This Week's Top stories

Here are the top stories from this week's Day in Rock and the top Day in Rock digest stories

Y&T's Phil Kennemore Loses Cancer Fight

(Rock AAA) Y&T bassist Phil Kennemore has died of lung cancer just a week after a high-profile concert to raise funds for his ongoing treatment. He was 57.

The classic rock artist revealed he was fighting the disease in October, when he vowed to win the battle, saying: "The cancer is treatable and I'll be walking out of this hospital in three to four weeks. I'll be able to go on the road and continue my rock'n'roll life in due time. I'll be back with you soon."

In October he told of his astonishment and gratitude after a Japanese fan sold his guitar and donated the money to the cancer fund. The board of the Ronnie James Dio Cancer Fund were among a number of music industry bodies who also helped. On New Year's Night members of Queensryche, Heaven and Hell, Dokken and Ratt gathered to perform a benefit concert at the Avalon in Santa Clara, California. - more on this story

Tesla Going Acoustic Again- New Joe Elliot Video Dedicated To Steve Clark- Oasis Battles Continue- Supergroup Sheep- Warped Lucero- Dew-Scented Lose Member- more

The Day in Rock Digest for 1/7/11: Jeff Keith and Frank Hannon have been working in the studio recording some tracks for the "acoustic" style album that Tesla has been planning to release for the 20th anniversary of their multi platinum '5 Man Acoustic Jam' album. more

Liam Gallagher has launched another scathing attack on his estranged brother Noel, accusing the rocker of stealing material they worked on in Oasis for his upcoming solo album. more

The Rods have signed to the Niji Entertainment Group, and will release their seventh album, Vengeance, on March 29. more

Asking Alexandria has revealed the dates for its forthcoming headline tour of North America. Support on the trek will come from Emmure, Chiodos, Miss May I, Evergreen Terrace and Lower Than Atlantis. more

Dew-Scented has announced the departure of rhythm guitarist Martin Walczak. more

Praying Mantis have re-recorded five of their classic songs for a new EP. Titled Metalmorphosis, this is released next month, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the NWOBHM band's debut album Time Tells No Lies. more

Check out the official video for "Overnight Angels" by Def Leppard vocalist Joe Elliott's Down N' Outz here, the second single from their debut album 'My Re-Generation'. The video was directed by Lee Ford. Speaking of angels -- in light of the 20th anniversary of Steve Clark's passing this upcoming weekend, Joe dedicates the video to Steve.

Tigers Jaw bassist Dennis Mischko announced the formation of Sheep, a new band featuring members of his group, Captain, We're Sinking and The Menzingers. Here's the quote: more

Imagika posted a brief statement online indicating the band was breaking up back in October, but later removed the message and appeared to be moving forward. Lead guitarist/songwriter Steve Rice has now issued a statement about the band officially calling it quits more

Jeff Rosenstock of Bomb The Music Industry! has posted a brand new song called "Hurricane Waves". more

Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij composes film score Multi-instrumentalist player helps his brother out on 'Sound Of My Voice' more

Lucero have announced that they'll be performing on the Warped Tour this summer. more -

Why Robert Plant Won't Reunite With Led Zeppelin

(Gibson) Rolling Stone has a candid Robert Plant interview in this month's issue of the magazine. Plant talks about why he won't be taking part in any more Led Zeppelin reunion shows, why the sessions for his sophomore album with Alison Krauss didn't go well, and why Tony Blair is to blame for his creative block. Plant also spoke of how utterly unimpressed he is with his musical peers.

Of Led Zeppelin's acclaimed reunion show at the O2 in London in 2007, Plant says, "It was an amazing evening. The preparations for it were fraught and intense, but the last rehearsal was really, really good, for all that it represented and all that we were trying to capture.

"But I've gone so far somewhere else that I almost can't relate to it ... It's a bit of a pain in the [expletive] to be honest. Who cares? I know people care, but think about it from my angle – soon, I'm going to need help crossing the street." - more on this story

Sex Pistols Reunion?

(Gibson) John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) says that he's up for another Sex Pistols reunion and that he might even be interested in writing new material with the punk legends.

Lydon told Stereogum.com that the success he's had with recent Public Image, Ltd. shows has made him want to reform the Pistols.

"For me, there wouldn't be a PiL if it weren't for them lads in the Pistols, so I feel responsive to their needs," he said. "If they want me to go out on tour with them I'm happy to oblige… until three weeks later when I'm not. That's how it is." - more on this story

Paramore To Address Controversial Split Today

(Submitted) Following the controversial departure of Josh and Zac Farro, Paramore's Haley Williams, Taylor York and Jeremy Davis will break their silence for the first time exclusively to MTV News in "Paramore: The Last Word" to be streamed live today Friday, January 7th at 4:00PM ET on MTV.com.

"We really wanted the opportunity to show our fans that we're okay, you know? The three of us are still here, we're not going anywhere," said lead-singer Haley Williams. "A lot of kids are still asking if the band is breaking up, and that just goes to show how broken the communication online can be when rumors start traveling. So this [interview] is our way of showing that there's a future and we're stoked for it."

