3 Doors Down Member Arrested For Vehicular Homicide

He was arrested last year for driving under the influence, you can read more details here.

Van Halen Planning New Album

Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth says that the band plan to begin work on a new studio album this summer but warns that it may take a while for the effort to be released.

"We are going to be getting together, not this month, at the end of June to start preparing for some new recording and some new songs," Roth said in an interview with Australian website FasterLouder.

Roth cautions that with the way the band works, it may take a long time for the new music to see the light of day, "We plan ahead by about two-and-a-half years in advance, which sounds extravagant," Roth says, "(but) from the time you go, 'Let's start to write some songs,' until all of the machines of production and humanity kick in, things move achingly slow — achingly slow.

"Especially if you are art-centric, if you want something to last, it's going to take a long time to put it all together. Quick up is quick down. We know about one-hit-wonders and we know about fast, but it's about three years, it takes about three years."

Read the FasterLouder feature "We spent two hours with David Lee Roth and no one got pregnant," here for more from Roth.

Former Krokus Member Dies

Former Krokus drummer Dani Crivelli has died according to a statement from the Swiss metal band. A cause of death was not disclosed.

Crivelli was a member of the band in the late 1980s and appeared on one of their studio albums. The band broke the news to fans with the following statement:

"We are saddened to report to you that our ex-Krokus drummer Dani Crivelli passed away. Our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

"Also a native of Solothurn, Switzerland, Dani joined Krokus in 1987, replacing Jeff Klaven. You can listen to him on the band's 1988 Heart Attack release that included Krokus staples like "Rock'n'Roll Tonight" and "Wild Love".

"He always kept in contact with the band over the years. We liked his straight forward, but true words about music and life. He will be missed but will keep on drumming in Rock'n'Roll heaven!"

Black Dahlia Murder Frontman Vs Stealing Fans

The Black Dahlia Murder frontman Trevor Strnad shared his frustrations on the band's Facebook page over illegal downloading and explained how the issue affects the band.

Strnad met with some backlash following the original post and he posted subsequent messages to further explain his position, according to Lambgoat.

He originally posted the following, "HOW IT IS: We have almost 1,000,000 likes on here. Will we sell 1,000,000 copies of Everblack? F**k no! The reality is that 98% of you 'fans' are going to be content to steal the album and in turn we get nothing… a laughable fragment of the 'likers' will actually be cool and pick it up.

"It's not about the money, the reality is that we get chump change for CD (and digital) sales BUT WE NEED TO SELL THEM TO EXIST! If there are no record sales the music industry will stomp us out like a bug and it'll be completely over… the sales show them 'how relevant' we are.

"If you don't buy the albums they'll determine that there is no demand for TBDM, and there won't be any more awesome concerts, tours, dvds nor new music. Sure we understand you may really love our tunes, but if you haven't paid for them, it's a total loss to us… all the love in the world isn't going to mean sh*t in the end. We need your support and every two years I am going to ask the same thing of you and make the same goddamn argument.

"Think of it like a vote… If you'd like to see us continue our reign of terror over the metal world, you'll pick up a copy of "Everblack". It's as simple as that. – Trevor on behalf of The Black Dahlia Murder"

After some fans reacted negatively to the message, he posted this follow up, "Clarification for the alarmists: I'm not saying you who come to the shows and buy merch aren't appreciated… what I am saying is that we need to sell this album because each sale means something in the grand scheme of things. WE ARENT F**KING RICH. I don't really care if we see ANY money from the preorders or any CD sale AT ALL… like I said…. it's literally a fraction of a penny per album… you can f**king keep it.

"WE MAKE THE MONEY WE SURVIVE ON FROM YOU ALL COMING TO THE SHOWS AND BUYING TICKETS AND MERCH. We are eternally grateful for your support in this manner. This is absolutely true and has not changed. What I am saying is that we need BOTH kinds of support… they are both integral. All I was trying to do is to rally the troops… to help them understand that selling the copies IS important to us… it was not an attempt to alienate anyone. I should have worded things better…. yes.

"For those of you saying that the industry is operating on a completely archaic model… I completely wholeheartedly agree… but until things change this is how it is."

That apparently wasn't good enough for some fans which caused Trevor to post a third message the next day. You can read that message here.

