Metal Star Dies- Sammy Hagar Talks Van Halen Downfall and Jimmy Page- Lou Reed's Manager Arrested- Heavy Metal Parking Lot Sequel- Def Leppard Add Date- more

On this day in 2008, Neil Aspinall, who oversaw The Beatles' Apple Corps business empire from 1968-2007, died from lung cancer at age 66 at a hospital in New York. Find out what else happened on this date in music history here

Metallica Going 3D

[Update: Metallica have refuted the following] (hennemusic) Live Metallica in 3D may the next best thing to being there in person. Fans will have the chance to compare the experiences for themselves at some point, thanks to an announcement by Front Row Networks this week.

Writers Group Film Corp. through its wholly owned subsidiary Front Row Networks, Inc., has announced the acquisition of several hours of unique Metallica 3D and 2D concert video footage for distribution.

Front Row Networks will also be implementing state-of-the-art technology to convert existing 2D 1080p footage into 3D for additional distribution. more on this story

Rare Nirvana EP

(Gibson) A highly sought Nirvana EP that was released only in Australia is getting a second run. The influential band's Hormoaning EP will be re-released on Record Store Day, April 16, according to NME.com.

The 1992 release includes Nirvana's covers of songs by Devo, The Vaselines and The Wipers, along with a couple of originals – "Aneurysm" and "Even in His Youth." The songs were recorded during a BBC session with DJ John Peel. It was originally sold during the band's tour of Australia.

The re-released edition of Hormoaning will be limited to 6,000 copies at independent record stores. more on this story

Maroon 5 Launch 24 Hour Session

We received word that Maroon 5 have begun a quest to create and record an original song from scratch in just 24 hours. An interactive social media wall is providing the band with inspiration from fans in a music world first.

Footage showing a one/one interview with Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael, along with general views of the band entering their new 24-hour habitat and soundbites at the start of their 24-hour epic session is now available here

Updated footage will appear throughout the 24-hour period until 3:00 PM EST on Wednesday March 23, 2011. Fans have already started interacting with the band to lend their creative inspiration for lyrics, riffs and rhythms for the new song. At approximately 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, the band will present a brand new song that the fans have helped inspire. more on this story

Slash, Staind, Linkin Park Downloads for Japanese Relief

Linkin Park's Music for Relief nonprofit has put together a new Download To Donate album aimed towards Tsunami Relief in Japan. Here is the official word with all of the details:

New, unreleased songs by leading artists, Angels & Airwaves, Sara Bareilles, B'z, Counting Crows, Flyleaf, Hoobastank, Enrique Iglesias, Linkin Park, Pendulum, Plain White T's, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Staind, Slash, Elliott Yamin and more have been compiled by the nonprofit Music For Relief to support Save the Children's emergency response efforts to the multiple disasters in Japan. The exclusive and growing catalog of songs can be downloaded at www.downloadtodonate.org for a donation of $10 or more.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will be directed to Save the Children for the duration of the campaign, which runs through May 11. Several participating artists have direct ties to Japan including Mike Shinoda co-lead vocalist of Linkin Park and Doug Robb of Hoobastank who are both of Japanese decent and B'z, the best selling rock band in Japan. more on this story

Revis Reunite

After eight years and the urging of fans, Revis is back together. The band will celebrate the release of their new single Save Our Souls on April 1st and upcoming album, Do We Have To Beg? on May 20th.

If that isn't enough to talk about; the band is also playing a free show sponsored by 98.7 FM in Los Angeles on April 14th at Club 1616, located downtown at 1616 East 15th Street. They chose to keep the show free for their fans as an expression of their gratitude to them.

Revis will do a short tour of the Midwest and Southern states starting in early in May. The band is intentionally keeping ticket costs to $10 and below on all tour dates they do on this initial headlining run, "The Turnstyle Tour." more on this story

Springsteen Planning Solo Album?

(Gibson) Bruce Springsteen's pal and E Street Bandmate Steven Van Zandt is suggesting that The Boss' next move might be a solo album.

Interviewed on Philadelphia's WMGK radio station, "Little Steven" said that Springsteen has a ton of solo material that he could work with, according to NME.com.

"You know Bruce – he's always got an album in his pocket, he's always writing something," Van Zandt said. "I don't know this for a fact, but I expect him to possibly put something out that's more of a solo nature, before we get back together. Only because he's just so prolific, still, after all these years. more on this story

Rolling Stones, Rush and Nirvana Music Films Become Apps

(Kayos) Eagle Rock Entertainment is releasing a selection of their music films as iPad apps: Nirvana's Nevermind Classic Albums ($5.99), Rush's 2112 & Moving Pictures Classic Albums ($6.99), and Ladies & Gentlemen…The Rolling Stones ($7.99).

