Motley Replacing Ozzy?- Slipknot's Future Uncertain After Paul Gray's Death- Guns N' Roses Stage Fall- Godsmack- Paula Endorses Bret Michaels for American Idol- more

Finally, if you missed him explaining it during the past 20+ years, AP asked Slash why he wears his trademark tophat: "You can pull it down, pull your hair down over your face and just sort of hide behind that." He said. "I've always been a little nervous in front of crowds and that made it - made me - feel a lot more comfortable." more -

Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Godsmack, Creed and 3 Doors Down Rock 'N Rev Festival

Alice In Chains have been added as a new headliner for the Rock 'N Rev Festival which will also feature headline sets from Stone Temple Pilots, Godsmack, Creed and 3 Doors Down during the five day event.

Here is the announcement: Alice In Chains are the latest high octane multi-platinum rockers to join the growing list of bands combining forces with DC3 Global as the inaugural Rock 'N Rev Festival hijacks the world's biggest, baddest biker event for five full nights of undeniable rock 'n roll bedlam – Monday, Aug. 9 through Friday, Aug. 13, 2010 – as part of the legendary Sturgis Rally's 70th Anniversary celebration in Sturgis, SD.

Rock 'N Rev Festival also announces the additions of Three Days Grace, Hellyeah, Cage The Elephant, Theft, Sweet Cyanide, Charm City Devils and Rev Theory to the sweltering lineup, joining the likes of Eagles of Death Metal, The Darling Stilettos, Pop Evil, Skillet, and Swayback as just some of the other bands making massive music at this colossal biker bash. - more on this story

No Justice for Guns N' Roses Hit N' Run

Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke spoke with AOL's Noisecreep about his recovery from a hit-and-run accident on his motorcycle on January 10. In the interview Clarke reveals his frustration with police's inability to bring the hit n' run driver to justice.

Noisecreep: Can you recount what happened with your hit and run, which is the worst kind of health scare. Gilby: I was riding my 1965 Harley that I customized myself, riding back from a show, when some dumb ass made a left hand turn in front of me. It knocked me down, and when I woke up, my leg was busted and the other was twisted. He did a burn out and took off.

Noisecreep: Has he ever been caught? Gilby: It is strange. They did not find him, but a friend found out who it was. No one got a license plate number and there were a number of different descriptions of the truck and not a lot of evidence. But somehow, one of my friends overheard a guy talking about how he hit a motorcycle and said that he took off since he had no insurance, no driver's license. I gave the info to a detective, but he didn't do anything. Since there were no eyewitnesses, there was nothing they could do. The LAPD won't do anything unless you die. It was extremely frustrating. - Read the full interview here

Black Label Society, Clutch, Children Of Bodom and 2Cents Tour

Zakk Wylde revealed to the Artisan News Service that he plans to take his Black Label Society out on the road for a major tour this fall. Now Billboard has revealed the dates and more importantly, who will be joining BLS on the tour.

Billboard reports that the two month outing will be dubbed the Black Label Berzerkus and will naturally be headlined by Wylde's Black Label Society. The tour will also feature sets from Clutch, Children Of Bodom and 2Cents.

Black Label Society will be touring in support of the forthcoming album, "Order Of The Black", which will be released in North America on August 10. - more on this story

Avenged Sevenfold Limited Edition Nightmare

Avenged Sevenfold have announced a special limited edition of their upcoming album Nightmare. The special edition Nightmare will be release on July 27th, the same day their fifth studio album is due from Warner Bros. Records.

Nightmare was produced by Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem) and mixed by noted engineer Andy Wallace. Please see below for full track-listing.

Book of Nightmares includes the full Nightmare album on CD, plus an expanded booklet featuring lyric sheets from the band and exclusive artwork — all packaged in a bound book with a silver-plated "Nightmare" crest. The package also includes a limited 24" x 36" lithograph entitled "Death Bat Anatomy" featuring original artwork on textured paper embossed, as well as an instant digital download of Avenged Sevenfold's current single "Nightmare." Book of Nightmares is only for sale from the band's official website, www.avengedsevenfold.com, where it is currently available for pre-order for $49.99. - more on this story

Korn, Murderdolls and More for Ozzfest

We told you about this yesterday in the Day in Rock quicks but here is the announcement with all of the details: Ozzfest is set to hit the UK with a one-off date at London's O2 arena on September 18th. Ozzy Osbourne will be accompanied on the main stage by Korn, Murderdolls and Skindred, plus a special guest TBC, with more acts still to be announced for the second stage.

