MILEY CYRUS Taps ELTON JOHN, CHAD SMITH For Cover Of METALLICA’s ‘Nothing Else Matters’

Miley Cyrus has collaborated with Elton John and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith on a cover of METALLICA’s “Nothing Else Matters”.

The pop star discussed the project during an appearance on the U.K. radio show “Capital Breakfast With Roman Kemp”. She said: “I did a METALLICA cover of ‘Nothing Else Matters’ featuring Elton John on piano. I’ve got Yo-Yo Ma, Chad Smith — so many all-stars.

“I’m so excited about this collaboration. Andrew Watt produced it, and I’m really stoked. I mean, having Elton John and METALLICA and me — I love it when ingredients don’t quite fit.”

Cyrus previously said she was working on an album of METALLICA covers last October.

A year earlier, Miley performed her version of “Nothing Else Matters” at U.K.’s Glastonbury festival.

Cyrus’s rendition of the METALLICA classic — which can be heard below — came five months after drummer Lars Ulrich said that he was “stunned” by her take on TEMPLE OF THE DOG’s “Say Hello 2 Heaven” at the “I Am The Highway: A Tribute To Chris Cornell” concert at the Forum in Los Angeles.

Back in January 2019, Ulrich took to his Instagram to post a photo of him backstage with Cyrus, along with the message: “Still stunned by your next level version of ‘Say Hello 2 Heaven’ for Chris! Beyond inspiring.”

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GIBSON Announces Acquisition Of MESA/BOOGIE

Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has announced the acquisition of Mesa/Boogie, one of the most respected and prestigious brands in sound and guitar amplification. Mesa/Boogie — the original “boutique” amplifier company — was founded 51 years ago by Randy Smith, who is responsible for creating the groundbreaking circuits that drive some of the most influential sounds of our time. Randy will join Gibson as Master Designer and Pioneer of Mesa/Boogie and beyond. In his new role, Randy will continue his passion for tube technology and his vision for building hand-crafted, high-performance amplifiers, that continue to redefine how we experience sound across Mesa/Boogie and Gibson.

Beginning in a converted dog kennel under the redwoods of Northern California, Randy Smith was wrenching amplifiers for all the great San Francisco area bands over 50 years ago when vintage gear was new. Being close to so many great guitar players, from Mike Bloomfield to SANTANA and THE ROLLING STONES, Smith learned the virtues and shortcomings of the era’s gear and began a process of innovation that continues today. Mesa/Boogie, the company Smith founded, was the first boutique amplifier builder and revolutionized amplifier performance in ways that impacted rock music worldwide. Simultaneously respecting and improving the vintage classics he grew up with, Smith, through Mesa/Boogie pioneered the invention of High Gain.

“At Gibson, we are all about leveraging our iconic past and leaning into the innovative future, a quest that started over 100 years ago with our founder Orville Gibson,” says James “JC” Curleigh, president and CEO of Gibson Brands. “Today this quest continues with the addition of Mesa/Boogie into the Gibson Brands family, along with the visionary leadership of Randy Smith and his team who, for the past 50 years, have created an iconic and innovative brand that has stood the test of time. This is a perfect partnership based on our collective professional experiences and passion for sound.”

“I’m 75 years old and still at work every day,” says Smith. “This is my art and many of our crew have worked along my side for 30 to 40 years. As we witnessed JC and Cesar transform Gibson, we saw kindred spirits sharing common values and a fierce dedication to quality. Today, Gibson’s guitars are the best-ever and when they asked if we’d like to become Gibson’s Custom Shop for Amplifiers, we envisioned a perfect collaboration that would expand our outreach while preserving our legacy beyond my time. Gibson realizes the unique value of what we’ve all built together and this next chapter in the Mesa/Boogie story is a continuation of that dream. I am so fortunate for this partnership with the new Gibson after 50 years of doing what I love. It’s been the ride of my life . . . and it ain’t over yet!”

“Mesa/Boogie, led by Randy, has been in service to sound without compromises since the very beginning, and that’s a perfect fit for us,” adds Cesar Gueikian of Gibson Brands. “We are looking forward to being the best custodians of Mesa/Boogie’s iconic heritage that we can be, and at the same time, be a steward of its future. We are honored that Randy and the Mesa/Boogie team have trusted us to lead Mesa/Boogie into the future. Together, we will continue to pursue our mutual quest of sound, quality and craftsmanship and to push the boundaries of how guitar sound is delivered and experienced.”

