Live-Metal.Net - Keeping Real Music Alive

BEHEMOTH: Live Album Details Revealed

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:12:09 -0400

Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH will release their first live album, "At the Arena ov Aion – Live Apostasy", in October 2008 via Regain Records. The CD will be available as digibook (15 tracks) and metalbox (inclung a patch, a guitar pic and bonus songs).

"At the Arena ov Aion – Live Apostasy" (see cover artwork below) track listing:

01. Rome 64 e.v
02. Slaying The Prophets Ov Isa
03. Antichristian Phenomenon
04. Demigod
05. From The Pagan Vastlands
06. Conquer All
07. Prometherion
08. Drum Solo
09. Slaves Shall Serve
10. As Above So Low
11. At The Left Hand Ov God
12. Summoning Ov The Ancient Ones
13. Christgrinding Avenue
14. Christians To The Lions
15. Sculpting The Throne Ov Death
16. Decade Of Therion
17. Chant For Ezkaton 2000 e.v
18. I Got Erection
19. Pure Evil & Hate

KISS: Teams Up With Vans For Skate Shoes

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:56:28 -0400

Vans, the original skate shoe company, and legendary rock band KISS have announced the Vans x KISS Sk8-Hi shoe and t-shirt package! The first offering in the Vans x KISS series commemorates the 30th anniversary of KISS' groundbreaking solo albums: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley. Released on September 18, 1978, the solo albums represented the first time ever that all the members of a band released solo works on the same day. Coincidentally, the Vans Sk8-Hi, one of the Vans' earliest skate shows, debuted the very same year. Available in late fall, the Vans Sk8-Hi and t-shirt will be sold separately at better footwear stores and boutiques worldwide as well as on Vans.com. Look for additional collaborations created by Vans and KISS in 2009.

OPIATE FOR THE MASSES: Drummer Added To Rock Against Diabetes Line-Up

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:32:31 -0400

OPIATE FOR THE MASSES drummer Seven Antonopoulos has thrown his services into the hat to take part as one of the drummers in the amazing All Star Band that has been put together over the past few months by GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Bumblefoot (Ron Thal). Seven was approached by the newest sponsors of Rock Against Diabetes - Las Vegas Dirtbag Apparel and Entertainment and was immediately up for the gig.

Antonopoulos will bring a savage assault on the drums, where a definite heavier edge will be brought to the All Star Band allowing for some very memorable moments to take place. Joining the All Star Band will be a myriad of exceptional muscians including Lez Warner (THE CULT), Rafael Moreira (PINK, PAUL STANLEY, MAGNETICO), Nate Morton (Paul Stanley, HANNAH MONTANA), Constantine Maroulis (American Idol), Francesco DiCosmo (THIN LIZZY) and more!

Dirtbag Music and Vegas Fuel have announced KICKING K8 to the Rock Against Diabetes lineup as well as Illinois band DOGS DIVINE whom are currently on tour with L.A. GUNS and FASTER PUSSYCAT.

The bands participating in the 2 day Rock Against Diabetes event are: STARVING FOR GRAVITY, KICKING K8, DOGS DIVINE, MAGNETICO, KARNEVAL (featuring Dario Lorina), LEATHERWOLF, LA Guns, Y&T, Bumblefoot of Guns N Roses and his All Star Band. The event will be hosted by Big Brother 8 winner the Notorious Evel Dick Donato and Penthouse Pet of the Year 2008, Erica Ellyson.

There will be tons of live auctions, raffles and giveaways, autograph sessions and more during the 2 days.

BRET MICHAELS: Second Single From New Album Announced

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:30:26 -0400

The second single from BRET MICHAELS' latest release, Rock My World is Fallen. THe song is a poignant ballad professing true love with a simple, yet beautiful melody. In advance of being worked at radio, VH1 will begin airing the video on Monday, August 25, 2008. "'Fallen' is a timeless song that will find a home in pop, rock and country," according to a press release.

The first single from Rock My World, 'Go That Far',"ended its run on the VH1 Top Twenty Countdown at Number #7, spending 12 weeks on the Top 20.

See Bret perform with his solo band at the sure to be legendary Rock the Bayou Festival on Monday, September 1.

IN FLAMES, ALL THAT REMAINS: Tour Dates Released

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:51:44 -0400

IN FLAMES will hit the road with ALL THAT REMAINS, GOJIRA, and 36 CRAZYFISTS for the following North American tour dates:

November 6 - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
November 7 - Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
November 8 - Detroit, MI @ Emerald Theater
November 10 - Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
November 12 - Minneapolis, MN @ Myth
November 14 - Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall
November 15 - Edmonton, AB @ Events Center
November 17 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore
November 18 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo
November 19 - Portland, OR @ Roseland
November 21 - San Francisco, CA @ Warfield
November 22 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Nokia Club
November 23 - Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
November 24 - Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
November 25 - Albuquerque, NM @ Midnight Rodeo
November 26 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore
November 28 - Dallas, TX @ Palladium
November 29 - Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa
November 30 - Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
December 2 - Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
December 3 - Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
December 4 - Norfolk, VA @ The Norva
December 5 - Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
December 6 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium
December 7 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5
December 9 - St.Louis, MO @ Pageant
December 10 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

GENE SIMMONS: The "Family Jewels" Complete Season 3 Box Set Due November 18th

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:28:11 -0400

GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels - The Complete Season 3 box set is set for release on November 18th.

Clocking in at 600 minutes, all 26 episodes from Season 3 of the hit A&E program are included on this 4 disc set. Retail Price: $34.95 (US$).

SCARS ON BROADWAY: North American Tour Dates Announced

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:40:36 -0400

Dates and venues are announced today for Scars on Broadway's first-ever North American headline tour. Guitarist/vocalist Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan will be joined by guitarist Franky Perez, keyboardist Danny Shamoun and bassist Dominic Cifarelli on the six-week, cross-country trek which kicks off Sunday, October 19 in Atlanta, taking the band into late November. The tour is in support of Scars' self-titled debut which was released July 29 (Interscope).

For information regarding the purchase of tickets, log onto www.scarsonbroadway.com

With more dates to be announced, Scars on Broadway's North American Fall Tour is as follows:

OCTOBER
19 Masquerade, Atlanta, GA
20 House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC
22 TLA, Philadelphia, PA
23 Ram's Head Live, Baltimore, MD
25 The Fillmore, New York, NY
26 Paradise, Boston, MA
28 Le Medley, Montreal, QC CANADA
29 Phoenix, Toronto, ONT CANADA
31 St. Andrews, Detroit, MI

NOVEMBER
1 Metro, Chicago, IL
2 The Eagles Club, Milwaukee, WI
4 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
5 Beaumont, Kansas City, MO
7 Ogden, Denver, CO
8 Murray Theatre, Salt Lake City, UT
11 Edmonton Events Center, Edmonton, AB CANADA
12 MacEwan Ballroom, Calgary, AB CANADA
14 Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC CANADA
15 Showbox SODO, Seattle, WA
16 Roseland, Portland, OR
22 Marquee, Phoenix, AZ
24 White Rabbit, San Antonio, TX
25 Emo's, Austin, TX
26 House of Blues, Houston, TX

(more dates TBA)

REVOLTING COCKS: "SEX-O OLYMPIC-O" To Receive 2009 Release

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:40:00 -0400

Revolting Cocks (RevCo) founding member Alien Jourgensen is clearing up, once and for all, the rumors surrounding RevCo's future. "Much like Menudo does or the Blue Man Group, I was going to hand the band over to this younger generation of RevCo's, to Sin [Quirin/guitars], Josh [Bradford/vocals] and Clayton [Worbeck/keyboards], kind of franchise it out. I think that these three knuckleheads capture the true essence and spirit of being 'a Revolting Cock,' if you will. But, this album turned out so damned good, I think I'm going to stick around for a while.

"This is the best RevCo album I've ever done," Al continued. "As a matter of fact, I think this is the best album - including Ministry, Pailhead, Lard - anything I've ever done, period. Production-wise, song-wise, I'm really, really happy with this record. It's the first CD I've ever gotten back from the mastering studio that I didn't have anything to bitch about. No complaints. I listened to the whole thing and just went, 'OK, that's a wrap. Let's go'!"

Now that "Sex-O Olympic-O" is in the can, Jourgensen and his "knuckleheads" plan to begin tracking yet another RevCo release in September at Jourgensen's 13th Planet Studios in El Paso, TX. As he did with "Sex-O," Jourgensen will produce this next release as well as be involved in writing and playing on the album. RevCo will then initiate rehearsals for the upcoming RevCo World Tour, scheduled to begin in April 2009. While Jourgensen won't claim a bunk on RevCo's tour bus for the duration of the trek, he does plan to perform with the band on a few choice dates.

States Bradford, "The challenge will be coming up with a name for the RevCo tour, since Al already took all of the RevCo-appropriate tour names such as CliTour, Sphinctour, FornicaTour, and MasterBaTouR for Ministry. We'll probably have a contest on the RevCo MySpace site and ask the fans."

In addition to working with Jourgensen in the studio on his sophomore release with the RevCo project, Bradford is busy producing RevCo TV, a direct-to-internet, weekly YouTube TV broadcast to be implemented in the Fall. RevCo TV will feature new RevCo trax, in-studio footage and will parlay all the RevCo antics as the band records and prepares for its World Tour.

"Sex-O Olympic-O" retains the unmistakable RevCo industrial-dance-metal sound, and sees Quirin, Bradford and Worbeck let first-wave glam rock seep into their already rich sound. Case in point, the soon-to-be quirky anthem (and first single from the album), "I'm Not Gay," which debuted on Ministry's 2008 C U LaTouR" live shows and is now a solid staple on MySpace and Facebook homepages around the world.

Tracks such as "Hookerbot 3000" and "The Red Parrot" show evidence that RevCo's affection for frequenting strip clubs has certainly rubbed off on them musically, as many of the songs sound like a custom-made soundtrack for strippers worldwide to strut their stuff to. But if you dig deep into the lyrics, you'll be afforded a direct look into the warped and twisted mind of Bradford. "Josh recorded a lot of these vocals in his apartment, really thin walls with no soundproofing," points out Worbeck. "He was tracking in the middle of the night with headphones on, yelling at the top of his lungs these bizarre phrases that are in the song. If you think about it, his neighbors weren't hearing music, all they were hearing was him yelling these strange lyrics. His neighbors must think he's insane."

VELVET REVOLVER: Settles Plagiarism Claim Out Of Court

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:37:08 -0400

Tony Newton, the bass player and chief songwriter of UK rock band VOODOO SIX, has been awarded a share of VELVET REVOLVER's song "Dirty Little Thing", which appeared on VR's debut album "Contraband". Following a claim brought by Newton's publishers Universal Music, VELVET REVOLVER has now signed over 20% of all royalties on the record since its release on the album in 2004 and as a U.S. single in 2005. The claim alleged that the melody and core guitar riff from the VELVET REVOLVER track was an unmistakable copy of Newton's track "Cyber Babe", which was released in 1999 on the album "Real World" by Newton's former band DIRTY DEEDS. The agreement between the parties covers all commercial uses of the record including live performances and video plays as well as digital and physical album and single sales worldwide.

