EA / Activision (2) Rock music and video games make for a brilliant marriage. Anyone who has ever sat down to play a Tony Hawk skating game has left with a library full of new favorite song. So, when one of your favorite musicians appears as a character within one of your favorite video games, even the most season gamer can’t help but feel giddy like a teenage girl before prom. From well-known cameos, to surprise appearances and unlockable characters, there are a myriad of rockers who have been immortalized in video game form, including members of Metallica , Nirvana , Limp Bizkit and many more. We’ve teamed up with a number of our partner sites for a list of musicians and celebrities who have starred in video games. Click below to check it out: [button href=”http://loudwire.com/metallica-tony-hawk-pro-skater” title=”See the Rock Stars Who Have Starred in Video Games” align=”center”]
Robert Cianflone, Getty Images Black Sabbath guitarist and master of the riff Tony Iommi has been welcomed into the National Guitar Museum Board of Advisors. Iommi strives to help preserve the legacy of the guitar through the traveling institution, which will showcase its unique exhibit in six different cities between now and September 2015. The National Guitar Museum ‘s traveling instillation, ‘Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World,’ launched its first show in 2011, proclaiming the guitar as “The Most Popular Instrument. Ever.” As metal music’s most important six-string strummer, Tony Iommi is a natural fit to bring additional credibility to the museum and exhibit. “I welcome the opportunity to be part of the National Guitar Museum’s goal to highlight the history of the guitar — the instrument that has been part of my life since I was a teenager,” states Iommi. “There is so much more to the guitar than six strings and a slab of wood. Everything about it is fascinating, from how it is crafted to the legion of people who have played it.” Adds HP Newquist, executive director of the NGM, ”Tony is one of the most important rock guitarists to ever pick up the instrument. His guitar playing has defined the sound of heavy metal for more than four decades, and he has influenced countless thousands — if not millions — of players. Tony’s also had a huge affect on the instrument itself, from establishing the Gibson SG as an iconic guitar on to his own innovations in pushing the boundaries of string and pickup technology.” Iommi has joined a legendary group of guitarists already on the museum’s Board of Advisors, including Steve Vai, Ritchie Blackmore ( Deep Purple , Rainbow), Johnny Winter, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Howe (Yes), Liona Boyd, Pat Kirtley and Pete Huttlinger. Once the National Guitar Museum completes its string of instillations, one U.S. city will be named the permanent home of the Museum. Meanwhile, Tony Iommi is currently competing for Rock Titan of the Year in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards. Place your vote here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com” title=”Former Black Sabbath Drummer Voices Tony Iommi Audiobook” align=”center”]
Photo by KOBARU Behemoth frontman Adam ‘Nergal’ Darski is one of metal’s most inspirational figures. After the black metal mastermind was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010, Nergal beat down an early mortality in heroic fashion. Now, with ever-improving health, Nergal was finally given the opportunity to meet the bone marrow donor who saved his life. “Thank you for life,” Nergal expressed to 25-year-old Gregory Kite upon meeting him for the first time. The black metal musician originally had no idea who his bone marrow donor was, but after two years of publicly stating that he wanted to meet his savior, it finally happened earlier today (Dec. 17). “The bottom line is that we won life, there are people, doctors who are struggling and want to win this life,” says Nergal, according to Polish news source tvn24.pl . “This is the core of everything.” Kite also spoke of the donor process that saved Nergal. “I had a series of tests,” begins Kite. “I passed it successfully.It turned out that I could give stem cells. The cell transfer procedure lasted several hours. It was painless.” Behemoth currently have only two tour dates scheduled for 2013, a slot at Impactfest in Warsaw, Poland and the See-Rock Festival in Graz, Austria, headlined by Iron Maiden , Slayer , Motorhead and more. [button href=”http://www.tvn24.pl/pomorze,42/dziekuje-ci-za-zycie-nergal-poznal-dawce-szpiku,294950.html” title=”Click here to watch Nergal meeting Gregory Kite on Polish TV” align=”center”]
