December 23rd

December 22nd

MTV has laid off close to 100 employees (home for the holidays anyone?...), with the cuts affecting multiple divisions and staffers at all levels of the Viacom Inc.-owned company. The staff is believed to have been notified of the cuts Thursday, with sources adding that the areas affected by layoffs include departments at the MTV Music Group channels, including MTV and VH1. The layoffs are believed to be in part of the Networks desire to grow its business in the digital space and on multiple platforms. Along those lines, MTV and mobile entertainment company Amp'd Mobile announced a deal that will see the two companies co-develop exclusive original content for Amp'd Mobile subscribers. In a separate announcement, also this week, MTV Networks and Microsoft Corp. said they will be starting a service called Urge next year that will include free and premium radio stations, subscription and paid download music, streaming video and other features. Other recent initiatives include the broadband offerings MTV Overdrive and Comedy Central's MotherLoad.

December 21th

Thanks Guys! We got some really good comments regarding the Marcus Daniel conviction; here's is what:

Patrick Lewis wrote:

You know Gina the "Music made me do it" defense happened in Arizona a few years back when a young man committed suicide, and his parents said it was because he was listening to Judas Priest's "Beyond the Realms of Death". Utter Bull shit! I have been listening to this music for 30 or more years, and I am a Father of Four, and have a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Never thought about suicide or killing anyone. Go figure.

December 20th

Former The Cult guitarist Billy Duffy will race in the Cabo 500 event on April 29, 2006. Duffy will be racing with the Black Ghost Racing Team, in the Number 8, Trophy Truck. The race, a Mexican National offroad racing championship, will run from the state capital of La Paz, Mexico to the mega-resort capital of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California South, Mexico. The finish line is on the famous party beach of Cabo, the "El Medano Playa". The Cabo 500 is a 300-mile offroad race that runs North along the beaches and cliffs of the Sea Of Cortez, South to the beaches and cliffs along the mighty Pacific Ocean to the sunny beaches of Cabo. The Number 8 trophy truck of the Black Ghost Racing Team is famous for film and music stars racing in offroad events.

December 17th, 2005

There will be no news update on December 18th due to the prep work for the Wild Axes Holiday Party, as well as on the 19th due to an anticipated hangover. We will send out an email when the video file of the party is available.
Thanks Guys!

Tim Jordan, the former touring keyboard player for the All-American Rejects, committed suicide on Wednesday in Little Rock, Arkansas, according to the band's label, Interscope Records. Jordan played keyboards in Wisconsin emo-act Number One Fan and had joined the Rejects this past summer on their tour in support of their album Move Along. He was 24. ... The AAR website posts the following comment: "All of us in the All-American Rejects camp were shocked to hear of the passing of our friend Tim Jordan. As many of you know Tim played keyboards with us throughout this past summer, and we can't express how much he will be missed. Our condolences to go out to his family and friends".

December 16th, 2005

Traditionally the Scottish dance whiz kid Mylo would not make it into our rock oriented news, but he has made a shocking new video featuring President Bush snorting cocaine and watching porn. The Bush look-alike ever mingles with prostitutes wearing Tony Blair masks in the promo for new single ‘Muscle Car’. Mylo, whose real name Myles McInnes, isn’t too shy about his feelings for the American head man. “I was living in Los Angeles when Bush stole the election in 2001. I felt that I’d already had a satirical pop at American fundamentalism with my track ‘Destroy Rock & Roll’, but not everybody interpreted it that way. This is pretty subtle .”

December 15th, 2005

Live365, the largest community of Internet radio stations, has teamed up with rocker Dave Navarro (ex-JANE'S ADDICTION, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) to launch "Spread Radio", using Live365's turn-key Internet radio services. Navarro will be hosting a live broadcast every Tuesday and Thursday nights between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (PST) and spontaneously at other times all from his home studio. Spread Radio Live will be available starting in December at www.live365. com as well as Dave's own web site www.spreadradiolive.com. "I am inspired by the concept of artist driven, interactive radio, where listeners and artists take control of the airwaves," says Dave Navarro. "Spread Radio Live listeners are given the opportunity to connect to the station via IM. This kind of connectivity allows me to respond to them in the live format. Thanks to Live365 for the chance to help our community accomplish this."

