Bret Michaels Replacing Idol's Cowell?- Slipknot Release Paul Gray Video- Dennis Hopper RIP- Fans Pepper Sprayed- AC/DC Plane Trouble- Eagles Death Threat- more

Arms Of The Sun - featuring Rex Brown (Down, Pantera) on bass, John Luke Hebert (King Diamond) on drums, Lance Harvill on vocals/guitar and Ben Bunker (GRYN) on guitar - have released a new video for the track 'March Of The Dolls'. Check it out here -

Aerosmith Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock Tour Now Includes The U.S.

Aerosmith are officially back with the announcement of tour plans that span the globe, including their just announced U.S. tour that will kick off on July 23rd in Oakland, Ca.

The outing dubbed the Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock Tour will hit the U.S., South America, the UK and Europe this summer. The band plays Coast Rica tonight and will then head to Europe for a series of dates.

"Back by popular demand with more spit and fire than ever before, we're coming across the pond and parting the waters as we go," says Steven Tyler of the European dates. - more on this story

Over A Thousand Say Goodbye To Ronnie James Dio

Family, friends and fans all turned out in large numbers to pay their last respects to Ronnie James Dio on Sunday. Sleazeroxx reports: More than 1,200 devotees attended the event, held at the Hall Of Liberty at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, and the service featured performances from former Black Sabbath star Glenn Hughes, Anthrax's Joey Belladonna and the star's Dio bandmates Claude Schnell and Scott Warren.

[The hundreds of fans outside the auditorium] were able to watch the service on TV monitors outside the building, while inside, Dio's relatives and close friends paid tribute to the music legend, who lost his battle with stomach cancer on 16 May at the age of 67.

Dio's cousin and ELF bandmate David 'Rock' Feinstein, told the gathering, "He touched all of us with his music and his message and his magic. I know that Ronnie truly loved all of you. He had a great appreciation for your loyalty. I'm talking about all you out there, all the fans." - more on this story

Historic Early Metallica Recording Goes Online

The Metal Den unearths what they say is the earliest known soundboard recording by Metallica from the Old Waldorf in San Francisco, California on October 18th, 1982.

The track is "Hit The Lights" (the group's first ever original tune) and the lineup is Mustaine, Ulrich, Hetfield and McGovney.

As the story goes, this was a show the band played for Brian Slagel's Metal Blade Records to help promote a local compilation album entitled "Metal Massacre I". - more on this story

Live Nation Going Fee Free In June

Thinking of checking out a concert this summer but the ticket prices and service fees are too high? Live Nation has taken part of at least part of that problem. We received this announcement early Tuesday morning:

Live Nation today announced "No Service Fee June" with the elimination of service fees on nearly 8 million tickets, more than 700 shows and 110 artists at all 50 Live Nation owned and operated amphitheaters for the entire month of June.

"A fan in every seat is our mission this summer," said Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation. "We know that's tough in this economy, so it's our job to find a way to make concerts more affordable. Starting June 1, Live Nation and the world's top artists are offering live music fans the experience of seeing their favorite bands with no service fees on more than 8 million tickets at LiveNation.com." - list of artists and venues

Ozzy Won't Deliver Blizzard of Ozz Shows

Your hopes of hearing "No Bone Movies" played on an upcoming Ozzy Osbourne tour are now shattered. BW&BK has the story: Despite a report last week that Ozzy Osbourne was thinking of playing one or both of his first two solo albums, Blizzard Of Ozz and Diary Of A Madman, in their entirety on his upcoming tour, the Black Sabbath singer says that he doesn't see that happening.

"No," he said. "The production and the pitch in my singing was way off the Richter scale. It would be nice, but if I had known then what I know now, I'd would have probably done it differently. But what I am gonna do, I'm gonna do some different songs like from the Sabbath years, and I'm gonna try and do some different Ozzy songs. I've got so many songs, I'd make a list and it's like four hours long. There's no way I could do that, you know."

30th Anniversary Legacy 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) - are due out later this year. - more on this story

KISS To Chat With Fans Today

KISS will chat with fans today live from backstage at the Koenig Pilsner Arena in Oberhausen, Germany.

The band will be answering fan questions and a unique concert ticket pre-sale code will be revealed to fans during the chat! Watch and interact with KISS by visiting http://www.ustream.tv/kiss

**Chat begins at 10:45am in Los Angeles; 1:45pm in New York City; 6:45pm in London, and 3:45am in Tokyo. - more on this story

Lamb Of God Offering 15th Anniversary Hourglass Collection Special Packages

Lamb Of God are offering special packages of their 15th Anniversary Hourglass Collection to fans via their newly designed website and web store that launched today, Tuesday, June 1st.

