Day in Rock 2010 Rewind: Top Stories From April - May

Bret Michaels Has Emergency Surgery

(Rock Radio) Poison frontman Bret Michaels was rushed to hospital last night for an emergency operation, just seconds before he was due to hit the stage for a solo show.

Doctors in San Antonio, Texas, removed his appendix after he'd spent the day complaining of severe stomach pains. A spokesperson says he's doing well and beginning the recovery process.

Michaels cancelled the San Antonio show at the very last moment, and has subsequently had to postpone all tour dates for the rest of the month. A statement says: "Moments before he was to take the stage, doctors at Sea World urged Bret to go to hospital as he'd been suffering all day from severe pains, and what was assumed to be a severe case of the flu." - more on this story

Lost Dimebag Track Featuring Zakk Wylde Released

(Rock Radio) Metal Hammer magazine has released a lost track by late guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott. The track was recorded by the Pantera axeman, who was shot dead on stage in 2004, with his friend Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne fame.

It was produced by Slayer's Dave Lombardo and appears on the CD packaged with the latest Metal Hammer, available now.

Lombardo says: "Dime's girlfriend Rita told be about the song, about Zakk Wylde and him getting together and ending up drunk. I put it into Pro Tools and trimmed the edges and made it shine a bit – but the true producer and engineer was Dime. The sounds you hear are the ones he recorded. It was an honour to work on something that no one has ever heard – to be the first one to listen to it." - more on this story

Slipknot's Paul Gray Found Dead

Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, aka #2 or The Pig, was found dead in a hotel room near the group's home town of Des Moines, Iowa on Monday morning. The cause of the 38-year-old rocker's death is not yet known and at press time, the band had not yet released a statement.

CNN reports that "Gray's body was found by staff members at the TownePlace Suites, said Sgt. Dave Disney of the Urbandale Police Department. "An autopsy, including toxicology tests, will be performed Tuesday, Disney said." The AP reports that "Foul play isn't suspected."

Rock Radio reports that last December Gray announced he was to become a father for the first time and called the pregnancy of his wife Brenna "the best Christmas present". She's due to give birth in September. - more on this story

Sick Of It All Vs Boston Cops

Sick Of It All found that bringing their tough hardcore mentality (or, uh, shooting a promo video) to the streets of Boston, MA didn't go over too well with local authorities.

The group was on location filming a video for a track off their new album, Based On A True Story (April 20th release), with renowned local area directors Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci, but when cops tried to shut down the shoot tempers got a little heated.

It seems as if New Yorkers still aren't that welcome in Red Sox territory. More news to follow later this week, but for now view the new video trailer - here

Music Legend Says No To Joining Van Halen

Not many musicians would turn down a gig with Van Halen. But most musicians aren't Jeff Berlin. We received the following announcement about Berlin's new album, 'High Standards,' but the part about Van Halen was so compelling that we had to lead with it. So read on for that story and details about his new album! Jeff Berlin's resume reads like the who's who of the higher echelon of music artists. Jeff Berlin was even asked to join Van Halen, an invitation that he actually turned down.

"Eddie Van Halen was a fan of the band that I played in with Bill Bruford," Berlin recalls. "We met and started to hang out and jam together. He was a sweet terrific guy. One day he saw me play a gig with my group and then asked me if I would like to join Van Halen. After this, we rehearsed at David Lee Roth's house a couple of times. Ultimately, I said no to his gracious offer because when you join a band, you join the entirety of it, the life philosophy of its members and also the habits that they may be involved with. I felt that, in terms of activities and attitudes, I didn't mesh with their vision of things. I didn't wish to be mercenary and just take the job for money because it wouldn't be fair to the band members. So, I just said no to the offer."

