Gene Simmons Leads A Very Satan Christmas

The induction ceremony will be held at New York's Barclays Center on April 10th, 2014. The ceremony will be held at New York's Barclays Center, marking the first time the general public will be able to attend the ceremony in NYC. Watch the video here.

AC/DC Campaign Breaks Band's Chart Record

(Classic Rock) A brave attempt to place AC/DC at UK Christmas number one for the band's 40th anniversary fell just three paces short last night, but it still gave them their first-ever top ten single.

Over 170,000 people liked the Facebook campaign to send Highway To Hell to number one. The Australian giants were beaten to the top spot by this year's X-Factor TV gameshow winner Sam Bailey, who was special guest on BBC Radio 1 as the chart results were announced live.

Over 43,000 people actually bought the track during the eligible time period while Bailey's track Skyscraper sold 149,000 copies. The Official Charts Company said:

"AC/DC have scored their first ever UK top ten single with Highway To Hell. Despite having several top ten albums here, including three number ones, the veteran rockers' previous best was number 12 in 1988 with Heatseeker." more on this story

Ace Doesn't Want New KISS Members To Wear Makeup At Rock Hall

(Classic Rock) Former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley says he hopes Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will "do the right thing" by him and ex-drummer Peter Criss at their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

And stating that current members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer won't be among those honored, Frehley says he'd be happy to see them take part – as long as they're not in makeup.

He tells Q104.3FM (via Blabbermouth): "I always try to take the high road and be optimistic, and hope everybody's going to come to the bargaining table and do the right thing. Sometimes I get the support.

"I have a feeling everything's going to work out. I spoke with Paul and Gene. I know they want to perform with me and Peter. I'm just not sure how they want Tommy and Eric to be involved – but since they're not getting inducted, I'm going to let that play out with the Hall, management, attorneys and all that stuff."

Discussing Thayer and Singer, Frehley says: "I don't have a problem with Tommy and Eric being there out of makeup, if I'm in makeup, because they're a big part of Kiss today." He had more to say on that subject.

Jimmy Page Discusses Extras For Led Zeppelin Reissues

(Gibson) The entire Led Zeppelin catalog is now available for streaming via Spotify. And Jimmy Page has also been talking about his work on newly-remastered Led Zeppelin albums due in 2014.

"I've done my bit. Technology has moved on since the last set of remasters and you can hear the difference in these new versions. They're quite something," Page explains. "Obviously there's not that much material that we could add from the first two albums, but from Led Zeppelin III there is."

Alternative takes and outtakes are all apparently part of the releases. No date is scheduled yet – Page is renowned for his methodical approach – but there will be remastered Led Zeppelin out in 2014.

Led Zeppelin are already up for two Grammy awards in 2014 — "Best Rock Performance" for "Kashmir (Live)" from Celebration Day, and the album, itself, Celebration Day, in the "Best Rock Album" category. more on this story

Eric 'Guitar' Davis Killed In Chicago Shooting

(The Blues Blues star Eric 'Guitar' Davis, who was the son of drummer Bobby 'Top Hat' Davis, was shot and killed near his Chicago home last week, police have confirmed.

The 41-year-old, who was given his first guitar lesson by Buddy Guy, was found dead in his car with bullet wounds in his neck and torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 6am.

Davis and his band The Troublemakers has recently signed a deal with Delmark Records. Boss Bob Koester says: "He was next in line for the blues before these guys shot him." more on this story

Former Korn Drummer Goes After Fieldy Online

(Radio.com) Despite former Korn drummer David Silveria's scattered hints that he'd like to one day re-join the band he formed, it's likely that he's just sealed his fate with a series of Facebook comments directed at bassist Reggie "Fieldy" Arvizu.

Following Brian "Head" Welch's recent tearful reunion with band in May, fans have speculated about Silveria's return. But as as Metal Injection points out, calling a former bandmate a "little b****" may reduce the likelihood of him returning.

