Ja Rule Shooting

Ja's after-Christmas bash at the LQ club was interrupted at 3:45 a.m. Monday when shots rang out across the street from the nightspot, killing an as-yet-unidentified 39-year-old man and wounding his friend in the stomach, according to Detective John Sweeney of the New York Police Department. 

The shooter and a friend reportedly ran out of the club after an argument and opened fire on the two men standing on the corner[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Raveonettes Guests

MTV reports: Along with some percussion work from the Velvet Underground's Maureen Tucker, the new, as-yet-untitled second Raveonettes album features contributions by Martin Rev of early '80s New York band Suicide and Ronnie Spector of 1960s girl group the Ronettes.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: MTV also has news on Linkin Park Establish Charity To Help Tsunami Victims, Usher's Confessions The Most-Shipped Album Of 2004, Ring In The New Year With Jadakiss, The Killers Or Ciara, Mixtape Monday: The Year-End Spectacular and more click here to check it out
 

Smashing Courtney

NME reports: COURTNEY LOVE has spoken about working with ex-SMASHING PUMPKIN BILLY CORGAN in CHICAGO on her new solo album, which is due out next year. 

Love revealed she hopes to work with producers Rick Rubin or Daniel Lanois on the record, which she wants to record in a women's prison. 

In an interview with RollingStone.com, she said: "For this prison record, I want to play with Dave (Navarro), I want to play with Lisa [Leveridge, guitarist in Love's band, The Chelsea], and I want to play with [Jane's Addiction drummer] Stephen Perkins - Courtney's Addiction! I want to front Jane's Addiction!" [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Concert Beheading Protest

Blabbermouth reports: News.com.au is reporting that a Japanese broadcaster has voiced anger and apologized after sponsoring a weekend concert at which a rock band played the Internet footage showing the beheading of a Japanese hostage in Iraq. 

Tokyo Broadcasting System said it had no forewarning of the stunt. 

"Showing this kind of video in public can never be forgiven on humanitarian grounds," the network said in a statement. 

"As the sponsor, we offer deep apologies to the family of (Shosei) Koda, people who came to the concert and other people concerned," the statement said, without naming the band that showed the video. 

Footage of Islamic militants decapitating the 24-year-old backpacker was shown on a large screen during Sunday's concert in Urayasu, the city east of Tokyo that hosts Tokyo Disneyland. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Anselmo on Dimebag

Blabbermouth reports: Former PANTERA frontman Philip Anselmo's videotaped statement about the murder of bandmate "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, with whom he had feuded in the press in recent years, has been uploaded at the web site of Fuse's "Uranium". A transcript of Anselmo's statement follows: 

"People want my reaction to what happened. 

"This is not about me. This is about Dimebag Darrell — purely Darrell. It's not about me or some motherfucking psycho that happened to destroy the most beautiful fucking person — one of my best friends in the world. 

"It was the heavy metal goddamn media that destroyed PANTERA. 

"This is about Darrell, my brother of 17 years, who... PANTERA's music changed people's lives, man. We weren't just some band. He was NOT just some guitar player. 

"I wanna say... Bless his family and all of his close friends. And I never got a chance to say goodbye in the right way, and it kills me. And I'm so sorry. I wish to God I could have gone to his funeral, but I have to respect his family's wishes, and they do not want me there. I believe I belong there, but I understand completely. 

"I'm so sorry to his bandmembers. I'm so sorry to the whole fucking world that loved Dimebag Darrell. Because let me tell you something: there was not one motherfucker like him. 

[see full story for more of the statement, plus a link to the video]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Concert Shooting Benefit

Blabbermouth reports: DreamWeaver Entertainment will be hosting a charity fundraiser tribute concert for the families of the victims who sacrificed their lives for the safety of DAMAGEPLAN/ex-PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. The concert will take place on January 22, 2005 at The Royal Grove in Lincoln, Nebraska. The start time has not yet been determined. Doors are approximately 4:00 p.m. through 1:00 a.m.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Satriani Calls in Sick

Blabbermouth reports: According to a posting on his official web site, legendary guitarist Joe Satriani has been diagnosed with pneumonia and is unable to perform the concerts scheduled December 28 through January 1 2005. At press time, all the dates are expected to be rescheduled in early 2005. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Blabbermouth also has news on LINKIN PARK Establish Charity To Help Tsunami Victims, DAYLIGHT DIES: New Demo Recording Posted Online, GRAVE DIGGER: 'The Last Supper' Video Posted Online, AYREON: 'The Final Experiment' Bonus Disc Guest Vocalists Announced, DAMAGEPLAN Frontman Comments On DIMEBAG's Murder: Video Available and more click here to check it out
 

Ramones Estate Battle

Aversion reports: Johnny Ramones' survivors are fighting for the remainder of the punk guitarist's estate. 

