Unconfirmed reports have METALLICA headlining speedway concerts this summer with KORN, KID ROCK and SYSTEM OF A DOWN on the bill, and possibly, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, ORGY and STAIND. The tour would kick off June 30 in Baltimore, Maryland and hit 10 more cities through July 16.
While several Farewell Tour dates have been dropped or postponed, including May 28 in George, Washington and June 3 in San Bernardino, California, KISS has added a date in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 26 as well as second shows in Cleveland, Ohio on May 6, Detroit, Michigan on May 25, Wantagh, New York on June 10 and E. Rutherford, New Jersey on June 28.
A promotional copy of THE SOUND OF URCHIN's debut release on RCA records arrived on our doorstep last night, and after a good listening, it's clear to see that they were given a slight makeover. The most noticeable was "Space Station on the 4,5,and 6", which was very hip-hop influenced when we first heard it (lots of samples, keyboards, horns, etc). The new version has been stipped way down and features more distorted guitars, and has a more "live band" feel to it. Look for a more detailed overview in the REVIEWS section soon.
MEGADETH is now featured on an enormous billboard in Times Square in New York City, courtesy of JVC. "I think in all honesty right now, because of the band's current situation, we've had to seek out some additional publicity and support outside of what has been available for the record company to work with," said Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine. The band plans to grab even more exposure on the road with Mötley Crüe this summer and actually hopes to have a new album recorded by the time the trek kicks off on June 24. The tour, the album, and even the billboard should help the band in its attempt to keep its name (and its heavy sound) visible in a cultural landscape that seems to offer fewer and fewer opportunities to metal vets. Mustaine and bassist Dave Ellefson are hoping to change that a bit with Megadeth's next offering, an album that already promises to pack a wallop reminiscent of the band's earlier efforts. "There's stuff in there that's so heavy that I had to shake out my hand because my forearm froze up because it had been so long since I had played something that fast," Mustaine said.
QUEENSRYCHE will be on VH-1's rock show at 12:00 Midnight on April 28th. They will premiere their new video for the Right Side of My Mind. You can check out video stills at http://www.queensryche.com/
MICHAEL SWEET, former lead singer of STRYPER, will co-produce the next SAVANNAH album. Recording sessions will commence in early June. You can check out the Savannah Website at http://www.savannah.org.uk/
