Band Merchandise

Will Paris Hilton Still Wear Her Good Charlotte T Shirt With the Breakup with Benji Madden

2009-01-28T21:05:00.000-08:00

A source tells Us Weekly that the Good Charlotte guitarist was overprotective and controlling of Paris.

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden have ended their relationship, according to Us Weekly, but will she still wear her Good Charlotte t-shirt? The split puts the famed hotel heiress, 27, and Good Charlotte guitarist, 29, back on the market after nine months of dating.

"Even though they are still in love, they felt it would be better to just be friends," an unnamed source close to the "Repo! The Genetic Opera" star told the magazine.

"Benji was overprotective and controlling. He doesn't get along with any of her friends," the source continued, sharing their thoughts on why the couple called it quits. "Friends thought Paris had changed since being with Benji, and she wants to be herself again."

Things moved fast for the couple, who made their relationship public in February. In August, Hilton confirmed in an interview with MTV News that the two had co-written a song for her upcoming album, saying their talents and sensibilities "really mixed well."

"Well, he's such a talented writer. We're in love, so we can really write well together," she said at Comic-Con in San Diego. "We're kind of on the same wavelength, the way we think."

According to Us, Hilton was spotted over the weekend canoodling with ex-boyfriend Stavros Niarchos in Miami. Their interactions reportedly remained platonic.

"Nothing went on between Paris and Stav in Miami," the magazine quoted their source as saying. "She was there for a girls weekend with her [best friends]."

Madden's twin brother, Joel, recently had a baby with his girlfriend and Hilton's friend, Nicole Richie.

Pete Wentz Gets Baby Advice From Good Charlotte's Joel Madden On 'Total Finale Live'

'A baby doesn't wait!' Madden tells the Fall Out Boy bassist, who's expecting his first child with Ashlee Simpson.

While Fall Out Boy rocked "Total Finale Live" with a performance in the middle of New York's Times Square, the group's bassist, Pete Wentz, had the doubtless surreal experience of watching his band perform without him as he was with his very-pregnant-and-reportedly-in-labor wife, Ashlee Simpson. He called into the show to share the moment.

He assured everyone that the baby Wentz has not yet arrived. "Not here yet!" he said. "I went to Chinatown, picked up a bootleg version of 'Twilight' and watched it like, 72, times."

He joked that his bandmates, as well as the rest of the world, will probably know that the baby's arrived when the news hits the Internet. But he assured everyone, "Nothing's happened yet!" Wentz also shared with his fans that the couple have yet to pick out a name for the baby.

He was missed by his bandmates. "It was cool [to perform]," Fall Out Boy singer Patrick Stump said on the show. "I wish Pete was there."

Wentz's friend Joel Madden — who, you may have heard, has a daughter, Harlow, with girlfriend Nicole Richie — had some key advice on the rocker-as-father gig.

"When you're on tour you can be late a lot — but when you're a dad you can't be late," Madden said on the show. "A baby doesn't wait!"

Another baby not waiting for Wentz is the show he hosts, "FNMTV," which will be back for a second season in December. He admitted that hosting isn't as easy as he makes it look.

"It's hard asking people questions," he said. "I'm not good at reading the teleprompter. 'TRL' made me excited about countdowns!"

Read more of the Good Charlotte discography and watch my favorite Good Charlotte video.

==============
If You're After Good Charlotte Merch.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band t shirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to band sweatshirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Fan Buys Deftones Merch to Show Support Better Recovery for bassist Chi Cheng

2009-01-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

Wondering if fans purchase Deftones Merch to show suppport as Cheng still in coma but responds to reflex tests.

Doctors treating Deftones bassist Chi Cheng — who suffered life-threatening injuries in a car accident that happened in Santa Clara, California, last week — say they're hopeful the musician will make a full recovery and be back onstage in the not-too-distant future.

According to updates posted to the band's studio blog, the 38-year-old Cheng, who has been in a coma since the crash, has been making progress toward recovery. "This Sunday saw the first signs of your prayers in action," reads one of the most recent posts. "Chi was able to hear and respond to his father's request to move his lower lip. His father also administered a tendon reflex test, of which both legs responded with movement. Doctors continue to remain optimistic, and the energy at the hospital remains very positive."

Cheng, who remains in serious but stable condition in a Northern California hospital, was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, although that information has not been confirmed. According to reports, Cheng was returning from his brother's memorial service when the crash occurred. Authorities have yet to release additional information regarding the crash or Cheng's injuries.

One post suggests his condition could have been worse, had it not been for three men who happened to be driving by. "The family would also like to send a special thank you out to the three off-duty EMTs that stopped shortly after the accident and saved Chi's life," the post reads. "It was by the Grace of God that these three individuals happened to be traveling on the road with medical gear in tow at the time of the accident. If not for them, the chances of Chi making it to the hospital alive would have been poor."

In a separate post, Deftones drummer Abe Cunningham wrote, "The neurosurgeon treating Chi says the first 72 hours are critical, and as of now, he is fighting the good fight and the doctors remain optimistic. We are seeing your prayers in action. The family asks that all the prayer warriors out there continue to pray for Chi, and keep sending out your positive energy."

Cheng's mother, Jeanne, also released a statement through the band's MySpace page, saying that, while a tough recovery is expected, "Chi will be playing his bass again. I've been reading your e-mails to him. You are so wonderful. My heart aches with love for you. We are all connected."

There's no word yet on how Cheng's recovery will impact the band's forthcoming LP Eros, which was being eyed for release this spring.

Cheng's family has also asked that fans reach out to the homeless, which was something the bassist — who released a spoken-word album called The Bamboo Parachute in 2000 — tried to do as often as he could.

"In the past, when Chi was not on tour, he would gather a few instruments together once a week and meet the homeless kids in the park to play music with them," reads a statement from the family. "Today, we ask you to give a homeless person a blanket, some warm clothes or some food. If you don't see a homeless person, reach out to a child near or far, and show some kindness to them. Keep sending your good thoughts and prayers; they are keeping him with us, and he is improving daily."

Deftones bassist Chi Cheng remains under a hospital's care after sustaining injuries last week in a vehicular accident. According to the band's spokesperson, Cheng, who has been in a coma since the crash, is feeling better, and more news on his recovery will be released sometime next week. Cheng's condition remains stable; he's started breathing on his own, and is starting to move his eyes underneath his eyelids. Earlier this week, Korn bassist Fieldy visited Cheng in the hospital. ...

Read more of the Deftones discography and watch my favorite Deftones video.

==============
If You're After Deftones Merchandise.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band sweatshirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to toddler t shirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Black Sabbath Merch and Band - So Influential in Development of Heavy Metal Rock Compositions as a Crucial Force - Part one

2009-01-26T00:59:00.000-08:00

(Read More - Black Sabbath Pt 1, Black Sabbath Pt 2, Black Sabbath Pt 3, Black Sabbath Pt 4, Black Sabbath Pt 5) - The group took the blues-rock sound of late '60s acts like Cream, Blue Cheer, and Vanilla Fudge to its logical conclusion, slowing the tempo, accentuating the bass, and emphasizing screaming guitar solos and howled vocals full of lyrics expressing mental anguish and macabre fantasies. If their predecessors clearly came out of an electrified blues tradition, Black Sabbath took that tradition in a new direction, and in so doing helped give birth to a musical style that continued to attract millions of fans decades later.

The group was formed by four teenage friends from Aston, near Birmingham, England: Anthony "Tony" Iommi (b. Feb 19, 1948), guitar; William "Bill" Ward (b. May 5, 1948), drums; John "Ozzy" Osbourne (b. Dec 3, 1948), vocals; and Terence "Geezer" Butler (b. Jul 17, 1949), bass. They originally called their jazz-blues band Polka Tulk, later renaming themselves Earth, and they played extensively in Europe. In early 1969, they decided to change their name again when they found that they were being mistaken for another group called Earth. Butler had written a song that took its title from a novel by occult writer Dennis Wheatley, Black Sabbath, and the group adopted it as their name as well. As they attracted attention for their live performances, record labels showed interest, and they were signed to Phillips Records in 1969. In January 1970, the Phillips subsidiary Fontana released their debut single, "Evil Woman (Don't Play Your Games With Me)," a cover of a song that had just become a U.S. hit for Crow; it did not chart. The following month, a different Phillips subsidiary, Vertigo, released Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album, which reached the U.K. Top Ten. Though it was a less immediate success in the U.S. -- where the band's recordings were licensed to Warner Bros. Records and appeared in May 1970 -- the LP broke into the American charts in August, reaching the Top 40, remaining in the charts over a year, and selling a million copies.

