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As reported earlier this week, Ray Manzarek, founding member and keyboardist of THE DOORS, passed away at the age of 74 in Rosenheim, Germany from bile duct cancer. Here is the bands official statement.
His band-mate and guitarist Robby Krieger, reflected on how Manzarek took the chance of meeting with Jim Morrison at Venice Beach in 1965 and how this lead to the formation of the band.
Manzarek, who was born in Chicago, moved to Los Angeles to study film at UCLA. While at UCLA, he met Morrison on the Westwood campus during the singers short stint at college.
“[Manzarek] was the only one at UCLA who was smart enough to know that Jim Morrison wasn’t just a jerk, like a lot of people thought. To me, that make him a genius.” – Doors guitarist Robby Krieger
After Manzarek graduated in 1965, him and Morrison met again at Venice Beach and decided to start THE DOORS. This is when they added guitar player Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore. Since the band lacked a bass player, Manzarek usually played the bass lines on his Fender Rhodes piano. Manzarek was the oldest in the band and occasionally sang as well.
“[Manzarek] was relentless in his pursuit of the vision. And you have to give Ray a lot of credit because he understood what Jim [Morrison] was and what was magic about Jim, and he just never backed down from that.” – Bill Siddons, former manager for The Doors
In lieu of flowers, please make a memoriam donation in Ray Manzarek's name at www.standup2cancer.org Rock In Peace Mr. Manzarek, your music will surely live forever! Related links: The Doors' official site
We have some very sad news. Ray Manzarek, founding member and keyboardist of THE DOORS, has passed away at the age of 74 from bile duct cancer. Here is the bands official statement:
"Ray Manzarek, keyboardist and founding member of The Doors, passed away today at 12:31PM PT at the RoMed Clinic in Rosenheim, Germany after a lengthy battle with bile duct cancer. He was 74. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his wife Dorothy Manzarek, and his brothers Rick and James Manczarek.
Manzarek is best known for his work with The Doors who formed in 1965 when Manzarek had a chance encounter on Venice Beach with poet Jim Morrison. The Doors went on to become one of the most controversial rock acts of the 1960s, selling more than 100-million albums worldwide, and receiving 19 Gold, 14 Platinum and five multi-Platinum albums in the U.S. alone. "L.A.Woman," "Break On Through to the Other Side," "The End," "Hello, I Love You," and "Light My Fire" were just some of the band's iconic and ground-breaking songs. After Morrison's death in 1971, Manzarek went on to become a best-selling author, and a Grammy-nominated recording artist in his own right. In 2002, he revitalized his touring career with Doors' guitarist and long-time collaborator, Robby Krieger.
"I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today," said Krieger. "I'm just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him."
Manzarek is survived by his wife Dorothy, brothers Rick and James Manzarek, son Pablo Manzarek, Pablo's wife Sharmin and their three children Noah, Apollo and Camille. Funeral arrangements are pending. The family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."
In lieu of flowers, please make a memoriam donation in Ray Manzarek's name at www.standup2cancer.org
Rock In Peace Mr. Manzarek, your music will surely live forever!
Today, in 1967, Charles Michael "Chuck" Schuldiner was born in Glen Cove, New York. Chuck was the founder of one of the most renowned and influential bands in Heavy Metal history: DEATH. Schuldiner was the singer, main songwriter, rhythm and lead guitarist of Death (founded in 1983). Due to his influence and talent, he is worthily known as "The Father of Death Metal." Known for his modesty and kindness, Chuck often denounced the flattering attention he received for his accomplishments. "I don’t think I should take the credits for this Death Metal stuff. I am just a guy from a band, and I think Death is a Metal band.” Chuck started playing guitar at the tender age of 9. After his older brother passed away, his parents figured that giving him a new hobby would help young Chuck to cope with this significant loss. When he was 16, Chuck started a band called Mantas, which eventually became Death. His initial influences include: Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, and French band Sortilège. In 1987, Schuldiner released the first Death album, which he titled “Scream Bloody Gore”. A year later he released “Leprosy”, and in February of 1990 he released the critically acclaimed “Spiritual Healing”. One of the key moves Chuck made in order to get Death to the next level, was to recruit fellow legend and guitarist James Murphy.
