Dave Grohl Recording With Krist Novoselic and Butch Vig

Vig wrote ""The last 24 hours have been surreal! Had a great gig at the El Rey last night, and spent today recording with Dave, Krist and special guest!" More

Rock Hall Ignore Axl Rose Request?

Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose made headline this week when he issued an open letter to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and stated that he would not attend the induction ceremony and asked that he personally not be inducted.

Axl wrote in part "I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf. Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of 'Guns N' Roses'."

The Los Angeles Times reports a Rock Hall spokesman responded in a statement that said, "We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his Induction in person." So it appears they plan to go ahead and induct him against his wishes. You can read Axl's full letter here.

Zakk Wylde Talks Ozzy and Friends and Dimebag Tribute

(Banana 101.5) Banama 101.5 have an extensive interview with Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde. Here are a couple excerpts:

You mentioned hitting the road for the Ozzy & friends tour, are you excited about jamming w/ the boss again?

Yeah, Without a doubt. I just saw [Ozzy] not too long ago [while] Jack [Obsourne's] wife was having a baby shower. I was there, Slash was there, Blasko and Ozzy. It was hysterical because none of us were [drinking]. The bar was right there and we're all ordering coffee, Arnold Palmer's and waters or whatever, and I go, "Wow, how things have changed." 'Cause back in the day all four of us would've been plowing booze like it was nobody's business — especially at a baby shower. Excitement is at an all time level at that thing [laughs].

There has been a lot of speculation about a Pantera tribute with the guys and you in place of Dimebag Darrell, what are your feelings about that whole conversation because it's a pretty polarizing issue among fans?

We all love our brother dime, I love [Vinnie Paul] and the guys so, if they were ever to actually do that and they asked me — of course I would do that in honor of Dimebag. Why wouldn't I? It would just be an amazingly beautiful thing to celebrate Dime's greatness and what the band achieved. And I'm friends with all the guys so if they ever did that, why would I say no? Read the full interview here.

Jack White's Helium Balloon Released Song Up For Bid

(Gibson) Earlier this month, the always-creative Jack White came up with yet another one of his kooky, unorthodox ideas to get out his music. White fastened "flexi disc" vinyl copies of his unreleased song, "Freedom at 21," to big, blue helium balloons and released them into the atmosphere. Now, those balloons are starting to surface.

Curious who scored the tune-packed balloons? Head to Third Man Records' official website, and you'll find photos of peeps who stumbled upon the deflated objects. A few examples include an older gentleman who scored White's "flexi disc" and a family that found a bunch of records in their backyard.

Of course, someone has decided to profit from the marketing trick, and eBay is currently hosting an auction for one of the discs. The seller asked for a starting price of $150, but that initial bid proved low, as in just a few days, the number has climbed to $1,853 (at press time). The bidding is set to go on for five more days, so chances are this is going to end up one very, very pricey disc. more on this story

Johnny Depp Jams With Marylyn Manson

(Gibson) Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at Revolver's Golden Gods 2012 Awards on Wednesday night. The actor and his Gibson Les Paul Special in TV Yellow appeared on stage with Marilyn Manson.

In case anyone in the audience didn't notice Depp on stage, Manson announced: "If you don't recognize my personal friend... my personal savior, my personal guitar hero, Johnny Depp!"

Depp played guitar on Manson's "Beautiful People" and a version of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)." Check out video here.

Zao Cancel Concerts For Health Reason

Zao canceled their appearance at the Stand Together Fest in Nashville, TN this weekend as well as Sunday's show in Morgantown, WV. The band explains in a Facebook posting:

"We don't play a lot. We have known about our show at Stand Together Fest in Nashville since last fall and have been arranging the logicists or getting us there and trying to do more shows around it. We wanted to do MORE shows around it. Unfortunately, after everything was set (Van booked. Transport for the out of state members arranged. Set list decided.) we hit a major snag.

"Without going into TOO many details, we have a personal health emergency in the band. That is all we are going to say on the matter. Nobody is dying, but it is serious enough that it became very clear, very quickly that the show could NOT happen. As much as we want to play, it was not worth putting that pressure on the induvidual or the band as a whole.

"We hoped it would get better and set a very concrete deadline to see if it could still happen, sadly, that deadline has passed and it will not be doable. more on this story

Vinnie Paul Remembers Dimebag

(Gibson) It's hard to believe, but more than seven years have passed since Pantera and Damageplan guitar icon "Dimebag" Darrell met his untimely death while performing a show in Columbus, Ohio. The loss rattled the metal community, and the shock still lingers today.

Dimebag's brother, Vinnie Paul Abbott, drums in rock supergroup Hellyeah. Abbott recently chatted with Noisecreep about his brother's legacy, and he says the bottom line is that Dimebag "got off on making people happy."

"It didn't matter if it was about playing his guitar, shaking their hand, giving them a guitar pick. It didn't matter… " he said. "He got off on making people happy... He would not let you down. He was everything you wanted him to be, and then some. And we all miss him."