The three remaining members go on to discuss head-on the lead-up to the Farro brothers exit, reaction to the Farro brothers' statement and what's next for the band. - more on this story

Pearl Jam Have Big Plans This Year For Thier 20th Anniversary

(Gibson) Pearl Jam have big plans for 2011, which marks their 20th anniversary as a band. Although they're not spilling the beans on everything they have in store this year, on PearlJam.com Eddie Vedder and pals bullet-pointed a few of the things fans can expect this year.

Among the announcements: – They will be re-releasing deluxe editions of the band's second and third albums, Vs. and Vitalogy, in the spring (their debut, Ten, was re-issued in 2009).

– Cameron Crowe's documentary about the band, Pearl Jam Twenty, will be released. A book and soundtrack album will accompany the film.

– Pearl Jam will host an "anniversary destination weekend bash" in late summer. This likely refers to the "Pearl Jam festival" that manager Kelly Curtis hinted about last month. - more on this story

Kid Rock The People's Voice

(hennemusic) Kid Rock made an appearance at Wednesday night's People's Choice Awards

He rocked the house with "God Bless Saturday," a track from his latest disc, "Born Free."

The Kid was on hand to pick up the "People's Voice Award," as well. Find out what he is up to - next

'Greatest Sounding Van Halen Concert Audio Ever' Goes Online

The Metal Den has obtained what many rock historians are calling the greatest sounding live Van Halen concert audio ever.

It's a pristine soundboard recording from June 1, 1978 at Hammersmith Odeon in London, England when the legendary hard rock act opened for Black Sabbath on the 'Never Say Die' world Tour.

"You Really Got Me" was originally written by Ray Davies and recorded in the studio by THE KINKS in July, 1964. VAN HALEN recorded it for their explosive debut album, Van Halen, released February 10, 1978. - Check it out here

Ozzy Reinvents Himself?

(Gibson) An animated Ozzy Osbourne will soon star in a Brisk Iced Tea web commercial, reprising the beverage's popular '90s ads that featured clay puppet animation.

The Prince of Darkness recorded his Brisk voiceover in Chicago on December 9. In the 30-second spot, Osbourne instructs viewers on how to be normal, Ozzy-style. He suggests, among other things: going on cruises, believing in commercials, and substituting "Shoot," "Darn" and "Fudge" for less savory curse words.

"Ozzy is continuously reinventing himself," said Mary Barnard, Vice President and General Manager of the Pepsi Lipton Tea Partnership. "From rock star to reality TV presence to author and advice columnist, Ozzy is always creating and doing new things. People love him for that – and that's what Brisk is celebrating in this web film." - more on this story

Beatles Museum Opens

(Gibson) A Beatles-themed museum opened in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this week, featuring the treasures of one man's personal collection.

"It is the only museum on The Beatles catalog which belongs to a private collector," said Argentine collector Rodolfo Vazquez in the Buenos Aires newspaper Tiempo Argentino. "It's really unique in the world [other than] The Beatles Story in Liverpool."

In 2001, Vazquez qualified to join the Guinness Book of World Records because of his 8,500-item collection of Beatles memorabilia. Notable objects include photos and clothing that belonged to the Fab Four, checks signed by band members, and even a box of condoms featuring Yoko Ono and John Lennon's image. - more on this story

Rock Band Going Mobile

(PR) Rock Band will be coming to select 4G smartphones from Verizon Wireless later this year.

Packed with favorite hits, Rock Band will be ideal for music lovers looking to rock out on guitar, bass, drums and vocals. A Quick Play mode will provide casual jam sessions, and players can hit the road to rock sold-out stadiums in Tour Mode.

Buddy Lists, a feature exclusive to Rock Band on select Verizon Wireless 4G LTE devices, will allow players to join games, locate others they have recently played with and search for friends. EA Mobile worked directly with Verizon Wireless to optimize Rock Band for Verizon Wireless' fast 4G LTE network. - more on this story

Shooter Jennings Black Ribbons Revisited

Shooter Jennings has signed with 429 Records which will re-release the original 20 track version of "Black Ribbons" plus a new 10-track "bullet" version on February 8th.

"Black Ribbons" is a "concept" album which represents a true paradigm shift for the mercurial musician.

Jennings is currently prepping a brand new recording which will be released on 429 Records later this year. - more on this story

Deftones and Dillinger Escape Plan Tour

(Gibson) Deftones have announced the first round of dates for their Diamond Eyes North American Tour. The trek begins April 14 in Seattle, Washington.

The first run of shows wraps up in mid-May in New York. Dillinger Escape Plan will open all concerts, according to BraveWords.com.

Deftones fans will have the chance to buy tickets ahead of the general public. The fan pre-sale and VIP packages begin going on sale today (January 6) at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. - more on this story

Sebastian Bach's Football Power Ballad

(hennemusic) Some crazy fun on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Wednesday night, as Sebastian Bach dropped by to kick some ass. Details from the Late Night site:

On January 10, the University of Oregon and Auburn University will battle it out on the football field to claim the BCS Championship. Late Night has some Oregon alum on staff, so we decided to give Oregon its very own power ballad. And because we're Late Night, we're not just going to give you some lame fake power ballad.