The turning point for Death was when they released their breakthrough album “Human”. On this album Chuck explored more technical and progressive abilities, which eventually became Death’s signature sound. This musical progression and perfection continued on 1993's “Individual Thought Patterns”, 1995's “Symbolic”, and “The Sound of Perseverance”, which was released in 1998. Over time, Death underwent many lineup changes, which opened the doors for various musicians who are now considered Heavy Metal all-stars. A few of these all-stars who contributed to Death’s legacy include: Gene Hoglan, Richard Christy, Sean Reinert, Paul Masvidal, and Steve DiGiorgio. With these accomplishments, Death warranted their perpetual legendary status throughout the Metal world, which still stands strong today. Throughout his career, Schuldiner was never afraid to take on controversial issues and uphold his own personal views. On the album “Spiritual Healing”, he divulged his anti-drug values through his lyrics for "Living Monstrosity" and even raged against abortion on the track "Altering the Future.” He was also known to speak openly against “satanic” themes, which have always been part of Death Metal. He disputed in opposition to stereotypes and classifications that portrayed Metal-heads to be harmful to animals and people, or to be purveyors of death and malevolence. He strongly opposed artists who were "out of control", and attracted negative attention to the Death Metal scene. Chuck was a role model to the fans, and also to the bands he had the chance to influence through his music and viewpoints. After further evolvement of his musical endeavors and styles, Chuck decided to retire the Death name, and formed a new band called Control Denied. In 1999, they released “The Fragile Art of Existence”. Around May of 1999, Chuck had been experiencing pain in his upper neck. After being sent for an MRI exam, he was sadly diagnosed with life threatening pontine glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer that attacks the brain stem. He was immediately sent to undergo radiation therapy. In October 1999, Chuck’s family announced that the tumor had necrotized. Then in January 2000, chuck underwent a surgical procedure in order to remove the rest of the tumor. The operation was a success, and Chuck continued his work with Control Denied.
In May 2001 (two years after his initial diagnosis), the cancer returned. This time, due to a financial debt he was not able to receive the immediate surgery that his condition required; to make matters worse his medical insurance denied the coverage of the treatment. Many influential figures of the music industry, as well as a strong alliance of dedicated fans, gathered in support of Chuck’s impact to the music world, and rallied to raise funds to benefit his demanding medical needs. Still unable to acquire the necessary surgical procedure that would possibly save his life, he underwent chemotherapy. The harsh side effects of this treatment immensely weakened Chuck, and took a severe toll on his ability to continue with his music. In late October, Chuck’s frail body fell ill to pneumonia. On December 13th, 2001, at approximately 4 PM (Eastern), Chuck tragically died at the young age of 34. Today, Chuck’s memory continues to thrive through the influence of his music and the admiration of his ability to always stay true to his beliefs. Chuck is truly a pioneer of Metal, and a hero for all who he has affected with his accomplishments, attitude, and morale. "I would like to live forever, if it was possible", he once said in an interview. Little did he know at the time, that with the significant and historical impact he left on the Metal community, he surely would.
It seems like the architect of our music, Mr. Tony Iommi from BLACK SABBATH, is going to have ahealthy 2013. After battling with Cancer for most of 2012, Iommi's health is returning to full force. This is great news!
Here is Iommi had to say about this latest accomplishment, which has nothing to do with the NEW BLACK SABBATH:
"Well here's something different, one of my demo ideas has been chosen
as the Armenian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest! It went on a
short list and Saturday night was voted as the winner. I did the music
and the performing band Dorians wrote the lyrics, it's called 'Lonely
Planet'. They're a good band, the singer has a really good voice and
the lyrics they've written are in English. It now goes to the
semi-final on May 16th in Malmo, Sweden.
