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STEVEN TYLER Wants Producer RICK RUBIN For Solo Album

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Steven Tyler tells RollingStone.com that he is hopeful producer Rick Rubin will be involved in the making of the AEROSMITH vocalist's upcoming solo album, which is tentatively due next year. "I'm working on it," he said about his solo disc. "I just got back from Russia. Tour was over last week, so I set up my studio, and I had dinner with Rick Rubin last night." He added: "We did do 'Walk This Way' with RUN-D.M.C. That was [Rubin's] idea." Tyler recently told The Pulse Of Radio that his plans to go out on his own should not be a cause of concern for AEROSMITH fans. "I'm just doing a solo record because I think it's kinky, you know, to go write a song with Johnny Depp," he said. "I think it's ridiculous to go, you know, write a bunch of songs that I started five years ago and never finished. It feeds my passion, you know. But, no, the band's not breaking up. Me doing a solo record doesn't mean the band's not working on a record, you know what I mean? But I get that in the press one has to hear that from one lead singer of one AEROSMITH." Tyler issued his first-ever solo song, called "(It) Feels So Good", in May 2011 while serving as a judge on "American Idol". The AEROSMITH frontman recently teamed up with the South Korean pop star Psy on a new record. In an interview with Italian magazine L'Uomo Vogue, Psy said, "When I was in middle school, I literally cried when AEROSMITH were singing 'Crazy' or 'Amazing' or whatever. They were my lifetime role models, and now I am collaborating with Steven Tyler. What the fuck, man? I love my life." AEROSMITH's latest album, "Music From Another Dimension!", came out in November 2012 and debuted at No. 5 on The Billboard 200 album chart, selling 63,000 copies in its first week of release.
02 min read

Personal Items From AXL ROSE’s Relationship With ERIN EVERLY Being Auctioned

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A number of items from the marriage of Erin Everly and GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose — including a marriage certificate issued by Clark County, Nevada, for the marriage of W. Axl Rose and Erin Invicta Everly on April 28, 1990; the couple's 1990 wedding video; a note written to Everly from Rose on a Thanksgiving napkin; a handwritten letter written on lined paper from Rose to Everly addressed "Dearest Erin"; an insurance card for the pair's Jeep Wrangler issued to both Axl and Erin Rose; and even a domestic-abuse report — are being auctioned as part of a two-day sale, December 6-7, at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. GUNS N' ROSES' 1988 hit "Sweet Child O' Mine" was written by Rose for then-girlfriend Erin Everly — daughter of Don Everly, half of EVERLY BROTHERS. She later told People magazine that during her four-year relationship with Rose, she suffered regular beatings that left her bruised, bloodied and sometimes unconscious. "You never knew what would set him off," she said. In March 1994, Erin filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Axl, claiming he subjected her to physical and emotional abuse. Erin was also subpoenaed in a lawsuit filed against Axl by his ex-girlfriend Stephanie Seymour. Erin's and Stephanie's lawsuits were later settled out of court.
01 min read

Video: NIGHTWISH Singer FLOOR JANSEN Performs With KAMELOT In Oslo

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Dutch singer Floor Jansen (NIGHTWISH, REVAMP) joined KAMELOT on stage on November 9 in Oslo, Norway to perform the song "The Haunting". Fan-filmed video footage of her appearance can be seen below. REVAMP is currently touring Europe as the support act for KAMELOT. KAMELOT's latest album, "Silverthorn", sold 5,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 79 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Poetry For The Poisoned", opened with around 6,100 units in September 2010 to enter the chart at No. 74. "Silverthorn" was released on October 30, 2012 in North America, October 26, 2012 in Germany and October 29, 2012 in the rest of Europe via Steamhammer/SPV. The CD marks the band's first release with Tommy Karevik, the Swedish vocalist who previously fronted SEVENTH WONDER (a group that he is still a member of). REVAMP's second album, "Wild Card", was released in Europe on August 23 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at SandLane Studio in Rijen, The Netherlands with Joost van den Broek (ex-AFTER FOREVER) and features guest choir parts by Marcela Bovio (STREAM OF PASSION) and Daniël de Jongh (TEXTURES). The effort features additional guest appearances by Mark Jansen (EPICA), Johan van Stratum (STREAM OF PASSION) and Devin Townsend.
01 min read

DAVE MUSTAINE Signs Publishing Agreement With WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC

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Warner/Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has announced that it has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with renowned MEGADETH singer, songwriter, and guitarist Dave Mustaine. Effective immediately, Warner/Chappell will administer Mustaine's songwriting from MEGADETH's recently released album "Super Collider", as well as future songwriting. Mustaine said, "I am very excited about this new partnership with Warner/Chappell. I am glad to be reuniting with a hero of mine, Jon Platt, and industry legend Greg Sowders. I have never been happier." "As a singer, songwriter and guitarist, Dave Mustaine has virtually defined heavy metal music for the past three decades," said Jon Platt, President, Creative - North America, Warner/Chappell Music. "Since founding MEGADETH, Dave has built a body of work that serves as the benchmark for an entire genre. Today, MEGADETH remains a vital force, and Dave continues to rank among rock's most creative and influential musicians and composers. We are thrilled to welcome him to Warner/Chappell." In 1983, Mustaine founded MEGADETH and, in 1985, they released their first album which established the band as pioneers in the thrash metal movement. The band has since sold 50 million albums worldwide, including five consecutive platinum or multi-platinum albums in the U.S., while garnering 11 Grammy nominations. The band's 14th studio album, "Super Collider", was released this past summer and debuted at No. 6 on The Billboard 200 album chart. It was the first MEGADETH album to be released via Mustaine's own imprint, Tradecraft. Prior to MEGADETH, Mustaine was an early member of METALLICA. Before leaving the band in 1983, he had co-written a half dozen songs that would appear on the band's first two albums. In the video game arena, Mustaine composed the Grammy-nominated MEGADETH track "Sudden Death" for the 2010 release Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock. The game also featured two other Mustaine-composed MEGADETH songs: 1990's "Holy Wars… The Punishment Due" and 2009's "This Day We Fight!" Noted rock author/journalist Joel McIver ranked Mustaine No. 1 in his 2009 book, "The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists", and 2010 saw the publication of Mustaine's New York Times bestselling autobiography, "Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir". Mustaine is also the organizer of the traveling heavy metal music festival known as Gigantour. Throughout MEGADETH's various personnel changes over the years, Mustaine has remained the band's sole constant member.
02 min read

CHROME DIVISION: New Album Details Revealed

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CHROME DIVISION — the Norwegian five-piece featuring DIMMU BORGIR frontman Shagrath(a.k.a. Stian Thoresen) on guitar — will release its fourth album, "Infernal Rock Eternal", on January 17, 2014 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2011's "3rd Round Knockout" was recorded at Dub Studio in Oslo with Endre Kirkesola. Says Shagrath: "The doomsday rock legion are proud to announce that 2014 marks 10-year anniversary for CHROME DIVISION, celebrated with our brand new fourth album, 'Infernal Rock Eternal'. "It's been one year of intense team effort, combined with band parties and studio sessions, resulting in our most varied and best album to date. "I am very proud of this album, and we can't wait to share it with you." Added CHROME DIVISION vocalist Shady Blue (a.k.a. Athera): "And we're back, finally! "After nailing down the new, permanent lineup some two years ago, we have worked intensely with the new songs and sound of CHROME DIVISION continuously. 'The last year [was spent] in and out of studio tracking song after song of the new stuff. "I have to say the band is complete now, and the new overall feel of the music that comes out of this gang of rockers these days is just awesome! "I am stoked to be a part of this new album and extremely satisfied with the diversity in songs and the power of each and every track! "Working with Endre Kirkesola in Dub Studio has been a great experience, and just what the band needed. "Damage Karlsen and Ogee's contributions to the new stuff is just beyond! "We are super excited to hear what you guys think of the new album. And we're looking forward to finally getting out on the road more and play the shit live for you as well." "Infernal Rock Eternal" track listing: 01. Good Morning Riot 02. Endless Nights 03. (She's) Hot Tonight 04. The Absinthe Voyage 05. Lady Of Perpetual Sorrow 06. The Moonshine Years 07. No Bet For Free 08. On The Run Again 09. Mistress In Madness 10. Reaper On The Hunt 11. You’re Dead Now 12. Ol 13. Dirty Dog (bonus track) CHROME DIVISION last year parted ways with bassist Björn "Burn" Luna and guitarist Ricky Black. Luna, who was a member of CHROME DIVISION since its inception in 2004, "will work with us from behind the curtains of doom, and contribute on the lyrical side of things in the future," according to the band. CHROME DIVISION current lineup: Shagrath - Guitar Ogee - Bass Shady Blue (a.k.a. Athera) - Vocals Damage Karlsen - Guitar Tony White - Drums CHROME DIVISION's third album, "3rd Round Knockout", was released in Europe on May 6, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Marius Strand Studio in Oslo. CHROME DIVISION in August 2009 parted ways with longtime vocalist Eddie Guz "due to lack of dedication and commitment to the band." His replacement, Athera, originally filled in for Guzat the Winterfire Festival at Hessenhallen in Giessen, Germany on February 21, 2009 afterEddie Guz was unable to make the gig.
03 min read

