Ozzy Osbourne International Airport?

"I believe that there is a masterstroke that would instantly confound the cynics," said Simpson. "Just re-name our airport! How does The Ozzy Osbourne International Airport resonate? The message that would carry is instantly international, confident, powerful, unforgettable and says 'Hey World, we are proud of our own." more on this story

Jason Newsted Would Return To Metallica If They Were 'Brofessional'

Jason Newsted says in a new interview that he would be willing to play with Metallica again if they were "brofessional about it".

Metal Shrine asked Newsted this hypothetical, "Let's just say that (current Metallica bassist) Rob Trujillo breaks his leg and they're about to go on tour and they call you. Would you do it?:

Newsted responded, "Aahhh, it kinda depends on the circumstances. God, I haven´t been asked that before. (sighs deeply) If they were cool and they were bros. Actually, here's the word, if they were brofessional about it and if they came as my brothers and they were professional with the meeting and they called the meeting and they're sitting there and looking me in the eye and the managers aren't around and we're doing this as we used to do every f**king thing, with just us and then the managers did what we told them to do… if it was like that again and the money was crazy, then I would consider it. I would consider it, but it would be only for that thing and it would to be absolutely delegated and it would have to be these 30 shows in these 45 days for this squillion dollars, then I would say most likely I would come and crush every f**ker in my sight. But it has to be that.

"I love those guys and I always will and I will defend them to the end of time. I don't dig it when people talk sh*t about them and I don't dig it when they put them down about certain music they didn't like that they did or whatever. F**k those people! As soon as the people can put out a better album than Metallica, you let me know and I'll listen to it, but until that time, just back off! I don't come and tell you how sh*tty you're doing your accountant job or whatever, you know what I mean. I don't like that part, but I'll always have respect for those guys because they gave me my chance, ok. They gave me my chance and I'll never ever forget that. Now, we've had our differences over time but that sh*t is under the bridge a long time ago. The sh*t that has transpired in the last 10 years of the rumors stuff and 'Oh, Jason got treated so bad. Poor f**king Jason.' and everything, it's such sh*t! It's so wrong and it's not the truth and it really bothers me. I understand that it gets sensationalized and blah, blah, blah. What I try to say man is trainloads, trainloads of joy, accomplishments and wonderful experiences and one little, tiny f**king symbol full of sh*t. It was joyous and victorious and accomplishing things and setting the f**king standard, you know what I mean?" Read the full interview here.

Queens of the Stone Age Go Spinal Tap With New Mockumentary

(Classic Rock) Queens of the Stone Age have released a mockumentary featuring the making of their upcoming album.

Secrets of the Sound host Matt Berry – after being corrected over the band name – explains: "Queens, it says here, are a very successful hard rock act in the US." He goes on to describe the band's collection of guitars as "guitarded."

Berry goes on to interview QOTSA mainman Josh Homme – after being corrected over his name. He asks about some of the gear in the band's studio, saying: "Some of this stuff looks sh*t. Have you kept it for sentimental reasons?"

He then asks, "How many people are in this band?" to which Homme responds, "Why, what have you heard?" Watch it here.

Led Zeppelin Didn't Just Go Through The Motions With 02 Show

(hennemusic) This week, the BBC broadcast a Led Zeppelin special featuring an extended interview with Jimmy Page.

Page sat down with the BBC's Kirsty Lang for a fireside chat about his music, past and present.

A large chunk of the interview was focused on Zeppelin's 2007 reunion, which was recently released as "Celebration Day."

Lang asked Jimmy about the band's preparations for the 02 Arena concert. "Well, it was sort of over a 6-week period. There was a lot of preparation," explained Jimmy. "The first rehearsal was really exciting because I think everyone had such a will to make it work, but neverthless, we really needed to be playing properly as a band and not just sort of go through the motions of it…we really needed to throw ourselves into the whole commitment of it. And plus, having Jason [Bonham]…Jason had the hardest job of anybody, that's my opinion anyway, because he had to fill his father's shoes and he had a lot resting on his shoulders." Watch it here.

Pennywise Launching Reunion Tour With Jim Lindberg

Pennywise will be following up their two reunion shows with singer Jim Lindberg next month with a series of North American reunion dates this winter.

