Former Guns N' Roses Members Form New Band

This 70s rock cover band will have you swinging from the rafters and singing along to every song. They've also been known to have legendary special guest appearances joining in the festivities. Rocking cover tunes from the 70s by bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and AC/DC they're sure to bang out everyone's favorite.
- Official site

Bret Michaels Hospitalized

Bret Michaels was readmitted to the hospital this week after suffering numbness on the left side of his body, predominately his face and hands which doctors described as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or warning stroke.

While MRI and CT scan tests were being conducted, Michaels also received a Doppler Ultrasound of his legs and lower abdomen looking for blood clots and most importantly an Ultrasound Bubble Test of his heart was conducted which proved positive for a Patent Forum Ovale (PFO), a hole in the heart.

Dr. Zabramski (Bret's neurosurgeon), Dr. Becker (who ordered the test), Dr. Cook (who conducted the test) and Dr. Frey (Director, Outpatient Stroke Program) all confirmed the results. Dr. Zabramski states "There is no doubt that the positive Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is devastating news to Bret and his family. The good news is that it is operable and treatable and we think we may have diagnosed the problem that caused the Transient Ischemic Attach (TIA) or warning stroke; however we feel it is highly unlikely this is connected to the brain hemorrhage he suffered just a few weeks earlier. Once again it is great that he quickly reacted to the severe numbness and got to the hospital immediately."
- 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

Slipknot's Paul Gray Found Dead

Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, aka #2 or The Pig, was found dead in a hotel room near the group's home town of Des Moines, Iowa on Monday morning. The cause of the 38-year-old rocker's death is not yet known and at press time, the band had not yet released a statement.

CNN reports that "Gray's body was found by staff members at the TownePlace Suites, said Sgt. Dave Disney of the Urbandale Police Department. "An autopsy, including toxicology tests, will be performed Tuesday, Disney said." The AP reports that "Foul play isn't suspected."

Rock Radio reports that last December Gray announced he was to become a father for the first time and called the pregnancy of his wife Brenna "the best Christmas present". She's due to give birth in September. - more on this story

Metal Legend Ronnie James Dio Died

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. The outpouring from the music community over this sad news has been massive. We have published a few of those tributes in a separate article in Monday's Day in Rock.

Instead of a traditional eulogy we have republished a "Legends" feature we originally ran in 2003 that covered Dio's amazing career and contribution to music. You can read that
- here

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack Announced

"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Original Motion Picture Soundtrack," the musical companion to the third installment in Summit's film franchise is due in stores and online June 8th

The entire soundtrack features songs that will appear in the movie, highlighted by Muse's brand new single "Neutron Star Collision (Love is Forever)." The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is slated to open in theatres nationwide on June 30th.

"Eclipse" marks the third Twilight soundtrack British rock trio Muse has been a part of. The band's "Supermassive Black Hole" appeared on the "Twilight" soundtrack, and for the "New Moon" soundtrack, the group contributed "I Belong To You (New Moon Remix)." Exclusive to "Eclipse," "Neutron Star Collision (Love is Forever)" will be available to download and the soundtrack available for pre-order on iTunes beginning Monday, May 17th. - more on this story

Roger Waters Adds 12 Dates To The Wall Tour

In response to the tremendous demand, Roger Waters' has added 12 new shows to his monumental production for the 30th Anniversary of The Wall that features a full band and a newly-mounted state-of-the-art production.

Additional shows for the Live Nation produced tour have been added and went on sale today in Toronto, Boston, Montreal, Fort Lauderdale, San Jose, New York's Madison Square Garden, Nassau Coliseum and the Izod Center. In addition, a newly added date in Philadelphia at the Wachovia Center goes on sale May 14th and in Los Angeles, Chicago and Anaheim tickets go on sale May 17th. Complete itinerary below.

The Wall has been previously performed live in its entirety by Waters just 31 times including Pink Floyd's 1980-81 tour in support of the album. A spectacular Roger Waters solo staging and performance of the rock opera in July 1990, celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall, drew nearly a half million fans to the Potsdamer Platz. Originally released in November 1979, The Wall was America's top-selling album of 1980, and is still in the US Top 5 best-selling albums of all time. - more on this story

Social Distortion Plan New Album Release This Fall

Social Distortion have inked a deal with Epitaph Records and plans to release their first studio album since 2004 in fall 2010. The signing pairs one of rock 'n' roll's most renowned bands with one of the most respected independent labels for what could be the greatest match in decades.

