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On this day in 1975, David Bowie announced his second career retirement, saying, "I've rocked my roll. It's a boring dead end, there will be no more rock'n'roll records from me." Find out what else happened on this date in music history here

Metallica Launch Big 4 Radio

Some Sirius news for fans of the Big 4 of Thrash, Metallica is launching Big 4 Radio today and they are bringing back Mandatory Metallica. Metallica give fans the following heads up yesterday:

"We're gearing up for our first 'Big 4' show in the States, and our friends over at Sirius XM are too as they launch Big 4 Radio tomorrow, Tuesday, April 12 at 12 p.m. (ET) with 24/7 'Tallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax running through Sunday, May 8 at 3 a.m. (ET). The channel will feature highlights of interviews with members of all four bands as well as some of our live recordings, including performances from previous 'Big 4' shows. Sirius XM listeners can also tune in for on-site reports from the upcoming 'Big 4' show in Indio, CA on April 23, 2011.

"You can check it all out by heading over to SiriusXM.com for Internet radio or through the Sirius XM app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch along with several BlackBerry and Android-powered smartphone devices. Big 4 Radio will also air on Sirius channel 27 and XM channel 42 Saturday, April 16 starting at 12 p.m. (ET) through Saturday, April 30 at 3 a.m. (ET). more on this story

Paul McCartney Taps KISS, Paul Rodgers, Billy Joel and More For New Album

(hennemusic) It's fair to say Paul McCartney has had a few tributes in his time, and there's news that another one is on the way. The Sun reports McCartney is making a new album featuring covers of his own solo material and Wings tracks.

McCartney hand-picked the artists himself, including KISS, The Cure, B.B. King, Paul Rodgers, Billy Joel and Garth Brooks.

It's partly a family affair, as Paul's son, James, will be on the record doing a song with The Cure. "James was over the moon at playing with The Cure," a source told The Sun. "He's always been a big fan. They all went into a studio in Sussex and hung out together." more on this story

Wanna Hear Some New Arctic Monkeys?

Zane Lowe premiered the Arctic Monkeys first single, "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair" on BBC's Radio 1 in the UK last night.

The track is the first single proper from the Sheffield quartet's fourth album, Suck It And See - out June 7th on Domino Records.

The "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair" single will be released on both 7" and 10" vinyl's on May 30th via the Arctic Monkeys web mart. Stream the new track here

Guns N' Roses Battle Stalled

(hennemusic) The case of Axl Rose v. Irving Azoff has stalled. So has the case of Irving Azoff v. Axl Rose.

The Beverly Hills Courier reports efforts to settle dueling lawsuits involving Rose and his former manager have hit a sour note, but attorneys told a judge Monday that they will continue their mediation efforts.

During a brief hearing before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rita Miller, the lawyers for Rose and Azoff said they plan to meet with the mediator, a retired judge, on April 25. Trial is scheduled the next day. more on this story

The White Stripes Set New Releases

(Gibson) The White Stripes may be gone but there are a few more releases left in the can, including a live album of their very last full live performance in 2007.

The album, titled Live in Mississippi, was recorded at Southaven, Mississippi, on July 31, 2007, and will be released on two-CD and two-LP (180-gram vinyl) formats. The set list featured a number of covers in tribute to legendary Mississippi Delta blues masters Robert Johnson, Son House and Leadbelly.

A live DVD of a June 2000 show will be released on the same day. Recorded as the band performed to a tiny audience at Ralph's Corner Bar in Moorhead, Minnesota, the set is called Under Moorhead Lights All Fargo Night.

Finally, the now-defunct duo will release one of their first-ever recordings, a 1997 cover of Love's "Signed DC," on seven-inch vinyl with a cover of Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long" as the B-side. more on this story

American Idol Eyed Iggy Pop For Judging Job

(hennemusic) When American Idol was scrambling last year to figure out a way to rework the tired reality series, the producers went on a hunt for new judges for the program.

We know how things worked out, obviously, but can you imagine Iggy Pop sitting on the panel? It could have happened.

Billboard reports Idol executives contacted Iggy about possibly being one of the show's judges for its 10th season. "It didn't go very far," he tells Billboard. "There were two phone calls...I wasn't sure I was interested or available. They called me...I was curious and we spoke a couple times, and that was as far as that went. I don't think I could've done the right job for them on that particular show. I think Steven Tyler does a really, really good job of it." more on this story

Johnny Marr Quits The Cribs

(Gibson) Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr has announced that he is ending his three-year relationship with The Cribs. In an interview with Billboard, excerpted on Marr's own website, Marr said that he is leaving the group on good terms in order to concentrate on new solo material and soundtrack work.

