Mark Metcalfe, Getty Images Robb Flynn has been playing some solo shows of late, but Machine Head fans should not worry about the band’s future. In fact, the rocker revealed in his latest online posting that he and his bandmates recently got in their first jam session hoping to spark material for their next album. The vocalist explained, “Dave [McClain], Phil [Demmel] and I practiced the other day and it was a really productive first jam session. McClain had about five rockin’ riffs, Demmel brought in the skeleton of what feels like a great song and I had a few riffs that we rocked on, no full songs, but solid riffs. It felt good, good to be moving on from ‘Locust.’ Super proud of that record, but it’s time to move on, and we’re ready to move on. Bring on the future with an open embrace.” As for his solo shows, Flynn also provided a recap of what his week of acoustic dates entailed. The vocalist recalled, “The shows were awesome, really, really, REALLY awesome! I needed this so bad. To everyone who came out to these shows and made them such a special and intense event, thank you. They got heavy, really heavy and I had no idea how heavy these would get. Therapeutic. I didn’t know what to expect or what they would be like. I made no set list except the opening and closing song. Chose songs we probably won’t play live again or at least haven’t played live in a reeeeeeeally long time, and cover songs we would never cover. To my surprise I ended up telling a lot of stories before each song. Every time I thought I’d been going on too long with a story, (‘am I talking too much?’) people would ask for more. In Fullerton I got a ‘sto-ry, sto-ry, sto-ry’ chant, it was hilarious. It was surprising how fun these shows were.” Flynn calls the performances “a massive communal release” and admits he got choked up by the response on more than one occasion. The vocalist also stated that he underwent a master cleanse and went beyond the ten-day process to make sure he remained sober while doing the performances. Watch Robb Flynn Covering Alice in Chains’ ‘Sunshine’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/machine-head-to-begin-work-on-new-album/” title=”Next: Machine Head Discuss New Album Plans” align=”center”]
Blackened Recordings Metallica have been diligent over the years when defending their trademark, but one small metal manufacturing company has emerged victorious in retaining their name after an initial challenge from the band. The Burnaby metal shop known as Metallica Manufacturing will continue to operate under their title after a recent court ruling. Owner Bill Lawson told Burnaby Now , “It was a very innocent choosing of such a name from a 12-year-old kid.” Lawson says that the name was chosen in the late ’90s and though the band was around at that point, the Metallica moniker seemed appropriate given their chosen trade as a custom metal shop. According to Lawson, the British Columbia business operated unencumbered for four or five years, but began to receive legal inquiries when they tried to register for a domain name online. After several years of the band’s legal representation trying to stop them from using the name, they filed a trademark application in 2008 seeking to use the moniker in coordination with metal fabrications, welding and machining. Last September, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office ruled that there was no likelihood of confusion between the company and the band, therefore giving Metallica Manufacturing a partial victory by allowing them to continue pursuing their trademark application. “This is not a gloating issue,” said Lawson after the ruling. “We just want to be left alone … We just want to be able to carry on and use the name. The whole city knows us.” It should be noted that Twisted Sister , who have been in the news lately for taking on small mom-and-pop businesses utilizing their name, recently commented on trademark law and not having a decision in who gets targeted. Guitarist Jay Jay French explained, “The fact of the matter is that trademark law doesn’t give me a choice on who and what to defend. The law is very clear: either defend your trademark or lose rights to it.” So while Metallica taking on small businesses over their name may seem like “David vs. Goliath,” should the band choose not to defend their trademark it would open themselves up to potentially allowing everyone access to the brand they’ve taken pride in building. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-metallica-songs/” title=”Next: 10 Best Metallica Songs” align=”center”]
Rick Diamond, Getty Images Might there be some new album progress in the Pearl Jam camp? Bassist Jeff Ament revealed that the group did recently meet with producer Brendan O’Brien, which may be a sign the band is ready to resume work on their long-awaited follow-up to the 2009 effort, ‘Backspacer.’ O’Brien has a lengthy history with Pearl Jam, lending his production and mixing talents to the ‘Vs.,’ ‘Vitalogy,’ ‘No Code’ and ‘Yield’ albums. He was solely focused on mixing for the ‘Binaural’ and ‘Riot Act’ discs, before resuming his production duties on ‘Backspacer.’ Several members of Pearl Jam, including Ament himself , have spoken in recent months that the group was “ halfway ” through the recording process of their new album. However, the band members also spent quite a bit of time apart in the latter portion of 2012 and beginning of 2013 with the idea that they would resume recording when the time felt right. Ament tells Rolling Stone , “There’s a lot of ideas kind of floating around right now. I mean, the cool thing about taking a year away from [Pearl Jam] is, you know, we could almost start from scratch and it wouldn’t really be that big of a deal, you know? I hope it comes out this year at some point.” However, if completing a Pearl Jam record doesn’t come to fruition this year, Ament says he’s prepared to continue with his side project RNDM. He adds, “We have another RNDM record ready. If RNDM’s my band for the next year, I’m stoked.” At present, RNDM are considering adding more tour dates and recording a bit more depending on how everyone’s schedules work out. Regardless of Pearl Jam’s progress on a new album, the group will be getting in some touring this year. The band has already announced a handful of dates around the world, with a special show planned for Chicago’s Wrigley Field in July. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-pearl-jam-songs/” title=”Next: 10 Best Pearl Jam Songs” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Megadeth are inching closer to a new record. In their latest online update, singer Dave Mustaine provides the news that mixing has begun on their forthcoming release. Though the band has yet to reveal any key details like an album title, artwork, track listing or release date, they have been diligent in keeping fans up to date on the progress of their new disc. The group has been working on their fourteenth collection at Vic’s Garage studio in San Marcos, California. Mustaine revealed in his brief posting , “Played guitar, sang and did some minor adjustments yesterday to songs one-four. Mixing has begun and you’ll have something soon to hear! I’m so pumped.” Mustaine’s posting follows another entry from bassist David Ellefson , who commented earlier last week , “Really some great, great songs taking shape at this point in the recording process. I told Dave [Mustaine] today that one of them totally reminded me of the earliest stuff back when we first met — fast, rippin’ and fully bringing the REAL old-school Megadeth sound!!!” The group has been working with producer Johnny K on the effort and expects to release it via a new record label later this year. Footage of the band in recording sessions can be seen below. For members of the band’s Cyber Army fan club, drummer Shawn Drover will be dropping in for a chat this Thursday night (Feb. 7) at 7PM ET. For details on the Megadeth Cyber Army, check here . Watch Megadeth in the Studio Watch Megadeth in the Studio [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-megadeth-songs/” title=”Next: 10 Best Megadeth Songs” align=”center”]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire The foundation at Best Buy Theater was tested last night as fans jumped to the music of The Used , We Came As Romans , Crown the Empire and Mindflow for the Take Action Tour. The crowd went crazy as Used frontman Bert McCracken and his crew took the stage. Fans sang along to well known favorites such as ‘The Taste of Ink,’ ‘Take It Away,’ ‘I Caught Fire,’ ’All That I’ve Got’ and, of course, ‘A Box Full of Sharp Objects.’ McCracken addressed the crowd about his sobriety, and his revitalized force showed onstage as he sounded flawless. They also performed tracks off of their latest disc ‘Vulnerable,’ including‘I Come Alive,’ ‘Put Me Out,’ ‘Hands and Faces’ and ‘Now That You’re Dead.’ The crowd fed off of the energy of the band and it’s no wonder why the Used have maintained such a strong fanbase and powerful presence for well over a decade. Speaking of powerful presence, We Came As Romans rocked the house as crowd surfers made their way to the front while circle pits started up in the back. Vocalists Kyle Pavone and Dave Stephens ended the set by making their way into the crowd and handing their mics to some diehard fans for their voices to be heard. Crown The Empire, hailing from Dallas, and Brazillian metallers Mindflow kicked off the energetic night. For remaining dates where you can catch the Take Action tour, go here . Check Out Photos of The Used, We Came As Romans and Crown the Empire The Used: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire We Came As Romans: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Crown The Empire: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire
2013 Carolina Rebellion Festival The 2013 Carolina Rebellion festival lineup has been announced and, of course, it’s packed full of must-see bands. The North Carolina musical gathering with feature Soundgarden , Alice in Chains , Deftones , Limp Bizkit , Rise Against , Volbeat and many more. Entering its third year, the Carolina Rebellion festival is the Mid-Atlantic’s biggest rock festival and will return once again on May 4 & 5 at Rock City Campgrounds in Concord, North Carolina. The 2012 Carolina Rebellion was notable for guitarist Brian ‘Head’ Welch joining Korn onstage for the first time in seven years to perform ‘ Blind .’ Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath shares his excitement for the band’s upcoming Carolina Rebellion performance, stating: “After wrapping up our last U.S. tour, we were planning on recharging our batteries for a while, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play with the mighty Soundgarden in what will be one of the only shows we’ll play in the U.S. this year.” Frontman Michael Poulsen of Volbeat comments, “In Europe and the U.S., we have enjoyed the experiences that come from being a part of the festival environment, just as the fans do. Looking forward to Carolina Rebellion!” Tickets for the 2013 Carolina Rebellion festival will become available to buy on Feb. 8, but a special Internet pre-sale will begin on Feb. 6 at the Carolina Rebellion Facebook page and the fest’s official website . 2013 Carolina Rebellion Festival Lineup: Soundgarden Alice In Chains Limp Bizkit Rise Against Bush Deftones 3 Doors Down Three Days Grace Papa Roach Bullet For My Valentine Buckcherry Volbeat Halestorm Asking Alexandria All That Remains Steel Panther Device (with David Draiman) Hollywood Undead Sick Puppies In This Moment Escape The Fate Pop Evil Nonpoint Otherwise Aranda Thousand Foot Krutch Red Line Chemistry Young Guns Tracer American Fangs Heaven’s Basement Monstro [button href=”http://loudwire.com/2013-rock-on-the-range-soundgarden-alice-in-chains-korn-lamb-of-god-more/” title=”Next: See the 2013 Rock on the Range Lineup” align=”center”]