"It was all a bit surreal, really," stated Tony Newton. "A couple of years back, a mate of mine in L.A. called me to say he'd heard what he thought was my song on the radio, and that he had been a bit shocked when he realized it was VELVET REVOLVER. When I checked it out myself, I genuinely couldn't believe it, because it wasn't as if it was close... it was basically the same riff. Anyway, I called my publishers to check whether they knew anything — which, of course, they didn't — and then basically left it with them. I never really expected to hear any more about it and was as surprised as anyone when I heard that Universal had settled with VELVET REVOLVER."

30 SECONDS TO MARS: Jared Leto Says $30 Million Lawsuit Against Band Is 'Ridiculously Overblown'

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:31:22 -0400

Virgin Records filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, seeking damages in excess of $30 million from one of the biggest bands on their roster, the Jared Leto-led 30 Seconds to Mars.

According to the suit, Virgin claims Leto and his brother, Shannon, failed to produce three of the five records the band was obligated to deliver under its 1999 contract, which it entered into with the now-defunct Immortal Records. In 2004, Virgin took over that contract, which the Letos later "repudiated," claiming that they were "excused from such performance from and after July 4, 2008, pursuant to California Labor Code Sec. 2855 (a)." That law mandates that a contract "may not be enforced against the employee beyond seven years from the commencement of service under it."

"EMI's relationship with [30 Seconds to Mars] has been extremely rewarding and successful for both the band and the company," the label said in a statement. "The hard work of EMI's global team and of the band has resulted in sales of 3 million albums and singles, multiple awards and a growing, global fanbase. However, we have been forced to take procedural, legal steps in order to protect EMI's investment and rights during contract renegotiations initiated by the band and management. We hope to resolve these matters amicably and put them behind us so we can continue working in partnership with the band to take them to even greater levels of success."

Leto took to the band's Web site over the weekend to respond to some of the claims set forth in the suit and to dismiss rumors that the band had called it quits. In late July, Mars' manager told MTV News that they'd soon be entering the studio to begin tracking the follow-up to 2005's A Beautiful Lie.

Leto, who referred to Virgin as the band's "former record company," called the suit "ridiculously overblown," "insane" and "totally unrealistic" before giving the band's fans his own account of the situation.

"We had been signed to our record contract for nine years," he wrote. "Basically, under California law, where we live and signed our deal, one cannot be bound to a contract for more than seven years. This is widely known by all the record companies and has been for years. In fact, so aware of it are they that they desperately try to make deals outside of California whenever possible. It is a law that protects people from lengthy, unfair, career-spanning contracts. This law also gave us the legal right to explore other possible opportunities."

Leto said the band wasn't being sued for not delivering music. "We have been sued by the corporation quite simply because roughly 45 days ago, we exercised our legal right to terminate our old, out-of-date contract, which, according to the law is null and void," he said. "We terminated for a number of reasons, which we won't go into here."

Leto further claims that the band has sold more than 2 million records, but that 30 Seconds to Mars hasn't been paid any royalties, and that, according to the label, "we are still $1.4 million dollars in debt" and that "the next record we make will be used to pay off that old supposed debt."

He also said that several EMI employees the band had been working with were laid-off, "[so] we have lost many of the people that were near and dear to us at Virgin/EMI and crucial to the success of 30 Seconds to Mars. A few of the great ones are still there, but it is hardly the same company we have known."

He blasted the label for going public with the suit, and for forcing him to go on the defense. "We did not want to take this public, but we felt it best to explain our point of view to you, our friends and fans, in hope that you can better understand our point of view," he wrote. "We would always do our best to avoid a fight, but sometimes it's important to stand up for what you believe in. We hope that by doing what's right, we can help to change things for the better, for ourselves and possibly others."

METALLICA: New Single To Receive Exclusive Radio Premiere This Thursday

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:43:44 -0400

METALLICA's new single, "The Day That Never Comes", will be premiered exclusively on Zane Lowe's show on BBC Radio 1 this Thursday, August 21 between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. UK time.

To listen to the program live via the Internet, go to this location >

AEROSMITH: To Enter Studio In October

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:42:02 -0400

According to The Boston Globe, legendary rockers AEROSMITH are heading back to the studio in October and will hit the road next spring. In the meantime, drummer Joey Kramer is staying busy with bluesman James Montgomery, playing dates as the KRAMER/MONTGOMERY BAND. "James has been around as long as we have, and we've always talked about playing together," Kramer told The Boston Globe. "He had a few dates and wondered if I'd be into it. I said, 'Sure.'" The gigs are September 12 at the Roxy and September 13 at the Academy of Music in Northampton.

TESLA: New Single Available For Streaming

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:46:19 -0400

The new TESLA single entitled "I Wanna Live" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's seventh studio album, "Forever More" (see cover art below), which is set for release October 7 on Tesla Electric Company Recordings (in partnership with Ryko Distribution).

For "Forever More", TESLA reunited with producer Terry Thomas, who was behind the boards for the band's 1994 gold-certified "Bust A Nut" album, and engineered by Michael Rosen who worked with TESLA on "Into The Now".

The band's world tour will kick off October 1 in Salt Lake City with more dates announced in the coming weeks.

ALICE COOPER Completes Work On New Video/Movie

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:44:52 -0400

ALICE COOPER guitarist Keri Kelli has issued the following update:

"The new ALICE COOPER video/movie for 'Feminine Side'/'Killed By Love'/'Vengeance' is almost complete. The rough cut I watched was absolutely killer and the master edit should be out shortly. Much kudos to Piggy D. and Gabrielle Geiselman for their great work and vision.

"August 31st, Chuck Garric [ALICE COOPER bassist] and I, along with friends Jani Lane (WARRANT), A. Jay Popoff (LIT) and Chad Stewart (FASTER PUSSYCAT) will be playing at the VIP after-show party located at the Meridian Theatre in Houston, TX. We'll be performing as 'THE ARROGANT BASTARDS'. More info on this special event can be found at www.rockthebayou.com."

ALICE COOPER's new album, "Along Came A Spider", sold just under 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 53 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Co-produced by Danny Saber, Greg Hampton and Alice himself, "Along Came A Spider" manages to marry both vintage and modern-day Alice. As theatrical as ever, the album is a sonic combination of familiar Alice musical elements from albums as diverse as "Billion Dollar Babies" and "Brutal Planet", with the storytelling of "Welcome To My Nightmare", capturing the historic dark side of Alice in peak form, an instantly recognizable presence that will be welcomed by his fans. Joining Alice on the album are members of his touring band — longtime Alice drummer Eric Singer, bassist Chuck Garric, and guitarists Keri Kelli and Jason Hook, with additional contributions from others, including Saber, Hampton, and renowned backing vocalist Bernard Fowler. Slash also lends some guitar style to "Vengeance Is Mine".

ZZ TOP: Preparing 15 New Songs For New Album

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:10:48 -0400

The following story is courtesy of Gary Graff from Billboard.com:

Though it's on the road until early November, ZZ TOP is gearing up for its next album - its first with producer Rick Rubin under a new deal with Rubin's Columbia-distributed American Recordings imprint.

"All I can say at this point this a new venture between the two of us," guitarist Billy F. Gibbons tells Billboard.com. "I've known Rick for 20 years and we've waited for this opportunity for a double decade. I've not sat down with him pointedly to get down to business just yet, but I feel very comfortable working within the framework that he envisions. He's got a good feel on the pulse, and I'm very interested in what he might have in mind."

Gibbons says that Rubin has forwarded one idea -- hooking ZZ Top up with the Black Keys for some writing and possibly recording. "I'm such a big fan of those guys ... it makes total sense," says Gibbons, who first checked out the band during a fall 2005 show at New York's Irving Plaza. "And that's pretty down and dirty, which is good for ZZ Top."

There is some new material around already, from a 15-day studio session Gibbons did in May with a couple of engineers, during which he says he "managed to squeeze out 15 tunes.

"It was just me kickin' back and having a good time," Gibbons recalls. "We did everything from a black church gospel ballad to updated versions of 'Rollin' and Tumblin',' did some Jimmy Reed take-off things, just keeping that bluesy thread throughout. I think that as long as we maintain that blues tradition, the material takes on an identity that's easily digestible, at least in terms of what our fans have asked for."

Motley Crue’s “Mutherf*cker of the Year” Vid Leak

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:17:31 -0400

Blender.com are exclusively premiering MOTLEY CRUE’s live video for Mutherf*cker of the Year, the second single off Saints Of Los Angeles, the band’s first studio album over a decade. The video was shot over the course of this summer’s inaugural Crüe Fest, which wraps up later this month.

DIMMU BORGIR: Frontman's Wedding To Be Attended By NICOLAS CAGE, JIM CARREY

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:15:29 -0400

Actress and philanthropic fashion designer Christina Fulton has announced her engagement to Stian Thoresen, also known as Shagrath, frontman for the Norwegian black metal band DIMMU BORGIR. The couple will wed in a private sunset ceremony on September 20, 2008, at the world-renowned Prekestolen in Norway.

"Fate brought the two together. It's absolute romance in its purest form, a fairy tale of a king and queen," said Fulton's son, Weston Coppola Cage, who will be giving away the bride. Cage's father, actor Nicolas Cage, will attend the ceremony, along with celebrity participants Rob Zombie, Jim Carrey, Patricia Arquette, and Marla Maples.

Christina Fulton, Stian Thoresen, and Weston Coppola Cage are currently in Sweden where Cage is recording the debut album of his black metal band EYES OF NOCTUM at Studio Fredman with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL). Norwegian drummer Hellhammer (MAYHEM, DIMMU BORGIR) and Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (THERION, DREAM EVIL, KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI, NOTRE DAME) have recorded guest appearances on the CD, which will be released through Morbid Rose Records, a label managed by Fulton.

Following their honeymoon, Fulton will return to Los Angeles to resume work on her reality show for Tijuana Productions and to preview the latest collection in her FULCAGE clothing line at MAGIC Marketplace. Weston Coppola Cage will play a lead role opposite his father, Nicolas Cage, in the feature film "Scared Straight", currently in pre-production. Thoresen will tour the U.S. this autumn alongside DANZIG on the "Blackest of the Black" tour. The release of DIMMU BORGIR's new three-disc DVD, "Invaluable Darkness", is expected this October. Recently, Norway's CHROME DIVISION, which features Shagrath on guitar, released their second album, "Booze, Broads and Beezlebub", to rave reviews.

Thoresen and Fulton met four months ago through one of the singer's associates. According to the couple, it was love at first sight.

Fulton is best known for her role as "Nico", the lead singer of the VELVET UNDERGROUND in Oliver Stone's "The Doors". She has appeared in over 17 films, including Brian De Palma's "Snake Eyes", Abel Ferrara's "Dangerous Games" and the independent film "Lucinda's Spell", which earned her an award at Slamdance.

Fulton made her directorial debut with the premiere of the documentary film "When Giants Collide", which received overwhelming critical acclaim for its depiction of wrestlers and the sport of wrestling.

SEBASTIAN BACH: Sets Out To ROCK THE MANSION

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:16:05 -0400

Get ready for the bash of the year and make personal history when you attend ROCK THE MASNION @ The Playboy Mansion. Come play rockstar at this year’s themed event with auction to benefit Little Kids Rock.

Men and women here’s your chance to play rockstar and groupie as you hang at the most famous Mansion. It will be a true Rockstar Mecca with Playmates dressed as naughty school girls, free open bar all night, amazing buffet, strippers in the main rock room, the world famous grotto and tours of the Mansion grounds. All this and more can be had while dancing to the best rock and metal bought to you by Metal DJ Will of KNAC.com.