Appearing at the start of the '70s, Black Sabbath embodied the Balkanization of popular music that followed the relatively homogenous second half of the 1960s. As exemplified by its most popular act, the Beatles, the 1960s suggested that many different aspects of popular music could be integrated into an eclectic style with a broad appeal. The Beatles were as likely to perform an acoustic ballad as a hard rocker or R&B-influenced tune.

Read more of the Black Sabbath discography and watch my favorite Black Sabbath video.

==============
If You're After Black Sabbath Merchandise.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band sweatshirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to toddler t shirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Atreyu Merch is Insanely Trendy but Singer Tries To Stay Free from Mental Derangement

2009-01-25T23:45:00.001-08:00

'I lose my mind a couple times a day now,' says singer Alex Varkatzas, who recently went off his meds, however Atreyu merchandise is insanely trendy.

Atreyu singer Alex Varkatzas used to deal with severe anxiety by taking antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication including Lexapro and Klonopin, which helped him work and tour without suffering from panic attacks. However, for the writing and recording of Atreyu's new album Lead Sails Paper Anchor, Varkatzas went cold turkey and let his emotional upheaval inform the band's songs even more directly. Of course, as any psychiatric worker will tell you, being off your meds can have its drawbacks as well.

"I lose my mind a couple times a day now," Varkatzas admitted. "But I try to deal with my emotions instead of hiding behind them, and that's something that's new for me. In the past, I always used to drink or take a pill. Now I'm learning to cope with reality."

One of Varkatzas' main coping methods these days is writing lyrics, which is partially why new tracks like "Honor," "Can't Happen Here" and first single "Becoming the Bull" are so fraught with tension and aggression. But while Varkatzas is raging as hard as ever, he's no longer ranting about getting dumped or betrayed. Instead, he's addressing larger issues such as war, self-empowerment and the importance of family.

"I'm dealing with grown-up stuff now lyrically because that's what's going on in my life," he said. "I'm 25 now. I bought a condo, so I'm dealing with the responsibilities of being a homeowner. I just had my grandpa pass away when I was on tour, and it was horrible that he was dying and I couldn't go home. There was nothing I could do about it, and I had to learn to accept that."

In addition to maturing as a lyricist, Varkatzas has branched out as a singer. With the help of vocal coach Ron Anderson and an awful lot of persistence, Varkatzas is no longer leaving all the melodic parts up to drummer Brandon Saller. Sure, Saller's honey-sweet voice washes through many of the choruses, but Varkatzas has learned to carry a tune as well, and now offers a variety of voices including a more powerful roar ("Can't Happen Here"), pained croon ("Lead Sails [And a Paper Anchor]") and Vince Neil-style yowl ("Blow").

"This is the most nervous I think I've ever been for a record," Varkatzas admitted. "I wanted to do something different and to live up to my potential, so I worked really hard to be able to handle the singing parts. I'm still not a natural singer, but when I set my mind to something, I refuse to take no for an answer."

Various stylistic nuances also contribute to the album's fresh feel. "Falling Down" is a shuffling romp that sounds like a metallic Green Day with horns; "Becoming the Bull" is embellished with industrial effects; and "Slow Burn" features pedal-steel guitar.

"This album isn't just about guitars, bass, drums and vocals," Saller said. "There are strings, opera vocals, hand claps, mandolins, Turkish saz — anything we could think of that seemed cool at the time."

Contributing to the diversity of the album was producer John Feldmann (Goldfinger, the Used), who encouraged Atreyu to push their boundaries and take chances. "He really helped us with our structuring, and figuring out what works and what didn't, and bringing a different set of ideas to our band than we would normally have," Varkatzas said. "But we put in a lot of really long and hard days. He'd make me come up with lyrics on the spot and push me so hard. I would work my ass off and try as hard as I could, and then John would go, 'You know, that's good, but you can do better.' But that pushing helped us all get to new levels on this record."

In the end, Atreyu created their most diverse and ambitious album — a disc that should shatter the metalcore box they've been forced into and help earn them a new following that appreciates good, challenging music. At the same time, many of the elements on Lead Sails Paper Anchor are poppier than past excursions — occasionally bordering on Linkin Park territory.

"This is definitely a metal record, but there's more to it as well," Saller said. "There are rock and roll, punk and even almost dance aspects. But in essence, it's a true Atreyu record. This is where we come from. This is what we are."

Read more of the Atreyu discography and watch my favorite Atreyu video.

==============
If You're After Atreyu Merch.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band t shirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to band sweatshirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Alkaline Trio Merchandise and Band Formed by Catastrophe, Torment, and the Camaraderie of Drinking

2009-01-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

Matt Skiba (vocals/guitar), Glenn Porter (drums/vocals) -- formerly of 88 Fingers Louie -- and Rob Doran (bass/vocals), Alkaline Trio merch and band was brought together in 1997 by heartbreak, angst, and the companionship of drinking. They issued the For Your Lungs Only EP just prior to Doran's departure in late 1997, later releasing Sundials the following year on Johann's Face Records. Slapstick's Dan Andriano entered on bass, adding a complementary voice and songwriting style to Skiba's that would become the group's signature dynamic. The three then started making a name for themselves all throughout the Midwest with their emotion-fueled, angst-ridden, dark pop-punk. With this lineup in full force, all while Skiba and Porter were working as bike messengers full-time, their first full-length, Goddamnit!, was released on Asian Man in 1998 to the praise of a following who related to their heartbreak tales and anti-cop rants.

Both Maybe I'll Catch Fire and a self-titled singles collection followed in early 1999. The new millennium also included a series of changes: Glenn Porter exited in early 2000 and ex-Smoking Popes drummer Mike Felumlee made Alkaline Trio a three-piece again. From Here to Infirmary followed on Vagrant in spring 2001 and was met with only lukewarm fan response. But a split EP released by Jade Tree the next year found the Trio in top form again alongside Hot Water Music, both bands contributing original tracks and covers of each other's songs. Good Mourning was released two years later, and the lineup by now included new drummer Derek Grant (ex-Suicide Machines, Thoughts of Ionesco). Good Mourning did well, grazing the Billboard charts and scoring Alkaline Trio spots on late-night TV and summer tours. Crimson followed in 2005 and continued the band's streak. Touring persisted over the summer, both as a headliner and in support of My Chemical Romance. A spring 2006 run (with openers Against Me!) delighted devout fans from early on with a set that mostly contained tunes from initial releases, including an entire run-through of the fan-favorite Goddamnit! By fall, Alkaline Trio had found a new home at V2 Records and began work on their next album, although label restructuring problems in January 2007 led to the band being let go before anything was released. That same month Vagrant issued the CD/DVD Remains, which rounded up B-sides and rarities, and in May it was annouced that the Trio had found a new home on Epic.

Read more of the alkaline trio discography and watch my favorite alkaline trio video.

==============
If You're After alkaline trio Merchandise.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band sweatshirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to toddler t shirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

AFI Merch Skyrockets Due to Producer Jerry Finn Dying At 39

2009-01-22T21:53:00.000-08:00

Punk producer was taken off life support a month after suffering massive brain hemorrhage.

Nearly two weeks after he was taken off life support, producer Jerry Finn, who had worked with the likes of Blink-182, Morrissey, AFI, Rancid and Green Day, died last week at the age of 39, about a month after suffering a massive brain hemorrhage. According to Billboard, Finn passed away on August 21 and AFI Merchandise Skyrocketed at Plant 13.

Finn got his start in the business as an engineer during the early 1990s and eventually made the transition to producer, helming records by Pennywise, Jawbreaker, Madness, Alkaline Trio and Sum 41. He produced Rancid's 1995 LP ...And Out Come the Wolves, Blink-182's 1999 offering Enema of the State and 2000's The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!), and AFI's 2003 breakthrough Sing the Sorrow and its follow-up, 2006's Decemberunderground. Most recently, Finn produced ex-Smiths frontman Morrissey's upcoming Years of Refusal, which is slated for a February release.

Billboard reports that a family friend claims a scholarship fund is in the works, as well as a memorial for friends and family.

