On Monday, Slipknot bassist Paul Gray was found dead in his Iowa hotel room but police still have no clue as to what caused the rock star’s death. An autopsy was performed on Tuesday but it yielded no new information. Police are now waiting on the toxicology report, which takes about a month, to determine the cause of death. Police were able to rule out any foul play or trauma to Paul and determined that he had been dead for several hours when his body was finally discovered by a hotel employee. Again, my condolences go out to his family and friends in this difficult time.
Strange it looks like the big bowl of dicks policy actually worked. Aimee Mann who recently received a very scathing reply for her criticism of Ice-Ts acting took to her twitter account to mend the wrong and apologize to the rapper and beloved actor. This is what Aimee Mann wrote: “He’s out there doing his job. He doesn’t need any heckling from the peanut gallery. So, I am sorry, Mr. T! You get out there and DO IT! Plus, I do not like to hurt people’s feelings. I forget that Twitter is not just me and four other dorky friends, ragging on TV stars.” Interestingly enough, that sounds about as sarcastic as it does sincere lets see if Ice-T picks up on that or hell just leave things be.
According to Comscore, Creed isnt having the comeback that they were hoping for. First off, a comeback implies that people are rejoicing that you have returned. But when no one shows up, you might as well have just stayed home. At the past three shows that the returning band played in the New York and New Jersey areas, the venues did not even reach half the capacity. At the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, a venue with room for 25,277 people, only 6,841 people were in attendance. Now that is what you call one epic burn. Pack it up boys, youre officially done.
Bono and The Edge have used their background as rock ‘n’ roller kids on the outside, looking in, to write the score for the upcoming Spider Man Turn off The Dark,.
“We were open to the idea of musical theatre but Spider Man – thats a different thing again,” Bono told Rolling Stone. “Because thats comic books and theres a whole series of relationships between punk rock and rock bands and comic books. That goes back years.”
Then U2 frontman then added: “But to mess with all these aspects of pop culture, put ‘em in a blender and see what could come out at the other end …
The Edge said the film’s hero Peter Parker was like any kid who was a geek and got bullied at school. “He’s not from another planet. He’s not been constructed out of some strange substance. He’s a human being, he’s a kid who came up through a regular high school and got bitten by a spider. It could happen to anyone!
“He’s sort of like every rock and roll star’s story in a weird way. In parallel. Every rock and roll star probably started out as the geek who was bullied in school and eventually their form of revenge was to write songs and play guitar. Or to sing and play drums. And some of us ended up in big bands.”
Bono countered that he was more of a green goblin, saying: “Edge is the nerdy guy.”
The Edge said the audience for rock music and for comic books is the same. It’s “kids like ourselves” at 15 or 16 out in the suburbs. He said: “In in our case [it was] Dublin city but it could be any city in America or in Europe. It seems at that moment in your life that there’s this world out there you just can’t get access to and the only way you can connect with it is through music or comic books or movies.”
This is what the bands former guitarist, Paul Bonehead Arthurs, thinks. The musician believes that Oasis should have chosen to end it in 1996 after the Knebworth Shows. Paul Arthurs said: “I always thought we should have bowed out after the second night at Knebworth. Walking out on that stage gave us a feeling I can’t explain, a sea of people. It was big!” He also added: “I’d never rejoin them – not that I’d be asked. But for one show? Absolutely. I still know the chords to ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.’” Ah, so its no problem to get together for a little gathering every now and again, is it? Paul Arthurs should just admit that hes hooked on that feeling of singing in front of thousands of people like any good musician would be. But then again, if he were a drummer
White Stripes drummer Meg White recently got married to guitarist Jackson Smith, son of rock icons Patti and Fred Smith, in front of a small group of friends and family in Nashville. The couples wedding was actually part of a double wedding held in the backyard of band mate and ex-husband Jack White, who lives in an old Southern home about 5 miles out of Nashville. Forget the weirdness it may bring, its so cool of Jack to do that for Meg. The other couple who got married was Racounters and Dead Weather bass player Jack Lawrence and his girlfriend Jo McCaughney. I bet that reception was amazing. Congratulations to both happy couples!
After Adam Lamberts performance with the rock legends Queen on the American Idol finale last week, Queen guitarist Brian May told Rolling Stone magazine that the band is toying around with the idea of the runner up becoming the bands permanent front man. May said ”[Drummer Roger Taylor] and I are definitely hoping to have a meaningful conversation with [Lambert] at some point. It’s not like we, as Queen, would rush into coalescing with another singer just like that. It isn’t that easy. But I’d certainly like to work with Adam. That is one amazing instrument he has there. It just goes to show that losing American Idol isnt the end of the world.
