The Doors New Singer- Bret Michaels in Apprentice Finals- Dio Planned Reunion- Chickenfoot- Ozzy Reissues- Marilyn Manson Slasher Movie- Torche Robbed- more

Metal Injection has the exclusive first look at the upcoming documentary release Marlyand Deathfest: The Movie directed by David Hall. You can watch the first 12 minutes of the documentary, featuring live footage of Hero Destroyed, Triac & Jig Ai more -

Metal Legend Ronnie James Dio Died On Sunday

It is with sadness we report that legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio lost his five month battle with stomach cancer on Sunday morning.

His wife and manager Wendy Dio posted the following message of Ronnie's official website, "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

Dio is survived by his wife Wendy, son Daniel, grandchildren Julie and Joey, and father Pat. - more on this story

Gene Simmons Fights Back Against Grind Assault Claim

(PR) KISS star Gene Simmons has taken legal action against an ESPN makeup artist who falsely claimed that Simmons assaulted her and then threatened to sue him for an alleged incident that never occurred unless he paid to her the outrageous sum of $185,000 for nonexistent injuries.

In a complaint filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Simmons asked the court for a judicial declaration that no assault took place and that ESPN makeup artist Victoria Jackson did not suffer any damages or injuries attributable to him. Simmons, who has no idea who Jackson is, categorically denies her allegations.

Jackson's allegations involve an appearance by the KISS front man on ESPN SportsCenter last November. Simmons, along with KISS' drummer, Eric Singer, appeared on the show in full KISS costume and make-up just before a KISS concert at Los Angeles' Staples Center on the evening of November 24, 2009. - more on this story

New Avenged Sevenfold Song Coming This Week

Avenged Sevenfold will release their new single, "Nightmare," to radio today (Monday, May 17th.) The track will be available from all digital service providers tomorrow.

The song is the first single from the band's upcoming fifth studio album, which was produced by Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem) and mixed by noted engineer Andy Wallace. The album is due for release this summer on Warner Bros. Records.

In August, Avenged Sevenfold will set out co-headlining the first annual Uproar Festival with Disturbed. Also on the bill are Stone Sour, Halestorm, and Hell Yeah. - more on this story

Pete Wentz Steering The New Train Video

Train is back with the video for their new song "If It's Love" from their new album Save Me, San Francisco out on Columbia Records now.

The video, directed by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, premiered on Saturday, May 15 on VH1 Top 20 Countdown Show. But is also streaming in Vh1.com (see link at the end of this article).

The band will be performing on "The View" on June 7 and the "TODAY Show Summer Concert Series" on August 6. Train will also have the honor to help kick-off the inaugural concert at the soon-to-be-opened New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey with Bon Jovi on May 26.Train is currently on their Save Me, San Francisco tour across the nation. - Stream the new video here

Tributes to Ronnie James Dio

The outpouring from the music community over the sad news that Ronnie James Dio died on Sunday has been massive. We have gathered together a few on the tributes below:

Tony Iommi: "Yesterday 16th May my dear, dear friend Ronnie James Dio passed away at 7.45am LA time. I've been in total shock I just can't believe he's gone. Ronnie was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, we had some fantastic times together. Ronnie loved what he did, making music and performing on stage. He loved his fans so much. He was a kind man and would put himself out to help others. I can honestly say it's truly been an honor to play at his side for all these years, his music will live on forever. Our thoughts are with Wendy Dio who stood by Ronnie until the end, he loved her very much. The man with the magic voice is a star amongst stars, a true professional. I'll miss you so much my dear friend."