We're going to give the mighty Oregon Ducks a power ballad for the ages, by having Skid Row front man and power ballad expert, Sebastian Bach, sing it!!! GO DUCKS! - Check it out

Pete Yorn Special Edition

Pete Yorn has announced the release of musicforthemorningafter: 10th Anniversary Edition.

This double-disc repackaging of his classic debut album will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting March 29, 2011, through Columbia/Legacy

Prior to the release, Pete Yorn returns to the road for a major 27-city headlining North American tour. Dates begin February 14th at the Marquee in Tempe, Arizona; and conclude two months later on April 22nd at Center Stage in Atlanta. - more on this story

Jimmy Page's Top Guitar Moments

(Gibson) Gibson Les Paul legend Jimmy Page is a true ambassador for the absolute power and authority of rock 'n' roll. And this Sunday, January 9, he gets a little more senior as he celebrates his 67th birthday. Of course, both Page and his music are ageless. Gibson documents his Top 10 Guitar Moments. Here are just two of them:

6. "Kashmir," Physical Graffiti (1975) East met West in earnest when Page, fascinated by the droning sound of the sitar and other stringed instruments from the Indian, Moroccan and Arabic musical traditions, put his guitar in D-A-D-G-A-D tuning and commenced to construct this droning, instantly transporting riff. "Kashmir" is another immediately unmistakable entry in rock history, utterly unique.

2. "Whole Lotta Love," Led Zeppelin II (1969) When they create the audio dictionary, this will be the tune found under the definition of "riff." Page's stuttering monster guitar hook is one of the most instantly recognizable turns in the history of popular recordings, and his blues freak-out in the song's middle is a study in how forceful unvarnished pentatonic soloing can be. - full list

Chickenfoot To Appear on Rockline Next Week

(hennemusic) Next Wednesday, Chickenfoot join host Bob Coburn as the guests on his nationally-syndicated radio show, "Rockline."

This should be interesting, as we can expect an update on what's up in the 'Foot camp these days.

The band has been planning to get in the studio this month to work on their sophomore disc knowing, well in advance, that drummer Chad Smith won't be available to tour due to his schedule this year with The Red Hot Chili Peppers. - more on this story

Black Mountain, Twilight Singers, Zach Hill and More Featured on Free Compilation

Our friends at Exploding In Sound have this exciting announcement of free music that they wanted to share: Wax Unwound is the brand new snarling monster of a compilation from Exploding In Sound. While little introduction is necessary for volume eight of our promotional compilation series, I honestly couldn't be happier with the end results. This is the collection we've all been waiting for, the one that will tear the paint from the walls with pure brilliant fury.

Ladies and gentlemen it is a thrill for me to announce Wax Unwound and it's unbelievably amazing line-up including Zach Hill, Pulled Apart By Horses, Black Mountain, The Twilight Singers, Young Widows, Monotonix, Ty Segall, Sky Larkin, Alain Johannes, Grandfather, Shapes, and many more of the absolute best bands out there [full tracklist at the full story link]. Waste no more time, DOWNLOAD NOW here. Please play this compilation at a high volume for maximum results.

Download The Entire Compilation For Free via FileDropper.com or Exploding In Sound's official BandCamp page. As always, the compilation is a 100% FREE digital download, containing artwork from the amazing TinyLittleHammers.com, band descriptions, links for further enjoyment, and more. I want to reach out and thank everyone who has helped put this collection together, especially the bands, their labels, and management. Without the help, interest, and cooperation of these incredible artists none of this would be possible, because after all this is about their music and artistic vision. I'd also like to thank the loyal Exploding In Sound fans for your continued support and belief! - Full Story

Flaming Elton Tool

(Gibson) Steven Drozd, of the Flaming Lips, is set to release his soundtrack to the documentary The Heart is a Drum Machine on January 18, according to Spinner.com.

Perhaps even more interesting than an album's worth of music from the multi-instrumentalist is that soundtrack will feature an intriguing cover. Teaming up with Tool's Maynard James Keenan, Drozd delivers a version of Elton John's "Rocket Man."

The documentary comes from the producers behind the movie Moog and explores the human connection to music. It features appearances by Drozd's fellow Lip Wayne Coyne, former Red Hot Chili Pepper John Frusciante, Spoon's Brit Daniel, Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock, Jimmy Eat World's Jim Adkins, X's John Doe, Limp Bizkit's Wes Borland and more. Actors Fairuza Balk, Elijah Wood and Jason Schwartzman also weigh in on the subject. - more on this story

Tabloid Claims Paul McCartney Will Play The Royal Wedding

(Gibson) Paul McCartney is reportedly set to perform at this April's Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton in London.

"William and Kate have chosen their wedding list and Paul McCartney is their #1 choice to perform," a source told British tabloid The Daily Star. "He said he feels very privileged."

