Rock Star: KISS TV Show Coming?

The show previously aired during the summer for two seasons on CBS. It is a bit unusual for a network for be "promoting" a summer show in February so we are a bit skeptical. However, the band have been hyping another one of their major announcements , so who knows? Of course that could just be about another tour or their latest merchandizing scheme. - You can see this 'screen shot' here (notice you can't read the web address)

Who Zeppelin Supergroup?: Roger Daltrey Wants Band With Jimmy Page

(Nightwatcher) Roger Daltrey wants to start a super-group with Jimmy Page. The Who singer is keen to form a new band with the Led Zeppelin guitarist and go back to the blues roots he established before he started writing songs with bandmate Pete Townshend.

He told UK radio station BBC6 music: "I'd love to do something, I'd love to do an album with Jimmy Page. He needs a singer to drive him. I'm a great blues singer.

"I don't sing the blues with The Who, but that's what I used to be before Townshend started writing. I used to be a great blues singer." - more on this story

Sebastian Bach Goes After Man With a Knife at Guns N' Roses Show

Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach reportedly helped avert possible disaster at a surprise Guns N' Roses show at a New York City club when he spotted a drunk patron wielding a knife and took quick action.

This is all according to what an unnamed source told New York Post's Page Six: "The man walked in while Guns N' Roses was onstage and pulled out a knife and flicked the blade out."

Bach, who was standing on a banquette said: 'Nobody is getting anywhere near my man Axl Rose with a knife,' and went after him. Security then immediately threw him out." - more on this story

Velvet Revolver To Continue Singer Search Despite Solo Projects

With his new star-packed solo album you would think that the last thing that Slash would be thinking about is filling Scott Weiland's shoes in Velvet Revolver, but while finding a Velvet Revolver frontman is not his first priority, the thought isn't completely out of his mind either as he looks past his upcoming solo album release and tour.

Slash spoke with RollingStone.com in an interview that was published on Monday and says that Velvet Revolver plan to resume their search for a new vocalist once he finishes touring is support his own record. "I think [bassist] Duff [McKagan] is doing something with Jane's Addiction right now so we're all sort of all over the place doing whatever until we can all regroup," he says.

He also spoke about what they are looking for in a singer and their fruitless search so far. "We did listen to a lot of singers, but there hasn't been anybody that's going to be the guy so far." And unlike Velvet Revolver's original search that landed them Scott Weiland and Aerosmith's recent short-lived singer search, don't expect the band to recruit a big name frontman this time around. "It's really hard to do something with a voice that's already really well known in an original band," Slash says. "We want someone who is really good that hasn't been recognized by the whole country as being amazing, but somebody who is just on the precipice of just being discovered."
- more on this story

Alice In Chains Star Disgusted By VH1s Celeb Rehab

As may know, former Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr is part of the latest "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" on Vh1. Blabbermouth had a report last week with one of Starr's former AIC bandmate's take on the show. Here it is: Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell slammed "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew" in an interview with an Atlanta radio station.

Speaking about the show, Cantrell said, "That particular show, I think it's a real travesty and a shame to put people in a really vulnerable situation like that and make it entertainment for people to see . . . It's just kind of disgusting to me, actually. It's nothing I back. I totally back Mike, and I back his efforts to get clean and remain somebody that I and the band really care about — he's a friend of ours, you know, and we wish him the best. But that show's not really cool."

Referring to the drug-related death of original Alice In Chains singer Layne Staley in 2002, Cantrell also said, "Addiction is no joke, and we know that first hand. We lost a good friend of ours to that as well. Mike deserves a better life."
- more on this story

Killswitch Engage Address Rumors and Speculation After Singer Leaves Tour

Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones had to unexpectedly leave the band's current headlining tour, leading to a flurry of rumors and questions about the status of the tour and the band.

The band has further issued the following statement addressing the matter, saying: "It became overwhelmingly obvious to all of us around Howard that he is in no condition to be on tour right now and that he needed to get off the road and get himself better. It's a personal matter and while we understand everyone's curiosity and concern for Howard and the band, we appreciate everyone respecting Howard's privacy at this time."

