Sammy Hagar Disappointed With New Van Halen Song

Hagar was asked if the VH reunion with David Lee Roth was motivated more by music or money. "Well, I'm not going to speculate why anyone does anything, but I'll tell you what, they waited so long and they're so not fan friendly, and as big as Van Halen was in the past…," Sammy began. "That's what we used to argue about when I was in the band, I got thrown out because I didn't want to do a Greatest Hits record. I said 'Why the f**k, we're the biggest band in the world, every album we've done since I've been in the band has been at number 1, we've sold out every arena on the planet, now why would you want to sell them the same old record again and give them two new tracks? Why do you want to do that to the fans?'" He's not done.

Kid Rock Addresses Smoking Controversy

(Banana 101.5) It has been a couple of years since smoking indoors at any public venue has been allowed in the state of Michigan, but that didn't stop Kid Rock from lighting a cigar inside the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom last Friday. The native Michigander was there to watch a Travis Tritt concert but ended up angering a 58-year old man with asthma by disregarding the anti-smoking policy about 15 minutes into the performance.

Reports have said that the upset concert-goer plans to file a report with the health department regarding the incident, which may have prompted Rock to offer this response when speaking with TMZ:

"My most sincere apologies to the patrons I may have offended, and a big middle finger in advance to all the haters and attorneys who will somehow try to find an easy paycheck in all this. I doubt I'm the first one to ever make a bad decision while being intoxicated." more on this story

Godsmack, Staind and Halestorm Tour

Godsmack confirmed the rumors that they are teaming up with Staind for a tour this Spring and also announced that the trek will include Halestorm.

On Tuesday Godsmack posted a message about the tour on Facebook and put a call out to fans to help name the trek. They wrote:

"It's official. Godsmack Staind and Halestorm are all going out on tour this Spring and we're asking for you, the fans, to help to name the tour! All you have to do is post your tour name suggestion in the comments section below. Thursday we will reveal the top 5 contenders from each band's pages and ask you to vote for your favorite. The winning tour name will be announced on Monday, 1/23. We will also be announcing the official tour dates sometime next week is well, so be on the look out!"

Read suggestions and post your tour name here.

Daughtry Set For The Break The Spell Tour

Daughtry are hitting the road for the first North American leg of their Break The Spell Tour in March

Named after their latest album, the "Break The Spell Tour" will kick off the first leg on March 20 in Buffalo, NY and continue through April 30 when it concludes in New York, NY.

Daughtry will be supported on the trek by SafetySuit and singer-songwriter Mike Sanchez. Frontman Chris Daughtry says: "We recorded a hard-hitting rock album that is primed to blow the doors off these great theaters. Fans who come out are going to get an incredible show every night." more on this story

Metallica Add New Summer Vacation Tour Date

Fans across the pond will be celebrating a Metallica Black Album summer in 2012. The band has been rolling out the dates and this week jokingly announced the latest addition with this message:

We're baaaaccckk!! Welcome to the 2012 edition of the "one show at a time" tour announcements. Today's installment finds us traveling to Paris on May 12 as we continue to extend our summer vacation with a show at Stade de France.

And in keeping with the theme of the summer, we will be performing the 'Black Album' in its entirety... just another anniversary to celebrate! More from Tallica here.

Iron Maiden Releasing Double Album and 2 Disc DVD and Blu Ray

Iron Maiden fans mark your calendars for March as EMI and UMe have announced plans for the release of "EN VIVO!," a live Blu-Ray, 2DVD Set and Double Soundtrack album.

UMe will release EN VIVO! on March 27th in North American, while international fans will get the release from EMI a day earlier, apart from the live album and video the second DVD disc contains a full length documentary called "Behind The Beast." Here are the details Iron Maiden released.

"EN VIVO!" was filmed on 10th April 2011 in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago during the Round The World In 66 Days leg of The Final Frontier World Tour, and captures a magnificent performance by the band, ardently embraced by the legendary Latino passion and energy of their Chilean fans. With spectacular stage backdrops, dynamic musicianship and a literally jaw-dropping appearance by Eddie, this live show encapsulates to perfection the heart and soul of Iron Maiden 2011. more on this story

Judas Priest To Release 17 Disc Complete Albums Collection Box Set

Christmas is coming a month late for Judas Priest fans as Columbia/Epic/Legacy have announced a January 24, 2012 release of a massive new box set.

The 'The Complete Albums Collection' box set which includes all 17 studio and live albums Priest recorded with the classic line-up of Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing and Ian Hill.

Included will be brand-new remasters of Priest's first two albums, 1974's 'Rocka Rolla' and 1976's 'Sad Wings of Destiny' (which have never been released before as authorized remasters by the band). The 2009 live compilation, 'A Touch of Evil... Live,' features in the box set but it is the only compilation that appears in 'The Complete Albums Collection.' more on this story

Robbie France of Diamond Head and UFO Dead at 53

Diamond Head announced on their website this week that former drummer Robbie France died on Saturday January 14th. He was 53 and the cause of death was not announced at press time.

