NewsBLITZ: HEAVEN AND HELL TO TOUR IN AUGUST!

Heaven and Hell—Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice—just released new album The Devil You Know and have now announced a late summer North American jaunt to support the CD.

Photo By: Chapman Baehler/Rhino Entertainment

Progressive metal band Coheed and Cambria—who recently released the Neverender box set—will open each show (except in Seattle where Neurosis will handle the job).

Tickets for most shows go on sale this upcoming weekend.

Heaven and Hell tour dates are as follows:

Aug 7: Thunderbird Arena—Vancouver, BC
Aug 8: WaMu Theater—Seattle, WA
Aug. 10: Event Center Arena—San Jose, CA
Aug. 11: Greek Theater—Los Angeles, CA
Aug. 12: Dodge Theater—Phoenix, Az
Aug. 14: Journal Pavilion—Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 15: Red Rocks—Denver, CO
Aug. 18: PNC Pavilion—Cincinnati, OH
Aug. 19: Charter One Pavilion—Chicago, IL
Aug. 21: Meadow Brook Pavilion—Detroit, MI
Aug. 22: Nautica Pavilion—Cleveland, OH
Aug. 23: Merriweather Post Pavilion—Baltimore, MD
Aug. 25: WaMu Theater @ MSG—New York City, NY
Aug. 27: Chevrolet Theatre—Wallingford, CT
Aug. 28: Band Of America Pavilion—Boston, MA

For more information on Heaven and Hell, click here.

REGIS GOES METAL!

Regis Philbin let his inner metalhead out this morning on Live! with Regis and Kelly. Check out his headbanging performance of Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" with Constantine Maroulis and the rest of the cast of Broadway's Rock of Ages:

How could you not love Reege!?!

NewsBLITZ: ROB HALFORD'S METAL GOD APPAREL

Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has launched his own clothing line—Metal God Apparel.


Metal God Apparel is currently offering 12 pieces—11 T-shirts and one ladies' long sleeve thermal—featuring unique designs on each. The tops can be purchased for pre-sale right now (original prices are $55 and $65), however the items will not be shipped until June 15.

Pray For Rock & Roll Tee

Sacred Women's Thermal

The edgy apparel line will soon offer more items for men and women as well as youth and teen stuff.

According to the company, Metal God Apparel uses "cotton tees integrating the newest fashion technology resulting in an extremely attractive, lightweight, soft-to-touch, active wear for today's global music audiences."

Visit MetalGodApparel.com for more details.

MUSIC CHOICE GETS RID OF ARENA ROCK

Music Choice recently switched up its line-up of channels and got rid of my favorite station: Arena Rock!!!

They replaced it with a new channel called Retro Rock. At first, I was doing okay. I heard Slaughter, Twisted Sister and the Scorpions. But then...oh God no...it was Bush, The Screaming Trees and other bland, generic acts from the '90s. I was very upset!

People that love rock music from the 1980s DO NOT like rock music from the 1990s. Everyone is aware of this...except the folks over at Music Choice.

The company claims to have "analyzed the results from an independent study, reviewed ongoing customer feedback and researched music industry trends to develop its new channel line-up." However, these results are certainly inaccurate.

I filled out the "Comments Form" on Music Choice's website to complain about this new channel and to request that they bring Arena Rock back. If you'd like to do the same, click here.

At least I still have Hair Nation on Sirius!

NewsBLITZ: CREED REUNITES!

After months (years!) of speculation, Creed's original lineup is reuniting for a new album and tour.

The Florida-based band—Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Scott Phillips and Brian Marshall—has sold close to 35 million albums worldwide since their debut in 1997 and was the first act to have seven consecutive number one rock radio singles.

"We're all very excited to reconnect with our fans and each other after six long years," says guitarist Tremonti.

Drummer Phillips adds: "Our career as Creed came to a very abrupt and unforeseen ending. After reflecting on some of the greatest personal and professional moments of our lives, we've come to realize that we are still very capable of continuing that career and our friendship on a grander scale than ever before."