Metallica's Lars Ulrich: "Dear Ronnie, I just got off stage in Zagreb. I was met with the news that you've passed on. I'm kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with. When I first saw you in Elf, opening for Deep Purple in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6,000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11 year old, most of whom were not familiar with Elf's music. The following year, I was so psyched when I heard the results of you joining forces with my favourite guitar player . You guys sounded so right for each other and I instantly became Rainbow's #1 fan in Denmark. In the fall of 1976, when you played your first show in Copenhagen, I was literally in the front row and the couple of times we made eye contact you made me feel like the most important person in the world. The news that you guys were staying in town on your day off somehow embedded itself in my brain and I made the pilgrimage to the Plaza Hotel to see if I could somehow grab a picture, an autograph, a moment, anything. A few hours later you came out and were so kind and caring... pictures, autographs and a couple minutes of casual banter. I was on top of the world, inspired and ready for anything. Rainbow came to Copenhagen a couple more times over the next few years and each time you guys blew my mind, and for a good three years were my absolute favourite band on this planet. Over the years I've been fortunate enough to run into you a half dozen times or so and each time you were as kind, caring and gracious as you were in 1976 outside the hotel. When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was literally transformed back to that little snot nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier and it was such a f***ing honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in Heaven & Hell. A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, but I kind of pussied out, thinking the last thing you needed in your recovery was feeling obligated to take a phone call from a Danish drummer/fan boy. I wish I'd made that call. We will miss you immensely on the dates, and we will be thinking of you with great admiration and affection during that run. It seemed so right to have you out on tour with the so-called Big Four since you obviously were one of the main reasons that the four bands even exist. Your ears will definitely be burning during those two weeks because all of us will be talking, reminiscing and sharing stories about how knowing you has made our lives that much better. Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you. Much love, Lars."

Glenn Hughes: "It is a very sad day today... I have lost a very dear friend. Ronnie was a true leader of heavy metal ... an icon and a visionary... there will never be another like him. Ronnie gave me wisdom, and showed me great compassion when he was in Elf, all those years ago, when we were on tour together in my time in Deep Purple. He was a beautiful soul, kind, considerate and a wonderful teacher. Someday I'll be bringing your microphone up there with me, and we'll sing a song, and share a Vindaloo together... I'll miss you mate."

Megadeth's David Ellefson: "He was truly one of the 'good guys' in this business and a consummate pro, someone we can all take a que and learn from. We are all fans of his and he did many great things for Megadeth and its members, starting starting as far back as his 'Dream Evil' North American tour in which we were the support band during the 'So Far, So Good...So What' tour. . . I'm very thankful to have gotten to know and tour with him in both Megadeth and with Tim 'Ripper' Owens. Wendy Dio looked after Ripper's European tour where we played several shows with Heaven & Hell and we got to have many good moments with Ronnie during that tour. He is missed by us all. Our prayers go out to him and his family at this time. Other than that, time to rest before the European trek starting end of May in Lisbon, Portugual. See you then!"

Ritchie Blackmore: "Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world."

Former Dio guitarist Rowan Robertson: "I am privileged to have been a part of Ronnie James Dio's life and music. His closest ones are in my thoughts."

Sebastian Bach: "Crying right now in remembrance of my hero and friend Ronnie James Dio. Dio died this morning and he was a major, major part of my life. I got to do shows with him and work with him and I loved Dio my whole life. Thanks so much the world has lost one of the best. Your last album was your best. Of course"

Billy Corgan: "R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio. I only got to meet him once and I can honestly say he was the nicest person I have ever met in music. Ronnie was a true gentleman, and obviously one of the best rock singers there will ever be. What a sad loss today.

Queensryche: "Ronnie James Dio was undoubtedly one of heavy metal's greatest performers and will continue to influence the world of heavy metal forever. He was certainly a very big influence on Queensryche and along the way became a cherished friend too. We will all miss him greatly, but Ronnie will live on every time we raise our metal horns high! The man on the silver mountain will always be our rainbow in the dark."

Geezer Butler posted a picture of Dio on his website, with the caption: "Goodbye My Dear Friend."

Twisted Sister: "The members of Twisted Sister along with millions of metal fans around the world mourn the death of our friend Ronnie James Dio. Ronnie not only was a giant in the world wide metal scene, but he was also one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Beginning in 1983 when we first toured with Ronnie in Canada, and continuing over the last 7 years when we played dozens of festivals around the world, Ronnie was one of the most supportive and gracious members of the music community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and Ronnie's family."

Slash: "Ronnie died at 7:45 a.m. this morning, but his music will live for eternity."

Finally, antiMusic's Zane Ewton posted the following tribute on his personal site, Lloyd Zeffler: "I am very sad to hear about the passing of one of the greatest singers in heavy metal history – Ronnie James Dio. As a member of Rainbow, Black Sabbath and his solo band, Dio, Ronnie James carved a unique legacy in rock and roll music. The power and range of his voice was never in question, and his songs – even with the dungeons and dragons imagery – were awesome calls to empower and fight for yourself. Stand up and shout! I have written about Ronnie James Dio frequently the last few years. He was one of the first shows I covered for antiMusic. It was at that show that I had the chance to meet Dio. He was gracious and sweet, even though he spent the last two hours blowing our faces off with the majesty of rock. He gave me a hug and told me to be good. Then a few years later I got the chance to seem him live with Heaven & Hell. This reconstituted Black Sabbath lineup unleashed the best tracks from their first three albums. Essential listening for any rock fan."

