Black Sabbath Playing US Festival

This year's festival will also feature the reunion of At The Drive-In, Red Hot Chili Peppers, he Black Keys, Jack White and more making up the 130 act roster. You can check out the lineup here.

Ronnie Montrose Death Ruled Suicide

(Gibson) New information has surfaced on the passing of guitar great Ronnie Montrose, who died earlier this year. The coroners report states that the rock legend died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His family have posted the following message on his website.

"By now, the devastating truth of Ronnie's death is public knowledge. We hope you can understand why we wanted to keep this news a private family matter for as long as possible. We can only hope that you will choose to celebrate Ronnie's life, and what his music meant to you, rather than mourn his passing. Ronnie would have wanted it that way. He loved being a guitarist, a composer, a producer, and a creator of magic. He fully understood his gifts, and yet he constantly pushed himself to evolve, improve, and make better music. He did this for himself, and he did this for you, because he adored and appreciated his fans. Please keep his energy, his joy, and his love in your hearts.

"Please note that there will be no more statements from the Montrose family at this time. We ask that you respect the family's privacy." more on this story

Rolling Stones Entering Recording Studio Next Month

(Gibson) Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has told the Daily Mirror that the veteran British rock and roll band will be entering a recording studio next month to "throw some ideas around."

Wood explained that the band needs to get back into the groove. "It's like working out for the Olympics or something," Wood said. "You've got to go into training. So we're going to go into training."

This week Wood will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Faces. While he's in the U.S., he will play a solo gig in Atlantic City. He also told the Mirror he might record another solo album. "Lots of people don't know I've made seven, 'cause most of my albums escape; they're not released. Keith [Richards] says they all skyrocket to oblivion." more on this story

New White Stripes DVD Coming

(Gibson) Jack White is putting out a new White Stripes live DVD via Third Man Records' Vault series. Under New Zealand Lights will be the 12th release in the series, and include performances from 2000 and 2003, according to NME.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, White lamented the end of the White Stripes. "I'd make a White Stripes record right now," he said. "I'd be in the White Stripes for the rest of my life. That band is the most challenging, important, fulfilling thing ever to happen to me. I wish it was still here. It's something I really, really miss."

The singer-guitarist said that drummer Meg White was the one who didn't want to continue in the duo anymore. "Some people can live their whole lives in limbo, I'd rather cut the lifeline so we can move on with our lives," Jack said. "There came a point where I said, 'If we're not doing this, we need to put an end to it right now.' And that's what she wanted to do." more on this story

The Darkness for Lady Gaga

(hennemusic) UK rockers The Darkness have announced their addition to the bill as main support for Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way Ball' tour.

The band will appear on Gaga's European dates, starting August 14 in Bulgaria, with shows currently scheduled into October.

Gaga is a big fan of hard rock and heavy metal; she's already spoken publicly about her love of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, KISS, and others in the genre. It remains to be seen how the pop superstar's fans will react to a heavy rock act hitting the stage before their idol, but Gaga's support could sway her impressionable young followers in the right direction. more on this story

Clutch and Hellyeah Hit The Road

Clutch kicked off their co-headlining North American tour with Hellyeah last night in Norfolk, VA.

Clutch are on the road in support of their double vinyl edition of Blast Tyrant which is available via Weathermaker Music. This 180+ gram expanded vinyl contains 16 songs and includes six mini-posters taken straight from Blast Tyrant's "Atlas of the Invisible World". Each illustrated poster is sized (8.5" x 11") and depicts one of the various characters featured within the Blast Tyrant storyline.

Clutch will also be releasing a picture disc single of the new track "Pigtown Blues" on June 19th. This is the first new studio material from Clutch since 2009's Strange Cousins From the West. more on this story

Vampires Everywhere! Set New Album Release

Hollywood Waste Records have set a June 19th release date for Vampires Everywhere!'s sophomore album, Hellbound and Heartless.

Hellbound and Heartless was co-produced by the band and Mike Sarkisyan and Tommy Decker, both members of Spineshank.

In support of the release, Vampires Everywhere! will be on the full Warped Tour this summer. more on this story

Ryan Roxie Reunites With Alice Cooper

Ryan Roxie has reunited with Alice Cooper, joining his band line-up for the 2012 "No More Mr Nice Guy" tour.

