Ethan Miller, Getty Images – In surprising news, Three Days Grace singer Adam Gontier has left the band, with My Darkest Days ‘ Matt Walst set to front the group for their upcoming tour. [ Loudwire ] – Dave Grohl has revealed the full lineup of Sound City Players guests for his upcoming Sundance Film Festival concert. [ Loudwire ] – Anthrax , Opeth and Hatebreed will headline the 2013 New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. [ Loudwire ] – The family of late guitarist Randy Rhoads has filed suit over a coffee table book. [ Loudwire ] – The Black Keys have confirmed their performance at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. [ Loudwire ] – Rush will make a cameo appearance on an upcoming episode of CBS’ ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – Jimi Hendrix ‘s first two albums will be reissued on mono vinyl. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – Thom Yorke may bring his Atoms for Peace group to Glastonbury this year. [ Diffuser.fm ] – Reunions are always the talk at Coachella and Diffuser.fm offers suggestions of five acts they’d like to see perform at this year’s event. [ Diffuser.fm ]
Archive for January 9th, 2013
Mastodon’s Troy Sanders Saved by Wonder Dog in Orange Amplifiers Short Film
January 9th, 2013 
Metalkult YouTube Mastodon singer-bassist Troy Sanders is sitting backstage riffing on a guitar when he learns that all six of his amps have bitten the dust just shortly before he’s going onstage. Though the scenario is not that likely, it’s played to the full humorous hilt for the new short film / promo starring Sanders for Orange Amplifiers. In the short, Sanders gets to play a cockier version of himself, fully consumed with his own greatness and upset that he’s due to go onstage without the use of amplification. But a quick call and not-so-immediate response from the Orange Amps warehouse may solve the situation. The clerk puts his best man in charge, and by “man,” we mean the wonder dog Bear who traipses all across town to get to the show on time, but does actually get distracted by the city skyline, some vinyl record shopping and a quick bite to eat along the way. With the clock ticking, Sanders starts to worry about whether he’ll have to play without his amp, but just as he’s about to take the stage, Bear shows up with Orange’s Micro Terror hanging around his neck. A relieved Sanders takes the stage to the roaring applause of the crowd, plugs in to his newly-arrived amp and rocks the audience to their satisfaction. Watch Troy Sanders Starring in Orange Amplifiers Short Film [button href=”http://loudwire.com/mastodon-troy-sanders-max-cavalera-new-supergroup/” title=”Next: Troy Sanders Forms Supergroup With Max Cavalera” align=”center”]
Posted in News 
Tags: a-quick-bite, a-quick-call, city, from-the-orange, funny, mastodon, mean-the-wonder, metal, orange, orange-amps, rock, situation, take-the-stage, takes-the-stage, troy sanders 
No Comments »Three Days Grace Singer Swap – Readers Poll
January 9th, 2013 Metalkult Facebook: Three Days Grace Three Days Grace definitely shocked fans Wednesday (Jan. 9) with the news that they were replacing frontman Adam Gontier with My Darkest Days ‘ Matt Walst after Gontier resigned from the band due to a “non life threatening health issue.” In his own letter to fans, Gontier stated, “After twenty years of being part of an ever evolving band, I have been inspired by life, to move on and to continue to evolve on my own terms,” suggesting that his decision was more about starting a new chapter than a health concern. Gontier has been not only the voice of the band, but arguably the group’s most recognizable face, as well. Given that the group had already committed to a co-headlining run with Shinedown this spring, it’s understandable that they would want to honor that commitment, but the question remains of whether or not it was the right decision. Our Readers Poll today asks whether or not you think Three Days Grace should continue without Gontier still part of the band. There are several schools of thought on this. One is that the band members have every right to want to continue to play their music and given Gontier’s sudden departure, to stop now would not offer themselves or the fans any sense of closure. Plus, at present, the group has only listed Walst’s participation as “temporary,” meaning a decision on whether or not to continue beyond their current tour is not a definite and these dates could either be their farewell or a springboard to a fresh start. However, It could also be argued that Gontier’s voice is indelibly tied to the band and by playing (or even potentially recording) without him, they risk altering how fans view their legacy. Then there’s the idea that maybe it’s too early to render a judgment as to whether this was the right decision to continue playing or not until Walst is given a chance to play for audiences and fans can have some time to sit with it. So what is your take on the Three Days Grace singer situation? Let us know your position by voting in the Readers Poll below: Sorry, you need to have javascript running to see this poll. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/new-anthrax-guitarist-readers-poll/” title=”Previous Readers Poll: New Anthrax Guitarist” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: a-new-chapter, Music, my darkest days, news, readers, readers-poll-, three-days, whether-or-not No Comments »Singer Adam Gontier Explains Departure From Three Days Grace
