COREY TAYLOR 'Conflicted' About Continuing SLIPKNOT

SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor says he doesn't want to make any rash statements about the band's future following the recent passing of bassist Paul Gray and is focusing, for the time being, on promoting "Audio Secrecy", the new album from his other band, STONE SOUR.

"It's kind of a gray area right now," Taylor tells in FMQB Productions' radio special, "Inside Stone Sour: Audio Secrecy". "Everybody is still feeling it. It's too soon to tell.

"I'm very conflicted about whether or not I want to do anything with SLIPKNOT, because to me, Paul was such an integral part of the band. He was the whole reason that the band was the way it was... Paul was the glue and the orchestrator behind some of the best music we ever wrote. He was the soul of the band.

"I don't want to make any statements that I'll look like a fool in retrospect, but to me, right now, it just doesn't make sense," Taylor says. "Until it does, that's the way it stays for me. That's why I've been saying it's too soon to tell... you never know."

"Inside Stone Sour: Audio Secrecy" is airing on radio stations nationwide from September 3 to September 7.

SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison, who was recently out with ROB ZOMBIE on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, told The Pulse of Radio that there have actually been talks about SLIPKNOT's future following Gray's passing. "Shawn (Crahan) just came out, the 'Clown,' he just came out to the Mayhem festival, and we sat down and we talked and we're starting to map out the game plan right now," he said. "So there is another SLIPKNOT record already kinda in the making. You know, we're getting timelines set and, you know, it's gonna be a little bit but there's definitely another record. Paul would always want us to make another record. He wouldn't want the band to stop — SLIPKNOT was his life."

Paul Gray's body was found on May 24 in a hotel room in a Des Moines, Iowa suburb. A coroner ruled that the 38-year-old musician died of an accidental overdose of morphine.

The Cult's New 'Capsule' To Arrive This Month

According to a posting on THE CULT's official Twitter profile, the band's previously announced four-song "capsule" — which is described as a collection of not just new music, but film, art and fashion — will arrive on September 14.

The "capsule" will span across multiple media formats, including vinyl, digital, USB, CD and DVD formats.

In an August 20, 2010 interview with the U.K.'s leading classic rock radio station Planet Rock, THE CULT guitarist Billy Duffy spoke about the "capsule" concept and how it differs from the way the band released new music in the past.

"Well, I think you'd have to have been living under a rock for a long time to not notice that the music business has somewhat changed," Duffy explained.

"It's a different way of getting music out there.

"People — not everybody, but a lot of people — are, really, now more comfortable downloading music and the fact that aren't any, really, many record shops or places to buy music in that format anymore is indicative that people's habits are changing with the Internet, and we just felt, as a band, that the idea...

"We did a new album in 2007 in a sort of traditional way — get a record deal with a company and make an album and take out a very bad loan from them and then go and promote it, and blah blah blah. This time we just thought we'd do it a little differently, and we did it on... New Wilderness is our own label. And Ian [Astbury, vocals] felt very strongly that he'd prefer to try and record two or three, four songs and get them out there while they're quite fresh than spending a lot of time trying to write a whole album. It was really Ian's general feeling, which I sort of agreed with; I think people's attention spans are shortening, and I think the idea was... He just wanted to capture the music quickly and get it out there. That was the theory; the practice is not always quite so as easy as putting that into practice. But the idea of the capsule, if you wanna be old-fashioned, you could call it an EP. So rather than doing albums...

"Other bands who operate on a grander scale two, three, four years recording a record, or they sail in from their Carribean hideaways, go on a tour that lasts 18 months, and everybody is really happy with that format. That doesn't really work for THE CULT anymore. So we're just trying to be a little more fluid.

"The people who are buying tangible, what you'd call hard products, like vinyl, they're collectors and they want stuff that has a little bit more depth and content, and that's why it'll be a multimedia package."

THE CULT's first new studio recording since 2007, "Every Man and Woman is a Star" was released as a two-week exclusive through the iTunes store.

Rock fans worldwide will immediately recognize Billy Duffy's blistering guitars and Ian Astbury's powerful vocals soaring over a relentless beat.

"The latest recordings from THE CULT, guided by legendary producer Chris Goss (MASTERS OF REALITY, KYUSS, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE), are a mixture of violent guitars, emotive vocal performances with high melody and driving beats," Astbury said in a statement. "Textured metaphysical rock music for the contemporary music head."

