The Gap Accused of Judas Priest Theft

Kelliher says via his Tumblr feed: "Leave it to the Gap to steal ideas for kid t-shirts. Seriously poor taste." It's not the first time Gap have been accused of plagiarism.

Geoff Tate Wants Face To Face Summit With Queensryche

(Classic Rock) Sacked Queensryche singer Geoff Tate has called on his former bandmates to sit in a room with him and explain their actions over the past few months.

He was dismissed by colleagues Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson and Scott Rockenfield in June following months of speculation, and replaced by Crimson Glory frontman Todd La Torre.

Since then a series of acrimonious statements have appeared. But in an upcoming episode of That Metal Show, Tate insists he's still unsure of why things happened the way they did – and he'd like to be told.

Presented Eddie Trunk has revealed a quote from the interview in which the singer says: "I'd like to sit in a room with those gentlemen and have them tell me face-to-face what the situation is. Explain their actions." more on this story

Matt Sorum Responds To Mike Portnoy Guns N' Roses Criticism

(Classic Rock) Former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy got a reply from the horse's mouth when he criticised the performance of Matt Sorum on Guns N' Roses' 1991 hit track November Rain.

Portnoy said via Twitter: "November Rain is an all-time classic song… but why on earth did Matt Sorum play the same exact fill every four bars? 23 times, to be exact!"

Later, Sorum responded: "That fill was Axl's idea as a musical phrase that carried on through the trilogy, Don't Cry and Estranged. Those albums, Use Your Illusion I and II, have sold 20 million combined.

"Remember, kids, drumming isn't all about fancy fills and splash cymbals. Ask Charlie Watts, Ringo and Phil Rudd." more on this story

Green Day Surprise Fans With Club Show

(Gibson) Green Day played a surprise gig for their fans at The Echoplex in Los Angeles earlier this week. Tickets for the event were released on the day of the show, and according to NME.com, fans started to line up outside the venue at 5 a.m.

The concert was part of the promotion of Green Day's upcoming album trilogy, ¡Uno!, ¡Dos! and ¡Tré!, which are scheduled for release starting with ¡Uno! on September 24, and ending with the release of ¡Tré! in January next year. The California punk rockers, led by Billie Joe Armstrong, who is often seen wielding his Gibson Les Paul Junior, opened with a couple of well-known Green Day hits, "Welcome to Paradise" and "American Idiot" before playing material from ¡Uno!, among them first single "Oh Love."

For almost two hours fans were treated to songs from the band's entire catalog, with drummer Tré Cool taking the mic for the song "Dominated Love Slave" from Green Day's Kerplunk album. more on this story

Metallica, Linkin Park, Blink-182, A Perfect Circle For Soundwave

(hennemusic) Metallica will be headlining Australia's Soundwave festival in February and March of 2013.

Joining the metal icons on the bill are Linkin Park, Blink-182, A Perfect Circle, The Offspring and many more.

The festival is trying to rebound from its cancellation last year, when Van Halen were scheduled to headline the traveling event; reports suggested a second headliner pulled out about a month before the tour was to start last September, causing the organizers to shut it down. more on this story

Deep Purple Releasing Machine Head Box Set

(hennemusic) Deep Purple will release The 40th Anniversary Edition of their 1972 album classic, "Machine Head," on October 8.

The new box set features 5 discs and will be accompanied with fully illustrated 60 page hardback booklet, housed in a luxury box.

Contents include: * CD1: "Machine Head" original album 2012 remaster * CD2: 1997 remix by Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover * CD3: Original album Quad SQ stereo (2012 remaster) * CD4: "In Concert '72" - 2012 Mix (recorded live at Paris Theatre, London on March 9, 1972) * DVD: 2012 high-resolution remaster and surround mix. more on this story

Tom Waits Big Announcement Was A Video

(hennemusic) Tom Waits has unleashed his latest video. The launch of "Hell Broke Luce" has been teased by Waits over the past week, with mysterious preview images offered up along with the caption "coming August 7."

Fans and media alike speculated that the tease might mean a tour announcement, but Tom himself put that to rest when releasing the video.

