New Led Zeppelin Experience Tour? Free Radiohead- Nirvana Members Reunite- Quiet Riot Return- Sinister Box Set- Free 3 Disc Mike Portnoy Tribute- Blitzkrieg- more

On this day in 1975, Future Smiths singer Steve Morrissey had a letter published in this week's music magazine Sounds, complaining about the lack of media coverage for the New York Dolls. For more on this see This Day in Music Spotlight here.

Day in Rock 2010 Rewind: Top Stories From August

We continue our look back at the top stories of 2010. Today we flashback to August

Zakk Wylde Challenges Fan To A Fight

Some fans have gotten under Zakk Wylde's skin on Twitter. Fans, including one particular person named George, were upset when the Black Label Society were rained out during a stop on Ozzfest and posted some complaints online.

Zakk fired back in true Zakk fashion with a call for a fight with the fan named George. The Metal Den has collected some of the most standout "tweets" from Zakk. Here are a few that involved George.

Zakk posted a message telling fans to be mad at the Ozzfest production people and then posted, "How do you think it felt for us … We showed up Ready To DESTROY… NJ N BOSTON… Btw.. Come up to my face n call me a pussy…" Followed a short time later by "George I don't know if you've noticed . I'm not a 101LB. Guitar Player….can't wait to see how TOUGH you really R." - more on this story

Blink-182 Poke Fun at Guns N' Roses

Blink-182 had "a bit of a go" at Guns N' Roses during their headline set at the Reading Festival on Sunday night, following the controversial end to GN'R's set on Friday night.

NME reports about Blink's onstage banter: "I'm sorry you guys missed out on Guns N' Roses on Friday night," Hoppus said. "But Tom's going to play the intro to 'Sweet Child O' Mine'."

DeLonge then attempted to play the song, though after trying he said: "I haven't practiced it! Axl Rose is naked with my dad. - Axl wasn't the only target for their humor

Megadeth Vs Kataklysm

Kataklysm frontman Maurizio Iacono tells Exclaim! that Megadeth disrespected his band at last month's Heavy MTL festival in Montreal, Quebec. "We always looked up to Megadeth, to us they're a cult band and legendary musicians and we've always been huge fans," Iacono said. "But there is a certain limit to where you can be a rock star. Sometimes you can overstep your boundaries and to us, it was a disrespectful thing."

He continued, "What happened is, we were backstage and a person from our camp - I don't want to start mentioning names - but somebody from our band was waiting to go backstage where the area for musicians is. The cart was passing through and the driver stopped and said, 'Do you want to hop on?' and he said, 'Yeah' and hopped on. They drove ten meters and they just stopped and all the Megadeth people, including Dave Mustaine, just jumped off the cart and said, 'We're not going to share with everyone else.' So my guy got off and said, 'You guys can keep it, I'll walk.'"

When asked whether Megadeth knew who Kataklysm was, Iacono said it shouldn't have mattered. "To me, even if we're Kataklysm and you're a fan or a person that belongs to the entourage of the backstage area and you're jumping on to get a ride to somewhere, I would never stop the guy and say, 'I'm not being on the same cart,' or 'I'm not stopping for anybody,'" he said. "That's not us, but maybe we're just different." - more on this story

Black Sabbath Legend Robbed At Dio Tribute Concert

(Gibson) Black-Sabbath.com is reporting that Tony Iommi's Gibson guitar has been stolen. The Gibson SG has been Iommi's signature instrument since his early days with Black Sabbath. He is one of the guitar model's best-known players. The Black Sabbath and Heaven and Hell guitarist posted this statement on the website:

"Sadly, my red Custom Shop Iommi SG was stolen at the tribute show Heaven and Hell performed at High Voltage on July 24th [in tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio]. If you have any information or leads please let us know, we are offering a reward."

Heaven and Hell members Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinnie Appice played a tribute show to their late frontman Ronnie James Dio last month at the High Voltage Festival in London. Jorn Lande (Masterplan) and Glenn Hughes (ex-Deep Purple, ex-Black Sabbath) filled in on vocals. All proceeds went to benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. -

Fear Factory Escape Bus Fire

We received word on Thursday that Fear Factory had a close brush with death while on tour in the UK. Here are the details from the FF camp:

In the early morning hours Fear Factory narrowly escaped fire that quickly engulfed their tour bus while in route to London. The fire reportedly stemmed from a back wheel tire before spreading throughout the double-decker coach. BBC News confirms the fire closed down two lanes of the southbound M1 as Northamptonshire fire officials battled the blaze.

Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares released the following comment moments ago: "We had just finished playing a sold out show in Sheffield and we were on our way to London. Everyone was asleep except for two of our crew. At about 3:30am the bus driver noticed smoke coming from the back right wheel. He stopped, jumped out and noticed a flame underneath the wheel well. He tried to extinguish it but the flames were too much. Everyone on the bus was woken up by one of our crew yelling 'Get everyone up and out of the bus.' Everyone grabbed their bags and ran off the bus. We stood on the side of the freeway going 'thank god we all made it out' until someone noticed our merchandise guy was still asleep on the bus. A good friend of ours ran back on the smoked-filled bus and got him out just minutes before the bus was completely in flames." - more on this story

A Perfect Circle Reunion

Could A Perfect Circle be teasing and puzzling fans with the prospect of a reunion? Gibson.com reports: It appears that hard rock supergroup A Perfect Circle will be reuniting soon. Earlier this week, the band's recently activated Twitter account began posting cryptic messages that tagged members of A Perfect Circle.

In the meantime, founding guitarist Billy Howerdel tweeted, "The APC dust is shaking off!" and drummer Josh Freese wrote on Facebook, "I'm happy to report that A Perfect Circle is waking up from its six-year slumber… and we're going to be 'doing stuff' soon."