This new release is a partnership between the band's New Wilderness label and media pioneers Aderra.

In 2009, Aderra recorded several live shows on THE CULT's U.S. and European tours, including a sold-out appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The live recordings were released exclusively through a USB flash drive housed in a dog tag necklace.

The success of this initial project lead to this partnership to release the new capsule material on multiple formats.

THE CULT in 2008 parted ways with Roadrunner Records, the label that released the group's latest album, "Born into This". That CD sold 12,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 70 on The Billboard 200 chart. It was recorded in London with producer Youth (VERVE, PRIMAL SCREAM).

THE CULT's current touring lineup includes principals Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy alongside bassist Chris Wyse, drummer John Tempesta (ex-WHITE ZOMBIE, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, HELMET) and rhythm guitarist Mike Dimkich.

KATAKLYSM Guitarist/Producer Interviewed By INFERNAL MASQUERADE

Infernal Masquerade webzine recently conducted an interview with guitarist Jean-Francois Dagenais of Canadian extreme metallers KATAKLYSM. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below.

"Heaven's Venom", the new album from KATAKLYSM, sold around 2,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 8 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

KATAKLYSM's previous CD, "Prevail", opened with 2,250 units back in June 2008.

"Heaven's Venom" first-week chart positions:

Austria: #32
Germany: #35
Switzerland: #53

"Heaven's Venom" was produced by Jean-Francois Dagenais (MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX) and was mixed by Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, MNEMIC, DARK TRANQUILLITY).

"Heaven's Venom" track listing:

01. A Soulless God
02. Determined (Vows Of Vengeance)
03. Faith Made Of Shrapnel
04. Push The Venom
05. Hail The Renegade
06. As The Walls Collapse
07. Numb & Intoxicated
08. At The Edge Of The World
09. Suicide River
10. Blind Savior

"Push The Venom", the new video from KATAKLYSM, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed in July in Belgrade, Serbia with director Ivan Colic (TYPE O NEGATIVE, UNLEASHED, DEATHSTARS, EX DEO).

Dagenais previously stated about the new CD, "Everything you wish for in a KATAKLYSM album is here and some unexpected musical adventures as well. Everyone here has given 150% of themselves!

"As KATAKLYSM turns twenty next year, we want to be remembered as the band who never gave up and faced the odds. This explosive slab of metal will lead scene for future conquests and not be forgotten ever. The music, the vocals and the production are all top notch."

Disturbed Frontman Interviewed By CHANNEL 103.1

Channel 103.1 conducted an interview with DISTURBED frontman David Draiman at the Big Day Out concert on August 28, 2010 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs, New York. You can now watch the chat below.

DISTURBED will take part in a live webcast on their Ustream channel on August 31 at 2:30 p.m. PST/5:30 p.m. EST. Fans can submit questions to the band by leaving comments here.

DISTURBED kicked off its headlining stint on the very first Uproar tour on August 17 by unveiling its massive new stage show, which HardDrive Radio called "a total assault of the senses." The production features a tremendous amount of visuals on huge LED screens, state-of-the-art pyrotechnics and an opening film in which Draiman is seen in an asylum before seeming to burst out of the screen and onto the stage.

DISTURBED has just released a video for the title track from its new album, "Asylum", which arrives on August 31.

The "Asylum" limited-edition CD/DVD pre-order comes with the full album, including two bonus tracks (live recordings of "Down With The Sickness"and "Stricken"), expanded artwork, a DVD with the "Decade Of Disturbed" documentary plus nine "Disturbed Dissected" exclusive instrument video instuctionals, and an exclusive double-sided poster with guitar tabs. It is available only through Disturbed1.com.

The iTunes LP version of "Asylum" is also available to pre-order now. This version also includes a download featuring the "Decade of Disturbed" documentary, two bonus tracks (live recordings of "Down With The Sickness" and "Stricken"), an additional exclusive bonus track ("Leave It Alone"), and two "Disturbed Dissected" exclusive instrument video instructionals.