“This is very exciting, I can’t think of a better company to carry the Mesa/Boogie torch, and I can’t wait to see what we can do together,” says Adam Jones, guitarist for the multi-platinum and multiple Grammy Award-winning band TOOL. “I have been using Mesa/Boogie amplifiers and cabinets for a long time. I use them at home, in the studio when I record and on stage when I play live; they go across all of my needs.”

“I’ve been using Gibson guitars together with Mesa/Boogie amps onstage with THE ROOTS for well over a decade,” says Captain Kirk Douglas, guitarist for the legendary, multiple Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group THE ROOTS. “Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of home recording with my Mesa/Boogies; it’s exciting to see the two brands joining collaborative forces.”

Left to right in photo below: Cesar Gueikian, Randy Smith and James “JC” Curleigh

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AC/DC’s ‘Power Up’ Was Among U.K.’s Best-Selling Vinyl Albums Of 2020

According to Official Charts, AC/DC’s “Power Up”, along with classic titles from QUEEN, PINK FLOYD and THE BEATLES, were among the U.K.’s top selling vinyl releases of 2020.

Topping the overall end-of-year vinyl album chart is FLEETWOOD MAC’s 1997 effort “Rumours”, which sold 32,500 copies on vinyl in the U.K. in 2020. Elsewhere, “Power Up” landed at No. 8, QUEEN’s “Greatest Hits” took the No. 7 spot, and PINK FLOYD’s “Dark Side Of The Moon” came in at No. 13. The chart also includes two titles from THE BEATLES, “Abbey Road” and “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”.

“Power Up” hit the No. 1 spot in 18 countries, including in the U.S., where it sold over 117,000 copies in the first week.

In the U.K., “Power Up” opened with first-week sales of 62,000. 52,955 units of these were on a physical format (CD, vinyl, cassette).

AC/DC is the only Australian group in history to have had a No. 1 album in its home country across five decades: “Back In Black” (1980s), “Ballbreaker Live” (1990s), “Black Ice” (2000s), “Rock Or Bust” (2010s) and “Power Up” (2020s).

“Power Up” features AC/DC’s 2021 lineup of Brian Johnson (vocals), Phil Rudd (drums), Cliff Williams (bass), Angus Young (guitar) and Stevie Young (guitar). The LP was recorded over a six-week period in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver with producer Brendan O’Brien, who also worked 2008’s “Black Ice” and 2014’s “Rock Or Bust”.

“Power Up” is a tribute to Angus’s brother Malcolm Young, who died in 2017 from effects of dementia at age 64. Malcolm is credited as a writer on all 12 tracks on “Power Up”, along with Angus.

“Power Up” is available in multiple configurations, including digital, CD, and deluxe versions. The limited-edition, one-of-a-kind deluxe “Power Up” box is the ultimate fan package. Hit the button on the side of the box and watch the flashing neon AC/DC logo light up while the opening bars of “Shot In The Dark” blast out of the built-in speaker. Inside the box is the full CD package in a soft-pack with a 20-page booklet that features exclusive photos and USB charging cable allowing the box to remain powered up and on display. The vinyl LP was pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in a gatefold jacket. Limited-edition variants of the LP are available at select retailers nationwide, as well as the band’s online store.

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Ex-THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN Frontman GREG PUCIATO Releases ‘Don’t Wanna Deal’ Music Video

Greg Puciato, whose recent streaming event “Fuck Content” merged the worlds of recording and performance, has released a video for “Don’t Wanna Deal”, a song whose creation was chronicled in the film.

Puciato said of the new track: “I ‘Don’t Wanna Deal’ with having to come up with something to say about this song or video clip so I’m not gonna.”

The 16-track “Fuck Content” album features five new songs not available on Puciato’s critically acclaimed solo debut, “Child Soldier: Creator Of God”, as well as live versions of ten of the album tracks. While all vinyl variants have now sold out, a collectible Blu-ray is currently available, as are limited-edition, Jesse Draxler-designed merch items. Both the film and album are available digitally, with downloads available directly via the Federal Prisoner webstore, and album streams available across all major platforms.

