Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page To Be Knighted?

"Clearly there is nobody more worthy of a knighthood and I am glad to say I have gathered support from every major record label in the U.K.," she wrote. more on this story

Guns N' Roses New Year's

(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses have confirmed two more dates for the current North American tour including a rockin' New Year's Eve show.

Axl Rose and company will play The Forum in Los Angeles on December 21, and wrap up the 2-month swing on New Year's Eve with a show at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

In mid-December, we should know what's up with GNR's status for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame next year, as the Hall will announce the 5 performers voted in by a group of more than 500 musicians and industry professionals. more on this story

Alice Cooper Turns Game Show Host

(hennemusic) Alice Cooper recently took a turn hosting the UK TV comedy game show "Never Mind The Buzzcocks."

With its pop music theme, the show is currently without a host, so snags folks like Alice to drop in on the action to liven things up.

"Never Mind The Buzzcocks" stars Phill Jupitus and Noel Fielding as team captains. Check it out here.

Motley Crue Going Vegas?

Motley Crue may be following in the footsteps of Wayne Newton and Celine Dion for their 30th anniversary. That's if a well placed rumor turns out to be true. hennemusic has the details:

Vince Neil pal Robin Leach of the Las Vegas Sun reports the Crue appears set to become the first heavy metal group to sign a short-term residency in Las Vegas.

Leach says he's hearing that the band will play a nearly month-long series of three- and four-night concerts a week at the Hard Rock Hotel, starting at the end of February. more on this story

The Police Won't Return

(Gibson) For those hoping to see The Police reunite for another world tour, we have some bad news. In a new interview with Billboard, vocalist/bassist Sting said he can't foresee the popular trio getting back together again.

"You know, it's something I am very proud of but I'm not sure there would be a reason to open it again except for nostalgic reasons, and I think we did that" in 2007-2008, he said.

"I thought we did it very successfully. The timing was perfect. Everybody was happy to see us. So you know say, 'OK, let's close the book...'" more on this story

James Murphy of Testament and Death Needs Help in Brain Tumor Fight

(Rock News Desk) Former Testament and Death guitarist James Murphy fought off a brain tumor in 2001 but now he reports it's come back. Murphy says a recent MRI scan showed his tumour had "only grown a little" meaning surgery or radiation therapy was not necessary in the short term. Doctors have increased the dosage of his hormone inhibitor drugs – but the side effects make it nearly impossible for him to work and he admits he could face bankruptcy if he stops.

His only option to stave off descent into a vicious debt cycle is a switch to drugs which won't knock him off his feet. But that would cost $1000 a month for six months."Simply put, five pills of my current med per day, spread throughout the day for maximum benefit, keep me fatigued and nauseous," Murphy tells Rock News Desk. "The alternative drug is much, much more expensive, but it's meant to work better, have less side-effects per pill, and I'd have to take far fewer pills per week to get the same benefit.

"Changing is a no-brainer: it would return me to normal functionality, more or less. The cost is the issue." Find out how you can help

Fired Spider-Man Musical Producer Calls Out U2's Bono

(Rock News Desk) The director who worked on Bono and the Edge's Spider-Man musical says she was sacked as a scapegoat after nine years of work – even though the U2 men didn't know enough about the situation to support her dismissal.

Julie Taymor, who's behind the successful Lion King musical and once described herself as someone who "didn't want to play Cinderella or Snow White – I wanted to be the Wicked Witch of the West," believes she was unfairly dismissed after Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark became a laughing-stock over its huge debts and series of script rewrites and rehearsal accidents.

Several actors were hospitalised during the development of the show and by the time it opened it was the most expensive potential flop in Broadway history, with a debt believed to be over $75m. It's been hammered by critics for poor music and a confusing storyline – but Taymor says the successful elements which involve live-action puppetry and the added dimension of seeing the puppetmasters in action were all her ideas. more on this story

Four Allman Brothers Band Releases Coming Next Month

The Allman Brothers Band fans will have a merry Christmas with the December 6th release of three CDs and one DVD.

The releases are part of a new distribution agreement with Entertainment One Music to market two signature band-owned labels: Peach Records for the sales of its previous Sanctuary label releases and new live recordings of the current band as well as the Allman Brothers Band Recording Company for the release of archival recordings featuring the late Duane Allman and Berry Oakley.

First up in the new deal: the live S.U.N.Y. At Stonybrook, NY 9/19/1971 album. The acclaimed Stonybrook show--the only soundboard recording of "Blue Sky" to feature the late founding members Duane Allman and Berry Oakley--had only previously been available through mail order and at Allman Brothers Band shows. more on this story

Black Sabbath on Broadway?

