Cypress Hill Vs Axl Rose- The Who Over?- Pantera Members Reunite- Ozzy Osbourne The Movie- Motley Fan Murderer- Blink 182 Plane Crash Cause- Kings Of Leon- more

Kings Of Leon have begun recording a follow-up to 2008's massive-selling album 'Only By The Night'. The band are keeping fans up to date with sessions thanks to Nathan Followill, who has sent several Twitter updates from the studio. more -

Bret Michaels Has Emergency Surgery

(Rock Radio) Poison frontman Bret Michaels was rushed to hospital April 12th for an emergency operation, just seconds before he was due to hit the stage for a solo show.

Doctors in San Antonio, Texas, removed his appendix after he'd spent the day complaining of severe stomach pains. A spokesperson says he's doing well and beginning the recovery process.

Michaels cancelled the San Antonio show at the very last moment, and has subsequently had to postpone all tour dates for the rest of the month. A statement says: "Moments before he was to take the stage, doctors at Sea World urged Bret to go to hospital as he'd been suffering all day from severe pains, and what was assumed to be a severe case of the flu." - more on this story

Music Legend Says No To Joining Van Halen

Not many musicians would turn down a gig with Van Halen. But most musicians aren't Jeff Berlin. We received the following announcement about Berlin's new album, 'High Standards,' but the part about Van Halen was so compelling that we had to lead with it. So read on for that story and details about his new album! Jeff Berlin's resume reads like the who's who of the higher echelon of music artists. Jeff Berlin was even asked to join Van Halen, an invitation that he actually turned down.

"Eddie Van Halen was a fan of the band that I played in with Bill Bruford," Berlin recalls. "We met and started to hang out and jam together. He was a sweet terrific guy. One day he saw me play a gig with my group and then asked me if I would like to join Van Halen. After this, we rehearsed at David Lee Roth's house a couple of times. Ultimately, I said no to his gracious offer because when you join a band, you join the entirety of it, the life philosophy of its members and also the habits that they may be involved with. I felt that, in terms of activities and attitudes, I didn't mesh with their vision of things. I didn't wish to be mercenary and just take the job for money because it wouldn't be fair to the band members. So, I just said no to the offer."

Jeff Berlin is a legend of the electric bass, considered by many to be the finest electric bass player in the world. A true master of the bass, Jeff Berlin has played with the likes of Bill Bruford, George Benson, Allan Holdsworth, and even toured with original members of Yes (Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford, Howe) on only three days' notice. Much to the anticipation of his fans, Jeff is releasing a new jazz trio CD on his own MAJ Records label titled 'High Standards'.
- more on this story

Type O Negative's Peter Steele Dies

Maple Jam Music Group have confirmed that Type O Negative's Peter Steele died. Here is the statement they issued: It is with great sadness that we inform you that Type O Negative frontman and bassist, Peter Steele passed away last night of what appears to be heart failure.

"Ironically Peter had been enjoying a long period of sobriety and improved health and was imminently due to begin recording new music with bandmates Josh Silver, Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly for a follow up to "Dead Again" released in 2007," says longtime band manager, Mike Renault.

The official cause of death has yet to be determined pending autopsy results. The funeral services will be private and memorial services will be announced at a future date. Band member and family statements are
- here

Lost Dimebag Track Featuring Zakk Wylde Released

(Rock Radio) Metal Hammer magazine has released a lost track by late guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott. The track was recorded by the Pantera axeman, who was shot dead on stage in 2004, with his friend Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne fame.

It was produced by Slayer's Dave Lombardo and appears on the CD packaged with the latest Metal Hammer, available now.

Lombardo says: "Dime's girlfriend Rita told be about the song, about Zakk Wylde and him getting together and ending up drunk. I put it into Pro Tools and trimmed the edges and made it shine a bit – but the true producer and engineer was Dime. The sounds you hear are the ones he recorded. It was an honour to work on something that no one has ever heard – to be the first one to listen to it." - more on this story

Red Hot Dick Van Dyke For Kids

(Sleazeroxx) Red Hot Chili Peppers and Chickenfoot drummer Chad Smith has teamed up with Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke to record a children's album.

'Rhythm Train', which has been co-produced by Smith with LA Kids singer Leslie Bixler, sees the sticksman play vocal characters like a pirate and train conductor on several tracks.

