Getty Images (3) Foo Fighters , Kid Rock and Lenny Kravitz were among the musicians that rocked Led Zeppelin classics during the Kennedy Center Honors tribute to the legendary rock band, which took place a few weeks ago but aired last night (Dec. 26) on CBS. Only half of the Foo Fighters’ two-song set from the event, which was originally taped on Dec. 1, aired on TV, but at least we got to see the guys jam out to ‘Rock and Roll’ with the Foos’ drummer Taylor Hawkins stepping into the role of lead singer, doing his best Robert Plant impression. Meanwhile, Grohl paid tribute to his drum hero, the late John Bonham, by pounding the skins during the performance. Kid Rock rocked the stage for a high-energy rendition of ‘Ramble On,’ off 1969?s ‘Led Zeppelin II,’ while Kravitz delivered a strong performance of ‘Whole Lotta Love’ with President Obama seen singing along from the audience. The Zeppelin tribute started with a comedic speech by actor-musician Jack Black and ended with a rendition of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ led by Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Check out the performances in the clip below: Watch the Led Zeppelin Kennedy Center Honors Tribute Performances
YouTube Queens of the Stone Age are in the process of finishing up their next album, but took time out of their schedule to give fans a little insight (or perhaps none at all) on exactly how the disc is coming along in a new mockumentary short inspired, in part, by ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ The band, taking a jab at how many “behind the scenes” features there are concerning acts and the music making process, filmed the humorous 9-minute clip with hosts Matt Berry and Steve Agee. Berry and Agee venture to the band’s studio to film their ‘Secrets of the Sound’ segment, but find the group a little less than cooperative. Bassist Mike Shuman can’t be bothered to remove his headphones to answer a question. Troy Van Leeuwen seems more concerned with preening in front of a bathroom mirror before giving a straight answer. And multi-instrumentalist Dean Fertita simply sprays Agee with lilac-scented spray before storming off after one question. The bulk of the info comes from frontman Josh Homme , who admits that he’s not sure about all of the instruments in their studio, reveals that a fan sent in a human ear at their request so they could test out the way things sound, and he also reveals that he’s the Encino Chapter head of the Patrick Swayze fan club. So there you have it — everything you never thought you wanted to know about Queens of the Stone Age and their forthcoming album. Meanwhile, we can tell you that the band has Dave Grohl playing drums on the new disc, with contributions from Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor , former QOTSA member Nick Oliveri and Scissor Sisters singer Jake Shears . Watch Queens of the Stone Age’s ‘Secrets of the Sound’ Mockumentary [button href=”http://loudwire.com/queens-of-the-stone-age-new-album-manic-and-unpredictable/” title=”Next: Josh Homme Discusses ‘Manic + Unpredictable’ Album” align=”center”]
Twitter: arejayhalestorm Halestorm may have received an early Christmas gift with their Grammy nomination but when we spoke to frontwoman Lzzy Hale she humorously reflected on the presents she got last year and explains what she would like this Christmas. We asked Hale if she ever got her latex pants and custom Gibson guitar, the presents that she told us she wanted last Christmas, and she explained, “I didn’t get either of those items under the tree but it just so happens later on, after a month or so, things started happening.” She goes on to talk about actually getting the infamous latex pants: “I did end up getting them — [Laughs] I don’t know whether to be flattered or creeped out, but I got these latex rubber pants from a fan who actually heard that or saw that article. He was so sweet about it but it was basically in a brown paper bag [Laughs]. It was interesting.” She continued, “It was just a pair of latex pants and the funniest thing was — I still have them. I didn’t wear them yet because I’m trying to think of the most appropriate [time] — it has a couple of accessories on them that I don’t know if it would be appropriate to be photographed in. They have the crotch zipper. I’m like, ‘Well I’m just going to put these in a drawer and will save them for a special occasion’ or maybe not. More power to them, we have crazy fans — you got to respect the crazy.” Hale went on to say, “I also did end up getting a custom Gibson guitar, so it was very cool. They ended up making that for me — so yes both of those came true.” When asked what she would like for this Christmas she responded by saying, “This year you know what I would love, as much as I love to travel and I love how busy our schedule has been — what I would love right now is to be on a boat for three days [Laughs] take some time off. I can’t afford to do that yet but that’s what I want.” [button href=”http://loudwire.com/halestorm-lzzy-hale-on-grammy-nomination-personal-victory-for-the-four-of-us/” title=”Next: Lzzy Hale Talks Grammy Nomination” align=”center”]
YouTube Papa Roach are ending 2012 with a little video extravaganza. Earlier this month, fans got the ‘ Where Did the Angels Go ‘ clip and now, getting in just under the 2012 deadline, there’s a new video for ‘Before I Die.’ The promo itself finds a grieving Jacoby Shaddix haunted by visions of lost love, often to his own detriment. Playing it close to the lyrical concept of the song, the video shows Shaddix expressing his heartbreak by chasing his visions into dangerous situations in an attempt to hold onto the past. Earlier this year, Shaddix told Loudwire about ‘Before I Die,’ “I was going through a separation with my wife during the process of making the record. Fast forward to the present and we’re working it out now, but in the process of making this record we were separated. I was at the end of my rope; I was in a lot of pain. This music is where I found my sanctuary, where I could express myself and just take myself out it for a second and not feel the pain and just be creative. During the process of making this song, ‘Before I Die’ I felt like everything was taken from me and I was just left out there raw and broken, it made everything clear to me, what really mattered to me.” ‘Before I Die’ is a key song for Shaddix as the vocalist says it spurred a change in his life. He explains, “At the end of the day it’s the people that I love in my life that are the most important to me and sometimes when you treat the people that you love the most the