Bassist Marshall continues: "This is a development we are all happy about. It has been a long time since the four of us have taken the stage together and, without hesitation or reservation, this is something all of us are in to. The anticipation to get back out there is electrifying."

"It's amazing how life can change and bring you full circle," states singer Stapp. "Time gave us all a chance to reflect, grow and gain a deeper appreciation of our friendships, artistic chemistry, passion for music, and sincere love for our fans! It's rare in life to get a second chance to make a first impression and we embrace the opportunity. We all believe the best is yet to come!"

People.com is reporting that the new record Creed is working on is tentatively titled Full Circle. One of the songs Stapp already penned is "Milan Song," written about his 2-year-old daughter. "She's my twin soul, my light," Stapp says. "I do whatever she wants."

Creed reunion tour dates are as follows:
Aug. 6: Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 8: Darien Lakes, NY
Aug. 9: Hershey, PA
Aug. 11: Saratoga Springs, NY
Aug. 13: Philadelphia, PA
Aug. 15: Wantagh, NY
Aug. 16: Holmdel, NJ
Aug. 18: Boston, MA
Aug. 20: Hartford, CT
Aug. 21: Washington, DC
Aug. 22: Virginia Beach, VA
Aug. 25: Detroit, MI
Aug. 26: Cleveland, OH
Aug. 28: Cincinnati, OH
Aug. 29: Indianapolis, IN
Aug. 30: Chicago, IL
Sept. 1: Milwaukee, WI
Sept. 2: Columbus, OH
Sept. 4: Raleigh, NC
Sept. 5: Charlotte, NC
Sept. 11: Atlanta, GA
Sept. 12: Birmingham, AL
Sept. 15: Orlando, FL
Sept. 16: West Palm Beach, FL
Sept. 18: Lafayette, LA
Sept. 19: New Orleans, LA
Sept. 20: Bossier City, LA
Sept. 22: Dallas, TX
Sept. 24: San Antonio, TX
Sept. 25: Houston, TX
Sept. 27: Las Vegas, NV
Sept. 29: Glendale, AZ
Sept. 30: Irvine, CA
Oct. 2: Salt Lake City, UT
Oct. 3: Denver, CO
Oct. 6: Minneapolis, MN
Oct. 7: Omaha, NE
Oct. 9: Tulsa, OK
Oct. 10: Kansas City, MO
Oct. 13: St. Louis, MO
Oct. 14: Nashville, TN

For more information on Creed, click here.

New Seanda Paul Song - it's definitely Summertime

Check it out: "So Fine," the premiere track off Sean Paul's upcoming album IMPERIAL BLAZE in stores and online Tuesday August, 18th. Listen to the track on his site, AllSeanPaul.com and play a fun game with me and my co-workers - we're trying to figure out what he's saying when he sings fast. I definitely think i heard the word SWINE. But maybe I'm just so freaked out about the swine flu epidemic that it's on the brain :(

NewsBLITZ: NEW YORK DOLLS TOUR DATES

The legendary proto-punk glam rock band the New York Dolls have announced some new tour tour dates starting next month. The 36-year-old band—featuring original members David Johansen (vocals) and Sylvain Sylvain (guitar)—will be supporting their May 5 Atco release Cause I Sez So.

New York Dolls tour dates are as follows:

May 20: Belly Up Tavern—Solana Beach, CA

May 21: Henry Fonda Theater—Los Angeles, CA

May 22: House Of Blues—Anaheim, CA

May 24: Grand Ballroom—San Francisco, CA

May 26: Berbati's Pan—Portland, OR

May 27: El Corazon—Seattle, WA

May 28: Richard's On Richards—Vancouver, BC

May 31: Bluebird Theater—Denver, CO

June 2: Diamond Ballroom—Oklahoma City, OK

June 3: House Of Blues—Dallas, TX

June 4: House Of Blues—Houston, TX

June 5: Emo's—Austin, TX

June 7: House Of Blues—New Orleans, LA

June 9: State Theatre—St. Petersburg, FL

June 10: House Of Blues—Orlando, FL

June 13: Center Stage—Atlanta, GA

Rockers and Dope

From todays Page Six (I don't know if I I'm laughing or filled with fear):

