Bret Michaels' Doctors Deny Rumors That Singer Faked Medical Emergencies

Dr. Joseph Zabramski, MD, Bret's neurosurgeon at Barrow Neurological Institute states, "The fact is, the subarachnoid hemorrhage that Mr. Michaels suffered was very real, and very serious as was the T.I.A (warning stroke) and P.F.O., which will be operated on later this year. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is a life-threatening, neurosurgical emergency that requires an extensive work up and management in the ICU to prevent re-bleeding and manage the complications associated with the initial hemorrhage. For anyone to speculate that this was not a life threatening medical emergency is absolutely incorrect. Between 15 and 20 percent of patients die as a result of the initial hemorrhage, and only approximately 50 percent of those that survive have a good outcome. Recovery from subarachnoid hemorrhage is determined primarily by the size of the initial bleeding episode. Mr. Michaels quick reaction to the hemorrhage and immediate medical attention that followed aided in his ability to make a strong recovery and stop the brain hemorrhage before it caused severe and permanent brain damage. Mr. Michaels is fortunate to be alive after all that he has been through. Bret is truly one of the most determined individuals I have ever met when it comes to an attempt at making a full recovery. - more on this story

Ozzy Blames Sharon

Don't blame Ozzy Osbourne for the strange and controversial decision to have Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake's tracks replaced on the 2002 reissues of his seminal 'Blizzard of Ozz' and "Diary of a Madman' albums.

While this crime against music is being corrected with new remastered reissues that are reported to be out later this year to mark their 30th Anniversary, Ozzy has spoken out against that controversial decision.

Classic Rock reports that Osbourne says in a new interview, "Believe me, it wasn't my doing. I mean, I didn't know that was being done, 'cause Sharon (Osbourne) was fighting all the legal things that were going down at the time. I said, 'What did you do that for?' And she said, 'The only way I could stop everything was if it went to that level.' And I said, 'You know what, whatever the circumstances were, I want the original thing back.' I mean, I wouldn't have done that." - Read the Classic Rock report here

Nickelback and Three Days Grace Fall Tour

Nickelback have extended their Dark Horse World Tour with a new leg featuring support from Three Days Grace that will kick off on September 14 in Nashville and will run through October 30 in Las Vegas.

According to the announcement, "The Dark Horse World Tour" has been a smashing success, as all previous legs have been completely sold out. Since 2009, Nickelback have sold more than 1.6 million tickets and have played more than 120 global shows.

"Our fans have been amazing all over the world from Japan to New Zealand, Australia, Dubai, the UK and North America," said Nickelback's Chad Kroeger. "Our fans keep us going and we are excited to play 25 more dates in the US with Three Days Grace..." - more on this story

Social Distortion Extend Tour Plans

If you can't see Social Distortion on their current summer tour, we have great news for you: They have just announced a North America headlining tour this fall

The tour kicks off on October 14 and is in support of the their forthcoming album which is due out later this fall.

Currently Mike Ness and crew are wrapping up recording on Social Distortion's seventh studio album and follow-up to their critically adored and fan coveted 2004 album, Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll. - more on this story

Sh*t Happens: The Series?

Wanna guarantee headlines for your new series? Give ir a name like Sh*t Happens: The Series?". That is exactly what Every Time I Die have done.

They have officially announced their new weekly series called "Sh*t Happens: The Series?" This latest endeavor into international debauchery finds the boys again teamed up with Space Monkey Studios to bring you the finest in unapologetic tomfoolery. "The Series?" will premiere with a recap of their previous releases (including cult classic "Sh*t Happens", "Party Poopers" and "The Dudes and Don'ts of Recording") on July 14, while the first full episode will air on July 28. [where it will air was not disclosed, we assume their website.]

