Update January 8, 2008
From Yahoo! News:
Canadian punk rock singer Bif Naked has gone public after being diagnosed with breast cancer, saying she is facing the fight of her life and urging other women to ensure they regularly check for cancer. The 36-year-old tattooed singer, who was married three months ago, broke the news in a radio interview on Sunday with her record label Bodog Music issuing a statement on Monday.
"It is a very surreal situation for (my husband) Ian and I at this time," she said.
Bif Naked, who was born Beth Torbert in India and adopted by American missionaries with whom she moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, said she discovered a lump during a self breast examination two weeks ago and it was found to be cancer.
"It's been two weeks from being completely healthy to cancer patient with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy scheduled," said the singer.
But Naked said she was determined to tackle this with a positive attitude and would continue the work on two projects -- her new album and a recording project, Jakkarta, with Spanish-born, death-metal guitarist La Machina.
"I have never been one to give up when an obstacle is placed in front of me. I am in the fight of my life, and I'm lucky to have the support of my husband Ian and many friends and family members," she said.
"I plan to continue working on these recording projects in between the cancer treatments and come out the other side with two great albums and a clean bill of health.
"It is important for everyone to understand that cancer is non discriminatory and even those in great health can be subject to cancer as a diagnosis. I urge all women at every age to self examine and go for scheduled mammograms."
The American Cancer Society has estimated about 465,000 women would die of breast cancer in 2007, making it the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide.
Pennywise--one of punk's most credible and influential bands, who've sold over three million albums worldwide--will be giving away their next album for FREE. Beginning March 25, 2008, fans around the world will be able to obtain a high quality, DRM-free download from MySpace for a period of two weeks. Longtime PENNYWISE fan and seasoned producer Cameron Webb (Social Distortion, Motorhead, Sum 41) has signed on to produce and mix the upcoming CD. To download the album for free beginning March 25, 2008, users simply have to add promotional partner Textango (www.myspace.com/textango) as a MySpace friend (anyone can create a MySpace account for free).
Update October 29, 2007
Paul Raven, bassist for the band Ministry, was found dead Oct. 20 of an apparent heart attack. Known also for his work with Killing Joke and Prong, Raven was working on a new recording for French recording act Treponem Pal. Rest in Peace.
Update October 28, 2007
Apologies for not updating in some time -- we've been busy out in the "real" world - whatever that means! So, there's some gossip that's pretty old here...
Mute North America is proud to announce that Moby has joined the label's roster. Moby – who is currently in the studio working on a new album - will now be signed to Mute exclusively throughout the world.
Andre 3000, (Outkast), is set to play Sammy Davis, Jr. in an upcoming biopic. The movie, titled Sammy and Kim, focuses on the Candy Man's relationship with the famed ‘Vertigo’ actress Kim Novak in the 1950s.
Poison’s Brett Michaels is starring in his own version of Flava of Love. WHY? (Oh yeah, ratings and stripper booty. Duh.)
In an effort to promote world peace, George Michael has donated John Lennon's piano to the victims of the Virginia Tech massacre.
Don’t know what to get the ultimate Gorillaz fan? Well, you are in luck. A series of vibrators inspired by the Gorillaz are in the pipeline. The expensive sex toys—designed by Jamie Hewlett, the artistic force behind the group—are said to be the "Ultimate Member" collection. Each toy will apparently feature members of the Gorillaz community, coming in six different designs, and costing $275 each or $1,650 for the whole package.
The Hives will be working with hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams to record some tracks for their forthcoming untitled release.
John Pike, the 23-year-old drummer for indie buzz band Ra Ra Riot, was found dead on June 3rd in the waters of Buzzard's Bay, off the coast of Massachusetts.
Justin Timberlake has joined forces with Interscope Records to launch his own label Tennman Records. Timberlake will serve as chairman and CEO of the L.A. based label.
Speaking of JT. Did you know Good Charlotte will be opening for him? What’s up with that?
