Slipknot and Justin Bieber Mashup- Jamiroquai Crew Death- Duff McKagan Lies Book- Incubus Done- Daltrey Tributes Entwistle- King Kobra Tribute Dio- Iron Maiden- more

On this day in 2005, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne were forced to flee their Buckinghamshire mansion after a blaze broke out while they were sleeping. The couple were roused by a fire alarm and ran to safety in the garden, rescuing their pets as they escaped. Find out what else happened on this date in music history here

Why Guns N' Roses Dropped Queen's Brian May From CD

Queen legend Brian May recorded a solo for a song on Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy album but fans were dismayed when the solo didn't make the album. It turns out that there was a very good reason for the omission. Gibson has the story:

In 1999, former Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker reached out to his old working partner, Brian May, to contribute to the long-awaited (and would wait for many more years thereafter) Guns N' Roses album, Chinese Democracy. May, who was friendly with Axl Rose since the band's performance at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert in 1992, happy accepted the invitation to play a solo on the track, "Catcher N' the Rye." May told Uncut magazine, "It was fun, to throw something in there to help out a friend."

According to Rose, though, May's solo was left off the record, mainly due to his own post-production work with co-producer Sean Beavan. "Brian's solo itself is a personal fave of mine and I really couldn't understand, as he's such a rock legend, why it wasn't openly appreciated more at the time. In actuality, all that feel and emotion referred to now had a lot to do with Sean and I and the parts I chose out of Brian's different runs, versions, practice runs, etc., to make sure we had those elements in one version. It's entirely constructed from edits based around one specific note Brian hit in a throwaway take. And though Brian seems to have warmed a bit to it, at least publicly, he was unfortunately none too pleased at the time with our handiwork. I remember looking at Brian standing to my left and him staring at the big studio speakers a bit aghast saying, 'But that's not what I played.' Sean Beavan and I were not in any way trying to mess with Brian, we just did what we do and then try and do our best to stand up for our decisions." more on this story

ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd Tour

ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd are teaming up this spring for The Rebels & Bandoleros Tour.

The two groups, whose respective histories have been intertwined since the early 1970s, are set for a string of tour dates together starting May 12 in Wichita, KS and continuing for the next three weeks. The tour marks the first time in many years that these iconic standard-bearers of Southern Rock will have toured so extensively together.

"Rebels and Bandolers is more of a coming together of friends more than a mere tour," Billy Gibbons commented. "We're delighted to be hitting the road with our Skynyrd brethren once more. It's going to be a great ride."

Johnny Van Zant remarked, "Eleven years ago we toured together for eleven months straight. We love the guys in ZZ and their music, and can't wait to get back out on the road with them. This show is an event that the fans are going to love. Two legendary bands in one night – what more can the fans ask for to kick off the summer of 2011!" more on this story

Queens of the Stone Age Reunion Rejected

(Gibson) Former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri says his request to rejoin the band on stage was denied by frontman Josh Homme.

"I saw [Queens of the Stone Age] play in L.A.," Oliveri told UGO.com. "I was down there and I mentioned to them, 'Why don't I come up and do 'Millionaire' or something, and sing it and not play bass?' [Homme] was like, 'Nah, I don't think that's a good idea yet.'"

Oliveri, who left Queens of the Stone Age in 2004, now plays bass for the newly reunited Kyuss – renamed Kyuss Lives! Homme also once played in the band. Despite the recent rebuff, Oliveri says he and Homme are on good terms. more on this story

Singled Out: The Black Dots of Death (Slipknot)

You know him as Clown from Slipknot but his other musical adventure, The Black Dots of Death, are releasing a brand new album, 'Ever Since We Were Children,' next week. To celebrate we asked Clown to tell us about the new single "Standing Alone." Enjoy!

"Maybe, baby, slit your throat." Our current single is a song called "Standing Alone" I am not going to speak about the words of the song because I did not write them and they are open for interpretation for all of us that have not written them, which is special. However, I can tell you I practically write a song a day, which in return become demos for projects that I become part of. So, these songs that are demos, seeds so to speak, are always looking for a place to live. This one found its resting place in The Black Dots of Death.

I am always continuously listening to my own music to analyze what I have created and to learn from it, to proceed towards an evolution in my own creative process. I was with my partner in The Black Dots of Death driving to a studio listening to a CD of my music and as we were talking "Standing Alone," which had a different name at the time came on and my partner asked me what I had planned for the song. I told him, "I've written it, but I don't know where its home is." He looked at me and said, "I would love the chance to get on this if you ever allowed me to." That particular day we were headed up to the studio to work on the recent project I was in and I wasn't really feeling like working on that project on that day, so I let instinct take over and together we wrote the song "Standing Alone".

