September 1998 Archive

...Not surprisingly, MARILYN MANSON's new album, "Mechanical Animals," opened in the #1 position on Billboard's Top 200 album chart. See our review for more info...

...Accolade software has announced that its November release, "Test Drive Off-Road 2," will feature songs by SEVENDUST, GRAVITY KILLS and FEAR FACTORY. "'Test Drive Off-Road 2' will put gamers right in the middle of fast-paced, off-road racing with access to incredible vehicles," said Monte Singman, senior producer of "Test Drive Off-Road 2." "The heart-pounding soundtrack from 'Test Drive Off-Road 2' and licensed off-road vehicles make for an intense gaming experience."...

...BLACK SABBATH has been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Also nominated were Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, the Flamingos, the Moonglows; the Staples Singers; Solomon Burke, Curtis Mayfield; Darlene Love, Gene Pitney, Dusty Springfield, Steely Dan, Del Shannon and Ritchie Valens. Those to be inducted will be announced in November...

...DEE SNIDER's "Strangeland" doesn't open in theaters until October 2nd, but for those of you who can't wait, check out "Strangeland's Ripped Dead," at http://www.deesnidersstrangeland.com/fun/game/intro.html. It's been called the "sickest, most demented, most unbelievable game on the web." For more information about the "Strangeland" movie, go to http://www.deesnidersstrangeland.com/.

...The KISS publicity machine is in full swing again, with the release of "Psycho Circus" - the first album in nearly 20 years from the original line-up - as well as the ensuing tour. The band celebrated with a special listening party on Monday, September 21, in which the first 400 fans who lined up at Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood were granted access to the party and a chance to win a role in the upcoming KISS film, "Detroit Rock City." Party events included the debut of the band's 3-D video and a press conference with Gene, Paul, Peter and Ace announcing the live broadcast on the Fox network of the Halloween KISS show at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles. Check out our full story in the features section. Also, you can order "Pyscho Circus" directly from CDNow by clicking here...

...PEARL JAM and HOVERCRAFT joined Gloria Steinem onstage in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, September 19th, for a sold-out Voters for Choice benefit concert. According to Steinem, "This concert is a perfect pairing, because rock music has always meant freedom and we are here to talk about reproductive freedom for all Americans, rich and poor." Added Pearl Jammer Eddie Vedder, "Birth control should be available to people who want it regardless of age. The escalation of violence at clinics is astounding. We hope funds from this concert will help elect lawmakers who will fight for clinic protections and support." ...

...Rumor mill: Is the original SLAM ALICE thinking about coming out of retirement yet again? We've heard tell that the band have been talking about it. More here when we get it...

...AEROSMITH recorded a live video of their hit song, "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" (from the "Armageddon" soundtrack) on Monday, September 14 during a special performance at Pine Knob, Michigan. The by-invitation-only audience included fan club members, select media (if we were closer, we're sure we would have been invited) and special radio contest winners. Fortunately, there were no reports of Steven Tyler popping a security guard over the head with his microphone (a la IAN GILLAN; see Gillan report, below)...

...Metal Blade Records has announced an October release for the new KING'S X CD, "Tape Head." Now available from Metal Blade are the GALACTIC COWBOYS' newest, "At the End of the Day" and a double live FATES WARNING collection "Still Life."...

...After their "Follow The Leader" CD opened at the #1 spot on the Billboard Top 200 chart, KORN did the next logical thing: They opened their own online merchandise store. By logging on to Korndirect.com, fans can purchase sportswear, concert tickets, CDs, cassettes and memorabilia such as autographed posters and guitars. The site, created by ARTISTdirect (who have done many such web sites), is up and running now...

...Swedish supergroup SOUTHPAW (formerly EYEBALL) will release their debut album September 18th. SOUTHPAW is Fredrick Akesson (ex-TALISMAN); John Leven (ex-EUROPE), Mats Leven (formerly TREAT, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and Richard Evensand (formerly IT'S ALIVE). You can hear sound samples of this new release at the Z Records website (Check out Hot Links page)...

...Don't think that GODSMACK, whose excellent self-titled album has just been released by Republic/Universal Records (see our review), is one of those band whose image isn't anything like the real bandmembers. Take vocalist Sully Erna, for example, who just happens to be a practicing Witch of the Celtic Region under Salem Witch Laurie Cabot. "It's been my salvation," Erna says, "A lot of people are confused about witchcraft; it's simply about worshipping the power of the earth, and that's it! It's a positive religion that has helped me through a lot of bad times"...