The same source added, "They can't think of anyone more perfect to kick off proceedings." - more on this story

Guns N' Supercross

(PR) Guns N' Roses lead guitarist Dj Ashba will be performing the National Anthem at this Saturday's AMA Supercross (an FIM World Championship) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim (January 8, 2011).

Saturday's AMA Supercross is one of the most anticipated events in extreme sports and showcases a talented group of riders all vying for championship spots.

The event will air LIVE on SPEED from Anaheim, CA on Saturday, January 8th at 7:00PM (PST). The qualifying rounds begin at 12:30PM (PST) with the main event taking place at 7PM (PST). -

Songs Elvis and Bowie Could Have Shared

(Gibson) In her book, Stardust, Angie Bowie writes that David Bowie could do a "devastating" impersonation of Elvis Presley. Presley did, in fact, once consider recording a cover version of Bowie's 1976 hit, "Golden Years." Truth is, the two rockers had much in common, from a shared record label to Svengali-like managers to a preference for flashy jump suits. To commemorate their common birthday – January 8 – we thought it would be fun to consider a handful of songs the two could have shared.

10. "Golden Years" (1976): Bowie himself believed this single from his pioneering techno-soul album, Station to Station, would have been a perfect fit for Elvis. Thematically, the song could have served as a fine capstone to all that had gone before in The King's career. It would also have been interesting to hear what James Burton might have done with the track's angular, disco-fied guitar riff.

4. "Fame" (1975): What song in the Bowie canon could be more fitting for the world's most famous rock and roll pioneer? Performance-wise, Presley could have owned this 1975 hit, and could have imbued lines such as "got to get a rain check on pain" with a ringing authority emanating from his very soul. To have heard Presley take on an undiluted funk style – jumping headlong into a genre he never really embraced – would have been a treat as well. - Check out the full list here

Oceano Contaminating The Coast Tour Starts Tonight

Oceano will kick off their Contaminating The Coast tour tonight in Albuquerque, NM.

Running throughout the month of January, the Contaminating The Coast tour will see the band get in front of their rabid western fans who have been waiting a long time for the band's return.

Trekking along with Oceano will be their friends, For The Fallen Dreams, Upon A Burning Body, The Great Commission and I The Breather. - more on this story

Lost In The Neko Case Trees Tour Dates

Lost In The Trees will be hitting the road for a series of North American tour dates.

On several nights the group will be opening for celebrated singer-songwriter Neko Case. - more on this story

Blink-182 Tease- Killswitch Unearth- Alice in Queensryche Heart Chains Jam- Nachtmystium Live Album- Dokken Member Reunite- Funeral For A DVD- more

The Day in Rock Digest for 1/6/11: Blink-182 are currently in the studio working on a new album, which is expected to be released in the first half of 2011. Those hoping to catch some new song clips are out of luck, but people who love hearing tones being run through a reverb to act as an album intro are in for a real treat here

Unearth have posted the following update online: "We wanted to let everyone know that tracking for the new album has officially begun! We're currently at Zing Studios in Westfield, MA tracking drums with our sit in drummer for the album Justin Foley of Killswitch Engage/Blood Has Been Shed. Foley was an obvious choice for this album for many reasons, but mainly because of his abilities and knowledge of heavy music as well as his long-time friendship with the band." more

Catch a special live musical performance with Michael Wilton and Chris DeGarmo (Queensrÿche), Mike Inez (Alice In Chains) and Ben Smith (Heart), this Saturday, January 8th, at the Seattle Seahawks playoff game (half time) against the New Orleans Saints. more

Nachtmystium has announced plans to release a new live album recorded during the band's 2010 performance at Tilburg, Netherlands 'Roadburn Festival.' more

Boney M frontman Bobby Farrell died of heart disease, Russian investigators said on Wednesday, almost a week after the singer was found dead in his hotel room in St. Petersburg. more

Although it was just announced last week that John Mellencamp and his wife of 20 years were calling it quits, the Indiana rocker supposedly has a new female companion already -- actress Meg Ryan. more

Funeral For A Friend to release new live DVD The band filmed show at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire last July for release more

George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob, Souls Of We) will reunite with original Dokken drummer "Wild" Mick Brown for the first time in 15 years for a full North American Lynch Mob tour. For this once-in-a-lifetime trek, Lynch and Brown will be joined by original Lynch Mob vocalist Oni Logan and current RATT bassist Robbie Crane more

Firewind guitarist Gus G posted the following statement online in regards to the band's postponed Japanese tour: 'As you might or might not have heard, we were recently forced to postpone our upcoming Japan tour dates due to a scheduling conflict. However, the wait is over! Firewind will be back in Japan" in March. more

Nails will play three exclusive East Coast shows in March/April along with Burning Love, All Pigs Must Die, and New Lows. more

The Damned Things - featuring Fall Out Boy's Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley, Anthrax's Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano, and Every Time I Die's Keith Buckley - will be guests on US syndicated radio show Rockline on Monday, January 17th. more Quiet Riot will be guests on the show on Wednesday, January 19th more

