Doctor Charged For Death of Slipknot's Paul Gray

The doctor could face up to 16 years in prison if he is convicted of all charges. Gray died of an overdose in an Urbandale, Iowa hotel room back in May of 2010. You read more about the charges here.

Eddie Van Halen Almost Died?

A reported unnamed "insider" has told a tabloid that Eddie Van Halen was on the "brink of death" last week when he was rushed to the hospital.

Van Halen received emergency surgery for Diverticulitis, an inflammation and infection of the intestines, and the "insider" tells the National Enquirer that Van Halen intestines "exploded" causing doctors to battle to save his life, according to Radar Online.

The reported insider claims that Van Halen's problems came after he swallowed a fad diet concoction and he suffered excruciating pain leading to him being rushed to the hospital reportedly "clinging to life".

The identity and relation to Eddie Van Halen of the reported "insider" was not disclosed in the Radar Online report, but the issue of National Inquirer with the tabloid's report hit newsstands today. You can read the Radar Online story here.

KISS and Motley Crue Postpone Show After Tour Truck Flips

(hennemusic) KISS and Motley Crue postponed Wednesday night's concert in Detroit following an accident involving one of the entourage's tour trucks.

Crue bassist Nikki Sixx posted the news and photos of the truck on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, saying "Tonight's KISS & Motley Crue show at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit is postponed until tomorrow night Thurs Sept 6!"

The photos show a tractor trailer laying on its side in a field, with road cases strewn around the wreckage. "Thank god our driver is ok," wrote Sixx. Read more and see the photos here.

White Zombie Member Arrested For Rehab Fraud? Police Unsure

(Classic Rock) Police in California have arrested a man claiming to be White Zombie drummer Phil Buerstatte over multiple fraud offences but can't work out if he's telling the truth about his identity.

The 46-year-old has been identified as Loren Breckenridge, but investigating officers are yet to ascertain whether he's also Buerstatte using a pseudonym, or whether the Buerstatte title is actually a stage name.

Breckenridge is alleged to have tried to pay for a four-week stay in a rehab centre with a false $75,000 cheque. The alarm was raised after he left treatment a fortnight into his stay. more on this story

Bob Dylan's New Album Streaming Online

(Gibson) Bob Dylan's new album, Tempest, comes out Tuesday (Sept. 11) in the U.S., but fans who can't wait that long can listen to it right now.

All ten tracks on the disc are currently available for streaming at iTunes, free of charge here

The release of Tempest, Dylan's 35th studio album, coincides with the legendary songwriter's 50th year as a recording artist. Produced by Dylan himself, the album includes a tribute to John Lennon ("Roll On John") and a 14-minute epic (the title track) inspired by the story of the Titanic. more on this story

Lamb Of God, In Flames, Hatebreed, Hellyeah Tour

Now that Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe is back in the U.S. following his arrest in the Czech Republic, the band is ready to hit the road again. Their camp sent over these details:

Lamb Of God will launch a 38-date fall U.S tour on October 30th in Phoenix, Arizona. Joining Lamb Of God As direct support for the entire tour is In Flames. Hatebreed will be joining the package from October 30th until November 19th at which point Hellyeah will replace them for the remainder of the shows. Sylosis will open all dates.

Due to Randy Blythe's continuing legal situation, the band will not be able to perform in Canada on this tour but look forward to doing an entire Canadian run in the near future. more on this story

Pre-Beatles Ringo Starr Recordings Found and Set For Release

(Gibson) Early recordings made by Ringo Starr with his first band, Rory Storm and The Hurricanes, have been unearthed after 50 years, the BBC has reported.

The tapes, which were made in March 1960, were found in the cellar of Storm's sister's home. Starr became a member of The Hurricanes in 1959, three years before Beatles manager Brian Epstein convinced him to join The Beatles.

Led by a charismatic frontman—Storm, born Alan Caldwell, is said to have influenced Rod Stewart's performing style--The Hurricanes were among England's most popular bands during the early Merseybeat era. Included among the unearthed tapes are tracks recorded at the Jive Hive club north of Liverpool, and recordings made at Storm's house, where groups--including The Beatles—often gathered for night sessions. The recordings will be released as Rory Storm and The Hurricanes' first and only album later this month. more on this story

Why Poison Picked C.C. Over Slash

One of the strangest "what if" stories in hard rock involves legendary former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash auditioning to join Poison.

Slash was between bands at the time he auditioned for the group, who ultimately gave the job to C.C. DeVille and now Poison frontman Bret Michaels discussed what happened in a new interview.

"Slash is one of my all-time favorite guitar players and I believe he would have steered our sound a little more in the Aerosmith direction. He was basically the same guy he is today. What you see is what you get. It never really had a chance to work out or not. The band decided C.C. (DeVille) was the best choice for us" Michaels tells Austin360.com.

