Jimmy Page To Release Lucifer Rising Recordings

"There will be a standard release on heavyweight vinyl. In addition there will be a special run of 418 numbered copies. The first 93 copies will be signed and numbered." Read the twisted history behind the soundtrack

Zakk Wylde Tributes Randy Rhoads

(Gibson) Today, March 19 marks the 30th anniversary of guitar legend Randy Rhoads's death in a plane crash. Zakk Wylde, who's a huge admirer of Rhoads's work, recently spoke to MusicRadar.com about the guitarist's legacy.

"The testimony to Randy's greatness is the fact that we all still remember. Whenever my buddies and I get together, we can't help but talk about Randy Rhoads," Wylde said. "Let's say he didn't have to go up to God's tavern when the good Lord needed him. Let's say he just walked away from it all and went back to teaching, which he was thinking of doing; he wasn't all that comfortable with the fame thing and playing big places. He'd still be a total legend for what he did on those first two Ozzy Osbourne records. What he achieved in just a couple of years is right up there with the best of the best. He did on two albums what most guys can't do on 20. That's pretty remarkable."

Wylde went on to talk about Rhoads's influence on his playing. "He had unbelievable technique and could do all the things on the guitar that are astounding," he said. "His scales, the diminished scales he used – unreal. But it was his writing and the way he composed his solos – I mean, his solos were songs within the songs… He was way ahead of what everybody else was doing." more on this story

Rolling Stones Jagger and Richards End Feud

(Gibson) Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones have reconciled their disagreements. The two British rock stars have had several bust-ups over the years but Richards' autobiography caused new problems. Jagger and Richards spoke to the Daily Mirror about their relationship.

Richards said: "As far as the book goes, it was my story and it was very raw, as I meant it to be. But I know that some parts of it, and some of the publicity, really offended Mick and I regret that. What some of our detractors forget is that although we look like old codgers living an ocean apart we are still at bottom the boys on platform 3 at Dartford station.''

The Daily Mirror, then notes that Jagger jumped in with, "Er... actually, Keith, it was platform 1.'' Jagger also said: "In the 1980s, for instance, Keith and I were not communicating very well. I got very involved with the business side of the Stones, mainly because I felt no one else was interested. But it's plain now from the book that Keith felt excluded, which is a pity. Time, I reckon, to move on." more on this story

Call Him Dr. Alice Cooper

(hennemusic) On Friday, Alice Cooper delivered the Graduation Commencement Speech to 600 rowdy and dangerous graduates from The Musician's Institute in Los Angeles.

Alice opened by saying, "First of all, the fact that I am here as your keynote speaker raises a lot of red flags. It shows an obvious lack of judgment on your part."

Alice also received an Honorary Doctorate from The Musician's Institute ("Doctor Of Music"), the second Doctorate award he has received in his career. "One more of these and I can write prescriptions," joked Alice.

Read highlights from the speech here.

Van Halen's Full Montreal Concert Streaming Online

(hennemusic) Van Halen's "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour hit Montreal last week for the first of a series of Canadian dates and video of the full concert is streaming online.

The band delivered its 24-song show with high energy, opening with their 1981 classic, "Unchained."

VH have been changing up rare tracks in the set throughout the tour, and Montreal fans were treated to 1979's "Outta Love Again," as well as "Hear About It Later" from "Fair Warning." Check out the video here.

Collective Soul Plan Full Dosage Tour

Collective Soul will hit the road in May for a North American tour where they plan to play their 1999 album Dosage in its entirety.

The band's fourth album, Dosage includes major hits like "Heavy," "Run," and "Tremble For My Beloved" which was featured in the Twilight movie and soundtrack.

