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Ethan Miller, Getty Images Three Days Grace are usually pretty good about signing on for causes, but bassist Brad Walst has a personal reason for participating in the James Fund’s walk-run fundraiser for neuroblastoma research. His young son was diagnosed as having a cancerous neuroblastoma tumor several years ago. Walst will join the group of runners and walkers around the world in taking part in the international event on Oct. 28. He’s started a page where fans can sponsor his participation. It’s his goal to reach $3,000 in donations and at last check he’d raised 46 percent of the figure with just over $1,400 contributed. In the seven years the James Fund has been in existence over $275,000 has been raised for neuroblastoma research. Walst posted a photo of his son James rocking out at the Rockstar Uproar Tour earlier this year, along with his personal appeal for support. His message read: Hello Everyone… On October 28, 2012, I will be participating in the Walk/Run for The James Fund. Four years ago, my life was changed forever when I heard the dreaded news that my son James (who hadn’t even celebrated his second birthday yet) had neuroblastoma, one of the most devastating childhood cancers. When I look back on all that he has been through, it is still shocking to know that his tiny spine has been taken apart and put back together again (not once, but twice!) to rid his body of this awful disease. It has been over 3 years since his tumor has stabilized – James is one of the lucky ones. Not all children with neuroblastoma are as lucky, in fact the majority are not. This is the reason we support the James Fund. In the past 4 years the supporters of our team James Rocks! have raised over $65,000 for the Walk/Run! There are no words to express our extreme gratitude – THANK-YOU!! This year’s event will support a national Neuroblastoma Drug Discovery Project to discover new drugs to treat neuroblastoma. This project has many facets, from the lab bench to the clinic.?? There are no cures for neuroblastoma, and it is the goal of the Drug Discovery Project to discover an effective treatment to save our kids. Sincerely,? Brad Walst — Three Days Grace To find out more about the James Fund organization and the upcoming walk-run, check here . To make a personal donation sponsoring Walst, visit his sponsorship page here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/three-days-grace-transit-of-venus-album-review/” title=”Next: Three Days Grace ‘Transit of Venus’ – Album Review” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com There will continue to be two Queensryche s, at least for the time being, as a Washington state judge ruled Friday (Oct. 19) in favor of Geoff Tate , allowing the singer to perform with his own version of the group after being ousted from his former band earlier this year. Billboard reports that Superior Court Judge Carol A. Schapira denied a motion for a partial summary judgment that had been filed by guitarist Michael Wilton, drummer Scott Rockenfield and bassist Eddie Jackson last month attempting to keep Tate from using the name. Jackson stated in a recent interview with Billboard that the announcement of a Tate-led Queensryche lineup that was planning to tour and record led to confusion amongst their fans. Earlier this year, Tate’s attempts to keep his former bandmates from touring under the Queensryche name, but with a different vocalist, were denied . However, at the time of the July ruling, Schapira stated that there was not enough information given that would keep her from letting Tate use the moniker as well. The members of Queensryche issued a statement to Billboard which read: Queensryche is disappointed in the denial of the motion to prevent our former vocalist from using our name, but we respect the court’s decision to do so. That said, we apologize for any confusion to our fans that a second entity sharing our name may cause. We look forward to seeing all of you on the road and bringing you new Queensryche music in the near future. Thank you all for your continued support, and for now we will just have to let the rocking do the talking. Tate has also filed suit for wrongful termination, while the band countersued claiming creative obstruction and violent behavior. Should the cases proceed to trial without a settlement, the court date is set for Nov. 18, 2013. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/geoff-tate-unveils-cover-art-track-listing-for-solo-album-kings-thieves/” title=”Next: Geoff Tate Reveals Solo Album Details” align=”center”]