Slash apparently agreed that C.C. was better fit as he discussed in this interview.

Bullet For My Valentine, Cancer Bats Supergroup AxeWound Set Debut

The End Records have set an October 2nd release date for metal supergroup AxeWound's debut album Vultures.

AxeWound was founded by Matt Tuck from Bullet For My Valentine and singer Liam Cormier of Cancer Bats and features drummer Jason Bowld (Pitchshifter), guitarist Mike Kingswood (Glamour Of The Kill) and ex-Rise To Remain bassist Joe Copcutt.

The roots of AxeWound go back to 2010, when Jason Bowld filled in for Bullet For My Valentine drummer Michael 'Moose' Thomas on a brace of shows. He and Tuck kept in touch and last year began discussing working together on a project separate from the hugely successful Welsh metallers. They eventually got together in December 2011 to write the songs that make up AxeWound's debut album, Vultures. more on this story

Riot Deny Trying To Cash In Following Mark Reale's Death

(Classic Rock) The surviving members of Riot have spoken out against claims they're trying to cash in on the death of guitarist Mark Reale, who passed away earlier this year after a lifelong battle with Crohn's disease.

His illness had made it nearly impossible for him to take part in recording sessions for the band's latest album, and forced him to miss their last planned shows together.

He was Riot's only remaining original member – a situation that's generated negative comments from some quarters as the band try to continue working together. In a Facebook post the band say: "We are not cashing in on the name. Riot has never really made lots of money – not even Mark. He lived with his parents until the day he passed. And we all have day jobs." Read the rest of the statement here.

The Sword Plan Fall Tour

The Sword will be hitting the road in October for a fall headlining tour of the United States, in support of their new album, Apocryphon, which hits stores on October 22nd.

The tour is set to kick off on October 29th in Corpus Christi, Texas and will runn through December 18th.

Gypsyhawk will be support on the entire tour while Eagle Claw will appear through November 24th and American Sharks will appear December 2nd through December 18th. more on this story

Dispatch To Broadcast Radio City Music Hall Concert

Dispatch will be streaming their concert at New York City's Radio City Music Hall live on Friday, October 5th.

The HD worldwide broadcast will take place on The Bowery Presents Live channel on YouTube here The fans will be able to watch the show and participate in a live chat.

The sold out show is part of Dispatch's North American tour in support of their first album in over a decade, Circles Around The Sun, was released on August 21st. more on this story

Night Ranger Unplug For New CD/DVD Release

Frontiers Records have set an October 22nd North America release date for Night Ranger's newly-recorded live "greatest hits" CD/DVD package: 24 Strings & A Drummer - Live & Acoustic.

The album and DVD were recorded live in an intimate, all-acoustic setting with a select number of fans at TRI Studios in San Rafael, CA in May, 2012.

The collection features some of their greatest hits such as "(You Can Still) Rock In America" and "Sister Christian" with refreshing new acoustic arrangements. more on this story

Afghan Whigs To Rock Kimmel and Play First American Tour In 13 Years

The Afghan Whigs will be hitting the road this month to embark on their first full North American tour in thirteen years.

The tour will be starting September 22nd in New York City. Prior to the launch of the tour, the band will perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live on September 19th.

Since their reformation earlier this year, The Afghan Whigs have also released two brand new cover songs for free on their website: "See And Don't See" (originally recorded by Marie "Queenie" Lyons) and "Lovecrimes" (originally recorded by Frank Ocean). more on this story

Ramones, Misfits, Clash, Black Flag Songs Given Lullaby Treatment

Rock N' Roll Baby Lullaby Ensemble will release Punk Rock Baby Lullaby Arrangements on September 11th.

What would happen if you turned the Ramones "Bye Bye Baby into a lullaby? You don't have to wonder, you can find out right here.

The album transforms 16 of the greatest punk rock songs into lullabies including classics from Ramones, Misfits, The Clash, Black Flag, The Stooges, Dead Kennedys, Social Distortion and more. more on this story

Classic Live Muddy Waters and Rolling Stones Recordings Hitting Vinyl

Eagle Rock have set a September 11th vinyl release date for a special edition 2LP/DVD/CD of Muddy Waters And The Rolling Stones Live At The Checkerboard Lounge Chicago 1981, and The Rolling Stones Some Girls: Live In Texas '78 Vinyl Special Edition 2LP/DVD/CD.

Both sets were previously released in DVD/CD formats – Some Girls in November 2011, Checkerboard Lounge in July 2012.

Each set contains an 180g vinyl in a three-panel gatefold sleeve. With audio presented in DTS Dolby 5.1, these sets truly allow fans to fully experience and enjoy these brilliant artists and moments in music. more on this story

Brian Setzer Orchestra Plan Fall Tour and Special Shows

Brian Setzer Orchestra has some special touring plans this fall and winter following the release of Setzer's new album, Rockabilly Riot! Live from the Planet.

