Black Sabbath Reunion Will Not Include Bill Ward

Ward says he's heartbroken that people who hoped to see the original lineup on stage in the coming months will be robbed of the experience. more on this story

Slash To Webcast Full Concert

Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash will celebrate the release of his new solo album, Apocalyptic Love featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, with a live webcast.

The new album is set for release on May 22nd and that night Slash and his bandmates--Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass)--will broadcast their live sold-out concert from Irving Plaza in New York City exclusively on the new Livestream. The full concert will air Live on Tuesday, May 22 at 10:15 PM EDT here. Follow the page to be notified when the concert is about to go live.

Yesterday, Slash premiered the new music video for "You're A Lie" the first single off Apocalyptic Love. Watch the clip here. If that wasn't enough Slash action for you, you can tune in on your radio on Sunday, May 20 as NPR "Weekend Edition Sunday" will broadcast an exclusive interview with Slash.

Van Halen Apps Released

Chris Gossett has released two new free Van Halen Apps for Android that feature both official videos and also rare videos.

Gossett tells us that one App has 31 Van Halen Official Videos, called "Van Halen Video Classics" and is here which has the QR code for any Android user to download the app for free. This has all the original Van Halen videos from the rarely seen "You Really Got Me" and "Runnin' With The Devil" official videos from before MTV, through "Loss Of Control" up to the 1984 videos and "Hot For Teacher", all the Sammy Hagar / Van Hagar videos from the "Live Without A Net" 5150 Videos to "Humans Being", the Van Halen 3 videos, even the 2006 Edward Van Halen solo "Catherine" video, and finally, today's Van Halen with "Tattoo" and "She's The Woman"; 31 Van Halen videos in total.

The other App is called "Van Halen Rare Song Vault" and is here and also has a QR code. This has over 170 rare and unreleased as well as live songs. There are now videos of the entire audio of shows from 1978, 1979, 1984, and a 2008 show. All the songs from A Different Kind Of Truth that were old demos (7 of the 13 songs) are there, very complete reviews of all Van Halen albums are there...much more.

Don't have Android? You can still check out the videos online. The official videos can be found here and the rare videos can be found here.

Remembering Ronnie James Dio

(Gibson) On this day in 2010, Ronnie James Dio died from stomach cancer. The 67-year-old metal singer had fronted many bands, including Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio. Gibson looks back: Among the very last songs Ronnie James Dio ever recorded was "Metal Will Never Die," an ode to the fist-pumping power and glory that Dio, himself, personified. It's been just one short year since his untimely death, on this day in 2010, and those words echo as loudly today, if not louder, than when the diminutive metal god with the golden voice first delivered them. Dio's death, though not surprising to the legion of metal fans who knew he had been ill for quite some time, galvanized the heavy metal community in an unprecedented way.

Born Ronald James Padavona in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1942, Dio's ascension from trumpet and French horn player, which were his first musical instruments, to heavy metal god is the story of perseverance, passion for rock 'n' roll and undeniable talent.

Dio's musical career began in 1957 with a band called The Vegas Kings, which later changed to Ronnie and the Rumblers, then Ronnie and the Redcaps, then in 1961, Ronnie Dio and the Prophets. In 1967, Dio and Prophets guitarist Nick Pantas formed the Electric Elves, which shortened its name two years later to Elf. The band's success eventually landed them an opening slot for Deep Purple, which exposed Dio's remarkable voice to Deep Purple's guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, who later recruited Dio and other members of Elf for his new band Rainbow.

After three studio albums and a live album, Dio left Rainbow, and in 1979 he replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath. Dio's first album with Sabbath, the platinum-selling Heaven and Hell, was the shot in the arm Sabbath's flagging career needed. Next up was the album Mob Rules, followed by the live disc Live Evil. Disagreements during the mixing of Live Evil prompted Dio to leave the band and strike out on his own.

In 1982, Dio and former Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice formed Dio. They recruited 19-year old Irish sensation Vivian Campbell on guitar, as well as bassist Jimmy Bain. Dio's debut album, Holy Diver, remains of metal's landmark albums. Over the years and through numerous personnel changes – Dio would remain the only constant member of the band – the band released 10 albums. more on this story

Garbage Offering New Album A Week Early

Garbage are giving fans early access to their new album, Not Your Kind Of People, by offering the standard and deluxe editions exclusively on iTunes (U.S. only) right now.