Ramone, who succumbed to prostate cancer Sept. 15, left nothing in his will to his mother, Stella Cummings. Cummings alleges the guitarist promised her a $2,500 monthly allowance after he died. Ramones' widow, Linda Cummings, gets his entire stake in the Ramones estate. 

Stella alleges Linda persuaded Ramone to change his will shortly before his death to cut his mother out of the funds he allegedly promised her. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Aversion also has news on Nasum Singer Lost in Tsunami, Strike Anywhere's Rarities Cleaned Up, Water From Elvis' Cup Auctioned, Pit Er Pat Signs to Thrill Jockey, Atreyu Tours and more click here to check it out
 

Darkest Hour DVD

The PRP reports: Darkest Hour's forthcoming DVD release "Party Scars and Prison Bars: A Thrashography" will now land in stores on February 22nd via Victory. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

March Volta

The PRP reports: The Mars Volta are now plotting a March 01st release date for their new album "Frances The Mute", which will arrive in stores via Strummer/Universal.- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Motley Leno

Rockdirt reports: Motley Crue will be performing on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' on Friday, New Year's Eve (December 31), on NBC. - Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Interpol Tour Crazy

Pollstar reports: Those Interpol boys are up to their old tricks of touring nonstop and selling out shows. Following the band's September release, Antics, they've made their way through Europe, Japan and the U.S. 

Following their arrival to the States, Interpol is scheduled to visit folks in Ohio, Kansas, Colorado, Idaho, Washington and Oregon before heading to the U.K., Germany, Italy, France and Spain. Those shows will have the band touring Europe well into April.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Damageplan Singer Speaks

siN's metal news reports: DAMAGEPLAN frontman Pat Lachman has spoken out about the fateful night of Dimebag Darrell's murder with his own personal message. Speaking to Uranium's Juliya, Lachman had much praise and love to give for those that were on and around the stage that evening [see full story for a link to the video]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

A18 Splits

Lambgoat reports: California's A18, aka Amendment Eighteen, have apparently broken up, recently releasing this cryptic statement: 

"It's over Jonny. No Last show. No nothing. Some of us cared too much. Some of us couldn't care less. Thanks to those who were there for us. We love you." 

Formed roughly seven years ago, the group has previously released material with such labels as Victory Records and New Age Records.- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Usher Tops 04

AP reports: To his eight Grammy nominations and slew of No. 1 singles, R&B singer Usher has added the honor of most-shipped U.S. album of 2004 for "Confessions," according to year-end certifications from the Recording Industry Assn. of America. 

With 8 million units shipped to retailers (but not necessarily sold through to consumers), the set is the highest-certified album in the star's catalog. His previous best was 1997's "My Way," which is six times platinum. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Spamalot The Musical

AP reports: Killer rabbits and a legless knight. Are these the makings of a Broadway musical? 

Yes, says Eric Idle, a member of the zany British troupe Monty Python. He wrote the book for "Spamalot," the stage version of the 1975 comedy film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," now playing in Chicago. 

"To me, the musical is best when it's a musical comedy," Idle told AP Radio in a recent interview. "So if you have a very, very funny show, and very good, funny songs, that's what the musical does best." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Hank Garland RIP

AP reports: Legendary country, rock and jazz guitarist Hank Garland, who performed with Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, Charlie Parker and many others, has died at the age of 74. 

Garland died of a staph infection Monday at Orange Park Medical Center, said his brother, Billy Garland. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Xmas Porn - Putting the X in Xmas

NY Daily news reports: A northeast Ohio family hoping to see choirs perform holiday music on Christmas morning instead saw adult programming on the local public access television station. 

"I turn it to Channel 15 and there's this naked lady on the screen — I mean full-frontal, get-the-hell-out-of-here pornography," said David Umana. "When I tell about Christmas 2004, I'm betting this will be one of my best stories." 

