Queensryche Replace Geoff Tate

"We wish him the best of luck with all of his future endeavours. We can't wait to bring Queensryche to our fans with Todd behind the microphone." more on this story

Ozzy Osbourne Cancels Show At Last Minute Over Vocal Concerns

(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne canceled a show in Mannheim, Germany Wednesday night due to "vocal concerns."

TMZ reports the singer pulled out of the Ozzy Osbourne & Friends show at the SAP Arena at the last minute. The concert is one of the several that were scheduled as make-up dates when the Black Sabbath reunion tour was canceled.

Sources on site tell TMZ that Ozzy was supposed to take the stage after Black Label Society finished their set. But instead, the crowd was advised that Osbourne would be unable to perform due to a medical condition. more on this story

Metallica To Stream Orion Fest

(hennemusic) Metallica launch Orion Music + More at Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey this weekend.

In addition to more than 30 artists on the bill, Metallica will headline both nights, each with its own cool angle: they'll play their classic "Ride The Lightning" album in its entirety on Saturday and, for the first time ever in the U.S., perform the "Black" album on Sunday.

Metallica has announced that select performances will be streamed live via Fuse, including the band's closing set on Sunday evening. more on this story

Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose Takes Another Fall

(hennemusic) Last month, Guns N' Roses Frontman Axl Rose suffered a leg injury when he fell off a table while partying at a club after a show in Moscow; a week later, he fell on stage in Liverpool while saying goodnight to the crowd.

Now, a third Axl fall has been captured on video. At France's Hellfest last weekend, Rose tripped while jumping on a platform on stage during "Sweet Child O' Mine."

Axl did a face-plant and hit the stage when he was just about the sing the song's opening line; he got up right away and delivered the vocal on time while his bandmates played on. Watch it here.

Green Day Cancel Secret Show

(hennemusic) Green Day is making headlines this week as news surfaces that the band's "secret" show, set for this Friday, has been canceled after the city of Burbank denied them the necessary permits due to concerns over crowd control.

Green Day have now announced "permits needed for the show were denied by the city due to crowd control issues.

"The anticipated turnout was well into the thousands, and after monitoring the situation, fears were the number would dramatically swell and pose serious concern for safety of concert-goers once the location was made public." more on this story

Rolling Stones Meeting Next Month To Plan Future

(Gibson) Hot off the rumors that The Rolling Stones were going to play their final gig at 2013's Glastonbury Festival (which was denied by the band's reps), Keith Richards says the boys will get together in July to set their 50th anniversary plans. Keef told Rolling Stone magazine that, ideally, he'd like to play at least one show by the end of the year. "I'd like to get a couple of shows down and see how it goes," Richards said. "But I'd love it."

Although "it's all very hush-hush," the guitarist said that the band members will meet next month in London, following a New York-based jam session in April. He said that the gang will decide if they will be making a new record – which would be their first since 2005's A Bigger Bang.

"We're going to talk about that in July and see. I mean, I'd love to get some tracks down and see what songs we've got," he said. "And that goes along with part of getting the band back together and getting things moving. So I'd love to cut some tracks, yeah." more on this story

Royal Thunder Guitarist Hospitalized

Royal Thunder guitarist Josh Coleman has been hospitalized for an undisclosed illness forcing the band to cancel a couple of dates on their current trek with Valient Thorr and Holy Grail.

The band issued the following: "Royal Thunder's guitar player Josh Coleman has been sick for a few days. We were driving down the road in Indiana and he woke up saying 'pull over, pull over,' he puked up blood and then passed out. He is very sick. The ambulance came and got him and now he's resting at Cameron Hospital in Indiana. He is our brother and our family. We will be by his side for the next couple of days, in hopes that he recovers. He is receiving blood transfusions and waiting on results.

"We need to cancel our next two shows, Wednesday and Thursday. We deeply apologize and regret it. Sorry for any disappointments. We wish we could be there. We hope you all can understand. Thank you for your support and we look forward to meeting back up with our tour buddies, The Kick Ass, Holy Grail ,and Valient Thorr! Peace!"

