Mountain Frontman Loses Leg

The 65-year-old singer and guitarist was on a flight to Biloxi, Mississippi, to perform with the respected hard rock band when his leg began to swell and discolor. On arrival he was taken to hospital where doctors identified the infection was complicated by "peripheral arterial disease and blood clotting factors." more on this story

Metallica Working On New Album With Rick Rubin

(Gibson) Producer Rick Rubin says the guys in Metallica are about to begin writing songs for their new album, which he will helm, of course. Rubin talked to Billboard.com about the process.

"I had a meeting with Lars [Ulrich] in San Francisco...to explore what the focus was going to be this time around," he said. "I'm still sort of thinking about what that is going to be. I'll ask a lot of questions and we'll probably listen to some of the riffs that they've been writing. Usually I'll hear something that will sort of indicate the direction and then we'll talk about it from there."

Of course, that's far from the only project Rubin is working on. He's also produced the latest Red Hot Chili Peppers album, I'm With You, which is due out August 30. Rubin shared his thoughts on the band's new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.

"Josh is fantastic," Rubin said. "He played with John Frusciante for many, many years and he actually toured with the Chili Peppers before, so he's sort of part of the extended family. He's stylistically very close to John but has a completely different trip. It sounds like the Red Hot Chili Peppers that you've never heard before." more on this story

Black Veil Brides Singer Injured After 15 Foot Fall

(Rock News Desk) Black Veil Brides frontman Andy Biersack sustained rib fractures after a 15-foot jump during the band's show in Hollywood at the weekend.

He says: "I've shattered three ribs on my left side. I'll keep everyone updated but for now I'm resting so I can get back to rocking on stage as soon as possible."

You can see how it happened by checking out video of the incident that can be viewed here

Reel Big Fish Singer Hospitalized

Reel Big Fish have canceled their upcoming dates with Goldfinger after their lead singer Aaron Barrett was rushed to the hospital after suffering severe stomach pains.

Doctors determined that Aaron had acute appendicitis, and rushed him into emergency surgery the remove the ruptured organ.

According to doctors, Aaron, who remains in the hospital, is doing well and beginning the recovery process. However it will not be possible for Aaron to travel within the next 10 days. more on this story

Chickenfoot Finish New Album

(RockAAA) Bassist Michael Anthony celebrated his 57th birthday Monday by sharing some Chickenfoot news with fans.

"Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes!," wrote Anthony on his Facebook page. "The only thing that makes my day better is that mixing on the new Chickenfoot CD is done! It's a lot heavier than the first record and I can't wait to get it out there!"

Then, Anthony confirmed the timing of the new music's release: "The first single should hit the airwaves sometime this summer with the full enchilada to follow in the fall. Stay tuned for all the details and we hope to see you all real soon! Mad Anthony" more on this story

Gene Simmons Vows To Grow Up To Keep Shannon Tweed

(Rock News Desk) Kiss mainman Gene Simmons says he's ready to "do whatever it takes" to repair his relationship with Shannon Tweed – and he's tried to demonstrate he's a changed man by apologising to Sharon Osbourne for comments he's said to have made about her family.

Simmons and long-time girlfriend Shannon Tweed appeared to be struggling to stay together last week when they appeared on a series of TV shows to promote the new series of their Family Jewels reality show.

While it's unclear how much of the drama was staged for publicity purposes, Simmons yesterday appeared on US show The Talk and vowed to change his ways. During the interview he said: "I love Shannon Tweed. I want to work this out. I will do whatever it takes to finally grow up and be a man." More including the difference between his family and the Osbournes

Evanescence Finishing New Album

(Gibson) Evanescence founder and singer Amy Lee said that the band's new album features contributions from the entire band – and isn't solely coming from her creative process. The rockers are currently recording their third album with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush).

"The process has been much more of a collaboration between the whole band," Lee told Billboard.com. "Usually it's me and one main co-writer...This time everybody had something to do with it from the ground up."