Michael Monroe Taps Legendary Producer Jack Douglas For New Solo Album

Former HANOI ROCKS singer Michael Monroe has tapped legendary producer Jack Douglas (AEROSMITH, JOHN LENNON, CLUTCH,SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, NEW YORK DOLLS) to helm his new solo album, tentatively due in early 2011. Monroe and his band spent a week earlier this month writing and recording demos at the Seawolf Studios on the Suomenlinna Island, about a 15-minute ferry ride from the Helsinki, Finland harbor. Michael said, "We chose about 16 out of over 20 songs we had written for the record.

"The newest stuff sounds especially great, and we now have a pretty clear picture of what our new studio album will sound like.

"We sent the demos to our producer, who also loved the material and can't wait to start digging into it with us.

"Needless to say, we're all really excited about the recording sessions.

"We're flying to L.A. this Sunday to get started and will record through September."

In other news, Monroe revealed in a new online posting that he broke two ribs while making a guest appearance during Slash's performance at theSummer Sonic festival in Osaka, Japan in early August. Michael said, "I sang one song with him, 'We're All Gonna Die'. During the guitar solo, I ran along the aisle all the way to the mixing board, which I had already done a couple of times during my own show, but this time on my way back I slipped and fell, hitting my back on the metal barricade."

He added,"I've never had a broken a rib before, so I didn't know how it would feel. I just figured I had banged my back up real hard, so I just kept putting ice on it, but realized that I could only sleep laying on my back due to the pain."

Professionally filmed video footage of Michael Monroe's performance at this year's Summer Sonic festival — which was held August 7-8, 2010 in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan — can be viewed below.

As previously reported, Michael Monroe will release a new live album,"Another Night In The Sun", in Europe and Japan on September 22. The CD was recorded in early July during a private concert at the Tavastia club in Helsinki and will be mixed and mastered by Niko Bolas (NEIL YOUNG,FRANK SINATRA, KEITH RICHARDS, KISS, SPINAL TAP) in Los Angeles.

"Another Night In The Sun" features highlights from Monroe's solo career, a few HANOI ROCKS classics and two brand new songs: "You're Next" and "Motorheaded For A Fall".

Michael Monroe's solo band features bassist Sami Yaffa, who has played with a remarkable variety of bands including HANOI ROCKS, NEW YORK DOLLS and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS, and guitarist Ginger, who has dazzled audiences over the world with his band THE WILDHEARTS. Also on guitar is Steve Conte, the NEW YORK DOLLS master fretman who has played with Willy DeVille and his own bands THE CRAZY TRUTH,CROWN JEWELS and COMPANY OF WOLVES. Rounding out the band is drummer Karl "Rockfist" Rosqvist, whose resume includes providing rhythm for the likes of CHELSEA SMILES and DANZIG.

Vince Neil Talked About Sobriety Just Days Before His Arrest

When Motley Crue singer Vince Neil was arrested Sunday night on drunken driving charges in Las Vegas, he was promoting a memoir in which he claimed to have stopped abusing drugs and alcohol.


The 49-year-old rocker spent the night in the Clark County jail and was released Monday after posting $2,000 bail.

In an interview last week with The Associated Press about a tell-all book due out in September, Neil said he hadn't used drugs in 20 years, and had stopped abusing alcohol.

"There's just a point in your life where you kind of stop, that's what happened with me," he said. "There's other things in life than just drugs and alcohol."

Neil said he admired the sobriety of some of the top performers today.

"Those are the guys that are doing it right," he said. "It's the ones that self-destruct with the drugs and alcohol that have gone by the wayside many years ago."

On June 22, Neil told the Associate Press, "Well, there's just a point in your life where you kind of stop, that's what happened with me. That was like three years ago. There's other things in life than just drugs and alcohol. I haven't touched drugs in 20 years. You grow out of that. Or hopefully, you grow out of it."

Neil was in his Lamborghini near the Las Vegas Stri when he was pulled over Sunday by police. . A police spokesman said additional details of the arrest would not be immediately released, and a police report would not be made available while the investigation continued. A court date is scheduled for Sept. 27.

Also from the AP interview on June 22, Neil says, "It's funny because somebody asked me, 'Is it weird being sober in a band?' and I go, 'Well, the thing is, you look at all the top bands that are still out there, most of those guys are sober."

Neil is currently working on his autobiography, due out this September. He said it will deal with the turmoil in his life.

Bret Michaels Still Not 100 Percent

According to People.com, POISON singer Bret Michaels is still suffering side effects from his April 21 brain hemorrhage and warning stroke.

