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On this day in 1969, The Beatles scored their 13th U.S. #1 album with Abbey Road. The final studio recordings from the group featured two George Harrison songs, "Something" and "Here Comes the Sun," plus "Come Together," "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and the Side Two medley. Find out what else happened on this date in music history here -

Keith Richards Did Snort His Dad's Ashes

(Gibson) Of all the myths and rumors that have swirled around Keith Richards, few have gained more traction than the supposed episode in which he snorted his father's ashes, and the alleged story that he received a total blood transfusion in Switzerland. In an in-depth interview posted on the CBS News website, Richards confirms one rumor, and denies the other.

"True!" he says, of the ashes incident. "I ingested my ancestor, yes." Richards goes on to explain that the episode resulted from an accident that occurred as he was preparing to spread his father's ashes around an oak tree. "… As I took the lid off the box, fine bits of my Dad flew onto the table, you know, like powder," he says. "And honestly I could not resist. I just scooped him up there, took out a straw and, 'See ya, Dad!' [sniffs] And I did a little line of him. Yeah. I did that."

Regarding the supposed blood transfusion, Richards says he himself perpetuated that story, which is untrue. "I created that myth," he says, "because people wanted to believe that, ya know? No, I wouldn't swap this blood for nobody's!" - more on this story

Davies Shoots Down Kinks Reunion

(hennemusic) Dave Davies can't make himself any clearer: "Ray's an a**hole." Brother Ray has been talking up the idea of a possible Kinks reunion recently while doing press for his new release, "See My Friends," a collaborative tribute with other artists to the brothers' legendary band, which comes out next week.

Ray recently told Gigwise that he thinks his brother is "coming around" to the idea of a possible Kinks reunion (see "Is a Kinks reunion in the cards?" here).

Dave set the record straight with London's Daily Mail – there will never be a reunion. "I think the music is so beautiful it shouldn't be tainted," he says. "It would be a shame. You don't need to see silly old men in wheelchairs singing 'You Really Got Me.'" - Dave has some harsh words for his bro here

Special U2 and Jimi Hendrix Releases For Record Store Day

(Gibson) Record Store Day keeps picking up more and more exclusive releases from big-name bands. Following announcements from Metallica and George Harrison, it has been revealed that Record Store Day (November 26, aka Black Friday) will include limited-edition vinyl releases from U2, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, according to Spin.com. But you'll have to visit an independent record store in order to pick one up.

The releases include: U2, Wide Awake in Europe – A 12", numbered vinyl release including three songs from the band's recent European tour.

Jimi Hendrix, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year – Just in time for the holidays, this 10" green vinyl features the guitar master's instrumental takes on "Little Drummer Boy" and "Silent Night/Auld Lang Syne." - more on this story

Ozzy's Moved On From Zakk Wylde Pokes Fun at Guns N' Roses

(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne's on the road in support of "Scream," his first album in years without guitarist Zakk Wylde by his side.

"Let me set something straight: I didn't lose Zakk. It was time for me to move on," says Osbourne. "I love the guy as much as I've always loved him, and as much as I will always love him. He's like family, you know. I remember when he was in hospital a while back. He had a blood clot in his hip or his leg or something. I sent him an email that said, 'Zakk, if you die before me, I'll f---ing kill you!'"

A documentary about the rock legend is in the works, directed by son Jack. "I have not seen a f---ing frame of this thing. He's been at it so long I told him he should call it Chinese Democracy 2," laughs Ozzy. - more on this story

Jon Bon Jovi Going Solo?

(Gibson) In a new interview, Jon Bon Jovi says that he's thinking of doing another solo album in the next year. But, he's committed to his band's tour for their most recent release, The Circle, through next summer.

"I'm going to sit on a beach for August, which is usually what I do, and come September figure out what's next," Bon Jovi told Billboard.com. He might begin work on "a smaller-sounding solo record and/or focus more on the philanthropy and sports ownerships."

Bon Jovi has gone it alone twice before (for the 1990 soundtrack for Young Guns II and with 1997's Destination Anywhere). What does he think a new solo record would sound like? "A lyric-driven, acoustic-sounding kind of thing with piano, a couple guitars, a B3 [organ] and a violin," he said. "I do these solo things oftentimes for charity, and I enjoy the atmosphere because it really gives the singer a chance to sing. You're not competing with the loud amps. So I could see myself doing a singer's type of a record. We'll see." - more on this story

Chevelle Set New Release

Chevelle continue their 10th anniversary celebration with the release of a new DVD "Any Last Words?" on January 11th 2011.

