This Week's Top stories

Here are the top stories from this week's Day in Rock and the top Day in Rock digest stories

Zakk Wylde for Dancing With The Stars?- Dream Theater Find Mike Portnoy Replacement- Ozzy Goes Disney- Bon Jovi Top Tour of 2010- Joe Perry N Paul Rodgers- more

Believe or not, Black Label Society's official MySpace Blog, is urging fans to vote for mainman Zakk Wylde (ex-Ozzy Osbourne) to be on the next Dancing With The Stars. more

Ozzyhead.com reports that Ozzy Osbourne is in a new animated Disney movie called "Gnomeo and Juliet." There are no details about which character he'll be voicing in the take-off of the famed Shakespeare work, but Hulk Hogan and Dolly Parton also appear in it and it's expected to hit theaters on February 11, 2011. more

In other Ozzy news: his St. Louis, Missour concert, scheduled for tonight (Friday, December 10th) at Scottrade Center, has been cancelled and rescheduled for next year based on advice from doctors. more

Dream Theater have found their new drummer to replace Mike Portnoy, who left the band earlier this year to pursue other musical avenues. But fans are going to have to wait a little while longer to find out who it is. more

High ticket prices despite a recession still pays off for some acts as this bit of news from Billboard shows: For the second time in three years, Bon Jovi ranks as the highest-grossing touring act. The band's achievement, this year and previously in 2008, demonstrates that, remarkably, the group is hitting its touring peak 26 years after releasing its debut album more

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry will join Paul Rodgers at his London show next spring. Details about the tour which features Joe Elliot's Down N Outz are here

Motorhead's Lemmy says, "John Lennon was the a**hole of the Beatles" Lemmy has spoken about how he was inspired by The Beatles, and in particular John Lennon. more
The Zombies are planning a special event next year to celebrate their 50th anniversary. "Well, it's actually the anniversary of our first rehearsal," laughs keyboard player/vocalist Rod Argent. "But one of the things we'll do is release a new studio album." more

More than 700,000 people in Africa are drinking clean water today thanks to multi-platinum Christian band Jars of Clay. more

Jackyl will perform and appear on frontman Jesse Dupree's truTV series Full Throttle Saloon over the next two weeks, with special guest Darryl "DMC" McDaniels. more
The Devin Townsend Project will headline a European tour next March. more

Denial Machine has posted the following update: "Don't miss our last concert of 2010 this Saturday... This will also be the farewell performance for guitarist Mark "Zilla" Cichra as he has decided to leave the band to pursue other interests." more

Steve "Buckshot" Seabury was interviewed on Wed night's edition of Fox News' "Red Eye" show with host Greg Gutfeld. During the interview they discussed the inspiration behind "Mosh Potatoes - Recipes, Anecdotes & Mayhem From The Heavyweights Of Heavy Metal", a food tasting and the humorous stories behind each recipe. Check it out here

Reformed Yellowcard finish new album Band say 'When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes' is 'something very special' more

There's no more music between rocker Nancy Wilson and director Cameron Crowe; the couple have finalized their divorce. more

Initial dates have been announced for Oceano's upcoming trek with For The Fallen Dreams, Upon A Burning Body, The Great Commission, and I The Breather more

The Last Vegas have released a video for the song "Apologize" from the band's 2009 album 'Whatever Gets You Off'. more

In anticipation of their upcoming 10 Year Anniversary Party, The Max Levine Ensemble has re-recorded 13 of their older tracks for a new release. more

Guitar legend Mark Reale, from reunited/reactivated Texas metallers RIOT, suffered a leg injury recently that has kept him bed-ridden. After allowing time for his leg to heal, Reale flew down to San Antonio these past few weeks and went to work with the Thundersteel-era reunion line-up more

On this day in 1973, The CBGB Club opened in the lower eastside of New York City; it became the home of new bands such as Blondie, Television, Patti Smith and The Ramones. Find out what else happened on this date in music history here

Bret Michaels is looking forward to his heart surgery. The Poison singer — who has suffered a series of health problems over the past 12 months, including a brain hemorrhage and the discovery of a hole in his heart — can't wait to get his health back on track. "In January, I get my heart operation," the rocker told US TV show Extra. more