"While Bret may be out on the road and performing, he is still not 100 percent," Janna Elias, V.P. of Michaels Entertainment said Tuesday. "He still has pain from the chemical meningitis, short term memory loss and gets fatigued quicker than normal."

Michaels, 47, however, hasn't put his health in jeopardy by hitting the road. Instead, he "simply feels that music is a powerful healer," adds Elias.

Apocalyptica Interviewed By Nikki Sixx; Audio Available

Finnish cello rockers APOCALYPTICA were interviewed on "Sixx Sense", the new national radio program hosted by MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx, at the fourth annual Rock On The Range festival, which was held May 22-23 in Columbus, Ohio. You can now listen to the chat below.

"Sixx Sense" airs nationwide from 7 p.m. to 12 p.m.

A complete list of radio stations carrying the show can be found at this location.

APOCALYPTICA will release its seventh studio album, "7th Symphony", on August 23. The majority of the album was produced by Joe Barresi (TOOL, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, BAD RELIGION), with two other songs produced by Howard Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, MOTÖRHEAD, PAPA ROACH).

The CD's first single, "End Of Me", features Gavin Rossdale, best known as the vocalist of the British alternative rock band BUSH. The album also features a number of other notable guest performances: SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo plays on "2010", "Bring Them To Light" features Joseph Duplantier, singer and guitarist of the French death metal band GOJIRA, "Broken Pieces" is a cooperation with FLYLEAF singer Lacey Sturm and "Not Strong Enough" is sung by Brent Smith (SHINEDOWN).

Willy Ehmann, Senior Vice President Sony Music Domestic GSA, states: "We are very proud that APOCALYPTICA, one of the most innovative bands in the rock genre, is going to release its new album via Sony Music again — another of the band's excellent albums, that will once again not only include classical APOCALYPTICA elements but also a host of most interesting collaborations."

During their career, which began in 1996 with the release of the album "Plays Metallica By Four Cellos", cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaakso and rummer Mikko Sirén have so far released six albums across seventy countries. The band have sold more than four million copies worldwide. The last two longplayers — "Apocalyptica" (2005) and "Worlds Collide" (2007) — made it into the Top Ten in most of the European album charts. On top of that, "Worlds Collide" also scored the band’s first entry into the U.S. Billboard chart.

APOCALYPTICA's albums achieved gold or platinum status in virtually every European country.

The band is set to promote the release of the new album with a worldwide tour in 2010 and beyond.

Fan-filmed video footage of APOCALYPTICA performing a brand new song, "Beautiful", on March 20, 2010 in Oulu, Finland and then again on March 28, 2010 in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine can be viewed below.

APOCALYPTICA is:

Eicca Toppinen - Cello
Paavo Lötjönen - Cello
Perttu Kivilaakso - Cello
Mikko Sirén - Drums

“Woth” debuted to an audience excited and appreciative of good music!

Commanded by DJ Giota, “the Angel of rock”, the program was aired leading the audience in the high atmosphere of the classic rock/AOR album “Written On The Horizon.” The songs “Do not Believe,” “Written On The Horizon” and “Anymore” were played during the show. “Anymore” was even played twice at the request of the listeners of Be Rock Radio. Absolute success of the debut album coming out on June 18 for the whole world.

For those who still do not know the radio, you can access the link: http://play.internet-radio-guide.net/index.php?id=24204 And enjoy with the best in the AOR/ Classic rock.

Our BIG thanks for the girl behind the Mount Olympus, from Athens/Greece to the world, the Rock Angel Giota for the great support and the amazing radio show! You can read below some impressions written for herself about the “WOTH” album.

Trivium’s Matt Heafy On Writing, Touring, and Recording

Recently Matt Heafy of Trivium talked to Apogee Electronics about the band's writing process, recording gear and balancing constant touring with writing their new material.

Says the floridian guitarist about post-Shogun writing, “A lot of bands and artists seem to have specific writing time, but with Trivium we're always on tour- so when inspiration strikes, we need to take advantage right away. Since our last record 'Shogun' was released, we've all been constantly jamming separately and collectively while writing new material."

