Statement From GN'R Management

Longtime managers Irving Azoff and Andy Gould, who have just signed an agreement to represent GUNS N' ROSES and the band's frontman Axl Rose, have released the following statement regarding the new partnership:

"Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses is and will always be one of the most important recording and touring artists of our time, and one of the great rock n roll voices for his generation. We are honored that Axl has placed his trust in us."

As I said here and here, Azoof and Gould are major, Big-Shot, Industry powerhouses.

Conspiracy theorists should take note: Until recently, Azoff Music also managed Velvet Revolver(!). Azoff is currently representing VR's singer, Scott Weiland.

SOURCE: Blabbermouth

NIN Reunion Tour

Axl Rose wasn't the only enigmatic frontman to update his website yesterday.

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails made a big announcement:

27 march 2008: we are coming!
Lots going on in the world of nine inch nails...
Confirming a very poorly kept secret, the band has been reformed (details coming!) and we are about to embark on an extensive tour.
The first wave of dates I can mention at this time appear below.
Many more to come!
See you soon.

Jul 25 Pemberton BC Pemberton Festival
Jul 26 Seattle WA Key Arena at Seattle Center
Jul 28 Edmonton ALB Rexall Place
Jul 29 Calgary ALB Pengrowth Saddledome
Jul 31 Winnipeg MAN MTS Centre
Aug 02 Minneapolis MN Target Center
Aug 05 Toronto ONT Air Canada Centre
Aug 07 Uncasville CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Aug 08 Worcester MA DCU Center
Aug 12 Knoxville TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum
Aug 13 Duluth GA Gwinnett Arena
Aug 15 Oklahoma City OK Ford Center
Aug 16 Houston TX Toyota Center
Aug 18 Dallas TX American Airlines Center
Aug 20 Saint Louis MO Scottrade Center
Aug 22 Cleveland OH Quicken Loans Arena
Aug 23 Auburn Hills MI Palace of Auburn Hills
Aug 27 East Rutherford NJ Izod Center
Aug 29 Philadelphia PA Wachovia Center
Aug 31 Lexington KY Rupp Arena
Sep 02 Morrison CO Red Rocks Amphitheater
Sep 03 Salt Lake City UT The E Center Of West Valley
Sep 05 Oakland CA Oakland Arena
Sep 06 Inglewood CA The Forum

SOURCE: NIN.com

Let's just hope that the reformed NIN doesn't include Robin Finck on guitar. This would not be the right time for GN'R to lose another musician.

-MA

You Know It's Gonna Get Stranger

... So Let's Get On With The Show!



March, as the saying goes, comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.

Then March 2008 came in and flipped that saying on it's head.

Things were pretty quiet here on March 1, with no news in sight, and as we moved through the one-year anniversary of the March 6, 2007 "tentative release date," the silence from Axl and Friends was deafening.

But then, all of a sudden, its the Vernal Equinox and Scott Weiland announces he's leaving Velvet Revolver.

Spring is here!

While we watched the dust settle on that momentous news, a small press release caught our attention a mere 4 days later:

Dr. Pepper Challenges Axl Rose to Release Chinese Democracy.

Well, that's got to be some kind of April Fools' joke. Right?

Apparently not (as of this writing).

But wait, here comes the bombshell ...

Axl responds to Dr. Pepper, hints that "The Album" will be out this year, AND that Buckethead plays on it.

This is the first peep we've heard from Axl Rose since August.

Weird.

"Axl Responds to Dr. Pepper" ? It's just so surreal.

What's next? Slash fires back at Mrs. Butterworth?

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Less than 24 hours later, Axl pops up again and announces something Really Big:

"Guns N’ Roses and I are now represented by the management team of Irving Azoff and Andy Gould. We are very excited and look forward to working with them and hope our relationship proves beneficial for everyone, especially the fans."

Azoff and Gould? Not only do these guys represent Scott Weiland (coincidence?), but they are major, Big-Shot, Industry powerhouses.

These guys come with a HEFTY price tag.

In my opinion, this can only mean one thing:

CHINESE DEMOCRACY STARTS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Duff: Schwarzenegger Out-drank Me

This month, the editors at Blender try to determine whether or not Duff McKagan rocks:

Ever trashed a hotel room?
Opening for the Cult in 1987, Slash and
I knifed open the mattresses, pulled out the stuffing, threw the TV off the balcony and pissed everywhere.

Best rumor about yourself?
When I got sober in '94, I lost 50 pounds' People said I got lipo.

Biggest celeb's home you've ever gotten drunk in?
Arnold Schwarzenegger's. We had
Austrian schnapps and he outdrank me.

Brush with the law?
When Guns N' Roses were in Argentina, a news story said we brought in 60 grams of coke to sell' The federates came. It was scary. But they just wanted a payment — $30,000!

Worst rock & roll injury?
When Guns N' Roses were playing Sacramento in '92, I got hit in the temple with a bottle, and it knocked me out.

Ever been declared legally dead?
I've been declared legally stupid many times.

Ever get lucky on an airplane?
Yeah, but we had our own plane. That's cheating!

Stupidest thing you've ever eaten?
I ate my coat once in eighth grade.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I tell my little girls I'm Captain Underpants, and our dog Buckley and I go out at night to fight crime.

The verdict?

To find out, click on the image for a printable view.



SOURCE: Blender

GN'R Represented by Azoff and Gould!

