Jason Merritt, Getty Images / Facebook: I See Stars Falling in Reverse singer Ronnie Radke has courted his own amount of trouble over the years, but he’s doing his best to change that path and that means distancing himself from up-and-coming rockers I See Stars . Radke reveals that the young band has been kicked off ‘The Thug in Me Is You’ tour at his request. Radke, who previously dealt with substance abuse issues of his own, says that the time had come for I See Stars to go after failing to live up to the second chance they were given after their own arrest for drug possession earlier this year. The singer offered a full Facebook posting to explain his reasoning for the band’s exit from the tour. It reads as follows: I wanted to let everyone know I See Stars is no longer on the tour. We had offered them the tour several months back and then not long after we sent the offer, the entire band was arrested for drug possession. If you have been following my story, you know I am very serious about my sobriety and have been sober for 4+ years now. I decided to remove them from the tour at that time as I did not want drug users in my environment. After we informed them they would no longer be on the tour for that reason, their label approached us and asked us to give them a 2nd chance, they assured us the band would not use drugs and they would be professional on my tour. We came to an agreement and I gave them their 2nd chance. Throughout this entire tour, they have been unprofessional. They have rarely showed up on time and have caused undue difficulty on my crew plus employees of the various venues. It’s been next to impossible to keep the show running on time. I feel at this point we have no choice but to continue on without them. We’re simply trying to deliver the best possible show to all you guys and we don’t feel like we can do that with I See Stars. We’re stoked to continue on with Enter Shikari, Letlive and Matt Toka (on select dates). I’ll see you at the shows. Love and respect, Ronnie. Back in late August, multiple members of I See Stars were arrested in Kansas for alleged possession of hallucinogenic drugs. At the time, singer Devin Oliver tweeted about it, calling it “the worst 13 hours of my life” and vowed it would be his “first and last time in jail.” [button href=”http://loudwire.com/falling-in-reverse-ronnie-radke-reportedly-arrested-throwing-mic-stands-into-crowd/” title=”Next: Falling in Reverse’s Ronnie Radke Arrested for Microphone Throwing” align=”center”]
Sire Records H.I.M. are in the homestretch of getting together their follow-up to 2010′s ‘Screamworks’ album. Singer Ville Valo, who entered the studio with his band in September to begin working on a disc titled ‘Tears on Tape,’ says they’ve got a feel for the album that’s a blend of “melancholy” and “Motorhead.” Valo tells ARTISTdirect , “‘Tears on Tape’ is going to be really organic, straight-in-your-face, super melancholy bulls— [Laughs]. It’s going to be something nobody’s heard before. I’m really happy about it. It sounds great. Remember the soundtrack for ‘Twin Peaks’ that Angelo Badalamenti did? It’s got that similar forlorn, melancholy quality but mixed up with Motörhead . That’s where we’re at! We’re really happy. It’s got that dreamlike quality. It’s like Roy Orbison meeting Metallica .” As for the ‘Tears on Tape’ album title, Valo explains, “The point behind that is I grew up with music so music has been my safe haven in good and bad situations. Those tears that the artists put on tape are the ones that carry us on. The ‘Tape’ in the title is symbolic. It’s about the fact you actually put your heart out. When you pour your heart into whatever you’re doing, it’s valid. Nobody can take that away. It’s so tough to start writing. When you get the flow, it revitalizes you and gives you the opportunity to feel you do have the reason to exist.” While we wait for the new album, H.I.M. have a hits collection placeholder. ‘ XX: Two Decades of Love Metal ‘ arrives in stores this coming Tuesday (Nov. 6). The vocalist says of being able to put out a hits collection, “It makes us feel really f—ing old. [Laughs] At the end of the day, we’re proud of what we’ve done, and there’s an opportunity to do something like this. I belong to the Black Sabbath school that albums are albums. You have your bad tracks, you have your good tracks, you have your sentimental tracks, you have your heavy metal tracks. You have to have that yin and yang going on.” He goes on to add, “It’s a reminder that we do exist. I think that was the most important thing with the compilation, per se. Nine out of ten bands don’t get this far. I’m not talking about success. I’m talking about the fact [that] bands actually stay together. It’s a long time to be in a band and still appreciate everybody you’re playing the music with.” Look for the ‘XX’ hits collection next week, with the upcoming ‘Tears on Tape’ record tentatively expected sometime in 2013. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/h-i-m-right-here-in-my-arms-top-21st-century-hard-rock-songs/” title=”Next: H.I.M. – Top 21st Century Hard Rock Songs” align=”center”]