January 9th, 2013 Metalkult Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com As Three Days Grace fans continue to absorb the surprising news from earlier today (Jan. 9) that frontman Adam Gontier has left the band, the singer himself has released a heartfelt letter explaining his departure. We reported that Three Days Grace have announced that Gontier left the band due to health issues and has been replaced by My Darkest Days singer Matt Walst for the band’s upcoming tour with Shinedown. With the unspecified ‘health issues’ being cited as the reason, speculation stirred that it might be connected to Gontier’s previously publicized struggles with drugs and addiction. But Gontier explains that he is perfectly sober and is just ready for a new chapter in his life. See Adam Gontier’s full ‘Address of Resignation’ from Three Days Grace below: To all of my fans, my friends, my family, these are my words coming from my heart, separate from my role as “lead singer of Three Days Grace”. I want you all to know how very thankful I am for your consistent love, your respect, and you’re undying support. It is important for me to address any concerns regarding my health being connected to drugs or addiction. The truth is, when I was struggling during that dark time in my life, I hit rock bottom, and I had the kindest of people reach out from all over the world, and reach their hands out to help pick me up. I am so blessed to be walking in the light now. I am reminded of your loyalty, always. The truth is, and I’m very proud to say this…, I am sober. That chapter in my life is over. There have been many defining moments in my life. My time as part of Three Days Grace is most definitely one of the miraculous ones. I have had so many tender hearted people share with me their stories. How I’ve touched, or changed their lives. My truth is that all of the love I have received has forever changed my life. Each letter I’ve read, every picture I’ve been sent, all of the voices I’ve heard sing along with me, I will forever remember, and never forget… After twenty years of being part of an ever evolving band, I have been inspired by life, to move on and to continue to evolve on my own terms. I could not be more grateful for all the souls who have travelled along with me. A journey I look back on with integrity, and a future I look forward to with such hope. I have always admired brave hearts. Life is always changing. I will continue to follow my heart, and what I love to do. I’m not sure what the next horizon will look like, but I do have all the faith in the world that whatever it is, It’s meant to be, and I have faith that blessings will continue to shine over all of us. I once heard a “brave heart” say: “When nothing is sure, everything is possible.” It’s because of my life’s journey, because of all of you, that I believe. Sincerely, with love, Adam Three Days Grace, with Matt Walst on vocals, are set to embark on a co-headlining tour with Shinedown at the beginning of February. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/matt-walst-new-role-three-days-grace-singer-status-my-darkest-days/” title=”Next: Matt Walst Discusses Role as New Singer of Three Days Grace” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: a-new-chapter, adam gontier, friends, Health, heart, left-the-band, love, three, walst-on-vocals, with, words No Comments »Dave Grohl Reveals Full Sound City Players Lineup for Sundance Film Festival Gig
January 9th, 2013 Metalkult Justin Sullivan, Getty Images After spending the last day teasing some of the people who would be joining him at the Sundance Film Festival , Dave Grohl has revealed all of the guests that will make up his Sound City Players lineup for the special show. As previously reported, Grohl will be playing a show in Park City Utah Jan. 18 to coincide with the premiere of his new ‘Sound City’ documentary , which is based on the legendary Hollywood recording studio. The singer already teased a photo with him performing alongside Queens of the Stone Age ‘s Alain Johannes and Foo Fighters ‘ Taylor Hawkins . Plus, Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor had confirmed his participation in a Salt Lake City newspaper. Now Grohl has revealed the full lineup in a new tweet . It includes many of the ‘Sound City’ soundtrack contributors, including his Foo Fighters bandmates Rami Jaffe, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear along with his onetime Nirvana partner Krist Novoselic . In addition, Grohl’s Queens of the Stone Age pals Johannes and Chris Goss are taking part. The rest of the lineup includes a number of familiar names. Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk, John Fogerty , Stevie Nicks , Cheap Trick ‘s Rick Nielsen , Rick Springfield, Fear’s Lee Ving and violinist Jessy Greene will also join in on the fun. Tickets for the show go on sale today at 5:00PM PT/8:00PM ET at www.parkcitylive.net . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/dave-grohl-sound-city-documentary-sundance-premiere/” title=”Next: Watch the ‘Sound City’ Trailer” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: a-photo-with, cheap-trick, concerts, corey taylor, dave grohl, foo fighters, grohl, hollywood, machine, news, participation, people, rock, Stone Sour, sundance-film No Comments »Matt Walst Discusses His New Role as Singer of Three Days Grace + Status of My Darkest Days
