Archive: Headline News
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Necro Leaves Sounds Of The Underground Tour
Self proclaimed "death rap" artist Necro has issued the follwing statement from his official Myspace:
"I decided to leave the tour collectively with my manager and booking agent (both tour organizers) because we felt the tour’s demographic was not receiving hip hop well. I was facing hostile, disrespectful crowds and was returning the same energy back ten-fold by being more aggressive than them.
It was making a lot of people in the tour crew nervous and there was concern someone might get hurt (NOT ME). It was also being suggested that maybe I tone down my live show and not antagonize the already antagonistic crowd. I couldn’t roll with that as it’s not my style. I was holding back enough as it is but there is a line. All the bands on the tour loved us and everyone behind the scenes knew we displayed major heart and never once got phased by the hostility. We finished every show with middle fingers up and a big "Fuck You" to the crowd.
I will make one thing clear for the haters: we NEVER got booed OFF the stage. Not once. Yes a ton of emo kids booed us at every show, but we had a twenty-five minute set every night and we stayed on stage for every minute of it, and we represented. Every show had at least 100 to 200 Necro fans in the pit tearing it up, and our meet and greets were incredible!
It’s just a shame these little kids are so close-minded. The majority of the hate was coming from mop top emo sixteen-year olds who have no clue who the originators of metal are, and didn’t respect my rest in peace chant to metal legends (Dime, Cliff, Chuck, Piggy, SOB).
As far as the tour organizers and I are concerned, you are my people so it’s all love and I’m thankful for the opportunity to prove I can murder it in the worst of situations. This actually did a lot for me and is just one move in many my team will make to blow Necro up"
Calico System Calls It Quits
St. Louis metal/hardcore/rock outfit Calico System has apparently broken up. Guitarist Rick Giordano has issued the following statement:
"Well there is no IS really, we already have. Reasons? You want reasons? I don't have to explain myself to you!! But I'll sum it up by saying that it just didn't make sense to remain a band anymore. Music rules, but the music BUSINESS sucks and had taken its toll on all of us. A farewell tour will be happening. I can't say when or where yet, but it will happen. We hope to hit a handful of select cities possibly this fall to party with all our friends one last time. And to answer the most common email/comment questions we recieve... NO, you cannot find the CD anywhere. We're not happy about it either (biting tongue...) because we're really proud of the fucking thing! Good thing there's Internet downloading! And NO, we're not playing whatever show you saw us listed on on some other band's page or flyer or whatever. We have no upcoming shows. I can almost hear the applause from the kids on Lambgoat..."
Original guitarist Shawn Keith shortly afterward issued his own statement regarding the band's break-up:
"I figured I would chime in here seeing that both myself and Erik quit the band prior to the demise. When we got signed back in 2003 everything about the music and scene was completely different. You did not have Myspace to blow your band up and you actually had to have a record deal before any type of hype could be built around you band other than touring. We booked DIY tours early on before we were signed and put in the work. We toured probably more than a lot of bands EVER did and I am proud of the accomplishments that we made. It was a lot of blood sweat and tears but at the end of the day when everything is pointing against you then you just have to simply say 'it is time to move on. Erik and I quit back in February to pursue other interest in music and in our personal lives. We got to a point where we were not as passionate about it as we once were... Our label slapped a sounds like 'new breed of metalcore' sticker on the front of our new record and that is something we wanted to stray away from completely. Now when Deathcore is it fact the new 'cool' thing we decided we did not want any part of it. Even though both Erik and I are no longer with the band I still think it is important to thank anyone and everyone who ever came to see a show, let us sleep on their floors or bought any of our merch. You are the people that made it possible for me experience things I would have never been able to. I also would like to thank any promoter that ever booked a show for Calico System. It is because of you that we were able to get as far as we did and it is a memory that will never be forgotten. We are talking about doing a farewell tour in October in select cities that I myself will be apart of. I am being as sincere as I possibly can by saying THANK YOU for the support and good times."
