Corey Taylor Has Big Plans For Stone Sour

Aside from that, Taylor tells Billboard that there are plans for two-part feature film exploring the album's concept. "I know the people I want to cast in it," he says. "I know the people I want to produce and direct it. Hopefully I can get it done. There's no ceiling to what we can do with it, so I'm pretty excited." The plans don't stop there. Read the Billboard report for more.

Suspicious Rush Tour Dates Leaked

(hennemusic) Rush recently thanked fans for their support during the Clockwork Angels tour, and now, fan site RushIsABand reports on the possibility that the 2013 North American tour dates have been leaked online.

The site says a photo of an alleged list of 2013 shows was posted to the InfoServ4Rush Twitter feed early on Monday.

RushIsABand reports the list "is almost definitely bogus." "It lists 3 separate dates at Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY including one on April 18th - the date of the Rock Hall induction ceremony in Los Angeles that Rush has promised to attend." more on this story

The Black Crowes Announce Reunion Tour

(hennemusic) The Black Crowes have announced their return from the self-imposed "indefinite hiatus" the band took following their 20th Anniversary tour in 2010/11.

"Merry Crowesmas To All" was the headline on the band's Facebook page as the group revealed a series of 2013 tour dates.

The Crowes launch a week-long UK tour on March 24 in Manchester before returning to North America for dates starting April 2 in Port Chester, NY. more on this story

Ministry's Mike Scaccia Died From A Heart Attack

(Classic Rock) Mike Scaccia died of a heart attack, it's been confirmed. The Ministry and Rigor Mortis guitarist collapsed on stage in Fort Worth, Texas, last weekend, shortly after having asked for the venue's strobes to be switched off.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office notes Scaccia was suffering from heart disease and have ruled his death as natural.

Rigor Mortis bandmate Bruce Corbitt, who was also on stage at the time, has announced plans to launch a fundraising campaign for the 47-year-old's family.

The singer says: "I've been giving the blessings to start an online Fundraiser for Mike Scaccia's Wife Jenny and their Kids. So I will be posting the link for that soon. Also, there will possibly be a Scaccia Tribute/Benefit Show put together for them to honor Mike and also raise money to help them. It could be as soon as this coming weekend." more.

Ozzy Explains Break Up With Original Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne is the special guest on the latest episode of InTheStudio to discuss Black Sabbath's Vol. 4 album.

InTheStudio spoke with Ozzy to get the story behind Vol. 4 which is widely viewed as the last great album from the original Sabbath line-up, on it's 40th anniversary.

Black Sabbath was fracturing under its own internal pressures with the added complication of substantial substance abuse, but by his own admission, Ozzy tells 'InTheStudio' host Redbeard what the real culprit was to the eventual demise of the original band.

"What happened with me and Black Sabbath was that, in the beginning we all had a purpose, but as we went along that inevitable thing stepped in called ego…The fact is that success does change you. It affected ME. I was full of cocaine. That stuff makes you talk the biggest load of horse crap. There shouldn't be a problem (left) in the world, 'cause we solved them all in the bathroom of a hotel with a bag of that white powder. " Listen to the show here.

New Metallica Album Will Have Guitar Solos

(Gibson) Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich recently spoke to Metal Hammer about their progress on the new Metallica album, tentatively scheduled for a 2014 release.

Says Ulrich: "The stuff that we were banging out yesterday, it felt heavy, it felt energetic, it was loud, it was fast, it was rocking, it was crazy... The snare drum was on there and there were guitar solos, in case anybody was wondering."

The yet-to-be-named album will be released on Metallica's newly formed label Blackened Recordings. The band recently acquired the rights to their entire back catalogue from Warner Music Group. The first release from the label is the live DVD Quebec Magnetic, which was released last week. Fans of Metallica might also be pleased to hear what Lars had to say about the direction of the band's new music: "What we're doing now certainly sounds like a continuation of where we left off four years ago." more on this story

Glenn Hughes Speaks Out Over Black Country Communion Controversy

Glenn Hughes of Black Country Communion aimed to "set the record straight" in a new interview with Classic Rock Revisited about the controversy over recent comments he made. Here is an excerpt:

CRR: Let's kill the elephant in the room. You did some interviews that caused a lot of reactions. Glenn: It is none of my business what people say, or write, about me. I am very sensitive. I need to set the record straight today. I know you will not lead me down a dark alley and that is the reason I am doing it.

CRR: Do you regret that this happened and do you regret what you said? Glenn: The only disclaimer I have in this interview, and this goes to all of the Black Country Communion fans out there is this: We have done three albums and one live DVD in two and half years. Ninety percent of the press campaign has been done by me.

I am very happy for Joe and his solo career. Because he is so busy, the band asked me to do the interviews. The promo for the first album went great. The promo for the second album was more difficult because people were talking about evolving in the studio, but they were asking me shouldn't a band evolve on stage.