Banquet Records has made available a free download of The Gaslight Anthem performing an alternate version of their song "Boxer" which appears on their 2010 album, American Slang. more

Your Demise has revealed the dates for its forthcoming headline tour of Asia. You can view the full list of dates, cities and venues here

Shinobu and The Albert Square will release a split 7" via Phat 'n' Phunky on January 15, 2011. Each band contributes two new songs, with artwork by Adam Davis of Link 80/Gnarboots. more

"There will be NO free downloads There will be NO bonus tracks There will be NO remixes There will be NO hidden footage. There will be NO additional content There will be NO corporate partners There will be NO fashion lines There will be NO tabloid pictures." more

According to industry sources, iTunes is paying the Beatles' royalties from digital download sales in the United States directly to the band's company, Apple Corps, and is paying the songwriting mechanical royalties directly to Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which controls most of the Beatles' song catalog. more

Wishbone Ash, the Andy Powell led band, have announced 12 UK shows for the spring. more

On this day in 1977, EMI Records dropped the Sex Pistols, giving the band £40,000 ($68,000) to release them from their contract.

On this day in 2007, Country-rock steel guitar player "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow, died at age 72. He was one of the original members of the Flying Burrito Brothers with the Byrds' Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons. He also worked with John Lennon and Joni Mitchell. Find out what else happened on this date in music history here -

Surprise Van Halen Jam

(hennemusic) Fans got a big surprise at the Alter Bridge show on Tuesday night at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood: Van Halen was in the house and jammed with the band.

Wolfgang Van Halen sat in on drums for a song (see photo above) while Eddie watched the show from side stage. Artistdirect.com's glowing review of the show noted, "For "One Day Remains," Wolfgang Van Halen stepped behind [drummer Scott] Phillips' kit while Creed touring guitarist, virtuoso Eric Friedman, ripped an impenetrable solo with [Mark] Tremonti."

Friedman later posted to Twitter (@IEROCKII ): "My Mom sat next to Eddie Van Halen all night & had no idea who he was..hahah Classic. She got really embarrassed when she found out!" - Find out who else joined them

Avenged Sevenfold Shadows Damaged His Voice

Avenged Sevenfold singer M Shadows says that being driven on by fans' passion during live shows has hurt his vocal cords – and sometimes he has to force himself to stay calm in order to avoid doing more damage.

Speaking to NME in a video recorded during the band's recent UK tour with Stone Sour and Hellyeah, the frontman discussed the aftermath of having had a throat infection and vomiting ahead of a concert in Brighton.

"I'm really concerned about my voice. I need to make sure I go out there and don't hurt myself and have to cancel more dates," Shadows says. "On a normal night I listen for how loud the crowd goes when the lights go out. It's always cool – it's about to go deep-sh*t. But it's about staying calm in my own mind and not worrying about how much the kids are giving me." - more on this story

Shinedown Vocals Replaced With Hoobastank

(Rock AAA) Shinedown have released a video for their track Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom) after it became the fifth-best selling rock and metal single of 2010.

But singer Brent Smith won't appear on Apocalyptica's upcoming track Not Strong Enough – because the band didn't do the paperwork. Smith's performance appears on the album 7th Symphony as planned, but the single will feature Doug Robb of Hoobastank.

Apocalpytica drummer Mikko Siren says: "We met Brent two years ago and we saw Shinedown live. We were really impressed with his voice. So when we had the song we remembered him, we asked him in and we were lucky enough that he agreed." - more on this story

Kings of Leon Were Sick of Kings of Leon

(Gibson) Over the past couple of years, Kings of Leon have become one of the world's biggest bands. Their 2008 album Only By the Night was a huge success, spawning the hit singles "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody," which each reached the Top 10 in multiple countries.

On the heels of such enormous fame came the cries of overexposure. Turns out, the band felt the same way. "We were all sick of Kings of Leon!" guitarist Matthew Followill told Spinner.com. "We couldn't go 10 minutes without hearing one of our songs, and we'd been on the road for two years. It definitely got annoying after a while."

That's changed by now. Although their follow-up – Come Around Sundown, released last fall – debuted as the #2 album in the U.S., it hasn't matched the radio play or sales numbers of Only By the Night. But it doesn't mean the Kings are done shooting for massive success. - more on this story

Fans Choose Metal Singer As Icon But Suffolk Choose To Cheat

(Rock AAA) Bosses of English tourist body Choose Suffolk have been slammed for changing the rules of a popularity poll just because it was won by Cradle of Filth singer Dani Filth.

The extreme metal artist says he's "knocked" that the government-funded body abandoned plans to demonstrate the county's diversity because the result of the poll demonstrated diversity.

The organisation launched an online search to identify an icon which represents the English region, both within its borders and around the world. But when the public reacted by voting for Filth, they changed the rules and selected their own shortlist of 20 images. - more on this story

The Strokes Eye A March Release

(Gibson) The new Strokes album is almost finished and will be released in March. Bass player Nikolai Fraiture has told BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe that the album is currently being mixed.