In addition to the music on offer, Ozzy and co will take over the entire O2 complex, offering up a Village Of The Damned, with fairground rides, stalls and tattooists.

The 2010 package will be the first UK Ozzfest show in over five years, and is also the first time the O2 features a general admission format on the lower bowl; GA ticket holders will be able to choose between watching the show from seats, or the specially enlarged standing area. Top level tickets will also be available offering the usual seating. - more on this story

Creed Announce Special Benefit Show

Creed has announced a special show at the Hard Rock on July 26 to benefit the victims of the recent Tennessee floods. The show will be just two days before the kick off the band's "20-10 Tour".

Creed has pledged to donate 100% of their Nashville concert's proceeds to local charity organization, Hands On Nashville (HON), which is spearheading the flood recovery efforts of thousands of volunteers in Middle Tennessee and surrounding areas.

"The 20-10 Tour" kicks off on July 28th in Washington D.C., and is named because the first 2,010 reserved seats are $20 all-in. This means fans pay a flat rate with no added service charges, and the remaining seats will be priced at $20 or $10, plus applicable ticketing fees. - more on this story

Another Chance To See The Big Four of Thrash Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax in America

U.S. fans are being given another chance to witness the Big Four of Thrash on the silver screen. Here is the announcement: Heavy metal's "Big Four," Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax broadcast their historic performance from the Sonisphere tour date in Sofia, Bulgaria on Tuesday, June 22nd to movie theaters around the world.

Twelve HD cameras will capture the performances, which will be beamed via satellite to over 975 cinemas in 31 countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and 21 others across Europe and Latin America. Ticket sales for the June 22nd event are brisk, with many venues sold out, including the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City with over 6,000 attendees.

In the United States, a special encore presentation of the concert has been added by popular demand in select cinemas on Thursday, June 24th allowing even more fans to participate in the historic night of ear-shattering heavy metal. Tickets are on sale now at participating theater box offices and at www.thebigfourlive.com, where fans can also view the event cinema trailer. - details here

Singled Out: Puddle of Mudd's Stoned

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Puddle of Mudd guitarist Paul Phillips tells us about "Stoned" from their album "Volume 4: Songs in the Key of Love & Hate". We now turn it over to Paul for the story:

"Stoned" is the only song that we co-wrote with someone outside of the band. We wrote this with producer Brian Howes in Vancouver. Upon arriving to his studio on the first day, he showed us a real basic structure and melody that me, him, and Wes molded into the finished song. We sat on a couch and finished all the music out first and then we sat around with a pad and paper and wrote the lyrics. The inspiration was basically a rant against working for the man. Sometimes in any business or job, including the music biz, you are forced to do things that you don't agree with.

There are some specific things we have had to deal with that we began to discuss and the lyrics just fell into place. As for the actual recording, we took a day on drums, a day on bass, and a couple of days on guitars, while doing vocals at night. The scream that you hear at the top of the track is actually the scratch track. Wes laid down a rough vocal for us to play to and we ended up keeping that scream. He tried to recreate when we were really doing vocals, but he just couldn't beat it, so the hand held mic in the control room version is what you hear.

The end of the song also has some "magic." Wes and I had a habit of hitting the bars every night after recording and the night before our last day was no exception. Wes just had a few more overdub vocals to do, so we went all out the night before. Well, needless to say we were quite hung over the next day and Wes was dying in the vocal booth. He had the runner go and get him some chicken wings, thinking that would fix him up. Well, a few takes later, he disappeared in the vocal booth and quit singing. We stopped the playback and realized he was having quite an alcohol and chicken wing puke extravaganza. Luckily, the tape was still rolling and we captured every moment of it. We knew we had to use it, so in the final mix, we flew it over to the end of the song and that is where it will live forever.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself as you check out the video and be sure to grab the upcoming tour dates - right here!