Most journalists who interview me are Black Country Communion fans and, over time, I have been prodded into the touring question. Yes, I did get frustrated and, yes, I may have said some things that, in hindsight, due to my frustration, I shouldn't have said due to my frustration. Never once did I say anything disrespectful about any of the artists in Black Country Communion, who are of the highest caliber and are my brothers and friends.

I have not done any interviews for several weeks and I have learned that silence is golden. I have learned a lot about myself and the industry. He had a lot more to say, read it here.

The Who: Quadrophenia-Can You See The Real Me? To Air On TV

The Who: Quadrophenia - Can You See The Real Me? is set to air on BBC America on Friday, January 4 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT). We were sent these details:

Originally screened earlier this year as a one-night in-theater event, the documentary takes fans on a riveting ride back to the 1970s when The Who's creative musical genius was taking the world's music stage by storm. The Who: Quadrophenia-Can You See the Real Me gives fans an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into one of rock's most influential bands and the creation of their celebrated album, Quadrophenia originally released in October 1973.

The Who kicked off their Quadrophenia And More Tour, in early November. The trek features The Who performing their iconic 1973 double album Quadrophenia in its entirety, along with a selection of WHO classics. Founding members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are being joined by Zak Starkey (drums), Pino Palladino (bass), Simon Townshend (guitar/backing vocals), John Corey (keyboards), Loren Gold (keyboards/backing vocals) Reggie Grisham (horns), JG Miller (horns) and Frank Simes (musical director, keyboards/backing vocals) for the tour.

The 2012-2013 Quadrophenia And More Tour features The Who performing on a sleek, stripped-down stage with 10 musicians on board, a sophisticated lighting rig and multiple screens that provide footage of world events from World War II to the present day, concentrating on popular culture and the history of the band, including live footage from throughout their storied career. The visuals tie in closely to the Quadrophenia album and movie, particularly the themes of disillusionment, teen angst and rebellion, plus social issues--both from the '60s and now--as well as the beach and ocean that are pivotal in Quadrophenia. more on this story

Moonspell, Marduk, Inquisition, Death Wolf Tour

Moonspell have announced the initial dates for their upcoming North American tour with Marduk, Inquisition, Death Wolf, and The Foreshadowing.

The "Voices from the Dark" tour begins February 20th in Springfield, Virginia and concludes March 16th in Atlanta, Georgia.

Moonspell vocalist/founder commented Fernando Ribeiro had this to say: "The time for a North American tour is finally up, and we are proud to return overseas to bring you all the darkened magic of our Portuguese legend and sound, a rebellion made of passion and communion with the fans. We invite you all to witness the charm and power of Alpha Noir and Omega White, but also to celebrate with us our 20th anniversary as a band and time-travel with us to Wolfheart, Irreligious, and songs never played before in the American territory. The time has come to gather the pack - let the games begin!!!" more on this story

Stormtroopers Of Death Members Launch United Forces

Two former members of the now defunct Stormtroopers Of Death have formed a new band called United Forces. We were sent these details:

United Forces unites S.O.D.'s bassist Danny Lilker (Brutal Truth, Nuclear Assault, Nunf**kritual, Lock-Up,ex-Anthrax) and notorious frontman Billy Milano (Method Of Destruction), the longtime cohorts taking their mayhem to new turf.

Milano and Lilker recruited two additional henchmen to help carry out their forthcoming disorder, with the thunderous Nick Barker (Lock-Up, Ancient, ex-Cradle of Filth, ex-Dimmu Borgir) on percussive duties, and Anton Reisenegger (Criminal, Pentagram Chile, Extreme Noise Terror, Lock Up) handling guitars.

With Lilker located in upstate New York, Milano in central Texas, Barker in England and Reisenegger in Spain, details on the outfit's plans concerning touring or recording remain unknown, but United Forces is, without question, a pending force with which to be dealt.

Notes vocalist Billy Milano on the eclectic union of metal soldiers: "I'm not out to reinvent myself at my age. I just want to have a lot of fun with this. We called it United Forces because we're located all over the place, in different countries, but this is something we're going to come together for." Added four-string assaulter Danny Lilker: "It's gonna be really fun to get together with some good friends -- who are also great musicians -- and play some earsplitting, hardcore-tinged thrash metal! And obviously, we know how to do just that."

At this year's installment of the Fun Fun Fun fest in Austin, Texas, Municipal Waste were joined by Lilker and Milano onstage to help unleash the S.O.D. staple "United Forces." Check it out here.

Vader Announce Back To The Black Tour Dates

Vader have announced the dates for their Back To The Black tour which will also feature Aborted and Bonded By Blood.

The tour will be kicking off on January 17th in Berlin and will conclude on February 10th in Alkmaar, Netherlands.

Vader will be playing both of their albums Black To The Blind and Sothis in their entirety on the tour.

The tour will also feature guest support acts in particular cities from Fhobi, Adimiron, Bloodshot Dawn and Flayed Disciple, according to Vadar's website.