"We feel that Epitaph has a natural understanding of Social Distortion; both the history of the band and the direction we want to go," says frontman Mike Ness. "Combine that with their successful track record and it felt like a good next step for us. We've always been open to new ideas and pushing the envelope, but we have also been very conscientious about the decisions we've made. We considered a lot of options, but in the end, Epitaph feels like the right home for us. We're looking forward to taking this step forward, opening some new doors with this upcoming album and this next chapter of Social Distortion."

"My relationship with Mike goes way back to the beginnings of our careers in the LA music scene," adds Epitaph owner and president Brett Gurewitz. "Through the years Social Distortion have been a matchless voice in American rock and roll and I couldn't be more thrilled to play a part in the next chapter for this great band." - more on this story

Def Leppard Member Joins Thin Lizzy

(Rock Radio) Former Almighty frontman Ricky Warwick and Def Leppard guitarist Viv Campbell have joined the 2011 lineup of Thin Lizzy.

The band, once led by Phil Lynott, now features Warwick on vocals and guitar, Campbell on guitar, Lynott-era guitarist Scott Gorham and keyboardist Darren Wharton, Marco Mendoza on bass and founding member Brian Downey on drums.

They'll play a memorial show on June 4 in Dublin to mark the 25th anniversary of Lynott's death before embarking on a UK tour running for the rest of the month - more on this story

Cult Singer Slams Vedder, Farrell, Grohl, Reznor and Weiland As Fakes

(Rock Radio) Cult frontman Ian Astbury has slammed American stars for not stepping up to front The Doors of the 21st Century – and has named and shamed Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction as fakes who lack integrity.

Astbury replaced Jim Morrison for the Doors in 150 shows and says he was proud to do it, but he believes a Stateside singer should have been there to perform with the iconic 60s outfit.

"There wasn't a single American singer who stepped up to the plate and said: 'I want to do this. I'm an American artist – I demand to do this," He tells the HeraldSun. "Not Eddie Vedder, not Dave Grohl, not Trent Reznor, not Perry Farrell. Not Scott Weiland. Not one of them stepped up and fought for it. When The Doors needed that generation to surround them and support them, the cupboard was bare." - more on this story

Paul is Undead: The Beatles To Star In A Zombie Movie

We're not sure how serious to take this report from NME. But Paul is Undead? How could we resist that? Here is part of their report:

The Beatles are to be reborn as the undead in a new film adaptation of a graphic novel. The movie - entitled Paul Is Undead: The British Zombie Invasion - will show the band as zombies, after Doubles Features producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher brought the screen rights for Alan Goldsher's illustrated novel.

The books sees an undead John Lennon killing a reanimated Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The group travel the world performing gigs, before facing off against zombie hunter Mick Jagger and Yoko Ono, who's a ninja. - more on this story

Disease Threatens Metallica Concert

(Croatian Times) Up to 60 horses have been quarantined following an outbreak of leptospirosis in Zagreb's hippodrome just days before 30,000 people are expected to attend a Metallica concert to be held there on Sunday.

The illness is usually spread from rats to other animals but when transferred to humans - through contact with contaminated water by broken skin or through lining of the eye - it can cause miscarriages, kidney inflammation and possibly death.

The Metallica concert organizers did not seem concerned about the outbreak. "We should have been informed, but obviously they did not think it was necessary because they believe that there is no danger. The horses will not come into contact with the audience, and during the last 10 days they did not even walk around the area where the audience will be," said Vladimir Ivankovic, director of Lupa Promotions that organized the concert. - more on this story

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." - more on this story

More Artists Tribute Ronnie James Dio Including Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Michael Anthony, Duff McKagen, Motorhead, Slayer, Slipknot and more

The tributes to Ronnie James Dio keep pouring in. The legendary metal vocalist of Dio, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Elf and Heaven & Hell lost his battle with stomach cancer on Sunday. Today, we bring you some more tributes:

Iron Maiden: It is with huge sadness we hear that Ronnie has lost his battle against stomach cancer, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Wendy and family at this terrible time. From his earlier years in Elf, Black Sabbath and Dio, right through to his most recent days fronting Heaven and Hell, Ronnie, time and again, proved his genius as a frontman, always giving his all to his fans and his music. Ronnie was not only an incredibly gifted singer but also a wonderfully warm, intelligent and generous person and this shone through both on and off stage leaving a positive mark on everyone he came into contact with. A longstanding friend of Maiden, we played many shows together over the years and we will all miss him greatly. The world has lost an irreplaceable talent and, first and foremost, one of the finest human beings you could ever wish to meet. Steve, Bruce, Adrian, Dave, Janick, Nicko and Rod

Ozzy Osbourne: I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. Metal has truly lost one of its greatest voices. My heart goes out to his family and to his many fans. Love and respect.

Dio's Rudy Sarzo: I'm saddened beyond words. I will miss the sound of your voice, your magical presence and your wondrous stories. My only consolation is that your now free from your pain. I love you, Ronnie.

Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister: I'm truly upset, especially since he seemed to be rallying at the Golden Gods show. Bon Voyage, Ronnie. Rest in peace. I'm devastated - more on this story

Label Didn't Want Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street

(Rock Radio) The Rolling Stones' record label didn't want to release Exile on Main Street when the band recorded the album in 1972, guitarist Keith Richards has revealed. Re-released in deluxe format, it's now regarded as a high point in their career. But the Stones had to battle to preserve its double-disc format when they presented it to label bosses 38 years ago.

Richards tells The Independent: "We had to fight the record company about that. We insisted it was double. It was very different: there were no hit singles. It was an album by itself."

Although early parts of the masterpiece were recorded in the UK, the majority of the work was done in the cellar of Nellcote, a French villa Richards had hired – a lucky accident which came about as a result of the Stones being hounded out of their home country. - more on this story

Metallica and KISS Members To Be Guitar Hero 6 Characters

Did the Kurt Cobain fiasco spell the end to playable characters in one of the most popular music based games? Perhaps. 1Up.com reports that playable characters will be a thing of the past in the upcoming Guitar Hero 6. But that doesn't mean that the game won't include rock stars. They report that Gene Simmons and Metallica's Lar Ulrich will be included in the new Guitar Hero.

1up.com reports: Simmons will narrate a brand new Quest Mode, where players will "recruit" other rock stars and unlock their "song sets" along the way. You can also unlock the musician's "alter ego" (such as Lars becoming "Warrior Lars") which give you bonus powers.

Queen, Black Sabbath and KISS are confirmed to have songs in the game which could be ready for release this holiday season . - more on this story

Megadeth Movie Premiere

Don't Thank Me, Thank AA: The Dave Mustaine Story will premiere at this year's St Kilda Film Festival in Australia, which is scheduled to run from May 26th-30th, according to BW&BK.

The film about Megadeth's famed frontman will make its world premier at 9:45 PM - 11:30 PM on Saturday, May 29th at the Palace George Cinemas - Australia's premiere entertainment destination - in St Kilda, Melbourne.

A press release on the film reads: "Dave Mustaine was a heavily beaten child who grew up to be a raging drug addict and the greatest heavy metal guitarist in the world. These days, Dave finds peace via a combination of yoga, Christianity and taekwondo. Don't Thank Me, Thank AA: The Dave Mustaine Story examines the genesis of Mustaine's greatness, as percieved by drunk people on the street, and the nature of his inner hell and direct phone-line to God, as revealed in an intimate backstage conversation." - more on this story

Led Zeppelin Experience Tour Details

Jason Bonham confirmed late last month that he was planning a special tribute tour to his father with a tour. While the dates have not yet been announced we were sent this announcement on Monday with more details: Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience will celebrate the life and music of his father - the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham - in true epic fashion with a limited engagement of 30 concert dates in North America this fall. "This is a personal trip through my life with the music of Led Zeppelin," explains Jason, "and how the music influenced me."

Jason played with Robert Plant , Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones at Led Zeppelin's "final" show at London's O2 Arena in 2007, which was heralded as the most powerful Led Zeppelin performance since the group's disbandment. The band received uniformly rave reviews and Jason didn't want to stop after that magical and memorable night.