And just when you thought we were done with JT: Mr. Sexy Back has expressed interest in working with Coldplay, calling them "the modern Beatles." Timberlake has close ties with Timbaland, who is understood to be working on the new Coldplay LP, so he may get his wish.
Led Zeppelin are reportedly about to reunite for a one-off memorial concert, in London, in memory of Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. If true, it would mark the third time that the '70s legends have played since disbanding.
Rumors are swirling that Morrissey may return to Warner Bros. for his next studio album.
New Order have finally confirmed that they have split.
Nikki Sixx will release "Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star" via MTV/VH1 Pocket Books, on September 18th. The book pairs diary entries written during a struggle with drugs in the mid-'80s with modern-day commentary from Sixx and those around him. Sixx found the diaries in storage and spent years compiling them for the book. According to Sixx, the diaries are more of a commentary on the record business as opposed to a portrait of a lurid rock 'n' roll lifestyle. A portion of the proceeds from the book will go to Running Wild in the Night, a fund-raising initiative for Covenant House California, which aids struggling youth. "Heroin" will be accompanied with what Sixx calls "a soundtrack" - an album of songs inspired by the book and recorded with his band Sixx:AM.
Speaking of Motley Crue, they have filed a $20 million dollar lawsuit against one of their managers, claiming that greed, bad career advice, and extortionist tactics caused the band to lose millions of dollars in profits. Strangely enough, said manager is still directing the career of Tommy Lee. Our take: Bad career choices? For a former hair metal band? That most everyone in the band was/is a druggie? Naaaaah…couldn’t happen.
In an effort to “curb the overuse of materials, both paper and plastic,” the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne and his label, Epic Records, will release his latest CD in a recycled paper sleeve with no accompanying booklet—instead, fans can look up lyrics and liner notes at www.ozzy.com. In place of a lyrics booklet, some copies of Black Rain will include a code that will allow fans to download two tickets to an Ozzfest show near them.
Pussycat Dolls – you’ve been served: The Spice Girls announced that they are reuniting for an upcoming tour.
Update March 26, 2007
Scott Weiland and his wife appear to be having some troubles…first they are accused of trashing not one but two hotel rooms in Glendale, CA (I didn’t realize there were any real hotels where rock stars would want to stay there). Later that day, Mrs. Weiland threw a bonfire in front of the house of her husband’s clothing, and was arrested. Can’t wait to hear what started all this! The shame of it all is supposedly the hotel argument and subsequent trashing occurred around their two children…
On March 25, 2007, Tony Lovato of the band Mest was arrested by LAPD and held on $1,000,000 bail. He is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend, Wayne Hughes.
Rumor has it that Ashlee Simpson and Robert Smith (of The Cure) are collaborating on something (egads!).
KOCH Records has signed Sinead O’Connor (she of the Irish, bald, Pope picture ripping variety) to an exclusive North American deal. Her next album, a double CD entitled Theology, will be released on June 26, 2007.
Brad Delp of the band Boston was found asphyxiated in his home. Cause of death was suicide. RIP.
V2 Records—home of The Raconteurs, White Stripes, and Moby—has been shut down by its parent company Sheridan Square. V2 was shut down as part of Sheridan’s restructuring program. The company plans to focus on its catalog releases and the future opportunities presented by digital distribution. As part of that move, the company will retain the White Stripes catalog, but will no longer issue new music. The only genre the company plans to participate in the frontline going forward is gospel.
The follow-up to Nine Inch Nails’ "With Teeth" is expected to land in stores in April.
Drew Barrymore has called it quits with Fabrizio Moretti (Strokes).
Death Cab for Cutie singer Ben Gibbard is set to make his film debut in the forthcoming film Brief Interviews With Hideous Men.
It appears that Dita Von Teese and Marilyn Manson are in a custody battle. The couple have several cats and two dachshunds. When Dita moved out she took the animals with her, and the shock rocker is reportedly missing the felines.
