Janet Jackson Sued

A New York man hit Jackson with a whopping $120 million lawsuit, alleging her security detail gave him such a beatdown outside a New York nightclub that he suffered "permanent damage" according to the New York Daily News. 

Bronx resident Leonard Salati claims Jackson's goons grabbed him, put him in a chokehold and then proceeded to start "dragging him down the steps" of the Marquee club on Feb. 4. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Raptallica

Blabbermouth reports: A new METALLICA tribute album, entitled "Hip Hop Tribute To Metallica", is due for release on March 8, according to Overstock.com. It is not yet known which artists are involved in the album. [see full story for more, including tracklist]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Paradise Lost Guitarist Hospitalized

Blabbermouth reports: PARADISE LOST have been forced to withdraw from Spain's Atarfe Vega Rock festival, set to take place February 25-26 at Nave Medina Elvira in Atarfe, Granada. A statement on the group's official web site reads as follows: 

"Sadly, late last week Greg [Mackintosh, guitar] was rushed into hospital with a ruptured appendix. He had an emergency operation, and is currently in hospital resting. Normally this would be a straightforward procedure, but they since found he is suffering from peritonitis and is in a great deal of pain. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Bon Scott Tribute

Blabbermouth reports: [AC/DC's Bon]Scott's ode to the rock lifestyle can be heard this Saturday when Cherry in AC/DC Lane invites fans to pay their respects on the 25th anniversary of the passing of Australia's greatest frontman. From 3pm until late, young rock band Airborne and DJs James "Hound Dog" Young, Mick Dooley, Darren "Dr Bitch" Mitchell, Billy Walsh, Max Crawdaddy and Mary Mihelakos will crank out songs such as "Whole Lotta Rosie", "Highway to Hell" and "TNT". Local rock chef Julian Wu will fire up the barbie. WHERE: Cherry, city WHEN: Saturday, February 19, from 3pm HOW MUCH: $10 DETAILS: 9639 8122 [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Diecast Brawl

Blabbermouth reports: Video footage of the Jan. 22 brawl at a DIECAST concert in Salt Lake City has been posted online at KTVX.com. 

The video shows the crowd getting unruly during a show at a Midvale comedy club (The Comedy Circuit). There's a lot of shoving and pushing and then it gets out of control. 

Some people jumped on stage and allegedly assaulted members of the band — a claim that the members of DIECAST deny. A security guard was reportedly attacked when he tried to stop them. 

No one was seriously hurt, but police want to charge the suspects with assault. [see full story for more, including a link to the video]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Blabbermouth also has news on ORPHANED LAND, PINK CREAM 69 Confirmed For PROGPOWER USA VI Festival, MORGANA LEFAY Confirmed For Germany's WACKEN OPEN AIR Festival, ZAKK WYLDE Schedules 'Rockline' Appearance, AC/DC: 'Family Jewels' Double DVD Track Listing Revealed, EYES OF FIRE Embark On DANZIG Tour; Complete New Album and more click here to check it out
 

Game Vs Jay-Z

MTV reports: In the wake of a recent radio freestyle session by Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek and Chris of the Young Gunz, the Game said he felt disrespected and had to defend himself. 

So on Thursday in London, he called them out during a concert: "Memph Bleek can suck my ... / Beanie Sigel can suck my ... / Jay-Z can suck my ... / Roc-A-Fella can suck my ..." 

On Friday night, the Game called in to Los Angeles radio station Power 106 and explained to DJ Felli Fel that he'd been getting a stream of pages and e-mails while on tour telling him members of the Roc were dissing him on New York and Philadelphia radio stations. The Game also said he had mixed emotions about Jay-Z throwing insults his way.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Distillers Lose Drummer

Totalrock reports: Distillers drummer Andy Granelli has left the band, to concentrate on his other project, Darker My Love. So far, no replacement for him has been named. - Click Here for the Full Story 
 

This Day in Rock

ArrowFM reports: 28 years ago Sid Vicious joins the Sex Pistols as their bassist, replacing Glen Matlock. (1977) 

36 years ago A Florida woman is arrested for impersonating Aretha Franklin during a concert. Vickie Jones' impersonation is so convincing that nobody in the club asks for a refund. (1969) [see full story for events that happened on this day in rock]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

B.B. Tributes Rufus

liveDaily reports: B. B. King will headline a May 24 tribute to rhythm-and-blues artist Rufus Thomas, who died in 2001. Dubbed "Legacy: A Tribute to Rufus Thomas," the event will take place at The Orpheum in Memphis, TN[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Wallflowers Return To The Road

liveDaily reports: The Wallflowers have lined up a half-dozen mid-March tour dates that include a stop at the annual South by Southwest music festival in Austin, TX.

