Rare Dio Cover By Van Halen Now Online- Ronnie James Dio Movie Was Planned- Limp Bizkit Cancel Tour- Guns N' Roses Tour in Doubt?- MGMT- more

Fewer than 2 percent of mobile users in the United States and western Europe used their phone to download music in the first quarter, showing the uphill task facing Apple iTunes challengers like Nokia. more -

Axl Rose Claims Chinese Democracy Was Sabotaged To Bring About Original Guns N' Roses Reunion

Rock Radio has this report about the ever continuing saga that is Guns N' Roses: The legal battle between Guns N' Roses mainman Axl Rose and former manager Irving Azoff has escalated with Rose making allegations of sabotage. In papers filed in US courts, Rose claims that Azoff tried to force him into a reunion tour with guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan and other classic-era band members. And when it didn't work, Azoff resorted to trying to destroy the 21st-century edition's career, Rose says.

The papers accuse the manager of "devising and implementing a secret plan to set up Rose and the band for failure, so that Rose would have no choice but to reunited with the original Guns n'Roses members."

Rose says Azoff deliberately mismanaged concert bookings, and deliberately failed to promote the new band's long-awaited 2008 album Chinese Democracy. - more on this story

Ozzfest Offering Ozzy Album Download

All six dates on this year's Ozzfest tour will feature all-in ticket pricing, starting as low as $30 per ticket when purchased in a 4-pack.

All fans who purchase tickets for this summer's return of Ozzfest, before June 18th at LiveNation.com, will receive a digital copy of Ozzy's new album, Scream the day before the album is available in stores.

All fans who purchase tickets at LiveNation.com through June 18th will receive an email with one unique download link per ticket for Ozzy's new album, Scream, on June 21st, the day before the album is available in stores. (Offer valid for residents of the U.S. and Canada. Download links expire 8/25/10. Additional restrictions may apply.) - more on this story

ISIS Breakup

(Band Statement) ISIS has reached an end. It's hard to try to say it in any delicate way, and it is a truth that is best spoken plainly. This end isn't something that occurred over night and it hasn't been brought about by a single cataclysmic fracture in the band. Simply put, ISIS has done everything we wanted to do, said everything we wanted to say.

In the interest of preserving the love we have of this band, for each other, for the music made and for all the people who have continually supported us, it is time to bring it to a close. We've seen too many bands push past the point of a dignified death and we all promised one another early on in the life of the band that we would do our best to ensure ISIS would never fall victim to that syndrome.

We've had a much longer run than we ever expected we would and accomplished a great deal more than we ever imagined possible. We never set any specific goals when the band was founded other than to make the music we wanted to hear and to play (and to stay true to that ideal), so everything else that has come along the long and winding path has been an absolute gift. - more on this story

Geezer Butler Remembers Ronnie James Dio, Recounts Ronnie's Final Days

Ronnie James Dio's Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell bandmate, Terry "Geezer" Butler has posted a lengthy statement about the loss of his friend. Here is what he has to say: It's impossible to express in mere words the relationship Ronnie and I, Wendy and my wife Gloria had. He was much more than a friend, fellow musician, band mate. If I have a soul, then he is part of it.

I truly believe God, fate, destiny, whatever it's called, brought us together again in 2006, after not seeing each other for 14 years, to do one final tour, which turned into 3 major tours and an album. We were having a blast together, enjoying each other's company more than we had ever done before, talking about maybe doing one more album, when fate intervened again.

We were planning on doing a 2 or 3 part North American tour, after having toured South America and Europe in Spring /Summer 2009, but on the first leg of the North American tour, Tony's hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny's shoulder became dislocated, and Ronnie was having terrible stomach pains. We decided to cut the tour, get healthy, and carry on the following year. Tony and Vinny had successful procedures to fix their ailments, but Ronnie's stomach pains were worsening. I saw him at the Dio Halloween party, but he wasn't drinking, unusual for Ronnie who liked his tipple. He was telling me he had made an appointment with a specialist, to see what it was….. - more on this story

New Metallica Vinyl Release Delayed

The next installment in the Metallica vinyl reissue project, Load, has been pushed back to June 15th from May 18th in North America. It will be available outside of North America on July 5th. The band made the announcement by posting the new release dates but the original announcement with the original release date. Here are some of the details:

If you've been following along, you know the drill - there will be two packages, a two disc gatefold package for the 33.3 version, and a box for the four disc, 180 gram, 45 rpm deluxe edition. All the music was half speed mastered from the original analog tapes at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood, CA to bring you audiophile quality.