Axl Rose is still putting the final vocals down on the band's new album that he has been working on at the Palms recording studios. According to the band’s official web site March 6 is the “tentative” release date for the band's eternally delayed new CD, "Chinese Democracy". Rose also revealed he has split with longtime manager Merck Mercuriadis due to disagreements over the set up for the album release. [Puhleeze. It will never see the light of day IMO. –J]
According to The Hollywood Reporter the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a proposal that would put an end to the Commission's payola investigation. The legislation would establish a certain amount of airtime for "independent music" along with a code of conduct for broadcasters and an education program. In exchange for guaranteeing airtime to independent artists, the FCC would not require radio broadcasters to admit to any wrongdoing. However, details of what music would qualify as "independent" is not yet clear. The proposal comes in the wake of recent payola scandals involving record labels and broadcasting companies. The events left some FCC commissioners concerned about the majors' ability to dominate the airwaves.
Former Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell has announced plans to release a new concept album titled "Ultra Payloaded Satellite Party." The set, which is due in stores May 15, features contributions from The Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea and John Frusciante, New Order/Joy Division bassist Peter Hook, Thievery Corporation, Black Eyed Peas' Fergie, Hybrid, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, and film composer Harry Gregson-Williams, as well as an unreleased vocal track from the late Jim Morrison.
My Chemical Romance lost a member at the start of their Japanese tour. Frank Iero has left the tour due to an unspecified illness according to reports. Iero has been temporarily replaced by Todd Price from Drive By.
The word is out that Rage Against the Machine will reunite after a seven-year hiatus for a single performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The desert festival will take place over three days beginning April 27, about 130 miles east of Los Angeles.
Pete Doherty has apparently been approached by the makers of ‘Big Brother’ to star in a reality TV show about rock stars fighting drug addiction. Working under the provisional title of Rock Stars In Rehab, the program is said to be in the pipeline from U.K. production company Endemol.
The Strokes have announced that after a solid year of touring they will be taking an indefinite break and have no plans to record new music anytime soon. At the same time, Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. is using the time off to hype his solo album, Yours to Keep, which was released in Europe in October and hits U.S. stores Mar. 6. Hammond has been on the road opening for Incubus.
Wu-Tang Clan have plans to release their first album in five years. 8 Diagram, is the group’s first new material since Iron Flag in 2001. The LP is expected to feature a posthumous, unreleased performance from Ol' Dirty Bastard and is due to hit the streets this summer.
Update November 26, 2006
The Rolling Stones have officially surpassed U2 for making more money on their most recent tour.
Sandy West, drummer for the influential 70s band The Runaways, died Saturday, October 21, 2006 after a long battle with lung cancer.
Following in the footsteps of his famous girlfriend: It has been reported that Babyshambles’ frontman Pete Doherty would begin designing and modeling clothes for hip Manchester label Gio-Goi.
Not all press is good press: Weezer has filed a lawsuit against the Miller Brewing Company alleging that the beer maker used the band’s name, without permission, in several ads that ran in Rolling Stone magazine in 2004.
Guess he didn’t learn his lesson the first time: George Michael was arrested and cautioned after being found slumped over the wheel of his car (for the second time) in London with cannabis apparently in his possession.
Say bye-bye: Drummer Shaun Steels has left U.K. doom metal band MY DYING BRIDE due to a long term illness.
Yippe! Just in time for X-Mas: McFarlane Toys has announced that Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are the latest musicians to join their expanding collection of music action figures. [Can you stick pins in them? – BM]
Another one bites the dust: Kill Your Idols announced that they will be calling it quits.
Another one could be biting the dust: British rockers Coldplay are set to take five-year hiatus from recording to concentrate on their families.
Can’t keep a good man down: Tom Morello was among approximately 400 protesters arrested on September 28th during a march to raise awareness for immigrant hotel workers' rights.
Because they can: Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson (a.k.a. DJ Starscream) mentioned that he is currently collaborating with Fear Factory drummer Raymond Herrera on a new project. For the meantime the duo are just creating music and seeing what they come up with.