Then one other person who is involved with The Black Dots of Death as well contributed other musical instruments that hadn't already been put on the song. I'm not mentioning these people by name at the moment because there is plenty of time to get to the facts of everything. Right now I am waiting for the record to come out on March 29th. At that point we will start getting to the bottom of everything and everyone.

"Standing Alone" came from a day that I was severely depressed and violent. I recorded all the instruments that my partner heard on my own and he could feel where I was at and the pain that I was feeling and that's why he wanted to be a part of it, because we are brothers from different realities. The song used to have a sample that I had taken from the History Channel, but at the last minute we decided that it potentially didn't belong with the song, for the simple fact of taking the seed away from the imprint. "Give me the knife or slit your throat."

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

Heavy Metal Film Fest

(Gibson) The Heavy Metal Film Fest, the first event devoted strictly to metal movies, has announced its schedule, which will include movies about KISS, AC/DC, Meshuggah, Anvil and G.G. Allin, among many others. The festival is taking place March 31 through April 3 at the Downtown Independent Cinema in Los Angeles.

On the short films lineup, Faces of Budokan deals with KISS' three-night stand at Tokyo's legendary Budokan venue in 2003. Focusing on the many Japanese fans who came to the show in full costume, the movie has been described as Heavy Metal Parking Lot meets the KISS Army. Another short film entry, Beyond the Thunder, focuses on music fans – specifically the legions of AC/DC fanatics around the world.

Other festival films include Todd Phillips' 1994 film Hated: G.G. Allin and the Murder Junkies, the concert film Alive: Meshuggah and the lauded documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil, which will be followed by a Q&A with director Sacha Gervasi and band member Steve "Lips" Kudlow. more on this story

Steve Vai Sets World Record

(Gibson) Guitar great Steve Vai and Berklee College of Music have set the Guinness World Record for the world's largest online guitar lesson.

According to Iheartguitarblog.com, the lesson took place at Livestream Studios in New York City on March 3, and brought together almost 7,000 members of the international guitar community in a celebration of online music education. Guinness certified the world record based on Berklee having recruited 4,455 students to the lesson during the first 15 minutes.

"I hope this record encourages players to continue to cultivate their own unique style and spirit on the guitar," Vai said. "I think this record really showcases the interest that exists in guitar education worldwide. It was a true pleasure working with an institution like Berkleemusic, who shares my interest in helping to bring more skilled musicians into the world." more on this story

Bob Seger Talks New Album

(Gibson) Bob Seger is currently in the studio with his Silver Bullet Band recording his first album since Face the Promise in 2006.

"There isn't a song on it quite like anything I've done before," Seger told Billboard. "I'm really making an effort to break new ground on it, that's the best I can say – different feels, different speeds, different approaches to the stuff I do."

Seger is currently streaming a version of the Tom Waits classic "Downtown Train" that he plans to include on the new album. Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow have also recorded contributions. Seger, who is rehearsing with the Silver Bullet Band in Kid Rock's rehearsal space outside of Detroit, plans to "take a little while off" to finish writing. He also plans to add new songs and old favorites to the set list. more on this story

Corey Scared To Death About Slipknot Comeback Gig

(Gibson) Corey Taylor, frontman for rock band Slipknot has admitted to being "scared to death" of playing live again after bass player's Paul Gray's death.

The Daily Express, reports the band have not played since Gray's overdose last May but they are due to make a comeback at Sonisphere this summer.

Taylor told Kerrang! magazine, "I'm scared to death. I'm nowhere near prepared for the emotion that's going to happen. That first show is really going to be the test. That tour for the most part is going to be a test. It's very hard, man... It's still reverberating through my life... We're coming up to the year anniversary of his death, and I still can't [expletive] handle it."

Original Funk Brother To Receive Honor

Legendary Detroit guitarist and member of Motown's original Funk Brothers backing band, Dennis Coffey, is being honored with a Distinguished Achievement Award at this year's Detroit Music Awards on April 16th.

He will play a live set at the event, including a collaboration with one of Michigan's new soul generation, Mayer Hawthorne (who adds guest vocals to the track "All Your Goodies Are Gone" on the new album).

Coffey is also nominated in the Outstanding Video (Independent Budget) category for the video for his instrumental cover of Cee-Lo Green's "F**k You." more on this story

New York Dolls Limited Editions For Record Store Day

429 Records have announced a limited 12" vinyl edition of The New York Dolls new album, "Dancing Backward In High Heels," as well as a 7" vinyl edition of the single "Fool For You Baby" which will be available on April 16th exclusively at independent retailers nationwide to coincide with "Record Store Day."

