Zakk Wylde Going To Prison?- Johnny Rotten Vs U2- Poison The Well No More- Bret Michaels Denial- Live Aid Movie- New Winehouse By Jan- Sabbath for Babies- more

From Gibson.com's This Date in Music History: Tragedy for John Lennon's family occurred on this day in 1958 when John's mother Julia was knocked down and killed by a car driven by an off-duty policeman. As Beatles fans all know, Lennon would never truly recover from the trauma. Find out what else happened on this date here -

Ultra Limited Edition Metallica

Because Sound Matters will begin selling a VERY limited pressing of Metallica's "Kill 'Em All," printed on BLOOD RED VINYL, on their website today (Thursday, July 15) starting at 1:00 PM. The limited edition of 1,000 pieces will be offered first come, first serve.

This limited red vinyl deluxe edition comes as a double gatefold, two-disc, 180 gram, 45 rpm version and is half speed mastered from the original analog tapes at Mobile Fidelity for the ultimate listening experience.

Also Because Sound Matters' Friday Vinyl Lunch this week will feature Metallica's seminal 1983 debut album Kill 'Em All. So you can bang your head while you eat. More info on both
- here

Iron Maiden Guitarist Addresses Retirement Rumor

Rock Radio has interesting article about Iron Maiden where guitarist Janick Gers goes into details about the band's current tour setlist which has upset some fans. But he also address the rumors that Iron Maiden were planning to retire after the release of their new album. Here is that part of the report:

The title of the band's 15th studio album has led to increased speculation about Maiden's future, coupled with the fact that mainman Steve Harris used to regularly say the band would record 15 albums then split up.

"It's been fun, and as long as we enjoy it and it feels valid and the fans are still coming and we have great concerts – I'd like to carry on," Gers said. "The minute I don't enjoy it and we don't deliver, I wouldn't want to carry on as a parody act doing a cabaret show." - now about that setlist

Black Label Society Announce Benefit and Video Contest

Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society had two big announcements this week. they announced a benefit concert and also a call to fans to shoot the band's new video. Here is the official word: "Zakk is doing it again - and of course with the help of Black Label Society. If you know Zakk, you know he has a passion for helping "the munchkins." Munchkins meaning children, and help meaning donating - and donating big.

Yep, Zakk and Black Label Society will perform a special show to benefit St Jude Children's Hospital at the Roxy in West Hollywood, CA on August 10th. The show will happen on the night of the band's new album release for The Order Of The Black that same day. 100% of the show's proceeds will benefit St Jude Children's Hospital.

As for the video: Zakk Wylde wants YOU to shoot the new video for his E1 Music single release "Parade Of The Dead!" Zakk's call to all Berzerkers on the BLSOfficial YouTube Channel to motivate off their couches, recliners and barstools with their digital video cameras is a first in band history. The results as Zakk would say, "will be un- f'n believable."
- More details here

The Dear Hunter Announce Dates With Circa Survive And Coheed & Cambria, Plan EP Release

The Dear Hunter's camp sent over a big update which includes news about their next album, an upcoming EP, plus dates with Circa Survive And Coheed & Cambria. Here you go: While The Dear Hunter begin to plot out ideas for their next album, ACT IV (the follow-up to 2009's critically acclaimed ACT III: LIFE AND DEATH), fans won't have to wait too long for new music. A collection of 9 EPs entitled COLOR SPECTRUM will be released early next year. The exact release date will be announced in the coming months.

Since the band's headlining tour concluded in April, they started putting together the early workings of songs inspired by the colors of the spectrum, specifically RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, INDIGO and VIOLET, with WHITE and BLACK being included as bookends.

"A few years ago I was thinking of what we would do when we were finished with the ACT records," explains Casey Crescenzo. "The thought just kind of happened, and the idea for the project quickly developed. For the longest time, the idea was just to keep it a project that the band would complete on time off. After the initial shock of being an independent band again, we found comfort in the idea that we were now free to tackle any project we saw fit. Knowing that no label would back a project like this, we saw no better time than the present to approach this lingering idea."