Sometimes change is good: Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington revealed that the band’s third studio album (due out next year) will feature a mix of punk and classic-rock elements with vintage hip-hop beats. According to Chester the album was influenced by music that inspires the members as opposed to the nü-metal type of sound. Speaking of Chester, a deranged fan decided to hack his private mobile phone data from the comfort of her work desk. Needless to say, she was fired (and arrested), and the Bennington's are relieved.
Don’t hate him cuz he’s bitter: Former Good Charlotte drummer Chris Wilson launched an attack on his old bandmates last week claiming that he's owed money and never got his drumkit back. He also called Joel and Benji Madden "two of the most egotistical, self-centered, back-stabbing, corrupted individuals".
You know you want it: Foo Fighters will release a CD and DVD of live acoustic material recorded during their recent tour. Skin And Bones (RCA) will be released on November 7. The CD will feature 15 tracks that were recorded at Los Angeles' Pantages Theater. The album will feature many of the band's most popular songs, along with the Nirvana B-side, "Marigold," which was originally written and sung by Dave Grohl. A DVD, featuring more songs from the Pantages’ shows and unannounced extra features will be released later in November
What da hell?: KoRn
frontman Jonathan Davis has announced that he will hit the road next year minus
his bandmates. The Davis tour, launching in February,
will feature the singer performing alongside the four musicians—guitar, piano,
backup vocals, and percussion—who backed KoRn on this year’s tour. Davis will
be taking more of a lounge approach and the set will include songs from the
'Queen of the Damned' soundtrack and a lot of different covers. Davis also
stated that all is well in the KoRn world as the band has started work on its
eight studio album.
We know who he is, but do you?:
Kink’s frontman Ray Davies was named a BMI Icon at the 2006 London
Awards.
Could be interesting: The Gorillaz had announced that their autobiography will be released on November 2nd. ‘Rise Of The Ogre,’ written by the band, is set to be over 300 pages long and will be filled with color illustrations provided by the group’s co-founder and creator of the ‘Tank Girl’ comic book series Jamie Hewlett.
Update August 14, 2006
Alice In Chains has unveiled plans for a large-scale comeback tour. The band’s line-up will feature Jerry Cantrell (guitar/vocals), Sean Kinney (drums), and Mike Inez (bass). William Duvall, of Atlanta-based rock trio Comes With the Fall, will handle lead vocals.
Depeche Mode has finalized the track list for its live CD/DVD "Touring the Angel," due Sept. 26 via Sire/Reprise. The project, which was taped Feb. 18-19 in Milan and directed by Blue Leach, will be available as a two-DVD/single-CD set or as a single-DVD package. The second disc focuses on off-stage extras, including a 20-minute documentary and the tour kick-off press conference in Germany, plus five extra live performances. The audio CD rounds up eight selections, all of which originate from "Playing the Angel."
Hawthorne Heights has filed a lawsuit against its record label, Victory Records, and label head Tony Brummel. The band claims that Brummel's "overly-aggressive, unethical and illegal schemes and tactics," including physically threatening music industry figures and scheming against other artists, have severely damaged the band's reputation and its relationship with fans.
Ill Nińo had to cancel its upcoming European tour because Danny Couto, the band’s percussionist and also semi-pro skateboarder, was injured a skateboarding accident. Danny landed on his wrist and tore a ligament and is unable to use his right wrist and arm. The members of Ill Nińo feel that performing without Danny not only takes away from the live show, but is unfair to the fans who expect nothing less than an amazing show
Atlantic recording group Jet has revealed that their eagerly awaited second album, dubbed "Shine On" is set to land in stores on October 3rd.
Modest Mouse has announced that Johnny Marr is now a full blown member of the band. This union will mark the first time in over 15 years that Marr is a full-time member of a band he didn't form.
My Chemical Romance had to cancel their scheduled appearance at the Street Scene Festival in San Diego due to injuries suffered by band members from a car accident. The band was forced to pull out at the last minute when lead singer Gerard Way and drummer Bob Bryar's injuries "proved too painful to play." Details about the accident are unknown. Rumors state that Bob Bryar was the most injured and possibly suffered from third degree burns and Gerard Way suffered a broken ankle.
