Guns N' Roses 5 Part Bio Now on YouTube

Guns N' Roses - The Story, a 5 part biography is now up on YouTube.

It's a great watch - both entertaining and accurate, and very complete.

Drummer Steven Adler and former manager Vicki Hamilton are both featured as 'talking heads' throughout the program.

Did you know GN'R has sold over 90 million albums worldwide?

I've embedded Part 1 below. You can watch part 2 here. The rest of the links are at the bottom of this page.



Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.

-Mack

Source: Metal Sludge

Misinformation

Kevin Skwerl at AntiQuiet posted an editorial yesterday regarding the mainstream media's reporting on the June 18th incident in which he leaked 9 songs from the upcoming Guns N' Roses album, Chinese Democracy. Skwerl says,

"I was quoted as referring to the first FBI visit as “kind of an ambush.” The truth is, the two FBI Special Agents were very discreet, and no one at my office even knew who they were or who they were there for, until I told them after in a brief, private heads-up. I was quoted as saying that it was “creepy” that they knew where I worked. I’m not an idiot, my resumé is easily found online and they’re the fuckin’ FBI. Andy was asking me silly things like “wasn’t that creepy, that they knew where you worked?” And if I said, “kinda, but…” he took it as a yes. Furthermore, not that Rolling Stone contradicted this, but to be clear, I invited them to my apartment the following day, picking the time myself, and gave them the files they were after. They didn’t bust in and raid my shit. Both encounters were mutually respectful."

You can read the full editorial here.

Free Metal

As someone who reads this blog regularly, you might be interested to know that Amazon.com is offering a free album download: Nuclear Blast: Best of Blast's 20th Anniversary Compilation.

The album is free for a limited time, and features artists like Meshuggah, Testament, and Exodus.

I don't get paid for this - I just thought I'd pass the info on to my readers.

Enjoy.

-M.A.

2008 Bonnaroo Downloads

david over at Largehearted Boy (a great music blog), has put together a page with literally dozens of legal video and MP3 downloads from Bonnaroo 2008.

david's done alot of hard work consolidating all these files in one place. He's got everything from the Derek Trucks Band to Metallica, Pearl Jam, Phil Lesh and Friends, and The Raconteurs. In fact, there's even a set by Willie Nelson.

No Kanye yet.

(On a related note: As of this post, I've broken my unspoken vow to never mention Metallica on this blog.)

-Mack

Universal Calls the Feebs

Rolling Stone is reporting that AntiQuiet blogger Kevin Skwerl received a vist from the FBI at his workplace this past Monday.

"It was kind of an ambush," Skwerl told Rolling Stone. "When I came back from lunch they were waiting in the lobby for me. It's a little creepy they know where I work."

Skwerl described the pair as "Mulder and Scully types."

They questioned him for about 15 minutes and then made plans to search his house at 7am the next morning.

"I wasn't sure if they were going to come by with a warrant and trash the place, like in the movies. It was nothing like that," said Skwerl.

The FBI wanted to see the original files, but Skwerl had already erased them following a cease-and-desist letter from Axl Rose's attorneys.

The Chinese Democracy Saga just keeps getting stranger.

Is this some form of viral marketing?



Source: Rolling Stone

The Lost Rose Tattoo Album

Undercover Australia is reporting that Rose Tattoo will finally release their "lost album" from 1980.

"In between the first album in 1977, featuring 'Bad Boy For Love' and 'Assault and Battery' in 1981, Rose Tattoo recorded a complete album in Los Angeles that to this day has not been released.

For the last 28 years, the completed album has been filed away, unreleased and most likely forgotten, except by one man. Aztec Records founder Gil Matthews tells Undercover that he is planning on putting the album into the hands of the fans.

The album is certainly of historical significance. It featured both Lobby Loyde and Billy Thorpe.

At the time, Thorpe was living in Los Angeles and had just had a massive American hit with the 'Children of the Sun' album.

The Tatt's album was recorded in LA so that Thorpe could be a part of it and was to be the follow-up to the self-titled debut.

Considering the line-up of Rose Tattoo, Billy Thorpe and Lobby Loyde, you would think that it would have been an easy release but it just didn't happen. Rose Tattoo's record label at the time, Albert Productions, didn't like the album and wouldn't release it.

After rejecting the album, the band went back to the studio and the result was 'Assault and Battery', which lacked the bite of the debut and failed to produce any hits."

You can watch Angry Anderson and Rose Tattoo play their classic, "Nice Boys," below.



Source: Undercover Australia

Cold Hard Cash

The demo recording for "Cold Hard Cash" aka "Cold Hearted."
Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin. Guitar and vocals only, 1984



Thanks to GNRonTour for the images!

Phish to Record New Album With Steve Lillywhite

According to an Jamtopia, Phish is planning to record a new album with Billy Breathes producer Steve Lillywhite.

Phish hasn't played together since August 2004 when they went down in flames at the Coventry Festival in their home state of Vermont.

Trey Anastasio has made some comments in the press lately that have fueled the "reunion" rumors.

All four members of the band were on stage together last month to accept a lifetime achievement award from the Jammys, but they didn't perform or address the possibility of a reunion.

Steve Lillywhite's spokesperson offered a "no comment."

Currently, Steve Lillywhite is in Dublin recording with U2, who he's collaborated with for 28 years.

You can watch Phish performing "Piper" at the Miami Arena in 2003 below.


Source: Billboard

Sorum on Reunion: "I'd probably be the very, very, very last guy to get the call."

Matt Sorum thinks Guns N' Roses will get back together. "I'm sure it'll happen eventually," he says.

The one-time GN'R drummer and current member of the singer-less Velvet Revolver isn't so sure about his involvement in a reunion, however. "They could be having meetings about it right now. They could be in a bomb shelter, with Axl and Slash and Duff. And Izzy! Maybe Steven Adler - I don't know. I'd probably be the very, very, very last guy to get the call."