After having read Fieldy's new book, Got The Life, a fan queried Silveria about their clashes: "He threw down his bass and called you out to fight him and after that you two never got along, what the hell happened?"

"Ha ha!! Fieldy NEVER threw down his bass and tried to fight me," responded Silveria through a series of comments. "He is a coward with a big mouth and he knows I would beat his a** like the little wimp that he is. I would love for him to talk sh*t to my face now. I would love to crush him like a b****."

"Sorry guys. Fieldy has acted like a tough guy for so long it's nice to tell the truth. Not only is he NOT a tough guy but he's a cowardly little b****. He never tried to fight me cuz he knows I would squash him like a bug. He acted like a tough guy on tour to our staff cuz he knew he could get away with it because our crew got paid well and didn't want to lose their jobs. He used that to walk around acting like he though he was a tough gangsta. Our entire crew laughed at him behind his back because they all knew he is a pussy. I would love to see him out somewhere with no security to protect the runt. He wouldn't say anything because he's totally scared of me." What does Munky have to do with all this?

Aerosmith's Dream On In The Running For Official Home State Song

(hennemusic) Aerosmith's 1973 classic, "Dream On", is currently competing to be the official state song of Massachusetts. The track is going head-to-head with Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers' "Roadrunner" in a bill discussed Thursday at a hearing of the State Administration and Oversight Committee.

Sentinel & Enterpise reports "Dream On" was left without a single witness to offer live testimony on behalf of the song, despite being put forward by lead sponsor, D-Marshfield.

"(Aerosmith) are definitely from Massachusetts. They are a prime example of the rags to riches story that 'Dream On' encapsulates," Rep. James Cantwell wrote, adding that designating the song "will honor hard work and dreaming on regardless of life's hardships. Like Aerosmith the band, the song celebrates grit and remaining steadfastly committed to your dreams." more on this story

John Lennon To Receive Out Of This World Honor

(hennemusic) Beatles legend John Lennon is among ten famous people who are having craters on Mercury named after them by the International Astronomical Union.

The IAU, which is in charge of planetary and satellite nomenclature, named the craters in honor of "deceased artists, musicians, painters, and authors who have made outstanding or fundamental contributions to their field and have been recognized as art historically significant figures for more than 50 years."

In addition to Lennon, the newly-named craters are: Capote, for Truman Capote (1924-1984), an American author whose short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction include the novella "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and the true-crime novel "In Cold Blood." See who else here.

Queen and Bowie Producer David Richards Dead At 57

(Classic Rock) Queen record producer David Richards has died at the age of 57 after a long illness, it's been confirmed. He's best known for working on the band's last four albums, A Kind Of Magic, The Miracle, Innuendo and Made In Heaven, while also collaborating with David Bowie on Never Let Me Down, The Buddha Of Suburbia and Outside. Among his other credits are Iggy Pop's Blah Blah Blah and Magnum's Vigilante.

In 1975 he started as an engineer at Queen's Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland, after several years of working in London. Two years later he became its chief engineer, then bought over the establishment in 1993 and nine years later moved it to new premises in Attalens.

Queen men Brian May and Roger Taylor say in a statement: "David will be remembered by many as a good friend. He was funny and generous and great company – a talented and capable man who had an instinctive 'magic touch' in the recording studio. His creative productions will be enjoyed for years to come." Read their full statement here.

The Cult Want To Release New Music In Unconventional Way

(hennemusic) As The Cult wrap up their Electric 13 tour dates this weekend, singer Ian Astbury is looking ahead to the prospect of releasing new material in an unusual way.

"We're playing around with the idea of putting new music out as capsules," Astbury tells Rolling Stone. "That means we'd release two new songs every three months grouped with a live recording of songs from our catalog plus visual elements. We'd do it in all formats: vinyl, digital downloads, CDs…Everything available. It'll be dropped for a limited time in a quick strike and then it's gone."