"When I was offered to put this together over a year ago, it wasn't right," notes Jason. "This September 25th is the 30th anniversary of my father's passing - I thought, what better way to celebrate his life than to do 30 shows for the 30 years he's been gone?" - more on this story

A New Bret Michaels Reality Series

A half-hour special sneak peak of Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It will premiere Memorial Day, Monday, May 31st at 10PM ET/PT on Vh1. The series Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It is tentatively scheduled to premiere in Fall 2010.

Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It, will give viewers an insider's look at Bret's home life when he isn't touring, shooting, partying and rocking out. After the lights have dimmed on stage and the music stops for the night, Bret rolls off the tour bus right into the loving arms of his daughters Raine and Jorja, who affectionately refer to him as "Poppa Rocka."

"After Bret's recent appendectomy and life threatening brain hemorrhage, we're so happy that he is on the road to recovery and coming back to VH1 in Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It." said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Production "Bret is family to us and has always been a huge hit on the network, headlining several series and specials that have garnered record breaking ratings and made a strong connection with our audience. We have temporarily halted production on the series with Bret's health as our primary concern. Production will resume when it is cleared by his doctors. If anyone can fight off illness and get back on his feet, it's Bret. But in the meantime, in response to the flood of well wishes the network has received from Bret's fans, we'd like to celebrate Bret's recovery with this sneak peak special featuring the next chapter in Bret's story on VH1. It's a never-before-seen look into Bret's family life- the real center of his world from which he draws his unsinkable strength." - 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

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

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

Addiction, Not Scott Weiland Killed Velvet Revolver

(Rock Radio) Slash doesn't blame Scott Weiland for the controversies that led to the singer's departure from Velvet Revolver. In fact, the guitarist believes the whole band became victims to their chemical addictions – only Weiland suffered worse than his colleagues.

The singer recently said he wishes Velvet Revolver well. Now, after the pair spent time together recently Slash tells Spinner.com: "I still love the guy and there's not any hard feelings.

"Velvet Revolver was intended to be a lot of fun and we started off having a great time, but I think we all had chemical issues as the thing wore on." He said. "Scott had his issues. Even Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum went down the same road. The only one who stayed sober was Dave Kushner." - more on this story

Stork Causes Change in Muse Tour Plans

Muse must cancel two dates and reschedule two dates on the thier upcoming headlining tour of the U.S. due to the arrival of a new member of the Muse family.

As a result, the following tour dates have changed: The November 2nd show in Kansas City, MO, and the November 3rd show in St. Louis, MO, will be cancelled with ticket refunds at point of purchase.

The November 5th show in Columbus, OH, will be moved up to October 12th and the November 6th show in Cincinnati moved up to October 11th. - more on this story

Ozzy Osbourne Plans Release of Rare Randy Rhoads Footage

BW&BK caught up with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne and learned some more about the upcoming 30th Anniversary Editions of Ozzy's first two legendary solo albums featuring the late guitarist Randy Rhoads - Blizzard Of Ozz (1980) and Diary Of A Madman (1981), but also learned that there is some rare Randy Rhoads video footage that will see the light of day soon as well. Here is part of their report:

"They definitely are coming out this year," Sharon Osbourne told BraveWords.com earlier this week. "They are coming out for (US) Thanksgiving and they will be on the market then. It's going back to the original recordings with (Bob) Daisley (bass) and (Lee) Kerslake (drums). And there will be a lot of stuff that you haven't heard before in the packages. Like certain conversations that were going on in the studio with the guys just messing around while the tape was still rolling. All of that will be added into it." Ozzy added jokingly - "Do I sing good?" Sharon - "Fabulous!"

There's also talk of some visuals in the archives with Randy Rhoads? "There's two shows that we have in the archives that we are working on right now," Sharon reveals. "Of course in those days, the tapes were like twenty minutes and then you had to change the tape. So we're trying to clean it up, make sense of it. So we are working on it, along with another film we have of Randy. It will all be boxed together and it should be a great piece to have for a real fan. It will be an amazing piece." - more on this story

Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax Tour in 2011?

Slayer's guitarist Kerry King recently discussed the upcoming Big Four of Thrash concerts in Europe this summer and his hopes that they will lead to the bands playing together stateside.

