Jason Merritt / Scott Harrison, Getty Images Guns N’ Roses just completed their ‘Appetite for Democracy’ residency in Las Vegas on Nov. 24, and fans who attended the final two shows were gifted with an pleasant surprise. Former GN’R guitarist Izzy Stradlin joined the band onstage for a number of songs throughout the band’s sets, including ’14 Years,’ ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,’ Used to Love Her’ and ‘Paradise City.’ It’s difficult to gauge the relationship between Stradlin and GN’R singer Axl Rose is in modern times, but there seems to be a mutual admiration for one another. In May 2006, Stradlin joined GN’R onstage in New York City for the first time in 13 years, and earlier this year, Stradlin performed with Guns at London’s O2 Arena. It should be noted that both Rose and Stradlin skipping Guns N’ Roses’ 2012 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Known to be somewhat of a recluse in his personal life, Stradlin thrilled die-hard GN’R fans during the Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 Vegas dates, playing six tracks during one show and five the following day. Check out video footage of ’14 Years’ below. Stradlin has released 11 studio albums since 1992, with his most recent musical contribution being the new single ‘ Baby-Rann .’ Could Stradlin’s increasingly frequent GN’R live cameos lead to something monumental in the future? We’ll be watching for it, so stay tuned as more Guns N’ Roses news continues to break. Guns N’ Roses with Izzy Stradlin Perform ’14 Years’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/izzy-stradlin-releases-new-single-baby-rann/” title=”Listen to Izzy Stradlin’s New Single ‘Baby-Rann'” align=”center”]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire It’s been quite a year for DevilDriver , as they began 2012 as part of the Metal Alliance tour with Arch Enemy and recently finished up a massive U.S. trek with GWAR. During DevilDriver’s stop in Brooklyn, N.Y., we caught up with frontman Dez Fafara , who dished on the band’s new album and expressed his excitement about joining Napalm Records’ roster. He also took a look back on DevilDriver’s 2011 release ‘Beast.’ How would you describe your relationship with GWAR and the rest of the roster on this tour? We’ve been friends with GWAR for a long time; we toured with them six or seven years ago it was one of the funnest tours we ever did. We know everybody, we know the Cancer Bats really well, we’ve toured with them before – it was my ideas to put the Bats on as well and it ended up happening so it’s been really killer so far. Everyone’s just hanging out and having a great time. No doubt you have toured with numerous bands but is there one band or musician you would love to tour with that you haven’t gotten a chance to tour with yet? We did some shows with Metallica but they were festivals but I would love to do a Metallica tour – every band is going to say that. Other than that, there’s a lot of artists out there that I would still love to work with of course. With all of this touring what is one thing you must bring on tour with you, no electronics? I bring my own blankets because there’s been a million musicians sleeping in those bunks and on those mattresses so I bring my own blankets, my own sheets, my own pillow, my own everything. If you tour like we do and I take the same bunk every time in different buses. Any creepy findings in one of your tour buses? Oh yeah, I got really ill about a year ago on a tour and they couldn’t figure out why was so ill. It was about two weeks into it and I was coughing up black s—t, we finally stripped my bunk down and we turned over the bunk and the whole thing – the bottom was covered in black mold. Somebody had spilled a drink in there or whatever and left it over the course of time and it was just getting me really sick. Other than that I’ve never experienced other creepy crawlies, you’ll see spiders in buses sometimes but we tend to let those guys out and let them live ‘cause they’ve already had a hard road. Congratulations on your new home of Napalm Records – what made your guys decide on this move? They have passion. I think when the whole folding of Roadrunner was happening, they were … letting a bunch of other people go – I had been there a long time, I think they decided, I decided, we all decided that it was just time to part ways. Napalm has a massive amount of passion for heavy metal, they love the band. When we met with the owner, he was like “I love the band.” He knew songs and it was like okay, “This is a guy who’s entrenched in our music so we want him behind it.” We’re also with Roadrunner still overseas in Australia and New Zealand so it’s good to be with them still over there. The United States label itself has changed and I forsee in the next year, it’s just going to fold completely in probably to Warner, I would imagine. With people in the UK that I’ve worked with forever, press people and others – when they lose their job, it’s time to go, start over and I’m not afraid of that. A lot of people are afraid of moving into a new house but it’s awesome to do and decorate it new and make it happen again, make it feel alive so that’s what’s happening with DevilDriver and Napalm right now. We’re excited for the record, they’re excited for the record – I think Napalm needs a flagship in the United States and I think we could be it for them and I think their press people and they think we could be it for them, too. We’re going to go gunnin’ with this next record and see the numbers – I’m predicting both higher sales and a higher chart position than what Roadrunner offered us. So we’ll see. What’s the progress on the next album? Songs are all written – I’m six songs in right now, written, we’ve got two covers that we’re going to be doing. We’re looking at a late fall – sometime between late August and late September, kind of hard to quote me right because we’re just looking for that release space but I believe that’s when the time is going to be. So this is the last time