As I Lay Dying's Tim Lambesis Breaks His Silence

"I grew up in a Christian home and held that belief myself for many years. In the process of sincerely trying to defend that belief in a scholarly way and shortly after finishing my degree, I felt that it was unreasonable to call myself a Christian in light of the evidence. Many AILD fans picked up on the not-so-subtle hints at my worldview change in a couple songs on Awakened. It was never really hidden. Anyway, after my incarceration I found myself re-evaluating topics that I had previously sworn I would never waste my time looking at again. Many can chalk that up as one point for pure boredom in an isolation cell, or you can look at it providentially as the needed circumstance and only possible way to get me to humble my mind. more on this story

Metallica To Play 'Super-Secret' Show

Metallica have announced plans for a special event at this year's Comic-Con convention in San Diego to discuss their upcoming 3D movie "Metallica Through The Never," and they will also be playing a secret show while they are in town.

The Comic-Con event will take place on Friday, July 19 and band revealed these details, "The four of us will be in Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center from 6:30-7:00 PM on that Friday, along with many of the super talented team that is helping us create an unprecedented film experience.

"Joining us to talk all things Through The Never will be the star of the film, Dane DeHaan, Director/Writer Nimrod Antal and Producer Charlotte Huggins as we proudly present the world premiere of the theatrical trailer along with an exclusive preview of footage from the movie followed by a discussion on the making of the film."

On Sunday the band announced their plans to follow up that event with a surprise show. They told fans, "We can't just TALK about the film when we are in San Diego... we want to play too! Following our chat in Hall H at Comic-Con, we'll be heading out to a super-secret spot to have some fun and hit the stage.

"Comic-Con attendees will have a chance to win tickets at the Hall H event and Met Club members should keep their eyes peeled here for more details about chances to win tickets too."

"Metallica Through The Never" is set to be released in IMAX theatres on September 27, followed by a wider release to other theaters on October 4. More details about the event here.

Eddie Van Halen Delays LL Cool J Jam

(hennemusic) Eddie Van Halen's originally scheduled guest appearance Sunday in Los Angeles with LL Cool J has been postponed to late summer at the Hollywood Bowl, according to the VHND.

Van Halen was originally expected to join the rapper on Sunday (July 7) at the Greek Theatre on the final stop of LL's "Kings Of The Mic" Tour.

Van Halen collaborated with LL on his new album, "Authentic," which hit stores in April. The guitarist appears on two tracks: "We're the Greatest" and "Not Leaving You Tonight." more on this story

Bernie Leadon Reunites With The Eagles At Tour Kick Off

(hennemusic) The Eagles kicked off their "History Of The Eagles" North American tour on Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky, and video from the opening night show has surfaced.

The band is hitting the road in support of their acclaimed documentary "History Of The Eagles," which was released on DVD and Blu-ray in April.

Louisville.com reports the show began with founding members Don Henley and Glenn Frey playing acoustic guitar before being joined by another founding member, Bernie Leadon. From there, bassist Timothy B. Schmidt was added to the lineup, and then Joe Walsh came on board for the show. Check out video here.

Mastodon Planning Next Album

(Gibson) Mastodon's Bill Kelliher has given an update on the band's next album which they plan to begin recording in September. It follows The Hunter and is due for a spring 2014 release.

Speaking to The Examiner, Kelliher confirmed that the metal four-piece has over 25 new tracks ready to record. "Before we left for the European tour, we got into a studio with a producer," Kelliher said.

"We started just putting ideas down on tape, so to speak. We have about 25 to 30 songs that are ready for the new record. We're obviously not gonna use all 30 of them, but we're in a much better place than we've ever been as far as being prepared during pre-production for an album."

He continued, "We'd like to get the record finished by the end of the year and have it out as soon as Christmas and all the holidays are over with - maybe, like, March or April. It would be great to have the new record out and then do a brand new tour on some new music." more on this story

Gary Clark Jr. Joins Rolling Stones At Hyde Park

(hennemusic) Bluesman Gary Clark Jr. was the featured guest Saturday night as the Rolling Stones performed in London's Hyde Park for the first time in 44 years.

