Blink-182's Neighborhoods Explained- Red Hot Issue With New Chili Peppers Album- Coldplay Live On Letterman- H2O Set Date- Black Veil Brides Plan EP- more

(Lambgoat) Counterparts is currently recording their new album, slated for an October 25th, 2011 release date via Victory Records. The effort is entitled The Current Will Carry Us. more

Aerosmith Target Release For New 'Raw, Nasty, Tough Rock' Album

(hennemusic) An interesting update on the progress of the new Aerosmith album has surfaced courtesy of producer Jack Douglas. The rock legends entered guitarist Joe Perry's The Boneyard studio in suburban Boston and their main studio, Pandora's Box, early this summer with long-time producer Douglas to begin recording their 14th studio album and first set of original material since 2001's "Just Push Play" and first studio album since 2004's blues covers CD, "Honkin' On Bobo."

Douglas has shared an update on the new project. "The new album should be out around May 2012," reports Jack. "I know that's a long wait, but after the South American tour and Japan in October, November and December, we will just get back to work on it in mid-January. For those who are asking, this album will be raw, nasty, tough rock with a good deal of the old Aerosmith 'tongue in cheek.'"

The May 2012 date is interesting because, if the stars align, the new Aerosmith record should be released right around the time that Season 11 of American Idol is wrapping up….which could mean the Aerosmith appearance on Idol that fans have been waiting for since Steven Tyler landed his gig on the show….and one that Perry himself referenced earlier this year. more on this story

Slipknot Promise Tour and Ponder New Album

(Gibson) With Slipknot's future in doubt, ever since bass player Paul Gray's tragic death last year, there's good news for fans.

Last week, frontman Corey Taylor hinted at an upcoming U.S. tour for the band. Now, another member has all but confirmed the news. According to Britain's Daily Express newspaper, Slipknot's drummer Shawn Crahan wrote on his Facebook page: "I wanted to tell everyone straight from my mouth because you may have heard it already anyway, but SLIPKNOT will be touring by next June (12) in America only, but that does not mean things will not change, and as they do, I will, along with others, tell you, our family, first."

As for a new album? "It is too soon and there are no songs yet because the band needs to come together to write this next one... Everything happens for a reason, so be ready." more on this story

Scott Weiland Takes On Beatles, Stones and Bowie

(Gibson) Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland is covering some of rock's most famous bands and artists on his new album.

Appropriately titled A Compilation of Scott Weiland Cover Songs, the digital-only release features tunes originally by The Beatles, Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, David Bowie and many others, according to NME.com.

On the release (available now on ScottWeiland.com), the former Velvet Revolver singer takes on two Bowie tunes ("Fame" and "The Jean Genie"), along with the Stones' "Dead Flowers," Radiohead's "Let Down," The Smiths' "Reel Around the Fountain" and the New York Dolls' "Personality Crisis." more on this story

The Beach Boys SMiLE Release Date Set

The Beach Boys legendary "lost" album SMiLE will finally be officially released as The SMiLE Sessions on November 1st in North American and October 31 internationally.

Capitol/EMI have released the details which include various release configurations. Here is what they had to say: With the full participation of original Beach Boys Al Jardine, Mike Love, and Brian Wilson, Capitol/EMI has, for the first time, collected and compiled the band's legendary 1966-'67 sessions for the never-completed SMiLE album.

In numerous sessions between the spring of 1966 and the summer of 1967, The Beach Boys recorded a bounty of songs and drafts for an album, SMiLE, that was intended to follow the band's 1966 masterpiece, Pet Sounds. The master tapes were ultimately shelved, and The Beach Boys' SMiLE has never been released. Drawn from the original masters, The SMiLE Sessions presents an in-depth overview of The Beach Boys' recording sessions for the enigmatic album, which has achieved legendary, mythical status for music fans around the world. more on this story

Great White's Jack Russell Tributes Jani Lane

(hennemusic) A public memorial was held Monday in Los Angeles for former Warrant singer Jani Lane, who passed away August 11 under mysterious circumstances.

The event - at the Key Club in Hollywood - featured performances by fellow metal rock bands, including Great White, Quiet Riot, Enuff Z'Nuff and L.A. Guns.

Great White singer Jack Russell made a special appearance at the show; Lane had filled in for Russell with Great White last summer while the singer dealt with some health issues. You can view video of what Jack had to say here.

Hear Ryan Adams Play Iron Maiden Classic

(hennemusic) Singer/songwriter Ryan Adams has a new album, "Ashes & Fire," due October 11.

