Last year, our most popular category in the Loudwire Music Awards was the Rock Goddess of the Year, celebrating the talented women in rock. But we also got some feedback from readers asking us to pay tribute to the men who best represented rock music over the year. We’ve answered the call with a brand-new category in 2012 – Rock Titan of the Year. A massive amount of bands have shaped the world of music in 2012, but some singular musicians have been especially important. Along with releasing quality music and/or touring this year, these titans have accomplished a variety of notable achievements. By making gigantic impacts, overcoming tragic circumstances, or both, we give you seven nominees for Rock Titan of the Year. Check out the nominated musicians and be sure to vote in the poll below: Corey Taylor, Slipknot/Stone Sour Slipknot / Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor accomplished a great deal this year. Not only did he headline the 2012 Mayhem Festival with Slipknot, but Taylor also released ‘House of Gold & Bones Part 1′ with Stone Sour. ? Jesse Leach, Killswitch Engage After vocalist Howard Jones announced his departure from Killswitch Engage , original Killswitch singer Jesse Leach returned to the band, receiving a red-hot reception from fans. Leach has also been working diligently with his bandmates on a new Killswitch record. ? John Baizley, Baroness Baroness released the brilliant double album ‘Yellow & Green,’ this year before surviving a terrifying bus crash while touring in England. John Baizley sustained some incredibly serious injuries from the crash, but despite the physical toll, Baizley has shared his story with fans, radiating an overwhelming amount of positivity. ? Phil Anselmo, Pantera / Down Legendary vocalist Phil Anselmo had prominent releases from both Down and Pantera this year. Down released their acclaimed ‘Purple EP’ while Pantera’s ‘Vulgar Display of Power’ got a 20th anniversary release with the added track ‘Piss.’ Anselmo even performed in both of the 2012 ‘Metal Masters’ clinics. ? Randy Blythe, Lamb of God Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe was unfortunately on the wrong side of metal’s biggest news story of the year. After releasing ‘Resolution’ with Lamb of God early in the year, Blythe persisted through over a month in Czech prison, while refusing to run from his controversial charges. ? Slash The iconic top-hatted guitarist took 2012 by storm with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. Slash released ‘Apocalyptic Love’ this year, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and helped spearhead a reunion performance of Guns N’ Roses sans Axl Rose. ? Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath The news of Tony Iommi ‘s lymphoma diagnosis hit metal fans straight in the gut this year, but the ‘Iron Man’ has been steadfast in fighting the condition while writing and recording a new Black Sabbath album. Iommi was also able to perform with Sabbath for three shows in 2012 and continues to work on a new Sabbath album. ? Voting for the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards closes on Jan. 15 at 11:59 PM EST. Fans can vote once per hour, so keep coming back to make sure your favorite band wins! Sorry, you need to have javascript running to see this poll. Get Notified When Winners Are Announced Enter your email address below to receive the daily Loudwire newsletter, which will include notification of our full list of winners in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards, as well as the top stories in rock and metal. Email
Posts Tagged ‘blythe’
Randy Blythe: The U.S. Government Knew I Was Wanted by Czech Authorities
Bradley Kanaris, Getty Images Although Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe has spoken out multiple times about his arrest in the Czech Republic for manslaughter, along with his proclamation of innocence, Blythe has been relatively quiet since his return to American soil in August. Certainly overwhelmed by both media and fan support, Blythe articulated much about his experience in a brand new interview. Sitting down with WTVR-TV, the CBS affiliate based in Blythe’s home town of Richmond, Va., the vocalist revealed that the United States Department of Justice was indeed informed by the Czech government that Blythe was under investigation for manslaughter stemming from a 2010 concert incident. “The Czech government apparently contacted our government and said, ‘Hey, this guy [Blythe]; we want to investigate him,’ and the Justice Department did not cooperate.” Blythe continues, “I don’t think the Czechs were too pleased about that. I’m not too pleased about that. And the least they could’ve done is, if they aren’t going to cooperate, fine, at least let me know I’m wanted for manslaughter in the Czech Republic. We had no idea. As Blythe has stated in the past, he will not run from these charges or hide out in the United States. “I feel ethically responsible to go back there and face this charge,” declares Blythe. [The victim’s] family right now is in a lot of pain, and they deserve some answers. To lose a child is the worst possible thing a human can go through. I want my name cleared. I have to go around the world and tour, you know? That’s what I do. I’m not going to hide here. I’m an innocent man. I’m going to go to court and see what happens.” Lamb of God are set to embark on an extensive U.S. tour with In Flames , Hatebreed and Sylosis . Hellyeah will also be hopping on board for select dates. Watch Randy Blythe’s Full Interview with WTVR [button href=”http://loudwire.com/tags/lamb-of-god” title=”Get More Lamb of God News Here” align=”center”]
Lamb of God Launch eBay Auction Site ‘Justice Now’ to Benefit Randy Blythe Defense Fund
Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe returned home to the States after spending five long weeks in a Czech Republic prison, but his legal battle is just getting started. With manslaughter charges still looming from a 2010 concert incident, Blythe will likely have to return to Prague to stand trial and as the battle rages on, Blythe’s legal bills continue to build. With many fans vocalizing that they’d like to
Lamb of God Vocalist Randy Blythe Released From Czech Jail, Returns Home to United States
After more than a month of incarceration, Randy Blythe was released from a Czech prison on Thursday (Aug. 2), according to the Czech news site Blesk.cz. The Lamb of God frontman is reported to have boarded a flight at 1PM Czech time today (Aug. 3), and is expected to arrive in New York this afternoon. As well documented by Loudwire and several other outlets over the past month, Blythe was
Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe Being Held in Historic Pankrac Prison
Due to Randy Blythe‘s month-long incarceration in the Czech Republic, an incredible amount of attention has been placed on not only the Czech Republic itself, but also its legal system. Awaiting a ruling on whether Blythe’s bail will be approved after it was contested a second time by a Czech prosecutor, the Lamb of God vocalist remains in Pankrac Prison. Although this news has become well-known, the lesser-known, yet incredibly
Randy Blythe Supporters to Hold Vigil in Front of U.S. Supreme Court
While Lamb of God singer Randy Blythe remains in a Czech prison, facing manslaughter charges stemming from an incident where a fan died after an alleged onstage altercation with Blythe in May 2010, his hometown supporters in Richmond, Va. continue to do their part for him. Friends of Blythe are staging a vigil out front of the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, July 22