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Day in Rock Report for 12/26/2017


Today's Day in Rock Stories


David Lee Roth Helps Former Van Halen Star Following Tragedy 2017 In Review

David Lee Roth Helps Former Van Halen Star Following Tragedy was a top 17 story of May 2017: Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth reportedly made a sizable donation to his former bandmate Michael Anthony's charity walk, which the bass player announced following the tragic death of his infant grandson Rex.

Anthony announced late last month that he would be taking part in the Walk L.A. event on June 17th to raise money for Children's Hospital Los Angeles, which treated his infant grandson.

The bassist shared the story of his tragic loss to encourage fans to help fund donations for the walk with an eye towards raising money for the cause and his former bandmate Roth donated $10,000, according to the Van Halen News Desk. Read more here.

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Original Guns N' Roses Star Wants To Record With Dave Grohl 2017 In Review

Original Guns N' Roses Star Wants To Record With Dave Grohl was a top 17 story of May 2017: Original Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler shared his admiration for Dave Grohl in a new radio interview and expressed his desire to record on the Foo Fighters frontman's soundboard from Sound City.

Adler made the comments on former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones' show on Los Angeles radio station KLOS. The drummer started by explaining how he was looking forward to reading the new book by Groh's mother Virginia "From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars."

He said (via Alternative Nation), "Yes, I can't wait to read [the book] because I love Dave Grohl. He is my idol, besides Freddie Mercury, Dave Grohl rules.

"He went from the biggest band in the world, to putting an even bigger band in the world together. He does everything, he does that TV show about Sound City."

Adler then added, "He's brilliant, I hope I get to meet him one day, and I would love to play on that board that he took from Sound City, I'd like to record on that.

"Me and you Steve, me and you on that Sound City board at Dave Grohl's. Dave, we're coming over, me and Steve Jones, is that cool? We'll see you shortly."

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AC/DC's Brian Johnson And Robert Plant Did Surprise Live Jam 2017 In Review

AC/DC's Brian Johnson And Robert Plant Did Surprise Live Jam was a top 17 story of May 2017: AC/DC singer Brian Johnson made a surprise return to the stage on Sunday night along with Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant as special guests at a Paul Rodgers concert.

The Bad Company frontman played a concert in Oxford, England at the New Theatre last night (May 14th) where he brought out Johnson and Plant to perform a cover of Barrett Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)" during the show's encore.

Rodgers shared a photo that captured during the jam following the show via Facebook with the caption "Surprise guests in Oxford...Brian Johnson and Robert Plant".

Johnson was forced to pull out of AC/DC's world tour after being advised by doctors that he faced permanent hearing loss if he continued on the trek. Some fan filmed footage from the Rodger, Johnson, Plant jam can been seen here.

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Eagles Reportedly Took Action Against Hotel California 2017 In Review

Eagles Reportedly Took Action Against Hotel California was a top 17 story of May 2017: The Hotel California Todos Santos in Baja, Mexico is reportedly being sued by The Eagles for using the name of their blockbuster 1976 song and album, according to TMZ.

The celebrity gossip site reports that the band is taking legal action against the facility because they have been marketing themselves as simply "Hotel California" since 2001 and they allegedly brand their merchandise in such a way to imply an association with the iconic song.

The group also reportedly claim that the hotel further implies a connect to the band by playing "Hotel California" and other Eagles song throughout the hotel and the band is seeking to have them stop using the name and any activities that imply they are connected to the hotel.

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David Coverdale Sad For Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page 2017 In Review

David Coverdale Sad For Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page was a top 17 story of May 2017: Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale says that he feels sad for Jimmy Page because of the guitarist's inability to get his Led Zeppelin bandmates to "commit to making a new record or touring."

Coverdale made the comments to Sweden Rock Magazine while discussing his plans to include some rarities on upcoming reissues of some of Whitesnake's classic albums.

The Whitesnake icon was asked if he planned exhaustive reissue campaign similar to the one that Page undertook for the Led Zeppelin album catalog and he responded, "I'm not going that far. The saddest thing for me, and my dear, dear, dear beloved friend Jimmy Page, I think one of the reasons he's explored the Zeppelin catalog so significantly is because he can't get the guys to commit to making a new record or touring." Read more here.

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Rock Legend Gregg Allman Died At Age 69 2017 In Review

(hennemusic) Rock Legend Gregg Allman Died At Age 69 was a top 17 story of May 2017: (hennemusic) Southern rock legend Gregg Allman died on Saturday (May 27) at his home in Savannah, GA. He as 69. The news comes a month after Allman denied reports that he had entered hospice care and two months after the singer cancelled his 2017 live schedule without explanation.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce that Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia," read the statement on the band's and singer's website. "Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times.