Here is an excerpt of the Noisecreep article (via BW&BK): "I hope Slayer/Megadeth tour is a precursor to the Big Four coming to the States," King said. "That tour it should be everywhere: here, Australia, Japan. Any place that wants it should have it and it should happen."

While there are no plans for the Big Four to decimate the U.S. -- yet -- King says it should all come down to timing, since there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to pulling such a massive, mammoth tour off. "Metallica has toured a ton and as much as we have going, we don't have a free moment in our schedule, so this is just me thinking out loud, but I'd say it would be great in summer 2011. If there are any talks, they are preliminary. And that's a time frame that would work for us" - more on this story

Alice Cooper Reunites with Producer Bob Ezrin for New Album

Alice Cooper has begun working on a new album to be produced by Bob Ezrin as part of a new joint venture with Bigger Picture Group. Ezrin has a rich history of hugely successful collaborations with Alice including such groundbreaking albums as Billion Dollar Babies, Welcome To My Nightmare, School's Out and Love It To Death and has, in the past, been described by Alice as "our George Martin."

Ezrin is a partner in Bigger Picture Group, a Nashville based company that has been instrumental in contributing to the success of numerous artists including country music sensation Zac Brown Band, remarked, "I am delighted to be back in business with Alice Cooper and Shep Gordon's Alive Enterprises and our whole company is over the moon about this collaboration. This is not a record deal but rather a partnership that involves virtually all aspects of Alice's ever-expanding universe. And it's a reunion with the first artist I ever produced and the first great manager I ever worked with. I couldn't be happier."

Bigger Picture will contribute to strategy, staging, special products, theatrical projects as well as the production, promotion and distribution of future Alice Cooper releases. The company will utilize its distribution agreement with Warner Music Group when the new Alice Cooper album, projected for release early next year, and other recorded product launches. A tour themed to tie in with the album, the concept of which is being kept under wraps for the moment, is being planned in support of the release. - more on this story

KISS Announce The Hottest Show On Earth

KISS have announced the humbly titled The Hottest Show on Earth tour, which is set to kick off on July 23 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.

KISS will perform such classics as "Detroit Rock City" and "Rock and Roll All Nite" as well as hits that they haven't played in the US in many years. The Hottest Show on Earth tour, produced by Live Nation, will trek through a mix of arenas, (state fairs) and amphitheaters throughout North America.

For an opening act, KISS are partnering with Guitar Center On-Stage, an unsigned band competition that will provide emerging artists the chance to open for KISS at 22 of the band's tour stops. - more on this story

Former W.A.S.P. Members Form W.A.S.

Three former members of W.A.S.P. have reunited to form a new band called W.A.S. (short for Where Angels Suffer) according to Classic Rock and Blabbermouth.

The former W.A.S.P. members, Chris Holmes, Randy Piper and Stet Howland are joined by former Metal Church bass player Steve Unger and Animal frontman Rich Lewis.

The group will release their debut album, Purgatory, later this year. Blabbermouth reports that it is already complete and the site quoted Stet Howland as describing their live plans, "We will play all the hits, as well as ALL the dangerous music the current [lineup of] W.A.S.P. is skipping. 'F*ck Like A Beast'? 'Mean Man'? Huhh? HUH?" - more on this story

Mastodon Still Hope To Take Part in Alice In Chains and Deftones Tour Despite Medical Issues

Mastodon regret to inform their fans that their upcoming Summer tour of Europe originally set to begin June 5, in Germany and ending July 3, in Finland has been cancelled.

Guitarist Bill Kelliher who has been diagnosed with Pancreatitis has been advised by doctors to continue further medical treatment.

Bill's medical team are optimistic and expect a full recovery in the weeks ahead as the band looks forward to being part of BlackDiamondSkye also featuring Alice In Chains, Deftones, slated to begin Sep. 16, in Chicago. -

Rush Releasing New Song, DVD and Album

(Rock Radio) Rush have confirmed they'll release a new album next year, to be called Clockwork Angels.

Caravan, their next single, will be released along with album track BU2B on June 1. The songs were recorded together before the band began work on their retrospective Time Machine Tour.

Meanwhile, the acclaimed documentary movie Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage will be released on DVD on June 29 after it's appeared at selected cinemas on June 7 - more on this story

Slipknot's Paul Gray Autopsy Results Inconclusive

The cause of death for Slipknot bassist Paul Gray remains a mystery after an autopsy was completed on Wednesday.