"I am certainly no rapper but I helped guide Dick with it the first day. It was pretty funny," Smith said. Van Dyke adds, "Rap has a great beat, but I swear to God, I have never been able to understand one word. I don't know what they're saying."
- more on this story

Slash Denies Slamming Axl On New Album

(Rock Radio) Slash has denied suggestions that a line in a song from his solo album refers to his former Guns N' Roses bandmate Axl Rose. And he admits that, 14 years after their relationship broke down, Rose's difficult character is what makes him a "phenomenal" talent.

On the track Crucify the Dead, guest vocalist Ozzy Osbourne sings: "A loaded gun jammed by a rose, the thorns are not around your head, your ego cut you till you bled."

But Slash says the words were written by Osbourne and do not refer to Rose."It was an Ozzy thing. He said the song represents the situation he's had in his relationships with other musicians," The axe hero tells the Toronto Sun. "Yes, there were some key lines in there that were very suggestive of my own experience – but he said, 'No, this is just an overall picture of the issues'."
- more on this story

Underoath Lose Last Original Member

Underoath's final remaining original member, drummer/clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie, has parted ways with the band in the midst of their current European tour. Both Gillespie and the remaining members of the band issued statements on Monday. Here is what the band told fans via Myspace:

"We are taking this opportunity to sadly inform you the six of us have decided at the end of the current european tour, Aaron will no longer be playing in Underoath. This was not a decision made in haste but a thought out and prayed upon group agreement. It in no way effects any of the shows left on this tour. They will still be our best efforts and enjoyable experiences for all. For the future, Aaron will be pursuing other musical and ministry endeavors. As for the rest of us we will continue to work hard on the new Underoath record. We appreciate the love and support from everyone in the past and hope that all of us will continue to receive your support on our future paths. We love you guys."

Aaron posted this message on his Tumbler page: I am more then aware the news you have heard of seems rash, and probably hasty. I wanted to be able to write a few thing down here to maybe help you understand a bit, or at least clear up the rumor mill before it starts grind like a mo fo'. 1. Underoath and i have parted ways. Yes that is a true statement. There is no bad blood, there is no anger, i was in that band for eleven years, i love every person with my whole heart, i love the music we made together, the shows we played and the good times we had. People change, times change, and sometimes change just comes hunting for you. - more on this story

Early Kurt Cobain Recordings Discovered At Garage Sale

On the 16th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death Chart Attack! reported that someone stumbled on early demo recordings by the late star at a garage sale! Here is part of their report:

A lucky person rummaging through bins at a garage sale is about to make a hell of a lot of money because he stumbled upon what might be the earliest known demos of late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.

According to Blurt Online, the man discovered a series of Phillips cassette tapes at the sale in Aberdeen, Wash., which was Cobain's hometown. They all had "KDC" (Cobain's full name was Kurt Donald Cobain) scrawled on them in black marker, and upon listening, he decided he should figure out whether they were actually Cobain's demos. - more on this story

Slipknot Member Joins Will Haven

Slipknot may be taking some time off but it doesn't appear that the members of the band are staying away from making music. The latest member to becoming involved with outside project is Chris Fehn who has been tapped by Will Haven to take on bass duties. Here is what Will Haven had to say about this turn of events:

Mike Martin has had to step away from the band to take care of his family which some of you have known he has not been able to tour with us the past few tours, so we have been just moving on without a bass player in the past few months working on this new record.

Well, I am happy to say we have found our new bass player and we are more than excited about it, Our long-time brother and close friend Chris Fehn (Slipknot) has joined the family. He is here with us tonight recording for the new demo and already has had tons of imput making this record even more amazing, So we are more than stoked to have him with us. - more on this story

Rose Funeral Cancel Shows After Drummer Coughs Up Blood

Rose Funeral's tour has been sidelined by illness. The band announced that several dates on the outing have been canceled. Here is what they had to say: Hey guys we are sorry to announce we have to cancel some of our tour dates with Wretched + And Hell Followed With.

On our few days off in Texas our Drummer came down with an extremely bad respiratory infection. Coughing up blood, and an inability to breathe doesn't mix well with playing live.