“Fuck Content” is a reflection of where Puciato is in his post-THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN life. He recently celebrated the release of KILLER BE KILLED’s sophomore album, “Reluctant Hero”, with the band landing on the covers of both Revolver and Kerrang! The album also debuted atop the iTunes Rock and Metal charts. His solo debut, “Child Soldier: Creator Of God”, arrived the previous month, with Consequence Of Sound saying the 15-song album delivers “an experimental yet heavy sound that echoes Puciato’s versatility as an artist.” Puciato released four videos to accompany the release: “Do You Need Me to Remind You?”, “A Pair Of Questions”, “Deep Set” and “Fire For Water”. In addition to writing and recording two high-profile releases, Puciato surprised fans at the end of last year by joining ALICE IN CHAINS’ Jerry Cantrell for a pair of special performances.

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AUGUST BURNS RED Frontman JAKE LUHRS Opens ‘YourLife Gym’

Two-time Grammy-nominated singer Jake Luhrs of Lancaster, Pennsylvania metal band AUGUST BURNS RED opened YourLife Gym, the very first gym to incorporate both mental and physical fitness in one, last fall. The opening of the gym has been profiled by Psychology Today, Alternative Press, Lancaster’s LNP, Central PA Business Journal, ABC News, and more.

YourLife is located at 2301 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.

YourLife Gym aims to help the community of Lancaster and its individuals get into shape in all areas of their lives.

YourLife Gym advocates a healthier lifestyle by pairing physical exercise with mental health classes and a positive atmosphere to help patrons build a joyful and more productive life.

YourLife Gym offers top tier fitness equipment, personal touch, mental health discussion classes, dietitians, physical therapy, and the “War Room.”

Luhrs started YourLife Gym after seeing the ramifications of COVID-19. Lost jobs, social injustices, and people being stripped of their daily routines and comfort zones created so much mental distress, and he wanted to do something that helped people in all aspects of their lives. He also founded the HeartSupport non-profit 10 years ago.

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Hear Previously Unreleased Live Recordings Of ALEXI LAIHO Singing DEATH Covers

On Monday, January 4, the metal world was shocked to hear about the passing of Alexi Laiho, former frontman of CHILDREN OF BODOM, at the age of only 41. As a tribute to both Laiho and late DEATH mainman Chuck Schuldiner, journalist and author Björn “Nalle” Österman thought it would be fitting to release two live recordings sung by Alexi from a memorial concert held in 2002 for Schuldiner that have remained in the vaults — until now.

On March 1, 2002 a memorial concert was held at Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland for Schuldiner, who passed away from to cancer on December 13, 2001 at the age of only 34. Four bands performed at the event: DIABLO, NORTHER, MORBID DREAM and a Finnish “all-star group” called EVIL CHUCKS, which only played covers of songs from the first three DEATH albums.

Vocals in EVIL CHUCKS were handled by three Finnish golden greats: Taneli Jarva (SENTENCED, POISON WHISKY), Jari Hurskainen (GANDALF, THE SCOURGER) and Laiho, who sang two songs from DEATH’s third album, “Spiritual Healing” — “Within My Mind” and “Defensive Personalities”.

The full lineup on “Within My Mind” and “Defensive Personalities” is as follows:

* Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM, BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT) – Vocals
* Mitja Harvilahti (MOONSORROW) – Guitar
* Janne Perttilä (MOONSORROW, BARREN EARTH) – Guitar
* Oppu Laine (AMORPHIS, CHAOSBREED, BARREN EARTH) – Bass
* Nalle Österman (GANDALF, CHAOSBREED) – Drums

Laiho died in his home in Helsinki last week. The musician had suffered from long-term health issues in the years leading up to his death.

Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen founded CHILDREN OF BODOM in 1993, and the band was one of the most internationally acclaimed metal acts in Finland up until their very last farewell concert in December of 2019. Last year, Alexi put together BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT, which recorded three songs and shot one music video, to be released posthumously.