Robbie was the drummer for Diamond Head from 1983 to 1985 and during his career he also played with UFO, Carnival, One Nation and Wishbone Ash.

Ultimate Classic Rock report: France was born in England but moved to Australia at age 11. There he studied at the National Academy of Rudimentary Drummers and eventually became a music teacher at the Australian Academy of Music. more on this story

NIN's Lohner Remixes Evanescence, Linkin Park, The Cure For Underworld

Lakeshore Records digitally released the soundtrack to Underworld Awakening at iTunes and Amazon Digital this week and will follow up with the physically release on January 31.

The Underworld soundtracks have boasted top-notch lineups of rock, goth and industrial acts remixed for the soundtracks by Danny Lohner, a former member of Nine Inch Nails. He returns this time under the moniker of Renholdër (re d.lohner backwards) to remix tracks from Evanescence, Ministry, Linkin Park, The Cure and The Naked and Famous.

Also returning to the Underworld clan are Wes Borland's Black Light Burns, Lacuna Coil, William Control (the side project of Aiden's front man wiL Francis), Linkin Park (whose Chester Bennington contributed a track to the Underworld: Rise of the Lycans soundtrack), and three tracks featuring Geno Lenardo (ex-Filter guitarist), one of which is a collaboration with Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf on the lead track and it's corresponding video, "Heavy Prey" which will premiere tomorrow on Rollingstone.com. Check out the soundtrack album preview video here.

The film—due in theatres nationwide this Friday, January 20--is the first of the Underworld series to be shot in 3D. more including tracklisting

Korn Set for Second Leg of Their Path of Totality Tour

Korn will hit the North American road next month for the second leg of their Path of Totality Tour.

The new leg kicks off on February 23 in Detroit, running through the Midwest before heading back West and wrapping up on March 4 in San Francisco.

Kill the Noise will provide support on certain dates, while Korn's own Jonathan Davis will also debut his brand new DJ set as his J Devil alter ego. more on this story

Meat Loaf Going To Hell In A Handbasket in March

Legacy Recordings have set a March 13, 2012 North American release date for the Meat Loaf's new studio album, Hell In A Handbasket.

Performing with Meat Loaf on Hell In A Handbasket is The Neverland Express, his long-time backing ensemble, featuring John Miceli (drums, percussion), Patti Russo (lead and backing vocals), Paul Crook (electric and acoustic guitars), Randy Flowers (electric and acoustic guitars, vocals), David Luther (saxophone, vocals), Justin Avery (piano, organ, keyboard, vocals) and Danny Miranda (electric and upright bass).

The new Meat Loaf tracks on Hell In A Handbasket include "All of Me," "The Giving Tree," "Live or Die," "Blue Sky/Mad Mad World/The Good God is a Woman and She Don't Like Ugly" (special appearance by Chuck D), "California Dreamin'" (duet with Patti Russo), "Party of One," "Another Day," "40 Days," "Our Love and Our Souls" (duet with Patti Russo), "Stand in the Storm" (special guest appearances from Trace Adkins, Lil Jon and Mark McGrath), "Blue Sky" and "Fall From Grace." more on this story

George Harrison iPad App Coming

Bandwdth Publishing are teaming up with the George Harrison Estate to release a special iPad app celebrating the fame Beatles guitarist and his historical guitar collection.

The Guitar Collection: George Harrison iPad app will be released through iTunes on February 23, two days before Harrison's birthdate. Watch a video previewing the app's features here

The app brings George Harrison's private guitar collection to life through photographs, detailed descriptions, audio, and video footage. For the first time, with the help of unique 360° imaging by photographer Steven Sebring, fans can see the scratches, dings, and worn threads on the guitars as if they were themselves holding the instruments. more on this story

Rival Sons Announce Headlining Tour

Rival Sons are heading back to Europe for a headlining tour which is set to kick off on March 30th in Hamburg, Germany.

Following the band's hugely successful debut European tour last year, Rival Sons are returning in 2012, performing around the UK with Black Stone Cherry in March, followed immediately by their own headlining European tour.

Rival Sons drummer Michael Miley comments: "Hell ya! Europe here we come again! We are so stoked to be coming back so soon. The autumn tour was epic; so good to share our music and meet you all. See you soon and bring 10 friends this time. Peace!" more on this story

Black Sabbath and Pantera Supergroup Kill Devil Hill Debut Album Details

Black Sabbath and Pantera supergroup Kill Devil Hill have set a March 27th North America release date for their debut album.

The album will be available in a standard CD edition, iTunes digital download, and Double Gatefold LP.