The first set of bands for the 2011 Warped Tour have been announced. Confirmed for the long-running summer institution are Dance Gavin Dance, Every Avenue, Go Radio, We Came As Romans, and The Word Alive. more

When you wake up on Christmas morning, a brand new free Gorillaz album will be waiting for you. more

At The Gates, who reformed in 2008 for a string of festival appearances, have announced that they will be playing more shows in 2011. more

Senses Fail announce February UK tour. New Jersey quintet play eleven dates next year more

Kylesa will headline a winter tour with support from Fight Amp and (on select dates) Zoroaster and Rosetta. more

Dark Tranquillity will perform in India for the first time on February 12, 2011 at the Bits Pilani in Hyderabad. more

Sabot Productions have released a new 7″ from Against Me! featuring two acoustic songs more

The original Biohazard lineup is gearing up to release their first album together in sixteen years. The as yet untitled album will be released in spring 2011 via a new partnership with Nuclear Blast for the world outside of North America. more

Wendy Dio presented $117,000 to Ronnie James Dio's physician, Dr. Ajani, for his esophageal cancer research program . more

Lazarus A.D. have announced "Black Rivers Flow" as the title to their second full-length album due out February 1st via Metal Blade Records. more

Suicidal Tendencies have announced the dates for its forthcoming headline tour of Australia more

3 Inches Of Blood are gearing up for a tour alongside Eluveitie, Holy Grail and System Divide this February in support of their latest offering, Here Waits Thy Doom. more

According to Brian Fallon's blog, plans are underway to begin writing the next Gaslight Anthem as early as January 2011. more

Deep Purple have confirmed more German shows with orchestra set for next July. more

Exumer have been confirmed to headline one additional festival date in Cuautitlan, Mexico on December 18. The Keep The Thrash festival will be second date on the band's itinerary and will feature some of the bands that will appear at the Thrash Or Die event in Tijuana, Mexico on December 17. more

Hellyeah / Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott has issued following statement on the six-year anniversary of the death of his brother, "Dimebag" Darrell: "I wanna thank you all for remembering and celebrating the life of my best friend and brother, Mr. Dimebag Darrell! His spirit and energy is always with us and inspires us to be the best we can be! His legacy lives on bigger than ever, so on this day of sadness let's crank up his tunes, watch his videos, do some blacktooth grins and carry on in his honor! That would put a smile on his face! I love and miss you, brother." more -

Van Halen To Begin New Album in January

(hennemusic) Van Halen's plans for 2011 are coming into focus. The Van Halen News Desk reports that the band will enter the studio in January to begin work on a new album, their first with David Lee Roth since 1984, and their first new music with Roth since '96.

Sources tell the VHND that the band is very eager to tour, and that they want to tour behind new material. Eddie Van Halen has been very busy during most of 2010 writing music. Alex and Wolfgang Van Halen often join Eddie in the 5150 studio and the three of them have been hard at work jamming and recording demos. The three Van Halens have been sending the music to David Lee Roth, who's adding the lyrics. Two of the VHND's sources have heard some of the early versions of the tracks (without vocals) and were very pleased. The music is said to sound like straight ahead rock 'n' roll and "very Van Halen."

After talking to several producers, the band has chosen Grammy award winner producer/songwriter/musician John Shanks who has worked with Miley Cyrus, Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow, Santana, Rod Stewart, Melissa Etheridge, Alanis Morissette, Hilary Duff, Train's Pat Monahan, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Pink, Liz Phair, Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, and many more. - A lot more including the truth behind recent rumors

Pearl Jam Plan Music Festival

(Gibson) Continuing to celebrate 20 years as a band, Pearl Jam have some big plans for 2011. With the Live on Ten Legs live album schedule for release in January, the band have announced that they will host, curate and (presumably) headline their own music festival during the summer.

Longtime Pearl Jam manager Kelly Curtis broke the news on the group's new Sirius XM channel. He did not have details on exactly when or where the festival will take place, although Pearl Jam's hometown of Seattle has been ruled out. According to Curtis, it will happen "somewhere in the middle of the country."

