Backstreet Merch The holiday shopping season is officially upon us. So for those who are looking to score some awesome rock and metal presents in December, we’ve got some suggestions which both kids and adults should add to their lists. From a demonically ugly/awesome Slayer Christmas sweater to cool CDs to rocking stockings to concert tickets to more intentionally ugly sweaters, we’ve got your shopping list covered. So, get out your devil horns and wallets, and take a look at this handy-dandy rock + metal holiday gift guide: Slayer Christmas Sweater ‘Tis the season for awful Christmas sweaters! With that excitement in mind, we’re pleased to say that without fail, that Slayer have given all metalheads an extra item to add to their wish lists. Going to an ugly sweater party? Tired of your grandparents cranking up the heat to 90 degrees every time they visit for the holidays? Want to worship the dark lord twined within the wool of sacrificial lambs? Yes? Then this sweater is for you! This blood red and eternal black treasure is warmer than the depths of hell, while covered in skull and pentagrams for all your sacrilegious holiday needs! Buy a Slayer Christmas Sweater ‘Rage Against the Machine XX’ This next item is perfect for parents who want to be the coolest adults on the block. Perhaps you used to rock out to Rage Against the Machine and wanna show your kid how hip you are, or you’ve never heard of the legendary band, but wanna prove that you’re not Mr. and Mrs. Square. Just in time for the holidays, RATM are releasing some awesome special 20th anniversary editions of their self-titled debut album. The most lavish version, which you will purchase for your kid (or yourself), contains two CDs, two DVDs, one 12″ 180gm vinyl LP, a 40-page booklet and a two-sided poster. Buy ‘Rage Against the Machine XX’ Metallica, ‘Quebec Magnetic’ DVD/Blu-ray Need something for that Metallica fan in your life? Well, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for the band’s new concert DVD/Blu-ray release, ‘Quebec Magnetic,’ which hits stores Dec. 10. The release was filmed over a two-night 2009 performance in Quebec City, Canada. The two setlists were presented to fans, who ultimately chose the one they wanted as the main concert on the DVD. But as a bonus, the band included bonus songs from the other night, as well. That adds up to 26 Metallica tunes blasting in your face! Buy Metallica’s ‘Quebec Magnetic’ Here Victory Records Holiday Sweaters Did somebody say, “More sweaters?!?!?!?!” Well, Victory Records is selling a whole mess of them for the Christmas season. The record label has created an obscene amount of intentionally ugly Christmas sweaters from bands such as Emmure , Otep, Continents, The Bunny The Bear, Close Your Eyes and even one with the label’s trademark bulldog on the front. You’ll never have to be embarrassed by your out-of-touch relatives again! Buy Victory Records’ Holiday Sweaters Tony Iommi, ‘Iron Man’ Book You didn’t ask for Tony Iommi ‘s autobiography last year?! That was an unfortunate mistake on your part, but luckily for you, a second chance is in the cards. On Dec. 11, ‘Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath ‘ is being released on paperback, so you’ll still be able to read about Iommi’s tumultuous childhood, accidentally cutting off two of his fingers, the rise of Sabbath, battles with addiction and much more. Buy Tony Iommi’s ‘Iron Man’ Book Soundgarden Concert Tickets After adding Soundgarden ‘s new album ‘King Animal’ to your holiday wish list, make sure you don’t forget to ask for tickets to a show on the band’s 2013 tour. Once you unwrap your beloved new Soundgarden CD, you’ll be able to spend some quality time with the album before hearing the tracks live. The North American tour starts on Jan. 18 in Washington, D.C. and concludes in Los Angeles on Feb. 16. Buy Soundgarden Concert Tickets Death, ‘Spiritual Healing’ Deluxe Reissue One of the greatest death metal albums ever made has just been re-released with a ton of new material. Death ‘s ‘Spiritual Healing’ is back with a vengeance 22 years after it first saw the dark of night. This reissue is a must-have because it contains a remastered version of the original album, 16 previously unreleased rehearsal