Still, Sorum insists he isn't sitting around waiting for the phone to ring. He's got his mind on Velvet Revolver and their search for a new frontman. During the recent summer NAMM show, MusicRadar sat down with Sorum in the crowded bar of his hotel to talk about the states of VR and GN'R, the rumor of his involvement with Oasis, and how he handles the vicissitudes of lead singers. The engaging and candid skin basher was happy to opine away. And when it comes to Scott Weiland, he doesn't hold back.

You can download the entire interview here.

(right click, save target as)

Source: MusicRadar

T-Shirts and Ticket Sales

Music industry genius, Bob Lefsetz, wrote a new article today entitled, Measuring Sticks, regarding what the measuring sticks of a rock band's success are.

Bob says that it's T-Shirts and ticket sales.

His rationale:

"Arguably, you're better off selling an MP3 than a CD. Said MP3 might be able to be deleted with a click, but it can also be put into a playlist, e-mailed to friends, spread far and wide. And with this distribution not only can new fans be made, you have a greater possibility of longevity.

... If you can get someone to spread your music far and wide, so much easier to do online, you don't have a criminal, but a dyed-in-the-wool fan you should take to dinner.

Ticket Sales are evidence of loyalty. It's less about how many you did once than how many you can continue to do. Underplay the market, keep prices on the low side. It's not about being number one on the "Pollstar" chart, but being able to go on the road year after year, whenever you want to.

Also, give the audience what it expects. It's all right to play obscurities if you're known for that, but if you're a sold-out popster, people only want to hear the hits. If you're a classic rock act, no one wants to hear your new material. Sad, but true.

Just know if you don't fulfill audience expectations, you might be happy, yet your listeners might not. Fine if you don't mind playing ever-smaller buildings, not cool if you want to maintain your lofty perch. And that begs the question of safety... If you're a new act and not willing to risk, your longevity will be decreased. Unfortunately, it's the opposite with old acts. Old acts would be better off innovating in side projects. No one wanted to see the formula of Coke fucked with.

Merch. The cheaper you make it, the better it is for your career. You want every fan to own a t-shirt. They're walking billboards, with CREDIBILITY! Not only did people pay for the shirt, they chose to wear it of their own volition!

You know how you can tell who is really legendary? By scoping out what t-shirts you see walking down the sidewalk. That's one of the reasons we know AC/DC is gigantic."

You can, of course, read the entire article here.

Holy S***! Duff''s Loaded for FREE

Duff McKagan is still the coolest guy on the planet.

His 2001 release with Loaded, Dark Days, is out-of-print, and selling for some serious sheckels on Amazon and eBay.

Well, as Duff gears up for his European Tour with Loaded he has decided to give away Dark Days for FREE!

Now you can download it guilt-free right here.

In case you missed it, the link is:

IdolManagement.com/DuffMcKagan'sLoadedDarkDays

(the link is in red text on the upper left hand of the page).

Thanks, Duff!

We've Lost a Giant.

George Carlin died today. This is a National Tragedy.

In a country which has been veering dangerously off course for 40 years now, Carlin posessed the humor and raw intellect to expose the lies and bullshit of our society in the most eloquent and and memorable terms imaginable.

George Carlin was not just a comedian. I call him: writer, linguist, poet, actor, anthropologist, social scientist, and genius.

I was first introduced to him as a 10-year old, watching his comedy specials on HBO. My brother and I watched Carlin on Campus and Carlin at Carnegie over and over 'til we knew every word by heart.

He was the first host of Saturday Night Live. More recently, he appeared in films by Kevin Smith like Dogma. I consider Kevin a contemporary (17 year-old Mack Arillo=Jay), so I'm sure he was a huge fan of George's as well.

To try and list George Carlin's achievements here would be futile - he was simply so prolific.

I feel that with George dead, somewhere Bush, Cheney, and Co. are smiling, because they know that one of the world's greatest bullshit detectors has passed.

But don't be fooled, George's critical wit was not reserved for the Hawks and Right-wingers. No one was safe.

His disgust for hypocrisy knew no party-lines. Check out his bit on "euphemisms" some time. You'll see why I consider him one of the great linguists of our time.

I'm going to leave you with something a bit more light-hearted today. One of Carlin's most famous skits, and a personal favorite: Baseball and Football.

I Don't Want to be Anything Other than Me

Mack "I gots to be me" Arillo

The Ultimate Collector's Item

Appetite for Destruction signed by all 5 members of the original band.

Will you please buy this for me?

You can get it here.

Thanks,

MACK

2000 Intentions

It's been quite the week here in GN'R land. Very satisfying.

I'm very happy with the new batch of leaks.

"IRS" has finally gelled, and I got my wish for a finished, studio version of "Rhiad."

But the big story for me is "new song #2."

It's still unrevealed what the name of this song is.

"This I Love," "2000 Intentions," "No Love Remains," "Hearts Get Killed," "Message For You," have all been bandied about.

But it really is "Prostitute."

If my affections are misunderstood,
And you decide I’m up to no good,
Don’t ask me to endure them just for you.

Ask yourself: Why I would choose to prostitute myself,
To live with fortune and shame?

This is it. The 'Big Gun.'

This is not at all what I expected "Prostitute" to sound like, but I am not disappointed one bit.

I have to say, that Axl Rose is a clever gent.

We were teased for years about this song. All the time I expected something more along the lines of "Nightrain."

Now that I've listened to this track on repeat for 3 days straight, I have no doubt that Axl has still got the magic.



"Prostitute" really, really grows on me. My best description is that it's the new "Estranged." It has no real chorus, very little repetition, a tragic, yet hopeful vibe, and amazingly beautiful melodies.

The other thing I wanted to write about was the party-line that these are "older, unfinished demos."

I do not believe it.

These are the finished versions. Period.

