Former Guns N' Roses Members Form New Band

This 70s rock cover band will have you swinging from the rafters and singing along to every song. They've also been known to have legendary special guest appearances joining in the festivities. Rocking cover tunes from the 70s by bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and AC/DC they're sure to bang out everyone's favorite. - Band's Site

Metal Legend Ronnie James Dio RIP

It is with sadness we report that legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio lost his five month battle with stomach cancer.

His wife and manager Wendy Dio posted the following message of Ronnie's official website, "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

Dio is survived by his wife Wendy, son Daniel, grandchildren Julie and Joey, and father Pat. The outpouring from the music community over this sad news has been massive. We have published a few of those tributes in a separate article in Monday's Day in Rock.

Instead of a traditional eulogy we have republished a "Legends" feature we originally ran in 2003 that covered Dio's amazing career and contribution to music. You can read that - here

A New Bret Michaels Reality Series

A half-hour special sneak peak of Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It premiered on Memorial Day on Vh1. The series Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It is tentatively scheduled to premiere in Fall 2010.

Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It, will give viewers an insider's look at Bret's home life when he isn't touring, shooting, partying and rocking out. After the lights have dimmed on stage and the music stops for the night, Bret rolls off the tour bus right into the loving arms of his daughters Raine and Jorja, who affectionately refer to him as "Poppa Rocka."

"After Bret's recent appendectomy and life threatening brain hemorrhage, we're so happy that he is on the road to recovery and coming back to VH1 in Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It." said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Production "Bret is family to us and has always been a huge hit on the network, headlining several series and specials that have garnered record breaking ratings and made a strong connection with our audience. We have temporarily halted production on the series with Bret's health as our primary concern. Production will resume when it is cleared by his doctors. If anyone can fight off illness and get back on his feet, it's Bret. But in the meantime, in response to the flood of well wishes the network has received from Bret's fans, we'd like to celebrate Bret's recovery with this sneak peak special featuring the next chapter in Bret's story on VH1. It's a never-before-seen look into Bret's family life- the real center of his world from which he draws his unsinkable strength." - more on this story

Led Zeppelin Experience Tour

Jason Bonham confirmed late last month that he was planning a special tribute tour to his father with a tour. While the dates have not yet been announced we were sent this announcement on Monday with more details: Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience will celebrate the life and music of his father - the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham - in true epic fashion with a limited engagement of 30 concert dates in North America this fall. "This is a personal trip through my life with the music of Led Zeppelin," explains Jason, "and how the music influenced me."

Jason played with Robert Plant , Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones at Led Zeppelin's "final" show at London's O2 Arena in 2007, which was heralded as the most powerful Led Zeppelin performance since the group's disbandment. The band received uniformly rave reviews and Jason didn't want to stop after that magical and memorable night.

"When I was offered to put this together over a year ago, it wasn't right," notes Jason. "This September 25th is the 30th anniversary of my father's passing - I thought, what better way to celebrate his life than to do 30 shows for the 30 years he's been gone?" - more on this story

Slipknot's Paul Gray Found Dead

Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, aka #2 or The Pig, was found dead in a hotel room near the group's home town of Des Moines, Iowa. The cause of the 38-year-old rocker's death is not yet known and at press time, the band had not yet released a statement.

CNN reports that "Gray's body was found by staff members at the TownePlace Suites, said Sgt. Dave Disney of the Urbandale Police Department. "An autopsy, including toxicology tests, will be performed Tuesday, Disney said." The AP reports that "Foul play isn't suspected."

Rock Radio reports that last December Gray announced he was to become a father for the first time and called the pregnancy of his wife Brenna "the best Christmas present". She's due to give birth in September. - more on this story

Axl Rose Claims Chinese Democracy Was Sabotaged To Bring About Original Guns N' Roses Reunion

Rock Radio has this report about the ever continuing saga that is Guns N' Roses: The legal battle between Guns N' Roses mainman Axl Rose and former manager Irving Azoff has escalated with Rose making allegations of sabotage. In papers filed in US courts, Rose claims that Azoff tried to force him into a reunion tour with guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan and other classic-era band members. And when it didn't work, Azoff resorted to trying to destroy the 21st-century edition's career, Rose says.