"I'm working on new solo songs," Marr said. "I'll be putting out two records over the next year or so and doing more film soundtrack work."

He added, "Touring and recording with Ryan, Gary and Ross has been fantastic and Ignore the Ignorant is something I'm really proud of. We ended up doing much more than we originally set out to, and I've made three good friends." more on this story

Phish Expand Summer Tour Plans

You have more chances to see Phish this summer as the band sent over word that they have extended their 2011 summer tour with its first-ever concert at the Hollywood Bowl, marking the band's first Los Angeles appearance since 2003, and its first shows in scenic Lake Tahoe.

The group will also play two consecutive nights at The Gorge in George, WA and a three-night stand at Chicago's UIC Pavilion.

Phish will headline the opening day of the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival on August 12 in San Francisco, CA. This will be the band's first appearance at the festival, which takes place in Golden Gate Park. more on this story

Alice In Chains On The Range

(hennemusic) Last week, Alice In Chains teased fans with news of an upcoming "special concert announcement" for this week. Here it is:

Alice in Chains is headlining Canada's 3rd annual Rock On The Range this summer; the festival takes place August 20 at Winnipeg's Canad Inns Stadium.

Joining AIC on the main stage will be Evanescence, Five Finger Death Punch, Hinder, Art Of Dying and The Reason, while the second stage headliner is Sum 41, along with Volbeat, Anberlin, Duff McKagan's Loaded and Drive A. more on this story

Davies Brothers To Meet To Discuss Kinks Reunion

(Rock News Desk) Ray Davies will meet brother Dave next week to discuss a Kinks reunion, and says: "I'll do it if he will."

The 60s icons have been the subject of reunion rumours for years, although it's never come to fruition, often due to the heated rivalry between the Davies brothers. The closest they came was a planned gathering a few years ago, which was called off after bassist Peter Quaife, who's since died, began suffering kidney problems.

Ray tells Rolling Stone: "I'm seeing Dave next week. I hear he's been saying stuff in the press like, 'I'll do it, but Ray doesn't want to do it.' I know he's expressed an interest, and also that he's called me an a**hole – it depends what side of bed he gets up on.

"Well, this is me saying, 'Ray will do it if Dave does it.'" more on this story

Iron Maiden's Dave Murray Looks Back and Forward

(Gibson) In a recent interview with CreativeLoafing.com , it was pointed out to Iron Maiden's Dave Murray that, 12 years after singer Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith rejoined the group in 1999, Iron Maiden have managed to maintain what has become their most enduring lineup.

"This is it, really," he said. "This is how the band will exist in the future. I can't see there being any changes. Ultimately it's the perfect lineup, because it does extend back to when Adrian was in the band for the first few albums. And obviously when Bruce was in the band, so this is obviously the strongest and most creative lineup Maiden has ever had. Everything kind of gels and glues together really well. As far as rehearsing and writing, everything fits into place nicely. We just sit down like we always do and work out songs. We wouldn't be changing anymore. This is it; I think we're kinda far along enough now to say. Also, it's my favorite lineup, and also most of the other guys. There's a chance for everyone to play and enjoy what they're doing."

As for when this lineup will head back into the studio to record a follow-up to the smash hit, The Final Frontier, Murray was enthusiastic, if a bit non-committal. "A lot of the time you plan ahead, and things tend to get in the way. At the moment it's nice to focus on the here and now. We're on tour, we've got another later this summer, and then we'll all need a rest. Possibly there will be, but it's hard to say at the moment. It definitely won't be next year, anyway. My gut feeling is once we sit down, if everyone's up for it—that's the main thing—then we'll go for it."

What does Dave think about their recent Grammy win?

Mike Portnoy Talks Up His New Band

(Rock AAA) According to Noisecreep, former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy is currently working on a new band with Symphony X's Russell Allen on vocals, Mike Orlando on guitar, and Paul DiLeo on bass.

Portnoy, modest as ever, says: "[This project] is something I'm very excited about. It's super hard-hitting, with strong, slamming tunes, with riffs as big as Zakk [Wylde] and Dime, and vocals as big as Dio. I think this album can make a huge splash in the hard rock and metal scene! I can't wait to hit the road with this baby!"