The guys over at AntiQuiet who leaked these songs insist that they came straight from the record company, and I believe them. Direct quotes follow

"There IS NO FINAL COPY OF CHINESE DEMOCRACY. Several CDs of material were turned into the label, and are now out of Axl's hands. Read what you will into that, but the album has not hit the presses. If it had, we'd all have the entire thing by now.

...

Kids, love it or hate it, these are the finished songs. No matter what anybody tries to spin otherwise, whatever smug "insider" is gonna laugh and say I'm part of some GN'R misinformation machine, the simple fact is that we leaked the songs, we know where they came from, and that enables me to say with unwavering certainty that these are 9 of many, many finished new GNR songs to come.

I may be "some guy" to the rest of you, but I'm here to set the record straight, and that's what I've been doing.

...

Pay attention to the people "confirming" that they're demos, or are now or ever have been in GN'R BUT AREN'T AXL, the one man who has total control, final say over and complete awareness of exactly who and what is on the album.

Did those others have anything to do with Wednesday's leak? Absolutely not, they're speculating based on information they may be confident about, but simply isn't true. They're the finished product. Argue all you like, chase each other's rumor-mill tails around and take the word of know-it-all outsiders all you like. What was turned in to the label is what you're hearing. End of fucking story.

We were sent a zip file of the songs. No money changed hands. The source is direct, and the motivation is purely based on the love of music. Yes, believe it or not, it is just for the fans. There was no strategy, GN'R is not involved, we don't have more songs yet, these are definitely the finished product, and I'm getting tired of repeating myself so please spread this knowledge."

-Johnny Firecloud

That's the story I choose to believe. You can take it or leave it. I just hope we get a couple more songs sometime "soon."

I've got one last thing to say.

On Thursday morning I burned myself a CD with this tracklist:

Better
Chinese Democracy
If the World
IRS
Madagascar
Rhiad and the Bedouins
The Blues
TWAT
Prostitute
Oh My God
Catcher in the Rye
No Love Remains [cut]
Silk Worms [Live]
Chinese Democracy [Live, Boston 2002]
The Blues [Live, Boston 2002]

I'm really, really happy to have this CD.

Thanks,

Mack

Girl Loves Distortion at the Artery

Girl Loves Distortion will be playing this Friday, June 20th at Artery 717 in Alexandria, VA.

The show/exhibits starts at 7:00pm and admission is FREE. Kicking off the night will be none other than the infamous (or is it famous?) ELQUI (7:30) followed by GLD at 8:30. Wrapping up the show is DC's Texana Jones (10:30).

Come check out a great night of (free!) live music and artwork in the great commonwealth of Virginia!

Girl Loves Distortion

RS on the New Leaks

As the inexorable march towards Chinese Democracy stomps along, the dangling carrots of periodic leaks and hints have made the decade-plus dry spell all the more tantalizing. But today’s latest batch of tunes — which are purported to be, finally, the real thing — really may signal the end of the wait. [UPDATE: Not shockingly, the site may already be down]. With all the curious “free Dr. Pepper” talk a few months back reeking sweetly of a publicity stunt to come, the timing doesn’t feel all that off for tunes to really start making it through the cracks.

Today’s leak features nine tracks, and besides the six which have already made the rounds (including a stunning version of “Madagascar,” complete with a chorus of Axls singing on top of each other), a trio of thus far unheard and unnamed songs offer further suggestions as to what may be around the corner. Axl’s howl is unmistakable, and one track features a porno-guitar wah-wah, hard-edged synths, flamenco guitar and delicate piano for what’s perhaps the most unique mish-mash of sounds in a GNR tune to date.

Source: Rolling Stone

If it’s just another batch of demos, then they’re perhaps the most well-produced and complete demos in the history of the industry. And damn, they’re really pretty good.

Kiss Blames the Fans

Speaking to Xfm at this weekend's Download Festival, panto rockers Kiss have blamed fans for the alleged death of the music industry. They've also got an interesting take on about not releasing or performing any new material.

Seemingly oblivious to the irony of headlining a festival called "Download", Kiss bassist Gene Simmons holds some unequivical views on the nature of downloading: frankly, he's against it, it's all your fault and it's preventing Kiss from recording and releasing new material.

Simmons raged: "In all seriousness - and it's unfortunate - but the record industry is dead; it's six feet under the ground and unfortunately, the fans have done this. They've decided to download and file share and there's no record industry around. We're gonna wait till everyone settles down and becomes civilized and as soon as the record industry pops its head then we'll record new material."

Singer-guitarist Paul Stanley had a slightly different take as to why Kiss aren't releasing new material: no one wants to hear it. He explained: "The truth is, we have no plans to record. The reason we don't record is because any classic band that hits the road, the last thing you really wanna hear is their new song.

"Everyone says go out and do a new album but if you put on a live DVD of any classic band, turn off the sound and I'll tell you when they're playing a new song: it's when everyone is sitting down."

So there you have it: stop being naughty and Kiss might just record new material. Just don't expect them to play it live.

Source: Sleaze Roxx

Oh Happy Day

9 new demo from Chinese Democracy leaked this afternoon.

They are:

"Better"
"Chinese Democracy"
"IRS"
"Madagascar"
"There Was a Time"
"The Blues"
"Rhiad and the Bedouins"
"If the World"

And one more with an unknown title which may be "This I Love."

Aside from the 3 new songs, the other 6 are newer, previously unheard versions of the demos from last Spring.

Everything sounds great. Cleaner, louder, better. New backing vocals. New guitar overdubs.

"Rhiad" is great.

So is "If the World" and the other new song.

Thanks Incognito!

!!!

THERE ARE 9 NEW LEAKS FLOATING AROUND!!!

Slash, Sorum, Jam With Jerry Cantrell and Billy Duffy

Slash, Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains), Billy Duffy (The Cult), Matt Sorum, Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction), Larry Carlton, Paul Nelson (Liege Lord) and Johnny Winter will take part in an all-star jam at The Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday, June 20 — the first night of the Gibson Summer Jam '08.