Longtime friend Phil Labonte of All That Remains was able to fill in and help out the band for a few shows and it appears as though he will be filling in for the remainder of the tour, which runs through March. KsE endured and survived a similar situation in the past, where guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz was forced to sit out a tour due to a back injury. KsE also said, "We seriously considered cancelling the tour since we don't want to give fans that paid good money anything less than KsE at full-strength. But after trying a few shows with Phil, and after feeling the love and support that we were getting from the crowd, it became increasingly apparent to us that the shows came across as fun and unique, and the fans seemed to be enjoying it. We quickly realized that we had to keep going and that we couldn't possibly stop." Refunds are available for any fans that have already purchased tickets, but as the band said, this tour will offer a chance to experience KsE in a unique way that you won't be able to witness again.
- more on this story

Axl Rose Blasts Online Fan

(SleazeRoxx) Things got heated on MyGNRForum.com when Guns N'Roses vocalist Axl Rose posted under the user name 'Dexter'. Axl lashed out at one of the forum moderators (and since relived of her duties) named 'Madison' with a profanity laced tirade. At issue is the accusation that someone in the Guns N'Roses camp banned fans from wearing Slash gear inside the Winnipeg, Manitoba show as first reported by TMZ.com.

Axl posted, "What the f**k do you know? That's right! You don't know jack f**king sh*t you f**king ignorant, know it all, f**king deluded, misguided, self important, self righteous, pious, small minded, clueless, loud mouthed, arrogant c**t.

"No one needs your opinions n' having to deal with your constant abuse of privileges or the miniscule amount of power you've had here you wield like an angry, lesbian, wannabe, high school parking lot rent-a-cop always mouthing off like you're some kind of authority which you're far from. I have to say it saddens me you continue to babble your horsesh*t to unsuspecting fans n' any names n' numbers you have are of people like you who try n' hurt others to promote themselves at their expense. That's the only real thing you got bitch."
- more on this story

AC/DC Frontman Slams The Likes of Bono and Bob Geldof

AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson has some strong words for celebrities like U2's Bono and Bob Geldoff for their public charity activities where they ask fans to donate money to a cause.

"I don't tell everybody they should give money - they can't afford it," said Johnson in his only Australian interview with The Daily Telegraph. "When I was a working man I didn't want to go to a concert for some bastard to talk down to me that I should be thinking of some kid in Africa," he said. "I'm sorry mate, do it yourself, spend some of your own money and get it done. It just makes me angry. I become all tyrannical."

He prefers to help in private with no press conferences according to the article. "I do it myself, I don't tell everybody I'm doing it," Johnson said. He said that his aversion to big charity events dates back to when AC/DC turned down Bob Geldof's Live Aid show in 1985. "Bob Geldof is a canny lad. He did what he thought was right at the time but it didn't work," he said. "The money didn't go to poor people. It makes me mad when people try to use politics or charity for publicity." He adds, "Do a charity gig, fair enough, but not on worldwide television". - more on this story

Steven Tyler Did Audition for Led Zeppelin

(Rock Radio) The long-standing rumors about Steven Tyler having tried out for Led Zeppelin are true, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry has told Classic Rock Magazine.

And the singer even tried to keep the news from his bandmates, which, says Perry, demonstrates how difficult it's been to work with him in recent times. Tyler was one of those shortlisted to replace Robert Plant when he decided not to pursue a Led Zep reunion after their one-off London show in 2007.

But Perry later spoke to Zep's Jimmy Page about it, and discovered the audition had been "awkward".... Tyler turned up without knowing enough about Led Zep's set or gameplan, and was under the impression he'd be joining the band to write new material - which wasn't currently under discussion. - more on this story

Blink-182 Fans Confused By Band's Plans

(Rock Radio) Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 says he understands how the band's fans may be confused over the three members working on their side-project when they're supposed to be concentrating on their reunion album.

Singer and bassist Hoppus, guitarist Tom DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker got back together this time last year and announced plans to work on a new release. But DeLonge recently said he didn't think it would be ready this year, and continued working on his other band Angels & Airwaves. Meanwhile Hoppus has been continuing production work with other bands and Barker is involved in a number of musical ventures.

