A lot happened over the holiday weekend, we start off with a few stories that were posted to antiMUSIC over the past few days and move on to news from other sources. 

GNR CD Release Date
antiMUSIC reports: We've heard it before, but we now have a new release date announcement for the long awaited album "Chinese Democracy" from the Axl Rose fronted Guns N' Roses. The Guns N' Roses Behind the Music special which aired this weekend on VH1 stated that the album was set for a November 2004 release. [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Weiland's Plea
antiMUSIC reports: Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland entered a plea of no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge on Friday. Weiland will return to court on Thursday (July 8th) for sentencing. [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Ja Rule Off the Hook
NME reports: JA RULE has seen drug charges against him dropped within 24 hours. 

Appearing in Manhattan Criminal Court, he pleaded guilty to the driving charge and paid $550 in fines and court fees. The misdemeanour possession charge was then dropped. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

The Ramones Musical
MTV reports: A musical featuring the music of the Ramones will hit the stage in Perth, Australia, in August, according to Playbill. In the frenetic spirit of the Ramones themselves, "Gabba Gabba Hey" packs 18 songs into a 70-minute show, and finds time to add a "touching love story" to the mix. Tommy Ramone will serve as the musical director. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: MTV also has news on Usher, Kanye West Announce Revamped 'Truth Tour' Itinerary, Jadakiss Calls His Success Proof That 'Controversy Sells', Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, New Found Glory, Blink-182, Raven, Lloyd Banks & More click here to check it out

Rock's 50th Anniversary?
antiMUSIC reports: Elvis Presley's first song, "That's All Right Mama," was heard around the world this morning (July 5) as over 1200 radio stations across the globe took part in a simulcast of the song to make the 50th Anniversary of its recording. 

While the true birth of Rock �N' Roll is a heavily debated topic, many place it with the recording of this song. Radio station from Europe, North America, Japan, even the Ukraine marked the anniversary by carrying the live broadcast of the song from the Sun studios in Memphis. [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Menza Rejoins Megadeth
antiMUSIC reports: While Megadeth fans anxiously await the release of the group's new CD "The System Has Failed", on September 14th, Frontman Dave Mustaine has kept fans in the loop about Mega-happenings through postings on the Megadeth website and given the sneak peeks at the material. 

This week, Nick Menza has big news for fans when he posted a message announcing his return to the fold. The drummer posted the following message: "Yes, it's time to rock the globe once again. After getting my head on straight and mending things up with the General [Mustaine], I'm very happy and excited to be back! I 'm very grateful to all you droogies who supported my return. Thank you! You won't regret it. [more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Killswitch Engage Slayer
antiMUSIC reports: Killswitch Engage plan on keeping busy this year supporting their latest album, "The End Of Heartache". According to Roadrunner Records, the band are set to appear at the Aggressive Music Conference on July 18th in Glens Falls, NY. The band also have a headlining performance at this year's Hellfest on July 24th. 

Roadrunner has let fans in on future touring plans. Although dates have yet to be announced, the group will embark on a headlining tour on August 13th which will run until September 25th. They will be joined on the road by Autumn to Ashes (as direct support) and 36 Crazyfist (opening). 

Then in October, the band is set to provide direct support for Slayer on the Jagermeister tour which will kick off on October 13th and through the end of November. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Ra Drops Sevendust
The PRP reports: Ra have dropped off of Sevendust's upcoming tour with Nonpoint. The band will be replaced by Skindred, who are expected to open all stops of the tour. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Himsa DVD
The PRP reports: Himsa will be filming their August 27th show at Graceland in Seattle, WA for an upcoming live DVD which is planned to be released through Prosthetic in January 2005. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Slayer Delay
The PRP reports: Slayer's forthcoming new album looks to have been temporarily curtailed following some label wrangling. The bands long-time label American Recordings have fufilled their contract with Island/Def Jam and are rumored to be negotiating with another Universal-based label for future releases. In turn, the group are said to have been holding off on the recording of their new album which they now likely won't begin tracking until sometime this fall/winter.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: The PRP also has news on Menzadeth, Datemaker, Track Listing Recovered, Tour Fail Me Pt. 4, You And Me Are Open, Sick Of All The Terror and more click here to check it out

Kings of Leon Injury Sidelines Festival Plans
NME reports: KINGS OF LEON have pulled out of a festival in Europe because of an injury to drummer NATHAN FALLOWILL. 

