Bret Michaels and Tommy Lee Criminal Investigation?

But Lee and Michaels could have broken state law if they have criminal records which prohibit them from using guns. North Carolina's Felony Firearms Act says it is an offence "for any person who has been convicted of a felony to purchase, own, possess, or have in his custody, care, or control any firearm." [We couldn't find reports of Michaels having a felony conviction; however Lee did plea no contest to felony abuse charge in 1998 according to the LA Times] It appears that this TV station took an active part in creating this story

Metallica 30th Anniversary Concerts

Metallica have announced plans to celebrate their 30th Anniversary with a string of shows in their adopted home base of San Francisco at the Fillmore this December.

Here is what the band had to say: Thirty years of Metallica... can you believe it? We think it's cause for a major celebration! You've been asking for a while now "just what the hell are you going to do to mark 30 years as a band?" closely followed by "why don't we have more exclusive shows for Fan Club members?"

We've heard you loud and clear and are beyond psyched to announce that the week of December 5, 2011 will be a full on Metallica week in the Bay Area, more specifically we will be playing four shows for Met Club members only at the historic Fillmore in San Francisco on December 5, 7, 9, and 10 to celebrate our 30th anniversary.

These unique shows will include special guests and events, rare songs, varied set lists, odds and ends, and all the nutty stuff you expect from Metallica... fun for the entire family! Come to the Bay Area and spend the week with us to not only close out 2011 out with a bang, but to celebrate over three decades worth of craziness. More including ticket info here

Full Devil Jacket's Mike Reaves Has Died

(Gibson) Mike Reaves, the former guitarist for Tennessee hard rockers Full Devil Jacket, died on July 25. Reaves had been battling prostate cancer.

"Mike was one of the absolute funniest people you'd ever met," band member Kevin Bebout told The Jackson Sun. "He was just so great to work with. He'd come up with a great guitar lick or solo. He'd run riffs for days. The best thing about working with him, though, was even when we hated each other, we always laughed with each other. It was always a comedy. Ask anyone, he was the funniest guy they knew."

Reaves' cancer was diagnosed in the spring of 2010. Bebout and other members of Full Devil Jacket performed a benefit concert in June of last year to aid Reaves' medical expenses. more on this story

Disturbed's Future Unclear

(Rock News Desk) Dan Donegan insists Disturbed have not made any decision on whether to split or go on indefinite hiatus, despite the rumours flying around about their future.

He does admit they have no further plans after their current tour comes to an end – but says that doesn't mean there won't be any plans. And he suggests things have changed as the members have got older and started their own families, meaning the band is in previously uncharted waters in terms of their careers.

"What it comes down to is ever since the start we're always had a gameplan of what comes next after each thing. This time around we just haven't got to those discussions yet," Donegan tells The Eagle Rocks. "So I don't have a clear answer because I'm not sure where everybody's heads are at. I think we're not ready to sit down and have the discussion of when we want to get back together, or if we're going to."
more on this story

AC/DC's Bon Scott Biopic In The Works

(hennemusic) We could be seeing a Bon Scott film in the future. Screen Australia, the government's key funding body for the film industry in that country, has approved financing aid for several new projects, including one about the late AC/DC frontman.

"Bon Scott" will be directed by Eddie Martin and produced by Lizzette Atkins, who worked together on another biopic, the feature-length documentary "Lionel," about a boxer. Stephen Cleary is script editing.

There remains a great deal of interest in Bon's story, at least certainly in Australia, where musician/actor Nick Barker is currently playing the AC/DC legend in the Melbourne theatre production of "Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be - The Story Of Bon Scott."
more on this story

Facebook Ban Nirvana- Sepultura Sidelined- Rush DVD Delayed?- Kidz Bop Top 3 Doors Down- Into Eternity Into The Studio- Appice Dio Tribute Jam- more

(Rock News Desk) Twentieth anniversary celebrations for classic Nirvana album Nevermind have been dealt a blow after Facebook decided to remove the cover art from its pages because of its anti-nudity rules. The famous work shows a naked baby swimming in a pool, which the social media company says violates its terms of use more

(BMN) Sepultura were forced to postpone last night's (Wednesday, July 27) concert at Stadtsaal in Lendorf, Austria because the band's drummer, Jean Dolabella, is suffering from tendonitis. The show has been rescheduled for Monday, August 1. more

(BW&BK) According to Amazon.com, the release date for Rush's upcoming Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland concert DVD/Blu-ray has been pushed back one month, from September 27th to Tuesday, October 25th (Concord Records). more

