Film About AC/DC's Bon Scott In The Works

The story deals with the months leading up to their breakthrough and the singer's tragic death in 1980. "There are a lot of challenges – one of the biggest is authenticity," Liotti says. "This is an American production of an ostensibly Australian-based story. Dialect is highly important, as well as capturing the true dynamic of the band and its members." more on this story

KISS and Motley Crue Donate $100K To Batman Massacre Victims

(hennemusic) KISS and Motley Crue are donating money to support those affected by the Colorado movie theater shootings.

The bands told the crowd at their concert in suburban Denver on Wednesday night that they would donate $100,000 to the Aurora Victim Relief Fund. The fund was set up to help victims and families who were hurt when a man opened fire July 20 at a midnight showing of the new Batman movie in Aurora. Twelve people were killed, and 58 were injured.

"The terror these innocent victims of the Aurora massacre must have experienced and the profound loss their families now face is unimaginable," added KISS frontman Paul Stanley. "We hope that our small gesture helps inspire others to band together in compassion and financial support for all involved in this unspeakable tragedy." more on this story

Feds Knew But Didn't Warn Randy Blythe Of Manslaughter Charge

Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe says that the U.S. government knew that he faced manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic but they didn't notify him.

Blythe was arrested when his band visited the country to play a concert. The arrest was over the death of a fan who suffered fatal injuries from stage diving at previous concert by the band in Czech Republic. Authorities contend Blythe had something to do with the injuries which caused the fan's death days after the concert, but fan filmed footage from the concert casts doubt on Blythe's involvement because it appears the head injury occurred after the fan attempted to jump on the stage and was pulled off by a member of the audience or security (it's unclear in the video). See story about video footage here.

Blythe did an interview with Rolling Stone and one of the questions they asked was "Did the Czech government try and contact you prior to the arrest?" He responded: "The Czech authority sent a letter to the Justice Department, and our government told them basically where they can get off. They said, "No, we won't cooperate." I don't know if the American government thought there was not enough basis for them to pursue an investigation. Regardless, what I'm a little bit steamed about is the fact that they didn't have the courtesy to contact me – in any way, shape or form – and say, 'Hey, you're wanted for manslaughter in a foreign country.'"

They then asked him, "Do you feel the U.S. government should have gotten involved in getting you released?" and he responded, "That's a sticky question, because the Czech legal system is different, and from what I understand, I was given due process. I was not imprisoned in America. That was the first thing that I had to realize and keep in mind – "We're playing by different rules here." I certainly would have appreciated a little bit more concern on my part. I saw one person from the [U.S.] Embassy. One. And they didn't really do much for me. They were just like, 'Are they torturing you?' 'No.' 'OK, goodbye.' I didn't hear anything from them."

He goes on to describe what it was like in prison and discusses the original incident and more. You can read the full interview here.

Aerosmith Plan Busy Fall Around Album Release

(hennemusic) Aerosmith wrap up their Global Warming summer tour this weekend in Bristow, VA, but they are already looking ahead to a busy fall.

In the band's latest video report from the road, guitarist Brad Whitford checks in to discuss the group's new album - "Music From Another Dimension" – the second leg of the tour and heading back out with the Experience Hendrix project in 2013.

"We got a whole bunch of things lined up for the fall," says Whitford. "Special television appearances and more concerts in October and November…probably even into December. We'll be continuing this tour and probably wrapping it up sometime before the holidays." Watch it here.

Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Reissues, Box Set and Exhibit Coming

The Beach Boys reunion tour is only a small part of the band's plans to celebrate their 50th Anniversary.

The group plan to release two new compilation albums, as well as release newly remastered versions of their studio albums, plus there are plans for a box set and the Grammy Museum is planning to host a Beach Boys 50th Anniversary exhibit.

EMI sent out these details: The Beach Boys' 50th Anniversary Tour recently concluded its North American run and is now underway in Europe, and the legendary band is pleased to announce plans for the CD and digital release of two new commemorative hits collections by Capitol/EMI on September 24th outside of North America and on October 9th in North America. 12 remastered Beach Boys studio albums will also be released by Capitol/EMI on September 24th outside of North America and on September 25th in North America. more on this story

New Judas Priest Has Elements of British Steel and Painkiller

(Classic Rock) Rob Halford says the next Judas Priest album is "shaping up, and it's just glorious."