Magic: A Tribute To Ronnie James Dio Album Announced

Manowar and Magic Circle Music have announced the release of "Magic: A Tribute To Ronnie James Dio" a tribute CD that honors the legacy of Ronnie James Dio, and will include performances by Holyhell, Metalforce, Awaken, Avigal, Crosswind, Dean Cascione, Harlet and more .

The CD, part one of a two part tribute, will feature new interpretations of classics like 'Holy Diver', 'Heaven And Hell', 'I Speed At Night' and 'Catch The Rainbow', among others will be available for the first time ever at select Sonisphere Festivals and MP3s will be available for immediate download at The Kingdom Of Steel Online Store very soon.

"Heavy Metal has lost a great artist and a true gentleman. I had the privilege of being his friend and, along with other friends and admirers, I wish to honor him," says Manowar bassist Joey DeMaio. - more on this story

Ben Folds Teams With High Fidelity Author for New Album

American musician Ben Folds and English novelist Nick Hornby (author of High Fidelity) are teaming up for Lonely Avenue, a collaboration that will be released September 28 on Nonesuch Records.

The album features music and vocals by Folds and lyrics by Hornby, with string arrangements by one of the most influential pop string arrangers of all time, Paul Buckmaster (David Bowie, Elton John, Leonard Cohen). The record, which Folds made specifically to be listened to on vinyl, was recorded on 2-inch tape and will be available on audiophile-grade vinyl, cut with the Direct Metal Master process at Abbey Road Studios and pressed at Pallas Manufacturing in Diepholz, Germany. Lonely Avenue will also be available on CD, digitally, and in a special deluxe edition that includes four short stories by Hornby.

The idea to create an album of Folds' unique pop songwriting sensibilities with Hornby's insightful prose was conceived during a dinner conversation between the two friends one night in 2009. After that, Hornby began regularly emailing lyrics to Folds, who then turned them into Lonely Avenue's 12 musical short stories. The songs touch on subject matter ranging from a mother with a child in the hospital over New Years Eve to the work of Doc Pomus, lyricist of countless '50s and '60s pop hits. - more on this story

Wovenhand Announce Tour with Tool and New Album Release

Tool have tapped David Eugene Edwards' Wovenhand to open for them on several dates this summer. Here is the announcement:

Wovenhand who will be releasing their seventh studio record "The Threshingfloor" on June 22nd on Sounds Familyre Records, will return to the road in the US for a few select dates starting this Saturday, June 19th, supporting Tool.

The music of David Eugene Edwards' Wovenhand is utterly unique, dizzying those who encounter it, with turnings and lashings of shadow and light. "The Threshingfloor", their sixth release for Sounds Familyre and the follow-up to their critically acclaimed September 2008 album "Ten Stones", was co-produced by Edwards and Robert Ferbrache, and recorded in Edward's native Colorado at Studio Absinthe and Glade Park. The songs were finessed by the rumbling vibrations of Wovenhand bandmates Pascal Humbert on electric and double bass, the incisive drumming of Ordy Garrison, and by special guest Peter Eri on Hungarian shepherd's flute. These sophisticated musicians freshly illumine Edwards' considerable vocal range, formidable guitar work and masterful song craft. - more on this story

Bret Michaels Band To Also Tribute Fat Chicks

Bret Michaels Band members have signed on to cover Poison on an upcoming tribute to fat chicks. Here are the details we were sent over:

Three additional musicians have been confirmed for the upcoming tribute album "WHOLE LOTTA LOVE: An All-Star Salute To Fat Chicks." Guitarist/vocalist Pete Evick, bassist Ray Scheuring and drummer Chuck Fanslau (collectively known as Evick) have submitted a new recording of the chart-topping Poison hit "Unskinny Bop." Despite the fact that the song is not actually about fat girls, its title has led many to presume otherwise. Now 20 years after reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, "Unskinny Bop" at last lives up to its name by appearing on a tribute to larger ladies.

