Video footage of Download festival organizer Andy Copping trying IRON MAIDEN's on-ear headphones ED-PH0N3S for the first time can be seen below.

The ED-PH0N3S have been specially designed by the award-winning Japanese electronics company Onkyo Corporation to provide fans of IRON MAIDEN, rock and heavy metal the ultimate way to hear their music, with the clarity and full acoustic range required by MAIDEN bassist, founder member and co-producer Steve Harris.

ED-PH0N3S are available exclusively through quality audio retail chain Richer Sounds in the U.K., and online across Europe from MaidenAudio.com.

The companion Maiden Audio smartphone app is available for download in the Apple store and Google Play store. This app is available for both iOS and Android and includes exclusive IRON MAIDEN custom EQ settings. The Maiden Audio partnership was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2015. Over the following months, Steve Harris worked directly with Mark Cheffins, artist relations and technical consultant at Onkyo and their Japanese engineers. The resulting ED-PH0N3S are customised to Steve's exacting sonic requirements delivering the ultimate audio experience when listening to IRON MAIDEN or any rock and metal music. Steve explained how the alliance came about: "I knew that I would need some really good headphones to use for playback of the mixes of 'The Book Of Souls', our new MAIDEN studio album. I'd actually started looking into this about eighteen months prior to when we started recording because I'd been struggling to find a design which came even remotely close to what I felt was an acceptable sonic standard for rock/metal. My main objective was for a balance that wasn't just top and bottom heavy with hardly any mid range like a lot of headphones these days that are basically designed for dance music. I wanted a good balance across the widest bandwidth incorporating a lot more mid range frequencies, something I strongly feel is vital to appreciate the complexities of our music and rock/metal in general. A friend at Onkyo suggested I get in touch with the company to create a design that could meet my specifications. We started collaborating and have been working on them ever since, endlessly evaluating frequencies and modifying drive units, materials, cables and connectors until we achieved my ideal balance. I am now really happy with the final result!" Mark Cheffins added: "We were convinced Onkyo could help Steve achieve the musical authenticity he wanted and were thrilled when he agreed to collaborate with us. It was a challenging undertaking, given Steve's famously keen ear and 'no compromise' approach, but we were determined to deliver headphones that would be equal to the high standards IRON MAIDEN sets for its very distinctive sound. Although there are plenty of other brands marketing artist-endorsed headphones to consumers, to the best of my knowledge this is the first time the whole audio spectrum, including the all-important mid range, has been engineered to such a rigorous degree, so IRON MAIDEN fans can be assured the ED-PH0N3S are completely unique. These headphones have been crafted from the ground up so that MAIDEN fans and devotees of rock and metal music can experience the same crystal-clear sound the band prizes, right across the spectrum. With the level of detail and workmanship that's gone into this project throughout the past year or so, I'm confident we've succeeded in creating a £400 plus product which can sell for considerably less."

The suggested retail price for the ED-PH0N3S is £199/€299 (approximately $300).

ED-PH0N3S are the result of nearly 70 years of Onkyo audio expertise combined with Steve Harris's uncompromising sonic standards. These on-ear headphones deliver even-handed power and detail at all frequencies. Fitted with two customized 40mm titanium drivers, they convey stunning clarity in the mid and high-frequency ranges. Just as importantly, their unique ported bass sub-chambers help create a beautifully deep, muscular bottom-end response. The pure silver coating on the plug and selected thick-gauge signal cables help ensure an accurate signal transition from the source to driver. The non-detachable cable delivers an uninterrupted sound. ED-PH0N3S are suitable for studio, home and everyday use with smartphones and tablets. ED-PH0N3S Specifications:

Driver Type: Dynamic (Titanium coated diaphragm)Driver Size: 40 mmFrequency Response: 10Hz – 27kHzWeight: 245gMax Input Power: 800mWPressure Level: 105dB/mW NominalImpedance: 32 OhmsCable Length: 160cm (63 inch)Plug Type: 3.5 mmSupplied Adapter: 6.35mm (1/4 inch) For all information, go to MaidenAudio.com.

According to the Birmingham Post, former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing has bought out his Birmingham, U.K.-based partners and is pressing ahead with plans to build a leisure resort around his countryside golf course.

The golf resort with 40 holiday homes will be located at Astbury Hall, his stately home near Bridgnorth, in south Shropshire. Also planned further down the line is a hotel, spa and another nine-hole course.

Downing said: "We have established a fantastic vision, secured planning permission, now we have a wonderful opportunity at The Astbury to deliver something truly world class for golf in the region.

"The Darren Clarke Village is going to be a unique opportunity for golfers to holiday alongside one of the best courses in the U.K.

"The plan is to put Shropshire on the golfing map - and it is starting to come to fruition."

Downing personally designed the par-71 course, which measures more than 6,500 yards.

K.K., who is a founding member of the British heavy metal legends and was part of the group since 1969, announced his retirement from PRIEST in April 2011.

He later shot down as "inaccurate" reports that he left JUDAS PRIEST because he chose to concentrate on running the golf courses on his property.

In a recent interview with the "Rockin' Metal Revival" Internet radio show, Downing stated about his decision to leave JUDAS PRIEST: "I thought I couldn't remember the last time I saw the seasons change in England… you know, spring, summer, autumn and winter. [That was] one thing. But when I actually added everyting up, there was so many reasons, really, why I decided to not continue. Another reason is time does get shorter as you get older. When you get to a certain age, you start to think that things are zipping by, so it's time to take a bit of a step back and think about spending a little bit of time with the family and stuff like that. Not exactly living a normal life, but just getting in tune with reality again. Because, as I say, it's almost like an amazing fantasy world to live in the world that I had been living in. But it was time not to continue to be selfish and just put a bit of time into other people that have supported you over the years."

Ex-GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum says that he isn't participating in the band's comeback shows because he wasn't asked to take part in the reunion of GN'R's classic lineup.

Only singer Axl Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan from GN'R's "Appetite For Destruction"-era lineup took part in this past weekend's Las Vegas shows and the April 1 surprise gig at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. They were joined by keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus and drummer Frank Ferrer. Also appearing with them was second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

Asked by a fan on Twitter if he is going to perform with GN'R on the reunion tour, Sorum answered: "No Sir , they didn't ask me"

Sorum, who replaced Steven Adler in GUNS N' ROSES, recorded the highly successful albums "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II" (both 1991) and "The Spaghetti Incident" (1994). He also supported the group on the "Use Your Illusion" tour and can be heard on GUNS N' ROSES' "Live Era: '87-'93" (1999) and "Greatest Hits" (2004).