"Gregg is survived by his wife, Shannon Allman, his children, Devon, Elijah Blue, Delilah Island Kurtom and Layla Brooklyn Allman; 3 grandchildren, his niece, Galadrielle Allman, lifelong friend Chank Middleton, and a large extended family. The family will release a statement soon, but for now ask for privacy during this very difficult time."

"I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a brilliant pioneer in music," said Gregg's long time manager and close friend, Michael Lehman. "He was a kind and gentle soul with the best laugh I ever heard. His love for his family and bandmates was passionate as was the love he had for his extraordinary fans. Gregg was an incredible partner and an even better friend. We will all miss him." Read more here.

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Axl Rose Performs Classic Songs With Billy Joel 2017 In Review

(hennemusic) Axl Rose Performs Classic Songs With Billy Joel was a top 17 story of May 2017: (hennemusic) Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose performed the AC/DC classic "Highway To Hell" with Billy Joel during the singer's May 13 date at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, and fan-filmed video from the event has surfaced online.

Joel welcomed Rose to the stage late in his main set for the 1979 track, which Rose delivered regularly while on tour last year with AC/DC in the absence of long time frontman Brian Johnson.

"This is a sacred song," Joel told the crowd. "Gives me a chance to bring on a friend of mine to do it. He's a talented guy. This is a spiritual song, sacred song � you can dwell on this on Sunday. Please welcome Axl Rose."

Rose returned during the encore to join Joel on his 1978 hit, "Big Shot." Watch the video footage of both performances here.

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Journey Star Says Steve Perry Passed The Torch 2017 In Review

Journey Star Says Steve Perry Passed The Torch was a top 17 story of May 2017: Journey drummer Steve Smith says in a new interview that former Steve Perry passed the torch to the band's current singer Arnel Pineda during their Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame induction.

Smith spoke to the Las Vegas Weekly ahead of the band's Sin City residency and was asked about what interaction he had with Perry during the Rock Hall event.

He responded, "Whatever you saw on stage was it! (Laughs.) I think some of the guys saw him backstage for a little bit, but I just saw him onstage. It was great to see him. It had been since 2005, when we got a star in Hollywood - that was the last time I saw him. So it was good to see him, and he was very gracious. I thought he gave a beautiful speech, thanking the band and the management and the fans."

Smith then added, "he acknowledged Arnel Pineda, which that was really a beautiful moment. It really makes it clear that he's passing the torch to Arnel - he's the lead singer in Journey, and he's doing an amazing job. He's a tremendous singer and a really compelling frontman." Read more here.

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Soundgarden Singer Chris Cornell's Death Ruled A Suicide 2017 In Review

(hennemusic) Soundgarden Singer Chris Cornell's Death Ruled A Suicide was a top 17 story of May 2017: (hennemusic) Chris Cornell's death Wednesday night (May 17th) in Detroit following a Soundgarden show in the city has been ruled a suicide by hanging following an autopsy on Thursday.

The Detroit Free Press reports The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the news less than 24 hours after the singer's body was discovered on the floor of the bathroom in his room at the MGM Grand Detroit.

"The Medical Examiner has completed the autopsy on 52-year-old Chris Cornell, the Soundgarden musician who died last night in Detroit," the office said in a statement this afternoon. "The cause of death has been determined as hanging by suicide. A full autopsy report has not yet been completed. There is no additional information at this time."

Cornell performed with the Seattle band at The Fox Theatre as part of a recently-launched North American tour before returning to his hotel after the concert.

A spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department revealed the singer was found after his wife called a family friend and asked him to check on Cornell; the friend forced himself into the room and made the discovery before calling 911 at approximately midnight. Read more here.

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Original KISS Star Believes Rock N Roll Is Over 2017 In Review

Original KISS Star Believes Rock N Roll Is Over was a top 17 story of May 2017: As original KISS drummer Peter Criss gears up for his final U.S. performance on June 16th, he expressed that he is not optimistic about the current state of rock and its future.

His former bandmate Gene Simmons has made headlines in the past with proclamations that rock is dead and Criss appears to agree with that sentiment. He told Hi-Fi Way: The Pop Chronicles, "I think rock 'n' roll is over, personally. I'm a 21st Century guy and I have been around since the day that The Beatles were on stage, I've been around when music was Motown� I've been around!

"What's going on today ain't my cup tea, and that's another reason why I just want to do my shows and call it a day, because the great days of rock is over. The '60s and '70s were the times to be around. I saw Jimi Hendrix, I saw the real Who, the real Zeppelin, The Beatles and seen The Stones many times now that I know them and we're friends. Over the years, a lot has happened to me and I got to see all these great acts, and what I see today doesn't rock my cradle and doesn't do anything for me, and I don't care for a lot of the music."