The band announced recently that Lindberg had returned to the band and they would be playing a reunion show at the Palladium in Los Angeles on January 18th.

The show sold-out in 10 minutes, which lead the band to add a second show on the following day at the venue.

Now the band have announced several dates which span from late January until late March. more on this story

Mothers of Invention Co-Founder Ray Collins Dies

The Frank Zappa music family has suffered another loss. Mothers of Invention co-founder Ray Collins died on Christmas eve in Pomona, California.

Collins had been hospitalized since December 18 after suffering a massive heart attack, and was removed from life support on Saturday.

Collins was the singer who invited a young Frank Zappa to join the Soul Giants, the band that eventually would become the Mothers of Invention.

You can read an extensive 2009 feature and interview with Collins that covers a lot of his story here.

Thin Lizzy Name Change Wasn't Problem For Label Boss

(Classic Rock) Nuclear Blast president Monte Conner says he wasn't put off signing Thin Lizzy even when they decided to change their name.

Last week the band exclusively revealed via Classic Rock the reasons behind using a new title, Black Star Riders, and the departure of drummer Brian Downey and keyboardist Darren Wharton.

Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham, Damon Johnson, Marco Mendoza and new drummer Jimmy DeGrasso will start work on their debut album next week alongside producer Kevin Shirley.

And Conner insists he didn't think twice about signing the band – even though the change of name could affect their public profile. Read what he had to say here.

Bon Jovi Experimenting With 'Different Elements' On New Album

(Gibson) Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora says the band's new album will feature "different elements," but will still retain a sound readily familiar to long-time fans.

Speaking to Billboard.com, the guitarist said the release, titled What About Now?, marks an "evolution" for the group. "Jon (Bon Jovi) and I, when we get together, it sounds like Bon Jovi," he explained. "It sounds like us. That's basically the way it is … what comes out comes out."

He added, however, that the band and co-producer John Shanks tweaked the sonic approach a bit. "[It involved] just basically pushing the production a bit more, or lessening the production so you're a bit more naked," said Sambora.

"It goes both ways on this particular record. We've stripped it down, taken some away and added some different elements." What About Now? is set for release in the spring of 2013. The first single from the album, "Because We Can," comes out January 7. more on this story

Lita Ford Read To Give Up Efforts To Reunite The Runaways

(Classic Rock) Lita Ford says she's done all she can to make a Runaways reunion happen – and it's all down to Joan Jett now.

The former bandmates, along with Cherie Currie, settled their differences during the summer, after Ford arranged dinner dates with each of them.

It was the first time she'd spoken to Jett since the band split in 1980. She said at the time: "We had a nice dinner – it was real friendly, like seeing your sister."

Now the guitarist tells Bravewords: "I can't get a yes or no out of Joan, so I've kind of thrown in the towel." more on this story

Children Of Bodom Begin Recording New Album

Children Of Bodom will begin recording their new album today, drummer Jaska Raatikainen revealed to fans on his Facebook page on Thursday (Dec. 27).

"Today we had the last rehearsals before entering the studio tomorrow to record drums for the new album," he wrote. "Last two days have been quite intensive. Playing the songs over and over again, lots of f**k ups and broken drum sticks, sweating, frustration, coffee and what have you, a little bit of arranging and all that sh*t.

"I am convinced that the new songs are great. A little bit of black metal, heavy metal, metal, old school death metal, melodies, solos and anything you need to make a nice album. And the most important, new ideas à la COB!" See the photo he posted here.

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo To Ring In New Year With Fox News

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will be taking part in the "All American New Year" special on the FOX News Channel on December 31.

The New Year's Eve special will be hosted by Bill Hemmer and Megyn Kelly live from Times Square in New York. It's set to air from 11:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (ET).

In addition to the performance by Benatar and Giraldo, the lineup will include classical vocalist Sarah Brightman, and the cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet. more on this story

Blink-182 Thank Fans For Successful Debut Of New EP

Blink-182's new EP, "dogs eating dogs," debuted in the U.S. at no. 23 on the Billboard 200. Their camp sent over these additional details.

Released Tuesday, December 18, dogs eating dogs, also debuted at no. 3 on the Billboard's Independent Albums chart, no. 5 on the Rock chart, no. 2 on the Alternative Albums chart and no. 3 on the Digital Albums chart.