SAXON: ‘Unplugged And Strung Up’ EPK Available

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An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for SAXON's "Unplugged And Strung Up" album can be seen below. "Unplugged And Strung Up", SAXON's selection of unique, fresh and adventurous interpretations of material previously heard only with raw heavy metal thunder, will be released on November 18. The effort reveals layers and pieces previously dormant in many of the 14 classic SAXON songs chosen for this makeover, thanks to some ear-catching new arrangements and mixes. Recorded, mixed and mastered with Andy Sneap in Derbyshire, U.K. earlier this year, "Unplugged And Strung Up" contains re-evaluated, re-worked and re-energized versions of "The Eagle Has Landed" and "Crusader" by introducing orchestral dynamics to offer added dimension. "Frozen Rainbow", from the band's 1979 debut, gets a stunning acoustic reprisal which transports it into a power ballad to be proud of, while "Red Star Falling" soars and sweeps the emotions with its orchestrally arranged dovetail. As if this reinvention wasn't enough, SAXON superfans and collectors can purchase a digipak version of the release which will include 2002's storming set of full-volume, pedal-to-the-metal re-recorded hits "Heavy Metal Thunder". Featuring staple SAXON stormers such as"Motorcycle Man", "Strong Arm Of The Law" and "Dallas 1pm", it is a quintessential part of any collection. The standard single CD of "Unplugged And Strung Up" will come in a jewel case, and a double-vinyl gatefold sleeve version of the release will also be available. The digipack will be a two-disc version of the release featuring the bonus disc "Heavy Metal Thunder", and there will be a digital release of the same. "Unplugged and Strung Up" track listing: 01. Stallions Of The Highway (remix) 02. Crusader (orchestral version) 03. Battle Cry 04. The Eagle Has Landed (orchestral version) 05. Red Star Falling (orchestral version) 06. Broken Heroes (orchestral version) 07. Call To Arms (orchestral version) 08. Militia Guard 09. Forever Free (re-recorded version) 10. Just Let Me Rock (re-recorded version) 11. Frozen Rainbow (acoustic version) 12. Iron Wheels (live acoustic version) 13. Requiem (acoustic version) 14. Coming Home (acoustic version) "Heavy Metal Thunder" track listing: 01. Heavy Metal Thunder 02. Strong Arm Of The Law 03. Power & The Glory 04. And The Bands Played On 05. Crusader 06. Dallas 1pm 07. Princess Of The Night 08. Wheels Of Steel 09. 747 (Strangers In The Night) 10. Motorcycle Man 11. Never Surrender 12. Denim & Leather 13. Backs To The Wall
02 min read

KATAKLYSM Guitarist: ‘I Feel Like The New Album Is Our Best Work Of Art’

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The Rock Pit recently conducted an interview with guitarist Jean-François Dagenais of Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based death metallers KATAKLYSM. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below. The Rock Pit: The new album, "Waiting For The End To Come", sounds fantastic, lots of groove and heaviness and melody. Can you tell us a bit about how the album came together? Jean-François Dagenais: We wrote this album seperately. Basically we all live in different cities now. I'm based in Dallas, Texas and Maurizio [Iacono, vocals] is in Chicago and the other guys are in Canada, and for us the writing process was... It's easier now with technology and the Internet and stuff. So I started writing riffs on my computer and then I would send that to Stephane [Barbe, bass] over in Canada. He would add to it and write more and send it back to me and I would take that and send it to the other guys, to the drummer [Oli Beaudoin] and Maurizio. We wrote all the album pretty much like that, or at least 80% of it, and the last 20% we got together in Canada in the same room and pieced the last part of the puzzle together. It worked pretty spontaneously. We went into the studio and worked for another month and a half and a couple of weeks to mix and before we knew it we had the album finished and ready to go. I'm pretty happy with the results, I feel the stars were aligned on this one. We were looking back at things and I like the way it sounds and I like the way the songs are structured and pieced together and the performance of everything. I gotta say everyone gave their 200% so I'm very happy about that. The drums are flawless, the bass and guitar tracks I'm happy with and Maurizio's vocals are outstanding. I'm really happy with it. The Rock Pit: Looking back on your back catalogue, there's a bit of progression from your earlier albums going to the later albums. Is it a conscious decision to go forward and try different things for each album or has it happened naturally over the years? Jean-François Dagenais: I think it's the journey of an artist that you try to do your best with what you have and the way that you paint at a certain point in time. As a musician, I like to think that we have gotten better over the years and you improve your skills on your instrument and also improve your skills as a musician, like the way you see songs and structures. Basically, we try to do our best on every record. For me, I got to do every album like it's one of my kids. You try your best and you want to do your best with it and it comes out the way it comes out for different reasons. I think you can see the musical journey and progression from a young artist in the early '90s trying to learn or master his art and then you get better at it and you go from there. I feel like the new album is our best work of art musically and also songwriting-wise and also on our instruments. I think it's the best performance everyone gave in the studio,so I'm very proud of this album. The Rock Pit: The lyrics on this album have a bit of a statement on how the world is right now. As a guitar player, what inspired you for this album?
05 min read

