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On this day in 1980, Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon spent its 303rd week on the U.S. album chart, beating the previous record set by Carole King's Tapestry.
Find out what else happened on this date in music history here

Singer Explains Fan Beating

(Rock News Desk) Justin 'Justice' Tripp of Trapped Under Ice has explained his actions at a show in Germany at the weekend where he was seen beating up a member of the audience.

He admits he took things too far after he fell off the stage and became embroiled with an audience member – but that he met the person in question after show and offered an apology, which was accepted. Tripp says he fell off the stage and landed badly, finding himself surrounded by the traditional strenuous physical activity near the front of a hardcore band's audience.

A struggle broke out between the singer and the audience member, which stopped the show as crew dived in to split the pair apart. Tripp returned to the stage and called the fan out, saying: "I'm not a f**king super hero. Don't jump on me, don't f**king hit me. If you want to hit me get the f**k up here." After a few moments he'd calmed down and called on house security to leave the fan alone, saying: "Let the kid stay – let him stay and enjoy himself. He ain't got to go nowhere." Now Tripp has explained himself in public

Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy Hits The Bargain Bin

(hennemusic) Best Buy is now practically giving Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" album away.

As the exclusive U.S. retailer for "Democracy," Best Buy is offering a special deal on copies of the CD; you can now purchase the album via BestBuy.com for just $1.99.

The retailer reportedly paid $14 million for 1.6 million copies of the album, according to Hits; to date, "Democracy" has sold just 614,000 copies in the U.S., based on Nielsen SoundScan reports. more on this story

Slayer, Rob Zombie and Exodus Summer Tour

As we promised yesterday, here is the official word along with the dates for this summer's Slayer, Rob Zombie and Exodus tour!

Rob Zombie and Slayer are teaming up to hit the road, bringing a glorious purgatory to fans in 12 North American cities. The co-headline trek kicks off Wednesday, July 20 at the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA.

"We haven't toured with Zombie since Ozzfest 1999, so you can expect no less than 'hell on earth,'" said Slayer's Kerry King. "Total sonic annihilation and a visual bludgeoning. Bring your own body bag..." more on this story

U2 Tops AC/DC, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen and Guns N' Roses

(Rock News Desk) Readers of Rolling Stone magazine have voted U2′s The Joshua Tree the best album of the 1980s – just ahead of Guns N' Roses' Appetite for Destruction and Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA.

Editors admit it was "a close race" ultimate won by Bono and co, while AC/DC, the Clash and Metallica also made the top ten list.

They admit London Calling made the grade by "the skin of its teeth" because although the Clash album was released in the UK in December 1979, it appeared in the US the following month. more on this story

Heaven & Hell Blu-Ray

(Rock AAA) Heaven & Hell's "Live From Radio City Music Hall" 2007 concert will be released on Blu-ray disc on May 17 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The Blu-ray will contain lots of bonus features that were not on the original DVD.

The "Live At Radio City Music Hall" DVD has sold around 60,000 copies in the United States since its August 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"Live From Radio City Music Hall" captures Heaven & Hell bashing its way through some of the Dio era's best including "Mob Rules," "Die Young," "Neon Knights," "Children Of The Sea" and an epic 15-minute-plus version of "Heaven And Hell." more on this story

Peter Gabriel Announces Spring Tour

Peter Gabriel announced that he is taking his New Blood tour to 12 North American cities beginning Friday, June 10 in Berkeley, CA.

On the tour Gabriel will perform classics from his deep catalogue including hits from his multiplatinum album "So," which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, all arranged with his New Blood Orchestra.

The songs will be arranged by long-time Gabriel collaborator John Metcalf and the New Blood Orchestra will be conducted by Ben Foster. more on this story

Whitesnake Outselling Britney Spears

On Friday we will publish Morley Seaver's exclusive interview with Whitesnake's David Coverdale, but we thought we would give you a little taste with this excerpt where we learn that the band's new album is proving more popular than Britney Spears.

antiMusic: The new album is just absolutely smoking, David and I would have to put it up there as your most complete record, on par with the '87 record, if not more so.

David: You know it's interesting, Morley. I don't do the comparisons. I'll leave that up to you guys. But I get people who are weeping when they discuss the title track or "Fare Thee Well". The songs are seemingly connecting as deeply as '87 did, in that consciousness. On the business side, I just got the information that in Europe, we've got 37 per cent more pre-orders than Britney Spears' last record so there's hope for civilization yet. But I don't know why…it's capturing some mystical ingredients. I know with Doug Aldrich and I, the Whitesnake muse was upon us and I'm thrilled with what we've achieved and what the musicians have brought to the songs. That was no question. But something else is definitely buzzing around here. And I'm open to receiving because it's just overwhelmingly positive.