...Guests in attendance at the Hollywood preview performance of "Dee Snider's Strangeland" tour included MOTORHEAD's Lemmy Kilmister and legendary studio guitarist BOB KULICK (KISS/MEATLOAF/W.A.SP.). The tour continues on September 28th. "Strangeland" the film opens on October 2nd...

...MOTLEY CRUE'S TOMMY LEE was released from jail on September 6, 1998 where he had been serving a six-month sentence after being convicted of spousal abuse for kicking his wife, PAMELA ANDERSON LEE. Lee was released over two months early for good behavior but will be on probation for the next three years and must perform 200 hours of community service, stay at least 100 yards away from his wife, attend anger management classes and submit to random drug tests. Lee will also donate $5,000 to a battered women's shelter...

...Add ALICE COOPER to the list of superstars who own their own restaurant/bar. Opening in Phoenix, Arizona in October is Cooper's Town, Alice's very own rock'n'roll sports bar. Rough Edge plans on making a trip to Phoenix in October just to check out Cooper's Town and we'll give you the full skinny then. Alice also plans to open a second Cooper's town in Detroit - his home town - when the new baseball stadium opens there in 2000...

...It's official: DEEP PURPLE vocalist IAN GILLAN has been formally charged with misdemeanor assault and battery charges after allegedly hitting a security guard over the head with a microphone during a show on August 15, 1998. Apparently,  at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Oakland County, Michigan, a fan jumped onto the stage and began genuflecting toward Purple drummer Ian Paice. Though the band seemed to have no problem with the fan's worship of Paice, security did, and began pulling the fan off the stage. At some point, Gillan decided that the guard was being too rough and "tapped" him on the head with the microphone three times. According to Gillan, "If it happens again, I will do the same thing. I have witnessed the consequences of inaction and they range from worse to far worse." Security guard Michael Kennedy, 20, has another opinion of the event, basically saying he was just doing his job. If convicted, Gillan faces a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail...

...TVT Soundtrax has announced the October release of the soundtrack to "Dee Snider's Strangeland," a film written by and starring TWISTED SISTER frontman DEE SNIDER. Album highlights include the first new Twisted Sister recording in twelve years, entitled "Heroes are Hard to Find" as well as unreleased tracks from COAL CHAMBER, SNOT and SEVENDUST. In addition, CRISIS and DAYINTHELIFE cover classic Twisted Sister tunes "Captain Howdy" and "Street Justice" respectively. Rounding out the album are MARILYN MANSON, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX, NASHVILLE PUSSY, PANTERA, SOULFLY, HED(PE) and KID ROCK. A Strangelands tour will support the new release...

...Wind-Up Entertainment have announced that CREED's debut album, "My Own Prison" has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. Interestingly, that announcement came almost a year to the day from the album's release. According to Wind-Up, "My Own Prison" has surpassed 1998 sales of albums by METALLICA and PEARL JAM. CREED is currently on tour in support of "My Own Prison" with dates in New York (09/15/98) and Los Angeles (09/25/98)...

...RAYNA FOSS of COAL CHAMBER and MORGAN ROSE of SEVENDUST have announced their engagement. The couple plans on marrying on Valentine's Day next year in Las Vegas. Guess we know what kind of music they'll have at the wedding. Our congratulations to them...

...Rhino Records will release "The Ramones: Around the World," on September 29, 1998. The 71-minute video is a Ramones Tour "rockumentary" filmed and produced by drummer Marky Ramone. The ultimate in backstage footage, "Around the World" features live performances in San Francisco, Brazil and Japan. Also included are such Ramones-memorable moments as: The tour bus being attacked; the band's receipt of gold records worldwide; the band hanging out with MOTORHEAD's Lemmy; the band cavorting with Drew Barrymore and clips from their performance at the 1996 Lollapalooza. The Ramones may not be around anymore but their presence in rock'n'roll will be felt forever. This video release is just another example of why they should never have quit!...

...MOTLEY CRUE have recorded two new songs for their upcoming Greatest Hits album. The song titles are "Enslaved" and "Bitter Pill." Bob Rock, who produced the band's "Dr. Feelgood" album, produced the new songs. Additional songs on the album are: "Girls, Girls, Girls," "Same Ol' Situation," "Wild Side," "Glitter (remix)," "Dr. Feelgood," "Kickstart My Heart," "Home Sweet Home," "Afraid," "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)," "Without You," "Smokin' in the Boy's Room," "Primal Scream," "Too Fast for Love," Looks that Kill," and "Shout at the Devil '97." The band will tour this fall to support the album release...