Adler last year spoke about how he would feel about a hypothetical reunion of the classic GN'R lineup which would include Matt Sorum on drums instead of him. "Matt wouldn't do it," Adler said. "I see Matt practically every Monday night, and we talked about it. He wouldn't do it unless I was a part of it. And I said, 'Well, dude, I would do it without you.' And he said, 'But you're the original guy. You're the sound of GN'R. I'm not. So it's different.' And I said, 'If I did it, if Axl wanted to play the '[Use Your] Illusion' songs, I would have you right next to me. You come up and I'll either take the throne or sit where I sit.'… Sort of like [the way we did it] at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame [induction in 2012]. They didn't show that part on TV, I don't think, but [Matt] played 'Brownstone', and then I came up and played 'Sweet Child' and 'Paradise City'."

Adler continued: "But, yeah, I have nothing against Matt. He didn't do nothing. I had resentments with him, but I talked with him and I worked everything out. Everything. I would love to share a tour bus with him."

Sorum told The Pulse of Radio in a 2009 interview that if the classic GUNS N' ROSES band reunited, they should perform with both him and Adler. "If it's me on drums or Steven or whatever, if it happened, it'd be great, you know. I would actually say to them, 'Hey, bring both of us back,' you know. Let me play the other stuff. We'll have two drum kits. I don't care. If 'Appetite' ('For Destruction', the band's debut) sounds better with Steven playing it, have both guys up there. They can afford it."

GUNS N' ROSES was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2012. Adler, Sorum, Slash and Duff McKagan attended the ceremony, while Rose and former guitarist Izzy Stradlin stayed home.

GUNS N' ROSES are still scheduled to play two shows in Mexico City and two gigs at the Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival starting next weekend. A full North American tour is on tap for this summer.

"@vcdissevodka: @mattsorum you are watching the shows of Guns N' Roses?" Watching final season of Downton Abbey

— matt sorum (@mattsorum) April 10, 2016

Epiphone, the world leader in affordable, professional instruments, proudly presents the debut of the limited-edition Brent Hinds Flying-V Custom, a new signature model designed by Brent Hinds, lead singer and guitarist of MASTODON. Hinds was recently honored with a Metal Hammer Golden Gods award by Guitar World for his ferocious guitar chops and has appeared in the hit HBO series "Game Of Thrones". Hinds is renowned as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, and now Epiphone is proud to welcome him into the House Of Stathopoulo's elite group of signature artists with his own take on his favorite guitar, the world-famous Flying V. The Epiphone limited-edition Brent Hinds Flying-V Custom features a mahogany body with a silverburst finish, a mahogany neck with a rounded 1958 profile and an ebony fingerboard. The Brent Hinds Flying-V Custom has the same classic body profile as the original historic Flying-V first released in the late 1950s. Hinds's Flying-V is powered by Lace USA Brent Hinds signature Hammer Claws humbuckers, designed by Brent to unleash a bright attack with a smooth midrange crunch, along with balanced lows and highly responsive dynamics. On the back of the headstock is Epiphone's "2016" limited-edition symbol and Brent Hinds's signature "Skull" logo. As with all Epiphones, the limited-edition Brent Hinds Flying-V Custom comes with Epiphone's limited lifetime warranty and world-renowned 24/7/365 Gibson customer service. "I love Flying Vs and I love my Epiphone," said Hinds. "It's perfect and it's cooler than all the other guitars." To learn more about the Epiphone limited-edition Brent Hinds Flying-V Custom and to check out Epiphone's exclusive interview and Flying-V demo video with Brent Hinds, visit Epiphone.com.

After a successful North American run as the support act for MEGADETH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES has announced a return to Europe for some festival appearances as well as select headlining shows. Sitting behind the drum kit for SUICIDAL TENDENCIES once again will be former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo.

The dates are as follows:

May 27 - Rockavaria - Munich, Germany May 28 - Rock Im Revier - Dortmund, GermanyMay 29 - Huxley's - Berlin, Germany -May 30 - Kwadrat - Krakow, PolandJun. 01 - Taubchenthal -Leipzig, GermanyJun. 02 - Lucerna Music Bar - Prague, Czech RepublicJun. 03 - Revolution -Timisoara, RomaniaJun. 05 - Fortarock -Nijmegen, Holland

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES frontman Mike Muir told The Bulletin about Lombardo's addition to the band: "Dave's a legend, you know. It's a little bit different than other things — people call him the godfather of the double-kick and bass and stuff. He just has an amazing intensity, but besides intensity, he just has a musical mindset that — he totally understands what we're doing and where we came from when we started, different, but at the same time and stuff. We've always kind of done shows together, this and that, been kind of close. He knows where he's coming from is the right place."

Lombardo made his live debut with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES on February 26 at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Muir recently hinted at not one, but two follow-ups to the group's 2013 album "13" — an EP and a full-length — inspired by the current political climate and upcoming election. He did not reveal any information about these new releases, but implied that these may be the band's final recordings. However, he pointed out: "I thought the first one would probably be the last we would do, too."

"13" sold around 3,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 187 on The Billboard 200 chart. The first studio album in 13 years from SUICIDAL TENDENCIES was produced by vocalist Mike Muir and Grammy-nominated engineer/mixer Paul Northfield (DREAM THEATER, HOLE, RUSH).

"The Fighter", the new video from IN THIS MOMENT, can be seen below. The clip was directed by Jeremy Saffer and IN THIS MOMENT frontwoman Maria Brink. The song is taken from the band's fifth album, "Black Widow", which came out in November 2014.

Said Brink about the video: "I'm really excited for everyone to see 'The Fighter' music video. I decided to do a stripped down, intimate video to go with the nature and the meaning of the song. I wanted to show everybody a more vulnerable side of myself and take out all the bells and whistles."

She continued: "This song is about rising to our fullest power and overcoming tragedy. I hope everybody enjoys it and special thanks to Jeremy Saffer for collaborating with me on this."

IN THIS MOMENT recently spent time at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada with producer Kevin Churko (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, HELLYEAH, PAPA ROACH, DISTURBED) working on the follow-up to "Black Widow", tentatively due later in the year.

Drummer Tom Hane announced his departure from IN THIS MOMENT last month, explaining in a statement that he had "struggled to be truly happy creatively."

IN THIS MOMENT will be the special guest on this summer's ROB ZOMBIE and KORN co-headlining amphitheater tour, dubbed "Return Of The Dreads". The trek will kick off in July and will visit 25 North American cities, including Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, Seattle, Las Vegas and more.

IN THIS MOMENT signed with Atlantic Records in 2013 after completing its contract with Century Media Records.

Earlier this month, former Hammerfall and current Shadowside bassist Magnus Rosén toured Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In the new video below, shot by Abir Hossain, Rosén performs for 800 school students in Bangladesh.

Later this spring Magnus Rosén will release his new solo album, The World Changes. Rosén enlisted guests like George Keczan, Tony Martin from Black Sabbath, Anders Johansson from Hammerfall and few other famous musicians. Magnus describes the album as having a Nordic flavor.

More details to follow

 

 

Australian hard rockers, Massive, will release their new album, Destination Somewhere, on April 22nd via Earache. The album’s title track is now streaming below.

