Bee Gees Legend In A Coma

Gibb announced in In February that he had made a "spectacular" recovery from cancer (reported to be liver and colon cancer). But in late March he underwent further surgery on his intestines, according to thestar.com. Read their report here.

Original Guns N' Roses Members Jam at Rock Hall

(hennemusic) Former Guns N' Roses members gathered Saturday night in Cleveland for their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

GNR's original lineup - Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, Matt Sorum and Dizzy Reed - were honored as part of the Class Of 2012.

Following their induction by Green Day, bassist Duff McKagan kicked off the band's induction speech. "I'm so honored to have met these guys in the back alleys of Hollywood," said Duff. "We learned how to write songs together. We created the brutality, beauty and total truth all at once, but we were writing songs for ourselves. We had no audience. We played our first gigs with very few fans. And as we progressed, more and more fans came and they were relating to these songs. I don't know if they were relating to us so much or the songs. They spoke to them. I don't know if it matters who's here tonight, because it's about the music that that band created."

"We have new fans who have never seen the original lineup," said Slash, "and they're pulling for us."

Slash, Duff, Steven and Matt were joined by guitarist Gilby Clarke and singer Myles Kennedy on stage to perform three "Appetite For Destruction" songs: "Mr. Brownstone", "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Paradise City", with "Use Your Illusion"-era member Sorum sitting behind the drum kit on "Brownstone" and the man he replaced, Adler, rocking the drums for the last two songs. Check out video here.

Van Halen Release She's The Woman Video

(hennemusic) Van Halen have released the video for "She's The Woman," the second single off their "A Different Kind Of Truth" album.

The video features a combination of rehearsal and live footage from the band's current tour. "She's The Woman" has a history with the band: it was one of the tunes recorded for the Gene Simmons-financed demos in 1976, and it was re-recorded a year later as part of the 1977 Warner Brothers demos.

The original version of the song includes riffs that were later found in "Mean Street," from 1981's "Fair Warning" album. Check it out here.

Courtney Love Apologizes To Daughter For Dave Grohl Allegation

Courtney Love has once again taken to her Twitter account and this time she issued a public apology to her daughter after making allegations that Dave Grohl hit on the 19-year-old.

Frances Bean, Love's daughter with Grohl's former Nirvana bandmate Kurt Cobain, issued a statement last week responding to the allegation. She said: "While I'm generally silent on the affairs of my biological mother, her recent tirade has taken a gross turn. I have never been approached by Dave Grohl in more than a platonic way. I'm in a monogamous relationship and very happy. Twitter should ban my mother."

Grohl himself responded with, "Unfortunately Courtney is on another hateful Twitter rant. These new accusations are upsetting, offensive and absolutely untrue."

On Saturday, Love tweeted: "Bean, sorry I believed the gossip.. Mommy loves you"

Dream Theater Summer Tour

Dream Theater will launch a second North America tour leg this summer as part of their current world tour.

The new leg will launch their summer dates June 15 in Rochester, NY and wrap July 21 in Chester, PA. The tour includes stops at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ plus a two-night engagement at the Paramount Theater on Long Island, NY.

Joining Dream Theater, starting June 16 in Columbus, Ohio and for the rest of the tour, is special guest Crimson Projekct featuring Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Markus Reuter, Julie Slick and Tobias Ralph. They'll be performing the songs of progressive rock legends King Crimson. more on this story

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Add North American Dates

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have added a second North American leg to their Wrecking Ball World Tour.

The first North American leg of the tour is currently underway and the new dates will take place in August and September.

This is the first E Street Band tour without the Big Man and the band has been augmented by a five-piece horn section, including C's nephew Jake Clemons and Eddie Manion on saxophones. more on this story

Rush Delivering New Song This Week

(hennemusic) This week, Rush will be releasing the first single from their forthcoming album, "Clockwork Angels."

"Headlong Flight" hits rock radio stations on Thursday, and the single will be available on Amazon on Friday.

The full album - the first collection of original material in over five years – is due June 12. Check out the artwork here.

