Four will return in 2011 with a new album and tour. This week the band announced their upcoming headlining tour of North America.

The tour is set to kick off on February 4th in Toronto, ON and will hit major markets across the continent before wrapping up on February 21st in Los Angeles, CA.

The band will be touring in support of their upcoming album, C O N T E N T, their first new material in 16 years, which is set for release on January 25th release on Yep Roc Records. - more on this story

New White Stripes Album Plans and Massive Box Set

More than three years after their last album, 2007's Icky Thump, The White Stripes seem to be heading back into the studio. Jack White explained to Vanity Fair that the delay was partially caused by a few projects had to happen first.

"We thought we'd do a lot of things that we'd never done: a full tour of Canada, a documentary, coffee-table book, live album, a boxed set. It was one long project that took almost three years," White said. "Now that we've gotten a lot of that out of our system, Meg and I can get back in the studio and start fresh."

The box set that White mentioned is a very expensive item that will be available through his own Third Man Records. The White Stripes – 2010 Merchandise Collection will include a record player, headphones and an exclusive 7" Christmas record. Reportedly it will sell for $499 and will be available later in the month. - more on this story

Coldplay More Talented Than The Beatles?

(Gibson) In 1966, John Lennon declared that The Beatles were bigger than Jesus Christ — much to his later regret. Now, 34 years later, Kanye West has made a similar, if slightly less blasphemous, declaration. Speaking to The Sun, West opined that when all is said and done, history will judge the Fab Four as inferior to…Coldplay?

"America has, and probably always will, dominate music across the globe," said West. "But it's always been the British who pull out that very special band. We have had amazing bands like Nirvana and Guns N' Roses, but it's the British who have had the cream with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones setting the standard. I love Coldplay, and I honestly think they are on the same level as The Beatles."

He continued, "In 30 years, when Coldplay are old men, people will look back and say, 'These guys were more talented than The Beatles.' I have worked with Chris Martin and the man is a genius — as a performer and a songwriter he is on the same level as John Lennon. I am not saying this sort of [expletive] lightly. It's really how talented the guy is. And Coldplay can go down as the best ever — even bigger than The Beatles." - more on this story

Ozzy's Guitarist Prefers Black Sabbath

(Gibson) In a recent interview, Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist Gus G. said that he likes the music Ozzy Osbourne made with Black Sabbath better than his boss' solo material.

"I'm a huge Black Sabbath fan. I'm a bigger Sabbath fan than Ozzy fan, to be honest," he told Guitar Player magazine. "Not to put any of Ozzy's music down, because I grew up with his solo records as well, and I studied all the guitar players that have played in his band. But I have a certain love for Black Sabbath and Tony Iommi. I think I totally come from that school of guitar – that traditional, heavy, hard rock guitar playing."

Gus G., also known for his work with Firewind, discussed the difficulties of playing music originally performed by Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde and others. "For a Tony Iommi part, you need to sound [expletive] heavy, that's for sure," he said. "That's what Black Sabbath is all about – being heavy and dark. As for Randy, Jake [E. Lee], and Zakk [Wylde], they're all great players. I love them all and everybody was different. I grew up with that stuff so it's great just being able to play these songs. I stick to the originals the way they were recorded. I feel that I have a very important spotlight here next to Ozzy Osbourne so I need to play this music accurately because it's all classics – the stuff that defined heavy metal and hard rock. There's always a little bit of space to do your own thing obviously, but 'Crazy Train' is 'Crazy Train.' You don't [expletive] with that." - more on this story

Gerry Rafferty On Life Support

(Gibson) The musician best known for the hits "Baker Street" and "Stuck in the Middle With You" is gravely ill, according to Spinner.com.

Gerry Rafferty, the 63-year-old singer, has suffered kidney failure and has been on a life support machine since being admitted to a hospital in Bournemouth, England. Doctors told his fiancée, Enzina Fischini, that he had little chance of survival, although Rafferty's condition improved once he was taken off the support machines.