Uriah Heep Manager and Producer Gerry Bron Dead at 79

(Classic Rock) Producer and band manager Gerry Bron has died at the age of 79. He worked closely with Uriah Heep for many years. He gave the band their name, managed their affairs and served behind the desk for their 1970 debut album Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble, then every subsequent release until 1980′s Conquest.

His label Bronze Records was home to acts including Heep, Motorhead, Colosseum and the Damned. Bron also worked in the mainstream pop arena with acts such as Manfred Mann and Gene Pitney.

His son Richard tweeted: "Very sadly my father passed away yesterday morning very unexpectedly. Rest in peace Dad – we all love you." more on this story

Iron Maiden Kick Off Tour Tonight

(hennemusic) Iron Maiden kick off their "Maiden England World Tour" today in Charlotte, NC. Maiden have offered up some video from rehearsals for the trek to give fans a behind the scenes look at their preparations for today's launch.

The tour will closely mirror, in terms of production and content, the original 1988 concert video of the same name, shot on the "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour."

The North American tour will hit more than 30 cities before it wraps in Houston, TX. on August 18. Maiden will be joined by special guest Alice Cooper on shows to July 21, and then Coheed and Cambria step in to open the second half of the trip. Watch the video here.

Rush Top The Charts With New Album

(hennemusic) Rush's new album, "Clockwork Angels," has debuted at the top of the Canadian charts.

The project enjoyed first week sales in excess of 19,600 in the band's homeland, marking Rush's first #1 debut for a studio album in the SoundScan era.

Stateside, "Clockwork Angels" entered the Billboard 200 albums chart at #2, with sales of 103,000 copies. more on this story

Metallica's Kirk Hammett Plans To Release Book

(Gibson) Most Metallica fans know that guitarist Kirk Hammett is an avid collector of all things horror-related. Now, he's ready to share his assembly of rare items with the world via a new book, Too Much Horror Business – The Kirk Hammett Collection, due out this October.

The hardback book will include 300 images of items from Hammett's stash, with captions written by the guitarist and a three-part interview about his passion for horror.

"This is my gift to all the other horror nerds out there who are just like me," Kirk said in a press release. "It's been made with great love for all the many characters and movies which guided me through childhood, into adulthood and which still keep me on track today." more on this story

Black Crowes' Rich Robinson Produces New Sandi Thom Album

Sandi Thom has set an August 14th release date for her fourth studio album Flesh and Blood.

Produced by the Black Crowes' Rich Robinson, and featuring a rare duet with Buffy Sainte-Marie, the album was recorded at 16 Tons studio in Nashville, Tennessee.

"Sandi really stretched herself and made a bold new album," reflects Rich Robinson, "Her songs are honest, vulnerable and very strong. Her vocal abilities are showcased really well, as is her guitar work, and harp playing. I think Sandi's made a great record. It was a joy to work with her." more on this story

The Gates Of Slumber Welcome Back Former Member

The Gates Of Slumber are reuniting with former drummer "Iron" Bob Fouts for their upcoming North American tour.

The band has parted amicably with their friend J. Clyde Paradis, who recorded and toured behind last year's album, The Wretch (Rise Above Records).

Fouts drummed for the band on previous Gates albums Conqueror (2008) and Hymns of Blood and Thunder (2009). more on this story

ZZ Top's Gibbons, MGMT, The Kills and More Tribute Fleetwood Mac

(Gibson) ZZ Top's Billy F. Gibbons, The New Pornographers, The Kills, MGMT, and Marianne Faithful are among the artists to take part in a new tribute to Fleetwood Mac.

The U.K. blues pioneers, then led by Peter Green, were an early guitar influence on Gibbons, as well as on Aerosmith's Joe Perry. Fleetwood Mac later became pop/rock stars with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks as frontpeople.

Gibbons is returning a favor – drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie appeared on a ZZ Top tribute earlier this year. Sonic Youth's Lee Ranaldo and Dinosaur Jr.'s J Mascis also duet on the album.

The as-yet-untitled album will be released in the U.S. on September 14. Check out the tracklist here.