Aerosmith React To Boston Marathon Bombings

(hennemusic) Aerosmith were in Sydney, Australia to play the Stone Music Festival this past weekend with headliners Van Halen and Billy Joel, but their minds were on their hometown of Boston, the site of this week's bombings at the Boston Marathon.

At a Thursday press event for the festival, Aerosmith were asked to comment on the situation. "My love goes out to everybody there," said frontman Steven Tyler. "Joe [Perry]'s son was a mile from that area. God bless the people that got hurt. Hopefully it's a lone wolf, it's a one-off. What can you say? It's a crazy world right now, and people are echoing what they see on the news. And we just have to be more careful about it."

"It was really tough getting on the plane, I have to say," commented Joe Perry. "The news was just dribbling in as they were putting the body counts on the TV. We were in the waiting room to get on the plane and I'm flying a hundred thousand miles away from where my kids are. They were watching the race and both of them have lost friends. It's really tough. But, man, the show goes on, you know. I'm still digesting it. It's tough."

"It's really strange," added bassist Tom Hamilton. "I had just left my house for the airport, and I was just chatting to the driver about the best way to go, because we needed to avoid the marathon traffic. So the thing just started happening; we heard it happening over the radio, gradually getting more and more and more intense. It's just bizarre, because we were heading right for that area of the city. And the more they talked about it, the less it sounded like something that could be happening in my home town." more including video.

Black Sabbath Releasing Bonus Tracks and Kick Off World Tour

(hennemusic) The deluxe edition of Black Sabbath's forthcoming album, "13," will feature three bonus tracks when the album is released on June 11th.

The additional songs include "Methademic," "Peace Of Mind," and "Pariah." The deluxe edition will be sold via iTunes and fans that pre-order either the standard or deluxe editions via the retailer will receive an instant download of the first single "God is Dead?"

The band debuted another new song from the album during the kick off to their "13" world tour this weekend in Auckland, New Zealand. The band played the new single and a track called "End of the Beginning."

The lineup for the show featured three of the four original Sabbath members – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler – who were joined by Ozzy's touring drummer Tommy Clufetos in place of the absent Bill Ward. Check out video from the show here.

Rush Win Juno For Rock Album of the Year

(Classic Rock) Rush have won their ninth Juno Award in their home nation of Canada, after 2012 record Clockwork Angels was named Rock Album of the Year.

It follows their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last week, at which drummer Neil Peart admitted: "We've been saying for a long time that this wasn't a big deal. Turns out… it kinda is!"

The annual Juno Awards ceremony is regarded as the "Canadian Grammys." The nominating panel, made up of members of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, first recognised Geddy Lee and co in 1975.

Rush were also up for Group of the Year, but lost out to Marianas Trench. more on this story

Motley Crue Retiring But Members Not Going Away

(Classic Rock) Motley Crue have told fans there's no need to panic over the band's plans to retire because there are a few years ahead of them yet.

Frontman Vince Neil explains: "We're going to put out some new music next year and then it's our farewell tour in 2014 or 2015. Tours last about two years. To finish the world, you've got to do the US, Canada, Europe, Asia. It takes some time."

But that's not the last followers will hear from Crue members. "I'll continue to sing Motley with my solo band, and put out solo records and stuff," Neil says. "Nikki Sixx has got his radio show and Tommy Lee wants to be a deejay, and so we'll see what happens. Music is always number-one – I'll always be on stage somewhere." More rock news.

Judas Priest To Premiere Epitaph in Movie Theaters

(hennemusic) Judas Priest will premiere their new live DVD, "Epitaph," in theaters around the world ahead of its official release on May 28.

The film captures the final show of the band's last ever world tour, filmed at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on May 26, 2012.

Beginning May 14th, a series of exclusive screenings will take place in selected cinemas in the US, UK, Germany, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil, with more countries to be announced. more on this story

Frehley And Criss Were Always Hired Hands in KISS?

(Classic Rock) The co-producer behind the first two KISS records insists guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss were never anything more than hired hands.

Richie Wise, who fronted New York metal outfit Dust between 1969 and 1972, assisted behind the desk when Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and co recorded their 1974 debut record and its follow-up, Hotter Than Hell, the same year.

