Russian Band Sentenced To Two Years In Jail

The trio was arrested following a guerrilla performance/protest at Moscow's main church, singing a "punk prayer" to the Virgin Mary to deliver Russian from Vladimir Putin. The 1st Five have a video report with more details here.

Sebastian Bach's Book May Make Motley Crue's Dirt Look Clean

(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach has wrapped up a series of summer dates promoting his 2011 release, "Kicking & Screaming." One of the next projects on Bach's plate may be writing his autobiography.

Sebastian tells The Macomb Daily that he's been approached to write his memoir, which he predicts will make Motley Crue's "The Dirt" "look clean" if he decides to take that tack.

"It seems like such an overwhelming project, so don't hold your breath for it," says Bach. "It has to blow me away before I release it. I want to write it by myself." more on this story

Dillinger Escape Plan Lose A Member

Dillinger Escape Plan have parted ways with rhythm guitarist Jeff Tuttle, who joined the band in 2007. Tuttle and the band have both commented on the departure.

The band had this to say: "Jeff Tuttle has been a valuable member of The Dillinger Escape Plan since the beginning of the Ire Works cycle. He started his time with us in mid 2006 in a period of turmoil, and his positivity and team player mentality, his enthusiasm, and his fire onstage, will always be appreciated and will never be forgotten. That being said, for now, as you will read, his future with us is uncertain, but whatever the future holds for our relationship with him, we love him and wish him well and success as a brother who has gone into battle with us for six years, and we hope he enjoys and finds creative fulfillment in film school and his future endeavors."

Jeff tells fans: "To the fans of Dillinger, and to the multitude of people I've met, kicked, guitar-smashed, face riffed, or otherwise touched, I'm writing this to formally announce that as of today I will be taking my departure from The Dillinger Escape Plan. The years I've spent with this band have been some of the greatest in my life. I've seen and done so many things I never thought possible and I will forever be grateful to these memories and to the band that made them possible. I'd like to thank everyone who has given me support and encouragement along the way and to express all the gratitude that fills my bones. Dillinger is a beast that cannot be contained and I have no doubts that the band will continue on the road of destruction. I wish them nothing but the best in the years to come. Music is in my blood and I will continue making it with Old Gods and my solo effort, Malo Konjche. I will also be taking the opportunity to study film and film production in the fall; something I've been deeply passionate about for many years. Life may lead me back to the Dillinger fold in the future, but for now I've decided to pursue these creative paths. The past six years have been amazing and I'm lucky to have made it out alive. I'll never forget the time we shared on stage… the scars won't let me." more on this story

60s Hit Maker Scott McKenzie Dead at 73

Scott McKenzie, best known for his hit 1967 song "San Francisco (Be Sure To Where Flowers In Your Hair)," died at his home on Saturday (August 18, 2012).

Cause of death was not immediately released but he had reportedly been ill prior to his death, according to TheMusicsOver.com.

Aside from "San Francisco (Be Sure To Where Flowers In Your Hair)," which was written by John Phillips of the Mamma & The Papas and reached the Top 5 on the charts, McKenzie co-wrote the Beach Boys 1988 No. 1 hit "Kokomo." Read more about him here.

Motorhead Offer More Previews Of New Album

(hennemusic) Motorhead are offering up some more previews of their new album, "The World Is Ours - Vol 2: Anyplace Crazy As Anywhere Else."

The project will be released in Europe on September 21, the UK on September 24 and October 9 in North America.

The follow-up to 2011's "The Wörld Is Ours – Vol 1: Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" will feature the band's 2011 Wacken Open Air headline appearance as well as highlights from Sonisphere (United Kingdom) and Rock In Rio (Brazil) shows. Check out the previews here.

Black Country Communion Set New Album Release

(hennemusic) The third album from Black Country Communion is due October 30, according to bassist Glenn Hughes.

Hughes tweeted about the project, which once again sees him team up with bandmates Joe Bonamassa on guitar, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper).

Kevin Shirley is handling production duties, as he did with the band's first two albums. BCC have issued a few videos of their work in the studio, Watch it here.

Led Zeppelin DVD Goes 13 X Platinum

(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin have reached yet another sales milestone. The band's 2003 DVD has been certified thirteen times platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for sales in excess of 1.3 million copies in the U.S. alone.

The RIAA report includes designations for Zeppelin's release at levels of eleven, twelve and thirteen times platinum all being confirmed in July.

The double-DVD set features over five hours of never-before-available concert and performance footage from Zeppelin, spanning the years 1969 to 1979. more on this story

AC/DC Bon Scott Film Needs Producer

(hennemusic) After the official press release of an upcoming docu-drama film production about late AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott went viral on the internet last week, it has been learned that the film's organizers are seeking a producer to back the project.

"We have been approached by a number of prospective producers for this project in a fairly short period of time," said a source. "But, this is a historic opportunity for a producer to step in and back a project now with international credibility."