The band were playing at the Roskilde over the weekend (July 3) when the drummer slipped and jammed his left wrist. A spokesperson for the band has told NME.COM that a show in Serbia was pulled as a result of the injury. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: NME also has news on Rare Oasis footage surfaces, Glastonbury 2004 - the verdict, Franz Ferdinand offer host of treats on new single, Big name joins T In The Park bill and more click here to check it out

The Melvins Pigs Tour
IAYM reports: The Melvins will be heading out this September in North America to take part in the "Pigs Of The Roman Empire" tour. 

The Melvins meanwhile have a couple of new releases on the cards, first up is their collaboration with Lustmord, and this is expected to see an August 24th release through Ipecac, entitled "Pigs Of The Roman Empire"; whilst Alternative Tentacles have announced: "October will bring the eagerly awaited Jello Biafra and The Melvins "Never Breathe What You Can't See" LP/CD [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

dredg Mixing
IAYM reports: dredg will begin mixing their upcoming new album later this week, the effort is tentatively due out in late 2004 through Interscope. The band are also piecing together footage for a DVD documenting the making of the forthcoming CD, this is expected to accompany the outing as a bonus disc when it sees a release.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: IAYM also has news on Recover: new album track listing, One Mile Wish touring plans, Throwdown "Off-Fest" dates, Superjoint Ritual "Off-Fest" dates, Nevermore UK tour and more click here to check it out

Mrs. Sting Lands UN Ambassadorship
Sky News reports: Sting's wife Trudie Styler is to become an ambassador for children's charity UNICEF. 

She will spearhead an appeal to help end child exploitation around the world. 

The 51-year-old has personally pledged to raise £1m for the campaign. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

U2 Title Rumors
Ananova reports: U2's forthcoming album is reportedly to be called Vertigo. 

Launch quotes a fansite which claims the domain names for three site addresses all containing the words U2 and Vertigo have been registered by Digital:CC. 

Dublin-based multimedia company Digital:CC is co-owned by bassist Adam Clayton's brother. 

The previous registered url for the firm was u2allthatyoucantleavebehind.com, the official site for the previous U2 album. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Nasty Break-Up For Jane's Addiction
Ananova reports: Jane's Addiction's front man Perry Farrell has lashed out at his former bandmates for splitting the group up. 

Perry Farrell says his band had been taken over by 'new owners' and 'went astray, falling into shallow holes'. 

But while his other bandmates have gone on to form a new band with a different singer, Farrell says he plans to launch a solo career. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Ananova also has news on Sugababes 'couldn't be bothered', Peter blames poor album sales on marketing, Death threats 'force Jamelia to cancel gig', Franz Ferdinand's singer's 'trousers split' and more click here to check it out

Roxie Music Semi-Reunion
Billboard reports: Four founders of Roxy Music reunite on "6PM," the sixth solo album by the band's guitarist, Phil Manzanera. 

He is joined by original keyboard player Brian Eno, saxophonist Andy Mackay and drummer Paul Thompson. Eno was the sole founding member who did not participate in Roxy's 2001 reunion tour. 

With only frontman Bryan Ferry absent, "6PM" is the closest thing to a new Roxy Music album fans are likely to hear. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

David Crosby Gun Charge Plea Deal 
Reuters reports: Rock musician David Crosby was fined $5,000 on Friday after pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon following his arrest in New York in March when a gun, knife and marijuana were found in his luggage. 

In exchange for his plea in which one count of unlawful possession of marijuana was dismissed, Crosby, 62, was given a conditional discharge as long as he pays the fine and does not get rearrested. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Stanley M. Gortikov RIP
Reuters reports: The man credited with bringing the Recording Industry Assn. of America into the modern era, and who as a Capitol Records executive helped to market the Beatles in the United States, has died. 

Stanley M. Gortikov, who led the music trade group from 1972 to 1987, died June 24 of natural causes at his Brentwood, Calif., home. He was 85. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Spector Case Hangs By A Fingernail
AP reports: Lawyers for music legend Phil Spector declared in court Friday that they are not hiding a fingernail from the body of the actress he's accused of killing. 

