GUNS N' ROSES is among the artists that will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame at its 27th annual ceremony on April 14, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio, home to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame And Museum. Also scheduled to be inducted are RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, BEASTIE BOYS, THE SMALL FACES/FACES, Donovan and Laura Nyro. Freddie King well enter the Hall Of Fame as an Early Influence, while the late producer and TV host Don Kirshner will receive the Ahmet Ertegun (nonperformer) Award and producers Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns will receive the Award For Musical Excellence.
The ceremony will be taped for broadcast by HBO, which plans to air it in early May. Like the 2009 inductions, which were also held in Cleveland, the event will be open to the public; tickets go on sale for Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame + Museum members at 10 a.m. on December 16, and to the general public at 10 a.m. the next day. Tickets are $50 and $100, with a two-ticket limit on all orders. More information is available at www.rockhall.com.
GUNS N' ROSES was nominated in its first year of eligibility.
"It's a great honor," former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Gilby Clarke told The Plain Dealer. "The band deserves it. It was a long time coming."
Acts become eligible 25 years after the release of their first record.
Eccentric singer Axl Rose is the only original member of the current GUNS N' ROSES lineup, and while he has recently been on friendlier terms with guitarist Izzy Stradlin and bass player Duff McKagan, he and guitarist Slash are not on speaking terms.
Asked about what the former bandmates will do if they are inducted, Axl told VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" in October, "I don't know what it means in terms of me with the old band and the old lineup. If we were to be invited, I don't know what they would ask of me. It's up in the air."
Drummer Steven Adler told Rolling Stone magazine that he remains skeptical that Axl will be willing to perform with the original lineup. "You figure that time heals all wounds," he said. "But some people just REALLY hold a crazy grudge. I just had lunch with Slash two days ago. He loves Axl. He holds no grudges towards him. Twenty years of great music wasn't created because of some stupid grudge... Can't we just be fucking people who played music and accomplished a huge goal in their life and just play a couple songs? It's only rock and roll, my god! It's not rocket science."
Earlier this year, former GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan spoke to MusicRadar.com about the possibility of the band being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
"My only experience with the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was when VELVET REVOLVER played it and we were inducting VAN HALEN," he said. "That whole band was supposed to be there, including David Lee Roth — we were going to do a song with him. It all started falling apart in the two weeks leading up to the gig. It was sad to watch…
"We were just the innocent band that was there to play VAN HALEN songs, and we saw their whole thing crumble. To see Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar show up, when it was supposed to be everybody... Michael and Sammy were really cool guys and good sports about it, but they took all the heat over the situation. A lot of heat.
"I don't know if I want to set myself up for heat. It's going to be a debacle, isn't it? A press debacle. I just don't know what else to say about it."
Asked about what the former bandmates will do if they are inducted, Slash said, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there . . . If they're gonna pass you over, I don't think it's worth worrying about too much."
Slash said that he was glad to see Alice Cooper going in this year, and as for who has been overlooked, the guitarist said, "The one that comes to mind right off the bat — and it's not even a band that I'm a huge fan of but definitely is eligible — is KISS. And I know that they've been passed over every fucking year."
The ceremony will be taped for broadcast by HBO, which plans to air it in early May. Like the 2009 inductions, which were also held in Cleveland, the event will be open to the public; tickets go on sale for Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame + Museum members at 10 a.m. on December 16, and to the general public at 10 a.m. the next day. Tickets are $50 and $100, with a two-ticket limit on all orders. More information is available at www.rockhall.com.
GUNS N' ROSES was nominated in its first year of eligibility.
"It's a great honor," former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Gilby Clarke told The Plain Dealer. "The band deserves it. It was a long time coming."
Acts become eligible 25 years after the release of their first record.
Eccentric singer Axl Rose is the only original member of the current GUNS N' ROSES lineup, and while he has recently been on friendlier terms with guitarist Izzy Stradlin and bass player Duff McKagan, he and guitarist Slash are not on speaking terms.
Asked about what the former bandmates will do if they are inducted, Axl told VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" in October, "I don't know what it means in terms of me with the old band and the old lineup. If we were to be invited, I don't know what they would ask of me. It's up in the air."
Drummer Steven Adler told Rolling Stone magazine that he remains skeptical that Axl will be willing to perform with the original lineup. "You figure that time heals all wounds," he said. "But some people just REALLY hold a crazy grudge. I just had lunch with Slash two days ago. He loves Axl. He holds no grudges towards him. Twenty years of great music wasn't created because of some stupid grudge... Can't we just be fucking people who played music and accomplished a huge goal in their life and just play a couple songs? It's only rock and roll, my god! It's not rocket science."
Earlier this year, former GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan spoke to MusicRadar.com about the possibility of the band being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
"My only experience with the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was when VELVET REVOLVER played it and we were inducting VAN HALEN," he said. "That whole band was supposed to be there, including David Lee Roth — we were going to do a song with him. It all started falling apart in the two weeks leading up to the gig. It was sad to watch…
"We were just the innocent band that was there to play VAN HALEN songs, and we saw their whole thing crumble. To see Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar show up, when it was supposed to be everybody... Michael and Sammy were really cool guys and good sports about it, but they took all the heat over the situation. A lot of heat.
"I don't know if I want to set myself up for heat. It's going to be a debacle, isn't it? A press debacle. I just don't know what else to say about it."
Asked about what the former bandmates will do if they are inducted, Slash said, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there . . . If they're gonna pass you over, I don't think it's worth worrying about too much."
Slash said that he was glad to see Alice Cooper going in this year, and as for who has been overlooked, the guitarist said, "The one that comes to mind right off the bat — and it's not even a band that I'm a huge fan of but definitely is eligible — is KISS. And I know that they've been passed over every fucking year."
Over the past 25 years, many bands have put aside years of infighting to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Nobody ever thought that bands like Cream, the Talking Heads, Led Zeppelin and The Police would ever play again, but they all did when they got into the Hall of Fame. Guns N' Roses may be the exception. The original line-up hasn't played together since 1990, and Axl Rose has said vicious things about Slash in recent years. Despite all that, fans are incredibly hopeful they'll put that aside next April in Cleveland. We checked in with former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler to hear his feelings on the induction, and to see if he thinks that a reunion is likely to happen.
Congratulations on the big news.
Dreams do come true.
Dreams do come true.
Tell me your first reaction to hearing it.
Of course, excitement and joy. I always knew it was going to happen, just like when the band first started. I always knew that we were going to be successful and accomplish and succeed at our dreams. There was never a doubt in my mind. When we were recording Appetite For Destruction, we all knew. I've been blessed. I grew up and played and worked and created with the Freddie Mercury, the Jimi Hendrix, the Keith Richards, the John Paul Jones of my generation. I love those guys, no matter what happened. Everything was meant to happen the way it happened. I always knew that we were going to succeed.
Of course, excitement and joy. I always knew it was going to happen, just like when the band first started. I always knew that we were going to be successful and accomplish and succeed at our dreams. There was never a doubt in my mind. When we were recording Appetite For Destruction, we all knew. I've been blessed. I grew up and played and worked and created with the Freddie Mercury, the Jimi Hendrix, the Keith Richards, the John Paul Jones of my generation. I love those guys, no matter what happened. Everything was meant to happen the way it happened. I always knew that we were going to succeed.
You guys got in your first year of eligibility. That's pretty rare these days.
It was such a historical, monumental record. It blows my mind that KISS isn't in there. If it wasn't for KISS, there would be no Guns N' Roses. Bands like that made Guns N' Roses. We were five guys with five personalities and five different influences. The stars were aligned for us.
It was such a historical, monumental record. It blows my mind that KISS isn't in there. If it wasn't for KISS, there would be no Guns N' Roses. Bands like that made Guns N' Roses. We were five guys with five personalities and five different influences. The stars were aligned for us.
Getting inducted is a huge deal for me. I just read that Eric Clapton was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice. I went, "Wow, I'm being inducted into the same club as Clapton Is God and the Beatles and Elvis…" It's a honor and a dream come true.
Are you looking forward to the ceremony?
I've been working on my speech for the last three weeks, since I found out we were on the ballot. I've got a tent and a sleeping bag, so I'm going to be there the week before.
I've been working on my speech for the last three weeks, since I found out we were on the ballot. I've got a tent and a sleeping bag, so I'm going to be there the week before.
Do you think that all five of you will show up?
Absolutely not. But, as far as I know, there is a God and a higher power, and it's possible. Unfortunately, I don't foresee it. You figure that time could heal all wounds, but some people just REALLY hold a crazy grudge.
Absolutely not. But, as far as I know, there is a God and a higher power, and it's possible. Unfortunately, I don't foresee it. You figure that time could heal all wounds, but some people just REALLY hold a crazy grudge.
I think that Axl is cool with you, Duff and Izzy…
He should be cool with Slash! The real shame about the ending of the Guns N' Roses when I got kicked out wasn't just that I got kicked out, but Slash and Axl stopped working together. They are the Keith Richards and the Mick Jagger! The Steven Tyler and Joe Perry! For twenty years, because of some STUPID grudge, which I guarantee you that neither of them could even tell you what it was. They don't even know! I just had lunch with Slash two days ago. He loves Axl. He holds no grudges towards him. Twenty years of great music wasn't created because of some stupid grudge. That's a shame.
He should be cool with Slash! The real shame about the ending of the Guns N' Roses when I got kicked out wasn't just that I got kicked out, but Slash and Axl stopped working together. They are the Keith Richards and the Mick Jagger! The Steven Tyler and Joe Perry! For twenty years, because of some STUPID grudge, which I guarantee you that neither of them could even tell you what it was. They don't even know! I just had lunch with Slash two days ago. He loves Axl. He holds no grudges towards him. Twenty years of great music wasn't created because of some stupid grudge. That's a shame.
It's interesting that Axl was willing to make peace with Duff and Izzy, but he seems to have really held onto his anger towards Slash. He even called him a cancer.
I've been reading his Tweets about all the shows he's been doing in the same states. My brother e-mailed his manager to see if I could come play a song. I had him do it twice, and he has not returned the e-mail. He can't be mad at me!
I've been reading his Tweets about all the shows he's been doing in the same states. My brother e-mailed his manager to see if I could come play a song. I had him do it twice, and he has not returned the e-mail. He can't be mad at me!
Didn't you talk to him in Las Vegas a while back?
Seven years ago! But everything was fine. I didn't like that interview he did on That Metal Show. I was very disappointed. He didn't answer one question. I guarantee you – and I could tell by the looks on Eddie and the other guy's faces – that before Axl came out, his manager told those guys, "If you ask him this, if you ask him that, he will stand up and walk out in the middle." I guarantee it. And the questions that that they did ask, he didn't answer. He just started talking about whatever he wanted to. And, he blamed everybody else. He blamed everybody! Who gives a crap? Don't blame people. I was disappointed. I was hoping to hear something better from him.
Seven years ago! But everything was fine. I didn't like that interview he did on That Metal Show. I was very disappointed. He didn't answer one question. I guarantee you – and I could tell by the looks on Eddie and the other guy's faces – that before Axl came out, his manager told those guys, "If you ask him this, if you ask him that, he will stand up and walk out in the middle." I guarantee it. And the questions that that they did ask, he didn't answer. He just started talking about whatever he wanted to. And, he blamed everybody else. He blamed everybody! Who gives a crap? Don't blame people. I was disappointed. I was hoping to hear something better from him.
Then, when he talked about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…that's why I don't think he'll show up. He seemed to have such a grudge! He didn't even answer. Eddie asked him, and he did not give a straight answer. He said, "blah blah blah blah." Then he said something about, "I don't know what they're expecting of me and expecting of the old band." What do you mean what they're expecting? Can't we just be fucking people who played music and accomplished a huge goal in their life and just play a couple songs? It's only rock and roll, my god! It's not rocket science.
Bands tend to reunite at the Rock Hall.
If the Police could do a reunion…One of the biggest jerks I ever met was Sting. If he can do it, then anyone can do it. It's not that big a deal. And the Eagles! They did it! They severely hated each other. It's just rock and roll.
If the Police could do a reunion…One of the biggest jerks I ever met was Sting. If he can do it, then anyone can do it. It's not that big a deal. And the Eagles! They did it! They severely hated each other. It's just rock and roll.
Five old friends playing music shouldn't have to be this complicated.
It shouldn't be. It's nerve-wracking. Thank god I believe in a higher power, because it's nerve-wracking. Especially because whenever I go out, even to the 7-11 or something, someone is going to ask me, "When are you guys going to do a reunion." Look, if it was up to me, we would have done it 20 years ago! People fight, they get angry, they do drugs, and they do crazy things. If you survive and get over it, you're supposed to be able to move on. These are the only wounds that I've ever heard of that can't be healed by time. It's not like anyone has fucked anyone's wife or stole their wife, like the Rolling Stones with Brian Jones and Keith Richards. None of that crap happened.
It shouldn't be. It's nerve-wracking. Thank god I believe in a higher power, because it's nerve-wracking. Especially because whenever I go out, even to the 7-11 or something, someone is going to ask me, "When are you guys going to do a reunion." Look, if it was up to me, we would have done it 20 years ago! People fight, they get angry, they do drugs, and they do crazy things. If you survive and get over it, you're supposed to be able to move on. These are the only wounds that I've ever heard of that can't be healed by time. It's not like anyone has fucked anyone's wife or stole their wife, like the Rolling Stones with Brian Jones and Keith Richards. None of that crap happened.
I think Axl might come and it might happen. This is the one time where it feels possible.