But there's been no official announcement and nothing said by frontman Maynard James Keenan, who's recently been on tour with Tool and promoting another one of his bands, Puscifer. - more on this story

Steven Tyler Angers Aerosmith With American Idol Deal

American Idol producers are keeping mum on who will be the new judges for the show but a member of Aerosmith tells a major newspaper that Steven Tyler will be a judge on the show and Tyler's one time "Toxic Twin" isn't too happy about it.

Bryan Wawzenek of Gibson.com reports: Joe Perry told the Boston Herald that bandmate Steven Tyler will be a judge on the next season of American Idol. "We're told it's a done deal," the Aerosmith guitarist said. The claim backs up what Tyler's recent comment to press, that his plans include "recording an album and [I'm] probably going to be a judge on American Idol." The frontman then said, "I'm doing it. What do you think? I'm doing it."

SleazeRoxx expands on the Gibson report and we learn that Joe Perry is apparently not very happy about this news and how he found out about it. Quoting from the same Boston Herald interview: "I found out on the internet like the rest of the world... I mean, this is no small thing." Perry said. "I mean, after working with me for 40 years, he couldn't tell me about this... Why so secretive? We're told it's a done deal. If Steven is committed to a TV show, that kind of affects the rest of us. We'd like to plan our lives, ya know?" - more

Punk Legend Dies

The original bassist for Los Angeles-based punk band Fear has died. Derf Scratch passed away on July 28, due to complications from an unspecified illness, according to The OC Weekly. At this time, no one knows how old Scratch was.

While Fear continues to operate under founding frontman Lee Ving, the punk band has undergone a ton of lineup changes over the decades. Scratch (born Frederick Milner) was part of the band during what most would consider its most famous years: 1977-82.

Part of Fear's notoriety was aided by Scratch, who befriended Saturday Night Live comedy legend, and punk rock fan, John Belushi. Because he liked the band so much, Belushi got Fear booked on SNL on its Halloween episode in 1981. Belushi, who had quit the show a few years before, returned to introduce the band and participate in the show. - more on this story

All Shall Perish in Bad Accident

All Shall Perish told fans on Tuesday that they were in a "bad van accident" on Sunday. No one was hurt except their van.

Under the topic heading of "Stranded in Chicago," the band informed their Facebook friends: "We were in a bad van accident Sunday morning. Don't worry, we're all fine as are the other people involved. However we might not be able to continue the tour due our van being wrecked."

The offered updates throughout the day, the latest was that they were back on the road with a new touring vehicle. A short time earlier they posted, "Almost have a solution in place... we are shooting to make it to the Denver show. Go check out The Red Chord, they are probably eating pancakes right now and laughing about our situation." - more on this story

Def Leppard's Joe Elliot and Ian Hunter Brawl

Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliot and Ian Hunter had a little run in with ELP's crew at the High Voltage festival where Elliot's side band Down 'N Outs were playing. Famed photographer Ross Halfin blogged the following about it:

Back to the far east in the afternoon for some Ian Hunter and Joe Elliott plus ELP who are closing the event with a seven-hour set. Jimmy came along to see Ian Hunter - surprisingly they have never met... Shot the end of Joe's set and was just getting into Ian Hunter when the power was pulled after two songs by ELP. Now if I say the situation was ugly that is an understatement. Joe Elliott and Ian Hunter got into an "altercation" with ELP's crew, fists flying. It ruined the whole day, a real bad 70's thug-like atmosphere. Jimmy and I went in to see Ian and offer our support and Joe was pragmatic, 'f*** it, what can you do?'

Doctor Anita, Jimmy, Peter, John Varvatos and a helpful Rick Canny (from ZZ Top) watched ELP from the crowd but by now the fun element had, well, soured is the best way to put it. Only John and I knew the songs, bits of Tarkus and long meandering pieces, the band had no cohesion. We left leaving ELP playing a piano concerto (it was getting dull) and drove back across London to console ourselves with a bucket of KFC - from ELP to KFC. Yes, that has a nice ring to it. "Welcome Back My Friends To The Bucket That Never Ends". - Check out the photos he mentioned on his blog

Scorpions To Reunite With Uli Jon Roth and Michael Schenker

(Gibson) The Scorpions are squeezing every last bit of venom out of their farewell tour. The Get Your Sting and Blackout Farewell Tour has taken the band to every corner of the planet and, with the end now in sight, the group are looking to get a little nostalgic.

Bravewords.com is reporting that the German metal legends are planning a massive final show that will include appearances by former guitarists Uli Jon Roth and Michael Schenker, as well as drummer Herman Rarebell. Roth and Schenker helped put the Scorps on the map with guitar fans during their separate tenures with the band in the '70s. The reunion show will take place sometime in 2011.

The band is also planning a Blu-ray and DVD of the current tour. In addition, Rudolf Schenker revealed that the band is sifting through some 800 hours of never-released footage of the group dating back to their early years. Schenker says the band hopes to begin releasing that material after the Get Your Sting and Blackout Farewell Tour concludes - more on this story

Evergreen Terrace Deny Being Arrested For Beating Up Girl

Evergreen Terrace have issued a lengthy statement to give their side of the story about a fight that broke out at their show last Thursday (August 12th) in the Pittsburgh suburb of Cheswick where online claims had the band arrested for "beating up a girl". Here is the band's side of things: Because of the amount of attention that the 'ET fight' rumor has caused, we want to answer your questions and clear up what happened at our show on 8/12 in Cheswick, PA. We attempted to let these ridiculous comments pass and not to take part in the absurdity, but because the rumors continue-even if by only a small group of people - we think our fans deserve the truth. Craig and Jake, a crew member of the tour, (NOT Andrew) were sitting by a red car (not on it).