"Glad to be able to be
involved with Armenia again, the school is coming along fine, they've
got the furniture sorted and it will be opened late summer." - Tony
Recently, BLACK SABBATH revealed that the release of
their NEW album has been postponed from April to June. According to
Geezer Butler, production for the band's first record with frontman
Ozzy Osbourne since the release of 'Never Say Die!' has been completed
and this is why the band decided to release the following video teaser
for the most anticipated record of 2013. Here is a trailer for the NEW Sabbath record
Today (February 19), Anthony Frank "Tony" Iommi is celebrating his 65th birthday! This birthday is a very special one for Iommi since one year ago he wasn't sure if he would make it through another year due to cancer. On 9 January 2012it was announced that Iommi had been diagnosed with early stage lymphoma. Here is an update from Iommi regarding his health status.
Iommi was born in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, and is considered the pioneer of Heavy Metal guitar shredding. As we all know, Iommi is a founding member of Black Sabbath and has been the only member to be part of every incarnation of the band. Here are some facts about the great Tony Iommi: - Iommi, a left-handed guitar player, is one of the most important and influential guitarists in Heavy Metal history. - He originally wanted to play the drums, but due to the noise they produce he picked up the guitar as a teenager, after being inspired by the likes of Hank Marvin and The Shadows. - According to Allmusic, "Iommi is one of only two guitarists (the other being Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page) that can take full credit for pioneering the mammoth riffs of Heavy Metal". - In an industrial accident at the age of 17 on his last day of work in a sheet metal factory, he lost the tips of the middle and ring finger of his right hand. After attempting to learn to play right-handed, Iommi instead strung his guitars with lighter strings and made thimbles to extend his fingers. - Considered the best guitarist of all time according to Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time". - In 2011, Iommi released his autobiography "Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath". Recently, BLACK SABBATH revealed that the release of
their NEW album has been postponed from April to June. According to
Geezer Butler, production for the band's first record with frontman
Ozzy Osbourne since the release of 'Never Say Die!' has been completed
and this is why the band decided to release the following video teaser
for the most anticipated record of 2013. Here is a trailer for the NEW Sabbath record! We want to wish Tony a very HEAVY birthday and many more to come! \m/ Related links: Official site of Tony Iommi
Earlier this week, Jon Lord of Deep Purple died earlier at
the age
of 71. The co-founder and keyboard player with the Heavy Metal pioneers
passed after suffering a pulmonary embolism.
Earlier this year, Lord was diagnosed as suffering from pancreatic
cancer, a normally swiftly developing and deadly form of cancer. Lord
was was surrounded by his family at the London Clinic. Jon Lord is
survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara (please
keep them in your thoughts and prayers).
The origin of Heavy Metal can be traced back to pivotal trailblazers like Deep Purple. Their monstrous sound was a precursor to the decades of Metal mayhem that would only follow in the shadow of this legendary band. Now, with Jammit you can hear Deep Purple from a perspective that only few have had the privilege. Isolate or remove Blackmore’s guitar, Lord’s organ, Paice’s drums, Glover’s bass or Gillan’s vocals from the rest of the mix.
Follow the scrolling scores with slow down and section looping—even record your own performance—Jammit makes it easy to “join” the band! Join DEEP PURPLE right now by clicking HERE!
This just in: Robin Gibb, co-founder of the Bee Gees, passed away earlier today (Sunday, May 20th) after a long
battle with cancer, his spokesperson has confirmed via a statement. Gibb
was 62 years old.
"The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great
sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with
cancer and intestinal surgery," reads the statement. "The family have
asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
Two years ago, Gibb battled colon and liver cancer, but despite
making what he called a "spectacular recovery," a secondary tumor
recently developed, complicated by a case of pneumonia.
Gibb was born in Manchester, England, in 1949, along with twin
brother Maurice. (Maurice died in 2003 of complications from a twisted
intestine; eerily, Robin had surgery for the same medical issue in
2010.) Along with their older brother Barry, the brothers began
harmonizing as a trio in Australia, where the family moved in 1958.
Although the Bee Gees had some success in Australia – they hosted a
weekly variety show there – they didn't truly arrive until they returned
to England and signed with manager Robert Stigwood. Robin's quivering,
vulnerable voice was featured prominently on several of the group's
earliest and most Beatles-eque hits, including "New York Mining Disaster
1941," "I Started a Joke," "Massachusetts," and "I've Gotta Get a
Message to You."