It would mean so much to me if he did. Izzy too. I know that Duff and Slash will show up. They're basically normal human beings. Izzy is a gypsy. He's happy doing his own thing and he lives life to the fullest. Izzy is one of my heroes. I look up to him more than anybody. Steven Tyler and Izzy are the two coolest people that I've ever met or ever wanted to be influenced by. But Axl…it would mean so much to me. I personally just want to finish what I started with those jack-offs. We started off something, let's end the career playing together, at least once. I'd love to do a whole tour of the world. I personally, and I know that Slash and Duff feel the same way, we owe it to the fans to do a tour around the world. We haven't performed for over 20 years and they've stuck by us and believe in us. I get Tweets every day from people around the world saying how much they love the original band.
It would mean so much to me if he did. Izzy too. I know that Duff and Slash will show up. They're basically normal human beings. Izzy is a gypsy. He's happy doing his own thing and he lives life to the fullest. Izzy is one of my heroes. I look up to him more than anybody. Steven Tyler and Izzy are the two coolest people that I've ever met or ever wanted to be influenced by. But Axl…it would mean so much to me. I personally just want to finish what I started with those jack-offs. We started off something, let's end the career playing together, at least once. I'd love to do a whole tour of the world. I personally, and I know that Slash and Duff feel the same way, we owe it to the fans to do a tour around the world. We haven't performed for over 20 years and they've stuck by us and believe in us. I get Tweets every day from people around the world saying how much they love the original band.
When it comes to after I left, I do believe that Matt Sorum and Dizzy Reed both have every right to be inducted too. Dizzy did play on Use Your Illusion, and he's been with Axl longer than anybody. He deserves it. Matt Sorum also played on Use Your Illusion. I think that the seven of us deserve it. I was just texting Matt Sorum in Australia. I'm going to play with him at The Roxy next week with Camp Freddy. He invited me to come down and play. He's a great guy.
It's going to be a pretty great night in Cleveland with you guys and the Beasties…
Do they do it in Cleveland? I thought they did it in New York.
Do they do it in Cleveland? I thought they did it in New York.
It's in Cleveland every third year now. It's going to be at Public Hall.
Look at that! I was born in Cleveland. This is how I get to go back. This is fabulous!
Look at that! I was born in Cleveland. This is how I get to go back. This is fabulous!
It's you guys and the Beastie Boys, Chili Peppers, Donovan, Laura Nyro, The Faces with Rod Stewart…
Oh, wow! Rod Stewart is going to be there too? Wow. I haven't talked to him since he called me up and yelled at me about his ex-wife (laughs hysterically). I love you Rod.
Oh, wow! Rod Stewart is going to be there too? Wow. I haven't talked to him since he called me up and yelled at me about his ex-wife (laughs hysterically). I love you Rod.
You know what's really cool about the Chili Peppers being there too? Me and Slash and Flea all went to junior high together. We all grew up in the same neighborhood. We all used to play football in the street and Flea would play trumpet for my grandmother on her porch. It was really cool that me and Slash and Flea recorded a song for Slash's solo album last year. That was really exciting…But this! Three punks from the streets of Hollywood who grew up together and did good.
What do you think the moment will be like when you're standing at the podium accepting the award?
I'll tell you after it happens. But I'll tell you that I've been working on my speech for the past three weeks.
I'll tell you after it happens. But I'll tell you that I've been working on my speech for the past three weeks.
Didn't you just find out yesterday?
Once I heard we were on the ballot, I knew we were going to win. That's one thing with this band, I never had any doubts with it…Expect for when they kicked me out. Then I had doubts. My doubts were confirmed! It wasn't like when Bruce Dickinson joined Iron Maiden. The band didn't get bigger and better. That's what was supposed to happen, but it didn't. You'd figure after that normal people would realize, but I guess that we aren't dealing with normal people.
Once I heard we were on the ballot, I knew we were going to win. That's one thing with this band, I never had any doubts with it…Expect for when they kicked me out. Then I had doubts. My doubts were confirmed! It wasn't like when Bruce Dickinson joined Iron Maiden. The band didn't get bigger and better. That's what was supposed to happen, but it didn't. You'd figure after that normal people would realize, but I guess that we aren't dealing with normal people.
Was Axl always like this? Back in the day was he easier to deal with?
I think that he's exactly the same. From the Tweets that I read, nothing has changed. Back in the day, he did show up on time. He didn't necessarily stay onstage for that long, but we were on time.
I think that he's exactly the same. From the Tweets that I read, nothing has changed. Back in the day, he did show up on time. He didn't necessarily stay onstage for that long, but we were on time.
How is your health these days? Are you clean?
My health is wonderful. I work out. I'm working. Playing music. I have a beautiful wife, a nice home, a nice car, I got money in the bank. I got three beautiful dogs that love me. Like I said, I'm blessed. I survived. If you want to know what it was really like being a part of Guns N' Roses from the very beginning, you have to get my book. And Slash's book and Duff's book too. If you put them all together, it's like you are best friends with all three of us. I want to see Izzy's book. I want to know what was going on with him. I was there, but I wasn't always there.
My health is wonderful. I work out. I'm working. Playing music. I have a beautiful wife, a nice home, a nice car, I got money in the bank. I got three beautiful dogs that love me. Like I said, I'm blessed. I survived. If you want to know what it was really like being a part of Guns N' Roses from the very beginning, you have to get my book. And Slash's book and Duff's book too. If you put them all together, it's like you are best friends with all three of us. I want to see Izzy's book. I want to know what was going on with him. I was there, but I wasn't always there.
Are you clean right now? Off drugs?
Yeah, I'm clean. I work with Dr. Drew. I work with Dr. Sophie. I work with Bob Forrest. Now I'm very excited. I have something to live for.
Yeah, I'm clean. I work with Dr. Drew. I work with Dr. Sophie. I work with Bob Forrest. Now I'm very excited. I have something to live for.
Do you see this induction as the highlight of your career?
It is a highlight, but the highlight would really be if the five of us could perform together again. That would be the highlight. Yes, this is very huge. Of course. Eric Clapton, John Lennon…I'm getting inducted. Those are going to be my brothers. But the real thing would be if we could perform together. If Axl and the other guys will consider doing it, it would be a dream come true for me. As I said, I would like to finish what I started with them.
It is a highlight, but the highlight would really be if the five of us could perform together again. That would be the highlight. Yes, this is very huge. Of course. Eric Clapton, John Lennon…I'm getting inducted. Those are going to be my brothers. But the real thing would be if we could perform together. If Axl and the other guys will consider doing it, it would be a dream come true for me. As I said, I would like to finish what I started with them.
I'm guessing that over the next four months there's going to be endless drama and stories of "will they or won't they." I envision lots of drama coming.
The drama hasn't stopped for 25 years. I don't forsee it stopping, but I know there's love between all five of us. I know there is. Not just four of us, five of us. Five. We owe it to the fans. The LEAST we can do is give them one great performance.
The drama hasn't stopped for 25 years. I don't forsee it stopping, but I know there's love between all five of us. I know there is. Not just four of us, five of us. Five. We owe it to the fans. The LEAST we can do is give them one great performance.
Well, I'm crossing my fingers.
Me and you both. My fingers are crossed. My toes are crossed!
Me and you both. My fingers are crossed. My toes are crossed!
According to Daily Telegraph, drummer Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES, THE CULT) lost his passport on his way from Mexico to Los Angeles, which nearly forced him to miss his appearance as the special guest headliner for the Hard Rock Café opening last night (Tuesday, December 6) down in Darling Harbour, a locality of the city center of Sydney, Australia.
"Yeah man. I lost my passport somewhere between Mexico and L.A. and missed my flight," Sorum said. "But [customs officials] somehow had it all along and the fine people at Qantas got me on the last flight out."
Sorum was scheduled to jam with a bunch of rock legends, including former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans and ROSE TATTOO's Angry Anderson, at last night's event.
When asked how touring is different now compared to that when he was a member of GUNS N' ROSES, he said, "We were much younger then, we could get away with much more shenanigans (laughs). It's before we had lives and responsibilities. I got kids and stuff now. Stuff just changes. But the music doesn't. The music is still the grand icing on the cake."
On the topic of whether the classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES will ever get back together, Sorum said, "I hope so. We're about to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, which is pretty cool, but I can't really say about another tour. It's down to Slash [guitar] and Axl [Rose, vocals] to patch things up."
"Yeah man. I lost my passport somewhere between Mexico and L.A. and missed my flight," Sorum said. "But [customs officials] somehow had it all along and the fine people at Qantas got me on the last flight out."
Sorum was scheduled to jam with a bunch of rock legends, including former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans and ROSE TATTOO's Angry Anderson, at last night's event.
When asked how touring is different now compared to that when he was a member of GUNS N' ROSES, he said, "We were much younger then, we could get away with much more shenanigans (laughs). It's before we had lives and responsibilities. I got kids and stuff now. Stuff just changes. But the music doesn't. The music is still the grand icing on the cake."
On the topic of whether the classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES will ever get back together, Sorum said, "I hope so. We're about to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, which is pretty cool, but I can't really say about another tour. It's down to Slash [guitar] and Axl [Rose, vocals] to patch things up."
GUNS N' ROSES is among the artists that will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame at its 27th annual ceremony on April 14, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio, home to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame And Museum. Also scheduled to be inducted are RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, BEASTIE BOYS, THE SMALL FACES/FACES, Donovan and Laura Nyro. Freddie King well enter the Hall Of Fame as an Early Influence, while the late producer and TV host Don Kirshner will receive the Ahmet Ertegun (nonperformer) Award and producers Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns will receive the Award For Musical Excellence.
The current lineup of GUNS N' ROSES has posted the following collective statement on Facebook regarding the upcoming induction:
"So close yet still far away from the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all the 2012 inductees and our sincerest thanks to the Hall's organizers, committee members and voting delegates who supported the GN'R induction — it's a humbling honor to be recognized on this first ballot."
Facebook and Twitter statements from other current and former members of GUNS N' ROSES follow below.
Current GN'R guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal: "25 years of great music, great shows, and great fans :) Thanks to all who made it happen!"
Current GN'R guitarist DJ Ashba: "My sincerest congratulations to Axl Rose and everyone else who has been apart of this band's history. Time to deck the halls with destruction!"
Former GN'R guitarist Slash: "Thanks for all the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame mentions. It's quite an honor to be inducted. Cheers!"
Former GN'R bassist Duff McKagan: "Thanks to all of you for overwhelming number of 'congratulations' that I have received today. Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame? Life is good! Killer!"
Former GN'R drummer Steven Adler: "Thank you all for your support in making this happen. It really means a lot to me. I am happy and excited to be a part of this!"
The ceremony will be taped for broadcast by HBO, which plans to air it in early May. Like the 2009 inductions, which were also held in Cleveland, the event will be open to the public; tickets go on sale for Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame + Museum members at 10 a.m. on December 16, and to the general public at 10 a.m. the next day. Tickets are $50 and $100, with a two-ticket limit on all orders. More information is available at www.rockhall.com.
GUNS N' ROSES was nominated in its first year of eligibility.
Acts become eligible 25 years after the release of their first record.
The current lineup of GUNS N' ROSES has posted the following collective statement on Facebook regarding the upcoming induction:
"So close yet still far away from the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all the 2012 inductees and our sincerest thanks to the Hall's organizers, committee members and voting delegates who supported the GN'R induction — it's a humbling honor to be recognized on this first ballot."
Facebook and Twitter statements from other current and former members of GUNS N' ROSES follow below.
Current GN'R guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal: "25 years of great music, great shows, and great fans :) Thanks to all who made it happen!"
Current GN'R guitarist DJ Ashba: "My sincerest congratulations to Axl Rose and everyone else who has been apart of this band's history. Time to deck the halls with destruction!"
Former GN'R guitarist Slash: "Thanks for all the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame mentions. It's quite an honor to be inducted. Cheers!"
Former GN'R bassist Duff McKagan: "Thanks to all of you for overwhelming number of 'congratulations' that I have received today. Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame? Life is good! Killer!"
Former GN'R drummer Steven Adler: "Thank you all for your support in making this happen. It really means a lot to me. I am happy and excited to be a part of this!"
The ceremony will be taped for broadcast by HBO, which plans to air it in early May. Like the 2009 inductions, which were also held in Cleveland, the event will be open to the public; tickets go on sale for Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame + Museum members at 10 a.m. on December 16, and to the general public at 10 a.m. the next day. Tickets are $50 and $100, with a two-ticket limit on all orders. More information is available at www.rockhall.com.
GUNS N' ROSES was nominated in its first year of eligibility.
Acts become eligible 25 years after the release of their first record.
The Dean Dave Mustaine Zero Angel Of Deth II has descended upon the guitar landscape with as much as anticipation as any guitar in recent history.
The Dean Dave Mustaine Zero Angel Of Deth II electric guitar is a masterpiece in both appearance and tone. The unique Angel of Deth II custom graphics on this guitar are sure to turn some heads and make you stand out. DMT Design humbuckers provides high output which is ideal for use with high gain while also sounding great on clean settings.
The mahogany D shaped neck is set into the mahogany body, which gives the Dean Dave Mustaine Zero guitar great sustain and resonance, thus adding to the power of the pickups.
Watch the Dean Dave Mustaine Zero Angel Of Deth II product spotlight below.
Recent Dean Dave Mustaine Zero Angel Of Deth II sightings:
* Guitar Player editors' pick award (November 2011 issue)
* Featured in Guitar World magazine centerfold poster (October 2011 "Big 4" issue)
* MEGADETH performed on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to two million worldwide viewers on Halloween night. Dave Mustaine gave Jimmy Kimmel his personal Angel Of Deth II, which got the guitar a lot of close-up airtime.
