Player News - Page 15

On a recent episode of VH1’s That Metal Show, Michael Anthony shared his story about why he’s no longer in Van Halen. The bassist, who now holds down the low end in the rock supergroup Chickenfoot, said that he was never asked about the band’s recent “reunion” tour, as well as their new album, due out early next year. Anthony...

After rumors of being fired from RATT, bassist Robbie Crane responded by stating that the iconic glam metal band is on “indefinite hiatus.” He responded to a question from the bloggers at Metal Sludge: “As far as I’m concerned there is no Ratt to be ‘fired’ from as Ratt is on an indefinite hiatus as we’ve finished the Infestation tour...

The audio book version of Victor Wooten’s The Music Lesson is in the running for a Grammy, according to a recent mailing from Vic himself. The unabridged 7 CD set, which has been listed in the ballots for Grammy nominations, contains the spoken version of his book as well as unique information and original music, including his song “The Lesson”...

Former Metallica member Jason Newsted has contributed his bass talents to the supergroup charity project, WhoCares. The band also includes guitarist Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan and Jon Lord and drummer Nicko McBrain from Iron Maiden. The group has come together for a single track, “Out of My Mind,” to raise money for an Armenian music...

Vail Johnson has just launched a new website, and to celebrate he is giving away a free song download from his latest CD, Come Together. The album consists of Johnson’s versions of classic Beatles songs, including Penny Lane, Eleanor Rigby, and of course, Come Together. To get your free download, visit the music page on Johnson’s new site and enter...

A recent interview with Victor Wooten on the NPR program “Talk of the Nation” has been posted online. During the segment, Wooten talks about his music philosophy, music education, and gives some basic information on different techniques. The legendary bassist also performs with drummer JD Blair, starting the show off with a duet rendition of “You Can’t Hold No Groove,”...

Kip Winger, the one-time bassist for Alice Cooper and leader of the 80’s band Winger, and Rudy Sarzo of Quiet Riot fame have teamed up with songwriter/producer Mark Hudson for the new VH1 Classic series, “Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp”. The trio of counselors guide wannabe rockers to help them transform into rock stars. The show debuts tonight at 10pm...

Bullet For My Valentine bassist Jason James will be sitting out for a portion of the band’s current tour. The band issued a statement this week: “The band regrets to inform you that Jason James [bass] will be taking time off from the current North American tour. He has to take some time to attend to a family matter starting...

Black Label Society / Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo will replace Billy Sheehan for the upcoming benefit concert for the newly created Marky Ramone Drum Scholarship. Sheehan has had to pull out of the event due to commitments in Europe. “I’m a real big fan of the Ramones, and this was unexpected,” Sheehan said “Good luck on this amazing concert!” The...

A trailer for Lemmy: The Movie has been released as plans for the official movie release are still being worked out. The documentary, which follows the story and life of Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, was premiered earlier this year at the South by Southwest Festival, and has only had a handful of screenings since. The film is directed and produced...

After six years with the band, bassist Alexander T Kent announced he is leaving the ranks of Say Anything. The departure was “as amicable as a split could possibly be,” says the band, as Kent has chosen to move on. “There are no hard feelings and there was no altercation,” Kent explains. “I have just decided to start the next...

Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx has finished writing his second book, titled This is Gonna Hurt, which he plans to release on March 22, 2011. The hardback will be a mix of a photo book and journal, with stories and interviews accompanying the photos to provide background and insight into the Sixx’s work and emotions. His side project, Sixx: A.M.,...