Tracklisting:

“One For The Road”
“Blood Money Blues”
“Sinking Ship”
“The Fall”
“Made Of Stone”
“Destination Somewhere”
“Up In Smoke”
“Circus”
“The Way It's Always Been”
“Beaten Dog”

“Destination Somewhere”:

“Made Of Stone”:

Album preview:

“One For The Road” video:

Teaser:

Track secrets videos:

“Made Of Stone”:

“The Fall”:

“Sinking Ship”:

“One For The Road”:

Ian also talked about the retirement of AC/DC's founding guitarist Malcolm Young, who is suffering from dementia. He said: "It's very depressing. It's certainly worse for… Look, I'm just a fan. It's different for Malcolm personally and for his family and his friends. Obviously, it's a terrible, terrible situation. I'm just a fan of his, so it makes me sad that someone that has meant so much to me is sick. I just hope that he's in peace, [that] he doesn't have pain."

He continued: "Anytime your heroes are not doing what they do anymore, it sucks. But I understand it, too, at the same time. I don't wanna see my favorite band trying to be on stage when they're eighty years old and not being able to perform anymore. It was hard to watch [MOTÖRHEAD frontman] Lemmy at the end. We played a whole bunch of shows with MOTÖRHEAD in September of last year in the States, and then we did the Motörboat cruise with them again. And it was great to see them, but at the same time, you can't help but think, 'Lemmy really… he shouldn't be on stage anymore. He's having a hard time.' But you can't argue. 'Cause Lemmy wanted to be there. No one was forcing him to play shows. He wanted to be on stage; that was his life. But as a fan, you know, you just can't help but think, 'Goddamn, he should just go home and play the fucking slot machines and just relax for a few years now. He's worked hard enough.' But that's what he loved to do, so you can't argue with that."

Ian went on to say: "But, yeah, I don't ever wanna see my heroes slow down, but it's just a fact of life; that's what's gonna happen. It's gonna happen to me. At some point, I'm not gonna be able to bang my head and jump around on stage the way I do now. But Angus is still doing it, and he's maybe ten years older than me or something, so it means I have at least ten more years. [Laughs]"

Meltdown of the WRIF radio station in Detroit, Michigan recently conducted an interview with AEROSMITH and HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES guitarist Joe Pery. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below.

Speaking about HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES' tribute to late MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister in the form of a performance of the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades" at this year's Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Joe said: "I think that if there was a band that you could call hardcore, hard rock and that lived the life, it was [MOTÖRHEAD]. And you could always still count on [Lemmy] to be up at the Rainbow [in West Hollywood], which was kind of the tribute that the HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES… you know, the whole thing started with that, with the guys that would hang out there in the '60s. And he was one of those guys that you could still go up there any night of the week and he would be there hanging out, living that life. And it was unfortunate he passed the way he did, but it was really good to be able to be the band that paid tribute."

In addition to Perry, HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES features international film star and musician Johnny Depp and legendary rocker Alice Cooper.

Dave Grohl introduced the VAMPIRES' appearance by saying: "Many of us play rock and roll, but very few of us are rock and roll. Lemmy Kilmister was rock and roll. He was a rebel and an outsider, one of a kind and a way of life. He was MOTÖRHEAD. He was a legend and I was proud to call him my friend. I have an 'Ace Of Spades' tattoo, but the truth is Lemmy and MOTÖRHEAD left their mark on me a long time ago, just as they did for everybody who's ever loved rock and roll. As Lemmy taught us in 'Ace Of Spades', the pleasure is to play. So tonight, I wanna thank Lemmy and the late Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor for their music and everything it meant."

Cooper, Perry and Depp, along with Matt Sorum and Duff McKagan then hit the stage, performing their own song, "As Bad As I Am", followed by "Ace Of Spades" in front of a bass rig featuring Lemmy's trademark high mic stand and cowboy hat and bass.

"We started this band as a means to toast our 'dead drunk friends' at the Rainbow, all the ghosts in the bar, and now I guess Lemmy is involved in that, too," Cooper told Rolling Stone.

"He was always funny," he continued. "I'm a 'healed' alcoholic and I haven't had anything to drink in 35 years. A lot of people that drink always feel a little bit like they owe an explanation to me. A couple weeks before his death, Lemmy came up to me and said, 'Alice, I've quit drinking.' And he's got a glass in his hand. And I go, 'Really?' And he says, 'Yeah, I don't drink whiskey anymore. I drink vodka.' And I went, 'Lemmy, do you think your liver has any idea what color the alcohol is?' He said, well it's a step down from whiskey.' And I went, 'Okay. Any step's a good step.'"

Interview (audio):

On June 3rd, UMC will release The MCA Albums 1973-1975 boxset from the seminal British hard rock powerhouse, Budgie. Often thought of as a cross between Black Sabbath and Rush, the under appreciated outfit has influenced countless acts, despite enduring countless line-up shifts throughout their history.

The group originally formed in 1967 in Cardiff, Wales, comprised of members Burke Shelley (vocals, bass), Tony Bourge (guitar), and Ray Phillips (drums), and by the early '70s they'd inked a deal with MCA Records.

This early lineup remains Budgie’s most definitive, due to the fact that it spawned three of the group's finest albums - 1971's self-titled debut, 1972's Squawk and 1973's Never Turn Your Back On A Friend - while the group's quirky song titles became somewhat of a trademark for the trio (such ditties as "Nude Disintegrating Parachutist Woman," "Hot As A Docker's Armpit," "In the Grip Of A Tyrefitter's Hand," and "You're The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk").

Despite building a sizeable following in their homeland (while never breaking out of cult status stateside), Phillips left the group prior to their fourth album, 1974's In For The Kill!, replaced by newcomer Pete Boot, which would in turn set off a flurry of steady lineup changes over the years for the group (the only constant Budgie member from the beginning was Shelley). Further releases were issued throughout the '70s, including 1975's Bandolier.

Shelley and company would remain together for a few more years before splitting up quietly by the mid-'80s, But almost as soon as they disbanded, several high-profile groups began covering Budgie classics, including Metallica (“Crash Course In Brain Surgery” and “Breadfan”), Iron Maiden (“I Can't See My Feelings”), while back in their early club days Van Halen was known to cover the title track from In For The Kill!

This 3-CD compilation contains their three classic albums that were recorded for MCA and are regarded as classics of the genre – the albums have been remastered from original tapes (for the first time). More than an overnight success, these Budgie albums are now part of the folklore of rock and metal.

The booklet contains a new essay by Classic Rocks Malcolm Dome and contains photos and information from the era. This set provides a great starting on point for anyone interested in the band.

To pre-order Budgie’s The MCA Albums 1973-1975 go to this location.

