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Day In Rock 4/19: Ashcroft Targets Pirates- Anti-Idol Show- Motley Sued by Hooker- Cobain Movie- Offspring- Earshot- Cave-In Solo- Life Of Agony- In Flames- Nonpoint- Dave Ellefson- Children Of Bodom- KMFDM- UFO Cancel- Ozzy Hoax- Off-fest- Frank Bello Joins Helmet?- Boyhitscar Split -more
by Keavin Wiggins
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The Day in Rock Monday antiMUSIC.com's look at Today's Top Rock News Stories From Across the Web

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Ellefson on Megadeth Reunion
Rockdirt reports: Metal Sludge caught up with bassist Dave Ellefson for a Q&A and asked for his thoughts on Dave Mustaine reforming Megadeth without him in the band, and why he didn't go back. "People think I said 'no' when he approached me and that is not true," Ellefson explained. "We talked several times and I was excited about the possibility of us making something happen together again. However, as you can now see, that didn't exactly pan out. One thing I do know is that I never gave up, or got fired, during the entire time we were a band. That should be a good testimony of my willingness to stay true to Megadeth over the years." - Click Here for the Full Story 

Motley Sued by Hooker
Rockdirt reports: A former Moonlite BunnyRanch prostitute who accused Vince Neil of assaulting her has filed a civil lawsuit against the former Motley Crue frontman, the brothel and BunnyRanch owner Dennis Hof. The lawsuit, filed in Clark County District Court, seeks unspecified damages of at least $20,000 for lost wages and other costs stemming from the July 10, 2003, incident.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Rockdirt also has news on Death Cab For Cutie, Cindy Margolis & Gene Simmons, The Scorpions, Pixies review, The Bled and more click here to check it out

Warped Party
Punkbands.com reports: The Vans Warped Tour will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a specialkick-off party at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood on Wednesday, May 19. This show will be headlined by Taking Back Sunday, with other special guests to be announced soon.Tickets are $15.00 (plus applicable facility fees and service charges) - Click Here for the Full Story 

Ausie Offspring
Punkbands.com reports: The Offspring look like heading back to Australia in the second half of June. Although dates are yet to be locked in, the band is expected to hit Australia after they complete their US tour and before they start in Japan. The tour should kick off around June 16 and finish up June 29. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Punkbands.com also has news on Anti-Flag anti media, SNFU, Big D, Early November, Sparta and more click here to check it out

Earshot Two
The PRP reports: Earshot will be releasing their new album "Two" through Warner Bros. on June 29th. The track "The Wait" will serve as the first single from the release, impacting at radio on May 04th.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Cave-In Solo
The PRP reports: Cave In frontman Stephen Brodsky will be playing a handful of solo shows early next month, dates include: 
May 02nd Amherst, MA - Earthfoods Cafe (Feat. Read Yellow, Marathon, No Trigger, Another Breath, Scream Hello) 
May 03rd Philadelphia, PA - Church Of Divine Energy (Feat. Snow Fairies) 
May 05th Baltimore, MD - Charm City Art Space 
May 06th Norfolk, VA - Relative Theory Record Store 
May 06th Richmond, VA - Chop Suey Books 
May 06th Richmond, VA - Ipanemas 
May 13th Cambridge, MA - T.T. The Bear's ("You've Got Your Orders Vol. II" Record Release Show) - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: The PRP also has news on Boy Hits Car, Alexisonfire, Hatebreed, Finger Eleven, Nonpoint, Clann Zú and more click here to check it out

Life Of Agony Recording
Digital Noise reports: Life Of Agony have entered the studio to begin new material to be included on the band's first album of new material since 1997's "Soul Searching Sun", which is tentatively due in late 2004 or early 2004 through an as-yet-undetermined label. 

Titles of the songs that have been tracked during the recording session are: "Love To Let U Down", "The Day He Died", "The Calm That Disturbs You" and "Justified". - Click Here for the Full Story 

In Flames DVD
Digital Noise reports: In Flames are recording all their shows of their current world tour for a future DVD release which is tentatively scheduled for 2005. 