(The 1st Five) This Time Next Year have announced the details of their second full length record, entitled Drop Out Of Life, which will be released 27th September via Equal Vision. more

(LG) Dark Funeral has officially announced the addition of bass player Zornheym to their line-up. Guitar player and band co-founder Lord Ahriman had the following to say: "Now, that we face our new line up, I must say that the atmosphere and the chemistry within the band feels absolutely fantastic." more

(FMQB) This week's sales chart saw four new albums debut in the Top 10. The latest edition of the Kidz Bop series bowed at #2 with 68,700 sold, and 3 Doors Down make their return to the chart at #3 with Time Of My Life, selling 60,000 units in the first week. more

(LG) Into Eternity will enter the studio this weekend to begin recording four new songs. The group recently released a new song titled "Sandstorm," their first new material to be available since 2008. more

(MU) Hammerfall have announce their return to the roads of Europe on the European Outbreak 2011 tour. HammerFall is touring in support of 'Infected,' which was released on May 20th more

(BW&BK) Carmine and Vinny Appice performed as part of the Drum Wars event on July 9th in Las Vegas, NV at Vamp'd and were joined by vocalist Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot). Footage of the makeshift band jamming a couple Dio classics is available here

(NME) Original Beatles drummer Pete Best gets road named in his honour Facebook campaign successful in remembering 'sixth member' more

(LG) Ludicra has broken up after roughly thirteen years together and releases with Profound Lore Records and Alternative Tentacles, among others. more

(BW&BK) Ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy's new project, Adrenaline Mob - also featuring Symphony X singer Russell Allen, guitarist Rich Ward (Stuck Mojo, Fozzy), guitarist Mike Orlando and bassist Paul DiLeo (Nena) – have announced several exclusive small club shows to give fans an intimate live preview of the band. more

(BW&BK) Mötley Crüe have announced a string of shows in Japan in September/October. more

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Discusses Controversial Tweet

(Rock News Desk) Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine has explained the tweet which left fans concerned he was in danger of returning to his former wayward behaviour – just at a time when his band is riding high.

On July 17 he tweeted from a tour with Godsmack and Disturbed: "For the first time in my career, I am considering walking from a tour."

The comment was retweeted many times in the following hours, and the musician later added: "Thanks to all the amazing people who fixed the problems tonight. The show went off perfect." And while he won't discuss the full details of what went on, he has shone some light on the subject.

Faith No More Taking Reunion Slowly

(Gibson) The reformed Faith No More are touring through November, but vocalist Mike Patton says there are no plans for the band to record together again.

Metal Hammer reports Patton as saying: "We're just taking it slow as it comes. Reunions can be done very distastefully I think, and we were all very worried about that.

"But I think we were all very surprised with how good it felt. It's a tired old script: band splits up, gets hard up for cash, goes on tour and records a [expletive] record. We don't want to be part of that kind of history." more on this story

Halestorm Discuss Forthcoming Album

(RockAAA) Halestorm singer Lzzy Hale believes the band's forthcoming album is a natural progression from their debut with the band focusing on moving forward. She also says a chunk of the album was inspired by their fans while revealing the band have wrapped up 10-songs already and are ahead of schedule for release early next year.

In an interview with Noisecreep, Lzzy said: "It's really strange because originally we were gonna have the record out in September and then we got ten songs done and then everyone said 'Hey we actually have more time.' So we're probably going to be putting it out early next year. So we had a week or two to just kind of like chill. It was very strange because we for the last three and a half years haven't gotten that long of a stretch without anything going on so like 'what do we do?'

"It is kind of just the next natural progression. Last record we weren't really sure who was going to gravitate towards us and because of the last record we've gotten to know so many people and so many of our fans. more on this story

Film About Late INXS Frontman Michael Hutchence Coming?

(hennemusic) A film inspired by the late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence may be headed to the big screen.

Screen Australia, the government's key funding body for the film industry in that country, has approved financing aid for several new projects, including one billed as "a fictional account of rock stars like" Hutchence.

Writer/director Richard Lowenstein is producing "Michael" alongside Sue Murray; Domenico Procacci is executive producer and Scott Meek is script editing. more on this story

Pete Townshend Not Retiring

(Rock News Desk) Pete Townshend has shouted down claims he's been forced into semi-retirement through deafness – and says the only reason he's not on Roger Daltrey's current Tommy tour is that he doesn't belong there.

Fear had been mounting that the Who guitarist would never take to the stage again after he complained about severe tinnitus and worried a new in-ear monitor system was failing to deal with the issue.

