Gene Simmons Vs Madonna

Gene added, "By the way, Madonna's terrific ... I hate the tapes." You can check out video here.

New Bruce Springsteen Album Coming Soon?

(hennemusic) It looks like 2012 is going to a busy one for Bruce Springsteen and multiple sources tell Rolling Stone that Bruce is putting the finishing touches on an album that he will release in the first months of the new year.

"He's mastering it right now," says Bob Seger, who spoke with Springsteen backstage at Seger's New York show this month. "He's says it's really unusual and that it's the best thing that he's done in years."

Three months of European dates have already been announced, starting mid-May and running through the end of July. more on this story

Pantera Member Confirmed For Next Week's Dimebash

Pantera bassist Rex Brown will take part in this year's Dimebash in honor of his late bandmate "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott.

Brown's new group Kill Devil Hill announced via their Facebook that they will take part in the event and BW&BK reports that the show will also feature Dio Disciples, featuring Ronnie James Dio alumni Simon Wright (drums), Craig Goldy (guitar), Scott Warren (keyboards) and Rudy Sarzo (bass) along with vocalists Tim "Ripper" Owens (Yngwie Malmsteen, Beyond Fear, Ex-Judas Priest, Iced Earth) and Toby Jepson (Little Angels, Gun).

DimeBash 2011 is set to take place December 14th at The Key Club in West Hollywood, CA with all proceeds from the event to benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up & Shout Cancer Fund.

Guns N' Roses Honor Pearl Harbor Heroes With Rock Hall Induction Comments

Guns N' Roses have been selected to be inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame during their first year of eligibility.

The band issued a statement on their Facebook page yesterday but also took the time to mark Pearl Harbor day. Here is what they had to say: "YOUNGSTOWN O-HI-O! Covelli Centre's our jungle tonight! So close yet still far away from the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all the 2012 inductees and our sincerest thanks to the Hall's organizers, committee members and voting delegates who supported the GN'R induction - it's a humbling honor to be recognized on this first ballot.

"While it's so easy to get hyped up on awards and recognition of the now, let's never forget the soldiers who fight for the freedom we enjoy. ESPECIALLY on this day 70 years ago at Pearl Harbor, the lagoon in Hawaii where the ultimate price was paid. REMEMBER December 7th is the day to commemorate the Japanese attack that drew the United States into World War II.

"TODAY is PEARL HARBOR DAY ☮" Facebook link

Metal Frontman Guilty of Animal Cruelty

(Rock News Desk) The frontman of industrial metal band Spyder Baby has been put on probation over animal cruelty charges relating to events on his dairy farm.

Officials were called to the property of Steven Banch and found a dead cow which hadn't been buried, an unlicensed dog at large and animals which should have been fenced in running wild.

He was found guilty on 15 misdemeanors and sentenced to 15 months' probation, a $1500 fine and community service. more on this story

Rod Stewart Open To Faces Reunion

(Gibson) With '70s band the Faces to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year, original singer Rod Stewart has spoken about possibly re-joining his old colleagues for a show or two.

Stewart told Rolling Stone, "Oh, yeah! I'd love it. If they're all available I'll definitely make myself available."

The band also included guitarist Ronnie Wood, keyboardist Ian McLagan, drummer Kenney Jones and late bassist Ronnie Lane.

"It's something that I would want to do, but it's getting a commitment from Ronnie [Wood] who is hanging onto what the Stones are going to do. He'll suddenly say, 'Hey, let's tour next week!' I'll say, 'Hold on Ronnie, I've got commitments! I've got commitments for the next year.'

"If we all sat around and said, 'Let's do it next summer, or let's do it for charity' or whatever reason, I would do it. It's not totally ruled out." more on this story

Guns N' Roses: Adler Says Sorum and Dizzy Deserve Rock Hall Induction

(superLOUD) Rolling Stone recently caught up with Steven Adler, the ex-Guns N' Roses drummer who performed on the classic Appetite For Destruction album (as well as the follow-up EP GN'R Lies).

Although kicked out of the band for drug abuse back in the day, Steven is friendly with former members and is excited for the Guns N' Roses Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors. The ceremony is taking place in Cleveland this April.