The band lineup also feature bassist Chuck Garric, drummer Glen Sobel and guitarists Tommy Henriksen and Orianthi.

"It's great to bring Ryan back into the fold," says Alice, "This band just destroys on stage, and with Ryan back on board, he will only kick things into a higher gear. Ryan Roxie is a fan favorite. He plays like a tornado, and we can't wait to turn him loose and let him tear into this tour." more on this story

JuiceheaD and Osaka Popstar Take On Fugazi Classic

(GA) JuiceheaD and Osaka Popstar have teamed up to take on the challenge of covering the Fugazi classic, "Waiting Room."

A limited copy of the cover's 7" will be released on Record Store Day (April 21st) with exclusive artwork by world-renowned Shepard Fairey (Obey Giant Art/Studio Number One).

Long-time Misfits and Ramones collaborator, John Cafiero (Osaka Popstar), who just edited and contributed an afterword to the recently released Johnny Ramone autobiography ("Commando"), and Misfits Records artist JuiceheaD took the classic track and pumped up the volume with heavy guitar riffs and the call and response chants by the two vocalists trading off. more on this story

Moonsorrow Ink New Deal

Century Media Records have signed a world wide record deal with Moonsorrow and the label sent over these comments:

"Moonsorrow are thrilled to start working with Century Media, a label that is home to many fellow artists already! We never make our music half way or with compromises and we know our art is in good hands with people who have the same mentality in running a record label. Now, after a year since the release of our last album we are ready to begin creating something new. The new chapter in this epic journey of Moonsorrow!"

Jens Prueter, Head Of A&R at Century Media Europe: "I followed Moonsorrow since their early days and I'm very proud to welcome them now to Century Media Records. They'll be in good family along with their countrymen Finntroll, Turisas and Insomnium. Two of the band members already have some history with us: Henri Sorvali is also part of Finntroll (even if he rarely plays live with any band) and Marko Tarvonen once moved from drums to guitar in the overlooked Death Metal allstar band Chaosbreed, who released an album that is as 'brutal' as its title." more on this story

Hypocrisy Working On New Album

Hypocrisy are working on new material for their 13th studio album, which they plan to release next year but they wanted to update fans on the progress and posted the following update on their Facebook page:

"We're now focusing on writing new songs for the next album. We've already some new material and it sounds killer! The plan is to record the new album in the autumn this year and release it in the first half of 2013. So far everything is working out as planned and we're really excited to bring out the new release.

"Between the writing process we're also doing some festival shows and we hope to see you all there! We'll keep you updated what's going on with the band!"

Brian Jonestown Massacre Hitting The Road

Brian Jonestown Massacre will embark on a Midwest and East coast tour supporting their new album, Aufheben, which will be released on May 1, 2012.

Opening for Brian Jonestown Massacre on the east coast dates only is the Minneapolis band, Magic Castles who released their eponymous double album on March 20th, 2012 through Anton Newcombe's own 'a' Records.

Anton Newcombe remembers, "The song that introduced me to Magic Castles was 'Ballad of the Golden Bird.' I really think it is special, so much so, I decided to ask the group if I could release this record through my label, 'a' Records. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do..." more on this story

Pink Floyd TV Retrospective

Music Choice is presenting the US TV debut of a retrospective of the band entitled: A Pink Floyd Miscellany: 1967-2005.

The special program, featuring a selection of digitally remastered promotional videos and rare performance footage, will air nationally on MC On Demand April 2-29, 2012.

The show will appear in a special Pink Floyd category On Demand under Featured Artists. It will be housed in two (2) thirty minute segments along with additional features in the category, including a rare short film on the band and a special interview with drummer Nick Mason.

Red Jacket Mine Set New 7 Inch Release

Red Jacket Mine will release their second 7" of the year on May 29th when they deliver "Bellar & Bawl" b/w "Grow Your Own".

They'll celebrate with a hometown show in Seattle at Darrell's Tavern with the Tripwires on Friday, June 8th. Each record is collectible limited edition colored vinyl (the first "Listen Up" was chocolate; the new one will resemble a refreshing glass of pilsner).