He continues: "At its heart, this project is about our growth as songwriters and musicians, and the idea has always been to challenge ourselves. We have never limited ourselves to a single genre, and this idea gave us a perfect opportunity to explore all of our influences and express ourselves with no restrictions. With the COLOR SPECTRUM EPs, we hope to faithfully represent our interpretations of the color spectrum on a sonic and emotional level." - more on this story

Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant Thanks Blues Legends at Sidewalk of Stars Induction

Andrew Vaughan of Gibson.com reports that Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant has been honored for his tireless promotion of the blues with a star on a Memphis, TN, sidewalk.

This week, Robert Plant was presented with his own star that will be placed on the Orpheum Theater Sidewalk of Stars on Beale Street in Memphis.

The Commercial Appeal newspaper in Memphis says the award honors Plant for his tireless efforts to preserve the blues. When presented, Robert Plant acknowledged that a generation of British musicians owes a debt to blues legends like Sonny Boy Williamson, Sleepy John Estes and W.C. Handy. - Robert Plant is currently on tour with his Band of Joy, get the dates here

Andy Jackson of Hot Rod Circuit, Say Anything, Terrible Things Returns With Death In The Park

Andy Jackson has quite the musical resume: Hot Rod Circuit, Say Anything, and Terrible Things. You can now add Death In The Park to that list.

The band have announced the release of their self-titled album through Austin indie label, End Sounds, digitally on August 24, and in stores on September 14.

Vocalist Andy Jackson's (Hot Rod Circuit, Say Anything, Terrible Things) inspiration came after the 2007 Warped Tour through his friendship with members of the band Paramore. Later, recalling a song from his favorite band as a youth, Archers of Loaf, Jackson, now with guitarist Ronnie Gardner, chose the name, and DEATH IN THE PARK was born. - more on this story

Slash Picks A Winner

Remember that Slash contest where one band would be selected to record with the guitar legend? They picked a winner, here is the announcement:

After over 12,000 entries, Slash and Guitar Center have hand picked the winner of the Your Next Record with Slash contest - San Mateo, California's State Line Empire.

The band will record a 3-song EP with legendary producer, Mike Clink (Guns N' Roses, Megadeth) and have Slash write, record and perform on their single. - See what else they won here

Broken Spoke's Four Stages in Sturgis To Feature .38 Special, Blackfoot, Great White, Dokken, Eddie Money, Black Oak Arkansas, Kentucky HeadHunters and More

Need another reason to attend the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally? How about this announcement: The Broken Spoke Saloon today announced the 2010 concert line-up for the Broken Spoke Campground, on their four stages. Top national entertainment will feature .38 Special (August 8), Great White and Dokken (August 9), Eddie Money and Black Oak Arkansas (August 10), Warrant, Confederate Railroad and legendary comedian Gallagher (August 11), The Kentucky HeadHunters and Black Stone Cherry (August 12), all on the Outdoor Concert Stage.

The Broken Spoke Saloon Stage at the Broken Spoke Campground will feature Blackfoot* (August 7), Houses of the Holy, Dallas Moore, Jasmine Cain and many more. The Pool Stage will feature daily concerts by Laura Lynn and Lucas Hoge. - more on this story

moe down Lineup Announced

The day that moe. fans have been waiting for has arrived: moe. have announced the final lineup for their annual Labor Day weekend festival, moe.down.

Joining moe. will be: The Black Keys, Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Mike Gordon, Lotus, Jakob Dylan, Punch Brothers, Built to Spill, Tortoise, Ryan Montbleau Band, The Macpodz, The Brew, Turbine, Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds, Orgone, and Monkey Wrench.

This 3 day event has become known for its laid back vibe and great music, as well as its intimate and scenic setting. With only 2 stages, bands never overlap and patrons never miss a beat! - more on this story

Band of Heathens Offer Up Free Oil Spill Song

Band of Heathens took advantage of a brief break from touring (they hit the road again next week) and spent a couple of days in the studio to record some new material. The two-day session yielded three songs showcasing the group's wide musical horizons. In a move that that echoes the hallmark of the Heathens' independent spirit, they've decided to release one song from those sessions as a free track to fans.