Last week, former Blink-182 member Mark Hoppus spoke out about Finn's death on his blog.

"One of my best friends passed away," he wrote. "Jerry Finn was one of the most talented, funniest, coolest, smartest and honest people I've ever known. He was true in every sense of the word. True in his love of music, true in his friendships; Jerry loved life. He was happiest when quietly making music he loved, and loudly making fun of everything he didn't. When I think of times spent with Jerry, all I can think of is us laughing. ... He's just one of those guys with the quickest wit in the room. He also knows more about music than anyone. ... I feel blessed to have worked with and learned so much from him. But most of all, I am honored to call him my dear friend. Jerry, I miss you already."

AFI plan on returning to the same studio where they recorded most of their earliest albums, to begin work on what will be their next LP. Guitarist Jade Puget wrote on the band's MySpace blog, "We're currently working on new songs," and noted that being in the old studio has the band feeling "very nostalgic." ... Why was Gwyneth Paltrow hospitalized last week? Her chef pal Mario Batali says the actress' trip to New York's Mount Sinai Hospital was due to "a little gastrointestinal situation," according to UsMagazine.com. "It's now been straightened out," said Batali, who is traveling with Paltrow to Spain in three weeks to shoot a PBS cooking show, set to air in October. Paltrow's rep issued a statement on Tuesday (January 22), saying, "She is at home and OK." ...

Read more of the afi discography and watch my favorite afi video.

==============
If You're After afi Merch.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band t shirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to band sweatshirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Jared Leto Broke Nose and Not Over Scarlett Johansson - Does She Wear 30 Seconds To Mars Merch?

2009-01-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

Singer ran into crowd, sustained additional injuries at Thursday show.

True chaos ensued Thursday at the Taste of Chaos tour stop in El Paso, Texas, resulting in 30 Seconds to Mars singer Jared Leto sustaining a broken nose and other injuries.

According to a spokesperson for the band's record label, Leto was injured when he ran into the crowd during "The Kill" and thousands of fans overpowered security and rushed toward him on the floor of County Coliseum.

Along with his nose, which was unintentionally broken, Leto suffered a foot injury and superficial injuries to his face and body.

Leto finished the show and even declared it one of the best of the tour, but eventually checked into a hospital to ensure that none of his injuries would require surgery. 30 Seconds to Mars are scheduled to perform Friday (March 2) in Dallas.

"I've been producing shows for 25 years and this was one of the scariest moments I have witnessed," Taste of Chaos organizer Kevin Lyman said in a statement. "We hope Jared's injuries are all minor and that he has a speedy recovery."

No fans were seriously injured in the melee, according to the band's spokesperson.

30 Seconds to Mars, Jared Leto could be a top flight actor, if he could just spend less time on this vanity project, was recently named one of the top 10 musicians turned actor.

Jared Leto Not Entirely Over Scarjo?

Remember when Scarlett Johansson briefly dated Jared Leto way back before she met Josh Harnett in 2004?

No, she's no longer with Josh. She's married to Ryan Reynolds, 32. Keep up.

Leto, 37, apparently hasn't forgotten their brief time together, despite recently being linked with New York City socialite Lydia Hearst.

OK! reports that Leto was "chatting" with Scarjo for the majority of the evening at the Creative Artists Agency post-Golden Globes party at the Sunset Towers on Sunday night.

And rather than reasoning that "my husband with the major abs might object to me spending the entire evening with my ex-boyfriend," Scarjo, 24, allegedly welcomed the attention. Hmm.

The 30 Seconds to Mars frontman and actor "spent most of the evening hitting on Scarlett Johansson, who certainly didn't seem to mind," is how a crass-thinking witness summarized the exchange.

Jared had his choice of exes to chat with.

Cameron Diaz was also on the scene, but former lovers Diaz and Leto reportedly didn't acknowledge each other. Single girl Cammie was said to be taken by that scalliwag Gerard Butler. Don't do it, Cammie!

Jared might have had less time for Scarlett if one of his other former flames, Paris Hilton, hadn't been expelled from the party along with her scruffy buddy. So, if Ryan Reynolds does lose his bride, he can blame Paris Hilton.

Read more of the 30 Seconds to Mars discography and watch my favorite 30 Seconds to Mars video.

==============
If You're After 30 Seconds to Mars Merch.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band t shirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to band sweatshirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Listings of Him's TV Appearances and Interviews

2009-01-19T23:30:00.000-08:00

SWEDEN: FUZZ INTERVIEW WITH VILLE
Wednesday, November 07, 2007 11:07 AM

MTV Sweden will be replaying their interview with Ville on Fuzz. The show airs on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 18:00 CET. You can also see the show in their website at www.mtv.se/fuzz.

Alcatrazz
Friday, October 05, 2007 6:36 PM

SPAIN: MIGE & VILLE INTERVIEWED ON 20 MINUTOS
Thursday, October 04, 2007 6:38 PM

Ville and Mige were interviewed on Spain's 20 Minutos recently, you can catch the video of the interview here.

GERMANY: MIGE & VILLE ON MTV'S TRL
Tuesday, October 02, 2007 7:49 PM

Ville and Mige recently made an appearance on MTV's TRL in Germany. You can also vote for Kiss Of Dawn on Germany's TRL

VILLE & MIGE ON MTV2'S ROCK THE DEUCE & THE DROP
Thursday, September 13, 2007 7:17 PM

Ville and Mige will be on MTV2's Rock The Deuce on September 29th, 2007 at 10:00 P.M. EST/PST counting down their favorite videos. The show is can also be seen online at MTV2.com.

Also catch HIM on MTV2's The Drop the same day between 7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. EST/PST to catch clips of 3 songs.

H.I.M. TO PERFORM ON CARSON DALY
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 6:48 PM

H.I.M. will perform "Wings of a Butterfly" this Thursday night, July 20, on Carson Daly. Stephen Dorff will also be a guest on the episode, which airs at 1:35am ET/12:35am PT. Check your local listings for details.

CATCH HIM ON FUSE TODAY
Thursday, May 10, 2007 6:02 PM

If you missed the premiere of the HIM interview on Steven's Untitled Rock Show last night at 10PM, tune in to Fuse today, Tuesday the 22nd, at 4PM!

HIM TO APPEAR ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE
Tuesday, May 08, 2007 6:00 PM

HIM will be performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC)Wednesday, June 7. If you want to be in show, just click here.

NOTE:

- YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OLD

- YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE ON Friday, June 9th. FROM 5:30PM - 8:00PM

- YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PHOTO ID

- PLEASE DO NOT WEAR WHITE, LIGHT BLUE, BEIGE OR LOGOS, AS THEY DON'T COME ACROSS WELL ON CAMERA

- PLEASE DO NOT BRING LARGE HANDBAGS OR KNAPSACKS

- NO CAMERAS OR RECORDING DEVICES

TONIGHT: H.I.M. ON CARSON DALY!
Thursday, July 20, 2006 6:51 PM

Check out H.I.M. on "Last Call with Carson Daly" tonight, where they'll be performing "Wings of a Butterfly." "Last Call" airs at 12:35 PT / 1:35 ET
in most markets--check your local listings for channel and other details.

HIM ON CARSON DALY - THIS FRIDAY
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 11:03 AM

Catch HIM playing live on Last Call with Carson Daly this Friday, 6/16. The show airs on NBC and starts at 1:35am / 12:35am CST.

Read more of the him discography and watch my favorite him video.

==============
If You're After him Merchandise.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band sweatshirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to toddler t shirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Fall Out Boy Merch in Demand as LP Perfects with Encrusted Reverberation

2009-01-15T04:06:00.000-08:00

Even if you can't keep up with all the emotional turns with all of the cool Fall Out Boy Merch that is coming out, the lyrics in the new Fall Out Boy album is always an engaging sonic excursion.

That's true more than ever on Folie a Deux (translation: a madness shared by two), which uses the band's high-energy emo approach as a springboard for an ambitious and pleasing wall of sound. While there is precious little dynamic range — maybe the lean, rhythmic intro to Tiffany Blews or the piano that introduces the power ballad What a Catch, Donnie — the band's penchant for doing things big is usually rewarding.

Tracks such as the churning I Don't Care are built for rattling the foundation at rock arenas, and the song's exuberant sing-along chorus isn't lacking in the hook department either.