Zane followed that with links to the various articles he has written about Dio over past decade. If you are a fan, and missed any of them, you should definitely check them out here -

The Sword Announce New Concept Album

The Sword will release, Warp Riders, their third full-length on August 24th via Kemado Records. According to the announcement, the effort is the band's first concept album and is fittingly grand in scope both lyrically and in terms of musical craftsmanship.

This also marks the first release where the group has worked with an outside producer. Helmed by Matt Bayles (Pearl Jam, Mastodon, Isis), Warp Riders is anchored by an epic science-fiction narrative.

The storyline is a psychedelic space opera that explores temporal themes of death and rebirth.The album also finds The Sword expanding their range from pure metal to include bone-crunching hard rock at large. - more on this story

Yes and Toto Member Form Yoso Supergroup

YOSO is formed out of TOTO's lead vocalist Bobby Kimball and the creative force of former YES members, Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood, thus equalling the magic of YES with the voice of TOTO. However, YOSO is much more than a combination of two classic rock groups. The band's debut album "Elements" - which comes together with a bonus live CD where the band plays some old and new classics – presents a fascinating combination of the sound of YES ("90125"/"Big Generator" era) and TOTO, with a very interesting and original sound that truly encompasses the styles.

"Elements" will see the light of day on July 2nd in Europe and July 27th in the USA, where the band has already scheduled a number of tour dates in support of the album's release, on Frontiers Records.

Even though the band's heritage is from 2 classic bands, YOSO intends to become its own identifiable entity in a very short time, YOSO's collective mission is to make the next decade one where YOSO's music will be held up alongside their classic rock backgrounds as a band as important as TOTO and YES. - more on this story

The Rolling Stones and Don Was To Be Exiled on Sirius Tomorrow

SIRIUS XM Radio announced the broadcast of a conversation with Rolling Stones members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts by Don Was, producer and Outlaw Country host.

The interview coincides with the re-release of the Rolling Stones' legendary 1972 album Exile on Main Street on May 18, 2010.

During the interview, Don Was, who has produced many Rolling Stones studio albums, including Voodoo Lounge and 2005's critically-acclaimed A Bigger Bang, as well as the live albums Stripped and Live Licks, will talk with Jagger, Richards and Watts about the process of putting together the re-release of Exile on Main Street. The band gave Was access to the master tapes from the historic sessions, and he will share with SIRIUS XM listeners how they uncovered previously unreleased recordings, ten of which are featured in the Exile on Main Street re-release. - more on this story

3 Questions with Marc Mysterio About the Fake Radio Controversy

We ran the following special in Friday's Day in Pop, but we wanted to repost it here today because it may be of some interest to rock fans who listen to radio. Before we get to the special we will reiterate a point that several people from radio told us after the original article ran. The incident you are about to read about, is NOT a common practice at radio. That's why the incident caused so much controversy when it happened. Here is the special: Imagine calling your local radio station to request a song currently on their playlist chart and a short time later you hear your voice on air manipulated to sound like you are requesting a song from another artist. A fan of house music hitmaker Marc Mysterio had that experience last Friday with Twin-Cities Top-40 radio station KHTC-FM. We ran the wire story about the incident last Monday where Mysterio asked the station's program director for an apology read it here and now to kick off our new "3 Questions" series we caught up with Mysterio to delve a little deeper, get an update and see if he ever received that apology. We discover that sadly, the opposite happened. Here are the 3 Questions with Marc Mysterio

? 1) How did you find out about what this radio station did to your fan?: I just returned from Europe to my home in Montréal last week, and learned that my song, 'One More Time', had amazingly on its own made the transition from mix show and club success to being added to top 40 radio stations daytime playlists and charts across America based on fan demand. I think that as a house/dance artist, we depend on our core followers long term and maybe have a bit more personal relationship with our fans since we are touring, mostly in clubs, where fans can come up to us, give us a hug, have a drink, etc.