A girl approached them and told them to get off her boyfriend's car. They told the girl they weren't on the car and to chill out. Craig asked where her boyfriend was. The boyfriend walked up and both parties began s*** talking. The girl dumped a beer on Craig and Jake and threw the beer can at them. Craig stood up. He and the boyfriend lunged at each other. The boyfriend tackled Craig to the ground causing Craig to land on his back. The boyfriend hit Craig 3 times, and the girl jumped in swinging. Craig was on his back, his arms up to block. Jake and witnesses pulled the boyfriend and the girl off. There was a large crowd of people by this time. The boyfriend sustained his injuries from someone else (not in the band) after being pulled off Craig. When Craig got up, the girl ran toward him again. Craig shoved her away and walked off. She did not fall on the ground from this action. Later Craig went back to the area to get his phone. The boyfriend apologized to Craig, said the whole thing was stupid and that the girl was drunk.

Thirty minutes after the incident, Andrew (who was not at the fight by the car) approached the boyfriend, took his cigarette, and asked why he was starting s***. They exchanged words. Andrew blew smoke in the boyfriend's face, handed back the cigarette, and the boyfriend punched Andrew in the face, causing a cigarette burn on Andrew's cheek. Cops who were in plain view ran over and arrested the boyfriend for assault on Andrew. Ten minutes after the boyfriend's arrest, Andrew told the cops that he wasn't pressing charges on the boyfriend because he felt he had instigated the punch by blowing smoke in his face. The cops let the boyfriend go. - more on this story

Guns N' Roses Virtual Reunion

We know that a lot of our readers keep hoping for a reunion of the original Guns N' Roses. That's not likely to happen but we received word about a virtual reunion via a new Mash-up EP. Here is the an info a reader sent over: DJ 5agge has combined Axl Rose's vocals from Chinese Democracy with tracks from Velvet Revolver (featuring Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner) and Slash's new solo album.

The mashups contain elements of Axl Rose's vocals from "Prostitute," "Chinese Democracy," "If the World," "There Was a Time," "Scraped," and "Madagascar," as well as audio from Axl Rose's performance as DJ Tommy "The Nightmare" Smith from the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The instrumentation comes from Slash's "Beautiful Dangerous," and Velvet Revolver's "Slither" & "Messages," (an iTunes bonus track from the band's much-maligned 2007 release Libertad).

Axl's voice and Slash's guitar complement each other perfectly. You can tell by these remixes that a new album from Axl and Slash would totally rock and would beat anything either has done post 1993. - more on this story

Dave Mustaine Declares Megadeth Metallica Feud Dead

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has proclaimed that his feud with Metallica is over. Rock Radio Reports that Mustaine says the Big Four shows with Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax should prove to everyone the quarter-century feud has been put to rest. And he asks: "What do I need, a love-child?"

Discussing his self-titled autobiography he tells ExploreMusic: "I was fired from Metallica because I punched James Hetfield. But we just made up when we did the Big Four thing. There's no feud. Anyone who perpetuates that stuff is just going for tabloid sensationalism.

"There's so many great things happening in my career. Do you have to go back to that? There's nothing there. If someone can't tell there's no feud after we played together... What do I need, a love-child? Come on!" - more on this story

Depeche Mode Founders Martin Gore and Vince Clarke Working Together Again

The chief songwriter for Depeche Mode's first album is collaborating with the man who took over songwriting duties in the group after he left. Martin Gore is collaborating again with his Depeche Mode co-founder Vince Clarke (who went on to co-found Erasure with Andy Bell and Yazoo [known as Yaz in the U.S.] with Alison Moyet).

depeche-mode.com reports that Gore is working on a new project with Clarke and that so far very little is known, apart from one a single title: "Zaat".

The site reports that Clarke broke the news to fans via Twitter last Friday with this message, "Am working on the track 'Zaat'. Collaborating with Martin (Gore) (from Basildon)." - more on this story

Blink-182 Exploring New Sounds For New Album

Rock Radio caught up with Tom DeLonge at the Leeds Festival over the weekend and learned that not only are new Blink-182 songs coming, the band is branching out musically.

Discussing the follow-up to 2003's self-titled release, DeLonge explains: "The record will be very modern, relevant, fast and fun. It'll be a mixture of drum'n'bass, indie rock and stadium rock. I can't say we've done that before, but you can see the tip of the iceberg on the last record.

"Anyone who listens to my band Angels and Airwaves will know where I sit musically. If you imagine that, mixed in with what the other guys do in their spare time, you get it. It's going to be a really great collaboration of the best of three different genres of music." - more on this story

The Day Metallica Went Mainstream

On August 31, 1991 Metallica started their four-week run at the top of the U.S. album chart with their self-titled album, better known to fans as the Black Album. To mark the anniversary, Gibson takes an in-depth look at the album:

In the fall of 1990, guitarist/vocalist Hetfield, guitarist Kirk Hammett, drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Jason Newsted went into the One on One studio in North Hollywood to start on what would be Metallica's fifth album. Partially inspired by the success of "One," the band went to work on a set of concise, radio-friendly songs that would bridge the gap between thrash and mainstream metal.