ELTON John, during a party in the 1970s before he became sober, allegedly took so much Valium, he jumped into a hotel pool and shouted, 'I'm going to die,' " according to "Everybody Must Get Stoned: Rock Stars on Drugs," out this week from Citadel. The author, who calls himself R.U. Sirius although his name is Ken Goffman, reports: "His grandma commented: 'I suppose we're going to have to go home now.' " In the book's other "twisted highlights or lowlights" of rock 'n' roll:

* Iggy Pop and the Stooges between 1969 and '70 injected "massive amounts of drugs, mostly heroin. When setting up a hit, the Stooges would squirt the blood out of their syringes and shoot it all over the walls and ceilings."

* A friend of Jim Morrison recalls that the Doors frontman -- who would later die of an accidental overdose -- would "lean up against the bar, order eight screwdrivers, put down six Tuinals on the bar, drink two or three screwdrivers, take two Tuinals," be pleasured by a groupie, and then down more booze and drugs.

* When Dee Dee Ramone gave the Sex Pistols star Sid Vicious speed, "Vicious pulled out a syringe, stuck it into a toilet filled with puke, and then loaded it with speed and shot himself up."

* Ozzy Osbourne once told High Times he was poolside when he offered a stranger coke. "He goes, 'No, no, no.' I'm whacking this stuff up my nose . . . [and] I say, 'What do you do?' "He says, 'I work for the government . . . for the drug squad.' I sez, 'You're [bleep]ing joking.' He shows me his badge. I [bleep]in' flipped -- flames were coming out of my fingers, man. He says, 'Oh, you're all right. I'm the guy that got you the coke.' "

TV ALERT: THAT METAL SHOW SEASON FINALE

Show: That Metal Show (with guests Ronnie James Dio & Geezer Butler of Heaven & Hell)
Premiere Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Time: 11PM
Channel: VH1 Classic

Hosts Jim Florentine, Eddie Trunk and Don Jamieson

The season finale of That Metal Show is this Saturday night, April 25, and the cohosts are welcoming legendary musicians Ronnie James Dio and Geezer Butler to the show. The singer and bassist of Heaven & Hell will be discussing their brand new album The Devil You Know.

"We don't know exactly when we will be doing new shows," says Eddie Trunk on his website about the future of That Metal Show. "I'll let you know when we roll again—probably closer to Sept."

Why Can't Motley Crue Kiss Dr. Feelgood GOODBYE?

I know I harp on this way too much, but guys it ain't 1987 anymore so please let "Dr. Feelgood" die. It lived an amazing life but it's time to let go! Yeah yeah, I realize it's possible that it somehow ties in with the finale of "Bones" - where Crue will perform the song on May 14th. Ehhh.

David Duchovny is Back to CaliFORNICATING

Filming of Californication Season 3 has begun! While Hank Moody is stuck in Hell-A, I'm hoping to catch some filming in NYC where Karen is here "working" (which will likely lead to her fucking someone else and throwing a wrench in the relationship again). As for David Duchovny in the real world my guess is he and Tae Leoni went on that romantic getaway last month because once he gets back into the Hank Moody role full swing, it'll be back to full time fornication addiction again.

PAPA ROACH FEATURE

Check out CherylBLITZ's article on the awesome Papa Roach, for Aspire College Magazine, right now by clicking here!

NewsBLITZ: AEROSMITH & ZZ TOP TEAM UP FOR TOUR!

Another exciting tour has been announced for this summer: Classic rockers Aerosmith and ZZ Top will spend three months out on the road together!

The tour—sponsored by the Guitar Hero: Aerosmith video game—kicks off in St. Louis on June 10. Select tickets for the jaunt will go on sale this Friday, April 17, at LiveNation.com.

"I have always been a huge fan of ZZ Top," says Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry. "I toured with them with the Joe Perry Project and those shows were unforgettable. With ZZ Top on this bill, it will definitely kick us into overdrive."

