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On this day in 2009, Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboard player Billy Powell died at the age of 56 of a heart attack in Florida. Powell called police saying he was having trouble breathing and emergency services tried to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead an hour later. Powell had missed a doctor's appointment on the day before his death; the appointment was for a checkup on his heart. Find out what else happened on this date in music history here

Glee Creator Calls Slash A Stupid, Uneducated Has-Been

(Gibson) Appetite for Destruction continues to outsell most new album releases, so will people still be listening to Glee's auto-tuned karaoke in 25 years... or even 5 years? Something to ponder as you read about the ironic attack from the man who gave us this decade's answer to Cop Rock and the Partridge Family. Gibson has the story:

After Slash called Glee "worse than Grease" in Entertainment Weekly, Glee creator Ryan Murphy lashed out at the guitarist via Rolling Stone. "Usually I find that people who make those comments, their careers are over; they're uneducated and quite stupid," Murphy said.

The former Guns N' Roses guitarist previously said that he does not want to see Glee do a GN'R-themed episode or see one of the band's songs sung on the show. "We got asked about that once already but it got turned down," he said. "In the current climate of what's going on in entertainment these days, I try to be more optimistic than negative because it's really easy to get negative about it, but I draw the line at Glee." more on this story

Aerosmith Working On New Album Without Joe Perry

(hennemusic) Aerosmith are back in the saddle. Well, most of Aerosmith is: there's still no sign of guitarist Joe Perry.

But longtime Aerosmith collaborator Marti Frederiksen insists the group has been very productive during its first few days of writing for a new album at his studio Monrovia, Calif.

Frederiksen began working on Jan. 22 with frontman Steven Tyler, guitarist Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer, with plans to continue through Feb. 2, when Tyler begins his live appearances as an "American Idol" judge. Guitarist Joe Perry was unable to attend the sessions due to an unspecified commitment, according to Frederiksen, but his bandmates were "missing" him. more on this story

Judas Priest Opt For New Music Over Retirement

(Gibson) Although Judas Priest announced that their 2011-12 Epitaph world tour would be the metal legends' final tour, it won't mark the end of the band. Actually, Judas Priest are working on a new album right now.

A message – "The guys are working together on writing new material – all is going really well" – was posted on the band's website.

Later, guitarist Glenn Tipton elaborated on his group's future plans in another post: "To put everyone's mind at rest, this is by no means the end of the band. In fact, we are presently writing new material, but we do intend this to be the last major world tour." more on this story

Rare Queen Tracks To Be Released

(Gibson) Queen will re-release their first five albums on CD and MP3 on March 14 via Island Records. Each album will be available as a single-disc album or a two-disc deluxe edition with a treasure trove of rare bonus material, according to a post on guitarist Brian May's website. Also included in the special editions: "additional sleeve notes, unseen pictures and videos."

Collectively, the deluxe versions of the albums will feature 27 extra tracks. For instance, Queen features five demos, Queen II includes a live version of "White Queen" and a B-side version of "See What a Fool I've Been," and Sheer Heart Attack features BBC session recordings and a live take of "Now I'm Here."

A Night at the Opera features more live stuff ("39" and "Love of My Life") as well as an a capella version of "Bohemian Rhapsody." Then, A Day at the Races includes a Top of the Pops performance of "Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy" and a live version of "Somebody to Love." more on this story

Bob Seger Hitting The Road

(hennemusic) Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band will launch a new tour "to major cities across North America" starting in March, Seger's first time on the concert trail since his tour of 2006-07.

The exact cities and dates will be announced shortly, although a map that flashes in a brief video announcement (below) shows Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, New York and Missouri.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has a deep well of hits to draw from, but he'll also give fans a taste of some new music from a release he's been preparing for some time. more on this story

KISS Plan Next Album

(hennemusic) KISS will be hitting the studio in March to begin work on a new album, according to guitarist Tommy Thayer.

"The great news is that we are going in the studio again in the next month or two," Thayer told BackstageAxxess.com during the recent NAMM convention.

"We are starting to work on writing some songs now, and we're gonna really approach it a lot like we did with "Sonic Boom," and keep it all in the band in terms of the writing, with no agenda besides writing great rock and roll songs that we love, then rehearsing them and then going in and putting them down on tape and recording them. Just the way we did with the last record, which really felt good to us, so we're gonna go do it the same way this time." more on this story

Ozzy Wants To Record The Ultimate Black Sabbath Album

(Gibson) Though deep in the trenches of a massive solo tour, Ozzy Osbourne still has thoughts of his once and future band, Black Sabbath. Speaking on Los Angeles' KLOS, Osbourne talked about the possibility of another Sabbath album.