Kevin Mazur, Getty Images We all know how awesome AC/DC ‘s music is, but their classic hard rock anthems appeal to people from all walks of life. Even British engineers rock out to ‘Highway to Hell’ while they’re on the job! They just happen to be using the song to test new laser technology for in-flight drones. You may remember a story that broke earlier this year, when AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ was blasted at immense volume at an Iranian nuclear power plant thanks to a computer hacker . Now, British engineers have chosen AC/DC for military drone testing … sound like a conspiracy, Dave Mustaine ? In fact, the laser technology that was tested using ‘Highway to Hell’ is being developed to make drones lighter and operate longer without having to refuel. EADS Innovation Works in Newport, UK, are working on the laser reflector, which they call ‘Dazzle.’ Since we’re not all that bright when it comes to complex engineering, check out this description of the laser reflector courtesy of Gizmodo : After the laser beam enters the reflector, it passes through a transparent switch, called a light modulator, that adds the digital zeroes and ones of the video data to the beam. The light then hits a mirror and is reflected back to the spot it came from – carrying the video data. The tech will allow a speed boost to 1 gigabit per second – easily allowing faster delivery of HD video, which struggles to top 20 megabits per second with radio frequencies. Scientist Yoann Thueux is that man who chose ‘Highway to Hell’ for the inaugural testing of the laser technology. “It was on my iPod and I thought it would be a good song to go first because I know it completely by heart,” says Thueux. “I’d be the first to tell if the technology was not working properly on playback.” As for the next song to be beamed into a drone, Thueux hopes to use one of his own band’s tracks, although Frank Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ has also been suggested. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/acdc-back-in-black-album-grammy-hall-of-fame/” title=”AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ Album Inducted Into Grammy Hall of Fame” align=”center”]
Facebook: Machine Head It’s been eight years since the tragic onstage murder of Pantera / Damageplan guitar legend ‘Dimebag’ Darrell Abbott , but the utter outpouring of love, respect and the desire to memorialize the man has not diminished one iota. Among those who honored Dimebag’s legacy this year are Robb Flynn and the rest of Machine Head . On Saturday, Dec. 8, the eighth anniversary of Dimebag’s passing, Machine Head performed a set in Atlanta, Ga. After concluding the song ‘Beautiful Mourning,’ Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn began to address the Atlanta audience about the death of Dimebag, along with the morbid and unfortunate anniversary day. “I’m sure all of you know, or maybe some of you don’t know, but today is Dec. 8th,” begins Flynn. “Eight years ago; this is f—ing mind-boggling to even believe, but eight years ago, Dimebag Darrell was killed onstage, man. The legacy that that man left in the world, the footprint that that dude left on the f—ing entire metal universe was unf—ing believable.” Flynn continues, “We called him a brother, man. We were friends. We had so many incredible drunken f—ing nights and hung over mornings on those two tours that we did with them. He was an amazing, amazing individual … We’re not here to celebrate his death, we’re here to celebrate his life right now, ladies and gentlemen.” After the heart-wrenching speech, Machine Head blasted into a cover of Pantera’s ‘F—ing Hostile,’ which received an explosive reaction from the crowd (watch below). Halfway across the country in Kansas City, Mo., Hellyeah , Lamb of God , In Flames and Sylosis were also paying tribute to the beloved guitarist by kicking back shots of Black Tooth Grin, Dimebag’s signature mix of whisky and Coke. Check out this fan-filmed footage of Machine Head performing ‘F—ing Hostile’ in Atlanta. Machine Head Cover Pantera’s ‘F—ing Hostile’ (Live)