Setzer will first play a three-night-stint at the Hollywood Bowl beginning September 14th. For the first time ever, the 18-member Brian Setzer Orchestra will unite with the renowned 78-piece Hollywood Bowl Orchestra for an unprecedented musical event.

On November 17th, the Brian Setzer Orchestra will kick off their Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza tour. more on this story

Paul McCartney To Receive French Legion of Honor

(Gibson) Paul McCartney will receive France's highest cultural distinction this Saturday (Sept. 8), when he's presented with the Legion of Honor medal in a gala ceremony.

The former Beatle will be given the rank of officer, which is the Legion's middle grade. As reported by The Guardian, French President Francois Hollande will present the medal to McCartney, who will become the first British musician to be awarded the distinction.

Previous recipients include Ravi Shankar, Clint Eastwood, J.K. Rowling and Liza Minnelli. In recent years, McCartney has been the recipient of several high-profile honors. more on this story

Talk Normal Album and Tour Coming

Joyful Noise Recordings have set an October 23rd release date for Talk Normal's sophomore album, Sunshine.

Talk Normal have also announced a fall tour with Future Islands in support of the release.

The tour will kick off on November 2nd in Raleigh, NC and will wrap up on November 19th in Cleveland, OH. more on this story

B Sides

Singled Out: Sarah Fimm

Today Sarah Fimm tells us about her recently released "Barn Sessions" EP which was recorded in its entirety in a barn with Loudboy (Botanica and Peter Murphy). Here is the story:

"Barn Sessions was a simple way to record and perform new music outside of the box. I felt the need to create the place for the music, instead of going to an already existing place. You have much better control over the environment in many ways (I think of the mouse that appears behind John's head in 'Hiding' and laugh at myself when I say that). Having less variables tends to create a more focused piece, in my experience.

I feel there is a profound lack of interconnectedness in the world today, despite our ability to communicate so easily using new methods. There is an explosion of new technology, but sometimes feel the humanity has become obscured. There are more barriers, more illusions, more mechanisms to hide behind. Music, art and simplicity help to deconstruct these barriers. Simplicity is where I go, when complexity of the practical realities become an encumbrance. We have to go back to the beginning. Music begins in nature. It is all around us constantly in every waking moment.

This is why I wanted to combine the intimacy of a live performance with the natural environment and history of Woodstock. I do not like performing in clubs with urine on the floor. I would rather hear the sound of the crickets making a perfect chorus in the starry Catskill night. My hope is to one day do many Barn Sessions featuring different unique and wonderful musicians. I hope it will inspire artists and musicians around the world will take a piece of that spirit, break out their instruments and tell the world what it really sounds like. That is what my dreams look like, anyway."

Hearing is believing. Listen for yourself and learn more about the EP right here!

David Coverdale Talks Deep Purple on Whitesnake TV

(hennemusic) Whitesnake recently launched their own online TV channel, WSTV with the premiere episode featuring singer David Coverdale in an extended interview with his granddaughter Georgina.

Now, the rockers have posted episode number 2, with footage of Coverdale receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Vegas Rocks Magazine Awards.

"I'd like to thank Deep Purple for giving an unknown singer an opportunity," said Coverdale in his acceptance speech, before acknowledging Whitesnake members and his family. Watch it here.

Rush's Geddy Lee Finds Touring Difficult

(hennemusic) Rush kick off their "Clockwork Angels" world tour this Friday in Manchester, NH. The North American leg runs to December 2 when it wraps in Houston, following which the band takes a break before heading to Europe to begin a series of dates in May.

As the Canadian rockers prepare for the tour's launch, bassist Geddy Lee spoke with Grammy.comabout life on the road. "I find it more stressful than when I was younger. I think the physical part of it takes its toll on me, and the other guys I know for sure," says Geddy.

"Staying healthy becomes a more difficult challenge, and as the tour winds on, nerves fray in a different way than they used to. Although, you have more confidence than when you were younger, and more command of your instrument [and], as a result, more command of your audience's attention, which makes it easier. There is kind of a physical price you pay as the tour winds on, whereas when I was younger I could be in almost any condition, get out there and bang it off. I'm grateful for the audiences that we have, wherever we go. But it's a difficult thing for me to do right now." more on this story

Heart To Be Featured On CBS Sunday Morning

(hennemusic) 70s rock band Heart will be featured on an upcoming edition of CBS Sunday Morning.

Set to air September 16, CBS' Tracy Smith takes Ann and Nancy Wilson all the way back to their beginnings in Vancouver, and visits their old family home in Seattle with them.

The show also captured Heart in concert in Vancouver and filmed in-depth interviews at Ann's house that bring to life Ann and Nancy's new book - "Kicking & Dreaming" - and meaning and context to their new album, "Fanatic," which is due October 2. more on this story