"I often get asked this question," said the Prince of Darkness, who will be playing at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California on February 1.

"'Will there ever be a [new Black Sabbath studio] album?' One thing I can say for definite [is that] we are all talking, we are all friends. But the pressure on my half is, it's been 30 years since we did a studio album. If it's not something extra, extra special, the people are gonna go, 'We waited 30 years [for this??!]' But before my life's over, I would love... my dream is to do the ultimate Black Sabbath album. I would love to do that." more on this story

Misra Records Returns With Free Download Comp Featuring The Lemonheads, Deer Tick, Deerhoof, Drive By Truckers and more

Misra Records has been relaunched and to celebrate is offering a free download of the Misra Legacy Compilation, Volume I.

The artist-curated comp features favorite tracks from the Misra canon hand-chosen by artists from The Lemonheads, Deer Tick, Deerhoof, The Wrens, Wooden Wand, Drive By Truckers, Male Bonding, and more.

After a quiet 2010, the label is now under the management of Misra artist and partner Leo DeLuca. DeLuca plays drums in Misra band Southeast Engine, managed Misra imprint Moon Jaw Records, and runs the label out of Durham, NC. As of 2011, Chicago-based Bloodshot Records – home of albums by Ryan Adams, Neko Case, Justin Townes Earle, Jon Langford, Dex Romweber, and more will distribute Misra. more on this story

Omar Rodriguez Lopez Announces Massive Release

(PR) Omar Rodriguez Lopez (The Mars Volta, At The Drive-In) announces the spring 2011 release of a quadruple LP / double CD collection culled from his multiple solo and collaborative albums.

In celebration of this, Rodriguez Lopez's eponymous band will perform at this year's Coachella Festival and SXSW Music Festival (Sargent House/Rodriguez Lopez Productions showcase). Headlining tour dates are also in the works for late spring, to be announced soon.

The extensive 37-song (38 on the vinyl version) compilation of the guitarist's work, titled Telesterion showcases the variety and breadth of explorative artistry spread across his 25 (and counting) solo albums harvested for this release. more on this story

Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, Skillet, Halestorm Avalanche Tour

Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, Skillet, Halestorm and Art Of Dying will be the bands for the first annual Avalanche Tour.

The North American trek will kick off on March 24th in Chicago and will wrap on May 8th in Uncasville, CT.

Tickets for most shows go on sale Saturday, February 5. A special fan club pre-sale will begin Tuesday, February 1 through Artist Arena. more on this story

Wilco Going It Alone

(Gibson) After making albums for Reprise in the '90s, then Nonesuch in the '00s, Wilco will now be releasing records on a third label: their own. The alt-rockers have revealed that their record label will be called dBpm Records and will issue all Wilco releases, in addition to some by Wilco-related acts and other bands, according to Spin.com.

"This is an idea we've discussed for years," frontman Jeff Tweedy said. "We really like doing things ourselves, so having our own label feels pretty natural to me."

The label is being run by Wilco manager Tony Margherita and will get an assist with indie label ANTI- (which put out Mavis Staples' Tweedy-produced album in 2010). There's no word yet on when dBpm will put out their first release, although Wilco are working on their next album now. In the meantime, the band have a few tour dates planned in May. more on this story

Singled Out: The Get Up Kids Week - Regent's Court

The Get Up Kids released their new album, There Are Rules, this week and to celebrate we asked Matthew Pryor to pick some of his favorite tracks from the album and tell us a little bit about each one. Today he tells us about "Regent's Court:"

I think that this may have been written during a period of some uncertainty and frustration. I'm not sure that the lyrics have a cohesive theme outside of that. Drinking comes into play. Well, self medicating anyway. There comes a point in any given situation where you just throw your hands up and say "F**K IT!". You can tell yourself over and over again that this isn't working and that things are going to be different but sometimes they just aren't. Sometimes you find yourself running in the same circles over and over again whether you like it or not. People, all people can be irritating. Sometimes you can feel like they are out to get you. I think that comes across in the bridge of this song "You bastards come at me" is the line. Whether they actually are is a matter of perspective and most likely untrue but that doesn't make it (or them) any less difficult to deal with. All that you can do is try and adapt to the situation. The song suggests a pretty unhealthy way of dealing with it. Kind of an "I drink to make you less annoying" sort of philosophy. A pretty dark road to go down very often but I'd be lying if I said I never had.

