AC/DC Myth Debunked

But rumours have persisted that fellow Scotsman Barnes was among the candidates for Scott's position. Now he says that was never the case. He tells Classic Rock's Dave Ling: "The whole thing was a complete urban myth – I never even spoke to the guys about it." More from him here.

Two Rare Van Halen Songs Posted Online

Chris Gossett continues to roll out the Van Halen rarities on his website to share with his fellow fans.

The collection numbers almost 175 unreleased and live, rare Van Halen songs and has added two new unreleased tracks to the collection.

One is called "One More Time," a unreleased, original song by Van Halen that was recorded before 1978. Listen here and the second is called "Jammin' With Holdsworth from G.I.T.". Chris tells us "There is a 6 minute session of their jamming on YouTube that is different; this is a 12 minute jam session of pure Rock-Jazz Fusion." Listen here.

Even Metallica Suffering From Record Industry Woes

(Classic Rock) Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has revealed the music industry's current woes has even affected them to the extent they can't afford not to tour.

He says: "The cycles of taking two years off don't exist any more. We were able to do that because we had record royalties coming in consistently. Now you put out an album and you have a windfall maybe once or twice. But it's not the way it used to be – a cheque every three months."

He says their merchandise takings paid for their new studio: "We basically take funds from wherever we can. This is a real luxury, but great things come out of this." The band believe the best they'll do at their Orion Music Festival in July is break even. More rock news including a Spinal Tap injury, Judas Priest, Rush, Anthax, Slayer and more

Zakk Wylde Would Be Honored To Be Part of Pantera Reunion

(Gibson) Not too long ago, former Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul said that if the metal greats would ever reunite, a replacement for late guitarist (and Vinnie's brother) "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott would have to be carefully considered. Paul's suggestion: guitar god Zakk Wylde.

In an interview with Billboard.com, the Black Label Society frontman offered his reaction: "I love all those guys. It would be an honor. How could I say no? I'd do my best to make them proud."

Of course, don't hold your breath. Other ex-Pantera members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown dismissed the idea as "just talk." Even Vinnie, who brought up the idea, said: "But I honestly think, out of respect for my brother, we should just leave the 14 amazing years Pantera had be. We're all happy doing our own thing. We have to continue living and do other things." more on this story

Ellefson Talks Metallica and Megadeth Supergroup

(Classic Rock) Megadeth bassist David Ellefson believes bandmate Dave Mustaine's thrash supergroup suggestion is a great idea. Last year Mustaine said there had been talk about the Megadeth pair working with Metallica's James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich on an album.

That led to a recent comment from Hetfield, who said: ""I do see a lot of stuff in the press with him talking about jamming with us and making an album. All this other crazy stuff. I read it and say to myself, 'Hold on. This is the Dave that we kind of wanted to forget about. You know, the big mouth that wants to just go-go-go.'"

Mustaine apologised and vowed never to discuss the topic again, adding: "I probably shouldn't have said stuff like that." But now Ellefson has spoken up instead. The bassist tells MetalSerbia: "It would be fun to do it. I think Dave just threw that out as a kind of wish-list. I don't know if it's ever going to be a reality. But a lot of people got excited at the thought of it." More from David here.

Eagles May Reunite With Past Members

(Gibson) Joe Walsh's schedule is about to get really busy. First, he's releasing his first solo album in two decades, the Jeff Lynne-produced Analog Man, on June 5. Then he's preparing for a James Gang reunion trek and the Eagles' 40th anniversary, multimedia concert spectacular.

Walsh recently spoke to Rolling Stone about getting the James Gang back together. "I went back to Cleveland about a month ago and we visited. I don't think we can do a comeback tour or pretend that we can sell out 10,000-seaters. I think we do best in little clubs, like the House of Blues and stuff like that. We agreed that if we do little venues, that we can really knock your socks off as a three-piece. So that's in my bucket list."

The guitarist and singer went on to discuss that working in a power trio can be a tricky exercise, at least for him. "Coming from a huge band in the Eagles and harmonies, and two keyboards and stuff, when I sat down with a drummer and bass player I said, 'Whoa! Boy, do I feel naked!'" he said. "On a good night, there's nothing better than a three-piece band. But on a bad night, there's nothing more horrible..."