DevilDriver will be in the United Stated at least until September, October of next year. We’re taking a whole year away from the States to just let it marinate and then come on back on the new record. What do you think the vibe will be like for this new album? Every record is different, that being said I thought ‘Pray For Villains’ was kind of an out of the box record for us, I thought ‘Beast’ was a weird out of the box record for us – we’ve kind honed back in to where we are. This new record sounds a lot like the first three records, it’s got an intense groove to it and I’m really happy – the writing is going extremely well. That being said I think we’ve laid back on our laurels right now and be like, “We’re a groove band” the fans started calling us The Groove Machine, The California Groove Machine – everybody needs a title, we’ll take that one and we’re going to give them that on the new record for sure. It’s been well over a year since the release of ‘Beast.’ Looking back on it, what does Dez the music fan love about that album? A weird record for us, I’m not going to lie, when I sat down – the arrangements everything, it was a weird record to write. When it came out we knew it was just an out of the box, aggressive record for us and it got a lot of positive feedback. All of the accolades that it got, I didn’t know if I expected that reaction. Now looking back in hindsight, we needed that, we to just do something apart from ourselves and that’s what has led us now to where we are with the new record which is like, “Let’s really hone in on the songwriting on this one, let’s make sure the arrangements are really tight.” Everyone’s really excited. Looking back on ‘Beast’ we worked really hard, we toured really hard on it and it did what it was supposed to do for us which was put our sound out there in a unique way and make sure that we didn’t follow any kind of course of anybody else and we laid our own path, which we’ve been doing since we started. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/gwar-brooklyn-tour-stop/” title=”Check Out Photos of DevilDriver Performing in New York City” align=”center”]
MagnaCarta.net / Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images Geoff Tate has yet to play his first gig with his newly created Queensryche lineup and already he’s down one member. Tate revealed earlier this year that former Megadeth and King Diamond guitarist Glen Drover would be part of his version of the band, but Drover has just announced his exit. Back in early September, Tate revealed that Drover would join Ratt drummer Bobby Blotzer, former Quiet Riot bassist Rudy Sarzo, keyboardist Randy Gane, and Tate’s onetime Queensryche cohort Kelly Gray in a reconstructed lineup so that he could continue playing his band’s music after being ousted by the other Queensryche members earlier this year. Drover said in his exit statement: I am really sorry to say that I have decided to bow out of Geoff Tate’s Queensryche. I was very excited about doing this gig initially, but learned in the past week or so that it’s in my best interest not to do this right now. I feel really bad for those who were excited about the idea, and to Geoff himself, who, I have to say, was very nice to me on my past trip to Seattle. I, of course, am very disappointed for arriving at this point, and making this decision, to say the least. I sincerely wish the Geoff and the band all the luck on what they do in the future. Tate and his former bandmates have been locked in a legal battle over the rights to the Queensryche name and both have received permission from the presiding judge in the case to use the moniker until a final decision is rendered. At present, Tate is promoting his ‘ Kings & Thieves ‘ solo record, but he has hinted at touring with the new lineup next year. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/geoff-tate-wins-court-ruling-continue-using-queensryche-name/” title=”Next: Geoff Tate Wins Court Ruling to Continue Using Queensryche Name” align=”center”]
Razor & Tie All That Remains are major fans of America’s servicemen and women, and, as they discovered during a trip to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the love and respect coming back at them from the troops was definitely mutual. According to the Camp Lejeune Globe , the band recently dropped by to share their respect for the community, families, and service members of base. Singer Phil Labonte says, “It’s cool to be able to do something like this and give back to the Marines.” Labonte himself was briefly a part of the Marine Corps as a mortar trainee before medical issues forced him out, but the rocker’s wife has served three deployments. He says, “I don’t rate. There are Marines out there who have done some real things. My wife is a Marine. She has deployed to Iraq twice and Afghanistan once. She’s done all the real stuff. I don’t count.” “The military is voluntary,” says Labonte. “It makes the commitment more valuable. We were at war for the past 10 years. People don’t join just for college anymore. [Service members] definitely have my support.” The band recently released the new single ‘ Stand Up ,’ which has already become a favorite amongst service members. Cpl. Eric Mascio stated, “This is what I workout to everyday. On deployments, we listen to it all the time. It’s the same music as our mentality. The military is a big fan base for metal bands.” Melissa Patterson praised Labonte for his dedication to the military, adding, “It’s awesome he’s a former Marine. As the saying goes, ‘Once a Marine, always a Marine.’ He’s keeping it real and bringing it back to the men and women he served with. He hasn’t gotten too big for the Marines.” The group staged a meet-and-greet during lunch hours, with many of those in attendance bringing guitars, posters and uniform caps for the band members to sign. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/all-that-remains-phil-labonte-talks-military-religion-a-war-you-cannot-win/” title=”Next: Phil Labonte Discusses the Military” align=”center”] ?