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

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh Appear on Klaus Voormann Album

Earlier this month Klaus Voormann released the single CD version of his album A Sideman's Journey which features a who's who of rock and roll greats who joined him for the effort. Here is the official word with more details:

(Submitted) A Sideman's Journey is an extraordinary album project by renowned German graphic designer, illustrator, musician and producer Klaus Voormann. Recorded with more than 30 musicians, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yusuf (Cat Stevens), members of Manfred Mann and Dr. John, the album tells the story of how well-known sideman Voormann retraced the footsteps of his musical biography back to where it all began.

Klaus Voormann not only left his mark on musical history as a bass player (winning the Grammy performing on the 1972 album The Concert for Bangledesh), but has also set some milestones as a graphic designer with his Grammy award for designing the Beatles' Revolver cover in 1966. That was the first time anyone had won for a graphic album cover. He is nominated for his third Grammy for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package along with Daniel Reiss for the Deluxe version of A Sideman's Journey. more on this story

Benjy Davis Project Hiatus

Benjy Davis Project have announced plans to go on hiatus in 2011. After touring almost non-stop in 2010, the band is taking a much-needed break to clear their heads, re-energize and to allow Davis some time to write new songs.

The band plans to tour through February 28th this calendar year (see tour schedule below).

Says Davis about the hiatus: "Mic and I love working together. We've done a lot of talking and decided together that now would be a good time to go our separate ways for a while and get fresh perspectives. As for me, that means having more time to concentrate on writing songs and doing solo dates here and there. We look forward to playing together again, and we're both extremely proud of the work we've done together, most recently 'Lost Souls Like Us' and 'Sincerely.' We also feel extremely blessed to have such amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding and constant support." more on this story

Duff McKagan's Life Lessons

(hennemusic) Duff McKagan has reviewed the first draft of his upcoming autobiography, and shares his thoughts on some life lessons learned with readers of his Seattle Weekly column.

It is common for all human beings to experience a traumatizing childhood event. I think when we are kids we have these idealized models of what life should be like and what grown-ups should adhere to. In my case, my own father didn't live up to my idealized "father-figure" model, and I ended up resenting him for the rest of his life.

To sort of throw my dad under the bus now that he isn't here to defend himself is not my intent. There were many things he did in my life that were amazing and righteous. We just didn't have a real knack for communicating, especially when I witnessed first-hand my parents' marriage falling apart. When they divorced, I placed the blame squarely on my dad's shoulders and never looked back. After I got sober, my wife Susan sort of forced me into having a relationship with my dad again. more on this story

Anniversary of Jim Capaldi's Death

(Gibson) In the scope of rock history, Jim Capaldi, who died on this day in 2005, probably is known best as the drummer for Traffic, the band he founded and would participate in for every incarnation. But Capaldi's legacy also includes a long and fruitful solo career that saw him work and write with some of music's brightest luminaries, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Bob Marley.

Born Nicola James Capaldi to Italian immigrants in Evesham, Worcestershire, England in 1944, Jim grew up playing piano and singing with his music teacher father. In his teens, he took up the drums and helped form The Hellions, with Dave Mason and Gordon Jackson on guitars. In 1964, Tanya Day took the band to back her at The Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany. The Spencer Davis Group stayed at the same hotel as The Hellions, which is how future Traffic members Capaldi and Mason befriended Steve Winwood.

After moving to London, The Hellions released singles, but none hit the charts. Lack of success forced the members to make several changes in the mid-'60s – including moving Capaldi to lead singer and changing their name to The Revolution. Mason left the group soon after and the band again changed its name, this time to Deep Feeling. more on this story

Pink Floyd Star David Gilmour's Son Charged In UK Protest

(hennemusic) Police filed charges against the son of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour on Thursday for his role in last month's violent protest against the British government's decision to raise university tuition fees.

The AP reports Charlie Gilmour, 21, shocked many in Britain when he was photographed swinging from the Union Jack attached to the Cenotaph, Britain's most important war memorial, during the Dec. 9 demonstration.