"Dancing Backward In High Heels" debuted in the Top 10 of Billboard's "Heatseekers" chart as well as Billboard's "Alternative Artists" chart this week.

Sales were strong nationwide as they landed at #21 on Billboard's "Current Independent Store" chart and the Top 50 overall sales in their hometown of New York City. more on this story

Ray Davies Ready Steady Go To Curate Music Festival

(Gibson) Kinks legend Ray Davies will attempt to recreate '60s TV show Ready Steady Go! when he curates the London Meltdown festival this summer.

According to The Guardian, Davies said, "When The Kinks performed 'You Really Got Me' on there live, it put the record to #1. There's something missing from our culture now, that kind of show. Yes, we have The X Factor, but Ready Steady Go! allowed the performers to be themselves; they weren't manufactured."

Davies also plans to assemble a diverse lineup of guests for the 2011 Meltdown, including the Fugs, Nick Lowe, Madness, Lydia Lunch, Yo La Tengo, Arthur Brown, the Legendary Pink Dots and the Alan Price Set. Davies himself will play with his new band and with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. more on this story

Beatles Landmark To Be Destroyed

(Gibson) Though the threat of demolition has loomed large over Ringo Starr's Liverpool birthplace since 2005, it now seems more real than ever.

The final demolition notice was issued this week for 9 Madryn Street, a dilapidated red brick building with boarded windows. Hundreds more Victorian terraced houses are also expected to be bulldozed.

This week Liverpool City Council leader Joe Anderson told Clickliverpool.com, "The community in that area have been waiting for 11 years to have these houses demolished and believe they have waited long enough." more on this story

Keith Richards Japanese Relief Effort

(Gibson) Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is the latest musical artist to contribute to the relief effort for Japan in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami and earthquakes two weeks ago. Richards is designing a T-shirt from which sales proceeds will be donated to the Japan Society's Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

"For decades, Japanese fans have been some of the most passionate supporters of rock and roll. Now they need our help," Richards said on his website. "Let's come together now to get our brothers and sisters through this difficult time and help them rebuild as soon as possible."

In other efforts, Universal Music recently announced that U2 and Bon Jovi would contribute to a new benefit album. Meanwhile Beady Eye, Paul Weller and Primal Scream will perform at a benefit concert in London on April 3. more on this story

Hugh Cornwell To Play Stranglers' Rattus Norvegicus IV In Full At Tour Closer

Former Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell has special plans for the final show of his North American/Canadian tour this Sunday at Alex's Bar in Long Beach.

The show consists of two sets - the first a collection of Stranglers hits and classic solo material, with the second featuring The Stranglers seminal debut album 'Rattus Norvegicus IV', performed in its entirety.

The band features Hugh on electric guitar and vocals, legendary drummer Clem Burke (Blondie) and Steve Fishman (James White & The Blacks) on bass and vocals. more on this story

Gwar's Oderus Has A New Gig

Gwar frontthing Oderus Urungus has landed a new gig. Oderus will be spreading the disease as a weekly contributor to the biggest nationally syndicated metal show in the US - Full Metal Jackie.

That's right kids, every week from now until the end of time (or at least until he gets kicked off), the biggest mouth in metal shall descend "as Zeus from Mt. Olympus", and deliver "The Metal Minute", an up-to-date and concise weekly reporting of the latest or at least most-revolting metal news.

"My position gives me access---I see things. And I make a bunch of s*** up," said Oderus. "I especially love to embarrass and humiliate these rock stars with tales of frozen Snickers bars being wedged deeply into any number on semi-famous buttholes." more on this story

Vivian To Stay True To Def Leppard

(Rock News Desk) Guitarist Vivian Campbell won't play sets with Thin Lizzy when they open for Def Leppard at two shows in Ireland this summer.

The Irishman says his loyalties lie with his "day job" outfit and it wouldn't be right to pull double shifts on June 7 in Belfast and June 8 in Dublin – so Lizzy are currently looking for a replacement.

Campbell joined Scott Gorham and co after Def Lep singer Joe Elliott recommended him for the job, and says he hasn't enjoyed playing so much since he was a teenager. But he always knew his time with Phil Lynott's legacy outfit would end. more on this story

Gamma Ray Karaoke Fan Challenge

Gamma Ray is taking a new approach to the compilation album concept by including a karaoke challenge to fans. Here is what we were sent:

Set for release in the US and Canada on May 31st via Armoury Records/Eagle Rock Entertainment, Skeletons & Majesties is a collection of songs Gamma Ray gathered from previous albums represented in two completely different styles. The purpose of the disc is simply to have fun, and to give fans a heads-up on what is in store for the band in the coming months, as well as involve their fans in the upcoming actions.