We'll have more from this interview this week and you can read the full thing on Friday!

Def Leppard May or May Not Rock On New Album

(Rock News Desk) Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell says he and fellow axeman Phil Collen are hoping the band's next album is a hard rock outing but they can't guarantee it.

The band will start writing their next record when they hit the road in June following a year off after their Songs from the Sparkle Lounge album and tour. Collen has already said he'd like their twelfth studio opus to lean towards early works On Through the Night and High 'n' Dry, and Campbell says he agrees with the sentiment. But it won't necessarily be their call.

Campbell, who's coming to the end of his "dream come true" stint with the 2011 lineup of Thin Lizzy, tells Guitar International: "Phil and I are championing it – but it takes a little more patience for us than for other bands." He explains here

Singled Out: Within Temptation's Faster

Today Robert Westerholt from Within Temptation tells us about "Faster" from their brand new album "The Unforgiving," which hit stores today! Here is the story:

It's quite bizarre how uncontrollable songwriting very often is. You can work for hours even days on idea cause you think it's great and in the end have you have to let it go cause you can't make it work.

On rare occasions it works the other way around. On a day like any other in the studio room you're sitting down with a guitar. Then like by themselves your hands start to play a random chord scheme and without realizing the other one starts humming a melody. Just because you're used to record almost every idea on your phone you press the record button. 5 min later you realize it's a pretty nice basic idea for song. Then with like any other good idea the rest goes by itself like the song's got a will of its own.

Now this was pretty much the case with Faster. Sharon came home with an idea and wasn't even so eager to let me hear it cause she didn't think it was anything special. But I was curious so I put it on. Straightaway, the moment I heard it I was in love with it. It was so powerful and intense and still such a simple and straightforward song.

For years I've been trying to write a song like that, one simple strong melody line and one three chord scheme throughout the whole song. I never got it to work. But now it was there, finally, and what a good feeling to have it. So often also with good songs you never struggle with them. The whole recording and mixing process of the song was a joy, going by itself. Without realizing it till the very end, we had our first single just like that. An unexpected gift and those are always the nicest ones.

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

Dave Davies Doesn't Rule Out Kinks Reunion

(Gibson) It seems there is still a possibility of a Kinks reunion. Guitarist Dave Davies, when asked by Music-News.com about the possibility of the Kinks reforming, said: "I don't see much of Mick [Avory] these days but I see Ray [Davies] from time to time. There are no definite plans but nothing is definitely ruled out."

Drummer Avory and the Davies brothers are the only original Kinks remaining, following the death of bassist Pete Quaife last year. In the interview, Dave also talked about the legendary British band's early days and his revolutionary guitar sound.

"Next door to the studio there was a radio spares shop and they had this little amp and speaker combo, a green Elpico in the window," he said. "I plugged the Elpico into the inputs of my AC30 using the Elpico as a sort of pre-amp and it sounded great but I still wasn't satisfied. The speaker was in an open frame and I took a razor blade and slashed the speaker cone and now it gave me a distorted and jagged sound I started using that in the live shows that I performed with the band and that was the sound we used on 'You Really Got Me.' That sound was really important to us as it opened the door for many other forms and allowed us to experiment more." more on this story

Hear Rock and Metal Stars Cover Frank Sinatra Hits

We told that this was coming and the day has arrived. Some of your favorite rock, hard rock and metal stars take on Frank Sinatra classics on the new album, SIN-Atra, which hit stores today.

This all-star project, created from the team that brought you the merry, molten melodies of We Wish You A Metal Xmas, reinvents the classic songs that the great Frank Sinatra performed and, in turn, made famous. These twelve cherished tunes, written by some of the greatest songwriters of all time, are given a radical hard rock/heavy metal treatment, resulting in electrically charged versions of the classics.

Some of the most potent and recognizable voices of rock rework such legendary gems as "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Strangers In The Night," and "That's Life," including Dee Snider, Robin Zander, Glenn Hughes, Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate, , Tim "Ripper" Owens, Eric Martin, and dUg Pinnick. Producers Bob Kulick, of KISS and Meat Loaf fame, and Brett Chassen, recreated these songs on guitar and drums, respectively, rounded out by Billy Sheehan (bass) and Doug Katsaros (keyboards, orchestration). Also making an appearance as lead guitarist on "That's Life" is renowned rock guitarist Richie Kotzen. AOL is hosting a free listening party for the album that you can check out here

Tracklisting

Bloc Party Comeback?

(Gibson) Bloc Party guitarist Russell Lissack has left his temporary live gig with Irish chart-toppers Ash, prompting speculation that his main band is getting ready to rock again.