While the Band of Heathens' new song "Free Again" will keep fans happily humming and tapping, it will probably raise some eyebrows as well. The track — available for free on the band's web site on July 15 — references the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. "It's sure to be the feel-good hit of the summer," quips band member Ed Jurdi. "Imagine the Silver Surfer making his way through Brian Wilson's brain and ending up on summer holiday in the Gulf of Mexico. That's the loose plot of the tune."

"A big belief of the band is that we shouldn't put limitations on when we release material," says Jurdi. "We are always available and open to the creative muse. If we're working on something that feels good, the next logical step is to share it with people who have helped us create our own little space in this weird and woolly time." - Grab the song and upcoming tour dates here

Beatles Revolver Artist The Focus of Inside The Music Premiere

Beatles fans be sure to tune in next month as Smithsonian Channel gets in tune with Inside The Music, a series of specials that tell stories about the music and musicians that have had an enormous impact on some of the most listened to sounds of our time.

From the creative genius who designed the album cover of The Beatles' "Revolver," to the Colombian music festival where Latin America's best known performers congregate, to the invention of the instrument that changed the look, sound and volume of music forever, INSIDE THE MUSIC has something that everyone can listen to.

The featured INSIDE THE MUSIC premiere, ALL YOU NEED IS KLAUS, premiering August 22 at 8pm ET/PT, is a journey into the incredible life of Klaus Voormann. Respected as one of the finest bass guitarists of all time, Voormann is best known for his association with the most popular and most influential band in rock 'n roll history, The Beatles. ALL YOU NEED IS KLAUS also features Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Carly Simon, and Randy Newman, Joe Walsh and Simon are also interviewed in the film with Simon recounting Voormann's influence on her biggest hit, "You're So Vain." - more on this story

Wintersleep To Tour With The Hold Steady

Wintersleep will be hitting the road with The Hold Steady for a three-week tour this fall.

Beginning September 20th in Richmond, VA and including a performance at The Beacon Theatre in New York City, this tour will see the band playing songs from their latest album, New Inheritors.

NEW INHERITORS is the follow up to the critically acclaimed album, WELCOME TO THE NIGHT SKY, which saw the band win a Juno Award for "Best New Band" and open for Pearl Jam, Paul McCartney, Metric and Wolf Parade, among others. - more on this story

The Graduate Set New Album Release

Razor & Tie have set an August 31st release date for The Graduate's new album, Only Every Time.

Only Every Time was recorded in Baltimore where they worked with Brian McTernan, who produced several of the tracks that resulted in The Graduate's signing to Razor & Tie.

The album will be released August 31st at retailers nationwide as well as all digital service providers. Vocalist Corey Warning expressed his view on the album when he said, "We do see this album as an evolution of sorts. I think about bands that make the same record over and over again, and it has to be boring for them - and even more for the listener. We made sure we didn't do that on this record." While Only Every Time has the atmospheric feel for which The Graduate is known, it is definitely a different album than anything they have previously recorded. - more on this story

The Airborne Toxic Event Announce DVD Release and Unusual Tour

The Airborne Toxic Event have announced a September 7th release date for their new DVD, "All I Ever Wanted: Live From The Walt Disney Concert Hall".

The Airborne Toxic Event will also headline a North American tour this fall, accompanied by the Calder Quartet. The band will play a series of acoustic sets at variety of nontraditional venues, including a synagogue, a church and an old vaudeville theatre. If that's not enough, the band is currently in the studio with producer Dave Sardy, working on their new album, slated for release in early 2011.

The DVD is documentary film about their sold-out performance at the internationally renowned Walt Disney Concert Hall, featuring an eclectic mix of musicians and performers-ranging from a children's choir, a world-class string quartet, a high school marching band, horn players, visual artists, and Mexican folkórico dancers. - more on this story

Singled Out: White Flag Vs Dido

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. White Flag kick off their first ever tour of the Mid-west tonight, to celebrate we asked them to tell us a little bit about their infectious single, "Dido," from their Japanese 7" e.p. "Keepers Of The Purple Twilight". We got back more than we bargained for. Aside from the story, they also put out a call to arms to fans to help them get their revenge (you get a free MP3 download to boot). Intrigued? Here you go:

[We join the story midway here for the Day in Rock due to length, you can skip ahead to the link to read it all right now] After a hot sweaty set, we dragged ourselves soaking wet with sweat into the studio, with the two Swedes in tow, who were completely speechless about what was happening to them. We picked up the gear they had set up in the studio for someone else's session (sorry, whoever you were!) and I came up with a few chord changes in "Jam" first album mode, and showed it to the rest of the band, and after one run through we tracked it live, but with no vocals. Because I had no lyrics!

