Another Van Halen Tour Rumor

"They're going to do Japan in November and one major promoter is talking to Van Halen about October, so it looks very good," said Triple M music reporter Nui Te Koha. more on this story

Paul Stanley Slams Original KISS Members

(Classic Rock) KISS frontman Paul Stanley has reiterated his objections to the return of original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss in strong terms.

He says: "I was never really friends with them. The band was never about friendship – it was about commitment to a cause. I loved them for what we created. I certainly don't love them today. They became impossible and intolerable, on more than one occasion necessitating their removal.

"I last spoke to Ace probably three years ago. Peter I haven't spoken to in probably about a decade." more on this story

Abigail Williams Planning Break Up

Abigail Williams' upcoming North American tour will be the swansong for the band, who announced via Facebook that they plan to break up.

A post attributed to the band on the social media site reads: After much consideration we have decided to make these upcoming Abigail Williams shows our last US tour. This was a very hard decision to make but feels absolutely necessary at this point. I've had the best times of my life with this band and learned so much about what I want to do with music as well as what I don't like about the industry etc and we honestly feel like it's best to put the band to rest after making what we feel to be our very best album. I'm honestly just feeling satisfied with everything we have done as Abigail Williams and I feel ready to put it to rest. We want everyone to know this has nothing to do with differences inside the band as we are still very much a family and these are still the same people I want to make music with now and in the future.

We think that 2012 is the perfect year for new beginnings and we definitely plan to put music out later this year in the form of a new band(s). It would be easy to give people the names to our new projects here but rather than capitalize off this announcement we would rather word get out naturally starting with our friends when the time is right. We want to thank our friends and fans who have supported us through the good and bad times over the years, we know its been a very bumpy road at times. We are still very dedicated to making music and this change will actually allow us to do more of what we want to do and be more productive. We hope to see everyone on the road for this tour that we booked DIY for the most part by ourselves. The dates are below even though some of them are still waiting to be confirmed. Also we want to emphasize that this is our last US tour and that we are open to touring overseas if the right tour comes up. more on this story

Jimi Hendrix Biopic Won't Include Hendrix

(Classic Rock) The Jimi Hendrix biopic starring Outkast man Andre 3000 will feature music by the Beatles, the Animals, Muddy Waters and Elmore James – but none by the guitar icon himself.

Because Hendrix's estate has refused permission to include any of his material, the soundtrack will focus on tracks he covered during his lifetime.

Shooting on All Is By My Side is set to finish in Ireland this week, with the movie released early next year. More rock news

Black Sabbath Drama A PR Stunt?

(Classic Rock) Former Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin says he doesn't understand how the band's relationship with drummer Bill Ward collapsed and he wonders if it's a publicity stunt.

Martin tells Metal Shock FInland: "I don't get it. I really don't. I've heard all the stories, and not once did anyone ever speak badly of Bill. They've never had a bad thing to say about him. They've always rated him. He's had his little moments like we all have, but basically they love him.

"I don't understand why they didn't give him time to get his thing together. He may have been out of the band for a long time, but set up some rehearsal or something – go and help him out." But a publicity stunt?

Scott Reeder Felt Stabbed In The Back With Kyuss Dispute

(Classic Rock) Kyuss bassist Scott Reeder felt forced to take Josh Homme's side in the band's current legal battle after concluding John Garcia and Brant Bjork had stabbed him in the back.

The two parties are embroiled in court action after Homme and Reeder blocked the founding members' attempts to trademark the band's name. Now an email written by Reeder and released to the court contains an explanation as to why the bassist supported Homme's action, aiming to block a trademark application.

Reeder wrote to Garcia and Bjork: "I'm at a loss for how we can resolve anything in good faith when on one day John is telling Josh that we need to proceed to a mediation meeting, and the next day Brant is recommending that I flip-flop on Josh and join the band." Read the rest here.

Lamb of God Singer Posts Bail But Still In Jail

(Classic Rock) Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe has posted the required $200,000 bail to leave prison in Prague following his arrest on suspicion of manslaughter.

But under Czech law the prosecutor has three days to decide whether he can be released, then the court has a further three days to respond – meaning he's unlikely to be released until at least Monday. The delay could be lengthened because Thursday and Friday this week are public holidays in the Czech Republic.

If either party refuse to support his release, he could remain in jail and have the bail money returned. Blythe has not been officially charged with any crime. More rock news

Fear Factory and Voivod's Shockwave Festival Canceled

The Shockwave Festival which was set to feature Fear Factory, Voivod, Cattle Decapitation, Misery Index, Revocation, Havok (rotating slot w/ Dirge Within), Last Chance To Reason, Vildhjarta, The Browning and Forged In Flame has been canceled.

Organizers explain: "It is with great disappointment that we have to make this announcement. With the recent departure of Voivod from the Shockwave Festival lineup. As well as low advance ticket sales we have decided to pull the plug on the Shockwave Festival."

