Free Avenged Sevenfold Show

"We appreciate our fans so much and felt terrible that we had to miss the Uproar show in October," says M. Shadows. "We want to make it up to those in the Bay Area by adding this free show to our 'Buried Alive' tour and making sure that anyone who was supposed to see us that night in Northern California will get the best seats in the house." more on this story

Metallica and Black Sabbath To Headline Music Festival

(hennemusic) At least two milestones will be marked at Download 2012: it's the festival's 10th anniversary, and, the event is the first stop on the Black Sabbath reunion world tour.

The weekend event runs June 8-10, 2012 at its regular home in Donington Park. The Download folks have released a 2-minute commercial for the weekend fest, promoting both Metallica and Sabbath as headliners.

Metallica will top the bill on Saturday (9), while Sabbath headlines the Sunday (10) showcase. More details and the commercial.

Music CDs Being Killed Off?

(Banana 101.5) After it virtually killed off the cassette tape and the short lived mini-disc, the compact disc may be dead within two years according to industry insiders.

According to Side Line Music Magazine, the shelf life of the CD is set to expire before 2013. The magazine reports that most major labels are planning to stop producing the little shiny discs that were all the rage in the 80′s, and replace them with streaming and digital download options.

Most of these plans are set to take effect at some point in 2012, with the only CD's still available being limited edition prints — which will only be made for major artists. more on this story

Coheed and Cambria Reunite With Former Member

Coheed and Cambria are bringing back back former drummer Josh Eppard to replace Chris Pennie (Dillinger Escape Plan) who left the group earlier this month.

Josh Eppard had this to say on the band's website: Life is odd. I think its fair to say that Coheed and Cambria while often mysterious, has always had a meaningful and honest relationship with it's supporters. I thought it'd be appropriate at this time to address the people that keep the COCA universe alive and well and that's you guys...the fans. The last 5 years was both a humbling learning experience and a heart breaking journey into darkness and eventually the light. I honestly never thought I'd see the day I would be reunited with my bandmates and lifelong friends. I regretted not being a part of Coheed from the day they moved on. Although many things were said in the early part of my first years without the band, I think its clear to those who know me that it was the byproduct of anger and disappointment -with myself. Claudio and Travis's (and Mic's) music has always spoke to me in a way that no other music did. I love them both dearly and missed them with all of my heart. After my time in Coheed, I eventually got clean and got real with myself. With the help of my loved ones I got back on my feet and that meant playing music again. I'd like to extend an enormous debt of gratitude to Fred Masherino who I played with in Terrible Things for the last 2 years. It's no secret that with the damage I had done to my reputation, no one was taking any chances on me. Fred did and I thank him for that. He taught me so much about humility and reminded me of why I play music in the first place. That being said, it was always clear to me playing with anyone that it would never be the magic that I felt with Coheed. I can't believe I get a chance to play for the best fans in the world again. Not many people get a chance to put back together the things they broke long ago. It's good to be back. Welcome home indeed.

And the band had this to say: We didn't originally plan to make a big splash about this, but when Chris made his announcement, we were ultimately compelled to. We didn't want anyone to be concerned about the state of the band, and trying to keep things quiet was proving to be really tough. And besides, we're just really excited and wanted to share that feeling with you. more on this story

Pantera's Rex Brown Not Down About Changing Bands

Revolver caught up with former Pantera bassist Rex Brown to learn about his recent departure from Down to devote his time to his new band Kill Devil Hill and to them know about his autobiography plans.

Here are two excerpts from the interview: You split with Down earlier this year. What caused you to leave? Phil has a lot side projects that he does, so he spends a lot of time focusing on them. And after a while, I decided I needed something new. There's no animosity there, but I need to jam, I need to keep moving down the road. I mean, Phil and I go back 23 years, so it's all good. We talked recently. That's fine. I just needed a change. I'm working on the book right now, so you're going to have to wait to hear about it.

We've heard about the book—is there a focus to it? Pantera? Down? Or just Rex over the years? I try to be really honest and genuine about how my life's been these past years. I have a co-writer, and I've got over 60 hours of tape, and I want to talk about my experiences during this time. With Pantera…when all of that went down, I didn't really talk about anything in the press. I didn't want to take any part in the he-said-she-said bullsh*t. So this is my perspective on the whole bit. It's about the good times, really, not the bad stuff, because that's out there in the press, and it's something I hate. But hey, it makes good copy. Check out the full interview here, it's a good one!

Beatles Festival Future In Doubt

(Gibson) U.K. government spending cuts could lead to the cancellation of a music festival associated with The Beatles.

Mathew Street in Liverpool, England, was home to the Cavern Club (famous for early Beatles performances) and gives its name to an annual free music festival. In 2011, it attracted musicians and Beatles fanatics from more than 30 countries.

"Next year is its 20th anniversary and it is also the 50th anniversary of the formation of The Beatles, with Ringo Starr joining as drummer," said Joe Anderson, leader of the Liverpool City Council. "But these are the difficult choices that we are having to make." more on this story

James Durbin Releases First Video

(hennemusic) The first James Durbin video is now out. "Love Me Bad" is the second track officially released from Durbin's debut, "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster," which comes out next Monday.