December 14th, 2005

Legendary rocker and now radio DJ Bob Dylan is scheduled to launch a new weekly music show on XM Satellite Radio next March. The station said on Tuesday the show would feature music hand-picked by Dylan as well as "regular commentary on music and other topics, the hosting and interviewing of special guests and the answering of emails from XM subscribers," XM said. Songs and music have always inspired me. A lot of my own songs have been played on the radio, but this is the first time I've ever been on the other side of the mic," Dylan said in a statement. XM says it has more than 5 million subscribers.

December 13th, 2005

DREAM THEATER are rumored to be planning a very special 20th anniversary show at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City sometime in early 2006. The concert, the exact date for which will be announced soon, will reportedly be filmed for an upcoming DVD. DREAM THEATER are continuing to tour in support of their latest album, "Octavarium", which came out in early June.

December 12th, 2005

Comedian Richard Pryor passed away on Saturday (December 10). He was 65. Although Richard Pryor was not a musician, his animated and powerful touch with taboo subject matter created a body of influence that extended far beyond comedy. "He did not suffer, he went quickly and at the end there was a smile on his face," said his wife, Jennifer. Prior fought a long and well-documented battle with drugs and alcohol, one that left him with severe burns following a freebasing accident. He emerged even more acute, more focused and more driven onstage. In his older years, Prior was diagnoses and suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. While his material was viewed as jarring, Pryor was eventually recognized as an important force in comedy. He eventually was honored with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' first-ever Mark Twain Prize for humor in 1998.

December 11th, 2005

With finalized list the Grammy Nominations out for a few days, here's a summary of the most important categories as related to us: The Killers have been nominated for three 2005 Grammy Awards; Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group - "All These Things That I've Done"; Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group w/ vocal - "Mr. Brightside"; Best Remixed Recording (Jacques Lu Cont) - "Mr. Brightside (Jacques Lu Cont's Thin White Duke Remix)". This is the second year in a row the band has been recognized by the industry and these are the two of the biggest categories of the awards ceremony. The Killers are nominated against their heroes and heavy hitters U2.
Rock Album:
"The Delivery Man," Elvis Costello & the Imposters; "American Idiot," Green Day;
"The Reason," Hoobastank;
"Hot Fuss," the Killers; "Contraband," Velvet Revolver.
Record of the Year:
"Let's Get It Started," The Black Eyed Peas;
"Here We Go Again," Ray Charles and Norah Jones;
"American Idiot," Green Day; "Heaven," Los Lonely Boys;
"Yeah!" Usher
Album of the Year:
"Genius Loves Company," Ray Charles and Various Artists; "American Idiot," Green Day;
"The Diary of Alicia Keys," Alicia Keys;
"Confessions," Usher;
"The College Dropout," Kanye West.
Song of the Year: "Daughters," John Mayer;
"If I Ain't Got You," Alicia Keys; "Jesus Walks," C. Smith and Kanye West;
"Live Like You Were Dying," Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman;
"The Reason," Daniel Estrin and Douglas Robb (Hoobastank).
Nominees are based on recordings released during the eligibility Year October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005. The awards ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on February 8, 2006.

December 10th, 2005

Bon Jovi's December 17 concert in Washington, D.C. will be streamed in its entirety through Sprint's wireless video delivery service. Subscribers to the Sprint MobiTV system will be able to watch for free, while those with Sprint PCS Vision will have the ability to purchase the concert. Sprint is sponsoring the New Jersey band's current tour, and band manager Paul Korzilius says, "The relationship with Sprint not only puts our music in the palm of fans' hands through full-track music downloads and ringers, but now gives them an exclusive opportunity to experience a live Bon Jovi concert. And because this is a sold-out tour, that's the next best thing to having a physical ticket."

JUST IN .... NEWS FLASH ...