Adams is currently making the rounds doing media interviews; he stopped by BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday to chat and play a few songs, and one of them was an acoustic cover of Iron Maiden's "Wasted Years."

Adams' fans know him as a heavy metal enthusiast, so maybe this isn't a surprise to them, but it's a real left-turn for most of us to hear Maiden done acoustically. Check it out here

Chickenfoot Deliver Big Foot Video

(superLOUD) Chickenfoot (Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, Chad Smith) have premiered the video for their single "Big Foot" from the forthcoming Chickenfoot III.

The video, directed by Zan Passante & Jon Hill (Meat and Potatoes Digital), features band footage along with a mischievous man in a chicken suit heading to meet a girl.

Chickenfoot III will be released on September 27th on eOne Music. For now you can check out the video here

Def Leppard and Motley Crue Announce Tour

(hennemusic) UK rock fans are in for a treat this December as Def Leppard and Motley Crue team up for a tour. The rock powerhouses will be joined by Steel Panther for the 6-date trip.

"I can't tell you enough how thrilled I am to announce this tour!," said Leppard's Joe Elliott. "We always strive to make our shows an event and to have Motley Crue and Steel Panther along for the ride makes this an event that just can't be missed for rock fans across the U.K.!! Come join us on what will be the event of the year!"

"Motley Crue is excited to do some destruction with longtime peers Def Leppard on tour this holiday season," added Nikki Sixx of the Crue. "We have never toured together so hopefully there will be some de-virginizing of each-other's fans and in the end one f**king wild party together." more on this story

20th Anniversary of Metallica's Rise To The Top

(Gibson) On this day in 1991, Metallica started a four-week run at #1 on the U.S. album chart with Metallica. The album featured "Enter Sandman," "Sad but True," "The Unforgiven" and "Nothing Else Matters" and went on to sell more than 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. Gibson takes a look back:

Before 1991, Metallica were merely a very successful metal band. Coming out of the Los Angeles metal scene, the foursome became one of the "big four" thrash bands of the '80s – thanks to constant touring and beloved albums like Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. James Hetfield and company even scored a hit in 1989 with "One," thanks in part to its popular MTV video. But that was nothing compared to what was to come. On this day in 1991, their "black" album would debut at #1 on the U.S. charts. Enter Metallica.

In the fall of 1990, guitarist/vocalist Hetfield, guitarist Kirk Hammett, drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Jason Newsted went into the One on One studio in North Hollywood to start on what would be Metallica's fifth album. Partially inspired by the success of "One," the band went to work on a set of concise, radio-friendly songs that would bridge the gap between thrash and mainstream metal.

Impressed with his work on Mötley Crüe's Dr. Feelgood, Metallica enlisted producer Bob Rock to help in this vein, although they initially only wanted him to mix the album. They eventually changed their minds, and let Rock helm the whole process. "We felt that we still had our best record in us and Bob Rock could help us make it," Ulrich once said. more on this story

Ripper Hates That KK Is No Longer in Judas Priest

(RockAAA) Former Judas Priest singer Tim 'Ripper' Owens says he hates the fact KK Downing is no longer in the band, but says he can't really be hypocritical about it.

Speaking to DJ Eddie Trunk, Owens says that he fully understands the situation as he filled in on vocals when Rob Halford left the band in 1997. He said: "I hate that K.K.'s not in the band

"I'm friends with all of them. I just saw Ken up in Manchester when DIO DISCIPLES played there. We went and had some dinner, he hung out all night. It was a great time."

"Listen, I was in the band and Rob Halford wasn't there, so I can't be the one to say, 'Well, it's not the same without somebody.' That's not the case. more on this story

Fans Lift Deep Purple Legends Jon Lord's Spirits With Cancer Fight Support

(Rock News Desk) Former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord has thanked fans for their outpouring of support after he revealed he was battling cancer.

In a brief statement earlier this month he announced he'd be taking time away from the live scene to deal with his illness, but vowed to be back again within a year.

Now he explains the messages of goodwill he's received have left him an "absolutely overwhelmed, gratified and humbled musician." more on this story

11-Year Old Sings Motley Crue's Hit on America's Got Talent

(hennemusic) On Monday night, 11-year old Anna Graceman performed a cover of Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home" on America's Got Talent's second night of semi-finals.

The performance earned Graceman a standing ovation from the judges and audience.