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URIAH HEEP’s New Album Recording Plans ‘In Disarray’ Due To COVID-19 Pandemic

URIAH HEEP guitarist Mick Box spoke to Kyle Meredith about the legendary progressive rockers’ plan to enter the studio to begin recording their 26th album. “We actually had a studio booked in England — the same studio [where] we recorded [2018’s] ‘Living The Dream’,” he said (hear audio below). “And we had [hired] Jay Ruston, the same producer. We decided to go the same route, because [‘Living The Dream’] was [hailed] by the fans and the media alike as one of the best albums of our career, and we thought we would take it a step further. We got it all booked for February, but then we went into lockdown here in England for another month, which has kind of thrown things in disarray. We’re not quite sure whether people can come in and whether we can all get together in a room or not — it’s all been thrown in disarray. So we had it booked. But nevertheless, we’re still writing like mad to get an album written, so that when it all settles down and hopefully COVID disappears, we can get into a studio and do a new album. And all the shows we had in 2020 are now [rescheduled for] 2021, and we hope that they’ll all come to fruition and we can get back to some normality.”

“Living The Dream” was released in September 2018 via Frontiers Music Srl. The LP was helmed by Ruston, who has previously worked with ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR and STEEL PANTHER, among others.

Box is the original guitarist and sole remaining founding member of URIAH HEEP. He, vocalist Bernie Shaw and keyboardist/vocalist Phil Lanzon have formed the nucleus of the band for more than 34 years and released 17 albums together.

URIAH HEEP debuted in 1970 with the release of one of hard rock’s milestones, “Very ‘Eavy, Very ‘Umble”, and has since sold in excess of 40 million albums worldwide. They constantly tour the world, playing up to 125 shows a year to more than 500,000 fans. The band’s live set features the classic tracks from the ’70s and is a musical journey from the band’s beginnings to the present day.

URIAH HEEP is:

Mick Box – Lead Guitar/Vocals
Phil Lanzon – Keyboards/Vocals
Bernie Shaw – Lead Vocals
Dave Rimmer – Bass Guitar/Vocals
Russell Gilbrook – Drums, Percussion

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ALEXI LAIHO’s Wife Thanks His Fans For Their Support: ‘We’re Completely Broken’

Alexi Laiho’s wife has thanked his fans for their support, two days after the former CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman’s death was made public.

On Tuesday (January 5), Australian-born Kelli Wright-Laiho, who has previously worked as a publicist for various extreme metal bands, took to her Instagram to post a black square, and she wrote in an accompanying message: “Thank you all so much for your beautiful energy and support. I’m taking time out to grieve our enormous loss with our immediate Finnish and Australian family. Understandably, as you are, we’re completely broken but wanted you to know, We love and appreciate you all so much.”

When Alexi’s death was first announced on Monday (January 4), Kelli called him “the most loving and magnificent husband and father.”

Laiho died in his home in Helsinki last week. The 41-year-old had suffered from long-term health issues in the years leading up to his death.

Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen founded CHILDREN OF BODOM in 1993, and the band was one of the most internationally acclaimed metal acts in Finland up until their very last farewell concert in December of 2019. Last year, Alexi put together BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT, which recorded three songs and shot one music video, to be released posthumously.

Besides CHILDREN OF BODOM, Laiho had played in such acts as WARMEN, SINERGY, KYLÄHULLUT and THE LOCAL BAND. Awarded with a Metal Hammer Golden God and several other international prizes, the guitarist was also the main star, leading a group of one hundred guitar players at the Helsinki Festival in 2015 in “100 Guitars From Hel” — a massive concert piece he composed.

Alexi relished his role as stepdad in his family, and as uncle and godfather. Especially during the last years, the important family ties brought a welcomed balance to his life and the active touring. Laiho was particularly close with his big sister, parents and his sister’s daughter.

BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT made its live debut last October at Rytmikorjaamo in Seinäjoki, Finland. The 17-song show consisted entirely of CHILDREN OF BODOM material.

Jaska Raatikainen (drums), Henri “Henkka T. Blacksmith” Seppälä (bass) and Janne Wirman (keyboards) announced their departures from CHILDREN OF BODOM in October 2019. Two months later, they confirmed that they were the rightful owners of the CHILDREN OF BODOM brand.

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A post shared by Kelli Wright-Laiho (@kelli_wright_laiho)

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ACCEPT’s WOLF HOFFMANN Rules Out Autobiography: ‘I Have No Fun In Poking Around In The Past’

In a recent interview with Matt Coe of Dead Rhetoric, ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann discussed the departure of longtime bassist and co-songwriter Peter Baltes in November 2018. He has since been replaced by Martin Motnik. ACCEPT’s lineup has also been expanded with the addition of a third guitarist, Philip Shouse, who originally filled in for Uwe Lulis during the 2019 “Symphonic Terror” tour, before being asked to join the band permanently.

