Geezer Butler Speaks on the State of the Black Sabbath Reunion
Since its announcement, the Black Sabbath reunion has had nothing but difficulty after difficulty. Plans for a world tour and new album were put on hold after lead guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with Lymphoma, while drummer Bill Ward recently declared his contract unsignable. There’s been no official statement on Ward’s departure, but bassist Geezer Butler weighed in on the...
Simon Fitzpatrick: Solo Bass Cover of “Stairway to Heaven”
Bass whiz Simon Fitzpatrick has done it again with a jaw-dropping version of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”. This clip comes from a May 22nd performance with the Carl Palmer Band at Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks, Kent. The bassist even covers the guitar solo with one handed tapping while keeping the bass line going, eventually wrapping up the big jam...
V-Moda Introduces Faders VIP Tuned Earplugs
V-Moda has expanded their Ear Armor series with their new Faders VIP line of tuned metal earplugs. Available in four sizes, the new earplugs reduce noise levels by 12dB across the spectrum. The fittings are made of medical grade BLISS 3.0 hybrid-silicone to fit any ear extra small, small, medium, and large sizes. Each set comes with a detachable cord...
Carvin Introduces BRX15.3 and BRX18.1 Bass Cabinets
Carvin has added two new models to their BRX Series bass cabinets: the BRX15.3 and the BRX18.1. Made in the USA, the new cabs are built from Baltic Birch plywood covered in DuraTex and have recessed steel handles as well as caster inserts. The BRX15.3 is a 600-watt 3-way cabinet loaded with a 15? woofer, an 8? mid driver, and...
Rex Brown and Kill Devil Hill Release Debut Album
Kill Devil Hill’s long awaited self-titled debut is now available from SPV/Steamhammer. The band, comprised of ex-Pantera/Down bassist Rex Brown, drummer Vinny Appice, guitarist Mark Savon and vocalist Jason “Dewey” Bragg finalized its lineup in March of 2011 with the addition of Brown. “Vinny is a brilliant drummer, and of course, I was immediately interested when he asked me whether...
Bass of the Week: LeCompte Electric Bass’ Prototype 1.5
Texas-based luthier Bud LeCompte has lots of cool designs on his website, but his Prototype 1.5 (aka PT 1.5) really caught our eye. With one foot rooted in the past and one stepping forward, the cool singlecut body shape has LeCompte’s unique style written all over it. “I like a lot of the traditional instruments, but I don’t want to...
John Mayer Releases “Born and Raised”, Featuring Sean Hurley
John Mayer has returned with Born and Raised, his first album since 2009 as well as his infamous 2010 Playboy interview that put him in the media doghouse. Taking a page from folk rock from the ’70s, Mayer channels the spirit of singer-songwriters like Neil Young with rich acoustic guitars and harmonica throughout. The album is underpinned by bassist Sean...
Spector Offering Coda Deluxe Bass Models for 2012
Spector has introduced a Deluxe version of their Coda bass series. Built in the U.S. by Stuart Spector and his team, the deluxe version of the vintage inspired bass is set apart by the inclusion of a AAAA quilted maple top and the removal of the pickguard. Many of the features of the Coda Deluxe remain the same, including a...
Andres Rotmistrovsky and Marcelo Woloski: Blackbird (Bass and Percussion Duo)
We’ve heard a lot of versions of The Beatles’s “Blackbird,” but this one sticks out. Bassist Andres Rotmistrovsky teamed up with percussionist Marcelo Woloski to do an African/Middle Eastern influenced take on the tune. Rotmistrovsky, who is admittedly a huge fan of the Fab Four, plays on a Hofner Violin Bass while Woloski plays the Calabash to create a unique...
Overture Guitars Introduces Timothy Gaines Signature “TG” Stronghold Bass
Overture Guitars has made a pretty rad signature bass for Timothy Gaines of Stryper. The “TG” Stronghold sports a poplar body with a Yellow Relic paint scheme hand-painted by artist Tim Beck. As each is done individually, every bass has a little different paint scheme and is unique to itself. The bass’s maple neck is topped with a unique 7-piece...
Stomp Under Foot Releases Dirty Rooster Fuzz Pedal
Stomp Under Foot has unveiled the Dirty Rooster, a new pedal inspired by the Jumbo Tonebender. Designed for both bass and guitar, the straight-ahead pedal has Volume, Sustain, and Tone controls for dialing in your sound. “The gain borders on smooth but leans a bit more to a gritty sound and it has a full low end that is well...
Van Halen Postpones 31 Tour Dates on North American Tour
Rock group Van Halen has postponed all their tour dates following their June 26th concert in New Orleans, making a total of 31 performances to be rescheduled. Now anchored by bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, the band hasn’t released an official statement, though the insider website Van Halen News Desk has dismissed rumors of band feuding by stating the group is...