March 27, 2008

New management team for G N’R


I am very pleased to announce that Guns N’ Roses and I are now represented by the management team of Irving Azoff and Andy Gould. We are very excited and look forward to working with them and hope our relationship proves beneficial for everyone, especially the fans.

Axl Rose
March 27, 2008

SOURCE: Guns N' Roses

Azoff and Gould are both considered POWERHOUSES in the music industry. We are talking as big as David Geffen once was. Derek Sivers had this to say about Irving Azoff:

In the 70s, his management style was characterized by complex manipulations and dramatic about-faces that he and his clients seemed to find much more humorous than his opponents. Even during his decade as head of MCA, he was known to be fiercely loyal to his former clients, many of whom have returned now that he is back on the management side. His most famous quote is "I never met an asshole in the record business I didn't like."

Sounds like a perfect fit with Axl. He also co-produced the film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Mack Arillo's favorite movie!).

Slash Speaks About GN'R Reunion

In a new video interview with Sky News Online, Slash says, "I used to be really bitter about the whole thing, and I was adamant that there was no possible way it could ever happen. The main reason to do it with Guns would be for the fans."

He also talks about his signature Les Paul, Amy Winehouse, and drug abuse.

You can watch the entire interview here.

SOURCE: Sky News

...Stranger Than Fiction

Axl Rose Responds to Dr. Pepper

We are surprised and very happy to have the support of Dr Pepper with our album "Chinese Democracy," as for us, this came totally out of the blue. If there is any involvement with this promotion by our record company or others, we are unaware of such at this time. And as some of Buckethead's performances are on our album, I'll share my Dr Pepper with him.

Axl Rose

SOURCE: Guns N' Roses

Green Apple Fest

The Green Apple Festival is a FREE, 8-city, environmentally-friendly music festival with a kick-ass lineup.

The festival will be held on April 20th, 2008 in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington DC, Miami, Dallas, LA, and Denver.

Lineups for the various cities include: The Roots, Los Lonely Boys, The Neville Bros., Ziggy Marley, Taj Mahal, Gov't Mule, Toots and the Maytals, Derek Trucks Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Mickey Hart, Yonder Mountain String Band, and others.

Each city will have non-profit and environmentally friendly organizations promoting Green technology. In addition, 150 small clubs will also become "Green Apple Venues."

For more information on the Green Apple Fest check out the official website here.

Dr. Pepper Issues Challenge to Axl Rose

Dr. Pepper is imploring Axl Rose to put out his album that's been an astounding 17 years in the making. The creators of the curiously candy-like beverage have promised that if Rose releases Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' at any point in 2008, everyone in America will receive a free can of Dr. Pepper.

But free soda aside, the best part about the proposal might just be the way the company is not only relating to, but sympathizing with, the 46-year-old singer.

"It took a little patience to perfect Dr Pepper's special mix of 23 ingredients that our fans have come to know and love," said Jaxie Alt, director of marketing for Dr. Pepper -- not even blinking at her nod to the band's 1989 hit 'Patience.' "So we completely understand and empathize with Axl's quest for perfection -- for something more than the average album." What's more?

The "everyone" in their promise comes with a big, wickedly funny asterisk: According to the Dr., both Slash and Buckethead will be left off the gift list. Bet they didn't see that coming.

You can go here to get involved.

CRÜE - Fest!

Motley Crue's "big announcement" is likely to be in regard to a touring festival that they will headline.

Reports suggest that Buckcherry, Drowning Pool and Papa Roach have already signed on to perform at the inaugural "Cruefest".

Motley Crue has refused to comment on the rumors, insisting only that "one of the biggest music announcements of the year" will be made in Los Angeles on April 15.

SOURCE: Starpulse

Slash Keeps Fans Guessing

Slash says it is unlikely his band, Velvet Revolver, will support Led Zeppelin on a world tour but has stopped short of ruling it out completely.

The rumours surfaced after Zeppelin's sell out gig at London's O2 Arena in December.

They were apparently confirmed by Revolver bassist and Slash's former Guns N' Roses bandmate Duff McKagan.

But Slash has told Newsbeat the band are concentrating on their next album.

He said: "There's been a huge rumour going around about us opening for them and I think that was something that was taken out of context.

"I think as far as Zeppelin doing a tour, that remains to be seen.

"I saw Robert last night and he's got his solo thing going on and as far as Velvet Revolver is concerned, we've got another record to do and we're not even thinking about that."

Velvet Revolver are currently wrapping up the UK leg of a European tour, while on stage in Glasgow on 20 March, singer Scott Weiland apparently told fans they were "watching something special ... the last tour by Velvet Revolver."

It is something Slash doesn't seem comfortable discussing.

He said: "Well, lets put it this way - this is not Velvet Revolver's last tour."

Another factor which adds to the uncertainty of Weiland's future with the band is a bout of online squabbling between the singer and the band's drummer and another former G N'R man, Matt Sorum.

Slash has also confirmed that he is planning to release a solo album in the near future, working with guest vocalists.

He said: "I don't think I have the patience to do an instrumental record, so I want to work with a bunch of artists whose records I've played on and some who I've never worked with."

But, the self admitted nervous and insecure guitar player stopped short of relevaling any names.

He said: "I'm scared they pull out at the last minute and make me look like a schmuck."

On top of his solo work and Velvet Revolver commitments, Slash has revealed that he is scoring his first movie, an independent called This Is Not A Movie.

He said: "It has nothing but guitars on the score so that's how I got turned on to it.

"But I like the director and thought, yeah, I could do this.

"It's not animated but it's definitely fantastical and very hardcore at the same time.