Jeff Berlin is a legend of the electric bass, considered by many to be the finest electric bass player in the world. A true master of the bass, Jeff Berlin has played with the likes of Bill Bruford, George Benson, Allan Holdsworth, and even toured with original members of Yes (Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford, Howe) on only three days' notice. Much to the anticipation of his fans, Jeff is releasing a new jazz trio CD on his own MAJ Records label titled 'High Standards'. - more on this story

Metal Legend Ronnie James Dio Dies

It is with sadness we report that legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio lost his five month battle with stomach cancer.

His wife and manager Wendy Dio posted the following message of Ronnie's official website, "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

Dio is survived by his wife Wendy, son Daniel, grandchildren Julie and Joey, and father Pat. The outpouring from the music community over this sad news has been massive. We have published a few of those tributes in a separate article in Monday's Day in Rock.

Instead of a traditional eulogy we have republished a "Legends" feature we originally ran in 2003 that covered Dio's amazing career and contribution to music. You can read that - here

Addiction, Not Scott Weiland Killed Velvet Revolver

(Rock Radio) Slash doesn't blame Scott Weiland for the controversies that led to the singer's departure from Velvet Revolver. In fact, the guitarist believes the whole band became victims to their chemical addictions – only Weiland suffered worse than his colleagues.

The singer recently said he wishes Velvet Revolver well. Now, after the pair spent time together recently Slash tells Spinner.com: "I still love the guy and there's not any hard feelings.

"Velvet Revolver was intended to be a lot of fun and we started off having a great time, but I think we all had chemical issues as the thing wore on." He said. "Scott had his issues. Even Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum went down the same road. The only one who stayed sober was Dave Kushner." - more on this story

Jimmy Page Doesn't Rule Out Led Zeppelin Reunion Gig

In today's far fetched wishful thinking department, we bring you the hopes that Led Zeppelin will reunite to replace U2 at the Glastonbury festival next month. An idea that Jimmy Page hasn't ruled out, thus giving fans a small shred of hope that it may happen. (But don't hold your breath.)

As we reported yesterday, U2 have postponed their 2010 tour plans after frontman Bono had emergency back surgery in Germany (see report here). That leaves a big hole in the headlining slot on June 25th at the famed Glastonbury festival and one name being mentioned as a possible replacement is Led Zeppelin.

Nightwatcher reports that Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page has hinted to BBC 6 Music that the band wouldn't say no to playing the show. Jimmy simply said: "I never rule anything out." - more on this story

Former W.A.S.P. Members Form W.A.S.

Three former members of W.A.S.P. have reunited to form a new band called W.A.S. (short for Where Angels Suffer) according to Classic Rock and Blabbermouth.

The former W.A.S.P. members, Chris Holmes, Randy Piper and Stet Howland are joined by former Metal Church bass player Steve Unger and Animal frontman Rich Lewis.

The group will release their debut album, Purgatory, later this year. Blabbermouth reports that it is already complete and the site quoted Stet Howland as describing their live plans, "We will play all the hits, as well as ALL the dangerous music the current [lineup of] W.A.S.P. is skipping. 'F*ck Like A Beast'? 'Mean Man'? Huhh? HUH?" - more on this story

Former Guns N' Roses Members Form New Band

(Band statement) They say it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks but Carnival of Dogs is here to prove you wrong! Matt Sorum, Tracii Guns, Phil Soussan, and Franky Perez have been rockstars their whole lives, but now they've teamed up together to give you a new twist on some old tunes.

Two former members of Guns N' Roses; drummer Matt Sorum & co-founding member Tracii Guns (also founding member of LA Guns), have created the ultimate all-star party band. With bass hero Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper) and front-man Franky Perez (Slash & Friends, Steve Vai, Ronnie Wood, Scars on Broadway), the bar for all debauchery has just been raised.

This 70s rock cover band will have you swinging from the rafters and singing along to every song. They've also been known to have legendary special guest appearances joining in the festivities. Rocking cover tunes from the 70s by bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and AC/DC they're sure to bang out everyone's favorite. - their site

U2 Postpone Tour Launch After Bono's Emergency Surgery

U2 frontman Bono underwent emergency back surgery in Munich, Germany, on Friday after sustaining an injury during preparation for the next leg of the band's U2 360 tour.