Kevin Winter, Getty Images Dave Grohl had perhaps the biggest and most impressive celebration for his ‘ Sound City ‘ film to date, with one rocker after another lining up to take the stage as part of his Sound City Players performance at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles Thursday night (Jan. 31). The gig followed a red-carpet premiere of the Grohl-directed documentary. We were lucky enough to attend the incredible concert, during which the one constant throughout the evening was Grohl, who performed on every single song, whether it be on drums, guitar or bass. The ‘Sound City’ mastermind started the evening on bass while his Queens of the Stone Age cohort Alain Johannes led the crowd through a rocking set that included the Queens album track ‘Hangin’ Tree’ as well as the ‘Sound City’ contribution ‘A Trick With No Sleeve.’ Masters of Reality’s Chris Goss was next, but his set was bolstered with some power drumming from Rage Against the Machine ‘s Brad Wilk. The hard rocking performance featured the infectious beat of ‘She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On)’ and the moody ‘Sound City’ soundtrack song ‘Time Slowing Down.’ Grohl stuck around on drums for a brief set featuring Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been. The performance included the ‘Sound City’ cut ‘Heaven and Hell’ as well as a sped-up, jammed out ‘Whatever Happened to My Rock and Roll.’ While the early performances were enjoyable, the energy level seemed to pick up with the introduction of Fear frontman Lee Ving and his “one-two-three-four” openings for every song. Ving got the amped up crowd rocking to the sing-along ‘I Love Living in the City’ and ‘Beef Bologna.’ There were smiles all around as Grohl and guitarist Pat Smear in particular got to exercise their hardcore roots and Hawkins was getting in some rapid-fire drumming. Arguably the rocking highlight of the night came next with Slipknot / Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor leading an inspired Cheap Trick set featuring that band’s own Rick Nielsen on guitar and a guest appearance by Nirvana ‘s Krist Novoselic on bass. Taylor whipped the crowd into a frenzy with ‘Hello There,’ making sure the “ladies and gentlemen” of the audience were “ready to rock.” For the first time during the evening, there was audible singing from the crowd on such favorites as ‘Ain’t That a Shame’ and ‘Surrender.’ During the latter track, one lucky audience member went home with a some vinyl as Nielsen tossed an old record into the crowd to coincide with one of the lyrics. Taylor also received a warm response for the recently debuted ‘ From Can to Can’t ‘ from the ‘Sound City’ soundtrack. The most levity of the evening came with Rick Springfield’s set, with the rocker visibly having a good time playing off drummer Taylor Hawkins , tossing his guitar in the air, and at one point getting a wry smile after missing a mark in ‘Love Is Alright Tonight.’ Dave Grohl joked around with Springfield throughout the set, offering the most stage banter of the evening. At one point he congratulated Springfield after the first three notes of ‘Jessie’s Girl’ rang out to loud cheers. Grohl laughingly joked that Springfield had truly made it by penning a song that everyone knew after hearing one second. Springfield also brought some good time rocking to the night with ‘I’ve Done Everything for You’ and ‘Love Somebody’ during his performance. For guitar lovers, former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty ‘s performance was a pure treat. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer expressed his joy at taking part and said that all of the people in the film had one thing in common — their love for Grohl. Fogerty’s performance consisted of such well known favorites as ‘Travelin’ Band,’ ‘Born on the Bayou,’ ‘Centerfield,’ ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘Bad Moon Rising’ and the full lineup appeared to be most in sync of any performance during the evening. But perhaps the biggest surprise in the set was the wicked guitar work laid down by Fogerty during the CCR track ‘Keep on Chooglin’,’ with much of the band laying back in awe before both Grohl and Chris Shiflett got in a full-on synchronized jam with Fogerty. Fully enjoying the moment, the rock vet threw his arm around Shiflett’s head and later hugged Grohl. Fogerty’s set ended with a duet with Grohl on the classic ‘Fortunate Son.’ Already clocking in at three-plus hours, the ‘Sound City Players’ concert rounded out with a huge response for Stevie Nicks . She returned the audience affection with a solid yet brief set that opened with ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’ and ‘Dreams,’ before taking things down with an intimate version of ‘Landslide’ with only Grohl on guitar and some brief accompaniment from Rami Jaffe on accordion and Jessy Greene on violin. Nicks and the entire Foo Fighters lineup finished out the night with a full-on jam of the Fleetwood Mac classic ‘Gold Dust Woman.’ In addition to all the great performances, the night also featured highlights from the ‘Sound City’ documentary which brought all the musicians together in the first place. The film is currently available for purchase as a download here and can be seen in select theaters across the U.S. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/dave-grohl-hopes-to-perform-sound-city-shows-around-the-world/” title=”Next: Dave Grohl Hopes to Bring ‘Sound City Players’ Around the World” align=”center”] Dave Grohl and Stevie Nicks at Sound City Players Concert in L.A. Kevin Winter, Getty Images Dave Grohl and John Fogerty at Sound City Players Concert in L.A. Kevin Winter, Getty Images