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On this day in 1967, The second series of The Monkees TV show started on BBC TV in the U.K. Plans for the shows to be screened in color were dropped, so it was aired in black and white. Find out what else happened on this date in music history here -

Motorhead Taking Homer Simpson to Hell

(Gibson) Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister is dressing up as a cartoon for Halloween. The rock legend and the rest of his band join The Simpsons in the annual Treehouse of Horror comic series.

This year's issue, which is #16 in the run, features an installment titled "Homer Goes to Hell." The official description of the story says, "Metal music maestro Lemmy takes Homer on a hard rockin' heavy metal trip to Hell! Together they face the dreaded darkside." Guitarist Philip Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee come along for the evil excursion.

In the promotional materials, Lemmy tells us "Bart means beer in German." And, as Sideshow Bob would remind us, "Die Bart Die" means "The Bart The" in German. -

Iommi, Appice and Geezer Butler Tribute Dio On New DVD

Eagle Rock is releasing "Neon Nights: 30 Years of Heaven & Hell Live in Europe," on November 16th and we received word today about the bonus material. But first the background details for those who missed the earlier report.

This DVD and CD release captures the historic four-man army performing at the Wacken Open Air Festival on July 30, 2009.

The DVD also boasts 30th anniversary interviews with all four band members as a bonus feature. Personal one-on-one's are conducted with Ronnie, Tony, Geezer, and Vinny as they reflect on the making of their Heaven And Hell album. Additionally, the Neon Nights DVD has newly recorded personal tributes from Iommi, Appice, and Butler in memory of Dio. - more on this story

AC/DC Up Against U2 and Bon Jovi

(Gibson) Concert giants AC/DC, U2 and Bon Jovi are the finalists for the top honors at the 2010 Billboard Touring Awards.

Billboard.com announced that the three veteran bands are each up for Top Tour and Top Draw awards. The former is for the top-grossing tour and the latter is for the top ticket-selling trek.

The awards are primarily based on worldwide box office for tours that took place from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. U2's ongoing 360° Tour, AC/DC's Black Ice Tour and Bon Jovi's The Circle Tour are the tours that earned each band their nomination. - more on this story

Alice Cooper Munster Mash TV For Halloween

Trick or treat? It will be a treat for Alice Cooper fans when he hosts the Monstrous Munster Mash on WGN America Sunday October 31 (a/k/a Halloween) from 10 AM - 7 PM ET.

Alice will introduce and provide commentary for 18 episodes of the 1960s series that presented a family of monsters as equivalent to the average neighbors next door. (In the case of Alice Cooper and family this has become a reality!)

The series stars Fred Gwynne, Yvonne De Carlo, Al Lewis and Butch Patrick with a range of guests including Paul Lynde, Leo Durocher, Charlie Callas, Dom DeLuise, Jane Withers, Louis Nye, Harvey Korman, Frank Gorshin, Bonnie Franklin and Ken Osmond. So, in between trick or treating, tune in to see such great episodes as "My Fair Munster," "Rock-a-Bye Munster," "Lo-Cal Munster," "Munster Masquerade," "Prehistoric Munster" and many, many more. - more on this story

The Doors To Rock Band 3

(MTV Games) The music of The Doors will be the first available for download in Rock Band 3 when the game launches Oct. 26 in North America and Oct. 29 in the rest of the world.

Harmonix are giving away three of The Doors' songs for one week to any fan that purchases Rock Band 3 and plays online to celebrate the release of the game.

On Oct. 26, twelve of The Doors' most-loved songs, including three tracks with the Pro Guitar and Pro Bass feature, will be added to the Rock Band 3 Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Wii. It was previously announced that The Doors' quintessential song, "Break On Through (To the Other Side)" is featured in the on-disc soundtrack of Rock Band 3 and is also the soundtrack for the game's opening cinematic clip. - more on this story

Jefferson Starship's Lavitz Dies

(Gibson) The Deep Purple Appreciation Society has announced that keyboardist T Lavitz has passed away at age 54 in his sleep. Over the years, Lavitz was a member of Dixie Dregs (with current Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse), as well as Jazz Is Dead, The Bluesbusters and Jefferson Starship.

The keyboardist was asked to join jazz fusion band Dixie Dregs in 1979, when he was still a senior at the University of Miami. Although the band broke up in 1983, he joined the group for its many reunions, and also worked with his old buddy Morse on the guitarist's solo albums.

Lavitz also released several solo albums, including 2009's Electric, in addition to appearing as a guest on a number of other artists' releases. The keyboardist worked with Robby Krieger, Pat Benatar, Nils Lofgren, Widespread Panic, his old buddy Morse and many others. -

Jimmy Eat Mark Hoppus On TV Tonight

Tonight's guests on A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus are Thomas Mars of the band Phoenix and Jimmy Eat World.