(Rock News Desk) Tony Iommi has revealed Black Sabbath were once offered the chance to have their music turned into a Broadway show.

The band rejected the "weird" idea before the success of musicals like Queen's We Will Rock You.

But Iommi remains skeptical, unsure if he would consider it with the release of their new album next year. more on this story

Queen Documentary DVD and Blu-Ray Details

Eagle Rock have announced a January 10th release date for the Queen: Days of Our Lives documentary on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Days Of Our Lives began as a two-part documentary produced by long-term Queen collaborators and life long fans Rhys Thomas (the comedian who famously broke the Mastermind all-time record points score with a specialist subject of Queen) and Simon Lupton, and directed by the renowned director Matt Casey. After 10 years of making Queen DVDs, Lupton and Thomas were asked by the band to produce the definitive 40th Anniversary documentary and after almost a year of painstaking research and editing, this was the result.

Split over two episodes, Part One covering 1970-80, Part Two 1980 - present day, the documentary is a genuine rollercoaster of rock and roll history. more on this story

Machine Head, Suicide Silence, Darkest Hour, and Rise To Remain Tour

Machine Head are hitting the road early in the New Year for North American headline tour with support acts Suicide Silence, Darkest Hour, and Rise To Remain.

The tour kicks off on January 15th in Denver, CO and will tour through the U.S. for the remainder of the month, coming to a close on February 18th in the band's hometown area of San Francisco, CA.

Machine Head will be touring in support of their new album, Unto The Locust, which was released in North America in late September. more on this story

Circa Survive's Anthony Green Sets Solo Release and Tour

Circa Survive frontman Anthony Green has set a January 17th released date for his new album, "Beautiful Things."

Anthony Green will support the release of "Beautiful Things" with a North American tour which begins January 13th at New Haven, Connecticut's Toad's Place, and then continue though mid-February.

Green will be backed on all dates by his longtime collaborators Good Old War, with support on most dates from very special guests The Dear Hunter. more on this story

Paul Simon TV Special and Collectors Edition Release

Two big Paul Simon news items for you: The legendary singer will be the focus of an upcoming PBS premiere next month and this week Hear Music/Concord Music Group released Simon's So Beautiful or So What - The Collectors Edition.

The special 2-disc Collectors Edition contains a bonus DVD featuring 5 live video performances captured at New York's historic Webster Hall where Paul Simon thrilled hometown fans with a special club performance last June. The live video tracks include "So Beautiful or So What," "Dazzing Blue," "The Afterlife," "Mother and Child Reunion," and the classic "Slip Slidin' Away."

The show was the culmination of a sold-out, triumphant, two-month U.S. tour. In addition to the release of The Collectors Edition, PBS will air Paul Simon: Live At Webster Hall New York which captures this extraordinary event and is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning December 3, 2011 Check local listings.

Eyehategod Announce Winter Dates

Eyehategod have mapped out an Eastern United States mini tour for this December and a couple of appearances in the New Year.

The band will play shows in Boston, Allentown and Brooklyn beginning December 2.

Commented frontman Mike Williams on the next round of pummel: "Following an amazing dark and cloudy show at Austin's Fun Fun Fun fest, America's drunkest sweethearts will set off on yet another East Coast exploration and research field trip into the age old tradition of self-abuse." more on this story

Wishbone Ash To Release New Album This Month

(Glass Onyon) Wishbone Ash's new album, Elegant Stealth, will be released on ZXY Music on November 25th.

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash has more than 20 original studio recordings and several live albums to their credit. On Elegant Stealth, the group coalesces around strong songwriting and serious chops. Founding member Andy Powell handles lead vocals and trades licks with Finland's guitar wizard Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, a 14-year veteran of the band and in-demand studio musician, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain's new breed of drummers, having played with Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.

The band demonstrates its versatility on Elegant Stealth, from the pop/rocker "Reason to Believe" to the gentler vibe of "Give it Up" to tunes like "Warm Tears" and "Big Issues," where the band gets to stretch out and flex its musical muscles. more on this story

Dropkick Murphys Announce 2012 St. Patrick's Day North American Tour

Christmas has yet to come but Dropkick Murphys are already looking ahead to another holiday with the announcement of the initial dates for their 2012 St. Patrick's Day North American Tour with supporting special guest Frank Turner.

The annual trek kicks off February 22 in Toronto and wraps with the band's second appearance at Washington, DC's ShamrockFest (March 24).

The tour includes a matinee and an evening show on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) at Tsongas Arena in Lowell, MA, just outside Boston, as well as Dropkick Murphys' third annual performance after a Milwaukee Admirals hockey game at Bradley Center in Wisconsin (February 24). more on this story

Mars Attacks Megadeth and Adrenaline Mob Stars

Chris Poland of Megadeth fame, and Mike Orlando of Adrenaline Mob are the featured guests on the latest episode of the Mars Attacks Podcast.