One of the Swedes had mentioned that searching YouTube for any White Flag footage was next to impossible, because a singer named "Dido" apparently had a hit song CALLED "White Flag", and her fans made hundreds of videos lip synching to her song ,and they post them on YouTube. Thus, searching for "White Flag" apparently leads you into a maze of Dido fans' videos.

An idea came into my sleep deprived mind: - REVENGE!

My Morning Jacket Heading Home

My Morning Jacket are heading home for a show this October. Here is the announcement: My Morning Jacket may have traveled all across the globe but there is always an unmistakable, unique aura at their hometown gigs. Their 2008 performance at the Waterfront Park proved that no matter how massive a Louisville MMJ show is, it manages to feel intimate.

The band also always includes locally-based performers at these events, ensuring that a truly communal sentiment is present. With this in mind, the group is thrilled to announce that on October 29th they will be joined by the illustrious Louisville Youth Orchestra (LYO) at the soon-to-be-opened KFC Yum! Center. Louisville's own Wax Fang will be opening the evening as well.

The band will continue its practice of donating $1 from each ticket. In this case, the proceeds will go to the Louisville Youth Orchestra Continuing Education Scholarship, which raises money for at risk youth to be able to attend school. My Morning Jacket is also proud to announce that they will be continuing the tradition of creating a "Local Louisville Village" inside the KFC Yum! Center to provide locally based business and non-profits to have a presence at their show. - more on this story

Dir En Grey and Apocalyptica Tour

Dir En Grey will hit the road on a co-headlining tour with Apocalyptica on August 23rd in Toronto.

Dir En Grey is considered the biggest Japanese rock band ever, and their intense live shows are the perfect way to experience their global appeal.

With seven studio albums and tours on nearly every continent under their belt, the band continues to win over new fans with their extreme, unclassifiable sound and mesmerizing performances. - more on this story

Live From Daryl's House Revisited

This month's edition of Daryl Hall's monthly web show Live from Daryl's House features a second annual retrospective of the past year's best performances.

"Some of my favorite things, favorite songs, favorite foods and favorite people are represented in this retrospective," says Daryl. Throughout the retrospective, Daryl also provides the narration.

The highlights include a medley with legendary Motown singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson, a live concert in Jamaica accompanied by reggae icon Toots Hibbert, a session alongside old Philly soulmate Todd Rundgren, a collaboration with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump, as well as episodes touting newcomers such as promising tunesmith Diane Birch, emerging country star Jimmy Wayne and Boston bluesman Eli Paperboy Reed. The episode's emotional peak comes with a tribute to T-Bone Wolk, the longtime musical director for Daryl Hall and John Oates, playing the appropriate "I Miss You." - more on this story

Get And Hell Followed With's New album For Just $5 Bucks.

You can now get And Hell Followed With's newly released Billboard Heatseekers-charting album, Proprioception for just $4.99 on iTunes.

For less than a price of a New York City lunch, metal fans everywhere can experience every single second of And Hell Followed With's ominously driven, breakdown-laden, murder city deathcore mayhem.

iTunes is also the only place in North America where fans can find the bonus track "The Greatest Deception." - Get it here

Jimi Hendrix To Be Honored At Fender Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Jimi Hendrix and founding Fender employee George Fullerton will be honored at the fourth annual Fender Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, when the special event takes place at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 13, 2010, at the Tempe Center of the Arts in Tempe, Ariz.

The Fender Hall of Fame was created in 2007 as an annual celebration of Fender founders, artists, leaders, innovators and other historically significant figures, and as an institution in which their contributions to the company's legacy are permanently commemorated.