He tells KissFAQ: "Ace and Peter had no focus. They were hired hands as far as I was concerned. I knew they auditioned for the band –and the band was Gene and Paul, period.

"Ace, I understood exactly what he was doing. He listened to Page and Clapton and all those guitarists that I listened to, so I understood him well.

"Peter was, at best, a poppy adequate drummer. But he was solid; he really didn't get in the way and laid down the proper fundamental beat."

He goes on to give his opinion of Gene and Paul and reveals details about the recording of the first album here.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Giving Away New Song

(Classic Rock) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have unveiled a video for Let The Day Begin, the first single from their recently released sixth studio album Specter At The Feast.

The song is a cover version of a song originally recorded by The Call. If you like BRMC's rendition, you can download it for free via one of those sneaky email sign-ups.

The Call's Michael Been, also BRMC's guitarist/vocalist Robert Been's father and the band's honorary "fourth member", sadly passed away in August 2010. He suffered a heart attack backstage at Belgium's Pukkelpop festival, where he was working as BRMC's sound engineer. Check out the song and the original version here.

Cinderella's Tom Keifer To Appear On Rockline

Cinderella frontman Tom Keifer will be celebrating the release of his very first solo album with a special appearance on the syndicated radio show Rockline.

Keifer has set a April 30th release date for his solo debut album, The Way Life Goes, which features the Cinderella frontman's taking on a mix of various styles including blues, rock and country roots.

Bob Coburn will be discussing the new album with Keifer on the May 1st episode of Rockline which is set to air at 8:30pm PT/11:30pm ET. Fans can call into to show toll free at 1-800-344-ROCK (7625) and the episode will also be streamed at Rocklineradio.com. more on this story

Levon Helm Documentary Premieres

(Gibson) The Band's Levon Helm is the subject of a new documentary that premiered in New York City last Friday (April 19). Following its New York premiere, the film will be shown in select theaters throughout the U.S.

Titled Ain't In It for My Health, the film offers an intimate look at Helm's life and career, combining archival footage with material shot during the last five years of the musician's life.

Speaking to Reuters, longtime Helm collaborator Larry Campbell said director Jacob Hatley "was like a fly on the wall, filming Levon's daily life and all of us around him as we worked on music and tried to get his career back on track."

"There was no pressure, no deadline," Campbell added, "and Levon loved being on camera. He was a real natural, as you can see in the movies he did, like Coalminer's Daughter. Making this film was very much his idea." Helm died of cancer on April 19, 2012, at 72. more on this story

Crazy Horse On Their Final Tour?

(Classic Rock) Crazy Horse guitarist Frank 'Poncho' Sampedro fears the band's current outing with Neil Young will be their last.

He says: "I hate saying their ages, but I'm 64 and I'm the baby of the band. I love playing and we're playing as good as we ever did, but at any time something could go down with any one of us.

"Our shows are physical – it takes a lot of energy to play that much. I already had an operation on my thumb. Neil's wrist bugs him, and he has to tape it when he plays. You can't fool time. You can't count on this happening again in five years." More rock news.

Stevie Nicks Disappointed With Sales Of Her Latest Album

(Gibson) Stevie Nicks has spent much of the past two years promoting her solo album, In Your Dreams. Surprisingly, Nicks is now admitting that all the hard work didn't really result in much success sales-wise.

"I didn't sell a lot of records, you guys. For me, for a big act like moi, I didn't," Nicks said via CTV News. "Worldwide I probably sold 300,000 records. It's awesome if you're an unknown artist and you have a hit single, but it's not really that awesome if you're Stevie Nicks."

So, what's the reason for the slow sales? Nicks says it's simply because the music business has changed. "It's such a different age now," she said.

As for the present, Nicks will be on tour with Fleetwood Mac through this fall. So far, she loves the change. "Fleetwood Mac's much more sophisticated and grown up," she said. "And my show is just like a big slumber party in an auditorium." more on this story

Former AC/DC Manager Shares Band's Stupidest Request

(Classic Rock) Former AC/DC manager Peter Mensch says the stupidest request he's ever had during his career came from drummer Phil Rudd.

The big-name boss formed management firm Q Prime with Cliff Bernstein in 1982 and looks after the affairs of Metallica, Jimmy Page, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse and many others.