Source: Blabbermouth

Incognito Talks Chinese Democracy

Man Offers Big Bucks To Charity To Hear Chinese Democracy
88.1 FM

CR: Incognito, you've currently made a public challenge via the web to Axl Rose and/ or his management to leak a new demo from the long-awaited Guns N' Roses comeback album Chinese Democracy?

You've stated that if this request be granted, you would donate $1,500 to the charity of their choice. What exactly brought this bizarre request on?

Inc: Umm.. well, it's been a long time since Axl released the last Guns N' Roses album.

In fact, when I first heard that the new Guns N' Roses album was titled Chinese Democracy, I was in college. I'm now thirty years old. It seems as though every year since the turn of the millenium we've been told that this album is coming out.

Every year ends the same. Nothing.

CR: Right?

Inc: Well, I just honestly want to hear some new Guns N' Roses music. I mean, this has been going on for a long, long time now. Didn't Axl himself describe this process as a nightmare that's been played out for over a decade?

Well, guess what? His fans feels exactly the same. The demos sound great, hands down better than anything to hit the mainstream media in the past decade. It's time. Believe me, there are alot of other fans out there who feel exactly the same.

Plus, I'm really getting sick and tired of Baz telling us how great this album is already.

CR: (Laughs) Fair Enough. Although, you are the only fan thus far who has actually decided to publically challenge Axl. Don't you think Dr. Pepper's challenge to him was enough?

Inc: What if he doesn't like Dr. Pepper?

CR: (Laughs) Again, fair enough.

CR: There have been rumors circulating online that you have been able to secure a demo or two from this album that the majority of the general public hasn't heard. Is this true? If so, how do they sound?

Inc: I'd prefer not to speculate or offer opinions on these accusations at this time.

CR: Have you heard anything so far from the GN'R camp or Axl himself?

Inc: Umm... no. Not exactly.

CR: Do you personally believe Axl will accept your offer?

Inc: Well...(pauses), originally I would have said no, but the more I think about it ... why not? I mean, if the album really is being negotiated, and it really is near release (as it's been rumored)... why not?

You know, I can't see any logical reason why he couldn't do this for his fanbase, not to mention that this money would go to a good cause. Does he owe myself or any of his other fans anything? Of course not. According to insiders from his camp,there's a good chance the album will come out this year anyway.

He supposedly has 50-60 songs and they have been described as "mind blowing epic." If all this is true, this one demo won't mean anything by the end of the year. We'll be rocking to the real deal. Right?

CR: Ok. There has been a lot of debate as to what your real motive is here. Are you actually trying to get a new song, or is this more about proving that the album isn't coming out anytime soon?

Inc: You know, it is what it is. I think ultimately the outcome of this challenge will say alot about where we really are concerning a release. Axl will still be my favorite frontman even if he doesn't come through on this, but instead of speculating I prefer to wait and see what he decides.

Source: Chinese Democracy Forum

In The Future Every One Will Be Guns N' Roses' Guitarist For 15 Minutes

Jonni Jigolo has a new blog and this past Sunday he uploaded some music I've never heard before, the Zakk Wylde Demo Tapes For Ozzy

1. Intro
2. Catchy Lick
3. Classical (1)
4. Classical (2)
5. Randy Solos

In case you forgot, Zakk played guitar in the 1995 version Guns N' Roses for about 15 minutes. He is most well known as the replacement for Randy Rhoads in Ozzy's Osbourne's band.

Source: Izzy and the Jigolo

Bonnaroo A Success

An ambitious lineup helped the seventh Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival overcome inflated gas prices and a more crowded North American festival scene to post attendance of more than 70,000. The festival ran June 12-15 on a 750-acre rural site about 60 miles south of Nashville.

That's shy of a Bonnaroo sellout of 80,000, but enough to please festival producers A.C. Entertainment and Superfly Presents. "Our sales are a little bit off, but not really what a lot of other people seem to be experiencing," says Ashley Capps, president of Knoxville, Tenn.-based A.C. Entertainment. "We feel very, very lucky."

Source: Billboard

Raconteurs At Bonnaroo - Video Available

The Raconteurs took to the "What Stage" just after 5pm this past Friday at Bonnaroo.

Jack White, Brendan Benson and Co. braved the Tennesse heat and delivered a 90 minute set, playing most of the highlights from their first two releases:

Consoler Of The Lonely, Hold Up, The Switch And The Spur, You Don't Understand Me, Top Yourself, Old Enough, Store Bought Bones, Steady As She Goes, Rich Kid Blues, Blue Veins, Many Shades Of Black, Level, Salute Your Solution, Broken Boy Soliders, and Carolina Drama.

Thanks to Kurt654, you can watch their performance here or on YouTube.

Consolers of the Lonely


You Don't Understand Me


The Switch and the Spur


Rich Kid Blues


Carolina Drama

Mama Adler's Sniff and Tell

According to this eBay listing, Deanna Adler — the mother of original GN'R drummer Steven Adler — is selling "a luxurious strip-view Las Vegas condominium . . . in the prime location of the prestigious Las Vegas Country Club, a place that Steven Adler could call 'home.'

This is a truly exciting opportunity for anyone who wishes to not only live in the heart of Sin City, but to own a piece of and experience rock royalty lifestyle." The starting bid is $750,000.

There are currently zero bids on this piece of property.

According to a posting on the eBay auction page, "Deanna is relocating to Los Angeles as she puts the finishing touches on the book 'No Bed of Roses', a much-anticipated tell-all which documents the rise of her son in the most exciting rock band of all time."

Source: AntiMusic

Michael Jackson: The Next Elvis?

Ethan Smith at the Wall Street Journal has just broken a big story on Michael Jackson.