Hoppus tells MTV: "I know it's confusing. Everyone's like, 'Tom's doing this, Travis is doing this, Mark's producing... Why aren't you guys focusing on Blink?' "What people need to understand is: that's how we focus on Blink. We go off and we bring all these different ideas back. We get inspired by other artists and by working with other people, then we come back to Blink. It helps." - more on this story

Cradle To Grave Frontman Rushed To The Hospital

On January 23rd, 2010 new Cradle To Grave vocalist/bassist Donavan "Demon" Mason was rushed to Vancouver's UBC Hospital after he was unresponsive to his family attempting to wake him up.

Mason is blind and suffers from advanced diabetes, which can cause his immune system to shut down periodically. His family and bandmates suspected that he was just battling a bad case of the flu, but upon arrival at the hospital doctors diagnosed Mason with a severe case of the H1N1 virus.

The medical staff at UBC Hospital were able to bring Mason back, but warned family and friends that he had been near death and had they waited a few more hours, the case could have turned tragic. Mason is now recovering at home while Cradle To Grave take a break from recording their upcoming new album. - more on this story

Patrick Stump No Longer in Fall Out Boy

Patrick Stump has put to rest the speculation about his status in Fall Out Boy, which was put on hiatus last year. Or he may have created more questions and given fans a glimmer of hope, if you read his words carefully. Stump tells Spin.com "I'm not in Fall Out Boy right now."

Spin.com reports further: "But one way or another, the band will always be around. Steven Tyler isn't in Aerosmith anymore, but his gravestone will probably say something about Aerosmith. Whether we play again or not, I don't know. If we do, it will be for the right reasons. If we don't, it will also be for the right reasons."

Stump's comments were in response to Pete Wentz's Tweets Monday night, when Wentz said that FOB may be done for good. "A hiatus is forever until you get lonely or old. I don't plan on either," he wrote during an impromptu Q&A session with fans. "I can't imagine playing in FOB again." - more on this story

Janie Hendrix Discusses New Jimi Hendrix Album

Veteran music journalist Larry LeBlanc has an in-depth article and interview with Janie Hendrix, the president/CEO of Experience Hendrix, who handle all things Jimi Hendrix. They cover a variety of topics, here is just one small excerpt where they discuss the new Valleys of Neptune album. Why so long for this album to be issued? Well, after we started Experience Hendrix (in 1995) we knew that we had 10 years of recordings. This (album) was going to be part of the first phase. Then, when we found the Chas Chandler tapes for a box set, that took precedent. Then, along with some of the other releases, we pushed it back to the second phase. Knowing that we would have another 10 more years of music really makes us more valuable to Jimi, and to the record company.

Have you waited too long for this release of unheard tracks given the downward spiral of physical sales, and illegal downloading online? Here it is four decades later (after Jimi's passing). In two years, Jimi would have been 70. Hard to imagine. I don't think we have waited too long because record sales are still doing well. Four months after any given release of an album (by Jimi) it goes "gold ," and it increases the catalog. The fans that love Jimi's music are not only loyal, but the older ones have followed him. They have seen Jimi in concert. They are now teaching the younger generation about him. We have fans as young as pre-teens wanting Jimi's music. As every generation goes by, the kids are getting more and more excited about his music.

This "Valleys of Neptune" is an incredible album. It sounds as if it was recorded this year. It's fresh. It's new. It's exciting. It doesn't sound as if it was recorded in the '60s. It sounds as if Jimi here with us today and creating music still.
- more on this story

Muse Under Review Coming To DVD

Sexy Intellectual and MVD Visual are proud to announce the DVD release of Muse "Under Review" on March 23, 2010.

This film looks at Muse's entire career, and by using rare performance and interview footage of the band, contributions from their closest colleagues and from those who have witnessed and written about their journey, plus seldom seen photos, news reports, scene shoots and a range of other features, creates the finest documentary to date on this extraordinary band, the music they make and the lives they lead.

Includes exclusive interviews with former manager Safta Jaffrey, legendary producer John Leckie, band engineer Ric Peet, video director Mat Kirby, official biographer and NME writer Mark Beaumont and many other close confidantes. - more on this story

Chickenfoot Begin Writing Next Album

Our friend Ross CAT of bestofwny.com has a great new interview with guitar god Joe Satriani. They cover a lot of ground in the discussion from Joe's new live release to the much buzzed about supergroup Chickenfoot. In the excerpt below Joe talks about Chickenfoot's plans for a new album. Here you go!

