Avril Beats Slipknot
Blabbermouth reports: SLIPKNOT's new album, "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)", is on track to sell between 250,000 and 300,000 copies in its first week of release to debut at No. 2 on next week's The Billboard 200 chart, according to Hits Daily Double. The only new release expected to shift more copies than SLIPKNOT is AVRIL LAVIGNE's sophomore outing, "Under My Skin", which is headed for a No. 1 debut with over 350,000 sold in its first week of release.- Click Here for the Full Story 

al-Qaida Metal Head?
Blabbermouth reports: The latest addition to the FBI list of seven terrorist suspects being sought because of their ties to al-Qaida is Adam Yahiye Gadahn, a U.S. citizen from Southern California who wrote in a web posting that he was obsessed for a time with "demonic heavy metal music" before moving to Orange County and discovering the Islamic faith. After converting to Islam, he attended an al-Qaida training camp and is known to have performed translations for the group. 

The FBI issued "Be On The Lookout" alerts on Wednesday, asking the public and local law enforcement for help finding seven people � including Gadahn � with ties to al-Qaida. It's not known whether the people are believed to be involved in a terror plot or whether they're in the United States. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Blabbermouth also has news on ALICE COOPER, DEF LEPPARD To Receive Beer-Can Tribute, METALLICA/GODSMACK: Concert Grosses/Attendances Revealed, MEGADETH, Former ABIGOR Leader Says He Had Nothing To Do With NAPALM RECORDS Reissue, ATOMIZER, and more click here to check it out

Van Halen Go Nu-Metal?
Melodic Rock reports: MelodicRock.com have a 90-second sample of the new Van Halen single, "It's About Time". Sounds a little nu-metalish, but at least Sammy isn't doing bear grunts. check out the full story link for the sample- Click Here for the Full Story 

Dillinger Tour Plan
Bw&BK reports: DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN have announced forthcoming tour dates in support of their new album, Miss Machine, due out on July 20th in the US and August 2nd in Europe. 

The group will kick off a five week European headlining tour beginning June 5th with an appearance at the UK's Download Festival... Immediately following their European dates, Dillinger Escape Plan will launch a month long US headlining tour. Titled the F$#king With The Lights On tour... [see full story for all the details]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Bastards of Metal
BW&BK reports: The Bastards Of Metal tour has just been confirmed to BW&BK and will feature the following lineup: BANG TANGO (featuring vocalist Joe LeSte and ex-QUIET RIOT frontman KEVIN DUBROW's backup band: guitarist Alex Grossi, drummer Matt Star and ex-Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright), STEVEN ADLER (doing the Best of GUNS N' ROSES with LeSte, Grossi and Wright), Kevin DuBrow (doing the best of Quiet Riot and selected songs from his new solo album) and STEPHEN PEARCY (players TBC) [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: BW&BK also has news on FEAR FACTORY, TIDFALL, 'TAGE MAHAL, OZZfest 2004 Looking For Raw Talent, PRETTY BOY FLOYD To Break Up?, DISTANT THUNDER, GUNS N' ROSES, SILENT RAGE and more click here to check it out

Society 1 Indecent Exposure Bust
siN's metal news reports: SOCIETY 1, "in an incident that calls to mind the antics of Jim Morrison and The Doors", have been banned for life from a nightclub in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after frontman Matt Zane exposed himself onstage during the band's opening night performance there with ORGY last week. 

With police storming the venue, Zane fled the venue in disguise and escaped town like a true savage in a fan's vehicle. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Cradle of Filth Tour
siN's metal news reports: Following the release of their RoadRunner Records debut album later this year, CRADLE OF FILTH will be returning to North America to embark on a headlining tour in late October and November. Dates, and support acts are also, TBA. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Ozzfest Op For Unsigned Bands
siN's metal news reports: OZZFEST.com has finally been updated with all the pertinant details regarding "the rock & roll opportunity of a lifetime". Details are below: 

"It's the rock & roll opportunity of a lifetime: Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne are looking for the next great band to rock the OZZfest 2004 main-stage alongside Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Slayer and more. 

Auditions will be held coast-to-coast to find eight unsigned, undiscovered bands to take part in a final competition yielding one lucky winner. Not only will they share the same stage with rock legends, but they'll also participate in a nationally televised performance straight from OZZfest 2004. In addition, the winning band will be awarded a coveted slot on the second stage at OZZfest 2005 as well as free music equipment and cash prizes. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: siN's metal news also has news on 4Q Radio, Vital Remains, Nile, Decapitated - US tour, Society 1 - Exposed.., Dismember, Pulse Ultra, Chimaira - DVD Revealings, The Priest - The Exciter builds, Maggot March: A Success, DEP and more click here to check it out

Bastards Punk Tour
Pollstar reports: Lars Frederiksen & The Bastards have a busy summer ahead. The Rancid guitarist's solo project will appear on the Punks Vs. Psychos tour from June 1-13, then do three weeks of headlining gigs beginning June 14 in Phoenix. 