We are not canceling this entire tour we are taking the time off for him to rest and get better. We are looking to jump back on tour either the 18th or the 19th. We will keep you updated and again we are sorry! - more on this story

Ozzy Osbourne Diary Of A Madman Tour 1982 CD/DVD Coming in June

A reader sent us over some info on an upcoming DVD release of a classic Ozzy Osbourne concert from 1982. We did confirm through Amazon that it is in fact set for release on June 29th in the US. Here is the announcement: Blizzard Of Ozz is a concert film from the Ozzy Osbourne tour of 1982; a tour that had its fair share of success and tragedy.

This DVD release features a concert filmed in Irvine California for television. At the time Ozzy Osbourne was touring to promote his second solo album Diary of A Madman a tour that was marred by the tragic death of guitarist Randy Rhoads in March 1982 in a freak flying accident. By June 12th 1982 the band were scheduled to play at the Irvine Meadows amphitheatre Irvine, California. By this time Brad Gillis who had replaced Randy Rhoads had been playing with the band for almost two months and had a number of high profile concerts under his belt including a radio broadcast.

The set list which was a typical Ozzy set list of the time included numbers from both solo albums (Blizzard Of Ozz and Diary Of A Madman) including Over The Mountain, Flying High Again, Crazy Train, I Don't Know , Goodbye To Romance, Suicide Solution and culminating with three Black Sabbath classics (Iron Man, Children Of The Grave and Paranoid). The concert was televised and then subsequently released on home video in a slightly edited format. More recently the DVD has been available in Japan and elsewhere. - more on this story

Van Halen Made Little Before Sammy Hagar Joined

(Rock Radio) Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony has revealed that Van Halen were making a relative pittance from their worldwide success until incoming singer Sammy Hagar forced their record label to make new deals with his new bandmates.

Hagar was already a big name after a stint with Montrose and his solo work when in 1985 he replaced David Lee Roth in Van Halen. By that time the band were riding high with the success of their sixth album 1984, featuring the tracks Jump, Panama and Hot For Teacher.

But Anthony says the band weren't making much money – until Hagar changed that. The bassist tells Attention Deficit Delirium: "We didn't have a really good contract until Sammy came in. He came in with his manager and he said, 'What the f'k? Let's redo your contract'. Then all of a sudden it was really poppin'. We'd been looking around and a lot of the guys at Warners had heir summer houses and nice vacations. I guess we were paying for that." - more on this story

Bloc Party Frontman Announces Debut Solo Effort

Bloc Party singer/guitarist Kele Okereke released his first solo album, entitled The Boxer, on June 22nd, 2010 on Glassnote Records. Produced by XXXchange (Spank Rock, The Kills), with additional mixing by Philippe Zdar (responsible for Phoenix's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix), The Boxer sees the talented frontman pushing the boundaries of his own melodic sensibilities, embracing pop, rock and electronic music to boldly step out as a solo artist in his own right. First single "Tenderoni" will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

With the release of their debut, Silent Alarm, in 2005, Bloc Party were one of the 00's most important British bands, driven by Kele's amazing voice and incredible songwriting. When the band decided to take a hiatus after five straight years of touring, Kele had originally intended to walk away from music for a year. But when downtime presented itself, he found his creative impulses were too strong, and ended up booking himself some exploratory time in a recording studio on a whim.

Alone with an engineer, he gravitated towards new instruments, hardly ever picking up the guitar. "I plugged in synths with no idea what they would do. I began programming drum beats, which I had never done before. It was completely back to the drawing board. It was exciting and terrifying. In most cases, I sat down, pulled a drum beat out of nowhere, and arranged stuff around that. It was as exciting to me as the first time I picked up a guitar."
- more on this story

Metallica Touring Through November

Good news and bad news for Metallica fans. Whether it is good or bad news really depends on where in the world you reside. The good news is that Metallica plans to keep touring this year through November and will include a leg in New Zealand and we assume Australia. The bad news is for North American fans, because the band had yet to mention any plans to play there homeland, but we remain optimistic as there is plenty of time between now and November.

This week Stuff.co.nz had this report about Metallica's touring plans: During a recent press conference in Bogota, Colombia, Lars Ulrich, of American heavy metal band Metallica, indicated the group would perform in New Zealand.

