MC5's Michael Davis Dead at 68

Apart from his career in music, Davis was an advocate for music education in schools and founded The Michael H Davis Music Is Revolution Foundation, according to the organization's website.

Anniversary of the Great White Club Fire Tragedy

(Gibson) On this day in 2003, 100 people died after pyrotechnics ignited a club during a gig by Great White in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Great White singer Ty Longley was also killed in the accident. Two brothers who owned the club, along with the former tour manager, were charged with involuntary manslaughter. Foam soundproofing material at the edge of the stage set alight and the blaze spread quickly in the one-story wooden building as fans all tried to escape through the same exit. Great White began a tour in July 2003 to raise money for the survivors and families of victims. Gibson looks back:

It was one of the worst nights on rock and roll history. A reunited '80s rock band, eager to make a mark, played to a room of hundreds of excited rock fans. The gig started like most rock gigs – loud, raw and powerful – but the pyrotechnics that accompanied the show would prove deadly.

Great White had started out in Los Angeles in the early '80s, achieved decent early success and plenty of MTV airplay and scored a successful album, Twice Shy, in 1989. But in the wake of grunge, the '90s were tough on Great White and by 2001, two founding members (Mark Kendall and lead singer Jack Russell) had quit. But life in the solo lane was even tougher and a reunion was set for the early part of 2003.

On February 20, Great White were booked to play The Station nightclub in Rhode Island. The small club was jam-packed when the band took the stage around 11 p.m. that night. As the band launched into their opening song "Desert Moon," the pyrotechnics behind them unexpectedly caught the soundproofing foam on fire. "Wow... that's not good," said Jack Russell. In less than a minute, the whole stage was alight.

Russell later told CNN, "All of sudden, I felt a lot of heat, and I turned around, and I see the foam is on fire… So, I started trying to douse it with a water bottle thinking I'm going to put it out. And the next thing you know, the whole place is in flames. All of the lights went out, no security lights. And I'm trying to get back in to pull people out, and people are grabbing me, and I'm yelling, 'Anybody in there, anybody in there?' And they wouldn't let me get back in. I'm hearing voices, but I couldn't [get] back in because it was so dark."

Brian Butler, TV station WPRI photographer, was there that night, ironically filming a piece on safety in music venues. "It was that fast. As soon as the pyrotechnics stopped, the flame had started on the egg crate backing behind the stage, and it just went up the ceiling," he said. "And people stood and watched it, and some people backed off." more on this story

Van Halen Kick Off Tour

(hennemusic) Van Halen launched their 2012 tour Saturday in Louisville, Kentucy to rave reviews.

The 24-song set featured four tracks from the band's new album, "A Different Kind Of Truth," as well as a couple of songs they haven't played live since the early 80s.

Out in support of the band's new album Van Halen put in a "vintage performance," according to Jeffrey Lee Puckett of the Louisville Courier-Journal. You can read more and check out video here.

Bill Ward Updates Fans on Black Sabbath Reunion

(hennemusic) The Black Sabbath reunion remains in limbo, as drummer Bill Ward continues his negotiations with band management to secure a contract that he can live with while also respecting his role as one of the founders of the legendary metal pioneers.

On Friday (before Black Sabbath announced they were canceling their reunion tour due to Tony Iommi's cancer treatment) Ward updated fans: I wanted to let you know where things are at, from my point of view, as of today, February 17, 2012.

As my statement of February 2, 2012 indicated, I have not declined to participate in the Sabbath album and tour. At the earliest opportunity, I am prepared to go to the U.K. and record, and later tour with the band.

Last week, we sent further communication to the attorney handling the negotiations to try to reach an agreement. At this time we are waiting to hear back. I remain hopeful for a "signable" contract and a positive outcome. more on this story

Boston Plan End Of The World Tour

(hennemusic) Boston have announced the first series of dates for their 2012 summer tour and band leader Tom Scholz has some fun with the belief that the end of the Mayan calendar this year may signal the end of the world.