They'll stick mostly to the Midwest and West Coast before wrapping July 6 in San Luis Obispo, Calif. 

After a short two weeks off, it's on to the Vans Warped Tour. They'll join up with the punk rock caravan July 20 in Milwaukee and stay onboard through August 16. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

CD Rot
Herald Sun reports: THEY were sold as the indestructible replacement for cassettes and records. 

So music fans began ditching their vinyl and tapes and building up a CD library that they thought would last a lifetime. 

But were they to dig out one of their earliest buys from the late 1980s -- Kate Bush, Bruce Springsteen or Michael Jackson, for example -- they may be disappointed. 

Many of the early discs are succumbing to a blight known as CD rot, which makes them unplayable. 

In fact, experts are now warning collectors that they must handle all their CDs and DVDs with care. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

All Out War Cease Firing
IAYM reports: New York's All Out War have split up, following the departure of their last original member, frontman Mike Score. The remainder of the band plan to form a new endeavour dubbed Nerve Gas Tragedy, on which further details will be revealed in due course. - Click Here for the Full Story 

The Crown DVD
IAYM reports: The Crown's re-recording of their 2002 effort "Crowned In Terror", which features Johan Lindstrand on vocals, now has a release date of August 09th on the cards. The outing is entitled "Crowned Unholy", and will come complete with a bonus DVD when it sees a release through Metal Blade in Europe on the aforementioned date.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: IAYM also has news on Miocene, Chimaira, P>S>P Uk Tour, Vaux, Cradle Of Filth, Jamey Jasta, MTV Friendly Round-Up, Crisis, and more click here to check it out

Strokes Nuptials
NMC reports: Last week, during The Strokes' Summer Stage concert in Central Park, Julian Casablancas announced that he's getting married. His fiancée is Juliet Joslin, whom Casablancas met through the band's New York-based Wiz Kid Management.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Nickelback, Kid Rock & Others Join Coors Fest
NMC reports: Nickelback joins Kid Rock, Cypress Hill and Ludacris in the second annual Coors Light Mountain Jam music festival. The day-long concert event takes place Saturday, August 14, at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Denver, Colorado. Also on the festival's bill are Our Lady Peace, Lil' Jon, Galactic, The Eastside Boyz, Molotov and more. Comedian Dave Attell hosts the Mountain Jam. [see full story for more including ticket info]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: NMC also has news on You Can be an Incubus VIP, Usher Goes For Soul, Hilary Duff Records New Album, Kanye West Walks with Jesus, Hoobastank Up for MuchMusic Video Award and more click here to check it out

Steppenwolf Honor
ArrowFM reports: You all probably thought Steppenwolf singer John Kay was definitely an American, considering that he sang probably one of the biggest American anthems of all time in "Born To Be Wild." But no, Kay is one of those Canadian hippies disguising himself as an American (think Grand Funk Railroad, The Guess Who, Neil Young, etc.). Well, us Americans know Kay all too well, but it took Canada long enough to recognize his efforts. That's why John Kay will be among several celebrities welcomed into Canada's Walk of Fame on June 23rd in Toronto. The singer will be inducted by his old friend Peter Fonda, who starred in the iconic film Easy Rider.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Olympic Rock
ArrowFM reports: Former Police frontman Sting and Alice Cooper are among a slew of performers who have contributed to Unity, the official album for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Other contributing artists include Avril Lavigne (who is this person and why do I see her everywhere?), Lenny Kravitz, Macy Gray, Public Enemy and Destiny's Child.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: ArrowFM also has news on McCartney Weighs In On Iraq War, Santana Named Person of the Year, Lawyers Pull The Plug On Springsteen Auction, The World's Smelliest Celebs (No Phish isn't on the list) and more click here to check it out

Blood Brothers Complete Crimes
The PRP reports: The Blood Brothers have completed work on their new album "Crimes" which they hope to release this fall. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Chimaira Delayed
The PRP reports: Chimaira have bumped back the release date for their "The Dehumanizing Process" CD/DVD package to late fall/early winter. According to the bands official website, "The DVD will contain pretty much anything and everything you ever wanted to know and see regarding Chimaira. From early recording sessions, to live performances, videos, and of course all the backstage antics you could possibly ask for. Besides all of the fun stuff, you will see things most bands won't let you. The truth about what it is like to be in a signed band. The DVD will also contain a remastered (Not re-recorded) EP titled "This Present Darkness". [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: The PRP also has news on Remembering Incisions, Burnt Collapse, A Mouth Once Open, Plague Set Off, Borland New Project, Cardia Division , Used Again Pt. 2 and more click here to check it out