The band's first album in seven years will be available at all retailers starting next Tuesday, May 22, 2012.

The band is currently on the road playing shows around the world and will return to the U.S. on May 18th for a live performance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. more on this story

Testament Set New Album Release

Testament will release their new album, Dark Roots of Earth, on July 27, 2012 in Europe and on July 31, 2012 in North America.

Artwork was painted by Eliran Kantor who has worked with such bands as Sodom, Atheist, Sigh. Dark Roots of Earth was produced, mixed and mastered once again by the world renowned Andy Sneap (Arch Enemy, Nevermore, Accept, Exodus).

Special bonus tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga (Cattle Decapitation, Heathen, Vile, Sadus) at his Trident Studios. more on this story

The Cult To Be on Rockline Next Week

(HER) The Cult's Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy are set to be the featured guests on the nationally-syndicated radio show Rockline with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, May 23 at 8:30PM PT/11:30PM ET.

Astbury and Duffy will talk about their new album, Choice of Weapon, that will be out Tuesday, May 22, debut songs from the new release, and take listeners' calls. Fans are invited to speak with the duo by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). For a station near you and for information regarding how to access the Rockline broadcast online, go to www.RocklineRadio.com.

The Rockline appearance precedes the kick off of The Cult's 2012 world tour, set to launch in San Diego on Friday, May 25. The tour is in support of Choice of Weapon. more on this story

The Strange Case of Alice Cooper Coming To DVD

(Gibson) A classic Alice Cooper concert depicting the makeup-ed rocker during his famed 1979 Madhouse Rock Tour is set to reach DVD on May 22.

The Strange Case of Alice Cooper features footage of the shock rocker playing songs from his 1978 album, From the Inside, plus a selection of earlier hits. Highlights include Cooper singing "School's Out," "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "I'm Eighteen" and "I Never Cry" – all true Alice favorites.

Of course, this wasn't a tame show. Cooper's concert reportedly was inspired by his visit to a New York sanitarium and offers plenty of creepy allusions to the visit. The DVD also will offer an introduction by none other than late horror-film star Vincent Price. more on this story

Ratt's Stephen Pearcy Doing In-Store Hot Sauce Tasting

Ratt's Stephen Pearcy will be making a special in-store appearance in support of his band new Top Fuel Verde Sauce.

Stephen just released the sauce through High River Sauces in collaboration with Chris Santos from the Chef of the Food Network's highest rated Show "Chopped".

To celebrate the release of the Top Fuel Verde Sauce Stephen will be doing a tasting and signing at Hot Licks Hot Sauce Store in San Diego, CA on May 26th at 2 PM PST. more on this story

Chiodos Reunion for Riot Fest and More

The 2012 edition of Riot Fest is set for Friday, September 14, Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16 in Chicago on the grounds of Humboldt Park.

The eighth annual Riot Fest will feature a wide mix of artists ranging from Rise Against, Iggy & The Stooges, Elvis Costello, The Offspring, A Day To Remember, Coheed And Cambria, Descendents, Gogol Bordello, The Jesus And Mary Chain, Dropkick Murphys, Nofx, The Gaslight Anthem, Alkaline Trio, Awolnation, The Promise Ring, Gwar, August Burns Red, Frank Turner, Built To Spill, Less Than Jake, Reverend Horton Heat, Fishbone, Nobunny, A Wilhelm Scream, Screaming Females, Teenage Bottlerocket, Off With Their Heads, Deals Gone Bad, White Mystery, Larry And His Flask, The Story So Far, Japanther.

Riot Fest will also feature the first show for a reunited Chiodos (original line-up) as well as a reunion for Slapstick.

The Gaslight Anthem Webcast Tonight

The Gaslight Anthem will be webcasting their concert tonight from Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn (May 16).

The band has set a July 24th release date for their new album, Handwritten, and will kick off the album release campaign with the live stream of the Music Hall of Williamsburg show, starting at 9:00 p.m. tonight May 16, here.