Bloc Party have been on hiatus since 2009. During that time, Lissack released an album with his side project, Pin Me Down, while singer Kele Okereke released a solo album and bass player Gordon Moakes released an album with Young Legionnaire.

Ash's Tim Wheeler told The Sun, "Russell's been brilliant and we'll have him for our festival, hopefully. Then we'll have to think. I do enjoy having the second guitarist so we've got our eyes peeled." more on this story

Seether Guitarist Explains Exit From Band

(Rock News Desk) Seether guitarist Troy McLawhorn says he didn't want to quit the band but he had no choice due to "personal friction" with one of the other members.

The South African post-grunge outfit announced McLawhorn's decision at the beginning of this month but original statements were neutral, simply referring to "other interests."

But now he's has made a more forthcoming statement explaining: "I won't be at any of the upcoming Seether shows because I have put in my notice that I'm leaving the band. I wish I could stay – but because of personal friction with another member I have to leave for my own happiness. I hope everyone understands." more on this story

Queensryche Announce New Album

(Gibson) Queensryche have set Dedicated to Chaos as the name of their new album, to be released later this year on Roadrunner/Loud & Proud.

The album was recorded in Queensrÿche's hometown of Seattle and was produced by Kelly Gray, who also produced the band's previous album, American Soldier, and the first guitarist to step into the shoes of founder Chris DeGarmo.

Singer Geoff Tate said of the album, "Modern life moves fast. Plug into the rhythm of the now with our 12th studio album, Dedicated to Chaos. The clash and slash of musical experimentation anchored by the pulse of digital code." Tate remained tight-lipped on what to expect sonically from Dedicated to Chaos, although he did offer one hint: "Enjoy – headphones are a must." more on this story

Dio Bootleg Getting Proper Release

(hennemusic) This has been floating around the bootleg market for years, so it's nice to see it finally getting a proper release. On April 26th, IDS/Rock Tapes/Fontana North Canada is releasing Dio's "Live in Bulgaria."

The set was recorded in Sofia, Bulgaria at Festivalna Hall in front of 7,000 people for TV on September 20th, 1998.

The Dio line-up featured Ronnie James Dio (vocals ), Tracy G (guitars), Larry Dennison (bass), Scott Warren (keyboards) and Simon Wright (drums). more on this story

Dead to Fall, Trap Them Supergroup Enabler Announce Reissues

Creator-Destructor Records had this announcement about signing Enabler to their roster: To celebrate the addition of Enabler to the label's roster, Creator-Destructor Records will be re-releasing the band's entire discography thus far, via digipak CD on May 22nd.

Appropriately titled "Year One," this culmination of the band's previous releases ("Eden Sank to Grief" and "War Begins With You") will feature brand new artwork courtesy of Jimpaler, who also handled the layout for "War Begins With You."

Enabler's previous releases were recorded and mixed at Howl Street Recordings in Milwaukee by engineer Shane Hotchstetler (Northless, Get Rad, Protestant, Call Me Lightning) in March and June of 2010, and then remixed in January of 2011. Both records will be remastered by Zack Ohren (Heartsounds, Animosity) for the release of "Year One." more on this story

William Shatner The Headbanger

(Gibson) Star Trek star and legendary actor William Shatner will soon be made an Honorary Headbanger. Shatner will receive the Honorary Headbanger Award at the upcoming Revolver Golden Gods Awards. The show will take place April 20 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.

"Short of receiving an Emmy for my superb voice, the Honorary Headbanger Award is the next best thing," Shatner said, according to BraveWords.com. "Praise be you won't hear me sing."

Although Shatner joked about singing, he's currently working on a new album – a space-themed concept record titled Seeking Major Tom. The man who played Captain James T. Kirk has been working with an all-star lineup of musicians on the project. His collaborators include Queen's Brian May, Deep Purple's Ian Paice, Yes' Steve Howe, Peter Frampton and Zakk Wylde. more on this story

Slash Auction A Huge Success

(Rock AAA) Slash has decided to clear out his garage and auction off his personal belongings for charity.

Amongst the items for sale were some of Slash's guitars including a one-of-a-kind custom Stravinsky Fender Stratocaster, a B.C. Rich Red Mockingbird guitar, and two versions of Slash's very own Gibson signature model guitar.

Other items of interest included Slash's onstage clothing and guitar from his recent super bowl performance, selling in total for over $100,000. Arguably the centerpiece of the sale was Slash's 1966 Corvette Stingray, described by himself as 'a monster' and which sold for over $110,000. more on this story

In Flames Set To Release Tenth Album In June

Century Media Records have announced the signing of In Flames. The group's tenth album, Sounds Of A Playground Fading, is set to be released this June.