Such anthems are a Fall Out Boy specialty, but the surprise on Folie a Deux is the skill with which the band members and producer Neal Avron add so many layers without turning things into a sludgy mess. Often, the excesses manage to rescue songs from boring cliches.

That's the case on What a Catch, Donnie, which emerges from its lushness to a massive chorus with cameos by Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy and Elvis Costello (yes, Elvis Costello) doing bits of other Fall Out Boy songs.

''No one wants to hear you sing about tragedy,'' the band announces in the album's opening moments. Yeah, the melodramatic sentiment could get old fast, if it weren't wrapped in so many appealing diversions.

Read more of the Fall out Boy discography and watch my favorite Fall out Boy video.

==============
If You're After Fall out Boy Merchandise.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band sweatshirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to toddler t shirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Evanescence's Amy Lee: It Is Not Every Part of Being Distressing

2009-01-15T01:30:00.000-08:00

The singer chats with SPIN.com about her band's infighting, a new solo album, scoring films, and more.

With Nightmare Revisited, Evanescence's Amy Lee has released her first new material since her band's 2006 multi-platinum hit, The Open Door. Add that to the departure of two Evanescence members and Lee's ever-growing musical independence, and the songstress has some explaining to do.

Lee, who is busy writing new material, talks with SPIN.com about the messy split of Evanescence's guitarist John LeCompt and drummer Rocky Gray, writing a solo album, scoring films, and "Sally's Song," her contribution to Nightmare Revisited, the new collection of covers from Tim Burton's 1993 film, The Nightmare Before Christmas.

On the state of Evanescence:
"It's a difficult situation, as is every dramatic situation our band has gone through. John [LeCompt, guitar], Rocky [Gray, drums] -- we outgrew each other. When they joined the band, Fallen was just completed and they were excited to be a part of something really big. From the beginning, their musical styles were very different from Evanescence. I think to a degree they got bored or frustrated. They weren't part of the creative process and were like, 'Why are we doing this?' Their writing just didn't work for Evanescence, and I have to do what's best for the band. I've had a little bit of contact with John since and it was positive. Very few bands have been able to maintain their original members forever."

On new songs and a solo album:
"I need to show that I’m more than a one trick pony. I'm writing here at the house by myself and it's been really good. But I'd really like to do something different next. [The new songs] are definitely different. I feel like I'm going back to my really old roots. They have more of my folky and Celtic influence than ever before. And it's not all sad -- it's nothing I would categorize as Evanescence."

On scoring films:
"My biggest dream from the beginning -- besides Evanescence -- is scoring film and writing music for film. And I've definitely had that in my head and have been trying to connect with the right people to get involved with the right project. I really feel like it would be great to get into a project that's bigger than myself and be the creator and not necessarily just the performer."

On Nightmare Revisited:
"The Nightmare Before Christmas is my number one biggest influence artistically in every way. [When I was young] I literally would sit in my bedroom and sing 'Sally's Song,' or in the car driving to school. The best part about it [recording the song] was that I had no restrictions or direction or anything. I picked the producer, who's a friend, and we just made the song however we wanted together. [We recorded the song] three months ago, in Fort Worth, TX."

Read more of the Evanescence discography and watch my favorite Evanescence video.

==============
If You're After Evanescence Merchandise.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band t shirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to band sweatshirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Blink-182 Merch Plead Increases as Mark Hoppus Discusses Reunion – Part Two

2009-01-15T00:23:00.000-08:00

(Read Blink-182 Merch Plead - Part One) On His Relationship With DeLonge: "Right now, we're getting back to just being friends. I talk to Tom several times a week, sometimes several times a day, and you know, he's still the same Tom that I talked to on tour buses four years ago. He still talks about UFOs and lasers and conspiracy theories. We talk about new bands we dig — Vampire Weekend — and the movie 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall.' We also make stupid fart jokes. God help us, we're grown men still making fart jokes. ... Who knows? I know two things: One, I'm just glad we're all friends again, and two, none of us know anything for sure beyond that."

On the Future of Blink-182: "The future is wide open. ... Blink-182 merchandise wasn't manufactured by a label, and we weren't making music to make money or for fame. We were three friends in a band, writing music that we loved. That's where it began and ended. Before there's reunion talk, we need to get back to that point again. Actually, we would need to get beyond that point, to a place where you can say to someone, 'Hey, man, I'm not really feeling this,' and be able to argue constructively about the music. Because that's where the best of Blink-182 came into being. The pull between the ideas the three of us had. I've always thought that the three of us each brought something unique and special to the songs, and the collision of those elements made the music what it was. In short, we would need to get back to where we're all close enough friends and artists to be able to tell each other, respectfully, 'Suck it.' My final thought is this: If — and this is a big if — Blink-182 were ever to re-form, it would have to be the most amazing, ridiculous, mind-blowing show and tour ever. I feel like, as bitter as our breakup was, we stepped back at the top of our game, and we'd have to come back even stronger and better than before."

So, if there's no Blink reunion in the immediate future, what about Hoppus and Barker's other band, +44? The answer might surprise you. Check out MTVNews.com on Wednesday for more.

Read more of the Blink 182 discography and watch my favorite Blink 182 video.

==============
If You're After Blink 182 Merch.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk, metal and goth
band t shirts online. Get
everything from Tripp NYC clothing
to band sweatshirts. while you’re
there check out the
Weekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

AC/DC Merchandise and Music Therapy?

2008-12-25T02:03:00.000-08:00

AC/DC merch and LP `Black Ice` has been one of the biggest sellers in the world this year and in America, it has now passed the benchmark 2x platinum and you thought Kiss was big.

‘Black Ice’ broke an 8-year drought for new music from the band. It was the follow-up to ‘Stiff Upper Lip’ at the start of the century.

In Australia, per capita, ‘Black Ice’ has done twice as good as it did in the USA. Australia has accredited the album 4x platinum.

This week’s sales for ‘Black Ice’ added up to 262,097. It will sell more than 280,000 by the end of this week. Platinum is awarded after 70,000 units are shipped to stores in Australia.

The AC/DC ‘Black Ice’ world tour has dates through to the middle of 2009 now. The band is expected to announce the Australia leg of the tour in January for the end of 09.

AC/DC Music Room?

Taking a slight detour from the highway to hell, AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson delivered an early Christmas gift for sick children at a Sarasota hospital.

Johnson dedicated a music room at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Monday. Nearly $20,000 for the room came through the John Entwistle Foundation, a group founded in honor of the late bass player for The Who. Johnson, AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Steve Luongo - the foundation's director and former bandmate of Entwistle - raised money for the room with gigs last year.

Dr. Jennifer Mayer, a pediatric oncologist, says music therapy can help children who are anxious about surgery and illness.

The room includes an electronic drum kit, guitars, a keyboard and a computer with music recording software.

Read the ac/dc discography I wrote and watch my favorite ac/dc video.

==============
If You're After AC/DC Merch.

We've got the largest range of
rock, punk,metal and goth
band t shirts online. Get everything
from Tripp NYC clothing and
while you’re there check out
theWeekly Top 10 Music Videos

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Why Did The Band Alexisonfire Name The Group After a Stripper?

2008-04-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

Alexisonfire (pronounced 'alexis-on-fire') is a post-hardcore band from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Their music is characterized by turbulent and explosive dynamics with intricate guitar melodies. Consisting of five friends, they formed in late 2001 as the result of a three-band break up.

The band's name is a sort-of homage to a contortionist stripper named Alexis Fire, who claimed to be the world's only lactating contortionist stripper. This caused problems when she discovered that they were using her website name (alexisonfire.com) as their band name, and threatened to sue. However, since she had never trademarked the title nothing became of these threats. In the end, the band decided to change their website's URL in spite to theonlybandever.com

Alexisonfire knows that the fans aren’t stupid. The fans know the real deal when they see it, and in the case of AOF, they seem to have told 2 friends, who told 2 friends, and so on. During the year that followed the release of the self-titled 2002 debut album, Alexisonfire has shot into the spotlight like a streaker at an All-Star game: Gold Record certification in Canada for both debut and sophomore albums; 5 videos reaching Heavy rotation on MuchMusic, 2 MMVA awards; New Group of the Year at the 2005 Junos; album releases and major tours in Japan, Australia and the UK. This may all sound like SOP for an up-and-coming rock ensemble, but this is a band that often describes its music as “the sound of two Catholic high-school girls in mid-knife-fight”. This hasn’t happened before. Nobody is more aware of this fact than the St. Catharines’ natives. Taking it all in stride, they remain guile-less, affable, and capable of equal amounts of sarcasm and self-deprecation. And with the new album “Crisis”, Alexisonfire have, dare we say it, matured.