Walsh confirmed that the Eagles anniversary tour will take place in 2013 and will feature a chronological set list, lesser-known songs and rare videos. He even suggested that former members Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon could be involved. more on this story

Dizzy Reed Explains Why He Skipped Guns N' Roses Rock Hall Induction

(hennemusic) A month after Guns N' Roses were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, keyboardist Dizzy Reed is now talking about why he decided to pass on the event.

"Well, you know, Axl [Rose] decided not to go because he felt that it wasn't right, and I stand by him," Reed tells EspyRock. "The reasons he gave made sense to me and I agreed with him, so I chose not to go as well."

Axl's declaration that he would not only pass on the event but decline his acceptance prompted former members Slash, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler and Matt Sorum to rally the troops and execute a plan to play the Rock Hall at the last minute, according to comments by Slash. The former members were joined by Gilby Clarke (who was not inducted) and Myles Kennedy (Slash, Alter Bridge), who handled vocals on three GNR classics for the Cleveland crowd. more on this story

Six Feet Under Replace Rob Arnold

Six Feet Under have replaced Rob Arnold with new rhythm guitarist Ola Englund, who will make his first official appearance with the band on the 18 Nights Of Blood Tour.

Comments founding vocalist Chris Barnes of the new recruit: "Ola is an amazing guitarist and was chosen for his superlative technique and style of playing. We believe he will be the perfect complement to Steve Swanson, and the devastating rhythm section that is Talley/Hughell. Steve, Kevin, Jeff and myself are so looking forward to Ola's entrance into the band upon the release of Undead and the commencement of our first tour next month with Dying Fetus and Revocation. We can't wait for you to witness the new killing machine that is Six Feet Under! Ola takes over duties for our good friend and death metal warrior Rob Arnold who will be retiring from touring but will remain a central writing partner and fellow collaborator on future SFU releases. We are all sad to not have Rob on the road with us, but are confidant and 110% psyched that Ola is now within the ranks of the Undead and will be ready to lay waste to every stop along the way! Hails!"

Adds Englund: "When I got the call from Chris, it felt unreal; first thing that popped up in my head was, 'why the hell did he want me -- the total gear nerd from Sweden -- to join his awesome band? To be able to share the stage with one of the biggest icons in death metal and the other killer musicians in SFU is a complete honor and a dream come true for me. I couldn't be happier about the situation! Also the new album blew my mind the first time I heard it, it's intense as hell, but still has the riffs and the grooves that Six Feet Under swears by. Fans are going to love it! I'm looking forward to kick some serious ass together with Chris, Kevin, Steve and Jeff! See you on tour!" more on this story

Morgoth To Play US For First Time in Almost Two Decades

Morgoth will be making their first U.S. appearance in almost 20 years when they perform at this year's Maryland Deathfest on Sunday, May 27th.

In regards to their upcoming performance, the band comments: "We are very much looking forward to our show at MDF. It has been way too many years since we have last played on North American soil. As we have so many good memories on our previous touring through the US, the time to return is really over-due. Our loyal fan base has kept the name of Morgoth alive throughout all these years, so our return is also meant as a big THANK YOU to all our supporters who have never forgotten us. Be sure to get the full Teutonic death metal treatment when we enter the stage and prepare to get cursed!" -- Morgoth

Morgoth will also soon release their first-ever live CD/DVD set, Cursed To Live, which celebrates the band's 20th anniversary of their all-time classic album, Cursed. more on this story

Geddy Lee Explains Concept Album Dilemma

(hennemusic) The release of Rush's 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels," is only a few weeks away (it's out June 12).

In a new interview with Spin magazine, Rush bassist Geddy Lee explains how the band approached the project. "I didn't want the details of the story to start weighing down the individuality of any one song. I wanted the songs to be a collection that could stand on their own, outside of context of the whole story," said Geddy. "When you look at a collection of songs like those on the Who's 'Tommy,' you could pull 'I'm Free' out of that and it still stands on its own. But in connection to the story, it takes on another interpretation. So there was a lot of discussion about that. I think at one point, Neil was a little frustrated with my determination to keep the story-line minimal in a sense."

