NIN Not Dead- New Stone Temple Preview- Dead Weather Leak- UFO Member Leaves Tour- New Alice in Chains Date- Bob Mercer RIP- Metal Cooking Show and more

Forever The Sickest Kids will be touring this summer with The Ready Set, Phone Calls from Home, The Scene Aesthetic and A Cursive Memory. more

Eight months after he left the band due to "a lack of time and inspiration," bassist Magnus Olsfelt (The Crown) has rejoined Swedish heavy rockers Stolen Policecar. The group states, "We're damn pleased that Magnus quitting Stolen Policecar in the end turned out to be a couple of months off. Yeah, our dude is back, more welcome than ever." more -

Johnny Rotten Slams Malcolm McLaren

(Rock Radio) Johnny Rotten, a.k.a. John Lydon, says Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, who died in April, wasted his life in attempts to steal everything the singer owned.

On hearing of McLaren's death Lydon announced: "I miss him and so you should you." Now he tells Jam: "You can't kick the dead. You mustn't hurt the wounded. And you must always remember there's good things in everybody. I regret his death – I regret the death of any human being.

"Malcolm did his utmost to steal everything he could off me, including my good name and reputation. And all just to benefit his own ego – which is a terrible waste of his life. You can forgive but you should never forget, lest they come back and do it to you again." - more on this story

Avenged Sevenfold Confirm That Mike Portnoy is Joining Them On Tour

(Metal Underground) Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy recently announced he would be joining Avenged Sevenfold on their upcoming tour dates to sit in for the band's recently deceased drummer James Sullivan.

Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance has now checked in with the following comments about the touring arrangement:" After being so kind and caring to help us in the studio, the rumors are in fact true and Mike Portnoy will indeed be helping us on the upcoming Uproar tour later this year.

"We hope to see you all out on the road. We are very grateful to Mike for dedicating his time and talent to help us get back on the road so we can be where we need to be the most which is with our fans. Much Love and Respect." - Read Mike's comments here

Vh1 Launches Classic Rock Radio Show

VH1 Classic Rock Nights will kick off later this month, hopefully on a radio station near you. Here is the announcement: VH1 Classic and Westwood One have announced "VH1 Classic Rock Nights," the new syndicated nightly radio show hosted by classic rock radio veteran, Eddie Webb.

Beginning Monday, May 17, the show will air weeknights from 7:00pm -- 12:00am ET live from VH1 Classic's state-of-the art studio in New York. During its first week, "VH1 Classic Rock Nights" will welcome guests Ray Manzarek and John Densmore of The Doors, Mick Jones of Foreigner and Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad Company – who will help kick things off on day one. At launch, "VH1 Classic Rock Nights" will be available in 20 markets.

"VH1 Classic Rock Nights" will offer fans of classic rock the music and artists they love each night with radio-friendly music programming, new in-studio interviews with the biggest names in classic rock, road reports from the hottest tours, promotions and giveaways, and vintage performances and interviews from VH1 Classic's vast classic rock archives. - more on this story

Norma Jean Offering New Song As Free Download

Norma Jean is offering a FREE download of their new song "Leaderless and Self Enlisted" at their website.

Fans can go to www.normajeannoise.com, sign up for the band's mailing list and get the track.

The song comes from the band's upcoming new album Meridional which will hit stores July 13th. - more on this story

Singled Out: Karma To Burn's Waiting On The Western World

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Stoner Rock pioneers Karma To Burn are reunited and will release their brand new album "Appalachian Incantation" next week. To celebrate we asked bassist Rich Mullins to tell us about the first single "Waiting On The Western World". We now turn it over to Rich for the story:

The song started when Daniel Davies approached our guitarist Will and asked him to help write a heavy riff, something along the lines of a Killing Joke type of feel and delivery. Will immediately wanted to mix a single note Slayer-esque feel in combination with the Killing Joke feel. The result was the ascending riff of the verse. The rest of the song musically fell into place at our rehearsal space the next week.

Daniel originally constructed the lyrical idea around a homeless man he frequently lends cigarettes to, who believes he is Alexander the Great. Daniel addressed the age old question of whether ignorance truly is bliss, juxtaposed with his self-perceived idea of his own well documented schizophrenic episodes.

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

Antony and the Johnsons Set Album and Book Release

Antony and the Johnsons will release their new album, "Swanlights", on October 4th in Europe and the UK via Rough Trade, and October 5th in the US via Secretly Canadian.

Abrams Image will simultaneously release a special edition of "Swanlights" which will include the CD inside a 144 page art book containing Antony's paintings, collages, photography and writing.