"I'm scared shitless!"

In the meanwhile, Slash has just unveiled his own limited edition collection of signature Les Paul Gibson guitars.

SOURCE: BBC News

There's a Fire Up'side the Mountain

They gonna let it burn ...

Bumblefoot and Zakk Wylde on Talking Metal

Bumblefoot and Zakk Wylde made an appearance on Fuse TV's Talking Metal last night.

Even though there was barely 10 minutes of actual footage in the half hour episode, it was cool to see Bumblefoot billed as "GUNS N' ROSES" (Just in case you were doubting that band actually existed).

Its true - they do - I saw it on TV (well, cable).

In case you forgot, Zakk Wylde is best known as the successor to Randy Rhoads as Ozzy Osbourne's lead guitarist. He also played in the late-1990s version of Guns N' Roses, opposite Slash.

You can watch the videos here.

In this video Bumblefoot and Zakk talk about texting Axl Rose.

More Good News for Slash

Daughtry - Daughtry - (TW)21,092 - (Total)4,000,000


**Daughtry has been charting for 70 weeks and isn’t going anywhere.

Daughtry’s debut could easily pass 6,000,000 when all is said done.

Slash is featured on Track 7, "What I Want," and he sounds great!

SOURCE: The Kings of A&R

Scott Fires Back at Revolver Mates

Scott Weiland has released the following statement to Blabbermouth:

"Responding to our drummer's [Matt Sorum] rant about why the band is in a state of flux:

"Well, first of all, the state of my family affairs is really none of his business, since he is too immature to have a real relationship, let alone children. So don't attempt to stand in a man's shoes when you haven't walked his path.

Secondly, 'keeping rock 'n' roll alive?' I've made many attempts to remain cordial with the members of VR, but mainly, the likes of you. Funny though — this is your FIRST band, as opposed to being a hired gun. I've been making records (now on my ninth), which have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and have maintained a level of professionalism regardless of how many drugs I've ingested into my system. I have only cancelled one tour during the entire course of my 16-year run and that was the 'make-up' Australia tour. Now, shall I open that can of worms, Matthew? Release the Kraken? Serve... Volley! You cancelled the Aussie tour in the fall because you went to rehab, but I won't say why… we'll just let Blabbermouth find out for themselves.

"As for our fans — I will sweat, bruise, and bleed for you. And will continue to do so until the end of this tour. However, you deserve to hear Velvet Revolver playing…

not certain individuals singing along to get a muddied up sound. God forbid — could one imagine if I grabbed a guitar and started soloing along with Slash? That would never happen because I know my place. It's a shame… we were a gang. But ego and jealousy can get the better of anyone. I wish the best and plan to annihilate the stage in the last few shows.

"On a separate note, we did an STP photo shoot before this tour and it was fun, inspiring and it gave me that thrill — that feeling that got my rocks off from the get-go."

Weiland will reunite with his Stone Temple Pilots bandmates for the first time this spring/summer for a number of shows, including an appearance at the Rock on the Range festival, to be held May 17-18 at Columbus, Ohio's Columbus Crew Stadium.

Thank You to Blabbermouth

Guns N' Roses Reunion?

At last night’s VR show in Glasgow, Scotland, Scott Weiland announced from the stage that “You’re watching something special… the last tour by Velvet Revolver.” Apparently this announcement was followed by some on-stage bickering amongst the band members (I guess Weiland neglected to tell them the band was dunzo), and now Matt Sorum has posted the following message online:

“Unfortunately, some people in this business don’t realize how great of a life they have. Touring the world, meeting great people and fans all over the world. And just playing music for a living. I feel truly blessed…

“Everybody could see who was unhappy last night, but all I can say is let’s keep the rock alive, people!!!! In this life, you just pick up and keep moving. And don’t ever let anybody stand in your way.”

"Its So Easy' from Glasgow:

VR Update

Are they or aren't they?

Here's "Fall to Pieces" from Glasgow:



You can follow the discussion here at Matt Sorum's blog.

BREAKING NEWS

Velvet Revolver is disbanding.

More news as it comes in.

Rocket Queen

Ishtar is a goddess of fertility, love, and war.

Above all she was associated with sexuality: her cult involved sacred prostitution; her holy city Erech was called the "town of the sacred courtesans"; and she herself was the "courtesan of the gods".

Ishtar had many lovers; however, as Guirand notes,

woe to him whom Ishtar had honoured! The fickle goddess treated her passing lovers cruelly, and the unhappy wretches usually paid dearly for the favours heaped on them. Animals, enslaved by love, lost their native vigour: they fell into traps laid by men or were domesticated by them. 'Thou has loved the lion, mighty in strength', says the hero Gilgamesh to Ishtar, 'and thou hast dug for him seven and seven pits! Thou hast loved the steed, proud in battle, and destined him for the halter, the goad and the whip.'

Even for the gods Ishtar's love was fatal. In her youth the goddess had loved Tammuz, god of the harvest, and — if one is to believe Gilgamesh — this love caused the death of Tammuz

I can turn on any one
Just like I turned on you
I've got a tongue like a razor
A sweet switchblade knife
And I can do you favors
But then you'll do whatever I like

Guns N' Roses' performance at the Ritz Theatre in 1988 is a shining example of The Quintessential Quintet at their prime.

So, in honor of Eostre, the original Rocket Queen ... crank it!

Take it away, "Popcorn" ...