According to BBC Newsbeat Fraiture said: "Sonically, I feel it's the album which should have been made between Room on Fire and First Impressions of Earth."

After a series of solo projects from individual band members, this new album was recorded differently than in the past with Julian Casablanca recording vocals separately from the band. "Usually we're always in a room and changing stuff and doing it all together," Fraiture said. "It's all a learning experience." - more on this story

Duff McKagan's New Gig

(hennemusic) Duff McKagan is a sports fan, especially of his beloved Seattle Seahawks. The bassist-turned-student-turned-writer already writes for Seattle Weekly and has written for others, and now he gets to indulge his love of sports as a new weekly columnist for ESPN.com.

Duff's first column – in the Life section - was posted Wednesday; here's a peek at how Duff introduced himself to his new sports readers:

My name is Duff McKagan, and I play rock and roll music. The beer on "The Simpsons" show was named after me, and not the other way around. (I suppose it is a testament to how much alcohol I used to drink. Yeah, not too sexy really.) A couple of years ago, I was offered a weekly column for Playboy.com and Seattle Weekly after goofing around in several other publications with an article "here" and an article "there"; it is now supposed that I am a writer to some degree. - more on this story

Japan's Mick Karn Loses Cancer Fight

(Gibson) Japan bass player Mick Karn died of cancer on Tuesday (January 4) afternoon at the age of 52. A statement posted on his website says that Karn was "surrounded by friends and family" when he "passed away peacefully" at his Chelsea home in West London.

Born in 1958 in Nicosia, Cyprus, as Andonis Michaelides (later taking on his enduring stage name), Karn moved with his family to London at age three and, in the '70s, co-founded glam rock group Japan with school friends at the age of 15.

Last June, Karn announced on his website that he'd been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer and needed help from fans to fund his medical treatment and support his family. At the time, Karn had returned to live in Cyprus with his wife and son, but – following a series of benefit concerts in his honor – moved back to London for medical treatment in late 2010. - more on this story

Pearl Jam Preview

(hennemusic) The release of Pearl Jam's new disc, "Live On Ten Legs," is just around the corner.

Due January 18 (January 17 internationally), the new live compilation features 18 Pearl Jam tracks captured over the course of the band's 2003-2010 world tours by recording engineer John Burton.

All tracks have been newly remixed by longtime Pearl Jam engineer Brett Eliason and remastered. PJ have just offered up their second promo for the new set. Check it out - here

Ozzy Doesn't Trust Sharon

(Rock AAA) Sharon Osbourne admits her husband Ozzy doesn't trust her – and he believes she's having an affair with her make-up artist.

The wife and manager of the Prince of Darkness has employed the man for many years and regards him as a close friend. She says he's gay and she's tried to prove it to Ozzy – but the singer just won't believe her.

Sharon says: "I tell my husband, 'He has a partner. He's really not into me.' But he still thinks I'm having an affair." - more on this story

Led Zeppelin 2 Tour

(Earsplit) Led Zeppelin 2, the cover band featuring bassist Chris Klein, drummer Ian Lee, guitarist Paul Kamp and vocalist Bruce Lamont, will ring in the new year with a North American tour set to kick off this Friday!

The flashbacks will commence in Chicago with two dates at the House Of Blues on January 7 and 8. The band will then wind through nearly a month's worth of dates before drawing to a close on February 12 in Denver at The Gothic Theatre.

Led Zeppelin 2 brings you the excitement of Led Zeppelin "In Concert" by re-enacting the live improvisation and onstage interaction that earned Led Zeppelin their legendary status for performing. Rather than a "greatest hits" show, you get to experience Zeppelin as Zeppelin would have played live in front of an audience. - more on this story

Clutch Touring With Motorhead

Clutch have announced that they will be touring North America with Motorhead and special guest Valient Thor.

The tour kicks off January 29th in Las Vegas, NV at the House of Blues and runs through March 11th ending in Los Angeles, CA at Club Nokia LA Live.

In addition to the shows with Motorhead, Clutch has announced a string of headlining shows. - more on this story

Keith Richards Talks Rolling Stones Break Up

(Gibson) Last fall, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards caused a bit of a stir in the media with comments he wrote about frontman Mick Jagger in his new autobiography, Life. Keef called Mick "unbearable" and joked about his bandmate's sexual prowess (or lack thereof).

But, in an interview with the Daily Express, Richards says things are great between the two best-known Stones and that they are closer than ever, because they learned to become "more tolerant of one another."

The guitarist explained that his and Mick's friendship reached its low point in the mid-'80s, when the Stones briefly broke up. He said that he included his thoughts on that period because he felt he had to be honest. "My main point was to explain what the Stones have gone through," he said. "I don't think Mick, up until right now, knew how deep a cut that was. Not just to me but the rest of the band. It became a very difficult period, from the late '80s until 1990. I used to call it World War III." - more on this story

Who's So Vain?