And it's been a busy time for Portnoy who has another two projects on the boil at the same time: "[This] has been an unbelievably productive year for me so far. It's only April and I've already recorded three different albums with three different projects and artists, as well as having done a string of US shows with my Beatles tribute band with Paul Gilbert more on this story

Punk for Tots: New Offspring Songs Pass The Preschool Test

(Rock AAA) The Offspring are putting the final touches on the album frontman Dexter Holland has dubbed 'the best damn record they have ever done.'

In a recent podcast Holland and lead guitarist Noodles revealed their pride at what will be their ninth album while Holland joked he has already had a thumbs up on their new material – from some five-year-old reviewers.

"I think we are about 12 or 13 songs in. They probably won't all go on the record but we have some good stuff. It's going to be great and it's going to be the best damn record we ever did," He said. "You know what's a really good sign? When you are working on a song and going 'I really want this to be a hit.' When you play it for a niece or nephew, or a young kid, preferably about five and if it sticks with that kid and you hear them humming it later in the day." more on this story

Gathering of the Vibes Lineup

Furthur featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Jane's Addiction, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, moe. are heading up the Gathering of the Vibes festival lineup.

The summer music event is set to take place on July 21st - 24th at Seaside Park, Bridgeport, CT.

The lineup will include Big Sam's Funky Nation, The Mother Hips, The Infamous Stringdusters, Tea Leaf Green, Roots of Creation, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Sam Kininger Band, The Bridge, Rubblebucket, Kung Fu, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, David Gans, Waylon Speed, Lo Faber & Aaron Maxwell of God Street Wine, Caravan of Thieves, Darian Cunning Band, King for A Day, Andy the Music Man, Band Together, Nicos Gun and The Primate Fiasco. more on this story

Shaun Morgan Seething Over Evanescence Reunion

It was rumored in yesterday's report but today, Gibson confirms it: Guitarist Troy McLawhorn has returned to Evanescence, the band he left in 2008 to join Seether.

McLawhorn joined Evanescence in 2007, replacing original guitarist John LeCompt. His return to Evanescence was disclosed by Seether singer Shaun Morgan, who posted on Twitter: "Interesting news about our old guitarist. Can anyone guess? He went to another band." Morgan further hinted, "Little anti-Shaun club. Any more guesses?"

Morgan was alluding to Evanescence's Amy Lee, with whom he was in a relationship for two years. "Just wanted you guys to hear it from me first," Morgan continued. "I am hurt and offended. We will go on and we will make ya'll proud." more on this story

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival Lineup

The lineup for the fourth annual Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival has been announced.

The festival will once again take place in San Francisco's historic Golden Gate Park August 12 - 14, 2011.

Muse, Phish, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, MGMT, The Decemberists, Erykah Badu and the Warren Haynes Band will perform alongside the best emerging artists in the world, including Deadmau5, Girl Talk, Beirut, Sia, Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Best Coast, Phantogram, Junip, Little Dragon, Foster the People, The Joy Formidable and legends such as John Fogerty, The Original Meters, Big Audio Dynamite and Mavis Staples. Full lineup

Jack's Mannequin and Guster Tour Dates

Jack's Mannequin are hitting the road this summer for a co-headlining tour with Guster and have announced dates.

The trek kicks off August 7th in Baltimore and runs through September 4th in Columbus.

Jack's Mannequin is set to release People and Things (release date unknown), the follow up to 2008's The Glass Passenger, and will perform at Coachella this year, followed by a headlining tour leading up to the dates with Guster. more on this story

Tiger Army's Nick 13 Announces Solo Album

Tiger Army's Nick 13 will release his long-awaited solo album June 7th on Sugar Hill Records.

Nick's self-titled debut was produced in Los Angeles and Nashville by Greg Leisz and James Intveld, with mixing duties handled by Grammy award winner Jim Scott (Wilco, Tom Petty, Dixie Chicks).

Nick 13 crafts storytelling Americana songs of heartbreak, experience and passion, driven by his haunting and distinctive voice and acoustic guitar. more on this story

Hellogoodbye UK Tour

Hellogoodbye are heading across the pond next month for a tour of the UK that will last until early June.

The tour is set to kick off on May 27th in Manchester and ends June 2nd in Birmingham.

Hellogoodbye have tapped The Dangerous Summer and Gold Motel to support them on the trek. more on this story

Metallica Producer Talks Masterpiece of Puppets

(Gibson) Flemming Rasmussen, producer of Metallica's 1986 metal triumph, Master of Puppets, has called the album a masterpiece. When interviewed by AOL's Noisecreep, Rasmussen said: "I listen to it on and off, and there's nothing I would change. It is a masterpiece for its time, and should be left as it is."