Theo Wargo, Getty Images / Facebook: Jaco Pastorius Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo is just about finished with the documentary honoring his idol, Jaco Pastorius, and he’s ready to share a bit of the film with a crowd that would truly enjoy it — the audience members at this weekend’s Bass Player LIVE! bash in Hollywood. Back in May, Trujillo revealed that he was financing the project on Pastorius , who is considered one of the most influential bassists in music history despite his battles with mental illness and his death at an early age. Trujillo said at the time, “Jaco was my hero growing up. Hearing him was like hearing Eddie Van Halen doing ‘Eruption’ for the first time. You thought, ‘What instrument is that?’ I love jazz fusion and branched out from there. But Jaco had an edge that far exceeded his jazz persona. He was funk, he was rock, he was soul, and his whole attitude was punk.” Trujillo has created a specially-edited advance clip of his documentary specifically for the Bass Player LIVE crowd. In addition, Pastorius’ family will be on hand to accept the bass great’s posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony. Other honorees at the two-day bash (Oct. 20-21) include Yes ‘ Chris Squire and Bob Marley’s Aston “Family Man” Barrett, who are also receiving Lifetime Achievement honors. Both musicians will perform during tonight’s concert and appear at the live clinic for interviews. The weekend will also give bass players a chance to check out the latest in gear and watch a few clinics, with Anthrax ‘s Frank Bello , Megadeth ‘s David Ellefson , Whitesnake ‘s Marco Mendoza all on hand to take part in the exhibitions. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-metallica-songs/” title=”Next: 10 Best Metallica Songs” align=”center”]
Mary Oullette, SheWillShootYou.com Here’s a look at the top stories of the day on Loudwire and around the Web: – Marilyn Manson is definitely a wild card. The rocker revealed he once met John Mayer and considered walking off with one of the singer’s $20,000 Rolex watches. [ Loudwire ] – The Guns N’ Roses Las Vegas residency is getting closer, so why not check out the 10 Best Guns N’ Roses Songs list to build the excitement. [ Loudwire ] – Gwar ‘s Oderus Urungus can sure talk the talk. In a recent interview, he slammed Rob Zombie and took credit for Slipknot ‘s success. [ Loudwire ] – Aerosmith are ready to show off their new video for their latest single, ‘What Could Have Been Love.’ [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – The Offspring , Foo Fighters , Sonic Youth — they all got a nice boost when recognizable actors turned up in their videos. Check out the list of the greatest music videos starring Hollywood celebrities. [ Diffuser.fm ] – The Agonist are giving fans a little tease of their new music by posting a trailer for their upcoming video, ‘Panophobia.’ [ Rock Music Report ]
OzzfestJapan.com Any band will tell you that it’s always a treat to tour Japan. The Japanese metal music fans are among the most passionate on the planet and are always rabid to see their favorite acts. Surely with the fans in mind, it has been officially announced that the famous Ozzfest will be making its first trip to Japan in May 2013. Ozzfest will be hitting Japan on May 11 & 12, 2013. No bands have been confirmed as of this posting, but the official Ozzfest Japan website has been launched, which features a video announcement straight from Sharon Osbourne , the festival organizer wife of Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne . “Ozzy and I want to tell you that [in] May 2013, we’ll be bringing Ozzfest to Japan for the first time ever,” begins Sharon. “We are so excited. Please be there because we love you, Japan.” In other intercontinental metal news, Sharon also recently told Australian radio station Triple M that Black Sabbath will be headed down under in 2013. “They are going to be touring here in the spring of next year, definitely.” Could that mean Sabbath are headlining Ozzfest Japan, as well? Stay tuned for more Ozzfest Japan news as details are unveiled. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/oderus-urungus-vs-ozzy-osbourne-president-of-heavy-metal-election-round-1/” title=”Next: Ozzy Competes for President of Heavy Metal” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com In this week’s edition of Loudwire’s Top 20 Countdown, Three Days Grace remain steady at the top spot with their single ‘Chalk Outline’ off of their new album ‘Transit of Venus.’ Halestorm come in at No. 2 for the fifth week in a row with their single ‘I Miss the Misery’ off of their latest album ‘The Strange Case Of…’ Stone Sour move up a spot to come in at No. 3 this week with their new track ‘Absolute Zero,’ while Papa Roach come in fourth with their single ‘Still Swingin.’ Seether and their latest single ‘Here and Now’ climb a spot to round out the top five. Other songs on the list include Soundgarden ’s new tune ‘ Been Away Too Long,’ Linkin Park ’s ‘Lost in the Echo’ and Slash ’s new single ‘Standing in the Sun’ featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators. Young Guns appear on this week’s Top 20 with their radio single ‘Bones’ to round out the list. 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. Young Guns, ‘Bones’ 19. Chevelle, ‘Same Old Trip’ 18. Pop Evil, ‘Purple’ 17. All That Remains, ‘Stand Up (Stand Up)’ 16. Gaslight Anthem, ‘45’ 15. The Black Keys, ‘Little Black Submarines’ 14. Volbeat, ‘Heaven Nor Hell’ 13. P.O.D, ‘Lost in Forever’ 12. Avenged Sevenfold, ‘Carry On’ 11. In This Moment, ‘Blood’ 10. Green Day ‘Let Yourself Go’ 09. Shinedown, ‘Enemies’ 08. Slash, ‘Standing In The Sun’ 07. Linkin Park, ‘Lost In The Echo’ 06. Soundgarden, ‘Been Away Too Long’ 05. Seether, ‘Here and Now’ 04. Papa Roach, ‘Still Swingin’ 03. Stone Sour, ‘Absolute Zero’ 02. Halestorm, ‘I Miss the Misery’ 01. Three Days Grace, ‘Chalk Outline’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/loudwire-radio-station-list/” title=”See Which Stations Air Loudwire Radio” align=”center”]
Geffen Since exploding onto the scene in the 1980s, Guns N' Roses have taken on many forms and featured an array of members in the ranks. While GN'R of 1987 look nothing like GN'R of 2012, save for W. Axl Rose as the frontman, the band's legacy is undeniable. That's why we poured over their material and their catalog to select the 10 Best Guns N' Roses Songs. When they catapulted out of Los Angeles to gain fame on the national stage, they were considered the most dangerous band in the world, a reputation they carefully cultivated, curated and groomed. They did so thanks to an arsenal of riffs and solos that were distinct as fingerprints, all delivered courtesy of Slash and unsung hero Izzy Stradlin. Lest we forget the unbridled rage and willingness to push the envelope that was part and parcel of Rose's style. It almost didn't matter what the singer said; it was how he said it. The band's songs are a mixed bag of fire-in-the-belly anthems that could start wars and contemplative ballads that never sacrificed bite despite having a sensitive side. So, take a trip to the jungle and check out our list of the 10 Best Guns N' Roses Songs: ? 10 'Nightrain' From: 'Appetite for Destruction' (1987) ? ? You know you want to knock one back right now at the mere mention of Guns N' Roses' 'Nightrain.' Slash and Izzy get credit for the amazing riffs that drive this song, though Christopher Walken might be very happy with the amount of cowbell Steven Adler uses in the track. Slash said in his autobiography, “That song has a rhythm to it in the verses that from the start always made me go crazy … When we had our huge stage later on, I'd run the length of it, jump off the amplifiers, and lose it every single time we played it.” Listen to 'Nightrain' ? ? 9 'Civil War' From: 'Use Your Illusion II' (1991) ? ? What is it with Axl Rose and whistling? We're not sure, but every time he puckers up, it rocks us to the core. On 'Civil War,' though, there's so much more to the track that makes it one of our 10 Best Guns N' Roses Songs. Perhaps it's the inclusion of the 'Cool Hand Luke' speech at the beginning. Maybe it's the darkly melodic and touching Slash guitar riffs. Or it could just be that Rose hit on something deeply moving discussing the battle for civil rights, military conflicts, and politically motivated assassinations. Whatever the draw, 'Civil War' simply rocks. Listen to 'Civil War' ? ? 8 'Used to Love Her' From: 'Lies' (1988) ? ? 'Used to Love Her' may not have been quite as controversial as 'One in a Million,' but this catchy acoustic track from the 'Lies' EP garnered a lot of negative attention for its lyric, 'I used to love her / But I had to kill her / She b—-ed so much / She drove me nuts.” However, the song is reportedly about Axl Rose's dog, not a woman. Controversial content aside, the tune offered up an unforgettable groove and is the perfect sing-along song when drowning your sorrows following a breakup. Listen to 'Used to Love Her' ? ? 