The band are working with director Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Films. Ullaeus previously worked with the band on their "The Quiet Place" promotional clip and has also collaborated with Dimmu Borgir, and Lacuna Coil, among others. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Digital Noise also has news on Nonpoint, Boyhitscar, ill nino, Lostprophets, The Bled, The Offspring click here to check it out

Nonpoint Recoil
I Ate Your Microphone reports: As expected Nonpoint's upcoming new album has been officially titled "Recoil". The first single to be taken from the effort will be 'The Truth', which is set to impact on radio stations in early June, whilst the album is on course for a July 13th release through Lava/Atlantic Records.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Children Of Bodom EP
I Ate Your Microphone reports: Children Of Bodom recently completed a new EP which they will be releasing through Spinefarm Records in the summer. The effort has been entitled "Trashed, Lost & Strungout", and includes two new songs, a couple of covers and various extras on the multimedia side. - Click Here for the Full Story 

KMFDM DVD
I Ate Your Microphone reports: KMFDM are currently finishing up work on their upcoming DVD release, which is being issued to document their "WWIII" tour of the United States that took place last year. A mid-June release is being aimed towards. In other news, the band recorded 12 new songs over the winter that will be featured "in a major video-game", which is set for release on July 04th (the title has not yet been announced). [see full story for some tour news- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: I Ate Your Microphone also has news on Boyhitscar, Gratitude, Incubus, In Pieces, Dilutral, Nuclear Rabbit, Since and more click here to check it out

UFO Cancel
Blabbermouth reports: UFO's American tour has been officially cancelled. 

The following is guitarist Vinnie Moore's statement on the matter: 

"Hello everyone, Vinnie here. I am extremely sorry to have to report that the UFO U.S. tour has been postponed. I was just informed that we have run into an immigrations problem that no one in their wildest dreams could have ever anticipated. 

"Before going any further though, let me first assure everyone that the European dates are definitely still happening and that we WILL tour America later in the year." [see full story for the official press release with lots more details on what happened]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Ashcroft Targets Pirates
tinfoil reports: Attorney General John Ashcroft today announced the creation of the Intellectual Property Task Force, which will examine all aspects of how the Department of Justice handles intellectual property issues and develop recommendations for future activity. 

David M. Israelite, Deputy Chief of Staff and Counselor to the Attorney General, will lead the Intellectual Property Task Force. 

Well-organized criminal enterprises have recently begun to increase the scale, scope, and sophistication of international piracy and counterfeiting. Given the simplicity of disseminating millions of copies of stolen software, music, video, as well as other products and programs around the globe with a single computer click, and given the inconsistent enforcement of existing laws worldwide, it is imperative that intellectual property rights be reaffirmed and vigorously protected. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Ozzy Hoax
tinfoil reports: The April 13th episode of The Osbournes was dedicated to OZZY OSBOURNE receiving the keys to Montreal in August 2006. During the episode they showed a letter from Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and included a telephone conversation that Ozzy had with the PM. However, Ozzy felt he was being played, and after a few phone calls to authorities it was discovered that it was all a hoax by a fan wanting to meet Ozzy. 

A spokesman for Ozzy told World Entertainment news "That letter and email and phone call were a hoax. The police are going to be proceeding with trying to prosecute these people because they've actually put the Prime Minister's signature on the document, which is highly illegal, and he can be imprisoned for up to 15 years." - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: tinfoil also has news on PlayFair Vs. Apple, In-Stat/MDR, Real asks Apple to team up against Microsoft and more click here to check it out

Hatebreed, Priest, Slayer Off-fest
siN's metal news reports: Here's the latest from HATEBREED as taken from the band's official site, Hatebreed.com: 

As far as news goes there are some things to tell you about here. First of all we've added a slew of dates to our European Tour. We've also been confirmed to do a bunch of shows on the off days of Ozzfest. Most will be with SLAYER and some will be with JUDAS PRIEST. We will also try to do some smaller club shows with DEVILDRIVER. We'll keep you posted. 

