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 ]
The latter portion of 2012 has found the members of Green Day mostly off the grid while singer Billie Joe Armstrong completes his rehab . But the band is taking the first steps in regaining their footing, beginning with a new music video and their first announced dates of 2013. The trio has just delivered perhaps the most lo-fi video ever with their clip for ‘X-Kid.’ The group pulled from musical touchtones of the past in recording their album trilogy and the video for ‘X-Kid’ follows suit. The clip, seen above, features a queued up cassette version of the song, with the “play” button pushed allowing the viewer to watch as the track spools along. Meanwhile, Green Day has been rolling out 2013 dates in anticipation of their return. It looks as though the band will surface again in Europe first before playing other parts of the world. The first date is scheduled for May 24 at Fiera Milano Live in Milan, Italy with shows currently booked through mid-July. When the band return to the road, they’ll have all three albums worth of new material available to them, as ‘ Tre ,’ the final piece in their trilogy, recently arrived in stores. Green Day’s 2013 European Tour 5/24 — Milan, Italy — Fiera Milano Live 5/25 — Trieste, Italy — Piazza Unita’D’Italia 5/27 — Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro — Kalemegdan Park 5/29 — Vienna, Austria — Krieau Rocks 6/1 — London, England — Emirates Stadium 6/5 — Rome, Italy — Ippodromo Le Capannelle 6/6 — Casalecchio Di Reno Bo, Italy — Unipol Arena 6/8 — Nuremburg, Germany — Rock Im Park 6/9 — Wershofen, Germany — Rock am Ring 6/16 — Holland, Netherlands — Pinkpop Festival 6/18 — Lodz, Poland — Atlas Arena 6/21 — Moscow, Russia — Olympic Arena 6/23 — St. Petersburg, Russia — SKK Arena 6/26 — Helsinki, Finland — Rock the Beach Festival 6/28 — Norrkoping, Sweden — Bravalla Festival 6/30 — Oslo, Norway — Ullevaal Stadium 7/2 — Copenhagen, Denmark — Refshaleoen 7/4 — Werchter, Belgium — Werchter Festival 7/5 — Arras, France — Mainsquare Festival 7/10 — Nimes, France — Festival de Nimes Arena 7/12 — Lisbon, Portugal — Optimus Alive Festival 7/13 — Bilbo, Spain — Bilbo BBK Live Festival [button href=”http://loudwire.com/green-day-stray-heart-video/” title=”Next: Watch Green Day’s ‘Stray Heart’ Video” align=”center”]
Adam Bettcher, Getty Images Yes, we’ve not even turned the calendar on 2013 yet, but Stone Sour ‘s Corey Taylor is thinking so far ahead that he says 2014 may be an even bigger year for the band than what’s immediately on the horizon. The vocalist tells Billboard that he has grand plans once both parts of his ‘House of Gold & Bones’ double album are out. The singer says, “Not next year, but 2014, we are plotting and planning a world tour that is very special, where we do two nights in one place. We play Part 1 top to bottom, the next night Part 2 top to bottom involving a pretty elaborate stage thing that we’re cooking up now. And once we do that, we’re gonna film everything and try to put together a very comprehensive DVD set.” In addition to the tour, Taylor says he still has it in his mind that he wants to shoot a two-part feature film based around the album’s concepts. He adds, “I know the people I want to cast in it. I know the people I want to produce and direct it. Hopefully I can get it done. There’s no ceiling to what we can do with it, so I’m pretty excited.” Taylor also revealed that Stone Sour will start promotion of ‘House of Gold & Bones, Pt. 2′ fairly soon, as their next single will be the track ‘Do Me a Favor’ from that album. He states that after ‘Do Me a Favor’ arrives, the band may alternate releasing singles between the two albums. As if that weren’t enough, Stone Sour are on schedule to release their four-part graphic novel that will arrive shortly after the street date for ‘House of Gold & Bones, Pt. 2.’ In addition, the band will spend a good portion of 2013 on the road, as well, and already have North American dates lined up with Papa Roach shortly after the beginning of the year. Taylor also took the time to address his other band, Slipknot , who are set to play four shows next year, including Ozzfest Japan and the Download Festival . As for a new Slipknot album, Taylor says, “We’re throwing demos at each other. Once we all kind of see what the album could be, that’s when we’ll go in. I think the worst thing that we could do as a band, and we’re different from other bands, the worst thing that we could do is go right in and do something that feels forced, because the fans will see right through that, and we’ve never done that. So to me it makes more sense to kind of let the album come to us.” [button href=”http://loudwire.com/stone-sour-music-video-absolute-zero/” title=”Next: Watch Stone Sour’s ‘Absolute Zero’ Video” align=”center”]