outtakes, instrumentals and jams from the ‘Spiritual Healing’ recording sessions and a full live performance recorded on March 17, 1990, in New York. Buy Death, ‘Spiritual Healing’ Deluxe Edition KISS Christmas Stockings Although Gene Simmons may be celebrating Hanukkah this year, that doesn’t stop him from embracing the Christmas spirit of giving … as long as you’re willing to give him money first. As you can imagine, there is a mountain of Kiss Christmas merchandise, but the coolest chotchkies available are certainly the Kiss boot stockings. You can be the lucky owner of a ‘Demon Dragon’ or ‘Starchild’ boot stocking for just $40 or less! If that seem a bit much for your wallet, you can always grab one of over 25 different Kiss ornaments. Seriously. Buy the KISS Stocking Chevelle, ‘Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites’ Chevelle have been pounding out quality rock music for more than a decade now, and they’ve compiled their greatest hits into a new compilation called ‘Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites.’ The disc features the band’s radio staples like ‘The Red’ and ‘Send the Pain Below,’ along with newer hits like ‘Face to the Floor’ and ‘Hats Off to the Bull.’ You’ll even get a brand new song titled ‘Fizgig.’ Buy Chevelle’s ‘Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites’ at iTunes Marilyn Manson’s ‘Mansinthe’ Finally … Christmas Day is over. You’ve put your hyperactive kids to bed and thrown your Christmas tree out the window, and it’s time to kick back and relax with the perfect gift for heavy metal parents: Marilyn Manson brand Absinthe! Chase the Green Fairy with Marilyn Manson’s favorite beverage. You’ll be bleaching your skin white and dating supermodels in no time! Buy ‘Mansinthe’ What Do You Want for the Holiday Season? Share your personal wish lists with us in the comments section below!
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com One of the more tragic deaths of the year occurred on Halloween night when Suicide Silence vocalist Mitch Lucker perished in a motorcycle accident, leaving behind a wife and young daughter. The rock community has rallied around the Lucker family and the Unite the United charitable organization is the latest to help out. Unite the United was started by Warped and Mayhem Tour founders Kevin Lyman and John Reese, and they’ve decided to hold an auction with all the proceeds going to benefit young Kenadee Lucker, the singer’s daughter. Lyman and Reese said in a statement: We are all in shock about the sudden and tragic death of Mitch Lucker of Suicide Silence. Although the world and our lives will move on, he leaves behind a beautiful daughter, Kenadee, who will need the support that he promised her, and sadly will not be able to fulfill. With that said, we feel his music family from the Vans Warped Tour and Rockstar Mayhem Festival can step up to help in the best way we can and that is to dedicate our winter charity auction proceeds to a trust fund for her future education and care. Please show your support by checking our auction frequently for new items and bidding generously. Thank you. The Unite the United Mitch Lucker Memorial Fund auction will run from this Friday (Nov. 23) at 9AM PT through Monday, Dec. 3, at 3PM PT at this location . Some of the items on the auction block include: * a trip for two to London for the 2013 UK Vans Warped Tour. * a three-day, all-access ride-along on Kevin Lyman’s tour bus for the 2013 North American Warped Tour * one ESP LTD JH 600 guitar autographed by Slipknot * one ESP LTD TA Tom Araya bass guitar autographed by Slayer * a one of a kind drumhead hand-painted by Suicide Silence drummer Alex Lopez and autographed by the band * an autographed Mitch Lucker poster with the photo taken during the 2011 Rockstar Mayhem Festival. * Plus many autographed items from Slipknot, Slayer, Godsmack, Megadeth, Motorhead, Unearth, Machine Head, Trivium, As I Lay Dying, The Devil Wears Prada, Bring Me the Horizon and more. Fans can also donate directly to the Mitch Lucker Memorial Fund at the Suicide Silence website . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-suicide-silence-songs/” title=”Next: Best Suicide Silence Songs” align=”center”]