Someday, I hope to see the headline: Axl Rose: The Next Michael Jackson?

A short excerpt follows.

A private-equity group is hoping to do for Michael Jackson something a long parade of music-industry veterans, lawyers and billionaire friends have failed to accomplish: Revive the pop star's dormant career after a 2005 child-molestation trial and a financial meltdown.

Colony Capital, which owns the Las Vegas Hilton and is a major shareholder in closely held Station Casinos, is in discussions with Mr. Jackson to get him back onstage and in the spotlight via a long-term stand in Las Vegas. It also wants the singer to sell his Neverland Ranch, the home of his private amusement park and menagerie and site of his controversial sleepovers with young children.

Now Colony is urging the singer to emerge from the rural Nevada compound where he has recently been holed up with his family, to stage a residency performance -- either at one of its gambling and entertainment properties or elsewhere in Sin City.

Since Mr. Jackson's 2005 acquittal on child-molestation charges, various entertainment-industry executives have pursued some kind of splashy comeback for him. For the most part, the singer hasn't played along. In February he backed out of a planned performance during the Grammy Awards telecast. Around the same time, he also declined a proposal to perform for 10 nights at a London arena. People who have spoken to Mr. Jackson say he has simply not felt up to the rigors of performing after his lengthy legal ordeal.

Recently the singer has been living in Pahrump, Nev., an unincorporated town 60 miles west of Las Vegas, where he has been writing new songs in a home studio and having his three children (ages 11, 10 and 6) home-schooled.

The most likely option would be to create something like "Love," the Cirque du Soleil show built around Beatles tunes. Mr. Jackson wouldn't be a regular part of the performance but would appear for 20 to 30 performances a year, possibly with his brothers.

Any of these scenarios would be paired with a plan to restore his image.

The first step in that plan is to distance the singer from Neverland, which, as a focal point for the trial, is indelibly linked with those charges in the eyes of the public. Mr. Jackson has vowed never to live at the ranch again, given its associations. But he nonetheless has entertained visions of turning it into a family-oriented theme park, with rides for children. Colony executives consider the residence completely toxic to Mr. Jackson's image, and are urging him to restore the property's original name, Sycamore Canyon Ranch, and to sell it as quickly as possible.

Colony is also urging him to make a public statement further distancing himself from the controversy, in a venue like Oprah Winfrey's talk show. A person familiar with the discussions says the general idea of such remarks would be for Mr. Jackson, who moved temporarily to Dubai following his acquittal, to say that the American legal system exonerated him, and that he now hopes to move on.

The final step would be for him to stage some kind of televised performance -- ideally in the context of a high-profile charity concert -- to prove to the world that he can still sing and dance.

If all goes according to plan -- a long shot, to be sure -- in three to five years, Colony would like to develop a Thriller Casino with Mr. Jackson. That is something Mr. Jackson has kicked around for more than 10 years.

You can read the entire article on the Wall Street Jornal's Website.

Slash and Ozzy on New Alice Cooper Disc

Ozzy Osbourne and Slash are set to appear on the new Alice Cooper disc, Along Came a Spider.

Ozzy plays harmonica on "Vengeance Is Mine," a track he co-wrote with Alice, and Slash plays lead guitar.

Alice revealed details of his 25th studio album on his radio show, Nights With Alice Cooper: "It is a dark and menacing album for dark and menacing times"

The songs are told through the voice of a serial killer named Spider - one that Alice describes as "an arachnophobic psychopath".

Alice told Billboard.biz that his forthcoming LP is "a real 'Alice' album. Conceptually, it's going to be pretty interesting."

The album is based on a fictional serial killer named Spider, who wraps his victims in a silk web. "Every song is sort of a letter to the police," he explains. "They think they're investigating it from the outside, but he's actually woven them into the whole thing."

The album is due out on July 29th.

Source: Sleaze Roxx

Raconteurs at Bonnaroo

The Raconteurs are playing at 5pm tonight on the "What Stage" at Bonnaroo.

If you couldn't make it there, or you're still stuck somewhere on Highway 24, don't fret.

You can stream the Raconteurs performance, as well as Metallica's and everyone else's, at the AT&T BlueRoom.

Or check in with Fuse TV. Either on your telivision set, or on your computer at Bonnaroo Front Row.

Or you could skip it altogether and just go camping.

Have a great weekend either way.

-Mackie

Meg White Surprises With Raconteurs

The White Stripes returned to the stage on June 8 in Detroit, but alas, they didn't play any music.

Coming back from the encore break of the Raconteurs' concert at the Fillmore-Detroit, Jack White was accompanied by ex-wife(?) and White Stripes drummer Meg White, who sat at Patrick Keeler's drumkit and tapped on a few of the drums.

The audience in the Stripes' home town not surprisingly went nuts, thinking it was about to see a surprise performance by the duo. But when the rest of the Raconteurs returned to the stage, with Brendan Benson shouting "Whoa...wrong band!," Meg got up and walked off, leaving the band to its encore.



The Stripes, who formed in 1997 in Detroit, have been off the road since September, when Meg's "acute anxiety" forced the band to cancel dates in North America and the U.K. But Jack has said the duo has already started working on its seventh studio album.

Source: Billboard

Slash Not Waiting on Velvet Revolver

While media and fans keep speculating on a new singer for Velvet Revolver, Slash isn't waiting around, but rather, keeping busy with solo project. "I'm working on it pretty aggressively right now while I have the time cause as soon as Velvet finds its singer, then it's going to be off the races with that," he tells Spinner. "I'm using this little period to be able to do as much on my solo record as possible. I'm not sure exactly when it will come out, but hopefully it will come out before the Velvet record."

"It'll be my first solo record." All the other ones were just me putting other bands together and going out and just jamming. This will actually be a little bit more personal."

Source: Spinner

Guns N' Roses Fan So Desperate For New Material, He Resorts To Charity

I had to LOL at that headline from Idolator.