Abbott went on to call Dimebag the "biggest inspiration in my life." "I know he inspires these guys [the rest of Hellyeah]; I guarantee he's proud of this band," he said. "He's a part of this band. He might not be standing next to us, but I guarantee he … inspires every one of us to kick ass every … day, and we won't let him down. And that's the bottom line." more on this story

Duff McKagan Presented Slash With Riff Lord Award

(hennemusic) A couple of former Guns N' Roses members hooked up in Los Angeles Wednesday night at the 4th annual Revolver Golden God Awards.

Duff McKagan was on hand to present the inaugural edition of the "Riff Lord" award.

Duff presented the honor to Slash, who beat out Anthrax's Scott Ian, Dave Grohl, Zakk Wylde, Munky and Eddie Van Halen to take home the award. Check out video

Johnny Marr Admits Breaking Up The Smiths

(Gibson) Johnny Marr has affirmed it was he who put an end to The Smiths' reign as one of England's most acclaimed bands in the '80s.

In a wide-ranging interview with RollingStone.com, the guitarist said, "I was the lookout saying, 'Rocks ahead! Rocks ahead!' I had the foresight to see disaster looming – both for the individuals, personally, and the band, professionally. I had a lot of insight and wisdom for a 23-year-old."

Marr, who's been busy overseeing the remastering of eight Smiths CDs just released by Rhino Records, also hinted he wouldn't be averse to a Smiths reunion. "I don't know about the possibility, but what I do know is that I understand how great it would be to make so many people happy," he said. "And the other thing I know is that Morrissey and I are so very different. Those are the only things I know." more on this story

Public Image Ltd To Release First New Album in 20 Years

Public Image Ltd have set a May 28th release date for their first new album in 20 years, This Is Pil.

The album is self-funded by PiL and will be released on PiL's own label 'PiL Official' via Cargo UK Distribution. All the new material was recorded in the UK last year at Steve Winwood's studio in the Cotswolds.

The album is preceded by the release of a 4-track EP entitled 'One Drop.' It will be issued for 'Record Store Day' on April 21. The EP is comprised of 4 songs—"One Drop," "I Must Be Dreaming," "The Room I Am In" and "Lollipop Opera"—that will also be available on THIS IS PiL. more on this story

Slash Honors Jim Marshall and Jams With Alice Cooper

(hennemusic) At Wednesday night's Revolver Golden God Awards, Slash was honored as the first recipient of the new "Riff Lord" award.

The guitarist was joined by his band, Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, for a short set of tunes, which included "You're A Lie," the lead single from Slash's sophomore solo effort, "Apocalyptic Love" due May 22.

After a moment to honor the late Jim Marshall – the creator of Marshall amps – with a wall of noise, Slash brought out pal Alice Cooper and the guys ripped into his classic, "School's Out." Check out video

James Durbin Returns To American Idol

(hennemusic) James Durbin returned to the American Idol stage Thursday night. Durbin brought the rock back to Idol with a performance of "Higher Than Heaven."

Just a year ago, Durbin was slaying the competition each week as a Season 10 contestant, electrifying the show with a healthy dose of rock and roll.

Fast forward twelve months, and James is out promoting his debut album, "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster." Check out video here.

Great Lake Swimmers Release New Wild Everywhere Video

Great Lake Swimmers have released a brand new music video for the title track to their latest album, New Wild Everywhere.

The video, set on Toronto Island, is directed by Adam Makarenko, who hand crafted a miniature city of Toronto and used CGI technology to add visual effects that showed the city being brought to life and reclaimed by nature. Watch it here

Great Lake Swimmers kick off the European leg of their major tour in London tonight before heading back to North America on May 1 for their first U.S. date in Chicago (with Cold Specks). more on this story

Artillery Touring The US For The First Time in 30 Year Career

Artillery have announced details of their 30th Anniversary concert and their very first US tour. Metal Mind sent over these details:

Artillery will play gigs in May in New York City and at the Maryland Death Fest in Baltimore. Along with the band Exumer they will then move to South America to play in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. At the end of the year the band will return to USA to play on the "Barge to Hell" cruise ship from Miami, Florida to the Bahamas (December 2012).

Year 2012 marks the 30th anniversary of Artillery. A celebration party will be held on May, 4th at Kings and Lions in Copenhagen with some special guests and prizes. The gig at Lions and Barrels will also be the last Danish gig with the founder member Carsten Nielsen who has decided to leave the band for personal reasons. more on this story

The Agonist Cancel Kittie Dates

Kittie, The Agonist, Blackguard, and Bonded By Blood tour kicked off this week without The Agonist who will miss the first part of the trek. They tell fans:

"Due to circumstances beyond our control The Agonist have been forced to miss the first 9 dates of our tour with Kittie. We will be joining up with the tour April 19th in Winnipeg MB.

"We are deeply sorry to the 9 cities we cannot visit and will be working to come back in the future. We are so anxious to hit the stage ASAP See you in Winnipeg!" more on this story

Duff Attending Rock Hall Induction For Fans

(Gibson) Whether or not Guns N' Roses do strike a chord together at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction this coming weekend, GN'R bass player Duff McKagan has some definite thoughts on the honor and what the band has meant to himself and to the fans since the mid-'80s.