Detailed description:
* Mahogany Top/Body
* 25-1/2" Scale
* Mustaine Spec. Set Mahogany D Neck
* Rosewood Fingerboard
* Pearl Dot Inlays
* Mini Grover Tuners
* Black Hardware
* Tune-O-Matic Bridge
* DMT Design Humbucker Pickups
* Finishes: "Angel Of Deth II" Custom Graphic
The Dean Dave Mustaine Zero Angel Of Deth II electric guitar is a masterpiece in both appearance and tone. The unique Angel of Deth II custom graphics on this guitar are sure to turn some heads and make you stand out. DMT Design humbuckers provides high output which is ideal for use with high gain while also sounding great on clean settings.
The mahogany D shaped neck is set into the mahogany body, which gives the Dean Dave Mustaine Zero guitar great sustain and resonance, thus adding to the power of the pickups.
Watch the Dean Dave Mustaine Zero Angel Of Deth II product spotlight below.
Recent Dean Dave Mustaine Zero Angel Of Deth II sightings:
* Guitar Player editors' pick award (November 2011 issue)
* Featured in Guitar World magazine centerfold poster (October 2011 "Big 4" issue)
* MEGADETH performed on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to two million worldwide viewers on Halloween night. Dave Mustaine gave Jimmy Kimmel his personal Angel Of Deth II, which got the guitar a lot of close-up airtime.
Detailed description:
* Mahogany Top/Body
* 25-1/2" Scale
* Mustaine Spec. Set Mahogany D Neck
* Rosewood Fingerboard
* Pearl Dot Inlays
* Mini Grover Tuners
* Black Hardware
* Tune-O-Matic Bridge
* DMT Design Humbucker Pickups
* Finishes: "Angel Of Deth II" Custom Graphic
The Great Frog, which has been hand-crafting rock jewelry in Carnaby, London since 1972, will launch two new MOTÖRHEAD-inspired rings on Friday, December 9 in all three of its stores: London, New York and Los Angeles.
The Motörhead Warpig ring is priced at £220.00 ($360), while the Motörhead Ace Of Spades ring will go for £180.00 ($295).
Commented The Great Fog in a press release: "We made Lemmy's original Warpig ring back in the day, around 25 years ago, and we still sell it but we never had an official licensing agreement, just a handshake from the man himself. Then recently we were approached by their product licensing company to make it official. They liked what we were do and they wanted the opportunity to collaborate to offer the fans high-end jewellery associated with the band.
"Lemmy hasn't designed the rings, but he has had full and final approval of both the rings.
"Each ring is hand-made, sterling silver and will have have its own personal limited-edition number engraved in the back, with the first five going to the band and management."
The Motörhead Warpig ring is priced at £220.00 ($360), while the Motörhead Ace Of Spades ring will go for £180.00 ($295).
Commented The Great Fog in a press release: "We made Lemmy's original Warpig ring back in the day, around 25 years ago, and we still sell it but we never had an official licensing agreement, just a handshake from the man himself. Then recently we were approached by their product licensing company to make it official. They liked what we were do and they wanted the opportunity to collaborate to offer the fans high-end jewellery associated with the band.
"Lemmy hasn't designed the rings, but he has had full and final approval of both the rings.
"Each ring is hand-made, sterling silver and will have have its own personal limited-edition number engraved in the back, with the first five going to the band and management."
Renowned comic-book artist Alex Ross, who has worked with Marvel Comics and DC Comics and is known for his "Marvels", "Kingdom Come", and "Astro City" illustrations, recently spoke to Previews about his work on the new ANTHRAX album, "Worship Music".
When asked about his relationship with ANTHRAX and how he communicated with the members of the band while he worked on the cover art for "Worship Music", Ross — who also did the original artwork for ANTHRAX's "We've Come For You All" and "Music Of Mass Destruction" LPs — said, "I've worked with ANTHRAX for almost ten years now, and it's been a great relationship, since I've become pretty good friends with [drummer] Charlie Benante. He lives in the same general area I do, so we get together annually at least and talk on the phone relatively often.
"Charlie approached me about the new album almost three years ago, when they were first putting it together. The painting was done that long ago, but slightly different than what you see now. The figures swarming around the central image were actually swarming around an old Victrola record player that was playing a record with the ANTHRAX 'A' logo on it. It was decided this year, in fact, to alter that to be a large version of that emblem. It does work better that way."
He added, "My inspiration in the painting came in part from an old MAD comic book cover from the '50s. Mainly, I was working to bring to life Charlie's vision for the cover graphic, and I did a T-shirt image for them earlier this year of them all fighting zombie versions of themselves, which you can see in the CD package."
In a separate interview, Previews asked ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian if it was Charlie that led the charge on working with Alex regularly for cover concepts, or if Scott and other members of the band get to chat with Ross and hammer out ideas. "[It's] mostly Charlie," he said. "But even with Alex, it's kind of like... he usually has his own ideas, you know, for things. And... well... we really don't need to tell Alex Ross what to do. I work with Alex Ross because he's... Alex Ross. So, generally, he'll have a concept for something, and then he'll start doing some sketches, and send them our way, and then maybe we'll give some notes one way or the other. But, you know, you don't go to Alex Ross to tell him what to do. It's kind of like, let's work with Alex Ross because when it comes to art...he's on the highest level. And we want HIS brain. You know what I mean? We want HIM to come up with something amazing."
Ian, a longtime comic book fan who collaborated with DC Comics on a two-issue Lobo run, was asked if he ever ever thought about doing an ANTHRAX comic. "Yeah," he replied. "It gets brought up to us here and there. It's something that, in my mind, I would think, well, yeah, it would be super-cool. But what that book would be, I have no idea. Someone would have to come to us with an idea that we actually thought was killer, and was able to then run with it, because none of us are certainly in a position at this point to have the time to do it right. I mean I barely have the time to do anything outside of being in ANTHRAX. It's obviously a full-time thing. It's something I would love if the version of an ANTHRAX comic would be something closer to Love And Rockets where we're not superheroes or anything. Someone should just come on tour with us and write about the day-in and day-out minutiae of being on tour. It could be interesting."
When asked about his relationship with ANTHRAX and how he communicated with the members of the band while he worked on the cover art for "Worship Music", Ross — who also did the original artwork for ANTHRAX's "We've Come For You All" and "Music Of Mass Destruction" LPs — said, "I've worked with ANTHRAX for almost ten years now, and it's been a great relationship, since I've become pretty good friends with [drummer] Charlie Benante. He lives in the same general area I do, so we get together annually at least and talk on the phone relatively often.
"Charlie approached me about the new album almost three years ago, when they were first putting it together. The painting was done that long ago, but slightly different than what you see now. The figures swarming around the central image were actually swarming around an old Victrola record player that was playing a record with the ANTHRAX 'A' logo on it. It was decided this year, in fact, to alter that to be a large version of that emblem. It does work better that way."
He added, "My inspiration in the painting came in part from an old MAD comic book cover from the '50s. Mainly, I was working to bring to life Charlie's vision for the cover graphic, and I did a T-shirt image for them earlier this year of them all fighting zombie versions of themselves, which you can see in the CD package."
In a separate interview, Previews asked ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian if it was Charlie that led the charge on working with Alex regularly for cover concepts, or if Scott and other members of the band get to chat with Ross and hammer out ideas. "[It's] mostly Charlie," he said. "But even with Alex, it's kind of like... he usually has his own ideas, you know, for things. And... well... we really don't need to tell Alex Ross what to do. I work with Alex Ross because he's... Alex Ross. So, generally, he'll have a concept for something, and then he'll start doing some sketches, and send them our way, and then maybe we'll give some notes one way or the other. But, you know, you don't go to Alex Ross to tell him what to do. It's kind of like, let's work with Alex Ross because when it comes to art...he's on the highest level. And we want HIS brain. You know what I mean? We want HIM to come up with something amazing."
Ian, a longtime comic book fan who collaborated with DC Comics on a two-issue Lobo run, was asked if he ever ever thought about doing an ANTHRAX comic. "Yeah," he replied. "It gets brought up to us here and there. It's something that, in my mind, I would think, well, yeah, it would be super-cool. But what that book would be, I have no idea. Someone would have to come to us with an idea that we actually thought was killer, and was able to then run with it, because none of us are certainly in a position at this point to have the time to do it right. I mean I barely have the time to do anything outside of being in ANTHRAX. It's obviously a full-time thing. It's something I would love if the version of an ANTHRAX comic would be something closer to Love And Rockets where we're not superheroes or anything. Someone should just come on tour with us and write about the day-in and day-out minutiae of being on tour. It could be interesting."
Tomorrow (Thursday, December 8) marks the seven-year anniversary of the death of PANTERA and DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. Abbott, one of the most beloved and respected musicians in hard rock, was shot onstage during a DAMAGEPLAN concert at the Alrosa Villa club in Columbus, Ohio by a 25-year-old ex-Marine named Nathan Gale. Gale murdered a total of four people and wounded three others before being killed himself by police officer James D. Niggemeyer, who arrived on the scene minutes after Gale began his rampage.
ANTHRAX bassist Frank Bello spoke to Revolver magazine his time with Dimebag, who contributed solos to the band's "Stomp 442", "Volume 8" and "We've Come For You All" albums. ANTHRAX's latest CD, "Worship Music", contains the song "In The End", which pays tribute to Dime and Ronnie James Dio.
"We were so close to him," Bello said. "He was one of us. Dimebag was the sixth member of ANTHRAX, because he played on the last few records. I thought paying tribute to him in song was a great idea.
"I lost a brother 13 years ago. He was murdered. And then to have Dimebag go in such a bad, traumatic way — he's one of our brothers. Dimebag was like a brother to me.
"We had a lot of good times. That ANTHRAX-PANTERA tour [in 1997], that was a scary tour. The shows were great. But on that tour, I brought a parasite home with me from Mexico in my stomach. So I couldn't hold anything in my stomach including liquor. Now imagine being on a PANTERA tour without drinking liquor. At one point, it was so bad because everything I put in my body, it was like a funnel — it came right out of my body. So I would have to run from these guys and hide. Because Dime's chasing me with this Black Tooth [Grin, Dime's signature drink, which was a shot of Crown Royal or Seagrams 7 with a splash of Coke]. He'd be yelling, 'Let's go, let's go, let's go!' So I'm shooting this thing with a beer right after it.
"Dude, I swear to God, as soon as it went in my system, I was right on the bowl. So I laugh at that now, because I remember Dime laughing at me. As soon as I shot the Black Tooth, he'd go, 'You've gotta go now, right?' And he'd laugh. It was a great time. Of course it was painful for me, but it was a great thing for Dimebag. Those are the things you remember. It's a time in your life I'll never forget. I love them and I miss them. Only the good die young."
ANTHRAX bassist Frank Bello spoke to Revolver magazine his time with Dimebag, who contributed solos to the band's "Stomp 442", "Volume 8" and "We've Come For You All" albums. ANTHRAX's latest CD, "Worship Music", contains the song "In The End", which pays tribute to Dime and Ronnie James Dio.
"We were so close to him," Bello said. "He was one of us. Dimebag was the sixth member of ANTHRAX, because he played on the last few records. I thought paying tribute to him in song was a great idea.
"I lost a brother 13 years ago. He was murdered. And then to have Dimebag go in such a bad, traumatic way — he's one of our brothers. Dimebag was like a brother to me.
"We had a lot of good times. That ANTHRAX-PANTERA tour [in 1997], that was a scary tour. The shows were great. But on that tour, I brought a parasite home with me from Mexico in my stomach. So I couldn't hold anything in my stomach including liquor. Now imagine being on a PANTERA tour without drinking liquor. At one point, it was so bad because everything I put in my body, it was like a funnel — it came right out of my body. So I would have to run from these guys and hide. Because Dime's chasing me with this Black Tooth [Grin, Dime's signature drink, which was a shot of Crown Royal or Seagrams 7 with a splash of Coke]. He'd be yelling, 'Let's go, let's go, let's go!' So I'm shooting this thing with a beer right after it.
"Dude, I swear to God, as soon as it went in my system, I was right on the bowl. So I laugh at that now, because I remember Dime laughing at me. As soon as I shot the Black Tooth, he'd go, 'You've gotta go now, right?' And he'd laugh. It was a great time. Of course it was painful for me, but it was a great thing for Dimebag. Those are the things you remember. It's a time in your life I'll never forget. I love them and I miss them. Only the good die young."
Sacramento, California rockers TESLA will receive the key to the city from their hometown mayor Kevin Johnson today (Wednesday, December 7) at 12 (noon) at the Sacramento Rock And Radio Museum at 20th and I streets (in the building that once housed Crabshaw Corner and The Oasis Ballroom).
Commented the band: "We are very honored."
Known as the originators of the "unplugged" craze of the '90s, California rockers TESLA launched the 20th-anniversary tour last month of their legendary "Five Man Acoustical Jam" in full acoustic fashion in support of their new album, "Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions".
TESLA released "Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions" in Europe on July 25 via Scarlet Records. The CD, which came out in North America on July 12, features six songs that were recorded back in 2005 at bassist Brian Wheat's J Street Recorders studio — which also serve as the last recordings with original member Tommy Skeoch — and six newly recorded tracks, including acoustic remakes of songs from TESLA's entire catalog and two brand new songs, "Second Street" and "Better Off Without You".
Commented the band: "We are very honored."
Known as the originators of the "unplugged" craze of the '90s, California rockers TESLA launched the 20th-anniversary tour last month of their legendary "Five Man Acoustical Jam" in full acoustic fashion in support of their new album, "Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions".
TESLA released "Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions" in Europe on July 25 via Scarlet Records. The CD, which came out in North America on July 12, features six songs that were recorded back in 2005 at bassist Brian Wheat's J Street Recorders studio — which also serve as the last recordings with original member Tommy Skeoch — and six newly recorded tracks, including acoustic remakes of songs from TESLA's entire catalog and two brand new songs, "Second Street" and "Better Off Without You".
