DMX Arrested For Auto Theft Attempt
AP reports: [not rock related but might be of some interest, so here it is] Rapper and actor DMX was arrested on charges that he and another man tried to steal a car in a parking lot at Kennedy Airport, authorities said. 

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, and Jackie Hudgins were arrested Thursday night after Port Authority police interrupted a dispute between the two and another man whose car they allegedly tried to steal, authorities said. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Boss Won't Rock GOP
liveDaily reports: Bruce Springsteen's publicist, in response to a call for the New Jersey rocker to play a concert in opposition to President George W. Bush concurrent with year's Republican convention, has issued a press release that says Springsteen won't participate in such an event. 

Shore Fire Media, in a one-sentence statement issued on Wednesday (6/23) regarding the "Draft Bruce" campaign, said that "Bruce Springsteen will definitely not perform any concerts tied to either the Republican or Democratic conventions." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Jane's Addiction Spin-Off?
liveDaily reports: [Jane's Addiction's Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Chris Chaney] have been recording new tracks with Skycycle (news | CDs) frontman Steve Isaacs. The new quartet thus far remains nameless. 

Isaacs, in a statement posted recently on his website, said that speculation that he was "effectively the new Jane's Addiction singer," is "totally f---ing nuts. No one in the universe could replace Perry Farrell and for anyone to try would be ridiculous." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: liveDaily also has news on Destiny's Child to perform for Pepsi sweepstakes, Ani DiFranco heads up tour to get out vote, Live Review: Ozomatli at Dragonfly in Los Angeles, More dates surface for Cher's farewell tour, Live Review: No Doubt and Blink-182 in Phoenix and more click here to check it out

MXPX Leave Label
RIFTrock reports: MXPX have left their label. Here's the official announcement from the band's website: 

"MxPx originally signed with A&M records in 1998 in an arrangement with Tooth and Nail allowing the band to have additional opportunities not available to the independent labels. However, in the world of corporate record companies, the small "boutique" A&M records became part of Interscope Records who clearly could not embrace MxPx even though the band's continued to have a growing fan base and toured to sell out venues. After years of frustration, MxPx and Interscope (A&M) Records have parted ways..." - Click Here for the Full Story 

New Found Green Day Glory?
RIFTrock reports: Rumors are flying around of a Green Day/New Found Glory tour in the works for the fall. The tour is slated to start in October. The tour will most likely take place in larger venues, perhaps arenas. Dates are expected to be announced near the end of the summer or in the the fall season. [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: RIFTrock also has news on Clutch plan re-release, Beloved/Between the Buried and Me tour, A Static Lullaby update, Head Automatica announce release date, ex-Lollapalooza Artists line-up Tours, Soil Recording Acoustic Tracks and more click here to check it out

Ex-Editors Sue Billboard
Variety reports: Two former senior staffers at Billboard are making a lot of noise for the music trade magazine. 

A month after being fired, former Billboard editor-in-chief Keith Girard and senior editor Samantha Chang filed a lawsuit against the mag and its parent VNU seeking $29 million in damages. 

Suit, filed Thursday in New York state Supreme Court, accuses Billboard publisher John Kilcullen, executive editor Ken Schlager and VNU chief operating officer Howard Lander, among others, of "gender and race-based discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliatory firings, intra-office sabotage and other wrongdoing" that found Girard and Chang "in a newsroom culture in which corporate management sacrificed editorial integrity for the sake of financial interests." 

The two claim that because of financial pressures, Kilcullen instructed Girard not to publish any editorials, editorial cartoons, articles or features that might "piss off" the major record companies and cause them to withhold advertising or cancel subscriptions. [see full story for more, it makes for interesting reading] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Ben Folds Capt Kirk
Billboard reports: Ben Folds is pushing back the release date of his next solo album to early 2005 in order to give "Star Trek" veteran William Shatner's upcoming collection, "Has Been," his full attention. The set is being targeted for a September release by Shout! Factory. 

"It is a great record and it is really worth going out and doing some shows in major cities," Folds told Billboard.com. "(Shatner) is not a musician at all -- he's not rapping or singing -- but he is still part of the music. I've never heard a record quite like it." Shatner previously guested on Folds'1998 solo album "Fear of Pop, Vol.1" 

Shatner's album was produced and written mostly by Folds and includes cameos by Henry Rollins, Aimee Mann and Joe Jackson, who duets with Shatner on Pulp's "Common People." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

William Hung, William Shatner... 

Court Reverses FCC Media Ownership Rules 
AP reports: A federal appeals court on Thursday largely reversed a landmark set of rule changes from the Federal Communications Commission that would have allowed companies to own more radio and television stations in the same market. 