A band spokesperson said on Friday, "Bono will spend the next few days there, before returning home to recuperate. Once his condition has been assessed further, a statement will be made regarding the impact on forthcoming tour dates."

As promised, because of the injury, Live Nation confirmed that the U2 360 tour launch previously scheduled for June 3rd in Salt Lake City has been postponed. - more on this story

Ozzy Osbourne Plans Release of Rare Randy Rhoads Footage

BW&BK caught up with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne and learned some more about the upcoming 30th Anniversary Editions of Ozzy's first two legendary solo albums featuring the late guitarist Randy Rhoads - Blizzard Of Ozz (1980) and Diary Of A Madman (1981), but also learned that there is some rare Randy Rhoads video footage that will see the light of day soon as well. Here is part of their report:

"They definitely are coming out this year," Sharon Osbourne told BraveWords.com earlier this week. "They are coming out for (US) Thanksgiving and they will be on the market then. It's going back to the original recordings with (Bob) Daisley (bass) and (Lee) Kerslake (drums). And there will be a lot of stuff that you haven't heard before in the packages. Like certain conversations that were going on in the studio with the guys just messing around while the tape was still rolling. All of that will be added into it." Ozzy added jokingly - "Do I sing good?" Sharon - "Fabulous!"

There's also talk of some visuals in the archives with Randy Rhoads? "There's two shows that we have in the archives that we are working on right now," Sharon reveals. "Of course in those days, the tapes were like twenty minutes and then you had to change the tape. So we're trying to clean it up, make sense of it. So we are working on it, along with another film we have of Randy. It will all be boxed together and it should be a great piece to have for a real fan. It will be an amazing piece." - more on this story

Axl Rose Claims Chinese Democracy Was Sabotaged To Bring About Original Guns N' Roses Reunion

Rock Radio has this report about the ever continuing saga that is Guns N' Roses: The legal battle between Guns N' Roses mainman Axl Rose and former manager Irving Azoff has escalated with Rose making allegations of sabotage. In papers filed in US courts, Rose claims that Azoff tried to force him into a reunion tour with guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan and other classic-era band members. And when it didn't work, Azoff resorted to trying to destroy the 21st-century edition's career, Rose says.

The papers accuse the manager of "devising and implementing a secret plan to set up Rose and the band for failure, so that Rose would have no choice but to reunited with the original Guns n'Roses members."

Rose says Azoff deliberately mismanaged concert bookings, and deliberately failed to promote the new band's long-awaited 2008 album Chinese Democracy. - more on this story

Geezer Butler Remembers Ronnie James Dio, Recounts Ronnie's Final Days

Ronnie James Dio's Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell bandmate, Terry "Geezer" Butler has posted a lengthy statement about the loss of his friend. Here is what he has to say: It's impossible to express in mere words the relationship Ronnie and I, Wendy and my wife Gloria had. He was much more than a friend, fellow musician, band mate. If I have a soul, then he is part of it.

I truly believe God, fate, destiny, whatever it's called, brought us together again in 2006, after not seeing each other for 14 years, to do one final tour, which turned into 3 major tours and an album. We were having a blast together, enjoying each other's company more than we had ever done before, talking about maybe doing one more album, when fate intervened again.