Later in the night multi-platinum singer SEBASTIAN BACH will rock your ass off performing his hit singles "18 and Life", "I Remember You", and "Youth Gone Wild" to name a few. Stick around as you never know which A-list rockstars you will rub elbows with.

To buy these tickets go to www.rockthemansion.com or go to www.laweekly.com and try to win a pair now! The tickets get you free booze and food, a private concert; access to (2) two other parties that weekend, Mansion tours, after party and more!

STATIC-X: Frontman's Wife Quits Porn To Pursue 'More Normal Life'

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:02:47 -0400

AVN.com reports that Tera Wray, wife of STATIC-X singer Wayne Static and 2008 AVN Best New Starlet nominee, has ended her porn career. In a statement issued through her attorney, Wray said that after much soul-searching and deliberation, she decided to quit porn and pursue "a more normal life."

"I have had a great time working with Pleasure Productions and especially Matt Zane," she said. "Without my fans, I would have never had the career that I have had. They have always been behind me and I will always remember meeting them at AVN."

21-year-old Wray was a Hooters girl before getting into porn. She appeared in 22 movies, including Matt Zane's series "Tattooed and Tight", "Punkd Ur Ass" and "Radium".

Wray married Static in January during the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas.

WES BORLAND Joins MARILYN MANSON

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:01:38 -0400

Former LIMP BIZKIT/current BLACK LIGHT BURNS member Wes Borland has joined MARILYN MANSON as the group's new guitarist. The news was announced by Manson himself at a press conference earlier today ahead of his band's appearance tomorrow (Friday, August 15) at the ETP festival in Seoul, Korea.

Manson said, "We have a new guitar player that's gonna play for the first time tomorrow; it's the first time we'll play on stage [together]. His name is Wes Borland and he used to be in a really terrible band that he left because he felt that it was a destructive force in art, and he has his own band, BLACK LIGHT BURNS, but now he is in MARILYN MANSON. We don't know how permanent that is, but starting tomorrow will be the first step. So this will be the most indestructible MARILYN MANSON."

Watch a clip of Manson talking about Wes Borland joining the band below. (Note: Borland's name is mentioned around the 2:40 mark.)

MARILYN MANSON is in the middle of recording a new album, which is expected to be released sometime next year.

Manson's longtime bassist, Twiggy Ramirez, toured with Manson earlier this year for the first time since 2002. The two co-wrote "Antichrist Superstar", "Mechanical Animals" and "Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)" together and Manson told The Salt Lake Tribune this past spring that he couldn't be happier about Ramirez returning.

"I missed having my best friend," Manson said. "We were like brothers."

Guns N’ Roses: “Shackler’s Revenge” Hits the Web

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:21:17 -0400

After a mess of leaked GNR tracks popped up a few months back, another new cut has apparently popped up online. “Shackler’s Revenge” (which was supposed to have its premiere on the upcoming sequel to the video game “Rock Band”) opens with a deep-voiced Axl gradually building towards his characteristic yowl, and features guitar noodling that is very likely the work of the man called Buckethead.

The song’s low crunch sticks with the album’s long-stated industrial leanings, and again, layers upon layers of Axls create a particular sort of demented choir.

We’re getting thirsty for some Dr. Pepper.

GODHEAD: New Single Sample Available

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:59:21 -0400

Los Angeles hard rock act GODHEAD has posted a sample of its new single, "Stay Back!", on the band's MySpace page. The track comes of the group's new album, "At the Edge of the World", which is scheduled for release on October 7 via Driven Music Group. According to the band, the CD will feature 12 brand new GODHEAD tracks plus four bonus remixes.

TWISTED SISTER: Dee Snider Confirms 'Twisted Christmas

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:49:13 -0400

TWISTED SISTER singer Dee Snider has confirmed rumors that the group's "A Twisted Christmas" concept will make its way to Broadway. Speaking to Ralph Sutton of the nationally syndicated rock radio show "The Tour Bus", Snider revealed, "I have turned 'A Twisted Christmas', the album, into a musical, and in 2009 there will be a new TWISTED SISTER album, which will be a companion piece to go with the existing 'A Twisted Christmas' album. It's gonna be old-school metal songs that are an addition to the show. So 'The Twisted Christmas – A Musical' is a combination of the Christmas album, the new album, which will have new metal songs on it and the best of TWISTED SISTER throughout history. And when you hear more about it, you're gonna love the idea. The people that are hearing about it get pretty stoked. So it's early on, but I've finished the script and now it's time, we're gonna start working on a new album, new songs, so it's the first time for TWISTED SISTER in a very long time… I haven't written since 19… Man, '98 was the last time I wrote a song, and that was for the 'Strangeland' soundtrack. It sort of came out of left field, but we're all very fired up. When you hear the concept… everybody who hears it just smiles ear to ear and goes, 'Man, that's awesome.'"

He continued, "It's either gonna be called 'A Twisted Christmas…' or 'THE Twisted Christmas – A Musical'. It tells a story, but it's very much a concert event. But there's a storyline going on between. The show is about 20 songs. The band are the only actors. There is a narrator, I will tell you that much, who fills in the spaces — he's on video screen — and he tells — ala 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', to be honest — he helps move the story along and tell the story. If you saw 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch', off Broadway, [a band] performs and then in between there is interaction, which further moves the story along. So it's pretty involved. It's a unique combination of things that have been done before and haven't been done before. And the goal, really — 'cause we're not playing ourselves, we're playing a fictitious band in the musical — eventually is to, like the BLUE MAN GROUP, have a whole bunch of casts out there during the holiday season performing the show. So that's the ultimate goal. So it's in development, but it's well on its way. Like I said, I finished the script, everybody loves it, and now I'm sinking my teeth into writing the album which we'll start recording in January/February for release in 2009."

NIKKI SIXX's Ex-Wife Selling Wedding Dress; Keys Once Owned By MÖTLEY CRÜE Bassist

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:50:35 -0400

MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx's ex-wife, former "Baywatch" babe Donna D'Errico, is selling a number of personal items via eBay, including her wedding dress; keys and personalized key ring once owned by Sixx; trinket box with 11 picks owned by Sixx; a D'Errico/Sixx chrome hearts bracelet; and a D'Errico/Sixx Tibetan hand bell and photo.

For more information and to place a bid, go to this location >

DUFF MCKAGAN's LOADED: EP Title Announced

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:25:01 -0400

LOADED, the band formed by current VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan (on guitar and vocals) after he left GUNS N' ROSES, will release a five-song EP entitled "Wasted Heart" in September via Century Media Records. A new full-length album will follow in early 2009. The sessions with producer Martin Feveyear are progressing well and they band already has several new tracks ready — "Roll Away", "Forgive Me", "Sick", "No More", "Southern Girl", "No Shame" and "Translucent".

Commented McKagan: "We are truly looking forward to this partnership with Century Media. I am encouraged that they indeed understand the spirit and integrity of LOADED. This first EP should shed some light on who we are, what we do and how the fuck we do it!"

A new LOADED song entitled "No More" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

HANK WILLIAMS III: 'Damn Right Rebel Proud' To Get October 2008 Release

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:14:06 -0400

Hank Williams III (ASSJACK, SUPERJOINT RITUAL, ARSON ANTHEM) will release his sixth album, "Damn Right Rebel Proud", on October 21 via Sidewalk Records. According to a press release, the CD is "filled with a self-described 'Jekyll and Hyde' mix of disturbingly dark stuff and 'good ol' country.'"

The first single is the mutated truckers' tune "Long Hauls & Close Calls", for which a video has been shot. III thinks of it as the album's "crossover" track, explaining that "It's got a little bit of the scream for the kids in black and a little bit of the banjo and dobro for the country folks."

"Damn Right Rebel Proud" follows the fierce and edgy "Straight to Hell" (2006), which broke all the rules of country music while still managing to honor its traditions. "That was a big one for me, man," III says of "Straight to Hell". "Rock kids that don't listen to country understood it. That record really had an impact."

Recorded in Hank III's east Tennessee home with friends over a two-week period, the album's magnum opus is the 10-minute, shitkickin' symphony in three movements "P.F.F." (you can guess what it stands for), which he describes as "a high-energy, get-drunk singalong." He dedicates it to archetypal shock rocker G.G. Allin (certainly a first on a Nashville album), who III understandably views as a spiritual brother in chaos. "The hobo kids, the train-hopping kids, they all love Hank Williams and G.G. Allin," he points out. "And they've bled into our audience." III's crowd is a roiling mix of outsider subcultures, along with working folks and party-down college kids. "Most of the time everybody's gettin' along," he says. "Most of the trouble we've had has been with the security, not the kids. I'm still tryin' to keep one half happy and the other half satisfied by flip-floppin' the shows” between stone country, punk and metal sets. "We're just doin' what we're doin', and people see the realness in that."

For more information, visit www.hank3.com.

DUFF MCKAGAN's LOADED: New Song Posted Online

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:17:22 -0400

LOADED, the band formed by current VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan (on guitar and vocals) after he left GUNS N' ROSES, has posted a new song entitled "No More" on its MySpace page.

LOADED will release a new album early next year via Century Media. A five-song EP will precede it in September.

"These are purely my songs," McKagan told Billboard.com. "It's probably more derivative of my earlier years of punk rock. It's a good rock 'n' roll band. It's fun, is what it is. There's no real business and no real drama. I'm really into no drama right now," he adds, noting Scott Weiland's recent rancorous departure from VELVET REVOLVER.

LOADED recently posted the third webisode (see below) featuring footage from the recording sessions for the group's new album. The sessions with producer Martin Feveyear are progressing well and they band already has several new tracks ready — "Roll Away", "Forgive Me", "Sick", "No More", "Southern Girl", "No Shame" and "Translucent".

In addition to McKagan, LOADED features drummer Geoff Reading (GREEN APPLE QUICK STEP), bassist Jeff Rouse (VENDETTA RED, ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATE) and guitarist Mike Squires (ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATE).

LOADED will embark on a European tour in September. Support on the UK/Ireland portion of the trek will come from THE LOYALTIES.

LOADED was formed in 1999 and has morphed several times, releasing two albums: 1999's "Live Episode" and 2001's "Dark Days".

CLUTCH: New Album Streaming Online

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:05:12 -0400

Maryland rockers CLUTCH release their new live DVD and CD Full Fathom Five on their own label, Weathermaker Music, today (August 12th).

All tracks from the CD are currently streaming at this location >

STAIND: Entire New Album Available For Streaming

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:01:32 -0400

STAIND's new album, "The Illusion of Progress", is available for streaming in its entirety at The Fight Network.

Due on August 19 via Atlantic Records, "The Illusion of Progress" was described by guitarist Mike Mushok as "a very different record for us, but better different." Vocalist Aaron Lewis added that it's "probably the most musical record we've made yet."

STAIND will release a special edition of the new CD featuring three bonus tracks and a one-year membership to the group's fan club. The band is also allowing fans to pre-order the album via their cell phones with a new mobile Amazon.com promotion.

"The Illusion of Progress" is the follow-up to 2005's "Chapter V", which has sold just under one million copies in the U.S.

STAIND is in the middle of a U.S. tour with 3 DOORS DOWN and HINDER; international dates with NICKELBACK are scheduled for September.