I've been following these developments for a couple of days now -

And I Want To Go On The Record Saying That I Support This Guy.

Idolator has done a story on a character from the MyGNR Forum, "Incognito" (aka "Bring Back Adler"), who has challenges the GN'R camp to release one lousy old dmo from the Chinese Democracy Sessions - and in turn he'll donate $1000 to charity.

He says,

"[I]f this album seriously is about to come out, as it’s been hinted for years, I don’t see how one demo being leaked would do anything except create more of a buzz. Especially, if it’s a kick ass song. And especially if the album truly is close to being released."

I believe this guy is trying to prove a point - not get a demo.

He's trying to prove that Chinese Democracy is not close to coming out.

That's how I see it.

-MackArillo

Naked Begging

Download '06

Metal Hammer has an article today about Guns N' Roses' 2006 performance at the Download Festival in 2006.

Was it classic or calamitous? Make your own mind up...

With Download a mere two days away, we're visiting the Download Vaults and bringing you some classic performances from Download yesteryear.

Whatever you may have thought about Axl and friends playing the Download festival in 2006, one thing that you have to say about the performance was that it was very, very memorable.

From Axl actually making it on time to storming off in the middle of songs, berating the soundman and the festivals organizers and even finding time to play some of rock music's most classic material to a debatable standard.

Make up your own mind after watching this performance of Paradise City with none other than original GnR axe man Izzy Stradlin.

Download Festival takes place this weekend June 13th-15th.

Source: Metal Hammer

Adler Paves the Way for GN'R Reunion

[The following article is quoted here verbatim from an online Las Vegas Gossip Site - Mack Arillo makes no claim to its veracity.]

Will lightning strike twice? first step taken for GUNS N' ROSES

Are you ready for a full-throttle, all-out, Guns N' Roses reunion? With Axl, Slash, Izzy, Duff and Steve Adler?

It’s coming.

Watch the skies.

That’s right. The band -- formed in LA in 1985 – is expected to be firing on all cylinders when it unveils it’s “All Star” lineup in the coming months. Guns N' Roses has released five studio albums, two EPs, one live album, and three music video DVDs and sold an estimated 90 million albums worldwide – 40 million of it in the US -- but its story is far from over.

Adler’s stint in Dr. Drew’s TV rehab cleared the way for him to get back on board with the band and get really serious. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements in the next few months.

You will NEVER believe where they’re going to perform.
Can’t tell you any more than that just yet.

But it’s going to rock.

I promise you.

Source: The Vegas Eye

New Priest CD Includes Free Concert Ticket

The Priest is back!

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about Bob Lefsetz's idea of bands giving away free albums with their concert tickets.

Well, Judas Priest has decided to give away a free concert ticket with the purchase of their new album Nostradamus.

According to Blabbermouth:

While supplies last, when you purchase any configuration (regular CD edition, limited edition-deluxe hard-bound version and limited-edition deluxe box [3LPs, 2 CD, book and poster] available only at Best Buy) of the initial pressing of Judas Priest's double-disc concept album, Nostradamus (release date: June 17), specially marked CDs will contain an insert with a exclusive code inside the CD package for one free lawn ticket to see Judas Priest on select dates of the Metal Masters tour this summer, courtesy of Live Nation (see below for a complete list).

Visit Priest's Official Website for details on this special offer.

This seemingly too-good-to-be-true offer will be good while supplies last. Also, this offer will not pertain to all the dates of the Metal Masters tour (see below for complete list of dates that the offer is good for).

The Metal Masters tour will undoubtedly be the top metal concert attraction of the summer. In addition to a headlining performance by Judas Priest, fans will also be treated to sets by Heaven and Hell, Motorhead and Testament.

"As ever, we look forward to screaming out loud with our Metal maniac fans when we hit the road," enthuses Priest singer Rob Halford. "The Priest is back!"

The tour, produced by Live Nation, will be Priest's first thorough sets of US dates in nearly 3 years, and will be in support of the group's aforementioned Nostradamus release.

Offer good only for one of the following shows, while supplies last:

Aug. 06 - Camden, NJ
Aug. 07 - Bristow, VA
Aug. 09 - Holmdel, NJ
Aug. 16 - Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 19 - Chicago, IL
Aug. 22 - Dallas, TX
Aug. 23 - Houston, TX
Aug. 24 - San Antonio, TX
Aug. 27 - Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 28 - Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 30 - San Bernardino, CA
Aug. 31 - Mountain View, CA

Source: Blabbermouth

You can stream the entire Nostradamus album at VH1.com

The Return of Steven Adler!

Guess who's going to be on my favorite TV show this Fall?

That's right!

Steven "Addled and Addicted" Adler is going to be starring in Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew starting this October.

I can't wait!

Adler will be joined by Tawny Kitaen, Jeff Conaway, Sean Stewart ("Sons of Hollywood"), Amber Smith (model/actress), Rodney King, Nikki McKibbon ("American Idol"), and Gary Busey.

Returning to the show to help Dr. Drew are drug counselor Bob Forrest and resident technician Shelly Sprague who have each spent years on both sides of the rehab fence. Dr. Drew is also bringing in some additional prominent physicians to help him give the patients supplementary one-on-one care. The patients' families will also be more involved with their recovery programs and, in some cases, will receive treatment themselves. After they completed the program, the patients will be strongly encouraged to continue their treatment in a sober living facility or treatment center for at least three months at VH1's expense.

You can watch this TV Peru interview with Steven Adler conducted on September 18, 2007:



Source: Blabbermouth

Wal-Mart Strikes Again

By now you've probably read about Wal-Mart's latest coup: scoring an exclusive on the new AC/DC disc.

Peter Kohan over at Appetite for Disruption has written a couple of excellent articles discussing the ramifications of Wal-Mart's forays into the music business. A short excerpt follows.