Other details (list of performers, how many days, etc.) will have to wait until the band make a big announcement about the festival. -

Slipknot's Corey Taylor Promises Christmas Surprise

(Rock AAA) Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor has promised fans an "unbelievable" surprise if his charity single makes Christmas Number One a week on Sunday.

XM@$ goes on sale on Sunday December 12, and could keep Simon Cowell's X-Factor gameshow off the top spot for a second year. In 2010 a mass public campaign put Rage Against the Machine in the seasonal slot, keeping Cowell's karaoke champion out of the limelight.

"I'm actually planning something right now. I have to check the logistics to make sure. But if we get to number one I've got something very special in the works for the fans," Taylor tells Rock Radio. "It's going to be unbelievable." - more on this story

Watch U2 Tribute John Lennon

(hennemusic) U2's first show in Brisbane, on Wednesday, was full of tributes to the late John Lennon on the 30th anniversary of his passing.

The evening kicked off with "Beautiful Day," which featured Bono singing a snippet of "In My Life."

"I remember watching John Lennon sing that song for his son Julian," recalled Bono after the band had slipped in a few bars of "Stand By Me" at the end of "Still Haven't Found." "Today seems like a perfect day to do that for John Lennon and his family." - That's not all! hennemusic has videos of four songs here

New York Dolls Announce New Album Release

(Sacks & Co) New York Dolls will release their fifth full-length record Dancing Backward in High Heels March 15 on 429 Records.

Featuring original members David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain, the album was recorded in Newcastle, England and produced by Louis XIV's Jason Hill.

Dancing Backward in High Heels is the follow-up to 2009's 'Cause I Sez So'. - more on this story

A Cold Day In Hell Before Axl Will Play With Slash Again

(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses guitarist D.J. Ashba says Axl Rose has basically said that "it will be a cold day in hell" before Rose works together again with former GNR guitarist Slash.

Ashba – who plays Slash in the current version of GNR (right down to the top hat and stage poses) – made the comments during a phone interview with Triple M radio in Sydney, Australia on Saturday.

Triple M DJ Becko referenced alleged rumours that Axl and Slash might work together again (where did those come from?). "That's completely false," said Ashba. "I know Axl really, really well, and he basically said that it would be a cold day in hell [before they work together]. But, that being said, obviously I don't know the inside insight and I'm just happy to be in the shoes of an amazing, legendary guitar player. It's really a treat for me to stand on stage next to somebody like Axl and [the rest of] this band. Everybody in this band is just top-notch musicians." - D.J. explains why the band tend to take the stage late.

Alice Cooper's Black Christmas

(Gibson) If you've ever wondered what goes on at Alice Cooper's house on Christmas Eve, you can rest assured the family doesn't have a tradition of watching It's a Wonderful Life every year.

"My kids all still sleep under the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve and they watch horror movies," the rock legend told Express.co.uk. "My favorite film is Black Christmas, which is disturbing. It's not normal and it certainly isn't The Osmonds."

Another of Cooper's holiday traditions is his Christmas Pudding charity concert, now in its 10th year, according to BraveWords.com. This edition will see the singer take the stage with members of the original Alice Cooper band, including Neal Smith (drums), Michael Bruce (guitar/keyboards) and Dennis Dunaway (bass). Also on the bill: Cooper's Halloween Hootenanny tourmate Rob Zombie, former Eagles member Don Felder, comedian Cheech Marin and special guest Glen Campbell. - more on this story

The Cars Deliver Another New Song

(hennemusic) The Cars are becoming quite the tease. In July, the band posted a photo of themselves in the studio on their Facebook page, with the caption "Anyone in the mood for a reunion by The Cars?"

In October, The Cars posted a 73-second snippet of a new song, "Blue Tip," on their facebook page, whetting fans appetites for more music from the reunited band.

This week, The Cars are at it again: the band has posted another clip from a new track called "Sad Song" – once again on facebook. - Check it out here

Police Officer Protests Jim Morrison Pardon

(Rock AAA) Doors frontman Jim Morrison was officially pardoned for his indecent exposure conviction in 1970 – despite the attempts of a police officer to keep the record enforced.