Girlschool Guitarist Passes Away
MOTÖRHEAD has issued the following update:
"It is with extreme sadness to inform you that Kelly Johnson, original lead guitarist of GIRLSCHOOL, passed away on Sunday night, 15th July. She has been suffering from spinal cancer for the last six years.
"Joining GIRLSCHOOL in 1978, Kelly was a face in the classic line-up alongside Kim McAuliffe (rhythm guitar, vocals), Enid Williams (bass, vocals) and Denise Dufort (drums). The band was an integral and major force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, beginning with the release of its debut album, 'Demolition' (1980), and continuing with the follow-ups 'Hit 'n' Run' (1981) and 'Screaming Blue Murder' (1982). Kelly's participation also saw GIRLSCHOOL collaborating with MOTÖRHEAD under the name HEADGIRL for the 'St. Valentine's Day Massacre' EP. Both bands appeared on the lead track 'Please Don't Touch' and covered each other's songs, GIRLSCHOOL choosing 'Bomber' and MOTÖRHEAD picking 'Emergency'.
"Watch the 'Please Don't Touch' (MOTÖRHEAD and GIRLSCHOOL) video at YouTube.
"Kelly originally left GIRLSCHOOL in 1984 after recording the band's fourth album, 'Play Dirty', to live in Los Angeles for the next ten years. She rejoined in 1993 and moved back to the U.K. In 2000, she decided to quit the music business for good after recording her final album with GIRLSCHOOL, 'Not That Innocent: 21st Anniversary' (2001), though always remained a close friend to the band.
"Kelly Johnson (RIP) will be missed heavy-heartedly by all. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends." More...
A Perfect Murder Breaks Up
After seven years together, and just a few weeks after the release of a new album, Canadian metal band A Perfect Murder has called it quits. The group has issued the following statement:
"A Perfect Murder is officially breaking up. There are a lot of things that could be discussed about but we don't wanna go that way. We'd like to think about all the good things music has bring to us over the last 7 years. We've met a lot of people, made a lot friends, traveled to places that we thought we would never go.
"1 Demo, 2 Ep's and 4 LPs later we are very proud to say that we, A Perfect Murder, has achieved something truly remarkable. We'd like to thanks the Quebec hardcore/Metal scene for all the support since we've started. This, also goes out to everybody that have supported us and helped us out over the last couple of years. Thank you so much.
"To all the great and not-so-great bands that we have played with. Thank you. Thanks to Mike Gaytan from Premonitions of war. You've done so much for us. Thanks to Mike, Manual and the SF Crew for saving our asses on tour more than once. We'll never forget. Thanks for Bouchard's parent for being a member of this band since the beginning, this would have never happen without your help. Never ending love. There are thousands of other people that we would like to thanks but the list would be too big.
"We also wanna thanks Victory Records for having believed in us since we signed with them. Cuz hate them or not, They are the reason why all of you out there know A Perfect Murder. That was a hell of ride. We are very proud of everything we've done. Even the mistakes. We have learn so much. So thanks to everybody once again and keep metal alive. You'll hear from some of us pretty soon."
Hot Cross Calls It Quits
Philadelphia's Hot Cross has apparently disbanded. No official statement or explanation has been provided beyond the following:
"Hot Cross RIP. Thanks for everything. We are indefinitely inactive as of 7/6/07. No reason to get into why this is happening. Just know we appreciate your support over the last seven years."
Formed in 2000, the band put out several releases with drummer Greg Drudy's own Level Plane Records prior to releasing a full-length with Equal Vision Records earlier this year.
Led Zeppelin Reuniting For One-Off Show
Rock legends Led Zeppelin will reportedly reunite for a one-off memorial concert in honor of their late record boss.
If true, it would mark the third time that the '70s legends have played since disbanding. The band has only performed a handful of concerts, including Live Aid in 1985, since their split in 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham. But singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones will re-group alongside Bonham's son Jason for a special concert in memory of Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun in London.