The Gaslight Anthem will next travel to the west coast for another intimate sold-out gig at the Roxy in West Hollywood on May 18. (No live stream announced for this one at press time.) more on this story

Jimmy Page Releasing Fine Art Photographic Print Collection

(hennemusic) A week after news that a 2009 photo print of Jimmy Page has become the 100,000th portrait to be archived by the National Portrait Gallery in London, the guitarist has announced the release of the official Jimmy Page Fine Art Photographic Print Collection.

The project is a unique collaboration between the Led Zeppelin guitarist and five legendary photographers who have captured iconic images throughout his career.

Photographs of Page performing with Zeppelin by Jorgen Angel in Copenhagen in 1970, Dick Barnatt at Earls Court Arena in 1975, Neal Preston at Chicago Stadium in 1977 and Baron Wolman at Oakland Coliseum, California in 1977 complete the portfolio. more on this story

Joe Bonamassa's New Album Coming Next Week

(Noble) Joe Bonamassa will release his new studio album, "Driving Towards The Daylight," on May 22nd in the US and May 21st in the UK.

Produced by Kevin Shirley, "Driving Towards The Daylight" highlights Bonamassa's signature style of blues, roots, and rock & roll. The album includes the Bonamassa-penned originals Dislocated Boy, the title track Driving Towards The Daylight, Heavenly Soul, and Somewhere Trouble Don't Go. Other tracks include Joe's versions of Tom Waits' New Coat Of Paint, Bill Withers' Lonely Town Lonely Street, and Bernie Marsden's A Place In My Heart.

On the album closer, Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes sings lead vocals on his 1987 hit Too Much Ain't Enough Love.

Tool, Dave Matthews Band and Puscifer For River's Edge Fest

Tool, Dave Matthews Band and Puscifer lead the lineup for the River's Edge Music Festival which will take place at Harriet Island, Saint Paul, Mn on June 23rd and 24th. Here is the lineup:

Saturday, June 23: Tool • Sublime With Rome • Brand New • Motion City Soundtrack • Coheed And Cambria • Datsik • Scissor Sisters • Blaqstarr • Kinky • Whigs • Gardens & Villa • An Horse • Quietdrive • Yawn • The Rope .

Sunday, June 24: Dave Matthews Band • The Flaming Lips • Puscifer • Polica • Awolnation • Diplo • Mutemath • Delta Spirit • K. Flay • Am & Shawn Lee • Mexican Institute Of Sound • Civil Twilight • Hey Rosetta! • Kids These Days • Yuna.

The Last Vegas Set New Album Release

The Last Vegas have set an August 28th release date for their fourth full-length album, Bad Decisions.

Produced by Johnny K (Megadeth, Disturbed, 3 Doors Down, Airbourne), the album was recorded in the band's hometown of Chicago.

Of the new tracks, lead singer Chad Cherry referred to them as "a little more raw, a little more groovy and more Last Vegas than the previous album...", while guitarist Adam Arling declared with DIY fervor, that the album contains, "No samples, loops, backing this, that, whatever a lot of bands do nowadays. Just five guys rocking. more on this story

Asking Alexandria Release New Short Film

Asking Alexandria have released their new short film, Through Sin and Self-Destruction, exclusively on iTunes.

Here is the description their camp sent out: This is a controversial, uncensored look into the real lives of a new era of rockstars for today's generation as they take over the Sunset Strip. This is the first, but not last collaboration between writer Ash Avildsen and director Frankie Nasso, who together take you on an ambitious visual endeavor that hasn't been strived for in rock since the legendary Guns N' Roses trilogy.

The film is comprised of three music videos for the songs "Reckless & Relentless," "To The Stage" and "Dear Insanity." Guest appearances are made by Belladonna, Andy San Dimas, Sebastian Bach and more. Get it here.

Classic John Lee Hooker Show Coming To DVD

MVD have set a June 19th DVD release date for John Lee Hooker's "Cook With The Hook: Live 1974." They sent over these details:

On Saturday, July 6, 1974, Mississippi-Delta bluesman John Lee Hooker was one of the star attractions at an all-day festival attended by 6,000 people. The event in the town of Gardner Massachusetts was called "Down in the Dumps" perhaps the first in what was proposed as a series of musical events to be held in the city landfill area. Luckily, very luckily, Hooker's performance was captured on a three camera shoot and broadcast on cable television in local cities and towns.