Please put your Horns Up for Robin Gibb and keep his family, friends and fans in your thoughts. Rock In Peace brotherman.
This past Friday, May 4, the death of Adam Nathaniel Yauch (A.K.A. MCA) was mourned by the entire music world. The co-founder of crossover heavyweights the BEASTIE BOYS left behind his wife Dechen Wangdu, and his daughter Tenzin Losel Yauch.
Here is a previously unreleased video of the BEASTIE BOYS performing live by the Brooklyn Bridge, filmed by Comedy Central for "Chappelle's Show"! The video clip was released by Chappelle’s Show co-creator Neal Brennan is no different; he’s uploaded an unaired clip of The Beastie Boys performing “The New Style” with an assist from Dave Chappelle back in 2004. The scene was shot for the show’s famously unfinished third season, and it is pretty great. It’s only fair to warn you, though, that like every other video clip of MCA you’ve seen in the past few days, this one might well make you tear up. Watch now before it gets taken down; apparently Viacom already removed another version that was floating around so watch and share this now.
As previously reported, Adam Nathaniel Yauch (A.K.A. MCA) passed away yesterday morning in New York City after fighting with cancer for almost three years. The co-founder of crossover heavyweights the BEASTIE BOYS leaves behind his wife Dechen Wangdu, and his daughter Tenzin Losel Yauch. Yauch was 47 years old. Our condolences go out to his MCA's family, friends, the BEASTIE BOYS camp, and all of his fans.
Here is what some of the members of the Heavy Music community had to say about this very sad news:
SICK OF IT ALL: "Our hearts go out to MCA's family and friends in their time of loss. We had the pleasure of doing a small tour with the BEASTIE BOYS under their hardcore name QUAZAR. They were the most down-to-earth and fun guys. Thanks for all the great times and music and all your humanitarian work you've done. Rest in peace, brother. A sad day indeed."
Perry Farrell (JANE'S ADDICTION): "Adam Yauch has passed. As sobering news as you'll ever recieve. This part of life (death) is resolute — causes one to consider their own life, and the way they're living it. Today is a grey day. It feels as if their is no escape... Adam was a guy who brought happiness and energy to so many. That is why the news of his passing is so stifling. Bon voyage, Adam."
Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES): "Sad day. MCA was fucking awesome. RIP man. We'll miss you very much."
ANTHRAX: "RIP MCA. Cancer, you're an asshole."
STYX: "Another great one has passed. RIP MCA. Truly one of the best at what he did."
Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD): "BEASTIE BOYS broke a lot of rules and broke a lot of ground. Bummed I never saw 'em. MCA has gone on to his final egg raid on mojo. Peace bro!"
Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH): "Rest In Peace Adam 'MCA' Yauch of the BEASTIE BOYS. My condolences to his family and friends."
Freddy Cricien (MADBALL): "RIP to a hip hop legend and my favorite beastie boy.... MCA"
LIVING COLOUR: "Cause You Can't, You Won't And You Don't Stop, MCA Come And Rock The Sure Shot - RIP Adam Yauch!"
David Draiman (DISTURBED): "Listened to the BEASTIE BOYS since I was a kid. RIP Adam (MCA) Yauch. You will be missed."
Brian Fair (SHADOWS FALL): "RIP MCA of the BEASTIE BOYS. My favorite show ever was seeing them at a small club in Boston on 'Check Your Head' tour. Thanks for the music."
Jeff Scott Soto (TALISMAN, JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN): "RIP MCA...you showed us how to 'fight for the right', long live the Beasties!
It is with great sadness that we confirm that musician, rapper, activist and director Adam "MCA" Yauch, founding member of Beastie Boys and also of the Milarepa Foundation that produced the Tibetan Freedom Concert benefits, and film production and distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories, passed away in his native New York City this morning after a near-three-year battle with cancer. He was 47 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Yauch taught himself to play bass in high school, forming a band for his 17th birthday party that would later become known the world over as Beastie Boys.