VELVET REVOLVER: Lenny Kravitz Dismisses Rumors He Has Joined The Band

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:00:35 -0400

Lenny Kravitz has shot down as false Internet reports that he is set to become the new singer of VELVET REVOLVER. The singer told RollingStone.com, "I know and love the VELVET REVOLVER guys but there is no truth to the story about me joining their band."

The UK's The Sun claimed that Kravitz was "spotted" in the studio with the now-singer-less VELVET REVOLVER and a quoted a "source" as saying, "VELVET REVOLVER's new album will draw heavily on their messy split with [former singer] Scott [Weiland]. The band wanted a big name who could easily hold his own and reckon Lenny is just the man for the job."

VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan told Billboard.com last week that the band has not decided on a new lead singer yet, and reports that former SPACEHOG vocalist Royston Langdon had all but nailed the job are premature. McKagan confirmed that the group did audition Langdon, saying he's "fucking awesome," but adding that "at this point I'd have to say no" to Langdon getting the gig. McKagan explained, "We just have to make sure it's the right guy. Karmically, we deserve the right guy. It's a tough thing, man. We make a pretty big noise."

MICHALE GRAVES: Tour Dates Announced

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:29:50 -0400

Former Misfits frontman Michale Graves will launch an acoustic tour in support of his upcoming new live album on October 21st titled "Illusions Live 2008/Viretta Park." More tour dates are to be announced in the coming days via MySpace. (http://www.myspace.com/gravesmichale)

Tour Dates:

Aug 16 2008 - THE JUNKYARD - Rochelle Park, NJ

Aug 21 2008 - NORTHERN LIGHTS - Clifton Park, NY

Sep 6 2008 - School of Rock - South Hackensack, NY

Sep 11 2008 - CAFE 9 - New Haven, CT (Tickets available through www.inticketing.com)

Sep 12 2008 - THE HAUNT - Yonkers, NY (Tickets available through Ticketmaster.com)

Sep 13 2008 - BELMAR FIRE HALL - Belmar, NJ

Sep 17 2008 - COFFEE EAST - Easton, MD (Tickets available through www.annapolistickets.com)

Sep 18 2008 - Green Acres Flea Market - Louisville, TN

Sep 19 2008 - CLUB ECHO - Huntington, WV

Sep 20 2008 - LUCKY DEVIL - Wilmington, NC

Sep 21 2008 - ROCK SHOP - Fayetteville, NC

Sep 24 2008 - CHURCHILLS - Miami, FL

Sep 25 2008 - FRANKS FRONT ROW - Daytona, FL

Sep 26 2008 - AKA LOUNGE - Orlando, FL (Tickets available through Ticketmaster.com)

Sep 27 2008 - LUB BOURBON - New Port Richey, FL

Sep 28 2008 - PASTIMES PUB - Sarasota, FL

Sep 29 2008 - DOOZERS - Jacksonville, FL

Sep 30 2008 - ZYDECO - Birmingham, AL (Tickets available through www.ticketbiscuit.com)

Oct 1 2008 - BOBARINOS - Farmington, MI

Oct 2 2008 - JUANITA’S - Little Rock, AK

Oct 3 2008 - CHOPPERS - Spring, TX

Oct 5 2008 - ROCK BOTTOM - San Antonio, TX

Oct 6 2008 - 7 DAYS TAVERN - Laredo, TX

Oct 7 2008 - Cameron Park Pavillion - WACO, TX

Oct 9 2008 - JONI’S CLUB - Wichita, KA

Oct 10 2008 - FUSION AFFECT - Shawnee, OK (Tickets available through www.okctickets.com)

Oct 13 2008 - WOWIES - Gallup, NM

Oct 17 2008 - JUMPING TURTLE - San Marcos, CA

Oct 18 2008 - KNITTING FACTORY - Hollywood, CA (Tickets available through Ticketweb.com)

Oct 19 2008 - WHEEL HOUSE - Hemet, CA

Oct 21 2008 - Heroes Sport Lounge - Modesto, CA

Oct 23 2008 - MUSICHEAD - Medford, OR

Oct 24 2008 - ASH STREET - Portland, OR

Oct 25 2008 - The Bit Saloon - Seattle, WA

Oct 26 2008 - Rays Golden Lion - Richland, WA

Oct 27 2008 - BOUQUET - Boise, ID

Oct 28 2008 - Bar Deluxe - Salt Lake City, UT

Oct 29 2008 - 3 KINGS TAVERN - Denver, CO (Tickets available through www.holdmyticket.com)

Oct 31 2008 - NESTORS TAVERN - Fargo, ND

Nov 1 2008 - The Rock - Maplewood, MN

Nov 2 2008 - Buzzbomb - Chicago, IL (Tickets available through IndieTickets.com)

Nov 4 2008 - Perry Middle School - Indianapolis, IN

Nov 5 2008 - Mac’s Bar - Lansing, MI

Nov 8 2008 - Brewery - Penn State, PA

Nov 22 2008 - The Cup - Staten Island, NY

QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS: New Album Details Revealed

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:14:44 -0400

QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS will release their new album, "The Cosmos Rocks", in Europe on September 15 and the U.S./Canada on October 14 via EMI. A single, "C-lebrity", will precede the album on September 8.

"C-lebrity" was written and produced by Brian May, Paul Rodgers and Roger Taylor.

Many of QUEEN's best-known songs have been written in humor, and "C-lebrity" follows in this pattern; it is a comment on the celebrity-driven times in which we live where the myriad of reality-based TV shows are producing a generation of C-lebrities

The track received its first airing as an exclusive on TV's "Al Murray's Happy Hour", since when, according to Brian May, "we went back in and roughed up the studio version a bit. I think it gives a fair idea of the kind of energy on the album."

Commented drummer Roger Taylor: "'C-lebrity' is really a comment on the current concept of fame — success and all that goes with it. Getting your face on TV is enough — talent doesn't really enter into the equation. 'Celebrity' is an overused and devalued word today."

Vocalist Paul Rodgers added: "I see the song as Roger's take on the increasing emphasis on fame for its own sake. It's quite ironic that Andy Warhol's statement that everyone will have fifteen minutes of fame is becoming something of a reality, although it may be down to fifteen seconds in today's world of instant communication."

"The Cosmos Rocks" album, produced and performed by Brian May, Paul Rodgers and Roger Taylor, and written by QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS, featuring 13-all new songs, is out to coincide with the mid-September start of the European tour. It marks the first QUEEN album of new material since 1995.

"The Cosmos Rocks" track listing:

01. Cosmos Rockin'
02. Time To Shine
03. Still Burnin'
04. Small
05. Warboys
06. We Believe
07. Call Me
08. Voodoo
09. Some Things That Glitter
10. C-lebrity
11. Through The Night
12. Say It's Not True
13. Surf's Up . . . School's Out!
14. (small reprise)

A special edition CD/DVD featuring a bonus disc containing a recording of QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS at Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo on October 27, 2005 will also be made available.

The DVD track listing is as follows:

01. Reaching Out (Hill / Black)
02. Tie Your Mother Down (May)
03. Fat Bottomed Girls (May)
04. Another One Bites The Dust (Deacon)
05. Fire And Water (Rodgers / Fraser)
06. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Mercury)
07. Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) (May)
08. These Are The Days Of Our Lives (Queen)
09. Radio Ga Ga (Taylor)
10. Can't Get Enough (Ralphs)
11. I Was Born To Love You (Mercury)
12. All Right Now (Rodgers / Fraser)
13. We Will Rock You (May)
14. We Are The Champions (Mercury)
15. God Save The Queen (Trad. Arr. May)

LENNY KRAVITZ: Rumored To Be Rehearsing With VELVET REVOLVER

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:16:26 -0400

According to the UK's The Sun, Lenny Kravitz is the latest rocker to be rumored for the singer position in VELVET REVOLVER. Kravitz has supposedly been "spotted" in the studio with the band although there is virtually no evidence to suggest that he has been officially chosen to replace Scott Weiland, who left VELVET REVOLVER in April.

A source told The Sun: "VELVET REVOLVER's new album will draw heavily on their messy split with Scott. The band wanted a big name who could easily hold his own and reckon Lenny is just the man for the job."

VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan told Billboard.com last week that the band has not decided on a new lead singer yet, and reports that former SPACEHOG vocalist Royston Langdon had all but nailed the job are premature. McKagan confirmed that the group did audition Langdon, saying he's "fucking awesome," but adding that "at this point I'd have to say no" to Langdon getting the gig. McKagan explained, "We just have to make sure it's the right guy. Karmically, we deserve the right guy. It's a tough thing, man. We make a pretty big noise."

McKagan also said that Scott Weiland's angry public comments in the wake of his dismissal from the group last April has brought the remaining members of the band — McKagan, drummer Matt Sorum, and guitarists Slash and Dave Kushner — closer together.

Even without a singer in place, VELVET REVOLVER is working on material for its third studio album, with McKagan revealing, "We have a bunch of stuff finished. It's great. It's killer. We started getting really productive when a ton of drama started happening on the road. It was like our safe place to go to. Sometimes that's how you get some feelings out."

ANTHRAX: To Enter Studio In October

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:16:03 -0400

ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante has issued the following update:

"Lemme have an iced venti americano with six pumps of vanilla and leave room for cream. This has been repeated from my mouth daily throughout the summer; how do I say this in Japanese?

"I am going to Japan and Korea; I am psyched! I think everyone knows that Japan is one of my favorite places to play. If it was closer to the USA, I would move there. The people, the food, the way they package your scone (that sounds weird), the toys, the gear, the electronics, I could go on. It's an awesome place. This will be the first time playing there with Dan [Nelson, vocals] in the band, he is going to shit himself! I am very EXCITING!

"We will be playing a bit of everything, old and new and a surprise or two. Dan, Frank [Bello, bass] and Rob [Caggiano, guitar] have this great samurai sword dance that they will do at the start of the show, it's very Cirque du Soleil... oh shit, that was a surprise...DAMN!

"Korea will be a first for ANTHRAX; we have never played there before. I am looking forward to this. I know it's going to be a very big show, I am ready!

"We're entering the studio in October to start recording. We wanted a Halloween vibe. I wanna do my drum tracks dressed like Ringo."

ANTHRAX will make its first-ever appearance in Korea as the headliner of the 10th annual Dongducheon Rock Festival, set to take place August 14-17 in Dongducheon. ANTHRAX will perform at the event on August 17.

As previously reported, ANTHRAX has also scheduled a headlining show on August 15 at Club Citta in Kawasaki, Japan.

ANTHRAX utilized the services of bassist Joey Vera (ARMORED SAINT, FATES WARNING) for its appearance at the Heavy MTL festival on June 22, 2008 at the Heavy MTL festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. "Frankie [Bello, ANTHRAX's longtime bassist] wasn't able to make the Montreal gig due to a family obligation," the band's manager, Izvor Zivkovic of Split Media, told BLABBERMOUTH.NET in a June 20 statement. "Our old friend Joey is stepping in last minute and helping us out."

MICHALE GRAVES: Starring In 'Perkins 14' Movie, To Release 'Illusions Live 2008/Viretta Park" Record In October

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:58:21 -0400

Former MISFITS frontman Michale Graves recently got back from Romania where he guest-starred in the Massify/After Dark Films production "Perkins 14". Graves plays Eric Ross, the love interest of the lead female Daisy Hopper (Shayla Beesley), and is introduced in story while strumming an acoustic guitar and singing one of his new songs, "Blackbird".