This fan in particular, I had known for a few years and she had saw my tweet to go and request the song, which she did (and recorded herself as a joke that she could send on to me later). Anyways, the radio station flipped what she had said and she reached out to me on myspace. I was getting ready for a gig and I called her and she played me the whole conversation over the phone!

I then called the station and confronted this female host -- and I have no idea whom she is since this radio station doesn't even have a show schedule or hosts name's listed on their site -- and she told me to 'get over it and do what you got to do'.

The rest is history, and I have received so much support from fans all over the world, even Andrew Breitbart whom made it a breaking news story on his home page on breitbart.com! Nice to know that even conservatives are feeling house music too! - read the other 2 questions to find out the radio station's response

Spend An Evening With The Maine

The Maine have announced their first-ever nationwide headlining tour. "An Evening with The Maine," kicks off July 7th in San Francisco, CA and runs through August 27th in Mesa, AZ.

The tour will support the July 13th release of their major label debut album Black & White. The Howard Benson-produced Black & White is the follow-up to their 2008 Fearless Records debut Can't Stop, Won't Stop.

"An Evening with The Maine" will be a unique event that allows fans to connect with the band on a personal level. Each show will feature a 90-minute set from the Arizona five-piece, followed by an audience-wide meet & greet and photo session for any fan wishing to say hello to the band. This Century will open on the tour, and there will be special guests, giveaways, contests and prizes every night. - more on this story

Deftones Confirmed for Jimmy Kimmel and Weenie Roast

Deftones have just confirmed an appearance on the outdoor stage of Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC TV on Friday, June 4. The show will air at 12:05AM PST / EST and at 11:05PM CT. Check local listings for details.

Also just announced, Deftones have been added to the line-up of the annual KROQ Weenie Roast at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA on the following day, Saturday June 5.

Deftones 6th studio album, DIAMOND EYES has entered the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts at No 6 upon release selling over 62,000 albums during its first week. - more on this story

Fang Island Announce Tour Plans Including A Run With The Flaming Lips

Fang Island have announced dates supporting the Flaming Lips in July in support of their self-titled debut album which hit shelves in February.

Prior to that mega-tour, the band embarks on US headlining dates beginning May 15th in Phoenix.

All leading to a triumphant NYC homecoming on May 29th with Dan Deacon to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Cake Shop. The quintet also plays Chicago's Green Music Fest in June. - more on this story

Carole King and James Taylor TV

Carole King and James Taylor will perform together on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 18. PBS will additionally air Live at the Troubadour nationally beginning in June.

They are appearing in support of the current tour and the Carole King and James Taylor: Live at the Troubadour CD/DVD which debuted at #4 on Billboard's Top 200. The release has sold over 77,000 units in the first week, including an #1 Internet debut.

Live at the Troubadour was recorded in 2007 when James Taylor, Carole King and members of their original band (Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar and Russell Kunkel) returned to the Troubadour in LA to celebrate the venue's 50th anniversary. This now legendary reunion was also the inspiration for Carole and James' current and highly successful "Troubadour Reunion" summer tour.
- more on this story

Elogy in July

Elogy is set to release its debut album "One" on July 6th, 2010. Releasing the debut on its own dime and without the assistance of a major label, Elogy is pleased to be continuing its tradition of working completely independently.

With their debut release behind them, Elogy is poised and ready to enter the next phase of their career and expose their music to new fans across the country.

With a full tour of California planned for this summer, and a National tour in the works, the members of Elogy are excited to take the US by storm, and continue their development as a band and as musicians. The guys from Elogy decided to set up a camera during one of their late-night 3am practicing sessions that you can check out - here

Act As If Go Digital

The debut full-length album from indie/rock group Act As If, entitled "There's a Light," is now available on iTunes, Amazon mp3, Lala, and Zune.

The band's singer/songwriter Peter Verdell wrote and produced the 11-song album, and also performed all drums, guitars, piano, and synths.

The album was mixed by Nick Baumhardt and mastered by Troy Glessner (Death Cab for Cutie, Pedro the Lion) and is being billed as for fans of Jimmy Eat World and Death Cab.
-

Hot Chelle Rae and Boys Like Girls Announce Love Drunk Australia Tour

Hot Chelle Rae are going to Australia where they'll join Boys Like Girls on the Love Drunk Australia Tour for a handful of dates in July.

As soon as they get back they will be going out on the Warped Tour for two weeks (7/17-8/2).