Kill Devil Hill is he new project featuring acclaimed drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell, Dio) and bassist Rex Brown, (Pantera, Down) guitar slinger Mark Zavon and lead vocalist Dewey Bragg. more on this story

Dark Funeral Postpone North American tour

Dark Funeral announced via a posting on their official Facebook page on Tuesday that they are postponing their upcoming North American tour which was due to kick off on January 29th.

The posting reads: Dear Fans, friends and supporters of Dark Funeral, It is with great regret that we have to inform you today that our North American Tour has to be postponed.

Due to circumstances and events way beyond our control, there is no other way but to postpone these dates. And yes, our triumphant return to the United States Of America is definitely not cancelled, but postponed. more on this story

Railroad Earth North American Tour Starts This Week

Railroad Earth will be kicking of their North American tour this weekend with two concerts in Charlottesville, VA.

The tour includes stops throughout the Southeast, Midwest and all along the East Coast, before heading to the Pacific Coast in early March. With key dates booked in Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, New York City, Seattle, Portland and San Francisco.

Railroad Earth have also booked additional dates following the tour including a two night stand in Wakarusa Ozark, AR and appearance at the Four Corners Folk Festival. more on this story

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Announce Tour Dates

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros will break out of the studio in March to play a select run of dates showcasing some of the new music they have just recorded.

In other news, band has created a tumblr site here that will feature things that they find on the web as well as special pieces of content from within, that haven't yet been exposed.

They will be updating it consistently as a central place to dive into the community that is Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros more on this story

Municipal Waste and Darkest Hour Members Form New Band

Members of Municipal Waste and Darkest Hour have teamed up to form a new metal supergroup called Iron Reagan and fans are being offered their first taste of the group's music.

The group is made of Tony Foresta (Municipal Waste, No Friends), LandPhil Hall (Municipal Waste, Cannabis Corpse), Ryan Parish (Darkest Hour, Suppression, City of Caterpillar) and Paul Burnette (Darkest Hour, Crack Head)

IRON REAGAN just released a free 4 song demo available on their bandcamp page. The Demo was recorded in Richmond, Virginia by Landphil and Mastered by Mammoth Sound.

Iron Reagan will be playing their first show this Sunday in Richmond, VA at Strange Matter with Weekend Nacho's, Full of Hell and others. Check out the demo here.

Angels & Airwaves Change Tour Date

Angels & Airwaves' sold-out show on January 26 at the Music Box in Los Angeles has been moved to January 23 at the Avalon in Hollywood.

A limited number of additional tickets for the Avalon will go on sale on January 18 at 10 am PT.

AVA is preparing to kick off a busy two weeks that will include five intimate Southern California tour dates, plus TV and Web performances.

The band will start with a show at House of Blues in Anaheim on Sunday, January 22, followed by the Avalon and then Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara on January 25 and the Belly Up in Solana Beach on February 1. A fifth show was recently announced for the Glass House in Pomona on February 2

At 3:00 pm PST on Tuesday, January 24, fans are invited to take a virtual front row seat when AVA performs at the "Red Bull Sound Space at KROQ" via www.kroq.com/soundspace

Dr. John Recruits Black Keys Member to Produce New Album

(Gibson) Dr. John has recruited The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach to produce his next album. The album, to be called Locked Down, will be released in April.

Auerbach said that Dr. John "inspired me every single day we were in the studio together: musically, spiritually, cosmically ... something special seemed to be happening and everyone involved could sense it. For my money, Mac's [Mac Rebennack is the Dr.'s real name] one of the greatest who ever was and who ever will be ... I'm so honored to have had this opportunity to work with him."

Dr. John's kids introduced the roots music legend to The Black Keys' music and he and Auerbach worked with a group of young musicians at his own studio in Nashville. more on this story

Coldplay Scored Top Rock Album of 2011

(Gibson) Coldplay only released their fifth album Mylo Xyloto in October but managed to top the 2011 U.K. rock album sales chart by some distance.

NME.com reports that according to The Official Charts Company in the U.K., Coldplay had the biggest-selling rock album of last year with Mylo Xyloto, at over 900,000 copies sold.

Noel Gallagher's debut solo album wasn't too close to Coldplay's record, but it did come in second with 500,000 units sold. Trailing Gallagher were Florence and the Machine, Foo Fighters and Mumford and Sons. more on this story

The Boxer Rebellion North American Headline Tour Details

The Boxer Rebellion will be hitting the road this Spring for a North American headline tour.

Beginning on Friday, April 6, in Tucson, AZ, at Club Congress, the tour will take in nights at notable venues across the U.S. and Canada such as The Parish in Austin, TX, on Tuesday, April 10, Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY, on Friday, April 27, The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, CA, on Tuesday, May 15, and El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, on Friday, May 18.