Jason Merritt, Getty Images Being sidelined after surgery isn’t exactly a pleasant experience, but Perry Farrell has made the most of it by enjoying a creative burst that has resulted in as much as 60 potential new songs for the next Jane’s Addiction album. He tells Rolling Stone , “I haven’t written this much or been this prolific since I started when I was in my 20s. It’s been coming out fantastic. I’m super excited. Everything will really start to jell and come together probably this time next year.” Farrell says that he enjoyed working on the band’s latest album, ‘The Great Escape Artist,’ and admitted that some of the themes of that record may carry over to the new material. He explains, however, that “it’s not going to be [a continuation of] ‘The Great Escape Artist.’ I had thought that it would be a great idea. However, I just came up with this other twist to doing the next record. At this point, I want to start fresh with a fresh angle.” Farrell says that he plans to begin mapping out the band’s follow-up by as early as January. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/janes-addiction-dave-navarro-joins-sons-of-anarchy-cast/” title=”Next: Jane’s Addiction’s Dave Navarro Cast on ‘Sons of Anarchy'” align=”center”]
Backstreet Merch The holiday shopping season is officially upon us. So for those who are looking to score some awesome rock and metal presents in December, we’ve got some suggestions which both kids and adults should add to their lists. From a demonically ugly/awesome Slayer Christmas sweater to cool CDs to rocking stockings to concert tickets to more intentionally ugly sweaters, we’ve got your shopping list covered. So, get out your devil horns and wallets, and take a look at this handy-dandy rock + metal holiday gift guide: Slayer Christmas Sweater ‘Tis the season for awful Christmas sweaters! With that excitement in mind, we’re pleased to say that without fail, that Slayer have given all metalheads an extra item to add to their wish lists. Going to an ugly sweater party? Tired of your grandparents cranking up the heat to 90 degrees every time they visit for the holidays? Want to worship the dark lord twined within the wool of sacrificial lambs? Yes? Then this sweater is for you! This blood red and eternal black treasure is warmer than the depths of hell, while covered in skull and pentagrams for all your sacrilegious holiday needs! Buy a Slayer Christmas Sweater ‘Rage Against the Machine XX’ This next item is perfect for parents who want to be the coolest adults on the block. Perhaps you used to rock out to Rage Against the Machine and wanna show your kid how hip you are, or you’ve never heard of the legendary band, but wanna prove that you’re not Mr. and Mrs. Square. Just in time for the holidays, RATM are releasing some awesome special 20th anniversary editions of their self-titled debut album. The most lavish version, which you will purchase for your kid (or yourself), contains two CDs, two DVDs, one 12″ 180gm vinyl LP, a 40-page booklet and a two-sided poster. Buy ‘Rage Against the Machine XX’ Metallica, ‘Quebec Magnetic’ DVD/Blu-ray Need something for that Metallica fan in your life? Well, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for the band’s new concert DVD/Blu-ray release, ‘Quebec Magnetic,’ which hits stores Dec. 10. The release was filmed over a two-night 2009 performance in Quebec City, Canada. The two setlists were presented to fans, who ultimately chose the one they wanted as the main concert on the DVD. But as a bonus, the band included bonus songs from the other night, as well. That adds up to 26 Metallica tunes blasting in your face! Buy Metallica’s ‘Quebec Magnetic’ Here Victory Records Holiday Sweaters Did somebody say, “More sweaters?!?!?!?!” Well, Victory Records is selling a whole mess of them for the Christmas season. The record label has created an obscene amount of intentionally ugly Christmas sweaters from bands such as Emmure , Otep, Continents, The Bunny The Bear, Close Your Eyes and even one with the label’s trademark bulldog on the front. You’ll never have to be embarrassed by your out-of-touch relatives again! Buy Victory Records’ Holiday Sweaters Tony Iommi, ‘Iron Man’ Book You didn’t ask for Tony Iommi ‘s autobiography last year?! That was an unfortunate mistake on your part, but luckily for you, a second chance is in the cards. On Dec. 11, ‘Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath ‘ is being released on paperback, so you’ll still be able to read about Iommi’s