In light of National Metal Day, MXDWN honors all the hard rockers in the news this week, because without them, what would we head bang to?
Rumors of a possible reunion tour have been buzzing in regard to Black Sabbath, who held a mysterious and special press conference at Los Angeles’ Whiskey a Go-Go on November 11 at 11:11 AM to confirm that they will indeed reunite for a world tour and new album.
The four original members will release a new album come fall of 2012 for the first time in 33 years. Rick Rubin will produce the album, and although no tour dates have been confirmed as of yet, the group is scheduled to headline the UK’s Download festival.
Reunion tour rumors had been floating around for months, despite bassist Geezer Butler’s straightforward claim last February that there would be no chance of a Black Sabbath reunion tour or album. Then again, an August statement released from guitarist Tony Iommi reassured fans there would indeed be a reunion, and that the members have been writing new material. With all the reunion speculation that has spanned across the last several months, it is satisfying to hear the official confirmation of Black Sabbath’s resurrection.
The All Tomorrow’s Parties have announced the 2012 lineup for London’s I’ll Be Your Mirror festival, with thrash metal band Slayer as a headliner, as well as Mogwai and Guided By Voices. Slayer, who gave an epic performance last weekend at Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Festival, will perform its classic 1986 album, Reign in Blood, to the delight of their head banging fans.
Joining them in their Friday slot will be Sleep and Melvins. The fest is set for May 25-27 at the Alexandra Palace in London. Tickets will be available starting Friday, November 11 at 10 AM.
Last week, heavy metal band GWAR suffered a great loss – Cory Smoot, AKA Flattus Maximus – passed away in the midst of the band’s North American tour. As the group mourned the loss of their friend and bandmate, front man David Brockie (Oderus Urungus) released a statement that was unclear about the band’s plans for the rest of their tour.
Last Friday, Brockie released a public statement, confirming that the group will finish the tour: “After a lot of consideration, we have decided to carry on with the tour… [Cory] would want us to go on and would be pissed if we didn’t.” Brockie announced that the Flattus Maximus character will officially be retired out of respect to Smoot, who has donned the role of Flattus Maximus since 2002. Brockie and the group plan to release info regarding memorial services when it becomes available. In the meantime, GWAR will rock on, despite its great loss.
Rock outfit Danzing Legacy had a rough time at last weekend’s Fun Fun Fun Fest, due to Glenn Danzig’s strange behavior, and the city’s curfew. Their set was cut short after going onstage almost an hour behind schedule because Danzig was allegedly having trouble with his voice. Their performance was to be a three set show, featuring music from past and present Danzig groups like Samhain and The Misfits.
When the group was gearing up for the set of Misfits tunes, Danzig announced to fans that the organizers were forcing them offstage. According to Blabbermouth, this was because of the city’s curfew. As the crowd began to protest Danzig’s interrupted set, Danzig encouraged the audience to start a riot, but it was to no avail. During the night, Danzig was heard complaining the temperature was too cold, which explains why workers were seen hanging up insulating tarps around the stage.
Despite Danzig’s failure to play Misfits tunes due the rude interruption of the city curfew, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists properly honored The Misfits at the Fun Fun Fun Fest, covering four of their songs on Sunday’s portion of the fest. Leo made sure to cover Misfits songs that were unable to be heard Friday, when Danzig Legacy was unplugged. Mocking Danzig’s pansy behavior on Friday, Ted Leo donned a wig to make the Danzig impression that much more funny. The group covered “Skulls,” “Where Eagles Dare,” “Bullet” and “Angelfuck.”
Unplugging in Brief:
Original Black Sabbath Members Schedule Official Press Conference for 11/11/11 at 11:11 AM– Rumors of a reunion tour have been buzzing, and all questions have been answered at Black Sabbath’s special press conference, held fittingly on National Metal Day.
Original Lineup of Black Sabbath Reunites, Announces World Tour and New Album Produced by Rick Rubin for 2012 – It’s official…the original members of Black Sabbath announced via a press conference Friday that they will be reuniting for a world tour and new album, set to be released sometime in fall of 2012.
All Tomorrow’s Parties: I’ll Be Your Mirror London 2012 Lineup Announced Featuring Slayer Performing Reign in Blood– Slayer will be headlining London’s All Tomorrow’s Parties festival in May 2012, along with Mogwai and Guided By Voices.
Dave Brockie AKA Oderus Urungus of GWAR Releases Statement on Passing of Cory Smoot: Flattus Maximus Character to Be Retired and Band Will Continue on Current Tour– GWAR front man David Brockie has announced that despite the tragic loss of band mate Cory Smoot, the group will continue their North American tour.
Danzig Legacy Set at Fun Fun Fun Fest Cut Way Short Due to Glenn Danzig’s Late Start, Singer Complained Throughout The Day of Being Cold, Not Liking the Stage Configuration and Needing French Onion Soup– Glenn Danzig acted like a diva at last weekend’s Fun Fun Fun Fest, and his set was cut short due to the city’s curfew and Danzig’s late start.
Watch: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists Cover The Misfits at Fun Fun Fun Fest– Due to Danzig’s failure to play the Misfits portion of their set Friday night, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists covered a few Misfits tunes, while Ted Leo mocked Glenn Danzig’s erratic behavior.