Over the next 12 weeks, Every Time I Die will unveil episodes that are packed to the gills with impromptu footage showcasing the band's signature brand of humor that has made them infamous amongst their fans and peers alike. This is by no means a scripted reality show containing foreseeable plot twists and over-dramatic story arches. Nor is this your typical live band DVD that focuses on the tedium of tracking a record or the self-congratulatory tales of what inspired their lyrics. Instead, "The Series?" focuses on what it is exactly that drives 5 individuals from similar backgrounds to forfeit family and friends and take to the road year after year for the sake of their craft. Whether you're a fan of music or simply an admirer of the nomadic spirit that resides in all of us, "Sh*t Happens: The Series?" will make you feel at home. - more on this story

Megadeth, Manowar Supergroup Angels Of Babylon Set US Release

Metal supergroup Angels Of Babylon featuring former Manowar drummer Rhino, vocalist David Fefolt, guitarist Ethan Brosh and Megadeth bassist David Ellefson will finally release their debut album stateside. Here is the announcement:

Their debut album Kingdom of Evil was released in Europe by Metal Heaven Records in January of 2010, and in Japan with Hydrant Music in May of 2010. ANGELS OF BABYLON recently signed with Burnhill Union Records, who will be releasing the record to the United States on July 27th, 2010. Kingdom of Evil is now remastered, and features three previously unreleased tracks.

With this intense line-up of heavy metal greats and sharp musicians, ANGELS OF BABYLON is sure to see success in this evolving industry and genre. Forging ahead with the sounds of classic metal, while bringing fusion of new technique and prowess, the band is a new force to be reckoned with. With the launch of Kingdom of Evil worldwide, Earth will soon know the excellence that is ANGELS OF BABYLON. - more on this story

The Gaslight Anthem Slang Video

The Gaslight Anthem have released a new music video for the song "American Slang."

Directed by Kevin Custer, director of the band's seven-part "Making of American Slang" series that documented the process of recording the new album, the video for the title track features live performances from the group as well as striking black-and-white images of New York City, one of the band's many muses for their critically-acclaimed new album.

The video for "American Slang" is the first to emerge from the band's new full-length, an album that entered the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at #16, selling well over 26,000 units in its first week of release. - watch the video here

Sepultura Go Nuclear

Sepultura have a new record label and will have a new record for them release in 2011. Here is the announcement: Nuclear Blast Records is proud to announce the signing of legends.

Commented shredder Andreas Kisser: "We are happy to be at Nuclear Blast, especially in the year we are celebrating 25 years of history, and it is a great honour for us to join forces with the most metal label in the world. I am sure this will be a great journey for both of us and we are already working on new material while on the road. Let's go for another 25 years!" - more on this story

Apple Records To Open Their Vaults

When you think of Apple Records you think of the Beatles naturally but the famed label launched by the Fab Four also gave the world an impressive array of releases from artists ranging from James Taylor to Badfinger to Billy Preston. Now Apple are opening their vaults, here is the official word:

Launched by The Beatles in 1968, as the new outlet for their own recordings as well as the music of an eclectic roster of artists - James Taylor, Badfinger, Billy Preston, Mary Hopkin, Doris Troy, and Jackie Lomax among them - who were all personally brought to the label by The Beatles (individually and/or collectively), Apple Records made popular music history from the very moment it opened its doors.

Four decades later, Apple Corps Ltd. and EMI Music raise the curtain on remastered CD and digital download releases of 15 key albums from the Apple Records catalog. All 15 titles will be released on October 26, 2010. Most of the physical CDs will include bonus material. Together, the 15 albums represent the first ever Apple Records releases to be available via digital download. - more on this story

Shadows Fall, Unearth, Seemless Supergroup Looking For A Voice

Attention aspiring metal vocalists, there is a supergroup in need of a voice: An as of yet untitled project featuring Matt Bachand and Jon Donais on guitars (Shadows Fall), Derek Kerswill on drums (Unearth/Seemless), and Jeff Fultz on bass (Seemless), has begun to take shape. The band has recorded a five song demo thus far, and are actively seeking a vocalist.

"We are looking for one crazy bastard with the energy, the drive, and the determination to take this thing to the next level," says Matt Bachand. Jon Donais adds, "The vocalist we seek should be influenced by a variety of melodically based bands anywhere from Alice In Chains, Shinedown, and Aerosmith, to Skid Row and Pantera."

You must be serious about the position, and must be able to tour extensively. Demo submissions are currently being accepted. Submissions should include a bio and list of past experience, photo, audio and/or video performance, and any other information you would like the band to know.