tumultuous childhood, accidentally cutting off two of his fingers, the rise of Sabbath, battles with addiction and much more. Buy Tony Iommi’s ‘Iron Man’ Book Soundgarden Concert Tickets After adding Soundgarden ‘s new album ‘King Animal’ to your holiday wish list, make sure you don’t forget to ask for tickets to a show on the band’s 2013 tour. Once you unwrap your beloved new Soundgarden CD, you’ll be able to spend some quality time with the album before hearing the tracks live. The North American tour starts on Jan. 18 in Washington, D.C. and concludes in Los Angeles on Feb. 16. Buy Soundgarden Concert Tickets Death, ‘Spiritual Healing’ Deluxe Reissue One of the greatest death metal albums ever made has just been re-released with a ton of new material. Death ‘s ‘Spiritual Healing’ is back with a vengeance 22 years after it first saw the dark of night. This reissue is a must-have because it contains a remastered version of the original album, 16 previously unreleased rehearsal outtakes, instrumentals and jams from the ‘Spiritual Healing’ recording sessions and a full live performance recorded on March 17, 1990, in New York. Buy Death, ‘Spiritual Healing’ Deluxe Edition KISS Christmas Stockings Although Gene Simmons may be celebrating Hanukkah this year, that doesn’t stop him from embracing the Christmas spirit of giving … as long as you’re willing to give him money first. As you can imagine, there is a mountain of Kiss Christmas merchandise, but the coolest chotchkies available are certainly the Kiss boot stockings. You can be the lucky owner of a ‘Demon Dragon’ or ‘Starchild’ boot stocking for just $40 or less! If that seem a bit much for your wallet, you can always grab one of over 25 different Kiss ornaments. Seriously. Buy the KISS Stocking Chevelle, ‘Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites’ Chevelle have been pounding out quality rock music for more than a decade now, and they’ve compiled their greatest hits into a new compilation called ‘Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites.’ The disc features the band’s radio staples like ‘The Red’ and ‘Send the Pain Below,’ along with newer hits like ‘Face to the Floor’ and ‘Hats Off to the Bull.’ You’ll even get a brand new song titled ‘Fizgig.’ Buy Chevelle’s ‘Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites’ at iTunes Marilyn Manson’s ‘Mansinthe’ Finally … Christmas Day is over. You’ve put your hyperactive kids to bed and thrown your Christmas tree out the window, and it’s time to kick back and relax with the perfect gift for heavy metal parents: Marilyn Manson brand Absinthe! Chase the Green Fairy with Marilyn Manson’s favorite beverage. You’ll be bleaching your skin white and dating supermodels in no time! Buy ‘Mansinthe’ What Do You Want for the Holiday Season? Share your personal wish lists with us in the comments section below!
Getty Images AC/DC ‘s ’Back in Black’ album is among the pack of new titles entering the Grammy Hall of Fame this year. The band’s classic 1980 disc joins more than 900 recordings that make up the Grammy Hall’s collection. This marks the 40th year of the Grammy Hall, and Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow says , “It’s especially important to note that these entries continue the tradition of including a wide variety of recordings that have inspired and influenced both fans and music makers for generations. Memorable for being both culturally and historically significant, we are proud to add them to our growing catalog of outstanding recordings that have become apart of our musical, social and cultural history.” The addition of AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ in the Grammy Hall of Fame partly makes up for the band being overlooked at the Grammy Awards over the years. AC/DC have received seven Grammy nominations, but only have one Grammy statue — Best Hard Rock Performance for ‘War Machine’ in 2010 — to their credit. It is also significant as ‘Back in Black’ is one of the very few hard rock albums ever to be inducted. There is the qualification that a recording must be at least 25 years old. ‘Back in Black’ is one of 27 new recordings chosen this year, entering alongside such major acts as Paul McCartney & Wings, Elton John , Billy Joel , Bob Dylan , Frank Sinatra, and Whitney Houston . To find out more about the Grammy Hall of Fame, check here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/favorite-acdc-album-readers-poll/” title=”Next: Favorite AC/DC Album – Readers Poll” align=”center”]