He the added, "I think you had to be really creative back then and put out great album covers; you had to spend more time doing things. Even playing on stage for the first time, we had to come up with all those crazy stunts and levitating drums. We were early pioneers, and no one was doing that when we started out. Now everyone does it, so it isn't big news anymore.

"It is time for me to get off the train, as it's not a great ride anymore. I don't go out to concerts much anymore because I don't enjoy myself because I get constantly harassed, people with phones wanting to take pictures. I can't really sit and enjoy the concert or have a good time, so I'm more of a homebody these days. The world has changed, my friend."

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Tool Frontman Delivers Message To Entitled Snowflakes 2017 In Review

Tool Frontman Delivers Message To Entitled Snowflakes was a top 17 story of May 2017: Tool frontman and Army veteran Maynard James Keenan called on "entitled snowflakes" (including himself) to respect the military and law enforcement during the band's set at the Boston Calling Festival over the Memorial Day weekend.

During the performance Keenan told the crowd, "As artists, we interpret and report, that's our job. We are merchants of emotion. We have the privilege to do that because of active and former law enforcement and military defending our right to do so.

"Those of you who are law enforcement and military, your job is to defend our right to act like whining, entitled snowflake a--holes, myself being one. Snowflakes, your job is to respect them f---king doing that for you. Divided we fall. Don't believe the hype dumb-dumbs, we're all in this together."

The band also recently surprises fans with a rare performance of their song "Eulogy." Cell footage from the group's May 25th set in Hershey, Pa. of them performing the 1996 classic has surfaced online here.

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AC/DC Song Use In TV Ad Leads To Lawsuit 2017 In Review

AC/DC Song Use In TV Ad Leads To Lawsuit was a top 17 story of May 2017: The use of the AC/DC classic "Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution" in a advertising campaign for an American restaurant chain has led to litigation.

Sony music filed a lawsuit against Applebee's for using that song and C+C Music Factory's 1990 hit "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" in a TV ad campaign, according to TMZ.

The gossip site reports that Sony is suing the restaurant chain for $300k for the use of the songs. Applebee's allegedly claimed that they had already made the licensing payment to the third parties that set up the deal for a fee of $250K for the AC/DC classic and $50k for the C+C Music Factory's hit. Read the complaint here.

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Deep Purple Star On Ritchie Blackmore Reunion Possibility 2017 In Review

Deep Purple Star On Ritchie Blackmore Reunion Possibility was a top 17 story of May 2017: Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice says in a recent interview that while it is possible for the band to reunite with guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore, he sees "no point" for the band to even consider it.

Paice spoke to the Rock Brigade podcast about the band's brand new album "InFinite" when he was asked if the band "could or would" ever play with Blackmore again.

He responded, "Of course, the answers to both of those are 'possibly.' But when Ritchie left, nobody fired him, nobody said, 'You have to go.' It was his choice. And so the band continued, the band moved on.

"Ritchie started doing his thing, which is great. He was obviously happy doing it, and we've been happy doing what we've been doing for the last 23, 24 years, 'cause that's how long ago it is."

But the drummer then added, "Quite honestly, there's no point for us to consider that. We have a wonderful feeling within the band, everybody's very friendly, and all we have to do is go onstage and make the music; there's no other considerations to worry about.

"I think Ritchie's life doesn't work like that. I think it's a little more complex. And at this stage of my life, I don't need cloudy areas. I like it to be clear and crystal and know that it's gonna be fun. I love Ritchie to death, but I can't guarantee every day with him is gonna be fun."

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Iron Maiden Address 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' Controversy 2017 In Review

Iron Maiden Address 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' Controversy was a top 17 story of May 2017: Iron Maiden is the latest band to face legal action over a decades old song over writing credit from a far lesser known band and the metal legend's management have released a statement about the current controversy surrounding their classic 1982 track "Hallowed Be Thy Name" from their blockbuster "Number Of The Beast" album.

Phantom Management had this to say, "The dispute concerns the song Life's Shadow, a song originally written in the early 1970s, credited to Robert Barton and Brian Ingham, and recorded by the band Beckett. Steve Harris was a fan of Beckett and some six lines from 'Life's Shadow' were referenced in Steve's song, 'Hallowed Be Thy Name', which was recorded by Iron Maiden and appeared on the album The Number of the Beast which was released in 1982.