Clark joined the band for their 1971 classic, "Bitch," from the "Sticky Fingers" album. The appearance marked the guitarist's fourth guest spot with the Stones on the 50 & Counting tour; Clark played with the group in New Jersey and Brooklyn last December, and again in Boston last month. Watch video from Saturday's jam here.

Saturday's show was the first of two shows 44 years since they last played the London venue. The July 6th and 13th dates mark the band's first appearance there since the group's free concert on July 5, 1969.

Mick Taylor, who played his first gig with the Rolling Stones at Hyde Park in 1969, joined the band for his regular slots on "Midnight Rambler" and the final encore of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."

"Mick's very first show was with us here," Mick Jagger told the crowd. "We found him in a pub and put him in front of 250,000 people." Check out video from the show here.

'Springsteen & I' Movie To Hit Theaters Across The World

The fan made music documentary "Springsteen & I" is set to be screened in over 2000 movie theaters in 50 countries around the world beginning on July 22nd.

The synopsis for the film reads, "Forty years ago, Bruce Springsteen burst onto the rock scene and changed it forever. His music defines a generation, but behind the songs were remarkable stories about the fans who lived them.

"Now audiences everywhere can discover how the sound of Bruce Springsteen became the soundtrack to our lives." You can view the trailer and learn more about the movie here and find a list of theaters here.

Winger Plan Reunion Concert For 25th Anniversary

Winger will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of their self-titled debut by putting on a special reunion concert where they will perform the album in its entirety.

The show will be taking place on August 30th at The San Felipe Casino in Algodones, New Mexico and the band will be recording the show for a future CD and DVD release, according to their official site.

Original keyboard player Paul Taylor will be joining current and original members Kip Winger, Reb Beach, Rod Morgenstein as well as current member John Roth for the show.

The reunion concert will feature support from special guests Warrant and Head East.

The current lineup of Winger is currently working on a new studio album.

Ronnie Wood Wins Broadcasting Award

(Gibson) Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has won an Arqiva Commercial Radio Award in the UK. Wood hosts The Ronnie Wood Show on Absolute Radio and has won the award for Specialist Programme of the Year. Wood was up against Geoff Lloyd's Beatles Brunch, also on Absolute and the Andi Durrant Show on Capital.

Wood started his show in 2010. He picks the playlist which he says is, "From Mozart to Marley. This is the soundtrack to my life." Ronnie was previously named The Music Radio Personality of the Year in 2011.

The Rolling Stones play London's Hyde Park this weekend, for the first time since 1969. That was their first show involving Mick Taylor, replacement for the just-deceased Brian Jones.

Keith Richards says, "I've no doubt there'll be some sort of flashbacks and reminiscences or something because after all, that was also Mick Taylor's very first show with the Stones. So I'm sure there will be a couple of moments where it'll all come back to us."

"You always thought with the Hyde Park show, you've done that, you've been there and that it will never happen again. And now here we are – I guess if you hang around long enough, everything happens twice!" more on this story

Iron Maiden's Trooper Beer A Big Success

(Classic Rock) The makers of Iron Maiden's Trooper beer were so impressed with Bruce Dickinson at the launch event that they offered him a job as a tour guide.

Robinsons have just confirmed the sale of the millionth pint of the cask ale, which was launched just two months ago. The firm say in their Unicorn newsletter: "Trooper was officially launched on May 9 at Robinsons' new visitor centre – a day that will certainly remembered, as the brewery experienced a product launch like no other.

"With a reception attended by over 100 influential brewing trade representatives, Bruce conducted a tour of the new brewhouse to explain the process of how Trooper ale is made.

"Robinsons were so impressed with Bruce's tour they offered him a job as a brewery tour guide – if he ever gets tired of performing to millions of Maiden fans, flying airplanes, fencing and brewing beer, that is." more on this story

Metal Supergroup Civil War Commemorate Gettysburg Anniversary

Last week Civil War marked the 150th Anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg by posting the song "Gettysburg," from their debut album, online.

