Jason Merritt, Getty Images Guns N’ Roses have taken a few knocks in recent years for appearing onstage late or rolling past curfews as a result, but one of the main reasons for that occurrence is the production value that they’re bringing to audiences around the world. Guitarist DJ Ashba tells Australia’s Yahoo7 News that the production issues are a common reason for the delay in getting the band to the stage. He explains, “We have a huge rig and pyrotechnics so often it’s the case of fitting all that into the venue. Our number one priority is to make the shows safe. [The criticism from fans on social media] kills us as a band because we’re not doing any of this on purpose. Our main goal is to go and give the fans a show they will never forget and we understand how expensive tickets are. We take that into account and when we do hit the stage, it’s almost impossible to get us off.” The guitarist also addressed the sometimes negative perception of frontman Axl Rose in the media, explaining, “I think a lot of people and the press try to blow it up and say he’s an a–hole, but everyone can be an a–hole if you get them on the wrong day. One thing people don’t seem to get is that he’s genuinely funny and he’s always joking around and telling stories to make people laugh. I always say that if he wasn’t a musician, he’d be a great comedian. I wish the world could see that side of him because it’s the opposite of what people have branded in their brains.” Even though Ashba is one of the last members to join the current Guns N’ Roses lineup, he says that Rose has done nothing but treat his bandmates like gold since he started. He adds, “He lets us write our own solos and gives everybody their time to shine on stage and I think that says a lot about who he is. He has no problem sharing the spotlight, in fact he quite likes it.” Guns N’ Roses will next take the stage this March in Australia. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-offer-first-look-at-3d-concert-film-announce-tour-dates-in-australia/” title=”Next: Guns N’ Roses Offer First Look at 3D Concert Film” align=”center”]
Posts Tagged ‘australia’
Guns N’ Roses’ DJ Ashba Cites Production Issues for Band’s Concert Tardiness
January 23rd, 2013 
Metalkult 
Posted in News 
Tags: a-common-reason, australia, band, guns n' roses, jason-merritt, late-or-rolling, news, production, rock, spotlight, stage, wish-the-world 
No Comments »Guns N’ Roses Offer First Look at 3D Concert Film + Announce Tour Dates in Australia
January 21st, 2013 Metalkult Ian Hitchcock, Getty Images As part of their 12-show ‘Appetite for Democracy’ residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. back in November, Guns N’ Roses recorded one of the shows for an upcoming 3D concert film. Fans can now get a taste of the upcoming release with a first look video preview featuring one of the band’s classic tunes, ‘Paradise City.’ The footage for the 3D film was recorded during the sold out Nov. 21 show in Vegas where the band clocked in with a set that spanned over three hours and more than thirty songs, leaving a lot to be considered for the 3D film. Although the film’s set list has not been fully disclosed just yet, the set list from that evening includes tracks from the band’s entire career, spanning from 1987’s ‘Appetite for Destruction’ through 2008’s ‘Chinese Democracy.’ Produced by Barry Summers, the ‘Appetite for Democracy’ 3D film is due out at some point in 2013 and will mark the band’s first live concert DVD release in over twenty years. Visit the Facebook page set up for the film for all the latest details here . In addition to releasing the 3D film in 2013, Guns N’ Roses is also gearing up to return to Australia in March for a handful of shows that include stops in Perth, Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, and Brisbane, check out the dates below. ZZ Top will be joining them for the trek down under. Watch the Guns N’ Roses ‘Appetite For Democracy’ 3D Concert Film Preview Guns N’ Roses Australia Tour Dates: 3/9 – Perth Arena – Perth, Australia 3/12 – All Phones Arena – Sydney, Australia 3/13 – Hunter Venues, Newcastle, Australia 3/16 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, Australia 3/20 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Brisbane, Australia [button href=”http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-bumblefoot-words-of-advice-twisted-into-axl-rose-attack/” title=”Guns N’ Roses’ Bumblefoot: Words of Advice Were Twisted Into Axl Rose Attack” align=”center”]
The Offspring and Dead Sara’s Emily Armstrong Team Up for Performance of ‘Gone Away’