"Perkins 14" is the first feature film developed entirely via the Internet. Craig Singer — whose "Dark Ride" made the first wave of After Dark's "8 Films to Die For" — directed and Lane Shadgett ("Luna Park", "All Lost Souls") wrote the screenplay based on a pitch by horror film fan Jeremy Donaldson. "An American Haunting"'s Chris Milburn and Matthew Kuipers are producing.

Look for Michale Graves' new live album, "Illusions Live 2008/Viretta Park", in stores October 21 on Screaming Crow Records.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Blackbird
02. Fiend Club
03. Almost Home
04. Beware
05. Gorch
06. Butchershop
07. Ophelia
08. Shining
09. Lucifer I am
10. Wormwood
11. Casket
12. You Awful Me
13. On Million Light Years From Her
14. Frost Bite
15. Nothing
16. Scream
17. Cry On Saturday Night

"Romania Demos"

18. Blackbird
19. The Best of Me
20. A Gerneration Coming Down
21. Locked Away
22. The Eternal Haunting
23. Virreta Park

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/gravesmichale.

TESLA: To Release 'For Forever More' on 10.7.2008

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:14:04 -0400

Multi-platinum rockers TESLA - Jeff Keith (vocals), Frank Hannon (guitars), Brian Wheat (bass), Troy Luccketta (drums) and Dave Rude (guitar) - are looking well into the future with their seventh studio album, Forever More, set for release October 7th on Tesla Electric Company Recordings (in partnership with Ryko Distribution).

'I Wanna Live', the new album’s first single, is being serviced to radio stations nationwide on August 18th. The band’s world tour will kick off October 1st in Salt Lake City with more dates announced in the coming weeks.

For Forever More, Tesla reunited with producer Terry Thomas, who was behind the boards for the band’s 1994 Gold-certified Bust A Nut album, and engineered by Michael Rosen who worked with Tesla on Into The Now.

Guitarist Frank Hannon explains, “We started writing new songs for this album the first week of January, while simultaneously planning a mid-West tour of America in February and recording our Comin Atcha Live! 2008 DVD while we were on the road. Coming home in March, we hired Terry to jump back into writing and recording music with us while we edited the DVD and routed a summer tour of Europe. We’re riding a wave of energy that doesn’t come easy for a band of rookies much less a band whose been doing this for over 20 years - and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“After returning from Europe,” continues Frank, “we jumped right back into the studio to work on Forever More with Terry while setting up a tour of American festival shows in July and August, playing alongside bands such as Matchbox Twenty, the Wallflowers, Queensrÿche, KISS and Judas Priest. It’s great that we can play with any band, of any music genre, because we’ve never been pigeon-holed into a style or label of music throughout our career.”

In describing the vibe of the new album, he continues, “Forever More demonstrates this idea of writing songs in a diverse fashion. The title track is one of our deeper cuts complete with heavy lyrics, de-tuned riffs and acoustic interludes, while, ‘I Wanna Live’ is one of our more uplifting songs that bounces musically and delivers a lyrical message that suggests living life to the fullest.”

The rest of the album takes a similar ride of dynamic ups and downs with songs like ‘So What!’, ‘Fallin’ Apart', ‘Breakin’ Free', ‘The Game', ‘All Of Me’ and ‘The First Time'.”

All the tracks on Forever More offer a variety of emotions where each song has its own twist--not sounding like another. Forever More was written and recorded during a period of high energy and bizarre life circumstances for each of Tesla’s band members, with those experiences coming full circle throughout the CD.

Tesla’s DVD, Comin' Atcha Live! 2008 was released July 15th. It’s the band’s first DVD in 17 years (since 1991’s Five Man Video Band) and is filled with over two hours of live music, special behind-the-scenes footage, their fans, backstage, on stage and loose on the streets of Seattle.

In addition, Tesla's first double-disc collection of 32 of their best tracks and collectibles, Gold, will be available on August 26th on Geffen/Universal Music Enterprises, ranging from 1986 through 2007 and including their chart hits 'Signs', 'Love Song' and 'The Way It Is'.

Bumblefoot on XM 41 Eddie Trunk's "The Boneyard" Tonight!

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:05:46 -0400

Bumblefoot on XM 41 Eddie Trunk's "The Boneyard"
Monday August 11th 2008 from 6pm to 10pm EDT

Ron Thal (aka Bumblefoot) will be appearing as Eddie Trunk's guest on the XM Satellite radio station The Boneyard (Ch. 41) Monday night from 6:00pm EDT to 10:00pm EDT. Ron will be discussing everything from his new release "Abnormal" to his upcoming shows in Las Vegas for "Rock Against Diabetes".

LONDON: 'The Metal Years' Due Next Month

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:33:33 -0400

A collection of rare recordings from the cult Hollywood band LONDON, entitled "The Metal Years", is scheduled for release on September 30 via Cleopatra Records.

Fresh off its appearance in the 1988 Penelope Spheeris film "The Decline Of Western Civilization: The Metal Years", Hollywood's own LONDON entered American Studios in Topanga, California in the summer of 1989 to record a live demo tape with famed producer Richie Podolor (STEPPENWOLF, THREE DOG NIGHT, ALICE COOPER). While the more famous members of LONDON had long since passed through the band onto bigger fame (Nikki Sixx departed years earlier to form MÖTLEY CRÜE; Blackie Lawless had left to create and front W.A.S.P.; Slash, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven Adler went on to become stars in GUNS N ROSES; and Fred Coury had departed to play drums for CINDERELLA), the remaining four members had attracted interest from several labels as well as Podolor who took them under his wing for this session.

Vocalist Nadir D'Priest, bassist Brian West, guitarist Sean Lewis and drummer Tim Yasui cranked out 15 songs entirely live (with absolutely no overdubs) — a single lead vocal track, a single guitar track, a single bass guitar track and a single drum track were all that were used in this session! Two of these songs — "Break Out" and "Russian Winter" — appeared in "The Decline Of Western Civilization: The Metal Years" film and "Oh Darling" was included on the earlier LONDON album "Don't Cry Wolf". Several others re-appeared two years later on D'Priest's solo effort entitled "Playa Del Rock", and the rest remain unfinished efforts, preserved here for collectors and die-hard fans of this cult group, which officially disbanded its name and legacy with the release of the D'Priest album in the early '90s. As a bonus for LONDON fans, a reunion of this 1989 lineup (with bassist Brian Perry replacing Brian West) was assembled for a new 2008 studio recording of the MÖTLEY CRÜE hit "Shout At The Devil" which is included here.

"The Metal Years" track listing:

01. Night Rights
02. Can You Feel The Fire
03. Miss You
04. Ride You Thru The Night
05. The Wall
06. Heartbeat
07. Ride Away
08. Spanish Harlem
09. Here It Comes
10. Oh Darling
11. Waiting
12. Love Games
13. Time Is Money
14. Break Out
15. Russian Winter
16. Shout At The Devil (bonus track)

BUCKCHERRY: Black Butterfly Tracklisting Revealed

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:33:05 -0400

On September 16th, BUCKCHERRY will release their new album, Black Butterfly. It will contain the following 12 songs: 'Rescue Me', 'Tired Of You', 'Too Drunk...', 'Dreams', 'Talk To Me', 'Child Called "It"', 'Don't Go Away', 'Fallout', 'Rose', 'All Of Me', 'Imminent Bail Out', 'Cream'.

As previously reported, Buckcherry is currently on the road with Crüe Fest. Dates run until August 31st. After that, Buckcherry will be co-headlining dates with AVENGED SEVENFOLD from September 13th to October 4th.

METAL CHURCH: New Songs Streaming Online

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:31:45 -0400

Legendary Seattle metallers METAL CHURCH have issued the following update: Just wanted to let you know we put a couple clips from This Present Wasteland on our MySpace page so when you get a chance stop by and take a listen. If you click on the new banner it will take you directly to Amazon to order the new CD. We also received a video from a guitar camp that Angus Clark (TSO) was a part of where he performed and discussed with the students the solo he did for the song Monster on our new release. Angus was one of the guest soloists on This Present Wasteland. We will see you Thursday night in Florida at Bourbon Street and then on Saturday in Puerto Rico with QUEENSRŸCHE!

Metal Church's forthcoming album, This Present Wasteland, will be released in Europe on September 26th via SPV Records. The tracklisting is as follows: 'Killing Space', 'War Never Won', 'Meet Your Maker', 'Crawling To Extinction', 'Mass Hysteria', 'Breath Again', 'Deeds Of A Dead Soul', 'The Prophet And The Madman', 'Beneath The Silence', 'Tales Of A Stalker', 'King Of Lies', 'In The Company Of Sorrow', 'The Perfect Crime'.

JOURNEY: New Tour Dates To Be Announced This Week, Now A Part Of Second Life

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:30:23 -0400

JOURNEY have issued the following update:

"Hiya Folks,

Stay tuned to the Journey tour page for some new shows being added to the tour this coming week, and please feel free to join our forum.

Thanks for your support of Revelation and the Tour. See you on the Road!!

P.S. Check Out our Sim in Second Life® too, we're in the Showcase under music."

Journey's tour schedule with CHEAP TRICK and HEART is as follows. Note that (**) indicates shows without Heart and (***) indicates shows without Heart and Cheap Trick.

August
12 - Virginia Beach, VA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
14 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon Theatre at Jones Beach
16 - Scranton, PA - Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain
17 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun
19 - Mansfield, MA - Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts
21 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
23 - Syracuse, NY - New York State Fair
24 - Saratoga, NY - Saratoga PAC
26 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
27 - Bristow, VA - Nissan Pavilion
28 - Hershey, PA - Hershey Park Pavilion
30 - Bethel Woods, NY - Bethel Woods

September
3 - Manchester, NH - Verizon Theatre
5 - Toronto, ON - Molson Amphitheatre
6 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center
7 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
9 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
10 - Noblesville, IN - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
12 - Chicago, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
13 - St Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
15 - Kansas City, MO - Midland Theatre ***
16 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center**
19 - Seattle, WA - White River Amphitheatre
21 - Ridgefield, WA - Clark County Amphitheatrer
24 - Concord, CA - Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord
26 - Sacramento, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheatre
27 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre

October
3 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Pavilion **
4 - Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion **
5 - Laughlin, NV - Rio Vista Outdoor Amphitheatre ***

BRET MICHAELS: 'I Don't Wanna Fight JOE ELLIOTT'

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:30:00 -0400

POISON singer Bret Michaels spoke to the nationally syndicated rock radio show "The Tour Bus" (web site) about his band's ongoing war of words with DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott over Elliott's comments at a June 6 press conference at the Sweden Rock Festival, in which Joe said bands like POISON and MÖTLEY CRÜE had "no substance in their music" and therefore relied more on their image in the '80s.