With the newest, still un-named album the band adopted a new collaboration system. "At first, everyone started with either bits of songs, simple riffs, or entire organized songs into demos- then passed them around to everyone in the band. From there, we started learning everyone's songs and then taking them to the stage we're at right now by collectively jamming and working on band production. Even if it was a simple riff- or an entire piece- the song always gets pumped with new ideas when it's worked on as a whole band."

You can read the full profile on Heafy here and make sure to check out Trivium's Website for exclusive news about the upcoming album.

Mutiny Within Take On AC/DC and an Unpublished Peter Steele Interview

Check out todays issue of Metal Hammer for an AC/DC tribute sampler, featuring Mutiny Within giving their take on the iconic track "Highway To Hell".

Additionally, as part of a tribute to the late Type O Negative frontman, the issue will include a previously unpublished interview with Peter Steele.

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Airbourne's New Video: "Blonde, Bad, and Beautiful"

Don't you just hate it when you're on the flight home from a long tour trying to get some shut-eye, but the rest of the passengers want to run around in bikini's and show off thier poll-dancing prowess? This very conundrum is documented in Airbourne's brand new music video for "Blonde, Bad, and Beautiful" off of their sophmore release, "No Guts. No Glory". Join the Aussie's below on T&A Airlines as they drink, party, and most of all rock.

Once you're done be sure to pick up your copy of Airbourne's rock n' roll fury filled release "No Guts. No Glory" right here.

Rob Zombie Live at Rock on the Range

Rob Zombie's ghoulish ensemble hit Rock on the Range hard this past weekend to mark the close of the Gruesome Twosome Tour with Alice Cooper. Check out some photos from the set, including one of Rob backstage with Kristen Stewart (Phillies shirt) and friends, below.

Rob Zombie will be co-headlining this summer's Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival alongside Korn. The trek kicks off July 10th. Go here for a full list of tour dates and ticket information.

Tim 'Ripper' Owens Comments On Paul Gray's Passing

n April 2010 it was announced that SLIPKNOT bassist Paul Gray had joined HAIL!, the supergroup featuring mainstays Tim "Ripper" Owens (BEYOND FEAR, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH), David Ellefson (MEGADETH) and Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA). He was supposed to replace the group's original member, David Ellefson, who was unable to take part in HAIL!'s upcoming touring activities due to his renewed collaboration with MEGADETH.

As previously reported, Gray was found dead in an Iowa hotel room early Monday morning (May 24). He was 38.

Owens has released the following statement to D.X. Ferris of the Cleveland Scene regarding Gray's passing:

"I would like to send my condolences to [Gray's] family. "I played three or four times on stage with Paul and crossed paths a few other times throughout the years. He was always a great guy to be around and a great talent! I was looking forward to doing this HAIL! run with Paul on bass. Once again, let's pray for his family and keep them in our thoughts in their time of need."

Judas Priest Finally Receives Its GRAMMY Trophies

JUDAS PRIEST was honored with a Grammy in the "Best Metal Performance" category in the pre-telecast ceremony at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards, which was held on January 31, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. JUDAS PRIEST was nominated for the track "Dissident Aggressor", from the band's 2009 live album "A Touch of Evil: Live". The band's lead vocalist Rob Halford and drummer Scott Travis accepted the award at the event.

A photo of the five members of JUDAS PRIEST with their trophies — small, gilded gramophone statuettes — can be viewed below.

In his acceptance speech, Halford said, "The fifth time is the charm." According to AOL's Noisecreep, he mentioned that PRIEST have been making metal for 35 years and that they still love what they do. He also remembered to thank all the radio stations and press that have supported the band, and he dedicated the award to all heavy metal fans.

You can watch video of Halford's acceptance speech below.

The nominees in this year's "Metal" category were as follows:

* JUDAS PRIEST - "Dissident Aggressor" (from "A Touch of Evil: Live"
* LAMB OF GOD - "Set to Fail" (from "Wrath")
* MEGADETH - "Head Crusher" (from "Endgame")
* MINISTRY - "Señor Peligro" (from "Adios...")
* SLAYER - "Hate Worldwide" (from "World Painted Blood")

Only albums released between October 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009 could be considered for this year's awards.

