(antiMusic) Analysts are predicting much larger drops in advertising than previously thought with Viacom taking a huge hit due to a 23.9% drop in MTV's core demographics ratings. more Doesn't get more "real" than that. A nude photo of Madonna, taken before erotic songs and risque costumes catapulted her to superstardom, is expected to sell for at least $10,000, Christie's auction house says. more
Amy Winehouse is to launch her own record company - and her first signing is her 13 year-old goddaughter Dionne Bromfield. The star is spending a reported 1 million (pounds) to get the label, named Lioness, off the ground more
Tommy Lee told Billboard he has started work on his second Methods of Mayhem album, following up his side project's 1999 debut. DJ Aero and guitarist Kai Marcus are still onboard, and Lee's producing partner Scott Humphrey "is starting to get involved" as the songs are formulating. more
Oceano has cancelled their current run with Liferuiner and Through The Fire following a van mishap on Friday. The group apparently flipped their van after hitting a patch of black ice while en route to pick up their trailer.more metal news
Thurston Moore promises "heavy ass weirdo hooks" aplenty on Sonic Youth's as-yet-untitled Matador debut, due this summer. "We're super inspired to make a fresh start," says Moore. "We're glad to be dealing with a label that loves songs." more
Zao is currently wrapping up work on their new album, which will hit streets this spring via Ferret Music. The effort has been titled "Awake?" and is currently being mixed in San Marco, CA by Daniel Castleman.more
Doom metal giants YOB will celebrate their reunion with a special concert on February 28 at The Ash Street Saloon in Portland, Oregon with support from The Iommi Stubbs and Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth (featuring Tad Doyle)more
Rising Irish sensations Bell X1 have announced a short run of U.S dates for March 2009 in conjunction with their forthcoming album Blue Lights on the Runway on March 3rd. dates
Star Wars creator George Lucas has customized a Gibson Les Paul with a Lightsaber-wielding Yoda for a fundraising auction.more
Terror has officially acknowledged the recent departure of guitar player Doug Weber. Jordan Posner, formerly of No Warning, has taken his place for the time being. What frontman Scott Vogel had to say can be read here
In the fall of 2009, Rock 'N' Roll Books will issue 'Alice in Chains: in the Studio', focusing on the writing and recording of AIC's catalog of hit albums/hits. Already featuring an exclusive interview with producer Dave Jerden, the book will also include a bonus music sampler featuring original music by up and coming rock/metal bands who grew up on/were influenced by Alice in Chains. Interested bands should submit an inquiry (including myspace link) to rocknrollbooks@yahoo.com
Pet Shop Boys will release a new album, "Yes," March 23 internationally through Parlophone/EMI. A North American release has yet to be announced.more
According to Metalsludge.tv, a rumor floating around NAMM this weekend is that Five Finger Death Punch has fired guitarist Darrell Roberts and replaced him with Jason Hook. more
Mithras has announced the addition of Sam Bean (The Senseless, ex-The Berzerker) on vocals and bass. According to the group, "Sam was the only person asked to audition for the spot and dominated the tracks chosen for the audition with his brutal vocal delivery and deft basswork." more
Most Precious Blood is currently finishing up the mixing process for their new album, "Do Not Resuscitate." tracklist etc
Murder City Devils have announced that they will be releasing a vinyl box set titled Feather Bed Whiskey Blanket that will contain their three full length albums and the Thelema EP.more
Music festival and conference, Liverpool SoundCity will return to the "European Capital of Culture" May 20 - 23, and is offering artists the chance to apply for the festival at no cost until Jan. 30. - more