Bandmate Daltrey recently added fuel to the fire when he described Townsend as "almost stone deaf". But now the guitarist has spoken out – and says his hearing is fine. "It's actually better than ever, because after a feedback scare in 2008 I am taking good care of it. more on this story

New ZZ Top Album Tres Hombres Meets Eliminator

(Gibson) ZZ Top's new album is now finished, being mixed, and will be released in the fall of 2011. Billy Gibbons tells Mojo magazine, "It sounds and feels like Tres Hombres, with a few elements of the Eliminator period thrown in. A pretty wide range, from basic blues to slightly more fancy stuff.

Songs recorded include "Flyin' High," "More Slower Blues." "Chartreuse" and "Have A Little Mercy." The latter is, says Gibbons, inspired by early B.B. King cuts.

The sessions have been executive-produced by Rick Rubin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Metallica, etc). Gibbons adds, "The thing about Rick is he pushes the artists to spend more time reaching down deeper than they normally would." more on this story

Flea Thought Red Hot Chili Peppers Were Over

(Gibson) Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has opened up about his friendship with former Pepper John Frusciante, who has been replaced in the band by guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. Initially, he thought Frusciante's departure might be the end of the Peppers, although that proved not to be the case.

"You know, we've [Frusciante and Flea] been friends since we were 15," Flea told Q magazine, via Ultimate Classic Rock. "We were inseparable. And even though our relationship has been really antagonistic… we offend each other and we can both be a couple of self-righteous [expletive]… I really love the guy and he's my brother."

Flea said that figuring out how to work creatively with Klinghoffer proved to be a challenge, but one that worked out quite well.

"The trickiest part of getting together with Josh for me was also the best, which is that he's completely different to John," he said. "There were things that I had come to expect John to do. He's such a phenomenal musician that I was used to playing something and – bam! – John would hit it. He and Chad [Smith] and I would lock in, and it was undeniably good. more on this story

George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh Film To Stream For Free Online

In a worldwide, 72-hour online event, George Harrison's The Concert for Bangladesh feature film will be available for free streaming in its entirety from Saturday, July 30 through Monday, August 1 on iTunes, georgeharrison.com and theconcertforbangladesh.com.

Concert for Bangladesh album made its exclusive digital debut on the iTunes Store this week, 40 years after the historic concert event on August 1, 1971.

The iTunes release of The Concert for Bangladesh album includes Harrison's "Bangla Desh" studio single, originally released July 5, 1971, as an exclusive bonus track. A 5-minute video trailer for the album and a 49-minute radio program about The Concert for Bangladesh are also now available as free streams on iTunes more on this story

John Mellencamp Announces Fall Tour Dates

John Mellencamp has announced a new leg for his No Better Than This Tour, that will take place this fall.

The new leg includes performances set this coming October and November in Eastern, Southern and Midwestern markets in the U.S. and Canada.

For the most part, the fall dates take the current tour to most cities for the first time since it began. Among these are Montreal, Columbus, Greensboro, Louisville, London (Ontario), Hamilton (Ontario) Grand Rapids, Reading, Newark, North Charleston, Knoxville, Green Bay, Rockford and Milwaukee. more on this story

Final Four Rory Gallagher Reissues Set For Release

Eagle Rock has announced the final four re-releases on August 16 in the Rory Gallagher reissue campaign.

Rory's third '80s album, Defender, came out in '87 with the core of the band drummer Brendan O'Neill and bassist Gary McAvoy. Additional flourishes—including piano, harmonica and other keyboards—were effectively utilized depending upon the track. This first effort for his own label, Capo, featured 12 blistering originals including fan favorites "Loanshark Blues" and "Continental Op."

With the dawn of a new decade, Rory's Fresh Evidence, in 1990, proved this great artist's ability to shed skins and pursue different stylistic avenues while remaining true to his original esprit de corps. They say a true artist is always changing and on this final studio recording, Rory tackled genres with the ease of a true master. With his trusty mates of the Defender and Jinx lineups plus the return of pianist Lou Martin, Rory went deep into the American psyche to plumb the depths of zydeco, Louisiana Swamp Rock, jump blues and Boogie Supremo! It's a veritable tour-de-force of hard rock genius. more on this story

Iced Earth Set New Album Release

Iced Earth's 10th studio album Dystopia is set for release in Europe on October 17th, and in the U.S. on October 18th both via Century Media.

Two bonus tracks are also being recording for inclusion on special editions of the album.

The release of Dystopia will be followed by the most extensive world tour Iced Earth has ever undertaken.
Here is the background on the new album

KMFDM WTF?! Tour

KMFDM have announced a North American tour in support of their latest album release, WTF?!