Happy Easter

-MA

"Oh My God" [press release]

September 22nd, 1999



So here's the story behind this music

The chorus: OH MY GOD etc. deals with the societal repression of deep and often agonizing emotions - some of which may be willingly accepted for one reason or another - the appropriate expression of which (one that promotes a healing, release and a positive resolve) is often discouraged and many times denied. Emotionally the song contemplates several abstract perspectives drawing from personal expression as well as from the film (End Of Days) and its metaphors. The appropriate expression and vehicle for such emotions and concepts is not something taken for granted.

Musically the song was primarily written by Paul Huge over two years ago, with Dizzy Reed writing the musical hook of the chorus. Former member Duff McKagan as well as former employee Matt Sorum failed to see its potential and showed no interest in exploring, let alone recording the piece. When the demos were played for the new band, Josh, Tommy and Robin were as they say 'all over it.'

Once the opportunity was presented, the song was given priority in our recording process. As the verse, performance and lyrics were decided on, for us (that especially includes Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine) the choice became obvious. We were more than pleased Mr. Roswell (the film's music supervisor) agreed! Our thanks to Arnold and all for the consideration - it is an association in which we have always felt honored.

Paul Huge, Gary Sunshine and Dave Navarro appear on the song as well as Robin Finck. Robin's part was written by Paul and extensively manipulated by our producer, Sean Beaven. Robin was not involved in the writing of the final recording though did participate in the arrangement. All lyrics were written by myself. Additional programming (jack boots, screeching tires, etc.) was by Stuart White.

The fight of good vs. evil, positive vs. negative, man against a seemingly undefeatable, undeterrable, unrevealed destiny, along with the personal and universal struggle to attain, maintain and responsibly manage freewill can be and often is frustrating to say the least. In America our country's constitutional right to freedom of expression gives us a better chance to fight for that expression than many in other countries enjoy. It can be a big gig, like kickin' the crap outta the devil!

Power to the people, peace out and blame Canada,

Axl

Download: Oh My God (instrumental)

SOURCE: HTGTH

Goodnight Tonight

Watch this ancient video of Guns N' Roses performing the Izzy Stradlin-penned classic "Goodnight Tonight"



These guys were the real deal!

If they ever make a movie about Guns N' Roses, this performance should be included.

Every one of the guys is a fucking animal. You would think they'd all be dead in 5 years, but 22 years later they're all still alive.

Now, how 'bout that reunion?

Slash and Alice Cooper Honored

Blabbermouth is reporting that the 4th annual MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit Concert will honor legendary artists Alice Cooper and Slash.

Slash will be the recipient of the MusiCares From the Heart Award for his unconditional friendship and dedication to the mission and goals of the organization.

The issues of addiction and recovery have been front and center this past year," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and President of MusiCares. "And our annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit draws attention and raises funds to support the critical resources we offer members of the music community from all walks of life who may be struggling with addiction. We thank Alice and Slash for being strong supporters of our cause — it's more important now than ever before."

SOURCE: Blabbermouth

Who Owns a Band Name?

Neal Shah of the LA Times recently published a story on the fight for ownership of hair-metal groups' names:

Rock's Dark Age also spawned stars who have been downright obsessed with making sure they don't spend their professional after-lives in legal limbo.

Consider Axl Rose. Most of the media coverage of Rose's comeback shows in 2006 was critical of his decision to call his band Guns N' Roses when it lacks prime-period members Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan and Steven Adler.

Greed? Perhaps. But a more mundane explanation is that GNR is not just a rock band, it's a company, and Rose is its CEO.

In the mid-'90s, Rose pressured Slash and Duff, the two remaining GNR originals at the time, to sign a contract stating that Axl "would retain rights to the band name and was allowed to start a new band that he could call Guns N' Roses" if the band broke up, according to Slash's new autobiography, "Slash."

"I was naive about the whole thing," Slash writes in his book. "I didn't protect myself legally because I didn't think I had to. In my mind, what was the name without the players?"

You can read the entire article here.

Sebastian Bach Added to Rocklahoma

Former Skid Row frontman and Axl Rose Pal Sebastian Bach will perform the opening night of the '80s hair metal revival festival, Rocklahoma, on July 10.

The festival runs July 11-13 at the Catch the Fever grounds north of Pryor.

Other July 10 performers include LA Guns, Enuf Z'nuff, Vain, House of Lords, Jet Boy and Bret Michaels.

Only VIP ticket holders and those who bought passes for all three days will be allowed into the special opening night festivities.

Rocklahoma 2007 was the largest rock festival of its type in the nation that featured bands from the '80s. Estimated attendance topped 100,000.

There are a limited number of VIP tickets, which include free beer and food for Friday, Saturday and Sun day, available, according to a recent press release.

For tickets, call (866) 310-2288 or go to www.tulsaworld.com/FeverFest.

SOURCE: Tulsa World

Raconteurs Rush To Market Next Week

by Jonathan Cohen

The Raconteurs are eschewing the standard months-long wait between finishing an album and releasing it with Consolers of the Lonely, which will hit retail March 25 via Third Man/Warner Bros. The set wasn't even completed until the first week of March, according to a statement from the band.

"The purpose: to get the album to the fans as soon as possible and as we promised," the Jack White-featuring band says. "We wanted to get this record to fans, the press, radio, etc., all at the EXACT SAME TIME so that no one has an upper hand on anyone else regarding it's availability, reception or perception."

Consolers will be available on CD, vinyl and digital through leading retailers. "Some places couldn't move this fast, so they will join in as soon as they can," reads the statement, without elaboration.