He reports: "If I try to pinpoint it, there are elements of British Steel and elements of Painkiller in terms of the vibe.

"We've got a really solid record coming together slowly in a strong metal way that will make all of our fans very happy and content. At least I hope it does." More rock news.

Sebastian Bach Tells His Side of Guitarist Dispute

(93Rock) Amber Lee from 93Rock in Green Bay had a chance to interview Sebastian Bach and find out what's going on with his now ex-guitarist, Nick Sterling.

Fans were confused when the young guitarist did not participate in their recent live broadcast on AXS TV. Sterling had posted on his Facebook page that he had 'contractual issues' with Sebastian Bach's band and was forced to sit out a few shows.

But, Bach tells a different story. He said that Sterling refused to participate in the live broadcast at the last minute, and was holding out until certain demands were met. This was the last straw following two main issues the band had with Sterling: 1.) His drinking before shows and 2.) The legal issues surrounding the guitarist, which prevent him from entering Canada at this time. Check out the interview here.

Thin Lizzy Guitarist Releasing Memoir

(hennemusic) Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham's memoir, "The Boys Are Back In Town," will be published November 16.

The book was co-written with journalist Harry Doherty and is expected to give the inside story of the band's days on the road.

The 160-page paperback is described as follows: Now for the first time, their story is told by guitarist Scott Gorham and rock journalist Harry Doherty. The band's story is told by the people who were involved directly including former guitarists, road crew, management, family and friends. Their origins in Dublin as a three piece with the 'Whiskey In The Jar' single and a string of unsuccessful but highly creative albums. The move to London to chase the dream of being a major rock band. The chaotic arrival and departures of various members, including Eric Bell (who left the band mid-concert), Irish guitarist Gary Moore, Brian Robertson and co-author Scott Gorham. more on this story

How Robert Plant Song Became Theme Song For Kelsey Grammer Show

(Classic Rock) Robert Plant's recording of 1930s track Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down is being used as the theme music for Frasier star Kelsey Grammer's new TV show Boss following a discussion between the two friends.

Grammer explains: "We had drinks one night in New York and I had just seen his concert with the Band of Joy. He said, 'You know, Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down is a great song.' I said, 'Yeah, it is a great song.' I fought for it – I think it's remarkable as a piece to open the show. It leaves a mystery open."

The second series of Boss, telling the story of a city mayor with a severe brain illness, starts on US TV on Friday. More rock news.

Great White Energized By New Singer

(T-Mak World) T-Mak World spoke with Great White guitarist Mark Kendall ahead of their show at Toronto's The Rockpile on Monday August 20th. In the excerpt that follows, Mark discusses the band's new album:

T-Mak: Let's start with the new album named Elation. Congratulations on Great White's 12th studio album. This is the first album the band has made with your new singer Terry Ilous. How was the experience of making this album overall?

Kendall – Really positive experience. At first Terry was just filling in for a couple of years for Jack (Russell), and when Jack couldn't come back, Terry was the obvious choice. He's just a positive guy, great to be around, and he vibrates at a frequency that is a little higher than the norm. He pumps you full of energy when you're around him. In the studio we wrote a couple of songs for the record company, I had a riff and Michael (Lardie) had a song, and we went in real quick so the company can hear what we sounded with a new singer. They gave it a go ahead and we started writing some songs. We went into the studio and Terry has this great energy and we are excited about these new things we are coming up with. It eclipsed what we had prepared apart from 2 songs and we ended up writing 10 new songs in the studio – something we never did in the past. We went with the moment and let ourselves be free and recording ideas that were so fresh and new. It was really exciting to work that way. The entire band was present for the entire recording session which never happened in the past, everyone wanted to be there and it was a total group effort. We are happy with the album.

T-Mak: You co-produced the album, describe to us what that entails?