The Danish producer recalled in the interview that Metallica wanted him as producer based on his work on Rainbow's Difficult to Cure album. "They really liked the sound I got on that record, so they reached out to me," he said. "The success of Ride the Lightning made it really easy to continue our collaboration for the next couple of albums."

Rasmussen also paid tribute to late bass player Cliff Burton, who died in in September 1986. "It was such a pleasure working with him. I loved his improvising. His solo parts on the instrumental track, 'Orion,' were fantastic!" more on this story

Sonisphere Lineup Expands

(Rock AAA) Sonisphere has revealed another 28 acts for its 2011 lineup. Added to the Apollo Stage are Cavelera Conspiracy. Max Cavalera promises a show mixed with favourites both old and new at their only UK festival appearance this summer.

The main stage will also host punk rock revevalists, Bad Religion making a rare UK festival appearance and thrash merchants Sylosis, who return to the festival after their appearance two years ago and open Saturday's proceedings.

Also appearing are The Cancer Bats, Glamour of the Kill, Kylesa, My Passion, Pulled Apart by Horses, Paradise Lost and legendary Bluegrass piss-takers Hayseed Dixie more on this story

Prince Releases Details About 21 Nite Stand

Word about this came from a radio interview with Prince, but today we have the official word with all of the details:

Prince has declared a string of purple days in Los Angeles. He will bring his extraordinary Welcome 2 America Live tour back to the West Coast with the announcement of a 21 nite stand in Los Angeles.

The Live Nation produced tour arrives on April 14th, 21st and 22nd at the world famous Los Angeles Forum. more on this story

Testament To The Strangely Perfect Convergence Of Heavy Metal And Jazz

(Gibson) In a new interview, Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick is speaking about the strangely perfect convergence of heavy metal and… jazz.

Skolnick, who joined thrash metal band Testament at age 16 and toured with Judas Priest, Megadeth, White Zombie and Slayer, now serves as ringleader of jazz group the Alex Skolnick Trio. Their newly released fourth album, Veritas, includes nine original tracks, along with a cover of Metallica's "Fade to Black."

Skolnick recalled to Spinner.com the moment that jazz first impacted him. "When we recorded the third Testament album, we did it at the Fantasy Studios in Berkeley," said Skolnick. "I remember being on break and hearing the most amazing saxophone playing I've ever heard in my life. It was scary it was going so many places. I hadn't been that blown away since I heard Eddie Van Halen do 'Eruption.' I had my ear to the door of this studio and I didn't know who was inside, or whether it was even a live band."

What was playing on the other side of that door? John Coltrane's Live at Birdland. Later, Miles Davis and others would influence Skolnick as well, leading him to leave Testament behind to enroll in the Jazz Performance Program at the New School in New York. more on this story

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson Space and Earth Duet With NASA Astronaut

We told you about this yesterday but today we have video. But first the intro from NASA: Harmony reached new heights recently as NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, circling Earth aboard the International Space Station, and musician Ian Anderson, founder of the rock band Jethro Tull, collaborated for the first space-Earth duet.

Coleman, an amateur flutist, and Anderson played a portion of the song "Bourree," an arrangement of which Anderson and Jethro Tull performed during their 1969 U.S. tour as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped on the moon.

Coleman played her part from 220 miles above Earth late last week. Anderson played his part while on tour in Perm, Russia, during the weekend. The two parts were then joined. Video from the performance

That'll Be the Day Born On This Day

(Gibson) One of the most down-to-earth, accurate and realistic rock and roll movies of all time premiered on this day in 1973.

Britain's answer, in some ways, to American Graffiti, That'll Be the Day looked back fondly, but realistically at Britain's late '50s, early '60s pre-Beatle youth culture. Future pop star David Essex, in his breakthrough role (he'd been playing Jesus in Godspell on the stage), played Jim MacLaine, a frustrated teen determined to break out of the shackles of small-town life in dull, boring, bland, post-war Britain.

Essex's own life was probably a lot harsher than that of his essentially middle-class character who opts out of a cozy path to university for life on the edge instead. In fact, Essex grew up in a particularly impoverished and tough part of London, and was pals with soccer pro Frank Lampard Sr., father of current Chelsea and England soccer star Frank Lampard. more on this story

Slash To Play High Voltage

(Rock AAA) Festival organisers at High Voltage shot themselves in the foot when they teased their audience with the announcement of the final act on the bill at the event to be held in Victoria Park, London on 23/24 July

The remaining special guest slot, just below headliners Judas Priest, was due to be announced at 09.00 GMT today (Tuesday April 12) on their official website.