The only problem is that the group owes an album to UK indie label Cooking Vinyl. "They aren't interested in the capsule idea," says Astbury with a sigh. "They want to put CDs on shelves. I'm like, 'What shelves?' Even the shelf space at Best Buy is shrinking; I was in Whole Foods the other day and they were selling vinyl…But I'm amazed at the resistance to my idea.

"We've even tried the self-funding route, but when you're pioneering something you constantly have to go around and educate people about what this is. This a fresh perspective. The old way just isn't working." more on this story

Within Temptation Release Howard Jones Collab Video

(TeamRock Radio) Within Temptation have released their video for Dangerous, featuring former Killswitch Engage frontman Howard Jones. It appears on the symphonic metal outfit's sixth studio album, Hydra, set for release next month.

The record also features guest appearances from ex-Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen, Soul Asylum frontman Dave Pirner and hip-hop artist Xzibit.

Guitarist Robert Westerholt explains why they named the album after a mythical many-headed beast: "It's like us – undefinable. And the record represents many different sides to our music."

Hydra will be available in standard formats and an 18-track digital premium release, featuring a video and digi-booklet plus four "evolution versions" of tracks showing how they developed, alongside commentary from Weterholt and vocalist Sharon Den Adel. Watch the video here.

A Day To Remember Back At It Again With New Video

(TeamRock Radio) A Day To Remember have released a new music video for their track Right "Back At It Again," which is taken from latest studio album Common Courtesy

The new album was finally launched recently after a judge ruled in the band's favor during legal action with their label. Announcing the release in October, frontman Jeremy McKinnon told fans:

"If you care about what you do with your life, if you do if you do it for the right reasons, absolutely nothing can stop you from getting where you want to be." Watch the video here.

Rolling Stones Guitarist Keith Richards Release 70th Birthday Video

(hennemusic) On December 18, Keith Richards turned 70 and celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary, and the Rolling Stones guitarist has posted a video message of thanks to fans for their messages of support.

The Rolling Stones recently picked up three nominations for the 2014 Grammy Awards ceremony, set for next month in Los Angeles. The band's 2012 single, "Doom And Gloom", is a finalist for "Best Rock Song", while the band's release of "The Brussels Affair" – documenting a 1973 concert in Belgium – earned a nod in the Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package category.

The band's third nomination is for "Charlie Is My Darling — Ireland 1965" in the "Best Historical Album" category. The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will be held January 26, 2014 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Watch the video here.

Def Leppard Release Christmas Video

(hennemusic) Def Leppard members Joe Elliot and Rick Savage are featured in the band's 2013 holiday greetings video message to fans. The group are set to host A Day Of Hysteria on AXS TV, as they take over the channel on December 29 to present 12 hours of concerts, including the broadcast premiere of their new live set, "VIVA! Hysteria."

Filmed earlier this year at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, "VIVA! Hysteria" includes a full, live performance of the 12-times platinum album "Hysteria", along with hits "Rock of Ages," "Love Bites," "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and more. "VIVA! Hysteria" will premiere at 8 ET / 5 PT.

The Day Of Hysteria marathon also features concerts from New York Dolls, Bon Jovi, Sammy Hagar & Friends, KISS and more…including the television premiere of "Cheap Trick at Budokan: The 35th Anniversary Performance" at 9:30 ET|6:30 PT – shot exclusively by AXS TV earlier this year at L.A.'s El Rey Theatre. Watch the Christmas video here.

Twisted Sister Film Director Seeks Fan Funds To Complete Project

(Classic Rock) The upcoming documentary film We Are Twisted F*cking Sister! is the story of Twisted Sister's 10 years playing the bars prior to their breakout in 1983.

Director Andrew Horn has put together a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for completion. He's calling on all Twisted fans, metal fans, rock fans – and/or anyone who's just a fan of a great story told by a great cast of characters – to help support the film and get it out there.