Outgoing Florida governor Charlie Crist headed the clemency board meeting, which as its final act in office pardoned the singer for events at Miami's Dinner Key Auditorium 40 years ago.

But former Miami cop Angel Lago, a close friend of the officer who arrested Morrison, protested the move – even though his arguments had nothing to do with whether or not an offence had been committed. He said: "My objection is that the gentleman showed no remorse for a pardon. He didn't change his lifestyle at all – and eventually his drug use killed him in a Paris bar bathroom from a heroin overdose. - more on this story

Rob Halford Addresses Judas Priest Final Tour Announcement

(hennemusic) Currently on tour with Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest lead throat Rob Halford stopped by WGN-TV in Chicago Wednesday morning for some chat and live performance.

The appearance comes a day after Priest announced its final world tour will kick off in 2011. "Well, they do say that all good things come to an end and that's probably the case in this case," said Halford. "But I'm delighted that, of course, the Halford band is gonna be storming forward in the metal future, and that's gotta be good news."

"I've been doing this now for close to 40 years and it's a real thrill to think that I'm part of the roots of it all," he continued. "Not just myself — many, many other people have been responsible for putting the whole heavy metal scene onto the map. It's as strong now as it's ever been." - Check out video of the appearance here

What's Preventing Original Sepultura Reunion

(Rock AAA) Only one man stands in the way of a classic-era Sepultura reunion and former frontman Max Cavalera doesn't know why.

Bassist Paulo Jr is the only remaining founding member still in the band, which formed in 1984 and reached its peak in the early 90s with albums Arise, Chaos AD and Roots. Cavalera suddenly left in 1996 for reasons which remain unclear, and his drummer brother Igor departed ten years later, leaving Paulo and guitarist Andreas Kisser in the band.

Reunion talk has circulated for some time – but now Soulfly frontman Cavalera reveals he doesn't know why the bassist won't agree to the move. He tells Sonic Excess: "The only person preventing it is Paulo – I don't know why, but he's really against it." - more on this story

Arctic Monkeys, Libertines, Super Furry Animals Supergroup

(Gibson) Once and future Libertine Carl Barat has joined forces with Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders, Babyshambles bassist Drew McConnell and Super Furry Animals guitarist/singer Gruff Rhys to record an album for charity.

The indie supergroup, dubbed The Bottletop Band, will donate all profits from the album Dream Service to education and employment projects in Brazil, Africa and the U.K., according to NME. Joining the band for the recording is a variety of Brazilian musicians and Charlatans singer, Tim Burgess.

The group's first single, "Fall of Rome," has just been made available for download today at the group's website. - Check it out

Gorillaz Giving Fans A New Album For Free On Christmas

(Gibson) A little while ago, Damon Albarn said that he was making the new Gorillaz album on his iPad. He also said that he hoped to release it by the end of 2010.

Well, on December 25, Albarn's Christmas wish will come true: Gorillaz new album will be released for free on the holiday.

In an interview with Australia's Perth Now, Albarn's Gorillaz collaborator Jamie Hewlett spilled the beans about the album, which will be made available on the band's website as the ultimate prize on Gorillaz Advent Calendar. "On Christmas Eve, a video for one of the new songs from the iPad album will be released," Hewlett said. "Then, on Christmas Day fans get the whole album downloaded to their computer for free as a gift." - more on this story

The Inspiration Behind Iron Maiden's Ed Force One

(Rock AAA) Bruce Dickinson now has to fly Iron Maiden round the world as well as front the band and it's all Australia's fault.

In a video interview the singer explains he came up with the idea to package band, crew and equipment into a customised Boeing 757 because it was the only logistical solution to touring Down Under.

Dickinson says: "It's all the Australians' fault really. We were badgered to do Australia for so long, but it's such a long way away, the show is so comprehensive and we take such an entourage with us, we could never make it work. - more on this story

John Waite Returns With New Album

John Waite has announced the release of a new album. Rough & Tumble will be released on Model Music Group/Fontana on February 22nd, 2011.

Recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles, Waite considers Rough & Tumble a new beginning for him. "I approached this project with an entirely different ambition musically than I've had in the past," Waite commented. "It's the first record I've made that I think is made up of singles. All 12 tracks are contenders. They're all alive in their own way. I'm not really sure what the energy is behind the songs, but there is a real kind of velocity in the album where we just picked up speed and kept going. We just wanted to play and win."

A good portion of Rough & Tumble was written and produced in a sweet pocket of creativity enjoyed over the past year and a half with Matchbox Twenty lead guitarist/songwriter Kyle Cook, who Waite met through a mutual friend. "It's pretty much extraordinary," Waite says about the material he created for the new album. "It's not like what people would expect from me. It's a step to the left. There's a rock imprint on the music and a melodic presence, but it's just shifted gears. It's an extreme record. It has an identity and a philosophy of its own, which is really fresh for me." - more on this story

Kasabian Plotting New Music

(hennemusic) Could there be new Kasabian music in 2011? Nothing's been promised, but guitarist Serge Pizzorno tells the NME that he is keen to release new material before the band play live shows next summer.

Kasabian are already confirmed to headline RockNess and the Isle Of Wight Festival next June, with the guitarist telling NME fans should be expecting some new additions to the setlists.

When asked if Kasabian would be playing new songs at the festivals, Pizzorno replied: "Definitely. There may even be something out by then too. I'd like there to be. I'd love to [have something out], because it always gets you going when you're playing the new s**t." - more on this story

Ozzy Osbourne Names The Top 10 Metal Albums of 2010 Including His Own

(Gibson) The Prince of Darkness has spoken! Ozzy Osbourne has revealed his picks for the best metal albums of the year on Yahoo's List of the Day.

Fittingly, Osbourne picked his own album, Scream, for the top spot, with his former main man, Zakk Wylde, coming in at #2 with Black Label Society's Order of the Black.

The complete list: 1. Ozzy Osbourne, Scream 2. Black Label Society, Order of the Black 3. Motörhead, The Wörld Is Yours 4. Slash, Slash 5. Halford, Made of Metal 6. Korn, III: Remember Who You Are 7. Pantera, Cowboys from Hell (Reissue) 8. Lamb of God, Hourglass (Box Set) 9. Firewind, Days of Defiance 10. AC/DC, Iron Man 2 - more on this story

Anniversary of Led Zeppelin's Historic Reunion

On this day in 2007, Led Zeppelin played their first concert in 19 years, at London's 02 arena. Original band members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones were joined on stage by Jason Bonham, the son of their late drummer John Bonham. Gibson takes a closer look:

On September 12, 2007, London concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith made legions of music and Led Zeppelin fans ecstatic when he announced that the band would reform and play a tribute concert to raise money for the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund. Ertegun signed the band back in the '60s, and had died in 2006.

The show at London's O2 Arena was due to take place on November 26 but Jimmy Page's injured hand delayed proceedings until this day in 2007. - more on this story

Rare Early Megadeth (with Slayer's Kerry King) Live Recording Posted Online

The Metal Den has obtained an extremely rare audience recording from one of the earliest known Megadeth shows at The Stone in San Francisco, California on February 19, 1984.

The lineup features a young, foul-mouthed Dave Mustaine on guitar and vocals, along with future Slayer member Kerry King on guitar, David "Junior" Ellefson on bass guitar, and Lee Rausch on Drums.

After having got the boot from Metallica, Mustaine was definitely out to prove himself and you can hear all the truly over-the-top arrogance and then some from a baby Dave on this historic cut. - Check it out

Eric Clapton To Auction His Guitars For Crossroads Rehab

(Gibson) Eric Clapton will raise money for his Crossroads rehab clinic by selling off some of his guitars.

BBC News reports that Clapton will sell more than 150 pieces at an auction in London and will feature a collection of amps and speakers including Marshall speaker cabinets he used while playing with Derek and the Dominos – which are expected to bring in more than $7,000.