"We are putting together one hell of a playlist for this tour with lots of fresh material from WTF?! as well as some killer classics and maybe even a surprise or two," Sascha shared.

Joining KMFDM on the WTF?! tour are Army of the Universe, 16Volt (Aug. 3 to 14 only) and Human Factors Lab. Army of the Universe, an Italian industrial duo, recently released their debut album Mother Ignorance on Metropolis Records. The band features renowned European DJ Albert Vorne aka Trebla. Chris Vrenna (Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM), will join Army of the Universe for a handful of dates (noted below). 16Volt released Beating Dead Horses, the Portland band's seventh studio album, in May. Human Factors Lab will be debuting their new EP We All Fall Down on the tour. more on this story

Dead Kennedys' East Bay Ray Going Solo

Dead Kennedys guitarist East Bay Ray has announced a September 13th release date for the self-titled debut album of his new band, East Bay Ray and The Killer Smiles.

The 12 new tracks were produced by Paul Leary, Butthole Surfers guitarist and widely known for producing Sublime's massive self-titled CD and their single "Santeria."

Along with Ray's distinctive sound, the recording also features the voice and lyrics of Skip McSkipster from the Wynonna Riders and recent Dead Kennedys' tours. more on this story

Wes Borland Now A Bizkit For Life

(Rock News Desk) Limp Bizkit's Wes Borland says he's learned his lesson after quitting the band twice – and he'll never do it again.

The guitarist walked out in 2001 saying the outfit was stifling his creativity, but after a series of failed projects in which he didn't manage to find a medium for expression which worked out, he rejoined in 2004. A year later he left again, and eventually joined Marilyn Manson's band. But he returned to Limp Bizkit after just two shows with Manson. And this time he says it's for good.

"I'm here to stay. I've accepted the fact that Limp Bizkit is my band – one that I'm a part of, and one that I've built from the beginning," Borland tells Music Radar. "It does me no good to be in somebody else's band, playing their music. Being here allows me to be myself." more on this story

U2 Mentoring Snow Patrol

(Gibson) Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody said that his band have found rock and roll mentors in U2. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers picked Snow Patrol to open a slew of dates on their 360° tour.

"Firstly all of them, Bono too, are music lovers, first and foremost, absolutely voracious appetite for music, and that is something still, at their level, at their many years at it, they still are hungry to compete against younger bands, bands that are just coming out," Lightbody told Absolute Radio. "They want to compete, they want to be relevant, they want to kick ass, but their love of music is kind of overwhelming, they have a great respect for people in bands, and that is not always the case when we've supported bands."

He said that they've learned at the feet of Bono and friends. "U2 have taken us under their wings, and they're big wings to be taken under I have to say, but you learn an awful lot in there," he said. more on this story

America Tribute Dan Peek

(Rock News Desk) Dan Peek of the band America has died in his sleep at the age of 60, his former bandmates have confirmed.

Original members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell remain with the band, who released their most recent album in 2007. Yesterday Bunnell paid tribute to Peek, saying: "I am so sorry to learn of Dan's passing. We created lasting music together and experienced a life we could never have imagined – a joyous time full of excitement and laughter.

"Although we went our separate ways his contribution to our music have always been present and will last for ever." more on this story

The Faces Pen New Book

Genesis Publications have announced a new book by and about The Faces. While a release date was not mentioned in the announcement, here is what they had to say:

For the first time Ronnie Wood, Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones tell the band's story in a book illustrated with over 200 photographs, many from the musician's archives, and rare items of memorabilia.

'We wrote 'Stay With Me' backstage, before we went on. Rod said, 'Come up with a really great lick and I'll come up with the words,' and we just had it going. Boom.' - Ronnie Wood more on this story

KISS: Ace Frehley's No Regrets Memoir Set For Release

(RockAAA) Great news for KISS fans: Ace Frehley's autobiography, "No Regrets," is confirmed to be published on November 1.

Co-written by New York Times journalist Joe Layden, "No Regrets: A Rock N' Roll Memoir" is being billed as "a funny, truthful, candid memoir about a hard-drinking, drug-addicted, music-loving guitar player who lived life as a rock star and survived to tell the tale."

For Ace, it all started in January of 1973, when the self-taught musician and Bronx native spotted an advertisement in the Village Voice posted by Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Gene Simmons: "Guitarist wanted with flash and balls." Frehley, figuring he had both, answered the ad, and the rest was history/KISStory. more on this story

Jon Lord From Deep Purple To Doctor of Music

(hennemusic) Former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord has received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music from the University of Leicester.