The MCA Albums 1973-1975 tracklisting:

Disc One - Never Turn Your Back On A Friend
“Breadfan”            
“Baby Please Don't Go"    
“You Know I'll Always Love You"    
“You're The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk"     
“In The Grip Of A Tyrefitter's Hand"             
“Riding My Nightmare"      
“Parents"

Disc Two - In For The Kill
“In For The Kill"     
“Crash Course In Brain Surgery"     
“Wondering What Everyone Knows"            
“Zoom Club"          
“Hammer And Tongs"        
“Running From My Soul"   
“Living On Your Own"

        
Disc Three - Bandolier
“Breaking All The House Rules And Learning All The House Rules"     
“Slipaway"             
“Who Do You Want For Your Love?            
“I Can't See My Feelings"  
“I Ain't No Mountain"        
“Napolean Bona-Part One"             
“Napolean Bona-Part Two"

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian says that AC/DC "should just stop" if Brian Johnson is unable to continue singing for the band.

Photos of GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose and members of AC/DC leaving the same rehearsal studio in Atlanta last month were posted online by TMZ, bringing speculation to a boil that Rose will act as a guest vocalist for the veteran Australian band on at least ten shows. The group had to reschedule the gigs after Johnson was told by doctors to come off the road or face a total loss of hearing.

Asked for his opinion on reports that Axl might end up fronting AC/DC for some of the band's upcoming concerts, Ian told Brazilian journalist Luiz Cesar Pimentel of the news portal R7 (see video below): "I don't think anything. I guess I'll hear it at some point, and then I can make my opinion. I guess I could kind of imagine in my brain, but I don't even know what Axl sounds like now. I haven't heard Axl Rose sing in a long, long time. So, can he sing AC/DC songs? I don't know. I suppose AC/DC must think so, if it's true. So I'm sure I'll get to hear it soon enough on the Internet somewhere and then I guess I'll have an opinion on it."

He continued: "I wish they would get Angry Anderson, the guy who was in ROSE TATTOO. I don't know if Angry Anderson is still even singing anymore. But I always thought, in 1980, he was the guy. I didn't know who Brian Johnson was yet, but I knew Angry Anderson in 1980, and when Bon [Scott] died, I was hoping Angry Anderson was gonna join AC/DC, 'cause he was from Australia and he sounded like a guy who should be in AC/DC. But then Brian came and Brian was great. So who knows?"

Ian added: "My personal opinion is, without Brian at this point, I think they should just stop. Why? Why? You're AC/DC. I don't think they need the money. It would be pretty hard to imagine that they still are out there working because they need money. But who am I to say? It's just my opinion. But I wish… If Brian is done, then I wish the band would stop. That's just my personal, shitty opinion."

Ian also talked about the retirement of AC/DC's founding guitarist Malcolm Young, who is suffering from dementia. He said: "It's very depressing. It's certainly worse for… Look, I'm just a fan. It's different for Malcolm personally and for his family and his friends. Obviously, it's a terrible, terrible situation. I'm just a fan of his, so it makes me sad that someone that has meant so much to me is sick. I just hope that he's in peace, [that] he doesn't have pain."

He continued: "Anytime your heroes are not doing what they do anymore, it sucks. But I understand it, too, at the same time. I don't wanna see my favorite band trying to be on stage when they're eighty years old and not being able to perform anymore. It was hard to watch [MOTÖRHEAD frontman] Lemmy at the end. We played a whole bunch of shows with MOTÖRHEAD in September of last year in the States, and then we did the Motörboat cruise with them again. And it was great to see them, but at the same time, you can't help but think, 'Lemmy really… he shouldn't be on stage anymore. He's having a hard time.' But you can't argue. 'Cause Lemmy wanted to be there. No one was forcing him to play shows. He wanted to be on stage; that was his life. But as a fan, you know, you just can't help but think, 'Goddamn, he should just go home and play the fucking slot machines and just relax for a few years now. He's worked hard enough.' But that's what he loved to do, so you can't argue with that."

Ian went on to say: "But, yeah, I don't ever wanna see my heroes slow down, but it's just a fact of life; that's what's gonna happen. It's gonna happen to me. At some point, I'm not gonna be able to bang my head and jump around on stage the way I do now. But Angus is still doing it, and he's maybe ten years older than me or something, so it means I have at least ten more years. [Laughs]"

AC/DC postponed the last ten dates of its recent North American tour due to Johnson's condition, promising to make them up and possibly use "guest vocalists."

The band reportedly began meeting with potential guest singers in Atlanta, during which Rose was also spotted in the city.

Not yet known is Johnson's future status with AC/DC. Johnson has fronted the group for 36 years, but it is not clear whether his hearing issue will prevent him from performing live with them again.

Also not known is the official position of GUNS N' ROSES on Axl's possible stint with AC/DC. Three-fifths of the classic GUNS lineup — Axl, Slash and Duff McKagan — reunited for a show in Hollywood on Friday and is set to play more six concerts this month and a North American tour later this year.

The rescheduled North American dates for AC/DC have not yet been announced. The band's next confirmed shows take place in Europe in May.

DROWNING POOL frontman Jasen Moreno says that Axl Rose would make a good replacement for Brian Johnson in AC/DC, provided that the GUNS N' ROSES singer "checks his ego" before going up on stage with Angus Young and Co.

Photos of Rose and members of AC/DC leaving the same rehearsal studio in Atlanta last month were posted online by TMZ, bringing speculation to a boil that Rose will act as a guest vocalist for the veteran Australian band on at least ten shows. The group had to reschedule the gigs after Johnson was told by doctors to come off the road or face a total loss of hearing.

Asked by Australia's Sticks For Stones web site if he thinks the Rose-AC/DC combination could work, Moreno said (hear audio below): "Yeah, I don't see why it couldn't. I mean, I was really big into [GUNS N' ROSES' debut album] 'Appetite For Destruction' and then I kind of lost interest after that record. AC/DC is… they're icons, man. You can't not like AC/DC.'

While acknowledging that it "is sad to hear" that Johnson may not be able to tour with AC/DC anymore, Moreno gave his "thumbs up" to the Rose-and-AC/DC pairing, explaining: "I think that, you know, if he checks his ego — and I'm not trying to talk messy; I'm just saying if he doesn't try to incorporate too much of Axl into AC/DC — then I think it could be fun. I think he just has to remember why he's there — that he's there to front AC/DC and not to be Axl Rose. But I don't know that guy, so… I mean, I don't think it's a bad thing. Axl Rose is an icon in his own right. [He's got a] similar vocal register as well. And he's got a hellacious attitude, so I'm glad they got somebody that'll be able to fill the room and not some unknown hack."

Rumors began circulating a few weeks ago that Rose would perform as a guest vocalist with AC/DC, with the story gaining traction after Atlanta Rock 100.5 host Jason Bailey claimed that a "very, very good source" confirmed to him that the collaboration was happening.