Impressed with his work on Mötley Crüe's Dr. Feelgood, Metallica enlisted producer Bob Rock to help in this vein, although they initially only wanted him to mix the album. They eventually changed their minds, and let Rock helm the whole process. "We felt that we still had our best record in us and Bob Rock could help us make it," Ulrich once said. The sessions for Metallica were as tense and angry as any that the band had experienced at that time. The members blamed Rock for this, largely because he changed their usual working schedule and forced them out of their comfort zones. For instance, he encouraged the band to play together, rather than record their parts separately, as they had become accustomed to doing. (Despite swearing never to work with the producer again, Metallica and Rock continued to collaborate for more than a decade.) Multiple takes, months of recording and no less than three different mixes resulted in the final album costing more than $1 million. - more on this story

Paul Rodgers Confirms Aerosmith Offer

Back in January when Aerosmith were considering replacing Steven Tyler, a writer for Classic Rock overheard Joe Perry recruiting Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers for the gig. (see that story here). Now Rodgers confirms that it did take place in a new interview. Gibson reports:

"Well, yes, I was, actually. Joe Perry came up to me at another awards celebration. And he said that Steve was not really interested in touring anymore at the moment, and they were all ready to tour and that they were looking for somebody to take that slot. And I said to him, 'You know, maybe you guys ought to rethink that.' And I'm happy to see that they're up and running now because they're a fabulous band."

Rodgers said that part of the reason for his hesitance to join the Boston rockers was that he had already done something similar with Queen: "Queen was an exception -- joining forces with an actual band that existed. Because in the past I've always formed a band and then written a whole catalog of songs for that band." - more on this story

Ozzy's Diary and Blizzard Reissues Delayed

Fans who were hoping to have the 30th Anniversary reissue editions of Ozzy Osbourne's first two solo albums in hand around Thanksgiving won't be thankful for this news.

The Metal Den reports that the 30th-anniversary editions of Ozzy's first two solo albums, 1980′s "Blizzard Of Ozz" and 1981′s "Diary Of A Madman", have been apparently postponed, this according to CD Japan.

This is important to fans because these editions are said to have the original drum and bass tracks restored (unlike the 2002 reissues of these albums, which saw the replacement of the original bass and drum tracks by Osbourne's then-drummer Mike Bordin and -bassist Robert Trujillo). - more on this story

Metal Band Takes On U2 Over File-Sharing

Gama Bomb frontman Philly Byrne knows first hand about file-sharing's impact on record sales. His band did a little experiment with their latest album, offering it as a free download (and it still is, go grab it at the link which follows this article). The funny thing is that this didn't hurt their CDs sales; in fact it helped the band build their fanbase.

So when Philly saw a recent article by U2's manager in GQ Magazine discussing the problems with file-sharing, Philly felt compelled to offer up his counter argument. Here it is: U2's manager Paul McGuinness' recent article is well-reasoned, well-informed and commendable in its aims - though it's crazily short-sighted. It falls at the last hurdle when envisioning future solutions to the problems file sharing causes for the music industry, and is filled with logical blind-spots on the current state of the business. He's got the numbers right, but the headspace is all wrong.

To his credit, Mr McGuinness is here wading into an argument that, as he notes, often involves untold abuse for those willing to stick their oar in. Furthermore, it's one that doesn't affect his untouchably profitable bread-and-butter, U2. So who am I to gainsay him? Last year my band Gama Bomb released their third album free of cost as a download with the permission of our record company, Earache Records. This, to my knowledge, makes us the first signed band ever to do so. We took this step because we personally consume music in this way and were aware our previous albums were largely being consumed as shared files. To release another CD in the traditional way seemed futile. Also, as a band playing a niche form of music on a small budget, we were aware of the potential PR power of such a move. The label agreed, we did it, and that's why I feel qualified to dust off my soap box on this one." - more on this story

Dio Era Rainbow Videos Now Online

Bob Daisley has a special tribute to his former bandmate and friend Ronnie James Dio, he opened his personal vaults and is sharing the Dio treasures with the world. Gibson reports that Daisley, who played with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore and Uriah Heep, among others, has posted rare video footage of Rainbow, shot just before the release of the Long Live Rock 'n' Roll album in 1978.

Daisley posted the video to honor the memory of Ronnie James Dio, shown here at, arguably, his peak. Daisley played with Dio in Rainbow for two years, joining the band at the tail end of the Long Live Rock 'n' Roll sessions and playing on the tracks "Kill the King," "Sensitive to Light" and the epic "Gates of Babylon."

The Dio incarnation of Rainbow imploded in 1979 when Dio left the band to replace Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath. The band took another major blow the following year when powerhouse drummer Cozy Powell left because of the band's shift toward more commercial music. Daisley, himself, left in 1979 and joined Osbourne's new band, along with guitarist Randy Rhoads. - check em out here

Guns N' Roses Cut Off After Late Start

The organizers of the Reading Festival warned that if Guns N' Roses showed up late for their headlining gig, they wouldn't be able to take the stage.

The band was an hour late for the show on Friday night and was allowed to play, but the sound was cut on them, ending their set early.

NME reports "as the band tried to return for an encore, the sound was cut. Led by Rose, they still tried to launch into 'Paradise City', though only the drums could be heard as all other instruments had been switched off. As the crowd started to sing the track, Rose tried to greet members of the audience while singing through a megaphone"

The question remains if they will be on time Sunday night when they headline Leeds - more on this story

Soundgarden Star Clarifies Homeless Story

Soundgarden bassist Ben Shepherd made headlines when he told Spin he lives "Nowhere. Literally. I've been sleeping on studio couches and at friends' houses. I'm totally broke." Now he wants to clarify that statement after seeing headlines declaring him homeless.

He posted the following message on the band's official site: "I feel the banner saying that I am homeless was merely a sensationalizing stunt done by workers at Spin magazine to sell their story, or make it seem more exciting than it actually is. It makes me feel embarrassed for the truly homeless people to be associated at all in any way with the likes of me. I seem to have been lucky, as most of you, in never having to survive day to day (on the streets) anyway.

"Furthermore, my friends and family have always been by my side so I have never gone without love, care, food, compassion, and understanding. I would actually like to thank whatever editor that played this hand for helping once again bring to light the subject of the homeless and uncared for human beings of this dangerously bleak world. I humbly ask for whoever reads this to realize we are all in this together, and try to just remember that once in a while and not only at some convenient time. - more on this story

Iron Maiden Rules The World

Iron Maiden have topped the charts in 21 countries around the globe and also earned their highest charting position in the U.S. with their new album, The Final Frontier.