Richard Patrick of Filter has formed Army of Anyone with brothers Dean and Robert DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots) as well as drummer Ray Luzier have already recorded their debut album with producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper). The Army of Anyone album is expected early next year.
17 people were taken the hospital during a headlining set by Tool during San Diego’s 22nd annual Street Scene Festival. Most of the injuries occurred when fans tried to rush the stage, crushing and trampling some of those nearest the front. Frontman Maynard James Keenan paused between songs several times to consult with security and city officials and to urge the crowd to calm down.
Former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker has filed for divorce from one-time Miss U.S.A. Shanna Moakler, his wife of 22 months. Dave Navarro and Carmen Electra have also called it quits. Rumor has it that Dave has moved on to Jenna Jameson. Jenna also recently separated from hubby Jay Grdina, who is recently being investigated by Scottsdale police after a stripper accused him of assaulting her during a table dance.
Update August 6, 2006
Doug Fieger, lead singer of The Knack, underwent surgery on August 3rd at Cedars Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles for removal of two brain tumors. According to Dr. John Yu, the surgery was successful and Fieger is expected to have a full recovery.
Alan Robert - bassist,
co-founder and primary songwriter for New York's Life of Agony has
announced that he has launched a new project called "Spoiler NYC."
The three piece, punk outfit is lead by Robert on Vocals & Bass and
rounded out by longtime friend "Junkyard" Chris Silletti on Guitars
and Tommy Clayton on Drums.
Update June 25, 2006
Bassist Andy Nicholson has parted ways with the Arctic Monkeys. Nick O. Malley (who stood in for Andy while he was absent from the recent tour of North America) will replace him for the remaining shows this summer.
The Ataris have been let go from Columbia.
KoRn frontman Jonathan Davis is recovering from a rare blood disorder known as ITP (immune thrombocytopenic purpura). Davis has responded very well to treatment for ITP, which drastically lowers the number of platelets in the blood. [Get well soon! -BM!]
Vince Neil is opening a tattoo shop at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. The shop is expected to open late summer. [Does this mean he will stop "singing"? -J]
OutKast announced Tuesday that the hugely anticipated follow-up album, Idlewild, will hit store shelves on Aug. 22. "Mighty-O," the lead single and first collaborative track for Andre 3000 & Big Boi in over six years, will drop two weeks earlier. The album will also serve as the soundtrack to their big-screen musical of the same name, which will be released nationwide Aug. 25. [I hope the rumor mill is wrong on this movie -J]
Former
Panic! At The Disco
bassist Brent Wilson claims that he was given his walking papers without any
warning, and without so much as an explanation or note of sympathy.
However, guitarist Ryan Ross, insists that
Wilson's
departure came after conversations that the band had together, and drummer
Spencer Smith stated that Wilson wasn't progressing musically, wasn't writing
his own bass parts, didn't play on the record, and forced the band to dumb down
their live versions so he could keep up. [DAMN! – Nik]
Rumor has it that Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood has reportedly been admitted to an alcohol rehabilitation clinic in London, having fallen off the wagon after years of doctor-ordered sobriety.
Igor Cavalera has decided to leave Sepultura because of "musical incompatibility" with the other members of the band. Igor has plans to work on projects and Brazilian drummer Jean Dolabella (ex-UDORA) will take his place for Sepultura’s upcoming tour dates."
Multi-platinum rockers Velvet Revolver announced that they will take a break from work on their sophomore album to mount a brief tour of the West. The group has lined up four late-July shows, beginning with a July 21 concert at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. The other three performances are set in the band's home state of California. Dates as follows:
July 2006
21 - Las Vegas, NV - Hard Rock Hotel
22 - Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre
29 - Kelseyville, CA - Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa
30 - Paso Robles, CA - California Mid State Fair [A fair? Already? -ed]
Update June 12, 2006
Babyshambles—fronted by Pete Doherty—no longer have a record deal. The peeps at Rough Trade Records have denied claims that Doherty's controversial antics prompted the decision to let the band go. The group released their debut LP, Down In Albion, on Rough Trade last year in the U.K. and this year in the U.S., but the deal is now believed to have expired and will apparently not be renewed. According to claims in the U.K. press over the weekend, a decision to drop the band came after an incident last week when Doherty squirted a syringe of blood over an MTV news crew. In other Babyshambles news, Pete Doherty has entered rehab – again. What’s the over/under on 48 hours?