Interested singers should send demo submissions and contact info to iamdrunk666@gmail.com. -

Singled Out: Robbers On High Street's Electric Eye

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Ben Trokan from Robbers On High Street tells us about their recently released 7 inch "Electric Eye." We now turn it over to for the story:

Someone once told me that every pop song is really in a major key. "Electric Eye," I assure you, is absolutely minor. The ghoulish opening chord confirms it all. It's a C# half-diminished for all you muso-nerds, which is about as easy to play as it is to admit that you know how to play it.

It's one of the earlier ones that I wrote for our new record but one of the later ones we learned. Just came to me, like most things, walking down the street when I was nowhere close to being able to sit down and figure it out. If it wasn't for voice memos on cell phones I don't think I'd ever write another song.

The acoustic guitar strut/handclaps thing reminds me of a song off this Papas Fritas record I listened to quite a bit back in good ol' Y2k. The vocals are in octaves, which is a trick I've always admired in some Superchunk songs and I'm surprised we never did it before, considering my voice is so low and Steve's so very, very high. Though full disclosure, I was listening to Macca's Flaming Pie a lot around then (don't be a wimp, go the distance with Paul!) and there's a track, "The World Tonight," that probably sunk into my subconscious and made me do this.

We had to take care when tracking not to say "Electric Guys", though it was suggested to me that this could perhaps open up a new audience to Robbers on High Street. The trumpet player Dave called it a "crossover hit", to which Jared, the baritone player said, "crossover to what?" I'm still trying to figure that out.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album - right here!

Amos Lee Hits The Road

Amos Lee kicks off his summer U.S. tour tonight with a sold-out show in Portland, Maine.

The tour will include several opening dates with Dave Matthews Band, as well as performances at the GreenNote Festival (Seattle), Mile High Music Festival (Denver), Outside Lands Music Festival (San Francisco), the Minnesota State Fair with Brandi Carlile and the Watson Twins (St. Paul), and the ACL Music Festival (Austin). See full tour schedule below.

Lee, who has released three critically and commercially successful albums on Blue Note Records—2005's Amos Lee, 2006's Supply And Demand, and 2008's Last Days At The Lodge—is currently working on a new album for the label. - more on this story

Outside Lands Night Shows Announced

Jimmy Cliff, Pretty Lights, and Tokyo Police Club are among the newly announced lineup the lineup for the Outside Lands Night Shows.

For fans that haven't had their fill of music after an incredible day in Golden Gate Park, the festival has taken over four San Francisco clubs - The Independent, Mezzanine, Mighty and The Rickshaw Stop.

These clubs will host rare, intimate performances by the following artists: Levon Helm Band Ramble, Jimmy Cliff, Hercules and Love Affair, Tokyo Police Club, Freelance Whales and Pretty Lights. - more on this story

Municipal Waste Europe

Municipal Waste will be kicking off their European tour on July 24th in Brussels, Belgium, and will see the band play a mixture of festivals and club shows across Europe.

Municipal Waste frontman Tony Foresta comments: "As of right now The Waste is cutting back on touring as much as we normally do for this summer, but when we were offered to play both Fluff Fest and Sonisphere we couldn't pass on this opportunity. Even though both festivals are completely different from each other, we feel The Waste fits perfectly with both and we can't wait to trash these places! There's a lot of great cities we're hitting up on this short run as well. Can't wait!

"I'm really pumped about Sonisphere because it's going to be my first time seeing Iron Maiden! I've been waiting for this moment since I was a kid. From what I'm told, we get to play the party tent right after they play. It's going to be so much fun!" - more on this story

Metermaids Say Hello With Free Download

Metermaids present another track off their indie rock sampling mixtape, Hello, recently released as a free download through the group's website.

This time, with "Rust and Sharp Edges", the aggressive rhymes of MC's Swell and Sentence continue over an in-your-face, pulse-raising beat. "We wanted to mirror the mood of the beat, but not over-think it, so we kept it simple and sort of battle-oriented," says Sentence of their latest single. The song is a remix of The Dead Weather's "Treat Me Like Your Mother." Swell explains, "Sentence and I were huge, huge fans of the song and the video, and knew that the remix would fit our style perfectly."