January 17th, 2013 Metalkult YouTube In late 2012, the Offspring toured with Dead Sara . During the Offpsring’s set, Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara would join the band for a stripped down version of ‘Gone Away.’ A video of an October performance of the song at a show at the Hollywood Palladium, as well as footage of the pair recording a studio version of the song, has been released (watch below). “When we started building our own set list, I realized the stripped-down version of ‘Gone Away,’ which we’ve been doing for a few years, would fit Emily’s voice really well,” Offspring singer Dexter Holland tells Rolling Stone . “It turned out to be a special moment in the show each night.” ‘Gone Away,’ off the album ‘Ixnay on the Hombre,’ recently made our list of the 10 Best Offspring Songs . A new version was re-recorded by the band and Armstrong with help from producer Bob Rock. The Offspring released their ninth album ‘ Days Go By ‘ last June. They are set to play the 2013 Soundwave Festival in Australia. They will play Feb. 23 in Brisbane, with shows to follow in Sydney (Feb. 24), Melbourne (March 1), Adelaide (March 2), and Perth (March 4). They will also play a few dates in Australia after the festival wraps up. Dead Sara will continue opening for high profile acts in 2013. They are slated to open for Muse on their North American tour that kicks off Feb. 22. Armstrong is excited about the trek . “We never thought in a million years it would happen like this. We will learn so much watching them every night – we are extremely excited!! 2013 is looking great!” Watch The Offspring and Dead Sara’s Emily Armstrong Perform ‘Gone Away’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-offspring-songs/” title=”10 Best Offspring Songs” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: a-few-years, a-stripped-down, australia, band, dexter-holland, emily-armstrong, offspring, rock, sydney, the offspring, videos No Comments »Anthrax Tap Shadows Fall Guitarist Jon Donais to Fill Vacant Band Slot on Upcoming Tour
January 11th, 2013 Metalkult ESP Guitars / Megaforce Anthrax have not named a full-time replacement yet for exiting guitarist Rob Caggiano , but they will at least be covered for their upcoming tours. The band revealed that Shadows Fall guitarist Jon Donais will sit in with the band for their upcoming Fly Festival dates in India, the Soundwave Festival shows in a Australia and the group’s headlining slot on the Metal Alliance trek in North America. Caggiano recently surprised fans by announcing his departure from Anthrax, stating he’d like to concentrate on producing and other studio work. With so many gigs on their 2013 itinerary, Anthrax acted swiftly to add Donais to their touring lineup “Jon is a bro and he’s a total f—ing ripper,” says Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian of Donais. “I’ve worked with him twice on side projects and he tears it up. I’m excited to have him on my right burning up the stage with Anthrax. ’13′s gonna be a good year.” Donais expresses his excitement at the opportunity, adding, “I grew up on Anthrax. They’re the thrash scene, they’re one of the Big Four. I’d be crazy to not want to play with them. Initially, Rob called and told me he was leaving the band and asked if I’d be interested in filling in. Then Scott called me and everything fell into place.” The guitarist revealed that he’s also working closely with the man he’s replacing, as he and Caggiano are using Skype to work on solos and other guitar parts. “He’s being great,” reveals Donais. “I also have to give special thanks to my band [Shadows Fall] — Brian, Matt, Jason and Ed — who have been incredibly supportive and encouraged me to do this.” Shadows Fall, meanwhile, have t our dates scheduled from Jan. 26 through April 19. No word on who will be filling in for Donais on the block of dates that conflict with his stint on Anthrax’s trek. Anthrax 2013 World Tour: India: 2/16 — Dehli, India — Fly Festival 2/17 — Bangalore, India — Fly Festival Soundwave: 2/23 — Brisbane, Australia — Soundwave Festival 2/24 — Sydney, Australia — Soundwave Festival 3/1 — Melbourne, Australia — Soundwave Festival 3/2 — Adelaide, Australia — Soundwave Festival 3/4 — Perth, Australia — Soundwave Festival Metal Alliance: 3/22 — Anaheim, Calif. — House of Blues 3/23 — Las Vegas, Nev. — House of Blues 3/24 — Tempe, Ariz. — Marquee 3/25 — San Diego, Calif. — House of Blues 3/27 — Los Angeles, Calif. — House of Blues 3/28 — San Francisco, Calif. — Regency Ballroom 3/29 — Portland, Ore. — Crystal Ballroom 3/30 — Vancouver, British Columbia — Commodore Ballroom 3/31 — Seattle, Wash. — Showbox SODO 4/2 — Denver, Colo. — Summit Music Hall 4/4 — Minneapolis, Minn. — First Avenue 4/5 — Chicago, Ill. — House of Blues 4/6 — Detroit, Mich. — Fillmore 4/7 — Cincinnati, Ohio — Bogart’s 4/9 — Dallas, Texas — House of Blues 4/10 — Houston, Texas — House of Blues 4/12 — Orlando, Fla. — House of Blues 4/13 — Charlotte, N.C. — Tremont 4/14 — Silver Spring, Md. — Fillmore 4/16 — Cleveland, Ohio — House of Blues 4/18 — Philadelphia, Pa. — Theatre of Living Arts 4/20 — New York, N.Y. — Irving Plaza [button href=”http://loudwire.com/anthrax-opeth-hatebreed-headline-2013-new-england-metal-hardcore-festival/” title=”Next: Anthrax to Headline 2013 New England Metal + Hardcore Festival” align=”center”]
Kyuss Lives! Change Name to Vista Chino