Ross CAT: Although fans are still savoring the debut album everyone wants to know will there be a second Chickenfoot record? Reports have Chad Smith back in the studio with the Red Hot Chili Peppers; will the FOOT reconvene when scheduling allows?

SATCH --Absolutely the four of us are all on the same page as far as this project goes, we're all committed to doing a Chickenfoot #2. As a matter of fact Sammy & I have already begun the writing process together.

That's really the beauty of this band is the respect we have for one another's time and career aspirations. I'm getting set for the Experience Hendrix tour next month & writing for a new record, Sammy's busy doing a million things at once, CHAD'S back working with the Chili Peppers & Mike's busy being Mike(Laughter). - more on this story

Santana Revisits Supernatural With The Legacy Edition

A decade ago in June 1999, 30 summers after Woodstock, Santana released an album destined to be the biggest of their career. Supernatural brought fresh collaborations with (in alphabetical order) Cee-Lo, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Eric Clapton, Everlast, Lauryn Hill, Mexican supergroup Maná, Dave Matthews and bandmate Carter Beauford, producers the Dust Brothers, KC Porter, Wyclef Jean, and others. The album spun off two huge RIAA platinum #1 hits – "Smooth" featuring Rob Thomas of Match¬box Twenty, and "Maria Maria," produced by Wyclef Jean, featuring his hip-hop protégés the Product G&B – the first Hot 100 #1 hits of Santana's career. They spent a cumulative half-year at #1 and paved the way for the album to amass chart honors and generate Grammy Awards beyond anyone's imaginations or expectations.

In commemoration, Supernatural: Legacy Edition presents the album's first new remastering – personally supervised by Carlos – since its original release. In the tradition of the prestigious Legacy Edition series, the new package adds a second disc of rarities – 11 tracks, eight of them songs that were not contained on the album, seven of them previously unissued, including outtakes, dance club mixes, and instrumental material. - more on this story

Megadeth Reunite With Founding Member

Megadeth founder and frontman Dave Mustaine has announced the return of original bassist David Ellefson (1983-2002) to the iconic multi-platinum group.

This reunion is appropriately timed to Megadeth's upcoming historic month-long Rust In Peace 20th anniversary tour which launches March 1 in Spokane, WA. At these incredibly special shows, Megadeth will play their landmark, genre-defining 1990 album Rust In Peace in its entirety, in addition to other Megadeth favorites.

"This shows the power of brotherly love and forgiveness," Mustaine says. "David Ellefson belongs in Megadeth. Next we are going to show you the power of getting your asses kicked...HARD!" - more on this story

Pantera, King Diamond, Gryn Supergroup Backed by Beatles Producer

Arms Of The Sun, a project featuring Rex Brown (Pantera, Down) on bass, John Luke Hebert (King Diamond) drums, Lance Harvill on vocals and guitar, and Ben Bunker (Gryn) on guitar, has completed work on thirteen tracks that were produced and mixed by Terry Date (Deftones, Pantera, Soundgarden).

The material is set for a late February release through Extreme Music, which provides class-A production music to all major networks and studios, ad agencies and production companies, including FOX, HBO, NBC, BBC, MTV, SKY, ABC, Discovery, Nickelodeon, Turner Entertainment Networks, Universal, Lions Gate, Miramax, Sony Pictures, Touchstone and Disney, to name a few.

Arms Of The Sun recorded the music, written by Lance Harvill, late last year at Willie Nelson's Pedernales Recording Studio in Austin. The project is executive-produced by Sir George Martin (The Beatles) and Mark Ross for the Grandmaster Series, which celebrates four of the world's top producers spanning from the '60s through the '90s, including Sir George himself, Terry Date, Jack Douglas (Aerosmith), and Hugh Padgham (The Police). - band's website

Good Charlotte's Benji Madden To Fight Riki Rachtman

(Submitted News) After the hugely successful, sold-out Ellismania 4 – many thought that former pro-skateboarder and radio host Jason Ellis couldn't top himself. At the event, Ellis defeated Nitro Circus star Andy Bell in the card's main event and then took the stage with Good Charlotte's Benji Madden for the Taintstick CD release show – which also featured an appearance of Ozzy Osbourne bassist Blasko performing Ozzy's classic "Crazy Train" with Taintstick.