In addition to Dosage, they will perform other songs from a catalog including "Shine," "December," "The World I Know," "Where The River Flows" and many others. more on this story

Vince Neil, George Lynch, Stu Hamm, Brad Gillis On New Ozzy Tribute

Versailles Records have set a June 5th North America release date for a 3-disc tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. The label sent over these details:

'No More Tears: A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne- 1971-2012' features rock and metal superstars and many of the hottest rock and metal bands on the rise from around the globe covering Ozzy's Black Sabbath and entire SOLO catalog performed in full-length, hit by hit chronological order over the course of a 3-CD set!

The Tribute will feature exclusive liner-note commentary from a wide range of record producers who worked with Ozzy in the studio, including Ron Nevison, Duane Baron, Keith Olsen, and Michael Beinhorn; and the track listing features star-appearances from Vince Neil (Motley Crue), George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), Stu Hamm (Steve Vai band), Gregg Bissonette (Joe Satriani, Spinal Tap, David Lee Roth band), Derrick LeFevre (Lillian Axe), Chris Poland (Megadeth), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter, Vinnie Vincent Invasion), Brad Gillis (Nightranger, Ozzy Osbourne Band), Gary Moon (Three Dog Night, Nightranger), Eric Singer (Kiss, Black Sabbath, Badlands, The Cult), Paul Taylor (Winger), Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper Band, Slash's Snakepit, LA Guns, RATT), and Richard Kendrick (Near Life Experience). more on this story

KISS' Peter Criss Releasing Autobiography

(hennemusic) Original KISS drummer Peter Criss will release his autobiography, "Makeup To Breakup," on October 23.

"From sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll to multiple brushes with death, 'Makeup to Breakup' will be Peter Criss' unvarnished and eye-opening life story," according to the publisher's press release.

"I am so blessed that I am finally going to write my autobiography, and I hope you enjoy the ride," Criss said in the release. "The best of all is I get to share my true feelings of my love for God, family, friends and fame. It's been a wonderful life." more on this story

Willie Nelson Sets New Album Release

Legacy Recordings have set a May 15th release date for Willie Nelson's new album, Heroes.

The album will feature new songs and re-imagined classics performed by Willie Nelson. Legacy sent out these details:

Heroes is essential Willie Nelson, a seamless collection of top-flight pop-country songs (including covers from the 30s and 40s and new songs by Willie, his sons, Lukas Nelson and Micah Nelson, and more) performed with the easy-going homespun warmth and honesty that have become his trademarks. more on this story

Shinedown Releasing Complete Album Experience For The Ipad

Shinedown have set a on March 27th release for For Your Sake: Inside the Making of Shinedown's Amaryllis a new ebook that is being billed ad the first ever complete album experience for the iPad.

The 75 Page iPad eBook will be released to coincide with the release of the band's new album, Amaryllis.

The eBook features photos in interactive galleries, videos and detailed commentary from the band. more on this story

Guns N' Roses and Sebastian Bach Jam Goes Online

(hennemusic) More video from the final date of Guns N' Roses' "Up Close And Personal" tour has surfaced.

The month-long series of shows, in intimate theatres, gave GNR fans a chance to see the band in smaller venues than the standard arena-sized event.

The trip wrapped up last week at House Of Blues in West Hollywood, where the band was joined by Axl Rose's pal Sebastian Bach on the "Appetite For Destruction" rocker "My Michelle." Check it out here.

Green River Ordinance and Graham Colton Tour

Green River Ordinance are set to kick off an extensive North American tour on March 29 in Houston, TX, crossing the country with special guest Graham Colton.

Green River Ordinance will be touring in support of their latest album, "Under Fire" which was released on February 28th.

"Our primary purpose was just to make the most authentic and honest music possible," says Jamey Ice. "We also tried to push ourselves to think outside of our traditional instruments. We used all sorts of random percussive instruments and unique drums; we used banjos, mandolins, baritone guitars, 12 string guitars upright bass, accordion, lap steel, old vintage amps and old vintage guitars. We tried to push ourselves to explore more, even if it meant forfeiting safe and traditional structure and instrumentation." more on this story

King's X Jerry Gaskill Recovering

King's X drummer Jerry Gaskill continues his recovery from a heart attack suffered late last month.