The two Classic Albums releases, Nirvana and Rush, originally hit stores in 2005 and 2010, respectively. Part of Eagle Rock's hallmark series, these films utilize band/producer interviews, archive videos, and original multi-track tapes to tell the stories behind some of history's most groundbreaking albums.

Now, the iPad versions of these releases offer even more to the fans, with newly added interactivity. Users can download bonus material and view offline, without having to stay connected to the internet. The social networking component offers the ability to share and comment on any scene, video, or photo. Let your voice be heard! Also, users can fully edit the apps, with the ability to delete or re-download tracks at any time, or browse photo galleries of screenshots from the shows. more on this story

Rush Limited Edition for Record Store Day

(hennemusic) Rush Is A Band reports that Canadian music store, Sunrise Records, has announced that they'll have a 7" limited edition vinyl release of Rush's "Caravan"/"BU2B" for Record Store Day.

Rush Is A Band adds: "It's also possible that other participating stores may have the release available.

Record Store Day happens April 16, 2011 - the official Ambassador for this year's event is Ozzy Osbourne. more on this story

Singled Out: Odd Dimension's The Ecstasy of Hopes

Today Gigi Andreone from Odd Dimension tells us about "The Ecstasy of Hopes" from their brand new album "Symmetrical," which hit stores yesterday. Here is the story:

Well..it was a cold winter night in Alessandria, Italy…I know you're laughing out there! But it was really so, Gianmaria Saddi our guitarist came in the rehearsal room at Christ District with the main intro riff of the song which was structured as a 7/4 - 7/4 -3/4 feel. Don't worry, I'm not gonna do an interview about mathematics, this just to explain you the first nickname of the song was '773'…just some Odd – Dimensional times!

Then obviously back to music and lyrics, the song was named 'The Ecstasy of Hopes' being part of a concept album (Symmetrical our forthcoming album ) ; Federico Pennazzato on drums and I worked immediately to develop this riff rythmically from the quite piano sounding atmospheres of the intro to a straight powerful riff.

The song is in a point of the concept album representing a strong struggle for life of a Father and his Son fighting to mend their existence from the darkness of the past to the light of the future; so here we needed a marked vocal part (our singer Manuel Candiotto from Milan fully got the spirit of it since the first rehearsal room days) and a 'solo fight' instrumental part well represented by the responses of Gabriele Ciaccia on keys to Gian's solo part. Then Antonio Agate's orchestrations did the rest to confer to the whole part the right climax and majesty.

Then everything becomes more clear in the chorus part, opening then to a great struggle between forces of darkness and light (this till the drums part explosion which drives the theme back to the main chorus). It was very exciting to create this song, it's a turning point in the concept behind Symmetrical both musically and lyrically.

We are also proud that this song [is] included in March issue of Classic Rock Presents Prog, don't miss it! Check em out here

Unknown Band Literally Sells Out

(Gibson) An unsigned band from Seattle will now be called The BuyStock.net Band after they auctioned off their naming rights.

According to AlternativeAddiction.com, the group were having difficulty settling on a name. Bassist Kevin Russell encouraged the trio to put up their moniker for sale.

"Initially we didn't take the idea seriously but later realized it was brilliant," singer/guitarist Ben Adley said. "Sports stadiums do it, why not a band?" more on this story

KISS, Megadeth, Disturbed and Rob Zombie for Summer Music Festivals

(Rock AAA) Canada gets hot and heavy this summer as two simultaneous metal festivals have been confirmed for July.

The annual Heavy MTL festival in Montreal has expanded into Toronto (as Heavy TO), and organizers have announced the lineup, for both sites, for the July 23 and 24 weekend events.

Montreal's show at Parc Jean-Drapeau will be headlined by Disturbed (Sat) and KISS (Sun), while Toronto's Downsview Park will see Megadeth (Sat) and Rob Zombie (Sun) at center stage. more on this story

Fabulous Thunderbirds, John Mayall, Lee Rocker Going To Topanga Days Fair

The 38th Annual Topanga Days Fair have announced its Memorial Day weekend lineup.

This year's musical headliners include Fabulous Thunderbirds, John Mayall, Maggie Mayall, Jim Messina, The Stray Cats' Lee Rocker and Yesterday's Child. A more extensive lineup will be announced in the near future.