The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia marked a major setback to the FCC's efforts to deregulate media ownership rules and a victory for public interest groups that had opposed the measures. [see full story for lots more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Dio Sabbath Hits
Electric Basement reports: Warner Bros./Rhino Records is releasing a new BLACK SABBATH compilation in September focussing on the RONNIE JAMES DIO era(s). Black Sabbath: The Ronnie James Dio Years features the following tracklisting: 

1. Neon Knights - 2. Lady Evil - 3. Country Girl - 4. Voodoo - 5. The Mob Rules - 6. Turn Up The Night - 7. TV Crimes - 8. Time Machine - 9. Letters From Earth - 10. Heaven And Hell [see full story for news Kingdom Come, Black Nasa, Elf, Marshall Law, Helmet and more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Korny Covers
IAYM reports: KoRn's forthcoming 'greatest hits' album release will feature two new cover songs, which are reportedly versions of both Nine Inch Nails' 'Head Like A Hole' and Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick In The Wall'. The outing is expected out through Epic late this year. [see full story link for news on Om, Mare, Eyehategod, Soil, Electric Wizard, Sloth and more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Glastonbury Webcasts
Day in Rock reports: Don't live in the UK? Or couldn't afford tickets or couldn't make it to Glastonbury this weekend? You're in luck, Playlouder.com is webcasting performances from the festival. Webcasts include Franz Ferninand, PJ Harvey, Lostprophets, Muse, BRMC and more. See the full story link to check it out. - Click Here for the Full Story 

New Rufus Wainwright EP & CD Coming
Soul Shine reports: When he released his album "Want One" last year Rufus Wainwright had enough material for a second CD. As expected "Want Two" will be released later this year or early next year. Next Tuesday � June 29 � Rufus will release a four song EP "Waiting for a Want" previewing songs yet to come on the new album. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Oasis DVD
Soul Shine reports: It may be a bit difficult to believe, but it's been ten years since Oasis dropped their debut album 'Definitely Maybe'. To celebrate the anniversary, the band has decided to release 'Definitely Maybe � The DVD' on September 6th (in the UK). 

In addition to the original recording of the album (including a vinyl-only track), the DVD will feature an expansive look at the band and their career. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Soul Shine also has news on Radio Berlin Tour, Prepare Next Album, 'Two Shots' of Happy For Matt Dusk, Coheed and Cambria Take It To The Next Level, Ben Folds & Star Trek's Shatner Team Up, David Byrne Extends Tour, Everlast Make 'White Trash Beautiful' With Tour and more click here to check it out

Juliana Theory DIY Label
The PRP reports: After recently parting ways with Epic Records, The Juliana Theory have formed their own label dubbed Paper Fist. The label will feature worldwide distribution through Rykodisc. At present the band are working on new material for their next album, which will be the first outing released by the label. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Lamb of God August Release
The PRP reports: Lamb Of God have now locked down an official August 31st release date through Epic for their new album "Ashes Of The Wake". 

As previously reported, the album will feature guest appearances from Chris Poland of Megadeth fame and Testament's Alex Skolnick. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: The PRP also has news on August Of The Wake, Keeping Secrets Silent, We Are The Ring, Formulate A Release Date, Wallace Revs Up , Boy Saves The Night, Winter Room and more click here to check it out

Daddy Slash
MTV reports: Slash and wife Perla Hudson became proud papa and mama to their second son, Cash Anthony Hudson, on Wednesday. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Love Wants Fans To Pay Her Web Bill
MTV reports: Courtney Love's Web site message board, www.kittyradio.com, has been suspended due to lack of funds. The singer is asking for fans to make donations or buy "Free Courtney" shirts at www.getvexed.com, which will donate all proceeds to help pay the server bill.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Lollapalooza May Live On
MTV reports: Even though the rug was ripped out from under Lollapalooza this week, former Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell is optimistic that the eclectic music festival he co-founded in 1991 will resurface � and it might be sooner than you think. 

"There are a few paths we are considering," Farrell said Wednesday. "I am getting letters back from many musicians, letting me know that if there is a possibility of becoming active, they will come on board again. Our position is thrilling. We can only be saved by the creative ideas we come up with. We feel like a team gathered around their coach, who is coming up with a play for the final seconds of a game." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: MTV also has news on More Duets For Usher As Beyonce, Brandy Grab The Mic, Vans Warped Tour Turns 10 � So What's Its Secret?, Perry Farrell Not Giving Up On This Year's Lollapalooza , Experts Say Mary-Kate Olsen Faces Long Road To Recovery , J. Lo's New Single Isn't Her New Single, Destiny's Child, Christina Aguilera, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Tommy Lee, Slash & More click here to check it out

Clapton's $959K Guitar
Reuters reports: Eric Clapton's favorite guitar for 15 years fetched $959,500 at auction on Thursday, easily eclipsing the record set by the sale of another guitar by the legendary rock musician five years ago. 

The Fender Stratocaster, nicknamed "Blackie," was one of 88 guitars and other items Clapton and other musicians donated to raise money for Crossroads Center Antigua, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in the West Indies. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

CBS Eyes "Rock Star" For Next Reality Hit
CNN reports: What do you get when you combine "American Idol," "Survivor" and "Big Brother?" 