When asked about Metallica's plans, Ulrich replied: "We're staying out and doing dates up until November; in Australia and New Zealand is where we're heading in November, and then, after that, we're going to take a little bit of chill time ..." - Read the Stuff report

Earth Crisis Recruit Fall Out Boy

Earth Crisis have announced that their "Wrath of Sanity" headlining North American tour will feature Andy Hurley of Fall Out Boy filling in on drums for most of the outing. This bill, which kicks off on April 22nd, also features First Blood and Thick As Blood.

The trek will also hit The New England Metal and Hardcore festival and conclude at the California Metalfest.

Longtime drummer Dennis Merrick will only be playing the first four shows and will be replaced by Andy Hurley (Fall Out Boy) for the remainder of the tour. Hurley further states: "Earth Crisis is one of my favorite bands ever. They are the reason why I am vegan and straight edge. The origins of most of my philosophical/political beliefs come from them introducing me to a whole new way of thinking. When I was asked to fill in on the upcoming tour, I was beyond stoked. It felt like being called up to the major league, and I think that this will be the most fun I will have on a tour. Be sure to come check it out because this is a band whose songs beat in my heart and who have never forgotten how to write brutally awesome songs." - more on this story

Santana and Steve Winwood Team Up For Summer Tour

The Carlos Santana Universal Tone Tour 2010 is underway with an initial North American leg running through early August. Carlos and the Santana Band will be joined on the road by special guest Steve Winwood, who will open the dates. Following the kick-off concert at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN, the tour travels through the Midwest and Canada for the first half of July, and then heads to the East coast.

Highlights along the way include shows at Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL (7/9); Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto, ON (7/11); Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (7/15); Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY (7/18); Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA (7/23); Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheatre in Virginia Beach, VA (7/27), and Cruzan Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, FL (8/1). Additional North American dates and international legs of the Universal Tone Tour 2010 will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Universal Tone Tour 2010 will feature hits from Santana's four-decade-long career, as well as songs from a brand new studio album that Carlos Santana is currently putting finishing touches on. Santana's most recent release was the 2010 reissue of Supernatural as a 2-CD Legacy Edition — featuring 11 previously unissued bonus tracks — in celebration of the classic nine-time GRAMMY-winning album's 10th anniversary. - more on this story

Original Taking Back Sunday Lineup Recording New Album

Taking Back Sunday have begun work on their fifth studio album. The acclaimed New York rock band has reformed, returning to the original line-up from their 2002 debut Tell All Your Friends, which has sold over one million records worldwide, spawned breakthrough anthem "Cute Without the 'E' (Cut from the Team)" and launched the band as one of the most influential of its generation.

Vocalist Adam Lazzara, guitarist Eddie Reyes and drummer Mark O'Connell have reunited with vocalist/guitarist John Nolan and bass player Shaun Cooper, who departed in 2003 after the release of Tell All Your Friends. "This crazy idea came up and once we started exploring it and talking on the phone it was almost like all that time hadn't passed between us," explains Lazzara. "Given the history and the years that had passed, I don't think any of us really knew if hanging out again let alone writing and playing together would actually work. For it to feel so comfortable and effortless so quickly made us realize that we had to give it a chance."

Nolan describes his thoughts in a similar way. "I never would have imagined that this group of people reuniting would be possible. Since we parted ways we all went down very different paths and somehow everything we've experienced individually over the past seven years has brought us back to a point of genuine appreciation and love for each other as people and musicians. There's a shared excitement and enthusiasm within this group that I haven't experienced since the early days of the band." - more on this story

Velvet Revolver Not Breaking Up

(Rock Radio) Don't worry, Duff McKagan is not planning to leave Velvet Revolver despite becoming a full-time member of Jane's Addiction. The former Guns n'Roses bassist replaced Eric Avery in Perry Farrell's band last month and they're currently writing songs for a new album ahead of planning a world tour.

And McKagan says he's in too creative a place to hang about waiting for Velvet Revolver to get back on the road, although he hopes it'll happen in a year or two.

He tells Rolling Stone: "I can't afford to just see if something's going to happen. These are my years of doing something. I'm probably at my peak creatively and I want to use it. I'm blessed to be able to get that chance now." - more on this story

David Lee Roth Was Far From The First Choice As Howard Stern Replacement

(Rock Radio) Celebrated shock-jock Howard Stern says he knew the moment he met David Lee Roth that the Van Halen frontman wouldn't be able to take over his radio slot.