Kendall: You know, I just wanted to get involved. The last album I co-produced was Once Bitten and I had removed myself from the production so I could have been a guitar player. But this time I wanted to get involved because I do a lot of side projects, I produce other bands which is my hobby outside of Great White. I just wanted to get involved for an extra pair of ears for Michael. He welcomed and and said hey we haven't done this for a very long time and we are a good team". I had Michael to bounce ideas off of and he would bounce ideas of me. Its kind of a trip when you are producing your own band. If he's doing something I stand over him and say why don't you try this or that, and he would do the same for me. For the vocals for example, Terry had never had anyone produce his vocals – they just let him sing – he has a library of chops, he is like Paul Rodgers and I wanted those to be used for more of a surprise dynamic element to where it wasn't overdone. So we got really involved with that and Terry said he loved the working process and it elevated him to a new level. Normally we write a song, rehears for days and we go in , this time we really just let ourselves be free and you can hear the energy in the record. For the most part the feedback has been "wow you can really hear the energy in that record" Check out the rest of the interview here.

Producer Sues Over Journey Royalties

(Classic Rock) Producer Roy Thomas Baker is suing Sony for unpaid royalties related to his work on 21 Journey songs.

Baker, best known for Queens' Bohemian Rhapsody, has also worked with Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Foreigner, Cheap Trick and many others.

In his court filing he says the record label under-reported the amounts he was due for the Journey tracks, and he may be owed more but they won't let him see the paperwork. more on this story

U2 Offering Fans Limited Edition Live Album

U2 are releasing a limited-edition, 22-track double-live CD of recordings taken at various stops on their recent 360 tour.

The new release is being offered to fans that sign up for the group's online fan club at U2.com (which costs $50) and the band says that the tracks were selected by fans worldwide.

The band also states that fans will receive a download of twelve of the tracks (including a bonus track of "Unknown Caller" which is not included on the album) immediately and offered this description for the set: "From All I Want Is You to Walk On, from Mysterious Ways to One and 'Real Thing' to With or Without You this specially commissioned set, sequenced and mastered by the band and their production team, runs to over two hours. It's presented in a deluxe book of live photos complete with liner notes from Adam Clayton." more on this story

No More Motley Crue For Shamu

(Classic Rock) Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee has demanded that a "cruel" SeaWorld orca show should never include any of his band's music.

He believes exposing the animals to loud music is dangerous and stressful for them, and wants the performances to end.

In an open letter to SeaWorld San Diego, the musician – who recently told of his pain when a fan asked for a photo as he collected his mother's ashes – explains how he was recently informed of the Shamu Rocks shows, which see orcas entertaining tourists to a backdrop of rock songs. more on this story

Gary Moore's Grave Said To Be Neglected

(Classic Rock) A Gary Moore fan has called for more care to be taken of the guitarist's grave, saying it looked "neglected" when she went to pay tribute.

Moore, who was 58, died suddenly of a heart attack in February last year while on holiday in Spain. He was later buried in Saltdean, Sussex, near his UK home – but a headstone has yet to be placed over his resting place.

The only current evidence of his presence is a wooden cross inscribed "Gary Moore 1952 − 2011″ and a small number of mementoes left by fans. Apparently that will soon change.

Jani Lane's Death Saved Jack Russell

(Classic Rock) Former Great White singer Jack Russell believes he wouldn't be alive today if it hadn't been for the tragic death of Warrant frontman Jani Lane on August 11 last year.

In an open letter Russell says: "Dear Jani, over the years we became friends, and we genuinely loved each other's work and had a mutual respect and admiration. I was always worried about you, but, like myself, I thought we were invincible.

"Unfortunately I was wrong about both of us. If it was not for your passing, little brother, I would not be here. I just with it did not have to happen the way it did. I know it is beautiful where you are and I will see you again some day, my friend. Love until then." More rock news.

Metallica's James Hetfield Gets Pied In The Face

(hennemusic) Metallica recently wrapped up their series of seven concerts in Mexico City and they are continuing to share behind the scenes and concert footage from Mexico, including material filmed at their fourth show, on August 2.

Fans can check out video of Metallica rocking "Helpless" in the Tuning Room and "One" from the concert.

Also featured is frontman James Hetfield getting pied by band and crew as he leaves the stage at the end of the show, on the eve of his 49th birthday. Watch it here.

The Cult's Billy Duffy Excited To Play New Songs Live

(Gibson) The Cult's guitarist Billy Duffy has opened up to Glidemagazine.com about the state of the reunited Cult in 2012. He says he loves playing new songs, but admits there are some Cult classics he'll never turn his back on.