Read more about Alexisonfire, click here:

Reinventing Your Exit Underoath States

2008-04-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

The band Underoath is a Christian metal core band originating from Ocala, Florida in the bedroom of previous guitarist Luke Morton in 1998. The name was derived from a meeting between Luke and Dallas Taylor, a long standing former member. After some practicing, Aaron Gillespie, who is still with the band today, was recruited from Luke’s church and became the drummer for Underoath.

Takehold Records signed Underoath in 1999 and later that same year released the debut album Act Of Depression and was followed later by a 5 song montage entitled Cries From The Past, both which are currently out of print. During this time, the band members changed frequently and hardly resemble the current members of Underoath today.

In 2001, Takehold Records was bought by Tooth & Nail Records therefore signing Underoath to Solid State Records, a heavier subsidiary. From this came the album The Changing Of Times in February 2002. 2003 brought Underoath on a Vans Warped Tour where their participation became halted when the lead singer Dallas Taylor, left the band. After this controversial move, it was unclear what the future would hold for Underoath at that time, but later continued on and picked up Spencer Chamberlain as the new lead vocalist.

They’re Only Chasing Safety came out in the early months of 2004 and sold a breaking number of 350,000 copies. Reinventing Your Exit and It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door were the album’s 2 singles which both refer to quotes made by a character within the story of Lord Of The Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. 2005 proved to be a successful year for Underoath while they debuted as #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and later Billboard 200. Playing a number of Warped Tour dates, they participated on the inaugural Taste of Chaos tour all the while premiering 2 brand new songs during this tour length.

Underoath’s fifth album Define The Great Line was started in the studio in January 2006 and months before the actual release date, an unfinished version was leaked to the Internet. This prompted a statement from the band members to explain that the leaked version was raw and unmixed and therefore sound much unlike the finished album should. Define The Great Line was released on June 2006 and has sold over 500,000 copies to date.

They have toured extensively throughout Europe, Australia and Asia. Current drummer Aaron Gillespie has a side project called The Almost and works with them alongside Underoath. The working relationship has been amicable and when Aaron went through emergency surgery on an infection on his hand, Underoath recruited The Almost drummer Kenny Bozich to replace him instead of canceling shows while on tour.

The next upcoming album from Underoath has a scheduled release date in the summer of 2008. They have approached Adam Dutkiewicz to return as producer for this album alongside Matt Goldman. There is talk of a new live album in the works with no official title or release date as of yet.

==============
If You're After Underoath Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
rock band merch available online. Get
everything from Band Stickers to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Ozzfest And Japan Tours Gained Popularity for Trivium

2008-04-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

Trivium hails out of Orlando, Florida. Extremely popular with their UK fan base, this band has been growing and gaining worldwide attention more than ever before.

Their heavy hitting brand might have tempered down a couple of degrees over the years from a metalcore style, but this has only served to bring out a cleaner sound for Trivium.

Their last two albums have a thrash metal feel that has developed and served them well as their fan base grows even more popular.

Trivium began it's journey when Brad Lewter discovered Matt Heafy playing a middle school talent show where Matt covered No Leaf Clover by Metallica.

Matt was invited to Travis Smith's house to jam with them. After the audition, Matt became part of the band. A couple of bar gigs later, Lewter quit and Matt took over the on vocals.

In early 2002, Trivium decided to go into the studio and lay down tracks for their first demo. Based on the final demo, Lifeforce, a German label signed Trivium, sending them back into a studio to record their debut album Ember to Inferno.

After some minor changes, Corey Beaulieu was made second guitarist and Paolo Gregoletto joined Trivium as the bass player right before the band began their tour with Machine Head.

In 2004, Trivium went over to Roadrunner Records and immediately began writing songs to the next album, Ascendancy.

The second album, Ascendancy, was released in March of 2005. Most of the songs on the album had been written and completed in July the previous year. Roadrunner held off until 2005 so the band could go out on tour to support the album's release.

Trivium toured with Machine Head, Iced Earth, Fear Factory and other bands of the same vein. This was Roadrunner's plan to build a Trivium fan base and let the band grow wings to fly with.

Their touring engagements threw Trivium into the Roadrage 2005 tour, that spilled over into multiple appearances in the UK that summer. The UK fans could not get enough of Trivium!

Trivium had a busy summer of 2005. They played Ozzfest, then back to the UK, then over to Japan. Throughout these tours, the band got the exposure they needed, gaining more popularity at each new concert.

Trivium was paying their dues. By 2006, the band was playing center stage at The Crusade III: Ascend Above the Ashes tour. Trivium was now at the number three position following Korn and Metallica as headliners.

It was during this tour date Trivium had changed their style. The band never wanted to scream, so they stopped screaming. They worked on their vocals, refining, then defining until they got it right. This was Trivium's big evolutionary moment and it worked, the fans loved them even more than before.

Recently, Trivium toured throughout 2007 in New Zealand, Autralia, Europe, Japan, then came back home. Then back again to the UK for the Black Crusade tour.

Currently, Trivium's plans for their next album are set for sometime late in 2008.

Trivium is one of the busiest touring bands you will ever find. It has gained them a worldwide audience and exposure that keeps growing every time they go out on tour.

==============
If You're After Trivium Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
metal band merch available online. Get
everything from Skeleton Gloves to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Mysterious Story Behind The Black Dahlia Murder Band Name Is Interesting And Puzzling

2008-04-07T04:56:00.000-07:00

The Black Dahlia Murder is the name of the unsolved case of the murdered actress Elizabeth Short in 1947. Although it was never official there were those who believed Orson Wells may have done the deed. However, in this day and age it is the name of a melodic death metal slash metalcore band. Orson would probably have approved.

The Black Dahlia Murder is from Waterford in Michigan. These ace musicians have become front runners in the metal music scene of Detroit. The band’s death metal sound has been predisposed to bands such as Carcass, Morbid Angel, Flames and At the Gates. They artfully use the fast death metal style as well as blast beats to the fullest.

The very original voice of The Black Dahlia Murder vocalist is full ranged and controlled. Trevor Strnad makes good use of his voice to communicate the band’s character to listeners. He is masterful at pitching a variety of vocal levels such as death metal growls and head splitting shrieking. Strnad is capable of screaming that which is similar to hardcore.

The band experienced a setback when they needed a new drummer. Shannon Lucas joined The Black Dahlia Murder band on 21 March 2007. He replaced Pierre Langloise. Lucas has been musical for most of his life. His career began at the age of fourteen on guitar. Later on in high school he began with percussion. The year before he joined The Black Dahlia Murder Lucas performed at Ozzfest 2006.

As of now the current members of The Black Dahlia Murder are:

• Vocals Trevor Strnad
• Guitar Brian Eschback
• Guitar John Kempainen
• Bass Ryan Bart Williams
• Drums Shannon Lucas

They all participated in the full length album Nocturnal. The album was released by Metal Blade on 18 September 2007. This was the first BDM album to feature new members Shannon Lucas and Bart Williams. Williams is the band’s new talented bassist. However, Nocturnal was leaked to the P2P networks just seven days prior to the album’s release.

This did not stop The Black Dahlia Murder from actively supporting the release of Nocturnal. The band decided to put on a show that was not directly about music. They held a hot dog eating contest. Five members of the gathered crowd took part. The champion hot dog eater was presented with a choice. It had to be either a mystery box or a merchandise pack. The choice was for the pack. When the mystery box was opened it was filled with hot dogs.

The followers of the BDM will be pleased to know what is in the band’s immediate future. The Black Dahlia Murder will take part in a headline tour of the United States. Their home crowd will not have long to wait. This tour will take place next year in 2008. The following bands will perform with The Black Dahlia Murder:

• Decrepit Birth
• Hate Eternal
• 3 Inches of Blood

==============
If You're After The Black Dahlia Murder Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
punk band merch available online. Get
everything from Bands Buttons to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Taking Back Sundays New Album Received Much Success Touring With This Group

2008-04-07T04:31:00.000-07:00

Taking Back Sunday, formed in 1999 and hailing from Amityville, Long Island (New York), have indeed had a very successful career up to date. Despite many line up changes and other set backs, the band have continued to produce a powerful emotive sound and sensational live performance.