A source says, "Page, Plant and Jones spoke and agreed to do the memorial concert. They are waiting for a definite date."
"And no one can quite believe it, but during discussions about the concert they all gave the green light to a tour if it all does well and they don't all fall out."
"It has been hoped for and denied for years. But this is the closest they have ever come to a reunion tour. The feeling is that this is going to happen next year."
Ertegun died in December after seven weeks in a coma following a fall at a Rolling Stones concert. The likes of Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Stevie Nicks, and Crosby, Stills & Nash all played his New York memorial in April of this year.
8 People Injured In Skinheads Vs Punks Fight
Bulgaria's Pro-Rock magazine reports that eight people were seriously injured in a fight that erupted between "skinheads" and "punks" during a concert by the punk legends THE EXPLOITED at Universiada Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria earlier tonight (Wednesday, June 20). According to the report, the altercation began around 9:00 p.m. (local time) and involved around 20-30 skinheads. The young men used glass bottles, chains and other metal objects as weapons before the police stepped in and prevented the fight from spreading to other parts of the venue. Six of the injured were hospitalized. Remarkably, the concert went ahead as planned, and THE EXPLOITED along with the support acts — which included HARMFUL (featuring ex-FAITH NO MORE bassist Billy Gould on guitar) and MONDO GENERATOR — played regular sets with no other incidents reported.
Max and Igor Cavalera Writing Together Again
According to Sirius Satellite Radio, brothers Max and Igor Cavalera are writing together again. According to Sirius, the new songs may include guest appearances by members of Napalm Death and Soulfly guitarist Marc Rizzo.
Igor Cavalera has been a free agent since he left Sepultura in June 2006 to work on personal issues. He was replaced by ex-Udora drummer Jean Dolabella.
In December 1996, following the tragic death of Max’s stepson, his bandmates — including his brother — tried to fire his wife and grieving manager Gloria Cavalera because they weren’t happy with the way she was handling the band’s business. Max viewed the move as an act of betrayal, quit the band and cut off contact with Igor until last year. Then on August 17 at the D-Low Memorial Festival in Tempe, Arizona, an event to honor the memory of Max’s late stepson, the guitarist and his brother took the stage to play two Sepultura songs, “Roots Bloody Roots” and “Attitude.”
Vocalist Anneke Leaves The Gathering
Anneke van Giersbergen, singer for world-renowned Dutch rock act THE GATHERING, has decided to pursue new goals in life and music.
In a statement, she says:
”Dear people, I wanted to send out this message to all of you to inform you that I have decided to leave The Gathering. After much consideration and some serious soul searching, I feel that it is time for me to change my direction in life and develop and search out new goals.
In all the wonderful years that I have been a part of The Gathering, we, as a band, have always strongly believed in sincerity: both personally and within our music. I have always been able to give one hundred percent of myself to the band and its music. Over the last year I developed an urge to initiate my activities from a different place in my heart, focusing on myself and my family.More...
Iconoclasm Put On Hold
Long-standing Belgian black/thrash metallers ICONOCLASM have issued the following update via their official website:
"After many years of joy during which we shared the stage with several great bands, Iconoclasm has decided to go into a hybernation. At this point we all feel a bit 'fed-up' and have some private matters that need to be taken care of. Time will tell if we will go on in the future.
"This also means we won't do any gigs no more. All confirmed gigs will be cancelled. The last show we did was at Steel Warriors Rebellion Fest in Portugal. We all raise our horns to thank the organization of SWR and our session drummer Hennix (Demonizer) for making this gig possible and for the great alchoholic time in Barroselas.
"As some sort of tribute, a huge load of pictures from the year 2006 is online and can be viewed in the pictures-area. And last but definitly not least, we wish our ex-drummer Jeroenymous all the best in his future life. Thank you for many years of dedication and madness. This video from the show at Graspop Metal Meeting 2006 is dedicated to you!"