Michaels on how the whole feud started:

"I went over to do… I literally played at the Taste of Summer in Waukesha [Wisconsin]… I get done. I fly that night to Sweden, I land, [we] drive… literally… drive to the venue… I mean, it's like a 900-hour flight. [We] get in a car, [and we] drive to Sweden Rock, which is an amazing festival — we're closing it. We have the biggest night of the whole festival. Usually their closing night is their weakest night 'cause everyone is going home. It's their biggest night, they've sold all the tickets — it's huge. We get there, and the first thing I do, I get out of the car and they say, 'You've gotta go to a press conference.' And I'm like, 'OK.' Now. I haven't slept. This is beyond sunglasses at this point. I go, 'Alright.' I walk into the tent [where the press conference was being held]. They have a special entrance; you supposed to go through this… I'm like, 'Well, they're friends and press people. Why don't I walk just in and say 'Hello?' blah blah blah. I walk in, I'm shaking hands, hanging out, talking, whatever… Then I go up and start to answer questions. Everything goes great. You know, they're asking stuff, they're videotaping, they're doing whatever. All of a sudden, one guy goes, 'We have a video of Joe Elliott last night saying that MÖTLEY CRÜE and POISON and all these bands have no talent, they can't play.' Now, let me just put this on the record: I'm a DEF LEPPARD fan. Not 'kind of a fan' — like, I own the CDs; I own the albums. We used to do the song 'Wasted', if that gives you any indication. I used to play 'On Through The Night' with like… The song 'Wasted' was one of our favorite songs…. I'm a DEF LEPPARD fan. Old-school, new-school — it doesn't matter. Gone to see their shows, liked the guys. Joe Elliott, I don't really know, but he seems like a decent guy, whatever. I get in there and the guy says it to me. I say, 'You're lying. I don't think Joe would say that.' He's like, 'No, I've got it on video.' Which they had on video — him [Joe] stating this. And I'm looking at him going, 'Wait, he's dissing MÖTLEY CRÜE and POISON. We're here to…' I'm thinking, I've never said anything but nice stuff. And from what I understand, obviously Joe does not wanna be known as 'hair metal.' And I said, 'Listen, I don't think that 'Something To Believe In', as a songwriter, is a hair-metal song, but you can call me whatever you want. I like a lot of the bands that they call hair metal; I happen to think they're really good bands. So call me whatever you want — I've been called a lot worse. At first I take no offense to Joe's thing and then I start to get worked up 'cause he's, like, we can't write, we can't play. And then it hits me that, listen, I've been nothing but cool. And I go, 'Well, this is coming from a guy who lip-synched on 'Dancing With The Stars'.' I go, 'This guy lip-synched…' [Mega-producer] Mutt Lange writes their… you know, does their albums… I'm not dissing them, I'm just saying… In other words, I was like, 'Look, give me and Joe a guitar each and a pen and a piece of paper, stick us in a room for an hour [and see who'll come out] with a couple of songs. But I don't wanna fight Joe. In other words, what bummed me out was that one of the guys I like is dissing every band… I'm like, why does he feel dissing all these bands or putting them down makes him any better? Isn't he secure enough in his success or where he's at… If someone said, 'Hey, what do you think about MÖTLEY?' Even though we've had words — MÖTLEY and us, or supposedly, whatever — I'm like, 'Hey, I like MÖTLEY's music. I'm a fan. They have good rock songs.' I just feel uncomfortable in my skin.'"

On whether Joe's words might have been taken out of context:

"I think what happened was… He might have been pushed. And I wanna say this for his fans as well as my fans — all rock fans — I'm not in a fight with DEF LEPPARD; I like their music, I like Joe Elliott. This has gotten so beyond anything… And I looked at the guy when he said it to me and I said, 'You're lying to me.' I'm like, 'Joe sat in this tent where I'm sitting…' And I just got done telling everybody how great DEF LEPPARD is. I'm like, 'Man, they sound great, they've got good tunes.' And then it just pissed me off. I was, like, 'Wait a minute. I've done nothing but say nice stuff. Every time I've ever seen the guys, they've been nothing but cool. So it was a little, maybe, taken out of context, and for me… I don't wanna fight with them. I like their music."

On whether POISON drummer Rikki Rockett challenged Joe Elliott to a fight:

"That I didn't see. What I thought was going on was that they were like… What the joke was from a lot of fans was, like, 'Don't trip over a water backstage at a DEF LEPPARD concert, you might unplug the stereo.' And I said, 'With our band, we don't ever use…' There's nothing. That's what blows everyone's minds. You go to a lot of 'concerts,' and you can trip over anything we've got, we play everything. In other words, the keyboard player… We have one guy extra to sing some of the parts, but that's it. There's no… You can put us in a club… Like we did it in New York. We went and played for, I believe it was WPLJ, and they stuck us in this club and [we] played, and it was one of the best nights we'd had, 'cause you can put us there or in the stadium or an arena, and it's gonna sound the same; there's no fear. And that's what some of the joke… I think Rikki's challenge was the same as mine. If this is gonna become a songwriting duel, Rikki goes, 'Do you bring Mutt Lange, or do you bring the band?'"

KITTIE: Frontwoman Confirms Father's/Manager's Passing, Thanks Fans For Support

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:28:35 -0400

Guitarist/vocalist Morgan Lander of the Canadian metal band KITTIE has issued the following update:

"We wanted to extend our appreciation for all of the support and kind words we have received in the days since my [and drummer Mercedes Lander's] father's passing. He was an amazing man who lived and breathed KITTIE, and he will be missed by many. [KITTIE's August 20 show at the Key club in Hollywood, California] is the last one he booked, so it is very important to us. We all owe it to him to make it a good one, regardless of how hard it is going to be. Please come out, pay your respects and help support us!"

David Lander reportedly died of a heart attack last weekend. David Lander, who is said to have been in his early 50s, also managed KITTIE as part of X Of Infamy/K.M.A. Entertainment.

L.A. GUNS' Tracii Guns: "Steve Riley Stole $157,000 Dollars From Me"

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:23:55 -0400

On Saturday night's edition of The Classic Metal Show, guitarist Tracii Guns of L.A. GUNS called in from the road to talk about his version of LA Guns and their new singer, vocalist Marty Casey (of Rockster INXS fame). During the course of the conversation, Guns made some startling accusations regarding "the other" L.A. Guns members Steve Riley (drums) and Phil Lewis (vocals). Here's an excerpt from the conversation.

The Classic Metal Show: People are talking about the fact that there are two version of L.A. Guns out there. The "other" camp has said some negative things about you being out there. Maybe it's best to set the record straight with you as to why you are doing it and calling it L.A. Guns, and why it's OK to do. They say some pretty harsh things the other way.

Guns: "That's because they're jealous and bitter. I'll definitely go to their funerals."

The Classic Metal Show: One thing I wanted to address with you Tracii is the whole "two band syndrome". What is it about the 80s where the legal stuff not pinpointed enough to where you guys are ending up with these kind of dramas; you know, multiple bands out there with the same name and slagging each other over the same name. What was it that didn't go right to
where this is happening now?

Guns: "Steve Riley stole $157,000 dollars from me, and Phil Lewis is a piece of shit. So there you go. You wanted the answer, well, there it is."

For more information on The Classic Metal Show, go to www.theclassicmetalshow.com.

METALLICA: North American Tour Dates Announced

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:24:55 -0400

METALLICA has posted the following message on its official web site:

"Time for a different sort of vacation ... one right here on our home turf!! Now that [the new METALLICA album] 'Death Magnetic' is complete, we're ready to start a proper indoor arena tour of the States and Canada and we can't wait to visit all of our 'TALLI-fans here . . . it really has been too long (hey, what's four years amongst friends?).

"Met Clubbers and Mission Metallica Platinum members will have first crack at 'em when tickets go on sale . . . dates, times and in general more on that later. But for now, we thought we would let you know where we'll be for the next couple of months . . . here's a complete list of cities and venues up through January 31, 2009!

"Keep watching here for all ticket on sale dates and times . . . coming very soon. See you out there!"

METALLICA tour dates:

With DOWN and THE SWORD:

Oct. 21 - Glendale, AZ @ Jobing Arena
Oct. 23 - Albquerque, NM @ Tingley Coliseum
Oct. 25 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
Oct. 26 - Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena
Nov. 01 - Portland, OR @ Rose Quarter
Nov. 03 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Energy Solutions Arena
Nov. 04 - Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
Nov. 06 - Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center
Nov. 08 - Moline, IL @ iWireless Center
Nov. 09 - Columbus, @ OH Schottenstein Center
Nov. 17 - St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center
Nov. 18 - Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
Nov. 20 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
Nov. 22 - Little Rock, AR @ Alltel Arena
Nov. 23 - New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Arena

With LAMB OF GOD and THE SWORD:

Dec. 01 - Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
Dec. 02 - Vancouver, BC @ GM Place
Dec. 04 - Calgary, AB @ Pengrowth Saddledome
Dec. 07 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
Dec. 12 - Ontario, CA @ Citizens Bank Arena
Dec. 13 - Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
Dec. 15 - San Diego, CA @ Cox Arena
Dec. 17 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
Dec. 20 - Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena

With MACHINE HEAD and THE SWORD:

Jan. 12 - Milwaukee, WI @ Bradley Center
Jan. 13 - Detroit, MI @ Joe Louis Arena
Jan. 15 - Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
Jan. 17 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Center
Jan. 18 - Boston, MA @ TD Banknorth Center
Jan. 26 - Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena
Jan. 29 - Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
Jan. 31 - Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center

METALLICA: Completes Mixing 'Death Magnetic'

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:24:34 -0400

METALLICA has posted the following message on its official web site:

"Today we finished mixing and mastering our ninth studio album of original material, 'Death Magnetic', which hits the streets worldwide on Friday, September 12. Plus, you'll be able to download every song from the album for 'Guitar Hero III' on the same day! Produced by Rick Rubin and recorded at Sound City Studios, Shangri La Studios, and our very own HQ. The first track and video, 'The Day That Never Comes', will hit the airwaves later this month."

METALLICA: 'Mandatory Metallica' To Launch August 16 On XM

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:39:49 -0400

Grammy Award-winning band METALLICA will have a dedicated channel on XM Radio, it was announced today. Beginning August 16, "Mandatory Metallica" (XM 51), will provide fans with music from the entire METALLICA catalog, including rare live recordings from the band's personal archives, extensive interviews with the band and more. METALLICA guitarist and singer James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo will serve as hosts for the six-week long channel.

In addition, the channel will also air interviews with other artists who will share their thoughts about METALLICA's musical contributions, including LINKIN PARK, SLIPKNOT, DISTURBED, GUNS N' ROSES, CHRIS CORNELL, ASHES DIVIDE, BLACK STONE CHERRY, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, ATREYU, SKID ROW, CINDERELLA, MASTODON, JUDAS PRIEST, DRAGONFORCE, TRIUMPH, TESLA and many others.

METALLICA is one of the most influential and commercially successful rock bands, selling 100 million albums worldwide. Since their formation in the early 1980s, METALLICA has released nine studio albums, one live album and one EP. "Death Magnetic", the band's 10th studio album will be released worldwide on Friday, September 12.

"Mandatory Metallica" is the latest limited run artist-branded channel to be offered by XM, which have included LED ZEPPELIN, MICHAEL JACKSON, GEORGE STRAIT, COLDPLAY and KENNY CHESNEY.

"Mandatory Metallica" (XM 51) will be available on XM from August 16 through September 30. Programming information will be available online at www.xmradio.com/metallica.

BACKYARD BABIES: Entire New Album Available For Streaming

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:22:38 -0400

The new self-titled album from Swedish sleaze rockers BACKYARD BABIES, is available for streaming in its entirety from the band's MySpace page. Due on August 18 via Billion Dollar Babies/Spinefarm, the CD was recorded during 90 sweaty days and nights at Polar and Big Island Sound studios in Stockholm with producer Jacob Hellner (RAMMSTEIN, APOCALYPTICA).