"As most of you guessed, it's a tour... a tour de force!," said Waits. "[Director] Matt Mahurin has created an apocalyptic war dream to accompany the song 'Hell Broke Luce.' Kathleen [Brennan] and I envisioned it as an enlightened drill sergeant yelling the hard truths of war to a brand new batch of recruits. The video grew from the gnawing image of a soldier pulling his home, through a battlefield, at the end of a rope."

"I think you will agree, it's uplifting and fun," added the singer. Watch the video here.

August Burns Red Releasing Headbanging Christmas Album

As August Burns Red get ready to kick off their North American headlining tour on August 31st, the band is already looking ahead towards Christmas with the news that they will release their new Christmas album, Sleddin' Hill, A Holiday Album, on October 9th.

Their camp sent out these details: The 13-track release features not only fresh takes on classics such as "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland" and even "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer," but also original compositions that are destined to become future headbanging holiday favorites. The album also compiles remixed and remastered versions of the band's previous holiday hits, like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Little Drummer Boy." Rounding out the collection is an updated version of the band's rendition of "Carol of the Bells," heard in Frank Miller's (300, Sin City) movie The Spirit and Seth MacFarlane's (Family Guy) American Dad.

"The idea of doing a full Christmas album has been floating around in the ABR camp for a few years now, but what always held us back was finding the time and energy to write an additional full-length in between touring and writing our regular records," explains guitarist and principle songwriter JB Brubaker. "After finishing [2011's] Leveler I finally felt inspired enough to tackle the Christmas album idea." more on this story

This Or The Apocalypse To Release New Album Next Month

This Or The Apocalypse have set a September 25th release date for their new album "Dead Years".

"'Dead Years' is full of some of the most painfully honest material we've ever written," says frontman Ricky Armellino.

This will be the band's first release since "Haunt What's Left," produced by Josh Wilbur and Lamb Of God's own Chris Adler in 2010. more on this story

Dio Full Album Preview Goes Online

(hennemusic) "The Very Beast Of Dio Vol. 2" is set to be released on October 9th but fans can now preview the album in full via Ronnie James Dio's official website here.

The companion compilation to the original, gold-certified "Very Beast Of Dio," the new package will feature 17 songs, including three bonus tracks.

"The Very Beast Of Dio Vol. 2" picks up exactly where the first volume left off — from 1996 onward. And in addition to featuring such latter-day Dio classics as "Killing The Dragon", "Push" and "Fever Dreams", the compilation will also include several rarities that fans have long requested on a single disc — "Electra" (which previously was only a part of the ultra-rare "Tournado" box set), "Prisoner of Paradise" and "Metal Will Never Die". more on this story

Johnny Winter Wants Clapton, Guy, Knopfler, B.B. King For New Album

(Gibson) Blues guitarist Johnny Winter is planning to record a follow-up to last year's Roots album, according to Billboard.

Roots was very well received, and features Winter playing his favorite blues songs together with a guest musician on each track. Winter collaborated with Derek Trucks, Sonny Landreth and Vince Gill, among others.

With the success of Roots, Winter is now putting together a list of the musicians he would like to collaborate with on a follow-up album. Winter told Billboard: "I haven't picked the songs yet, but I'd like to have Billy Gibbons play. I'd like o have Dr. John play. I'd like to have Mark Knopfler play on something. I'd like to have Clapton, B.B. King, Buddy Guy." more on this story

Neil Young, Foo Fighters and The Black Keys For Global Fest

(Gibson) On September 29 the Global Festival will take place on Central Park's Great Lawn in New York City, according to Rolling Stone.

The festival will feature Neil Young, Foo Fighters and The Black Keys. John Peets, manager of The Black Keys, said:

"All of us come from Ohio, so we grew up around working-class, hard-working people, but getting a global view makes you want to give back even more." more on this story

Unearth Headed To Southeast Asia

Unearth have expanded their world tour plans with word that they will be spending Rocktober in Southeast Asia.

The band is set to play dates in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, in support of their latest album Darkness in the Light.

The tour will begin on October 11th with a guitar clinic and signing session at the Shanghai Music Expo. On October 20th, Unearth will support Soulfly as part of the Rockaway Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. more on this story

Texas In July Set Special Guest Filled Album Release

Texas In July have called on their musical friends to guest on their new self-titled album, which will be released on October 9th.

The new album will feature guest appearances from drummer Matt Greiner of August Burns Red, vocalist Dave Stephens of We Came As Romans, and vocalist Chadwick Johnson of Hundredth.