Scholz writes, "Just 10 months till the end … at least till the end of the Mayan calendar, anyway. I wonder, did they mean to prophesize the end of the world, or was the December 21st planetary alignment just a convenient place to stop chiseling stone tablets on a really long calendar project? Some people think it is the same thing, so why take a chance? If I was making a bucket list, it would definitely include going out one more time to play some Boston shows — before time runs out!"

"I don't really think the world is going to end this year," Scholz continued, "but on the off chance the Mayans were on to something, let me take a moment to thank all of you for helping make the Boston experience an awesome ride. One of the best things about Boston to me is its fans; they are some of the nicest people I've ever met, and collectively the best crowds anyone could wish to play for." more on this story

Another Lost Stone Temple Pilots Clip

(hennemusic) Stone Temple Pilots shot two videos for the single, "Cinnamon," from their 2010 self-titled release.

The first clip was done by directors Aggressive (Alex Topaller and Dan Shapiro), and then a second version was put together with director Dennis Roberts.

Neither video was ever officially released by the band. Last week, one of the clips was posted online – the second version, as it turns out. Now, the first version has surfaced, check it out here.

Benoit David Addresses Departure From Yes

Benoit David has reportedly issued a statement explaining his departure from Yes and that he learned he was out of the group indirectly. Richard Lanthier posted the "official press release from Benoit David" on the Closer To The Edge Facebook page. That was the band whom Yes recruited David from in 2008. Here is the statement:

As you all know, the final three shows of last year's European tour were cancelled due to my ill health. On my return to Canada, I was advised to cease touring, for the foreseeable future, in order to avoid further damage to my voice. Following this extremely disappointing diagnosis, I had no alternative but to inform my fellow band members that I was unable to confirm my availability for, at least, the forthcoming concerts in New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

Although there was no alternative, I did so with a heavy heart as I felt that I was letting everyone down especially those who have supported me since I had the privilege of becoming the band's vocalist in 2008. The band members were all very understanding and asked if I would mind being replaced for the April shows – I immediately agreed that this would be the best way forward and gave them my blessing. I was then pleased to learn that Jon Davison would be my replacement as he is an accomplished musician with a fine voice.

I subsequently learnt, from a band member's interview, that I had officially left Yes and that my departure was permanent. more on this story

Jack White To Play Saturday Night Live

(hennemusic) Jack White will be making the rounds to promote his April 24 release, "Blunderbuss."

White will kick things off with a March 3 appearance on Saturday Night Live, where he'll perform two tracks from the forthcoming album; the episode will be hosted by Lindsey Lohan.

A week later – on March 10 – Jack begins his first solo headline shows with a date in Chattanooga, TN. more on this story

Puscifer Telling Ghosts on Kimmel

(hennemusic) Puscifer, the side project of Tool/A Perfect Circle singer Maynard James Keenan, are headed back on the road for dates, starting February 23 in Austin, Texas.

The tour is in support of the project's latest release, "Conditions Of My Parole."

Puscifer stopped by Jimmy Kimmel's show last Thursday to perform a couple of tracks: "Toma," and the current single, "Telling Ghosts." Check it out here.

Slash's New Album Is A Band Effort Not A Solo One

(Gibson) Although Slash's new album, Apocalyptic Love, is being billed as his second solo disc, the guitar great doesn't necessarily view it that way. As far as he's concerned, the new record (due May 22) was created by a full-on band.

"I'm a band guy. Everything I touch I turn into a f---ing band," the former Guns N' Roses axeman told Rolling Stone. "I still have my name on the marquee and everything, but I'm just not a dictator, I don't want to rule anything. I like to hear what other people's ideas are and so on and so forth."

On the new album (and forthcoming tour), Slash worked with singer-guitarist Myles Kennedy, drummer Brent Fitz and bassist Todd Kerns. He wrote the new songs with Kennedy and everyone is welcome to offer creative ideas, he said. "I realized I was a band guy when I was 15 when I only knew like four licks and two chords and I started a band," Slash said. "I like working in a band atmosphere, I think something about that camaraderie. I do not want to do it all by myself. I'm like that with everything else, I don't want to do that with music. more on this story

Mars Attacks Iced Earth's John Schaffer and White Wizzard

The latest episode of the Mars Attacks podcast contains interviews with John Schaffer of Iced Earth, Jon Leon and Giovanni Durst of White Wizzard and Chris Appleton of Fury UK.

