Joe Perry, Ace Frehley, Michael Anthony, Skynyrd on New Bret Michaels CD

"...it's all people I know. Vinnie Paul from Pantera. They're all friends of mine. The best one -- are you ready for this? -- I remade "Sweet Home Alabama" with the guys from Lynyrd Skynyrd playing and singing on it. Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke are on it. I wanted them to hear what I had done. I gave it a really cool feel. And they were like, "This is awesome."" Read the full interview to learn more!

Guns N' Roses Score Surprise No. 3 Hit on Billboard Album Chart

(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses have a 25 cent digital hit on their hands. Billboard reports Guns N' Roses' "Greatest Hits" has landed at no. 3 on the new Billboard 200 album chart following a price war sale last week between two digital retailers.

The album was priced for 25-cents in both the Google Play and AmazonMP3 stores for one day last week, eventually going on to sell 85,000 copies – 12,000 more than the week before.

"Greatest Hits" came in behind One Direction and Adele, and just ahead of last week's #1, the new "Wrecking Ball" by Bruce Springsteen. more on this story

Oliveri Quits Kyuss Lives!

(Banana 101.5) Former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri explains why he recently jumped ship on the Kyuss reunion, explains his side of the story concerning his legal troubles stemming from a standoff with LAPD last July and briefly touches on the circumstances surrounding his exit from QOTSA.

In a new video interview with Antiquiet, Nick Oliveri gives a very long-winded update on all the hot topic issues surrounding the bassist — of which there are several. First there is the matter of Kyuss, who reunited without former guitarist and Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme as Kyuss Lives. A lawsuit has recently been brought against the band by Homme and former bassist Scott Reeder regarding the use of the name Kyuss. Oliveri says that when Kyuss Lives was just a touring thing, Homme was fine with it — it wasn't until there was talks of a new album that it became an issue.

"Josh is a key player and songwriter in what Kyuss was and is. I don't know that without Josh there — it will be what it should be," says Oliveri of his exit from the partial reunion. "I don't want to let anyone down. I don't want to let myself down. I figure walk away with my head up high and do my own thing is the respectable thing and I think I need to do that." And about that standoff?

Motley Crue Star Distances Himself From Gene Simmons Rihanna Slam

(hennemusic) Gene Simmons stirred up some headlines this week in an effort to draw some media attention to the KISS summer tour with Motley Crue.

During Tuesday's press conference, Simmons boasted how "real" both veteran rock groups were in a live setting, adding, "Both Motley and KISS are united in one crusade: we are sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them," said Simmons. "No karaoke singers allowed. No fake bulls**t. Leave that to the Rihanna, Shmianna and anyone who ends their name with an 'A.' This is real stuff."Crue drummer Tommy Lee has added some thoughts of his own to Gene's comments.

"Gene Simmons recently mentioned at our Motley/KISS tour announcement on Tuesday about his distaste for faking it on stage. I somehow got lumped into that by saying that I, too, am tired of all the watered-down, not-so-real performances on award shows/live concerts/etc.," Lee said in a statement. "I am a fan of Rihanna's and think she's an amazing singer/entertainer and I think you all know how much I f**king love electronic music and dance. I make and perform electronic music live. And who am I to say what's good/bad/real or fake? It is what it is, right?..." more on this story

Ziggy Stardust Revisited For 40th Anniversary

(Gibson) It's hard to believe that it's been 40 years since the release of David Bowie's landmark The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album – especially since, according to the album, earth only had five years left. But here were are four decades later with the planet intact, Bowie retired and the 1972 concept album still hailed as a classic.

Ziggy Stardust will get a 40th anniversary reissue in a couple of months (June 4 in the U.K., June 5 in the U.S.), with editions on both CD and limited-edition vinyl, according to Pitchfork.

The vinyl release also comes with an audio DVD version, containing 5.1 mixes of the spaced-out album's tracks – along with three unreleased mixes ("The Supermen," "Velvet Goldmine" and "Super Head"). more on this story

Metallica Releasing 30th Anniversary Magazine

(hennemusic) Metallica are publishing a special edition of their fan club magazine, So What! The band have teamed up with Metal Hammer to offer fans a 30th Anniversary edition issue of the magazine, which is typically sent to MetClub members every three months.