Classic Muddy Waters and Rolling Stones Show Set For Release

Eagle Rock have set a July 10 release date for the DVD and special two-disc DVD/CD package of Muddy Waters & The Rolling Stones Live At The Checkerboard Lounge Chicago 1981.

They will also be releasing the classic live package as a DVD/2LP vinyl set on September 11.

On November 22, 1981, the Rolling Stones were criss-crossing America on one of their mammoth tours when they had a night off in Chicago, Illinois. What to do? The decision was a no-brainer. Muddy Waters (1915-1983) was in town that night performing at his own juke-joint, The Checkerboard Lounge. It didn't take long before The Master called up to the stage his students, vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarists Ron Wood and Keith Richards and piano player Ian Stewart. The four Stones wound up jamming with Muddy and his band to the absolute delight of the lucky patrons there that night and, man, they raised the roof. more on this story

Stone Temple Pilots, Deftones, Chevelle For Aftershock Festival

Aftershock Festival is set to debut this year on Sunday, September 23 at Discovery Park in downtown Sacramento, CA.

The initial lineup for the full-day rock festival includes Stone Temple Pilots, Deftones, Bush, Chevelle, Hollywood Undead, Theory of a Deadman, Oleander, Escape the Fate, Otherwise, Gemini Syndrome and more.

Discovery Park is located in downtown Sacramento, where the American River meets the Sacramento River. "When you're bringing a new rock festival to any city, it's important to have a great local radio partner, and a strong feeder system of stations to support the show," says festival creator/producer Danny Wimmer of Arms Division Concerts/DWP/Right Arm Entertainment. "Sacramento has this and more. Its deep foundation in rock – including bands like Deftones and Oleander, music executives coming out of the area, and vital stations like KDOT, KBRE, and our partner station 98 Rock – proves that rock is a mainstay in Northern California." More details.

Tarja Turunen Returning With Act I

Tarja Turunen has set a September 4th North American release date for, Act I, which will be released in 2-CD, 2-DVD and Blu-Ray format.

The first ever live audio/video offering from the former Nightwish soprano, Act 1 was recorded and filmed with 10 HD cameras at the breathtaking Teatro El Círculo in Rosario, Argentina in March 2012.

With an track listing of solo tunes, Nightwish classics and various covers including a rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom Of The Opera," Gary Moore's "Over The Hills and Far Away," Whitesnake's "Still Of The Night" and a variety of video extras, Act I provides a full-fledged bill of fare to every diehard Tarja fan. more on this story

Robert Cray Album and Tour Coming

Robert Cray will release his brand new studio album "Nothin But Love" on Monday August 27th in the UK.

He will precede the effort with a UK tour which kicks off on June 26th with a date at the Shepherds Bush Empire (as part of London Blues Fest).

In addition to his London Blues Fest concert at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on June 26th, Robert Cray other UK dates include; Glasgow 02 ABC (June 28), Birmingham Town Hall (June 29), Warrington Pyramid & Parr Hall (June 30), Holmfirth Picturedrome (July 2), Reading Sub89 (July 3) and Brighton Concorde 2 (July 4). more on this story

Prong Expand Summer Tour Plans

Prong have added a handful of headlining dates to their summer tour plans with Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity, as well as two more festival appearances.

The first is at the "Slang Metalfest" in Danville, IL on August 25th and the second is an appearance at the "Bumbershoot" in Seattle, WA on September 1st.

Prong has been selected as one of the bands to play on this year's inaugural "Knotfest" hosted by Slipknot. The two date festival will take place August 17th in Pacific Junction, IA and August 18th in Somerset, WI. more on this story

Jane's Addiction, Florence and the Machine and Weezer For SoundTown Fest

Jane's Addiction, Florence and the Machine and Weezer are set to headline the SoundTown Music and Camping Festival.

The event will take place on July 27-28, 2012, with a kickoff party on Thursday, July 26, at Somerset Amphitheater in Somerset, Wis.

"We are thrilled to announce a lineup that will be sure to draw music and camping fans from across the country," Somerset Amphitheater General Manager Matt Mithun said more on this story

Threshold Reveal March Of Progress Details

Threshold have set an August 31st release date for their new studio album, entitled "March Of Progress."