November 29th, 2012 Metalkult K. Campbell, Action PR After yesterday’s news that bassist Nick Oliveri has rejoined Kyuss Lives! , today comes word that the group has a new name: Vista Chino . Vista Chino consist of former Kyuss members Brant Bjork (drums), John Garcia (vocals) and Oliveri, along with Bruno Fevery (guitar). It’s not difficult to figure out why the band changed their name. There has been an ongoing legal battle over the Kyuss name, with fellow original members Josh Homme and Scott Reeder challenging the use of the name Kyuss Lives! A judge recently ruled that they could not use the name Kyuss Lives! in conjunction with a studio album, live album or other audio recording. Since the group is working on new material with plans for a 2013 album, the name change was necessary. In addition, the judge ruled “future concerts under the Kyuss Lives Mark might continue to subject them to liability for trademark infringement” and suggesting, “It may be in Defendants’ best interest to begin re-branding under a new name.” They took that advice, although they will make a final live appearance as Kyuss Lives! at Australia’s Soundwave Festival in early 2013. The band will play classic Kyuss songs along with some new Vista Chino material. Meanwhile, the relationship between Olivieri and Homme seems to be on the mend, as Olivieri is set to contribute vocals to the new album from the Homme-fronted Queens of the Stone Age. Click below to find out more on that collaboration: [button href=”http://loudwire.com/nick-oliveri-vocals-queens-of-the-stone-age-album-rejoins-kyuss-lives/” title=”Nick Olivieri Contributing to New QOTSA Album” align=”center”] ?
Posted in News Tags: a-2013-album, australia, chino, homme, kyuss, metal, nick oliveri, relationship, scott-reeder, under-the-kyuss, vista-chino No Comments »Opeth Frontman Mikael Akerfeldt: ’90 Percent’ Chance of 2013 North American Tour
November 26th, 2012 Metalkult Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Opeth have been touring relentlessly in support of 2011′s ‘Heritage,’ and before they wrap up the cycle for that album will likely embark on one more North American run. Frontman Mikael Akerfeldt recently spoke with Roadrunner Records about their 2013 plans. “We still have a few details to work out, but we were supposed to be in the U.S. in the fall [of 2012] and we didn’t do it, so we’re gonna be in the U.S. in the spring, I think. But it’s not completely settled yet, so I’m not sure. I can’t say 100 percent that we’re gonna be there. But 90 percent sure, we’re going on a North American tour, which will be the last lengthy tour that we do for this record.” Akerfeldt revealed Opeth also plans on doing 2013 shows in Australia and Japan and possibly South America, in addition to some summer festivals. He says it will wind down after May of next year. Even though Opeth have legions of fans all over the world, when it comes to their home nation of Sweden Akerfeldt admits they aren’t necessarily a huge draw throughout the country. “If we keep ourselves in the big cities, we’re fine, but if we go into the smaller cities, we can play pubs, or smaller venues. So we’re not really…I think we’re more well-known than popular, if you know what I mean.” The band has been recording shows, but are not sure if and when any live material will be released. “We bought some type of rig, so we can record every show,” Akerfeldt states. “I’m not sure if we’re recording every show, but we did record the London show, and we’re probably gonna continue recording whenever we can.” He adds, “But I’m not sure what we’re doing with that stuff, to be honest. It’s always good to have material, and maybe further down the line, if we have a bunch of shows recorded we can pick and choose the best segments of the shows and maybe put something out, but we don’t know yet.” Opeth are in the midst of a European tour, which wraps up Dec. 7 in Norrköping, Sweden. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/opeths-mikael-akerfeldt-talks-writing-new-material-and-past-lineup-changes/” title=”Next: Opeth’s Mikael Akerfeldt on Writing New Material” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: australia, choose-the-best, country, fall, mikael Åkerfeldt, news, opeth, over-the-world, smaller-venues-, spring, sweden, writing No Comments »DevilDriver Singer Dez Fafara Offers Details on New Album, New Label + More
November 26th, 2012 Metalkult Liz Ramanand, Loudwire It’s been quite a year for DevilDriver , as they began 2012 as part of the Metal Alliance tour with Arch Enemy and recently finished up a massive U.S. trek with GWAR. During DevilDriver’s stop in Brooklyn, N.Y., we caught up with frontman Dez Fafara , who dished on the band’s new album and expressed his excitement about joining Napalm Records’ roster. He also took a look back on DevilDriver’s 2011 release ‘Beast.’ How would you describe your relationship with GWAR and the rest of the roster on this tour? We’ve been friends with GWAR for a long time; we toured with them six or seven years ago it was one of the funnest tours we ever did. We know everybody, we know the Cancer Bats really well, we’ve toured with them before – it was my ideas to put the Bats on as well and it ended up happening so it’s been really killer so far. Everyone’s just hanging out and having a great time. No doubt you have toured with numerous bands but is there one band or musician you would love to tour with that you haven’t gotten a chance to tour with yet? We did some shows with Metallica but they were festivals but I would love to do a Metallica tour – every band is going to say that. Other than that, there’s a lot of artists out there that I would