Archive: Headline News
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Original Saint Vitus Drummer Armando Acosta Dies
Former TROUBLE drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson has issued the following statement about the passing of original Saint Vitus drummer Armando Acosta:
"Sadly, it has been confirmed that the original drummer for Saint Vitus, Armando Acosta, passed on Thanksgiving Day (November 25) at the age of 58. I had scheduled an interview with Henry Vasquez (current Saint Vitus drummer) for this Monday's show before anyone had known of the passing. Therefore, this Monday's (December 6th) edition will be a memorial for the late Armando Acosta. The interview with Vasquez will be re-scheduled for a later date."
"Armando was one of my dear friends from Saint Vitus. The last time I saw Armando was when he ate dinner at my house after a Saint Vitus show in Chicago. He had a very kind heart and was funny. I'm saddened by this news. He will be very missed by so many. May he rest in peace."
"Heady Metal With Jeff Olson" airs on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. EST exclusively for Metal Messiah Radio with the podcasts available the following day at the show's website. The encore runs on Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m.
System Of A Down Announces Reunion Shows
After an indefinite hiatus that has lasted four years, California-based alternative metal outfit System Of A Down has announced that they will be returning to the stage next year for a series of shows in Europe. A message from the band's website reads as follows:
"We are excited to announce that System will be playing some dates together in 2011.
"We also want to thank you for your loyalty and support, not only to System Of A Down, but to all of our solo efforts as well. We have no master plan of sorts - we are playing these shows simply because we want to play together again as a band and for you, our amazing fans. We look forward to seeing all of you!"
The tour dates are as follows: More...
Haste The Day To Disband
American metalcore act Haste The Day has announced its decision to disband. The group has posted the following statement:
"This is a very difficult announcement to make, but Haste The Day will be doing its final tour February – March 2011. It has been an incredible 10 years and we want to thank all of our amazing fans who have stuck with us through all of our changes and growth as a band. If it weren’t for all of you, this band would have been nothing.
"There are many reasons why HTD is ending, however we mainly feel as though we have created the best music we can and believe it is now time for us to move on to the next stage of our lives. I remember when this band started a decade ago, we wanted to be like the Solid State/Tooth and Nail Records bands we grew up idolizing.
"We wanted to use our passion for heavy music and the love that God put in us to be a light in the underground scene; letting people know they are loved, important, forgiven no matter what, and capable of using their gifts to serve their fellow man. I never imagined that we would be able to put out five full length albums, tour the world, and develop so many meaningful relationships with the people who came to our shows. Without your support, this wouldn’t have been possible.
"The 12 Days of Christmas will be in cities that we will not hit on our final tour so please come out to say goodbye this December. For our final tour, which will also be amazing, we are bringing our friends in My Children My Bride, The Chariot, and A Plea for Purging along for our Farewell Tour all across the US and Canada.
"We will be playing a great selection of songs from all of our records, including all of the fan favorites, rarely played songs, and a few songs that you guys keep begging us to play live. I have no doubt that this will be the best tour we’ve ever done and we cannot wait to see all of you and give you a hug goodbye.
"We love you all, thank you for everything you’ve been to us, and we can’t wait to see you for the last time in 2011! We encourage you to keep your inner flame burning and show it off to the rest of the world!
"Much Love to you all,
Mike & Haste the Day"
Stratovarius Drummer Diagnosed With Cancer
Stratovarius keyboardist Jens Johansson has posted the following statement online:
"Dear STRATOVARIUS fans, I am afraid we have some quite terrible news. News of the worst imaginable kind. It's about our friend and drummer Jörg Michael.
"Jörg has cancer.
"He recently discovered a lump on his neck, went to the doctor, they decided to operate, and found what they call 'a malignant thyroid neoplasm.' They took out his whole thyroid just to have the best chance to get everything out. He will also have to undergo a regimen of radiotherapy.
"He is a fighter. We have all talked to him and it's clear that this guy is not down for the count. He and his team of German doctors are pissed off and ready to kick ass, and I would not want to be a little cancer cell on these guys' shit list.. believe me.