Much of the speculation centered around the project is who would handle the starring role portraying Scott. Moreover, who knew enough about the story to write a viable screenplay for the project? Rob Liotti took on the task. The singer has portrayed Scott onstage for years in his tribute band TNT and is actually an American musician, writer, and actor. more on this story

Duff McKagan's Loaded Headed Across The Pond This Fall

(Gibson) Duff McKagan's Loaded have announced a string of tour dates in the U.K. and Ireland for October and November, including shows as main support act for Alice Cooper and co-headlining dates with Ugly Kid Joe.

In addition, for one night only, McKagan will present a special live performance based on his best-selling memoir, It's So Easy: and Other Lies. During the special show, dubbed "Rock Stars Say the Funniest Things," McKagan will read excerpts from his autobiography, perform acoustically and participate in a Q&A session. This special event will take place at The Garage in London on October 23.

Duff McKagan Loaded's latest album, The Taking, was released in April 2011. The album is the band's first to feature new drummer Isaac Carpenter. more on this story

Doors Member Reacts To Mars Rover Playing "Break on Through"

(TMZ) One member of The Doors is amped the Mars Rover mission plays "Break on Through" as a wake-up call in the morning -- telling TMZ, it's the perfect song for an extraterrestrial ... because The Doors are basically aliens.

In case you didn't know, several crew members on the Mars Curiosity Rover Mission answered a bunch of questions on Reddit last week-- and one question involved the rover's "wake-up" songs ... i.e. songs played by mission control to start their day. (It's a Mars rover tradition, apparently)

According to one crew member, the wake-up song list includes the "Mission: Impossible" theme, "Wake Up Little Susie" by Simon and Garfunkel, "Come Fly With Me" by Frank Sinatra ... and the Doors hit classic.

But Doors drummer John Densmore tells TMZ, he's not surprised by the crew's song selection ... claiming, "The Doors were always considered 'different'... like from Mars... no bass player, no flower power."

Densmore adds, "[last Thursday] the mayor of West Hollywood declared it 'Doors Day.' It seems appropriate that we are also waking up the Curiosity on Mars." more on this story

SUNN 0))) Expand Fall Tour Plans

SUNN 0))) have expanded their upcoming Fall tour to now include eight cities on the eastern seaboard of the US.

With newly confirmed performances now confirmed in Brookline, Massachusetts, and New Britain, Connecticut, the tour includes performances at the first installment of The Power Of The Riff East in Brooklyn, New York, and Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dead In The Dirt will provide direct support for SUNN 0))) on all dates except the Hopscotch Festival. more on this story

New Cradle of Filth Coming This Halloween

Halloween will come a day early for Cradle of Filth fans as the band have set an October 30th North American release date for their new album, The Manticore & Other Horrors

Commented the band's infamous front man, Dani Filth, "This is our 10th commandment in metal. We have diversified and kept alive the spirit of this band and breathed it into something that I can proudly say, slays like an absolute motherf**ker. The Manticore is coming… Long live the filth!"

The album was recorded in eight weeks at both Springvale and Grindstone studios (where it was also mixed by Scott Atkins), Suffolk. more on this story

Joe Bonamassa Giving Away Song From New Double Live Album

Joe Bonamassa is giving away a free download of "Slow Train" which comes from his new double live album, which hit stores next month.

Joe Bonamassa: Beacon Theatre - Live From New York, from the sold-out two-night performance at New York City's legendary Beacon Theatre will be released as a 2-CD set on September 25th. But you can get a taste of what's to come with the free download here.

Special guests on the album include Beth Hart, John Hiatt and Paul Rodgers. This CD is the companion to the March release of the DVD and Blu-ray of the same name. more on this story

Sammy Hagar Wants Fan To Have His Shelby Mustang

(hennemusic) Red Rocker, and car collector, Sammy Hagar is selling his Shelby GT500 Coupe 2007 Mustang and wants a fan to own it.

"I bought another car recently and have run out of space!," says Hagar. "Instead of letting one sit outside I've chosen to sell one and chose this beast! But, I don't want to put it up on Barrett-Jackson and see it get marked up - I'd rather see a Redhead driving it and sell it at blue book! I bought this Shelby new and have driven it very little (low miles), plus it's been driven by Mike Anthony and Chad Smith during the recording of Chickenfoot III."

Details: Shelby GT500 Coupe 2007 Mustang, V8 Supercharged 5.4L engine, manual 6 speed transmission, cruise control, power steering, tilt wheel, premium sound with Shaker 1000 audio system, power seats, leather, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, premium trim package with Shelby Blue tape stripe. more on this story

Hetfield Recaps Metallica's Mexico City Run

(hennemusic) Metallica recently played a series of eight shows in Mexico City, where the band debuted a new stage set that featured highlights from the band's lengthy career.

Frontman James Hetfield spoke to the Mexican radio station Ibero 90.9 prior to the start of the shows last month, and was impressed with the level of support Metallica has in the region.