Check out your fav local record shop, or just head over here to the Metallica store to pick up a copy starting [June 15th]. And of course "Re-Load" is next in the queue . . . tentative date for that to hit the streets is at the end of June. [We assume that has been pushed back as well] - more on this story

Muse Announce Stadium Shows Lineups

Muse have announced the show lineups for their forthcoming UK stadium shows.

Manchester Lancashire County Cricket Ground - 4th September: Muse, Editors, The Temper Trap, Pulled Apart By Horses

London Wembley Stadium - 10th September: Muse, Lily Allen, The Big Pink, White Rabbits

London Wembley Stadium - 11th September: Muse, Biffy Clyro, White Lies, I Am Arrows - more on this story

R.E.M. Fables Revisited and Expanded

R.E.M. will release of an expanded 25th Anniversary 2CD and digital edition of the band's 1985 album, Fables Of The Reconstruction, on July 13th.

The new edition features the digitally remastered original album, plus 14 previously unreleased demo recordings, cut prior to the album's studio sessions, including one long-sought track that has never been released.

The commemorative release also adds insightful new liner notes by R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, with the 2CD package presented in a lift-top box with a poster and four postcards. On the same date, the remastered original album will be released on 180-gram vinyl. - more on this story

Bad Religion Release Free 30th Anniversary Album

Bad Religion is giving away a free digital album, 30 Years Live, which is available now as a thank you to fans for their loyal support over the last three decades.

For a limited time only, fans are invited to sign up for the band's mailing list at http://www.badreligion.com/mailinglist.html to receive a link to the free digital download of 30 Years Live.

Spanning the course of 30 years of genre defining music from the west coast's quintessential punk rock band, 30 Years Live was recorded during Bad Religion's recently wrapped House of Blues tour of Southern California and features vigorous performances of fan favorites and rarities from their classic releases How Could Hell Be Any Worse, Recipe For Hate, Suffer, Stranger Than Fiction, The Grey Race, Against The Grain, The Empire Strikes First and Generator. Additionally, the band is including live versions of two new songs "Won't Somebody" and "Resist Stance" that will be featured on the group's next album. - more on this story

The Who's Roger Daltrey Touring Solo and With Clapton, Opens Teenage Trust Cancer Unit Today

Who frontman Roger Daltrey has announced a string of solo dates for June and July. He'll kick off with three headlining dates and then jump on tour with Eric Clapton for four dates.

In other Daltry news, Roger will open a new teenage trust cancer unit today. Here is the announcement: A new ground-breaking teenage cancer unit has been set up on Tyneside, UK and will be officially opened [today], Wednesday. It is estimated more than 100 young people will use the centre each year.

Rock legend Roger Daltrey and X Factor winner Joe McElderry will visit the centre at Newcastle's Great North Children's Hospital, where they will be introduced to patients and staff before cutting the ribbon to mark its official opening.

- tour dates

Far Streaming Their Comeback Album Online

Far's first new album in over a decade is now streaming in its entirety on MySpace. The band's fifth full-length studio album, At Night We Live (Vagrant) will be released next Tuesday, May 25.

Originally from Sacramento, California, the quartet will kick off their first run of headline dates in their former hometown tonight at Venue. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks. - more on this story

Circle Jerks and X Classics Getting 180 Gram Vinyl Reissue Treatment

Porterhouse Prime Vinyl has two new releases this summer from veteran punk bands, Circle Jerks and X. Here are the details.

June 8 2010: Circle Jerks "Wonderful" 12" 180 Gram Vinyl : Fourth Studio album from Los Angeles punk rockers. This re-mastered re-release features 180 Gram premium vinyl and contains original lyric sleeve. One of the bands most popular records.

July 13 2010 X "Under the Big Black Sun" 12" 180 Gram Vinyl: Out of print for over 15 years the bands third studio album is a critically acclaimed masterpiece of American music. Re-mastered and complete with original inner lyric sheet. Production overseen by Exene and John Doe. - Label's site

My Morning Jacket Announce Summer Dates

My Morning Jacket will be heading back on the road this August. The touring kicks off in San Diego on August 11th.

Sub Pop's Avi Buffalo will be supporting the group for the San Diego date as well as their LA show at The Greek Theater.