We were planning on doing a 2 or 3 part North American tour, after having toured South America and Europe in Spring /Summer 2009, but on the first leg of the North American tour, Tony's hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny's shoulder became dislocated, and Ronnie was having terrible stomach pains. We decided to cut the tour, get healthy, and carry on the following year. Tony and Vinny had successful procedures to fix their ailments, but Ronnie's stomach pains were worsening. I saw him at the Dio Halloween party, but he wasn't drinking, unusual for Ronnie who liked his tipple. He was telling me he had made an appointment with a specialist, to see what it was….. - more on this story

Paul is Undead: The Beatles To Star In A Zombie Movie

We're not sure how serious to take this report from NME. But Paul is Undead? How could we resist that? Here is part of their report:

The Beatles are to be reborn as the undead in a new film adaptation of a graphic novel. The movie - entitled Paul Is Undead: The British Zombie Invasion - will show the band as zombies, after Doubles Features producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher brought the screen rights for Alan Goldsher's illustrated novel.

The books sees an undead John Lennon killing a reanimated Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The group travel the world performing gigs, before facing off against zombie hunter Mick Jagger and Yoko Ono, who's a ninja. - more on this story

Def Leppard Member Joins Thin Lizzy

(Rock Radio) Former Almighty frontman Ricky Warwick and Def Leppard guitarist Viv Campbell have joined the 2011 lineup of Thin Lizzy.

The band, once led by Phil Lynott, now features Warwick on vocals and guitar, Campbell on guitar, Lynott-era guitarist Scott Gorham and keyboardist Darren Wharton, Marco Mendoza on bass and founding member Brian Downey on drums.

They'll play a memorial show on June 4 in Dublin to mark the 25th anniversary of Lynott's death before embarking on a UK tour running for the rest of the month - more on this story

Interpol Finish Album, Lose Member

Interpol had good news and bad news for fans. The good news is that they have finished their new album and the bad news is that they have lost a member. Here is what they had to say:

As some of you have surely heard, Interpol has completed it's new album. It was recorded at Electric Lady Studios, New York, and mixed with Alan Moulder at Assault and Battery, London. The four of us poured our collective heart into this music and we are very proud and excited to share it. It's a heavy record. But we're feeling limber; and we're going to carry it all around the world for you. Touring begins this summer, so check here soon for announcements and show dates.

There is more: Sadly, Carlos will not be joining us. After the completion of the album, Carlos informed the rest of us that he would be leaving the band. He has decided to follow another path, and to pursue new goals. This separation is amicable, and we whole-heartedly wish him great happiness and success. We will remain, as always, deeply respectful fans of this blazingly talented individual. - more on this story

Killswitch Engage Singer Returns

Killswitch Engage fans had good news this week, their frontman Howard Jones will rejoin the band for a series of show next month.

Here is the announcement from Roadrunner about Howard's return: Fresh off of a tour lovingly dubbed "Philswitch Engage" in which All That Remains frontman Phil Labonte filled in for KsE mainman Howard Jones on a North American stint, Killswitch Engage are happy to announce a series of spring shows with Jones back at the helm.

Including a stop at this year's Rock on the Range, a once again Jones-lead Killswitch Engage will be performing at the following - dates

Winger Member Trashes Metallica's Guitarist

It's hump day; why not start with this comical report from Rock Radio? Here you go: Reb Beach of Winger and Whitesnake fame says Metallica's Kirk Hammett is the "worst guitarist I've ever heard in my my life."

Talking to Classic Rock Revisited, Beach piles into the man who founded early thrash metal technicians Exodus before replacing Dave Mustaine in Metallica in 1983, going on to write the riff for Enter Sandman.

"I don't know the guy, but I think he's one of the worst guitarists I've ever heard in my life. I've never heard a solo from that guy that was any good," Beach says. "The guy's out of tune. His vibrato sounds like a beginner. Back in the 80s he was always voted best guitar player, and I'm like, 'What? That guy is terrible!' - more on this story

Early Kurt Cobain Recordings Discovered At Garage Sale

Monday marked the 16th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death; it was also the day Chart Attack! reported that someone stumbled on early demo recordings by the late star at a garage sale! Here is part of their report:

A lucky person rummaging through bins at a garage sale is about to make a hell of a lot of money because he stumbled upon what might be the earliest known demos of late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.