VINCE NEIL: MÖTLEY CRÜE’s Decision To Embark On Farewell Tour Has Nothing To Do With MICK MARS’ Health

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Sally Steele, publisher of Vegas Rocks! Magazine, conducted an interview with MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil at the November 5 VIP party for Vince Neil's Tatuado Eat-Drink-Party!, described as "the ultimate definition of Neil's Tatuado brand and outrageous lifestyle," in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can now watch the chat below. Asked about MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee's recent statement that CRÜE guitaristMick Mars' ongoing battle with Ankylosing spondylitis, a painful form of chronic arthritis that causes vertebrae in the spine to fuse together, was one of the primary reasons for CRÜE's revelation that they will call it quits after 2015, Vince said: "I don't know why Tommy would say that. It really had nothing to do with Mick's health. It was just because we all felt — at least me and Nikki [Sixx, bass] and Mick — felt that it was just we didn't wanna go out on the bottom. We didn't wanna be one of those bands that start fading away. We've been on top for 32 years, and it's great. And it's just like, you know what? By the time we finish this tour, it'll be in 35 years of MÖTLEY CRÜE. So… that's really kind of it." He added: "After this farewell tour, who's to say we won't play again? I could probably see us play way down the road — a concert here or concert there, maybe — but we're not, like, doing the KISS farewell thing, where they have their fifth farewell tour." On the topic of what he plans on doing after MÖTLEY CRÜE is done, Vince said: "I have my own stuff. I have my solo band, and we have a lot of touring coming up. And actually, it looks like me and Sammy Hagar are gonna go out together for a long tour next year. I'll be carrying the torch for MÖTLEY CRÜE when MÖTLEY CRÜE is done." Lee told Canadian progressive-house music producer and performer Deadmau5 in a recent video: "Our guitar player, Mick, he has a spinal disease that's slowly fusing his vertebrae together. It's one of those things that's treatable, but not curable. So it's just progressively getting really worse and it's painful for him, so he doesn't wanna tour much longer. I can't say I blame him… The last thing we ever wanna do is go out running on two cylinders with some hired guy playing guitar; that's just wack. So we wanna go out with one big hurrah with the original guys and be done with it." He added: "That's such a bad look when bands are still playing the fucking fairgrounds — those county-fair shows — and it's just like two of the original guys, or one original guy, and the rest, no one knows who they are. We don't wanna do that." However, in a posting last month on his Twitter account, Mars painted a different picture, claiming that his medical condition had never affected his playing. "Once again, any rumors regarding a farewell tour due to 'my poor health is BS," he wrote. "I am doing fine, my AS has never kept me from touring." He added: "Thank all of you for knowing the truth… When I'm done touring, you'll hear it from me." Lee responded to Mars' Twitter posting, writing: "@mrmickmars it's probably not so much about your physical health it's more about our mental health as a band! Haha!" MÖTLEY CRÜE recently returned to Las Vegas for an exclusive twelve-show engagement September 18 through October 6 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
03 min read

BLACK SABBATH: ‘Paranoid’ Performance Clip From ‘Live…Gathered in Their Masses’ DVD

