Former MEGADETH/BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Bassist JAMES LOMENZO Speaks To VINTAGE ROCK

Vintage Rock ‘s Junkman conducted an interview with bassist James Lomenzo (MEGADETH, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, DAVID LEE ROTH, WHITE LION) at this year’s NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, which took place January 23-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Asked if he ever keeps up with what his former bandmates are doing, Lomenzo told Atomic Ned in a 200 interview: “Mike Tramp [WHITE LION] calls me every once in a while and lets me know what he’s doing, so it’s easy for me.

Ace Frehley … I contacted him because a friend of mine in Japan was doing an album of songs that go with animated monsters and I thought he would love that. I just keep an eye on him peripherally, we don’t really speak very much, although he’s been to my parents’ house.

Every once in a while I’ll see somebody who knows David Lee Roth and they’ll say, ‘Dave says, ‘hey.” There’s not, like, a clubhouse or a batcave that we all go to and hang out.”

(via Blabbermouth)

Fan-Filmed Video From WITHIN TEMPTATION’s Vintage Vinyl Acoustic Set Online

On January 27th, Holland’s WITHIN TEMPTATION held a signing session and performed an acoustic set at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ.

The band’s new album, Hydra, is out on January 31st.

Within Temptation will play an intimate acoustic show at HMV‘s Oxford Street location in London, England on Tuesday, February 4th.

The show is completely sold out.

(via Bravewords)

Randy Blythe is Planning To Take A Break From The Band

Virginia metallers Lamb Of God are planning to take a long break from the road following the conclusion of the touring activities in support of the band’s album Resolution. It was frontman Randy Blythe who confirmed it. Understandably, he needs a break.

In a post on his official Instagram account, Randy Blythe writes:

“And so another album cycle comes to an end. This has been a very eventful, at times VERY STRESSFUL, album cycle, & it’s been about three years since we started on this one in our practice space – I need a break.

Tomorrow is a 19 hour flight back to the USA, & then another one home to RVA, & except for two festival shows in 2014, I will not be thinking about Lamb Of God, touring, playing heavy metal, writing new Lamb Of God material- NONE OF THAT STUFF- AT ALL- for a good long while.

Time to do other things for a bit, & let my brain regroup, & be a somewhat normal human being.”

(via Metal Storm)

DREAM THEATER Guitarist John Petrucci Featured In New Video Interview

Italy’s Spaziorock recently caught up with guitarist John Petrucci, who is currently on the road in Europe with DREAM THEATER.

TC Electronic recently issued the following announcement:

“TC Electronic is proud to announce a special signing session at Europe’s largest music retailer Thomann, where one of rock’s true giants, John Petrucci will be available for a meet and greet on February 7th.”

(via Bravewords)

Black Sabbath Win Grammy For Best Metal Performance

The 56th annual Grammy Awards happened last night in Los Angeles and the winners are known.

Black Sabbath took home the award for “Best Metal Performance” for “God Is Dead?“, from their comeback album 13. Anthrax, Dream Theater, Killswitch Engage and Volbeat were also nominated in that category.

(via Metal Storm)

HELLYEAH’s VINNIE PAUL At NAMM

Video footage of drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott (HELLYEAH, PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN) taking part in a signing session at the ddrum booth at this year’s NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, which is being held January 23-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, can be seen above.

HELLYEAH is putting the finishing touches on its fourth studio album for a late April release via Eleven Seven Music. The CD is being helmed by producer Kevin Churko at his The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Churko is the Canadian musician, sound engineer, songwriter and record producer who has previously worked with OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and IN THIS MOMENT, among other acts.

(via Blabbermouth)

LED ZEPPELIN Win Fifth Grammy For Celebration Day

LED ZEPPELIN won their fifth Grammy Award last night (Sunday, January 26th) at the 56th annual Grammy Awards, which was held tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The British icons’ Celebration Day – nominated for Best Rock Album – was recorded live in 2007 at London’s O2 Arena, which was held in memory of late Atlantic Records mogul Ahmet Ertegun.

In 1970, Led Zeppelin won the Grammy for Best New Artist. Four of Led Zeppelin‘s historical albums have received Grammy Awards.

(via Bravewords)

SLAYER’s JEFF HANNEMAN Snubbed During GRAMMY ‘In Memoriam’ Tribute

Even though SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman died last year from alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver, he was excluded from the list of faces and names showcased during Grammy Awards‘ “In Memoriam” segment last night (Sunday, January 26).

Other notable rock musicians who passed away in 2013 but weren’t recognized at last night’s event included former IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr and VIXEN‘s founding guitarist Jan Kuehnemund.

Hanneman is credited for writing many of SLAYER‘s classic songs, including “Angel Of Death” and “South Of Heaven“.

Hanneman‘s last appearance with SLAYER was in April 2011, when he played an encore with the band at the “Big Four” concert in Indio, California.

(via Blabbermouth)