Player News - Page 22

Muse has cancelled two shows and rescheduled two others for the North American tour in the late fall of this year. The changes are being made to accommodate bassist Chris Wolstenholme so he can be present for the birth of his fifth child. Muse has made refunds available for the changed shows and has assured fans they “haven’t forgotten them.”...

Black Sabbath bassist Terry “Geezer” Butler released a statement Tuesday remembering his friend and band mate Ronnie James Dio. A brief excerpt from his latest entry: “It’s impossible to express in mere words the relationship Ronnie and I, Wendy and my wife Gloria had. He was much more than a friend, fellow musician, band mate. If I have a soul,...

We covered the launch of Bootsy Collins’ Funk University back in March. Since then, Bootsy’s confirmed an all-star cast for the initial guest-professor line-up, including Les Claypool, Victor Wooten, Divinity Roxx, John B. Williams, T.M. Stevens and Dennis Chambers. Class enrollment is still scheduled to start July 1st at Funk University. The university is now boasting daily uploads of new...

Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament is joining up with the Montana Meth Project’s 2010 Paint the State art contest. The project was started to create community action programs designed to reduce the use of methamphetamine in Montana. Ament grew up in Big Sandy, Montana, where his father was mayor for 15 years and attended the University of Montana, where he...

Bachman and Turner, who reunited late last year, have made two new tracks available to their online fans. This marks their first new release together in 20 years. “I’m thrilled to be working on new music with Fred [Turner] and feel a sense of excitement and anticipation,” guitarist Randy Bachman stated. “I feel like I’m coming full circle with a...

Shortly after the release of their fourth album, The Bled has confirmed that bassist Brad Murray has left the band. Heat Fetish, released earlier this year, has received positive reviews. Murray’s departure comes right at the beginning of their latest USA tour “The Rise” with In Fear and Faith, Of Mice and Men, and The Color Morale. No statement has...

This will be an exciting month for Stone Temple Pilots bassist Robert DeLeo and his wife – they’re expecting their second son to be born in the next few weeks. Stone Temple Pilots will also be releasing a new self-titled album on May 25th – the first since 2001’s Shangri-La-Dee-Da. DeLeo had the following to say in a recent interview...

Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys has created a nonprofit organization called the Claddagh Fund, to help raise money for organizations helping needy children, veterans and their families, and alcohol and substance abuse recovery. Though it was only recently started, the fund has already raised nearly $200,000 with three events including a family skating session at Fenway Park. One of...

In a post on Interpol’s website, the indie rockers recently announced that bassist Carlos D would be leaving the band. The band has just finished up a new album and explained that “This separation is amicable, and we whole-heartedly wish him great happiness and success. We will remain, as always, deeply respectful fans of this blazingly talented individual.” According to...

After holding an open audition for a bassist, Billy Corgan has announced that the new keeper of the low end in the Smashing Pumpkins will be Nicole Fiorentino. Nicole, who’s resume includes work with Spinnerette, Veruca Salt, and Radio Vago, announced on her Myspace page that she was the group’s newest member. According to her post, she will be “keeping...

Rotosound has added Pendulum bassist Gareth McGrillen as their latest artist endorsee. McGrillen uses and will endorse Rotosound’s Nexus coated and Swing Bass strings. McGrillen is joined by his bandmate, guitarist Peredur ap Gwynedd, who was also named an endorsee. Pendulum is releasing their latest album, Immersion, this month, with a tour of the UK and Ireland. For more on...

Michael Manson, a Grammy nominated R&B bassist who regularly tours with George Duke, has recently opened the Musical Arts Institute in Chicago, Illinois. The Institute, which is a “non-profit, community-minded organization,” is a center dedicated to music instruction and performance. The school has several music programs fit for both children and adults from all walks of life. Besides bass, private...