The picture of Gilmour swinging from the flag featured prominently in the country's tabloid press and ran over captions reading "vile" and "shame." more on this story

Textures Begin New Album

Textures have started recording their fourth album at Split Second Sound studios in Amsterdam, The Netherlands with Nuclear Blast Records eyeing a Fall 2011 release.

The album will be produced by Textures' guitar player Jochem Jacobs, who was also responsible for the production of Textures' previous albums.

Jochem had the following to say about the new recordings: "It's all really exciting! This album is really going to express where and what we are these days... and that's a good thing. We've been through a lot lately, especially the last year. Now with some new air and fresh ideas, we finally reached the point that we are actually quite confident in the new material. Sometimes you just have to crawl through the mud first to get to dry grounds. We are in the middle of the pre-production now, getting our asses in gear to create this baby. It's kinda cool to see this band grow more and more and to continue this musical journey that we've been on for 10 years! Let's make this thing heavy!"

Lionize Get Warped

Lionize have been added to the lineup for the 2011 Warped Tour where they are set to perform on the Alternative Press/Advent Stage.

Lionize has been busy touring and gearing up for the Feb 8th release of their new album Destruction Manual on Southern California based indie label, Hardline Entertainment.

Destruction Manual, (produced by J. Robbins of Jawbox) finds the band continuing its exploration of the stoner-rock, funk and reggae landscapes. more on this story

EMI To Give America X Japan

(HER) X Japan is coming to America with major label backing. The most successful rock band in Japanese history, and EMI Music have signed an exclusive three-year manufacturing and distribution agreement that will have EMI Label Services handle the band's releases in North America.

The first release will be the track "Jade" on March 15, followed by the band's as yet untitled American debut set for a late Summer 2011 release.

"We are so honored to have X Japan as part of the EMI Label Services/Caroline family," commented Mike Harris, Executive Vice President/General Manager, EMI Label Services & Caroline Distribution. "After the highly successful North American tour last fall, the timing is perfect for the upcoming X Japan release." more on this story

The Lonely Forest Join The Joy Formidable Tour

The Lonely Forest are hitting the road for an extensive North American tour supporting The Joy Formidable.

The trek begins on March 24 in North Carolina and includes a stop at South By Southwest.

The band will be touring in support of their Trans Records label debut Arrows, which is set for release on March 22nd. more on this story

Wolves Like Us Ink With Prosthetic

Wolves Like Us have inked a world wide, multi-album deal with Prosthetic Records.

The label put out this: With ex-members from such notable Norwegian acts as Amulet, Infidels Forever, JR Ewing and Silver, the band are no strangers to dedicated hard work. Drawing influence from artists such as Planes Mistaken For Stars, Drive Like Jehu, Hot Water Music and the Afghan Whigs, the mission is clear: Wolves Like Us are here to make the urgent, powerful new music that they love.

Wolves Like Us are currently in the studio recording their debut album, "Late Love", which is set for release in the early Summer on Prosthetic Records. Alan Douches will be handling mastering duties and Justin Bartlett will be crafting the artwork. A main stage slot at this year's OYA Festival has just been confirmed, with a lot more to be announced shortly. more on this story

The Chocolate Watchband Release New Greatest Hits Album

The Chocolate Watchband have released a new greatest hits album. Recorded in 2010 at KVP Studio in Santa Clara, CA, the focus on this album was to faithfully reproduce the sound of the Chocolate Watchband in the 60's with the rawness and energy of the originals.

Also added were bonus verses and extended track mixes of 13 personal and fan favorites. "The Chocolate Watchband is back on the scene and ready to rock!" says Tim Abbott, guitarist and producer of the album.

"This release is all new recordings from The Chocolate Watchband. I had the privilege of premiering some of these songs on the 2010 Bay Area Garage Band Marathon on KKUP Cupertino. This is an incredible set of vintage garage from one of the true legends of the sixties. With this album, there can no doubt the power of their music still speaks to a whole new generation," says Phil Dirt radio DJ more on this story

Water & Bodies Set Album Release

(Moxie Star) Water & Bodies are releasing their first full-length album on February 22nd via their own label, EYOS Records.

Titled "Light Year," the 11-track disc was produced by Rian Lewis (Crosstide) and was completely funded by fan donations on Kickstarter.

This week, Water & Bodies will be posting a song from the record for free download on their website at www.waterandbodies.com. To support "Light Year," the four-piece is playing shows regionally, with extended touring slated for summer. more on this story