Taking Back Sunday was originally founded by Eddie Reyes on guitar, and included Antonio Longo on vox, Jesse Lacey on Bass, John Nolan on guitar (and backing vox) and Mark O' Connell on drums. Their first album was released in 2001, eponimously titled the Taking Back Sunday EP. The album was only ever sold at live shows and received moderate success. During the release, the line up of the band changed as well, with Antonio Longo (on vox) being replaced with Adam Lazzara, and Shaun Cooper replacing Jesse Lacey on bass.

The band soon headed back into the studio, and recorded their follow up album Tell All Your Friends. It was produced by Sal Villaneuva, and released by Victory Records in 2002. They then toured with bands like The Used and Jesse Lacey's new band Brand New. 2003 saw Taking Back Sunday perform on the Vans Warped Tour, and their new album received much success.

The future of the band was in doubt, however, when John Nolan and Shaun Cooper left soon after to form their band called Straylight Run. Fred Mascherino joined the band on vox and guitar, and Matt Rubano came on board as the new bassist. But 2004 saw the band back in full form, being one of the headliners of the Vans Warped Tour as well as opening for Blink 182.

July 27, 2004 saw the release of their next album Where You Want To Be (Victory Records.) Success of the single A Decade Under The Influence pushed them into the spotlight, and was the cause of the album debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. The album received wonderful success with 163 000 units being sold. The band also appeared on TV shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Loveline. Their song This Photograph is Proof appeared on the SpiderMan 2 soundtrack, and Your Own Disaster appeared on the Elektra soundtrack. Error:Operator was featured on the movie Fantastic Four as well as in the video game.

April 25, 2006, Taking Back Sunday released the album Louder Now, which was their first major label release (Warner Bros. Records.) The album was more gritty in its sound, keeping in line with their highly acclaimed live performances. They appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

The band's first DVD (Louder Now : Partone) was released in December 2006, and included behind the scenes tour footage. July 2007 saw Taking Back Sunday perform at the Live Earth event, and in October 2007 Victory Records released the CD Notes From the Past, which included previously unreleased songs.

In the same month, however, Taking Back Sunday announced that they were working on their new album due for release in 2008, despite that Fred Mascherino (the lead vocalist) had decided to leave the band and work on his solo career and album (The Color Fred.) Fred left on good terms, and the band promises to continue to impress with their upcoming album and plans for the new year.

==============
If You're After Taking Back Sunday Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
rock band merch available online. Get
everything from Band Patches to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Sum 41 Song Fat Lip #1 Rock Song In US For A Week

2008-04-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

Canadians Sum 41, hailing from Ajax, Ontario, can best be described as a Punk Rock band with a developing sound. Reportedly, the band members met in 1996 at a Hole concert and began to play together. It wasn't until 1999 that they were scouted by Island Records.

Sum 41 consists of Deryck Whibley (lead vox, guitars and keyboards), Cone McCaslin (bass guitar, backing vox), Steve Jocz (drums, percussion, backing vox) and (originally) Dave Baksh on lead guitar and backing vox, who has since left the band to work on other projects.

The band's first full length album, All Killer No Filler, was released under Island Records in May 8, 2001. The first single, Fat Lip, was the #1 rock song in the US for a week. During this time, they began their very famous touring career, and performed on the Warp Tour. Live performances continued with the release of the next singles, In Too Deep and Motivation, respectively. In 2001, they opened for the much acclaimed Punk Rock band Blink 182.

The second album, Does This Look Infected, was released on November 26, 2002. Their style on the album still contained their original smooth harmonies, but was much heavier than the previous album. They released a number of famous videos at the time, including the first single (Still Waiting) which was a parody of videos being released by The Strokes.

At this time, world renowned performer Iggy Pop recruited their talents for his new album Skull Ring. The first single, Little Know It All, was cowritten with Sum 41, and they performed the song together on the Late Show with David Letterman.

The band began to get political in 2004, first contributing a song (Moron) to the Rock Against Bush album, and then flying to the Democratic Republic of Congo for a movie documenting the civil war ravaging the country. A frightful incident occurred during their stay, when fighting broke out near their hotel. Sensing the impending danger, a fellow Canadian (Charles Pellerier) arranged for armored carriers to get the band out of the hotel and to safety. Sum 41 named their next album, Chuck after Charles (whose nickname was Chuck.) The documentary about the war, and the event, was released by War Child Canada and titled ROCKED : Sum 41 in Congo. It was shortly aired on MTV.

Chuck was released in October 2004, with a much more serious undertone and heavier sound. The first single, We're All To Blame, was specifically about the Congo trip and was soon followed up with the single Pieces, reaching the top of the Canadian charts.

Since that time, Sum 41 released a live CD under two different titles (Happy Live Surprise in Japan, and Go Chuck Yourself in Canada.) In May 2006, Dave Baksh announced that he was leaving the band to focus on his new project Brown Brigade. He was replaced with Thom Thacker, who Deryck Whibley announced would only be a touring member of the band and not an official member. Recording for their new album (Underclass Hero) continued throughout the year into 2007, being released on July 24 2007 and debuting at #7 in the USA.

In 2007, Sum 41 toured with the band Finder Eleven, but the tour was soon canceled when Deryck Whibley sustained a serious herniated disc injury during a live show. The tour will continue once Deryck recovers, and fans eagerly await what surprises Sum 41 will produce in the coming year.

==============
If You're After Sum 41 Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
metal band merch available online. Get
everything from Studded Belts to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Slayer Shows No Mercy

2008-04-07T03:26:00.000-07:00

Slayer was formed in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman. Tom Araya, who had played with King in a previous band, was recruited as bassist/lead vocalist. Fate intervened when Dave Lombardo delivered a pizza to King and was recruited almost immediately.

1981-1982
Discovered by Brian Slagel at the Woodstock in Los Angeles. Signed to Metal Blade Records and recorded Aggressive Perfector which attracted massive underground attention.

1983-1984
Show No Mercy released in November 1983. This album was self financed and sold 40,000 copies worldwide. First national club tour started and continued to gain underground popularity.

Haunting the Chapel, a three song EP released in August 1984 and Slayer opens for UFO at the Heavy Sounds Festival.

Kerry King leaves Slayer to join Megadeth. King returned to Slayer after only 5 shows. This fueled a long standing feud between the two bands.

1985-1986
Home video of Combat Tour: The Ultimate Revenge released in 1985. Also hired veteran producer Ron Fair.
Hell Awaits released in September 1985.

1986-1987
Def Jam Records offers contract citing the success of Hell Awaits. This leads to an overhaul of the band’s song structure. Reign in blood released later that year and is released by Geffen Records after being refused by Columbia. Issues with the cover art were cited.

1988-1989
South of Heaven released and received mixed reviews from fans and critics even though the album was successful commercially. Slower tempos are featured.

1990-1995
The fifth studio album, Seasons in the Abyss, is released in 1990 and returns to the pounding speed of Reign in Blood. Also the first release on Rick Rubin’s new Def American label.

Slayer co-headlines Clash of the Titans European tour. Tour extended to the US in 1991 and coincides with the release of a double live album, Decade of Aggression celebrating ten years.

Lombardo leaves the band and is replaced by Paul Bostaph.

Divine Intervention is released in 1994 and charts higher than any previous album.

Slayer scheduled a world tour in 1995 with Machine Head and Biohazard. Also appeared with the Monsters of Rock tour with Metallica as headliner.

1996-2000
Undisputed Attitude is release in 1996 and Bostaph leaves Slayer shortly after. He is replaced by former Testament drummer Jon Dette. Slayer headlines the 1996 Ozzfest but Dette is fired after a year. Bostaph returned to finish the tour.

Diabolus in Musica released in 1998 and received mixed criticism. The album features drop tunings for 1st time. Slayer appeared at the UK Ozzfest 1998 in support of the new album.

2001-present
God Hates us All released in September 2001 and wins Slayer their first Grammy nomination for the track Disciple. The release unintentionally coincided with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Bostaph leaves Slayer again at Christmas 2001due to an elbow injury that hindered his playing. Original drummer Lombardo returns as a permanent member.