7 'Mr. Brownstone' From: 'Appetite for Destruction' (1987) ? ? “I used to do a little but a little wouldn't do it / So the little got more and more” said it all. The song addressed drug abuse and addiction, and was an ode, of sorts, to a drug dealer who supplied the magic potions. Slash and Izzy Stradlin pounded out bluesy, unusual riffs and Rose's refusal to avoid a taboo lyrical topic once again produced a song that stuck in our skulls because of its melodic maelstrom and the band's overall desire to be in your face. That's what made them so dangerous. Listen to 'Mr. Brownstone' ? ? 6 'Estranged' From: 'Use Your Illusion II' (1991) ? ? Epic doesn't even begin to describe Guns N' Roses' 'Estranged.' By 1991, the band had some pretty grandiose plans for their 'Use Your Illusion' discs and 'Estranged' definitely landed on the more experimental side of things. The track had no discernable chorus and featured several style shifts, yet it was pure genius. From Slash's memorable guitar riffing to Matt Sorum's taps-style drumming, 'Estranged' took Axl Rose's melancholy musings and turned them into a triumph. Listen to 'Estranged' ? ? 5 'Paradise City' From: 'Appetite for Destruction' (1987) ? ? This fiery anthem certainly had us wanting to pack our bags and move to the place where “the grass is green and the girls are pretty.” Rose sang with a fury that's nearly unmatched and Slash ripped through definitive riffs that are strategically placed in the beginning, middle and end of the song. Ultimately, GN'R created a track with the kind of escalating tension you just can't fake. By the time it reaches the crescendo, you can barely keep up. It moves at such a quickened pace that it scrambles the brains inside your head. A flawlessly executed rock song. Listen to 'Paradise City' ? ? 4 'November Rain' From: 'Use Your Illusion 1' (1991) ? ? 'November Rain' is one of the most epic, expansive, lush, rich and complex power ballads ever penned by a rock band, so that's why it's one of the 10 Best Guns N' Roses songs. Rose plays piano and lays his emotional cards face up on the table from the get-go, giving us almost 10 minutes of unrestricted access to his not-often-seen vulnerable side. The song is full of ebbs and flows, peaks and valleys, and by the time we get to the “Don't ya think that you need somebody” crescendo, we're overjoyed, exhausted and lying in a heap from the intensity. That's the power of good music. Essentially, it's GN'R's 'Stairway to Heaven.' Listen to 'November Rain' ? ? 3 'Welcome to the Jungle' From: 'Appetite for Destruction' (1987) ? ? You're in the jungle, baby. You're gonna DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! 'Welcome to the Jungle' was GN'R's take-no-prisoners opening salvo and was most rock fans first experience with the band. It came out of the gates kicking, screaming and demanding to be heard with its airhorn guitar opening, reminding all the fathers out there of everything they feared about rockers and their daughters. Musically, it meshes punk rock and metal, a Molotov cocktail of youth, skill, rage, hormones and the desire to come face-to-face with the unknown. It'll bring to your sh-na-na-na-na-knees. Listen to 'Welcome to the Jungle' ? ? 2 'Patience' From: 'Lies' (1988) ? ? A true ballad in every sense of the word, 'Patience' is the most stripped down and uncomplicated we've ever seen or heard GN'R and Axl Rose be. The nerves are exposed from the very beginning, as the song opens with a lilting whistle. It sees Axl switching between a low, clean vocal, which carries him through the first two-thirds of the song, to the bewitching and haunting ending, where he admits 'I've been walking the streets at night / Just trying to get it right' and 'I ain't got time for the game / Cuz I need you.” It demonstrates the redemptive power of song and the catharsis that is possible via rock music. Listen to 'Patience' ? ? 1 'Sweet Child O' Mine' From: 'Appetite for Destruction' (1987) ? ? The swirling riff that opens the song is Slash's most definitive GN'R moment. It was the song that made mothers and sisters like GN'R, as it showed the softer side of rock's most dangerous band. But as stated previously, the band never blunted or dulled its edge. In fact, these more sensitive moments only served to prove just how dangerous and rock 'n' roll GN'R really were. 'Sweet Child O' Mine' is not only among 10 Best Guns N' Roses songs, it's one of the best rock songs ever put to tape. Listen to 'Sweet Child o' Mine' ? ? What Is Your Favorite Guns N' Roses Song? Now that you've reviewed and dissected our list of the 10 Best Guns N' Roses songs, tell us how you think we did. Did your favorite song fall too low on the list? Did we omit your absolute top track? Do you agree or disagree with our final list? Tell us what you think in the comments section below: ?