John Schaffer discusses Iced Earth's latest album Dystopia, how Stu Block has reinvigorated the band, what Jim Morris means to the band, and how he decides what ends up being Iced Earth, Sons of Liberty or Demons And Wizards, among other things. We also talk a little bit about politics and provide John with a bit of Civil War trivia that he surprisingly was not aware of!

With Jon Leon and Giovanni Durst we discuss the current state of White Wizzard, some of the issues they ran into after Flying Tigers was released, the touring line up with included Michael Gremio, C.J. Cussell and Jake Dreyer, and the possible future of the band as a studio, and touring band.

Chris gives us a brief rundown of the tour, and explains what it's like to be a supporting act for Iced Earth.

The podcast portion can be streamed or downloaded from here.

Black Sabbath Call Off Reunion Tour

(Rock News Desk) For those that missed the late breaking news on Friday: Rock News Desk reports: Black Sabbath have called off their reunion tour as a result of guitarist Tony Iommi's ongoing battle with cancer.

They'll play just one show from the planned dates, at the UK's Download Festival in June. The previously announced shows will be performed by singer Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler with guest artists including Zakk Wylde and Slash.

The metal giants announced they'd started work on the first album featuring their original lineup last year – but almost immediately ran into trouble, with Iommi revealing he'd been diagnosed with lymphoma, then drummer Bill Ward saying he hadn't been offered a contract he found "signable". more on this story

Flower Kings Frontman Releasing New Musical Companion Album

(Glass Onyon) Flower Kings vocalist Hasse Froberg and his group Musical Companion are releasing a new album 'Powerplay' on April 23rd.

About a year after the release of their critically highly acclaimed debut 'Futurepast' (Sept. 2010), the band entered the studio to cut the backing tracks for 'Powerplay' (April 2012).

The debut CD generated gigs in countries such as Sweden, Norway, Germany, Holland and Belgium. With the release of 'Powerplay', the band is now confirmed for festivals ("RoSfest", Gettysburg in USA and "Night of the prog", Loreley in Germany) as well as gigs on both sides of the Atlantic. more on this story

Jane's Addiction Already Thinking About Music For Next Album

(Gibson) Fans of Jane's Addiction can expect a faster turnaround than the eight-year wait that preceded the band's latest album, The Great Escape Artist. Speaking to Billboard.com, drummer Stephen Perkins said the group has begun thinking about new music for their next disc.

"We had a discussion on the flight home from the Super Bowl about, 'Okay, new music – do we visit it while we're touring? Do some stuff on the bus and in sound check and go that route, or do we wait 'til the tour's over and take a break and then go head-first?' We are talking about music, so that's important."

Perkins went on to say the band has song ideas left over from The Great Escape Artist, but he prefers to start fresh. "I think it's always a wrong idea to do [use old ideas]," Perkins said. "Hopefully you're different musicians and the world has changed. It's always good to do something new to see what you've been through the last year and reflect that. But a great melody and a great guitar riff stand forever. They're timeless. It's like Van Halen; if you can't find anything, go to the old days." more on this story

Warren Haynes Taking A Different Direction

(Gibson) Warren Haynes offered up a bevy of fiery electric blues on Man in Motion, the Grammy-nominated album he released last year. But for his next solo disc, the guitar great will likely to in a quieter direction.

"The next album would be coming more from a singer-songwriter direction, maybe starting with a lot of acoustic instruments," he told M – Music & Musicians. "I listen to so many different types of music, at some point I'd like to make a lot of different records."

Haynes first has his eyes on making a new Gov't Mule album, and talk is afoot of a new Allman Brothers Band studio effort as well. He went on to say his love of improvisation fueled the making of Man in Motion. "We're just playing moment by moment," he said. "Nobody knew what they were going to play until they heard what somebody else was playing. There's more jamming on that album than on the average soul record or blues record, but it's all based on call-and-response and communication." more on this story

Beatles Remasters Brought Respect To Ringo

(Gibson) One might expect Ringo Starr to be secure in the knowledge that nearly every rock drummer who has come in his wake cites him as an influence. Fact is, however, it took the remastering of The Beatles' catalog to present him in what he feels was a proper light.