Bruce Springsteen recently announced that he and his wrecking crew, the E Street Band, will be the final musical act before Giant Stadium in New Jersey gets demolished after the 2009 football season. If you are a fan of Bruce, you know that he is going to tear that show up. The rock icon has sold out 16 shows at that stadium and 44 shows at the nearby Izod Center. Three shows have been scheduled for September 30, October 2 and October 3. Tickets for the shows will go on sale on June 1. I hope theyre not selling on Ticketmaster. Theyve been screwing up sales for Bruce a couple of times now.
Depeche Mode has been forced to cancel four more shows recently due to lead singer David Gahans severe case of gastroenteritis. In a statement from the band, they said Dave is currently undergoing further tests. Depeche Mode apologizes to all their fans for this inconvenience and wish Dave a speedy recovery. The Tour of the Universe was shut down until May 21 and affected the rock bands performances in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia. Ticket holders were advised to hold on to their tickets as information about rescheduling/cancellation is still being ironed out. Announcements regarding the cancelled dates will be announced soon.
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The American Idol contestant blew away with his performance yet again. For last evening he went with Cryin by Aerosmith and his vocal coverage was supposedly excellent but the band didnt quite perform up to the singer. Still, the reactions were no less than what was expected. Randy Jackson himself said this about Adam Lamberts performance: “You should be a rock star! That’s who you are, baby!” It looks like Simon Cowells statement is slowly becoming a reality Adam Lambert has apparently dodged the oncoming bullet once more gee, what a surprise! Still, there is also tonight to be considered who knows, the show may yet hold more surprises.
Im pretty sure that a lot of people vividly remember when Chris Daughtry was eliminated on American Idol season 5. I think thats why its so great to see him and his band Daughtry back on the Idol stage. If their new single No Surprise is any indication of what their new album Leave This Town will be like, theyve got another multi-platinum selling album on their hands again. Watching the band perform made it feel like I was watching a concert. They totally rocked it out. After the performance, Chris and the band were also handed a plaque
Multi-platinum hard-rockers SALIVA have just released the official video for their new single, How Could You. The clip was directed by Scott Culver who has also helmed videos by Ludo and Hellogoodbye among others. The track comes off their latest album, Cinco Diablo which hit stores in late 2008. The Bob Marlette (Ozzy Osbourne) produced set also yielded the radio hit, Family Reunion and My Own Worst Enemy which finds Salivas Josey Scott being joined by Shinedown vocalist Brent Smith. The band was scheduled to co-headline this years SnoCore tour but Scott had to be operated for an ulcer so Saliva had to bow out of the trek.
Saliva are also working on a reality show that they began filming footage for during the making of Cinco Diablo. The candid look into their rock-n-roll lifestyle, the show will follow them out on the touring circuit and show viewers another side of the band. A pilot has been shot but here are no further details at this time. Expect Saliva to make an announcement in the next few months.
UK rock / drum’n'bass / hardcore / trance quartet Enter Shikari return to the USA for the first time since 2008’s Coachella to play four sets at this year’s South By Southwest in Austin, Texas.
The band can be found blowing minds and bursting ear drums at the following events
Thursday 19th March
2.15pm(-ish) – EMOS – Artery Foundation show (free entry… all ages. no badge / no wristband. first come first served)
5.15pm(-ish) – THE WAVE. 6th St – Kerrang / Guitar Hero party (rsvp for this one to Kerrangparty@xtaster.co.uk).
Saturday 21st March –
10pm – EMOS ANNEX (this is the band’s official SXSW showcase, so all the usual wristband / badge etc required)
1am @ PUREVOLUME HOUSE (rsvp for entry – http://www.purevolume.com/thehouse)
Enter Shikari have just completed work on the follow up to their debut album ‘Take To The Skies’ entitled ‘Common Dreads’.
Antwerpen’, a track from the forthcoming album, was released as a free download via the band’s website – www.entershikari.com – just a few days ago, and just for laughs.
The band will be available for all manner of promo during SXSW. To connect with the band send an e-mail to info@entershikari.com
Oklahoma hard-rockers Hinder are releasing their album, Take it to the Limit, next Tuesday, November 4th. Hinder?s debut album, Extreme Behavior has sold over 3 million copies so anticipation is high for this one! The band has hit the road on the Jagermeister tour featuring Hinder, Trapt, and Rev Theory. Check out dates for a show near you.