Scott Gries, Getty Images This past Saturday, Dec. 8, marked the eight-year anniversary of Pantera / Damageplan guitarist ‘Dimebag’ Darrell Abbott ‘s tragic death. In his memory, Dimebag’s brother, Hellyeah / Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul , took a moment onstage in Kansas City, Mo., to memorialize the fallen guitar legend as he brought tour mates Lamb of God , In Flames and Sylosis onstage for a round of Black Tooth Grin shots. The Black Tooth Grin was essential in the diet of Dimebag Darrell, and has become part of the Pantera subculture. The recipe is simple: whisky with a splash of Coca-Cola in shot form. As one of the onstage consumers of the Black Tooth Grin, Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe took to his Instagram account to document the entire Dimebag tribute night on the morbid anniversary. Blythe writes: Tonight’s show in Kansas City was an emotional one for us on this tour, especially the Hellyeah guys. Eight years ago (December 8th 2004) a crazy man jumped onstage and killed Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott in front of two members of Hellyeah, one of which, of course, is his brother Vinnie Paul. This night changed EVERYTHING for those of us in metal bands- something had been taken away from us, & it wasn’t justDime. It was our care free sorta attitude- this sort of thing just didn’t happen in OUR SCENE. But it did, & we are all the worse for it. Things have changed, but we still are out here.Vinnie & Bobzilla are still out here rocking their balls off- they have my utmost respect for that. I don’t know if I would step foot on a stage again after witnessing & going through what they did. But they are musicians- plus Dime woulda wanted it that way- you can bet your ass on that. The other day Vinnie came to me & said “Hey man, can we have a few extra moments in Kansas City to have a drink in memory of Dime?” Are you kidding me? OF COURSE. So tonight, the whole damn tour, every member of every band, got up on that stage & had a drink in his honor. It felt like family to me, in those best moments of tour when you all are there together, doing this incredible thing, as a FAMILY. I wish Dime coulda been there in person with us. But it’s like I said tonight onstage- a mad man’s bullet can take this mortal shell, but TRUE LEGENDS NEVER DIE. We keep them alive, all of us, when we come together band & audience & do this thing we all love so much. RIP Dime- see ya on the other side bro! Check out this fan filmed footage of the entire tour lineup partaking in a memorial Black Tooth Grin for the legendary Dimebag Darrell: Lamb of God, Hellyeah, In Flames + Sylosis Drink Black Tooth Grins Onstage [button href=”http://loudwire.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-dimebag-darrell-abbott/” title=”Next: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Dimebag Darrell” align=”center”]
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Avenged Sevenfold are starting to map out their 2013 plans that includes the likely release of a new album and a return to the road. One of the major stops on their upcoming itinerary will be at the Rock in Rio festival, which has become a favorite stopping place over the years. Singer M. Shadows told G1 that they’re anxious to join Iron Maiden and Metallica on the festival bill and will happily play alongside Maiden on the “Metal Day,” Sept. 22, 2013. The vocalist says, “I love Iron Maiden. We’ve done some touring with them in Europe. We are part of that case that each one has its specific fan base, but there are many people who like both the bands, who have the passion for metal [and] like this kind of sound. [We] can’t wait to be part of this festival. Luckily, I know the Brazilian fans of Iron Maiden like our music.” Avenged Sevenfold, a veteran of the 2008, 2010 and 2011 Rock in Rio festivals, says they may also use the festival as a springboard to play other shows in South America. Shadows says, “We’re talking to Metallica and Iron Maiden to [find out] what they will do before and after the Rock in Rio. So, there’s a chance to take the fall and make at least two more shows. We are still seeing [at this point].” The singer says the band is happy to have reached the stage that they are at, selling plenty of records despite not bowing to pop-rock to do so. Shadows explains, “It is possible and we’re not the only example. Iron Maiden and Metallica are two of the greatest bands of all time and [stayed away] from pop. Pantera did well on the charts and has one of the best selling albums of all-time. You have to build a fan club, have to do a good job in the alternative scene and then know how to grow it up. Pop music listeners will not buy our records. We just want to play heavy rock.” At present the band is working on a new record and they have the ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops II’ song ‘ Carry On ‘ keeping fans interested while they complete the upcoming disc. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/avenged-sevenfold-singer-m-shadows-were-introducing-new-drummer-to-pantera-metallica/” title=”Next: Avenged Sevenfold Introduce New Drummer to Pantera + Metallica” align=”center”]