So, while record retail is tanking, and Wal-Mart itself, as well as retailing giants Best Buy and Target shrink music floor space... while Borders closes stores and puts itself up for sale... while Transworld continues to shrink shelf space devoted to music... while Handleman gets out of the music merchandising and fulfillment game altogether... Wal-Mart is still cleaning everyone's clock by locking up the TALENT people spend money on in the CD category. I know Target has done a few exclusives too, but their profile is much smaller. Best Buy - with their previous Rolling Stones and Elton John DVD exclusives - has also stepped up to the plate before. Starbucks Coffee Company's Starbucks entertainment division signed record deals with Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and others, but those releases were also released through normal record retail channels. But Wal-Mart is very savvily locking up the acts that will make customers drool with anticipation over - will a Guns N' Roses deal for Chinese Democracy be next... if Axl ever delivers the record?

You can read Peter Kohan's entire article here at Appetite for Disruption.

Hollywood Rocks DVD

Based on the best-selling coffee table book of the same name, Hollywood Rocks! (being released worldwide by Cleopatra Records) is a 90-minute documentary film containing music snippets, music video clips, live concert footage, rare photos and interviews with some of the most notable metal/hard rock recording artists who made their mark during the 1980s and early 1990s Hollywood, California hard rock/hair metal music scene.

In Hollywood Rocks! the artists give their take on their most memorable moments (both the good and the bad) in this once-in-a lifetime musical era characterized by "big hair", loud clothing styles, excessive partying and an underground method of street promotion simply know as "flyering."

And of course, what hard rock documentary would be complete without the inclusion of at least one of the more famous female fans who flocked to this southern California city to cheer on their heroes of this genre?

Interview segments with some of the current and former stars are broken up with exclusive, rare cutaway still photos of the artist from their heyday, music video clips by the artist and an occasional live concert clip from the period from which this film is based.

Also interviewed for their historical perspectives are Cleopatra Records founder and President Brian Perera and former A&R guru Vicki Hamilton who describe in some detail the colorful business environment of this era. A stellar music background of nothing but the "hits" and musical rarities cement this film as a one-of-a-kind "must have" piece for collectors and fans worldwide.

Many stars featured here are still actively recording and touring, such as Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), Steven Adler (Guns N' Roses), C.C. Deville (Poison), Jani Lane (Warrant), Jack Russell (Great White), Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns), Fred Coury (Cinderella), Mickey Finn (Jetboy), Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint), Ron Keel (Keel) , Lizzie Grey (London/Spiders & Snakes) and Terry Ilous (XYZ).

In fact, summer 2008 dates at the Rocklahoma Festival in Pryor, Oklahoma and the South Texas Rockfest in San Antonio, Texas have been confirmed for many of the artists mentioned above, and just in time for the June 24th release date for Hollywood Rocks.

Source: Sleaze Roxx

Hollywood Rocks! is available at Cleopatra Records.

You Must Remember This,

The manager of rock band Kiss has confirmed the group are in talks to launch a TV talent show to find replacements for frontman Paul Stanley and guitarist Gene Simmons - when the duo eventually retire.

It has long been rumored that founding members Stanley and Simmons hope to keep the band running when they decide to quit - but both men have been evasive when asked about whether any new members have been signed up and if the takeover will happen after their current world tour.

The rock veterans are the only original members left in the band, which was marred by the departure of Ace Frehely and Peter Criss and the death of Eric Carr in 1991 - the group now includes replacements Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer.

But their longtime manager Doc McGhee insists that there are indeed plans to replace all four band members and keep Kiss alive for a new generation - they are close to signing a deal to find their replacements through an American Idol-style TV show.

McGhee says in a new TV documentary about the band, "I believe that Kiss can go on forever. I believe that there is a way - and we are talking to people and we're pretty close to getting it done - about finding the four new members of Kiss."

Source: Sleaze Roxx

Science Faxtion Debut Due Aug 5

Guns N' Roses 2002 Alumni Buckethead and Brain are teaming up with the legendary Bootsy Collins again.

Science Faxtion, will be releasing their debut, Living on Another Frequency, on August 5.

It's actually supposed to be a really good album.

Rhythm guitarist Greg Hampton explains. "Buckethead, Bootsy, and I wrote the songs. There's twelve songs on the record, and the thirteenth is more of a 'musical theme,' with no vocals — it's a dialogue piece. Seven of the songs I'm singing the lead vocals on, some songs Bootsy and I share some of the vocals, and then there are other songs where Bootsy sings. As far as musically, it grooves, but it's definitely a serious rock record."

"'Looking for Eden' was really the first song we had written — it just grooved. It's like Audioslave meets Nine Inch Nails 2099. It has some dialogue with Bootsy and it has Bootsy singing the bridge. And Buckethead plays the most amazing lead parts on that song. The whole song has everything you need from a great rock song. The hook in the lyric and the vocal, great singing, but amazing guitar parts throughout it. Buckethead absolutely shreds on it, but he plays some really tasteful stuff."

Other standouts include "Life is in Deliver" ("Buckethead plays a crazy solo on it at the end — it's a real chuggin' song"), "What It Is" (which features a special guest appearance from Public Enemy's Chuck D), and "I See Rockets" (a track which Hampton compares Buckethead's playing to the great Jimi Hendrix), among others.

"Bootsy right now is doing a 'Tribute to James Brown' tour, Buckethead is out doing a solo run right now. We've talked about doing some Science Faxtion dates closer to September or October. We'll hopefully do 30 or 40 dates and then see how it goes from there. We will have some surprise guests come out with us."

Source: Blabbermouth

Izzy Stradlin - One Day At a Time

There isn't a whole lot of unreleased Izzy Stradlin music (as far as I know), but I was able to find a stash of demos from Izzy's 1998 release 117°.

Included in the package are 3 unheard, unreleased cuts: "Take It Slow," "Might As Well," and "One Day At a Time."