Fear Factory said in a statement: "We are truly disappointed not to be part of the Shockwave tour. We send our sincerest apologies to all our North American fans planning to come out this Summer, but we will be back. Please look for Fear Factory headlining dates in August."
more on this story

Slayer Frontman No Longer Enjoys Touring Like He Used To

(Classic Rock) Slayer frontman Tom Araya can only stomach touring by counting the days until he gets home again.

The novelty of life on the road has worn off after 30 years, and now he's concerned with how much of his family life he's missed. And the message was hammered home to him when his 2010 neck injury forced him to remain at home for longer than he'd done for years.

As a result, he says with a laugh, fans might be surprised to discover he doesn't enjoy touring as much as he used to. Araya tells Noisecreep: "I hate to disappoint you, but I've been doing this for 30 years. It's a long time. I hate leaving home. I've missed so much of my family life, my kids growing up." more on this story

Linkin Park Tops The Charts Again

Linkin Park sent out word yesterday that their new studio album, Living Things debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

This marks the fourth consecutive Linkin Park album to debut at no. 1 on the American Billboard chart.

The album also debuted #1 in the UK, Germany and the Japanese International Chart.

Muse Release Olympics Theme Song Video

Muse have released a new music video for their new song "Survival" which has been adopted as the official song of the 2012 Olympic Games that will take place in London this summer.

"Survival" will be played throughout the sporting sessions in all London 2012 venues during the entire Games, when athletes enter the stadium, the lead up to the medal ceremonies and it will be made available for international broadcasters of the Olympic Ceremonies to use in their broadcasts.

"It's a huge honor to have the track chosen as such a major part of the London 2012 Olympic Games," said Muse's Matt Bellamy. " I wrote it with the Games in mind as it expresses a sense of conviction and determination to win." Watch the video here.

Barry Gibb To Carry On Making Music

Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb assured fans via his Twitter account that he plans to carry on with music following the death of his brothers and Bee Gees bandmates.

He writes, "I will live on the music and no matter what stage I'm standing on, my three brothers will be standing there with me.

"Our whole family appreciates your support at such a difficult time. I will miss all my brothers deeply. I'd like to personally thank all those kind people who grew up with us and enjoyed our music wherever you are in the world." Barry's Twitter page.

Scorpions Still Pondering Retirement?

(Classic Rock) Scorpions guitarist Matthias Jabs recently said the band had abandoned plans to entirely wind down, but now he's reverted to his previous position.

The German outfit originally aimed to split up following a final world tour, but Jabs said they'd changed their minds and would continue in some way.

The guitarist now says: "You think you can go on for ever but realistically you cannot. At some point it will show we are not youngest any more and we want to avoid this. It will be a very sad moment – we are experienced as a band but we have no experience with stopping a career. It will be a first, and a very tough moment." More music news

Nachtmystium Releasing New Album This Month

Nachtmystium have set a July 31st North American release date for their new album, Silencing Machine.

The album was recorded at Engine Studios with the band's own synths/electronics specialist Sanford Parker (YOB, PELICAN) handling producer duties.

Nachtmystium will be playing a few shows in Colorado, Illinois, and Kansas around Silencing Machine's release. more on this story

Joe Bouchard Comes Full Circle

Classic Rock Revisited recently spoke with Joe Bouchard about his new solo album, Tales from the Island, and during the chat we learn that things have come full circle for the former Blue Oyster Cult bassist.

CRR: Your first tour, with the Byrds, was a learning experience and then you went out and opened with Alice Cooper and it changed everything. Now, you're in a band with Dennis Dunaway, who was the original bass player in the Alice Cooper Group when you were opening for them.

Joe: I talk to Dennis a lot about those days. Alice Cooper had such a wild reputation but Dennis has told me that they just worked their butts off to get their show to be the tightest it could be. We first met them when they were touring Killers. I didn't expect that it was going to be that good, but it was really amazing. It was totally different and I had never seen anything like it before. It was encouraging to us. Playing with the Byrds was a disaster because we were not the right kind of band to play with the Byrds. When we played with Alice Cooper, back in 1972, it all turned around for us.

CRR: When you worked on songs that ended up on the first album, like "Cities on Flame" and "Last Days of May," did you have the music and then put lyrics to them, or was it the other way around?

Joe: Donald came up with "Last Days of May" and both the music and lyrics are his. He tends to write them both at the same time. He shapes the music, and then finds the right words, and then shapes the music some more. I think that is the way he did that one.

"Cities on Flame" was totally done differently. It started out as a song called "Siren Singalong." I said to Albert, "I like that song, you should start working on it." He decided to take it in a different direction and that is where the music for "Cities on Flame" came from. Albert had some of Sandy's lyrics and I really think he just grabbed a few lines from the poem. "My heart is black and my lips are cold" was not originally the opening line, it was in the middle. That song was a real collaboration between Sandy, Albert and Donald. There is a lot more, read the full interview here.

Gene Simmons Explains Change of Heart Over Marriage

(Gibson) KISS legend Gene Simmons took 28 years to finally wed Shannon Tweed, a delay he puts down to his own selfishness.

According to U.K. newspaper The Daily Express, Simmons told TV show Daybreak: "I will speak for myself, I can't speak for all men... I've been arrogant and selfish all my life, thought I could have my cake and eat it too and didn't want to ever answer, 'Where are you going?' Where am I going? Who wants to know? Shannon has been with me for 28, almost 29 years this August and has put up with my crap...