Thomas Mars of the Grammy award-winning band, Phoenix, hits the studio to chat with Mark! Tune in to catch the one-on-one interview on A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus.

And Jimmy Eat World is this week's musical guest. Watch the band rock out with a song from their latest album, "Invented". Tune in this Thursday, 10/14, at 7/6C on Fuse! - preview here

Def Leppard Make History

On this day in 1988, Def Leppard became first act in chart history to sell seven million copies of two consecutive LPs, with Pyromania (released in 1983) and Hysteria. Gibson takes a look back at this landmark achievement:

Back in 1983, Def Leppard had hit the big-time. The band's third album, Pyromania, turned into a multi-platinum smash, largely due to the success of singles "Photograph," "Rock of Ages" and "Foolin'" (all Top 40 hits in the U.S.). Although the album didn't go over huge in their native Britain, Def Leppard were genuine superstars in America.

About a year after the release, the Leps entered the studio to capitalize on their success with a follow-up record, sure to be another hit. But it wouldn't be that easy. Early into pre-production of Animal Instinct (as the record was to be called), producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange dropped out from the project, due to a hectic work schedule. Moving on without their Pyromania partner, Def Leppard began work with Meat Loaf collaborator Jim Steinman. However, there was a difference of vision between the two camps. Steinman wanted to record a raw rock record. Leppard wanted a shinier pop/rock release. - more on this story

Tom Petty Damns The Torpedoes With Deluxe Editions and Never Before Released Song

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are giving their classic album, Damn the Torpedoes, the deluxe treatment on November 9th with a really cool bonus.

The Deluxe Edition release will be available with a choice of four formats (1) on two-CDs, (2) on one audiophile quality Blu-ray disc, (3) on 2 180-gram vinyl LPs and (4) as an iTunes LP.

Here is the official word with all of the details: All formats of the Deluxe Edition will come with nine additional bonus tracks not included on the original album. Seven of these tracks are previously unreleased including two studio tracks, "Nowhere" and "Surrender," both written by Tom Petty and recorded and completed during the Damn The Torpedoes sessions. The never-before-heard "Nowhere" was thought to have been lost in 1979 when the tape boxes were being moved daily to avoid the possibility that court bailiffs would claim them as part of Petty's assets in the lawsuit at the time.
- more on this story

Metallica and Zeppelin Mistakes

(Gibson) Recording accidents sometimes they make it through to the listener intentionally, and sometimes they sneak by purely by accident, but however they get to us they're part of what makes rock and roll so much fun, and what keeps kids wedged between a set of headphones when they probably should be studying. Gibson counts down 10 of the greatest mistakes that made it to tape. Here are just two of them:

6. Metallica – "The Four Horsemen" (Kill 'Em All, 1983) One of the most unique features of Metallica's classic track "The Four Horsemen" is its distinctive simultaneous two-headed guitar solo, heard from 4:10 to 4:30. You can hear two Kirk Hammetts, one in each speaker, playing roughly similar but still quite different solos. In 1991 Hammett told Guitar World this cool effect was entirely a fluke. After recording two takes of the solo, Hammett and Co. were trying to decide which one to use. "I listened to both tracks at once, to see if one would stand out," Hammett said. "But playing both tracks simultaneously sounded great, and we decided to keep it like that on the record. Some of the notes harmonized with each other, and I remember Cliff [Burton, bassist] going, 'Wow, that's stylin' – it sounds like Tony Iommi!'"

3. Led Zeppelin – "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" (Led Zeppelin, 1969) "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" is an eerie, moody track to begin with, but if you listen very closely you'll hear a ghostly voice at 1:43. What is it? A backwards-masked magic spell? Some kind of ghostly incantation? Nope. That's actually the sound of Robert Plant singing along with drummer John Bonham during tracking, and there was no way to delete Plant's singing from the drum tracks. Whether that's his actual naked voice leaking through the drum mics, or perhaps being blasted through Bonzo's headphones, perhaps we'll never quite know, but it sure sounds cool, and adds yet another interesting layer to discover among Led Zep's tapestry of orchestration. - more on this story

Singled Out: Sister Hazel

Today Ryan Newell from Sister Hazel tells us about "Stay Awhile" from their brand new album "Heartland Highway". Here is the story:

'Stay Awhile was written by myself and Aslyn, who is an artist we have toured with through the years. The band worked up all of the songs on our new record in our rehearsal space in Gainesville Florida. All the parts and arrangements came together in those pre-production sessions All of the instruments were recorded at Vibe studios in Nashville. The guitars used on that song were two telecasters going through a Matchless DC-30 and a Fender Deluxe. The vocals were recorded in Gainesville with a portable pro tools rig in a hotel suite. Then back to Nashville were the song was mixed by Chip Matthews and myself. Stay Awhile has a simple, yet feel good vibe to it and it plays really well live. We're having fun with it on the road'

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

Lord Says Deep Purple MKIII Reunion Unlikely

(Gibson) When Deep Purple set out to replace iconic lead singer Ian Gillan and longtime bassist Roger Glover, it appeared the band were entering a phase of lesser glories. Instead, the group was energized by the addition of a young, hungry David Coverdale and Trapeze bassist Glenn Hughes, and released the torrid Burn and its follow-up, Stormbringer. Ultimately, Deep Purple's newfound, soulful direction didn't sit well with Blackmore, who left the band to form Rainbow. Ultimately, they soldiered on for another year before calling it quits. But with the later success of Coverdale in Whitesnake and Hughes in Black Sabbath and, more recently, Black Country Communion, suddenly that MKIII line-up appears, in retrospect, to have been something akin to a supergroup. And the prospect of reforming this supergroup was put to keyboardist Jon Lord by Classic Rock magazine. While Lord said there are no plans to get the group together at the moment, he did have some interesting insights on the subject.

"I know a lot of people would like it to happen," said Lord. "But it would have to have [drummer] Ian Paice involved, and right now he's committed to the current Purple line-up. And I know they are planning a new studio album, as well as more touring."

Lord did reveal, however, "I got an email from David recently, and it seems Glenn and Ritchie might be into it, although I don't know how Glenn feels now, with Black Country Communion happening. Yes, I would love to play with Ritchie again, but don't read anything into that as far as MKIII is concerned." - more on this story

Don't Forget Cavo

Cavo implore fans not to forget about them as they record their new studio album (and a little holiday bonus). Here is what the band had to say:

So we are hard at work writing for the new album! Got some really good stuff in the works. It's fun seeing how we have grown as musicians and people. Don't worry, we are making every effort to keep the same process that made the first album so special.

Can't wait for all of you to hear the new stuff, but until then we wrote and recorded a Christmas song for WBR (always wanted to make an x-mas song). It'll be coming out sooner than later so stay tuned for that, I'm sure I'll let you all know exactly when. - more on this story

My Morning Jacket Rock Letterman For Almost An Hour

(Gibson) Prior to their five-night New York residency, My Morning Jacket stopped by The Late Show with David Letterman to play not just one song, but 53 minutes of music. The performance was part of the Live on Letterman series, for which acts tape a longer performance exclusively for the web. Check out the full show in the video below, via CBS.

Joined by a big, stuffed bear wearing a party hat, Jim James and Co. played favorites such as "Golden," "I'm Amazed" and "One Big Holiday." They also broke out the synths for both parts of "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream" from 2008's Evil Urges. A performance of "The Way That He Sings" aired on the actual Letterman broadcast.

In the midst of the concert, James was seemingly amazed that his band were given permission to alter the set on the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater. "We moved his desk out of the way to make room," he said. "That's pretty sweet to move his desk out of the way!" - video and setlist

Metallica's Ulrich Grand Slams For Children

(hennemusic) What would a one-hour lesson with one your musical heroes be worth to you?

For some fan, a one-hour private drum lesson with Metallica's Lars Ulrich just came in at $35,000.

Ulrich donated his time as part of a package auctioned off last Saturday at Andre Agassi's 15th annual Grand Slam For Children charity event in Las Vegas. - more on this story

Jagger Peeved Over Keith Richards Autobiography

(Gibson) Keith Richards told Rolling Stone that Mick Jagger has read Richards' new autobiography, Life. So what was the singer's reaction?

"He was a bit peeved about this and that," Richards said. "Mick and I are still great friends and still want to work together." The legendary guitarist said that he and Jagger spoke over the summer about getting The Rolling Stones up and going in 2011.

Rolling Stone magazine wrote that Life includes two stories – one of Richards' music and survival, and one about his decades-long artistic partnership (and struggle) with Jagger. "I had a feeling Mick would have no problem with the truth," Richards said. "No doubt I was as infuriating to him as he can be to me." -

Evans Blue Announce Fall Tour

Evans Blue has announced the second leg of their Erase My Scars 2010 Tour, with support coming from Taddy Porter and Rains.

When asked what the fans can expect from the live show, lead vocalist Dan Chandler replied, "Definitely expect to see Energy! I've always been a fan of seeing bands connect and have fun on stage."