Interestingly, he's even friendly with Matt Sorum, the drummer that replaced Adler during the making of the 1991 albums Use Your Illusion I & II. "When it comes to after I left," Adler told Rolling Stone, "I do believe that Matt Sorum and Dizzy Reed both have every right to be inducted too." more on this story

Anthony Kiedis' Reacts To Red Hot Chili Pepper's Rock Hall Induction

(hennemusic) Artist reactions on Wednesday's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame announcement continue to surface, including Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis.

Rolling Stone caught up with Kiedis while the band is touring Europe in support of their latest album, "I'm With You," to get his reaction and thoughts on the big news.

Upon hearing the Peppers were to be inducted, the first thing Anthony did was call family. "I called my dad," says the singer. "I told him that he couldn't say anything because it hadn't been publicly announced yet. I know my dad is a big Internet freak, and he's been known to be a Wikileaker. I was like, 'Dad, you and I are blood. I'm going to tell you something, but you can't tell anybody.' I guess it's just something that you want to share with the people that you're closest to, like family and longtime friends. My dad cried." more on this story

Anthrax Remember Dimebag

(Rock News Desk) Anthrax bassist Frank Bello has hailed Dimebag Darrell Abbott as the sixth member of the thrash band.

Dime was shot dead on stage on December 8, 2004, and the tragedy was a double-blow for Bello, whose brother was murdered in 1996. The crime was never solved.

The Pantera guitarist played on three Anthrax albums and the band's new release includes a track called In The End, which pays tribute to him. "We were so close to him – he was one of us. Dimebag was the sixth member of Anthrax. I thought paying tribute to him in song was a great idea," Bello tells Revolver. "I lost a brother 13 years ago. Then to have Dimebag go in such a bad, traumatic way… He was like a brother to me." more on this story

Metallica To Rock Prison

Metallica are headed back to prison for a little rock. Last week the band announced additional dates for their upcoming Black Album anniversary tour next summer.

They also announced that one of the dates they added was to be "in Denmark in Horsens on June 6 at "The Prison" (really a former state prison!!) and we are proud to be playing at the first show ever at this new venue."

Zap2it reports that the venue in question is Statsfaengsel in Denmark. The jail, which used to house serial killer and mass murderers, closed in 2006. more on this story

Drowning Pool and Nonpoint Supergroup

Rockers from Drowning Pool and Nonpoint have come together to form a new supergroup called Voodoo Corps.

Loudwire reports that the new group: consists of Drowning Pool guitarist C.J. Pierce and drummer Mike Luce along with former Nonpoint members Zach Broderick on guitar and Ken MacMillan on bass.

Voodoo Corps offers the experience accumulated by two of the genre's most successful bands as well as their own nu-metal and groove metal sensibilities, which the band describes on their Facebook page as, "Motorcycle Metal meets your mom's homemade meatloaf!!!"

You can learn more and hear what they sound like here.

Rolling Stones' Original Let It Bleed Artwork On The Block

(Gibson) The original artwork for The Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed album is up for auction. So what? Well, it was sleeve art with a complex history.

In 1969, the Stones' Keith Richards commissioned his friend Robert Brownjohn to design the now-iconic cover for Let It Bleed. Richards, after leaving art school in 1962, had taken his portfolio around several of the top London designers, including Brownjohn.

The Let It Bleed cover displays a surreal sculpture made by Brownjohn. It consists of the LP being played with an old-style phonogram arm, which is fitted with an automatic changer spindle supporting a number of items that include (instead of LPs): a dinner plate with a magnetic tape/film reel canister, a clock face, a pizza, a bicycle tire, and cake with garish icing and the band itself in the form of wedding cake-style topping figures. more on this story

Lost Clarence Clemons Christmas Songs Released

(Oceangate Records) Two newly discovered Christmas songs recorded in 1981 by the late great E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons have arrived just in time for the holidays.

The special CD entitled There's Still Christmas features Clarence singing tenderhearted lead vocals on the poignant title track "There's Still Christmas" (co-written by Dennis Bourke and the late Stevie Betts), while the second track showcases the Big Man on sax on the holiday classic "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts)."

Producers Dennis Bourke and Jim Nuzzo helmed the recording session that produced the two never-before-released tracks. Armed with the support of the Clarence Clemons Trust and his son Clarence Clemons III (a.k.a. Nick Clemons), the producers are honored to be a part of this celebrated legacy with this unique release. Bourke and Nuzzo recall, "We were blessed to have the opportunity to share some time with Clarence and record these marvelous Christmas tunes. He poured himself into the project, wearing Santa gear and capturing the essence of the season. more on this story

Donovan Honored By Rock Hall Induction

(hennemusic) Scottish folk hero Donovan will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame next year. The singer/songwriter joins Guns N' Roses, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Beastie Boys, The Small Faces/The Faces and Laura Nyro in the Class of 2012.