Now, Jason Ellis is planning Ellismania 5: 'Get These Brawls' and it is certain to blow last year's event away. Ellismania 5 will take place April 2nd and 3rd, 2010 in Las Vegas, NV at the Hard Rock and is set to feature none other than Good Charlotte's Benji Madden taking on TV personality Riki Rachtman (Headbangers Ball, Daisy of Love) in the main event.

This fight is sure to go down in the history books as it pits 'Old School' versus 'New School' in a battle where the opponents truly hate each other. Riki Rachtman has released the following Youtube clip discussing the fight - here

Killswitch Engage Singer Leaves Tour

The Rumor mill is churning with the news that Killswitch Engage singer Howard Jones has left the band's current tour. The poorly worded statement on the band's website left some fans pondering if Jones had quit the band, but his replacement on the tour posted a message that suggests an illness or injury.

The band's website carried this message on Tuesday: "Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones is leaving the band's current headlining tour with The Devil Wears Prada and Dark Tranquility due to unforeseen circumstances. All That Remains vocalist will be filling in for Jones for a few shows in the interim, until the KsE guys can determine what the plan will be for the remaining tour dates, which are currently scheduled to run through the end of March."

The vague statement left the door open to rumors to start flying, metal site Lambgoat reported "Yes, there are lots of rumors suggesting that Jones has quit Killswitch, but we don't know anything at this point." They had a later update with speculation about an injury or illness, but they made it clear that these were only rumors. - more on this story

The Killers Cancel Tour But Deny Breaking Up

The Killers canceled their Asian tour last month and now the Australian leg has been axed due to a family illness. The band issued a statement on their website announcing the latest cancelation and also denying reports of their demise as a band. Here is what they had to say:

The Killers had hoped that the Australian leg of their current tour would be completed as planned, but due to the severity of the illness of a close family member, they regretfully announce the cancellation of their Sydney Enmore show as well as their shows at Good Vibrations Festival Sydney and Good Vibrations Festival Perth this weekend. The band apologizes to their Australian fans and asks for their understanding. The Killers still intend to perform at the Good Vibrations Festival's Gold Coast and Melbourne shows next weekend.

The Killers would also like to take this opportunity to assure their fans that any concerns about the future of the band are unfounded. They are all looking forward to some time off at the end of this tour as they have been on the road for a long time, but there are no plans for an indefinite hiatus. -

Unreleased Coverdale/Page Music May Be On Tap For Special Edition

(BW&BK) In 1993, Whitesnake vocalist David Coverdale and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page joined forces under the moniker Coverdale/Page and released a self-titled album.

Although there are no plans for the pair to record any new material or reunite for any shows, Coverdale reveals that "EMI have recently been making overtures to me about putting a 'special edition' together after they heard there were several unreleased tracks... but, time & resource is the problem...

We've been archiving lots of tapes, cassettes & videos at home recently & we have discovered a ton of the demos Jimmy & I made which could be very interesting for some people to hear. - more on this story

Could Duff McKagan Have Prevented Kurt Cobain's Death?

(Rock Radio) Duff McKagan was one of the last people to see Kurt Cobain alive in 1994 and he now wonders if one kind act might have prevented the Nirvana star's death. He and Cobain were on the same flight from Los Angeles to Seattle in days before Cobain was found dead. McKagan could tell the singer was lonely, and nearly invited him home – but didn't say the words.

In his regular Seattle Weekly column McKagan says: "We were both f'ked-up. We talked, but not in depth. I was in my hell, he in his, and we both seemed to understand. When we arrived in Seattle and went to baggage-claim, the thought crossed my mind to invite him over to my house then and there. I had a real sense that he was lonely and alone that night. I felt the same way.

"I was in a big rock band, and he was in a big rock band. We were standing next to each other. Lots of people stopped to gawk. I lost my train of thought for a minute – and Kurt said goodbye.

"I received a call two days later than Kurt had died." - more on this story

Travis Barker Recruits Some Big Name Guests for Solo Album

While Blink-182 fans patiently await a new album from the reunited band, it appears that solo projects are all the rage with the members of the group. Travis Barker has recruited some big names for his forthcoming solo album.

The original announced guests made it sound like a hip-hop heavy effort with the likes of Lil Wayne, RZA and The Game making appearances but Barker now says that fans can expect an ecletic mix of music and announced an additional guest singer.