Our rescheduled IMX appearance on the Fuse Network is May 13th. Keep checking back here for more info. We'd love to see people come out and support! [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Frank Bello Joins Helmet?
siN's metal news reports: Ex-ANTHRAX bassist Frank Bello has joined HELMET. "Friday Night Rocks" host Eddie Trunk had this to say on the matter: 

"Finally, Frank Bello called in to talk about his departure from ANTHRAX after 20 years. As you may know from listening to the show over the years, Frank and I are close friends, and because of certain legal issues he couldn't say much about his next band, but if you listened to the show and the many hints I gave out, it was pretty easy to find out. I'll give you one clue, it was a band he was rumoured to join! Frank was in great spirits and holds no ill will toward ANTHRAX, and was breaking balls as always!" - Click Here for the Full Story 

Boyhitscar Split
siN's metal news reports: BOYHITSCAR have decided to call it quits after recently getting dropped from Wind Up Records. Here is the official statement from the band: 

It is with much regret that I inform you that after 11 years Boy Hits Car is playing its farewell show. 

After 11 years of playing together, and a lifetime of growing up together, our brother Louis has announced that he is quitting the band to follow his heart as his life is taking him down a different path that at this time no longer includes palying music. 

So, to honor ourselves and you, the believers, Boy Hits Car will play our farewell show Saturday, April 24th at The Whisky in Hollywood, CA @ 10:45pm. [see full story for the full statement and details on what the members plan next]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: siN's metal news also has news on Download Festival, VEHEMENCE, Breakdowns Not Bombs festival, DFD, Sworn Enemy and more click here to check it out

Cobain Movie In The Works
NME reports: A film about the life of KURT COBAIN has been given the go-ahead, according to reports. 

The TV movie will be based on the unauthorised 2001 Nirvana biography, 'Heavier Than Heaven', by Charles Cross. 

A script for the film has already been commissioned and it could air as early as next year. 

"The day Kurt Cobain died was the day the music died for a generation. His story is perfect for our audience," said original movies senior vice president, Tana Nugent Jamieson, at the WB cable network. - Click Here for the Full Story 

In other Cobain news, one of Cobain's guitars was auctioned off for $117,500. See the source link for NME to get more on that story.

Darkness Leave US
NME reports: THE DARKNESS will wrap up their first full-length US tour in support of 'PERMISSION TO LAND' tonight (April 18) in LOS ANGELES. 

Last year the group made stops at small clubs in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, but this month's nineteen date jaunt has been their biggest official stateside tour. 

The band have been building up a strong fan base in the US, selling out every date on the April jaunt. 

Last night was the first of a two night stint at the city's Henry Fonda Theatre. Nearly 1,000 fans filled the concert hall to see the group, whose debut album recently went Gold stateside signifying 500,000 in sales. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: NME also has news on Franz Ferdinand, Eamon, Pink writes an Opera, The Zutons, Joss Stone and more click here to check it out

Sarah McLachlan Unplugged
Chart Attack reports: Sarah McLachlan may not have pulled off the Juno sweep that some critics (namely us) predicted, but the first lady of Canadian goth-pop isn't experiencing any decline in popularity. Her new album, Afterglow, is a full-fledged hit and now McLachlan is thanking Canadian fans for all of her success. 

McLachlan is about to release an acoustic EP which will be available exclusively to Canadian fans. The disc, which will be in stores on May 25, was originally only available on the American iTunes service, where it was downloaded by more than 100,000 customers. The disc features five acoustic live songs plucked from McLachlan's catalogue. [see full story for track listing and more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Chart Attack also has news on Sebadoh, Toronto Indie Rock Fest, Ray Condo Dies At Age 53, Sparticle and more click here to check it out

Labels Market P2P Pirates
Reuters reports: Say what you will about Internet pirates, their downloads speak volumes about what's hot in music. 

That fact hasn't been lost on record labels, which are increasingly subscribing -- albeit discreetly -- to companies that monitor illegal download traffic on peer-to-peer services. 

"If we weren't looking at the data, we'd be pretty foolish," says Jeremy Welt, head of new media at Madonna's Maverick Records, one of the few labels that admits to subscribing to services that track illegal downloads. 

But John Fagot, a consultant for Webspins, a company that monitors P2P services, says its data is being used at every major label. 