Rolling Stone caught up with Donovan on Wednesday, on vacation in Monaco, to get his thoughts on the Hall Of Fame news.

"It's a singular honor, and I'm pleased as punch, as they say in England and Scotland," began Donovan. "It's even more special because I'm going to be there with some of my favorite artists and musicians. The Faces are my old chums. We used to hang out. The Chilis, some of them appeared on my Rick Rubin album. Guns N' Roses, who I've come to know in California and did a couple of things with. Of course, the Beastie Boys. A very touching part of this, for me, is the inclusion of the lovely Laura Nyro, who left us too soon, of course. When I was younger, I followed her rise and her extraordinary work. It will be great to see her honored too." more on this story

Slash, Duff and Adler React To Guns N' Roses Rock Hall Induction

Original Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan and Steven Adler have all reacted to the news that they will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year.

Slash: "Thanks for all the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame mentions. It's quite an honor to be inducted. Cheers!"

Duff McKagan: "Thanks to all of you for overwhelming number of 'congratulations' that I have received today. Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame? Life is good! Killer!"

Steven Adler: "Thank you all for your support in making this happen. It really means a lot to me. I am happy and excited to be a part of this!"

Blabbermouth has more information on the Induction including comments from current members here.

Yes Stars Announce Circa New Year's Eve Webcast

Circa have special plans for New Year's Eve and fans can join in the fun online. Glass Onyon sent over these details:

Circa: featuring former Yes members Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye with Johnny Bruhns & Scott Connor will be in concert, live, interactive, in real time and brought directly to your home via their new UStream channel "CIRCA: HQ" on December 31, 2011 (6:00 PM PST / 9:00 PM EST).

Performing songs from the newly released CIRCA: 'And So On' CD (available at www.circahq.com) as well as selected cuts from their previous studio CDs 'CIRCA: 2007' and 'CIRCA: HQ', and other tracks from their collective musical pasts. more on this story

Flea Reacts To RHCP Rock Hall Induction

(hennemusic) Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea is thrilled with the news that the band will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year and shared his thoughts with fans."We are getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I am not usually one to get to excited about awards or accolades, but about this one I am very excited indeed.

"Our band is really riding a high right now. We are out on the road, playing some of best shows we have ever done. We are establishing a new language with Josh and there is a feeling of hope and potential in what we are doing that is really inspiring to us. Each time we step out on the stage it feels so creative and vibrant, we are really having a blast playing the shows and it fills my days with meaning. I feel an infinite energy from what we are doing and looking forward to taking this togetherness we are forging out on tour, and getting in the studio and making new music. Feels like we are growing like a new born baby, and that is best feeling that I can have ever have in our band.

"So hearing this news about the hall of fame now really seems like it has extra significance for me. To be recognized this way seems especially full and profound. It makes me think about Hillel Slovak, without whom we would have never existed, and who created with us the foundation of our sound. He directly influences everything we have ever done. What he did with us in our early years is the blueprint of what we are. This would have meant a lot to him, and I love him so much. And of course, the mighty Jack Irons, our other founding member, who fortunately, is here to enjoy this moment with us." more on this story

Roy Orbison's Widow Barbara Dies On the Anniversary of His Death

(Gibson) Sad news that Barbara Orbison, widow of rock legend Roy and a great friend of Gibson Guitar, passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles. According to BBC News, a family spokeswoman said she died at a medical facility on the 23rd anniversary of her husband's death.

Barbara Orbison had managed Roy's estate since the '80s. In 2008, she produced the definitive four-CD box set of her husband's work and worked closely with Gibson on the Roy Orbison signature 12-string guitar.

Barbara also ran the Nashville publishing company Still Working Music and in January 2010, proudly accepted a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Roy's behalf. more on this story

Anniversary of John Lennon's Murder

(Gibson) On this day in 1980, John Lennon was shot five times by 25 year old Mark Chapman outside the Dakota building in New York City where John and Yoko lived. Chapman had been stalking Lennon for days outside the Dakota apartments and asked for an autograph as Lennon walked through the courtyard. As he signed a piece of paper Chapman fired. Lennon was pronounced dead from a massive loss of blood at 11.30pm. Gibson takes a look back:

Looking back at the history of rock and roll, two figures truly stand head and shoulder above everyone else: Elvis Presley and John Lennon. Presley, because he was the first, the innovator and established the style, the sound, the wardrobe and the attitude for rock and roll's rebellion. But Lennon and The Beatles took music to another level. In their capable hands, it became art, it became worthy of intellectual discussion and it took on the establishment with generational and cultural warfare.