The new store includes photos of all available items including an autographed 8x10 photo of the band, a LAMB OF GOD coffin guitar case, a special deluxe edition vinyl box set, a 4'x6' Pure American metal Flag, a Mark Morton Signature Series Jackson Dominion D2, and their entire catalog on individual USB sticks in a Cigarette Pack case, among others.

The band is currently in the midst of a month long tour of Asia and Europe that has already visited India and Turkey, with stops still to be made in Russia, Israel, Greece and other cities across Europe. The tour ends June 12th with a main stage appearance at the Download Festival in Donnington, England. - more on this story

Junk Science Rewrite the Assassination of John Lennon

Junk Science's new concept music video "Really, Ma," directed by John Ta has been released. In the video Baje One and Snafu play the roles of John Lennon and Mark David Chapmen as they reenact the assassination of the late, great Beatle.

Baje One's lyrics of "Really, Man" detail the perspective of Mark David Chapmen looking back on the tragic events, regretting his decision, rapping, "the best teacher is time."

The group uses modern hindsight of the world-changing event that imparting deep meaning with the video for the group's latest single. John Ta calls the music video his "proudest moment as a Music Video Director."

Oh.....and the video has a surprise ending... watch it - here

Twin Peaks Inspires The New Loud's New Song

The New Loud's new song "Wrapped In Plastic" is a nod to the 1990 David Lynch TV series, "Twin Peaks," as told from the perspective of the murdered icon, Laura Palmer.

"Wrapped In Plastic" is the second single from The New Loud's upcoming LP, Measures Melt due June 8th. The album was produced and recorded by band member Shane Olivo and Mixed by Mark Trombino (Jimmy Eat World, Rilo Kiley, Drive Like Jehu).

Like all New Loud tracks it is available directly from the band as a Radiohead-style pick-your-price - here

Iron Maiden To Appear On Rockline Next Week

Iron Maiden will be the featured guests on Rockline with Bob Coburn on the the syndicated radio show Monday June 7 at 8:30pm PT / 11:30pm ET.

Fans are invited to call to speak live with band members Steve Harris and Janick Gers about their USA Tour, which starts in Dallas on June 9, and the forthcoming new album "The Final Frontier". The number to call is 1-800-344-ROCK (7625).

To find a station near you and for information regarding how to log onto the Internet for the live broadcast go to www.RocklineRadio.com The show will be rebroadcast on our Classic Rock stations on Wednesday June 9 and then streamed for two weeks on the Rockline website beginning on the afternoon of June 8. - more on this story

Tributes To Slipknot's Paul Gray

A number of tributes have been issued to the late Paul Gray, the bassplayer for Slipknot, who was found dead last Monday (May 24th). Here are tributes from Bill Ward, Wednesday 13, In Flames and Roadrunner Records:

Black Sabbath's Bill Ward: My wife and I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Paul Gray's family and friends. Our condolences also extend to each member of Slipknot. We wish everyone who knew Paul love, tolerance and eventual peace of mind. Paul played in an incredible band. He was an incredible bass player. His death is another big loss for metal music, but his spirit and his love will forever ascend and teach. Thanks for the music, Paul.

Murderdolls' Wednesday 13: I write this with great sadness, that such a great human being has left us. Paul Gray, was not a close friend of mine, but we were friends. In fact he is one of the first people I met in this crazy f***ed up business, but I will say that he treated me like he knew me his whole life. One of the most genuine people you could ever ask to meet.

I remember once back years ago, I hadn't seen him in a year or more, no phone calls, text and outta the blue he texted me.... 'Hey you wanna come hang out and go to the Grammy's with me, we got nominated and I wanted to hang with ya.' That's the kinda guy I will remember Paul Gray as, just an all around, good person.

To my brother Joey, and all my friends within the Slipknot Family, my thoughts are with you all."

In Flames: When we found out about Paul's death we were shocked. We had the privilege of getting to know him as early as 2000 and he was always a stand up guy. He will be missed dearly! Our thoughts go out to Paul's family, friends and fellow band members. Rest in Peace Paul.

Roadrunner Records extends our deepest condolences to the band mates, family, friends and fans of Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, who tragically passed away on May 24. Paul was a well-loved and respected member of the Roadrunner family. While the hard rock community endures a massive loss with his passing, Paul's musical legacy will endure. Paul will be forever remembered for the intense energy he put forth on stage and the passion that he committed on record. He will be sorely missed. To remember Paul Gray is to look back on all that Slipknot have accomplished, for as Clown stated in Tuesday's live press conference, "Paul Gray was the essence of the band." Join us as we listen to Slipknot in Paul's honor, and through our shock and sadness of this difficult time, remember the passionate musician and sweet, fun-loving man who greeted everyone with a smile."