"Jon Lord is one of British music's most eclectic and talented instrumentalists. There are no signs of his creative talents abating."

These words rounded off a detailed account of Jon Lord's musical life that preceded Jon being presented with the Honorary Degree on July 15 at the University's De Montfort Hall. more on this story

Duff McKagan Talks Amy Winehouse and Addiction

(RockAAA) Amy Winehouse's passing over the weekend has launched an outpouring of thoughts from friends, fans and family, as well as other musicians. The troubled singer's cause of death remains unknown as Monday's initial autopsy proved inconclusive; further toxicology tests are in motion, with results expected in a few weeks.

Fellow musician Duff McKagan has written a stirring piece about Winehouse in his Seattle Weekly column, one he titled "Nobody Chooses Addiction; Not Even Amy Winehouse." McKagan's own experiences with substances, etc. and his turnaround may make him one of the more credible voices in the post-Winehouse world.

Here's an excerpt: "In the late '80s into the '90s, there was a mess of drug-addled youth in their 20s in and around rock and roll music–buying into the "Live Fast, Die Young" mantra and all of that stupid and ignorant rot–that I found myself and my circle of friends a part of. I lost two of my very best friends to overdoses. And for a while it seemed that I'd most certainly go that same route. more on this story

Ozzy Guitarist Fine With Double Duty

(RockAAA) Firewind and Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Gus G says he has no problem switching between his axe duties in both bands insisting both come from the same rock roots.

Speaking to Rock Radio DJ Tom Russell backstage at Sonisphere Knebworth, where Firewind rocked the Bohemia Stage, Gus said: "It's two different things.

"With Ozzy I'm playing all these classic songs where I try to do them justice. Then I go and do my own things and the songs I wrote with Firewind and stuff that is natural to me. more on this story

Doggy Style Return With First New Album in 20 Years

We received word that 80s skate punks Doggy Style are back with their first new album in twenty years.

Called, Punker's Anthem, the album is set to be released August 30 via Cleopatra Records. Here is what their peeps sent over:

In the 1980s, Orange County became known for a brand of punk rock particularly popular in the skate community. Skate punk was colorful in look and lyric, taking itself a little less seriously than other types of punk. At the forefront was a group of high schoolers calling themselves Doggy Style, who wrote hardcore slice-of-life songs and played them really fast. They released three EPs; most notably SIDE BY SIDE on Flipside Records which included the still-popular "Donut Shop Rock." Then there was a break-up, several reformations, name changes, style shifting and then sporadic quiet. more on this story

Airborne Toxic Event World Tour and Leno

(BH) The Airborne Toxic Event announced their world tour dates and an appearance on The Tonight Show this fall.

The tour finds the band playing shows in both the U.S. and Europe for the remainder of 2011 bringing their live act from Anchorage to Amsterdam.

In addition to the live show, the band will be performing on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Friday, September 30th. more on this story

Singled Out: Fullforce's Mythomaniac (Hammerfall / Cloudscape / Yngwie)

Today CJ Grimmark from Fullforce tells us about "Mythomaniac" from their brand new album "One," which was just released. Here is the story:

Strangely enough I choose to write a song that I actually did NOT write myself, but that was a great result of us working together. The song is the opening track on our new album "One". The basic demo of Mythomaniac came from Anders Johansson. As far as I remember he had programmed a simple drumbeat and recorded guitars on top of this himself. He sent it to me and Mike who both heard the song's potential. Mike immediately started working on the arrangement of the song and added a new chorus that he came up with. The song grew and I got the responsibility to finish the arrangement by coming pup with the guitar-parts. Working on this song was very easy in spite of it's technically challenging nature, because it was such a great and well written track. I tried to come up with guitar work that was 200% nuclear energy, because that's what the song takes. I was inspired by the fact the it felt a little like I was working on a track that could have belonged to one of Anders and his brother Jens's "Johansson" albums; Sonic Winter. If You don't own it - buy it today and listen to two of the greatest instrumental songs ever recorded. When the band recorded the sharp version of Mythomaniac I was just blown away by it's untamed and raw energy. It was great to be a part of this.

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

. RockPile: Earache's New Noise Attack- Achenar- Kingdom Come- New Keepers of the Water Towers

In this latest edition of Rock Pile Kevin Wierzbicki takes a listen to Earaches New Noise Attack, Achenars Super Death Explosion Kittens, Kingdom Comes Rendered Waters and New Keepers of the Water Towers The Calydonian Hunt. - Read the full Earache's New Noise Attack- Achenar- Kingdom Come- New Keepers of the Water Towers review