The papers accuse the manager of "devising and implementing a secret plan to set up Rose and the band for failure, so that Rose would have no choice but to reunited with the original Guns n'Roses members."

Rose says Azoff deliberately mismanaged concert bookings, and deliberately failed to promote the new band's long-awaited 2008 album Chinese Democracy. - more on this story

Geezer Butler Remembers Ronnie James Dio

Ronnie James Dio's Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell bandmate, Terry "Geezer" Butler has posted a lengthy statement about the loss of his friend. Here is what he has to say: It's impossible to express in mere words the relationship Ronnie and I, Wendy and my wife Gloria had. He was much more than a friend, fellow musician, band mate. If I have a soul, then he is part of it.

I truly believe God, fate, destiny, whatever it's called, brought us together again in 2006, after not seeing each other for 14 years, to do one final tour, which turned into 3 major tours and an album. We were having a blast together, enjoying each other's company more than we had ever done before, talking about maybe doing one more album, when fate intervened again.

We were planning on doing a 2 or 3 part North American tour, after having toured South America and Europe in Spring /Summer 2009, but on the first leg of the North American tour, Tony's hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny's shoulder became dislocated, and Ronnie was having terrible stomach pains. We decided to cut the tour, get healthy, and carry on the following year. Tony and Vinny had successful procedures to fix their ailments, but Ronnie's stomach pains were worsening. I saw him at the Dio Halloween party, but he wasn't drinking, unusual for Ronnie who liked his tipple. He was telling me he had made an appointment with a specialist, to see what it was….. - read more of his statement here

Addiction, Not Scott Weiland Killed Velvet Revolver

(Rock Radio) Slash doesn't blame Scott Weiland for the controversies that led to the singer's departure from Velvet Revolver. In fact, the guitarist believes the whole band became victims to their chemical addictions – only Weiland suffered worse than his colleagues.

The singer recently said he wishes Velvet Revolver well. Now, after the pair spent time together recently Slash tells Spinner.com: "I still love the guy and there's not any hard feelings.

"Velvet Revolver was intended to be a lot of fun and we started off having a great time, but I think we all had chemical issues as the thing wore on." He said. "Scott had his issues. Even Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum went down the same road. The only one who stayed sober was Dave Kushner." - more on this story

Black Sabbath's Earliest Recordings Posted Online?

he Metal Den unearths what they report are the earliest known recordings from legendary English heavy metal act Black Sabbath, which includes two 1969 demo tracks "The Rebel" and "When I Came Down, along with a live cut called "Early One Morning Blues".

The two demo tracks could have been credited to Earth since Sabbath's final gig as Earth was performed the day after recording "The Rebel", but these recordings are generally understood to indeed be the first ever by the legendary group.

Sabbath historian Rob Dwyer explains the history of the music: "'The Rebel' is without a doubt one of the most sought-after BLACK SABBATH songs ever recorded. Although a small fragment of this very un-SABBATH like song can be heard on 'The Black Sabbath Story Volume 1′ video, most fans have never heard this still-unreleased 1969 demo." - more on this story

Gilmour Blocked Pink Floyd Reunion

(Nightwatcher) Roger Waters has revealed that Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour blocked a full reunion by Pink Floyd.

Speaking to the Associated Press, the former bassist said, "David (Gilmour) is completely disinterested in anything like that. After Live 8, I could have probably gone for doing some more stuff, but he's not interested, so it is what it is."

Roger Waters added that Pink Floyd musical The Wall is moving in the right direction after getting Billy Elliot's writer on board. - more on this story

Taking Back Sunday Announce Summer Tour Dates

Recently reunited Taking Back Sunday have announced a handful of summer tour dates. The six shows kick off at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ on June 22nd and will take the band through New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles. The dates mark the first time the New York band's newly reformed line up will share the stage since 2003.

Taking Back Sunday 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 their 2002 debut Tell All Your Friends. Tell All Your Friends 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. The band will begin recording their fifth studio album in Los Angeles this summer with producer Eric Valentine.