There also will be guitars donated by Jeff Beck and Joe Bonamassa for sale. Stephanie Connell, at Bonhams, said, "We are delighted to be offering such a fantastic collection of guitars and amps from such an iconic musician and hope the auction will raise a lot of money for this worthwhile cause." - more on this story

Nick Cave Car Crash

(Rock AAA) Nick Cave lost control of his Jaguar in Hove, England yesterday, with his twin sons as passengers.

His car drove into a speed camera pole. No other vehicles were involved. The police say: "Nobody has been arrested but police inquiries are continuing."

Meanwhile, another rocker Ross the Boss guitarist Patrick Fuchs suffered broken ribs, cuts and bruises yesterday when he lost control of his car in winter weather in Germany. - more on this story

Judas Priest Only Retiring From Major Tours

(Rock AAA) Judas Priest are not splitting up, even though 2011's Epitaph world tour will be their last.

The metal gods revealed yesterday that they're bowing out of life on the road by giving fans a last chance to see them live. The tour includes an appearance at next year's High Voltage festival in London on July 23.

The wording of Priest's official statement left some doubt over whether it was the end of their 42-year history. But a spokesman tells RockAAA: "This is the end of Judas Priest doing major world tours – but not the end of the band, thank Heaven." - more on this story

Fan Will Have To Wait For Black Sabbath Reunion

(Gibson) The past year has had plenty of will-they-won't-they moments for fans of the original Black Sabbath lineup. Nearly every member of the band professed a desire to reunite the legendary hard rock band in the near future. But with Ozzy Osbourne embarking on a lengthy tour with new guitarist Gus G., Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler says fans will have to wait.

"I have no idea what's happening with that," Butler told AOL's Noisecreep. "It's not going to happen next year. Ozzy's on tour with his own band for the next year or whatever. The idea of doing another Sabbath tour always comes up. It's just something that's always talked about and there if we want to do it. It's sort of really early days, though. I'm sure Ozzy will say 'yes' and 'no' every week for the next year while he's on tour. It's one thing to want to do something like that just before you go out to tour a record. You say, 'Oh yeah, I'm gonna tour for the next five years.' And then six weeks into it, you can't wait to get home. So we'll just see how he feels when he finishes his Ozzy Osbourne tour."

Butler also dispelled any hopes for "lost" Heaven & Hell material to be released after the death of singer Ronnie James Dio. "There is no more stuff. That's it. We've never had leftover material ever. That's how we got back together when they wanted to put out [the Black Sabbath compilation] The Dio Years. They wanted some extra tracks to put on it, and we didn't have any, because whatever we do we put out. That's why we got together to do the three extra tracks on the compilation. And it went so well, we went from there and toured and did another album. We were having a great time. We never imagined that we wouldn't have the chance to do more." -

Secret Bruce Springsteen Gig To Be Webcast

(hennemusic) Bruce Springsteen hit the Jersey shore for a 'secret' video shoot at the Casino carousel in Asbury Park Tuesday afternoon.

New Jersey's Star-Ledger reports the shoot was for an upcoming webcast, and featured Bruce and the E Street Band performing songs from "The Promise," his new collection of songs from the 1977/78 "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" sessions.

Bruce used the 1978 version of the E Street Band, as Nils Lofgren, Soozie Tyrell and Patti Scialfa were not present. - more on this story

Beastie Boys Fight For Your Right To Party Revisited

(Gibson) How many times have you watched the Beastie Boys video for "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (to Party!)" and said, "I wonder what happened to those fine, upstanding gentlemen after they left that party?" A couple of decades later, we're all about to find out.

Group member Adam "MCA" Yauch is directing a sequel to the '80s MTV staple, titled "Fight For Your Right Revisited." But the Beasties won't be returning to their original roles. In the new version, Seth Rogen plays Mike D, Elijah Wood plays Ad-Rock and Danny McBride plays MCA. That's right, MCA cast Kenny [expletive] Powers as himself.