Premonitions Of War Returns From Hiatus
Following a lengthy hiatus, Premonitions Of War has returned. According to the band, "it's been a long two years - some members touring in other bands, some spending time in jail. We are currently writing new material and have begun booking shows for the summer." Sean Vandegrift, formerly of From A Second Story Window will be filling in on vocals in May and June while Nate Johnson tours with Through The Eyes Of The Dead. Anyone interested in booking the group should contact them on their MySpace.
Premonitions Of War has lined up the following appearances:
5/29 Columbus, OH @ The High Five w/ Regurgitate, Fuck The Facts
6/17 Cheswick, PA @ The Ches-A-Rena (Sincerity Fest)
7/27 Indianapolis, IN @ The Harrison Center (Dude Fest)
7/28 Milwaukee, WI @ TBA (Dance Fest)
7/29 Westland, MI @ VFW Post 6896 (Gorefest)
Opeth Guitarist Peter Lindgren Steps Down
Peter Lindgren has stepped down from his guitar wielding duties after 16 years in Opeth. Below is an open letter from Peter addressing the issue:
"It is with sadness I announce that Opeth and I are going separate ways after almost 16 years. The decision has been the toughest I've ever made but it is the right one to make at this point in my life."
"The reason behind this is that I feel that I simply have lost some of the enthusiasm and inspiration needed to participate in a band that has grown from a few guys playing the music we love to a world-wide industry. The love of music has always been, and still is, our motive, but I personally have lost something along the way."
"The massive amount of touring has taken its toll. Opeth has worked extremely hard to get where we are right now and in order to persist and maintain the quality of the music, it is necessary that we continue to work hard and always stay focused. But in doing so, it means that we nowadays spend 18 or 19 months on the road and I don't feel the same enthusiasm for the upcoming world tour that I have felt earlier." More...
SYL And The Devin Townsend Band Finished
During a Ziltoid the Omniscient press conference, Devin Townsend has announced that his projects Strapping Young Lad and The Devin Townsend Band have been put to an end, and that he will not be touring again at any point in the future. Devin will, however, continue to make and release solo music.
After the audience took the statement from Ziltoid that Devin would be moving away, never to be seen again as a joke, Townsend came forth to confirm that he is indeed moving to a remote Northern Canadian town. He said that he will continue to make music, and lots of it, some of which will be ambient, some heavy, and so on. His new house will have a studio, though he will keep his Vancouver studio which he uses to produce other bands. However, Devin will not tour to support any music he releases in the future, nor will he be appearing in public at all.
Devin stated that while his 8-month old son was a contributing factor towards this decision, he had been considering doing this for some time now, and that he is tired of being in the limelight and touring and interviews and such. He is also tired of Strapping Young Lad, with the last tour being extremely difficult for him in terms of enthusiasm. He no longer has the same frustrations SYL was created to vent, and no longer feels the need to scream at people.
Salem's Wych Singer Killed In Motorcycle Accident
Ron Johnson, of the metal band Salem’s Wych died at 11:22 a.m. on April 23, 2007 in Lima, Ohio, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Ron was survived by two children, his life companion Cindy Ritchie, a mother, father and a sister.
Salem’s Wych was one of the original 80’s bands along with Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Helstar to usher in a style of metal that went on to later be known as Thrash Metal.
Abigail Williams Disbands
Phoenix, Arizona's ABIGAIL WILLIAMS has issued the following statement:
"Abigail Williams has decided to disband. It's no secret that the band has had more than its fair share of lineup problems and the time has now come to close the doors. The MySpace page will remain active and we'll continue to sell merchandise until we run out of stock. Abigail Williams released their debut EP, Legend, via Candlelight Records earlier this year and it is currently available in stores everywhere. Thanks to everyone at Candlelight who believed in this band and every fan who has supported our music."
"Please don't bother asking for specific details surrounding the band's demise; just understand that this was for the better and we'll try to keep everyone posted as to the future endeavors of former band members, etc."