"Swanlights" is the fourth Antony and the Johnsons album and the follow up to the critically acclaimed smash "The Crying Light" which topped year-end best of lists across the globe in 2009. - more on this story

Eyehategod Playing Special Show Tonight and Full Tour Next Month

Eyehategod will be performing a special one-off show tonight, May 7th at Emo's in Austin, Texas where they'll play their coveted first two full-lengths In The Name Of Suffering and Take As Needed For Pain records in their entirety! In. Their. Entirety! It's a damn good day to be in Austin.

Eyehategod will kick off their long-anticipated US tour alongside psychedelic black metallers Nachtmystium (from June 4 – 15) and a rotating roster of other killer openers on June 3 at Blackbooth in Orlando, Florida and wind down with two special shows at the Empty Bottle in Chicago, Illinois.

Special limited VIP packages will be available on select dates, including South Carolina, Kentucky and Maryland as well as Michigan and North Carolina (both recent additions). - dates

Iron Maiden Big in Bangalore, Big in Beijing Radio Special

Iron Maiden will be the focus of "Big in Bangalore, Big in Beijing" on BBC's Radio 4 on Saturday May 8th and Saturday 15th May 2010 at 10:30 - 11:00am.

In this two-part series presenter Rajan Datar follows legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden to Bangalore, India to find out if the emerging economies of the world offer opportunities for Western music acts.

With the rise of India and China as economic powerhouses, complete with growing middle classes, Rajan investigates if these are now the new territories for bands and artists to target as they seek new audiences. With exclusive access, he hangs out backstage with Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson, who not only fronts the band, but pilots the bands tour plane. He speaks to the promoters who are trying to make India the new destination of choice for Western music artists and hears from fans who have travelled for days from all parts of the sub continent to be at the concert. He also discovers, with surprising results, which musical genres sell in India and which don't. - more on this story

All That Remains Offering Streaming Video From The Studio

All That Remains have announced a peek into the recording process as the band enter the studio to begin recording their fifth album to be released by Prosthetic Records / Razor & Tie this fall.

To engage fans in the recording process, Phil Labonte (vocals), Oli Herbert (guitar), Mike Martin (guitar), Jeanne Sagan (bass) and Jason Costa (drums) have set up http://www.allthatremainstv.com, a streaming video site set up in their recording studio.

Fans can look to the bands' social networking sites for detailed broadcast schedules, giveaways, and weekly chat sessions, but the feed is constantly streaming and any of the band members as well as the album's producer, Adam D from Killswitch Engage, may pop into the chat room at a random time. - more on this story

Daryl Hall and Friends To Tribute T-Bone Wolk on Live From Daryl's House

The 30th edition of Daryl Hall's Live From Daryl's House will be a celebration of the life of the late T-Bone Wolk, the longtime musical director for Daryl Hall and John Oates, who passed away on Feb. 27 from a heart attack at the age of 58.

The episode brings together several former members of the band, including guitarist G.E. Smith, sax player Mark Rivera and drummer Mickey Curry, with current members Paul Pesco and Charlie DeChant for a set of T-Bone's favorite songs, including The Band's "The Weight," NRBQ's "If I Don't Have You," the Isley Bros.' "Caravan of Love," Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "I Miss You," Professor Longhair's "In the Night," Percy Mayfield's "Please Send Me Someone to Love" and H&O's own "Change of Season." - more on this story

Frank Zappa / Paul Buff Super Rarities and Unreleased Tracks Coming

Zappa fans, you may have just hit the mother load. Read on for the announcement: Crossfire Publications is in the process of releasing a 20-volume series of recordings from the pre-Mothers era, with many unreleased tracks featured. The most notable releases in the series come from Paul Buff, owner of Pal Studios in Cucamonga, California from 1957-1964.

The initial six releases took place in March: The Bongo Teens' "Surfin' Bongos" (mono and stereo), The Hollywood Persuaders' "Drums A-Go-Go" (mono and stereo) and "Singles &Rarities," and "Raw Tracks" featuring both groups. The Bongo Teens featured Buff and fellow Pal associate Dave Aerni (lead guitar), while Buff played nearly all the instruments on the Hollywood Persuaders releases.

Crossfire's mammoth series is called "Paul Buff Presents The Pal And Original Sound Studio Archives." At Pal, Buff recorded numerous artists, with The Surfaris' "Wipe Out" as the studio's most known recording. Many other notable artists, including the late Frank Zappa, recorded their earliest work at Pal Studios. - more on this story

Maps & Atlases Announce Tour With Fang Island, Cults, & The Globes

Maps & Atlases will be headlining a national summer tour that will also feature support on various dates from Fang Island, Cults, & The Globes.