The DVD is a live performance video of Chevelle's 10th Anniversary shows, which are a sold out, two-night celebration of their 10 years in music at the Metro in Chicago.

The DVD also includes a live CD of the show. Pre-order the new DVD before November 19th 2010 and have your name be included in a special "thank you" in the DVD packaging. - more on this story

Soundgarden Announce Special Single

(Gibson) The newly reunited Soundgarden will release a seven-inch single next month. The disc will include a previously unreleased instrumental, "The Telephantasm," as well as a live version of the song, "Gun."

The single will be released on November 26 and will only be sold in roughly 700 independent record stores, in support of Record Store Day.

Other acts taking part in the promotion to support local music stores include The Black Keys, Iron and Wine and Gaslight Anthem. Also, as previously reported on Gibson.com, Metallica will release a live EP, titled Live at Grimey's, in conjunction with the event. - more on this story

Joe Perry Addresses Aerosmith's Future

(Gibson) After a year of high-profile squabbles, which nearly resulted in his band getting a new singer, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry seems to have made peace with Steven Tyler's extracurricular activities. Talking to Spinner.com, Perry wished his Toxic Twin well.

"Steven wants to spend time in L.A. and do this," said Perry, referring to Tyler's much-hyped addition to American Idol. "He's always talked about doing stuff like that and I think he wants to try his hand at that. Let him go at it. That's an interesting endeavor. I hope he's really happy doing it."

As for the future of Aerosmith, Perry said, "I don't know what's going to happen with the band." But he added, "I'm optimistic about it. I know that the band will always somehow put something together and play, whether it's two or three weeks out on the road and playing this or that or some charity stuff. I do not think this band is going to see its last show. That's how I feel." - more on this story

Singled Out: Bad Books (Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra)

Today Chris Freeman from Bad Books (the new band featuring Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra) tells us about "You Wouldn't Have To Ask" from their brand new self-titled album. Here is the story:

When I was was talking with Kevin Devine about the song, he was telling me how the lyrics were written in a much more frustrated demeanor than the song possibly suggests. Most of the song was put together between a tour he did in Europe and his apartment in Brooklyn. I vaguely remember him bringing the song into the studio; I think it's because we were all just stoked to have Kevin in town. Most of the recording process for Bad Books was kind of a blur to me. He kind of just strummed it out and sang it for Andy in the live-room. I do, however, remember Kevin being hesitant about the song actually being finished. The song was written more out of a feeling that I think all songwriters get, which is that of a notion that one hasn't written anything recently enough to still consider themselves a "songwriter". If you're just playing the songs you've already written all the time you start to feel stagnant. As far as I can tell, "You Wouldn't Have To Ask" was Kevin's response to that self-imposed stagnant feeling.

After Kevin played it for Andy, Andy just said 'That's great but the bridge is weird, so do it like this' ( I'm paraphrasing of course) and then it, you know, "went like that" and it totally worked.

It's definitely a poppier sounding song on the record, but lyrically, and looking at the circumstances around the actual writing process, I think the song is a bit more gloomy. I once heard Kevin describe it as "like watching someone 'get in their own way' and not being able to step in and fix it for them.

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

Glenn Danzig Hosting Headbanger's Ball Tonight

Glenn Danzig will be hosting MTV's Headbanger's Ball tonight (Monday, November 1st).

The episode, which airs at 3 AM ET/PT, will feature the following videos: Superjoint Ritual - "Dress Like A Target" // Danzig - "Crawl Across Your Killing Floor" // Behemoth - "Slaves Shall Serve" // Lacuna Coil - "Spellbound" // Metallica - "Sad But True The Big 4: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria" // Prong - "Power Of The Damager" // Danzig - "On A Wicked Night" // Dimmu Borgir - "The Sacrilegious Scorn" - more on this story

Franz Ferdinand Comeback Shows

(Gibson) Franz Ferdinand will play three shows in Spain as part of their comeback. According to Gigwise.com, the Scots will play concerts in Barcelona, San Sebastián and Malaga in November with the actual venues remaining secret until the day of each show.