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BLACK SABBATH's triumphant 2013 tour — which kicked off earlier this year in Australia — can now be seen by fans around the world via the forthcoming "Black Sabbath: Live…Gathered in Their Masses" (Vertigo/Republic). Due out November 26, "Black Sabbath: Live…Gathered in Their Masses" will be available via a variety of formats. Options include: * DVD standalone * Blu-ray standalone * Blu-ray/CD combo pack with a CD featuring live audio from the show, all packaged in a Blu-ray case * DVD/CD combo pack with a CD featuring live audio from the show, all packaged in an Amaray box * Deluxe box with a Blu-ray disc of live show with exclusive bonus visual extras/two DVD discs/a CD featuring live audio from the show/poster/signed set list/photo booklet/guitar picks/official show "ticket" "Black Sabbath: Live…Gathered in Their Masses" was recorded April 29 and May 1, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia when the band — Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar) and Geezer Butler (bass) — kicked off their world tour in support of their "13" album, which entered the charts at No. 1 in 13 countries (including their first #1 in the U.S.). Meanwhile, BLACK SABBATH will head to South America and Mexico in October for a headlining stadium tour (where they're expected to play to more than 300,000 fans) and then on to Europe in November and December. "Black Sabbath: Live…Gathered in Their Masses" track listings: Blu-ray and DVD track listing is as follows: 01. War Pigs 02. Into The Void 03. Loner 04. Snowblind 05. Black Sabbath 06. Behind The Wall Of Sleep 07. N.I.B. 08. Methademic 09. Fairies Wear Boots 10. Symptom Of The Universe 11. Iron Man 12. End Of The Beginning 13. Children Of The Grave 14. God Is Dead? 15. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Intro) / Paranoid CD track listing is as follows: 01. War Pigs 02. Loner 03. Black Sabbath 04. Methademic 05. N.I.B. 06. Iron Man 07. End Of The Beginning 08. Fairies Wear Boots 09. God Is Dead? 10. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Intro) / Paranoid A new new promotional clip for "Black Sabbath: Live…Gathered in Their Masses" featuring performance footage of the song "Paranoid" can be seen below.
02 min read

BOBBY JARZOMBEK: Why I Turned Down DREAM THEATER Drummer Audition

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U.K. web site Give The Drummer Some! has posted a brand new audio interview with acclaimed drummer Bobby Jarzombek (FATES WARNING, SEBASTIAN BACH, HALFORD). Among other topics, Jarzombek talks about his early influences, being a self-taught drummer, working with JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford and ex-SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach, and, for the first time ever, about his turning down the DREAM THEATER drummer audition in 2010. Speaking about his decision to pass on an opportunity to try out for the slot left vacant by the departure of Mike Portnoy, Jarzombek said (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I remember this… It was October 2010. I was on the road with HALFORD, and I remember thinking… I knew [DREAM THEATER] were gonna do that. They were gonna make calls to people. And I told some friends of mine, I said, 'I hope they don't call me for this.' And the reason I said that is because I didn't know what my reaction would be, for one. And I thought it was kind of crazy that Portnoy was out of the band. "I got the call for it. And I initially… Their management called me. And I initially said, 'I'd have to think about it.' And I remember, Frankie Solomon, their manager, said, 'What do you mean you have to think about it?' And I was, like, 'I don't know.' It's a big, sort of, commitment, it's a huge commitment as a person and as a musician, whatever… I mean, all the way… It's just a commitment all the way around. So I thought about it and I said, 'Well, I have to think about it.' And he told me, he said, 'We called seven or eight guys, and you're the only guy so far ahs said that he has to think about it.' "I was on the road with HALFORD, as I mentioned, and I said, 'Well, when are you doing auditions?' And then there was, like, a ten-day window when I was coming home from when we were doing U.S. to Japan, or South America, or whatever. And I said, 'I'm not even home when you're gonna do these auditions.' And he said, 'We would get back together again and reschedule and make a special session if you wanted to do it another time.' And I said, 'Well, I have ten days. Send me the songs.' So then they send me three songs, and it's, like, 28 or 29 minutes' worth of music. And I'm thinking, 'God, that's a lot of music to learn for an audition.' And I totally understand it. Because they need to know. And they need to give the guys as much stuff as possible. "So I checked it out and I was, like, 'I don't even have time to learn this. I'm gonna have ten days when I get home,' and then I would have to have everybody wait for two months for me to get back. And then I thought, 'What's even going on here? Is Mike [Portnoy] out completely?' And I thought to myself, 'Surely he's gonna be back in the band at some point.'
06 min read