"March Of Progress" was recorded and produced in Thin Ice Studios (Dragonforce, Pendragon) by band members Karl Groom and Richard West with additional production at Eightspace Studio (League of Lights, The Morning After).

Vocal duties on "March of Progress" have been performed by Threshold's original front man Damian Wilson (Star One, Headspace), who's been back touring with the band since the release of "Dead Reckoning." more on this story

B Sides

Singled Out: Cory Branan's Bad Man

Today Cory Branan tells us about the song "Bad Man" from his brand new album "Mutt". Here is the story:

This one definitely came from living in Memphis where people are all up in your business. It's about maybe deserving a bad reputation but for far more interesting reasons than small town gossip mongers are aware of. The "you aint afraid of no alleyway when you are the thing in the dark" line came directly out, bad grammar and all, while I was taking a seedy shortcut with a friend.

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

Bruce Springsteen Movie Hits The Web

(Gibson) CNN has released a new film that sees Bruce Springsteen talking about the making of his latest studio album, Wrecking Ball.

The candid film is based around an interview that Springsteen conducted in front of a live studio audience earlier this year. You can watch the movie, Bruce Springsteen and The Working Man, at CNN here.

U.K. magazine Uncut has also launched an iPad app dedicated to the history of "The Boss." It chronicles the history of the man from the early to mid-'70s, right up to the release of Wrecking Ball in 2012. more on this story

Halestorm Release Flint Focused I Miss the Misery Video

(Banana 101.5) Halestorm love playing Flint, Michigan so much, they shot their entire music video for 'I Miss the Misery' there.

Halestorm's video for the new single features many recognizable Flint landmarks, most notably The Machine Shop.

The footage of their performance was shot during a very special sold out concert on May 18th, the day before their set at Rock on the Range. Watch it here.

New Green Day Somewhere Between AC/DC And The Early Beatles?

(Gibson) Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong had described the band's new trilogy project, iUno! ¡Dos! ¡Tré!, as a crazy idea that's working well.

Musically, he told Rolling Stone, it's power pop. "We wanted something punchier, more power pop – somewhere between AC/DC and the early Beatles," he said.

Armstrong also described the recording process this time around. "The last two records were studio albums," he said. "This one – we started rehearsing every day, constructing these songs together. It felt like we were all in a room jamming – everyone in the mix, throwing out ideas. If you listen to it, it feels grand. But it also feels like a garage band." more on this story

Arjen Lucassen Releases Pink Beatles in a Purple Zeppelin Video

(InsideOut) Arjen Lucassen has released a new music video for the track "Pink Beatles in a Purple Zeppelin," taken from his recently released concept solo album, Lost In The New Real.

The video was mainly shot where Arjen grew up, near the sea in Holland. In regards to the video, Arjen comments: "It's a very 'Dutch' clip, windmills and all! So you could say this clip goes back to my roots, also musically. It features many visual links (at least 10!) to the bands and albums that I grew up listening to. Peace, man!" To watch it here.

Featuring artwork created by Arjen and renowned designer Claudio Bergamin, plus an appearance by legendary actor Rutger Hauer as the album's narrator, Lost In The New Real is a double-CD that tells the story of Mr. L, a 21st century man who was cryo-preserved at the moment of clinical death from a terminal disease. more on this story

Grumpy Old Punks Deliver Anarchy in the Prostate

(APR) Grumpy Old Punks have released a new EP, Anarchy in the Prostate, via iTunes and a limited edition vinyl 45rpm.

It's made up of songs inspired by the daily struggles and frustrations faced by the middle age band members who use punk rock as a vehicle to humorously voice their frustration at the adult toils they must endure.

"What the hell does an eighteen year old know about anger or angst?" barks lead singer LouB. "They live at home and have nothing worse to sweat than term papers or the occasional STD. Pure punk rock wrath can best be musically manifested by those who know the mundane, commonplace horrors of the real world: balding, paunchy, frustrated, middle age guys." more on this story