MJ Kim, Getty Images – Scott Weiland is confident he will reunite with Velvet Revolver . [ Loudwire ] – AC/DC ‘s ‘Back in Black’ leads the list of inductees into the Grammy Hall of Fame. [ Loudwire ] – Machine Head ‘s Robb Flynn is ready for action after his recent hernia surgery and announces the band’s tour return date. [ Loudwire ] – Green Day will give fans a preview of their upcoming ‘Quatro’ documentary in a highlights special to run over the next month. [ Loudwire ] – Are you ready for Black Friday? Listen to this list of songs to blast on Black Friday and consider yourself prepared. [ Loudwire ] – Ill Nino have revealed the dates for their North and South American tour. [ Rock Music Report ] – Metallica reveal the story behind their ‘Frantic’ song. [ Ultimate Metallica ] – Beck has a new album en route next year. [ Diffuser.fm ] – The Rolling Stones are welcoming back two familiar faces — Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor — for their London shows. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – Jimmy Page details the story behind the band’s attempts to continue Led Zeppelin ‘s reunion. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ]
Tim Whitby, Getty Images Jon Bon Jovi has not spoken publicly about his 19-year-old daughter Stephanie’s heroin overdose (and subsequent arrest ) in a dorm room on a New York college campus on Nov. 14 … until now. The rock singer opened up, briefly, during an interview with Fox 11 L.A., to thank people for their support of his family during this trying time and to admit that even a difficult situation such as this is part of the cycle of life. “It’s human,” the singer said, in a measured tone when asked about his daughter. “What I do for a living, it seems glitzy and glamorous, but if you don’t take it too seriously, it’s a great way to make a living. And then life goes on. Things happen. This tragedy is something… was something that I had to face too, so we’ll get through it.” The criminal charges of drug possession against Stephanie Rose Bongiovi were dropped, and she made a recovery at a local hospital, so she dodged two bullets. JBJ also made sure to thank those who were sending their good thoughts and prayers to his family. “And people’s incredible warm wishes for my family and I have been really reassuring. So, we’re good,” he finished. Watch Jon Bon Jovi Talk Daughter’s Heroin Overdose ?
Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire Green Day have already given us ‘¡Uno!’ and ‘¡Dos!,’ with ‘¡Tre!’ on the horizon, and now comes word that they’ll follow the album trilogy with ‘¡Quatro!,’ a new documentary. Fans will get an advance look at what’s to come with a highlights special that will air in the coming weeks. VH1 will get first shot at the special, with the network airing it Nov. 28 at midnight, followed by airings on MTV2 and Palladia Nov. 30. Palladia will re-air the highlights special, with nine more runs scheduled throughout the month of December. ‘¡Quatro!’ was directed by Tim Wheeler and produced by Tim Lynch for Farm League. Bassist Mike Dirnt says, “Over the last year while we were recording our trilogy, we posted multiple clips every week so fans can see part of the recording process of ‘¡Uno!,’ ‘¡Dos!, and ‘¡Tre!.’ ‘¡Quatro!’ brings our fans one step closer by giving them even more access and revealing what it was like for us to make these records.” The full-length version of ‘¡Quatro!’ is expected to arrive next year. The band, which is currently off the road while Billie Joe Armstrong continues rehab, is hoping to resume touring in the New Year, though they’ve postponed their previously scheduled postponed January and February shows. *FULL LIST OF AIRDATES AND TIMES FOR ¡QUATRO!: NOVEMBER 28th VH1 Midnight 30th MTV2 During 120 Minutes 30th Palladia 9PM & 12AM DECEMBER 1st Palladia 5PM 3rd Palladia 1PM 4th Palladia 1AM 6th Palladia 8PM 8th Palladia 5PM 11th Palladia 3PM & 10PM 13th Palladia 6PM 17th Palladia 12AM 22nd Palladia 10AM *Check Your Local Listings [button href=”http://loudwire.com/green-day-dos-album-review/” title=”Next: Green Day ‘Dos’ – Album Review” align=”center”]