According to Blurt Online, the man discovered a series of Phillips cassette tapes at the sale in Aberdeen, Wash., which was Cobain's hometown. They all had "KDC" (Cobain's full name was Kurt Donald Cobain) scrawled on them in black marker, and upon listening, he decided he should figure out whether they were actually Cobain's demos - more on this story

Underoath Lose Last Original Member

Underoath's final remaining original member, drummer/clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie, has parted ways with the band in the midst of their current European tour. Both Gillespie and the remaining members of the band issued statements on Monday. Here is what the band told fans via Myspace:

"We are taking this opportunity to sadly inform you the six of us have decided at the end of the current european tour, Aaron will no longer be playing in Underoath. This was not a decision made in haste but a thought out and prayed upon group agreement. It in no way effects any of the shows left on this tour. They will still be our best efforts and enjoyable experiences for all. For the future, Aaron will be pursuing other musical and ministry endeavors. As for the rest of us we will continue to work hard on the new Underoath record. We appreciate the love and support from everyone in the past and hope that all of us will continue to receive your support on our future paths. We love you guys."

Aaron posted this message on his Tumbler page: I am more then aware the news you have heard of seems rash, and probably hasty. I wanted to be able to write a few thing down here to maybe help you understand a bit, or at least clear up the rumor mill before it starts grind like a mo fo'. 1. Underoath and i have parted ways. Yes that is a true statement. There is no bad blood, there is no anger, i was in that band for eleven years, i love every person with my whole heart, i love the music we made together, the shows we played and the good times we had. People change, times change, and sometimes change just comes hunting for you. - more on this story

Slash Denies Slamming Axl On New Album

(Rock Radio) Slash has denied suggestions that a line in a song from his solo album refers to his former Guns N' Roses bandmate Axl Rose. And he admits that, 14 years after their relationship broke down, Rose's difficult character is what makes him a "phenomenal" talent.

On the track Crucify the Dead, guest vocalist Ozzy Osbourne sings: "A loaded gun jammed by a rose, the thorns are not around your head, your ego cut you till you bled."

But Slash says the words were written by Osbourne and do not refer to Rose."It was an Ozzy thing. He said the song represents the situation he's had in his relationships with other musicians," The axe hero tells the Toronto Sun. "Yes, there were some key lines in there that were very suggestive of my own experience – but he said, 'No, this is just an overall picture of the issues'. - more on this story

Dire Circumstances Force Thrice To Cancel Tour With Manchester Orchestra

Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue issued a statement explaining why the band were forced to pull out of their tour with Manchester Orchestra. As you'll read, he really had no choice. Here is what he had to say: Hey everyone. I apologize that the tour had to be cancelled but I had to get home to be with my Dad. He has an aggressive tumor in his brain and will be undergoing surgery this week. He wanted to convey his apologies as well (though I'm sure you'll agree it's unnecessary,) and also his thanks for your support of the band and our family. The tumor is near the language center of his brain which has made communicating increasingly difficult for him, so my Mom helped to edit the message below that he composed to all of you.

I want to say how sorry I am to each of you who have to miss seeing Thrice in concert on account of my health issues. I have been diagnosed with a large brain tumor and things at this point are very unsure and serious. I will be having surgery in the next few days. Both Dustin and his brother Chase were out on tour and returned home for some precious family time. I am blessed to have the most unbelievable family to support and love me through this. Through the years I have met many amazing Thrice fans who are the most wonderful people, as a matter of fact as I was having my CT scan and the technician asked if I was Dustin Kensrue's dad, and I proudly said Yes!!!! I love all of the guys in this awesome band and am sorry for the fact this is affecting them too. This has been a tough year on all of the guys in Thrice with family heartache, we all thank you for your prayers and good wishes! - Doug Kensrue

I want to thank everyone for their understanding and support and prayers. I spent last night and today with my family and am very glad I made the decision to leave as quickly as I did. Life is precious and fleeting, and events like these make real the fact that every moment is a gift, not a right. I thank God for the gift of my father, for the ways he has loved me and the things he has taught me thus far, and for the ways he will continue to love me and teach me in the time that God gives us. -

Metallica's Change Was Good For Pantera

(Rock Radio) Members of Testament and Pantera have slammed Metallica's 1996 album Load in a new book about the thrash giants' frontman James Hetfield.