Chris discusses what he is currently up to with Ohm, and Ohmphrey, and addresses his solo work, and why Damn The Machine came to an end. His tenure in Megadeth is not discussed as this portion of the interview will form part of this month's Classic Albums Column.

Mike Orlando discusses putting Adrenaline Mob together, writing the material for the band's self titled EP, and what it was brining all of the members into the band among other things.

The episode also contains a review of the Iced Earth, White Wizzard and Fury UK show that host Victor M. Ruiz took in this weekend. You'll hear tracks from Megadeth, Adrenaline Mob, Ohm, Damn The Machine, Sick Speed, Dave Reffett and Iced Earth during the episode. Listen here.

I Am the Avalanche Deliver Brooklyn Dodgers

I Am the Avalanche have released a brand new music video which pays homage to their hometown.

The music video for their new single "Brooklyn Dodgers," premiered yesterday exclusively on VEVO. You can check it out here

Directed by Michael "Yoshi" Jasionowski, the video for "Brooklyn Dodgers" takes fans back to where it all started, set against the music of one of this year's most memorable punk anthems. Shot over the course of two days, the video follows I Am the Avalanche as each band member takes to the streets of Brooklyn to visit old haunts while going about their daily routine. The stunning black & white video also features cameos from friends and family. more on this story

Waylon Speed Release Party

Waylon Speed will celebrate the release of The Boots EP with a release party the opening night of The Rock n Roll Resort: A Thanksgiving Affair, Friday, November 25, 2011 in Kerhonkson, New York, about an hour north of New York City. [The EP's release date was not specified in the announcement]

The Boots EP is comprised of four tracks recorded not long after the release of their critically-acclaimed Horseshoes and Hand Grenades double LP last March. Degrade, Meet Me in the Middle, Tragedy, and Shine, were all recorded in the raw and creative country recording space of Trey's (Phish) Barn, in their home state of Vermont. Like all of their songs, these rockers' creations are a collaborative effort from members Noah Crowther (bass/vocals), Justin Crowther (drums), Reverend Chitwood Hammaker (guitar), and Kelly Ravin (guitar/vocals). Recorded and mastered by Barn/Staff Engineer Ben Collette, these cuts burn with the fiery country outlaw rock that is uniquely Waylon Speed and demonstrate the band's skill at shredding the perceived boundaries of rock n roll.

"Rock N Roll Resort is the ultimate venue to introduce The Boots EP," says musician Kelly Ravin, "because it's filled with the live music scene's most avid fans in an intimate, round-the-clock party." more on this story

SS-Kaliert Total Deconstruction Tour

SS-Kaliert will launch their Total Deconstruction Tour next month with Embrace The Kill and Verbal Abuse joining them on select dates.

The tour will be the first time in years that SS-Kaliert has graced American soil. "The Total Deconstruction" Tour will also be the first tour in support of their latest album, Subzero which was released earlier this year.

"On behalf of all five of us, I can say that we can't hardly wait for the 29th of November when we finally touch American soil again - for the third SS-KALIERT US Tour in the band's history." Says guitarist Benni Whitley, "We are looking forward to rocking the s*** out of 21 cities. Also, we are very honored to share stages with US Hardcore Punk veterans such as Verbal Abuse, Embrace the Kill and Poison Idea. Spread the word and light the fire!!!" more on this story

The Villains Set New Album Release

The Villains will release their sophomore album, Velocity, on Valentine's Day (February 14, 2012), to be followed by a tour.

Produced by Stan Lynch (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Don Henley) and Billy Chapin (Backstreet Boys, Edwin McCain) and mixed by industry veteran John Kurzweg (Jewel, Creed), the 12 new songs on Velocity represent the experiences and emotions that accompanied the recent period of growth for the band.

In the spirit of acts such as The Band, The Eagles, and Fleetwood Mac, The Villains utilize different singers and styles for a cohesive, but aurally interesting mix. Songwriters such as Tom Douglas (Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw), Stan Lynch (Don Henley, The Eagles) and Richard Feldman (Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker) were enlisted. From the blistering opening track "Cadillac" to the optimistic "I've Got A Feeling," VELOCITY is a relatable slice of life set to music created by five industry vets. more on this story

Glen Campbell, Bill Medley, Grateful Dead Rarities Set For Release

(conqueroo) A never-before-released Glen Campbell live album, Bill Medley's post-Righteous Brothers solo albums for MGM, a 1975 album by Maggie & Terre Roche of the Roches, a retrospective of country singer Jody Miller's Epic Records years and two new Dick's Picks volumes from the Grateful Dead headline the January 2012 lineup for Real Gone Music, the new indie label helmed by reissue veterans Gordon Anderson and Gabby Castellana.