Given Rush's history of conceptually-driven music, Spin asked Lee to comment on whether "Clockwork Angels" was created in a different way than their previous efforts. "It felt different this time," replied Geddy. "I think because we were taking the approach of making the songs work as individual pieces, we didn't have to worry about the necessity for an overture or trying to bring musical themes back. That approach would've felt formulaic to us. The three times we attempted side-long concept pieces in the past, the music was really like one song broken up into many parts. The thread connecting the music on 'Clockwork Angels' is the story-line. That's the key difference." more on this story

Tabloid Blames Rock For Teen Sex And Drug Use

(Classic Rock) One of the world's biggest tabloid newspapers has tried to claim rock music is responsible for teenage children developing drug addiction issues and experiencing sexual health problems – without a shred of evidence.

The Daily Mail, read by nearly 6m people online every day, has taken a research report out of context to make the groundless claims. The original document had already come under fire for reaching an unconvincing conclusion.

It's yet another attack on the moral fibre and community ethic of a section of society who just happen to like their music loud and raw. more on this story

MonstrO Hitting The Road With Danzig

MonstrO have announced a string of dates leading up to their appearance at the Bonnaroo festival.

The band will be headlining the fabled Whisky in Los Angeles this Friday before opening for Danzig starting May 26 and making their way eastward to wind up in Manchester, Tennessee for the Bonaroo Music Festival on Thursday, June 7.

MonstrO are touring in support of debut self-titled album, which hit streets on September 6, 2011 via Vagrant Records. more on this story

Matt Toka Sets New EP Release

(WBR) Warner Bros. Records have set a June 12th release date for Matt Toka's new self-titled.

The six-track EP includes the studio versions of previous YouTube-only tracks "666" and "Ode To My Family," as well as "Say10," which is currently available via all digital retailers.

The EP will be released physically and digitally - the digital version includes lyric videos for two tracks, "666" and "Get Money." more on this story

The Sword Releasing Limited Edition Hammer of Heaven

Razor & Tie announced that The Sword have produced a 1,000 piece limited edition vinyl single of "Hammer of Heaven".

The 7 inch picture disc will also feature a version of "Ebethron" recorded live at Austin's legendary Stubb's Barbeque.

The vinyl picture disc will be released on June 22nd and is available now for pre order at www.indiemerch.com/thesword. Those pre ordering will receive the single along with a 7 x 7 signed and numbered glossy insert and an exclusive T-shirt. more on this story

Talking Metal Goes Pirate Radio With Ace Frehley, Iron Maiden's DiAnno and Gers and more

Talking Metal hosts Mark Strigl and John "Ostronomy" Ostrosky have launched a new web series called "Talking Metal Pirate Radio."

The debut episode features exclusive interview clips with original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, Iron Maiden guitarist Jannick Gers, former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul DiAnno, and current Ace Frehley and former Danzig guitarist Todd Youth.

The episode also spotlights two of Talking Metal's signature jams featuring Mark and John performing with musicians including Rob Dukes (Exodus), Ron Lipnicki (Overkill), Dan Lorenzo (Non-Fiction, Hades), Billy May (KISSNation), and Chandler Mogel (Outloud).

The episode, which also includes the return their masked announcer, Bud Friendly, is available here.

Red Fang Expand Tour Plans

Red Fang won't only be touring North America this summer, the band has confirmed a tour of Europe including numerous festival appearances.

The tour starts on July 5th in Gävle, Sweden at the "Getaway Rock Fest" and runs through August 4th at the "Porifestival" in Pori, Finland.

Red Fang will be headlining "A Benefit For Grant High Art Department" scheduled to take place Friday May 25th at the Hawthorne Theater in Portland, OR. Support will come from Lopez, Nether Regions and Grant High's own Hell's Parrish. more on this story

B Sides

Singled Out: The Dogs Divine's Hell Wouldn't Have Me

Today Jim Hart from The Dogs Divine tells us about "Hell Wouldn't Have Me" from their latest album "Size Of The Fight". Here is the story:

Growing up Tom and I were huge music fans...we just couldn't get enough, so when Crossroads(The Movie) came out we couldn't wait to see it. I still remember that bit of excitement we had towards the end when Eugene (Ralph Macchio) duels Steve Vai's character Jack Butler.

So one whiskey fueled night about a year ago I start playing this riff I had been messing with and Tom just belts out the first line "I tried to sell my soul in Mississippi"..From there the song just kinda took on a life of its own..he had me play it through a couple times and he kept referencing the movie. Doing a shot with Robert Johnson, "Find Jack Butler so we could cut some heads" "I asked the man if I could speak to Legba" plus a bunch more lyrics are all from that film.