Their UK label issued the following statement about the achievement: EMI Records is proud of their 30 year, career long involvement with Iron Maiden and the astonishing first week global chart success of the band's fifteenth studio album, The Final Frontier, which was released on EMI Records worldwide on August 16. (excluding USA, released by Ume on August 17)

Iron Maiden have more than earned their status as one of the foremost contemporary and influential rock bands in the world as they debut at #1 in the UK (their fourth No 1 album here, the first being 1982's seminal The Number of the Beast album) and 20 other countries to date with The Final Frontier. - more on this story

100 Greatest Artists Of All Time?

Greatest lists of anything are sure to spark controversy since they are so subjective and there is a new list that is sure to make some spark fly. Strangely the band with the biggest selling album (by a band) in American history is missing from vh1's list of the "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time." But the list does include the likes of LL Cool J and Justin Timberlake (it is vh1 after all).

Apparently the list was derived by a poll of well-known music artists and [so-called] music experts in the industry. And the cable network will count down what they are calling the "definitive" list during a four night special starting on Monday, September 6 at 10/9c with a 2-hour premiere.

According to the press release, 'over 200 musicians including Alicia Keys, Ozzy Osbourne, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Iggy Pop, Nas, Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Geddy Lee (Rush), Alex Lifeson (Rush), Michael Diamond (Beastie Boys), Daryl Hall, John Oates, Noel Gallagher (Oasis), Gene Simmons (KISS), Adam Levine (Maroon Five), 50 Cent, Nelly Furtado, Mandy Moore, Carrie Underwood, Adam Clayton (U2) and many more voted on who they believe deserves this highly coveted title.' At least Diddy and Clay Aiken didn't wind up on the final list [and really does anyone really consider Diddy a musician?]. - see the head scratching list here

The Funeral Pyre Fatal Accident Statement

The Funeral Pyre have issued a statement about the fatal van accident they were involved in where Early Graves' vocalist Makh Daniels was killed.

Here is the statement: "Sometimes, you go through a life altering situation. That's how these past two weeks have been for all involved in The Funeral Pyre. But through all of that, we have managed to talk about the current situation of the band. While nobody in our group was hurt seriously, there are still some injuries that did happen. Currently, we're all trying to just regroup and stay positive about the band and our future.

"Now while we all need time to just reflect on what has happened, we also had to come to a decision about what we will be doing. We will continue to tour and to write records. Although this has been a difficult time for all of us, we know that continuing to make music is something we have to do.

"We thank everyone who gave us their support during some of the most difficult times of our lives. We will be out on tour at the end of this year and still working harder than ever. Thank you to all of our friends and family for supporting these decisions as well. We'll see you all soon. We'll be out on tour again in December with dates to be announced soon. We'll be hitting some of the spots we missed at the end of the last tour as well. Thanks again." -

Send Metallica Into Space

You now have the chance to send Metallica into space. Not the actual band, we'll let Gibson fill you in: NASA has announced a new "Wake-up Song Contest" to allow the public to choose just what songs the crew will hear on the final flight of the space shuttle Discovery this November.

While the voting is, unfortunately, limited to a list of 40 previously played songs (so sadly, no "Flight of Icarus" or "Space Oddity"), there are still some intriguing choices available for voters, including Metallica's "Enter Sandman," 3 Doors Down's "Kryptonite," Tom Petty's "Free Fallin" and "Blue Sky" by Big Head Todd. The top two vote-getters will wake up the crew on their 11-day mission.

A second component of the promotion allows aspiring musicians to submit original songs, with the winning entry to be played on the last planned shuttle mission aboard the Endeavor in February. - more on this story

Behemoth Singer Fighting Cancer

Behemoth frontman Nergal (real name Adam Darski) confirmed rumors that he is suffering from a serious illness. Rock Radio now reports: the serious illness he previously refused to identify is leukaemia – and the disease has developed so far that chemotherapy can't help him.

The extreme metal outfit from Poland recently cancelled all touring plans as Nergal confirmed he needed immediate medical attention. Now it's been revealed his fiancee Doda has donated bone marrow, although it's not yet known whether her DNA will match his.

Last week Nergal said: "I take my sickness at face value so I can understand and learn more. Most illnesses like mine are healed by positive thinking – I don't rely on faith, but on belief in myself. But let's just say this is a very strong enemy." - more on this story

Jimmy Page Announces $691 Book

Rock autobiographies are all the rage these days and one person we have not yet heard from is Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page. The wait goes on, but he is releasing his first ever published book on September 27th through Genesis Publications. But it will cost you a whole lotta cash! Try $691.

Nightwatcher reports: Genesis Publications and Jimmy Page have spent two years together sifting through thousands of photographs to produce a final and definitive edit that includes a mixture of iconic portraits, rare and unseen images and photographs from Jimmy's own archive.

Jimmy Page: "I've really got a lot of time for the way Genesis produce their books, they're really quality items. As someone who's always been interested in having a library themselves, I appreciate fine bookbinding and their whole ethic of what they do and what they're trying to do with a whole catalogue of books." - more on this story

Heaven & Hell Is Finished

Geezer Butler is still mourning the loss of his Heaven and Hell / Black Sabbath bandmate Ronnie James Dio and is considering what the future might hold for him musically. Here are some excerpts of a conversation he had with Exclaim.ca. "We're all just on hold since Ronnie passed away," Geezer told Exclaim.ca. "We did a tribute concert for his cancer fund a bit ago and that's about it. We're just wondering what to do next."