The tour was haunted by date cancellations resulting from flight restrictions.
Slayer toured throughout 2003 playing Reign in Blood in it’s entirety.

In 2004, a DVD Still Reigning was released as well as War at the Warfield, a box set and Soundtrack to the Apocalypse.

Christ Illusion released in August 2006 and was the first recorded release with Lombardo since Seasons of the Abyss in the 90’s. Three weeks later, Slayer is inducted into the Kerrang! Hall of fame for their contribution to heavy metal.

The album’s first single Eyes of the Insane was featured on the Saw III soundtrack and won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance.

A special edition of Christ Illusion is released and receives a Grammy Nomination in 2007.

==============
If You're After Slayer Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
punk band merch available online. Get
everything from Bands T-Shirts to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Why Senses Fail Played Gigs At VFW Halls?

2008-04-07T03:14:00.000-07:00

Garrett Zablocki had dreams of putting a band together. Advertising on the internet on a web page for musicians in 2002, he was contacted by Buddy Nielson, who is the band’s current singer. A friend of Garrett’s, Dave Miller, who was a background vocalist as well as a guitarist joined the band next. Miller and Garrett had played together previously in another band. Dan Trapp who had played with Dave Miller in a band before he joined Senses Fail, was taken on as a drummer. Mike Glita, who had been the drummer for Tokyo Rose, was the last to join the group

The band got a few gigs at VFW halls and lesser known clubs in the New Jersey area. By practicing every chance they got, determination to make it in the music circuit, and selling themselves to record labels Senses Fail started getting more play dates around New Jersey. Using the internet as their advertising agency also helped the band got the word out about themselves.

The band’s first release was in August of 2002. Released on ECA Records, From the Depths of Dreams was a six track extended play. Drive Thru Records released the album again on April 29, 2003. It had two extra tracks. Let It Enfold You was their first album. It was released on Vagrant Records, September 7, 2004. During 2004, more songs were recorded for the Let It Enfold You album and added as more people grew interested in the band.

The hard core music of Senses Fail was on it’s way, following the paths of bands before them such as Escape The Fate and The Used. In 2005, it was announced to the music world that Dave Miller, who played guitar for the group was leaving the band. Although it was announced that the decision was a mutual one, reports later from members of the group itself, denied this. New guitarist Heath Saraceno entered the picture shortly thereafter.

Tours with big name bands such as The Used followed. The Taste of Chaos Tour in 2006, the Warped Tour, and a headlining tour with The Sleeping and Alexisonfire. October 2007 found them on a 33 city tour with New Found Glory. This tour wrapped up in November. Credited with a cover of Suicidal Tendencies’ Institutionalized for the American Wasteland game soundtrack by Tony Hawk, it seems Senses Fail is on their way to the fame and fortune they were seeking.

Just recently, on December 8th, the band’s bassist, Mike Glita decided to leave Senses Fail to take on his own personal projects. The band has a follow up album that is in the works for Still Searching. An apology has been issued on the web site for the band telling all their fans that they will continue without Mike Glita and although it is deeply regretted. The band is working on their follow up album which will begin recording in March 2008.

For post hard core music and emotional music, Senses Fail, has followed in the footsteps of the bands that they credit with having the most influence on them. Jimmy Eats World, Jawbreaker, and The Promise Ring are just a few of the ones they feel have had an impact on their music. Look for upcoming tour information on this band as they are on their way to the top.

==============
If You're After Senses Fail Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
punk band merch available online. Get
everything from Bands T-Shirts to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Saosin's Band Name Derives From A Chinese Proverb

2008-04-07T03:07:00.000-07:00

Formed in Newport, California in 2003, the pop band Saosin has made quite a name for itself and is considered to be an instant success, especially in terms of online sales. The band's first album, Translating the Name was released and after this, Saosin was approached by a wide variety of different record companies, all before playing their first show. This quintet is currently one of the fastest-growing headliners in the industry and from the Vans Warped Tour to literally thousands of fans downloading their music off of their MySpace page, it can be seen that this band has done a great deal to create the lyrical, hard driving music that they are known for.

Originally, the band was meant to be known as The Gift, and it started with two guitarists, Beau Burchell and Justin Shekoski. Their demo was created with two guitarists and a MIDI sampling of drums, and featured Beau Burchell on vocals. They asked after the Keith Goodwin from Days Away, who referred them to Anthony Green, who lived in Philadelphia. Green flew in and recorded the vocals for their song in 4 days, while Pat McGrath was brought into to do the drumming. The first few songs were an instant hit on the band's MySpace page, and soon major record labels were courting the new band.

After cutting the first album, Anthony Green left the band to return to Philadelphia and a public, nationwide search was conducted before Cove Reber was found and added as a new permanent vocalist and guitar player. As of this point in time, the band stands with Reber on vocals, Chris Sorenson on bass, Alex Rodriguez on drums and Beau Burchell and Justin Shekoski, the band's founders, on guitar.

According to former vocalist Anthony Green, Saosin's name, which is pronounced say-o-sin, derives from a Chinese proverb meaning small heart. When Chinese fathers married off their youngest sons, they would do it for money, and the fathers would caution their sons not to get too attached to their brides. Loving with caution and raising sons who were just as cold were two of the themes that are implied in this proverb, and Green, who heard of the concept in eighth grade, uses it in many old band names and songs that he has written.

Though Saosin has played in the same venues as AFI and My Chemical Romance, the band members as a whole have defied genre and resisted being classified as a genre; they prefer that their music live or die based its strict musical merits and as such, they often encounter a real cross genre of fans. Starting in 2003, when Saosin released the singles Seven Years and 3rd Measurement in C, until their recent release in 2007 of You're Not Alone, Saosin has done a great deal to further themselves in terms of music and talent.

==============
If You're After Saosin Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
rock band merch available online. Get
everything from Band Stickers to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Rage Against The Machine Reunited Briefly In January 2007

2008-04-07T02:56:00.000-07:00

Rage Against The Machine was formed in 1991. Rage’s constant permanent members have been guitarist Tom Morello, vocalist Zack De La Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk.

Rage’s music is a mixture of hip hop, heavy metal, punk and funk. Add politically fueled lyrics and you have the quintessential recipe for Rage Against The Machine.

Guitarist Tom Morello had left his old band Lock Up. He came across Zack De La Rocha in an LA club in 1991 and was impressed by De La Rocha’s free style rapping. Looking to start another band, Morello asked De La Rocha to join up. Morello called up friend/drummer Brad Wilk who he had played with in Lock Up while De La Rocha recruited long time friend Tim Commerford as bassist.

Rage’s first public performance was at a house party in Orange County, California. During the same time, Rage had laid the blueprint for their debut album with a twelve song self financed cassette. After several record labels expressed interest, Rage Against The Machine signed with Epic in 1992 and retained the all important creative control.

Later that year, the band’s self titled debut album, Rage Against The Machine, reached triple platinum status with 3,000,000 units sold. This was driven by heavy air play of the single Killing In The Name Of. There is also an uncensored version with 17 uses of the “F” word which was played once on a BBC radio top 40 show.

Rage went on tour and played at the 1993 Lollapalooza and as support for the band Suicidal Tendencies.

The film Higher Learning included the song Year of Tha Boomerang on the soundtrack as well as an earlier version of Tire Me.

Darkness was written for the soundtrack to The Crow and No Shelter appeared on the Godzilla soundtrack.

Rage Against The Machine did not record another studio album until 1996 with Evil Empire. The band was scheduled to appear on Saturday Night Live. A two song performance was cut to only one because the band wanted to hang upside down US flags from their amplifiers in protest of co-host Steve Forbes who was a Republican Presidential candidate at the time.

Rage began touring on the PopMart Tour with U2 in 1997 with all the profits going to charities. Later that year, Rage began another tour with the Wu Tang Clan. In that year, Rage also released a self titled live video.

The band’s third studio release was the Battle of Los Angeles in 1999. This album sold 450,000 copies the first week then went double platinum with 2,000,000 copies sold.

That same year Wake Up appeared on the Matrix soundtrack. Another song, Calm Like a Bomb, appeared in the sequel, The Matrix Reloaded.

In 2000, Rage was to tour with the Beastie Boys on the Rhyme and Reason tour. This was canceled when Beastie drummer Mike D was seriously injured.