Special guests at the 2010 induction ceremony will include Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer, Geoff Fullerton, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Chris Layton. - more on this story

Who Wants A Free Moth Eater Song?

Want a free song from Moth Eater? Of course you do. Read on to learn how to get it and also how to learn more about their new album: Loudtrax.com recently sat down and interviewed doom metal band Moth Eater to discuss the bands up coming mini record, the recording process, touring and all things metal.

Loudtrax.com has also posted a free download of the lead off track titled "Aftermath". The track features world renowned Hurdy Gurdy player and composer Geoff Kooris who adds to the bands already intense sound.

"Aftermath" comes off MOTH EATER's debut mini record titled "The Thunder God of Monster Island" which will be released exclusively on July 13th at Loudtrax.com and at all the other various digital retail outlets on July 27th via Giddy Up! Records. The bands music was produced, recorded and mixed at Gain Studios in New York City. You can download the free track and read the bands interview - here

Antagonist Post New Song Online

Antagonist are giving fans a small taste of their upcoming album with the posting of the track, "Sasha Grey," on their Myspace page.

The track appears on their forthcoming album, "World In Decline," (August 17th via Prosthetic Records), which was recorded," at Buzzbomb Studios in Orange, CA with producer Paul Miner (Terror, Thrice, Throwdown) and promises to be the band's angriest and most aggressive outing yet. Check it out here

The band has also announced the first dates of an extensive US tour which will feature The Breathing Process, Wretched and Diskeet. More dates will be announced shortly. The band is looking for help in some areas; if you can put together a show, please contact twistedgeniusgroup@gmail.com - more on this story

Spiritual Beggars New Album Details

Spiritual Beggars have released some details for their first new studio album in five years, Return To Zero.

The album is set for an Oct. 12th North American release via InsideOut Music and is the group's first offering with the Apollo Papathanasio on vocals.

The artwork of the upcoming album is done by the well known Brazilian artist Gustavo Sazes. SPIRITUAL BEGGARS's guitarist Michael Amott states: "I'm extremely pleased with the Return To Zero cover! To me, it's the quintessential SPIRITUAL BEGGARS artwork. The artist really managed to capture the essence of our band, the new album and the constant flow of cryptic ideas I was throwing at him. As I'm old school, I can't wait to see this in its full glory on the vinyl LP. But hey, it'll look cool as a minuscule image on your iPod too." - more on this story

Throwing Muses' Kristin Hersh Announces RAT GIRL: A Memoir

Throwing Muses' Kristin Hersh has set an August 31st release date for her book RAT GIRL: A Memoir. Here is the info from the publisher:

Kristin Hersh is one of the most critically-acclaimed, pioneering female rock musicians of the past two decades. The New York Times called her "a truly fear-inspiring rock innovator," Rolling Stone dubbed her band, Throwing Muses, "trailblazing" and "one of alternative rock's most influential but underappreciated groups."

Over the course of her career, she has released over 20 albums, including 9 solo records. Penguin is thrilled to be publishing Kristin's first literary effort, RAT GIRL: A Memoir (A Penguin Books Original; On-Sale Date: August 31, 2010; ISBN: 978-0-14-311739-1; $15.00; 224 pages), a look at the tumultuous year that transformed her from a precocious and rebellious teenager into a rock star – and mother. - more on this story

Conditions Get Warped

Conditions are getting Warped as they join the annual tour on select dates this summer.

Conditions are also pleased to announce the release of their brand new digital single 'Better Life', on July 20th, 2010, along with additional track 'The End of Progression'.

Making a claim of performing a countless number of shows, while on face value may seem noteworthy, does not necessarily speak to the impact a band is able to make while on the road. Seemingly, since the beginning of rock and roll a band could pack themselves in a van and stay out there as long as their heart and soul could endure countless trucks stops and sub par accommodations. So when it is noted that the band CONDITIONS have played over 200 shows it is certainly a testament to their commitment. Perhaps more impressive though, is the tangible payoff and direct impact this band has been making worldwide while grinding it out show after show. - more on this story