Vader will be launching a second leg of the tour in May and it will cover for the most part Eastern Europe, Italy, Spain, Portugal and several festivals. more on this story

Iron Butterfly's Lee Dorman Found Dead In A Car

Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond's Lee Dorman was found dead in a car last Friday (Dec. 21). It is presumed he died while en route to a doctor's appointment. He was 70.

The Music's Over reports: Joining about a year after they formed in 1966, Dorman played on their classic second album, 1968′s In-A-Gadda-De-Vida which many consider the birth of heavy metal.

The album went on to sell over 30 million copies while its 17-minute epic single of the same name is considered a rock music milestone and continues to get heavy airplay on classic rock stations as well as on film and TV to this day. Read more and watch video here.

Thieves Giving Away Latest Album

Thieves are offering a free download of their latest album, Achiever, until New Year's Day.

The band had this to say, "This is a holiday gift from our band to our friends and fans. We hope everyone checks out the album over their holiday break, and we encourage people to pass the gift along to their friends if they enjoy it."

The band originally released the seven-track concept record in late July. Achiever's concept centers around, according to vocalist Billy Canino, "facing your demons and admitting that you have room to grow. It's about learning to truly appreciate the people who make you want to be a better, more honest person, instead of obsessing over the idea that you have something to prove to them, society, and yourself." Download it here.

Hypocrisy Releasing New Album in March

Hypocrisy are aiming for a late March release date for their new studio album, which they have entitled "End Of Disclosure."

The group is currently working on the effort and Peter Tägtgren had this update: "Hi all, we're still in the studio working hard to finalize the album. Horgh just layed down the drums - and let me tell you - it sounds awesome!!! Thundering and brutal!

"We can't wait to put out the new tracks and play them live! Hope to meet you all soon on road and wish you guys a great X-mas and happy new year!"

Slash Selects On-Stage Winner

Slash has selected Philadelphia band MACH22 as the winners of the Guitar Center On-Stage contest. The band sent over these details:

Slash picked them as the grand prize winners following submission of their original song, "Don't You Give Me," and a live performance opening for Slash at House of Blues, Atlantic City, on September 14, 2012.

Over 3000 unsigned bands competed nationwide in the contest launched late April 2012. Bands were judged by Slash on presentation, originality and creativity, melody, vocal ability and music, lyrics, and entertainment value, hoping to be awarded a grand prize tour support package valued at more than $30,000. With solid reviews in each contest phase, MACH22 secured the top prize.

"For five cats from the Philly area, being handpicked as the Grand Prize Winners by a Rock legend like Slash is a dream come true," said Lamont Caldwell, lead singer of MACH22. "Philly is an underdog town in the national rock music scene and MACH22 hopes to change that!" more on this story

Sammy Hagar Answers Fans Questions In Video

(hennemusic) Sammy Hagar recently offered to take some questions from fans and was flooded with material.

The Red Rocker is now sharing his answers via a new video posted on Tuesday.

"Redheads - here's a little holiday gift for you-- some answers to a bunch of your questions! Redheads are the best fans in the world!," writes Hagar. Watch it here.

David Lee Roth Releases New Year's Eve Dance Party Spectacular

(hennemusic) Van Halen's David Lee Roth has released a special New Year's Eve Dance Party Spectacular edition of The Roth Show.

The package features music from The DLR Vegas Band, some of Dave's "word jazz," and includes a variety of recent and classic footage.

Some of the vintage material is from Roth's "No Holds Bar-B-Que" compilation. The hour-plus set was sold on VHS only during the ill-fated 2002 "Sam And Dave" tour the singer did with former VH member Sammy Hagar. Watch it here.

Lamb of God, Kiss and Rush Featured On Wikimetal Best of 2012

Wikimetal left the chat aside a bit in order to listen to a selection of great songs that were released this year. They sent over these details:

Lamb of God, Kiss and Rush are just a taste of this end-of-the-year special episode. An amazing playlist, to start off 2013 in the most Heavy Metal way possible.

And this is just the first part! On 2013's first episode, we'll go on playing the best of 2012, on the second part of this "Sounds of 2012" series! Listen to the full episode here.

Eddie Van Halen Reflects On What Makes Christmas Special

(hennemusic) Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen has shared a holiday message for his fans online.

"It's not the presents that make Christmas so special," write Eddie. "It's the presence of those you love wether they are with you in person, or spirit. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

Eddie and VH will return to live action in 2013 to resume their "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour. more on this story

Black Sabbath Post Snowblind Themed Holiday Message

(hennemusic) Black Sabbath posted a seasonal greeting for fans on Christmas Day which reference one of their most loved albums.

"Happy Holidays from Black Sabbath" includes an image of a snowflake inside an eyeball with the caption "Snowblind," a track from the band's Vol. 4 release.

Sabbath played three shows this year: a homecoming gig in Birmingham in May; UK's Download festival in June, and Chicago's Lollapalooza in August. Watch a live video of Snowblind here.