The January rollout will also feature, as part of the label's ongoing partnership with ABKCO Music & Records, Inc., The Tymes' So Much in Love and the complete Cameo recordings of jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson.

The multi-talented Glen Campbell, who has enjoyed a 50-year career as singer, guitarist and television personality, is the recent recipient of much warm sentiment as he released his final album and embarked on his final tour. Campbell's 1975 Live in Japan was originally issued only across the Pacific. The album will receive its worldwide CD release on January 24, 2011. Glen is at the peak of his powers here, pulling favorites from his vaunted songbook while displaying his usual unerring taste in covers (Conway Twitty's "It's Only Make Believe," Paul Anka's "My Way"). The album was released in a gorgeous gatefold package that Real Gone has faithfully reproduced along with other graphic elements. It's a timely tribute to one of the great American music entertainers. more on this story

Ramming Speed and Saviours Team Up For Tour

Ramming Speed are teaming up with Saviours for a co-headlining tour at the end of the month.

Ramming Speed will follow that trek with a few weeks of headlining dates. It all kicks off in New York City on November 30th, and runs throughout the entire country before ending up in the band's Allston, MA stomping grounds.

Ramming Speed will be out supporting their most recent release, a split 12" with legendary metalpunks A.N.S., which is now in its second repress (on wicked green wax!) on Tankcrimes. more on this story

Old Crow Medicine Show Plan Special Gold Release

Old Crow Medicine Show will celebrate their song "Wagon Wheel," being certified Gold by the RIAA, with sales nearing 600,000 digital tracks, with the release a "Wagon Wheel" Limited Edition 7" Vinyl beginning the week of November 22, 2011.

Originally sketched by Bob Dylan and later finished by Old Crow Medicine Show's Ketch Secor, "Wagon Wheel" remains the band's most revered and top-selling single. The 7" vinyl will be numbered and feature a previously unreleased b-side, "All Night Long" (Live).

Secor reflects on the history of "Wagon Wheel": "Wagon Wheel" is a gold record 75 years in the making. Back in 1995, I first heard Bob Dylan sing that striking chorus on his unfinished 1972 studio outtake of "Rock Me Mama". Being an audacious, banjo-picking teenager, I quickly rattled off three verses and rushed it out to coffeehouses and street corners, singing it to anyone who would listen. In 2003, seeking a copyright to the song, I learned that Dylan had credited it to Memphis songster Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, who recorded the 1950's boogie-woogie number "Rock Me Mama." From there, I learned that Crudup attributed the song to Mississippi-turned-Chicagoan Big Bill Broonzy, who recorded it way back in the late 1920's. So, from Big Bill to Big Boy to Bob and on down to me, "Wagon Wheel" has become a true American folksong, borrowed, half-stolen, and sung out far and wide. The rest, as they say, is history. more on this story

Boris Announce Dates and Record Store Day Release

Boris are heading Down Under next year and announced a limited edition release for Record Store Day.

Boris' New Album will be available via Sargent House on limited edition vinyl and CD at independent retailers on Record Store Day: Black Friday November 25th and LP/CD/Download worldwide on December 6th.

The band also announces the first few dates of an Australian headlining tour in March 2012. more on this story

Young The Giant Tap Grouplove For Tour

Young The Giant have tapped Grouplove to support them on their upcoming North American tour.

The cross country trek is set to begin on March 6th at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT and will wrap up on April 7th in Seattle, WA at Moore Theatre.

In other news, Grouplove will perform their hit single "Colours" on CBS' "The Late Show with David Letterman" this Friday. more on this story

Singled Out: Agents of Mercy's Citadel

Today Agents of Mercy's Roine Stolt (who is also in Transatlantic) tells us about "Citadel" from their brand new album "The Black Forest". Here is the story:

Citadel: Young and beautiful – well maybe not forever. How deep is our fear to get old, ugly and rejected? How far are we prepared to go? Is there a limit to how much we are willing to spend on plastic surgery, implants and beauty products today? In the shape of "The Blood Countess" we meet Elzbeth Bathory in the song 'Citadel' from Agents of Mercy's new album 'The Black Forest'.

Countess Elzbeth Bathory (1560-1614) of Hungarian nobility, was known as the blood countess, rumored to kill near 650 young women in the belief that their blood could make her skin young and glowing again. She's known as the female Count Dracula and a both scary and tragic part of Hungarian history. A female serial killer to boot – what a creepy theme for a prog rock tune.

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