January 9th, 2013 Metalkult ThreeDaysGrace.com The rock world was definitely in shock earlier today (Jan. 9), learning that not only was Adam Gontier exiting his post as singer of Three Days Grace , but that the band had already selected My Darkest Days frontman Matt Walst to replace him on their upcoming tour. The questions began to arise about My Darkest Days’ future as well, given that the band just bade farewell to longtime guitarist Sal Costa earlier this week. Even though the group had stated they were starting work on a new album, the major news about Walst joining his brother Brad’s band obviously followed the earlier new music discussion. With that in mind, Walst has posted a new Facebook message attempting to clear up some of the confusion and discuss his motivations about his work with both bands. It reads as follows: WHAT A CRAZY WEEK It has been a very emotional week for myself and the members of My Darkest Days. With the departure of Sal from the band I have to say that it has felt like I have been on a rollercoaster and I am not sure where the end is. When you are on the road with some one for the length of time that we were, you form a bond just like any other relationship and when one person walks away it is only natural to feel a wide range of things from sadness to anger. That being said please know that Sal chose to leave My Darkest Days and although we are disappointed we wish him the best of luck in his new life and his new endeavors. With every down there is an up! I am very excited to have the opportunity to share the stage with my brother Brad and the rest of the members of Three Days Grace on their Transit of Venus Tour. As most of you are, I was just as shocked as you to find out about Adam’s departure from 3DG. When asked, I was unsure at first as Adam, Brad, Neil and Barry have all been such huge influences on my life musically and personally. After some thought and a few sleepless nights I accepted. It has always been a childhood dream to share the stage with my brother and I get that opportunity on this upcoming tour. Adam is an amazing Singer, Performer and Role-model and all I can do is try and fill some enormous shoes. I wish him well in his recovery and hope to see him grace the stage again soon. With all that has gone on this week I want to assure everyone that My Darkest Days is stronger then ever! My bandmates are very excited for me and I have their full support. We have completed some songs that we are very excited about and my brothers, Brendo, Dougie and lil Reidy will continue to write with me while I am on tour. We are looking forward to putting out our third album and hope you are as excited about it as we are! Last but most important of all I want to thank all of you who have supported My Darkest Days in the past and continue to support us in the future. For those that have been there from the beginning and have stuck by us we thank you with all our hearts. For those who have just joined us we thank you. For those about to rock, we salute you! Matt Walst As previously reported, Three Days Grace have signed on for two legs of a co-headlining tour with Shinedown . The trek launches Feb. 1 in Moline, Ill. and continues through the end of March. Matt Walst will serve as vocalist of Three Days Grace for the entire run. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/shinedown-three-days-grace-add-second-leg-to-2013-co-headlining-u-s-tour/” title=”Next: See Where Three Days Grace Are Touring” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: a-few-sleepless, a-wide-range, band, life, my darkest days, post, share-the-stage, stage, three days grace, three-days, walst, week No Comments »Dave Mustaine Lands on Anderson Cooper’s ‘RidicuList’ for Spat With Men’s Wearhouse
January 9th, 2013 Metalkult Mark Metcalfe, Getty Images / Men’s Wearhouse In part three of the Dave Mustaine vs. Men’s Wearhouse saga, the Megadeth guitarist scored a mention on a big-time news program. On Jan. 8, the tale of Mustaine’s public statement about how Men’s Wearhouse messed up a delivery made it all the way to CNN program ‘Anderson Cooper 360′ and the show’s ‘RidicuList’ segment. It was on a cold winter’s day that Dave Mustaine, filled with Christmas spirit, purchased a thoughtful present for Megadeth tour manager Jim Carroccio in the form of a gift certificate to Men’s Wearhouse. Unfortunately, the gift certificate wasn’t delivered on time, resulting in an amusing yet serious rant from the mind of Dave Mustaine posted on Megadeth’s Facebook page. Men’s Wearhouse apologized to Mustaine for the mishap, and CNN jumped in to cover the entire story. CNN host Anderson Cooper gave props to Mustaine for his hard work, legacy as one of thrash metal’s most important artists and even showcased a clip of Mustaine explaining the music theory behind the diminished fifth chord, also known as the “Devil’s Tritone.” Although Mustaine was given said respect, Anderson Cooper offered the witty line, “We are all old. You know that you’re old when one of the founding members of Metallica is upset about a customer service issue with a Men’s Wearhouse in Salt Lake City.” According to Cooper, Men’s Wearhouse did not respond to CNN inquiries about the debacle, leaving the host to playfully state, “Maybe they only like to tweet pioneers of thrash speed metal.” Funnily enough, Mustaine recently blasted CNN for claiming he still had a feud going with Metallica. This is actually the second time Dave Mustaine has been featured on ‘The RidicuList,’ so after you check out the CNN piece on the Mustaine vs. Men’s battle in the video below, click here for Mustaine’s first time on the list. Dave Mustaine Makes it Onto Anderson Cooper’s ‘RidicuList’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/megadeth-dave-mustaine-rants-on-chemtrails-blasts-cnn/” title=”Dave Mustaine Rants on Chemtrails + Blasts CNN” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: a-cold-winter, anderson, anderson-cooper, christmas, dave mustaine, diminished, funny, george-zimmer, getty-images, gift, manager, megadeth, mind, mustaine-makes, video No Comments »