Jerry's medical condition is improving - he is no longer in ICU, but is still hospitalized battling pneumonia. He can sit up, and is showing signs of recovery that have his family and the band encouraged.

As we previous reported, King's X are offering a download of a previously unreleased 1991 concert to fans who donate money to help offset the drummer's medical and personal bills. more on this story

The Beatles Headed To TouchTunes Interactive

(Sub) The music of The Beatles will soon be featured across TouchTunes Interactive Networks network of over 50,000 digital jukeboxes.

Starting April 1, 2012, TouchTunes will add The Beatles' 13 legendary studio albums to its catalog.

"It is a privilege to partner with EMI and Apple Corps Ltd. to make available the sound recordings of the most celebrated band of all time," said Charles Goldstuck, CEO of TouchTunes Interactive Networks. "The important addition of The Beatles to our network represents a milestone, not only for our company, but for our industry." more on this story

Remembering Randy Rhoads 30 Years Later

(Gibson) On this day in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist and former Quiet Riot member Randy Rhoads was killed when the plane he was riding in crashed. After driving much of the night, the band had stopped near a small airstrip. The tour bus driver, Andrew Aycock, talked the band's keyboardist, Don Airey, into taking a test flight in a '55 Beechcraft Bonanza, the joyride ended, and the plane landed safely. Then Aycock took Rhoads and Rachel Youngblood on another flight and attempts were made to "buzz" the tour bus. The left wing clipped the bus, which sent the plane spiraling into a nearby house and bursting into flames. Gibson takes a look back: Since teaming up with Ozzy Osbourne and playing a key role in the Prince of Darkness's post-Sabbath solo success, Rhoads was flying high. Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman had put Ozzy back in the limelight and the band were in Knoxville for a show at the Civic Coliseum on March 18, 1982. It was Randy Rhoads' last gig.

After the show, the band left Tennessee for Florida where they were playing a festival in Orlando. Stopping for a rest break and to run some repairs, the caravan stopped at some property in Leesburg, Florida. There were just two houses on the property. One of them belonged to Ozzy's bus driver, Andrew Aycock.

Early on the 19th, while the entourage was resting, Aycock rose and—being a pilot—took advantage of the property's airstrip and collection of airplanes. Aycock took keyboard player Don Airey and tour manager Jake Duncan for a flight on a '55 Beechcraft Bonanza F-35. After that, Aycock took off again, this time with Randy and hairdresser Rachel Youngblood. After that jaunt, Aycock took Rhoads on another flight. It was a terrible mistake. more on this story

Black Tusk Holding In Store Event Today

Black Tusk will be holding an exclusive in store signing event today, March 19th, in Hollywood, CA at 6:00 PM.

The signing will take place at Sound Check Hollywood, which is located at 8872 Sunset Blvd. website

Black Tusk are currently on tour in support of their new album Set the Dial. This run features headlining tour dates with support coming from East of the Wall, label-mates Royal Thunder and Hull, plus a string of dates supporting Prong and select shows with Intronaut and Skeletonwitch in March. more on this story

Singled Out: Cold Fronts' Ready To Go

Today Craig Almquist from Cold Fronts tells us about the song "Ready To Go" from their brand new EP release "Pretty American". Here is the story:

I wrote Ready To Go when I was living in Brooklyn during the summer. I was feeling pretty isolated in terms of my living situation, and was getting extremely nostalgic for Philadelphia and all my friends. I wrote the opening riff and then was just kind of freestyling the lyrics into garage band and picking out what stuck. Usually thats how I write a lot of the lyrics to songs.

The lyrics itself are really about my friends, relationships, and my neighborhood in Philadelphia. I had also just started hanging out with Shaky Jake (our guitarist) in Harlem and we were getting each other amped on the idea of starting a rock band and writing riffs.

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