This week sees new shit from Iron Maiden, Sevendust, Suicidal Tendencies, Sebastian Bach, Kvelertak, Saxon, and more hitting stores. Check out the list of releases below and let us know which ones you’re snagging a copy of and which record should be the Album of the Week. Pick your favorite and feel free to vote as many times as you want. Voting ends on Monday, April 1, at noon, when the results will be announced.
UPDATE: The poll is closed. For the results, click here.
]]>The Fifth Annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards show, presented by Epiphone, is set for Thursday, May 2, at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Metallica will perform live and receive the “Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement” Award, Rob Zombie will receive the “Golden God Award,” and Tony Iommi will be honored with the prestigious “Riff Lord” Award.
The show will feature live performances by Metallica, Five Finger Death Punch, Anthrax, Stone Sour, Dillinger Escape Plan, Halestorm and more!
Sebastian Bach and Dee Snider will host the “Black Carpet” pre-show. For the first time ever, the show will air on an exclusive national TV broadcast through AXS TV, and global broadcast on XBOX Live and Facebook.
To watch the show live on AXS TV, click here and check your local listings. Or, to watch on the Golden Gods Facebook page, click here.
Tickets went on sale February 4 via AXS.com.
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On January 24, Revolver and Guitar World teamed up to host the 2nd Annual Rock & Roll Roast at the Grove in Anaheim, California.
The event honored Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, who withstood a barrage of barbs and one-liners from a slew of rockers and comedians, including former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, who roasted Snider with a Behind the Music spoof video made just for the occasion. You can check it out below.
There will be more videos coming your way, of course! Look for a new video from the Rock & Roll Roast of Dee Snider every day this week.
The event, which was presented by Peavey Electronics and sponsored by Epiphone and Monster Energy Drink, featured live roasts by Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde (last year’s Roast honoree), Scott Ian of Anthrax, comedian Jim Norton, That Metal Show co-hosts Jim Florentine and Eddie Trunk, Lita Ford, comedian Craig Gass and Snider’s son, actor and comedian Shane Snider.
The event also included video roasts by Bach, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Alice Cooper, Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho, Donald Trump, Steel Panther, Playboy Playmate Brande Roderick and others.
On the night of the Roast, fans followed the action via Twitter (#DEEROAST) and watched the event live on AXS TV. Proceeds from the event benefit MusiCares, a nonprofit organization of The Recording Academy that provides financial assistance and addiction recovery resources to music people in need.
To read more about the Roast — and to see a red carpet photo gallery and video by Fuse — check out our day-after wrap-up story, which features some of the best one-liners from the event.
“It appears that I have had a relapse of some sort,” says David Duchovny’s Hank Moody character near the end of this season’s third episode of Californication, titled “Dead Rock Stars.” Without revealing any spoilers (at least for a show that’s all about decadence), the unraveling of Moody seems to have begun again. This time the catalyst is Moody’s rehab counselor releasing him into the real world, after a scene where comedian and, at least in the fictional reality of this episode, food addict Artie Lange chokes on some random snacks.
With Moody back in the overindulgent fêtes of gritty West Hollywood, he succumbs to his old ways quickly, as he accompanies the last episode‘s muse-cum-groupie (no dirtiness intended) to the funeral of her recently passed rock-star paramour. The “service”—in which Californication‘s producers attempt to imagine what a rocker’s grand finale looks like—starts to bring this season’s hard-rock thrust back into focus, thanks in no small part to cameos from the Sex Pistols’ Steve Jones and Sebastian Effin’ Bach as the deceased guitarist. With that on the table, here are our picks for the most metal moments in “Dead Rock Stars.”
Groupie Etiquette Defined
As Artie Lange nearly chokes, the last episode’s groupie-muse character Faith, played by Maggie Grace, tells the rehab counselor that the funeral services for the guitarist she was adulterating were happening that day. When he tells her she should go, she says, “That would be a pretty serious breach of groupie etiquette.” She elaborates by saying, “I can’t just show up there all alone. The chick who rolls up solo to the funeral is usually the one who was fucking a dead guy.”
While Robert’s Rules of Road-Dog Order has never officially been published, Faith may have hit on something by outlining the parameters of groupie protocol. Should she respect the boundaries of common decency with regard to STD-riddled fretboard fornicators? Moreover, since she was in love with this man (and we assume he loved her back), how dutifully should she dodge his widow and the friends who hid her from the widow? Which side of the plate does the salad fork go on? Somehow she knows how to work around these burning questions (and probably other burning things) and we should commend her respectability in the manner. The only downfall, as we learn, is Hank Moody, whom the counselor sends along with her to the funeral.
Fictional Rock Stars Have Epic Funerals!