AC/DC postponed the last ten dates of its recent North American tour due to Johnson's condition, promising to make them up and possibly use "guest vocalists."

The band reportedly began meeting with potential guest singers in Atlanta, during which Rose was also spotted in the city.

Not yet known is Johnson's future status with AC/DC. Johnson has fronted the group for 36 years, but it is not clear whether his hearing issue will prevent him from performing live with them again.

Also not known is the official position of GUNS N' ROSES on Axl's possible stint with AC/DC. Three-fifths of the classic GUNS lineup — Axl, Slash and Duff McKagan —reunited for a show in Hollywood on Friday and is set to play more six concerts this month and a North American tour later this year.

The rescheduled North American dates for AC/DC have not yet been announced. The band's next confirmed shows take place in Europe in May.

DROWNING POOL's latest album, "Hellelujuah", came out on February 5 via eOne Music. The follow-up to 2013's "Resilience" was recorded with renowned producer Jason Suecof (AUGUST BURNS RED, DEICIDE, DEATH ANGEL).

HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta says that he is "not jumping out of his seat" at the prospect of Axl Rose singing for AC/DC, explaining that he would be more excited if someone like ACCEPT's Mark Tornillo stepped in to replace Brian Johnson.

The legendary Australian hard rock band postponed the last ten dates of its recent North American tour after doctors told Johnson he faced "total hearing loss." Evidence has mounted that AC/DC may use GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose as a "guest vocalist" when it reschedules the shows, with Johnson possibly not returning to the band at all.

Asked by Australia's Sticks For Stones web site if he would go watch Axl singing for AC/DC, and whether he thinks they are a good match, Jasta said (hear audio below): "Yeah, I'll check it out. I really… I wanna say that I wish Brian Johnson the best. I've been going to the ear, nose and throat doctor since, like, 2010, and I'm due for another checkup."

He continued: "I think it's kind of every singer's worst fear — singer, screamer, broadcaster… anybody… voiceover talent… Anybody who's doing anything where their business and their livelihood is their voice, it's always in the back of your head. So I really hope he makes a full recovery, I hope he's okay, and I hope that the drama and the clickbait and the stuff that we're seeing online, I hope it's not as bad as what it seems."

Jasta went on to say: "As far as Axl singing for AC/DC, it doesn't have the excitement as, like, if a Mark Tornillo or… somebody who is more of an underdog, I think, I would be more excited about. I don't know… Like, I would have liked to see a rags-to-riches type of story rather than a bunch of millionaires, you know, kind of doing AC/DC covers. I don't know... I respect Axl, I like his voice, I think his voice will be fine for AC/DC songs. I wanna check it out. But I'm not, like, jumping out of my seat. If you told me Mark from ACCEPT got the gig, I would be losing my mind. I would be so freaking happy, 'cause I love those… I love the last three ACCEPT records; they're fucking great! But I like an underdog story."

AC/DC postponed the last ten dates of its recent North American tour due to Johnson's condition, promising to make them up and possibly use "guest vocalists."

The band reportedly began meeting with potential guest singers in Atlanta, during which Rose was also spotted in the city.

Not yet known is Johnson's future status with AC/DC. Johnson has fronted the group for 36 years, but it is not clear whether his hearing issue will prevent him from performing live with them again.

Also not known is the official position of GUNS N' ROSES on Axl's possible stint with AC/DC. Three-fifths of the classic GUNS lineup — Axl, Slash and Duff McKagan — reunited for a show in Hollywood on Friday and is set to play more six concerts this month and a North American tour later this year.

The rescheduled North American dates for AC/DC have not yet been announced. The band's next confirmed shows take place in Europe in May.

Video footage of IRON MAIDEN's fully repaired Ed Force One plane touching down at Vancouver International Airport Saturday, April 9 can be seen below (courtesy of Joel Neufeld a.k.a Deathrattle)

The Boeing 747 was back in the air late last month after a ten-day emergency repair mission following a ground accident in Santiago, Chile. The incident required the replacing of both of the Boeing 747's port side jet engines, a tough proposition at the best of times but not made any easier by the fact of the distances involved in getting such huge components, parts, tools and technical crew to Chile as quickly as possible to get Ed Force One flying again.

Ed Force One is leased from Air Atlanta who went into immediate action following the incident, with technical assistance from Boeing. An emergency meeting was called to create a comprehensive detailed plan for this complex operation — locating suitable engines, thrust reversers, cowlings and parts, working out necessary tooling and technical team, logistics of ground and freight transport and tech team travel and a myriad of other detail. The next couple of days were spent putting these plans meticulously into place.

Bruce Dickinson, MAIDEN vocalist and pilot of Ed Force One, comented: "The speed and thoroughness of this incredibly complex operation was stunning, and we are so very pleased to get our plane back!"

IRON MAIDEN's world tour, in support of the band's latest album, "The Book Of Souls", kicked off on February 24 in Sunrise, Florida (a suburb of Fort Lauderdale).

DEFTONES celebrated the release of their new album, "Gore", with a live performance on Monday, April 11 at the Amoeba record store in Hollywood, California. The show was free and open to the public but only fans who pre-purchased the album received priority/guaranteed admission plus the limited-edition poster.

Fan-filmed video footage of DEFTONES' Amoeba set can be seen below.

"Gore" was released on April 8 via Warner Bros. Records.

The new disc serves as the follow-up to 2012's "Koi No Yokan", which featured the Top 15 rock radio hit "Tempest".

"Gore" features a guest appearance by ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist Jerry Cantrell.

DEFTONES will perform on the April 12 edition of ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

DEFTONES made the rounds at this year's SXSW in Austin, headlining both Spin's 14th annual day party at Stubb's and an impromptu show at SXSW's outdoor stage at Lady Bird Lake for over 15,000 fans.

On March 31st, the Rock Meets Classic History Of Rock Tour 2016 played the Big Box in Kempten, Germany. The tour features Andy Scott and Pete Lincoln (The Sweet), Steve Walsh (Kansas), Scott Gorham and Ricky Warwick (Thin Lizzy), Dan McCafferty (Nazareth), Midge Ure (Ultravox), Joey Tempest (Europe) and special guest Doro together with The Mat Sinner Band and the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague. 

Fan-filmed video of Gorham and Warwick ripping through "Jailbreak" and "The Boys Are Back In Town", the latter featuring Midge Ure (Ultravox) who performed and collaborated with Thin Lizzy in 1979.

Remaining dates on the tour are as follows:

April
12 - Bern, Switzerland - Bern Expo Halle 4    
13 - Zurich, Switzerland - Hallenstadion
14 - Ingolstadt, Germany - Saturn Arena   
15 - Neu-Ulm, Germany - Ratiopharm Arena 
16 - Regensburg, Germany - Donau-Arena    
17 - Nuremberg, Germany - Frankenhalle

Watch the official Rock Meets Classic Facebook page here for updates.