The fair takes place the Saturday through Monday of Memorial Weekend, May 28, 29 and 30th on the Topanga Community Club grounds at 1440 North Topanga Canyon Blvd in Topanga midway between the 101 and PCH. The Fair opens its gates at 10:00AM more on this story

Deep Purple, Rick Wakeman, Joe Bonamassa Superjam 2011

(Gibson) A host of heavyweight rock names will perform a special show at the Royal Albert Hall in London on July 8 for the Sunflower Jam charity.

Called Superjam 2011, the show will raise awareness for the charity set up by Jackie Paice, wife of Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice.

According to Classic Rock magazine, the charity supports initiatives that Artists confirmed include Deep Purple, Rick Wakeman, Newton Faulkner, Danny Bowes, John Lord and Joe Bonamassa. Actor Jeremy Irons will host the evening. more on this story

Muddy Waters Addition To The Delta Blues Museum Coming

The Delta Blues Museum broke ground on the Museum's new wing, to be dedicated as the Muddy Waters Addition.

The Muddy Waters Addition, encompassing 7,000 square feet and set to open to the public in 2012, features a two-story wing that will house new permanent exhibits and will showcase the remains of the cabin from Stovall Farms, where McKinley Morganfield (aka Muddy Waters) grew up.

Using the museum's collection of artifacts, the new exhibits in the wing will feature the history of Clarksdale's blues culture, as told by the musicians and the music they created. more on this story

Biffy Clyro Hitting The Road With The Foo Fighters

(WBR) Biffy Clyro will be hitting the road with Foo Fighters for a portion of their spring tour.

The string of dates, which kick off May 17th in Tulsa, OK, will follow a run with Cage the Elephant and an appearance at the Bamboozle Festival in Rutherford, NJ April 30th.

The Scottish trio is fresh off a successful US headlining tour, which included sold-out NYC and LA shows, a KROQ Backyard BBQ performance and a performance on FUEL TV's The Daily Habit. more on this story

The Letter Black Kick Off Limited Edition Collector Series

Yesterday The Letter Black released the first of three collector discs showcasing exclusive tracks, B-sides from the debut, as well as new recordings.

Hanging On By A Thread Sessions Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, will be available only at live shows, digital outlets (iTunes/Amazon), and on the TNN store.

Yesterday's release, Vol. 1, contains the songs "Fire With Fire," "Fire With Fire" (N.Y.C. Amyl Nitrate Mix), "Useless Alibis," "While You're Away," "Collapse," and the "Fire With Fire" music video. more on this story

U2, Bon Jovi, Justin Bieber, Rihanna For Japanese Relief

(Gibson) Universal Music has announced that the label hopes to release a digital album by the end of the week to help raise funds for the victims of the recent Japanese earthquakes and tsunami.

Artists who have already agreed to appear on the album include U2, Bon Jovi, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, with other announcements to follow soon.

There are no details yet on tracklisting or whether any of the material will be new or previously unreleased. A spokesman for Universal said, "We are doing it only digitally because it is faster, and this will be a worldwide release." more on this story

Paul Weller, Primal Scream, Richard Ashcroft, Beady Eye Japan Benefit

(Gibson) Beady Eye, Primal Scream, Paul Weller, Richard Ashcroft, The Coral and Graham Coxon will play a charity show in London to benefit the victims of the Japan earthquake.

According to Music Week the show will takes place at London's Brixton 02 Academy on April 3.

All proceeds from the fundraiser concert will go to the British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal. Tickets are limited to four per person and go on sale Friday March 25.

SoundCheck Hollywood Opening Delayed Until Record Store Day

The big opening for a new Hollywood rock mecca has been postponed due to bureaucratic red tape. Here is the official word: Following a blitzkrieg of promotion announcing SoundCheck Hollywood's grand opening comes the unfortunate reality of the store's big day being postponed due in part to the City of West Hollywood and their pesky permits.

The hype behind this opening and the slew of RSVP's for the big Asking Alexandria and I See Stars' signings today forced city officials to step in and delay this event for another few weeks.

However, on National Record Store Day (April 16th) the store will be cleared and well primed to launch the biggest celebratory occasion that the Sunset Strip hasn't seen in years. SoundCheck Hollywood promises this will be a night for the ages for all metal/hard rock fans. more on this story

Modest Mouse Announce Dates

Modest Mouse are hitting the road this May for a handful of dates with support provided by Talkdemonic.

The band announced four shows including three headlining dates leading into the sold-out Sasquatch! Music Festival on May 29th in George, WA.

Tickets for the band's headline dates go on sale at 10 AM local time on Friday, March 25th. more on this story

Bring Me The Horizon Release Blessed With A Curse Video

Bring Me The Horizon have released a new music video for "Blessed With A Curse" from their new album There Is A Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It .