"Jörg and his family (and us guys in the band) found this out only last week, after the operation. Naturally we are all going between a lot of emotions, sadness, worry, shock, confusion, even anger.
"As for STRATOVARIUS, as you perhaps know, there is a long tour coming up with HELLOWEEN, and with the surgery and therapy that will now follow there is no way Jörg can do the first part of the tour. For me personally, I at first felt quite hopeless about the tour, because I was so upset about all this news. But Jörg himself has been extremely clear that he does not want the band to cancel a single show because of this. In the end, this is what made at least me feel better about going back hitting the road next week.
"So, we have debated what to do for many days now. Jörg first suggested my brother Anders to do this November-December 2010 leg, but it turns out Anders will, unfortunately, be busy recording some record or other with that little indie cellar band of his called HAMMERFALL. :o)
"After a lot of searching, we found a guy that both can do it and didn't have other commitments: Alex Landenburg. He plays well, Jörg says he is a great guy (very important!) and he even started learning the set already before we even had decided what to do, which to me shows a lot of dedication. You can Google Alex's name if you are curious.
"So it turns out that STRATOVARIUS will do the first leg of the HELLOWEEN '7 Sinners' tour, just as planned, only not with Jörg behind the kit, but with Jörg very much as a motivator to us being there. Not one single date will be cancelled or changed.
"Jörg wants to be back on the road with us again as soon as possible depending on the thearapy, but we are not making any promises; that one is up to powers even higher than Jörg Michael and his doctors.
"We will try to keep you somewhat updated.
"Anyway, the most important thing is that they think they got all the bad stuff out and that the end result is that we just fix that sentence I wrote above. We will then say: Jörg had cancer. But he beat it."
WMG Purchases Roadrunner Records
It has been announced that Roadrunner Records, one of the industry's longest running metal and hard rock labels, has now been fully purchased by Warner Music Group. Warner had previously bought 73.5% of the company in 2007. An internal memo from label founder and CEO Cees Wessels announcing the changes, as appearing on Billboard's website, can be read below:
"Since joining the Warner Music family, we have enjoyed some of our greatest creative and commercial successes as a label. Most importantly, we have retained our unique identity while also expanding our horizons, thanks in part to the tremendous expertise and experience we can tap into as part of the Warner Music family and the relationships we have built with our Warner Music colleagues around the world.
"I am very proud that Roadrunner is now a fully-fledged stable mate of such iconic labels as Atlantic , Warner Bros. Records, Elektra, Asylum and Rhino, and I believe that we are in this position thanks to our team’s hard work and consistently original approach over the years. The vast majority of our staff around the world will experience little or no change to their roles.
"However after carefully reviewing our operations, we have decided to transfer the support functions across to our Warner Music colleagues in some territories. This is not an easy process to undertake, but we believe that, by making these changes, we can take Roadrunner to the next level by focusing our resources on marketing our existing line-up of acclaimed artists as well as discovering the stars of tomorrow."
Budgie Singer Hospitalized
Burke Shelley, the lead singer and bassist of Welsh rock legends Budgie, was rushed to hospital on Tuesday (November 9th,) where he underwent emergency surgery. As a result, the band's European tour has been cancelled. A message from the band's management reads as follows:
"Burke Shelley was admitted to hospital after complaining of pains in his abdomen on Tuesday, November 9th in Wejherowo. A team of surgeons was quickly assembled to operate on the singer and bassist who was diagnosed as having a 6 cm aneurism of the aorta.Tests revealed that Burke’s aorta was leaking blood into the outer wall of the aneurism which could have burst at any time. He underwent a two hour 40 minute operation in the evening and he is being kept in the intensive care ward."
Enforcer Involved In Serious Vehicle Accident
It is being reported through Swedish news outlets that Swedish heavy metal act Enforcer was involved in a serious vehicle accident this morning at 3 A.M in route to Stockholm, coming from Oslo, Norway. The band, which was on tour in Europe as the support act for Australian hard rockers Airbourne was near its hometown of Arvika when the group's vehicle skidded on ice, crossed over to the other side of the road and experienced a head-on collision with a snow-plow. Guitarists Adam Zaars and Joseph Tholl, bassist Tobias Lindqvist and the band's driver were battered and bruised, but miraculously all survived the crash with only minor injuries and Olof Wikstrand and drummer Jonas Wikstrand were travelling in a separate car at the time and were not involved in the crash.