And the executive who hired him says he was "seventy-eighth choice" to take over when Stern moved from terrestrial to satellite radio in 2006. Former CBS boss Rob Barnett explains as a guest on Stern's show that the only reason he chose Roth was because his ego was big enough to believe he could do it.

Barnett says: "Replacing Howard was a ridiculous impossibility. The only name that advertisers would hear and think, 'maybe we'll but one-twentieth of Howard's dollars on that' was TV presenter Jon Stewart. But Jon was not going to host a radio show." The exec explains: "David was seventy-eighth choice – all the money in the world couldn't get those other guys to do five hours of live radio. They're already rich." - more on this story

Killswitch Engage Singer Returns

Killswitch Engage fans had good news, their frontman Howard Jones will rejoin the band for a series of show in May.

Here is the announcement from Roadrunner about Howard's return: Fresh off of a tour lovingly dubbed "Philswitch Engage" in which All That Remains frontman Phil Labonte filled in for KsE mainman Howard Jones on a North American stint, Killswitch Engage are happy to announce a series of spring shows with Jones back at the helm.

Including a stop at this year's Rock on the Range, a once again Jones-lead Killswitch Engage performed a number of shows in May. - more on this story

Sick Of It All Vs Boston Cops

NYC's hardcore pioneers Sick Of It All found that bringing their tough hardcore mentality (or, uh, shooting a promo video) to the streets of Boston, MA didn't go over too well with local authorities.

The group was on location filming a video for a track off their new album, Based On A True Story (April 20th release), with renowned local area directors Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci, but when cops tried to shut down the shoot tempers got a little heated.

It seems as if New Yorkers still aren't that welcome in Red Sox territory. More news to follow later this week, but for now view the new video trailer - here

Metallica Face Tour Bus Fear

(Rock Radio) Metallica faced down their fear of tour buses to beat the Iceland volcano chaos and realized they still have vivid memories of the 1986 crash that killed bassist Cliff Burton. He died in September that year when their band bus overturned in Sweden, and the band, who carried on with new member Jason Newsted who was eventually replaced by Robert Trujillo, had not used a tour bus since that tour.

But the grounding of all flights over Europe as a result of last week's Eyjafjallajokull eruption forced them back on board to travel from Oslo in Norway to Riga in Latvia, a 28-hour journey which would have taken just four by air.

"When we boarded a bus again this week and had to travel overnight, I realised those memories are still here. We haven't used this means of transportation for more than two decades since the tragedy," Guitarist Kirk Hammett tells Associated Press. "I still haven't overcome the fear of buses. But the show must go on. - more on this story

Dire Circumstances Force Thrice To Cancel Tour With Manchester Orchestra

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

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

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

By the grace of God,
Dustin Kensrue - more on this story

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

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

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

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

Shinedown, Chevelle, Puddle Of Mudd, Sevendust, and 10 Years Announce Carnival Of Madness Tour

Shinedown will headline the inaugural year of the Carnival Of Madness Tour. Chevelle, Puddle Of Mudd, Sevendust, and 10 Years will join them on the road for 27 dates this summer in North America.

"I am beyond excited for this tour, the production is incredible, the line up is amazing, and the energy of having all five bands on one stage is going to be like nothing else this summer," exclaimed Shinedown lead singer Brent Smith. "Get ready for the carnival of madness!"

We're excited to be on the Carnival of Madness tour this Summer promoting what will be our third single from Sci-Fi Crimes," remarked lead singer Pete Loeffler. "It will be great to get out there and see our fans on this multi-band bill!" - more on this story

Slash Tried To Take Justin Bieber To A Strip Club

(SleazeRoxx) Slash had an indecent proposal for popster Justin Bieber when the pair met in Sydney, Australia this weekend - he invited the 16 year old to a strip club.

The pair met over the weekend and Bieber suggested they head out for dinner - but Slash had other plans for a meeting with the teenager.

Slash explains, "I told him, I said maybe me and the Mrs. will take you to a strip bar. But that didn't happen 'cause his minder told me that he's got a curfew and he's with his mom." - more on this story

Taking Back Sunday, Coheed and Cambria and Hot Rod Circuit Members Join Forces For Terrible Things

Combine a bit of Taking Back Sunday (Fred Mascherino), a pinch of Coheed and Cambria (Josh Eppard) and a dash of Hot Rod Circuit (Andy Jackson) and what do you get? Terrible Things, the new Universal Motown all-star rock group that has already garnered over 1 million plays on MySpace...and that's just off a demo!