AP reports that Urbandale police released a statement that said an autopsy was completed Tuesday, but the death remained under investigation. It could be four to six weeks before toxicology results are available.

While the autopsy was inconclusive about the cause of death, police said it did confirm there was no evidence of foul play or trauma, and that Gray had been dead for several hours when a hotel worker found his body.

Read the AP report here along with coverage of Slipknot's press conference - here

Jimmy Page Doesn't Rule Out Led Zeppelin Reunion Gig

In today's far fetched wishful thinking department, we bring you the hopes that Led Zeppelin will reunite to replace U2 at the Glastonbury festival next month [U2 were replaced a day after this original report and it wasn't by Led Zeppelin]. An idea that Jimmy Page hasn't ruled out, thus giving fans a small shred of hope that it may happen. (But don't hold your breath.)

As we reported yesterday, U2 have postponed their 2010 tour plans after frontman Bono had emergency back surgery in Germany (see report here). That leaves a big hole in the headlining slot on June 25th at the famed Glastonbury festival and one name being mentioned as a possible replacement is Led Zeppelin.

Nightwatcher reports that Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page has hinted to BBC 6 Music that the band wouldn't say no to playing the show. Jimmy simply said: "I never rule anything out." - more on this story

Bret Michaels and Alice Cooper Make Surprise American Idol Appearances

School's out for Simon Cowell. As the American Idol judge made his final appearance on the televised karaoke contest, the season finale on Wednesday night featured surprise performances from legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper and ailing Poison frontman turned Celebrity Apprentice Bret Michaels.

Despite recovering from a series of serious medical issues which has seen him hospitalized several times in the past month, Michaels appeared on the show and performed the hit Poison ballad, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," will Idol finalist Casey James.

"I needed to be here and do this," Michaels told the press backstage after his performance. "It's been two months since I played, a month and a half in the hospital, and it was such an amazing feeling to come out there tonight and jam with Casey. - more on this story

Drugs Linked To Slipknot's Paul Gray's Death?

An internet tabloid has published what it claims is the 911 call made from the hotel room where Slipknot bassist Paul Gray was found dead earlier this week.

Rock Radio reports: During the conversation between a hotel employee and a 911 operator, it's stated that Gray, 38, was found "crunched over in the corner" near a hypodermic needle and bottles of pills.

When the 911 asked, "Do you know how old he is? Fifties, sixties, seventies?" the hotel employee answered, "No, no, probably late twenties. There's a hypodermic needle next to his bed here so..." - You can read the full transcript of the 911 call here

Gene Simmons Criminally Cleared of Mall Assault but Faces Sexual Assault Claim

Gene Simmons has been criminally cleared of one assault claim and now faces a civil claim for another one. The Los Angeles district attorney's office will not charge Simmons with an alleged assault of a couple in a mall, but a makeup artist counter-sued Simmons on Wednesday claiming sexual assault.

AP reports that the mall couple, Nathan and Cynthia Marlowe claim Simmons choked them and "took their video camera after they started filming the star, while Simmons told police that Marlowe shoved the camera in his face and that he feared for his family's safety."

They are still suing Simmons for "$25,000 in damages for claims of assault, battery and emotional distress, including damage to their sex life." How the alleged incident damaged their sex life is anyone's guess. But speaking of sex, Simmons was sued on Thursday by a make-up artist who claims that the KISS star sexually assaulted her. This is the same woman that Simmons took legal action against earlier this month (see story here). In his suit, 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.

You can read the AP report for details on Jackson's claims against Simmons - here

Topless Photo of Paramore's Hayley Williams Posted Online

Paramore's singer Haley Williams's Twitter followers received an exciting update on Thursday night when a nude photo of Haley was posted on her page at the short attention span social media site.

Haley Williams reportedly discovered that the topless photo was posted to her Twitter account and quickly removed it but she's learning the hard way that once it's on the internet, it stays there with the photos already circulating online. But it appears her lawyers were working late sending out take down notices to various sites.

Hayley's later posted a Twitter post where she said, "well… my night just changed drastically. got hacked," according to Right Celebrity, who also report that "the twitpic quickly got over 5,000 views before being removed." - more on this story