What a great honor .... The USO have invited P.O.D. to visit wounded troops today, 12/9. Sonny, Wuv, Traa, and Truby will be picked up in D.C. when their bus arrives and transported to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical
Center. P.O.D. are most grateful for the invitation and hope that this visit can bring love and peace to the brave men and women in uniform.

December 9th, 2005

Singer Amy Lee of EVANESCENCE has sued her former manager, Dennis Rider of Rider Management. According to the complaint, which was filed Dec. 7 in Los Angeles Superior Court, Lee retained Rider to serve as her personal manager: "Rider owed Lee the highest fiduciary duty to promote Lee's career, to look out for her best interests and to take care of her business. Instead, Rider has neglected Lee's career and business, and has focused his efforts on having extramarital affairs, hiding them from his wife, becoming intoxicated during business meetings, physically abusing women and boasting about it, making repeated unwelcome sexual advances toward Lee, receiving fees in excess of what was provided for in his management agreement, and using Lee's corporate credit card to purchase lavish gifts for his mistress — without Lee's knowledge or consent — including an $18,000 automobile and a week-long vacation in Florida." Lee claims in her complaint that "Rider has made repeated overt, unwelcome sexual advances to Lee (his client). On one occasion he put his head in Lee's lap and ran his hand up her leg, when she sat next to him on a couch to listen to a demo of songs for her next album. On a different occasion, Rider put his hand on Lee's leg while he sat next to her on an airplane — where she was captive to his advances. On a third occasion, Rider told Lee that he wanted to perform a gynecological examination on her." Lee is seeking "general and special damages in an amount according to proof at trial" as well as "punitive or exemplary damages." She is also asking to be reimbursed "for all unauthorized and excessive expenditures" and attorneys' fees.

Download the full 21-page complaint at http://cdn.digitalcity.com/
ch_tmz/051207amylee2.pdf

December 8th, 2005

Marilyn Manson und long term girlfriend Dita von Teese joint in holy matrimony over the weekend. The secret wedding took place at Castle Gurteen, Ireland with about 60 guests. Dita wore a violet Vivienne Westwood design, while Manson showed himself in black silk. The wedding reception was held in "Castle" ambience with open fire grilling, bow and arrow shooting and traditional medieval bird show .... and should you be stuck for a Christmas present for that special someone, you can always head over to http://www.
marilynmansonartworkonline.com
/mm.cgi/ mask.html
for the official MARILYN MANSON MASK directly crafted after the Rockers face or simply to check out some cool Watercolor Fine Art, Lithographs and Posters.

December 23rd

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A ROCKIN' NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT WILD AXES.
we'll see you on the 27th

December 22nd

It's been nearly 3 years, but the wheels of Stone Sour are finally starting to turns again. Be band will be Stone Sour will be entering the studio of Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters/Probot/Nirvana) on January 26, to begin working on their new album which is expecting to be released in June via Roadrunner Records. Dave Fortman (Mudvayne, Evanescence) has signed on to produce. The band will have their work cut out for them, as they will have to choose the best of 30+ songs/demos. A tour is tentative set for April/May'06.

December 21th

Thanks Guys! We got some really good comments regarding the Marcus Daniel conviction; here's is what:

Dave V. wrote:

Hi Gina,
 
Hmm...If that's the case, maybe I should write a song that tells people to send me all their money and worldly possesions.  Somehow I don't think Mr. Daniel would have followed through on that one.  
Happy Holidaze
 
December 20th

Former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Izzy Stradlin, legendary vocalist Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) and ex-IRON MAIDEN frontman Paul Di'Anno are among the confirmed acts for "Rock the Boat", a two-day floating rock festival traveling between Oslo, Norway and Denmark. Acts have been confirmed as follows:

Friday, April 28, 2006:

ENTOMBED
PAUL DI'ANNO
THUNDERBOLT
HIGHLAND GLORY
CIRCUS MAXIMUS

Saturday, April 29, 2006:

GLENN HUGHES
IZZY STRADLIN
FREAK KITCHEN
CRASHDIET
FAN HELLER (VAN HALEN tribute)
DUST 'N' BONES (GNR tribute)

For tickets, boat departure time and further information, visit www.rocktheboat.no.