Throughout the song, Metermaids make it clear that they "Got it figured out," as the reoccurring vocal snippet says on the hook. The duo has an undeniable confidence about themselves throughout "Rust and Sharp Edges." "We rarely write songs that are just a lyrical free for all," says Sentence. "When we do, it's always fun.". Among the opening lines of this song, a fair warning is delivered: "We're comin' in, dead bolt the doorway." For those who fail to realize the emergence of something special, a listen to their latest single, filled with raw verses and witty punch lines, should do the trick. Get the song here or - Download the Hello Mixtape Here

Framing Hanley and 3 Pill Morning Hitting The Road

Framing Hanley have tapped 3 Pill Morning to join them on the road for a string of dates starting on July 20th.

The tour will route through the Midwest and head out east throughout the month of July. 3 Pill Morning has been hitting the festival scene so far this summer and is looking forward to getting back on the road for some club dates.

According to Jeff Stebbins, the bands singer, "We love playing outdoors at summer festivals, but it will be great to get back to the intimate club settings and tour with one of our favorite bands to perform with, Framing Hanley." - more on this story

New Model Army Announce Two US Dates For 30th Anniversary Tour

New Model Army will kick off their 30th Anniversary Tour with their only US dates for 2010 at the Bellhouse in Brooklyn September 3rd and 4th for.

Celebrating 30 years of soul-stirring, anthemic rock with a career-spanning array of songs, one of Britain's most iconic post-punk bands promises these two evenings will truly be long-remembered musical events.

NMA founder, and lone remaining original member Justin Sullivan issued this communique outlining what audiences can expect: "We'll be doing two sets each night - the first starting acoustically and building up over 50 minutes or so. Then a short 20-minute break before another full-on set of up to 100 minutes including encores. The following evening we will do the same but with 100% different material. Our promise is to play at least 4 songs from each of the 13 studio albums (including the two B-Sides/Lost Songs compilations). These will not be played in chronological order, or album-by-album, but a random choice… We hope also to include a display of at least a small part of the New Model Army 'One Tribe' Exhibition of original artwork and memorabilia - depending on the nature and geography of the venue and other logistics." -

Dress Up for White Flag

We thought we would pass along this update from White Flag. Any excuse to dress up like KISS is something that we have to report on: Okay is it the water in Michigan or something? So many people that are coming to White Flag's first Midwest show ever, (Thursday, July 15th at PJ's Lager House in Detroit) seem to be into wearing "costumes" (read into that what you wish...) the band are now having a costume contest during the show.

A HEAVY guest judge will bestow a surprise prize package on the most outlandish/unwieldy/uncomfortable outfit worn while White Flag rocks. Rules are that the costumes must be safe, non-flamible, and as outrageous as possible.

Full body plushies, Santa's and attendant elves giant kitchen appliances and pre-Dynasty KISS costumes are among those being encouraged by the band (though guitarist Pat Fear is allowing an exception for "(Music From) The Elder" era KISS garb), though less ornate and incredibly good or outlandishly bad drag is also welcomed.
- Check out their Facebook here

Oceansize Set New Album Release

Oceansize's new album "Self Preserved While The Bodies Float Up" is set for release in North America on September 14th 2010. Fans in Germany, Austria, Switzerland will be able to get it on September 03rd and the rest of Europe on September 06th.

One of the UK's true innovators, Oceansize have carved a unique place for themselves in the music scene. Previous albums "Effloresce, "Everyone Into Position" and "Frames", recent DVD "Feed To Feed" and a series of EP's have been hugely critically acclaimed.

This acclaim, in part recognition that Oceansize look to do things differently to the mainstream. The sound is progressive but never forgets the importance of good songs. Oceansize are a hugely accomplished live act - supporting acts as diverse as Porcupine Tree, Coheed & Cambria, Smashing Pumpkins and Biffy Clyro in addition to sold out headline shows. - more on this story

Therion Frontman Snowy Shaw Missing Final Show With The Band

Therion frontman Snowy Shaw will be sitting out this weekend's appearance at RockHarz, Germany due to illness.