The Chicago-based quartet will kick off the tour in their hometown on June 26th and bring it to a close mid-August in Newport, KY.

After putting out two EPs on indie label Sargent House, Maps & Atlases will release their debut full-length record, Perch Patchwork, June 29, 2010 on Barsuk Records. - more on this story

Since October Going Soph in June

Since October's sophomore release Life, Scars, Apologies will be released on Tooth & Nail/EMI Records on June 8th. The first single "The Way You Move" has already reignited the band's fan base by becoming the #1 most added track at Active Rock radio this week.

"This is a song about a relationship gone right, and my wife of 8 years is the inspiration," commented frontman Ben Graham. "It seems like most 'relationship songs' are about what went wrong. Since a 'happy marriage' is rare these days I figured I should take advantage of my situation. Before we met, I was at a time in my life where I had decided to be 'single for awhile', you know, focus on my life, my job, my faith, my whatever. However, let's just say after I caught a glimpse of her, that philosophy went flying out the window! There was something about her that restored in me the idea of 'true love'. We both took a chance and after 8 years I still enjoy watching her walk through a room!" - more on this story

T Bone Burnett's Favorite New Discovery Sahara Smith Finishes Album, Announces Tour Dates

Sahara [Smith] is the best young artist I have heard in many years," says T Bone Burnett. Got your interest? Read on: Located 28 miles southwest of Austin, Wimberley, TX, boasts natural springs and gravesites of early pioneers. It's also the hometown of Sahara Smith - a stunning, young singer-songwriter who started performing at age 12, and first garnered national attention at age 15 when she placed second in a contest for young songwriters on A Prairie Home Companion.

Now 21, Sahara is poised for a breakout with June tour dates supporting Mason Jennings, and a just-completed album of original songs overseen by T Bone Burnett and producer Emile Kelman.

The album is called 'Myth of the Heart' and features many of Burnett's first-call session players, including drummer Jay Bellerose, guitarist Marc Ribot, and bassist Dennis Crouch. More details on the album will be revealed soon. - more on this story

Captain, We're Sinking Vinyl and Free Download

Kind Of Like Records is pleased to announce the release of Captain, We're Sinking's It's A Trap EP on vinyl. Due out May 18th, the record will be pressed as a 7-inch with a double door jacket and is now available for pre-order here. The tracks are also available for free download through If You Make It here.

National Underground has posted a band on band video interview with Captain, We're Sinking and The Menzingers wherein the bands discuss their new records, old projects, and more.

Both hailing from Scranton, PA, they know a lot about one another, have been in bands together, and are even related- each band has a member of the Barnett family. Watch the video - here

Son Of Aurelius Kick Off Dates With Whitechapel This Sunday

Son Of Aurelius will kick off a week long west coast run with Whitechapel this Sunday, May 9th in Reno, NV. The tour will make a stop in Roseburg, OR before landing in for a few dates in California.

"We are all really psyched to get out on the road with Whitechapel and play these shows," affirms Son Of Aurelius guitarist Cary Geare. "We can't wait to get going! It's so awesome that we get to be a part of the CA Metalfest this year, it's going to be great to play and see all the bands!"

Son Of Aurelius will also be performing at California Metalfest IV. The California Metalfest IV will be held on Saturday May 15th and Sunday May 16th at both The Fox Theater and The Glass House in Pomona, CA. Son Of Aurelius will be playing the second day of the festival, Sunday May 16th, at The Fox Theater. - more on this story

After Midnight Project Lands Some Chevelle Dates

After Midnight Project will be hitting the road this week with Chevelle for a week-long Texas tour beginning May 7 in San Antonio wrapping up May 14 in Mission, TX.

Supporting its debut Universal/Motown release, Lets Build Something To Break, the L.A. band will be on the entire Warped Tour this summer.

Heralded as "One of the most seasoned bands I ever worked with," by legendary producer and Goldfinger frontman John Feldman, the group's debut displays singer Jason Evigan's uncanny ability to pen huge rock anthems blended with melodies that make the songs appealing to even the most hardened rock fan. - more on this story

St. Madness Nominated for Rock Artist of the Year

The LA Music Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2010. St. Madness is honored to announce its nomination in the 'Rock Artist of the Year' category of the Phoenix Music Awards, which will be held during a special segment of the awards ceremony. The LA Music Awards previous nominees include No Doubt, System Of A Down, Korn, Everclear, Black Eyed Peas, and more.