Photo by Heiko Roith / Rock & Royalty

EVANESCENCE frontwoman Amy Lee has composed the closing title song for "Voice From The Stone", an American supernatural psychological thriller film directed by Eric D. Howell and written by Andrew Shaw, based on the novel of same name by Silvio Raffo. The film stars Emilia Clarke, Edward Dring, Marton Csokas and Caterina Murino. Filming began in Italy in November 2014 and finished in December 2014.

In the clip below, Lee takes viewers behind the scenes of her sessions at Skywalker Ranch as she lays down vocals and delivers a piano melody that will eventually be used in the film.

Storyline: Set in 1950s Tuscany, "Voice From The Stone" is the suspenseful and haunting story of Verena, a solemn nurse drawn to aid a young boy who has fallen mysteriously silent since the sudden passing of his mother.

A few years ago, Lee stated about the prospect of getting involved in film work: "My biggest dream from the beginning — besides EVANESCENCE — is scoring film and writing music for film. I really feel like it would be great to get into a project that's bigger than myself and be the creator and not necessarily just the performer."

Lee's first score was the one she recorded with friend and composer Dave Eggar for the indie film "War Story", which premiered in 2014 at Sundance.

EVANESCENCE re-emerged last November after a three-year hiatus with select, intimate shows in Nashville, Dallas and Los Angeles. The influential, Grammy-winning band had not performed live since November of 2012.

EVANESCENCE has three concerts in Florida scheduled for the end of April and early May.

Vancouver's Anciients have finished recording their new album. The as yet untitled effort, a follow up to the debut full-length Heart Of Oak, will be released by Season Of Mist later this year. The album was recorded once again by Jesse Gander at Rain City Recordings in Vancouver, BC.

Regarding the new album, the band comments, "Our follow up to Heart Of Oak is tracked and ready for release. It was recorded this past winter with the amazing Jesse Gander at Rain City Recordings here in Vancouver. We couldn't be more excited with this new batch of material and how great the songs turned out. We have a great mix of music on this record and can't wait to share it with everyone."

METALLICA has been working on and off on its tenth studio album for a couple of years now, but the last few months have seen the band get down to serious business on the disc and spend less time than usual on touring or other projects. Drummer Lars Ulrich told Billboard.com that the homestretch for the album is in sight. "We're getting there!" he said. "I think it's going to get wrapped up soon. Unless something radical happens, it would be difficult for me to believe that it won't come out in 2016. That's what we're going for. But obviously, the way we do things now is very different than the way we did things back in the days of 'Kill 'Em All' and 'Ride The Lightning'. Nowadays we like to do so many different things — we like to write and record but we also like to be Record Store Day ambassadors and put out deluxe reissues and go play at Rasputin's and AT&T Park and all these other things. So, you know, writing and recording is now something that is part of the bigger picture rather than something that happens exclusively. And when it really comes down to it, the new record may actually have been written and recorded faster than the last one [2008's 'Death Magnetic']. It's just been spread out over a longer period of time, with these gaps in recording. Which is fine. I'm certainly not complaining about it. It's just the way we work now. But anyway, the record — it's definitely coming along. Nearing completion. Should be done soon…hopefully. [Laughs] End quote!"

The new METALLICA album is being produced by Greg Fidelman, who engineered and mixed "Death Magnetic".

Ulrich was in New York City last week for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremonies, at which he helped induct DEEP PURPLE.

METALLICA will next perform live at Berkeley, California's legendary record store Rasputin Music on Saturday, April 16 in celebration of Record Store Day. The bandmembers were named Record Store Day ambassadors for 2016.

METALLICA last played at a record store in 2008, when it performed in the basement of tiny Nashville outlet Grimy's.

In addition to a live album recorded in Paris that's being released exclusively for Record Store Day, METALLICA will reissue its first two albums, "Kill 'Em All" and "Ride The Lightning", in deluxe box set editions this Friday (April 15).

The band's recently announced headlining show at Minneapolis' new U.S. Bank Stadium on August 20 sold out all 66,000 tickets in less than 10 minutes two weeks ago. Joining METALLICA at that show will be AVENGED SEVENFOLD and VOLBEAT.

METALLICA's classic 1986 album "Master Of Puppets" is among the records that have been selected for induction into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. Every year 25 recordings that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" and at least ten years old are selected.

WHITESNAKE guitarist Joel Hoekstra has revealed plans to record an album with STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet.

Hoekstra announced the project on the current episode of the "White Line Fever" podcast (download on iTunes), explaining he had built a strong relationship with Sweet while contributing to the STRYPER leader's solo album.

"I just got done laying down some solos for Michael Sweet's solo album and actually he and I are also going to record a project album together that I'm going to write with him," Hoekstra said.

"I'm doing some writing for that now and also three other things in total so I’m writing for four things total right now.

"A lot of my days are that."

Hoekstra said he was a massive admirer of Sweet, 52, who is also an accomplished guitarist and producer.

"A lot of the guys from the scene are jaded, tired," said Hoekstra, formerly of NIGHT RANGER. "Michael's just a guy who's got his life together and I think a lot of that is via how he goes about living his life on a daily basis.

"But, yeah, I think he is a really talented guy and a nice guy and him and I have always gotten on and wanted to work together.

"The timing didn't work out for his last solo album, so I ended up just kind of miming in a couple of the videos — 'I'm Not Your Suicide' and his duet with Electra Mustaine [daughter of MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine], the 'Heart Of Gold' cover. This time I got to play a little bit on the solo album and would have been happy to do much more but I think it would have been weird because we are going to do a whole album together."

According to TMZ, MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil has denied dragging an autograph seeker to the ground by her hair, but Las Vegas police say the surveillance video shows he did enough damage to warrant a citation.

Sources close to Neil told TMZ the woman was "very aggressive" in her efforts to get an autograph from Vince and actor Nicolas Cage, who were having lunch last Thursday (April 7) in the ARIA resort and casino. Vince reportedly admitted he was annoyed and "pushed past her," but insisted he did not grab the woman by her hair.

The video posted by TMZ on Friday that showed Neil and Cage fighting in front of the hotel was filmed after they were held for an hour by security and police had already ticketed Neil for battery.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told TheWrap.com that Neil was cited after a call came in from the hotel at 5:24 Thursday evening. A female made a report to the police that Neil approached her, grabbed her by the hair and jerked her to the ground.

Neil was released at the scene, police said, and is scheduled to appear in court on June 17 for the alleged assault on the woman.

The singer's attorney, David Chesnoff, told the Daily News he is still investigating the incident.

"All I've seen is that there was an allegation of a simple misdemeanor battery," he said. "People shouldn't pre-judge things until all the facts are in."

The night before, Vince was was seen checking out the newly opened T-Mobile Arena in Vegas with friends, including former "Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous" host Robin Leach.

Cage and Neil are longtime friends who were previously photographed together at the rocker's strip club back in 2012.