The first two tracks are the "Skeletons," featuring brand new versions of some of Gamma Ray's songs rarely (if ever) played live, including "Hold Your Ground" (from their Heading For Tomorrow album) and "Brothers" (from the Insanity And Genius album). The second section, "Majesties," is where the band display two more new versions of rarities, "Send Me A Sign (originally on the Powerplant release) and "Rebellion In Dreamland" (originally on Land Of The Free), both performed in a new acoustic presentation. more on this story

Nirvana Exhibit Coming

(Gibson) A new exhibition, Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses, opens in Seattle in April.

Memorabilia on display includes a cardigan worn by Kurt Cobain, handwritten lyrics and more than 200 other band artifacts. According to NME.com, the exhibition will run from April 16-22 at the Experience Music Project in Seattle.

Bassist Krist Novoselic said: "It's great that there will soon be a collection that celebrates [Cobain's] contribution to music and culture. There's a story with Nirvana at its center, but it's a story that also includes the many people, bands and institutions that make up a music community." more on this story

SSS Explain New Album Title

(Earache) SSS recently finished recording their forthcoming album, which is due to be released later this year on Earache Records.

The new album, titled Problems To The Answer, was recorded at Whitewood Studios in the band's home town of Liverpool and is produced by Rob Whiteley along with SSS bassist MARK MAGILL.

SSS frontman Foxy explains the title of the new album: "The title Problems To The Answer gives outspoken practical solutions to problems faced in everyday life. External factors shape not only today, but yesterday and into tomorrow. SSS attempts to provide answers - for better or worse - in our most vicious recording to date more on this story

Mars Attacks Q Ball

(PR) Ron Scalzo, AKA Q*Ball of Return To Earth, Bald Freak Music, and Q*Ball Fame is featured during the latest episode of Mars Attacks Podcast.

During the episode we discuss all of the bands mentioned above, his label Bald Freak Music, his relationship with Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, his desire to score a movie soundtrack and more.

The episode contains music from Return to Earth, Bumblefoot, and Wayne. Check it out here

Cerebral Bore For A Day of Sonic Obliteration

(Earache) Cerebral Bore are preparing for a headlining performance at 'A Day of Sonic Obliteration' this Sunday, 27th March in London, UK.

The band will be celebrating the upcoming Earache Records release of their debut album, Maniacal Miscreation, which is due to be released on April 11th in Europe and June 7th in North America..

Cerebral Bore guitarist Paul McGuire comments: "This Sunday we're headlining an all-dayer at the Purple Turtle in Camden. It's our first show since we signed to Earache and we are chuffed to be doing it in London! Always a good reception and up-for-it gig-goers. It will be good to see some of the other bands on the bill that we are already familiar with, especially Dead Beyond Buried. London, prepare to be repeatedly jabbed in the face by a live dose of Maniacal Miscreation!" more on this story

Andy Grammer Announces Tour With Plain White T's

Andy Grammer has confirmed a run of spring tour dates with Plain White T's.

Grammer's tour with the Plain White T's kicks off April 3 in Austin, TX and wraps in 5/14 - Treasure Island, FL on May 14th.

Grammer will be touring in support his forthcoming debut LP, due out in June on S-Curve Records. more on this story

Dropkick Murphys Summer Tour

Dropkick Murphys have announced their North American summer tour dates in support of their new CD Going Out In Style.

The trek kicks off with a May 28 Memorial Day Weekend headlining performance at the Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival in downtown Las Vegas. Dropkick Murphys will then launch a string of shows starting June 19 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The tour is highlighted by a headlining slot at the annual 4th of July weekend Hootenanny in Irvine, CA, where DKM will join such artists as Reverend Horton Heat, Murder City Devils, Supersuckers, Swingin' Utters, Royal Crown Revue, John Doe and more. more on this story

iDrum: A Free Digital Magazine For Drummers Announced

(PR) LickLibrary has launched iDrum, the world's first truly interactive magazine for drummers. iDrum magazine is free of charge and contains news, reviews, lessons and hours of video content.

iDrum has been created by a team led by industry veteran editor Ian Croft. The launch issue of iDrum features part one of an exclusive in-depth 40-minute video interview with Rush's Neil Peart together with exclusive images from the current 'Time Machine' tour.

Other video interviews include Derrick Mckenzie (Jamiroquai), Gil Sharone (Dillinger Escape Plan) and legendary British drummer Jon Hiseman. You also get exclusive footage of Simon Phillips and Gavin Harrison preparing for their Guitar Center 'Drum-Off' duet. more on this story