With fellow members Michael "Mike D" Diamond and Adam "Adrock" Horovitz, Beastie Boys would go on to sell over 40 million records, release four #1 albums–including the first hip hop album ever to top the Billboard 200, the band's 1986 debut full length, Licensed To Ill–win three Grammys, and the MTV Video Vanguard Lifetime Achievement award. Last month Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Diamond and Horovitz reading an acceptance speech on behalf of Yauch, who was unable to attend.
In addition to his hand in creating such historic Beastie Boys albums as 'Paul's Boutique', 'Check Your Head', 'Ill Communication', 'Hello Nasty' and more, Yauch was a founder of the Milarepa Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness and activism regarding the injustices perpetrated on native Tibetans by Chinese occupational government and military forces. In 1996, Milarepa produced the first Tibetan Freedom Concert in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, which was attended by 100,000 people, making it the biggest benefit concert on U.S. soil since 1985's Live Aid. The Tibetan Freedom Concert series would continue to stage some of the most significant benefit shows in the world for nearly a decade following in New York City, Washington DC, Tokyo, Sydney, Amsterdam, Taipei and other cities.
In the wake of September 11, 2001, Milarepa organized New Yorkers Against Violence, a benefit headlined by Beastie Boys at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom, with net proceeds disbursed to the New York Women's Foundation Disaster Relief Fund and the New York Association for New Americans (NYANA) September 11th Fund for New Americans–each chosen for their efforts on behalf of 9/11 victims least likely to receive help from other sources.
Under the alias of Nathanial Hörnblowér, Yauch directed iconic Beastie Boys videos including "So Whatcha Want," "Intergalactic," "Body Movin" and "Ch-Check It Out." Under his own name, Yauch directed last year's Fight For Your Right Revisited, an extended video for "Make Some Noise" from Beastie Boys' Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, starring Elijah Wood, Danny McBride and Seth Rogen as the 1986 Beastie Boys, making their way through a half hour of cameo-studded misadventures before squaring off against Jack Black, Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as Beastie Boys of the future.
Yauch's passion and talent for filmmaking led to his founding of Oscilloscope Laboratories, which in 2008 released his directorial film debut, the basketball documentary Gunnin' For That #1 Spot and has since become a major force in independent video distribution, amassing a catalogue of such acclaimed titles as Kelly Reichardt's Wendy and Lucy, Oren Moverman's The Messenger, Banksy's Exit Through The Gift Shop, Lance Bangs and Spike Jonze's Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait Of Maurice Sendak, and many more.
Yauch is survived by his wife Dechen and his daughter Tenzin Losel, as well as his parents Frances and Noel Yauch.
This just in: the death of Adam Nathaniel Yauch (A.K.A. MCA) has been confirmed by music mogul Russel Simmons. The co-founder of crossover heavyweights the BEASTIE BOYS leaves behind his wife Dechen Wangdu, and his daughter Tenzin Losel Yauch. Yauch was 47 years old. Our condolences go out to his MCA's family, friends, the BEASTIE BOYS camp, and all of his fans.
In 2009 Yauch announced that he was being treated for a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland. In 2011, Yauch posted an update on the Beastie Boys' website telling friends and fans he was not cancer-free as reportedly, but was "staying optimistic and hoping to be cancer free in the near future."
The BEASTIE BOYS were recently inducted into the Rock N' Roll Half Of Fame, but Yauch was absent.
As previously reported, BLACK SABBATH is scheduled to appear at the Download Festival in the UK on June 10th and at the Lollapalooza Festival here in the U.S. on August 3rd. Today, the band announced an "intimate" show in their hometown of Birmingham, England, on Saturday, May 19 at the O2 Academy. The big question that all the SABBATH have is whither or not Bill Ward will be playing drums with the band.
As of right now, the Bill Ward situation has not been resolved and the band has not announced who will be sitting behind the drum kit. This past February, Bill Ward made the following statement regarding the status of
the reunion of SABBATH: "At this time, I
would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the BLACK
SABBATH album and tour," stated Ward. "However, I am unable to continue
unless a 'signable' contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some
dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band."