"I'm not singing or being an MC or anything," the Blink-182 drummer tells Spinner. He goes on to talk about the special guests for the album, "I'm rounding it out right now," he said. "I just love music. The more I can be around it the better, so with my album it's no one genre. It goes from everything from punk rock to hip-hop to some electro stuff on there to a metal song with Corey Taylor from Slipknot. It's been really fun and interesting up till now." - more on this story

Pennywise Officially Hire Ignite Frontman

After months of searching, the members of Pennywise announced that Ignite vocalist Zoli Teglas is now officially the new front man. Teglas, a longtime friend and tour mate, recently played a handful of So Cal shows with Pennywise, including the 2009 Smokeout Festival and a sold out Holiday Benefit concert for Amnesty International at Long Beach Arena.

Teglas will join Pennywise on its upcoming European tour which kicks off this April. That tour will be preceded by a few warm up West Coast dates that start on March 17 in San Diego, CA. Pennywise is currently at work on a new record, its first featuring the new lineup.

After the sudden departure of former singer Jim Lindberg, a member of Pennywise for 19 years, guitarist Fletcher Dragge called Teglas a "natural choice" to take over vocal duties for the band. - more on this story

Pink Floyd / Sex Pistol Collaboration?

We learn something new every day. Apparently Pink Floyd regrouped a couple years ago and invited Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten to play with them. This according to the following NME report:

John Lydon has revealed that he'd "love" to re-record Pink Floyd's classic album 'The Dark Side Of The Moon'. In an interview with Stool Pigeon, the Sex Pistols man explained that he was invited into the studio by Pink Floyd, but turned them down.

"Two years ago when they [Pink Floyd] came to LA, they asked me would I come on and do a bit of 'Dark Side Of The Moon' with them and the idea thrilled me no end." Lydon revealed. "Well no, it would have been very, very neat but it stunk a little in my head of 'What am I doing here? I just don't want to do it, but I wanted to do it, but just not when 20,000 people were there.'" He added: "I came so close to doing it, it felt like I was trying to set myself up as some kind of pretentious person. I'm very wary of the jam session end of things." - more on this story

Peter Frampton Announces New Album

Following his Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, 2006's Fingerprints, Peter Frampton returns this spring with Thank You Mr Churchill (A&M/New Door/UMe) on April 27, his most personal collection to date.

The 11-song set, co-produced and co-engineered by Frampton, features the legendary guitarist at his most incisive lyrically as he tackles the battles that wage within us and the outside forces that rage around us. His searing guitar work flows over every song, setting the mood. Nowhere is this clearer than on Churchill's centerpiece, the evocative, two-part, 8-minute instrumental, "Suite: Liberté."

"This album is very autobiographical," Frampton says. "It starts with my birth, which I thank Mr. Churchill for bringing my father back from the Second World War." - more on this story

Mike Portnoy Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold--whose drummer James 'the Rev' Sullivan tragically passed away in December 2009--announced on their website that they are recording their new album with Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. Avenged Sevenfold said in part: "We asked Jimmy's all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that's what Jim would have wanted. It's comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev's abilities."

Mike Portnoy issued the following statement Thursday (2/18/09): "Even under normal circumstances, I would've been happy to help the guys out in any way I could as I think Avenged Sevenfold are a great band...but under these incredibly sad and tragic circumstances, I must say I am truly honored to have been asked to play with them and I didn't even have to think twice about saying 'yes.'

"These guys are a true family and it is an incredibly emotional experience to be here with them for the first time without their lost brother. But they have welcomed me into the family with open arms and there's a real excitement to make the record they had set out to make. - more on this story

Metallica Announce Another Big Four Show With Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax

Metallica announced on Thursday that even more fans will have the chance to see the Big Four of Thrash share the same stage this summer. Here is the announcement:

We're back . . . and as promised, more tour dates to tell you about with the addition of a Sonisphere show in Athens, Greece on June 24, 2010 at Terra Vibe Park.

We'll be there as part of the "Big Four" of 'Tallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax along with our friends from Mastodon and Bullet For My Valentine. Keep watching here as we'll have the remaining Sonisphere dates for you next week! - more on this story

The Who May Be Forced To Retire for Medical Reasons

(Rock Radio) Who mainman Pete Townshend could be forced to retire if doctors can't find a treatment for his tinnitus.