The Evanescence frontwoman said the record has "a lot more about a live feeling about the band. The way everyone is playing strong, it's like we've been playing the songs on tour for a year." more on this story

Testament's Paul Bostaph Injured- Alice Cooper iPad Nightmare- NOFX, Anti-Flag, Bouncing Souls Shows- Pepper Keenan Gets Down With Corrosion Of Conformity- more

(Rock News Desk) Drummer Paul Bostaph won't take part in upcoming Testament recording sessions after suffering a serious injury. His condition hasn't been explained but he's expected to rejoin the band for their upcoming tour dates. more

(The 1st Five) NOFX are hitting this road this Fall. They will be joined on all stops by Anti-Flag and Old Man Markley. The Bouncing Souls will be joining them at the last two stops of the tour. more

(Noble) Black Country Communion's second album "2" hit the No. 1 spot in the Official UK Rock Album Chart this week, overtaking the Foo Fighters album "Wasting Light". more

(SRX) The forthcoming Alice Cooper album 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare' will be released as a fan pack physically and on the iPad. Along with all the material available on the printed version, the iPad album fan pack will feature a digital version of the album along with video footage recorded at the Download festival, interactive elements and other additional content. Classic Rock and Metal Hammer publisher Chris Ingham said that the brief from Alice Cooper's management was to 'put Halloween in a box'. more

(BMN) Pepper Keenan, who has spent the last few years focusing on his guitar-playing duties in Down, rejoined his Corrosion Of Conformity bandmates on stage this past Saturday, June 18 at Kristonfest in Bilbao, Spain. Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen more

(BW&BK) Metallica's ...And Justice for All album (1988) will be released on green vinyl, and will be on sale this Thursday, June 23rd from 1 PM (PDT). Only 1,000 of these sets were pressed. 500 copies will be sold to members of The Metallica Club at Metallica.com more

(Rock News Desk) The struggling EMI label may be put up for sale, say owners Citigroup. The record company has seen a number of big-name artists move away in recent years and was the subject of legal action because Citigroup claimed they'd been misled over its value before they bought it from previous owners Terra Firma. more

(BW&BK) Hollywood Records have confirmed that the BBC documentary, Queen: Days Of Our Lives, will air in the US on the A&E Channel on June 27th. It will premiere at 8 PM and rerun at 10 PM (EST). The version that is to be broadcast is a unique edit for the U more

The Swan King has lined up a late-July run with Git Some more

On this day in 1966, Reg Calvert manager of The Fortunes, Screaming Lord Sutch and the owner of offshore pirate radio station Radio City was shot dead by a business rival during a confrontation.

On this day in 1966, working at Abbey Road studios in London, The Beatles recorded from start to finish, a new John Lennon song "She Said She Said." The song was reportedly based on a bizarre conversation that Lennon had with Peter Fonda while John and George Harrison were tripping on LSD.

On this day in 1977, Sex Pistol Johnny Rotten was attacked in a brawl outside the live music venue Dingwalls in Camden, London.

On this day in 2000, 39 year-old Karen McNeil who claimed she was the wife of Axl Rose and that she communicated with him telepathically was jailed for one year for stalking the singer.

On this day in 2001, John Lee Hooker, American blues singer and guitarist died in his sleep aged 83. Had hits wilth "Boom Boom," "Dimples" and "I'm In The Mood." His songs have been covered by many artists including Cream, AC/DC, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, The Yardbirds, The Doors and The White Stripes. He appeared and sang in the movie The Blues Brothers. Find out what else happened on this date in music history here

Jon Bon Jovi's Tough Love For Sambora

(Rock News Desk) Jon Bon Jovi says he's proud of Richie Sambora for seeking treatment over his alcohol problems – but there was never any question of cancelling shows during his absence.

The guitarist checked himself into rehab in April, just a day before Bon Jovi launched the final leg of their two-year world tour. Triumph and session man Phil X stood in until Sambora returned in time for the European series of dates two weeks ago.

"It was great for Richie to go and take care of himself, knowing full well he was not being fired or punished. He needed and wanted to seek help," The frontman tells the Sunday Mail. "We all fully supported and embraced by dear friend and songwriting partner – but the show goes on. I'm not beholden to anyone. more on this story

Don Dokken Vs George Lynch

(Gibson) Vocalist Don Dokken has spoken out on the abandoned plans to reunite his namesake band's classic lineup one last time, in the face of public comments made by guitarist George Lynch, telling bravewords.com, "It has always been frustrating to try to stay away from responding to the constant character bashing towards myself from George."

Dokken concedes that even though the chemistry became rapidly frayed, he still stands by the music the band made. "In the end we did some great records together," Dokken said. "Some people believe our tension made our records better."