Texas In July was recorded in Belleville, NJ at The Machine Shop Studios, with producer Will Putney (For Today, Chiodos). The band's first single will be "Bed of Nails," which will be released on September 11 via digital retailers. "This track is collectively one of our favorite songs that we have ever written as a band," explains lyricist/bassist Witkowski. "For the most part, "Bed of Nails" was written in the studio. It came together so smoothly and, surprisingly, pretty early on in writing/recording process and quickly became a favored track. We think of it as our hybrid song - it has many contrasting musical parts, as well as a heavy hitting vocal chant near the tail of the song. I really think people are going to be pleased to hear this song. I would love to see this track become our next "Hook Line and Sinner". It's very memorable, and feels like the perfect track to be released as the first listen for the upcoming record." more on this story

Early Graves Set New Album Release

Early Graves have set an October 30th release date for their new studio album, Red Horse.

Red Horse marks Early Graves return since the tragic death of founding singer Makh Daniels two years ago, and the next chapter of the band's career with close friend, John Strachan, of the Funeral Pyre, taking over vocal duties.

The band recently released a rough demo of "Days Grow Cold," their first with Strachan, on No Sleep Records Summer Compilation. Listen here.

New Book About Frank Zappa Band's Ike Willis Coming

A new biography about Frank Zappa's guitarist and vocalist Ike Willis is set to be released in December to coincide with the holidays and Frank Zappa's birthday. Glass Onyon sent over these details:

The Ike Willis Book will chronicle the life and times of Ike Willis, who played guitar and sang with Frank Zappa for fifteen years.

Ike Willis is featured on a number of classic albums including Joe's Garage, Tinseltown Rebellion, You Are What You Is, Them or Us and Shut Up & Play Yer Guitar. Mr. Willis has lived a long, star-studded, rock-and roll version of "the American dream" before, during and after his time with Frank Zappa. Since Zappa's death in in 1993, Willis has continued paying tribute to the incredibly detailed and academic arrangements of Zappa's original music while performing in Europe and South America with a variety of tribute bands including Project/Object at the Zappanale festival in Germany for the last three years. more on this story

How Les Paul Inspired Eddie Van Halen

(hennemusic) On a break from his band's "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour, Eddie Van Halen sat down with the Guitar Center to talk about his line of EVH Gear and his need to explore and expand the reach of his instruments.

After years of product endorsements by a variety of equipment manufacturers, Eddie launched EVH Gear out of necessity, along the lines of how guitar inventor – and innovator – Les Paul got started. "When I first met Les, I was amazed at how much we had in common," explains Eddie. "Our approach – we didn't like anything that existed – so, we became friends because we'd always piss and moan about, 'Why doesn't this do what I want? Why doesn't that do what I want,' so we became very close friends. Not a year would go by where we wouldn't talk and just have it out about other people's gear and just cartoon on stuff. Everything we did was out of necessity. Nobody else made what we needed."

Van Halen now has a complete line of guitars, amplifiers and more. "I guess because I've developed enough designs to warrant a line and a brand rather than just have a signature model with a guitar company," he says. "Another reason is that most guys don't build their own amps and they play a personalized version of a company's standard issue guitar. I build my own guitars and amps. These are the tools I need to do my job." more on this story

Jackyl Frontman Makes Rock History

On July 31st, Jesse Dupree and his son Nigel made rock and roll history when they become the first father and son team to release albums on the same day.

The new Jackyl, Best in Show, celebrates the 20th anniversary of the band and Classic Rock Revisited spoke with Jesse about it. Here is a little excerpt where he discusses his musical son.

Jeb: Have you been tempted to collaborate with Nigel? Jesse: He is like any man out there, I need to let him have his space and I need to let him feel comfortable to make his own way. He doesn't want to ride his old man's coattails.

He is in a special place with his songwriting right now. I think when the time is right, and it happens naturally, then it will happen. It is not like we've not thought about it; we've even talked about it. I don't think we will do it just for the sake of doing it. We don't want to force it.

Jeb: Us old bulls need to let the young ones have room to run. Jesse: Exactly. I am still having a hard time realizing that he is 22 years old. When I think of us writing songs together I am thinking they will be called, "Are We There Yet?" or "Mama, I'm Through Come Wipe Me." I am just blown away that he is grown and doing so well. He has a monster guitar sound and a great band and he's doing good. Read the full interview here.