The video will debut at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, according to NME.com. It will also feature the acting talents of Will Ferrell, Jack Black and John C. Reilly. -

Eddie Vedder Adds Additional Solo Shows

Pearl Jam had this bit of news for fans this week: Due to the overwhelming demand from the Ten Club and Chugg Entertainment pre-sales, additional Eddie Vedder solo tour dates will be added in Brisbane and Sydney.

Added shows will take place 13 March at QPAC in Brisbane and 20 March at State Theatre in Sydney (full tour dates below).

Tickets for the two added shows will go on sale alongside the previously announced dates at 9am on Friday 10 December. There will be no additional pre-sales for these added dates. - more on this story

Gary Cherone Returns With Hurtsmile

Hurtsmile, a new band featuring singer Gary Cherone (Extreme, Van Halen), will release their self-titled debut album on January 21, 2011 in Europe and February 8, 2011 in the US.

According to Frontiers Records, Cherone teamed up with his brother Mark to write his most succinct record to date.

"Hurtsmile was a long time coming… I always wanted to write a record with my brother," says Gary. "I'm a big fan of Mark's song writing and his snarling guitar riffs." The timing was right as Extreme was in-between their touring and record cycle, leaving Gary the freedom. They recruited Joe Pessia (bass) an alumnus of Nuno Bettencourt's Dramagods as well as the guitar player for Tantric. Joe also engineered, and co-produced the record with Gary. To round off the lineup they enlisted heavy hitter Dana Spellman on drums "It's an east coast-Boston thing," states Gary. "Mark, my brother, was in a band with Nuno's brother… Joe was in Nuno's band and Dana was a friend, and student of Mike Mangini (former Extreme drummer) … we like to keep it in the family." - more on this story

The Day Ozzy Osbourne Almost Died

(Gibson) Rock and roll almost lost Ozzy Osbourne on this very day in 2003. Ozzy Osbourne was back in England at his Buckinghamshire home, enjoying a day off from promoting his new duet with daughter Kelly. Taking a ride in the country on his ATV four-wheeler, Ozzy crashed, breaking his collarbone, eight ribs and a vertebra in his neck.

"I'd been racing along this dirt trail and my front wheels hit a pothole," Ozzy told Wales Online. "The bike shot out from under me and did a back flip in the air, throwing me on to the grass. For about a millionth of a second, I thought, 'Oh well, that wasn't so bad'. Then the whole lot landed on top of me. Crack!"

Ozzy's broken ribs proved exceptionally dangerous after doctors discovered that his lungs had started to fill with blood. There was also a chance he could lose an arm since a main artery had been severed. Ozzy, however, in true-rock star fashion, was more concerned about his tattoo. - more on this story

Dio Refused To Call Off Last Concert Despite Agonizing Pain

(Rock AAA) Heaven and Hell bassist Geezer Butler has told how singer Ronnie James Dio refused to call off his last show with the band even though he was doubled up with stomach pain.

Dio didn't know he was suffering from the cancer which would eventually kill him, and didn't know it would be his final appearance on stage – but he knew he was in agony. Yet it didn't stop him going on to play a full concert.

"I'll always remember he came out for the very last gig. We said, 'Look, Ronnie, if you're that ill we'll just blow the gig.' And he said, 'No, I'm not gonna blow the gig.' He made himself go on. - more on this story

Reunited Kidneythieves Release New Album

(Submitted) Kidneythieves have reunited and released Trypt0fanatic, their first new album in six years.

Vocalist Free Dominguez formed Kidneythieves in 1997 with instrumentalist/producer Bruce Somers. The band rose to fame in 2002 via their song "Before I'm Dead," which was featured on the platinum-plus selling soundtrack to Queen of the Damned.

"There's a magical thing that happens when we are creating in the studio," explains Dominguez, adding, "that's what pulled us together to make more music." - more on this story

2010 Grammy Hall of Fame Inductees

(Gibson) The Recording Academy has released this year's list of inductees into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created in 1973 to honor the very best songs and albums (over 25 years old) from all genres of music.

Among this year's honored singles are The Beatles' "Penny Lane," The Box Tops' "The Letter," The Meters' "Cissy Strut," "The Animals' "We Gotta Get out of This Place" and Hank Williams' "Lovesick Blues."