The run will also include a stop at Denver's Mile High Festival, and MMJ will be supporting Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers on several dates. The band is both thrilled and humbled to have been asked to open for the legend. - more on this story

Guillemots' Fyfe Dangerfield Releases Solo Album, Playing North America This Month

Guillemots founding member and frontman Fyfe Dangerfield, will release his first solo album, Fly Yellow Moon through Downtown Records on May 18th. The album was recorded at Urchin Studios in the UK, at the same building where Fyfe recorded the first Guillemots EP.

The album features songs beautifully accompanied by strings, guitars, piano, and even auto tone. "Some songs stayed completely acoustic and bare, while others quickly transformed into something quite differed, helped hugely by two fantastic drummer friends of mine - Matt Ingram and Jamie Morrison - who happened to be around and both sprinkled non-literal gold-dust wherever they might beat," says Fyfe. "We had such fun, and about half the album we ended up with is mixes that we took home in that first week. The songs didn't seem to need any more polishing - we tried once or twice and it was like adding butter to cornflakes. So we took off the butter and let them be."

In support of Fly Yellow Moon Fyfe will tour the US for select dates including intimate shows at Joe's Pub in NYC on May 19th and Hotel Café in Los Angeles on May 26th. Complete list below. - more on this story

Singled Out: Reggie Watt's F_ck Sh_t Stack

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today funny man Reggie Watts tells us about "F_ck Sh_t Stack" from his brand new album "Why $#!+ So Crazy?". We now turn it over to Reggie for the story:

It's an evolved story, it's a song that literarily came to be through hours and hours of stage time. As I'm too lazy to sit down and actually write things it's written out of my frustration with mainstream hip hop, which is something that has been going on since the mid nineties. But the fascination with the obvious factors like sexism, objectification, and using monetary funds in ridiculous ways. And materialism, and just a reliance on things that have nothing to do with an artist's perspective or personality.

As far as there being such a thing as "F*ck Sh*t Stack"? It's more of an abstract concept, I don't think the term holds any weight.

This song grabs attention, and invites people into the house. On the current tour I am on with Conan, a lot of the audience members do not know the song yet, which I love. But there is always a handful of people who know it and when I start the beat I hear "woo". And when I'm doing my own shows there is a greater percentage of people who recognize the song audibly and most of the audience would know all of the lyrics to that song. I never thought it would get to that point, I always just think of it as a really silly song.

We'll be back with Reggie on Friday for the story behind the video but in the meantime, hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album, grab his tour dates (with Conan!) - right here!

AFI Get Behind Scarlet Grey

Scarlet Grey will be self-releasing their new six-song EP "Fancy Blood" on June 1st. The record features guest vocals from AFI's Davey Havok, as well as production work by Jade Puget of AFI.

In support of the album, Scarlet Grey are continuing to tour with AFI, hitting the Midwest in the coming weeks.

Having previously played with Saosin, Yellowcard, Rooney, After Midnight Project, and others, the four-piece are planning to line up additional touring for the summer - more on this story

School Of Seven Bells Announce New Single

School Of Seven Bells will release the latest single "Windstorm" on June 1st. The track comes from their forthcoming album Disconnect from Desire.

In support of the new album, which arrives July 13th on Vagrant/Ghostly International, the three-piece will play a show at the Echo in Los Angeles on June 2nd, followed by two nights at New York City's Mercury Lounge. Tour dates below.

The band's new album, produced by band member Benjamin Curtis and mixed by Jack Joseph Puig, was recorded in the band's home studio and mixed in Los Angeles at Ocean Way Recording. - more on this story

Mychildren Mybride Release New Song As They Prepare for Haste The Day Tour

Mychildren Mybride has released a brand new track, 'Terra Firma', off of their upcoming Solid State Records release, Lost Boy.

The record hits stores June 8th, 2010, and the new track can be found at the band's MySpace page. here

Also on the horizon for Mychildren Mybride is a month-long tour with Haste The Day and Upon A Burning Body. - dates

Mayday Parade Summer Tour Plans and Kids in Love Video

Mayday Parade have released a new video and are currently on the road again with label mates, A Rocket to the Moon, before embarking on Warped Tour for the duration of the summer to support their major label debut "Anywhere But Here."

Check out the new Mayday Parade music video for "Kids In Love" from the new album here

Anywhere But Here will hit stores October 6th and was produced by David Bendeth (Paramore, All Time Low). - more on this story

Record A Song With Switchfoot for Charity

Switchfoot offer one lucky fan the opportunity to record a song with the band during a deluxe, four-day trip to the group's hometown of San Diego, CA.