Welcome to My Nightmare: The Story of Alice Cooper Set For Release

(Gibson) A new book spanning the career of Alice Cooper will be published in 2012. It's out on June 13 in the U.K., and September 1 in the U.S. via Omnibus Press. Titled Welcome to My Nightmare: The Story of Alice Cooper, it is written by Dave Thompson, author of numerous rock biographies.

The book's official description is this: "Drawing from exclusive and unpublished interviews with a variety of names and faces from throughout Alice's career, the book follows Cooper's tale from his life growing up as a preacher's son in Arizona, through the early years of struggle in Phoenix and then Los Angeles, and then onto the roller coaster ride that has been the years since then. Includes interviews with original bandmates Michael Bruce and the late Glenn Buxton, drummer Neal Smith, the late Frank Zappa, manager Shep Gordon and producer Bob Ezrin.

"It includes tributes and recollections from many of the artists who call Alice an influence – from The Damned and The Cramps, to White Zombie and GWAR.

"Session players and songwriters who have made their own contributions to the Alice story recall their days spent with this Prince of Hell-raisers. The result is a story that alternately thrills, shocks, surprises and delights. Includes full discography and bibliography." more on this story

Paul McCartney Plays Tribute to Jim Marshall

(Gibson) Paul McCartney and his band have posted a video tribute to Jim Marshall. In the clip, McCartney and his band riff on a Hendrix-ian tune before Sir Paul says a few words.

Metallica's Kirk Hammett has also paid tribute to Marshall's amplifiers. "A Marshall amp had a clarity, a punch, a low end and had a type of distortion that wasn't around before Jim Marshall invented it," Kirk said in an interview with the New York Times.

The U.K's Download festival has also named its main stage for 2012 after Marshall. Organizer Andy Copping said, "The music industry lost an innovator and a legend with the sad passing of Jim Marshall. We had to remember him in some way and having the main stage dedicated to his name seemed the perfect tribute." Check out the McCartney tribute here.

The Darkness Blending Old School And 'Luxurious Rock' On New Album

(Gibson) Having reformed in 2011, the U.K's The Darkness are on schedule to deliver their third album in 2012. Some tracks were recorded in England, some in Nashville. In a rare interview, frontman/guitarist Justin Hawkins has talked about progress ahead of live dates in Australia.

Hawkins told Undercover.fm, "We started recording it properly last April, but we had to stop recording it because we had to do all the festivals that we did last summer in Europe. So, that stopped things for a while and we got back in, on and off.

"It's been about a year or something. It's finished now and we've just got to decide which songs to include and use as bonus tracks, B-sides and stuff. One of the really good signs is that we can't decide which ones. It's pretty cool, there's a good blend of old school rock and then some more luxurious rock and then there's a big power ballad on it. We're very happy with the mix of material." more on this story

Reverend Horton Heat To Lead Revival Festival

Reverend Horton Heat is set to headline Austin's Revival Festival's fifth anniversary event, which will take place on Saturday, May 26th in downtown Austin.

"When I first had the idea for the festival in 2007, the first band I thought of was Reverend Horton Heat," says Orlando Rios, Revival Festival Executive Producer and Founder. "They were the first band I ever saw live and they changed my life for the better. Fans always request them and we are always glad to have them. Last year saw record attendance and even a nod from Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell with our own designated day."

The following bands will join the Reverend Horton Heat in Austin: Nekromantix, Lee Rocker, Three Bad Jacks, Psycho Devilles, The Smites (Tribute to The Smiths), Rosie Flores, Holy Moly!, Johnny Hootrock, and the Hot Rod Hillbillies.

Matt Sorum Calls A Guns N' Roses Press Blackout

(hennemusic) The day after the band's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, former Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum is closing a chapter on his former group.

As part of series of post-event tweets, Sorum wrote, "From today forward, I will not be commenting on Guns N Roses. Or making any remarks about the future. Thank you to all the fans. The legacy continues without my commentary."

The drummer added an interesting disclaimer as part of his statement, writing, "I said I wouldn't comment to the press. I will do whatever I choose on my Twitter. Have already been offered 25 press things today and have turned them all down." more on this story

Steve Von Till, Scott Kelly & Wino Plan Townes Van Zandt Tribute CD

(ESPR) Neurot Recordings will release a special three-way split CD in tribute to late American folk music hero Townes Van Zandt this June.