still love to work with of course. With all of this touring what is one thing you must bring on tour with you, no electronics? I bring my own blankets because there’s been a million musicians sleeping in those bunks and on those mattresses so I bring my own blankets, my own sheets, my own pillow, my own everything. If you tour like we do and I take the same bunk every time in different buses. Any creepy findings in one of your tour buses? Oh yeah, I got really ill about a year ago on a tour and they couldn’t figure out why was so ill. It was about two weeks into it and I was coughing up black s—t, we finally stripped my bunk down and we turned over the bunk and the whole thing – the bottom was covered in black mold. Somebody had spilled a drink in there or whatever and left it over the course of time and it was just getting me really sick. Other than that I’ve never experienced other creepy crawlies, you’ll see spiders in buses sometimes but we tend to let those guys out and let them live ‘cause they’ve already had a hard road. Congratulations on your new home of Napalm Records – what made your guys decide on this move? They have passion. I think when the whole folding of Roadrunner was happening, they were … letting a bunch of other people go – I had been there a long time, I think they decided, I decided, we all decided that it was just time to part ways. Napalm has a massive amount of passion for heavy metal, they love the band. When we met with the owner, he was like “I love the band.” He knew songs and it was like okay, “This is a guy who’s entrenched in our music so we want him behind it.” We’re also with Roadrunner still overseas in Australia and New Zealand so it’s good to be with them still over there. The United States label itself has changed and I forsee in the next year, it’s just going to fold completely in probably to Warner, I would imagine. With people in the UK that I’ve worked with forever, press people and others – when they lose their job, it’s time to go, start over and I’m not afraid of that. A lot of people are afraid of moving into a new house but it’s awesome to do and decorate it new and make it happen again, make it feel alive so that’s what’s happening with DevilDriver and Napalm right now. We’re excited for the record, they’re excited for the record – I think Napalm needs a flagship in the United States and I think we could be it for them and I think their press people and they think we could be it for them, too. We’re going to go gunnin’ with this next record and see the numbers – I’m predicting both higher sales and a higher chart position than what Roadrunner offered us. So we’ll see. What’s the progress on the next album? Songs are all written – I’m six songs in right now, written, we’ve got two covers that we’re going to be doing. We’re looking at a late fall – sometime between late August and late September, kind of hard to quote me right because we’re just looking for that release space but I believe that’s when the time is going to be. So this is the last time DevilDriver will be in the United Stated at least until September, October of next year. We’re taking a whole year away from the States to just let it marinate and then come on back on the new record. What do you think the vibe will be like for this new album? Every record is different, that being said I thought ‘Pray For Villains’ was kind of an out of the box record for us, I thought ‘Beast’ was a weird out of the box record for us – we’ve kind honed back in to where we are. This new record sounds a lot like the first three records, it’s got an intense groove to it and I’m really happy – the writing is going extremely well. That being said I think we’ve laid back on our laurels right now and be like, “We’re a groove band” the fans started calling us The Groove Machine, The California Groove Machine – everybody needs a title, we’ll take that one and we’re going to give them that on the new record for sure. It’s been well over a year since the release of ‘Beast.’ Looking back on it, what does Dez the music fan love about that album? A weird record for us, I’m not going to lie, when I sat down – the arrangements everything, it was a weird record to write. When it came out we knew it was just an out of the box, aggressive record for us and it got a lot of positive feedback. All of the accolades that it got, I didn’t know if I expected that reaction. Now looking back in hindsight, we needed that, we to just do something apart from ourselves and that’s what has led us now to where we are with the new record which is like, “Let’s really hone in on the songwriting on this one, let’s make sure the arrangements are really tight.” Everyone’s really excited. Looking back on ‘Beast’ we worked really hard, we toured really hard on it and it did what it was supposed to do for us which was put our sound out there in a unique way and make sure that we didn’t follow any kind of course of anybody else and we laid our own path, which we’ve been doing since we started. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/gwar-brooklyn-tour-stop/” title=”Check Out Photos of DevilDriver Performing in New York City” align=”center”]
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