The band recently reached a whole new audience with their Super Bowl half-time show earlier this month – but Townshend says they're "finished" unless a test-flight of a new in-ear monitoring system goes well in London.

Their show in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust is the only concert they've booked this year, and the guitarist is ready for it to be their last. He tells Rolling Stone: "If my hearing is going to be a problem, we're not delaying shows. We're finished. I can't really see any way around the issue." - more on this story

Legendary Gig Captured on Double Album Featuring McCartney, Pink Floyd, Clapton, Elton, Tears for Fears, Robert Plant and More

On March 23, Eagle Rock Entertainment will drop a British bombshell, when the Live at Knebworth 2CD hits stores.

On June 30, 1990, the best of the Brits flooded the Knebworth House in Hertsfordshire to perform a benefit concert for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and the Brit School Of Performing Arts. Heralded as "The Best British Rock Concert Of All Time," this aggregate of talent included Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Elton John, Phil Collins, Genesis, Dire Straits, Tears For Fears, Cliff Richard & The Shadows, and Status Quo. All performing free of charge to support the charities, this incredible line-up was amassed from recipients of the prestigious Nordoff-Robbins' Silver Clef Award, which recognizes acts who make outstanding contributions to the British music industry.

Originally released on Polydor in 1990, this 20th anniversary re-issue will continue the tradition on giving back, as sales will raise funds for both Nordoff-Robbins (the UK's leading independent provider of music therapy) and the Brit School of Performing Arts. - more on this story

U2 Tap Lenny Kravitz, Interpol, and The Fray for 360 Tour

U2 are bringing their 360 World Tour back to North America in June and on Saturday they announced some of the support acts for several of the dates. Here is what they had to say:

When the 360 Tour returns to North America in June, Lenny Kravitz will be first up on stage each night for the shows in Salt Lake City, Anaheim and Denver. (Tickets for the June 3rd Salt Lake City show go on sale this Monday.)

The Fray will be opening in Oakland, Seattle and Edmonton. Interpol will be on the bill for the shows in Minneapolis, E.Lansing, Toronto, Chicago, Miami and Philadelphia. - more on this story

Frank Zappa Freak Out List DVD

Sexy Intellectual and MVD Visual are proud to announce the DVD release of Frank Zappa "The Freak Out List" on April 20, 2010.

When an artist, regardless of his significance, lists his favorite musicians and performers it is usually met with little fanfare, as over time the names mentioned are almost certainly going to change. But when Frank Zappa did likewise, and actually published a record of his most important influences on the inside cover of his debut album, it became a road map to the music he was to make over the following forty years. Even in the early 1990s, when asked about his most-loved composer's, musicians and artists, he would repeat names from this, by then legendary, index.

This film explores the musical roots of Frank Zappa by putting "The Freak Out List" under the microscope and tracing the lineage from the most pivotal names therein to the recordings and performances of the man himself. - more on this story

Metal Band Searched At Gunpoint At Canadian Border

Your Demise guitarist, Stu Paice just posted a story on the band's official Tumblr page about how the band was stopped at the Canadian border, searched and held at gunpoint by the police:

"As we headed our back into America from Canada, we decided to head to to Tim Hortons for the Last time before we entered the states. Shortly after leaving, everyone was full of bagels and coffee, Drifting of to sleep, our rest was interrupted by the sound of 3 Canadian Police Cars. Sirens blasting, we pulled over completely baffled as to why we where being stopped as we had done nothing wrong.

So we stopped at the side of the free-way to the sound of, 'Driver, get out of the car now', at this point we had no clue what was going on. So danny gets out and they tell him to stick his hands up and turn around, walk toward the car, we then saw a Police man stick a Gun in Danny back and drag him to the car, Handcuff him and put him the back of the Police car. so we now mental stuff was going through our heads. Next they shouted for the passenger (Pumpjack) to get out, Same thing, GUN, HANDCUFFS, CAR BONNET!. - more on this story

Aerosmith Confirm Steven Tyler's Return and Announce Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock Tour

Aerosmith have confirmed that frontman Steven Tyler is back in the band and they are ready to hit the road this summer for a tour. Here is the official word: Aerosmith- the biggest, most enduring and thrilling band in rock history will make a spectacular return to the UK and Europe this summer with the COCKED, LOCKED, READY TO ROCK TOUR! spawning what will be the ultimate music event of the new decade.