Amy Sciarretto, Roadrunner Director of Publicity: "Every time I ever saw Paul Gray, he always seemed to be smiling or laughing about something. He did a lot of interviews for me when I was doing radio for them and he also did a bulk of them for me when I became their publicist. I remember the Ozzfest date in August 2004 in the Pittsburgh market. I went out to cover dozens of interviews for Slipknot headlining the side stage and I remember bringing a parade of interviews, one-by-one, into this air-conditioned trailer set up behind the stage, and he knocked out every single one with a smile and consummate professionalism. He did everything that was asked of him and with a smile, making a very stressful day of interviews a smooth, seamless one. That doesn't happen very often, but it did that day, and I always remember him being gracious. His memory will live in my heart forever. I send all my love and support to my friends in Slipknot as they go, this is a loss that guts you from the inside out." - more on this story

Singled Out: Wintersleep's Black Camera

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Loel Campbell from Wintersleep tells us about "Black Camera" from their brand new album "New Inheritors". We now turn it over to Loel for the story:

We did a show in Newfoundland (the very East of Canada) in the summer of '09, just a one-off. In the weeks before, Paul (Murphy, vocals/guitar) emailed around his ideas for what came to be this song. At sound check that day we somehow came upon it and started to play around with the basic idea.

We tried pushing it a lot harder and instantly we just fell into the pocket with it. We were fairly annoying to the house techs that day. When ideas come we just want to hash it out then and there but unfortunately everyone else has a job to do.

Later on the next week when we were doing a lot rehearsals for the record in late August '09, we came back to it. We picket it up right where we left it off. Everyone was really excited about the track and had it on the brain since Newfoundland. We had a working structure by the end of that day.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself, watch the video, grab a free download of the album's title track and learn more about the album - right here!

Cheap Trick's Sgt. Pepper Live Begins This Month

Cheap Trick will bring their own interpretation of "Sgt. Pepper Live" to Paris Las Vegas for a limited engagement beginning June 11.

A Bill Edwards Presents Inc. production, the show is Cheap Trick's live celebration of the iconic and beloved Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Geoff Emerick, the renowned engineer of The Beatles' classic album, will supervise the audio production of "Sgt. Pepper Live."

Emmy-award winning production designer Rene Lagler designed the sets that are evocative of the vivid rock 'n' roll era of the 1960s and include a 60'-wide by 12'-high elevated orchestra stage and three turn-table entranceways - more on this story

Asia's Got Promo Talent

Asia's song "An Extraordinary Life," has been selected as the soundtrack for promotional spots announcing the 2010 season of America's Got Talent.

America's Got Talent producers specifically sought out the rights to use the famed ASIA song, which was written by members John Wetton and Geoff Downes.

The track was recorded shortly after Wetton survived open heart surgery, in 2007. The song celebrates "carpe diem": each person's ability to seize each day, living life to the fullest. - more on this story

Alpha Rev Hitting The Road With One Eskimo

Alpha Rev is hitting the road with British Indie Rock group One Eskimo. Kicking off in St. Louis, with more dates still to be announced and a single ("New Morning") climbing the charts, currently sitting in a Top Ten position at AAA radio, the tour is shaping up to be one that fans will not want to miss.

Alpha Rev will make their way through the Midwest making stops in major cities including Nashville and Cincinnati.

Led by singer and lyricist Casey McPherson, Alpha Rev made its major label album debut with New Morning, which was produced by David Kahne (Paul McCartney, Sublime, The Strokes) and arrived in stores and at online retailers on April 20.
- more on this story

Season To Risk, Shiner, The Golden Republic and The Get Up Kids Supergroup Roman Numerals Tour and EP

Roman Numerals, which features members from Season To Risk, Shiner, The Golden Republic and The Get Up Kids have embarked on a 2 week western swing tour playing shows with El Ten Eleven and Open Hand.

A 4-song tour EP will be available on their website (more) for the month of June only.

The Ep consists of two brand-new songs recorded last month with top engineer Chris Cosgrove (White Whale, Matt Pryor), a track recorded last fall with producer Eric Graves and a remix by John Bersuch. All for just $2. - more on this story

Night Ranger and .38 Special Stars To Appear With Jim Peterik Up Close and Unplugged

Jim Peterik of Ides Of March and Survivor fame will play World Stage "Up Close and Unplugged" with special guest this Friday, June 4th at the Montrose Room in Rosemont.

His very special guests will be Jack Blades of Night Ranger, Jeff Carlisi of .38 Special and a special appearance by rising star Lisa McClowry.