The resulting track, recorded in Switchfoot's home studio, will be released on iTunes and MySpace.com.

No musical talent is required - the winning bidder can opt to play on the session or just help shape the recording - more on this story

The SpacePimps Go Soph

The SpacePimps have announced the June 8 release of their sophomore album Stuck Here Forever and a summer tour throughout the US to coincide. The tour launches with a hometown CD release show June 18 at Club Diesel in Pittsburgh.

With nearly 10,000 copies of their debut EP in.the.meantime sold independently, The SpacePimps bring strong perseverance to their brand of pop-punk music that was influential before the current musical culture shift. Proud of comparisons to likes of Blink 182, the band is armed with irreverence for the trappings of the current scene, while always delivering pure honesty in their music and explosive live shows.

"Stuck Here Forever encapsulates the following situation," the band explains. "It's Friday afternoon and you just got off work or school. This record documents the mayhem, fun, heartbreak, and nostalgia that occurs from that moment until Monday morning when the week starts all over again." - more on this story

Sister Hazel Announce Digital EP

Sister Hazel plans to release a digital EP, entitled "Threeve," on June 1, 2010. It will be available via all music download portals.

The EP features three brand-new songs (thus its name): "All The Love," "My Heart," and "Can't Fight It." Sister Hazel also plans to release a new studio full-length in October.

The band is also looking forward to its fifth annual fan weekend, the Hazelnut Hang at the Windjammer in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, which is being held June 4 – June 6, 2010. - more on this story

Atomic Brother Announce New Release

Alternative hard rocker Atomic Brother, is back with their 4th release, the EP, Pretty Little Lunatic (Atomic Brother Music), set for release on May 25, 2010 through AmazonMP3 and their Bandcamp powered online portal (release on iTunes and other digital outlets will follow in subsequent weeks).

Produced by Atomic Brother's S.A. Sebastian Gnolfo and James Melillo, Pretty Little Lunatic is a cool amalgam of punk rock stylings, modern alternative metal and anthemic 70s classic rock.

Recorded in 5 cities in 3 countries, Pretty Little Lunatic features 5 new songs, 3 studio tracks and 2 live acoustic tracks and is the second in a series of EPs to be released by the band. "Right after we released See Me Comin', we began writing and recording demos of new songs and found we had a lot of really good material and were anxious to get new music out as quick as possible," says Sebastian. "We thought recording songs in groups of 3 with a couple live acoustic songs thrown in, and releasing them as EPs was the best way to do that"
- more on this story

Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult Make US Live Debut This Week

German black metal band Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult will land on US soil for the first time ever later this week to perform three rare and special shows alongside Inquisition and Ritual Combat (among others).

On The Anthems Of Pestilence & Death mini tour 2010, the band plan to condemn venues in San Francisco, Compton and Brooklyn before heading home, where they will plot their next bouts of onstage chaos.

Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult was spawned over a decade ago and after four full-lengths -- their most recent, the venomous Saldorian Spell, was released last year via War Anthem Records. - more on this story

Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction Announce Album

Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction will enter a new decade of heavy dirty street rock n 'roll and they declare "We are Volsung".

Inspired by northern mythology Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction's new album features 10 brand-new unadulterated songs including a track with the German title "Stark von oben".

SPV / Steamhammer is very proud to have the band on board for a journey to Valhalla and back. The album will be released in Germany on September 24th, in Europe on September 27th and in the USA on September 28th followed by a European tour in October and a US Tour in November. - more on this story

Terra Incognita: A Line in the Sand

Kevin J. Anderson and ProgRock Records announce the second Terra Incognita CD, A Line in the Sand to coincide with the publication of the second novel, The Map Of All Things through Orbit Books.

Terra Incognita: A Line in the Sand vocals are performed by rock legends Steve Walsh (Kansas), Michael Sadler (ex-Saga), and Sass Jordan (Album Rock's Female Vocalist of the Year) and Nick Storr (The Third Ending) with guest appearances by Charlie Dominici (solo, original Dream Theater vocalist), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon and many others), Alexander Froese (Frameshift) and Juan Roos (Shadow's Mignon).

Anderson and Moesta penned the lyrics/story again and even co-wrote two songs with multi Grammy winner Janis Ian ("Society's Child," "At Seventeen," etc.). Due to commitments to their own bands / projects, Erik Norlander and some of the original performers were unable to participate in the second CD. - more on this story