Bizkit Sued For Fan Death

George Michalik, 55, of Dee Why, says his life stopped when his only child Jessica, 16, died after being trampled in the moshpit at the Australia Day gig in Sydney in 2001. 

He and his estranged wife Barbara began initial proceedings against the festival promoter and the band in the Supreme Court yesterday. 

Mr Michalik is suing BDO promoter Creative Entertainment Australia, stage and barrier constructors Australasian Event Services and security company Australian Event Protection for nervous shock and loss of income. 

Jessica's mother is taking action against band members and their California-based company Limp Bizness as part of the same action to establish liability. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Arvil Engaged?

NMC reports: Rumors have been going around that Avril Lavigne got engaged to Sum 41 singer Deryck Whibley. But if you're wondering if it's true, don't ask Avril. She prefers to keep her private life private. 

When MTV asked about her relationship, Lavigne replied, "I don't talk about my personal life." The "My Happy Ending" singer said that she prefers that people talk about her music –- not her relationships. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Linkin Park/Jay-Z Leak

Day in Rock reports: Linkin Park and Jay-Z's live collaboration "Collision Course" is the current subject of MTV.com's The Leak. You can preview the entire cd by clicking on the full story link. The CD hits stores on November 30th.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Metallica Film Stars

Blabbermouth reports: According to the latest tour report on MetOnTour.com, METALLICA's show in Salt Lake City Monday night (Nov. 22) was filmed by a film crew for an upcoming movie still in production. The report is as follows: 

"METALLICA in a movie? Well, according to James before starting 'Sad But True' here at the E Center in Salt Lake City, he told everyone in the crowd to smile, as they might have a small part in an upcoming movie, that they were shooting at the show. Please note that this is not a METALLICA movie (they already have 'Some Kind of Monster'), but they might make a quick cameo in some movie. James mentioned that the movie is called 'The Darwin Awards' (working title only!). When we get more info, you will get more info, for now, this is what James told us.... 

"The film, starring David Arquette, Joseph Fiennes and Winona Ryder is a comedy about a forensic detective (Fiennes) and an insurance claims investigator (Ryder) trek to investigate a potential Darwin Award winner (an Internet honor given to people who die or maim themselves in ridiculous ways)." [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Six Feet Under Set March Release

Blabbermouth reports: Florida-based death metallers SIX FEET UNDER have set "13" as the title of their new CD, tentatively due in March via Metal Blade Records. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Decomposition of the Human Race", "Somewhere in the Darkness" and "The Poison Hand".[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Source: Blabbermouth also has news on AEROSMITH Frontman Drops In For Thanksgiving Dinner, ATOMIZER's HEALEY Co-Writes Song With PUNGENT STENCH , BLUE OYSTER CULT-Inspired Cookbook Out Now , THE WILDHEARTS Scrap Live DVD, CRADLE OF FILTH Schedule Vancouver In-Store and more click here to check it out
 

Michaels Stalker Hunt

BBC reports: Police are looking for a woman who broke into pop star George Michael's north London home earlier this month. 

A female intruder was found in his Hampstead house on 4 November but had gone by the time officers arrived, the Metropolitan Police said. 

The break-in came eight days after a woman was cautioned for harassing the singer after being found in the house. 

Michael recently revealed a female fan hid under his floorboards for four days last year. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Megaman Murder Arrest

BBC reports: So Solid Crew's Megaman has been charged with murder over the shooting of a man in south London. 

The rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Vincent, is due before magistrates in Camberwell on Friday accused of the murder of Colin Scarlett. 

Mr Scarlett died shortly after being shot on Maskell Road, Tooting, on 6 November. 

Mr Vincent, 24, is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Ozzy To Rock Royals

Total Rock reports: Ozzy Osbourne is to appear at this year’s Royal Variety Performance. This charity event will happen at the London Coliseum on December 14, in front of Prince Charles. Ozzy will be on a bill alongside the likes of Liza Minnelli, Girls Aloud and Sir Elton John.- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Priest UK

Total Rock reports: Although nothing has been made official, TotalRock understands that Judas Priest might be playing as many as ten shows in the UK and Ireland during late March, with the Scorpions as special guests. [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

The Wildhearts Ditch DVD

Total Rock reports: The Wildhearts have scrapped plans for a DVD, which was to include live footage, a documentary and fan contributions.- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Lee Enlists Navarro

Total Rock reports: Former Jane’s Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro is to guest on a track for the debut solo album from Tommy Lee. As yet untitled, the album should be out early next year. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Is Tommy trying to forget his 2 albums for MCA? What qualifies this as his debut solo album? But the real question is will he go Emo on it.

