Ronnie Montrose Dies After Long Cancer Fight

"He passed today. He'd battled cancer, and staved off old age for long enough. And true to form, he chose his own exit the way he chose his own life. We miss him already, but we're glad to have shared with him while we could." more on this story

Metallica Plan Special Record Store Day Release

Metallica plan to celebrate Record Store Day this year with the release of their Beyond Magnetic EP on silver vinyl.

Record Store Day this year takes place on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Fans can purchase the vinyl at indie record retailers and at www.metallica.com.

The Tallica-camp sent over these details: Originally released via all digital retailers on December 13th and on CD worldwide on January 30th, the EP features four tracks recorded during the sessions for 2008's 2x-platinum Death Magnetic, the band's fifth consecutive No. 1 album. more on this story

Don't Expect Freddie Mercury From Adam Lambert and Queen

(Gibson) The remaining members of Queen, Brian May (guitar) and Roger Taylor (drums), recruiting Adam Lambert has already upset some fans.

Speaking to the NME about Queen's show, promoter Galbraith said that while he could understand people's reservations about the idea, he thought the band's back catalog was so strong it wouldn't matter.

"If people are looking for a Freddie Mercury show, then they aren't going to get it, but I think the Queen songs are huge, I think they fit perfectly with the Knebworth environment… I think it'll be one of the best performances we've seen from a headliner, it's the only show in the world they're doing. It's a huge coup for us." more on this story

Whitesnake Announce Touring Hiatus

(hennemusic) Whitesnake fans won't see their heros on the road this year as the band have announced plans to take the year off the road. They have posted a news update for fans:

Whitesnake have announced the band will be on hiatus from touring throughout 2012 after completing their successful "Forevermore World Tour."

At this time, the band plan to spend 2012 in the studio, mixing live recordings made during the 2011 tour.

There are also plans to edit & mix a live in-concert DVD from the trek. Other 'Snake related projects are also in the works, including new material, though there are no definite plans to record a full studio album at this time. more on this story

Taproot New Song Premiere

(Banana 101.5) Taproot's new concept album 'The Episodes' hits stores and digital outlets on April 10th but you can hear the first single now!

Taproot actual began work on the "complexly developed concept album" 'The Episodes' over six years ago.

"Having written the story for this album before the music, this record sounds more like a soundtrack than a typical album," says bassist Phil Liscomb of the new album. "With the songs flowing together and taking you on a journey." The evolution of the band's sound is evident on the first single 'No Surrender,' which has a more progressive feel and even features a speak-and-spell.

Taproot's will perform songs from 'The Episodes' during the official CD release party at The Machine Shop on April 10th. Check out the premiere of the first single "No Surrender" here.

Karma to Burn Drop Off Tour

Karma to Burn have pulled the plug on their current tour plan until mid-month for unspecified personal reasons.

A statement posted on the band's site credited to "admin" reads as follows: "Sorry to announce that all of the KTB shows from March 1-18 have been canceled.

"We just need some time to get my mind, body and spirit correct. We know some people will be pissed, but sometimes you just gotta take care of yourself. more on this story

Rob Zombie Plans New Album

(Banana 101.5) Rob Zombie has announced that production on his upcoming film 'The Lords of Salem' is coming to a close and that he plans to enter the studio to begin work on a new album in June.

Rob Zombie's dance card for 2012 is filling up rather quickly — after spending the last several months plugging away at his new witchcraft horror flick 'The Lords of Salem,' Zombie will hit the road for a co-headlining tour with Megadeth in May — but those aren't his only plans.

"As production on THE LORDS OF SALEM ends it is time for music," he revealed on his website. "We will be packing up the band and moving to remote location to record. No distractions, just music." more on this story

Slash's Solo Band Records 360 Degree Web Video

(Gibson) Slash releases his second solo album, Apocalyptic Love, on May 22. Band bassist Todd Kerns has now written on his blog: "A few weeks back we finished recording the new Slash album that has since been titled Apocalyptic Love after the lead-off track, which is earth-shattering!

"We finished up recording at Barefoot Recording with [producer] Eric Valentine and the very next day we were shooting an in the studio performance for Mativision. We performed all 13 songs from Apocalyptic Love for the Mativision cameras.

"The cool thing is that while watching it on your computer, you'll be able to select what you wanna look at and switch around 360 degrees all over the place. It is totally mind-blowing. Crazy. I have no idea what format that's coming out in, but it is to be part of some fancy release of the album. more on this story

New Aaron Lewis Solo Song Goes Online

(hennemusic) A new solo track from Staind frontman Aaron Lewis has surfaced. "Anywhere But Here" will be included on Lewis' full-length solo album, due for release in June.

The project is the follow-up to Aaron's acclaimed 2011 country EP, "Town Line," which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and #7 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Lewis recently received two Academy Of Country Music nominations for his debut country single, "Country Boy." Have a listen to the new song here.

Rolling Stones Celebrating 50th Anniversary With Book Release

(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones have announced the summer release of a book to mark their 50th Anniversary this year.

"The Rolling Stones: 50" will be published on the July 12, 2012 – a half century after the day of their first show, at London's Marquee Club.