December 17th, 2005

Long-running Danish "black horror metal" band DENIAL OF GOD have completed their lineup with the addition of a new bassist and drummer. The group's current formation is as follows:
Ustumallagam - Vocals
Azter - Guitar
The Unknown - Bass
Galheim - Drums
DENIAL OF GOD will record their new "The Horrors of Satan" album during the coming months. The album will appear on both CD and double vinyl LP on Belgium's Painkiller Records. Several split releases are being planned too along with some "blood-dripping" shows again.

December 16th, 2005

...and sticking with Pop for a moment longer ... SEAL is in negotiations to make his big screen debut as a JAMES BOND baddie. The singer is reportedly in talks to play a villain in new 007 film CASINO ROYALE. Seal will play a South African money launderer named SOLARI, according to Moviehole.net. A film source reveals, "Seal has auditioned several times for this film and everyone was delighted."

December 15th, 2005

The members of Velvet Revolver are currently working on their next album which could turn into a concept album, exactly what this concept may be is unknown. Front-man Scott Weiland told MTV.com, "It's something I've been wanting to do since the last [Stone Temple Pilots] album, since the Shangri-La Dee Da album, and it never was completely realized. You never know until you really completely get there, but it's going in that direction right now." Weiland has also told Billboard.com that he has wrote twenty-five songs that could be put on a second solo album. In 1998 Weiland released his first solo disc titled '12 Bar Blues'.

December 14th, 2005

Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and bassist Andy Rourke will perform together at an English charity show January 28, 2006 for the first time since the legendary act split up in 1987. The lineup which will also feature New Order, Doves, Badly Drawn Boy, Primal Scream's Mani, and Stephen Fretwell. Rumors have circulated that former Smiths front man Morrissey will be involved in the show. "Andy told me about this project and I literally stood up and applauded," Marr said in an audio interview posted on the event's official Web site (http://www.manchestervcancer.
co.uk). "I said I'd get involved if he needed any help. Absolutely glad to do it. It's a privilege to do it." Tickets for Manchester v. Cancer go on sale Saturday via Ticket master. "It will bring together people and bands that have made Manchester famous," Rourke said. "The idea is that this will be the start of an annual event to raise money for charity whether it is helping cancer or arthritis."

December 13th, 2005

Veteran hard rock band RIOT have added two U.S. dates to their current itinerary:

Jan. 27 - Las Vegas, NV
Jan. 28 - Salt Lake City, UT

RIOT were recently joined by singer Mike Tirelli (MESSIAH'S KISS, HOLY MOTHER, BURNING STARR) after regular vocalist Mike Dimeo was forced to bow out of the dates due to his commitments with THE LIZARDS (also featuring drummer Bobby Rondinelli of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT/BLACK SABBATH/ RAINBOW). The band are currently putting the finishing touches on their upcoming album due in early 2006.

December 12th, 2005

The Music Publishers Association (MPA) which represents sheet music companies in America says it will launch a crackdown in 2006 with MPA President Lauren Kaiser saying she wanted site owners jailed who provide sheet music without copyrights. Keiser told the BBC that the majority of song scores on the internet were "completely illegal” and added that the MPA wanted to go further that shutting sites down and imposing fines, adding authorities can “throw in some jail time, I think we'll be a little more effective". The MPA plans to target big sites that appear to be legitimate to users. David Israelite, president of the National Music Publishers Association added on the subject: "Unauthorized use of lyrics and tablature deprives the songwriter of the ability to make a living, and is no different than stealing. Music publishers and songwriters will consider all tools under the law to stop this illegal behavior."