See the ad below for tour dates:

NewsBLITZ: BON JOVI DOCUMENTARY HITS TRIBECA FILM FEST

Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful, a documentary about the much-loved rock band, will premiere as a work in progress screening at this year's Tribeca Film Festival. The initial screening will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Two additional screenings will take place on Thursday, April 30, and Saturday, May 2, 2009.

The documentary, directed by filmmaker and photographer Phil Griffin and produced by Academy Award and Emmy-winning producers @radical.media, captures the band on the road and behind-the-scenes during their 2008 Lost Highway World Tour, including Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres and David Bryan's historic concert in New York City’s Central Park and their two sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden.

“Nothing says rock ‘n’ roll more than Bon Jovi,” says Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal. “This compelling documentary gives you a glimpse behind-the-scenes of one of the great rock bands and unveils how they have stayed on top for the past 25 years. Jon has been a stalwart supporter and remarkable friend to our Festival, making it incredibly exciting to premier the Bon Jovi Story at Tribeca.”

Adds director Griffin: “Throughout the process of working with Bon Jovi, I was amazed at the candor and humility Jon and his band showed me. The result is not a neatly wrapped up bundle of staged interviews and musical interludes, but rather a series of open and sometimes difficult conversations, explored against a backdrop of music spanning 25 years. It is a film about the peace of Tico, the complexity of Richie, the drive of Jon and the brutal honesty of Dave. It is their willingness to share their stories that gives us what I hope is a very human story—that humanity is what I believe has seen this band stand the test of time.”

Visit the Tribeca Film Festival's website for more details.

NewsBLITZ: AC/DC ADD MORE U.S. SHOWS TO WORLD TOUR!

AC/DC continue touring behind their latest album—the double platinum Black Ice—this summer with 9 additional U.S. concerts. Here are the tour dates:

July 28: Gillette Stadium—Foxborough, MA
July 31: Giants Stadium—East Rutherford, NJ
Aug. 16: Palace of Auburn Hills—Detroit, MI
Aug. 18: Van Andel Arena—Grand Rapids, MI
Aug. 30: Tacoma Dome—Tacoma, WA
Sept. 2: HP Pavillion—San Jose, CA
Sept. 4: Staples Center—Los Angeles, CA
Sept. 6: Sports Arena—San Diego, CA
Sept. 8: Honda Center—Anaheim, CA

For more information, visit AC/DC's official website.

NewsBLITZ: HARD ROCK CAFE NOW OPEN IN DA BRONX!

On April 2, a brand new Hard Rock Cafe began serving food and drinks in The Bronx at the brand new Yankee Stadium. On hand for the opening day festivities were New York musicians like guitarist Ace Frehley (ex-KISS), Run-D.M.C.'s Darryl McDaniels and Anthrax's Scott Ian and Frank Bello along with Yankee slugger/musician Bernie Williams.

MusikBLITZ could not make it to the event, but our good friend Ken Pierce of PiercingMetal.com has full coverage on his site. Check it out by clicking here.

Ace Frehley is "Back In The New York Groove"
Photo By PiercingMetal.com

NewsBLITZ: THE CUTE LEPERS' GUITARIST DIES

MusikBLITZ is sad to report that 24-year-old guitarist Travis Criscola of the Seattle-based mod-revival, power pop infused punk band The Cute Lepers passed away on March 28.


The Cute Lepers' founder/frontman Steve E. Nix posted the following message on the band's MySpace page explaining the situation:

"Early the morning of March 28, in Cincinnati, our friend and bandmate Travis Criscola passed away in his sleep. He was 24. Travis was guitarist in The Cute Lepers for the last six months and was the perfect addition to the band as it developed. He was our friend. His company was always a pleasure. I don't think I ever heard him say a negative word about any one. He was smart, polite and considerate; always interested in learning more about music and playing guitar...he really loved music. He was passionate about music in a way that only other like-minded musicians recognize and relate with. When Travis joined the band he would not think twice about jumping on the bus from Olympia and making the two hour ride to Seattle for a spur of the moment rehearsal, and then riding the bus two more hours to get back home. In fact, Travis was doing this three times a week up until we left for Europe to start our tour. His character and his commitment made him the very best we could hope for in a bandmate and a friend. We're gonna really miss him.