"We think the new songs are really strong and exciting and I think we've made the album that The Cult fans wanted us to make and I think as a result it's going to be good fun times playing the new songs. It invigorates the band," Duffy says, "[But] there are certain songs of The Cult that I never mind playing, like "She Sells Sanctuary" or "Rain." I could play those songs forever."

Of the new tracks, Duffy likes playing "Honey From A Knife" – "a punk rock/rock 'n' roll song, he says. "Lucifer" is a bit of a workout for me. It's very busy on the guitar, so I don't get a lot of chance to kick back and relax. But we got to do that. I like playing a song called "Embers"… it's really quiet and I get to kind of play some introspective guitar." more on this story

Former Korn Member Denies Driving Drunk

(TMZ) Ex-Korn drummer David Silveria insists he was NOT under the influence at the time of his DUI arrest earlier this year -- pleading "not guilty" last week in an Orange County courtroom.

TMZ broke the story ... Silveria was busted for DUI in Huntington Beach back in March after rear-ending another car.

The man insisted he hadn't a drop to drink -- but told us he did take a sleeping pill the night before, the effects of which may have lasted through the morning ... making him too drowsy to drive safely.

Silveria called it an "honest mistake" -- and has now decided to fight the charges. more on this story

B Sides

Singled Out: State Your Cause

Today State Your Cause frontman James Scott tells us about their song "Bring You Back" from their brand new album "Steal The Stars". Here is the story:

Bring You Back's verses are about a mine and John's mother, who has struggled with depression and bipolar disorder her entire life. "Find a way to live," and "show the world your strong side" have been my pleas to her since a young age. She always seemed to lean on me, even when I was child.

It was definitely difficult to put into song form because of the strong emotional ties to the situation as well as the inevitable transparency created by publicly discussing family matters. Her constant battle, which often led to her admitting that she no longer wanted to live made me want to put my feelings and support into a song, so she could always have a reminder that I was there, even when I could not be reached.

The chorus was another piece I had about a girl that was in a relationship that she couldn't shake, and all I wanted to do was be there for her (we ended up having a beautiful baby boy together). The beauty of the two is how they became a natural blend of trying to be there for someone in a dark place when pieced together.

The most important part of the song to me is the "face to face, heart to heart, I can't see your faults. Love is blind." No one is perfect, and no one is less of a person because they're struggling. Being there for someone when they're emotionally drained is most definitely the best thing humans can do for one another. It's acts of love such as these that remind us that we're not alone.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album and grab this week's tour dates with Evans Blue right here!

Preview of Joe Bonamassa's Deep Purple Tribute Streaming Online

(hennemusic) A video preview of the new Deep Purple tribute album has been issued. "Re-Machined: A Tribute To Machine Head" is a compilation CD featuring re-interpretations of Deep Purple's landmark 1972 album with songs recorded by Metallica, Iron Maiden, Chickenfoot, Black Label Society and more.

The first preview features a look at Aussie music legend Jimmy Barnes and guitarist Joe Bonamassa's cover of "Lazy."

"I'm a huge Deep Purple fan," says Barnes. "As a young kid, one of the reasons I wanted to get into a rock n' roll band was to be as loud as Deep Purple." Check out the preview here.

Rush's Clockwork Angels: The Novel Launch Event Announced

(hennemusic) The world premiere book launch of "Clockwork Angels: The Novel," by Colorado-based sci-fi author Kevin J. Anderson and Rush drummer/lyricist Neil Peart has been announced.

Anderson will be on hand for a signing session at the Richmond and John Chapters (142 John Street) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Thursday, August 23 at 7:00 p.m.

"I'll be in Toronto as a guest at Fan Expo throughout the weekend, but this event — open to the general public — will be the first time the novel is available for sale," writes Anderson on his blog. "I will give a talk, answer questions, and autograph books… lots of them, I hope!" That's not the only event planned.

James Durbin Unplugs For Radio Station

(hennemusic) James Durbin continues to tour in support of his debut album, "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster."

The American Idol rocker has been playing shows around California this week, and stopped by L.A. radio station 104.3 MYfm for an interview and performance session.

Durbin and crew ran through a few songs, including the album's lead single, "Love Me Bad," and the bonus track "Crawling Home." Check it out here.