METALLICA will reissue its first two albums, 1983's "Kill 'Em All" and 1984's "Ride The Lightning", on April 15. Both albums have been remastered for the most advanced sound quality and will be available in three formats — CD, vinyl, and deluxe box set. Both deluxe box sets include original source material from the band's personal collection with many never-before- heard-or-seen recordings, along with a book including rare photos and essays from those who were there.

Much of the content featured in the deluxe editions of "Kill 'Em All" and "Ride The Lightning" was unearthed in drummer Lars Ulrich's vault. Stacks of cassettes were brought in to METALLICA's headquarters in San Rafael, California in order to be transferred. A five-minute video clip of a rough garage demo of "Fight Fire With Fire" going through that process can be seen below.

The deluxe numbered box set of "Kill 'Em All" includes four vinyl records, five CDs, one DVD, a deluxe book including rare photos and a patch while the deluxe numbered box set of "Ride The Lightning" includes four vinyl records, six CDs, one DVD, a deluxe book including more of those unseen photos, a mini-book of lyrics handwritten by James Hetfield and a set of three posters. The deluxe box sets are limited-edition collectors' items.

Fans can pre-order both deluxe box sets at the Met Store now and all six new items will, of course, also be available at your local record store on Friday, April 15, just in time for Record Store Day.

Originally issued on July 25, 1983 through the independent label Megaforce Records, "Kill 'Em All" was recorded in two weeks on a miniscule budget in upstate New York. Although only 1,500 copies were initially pressed, the album was reissued by Elektra Records after the band signed to that label in 1984 and has since been certified triple platinum for sales of more than three million copies.

The varied sounds of "Ride The Lightning", which included the first METALLICA ballad in "Fade To Black", drew mixed responses from some fans. The band's drummer, Lars Ulrich, told Rolling Stone magazine: "It did surprise us a little bit, I guess. People started calling us sellouts and all that type of stuff. Some people were a little bit bewildered by the fact that there was a song that had acoustic guitars."

Noting that at least four songs from the album are still part of METALLICA's live set today, Ulrich said that "Ride The Lightning" "holds up very well," adding, "There's kind of a youthful energy that runs through the record."

GUNS N' ROSES played its two shows at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Friday and Saturday (April 8 and April 9), despite singer Axl Rose breaking a bone in his foot. The injury necessitated that Rose undergo a surgical procedure to insert a plate and screws. Rose revealed the injury via Twitter, saying "This is what can happen when you do something you haven't done in nearly over 23 years," apparently referring to the surprise GUNS concert on Friday, April 1 featuring Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan.

Rose also posted a video interview with his orthopedic surgeon in which the foot specialist revealed that Rose is currently in a cast and cannot put any weight on his foot. She pinpointed the break at Rose's fifth metatarsal and noted that he will have to limit the amount of weight he puts on the front part of his foot "for about four weeks."

For the shows, Rose performed on what was apparently the same custom throne Dave Grohl used last year for FOO FIGHTERS shows after breaking a leg. Rose told the audience before GN'R launched into "Rocket Queen" on Friday night, "I wanna thank Dave Grohl for this; it was very nice of him."

Quality fan-filmed video footage of the April 8 concert can be seen below.

Only Rose, Slash and McKagan from GN'R's "Appetite For Destruction"-era lineup took part in the Las Vegas shows. They were joined by keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus and drummer Frank Ferrer. Also appearing with them was second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

GUNS N' ROSES are still scheduled to play two shows in Mexico City and two gigs at the Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival starting next weekend. A full North American tour is on tap for this summer.

Several hours after announcing the tour on April 1, GUNS played a gig at the Troubadour, one of the Los Angeles clubs where the band first performed before the release of its debut album, 1987's "Appetite For Destruction".

The set list for the Vegas shows expanded upon the song selection at the Troubadour, adding "Patience" and several favorites from the "Use Your Illusion" albums such as "November Rain", "Civil War", "Estranged" and "Coma", which had not been performed live since 1993.

Video footage of Yngwie Malmsteen's April 6 performance at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada during the "Generation Axe" tour can be seen below.

"Generation Axe" is hitting the road for 26 performances in North America. Joining Malmsteen during the trek are Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Nuno Bettencourt and Tosin Abasi.

"The 'Generation Axe' show is a unique performance of five fiercely talented guitar players coming together to create a six-string extravaganza that is sure to amaze and delight," commented Steve Vai.

Yngwie's new studio album is due this spring. He told Seymour Duncan about the CD: "I spent two years [working] on it, touring, recording, touring, recording. And that's much, much better, actually, in a way. Back in the day I would write the songs then rehearse them with some musicians, then go and do a backing track and we'd record it, mix it, learn the songs to go play them on tour, then do it all again. That way isn't necessarily conducive to making the best music, y'know what I mean? So in a very, very backhanded way, this weird twist of fate in the music industry has actually made it a more inspiring environment, for me at least. I can write anytime and record anytime. My recording studio is always open, 24 hours. I can just record when I want and it's a beautiful thing."

Asked what the new record sounds like, Malmsteen said: "It's a Malmsteen record. [Laughs] But I would say it's a little different. First of all, I do all the lead vocals on it. Any time I did lead vocals in the past, I was singing blues stuff. This time I decided to do lead vocals in my style of songwriting, so it's different in that way. It's a very hard-hitting album and some parts are very advanced, very complicated. But it's a broad record. It's definitely a must-listen-to!"

Yngwie released a live album, "Spellbound Live In Tampa", and a live DVD, "Spellbound Live In Orlando", a little over a year ago.

The CD and DVD, both of which are named after Malmsteen's latest studio album, 2012's "Spellbound", were issued on September 17, 2014.

Video footage of FLOTSAM AND JETSAM's April 9 performance at the NorCal Tattoo And Music Festival in Sacramento, California can be seen below.

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will release its new, self-titled album on May 20 via AFM Records.

Comments AFM Records A&R representative Timo Hoffmann: "We're honored that FLOTSAM AND JETSAM have decided to join our roster. Of course we've followed their career for many years and always valued the band's qualities.

"This new, self-titled album is a blast! We've been convinced right from the very first demos sent.

"It was obvious to us why the album is titled as it is: 'Flotsam And Jetsam' holds the essence of what defines the band. This album is a statement, something to be proud of. And we are proud to start working with the band with such a special release."

Adds FLOTSAM AND JETSAM: "FLOTSAM AND JETSAM really appreciated the fact that AFM laid out a legitimate business plan for us when they made their offer to sign us. We believe they are as committed to us as a band, as we are to providing them with quality metal to get behind and promote.

"Along with signing to a new label, all the forward movement for the band in the last two years has also allowed us to partner with new team members, like Chris Collier of CMC21 Productions, who just completed the mixing and mastering of the album, and Andy Pilkington of Very Metal Art out of the U.K., for the album cover and stage production art, who are both doing a phenomenal job for us.