Lynch's latest album, Kill All Control, will be released on June 21 and includes guests Will Marten (Earshot), Marq Torien (Bulletboys) and Keith St. John (Montrose), as well as the track "Son of Scary," a sequel to his trademark Dokken instrumental, "Mr. Scary." more on this story

Biohazard Dedicating New Album To Late Type O Negative Singer Peter Steele

(RockAAA) Biohazard guitarist Bobby Hambel has revealed the band's forthcoming album is to be dedicated to the late Type O Negative singer, Peter Steele who he says came up with the name of the band and remained a close friend.

RockAAA caught up with the band backstage at the Download Festival and Hambel spoke at length about Steele, who died suddenly last year.

Hambel also insisted their, as-yet, untitled new album is their best ever and he says fans can keep up to date on release dates, artwork and any news on a long-term replacement for the recently departed singer Evan Seinfeld. more on this story

Bruce Springsteen Tributes Clarence Clemons

(RockAAA) Bruce Springsteen has posted a moving tribute to his late friend and E Street Bandmate Clarence Clemons on his official website. It reads: "Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a wondrous and extended family. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage.

"His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years.

"He was my great friend, my partner, and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music.

"His life, his memory, and his love will live on in that story and in our band." more on this story

Durst Wants To Resurrect Nu Metal With Limp Bizkit, Korn and Deftones Tour

(Rock News Desk) Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst says he'd love to recapture the nu-metal genre spirit by touring with fellow proponents Korn and Deftones.

And he's apologised for repeatedly misleading fans by announcing release dates for new album Gold Cobra which turned out to be wrong.

"I miss the whole genre – rap-rock, nu-metal or rapcore, whatever we were called. There was a time there when you had Bizkit, Deftones and Korn. There was something really special about those times," Durst tells Billboard.com "I feel like if we all got back together and did something, went on the road together, it could be really big." more on this story

Udo Wanted Accept Name Before Agreeing to Reunion

(Rock News Desk) Former Accept singer Udo Dirkschneider told his ex bandmates he'd only agree to a 2009 reunion if they handed over rights to the act's name – because he didn't think the project would work out.

The German band are riding high with new album Blood of the Nations featuring vocalist Mark Tornillo. But two years ago their future didn't look so bright, and Dirkschneider was concerned that if he rejoined the band his solo act UDO would suffer. He tells Sleaze Roxx: "We reunited in 2005 for some festival appearances and it was a lot of fun. There were no plans to do more than those appearances, to record or continue further. But promoters wanted us to keep doing and I was on a break from UDO so I said, 'Why not?'"

Accept ground to a halt again before a full reunion including recording, was suggested in 2009. Dirkschneider had serious concerns – although he insists he wasn't against the idea. He says: "I told them: 'We did that in the 1990s and it don't work out.' My thought was, if I do this reunion then I have to cut down UDO, and UDO has become quite successful. I'd rather not have two bands at the same time. I want to be able to concentrate on one." more on this story

Original Mr. Big Lineup Announce First North America Tour in 13 Years

A reunited Mr. Big will be hitting the road in North America this summer in support of the band's new album, WHAT IF...

The tour opens in San Diego, June 30th, and marks the first time in 13 years the original line-up of vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey, has toured North America!

Produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Rush, Iron Maiden), WHAT IF...is now available as a special edition CD + DVD in digipak, regular CD, vinyl and digital download and in a limited edition luxury box including the CD, DVD, LP and exclusive memorabilia. more on this story

Against Me! To Deliver Split Crosses

(Big Hassle) Against Me! have announce the rerelease of their White Crosses album. Originally released by Sire Records on June 7, 2010 and presented now in two parts, White Crosses and Black Crosses, the reissue will be the first release on the band's newly launched record label, Total Treble Music.

This reissue is a 28-track collection that includes the original 10-song album with four bonus tracks, all produced by Butch Vig and mixed by Alan Moulder. The second half, Black Crosses, is a collection of alternate versions and unreleased songs.

Of the 14 self-produced Black Crosses songs, nine were recorded with drummer Warren Oakes at Goldentone Studios in Gainesville, FL, shortly before he departed the band in Spring 2009. The other five acoustic songs were recorded at Crescendo Studios, also in Gainesville, in early 2010. Both the 3xLP vinyl and 2xCD versions of this release are presented in their originally intended packaging created by Steak Mtn., including a 32-page lyric and art booklet. more on this story

Eddie Vedder Pays Tribute to Clarence Clemons

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder played the David Letterman show on Monday night and paid tribute to Clarence Clemons during the appearance.