As far as Tony Iommi's health status... Iommi is currently undergoing treatment for lymphoma (a type of cell that forms part of the immune system) and he is positive that he will kick cancer's ass! We sure hope so! The remaining members of Black Sabbath (Ozzy, Osbourne, Tony Iommy
& Geezer Butler) have announced that they are currently recording
the NEW album without Bill Ward and that it sounds great.
BLACK SABBATH:
- May 19: Birmingham, England @ O2 Academy
- Jun. 10: Donnington, UK @ Download Festival
- Aug. 3: Chicago, Illinois @ Lolapalooza Festival
OZZY & FRIENDS:
- May 23: Helsinki, Finland @ Hartwall Arena
- May 25: Stockholm, Sweden @ Stadium
- May 27: Jelling, Denmark @ Jelling Festival
- May 29: Bergen, Norway @ Bergen Calling Festival
- May 31: Oslo, Norway @ Spektrum
- Jun. 02: Malmo, Sweden @ Malmo Stadium
- Jun. 04: Dortmund, Germany @ Westfalenhalle
- Jun. 06: Prague, Czech Republic @ O2 Arena
- Jun. 15: Vitoria, Spain @ Azkena Rock Festival
- Jun. 17: Clisson, France @ Hellfest
- Jun. 22: Dessel, Belgium @ Graspop Metal Meeting
- Jun. 24: Milan, Italy @ Gods of Metal Festival
- Jun. 26: Vienna, Austria @ Stadthalle
- Jun. 28: Belgrade, Serbia @ USCE Park
- Jul. 01: Athens, Greece @ Rockwave Festival – Terra
As previously reported, legendary Heavy Metal band BLACK SABBATH will be performing one show in the United States this summer. It has just been confirmed that Black Sabbath will play this year’s Lollapalooza festival in Chicago,
US, alongside the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Florence And
The Machine, Jack White from White Stripes, Die Antwoord, and Yellow Ostrich. Lollapalooza will take place on August 3 - 5 at the Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois.
This is the first show confirmed since it was announced that Tony Iommi is currently fighting cancer.
The only other confirmed BLACK SABBATH will take place at this year’s Download festival. Download Festival will take place on June 8 - 10 at Donington Park, England
As of yet the situation surrounding drummer Bill Ward seems to remain unresolved.
Today is a sad day in Heavy Music, "The Father Of Loud", Jim Marshall died yesterday (April 5) in London, England at the age of 88. The inventor of the groundbreaking Marshall Amplifier, had cancer and endured a series of strokes, including several that were severe, his son, Terry Marshall said.
“My wife and I were with him when he passed away,” said Terry. “He got cancer toward the end of last year, and had surgery for that, and it came back. He was in a terrible state the last five or six weeks. He’s in a much better place now.”
Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash commented; "The news of Jim Marshall passing is deeply saddening. R & R will never be the same without him. But, his amps will live on FOREVER!"
Known as "The Father of Loud" or "The Lord of Loud", Jim Marshall was an English businessman, and pioneer of guitar amplification. His company, Marshall Amplification, is used by some of the biggest names in rock, producing amplifiers with an iconic status. Marshall received an OBE honour for "services to the music industry and to charity". Marshall has been listed as one of the four forefathers of Rock music equipment along with Leo Fender, Les Paul and Seth Lover.
Jim, thank you for changing music forever and may your soul Rock In Peace! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's family, friends, and everyone at Marshall Amps!
Today (February 19), Anthony Frank "Tony" Iommi is celebrating his 64th birthday! Iommi was born in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, and is considered the pioneer of Heavy Metal guitar shredding. As we all know, Iommi is a founding member of Black Sabbath and has been the only member to be part of every incarnation of the band.
Here are some facts about the great Tony Iommi:
- Iommi, a left-handed guitar player, is one of the most important and influential guitarists in Heavy Metal history.
- He originally wanted to play the drums, but due to the noise they produce he picked up the guitar as a teenager, after being inspired by the likes of Hank Marvin and The Shadows.
- According to Allmusic, "Iommi is one of only two guitarists (the other being Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page) that can take full credit for pioneering the mammoth riffs of Heavy Metal".