But he can't forget a particular moment during his first role as representative in his twenties. Speaking on a Reddit Ask Me Anything session Mensch says: "The dumbest request I've ever received was while managing AC/DC. I was in London. They were in Paris. Phil Rudd wanted hot water because his kettle was broken. He called at midnight to ask me to bring over hot water…

"Wish I had told him I would charter a flight to bring him a kettle, and billed it back. Needless to say, I didn't go."

And he admits: "Every act we manage can be difficult at times, but usually the highs outweigh the lows." But he says times have changed, especially when it comes to tour riders: "Craziest I've ever seen was Guns N' Roses. Riders have gone downhill in the last few years in terms of craziness. Most popular item is water, which isn't too rock'n'roll." more on this story

Indianapolis Metal Fest Lineup Announced

Indianapolis Metal Fest organizers have announced the lineup for this year's underground event that will be taking place on September 20th and 21st.

The lineup includes the recently reunited Byzantine, Temple Of Brutality (Megadeth's David Ellefson and WASP's Stet Howland, Angel Vivald), Vicious Rumors, Leatherwolf, Seven Witches, Single Bullet Theory and Dirge Within.

The organizers have also hand-picked a number of underground metal bands including Systems, Evoked, Fall Of The Albatross, Burning The Day, A Fall To Break and more.

An announcement about the venue will be coming at the end of the month, for now here is the full lineup

The Almost Recorded New Album Old School and Preview New Song

The Almost have posted a new song online which comes from the band's forthcoming third album "Fear Inside Our Bones."

The new album will be released on June 11th but fans can get a taste of what is to come by listening to the first track released from the effort, "Ghost," here.

The band recording the album live in the same room at Nashville's Omni Studios with producer Marshall Altman (Ingrid Michaelson, William Fitzsimmons)

"It wasn't a piecemeal process as the majority of modern records are," explains Gillespie. "The album was born at that moment from our collective blood, sweat and tears."

The band has also lined up a number of live dates this spring. more on this story

Dawn Of Ashes Giving Away New Song

Dawn Of Ashes are offering fans a free song download of a track from their brand new album, "Anathema," which was released earlier this month.

Fans and potential new fans can get a taste of what the album has to offer with a free download of the song "Poisoning the Steps of Babel (featuring Nero Bellum)" here

Dawn Of Ashes mastermind Kristof Bathory had this to say about the new album, "Anathema is an album in which I define to be the masterpiece from Dawn of Ashes and displays the hardworking progress it took to create this album. The album digs deep within the realms of my inner demons; delving into topics of suicide, pill addiction, the occult, blasphemy, and other content that is not for the weak-minded . I feel that all DOA fans (new and old) will be pleased with the outcome of Anathema as it blends a horrifying mixture of Metal, Industrial, & Rock. This is the new era for Dawn of Ashes and the evil shall grow stronger. Welcome to my breathing vision of Hell." more on this story

Rory Block Pays Tribute To Mississippi John Hurt On New Album

Rory Block pays tribute to blues icon Mississippi John Hurt in the latest album in her "Mentor Series" which will be released on June 4th.

The previous released in the series paid tribute to Rev. Gary Davis (I Belong to the Band), Mississippi Fred McDowell (Shake 'em on Down) and Son House (Blues Walkin' Like a Man). We were sent over these details:

Like the others before it, on Avalon Rory Block pays a loving reverence to another of the blues greats whose influences have made a major impact on her career path and music. Ten of the 11 tracks on the new CD are songs associated with Hurt's repertoire; while the lone original tune - which leads off the album - "Everybody Loves John," is Rory's personal love letter to the iconic bluesman, name-checking a litany of songs that were a major part of his blues canon.

"Mississippi John Hurt was a truly unique artist," says Block, the most celebrated living female acoustic blues artist. "He left a resounding impact on our musical landscape. We think of him as outwardly mellow, sweet, and as one writer described it, singing in a 'whisper.' But have you pondered the words? Alongside gospel material, this gentle man sang about sex, murder, mystery, violence and steamy sensuality. It gets ever deeper the more you listen. more on this story

30 Seconds to Mars Release 'Up in the Air' Video

(Radio.com) 30 Seconds to Mars is a band known for its highly cinematic music videos, spurred by frontman Jared Leto's acting career, a trend continued with the video for "Up in the Air," released on Friday (April 19).