"We are so excited to be able to play songs in front of people with this line up of the band," says Lazzara. "So we have to play a few shows before we go off to make the new record. All of these venues have special meanings for us, and we've had so much support in these cities." Nolan agrees. "I think we're going to be backstage waiting to go on and just jumping up and down. It's going to be amazing to share the excitement that we've been feeling for these past few weeks with an audience." - more on this story

Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society New Album Details

Black Label Society's brand new album is officially confirmed for an August 10th North American release date. Order Of The Black will feature Black Label at its best with frontman/lead axeman Zakk Wylde's signature guitar virtuosity and howling vocals, as well as a propulsive rhythm section, courtesy of bassist J.D. Deservio and drummer Will Hunt, along with a few surprises.

Wylde commented in jest, "The Doom Crew and I have been holed up in the Black Label Bunker for the last few months laying down some of the heaviest, sexiest tracks imaginable. We can't wait for Berserkers worldwide to hear the symphonic masterpiece that is the new BLS record!" Order Of The Black will be released in North America via E1 Music.

In other news, Black Label Society has just been confirmed to headline the second stage of 2010's Ozzfest. This marks the band's sixth appearance on the explosive hard rock package tour. Please see below for tour dates. Following Ozzfest, BLS will head out on its own worldwide headlining tour in support of ORDER OF THE BLACK through 2011. - more on this story

Van Halen's Earliest Recording Hits The Web?

The Metal Den have unearthed what they report is the earliest known demo recording by legendary hard rock act Van Halen. This extremely rare cut entitled "Glitter" is rumored to be from 1973, but is most likely 1974 based on the time line of the group's development.

It is also rumored that Mark Stone played on the bass guitar at this time… but interviews place Michael Anthony in the band as early as 1972, so it is highly unlikely.

Another story claims that when Michael Anthony joined the band, Eddie & Alex Van Halen handed him a tape that included "Glitter", along with two other songs. - more on this story

Avenged Sevenfold Confirm That Mike Portnoy is Joining Them On Tour

(Metal Underground) Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy recently announced he would be joining Avenged Sevenfold on their upcoming tour dates to sit in for the band's recently deceased drummer James Sullivan.

Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance has now checked in with the following comments about the touring arrangement:" After being so kind and caring to help us in the studio, the rumors are in fact true and Mike Portnoy will indeed be helping us on the upcoming Uproar tour later this year.

"We hope to see you all out on the road. We are very grateful to Mike for dedicating his time and talent to help us get back on the road so we can be where we need to be the most which is with our fans. Much Love and Respect." - Read Mike's comments here

Interpol Finish Album, Lose Member

Interpol had good news and bad news for fans. The good news is that they have finished their new album and the bad news is that they have lost a member. Here is what they had to say:

As some of you have surely heard, Interpol has completed it's new album. It was recorded at Electric Lady Studios, New York, and mixed with Alan Moulder at Assault and Battery, London. The four of us poured our collective heart into this music and we are very proud and excited to share it. It's a heavy record. But we're feeling limber; and we're going to carry it all around the world for you. Touring begins this summer, so check here soon for announcements and show dates.

There is more: Sadly, Carlos will not be joining us. After the completion of the album, Carlos informed the rest of us that he would be leaving the band. He has decided to follow another path, and to pursue new goals. This separation is amicable, and we whole-heartedly wish him great happiness and success. We will remain, as always, deeply respectful fans of this blazingly talented individual. - more on this story

Poor David Lee Roth

Poor David Lee Roth. He's getting a divorce. The problem is that the Van Halen frontman's rep says he isn't married to the woman divorcing him. The Morning Call had a report about the strange case, here are some, but not all, of the highlights: David Lee Roth has been a puppet, pirate, a poet, a pauper, a pawn and a king, according to his 1986 hit "That's Life." One thing he's never been, according to his publicist, is married to Jo Ann Fonzone of Allentown, Pa. But for the past four years, Fonzone, acting as her own attorney, has been trying to divorce the lead singer of Van Halen in Lehigh County Court. And, because she can't afford it, Lehigh County has waived the filing fee.