Evick, Scheuring and Fanslau also form the core of the Bret Michaels Band, touring the country as Bret's handpicked team of backing musicians. They appear in his music videos and on his solo albums, as well as being featured in all three seasons of the runaway hit VH1 reality series "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels." Naturally, their primary responsibility is ably recreating the many Bret Michaels and Poison classics live on a nightly basis. - more on this story

The Toadies Lost Album Set For Release, Band Announces Summer Tour

We teased you with a tidbit about this earlier this week but we now have official word that The Toadies "Feeler" album is in fact going to be released this summer and we also learn that the band will embark on the tour. Here is the announcement:

It was a long told rock and roll urban myth, Toadies made a record in 1997 entitled Feeler which was meant to be the follow up to the critically acclaimed, platinum selling Rubberneck. Alas, it was not meant to be. As the story goes, the record was rejected by the band's then label, Interscope and shelved, forgotten about.... well, sort of. There were copies of tracks floating around the interwebs and various file sharing sites but, the record as the band meant it to be heard was never available. Fast forward to 2010, the Toadies were preparing to enter the studio to record their next offering which was to be brand new material. The discussions turned toward Feeler and voila, the sessions ended up being re-recorded versions of what was supposed to be a long buried project. Toadies front man, Vaden Todd Lewis says of the decision:

"We can't help but feel a bit of redemption releasing Feeler 12 years after Interscope decided it wasn't good enough and shelved it. We always thought it was going to be a good Toadies album, and since there were unfinished versions floating around on the Internet, it was important to us that people hear it as we meant it to be. " - more on this story

Hank Garland's CRAZY Soundtrack

Favored Nations Entertainment have set a June 22nd release for the original motion picture soundtrack for CRAZY, an feature film inspired by the tragic life and groundbreaking music of legendary 1950s-era guitarist Hank Garland. The soundtrack will be released one week before the June 29 release of the film's DVD and Blu-ray formats.

CRAZY chronicles Hank Garland's rise to fame in Nashville, from playing on hits for icons including Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, the Everly Brothers, and Roy Orbison through his brief but influential solo career as a visionary jazz artist. It also explores his tempestuous marriage as well as his repeated clashes with the "Nashville Mob" – who then controlled the country music establishment – over artists' rights, civil rights and other issues. The car crash and electroshock treatments that eventually ended Garland's performing career and derailed his life are starkly portrayed, and the enormity of what was lost is deeply felt.

"Hank was an extraordinary guitar player and also a pioneer for artist's rights and his story is fascinating and inspiring. This film depicts his life and contribution along with his passionate and dynamic love for the guitar," said Executive Producer, Favored Nations Entertainment President and guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. - more on this story

Singled Out: Eyes Set To Kill's The Listening and Ryan

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Alexia Rodriguez from Eyes Set To Kill tells us about "The Listening" and "Ryan" from their brand new album "Broken Frames." We now turn it over to Alexia for the story:

"The Listening" is one of the tracks that I am most proud of lyrically. It is the first time I chose to express my feelings on my faith and a time that I felt in the dark with no one to save me. I have doubted God selfishly so many times and I wish I could take back every one of those weak moments. But I am stuck with that past and all I can do is write about it and hope that fans can relate to me and hopefully see the positive message through my negative experience. This was one of the songs that we tore apart the most and changed the structure completely. But one thing that remained the same was my lyrics so I was really stoked they became the backbone of the song.
"Ryan" is my favorite track on the albums because it is the most personal to me and it also was a spontaneous process. Anissa came home from Christmas with a really rad piano part she wrote and when she showed it to me, the melody and words started flowing through me instantly. It was the first time that I actually started writing on the spot without telling her that I think it would be cool as an Eyes Set To Kill song. When she finished playing it, she turned around and asked if I liked it and then I said, "Keep playing! I thought of something!" We basically wrote the whole chorus and a verse in like 10 minutes and that was that. The song is about my guitar teacher who committed suicide and left me with the things he taught me. I wanted to write about the situation for so long but I never found the right music or sound for that type of morbid and dramatic theme. Anissa's piano part was perfect for this song and I am so proud of her and thankful in a way that she wrote the perfect match for my words.