During the past week, the EP, available as an exclusive digital download on iTunes, hit the Top 10 on iTunes Album Charts in the U.S., UK, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland.

Tom DeLonge of blink-182 said, "We put out our last EP in 1995. A lot has changed in all those years and we want to thank our fans for making it all possible. And, happy 'Boxing Day'!" more on this story

Thinning the Herd's Rick Cimato Killed In Car Accident

Thinning the Herd drummer Rick Cimato was killed in a auto accident this past weekend in Connecticut.

The band's frontman Gavin Spielman informed fans about death with a couple of Facebook updates. In the first one he wrote, "I just found out my best friend and drummer Rick was killed in a car accident this weekend. I don't think I can continue with Thinning the Herd anymore."

He later posted the following, " Being in a band is about being friends. In shock and in tears over the loss of my friend and bandmate, I have to think of the band. I named the band Thinning the Herd when my father Steven A. Spielman passed, to cope with the loss.

"Rick would want me to keep writing for Thinning the Herd. If stop, I would not be doing his legacy service. His drumming on the new record is some of the best rock I have heard, and I want you guys to hear it.

"Thank god for this guy, what a gift as a friend, brother and band mate. For anyone who jams with others, anyone who lets another into that higher conscious world – you might understand the depth of how one can integrate and nurture the spirit." See the band's Facebook page for any additional information.

Benedictum Name New Members and Writing With Jeff Pilson

Benedictum have recruited Tynator's Aric Avina to take over bass playing duties in the band.

The band says, "Not only has Aric shown his prowess as a bass player but also demonstrated immense 'grace under pressure' by being thrown right into the fire with recording a new album. We have found a gem... and may the metal continue!"

The group are currently working with producer John Herrera and song writers Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Foreigner) and Craig Goldy (Dio) on their next album. more on this story

Singled Out: The Indecent

Today Emily Brout from The Indecent tells us about their latest single and the title track from their new EP "Control". Here is the story:

Control was initially about O.C.D., but as I was writing, it became more about conflicted feelings, being trapped in a loop…a series of small observations about, really, anything that makes you feel like you have a limited mind. It's about fearing the inert – staying in one place, being barely alive, yet somehow being attracted to that feeling. Enjoying the soothing aspect of repetition, while also hating it at the same time. I guess it's about being stuck in one thought, but I could be wrong. I could be wrong. It's very curious – sometimes you don't become aware of the actual meaning of a song until long after you've written it, or more accurately, long after writing, you become aware of many levels of meanings that you had not been originally aware of.
I think I write a lot about that idea, about being a human trapped in their mind, a mind trapped inside a universe, a universe that might just be an illusion, a universe that might be someone else's idea, a universe that might be the idea of someone else who is trapped inside of another person's idea! You feel like your minds trapped in one fragment of one point in a lost and long gone memory. Just that one moment in your history. And all you dream of is to be some sort of superior species…one beyond human need, but with the benefits of empathy.

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

Top 12 of 2012: May

Music news is slow during the holidays, so for the rest of the year in addition to the latest news, we will be looking back at the top 12 stories for each month of 2012. Today we look back at the top stories from May.

Scott Weiland Says He Has Reunited With Velvet Revolver, Slash Say No Way (Top 12 of May 2012)

(Classic Rock) Scott Weiland Says He Has Reunited With Velvet Revolver, Slash Say No Way was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: lash reacted in shock yesterday when faced with Scott Weiland's claims that he was back with Velvet Revolver.

Weiland told ABC News Radio: "They gave me a couple of songs, and myself and Dave and Duff are going to be getting together for a songwriting session next week. Slash is going to do some touring then we're going to do some shows in the later part of summer into early fall."

Slash heard the comments during a live interview on Minnesota's 93X radio station. "He's out of his mind!," He exclaimed. "There's been a common rumor going around. I know he's been positive about that subject. Maybe they know something I don't know. I have absolutely no intention of going back to that." more on this story

Queen Reject Freddie Mercury Hologram Idea (Top 12 of May 2012)

(Gibson) Queen Reject Freddie Mercury Hologram Idea was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: After the "appearance" of late rapper Tupac Shakur via hologram at the Coachella Festival, fans have been chatting about who they'd like to see resurrected for a live show.