DIO DISCIPLES — the new project featuring former DIO members Simon Wright (drums), Craig Goldy (guitar), Scott Warren (keyboards) and Rudy Sarzo alongside singers Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) and Toby Jepson (LITTLE ANGELS, GUN) — and KILL DEVIL HILL — the band featuring Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) on drums, Rex Brown (DOWN, PANTERA) on bass, Mark Zavon (RATT, W.A.S.P., 40 CYCLE HUM) on guitar and Jason "Dewey" Bragg (PISSING RAZORS) on vocals — will perform at he second annual Dimebash event on Wednesday, December 14 at the world-famous Key Club on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California.
Dimebash is being held in honor of the late, great "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN), who was shot and killed by a crazed gunman while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at a Columbus, Ohio rock club in December 2004.
Fellow musicians will pay homage to one of metal's beloved fallen heroes by performing songs either written by or that were an inspiration to Dimebag.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up & Shout Cancer Fund.
The following musicians are expected to appear at this year's Dimebash:
* Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, DIO DISCIPLES)
* Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION)
* Robin McCauley (MSG)
* Oni Logan (LYNCH MOB)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE)
* David Draiman (DISTURBED)
* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X)
* Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Stephen Pearcy (RATT)
* Serj Tankian (SYSTEM OF A DOWN)
* John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON)
* Jerry Cantrell (ALICE IN CHAINS)
* Scott Ian (ANTHRAX)
* Warren DeMartini (RATT)
* Rex Brown (DOWN, PANTERA, KILL DEVIL HILL)
* Joey Jordison (SLIPKNOT)
Key Club
9039 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 274-5800
Thursday, December 14, 2011
Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
Performances Begin: 8:00 p.m.
Dimebash is being held in honor of the late, great "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN), who was shot and killed by a crazed gunman while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at a Columbus, Ohio rock club in December 2004.
Fellow musicians will pay homage to one of metal's beloved fallen heroes by performing songs either written by or that were an inspiration to Dimebag.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up & Shout Cancer Fund.
The following musicians are expected to appear at this year's Dimebash:
* Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, DIO DISCIPLES)
* Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION)
* Robin McCauley (MSG)
* Oni Logan (LYNCH MOB)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE)
* David Draiman (DISTURBED)
* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X)
* Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Stephen Pearcy (RATT)
* Serj Tankian (SYSTEM OF A DOWN)
* John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON)
* Jerry Cantrell (ALICE IN CHAINS)
* Scott Ian (ANTHRAX)
* Warren DeMartini (RATT)
* Rex Brown (DOWN, PANTERA, KILL DEVIL HILL)
* Joey Jordison (SLIPKNOT)
Key Club
9039 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 274-5800
Thursday, December 14, 2011
Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
Performances Begin: 8:00 p.m.
Five celebrity couples — including TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider — will put a new spin on the critically-acclaimed reality series "Wife Swap" in "Celebrity Wife Swap", premiering Tuesday, January 3, 2012 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC television network.
In this new series, the mothers in two celebrity families with vastly diverse values switch homes (but not bedrooms) — embarking on a journey like no other and revealing the various ways some controversial celebrities live their lives. The two moms are given the chance to see how another celebrity raises their children and deals with life in the spotlight, while allowing both couples the opportunity to re-discover why they love each other and decided to get together in the first place. It's a mind-blowing experiment that will change their lives forever.
The featured celebrities and their families are (airdates to be announced at a later date):
* Gary Busey, Academy Award-nominated actor for "The Buddy Holly Story" and Ted Haggard, evangelical pastor.
* Tracey Gold, actress, formerly of "Growing Pains", and Carnie Wilson, singer/actress/TV host.
* Flavor Flav, world renowned rapper, and Dee Snider, rock star.
* Mick Foley, professional wrestler/writer, and Antonio Sabato Jr., actor/model.
* Niecy Nash, actress/comedienne, and Tina Yothers, rocker and actress, formerly of "Family Ties".
In each of the five one-hour episodes, two mothers with very different types of households swap lifestyles and children in a week-long challenge. In the first part of the swap, each mom moves into the other's home and adopts their new celebrity family's lifestyle, no matter how different it may be. They agree to follow a manual written by the departing mother that sets out the rules of their new household — how they parent, manage their social life, do house work, unwind and more. In the second half of the week, everything changes. The new moms take charge. They introduce their own set of rules and get to run the new household their way. It's a radical shock to both celebrity families. The results are explosive, enlightening, emotional and often very funny. At the end of the show, the two celebrity couples meet for the first time. In a deeply honest and highly-charged exchange of views, both couples make a frank assessment of each other and talk about what they've learned from the experience. In the process, everyone discovers what it's like to live a life quite unlike their own.
Speaking to Artisan News (see video below), Snider stated about his involvement in "Celebrity Wife Swap", "My wife and Flav were like gasoline and a match. Meanwhile, his wife is practically catatonic. I think she's medicated, which is probably the only way she can survive. So you'll be surprised to see what happens with the swap and how my wife handles Flav and how Liz, Flav's wife, or Baby Mama, handles the Sniders.
"My wife, she loves Flav.
"The first half, where you follow their rules, went great, but as soon as Suzette tried to act like an adult, that's where things went horribly wrong."
"When we had our sitdown, face to face, it's just like the regular 'Wife Swap' excerpt with celebrities, when we had the roundtable, my wife got out of her chair and she was screaming at Flav. And I tried to interrupt her. And she turned to me and said, 'You stay out of this!' And I'm like, 'Oh. Shit.' I'm going to myself, 'Does she know the cameras are rolling?' I mean, you can't not notice them; they're everywhere.
"So, yeah, it gets a little crazy."
"Celebrity Wife Swap" is produced by Zodiak USA. Executive producers include Grant Mansfield, Natalka Znak, Claire O'Donohoe and Bruce Toms.
Snider has four children with his wife of nearly 30 years, Suzette (pictured below). Flav proposed to his current wife Liz on a 2008 reunion episode of "Flavor Of Love".
"Wife Swap", which launched on ABC in 2004, is based on a British format. The original series did a series of celebrity episodes that scored big ratings on Channel 4.
Dee and his wife previously starred in "Growing Up Twisted", A&E's reality show based on Snider and his family as they navigate everyday life.
In this new series, the mothers in two celebrity families with vastly diverse values switch homes (but not bedrooms) — embarking on a journey like no other and revealing the various ways some controversial celebrities live their lives. The two moms are given the chance to see how another celebrity raises their children and deals with life in the spotlight, while allowing both couples the opportunity to re-discover why they love each other and decided to get together in the first place. It's a mind-blowing experiment that will change their lives forever.
The featured celebrities and their families are (airdates to be announced at a later date):
* Gary Busey, Academy Award-nominated actor for "The Buddy Holly Story" and Ted Haggard, evangelical pastor.
* Tracey Gold, actress, formerly of "Growing Pains", and Carnie Wilson, singer/actress/TV host.
* Flavor Flav, world renowned rapper, and Dee Snider, rock star.
* Mick Foley, professional wrestler/writer, and Antonio Sabato Jr., actor/model.
* Niecy Nash, actress/comedienne, and Tina Yothers, rocker and actress, formerly of "Family Ties".
In each of the five one-hour episodes, two mothers with very different types of households swap lifestyles and children in a week-long challenge. In the first part of the swap, each mom moves into the other's home and adopts their new celebrity family's lifestyle, no matter how different it may be. They agree to follow a manual written by the departing mother that sets out the rules of their new household — how they parent, manage their social life, do house work, unwind and more. In the second half of the week, everything changes. The new moms take charge. They introduce their own set of rules and get to run the new household their way. It's a radical shock to both celebrity families. The results are explosive, enlightening, emotional and often very funny. At the end of the show, the two celebrity couples meet for the first time. In a deeply honest and highly-charged exchange of views, both couples make a frank assessment of each other and talk about what they've learned from the experience. In the process, everyone discovers what it's like to live a life quite unlike their own.
Speaking to Artisan News (see video below), Snider stated about his involvement in "Celebrity Wife Swap", "My wife and Flav were like gasoline and a match. Meanwhile, his wife is practically catatonic. I think she's medicated, which is probably the only way she can survive. So you'll be surprised to see what happens with the swap and how my wife handles Flav and how Liz, Flav's wife, or Baby Mama, handles the Sniders.
"My wife, she loves Flav.
"The first half, where you follow their rules, went great, but as soon as Suzette tried to act like an adult, that's where things went horribly wrong."
"When we had our sitdown, face to face, it's just like the regular 'Wife Swap' excerpt with celebrities, when we had the roundtable, my wife got out of her chair and she was screaming at Flav. And I tried to interrupt her. And she turned to me and said, 'You stay out of this!' And I'm like, 'Oh. Shit.' I'm going to myself, 'Does she know the cameras are rolling?' I mean, you can't not notice them; they're everywhere.
"So, yeah, it gets a little crazy."
"Celebrity Wife Swap" is produced by Zodiak USA. Executive producers include Grant Mansfield, Natalka Znak, Claire O'Donohoe and Bruce Toms.
Snider has four children with his wife of nearly 30 years, Suzette (pictured below). Flav proposed to his current wife Liz on a 2008 reunion episode of "Flavor Of Love".
"Wife Swap", which launched on ABC in 2004, is based on a British format. The original series did a series of celebrity episodes that scored big ratings on Channel 4.
Dee and his wife previously starred in "Growing Up Twisted", A&E's reality show based on Snider and his family as they navigate everyday life.
Mike Mangini has had a busy year since April when he learned he'd won the gig as the new drummer in Dream Theater, replacing founding member Mike Portnoy. A new album ('A Dramatic Turn of Events'), a worldwide tour and having to learn some of the most interesting, complex material imaginable might wear other drummers down, but not Mangini.
A native of Massachusetts, Mangini has also been a member of Extreme and Annihilator, and toured the world countless times. He's also spent many years as a teacher at the Berklee College of Music in the percussion department.
Fighting a heavy duty bronchial infection before a recent show in Anaheim, Calif., the energetic and chatty Mangini reflected on the past year as a member of Dream Theater, as well as the most recent news that the band had been nominated for its first ever Grammy Award for 'On the Backs of Angels,' the first single off of 'A Dramatic Turn of Events.'
This has been quite a year for you.
Just amazing. Almost indescribable. As I see it, as I look back, I really think what happened was that this band kind of started over. They were in a new place as they looked for a drummer, and I when got the news, after the shock wore off, I knew what I wanted to do – which was just basically come in and try to support where they wanted to go. They had a vision, they had great ideas, and I just wanted to help them achieve those things.
How was it at first?
Great from the word go. No stress, nothing but smooth ride, deciding how the material was composed, how it would be engineered, how it would be produced – it as a lot of hard work. But it was also lots of fun and very rewarding.
A native of Massachusetts, Mangini has also been a member of Extreme and Annihilator, and toured the world countless times. He's also spent many years as a teacher at the Berklee College of Music in the percussion department.
Fighting a heavy duty bronchial infection before a recent show in Anaheim, Calif., the energetic and chatty Mangini reflected on the past year as a member of Dream Theater, as well as the most recent news that the band had been nominated for its first ever Grammy Award for 'On the Backs of Angels,' the first single off of 'A Dramatic Turn of Events.'
This has been quite a year for you.
Just amazing. Almost indescribable. As I see it, as I look back, I really think what happened was that this band kind of started over. They were in a new place as they looked for a drummer, and I when got the news, after the shock wore off, I knew what I wanted to do – which was just basically come in and try to support where they wanted to go. They had a vision, they had great ideas, and I just wanted to help them achieve those things.
How was it at first?
Great from the word go. No stress, nothing but smooth ride, deciding how the material was composed, how it would be engineered, how it would be produced – it as a lot of hard work. But it was also lots of fun and very rewarding.
Everyone in the band seems very excited about the Grammy nomination.
For there to be a Grammy nomination, it's not an accident. It was based on the present, on the song, on what we achieved musically. It was such a high when we got the news because we know the teamwork we put into it, we know how hard we worked to create something really special. That made the news so much sweeter.
How do you feel you've connected with the Dream Theater fans?
I almost speechless at the level of acceptance I have received. After the third song for most of the shows on the first tour I did, they had a chant going for my name in every city, which blew me away. I didn't know if I'd get hit with a tomato, or gourd, or prickly pear or horned melon fruit [laughs]. To be accepted like that? Wow. Best fans in the world. But I think I figured out what it is. It's not about my arms and legs and how I hit drums. I think the fans know what this band means to me. Other than my spiritual faith and my faith, this band is it. And I think fans sense that.
In a band famous for its musical abilities, do you feel extra pressure with how you play each night?
Not really. Because we all have the same work ethic. These guys try to become better at what they do all day long – they never stop trying to improve. And I feel the same way. Jordan Rudess will be in here in a few moments playing the keyboard, practicing for the show tonight, like he does all the time, like all the guys do. We take nothing for granted and we try to take our games up every single show.
Even on a night when you feel under the weather, like tonight.
Just watch me!
And Noisecreep did. Despite an infection that seemed to drain Mangini's energy before the show, onstage, it was a completely different story. The capacity crowd was treated to a blazing show from one of the fastest and most talented drummers in the business. Mangini soared, as did the band, the newly-Grammy nominated Dream Theater.
An all-star lineup of musicians has come together under the banner UNITED ROCKERS 4U to record a heartfelt song called "One Family" that will benefit the American Red Cross.
UNITED ROCKERS 4U includes the following artsits:
* Eddie Money
* Bobby Kimball (TOTO)
* Jimi Jamison (SURVIVOR)
* Don Dokken (DOKKEN)
* Terry Ilous (GREAT WHITE, XYZ)
* Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE)
* Robin McAuley (MCAULEY SCHENKER GROUP, SURVIVOR)
* Phil Lewis (L.A. GUNS)
* Richie Kotzen (POISON, MR. BIG)
* Paul Shortino (ROUGH CUTT, QUIET RIOT)
* Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner, Billy Idol)
* Jeff Paris (hit songwriter for MR. BIG, VIXEN, LITA FORD)
* Robert Sarzo (HURRICANE)
The single, which was written and produced by rock singer/songwriters Terry Ilous and Jeff Paris and mixed by Beau Hill (producer for RATT, WARRANT), will be released on Monday, December 12, through the Fyco Records label and made available via iTunes, Amazon and several other major online music stores.