 The group launches the run March 14 in Denver, touches down at SXSW on March 19, and wraps things up in New Orleans on March 20. 

In addition to announcing the tour dates, the band's management, in a message posted at the group's website, said that it will "be making a very special announcement" on Friday (2/18). [see full story for more, including dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: liveDaily also has news on Nine Inch Nails unveil new album's track list, name first single, Steve Earle's North American jaunt stretches into April, Live Review: Ani DiFranco in Los Angeles, CA, Live Review: Steve Earle and the Dukes with Allison Moorer in Los Angeles, Posthumous Ray Charles album dominates at Grammy Awards and more click here to check it out
 

Rap Vs KFC

FOXNews reports: Hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons has joined other celebrities and activists who have criticized Kentucky Fried Chicken, saying he will call for a boycott if the company doesn't reform its slaughter practices. 

Simmons called slaughter practices used by the fast-food chain's suppliers "grossly inhumane" and has filmed a commercial "showing some of the very worst abuses chickens undergo" before they are served to customers, the Daily News reported Sunday. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Medicare Concert Scam

AP reports: HealthSouth Corp. booked singers like Faith Hill, Reba McIntire and the band Alabama for its annual management meetings at Disney World between 1996 and 2001 — then billed Medicare to cover the cost, according to a report in The Birmingham News. 

HealthSouth had previously acknowledged improperly billing Medicare for lavish entertainment and other expenses as part of a $325 million settlement announced by the Justice Department in December, but the agreement did not mention who performed at the meetings. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Grammys Bomb

antiMusic reports: The Grammy Awards was a star-studded affair this year with U2, Usher, James Brown, Velvet Revolver and more but the star power didn't translate to ratings. This year's telecast dropped 28 percent from last year's, with an estimated 18.8 million viewers; the lowest ratings for the telecast since 1995. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Wu-Tang Clan Reform

NME reports: WU-TANG CLAN are set to release their first new material in over three years in tribute to the late rapper and bandmate OL' DIRTY BASTARD .

 The rap collective were planning to record all new material together after they regrouped for a live show in New Jersey three months ago (November 12).

 The surviving members have now recorded a new track, set to be included on Ol' Dirty Bastard's last solo album, due out in the US on March 22.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

AILD Dates

The PRP reports: Dates have been announced for As I Lay Dying's upcoming run with Throwdown and All That Remains, the schedule is as follows: 
March 24th San Luis Obispo, CA - Trinity Hall
March 25th Lancaster, CA - Mr. Q's Billiards
March 26th Fresno, CA - Big Game Studios
March 27th Orangevale, CA - The Boardwalk
[see full story for more dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Major Mastodon?

The PRP reports: Mastodon are heavily rumored to have recently inked a deal with an as-yet unannounced major label. - Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Trail of Dead Dates

The PRP reports: ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead have announced the dates for their upcoming North American trek, they are as follows: 
March 30th Houston, TX - Engine Room
March 31st New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues
April 01st Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
April 02nd Orlando, FL - Tabu Nightclub
April 03rd Tampa, FL - State Theatre
[see full story for more dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Death Cab Live EP

punkbands.com reports: The Death Cab for Cutie live EP promised last December has been set for a March 1st release on Barsuk. Titled The John Byrd EP and recorded by "touring sound guy," John Byrd. The band promises songs that span Death Cab's career [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Punk In Stores

punkbands.com reports: Here are the new albums you can find in stores today: 
Open Hand - You And Me 
Goldfinger - Disconnection Notice 
Plot To Blow Up The Eiffel Tower - Love in 
Against Me! - Sink. Florida. Sink/Unsubstantiated Rumors (7")
Cruiserweight - Sweet Weaponry 
The Boils - World Poison (re-issue) 
[see full story for many more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Varsity Lose Bassist

Punkbands.com reports: From the official The Varsity Website: "We are sorry to announce that Matt, our bass player, will be leaving The Varsity for personal reasons. He's an amazing person, bass player, and friend - we will miss him. However, The Varsity is still up and going. Jason from The Falls Lost will be filling in on bass for the shows[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

All-Stars Witness for Jacko Trial

antiMusic reports: Michael Jackson's witness list reads like a who's who of celebrity. The pop star's lawyers plan to call on a laundry list of stars to testify in Jackson's defense at his child molestation trial. Some of the stars that may end up in the witness box include Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryan, veteran actress Elizabeth Taylor, "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno, R&B legend Stevie Wonder and TV talk-show host Larry King. 