Inducted albums include Prince's Purple Rain, Ray Charles' Genius + Soul = Jazz, Weather Report's Heavy Weather and the Bill Evans Trio's Sunday at the Village Vanguard. - Complete list of 2010 Grammy Hall of Fame Inductees

Guns N' Fozzy

(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal joined rockers Fozzy on stage Friday at The Factory in Sydney, Australia to perform a couple of classic metal covers.

Fozzy is the hard rock band featuring singer Chris Jericho, known - primarily - by many as a WWE wrestler. The current trek is Fozzy's first tour down under in five years.

Bumblefoot was on hand for the Dio classic, "Stand Up & Shout," as well as the Judas Priest track, "Freewheel Burning." - Check it out here

Yoko Ono Remembers John Lennon

(Gibson) Writing from Tokyo, Japan, on website Imaginepeace.com, Yoko Ono has paid tribute to husband John Lennon who was murdered 30 years ago yesterday.

"This year would have been the 70th birthday year for John if only he was here," she wrote. "But people are not questioning if he is here or not. They just love him and are keeping him alive with their love. I've received notes from all corners of the world to let me know that they were celebrating this year to thank John for having given us so much in his forty short years on earth.

"The most important gift we received from him was not words, but deeds. He believed in Truth, and had dared to speak up. We all knew that he upset certain powerful people with it. But that was John. He couldn't have been in any other way. If he were here now, I think he would have shouted so we can all hear it. That truth was important. Because without knowing all the truth of what we did, we could not achieve world peace. - more on this story

The Decemberists Ponder Doing Musical

(Gibson) Indie rock favorites The Decemberists might have a musical in their future. Frontman Colin Meloy told Billboard.com that he's been talking to Michael Mayer, who knows a thing or two about bringing rock and roll to the theatrical stage.

"It happens that the director Michael Mayer, who directed Green Day's American Idiot musical on Broadway, is the guy that got me going about doing a musical," Meloy said. "We're still talking and there's potential for a musical down the line, for sure."

Because of The Decemberists' knack for concept albums and folk-tale songs, a musical isn't a crazy notion for the band. "People are constantly asking me to write musicals – it's the cross that I bear," Meloy joked. "I grew up doing theater, so in theory, I would love to write a musical. I don't know if I have the stuff – I always end up just writing little pop songs that stand a better chance on a record than on stage." - more on this story

Boris Plan Live DVD

(Earsplit) Japan's rock experimentalists Boris have announced their first official domestic live DVD release.

Set for release via Southern Lord on January 18, 2011, the Live In Japan DVD captures the intriguing power, majesty and unique psychedelia that only Boris can deliver, and will bring the band's incredible stage act to fans who have never witnessed the band live, as well as diehards who venture out to see the act every chance they get.

The footage on this official DVD release was filmed in Tokyo at the final show of the band's 2008 Smile World Tour. Featuring a full set of eleven BORIS originals filmed at Daikanyama Unit, as well as three bonus videos from a set at the Shibuya Club Quattro, this DVD is quite special since BORIS actually play on other continents much more often than in their home country! - more on this story

Does Ozzy Have Justin Bieber Fever?

(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne joins Blink-182 bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus this Thursday for an episode of "A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus."

When asked what music he listens to today, Ozzy said he stays away from metal so that it doesn't influence his own music.

Hoppus: So you listen to a lot of Justin Bieber? Ozzy's response is in a promo for the episode - here

Cradle Of Filth Explain Canceled Show

Cradle Of Filth have had to cancel the first date of their South American tour which was due to take place in Ecuador on Friday night. Dani Filth has made this statement about the cancellation:

Everyone involved with the band, and especially the band themselves are deeply distressed over the cancellation of our show in Ecuador this Friday. This is the second time we have had to pull out of a concert in Ecuador (the last cancellation being due to airport closure as we were circling the runway!).

Unfortunately this time has been due to several reasons, including severe weather conditions stranding half the band's crew, deep 'contractual' problems, plus flight-booking f**k-ups. It is a regrettable situation to be in, but unfortunately an impossible one at this particular time to rectify. - more on this story