These A-sides and another coming later this year will be included on an upcoming full length, due out in early 2013. more on this story

Demon Hunter Singled Out Week: My Destiny

Demon Hunter released their new album, True Defiance, this week. To celebrate we asked frontman Ryan Clark to tells us about some of his favorite tracks from the album. Today he tells us about "My Destiny."

This song went through a few titles before I settled on "My Destiny." Some working titles were "Stab," "Blinded," and "They Carried Us Away." In the end, "My Destiny" just made the most sense.

Sometimes I'll toil away, trying to find the perfect word for a particular line. This was very true in regard to the first line of this chorus. For some reason I was having the hardest time filling in "We were blinded by the ______ light." When I finally stumbled upon "sacred," it was perfect. It's essentially the word I was looking for the whole time and I feel like it really brings life to that section.

I'm especially proud of the guitar melodies in the chorus. I really like the way that part moves- the way the lead repeats while the rhythm changes. It's little details like this that I get really stoked on.

The raspier, higher-pitched screaming vocals that you hear in the verses are something that I started playing with on "This Is The Line" from The World Is A Thorn. There are certain parts (usually to do with time signature, tempo and guitar melody) that to me, just beg for a more villainous sounding vocal. You'll notice the second half of the verses on "This Is The Line" have a similar feel to these verses. I don't think this vocal style is necessarily pre-determined, but it just feels right for certain parts.

This song wasn't an immediate choice for the first single/video from this record... but the more we discussed it, the more we were all really drawn to it. I think it's a unanimous favorite among the guys in the band- or at least in everyone's top three.

This is one of the only Demon Hunter songs that is heavy and aggressive pretty much all the way through, but tells a really uplifting story. I call it a "heritage" piece, because it's about growing up in the suburbs, spending most of my time skateboarding with friends, getting into trouble, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life... and the moment that I found music, and everything changed. I remember going to my first live show and just being enthralled by it all. That's what the song refers to when it says "but the fear, the blood, the sweat and sound." It was the passion and the honesty of it that drew me in. Ever since I was 15, I knew that I'd be doing music for the rest of my life. This is kind of a common thread between the guys in the band, though it happened long before we knew each other. It's awesome to see it bonding us so many years later.

I wanted the music video to tell this story. The idea of kids in the 'burbs... just skating and hanging out... getting psyched on killer music. There are five kids- which is supposed to give the vague idea that it might be the teenage versions of us. For the performance footage I wanted us to be playing in a small, junky old rehearsal space, to really convey that old punk work ethic that guys our age grew up with. There are a few inspirational posters on the wall, dirty carpets, bad fluorescent lighting, and a lot of sweat. I think the video really speaks to the concept of the song.

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

B Sides

KISS Lick it Up on DWTS

(hennemusic) KISS rocked their second night on ABC's Dancing With the Stars Tuesday evening.

On Monday, the band opened the show's "Rock Week" theme with a bang, delivering their classic, "Rock And Roll All Nite".

Tuesday was the weekly results show, as contestants found out who viewers voted to keep in the competition. For their performance of "Lick It Up" – from the band's non-makeup era – the group (in full costume) was surrounded by dancers…and plenty of pyro. Watch it here.

Q&A With Meat Loaf

MSO have published a new Q&A with Meat Loaf on their raisethequestion.com website. They caught up with him to discuss his new album Hell In A Handbasket and his upcoming tour, which starts June 22 in Austin, TX.

Q: What separates the "Mad Mad World Tour" from other tours you've done? - Meat Loaf: We've got a new album, Hell In A Handbasket, and we're playing songs from that. We're doing a couple songs from other albums that we've never done live before. It's a Meat Loaf show. Meat Loaf shows are dramatic and funny. People who come to Meat Loaf shows know what to expect. They know they're going to get full-on energy with the best rock 'n' roll band in the world. That's not an opinion. That's the truth.

Q: How would you describe a Meat Loaf show to the uninitiated? Meat Loaf: It's high energy. We sing and play live. It's not on tape. I do my own choreography [laughs]. It's a rock 'n' roll show. If you've never been to a Meat Loaf concert, you should go because you've never seen anything like it.