Umana's 15- and 17-year-old sons had left the room about 8:30 a.m. Saturday, but he and his wife, Karen, saw the porn and called Time Warner Cable to complain. 

Chris Thomas, the cable company's director of government affairs, believes the wrong tape was put in a machine set to play that morning. A church program was scheduled, he said. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Silly News: Better To Give

NY Daily News reports: [Since it appears to be an extremely slow news week, here is a bit of non-music silly news]A man angry that he got no presents for Christmas burned down his parents' house early the next morning, police said. 

Steven Murray, 21, was charged with arson and risking a catastrophe in the blaze that broke out early Sunday. No one was injured. 

Police said Murray had himself committed to a hospital on Christmas Day, but then signed himself out and walked eight miles home. Later he told police he saw the flames in the distance. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Alice Cooper Film

Abrasive Rock reports: MONSTER DOG STARRING ALICE COOPER "Werewolves, Murder, Alice Cooper. Rock N Roll!" Available on DVD February 15, 2005 Through Eclectic DVD 

Eclectic DVD and Jef Films are pleased to announce the home viewing release of Monster Dog for US distribution on DVD. Monster Dog (1984), directed by Clyde Anderson, stars Alice Cooper as Vince Roberts - known to the world as "Vince Raven," the rock icon. He's returning to his family home after years on the road becoming famous because he can't seem to get a music video made that he likes. Taking matters into his own hands, he decides to film at his mansion. 

Vince assembles a video crew for the shoot, but he hasn't been back to the mansion in 20 years and has no idea what to expect. When he returns, he learns that "Old Joss" the caretaker is missing and a pack of wild dogs are on the loose. Soon after, a bloody man appears to warn the crew of the real supernatural danger at hand. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Sarah McLachlan Tour

NMC reports: Sarah McLachlan spent much of 2004 on tour to promote her latest album, "Afterglow." And she'll be on the road again in 2005 to perform for fans in North America. 

McLachlan's new tour kicks off on April 12 in Victoria, British Columbia. [see full story for more, including dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Switchfoot Plan New CD

NMC reports: Switchfoot is ready to head back to the studio. In January, the band will begin recording the follow-up to "The Beautiful Letdown," reports MTV.com. Switchfoot is looking to release the new album sometime next summer. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Brain Surgeons Euro Trip

Totalrock reports: The Brain Surgeons, who include former Blue Oyster Cult drummer Albert Bouchard and ex-Manoward guitarist Ross The Boss, are to play a show in London on February 10, as part of a European tour.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Beautiful Creatures Soph

Totalrock reports: The Beautiful Creatures are to finally release their second album early next year. It's called 'Deuce' and has taken the band two years to complete. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Amen to Scum

Totalrock reports: Scum, the black metal band featuring Amen's Casey Chaos and former Emperor duo Samoth and Faust, are to release their debut album early in 2005. Expect it to be called 'Gospels For The Sick'. - Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Linkin Park Charity

Totalrock reports: Linkin Park have started a charity called Music For Relief, in association with the American Red Cross. This is to help the victims of the Tsunami that has devastated Asia. The band have started the ball rolling by donating $100,000. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Totalrock also has news on AFI Cover NIN, Chris Goss In Hospital, Iha Gets 'Clear', Jovi Spring Into Action, Masterplan Fly Again and more click here to check it out
 

Best of 2004 Countdown

As we close in on the New Year, we will be unveiling our writers' picks for the best of 2004. 

Every day we will be posting a new Top 5 list from one of our writers, selected at random. At the conclusion we will reveal the master list. We also want to let you take part and will be accepting nominations for a readers choice list. 

Today Travis Becker gives us his Top 5 of 2004. (click the full story link to read his comments on the CDs and for related links for release and to submit your picks for the readers choice list - and see past days lists you may have missed!) 

Travis Becker's Top 5 of 2004: 

1. Clutch - Blast Tyrant 
2. Chris Robinson - This Magnificent Distance 
3. Drive-By Truckers - The Dirty South 
4. Alabama Thunderpussy - Fulton Hill 
5. (tie) Electric Wizard - We Live 
5. (tie) Steve Earle - The Revolution Starts Now

 - Click Here for the Full Story 
 

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