AUSTRALIA TOUR DATES
7/09 @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
7/10 @ The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
7/11 @ NSW Roundhouse, Sydney
7/14 @ The HI-FI, Melbourne
7/15 @ The HI-FI, Melbourne

- U.S. dates

Doug Keith Summer Tour

Doug Keith will be kicking off a summer long national tour on May 18th in Greensboro, NC.

He'll be touring in support of both his recently released sophomore full-length The Lucky Ones and the newly remixed and remastered re-release of his critically acclaimed 2009 debut album Here's To Outliving Me on July 13th (both on Doug's co-owned imprint The Village Label).

5/18/10 Greensboro, NC The Green Bean
5/19/10 Winston-Salem, NC WFU
5/19/10 Winston-Salem, NC The Garage
- more dates

Nonpoint Score Chart Miracle

Miracle, the new album from Nonpoint, has debuted no. 6 on the Billboard Hard Rock Chart and no. 11 on the Billboard Alternative Chart, marking the band's highest Billboard debuts of their storied 10+ year career.

The album debuted no. 59 on the Billboard Top 200, marking the 2nd highest debut of the band's career on the coveted chart. Miracle also landed no. 12 on the Indie Chart. On the digital front, Miracle peaked at no. 1 on Amazon's hard rock chart and #4 on iTunes' rock chart.

Lead singer Elias Soriano says, "Miracle, for us, is exactly like its name. After months of hard work and focus with the all the support of our friends, fans and radio, we've surpassed all our expectations. We feel reborn. Blessed. Thankful." - more on this story

Brian Ray (Paul McCartney) Offers Free Album Download

Paul McCartney's band member Brian Ray is celebrating the forthcoming release of his new solo album by offering fans a free download of his previous album.

For a limited time, visitors to his Facebook page who click like button will be offered a free download of his 2005 solo album, "Mondo Magneto."

Brian just about to hit the road with Paul McCartney and his new solo album, "This Way Up," will be released this summer. But for now, grab a free copy of "Mondo Magneto" - right here

Carney Touring With Athlete this Summer

Carney released their debut album, Mr. Green Volume 1, last week on DAS Label/Interscope. In support of that release, they are hitting the road with Athlete this summer.

According to a press announcement: There are very few 26 year old musicians out right now who can play at their level and it will take you seeing them once to understand instantly that these guys have more in common with Zeppelin and the Doors than they do with the current scene of their peers. They regularly sell out the Troubador and the El Rey in LA and they destroyed at SXSW this year.

Named one of the hottest bands at Lollapalooza by Spin, Carney has also won over crowds at Bonnaroo, San Diego Street Scene and Outside Lands Festival, with Entertainment Weekly naming Reeve Carney (lead vocals/ guitar) "One of the 10 Rising Stars to watch in 2010." - more on this story

Barren Earth Leer in New Video

Prog/death supergroup, Barren Earth, has completed filming their first music video for the track "The Leer", taken from the band's debut full-length record, Curse of the Red River.

The brand new video for "The Leer" was directed by Owe Lingvall, and can be viewed exclusively here

The release hit stores in the US last month on Peaceville Records. - more on this story

Dawes Summer Tour Plans

Dawes has confirmed a long string of tour dates, including four weeks with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Besides these dates, they will be on the road through August playing shows with Josh Ritter, supporting Band of Horses as well as She & Him, and performing at several of the summer's biggest festivals, including Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.

Dawes has been touring nonstop since the release of North Hills, perfecting their live show and developing a rabid fanbase across the country as a result. - more on this story

Are you the King of the Blues?

Guitar Center fourth annual King of the Blues, the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered blues guitar player, began its in-store competitions last week.

Contestants will go toe-to-toe, demonstrating their blues skills for the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes and the opportunity to perform at the King of the Blues finals at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, and play on the same stage as Grammy Award-winning guitarist Derek Trucks.

The success of last year's reigning champion, Kirby Kelley, is testimony to Guitar Center's support of aspiring artists as he was recently selected to play at the Eric Clapton-curated Crossroads Guitar Festival on June 26th at Toyota Park in Chicago, IL, opening for a long list of legendary artists, including: Allman Brothers Band; ZZ Top; Steve Winwood; BB King; Jeff Beck; Vince Gill; Sheryl Crow; Buddy Guy, John Mayer and Clapton himself. All profits from the Festival will benefit The Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment and education facility founded by Clapton for chemically dependent persons. - more on this story