The Raconteurs' Web site will offer the album as a complete download in 320kb fidelity. Individual tracks will be available at iTunes and Amazon.com. A video for the first single, "Salute Your Solution," will hit the Web on March 25.

The Raconteurs, which finds White surrounded by Brendan Benson, Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence, released their debut album, "Broken Boy Soldiers," in May 2006. Their move here extends the experimentation of acts like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails in delivering music outside the parameters of the traditional label system

"We wanted to explore the idea of releasing an album everywhere at once and THEN marketing and promoting it thereafter," the band says. "The Raconteurs would rather this release not be defined by its first week sales, pre-release promotion or by someone defining it FOR YOU before you get to hear it."

SOURCE: Billboard

Velvet Zeppelin

Duff McKagan has revealed to HotPress.com that Velvet Revolver is in pole position to support Led Zeppelin if the legendary rock act decides to go ahead with a full-blown reunion tour.

"I understand that we have it, although I imagine there will be plenty of bands prepared to kick and punch us out of the way for the privilege!" said McKagan. "I would so love to have been at their London gig before Christmas, but we had dates of our own that obviously took precedence.

"What made up for it was running into Jimmy Page at an awards ceremony and him not only knowing who I was, but also saying he'd caught a couple of Velvet Revolver shows. No way did I think in 1977 when I saw Led Zep in Seattle that one day I'd be hanging out with the guitarist. Things like that I still pinch myself!"

SOURCE: HotPress.com

RIP Mikey Dread

Jamaican radio DJ, Michael "Mikey Dread" Campbell has succumbed to a brain tumor.

Campbell, 54, who rose to fame as "The Dread At The Control" at the now defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, passed away at approximately 6:50 p.m. EDST on Saturday, March 15th, 2008 at his home in Connecticut.

He had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in October 2007.

Campbell was perhaps one of the most influential performers and innovators in reggae music. His production expertise helped launched the career of many artists, from Earl 16, Edi Fitzroy, Rod Taylor, Sugar Minott, Junior Murvin and the Roots Radics Band to the Clash, Japanese rock band Anarchy, and Izzy Stradlin (ex Guns N` Roses).

In the 1990s he produced a few songs for Izzy Stradlin and The Ju Ju Hounds, the first album from Guns N` Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin. His 1990 Warner Brothers release "The Source of your Divorce" video was play listed on both MTV and BET television, produced by KRS One and Sydney Mills. The video was produced by Tim Kelly from Hollywood, the famous Gene Kelly`s son.

In addition to his work with The Clash, he recorded with UB40 and helped produce the well-received "Deep Roots Music" documentary on Jamaican music for Channel Four TV in the United Kingdom. Campbell also collaborated with Seal on a song titled "Lips like Sugar" for the soundtrack of the Adam Sandler/ Drew Barrymore movie 50 First Dates.

SOURCE: Carib World News

Duff: "I Just Don’t Know What Will Happen"

The Journal's Simon Rushworth interviewed Duff McKagan about the state of Velvet Revolver. You can read the entire article here.

When I catch up with McKagan, it is only hours since Weiland has checked out of his latest 28-day stint in rehab. The vocalist’s latest battle to get clean led to the cancellation of VR gigs Down Under and there are no assurances the UK leg of the tour will finish as planned. At least not from McKagan. “Scott is OK as far as I know but I can’t say he’ll be fine when the tour kicks off or when it finishes,” said a man achingly familiar with the problems of an addict.

“You just never know. Addiction is crazy and I should know. I can’t be cagey and say, ‘Oh no, we’re going to be fine and everything’s going to go without a hitch’. The truth is I just don’t know what will happen.

SOURCE: The Journal

08.08.08

Obstetrician Xu Yunyun is expecting an unusually busy year thanks to the Beijing Olympics.

The obstetrician at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, one of the city's premier health facilities, has seen her maternity ward filled to capacity since the beginning of last year.

Many attributed the boom to the Chinese zodiac. Since 2007 was the Year of the Pig, women across the country reportedly timed their pregnancies to give birth to so-called "golden pig babies," who are said to be blessed with prosperity.

"People really still believe in this kind of association," observed Dr. Xu, who joined the hospital three years ago.

"When I was interning here during the Year of the Sheep a few years ago, the ward was noticeably quieter."

"Tradition says to avoid giving birth during the Years of Ox, Horse and Sheep. They are all grazing animals, and babies born under these signs will have a hard life."

This year marks the return of the rat, normally an unpopular sign as well. Many potential parents, however, appear to be viewing 2008 as the year China hosts the world's biggest sporting event for the first time.

News stories abound about couples eagerly awaiting the arrival of their historic and auspicious "Olympic babies," with 18 million infants estimated to be born nationwide this year.

Some local newspapers have even reported pregnant women requesting to deliver on August 8, by Cesarean section if necessary, to coincide with the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

SOURCE: CNN

Tranquilizer?

New Weezer CD Almost Done



Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo took to the band's website on Tuesday with an exciting announcement for their fans.

The new Weezer CD is almost done.

Here is what he had to say:

"Hey Weezer Punks,

We have one song left to mix and then it's on to mastering. We should be all done very soon. Then we chill for a minute.

The album will be out in June so with any luck you will hear a new Weezer song on the radio soon. I think I know which song is the first single but I'm not sure so I can't tell you. I'll give you some hints, though. It's one word, starts with a T, ends with an R and contains twelve letters. You should be able to figure it out because you're smart li'l Weezer fans.