"As far as Steve is concerned, this matter was settled some years ago by agreement with Robert Barton, but there now appears to be a dispute between the two original writers as to their respective shares in 'Life's Shadow'. Further, an individual called Barry McKay in taking this action now claims to publish Robert Barton's interest in 'Life's Shadow', despite so far being unable to come up with a publishing agreement and showing little or no evidence in his claim of any interest in Mr Barton's songs in approximately 40 years. Mr. McKay also states that he entered into a publishing agreement with Brian Quinn (aka Ingham) on March 29th, 2017, two days before the claim was served." Read more here.

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Video From Original Alice Cooper Band Reunion Goes Online 2017 In Review

Video From Original Alice Cooper Band Reunion Goes Online was a top 17 story of May 2017: (hennemusic) Alice Cooper reunited with his original 70s bandmates Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith in Nashville, TN on Sunday, May 14th, and video from the show has surfaced.

The three appeared with Cooper for the encores at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Andrew Jackson Hall, delivering "I'm Eighteen," "Billion Dollar Babies," No More Mr. Nice Guy" and "Muscle Of Love" before being joined by the rest of Alice's current band - guitarists Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henriksen, bassist Chuck Garric and drummer Glen Sobel - for the finale of "School's Out."

Guitarist Bruce, bassist Dunaway, drummer Smith and lead guitarist Glenn Buxton were the original lineup for the Alice Cooper Band from the mid-sixties to 1975, recording seven albums of classic tracks before the singer launched a solo career with "Welcome To My Nightmare." Buxton died of complications from pneumonia in 1997 at the age of 49.

The three surviving members will be featured on Cooper's forthcoming album, "Paranormal": they'll appear on a special three-song bonus disc with the project when it's released on July 28. The set also includes appearances by U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr., ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover.

The Nashville appearance is part of Cooper's current spring tour of North America, which runs to the end of June before the rocker heads to Europe for a five-week stint. Watch the video footage here.

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Stone Sour Frontman Corey Taylor Explains 'Hyrograd' 2017 In Review

Stone Sour Frontman Corey Taylor Explains 'Hyrograd' was a top 17 story of May 2017: Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor has revealed the inspiration behind the title of their album "Hydrograd," which wasreleased on June 30th

Taylor explained the title during an interview on WRIF's Meltdown of the Detroit radio program. He revealed (via Blabbermouth), "I'm running through this airport in Eastern Europe. This was only a few years ago. No offense to the airport - it was kind of antiquated; they hadn't really upgraded anything. So the gate info was all on those old-school '80s block-letter, number, digital horrible Timex watch kind of readers.

"This would have been top of the line in Times Square in, like, 1968, let's put it that way. So not only is it impossible to read, it's also scrolling back and forth between Cyrillic and regular English letters. It's also scrolling back and forth between different languages. So my brain is trying to do geometry while also at a sprint, 'cause I don't wanna miss my plane. I pass one, and I look up and I could have swore it said 'Hydrograd.' And I kept running for a second, and I was, like, 'Hydrograd? Where the hell is Hydrograd? What?'

"So I stopped and I turned around and I went back to the gate, and I'm standing there and I'm watching it cycle through and cycle through and cycle through� Nothing. It didn't say 'Hydrograd.' It didn't even start with an 'H.' It wasn't even close. And I'm just sitting there wondering when my sanity split on me, trying to figure it out. And I walked away and I was just, like, 'Well, it's a cool name.' And I just kind of stuck it in my pocket. And then years later we were doing demos for [the new Stone Sour album], and I actually named one of the songs I wrote 'Hydrograd'. And I was, like, 'You know what? That would be a good name for the album overall and just kind of run with it.' So that's it, really - it was what I saw but didn't really see." Listen to the full interview here.

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Ozzy Osbourne Reunited With Zakk Wylde 2017 In Review

Ozzy Osbourne Reunited With Zakk Wylde was a top 17 story of May 2017: Ozzy Osbourne has announced that he will be reuniting with his longtime lead guitarist Zakk Wylde for his upcoming live solo performances this year.

The legendary Black Sabbath frontman will be backed by Wylde at his upcoming shows as well as bassist Blasko, drummer Tommy Clufetos and keyboard player Adam Wakeman.

Ozzy has announced the initial run of dates this year which are so far comprised of music festival appearances. He also revealed that he is working on a new studio album that he expects to release next year.

The guitarist who Zakk is replacing, Gus G, is supportive of the move. He says, "It's been an honor & a privilege playing by your side since 2009. Nothing but great times & an experience of a lifetime. To Ozzy & Sharon - thanks for everything, love ya! To Blasko, Adam & Tommy - been a pleasure rocking with you! As a fan, it's great to see Ozzy & Zakk back together. It's been long overdue. Last but not least - thanks to all the fans that showed love & support all these years, see you out there soon! Ozzy rules!" Read more here.

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