Rush and Deep Purple Lead Rock Hall Nominations

They're nominated alongside Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Procol Harum, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Albert King, Kraftwerk, Randy Newman, Donna Summer, Public Enemy, NWA, Chic, the Marvelettes and the Meters. more on this story

Bill Ward Holds Out Black Sabbath Hope

(Classic Rock) Estranged Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward says he'd like to play a part in the band's future, if it's likely to be a long run.

Despite bowing out of their heralded reunion after failing to reach a contractual agreement with Sabbath's managers, he says he loves playing with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Terry 'Geezer' Butler as much as he did when they formed in 1969.

In the first of a six-part online TV show presented by Eagles of Death Metal frontman Jess Hughes, Ward says: "There have been some very uncomfortable situations in the last six months. We'll see how that works out. But I stand for myself today, as much as I love them.

"I'll always play – that's my life. If there's some longevity with Black Sabbath, then I'd like to be a part of it." more on this story

Morrissey Shoots Down The Smiths Reunion Rumor

(Gibson) A spokesperson for Morrissey has refuted rumors circulating recently that The Smiths might reform.

"The Smiths are never, ever going to reunite – ever," the Morrissey representative told Rolling Stone. Asked why, the spokesperson replied, "You would have to ask Morrissey that. There's got to be a story there, and maybe one day it will be told."

Guitarist Johnny Marr also rejected the idea of a reunion, telling NME.com, through his manager, "It isn't happening." Marr's statement reiterates comments he made to Rolling Stone earlier this year, regarding a possible Smiths reformation. "Nothing really gets off the ground, just purely because of money," Marr's said. "Certainly, as I see it, so many other things would have to be fixed and we're just too different to get them fixed, it appears." more on this story

Tarja Not Interested In Nightwish Reunion

(Classic Rock) Tarja Turunen has silenced requests for her to return to Nightwish, saying it's never going to happen.

The singer was fired in 2005, but fans have asked her whether she'd rejoin the band after her replacement Anette Olzon left earlier this week.

"I would be ready to return to Nightwish – if all the band and management were changed," Turunen tells Iltalehti. "No one knows what I went through over the years with the band. I accept how hard it is for fans to understand my feelings." more on this story

Two New KISS Songs Go Online

(hennemusic) KISS will release their 20th studio album, "Monster," on October 9 and the band is offering preview streams of two new tracks.

"Monster" features collaborations among all four KISS members — including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.

Fans can hear two of the tracks, "Long Way Down," and Eric Singer's lead vocal take on "All For The Love Of Rock & Roll" here.

Ritchie Blackmore Tributes Big Jim Sullivan

(Classic Rock) Ritchie Blackmore has paid tribute to Big Jim Sullivan, his former guitar tutor, who died this week.

The ex-Deep Purple guitarist issued the following statement via Facebook: "I first met Jim Sullivan in 1958. He was introduced to me by my sister-in-law's brother. We both lived in the same area: in Middlesex, Cranford. He was playing with Marty Wilde And The Wildcats. He showed me another level of playing. He was probably the most advanced guitarist in the London area.

"I would listen to the radio every week there was a Marty Wilde show. Jim was often featured on the show so I was glued to the radio. He also made some great instrumentals. One being Trambone and one being Peak Hour. He was the first guitarist to play through a wah-wah pedal. It was a DeArmond foot volume and tone control. I remember an instrumental called The Bat, where he used the pedal. That would've been around 1959. more on this story

Gwar Release Hilarious Cover Of Rock Classic

(Classic Rock) Gwar have unveiled new guitarist Pustulus Maximus in a dangerous-to-hear cover of Kansas classic Carry On Wayward Son.

Pustulus replaces Flattus Maximum (Cory Smoot) who tragically died in his sleep on the band's tour bus last year.

In the video, shot for AV Club Unvercover, Maximus explains of the song: "I hadn't even heard it till they played it for me the other days. I was convinced they'd written it and I was like, 'What are you guys doing writing that derivative crappy seventies crap crap. We're not playing that song ever again.' Kansas was a big part of a music where bands were often named after geographical locations. Let's hope that never happens again."

Among the lyrics Urungus remembers are: "Carry on my wayward son, get the hell off the couch and get a goddamn job, get your ass out the door, don't you cry no more." Watch it here.

Hughes Says Black Country Communion Just Need Break

(Classic Rock) Glenn Hughes has stepped back from recent comments about the future of Black Country Communion – saying the band just needs to take time away, and they could tour next year.

The frontman, a former member of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, sparked speculation last month when he suggested BCC's third album Afterglow could be their last.

But now Hughes suggests all that's needed is a little time away. He tells Metal Talk: "In two years we've done three albums and one live album. That's quicker than Led Zeppelin and Purple. I don't think anybody except Joe releases albums that quick.

"Give us a break. I mean, we need to give you a break. I need a break. It's really difficult to write ten or twelve quality songs every year for three years. So I need a break now." more on this story

Slash Concert Postponed Due to Illness

(hennemusic) Slash featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators postponed last night's concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, California due to illness.