Civil War features ex-Sabaton members, Rikard Sundén, Oskar Montelius, Daniel Mullback and Daniel Myhr, along with frontman, Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors), and bass player, Stefan "Pizza" Eriksson (Volturyon).

"The Battle of Gettysburg. 150 years have passed since it took place, but still today it's one of the greatest battles in history," says band. "This is a song that reflects the memories and thoughts of one single soldier.

"His name is unknown, maybe he never existed. But if he did, maybe this is what went through his mind. We give you the song, 'Gettysburg.'"

The song comes from the group's debut album, "The Killer Angels" which was named after the novel by Michael Shaara about the Battle of Gettysburg.

The album was recorded by Jonas Kjellgren at Studio Myhrer (which is actually the bed and living room of keyboard player, Myhr), Black Lounge Studio and Peter Tägtgren's, The Abyss, in Pärlby, Sweden. Listen to the song here.

Former The Catalyst Frontman Matt Bailie Joins BornBroken

BornBroken have announced that lead singer Jesus Salazar has left the group and they have recruited former The Catalyst frontman Matt Bailie to take his place.

Guitarist Mike Decker had this to say, "We had come to a pass in the road; Jesus had some tough life decisions, which came down to no longer being able to sing for BornBroken.

"We have had 2 great years with Jesus and recorded a stellar debut CD. We wish him the best in his future projects and health. Thanks for everything!

"To all our fans, this bump in the road came with a glimmer of hope at the end. BornBroken was able to quickly fill the empty spot in the lineup and is happy to announce -The Catalyst's ex-frontman Matt Bailie as the new singer.

"We will debut our live show with Matt on July 12th in Montreal at Foufounes Electriques supporting The Agonist."

Matt Bailie had this to say, "I would like to thank Mike, Simon, Tommy & Joe for the opportunity to once again destroy and dominate on stage.

"BornBroken has big things planned for the not so distant future and I am glad to be a part of it. This is a new chapter for me musically and I personally cannot wait to unleash our music upon the masses, 'Hear our cries...the Broken shall rise.'"

Praying Mantis Fire Singer and Drummer

(Classic Rock) Praying Mantis have fired singer Mike Freeland and drummer Gary Mackenzie. Both musicians – who have been part of the NWOBHM band for several years, but have a history of collaboration going back 20 years – say the decision was not theirs.

In a statement Freeland says: "It is with great sadness that I have to tell you all that I am no longer a member of Praying Mantis. Please know that this was not my decision.

"On a more positive note, I've had the most incredible seven years; I have been to some truly amazing places and met some fantastic people – you guys. I can't thank you all enough for your support and for the great times. Keep the faith!" more on this story

Runaways Cherie Currie Explains Album Delay

(Classic Rock) Cherie Currie has decided to put three years of disappointment over an album release behind her after former Runaways bandmate Lita Ford gave her some advice.

Currie admits she's found recent months "very, very hard" after being told to wait and keep waiting for her record, which was laid down in 2010, to be finished. But the vocalist has learned to live with the disappointment, and she's vowed to get back into action instead.

"There have been a lot of stories flying around, mostly negative, about my album and why it isn't out. I feel I owe you an explanation," Currie says. "I just wanted to get out there and play for you again. After 30 years, with the movie, my book, and then a successful show opening for Joan Jett in 2010, the time was right for me to make a record.

"I have sat on the sidelines waiting for a record that still isn't mastered. Had I known my record company would hold the record this long, I would have gone a different route – but that's water under the bridge now." more on this story

Earth Crisis Kicking Off Firestorm Anniversary Tour This Week

Earth Crisis will be kicking off the first leg of their Firestorm EP 20th anniversary tour this week where the band will be performing the EP in its entirety along with other rarely played songs.

They have broken the tour up into two legs with the east coast leg featuring three shows that will include support from Shai Hulud, Thy Will Be Done, White Widows Pact.

