Posts Tagged ‘Tommy’

Black Sabbath Finish Recording Album, Plot Tour + Offer Tony Iommi Health Update

Tim Whitby, Getty Images It’s official! Black Sabbath have completed recording their upcoming album , ’13.’ Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler announced the exciting news to Eddie Trunk  in a video interview (seen below) at the NAMM convention, in addition to offering an update on guitarist Tony Iommi ‘s current battle with cancer. In the interview, Butler spoke all about all things Black Sabbath. “We’ve finished recording it,” reveals the bassist of the album. “Tony’s back in England putting down a couple of solos. Then we start mixing it in Febraury and it will be out in June. The provisional title is ’13? — unless we can come up with something more constructive. I’ve written most of the lyrics. Ozzy comes up with the titles and then gives me an inspiration to write the lyrics. I think we’ve got 16 songs and I’ve written 14 sets of lyrics.” Butler also updated fans on Black Sabbath’s touring plans. And guess what folks? They’re going all over the world! “We start at the end of April in New Zealand, then we go to Australia, then Japan,” begins the bassist. “June, we’ll be promoting the album, then July and August [is] USA. Then October is South America and Europe in November and December.” Black Sabbath were planning on touring extensively in 2012, but the lymphoma diagnosis of legendary riff master Tony Iommi stalled the heavy metal band’s plans. However, Butler has good news to spread about Iommi’s health. “[Tony]‘s doing well; he’s really responding well,” Butler assures. “He has to go and have his medication every six weeks. But yeah, he’s really coming along well; he’s really doing well.” As for who will be drumming with the band, that is still not determined. After original drummer Bill Ward left the outfit over contract disputes, Tommy Clufetos filled in for the few shows that Sabbath played last year. However, Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk plays on the actual album. “We’re not sure yet; we don’t know. ‘Cause I think Brad’s got commitments with Rage Against the Machine. So it’ll probably be either Tommy or Brad, depending on their commitments.” So does that mean Rage Against the Machine might be touring in 2013, too? Fingers crossed! But getting back to Sabbath, if everything goes to plan, 2013 should be an incredible year! Watch Eddie Trunk Interview Geezer Butler [button href=”http://loudwire.com/black-sabbath-tony-iommi-thankful-looking-forward-next-year/” title=”Next: Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi ‘Looking Forward’ to 2013″ align=”center”]

Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee Turns 50

Ethan Miller, Getty Images We’d like to send out a very happy 50th birthday today (Oct. 3) to legendary Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee . Having manned the kit for Crue since 1981, Tommy Lee has been a crucial part of rock and metal’s musical fabric for over three decades. Known for his infamous exploits both on and offstage, we celebrate the unique life of Tommy Lee. Motley Crue perhaps set the benchmark for pure debauchery during the ’80s hair metal era. Along with his contributions to Motley Crue’s music, Lee added to the band’s reputation of consuming superhuman amounts of alcohol and drugs, escapades with an immeasurable amount of women, constantly adding new ink to their bodies and having numerous run-ins with the law. Crue dominated the airwaves during the ’80s with tracks such as ‘Girls, Girls, Girls,’ ‘Dr. Feelgood,’ ‘Kickstart My Heart,’ ‘Shout at the Devil’ and many more. After 18 years of drumming for Motley Crue, Tommy Lee left the band in 1999 to pursue other interests. Lee went on the build a career with Methods of Mayhem, along with two solo records, an album with supergroup Rock Star Supernova and a number of guest appearances with Nine Inch Nails , Rob Zombie and more. But thankfully, Lee rejoined the Crue in 2004 and has been rocking out with them since. Tommy Lee is one of the world’s most entertaining live drummers, with stunt-like feats constantly being performed by the percussionist. Along with his 360 degree spinning drum contraption and flying around stadiums to hidden percussion kits, Lee now brings his drum rollercoaster to Crue performances, upping the insanity level to a new high. We wish Tommy Lee a very happy 50th birthday, as does his bandmate Nikki Sixx in the tweet below: HAPPY B DAY to my brother @ mrtommyland .I love you. — Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) October 3, 2012 Tommy himself tweeted out to all his well-wishers, with a big thank you: HOLY F@cking B-DAY WISHES!! My laptop’s smokin! Thank you n I love you guys… #rage — TOMMY LEE (@MrTommyLand) October 3, 2012 Check out Lee’s awesome live drum solo in the following video, which features the insane drum roller coaster. Then, click below that to see Ultimate Classic Rock’s list of the Top 10 Motley Crue Songs. Tommy Lee Rollercoaster Drum Solo [button href=”http://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-songs/” title=”Next: Top 10 Motley Crue Songs” align=”center”]