We are sad to report that Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma.

It is cancer of the lymphatic system, a network of vessels that forms part of the body’s immune system.

“His bandmates would like everyone to send positive vibes to the guitarist at this time,” reads a statement on the band’s official Facebook page. “Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan; [he] remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.”

Black Sabbath - whose line-up is completed by vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward - are currently working on their first album together in 33 years in a Los Angeles studio with producer Rick Rubin (Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers).

Further information will be released as soon as it becomes available. For more information on lymphoma, click here. Everyone at Kerrang! hopes that Tony makes a speedy recovery.

Source: Kerrang!

Former Killswitch Engage frontman Howard Jones has revealed the reasons behind his departure from the band on January 4.

In a statement posted on the band’s official website,www.killswitchengage.com, Jones says that he was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

“Well, I guess I will shed a little light without going too deep,” begins Jones. “As some of you may know, I’ve had a pretty interesting couple of years, to say the least, battling with some personal issues. One of the low points being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes that went unchecked for years. The rest of the band stuck with me through it, and, to be honest, they are the ones that kept me going. The whole experience definitely put a scare in me.

“Recently we’ve all been in writing mode, but somehow I couldn’t get excited about the new album and all the touring that would go with it. The guys saw it before I did. In hindsight, I now realize that my heart wasn’t in it. I have had an amazing decade with Killswitch Engage. I love [the band] for hanging in there and standing by me no matter how bad it was. I have so many good memories, and those are the ones that I will keep.

“Will I be involved in music again? Sure. I have been in bands for a little over half my life; can’t stop now. Until then, get the new Killswitch Engage album; it’s going to be good.

“Thanks, everyone, for letting me try to entertain you, and I wish myself well in my future endeavours.”

Source:Kerrang!

Killswitch Engage have announced that they have parted ways with vocalist Howard Jones.

The band have released a statement about Howard’s departure through their label Roadrunner Records.

“To our family, friends and fans: We have decided to continue on without Howard Jones as the singer of Killswitch Engage.”

“We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we’ve had him in the band. Out of respect for everyone involved we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well. He has left big shoes to fill, so we certainly have our work cut out for us to find the next singer of Killswitch, something we plan on making priority #1 going forward.”

“Most importantly, thanks to all of you for all the support throughout the years and for sticking by us for all this time. We really do appreciate it and we very much look forward to having a new record for all of you in the not too distant future that we can all be proud of.”

“Sincerely, Adam, Joel, Mike & Justin.”

Source: Kerrang!

Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith has joined forces with former SikTh vocalist Mikee Goodman for a brand new studio band called Primal Rock Rebellion.

The unlikely partnership began a couple of years ago, while Adrian was in between tours with Maiden and started writing with the vocalist for fun. The guitarist says that the project - who currently have no plans to tour at this stage - was a chance to experiment and explore new ideas.

“I’ve enjoyed having the freedom to work at a different pace – to experiment and to sharpen a fresh set of skills,” says Smith. “Mikee is a unique talent, and his performance sets the whole thing apart.”

“I feel we have achieved something special,” adds Goodman, “and Adrian is experimenting with so many heavy sounds. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

The self-titled debut will be released on February 27 through Spinefarm. I See Lights is available as a free download at www.primalrockrebellion.com.

Source: Kerrang!

Van Halen may still be cagey about whether they will release a new album on Interscope sometime in 2012, but they have announced plans to tour through the year with original frontman David Lee Roth. The band confirmed that they will be hitting the road in a video posted to their website yesterday, but they have not yet announced specific dates. Those dates should be revealed pretty soon, though – tickets for the first wave of shows will go on sale on January 10th.

Van Halen’s new album, their first with Roth since 1984, is rumored to be hitting stores sometime in early 2012. Roth previously reunited with his former bandmates for a world tour in 2007 and 2008, and the success of that outing paved the way for this more permanent reunion.

You can watch Van Halen’s tour announcement video below.

Steel Panthers 12 Days of Christmas!

A computer hacker who allegedly attempted to shut down KISS bassist Gene Simmons website last fall has been arrested.

The Los Angeles Times reports Kevin Poe, of Manchester, CT, was taken into custody without incident by FBI agents at the federal courthouse in Hartford.

The FBI alleges that during a five-day period in October 2010, Poe and others linked to the hacking group Anonymous allegedly conducted a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack against Simmons’ computer systems, sending tens of thousands of electronic requests designed to overload the computer server and render the website useless.

Read More!

Duff McKagan is opening two shows for his former group, Guns N’ Roses, this weekend.

McKagan’s band, Loaded, will open for GNR at the Key Arena in Seattle on Friday and at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum on Saturday.

These shows mark the first time that founding GNR bassist McKagan will open for the current version of the group, fronted by Axl Rose, the sole remaining member of the band’s classic lineup.

Duff actually joined GNR last fall in London for four songs: ”You Could Be Mine,” “Nice Boys, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and ”Patience.”

The October 14, 2010 show made headline around the world as it was the first time McKagan had performed with GNR in 17 years.

The London gig happened by accident, as Duff was in the UK for business meetings and was staying at the same hotel as the band.

On the heels of last week’s announcement that GNR are being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame next spring, this weekend’s shows are sure to be electric.

Max Green has released this statement today on twitter!

Let’s do the Time Warp again!!! Text Rocky Horror to 845-476-2164 and win a pair of tickets to the last game of the season!
The Hudson Valley Horror Roller Derby League is proud to present “The Rocky Horror Showdown! HVHRD will be hosting Connecticut’s Stepford Sabotage in their final home bout for the 2011 season! Come do the Time Warp with Horrors and zomB’s dressed as your favorite Rocky Horror Picture Show Transylvanian!
You don’t want to miss this hard-hitting derby action. $10 general admission tickets, $15 at the foor and $20 VIP tickets. For tickets go to Brown Paper Tickets or see your favorite roller girl!