In the past 50 years, the Stones have performed live in front of more people than any band…ever. They've had No.1 singles and albums in every country that has a popular music chart and have helped define popular culture. more on this story

How Kool and the Gang Landed Van Halen Tour

(hennemusic) Kool & The Gang have been opening shows for Van Halen on their current tour, and the thought of the unlikely pairing of the 70s pop-funk icons with the kings of 70s high-energy hard rock took a little getting used to, according to KATG co-founder Robert "Kool" Bell.

It turns out, Bell says, the pairing was David Lee Roth's idea. "He [Roth] saw our show in London last year for the big Glastonbury Festival and as they were putting together the Van Halen reunion tour, he went back to his camp and said, 'Hey, man, I'd like to have Kool & The Gang open up for us,' " Bell tells The Morning Call.

"They kind of felt it was a little strange in the beginning, but David kind of said, 'Hey, I think it'll work because in the '80s, Van Halen was sort of like the rock party band and Kool & The Gang was the pop funk party band. He said [Van Halen's] audience is 60 percent ladies – and of course, with 'Ladies Night,' we wrote a song for them. So it all came together." more on this story

Jack White Goes Solo on Saturday Night Live

(hennemusic) Jack White rocked Saturday Night Live this weekend as he introduces the start of his solo career. White's first album, "Blunderbuss," is due April 24.

On SNL, hosted by Lindsey Lohan, Jack performed two tracks: the album's first single, "Love Interruption," and a new rocker, "Sixteen Saltines."

White begins his first solo headline shows with a date in Chattanooga, TN on March 10. Check out video of his performances here.

Mychildren Mybride Give Fans Interactive Nightmare

Mychildren Mybride have released their "Dreamcatchers" Interactive Nightmare - an interactive experience that will allow fans to unlock elements of the song "Dreamcatchers."

The immersive experience finds fans waking up in a mysterious room and needing to escape. Following perilous paths, the decisions fans make will either move them along to the next step of the adventure or lead to their death.

Upon dying, fans will be treated to a segment of "Dreamcatchers", meaning that the only way to unlock each segment of the song is to explore the myriad choices that the adventure presents. Upon successful completion, fans will be prompted to restart the adventure in order to unlock new music.

"With the release of 'Dreamcatchers' we really wanted to try something new and different, something that would make our fans conspire together and act as a community," frontman Matthew Hasting excitedly explains. "So please, throughout Facebook, YouTube and Twitter work together to figure out the challenge that lies ahead. Choose your fate wisely and listen closely to everything you see. You will soon hear the final song before our album is released."

Begin the Adventure Here

Springsteen and Fallon Take On LMFAO Hit

(hennemusic) Jimmy Fallon and Bruce Springsteen have teamed up again for another cover.

As Neil Young and a 1980s-era Bruce, the pair performed an acoustic version of LMFAO's hit, "Sexy And I Know It," on Friday's Late Night program.

Fallon has been hosting a Springsteen tribute week, which featured appearances by Kenny Chesney, John Legend and Elvis Costello. Check it out here.

Elvis Costello Added To Robert Johnson Centennial Celebration

(Gibson) Elvis Costello has been added to the bill of The Robert Johnson at 100 centennial celebration at New York's Apollo Theatre on March 6.

He joins The Roots, Macy Gray, Chuck D, Living Colour, Shemekia Copeland, Bettye LaVette, Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo', Todd Rundgren, and many more including The Rev. Steven Johnson, grandson of Robert Johnson.

Directed by Joe Morton, the night will be lead by Musical Director Steve Jordan and special guest Jeffrey Wright. Produced by Steve Berkowitz, Michael Dorf, Joe Morton and Patricia Watt in association with The Blues Foundation and Legacy Recordings, proceeds from the concert will go to The Blues Foundation and The Robert Johnson Foundation to provide funding for the building of The Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis. more on this story

Engelbert Humperdinck For Eurovision

(Gibson) Sixties crooner Engelbert Humperdinck, whose "Release Me" kept The Beatles off the no 1 spot in 1967, will represent the United Kingdom at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Humperdinck, 75, said, "I am so thrilled to have been asked by the BBC to represent the U.K. at Eurovision 2012!...without hesitation I happily accepted."

Katie Taylor, head of entertainment and events for the BBC, said: "Not since the '70s have we had such an established international musical legend represent the nation.

"We couldn't be more delighted. Engelbert's experience leaves us in no doubt that he will be able to deliver a standout performance in front of 120 million viewers worldwide." more on this story

Fozzy Added To Download Lineup

Fozzy have announced that they will be taking part in Download 2012, which be held June 8-10 in the United Kingdom.

Fozzy will be performing Saturday, June 9 , as part of a lineup headlined by Metallica playing their black album in its entirety.

They are currently recording their Century Media Records debut, which is scheduled for a worldwide release this summer. The band will release their first single from the new album in May. more on this story

More Slash and Betty White Zoo Videos Surface

(hennemusic) The Los Angeles Zoo is sharing more of their new series of commercials featuring Slash and Betty White.

The new ads are to promote the March 8 launch of the zoo's new attraction, called THE LAIR.

LAIR stands for Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles. THE LAIR will feature "60 species of weird, rare and endangered amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles." Check out the videos here.