But eagle eyed fans spotted an advertisement in The Metro, London's free newspaper, that Slash had been confirmed for the slot and began posting on the festivals Facebook page a couple of hours earlier than the official unveiling. more on this story

Larry Carlton To Donate Gibsons To Help Japanese Recovery Efforts

(Gibson) Larry Carlton and his label, 335 Records, are doing their part to assist Japanese recovery efforts after the recent earthquakes and tsunami. The guitar master has announced that he will donate five Gibson Custom Larry Carlton ES-335 guitars to help Japan.

According to a press release, Carlton and the label are sending the guitars around the world to collect signatures from "some of the biggest stars." The axes will later be sold at auction, with all of the proceeds going to relief efforts. Also, the guitarist and label have already donated thousands of items to benefit Japanese citizens.

Currently, "Mr. 335" and his band are touring Japan on their Sounds of Philadelphia Tour 2011. Carlton and Co. will be playing in Tokyo through Tuesday, April 12. Carlton also recently announced a slew of European tour dates. more on this story

Foo Fighting Jon Stewart

(hennemusic) The Foo Fighters are everywhere these days. Prior to band's appearance on Saturday Night Live this past weekend, the Foos played a contest winner's garage, and hung around New York to play The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Monday night.

The Foos brought a full entourage to the show - including family members - as Dave Grohl joked, "those kids can trash a dressing room like Van Halen wish."

And the Foos aren't done with New York just yet: they'll be performing an exclusive live concert following the taping of their appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. Video here

Kittie Heading Into The Studio

eOne Music sent over this good news for Kittie fans: Kittie are headed into the studio next week to begin work on their new, yet to be titled record.

Front woman Morgan Lander offers her own words: "We have been working exceptionally hard these cold winter months, crafting what is to be our 6th full length release, and our second for eOne.

"In some cases these new songs are faster, darker and much more sinister than our previous release. It contains some of the most difficult and personal subject matter I have had the pleasure (or displeasure) of writing." more on this story

Whitesnake Score Global Top 50 Hit

Whitesnake's brand new album Forevermore has made its worldwide debut, making the Top 50 of multiple countries' album charts.

In the United States, Forevermore comes in at #48 on the Billboard Top 200 Current Album chart and arrives even higher in numerous European countries.

Forevermore charts at #6 in Sweden, #11 in Finland, #15 in the Czech Republic, #16 in Germany, #17 in Switzerland, #27 in Austria, #41 in Italy and #42 in both The Netherlands and Poland, respectively. more on this story

Richard Ashcroft Japan Relief Auction

An auction has been set up on ebay for a lanyard signed by Richard Ashcroft from the Japan Disaster benefit gig at Brixton Academy in London on April 3rd.

All proceeds from this sold out gig went direct to the Red Cross Japan Tsunami disaster fund – the night made in excess of £145, 000.

Ashcroft has signed an AAA pass and it has been set up as part of a seven (7) day auction ending Sunday 17th at 7pm GMT. All proceeds from this sale will also go directly to the Red Cross Japan Tsunami fund. Bid here

Product Of Hate Looking for Video Extras

Want to be in the new Product Of Hate video? We received the following with all the details: Product Of Hate have announced that the filming of their debut music video will take place from April 15-17, 2011 with Robert Kurtzman's Creature Corps in and around Crestline, Ohio.

The three-day shoot will be for a long-form video entitled Unholy Manipulator, and will star actress Ashley Laurence (Hellraiser, Lightning Bug), who recently appeared in the Snuff video for Slipknot. The video will be produced by Kurtzman (FX legend, director of Wishmaster, creator of From Dusk Till Dawn) and Corpka's Scott Licina. Directing duties for the video will be handled by Kik Axe Music's James Zahn.

50-60 Extras will be needed for scenes to be shot on Saturday, April 16th in Galion, Ohio. Men and Women 18+ are welcome, and must arrive dressed for a rock concert/metal show. more on this story

Deep Blues Festival Returns

(Submitted) The Deep Blues Festival is being revived this year with the blessings of the event's founder Chris Johnson.

Deep Blues Festival 2011 will be held in Cleveland, Ohio, at the historic Beachland Ballroom on Saturday, July 16, featuring dirty roots music bands from across the country.

The bands will play continuously on two stages from 5 p.m. until closing. Deep Blues Festival 2011 is being staged as an event for the dirty roots music community without promoter involvement. It is an entirely band-run event, with the artists splitting the proceeds, and how it fares depends on you and other fans of this great independent music. more on this story