Roth is one of 18 defendants Fonzone has targeted in nearly two dozen lawsuits, complaints and appeals in federal and county courts since 1997. Those suits have claimed countless hours from judges, lawyers, clerks and defendants.

Fonzone said she can't produce photos of herself with Roth or a marriage certificate; she says she left them in California when she left Roth in 1993. She also claims in court documents that Roth used her Social Security number to gain a $50 million credit line. - more on this story

Def Leppard Member Joins Thin Lizzy

(Rock Radio) Former Almighty frontman Ricky Warwick and Def Leppard guitarist Viv Campbell have joined the 2011 lineup of Thin Lizzy.

The band, once led by Phil Lynott, now features Warwick on vocals and guitar, Campbell on guitar, Lynott-era guitarist Scott Gorham and keyboardist Darren Wharton, Marco Mendoza on bass and founding member Brian Downey on drums.

They'll play a memorial show on June 4 in Dublin to mark the 25th anniversary of Lynott's death before embarking on a UK tour running for the rest of the month. - more on this story

Danzig Slams Murdering Quacks

Glenn Danzig is promoting his forthcoming new album and tour and sat down with Vice Magazine for an interview. Things were going along normally but then the conversation took a strange twist (a salad was involved). Rock Radio picked up on that part of the exchange and has this report: Glenn Danzig has branded cancer specialists "murdering quacks" and says modern Western doctors are "full of sh*t". He believes chemotherapy is no cure for cancer, and instead just kills patients.

His statements come as Ronnie James Dio continues chemotherapy treatment for stomach cancer, which, although going well, has seen Heaven and Hell cancelling their planned European festival tour over the summer.

"Diet is important. You want to go to a nutritionist to find out what your body is lacking – not a f'kin quack, murdering doctor." Danzig tells Viceland "If you had cancer would you get chemo? You'd be dead in a week... Chemo radiation will kill you, and it's not the way to heal your body from cancer. You need to make your body stronger. Your body has natural things that fight off diseases." read more of Rock Radio's report - here

Paul is Undead- The Beatles To Star In A Zombie Movie

We're not sure how serious to take this report from NME. But Paul is Undead? How could we resist that? Here is part of their report:

The Beatles are to be reborn as the undead in a new film adaptation of a graphic novel. The movie - entitled Paul Is Undead: The British Zombie Invasion - will show the band as zombies, after Doubles Features producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher brought the screen rights for Alan Goldsher's illustrated novel.

The books sees an undead John Lennon killing a reanimated Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The group travel the world performing gigs, before facing off against zombie hunter Mick Jagger and Yoko Ono, who's a ninja - more on this story

Metallica and KISS Members To Be Guitar Hero 6 Characters

Did the Kurt Cobain fiasco spell the end to playable characters in one of the most popular music based games? Perhaps. 1Up.com reports that playable characters will be a thing of the past in the upcoming Guitar Hero 6. But that doesn't mean that the game won't include rock stars. They report that Gene Simmons and Metallica's Lar Ulrich will be included in the new Guitar Hero.

1up.com reports: Simmons will narrate a brand new Quest Mode, where players will "recruit" other rock stars and unlock their "song sets" along the way. You can also unlock the musician's "alter ego" (such as Lars becoming "Warrior Lars") which give you bonus powers.

Queen, Black Sabbath and KISS are confirmed to have songs in the game which could be ready for release this holiday season . - more on this story

Label Didn't Want Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street

(Rock Radio) The Rolling Stones' record label didn't want to release Exile on Main Street when the band recorded the album in 1972, guitarist Keith Richards has revealed. Re-released in deluxe format, it's now regarded as a high point in their career. But the Stones had to battle to preserve its double-disc format when they presented it to label bosses 38 years ago.

Richards tells The Independent: "We had to fight the record company about that. We insisted it was double. It was very different: there were no hit singles. It was an album by itself."

Although early parts of the masterpiece were recorded in the UK, the majority of the work was done in the cellar of Nellcote, a French villa Richards had hired – a lucky accident which came about as a result of the Stones being hounded out of their home country. - - Keef explains here

Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax Tour in 2011?