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

Son Of Aurelius Deluxe

Son Of Aurelius have announced a deluxe digital edition of their album, The Farthest Reaches. The deluxe edition will include 5 brand new, never before heard tracks.

This 'digital only' release, as well as the individual tracks, will be available starting July 6th, 2010, with a special low pricing of $9.99.

Son Of Aurelius' new material picks up where the band left off on The Farthest Reaches with their progressive mix of blazing technical death metal, while showcasing a strong sense of development and cohesiveness in their songwriting. These new songs are a clear indication that Son Of Aurelius is distinguishing themselves and taking their place amongst the leaders of a new generation of extreme metal bands. - more on this story

Carole King and James Taylor Will Be On The Today Show This Friday

Not only can you catch Carole King and James Taylor together on tour this summer but you can see them on TV when the perform on The Today Show Summer Concert Series this Friday, June 18th.

The legendary singer-songwriters will appear on the show in celebration of their critically acclaimed "Troubadour Reunion" tour and CD/DVD Live at the Troubadour.

The chart topping CD/DVD Live at the Troubadour from Hear Music/Concord Music Group, debuted at #4 on Billboard's Top 200 and continues to amaze by remaining in the Top 10 for the fifth straight week, selling over two-hundred thousand units in just over a month. - more

Oceano To Co-headline Over The Limit Festival Tour

Oceano have announced their first major North American co-headlining tour alongside As Blood Runs Black but it's not any simply tour. Read on.

The Over The Limit Tour aims to bring a true summer festival experience to towns just outside of the bigger cities for a low price. Joining headliners Oceano and As Blood Runs Black On The Bill Will Be Arsonists Get All The Girls, The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, Thick As Blood, Burning The Masses, Circle Of Contempt, And Blindwitness, With Son Of Aurelius and This Or The Apocalypse on select dates

The Over The Limit Tour will also act as a prelude to the fall release of the band's forthcoming sophomore album, Contagion. Those attending the Over The Limit Tour will be among the first anywhere to hear some of the new material from the album. - more on this story

Chambers Album Stream and Free MP3

Chambers are giving fans a weeklong preview of their album "Old Love" before it hits digital stores next Tuesday and are sweeting the deal with a free MP3.

The band is currently streaming "Old Love" in its entirety on PureVolume.com and on their MySpace page. PureVolume.com is offering a free mp3 download of Chambers' first single "Ripper" more

You can also listen to the album on the bands MySpace page here. While you are there make sure to check out CHAMBERS' blog where you can view the lyrics to the entire album. - more on this story

Elliott And Falling Forward Frontman Chris Higdon's New Frontier(S)

Elliott and Falling Forward frontman Chris Higdon returns with Frontier(s), who are set to release their debut album There Will be No Miracles Here on August 10th.

The Louisville quartet has been gaining momentum since 2008, gradually building the massive sonic structures that make up their debut full-length, There Will Be No Miracles Here.

But for Higdon, this is not a victory lap. An artist who (reluctantly, we'll assume) laid the groundwork for the genre of emo — back before the word lost its luster to mall kids with regrettable hair cuts — his finest creative days are not just relegated to the past. Just beyond the rolling bass lines of the opening moments in There Will Be No Miracles Here it's abundantly clear that the vast experience of Frontier(s) is transparent in the band's masterfully assembled post-rock sound. - more on this story

This Or The Apocalypse Preview

This Or The Apocalypse are previewing another new track from their upcoming album, Haunt What's Left.

You can check out the track, 'Subverse,' on their MySpace page right here. To top things off, Haunt What's Left will stream in it's entirety on MySpace Metal on the day of the release, June 22nd. Haunt What's Left is produced by Josh Wilbur and Chris Adler.