Mary Oullette, SheWillShootYou.com In the wake of Suicide Silence singer Mitch Lucker’s death, his wife reveals he had been drinking before he left on his motorcycle. [ Loudwire ] It’s on! Rob Zombie vs. Ozzy Osbourne ! Vote for your favorite among the final two candidates of the President of Heavy Metal Election. [ Loudwire ] Black Veil Brides are going all out for their next album, even filming a movie based on the disc called ‘Legion of the Black.’ [ Loudwire ] Motley Crue ‘s Nikki Sixx turns to his fans for support while dealing with his grandfather’s cancer battle. [ Loudwire ] Nine Inch Nails ‘ Trent Reznor will see his music turn up on the ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops II’ soundtrack. [ Loudwire ] If you’re looking to add to your Metallica download collection, this week the band offers a 1992 performance from Los Angeles. [ Ultimate Metallica ] All That Remains are streaming their new album, ‘A War You Cannot Win,’ before next week’s release. [ Rock Music Report ] The Who ‘s Pete Townshend walked offstage during the band’s tour opening performance. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] Aerosmith ‘s Steven Tyler ran afoul of censors, dropping the F-bomb during a Today Show broadcast. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] Russia may have jailed members of Pussy Riot , but at least Jesus is in their corner. [ Diffuser.fm ]
Michael Buckner, Getty Images In today’s social media world, we have more access than ever to our favorite rockers, and that means often seeing more than just the idol onstage but the actual person as well. One such case is happening at present with Motley Crue ‘s Nikki Sixx , who is sharing with fans his personal anguish as he deals with his grandfather’s battle with cancer. Sixx has been very open in sharing his own issues with fans over the years. He chronicled his early career drug dependency in the book ‘The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star.’ He then opened up musically about the experience, forming the band Sixx: A.M. to share his thoughts musically. Plus, he’s become a radio personality with his ‘Sixx Sense’ show over the years, which gives him another outlet to speak his mind. In a deeply personal and cathartic letter written to his fans via his Facebook page , Sixx is attempting not only to share what he’s going through, but to open discussion with others dealing with similar issues. The letter reads as follows: I’ve been sharing my insides with you for so long I guess there is no reason to stop now. On some level this is how I connect and hopefully relate some event, place or time to each others lives … I agree it’s odd to do it on Facebook or Twitter (or any other social media portal) but I guess like you, I am trying to work out the wrinkles, iron out the kinks and maybe feel some relief from the pain that comes with life sometimes. It’s been really hard holding it together the last few months with my grandfather Tom being so sick. Watching him change daily breaks my heart as he is slowly breaking down. The doctors gave him 3 to 6 months to live 4 months ago … This prostate cancer is a ticking time bomb and our hearts are breaking in slow motion … The reality of it all is kicking in for my whole family … Why do I tell you this? Cause maybe I am not the only one in pain. We all deal with it in different ways. I can’t run to a bottle or a bindle of powder so I talk about it and as it happens, usually write music about it … This man was there for me like a father. He never let me down … he was a role model and my biggest fan … The water run’s deep between us so the blade of the knife also hits the bone … Love is a two edged swords … So we learn with death at our footsteps… Thank you for listening … I actually would love to hear your story too. We at Loudwire send our positive thoughts to Nikki Sixx as he goes through this difficult period. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/motley-crue-nikki-sixx-sex-twitter-dave-mustaine-sixx-a-m/” title=”Next: Nikki Sixx Talks Twitter + Sixx: A.M.’s Future” align=”center”]