Hinder will also be performing on the Jimmy Kimmel Show next Thursday, November 6th.
Acclaimed Universal Republic rock band 3 Doors Down continue to ride high and fast with their hit single called ?It?s Not My Time,? with the Mississippi/Nashville five some grabbing Major League Baseball?s ?prime time? spotlight on Monday, July 14, at legendary Yankee Stadium for the coveted opening slot to MLB?s 2008 State Farm Home Run Derby. The 21st installment of All-Star?s popular Long-ball Fest is the centerpiece of MLB?s All-Star festivities surrounding the 79th MLB All-Star game, which was played at Yankee Stadium the following evening, Tuesday, July 15.
The 2008 State Farm Home Run Derby and one song from their special performance by 3 Doors Down will be broadcast live by ESPN. Currently celebrating their 11th year of live State Farm Home Run Derby coverage, the event is traditionally one of the network?s highest-rated summer programs. ESPN also recently used new music from the band as a complement to its productions throughout the month of June.
Universal Republic Records? rock band 10 Years landed a Top 15 debut on Billboard?s Top Album chart this week, coming in at #12 with their new album Division. The new CD also grabbed the top spot on iTunes coveted rock page and currently sits at #7 on the Top Albums. It also garnered the #1 spot on the Top Hard Music Chart, #2 on the Top Alternative Album Chart and #3 on the Top Current Rock Album Chart rallied by their soaring hit single ?Beautiful.? The single was launched at radio in early February and was the #1 Most Added single at Alternative and Active Rock radio.
The video for the new single has also garnered wide acclaim, with the clip taking a swipe at both celebrities and paparazzi in the current Gotcha game of celebrity journalism. 10 Years has also earned a place on one of 2008?s most anticipated summer tours, joining mega-rockers Linkin Park on their 5th annual rollout of the Projekt Revolution tour, which kicks off on July 16 at the Tweeter Center in Boston, MA. 10 Years will share the Revolution stage with multiple other bands on the raucous trek, including metal icons Atreyu, Hawthorne Heights, and Armor For Sleep. The 24 city trek hits multiple major U.S. cities in July and August, including New York City on July 22, Washington DC on July 27, Atlanta on August 3, and Chicago on August 16, winding up in Houston Texas on August 24 for the final Projekt Revolution event at the Cynthia woods Mitchell Pavilion.
Critics have cited no let-down in the momentum10 Years established with the across-the-board fan response they received with their previous album The Autumn Effect, which spawned the hits ?Wasteland? and ?Through The Iris.? ?Wasteland? was hailed by the rock, video, and digital world as one of the decade?s breakthrough rock singles, setting career highs for the band as it reigned for more than a year on the rock charts. The song notched the #4 spot on the year-end Active Rock chart, and pulled off a hat-trick of #1 citations at Active Rock, Billboard?s Modern Rock chart, and in the Alternative Rock format.
The new album, Division, was produced by acclaimed production veteran Rick Parasher (Pearl Jam, Nickelback, Soundgarden. Rob Zombie, among others), and recorded during what the band
has described as ?an intense creative process.? Songs on Division include ?Just Can?t Win,? ?Drug of Choice,? ?11:00AM (Daydreamer),? and ?Focus,? among others. The latter song was co-written by guitarist Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots? fame.
Formed in 2002, members of 10 Years are longtime friends, gaining notoriety with their independent release Killing All That holds You, and signing on with Universal Records in 2005.
The creative force behind the rise of rock band Evanescence, with hits “Bring Me to Life” and “The Fallen”, songwriter Ben Moody has taken his love for the music in a new direction; as head of the new, artist-centered label, FNR Records.
Since his departure from Evanescence in 2003, Moody has collaborated with some of the hottest stars in the music business; the established and the up-and-comers. His song-writing and producing credits include working with Avril Lavigne on her second release Under My Skin, penning “Nobody’s Home”, “This Time” with Celine Dion, “What About Now” from Chris Daughtry, and Moody co-wrote and produced the smash hit, “Because of You” with David Hodges for Kelly Clarkson. The reason for Moody’s new direction, FNR Records, is simple, he states, “after going to such great lengths to protect the integrity of a project during the creative process, it seemed almost sinful to let the major label monster destroy it.”