Judge Piers Morgan raved about Anna's "incredible voice" and "amazing talent," calling it the best performance of the night. Sharon Osbourne agreed, saying that Mötley Crüe will find the performance "absolutely amazing" and saying that her voice suits the song. Howie Mandel kept his comments short and sweet, saying only: "Wow!" Watch it here

Jerry Cantrell Appears On New Richie Kotzen Album

Richie Kotzen has set a November 11th release date for his new album 24 Hours which features a guest appearance from Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell. Here is the background info his camp sent over:

24 Hours reflects the guitar style's that has defined his career as a virtuoso, while taking it to another level of playing. "I feel like I have reached a new level of soloing on the opening track 24 Hours," explains Kotzen. "I stopped using a guitar pick on electric a few years ago and my playing has evolved in a different way. Some of the solo lines I play on the song 24 Hours, and others as well, are lines I would have never been able to play with a guitar pick. So I would say the solo's on this CD are at a different level than previous recordings."

24 Hours is an absorbing collective blend of Kotzen's musical influences and diversity. 24 hours takes you on an inspired, musical journey as the opening track sets the tone that falls stylistically somewhere between early Van Halen and Sly and the Family Stone. Kotzen also brought in his talented daughter, August Kotzen and friend Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, to complete the album. "My daughter, August is singing with me on a few songs and is playing electric piano on the song Stop Me," states Kotzen. "My friend Jerry Cantrell is singing backgrounds on Love Is Blind and does a very cool lead vocal ad-lib in the final chorus of the tune." more on this story

Danko Jones Map Out More Tour Dates

Danko Jones has announced a new round of U.S. tour dates in September, closing out the band's U.S. summer tour.

The dates kick off September 10th in Phoenix at KUPD UFest with Anthrax and Five Finger Death Punch on the bill followed by a run of west coast dates through San Diego and San Francisco before wrapping in Los Angeles on September 14 at The Roxy.

Danko Jones have been touring in support of the deluxe reissue of Below the Belt , which features two new bonus tracks titles "Guest List Blues" and "Rock N Roll Proletariat" more on this story

Pale Hitting The Road With Fuel This Fall

Fuel have tapped Pale to support them on their Fall 2011 Born Again Tour of North America.

Having played more than 500 dates since its inception in 2003, Pale continues to broaden their reach through impressive live performances on their own and as openers for acts as diverse as Depeche Mode, Roger Waters, Frank Black, Earshot and Blue October.

Having recently completed a short run through Tennessee, Indiana and Michigan, Pale will make its first appearance on the road with Fuel on September 1, 2011 at the Purple Moose Saloon in Ocean City, Maryland. more on this story

Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter and The Sadies Tour

Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter have expanded their upcoming tour plans, including a co-headlining tour on the East coast with The Sadies.

Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter are on the road supporting their latest effort, Marble Son, which was released on August 2nd.

According to their PR, though oft saddled with the "alt-country" tag, of late, Sykes and Co. have moved into slightly heavier and darker territories. more on this story

Lindsay Continues To Talk Fleetwood Mac Reunion Possibilities

(Gibson) Guitarist Lindsay Buckingham is optimistic when it comes to a Fleetwood Mac reunion. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Buckingham said the legendary band could be back on the road in 2012 – and might even work on a new album.

"I wouldn't be shocked if it was a tour and possibly an album. We'll have to wait and see. Nothing is on the books right now," he said. "With Fleetwood Mac, there's a lot of landmines out there politically and it's hard to get everybody on the same page at the same time – but I think this might be one of those years where everyone will want to do the same thing. Whatever that is."

It's assumed that the reunited lineup would consist of John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and himself – Christine McVie left the group and retired from touring more than a decade ago. more on this story

Bon Scott's Mother Passes Away

(hennemusic) Isa Scott, the mother of legendary AC/DC singer Bon Scott, has died in Western Australia at the age of 94.

Undercover reports Isa remained one of AC/DC's biggest fans and attended a show on every tour after her son Bon's death in 1979; she last saw the band live as a VIP guest at the AC/DC show at Subiaco Oval on March 6, 2010.

Isabelle Cunningham Mitchell married Charles Scott in Scotland in the 1940's. On July 9, 1946, son Ronald Belford was born. Isabelle and Charles were known as Isa and Chick; Ronald became known as Bon. more on this story

Plug In Stereo Announces Dates With Never Shout Never and Tweet For A Track

(ESM) Plug In Stereo has announced three shows with Never Shout Never next month.

Also joining the band on the bill will be A Rocket To The Moon, Fake Problems, and Carter Hulsey.