"As the father of an adopted Asian child, I was greatly moved by the Japan tsunami footage of a little girl searching through the rubble for her parents," states Terry Ilous. "I felt this could've been my daughter and disaster can happen anywhere, even here in America. So my writing partner Jeff Paris and I wrote 'One Family' as a way of helping the Red Cross."
"We are excited to partner with such an impressive coalition of '80s rockers who are helping raise awareness of and funds for the Red Cross," said Paul Schulz, CEO, American Red Cross Los Angeles region. "We encourage everyone to attend the United Rockers 4U concert at the Hard Rock Café Hollywood and purchase the 'One Family' single to help support the Red Cross' vital services to the community."
After a lot of hard work, what was once a dream has now became a reality and all involved are hoping to collaborate again in the future.
Many of the artists featured on "One Family" have committed to performing at the benefit, including Ilous, Paris, McAuley, Sarzo and Tichy. Also performing are members from GREAT WHITE, BLACK SABBATH, SCORPIONS, WHITESNAKE, SURVIVOR, XYZ, ALICE COOPER, FOREIGNER, AC/DC, DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, RATT, QUIET RIOT, RAINBOW, STRYPER, ANGEL, MSG, HOUSE OF LORDS, HURRICANE, LED ZEPPAGAIN and more!!
The benefit concert will take place on Thursday, December 15, at Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd. (6801 Hollywood Blvd., #105, Hollywood, California 90028) at 9:00 p.m. PST.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $25 via Ticketweb.com for priority concert viewing and meet-and-greet with band members.
100% of ticket sales will go to the American Red Cross for disaster relief.
General admission is free and donations will be welcome the night of the event.
For those unable to attend the show, it can be viewed for free online (live) at Ustream.tv.
"We're all thankful, especially during the holidays, to be able to do what we do," Ilous further comments. "This is just a small way for us to give back and help those in need."
Don Dokken: "Every person should try and help those that have gone through hardship when possible. To do so reminds us of our own blessings. As musicians, our best gift is our music and I hope everyone, everywhere, will purchase the song, 'One Family'. Every little bit helps... The tragedy in Japan can and will be healed if everybody pulls together. With the Red Cross on board, I am sure our contribution from the song 'One Family' will be put to good use."
Richie Kotzen: "I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this project. Japan is very close to my heart and has been for many years. When I got the call to work on the benefit song, 'One Family', for the victims of the disaster in Japan, I could not wait to get started. I would like to thank everyone involved and send my love to those in Japan who have been affected by this natural disaster."
Robin McAuley: "I was contacted by Terry Ilous soon after the terrible disaster in Japan. He explained his plan to raise money for the unfortunate victims and their families and the song he wrote, 'One Family', with his good friend Jeff Paris. I was so touched by this awesome idea and couldn't wait to be a part of this incredible event and to support all our friends and fans in Japan who have supported us and our music for so many years. I also put a call through to my longtime friend Bobby Kimball to take part, and so we all got together with a variety of great talent at Jeff's studio to put our voices and our hearts together to support 'One Family'."
Rudy Sarzo: "While watching the devastation in Japan caused by the tsunami, I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. So when I was contacted by Terry Ilous to contribute a bass track to his composition, 'One Family', with proceeds going to the Red Cross, I accepted immediately. I'm very proud to continue to be a part of this most significant project and be able to give back to our friends in Japan who have given us artists so much through the years."
UNITED ROCKERS 4U includes the following artsits:
* Eddie Money
* Bobby Kimball (TOTO)
* Jimi Jamison (SURVIVOR)
* Don Dokken (DOKKEN)
* Terry Ilous (GREAT WHITE, XYZ)
* Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE)
* Robin McAuley (MCAULEY SCHENKER GROUP, SURVIVOR)
* Phil Lewis (L.A. GUNS)
* Richie Kotzen (POISON, MR. BIG)
* Paul Shortino (ROUGH CUTT, QUIET RIOT)
* Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner, Billy Idol)
* Jeff Paris (hit songwriter for MR. BIG, VIXEN, LITA FORD)
* Robert Sarzo (HURRICANE)
The single, which was written and produced by rock singer/songwriters Terry Ilous and Jeff Paris and mixed by Beau Hill (producer for RATT, WARRANT), will be released on Monday, December 12, through the Fyco Records label and made available via iTunes, Amazon and several other major online music stores.
"As the father of an adopted Asian child, I was greatly moved by the Japan tsunami footage of a little girl searching through the rubble for her parents," states Terry Ilous. "I felt this could've been my daughter and disaster can happen anywhere, even here in America. So my writing partner Jeff Paris and I wrote 'One Family' as a way of helping the Red Cross."
"We are excited to partner with such an impressive coalition of '80s rockers who are helping raise awareness of and funds for the Red Cross," said Paul Schulz, CEO, American Red Cross Los Angeles region. "We encourage everyone to attend the United Rockers 4U concert at the Hard Rock Café Hollywood and purchase the 'One Family' single to help support the Red Cross' vital services to the community."
After a lot of hard work, what was once a dream has now became a reality and all involved are hoping to collaborate again in the future.
Many of the artists featured on "One Family" have committed to performing at the benefit, including Ilous, Paris, McAuley, Sarzo and Tichy. Also performing are members from GREAT WHITE, BLACK SABBATH, SCORPIONS, WHITESNAKE, SURVIVOR, XYZ, ALICE COOPER, FOREIGNER, AC/DC, DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, RATT, QUIET RIOT, RAINBOW, STRYPER, ANGEL, MSG, HOUSE OF LORDS, HURRICANE, LED ZEPPAGAIN and more!!
The benefit concert will take place on Thursday, December 15, at Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd. (6801 Hollywood Blvd., #105, Hollywood, California 90028) at 9:00 p.m. PST.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $25 via Ticketweb.com for priority concert viewing and meet-and-greet with band members.
100% of ticket sales will go to the American Red Cross for disaster relief.
General admission is free and donations will be welcome the night of the event.
For those unable to attend the show, it can be viewed for free online (live) at Ustream.tv.
"We're all thankful, especially during the holidays, to be able to do what we do," Ilous further comments. "This is just a small way for us to give back and help those in need."
Don Dokken: "Every person should try and help those that have gone through hardship when possible. To do so reminds us of our own blessings. As musicians, our best gift is our music and I hope everyone, everywhere, will purchase the song, 'One Family'. Every little bit helps... The tragedy in Japan can and will be healed if everybody pulls together. With the Red Cross on board, I am sure our contribution from the song 'One Family' will be put to good use."
Richie Kotzen: "I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this project. Japan is very close to my heart and has been for many years. When I got the call to work on the benefit song, 'One Family', for the victims of the disaster in Japan, I could not wait to get started. I would like to thank everyone involved and send my love to those in Japan who have been affected by this natural disaster."
Robin McAuley: "I was contacted by Terry Ilous soon after the terrible disaster in Japan. He explained his plan to raise money for the unfortunate victims and their families and the song he wrote, 'One Family', with his good friend Jeff Paris. I was so touched by this awesome idea and couldn't wait to be a part of this incredible event and to support all our friends and fans in Japan who have supported us and our music for so many years. I also put a call through to my longtime friend Bobby Kimball to take part, and so we all got together with a variety of great talent at Jeff's studio to put our voices and our hearts together to support 'One Family'."
Rudy Sarzo: "While watching the devastation in Japan caused by the tsunami, I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. So when I was contacted by Terry Ilous to contribute a bass track to his composition, 'One Family', with proceeds going to the Red Cross, I accepted immediately. I'm very proud to continue to be a part of this most significant project and be able to give back to our friends in Japan who have given us artists so much through the years."
Louisiana rockers LILLIAN AXE have inked a deal with Germany's AFM Records. The band's new album, "XI: The Days Before Tomorrow", will be released on January 27. The CD was recorded at Sound Landing Studio in Covington, Louisiana, with the band's guitarist/songwriter Steve Blaze acting as producer and Rob Hovey engineering. The mixing duties were handled by Sylvia Massey (TOOL, JOHNNY CASH, DEFTONES, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, PRINCE, BLACK CROWES). Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Bow Your Head", "Gather Up The Snow", "Soul Disease" and "The Great Divide".
Commented Blaze, "This is an important album as it introduces Brian Jones on vocals.
"As I have been writing this record, there has been a feeling of creativity that is similar to that of when I wrote 'Psychoschizophrenia'.
"The band has really done a great job so far. We can't wait to get back out on the road to support it."
LILLIAN AXE in March announced Jackson, Mississippi native Brian Jones as the band's new lead vocalist.
Jones, vocalist for the bands GUNS OF ADDICTION and FULL MOON CIRCUS, as well as guitarist for Wind-Up artist PAPERCUT MASSACRE, approached Blaze for the job in September 2010.
Commented Blaze, "This is an important album as it introduces Brian Jones on vocals.
"As I have been writing this record, there has been a feeling of creativity that is similar to that of when I wrote 'Psychoschizophrenia'.
"The band has really done a great job so far. We can't wait to get back out on the road to support it."
LILLIAN AXE in March announced Jackson, Mississippi native Brian Jones as the band's new lead vocalist.
Jones, vocalist for the bands GUNS OF ADDICTION and FULL MOON CIRCUS, as well as guitarist for Wind-Up artist PAPERCUT MASSACRE, approached Blaze for the job in September 2010.
KORN's 10th studio album, "The Path Of Totality", is likely to sell between 45,000 and 50,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to industry web site Hits Daily Double. The estimate was based on one-day sales reports compiled after the record arrived in stores on December 6 via Roadrunner Records.
KORN's previous album, "Korn III - Remember Who You Are", opened with 63,000 units back in July 2010 to debut at position No. 2 on The Billboard 200 chart.
KORN's untitled album premiered with 123,000 copies back in August 2007 to land at No. 2. That number was slightly more than half of the 221,000 first-week tally achieved by its predecessor, "See You On The Other Side", which debuted at No. 3 back in December 2005.
"The Path Of Totality" is already one of KORN's most controversial efforts. This time, the veteran act teamed up with dubstep producers and DJs to add a whole new electronic layer to their sound. Singer Jonathan Davis told The Pulse Of Radio that he enjoys being in a group that takes risks. "We're one of those bands that take the chance and we really just want to put out music that we like making," he said. "We don't care if the people hate or if the people love it — we just want people to have open minds. I think it takes balls as a band to do something like that and to throw something out different, 'cause most bands are scared and they end up sounding the same every record."
Among the dubstep artists who contribute to the set are 12th Planet, Kill The Noise, Noisia, Downlink, Excision and Skrillex, who is featured on first single "Narcissistic Cannibal".
Much of the material for the album was recorded at Jonathan Davis' home studio, and he laid down vocals at home or in hotel rooms while on tour.
Davis said that title refers to the fact that "in order to see the sun in a full solar eclipse, you must be in the exact right place in the exact right time. That's how this album came together . . . I'm not sure it could ever happen again."
KORN's previous album, "Korn III - Remember Who You Are", opened with 63,000 units back in July 2010 to debut at position No. 2 on The Billboard 200 chart.
KORN's untitled album premiered with 123,000 copies back in August 2007 to land at No. 2. That number was slightly more than half of the 221,000 first-week tally achieved by its predecessor, "See You On The Other Side", which debuted at No. 3 back in December 2005.
"The Path Of Totality" is already one of KORN's most controversial efforts. This time, the veteran act teamed up with dubstep producers and DJs to add a whole new electronic layer to their sound. Singer Jonathan Davis told The Pulse Of Radio that he enjoys being in a group that takes risks. "We're one of those bands that take the chance and we really just want to put out music that we like making," he said. "We don't care if the people hate or if the people love it — we just want people to have open minds. I think it takes balls as a band to do something like that and to throw something out different, 'cause most bands are scared and they end up sounding the same every record."
Among the dubstep artists who contribute to the set are 12th Planet, Kill The Noise, Noisia, Downlink, Excision and Skrillex, who is featured on first single "Narcissistic Cannibal".
Much of the material for the album was recorded at Jonathan Davis' home studio, and he laid down vocals at home or in hotel rooms while on tour.
Davis said that title refers to the fact that "in order to see the sun in a full solar eclipse, you must be in the exact right place in the exact right time. That's how this album came together . . . I'm not sure it could ever happen again."
SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor has been on a solo tour for the past few weeks, combining acoustic performances with audience interaction and readings from his book "Seven Deadly Sins". But Taylor has raised eyebrows on the tour by calling STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland a "lazy piece of shit" at one stop and bashing legendary producer Rick Rubin (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, SLAYER, AUDIOSLAVE, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, METALLICA) — with whom he worked on SLIPKNOT's 2004 album, "Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses)" — as "overrated" and "overpaid" at another, saying he'd never work with Rubin again "as long as I fucking live."
Taylor told The Pulse Of Radio that he doesn't regret what he said about Rubin at all. "It's an honest answer to a perfectly reasonable question," he said. "That was my take on it. Now if you asked somebody like Clown [Shawn 'Clown' Crahan, SLIPKNOT percussionist] about the Rick Rubin experience, you'd get a totally different answer. But it is what it is. It's my opinion. At the end of the day it's not scripture. I'm gonna say what I'm gonna say — I don't think enough people do. And if it gets me in trouble, it gets me in trouble. If it doesn't, it doesn't. But I'm just gonna keep walking it."