With the album slated for late summer, the band will soon follow the platinum-play MySpace success of demo "The Hills of Birmingham" with its first official single "Revolution." The song, which goes to radio in June, addresses the themes of fear and alienation, with such lyrical offerings as – "This is not a revolution til we say it is…it seems we only want what we don't have..."

To thank fans for their support thus far, TERRIBLE THINGS will hit the road with Anberlin and Story of the Year in May followed by select dates on the Vans Warped Tour this summer. - more on this story

Courtney To Sell Off Cobain Rights?

(Rock Radio) Hole frontwoman Courtney Michelle, formerly Courtney Love, is planning to sell tragic husband Kurt Cobain's publishing rights so she can rid herself of its "cursed money". [emotional money laundering?]

Cobain was found dead of a shotgun injury in 1994, leaving widow Courtney in possession of the rights to his songs. After years of attempting to protect those financial interests from a wide range of people she believes has been stealing from her, she now says she's planning to sell the rights on, so she can start her own life again.

"I'm thinking about selling all of Kurt's rights – everything. It's not a financial decision. It's an emotional one," Courtney tells the Scotsman. "He was the best friend I ever had, but Kurt and I were only married for three years, and now I need to have my own life. I'm always the widow and that drives me nuts." - more on this story

Bonham Plans Led Zeppelin Experience Tour

(Rock Radio) Drummer Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin's John, is planning a multimedia extravaganza tour which will seek to tell the entire Zep story from beginning to end.

Plans are at an early stage for Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience, but it's thought he'll gather a group of musicians to recreate the band's sound while elaborate video presentations provide historical narrative to the iconic outfit's history.

His plans come just months after he realised a long-held ambition to perform the Moby Dick drum solo alongside his father, who died in 1980, using modern multimedia techniques. - more on this story

Queens of the Stone Age, A Perfect Circle Star Presents Sweethead

Sweethead, the new project from Troy Van Leeuwen (Queens of the Stone Age, A Perfect Circle, Failure), released their debut self-titled album on May 11th through The End Records.

Named after a Bowie B-Side, Sweethead includes Serrina on vocals, Norm Block on drums (Mark Lanegan Band, Plexi) and Eddie Nappi on bass (Mark Lanegan Band, Handsome).

Sweethead have also announced that they will be settling into L.A.'s seminal indie-rock venue Spaceland every Monday in May. The residency will kick off May 3rd, with "Night One" being sponsored by infamous satire bloggers Buddyhead, and wraps on May 24th with a "family night" featuring other QOTSA-related acts such as Mini-Mansions, Alain Johannes and a "very special guest." Ashes Divide, Slang Chickens, Earthlings? and Red Fang are among other acts playing alongside the band during the stint. - more on this story

The Killers, Mumford and Sons, Keane Supergroup

NME reports that members of The Killers, Mumford and Sons, Keane and Noah And The Whale are set to release a collaboration album under the name Mt Desolation.

The band features The Killers' drummer Ronnie Vannucci, Noah And The Whale fiddle player Tom Hobden, banjo player Winston Marshall of Mumford and Sons and Keane's keyboard player/songwriter Tim Rice-Oxley, plus live bassist Jesse Quin.

The NME article simply says the album will be released later this year but they did announce a live date in June. Grab the details - here

Alice In Chains, Deftones and Mastodon Mega Tour

Alice In Chains will be joined this fall by special guests Deftones and Mastodon on Blackdiamondskye, a monolithic triple bill that is guaranteed to be the hottest ticket of the fall touring season. The rollicking roadshow, produced by Live Nation, launches September 16th at the Charter One Pavilion in Chicago, IL.

Over the course of the past week, message boards across the Internet have been buzzing about the tour following a series of mysterious videos and the countdown posted on the recently launched blackdiamondskye.com site.

"Rather than launch with a traditional tour announcement, we wanted to engage the fans first," says David "Beno" Benveniste, founder of Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group, who rep Alice In Chains and Deftones. "We gave them a cryptic clip featuring video snippets of each band and they lit up the internet. Now there's an entire online community talking about the tour and speculating about the bands involved. It's thrilling to see them communicate and respond so positively to this exciting tour." - more on this story