Source: Total Rock also has news on Magnum In London, Blue Oyster Cookbook, Norther's EP 'Solution', Dwarves Do Short Tour Presidents Add Second London Date and more click here to check it out
 

Sevendust Expand Tour

Pollstar reports: Florida metalheads Sevendust have, not surprisingly, added a slew of December dates to a tour itinerary that seems to never end. 

The latest leg kicks off December 1st at The NorVa in Norfolk, Va., and dates are so far inked in through December 19th at the newly-opened House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

The Wait for Waits is Over

AP reports: Offbeat rocker-actor Tom Waits returned to the British stage Tuesday for the first time since 1987. The 3,000-capacity Carling Hammersmith Apollo sold out in 20 minutes when tickets went on sale for the only British date on his European tour promoting his new "cubist funk" album "Real Gone." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Jacko Wants Accusers Heads Examined

AP reports: Attorneys for Michael Jackson asked a judge to order mental evaluations for his accuser and his family, alleging they could not effectively cross-examine a psychologist if denied access to his reviews. 

In court documents released Wednesday, defense attorneys for the singer also argued that details of the alleged abuse contained in the complaint filed by prosecutors significantly differ from those contained in the grand jury indictment. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Circle II Circle Complete CD

Metal-Rules reports: According to the official CIRCLE II CIRCLE website, the band's highly anticipated second album has been mixed and is now on the way to the band's label, AFM Records in Germany. The album, entitled The Middle Of Nowhere, was produced by frontman Zak Stevens (ex-SAVATAGE) and co-produced by Jim Morris. Once again, Stevens joined forces with former Savatage bandmates Jon Oliva and Chris Caffery in writing the album. The album is scheduled for a February 2005 release, with a special co-headlining tour to follow. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Source: Metal Rules also has news on EXODUS' GARY HOLT Checks In From The Road, CRADLE OF FILTH Confirm Vancouver Meet & Greet, New USURPER MP3 "Reptilian" and New News Update, Bassist Denis Cossette leaves HANKER, JAG PANZER’S MARK BRIODY Endorsed By Dean Guitars and more click here to check it out
 

Dylan 60 Minutes

Ananova reports: Bob Dylan has agreed to give his first TV interview in 19 years. 

The 63-year-old folk rock star's interview will air on CBS in the US on December 5, reports the New York Post. 

Dylan talked to correspondent Ed Bradley for 90 minutes about his career, fame, his difficult relationship with the press and his relationship with his father. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

REM Expanded

Ananova reports: REM are to release expanded versions of their entire catalogue next year. 

Each album, from 1988's Green to the recently-released Around The Sun, will be reissued on February 14 as a two-disc set including the original album and a bonus DVD featuring the record remixed in 5.1 surround sound, as well as unreleased documentary and video footage. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Morrissey to Retire?

Ananova reports: Morrissey is reportedly planning to retire next year after hinting to fans his current world tour could be his last. 

His first album in four years, You Are The Quarry, has proved a hit with fans and critics alike, but he is not happy in the business reports IOL.com. 

A source said: "Morrissey has been making hints during his shows, telling fans that this could be his last tour. The word is, he'll release his final single early next year. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Source: Ananova also has news on Alicia: Usher has a crush on me, Kylie wants to get engaged, X Factor reject 'threatens tour boycott', Blue add extra dates, Ms Dynamite questioned by police and more click here to check it out
 

New Record for Prince

liveDaily reports: "Call My Name," a cut off of Prince's latest album--this year's "Musicology"--is now in its 27th week on Billboard's R&B Singles chart, which sets a record for the singer as the longest any of his numerous hits have spent on that chart [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Em Still No 1

liveDaily reports: Eminem's "Encore" holds on to its No. 1 position on The Billboard 200 album chart thanks to sales of 871,000 copies during its second week in stores. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Source: liveDaily also has news on Elton John packs for a busy touring year in 2005, Alter Bridge's tour connects old year to New Year, liveDaily Interview: Steve Jocz of Sum 41, Briefly: Kelly Clarkson, Tim McGraw, Neal Schon, Julie Roberts, After extended hiatus, Was (Not Was) is again and more click here to check it out
 

Darkness Preview New Songs Live

Xfm reports: At The Darkness’ ‘intimate’ Brixton Academy warm up date for their Christmas Arena tour last night (November 23) the band previewed four new songs along with a host of costume changes in front of an ecstatic crowd. 