Lennon might have been murdered on this day in 1980, but his legacy, his music and his example live on. The Beatles, also featuring the brilliant Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and the other George (Martin), were always Lennon's band. His inner turmoil, his chronic pain at being rejected as a kid and his devotion to rock and roll as a troubled teen drove The Beatles from Liverpool dives to Hamburg beer dens to theaters and stadiums around the world.

When he discovered that being at the "toppermost of the poppermost" was more nightmare than dream, he withdrew from his mates and isolated himself until ready to break apart the band he created. more on this story

Father Of The Doors

(Rock News Desk) Doors icon Ray Manzarek has recalled the moment his impoverished young band had to beg for money to buy a keyboard. And guitarist Robby Krieger's dad only agreed to pay up one on stringent condition.

Manzarek says that even though he already owned one keyboard, the band's music couldn't have worked without the second instrument.

"My right hand played the organ, with all the filigrees, while the left hand played the same thing over and over again on the bass keyboard. The effect was to go from boring to hypnotic," He tells Gibson.com. "I remember we had to ask Robby's father for the money to buy the keyboard bass. We told him we would pay him back, and he said, "Tell you what. You pay me back if you go nowhere. All I ask is that you write a hit single." more on this story

Roman Candle Giving Away Christmas Song

Roman Candle are giving fans a free download of their new Christmas song "It's Christmas. Go On and Say Hello".

Written with and featuring Keegan DeWitt, and recorded in drummer Logan Matheny's Nashville studio, the song can now be streamed and downloaded here.

Early next year, Roman Candle will also release a Live at Billy Reid EP, recorded by Josh Smith (of Third Man Records) during their acoustic in-store performance at Billy Reid's Nashville store last October. more on this story

Neon Trees Releasing New Song

Neon Trees will be releasing a new album in 2012 but fans can get a taste with the release of a new advance single "Everybody Talks."

The new single, "Everybody Talks" will be for sale at all digital retailers on December 20th.

This marks Neon Trees' first project with producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen (who has worked previously with Beck, Garbage, and M83).

Rolling Stone is streaming the new song here.

The Sheds Streaming New Song Featuring Transit Members

The Sheds have posted their new track "Heart" from their upcoming EP 'Self/Doubt' on their Facebook page.

The track features guest appearances by Joe Boynton and Tim Landers of Transit and can be heard here.

he EP is set to be released by Rite Of Passage Records digitally and on 7" vinyl in early 2012, however fans will be able to pick up a limited edition CD version of the EP during the band's upcoming tour with Set Your Goals, This Time Next Year, and The Story So Far. more on this story

Rival Sons Special Tour End Show Tonight

Rival Sons are celebrating the conclusion of their first European headlining tour with a special end-of-tour show.

The special event is set to take place tonight, Thursday, 8th December at Nambucca in London.

Rival Sons have had a busy year with massive touring in support of their latest album Pressure & Time.

Black Pyramid Set New Album Release

Black Pyramid have set a January 31, 2012 release date for their sophomore album, Black Pyramid II.

Recorded "in the foothills of the Berkshires" at Black Coffee Sound (Elks, Elder) and mixed by Justin Pizzoferrato (Sonic Youth / Witch / Dinosaur Jr.), the record features nine tracks of the band's self-titled "galloping war metal".

Black Pyramid II was mastered by Matt Washburn (Mastodon) and is "at times a bit more death metal and black metal influenced" than the band's previous material, boasting a rich sound that will find immediate appeal in fans of Sleep, OM, The Gates of Slumber, In Solitude, Graveyard and Witchcraft. more on this story

Twin Atlantic Joining You Me At Six and The Swellers Tour

Twin Atlantic will hit the North American road in late January as direct support on the You Me At Six and The Swellers co-headline tour, along with openers We Are The Ocean.

The tour kicks off January 24 in Cleveland, OH and wraps on Valentine's Day in Los Angeles, CA.

Twin Atlantic are currently back in the UK on a sold out headline trek that ends on December 12. more on this story