"Vocalist Myles Kennedy is unfortunately ill and unable to perform at this time," stated a press release. "Patrons should hold onto their tickets for all postponed shows. The band regrets this inconvenience to their fans and thanks them for their support."

"We want to be 100% for this gig and we're just not at this moment," said Slash. "We'll be back December 2nd in fighting form. See you then!" more on this story

Queen's Brian May Launching Acoustic Tour

Queen guitarist Brian May is teaming up with singer Kerry Ellis to embark on an acoustic tour of the UK next month. QueenOnline had these details:

The two have enjoyed a hugely successful musical partnership in recent times, with Kerry earlier this year receiving the "Best Solo Performance" Whatsonstage.com award for "Anthems", the show arranged and produced by May as a showcase for her talents which premiered at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Beginning Monday, November 5, Brian and Kerry are heading out on the road to present their "Born Free" tour, a series of 11 intimate and totally acoustic shows performed under candlelight. more on this story

The Beatles Love Me Do 50th Anniversary Singles Pulled Over Error?

The Beatles were set to release a 50th anniversary replica single for their first song release, "Love Me Do," but the initial pressings have reportedly been pulled.

What is expected to become an instant collector's item for those that get their hands on them, the singles were sent out with the wrong version of the song.

The single was supposed to feature the version of the song recorded with Ringo Starr on drums but instead it featured a later recording featuring studio drummer Andy White, according to Examiner.com. You can read their report here.

Say Anything Kicking Off Tour Tonight

Say Anything will be kicking off their North American fall tour tonight in Anaheim, California.

The band is hitting the road in support of their latest album, Anarchy, My Dear, which was released on March 13th on Equal Vision Records.

The month-long tour will feature support from Tallhart (Ex-Marksmen), and will wrap up on October 28th in San Antonio, TX. more on this story

Jack White Releasing The Shins, The Kills and Seasick Steve Albums

(Gibson) The Shins, The Kills and Seasick Steve are set to record live albums that will be released by Jack White's Third Man label.

Each band will stage a show this month at the Third Man Records complex in Nashville. The shows will be recorded and released individually. White's Third Man building – which features a live venue, a recording studio and a retail store – has been undergoing renovations this summer. The upcoming live events are being hailed as its grand reopening, dubbed "Rocktober."

The Shins show will take place this Saturday (Oct. 6), with The Kills and Seasick Steve performing on October 10 and October 26, respectively. more on this story

Ash Plan First US Tour in Five Years and Special 20th Anniversary Release

Ash will be celebrating their 20th anniversary with a special release and their first U.S. tour in over five years. Their camp sent over these details:

The band plan a Special Edition Colored Triple-Vinyl US release of their famous A-Z Series this November through Noyes Records (an exact release date was not included in the announcement or on the label's website.)

The A-Z vinyl edition will include a card to download the digital version with bonus content and the entire A-Z Series will be made available via all Digital Service Providers for the first time in the US. Just watching them on stage, it's hard to believe Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray have been making music together as Ash since 1992. "We were all 15 when we started, so we still feel like a very young band," Wheeler marvels today. "It almost doesn't make sense that we've been around for so long!" more on this story

Two More Marty Friedman Albums Getting American Release

Prosthetic Records will be releasing two more albums from former Megadeth and Cacophony guitarist Marty Friedman for the first time in North America. They sent over these details:

Released in Japan in 2009 and 2011, respectively, "Tokyo Jukebox Vols. 1 & 2" -- the 9th and 11th chapters in Friedman's influential solo discography -- will make their U.S. debuts on Nov. 20 as a limited-edition, specially-priced 2CD release featuring artwork exclusive to this pressing and new liner notes by Friedman himself.

Soon after leaving Megadeth following a 10-year run in which the iconic band sold some 10 million albums worldwide, Friedman -- perhaps the most revered lead guitarist in thrash metal history -- moved to Japan, where over the past decade he became a household name. Between his solo releases and collaborations with Japanese stars, he has played on and written numerous Top 10 hits (including two #1's); he has also made hundreds of appearances on mainstream Japanese television and performed at legendary venues such as Budokan and the Tokyo Dome. more on this story

Smashing Pumpkins Earn Diamond Award and Plan Mellon Collie Releases

Big news for fans of The Smashing Pumpkins, their album 'Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness' has earned diamond sales certification and has been remastered for a reissue campaign including a box set. EMI sent over these details and a tracklisting for the various reissues:

The Smashing Pumpkins' career-defining 1995 double album Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness has earned Diamond certification by the RIAA for sales of 10,000,000 discs and digital equivalent per disc (5 million copies of the double album).