Epitaph bills as thus: "Between heartfelt screams, shattered glass, and pounding riffs, Bring Me The Horizon feature a video unlike anything they have ever done before." Watch it and decide for yourself here

Bring Me The Horizon are currently on the road with A Day To Remember with dates from coast to coast. dates

Death Cab for Cutie Tour

Death Cab for Cutie have announced a tour that will hit intimate venues in select cities across North America and will feature alternating support from The Lonely Forest and Bright Eyes.

Death Cab for Cutie are touring in support of their forthcoming album, "Codes And Keys," which is set to hit stores and at all DSPs on May 31st.

The tour begins May 18th at Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre, followed by further stops in Chicago, Minneapolis, New York City, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. more on this story

RIP Steel Guitar Great Ralph Mooney

(Gibson) Ralph Mooney, steel guitar pioneer and key figure in the Bakersfield sound has died. Mooney played with Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard and co-wrote the song "Crazy Arms," which went to #1 in 1956 for Ray Price.

According to the LA Times Mooney died at home in Kennedale, Texas, from cancer related complications.

He had recently played on Marty Stuart's 2010 Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions. more on this story

Peter Bjorn and John Late Night and Album Stream

Peter Bjorn and John are scheduled to perform on Thursday's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

They will treat viewers to a live performance of their new single "Second Chance."

The track comes from their brand new album, Gimme Some,, which hits stores next Tuesday, March 29th. NPR is currently streaming the entire album here

The Elvis Presley Experience Encore

Elvis Presley's biography and enduring legacy are celebrated in a graphic novel set to hit shelves on March 30th.

"The Elvis Presley Experience" is the latest Bluewater Productions encore release of vintage Rock 'n' Roll Comics issues. The original 6 issues were published by Revolutionary Comics in the early 1990s, but Bluewater's offering combines all the issues into one 148-page trade publication.

According to original publisher and writer Jay Sanford, this take "is both scholarly and dramatic in its graphic recreation of the King's remarkable life story." more on this story

Bob Dylan Box Of Vision Limited Edition Announced

(Noble) Box Of Vision have announced the Bob Dylan Archive; an officially licensed triple book collection. The limited edition first print will be released in April 2011 and will be available from select retailers in time for Father's Day on Sunday June 19th.

Beautifully packaged in a luxurious, linen-covered showcase box, the Archive is comprised of:

* The Storage Book, which gives fans the ability to store and organise their existing Bob Dylan CD catalogue and memorabilia. The Storage Book is specifically designed to hold all 43 of Dylan's CD albums, it has additional room for later retrospective hits albums and compilations, and is expandable to store even more.

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Avenged Sevenfold, A Perfect Circle, Korn, Staind and More To Rock On The Range

The daily performance lineups have been announced for the Fifth Annual Rock On The Range festival.

The rock music festival is set to take place on May 21-22 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Some of the mainstage acts include Avenged Sevenfold, A Perfect Circle, Korn, Staind, Disturbed, Stone Sour, Black Label Society, Alter Bridge and Hinder. full lineup

Quiet Riot, Warrant and LA Guns To Deliver Metal Health Down Under

(Rock AAA) Quiet Riot are set to headline the Metal Health package show featuring Warrant and LA Guns for dates down under in late spring.

Now fronted by Mark Huff, spotted in a Van Halen tribute band by drummer Frankie Benali, QR are currently playing shows in the US and are now set to spread their wings and head south.

Huff was keen to assure Riot fans that he was not a replacement for the late Kevin DuBrow who died in 2007 and was seen by many fans to be irreplaceable. more on this story

Oasis is yesterday: An Earful from Liam Gallagher

MTV Hive have posted a new interview with Beady Eye fronted by former Oasis star, Liam Gallagher. Some of the jewels from Liam include: The future of Oasis: "Get over it. Oasis is yesterday. It's f**king done."

Ryan Adam's version of Wonderwall: "It's sh*t to me, man. I like Ryan Adams and I like some of his songs. But I hated what he did with 'Wonderwall.' It's not his fault. To be quite honest, I've never really cared for the original either."

Why you won't hear Oasis songs on the Beady Eye tour: "We could've if we wanted, but we've got a lot more f**king self-respect. It's why we don't f**king play somebody else's f**king songs when we can make our own. Check out the full interview here

The Vaccines Announce Arctic Monkeys Dates

The Vaccines have announced that their first U.S. tour will be a trek with the Arctic Monkeys this spring.

The tour kicks off on May 17th in Washington D.C. ending a 13 date run at Los Angeles Hollywood Palladium.

This handful of tour dates will also include the bands U.S. release date of their debut album "What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?" out May 31st on Columbia Records. more on this story