Karl Walther, Getty Images As one of the most anticipated video games in history, ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops II’ is set to make an enormous impact in the world of gaming on Nov. 13. Along with what promises to be a unique gaming experience, the musical score for ‘Black Ops II’ was created by Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor . The first ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ game had broken the record of the largest ever entertainment launch in history within any form of entertainment, breaking the record 24 hours after its release and bringing in a staggering $650 million within five days of its release. That record has now been surpassed by ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.’ With a true artistic desire to be a part of yet another groundbreaking moment in the entertainment world, Reznor jumped at the chance to create the score for ‘Black Ops II.’ “I look at video games as a true art form,” begins Reznor. “The chance to be involved in something like this is exciting to me. I feel its every bit as viable as film work or music or anything else. The games have gotten more intense and more realistic and more engrossing and deeper. Video game culture has expanded into the largest form of entertainment.” “I was watching the Oscars last year and I see Trent Reznor win the Academy Award,” says ‘Black Ops II’ director Dave Anthony. “A year later, I see him walking around Treyarch [game developers], and I think to myself, ‘Am I dreaming? Trent Reznor is creating the score for our video game.’” The entire 40+ song soundtrack will be given its own individual release on Nov. 13. Reznor’s soundtrack, which also features an original score by Jack Wall, will also come with the physical edition of the game. Watch Trent Reznor + Other Game Developers Discuss ‘Black Ops II’
Universal Steel Panther have just released the raucously riveting ‘British Invasion’ DVD, and they’re teaming with Loudwire to offer you the chance to win the Ultimate Steel Panther British Invasion Gift Pack. This collection of pure awesomeness comes with an autographed custom Kramer guitar, an autographed limited edition ‘British Invasion’ movie poster (only 50 were ever made), an autographed Steel Panther ‘British Invasion’ DVD, and a personal video greeting from the band. The group spent the last two years bringing along 16 HD cameras to film their world tour. The band began with their sold out show at London’s Brixton Academy in 2010 and also shot plenty of backstage and “on the road” material that made up the documentary that is part of the DVD release, as well. All of your favorite Steel Panther songs are on there, from ‘Asian Hooker’ and ‘Community Property’ to ‘The Shocker’ and ‘Stripper Girl.’ Plus, Corey Taylor makes a guest turn on ‘Girl From Oklahoma.’ We recently premiered the video footage of the band’s standout track ‘ Fat Girl ‘ from the ‘British Invasion’ DVD. The group is currently making their way around the globe with a world tour. Remaining dates for the trek can be found here . You can purchase the Steel Panther ‘British Invasion’ DVD here . But you also have the opportunity to win the Ultimate Steel Panther ‘British Invasion’ Gift Pack. All you have to do is enter your details in the contest box below: Ultimate Steel Panther ‘British Invasion’ Prize Pack Enter your e-mail address for a chance to win an autographed custom Kramer guitar, an autographed limited edition ‘British Invasion’ movie poster (only 50 were ever made), an autographed Steel Panther ‘British Invasion’ DVD, and a personal video greeting from the band. Contest ends Dec. 2, 2012. Click here for official rules . By entering this contest, you will receive email newsletters from Loudwire and be added to the Steel Panther mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time. Email
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com In this week’s edition of Loudwire’s Top 20 Countdown, Three Days Grace once again remain steady at the top spot with their single ‘Chalk Outline’ off of their new album ‘Transit of Venus.’ Stone Sour moves up to the No. 2 spot with their single ‘Absolute Zero’ off of their brand new record ‘House of Gold & Bones Part 1.’ Linkin Park climb a spot to come in at third with their single ‘Lost in the Echo’ while Soundgarden and their latest single ‘Been Away Too Long’ move up a spot to come in at No 4. Shinedown and their tune ‘Enemies’ round out the top five on this week’s list. Other songs on the list include Halestorm ‘s ‘I Miss the Misery,’ Slash ’s new single ‘Standing in the Sun’ featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators and Papa Roach ’s anthem ‘Still Swingin.’ Check out the Top 20 songs below and be sure to tune in to Loudwire Radio this weekend to blast these tracks at full volume. Loudwire Radio Top 20 Songs of the Week: 20. Seether, ‘Here and Now’ 19. Five Finger Death Punch, Pride’ 18. Kid Rock, ‘Let’s Ride’ 17. Chevelle, ‘Same Old Trip’ 16. Deftones, ‘Tempest’ 15. Gaslight Anthem, ‘45’ 14. The Black Keys, ‘Little Black Submarines’ 13. Volbeat, ‘Heaven Nor Hell’ 12. All That Remains, ‘Stand Up (Stand Up)’ 11. Green Day ‘Let Yourself Go’ 10. In This Moment, ‘Blood’ 09. Avenged Sevenfold, ‘Carry On’ 08. Papa Roach, ‘Still Swingin’ 07. Slash, ‘Standing In The Sun’ 06. Halestorm, ‘I Miss the Misery’ 05. Shinedown, ‘Enemies’ 04. Soundgarden, ‘Been Away Too Long’ 03. Linkin Park, ‘Lost In The Echo’ 02. Stone Sour, ‘Absolute Zero’ 01. Three Days Grace, ‘Chalk Outline’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/loudwire-radio-station-list/” title=”See Which Stations Air Loudwire Radio” align=”center”]