Slayer's guitarist Kerry King recently discussed the upcoming Big Four of Thrash concerts in Europe this summer and his hopes that they will lead to the bands playing together stateside.

Here is an excerpt of the Noisecreep article (via BW&BK): "I hope Slayer/Megadeth tour is a precursor to the Big Four coming to the States," King said. "That tour it should be everywhere: here, Australia, Japan. Any place that wants it should have it and it should happen."

While there are no plans for the Big Four to decimate the U.S. -- yet -- King says it should all come down to timing, since there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to pulling such a massive, mammoth tour off. "Metallica has toured a ton and as much as we have going, we don't have a free moment in our schedule, so this is just me thinking out loud, but I'd say it would be great in summer 2011. If there are any talks, they are preliminary. And that's a time frame that would work for us" - more on this story

Reunited Something Corporate Announce Summer Tour

Something Corporate have reunited after a six year hiatus and are returning to the road on a multi-city tour during the month of August.

Frontman Andrew McMahon says, "I think the beauty of this reunion is that we waited until we were ready. There is such a good vibe going between all of us and getting to play these songs again has been a true joy. The festival dates have been a rush, but I think we're all fired up to get back into the clubs and theatres -- where we really cut our teeth for the first time."

Recently the band played three Bamboozle dates — Bamboozle Chicago, Bamboozle East and Bamboozle Left (Angel Stadium in Anaheim), the latter a homecoming for singer-pianist Andrew McMahon, lead guitarist Josh Partington, bassist Kevin "Clutch" Page, and drummer Brian Ireland. - more on this story

ISIS Breakup

(Band Statement) ISIS has reached an end. It's hard to try to say it in any delicate way, and it is a truth that is best spoken plainly. This end isn't something that occurred over night and it hasn't been brought about by a single cataclysmic fracture in the band. Simply put, ISIS has done everything we wanted to do, said everything we wanted to say.

In the interest of preserving the love we have of this band, for each other, for the music made and for all the people who have continually supported us, it is time to bring it to a close. We've seen too many bands push past the point of a dignified death and we all promised one another early on in the life of the band that we would do our best to ensure ISIS would never fall victim to that syndrome.

We've had a much longer run than we ever expected we would and accomplished a great deal more than we ever imagined possible. We never set any specific goals when the band was founded other than to make the music we wanted to hear and to play (and to stay true to that ideal), so everything else that has come along the long and winding path has been an absolute gift. - more on this story

Ozzy Osbourne Plans Release of Rare Randy Rhoads Footage

BW&BK caught up with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne and learned some more about the upcoming 30th Anniversary Editions of Ozzy's first two legendary solo albums featuring the late guitarist Randy Rhoads - Blizzard Of Ozz (1980) and Diary Of A Madman (1981), but also learned that there is some rare Randy Rhoads video footage that will see the light of day soon as well. Here is part of their report:

"They definitely are coming out this year," Sharon Osbourne told BraveWords.com earlier this week. "They are coming out for (US) Thanksgiving and they will be on the market then. It's going back to the original recordings with (Bob) Daisley (bass) and (Lee) Kerslake (drums). And there will be a lot of stuff that you haven't heard before in the packages. Like certain conversations that were going on in the studio with the guys just messing around while the tape was still rolling. All of that will be added into it." Ozzy added jokingly - "Do I sing good?" Sharon - "Fabulous!"

There's also talk of some visuals in the archives with Randy Rhoads? "There's two shows that we have in the archives that we are working on right now," Sharon reveals. "Of course in those days, the tapes were like twenty minutes and then you had to change the tape. So we're trying to clean it up, make sense of it. So we are working on it, along with another film we have of Randy. It will all be boxed together and it should be a great piece to have for a real fan. It will be an amazing piece." - more on this story

Weiland Explains Being Solo Temple Pilot

(Rock Radio) Scott Weiland recorded his vocal tracks for the new Stone Temple Pilots album in a different studio from the band because he doesn't like people being around while he works, he's revealed.