"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.

"Aerosmith is going to be rocking in the UK and Europe this summer," adds Joe Perry. "Enough BS - we're coming and everything is going to be set at eleven." - more on this story

Stone Temple Pilots Announce Comeback Album Details

Stone Temple Pilots have officially announced their comeback album details. We now learn that it is a self-titled effort and the June 1st release date that leaked out yesterday was off by a week. You'll be getting the album a week earlier!

Here is the official word from the STP camp, including the tracklisting: STP fans, brace yourselves for the brand new Stone Temple Pilots album, set to release on May 25th!

Here's an exclusive, first look at the track listing from the self-titled album: 1) Between the Lines 2) Take a load off 3) Huckleberry Crumble 4) Hickory Dichotomy 5) Dare if You Dare 6) Cinnamon 7) Hazy Daze 8) Bagman 9) Peacoat 10) Fast as I can 11) First Kiss on Mars 12) Maver -

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Announce New Studio Album and Tour

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers today announced their 2010 North American tour and the upcoming release of Mojo, their first studio album in eight years, set for release on Reprise Records this spring.

The North American tour, produced by Live Nation, will take the band through a mix of top arenas and amphitheaters across the US and Canada beginning May 6th in Raleigh, NC. Tickets go on sale beginning Monday, March 8 at LiveNation.com

Special guest artists on the tour will include a mix of appearances by My Morning Jacket, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Joe Cocker, ZZ Top, and Drive-By Truckers. - more on this story

Rammstein Declared A Threat To The State

Rammstein have gone out of their way to create controversy around their latest album. A singled called "Pussy," a special edition release of the album that included sex toys, banned sexual videos etc. So this report from thisisbrandx.com doesn't come entirely as a surprise: The Eastern European country of Belarus' Council for Morality has declared concerts by German hard rockers Rammstein a threat to the state.

The council is pulling an upcoming Rammstein concert in Minsk, citing the group's penchant for lyrics about "violence, masochism, homosexuality and other abnormalities," and saying that allowing it to go on would prove a "costly mistake" for the country.

According to Deutsche Welle: Writer Nikolai Tcherginez, head of the government's Council for Morality said he regretted that tickets had already been sold for the concert, but that if the event were to take place, the program would need to be revised in order to prevent "extremism." - more on this story

Carole King and James Taylor Troubadour Reunion Tour Expands

The Carole King and James Taylor Troubadour Reunion Tour is in high demand and as a result the tour keeps expanding.

Here is the official announcement: Due to an overwhelming response by fans - and sold-out shows in many cities - Carole King and James Taylor have added sixteen new dates to their "Troubadour Reunion" tour:

The idea for the tour was conceived after a series of six performances Taylor and King gave at the Troubadour in Los Angeles in 2007 to celebrate the famed venue's 50th Anniversary. The shows sold out immediately and garnered rave reviews from fans and critics alike. - more on this story

Third Eye Blind Sued By Another Guitarist

History repeats itself as another guitarist is reportedly suing Third Eye Blind. A decade ago Kevin Cadogan sued the group after they parted company and now it looks like his replacement, Tony Fredianelli, is following suit.

KillYourStereo.com reports that Fredianelli is suing Third Eye Blind "for apparently being denied songwriting credits and benefits that he allegedly was entitled to." They posted a rather lengthy statement that reportedly came from Fredianelli which said in part: "Currently I have been given no information on what Stephan and Brad's position are in respect to my status with the band. I have requested, as is my right, to a complete audit of all accounting related to our band, taken at my own expense to either prove or disprove the accounting accuracy. This is a commonplace thing in the corporate world. When you believe you have a dispute, verify through an audit. It's appearing more and more likely I will need to hire a lawyer to subpoena financial records and force this turnover instead of having it happen as it should by personal request. I have too much credible evidence that I must force it to happen. I have placed my trust in people who have let me down tremendously."

"In part, I can tell you that I am not credited in 4 songs as a songwriter on Ursa Major. I also have been unable to collect any publishing money for the Red Star EP, publishing money for Ursa Major, nor I have to date received any money in record advances or record royalties OR my share of other endorsements of products currently being marketed, or about to be marketed. If those were all of my grievances that would be bad enough, but sadly there are more, and much more." - more on this story