The sound quality of these various demos are poor to mediocre, but "One Day At a Time" doesn't sound too bad.

I figured you all would appreciate this little video/slideshow I made.



Looking for more Izzy rarities? Look no further than here, here, and here.

Thanks to GNRevolution for the music and MyGNRForum for the images.

-Mackie

St. James Infirmary Blues

Last night I heard a local band play the "St. James Infirmary Blues."

It got me to thinking about this song.

Now, I'm a big White Stripes fan, and they do a respectable version of it, but the Cab Calloway / Betty Boop version is definitely the most famous.

The band I saw last night, did a traditional version, and it smoked!

Of course, the song is practically ancient - it evolved from an English folk song called "The Unfortunate Rake" (also known as "Unfortunate Lad" or "The Young Man Cut Down in His Prime").

"The Unfortunate Rake" is about a young sailor who spent all his money on whores and dies of a venereal disease. When the song moved to America - gambling and drinking became the cause of death.

I got home and did a search on YouTube, and there are plenty versions on to listen to.

This one is my favorite.



I've embedded this next version for two reasons. One is that this guy is a "nobody" (sorry, dude)- and I like "nobodys" (I'm one, too).

The other reason being that he does a fine instruction (in case any one is interested in learning how to play this gem).



I've included this final version below (by the Gutter Twins), because it's more contemporary than the previous two.

It's similar in style to the White Stripes version except ... WAY BETTER.



I went down to old Joe's bar room, on the corner by the square
Well, the drinks were bein' served as usual, and this motley crowd was there

Well, on my left stood Joe McKennedy, and his eyes were bloodshot red
When he told me that sad story, these were the words he said:

I went down to the St. James infirmary, I saw my baby there
She was stretched out on a long white table, so cold, and fine, and fair.

Let her go, let her go, God bless her, wherever she may be
She can search this world over, never find another man like me

When I die Oh lord please bury me in my high top Stetson hat
Put gold coins over my eyelids, so the boys will know I died standing pat

Get six crapshooting pallbearers, six chorus girls to sing me a song,
Put a jazz band behind my hearse wagon, to raise hell as we roll along.

Get sixteen coal black horses, to pull that rubber tired hack.
There's thirteen men going to the graveyard, only twelve men are coming back

Well, now you've heard my story, well, have another round of booze,
And if anyone should ever, ever ask you, I've got the St. James infirmary blues!

-Mack

so, But He is mastered, now,

6.05.2008: NEW BAND - NEW TOUR SAMPLER

I am proud to announce the final personnel lineup of nine inch nails for the foreseeable future. We've added, we've subtracted and we've wound up with unquestionably the strongest lineup I've EVER had. Joining me onstage will be Robin Finck, Alessandro Cortini, Josh Freese and Justin Meldal-Johnson.

We've been working on something really special for these shows and so far I couldn't be happier with the results. We'll be revealing some live performances shortly here on nin.com - in the meantime, we've posted some photos from rehearsals up on Flickr here.

Meanwhile, I assume some of you may not be entirely familiar with the acts I've chosen to join us on various legs of this tour, so we've compiled a sampler EP for you. CLICK HERE to download this for free. If you like what you hear, be sure to show up early to the show (and please remember to support them by purchasing their music, if so inclined).

Best,
TR

posted by Trent Reznor at 12:20 AM pst, from los angeles.

Source: NIN.com

Yes We Can!

Sen. Barack Obama captured enough convention delegates Tuesday to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination.

The first-term Illinois senator defeated what had once been the most powerful machine in the party. His rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, the former first lady who sought to be history's first female nominee, saluted him. But she did not concede, even as she signaled openness to being considered as his vice presidential running mate.

Source: The Wall Street Journal
Obama '08

Slash: "Bo Diddley Beat Begat Brownstone"

Yesterday, in an interview with New Musical Express, Slash paid tribute to Bo Diddley, saying that Bo greatly influenced countless musicians, and that the Bo Diddley beat was the inspiration for the song "Mr. Brownstone."

"He's a huge hero of mine and the fact that he knew who I was was a huge compliment," Slash said.

"Bo Diddley created a myth that was uniquely his own. An entire rhythm is owed to just one guy and that's pretty rare," he said.

Slash pointed out that Diddley touched a vast array of artists from The Rolling Stones to George Thorogood to Guns N' Roses.

"He was such a trooper and a timeless individual. I'm hoping the pioneers of rock like Bo Diddley won't be forgotten."

Source: NME

You can watch Slash playing "Mr. Brownstone" below.



-Mackie

Bo Diddley Will Not Fade Away

Rock Legend Bo Diddley died this morning of heart failure in Archer, Florida. He was 79. Bo suffered a stroke last spring and a heart attack last August, from which he never fully recovered.

Born Ellas Otha Bates McDaniel on December 30, 1928, in McComb, Mississippi, Bo Diddley holds the distinction of being the only musician in history to have a specific musical beat, or rhythmic pattern, named after him.

The "Bo Diddley beat" blends equal parts rock'n'roll rhythm and gospel shout in its "bomp, ba-bomp-bomp, bomp-bomp" pattern, which became an enduring staple of popular music. His songs were among the earliest true Rock N Roll recordings.

Diddley was an early advocate of fuzzy, distorted guitar sounds. They perfectly complimented his frenetic songs, which played on a homemade square guitar while decked out in dark sunglasses and a black hat. Similarly, his rhythmic, boastful vocal style predated rap by several decades.

In his heyday in the '50s, Diddley recorded such seminal rock songs as "I'm a Man," "Who Do You Love?," "Mona," and "Road Runner," all of which have since become essential learning material for rock and blues bands, and have been covered by countless leading artists.

Buddy Holly borrowed Diddley's beat for his hit song "Not Fade Away," and the Rolling Stones' version of that song, with its unmistakable nod to Diddley, became the band's first major British hit single.

Source: Billboard