And that shyness is what got him into drugs in the early 90s, the singer adds. Weiland tells Canoe.ca: "They recorded the master tracks and I'd take the file over to my studio and sing. It was a lot easier – I don't like having a lot of people in the room when I'm cutting vocals. I like to be in my own comfort zone."

He described his condition as "social fright" rather than "stage fright" and that's what led him down the road of taking drugs to feel better – a road which caused the original split of STP, then, two years ago, his departure from Velvet Revolver. - more on this story

U2 Postpone Tour Launch After Bono's Emergency Surgery

U2 frontman Bono underwent emergency back surgery in Munich, Germany, after sustaining an injury during preparation for the next leg of the band's U2 360 tour.

A band spokesperson said on Friday, "Bono will spend the next few days there, before returning home to recuperate. Once his condition has been assessed further, a statement will be made regarding the impact on forthcoming tour dates."

As promised, because of the injury, Live Nation confirmed that the U2 360 tour launch previously scheduled for June 3rd in Salt Lake City has been postponed. - more on this story

Slash Puzzled by Axl Rose's Latest Move

(Rock Radio) Slash says he's been left speechless after former Guns N' Roses bandmate Axl Rose sued ex-manager Irving Azoff for sabotage.

Rose is chasing $5m in damages, claiming Azoff tried to force a reunion of the classic Guns N' Roses lineup – and when it didn't work the businessman deliberately attempted to destroy Rose's career so the reunion would become his only option.

"I don't know where Axl is coming from," Slash tells WENN.com."I know where Irving is coming from – he's looking for commissions for a tour that he booked. A pretty reasonable kind of thing." - more on this story

KISS Announce The Hottest Show On Earth

KISS have announced the humbly titled The Hottest Show on Earth tour, which is set to kick off on July 23 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.

KISS will perform such classics as "Detroit Rock City" and "Rock and Roll All Nite" as well as hits that they haven't played in the US in many years. The Hottest Show on Earth tour, produced by Live Nation, will trek through a mix of arenas, (state fairs) and amphitheaters throughout North America.

For an opening act, KISS are partnering with Guitar Center On-Stage, an unsigned band competition that will provide emerging artists the chance to open for KISS at 22 of the band's tour stops. - more on this story

Alice Cooper Reunites with Producer Bob Ezrin for New Album

Alice Cooper has begun working on a new album to be produced by Bob Ezrin as part of a new joint venture with Bigger Picture Group. Ezrin has a rich history of hugely successful collaborations with Alice including such groundbreaking albums as Billion Dollar Babies, Welcome To My Nightmare, School's Out and Love It To Death and has, in the past, been described by Alice as "our George Martin."

Ezrin is a partner in Bigger Picture Group, a Nashville based company that has been instrumental in contributing to the success of numerous artists including country music sensation Zac Brown Band, remarked, "I am delighted to be back in business with Alice Cooper and Shep Gordon's Alive Enterprises and our whole company is over the moon about this collaboration. This is not a record deal but rather a partnership that involves virtually all aspects of Alice's ever-expanding universe. And it's a reunion with the first artist I ever produced and the first great manager I ever worked with. I couldn't be happier."

Bigger Picture will contribute to strategy, staging, special products, theatrical projects as well as the production, promotion and distribution of future Alice Cooper releases. The company will utilize its distribution agreement with Warner Music Group when the new Alice Cooper album, projected for release early next year, and other recorded product launches. A tour themed to tie in with the album, the concept of which is being kept under wraps for the moment, is being planned in support of the release. - more on this story

Is Rock Dead? Slash Thinks So

(Nightwatcher) Slash admits he is unhappy about the lack of "spirit" in the current guitar-based music scene and doesn't know where the next big thing will come from.

"I usually hate talking about the state of rock music, because there's nothing positive to say about it. The whole vibe of new, exciting hard rock bands seems non-existent right now," He said. "I always say that the heavy metal spirit is alive and well and holding its own, but the broader rock 'n' roll thing of bands like AC/DC or Guns N' Roses seems pretty slim. The rock 'n' roll spirit is extremely diminished.