The gig was billed as a low-key warm up show for the band’s 14-date winter arena tour, which kicks off tonight in Nottingham but proved to be anything but. In front of a sold out crowd who had managed to get tickets in the minutes before the show sold out, frontman Justin Hawkins led the band through an amazingly received hour and a half set. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Franz Go Back To School

Xfm reports: Following the success of the first round of Christian O’Connell’s Rock School this week, Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos has given his official seal of approval to the competition. 

After twelve hours of frantic texting and over 30,000 votes on Tuesday (November 23) over 200 Rock School entries were whittled down to five finalists who will be batting it out on Friday (November 26) for a coveted place on the bill at The Xfm Winter Wonderland gig. 

Now Xfm can reveal that the music world’s finest bands have been checking out the competition entries, including Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos. Kapranos has been listening to the Rock School demos online here and has passed on the following comment, 

"Could you pass on to whoever it is organising things there that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to The Infected's version of ‘Take Me Out’ and The Raid's cover of ‘Michael’. 

“Both don't sound a million miles away from our original demos. Actually, they're both better than our original demos." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

A Christmas to Cure Cancer

press release reports: A Christmas to Cure Cancer is renewing its commitment to finding a cure for cancer by releasing its second CD. 

Former high school bandmates Cody Romshak, Lorne VanFossen, Mark Puskarich, Dave Clo, along with Lorne’s wife Corrina talked of making a Christmas album together back in 1998, but when VanFossen was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in early 2000, A Christmas to Cure Cancer was the offshoot of their experience. 

Four years later VanFossen is in remission and the band is releasing its second album, “A Christmas to Cure Cancer 2,” which is filled with Christmas classics and original compositions. 

“A Christmas To Cure Cancer 2” features a variety of musical styles ranging from jazz to blues to country and rock. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Slapped: The C is Silent

[It's Friday, time for Scott Slapp to hand out some slapps. This week he goes after an entire genre of music. Let the slapps begin.] 

Before I get slapp happy, I wanted to give everyone an update on baby Raven, who I wrote about in my last column. Raven underwent emergency surgery and according to her mother, is doing well. "After remaining on life support for a few days she showed us all how strong she is and demanded to breathe on her own!," her mother, Misse, wrote on her blog on the 18th. 

Misse posted another update this week and reports that Raven's "weight has reached 9 lbs. 5oz.! She is slowly and steadily catching up!!" 

The benefit concert date has been set for Thursday, Jan 20th at the Hard Rock Cafe at the Beverly Center, in Beverly Hills. Misse reports that "auction items are starting to come in from some really great bands, as well as entertainment bookings for the benefit in January." 

I want to personally thank all of those that donated to the Raven's Heart Foundation. Those that have not can still do so at Ravensheart.org. A couple bucks from a few thousand people will make the difference! 

Now on to this week's slapp! 

Commercial rappers need to be slapped, and then slapped again! I say commercial rappers because our hardcore rap friends will quickly point out that there is a difference between underground (real) and commercial rappers. To be perfectly honest, I can not vouch for that fact, but since I know in metal that there is a difference between Motorhead and say Limp Bizkit, I have to take the word of these hardcore rap fans at face value. 

Why should commercial rappers be slapped? Let me slapp the ways! 

The Lame Name Game. 

If we were to compile a Top 100 list of the stupidest stage names in music, I would predict that two thirds of that list would include rappers. How can we take these people seriously when they have names like p.diddy, 50 cent, Young Buck, Chingy, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Nelly, Ja Rule, Trick Daddy, Ice Cube, Ice-T, Vanilla Ice, Juicy J, Lil Boosie, LL Cool J, T-Bo. I could go on for days listing stupid rapper names. It sounds like half of them went to a preschool and asked the kids to devise their stage names. How else do you explain a grown man going around calling himself p.diddy? With a straight face nonetheless! I thought these guys were supposed to be tough, but there is nothing tough about a guy named Nelly. It's an OG Thang. 

The stupid names are one thing but it seems these rappers also have a tendency to do stupid things. A week doesn't seem to go by without us hearing about a rapper pulling something stupid. A big for example is Young Buck. What kind of a genius pulls a knife in a crowded room with TV cameras rolling? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that your actions are going to be witnessed, let along captured on tape! For this brilliant move, Young Buck needs to change his name to Dumb Phuck! 

[That's the first half of this week's slapp, click the full story link to read the rest] - Click Here for the Full Story 
 

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