It follows "Stand Up," which was issued in September as part of an NFL "Official Game Day" EP.

"We shot the video for 'Love Me Bad' in dry lake bed out in the desert of Barstow, California," James told Loudwire recently. "We were, like, 90 minutes away from Las Vegas and it was a day full of rock 'n' roll debauchery. I accidentally blew up a 1971 Dodge Charger by driving it too hard! The hood was on fire and there was smoke everywhere. I just remember the fire department guys we had on set running towards me screaming, 'Get the f— out!' It was insane." Check it out here.

Jack's Mannequin Map Out Tour Plans and Will Rock Jimmy Kimmel

Jack's Mannequin will be hitting the road again 2012 for North American tour and are also set to hit late night TV next month.

The North American tour, in support of their latest release, People and Things, will kick off in St. Louis on January 19 and run through February 11 in Washington DC. Following the US tour they will head to Australia for the Soundwave Festival before heading to Japan for a handful of dates.

Before they hit the road again, Jack's Mannequin will perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on December 5th. more on this story

Johnny A Robbed

(Gibson) Johnny A. has had some guitars stolen. The Gibson Signature guitarist returned home last weekend from a three-week tour of Japan and Europe to find three of his favorite instruments gone.

"I want to make it difficult for anybody to fence these," Johnny A. said yesterday. "It's me being proactive. Someone knows someone who did it, someone's going to talk, it will eventually get back to the people who took them."

Two of the three guitars stolen were unique. One is a 1967 Gibson EB-2 bass with a rare Burgundy Metallic finish. Another is one of just 40 produced, a Gibson Montana Custom Advanced Jumbo acoustic with a Sunburst finish. That guitar is identifiable by its slimmer body and unusual three-piece back, Johnny says. The third guitar is of sentimental value to Johnny because it was a Christmas gift from his family. It's a Hofner re-issue McCartney bass. more on this story

Cursive Releasing Concept Album and Hitting The Road

Cursive have set a February 21st, 2012 release date for their new concept album, I Am Gemini, and announce tour plans to support it.

Cursive will hit the road for a three-week tour around the release of I Am Gemini that will launch on February 12th at the Larimer Lounge in Denver, CO. The tour will take the band along the west coast - including a February 24th stop at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, CA - and through the southwest before wrapping up with a hometown show on March 3rd at Slowdown in Omaha.

I Am Gemini is the surreal and powerful musical tale of Cassius and Pollock, twin brothers separated at birth. One good and one evil, their unexpected reunion in a house that is not a home ignites a classic struggle for the soul, played out with a cast of supporting characters that includes a chorus of angels and devils, and twin sisters conjoined at the head. more on this story

Original Judas Priest Singer Teams Up with Christian Guitarist

Glass Onyon sent over details about a match made in heaven and hell: original Judas Priest singer and Holy Rage frontman Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May have released a new CD called 'Serpent's Kiss', now available on Gonzo Multimedia.

The 10-track album is the product of two of the Midlands finest architects of rock and metal coming together to create something that is unique and totally exhilaratin.

There are enough doses of melody and metal madness to entice all fans of the genre, and while it is solid, honest working class heavy metal, it also has its roots in contemporary metal with some fine axe-work and killer choruses. The cover art for 'Serpent's Kiss' is also unique as it was created by world famous fantasy artist Rodney Matthews. more on this story

Linkin Park Offering Fans Rare Songs

Linkin Park are relaunching their fan club which will be offering members access to a CD or digital download of rare songs created in sessions leading up to the recording of Hybrid Theory through A Thousand Suns.

The newest version of their eleven-year old fan club has been dubbed LPU11, according to 60 Cycle Media.

Vocalist Mike Shinoda says, "The music we release to the LP Underground are always special. They're the rawest form of our songs, including finished and unfinished tracks from nearly all our albums. We take a lot of time crafting any of our studio albums, and these songs are a great insight into the process." more on this story

Paul Stanley and Lita Ford Rock KISS For Rock Camp

(hennemusic) Paul Stanley of KISS and Lita Ford are seen in rehearsal at the latest edition of the Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp.

The two are just some of the name musician involved this month at the current Hollywood camp; Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Steve Vai), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne) and Nils Lofgren (E Street Band) are among those jamming with wannabe and experienced players at the rock retreat.

Ford spoke with About Los Angeles recently to share some of her thoughts on the experience. "Anyone and any age is fine," says Lita on who should sign up. "The last Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp had an all-kid band that absolutely smoked, and they even had an all-girl band." More from Lita here and the video.

Asking Alexandria Hand Picked For Tonight's Guns N' Roses Gig

(Sumerian) Asking Alexandria will take a brief detour from their current World War III North American tour to perform direct support to the legendary Guns N' Roses at the Izod Center in NJ tonight (Thursday, Nov. 17th).

They were handpicked less than 24 hours ago for this special opportunity and have risen to the occasion traveling across the country for it.