"Everything was going so well and then that happened," he continues. "It was one of those things when he was responding really well to treatment and everyone was feeling positive again. The tour was going ahead again and Ronnie felt up for it [and] was looking forward to the tour. About six weeks before that, it came back with a vengeance and hit him really hard."

Thrown into a state of turmoil, Butler admits that Heaven & Hell are no more and the future of Sabbath continues to remain uncertain. "It's really difficult because it's obviously never happened to us before. It's difficult to know what to do, especially at our age. We're not sure. Do we start all over again? We're just gonna see how it goes. That's the thing. He's a very close friend of of mine, as well as someone I work with. It's a big part of my life gone. [Are we] getting a singer in and that kind of thing? ... It'll sort itself out eventually, I suppose [but] Heaven & Hell is finished. It could only ever be with Ronnie. I'd still like to carry on with Tony and Vinnie doing something, but it won't be as Heaven & Hell." - more on this story

Bun E Out of Cheap Trick?

Bun E Carlos hasn't officially left Cheap Trick but he has stopped touring with them and now we learn that he is not playing on the band's new album. Rock Radio reports: New blood in the Cheap Trick lineup may have spurred the band into working harder than they've done in over a decade. Bassist Tom Petersson says they're already close to completing the follow-up to 2009's album The Latest – but the question is, who'll play drums on the record?

In March this year sticksman Bun E Carlos retired from touring after a bout of ill-health, although he officially remains a member of the band. But as Petersson comments, Cheap Trick tend to record while they're out on the road, which means album tracks could feature guitarist Rick Nielsen's son Dax behind the kit.

"We were just in Los Angeles and we came up with 10 ideas that are very strong contenders. That's how it works now – we just do it as it happens. When opportunities come up we just put ideas together. Once you get 10 or 12 strong things, wow, we have the record," Petersson tells Billboard.com. "We do the majority of our recording as we work on the road. We go into studio here or there, or do something at sound checks. It's kind of like, if you're in the room you're on the record." - more on this story

U2 At A Crossroads Following Disappointing Album

Rock Radio has the following report that should be of interest to U2 fans: U2 are struggling to choose between four very different albums for their next release, singer Bono admits. And they're aware they have to be more straightforward with a new record after the relative failure of last year's offering.

Bono tells Rolling Stone: "No Line on the Horizon is not very accessible, lyrically or musically. We put out a really difficult record – I have to admit that. If I was a teenager, it would be like a European movie. It's arthouse."

There are a number of options for the follow-up, he explains: "Songs of Ascent, which is the meditative work that was meant to complement No Line on the Horizon. We've also got a rock album and a club-sounding album. Then we have the Spider-Man musical stuff." - more on this story

Blink-182's Travis Barker Recruits Big Names For New Album

Travis Barker has recruited some big name stars for his new solo project. But these big names don't rock. Gibson reports: Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker is preparing to release a new solo album. But fans expecting the pop punk of Barker's day-job band will be in for a surprise. Keeping with the tone of his more hip-hop oriented side projects, Transplants and Expensive Taste, Barker has recruited some of the biggest names in rap and hip-hop.

XXL magazine is reporting that collaborators will include Eminem (fresh off his own chart-topping album, Recovery), Lil Wayne and the ubiquitous Snoop Dogg. Also making guest appearances are Drake, T.I., The Game, Pharrell Williams, RZA, Lupe Fiasco, Rick Ross, The Cool Kids and Clipse.

Fans of Blink 182 needn't worry, though. The band has a host of European dates still on the slate, including Chiemsee Rocks in Germany, the Paris Rock En Seine Festival, and the Reading Festival in England. - more on this story

Sebastian Bach Rules Out Skid Row Reunion, Compares Himself To Robert Plant

Sebastian Bach drew a comparison between himself and Robert Plant. There is a legit context to it, so read this report from Gibson: Speaking recently on Orlando's Real Radio 104.1, Sebastian Bach fielded a series of questions about whether or not he was interested in reuniting with his ex-bandmates, who are still touring under the Skid Row moniker.

"Let me answer it as honestly as I can," said Bach. "You're talking about when Skid Row was last good – we broke up in '96, but I don't even count that – I would say '91 was when we were last really a good band. I just don't live in 1991 in 2010, and I'm talking about four other guys that I haven't seen in 15 years." He continued, "I think of Skid Row the same way you might think of picking up your high school yearbook. You have affection for what happened 30 years ago, but you look at the yearbook and you go, 'Oh, cool,' and you shut it, and it's today. I don't know those people."

Bach went on to compare himself with another leonine frontman, albeit one of a slightly different stature: "Robert Plant can't go anywhere without hearing, 'Hey, why don't you do Led Zeppelin?' 'Cause it's not in his heart. Raising Sand, with Alison Krauss, is who Robert Plant is. He's not squeezing the lemon juice down his leg at the age of 65. And I'm not the 'Youth Gone Wild.' I'm sorry, I'm 42. It's a great song, but I'm not gonna pretend that it's who I am today, because it's not." -

Phish Phan Jumps 25 Feet From Balcony

One Phish phan is lucky to be alive after taking a jump at a recent show. Gibson reports: A music fan suffered massive head trauma after he jumped from the balcony during a Phish concert on Wednesday night in Long Island, New York.

According to the New York Post, the man intentionally leapt to the ground, 25 feet below, during the jam band's tour-ending gig at Jones Beach.

Although no one below was hurt, the fan suffered major injuries, and was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center. According to other attendees, there was "blood everywhere" and the man fell with enough force to break a chair. A doctor described the man's face as being "busted up." At this time, there has been no update on the fan's medical condition. - more on this story

Black Sabbath Members Discuss Possible Reunion

All four original members of Black Sabbath have now gone on record discussing the possibility of a reunion. Gibson has some of the highlights: Ozzy Osbourne tells Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "We're talking and that's a good sign. We're not at war with each other. I was speaking to Bill Ward last night. I've got to speak to the other two. But it was in the last attempt where we just all met without saying anything to each other [after] quite a few years. I'm trying to get things done right, talking at least."
It sounds like at least two of his former bandmates are open to a conversation. The aforementioned Ward said recently that "everyone has an open mind about touring again." He then added, "I'd love to do another album and tour with the Sabs. It keeps me fresh and going."