..."For a quarter century, we've been on a pilgrimage of rock'n'roll," says AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler, "We've looked out over our own Blue Army of countless fists and Bic lighters in cities in countries across all five continents. This collection of songs is our way of saying thanks to the faithful who've allowed us to rock their worlds, who've filled the seats night after night. We hope you like it as much as we do." The "collection" that Tyler is talking about is the band's double live album, "A Little South of Sanity" due on Geffen Records on October 20th. Recorded during the band's recent tours, the two-disc set is as much a history of the band as it is a collection of their many, many hits... 

...STONE TEMPLE PILOTS vocalist Scott Weiland has pled guilty to felony heroin possession and was sentenced to three months in at the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Port Hueneme and three years probation, during which he must submit to random drug tests. During that time, there will be no new music from the band. According to Superior Court Judge Larry Ju Fidler, "He is not to go to work. He is not to make record albums and he is not to perform a concert.'' Weiland is said to be very happy about "the opportunity the judge has given me."... .

...Delinquent Records recently held a release party for "13," the latest CD from SUICIDE ALLEY. Held at the world famous Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood, the band played to a full house along with guests CUTTHROAT, AMBUSH and LITTLE REBEL. In other Delinquent news LITTLE REBEL have released their latest CD, "Full Rebel Jacket"; a new compilation is in the works entitled, "Industrial, Baby!" containing 36 various artists on two CDs; and PARADISE ALLEY will begin their American tour in New York sometime in November, promoting their latest CD, "Heartbreakers and Homewreckers"...

...Rockers NORWAY have completed 4 new songs as demos for European and Japanese labels they've been negotiating with. You can see pictures of the band recording this tunes at http://www.norwayrocks.com. The band is very pleased with the results and will do a rough mix before sending out the songs to the various labels. The demo titles include: "Find My Way Home," "Close Your Eyes," "Heaven In Your Arms" and "Givin' It All." In addition, the band is enjoying some heat in the United States with their "Night Dreams" CD being available through such sources as as Dream Discs, Perris Records, Impulse Records, MustHaveMusic, WishingWellEnt., Thoughtscape and a few others. Newly available is a special edition of "Night Dreams" with added art. For more information, check the band's website above...

...MEGADETH has announced that drummer Nick Menza has been replaced with Jimmy DeGrasso, who has toured with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and ALICE COOPER. According to MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine: "We've had a lot of good years with Nick but the band's relationship with him had run its course. We came to that conclusion after Jimmy stepped in in mid-June to cover concert dates for Nick, who had taken a leave of absence to have a benign cyst removed from his knee. We wish Nick well and hope the best for him."

...JUDAS PRIEST wants you to know that a recent live recording, "Concert Classics" has nothing to do with them. According to a press release received from the band's management, the CD was released without the band's approval and they are doing what they can to stop its further release. The band also promises that their brand-new , upcoming double live CD will be the live JUDAS PRIEST album fans have been waiting for. Text of that release follows:

"We, Judas Priest, would like everyone to know that the album 'Concert Classics' is (sic) absolutely nothing to do with us - we totally disown it and unfortunately have had no control over its release which went out without our knowledge or approval. However, we are taking steps to ensure that it is taken off the market and are going to try to stop these unscrupulous so-called record companies who are willing to release sub-standard material and are basically ripping off the fans. Avoid it at all costs!! We are at present mixing our live album which was recorded during the '98 World tour featuring Ripper Owens and which will be released later on this year - this is the genuine article - not some shoddy recording that was done over 18 years ago!"

...MOLLY HATCHET'S new CD, "Silent Reign of Heroes," has been released on CMC Records. The legendary band's latest lineup consists of Bobby Ingram on lead, slide and acoustic guitars and vocals; Phil McCormick on lead vocals; John Galvin on keyboards and vocals; Bryan Bassett on lead and acoustic guitars; Andy McKinney on bass and vocals and Mac Crawford on drums. "Silent Reign of Heroes" is the band's first studio recording since 1996's "Devil's Canyon" which voted the Number One rock record in Europe in 1996. No word on when and if the band will tour in support of the new release...

...SLAUGHTER have released their latest CD, their first-ever live recording entitled "Eternal Live." The CD, which includes classic SLAUGHTER hits such as "Fly to the Angels" and "Up All Night," was recorded at concert in Mexico and in the band's hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada. The album also acts as a tribute to the band's guitarist, TIM KELLY, who was tragically killed in an auto accident earlier this year. Says bassist Dana Strum, "This album is Tim's farewell performance and I think he'd be pleased that his last recordings were not just in the studio but were with our fans there too."...

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