It quickly became a band favorite so we decided to shoot a video for it. We went down to Southern Illinois to a little town called Vienna and found a cool crossroads out in the middle of nowhere for a location. Its still one of my favorites to play live.

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

Slash Irving Plaza Concert Video Clips Streaming Online

(Classic Rock) Last night Slash streamed a live show from Irving Plaza in New York City and the highlight clips can be viewed online.

His band, featuring Myles Kennedy of Altar Bridge fame, is currently touring the US and will head for Europe in the coming weeks to support new album Apocalyptic Love, released this week in a collector's Fan Pack edition of Classic Rock Magazine.

The guitarist recently paid tribute to his frontman, who guested on his first solo album before begin asked to tour then sing all lead vocals on the follow-up record. Slash said: "When I first met him and he did that Starlight song, I was like, 'Whoa!' From that moment on, when we started rehearsing for that tour, I thought, 'This guy's really great.' That's the only reason I got him to do that tour in the first place – I knew that he could handle the diversity of all that material." Check out the video clips here.

Former Judas Priest Guitarist KK Downing Issues Video Blog

(hennemusic) Former Judas Priest guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing has posted his latest video blog.

The footage includes a thanks to his website team at K.K. Downing Steel Mill as his online home reaches the 5-year mark, providing the guitarist with an opportunity to update fans and express his appreciation for the milestone.

"I'd like to say to everyone, a massive thank you for the support," said Downing, "and want to reassure that all of the feedback… does get back to me, so thank very much from the heart for all those fantastic messages and support. I can't really emphasize how much it means to me." Read more and see the video here.

Anniversary of Led Zeppelin's 1975 Earl's Court Run

(Gibson) On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin started a three-night run at Earl's Court, London, England. Tickets cost £1 ($1.70) - £2.50 ($4.25). Gibson looks back: Led Zeppelin were on a roll in 1972. Their newly released album, unofficially titled Led Zeppelin IV, was selling like hotcakes, and history would eventually prove it to be one of the biggest-selling albums ever with, to date, over 23 million copies sold worldwide (and counting). The band decided to leave the album nameless – they didn't even put their band name on it – to thumb their collective noses at a generally less-than-adoring press who enjoyed lobbing "over-rated" and "hyped" mud pies at the band. As always, Led Zeppelin got the last laugh, especially when IV solidified their superstar status, thanks in no small part to the track "Stairway to Heaven," which, though never released as a single, to this day remains a perennial #1 entry on countless "All-Time Best Rock Song" and "Best Guitar Solo" lists.

In March of '73, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page held an acoustic performance in Hamburg, Germany, just ahead of the release of Zeppelin's fifth album, Houses of the Holy. The album showed the band expanding their sonic universe even more, including incorporating a heavier dose of synthesizers and some serious Mellotron love. Ironically, the song "Houses of the Holy," which was recorded during the Houses of the Holy sessions, didn't actually make it to vinyl until Zeppelin's '75 album Physical Graffiti.

Controversy hounded Houses of the Holy because of the album's cover, which depicted nude children, photographed from behind, making their way up the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The album was banned in many places, including Spain and all over America's Bible Belt. Of course, what they say about publicity – bad or good – held true, and the album shot to the top of the charts. The resulting tour was colossal. Zeppelin packed 56,800 fans in Tampa Stadium, shattering the previous record set by The Beatles during their 1965 Shea Stadium scream-fest, and they easily sold out Madison Square Garden for three consecutive nights, and event that was filmed and eventually released as the motion picture The Song Remains the Same.

Zeppelin took a well-deserved break from the road for much of 1974. During their time off, they launched their own record label, dubbing it Swan Song – the name was derived from the title of one of the just five songs the band recorded but never released to the public. (Jimmy Page would eventually modify and re-record the tune for his band, The Firm's, debut album Midnight Moonlight.) In addition to promoting Led Zeppelin's albums, the Swan Song label also signed a number of acts, most notably Dave Edmunds, Bad Company, The Pretty Things, Midnight Flyer and Maggie Bell. The label, however, went belly-up three years after drummer John Bonham's death and the band's resulting split. more on this story