In other news, This Or The Apocalypse will perform at a special in-store signing at Plan 9 in Richmond, VA this Friday, June 18th! The event begins at 7pm! The band will be joined at the signing by none other than Chris Adler of LAMB OF GOD, a Richmond, VA native and co-producer of Haunt What's Left. - more on this story

Indie Week Teams With Blank-Fest

2010 marks the 13th Anniversary for the Blank-Fest Concert Series, and this year it is expanding to Toronto with the help of Indie Week. New York City indie rock veteran Kenn Rowell of The Baghdaddios founded Blank-Fest in 1997, and has since organized the annual NYC fundraiser.

A night of great music during a renowned festival. The cost of admission? A blanket or comforter in any condition. Blank-Fest Toronto will be collecting blankets at the El Mocambo during Indie Week on Thursday, October 14, 2010.

The donations will be distributed to Toronto's Serving Charity to aid the homeless during Toronto's winter months, which are known for having temperatures well below zero. Those who are homeless run the risk of frostbite and possible death due to overexposure. - more on this story

The Gentle Guest Album Preview

The Gentle Guest are streaming their new album, "Cast Off Your Human Form," entirely over at Facebook and have also kicked off a special preorder deal. By ordering the CD online here, fans will receive an instant download of the 12-track album before its July 20th release date. Physical CDs will ship the week of release.

Recorded in and around the band's hometown of Eau Claire, WI, Cast Off Your Human Form's Delta-blues influenced Americana co-exists in a gypsy world of blaring trombones, sadistic slide guitars and a barrage of wild hollers and boot stomps. Singer/songwriter Eric Rykal is joined by a horde of equally rowdy musicians on this second release, resulting in ragtime sounds and sweaty, fist-pumping energy, with as many as ten members
on-stage at any given time.

Additionally, in support of Cast Off Your Human Form, The Gentle Guest will play the first ever Ramble Round Pub Crawl on Friday, July 16th, performing at a handful of Eau Claire's bars and pubs before taking the stage at The House of Rock for their CD release show later that night. - Stream the entire album on the band's Facebook Page

Nathaniel Rateliff Headlining Tour

Nathaniel Rateliff has announced a headlining tour of the western United States that will kick off next month.

Rateliff has been on the road for the past several months performing songs off his debut album, In Memory of Loss (Rounder).

Now, Rateliff and his band are ready to start topping bills across the country, and his performance on the nationally syndicated radio program E Town will be broadcast July 7 to 13 - more on this story

Black Veil Brides's Perfect Video Weapon

Black Veil Brides have release a music video for "Perfect Weapon", the first single off their debut record, We Stitch These Wounds.

The video was directed by Patrick Fogarty, who also directed Black Veil Brides' music video for "Knives and Pens" last year. Watch it here

Black Veil Brides will hit the road this summer in support of the debut, headlining the The Sacred Ceremony Tour, along with Vampires Everywhere!, Modern Day Escape, and Get Scared. The tour will kick off in San Diego on July 2nd. - dates

Alpha & Omega Album Details

Alpha & Omega have announced the tracklisting of their forthcoming album, "Life Swallower," which will hit the streets July 13 on 6131 Records.

The album, was recorded, mixed and mastered by Paul Miner (Death by Stereo, New Found Glory, Thrice, H2O) at his Buzzbomb Studios in Orange, CA and features pre-production contributions from Andrew Kline of Strife, Nick Jett of Terror and Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory.

The first track off of the album, entitled, "Fueled By Sin," can be heard now at the band's Myspace page. - more on this story

Jackyl Frontman Aims To Revolutionize Radio

Jackyl's Jesse James Dupree is branching out: M.I.X.E.R Radio and WJJO Madison announce the launch of the first ever Real Time Music Testing Platform. The nightmare of waiting days, weeks or even months for music test results is over. Listeners text their opinion on a song as it plays. Program Director's receive those scores instantly with MIXER.

For the better part of a decade, Georgia native- Jesse James Dupree, frontman for the multi-platinum selling rock act- Jackyl and 19 year radio vet, and Mid-West Family's WJJO PD Randy Hawke have been hard at work creating this break through technology.

"Over the years Randy and I have maintained a State of The Industry discussion with the idea of changing the way radio and listeners communicate." Dupree explains. - more on this story