According to the announcement, this German festival would have been Snowy's last show with the band after he had decided to part ways with Therion after 4 years, 2 studio albums, Live DVD's and numerous tours around the world.

However, Snowy is included and has contributed writing and co-writing songs on the forthcoming Therion album: Sitra Ahra (scheduled for release through Nuclear Blast in September) - more on this story

New Wilhelm Scream Video and Tour Dates

Wilhelm Scream have premiered their brand new video for the song "Australias" exclusively at MySpace.com.

Directed by Alex Gorosh and Matt Garrett, "Australias" is the second single from A Wilhelm Scream's highly-touted self-titled EP. You can check out the video here

The video premiere comes hot on the heels of announcing Canadian tour dates supporting Comeback Kid in September, which will follow a weeks worth of headlining US tour dates. - dates are here

The Other To Draw New Blood in August

Euro horror-punkers The Other will release their fourth album, "New Blood," on August 31st.

The effort will be released in three different formats: As a regular CD, a double gatefold LP with two bonus tracks and of course as a download.

The album was produced by Waldemar Sorychta, famous for his work for Moonspell, The Gathering, Lacuna Coil and many more. - more on this story

Rock Prophecies in September

Rock Prophecies will be released on DVD on September 14, 2010, the same month this documentary that was the winner of Audience Awards at the AFI Dallas Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival and Maui Film Festival will be broadcast on PBS.

"Some people collect stamps, some people collect butterflies – I collect rock stars," photographer Robert Knight muses in Rock Prophecies, a documentary about how he managed, through luck, perseverance and the uncanny ability to discover talent well before the rest of the planet, to be in the right place at the right time – again and again and again. Knight has spent the past 40 years photographing some of the rock world's biggest legends in their most intimate moments. The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Aerosmith have all been captured through his camera lens. However, Knight is more than just a famous rock photographer. He is someone with a genuine passion for music and musicians, which has transported him from behind his lens and into rock history.

You don't have to love music to be inspired by Knight's story. The film interweaves three distinct parts of Knight's life – Knight reflecting on his first meetings with numerous rock icons, his quest to discover the next major rock act and his moving efforts to care for his elderly, ailing mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer's while privately fretting over how he'll be able to afford the costs of her medical care - a dilemma that is indirectly threatening the ownership of his 40-year rock n' roll archive. - more on this story

Jesus Lizard Frontman David Yow Announces Art Show

Jesus Lizard and Scratch Acid frontman David Yow will make his art exhibition debut with "SOLO: the first ever one-man exhibition of paintings, collage and digital drawings by David Yow" running Aug. 14 to Sept. 11 at DIY Gallery in Echo Park, Calif. The opening reception for SOLO, with Yow on hand as well as a celebratory evening featuring music and drinks, is Aug. 14 from 7:00 to 11:00 pm.

The works created for this show are rooted in Yow's personal and psychological history, and feature a broad spectrum of mediums. From acrylic, pencil, charcoal, crayon, hair, bugs, collage, and tar on wood, to line drawings digitally combined with photographic textures, Yow reveals an uncommon artistic perspective.

In addition to original works for sale, DIY is offering signed prints of Yow's poster for an August 2010 Queens of the Stone Age / Eagles of Death Metal fundraising concert for bassist Brian O'Connor, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. All proceeds from poster sales will go directly to Brian's medical fund. - more on this story

Grab A Free Indie Sampler Featuring The Antlers, Dawes, Deerhunter and More

We told you about this, but here is a reminder now that it is available:
RiverRocks/Insound Digital Mix Tape, released this week, features tracks by the six bands slated to perform at the 12th annual RiverRocks free music series this summer in New York City.

The three-date series begins this Thursday (July 8) on Pier 54 in Hudson River Park with the infectious indie folk/alt country band Phosphorescent and the "authentically vintage" sounding L.A.-based Dawes.

Available for a limited time, the free mix tape features the following bands and tracks:The Antlers -- "Sylvia" * Dawes -- "When My Time Comes" * Deerhunter -- "Little Kids" * Dinosaur Feathers -- "Vendela Vida" * Phosphorescent -- "The Mermaid Parade" * Real Estate -- "Fake Blues" - Grab it here