The band has cancelled its appearances tonight in Sweden and on November 12 and November 13 in Finland and will be using the time to recuperate and recover from the nerve-wracking incident. They will resume the tour on November 16 in Berlin, Germany.
Gwen Stacy Calls It Quits
American metalcore act Gwen Stacy has posted the following statement online in regards to the band's decision to call it quits and disband:
"After six years, nineteen countries, countless US tours, two albums, and an EP, Gwen Stacy has decided call it quits. We feel like now is the best time to end the band and pursue other options and directions in life. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the bands career over the years.
"There are too many people to thank everyone individually, but we would like to send a special thanks to past members TJ Sego, Cole Wallace, Bobby Oakley, Josh Rickard, Mike Bryant, and Chris Suter, our manager Mark LaFay, Carl Severson and everyone else at what was Ferret Music, Once Nothing, Life In Your Way, Poison The Well, Haste The Day, Vanna, and every other band that we’ve been able to share the road with.
"Thank you as well to anyone who came out to a show, bought a shirt or cd, sang along, let us crash on their floor, or was just supportive in any way.
"A few of the members will be starting new projects and we will be updating our pages as these projects start to unfold. We want to assure everyone that we are splitting up on good terms. We’re all excited to see what everyone has in store for their future endeavors. Be sure to keep checking back to follow up with what everyone is doing.
"Our last show will be Saturday November 20th at Rhino’s, 331 S Walnut St. Bloomington, IN. Please come out and get gross with us one final time.
"Thanks again for everything…
Brent, Geoff, Patrick, Matt, and Brett"
Behemoth Frontman Finds Bone Marrow Donor
Behemoth frontman Adam "Nergal" Darski, who is currently suffering from leukemia, has announced that he has finally found a matching bone marrow donor. A message from the singer (translated from Polish) reads as follows:
"Hello. Still from my hospital bed, but really in pretty good shape I am writing to inform you about my health and the further stages of treatment.
"At the moment I am on the fourth and final chemistry and more than 3 month stay in hospital. All the treatments went like a storm though not without some serious "holes". Thus, I close this stage of medications and will soon begin radiation, and then, waiting for my bone marrow.
"Yes, yes, we have a donor !:-))) More...
Former Mushroomhead Guitarist Passes Away
It has been announced that Former Mushroomhead guitarist and founding member John E. Sekula, known to fans as JJ Righteous, had passed away on Thursday, October 28 at the age of 41. JJ Righteous played guitar on Mushroomhead's first three albums which include 1995's "Mushroomhead," 1996's "Superbuick" and 1999's "M3."
Kyuss To Reunite For European Tour
Three former members of the legendary stoner rock band Kyuss, vocalist John Garcia, bass player Nick Oliveri and drummer Brant Bjork, will be embarking on a tour of Europe next year. Founding guitarist Josh Homme will not be taking part in the tour, which is expected to be because of his commitment to Queens Of The Stone Age, the band in which he performs vocal and guitar duties. Replacing him on the trek will be guitarist Bruno Fevery. This is the closest the band has come to a reunion since they called it a day in 1995.
The tour dates are as follows: More...
Pathology Guitarist Quits Band Mid-Tour
Dave Astor, drummer for the San Diego, California death metal act Pathology has issued the following statement through the band's official Myspace page:
"We regret to say that we are forced to miss the last two weeks of the Immolation/Vader US tour. At the show in Los Angeles our guitarist Tim Tiszczenko decided he no longer wants to be a part of Pathology. Tim has been with me for almost 5 years, so having him quit like this is a big disappointment and shock. He basically cannot handle life on the road so he has to leave the band mid-tour despite us requesting him to complete the dates through year's end.