Mad Men Star Jams With The Jesus and Mary Chain

(Gibson) Mad Men's Jessica Pare recently joined The Jesus and Mary Chain on stage as guest vocalist on the songs "Just Like Honey" and "Sometimes Always" for shows in Buffalo and Toronto, as reported by NME.com.

This was not the first time that the band collaborated with an actress. In 2007, Scarlett Johansson took the stage with the Scottish rockers for a rendition of "Just Like Honey," which was featured in Sofia Coppola's film Lost in Translation.

Fans of the TV drama series Mad Men already know that Jessica Paré, who just finished her first season as part of the main cast, can sing, as she demonstrated in the first episode of season 5. more on this story

B Sides

Singled Out: Perzonal War

Today Matthias Zimmer from Perzonal War tells us about the song "Incarnation" from their brand new release "Captive Breeding". Here is the story:

"Incarnation" is a song from our new album Captive Breeding. Listening to the number makes obvious that the song is influenced by the bay area bands from the 80´s. It is not completely old-school but it has enough elements that let see the roots of "old" trash metal! Slow and groovy beginning, wild and chaotic ending.

Although we have a trash scene in Germany with bands like Kreator, Sodom or Destruction our main influences have been the great bay area bands. Not only the big ones; also great music from Forbidden, Death Angel or Testament.

When I think of the lyrics of "Incarnation" I have to mention the X-files. For I am a great fan of Scully and Moulder it was obvious to write about this topic sooner or later. In our case it was later… 16 years of Perzonal War, 7th album =)!

Two years ago I bought (after a break of years) the first DVD season… after the first season was over the next had to be bought until I had all of them. It is still great stuff and I really like the America of the 90´s that can be seen in the movies. It might sound strange but for us in Germany it is really exotic. I really like the shape of the cars, the houses and the whole look and atmosphere of this period. It reminds me of the days when I was a teen hahahaha.

So the whole song deals with conspiracies, mysteries, unanswered questions, etc. I think Megadeth had kind of the same thing in mind when they wrote Hanger 18.

Regarding the Perzonal War songs in general most of them deal with lyrics that are inspired by "real life". So "Incarnation" is a bit different from the rest and you hopefully enjoy it. Check it out and stay METAL!

Learn more about the album right here!

Iron Maiden Release New Video Tour Report

(hennemusic) Iron Maiden are in the home stretch of the North American portion of their "Maiden England World Tour."

The trek will hit more than 30 cities before it wraps up on August 18 in Houston, TX.

Maiden played 9 dates in Canada in July alone, with swings through Ontario and Quebec followed by a series of shows out west later in the month.

The metal legends have put together a road report from the Canadian leg of the tour for fans to check out. Watch it here.

Metallica, El Diablo Gato Creeping Death, And Fuel

(hennemusic) Metallica are wrapping up their series of concerts in Mexico City this week and are sharing some behind the scenes and concert footage from the trek.

The band debuted a new stage set, which they described as "a brand new show that features your favorite iconic elements spanning our entire 30 year touring career all on a massive stage that is twice the size of the World Magnetic set up... we think it's something that needs to be seen to believed!!!"

Metallica have released more video footage, including material filmed on July 30. Fans can check out footage of James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich in the meet and greet, "Breadfan" in the Tuning Room, El Diablo Gato singing "Creeping Death" in Tuning, and "Fuel" from the show here.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Take A Stand In New Studio Video

(hennemusic) Lynyrd Skynyrd will release their first new album in three years, "Last Of A Dyin' Breed," on August 21 and are giving fans an inside look in part 2 of their 'in the studio' video series.

Part 2 features interviews with Skynyrd's Gary Rossington. Rickey Medlocke and Johnny Van Zant. "It's kinda fun because we try to play for our fans all the old, great, original band stuff that they like to hear," explains Rossington, the band's sole remaining founding member. "But it's really fun playing new stuff."

"We're in an election year and all the politicians preaching, saying they're gonna do this and do that and most of the time they do nothing," says Van Zant. "So it's just about the good people that made this country of ours, who work hard and try to keep it going. But it's a hard time for America, so we need you politicians to stand up and do the right thing for us common folk." Watch the full video here.