The album is meaty, crunchy and melodic like a good Weezer album should be."

SOURCE: AntiMusic

Trent Never Sleeps

Trent Reznor continues to think outside the box with his newest project: a "film festvial" centered around Ghosts I-IV. The idea is for fans to submit homemade videos for their favorite songs.



In other Nine Inch Nails news, Trent calls Radiohead's experiment with In Rainbows, "insincere," and says the "the level of ineptitude I've seen at the major labels is stunning."

Lou Reed: "MP3s Taking us Backward"

Former Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed has attacked MP3 technology, saying that low quality music files are "taking us backward".

Speaking at this year's South by Southwest Festival in Texas, Reed said: "It's making it easier to make things worse. I don't know what the answer is. People [have] to demand a higher standard.

"Or the other view is to say you're being elitist, and only the people who can afford [high-quality music equipment] can get it."

Reed was joined on stage by Moby after his keynote speech, who performed a version of 'Walk On The Wild Side' with the rock icon.

SOURCE: Digital Spy

New Stone Coyotes CD

NEW ALBUM.... It's called: VIII. - March 16, 2008
CD is here!
Available on Buy page through Paypal. Link to CDBaby coming soon.
Audio clips of all songs on album up on Music page. Lyrics will be added soon as well.

Barbara Keith began her career at the Café Wha? in Greenwich Village, following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Cosby and many others who got their start in that hallowed dive. She was soon recording for MGM/Verve, A&M, and Warner Brothers. Her songs have been covered by such diverse artists as Tanya Tucker, Barbra Streisand, The Dillards, Melanie, Hank Snow, Lowell George and others. “The Bramble and the Rose” has become a folk standard – often receiving the ultimate compliment of being mistaken for a traditional song.

Her husband Doug Tibbles had a whole other life before drumming – A native of Los Angeles, he was a TV writer for such shows as “The Munsters”, “Bewitched”, “Andy Griffith”, “My Three Sons”, “Family Affair”, and many more.

Unhappy with show business in general, Barbara gave back her major label advance, Doug quit his one-day-old job as story editor for “Happy Days”, and they went underground. Doug took up drums and son John took up bass at age eleven. Reclusive by choice, the band moved from L.A. to Western Massachusetts to write and woodshed. They began playing the occasional show while recording in their cellar.

SOURCE: The Stone Coyotes

B-Sides (Part IV)

Hey True-Believers,

This is your friendly, neighborhood Guns N' Roses fan.

I have something REALLY BIG in-store for you next week.

Until then - chew on this:

Episode IV of the Guns N' Roses B-Sides series.

Today's goodie-bag consists of:

Ain't Goin' Down [from the Guns N' Roses Pinball Machine]
Shadow Of Your Love [final demo]
Knockin' On Heaven's Door [live at Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert]
Yesterdays [live in Vegas]
You're Crazy [acoustic demo]

See you next week.

-Excelsior!

"Hendrix at Isle of Wight" Hits the Big Screen

"Experience Hendrix" will be teaming up with Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Murray Lerner for eight exclusive big-screen showings of the critically acclaimed film Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live At The Isle Of Wight.

Jimi Hendrix's performance at the Isle Of Wight Festival of Music, filmed less than three weeks prior to the guitarist's untimely death, is a stunning visual document that captures Jimi Hendrix at the height of his powers.

The 102-minute film captures the guitarist roaring through "All Along The Watchtower", "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" and a unique medley of "God Save The Queen" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". Band members Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox and others recount the electric atmosphere at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970, which also featured The Who, The Doors and Miles Davis.


Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle Of Wight will be shown at:

Seattle, WA at Experience Music Project
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 (7:00pm)
JBL Theater

Seattle, WA | Northwest Film Forum NWFF
Friday, March 21, 2008 (7:15pm and 9:15pm)
Saturday, March 22, 2008 (7:15pm and 9:15pm)
Sunday, March 23, 2008 (7:15pm and 9:15pm)

Boston, MA | Museum of Fine Arts
Sunday, April 20, 2008 (4:20pm)
Remis Auditorium

SOURCE: Blabbermouth

More Frehley Dates

Ace Frehley has announced more East Coast dates for his Spring Tour.

Mar. 14 - Calgary, AB - Flames Central
Mar. 15 - Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Events Centre
Mar. 17 - Missoula, MT - Wilma Theater
Mar. 18 - Spokane, WA - Big Easy
Mar. 19 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom
Mar. 21 - San Francisco, CA - Grand Ballroom at Regency Center
Mar. 22 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
Mar. 24 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
Mar. 25 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
Mar. 26 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
Mar. 28 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
Mar. 29 - Rapid City, SD - Rushmore Civic Theater
Mar. 31 - North Kansas City, MO - Voodoo Lounge at Harrah's Casino
Apr. 01 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
Apr. 03 - Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues
Apr. 04 - New York, NY - Nokia Theatre
Apr. 11 - London, England - Astoria
May 02 - Richmond, VA - The National
May 03 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
May 04 - Milvale, PA - Mr. Small's Theatre
May 06 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogarts
May 08 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
May 09 - Council Bluffs, IA - Whiskey Roadhouse
May 10 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom
May 12 - Houston, TX - Meridian
May 14 - Nashville, TN - Wildhorse Saloon
May 16 - N. Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues
May 17 - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House of Blues
May 18 - Saint Petersburg, FL - Jannus Landing
May 20 - Greenville, SC - The Handlebar

In a recent interview Ace stated about his current solo tour, "Everyone in my new band is starting to lock in together and we all get along great on and off the stage. Things are good. Sobriety helps. It's much easier for me to tour now that I'm not waking up with a hangover every day.