The tribute will feature contributions from Scott Kelly (Neurosis, Shrinebuilder, Tribes of Neurot, solo artist, etc.), Steve Von Till (Neurosis, Tribes of Neurot, Harvestman, solo artist, etc.) and Scott "Wino" Weinrich (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, The Hidden Hand, Shrinebuilder, solo artist, etc.).

After having performed material by Van Zandt solo and through various collaborations on stage over recent years, on solo releases and on random live collaborations, the aptly entitled Songs of Townes Van Zandt brings several songs each from Kelly, Von Till and Weinrich together in praise of his deep musical influence on them all. Through a personal contact of the artists, newly-formed label My Proud Mountain was founded specially in order to release this tribute, with Neurot Recordings handling the North American release of the album on June 12th. more on this story

Thinning The Herd Lineup Change

Thinning The Herd live up to their name by undergoing a major lineup change with the addition of two new members.

The trio is now comprised of new drummer is Rick Cimato (Nassua Chainsaw, God's Green Earth) and new bassist Wes Edmonds (Memphis Native, Engineer), rounded out by founding guitarist/vocalist Gavin Spielman.

The revamped lineup is currently writing new material with plans of recording the album with Steve Albini this July. more on this story

Matt Skiba And The Sekrets Map Out Tour

(CM) Matt Skiba And The Sekrets will be heading out for their first-ever tour this June in support of their forthcoming debut album, Babylon.

Babylon, which will be released on May 8 via Superball Music was produced by Cameron Webb [30 Seconds To Mars, Social Distortion, Pennywise].

With a large variety of musical influences contributing to the album, similarities to Alkaline Trio's trademark sound are highlighted and combined with 80s post punk elements. more on this story

Singled Out: Green River Ordinance's Dancing Shoes

Today Josh Jenkins from Green River Ordinance tells us about the song "Dancing Shoes" from their new album "Under Fire". Here is the story:

The story behind "Dancing Shoes" can be traced back to when I was about 12 or 13. While most kids were playing video games or at the movies on a Friday and Saturday night my parents would take my brother and I to sing at country oprys. An opry consists of a house band and about 12 performers that each sing 2-3 songs.

The demographic is normally over 65 and the song choice is old country classics. Needless to say I didn't feel like I was on the track to being cool. Years later, when "Dancing Shoes" was written, it was pretty evident to me that this was a song that was influenced by our upbringing in Texas. The culture of the honky tonk and country oprys had finally found its place in one of our songs. Thanks Mom and Dad.

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

Live Kittie Webcast Tomorrow

(SR) The Rave Live will be streaming Kittie, live in concert this Tuesday, April 17th from The Rave in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Kittie will be joined by Blackguard, Bonded By Blood, and Candy Machine Guns.

This concert will be streamed live from The Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and will be available for viewing here.

Rob Zombie Recruits Clint Howard For Death Note

Rob Zombie has released his brand new TV commercial for Amdro Ant Bait starring cult icon Clint Howard.

The clip is entitled "Death Note," and fans can watch it online at Fearnet.com by clicking here.

In other news, for the first time since the early 90s, Rob Zombie and Megadeth will co-headline a U.S. tour that starts May 11. more on this story

Vince Neil Jams With Sin City Sinners at Girls, Girls, Girls Opening

(hennemusic) Motley Crue singer Vince Neil officially opened his new Las Vegas strip club, Girls, Girls, Girls, this past weekend.

As part of the festivities, Vince joined Sin City Sinners on stage for a few songs Saturday night, including the Crue tune that the club is named for, as well as an AC/DC classic.

"It's something I always wanted to do," Neil recently told the Las Vegas Sun. "So it's like a dream come true. But this will be different and unique. It will be the first rock and roll strip joint. It was a business opportunity to become a partner that was too good to pass up." Check out video of the jams here.

A Look Back at 1983

The Decibel Geek podcast celebrate the year of 1983 with their latest episode 1983: The Year in Review. In this episode, hosts Aaron Camaro and Chris Czynszak discuss the pop culture stories of 1983 as well as spin some of their favorite hard rock songs from the year.