"I love the remasters," he told M – Music & Musicians, in a just-published interview. "And you know why? You can hear the drums! Suddenly people [were saying], 'Oh, we better look again at his playing.' Sometimes that's been in doubt in a lot of people's minds. Of course, with Lennon and McCartney in the group, what do you expect? The first clue was when we remixed Yellow Submarine. Paul and I went to Abbey Road to listen to it, and we both said, 'Who the hell played that?' So yeah, suddenly people were saying, 'Oh, maybe he could play.' The one thing I can always look at is that The Beatles' music is great. What we did, the four of us, is incredible."

Starr's new album, Ringo 2012, was released January 31. His 13th All Starr Band tour will launch June 14 at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario. more on this story

Trixter Releasing First Album in 20 Years

Trixter have set an April 24th North American release date for their first new album in 20 years, New Audio Machine.

eaturing the band's original line-up, New Audio Machine is produced and engineered by Chuck Alzakian (Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Tesla) and includes songwriting contributions by Skid Row's Snake Sabo and Rachel Bolan and Styx's Glen Burtnik.

Trixter frontman Pete Loran commented, "After all these years playing and recording with this band, I would say I am most proud of this record!" Lead guitarist Steve Brown added, "NEW AUDIO MACHINE is everything Trixter was and everything we are now. I can't wait for the world to hear it!" more on this story

Tenacious D Bad Religion Jam

Tenacious D performed with Brooks Wackerman (Bad Religion drummer) at the "Guitar Center Drum Off" competition.

We were sent some video for you to get your rock on to. They performed "The Metal" watch that here and the classic "Pinball Wizard" watch that here.

Jack Black is back in the game as Tenacious D brings us their third album and first effort in six years, "Rize of the Fenix," set to be released in May.

Rock's Leading Women Focus of New Exhibition

(Gibson) Rock's most iconic female artists are featured in a new photography exhibition opening in London next month.

She-Bop-A-Lula will be at the The Strand Gallery in London from Wednesday, March 7 to Sunday, April 1. The exhibition will feature Debbie Harry, Chrissie Hynde, Janis Joplin, Suzi Quatro and Patti Smith.

All prints will be available to purchase at £200, with proceeds going to charity. Admission to the exhibition will be free. more on this story

Green Day's Day 1 In The Studio

(hennemusic) Green Day hit the recording studio last Tuesday to begin work on their new album.

"Happy Valentine's day! Officially started recording the new record today." tweeted Billie Joe Armstrong.

The project is the follow-up to 2009's "21st Century Breakdown." Green Day are sharing a brief video montage of Day 1 in a clip entitled "February 14th – Oakland." Check it out here.

Singled Out: Vintage Blue's Speak

Today Ben Bassett of Vintage Blue tells us about the song "Speak" from their brand new album "Strike the Mics," which just hit stores. Here is the story:

I was actually on a trip to St. Louis for an old job. I decided to bring along my guitar. As an artist, sometimes you just get a feeling. It turns out that my meeting for the next day was cancelled and I was stuck in my hotel room. I started playing around with a few different ideas and recording them on my computer. I came up with three tunes, but only one made our most recent record. That song was "Speak."

"Speak" was written about a girl I once fell for. Gorgeous and sweet with that one-of-a-kind of spark. In fact, the song used to have her name in the title! Thing was, she was engaged. The song expresses the feelings of love, mixed with the frustration of not being able to have that love. In the song I even plead "that diamond ring don't mean a thing, when you know it should be you and me."

In the studio, our producer Jamie Candiloro, who has worked with REM, Ryan Adams and Luscious Jackson, took the song to another level from the original guitar riff. By suggesting the addition of synth and some little funky guitar tricks, he helped us make it into the funky tune that has ended up being our first single.

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