The video is for the first single from 30 Seconds to Mar's upcoming fourth album, LOVE LUST FAITH + DREAMS, due out May 17. It features Leto, guitarist Tomo Milicevic and drummer Shannon Leto alongside multiple guest stars, including U.S. Olympic gymnasts Jordyn Wieber and McKayla Maroney, burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese, author Neil Strauss and more. Watch below.

As with multiple past 30 Seconds to Mars clips, the video, directed by Leto under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins, is full of interesting imagery interspersed with shots of the band performing the fast-paced, anthemic song.

The film showcases Maroney and Wieber performing convoluted gymnastic stunts, while Von Teese slowly strips down from a burlesque costume while reclining on a mechanical bull. more on this story

Deep Purple Press Conference Video Goes Online

(hennemusic) Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan and drummer Ian Paice took part in a press conference in Paris, France on Thursday to promote the upcoming release of their album, "Now What?!"

Video from the event has surfaced, including footage of the guys talking about recording with Bob Ezrin in Nashville, changes in the music business, the band's longevity, and the challenges involved in playing both old and new material in the live setting.

The project is the group's 19th studio album and first since 2005's "Rapture Of The Deep." The album will be released at the end of the month across the globe. Check out the press conference video here.

CBC's Hockey Night In Canada Tribute Rush

(hennemusic) Rush's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was saluted in the band's homeland on Saturday night by CBC's Hockey Night In Canada.

The public broadcaster opened the regular weekly sports broadcast with a montage of Rush and the night's two principal opponents – the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators – to the sounds of the band's 1981 track, "Limelight."

Hockey Night In Canada often features clips of songs from Canadian artists in their broadcasts. Thursday night in Los Angeles, Rush were honored as part of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Class of 2013, along with Heart, Public Enemy, Donna Summer, Randy Newman and Albert King. Check out video of the Hockey Night tribute here.

InMe Frontman Dave McPherson Premieres Solo Song

(Classic Rock) Classic Rock have premiered The Wilderness, a new track by InMe frontman Dave McPherson. It's taken from his second solo album Dreamoirs, due out via Pledge Music on June 3.

The concept is based around dreams and is described as "a focused record that Dave has put a considerable amount of work, thought and passion into."

McPherson has played over 800 shows since launching his solo career in 2007. He's currently engaged on a project he calls The Good People Movement: 365, during which he's writing and recording a song every day of the year. Check out the song here.

Things You May Not Know About Keith Richards

(Gibson) The Rolling Stones are gearing up to their "50 Years and Counting" tour. You'll know all the songs they'll play. But, perhaps, you don't know some things about Keith Richards...

1. Keith Doesn't Sleep: In his Life autobiography, Richards reckons that on average, he slept only two nights a week for many years of the Stones' glory years. "This means that I have been conscious for at least three lifetimes," he calculated. No sleep, and he can still do the math! A related aside: Keith claims he wrote the "Satisfaction" riff in his sleep.

2. Keith Got The Blues When 3: Keith says he got the music bug aged at just three years old. His favorites were Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Big Bill Broonzy and Louis Armstrong. Richards was in awe after seeing the 1956 film, Low Light and Blue Smoke: Big Bill Blues, in which Broonzy performed the standard, blues-style. "It was a classic video before its time," says Richards.

The Stones' Ronnie Wood is also a Broonzy fan. In Q magazine interview (2007) Wood hails Broonzy's "Guitar Shuffle." "It was one of the first tracks I learnt to play, but even to this day I can't play it exactly right."

3. Keith Was A Boy Scout: As a boy, Keith Richards was a Boy Scout. "It was mainly a chance to swagger around with a knife on your belt," he reckoned. Unfortunately for Keith, "you didn't get the knife until you got a few badges." Richards is known for his like of knives.

4. Keith Hears Toilets Cheer: Early on in the Stones' career, Keith shared a flat with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones. They rigged up an improvised recording studio in their bathroom. Why? Because when the toilet was flushed after a performance, it sounded to them like applause. That's what Keith says! Six more things you may not know.