"Already when we started with this album it felt obvious that this album would be called just 'Backyard Babies'," stated guitarist/vocalist Dregen. "This record feels most like BACKYARD BABIES. It was about time that we finally make an album that has all the ingredients that a classic rock album should have!"

He added, "We aimed to give our listeners and fans an early Christmas present like no other. We feel that we have made good albums before, but that we haven't been able to take the songs to the 'next level.' The last couple of albums have felt so close, but not been able to make it to the finish line. We managed to get a hold of our self confidence on this album already in our rehearsal studio. The songs felt more clear and straight. Prouder and cockier. More rock and more roll. Then as it turned out Jacob Hellner and BACKYARD BABIES were like nitro and glycerine! A very demanding producer with a very vengeful and keen band, proved to give result."

"Backyard Babies" track listing:

01. Fuck Off And Die
02. Degenerated
03. Come Undone
04. Drool
05. Abandon
06. Voodoo Love Bow
07. Idiots
08. The Ship
09. Nomadic
10. Back On The Juice
11. Where Were You
12. Zoe Is A Weirdo
13. Saved By The Bell

BACKYARD BABIES released its fifth studio full-length album, "People Like People Like People Like Us", in April 2006 via Century Media Records.

KISS: Gets Their Own PEZ Dispensers

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:56:24 -0400

KISSOnline.com reports:

"Check out these great new KISS candies from PEZ! Pictured are the Solo Faces, Rock And Roll Over and first KISS album candies."

No further information is currently available.

As previously reported, CDJapan will issue the new KISS hits CD/DVD set, KISS Best - KISSology on August 27th.

The tracklisting has been revealed, and is as follows: 'Deuce', 'Detroit Rock City', 'Shout It Out Loud', 'Hotter Than Hell', 'Calling Dr. Love', 'Love Gun', 'I Was Made For Loving You', 'Heaven's On Fire', 'Lick It Up', 'I Love It Loud', 'Forever', 'Christine Sixteen', 'Do You Love Me', 'Black Diamond', Rock And Roll All Nite'.

The product description is as follows...

"Latest Greatest Hits album from KISS featuring complete new recordings of the tracks on the album! Limited edition includes bonus DVD with live footager from KISS 1977 performance at the Budokan (taken from the Kissology Vol. 1 - 3 DVDs) plus bonus KISS original sticker (subject to change). Unless otherwise indicated, DVDs are region-2 encoded (Japan, Europe, and Middle East), and carry no subtitles."

VELVET REVOLVER: Still Looking For New Singer To Front Band

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:56:03 -0400

Jonathan Cohen of Billboard.com reports: Contrary to reports suggesting former SPACEHOG frontman Royston Langdon is in line to become the new singer of VELVET REVOLVER, the band is still making up its mind about who will replace Scott Weiland.

Bassist Duff McKagan tells Billboard.com that although VELVET REVOLVER did play with Langdon and that "he's f*cking awesome, at this point I'd have to say no" on him becoming the new singer.

"We just have to make sure it's the right guy," he says, adding that Weiland's angry departure from the band this spring has brought him closer to group members Slash, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner.

Read the entire article from Billboard.com.

JONATHAN DAVIS, MARILYN MANSON, AMY LEE Featured On 'Nightmare Revisited' CD

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:53:13 -0400

KORN frontman Jonathan Davis, MARILYN MANSON, FLYLEAF, EVANESCENCE singer Amy Lee and others have reworked songs from the soundtrack to Tim Burton's 1993 movie "The Nightmare Before Christmas" for the upcoming CD collection "Nightmare Revisited". The disc, which drops September 30, follows a 2006 update to the film's soundtrack that included cuts by FALL OUT BOY and PANIC AT THE DISCO.

"Nightmare Revisited" track listing:

01. Overture - DEVOTCHKA
02. Opening - DANNY ELFMAN
03. This Is Halloween - MARILYN MANSON
04. Jack's Lament - ALL AMERICAN REJECTS
05. Doctor Finkelstein/In The Forest - AMIINA
06. What's This? - FLYLEAF
07. Town Meeting Song - POLYPHONIC SPREE
08. Jack And Sally Montage - THE VITAMIN STRING QUARTET
09. Jack's Obsession - SPARKLEHORSE
10. Kidnap The Sandy Claws - JONATHAN DAVIS
11. Making Christmas - RISE AGAINST
12. Nabbed - YOSHIDA BROTHERS
13. Oogie Boogie's Song - TIGER ARMY
14. Sally's Song - AMY LEE
15. Christmas Eve Montage - RJD2
16. Poor Jack - PLAIN WHITE TS
17. To The Rescue - DATAROCK
18. Finale/Reprise - SHINY TOY GUNS
19. Closing - DANNY ELFMAN
20. End Title - THE ALBUM LEAF
21. Oogie Boogie's Song - RODRIGO Y GABRIELA

GUNS N' ROSES: Guitarist BUMBLEFOOT: 'The AXL ROSE I Know Is A Thoughtful, Caring, Fun Person'

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:52:34 -0400

Classic Rock magazine recently conducted an interview with GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.

Classic Rock: The perception, of course, is that W. Axl Rose is the Howard Hughes of rock. You must see the other side of that…?

Thal: It's funny you would say that about Axl. The Axl I know is a thoughtful, caring, fun person. He really is.

Classic Rock: Do you read some of the things that are printed about him and think, "What a load of shit?"

Thal: All the time. It makes me laugh. But people don't want the truth. They want to be entertained. They invent things, or they embellish. Anything to feed the fire. Some of them are definitely trying live vicariously.

Classic Rock: How much have you contributed to the "Chinese Democracy" album?

Thal: I don't want to say too much for fear of shaking the gift under the Christmas tree. I've played rhythm [guitar] tracks on every song and lots of [lead] solos, added parts to future songs. Over the 2006/7 tours, in between legs, we would hit a studio in New York or L.A., just spend ten hours a day laying down guitar parts. Hopefully what I did will add something worthwhile, that will help the song.

Classic Rock: Two of the latest tracks to be leaked — "If The World" and another known simply as New Song — sounded unexpectedly funky…?

Thal: Those were demos and not final mixes, I'm happy to say. By that I mean, I want people to be surprised and thrilled when they hear the album — as opposed to something they heard on the Internet. I don't blame the fans for wanting to hear it — they want music, and they want it now. The problem is that the guy who leaks it is getting in way of GUNS N' ROSES getting the album out the right way.

Classic Rock: Is the record even finished yet?

Thal: [After a pause]: The official word is that it's "in negotiation." Thing are going well, and I won't make further comment as it can — and will be — used against me on the Internet.

Classic Rock: Have even you given up asking when it will be released?

Thal: I hear that question in my sleep, all the time, asked by a thousand voices. How can I respond the right way? The album will come out when all the pieces are in place, when it's best for the fans, the band… everybody. I have complete faith in our new management [Irving Azoff and Andy Gould] making all those pieces fit.

Read the entire interview at www.classicrockmagazine.com.

DUFF MCKAGAN's LOADED: To Release New Album Through CENTURY MEDIA

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:53:36 -0400

LOADED, the band formed by current VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan (on guitar and vocals) after he left GUNS N' ROSES, will release a new album early next year via Century Media. A five-song EP will precede it in September.

"These are purely my songs," McKagan told Billboard.com. "It's probably more derivative of my earlier years of punk rock. It's a good rock 'n' roll band. It's fun, is what it is. There's no real business and no real drama. I'm really into no drama right now," he adds, noting Scott Weiland's recent rancorous departure from VELVET REVOLVER.

GILBY CLARKE On 'Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp', ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA And 'Chinese Democracy'

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:45:16 -0400

Jason Price of Live-Metal.Net recently got a chance to sit down with former GUNS N' ROSES/ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA guitarist Gilby Clarke to discuss musical roots, his upcoming musical endeavors, his new role as a Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp counselor a possible book about GN'R and even a little "Chinese Democracy". A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.

Live-Metal.Net: Currently you are on tour as a counselor for the Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp. How did you become involved with the program?

Gilby Clarke: Actually a bunch of my friends have always been a part of it. Teddy Andreadis who used to play keyboards for GUNS N' ROSES, and Bruce Kulick have done it. Whenever they talk about it they always have great things to say about it and how it not only gives back to people who aren't professional musicians and the way it gives back to the musicians themselves. They get a sense of accomplishment working with people. I went down to Los Angeles to audition and I had a great time! I thought that the people were really fun and I just really enjoyed the whole process.

Live-Metal.Net: I would imagine that having experience on the production side of things probably lends itself pretty well to this project by putting all your expertise to work in a classroom setting.

Gilby Clarke: Yeah it definitely is a good experience for everyone involved.

Live-Metal.Net: What are you looking forward to the most about the Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp tour?

Gilby Clarke: It is mostly about just talking to people. As a musician, you surround yourself with other musicians, so it is very easy to lose touch. What is really great about this is that you are one-on-one with people and get to hear what they are inspired by. I have never been one of those musicians that follows a trend. It always bothers me when I hear other artists saying, "Do this for the fans. Give them what they want." I just don't think that is really an artist. Being an artist is creating something original and you get fans from that. So it is always nice to get a little feedback, some honest feedback. That is another thing that is really great about this.

Live-Metal.Net: ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA reunited back in May of 2008 for a benefit. Is there any chance we might see you all back together again sometime soon?

Gilby Clarke: It is kind of funny because we never officially pulled the plug on it. It was a project, and Tommy (Lee) and I will always be friends. I just don't think it is anyone's priority at this point. I think we gave it our best shot and there were some things that were successful about it and some things that weren't. I don't think it will ever really go away but over time we may forget about it. At this point, you never really know what will come up.

Live-Metal.Net: I have a habit of throwing this one in here. When do you think that "Chinese Democracy" will be released?

Gilby Clarke: There was point there, I have to tell you, that I was absolutely sure it was coming out but at this point I have no idea. I am just like every other person and I am a fan of GN'R's music but I have no idea. I have heard a couple songs just like everybody else and I am just as curious as everybody else. I am really curious to see what kind of music you break up a really good band for.

Read the entire interview at Live-Metal.Net.

DAVID ELLEFSON: Doesn't Rule Out Reunion With MEGADETH

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:43:25 -0400

Jeff Maki of Live-Metal.Net recently conducted an interview with former MEGADETH and current F5 bassist Dave Ellefson. An excerpt from the chat follows.

Live-Metal.Net: Is Dave [Mustaine] as hard of a person to get along with as the media perceives? And if so, how did it work for so long for so many years with you guys?