In order to live up to its credo of protecting the creative artists, FNR Records first client is a young, Montana native, Hana Pestle; an alternative rock/acoustic solo artist. Pestle’s sound carries a unique blend of influences as diverse as Radiohead, Sarah Mclachlan, and the Cranberries. Hana Pestle is now touring the Midwest, performing her songs, “These Two Hands”, “Just a Phase” and her own haunting rendition of “Hallelujah”.
Moody was instantly taken in by Pestle’s voice, “It only took Hana singing one song and I was sold . . . I have never in my life been more in awe of such a breathtaking natural talent.”
3 Doors Down announced today their plans for a full headline summer tour in celebration of the upcoming self-titled Universal Republic Records release, 3 Doors Down, to be made available everywhere on May 20th. 3 Doors Down promises the shows will be one of the summer concert season’s more rocking bills, tearing it up live across the US with two of the most invincible road warrior bands, Boston-based Staind and notorious Oklahoma fivesome Hinder.
In a show of their heartfelt affection for their fans, 3 Doors Down is also taking on the hard-hit economy, creating flexible, fan-friendly ticket prices that will vary in price, starting at $25 at all venues. Charismatic front man Brad Arnold affirms he recalls a thing or two as a huge music fan himself about saving a penny in order to see your favorite rock band. “Being from Mississippi, I remember how great it was to head out to a rock concert as soon as the weather broke,” says Brad. “We’re so grateful to our fans for being there through thick and thin and supporting our new single “It’s Not My Time,” the idea of keeping ticket prices down is just one way we plan to return the favor. Of course, the upside to this is we will be accepting no excuses when it comes to having a great time at one of our shows.”
Drawing on almost a decade of material (and 13 million albums sold worldwide), the acclaimed rockers will be rolling out several songs from the new 3 Doors Down album on their new show. The self-titled follow-up to their platinum-plus 2005 effort Seventeen Days, has been the subject of a frenzied online buzz, with fans speculating over set-lists and repertoire choices culled from previous 3 Doors Down multi-platinum releases. The new effort embodies the fiery passion and restless creativity fans have come to expect from the versatile band, with the scorching kickoff single, “It’s Not My Time,” becoming a dominate staple of 2008 Active Rock and Alternative playlists.
The melodic/tough-around-the-edges Mississippi/Nashville-based band first thundered into the rock scene at the top of the decade, redefining the music landscape with their across-the-board smash “Kryptonite.” The excitement continues to build around the veteran band as fans and critics anticipate the highly touted new album and the stellar 2008 lineup for the summer tour.
About Staind:
In the past decade, Staind has had four No. 1 singles at mainstream rock radio, seen six more singles break the Top 10, and watched their last three albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Album Chart. The group has earned their place as one of the most successful rock bands of the new millennium, with four major-label studio recordings and a highly anticipated new release due later this summer. Staind’s music and core sound remains timely and relevant, as the group’s primary focus has always been songwriting over fashion and the latest trend.
Channeling the spirit of 80s arena rock, Hinder released their Universal Records debut, Extreme Behavior, in September of 2005 going triple platinum and spent 2 ? years on the road in support remaining on Billboard’s Top 200 for more than 70 weeks. Their first single, the anthemic “Get Stoned,” crowned them as rock’s new bad boys taking them to #4 at Mainstream Rock. The band’s second single, the monster hit “Lips Of An Angel” reached #1 at Mainstream Top 40 radio as well as becoming the first rock band to reach 3 million in ring tone sales making them the biggest selling rock artist in the history of the mobile formats. The hit song was also recognized as Active Rock Radio’s most popular rock single of 2006. Following up with “Better Than Me,” Hinder once again had a Mainstream Top 40 radio hit peaking at #21. Hinder are currently in the studio recording their sophomore release, slated for September, once again with producer Brian Howes.
Tokio Hotel have officially announced that Scream, the band?s first full length English language album, will be released on May 6th instead of the anticipated April 29th release date.
Prior to the May 6th release you can catch Tokio Hotel live on May 3rd at Day 1 of The Bamboozle. Headlining the day?s festivities include pop-punk heavy hitters Jimmy Eat World and Paramore along with hip-hop?s favorite Dogg ? Snoop Dogg!
Want to rock out to a live version of Tokio Hotel?s ?Scream?? MTV?s Buzzworthy is offering a free download of ?Scream,? recorded live at the Fillmore East in New York. Get the free download here buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/04/01/tokio-hotel-free-download/
While you?re there make sure to check out Tokio Hotel?s video for ?Ready, Set, Go!?