Franz Ferdinand's label, Domino, says that 1,200 tickets will be given away for each gig. The website says, "If you want a chance to grab one, you'll have to check in on San Miguel Uniques on Facebook, or alternatively check the San Miguel website."

The group's last album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, was released in January of 2009. - more on this story

Cavo Map Out New Dates

Cavo have announced a handful of headlining shows for this month, including a hometown visit to St. Louis the day after Thanksgiving at The Pageant.

The band has been on the road for the last year supporting their major-label debut, Bright Nights Dark Days, released on Reprise Records in August 2009.

The album, which sold over 100,000 copies, was produced by David Bendeth (Breaking Benjamin, Paramore, All Time Low). - more on this story

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Going Broadway

(Gibson) And you thought Tommy was ambitious? According to Trans-Siberian Orchestra founder Paul O'Neill, he and his collaborators have not one, but two, rock operas headed for Broadway.

As reported by Billboard.com, a rock musical titled Romanov: What Kings Must Whisper, will deal with Russia's 1918 Bolshevik Revolution, and is "written and scored and ready to go." O'Neill says the project was supposed to be TSO's full-length debut release in 1994, but people "who have a lot of credibility on Broadway" told him it was "too good" to simply be an album.

The second TSO Broadway production, titled Gutter Ballet, started out as a 1989 album for the group Savatage. O'Neill says he and Savatage frontman Jon Oliva plan to "re-write some songs" for that project, which is still in the planning stages. In both instances, TSO will release an album associated with the rock musicals before theatrical production opens. - more on this story

John Lennon Minted

(hennemusic) A limited edition £5 British coin featuring John Lennon is now available from the Royal Mint.

In July, the Royal Mint asked the public to choose their favourite Great Briton from a short list of six influential people in British history.

The former Beatle won by a landslide, with 92% of the vote (27,874 out of 30,267 votes), ahead of novelist Jane Austin. - more on this story

James Phelps RIP

(Gibson) R&B great James Phelps, who sang alongside Sam Cooke and had a Top 20 hit in 1965, has passed away, according to Rolling Stone. Phelps died from complications related to diabetes on October 26 in Los Angeles. He was 78.

Born in Louisiana, Phelps moved to Chicago in 1960 and began singing in a number of gospel groups, ending up in the legendary Soul Stirrers, who also included Sam Cooke. Phelps sang with Cooke on the group's 1964 hit, "Lead Me to the Calvary."

He was on tour with the group in December of that year when he heard about Cooke's death (Sam was touring separately as a solo act). "We talked to him that same night," Phelps told SoulCellar.co.uk in 2002. "Our bus had broken down in Atlanta, Georgia. We called Sam and told him we needed some money because we were on our way to Rocky Mountain, North Carolina. Sam said 'I'll get back to you guys first thing in the morning.' We found out about his death next day through the radio." - more on this story

Angra Release New Video Announce Show With Sepultura

Angra have released a new video for the song "Lease Of Life" which comes from the new album "Aqua".

Angra will play together with Sepultura January 13th, 2011 in Anaheim,CA at the House Of Blues and on January 14th, 2011 in Hollywood, CA at the House Of Blues.

A European tour is planned for February / March 2011 - details will be announced soon. Check out the video - here

Mars Attacks Ripper Owens Holy Grail

Tim 'Ripper' Owens and Holy Grail's James Paul Luna are both guests on the last episode of Mars Attack.

Ripper discusses everything from his solo album Play My Game (which is discussed at great length), his time in Judas Priest, Beyond Fear, and working with Richard Christy on the Charred Walls Of The Damned album. He goes on the set the record straight as to how things ended in Iced Earth, and points out the different levels of professionalism that exist between Priest, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Iced Earth. He also discusses the rotating membership in Hail! and what it was like playing with all of the artists involved in the group at the time the interview was conducted.

Luna describes what it was like working with Danny Lohner on Crisis in Utopia, playing Waken, and his side of things in White Wizzard. He mentions what it was like working with Jon Leon, and how tracks that where written by he and current Holy Grail guitarist James LaRue were ultimately credited to Jon Leon on White Wizzard's High Speed GTO EP. - Check it out here

New Frontiers For Yes

Yes have inked a new worldwide recording deal with the Italian-based record label, Frontiers Records.

Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White, along with Oliver Wakeman (Rick Wakeman's son) and new lead singer Benoit David, will enter the studio to record the group's first new CD in a decade. It is anticipated for release before Summer 2011.

"Having the two new guys in the line-up has inspired the impetus behind the need for YES to return to the studio" explains Chris Squire, while Steve Howe adds "The new lineup has shown that we can operate well as a touring band, so now to expand that to recording would broaden our repertoire and the inclusion of Oliver and Benoit on new recordings will show a new leaf in YES music's continuing development." -

Duff McKagan Reflects On Guns N' Roses Reunion

(hennemusic) It's been two weeks since Duff McKagan "fluked" into a friendly meeting with former bandmate Axl Rose, only hours before joining Guns N' Roses on stage at London's 02 Arena.

Looks like Duff has had time to reflect further on things, choosing to write about it in the latest edition of his regular column at Seattle Weekly; by the tone of his comments, it may be the last we'll hear about it from the former GNR bassist.

"Life can throw curveballs at us when we are least prepared," writes McKagan. "So many odd circumstances have befallen me over the years that I've come to almost expect the unexpected these days.

Two weeks ago, I flew off to London for a week's worth of non-music-related business. Mere hours after landing at Heathrow I found myself onstage with a friend that I have been to hell and back with, and lived to tell the tale. Axl and I just happened to be in hotel rooms next to each other. Unexpected? Oh, f**k yes. - more on this story

More Than A Feeling For Boston's Tom Scholz

Gibson.com presents "The Gibson Classic Interview," where they open thier archives and share with you interviews they've done over the years with some of the world's biggest artists. This week, they revisit Ted Drozdowski's 2008 interview with Boston axeman (and Rockman inventor) Tom Scholz.

The lanky six-foot-six MIT grad had nearly gone broke after years of making tapes and having them rejected by record labels. "I had enough money for one last demo and sent it off to 24 companies, then figured I'd sit back and wait for the rejection letters," Scholz says today. "Lo and behold, three major labels were interested. I couldn't believe it. Nobody knew who we were, so I wouldn't even say we were struggling. It was groveling."

Scholz signed with CBS Records, and when radio stations began playing "More Than a Feeling" and Boston was released on August 8, 1976, the album―which its breathtaking sonic architecture and hopelessly romantic lyrics―became the feel-good cure for a nation suffering the hangover of Vietnam and Watergate. "Suddenly," the Les Paul wielding frontman says, "we were '70s superstars." - more on this story

Exhumed Recording First Album Since 2003

Exhumed are currently working on their first full-length album since 2003's Anatomy Is Destiny.

Exhumed guitarist/vocalist/founder Matt Harvey, bassist Leon DelMuerte and guitarist Wes Caley are currently at Arcane Digital Recording in Arizona working with engineer Ryan Butler (Misery Index) to record vocals, bass and guitar tracks.

Exhumed drummer Danny Walker previously laid down his drum tracks at Trench Studios with John Haddad (Abysmal Dawn, Intronaut). Mixing and mastering will be handled by Brian Elliott (Graves Of Valor) at Mana Recording Studios (Cannibal Corpse, Goatwhore, Nile). - more on this story

hennemusic Launches Music Apps Section

Day in Rock partners hennemusic has added a new music apps section to their site. Here is what they have to say about it:

There are TONS of cool music apps for your favorite artists – from "official" to trivia to audio, and more - some are even FREE.

There are some cool tour-related apps – for bands like Metallica, U2, Bon Jovi and Dave Matthews – that can keep you "in the know" about the latest live concert news, including setlists. And when you're at a show, whip out your "virtual concert lighter" for maximum effect. - Check it out and bookmark it here

Atom Smash Touring With Nonpoint

Atom Smash are hitting the road with Nonpoint this month, kicking off on November 5th in Louisiana.

The band's debut album, Love Is In The Missile,, was released on August 31st on Jive Records.

Atom Smash has toured constantly throughout the year sharing stages with bands such as Tantric, Framing Hanley, Saliva, Halestorm, RED and Hollywood Undead. - more on this story