December 11th, 2005

Singer/songwriter Aimee Mann has rescheduled several Florida shows canceled in the wake of Hurricane Wilma, as well as announced several additional concert dates. Mann will tackle her Florida make-up shows at the end of her current tour schedule, which kicks off with a New Year's Eve appearance in Milwaukee with her husband, singer Michael Penn. The re-scheduled dates are Feb. 16 in Orlando, Feb. 17 in West Palm Beach and Feb. 18 in Tampa. Mann also has a number of late January/ early February dates scheduled, mainly in the U.S. Midwest and South, with two Canadian shows also on the list. Mann, who is supporting her 2005 release "The Forgotten Arm," is also scheduled to make an appearance on the Feb. 9 episode of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on NBC. Backing Mann in the studio were guitarists Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow) and Julian Coryell, keyboarder Jebin Bruni, bassist Paul Bryan, and drummers Victor Indrizzo and Jay Bellarose.

December 10th, 2005

In addition to the standard version of Korn's latest album, 'See You On The Other Side', the band also released a two-disc deluxe addition. The added disc includes live videos, unreleased tracks, remixes and additional artwork. Vocalist Jonathan Davis said, "That's the one everyone needs to buy." While bassist Fieldy said, "Its so good, you're not going to want to burn the CD. We're gonna get a Grammy for it." The band is working on a world tour set to begin in February '06.

December 9th, 2005

Kid Rock is preparing a live album for release in February 06, and expects to follow up with a studio recording later in the year, sources told Billboard. The release of the live disc would coincide with a pair of sold-out Super Bowl weekend shows scheduled for February 3 and February 4 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Kid Rock and his Twisted Brown Trucker band has confirmed the following warm up shows:

1/20/2006 Uncasville, CT
1/21/2006 Verona, NY
1/26/2006 Grand Rapids, MI
1/28/2006 Saginaw, MI
1/29/2006 Dayton, OH
2/3/2006 Detroit, MI
2/4/2006 Detroit, MI
4/8/2006 Ladson, SC

... and if your stuck for something to do for NYE, join Kid Rock at the Jet Mirage Nightclub in Las Vegas as he DJ's a set and helps ring in the New Year.

December 8th, 2005

The director of THE STROKES' controversial video for new single JUICEBOX decided to take his name off the promo after MTV forced him to make cuts. MICHAEL PALMIERI is amazed by how much emphasis was placed on comments made by JULIAN CASABLANCAS shortly before shooting began, when The Strokes singer joked of a "groundbreaking" video that would challenge TV censors. Palmieri writes on his website: "What MTV eventually forced me to take out caused the video's narrative to fall apart. It got so bad in fact that I took my name off the video. "The censorship on this video has so many levels it's staggering. It began before we even started filming it, fueled by a statement made by Julian in all good humor about the possibility of 'full frontal nudity' being in their next video and that 'MTV will never air it'. "That comment created a buzz storm on the internet and started the narrowing-down process of what the video was going to be allowed to be in everyone's heads." The uncut version of the Juicebox video can be seen on Michael Palmieri.com.

December 7th, 2005

POISON Guitarist CC. DeVille sends the following message to all his fans:
"From C.C. and all of us here at Planet DeVille, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for a terrific year and to wish you a very Happy Holiday Season. There have been some rough spots in this year for Cecil, but thanks to your support and faith we all got through. Cecil wanted us to be sure and let you know how very much your support and prayers have meant to him through the difficult times. So from all of us to all if you please have a safe and happy holiday!"
In other news, DeVille stars in "South Of Nowhere" (Nickelodeon). He plays a Rock Star who goes home to see his daughter after 20 years. The episode included a song titled 'Hang On' which was written and performed by Deville. .... and as previously reported, DeVille is confirmed to appear on the 6th season of VH1's " Surreal Life". Kicking off in January, his housemates will include Tawny Kitaen (WHITESNAKE mainman DAVID COVERDALE's ex-wife), Sherman Helmsley (aka George Jefferson of The Jeffersons, Playboy TV's Andrea Lowell and actress Alexis Arquette.