"As we were putting together the first issue of 2012 commemorating our 30th anniversary celebration at the Fillmore Theatre in December of last year, we realized that the upcoming issue was looking so special, so unique and so unprecedented that we really should make it available to share with all our friends around the world," posted the band.

"I couldn't think of a cooler way to round out the first 30 years than how the Fillmore week played out in December," said drummer Lars Ulrich. "And I can't think of a cooler way to start off the next 30 years than immortalizing that unique, incomparable and unforgettable week in magazine form, our first So What! edition to leave the confines of our fan club." more on this story

Taking Back Sunday Headlining Warped Tour

Taking Back Sunday have been tapped as a main stage headliners of this summer's Warped Tour 2012.

This marks the first time since 2004 the band will participate in the entire tour, which begins on June 16 in Salt Lake City, UT and hits 41 cities throughout US and Canada before wrapping-up on August 5 in Portland, OR.

The band will release an exclusive 12" LP for Record Store Day on April 21st. We Play Songs is an acoustic four-song 12" LP featuring live tracks recorded at Fingerprints Record Store in Long Beach, CA and Looney Tunes in West Babylon, NY. more on this story

The Cult Preview New Song

(hennemusic) The Cult return May 22 with their new studio album, "Choice Of Weapon" and are now giving fans another taste of what is to come.

Co-produced by Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age, U.N.K.L.E.) and longtime collaborator Bob Rock (Metallica, Aerosmith), "Choice of Weapon" was made in several studios, including the band's own Witch Mountain, as well as spots in New York City, Los Angeles and the California desert.

Earlier this year, The Cult offered up a taste of the record by posting the song "Lucifer." Now, the group is previewing the video for the album's first single, "For The Animals." Check it out

Iron Maiden Preview Steel Book Limited Edition

(hennemusic) Iron Maiden's new live set, "En Vivo!," arrives next week. Maiden were captured live on April 10, 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.

The band is offering several different versions of the package, including Blu-Ray, DVD, 2CD, Digital Download, Double Vinyl Picture Disc, CD soundtrack album and Digital Download Video.

As if those options weren't enough for Maiden fans, there's also a Limited Edition double DVD in a Collectors Steel Book case; a video preview can be seen here.

Current Guns N' Roses Guitarist Wants Rock Hall Reunion Jam

(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses fans were very disappointed to hear this week's comments by Slash that the band will not reunite their classic lineup to perform at the band's upcoming Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction.

Now, a current GNR guitarist is saying he'd like to see the reunion happen. During an online video chat this week, DJ Asha was asked about his thoughts on the Rock Hall event.

"The one thing I don't understand about the Hall Of Fame is nobody's f**king talking, nobody's talking about it," he said. "I just don't, I don't get it. In my opinion, I think it's a huge honor. I think it would be awesome to see, you know, everybody [from the classic GNR lineup] get up on stage and put all the differences aside for one night and just give the fans what they want. To me, that makes the most sense." more on this story

At The Drive-In Limited Edition Set For Coachella

At The Drive-In made news earlier this year announce that they were reuniting and we now learn that a special limited edition release is planned as well. Fearless Records sent out these details:

Fearless Records announced a limited edition yellow 10" vinyl version of At The Drive-In's seminal 1999 EP Vaya, that will be sold exclusively at this year's Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival through the Zia Record's pop up shop and the Coachella Boutique.

Fan-favorite Vaya contains their much-performed tracks "Rascuache" and "198d", and sparked the band's rapid rise to prominence. This is the first pressing of this record in 12 years. more on this story

Obscura Frontman For Death To All Tour

We told you last week that members of Death were heading out on the road for the Death To All Tour 2012. Today we learn they have recruited Steffen Kummerer of Obscura to sing on the trek. They put out the following:

We are very excited to announce Steffen Kummerer of Obscura, as the second vocalist for the Death To All Tour 2012. Steffen is an unbelievable talent and we are very excited to have him involved with this tour. The first Obscura record, to us, was very reminiscent of Death's Human album, so it should be interesting to say the least. Here is the official statement about the tour from Steffen:

"It was a pleasure to get the invitation to play all of those timeless classics as a tribute to Chuck and his work. To be honest, I wasn't sure if it was a good idea at all to get this project running, due to my respect for the past. The band Death is gone and will never come back, that is the truth. These shows are a nice way to show tribute to the band and their previous work and help musicians via Sweet Relief. In the end, a good thing and definitely worth visiting one or two shows. I am glad to be involved and be part of this idea to bring this music back on stage. Let the metal flow."