According to Billboard.com, when asked at a press conference about the possibility of Freddie Mercury getting the same treatment with Queen, Roger Taylor said:

"I don't think I want to. Were somebody [else] to use a hologram of Freddie, I would have no objection... It just doesn't sit too well with me. I don't want to appear with a hologram of my dear friend. It's the real one or no hologram for me. But I think it's an amazing effect when used properly – obviously in darkness." more on this story

Black Sabbath Replace Bill Ward (Top 12 of May 2012)

(hennemusic) Black Sabbath Replace Bill Ward was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: Black Sabbath have confirmed that the group has hired a substitute drummer for the band's upcoming shows, following word from Bill Ward that he will not be joining them.

Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler have released the following message: We have decided not to make any detailed comment on Bill's latest statement. There are two sides to every story. We have been working hard at rehearsals making excellent progress after Tony's treatments and we have engaged a substitute drummer for the forthcoming shows. See you at Download.

The Sabbath team have not publicly announced yet who will be joining them on drums; the group's first show is this Saturday in Birmingham.

On Tuesday, Ward posted a lengthy letter online explaining his attempts to work out a fair contract with a mystery Sabbath band representative, his readiness and willingness to be a part of the group's reunion this year, and his disappointment that the band he started will be playing their hometown of Birmingham without him. more on this story

Bomb Scare For Pink Floyd's David Gilmour (Top 12 of May 2012)

(Classic Rock) Bomb Scare For Pink Floyd's David Gilmour was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour and his wife were forced to flee their home after an unexploded World War II incendiary device was unearthed nearby.

Their six-storey mansion in East Sussex is midway through extensive renovations, during which builders discovered a 150cm pipe-shaped device which caused alarm.

The area was evacuated and a Navy bomb disposal team were called in. They identified the German weapon and removed it safely. No one was injured. more on this story

Fans Lose Patience With Guns N' Roses (Top 12 of May 2012)

Fans Lose Patience With Guns N' Roses was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: Guns N' Roses still pack arenas but they appear to have a problem keeping the fans in the arenas.

The band ran into that problem earlier this week when fans in Manchester England left the arena after losing their patience waiting for the band to start.

NME reports that the band were told to end the show by 11 PM but didn't even take the stage until 11:15. They were schedule to start at 10PM and by the time they ended their set there were reportedly only 6,000 fans still in the arena, 10,000 less than the venue holds.

Those that did stick around were treated to a three hour show that included 33-songs. A case where patience was a virtue but with some fans relying on trains to get home, it made it impossible for them to stay for the concert and still catch the last train of the night. Read NME's report here for more info.

Michael Anthony Doubts Van Halen Postponement Reason (Top 12 of May 2012)

(Classic Rock) Michael Anthony Doubts Van Halen Postponement Reason was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: Chickenfoot bassist Michael Anthony cast doubt on his former band' Van Halen's claim that they cancelled 31 tour dates due to exhaustion, asking why it took them three days to say that was their reason.

The current lineup, featuring original singer David Lee Roth and Eddie's son Wolfgang in Anthony's place, surprised fans by pulling three months of shows. Roth later appeared in a video to explain: "The band is getting along famously, better than we have in quite some time. As usual, we've bit off way more than we could chew when it came to scheduling."

Anthony says: "Everybody's got their own opinions. Who knows? To me it sounds kinda interesting – if you say you're tired and you want to recharge your batteries you don't put 30 shows on sale. If I were a fan I'd be going, 'Why are you putting 30 shows on sale? more on this story

Judas Priest Play Final Show of Farewell Tour (Top 12 of May 2012)

(hennemusic) Judas Priest Play Final Show of Farewell Tour was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: Judas Priest played the final show of their "Epitaph" world tour Saturday in London. Saturday's sold-out gig at the Hammersmith Apollo in London was professionally filmed for a 2013 DVD release.

The band's year-long farewell trek kicked off last June in Holland, and has been around the globe. Epitaph saw the introduction of guitarist Richie Faulkner to the Priest fold, following the sudden retirement of Kenneth "K.K." Downing just six weeks before the tour's launch.

Upon announcing the "farewell" tour, Priest clarified the band's status as the trip was not going to be their final shows but, rather, their last extensive world tour Check out video from the show here.