Sum-41 in Africa
Much Music reports: Sum-41 is currently in the Congo in Africa, participating in a documentary focusing on the impact of war on young people. Fans can now track the band's progress through their online diary. [more...]- Click Here for the Full Story 

New Clinic
Knifeparty reports: Clinic will release their third full-length, Winchester Cathedral, on August 23rd through Domino. [see full story for track listing]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Idol 3 Is Over
AZ Central reports: Fantasia Barrino's fantasy of pop stardom became a reality Wednesday night when she was named the winner of "American Idol." 

Barrino, a 19-year-old single mother from High Point, N.C., with a powerful, gospel-tinged voice, topped DeGarmo, an effervescent 16-year-old from Snellville, Ga. 

Host Ryan Seacrest said a record 65 million phone votes were cast, up from 24 million for last season's finale. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Gene Simmons An A**hole Down Under?
Sydney's Daily Telegraph reports: Kiss Bassist Gene Simmons, has left a trail of disgusted woman since he arrived Sydney, Australia this week. 

The latest sleaze story comes from the offices of rock radio station Triple M. His most recent victim? Innocent afternoon announcer Fifi Box. 

Apart from man-handling her breasts and trying to push her face into his crotch, he kept urging her to take off her top. Then when his interview started on DJ Turbo's segment, Flashback Lunch, he took offence when the DJ announced they would play one of Kiss's classics, Rock and Roll All Night. 

As well as the Kiss Tour, Simmons is in Australia to plug his solo project, appropriately titled ---hole, and wanted a track from that to be played instead. 

"We are not here to play the old stuff," Simmons said. Weird that, considering the show's called Flashback Lunch. He then stormed out of the studio. The airport's that way, Simmo. [This story was submitted via email by a source at the radio station, that source said that it came from the print edition of Sydney's Daily Telegraph. There was no response from a Gene Simmons press rep for comment by press time]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Darkness Vs. Fan
Ananova reports: The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins told a fan to "F** off" believing her to be from a music magazine. 

Sarah Hartnett, 17, had won a contest to fly to Los Angeles to watch the band play a small gig. 

But after a few songs Hawkins stopped the gig and shouted: "Seriously, f*** off, I don't want you in here." 

But he realised his mistake after he was told Sarah won her tickets in the music magazine - which had slagged off his band two years ago. 

He apologised and offered to sign her T-shirt after the gig - Click Here for the Full Story 

James Brown Red Hot Support
Ananova reports: James Brown is to support the Red Hot Chili Peppers for most of their UK summer concerts. 

The 'Godfather of Soul' supports the Chilis for their three gigs at London's Hyde Park on June 19, 20 and 25, reports NME.com. 

He has also been confirmed as support at the City of Manchester Stadium on June 18 and the Cardiff Millennium Stadium on June 23. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Ananova also has news on Andre "shaken" after road-rage incident, Dandy Warhols set for European tour, Madonna postpones second night, Spears' German gig cancelled and more click here to check it out

Pixies Expand Tour
liveDaily reports: The itinerary for the Pixies' fall tour continues to grow, with the group adding new stops in more than a half-dozen cities. 

The outing, which kicks off in early September, is now scheduled to touch down in San Diego; Las Vegas; Kansas City, MO; Nashville; Birmingham, AL; Detroit; Akron, OH; and Columbus, OH. 

The new dates fill more blanks in an ambitious tour schedule that begins in early September and so far runs into early December. More shows will be added, according to the group's publicist. [see full story for more including dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Three Days Grace On Their Own
liveDaily reports: Canadian rockers Three Days Grace will precede their opening stint on Evanescence's summer tour with a headlining run of their own. 

The group gets top billing on a series of club dates that kicks off on June 4 in upstate New York, and runs through the end of the month. Three early July opening dates for 3 Doors Down and Nickelback follow before the band hooks up with Evanescence from mid-July through early August. [see full story for dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: liveDaily also has news on Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Courtney Love, Notorious B.I.G., liveDaily Interview: George Thorogood, and more click here to check it out

Morrissey Ill
Xfm reports: Morrissey has been forced to cancel US TV appearances due to ill health, the strain of recent promotional duties and a bout of meningitis.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Xfm also has news on Libertine Plays Post Priory Performances, Strokes Singer To Marry, Love Music Hate Racism Gig Expands, Courtney Love Pleads Guilty and more click here to check it out