The first leg will kick off this Friday, July 12th, at Underground Arts in Philadelphia, PA and will include shows in Syracuse, NY and New York City this weekend.

The second leg will feature four shows next month at venues on the west coast and will include support from Lionheart, Harness. That leg kicks off on August 15th at Pubrock/Chaser in Tempe, AZ.

Guitarist Scott Crouse had this to say, "We can't believe we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Firestorm. None of us were even 20 years old when we recorded it. Its release forever changed our lives and, we are told, many other people's. Come out and help us do this right."

The band will follow up the tour by returning to work on their forthcoming album which reunites the band with producer/mixer Zeus (Hatebreed, Throwdown, Municipal Waste). more on this story

KISS Kick Off Summer Tour

(hennemusic) KISS kicked off their extensive Canadian summer tour in support of their latest album, "Monster," on Friday at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, BC.

The tour features the band's new spider stage, which they unveiled last month during a series of European dates. The main feature of the design is the spider, which brings the band to center stage at the opening of the show.

The month-long Canadian trek, which runs across the country from west to east, wraps up with two dates at Mile One Stadium in St. John's, Newfoundland in early August. Check out video from the show here.

Robert Plant Supporting Love Hope Strength Charity On US Tour

(hennemusic) Robert Plant has announced that he is supporting the Love Hope Strength (LHS) charity during his current run of US tour dates with his new band, Robert Plant Presents Sensational Space Shifters.

Love Hope Strength (LHS) is an international, music-centric cancer charity dedicated to saving lives, one concert at a time. The mission is to save lives, right now, with the advances that have already been made in cancer care.

Funds raised through LHS are used to: - Build and support cancer centers around the globe - Build awareness of global cancer needs - Build international marrow databases through the "Get On The List" campaign. more on this story

TeamRock Radio Launch Blues, AOR and Prog Shows

(Classic Rock) TeamRock Radio has unveiled their weekend schedule that features the Blues Magazine Show, AOR Magazine Show and Prog Magazine Show.

Former Nazareth guitarist and Rock Radio breakfast show host Billy Rankin will present the Blues Magazine Show on Saturday evenings. Philip Wilding brings you the Prog Magazine Show on Sunday evenings and Kylie Olsson fronts the AOR Magazine Show on Sunday nights.

In addition Beez will lead The Pulse on Saturday mornings; Kieron Elliott serves up the LA Rock Show on Saturday nights; John Robb takes the mic for the punk-themed Louder Than War Show on Sunday nights; and Talita Two Shoes, formerly of Totalrock Radio, appears on Turn Up The Night on both days. more on this story

Airbourne, Orange Goblin, The Treatment Plan Fall Tour

The Treatment have announced their fall tour plans where they will be joining the lineup for Airbourne's forthcoming UK tour that will also feature Orange Goblin.

The Airbourne tour will be kicking off on November 28th at Portsmouth's Pyramids Centre and wrapping up on December 13th at The Forum, London.

The Treatment frontman Matt Jones had this to say about the tour, "A few months back, we spent a night drinking with the guys in Airbourne, and we discussed playing some shows together then – a tour that would make a statement about the music we both love.

"Well, we're delighted that all that late-night, beer-fuelled conversation has turned into a reality! And we'll have our new album released by then, so we'll have more songs to choose our set from. It's gonna be a tour not to be missed!"

Prior to the Airbourne tour, The Treatment will be performing at the 'Rock Im Wald' festival in Germany on July 27th. more on this story

Led Zeppelin Photographer Neal Preston Featured Guest on Wikimetal

This week's episode of Wikimetal features an exclusive interview with noted Led Zeppelin photographer Neal Preston. The show sent over these details about the interview:

Preston told us about how he became the photographer for Led Zeppelin and how it is to work with other great figures of Rock, like The Who or Queen.

Preston also tells us which band has trashed most hotel rooms: The Who or Led Zeppelin. You can listen to the full episode here or skip directly to the interview portion here.