Bassist Geezer Butler expressed similar sentiments this week to Hellbound.ca: "You know, it would be nice to finish the whole thing off with one last tour, I suppose. We're all getting a bit old now, so time is running out. It would be nice – I wouldn't say 'no'!"

As for Ozzy, while he won't commit to any specific plans, he does sound like a man ready make music: "I can't give any dates, 'cause I don't know anything. I don't know whether they want to do it with me, or whatever, but I'm starting to feel [things] ease up for it. To be honest with you, I would love to do a killer Black Sabbath album. It would make my life, my whole thing, round up perfectly for me."

What does Tony Iommi have to say about the matter? Find out - here

The Call's Michael Been Suffers Fatal Heart Attack on BRMC Tour

Michael Been, vocalist and guitarist of '80s band The Call, and father of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's Robert Been, passed away today in Belgium, after suffering a heart attack backstage. Been was on tour with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, acting as their sound engineer. He was 60.

The Call erupted on the scene with a passionate sound and a strong political message, and earned numerous hits, including "The Walls Came Down," "I Still Believe (Great Design)" and "Let the Day Begin," which climbed to #1 on the Rock chart. Their fans included Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson, and Bono, all contributing to albums, and Gabriel deeming them "the future of American music."

Been was not only the father of Robert Been but a significant part of BRMC's development. Often referenced as their fourth member, Been spent countless hours in the studio acting in many roles from mentor and guide, to helping the now internationally revered band capture their sound to tape. He acted as co-producer and engineer on numerous BRMC albums and was their loyal sound engineer for as many years. -

Eddie Creator Derek Riggs Discusses Parting Ways With Iron Maiden

Derek Riggs was the creative mastermind behind Iron Maiden's mascot Eddie and painted most of the iconic images of Ed The Head over the years. MetalSucks recently caught up with Derek to discuss his parting with the band. Here is part of that exchange:

What I've read says that you ended things with Iron Maiden and walked away. This has included giving them Eddie without further claims on it. How do you look on that decision? Derek: Well, it probably wasn't the smartest business decision, but I didn't really care. I couldn't work with their management, and I still can't really. At that point, it just became too painful to keep doing it. I'd had enough. There was so much bulls*** around Fear of the Dark. I just said, "Forget it, I've had enough." I mean, they gave me some money. But the rights to the character haven't been bought or sold — so that's still all floating out there. But the bottom line was that I'd had enough of doing it. F**k it. And I wasn't going to be doing anything else with Eddie, so why not let them have it?

You could have held it hostage, right? Weren't you leaving money on the table by not being an a**hole? Derek: Well, I've done a few paintings for them since then. But they asked me to sign another contract with them. Initially it looked all right, but then I thought the better of it. Look, you can have an art director who wants to see six different versions of something because he's ten years old. But I can already tell you — "That's not going to work." F**king around with different options… when I tell you it won't work, it won't work. And I got into artwork to do good artwork, not to satisfy an arti director by making boring crap.

Really, I've done zombies. At this point, it's like, "How do you want your zombie? Would you like him with a burning city behind him or with lightning? Do you want him boiled or fried?" [laughs]
- full interview

Rolling Stones Ronnie Wood Recruits Slash, Flea, Billy Gibbons, Kris Kristofferson and More For New Album

Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood has a new album and a new record label. And it's not just any old solo album, it's packed with guest appearances from the likes of Slash, Flea, Billy Gibbons, Kris Kristofferson and more.

Here is the announcement: Eagle Records is delighted to announce that Ronnie Wood has signed with the label for the release of his brand new studio album I Feel Like Playing. The album is released on September 28, 2010. The new single 'Lucky Man' will be impacting at radio September 14. To hear some of the new music visit www.ronniewood.com.

Ronnie Wood says, "Eagle understood exactly what I needed for my album and they will give it the push that it deserves, both in the UK and internationally." - more on this story

Killswitch Engage Members Reunite In New Band

Killswitch Engage fans hoping for the return of Jesse Leach will have the next best thing, a semi reunion with Jesse and Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who are teaming up for a brand new band.

Here is the announcement: Times Of Grace ia a brand new band that finds the duo taking a creative left turn, boldly exploring new musical terrain, while fearlessly digging deep into the recesses of their musical synergy.

It has yielded a provocative, heavy-yet-melodic result, one that helped each of them overcome personal struggles and emerge from the darkness, more empowered than ever. - more on this story

Great White Singer Has Surgery For Nearly Fatal Bowel Injury

Great White frontman Jack Russell has been hospitalized and is currently recovering from surgery to repair a nearly fatal perforated bowel injury, according to his manager.

Jam reports that doctors discovered a hole in the bowel wall, which was allowing waste products to flow into his body. According to the Stockholm Rock Out festival's blog, where Great White was scheduled to perform, The surgery left Russell with a colostomy bag. Doctors are confident that this procedure is temporary.

Russell remains hospitalized in Southern California, and his condition is improving he is expected to recover in six to eight weeks. "It was touch and go for about 48 hours whether or not he was going to live," manager Obi Steinman said. "He's been in the hospital for several days, and he's doing a lot better." He faces another operation, but he was in good spirits today "I've felt better, but I've felt a hell of a lot worse. Nothing is going to keep me down," Russell said. "This whole thing definitely makes me appreciate life more than I ever have. - more on this story

Scorpions May Not Retire But Ratt Are On The Rocks

The Scorpions well publicized farewell tour featured a run of dates with the reunited Ratt opening for them. But Ratt's frontman Steven Pearcy says there are hints that The Scorps may carry on while his band is on the rocks.