After the tour's completion, the band will also be making a very special appearance in Mexico City, Mexico, on Saturday, May 19. more on this story

Dropkick Murphys Add St. Patrick's Day North American Tour Dates

Dropkick Murphys have added two additional Boston shows to their annual St. Patrick's Day North American Tour.

The new dates will take place on Wednesday, March 14 at House Of Blues and Sunday, March 18 at Brighton Music Hall.

On March 6, Dropkick Murphys will release the Going Out In Style: Fenway Park Bonus Edition CD--an expanded version of the critically acclaimed Going Out In Style--on the band-owned Born & Bred Records more on this story

Jeff Loomis Releases Details About New Album and NAMM Appearances

Former Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis has locked himself in the studio for the past few months perfecting his sophomore solo record, to be released later this year and has announced some details.

After his departure from Nevermore and the release of his solo debut -- Zero Order Phase in 2008 -- fans have been craving a new album. With a number of influential musicians appearing on the upcoming release, Jeff Loomis is more than ready to deliver.

Details on two NAMM appearances have also been announced. JEFF LOOMIS comments: A couple of years ago I achieved my childhood dream of releasing a solo album. With the releasing of my second record coming up, I'm proud to announce another dream come true...or should I say dreams...Marty Friedman, Tony MacAlpine and Chris Poland have all done guest solos for it. These guys must have given me hundreds of blisters on my fingers when I was a kid trying in vain to emulate their work. Hell, I'm still trying to figure out some of their solos. To have three guitar players that I looked up to as a young player and still hold in such high regard is simply amazing. I can't thank those guys enough. more on this story

Diamond Plate To Rock With Anthrax

Diamond Plate will play their very first shows outside of North America with three concerts in the UK this March.

Diamond Plate are due to support Anthrax at two special shows in March in London and Oxford, followed by a main stage slot at Hammerfest in Wales.

Diamond Plate lead guitarist Konrad Kupiec comments: "We couldn't be more honored to announce that our first UK appearances will be supporting the legendary Anthrax. Playing in the UK and playing with one of our biggest idols seemed like two separate goals this early in our careers; to see them happen together so soon is almost surreal and we're excited as hell. more on this story

Vampires Everywhere! Enter The Studio

Vampires Everywhere! are entering the studio to begin working on their sophomore album which will be released by Hollywood Waste Records.

The band has spent the last few months in pre-production for their sophomore effort and Michael Vampire reveals who will be teaming up with the band for this release, as well as the musical direction of the upcoming album:

"We are excited to announce that we entered the studio yesterday to start recording our second album for Hollywood Waste Records!! We will be co-producing the record with Mike Sarkisyan & Tommy Decker from Grammy nominated alternative-metal band Spineshank and we couldn't be more pumped about it. We're changing it up a bit from the last album but our fans will still love it. The new record will be darker and more message driven and will abandon ALL autotune effects! I want this record to have a 90's industrial shock rock feel with a mixture of 2012 technology. We plan on releasing the record around Van's Warped Tour. See you there!!" more on this story

Dave Alvin's Eleven Eleven Expanded

Yep Roc Records have set an April 17th release date for an expanded edition of Roots rocker Dave Alvin's album Eleven Eleven.

The expanded edition of Eleven Eleven boasts nearly three hours of music and will include two previously unreleased bonus tracks, "Signal Hill" and "Never Trust A Woman," a live performance DVD, a live recording of Eleven Eleven, and a repackaging of the original full-length album. Alvin hits the road this spring in both the U.S. and the U.K.

"Starting in May 2011, my great band, The Guilty Ones and I hit the highways and performed in every bar, theatre and joint that we could get into across America," says Dave Alvin. "As you might guess, I love playing with this band and I think it shows in the live performance that was recorded last summer at The Ark in Ann Arbor. I'm happy to be able to release this to you on DVD in a new swanky package of Eleven Eleven. We'll be back on the road in both the U.S. and the U.K. soon. Look forward to seeing you out there." more on this story

Ned Evett Releases New Adrian Belew Produced Album

(Kayos) Ned Evett has released his sixth solo album, Treehouse, which was produced by Adrian Belew.

Ned Evett is the winner of the 2003 North American Rock Guitar competition (which resulted in a PBS documentary). He opened for Joe Satriani (who calls Ned "a monster guitarist") on a mammoth six month international tour that started in 2010. Trained classically, he plays his own invention, a fretless glass guitar, in a unique fingerpicking style (no guitar picks were used in the building of this Treehouse).

The compositional prowess exhibited by Ned Evett on Treehouse is proof positive he is so much more than the brilliant guitarist upon which he's made his reputation. His goal going in was to spotlight his unique vocals and songwriting. Consider that goal accomplished. Evett has reached way down deep into the heart of human emotion, chronicling his relationship with the open road and the losses sustained in an effort to create such a profound work. "Don't Despair," for instance, contains a universal message tinged with regret yet with hope for the future. more on this story