In a 2008 interview with Revolver magazine, SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn Crahan stated about working with Rick Rubin, "'Vol. 3' was all about rebuilding friendships and since we were rebuilding, it was reall easy to rebuild the innovation of our music. Listen to that fucking record. It's spiritual. Rick Rubin's the oracle. He sat us down with each other. I heard things from the other members I don't care to repeat. I gained a couple of friends. I might have created a couple of enemies. We all agreed we were going to get on a plateau of communication and that's what we did."
In the same article, SLIPKNOT guitarist Jim Root was quoted as saying about Rubin, "Rick was really attentive to what we needed as a band. He knew I was going through major anxiety. I got a knock on my bedroom door one day, and his assistant came up and he had this herbal drop that you put on your tongue to mellow out. A lot of the guys in the band say Rick was unavailable. And yeah, he takes on a lot of projects at one time, but he also does things that are beneficial. He would listen to what we'd done, then have us retrack things that needed work. He's kind of like Big Brother up on the hill. Even though he wasn't there physically every day, he was. That's my favorite record we've done."
Also speaking to Revolver, Corey said, "I wouldn't know what it's like to work with Rick Rubin. I only saw him about four times. Rick Rubin is a nice man. He's done a lot of good for a lot of people. He didn't do anything for me. I'm not happy with the vocals on that record. There were a lot of takes that I thought were much better than the ones they fuckin' used and I wasn't asked about a lot of shit. It sounds amazing; the songs are great. But we were being charged horrendous amounts of money. And for me, if you're going to produce something, you're fucking there. I don't care who you are."
Taylor called out Weiland a few nights after his Rick Rubin rant for recording and releasing an album of holiday standards called "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year". He said about the disc, "Oh, it's bad."
Taylor continues his tour on Friday (December 9) at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey.
The singer will tour Australia and North America with SLIPKNOT next year, and also plans to head into the studio with STONE SOUR.
Taylor told The Pulse Of Radio that he doesn't regret what he said about Rubin at all. "It's an honest answer to a perfectly reasonable question," he said. "That was my take on it. Now if you asked somebody like Clown [Shawn 'Clown' Crahan, SLIPKNOT percussionist] about the Rick Rubin experience, you'd get a totally different answer. But it is what it is. It's my opinion. At the end of the day it's not scripture. I'm gonna say what I'm gonna say — I don't think enough people do. And if it gets me in trouble, it gets me in trouble. If it doesn't, it doesn't. But I'm just gonna keep walking it."
In a 2008 interview with Revolver magazine, SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn Crahan stated about working with Rick Rubin, "'Vol. 3' was all about rebuilding friendships and since we were rebuilding, it was reall easy to rebuild the innovation of our music. Listen to that fucking record. It's spiritual. Rick Rubin's the oracle. He sat us down with each other. I heard things from the other members I don't care to repeat. I gained a couple of friends. I might have created a couple of enemies. We all agreed we were going to get on a plateau of communication and that's what we did."
In the same article, SLIPKNOT guitarist Jim Root was quoted as saying about Rubin, "Rick was really attentive to what we needed as a band. He knew I was going through major anxiety. I got a knock on my bedroom door one day, and his assistant came up and he had this herbal drop that you put on your tongue to mellow out. A lot of the guys in the band say Rick was unavailable. And yeah, he takes on a lot of projects at one time, but he also does things that are beneficial. He would listen to what we'd done, then have us retrack things that needed work. He's kind of like Big Brother up on the hill. Even though he wasn't there physically every day, he was. That's my favorite record we've done."
Also speaking to Revolver, Corey said, "I wouldn't know what it's like to work with Rick Rubin. I only saw him about four times. Rick Rubin is a nice man. He's done a lot of good for a lot of people. He didn't do anything for me. I'm not happy with the vocals on that record. There were a lot of takes that I thought were much better than the ones they fuckin' used and I wasn't asked about a lot of shit. It sounds amazing; the songs are great. But we were being charged horrendous amounts of money. And for me, if you're going to produce something, you're fucking there. I don't care who you are."
Taylor called out Weiland a few nights after his Rick Rubin rant for recording and releasing an album of holiday standards called "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year". He said about the disc, "Oh, it's bad."
Taylor continues his tour on Friday (December 9) at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey.
The singer will tour Australia and North America with SLIPKNOT next year, and also plans to head into the studio with STONE SOUR.
SODOM, KRUX and NOCTURNAL RITES have been confirmed for the Sweden Rock Cruise 2012. Headlining the event will be BLIND GUARDIAN, with two more acts due to be announced soon.
The ship Tallink Silja Galaxy will depart from Stockholm, Sweden on March 29 and make a round trip to Turku, Finland to return to Stockholm 23 hours later (March 30).
The ship Tallink Silja Galaxy will depart from Stockholm, Sweden on March 29 and make a round trip to Turku, Finland to return to Stockholm 23 hours later (March 30).
PUSCIFER, the eclectic music-meets-comedy troupe helmed by Maynard James Keenan (TOOL, A PERFECT CIRCLE), returns to the road on February 23 in support of its recently released album "Conditions Of My Parole" (Oct. 18, Puscifer Entertainment).
The band's live performances are not to be missed. Keenan brings the unconventional atmosphere of the Verde Valley to life with a musically driven evening that merges technology, quirky characters and comedy. The Boston Globe referred to the shows as "musical theater" and the Philadelphia Weekly described the set as an "engaging performance with hilarious pre-recorded between-song skits featuring MJK alter-egos Major Douche and white-trash hero Billy D."
The band celebrated the release of their sophomore album with an in-character Halloween performance on "The Late Show With David Letterman".
PUSCIFER's touring band members are Maynard James Keenan, Mat Mitchell, Josh Eustis, Carina Round, Matt McJunkins and Jeff Friedl.
Tickets for all shows go on-sale Friday, December 16 via venue box offices, as well as Ticketmaster and Live Nation web sites. A limited number of VIP packages, featuring wine tastings and VIP experiences will be available simultaneously via puscifer.frontgatetickets.com.
The dates are as follows:
Feb. 23 - Austin, TX - Long Center for the Performing Arts
Feb. 25 - Baton Rouge, LA - River Center Theatre
Feb. 26 - Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre
Feb. 28 - Nashville, TN - Andrew Jackson Hall
Feb. 29 - Louisville, KY - Brown Theatre
Mar. 03 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theatre
Mar. 04 - Indianapolis, IN - Murat Theatre
Mar. 06 - Kansas City, KS - Kansas City Music Hall
Mar. 07 - Omaha, NE - Omaha Civic Auditorium
Mar. 10 - Edmonton, AB - North Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Mar. 11 - Calgary, AB - Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Mar. 13 - Vancouver, BC - The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
Mar. 14 - Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Mar. 18 - Escondido, CA - California Center for the Arts
The band's live performances are not to be missed. Keenan brings the unconventional atmosphere of the Verde Valley to life with a musically driven evening that merges technology, quirky characters and comedy. The Boston Globe referred to the shows as "musical theater" and the Philadelphia Weekly described the set as an "engaging performance with hilarious pre-recorded between-song skits featuring MJK alter-egos Major Douche and white-trash hero Billy D."
The band celebrated the release of their sophomore album with an in-character Halloween performance on "The Late Show With David Letterman".
PUSCIFER's touring band members are Maynard James Keenan, Mat Mitchell, Josh Eustis, Carina Round, Matt McJunkins and Jeff Friedl.
Tickets for all shows go on-sale Friday, December 16 via venue box offices, as well as Ticketmaster and Live Nation web sites. A limited number of VIP packages, featuring wine tastings and VIP experiences will be available simultaneously via puscifer.frontgatetickets.com.
The dates are as follows:
Feb. 23 - Austin, TX - Long Center for the Performing Arts
Feb. 25 - Baton Rouge, LA - River Center Theatre
Feb. 26 - Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre
Feb. 28 - Nashville, TN - Andrew Jackson Hall
Feb. 29 - Louisville, KY - Brown Theatre
Mar. 03 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theatre
Mar. 04 - Indianapolis, IN - Murat Theatre
Mar. 06 - Kansas City, KS - Kansas City Music Hall
Mar. 07 - Omaha, NE - Omaha Civic Auditorium
Mar. 10 - Edmonton, AB - North Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Mar. 11 - Calgary, AB - Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Mar. 13 - Vancouver, BC - The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
Mar. 14 - Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Mar. 18 - Escondido, CA - California Center for the Arts
Former NONPOINT members Zach Broderick (guitar) and Ken MacMillan (bass) have joined forced with DROWNING POOL's C.J. Pierce (guitar) and Mike Luce (drums) in a brand new project called VOODOO CORPS.
The band's mission statement: "From the collective bowels of the South rides forth the culmination of what can only be deemed as the kick in the ass that rock so desperately needs. Forged in the fires of what makes life truly great: friends, family, and a deep seeded love and appreciation for those who support rock music, VOODOO CORPS is here to stomp your ass and then take you out for snow cones!!!"
The band's mission statement: "From the collective bowels of the South rides forth the culmination of what can only be deemed as the kick in the ass that rock so desperately needs. Forged in the fires of what makes life truly great: friends, family, and a deep seeded love and appreciation for those who support rock music, VOODOO CORPS is here to stomp your ass and then take you out for snow cones!!!"
According to The Pulse Of Radio, HALESTORM is currently prepping its second album for release, but singer and guitarist Lzzy Hale says she'd love to do a sequel to the band's covers EP released earlier this year, titled "ReAnimate". Asked by Loudwire about doing a follow-up, Hale replied, "Absolutely . . . It's fun for us and you have no idea how much you learn as a musician and as a singer and songwriter by learning somebody else's material and having to own it and make it your own; it's really like homework. You come out on the other side better for some reason, as a better musician so we definitely want to do it again."
Hale gave The Pulse Of Radio a few other reasons why so many bands enjoy playing cover songs. "It's a reminiscent thing of when you're trying to make it and coming up in the club scene and also maybe it's kind of nostalgic, like when you're first learning how to play guitar, some of the songs that you used to jam to with your bandmates, and it's really cool," she said.
HALESTORM's "ReAnimate" EP featured covers of songs by SKID ROW, GUNS N' ROSES, LADY GAGA and THE BEATLES. Hale told Loudwire that the band had 50 songs it could have covered for the six-song EP.
The singer added, "The EPs are little one night stands, they're fun and you just put it out there and you see what happens and nobody really cares. (laughs) 'You wanna do a WHAM song, sure let's do it,' so you'll definitely see more of that coming from us."
HALESTORM has some gigs on tap throughout the month of December, but the band is mainly gearing up to issue its sophomore album sometime in early 2012.
Hale recently told The Saginaw News that she has a secret dream to form a female supergroup — a modern version of the cult '70s band THE RUNAWAYS — with SICK PUPPIES bassist Emma Anzai, SKILLET keyboardist Korey Cooper and drummer Jen Ledger, and ALICE COOPER guitarist Orianthi. She explained, "We secretly talk about it when we hang out. But the truth is that here we are, women in rock, and most of our influences come from our parents' generation."
Hale gave The Pulse Of Radio a few other reasons why so many bands enjoy playing cover songs. "It's a reminiscent thing of when you're trying to make it and coming up in the club scene and also maybe it's kind of nostalgic, like when you're first learning how to play guitar, some of the songs that you used to jam to with your bandmates, and it's really cool," she said.
HALESTORM's "ReAnimate" EP featured covers of songs by SKID ROW, GUNS N' ROSES, LADY GAGA and THE BEATLES. Hale told Loudwire that the band had 50 songs it could have covered for the six-song EP.
The singer added, "The EPs are little one night stands, they're fun and you just put it out there and you see what happens and nobody really cares. (laughs) 'You wanna do a WHAM song, sure let's do it,' so you'll definitely see more of that coming from us."
HALESTORM has some gigs on tap throughout the month of December, but the band is mainly gearing up to issue its sophomore album sometime in early 2012.
Hale recently told The Saginaw News that she has a secret dream to form a female supergroup — a modern version of the cult '70s band THE RUNAWAYS — with SICK PUPPIES bassist Emma Anzai, SKILLET keyboardist Korey Cooper and drummer Jen Ledger, and ALICE COOPER guitarist Orianthi. She explained, "We secretly talk about it when we hang out. But the truth is that here we are, women in rock, and most of our influences come from our parents' generation."
The second half of Seattle drone icons EARTH's "Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light" is being prepared for release on Southern Lord in North America this February 14 on CD, LP and digital download formats.
Recorded in the same two-week session as 2011's lauded "Angels Of Darkness, Demons of Light I" by Stuart Hallerman at Avast and mastered by Mell Detmer, "Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II" carries on in the freely and folkloric vein of the last release and invokes even more improvisational and unrestrained energy than its predecessor.
"Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II" is striking in many ways, not least in the wildly improvised nature of this particular recording. The songs "Sigil Of Brass" and "The Corascene Dog" perfectly emphasize how the interplay between the foursome has evolved even further since the first installment. Meanwhile, the track "His Teeth Did Brightly Shine" veers further into an entirely other direction, recalling sounds of the great British Acid Folk generation. This new material brings forth some highly original and deeply mesmerizing tones throughout, at times more hopeful and less dark and death oriented than previous work. "Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II" is ultimately a completely unanticipated direction for EARTH, and a very welcome one at that.
The lineup again consists of Adrienne Davies on drums and percussion (on this release there is more percussion of all sorts), Lori Goldston (NIRVANA, DAVID BYRNE, BLACK CAT ORCHESTRA, LAURA VEIRS) returns on cello, and Karl Blau (LAURA VEIRS, MICROPHONES) plays bass. This also marks the first time the band on the record has toured outside of the U.S. West Coast in preparation for the album. As with the first part, it again has truly amazing artwork by Stacey Rozich.
"Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II" track listing:
01. Sigil of Brass
02. His Teeth Did Brightly Shine
03. Multiplicity of Doors
04. The Corascene Dog
05. The Rakehell
Recorded in the same two-week session as 2011's lauded "Angels Of Darkness, Demons of Light I" by Stuart Hallerman at Avast and mastered by Mell Detmer, "Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II" carries on in the freely and folkloric vein of the last release and invokes even more improvisational and unrestrained energy than its predecessor.
"Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II" is striking in many ways, not least in the wildly improvised nature of this particular recording. The songs "Sigil Of Brass" and "The Corascene Dog" perfectly emphasize how the interplay between the foursome has evolved even further since the first installment. Meanwhile, the track "His Teeth Did Brightly Shine" veers further into an entirely other direction, recalling sounds of the great British Acid Folk generation. This new material brings forth some highly original and deeply mesmerizing tones throughout, at times more hopeful and less dark and death oriented than previous work. "Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II" is ultimately a completely unanticipated direction for EARTH, and a very welcome one at that.
The lineup again consists of Adrienne Davies on drums and percussion (on this release there is more percussion of all sorts), Lori Goldston (NIRVANA, DAVID BYRNE, BLACK CAT ORCHESTRA, LAURA VEIRS) returns on cello, and Karl Blau (LAURA VEIRS, MICROPHONES) plays bass. This also marks the first time the band on the record has toured outside of the U.S. West Coast in preparation for the album. As with the first part, it again has truly amazing artwork by Stacey Rozich.
"Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II" track listing:
01. Sigil of Brass
02. His Teeth Did Brightly Shine
03. Multiplicity of Doors
04. The Corascene Dog
05. The Rakehell
Lifeforce Records has announced the signing of SHEAR, the Helsinki, Finland-based six-piece metal act featuring former/current members of AMORAL, OMNIUM GATHERUM, IMPERANON, ELENIUM and CRYSTAL BLAZE. The band's as-yet-untitled full-length debut will be released in March 2012. The group previously described the new tracks as "really diverse, ranging from very melodic songs to heavier riff-oriented songs."
The current lineup of SHEAR was finalized in 2008. The members have, however, played together for many years. The guitarists Mikael Gronroos and Lauri Koskenniemi, and keyboardist Lari Sorvo have played together since 2001. Bass player Eerik Purdon joined the group in 2004, and the drummer Juhana Karlsson in 2007.
SHEAR last year made its entire four-song EP, "In Solitude", available for free download on the group's official web site. The CD was recorded in August-September 2009 at Arcada Studios by Mikael Grönroos and was mastered at Chartmakers studios.
"In Solitude" track listing:
01. In Solitude
02. Scorched
03. Trapped in A Shell
04. Mistakes
The current lineup of SHEAR was finalized in 2008. The members have, however, played together for many years. The guitarists Mikael Gronroos and Lauri Koskenniemi, and keyboardist Lari Sorvo have played together since 2001. Bass player Eerik Purdon joined the group in 2004, and the drummer Juhana Karlsson in 2007.
SHEAR last year made its entire four-song EP, "In Solitude", available for free download on the group's official web site. The CD was recorded in August-September 2009 at Arcada Studios by Mikael Grönroos and was mastered at Chartmakers studios.
"In Solitude" track listing:
01. In Solitude
02. Scorched
03. Trapped in A Shell
04. Mistakes
Finnish cello rockers APOCALYPTICA opened the week-long celebration of METALLICA's 30th anniversary on Monday, December 5 at The Fillmore Theatre in San Francisco.
Besides their own set, APOCALYPTICA also joined METALLICA on stage for a few songs.
After supporting METALLICA several times (the first one being in Helsinki on November 18 and November 19, 1996), this was the very first time the two bands actually played together.
The concert this Monday launched the anniversary party which METALLICA is holding exclusively for its fan-club members in San Francisco.
Commented APOCALYPTICA's Eicca Toppinen: "What can you do when METALLICA invites you to perform at their birthday party? You can only say YES!!!
"We are honored and very pleased to be part of this unique event. METALLICA have always been one of our greatest influences which makes this performance such a special experience for us.
"Cliff, James, Lars, Kirk, Rob and Jason.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
APOCALYPTICA started its worldwide career by releasing "Plays Metallica By Four Cellos" 15 years ago. Since then the band has developed an uncomparable style of its own material. Their latest CD was the band's seventh studio album, "The 7th Symphony".
Upon leaving San Francisco, APOCALYPTICA will continue its tour with more shows in Finland followed by an extensive Latin American tour in January.
Besides their own set, APOCALYPTICA also joined METALLICA on stage for a few songs.
After supporting METALLICA several times (the first one being in Helsinki on November 18 and November 19, 1996), this was the very first time the two bands actually played together.
The concert this Monday launched the anniversary party which METALLICA is holding exclusively for its fan-club members in San Francisco.
Commented APOCALYPTICA's Eicca Toppinen: "What can you do when METALLICA invites you to perform at their birthday party? You can only say YES!!!
"We are honored and very pleased to be part of this unique event. METALLICA have always been one of our greatest influences which makes this performance such a special experience for us.
"Cliff, James, Lars, Kirk, Rob and Jason.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
APOCALYPTICA started its worldwide career by releasing "Plays Metallica By Four Cellos" 15 years ago. Since then the band has developed an uncomparable style of its own material. Their latest CD was the band's seventh studio album, "The 7th Symphony".
Upon leaving San Francisco, APOCALYPTICA will continue its tour with more shows in Finland followed by an extensive Latin American tour in January.
German female-fronted symphonic metallers XANDRIA will release their new studio album, "Neverworld's End", via Napalm Records on the following dates:
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy: February 24, 2012
Spain, Finland, Sweden: February 22, 2012
Rest of Europe: February 27, 2012
USA, Canada: March 6, 2012
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. A Prophecy Of Worlds To Fall
02. Valentine
03. Forevermore
05. Euphoria
04. Blood On My Hands
06. Soulcrusher
07. The Dream Is Still Alive
08. The Lost Elysion
09. Call Of The Wind
10. A Thousand Letters
11. Cursed
12. The Nomad's Crown
13. When The Mirror Cracks (bonus track)
Commented the band: "Although the title may indicate it, this is not a concept album, but there is an overall theme threading its way through most of the songs."
The first two in a series of webisodes featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the new XANDRIA CD can be seen below.
XANDRIA recently took part in the "Out Of The Dark" European tour with VAN CANTO, TRISTANIA, SERENITY and AMBERIAN DAWN.
XANDRIA in December 2010 announced the addition of singer Manuela Kraller to the group's ranks.
Commented Manuela: "My musical life started very late, at the age of 23. In a choir in Finland I discovered singing for me and since then it became my passion. I began to take classical singing lessons, sang in church and gospel choirs and soon I was asked to be a solo singer in choirs, at churchly and also at private occasions. But as I have grown up with metal and rock music I soon wanted to combine it with my classical background. So I started singing rock and metal songs with a friend and also wrote own songs for the first time. Soon after that I joined a metal band called NAGOR MAR (Switzerland) and I also became a singer in the German band HAGGARD, where I had great experiences on stage and on tour. And now a 'new age' has begun for me and I am very pleased to be the new singer of XANDRIA!"
XANDRIA performed several concerts last year with the band's former frontwoman, Lisa Middelhauve, filling in.
XANDRIA in February 2011 parted ways with its singer of one year, Kerstin Bischof. The group stated at the time, "Due to occupational and private reasons, [Kerstin] wants to concentrate on her non-musical career in the future and cannot support XANDRIA the way it would be necessary."
Bischof joined XANDRIA in February 2009 as the replacement for Middelhauve, who left the band in May 2008 for "personal reasons." Lisa stated at the time, "My exit has nothing to do with dispute or controversy within the band. It was just time to split."
XANDRIA's fourth album, "Salomé - The Seventh Veil", was released in May 2007.
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy: February 24, 2012
Spain, Finland, Sweden: February 22, 2012
Rest of Europe: February 27, 2012
USA, Canada: March 6, 2012
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. A Prophecy Of Worlds To Fall
02. Valentine
03. Forevermore
05. Euphoria
04. Blood On My Hands
06. Soulcrusher
07. The Dream Is Still Alive
08. The Lost Elysion
09. Call Of The Wind
10. A Thousand Letters
11. Cursed
12. The Nomad's Crown
13. When The Mirror Cracks (bonus track)
Commented the band: "Although the title may indicate it, this is not a concept album, but there is an overall theme threading its way through most of the songs."
The first two in a series of webisodes featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the new XANDRIA CD can be seen below.
XANDRIA recently took part in the "Out Of The Dark" European tour with VAN CANTO, TRISTANIA, SERENITY and AMBERIAN DAWN.
XANDRIA in December 2010 announced the addition of singer Manuela Kraller to the group's ranks.
Commented Manuela: "My musical life started very late, at the age of 23. In a choir in Finland I discovered singing for me and since then it became my passion. I began to take classical singing lessons, sang in church and gospel choirs and soon I was asked to be a solo singer in choirs, at churchly and also at private occasions. But as I have grown up with metal and rock music I soon wanted to combine it with my classical background. So I started singing rock and metal songs with a friend and also wrote own songs for the first time. Soon after that I joined a metal band called NAGOR MAR (Switzerland) and I also became a singer in the German band HAGGARD, where I had great experiences on stage and on tour. And now a 'new age' has begun for me and I am very pleased to be the new singer of XANDRIA!"
XANDRIA performed several concerts last year with the band's former frontwoman, Lisa Middelhauve, filling in.
XANDRIA in February 2011 parted ways with its singer of one year, Kerstin Bischof. The group stated at the time, "Due to occupational and private reasons, [Kerstin] wants to concentrate on her non-musical career in the future and cannot support XANDRIA the way it would be necessary."
Bischof joined XANDRIA in February 2009 as the replacement for Middelhauve, who left the band in May 2008 for "personal reasons." Lisa stated at the time, "My exit has nothing to do with dispute or controversy within the band. It was just time to split."
XANDRIA's fourth album, "Salomé - The Seventh Veil", was released in May 2007.
WJCU 88.7 FM and Auburn Records will host the third annual Iron Ingo Cleveland Metal Holiday Food Drive, a benefit concert for the Cleveland Foodbank and Friends Of The Cleveland Kennel, on Friday, December 23 at The Saw Concert Club (5324 State Rd.) in Parma, Ohio. Bands performing include ETERNAL LEGACY, SOULLESS, SHOK PARIS, CRYPTKICKER, GROUND ZERO, BORROWED TIME (from Detroit) and ALTERNATE REALITY. The event will be hosted by Dave Overkill (DESTRUCTOR) and Aurora Sans (RED HOT HEATHENS). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Fans attending the benefit are encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable foods to help those in need this holiday season. A donation will be made from the Cleveland metal community to the Cleveland Foodbank and Friends Of The Cleveland Kennel (dogs and cats).
The Saw Concert Club, a popular Cleveland-area music venue formerly known as the Jigsaw, had been on hiatus in booking original heavy metal bands since 2009 but recently reopened its doors on December 3 with a new name and a return to a heavy metal format.
"I am absolutely thrilled to play at the old Jigsaw again", says ETERNAL LEGACY guitarist Shaun Vanek. "This club had become our home in previous years and we were all very saddened when it closed. We always packed this house full with pure diehard metal heads and I just want to say welcome back to the party. Expect one hell of a return. This show is going to be off the hook."
"We are delighted to once again be doing a show in our defacto hometown of Parma, Ohio", adds SOULLESS frontman Jim Lippucci. "It's been several years since we've been able to thrash in Parma and we are confident that any DNA evidence has long since deteriorated, and that any outstanding warrants are long expired. The fact that the gig is a benefit for not one, but two great causes makes it even sweeter and has nothing to do with confidential settlements or court ordered community service. We encourage, no, we command all ye faithful Cleveland area metalheads to come forth with your canned goods and cash donations! Help a family down on their luck, or even a hungry pup or feline. Support the Cleveland Foodbank and Friends Of The Cleveland Kennel by crushing skulls...with kindness!"
The food drive is named in honor of Germany's Iron Ingo Stührenberg. Ingo, a writer for the popular German underground heavy metal webzine Metal Rules, has adopted Cleveland as his second home. He has traveled to Cleveland from his home in Wiesmoor, Germany, at his own expense, to host two previous successful food drive events. He will be unable to make the trip this year but will be with his Ohio friends and fans in spirit.
"This year will be the third time Bill Peters is presenting a free admission concert for the fans and again asking for food donations for the Cleveland Foodbank and also this time the Friends Of The Cleveland Kennel for dogs and cats, which is really a very good idea," says Ingo.
"There are a lot of people who are in a bad situation of not having a home, a bed to sleep, nor food to eat and it's a problem of our society everywhere in the world. Look around in cities everywhere and you will witness homeless and poor people struggling to survive. To help those people and animals is necessary and it's so easy to just give a little bit to help a lot."
The Cleveland Foodbank supplies a majority of the food used in local hot meal sites, shelters, and food pantries. In addition, they provide food to child care centers, group homes, and programs for the elderly.
The Foodbank works closely with other Northeast Ohio hunger relief organizations, providing food and nonfood products to hunger centers administered by the Hunger Network Of Greater Cleveland, the Catholic Hunger And Shelter Network, and the Salvation Army, among others.
"Food is the most basic of needs", says Anne Goodman, Foodbank president and CEO. "With one in four of our children living on the brink of hunger we need to do everything we can to make sure they get the nutritious food they need to function. This event will help bring further awareness to the issue and this donation will help feed many hungry families as the need for food continues to rise. On behalf of all the hungry people in our area, thank you!"
The Friends Of The City Of Cleveland Kennel is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing the necessary medical and general care for the animals at the Cleveland Kennel in the hopes of giving them a second chance at a good life.