Rock Radio reports: The Scorpions could be close to changing their minds over splitting up, Ratt singer Steven Pearcy has revealed. But his own band may not reconvene after their current album cycle finishes. "We had a great tour with the Scorpions. We jammed with them on the last night and it was very cool. They're just the utmost professionals." Pearcy tells BraveWords.com. "Hopefully they won't retire – there's chatter of them doing more stuff."

But Pearcy, who admits he's not back to full health after a hernia operation, is less optimistic when talking about his own band. He says"I don't need to give that book any more attention than it deserves. I've been working on something called Ratt Tales, and lo and behold, Tales of Ratt by Bobby Blotzer comes out? It's not too original." He adds, "I'm looking forward to a break. I'm ready to go with new solo stuff with the Rat Bastards and my new band Battering Ramm. Will we do another Ratt record? I don't know. Things didn't fall into place and I've left my options open. We'll see what happens." - more on this story

Pink Floyd Reunion Show Posted Online

If you weren't lucky enough to be in attendance at the mini-reunion between the Pink Floyd principles don't worry, you can now you can see it online. Hannemusic has the report and the video: Roger Waters and David Gilmour teaming up for The Hoping Foundation benefit in Oxfordshire, England on July 10.

Before a crowd of about 200, it was the first time the duo had played publicly since the Pink Floyd reunion set at Live 8 in London back in 2005.

Gilmour and Waters - backed by drummer Andy Newmark, bassist Guy Pratt, and keyboardists Harry Waters and Jonjo Grisdale - played a four song set: "To Know Him Is To Love Him" (a Phil Spector song), "Wish You Were Here, "Comfortably Numb"and "Another Brick In The Wall, Pt. 2" The charity has just released video of the full 28-minute performance - check it out here

Aerosmith's Tyler Wasn't Allowed To Walk Slash's Way

It doesn't take too close of a listen to know that Aerosmith is one of Slash's biggest influences so it was curious that his star-packed solo album didn't feature a collaboration with a member from his favorite band.

We know learn that it was planned but apparently label politics prevented it from coming off. "When it came down to it I ended up working with everybody I'd pegged for the material I wrote," Slash says in a new interview.

"I worked with Steven for a second, but it was a huge conflict of interest with Aerosmith. There was no chance the label was going to allow us to release it, so we had to let it go," he said. "The song hasn't been used with anybody else, so I might go back and revisit that with Steven." - more on this story

The Gap Band's Robert Wilson Dies From Heart Attack

Gibson had this sad news yesterday: Founding member of The Gap Band, bassist Robert Wilson died, according to Billboard.com. He suffered a heart attack at his home in Palmdale, California. He was 53.

Known as the "Godfather of Bass Guitar," Robert formed The Gap Band with his brothers Charlie and Ronnie in the late '60s in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally, they were known as the Greenwood, Archer and Pine Street Band, before they shortened the moniker to The Gap Band.

Although the funk group is best known for its 1982 pop hit "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," The Gap Band had a streak of R&B hits from the late '70s all the way into the mid-'90s. - more on this story

Juggalos Attack Tila Tequila

Our friends over at the1stfive.com confirm everyone's worst fears about Jugalos: This past weekend the pop culture train wrecks of Tila Tequila and ICP's Juggalo fan base met head first and the results got ugly.

According to a statement released by Tequila describing the event, "I went onstage and immediately, before I even got on stage, dudes were throwing huge stone rocks in my face, beer bottles that slit my eye open, almost burnt my hair … cuz they threw firecrackers on stage." She says the fans then grabbed literal sh*t from the porta potties to throw at her.

CNN reports that Tequila was then chased by the crowd back to her trailer where the mob broke her trailer windows and the windows of her SUV before she was finally able to escape. However CNN has a comment from a performer at the fest, who wishes to remain anonymous in fear of "Juggalo retaliation", who says Tequila was taunting the crowd from the moment she got on stage. - more on this story

Religious Play Mistaken for Metal Concert

With a band name like Lamb of God this was bound to happen sooner or later. Some fans in Arizona were excited to hear that Lamb of God was performing in Tempe. The only problem is the announced Lamb of God is a religious play, not the metal band.

The band issued this statement to clarify things: "Lamb Of God would like to officially denounce any buzz of a show that they have been rumored to be playing in the near future.

The band will not be performing in Tempe, AZ at said show. The event is a religious play being performed in Tempe, and is NOT related to the band Lamb Of God at all, whatsoever." - more on this story

KISS Recording Paul McCartney Song

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS have made no secret of their love for the Beatles, so it's no surprise that they will finally take the opportunity to tribute one of the Fab Four.

Gibson.com reports: KISS founder Gene Simmons recently told Weekender.com that his band will be recording "Venus and Mars/Rockshow" for an upcoming Paul McCartney tribute album.

The Wings single (from the Venus and Mars album) was a Top 20 hit in the U.S. when it was released in 1975. The single was actually made up of the album's first two songs. On his Up and Coming 2010 Tour, McCartney has been opening every show with "Venus and Mars/Rockshow." The lyrics of "Rockshow" mention some famous rock and roll venues – such as Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl. The song also name checks Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. - more on this story

Little Feat Richie Hayward Dies

Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward has died of liver disease at 64, it's been confirmed.

He'd been with the band since it formed in 1969, before which he'd been a member of the Factory with Little Feat's first frontman Lowell George.

The southern rock outfit split in 1978 after George's death, but got back together nine years later. Hayward had remained in the band until last year, when his health deteriorated to the point he could no longer tour. - more on this story