Asking Alexandria will conclude the World War III tour this weekend and will immediately joins forces with Avenged Sevenfold for a series of dates to wrap-up the year.

Bush TV Special Preview

(Banana 101.5) Bush has recorded a live performance for Guitar Center Sessions that will premiere on Direct TV November 19th.

The show will air Saturday, November 19th at 9P ET on Direct TV's Audience Network (channel 239) and will be available in both High Definition 2D and 3D.

Check out their performance of 'Chemicals Between Us' from the sessions here before it hits the air this Saturday here.

Dion, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Ronnie Spector for Malt Shop Cruise

Dion, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Ronnie Spector are just some of the stars taking part in the next Malt Shop Cruise. Webster sent over these details:

The next annual Malt Shop Memories Cruise will expand to a seven-day trip with more ports of call and additional performances by an incredible array of stars from the '50s and '60s. Departing on October 27th (through November 3rd) from Fort Lauderdale, FL, the cruise will set sail on Holland America's luxurious m/s Eurodam for Turks & Caicos, San Juan, St. Thomas and the private island of Half Moon Cay.

As a full ship charter, the Eurodam will be transformed into a floating '50s and '60s entertainment complex, treating passengers to concerts and special events such as sock hops, hula hoop contests, prom night, beach parties, and, of course, interaction with their favorite singers and much more. more on this story

Orange Helps Music Store Hit By Tornado

(Sub) Orange Amplification's 'The Music Aid For Joplin' auction has raised $10,000 to help Dave Peterson, owner of the Glory Days Music Store, following its destruction in a devastating tornado last May.

Dave Peterson also lost his home in the devastation, which flattened nearly half of Joplin, Missouri, during the severest tornado season in more than fifty years in the USA. On seeing the devastation on worldwide CNN News, British amplifier maker Orange Amplification, alongside other manufacturers and distributors within the music industry, joined together to create an auction of very special musical equipment hosted by the Fame Bureau in the UK, with all proceeds going to aid Glory Days Music.

Among those who contributed were Intel, Yamaha, Jim Dunlop, Aria, Guitar World Magazine, Taylor Guitars, Sabian Cymbals, Seymour Duncan, and Orange's endorsed artists Geddy Lee (Rush), Mastodon, Theory of a Deadman, and more. more on this story

Betraying The Martyrs Kick Off First American Tour Tomorrow

Betraying The Martyrs are traveling from their native Paris, France to kick off their North American touring debut tomorrow.

The band is hitting the road for a North American tour with Born of Osiris and Veil of Maya tomorrow, Nov. 18th in Dayton, Oh.

Betraying The Martyrs are hitting the road in support of their debut full-length album Breathe In Life. more on this story

The Dear Hunter Announce Tour With Circa Survive's Anthony Green

(WMG) The Dear Hunter are hitting the road with Circa Survive frontman Anthony Green for a North American tour.

Kicking off in January, the 5-week tour in support of The Color Spectrum follows the band's current run with Manchester Orchestra.

The 9-EP project The Color Spectrum claimed two separate spots on Billboard's "Heatseekers" chart upon its debut, with the complete collection reaching an impressive #9, and the 11-song CD version (featuring select music from each EP) debuting at #32. more on this story

Death Metal Super Group Lock Up Announce First American Tour

Death metal supergroup Lock Up have announced their first ever North American tour.

It's set to be a headlining run with Goatwhore and Strong Intention, and will kick off in February.

The UK group featuring genre veterans, Tomas Lindberg (At The Gates, Disfear), Shane Embury (Napalm Death, Venomous Concept), Nicolas Barker (ex-Cradle Of Filth, ex-Dimmu Borgir) and Anton Reisenegger (Criminal, Pentagram). more on this story

Plug In Stereo Goes To Atlantic

(Atlantic) Singer/multi-instrumentalist Plug In Stereo has inked a deal with Atlantic Records.

The 18-year-old artist – known to friends and family as Trevor Dahl – will release his label debut EP, entitled "The Patience EP," on January 3rd.

Plug In Stereo will herald "The Patience EP" with a series of upcoming North American tour dates alongside The Ready Set, kicking off Sunday, November 20th at Moodswing in Wilmington, Delaware. more on this story

Singled Out: Blue Moon Harem's Finland

Today Demetri J from Blue Moon Harem tells us about the title track from their brand new album "Finland". Here is the story:

This song represents the human struggle. It is a song about the journey we all take in life. The hard road traveled in reaching ours goals and the race against time in getting to our God given destiny. The name of the track "Finland" came to mind as we pictured our journey as often being a long and grueling, cold, wintery like affair, set with pitfalls along the way, mountains to climb and valleys to cross.. The music for the track is powerful and ominous which lends itself well to the dramatization of the hard struggles we all go thru in life.

The cinematic stereo imaging effects of the electric guitars further add to the notion of being on that uncertain course while the hard and pounding drums showcase our perseverance and determination to arrive at our destination. The heartfelt, searing vocal performance characterizes our ongoing strength and determination…

Please listen to the song and sense the longing, hunger and passion of the human experience thru the eyes and ears of Blue Moon Harem!

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