"For her to stick around and put up with all that, and she knows everything, she knows where all the bodies are buried and all that.

"This is a question for all those guys out there, imagine you're on your deathbed... Who do you want around your deathbed for that last breath of air. If you want the woman you love and your children, then don't wait before you die. Love them and be good to them while you're alive."
more on this story

Magnum Set New Album Release

Magnum will release their eighteenth studio album, On The 13th Day, on September 19th in Scandinavia, September 21st in Germany, September 24th in Europe and September 25th in the US/Canada.

"So Let It Rain", a new track taken from the album, will be released as a single at the end of August.

On The 13th Day will be available as a limited digipak edition with a bonus CD featuring unreleased, acoustic and live tracks from the Magnum vaults, standard jewel case CD and download. more on this story

B Sides

Spineshank Go Behind The Scenes On New Album

Spineshank have released a new video documenting the making of their recently released their new album, Anger Denial Acceptance.

The video touches on the making of the record where the band references their inspirations, different themes of the album, and what really pushed them to get this record out. Watch it here.

The band is currently on a headlining run in support of Anger Denial Acceptance, and will be on the road through August. more on this story

P.O.D. Deliver Murdered Love Video

P.O.D. have a released a new music video for the track "Murdered Love" from their forthcoming new studio album.

P.O.D.'s first new album in four years, Murdered Love, is set for release on July 10th 2012

The video for "Murdered Love" was filmed with director Ramon Boutisveth (All That Remains, For Today, Trivium) in the band's hometown of San Diego, California. Watch it here.

Mayhem Festival Breaks Attendance Record At Tour Kick Off

Mayhem Festival organizers sent out this big news for the annual metal music festival: Mayhem kicked off this weekend to a record-breaking start—over 26,000 heavy metal headbangers attended the tour kick-off in San Bernardino on Saturday, July 30th alone!

That is over 4,000 more attendees than the previous record. Overall during the entire first two days, the festival brought 42,000 fans together to celebrate heavy metal

"What a sick show to kick off Mayhem 2012! I counted 13 pits during Indians!!! SoCal always brings it," states Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian. "If this is any indication of how this tour is going to be, it's going to be a great summer!" more on this story

Duff McKagan Throws First Pitch At Mariners Game

(hennemusic) The Seattle Mariners sent Duff McKagan to the pitcher's mound at a recent home game.

Prior to the June 28 match against the Boston Red Sox, Duff took his spot on the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

"It was totally nerve-wracking to throw out the first pitch," Duff told MLB.com. "I got about 150,000 texts saying don't throw it in the dirt — so I threw it really high, but not too high." Watch it here.

Ragnarok Deliver Collectors of the King Video

Ragnarok have released a new music video for the title track from their lastest album, Collectors of the King.

The video is produced by William Brovold, directed by Stefan E Pedersen and the cinematography is by Lasse Roed.

Drummer and RAGNAROK founder Jontho had this to say about the video: "It's the first official video we've done for the band, and for a band that's been around as long as we have, you could say it's been a long time in coming. It's a very dark piece in every sense of the word and perfectly conveys the atmosphere and subject matter of the track itself. We're very pleased with the result, and now we've got a taste for it, it certainly won't be the last video we make, and you can rest assured that the new album will provide plenty of material for the next one." Watch it here.

Antagonist A.D. Release New Video

Antagonist A.D. have a released a new music video for their single "I'm Just Not There" which comes from their upcoming album Nothing From No One.

The New Zealand-based group is set to release the record July 20th in their home country and Australia, while releasing it worldwide July 24th.

The band will go on tour in Australia in August with support from Lionheart and Shinto Katana.

8/10 Adelaide – Fowlers Live
8/11 Melbourne – Bang
8/12 Melbourne – Phoneix Youth Centre
8/14 Bendigo – Musicman Megastore
8/15 Canberra – Tuggeranong Youth Centre
8/16 Sydney – Hot Damn
8/17 Blacktown – Masonic Hall
8/18 Brisbane – X&Y Bar
8/19 Brisbane – Eagleby Community Hall

Watch the video here.

Rolling Stones Lick By Lick

LickLibrary have released their Learn To Play Rolling Stones Volume Two which features over three hours of note for note guitar lessons. They sent over these details:

This outstanding double DVD set brings to you five great Rolling Stones tracks and will help you learn some legendary Keith Richards riffs that have inspired generations of guitarists.

Learn To Play Rolling Stones Vol 2 (RRP £23.99) includes five classic songs from across the stones fifty-year career. There is the mid tempo rocker Gimme Shelter, bluesy Tumbling Dice and from the Beggars Banquet album Street Fighting Man and chart topping Sympathy For The Devil featuring one of many killer Keith Richards solos. Finally there's the track Start Me Up that opens with Keith Richards' trademark riff. There's something for everyone in the DVD, which will help you with learning different tunings, mastering your rhythm guitar playing and getting into playing a cool groove. more on this story