Getty Images AC/DC ‘s ’Back in Black’ album is among the pack of new titles entering the Grammy Hall of Fame this year. The band’s classic 1980 disc joins more than 900 recordings that make up the Grammy Hall’s collection. This marks the 40th year of the Grammy Hall, and Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow says , “It’s especially important to note that these entries continue the tradition of including a wide variety of recordings that have inspired and influenced both fans and music makers for generations. Memorable for being both culturally and historically significant, we are proud to add them to our growing catalog of outstanding recordings that have become apart of our musical, social and cultural history.” The addition of AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ in the Grammy Hall of Fame partly makes up for the band being overlooked at the Grammy Awards over the years. AC/DC have received seven Grammy nominations, but only have one Grammy statue — Best Hard Rock Performance for ‘War Machine’ in 2010 — to their credit. It is also significant as ‘Back in Black’ is one of the very few hard rock albums ever to be inducted. There is the qualification that a recording must be at least 25 years old. ‘Back in Black’ is one of 27 new recordings chosen this year, entering alongside such major acts as Paul McCartney & Wings, Elton John , Billy Joel , Bob Dylan , Frank Sinatra, and Whitney Houston . To find out more about the Grammy Hall of Fame, check here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/favorite-acdc-album-readers-poll/” title=”Next: Favorite AC/DC Album – Readers Poll” align=”center”]
Scott Gries, Getty Images While the remaining members of Velvet Revolver have been rocking out with their latest solo efforts, former vocalist Scott Weiland seems hopeful about the revival of the band and his potential return as the frontman of the currently defunct supergroup. In fact, he even suggests they are set to start writing new material. In a new interview with Rolling Stone , Weiland expressed great enthusiasm for a possible Velvet Revolver reunion. ”I think it’s the perfect time for Velvet Revolver to get back together,” Weiland said. “Slash has done some great things, and I look forward to the opportunity to seeing him on my left and seeing Duff McKagan – who, in my opinion, is without a doubt one of the greatest rock’n’ roll and punk rock bass players of all time. And is still in amazing shape – is more ripped than just about any 25-year-old on the planet. And with Matt [Sorum] and Dave [Kushner] as well, who are just incredible musicians. I think that’s exciting to look forward to. It’s the old cliché, ‘If the gods of rock want it to happen, then it will.’” We’re not sure about the gods of rock but at last check, back in September, McKagan said that things with Velvet Revolver where at a bit of a stand still as they continued their search for the perfect replacement for Scott Weiland. “There’s nobody now,” McKagan reported. “I think the longer that Slash is out touring, and that I’m out touring, people will stop asking as much. Maybe once it’s settled down, we’ll find the guy.” Weiland seems very confident that he’ll once again be the band’s lead singer, and seemingly feels the rest of the band is open to his return as well. “I am completely open to it, and I know there are other guys in the band that are completely open to it. There have been some things that have stood in the way that aren’t anything that have to do with the band – just other players, whether it be agents. But now we’re sorting through things, and we want to start writing for some big film opportunities that have come our way, and try to set things up the way we set things up when we initially got together.” So for now the future of Velvet Revolver is still up in the air and, according to Weiland, his main gig, Stone Temple Pilots , are taking a break as well, freeing up a lot of his time. Weiland plans to stay busy with his solo band, Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, with some upcoming live shows and a new studio album in the works for 2013. In other news, Weiland recently announced his engagement to girlfriend Jamie Wachtel. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/slash-talks-scott-weiland-diva-behavior-feud-axl-rose-kurt-cobain/” title=”Next: Slash Talks Scott Weiland’s ‘Diva Behavior’” align=”center”]