Answer: a new series produced by reality TV pioneer Mark Burnett that features musicians vying for the chance to become the next lead singer of Australian rock band INXS, CBS said Thursday. 

The untitled show is set to debut on CBS next summer after the Viacom unit won the rights to broadcast the show after outbidding rival networks ABC and NBC, according to media reports. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

The Clash Reissued & Expanded
press release reports: In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the release of The Clash's landmark third album, "London Calling" (December 14, 1979 in the U.S.), Epic Records has announced plans to issue a deluxe Legacy Edition version. "London Calling: The 25th Anniversary Edition" will feature 2 full CDs of music plus a newly-created DVD component. The package will arrive in stores on September 21st. 

"London Calling: The 25th Anniversary Edition," will include 2 CDs of music and a DVD housed in a lavish digipack. The original packaging will be expanded with full lyrics, a new historical essay, and rare photos by band photographer Pennie Smith. Disc 1 will feature the complete classic album. Disc 2 is entitled "The Vanilla Tapes" and features previously unheard demos for the album which were recently discovered in vocalist/guitarist Mick Jones' storage house. Among the demos that will feature on "The Vanilla Tapes" are a number of tracks that never made the final cut of the album. Finally, the DVD will represent a time capsule of The Clash at the time of "London Calling's" release, and one of its features will be a newly-created 45-minute documentary by the band's longtime biographer and collaborator, Don Letts. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Army of Freshmen 
press release reports: Ventura, California's own independent pop-punk success, Army of Freshmen has set July 13th as the date for their 33rd Street Records release, Beg, Borrow, Steal. The band will hit the road for rest of the year, starting with the Vans Warped Tour on June 25th in Houston, TX and ending in Boston, MA on August 19th. Songs from the new record have already been featured on the hit TV shows Joan of Arcadia and Summerland, and will be included on numerous CD and video compilations. 

Although the album won't be in stores until July 13th, AOF will personally be selling the CD on all tour dates starting June 25th. Hometown fans got a chance to pick up the album a month early when it went on sale June 12th for one day only at Ventura record store hotspot, Salzer's. Over 500 dedicated fans from all over the country (some from as far away as Maine) headed out to Salzer's parking lot to see an always energetic AOF performance topped off with the consistent display of comedic skills from front man and crowd pleaser, Chris Jay. Ernie Ball came directly from an Eric Clapton Festival in Texas to provide their famous mobile stage which AOF will also be performing on in select cities during the Warped Tour. [see full story for more, plus tour dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Head Automatica Set Release
press release reports: Head Automatica, the new project from Glassjaw singer Daryl Palumbo and Dan "The Automator" Nakamura (Handsome Boy Modeling School, Gorillaz), have set an August 10th release date for their debut album, Decadence. Head Automatica are currently out on the road with Dashboard Confessional and will be out this summer on the Curiosa Festival starting July 24th. [click the full story link to preview four tracks from the CD]- Click Here for the Full Story 

2 Cents: The Un-Real World
[It's Friday, time for Chuck DiMaria to give us his 2 cents. This week Chuck takes on the reality TV craze that we just can't seem to get beyond.] 

I want to blame MTV. 

There was a time a while back when MTV used to play nothing but videos. It was a glorious time. Music videos all day, all night and a pre-recorded live concert on Friday nights. It was amazing. But all good things must come to an end while all things stupid seem to last forever� 

Some airhead decided that they should add non-music programming to Music Television. Brilliant, huh? 

And as a result we were subjected to some of the most mind-numbing drivel ever to be shown on the old HDBB. Game shows, variety shows, lip-synching shows�you name it, they put it on the air. It was just awful. And just as quickly as one show would bomb, another one just as bad if not worse would take its place. 

Now I understand why all those rock stars used to scream "I want my MTV!" They, like the rest of us, just wanted to see some music videos, not this half-assed attempt at must-see TV programming. 

But then, quite unexpectedly, they finally got it right. It was a little experiment in voyeurism known as The Real World. They took a bunch of twenty-somethings, seven to be exact, put them in a loft in NYC (a nice place, too, not some rat-trap), and then just let the cameras roll. It was all caught on tape, set to a slammin' soundtrack and delivered to us on a weekly basis. 

We couldn't get enough of it. We were looking in through someone's window and couldn't get caught. Talk about freakin' Big Brother watching. (If only there had been a shower-cam in the girl's bathroom, my life would have been complete.) 

And to be honest with you, it was actually pretty cool. The situations seemed fairly realistic, the characters weren't too off the wall and there wasn't a dull moment. 

And it was original. I mean, no one else was doing it, at least not in that context. 

Ah, the good old days; Jim Carrey was just the white guy on In Living Color, Rap stars were non-threatening, and the only reality show on television was The Real World on MTV. 

But like I said, that was a long time ago and reality television is now the norm and no longer the exception. 

[that's 1 cent, click the full story link to get Chuck's other cent] - Click Here for the Full Story