"There's an old saying, 'The more you do, the more you can do.' I just think it's important that I get out there and show everyone that I'm trying to make a comeback."

Regarding why he's not playing new songs on the current tour, he said, "I'm going to wait until after the album comes out because I don't want everything on YouTube. I don't think we'll really be able to add more than three new songs to the set anyway. Everybody wants to hear certain songs from certain records. It's hard figuring out what to drop."

Frehley's touring band:

Ace Frehley (Vocals, Guitar)
Derrek Hawkins (Guitar)
Anthony Esposito (Bass)
Scot Coogan (Drums)

SOURCE: Blabbermouth

The Best Hard Rock Album of the 21st Century ...

Maladroit by Weezer (2002, Interscope)

Well, yes, I know this album's nearly 6 years old.

So why am I blogging about it today? Well, it occured to me that maybe you've never listened to it. It wasn't exactly a commercial smash.

Also know as Weezer's Heavy Metal album, Maladroit Fucking Rocks from start to finish.

Its a guitar album.

Its full of hooks and has the humor that we've come to love from Weezer, without being silly.

There are even some morose Pavement-esque moments on this disc that you will love if you

a.) enjoy Hard Rock

and

b.) have a clue.

Honestly, I don't get paid for doing this, so why am I raving about a Weezer album from 2002?

ANSWER: I listened to it this morning.

So if you're waiting for Chinese Democracy, but don't have Maladroit yet - Get Off Your Ass.

-M.A.

Revelation 6

1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

28 Days to Go ...

"The Office," on NBC returns April 10 with six new episodes!

The Office

Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine, Wilco Will Play Lollapalooza

Chicago Sun-Times reports that Rage Against the Machine and Nine Inch Nails and Wilco are among the rumored bands for this year's Lollapalooza, scheduled for August 1-3 at Grant Park in Chicago.

Meanwhile, according to Chicago Tribune music writer Greg Kot, Radiohead has been booked as the "centerpiece of the festival."

The official Lollapalooza lineup will not be announced until next month.

You can read more about it here and here.

SOURCE: Blabbermouth

Update: Reznor Makes $1,619,420

Nine Inch Nails' 36-track instrumental opus Ghosts I-IV, released March 2 via NIN.com, has amassed a first week total of 781,917 transactions (including free and paid downloads as well as orders for physical product), resulting in a take of $1,619,420 USD.

SOURCE: The Screen Door

Duff McKagan - In-Store Signing!

(From Guitar Guitar)

That's right Duff McKagan in the Newcastle Store!

A date for your diary.

In conjunction with Fender, Rock Legend Duff McKagan will be in the Newcastle Guitar Guitar store.

Come in and meet him from 2pm on Wednesday 19th March.

If you need more info call the store on 0191 2611568.

SOURCE:
Guitar Guitar

Guns N' Roses B-Sides (Part III)

This is Part III of my Complete Guns N' Roses B-Sides Project.

Today I'm sharing the B-Side Versions of 3 songs from Use Your Illusion I:

Don't Cry (Demo)
Live and Let Die (Live)
Coma (Live)

If you want more of this stuff - let me know.

Feel free to share it
Mack

Guns N' Roses B-Sides (Part III)

New IRON MAIDEN "Best of" Album - FREE Download

British metal band Iron Maiden will release Somewhere Back In Time, a collection of their greatest hits from the '80s, online for free.

The high quality 320 kbps WMA file can only be played three times before it expires. Listeners will then be able to buy the DRM-free album as a download.

Somewhere Back In Time features tracks from the band's seven albums and one live LP released in the '80s. It includes the popular tracks "2 Minutes to Midnight", "Run To The Hills" and "The Number Of The Beast".

The album will be available to download from IronMaiden.com on May 12.

SOURCE: Digital Spy

Live From the Jungle EP (Guns N' Roses B-Sides, Part II)

Live from the Jungle is an EP by Guns N' Roses that was only released in Japan. Tracks one, four and five were recorded live at London's Marquee Club on June 28, 1987.

This EP is referred to as Live from the Jungle even though the similarly titled song "Welcome to the Jungle" does not appear on the EP.

The cover art uses the banned Robert Williams artwork originally (but very briefly) used for Appetite for Destruction.

Thanks to the kind folks at ROCK IS DEAD / R.I.P , you can download the EP here.

Luciano Loves Columbus

The mesenger . . . Luciano is coming back to Columbus again!


Luciano
with Mikey General
+ Roots High Power
@ Alrosa Villa- 5055 Sinclair Rd
Friday, April 25, 2008
Columbus- Oh 43822

Get your tix @
Roots - 1357 North High St @ King Ave 614-294-7611
Ms. Enas' Carribean Kitchen - 2444 Cleveland Ave @ Myrtle 614-262-0988
Sweet Pot Restaurant - 1485 South Champion @ Frebis 614-449-8131
Ken Binneys Barber Shop - Tamarack Circle 614 436-0727
New Harvest Cafe - 1675 Arlington Ave(1 block north of Ms. Enas')

SOURCE: Roots Records

Check out this sweet dub plate of Luciano's "What We Got to Do"

Radiohead WIll Play FREE Radio Gig

Radiohead have signed up to play a free concert for BBC Radio 2 and will also record a series of interviews ahead of their UK tour.

Fans can apply for tickets over the phone but other BBC radio networks will also be giving them away on air. Recipients will be chosen randomly.