The culmination of Jim Peterik's life-long love affair with music, the World Stage series are concerts with an elite group of artists singing duets with Jim on songs that they co-wrote, and other hits from their careers. - more on this story

Killing Machine Expand Festival Plans

Killing Machine have added another show to their growing summer European schedule with an appearance at the Rock Nights Festival in Zarasai, Lithuania on Friday 6th August 2010

Killing Machine, who recently confirmed former Evergrey / Stratovarius bass guitarist Jari Kainulainen as a permanent member of the band, are stirring up a lot of interest in Europe having lined up a number of high profile show and festival appearances. More shows are expected to be confirmed imminently. - more on this story

Chambers Discuss Old Love Artwork

Chambers have unveiled the artwork for their forthcoming LP "Old Love". The artwork entitled "The Flirt" was painted by Bret Wintle and Timothy Connors is responsible for the layout and the text.

Guitarist John Pinho spoke about the album artwork: "When I took a look at Bret's portfolio I immediately fell in love with "The Flirt". We had all agreed the painting was very fitting for the band and would be an image that would stick with the band for years to come. I'm stoked for June 22nd so people can finally get this music and art that Bret and Tim put together so well"

Chambers' debut album, "Old Love" will see a nationwide digital release June 22nd 2010. "Old Love" will be available for download from the following retailers I-tunes, Rhapsody, MySpace Music, Amazon, EMUSIC, LALA, IMVU, Amie St, Shockhound.com, Nokia Music Store and the Lime Wire Store. - http://www.chambersrock.com

Rikets Hitting The Road With Mary Magdalan

Rikets are joining Mary Magdalan upcoming headlining tour which kicks off this week in Amarillo, Texas.

The outing will also feature Blue Felix and Pandie Suicide of the Suicide Girls will also be making appearances at the events

Rikets are touring in support of their sophomore release, All American Death Cult, which was released on April 20th, 2010 on Burnhill Union Records. - more on this story

The Real Nasty Announce Western Dates

The Real Nasty has just released their debut album "Paper City" which was recorded completely live in the studio, capturing their gritty, live performance in a studio setting, a feat often difficult to accomplish for live bands.

With a traditional, up-right bass and a self-made cajon percussion set counterbalancing country-blues inspired guitar, The Real Nasty combines an electric sound with a more down-home, acoustic ethos, and are sure to gain some much deserved attention with their debut release.

Now, with their debut album just released, The Real Nasty are focused on bringing their live show to new fans all over the West Coast. - more on this story

The Like Offer Free Downloads From Their Forthcoming Mark Ronson Produced Album

The Like are set to release their sophomore album Release Me on June 15th. But you don't have to wait to hear music from it as the band are offering free downloads from the effort right now.

The album, produced by Mark Ronson, came to life at Dunham Studios in Brooklyn. The girls stepped into another time – recorded only on analog equipment, used gear from the sixties, and let go.

"What Mark did systematically was take the songs right back to their original form. We spent almost 48 hours straight with Mark arranging the songs properly before we went into the studio, and then we recorded them live," says front woman Z Berg. - more on this story

Clinging To The Trees Of A Forest Fire Release Empty Song

Clinging To The Trees Of A Forest Fire are previewing a new track from their new, "Songs of Ill Hope and Desperation."

The album is due out on June 6th. The new track is called "Empty" and can be heard now at their Myspace page.

The band will head out on June 6 for a string of dates that will then hit the West coast and take them down through the south and back home to Colorado. - more on this story

The Wailers Summerfest

The Wailers will be continuing their US tour through July and are heading to Summerfest on Thursday, June 24, where they'll hit the stage at 10:00 PM.

Formed in Jamaica in the late 1960s, The Wailers have gone on to become the most successful reggae band of all time, selling over 250 million albums, and playing live to an estimated 24 million people worldwide.

The Wailers' leader and musical director Familyman, helped forge the template for reggae with his booming, thunderous bass patterns and ever-so-tight turns. But more than just a bass player, Family Man also played a large part in arranging Marley's songs and co-produced a number of the late icon's albums. - more on this story

Holy Grail Limited Edition

Holy Grail's "Improper Burial" 7 inch, has been repressed on a limited edition white vinyl (limited to 500 pieces) and is now available through the Prosthetic Records' webshop.

Holy Grail are appearing on this year's Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany and England's Download Festival.

Assembled less than a year ago, Holy Grail is already at the forefront of the new wave of metal that pays homage to such legends as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Dio. - store link

GxSxD Get Pulverised

Pulverised Records have added Japanese death metalers GxSxD to their expanding roster.

An abbreviation for "God Send Death," GxSxD formed in 2002 and, barely a decade into the band's career, found themselves touring massively throughout their homeland, gaining widespread popularity as one of the most powerful death metal acts to emerge from Japan. Offering an unforgiving, flawlessly executed assault of Euro-influenced DM, GxSxD's live appeal is further accentuated by the synchronized windmill headbanging of twin brothers Yusuke and Yohsuke Oka's.

Said the band of the signing: "Finally we have found our home! We are very excited to work with Pulverised Records since we [consider] them one of best labels around. We'll prove what we can do."
- more on this story