"There's no shortage of bands out there trying to make it, but they're hard pressed to get a foot in the door. There's no movement on the streets." - more on this story

Bret Michaels and Alice Cooper Make Surprise American Idol Appearances

School's out for Simon Cowell. As the American Idol judge made his final appearance on the televised karaoke contest, the season finale featured surprise performances from legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper and ailing Poison frontman turned Celebrity Apprentice Bret Michaels.

Despite recovering from a series of serious medical issues which has seen him hospitalized several times in the past month, Michaels appeared on the show and performed the hit Poison ballad, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," will Idol finalist Casey James.

"I needed to be here and do this," Michaels told the press backstage after his performance. "It's been two months since I played, a month and a half in the hospital, and it was such an amazing feeling to come out there tonight and jam with Casey." - more on this story

Drugs Linked To Slipknot's Paul Gray's Death?

An internet tabloid has published what it claims is the 911 call made from the hotel room where Slipknot bassist Paul Gray was found dead.

Rock Radio reports: During the conversation between a hotel employee and a 911 operator, it's stated that Gray, 38, was found "crunched over in the corner" near a hypodermic needle and bottles of pills.

When the 911 asked, "Do you know how old he is? Fifties, sixties, seventies?" the hotel employee answered, "No, no, probably late twenties. There's a hypodermic needle next to his bed here so..." - You can read the full transcript of the 911 call here

Rush's Moving Pictures/2112 Classic Albums DVD/Blu Ray Coming in September

(BW&BK) Eagle Vision has confirmed a September 28th release date for the Classic Albums DVD/Blu Ray/Deluxe Edition release of Rush's legendary Moving Pictures and 2112 albums.

The video goes into the studio with singer/bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart, along with producers for interviews and rare performances of material that shaped the band's career such as 'Tom Sawyer', 'YYZ', 'Limelight' and '2112'.

Rush has announced the upcoming release of their eagerly anticipated new single. 'Caravan' - which will be featured on the legendary band's forthcoming album, Clockwork Angels - will be available at all DSPs on June 1st and serviced to radio simultaneously. - more on this story

Serious Injury Sidelines Anarbor

Anarbor has bad news for their fans, Greg Garrity was seriously injured causing the band to pull out of the Beyond the Blue tour in Japan. Slade gave fans this update:

I regret to inform you that we will not be playing the Beyond the Blue tour this year. We are very sorry about this incident. Thursday morning Greg was injured very badly, it would be best for us to fly home for him to get the medical & family support that he needs. We have done everything in our power to proceed with the tour, but unfortunately there is nothing we can do.

If you are attending the shows, kick rock music is giving away free pens in Osaka and Nagoya in our regard and has made a special Anarbor stickers for the fans going to the last three shows in Tokyo. Once again we are very sorry and we will be back very soon. For updates on how Greg is doing you can visit our website www.Anarbor.net and this Tumblr. Kick Rock Music has promised to bring us back to Japan as soon as possible - more on this story

Gene Simmons Criminally Cleared of Mall Assault but Faces Sexual Assault Claim

Gene Simmons has been criminally cleared of one assault claim and now faces a civil claim for another one. The Los Angeles district attorney's office will not charge Simmons with an alleged assault of a couple in a mall, but a makeup artist counter-sued Simmons on Wednesday claiming sexual assault.

AP reports that the mall couple, Nathan and Cynthia Marlowe claim Simmons choked them and "took their video camera after they started filming the star, while Simmons told police that Marlowe shoved the camera in his face and that he feared for his family's safety."

They are still suing Simmons for "$25,000 in damages for claims of assault, battery and emotional distress, including damage to their sex life." How the alleged incident damaged their sex life is anyone's guess. But speaking of sex, Simmons was sued on Thursday by a make-up artist who claims that the KISS star sexually assaulted her. This is the same woman that Simmons took legal action against earlier this month. In his suit, Simmons asked the court for a judicial declaration that no assault took place and that ESPN makeup artist Victoria Jackson did not suffer any damages or injuries attributable to him. - earlier story