Five Finger Death Punch Launch Tour Tonight

Five Finger Death Punch have returned from playing for the troops in Kuwait and are launching a North American tour tonight. SKH sent over these details:

This week, 5FDP prepares for a massive hometown headlining show at the Joint in Las Vegas, en route to more west coast headlining dates and a trek into Canada.

The band has just returned from a visit to military bases across Kuwait, where they touched down for performances and or visits on bases that included Camp Moreell, Camp Beuhring, Camp Patriot and others. This is the band's second visit overseas to perform for the troops in two years . "What a stellar way to start the spring," singer Ivan Moody shared. "Playing for the troops is always an honor and seriously humbling. Can't say enough about the experience- everyone was so respectful and warm. I hope we helped morale and it was a privilege to give back to those that give so much for us." more on this story

Nickelback Releasing Two Music Videos

Nickelback are releasing two new music videos almost simultaneously. One was released this week and the second is coming next week.

One video is for the song "Lullaby" and other is for the track "This Means War," both songs come from the band's latest album, Here And Now.

The video for "Lullaby" premieres exclusively on VH1.com yesterday for 24-hours; the video will make its broadcast debut on VH1's Top 20 Countdown on March 31, 2012. Additionally, the video for "This Means War" will premiere exclusively for 48-hours on the Xbox/Zune platform on March 27, 2012. more on this story

Motley Crue To Play New Music On KISS Tour

(Gibson) It's safe to say one of the biggest rock stories of the week is Motley Crue and KISS announcing a wild child, cross-county tour set for this summer. Motley Crue bass player Nikki Sixx is even promising the guys will pull out at least one fresh track on the run, and he says it's a good one.

"We're gonna play it on tour. We just wrote it and recorded it. We're just finishing mixing," he told VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner.

"It's called 'Sex' and it sounds very much like it's off of the first record [1981's Too Fast for Love]. And that was definitely on purpose. I've been writing very simple riffs for the last year and focusing on how these riffs would work for Vince [Neil, singer], basically, and took it in the studio with Tommy [Lee, drummer] and Mick [Mars, guitarist] and the thing just came alive." more on this story

Weapon Begin Recording New Album

Weapon have entered the studio to record their follow up to their 2010 release From The Devil's Tomb.

The band entered the studio on March 18th to self-record the new album along with producer Terry Paholek at The Physics Lab in their hometown of Edmonton, Canada.

Continuing on the same scathing path as their previous works, the upcoming release, planned for the Fall of 2012, is said to be their most vicious and all-out evil offering to date. more on this story

Evanescence Amy Lee As A Role Model

(Gibson) Evanescence are currently touring Australia in support of their latest, self-titled full-length, and when the band tours, all eyes are on frontwoman Amy Lee.

In fact, a lot of little rockers look up to Lee, and she's totally okay with falling into that position of role model.

"I do feel a little bit of that responsibility of role model, especially with our younger fans, and I like that, actually!" she told the Telegraph. "I think that's really cool. I'm the oldest of a big family. I'm the big sister, so I kind of feel like I fall into that role sort of naturally. It's nice. It's a little bit scary sometimes, when you're like, 'Okay, I'm not perfect. I'm never going to be perfect.' But I think that's an important lesson, too, to young people to say, 'Hey, nobody's perfect.' It's important to just be independent and be okay with yourself." more on this story

Phil Collen Gets Eclectic With Def Leppard/Sex Pistols Supergroup Man Raze

(Gibson) Sure, Phil Collen rocks the six-string for blockbuster '80s group Def Leppard, but nowadays, he's also making heavy sounds in Man Raze. The supergroup features Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook and former Girl bass player Simon Laffy.

Man Raze's latest album, PunkFunkRootsRock, goes well beyond arena rock fare with a mix of sounds that's hard to pinpoint. That's the point, though. As Collen explains, the guys picked the moniker PunkFunkRootsRock because it perfectly fit the eclectic character of the album's songs.

"Paul Cook, our drummer, … he was like 'it's a bit punky, it's a bit funky,' and then he was like 'wow PunkFunkRootsRock,'" Collen told Ultimate Classic Rock. "The great thing about Man Raze is that, being in Def Leppard for 30 years this year, obviously we have a style and you can't really stray too far from it. Otherwise fans get very emotional, they get upset and so with Man Raze it's a great excuse to just go where you feel.