December 7th, 2005

RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) issued another 754 subpoenas as part of its "sue 'em all" marketing drive. This makes close to 17,000 Americans who are being hounded by Sony BMG (Japan, Germany) Vivendi Universal (France), EMI (Britain) and Warner Music (US) for downloading music from the p2p file sharing networks. An estimated 51 Mio Americans get their musical fix from downloads; yet the Big Four claim their "sue 'em all" campaign, under which not one of 17,000 victims, who include senior citizens and schoolgirls, has yet been found guilty of anything, is boosting sales and "deterring" people from sharing files with each other. In this effort, RIAA has filed litigations in California, Georgia, Missouri, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
If you have an opinion regarding this matter, any comment to share, please e-mail me at Gina@wildaxes.com; I'd like to get a feel of what people think of this.

December 23rd

December 22nd

Gwen Stefani is pregnant. Stefani, 36, and her husband, rocker Gavin Rossdale, 38, expect their first child in June. '''We are delighted!'' Rossdale's father, Douglas, said in an interview from his home in London. Stefani's mom, Patti, is likewise very excited. Stefani said In a Us Magazine interview: ''I think Gavin 's going to be the most incredible dad.'' While this will be Stefani's first child, a 2004 DNA test revealed that Rossdale had fathered a child with his longtime girlfriend, Pearl Lowe.

December 21th

Thanks Guys! We got some really good comments regarding the Marcus Daniel conviction; here's is what:

Mike Witt wrote:

Hi Gina,

I think this case is no different than those against Ozzy and Judas
Priest.  Once again, rock music is blamed for violent behavior. This type of defense is totally ridiculous. This is nothing more than a defense attorney struggling to find a reason, to get his/her client acquitted of murder. When all else fails, plead insanity; or blame it on rock/heavy metal music, video games, or movies.  As mentioned in the article, there
were apparently other social reasons for his behavior, i.e. drug and alcohol abuse, lack of parental discipline/direction, etc. I have listened to and loved this type of music for over 30 years. I have never been tempted to commit any violent behavior because I was
"influenced" by a song or artist. Music is self expression, protected by the First Amendment. I don't believe musicians need to only write about flowers and butterflies. Some individuals take music and song lyrics, and their influence, way too seriously.

I'd also like to say, I am so glad you introduced me to your website. I really enjoy your interviews,
news articles, etc. Keep up the great work! I hope you and your staff have a great Holiday Season. Best of luck to you in 2006!  Take care, Gina.

December 20th

Marcus Daniel, a 28- year-old mechanic, was convicted of murdering his teenaged cousin after the claimed he was high on drugs and possessed by a demon planted in him by hardcore rock music. The issue of the influence of rock music had previously found its way into European courts; you may recall Ozzy and Judas Priest standing trial for their "devilish lyrics" seducing defendants to sadistic crimes.
Marcus Daniel developed a taste for a particular genre known as black metal, and although the jury did not find this a plausible excuse, the music was found to have dominated his life. He painted his room black and plastered it with pictures of demons, tombstones, skeletons and dark metal bands including MARILYN MANSON. He said the music would make him lose control to the point where he would go on violent rampages. He tattooed himself with various symbols he believed to represent the Antichrist. It was all these factors, he said, that skewed his judgment so much that he stabbed his cousin, 16-year-old Suzette Gibson, to death. This was the cousin whom he was closest to. In a 1997 testimony before a Senate Subcommittee in Columbia, Dr Frank Palumbo — representing the American Academy of Pediatrics — spoke about the social impact of music violence. "Make no mistake about it, music can summon a range of emotions, most of which are wonderful. Yet there is some music that communicates potentially harmful health messages, especially when it reaches a vulnerable audience," he said. He made a number of recommendations which included urging the music video to portray more "positive themes" in videos including racial harmony, drug avoidance, nonviolence and good sexual health practices.

Defense attorney Pamela Elder indicated that society had failed Marcus Daniel and that he was not totally to blame for what he did. "Where were the social workers when he dropped out of school at the age of 14 and began drinking? Where were his parents and extended family when he started using drugs and decorated his room with symbols of the Antichrist?" she asked.

Could more have been done to help Marcus Daniel and others like him? Was he really a victim of circumstance? Clearly the 12 jurors who heard his trial found that while music had the power to make someone shake his waist, it was not enough to make him kill.