Dave Ellefson: "Well, I think in general, I was just really happy to be there. When I was 16 years old, I had this hunch and I'll never forget it. I was standing out where I grew up at a farm. My bands would always rehearse in one of my dad's sheds on his farm. And I got this feeling at 16 years old standing there in the band room just goin', 'Man, I gotta get up to L.A.' And I don't know where that came from, but it was just a hunch I had and I continued to follow it. And over the years I watched the scene develop more and more with metal out in L.A. So at 18, right after I graduated high school, I moved out to L.A. And about three or four days after I was there I met Dave. He had just parted ways with METALLICA. He was the real deal, unlike a lot of other people in L.A. who were all just copycats and wannabes [laughs]. And he had incredible talent and great songwriting abilities. And that was real clear to me. So we worked up and moved forward and through all, the thing about it was, that was a real rock 'n roll band and with everything that went with it. If anyone needs evidence just watch the 'Behind the Music' on VH1 [laughs]. That tells the story. Much like GUNS N' ROSES or the SEX PISTOLS or any rock n' roll band that's worth a shit in this world, we were one of them on every level. And to me it just felt like staying there was the thing to do. And I think that's how it went. Now, other people had different agendas and different things. I think some people may have even come through there and looked at it as an opportunity and a stepping stone to their solo career, which was never my deal. It was just great to be part of building something from the ground up and goin' the distance with it. And watching it rise up. That's why I never expected it to end, but one day it did. And I think at that point in my life, honestly I think I was ready to step out from being Dave No. 2, so to speak. I had grown up a lot over those years, kinda found some new things in life. I wasn't the same guy that I was when I was 18 and just moved to California. The music scene was different. I mean, everything had changed. Keep in mind this was 2002, so almost 20 years later. So the world's a much different place not only as we know it, but just in my life. So I think making the decision to move forward and get on with some new stuff rather than just sittin' around hoping and waiting one day maybe it'll reform or whatever. You know, I got movin' on new things and in doin' that I had these new experiences and F5 came into be. And all of a sudden when the former group reformed I was already miles down a new road. And I had to make a very difficult decision at that point. 'Do you try to make this work? Do I stay the course?' Obviously, we went through some discussions and transitions, and it didn't work out. But at the same time, as much as we might of all wanted that to work or trying to be willing to make it work, I think at some point sometimes there's greater forces at work in this world, stuff that's in our desires. So it was best to try and let it go with a good blessing and let them do their thing — allow Dave to move on so he can do what he wants to do and I move on to do what it seems like I want to do at this point in my life. And I think that is a healthy thing to do. I know it can be disappointing to fans that wish they're together and wish they would reunite. And, you know, as we've all seen, those things do happen, but they need to happen on their own time. That's why I always leave an open door for that. I never have closed that door and said, 'No way, no way,' because probably there will be some point where that all just might work out really cool. And it would be really good for everybody. In the meantime, I'm just kinda fielding the things that are coming across my path and I'm not really trying too hard. I'm not trying to chase things down, just kinda tryin' to let the river of life flow. And some really cool things have crossed my radar screen. I've gotten involved in some things I never thought I would've."

Read the entire interview at Live-Metal.Net.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH: To Make 'Huge' Announcement Next Week

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:42:01 -0400

The Pulse of Radio reports: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH will make a "huge" announcement on Monday (August 11), according to the band's publicist. No other details were given, but the revelation could have something to do with the band's upcoming fall headlining tour, for which full information is forthcoming. Another possibility is the announcement of some kind of DVD release. The band has been on the road for months and drummer Jeremy Spencer told The Pulse of Radio that it's all been documented. "We're stockpiling footage of great pit brutality and backstage craziness and stuff on the bus that's awesome," he said. "So yeah, hopefully we will package together some sort of a DVD release at some point maybe later this year or early next year, but it will be worth the purchase, 'cause I've seen some of the footage and it's awesome."

GUNS N' ROSES: Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal's Limited Edition Guitar Cable To Benefit Rock Against Diabetes Available

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:43:04 -0400

GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Spectraflex have joined forces to help fight Diabetes with a Limited Edition Guitar Cable. Designed in conjunction with Ron himself, these cables are being made available for a limited time only.

A portion of all sales of the Bumblefoot Cables will go directly to Rock Against Diabetes. These 25 foot guitar cables feature the Bumblefoot and new solo album, Abnormal, logos that are serialized to ensure authenticity.

In addition, Spectraflex will contribute a portion of sales of all cables purchased between July 23rd, 2008 and September 23rd, 2008 to Rock Against Diabetes.

Specs:

- Rugged engineered nylon, in a black and white, zig-zag pattern, covering a tough PVC outer jacket

- 20 AWG Ultra-Pure Copper Center Conductor

- 95% Overall Copper Shield

- 100% Coverage Inner Conductive PVC Shield

- G&H Industries Connectors featuring "Copper Core"™ Technology

- State of the art construction designed for extended frequency response and extremely low handling noise

The cables can be purchased at this location>

SEBASTIAN BACH: 'Gone Country 2' To Premiere Next Week

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:38:09 -0400

Former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach will vie for the top prize on CMT's "Gone Country 2", the follow-up to the network's highest rated series ever.

John Rich returns as host and judge of the show, which will premiere Friday, August 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Other members of "Gone Country"'s second-season cast are Grammy- and Academy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Irene Cara; former "American Idol" fourth-season finalist Mikalah Gordon; former THE JACKSON 5 lead singer and 2007 "Celebrity Big Brother" UK houseguest Jermaine Jackson; ex-N SYNC member Chris Kirkpatrick; actor and former "Are You Hot?" judge Lorenzo Lamas; and actress Sean Young.

The show's second season will follow a similar format to its first season, as each episode will follow the cast as they compete against one another in challenges that test their ability to musically and physically adapt to the country-crooner lifestyle. In addition, each cast member will be paired with two Nashville songwriters, who will assist them in penning lyrics and music for a country single, which they'll then have the opportunity to perform.

"Gone Country" will conclude with one of the seven contestants winning the two-week competition and recording and releasing a country song.

For more information, click here>

HOOKERS N' BLOW: Release Promo For Rock And Roll Fishing Series

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:35:26 -0400

Keyboardist Dizzy Reed (GUNS N' ROSES, HOOKERS 'N' BLOW) and guitarist Alex Grossi (QUIET RIOT, HOOKERS 'N' BLOW) have released a promo video for the first-ever rock and roll fishing series called "Rock And Reel", where the two musicians are put through the rigors of deep-sea fishing.

Check out the promo clip at this location>

GUNS N' ROSES: Appetite For Destruction To Be Re-Relased With Original Artwork

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:47:54 -0400

Universal Music are re-releasing Guns N' Roses' classic debut album Appetite For Destruction on vinyl. The LP is due on Tuesday, September 09, 2008 and the cover features the controversial original artwork by Robert Williams.

Go to CD Universe to place your order today and be one of the first to receive this product when it arrives.

Product Description

Already a legend in its own meagre lifetime, this startling debut shrouded itself in controversy, from its original Robert Williams artwork to Axl Rose's unblinking accounts of LA's underbelly. This mawkish storytelling, combined with a brattish collective swagger and a surprisingly mature approach to their songs, guaranteed Guns N' Roses a speedy notoriety that was to serve their legend brilliantly. From the laconic 'Paradise City' to the achingly beautiful 'Sweet Child O' Mine', or the furious 'Welcome To The Jungle', the record brims with a brutal integrity. An album they could never surpass even if they had stayed together.

120 gram vinyl LP pressing of their genre-defining debut full-length album, originally released in 1987. The Lp cover features the controversial original artwork. **Please note that this vinyl pressing features 'For Promotional Use Only' printed on the artwork. 2007

German edition in its original sleeve design.

Recorded at Rumbo Studios, Canoga Park, California; Take One Studio, Burbank, California; Can Am Studio, Tarzana, California.

THE SHOWDOWN: Another New Song Posted Online

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:44:57 -0400

Tennessee's THE SHOWDOWN will release its third full-length album, "Back Breaker", on August 19 via Solid State Records. Another track from the CD, "Aries - I Am Vengeance", is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

"Back Breaker" final track listing:

01. Titanomachy - The Beginning
02. Hephaestus - The Hammer of the Gods
03. Aphrodite - The Disillusionaire
04. Achilles - The Backbreaker
05. Prometheus - The Fires of Deliverance
06. Cerberus - The Hellhound Awaits
07. Odysseus - A Song of Hope
08. Aries - I Am Vengeance
09. Infernus - You Will Move
10. Nemesis - Give Us This Day
11. Medea - One Foot in Hell

WEEZER: Announce Tour With Angels and Airwaves, Tokyo Police Club

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:43:56 -0400

After hinting at their tour itinerary in a clever YouTube video, Rivers Cuomo and Co. have revealed their Red Album tour dates. Weezer will be bringing along both Angels and Airwaves and Tokyo Police Club this time around, leaving their Hootenanny tour buddy (and “Pork & Beans” subject) Tay Zonday to mull how he’ll follow up “Chocolate Rain.” The band kicks off their new tour with a September 23th show in Boston then circle the country before ending the tour a month later in Atlanta on October 25th. Full dates after the jump.

Weezer
September 23 - Boston, MA @ Tsongas Arena
September 24 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
September 26 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Casino
September 27 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Center
September 29 - Detroit, MI @ The Palace of Auburn Hills
September 30 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Center
October 2 - Chicago, IL @ All State Arena
October 3 - St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Arena
October 5 - Denver, CO @ Broomfield
October 7 - Salt Lake City, UT @ E Center
October 9 - Portland OR @ Memorial Coliseum
October 10 - Vancouver, BC @ GM Place
October 11 - Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
October 13 - San Jose, CA @ Events Center
October 14 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
October 17 - San Diego, CA @ Cox Arena
October 18 - Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona State Fair
October 20 - Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
October 21 - Dallas, TX @ Nokia Theater
October 23 - Houston, TX @ Reliant Arena
October 25 - Atlanta, GA @ Gwinnett Arena

STATIC-X: 'Cannibal Killers Live' Details Revealed

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:49:09 -0400

Los Angeles-based metal quartet STATIC-X has announced the release of its first full-length live concert DVD, entitled "Cannibal Killers Live", due on October 7 via Reprise Records. The footage was shot during a show in Spokane, Washington on June 2, 2007, shortly after the release of the band's latest studio album, "Cannibal". The 17-song set compiled from the tour includes material from STATIC-X's entire 14-year career, showcasing old favorites like "Push It" and "Bled For Days", along with newer songs from "Cannibal", like the album single "Destroyer" and everything in between. Wayne Static, who dubs his brand of metal "evil disco," posted the following message to fans on the band's website: "'Cannibal Killers Live' looks and sounds absolutely awesome and I can't wait to share it with you!"

A complete video history will also be included in the special package, with every video STATIC-X has ever made, along with an audio CD of the concert (track listing below). In addition, a limited-edition package will be released on October 7 that includes a bonus DVD featuring the band's 1997 concert at Hollywood's famous Whiskey A Go-Go club, which was recorded two years prior to the release of STATIC-X's platinum-selling debut "Wisconsin Death Trip". Pre-order details will be announced shortly on the band's web site.

"Cannibal", which was released April 3, 2007, debuted at Number 36 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart, selling more than 30,000 its first week out. The album has gone on to sell more than 160,000 copies, solidifying the band's place as one of the metal's pre-eminent artists.

STATIC-X, which is Wayne Static (vocals, guitar, programming), Tony Campos (bass, backing vocals), Koichi Fukuda (lead guitar, keyboards, programming) and Nick Oshiro (drums) will go into the studio this fall for work on their sixth studio album, to be released in 2009.

"Cannibal Killers Live" CD/DVD track listing:

01. Cannibal
02. Dirthouse
03. Sh** In A Bag
04. I'm With Stupid
05. Bled For Days
06. No Submission
07. Behemoth
08. Destroy All
09. Cold
10. Black And White
11. Destroyer
12. The Enemy
13. The Trance Is The Motion
14. This Is Not
15. Love Dump
16. Push It
17. Get To The Gone