The Grammys are determined by 12,000 music industry professionals who belong to the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

Poison: Bret Michaels Receives Devastating News As Tests Show He Has A Hole In His Heart

Bret Michaels was re-admitted to the hospital this week after suffering numbness on the left side of his body, predominately his face and hands which doctors described as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or warning stroke. While MRI and CT scan tests were being conducted, Michaels also received a doppler ultrasound of his legs and lower abdomen looking for blood clots and most importantly an ultrasound bubble test of his heart was conducted which proved positive for a patent forum ovale (PFO), a hole in the heart. Dr. Zabramski (Bret's neurosurgeon), Dr. Becker (who ordered the test), Dr. Cook (who conducted the test) and Dr. Frey (Director, Outpatient Stroke Program) all confirmed the results.

Dr. Zabramski states, "There is no doubt that the positive patent foramen ovale (PFO) is devastating news to Bret and his family. The good news is that it is operable and treatable and we think we may have diagnosed the problem that caused the transient ischemic attack (TIA) or warning stroke; however we feel it is highly unlikely this is connected to the brain hemorrhage he suffered just a few weeks earlier. Once again it is great that he quickly reacted to the severe numbness and got to the hospital immediately."

Dr. Zabramski continues, "I realize Bret wants to make a full recovery so that he can be active with his family, attempt to attend the finale of 'Celebrity Apprentice' and especially get back on the road to continue making music. Without a doubt he is very determined to get healthy and make a 100% recovery. Medically speaking, it is a fantastic attitude both mentally and physically for him to have. However, Bret's brain and body are not quite 100% yet, especially with the hole found in his heart. Further tests will be conducted throughout the week and I will have more information next week as to how this patent foramen ovale (PFO) will be treated. For now, Bret will be treated with outpatient care which includes a daily injection of Lovenox (a blood thinner to reduce the chance of blood clots) and blood tests."

Bret's rep, Janna Elias, states "Bret wants everyone to know he cannot thank you enough for all of the well wishes, prayers, and good vibes you have sent his way. Even though these last few months have been tough on him and his family, especially this most recent setback, he is in good spirits, great medical hands and is positive and hopeful that everything is going to be OK. He is up, walking, talking, continuing his daily rehab and very happy to be alive but he has made it clear he is sick and tired of being in the hospital and is ready to rock again."

Slayer will be the musical guest on ABC-Tv's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

SLAYER will be the musical guest on ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" this Thursday, May 20. This will mark the first appearance the band will make since vocalist/bassist Tom Araya had back surgery earlier this year, and the second time the band has performed on "Kimmel", having made their network television debut on the show in January 2007.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs at 12:05 a.m. ET and PT/11:05 p.m. CT.

For the telecast, SLAYER will perform "World Painted Blood", the title track from their latest album, as well as "Hate Worldwide" over the show's closing credits. In addition, the band will play three more songs on the show's outdoor stage in front of an SRO crowd. Tickets for this free mini-concert have been gone for weeks.

The "Kimmel" appearance precedes the band's busy summer touring schedule that will kick off on May 26 with extensive touring throughout Europe, and will include several Sonisphere festival appearances where SLAYER will be part of the "Big Four" — METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, and ANTHRAX. The band will return to North America in late July to co-headline (with MEGADETH) the east coast Canadian Carnage tour, and then, starting August 11, the American Carnage tour.

SLAYER's entire summer tour schedule can be accessed at Slayer.net.

Geezer Butler Tells The Story Of Dio’s Final Days

Geezer Butler tells the story of Ronnie’s final days and pays tribute to a dear friend.

Black Sabbath bassist and long-term friend of the late, great Ronnie James Dio has opened up his heart to tell the story of the final days in the life of the legendary vocalist.

“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, then he is part of it. I truly believe God, fate, destiny, whatever it’s called, brought us together again in 2006, after not seeing each other for 14 years, to do one final tour, which turned into three major tours and an album. We were having a blast together, enjoying each other’s company more than we had ever done before, talking about maybe doing one more album, when fate intervened again.

“We were planning on doing a two- or three-part North American tour, after having toured South America and Europe in spring/summer 2009, but on the first leg of the North American tour, Tony’s (Iommi) hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny’s (Appice) shoulder became dislocated, and Ronnie was having terrible stomach pains. We decided to cut the tour, get healthy, and carry on the following year. Tony and Vinny had successful procedures to fix their ailments, but Ronnie’s stomach pains were worsening. I saw him at the Dio Halloween party, but he wasn’t drinking, unusual for Ronnie who liked his tipple. He was telling me he had made an appointment with a specialist, to see what it was…..