“I was sad more than anything,” Wolf said. “I was a bit heartbroken, to be honest. I wasn’t really surprised when it happened; I was more surprised how it happened. I thought we would have this big sitdown and talk things over, convince him to stay. We could tell he really wasn’t in it anymore, his heart and soul; he wasn’t happy. It’s not a good situation when you are in a band where somebody isn’t happy. I don’t know what was going on, but in the end, he sort of pulled the plug without giving us a chance to have that talk. It’s almost two years since, we have a great new guy in the band [Motnik], and the train keeps rolling. The show goes on.”

Hoffmann was then asked whether he would consider penning an autobiography to detail his career with ACCEPT that started in 1976. “[I] would not, short answer to that question,” he said. “I’ll tell you why: I have no fun in poking around in the past. It’s painful for me to even talk about the previous albums in the past of the’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It forced me to relive these moments. A lot of mixed stuff happens in a career, some of it good, some of it not so good. Going back at it is really never any fun for me. Let the past be the past, and let’s move on with the future. I wrote the song ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’ for that reason, it’s my life philosophy. I don’t enjoy second-guessing and reliving these old moments, all that kind of stuff. I find it not pleasant.”

ACCEPT’s new studio album, “Too Mean To Die”, will be released January 15 via Nuclear Blast. The effort was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with British producer Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH), who has been responsible for the studio sound of ACCEPT since 2010.

ACCEPT’s last LP, 2017’s “The Rise Of Chaos”, marked the band’s first release with guitarist Uwe Lulis and drummer Christopher Williams, replacing Herman Frank and Stefan Schwarzmann, respectively.

ACCEPT’s latest release was “Symphonic Terror – Live At Wacken 2017”, featuring the band’s performance at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany.

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CHEVELLE To Release New Single ‘Self Destructor’ This Friday

CHEVELLE will release the official music video for its new single, “Self Destructor”, on Friday, January 8 at 7:00 a.m. PST / 10:00 a.m. EST. A teaser for the clip is available below.

“Self Destructor” is taken from CHEVELLE’s upcoming follow-up to 2016’s “The North Corridor”, which is tentatively due in March.

The first taste of CHEVELLE’s new LP came this past November in the form of an acoustic version of a song called “Endlessly”, performed by vocalist/guitarist Pete Loeffler, which premiered on CHEVELLE’s YouTube channel .

Back in 2018, Pete said that he wrote “about 25 songs” for the band’s next disc, but that only eight had been recorded at that point at Joe’s House Of Compression studio in Pasadena, California with producer Joe Barresi (KYUSS, MELVINS, THE JESUS LIZARD).

In December 2018, Pete explained to the Rock 100.5 The KATT radio station that “things take longer than we thought” and that the band would take a few more months to make sure the record came out “that much better.”

Pete also spoke about his previous comment that CHEVELLE’s next album was turning out to be a more melodic affair than “The North Corridor”.

“I mean, that’s the thing,” he said. “You wake up… Everyone has to choose. You’re, like, ‘Am I gonna be in a good or a bad mood today?’ At least in my family, we do… So, on the last two albums, it’s been, like, I woke up and I was, like, ‘I wanna play heavy shit.’ And that’s where we’ve been. But, honestly, the music is way more melodic on this one.”

“The North Corridor” debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 album chart and produced a No. 1 Mainstream Rock single, “Joyride (Omen)”.

The band’s album of rarities from 2002-2016, “12 Bloody Spies: B-Sides And Rarities”, was released in October 2018 via Epic.

In September 2019, CHEVELLE bassist Dean Bernardini announced that he would “take a break from the road” after completing that year’s shows with his bandmates. He added that he would “continue to work” in music in some form or another while also putting time into his art and furniture business at home.

Bernardini had been with CHEVELLE since 2005, even though 2007’s “Vena Sera” marked his first studio recording with the band.

Here is a sneak peek at our new video that will be released this Friday. . . . .Pre-order for the new album will launch in the coming days. . . . . stay tuned.

Posted by Chevelle on Tuesday, January 5, 2021

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