"In addition, many of you know we have been touring in support of Legacy of the Ancients with different fill-in singers waiting for Matti Way to clear some personal issues and join us on the road but it is becoming more and more evident that he just can't commit to the live activity we have planned.
"So, while we sound down we are definitely not out and plan to be back on the road beginning Oct. 28th in Chicago as part of the last show of the Immolation/Vader tour and then to start our tour with Nile immediately after. We have a new singer willing to do the dates and we currently have several guitarists lined up to audition.
"If you would like to be considered for the open guitarist positions, or even as a new future vocalist, hit up our management at salemrosemusic@aol.com. Note, especially for guitarists, there is not a lot of time so it would be ideal if you were already in Southern California or the west coast/southwest part of the US and are familiar with our music. We are looking for someone with band experience and good stage presence who understand the realities of the road and is easy to get along with and understands that at this level there is no money to be made. Ideally we want someone to join the band for the long run but even if you can just help temporarily please get in touch.
"We want to thank and apologize to our booking agent for understanding our disappointing news and giving us another chance. Same goes out to Immolation and all the bands
on that tour - thanks for being so cool. We will be back soon!"
Genghis Tron To Go On Indefinite Hiatus
Brooklyn, New York noise metal act Genghis Tron has announced through its official myspace page that the three-piece have decided to go on an indefinite hiatus. The band commented on this by saying:
"Things have been pretty quiet for Genghis Tron recently, which has led some folks to ask us if we’re breaking up. Well, we definitely aren’t breaking up, but we have decided to take some time away from the band.
"It will be a while before we release another record — and probably even longer before we play shows. However, this was the best thing we could do to make sure that Genghis Tron keeps writing some real toe-tappers. Whenever we come back, it will probably be pretty weird and really good."
Genghis Tron's latest studio album, "Board Up The House," was released in 2008 through Relapse Records. "Board Up The House" was followed up with a 5 part remix series of the same album.
Tragic Month for South African Metal and Rock
The South African metal scene mourns the loss of a great artist in the metal community.
Nazar Berezovsky, lead guitarist of Warthane, tragically died in a car accident in the early hours of the morning on October 8th 2010 on his way home from a gig at the Doors Nightclub.
In the short space of 7 days, not only Nazar but: Pat O’Gorman (Unwritten Friday, Kinky Robot) and Rowan Ferreira (Unlisted) were sadly taken from us, reportedly all due to road accident deaths. Everyone who has heard the news has been left severely affected and it’s extremely heartbreaking that we’ve lost 3 amazingly talented, young men.
We’re still at a loss for words to explain this terrible sequence of events. All we can say is that their legacies will live on through their art and never be forgotten. RIP Pat, Rowan and Nazar.
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to their friends and family.
Gotthard Singer Killed In Motorcycle Crash
Steve Lee, the lead vocalist of Swiss hard rock band Gotthard, was tragically killed yesterday after being involved in a motorcycle crash. He was only 47 years old. The singer had flown to the U.S. with some biker friends just this weekend to fulfil a long-cherished dream for which he'd never had the time due to his heavy touring schedule for many years. It was to be two weeks through the States on a Harley-Davidson.
The 21 Swiss bikers started their journey on Sunday on a total of 12 motorcycles. On Tuesday, October 5, about 50 miles from Las Vegas, the group had stopped at the roadside to put on their rain gear as it had started to rain. On the slippery road, the trailer of a passing truck began to skid. The driver attempted evasive action but his trailer clipped five of the motorcycles parked at the roadside; one of them hit Steve Lee. Rescue services attempted resuscitation but efforts were stopped after 20 minutes. At 16:13 local time, Steve Lee was pronounced dead.
Sweet Savage Guitarist Passes Away
Trev Fleming, the founder and guitarist of Northern Irish heavy metal veterans Sweet Savage sadly passed away last Saturday (October 2nd.) No cause of death has been disclosed as of yet. The band was best known for the song, "Killing Time" which was covered by Metallica, and was expected to release a new album this month, which was to be their first since 1998. No word has been given regarding whether or not Fleming's death will effect the album's release.