All of which raises the question, Does the industry's use of peer-to-peer data for marketing purposes somehow add legitimacy to the very services that it is trying to stamp out through an aggressive legal campaign? 

"Just as it is valuable to understand how pirated CDs are hawked at flea markets, the same applies to the online world. That in no way is any justification for the illegal activity or those who facilitate it," says a spokesperson for the Recording Industry Assn. of America [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

MTV Take It To Miami
AP reports: MTV will take its irreverent Video Music Awards to Miami this year. The live event, in its 21st year, will be held Aug. 29 at the AmericanAirlines Arena, the cable television network announced Friday. It will be the first time the show is held outside Los Angeles or New York, which has hosted the awards in recent years. - Click Here for the Full Story 

CD Price Increase
AP reports: Universal Music Group will raise the suggested retail price of its CDs by $1 to improve profit margins for merchants after many balked at the company's push to slash prices, a source familiar with the plan said Friday. The move could leave consumers paying about $11 for a popular CD. 

Universal's new suggested retail price will be $13.98, but most retailers typically charge less than that amount.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Beatles Down Under
Herald Sun reports: THE Beatles' original drummer, Pete Best, and John Lennon's half-sister, Julia Baird, will visit Adelaide as part of the inaugural Australian Beatles Festival in June. 

Best -- who played with the Beatles at Liverpool's famous Cavern Club and in Hamburg from 1959 to 1962 -- and Baird will share personal memories of the band at forum sessions. 

The festival, to be held on the Queen's Birthday long weekend from June 11 to 14, will have the theme "It Was Forty Years Ago Today" and mark the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' only visit to Australia. 

Adelaide gave the Beatles their biggest public welcome anywhere in the world on June 12, 1964, when an estimated 300,000 people -- a third of the population -- lined streets from the airport, along Anzac Highway to the South Australian Hotel in the city. 

On June 12 and 13, tribute bands from around Australia and overseas will perform a "Beatlefest" at Centennial Hall, presenting Beatles music in a range of musical styles from jazz to contemporary. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

The Fixx 25th
liveDaily reports: London outfit The Fixx hits the road this summer to mark its 25th anniversary, and is poised to release a new version of its mid-'90s song "Election." 

The group kicks off the outing in mid-May, and has so far scheduled a short series of dates that are scattered through August. The group's May 15 tour launch also features fellow '80s-era hitmakers Berlin (news | tickets). 

The group features original members Cy Curnin (vocals), Jamie West-Oram (guitar), Rupert Greenall (keyboards) and Adam Woods (drums); bassist Gary Tibbs, who joined the group in 2001, rounds out the lineup. [see full story for dates and more info]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Aimee Mann Lost On Tour
liveDaily reports: Aimee Mann continues backing 2002's "Lost in Space"--a special-edition version of which surfaced late last year--during a new round of touring. 

So far, Mann has penciled in only a handful of shows, beginning with a two-night stand in Los Angeles on May 3 and 4. The singer/songwriter has also lined up June dates in Atlanta and her hometown of Boston, as well as a lone August stop in Saratoga, CA. More dates are forthcoming, according to her website. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: liveDaily also has news on Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Courtney Love, Loudon Wainwright III, Union Station and more click here to check it out

Loudon Wainwright III Presidents' Day
press release reports: Storied singer/songwriter Loudon Wainwright III has written and recorded a new song called "Presidents' Day" which he has made available for free download at his web site, http://www.lw3.com The song, which Wainwright debuted live at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica last month, was greeted with such enthusiasm and support that he decided to make it available for free on the Internet�and encourages fans to send the MP3 files to their friends. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Anti-Idol Show Planned
Reuters reports: It's not over till the fat lady sings -- badly. 

The WB television network believes that if a bad singer like "American Idol's" William Hung can become a pop culture sensation then it might have an entire TV series on its hands. 

The broadcaster said on Thursday it will launch "The WB's Superstar USA," an already taped reality series in which the contestants were unaware of the true nature of the show -- that the judges are looking for "singers" who do not really sing that well. 

The show, which the network calls "an off-key version of the red hot performance reality genre," will air over seven episodes beginning May 17. - Click Here for the Full Story 

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