Q: In your opinion, what makes a great show? Meat Loaf: Well, a great play can be done with a table, a light, and four chairs. Great shows are about people. You don't want to put up a wall with laser lights, production, and dancers. It's really about going out there and putting on the show of these people's lives without all of the bells and whistles. That's why I don't carry much production. I've never had more than five trucks. Some artists go out in 28 trucks. We don't camouflage anything. It's a show about the truth. The object of a show is not to high-five the guy in the front row, blow a kiss to the girl in side stand, or wave to the people in the back. The object is to give the crowd the true meaning and feeling of the songs you're singing or playing. It's about energy and tension. After my show, you're going to leave saying, "How the hell does he do that?" and "I'm tired." Anyone who attends will leave excited and worn out because of the amount of energy coming off that stage. It's not just from me either.

Q: Who else is on that stage? Meat Loaf: Oh, there's the best drummer in the world, John Miceli. On bass, I've got Danny Miranda who I stole from Queen. Brian May's pissed [laughs]. Dave Luther is on saxophone and keyboards, but he also plays guitar and sings. Then, I've got Justin Avery on piano. When we give him the chance to open up and do things, people's mouths hang open. I'm not kidding you. Flies would fly in their mouths. They sit there saying, "Oh my God, I've never heard anything like it." I've never heard a piano player like him either. As for guitarists, Paul Crook comes from the metal school, and Randy Flowers comes from the country school. Put them together, and you get amazing guitar. We've got [singer] Patti Russo who's like a whirling dervish. I'm up there, and I fight for every moment of passion and truth you can get out of those songs. I only know two speeds: "Don't go" or "Go." Either I rehearse at the same speed I play a show or I don't rehearse. Read the rest here.

Steel Panther Appear on Dancing With The Stars

(hennemusic) It was a double-shot of rock on Dancing With The Stars Monday night. The "Rock Week"-themed episode opened with a KISS performance, which rated 11's across the board by the judges in true Spinal Tap fashion.

Later in the show, Satchel and Michael Starr of Steel Panther offered to help teach Cuban-born actor William Levy some style essentials to get him in the spirit of the night.

The guys offered William and partner Cheryl Burke some advice on everything from fashion tips to rock moves. Check it out here.

Anniversary of Guns N' Roses' Sweet Child Video

(Gibson) On this day in 1988, Guns N' Roses shot the video for "Sweet Child o' Mine." Gibson takes a look back: Released in the U.S. on August 18, 1988, "Sweet Child o' Mine" was Guns N' Roses' third single from their blockbuster debut album, Appetite for Destruction. It would go on to become Guns' first and only #1 single in the U.S., as well as rack up countless high rankings on a plethora of "all-time best" lists, including #1 on Kerrang's list of "100 Greatest Riffs," #1 on Total Guitar's "Greatest Riffs of All Time," #37 on Guitar World's "100 Greatest Guitar Solos," and so on. The list is long.

By most accounts, "Sweet Child o' Mine" was little more than a song born out of chance, boredom and no small amount of sheer luck. Slash, the creator of the song's signature riff, has even been quoted as having a smidge of loving disdain for the song, relegating that classic riff into little more than a "string skipping" exercise. During a VH-1 special, the Chapeaued Shredder admitted that the riff was joke, a "circus" melody he came up with while warming up with former GN'R drummer, Steven Adler. Co-guitarist Izzy Stradlin soon joined the jam with bassist Duff McKagan, while upstairs Axl Rose heard the boys and started writing lyrics, which he based on his girlfriend at the time, former Whilhelmina model (and daughter of Don Everly of the Everly Brothers) Erin Everly. The song originally had three verses, but producer Mike Clink convinced the band to use only two, while also including Axl's "Where do we go? Where do we go now?" mid-song breakdown.

McKagan told Hit Parader, "It was written in five minutes. It was one of those songs, only three chords. You know that guitar lick Slash does at the beginning? It was kinda like a joke because we thought, 'What is this song? It's gonna be nothing. It'll be filler on the record.' Slash was just messing around when he first wrote that lick."

On this day in 1988, Guns N' Roses and their girlfriends at the time (and Izzy's dog) went into a Huntington Beach, CA ballroom and shot the video for "Sweet Child o' Mine." Axl later told radio show host Eddie Trunk that his original vision for the video was one revolving around drug trafficking, where, at some point, a dead baby is involved. Good times! Geffen Records nixed that idea in a hurry. more on this story