Chi Cheng Showing Signs of Improvement
After being in a coma since November, 2008, Deftones bassist Chi Cheng is showing signs of improvement, according to his band mates. “He’s been out of his coma for a while now, which is great” singer Chino Moreno told The Quietus. “He’s still in a minimally conscious state, which means he sleeps a lot, wakes up, opens his eyes and...
Rush to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
As if a new documentary, a new album, and a new tour isn’t enough to keep the members of Rush busy, the legendary Canadian rockers will be getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 25. The group will receive their star at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, just four days before they begin their new “Time Machine Tour”....
RIP Marvin Isley
Marvin Isley, bassist of the popular ‘70s and ‘80s funk group the Isley Brothers, has passed away June 6 in Chicago, Illinois. He was 56. Isley was not the first bassist for the group, (he later joined when he was old enough), founded by brothers O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald. It was during this period that the Isleys had released their...
John Conte Joins Hartke Family
Larry Hartke announced on his Facebook page that bassist John Conte has “joined the Hartke family of players.” Conte will be using Hartke LH-series amplifiers as well as Hartke speakers. John Conte has worked with an astounding amount of musicians, ranging from Levon Helm to David Bowie and Mary J. Blige. Most recently, he recorded with Southside Johnny and the...
Gear Watch: Heads Up Strap
Designer Joe Naylor has introduced the “Heads Up Strap”, a new guitar/bass strap made to keep heavy instrument necks from sinking down into an unplayable position, even with hands off. It works by adding three lead weights in a Velcro pocket to the body end of the strap. The weight is adjustable simply by adding or removing the weights to...
Smashing Pumpkins Announce Tour with New Bassist
With the new addition of bassist Nicole Fiorentino, the Smashing Pumpkins have announced a summer tour of the U.S. with plans to visit South America and Australia later this year. Frontman Billy Corgan promises the music will be “a balance of classics, a few obscure ones, and new Teargarden material.” The band is also planning on invite select fans to...
Lawsuit Against Gene Simmons Dropped, New One Started
Late last year we reported that Gene Simmons was being sued for assault. Simmons allegedly choked a man for trying to film him, but a Los Angeles district attorney, citing that there was a lack of sufficient evidence, dropped the case against him. This may be good news for the KISS bassist, but unfortunately he is now in the midst...
Juan Alderete De La Peña Featured on New Omar Rodriguez-Lopez Album
Bassist Juan Alderete De La Peña holds down the low end on the new Omar Rodriguez-Lopez Quartet album, Sepulcros De Miel, released June 1. The effort also features ex-Red Hot Chili Pepper John Frusciante and Omar’s brother, Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez. The album is available for free or any amount you choose to donate. All proceeds from the donations go a fund...
Gear Review: DPA 4099B Clip Microphone for Bass
One of the ultimate struggles for a gigging double bassist is getting proper amplification without losing the sound of your instrument. Using a microphone is a great way to preserve your tone, and recently I got my hands on the DPA 4099B Clip Mic for bass to test it out. The Details The 4099 is not a new solution bassists....
Tal Wilkenfeld Featured on Three Upcoming Releases
Tal Wilkenfeld has announced she will be featured on three upcoming albums. The Australian bass phenom has been busy working in the studio with Herbie Hancock, Macy Gray, and Lee Ritenour on their latest projects. Herbie Hancock’s The Imagine Project sees Wilkenfeld collaborating on the songs “A Change is Gonna Come” (featuring James Morrison), and “Don’t Give Up” (featuring John...
Andy Hess Joins Rhythm Devils for Summer Tour
Former Gov’t Mule bassist Andy Hess will be hitting the road this summer with The Rhythm Devils, featuring Grateful Dead drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann. The band will also showcase Sikiru Adepoju, Davy Knowles, and guitarists Keller Williams and Tim Bluhm, who will trade duties throughout the tour. According to the Rhythm Devils website, the group will “take music...
Robert Trujillo Helps Pastorius Family Reclaim Jaco’s “Bass of Doom”
After a long and frustrating legal battle, Jaco Pastorius’ family have finally regained ownership of his legendary “Bass of Doom”, thanks to Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo. The news comes via a statement on Metallica.com. The bass, which was stolen from a Manhattan park bench in 1986, resurfaced in early 2006 in a New York guitar shop. The owner reportedly refused...