Ian Copeland—the agent and promoter who worked with R.E.M., the Bangles, the Go-Gos, Squeeze and the Police (which featured younger brother Stewart Copeland on drums) and many more—died Tuesday of melanoma at his Los Angeles home. He was 57.
Paris Hilton—whose only previous musical experience has been singing on 2004's underground club track "Screwed"—has been hard at work recording her debut album for Warner Bros. Records, tenatively titled Paris Is Burning. The album was previously slated for a summer '06 release, but according to the British tabloid The Daily Star, it's been delayed until at least September so Hilton can include a cover of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" on the CD. (Oh gawd please NO! Don’t ruin a good song– BM)
David Lee Roth still believes there will be a Van Halen reunion.
The Kiss Coffeehouse is set to open in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on June 27th. Both Paul & Gene will be on hand to cut the ribbon on the most outrageous coffee and dessert shop ever constructed. The Kiss Coffeehouse will give members of the Kiss Army a chance to make a pit stop for signature blends like the French Kiss Vanilla. With 20-foot smoking Kiss boots flanking the storefront, and rare Kiss memorabilia and costume pieces on display, the Kiss Coffeehouse hopes to raise the bar for retail design. (And we wonder why people in other countries hate us – BM)
The members of No Doubt are back in the studio working on new material. In the meantime fans can curb their appetite by picking up the Live in the Tragic Kingdom DVD due out on June 13th. The band has added plenty of bonus footage and home movies to make the DVD special.
Audioslave have canceled their entire European tour. No reason has been given. (Let the rumors fly people. – BM)
In the Oh Hell No category: Be sure to get your tickets for the Poison, Cinderella, Slaughter, and Faster Pussycat show at Glen Helen Regional Park July 1st. (We love ourselves some C.C. & Taime, but eeewwww. – BM) You can win tickets at www.knac.com
Update April 26, 2006
Finally, let's get the ancient stuff out of the way...
Onset Records will be going out of business as of March 1st, 2006. “It has been a great pleasure doing business in Orange County, California since 1994 with all of our valued associates in the music community.” The principals, David Turbow and Christopher Catalano will be focusing on other endeavors. Bite Me! wishes them both the best of luck.
Scarlet would like to extend their apologies to their fans in their decision to pull out of the remainder of their headlining tour dates this month. The band completed several weeks with Fight Paris, The Calico System, and The Esoteric successfully before guitarist Brian Tolbert suffered a broken hand preventing the band from completing the tour.
Shirts for a Cure will be hitting the road again, traveling as an official sponsor of this year's Taste of Chaos. Along with many of their favorite classics from bands such as My Chemical Romance, Shadows Fall, Darkest Hour, Thrice and Thursday - they will also be offering new shirts from the likes of The Receiving End of Sirens, Silverstein and Pelican. If you are planning on attending any of this year's Taste of Chaos shows be on the look out for them, stop by to say hello and to take a peek at what they’re offering. To learn more about Shirts for a Cure please visit www.shirtsforacure.com
Death Cab for Cutie and Franz Ferdinand are celebrating the arrival of spring with a major co-headlining North American concert tour. Slated to kick off on March 22nd in Portland, Oregon, this incredible pairing of these two bands will be the tour of the Spring. The tour will be presented by Fuse in partnership with MySpace.
Cocked and Loaded will be the first album from the Revolting Cocks since 1993. Featuring guests Jello Biafra, Gibby Hayes, and Billy Gibbons, the album is due March 7.
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