Vedder tributed the E Street Band member Clarence Clemons with the late sax legend's first name painted across the front of his ukele; Clemons passed away last Saturday following a stroke at his Florida home.

Vedder performed his song "Without You" from his new solo album, "Ukelele Songs." hennemusic has video from the Letterman appearance here

Scott Ian of Anthrax's Baby Arrives Early

(RockAAA) Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian has hailed the arrival of his son as the best day of his life but despite the premature arrival of his first born he will still miss several of his band's live shows – including a handful with the Big 4 of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax.

Revel Young Ian arrived a healthy six pounds and nine ounces with his proud Dad tweeting: "it was the happiest day of his life."

During Ian's parental leave Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser is set to fill in for a handful of shows across Europe and the UK in July to allow Ian to spend time with his new born son and wife Pearl Aday – daughter of rock legend Meatloaf. Speaking to RockAAA just last week backstage at the Download Festival Ian admitted the birth of his son was the only reason he would have missed out on playing with the Big 4. more on this story

Carnival of Madness Tour Expanded

This year's Carnival of Madness Tour has been expanded with ten additional dates added to the 15 previously announced.

Joining the Carnival this summer will be Theory of a Deadman, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and Emphatic.

The late summer tour is set to hit North America starting August 13 in Twin Lakes, WI and wrap up on September 18th in Dayton, OH.
more on this story

What Took Def Leppard So Long?

(Gibson) Hard to believe, but more than three decades have passed since Def Leppard launched their career with their debut album back in 1980. Coming of age during that decade, the group subsequently released two albums – Pyromania and Hysteria – that remain essential touchstones for any fan of classic pop-metal. Overcoming harrowing adversity – drummer Rick Allen had an arm amputated in 1984; guitarist Steve Clark died in 1991 – the band has since solidified a career built on impeccable songcraft and a spectacular live show.

Mirror Ball: Live and More, the group's latest album, documents Def Leppard's power as a live band officially for the very first time. Spread across the two-disc set is all the familiar fare, plus three newly recorded studio tracks that prove the group's songwriting mojo remains fully intact. As has been the case for 20 years, the tandem force of guitarists Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen propel the action forward. Prior to embarking on the current Def Leppard tour, Campbell and Collen shared their thoughts about their influences, their different styles and the future of Def Leppard.

Why has it taken so long for Def Leppard to release an official live album? CAMPBELL: The focus has always been on creating new music, during my tenure with the band. That's always been the goal. The other thing is, it's always taken a minimum of one year, in the past, to write and record a new studio album. After that, there's a promotion cycle and then a touring cycle. For those reasons a live album was never considered. But several years ago, we decided to start archiving live material, with the idea of perhaps releasing a live album. We amassed all this material, and our sound engineer, Ronan McHugh – who's also our studio engineer – made note of which songs were especially good. In the end, he and Joe went through that wealth of material and cherry-picked the best performances. Read the full interview here

Michael Monroe Replaces Ginger With Backyard Baby

(Rock News Desk) Backyard Babies guitarist Dregen has replaced the Wildhearts Ginger in Michael Monroe's band.

The Wildheart recently announced his departure, citing disagreement with management and dissatisfaction with some elements of the band's live show. He played his last concert with Monroe at the weekend

Ginger has given his blessing to Dregen's move, saying: "It's the right thing – Michael deserves the best around him. I can do other things but Michael only has that band. I'd rather Dregen helped Michael." more on this story

The Moody Blues Announce First Canadian Tour in Over A Decade

Some big news for our Canadian readers: The Moody Blues will embark on their first cross-Canadian Fall tour in more than a decade, playing in 16 markets around the country.

The Canadian tour titled "Precious Cargo" will begin on September 15 in Halifax, NS and will continue through October 8 in Victoria, BC.

The band will be touring in support of their new upcoming Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) greatest hits collection which will be released in two editions on July 19, as part of their highly successful Icon series. more on this story

Devin Townsend Albums Streaming Online

(Gibson) Devin Townsend's Deconstruction and Ghost albums are streaming in full, via AOL Music.

The two albums represent the final two pieces of the Devin Townsend Project, a quartet of albums that began with the ambient, restrained Ki and continued with Addicted!, a heavy and rhythm-driven album.