He wrote the following on for ESPN Music: "The one reason that I am going to Cleveland this weekend is not to savor in some polite accolade or because an award show is that important to me. I am going because I have realized how important this is all to those many, many fans that supported us and believed in us, and showed up for us in droves.

"Music is not like sports, and hence, a Hall of Fame in music is almost a false pedestal to sit upon. There are no statistics in music and art. No band or artist is 'better' than another. Music comes from a primal place. Thin air. Dreams. And a lot of really hard damn work.

"No one worked harder than us back then, and we were very fortunate to have met each other in those dirty back alleys of Hollywood sometime in 1984. We meshed and wrote, created thunder and beauty, and parlayed our real-life experience into an album that somehow related to a whole angsty world that felt just like us right then and there. It was a brilliant time. more on this story

Rob Zombie Guitarist John 5 Gushes About New Van Halen

(hennemusic) Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 is getting set to release his new album, "God Told Me To," in a few weeks, but he's taking time out from promoting his upcoming project to rave about the new Van Halen album, "A Different Kind Of Truth."

"It's amazing!" he tells MusicRadar. "I love the new Van Halen record. Let me rephrase that: I love, love, love the new Van Halen record. It's heavy. If you really sit down and listen to it, it's totally heavy. The band isn't playing it safe at all, and that's what's so great about it."

When the album's first song, "Tattoo," was released, many folks were less than impressed. John 5, however, quickly chalked it up as a winner. "It's a wonderful song," he says. "I remember everybody going, 'Ahhh, I don't know about this Tattoo.' But I'll tell you, by the second or third time I heard it, it was in my head. And that's the mark of any great song - it stays with you." more on this story

Rock Hall Induction Hasn't Sunk In Yet For Slash

(hennemusic) Slash was in Toronto recently to do press and to perform an intimate club show, all designed to promote the upcoming release of his sophomore solo album, "Apocalyptic Love," which is due May 22.

Slash appeared on the CBC's "George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight," and the host had a chance to ask him about his reaction to being confirmed as an inductee into this year's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

"It's a really great honor, but at the same time, it's ... it hasn't sunk in yet," said the guitarist. "I remember, I first heard about the whole Rock And Roll Hall thing, the fact that we were going to be eligible, in 2007 when Velvet Revolver played in place of Van Halen for their induction. And somebody had said, 'You know you're going to be eligible in 7, or 5 years,' and I was like, you know, sort of like, 'Wow, yeah,' right? And I put it out of my mind, so when the nomination came, it was pretty heavy. That was when it felt the most special." more on this story

Demon Hunter Singled Out Week: Dead Flowers

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 "Dead Flowers."

Mortality is a subject that really resonates with people. That's probably why I'm so drawn to it when writing lyrics. For those familiar with our previous work, you can see death playing a fairly large role in most of our slower songs.

For me, if I put a couple slow songs right in the midst of a heavy record (which is something DH has always done), they'll settle into the mix a little better if the vibe is more melancholy than happy. We explore a wider dynamic than most metal bands, in regard to song style, but it's still important that the album flows appropriately. Most of my favorite metal records move in the same way- they're heavy most of the way through, but there are moments where things slow into a mellower atmosphere. A record that remains brutal all the way through loses its effect about halfway through. You have to have peaks and valleys to make an album truly interesting and exciting.

"Dead Flowers" was the last song I wrote for this record. It's not uncommon for me to write the slower songs towards the end of the writing process. Usually I'll be knee-deep in "heavy mode" while I write all of the more aggressive songs, and I have to make a conscious switch into "ballad" territory.

This is another perfect example of a song that didn't seem to reach its full potential until it was completed. I liked the demo, and I thought it would make for a great song, but it really came to life with every piece we added in the studio. I think it's quickly becoming a personal favorite.

The chorus for this song probably falls into the "top five" category for me, of all Demon Hunter songs- both in melody and lyrical content. I'm extremely proud of it. There are quite a few double-meanings within the chorus, which I think packs the song full of life. Dead flowers both symbolize and commemorate a deceased loved one. The water that once kept them alive is now being begged for as a flood of cleansing- like tears from the Heavens. And the sun that nurtured the life of the flowers is also used in reference to the son of God, offering eternal life.

This is the only Demon Hunter song to date that features a key change in the chorus. I love key changes, and it's something I've often meant to do in the past, and before I know it, the song is done and I forgot to make it a priority. With this song, I was determined to incorporate a key change. The step up happens directly in the middle of the guitar solo, so the final chorus (through the end of the song) is one key higher than the rest. The 2nd half of the final chorus also features a 3-part harmony, something I believe we've only done once before.

The addition of the harpsichord to the intro and verses was another Aaron Sprinkle idea. I originally had that melody mapped out with guitar, and it's still in there, but lower in the mix to allow the harpsichord to shine. The outro was also Aaron's idea, and is not only one of my favorite parts in any song, but the perfect ending to the record.

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