Tracks by Metallica, KISS, Iron Maiden, and Fastway are included among others. Also in this episode are retro clips and commercials from 1983 including an advertisement for Twilight Zone: The Movie.

"This episode is a true trip down memory lane for our generation." says co-host Chris Czynszak. "Aaron and I were both kids at this time and the discussion, as well as the music, really brought back great memories for us. We hope it will for the listeners as well." Check it out here.

James Durbin Posts Higher Than Heaven Lyric Video

(hennemusic) James Durbin is preparing to release "Higher Than Heaven" as the next single from his debut album, "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster."

Durbin performed the track on his return to the American Idol stage Thursday evening – watch the footage here.

James has also posted a lyric video for the tune, which features not only the words, but a 'mini-performance' of the song by the singer and his band on board a small private jet. Watch it here.

Remembering Dusty Springfield

(Gibson) Dusty Springfield was born on this day in 1939. Gibson takes a look back: The '60s were a pretty magical decade for Dusty Springfield. In the space of about seven years, she went from modest folk singer to a pop sensation who ruled the pop charts, helped bring Motown artists to the U.K. and was a near-ubiquitous presence on British television. And, by the end of the decade, she was considered by many to be a peer to her soul singing idols.

Dusty Springfield was born Mary O'Brien on this day in 1939. She and her older brother Dion were raised by middle-class parents who were fond of music. In fact, Dusty's father would often tap out musical rhythms on the back of her hand, and have her guess which song it was. She also loved playing soccer in the street with the neighborhood boys, and the tomboy nature helped earn Mary the nickname Dusty.

After finishing school, in 1958, Dusty joined a vocal group, named the Lana Sisters, learned how to harmonize and did her first recording and TV show appearances. Two years later, she left the group to form her own act – a folk-pop trio with her brother Dion and Reshad Field. They Christened themselves the Springfields and so, Mary O'Brien's official stage name became Dusty Springfield.

The group had some pretty successful singles in early '60s England, but the big moment for Dusty came when they traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to record an album and hopefully capture an "American" sound. During the trip, Dusty heard tons of American pop songs, and she became less interested in folk tunes and more interested in the Motown sound and other R&B-inflected girl group music.

In the fall of '63, the left the group and went solo. Her first solo single, written and arranged by Ivor Raymonde, copped the "wall of sound" production style Dusty had so fallen in love with. It turned out that music fans on both sides of the Atlantic loved Dusty, too. "I Only Want to Be with You" proved a debut smash, and launched Dusty into a very fruitful '64, during which she was considered one of the stars of the British Invasion alongside The Beatles. She had a bevy of hits that year, including the U.K. smash "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" and the U.S. Top 10 hit "Wishin' and Hopin'" (both penned by the Burt Bacharach/Hal David team).

Springfield set herself apart from the many other female singers of the time because of her white soul (or blue-eyed soul) sound. Dusty's breathy delivery seemed to hint at a strong sexuality. In fact, many listeners thought she was a black, American performer upon hearing her records.

At the end of '64, Springfield courted controversy – but only for the best of reasons. The singer was deported from South Africa for performing in front of a racially integrated crowd, which was forbidden in the country at that time (and for some time after). The incident only enhanced her "cool" standing, and she remained an enormously popular star. more on this story

Noel Gallagher Interrupted By Earthquake

(Gibson) One-time Oasis star Noel Gallagher had a TV interview interrupted by an earthquake last week. According to the Daily Express, Gallagher was in Mexico City on April 11 promoting a series of concerts by appearing on a local TV station.

An earthquake shook the studio, stopping the interview. Gallagher blogged: "So, I'm half-way through an interview for TV when all of a sudden the lights which were lighting the room gently started to sway from side to side and the door began to rattle slightly... Now, I didn't take much notice of this until the cameraman very softly and calmly said, 'We have to leave and go to the outside... there is an earthquake happening.' Just like that!!!!!!

"So, we all get evacuated into the car park and the whole place is just gently rocking back and forth... a bit like being on a boat... mad as f--k!! 6.9 on the Richter scale it was!!!! I loved it... my first earthquake." more on this story