The Jackson trial resumed today with jury selection, during the proceedings Jackson's attorney Tom Mesereau was ordered by the judge to read off the 350 plus list of names of defense witnesses which also included Diana Ross, Bee Gee Barry Gibb, 10 members of Jackson's family as well as two of Jackson's children, Paris and Prince Michael. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Adema Return with Planets

antiMusic reports: Numetal rockers Adema have returned with a new singer, a new label and a new album. After parting with Arista Records, Adema signed up with Earache Records who will release their new album "Planets" on April 5th in North America (April 11 in Europe). 

This is the band's first outing with lead singer Luke Caraccioli, who replaced the departed Marky Chavez. 

The first single from the album will be the track "Tornado," which will see a special CD and 7" format release in the UK on March 21st. Each format will include separate bonus tracks not found on the album [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

The Human Geno Project

press release reports: Geno K, a guitarist, bass and keyboard player & programmer will release his entirely self-produced new album "The Human Geno Project" on February 22, 2005. The release will be followed by a massive national tour by The Geno K Experience.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Dirty Americans U.S. Debut

press release reports: After receiving extensive international acclaim, Strange Generation, the debut album from the Michigan-based quartet Dirty Americans, will receive a long-overdue domestic release by Liquor and Poker Music on March 22. 

The 13-track recording, produced by Paul Ebersold (3 Doors Down, Saliva), was initially released by Roadrunner Records last March in Europe and Japan, where it earned rave reviews. In naming Strange Generation one of its top releases of the year, the prestigious U.K.-based music magazine Classic Rock termed the album “shit-kicking classic rock,” dubbing the band “a welcome modern take on Zep, Cream and Sabbath.” Kerrang!, meanwhile, named Strange Generation “one of 2004’s essential purchases.” In its 4K review, the magazine called the record “rock music at its uplifting, unpretentious best…with psychedelic harmonies, feel-good choruses and lashings of ass-shaking soul.” [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

A Static Lullaby 'Stand Up'

press release reports: A Static Lullaby filmed a video for "Stand Up" this past Sunday with director Zach Merck (Converge, Eighteen Visions) in Los Angeles, CA. The track is the first single from A Static Lullaby's highly anticipated album Faso Latido, which is set to hit stores on April 5th.- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Meliah Rage Mark 20th Anniversary with New CD

press release reports: The pioneering thrash metal band Meliah Rage is finishing the recording of its upcoming studio album 'The Deep And Dreamless Sleep,' scheduled for release by midyear on Screaming Ferret Wreckords. 

Band leader/guitarist/songwriter Anthony Nichols, vocalist Paul Souza, guitarist Jim Koury, bass guitarist Jesse Johnson and returning original drummer Stuart Dowie are working on 'The Deep And Dreamless Sleep' at Danger Multitrack Studios in Providence, RI, and Sherwood Forest Studios in Bedford, MA. "The record seems to have a darker tone to it than previous efforts," says Nichols. 

Some of the new songs include "Permanently Damaged," "Twisted Wreck" and "Undefeated." 

2005 marks the 20th anniversary of the Boston-based band's formation. The band was named for the Meliah Indians' practice of taking opium to prepare for battle.[see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 
 

Slapp of the Day: Bill O'Reilly

[The following is an opinion column. If you only came here for news or are easily offended by other people's opinions, then you can skip this] I'm feeling lazy today and still trying to recover from the gawd awful all-star rendition of "Across The Universe" from Sunday night (who did they think they were, Elton John? Don't change the fricken words! That performance will change your world alright; it will make you lose your fans!) Anyway, since I'm in no mood for a full blunt force slapp I thought I would do a no-brainer slapp for today. So ladies and gentleman (and Motley Crue fans) today I shall slapp Bill O'Reilly! If anyone needs a good slapp, it's this putz. 

Bill O'Reilly cost me $300 this past weekend. I was forced to fork over my not so hard earned dollars to buy a TV for my bedroom because of Bill O'Reilly. You see my roommates have an unhealthy obsession with Mr O. Every night at 5:00 (PST) we can't watch real TV because for some reason my roommates just have to watch this vapid excuse for a political talk show. I bitched and bitched to try and get them to change the channel but it was no use, they have become Billdroids. They're lame excuse that they are just killing time until Dennis Miller comes on doesn't wash with me. 

Why do I dislike Bill O'Reilly so much? What's to like? I think Bill has enough love for himself that there is no room for anyone else in the world to love him. 

[The slapp doesn't stop here, click the full story link to read the rest of today's Slapp] - Click Here for the Full Story 
 

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