Becca Britton, director of the Friends Of The Cleveland Kennel, comments: "The Cleveland Kennel can have up to 150 animals at any given time. The animals that come into the kennel are all very special, but they have not been the given the life that they deserve. Many supplies are not provided by the city of Cleveland, which is why we rely on individual donations to provide the animals the care they deserve. Thank you for your generosity to help Cleveland's homeless animals!"
"Heavy metal fans are the most generous when it comes to supporting good causes," says food drive organizer Bill Peters. "Our 2010 donations tripled 2009! The goal this year is to surpass 2010's total. By getting involved and working together, we are trying to make a positive difference in our community."
Fans attending the benefit are encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable foods to help those in need this holiday season. A donation will be made from the Cleveland metal community to the Cleveland Foodbank and Friends Of The Cleveland Kennel (dogs and cats).
The Saw Concert Club, a popular Cleveland-area music venue formerly known as the Jigsaw, had been on hiatus in booking original heavy metal bands since 2009 but recently reopened its doors on December 3 with a new name and a return to a heavy metal format.
"I am absolutely thrilled to play at the old Jigsaw again", says ETERNAL LEGACY guitarist Shaun Vanek. "This club had become our home in previous years and we were all very saddened when it closed. We always packed this house full with pure diehard metal heads and I just want to say welcome back to the party. Expect one hell of a return. This show is going to be off the hook."
"We are delighted to once again be doing a show in our defacto hometown of Parma, Ohio", adds SOULLESS frontman Jim Lippucci. "It's been several years since we've been able to thrash in Parma and we are confident that any DNA evidence has long since deteriorated, and that any outstanding warrants are long expired. The fact that the gig is a benefit for not one, but two great causes makes it even sweeter and has nothing to do with confidential settlements or court ordered community service. We encourage, no, we command all ye faithful Cleveland area metalheads to come forth with your canned goods and cash donations! Help a family down on their luck, or even a hungry pup or feline. Support the Cleveland Foodbank and Friends Of The Cleveland Kennel by crushing skulls...with kindness!"
The food drive is named in honor of Germany's Iron Ingo Stührenberg. Ingo, a writer for the popular German underground heavy metal webzine Metal Rules, has adopted Cleveland as his second home. He has traveled to Cleveland from his home in Wiesmoor, Germany, at his own expense, to host two previous successful food drive events. He will be unable to make the trip this year but will be with his Ohio friends and fans in spirit.
"This year will be the third time Bill Peters is presenting a free admission concert for the fans and again asking for food donations for the Cleveland Foodbank and also this time the Friends Of The Cleveland Kennel for dogs and cats, which is really a very good idea," says Ingo.
"There are a lot of people who are in a bad situation of not having a home, a bed to sleep, nor food to eat and it's a problem of our society everywhere in the world. Look around in cities everywhere and you will witness homeless and poor people struggling to survive. To help those people and animals is necessary and it's so easy to just give a little bit to help a lot."
The Cleveland Foodbank supplies a majority of the food used in local hot meal sites, shelters, and food pantries. In addition, they provide food to child care centers, group homes, and programs for the elderly.
The Foodbank works closely with other Northeast Ohio hunger relief organizations, providing food and nonfood products to hunger centers administered by the Hunger Network Of Greater Cleveland, the Catholic Hunger And Shelter Network, and the Salvation Army, among others.
"Food is the most basic of needs", says Anne Goodman, Foodbank president and CEO. "With one in four of our children living on the brink of hunger we need to do everything we can to make sure they get the nutritious food they need to function. This event will help bring further awareness to the issue and this donation will help feed many hungry families as the need for food continues to rise. On behalf of all the hungry people in our area, thank you!"
The Friends Of The City Of Cleveland Kennel is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing the necessary medical and general care for the animals at the Cleveland Kennel in the hopes of giving them a second chance at a good life.
Becca Britton, director of the Friends Of The Cleveland Kennel, comments: "The Cleveland Kennel can have up to 150 animals at any given time. The animals that come into the kennel are all very special, but they have not been the given the life that they deserve. Many supplies are not provided by the city of Cleveland, which is why we rely on individual donations to provide the animals the care they deserve. Thank you for your generosity to help Cleveland's homeless animals!"
"Heavy metal fans are the most generous when it comes to supporting good causes," says food drive organizer Bill Peters. "Our 2010 donations tripled 2009! The goal this year is to surpass 2010's total. By getting involved and working together, we are trying to make a positive difference in our community."
Los Angeles hardcore/metal band TERROR is tentatively scheduled to enter the studio in May 2012 to begin recording its next album.
TERROR's fifth album, "Keepers Of The Faith", sold around 2,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 11 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"Keepers Of The Faith" was released on August 30, 2010 in Europe and September 14, 2010 in North America via Century Media Records. Doom Patrol issued the album in Japan on September 1, 2010. The CD contained 13 new tracks produced by Chad Gilbert of NEW FOUND GLORY at Buzzbomb Studios in Orange County, California. It was engineered by Paul Miner (DEATH BY STEREO, ADAMANTIUM) and mixed by Matt Hyde (SLAYER, HATEBREED).
On November 1, TERROR released the "Defining The Faith" DVD as part of the special deluxe reissue of the group's latest CD, "Keepers Of The Faith". Produced, edited, and authored by Carlo Oppermann and Ambitious.Films, "Defining The Faith" features a full live set that is composed of three different TERROR shows in three distinct settings: a small club, a big hall, and a massive European festival. These live performances were filmed at the following concerts: Mach1 festival in Montabaur (June 24), Cafe Central in Weinheim (June 28), and Essigfabrik in Köln (June 29). "Defining The Faith" also features a European tour documentary with band interviews, backstage footage, and more-plus, four music videos taken from the band's "Keepers Of The Faith" album: "Stick Tight", "Keepers Of The Faith", "Return To Strength", and "You're Caught". And as yet another additional bonus, the making-of footage for the band's latest music video, "You're Caught", is also be included in the DVD.
TERROR's fifth album, "Keepers Of The Faith", sold around 2,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 11 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"Keepers Of The Faith" was released on August 30, 2010 in Europe and September 14, 2010 in North America via Century Media Records. Doom Patrol issued the album in Japan on September 1, 2010. The CD contained 13 new tracks produced by Chad Gilbert of NEW FOUND GLORY at Buzzbomb Studios in Orange County, California. It was engineered by Paul Miner (DEATH BY STEREO, ADAMANTIUM) and mixed by Matt Hyde (SLAYER, HATEBREED).
On November 1, TERROR released the "Defining The Faith" DVD as part of the special deluxe reissue of the group's latest CD, "Keepers Of The Faith". Produced, edited, and authored by Carlo Oppermann and Ambitious.Films, "Defining The Faith" features a full live set that is composed of three different TERROR shows in three distinct settings: a small club, a big hall, and a massive European festival. These live performances were filmed at the following concerts: Mach1 festival in Montabaur (June 24), Cafe Central in Weinheim (June 28), and Essigfabrik in Köln (June 29). "Defining The Faith" also features a European tour documentary with band interviews, backstage footage, and more-plus, four music videos taken from the band's "Keepers Of The Faith" album: "Stick Tight", "Keepers Of The Faith", "Return To Strength", and "You're Caught". And as yet another additional bonus, the making-of footage for the band's latest music video, "You're Caught", is also be included in the DVD.
According to The Oakland Press, Steven Banch Jr. — a member of SPYDER BABY, the Michigan-based industrial metal band that describes its music online as "unapologetically dark and edgy" — was sentenced Monday (December 5) to probation and community service for allegedly failing to bury a dead cow and neglecting his farm animals.
Banch's case drew media attention when neighbors complained of rotting carcasses on his Oakland County farm in March.
The rocker was sentenced to 15 months of probation and $1,425 in fines and costs. He was also told to perform community service and ordered to receive some mental health treatment.
Banch called the sentencing "a victory for me, because it could have gone completely the other way."
He called community service a "good thing. People should do that once a year."
Banch said he plans to move to a dairy farm south of Alpena in January.
MINISTRY mastermind Al Jourgensen remixed and co-produced SPYDER BABY's "Bitter" which was released by Blind Prophecy Records in early 2008.
Banch's case drew media attention when neighbors complained of rotting carcasses on his Oakland County farm in March.
The rocker was sentenced to 15 months of probation and $1,425 in fines and costs. He was also told to perform community service and ordered to receive some mental health treatment.
Banch called the sentencing "a victory for me, because it could have gone completely the other way."
He called community service a "good thing. People should do that once a year."
Banch said he plans to move to a dairy farm south of Alpena in January.
MINISTRY mastermind Al Jourgensen remixed and co-produced SPYDER BABY's "Bitter" which was released by Blind Prophecy Records in early 2008.
The cover artwork for "The Inherited Repression", the forthcoming fifth studio album from Australian technical death metallers PSYCROPTIC, can be seen below. The CD will be released on February 7 in North America and February 10 in Europe via Nuclear Blast Records.
Commented PSYCROPTIC guitarist Joe Haley: "'The Inherited Repression' is far and away my favorite PSYCROPTIC record thus far — all of us in the band think this.
"It's the age-old cliché from bands when they talk about their new album as being the best of their career, blah, blah, but I have to say it because it's true. We wouldn't think there is a point of going on if we couldn't outdo each record prior. We are certainly not playing music for anything else than the love of creating it and performing it.
"'The Inherited Repression' is quite different from anything we have done in terms of songwriting and structure, and we spent a lot longer writing and demoing the songs before we recorded it, which you can tell. It's a very dynamic album — the fast elements faster, the slow elements slower, and a lot of light and dark binding it together. It's a very catchy album as well — you can tap your foot, bang your head or anything else you want. Basically, it has a lot of groove on it from start to finish."
"The Inherited Repression" was produced, engineered and mixed by Haley, while Alan Douches will handle mastering duties.
"We had the luxury of recording in my home studio without deadlines, so we spent a long time on getting it how we wanted," said Haley. "We can't wait for people to hear it, and get out and play the songs live!"
"The Inherited Repression" track listing:
01. Carriers Of The Plague
02. Forward To Submission
03. Euphorinasia
04. The Throne Of Kings
05. Unmasking The Traitors
06. Become The Cult
07. From Scribe To Ashes
08. Deprivation
09. The Sleepers Have Awoken
PSYCROPTIC is:
Jason Peppiatt - Vocals
Cameron Grant - Bass
Joe Haley - Guitars
Dave Haley – Drums
Commented PSYCROPTIC guitarist Joe Haley: "'The Inherited Repression' is far and away my favorite PSYCROPTIC record thus far — all of us in the band think this.
"It's the age-old cliché from bands when they talk about their new album as being the best of their career, blah, blah, but I have to say it because it's true. We wouldn't think there is a point of going on if we couldn't outdo each record prior. We are certainly not playing music for anything else than the love of creating it and performing it.
"'The Inherited Repression' is quite different from anything we have done in terms of songwriting and structure, and we spent a lot longer writing and demoing the songs before we recorded it, which you can tell. It's a very dynamic album — the fast elements faster, the slow elements slower, and a lot of light and dark binding it together. It's a very catchy album as well — you can tap your foot, bang your head or anything else you want. Basically, it has a lot of groove on it from start to finish."
"The Inherited Repression" was produced, engineered and mixed by Haley, while Alan Douches will handle mastering duties.
"We had the luxury of recording in my home studio without deadlines, so we spent a long time on getting it how we wanted," said Haley. "We can't wait for people to hear it, and get out and play the songs live!"
"The Inherited Repression" track listing:
01. Carriers Of The Plague
02. Forward To Submission
03. Euphorinasia
04. The Throne Of Kings
05. Unmasking The Traitors
06. Become The Cult
07. From Scribe To Ashes
08. Deprivation
09. The Sleepers Have Awoken
PSYCROPTIC is:
Jason Peppiatt - Vocals
Cameron Grant - Bass
Joe Haley - Guitars
Dave Haley – Drums
Steve DiGiorgio (DEATH, TESTAMENT, SADUS, OBSCURA), Karyn Crisis (CRISIS) and Marco Minemann (PAUL GILBERT, NECROPHAGIST, KREATOR, TONY MACALPINE) will appear on the forthcoming EP from EPHEL DUATH, the formerly Italian, currently U.S.-based band which is known as a modern mixture of avant-garde metal and progressive rock with jazz-fusion and hardcore punk elements.
Due in the spring via Agonia Records, EPHEL DUATH's new EP will be recorded in January 2012 at Sharkbyte Studios (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS, HIGH ON FIRE) in Oakland, California. Erik Rutan will handle the mixing duties at his Mana Recording Studio (CANNIBAL CORPSE, HATE ETERNAL, GOATWHORE, AGNOSTIC FRONT) in St. Petersburg, Florida. Alan Douches will master the material at West West Side Music (DEATH, SWANS, MASTODON, CONVERGE, BARONESS, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, CLUTCH) in New Windsor, New York.
EPHEL DUATH's current recording lineup:
Davide Tiso - Guitar
Karyn Crisis - Vocals
Steve DiGiorgio - Bass
Marco Minemann - Drums
Due in the spring via Agonia Records, EPHEL DUATH's new EP will be recorded in January 2012 at Sharkbyte Studios (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS, HIGH ON FIRE) in Oakland, California. Erik Rutan will handle the mixing duties at his Mana Recording Studio (CANNIBAL CORPSE, HATE ETERNAL, GOATWHORE, AGNOSTIC FRONT) in St. Petersburg, Florida. Alan Douches will master the material at West West Side Music (DEATH, SWANS, MASTODON, CONVERGE, BARONESS, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, CLUTCH) in New Windsor, New York.
EPHEL DUATH's current recording lineup:
Davide Tiso - Guitar
Karyn Crisis - Vocals
Steve DiGiorgio - Bass
Marco Minemann - Drums
__._,_.___
MARKETPLACE
.
__,_._,___
0 comments:
Post a Comment