Track Listing: It Serves You Right to Suffer, Sweet Sweet Thing, Boom Booom, Whiskey & Women, Boogie, Encore/Medle

Brite Futures (Natalie Portman's Shaved Head) Breaking Up

Brite Futures (formerly Natalie Portman's Shaved Head) had bad news for fans this week. The group announced via Facebook that they have decided to disband.

The group will play a farewell show for hometown fans on June 16th at The Vera Project in Seattle. Here is the message the band had for fans on Facebook:

It is with many bittersweet feelings that we announce that as of next month Brite Futures will cease to be an active band, and we will no longer be creating or playing music together. After almost seven years as a band (more than a quarter of our lives) we've unanimously reached the decision that it's time to move on to other adventures-the irony of which, for a band with our name, is not lost on us. This separation is not due to a falling out or any ill feelings between us personally, but with the band's momentum dying down and other aspirations beckoning, we've begun to look toward the next stage in our lives. And that's exciting at the same time as it's sad to leave behind a pursuit that saw us grow up together, from awkward high school spazzes singing about our first beards to more confident young adults. more on this story

Acherontas and Nightbrinegr Plan Split Release

Acherontas and Nightbrinegr are teaming up for a split release entitled, The Ruins of Edom.

The split is set to be released June 26th in Europe and August 16th in North America. The new split will be available as special & limited editions only.

The formats are as follows: limited to 1000 copies 3-panel digipack CD with 8 pages booklet and limited to 300 copies 12" vinyl (250 black vinyls and 50 cyan blue vinyls available via Agonia Records Webstore exclusively).

B Sides

Skid Row's Full M3 Rock Festival Set Streaming Online

(hennemusic) Skid Row headlined the Festival Stage at the M3 Rock Festival in Maryland last weekend.

The band rocked an 8-song set of classic songs from their early 90s-era.

Professional video of Skid Row's M3 set has surfaced and can be viewed right here!

Watch Tenacious D Rock Letterman

(hennemusic) Tenacious D are back today with the release of "The Rize Of The Fenix." It's the band's first new album since 2006's "The Pick Of Destiny."

The duo of Jack Black and Kyle Gass stopped by the Letterman show Monday night to give fans a taste of new music as they performed a tribute to roadies everywhere with a song called "Roadie."

The D hit the road for live shows starting May 23 in Santa Barbara, CA, with dates announced through the end of July. Watch the Letterman performance here.

Singled Out: Freak Kitchen's Teargas Jazz

Today Mattias IA Eklundh from Freak Kitchen tells us about the song "Teargas Jazz" from their latest album "Land of the Freaks". Here is the story:

Teargas Jazz from our album Land of the Freaks might seem as a strange choice for a first single but then again we are not known for walking the obvious path, slightly confused Swedish Vikings as we are. The tune is long, complex at times and based on South Indian, so called carnatic reduction structures. The tonality is from a raga called Pantuvarali, a somewhat harsh mode that I found simply impossible to do anything musical with when first exposed to it. It kept growing on me though and all of a sudden my limited Swedish intellect opened up a bit and a world of beautiful harmony appeared. The Pantuvarali contains the most "blue", dissonant combination of notes one can think of. Yet it is truly lyrical when you get into the nature of it.

During one of our visits to India we ended up in the midst of a public protest that got more and more out of control with Molotov cocktails starting to fly. The provocative drawings in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten of the prophet Muhammad drove Muslims in New Delhi mad. There we were, three Swedish blokes trying to convince the upset we had nothing to do with it. Didn't really work out and we had to throw our pagan butts into a jeep and bloody step on it to get away from the sheer madness.

Later at the concert a riot nearly broke out and we had to stop playing for a while to get the angry, fighting troublemakers out of the venue. I told them they could kill one another in the parking lot but not whilst we play. There were thousands of cool guys and gals around who wanted to rock out and have a good time. It took a while to clear the bad energy in the outdoor arena but when it turned around, it turned around good and we performed one of our most groovy, sweaty gigs ever. Footage of the performance can be seen in the video to Teargas Jazz on YouTube.

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