Horn explains: "I first met Twisted Sister when I interviewed lead singer Dee Snider and guitarist Jay Jay French while researching my previous film, The Nomi Song. Jay Jay then appeared in the film describing the wild scene that erupted when Nomi, a German operatic counter-tenor and performance artist, was booked to open for Twisted Sister in a club in suburban New Jersey. more on this story

Motorhead Plan To Finish Wacken Job Next Year

(TeamRock Radio) Motorhead have confirmed they'll return to Germany's Wacken Open Air festival to deliver a full-length set next year, after cutting their 2013 appearance short.

Frontman Lemmy Kilmister has admitted he'd gone back to work too soon after a series of health issues that saw him spend three weeks in hospital over the summer.

He hit the stage with bandmates Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee for a 70-minute set in August, but went off less than half-way through. That led to a rumour the rock'n'roll icon had died, which Campbell put down to "a**hole tweeters."

Motorhead have now revealed they'll appear at Wacken's 35th anniversary event on the weekend of July 31. more on this story

Jimi Hendrix Exhibit Opens New Hard Rock Casino

(hennemusic) A Jimi Hendrix exhibit is featured at the grand opening of the new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. The highlight of the Hendrix gallery is a 1964 "Texas Model" Fender Guitar Stratocaster guitar. This olympic white Stratocaster features a tortoise shell pick guard and a maple neck with rosewood fretboard complete with pearl inlays. Originally owned by Gary Boyle (guitarist with Brian Auger's Trinity), Jimi used this guitar on a regular basis upon his arrival to London in late 1966.

Also on display is the green overcoat with pink flowers that was originally crafted by Dandie Fashions in London. Jimi wore this piece on a number of occasions in late 1967 through mid-1968, perhaps most notably during the September 16, 1967 event at London's Europa Hotel where Jimi received the "World Top Musician" award by Melody Maker magazine.

The modest collection is accented by a number of original photos from the likes of Barrie Wentzell, Joe Sia, Bruce Fleming, Baron Wolman and Karl Ferris; vintage concert posters; signed lithographs; many personal artifacts including Jimi's own artwork; autographed items and much more. more on this story

Why Jizzy Pearl Is Shutting Down Love/Hate

(Classic Rock) Jizzy Pearl has announced he's going to shut down Love/Hate for good after their upcoming UK tour. He's changed the name of the band to Jizzy Pearl's Love/Hate and re-titled their mini-album Crucified as a solo release. The move is believed to be a result of threatened legal action from former Love/Hate guitarist Jon E Love.

Pearl, who'd been using the name since 2002, says in a statement: "Dealing with ex-members isn't worth the hassle. I don't want to spend thousands fighting over a band that makes hundreds.

"This isn't Queensryche or Great White – we're not talking about a band that makes $12,000 or $20,000.00 a night. But there are some people out there who still think Love/Hate is the 'golden goose.'

"Some people think Love/Hate sells shirts like Iron Maiden or Motorhead. Some people still think MTV plays videos. Unless you've gassed up the van and done the tours like I have, I guess you don't really know." He had more to say.

James Durbin Announce U.S. Tour

(hennemusic) James Durbin has announced a series of US tour dates in support of his forthcoming album, "Celebrate." Durbin hits the road for a January 3 show at The Viper Room in Los Angeles, with shows currently scheduled to mid-February.

The American Idol rocker recently issued a lyric video for his new single, "Parachute", which is the lead track from his new album "Celebrate", which is due in April.

"Parachute was the 10th song I wrote for the new album," said James, "and as soon as we finished in the studio, I knew it had to be the first single. I can't wait for everyone to hear it." more on this story

Black Sabbath Reveal Handwritten Lyrics To 'Live Forever'

(hennemusic) Black Sabbath have posted handwritten lyrics to "Live Forever", a track from the band's latest album, "13." This is the latest of a series of handwritten lyrics the band has posted in recent weeks.