Anders Fridén/In Flames had this to say: "This is number 10..... Album number 10!!!!! That we even made it this far, that is amazing. Then, to deliver the album of our career, that is something else..... It's fast, slow, heavy and mellow. It's happy, sad, angry and calm. 'Sounds of a playground Fading' is everything we ever done on crack (it's a metaphor boys and girls), it's cask strength whisky when it's THAT perfect moment. Use and abuse!!!!!

"By the way, we are happy to be in bed with Century media. They know the business, we know the music, a perfect match. What can possibly go wrong....ha, ha, ha!!!!!!" more on this story

Duff McKagan's Loaded Limited Edition

Duff McKagan's Loaded plan to release a limited edition vinyl of their new album, The Taking, on Record Store Day (April 16)

This 12" special edition of The Taking will include a 12 song digital download card. The digital download includes the track "Indian Summer," which does not appear on the regular vinyl release (in stores April 12).

The LP will only be available to Record Store Day stores. Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the regular CD version on April 19th.

Duff McKagan's Loaded have previously announced a Record Store Day performance at Seattle's Easy Street Records. They've released a new webisode about the festivities here

Kill Bono The Movie

(Rock AAA) Paying tribute to Rock 'n' Roll's many could-have-been stars is new comedy "Killing Bono". The movie tells the story of two brothers who started out as friends and musical rivals of U2, but who failed to achieve any success.

Released on April 1, the film is based on music journalist Neil McCormick's memoirs of the same name. He explains: "Back in the 1980s I counted all my chickens before they hatched and none of them actually hatched, I messed a lot of things up. We made a lot of mistakes and I was driven by the kind of ambition that leads to mistakes."

The movie depicts those mistakes as refusing Bono's help and placing all of his faith in music executives. Another mistake depicted in the film shows Neil keeping his brother Ivan from joining U2 because he believed that their own band would go on to be bigger. more on this story

Rockabilly Illustrated History Coming in May

Voyageur Press have announced a May 15, 2011 release date for a new book called "Rockabilly: The Twang Heard 'Round the World: The Illustrated History"

Here is what the publisher has to say about it: Rockabilly was born out of country, bluegrass, jazz, and the blues in the 1950s, becoming rock 'n' roll and ruling the world.

Here's the story of Elvis Presley's first Sun records that inspired all. And here's Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and many more rockabillies from the golden years through today more on this story

Aborted Plan New Album

Aborted plan to enter Hansen Studios this June with producer Jacob Hansen (Invocator, Hatesphere, Volbeat) to begin work on their next album.

The album, entitled "Global Flatline," will contain 12 tracks with additional bonus material featured on limited editions.

Vocalist Sven de Caluwé had this to say: "We are thrilled to be finally recording 'Global Flatline' and have the material out there. It is exciting in many ways, one being that this might be one of the most important records in Aborted's career. We really took our time in composing the most heavy and uncompromising material the band has written to date. Some of the material is faster than ever, some of the material is slower than ever, some old school and some new school, inspired by all eras of Aborted, yet still sounding unique on its own. Writing this record definitely took us back to the roots of why we started playing this kind of music in the first place, the passion and adrenaline you get from playing extreme metal. more on this story

The Bluetones Calling It A Day

(Gibson) Britpop favorites The Bluetones are ready to call it a day. According to the Daily Express, the band will tour one more time in September and then pack up for good, 18 years after they formed in 1993.

In a message on the band's website, the Bluetones stated, "We're afraid the time has come and we must say farewell... After 17 years of touring and six studio albums, The Bluetones have decided that this autumn's tour will be our last.

"We will be playing a career-spanning set of songs as a way to say thank you to our loyal supporters and hopefully signing off with a bit of a bang." more on this story

Tom Morello's Nightwatchman Plan New Album Release

(Gibson) Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello has inked a new deal with an indie label and plans to put out a new album this summer.

The former Audioslave member has signed with New West Records, who will release World Wide Rebel Songs in a few months, according to Billboard.com.

As with the guitarist's previous solo outings (2007's One Man Revolution and 2008's The Fabled City), Morello will be billed as The Nightwatchman. more on this story

Guns N' Rags

(hennemusic) Since Guns N' Roses aren't touring at the moment, guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal is now offering up private lessons via Skype, while DJ Ashba has kept busy by expanding his clothing line.

Ashba has teamed up with clothing guru Cody Varona, CEO of Forgotten Saints, to create one-of-a-kind custom-made clothing inspired by Ashba. All stage clothes are unique and handmade - NO two pair are alike.

"Cody has custom-made my stage clothes for about 10 years now. She is hands down the best!" said Ashba. more on this story