In James Hetfield: The Wolf at Metallica's Door by Mark Eglinton, Chuck Billy of Testament and Rex Brown of Pantera and Down criticise an album which Hetfield himself recently admitted to having been uncomfortable with.

Rex Brown observes that Metallica's movement away from thrash was good for Pantera: "All that make-up and s***? I really didn't know what to think. I didn't even care. It wasn't the brand of s*** we were doing, and we kind of took over that spot where they left off." Brown said. "We only saw them spasmodically, but when we did, Lars would come in with f'kin John McEnroe! It was crazy. I don't think James was hanging out with all these artsy dudes though. He's not that kind of guy." - more on this story

Type O Negative's Peter Steele Death Confirmed, Bandmates Say Goodbye

Maple Jam Music Group have confirmed that Type O Negative's Peter Steele died. Here is the statement they issued: It is with great sadness that we inform you that Type O Negative frontman and bassist, Peter Steele passed away last night of what appears to be heart failure.

"Ironically Peter had been enjoying a long period of sobriety and improved health and was imminently due to begin recording new music with bandmates Josh Silver, Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly for a follow up to "Dead Again" released in 2007," says longtime band manager, Mike Renault.

The official cause of death has yet to be determined pending autopsy results. The funeral services will be private and memorial services will be announced at a future date. Band member and family statements are - here

Bret Michaels Has Slurred Speech, Blurred Vision And Dizziness Following Brain Hemorrhage

Updated: Poison frontman Bret Michaels is conscious but remains in critical condition from a brain hemorrhage after being rushed to an undisclosed hospital on Thursday night after complaining of a severe headache.

Michaels' publicist confirmed that the star did suffer a brain hemorrhage and is in critical condition. "Bret is a fighter and we are hopeful that once all is complete, the slurred speech, blurred vision and dizziness, etc., will be eliminated and all functions will return to normal," a statement from his publicist said according to Philly.com.

Bret Michaels was rushed to hospital after suffering from an excruciating headache which doctors said was due to bleeding at the base of his brain stem, according to Jam!. This is the second time this month that Michaels has been rushed to the hospital. Last week he had an emergency appendectomy in San Antonio, where he was set to take the stage for a solo concert. - more on this story

Slash Tried To Take Justin Bieber To A Strip Club

(SleazeRoxx) Slash had an indecent proposal for popster Justin Bieber when the pair met in Sydney, Australia in April- he invited the 16 year old to a strip club.

The pair met over the weekend and Bieber suggested they head out for dinner - but Slash had other plans for a meeting with the teenager.

Slash explains, "I told him, I said maybe me and the Mrs. will take you to a strip bar. But that didn't happen 'cause his minder told me that he's got a curfew and he's with his mom." - more on this story

Courtney To Sell Off Cobain Rights?

(Rock Radio) Hole frontwoman Courtney Michelle, formerly Courtney Love, is planning to sell tragic husband Kurt Cobain's publishing rights so she can rid herself of its "cursed money". [emotional money laundering?]

Cobain was found dead of a shotgun injury in 1994, leaving widow Courtney in possession of the rights to his songs. After years of attempting to protect those financial interests from a wide range of people she believes has been stealing from her, she now says she's planning to sell the rights on, so she can start her own life again.

"I'm thinking about selling all of Kurt's rights – everything. It's not a financial decision. It's an emotional one," Courtney tells the Scotsman. "He was the best friend I ever had, but Kurt and I were only married for three years, and now I need to have my own life. I'm always the widow and that drives me nuts." - more on this story