- In an industrial accident at the age of 17 on his last day of work in a sheet metal factory, he lost the tips of the middle and ring finger of his right hand. After attempting to learn to play right-handed, Iommi instead strung his guitars with lighter strings and made thimbles to extend his fingers.
- Considered the best guitarist of all time according to Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time".
- Last year, Iommi released his autobiography "Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath".
- On 9 January 2012, it was announced that Iommi had been diagnosed with early stage lymphoma.
We want to wish Tony a very HEAVY birthday and many more to come! \m/
With heavy hearts, its saddens is to inform you that Jeremy Deacon, who is the former bass player of Florida's extreme Metal band Wykked Wytch, has died of lymphoma* at the young age of 33. Here is statement from the bands frontman Ipek Warnock:
"Thank You all My dear Friends and fans for offering condolence & kind words for our Ex Bassist Jeremy deacon!I had a very rough nite dealing with his loss ,too young To Die! I will be dedicating a part for Jeremy on my upcoming radio show this Thursday. We met Jeremy in 1998 and he was part of the group off and on till 2001. He performed at many shows in NY, OH, NJ, PA, including opening slot for Dying Fetus (1998) in NYC, March Metal Meltdown II in NJ (1999), San Antonio Metalfest (1999). Only other member to have performed with the original line-up and 'Angelic Vengeance' lineup. He was also involved during the writing sessions for 'Angelic Vengeance' but couldn't take part in the recording. Lost contact over the last several years but even when we moved down to Florida we brought him down to be apart of the group but didn't work out. Jeremy was very talented and I recognized that and always tried to help but his own demons always held him back from his dreams. In closing don't hold grudge, just tell that person today that you care before it's too late! Peace my friends!!"
* Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes (a type of cell that forms part of the immune system).
Today marks the tenth year anniversary of the passing of a true legend: Charles Michael "Chuck" Schuldiner (May 13, 1967 – December 13, 2001). Chuck was the founder of one of the most renowned and influential bands in Heavy Metal history: DEATH.
Schuldiner was the singer, main songwriter, rhythm and lead guitarist of Death (founded in 1983). Due to his influence and talent, he is worthily known as "The Father of Death Metal." Known for his modesty and kindness, Chuck often denounced the flattering attention he received for his accomplishments. "I don’t think I should take the credits for this Death Metal stuff. I am just a guy from a band, and I think Death is a Metal band.”
Chuck started playing guitar at the tender age of 9. After his older brother passed away, his parents figured that giving him a new hobby would help young Chuck to cope with this significant loss. When he was 16, Chuck started a band called Mantas, which eventually became Death. His initial influences include: Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, and French band Sortilège.
In 1987, Schuldiner released the first Death album, which he titled “Scream Bloody Gore”. A year later he released “Leprosy”, and in February of 1990 he released the critically acclaimed “Spiritual Healing”. One of the key moves Chuck made in order to get Death to the next level, was to recruit fellow legend and guitarist James Murphy.
The turning point for Death was when they released their breakthrough album “Human”. On this album Chuck explored more technical and progressive abilities, which eventually became Death’s signature sound. This musical progression and perfection continued on 1993's “Individual Thought Patterns”, 1995's “Symbolic”, and “The Sound of Perseverance”, which was released in 1998. Over time, Death underwent many lineup changes, which opened the doors for various musicians who are now considered Heavy Metal all-stars. A few of these all-stars who contributed to Death’s legacy include: Gene Hoglan, Richard Christy, Sean Reinert, Paul Masvidal, and Steve DiGiorgio. With these accomplishments, Death warranted their perpetual legendary status throughout the Metal world, which still stands strong today.
Throughout his career, Schuldiner was never afraid to take on controversial issues and uphold his own personal views. On the album “Spiritual Healing”, he divulged his anti-drug values through his lyrics for "Living Monstrosity" and even raged against abortion on the track "Altering the Future.” He was also known to speak openly against “satanic” themes, which have always been part of Death Metal. He disputed in opposition to stereotypes and classifications that portrayed Metal-heads to be harmful to animals and people, or to be purveyors of death and malevolence. He strongly opposed artists who were "out of control", and attracted negative attention to the Death Metal scene. Chuck was a role model to the fans, and also to the bands he had the chance to influence through his music and viewpoints.