worst, that’s the wrong path. I had to take a long hard look at myself and realize how I was living my life and make those changes. Just being out there on my own and having those realizations, that’s where the song came from.” ‘Before I Die’ appears on ‘ The Connection ‘ album and likely will be part of the band’s performances when they begin their 2013 North American touring with Stone Sour . Watch Papa Roach’s ‘Before I Die’ Video [button href=”http://loudwire.com/papa-roach-still-swingin-guitar-center-sessions-exclusive-preview/” title=”Next: Watch Papa Roach’s ‘Still Swingin’ from ‘Guitar Sessions'” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com The end of the year offers the perfect time to reflect on where you’re at in life, and you’d have to think that Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has a brighter outlook on things now than he did earlier in 2012. The guitarist confirms as much in a newly posted year-end update. Things appeared to be on the upswing for Iommi in 2011 as Black Sabbath had reunited and the band was preparing to work on their first new album in years, but then Iommi learned early this year that he had lymphoma that needed to be treated in order for his survival. Suddenly his focus for 2012 had changed, but thankfully his initial plans for the year still appear to be in reach as his post-chemotherapy recovery has gone well. In his year-end posting , Iommi states: What a year! Certainly not the one I was expecting. Thanks to you all for your massive help and support, it was very encouraging. I’m still working on the album and managed to play three shows, not bad given the news a year ago. I’m looking forward to next year, seeing what you think of the record and touring as much as we’re able. My best wishes to you all, I hope you have a great Christmas and New Year, most of all, stay positive. The guitarist did come through his treatment, worked closely with his bandmates on completing a new record which is now due in April and managed to make a handful of high profile shows in England and the U.S. despite the setback. As for what lies ahead in 2013, Iommi will get in his first extended touring since the reunion was announced. After his lymphoma battle, the guitarist also decided to go back and update his autobiography. The newly reissued paperback version of ‘Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven & Hell With Black Sabbath,’ includes a chapter on his treatment and recovery. In addition, he’s also recorded an audio book with one of his former bandmates providing the voice. He explained , “I had a go myself but wasn’t comfortable when I listened back. Normally you just get an actor to voice it but I didn’t want someone who didn’t know me or the music business so I asked my old mate Bev Bevan (former Black Sabbath / MOVE / ELO drummer) as he already has a radio show and lived some of the chapters with me! I’m really pleased how it’s turned out.” [button href=”http://loudwire.com/black-sabbath-tony-iommi-writing-chemotherapy/” title=”Next: Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi Discusses Writing During Chemotherapy” align=”center”]
Jonathan Wood / Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images Queens of the Stone Age continue to add to the impressive guest list for their forthcoming album, with Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears being the latest to reveal his involvement in recording sessions. Shears’ addition follows the recent revelations that former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri and Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor had both been helping out on the upcoming release. In addition, Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl returned to his spot behind the drumkit with Queens of the Stone Age for the first time since the band’s 2002 album, ‘Songs for the Deaf.’ Though it may seem like an odd pairing, Shears has a long-running friendship with Queens of the Stone Age leader Josh Homme . Earlier this year, Homme served as perhaps the most awkward pitchman ever during a humorous infomercial filmed for the Scissor Sisters’ ‘Magic Hour’ album. The offbeat clip also worked in images from ’70s TV staple ‘Solid Gold’ and other dance show knockoffs. The Scissor Sisters vocalist revealed his participation in a series of tweets, which can be seen below: I just got to do something insanely cool with some fierce Queens. — Jake Shears (@Jakeshears) December 20, 2012 Jake Shears + Queens of the Stone Age=satanic cabaret twitter.com/Jakeshears/sta… — Jake Shears (@Jakeshears) December 20, 2012 After singing together for awhile, Josh Homme and Isettled down to watch some educational films. #newQueen instagr.am/p/TeSB-2FmBm/ — Jake Shears (@Jakeshears) December 20, 2012 Shears has also had some fun with Grohl over the years. The returning Queens drummer filmed a fake news piece in which he was threatening legal action against the tight-pantsed vocalist, claiming that he had been traumatized by seeing Shears’ bare testicles up close during a wardrobe malfunction. At present, Queens of the Stone Age are still working on their upcoming studio album with a spring street date expected. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/queens-of-the-stone-age-new-album-manic-and-unpredictable/” title=”Next: Josh Homme Discusses ‘Manic and Unpredictable’ New Album” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com – Corey Taylor has elaborate Stone Sour tour and movie plans in the works and he also updates Slipknot ‘s status. [ Loudwire ] – Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is writing his autobiography. [ Loudwire ] – Hollywood Undead ‘s Johnny 3 Tears discusses how America’s youth inspired their current hit, ‘We Are.’ [ Loudwire ] – Deftones ‘ Chino Moreno says that bassist Chi Cheng , who has been in a near comatose state for four years, would appreciate the work they’ve done in his absence. [ Loudwire ] – There’s nothing cooler than when one of your favorite bands turns up in a video game you like. Check out some of the best rock star video game cameos. [ Loudwire ] – Robert Plant says it’s time for Led Zeppelin ‘s members to move on. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – The members of Thin Lizzy are changing their moniker to Black Star Riders for their next release. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – A new study examines the early death rate amongst rock stars. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – Coldplay and Jay-Z are auctioning off tickets to their New Year’s Eve show to benefit the Sandy Hook shooting victims. [ Diffuser.fm ]