Deconstruction is Townsend's heaviest work since his former band Strapping Young Lad, and includes symphonic elements combined with extreme metal. Ghost is a more laid-back affair designed to provide a counterpoint to the intensity of Deconstruction. more on this story

Reunion Revitalized Tigertailz

(Rock News Desk) Tigertailz frontman Kim Hooker says he's never been happier in the band as they welcome the return of original drummer Ace Finchum.

Hooker tells Ragnarok Radio: "I can't look back on the Bezerk period and feel I enjoyed it more than today. Back then our lives depended on it and we were driven by record companies who used to demand singles. But now it's something we do purely because we love it.

"We all knew Ace coming back was only a matter of time – he's the drummer who truly belongs here. You have to listen to your heart and your fans." more rock news

Judas Priest Members Jam With Painkiller

(RockAAA) Life imitating art….or is it the other way around? Judas Priest guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner -- along with drummer Scott Travis -- joined the Norwegian Judas Priest tribute band Painkiller on stage last week at the Hard Rock Café in Oslo, Norway.

Painkiller and the Priest trio performed several classics by the metal legends. The surprise appearance followed Priest's show at the Spektrum in Oslo earlier the same evening.

"Great show in Oslo last night," tweeted new Priest guitarist Faulkner the next day. "Me, Scott and Glenn played a few songs with a Priest cover band in the Hard Rock too!! Was a blast!!!" more on this story

City And Colour North American Tour

(CS) City And Colour have announced plans to hit the road this fall for an extensive North American tour.

The trek is set to begin November 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California and will be ending on December 10th in Washington, DC at the 9:30 Club.

City and Colour will be touring in support of Little Hell, which was released on June 7 (Vagrant/Dine Alone) and debuted at #27 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and #7 on the Top Independent Albums chart - the highest US debut ever for Canadian singer/songwriter Dallas Green. more on this story

Isis Members Announce Video Chat

Isis may have announced that they are disbanding but former members Aaron Harris and Bryant Clifford Meyer have announced an online chat event.

The two will take viewer questions via a live video chat hosted by Yowie.com on July 5 at 6 pm pacific/9 pm eastern. The chat will take place here

Isis, who disbanded in May 2010, is in the midst of releasing a series of five live albums that span the band's thirteen year career.

Isis Live I 09.23.03 was released on May 31 followed by Isis Live II 03.19.03 on June 14 with the next release coming on June 28 and titled Isis Live III 12.17.04. more on this story

Bad Religion on Guitar Center Sessions This Saturday

Bad Religion will be featured in a new episode of Guitar Center Sessions this Saturday, June 25 on Directv.

Guitar Center Sessions features exclusive performances and intimate, enlightening conversations conducted by revered musical tastemaker Nic Harcourt. The Bad Religion episode premieres Saturday, June 25 at 10pm ET/PT in 2D hi-definition on DIRECTV'S Audience Network (channel 239) and in 3D on DIRECTV'S n3D powered by Panasonic.

A sneak preview of the Bad Religion episode -- an exclusive performance of "Wrong Way Kids" and Brett Gurewitz and Greg Graffin discussing the perils of being young punk rockers -- can be seen here

Singled Out: Attack! Attack! UK's No Excuses

Today Neil Star from Attack! Attack! UK tells us about "No Excuses" from their brand new album "The Latest Fashion," which hits stores today! Here is the story:

This was one of the first tracks we wrote for the new album. I had come up with the music for the verse and chorus sitting at home on my acoustic guitar.

I took the song as it was to band practice to play as a band and it instantly started to sound HUGE. There was a great vibe coming from the song when we were all jamming it. We wanted to keep the structure really simple and just make it as kick ass and rocking as possible, basically a two minute punch to the face!

The melody came to me whilst we were jamming and later that day I went home and wrote the lyrics. The lyrics are basically about a person I know who loves to spread sh*t about people behind their backs and then face to face becomes all friendly and has nothing bad to say. I used to been good friends with this person but had to stop hanging out with them because I couldn't stand them being so two faced.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen to the entire new album right here!

. Psychedelic Shack: Music to Blow Your Mind!

Welcome to the Psychedelic Shack, the paisley palace where the incense is always burning and yes, we do feel like you do. Come on in, weve left the (Day-Glo) light on for you… - Read the full Music to Blow Your Mind! review