Arcturus Rumored To Have Split Up
Rumors are running rampant that Norwegian extreme metal band ARCTURUS has decided to call it quits following the completion of its recent Australian tour. According to unconfirmed reports from fans that attended ARCTURUS' March 31 concert in Melbourne, ARCTURUS vocalist Simen Hestnaes (a.k.a. ICS Vortex, DIMMU BORGIR, ex-BORKNAGAR, LAMENTED SOULS) announced from the stage that the gig was to be the band's last.
An Australian ARCTURUS fan by the name of Vanessa posted on the band's official MySpace page an e-mail that she claims to have received from the group's drummer Jan Axel "Hellhammer" Blomberg (also of DIMMU BORGIR and MAYHEM) confirming the breakup. In the e-mail, Hellhammer purportedly wrote, "Yes, we are splitting up. There is no more time for all of us as everyone [is] extremely busy. But there has been some killer 16 years or so. See you next time with MAYHEM or DIMMU, and those bands [are] not likely split up any time soon."
ARCTURUS has yet to issue an official statement confirming the breakup.
ARCTURUS' latest album, "Sideshow Symphonies", was released in September 2005 via Season of Mist.
Eyes Of Ligeia Disband
Doom metal band Eyes of Ligeia have decided to call it a day. Dante, the band's leader, has issued the following statement: "After nine years, the cycle is complete. Eyes of Ligeia has been laid to rest, having accomplished all that was meant to be. No further information will be forthcoming."
Eyes of Ligeia signed to Paragon records in 2005 and released "A Fever Which Would Cling to Thee Forever" through the label, which would be their last release.
SOTU 2007 Lineup and Tour Dates Announced
Sounds of the Underground has announced the lineup for their annual tour. Following two straight appearances in the middle of the day, the event will be closed most nights by splatter metal champions, GWAR; ensuring that fans will remain blood and gore-free until the closing hours of the show. Three other bands will rotate in the headlining position prior to GWAR: a block-buster artist yet to be announced, face-shredding metal pugilists Chimaira, and experimental noisemakers Every Time I Die.
The day will be completed with a bill including Necro, Darkest Hour, Amon Amarth, The Acacia Strain, The Devil Wears Prada, HeavyHeavyLowLow, The Number Twelve Looks Like You, Goatwhore, This Is Hell, and 2 Cents. Expect additional special guest headliners to join the bill on select dates.
The touring festival launches in July and runs into August. More...
Eighteen Visions Breaks Up
Orange County, California rock (one-time metal) band Eighteen Visions has called it quits. Formed in 1996, the band released several albums with Trustkill Records before jumping to Epic Records in 2004. Bassist Mick Morris sent Lambgoat a band statement:
"After several years of touring and quite a few album releases we have decided that it is time to go our seperate ways. We have been a band for a very long time and feel good about everything we were able to accomplish. At this point in our lives and our careers we feel its time to move on to something fresh and new. Whether it be music, touring or just being at home to live and enjoy life. We would like to thank all of our fans, friends and families for all of the great support over the years. We would also like to thank all of the bands we have shared the stage with and everyone who has ever worked with the band, opened a door or reached out a hand. We will be playing our final two shows in April. One in San Diego and one in Orange County. Come rock with us one more time."
On Broken Wings Goes On Hiatus
Massachusetts' On Broken Wings (Eulogy Recordings) has announced plans to disband for an indeterminate amount of time as they focus on other priorities. Here's a statement from the band:
"We have decided to take an indefinite hiatus to work on all the other bands/things we have going on in our lives. We did a lot of tours, played a lot of shows, met a lot of good people, and grew up a lot.
"We all have new bands, some of us more than 1, some of us more than 2 or 3, haha. We will be playing a few farewell shows, so be on the lookout for updates. Our farewell to the West Coast show will be at the Earth Crisis reunion in Ventura, CA on May 5th. This means CA, Vegas, Arizona... move it.
"Make sure you check out all the other projects [Shere Khan, The Confrontation, Everbody Out, etc.] we're working on until we feel like On Broken Wings is ready for new material."
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