Additionally, St. Madness vocalist Prophet has been honored with a nomination in the "Record of the Year" category for his maiden, solo effort "The Edge", recorded and co-produced with legendary Phoenix producer, engineer and former Interscope artist Larry Elyea, who has worked in studio with Eminem, Kottonmouth Kings, Bionic Jive, Jimmy Eat World, Authority Zero and more.

This year the Los Angeles/Phoenix Music Awards will be held Thursday, November 18, 2010 with the red carpet arrivals starting at 5:30 PM, cocktails at 6 PM and then dinner and show time begin at 7:30 PM. The venue is the Paramount Theater on the lot at Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave, in Los Angeles California, USA. - more on this story

Derelict Kick Off Northern Shores Tour

Derelict have kicked off their 'Northern Shores' cross Canada tour. The group is currently touring in support of their new album "Unspoken Words," which was released through Year of The Sun Records.

Derelict's "Unspoken Words," was mixed and mastered by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy, The Agonist). Since the album's release, the group has toured relentlessly across Canada opening for some of the hottest bands, including The Agonist, Ion Dissonance, The Last Felony, Threat Signal and Canadian metal legends Martyr.

"Unspoken Words" has also been dominating the Canadian metal radio charts for weeks, where the album peaked at #1, taking the top position away from the likes of High on Fire, Priestess, Dark Tranquility, and Carnifex. - more on this story

Black Water Rising Lineup Shows With Hell Yeah, Cycle of Pain and Nonpoint

Black Water Rising have several shows lined up for May in support of their self-titled release which is available now on Giddy Up! Records (a brand new label with distribution through Sony/RED.)

Drummer Mike Meselsohn had this to say about the show with Hellyeah in Brooklyn: "I was honored to share the stage with Vinnie Paul...he is an icon of metal drumming and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He even knew our song "Brother Go On" from hearing it on the radio and sang it to me. It was a surreal experience and a kick-ass night!"

The guys in Black Water Rising are sure to have more memorable moments like this at their upcoming shows, including May 22nd in Buffalo, NY where they will be sharing the bill with Cycle of Pain. Two days later on May 24th BWR will be performing with Nonpoint at The Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale, NY. - more on this story

Steel Train Album and Tour Coming in June

Steel Train will hit the road again, beginning June 22nd in New York City, the band will embark on a 4-week headlining tour in support of their upcoming album, Steel Train.

Set for a June 29th release on the band's recently created label, Terrible Thrills, new album is the follow up to the band's record, Trampoline.

To get fans excited, Steel Train is offering their new song, YOU AND I UNDERCOVER for free download at this location

- dates

Harper Blynn CD Release Shows

Harper Blynn will release their debut album on May 11th and have will play a CD release party at the M Room in Philly on May 14th and another release show at Brooklyn Bowl on May 21. Here is some more info on their album:

Loneliest Generation is the debut record from Harper Blynn, a Brooklyn, NY-based based four piece named for its two principle songwriters, Pete Harper and J.Blynn. Produced by David Kahne (The Strokes, Regina Spektor, Paul McCartney), this is a stunning first album that presents a young band with a timeless sound that melds dead-on, glorious four-part harmonies with a finely honed sense of songcraft. It's an album about something, as the title suggests.

The album was recorded over 10 days in New York City and represents the band's knack for writing catchy, hook-filled tunes with an impressive live show. Featuring drummer Sarab Singh and a Dutch bass player who goes by the name "Whynot," the group's seemingly effortless four-part harmonies and dead-on live shows have a confidence and rock-solid feel that's impressive for a band releasing their debut. - more on this story

Mississippi Celebrates Its Grammy Legacy

Mississippi celebrates its enduring connection to the Grammy Awards May 27 with a gala hosted by Governor Haley Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour.

The event, the fourth such celebration of its kind in as many years, is part of the state's ongoing campaign to reinforce awareness of its identity as "The Birthplace of America's Music." This year's edition of Mississippi Celebrates Its Grammy Legacy moves to Biloxi's Hard Rock Live at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino; it had previously taken place in Tunica and Jackson.

The evening's performers include jazz great Cassandra Wilson, a tribute to Jim Henson led by conductor Benjamin Wright, country singer/songwriter Mac McAnally, gospel greats The Williams Brothers with the Mississippi Mass Choir, Swedish superstar Beatrice, plus a special "Bluesapalooza" performance featuring Eddie Cotton, Hubert Sumlin, Zac Harmon, King Edward and Bobby Rush. Joey Lauren Adams will, for the third time serve as mistress of ceremonies. - more on this story