Radio 2 head of music Jeff Smith said: "You'd be a fool to miss the concert," which takes place in London on 1 April.

Fans can apply for tickets until Thursday by calling 08700 100 200.

The show will be held at the BBC's Radio Theatre, inside its Broadcasting House HQ in central London.

Radiohead recently announced they would not play at Glastonbury this summer because poor public transport to the festival has a negative impact on the environment.

However, they have agreed to headline two out of three nights at the inaugural All Points West Festival in Jersey City, New Jersey, in August.

In October the group released their seventh studio album online and let fans decide what they wanted to pay for it.

In Rainbows reached number one in the UK Top 40 charts in January.

SOURCE: BBC News

Van Halen Cancels a Month's Worth of Shows

After cancelling a handful of dates last week in order for guitarist Eddie Van Halen to undergo tests for an unspecified medical condition, Van Halen are postponing all tour activity for a month.

Seventeen shows are affected, beginning tonight (March 11) in Charlottesville, Virginia, and running through April 15 in Baltimore.

According to organisers, Eddie, who has battled cancer and substance abuse, ‘is currently under doctors' care’ and will ‘continue medical tests to define a course of treatment’.

No further details were made available

SOURCE:
Classic Rock

Great White Benefit Concert Raises $175,000

Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider's benefit concert for the survivors of the Great White fire tragedy raised $175,000. Stars including Winger, Stryper, Staind's Aaron Lewis, Boston's Tom Scholz and Gretchen Wilson teamed up to play the February 25th fundraiser - organized by Snider and Tesla's Troy Luccketta - at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

The concert, which will be broadcast on TV network VH1 on Easter Sunday, was staged to raise money to benefit the Station Family Fund, an organization set up to help pay the survivors' medical bills.

One hundred Great White fans were killed when a blaze swept through Rhode Island's The Station nightclub in 2003. The band's guitarist Ty Longley also perished and more than 200 were injured.

SOURCE: Starpulse

Leonard Cohen Announces World Tour

Iconic singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last night, has announced dates for his first world tour in 15 years.

The trek kicks off with a pair of shows June 6-7 at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, and, so far, is scheduled to run through the end of July.

Other stops on Cohen's itinerary include the Opera House in Manchester, U.K. (June 17-20), the Montreal Jazz Festival at the Place des Arts (June 23-25), the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, U.K. (June 29), the Open Air Festival in Helsingborg, Sweden (July 3), the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland (July 8), London's O2 Arena (July 17), the Bennicasim Festival in Spain (July 20), and the Lykabettus Theatre in Athens, Greece (July 29).

While there is no word on U.S. dates, additional European dates for August will be announced in the coming weeks.

Presale tickets for Cohen's Montreal Jazz Festival appearance are available now through links in the community section at LeonardCohen.com

SOURCE: Pollstar

Reznor Makes $750K Even When the Music is Free

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails made headlines again this week as he released his new, four-part instrumental album Ghosts I-IV, at a variety of price points, including a $300 super-deluxe package. He's also giving away Ghosts I at no charge, even throwing the tracks up on The Pirate Bay for anyone to download. And it appears to be working quite well for Reznor, who has managed to sell all 2,500 copies of his $300 package without major label backing or much in the way of splashy marketing. If Reznor's earlier experiments in digital distribution failed to recoup their costs, he's clearly learned his lesson: grossing $750,000 in the space of three days isn't a bad haul for any businessperson.

You can read the full article here.

Win Gibson's "Inspired by Slash" Les Paul

CUSTOM SLASH INSPIRED BY LES PAUL STANDARD

Gibson Custom Shop's Inspired By Slash Les Paul Standard restores Slash's No. 1 guitar - one of two Les Pauls he received from Gibson in 1988 - to the way it was just before he used it to make musical history.

"This is the replica of the original 1988 Les Paul I had before I beat the hell out of it," Slash says. "It's a trip for me to see it because it looks actually like the guitar after I had it refinished in 1988. This is what it looked like when it was brand new."

Slash's beloved Les paul made its debut on the lengthy tour to support Guns N' Roses' seminal first album Appetite for Destruction. The two-year tour began in clubs and small theaters and ended in stadiums, and at every stop Slash used his les Paul to redefine the role of guitar hero and reintroduce hard rock to its raw and rebellious roots.

With a pair of Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro pickups and the gentle aging of Gibson Custom's Vintage Original Spec series, one of the most legendary guitars of all time has been restored to its original glory, complete with a Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish, faded to perfection. Crafted of the finest woods, the guitar is made of a carved maple top, one-piece mahogany back, and rosewood fingerboard. Each Inspired By Slash comes with a Gibson Custom Shop case and Certificate of Authenticity.

MSRP $5,880

You can enter the contest here.

SOURCE: Gibson

"Guns N' Roses" Dunk Low SB

As part of a follow up to the Guns N' Roses Dunk Mid and continuation of Nike SB's celebration of 80's rock comes the latest Guns 'N Roses Dunk SB Low. This pair was inspired by the album cover of Appetite For Destruction. Though not the first G N' R album, Appetite For Destruction was a break through record that brought them center stage with memorable tracks such as "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Sweet Child of Mine."

Look for these Guns N' Roses Dunks to hit Nike SB shops this month, but don't expect them to sit on shelves for long.


Nike SB "Guns N' Roses" Dunks - Appetite For Destruction Dunk Lows

Thanks to: Pat

SOURCE: NiceKicks