This news comes in the midst of Emi Music's extensive reissue campaign honoring the legacy of the iconic alternative band. It continues December 3 in North America and December 4 internationally with the Pumpkins' fourth album Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness receiving the fully remastered treatment for the first time. This follows last year's acclaimed reissues (*see quotes below) of the band's groundbreaking first two albums, Gish (1991) and Siamese Dream (1993), as well as this past summer's Pisces ISCARIOT (1994), the band's third album. more on this story

B Sides

Singled Out: Slam One Down

Today the members of Slam One Down tells us about the title track to their latest album, "Who Really Wants to Live Forever." Here is the story:

Bobby Brazen (Vocals): I remember when I began writing the lyrics for this song we only had a rough cut of the music and somebody said "I feel like this is going to be our Cowboys From Hell." And I feel like that's exactly what's happened with "Who Really Wants to Live Forever".. Being one of the earlier songs we wrote as a band, I already had a vision for what I wanted this song to do. Here was a band of guys who are no different than anyone else, who were going to take over the world headfirst, partying hard, full throttle, and on our own terms - because that's what we wanted to do. Just like the song says, "We're here to rock 'n roll, to change the world and take you all. No one can tell us we're wrong. NOW YOU'RE ONE OF US!!!!

J.R. (Guitars): The opening riff is really the foundation of the Slam One Down sound and groove. I've always liked riffs that I can hum or sing along to, and I also love when they make you have to work a little bit in metal, there's a time for big open chords and a time to be aggressive...and that's what happens here. This riff really moves and the gallops are always in keeping with a signature metal sound. I originally wrote the riff in a much higher register; more of a lead-type riff. After I played it a few times, I moved up the neck to the heaviest spot I could get it, and there you have it. The rest of the track flows so well with the riff because it all revolves around the same key as the intro.. The bridge was more of a heavy breakdown. but when I sat down to record it I kept hearing harmonies behind it. So, I decided to lay down those simple harmony riffs, and it worked out. Live, it's all about brutality. I am a big fan of build-ups, too, I love how the bridge builds up to a real heavy climax.

Shane(Bass): This song really does sum up the album and the attitude of Slam One Down. The way I see it, the message is two-pronged: who wants to do something that will live on and be greater than themselves? On the flip-side of that, it's "Who really cares? It's about doing what we love and having a great time while we're doing it!" Either way you interpret the song, if you are here with us, really getting into the song, then you're one of us!

Roach (Drums) : "Who Really Wants To live Forever" is the quintessential party rock anthem. With the anthemic chorus and thrash style throughout the song it's very fun to play live and see the crowd get into it. Out of all the songs on the album, this one is the most recognizable to me. The guitar riff intro tells you right away what's going to happen throughout the song and Bobby's vocals reaffirm that. The first time we played this live, and I saw people at shows singing along with the lyrics, I knew this song was going to be an instant hit. With this song, I really worked on my drum chops. I didn't previously play a lot of double bass in the songs, but this song definitely changed that. It's intricate in terms of playing and with the acrobatics I do with my sticks. I always look forward to playing this one in a set.

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

Deftones Streaming New Song Online

Deftones fans have been patiently waiting for the November 13th release of their new album and the band has premiered a new song to tide them over.

Deftones are currently streaming "Tempest," the first single off from their seventh studio album Koi No Yokan, here

Deftones will also be kicking off their North American headline tour next week on October 9th. more on this story

Led Zeppelin Release Celebration Day Widget

(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin's new concert film, "Celebration Day," will be launched with premieres in New York (Oct 9), London (Oct 12), Berlin (Oct 15) and Tokyo (Oct 16).

Following the premiere events, the film will see a worldwide theatrical release on 1,500 screens in over 40 territories on October 17 before it goes on sale November 19.

Led Zeppelin have released a widget to help fans locate a screening in their area – see and use it here.

David Coverdale Answers Whitesnake Fan Questions

(hennemusic) Whitesnake TV continues to deliver new episodes. The latest features Whitesnake leader David Coverdale answering fan-submitted video questions about his life and career.

"This is something that we've been trying to achieve for a long time," explains Coverdale. "Whereas instead of me interacting on the BBS with answering posts and typing and ruining my manicure, we thought we'd try this on Whitesnake TV, where we do the video question and answers."

The new feature is the fifth episode from the newly-launched WSTV. You can watch it here.

Sites & Sounds: Jack Kerouac, Jerry Garcia, Kathy Griffin and Haagen Dazs

antiMusic travel editor Kevin Wierzbicki takes a trip to the Bay Area for this week's edition of Sites & Sounds. Find out what Jack Kerouac, Jerry Garcia, Kathy Griffin and Haagen Dazs have in common. Here you go:

Does thinking about San Francisco have you conjuring images of Jack Kerouac and the city's fabled Beatnik scene, or perhaps bring to mind one of the Bay Area's most legendary bands, the Grateful Dead?

The newly-remodeled Hotel Triton from Kimpton Hotels honors both eras. Kerouac's words are incorporated into the design of many of the rooms, including on wallpaper that's inscribed with "All human beings are also dream beings; dreaming ties all mankind together" and other inspirational quotes from the beat poet.

Guests will also find Kerouac's On the Road and Allen Ginsberg's Howl on their bedside table along with a selection of books inspired by San Francisco. Those more into a Summer of Love vibe can book the Jerry Garcia suite; this is not a room crammed full of Grateful Dead memorabilia, rather it is a room that was designed by the late guitarist.

Hotel Triton also has a suite designed by comedienne Kathy Griffin and a somewhat wacky suite that pays homage to Haagen Dazs ice cream. For more info visit here.