"Gerry is my best friend," Fischini told The Sun. "He's strong and I'm praying he pulls through." - more on this story

Them Crooked Vultures Plot New Album Despite The Foo Fighters

(Rock AAA) Ex-Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones has vowed that Dave Grohl's return to the Foo Fighters won't kill off supergroup Them Crooked Vultures – and he's prepared to take action to make sure of it.

Jones, Grohl and Queens of the Stone Age mainman Josh Homme released their critically-acclaimed self-titled album last November and followed it up with a stack of well-received live shows.

But that was while the Foos were on a break. Now they're back in action and Grohl is planning a new record and tour for next year with his 'main' band. However, Jones is adamant the Vultures will return with a second album. - more on this story

New Guns N' Roses Album Drama

(hennemusic) Last week, Guns N Roses guitarist D.J. Ashba was the first in the group's inner circle to publicly mention anything about the status of a new project by the band.

At the release party of the new video game, "Call Of Duty: Black Ops," in Santa Monica on November 4, Asha commented on the band's plans, saying, "We're talking about that right now. We've been throwing around a bunch of ideas and it should be good, man. We've got a lot of good stuff on the plate coming out. It won't take as long, I promise."

On Wednesday, guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal tried to calm the rising tide of fan interest when answering questions on his Facebook page. "We've yet to get in a room and write as a band," notes Bumblefoot. "[I] know D.J. mentioned something about a new album, but don't want y'all expecting anything soon." - more on this story

Kid Rock Born Free Tour

Kid Rock announced the first leg of his "Born Free" tour in support of the album of the same name which hit stores this week.

The kickoff of the tour comes in the form of a 40th birthday party Kid Rock is throwing for himself with 60,000 of his closest friends, at Detroit's Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions football team.

The stadium will be renamed "40 Field" in honor of the occasion. The special show will include surprise guests and plenty of surprises. Tickets for the Detroit celebration will go on sale November 26th, tickets for the tour will go on sale December 3rd and 4th depending on the market through all the usual outlets. - more on this story

Neil Young Fire Caused By Hybrid Car

(Gibson) A one-of-a-kind hybrid vehicle is the cause of a recent fire at a San Francisco warehouse that stored Neil Young's musical equipment, memorabilia and more.

Belmont-San Carlos Fire Marshal Jim Palisi said that the three-alarm blaze began in Young's 1959 Lincoln Continental, called LincVolt because it runs on electric batteries and a biodiesel-powered generator, according to MercuryNews.com.

Young famously hired workers to turn the Continental into a hybrid vehicle and documented the process in a four-part film series in 2008. - more on this story

KISS is All About Brand not Band?

(hennemusic) Gene Simmons of Kiss delivered a keynote address at the 5th annual M For Montreal music conference on Wednesday.

His message continues to be the same, regardless of the forum: "You're allowed to have a band, or you can have a brand."

"What we all want to recognize is that a name means something," added Gene. "It doesn't matter what it is: whether it has music, whether it's a religious symbol, a political symbol, or a politician – everything should be a brand." - more on this story

The Strokes Finish New Album

(Gibson) The Strokes have finished recording their fourth album. The announcement came via frontman Julian Casablancas' Twitter account: "Still not going to be out for a few months – mixing, etc, but JUST finally finished it yesterday actually!?"

The album, which has not yet been given a title, will be the New York rockers' follow-up to First Impressions of Earth, released almost five years ago in January of 2006. Making the album hasn't been the easiest process for the band. "There is disagreement as to whether the songs are ready," Casablancas told Spin last year. "Some of the band think they are and others don't. I'm somewhere in the middle."

The band were able to come together and started recording in March of this year with Beck and White Stripes producer John Chicarelli. Casablancas said that fans should expect the new album to sound similar to the previous one, before admitting, "I may try to funk it up a little bit." -

Lollapalooza International

While the Lollapalooza tour faltered due to lack of interest from ticket buyers in North America and the road show was converted to annual one-off event in Chicago, Perry Farrell is once again taking the show on the road with the launch of the first Lollapalooza International in an area of the world renowned for music festivals: South America.

The first Lollapalooza International will take place in Santiago, Chile on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3, 2011 at O'Higgins Park.

No line-up details have been announced yet, but we did receive a Q&A with Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell: - read it here