The scenes depicting Faith’s dead rocker ex (who, just so you don’t think we’re being cagey, is officially named Dead Rock Star) showcase one metal funeral. There’s a dude passed out on a headstone, fans are holding black T-shirts, biker types pour out alcohol and cheers one another, paparazzi take pictures, there are merch tents(!) and tour programs and lots of crying. In the merch area, vendors pour vodka from coffin-shaped bottles and tow fans are kissing and pissing simultaneously. It’s a funeral with VIP Access passes! The rocker’s coffin is studded with skull-encrusted guitars and iron crosses and lined with leopard print, adorned with backstage passes. Giant stacks of Marshall amps flank the coffin. Best yet, the “tour manager” on set is played by Steve Jones and the rock-star corpse is none other than Sebastian Bach!
Fictional Rock Stars Say Goodbye Like Real-Life Rappers
Taking a cue from 2Pac and his Coachella hologram, Bach’s rock star alter ego gets beamed over his coffin. “If you’re seeing me in this badass holographic form, that means I must be dead, which totally sucks for me,” he says in an English accent that really doesn’t sound like Sebastian Bach. “I don’t want any of you people feeling sorry for me,” he continues. “I’ve had a great fucking life.” Then the at least 30-foot-high hologram does another thing we’ve never seen Sebastian Bach do: He rips out a shredding guitar solo!
After the guitar solo, it seems like Faith’s groupie etiquette has paid off. After having a confrontation with Bach’s widow, they reconcile. “I’m sorry I was such a bitch,” says the widow. “I’m sorry I fucked your husband,” Faith rejoins. All is well in the world.
The Orgy Scene
“You’re all invited back to my place,” says Atticus Fetch, actor Tim Minchin’s (living) fictional rock star introduced in episode one of this season, at the funeral. “We’ll consume narcotics and listen to Exile and get our penises out in honor of our fallen comrade.” And damned if they didn’t do just that. Back at the mansion introduced in the last episode, Fetch approaches Moody naked, holding an acoustic guitar. “I’m going to play you the greatest song ever written in the history of the universe,” he says. “After which, we shall snort cocaine and have our assholes tongued by the angels.” And again, damned if they don’t do just that—just not onscreen. (Spoilers ahead!) The next day when Moody’s ex Karen arrives to start the interior design job Fetch’s wife hired her for, she finds Moody in a drugged-out sleep on a pile of topless women. “We shared an 8-ball, amongst other things,” explains Fetch. Moody has relapsed indeed.
Production stills by Jordin Althaus/SHOWTIME
]]>Joey “Fingers” Lombard
The bassist of death-metal band Incantation from 2001 to 2006, Lombard committed suicide in January at the age of 42. Incantation drummer Kyle Severn said, “Joey was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.”
Nicole Bogner
The ex-vocalist of power-metal group Visions of Atlantis died of an undisclosed disease at the age of 27. The band released a statement saying, “Without Nicole, Visions of Atlantis would have never been born and her unique voice and personality were a big part of VoA.”
Robbie France
A former drummer for New Wave of British Heavy Metal pioneers Diamond Head and UFO, France died of unknown causes at the age of 53.
Mark Reale
One of the founding members of New York City heavy-metal band Riot, the guitarist died at the age of 57 due to complications with Crohn’s disease.
Jim “Lord of Loud” Marshall
The founder of Marshall Amplifications died at the age of 88. His amps are a weapon of choice of bands including Slayer, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mastodon, Black Label Society, In Flames, Trivium, and more.
Ronnie Montrose
The guitarist not only played in hard-rock band Montrose–which also featured future solo artist and Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar–but also did session work for acts like Van Morrison. Montrose died at the age of 64 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Richie Teeter
The drummer for Twisted Sister and The Dictators died of esophageal cancer at the age of 61.
Adam “MCA” Yauch
Co-founder of the Beastie Boys–who helped spearhead the crossover between rap and metal with songs like ”(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn,” the latter featuring Slayer’s Kerry King on lead guitar–MCA died after years battling cancer. He was 47.
Trondr Nefas
The frontman for black-metal band Urgehal passed away at the age of 34. His bandmates said, “He died a peaceful and natural death at one of his favorite places, surrounded by woods and crystal lakes.”
Steeve Hurdle
The guitarist, who played in tech-death outfit Gorguts, notably on their seminal Obscura album, died of post-surgical complications at the age of 41.
Mark “Bam Bam” McConnell
The drummer for Sebastian Bach died on May 24.
Jon Lord
The pianist and organ player, who played with Deep Purple and Whitesnake, died at age 71 of cancer. Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote on Twitter: “R.I.P. the great Jon Lord, Deep Purple’s cornerstone/keyboardist. So many great great songs and that incredible SOUND of his! Thank you.”
Tony Sly
The frontman of the punk band No Use for a Name died at the age of 41. Fat Mike of NOFX said, “One of my dearest friends and favorite songwriters has gone way too soon. Tony, you will be greatly missed.”