The project was recently nominated for three 2014 Grammy Awards, including "Best Rock Album" ("13"), "Best Rock Song" and "Best Metal Performance" for "God Is Dead?"

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will be held January 26, 2014 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

See the handwritten lyrics and the song's video here.

Van Halen Frontman David Lee Roth Release Holiday Message

(hennemusic) Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth has posted a holiday greetings message for fans. "Happy Holidays!" writes Roth, pictured getting ready to pop the cork on some champagne in one of the rooms of his Pasadena, California mansion.

A few months ago, Roth revealed that Van Halen are in the early stages of working on a new album. "I was up at Edward (Van Halen)'s house, maybe three days ago - just before I came here to the city - and we're starting to put music together," Roth told Ozzy's Boneyard host Jim Florentine on SiriusXM. "Not to give away exactly what the package will be, it's gonna be about 18 months, I think."

"We start way, way, way in advance, 'cause we are eminently art-centric, which is a really fancy way of saying we really do generate all the artwork, the graphics, etc.," he continued. "We don't hire out and have somebody design a bunch of album covers for us and then choose.... we start from scratch ourselves. Same thing with the merchandise - if you buy a t-shirt, that was designed, literally, in my living room. On and on... stage design, lighting rig, putting the show together - it takes about a year and a half, 18 months, because any idea that you have is 85 phone calls. Anybody can go, 'I got an idea, it's a stage that's shaped like, uh, like a square on top of a circle'. Great, my question never was, 'were you able to dream up a stage design', my question is, 'are you prepared to do the 87 phone calls that are about to follow now, to make sure it came out the way we decided'. And then there's another 80 phone calls that are gonna follow that because we have to figure out how to take the f**kin' thing apart and put it in the trucks and buses. And, and, and. So if you really want to generate the ideas from scratch and bring them all the way to the finish, you're gonna have to learn a few other languages, and you're gonna have to speak those over a lot of extra phone calls. And that's usually the break point for most artists." See the holiday photo here.

Singled Out: Varga Tell Story Behind Gamera

Veteran Canadian metallers Varga recently released "Enter the Metal", their first new album after a long absence. To celebrate we asked Adam Alex to tell us about the song "Gamera" from the new album. Here is the story:

Gamera is an eight minute song in which we try to lay down a soundscape to the images of the legendary science fiction monster causing havoc and chaos across the Japanese countryside. The numerous parts and grooves we laid down are meant to represent different aspects of the story and provide the listener a soundtrack for the destruction that ensues .

We recorded the bed tracks live off the floor at Jukasa studios to get the most live feeling drum vibe we could get. Dan's tom playing in the middle instrumental section knocked my socks off and really captures a sense of chaos . Joe laid down the bass part to the drum track and then Sean and I layered the guitars at Julius's studio.

The vocals melodies and harmonies Joe recorded are complex , yet the lyrics are a simple description of the devastation achieved by the creature being described . A complex machine dominating a technologically inferior foe…humanity.

Throughout the tune we pay homage to some styles and trends which have influenced us .. for example when Joey busts into the bridge vocals "Chomping down on power lines …" we try to give the listeners a glimpse of the non-western Japanese approach to orchestral metal. The guitar riff at the end of the choruses , is a direct homage to the feeling of the first Kill Bill movie , trying to capture the emotion of the scene between the Black Mamba and O-Ren Ishii and the Japanese Hentai style . We experimented with different sounds when we were recording this part and even considered a vocal line in Japanese but in the end , we thought the riff itself pulled off this feeling . Sean's guitar solo , with the octaves and wah , again, give the listeners that Hentai cartoon soundtrack feel of the 80's. And finally , the technical bridge riffs and the very end of the song , if it isn't obvious enough is just another one of our many homages to our biggest influence Rush.

Put on your headphones , crank it up , close your eyes and enjoy . cheers

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