PIS has also launched a Tweet For A Track campaign for their free EP, Mixtape Vol. 2. Every week, a new track will be posted and fans can download each song in exchange for one tweet or Facebook post. Last week's post included his cover of Lil Wayne's "How To Love." Today, Trevor's cover of Taylor Swift's "Mean" was posted. more on this story

Marsalis And Clapton Play The Blues Coming Next Month

Marsalis And Clapton Play The Blues: Live From Jazz At Lincoln Center will be released on CD and CD/DVD on September 13th. Here is the background info:

New York City's premier jazz venue got the blues last April when Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton performed together in Rose Theater at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center for two sold-out shows dedicated to vintage blues.

The extraordinary collaboration, billed as Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton Play the Blues, paired these musical virtuosos with members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as they brought to life a repertoire of songs selected by Clapton and arranged by Marsalis. more on this story

Doro Pesch Announces Free Instore Performance

(Freeman) Doro Pesch will hold a free in-store performance on September 3, 2011 at Best Buy in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania.

The instore is in addition to her two previously announced DVD release shows next month.

Saturday - September 3, 2011 at 2:00pm at Best Buy 310 Commerce Blvd. Fairless Hills, PA. more on this story

blessthefall To Headline Fearless Friends Tour

(Adrenaline) blessthefall have been selected to headline the 2nd annual Fearless Friends Tour, which will hit North America this November and December.

The full line-up and routing will be revealed on September 7th, 2011. blessthefall will be touring in support of their third album, Awakening, which is set for release on October 4th, 2011.

"We are honored to be chosen as headliners of the Fearless Friends Tour 2011," notes blessthefall singer Beau Bokan. "All the other bands on the tour are awesome and fans are going to be in for a treat. We're also super excited to play you all songs off of our new album Awakening. We'll see you in the fall... let's party (clothing optional)!" more on this story

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Announce North American Tour

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have announced their debut North American tour.

The trek is set to kick off on November 7th in Toronto, ON at Massey Hall and will conclude on November 19 San Francisco, CA.

The day after the tour kick off, Noel's solo debut album Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds will be released on November 8th in the U.S. on Sour Mash/Mercury Records. more on this story

Kiros Announce New EP and Kick Off Tour Tomorrow

Kiros announces a September 27th release of their new Outlaws and Prodigals EP. The EP will be exclusively available on iTunes and while on tour and is being released by Ain't No Grave Records.

The three song EP features two new songs off the upcoming 2012 Angr release, Lay Your Weapons Down , and an exclusive acoustic b-side track.

In support of the upcoming EP, KIROS will be taking part in the "Music With A Mission Tour" alongside Hawk Nelson, Superchic[k], Firefight, Mikeschair, Manafest, Hyland, Samestate and on select dates, Chasen. The tour kicks off this Thursday, September 1st and runs until October 9th, focusing on the strength of Christian communities through music. more on this story

The Devastated Added To The Insurrection Tour

The Devastated are hitting the road with Molotov Solution and Fit For An Autopsy for The Insurrection Tour of North American.

The trek is set to kick off on September 28th in Ogden, Utah and will wrap up on October 21st in Anaheim, Ca.

But before heading out on this upcoming tour, The Devastated will play a number of shows along the West Coast. more on this story

Theory of a Deadman Singled Out Week: Hurricane

Theory of a Deadman kicked off the Carnival of Madness Tour earlier this month. To celebrate Tyler tells us a little bit about some of his favorite Theory of a Deadman songs. Today he tells us about "Hurricane" from their new album, "The Truth Is...":

Hurricane was a chorus Idea I had from years ago that I never got around to finishing. On the new record The Truth Is… I started the idea backup. I was having a rough year and wanted to have a song that completely encapsulated how i felt at the time. The hurricane was a metaphor for the turmoil going on inside and around me. It's never revealed in the end if I myself am the hurricane destroying everything in my life. It's a very deep and emotional song for me, someone who usually sticks to lighter topics like Bad Girlfriend and Hate My Life. I wanted to show the diversity of my lyrics and story telling, and the dynamics of Theory of a Deadman rather than being pigeon holed as a fun party band. We had fun recording the song putting a stereo panning arpeggio guitar in the intro that gets faster and faster and the "riders on the storm" style sound effects to give the realism. I wanted to make the song as 3 dimensional as possible and have it be the centerpiece of the record. We later put a massive string arrangement on the song to top it off and Howard(producer) suggested a orchestral intro before the first verse which was a great idea.

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

. Kittie - I've Failed You

Much of Ive Failed You focuses on the thrashy side of Kitties repertoire where Lander delivers sore-throat vocals suited to the bash-your-teeth-in music that weve come to expect from the band. But Kittie has really matured. (4 stars) - Read the full Kittie - I've Failed You review

Wait there is more!