“Wednesday, 12th May 2010.

“Wendy invited Gloria and I to lunch in Santa Barbara. A few close friends of Ronnie and Wendy, Omar, Simon, Paul, Tim, and Diana, had dropped by. Ronnie had no appetite whatsoever — the disease and the chemotherapy were taking an immense toll. As usual, we talked sports and had a laugh together — it would be the last time. That night, I had a beautiful email from him, that I will treasure forever. I sent him an email saying I’d see him during the following week.

“Friday, 14th May 2010.

“Wendy called to say she had taken Ronnie to hospital. The pain had become unbearable. We got to the hospital around 2 p.m. The doctor eventually sedated him. More and more friends were coming to visit — we took it in turns to hold Ronnie’s hand, and whisper our thoughts to him. Wendy wouldn’t leave his side — she stayed curled up on his bed the whole night. Gloria’s assistant, Debi, kept her company. I emailed Tony to prepare him for bad news.

“Saturday, 15th May 2010.

“There was no mistaking Ronnie’s room. There were around 25 to 30 friends outside his room. We knew the end was imminent. We all wanted to say our goodbyes. It was a day filled with tears and reflection. In the evening, the chaplain came, and we all gathered around Ronnie’s bed and prayed. Ronnie wasn’t going easily. At 11 p.m., most of us left, leaving Wendy her privacy to say her last farewell. The devastation was palpable.

“Sunday, 16th May 2010.

“7.46 a.m. As we were preparing to leave for the hospital, Gloria called Wendy to see if she wanted a coffee or any breakfast — she broke the sad news. Ronnie had just passed away.

“Wendy Dio has been a true saint through all this. She has been with Ronnie every step of the way. Her courage has amazed us all. Even as I write, she is ensuring Ronnie has the finest send-off possible. God bless you, Wendel.

“Most people who were there for those last days chose to keep their thoughts private. I wanted to keep my thoughts private, too, but I’ve been overwhelmed by emails, and requests from the media and fans for comments.

“I can truly say I’ve never known anyone to have such loyal, loving friends, fans, and family as Ronnie. He really was a special person, blessed with a unique voice and presence. He loved his fans — he would stay meeting and talking to them until the early hours of the morning.

“One of my fondest memories of him comes from last year, at the Sonisphere Festival, Knebworth. He noticed my sister and her husband at the side of the stage. During our opening song, he took the time to go over and hug them. Just a little thing like that made him special to me.

“Of course his music will live on forever, as will his influence.

“I have never seen so many tributes from so many musicians and fans, so many good wishes, no cynicism, just pure love and appreciation for a great man.

“God bless you, Ronald — thank you so much for the wonderful memories.”

Edguy/Avantasia Frontman: Dio 'Was The Epitome Of The Perfect Heavy Metal Vocalist'

EDGUY/AVANTASIA frontman Tobias Sammet has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"[On Sunday] I [was] informed about the sad news of Ronnie James Dio's passing. It is impossible to find any words for what went through my head and what Ronnie means for me as a vocalist, and as a fanboy too. He gave us so much enchanting music, poetic lyrics and great vocals. To me he was the epitome of the perfect heavy metal vocalist.

"With EDGUY we have had the chance to share the stage with Ronnie on several occasions and so I've been given the opportunity to meet him about ten years ago. He was a very nice person with a tremendous charisma who made you feel very appreciated in his environment. I wanted to have him on several AVANTASIA albums but the schedule never allowed it; he was always busy, always had many things on his schedule, a real workaholic and full of visions and enthusiam.

"Ronnie, you will always be remembered as one of the biggest vocalists in the history of music! Rock'n'roll will never forget you — rest in peace!"

Iced Earth: Dio 'Was The Most Genuine Person I've Ever Met In The Music Industry'

ICED EARTH mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"I just wanted to write a note about Ronnie James Dio and how much I will miss him.

"Ronnie was the most genuine person I've ever met in the music industry.

"I think we've all had run-ins with our childhood heroes, and sometimes it can be a disappointing experience. This was definitely not the case with Ronnie. He was a wise, kind, and special person, and a dear friend that will be greatly missed.

"Rest in peace, brother. Your spirit and music will continue to inspire generations to come."