The defense went so far as to bring in famed forensic expert Henry Lee from Connecticut to testify in a pretrial hearing, but the hearing was aborted when Superior Court Judge Carlos Uranga accepted the defense declaration. 

Prosecutor Douglas Sortino said he wanted the defense to turn over not just a fingernail but any "physical or real" evidence in their possession. Uranga said he would so order. 

As for the fingernail, the judge said if the defense indeed does not have it, neither side will be able to use it if it turns up later. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Purple Rain Bash
AP reports: Anniversaries often bring reunions. And to mark the 20th anniversary of "Purple Rain," Prince reunited with some of the players in his musical past � Morris Day and The Time, guitarist Wendy Melvoin and former protege Sheila E. 

"This hasn't been done like this in a long time," said veteran musician Larry Graham, who performed at Friday's Essence Music Festival show at the Superdome in New Orleans. "This is just right on time." 

Prince's show, the kickoff to the three-day annual concert festival in the city, was a five-hour party attended by 50,000 people, the largest crowd for a concert in the festival's 10-year history. 

Other surprise guests included Chaka Khan, who joined Prince to sing "I Feel For You" � a cover of his song that she made a monster hit in the 1980s; and old school rapper Doug E. Fresh. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

The Akas Tour
Abosolute Punk reports: The A.K.A.s will also be touring all through July on The Dancehall Fight Music Tour with The Start. The tour will also include an Erie, PA show with Strike Anywhere as well as a stop at Hellfest 2004. [see full story for more plus info on a contest]- Click Here for the Full Story 

McBrain Damage
McBrainDamage.com reports: McBrain Damage is a Metal Band formed by Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain. This 5-piece Metal Band consists of the best musicians Nicko could find, including Dave "The Beast" Spitz formerly of Black Sabbath and Great White (on bass), Jonathan Murphy (vocals) & Rick Baum (guitar) form Deepset and Chris Proano (guitar) from Failsafe. 

McBrain Damage concentrates on an Iron Maiden format playing a set of the bands' biggest hits like "The Number Of The Beast," "The Trooper," and "Run To The Hills" while also showcasing original music from the band. Their live show hits hard with a full light and stage show and with a presence that makes any Iron Maiden or Metal fan proud. 

McBrain Damage launches a summer and fall tour. The first show has been booked in South East Florida , then onto NY to headline a Monsters Of Rock 20th anniversary tribute concert, then back to Fl for dates in Tampa, Orlando and Gainesville. Shows in major cities throughout the country and possible overseas will follow. - Click Here for the Full Story 

American Dog Euro Bound
press release reports: AMERICAN Dog's statewide "All Over The Road" Summer Tour is Euro bound July 10 � 24th!!! In addition to confirmed dates w/MOLLY HATCHET; Ohio's infamous beer swilling trio have been invited to team up with none other that ROSE TATTOO. Michael Hannon - the Dog's lead singer and bassist states that although he has no tattoo's� this is the one he always wanted. "Angry Anderson & Rose Tattoo had a huge impact on all of us when we started out. It just doesn't get any cooler than this! We're all looking forward to kicking some serious ass and meeting the Aussie legends in person". - Click Here for the Full Story 

Neil Young's Greendale Coming to DVD
press release reports: After a successful theatrical run in over 40 North American cities, Neil Young's Greendale is set for DVD release on July 27th. In addition to the Greendale film, the DVD comes with the documentary The Making of Greendale, which contains interviews with Neil and the cast plus behind the scenes footage. Additional extras include a live performance of "Be the Rain", full lyrics of all ten songs, and a complete Neil Young discography. The DVD, distributed by Sanctuary, will carry a list price of 24.98. 

Greendale is a humanist fable told through ten interlocking songs performed by Young, who never appears in the film, but whose distinctive voice is heard singing the story and the dialogue of his lip-synching actors. 

In Greendale, Neil Young has made what he calls a "musical novel," telling the story of a three generational family, a cop's inadvertent murder and the sociopolitical evolution of a girl named Sun Green. Not a concert film, Young directed actors on locations on his Northern California home turf to create his Greendale, a rural town microcosm of a world in crisis. He shot the film himself on a German Super 8 underwater camera he loves. Then it was blown up to 35mm, giving the film a rough-hewn, almost Seurat-like look. [click the full story link to view the trailer]- Click Here for the Full Story