Abacinate Vocalist Jason Sica Passes Away
Keansburg, New Jersey grind metallers Abacinate have released the following statement in regards to the passing of the band's vocalist Jason "Plunger" Sica. The band commented by saying:
"ABACINATE is incredibly sad to announce that on Tuesday morning, September 28th 2010, our vocalist Jason 'Plunger' Sica, 25, was found dead. He died at the home of one of his friends, in his hometown of Edison, New Jersey.
"Jason was a dear friend and a true brother to all of us. He was an amazing talent, a loving personality, and a true gentleman with a heart of gold. The remaining members of ABACINATE are deeply, deeply saddened by his loss.
"Before his untimely demise, Jay was immortalized on our most recent recording. It is the first and only recording that will actually be released with Jay performing the vocal duties for ABACINATE. The album, set to be released in late 2010, is dedicated to Jay and all of his loved ones.
"Although Jay was only a member of the ABACINATE roster for about one year, we soared to new heights together, and experienced much success and prosperity that we had yet to achieve in the prior years of our existence as a band. Jay had the pleasure of doing two U.S. tours, many festivals, and an LP with us during his short run. We are very proud and honored that we were such a huge part of his life.
"As of right now, ABACINATE plans on taking a short hiatus in order to collect our thoughts and get through this terrible time in a healthy way. We will having a benefit show for Jay somewhere in NJ in the upcoming months in order to raise funds for his family, and to say goodbye to him with the rest of the music community in a proper way. Details for this benefit show will be provided as we solidify the plans.
"Jay's family and all of us here at the ABACINATE camp would like to express our appreciation to anyone and everyone who reached out to us during this difficult time to extend their sympathy. All the friends we have made on the road, the bands, and the fans have been so kind and loving. For that, we cannot thank you enough.
"Our thoughts, wishes, and deepest sympathy go out to Jay's family every moment of every day.
"Rest in peace, Jay. You will NEVER be forgotten. Thank you for letting us be a part of your life.
"We love you, Plunger.
"R.I.P. Jason Sica 3/14/85 - 9/28/10 Forever in our hearts."
Reverend Guitarist Davey Lee Passes Away
Former Reverend and Byfist Guitarist Davey Lee passed away yesterday morning on October 1st, 2010 due to a heart attack. Davey Lee's self written bio read:
"I am a professional musician and have been playing guitar since I was 15 years old. My career has been more successful then most but maybe not as successful as others. I have been fortunate to have performed all over the USA and even toured throughout Europe."
Former Reverend singer David Wayne died on May 10, 2005 due to complications from an automobile accident. He was 47 years old.
2011 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees Announced
Alice Cooper and Bon Jovi have been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2011's induction. But this year all the talk is about Rush, Kiss, and Joan Jett being snubbed and not getting a nomination.
Here is the full list of 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees:
Alice Cooper
Beastie Boys
Bon Jovi
Chic
Neil Diamond
Donovan
Dr. John
J. Geils Band
LL Cool J
Darlene Love
Laura Nyro
Donna Summer
Joe Tex
Tom Waits
Chuck Willis
The inductees will be announced in the coming weeks.
Former Unearth Bassist Passes Away
Massachusetts metalcore act Unearth has commented on the passing of their former bass player Chris Rybicki who passed away due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The band commented by saying:
"Yesterday we lost our long time friend and original bass player Chris 'Rover' Rybicki. He lost his life from injuries sustained three weeks ago at the hands of an alleged drunk driver.
"Rover hadn't been in the band since 2001, but he remained a good friend to us all throughout the years and this tragedy has hit us hard. Not only was Rover a talented musician, but he was also one of the funniest dudes you would ever know. His wit, dark humor and don't-give-a-fuck attitude made him a unique person that we all loved having in our lives. His memory will live on amongst his family and friends with the countless stories of Rover being Rover. He will be sorely and forever missed. Rover played on our our EP 'Above The Fall Of Man', our debut full length, 'The Stings of Conscience', and also on two tracks off our 2002 EP, 'Endless'.
"We would like to take a second to urge people to not drink and drive. Please be responsible so these tragedies stop happening."
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