"There's definitely rock stuff, there's reggae stuff on there, we like blurring the lines. It's like your iPod, if you have shuffle, you just don't only listen to one type of music all day, hopefully, you've got to be a bit more diverse so that's really what that's about and the title sums it up." more on this story

Locrian Go with Relapse Records

Relapse Records have inked Locrian and plan a new album release as well as a wider format reissue. They sent out these details:

Locrian plan to enter the studio later this year for their full-length Relapse debut. Furthermore, this summer Relapse will reissue the group's most recent vinyl only release The Clearing as a 2CD/Digital deluxe album with a bonus disc re-titled as The Clearing/The Final Epoch. More details on the reissue and the new album will be available shortly.

André Foisy commented on the new collaboration with Relapse: "It's really an honor to be working with one of the labels that we grew up with and a label that's put out such a wide variety of material that we love. We plan to record our full-length album for Relapse later this year with Greg Norman at Electrical Audio in Chicago." more on this story

Hell Militia Plan New Album Release

Hell Militia have announced plans to release their first album on Season of Mist's Underground Activist division in late 2012, under their new deal with the label.

The band issued the following statement: "Hell Militia are really enthusiastic about that new signing with Season of Mist. We join many of our comrades and have known some of the SOM guys for quite a long time so it had to happen someday.

"There has been a lot of work on the new album, and it was composed in a very special way, far from everything, and even now we are still hard at work on the mix. We can't wait to have the final result in our f**king hands, for sure the sickest opus of Hell Militia..."

The Day R.E.M. Were On Top

(Gibson) On this day in 1991, R.E.M. scored their first U.K. #1 album with their seventh LP, Out of Time, featuring the hit singles "Losing My Religion" and "Shiny Happy People." Gibson looks back: Since releasing their debut album to rabid critical acclaim (and some commercial success) in 1983, R.E.M. had been steadily growing in stature in the music world. Coming out of the Athens, Georgia, college scene, the band built quite a following through the '80s, via constant touring and a string of extremely well-received indie albums.

By 1987, Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe had a Top 10 album (Document), a Top 10 single ("The One I Love") and were christened "America's Best Rock & Roll Band" on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. R.E.M. had achieved major success, and they'd done it completely on their own terms. But there's a big difference between stardom and super-stardom – and the guys were about to find out, first-hand.

In the late '80s, R.E.M. jumped from the indies to the majors, signing a lucrative contract with Warner Bros. Records, which also helped increase the overseas distribution of their albums. Their first major label release, 1988's Green, was another hit and led to the band's biggest tour yet. After a busy decade, R.E.M. took their first prolonged break and reconvened to record their next album in the fall of 1990.

The sessions found the band members experimenting with different instruments and styles, building on Green's mixture of folk, rock and pop. Songs were written using an array of acoustic instruments, including organ, harpsichord, mandolin and acoustic guitar. In addition, country and classical music influences came to the fore.

The album was shaping up to be R.E.M.'s biggest departure from rock music. Strings were heard all over the album, lending it a baroque feel. Meanwhile, leadoff track "Radio Song" featured rapper KRS-One. "Country Feedback" was a rustic, lumbering dirge and "Shiny Happy People" was pure, bouncy pop. more on this story

Singled Out: I Am The Icarus' Doom Machine

Today Daniel Godfrey from I Am The Icarus tells us about the song "Doom Machine" from their brand new album "The Father, The Heretic and The Son". Here is the story:

"Doom Machine" is a song that almost didn't make it on the record. Like much of this record it was written rather quickly. One of my goals in writing this time around was to not overthink anything, trust my instincts and just let the songs come naturally. It's also a song where the lyrics came much later and are really just bits of journal entries and a few cryptic lines meant for close friends. Most of "The Father, The Heretic and The Son" deals with my views on religion and the process of dealing with death as an atheist.

There are other songs on the record such as "Rotting Away" in which the entire song is about religion. With this song I sort of concentrated it into one line - "We're outdated obsolete as god."

Sonically the song was informed by bands I grew up listening to, specifically The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails and Sonic Youth. This song is very much their bastard child. I wanted a really fuzzy and layered "Pumpkins" sort of guitar sound on this song. With the exception of the lead guitar under the chorus everything remained the same as the original demo which is a true testament to keeping things simple from the get go.

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