"To play anywhere in the world for eight shows is unbelievable," Hetfield said. "I don't think we could do it anywhere else. Mexico City stepped up, and every [concert] we put on sale, there was another one and another and it kept going. It was crazy! We probably could have kept going, as the passion here is unbelievable." Read more and watch video here.

Elvis Presley Fans Get Surprise Visit at Graceland

(Gibson) Elvis Presley fans who had gathered at Graceland to mark the 35th anniversary of the singer's death got a surprise Wednesday night when Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley joined them at the vigil. It was the first time Elvis's widow and daughter had appeared together at the annual gathering, according to an Associated Press report.

"You should see this from our point of view," said Priscilla Presley, looking out at the crowd from an elevated stage. Lisa Marie Presley stood alongside her, looking at thousands of lit candles held aloft by the fans. "It's truly a sight to behold."

The vigil marked the high point of Elvis Week, an annual Memphis event that celebrates the life of the legendary singer. Organizers estimate that 75,000 fans took part in the vigil. "I've always avoided this because I felt that it would be too emotional," said Lisa Marie Presley, "but I really felt it was important to come down here tonight. I love you very, very, very much." more on this story

B Sides

Singled Out: The Commuters

Today Zeeshan Zaidi, the lead singer of the New York-based alternative rock band The Commuters, tells us about the song "As I Make My Way" from their debut album "Rescue". Here is the story:

This song is about the vision I had all my life of becoming a professional musician and just going for it. I'd been in and around the music industry much of my career as a label executive and producer, but had put my own musical dreams on the back burner. One day I was deep in thought and said to myself: 'Some day I will die. And when that day comes I don't want to look back on my life and kick myself for not doing what deep down inside I've always wanted.' So I did it. Started writing and producing my songs with the aim of putting a band together and doing what I'm doing now. The song is about that moment, and going for it, and not worrying too much about outcomes — about giving it your all and just trusting that things will work out as they are supposed to.

Ironically, even though ended up being the obvious first single off the album, in the studio this was one of the last songs to come together. It was lagging a bit behind the other songs and I wasn't sure if it would even make the album. Then one day I said to Uri — let's take a cue from the song itself and lay down some cool parts, starting with a great intro, without caring too much about how it turns out. Just let it go. So then I came up with the two guitar parts you hear in the intro and put them down, and Uri was messing around with a keyboard and came up with the really killer synth riff, as well as the scratchy sound at the beginning. It was awesome that when we took the perspective of the song it actually helped the song itself.

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

Lynyrd Skynyrd's Fox and Friends Performance Streaming Online

(hennemusic) Lynyrd Skynyrd performed live from New York City Friday morning as part of the FOX & Friends "All American Concert Series."

The free live performance was the 13th of the 14-week outdoor concert series held in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, directly outside the FOX News studios (48th & 6th).

Skynyrd are out promoting the release of their new album, "Last of a Dyin' Breed," which will be out on Tuesday, August 21st. Watch the Fox performance here.

Nickelback Video Starring Jason Alexander and Brooke Burns Now Online

(hennemusic) Nickelback have released a new video for "Trying Not To Love You." The track is the fifth single from the band's latest album, 2011's "Here and Now."

The clip features Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a coffee shop employee who falls in love with a customer, played by Baywatch's Brooke Burns.

Nickelback recently wrapped up an extensive North American tour and will fire up a European trek in Brussels, Belgium on September 6. Watch the video here.

The Gaslight Anthem Cover Pearl Jam

(hennemusic) The Gaslight Anthem released their fourth studio album, "Handwritten," last month.

The New Jersey rockers are promoting the album with a series of concert dates and promotional appearances, including a recent stop at Sirius XM's Alt Nation.

Satellite radio listeners were treated to a live session that included a cover of Pearl Jam's "State Of Love And Trust" (one of the bands previously produced by O'Brien); the song does not appear on the band's new album. Check it out here.

Metallica Share Blitzkrieg and Battery Performance Videos

(hennemusic) Metallica continue to roll out footage from their recent 8-date run in Mexico City. Up next is material from show number six at the Sports Palace, which happened on August 6.

Fans can check out video of Metallica rocking "Blitzkrieg" in the Tuning Room and the punishing "Master Of Puppets" track, "Battery," from the concert.

The final summer shows with the new stage set used in Mexico take place in Vancouver on August 24 and 25. Watch the video here.

The Darkness Preview New Album

(hennemusic) The Darkness return on Tuesday (Aug 21) with "Hot Cakes," the reunited band's third studio album and they are offering up a preview online.

The band's debut, 2003's "Permission To Land," hit the No. 1 spot in the U.K. chart and won the "MasterCard British Album" at the 2004 Brit Awards (along with "Best British Group" and "British Rock Act").

Between 2003 and 2006, The Darkness was honored with many awards and accolades; along with three Brit Awards, the band won an Ivor Novello in 2004 for "Songwriters Of The Year", four Kerrang! Awards, two Metal Hammer Awards, an MTV Europe Music Award and even an Elle Style Award in 2004 for "Most Stylish Band." Check out the preview here.