In October of 2000, De La Rocha announced he was leaving Rage citing issues with the band’s decision making process. Subsequently, De La Rocha began a low key solo career. The other members of Rage Against The Machine formed the supergroup Audioslave and had great success.

Rage Against The Machine reunited briefly in January 2007 at the Coachella Festival. The band continues to play sporadic dates in protest of government and political causes. Tom Morello says that there is no plan for a new RATM album anytime.

==============
If You're After Rage Against The Machine Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
metal band merch available online. Get
everything from Skeleton Gloves to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Look What the Cat Dragged In - Bret Michaels? No Poison!

2008-04-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

Poison is one of the most popular bands to come out of the 80's. The band is made up of four members, Bret Michaels, the lead vocalist and most often spokesman for the group. C.C. Deville, the lead guitarist and always the stand out in Poison. Bobby Dall, the bassist and in Brett's own words, the guy who is sex, drugs, and rock n roll, and Rikki Rockett the energetic and fun loving drummer of the band.

Poison's band members Brett Michaels and Rikki Rockett were former band mates of the band Spectres during their high school years. In 1983, Michaels, Rockett, along with new comers Bobby Dall and Matt Smith formed the band Paris. Poison became a reality after some parents of youngsters starting telling others that they were poisoning those that listen to their music. After a short time, Matt Smith decided to leave the band. The band then auditioned many people, which include GNR's Slash, but ultimately decided that C.C. Deville was their man.

Look What the Cat Dragged In was the first album released by Poison in 1986, it saw some success with two million copies sold over the years. However, the real success with eight million albums sold came with the 1988 release of Open up and say Ahh. When it comes to the 80's, Poison joins the ranks amongst Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, and Def Leppard as best selling hard rockers.

Flesh & Blood became the third Poison release and also saw massive success. The band eventually broke up for a short time after some troubles behind the scenes and came back to the music world in 2006 after one year off. Their debut was also their 20th anniversary and they celebrated with a tour that was titled 20 Years Of Rock.

Their albums over the past 21 years include:

• The 1986 Release Look What the Cat Dragged In
• The 1988 Release Open Up and Say Ahh
• The 1990 Release Flesh and Blood
• The 1991 Release Swallow This Live
• The 1993 Release Native Tongue
• The 1996 Release Poison's Greatest Hits
• The 2000 Release Crack a Smile
• The 2001 Release Power to the People
• The 2002 Release Hollyweird
• The 2003 Release Best of Ballads & Blues
• The 2006 Release The Best of Poison: 20 Years Of Rock
• The 2007 Release Poison'd

Of their most popular and successful songs, you cannot top:

• I Won't Forget You
• I Want Action
• Talk Dirty To Me
• Every Rose Has Its Thorn
• Nothin' But A Good Time
• Your Mama Don't Dance
• Fallen Angel
• Unskinny Bop
• Something To Believe In
• Ride the Wind

In 2007, Bret Michaels was on the Rock of Love series, which had him choosing one woman to be with and live his lifestyle with. The band itself is not currently on tour, however, you can occasionally find Bret doing a solo set in smaller bars and arenas.

==============
If You're After Poison Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
punk band merch available online. Get
everything from Bands Buttons to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Parkway Drive Plans Tour With KillSwitch Engage In 2008

2008-04-07T02:41:00.000-07:00

Parkway Drive are an Australian Metalcore band hailing from Byron Bay, New South Wales. The band includes Winston Mcall on vocals, Ben Gordon on drums, Jeff Ling on Guitar and Jia Pipey O'Connor on Bass. They are currently signed to Epitaph Records.

Parkway Drive was originally formed in 2003 and got their name from the street they used to rehearse in. Soon after their formation they released a split EP with the band I Killed The Prom Queen (who have since disbanded.) Towards the latter half of 2003, the original guitarist (Paul Lynch) left the band who was eventually replaced by Jeff Ling.

They also made an appearance on a Byron Bay compilation album called What We've Built. Shortly afterwards, the band released their first EP entitled Don't Close Your Eyes which received growing success.

May 2005 saw the band head over to the USA and team up with acclaimed musician and producer Adam Dutkiewicz (from KillSwitch Engage.) Don't Close Your Eyes won over the Australian market, and since then Parkway Drive has had a very strong support from their local fanbase on a national scale. 2005 also saw the band perform and support international acts like As I Lay Dying, Shadows Fall, Alexis On Fire, In Flames and Chimaira. Festivals also loaded up their tour diary, especially performances at Hardcore 2005 and Metal For The Brain 2005.

Another line up change was to occur, however, when Shaun Cash (the bassist) left the band in late May 2006 for personal reasons. The band were very supportive of Cash and he left on good terms. He was replaced by a long time friend of Parkway Drive, who was originally their merchandise guy, Jia Pipey O'Connor. O'Connor played with the band throughout the rest of the touring, and was made an official part of the line up.

One of the key performances in 2006 for Parkway Drive were the Rockstar Taste Of Chaos tour, and some key bands Parkway Drive performed with were UnderOath, Taking Back Sunday and Anti Flag.

The band built up some hype for their new album Horizons, which was released on 6 October 2007. In March they played one of the songs of the (yet to be released) album at Underworld in Camden, and used the media to help build up the hype. In 2007, the band was also booked for the Vans Warped Tour (the only Australian band on the bill.)

Horizons was leaked before the release date, which was unfortunate for the band. Nevertheless, it received raving reviews from the scene; Blunt Magazine, in particular, giving the album a 10 out of 10. 2007 saw the band finish off with a tour in Europe.

Where to from here? Well, the band already have a tour planned for 2008 with KillSwitch Engage, Every Time I Die and The Dillinger Escape Plan. 2008 promises to be a year of much growth for Parkway Drive, and is sure to push them into greater public awareness.

==============
If You're After Parkway Drive Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
rock band merch available online. Get
everything from Band Patches to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============

Panteras Band Members Splinter Off Into Several Other Bands

2008-04-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

Pantera may not be a band heard on rock radio every day, but they were a huge presence at one time. One could go so far as to say they are the Led Zeppelin of metal since they are respected and revered in a way that happens only to the greats. There certainly was a time when you’d be hard pressed not to find a flannel clad man driving a Camaro without a Pantera cassette in the deck.

Like most of the great bands of our time, Pantera’s history was riddled with difficulties after they enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top with the addition of singer Phil Anselmo. But before Anselmo came to Dallas by way of New Orleans, Pantera has been around since the early 1980s. The band was started by guitarist Dimebag Darrell and his brother, Vinnie Paul. They actually released three albums on their own before Anselmo became a part of the band. Initially, the band’s innovated heavy sound was rejected as they shopped demos out to record labels only to find rejection. But an A&R rep from Atco Records finally shared their vision and that’s how Cowboys From Hell was born.

Their success began with the release of that record in 1990. A successful sophomore album came two years later with the release of Vulgar Display of Power. In 1994, Far Beyond Driven arrived. All three albums are considered classics by Pantera fans, music industry professionals, music journalists, and every metal band that has come along since. It was after this third album was released that the trouble in the band started coming to a head.

Pantera’s fourth album, The Great Southern Trendkill, was released in 1996. Lead singer Phil Anselmo overdosed soon after the band came home to Texas to play a show there. It wasn’t surprising considering the drug-themed lyrics of the new record. Next, Anselmo grew apart from the band by working on a steady diet of side projects. Their next album was a live one titled Official Live 101 Proof since the guys weren’t exactly getting along and a studio album seemed impossible. They did achieve one final studio album together called Reinventing The Steel, which was released in 2000. The album marked the last time the men of Pantera were together.

The band members splintered off into several other bands including Damageplan, Superjoint Ritual, and Down. There may have been some hope of a Pantera reunion in some circles, but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. That became evident when Dimebag Darrell was murdered on stage by a fan on December 8, 2004. Each year, Pantera fans commemorate the day Dimebag died, such was the impression his music left on his fans. Even today, you can still pop in a Pantera album and the music stands on its own. It is the kind of metal that set a precedent back when it was created and still managed to hold up that same precedent to this day. This band is still not done influencing future generations of headbangers, even if the band is history.

==============
If You're After Pantera Band Merchandise

We've got the largest range of
metal band merch available online. Get
everything from Studded Belts to wristbands.

Visit: http://www.planet13.com.au/
==============