Mitch Lucker
The Suicide Silence vocalist died at the age of 28 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. The band said, “This is completely devastating to all of us and we offer our deepest condolences to his family. He will be forever in our hearts.” You can contribute to the Mitch Lucker Memorial Fund to help pay for the education of Lucker’s daughter, Kenadee, right here.
Mike Scaccia
Guitarist for industrial-metal stalwarts Ministry and Texan thrashers Rigor Mortis, Mike Scaccia died at age 47 after collapsing onstage while performing with the latter band. Scaccia joined Ministry in 1989 and played on their landmark Psalm 69 album, as well as Filth Pig, Animositisomina, and 2012′s Relapse. You can contribute to the Mike Scaccia Family Fund right here.
“I’m Alive” is taken from the singer’s latest album, last year’s Kicking & Screaming, which was produced by Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Atreyu, Filter.)
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Drummer Mark “Bam Bam” McConnell died yesterday morning after suffering brain damage as a result of kidney and liver failure.
McConnell sat behind the kit for former Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach for the better part of eight years, joining the singer in 1997 and departing in 2005.
Before McConnell’s death, Bach asked fans to send out prayers to his former bandmate, calling him “an amazing drummer and lifelong friend.”
He added, “We love you, Bam Bam. You can kick this in the ass just like you play your drums!! Fight hard, buddy. We all wanna rock with you. We love ya, dude.”
A relative to Facebook last night to officially announce the news, writing, “Mark passed at 9.42 this morning, surrounded by family and close friends. We will miss him. He was previous to all of us and touched all our hearts deeply and profoundly.
“On behalf of our family, thank you to all of you for your prayers and support.”
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After it was revealed yesterday that Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi had been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, members of the hard-rock and metal community have followed the Sabbath’s request to send Iommi warm thoughts. Check out the words of support, below, for the man who helped give birth to metal—from the likes of Slash, Zakk Wylde, and Sebastian Bach.
Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne): “Big BL get well wishes out to Lord Iommi!!!”
Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Black Country Communion): “Prayers please for my brother Tony Iommi… We all pray for a full, speedy recover from cancer…. Much love…”
David Draiman (Disturbed): “Everyone please send their prayers/good vibes/best wishes to Tony Iommi for a speedy recovery; he has been diagnosed [futureusgallerywith] lymphoma.”
Anthrax:: “This really does suck. GET WELL SOON TONY!”
Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD): “I absolutely insist that every single follower of mine, religious or not, send a prayer up for Tony Iommi. He has been diagnosed with lyphoma. It’s in its early stages—Sabbath is writing a new record, and they are continuing to. Iommi is the reason heavy metal exists. Pray for him. You pray to Crom, Odin, yourself—don’t care who. Just send up some positive vibes for Tony Iommi.
“This is terrible news for metal. I’ve toured with Iommi a coupla times. He is a gentleman and a living legend. Hopefully since it’s in early stages they can beat it pretty easily. But Iommi’s not a young man, so think good thoughts! It is no secret that I have donated both my time, energy, facial hair, and a fair amount of my money to cancer research. I’ve walked the walk (literally) as well as talked the talk. However, there’s nothing wrong with positive vibes.”
Sebastian Bach (Skid Row): “All hail the mighty Tony Iommi. & FUCK YOU, Cancer.”
Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind): “I’m in shock to hear the news about Tony Iommi. Get well soon ‘Iron Man’!! Your biggest fan.”
Slash: “Best wishes for a full recovery to Tony Iommi.”
Frank Bello (Anthrax): “Get well soon Tony!!”
Chris Jericho (Fozzy): “Best wishes and prayers to Tony Iommi in these tough times. The MASTER of the riff will crush his cancer with the power of metal (and God)!!
Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth): “Just read the news, and it’s perplexing and shocking to say the least. On behalf of the band and, I’m confident to say, the whole population of rock music lovers in the world, we all wish for a swift recovery for Tony. Get well!”
Richie Faulkner (Judas Priest): “My thoughts go out to Tony Iommi and I wish him a fast and full recovery.”
Michael Amott (Arch Enemy, Carcass): “Here’s hoping for a solid and speedy recovery for my guitar hero Tony Iommi!”
Shawn Drover (Megadeth): “Tony Iommi – Please get well soon!!!!!!!!!!!!”
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The metal world turned out in force Wednesday to pay tribute to former Pantera and Damageplan guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and Ronnie James Dio at the annual DimeBash concert at the Key Club in Hollywood. Revolver was there to capture the mayhem as it happened, and spoke to former Pantera and current Kill Devil Hill bassist Rex Brown, Dimebag’s girlfriend, Rita Haney, Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell, Disturbed’s David Draiman, Velvet Revolver’s Duff McKagan, Machine Head’s Phil Demmel, and That Metal Show‘s Eddie Trunk and Don Jamieson for the interview below. For photos from the event, click here.
Photo by Stephanie Cabral
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