(Gibson) On this day in 1973, Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" began a three-week run at #1 on the Billboard singles chart. Nearly four decades after Simon's blockbuster hit ruled the airwaves, people still don't fully know exactly whom she was singing about.

Could it be Mick Jagger? He sang (uncredited) backing vocals on the single. Could it be James Taylor? He and Simon were married not long before the song hit the charts. Could it be Warren Beatty? He and Simon had been in a relationship prior to the writing of the tune. Or could it be Cat Stevens? Nick Nolte? Kris Kristofferson? David Bowie? David Geffen? David Cassidy?

Although Simon has never revealed the subject of the tune to the public, she has been giving away clues "in drips and drabs" for more than 30 years. Plus, she's ruled out a few of the usual suspects. - Read on...

Pink Floyd To Release MP3 Singles

(Rock AAA) Pink Floyd have cut a deal with record label EMI to allow the release of singles from their back-catalogue – even though they recently spent ten months in law courts fighting against any such releases.

The prog rock icons had argued that making individual tracks available went against a clause in their contract requiring EMI to "preserve the artistic integrity" of their work.

The label disagreed and a lengthy legal battle ensued, which Floyd won last month. But now surviving members Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason have signed a new deal allowing EMI to release MP3 singles. - more on this story

X and Jayhawk's Stars Guest on New Dead Rock West Album

Dead Rock West are set to release their new album, Bright Morning Stars, on April 12 on Red River Records.

The group—led by vocalist Cindy Wasserman (Grant Lee Phillips) and guitarist Frank Lee Drennen (Loam)—recruited a number of guest performers for the new album including John Doe and Exene Cervenka of X and The Jayhawks' Mark Olson. The record is produced by acclaimed artist Peter Case.

Wasserman and Drennen conceived of Bright Morning Stars as a "total California spirituals record," according to Drennen, "made by California musicians." For the album the pair covered old time spirituals by Blind Willie Johnson, contemporary gospel tracks by the Staple Singers, and even the Jesus & Mary Chain's "God Help Me" in addition to six original songs. "This record isn't just for people with a certain religious bent—it's a calling out, a reaching out," says Drennen. "These songs urge you to look up, whatever that means to you." - more on this story

Cake Vs Mustache

(Gibson) Although he never wrote or sang about it, Cake frontman John McCrea has been dealing with a very personal issue since he was a child. When it came time to begin work on his band's new album, Showroom of Compassion, McCrea knew it was time to face his ultimate fear: the mustache.

"I think people are dealing with mustache issues in our culture," McCrea told Spinner.com. "A lot of people grew up with men around them who had mustaches, and I think it's a therapeutic thing for us to talk about it."

McCrea and Cake recorded "Mustache Man (Wasted)" and took a hard look at those cookie dusters, with visions of Burt Reynolds and Tom Selleck dancing in their heads. "The song was certainly therapeutic for me having grown up in California in the '70s and '80s," he said. - more on this story

Funeral Pyre Secret Tour

(Prosthetic) The Funeral Pyre will hit the road in March and April with The Secret.

The Funeral Pyre are touring in support of their 2010 release 'Vultures At Dawn'

This is the first US tour for The Secret since the release of their Southern Lord debut "Solve Et Coagula," in September. - more on this story

Motorhead's Lemmy To Attend His Documentary Premiere

Lemmy will attend the Los Angeles premiere for the new documentary about the legendary Motorhead singer and bassist: "LEMMY: 49% Motherf**ker, 51% Son Of A Bitch."

The premiere has been confirmed for Thursday, Jan. 13th, 7 p.m. at The Vista Theatre.

Aside from Lemmy we were told to expect numerous other rockers, actors and stars paying homage to the legendary rock icon. - more on this story

Mew's Eggs Are Funny To Include Unreleased Track

Mew will digitally release Eggs Are Funny next week on January 11th 2011 on Columbia Records in the U.S.

The record is an exposition of the band's 15 plus years career and includes tracks from the bands 5 previous studio releases.

The title for the compilation comes from the early Mew years; it's noted as one of the first songs the band wrote together. The disc will have 14 tracks including one unreleased song called "Do You Love It?" - more on this story

Carlos Santana Marries His Drummer

(hennemusic) Carlos Santana is a married man again after exchanging vows with his drummer, Cindy Blackman, in a star-studded Hawaiian ceremony.

WENN reports that Santana, 63, wed drummer Blackman on December 19 in front of 180 guests, including comedian George Lopez and musician pals Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, who performed at the nuptials at the Ritz-Carlton in Maui.

Santana proposed to Blackman, 51, during a concert back in July and now the rocker is looking forward to settling into married life. - more on this story

Dawes, Deer Tick and Delta Spirit Supergroup Middle Brother Giving Away Free Song

Middle Brother (Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, John McCauley of Deer Tick and Matthew Vasquez of Delta Spirit) are offering fans a free download.

The track, "Me Me Me," is the first track from their debut album, which is set to be released on March 1, 2011.

