Slipknot to Honor Paul Gray at Sonisphere Festival Performance
Slipknot will be making their return to the stage in 2011 as they headline UK’s Sonisphere Festival. The band announced that the show, which is scheduled for July 8th through July 10th, 2011 at Knebworth, will pay homage to the late Paul Gray, who died in May. A statement on the official band site stated, “Expect the band to bring...
Gear Watch: Digitech Unveils BP355 Bass Multi-Effects Pedal
Digitech has unveiled their latest bass multi-effects pedal, the BP355. Featuring the same AudioDNA 2 processor as its relatives, the BP355 dishes out modeling of 20 amps, 17 speaker cabs, and more than 70 effects, ranging from distortion to envelope filters with nearly everything in between. It also includes 70 factory and 70 user presets, a Tone Library of 30...
Willie Weeks Joins Eric Clapton for Upcoming Tour
Legendary session bassist Willie Weeks will be hitting the road with Eric Clapton on a string of tour dates in support of guitarist’s latest CD, appropriately titled Clapton. The touring band will also feature Steve Gadd on drums, Chris Stainton on keys and Michelle John and Sharon White singing background vocals. The group will be kicking things off in Vancouver,...
Bootsy Collins Reveals New “Eye-Funk” Artwork
After a month of anticipation, Bootsy Collins has revealed his limited edition artwork, which he labels as “eye-funk.” The two pieces released are labeled “The Monument” and “The Legacy”, both depicting a larger than life Bootsy towering over Cincinnati, with hidden images scattered throughout the scene. The art is numbered and signed by Bootsy, who also adds a “funk mantra”...
Rush Announces New North American Time Machine Tour Dates
Last week, we reported that Rush was expanding their Time Machine Tour to Europe, with rumors of more North American dates. Thankfully the rumors were true, and trio will be gracing the U.S. and Canada through March and April, 2011. Starting in Florida, the tour works its way up the East coast, including a stop at New York City’s Madison...
Gear Watch: New Models From Overwater Basses
Overwater Basses has unveiled three new basses: the J-Series 4 Classic, Perception Std Deluxe 4, and their first ever 6-string Singlecut. The J-Series 4 Classic features a 34″ scale and sports a Swamp Ash body, 1-piece Maple neck, and Rosewood bound fretboard. The electronics are all custom Overwater, including OW Hum Cancelling Pickups and an OW 2-band passive/active system. The...
Antonio Ramos “Maca” Releases “Mira Que Te Diga”
Spanish Flamenco bassist Antonio Ramos ‘Maca’ has released a new solo album, Mira Que Te Diga, which translates to “Let Me Tell You.” The 10-track LP is his first solo release, though he has worked with the top Spanish names in Flamenco, from Vicente Amigo to Raimundo Amador. Antonio is also adept at funk and jazz, as evidenced by his...
Marcus Miller and Larry Graham: Release Yourself
Bass history was made when Marcus Miller and Larry Graham performed together at Billboard Live Tokyo in September. Luckily for everyone who wasn’t there, a fan caught the duo performing “Release Yourself” on camera.
System of a Down Reunites for 2011 Tour Dates
System of a Down has announced new tour dates, which will be the group’s first performances since August 2006. The shows will be scattered through Europe in June with more dates in the works. An official statement from the band’s website explains “We have no master plan of sorts — we are playing these shows simply because we want to...
Bob Cranshaw Honored as a “Giant of Jazz”
Bob Cranshaw will be honored at the upcoming “Giants of Jazz” concert to be held in South Orange, New Jersey. The Giants of Jazz focuses on celebrating under appreciated players in jazz, and Cranshaw is surely in that category. In addition to working with legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins on and off for over 50 years, Cranshaw was the house bassist...
Duff McKagan: Velvet Revolver is Not Done
In a recent interview with Artisan News Service, bassist Duff McKagan announced that Velvet Revolver is renewing their search for a new vocalist. The band, which also features ex-Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, had to let singer Scott Weiland go in 2008 after “erratic onstage behavior and personal problems,” claiming he was not 100% committed to the group. The hunt...
Bootsy Collins Brings Jimi Hendrix To Life in New DVD
Bootsy Collins brings the words of Jimi Hendrix to life in a new 90-minute film included in the West Coast Seattle Boy Box Set. The DVD, entitled Voodoo Child, is Hendrix’s life told using the legendary guitarist’s own words and includes rare footage, photos, and personal drawings. “Every word in the film had to be what Jimi had said… It...