Jason Newsted’s Art to Be Exhibited in Gallery
Ever wonder what Jason Newsted has been up to lately? After leaving Metallica in 2001, the bassist has worked on various projects including EchoBrain and Voivod, but a shoulder injury in late 2006 brought about a new artistic outlet: painting. In a recent interview with Dunlop, Newsted explained that while he could not play he began to create visual art...
Gear Watch: Warwick Corvette NT Limited Edition 2010 Bass
Warwick has unveiled the Corvette NT “Neck-Through” Limited edition 2010 bass, which was designed to combine a modern ergonomic design and the tone of a vintage J-bass. The production of the bass is limited to 300 units. This Corvette’s body is made of light swamp ash with a dark ziricote top accompanied by a matching headstock. The back of the...
RIP Peter Steele
Type O Negative bassist and frontman Peter Steele has passed away at the age of 48. Though an autopsy has yet to be done, it seems Steele died of heart failure. A statement issued by his family said he “died suddenly Wednesday, April 14, 2010, after a short illness…” Steele’s passing has come as a shock to those around him....
Slipknot’s Paul Gray Joins Metal Supergroup HAIL!
Slipknot bassist Paul Gray will be filling in on bass with metal supergroup HAIL! on their upcoming European and Asian tour dates. The slot opened up after David Ellefson returned to Megadeth. Ellefson approves of his replacement. “I’ve known Paul for a long time and he’s just a great guy. Slipknot is huge and they have had an enormous impact...
Jack Bruce: “Cream is over”
In an interview with BBC 6Music, Jack Bruce announced that another Cream reunion is out of the question. “There’s a new story now – Cream is over,” he stated. Cream, who originally broke up in 1968, last reunited in 2005 for seven shows, split between London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Madison Square Garden. Tensions rose again between Bruce...
Roger Waters Announces New Web Site and The Wall 2010 Tour
Legendary Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters has just launched his new web site and announced a 2010 tour schedule for live performances of The Wall. Beginning in September and ending in December, the 35-stop trek will stretch all across the U.S. and Canada, finishing up in Anaheim, California. Roger’s new site includes an explanation as to why he is doing...
Gear Watch: Ashdown Valve Series Tube Amps
Ashdown Engineering has released a new line of tube amplifiers. The new valve bass amps include the BTA 200, 300, and 400, the 550 Spyder head and touring combo, the 427 small block head, and the “Little Bastard” head. All of the new products are hand-made in the UK. BTA Line The BTA (Big Tube Head) combines one of Ashdown’s...
Atlanta Jazz Fest to Feature Free Performances by Marcus Miller, Esperanza Spalding and Stanley Clarke
The 33rd annual Atlanta Jazz Festival will feature many great jazz artists, including bass greats Marcus Miller, Esperanza Spalding and Stanley Clarke. The event takes place on over May 29-30 at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Best of all? It’s all free. Swing Streets to Swing Beats featuring Esperanza Spalding and Raydar Ellis performs on the 29th, at 7:00 PM....
Bryan Beller Band Northeast Tour in May
Bryan Beller has announced his first ever full-band tour of the Northeast. The trek, which is in support of the Mike Keneally Band, is called the “They’re Both the Same Band Tour”… and for good reason. Beller leads a set, and then Keneally leads a set, but the personnel stays the same. Keneally plays guitar, keys, and vocals, Beller holds...
Level 42 Announces International Tour; U.S. Dates Included
Level 42 bassist Mark King announced a summer 2010 tour for the band, which stretches the globe. Most exciting is the return to the U.S., which will be the group’s first visit in a little over two decades. King notes that the dates are confirmed early, so “there’s no excuses for you not to be there…” The band is celebrating...
Gear Watch: Luminlay Luminous Inlay Position Markers
Ever had trouble seeing your position markers on a dark stage? A Japanese company has created a solution called the Luminlay. Available in green or blue, the Luminlay is a highly luminous material that you inlay into the side of your neck where you want your markers. The material is then charged in seconds by an LED flashlight (also available...
Wailers Celebrate 40 Years of “Family Man” With Tour
The Wailers, who played with Bob Marley during his lifetime, are on the road in a trek that takes them across the U.S. The legendary reggae band is on tour in celebration of bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett, who co-founded the band and has stayed with the group for 40 years. It was Barrett’s musical leadership that helped Marley and...