"We're looking forward to playing the music on this album live, which hasn't been a luxury for the band on past releases, as well as debuting our new stage look."

Knutson told From Hero To Zero last summer about the band's forthcoming follow-up to 2012's "Ugly Noise": "The new record has songs that sound like they came from the '80s, some songs that sound like they came from the middle of our career, and some songs that sound like they're brand new, and they're all on one record together."

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM in 2014 parted ways with guitarist Edward Carlson and bassist Jason Ward and replaced them with Steve Conley and Michael Spencer, respectively. The band also recruited SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner after Kelly Smith left the group in November 2014 to focus on caring for his family.

Spencer stated about the new FLOTSAM AND JETSAM material: "There's a great, old-school thrash vibe going on with the direction of the songs and what originally influenced the band, mixed with a little of what we like about today's sound, in metal."

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM is:

Eric "A.K." Knutson - VocalsSteve Conley - GuitarMichael Gilbert - GuitarMichael Spencer - BassJason Bittner - Drums

Led Zeppelin founders Jimmy Page and Robert Plant lost their bid to avoid a trial that may rewrite the history of rock n’ roll over song-writing credit for the 1971 classic “Stairway To Heaven”, reports Bloomberg.com.

A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that a jury must decide whether the British rockers ripped off the opening licks of “Taurus”, which was recorded by a band named Spirit that once played concerts with Zeppelin. The judge dismissed some claims in the lawsuit and also said the plaintiff can get only half of any jury award of damages.

The lawsuit was brought in 2014, 43 years after "Stairway To Heaven" was released, on behalf of the late Randy California, Spirit’s guitarist and the composer of “Taurus”. A trust created by his mother and administered by a former rock journalist alleged in the complaint that Page lifted the opening guitar plucks in “Stairway” from an instrumental that California had written in 1966 for his girlfriend. According to trustee Michael Skidmore, Page had asked California to teach him the chords to Taurus in 1969, when the two groups would sometimes tour together.

In February, Page, Plant, Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and Warner Music Group Corp. asked US District Judge R. Gary Klausner to throw out Skidmore’s lawsuit, arguing that California was a songwriter for hire who didn’t own the copyright to his composition. Even if he did, they argued, the similarity between "Stairway To Heaven" and "Taurus" was limited to a "descending chromatic scale of pitches" that have been known for centuries and are too commonplace in music to be entitled to copyright protection.

Read the full story at Bloomberg.com.

For The Metal Voice, Giles Lavery (Dragonsclaw) caught up with current Bonfire and former Accept singer David Reece in Essen, Germany and spoke to him about Bonfire’s new album Pearls, his new project Reece Percudani Group (RPG), a David Reece greatest hits free download package and his wild memories of hanging out with Mötley Crüe during the Theater of Pain tour.

Watch the video interview below:

For a free download of David Reece's greatest hits album, Reece Milestones, head to The Metal Voice.

As mentioned, David Reece has joined forces with Mario Percudani in exciting new hard rock project.

For fans of melodic hard rock, the name David Reece will be a familiar one. Since bursting onto the scene as the then new frontman for German legends Accept, David has released no less than 15 full-length recordings and appeared on numerous more. His diverse catalog encompasses his early 90's success with Bangalore Choir known for their MTV hit "Loaded Gun", the powerful modern metal project Sircle Of Silence, numerous solo releases and most recently David has been fronting another legendary German act... Bonfire.

Well known for his powerful voice and dynamic stage performances, this new project has the same brand of musical quality stamped all over it.

Mario Percudani is also a name many in the melodic rock world will be familiar with, having worked with legendary acts such as Bobby Kimball, Ted Poley, Bobby Barth, Vinnie Appice and many many more. Mario merged his roots in blues and seventies rock music. With a style that ranges from rock, pop, blues to soul and American West Coast. His fantastic guitar playing and songwriting skill ensures that this new partnership with David Reece is going to be a winning combo!.

The band lineup is rounded out by two other exceptional musicians; bassist Stefano Scola from hard rockers Hungry Heart, and drummer Ale Mori who has made his name working with Glenn Hughes, Steve Lukather and Bernie Marsden.

Look for the Reece / Percudani Group on the road and in the studio in 2016 and beyond.

On May 27th, Brighton five-piece Architects UK will release their new album, All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, via Epitaph. Watch the video for the track “Gone With The Wind” below.

Recorded in Gothenburg, Sweden All Our Gods… is the heaviest and darkest work to which – frontman Sam Carter, bassist Ali Dean, guitarists Adam Christianson and Tom Searle, and the latter’s twin brother drummer, Dan Searle have ever put their name to, both on and below its surface. It is an album that challenges and progresses a genre long thought to have stagnated, and embraces its inspirations at a time when many rock and metal bands seek to hide them in search of mainstream acceptance. It is also born from considered minds filled not by thoughts of being the biggest band in the world, but of making a difference. Architects UK are, for that reason, a band like few others; they are five young men who stand for something, and who possess an intelligence, awareness and spirit that inform the very fiber of their band. The quintet all practice a vegan lifestyle, tour with a consciousness about their footprint on the world, and who devote time and energies to environmental causes.

The worldwide anger and disillusion encapsulated in All Our Gods... wrestles with contemplations of death, god and faith in search of some semblance of hope for a world increasingly consumed by fear, anger and confusion. This album is Architects UK's statement of intent to the world, it is time to stand up, take notice and be counted.

Architects UK will be playing the European summer tour circuit this summer, with plans to tour the US later this year. Pre-orders for All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us are available here.

All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us tracklisting:
 
“Nihilist”
“Deathwish”
“Phantom Fear”
“Downfall”
“Gone With The Wind”
“The Empty Hourglass”
“A Match Made In Heaven”
“Gravity”
“All Love is Lost”
“From The Wilderness”
“Memento Mori”

“Gone With The Wind” video:

“A Match Made In Heaven” video:

 
Architects UK Tour Dates:

June
3 - Rock Am Ring Festival – Germany
4 - Rock im Park Festival – Germany
7 - Rawk Attack – Hamburg, Germany *
8 - Den Atelier – Luxembourg *
9 - Greenfields Festival – Switzerland
11 - Download Festival – United Kingdom
13 - Kino Šiška – Ljubljana, Slovenia *
14 - Budapest Park – Budapest, Hungary *
15 - Alcatraz – Milan, Italy *
17 - Hellfest – France
18 - La Laiterie, Strasbourg, France ^
19 - Graspop Metal Meeting – Belgium

July
1 - With Full Force Festival – Germany

* with Killswitch Engage, August Burns Red, Atreyu, Bury Tomorrow
^ headline show

Architects UK are:

Sam Carter - Vocals
Tom Searle - Guitar
Adam Christianson - Guitar
Alex Dean - Bass
Dan Searle - Drums