Oasis is hitting the road at the end of August. Sadly, they band is only going to be playing a few cities. The UK band will play their first live show in over two years at Seattle?s WaMu Theater on the 26th of August before crossing the border over to Canada to play shows in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. Pre-sale tickets have already gone on sale April 1. Oasis will be joined by Ryan Adams and his band The Cardinals for the tour. Oasis is a pretty big band and it?s tragic that they only get to tour a few cities. Oh yeah, I forgot they?re indie artists now and released their latest album for free.
Madonna’s 11th studio album for Warner Bros. Records “HARD CANDY” is scheduled to have a global release on April 28th and a US release on April 29th, it was confirmed by her label. “HARD CANDY” (the follow up to Madonna’s “CONFESSIONS ON A DANCE FLOOR” which debuted at No. 1 in 30 countries and sold over 8 million copies), has been described as a brilliant up-tempo collection of 12 songs in which Madonna remains ensconced in club mode but this time adds an urban hip hop beat in collaboration with musical partners Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes and Nate “Danja” Hills. The debut single, the pulsating “4 Minutes” will be released at the end of March. “The title is a juxtaposition of tough and sweetness?kind of like I’m gonna kick your ass but it’s going to make you feel good. And of course, I love candy” laughed the material girl. Madonna, a multi-Grammy-award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, cultural icon, world renowned stage performer, video visionary, children’s book author, director and documentary film maker has sold 200 million albums in the course of her unprecedented two decade plus career and is slated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10th.
If Britney Spears is able to hang on for dear life yet still continue on her wild path, this could very well pass as the ghost of her future. Pop wreck, I?d like you to meet Rock wreck.
Rock wreck Courtney Love showed up to the appropriately titled Hysteric Glamour party in West Hollywood last Thursday. Check out the bangs that she had her 15-year old daughter Frances Bean do with a butter knife. I?ll tell you what was hysterical at that party. It?s Courtney?s new hair do. How can she let her daughter cut her hair with a butter knife?
Foo Fighter?s founder, primary songwriter, and front man David Grohl has credited his new writing style to becoming a father. His little girl Violet was born in 2006 and Grohl said, he felt like “superman in a way because I had to be.”
He adds he “can’t be scared of writing things that I really feel.” It seems to have done the trick too. Foo Fighter?s current album has five Grammy nominations, including album of the year.
The first single, “The Pretender,” spent a record 17 weeks at number one on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart. The Foo Fighters will play the song at the 50th anniversary Grammy Awards on February 10th.
Kid Rock was supposed to be arraigned in Dekalb County, Georgia on Monday but the case has been postponed until next month. Knowing the justice system, it may not go on at all. Rock?s arraignment is not scheduled to happen on February 4. But according to the Dekalb County Solicitors Office, the case may or may not go forward, pending more evidence.
The rocker was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge back in October after he allegedly got into a fight over a woman at a Waffle House. The man who supposedly went after Rock got charged with one felony count of second degree criminal damage to property.
With her 50th birthday looming, Madonna is planning to re-release all of her single as downloads to celebrate. I am sure this will annoy her ex-label Warner who will want to cash in on the tunes before she leaves them.
But Madge is aiming high ? the plan is to beat the record of rock king Elvis in the UK number 1?s.
You have to salute her ? she is entering the ?wrinkly? stage of her career – marking the milestone with a huge gig in New York. And thanks to her beautician and whatever other secrets she has up her sleeve she will do it looking great too.
Scott Weiland, the singer for the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, was arrested when he crashed his car while driving on an LA highway on November 21. He has recently been charged with driving under the influence of drugs with a prior conviction and with an allegation that he refused a chemical test as required by the law.Los Angeles City Attorney spokesperson Frank Mateljan made a statement regarding Scott?s legal trouble saying that the singer faces ?maximum penalty of one year county jail and a $1000 fine, and a minimum penalty eight days in jail (because of the prior conviction and the refusal to take a drug test). His car could also be impounded for up to 30 days.?
Idol fans, this is your time for sweet revenge. He may not have won the competition, but he won the hearts of album buyers this year. Billboard named Chris Daughtry the most popular album of 2007. They sold about 3.2 million copies.
Just half a million shy of that, in second place, is Akon’s album “Konvicted”, followed by the Hannah Montana soundtrack (2.5 million), Fergie’s “The Dutchess” (2.4 million), and Carrie Underwood’s “Some Hearts” (2.3 million).
Number one song of the year was “Irreplaceable” by Beyonce, with Rihanna coming in just behind with “Umbrella”. Top tour of the year was The Police’s reunion tour, bringing in $212 million at last estimate.