Evans Blue is also set to appear on Rockline on October 25th. The tour is in support of their recently released evans|blue. - more on this story

The Flaming Lips Explain Crazy Dark Floyd Project

(Gibson) The Flaming Lips have always approached things from a unique perspective, be it building mind-blowing soundscapes in the studio or featuring giant hamster balls in their stage show. In the past year, the band took yet another walk on the wild side by daring to re-record and re-imagine Pink Floyd's classic album, The Dark Side of the Moon. In a new video interview with Pandora, guitarist Steven Drozd talked about the venturing to go where few others would dare.

"Not that I pay attention to that kind of stuff too much," Drozd said. "But if you go to the iTunes store and look at the reviews of that, there's the Lips fans that love it, but then there's a lot of hardcore, old-school Pink Floyd fans who are thoroughly offended by it. They're just offended. 'If I could give 0 stars, I would! This is sacrilege and blasphemy! Blah blah blah blah blah.' So, yeah, we still get that, you know. I still tell Wayne [Coyne] half his ideas are [expletive] crazy."

Drozd also spoke about the original album that was the touchstone for the project: "Early in high school, hanging around stoners or whatever, you'd inevitably hear Dark Side of the Moon. And for me, the song that I didn't know before I was in high school was "Us and Them," which is probably still my favorite Pink Floyd track. And it's one of those things that they say, 'Throw it in the vaults. We've heard it a million times.' But I can always listen to those songs. I never really get sick of them." -

Ygwie Malmsteen Sets New Album Release Featuring Ripper Owens

Ygwie Malmsteen's new album Relentless will hit stores on November 22nd via Malmsteen's own Rising Force Records.

The album contains more than 60 minutes of brand new material and vocals from Tim "Ripper" Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth).

Malmsteen commented, "The album title really says it all. The drive to surpass my own accomplishments can best be described with one word - RELENTLESS. After all these years of composing and playing music, I still am passionate about pushing myself to the limit - to the highest, most demanding level of playing possible." - more on this story

Marduk Add New Dates

The Marduk camp sent over word that their return to the U.S. later this month as both headliners and as part of Glenn Danzig's annual Blackest Of The Black tour, has been expanded with some additional dates.

The 2010 edition will officially kick off on October 25 and wind its way through over a dozen cities before making its last stop in mid November.

Additional support will be provided by Possessed, Toxic Holocaust and Withered. - more on this story

Jack White, Kid Rock and More Tribute Loretta Lynn

(Gibson) Loretta Lynn was honored Tuesday night in Nashville for more than five decades of music, according to Billboard.com. The event at the Ryman Auditorium was hosted by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the same people that dole out the Grammys) and featured tributes and performances from the likes of Kid Rock, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Jack White.

"Nobody tells it quite like Loretta," said White, who produced, played and sang on Lynn's 2004 Grammy-winning album, Van Lear Rose. "She's an absolute genius. Every word is from her heart. She is the greatest female singer/songwriter of the 20th century. She championed women's rights in the South and for women everywhere."

Academy president and chief executive Neil Portnow presented Lynn with their Merit Award, reminding the audience that Lynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut nearly 50 years ago. There were plenty of musical tributes, too. Kid Rock and Gretchen Wilson teamed up for "You're the Reason Our Kids are Ugly," a hit for Lynn and Conway Twitty in the '70s. McBride sang "You Ain't Good Enough to Take My Man" and McEntire delivered "If You're Not Gone Too Long," in addition to serving as the night's host. - more on this story

Constants Release Shows

Constants are playing three special shows this week in celebration of the release of their new album, If Tomorrow The War. They'll head across the pond next month for a full tour.

The first of this week's special shows is tonight (10.14) in Boston, MA at Great Scott with Lymbyc System. Tomorrow they'll play New York, NY at Cake Shop with Rosetta and on Sat they'll head to Philly to play at Siren Records with Rosetta.

The album was produced by Jesu/Godflesh mastermind Justin K. Broadrick, and features guest appearances from Andrew Neufeld (Comeback Kid, Sights & Sounds) and Mike Hill (Tombs).
- more on this story

Jerry Lee Lewis To Tell All

(Gibson) According to Music-News.com, rock and roll original Jerry Lee Lewis is writing his autobiography for publishers Harpers Collins.

"I have spent my life listening to those who know so little say so much about me and my life," Lewis said in a press statement. "I am ready to say a whole lot about why I lived my life the way I did. People can read it, burn it, or never give it another thought. Either way the truth is about to be told, and I'm the only man still standing who can touch it."

Lewis, who burst on to the fledgling rock and roll scene in the mid-'50s with Sun Records hits like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going on," recently celebrated his 75th birthday. The man known as "The Killer" is currently on tour in Europe supporting his new album, Mean Old Man. -