Check Out Zakk Wylde's Guitar Rig!

Last week, Zakk Wylde announced a series of very special book release events for his NEW book "Bringing Metal to the Children: The Complete Berzerker’s Guide to World Tour Domination" that will take place at The Iridium in New York City. Here is a word from Zakk:

"An Evening with Yours Truly a/k/a The Book Tour of Doom June 11 & 12 NYC! 2 shows per night."

Tix at BandsInTown.com/ZakkWylde

In celebration of the release of his book "Bringing Metal to the Children: The Complete Berzerker’s Guide to World Tour Domination", Zakk launched his very own YouTube series. Here is a video featuring Zakk showing the world his guitar rig.



Related links:
Zakk Wylde's official site

Guitarist & Manager Of THE DOORS Talk About Ray Manzarek!

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

SLAYER Has A Message For Their Fans Regarding Plans By The Westboro Baptist Church To Crash Jeff Hanneman's Memorial!

As previously reported, The Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration will take place on Thursday, May 23 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles from 3:30 - 7:30PM. And guess which group had the stupid idea to picket Hanneman's memorial?

The a&*holes from the West Baptist Church. However, SLAYER wants all who attend to ignore them!

MESSAGE TO FANS FROM SLAYER:

"Want to really piss off the Westboro Baptist Church at Jeff's Memorial Celebration? Do exactly what Slayer members and family are going to do - totally ignore them. They don't exist. And then come inside and celebrate Jeff's life with us."

Hanneman passed away on May 2 at the age of 49 (Details HERE).






Our condolences go out to Jeff's family, friends and the Slayer camp! Rock in Peace, Jeff!

THINNING THE HERD Are Streaming Their NEW Album 'Freedom From The Known'

Talk about persevering! Last year, right after THINNING THE HERD completed the recording sessions for their NEW album 'Freedom From The Known', their drummer Rick Cimato passed away after being involved in a massive car accident (Details HERE). After contemplating retirement, the band decided to move forward and to release their unique blend of music.

TTH recorded the album with acclaimed producer Steve Albini (NIRVANA) last summer and it was not an easy task. Here is what the bands leader Gavin Spielman had to say about presenting the massed with 'Freedom From The Known'.

"This record (Freedom From the Known) was written over several years, after going through a bunch of friendships and lineup changes – I knew I had to create a record reflecting my acceptance of working alone in music, in becoming a bandleader and not a team member. After a trip to Alaska in 2011, I found I had written Freedom From the Known – and came back hopeful to record with Steve Albini – I was already booking a tour, when the band fell apart.

My drummer Ben decided it was time to go back to school, while my bassist Nick – (who is one of the most amazing guitarists in New York, and now plays in the L.I. band Moontooth), who was just filling in and wound up staying for 2 years – got swept up by a Brooklyn Hipster band for a European tour. That night I went out drinking and met Wes – who has been playing Bass for TTH since, he also mixed the record. The next day Rick Cimato called me knowing I was looking for a drummer – and TTH 2.0 was formed. It was that easy, I did not sweat over the lineup change – and subsequently opened myself up to record Freedom From the Known with inspiration – with people who wanted to play it. All the music was already written by the time Rick and Wes entered the band – and this makes me proud to be able to create something worthy of other peoples time and money.

When we finished recording and mastering Rick died. I was going to pull the plug – but the record and my love for life pulled me to completing this thing. The message in this record, before Rick died – was to engage the Unknown, to go the path not usually taken. I trust in light and sound, in music and love, as well as darkness and death – and hope to put this into the music.

Since then we have moved on – Wes is still playing bass, and Garth Macaleavey is on drums. Garth also plays guitar and writes music. One funny thing is – Garths old bassist was also pilfered – by the same hipster that took mine.

The band sounds better than ever now. The live shows and rehearsals are super tight. I am looking forward to this being the final shift in rolls – and the best lineup possible."

Listen to 'Freedom From The Known' HERE!

Related links:
Thinning The Herd
Rick Cimato's memorial page

Jason Newsted Gets Knocked Out By Stage Diver In New York City - Video Available

Yesterday (May 21), Jason Newsted performed with his solo band NEWSTED at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. During the performance, Newsted was knocked out by a fan who decided it would be a good idea to hop on stage and then stage dive into the crowd. While stage diving is part of Metal shows, this stage diver ended up knocking Jason Newsted off his feet and could have caused some serious injuries on himself, on Newsted, or on other concert goers. Guys: PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

Our good friend Ryan Dwyer (pictured above) was right in front of Newsted when this incident took place, here is what he saw:

"I attended the Jason Newsted show last night in new York City at the Highline Ballroom and an incident took place during 'Whiplash'. During the solo, a fan jumped on stage to jump into the crowd but for some reason in the process, rammed Newsted into the audience where I was, and he fell on top of us and on to the floor. At first we thought Newsted wanted to crowd surf but we had no idea he was pushed since it happened so fast. Myself and the fans around me thought Jason was going to crowd surf but turns out a fan knocked him down and thought it was awesome that he did it. It looked like he was shaken up for a few seconds but the band continued on with 'Whiplash'. Jason was in high spirits again and continued playing like a badass. I caught up with Jason after the show and showed him the video. He was feeling a little sore but was still ok. He even said to me, put it on Youtube."




Upcoming NEWSTED tour dates in the United States:

May 22: The Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA
May 23: The Stone Pony - Asbury Park, NJ

Get the NEW NEWSTED EP here!

Related links:
Jason Newstead's Official Site