If you have a comment or opinion about this case, please e-mail me at Gina@wildaxes.com; I'd love to know what you think about this.

December 17th, 2005

Loudmouth NOEL GALLAGHER has deeming OASIS fans as "dopey". The Rocker hates being approached by fans who are unprepared to meet him or can't work a camera properly. He moans, "I don't like having my picture taken with them because half our fans are too dopey to use a camera. I've already wasted hours of my life on idiots with cameras in their hands who can't even work the flash. Then there are the ones that come to you and say 'Can I have your autograph?' You say, 'Yeah, go on then', then you get, 'I haven't got a pen.' Well, you know, that's like turning up for a football match with no ball. "I do get upset when people give me bus tickets to sign. I don't mind album covers, but if you're gonna come up with a bit of fag (cigarette) packet and ask me to sign it, I'll tell you to go and buy an album." ... I have no comment; but come to think of it ... the guy has always been an idiot and obviously does not appreciate the very people who put money in this pocket ... if you are an OASIS fan; find someone new, the guy doesn't deserve you!

December 16th, 2005

Billy Morrison (Ex Cult Bassist, now in CAMP FREDDY) reports that he has been approached to take part in a "The Cult" reunion in 2006. Morrison, who is currently involved in a top-secret project involving several "name" musicians, has stated about the possibility of reuniting with his former bandmates. "THE CULT is Ian [Astbury, vocals] and Billy [Duffy, guitar] .... and that's it. As well it should be — they wrote the songs. They use other people to fill out the band, and my last period in the band was a lucky one for me, because I got to do all the fun stuff, like the interviews, TV etc. But who knows what they plan to do this time around. Either way, I love those guys, and I love that band. More CULT is always a good thing. But we will have to see what it means." THE CULT went "on hiatus" following a split with Lava/Atlantic Records, who released the band's acclaimed 2001 CD, "Beyond Good & Evil".

December 15th, 2005

Please be aware of the changes in the Fort Minor New York and Providence tour dates. The New York show has been rescheduled for Monday, Feb 6. A new show has been added in Providence, RI for Saturday, Feb 4. The presale for the Providence, RI show begins Friday Dec 16 at 10am EST and the public on sale will be Monday Dec 19 at 12:00pm EST. The Philadelphia show has been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. To get access to the presale tickets going on now, visit http://www.fortminormilitia.com for fan club presales.

December 14th, 2005

Scott Stapp and NASCAR have gotten their motor running together all month long in order to give the Ex-Creed front man a boost for this solo record! In celebration of the final race in the Nextel Chase for the Cup and the release of Stapp's solo debut THE GREAT DIVIDE, Wind-up Records and NASCAR.com are giving away some awesome prizes! • One Grand Prize Winners will receive a Scott Stapp autographed NASCAR Leather Jacket and an autographed Scott Stapp guitar. • Ten runner-ups will receive a goodie bag which includes The Great Divide CD single, a poster, and a NASCAR t-shirt. The contest ends on Saturday, December 31, 2005. To sign up and for further information go to http://www.winduplist.com/
ls/contests/10203.asp

December 13th, 2005

Prince has signed a new record deal with Universal and is set to release a new album entitled‘3121’. The record is to be preceded by a single titled ‘Te Amo Corazon’ accompanied by a video directed by actress Salma Hayek. The video will be available for download from Prince’s NPG Music Club site today. The album will reportedly be supported by a tour sometime in 2006.