We feel that it's appropriate and absolutely not in bad taste to disclose the cause of death of our friend. Travis combined alcohol and pills, then went to sleep and never woke up. It was an accident. Travis was not any kind of a habitual drug user. I'm a man who has left drugs and alcohol alone for over a decade and I just won't work with people who are mixed up with narcotics. It is rare to find a rock 'n' roll musician in his early 20s who doesn't get caught up in hitting the bars and going to parties on tour, and Trav was just one of those ones who made a really bad decision. He naively took some type of pills on top of the beer he was drinking and that's it. I believe that it would be a disservice for us to leave out this information. People would wind up hearing distorted versions of the truth anyways. Also, our hope is that other young musicians, or anyone it may apply to who reads this will learn from our tragedy and perhaps wise up a bit. We're currently traveling across the country back home to Seattle with heavy hearts. Trav's family and his beautiful, longtime girlfriend are in our prayers."

"I'm shocked and saddened by this tragic news," says Joan Jett, co-founder of The Cute Lepers' label, Blackheart Records. "I love this band and their music."

Additionally, Blackheart Records released a statement saying that it is "deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss.... Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones."

TV ALERT: THE WOMEN OF THE SUNSET STRIP

Show: VH1 Rock Doc—Do It For The Band: The Women Of The Sunset Strip
Premiere Date: Friday, April 3, 2009
Time: 11PM
Channel: VH1

VH1 Rock Doc—Do It For The Band: The Women Of The Sunset Strip tells the story of the women who knew some of the finest musicians from the '80s hair metal scene before they broke big.

"Viewers will get a first hand look at what it was like to live life in the fast lane as the women reveal secrets and share stories about a time when the only rule was that there weren’t any," says VH1.

"Cherry Pie" video vixen Bobbie Brown narrates the program about the chicks who clothed, bathed, fed, housed and loved metal men like Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, Slash, Axl Rose, Blackie Lawless, Jani Lane and others.

Visit VH1's website for more information.

NewsBLITZ: CATCH UP ON "Z ROCK" BEFORE NEW SEASON!

Everyone watched IFC's fabulous hit comedy Z Rock last year, right? Well, the second season is slated to premiere on June 7 and to bring fans—and new viewers—up-to-date, IFC is re-airing the wild first season Tuesday nights at 10:30PM (the DVD of the first season comes out June 9).

The new season of the semi-scripted show about a New York City-based trio (the totally cute Paulie Z, David Z and Joey Cassata)—who spend their days as kids' party band The Z Brothers and their nights as rock act Z02—will consist of 10 new uncensored, uncut and commerical-free episodes. According to a press release, "season two will continue its satirical look at the trials and triumphs of the rock 'n' roll dream, giving viewers a backstage pass into the band's struggles to become rock stars, which are often interrupted by the sobering realities of everyday life." An unfortunate run-in with the law, a troupe of musical midgets and a live birth are just some of the situations the threesome will encounter.

Previous celebrity guests like Joan Rivers, John Popper and Dave Navarro return to Z Rock for the sophomore season. Additionally, Daryl Hall, the All-American Rejects, Mini Kiss, Chris Jericho, Bonnie Bernstein, Bethenny Frankel and Melissa Rivers will all make appearances.

Check out a preview of the second season here.

For more on ZO2, including info about their great album Ain't It Beautiful, visit the band's official website.

Also, visit IFC's Z Rock page.

CALIFORNICATION News!

I'm ashamed that i'm a week late, but the amazing Kathleen Turner will be joining the cast of Californication for season three, debuting this fall. According to EW.com, "She's Ari Gold without the poison sushi allergy penis!" Turner will play the ball-breaking, potty-mouthed boss of Charlie Runkle (Evan Handler) - Hank Moody's agent and BFF. Looks like that gives us a little insight into what's to come. I'm glad to hear that Runkle won't be a car salesman for much longer.

Also, we need a female character (who's not a drug addict or whore) with balls on this show. CAN'T WAIT!