Even Metallica Suffering From Record Industry Woes (Top 12 of May 2012)

(Classic Rock) Even Metallica Suffering From Record Industry Woes was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has revealed the music industry's current woes has even affected them to the extent they can't afford not to tour.

He says: "The cycles of taking two years off don't exist any more. We were able to do that because we had record royalties coming in consistently. Now you put out an album and you have a windfall maybe once or twice. But it's not the way it used to be – a cheque every three months."

He says their merchandise takings paid for their new studio: "We basically take funds from wherever we can. This is a real luxury, but great things come out of this." The band believe the best they'll do at their Orion Music Festival in July is break even. Classic Rock link.

One Member Preventing Skid Row Reunion? (Top 12 of May 2012)

(Classic Rock) One Member Preventing Skid Row Reunion? was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: Sebastian Bach has backtracked on his previous vehement statements that he'd never return to Skid Row and he's revealed only one member of the hard rock outfit's classic lineup disagrees with him.

But he hasn't said whether it's bassist Rachel Bolan, guitarist Dave 'Snake' Sabo, guitarist Scotti Hill or drummer Rob Affuso. All but the sticksman are currently in the band.

The singer was sacked by Skid Row in 1996, going on to develop a solo career while they hired replacement Johnny Solinger. In the past both parties had firmly asserted getting back together wasn't on the cards. But asked again via Twitter, Bach said: "Four out of five want to do it. Believe it or not, I am one of the four who would do it." more on this story

Jimi Hendrix Movie Going Forward (Top 12 of May 2012)

(Classic Rock) Jimi Hendrix Movie Going Forward was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: Filming for the Jimi Hendrix biopic is going ahead despite protestations from the late guitarist's estate, according to movie director John Ridley.

CMU reports today that Ridley will definitely begin filming his Hendrix movie in Ireland later this month, with Outkast rapper Andre 3000 (aka part-time actor Andre Benjamin) in the lead role.

Called All Is By My Side, it's set in England in 1966 and tells the story behind the recording of Hendrix's debut album Are You Experienced. more on this story

Opeth Frontman Suffers Serious Head Injury (Top 12 of May 2012)

Opeth Frontman Suffers Serious Head Injury was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: Opeth frontman Mikael Akerfeldt suffered a serious head injury this week which sparked rumors across the web.

Akerfeldt took to the band's Facebook page to fill fans in on what happened and to dispel the rumors. He wrote:

"Hi guys! I'm writing from beyond the grave. Seriously, I was not in a car crash and I haven't broken my arm. All that happened is I hit my head in mastodons tour bus as I was getting a new pair of (red) underwear out from my suitcase. Wish the story was more rock and roll, believe me. Anyways I split my head open down to the skullbone and had to be taken to the emergency. They gave me a bunch of shots in the wound, cleaned me up and stapled my head shut with 8 metal staples. Head is sore and if I smile it feels like the wound is gonna burst open again, but I'll be on stage by tomorrow again. I feel extremely disappointed that we couldn't play at the myth in Minneapolis, but paramedics told me I couldn't. We will reschedule the show for our next trip to the USA. So all rumors of me being in a car crash are false. I did crash my head into a car though, well…a bus really. Sorry for disappointing our fans in Minneapolis but I hope you understand. See you next time. Best. Mikael

AC/DC Plan New Album (Top 12 of May 2012)

(Classic Rock) AC/DC Plan New Album was a top 12 rock story of May 2012: AC/DC mainman Malcolm Young discovered he's less famous than his folk musician relative when he took his family to explore their roots on a remote Scottish Island. He discussed his trip to Scotland and AC/DC's future with Classic Rock's Eric Mackinnon.

He confirmed they're working on a potential follow-up to 2008′s Black Ice. But he warned fans are in for a longer wait than expected, after singer Brian Johnson suggested there would be new material next year.

"You know what Brian's like. He just says things and then walks away. It'll be a little while – a year or two anyway," Young explained. "I've been doing some jamming on some song ideas but I do that all the time, as do the rest of the band. We are still working. But we had a long rest between Stiff Upper Lip and Black Ice, so I think we need a couple of years to recuperate and work on it a bit more." And what about a massive world tour?