December 12th, 2005

The tour bus for legendary rock guitarist George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB) was involved in an accident with a diesel truck on Sunday morning (Dec. 11) after Lynch's show in Detroit, Michigan. Any details or the extent of damage/injuries is unknown at this time, but the group has resumed traveling and are headed for Denver, Colorado for their scheduled performance today and the their continued tour. Lynch is joined in his current touring band by vocalist Andrew Freeman, drummer Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO) and bassist Marten Andersson (LIZZY BORDEN, STARWOOD)

December 11th, 2005

Damone have devoted their lives to unleash a high dosage of pure rock fury and are on the quest to find the Ultimate Shredder. If you think you have what it takes, send a Mini DV (preferred), VHS or DVD of your best performance, looking like a Rock God and shredding like a star to:
Damone Ultimate Shredder Contest
C/O Island Def Jam Digital Media Dept.
825 8th Ave 27th Fl
New York, NY 10019
Contestants will be judged on a combination of sound, skill, technique and passion. For more information and to download the required Forms head to http://www.islandrecords.com/
www2/contest/damone/
index.html?d1=

December 10th, 2005

Valerie Bertinelli and her rock star husband, Eddie Van Halen, are divorcing after 24 years of marriage. "Yes, that's true. They have been separated for four years and it's amicable," said Bertinelli spokeswoman Heidi Schaeffer. The divorce petition filed in Los Angeles Superior Court Tuesday cited irreconcilable differences. The couple wed on April 11, 1981, and have one son, 14-year-old Wolfgang Van Halen. According to the petition, they separated on Oct. 15, 2001. Bertinelli shot to fame as the sexy 15-year-old daughter of Bonnie Franklin on the hit television show "One Day at a Time," which aired from 1975 to 1984. She was also a regular in television's "Touched by an Angel" from 2001 to 2003.

December 9th, 2005

Legendary canadian rockers Rush were confirmed to appear on VH-1 Classic's "Hanging With", a Sunday morning show where members of classic rock bands talk about their career and the work they have done over the years. The episode will premier Sunday Dec. 11th, with encores airing on Dec. 15h, 16th and 17th. In a recent audio interview with Detroit's WRIF, Rush told their fans that "We're going to go in the studio early next year and start writing. Its time for a new record, time to move forward...we're going to hopefully finish the record by the summer, and think about hitting the road around this time next year." Meanwhile, the Piano Tribute To Rush, by Todd Mark Rubenstein, is set for release on Jan. 10, 2006. This is the third Rush tribute album by Rubenstein, who previously released Exit Stage Right and The String Quartet Tribute To 2112. Like most of the previously released tribute albums, classical or otherwise, the tracklist mainly consists of Rush's earlier work, with "The Big Money" being the 'newest' track. The album also includes an original track titled "Syrinxian Moonlight".

December 8th, 2005

Nickelback will hit the road in support of their latest album 'All The Right Reasons' in January. Current dates are as follows:

January 30th in Duluth, MN
January 31st in Fargo, ND
February 2nd in Green Bay, WI
February 3rd in Madison, WI
February 4 in Des Moines, IA
February 6th in Fort Wayne, IN
February 10th in Omaha, NE
February 11th in Peoria, IL
February 13th in Grand Rapids, MI

The tour is expected to run through March with Trapt scheduled to open. The band will appear on MTV's Nokia Unwired at Hard Rock Live on December 14th.

December 7th, 2005

THE MERCY CLINIC has just booked it's next show Friday, December 16th in Hollywood, CA at the Viper Room. The Band go on at 7:45pm sharp. The Los Angles based band consists of Patrick Lachman (Vocals, who played guitar with Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford), Brian Harrah (Guitars), Josh Stinson (Guitars, who played the local scene with DRIST and Steed Najera, formerly of TRIPLE SEVEN), Steed Najera (Bass), Bevan Davies (drums, who played with DANZIG and Jerry Cantrell). Once the creative process began to build, the five quickly jelled as a songwriting unit. According to Lachman, "Once we finally all got in a room to write together, there was an immediate chemistry and the songs just kept on coming. We were really comfortable, and very open about the whole process. There were no rules, no egos, just a common goal to write songs that WE could listen to over and over." As the members developed a bond as friends and artists, the name of the band itself was conceived as a musical metaphor. They used songwriting as an outlet to vent, in a time where they feel that music has become somewhat superficial and meaningless. Lachman explains, "The concept reflects the content, which is largely a purging of our negativity. It has an intentionally dark overtone." The results speak for themselves, heavy rock songs which push the boundaries of hard rock music, rather than trying to fit into any one specific niche or genre.