After further evolvement of his musical endeavors and styles, Chuck decided to retire the Death name, and formed a new band called Control Denied. In 1999, they released “The Fragile Art of Existence”.
Around May of 1999, Chuck had been experiencing pain in his upper neck. After being sent for an MRI exam, he was sadly diagnosed with life threatening pontine glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer that attacks the brain stem. He was immediately sent to undergo radiation therapy. In October 1999, Chuck’s family announced that the tumor had necrotized. Then in January 2000, chuck underwent a surgical procedure in order to remove the rest of the tumor. The operation was a success, and Chuck continued his work with Control Denied.
In May 2001 (two years after his initial diagnosis), the cancer returned. This time, due to a financial debt he was not able to receive the immediate surgery that his condition required; to make matters worse his medical insurance denied the coverage of the treatment. Many influential figures of the music industry, as well as a strong alliance of dedicated fans, gathered in support of Chuck’s impact to the music world, and rallied to raise funds to benefit his demanding medical needs. Still unable to acquire the necessary surgical procedure that would possibly save his life, he underwent chemotherapy. The harsh side effects of this treatment immensely weakened Chuck, and took a severe toll on his ability to continue with his music. In late October, Chuck’s frail body fell ill to pneumonia. On December 13th, 2001, at approximately 4 PM (Eastern), Chuck tragically died at the young age of 34.
Today, 9 years after the passing of a true Heavy Metal icon, Chuck’s memory continues to thrive through the influence of his music and the admiration of his ability to always stay true to his beliefs. Chuck is truly a pioneer of Metal, and a hero for all who he has affected with his accomplishments, attitude, and morale. "I would like to live forever, if it was possible", he once said in an interview. Little did he know at the time, that with the significant and historical impact he left on the Metal community, he surely would.
James Murphy, former guitarist of both Death and Testament, as well as founding member of the Death Metal band Disincarnate, has had a relapse of the brain tumor that sidelined him back in 2001. Murphy stated that the tumor had returned but that it was a non malignant and that it was being treated pharmacologically.
Unfortunately, those medications have serious side effects that have left him unable to work. The option for different medications is available, but at a cost of over $1000 a month, and he needs a minimum of 6 months of medication for treatment to be effective. With his medical expenses extremely high and James not being able to work due to the side effects of the current medications, the Metal community is being asked to come together and help one of their brothers and donate to help him beat this once and for all.
In August 2001, Murphy was discovered to have a massive tumor growth near the base of his brain (on the pituitary gland) and was quickly scheduled for an urgent life-saving operation. James underwent surgery on September 17, 2001, involving a Maxillary Swing procedure that made entry through the left side of the face. An incision was made underneath the left eye, along the side of the nose, and finally through the middle of the upper lip. The facial tissue was then pulled back and the cheekbone removed. They then cut through James' sinus and made entry below the orbit of the eye to remove a portion of the growth. More was removed through an incision made in the soft pallet inside the mouth. About 70% of the tumor was removed, the remainder being too close to vital structures to risk further damage. The sinus was then packed with fat tissue taken from the lower abdomen via an incision below the navel and reattached. The cheekbone was set back in place and held with two small titanium plates. The facial tissue was then sutured closed along with the soft pallet. His mouth was fitted with prosthesis to protect the pallet tissue while it healed. The remaining 30% of the tumor was treated with a medication called Parlodel (Bromocriptine) to shrink it called which James was told he would have to take for the rest of his life. This treatment was more or less successful for 9 years.
A spike in the hormone indicator for the tumor, as discovered by a blood test that was followed up by an MRI to confirm, showed that the tumor was again active, and had grown a bit. Luckily not enough to require surgery, but radiation treatment was still on the table. The decision was made to defer the radiation treatment for 6 months, during which time the tumor would be attacked pharmacologically, increasing the dose of the drug used to hinder its growth to a level which leaves James wiped out, overly fatigued, nauseous, and unable to work to earn his living at full capacity. A better drug, one that has less side-effects, and would require a much smaller dosage is available, but considerable vastly more expensive.