The song was originally given away two weeks ago as a Christmas present from the band to its fans. The response was incredible. Now the song can be downloaded - here

Liam Gallagher Talks About Noel's New Album

(Gibson) Liam Gallagher says that he has heard "over half" of the tracks on his brother Noel's solo album.

Live4ever reports that Liam told Uncut magazine, "I've heard his [expletive] new record 'cos I [expletive] sung on half of it," he said. "When I was in America for Dig Out Your Soul, and he swiped some off 'cos he obviously knew he wanted to do a solo album. So he can talk all the [expletive] about 'Oh, I was intimidated' and all that. [Expletive] nonsense. Behave. He knows. The people know. And I know. So no – it's not better. And it won't get any [expletive] better."

Alan McGee however, the feuding Oasis brothers' former record company boss, has also heard Noel Gallagher's new tracks and told Uncut: "I've heard Noel's stuff and it's amazing, man. It's stripped down, three massive songs like 'Don't Look Back in Anger,' 'Live Forever' type of songs." - more on this story

Primal Scream Disgusted By Royal Wedding

(Gibson) Gary Mountfield and Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream have spoken out against the upcoming British Royal Wedding between Prince Andrew and Kate Middleton.

According to the Daily Express, Mountfield and Gillespie think the extravaganza is "disgusting."

Bass player Mountfield told Q magazine, "Let's roll out the golden [expletive] coaches and all our [expletive] crowns, when there's people starving. Disgusting. England must [expletive] truly burn one day." - more on this story

Dio's Home Tops List of L.A. Musician Mansions For Sale

(hennemusic) Wanna live like a true rock n roll king? You can, if you have about $3.5 million kicking around

That's about the asking price for the Los Angeles mansion previously owned by the late Ronnie James Dio.

hennemusic has the listing courtesy of L.A. Weekly's article listing the "Top Ten L.A. Musician Mansions For Sale." Dio's humble abode was ranked #1 on the list. - Check it out here

Coheed and Cambria, 10 Years, Plain White T's, Barenaked Ladies To Play NAMM

Taylor Guitars has announced an all-star artist lineup to perform over three days of the 2011 NAMM Winter convention in Anaheim, California, held January 13-16. An eclectic array of acts will play on Taylor's performance stage starting each day at 2:00 p.m.

Kicking things off on Thursday is the Japanese rocker duo of Yoshiyuki Sahashi and Hirokazu Ogura, better known as Yamagen, who will play an acoustic set of their melodic compositions. Next up will be hit-makers, the Plain White T's, fresh off the release of their sixth album, Wonders of the Younger, featuring the hit single, "Rhythm of Love." Closing out the day will be longtime Taylor signature artist and dynamic fingerstylist Doyle Dykes, who will debut a new signature model, the Doyle Deluxe.

Friday will see indie rockers The Airborne Toxic Event, followed by a hit-filled acoustic set from Ed Robertson and Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies, and then a hard-rocking performance from Night Ranger, who'll crank up classic hits like "You Can Still Rock in America" and "Sister Christian." - more on this story

Liverpool May Honor Fifth Beatles

(Gibson) Thirty years after John, Paul, George and Ringo were immortalized with street names in their hometown of Liverpool, other select members of the Beatles family are under consideration for the same honor.

The Liverpool city council is considering plans to name streets after "fifth Beatles" Pete Best, Brian Epstein and Stuart Sutcliffe.

New Liverpool Beatles Appreciation Society spokesman John James Chambers, whose organization made the application for the aforementioned honors, said: "Epstein, Sutcliffe and Best are all Beatles icons and made a major contribution. They are all synonymous with The Beatles. In Brian Epstein's case, he really was Mr. Liverpool. When [music producer and promoter] Tony Wilson died, he was posthumously given the freedom of Manchester because he was considered to be Mr. Manchester. Brian Epstein has never really been officially honored." - more on this story

Saluting Syd Barrett's Recorded Legacy

(Gibson) Syd Barrett spent only 60 years on Earth, although for at least some of that time – maybe lots of it – Syd seemed to be in a place that was more interstellar. Barrett's recorded legacy of two Pink Floyd albums, two solo albums, a few live recordings and a handful of singles is the work of a visionary who ultimately lost both his vision and his grip on reality. He also lost his life to pancreatic cancer in 2006, after a 34-year retirement, or retrenchment, from music.

Barrett was born on January 6, 1946, 65 years ago. His career as a musician lasted only seven years, starting in 1964 with the formation of Pink Floyd, who had four different names during their first year including the Screaming Abdabs and the Meggadeaths (take that, Dave Mustaine).

Barrett's self-made musical realm was a kaleidoscope of fantasy and distortion and sonic gamesmanship perfect for the LSD-drenched times. Syd's (and early Floyd) fans included such rock dignitaries as John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger. He developed a vocabulary of extended technique based on alternate tunings, slide teamed with Echo-Plex, feedback and an angular attack instantly recognizable on such early Pink Floyd numbers as "Lucifer Sam" and "Interstellar Overdrive," which remains a study in epic six-string heaviness. - more on this story